PROLOGUE
Scientists once say that in the galaxy there are different types of universe and worlds. Some worlds are exactly the same as our own world; the only catch is that those worlds are different as our own like a parallel universe. Take the world of Gensokyo for instance where its inhabitant by humans and different mystical creatures called 'Youkai'. 'Youkai' is a term of usage towards Japanese folk creatures such as faeries, magicians, tengus and kitsunes. However they do not live at the human villages but in the wilderness. Some youkai do attack humans but this rarely occurs. There are no police or cops in Gensokyo but Gensokyo has its own residential shrine maiden by the name Hakurei Reimu who teaches youkai a lesson or stopping them if they cause any kind of trouble or incident in Gensokyo.
In Gensokyo, there is a village called Mayohiga where boundary youkai namely Yukari Yakumo lives there. Some say that this village is located in the boundary of Gensokyo. Yukari Yakumo ability is manipulation of all boundaries where she could go to any places she like to go, however she sleeps most of the time in her daily life. While she's asleep or away, her two helpers, Ran Yakumo, a nine-tailed fox shikagami and Chen, Ran's nekomata shikagami, will do Yukari's daily chores. Most of the time, Yukari would be sleeping in her own 'bedroom' but today she was talking to Ran as she has something important matters Yukari has to deal with. Chen was just finishing cleaning the floor in their house and was about to tell Ran about it until she sees Yukari opening her portal.
"I'll be off now. Be sure to take care of the place," Yukari says before she enters the portal and closes once she enters it.
Chen walks near Ran and ask "Ran, what's going on and where is our master going?"
Ran, who just notice Chen looks at her and tells her "Miss Yukari is going to the outside world," as Ran decides to prepare tea for both of them in the living room. While pouring the tea in the cups she continues "It seems that she has forgotten to close the boundary between Gensokyo and the outside world. So currently she's trying to find the boundary that she created somewhere in the Forest of Magic,"
Both kneel down and sat on the cushion. Blowing her tea to cool down her drink, Ran drinks it while Chen asks "But can't she just close the boundary at the Forest of Magic?"
Ran puts down her tea and sighs "The problem is that she doesn't remember where she place her boundary but only remember where she last place her boundary in the outside world," She then think for a moment about what her master told her and continues "But knowing that she's fond of the outside world I guess that she might have left the boundary on purpose…"
Chen happy drinks her tea although she spills a bit on her outfit and then realize something "Do you think anyone from the outside world will find her boundary?"
A short silence occurred in the living room where they only hear sound of the breeze. Ran wonders about it but then answers "I don't think there is a single person would find her boundary. Besides, I am sure our Master wouldn't place a boundary so obvious until someone discovers it,"
Chen shrugs and said "Yeah…you're right!" while she happily agrees and drinks her tea. However, Ran was looking outside thinking about her master's actions of leaving her boundary left open.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Forest of Magic, lies Yukari's boundary in one of the trees. Suddenly, Yukari came out of it and landed down safely. She pats her skirt seeing that she have a bit of dust on it and opens her umbrella. She sighs and says to herself "Oh my….it seems that we have an intruder from the outside world…Not as planned…" while closing the boundary behind her.
Chapter 1
Somewhere in the outside world, one of the school's bell rings and children were happily rush out of their classroom. Some were walking back home while some were discussing about their holiday plans. Everyone was doing the same…except for one child who is sitting in one of the classroom tables, daydreaming, while looking outside.
My name is Kaoru Matsuda. I'm a 16 years old boy who lives in Tokyo, Japan. Today I've just finish my school and also the beginning of my summer break. Most of my classmates including myself love the holiday season but still I just wish to have some adventure or excitement in my life. Something that doesn't bored me of my life. Something that….Ouch!
"Hey Fantasy Boy! Are you still daydreaming about your imaginary creatures?"
I turn my head to see who three a paper at me, only to see a few of my classmates, snickering at me. "Hey! I wasn't thinking about that?" as I tell them back.
"Well you better hurry back home before the school closes!" one of the students teases me "You're not getting your magical fairy godmother to save you," as they laugh and run out of the classroom before I get the chance to chase after them.
