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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadsbWU2hCs
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3dx6felse
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32IXH6G3US
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL3xDHivOO
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xfe9v35RP
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvjQynQetZ
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpa8ro40g2
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14pj1EjQ2S
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?332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxfdszYfhg
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7TtleQrUF
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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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aw3KO06r1
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18n4JOuQbA
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06CqRInJfw
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRwCPsPXwA
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2xZ5Acoyb
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOQORxx7Yx
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UUXRuspT9
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ5XGXRIJq
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cbCCiLxBV
"What if I'm right?" she asks.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVrng01HDi
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTGPwqYiVr
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLhnp5Y5I7
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmYQsYedoS
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4lHuUOibj
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqshshufJR9
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb9JDw6EdN
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s2UM5Gqm1
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHqiD1YsI2
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6DHt862BG
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV0PBXgc1I
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeJJUN7JBk
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..."332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyd5VVC37E
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-"332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCjJKFk5Ve
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira interfered. "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" she yells. Kanzaki facepalms.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tzr2WvcE9
"Alright, chill," he says.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28CVByJX2L
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTk962yF47
"No, probably not," he answers.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Pf7EPTiH
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0cSYrzJiY
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeSk0WZ6YQ
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hAXErngS8
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX7hQsldg2
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZTMJ2TVsG
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y4PLx3qv7
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWeO9CVH4N
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne1eIILERr
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1l9jv16G8
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnbBlWs6dm
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtRUiBbO9P
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Chapter 2332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ3O3yCRng
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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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZOnpaZkvD
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz7YgyhV6L
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ969DUQptKg
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlMLUyCwN7
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gMLrANWaF
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EJlf99dZr
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi72reF4qjC
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCDKOe2TVb
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoEd54Wciz
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq0FNyxfTI
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY3hyN8oqn
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVUoF2fCgm
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmRte4Hbt7
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MWspjcJfO
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ524ne8o1xo
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsALIjA00IP
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQCl18dzcZ
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBXQOmYRvv
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0tiVJgwUz
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS0auXaaTu
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAPBc8TKwc
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EUwvCdvqp
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNsY0dke8N
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl3kJMbEgI
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkk7Z8kKon
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6UP68eCce
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38PDs2iIKz
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIYF1ou3uh
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyveNNbKM2
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBjVXsQEmY
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0q1baUgde
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k1OUxe89c
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY3D6JpxYT
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGIGf8FWsj
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQCeARDzOV
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4zKA6dvl1
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC35mXmsXI
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs4KUXL3Xc
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3tJhn93zW
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wfgRWgQaf
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2ywR8690x
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxkl3vy4b6
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn60zkJnr0y
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQvws6pFEj
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJHG44azTV
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnibnQHUuUJ
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnw1HOI4dE
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KiWBNYO0u
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwFEtcLeFd
"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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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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq0TC0aCI3
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHqcugMfHO
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0okY4I7aF4
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Thz425Wn
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT6N6toFFK
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..."332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa27m8mZj8y
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl4bzWNn2V
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgjawlisXZ
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hgQpyslaj
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOgvEy9omm
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsx5jKfFhn
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyVUcNkmLS
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvmmnAgKxH
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhcqOowYHt
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIBIs0vkVX
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6gXi99Grj
"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!"332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts5IU4TJEG
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF5YXg20DI
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4giSSvmVZ
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ40mEK6f3
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zaH8OeXHK
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fGzTeNPL5
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJAujnRBw7
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgo8W1ydew
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsq6BkK03i
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejW8cVWzL5
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJP8KUvKBm
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8GVTSitsG
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1hEA964IX
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf5rshd1G0
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKGUeV9dqF
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVXs8dEypq
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqppuqPOseg
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtRJBiCOTF
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcpTIW58id
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCt7acVQik
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hsVUUyuwZ
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmvzjLmXZt
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXGzvf8MLK
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKQd6KFuD1
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsd91lT2i4
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ011AxgXx6m
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG9KwzyNNZ
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRiffv9s3m
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSlJNMV0xW
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD9xz4USRV
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWI0awTG50
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSGKFzqASu
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOkKnHvhu2
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg3hJGBgnz
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfUdpzVdWA
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8WQc1eV9t
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCPYQ1tgrL
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvSR9VFatH
Chapter 4
332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEeaMBOlkY
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TFff4NBOR
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoESPGfHgOk
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfIG1wgHkd
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPeLWjwVWH
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlC4xq53bl
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7raClessCL
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphaYEI7v0n
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYki2Mnek2
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrjICmPfrV
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttLMfLAd3l
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKhjUXroUY
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFTJM8Z3M1
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sePYTSKuG
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu6zM7moWk
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUr9Q1qWTI
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaopI50GY5l
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFmFxj9xOj
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV1o9IYe6f
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 14.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mrm2z6hJY
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl25yxHGNfG
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4GNwVy0Xd
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMEh4ACfOb
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfzuTison1
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8gcSXKYSu
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGfNXk1cIo
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhbBoq4NuH
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJn6txxre8
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcglp9ZbKQT
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWZZcCoYxI
"S-shut up!" she yells.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1saUSQSFQ
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRUeyMCNZk
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBubcOAgwEL
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39h9ytAB0u
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazbJ2vLy0d
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO1FKPDbON
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW1jf1wTGO
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkX8etnuxA
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdci2nIhbE
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSkr2Rl6pe
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZTB5RadxR
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOviSuOIpI
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjw55DvMnJ
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWswJ7kGH9
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiUjM0dXha
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUCEw0j9MB
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWYHdltl1H
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8liFgSqZBG
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKWKnDfBtr
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNHyECI1FR
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkzYfcBnK7
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...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIfbIwYAYM
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.
332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwd8d1LU72
Chapter 5332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsopUz75t3
332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruCOt7ZkAO
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfTttOfnMI
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfXB6YI5SC
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoIAihJNkY
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRyrJxKU9g
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiDlPA1NpW
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXRnaTj7oW
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLkQRgVwRY
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxg8II6itj
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt67O9N5ZM
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA3TINruKR
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4XnsI97yw
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cSdF7woR4
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEMXXLCbce
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFLXoO5Ep1
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcqOzI5ia1
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78dckNZEbY
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fr709Yo4Q
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYVJDLaXMr
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOKLTK0no4
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Eg5bPMDn
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTHBXWh2b6
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvsqNvJZfB
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfnvCfv9Z7
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTadzLibBq0
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHknhINltX
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfyma3IMl4
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM5DH8LKO7
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbb9x5RORx
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N79KfyIsB
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxkYL9R5PF
"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."332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4gVt8WhtF
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0He7nLC2jQ
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..332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriKEJuE8uM
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkVqgcImaG
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg2asJmv2M
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F2YQYy9mI
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwpXsJHKXs
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC34nvO6wk
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEFADWwDpP
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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcj6wnRwXK
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0LTGZHLoE
"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.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIHABw1Osg
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaXf2tqvxK
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWCt875mF2
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUZmDEU9cJ
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhctDnwKyU
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvuEmeE1vv
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhAaonoyfM
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjytu1phFE
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGXi3llYSl
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...
332Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaYWV979M8
