Prologue
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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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtKqNWNKWF
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9Dy0hpATi
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDluxEKLz5
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUkYnapNbn
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22bD5HpWaa
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilUtDeOKCR
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMEbG7F1D5
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9FktwsTdQ
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?324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpGI1Y1Eny
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OKbNErkSD
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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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEEU2eLFok
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGhVxclE0Q
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNmhYKjJyX
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt5cSqw5cM
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yyzxRuPH1
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjKdSKH7Ug
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp229Dsixpp
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88CvE5Wo4e
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEXPPUbR3Q
"What if I'm right?" she asks.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNubsLQPdF9
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHRF3xHFQ3
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOLy0cgB1u
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyBfxW5Onl
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4ULODD7g7
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfYtNz3Tbq
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbBgVegJUl
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg62k9Bz9Xj
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIGnXPba6M
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqSqdB74yl
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhsGW8df2K
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtyrXNcHe4
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..."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMzoTzrWZn
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-"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKzW8fDJCC
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira interfered. "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" she yells. Kanzaki facepalms.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqASpWme1u
"Alright, chill," he says.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUI4EHj8Ut
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmdEIQISAx
"No, probably not," he answers.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZonJ90G09k
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbgKvyWSpT
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGodidbyCo
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChcEyhYdhw
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbJCi5fytq
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1jpzRd5SU
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgjiHjjmxU
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JOMX2WtsD
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzktI5uRb2
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHPi7CW5AF
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdSnQsjtmd
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitoUtFmt4B
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Chapter 2324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXetFJI0B7
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They arrived at the door of her house. Akira silently pulled the key from her pocket and unlocked it. "Ninja material," Kanzaki said, grinning.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KSIK4WYjB
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUNUjrxH9l
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgJQLUpyYa
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCYExChoaV
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj5SspBoMA
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HhDkO6qOG
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL8aQGzNGm
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fE1bs2SBx
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI4fnuMqjb
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CdqPRXnZa
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTtYaQ15lT
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2Nv5mhQxx
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uRcwI6eEN
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtrtwG0oNp
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxDgXIs7A1
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8S6NwpWom
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwVfDW6xxT
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJpwi8d6Vf
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB5y5DAYfh
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUvvlAGiGZ
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSDadkAzcB
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Pc4zrzlhp
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPLTCJYc7G
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenaI2g32Kz
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9jdYkol3A
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJMDhlhGK3
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HRCETK1Bj
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7HaDSQIq4
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCgZHinctX
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqlpHf9OEE
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOBvwtcvfe
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9UYU50vfs
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1un97pvCSs
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf79iOSSeR
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnjZuDgpzL
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwcdteBzCp
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60yG4P5Q2f
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CPrKFUZ1f
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBs0Ea3lHt
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bGuFxIS0B
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NiwKPNVI9
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC0teR7577
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3XqRxY0jl
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdDgYtnjX4
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCNvTY2U8A
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2OtoIJGFa
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86MxMcMle4
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKYd0ZLnf5
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwqlt76AGn
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.
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Chapter 3324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88fWZBWHLU
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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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw05lDwL6hN
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAQahQ6zWE
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xcCc3lKt8
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy8wU4jaPM
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPbLZn2hYg
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..."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG0AKsqCxA
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV48k1GySyI
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE7kgd6mBw
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV03qe882l
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDtFovq2nt
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl67TvR88k
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7uCJckU0l
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF5LqF0W1a
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDGLxZluRQ
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2lIlTVst7
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgdmJhSwKu
"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!"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSlK8OjKT2
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jdvg4gO1z
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjVw466T7X
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAUFuupfiq
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7kYXSfO45
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mhsfr09gN
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6Imw5BKrn
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LBBr77lvy
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDWKIjIUlB
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4a7MaBbMg
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB1dC99633
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ4GrK3kOv
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYft9Bn9eA
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ihCZncQz4
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nOoJLc5mt
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGSDDPf1dm
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uk8MYKZGb
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nKEHC7wSy
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKnSmGpKAO
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4UAUXvWHh
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TKrhCHhIY
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3IVA6cnAQ
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIimovWgHh
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5lljJYvZR
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx5Tr2vBRy
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauL7G0ZmnL
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qzYQMh0MQ
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeDDbJRWZ5
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaMhl3SClT
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4OoLtXpua
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhC7uIoLZr
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKtq2hE8se
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvYAprT0RQ
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRiqKsNKwY
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUZx5tRlvp
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWAzE8JC53
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJrRDNpWMh
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe42GofZf7
Chapter 4
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWJaxCVPWI
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ17XBGYUx
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6XiKSsJr5
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFoNl3TxYP
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iJZanXDu2
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz0HlduSCJ
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EehYOe3Ym
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu57Wfyswh
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMdqJfj0hf
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjGrrLoksI
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qH7zoW8ey
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IBiAkxFBN
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC8wDBWjHa
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfQwBSMZ1e
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq7bGe3kDE
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRSdHmq8xt
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YZmAAJM2P
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07cwp4dMLX
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90o5C1176f
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 14.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDtE1KmW2x
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHHDuV5d46
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnxz1U0CJG
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGICJ4h9OD
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XN1TOlJBx
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBMwSfOToS
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40mF58wT9t
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9SgqJbdjn
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUyFPmk9zm
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFunoNH2sML
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8t7XuBlt
"S-shut up!" she yells.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6inijFyPp
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IiNynQb7k
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PJ1yNGmfe
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74725UJSpw
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22vnwoE1UB
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIm7vL02UU
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q1d6PclCq
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqSOM5otfO
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYmVkworXl
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb2frhr8n2
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQWr9jJXrX
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftok073kwD
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcvoK2GiSG
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pyjREE7y5
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ebhceCw9
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYglg5Km40
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi0YO55So2
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIncqynzsY
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3t0B1clis
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHrvSwi6cN
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jOyWXInVW
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...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z4mmAzAAK
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.
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Chapter 5324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GnHi7HuxZ
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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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc5ldJPBoe
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG4RoXL16V
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQfjCleJDT
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lX7coyQlZ
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLFlC5bAbg
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh823kX2kqc
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch939UgfSM
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILEOde4qEr
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVt1lGv64O
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HvPYcv0sE
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6ZMx5NiGr
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk2pPkYlaK
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h9QAMK0fj
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNA7r3dbsY
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpV1erLwFm
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeB227cyKs
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQProut6aKu
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4EDReIFe5
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfrhQ2EQ92
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1hCVGu8nq
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDhqC4uxFR
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr2jwRNE0r
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaChKQJ7tQ
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lMZqg15r6
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rpY6aSX7I
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCYWLFytFw
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGRLBot5sC
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2CD9Sg23c
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj39ZIMKzW
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3M0RZVT0c
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMj6zwDBT7
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaAu6gTAsv
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..324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlvmxvtjWS
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDGtItOY6i
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgeubxTh1k
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhWAJ2CCrj
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNxyXiiRwc
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOKoe0fhRS
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgXgvOjWfS
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE5F3Oepm2
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJlbZBN8ET
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNhVhhBMWb
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TIWmCOTg1
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKLECZjfQf
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8jvWNRKA5
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwMPPJZbIR
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCymbKXuzy
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRf8WuOCYI
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mWyCKurGO
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kNjRBsy8K
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...
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUJtVWuBsP
