I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed Ayumi’s number and a voice responded.
“Hello, this is Ayumi, sorry that I can’t take your call right now, please leave a message and I'll—”
“Fuck!” I yelled and threw the phone on the bed. I sat motionless on the bed, organizing my mind. I glanced and the full-body mirror froze. Where did it go?
The mirror was gone. The mirror where that bizarre glass monster appeared was gone. Was I dreaming? Impossible...
I felt my pockets and found the sticky note Ayumi left behind. The blood had dried out but was still here. The one with the address of Rook Watson, my only clue and the undeniable proof that I wasn't dreaming. But that would mean that...
My heart ached as the tear traced a silent path down my cheek, carrying with it the weight of a thousand memories. Each drop held the bittersweet truth that Ayumi, my beloved companion, was no longer with us. In that solitary moment, the reality settled upon me like an unforgiving embrace.
I closed my eyes, desperately clinging to the fragments of her laughter, her warmth, and the way her eyes would light up when we embarked on our adventures together. The world seemed duller without her infectious spirit, as if a vibrant stroke of color had been forever washed away from the canvas of my existence.
Ayumi's absence echoed through every corner of my being, reverberating with a profound sense of loss. The void she left behind was a constant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the irrevocable nature of goodbyes. It was a painful reminder that time waits for no one, not even for those we hold dearest.
Yet, amidst the shroud of sorrow, a flicker of gratitude emerged. Gratitude for the moments we shared, the laughter we created, and the love that intertwined our souls. Ayumi's presence forever changed me, imprinting upon my heart an indelible mark of joy and resilience.
With each tear that fell, I promised to honor her memory, cherish the lessons she taught me, and carry her spirit within me. Though the pain of her absence would linger, I vowed to celebrate the beauty of her life and the profound impact she had on mine.
As the tear moistened my lips, I tasted both the salt of sorrow and the sweetness of cherished memories. It was a reminder that Ayumi, in her own way, would always be a part of me—a testament to the enduring power of love even in the face of loss.
I suddenly slapped myself across the face. Enough crying. The only choice is to move forward. I stood up, wiped the tear from my bloodshot eyes, and left Ayumi’s house. I looked back when I left the front door. The familiar house now felt forbidding and foreign to me. With one last gaze at the home, I turned to leave.
There was no point in calling the police. The weight of that realization settled upon me like a suffocating fog, constricting my every thought. The evidence of Ayumi's murder had been meticulously erased, leaving behind no trace for the outside world to see. The truth was now confined to the depths of my fractured heart, burdening me, knowing that justice would remain elusive.
Calling the police felt futile, a desperate act that would only lead to my own unraveling. How could I explain the inexplicable? How could I convey the depth of my conviction without tangible proof? They would dismiss me as delusional, questioning my sanity, and casting doubt upon my credibility.
No, the path to justice would not lie within the confines of the authorities. It was a truth I accepted, begrudgingly, through the tears and anguish that marked my journey. I had to take matters into my own hands, to delve into the shadows and unearth the secrets that had claimed Ayumi's life. And the first thing is to find this man named Rook Watson.
As I searched for his address, 2475 SE Clearway Ave, a frown creased my forehead. He lived only half an hour away from my location. It seemed too convenient, but I shook my head, dismissing the thought. Paranoia was getting the best of me.
The next morning, as the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, I embarked on my journey to Rook’s place. The route took me through narrow streets lined with tall buildings and bustling crowds. Every step I took was filled with trepidation and determination, my mind replaying memories of Ayumi’s laughter and her vibrant spirit.
Upon reaching Rook’s address, I stood before an apartment complex. It was a modern structure with sleek lines, its exterior blending seamlessly into the surrounding cityscape. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, and entered the building.
Inside, the lobby was adorned with contemporary artwork and polished marble floors. Soft music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of both elegance and tranquility. I approached the front desk, where a receptionist with a warm smile greeted me. Her name tag read “Emily.”
“Good morning. How can I assist you?” she asked, her voice gentle yet professional.
