Prologue
A long time ago, it wasn't quiet. The village was bustling, full of energy. A moment changed it all, no... Not a moment. A person did it. A woman named Fumiko stepped on the wrong path and she continued walking on that path.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ5lIySkOc
If it didn't happen, the village would bloom full of life. It didn't, it bloomed full of death instead. Not after that rampage.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMEL6ICmTj
In the end, it did stop, but it never disappeared. Remnants of the memories were still there. She was still lurking in the dark corners.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRAy6ZJ3pX
History was painted with blood. It wasn't war, it was a curse. One that didn't wanna leave Japan alone. An threat who was alive, walking.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyzoPInhA0
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwlnL6jWux
Gin was the person who was able to stop it but... At what cost? Hundreds of lives went to waste. Hundreds of souls were lost. Hundreds of people got hurt. Kawasaki village became unpopular and small. Barely any stores, schools, hospitals and houses. And if they were there, it would most likely be abandoned.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQKevGXkF6
No one spoke much, because she was always watching. The devil was with her. They were allies, planning to take over Japan. And maybe... Just maybe... The world as well. Their succes rate was extremely high.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpMoy1651W
Who would even be able to stop them? Its like... Kill one specific person, save eight billion people. If you didn't manage to kill that person, then humanity loses.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufE2zAG1S3
Someone has to do it. There should be heroes. But who would become one, if Fumiko haunts Kawasaki village just to achieve that boy's intelligence and power?275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEpqfqp0Rt
She's getting stronger. People are getting weaker. The amount of people alive on earth is getting lower. Years passed like falling leaves. Nothing happened. She didn't appear yet. She's still waiting for the right moment. People have described her in ways others can't imagine. She's called... The Yurei.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDVlaulEJ0
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- Japan's history.
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Chapter 1
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It was a calm, quiet night on the roof of a house. It was midnight, and the time passed by slowly. Kanzaki and Akira sat next to each other, not saying anything. The full red moon was pretty, its magenta glow painting the dark places in soft, pink and red shades.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUknPYgZ6te
Akira's gaze was fixed on the moon, her blue eyes reflecting the moonlight. "It's so quiet tonight," she said softly, breaking the silence. "Don't you think so, Kanzaki?" She said, smiling. Kanzaki nodded, his lips curling into a small smile.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfQAJh4dDf
The wind breezed softly, making Akira's hair sway. She stood up, reaching her arms out towards the sky. "It's beautiful," she whispered, smiling as she stared at the glowing moon. "Almost like it's guarding a secret." Kanzaki leaned back, resting on his elbows, and closed his eyes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1xmS000Qi
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySLWUTZKsz
"What if curses really exist?" Akira asks, thoughtful. "Do you think there would be people to solve them?" she added. Her words linger in the air, unanswered. Kanzaki stayed quiet.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHe7d1FU4Z
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV6FWzEsj3
For a split second, Kanzaki saw a dark figure around the corner. He rubs his eyes with the back of his hands. He looks again, but nothing was there...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yZfEjDJeJ
Short introduction: Akira is a 14-year-old girl, born in Tokyo on the 13th of May. She has long black wavy hair and blue eyes, she loves going on adventures (doing scary things) and is a fan of history. Kanzaki is a 15-year-old boy, born in Shinjuku on the 28th of June. He has straight black hair and gray eyes. He loves gaming and is a fan of horror.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJlz9a1AbZ
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN0KVjAwqY
"What if I'm right?" she asks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TRfCLVtcZ
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglLihXb3mE
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnanWjcNTx
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqigMZk2NAG
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOVu8jPQoc
"Maybe," he says as he stands up. "Up for a walk? I can't keep sitting... I practically have ADHD when I sit for a while," he jokes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGk0eRI4YQ
After they climb down from the roof... "It's been a while since we've seen this moon, huh?" Akira says, pulling out her phone to take a picture of it. "Your grandpa will definitely like it," she says, smiling.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfeAe3WLrE
They lived in Kawasaki village. It was surrounded by forests. The houses in the village were old and abandoned, as if a touch could break their wooden frames. Moss crept on the walls and rooftops, a forest and dark green color.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLweBCTifS
Despite the appearance, the houses had stood for generations, each holding memories of the people who once lived in them. The village had dirt paths instead of clean roads.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ4bpr4GSJ
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aG66WvCNG
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqrpyG6XxV
But as soon as she reads it, her eyes shine out of excitement. "Check this out..." she says, gesturing for Kanzaki to hurry up and come.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbG6nbFKgO
Kanzaki reads it out loud: "Lately, people have been going missing, and a lot of murders have occurred... It's becoming chaotic again. This hasn't happened in nearly seventy years. We don't know what it is. But one thing is sure... Japan is in danger. No one will be able to save it. Japan will turn into ashes before you know it. The more you don't care, the worse it becomes. As of now... The tables have turned, and the future won't be seen..."275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2Wg2u7glt
He tilts his head to the side. "What kind of nonsense is this?" he asks. There were missing posters everywhere these days. "They're probably joking aro-"275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5eKQE9JSc
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira spoke: "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" Kanzaki facepalms.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11YH5E8CLZ
"Alright, chill," he says.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ4Xbh1ZxL
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes. "No, probably not," he answers.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XlV1KNTR5
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Kujew7y07
"I literally told you to bring a jacket, idiot," he says, taking off his jacket and putting it over Akira's shoulders. "Just... take it," he says, looking at the entrance of the forest again.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG6HFEIZ5z
"Oii, let's go to my house. My parents are going to be worried to death if they don't find me in bed," Akira says, dragging Kanzaki as she walks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHVqSNEMHS
"Let go of my collar!" Kanzaki protests, his words strained as Akira's grip tightens around his shirt, choking him. "I have legs too, y'know," he informs, coughing as he tries to regain his composure.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK35u5Slo7d
"If I was in a wheelchair, then you could push me or drag me around, but I'm not! So stop dragging me everywhere like I'm your luggage!" Akira rolls her eyes but lets go of him with a huff. Kanzaki straightens his collar.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXqUtylqSL
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFDnVO4GQV
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1QlcvesL8
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRhGWC522l
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6POlaN5n6z
Akira holds her hand up as if she's going to slap him. Out of instinct, Kanzaki covers his face. Akira just laughs. "Scaredy cat!" she says as Kanzaki lowers his hands.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRPCRLVzfY
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5QQL0fi23
They arrived at the door of her house. Akira silently pulled the key from her pocket and unlocked it. "Ninja material," Kanzaki said, grinning.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnmSvWqBme
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXFhPnj94c
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kD6muXq99
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdudayFoLJ
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6pApGGHWo
A woman in a long white dress sat silently beside the dead bodies. The white fabric of her dress was streaked with blood, and her long black hair obscured her face.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeHjDgobXg
A bit of her red glowing eyes was seen under the hair. She was thin, you could nearly see her bones. A dark aura surrounded her.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlMUHa3QsT
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvQdH9AP4D
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l2liikUV7
"Don't... go near her..." Kanzaki whispered, worried. Akira's eyes blazed with fire. The woman's head tilted slowly, as if her neck could barely hold its weight. Kanzaki froze as a soft chuckle echoed, sending chills down his spine.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW22IRcsbZ
Akira pushed Kanzaki away before lunging herself to the woman. "HOW DARE YOU KILL THEM?!" Akira yelled, grabbing the woman's neck. The woman smiled at her...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwUU0xeuq8
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIfJAfN8YW
Kanzaki stepped forward, grabbing Akira's hand. He covered her mouth and slowly dragged her out of the house. Akira struggled to free herself from Kanzaki's firm grip.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3zBd7yHP5
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93uBhRlDEg
The balcony door creaked open, the sound cutting through the thick silence like a blade. From the balcony next to her parents' room, the woman stood motionless, her head facing Kanzaki and Akira.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjcRhV8JCi
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFsEhWfHJ1
"Run... AKIRA, RUN!!!" Kanzaki yelled, his voice echoing through Kawasaki village. Akira started running, and Kanzaki followed, but then she suddenly went left while he went right. "AKIRA, GO TO MY HOUSE!!!" he shouted as he kept running.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J67oWQF7E
