[https://em.wattpad.com/a58ef666ea1bb869d3a72f5fcc8b5e7b03db624c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f346870366f5a35433367555f43513d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439306331323435636337316635653739313032343737363839342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
10:38PM.
Saika Scarletsky. Reina Fleurblanc's personal maid—A loyal servant who's willing to risk her life for her master. She was currently investigating the bamboo forest where the last night's murder scene happened, at her master's command. However, there was nothing there but the stalks of bamboo swaying gently against a soft breeze. No sign of blood anywhere.
[https://em.wattpad.com/0225e7ac47c37d99b2bea8a3faa28e4a7398f35d/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7458707532304b546330584b57773d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439306330346562313532623931323635353039313532373034342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The area is clean unlike the one her master described. Her master would not lie to her, she thought, so that was out of the question. There's only one conclusion she could come up: the evidence was erased. Someone cleaned all the blood that's supposed to be there. The question is... How? Cleaning such a mess could take a lot of time, and even then there'd be faint traces of it in the bushes or perhaps under the leaves on the forest floor. There'd also be signs that someone went there to finish the job, but it was as if no murders happened in the entire area in the first place.
"It must be that..."
*~~~~~~*
10:28PM
"You must have seen something unpleasant. I'm really sorry."
Senri-san bowed her head asking me for forgiveness. I honestly didn't know how to respond. Why was she apologizing? More importantly, with the "murderer" standing right in front of me, am I about to be killed for meddling with things I'm not supposed to be involved with? I never thought Senri-san and Satou-san are related at all. This never occurred to me. But since Senri-san is here with her... I'm hoping there'd be a way out of this.
"I... saw something I shouldn't have, right?" I asked her straight away.
"Quite."
"So I'm a dead man?"
"Huh? Wait a minute, Takehaya-kun. You must be misunderstanding something. Please let me explain it to you."
"Please do." Though a drop of sweat trickled on the side of my face, I tried to remain calm. Even if Tsubame acted like that to me moments ago, I have my full trust on Senri-san
"First of all, if you're thinking that a murder has occurred, nothing like that seem to have happened. And just because you saw something like that doesn't mean your life is in danger."
"But I saw a pool of blood where Satou-san was standing..."
"We're still investigating about that. If you've noticed, there was no body there. Isn't that right, Nodachi?"
"Yes. When I have arrived, all I saw was the blood all over the place. No one was there."
"You know that too... Right, Takehaya-kun?" She's right. We didn't see any dead bodies lying around.
"So what was that all about?"
"We've yet to know, that's why we're still investigating it. But we actually have a clue."
"And that is?"
"It might have come from the other world."
"Wait... again?"
"Hmm?"
"Ah, nevermind. Anyway, what do you mean it came from another world? Is it some sort of an extraterrestrial?"
"Something like that. But it didn't came from outer space. The entrance is quite close after all. The reason why Nodachi was there is because I commanded her to guard the bamboo forest in case someone from the other side enters the portal, or someone from the outside attempts to enter the forest. We've been doing this since I took the role of the landlady of this guesthouse. For generations, my family has been guarding the bamboo forest in case something like this happened. But to tell you the truth, nothing strange happened ever since the discovery of the portal until now."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Takehaya-kun. You have to understand that this is a serious matter. You've already involved yourself in this."
"No I haven't. As long as I don't say anything I'll be out on this. Am I right?"
"W-Well... I guess you could say that..."
"Nee-san. I know you trust Masato-kun, and I also trust him. But according to our family's rules, once a person got involved they cannot simply get away as if nothing happened." Tsubame-san interrupted.
"Wait. What did she mean by that?"
"It just means that we have to ensure that you won't tell all these to anyone."
"And how will you ensure I won't tell it to anyone?"
*~~~~~~*
The next day...
"Hey, isn't that the delinquent?"
"What's going on?"
"Am I just imagining things or are those two walking side by side?"
Students around the school gate suddenly piled up. It feels like I got myself in a controversial situation. Of course, who would even bother listen up to my explanation?