“I’m here to see Rook Watson,” I replied, trying to steady my voice. “Is he available?”
Emily checked her computer screen and nodded. “Yes, but what is your business with him?”
“I’m looking to ask him something. He met one of my friends a while back.”
The receptionist paused, looked up at me, and stared at me with a hint of suspicion before looking back down at her computer. “He’s in Apartment 303 on the third floor. Take the elevator on your right, and you’ll find his unit on the left side of the hallway.”
“Thank you,” I said, my gratitude laced with a hint of unease. I followed her instructions and entered the elevator, the metallic doors closing with a soft hiss. The ascent felt both interminable and fleeting, my thoughts swirling in a maelstrom of anticipation and dread.
As the doors opened, I found myself in a dimly lit corridor adorned with framed photographs capturing fleeting moments frozen in time. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a nearby apartment, adding a touch of warmth to the air. I made my way toward Apartment 303, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
Apartment 303 stood before me; its door slightly ajar. A sliver of light spilled out, casting elongated shadows on the floor. I hesitated for a moment, my hand hovering over the door handle, nerves tingling at my fingertips. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open gently, revealing a small but tastefully furnished living space.
Soft music played in the background, its haunting melody weaving through the air. The room was adorned with eclectic artwork and shelves lined with books, reflecting the occupant’s diverse interests. The atmosphere was both inviting and unsettling as if it hid secrets within the very walls.
My eyes fell upon the occupant of the apartment—an attractive young man with blond hair that fell slightly over his forehead sitting on a couch, his coffee on the coffee table emitting a familiar scent. He had an air of sophistication, his piercing green eyes harboring a hint of mischief. He was slightly older than me, his presence exuding a magnetic energy that intrigued and unsettled me at the same time.
"Can I help you?" His voice was smooth yet tinged with caution as if he anticipated my arrival.
“I’m Yuki,” I introduced myself, trying to steady my racing heart. “I have some questions about Ayumi. I believe you knew her.”
His brows furrowed, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. “Ayumi? I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I don’t know anyone by that name.”
I could feel his guardedness, the wall he had built around himself. But I had seen glimpses of their connection, the messages they had shared. “Don’t play coy, Rook. I know she had a connection with you. I’ve seen the messages, the moments they shared.”
Rook’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. “You’ve been snooping around, haven’t you? Ayumi was a friend, nothing more. And if you think you can come here and accuse me of something, you’re gravely mistaken.”
I felt a surge of frustration mixed with anxiety. I couldn’t let him deflect the truth. My hand trembled as I reached into my bag, retrieving a small, folded piece of paper. Unfolding it carefully, I presented it to him. It was the dried blood-stained note stained with Ayumi’s fingerprints.
Rook’s eyes widened as he recognized the note. The color drained from his face, and his voice wavered slightly. “Where did you get this?”
“It was in Ayumi’s possession. She left it for me,” I explained, my voice quivering with a mixture of grief and determination.
Rook’s composure cracked, and his defenses faltered. “Mirror monster? That’s absurd! You must be mistaken. You two must have been delusional.”
I took a step closer, my voice trembling with a mix of desperation and anger. “She was not delusional, and neither was I. I saw it too, Rook. I saw the creature that haunted her, that tore her away from us. And you were a part of it. You knew something, you were involved.”
Rook’s gaze faltered, his facade crumbling further. “I… I can’t explain. You don’t understand the danger you’re putting yourself in by digging into this.”
“Then explain it to me!” I pleaded, my voice laced with tears and frustration. “I loved Ayumi, and I won’t rest until I uncover the truth and bring vengeance to her memory!”
Rook’s eyes softened, a flicker of guilt and sadness passing through them. “You have no idea what you’re up against. This goes deeper than you can imagine. Ayumi stumbled upon something she shouldn’t have, something that took her life and threatens the lives of many others.”
I felt a mix of fear and determination welling up within me. I couldn’t back down now, not when I had come this far. “Then help me, Rook. Help me understand. Together, we can find answers and bring an end to this darkness.”