The woman stood silently beside Akira's house, her figure visible in the moonlight as she watched them run away. A cold smirk was on her face. She heads back into the room. The door creaked shut behind her.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM2adZ3AmO
Kanzaki glanced behind him, relieved to see that the woman wasn't following him. "What if she went after Akira...?" he thought. "No, Akira isn't that slow. Come back to your senses, punk," he whispered, slapping his own face.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrOllNRPju
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5xCjaaryQ
Kanzaki continues running, trying to get to his house. He stops and tries to catch his breath for a moment. He tilts his head to the side and sees something. It was strange...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgxb7S7rQn
The person looked like she had no idea where she was... The girl smiled at him, even though her ginger hair covered most parts of her face. Kanzaki took a few steps back.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxJBR2C04a
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5AsfcZBrd
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVyOD0fzfi
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF3I52HbcN
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujlBoL3mUY
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49qJm6u0yp
"I'm not real. I'm not human... I'm just a mere tool for him..." she says, clenching her fists. "So please... Kill me... I don't want to go back to that place..." Momosuke said before she handed him a knife. Kanzaki threw the knife away.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2B7CwHcsw
"W-what... Are you talking about...?!" he yells before she dragged away by a dark figure. Kanzaki freezes... "What was she talking about... Is she in danger...?" he thinks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjfqYARMRZ
He looks at the knife. He realizes on the side, there was written 'Dead'. He was confused but decided to take the knife with him...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0gnLTN6mt
Akira's still waiting... I should go. He looks at the spot where Momosuke stood and then runs to his house. Now... Monsters do exist...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BVsbcFS6N
When Kanzaki arrived at his house, he stopped. Akira was there, leaning against the wall. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, the words stuck in his throat.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zsynpxjoC
Finally, he mumbled, "Monsters... exist." Akira didn't look up, but she nodded. Her eyes were swollen because she cried. The cold had left her nose red, but her face was blank, her gaze fixed on the ground.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU69kuI69Z
He took the keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He opened it wide, waiting for her to come in. She kept standing there, looking at the sky.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3Rte8lc3I
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xxz8Tkncs
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrhmMIKhRZ
"It will be alright. We will be the people who solve it. You wanted to become one, so now we can!" he said, trying to reassure her. She nodded, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyjd2XwAWT
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM2FpksVno
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQIDk6yqdg
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTPCME41Qd
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2irlJt8aGU
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurHsJkyVde
His father had gone into the forest to solve an important matter, but he never came back. He closed the door after Akira got into the room.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4a9TTvZRu
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0HR69Wd9X
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T7tQPg1cL
"Considering she didn't follow me or you, she's probably still there," Kanzaki said, before spotting a bit of blood on Akira's finger. "You got hurt without telling me?!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQaBqb1vE0
"I... I'm sorry... It just happened when... I don't really know what it was, but it looked like, uhh..." she said, unable to explain.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9sBkZA9mi
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweILL1XkdZ
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nuQVrYjPz
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvVbOffDeJ
After making a lot of jokes and talking, Kanzaki finally felt tired. He set up a bed for Akira and then collapsed onto his own bed, falling asleep. Akira, stayed awake, lying on her left side.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnS4ekmGhy
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtNwbptwz8
Akira felt so vulnerable, so weak... The woman was on a whole other level, she wasn't human at all... A threat to Japan, that's what she was.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dhYMvexqz
The thought was humiliating, and it caused Akira to hurt herself, just to escape reality... She wished she could turn back time and stop all of this. If she could... She sat up, looking at Kanzaki, her mind racing.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQo4iOZrsj
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lM0gQDszE
