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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KgbAAkGSm
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9K9QnDIU1
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4gGgp4f9d
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zjUOnEHiP
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRF7SGtnWg
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. Kitagawa village became unpopular and small. Barely any stores, schools, hospitals and houses. And if they were there, it would most likely be abandoned.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob6tjzYh9L
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSmbusoTEB
Who would even be able to stop them? Its like... Kill 1 specific person, save 8 billion people. If you didn't manage to kill that person, then humanity loses.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm2Fquxc9F
Someone has to do it. There should be heroes. But who would become one, if Fumiko haunts Kitagawa village just to achieve that boy's intelligence and power?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl34NkGLyg
She's getting stronger. People are getting weaker. The amount of people alive on earth is getting lower. Its been years. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl83V4OGnb
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- Japan's history.
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEQsNGcySU
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?" Kanzaki nodded, his lips curling into a small smile.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxFA6FQFU8
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UfVR9zCU2
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. They were the only ones awake in the village. "What if curses really exist?" Akira asks, thoughtful. "Do you think there would be people to solve them?" Her words linger in the air, unanswered. Kanzaki stayed quiet.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfzk5lw9cA
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KYkhasRcE
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...
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.
Kanzaki says: "Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Akira glares at him. "What if I'm right?" she asks. "Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away. "Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks. "He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining. Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqJGB4drff
"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. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJdjtcgRj8
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zvmt1aAU6
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9G9PPPNjx
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly. The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs31cwFwid5
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u29RqKw4G
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 dont wanna care, the worse it becomes. As of now... The tables have turned, and the future won't be seen..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa16haw59r
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-" Before he could finish his sentence, Akira spoke: "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" Kanzaki facepalms. "Alright, chill," he says. "Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes. "No, probably not," he answers.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fD6YsGgsZ
"It's so cold..." Akira says. Kanzaki glares at her. "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. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhbQUxRVH3
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbHM3Lb7oA
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUV1jwXp3w
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing. "You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says. Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks. "Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFfVqdoCrL
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. "Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXo2ZXKUkO
They arrived at the door of her house. Akira silently pulled the key from her pocket and unlocked it. "Ninja material," Kanzaki said, grinning. Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTMS10gPPR
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafIure9mcY
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red. Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDB4f4nGHd
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. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tAvyTJHtV
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm. "Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNPsecWs1A
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... "Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArnFYaacBZ
Kanzaki stepped forward, grabbing Akira's hand. He covered her mouth and slowly dragged her out of the house.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj5buI02yI
Akira struggled to free herself from Kanzaki's firm grip. "R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIH4cvvJ8y
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. The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEYZ23iCYu
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS55oACBVmL
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEHNApA1qL
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKL0lWqIFS
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfotTuq8Kq
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...245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcZkgysGBH
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHvQuT3584
Kanzaki took a step back. "Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance. "Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression. Kanzaki: "What are you doing here...?" Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseJZxHEash
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRSjVf8fYl
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9RKCZjb2m
"W-what... Are you talking about...?!" he yells before she vanished. Kanzaki freezes... What was she talking about... Is she in danger...? He looks at the knife. He realizes on the side, there was written 'The dead'. He was confused but decided to take the knife with him...245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYVhjwk1cy
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...245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCZD6FzRsi
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb3Oec3PVq
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvPAWhnKl6
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUx1KQmzzJ
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPce7YA21ou
"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. "Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KLnSXd8Ol
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed... Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU74ZeDXrj
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTeiqcxYQ6
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB53PLl5izS
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk. "Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC4xev9ikN
"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. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktPAxOXe86
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now. "Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucj3laFz9P
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs60wwnpnsB
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFocooPlQrd
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YMa9L3MVM
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. "I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeQo2s0DRY
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..." Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXTrzsV7Jw
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYadxr22Sk
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sUGQyMi4h
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAmZ04YGYW
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom. As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZxBApeBJg
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see. Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDFNBdaQrK
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then." "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!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmw5Tw67ww
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcZ3Wpsnd7
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe2pqRslaT
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room. "No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98OLnzfkpc
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. He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdNDi9exQ8
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijHCIyDZ35
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down. "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. She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mrq74BeHh