Rook hesitated, his gaze shifting between me and the bloodstained note in his hands. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh. “Fine. But we need to be careful. There are forces at play that we can’t comprehend. Meet me tomorrow night at midnight. There’s a place where we can talk, away from prying eyes. But remember, Yuki, once you’re in, there’s no turning back.”
He turned around and opened a drawer underneath the coffee table and grabbed a couple of items. “Use these,” he handed me a silver-gray keycard along with a small wooden box, “The address is 1672 North London Express, third floor, fifth right down the hall to the second to last suite.”
“And the box?” I asked, examining the box, my hand about to open it.
“NO!!” He yelled, grabbing my wrist, and preventing me from opening the box. “Not here... They’ll find us. Open it when you’re alone.”
I looked at him in the eyes. “What do you mean ‘they’ll find us’? Who’s ‘they’?”
He leaned closer. “There are people in the world that don’t want ordinary people like us to interfere with this..... Was Ayumi’s body missing and everything was cleaned up?”
I nodded slowly. “Yes... it made me doubt myself wheatear or not I was hallucinating.”
“Well... they... they erase the evidence and make a cover-up story to hide these deaths. In Ayumi’s case, they’ll probably report on the news that she went missing, and a trail was found, but it got cold later.”
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“Then why didn’t they take me away?”
Rook froze for a second before looking at me, surprised. “You were there when they cleaned everything up?”
“Yeah...” I confirmed and explained what happened along with the account of my battle with the creature.
“You’re fucking lucky that you found one of its weak spots,” He murmured, “but how did Ayumi have a mirror after I told her to stay from mirrors?”
“Wait, what..?!”
He turned and in a very low voice said, “I’ll tell you more details tomorrow night, but the gist is that when we met, I told her to rid of all mirrors in her house and she told me she did. She didn’t seem like the type to lie so..... But say no more until then!”
“But I—”
“No more!” He hushed, “Me getting a visitor is already suspicious enough. They are monitoring me. You need to leave soon and go straight home. Don’t act out of character and mention nothing to anyone. There are eyes everywhere.”
He quickly leads me to the door. “Remember what I told you or everything goes to Hell.” And he closed the door.
As Rook closed the door, leaving me standing outside his apartment, a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts engulfed me. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders, mingling with a sense of urgency and purpose. Rook's words echoed in my mind, the gravity of his warning seeping into my consciousness.
I retraced my steps down the dimly lit corridor, feeling the weight of each footfall. The photographs on the walls seemed to watch me as I passed, their frozen images capturing fleeting moments of joy and sorrow. I couldn't help but wonder about the stories behind those frames, the lives they represented. Were there others who had been caught in the clutches of the mirror monster?
As I descended the elevator, my mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of the puzzle. The keycard and the wooden box Rook had given me felt like tangible symbols of a world I was about to delve into—a world of secrets and danger. What could be inside the box that was so important, so crucial to our understanding of Ayumi's fate?
Stepping out of the building into the bustling city streets, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. Every passerby seemed to hold a secret, their glances filled with hidden meanings. Was Rook right about the presence of eyes everywhere? I couldn't afford to take any chances. I quickened my pace, blending into the stream of people rushing to their own destinations.
Returning home, I found solace in the familiar surroundings of my small apartment. The soft glow of lamplight bathed the room, casting shadows that danced and flickered against the walls. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I placed the keycard and the wooden box on the nightstand, their presence a constant reminder of the impending rendezvous with Rook.
A mixture of anticipation and anxiety coursed through me as I contemplated the events that had unfolded. Ayumi's disappearance, the enigmatic mirror monster, the hidden forces at play—everything seemed to be connected in a web of intrigue and danger. I couldn't help but wonder what Rook would reveal tomorrow night, what truths lay hidden beneath the surface.
As I lay in bed, sleep eluded me, my mind consumed by thoughts of Ayumi and the path I had chosen. The haunting melody of the music from Rook's apartment echoed in my ears, the enigmatic atmosphere of his living space etched in my memory. I couldn't afford to falter or doubt myself. Ayumi deserved answers, and I was determined to find them, no matter the cost.