A chilling voice whispered, cold: "You will not escape from me... I am the queen of the Yurei, my lovely feast. We will meet soon enough, Akira... Please be ready to be another decoration in the forest..."275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjwDMrUtP4
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP98uQtUELe
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3w1JIrV6p
"It's fine, just a nightmare," she answered quickly, pulling the blanket over her face, hoping to protect herself from the fear. She fell asleep once again.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYDJ7eW8JQ
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjpP4WuiVv
The sunlight was seen through the brown curtains. Kanzaki stirred awake, stretching as his eyes adjusted to the light. He glanced at Akira, who was still asleep.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvcs5x7xIt
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb9rsCpnyU
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9eriuDQR9
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR1vhw9BWQ
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKGnWN3ICQ
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPcdmcZsZc
"No!" Kanzaki snapped, his fear replaced by anger. "I won't let you get closer to her! What do you want from her?! You already ruined enough lives... everyone who entered that forest! You destroyed their happiness!"275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gFacrSMdD
The woman tilted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. "The people in the forest aren't dead... They're trapped in there. So is your father." Kanzaki's heart dropped, but his resolve didn't.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2ab95LxB8
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS0cPxqRlm
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwInDLxn1Nv
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHBzOpn7rF
Akira woke up at 10 A.M., blinking rapidly. She rubbed her eyes and saw Kanzaki sitting on his bed, writing something in his notebook, focused.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTBkxMmVlG
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkB08stR0t
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8LuZVm0V9
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsk93kqkkw
"Akira..." he began, his voice soft. "Something happened between you and that woman, am I right or am I wrong? I understand you don't want me to worry, but... You're her main goal." Akira's heartbeat slowed down.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzcrWfPIjX
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgvnj9nQDG
"I want you to leave Kawasaki. Go to another city or village... Tokyo, or anywhere. It doesn't matter," he continued, trying to hide the shaking of his hands as he crumpled up a piece of paper.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qhGoM0im5
"Just get out of Kawasaki. It's too dangerous here, so please... survive somewhere else," he said. His voice faltered slightly at the end, a mix of sadness and hope in it.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyhZ9VBZFP
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aw4jo8DiL
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1decydeqS
Kanzaki's answer was immediate. "No." The single word felt like a dagger in her heart, and Akira turned her face away to hide her face. She fought back the tears threatening to spill.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPHUEhnmEU
A silence filled the room before she spoke again, almost yelling, "Then... you have to survive too!" Kanzaki blinked, surprised by her tone. "Promise?" she asked, looking at him with puppy eyes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHn6zuD9ie
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1TotirVoe
But after hesitation, he nodded and wrapped his pinky around hers. "Promise!" he said, his voice low. "Promise!" Akira repeated, her intensity higher than his.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XpgNjfPFV
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNPc86Deg
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xgEl9c1oT
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73QcFogHU8
Mio understood and respected their decision. "I'll come back, mom!" Kanzaki informed before he closed the door behind him. "Let's go to Kawasaki Station. Stay safe, Akira," he whispered.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VGxOnWuUZ
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoqoDhyB6z
"Yeah, of course. I'm not leaving you alone," he reassured her, smiling. Even though Akira felt relieved, she felt danger... The feeling that something bad would happen if she left.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6OwH98yNV
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzRTFbCIhd
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFfpysJXps
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRuR5z93re
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JAAmzexlk
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihrJD8ipZH
At Kawasaki Station. Footsteps echoed, announcements were played and a lot of people were talking. Neon lights and LED screens flickered, advertising everything. It smelled like coffee and people were rushing to trains every time one of them arrived.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXByTDBIvbf
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJXp6spl4H
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUBloR5UoC
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xq2H1lfc3
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORcXXToQm5
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcrY5pojQR
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGB40VfjIa