"Hey... What's going on here?" I asked the person walking beside me.
"What do you mean?" Satou-san looked at me in confusion.
"...Why are you so close to where I'm walking?"
"...?" She looked at me again with that confused face.
?" She looked at me again with that confused face [https://em.wattpad.com/46776cf3a42726828ac8844eab1bf122119baefa/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f645176456e4943457875474876513d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439333139363761666363643537393339363835333938313932302e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Argh! This is frustrating. This is what I'm afraid of: getting unnecessary attention. It would probably be fine if it was Fleurblanc-san. I mean, she's friendly with everyone but Satou-san is the complete opposite of her! Maybe... I'm not actually so sure about that also.
Honestly, I don't have a reason to tell it to anyone. First of all I don't think anyone will believe me. Secondly, it would cause panic and confusion and I'm not the type of person who would do something like that.
"Hey, how long are you going to stick with me?"
"Until you get home."
"DAMN IT!!!"
Everyone around us scattered like rats when they heard my uproar. Shit, I've caused another misunderstanding. I feel so depressed right now.
"Why the long face, Masato?"
"You're the last person I want to hear that from!"
I did my best to ignore her insensitive comment and just took it all in. Both of us walked towards the school gate as if it's the most natural thing to do.
"No seriously, you don't have to follow Senri-san's order you know. I'll never say anything to anyone. I mean I don't even have any friends to talk to in the first place.."
Nodachi looked at me with her usual deadpan expression.
"Do you want to have friends, Masato?"
"W-What?! N-No! I don't need friends. Don't just misinterpret what I said."
"You sound like you wanted to have friends though."
"How in the world would you think it that way?"
"I can be your friend."
"W-Wha..?! I told you I don't need friends!"
"You didn't have to shout at me."
"I'm not shouting at you..." This girl is driving me nuts. I've never thought in my wildest dream that Satou-san would act like this at all. She could talk and all, that's great. If only she could be a bit considerate...
"Hoho. You sound like you're having a lot of fun."
"Fleurblanc-san."
"Class pres."
Nodachi bowed her head like a well mannered student and greeted Flearublanc-san. I... could not make myself do the same. Such gesture just didn't suit me.
For some reason, Fleaurblanc-san went a little too close to me. I noticed she was aiming for a whisper. Then she said it to me in a very low voice:
"Tell me what happened later, okay?"
I slightly nodded in response. She then walked with her maid a little faster than our pace, probably because she had to hurry for her student council duties.
And then all of a sudden I realized that our situation is getting worse. I looked around me and people have gathered around again. This time I sensed angry glares and more suspicious murmurs.
Great. My normal, quiet everyday life seems to be collapsing . Well, not that it has collapsed already a year ago.
I sigh in depression. I got back to walking with Nodachi still walking beside me, without a care in the world. Honestly I don't care anymore.
After homeroom...
Classes ended. I didn't get to concentrate on the class at all. Aside from the people looking secretly at me like the "delinquent" I was, I've been thinking about the "other world" Reina and Senri told me about.
Knowing such information is like breaking your reality. Everything you've learned before kinda gets crumbled knowing that things might seem to be different from the things you've learned.
And another thing: That girl, Satou-san.
She hasn't moved at all since after class. I bet she'd respond once I left my seat. She's really doing literally what Senri-san told her to do.
"Hey Takehaya. Tell me, what's your relationship with Satou-san?"
As if they can no longer contain their suspicions, one of my classmates asked me as I boringly flipped the pages of my notebook.
"Nothing. What's it to you?" I replied in a very cold hearted way.
"Ah, chill. I was just curious you know. Nobody has approached Satou-san like you did and made it successfully."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I've never approached her." I looked at the notebook again and caught a glimpse of some tactician's quote: "All warfare is based on deception..."
"But you were walking along side her this morning."
The guy was persistent like a paparazzi.
"Look, dude. She was the one who stuck close to me. I have nothing to do with that."
"Woah. Are you saying she's onto you or something? The 'Cold Princess of Takemori High'?"
"You know what? This conversation is over."
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
I stood up in annoyance and left my seat. I hear murmurs around me as I left the room.
As soon as I stood up, Satou-san followed me in the hallway. Because of that, the noise became even louder inside the classroom.
"So you'll really follow me wherever I go, huh?"
She slightly nodded. It's like she doesn't need to answer me anymore.
-click, click-
I hear a shuttering sound from the distance. I turned around and saw a girl taking pictures of us.
[https://em.wattpad.com/d4bddfa788d3a550f27ff89f084077625f922eca/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4148792d637565493961317749673d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439333364393136626236616566303939393734303038303038392e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Hey. What's this about? You know it's rude to take pictures without permission, right?"
"Oh don't worry Takehaya-kun. This is just for my own personal collection."
"I'm pretty sure that's now how it works."
"Hehe. I'm really happy. Takehaya-kun and Satou-san becoming a couple all of a sudden! This is like the greatest scoop this year!"
"You're not really holding back aren't you. Are you some sort of photography or newspaper club member? Also, we're not a couple."
"Something like that. I'm surprised you're not so mad about me taking pictures of you."
"I am mad. Are you looking for a fight?"
"Ohh. That's more like it. That aside, Takehaya-kun..."
Wow, this girl sure doesn't listen to other people, just like the one following behind me.
"While we're at it, what were you doing with Fleurblanc-san behind the school last night?"
The moment she asked that question, my body froze. I did not expect anyone to see us, and for someone to approach me about our last night's excursion is something that didn't occur to me.
I needed to make an excuse. Like, real fast. This girl is dangerous, I could sense it. Let's see...
"That was nothing to scoop about though. That was just me getting fetched and lectured by Fleurblanc-san for loitering around behind the school."
"Ehhh? That's it?"
"Yeah."
Looks like she'd take the bite already.
"But what about this morning? Why did she approached you?"
Or so I thought. But this was easy.
"She just warned me again not to loiter around the school."
"Hmmmmm."
She's in deep thought. I'm not sure if she'd buy it or not but I'm confident that she won't be able to question me again.
"I'll believe you for now. But it doesn't change the fact that you and Satou-san are going out and the whole school is talking about you two."
"Like I said, we're not going out. Hey, help me fix this misunderstanding."
"..."
I looked at the dumbfounded girl beside me who was apparently not even listening to our conversation the whole time. She's useless. People like these in the society would definitely start spreading lies and cause a lot of misunderstanding.
"Silence means 'yes', right? Anyway. Gotta go back to class. I'll catch you guys later."
After saying that. She dashed out and went somewhere.
I sighed.
"Another troublesome person has appeared... and what did she meant by 'catch you guys later'?"
"I guess it means she's gonna show up again."
I slumped in despair by Satou-san's unneeded comment for the obvious.
"Mind sharing me what happened yesterday? My maid told me you left the house and went back to the dorm when I woke up. And then this morning, you and Satou-san are like lovey-dovey." Fleurblanc-san suddenly appeared from a corner, as if she was waiting for the paparazzi girl to leave. As always, she makes those straightforward remarks.
"No we're not. I can't believe that you of all people would believe something like that."
"I'm just kidding. So, what's the story?"
She asked me with a serious tone this time, and also made a quick glance at the girl beside me. I'd like to tell her the whole story too but there's a problem: Senri-san told me not to tell anyone about it. Despite the fact that Fleurblanc-san already knew that there's another world and there's some portal behind the school, Satou-san didn't know any of those details. There's nothing to hide, but it would still make me look like I've betrayed Senri-san if I ever spoke to her about it.
I leaned towards her and whispers.
"You sure we gonna talk about this now?"
I glanced at the girl beside me who seems to not really care at what we're talking about. However, this is the same person that was tasked to make sure I don't spill any beans.
"Hmm? We can't talk about it right now?"
"We can't."
She looked at Satou-san again and it seems that she understood what it meant.
"I'll just e-mail it to you." I whispered at her.
"Let's exchange e-mail addresses then." she whispered in response.
"..." I realized that this was the first time I exchanged my e-mail address with anyone aside from my parents. It somehow feels like I've unlocked some sort of achievement, yet I feel so bad for myself for some reason.
"There. All done. Don't forget alright? This is important. I'll be heading to the teacher's office. Later."
"Yeah."
I sent her an e-mail as soon as she left. It seems that Satou-san was oblivious on what we were talking about. I find it weird that she's acting this way, since I thought she would be very strict with me whenever I talked to someone. In the end, she was just following me around.
*~~~~~~*
Afternoon.
Classes have ended and I was walking out of the school. I hadn't seen Fleurblanc-san right after she left the room. I was still curious of all these statements about an other world connected to ours and its entrance being just behind the school. I felt unsure if I should check out the back of the school again or not–I mean, the only way to find out that an information is real or not is to see it with your own two eyes, right? The problem is, this girl won't let me go there right now.
"Hey, stop grabbing on to my shirt."
"..."
She's won't budge at all. I thought I could break loose if I suddenly make a run for it but that'd be troublesome. In the end, I gave up and went home instead. Her incredible persistence to her duty won over my curiosity.
We were close to the grocery store when Satou-san suddenly stopped walking. It's as if she suddenly froze like a robot instantly drained of its batteries.
"What happened?" I asked her.
"Someone has stepped inside the border." I instantly looked at the person who suddenly talked. It was Tsubame-san.
"Tsubame-san? What are you doing here? And what do you mean by someone stepped inside the border?" [https://em.wattpad.com/2e78908e28db4cdcc79d981d822fa5140735f95b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f44717842743872526e69514e37773d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439306331303835396363653832663231353732313033393539352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Tsubame-san? What are you doing here? And what do you mean by someone stepped inside the border?"
"A person walked inside the bamboo forest." Satou-san suddenly replied to my question.
"Glad to know you didn't actually ran out of batteries."
"...?" I only received a slight tilt of a head from her as a reply.
"Nothing. Anyway, can someone please explain the situation? I mean I'm really lost here." I really am lost. These two started acting weird all of a sudden. And Tsubame-san came out of nowhere too. What border were they talking about?
"Let me explain, Masato-kun." Tsubame-san offered the explanation. "The reason why we found out that you and Fleurblanc-san walked inside the bamboo forest was because Nee-san has set up some talismans that'd let us know if someone walked in. Right now, someone has trespassed the bamboo forest."
"'Trespassed' really is the term, huh?"
"It's technically true since the bamboo forest is owned by the Miyamae household."
Woah. I didn't know that. "Do they own the school as well?"
"Yes."
Damn, I didn't know Senri-san's family was filthy rich.
"Anyway, I have to go there now, since Nodachi is currently occupied. Also, something unexplainable happened yesterday."
I wouldn't really mind if both of them go though. But something happened yesterday?
"What is it?"
"The pool of blood you saw yesterday. It disappeared."
"What do you mean it disappeared?"
I actually haven't thought about it. There was indeed a pool of blood yesterday. It was the reason why me and Fleaurblanc-san ran away. I thought Satou-san killed someone, but Tsubame-san saying that the blood disappeared was another matter.
"Wait. You didn't clean it?"
"We didn't. We actually wanted to clean it as well since it would cause trouble if some outsider saw it. I went there last night as quickly as I could after you and Nee-san has finished talking. It was actually on our favor that the blood was cleaned but it's also troubling that it disappeared. It just means that more people are involved with this incident."
"I thought you guys should know if someone went inside the bamboo forest?"
"That's true. The moment you stepped inside the bamboo forest, we'll learn about it."
"Yet the blood was erased without us knowing it."
"That's right. Which we have no idea how. Anyway, I'll explain everything later."