As I drifted into sleep, the weariness of the day's events clung to my body, pulling me into a realm where reality intertwined with the surreal. The boundaries of time and space dissolved, transporting me to a dreamscape of memories and shadows.
In the depths of my slumber, the haunting melody from Rook's apartment lingered in the air, its ethereal notes carrying me through a labyrinth of thoughts and emotions. I stood in an empty gallery, its walls adorned with the artwork of Ayumi's dreams. Paintings came to life, their colors bleeding and swirling, depicting scenes both beautiful and macabre.
One canvas caught my attention—a portrait of Ayumi, her vibrant spirit captured in brushstrokes. But as I gazed upon the painting, the image shifted, her features morphing into something unsettling. Her eyes turned hollow, devoid of life, and her smile twisted into a grotesque grin. The once joyful strokes transformed into dark and foreboding lines as if the mirror monster itself had seeped into the art.
A chill ran down my spine, a silent warning of the imminent danger that lurked within the shadows. Suddenly, the gallery morphed into a dimly lit room, its atmosphere heavy with an otherworldly presence. Mirrors lined the walls, reflecting distorted images of my reflection, each one a distortion of reality.
Fear gripped me tightly as I stared at the mirrors. My reflection twisted and contorted, mirroring my deepest fears. The room seemed to close in on me, suffocating me with its malevolent aura. I could feel the icy fingers of terror creeping up my spine.
But in the midst of my fear, a figure emerged from the shadows. A sense of calm washed over me as Ayumi's friend stepped forward, exuding strength and courage. Her eyes met mine, filled with determination and empathy. However, I couldn’t clearly see her face. It was blurry and distorted, but I couldn’t figure out why.
"We can face this together," she said, her voice steady yet filled with compassion. "Don't let the mirrors control you. They're just illusions."
Her words resonated within me, and a glimmer of courage flickered in the darkness. With her by my side, we slowly approached the mirrors, defying their intimidating presence. The distorted reflections seemed to writhe and twist as if trying to maintain their hold on us.
She reached out and touched one mirror, her fingers brushing against the cool surface. A surge of light radiated from her touch, engulfing the room in a warm glow. The mirrors began to crack and shatter, their fragments falling to the ground like broken dreams.
As the mirrors shattered, the menacing presence of the mirror monster materialized. Its form was a grotesque amalgamation of shattered glass and twisted reflections. Its eyes gleamed with malice, a testament to the fear it thrived upon.
My companion's resolve remained unshaken as she faced the monster head-on. She held her ground, confronting her own fears and insecurities. With newfound strength, she raised her voice, defying the monster's hold over us.
"You have no power over me," she declared, her voice resolute. "I am stronger than the illusions you cast."
With a flick of her hands, she demonstrated a display of power. A tsunami of vibrant colors surged forward, each representing a different hue along with a different emotion—fierce reds, tranquil blues, radiant yellows, serene green. The wave crashed down upon the monster, enveloping it in a whirlwind of swirling shades.
The colors danced and intertwined, pulsating with an energy that seemed to defy logic. Sparks of light burst forth from the clash, illuminating the room with a kaleidoscope of hues. It was breathtaking.
I watched in shock and memorization as the monster writhed and recoiled in pain, its twisted body and glass body absorbing the hues assaulting it.
As the wave of colors intensified, it took on a life of its own. Streams of golden light weaved through the torrent, weaving intricate patterns that seemed to hold the power of healing and renewal. The room filled with a palpable sense of hope and resilience, pushing back the darkness that had consumed it.
The mirror monster, once formidable and menacing, now appeared diminished and vulnerable. It struggled to maintain its form, its malevolent essence ebbing away like a receding tide. The colors continued their relentless assault, dissolving the monster's grip on reality, until finally, it shattered into countless shards of fragmented reflections.