"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. "Just get out of Kawasaki. It's too dangerous here, so please... survive somewhere else." His voice faltered at the end, a mix of sadness and hope in it.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHQ4hrBvpb
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it. She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMttzJQFeCR
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1wPwaoG3w
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. She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2M5sma9F3
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ3I6sKLlp
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpQGtYXt02
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio. She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSFvD2UAJm
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTuZ921Bnv
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tpvLPhlq7
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off. "Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her. ''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmmQDAGRnC
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul. "Shut up," Akira says, grinning.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2BlsGumJP
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw195VyzjYN
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFpvEL2hvL
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly. "Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbmRjOPDj7
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope. With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmhK03wZEk
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecB6QFzTme
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pBaYWI4cY
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOF9jfWe4S
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...245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC51iWyPUs
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all. "Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhWqSjAmVL
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment. He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabXlDGWxPd
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqLUZ9kxJN
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhESxIvoCC
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP6pr0xCin
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting. Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Pl4kRlNw
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQqZNJRigM
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kAtq0T48q
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...245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtw4Yp4qSU
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C3YMqFeSM
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. "What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ59znIHhG
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 14.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgPVgrVQJG
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhAn7vuGH9
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvTNds0dAH
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain. Remi: ''Are you okay?!''245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi62CG9KsR
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. "What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked her.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9laDUbLbUj
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRs5Y3CoqK
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. "Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room. "Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction. "S-shut up!" she yells.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxBc2G9J01
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks. Aoi: "Maybe... he has seen the queen once but hides it! Let's find out!" Aoi heads upstairs and knocks on the door where was written 'Kanzaki' "Open up, baka!" she says, kicking the door.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVphbm5Epnr
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. Kanzaki: "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed. "You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNLiq5yB4E
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiX7KSKi74
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNviGfj9LV
"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. Aoi looks at him. "Woah, you really did meet her! Amazing!" she yells. Aoi: "Legends say she was the one who worked for Astaroth!" Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjpujnGEhk
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses. "What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D4Gmlofo9
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIuFIJBtQl
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3VgVLw1iX
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression. "One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH1BxuzoUK
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIQMOW2XlQ
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters... 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. His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJM6MHE1C2
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... 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HEgPafeJ7
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV2t9IWPMi
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wj4RmTUCw
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRiU0QYaIQ
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on nearly every surface, brightening the wooden furniture. The wood was polished. His house seamlessly blended with Kawasaki.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16GPj7KE5B
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwStrCo6y9J
"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 50 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4994Aj2oW2
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before. Takahiro: "How do we save her?" Gin's eyes narrow at his question. "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. "The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFxck9G1Wv
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. "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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdaKxgg9MQ
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. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblFIsX4Tvj
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. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVdXnSjXTw
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntViUrNdXl
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile. He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his back. "Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzO7LdckbR
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡradY16su7u
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched. Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOAIWFxy56
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapPNgp57Kq
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes. 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk3W5i2iMc
Before Kanzaki came home, the atmosphere in the house shifted... Mio was in the kitchen, humming softly 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaMCnRvdk7
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVXCcxJdvw
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw4Gda9sQj
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc5cillVBQ
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.. Mio's body trembled, looking out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO1QbjjJp0
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb8pncWgLx
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes. "Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX3baZxFqr
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio... 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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBzcZZs8o1
He puts his shoes on. Kanzaki says: "It's alright, oka-san. I'll be fine!" He hugs his mother before he goes. "Sayonara," he says, turning back one more time before closing the door. Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgRcuKqd4W
"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. She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PnlIzD7b0
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest... "Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ895MDkf0
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure. "Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjC5RvPtV1
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him... It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood. "It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rACfpdV1U
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...
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQUyVfyYes