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR3c2B3vbw
Chapter 2
275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVQ9nHrD4h
As Kanzaki arrived at the entrance of Kawasaki village, the sweet scent of trees greeted him. The quietness of the place felt natural. Kanzaki's eyes lingered on the rooftop where he and Akira sat that night.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHoN7g2lAM
Suddenly, his phone rang. It was an unknown number. He answered, and a whisper came through the line. "Hey, I think you have the wrong number," he said, but it was silent on the other end...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzpGNq834u
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VPblZ6MPZ
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdgOu0WOSe
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxQRzT91CR
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgNWHnA5Rp
As he entered, he quickly opened KakaoTalk, but closed it again immediately. "I don't wanna be a nuisance..." he thought, pushing away the bad thoughts and focused on getting home.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyUp6y0KfS
Kanzaki greeted his mother, who was planting in the garden, before heading to his room. He sat down at his desk, eyes falling on the map unfolded in front of him. "Come to think about it... I haven't seen that woman since I went into the bathroom..." Kanzaki mumbles, tracing his fingers over the map.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz85GnEiDD
As he turned the paper over, his eyes widened. Written in thick, jagged handwriting, the words read: "I see you, but you don't see me. We will meet soon, but you wont just meet me." His heartbeat quickened. She was here again.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dGkbt0S91
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a9mhaaN8a
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DBmPUjhr3
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhvrpyf0eC
"Akira. Sorry if I can't keep my prom-" But before he could finish, a cold hand covered his mouth, making him unable to speak.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpK29hjJg3
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqXWSIuVGw
His eyes flickered to his phone... Akira was still talking on KakaoTalk, unbeknownst of the danger. Kanzaki hung up the call and shut off his phone, his heart racing. She can't find her...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGbx00S6r4
The woman's voice, soft yet chilling, echoed in his ear: "You will not escape from me..." It was silent and her hand slowly let him go before vanishing. Kanzaki was left there, his breath ragged.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCtQODw1So
A day later... The sun was rising. ''Kanzaki! Come meet the neighbours!'' his mother yells. They're getting new neighbours, on both sides because the owners went missing and wont come back.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTeWlRURe6
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoruYEO7OK
The neighbours turned out to be pleasant. The family on the left had a boy and a girl around Kanzaki's age, while the family on the right had a girl, probably 13 or 14.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAJYUCtEzL
Remi is a 16-year-old girl, born in Fukuoka on March 6th. She loves gaming and nature, and has blonde wavy hair and blue eyes. Takahiro is a 14-year-old boy, born in Fukuoka on December 18th. He loves fighting and action/adventure, and has short blonde hair and blue eyes as well. Aoi is an 12-year-old girl, born in Sapporo on August 2nd. She loves cooking and is a fan of fantasy and history. She has black short hair and green eyes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS8FmVPs1l
The parents and Mio went for a walk around Kawasaki, leaving the children at Kanzaki's house. They sat in silence, doing nothing in particular.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3tx9ppNH3
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNFRluUfu2
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1ym3yvSFi
Takahiro was just watching as Remi helped Aoi. Kanzaki was leaning on the wall. He had to tell Akira about this. "I heard there are Yurei's in this village!" Aoi says, looking at Remi.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aCKygvbUW
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvocdF3Uce
"Yurei are ghosts. They're usually women in long white dresses, which get stained with blood easily. I only know one of them... And, oh yeah! They have long black hair that covers their faces. The one I know leads all the Yurei, especially in this village, because of the forest! Her name is the Queen of Yurei's or Fumiko, and I've seen missing posters. It's probably them who did it, and..." Aoi explains.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpOwlri22T
Remi speaks up, breaking Aoi off. "So, there are ghosts in this village..." She looks at Kanzaki. "Have you ever seen one?" she asks, leaning closer.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i6HdvE0bR
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq8zFI6XEh
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNY3xUAvQV
"S-shut up!" she yells.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFFy1wUL4Z
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SVAhntd0g
"Maybe... he has seen the queen once but hides it! I'm interested..!" she says, her eyes sparkling. Aoi heads upstairs and knocks on the door where was written 'Kanzaki' "Open up, baka!" she says, kicking the door.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgv9ikXowG
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pxPxMGNFh