Silence settled upon the room, broken only by the gentle echoes of the colors as they gradually subsided. The mirrors, once twisted and distorted, now reflected a renewed sense of clarity and purity. The meadow that emerged in the battle's aftermath was a testament to the power of resilience and the triumph of light over darkness.
My companion stood before me, her hands still outstretched, radiating an aura of strength and determination. Her eyes sparkled with a deep sense of accomplishment, a reflection of her unwavering resolve. The tsunami of colors gradually dissipated, merging seamlessly with the tranquil surroundings.
At that moment, I realized the magnitude of her abilities and the depth of her spirit. She possessed a power that went beyond the physical realm, transcending the limitations of ordinary existence. It was a power born out of her unwavering belief in herself and her connection to something greater.
As she confronted my fears, the monster weakened, its malevolence waning with each passing moment. It recoiled, its distorted form dissipating into nothingness. In its place, a sense of empowerment and liberation filled the room.
The dream shifted once again; the room transformed into a serene meadow bathed in gentle sunlight. My companion stood beside me, her gaze filled with triumph. The echoes of our resilience and determination replaced the echoes of my fears.
“Who are you?”
She didn’t respond, but gave with a warm, soft smile that reminded me of someone who I used to know, but who? But before I could ask questions, she held her hand towards me. But as I reached out to embrace her, a force pulled me away, dragging me up toward the sun. As I was pulled away, I saw her mouth move and mutter something. My eyes fluttered open, the dream dissipating like a wisp of smoke, leaving behind a residue of confusion and warmth. The girl’s voice lingered in my head, but I couldn’t seem to what she said.
As I gathered my thoughts, I realized it was still night... or was it? I checked my phone and noticed that it was almost midnight the next day, the tomorrow when Rook would explain his secrets to me.
I looked out the window towards the silent night outside. The darkness seemed to beckon me, urging me to go to the location Rook specified. The time has come to seek and confront him where I’ll seek the answers and unravel this mystery, and lead to avenging Ayumi.
With a mix of trepidation and determination, I prepared myself for the encounter ahead. I donned a coat to shield myself from the chilly night air, gathering the remnants of courage within me. As I stepped out into the silent streets, I remembered the wooden box Rook gave me. Carefully, I opened the box, and found a knife inside, more specifically, a long precision knife. Confused, I examined it.
The hilt of the knife was an exquisite work of art, carved from shimmering moonstone. Its iridescent surface reflected the faintest glimmers of light, reminiscent of the ethereal glow of moonlit nights. The hilt was ergonomically designed, fitting perfectly into the grasp of my hand, offering a sense of control and balance.
As my fingers traced along the hilt, I could feel the subtle grooves and ridges that provided a secure grip. The moonstone seemed to pulse with faint energy, resonating with the magical essence embedded within the blade itself as if it was alive.
The blade of the knife was crafted from a silvery alloy. Its surface shimmered like liquid silver, possessing a mirror-like quality that seemed to draw in and reflect the ambient light. The blade was flawlessly honed to a razor-sharp edge, seeing the razor gleam.
Etched along the length of the blade were intricate glyphs. The glyphs seemed to glow with soft, pulsating light, casting an otherworldly aura upon the blade.
At the base of the blade, where it met the hilt, a small, translucent gemstone was embedded. The gemstone shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors, refracting light in a mesmerizing display.
There was also a note inside the box which read, “More details when we meet. It’s a weapon for self-defense. Hold on to it until I explain its functions.”
I gave a bewildered look at the note and the knife. A precision knife having special functions? Seriously? Is this true? But why a 10-inch precision knife?
As if he had read my mind, I noticed a small print at the bottom. It read “Don’t ask why it’s a percussion knife. I’ll explain later; I know you’re probably standing here and admiring the knife, so get over here.
I scoffed. He just had to say it. I retracted the knife and slipped it into a coat pocket as the moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the city as if lending me its guidance.
“I'll bring you peace, Ayumi. You better explain yourself Rook or else...” I muttered into the night, my voice faded away into the tranquil silence that was only broken by my echoing footsteps.