Tsubame-san waved her hand and started walking towards the school. It was actually weird that she took the time to explain all those despite knowing that someone stepped into their bamboo forest, as if it contradicted that she's worried about it. As I busied myself with that thought, she dashed off like lightning and disappeared.
"What...?"
*~~~~~~*
The bamboo forest was as quiet as ever. It's around 6:00PM and the sun was almost gone. The students had mostly gone home, yet a few has stayed for their club activities. In particular, a club leader and her maid was currently investigating the forest.
"You're right. There are no blood stains at all. How is this possible?"
"Reina-sama. I believe that this is caused by something that came out of the other side."
"Like some sort of magic'?"
"Possible. But right now we can't say anything yet."
"Have you checked the inner areas of the bamboo forest?"
"My apologies but there was an interruption last night and I wasn't able to explore further."
"No it's alright. But what was that interruption?"
"Our maid scouts reported that someone entered the school gate and into the back of the school at an incredible speed. I had to leave the area as soon as possible."
"No matter, we can explore now. Have the other maids monitor the movements of anyone near the campus."
"Yes ma'am."
After exploring the rest of the areas near the murder scene, they still found nothing of any sort of clues.
"Hmm. There's really nothing here huh."
"Reina-sama. We still haven't checked the shrine that was located deep in the forest."
"Very well. Our records says that the shrine was already there around a hundred years ago. And despite it being an abandoned shrine, the place is still intact."
"Yes. It appears that the current landlady of the Miyamae Guesthouse was the one doing the cleaning every once in awhile."
"Hmm. Just makes you think if there's something about that shrine that connects the other world. Let's go."
"Perhaps so."
The two went deeper into the forest and reached the abandoned shrine. But as soon as they stepped in...
"Reina-sama. I got a signal that there's a person coming this way real fast. It must be the same person that interrupted me... or possibly the culprit."
"Stand guard, I'll go look for clues. If anything happens, report to me as soon as possible. Worse comes to worst, do 'that'," Reina pointed at her as she continued examining the shrine's exterior.
"Affirmative." She nodded at her master and readied herself to the incoming intruder.
Reina quickly went to the shrine to look for clues. The shrine's ceiling and floor were tidy and clean, yet there were no traces of activity at all. She noticed a few dust specks here and there and she thought the one responsible for the cleaning hasn't showed up in a while. As her mind gets bothered by the thoroughly-cleaned shrine--
"Hmm?"
From the shrine's porch, Reina noticed movement at the bushes. She carefully walked towards it. It might just be an animal, but to make sure her guard is up as she brought out a dagger hidden under her skirt. As she approached closer, she heard a faint breathing. Slowly, she took a peek through the leaves and saw a dark skinned woman, badly injured.
"H-Hey! Hang in there!" She quickly responded to the injured person in surprise. The woman wasn't responding due to her bruises. She checked her pulse and it seemed to be stable. Though she sustained multiple wounds, none of them were fatal, but she knew that she needed to be treated soon.
Meanwhile, Saika was still on-guard when she suddenly received a call from one of the maids.
"Report?"
"U-Uhm... Saika-sama, It seems that the one approaching your location was Tsubame of the Miyamae household!"
"Where is she now?"
"S-She.... was intercepted by a little girl wearing a white cape near the school gate!"
"...Any information on that girl?"
"U-Uhm... The reports say that she is one of the exorcist twins of the Huo Clan."
"We're not done with the investigations here yet. Don't drop the call. Keep giving me information on what is happening."
"Y-yes ma'am..!"
*~~~~~~*
Miyamae Tsubame, who was dashing in an incredible speed was suddenly stopped by an unexpected obstacle.
"Hey bird, not so fast." The little girl wearing a white cape blocked her way towards the entrance of the school.
"Who are you?" Tsubame asked.
"Why do you need to know?" She smiled at her. She was mocking Tsubame like she was her little prey. She easily understood that the person in front of her is not just some bystander who got lost in the school grounds, so Tsubame changed her stance into a fighting one.
"Hoh... You wanna pick a fight?"
"I'm in a hurry you see. Could you please get out of my way?"
"No can do little bird. You're too powerful of a youkai to be loitering around a residential area at night."
"I live in this area and my master owns this place. If there's anyone here who's loitering around, that person should be you. Also... I'm not a youkai."
"I see, I see. But I'm not from here. I don't care who your master is. As long as I see a threat running around, I just won't let it go."
Tsubame observed the little girl's movements and appearance. Based on what she could see, this girl is some sort of a Western exorcist—she was wearing a long white cape and was clutching a book on her side.
"You know, I'm surprised that there are many powerful spirits loitering around this place. Just yesterday I encountered a high class ghost around here. It gave me quite the entertainment but then another one showed up just after I was finished with the ghost so I had to retreat. Was that you?"
She's quite the talkative one, Tsubame thought to herself. Because of that, she has observed more than enough to know how this little exorcist would move quickly if she decided to fight her. She knew that this person had many openings and she just needed to utilize them to her favor. However, there was something in what she mentioned that bothered her. She said she encountered a high class ghost. Just who was she referring to?
"Hey, you're pretty confident on winning aren't you?"
"...?!"
As she said that. She launched herself at Tsubame.
That one sentence broke her concentration. In an instant, the distance between them is just one step away.
"Kuh!"
Coming out from the book she holds, the exorcist's sword swung directly at her face. But before the blade could hit the target, Tsubame had already moved far away from her.
"Oho? As expected of a bird."
"Could you please stop calling me that."
"But you are a bird, right?"
As she said that, she plunged herself towards Tsubame once more with lightning speed. Yet again, she wasn't able to hit her, as the "bird" leaped high into the air.
"Otherwise, you won't be able to dodge my attacks."
Tsubame landed on her feet after she jumped to dodge the attack.
"At the very least you're not just running away like that ghost---hmm?!"
Right after she said that. A gust of wind came right at her.
"Guh..!?"
It was too powerful that she was barely hanging onto her feet.
"Sorry."
"..?!"
As the Huo exorcist tried to regain her composure, Tsubame is already one step beside her, aiming for a finishing blow.
BOOOOM!!
Leaves and dust scattered as another gust of wind exploded around them after she landed her fist on the target. Tsubame could still feel the impact on her fist, however...
"...Impossible."
Tsubame, who thought she has won the battle was dumbfounded. As the dust and leaves returned to the ground, the little girl is still standing on her feet barely scratched.
"But that was a direct hit..."
"Yes it was. Directly on my cape."
She looked at the girl's cape. Traces of magic can be detected from it.
"You know, I hate your fighting style. It reminds me of my sister."
In an instant she closed her gap towards Tsubame. Her fast reflexes made her lean backwards to avoid her strike. But this time, she was wielding something else...
"--?!"
-pierce-
"Kuh.."
It was a spear. She was imagining the length of a sword and was confident that she won't be hit from that distance. The unexpected change of weapons got her shoulder pierced.
The unexpected change of weapons got her shoulder pierced [https://em.wattpad.com/7ef76f7b8fab6596d825f2fd544492304cd3d55a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c302d6d4f67645a6174595a59513d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439313462346434373838323664623931383839363838393831362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"..."
Blood spilled from her wounded shoulder.
"Ah..."
Tsubame stood there trying to stay on her feet. The pain made her whole body numb.
"Oh my. Is it over already?" The little exorcist made a disappointed face.
"Now what should I do. Do I seal you or just completely exorcise you?"
"...I call upon the wind god."
Tsubame suddenly spoke while looking up and barely able to hold her balance.
"Hmm?"
"Fuujin."
As she said that, she suddenly gets engulfed by another huge gust of wind [https://em.wattpad.com/42012d40a75e99f1474f7f8186563c9fa888113a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7a4a6b4c365a58653855317844673d3d2d3334363235363038322e313439333139356666646664306334363538313137333232323732322e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As she said that, she suddenly gets engulfed by another huge gust of wind.
"...I-I've caught myself to some sort of deity eh."