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1prE6T8j35
They were in Kanzaki's room, which was simple yet cozy. A modest bed with a plain comforter. A desk cluttered with books. A small, tidy bathroom. A chair, slightly worn from use was tucked under the desk.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgWFL82FQU
"So... I had a best friend named Akira. She liked history. We were just chilling on a roof, watching a red full moon, but when we went to her house, her parents were dead on the ground. There were devil symbols everywhere, and that woman... The Queen... She was just sitting there. We ran away, but she was watching us. She has eyes everywhere, so you could say she knows you're here. She wanted Akira for some unknown reason, but I didn't give Akira to her and let her get out of the village. Now, she's keeping an eye on me," he explains.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK27qJsJHv
"But I'm glad that she's not following Akira now. You could say... It's like a sacrifice. It's fine..." he says, ending the story.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkPxTVzS0c
Aoi looks at him. "Woah, you really did meet her! Amazing!" she yells. "Legends say she was the one who worked for Astaroth!" she informs, excited.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXWXwGC3Xb
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOTtpxtAzI
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOHMWcgtuu
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccvEeMIYn5
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxS2kZGOk5
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS1GcqXeiL
Kanzaki stood up abruptly, his gaze heavy as he looked at the group. "This has been bothering me..." he muttered, his voice low and uncertain. They watched him with curiosity as he walked over to his desk, picking up a folded map.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6r7DnX5oe
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n1kUfb4zD
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhLEu60VkD
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX8goGwWgv
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqIUWt20Kd
He glanced toward the window. My house is far from where those posters are, at least two miles from the entrance of the village. She couldn't have seen them from here, let alone memorized their details. The news about the Yurei is only shared at the far end of Kawasaki, close to the forest.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OGPh9LL7E
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPMETb0eQY
The realization hit him like a punch to his gut. She is the Yurei. I'm sure of it. She stole a girl's soul and now pretends to be her. Clever...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpBsD7VIz2
The voice in his memory echoed faintly. Her voice... it sounded just like the person who called me that night. I won't do anything... I'll wait for the right moment. I'll act like a friend.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeA37TDHIe
No one spoke as they made their way to Kanzaki's grandpa. It was silent, everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Aoi didn't come because she was hungry.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp472A2UFHE
Gin, Kanzaki's grandpa, was an 82-year-old man born in Tokyo on August 14th. He had short gray heir, low round glasses that perched on his nose. His grey eyes gave off quiet wisdom, even though his expression was unreadable. He likes fiction.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs2KXN4Whm
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRkrE4crPj
Kanzaki knocks on the door, waiting for Gin to open it. After a few minutes, the door opens. His grandpa was just standing there at first... Then he slowly walks away, leaving the door open for them.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaEuMR5xuE
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJVC807grH
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aMnSFfmgI
"You have seen her. The Yurei. You experienced it before, didn't you? Tell us about it," he says firmly, expecting his grandpa to tell them. Gin's voice was low, his eyes fixed on a picture on the wall.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbe4VfL7vl
"The Yurei was once the leader of this village. She entered the forest to find more land for houses, even though she never came back. She met Astaroth, who cursed her, turning her into a ghost. The full red moon marks her killings. We were friends, back in high school, but after she became The Yurei, the village fell apart. I saw her once, but I couldn't save her. Astaroth took her soul, and she became a monster. She hasn't attacked in over seventy years, but Kawasaki has never been the same. It was peaceful before, but now... it's all just silence. Her real name was Fumiko. I can't do anything now... I'm dead after all," A silence fell, after Gin explained.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp8lqnWsk3
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPK04as5cs
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7vMB2jQvt
"In the forest. You will find the answer there... I warn you though, if you manage to escape... You'll get cursed forever,'' he answers.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITNnDT2s8U
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFKZw6VihO
Kanzaki arrives home, Takahiro and Remi went to look around the village for a bit. He goes upstairs and looks at the back of the map again. There was a fingerprint... Out of blood next to the sentence.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa5e4Ipr8F
"Aoi... Just watch," he thinks. He takes out a lighter and burns the map, ashes falling on the ground. "When I catch you... You wont see tomorrow," he says out loud.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiefh92OpA
Every single corner in Kawasaki... Is cursed by her, the people are crying, begging to be left alone... They want to leave her grasp, live a normal life like everyone outside Kawasaki.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL1zn4TaEH
Astaroth... How evil can you possibly be? Taking the soul of someone... Making her kill everyone... Just what are you? Nothing was right. It felt like Kawasaki fell into the void, it can't escape. Nearly no one visits the village, other than the people who live here.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k9t8rzTNA
If no one can stop it... I will. He went to run around the village, looking for hints. He got a flashlight since his phone's battery can run out anytime.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuOY7htE9j
He looks at the news again. The same fingerprint was there. He takes a picture of it and continues running... Stamina is important, who knows whats hidden in that forest.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L0KmXnANv
After hours of running and snapping disturbing photos in Kawasaki, Kanzaki returned home. He felt unease lingering.. He didn't know why. He opened his closet and grabbed the flashlight.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuids9JiLis
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJCunRFQRv
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsmK0KdXG4
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbi9AoWMUK
Kanzaki hugged her before slipping on his shoes. "I'll go for a run. See you later, mom!" he shouted as he closed the door behind him.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bs6LcFOCR
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i0P2lM7Zm
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv16OJB2PV
"Please stay safe, Kanzaki..." Mio mumbled, tears streaming down her face. She opened up her phone, typing a quick message. "Come back before it's too late." She hesitated before sending it, her hands shaking.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U0NOxRU7B
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CuU8hKME1
Mio glanced at him. "Dinner first, or the food will get cold," she said, her voice soft. Her hands trembled slightly as she sat down.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xa9pkGBwH
Before Kanzaki came home, the atmosphere in the house shifted... Mio was in the kitchen, humming as she prepared dinner. She turned around, startled to see a woman with long black hair and a blood-stained white dress. "Who are you?" Mio asked, clutching the counter. The Yurei's pale lips curled into a smirk.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfIkXYrlWv
"The one who rules this village," she said, her voice echoing. "Be nice and do what I say, or else... you will die before you know it. After your son comes home, you'll act kind and let him go back outside. If you don't..." The Yurei leaned in closer, her breath on Mio's neck.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0s9gTCbPm
"I'll kill you. He's my food. Don't you dare get in my way, useless maid. I can't fail... Astaroth will be so pleased."275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatVKRCJL28
Mio's heartbeat quickened. Mio could feel her presence. The Yurei had been in their house the whole time, silently watching both Kanzaki and Mio, like a predator studying its prey. She knew the Yurei could kill her in an instant.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjs6XNZIcn
Kanzaki sacrificed everything to protect Akira... Just if he knew what it would take, he wouldn't have done it. The Yurei was hunting down everyone..275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqG18ewXQS
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPHVHLXnua
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB63zvkbcl
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWKqtQu77D
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBU8LWYCjN
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQX2tpmh1D
She saw it. The Yurei threathened her... Aoi or Fumiko, whatever you are, I won't let you escape. Not after you tried to kill Akira and now my mother.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbSv16hGGf
He puts his shoes on. "It's alright, oka-san. I'll be fine!" he says. He hugs his mother before he goes. "Sayonara," he says, turning back one more time before closing the door.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uMgeM8vdd
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FMYtj7ZoV
"I'm disappointed in you... Useless housewife," The Yurei says, looking down on her. "Your life will end soon... Be ready..." she whispers as she vanishes again, leaving Mio alone.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOuNAIoXNL
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK2nm06HRc
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ4ozSRhkQ
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxBxNrOGVm
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulxZBPdrk2
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyXBQslWkb
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKORDLHN6r
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BQ3dWBmib
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzYL13yYAC
People were hanging on branches, a tie around their neck... They were all dead, those were... The villagers of Kawasaki The Yurei killed... They were here all this time...
275Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vvvh9TlIr