Well it's time for me to go back home but as you know, there is a good reason why my classmates tease me and also nicknamed me 'Fantasy Boy'. When I was in primary school I once say my ambition is to become a magician who can fly up in the sky and cast magic spells and as little I realize I become a laughing stock. Yes…I still believe in mythical creatures but rarely talk about it to others since some of my classmates finds me strange and even joke about it behind my back. I also have been mistaken for a girl due to my long black hair and by my name "Kaoru". To add insult to injury, I was forced to cross-dress as a princess in one of my school drama a few years ago. At least they didn't insult me of calling me a girl as the 'Fantasy Boy' title is still there.
I'm actually an orphan since my parents passed away in an accident when I was three. Since then I was raised by my landlord. She is friendly who lives in her apartment or to anyone and she looks very young even though she is in her 40s. My landlord once said that she and my parents were good friends. My landlord owns a two-story apartment, mainly those who can't afford to buy a house since the price of a house in Japan is very expensive. So after I grew to 12 years old, I began living in one of the rooms in her apartment as she insist that I live on my own but she support me by giving me some pocket money and teach me how to cook my own food rather than cooking instant noodles everyday. She was like a mother to me so I usually call her "Mom" even though she insists of calling me by her last name 'Naoko'. I do help her out with the chores during weekends or when I'm free. Mostly cleaning the floor or asking for the rental.
At 4.15pm, I reach my apartment after a long hot day. I then notice 'mom', wearing her bright summer outfit while watering the plants.
She sees me and stops watering the plants and wave at me.
"Oh hi Kaoru!" she says with a smile "How was school today?"
"Hi Mom!" I reply "Today's class is ok and I just got a B+ for my report card."
"Well…I'm sure you can do better than that seeing that your history needs improvement," she says.
"I'll study on that tonight…" I reply while I head up the stairs to my dorm room.
"Ah yes…one more thing!" as she stops me "Your friends are here today. They're in your room now fifteen minutes ago,"
"Oh ok! Thanks!" as I heading into my room.
As I enter my room, I open my door and three of my friends greet me in the living room. I say "Hey guys! Sorry to keep you waiting,"
"Nah it's ok! We were just having a chat that's all," says the blonde hair boy, wearing the yellow T-Shirt and blue pants.
"Yea…we were just discussing about the mysteries occurred around these parts…that's all," says the girl in brown hair with glasses and ponytail whose wearing a school uniform outfit.
"So Kaoru…how about we have a little chat before we talk about our trip we plan out?" says the brunette chubby boy who's wearing the white shirt and a brown pants.
"Sure!" as I kneel down at the table "So anyone wants to hear about the spirits living inside the train at midnight?"
"Yeah!" the trio says unison.
Well I guess you know that these are some of my closest friends that I met online. Let me introduce to you the trio. The eldest among us is Harold Cain, the guy with the blonde hair. His real name is Haruto Kaede. He's twenty years old and study in Teito College. Although he like fantasy creatures but he also loves video games. I'm guessing this is where he gets his interest in mystical creatures in the first place. But he once told me that he won third place in one of the regional video game tournament when he was at my age but didn't make it to the nationals due to a cold.
The chubby boy who's busy using his own laptop name is Arata Kobayakawa. He's an eighteen year old computer geek and he's the one who created the forum that I join in called 'Arata's IT and Fantasies'. I have similar interest in terms of the latest technology and information on the latest trend but if you want a guy who knows the cheapest place to get IT stuffs, he's the one you're looking for. He once gave me an IPod for my birthday and now I'm able to listen to some of my favorite songs.
And the shy girl who's the same age as I am is Nana Shizuko. She's a shy girl and doesn't talk much when meeting with new people but once she gets to talk with us, she gets along pretty well. She studies in a different school as I am but I couldn't get the name of the school she's studying since she prefers to keeps it as a secret. Still...she's the first girl that was more fond into Japanese myths that I seen.
All four of us met each other in Arata's forum a few years ago and we have become friends ever since. Well we do have other friends who know my place but it seems they're too busy with their own work.
So we spend our time chatting with each other of our interests and hobbies and also decide to have dinner in my place (Harold order takeaway Chinese food, of course). So during dinner, Harold then brings up the holiday plan.
"Well I like to ask you three, where do you want our holiday trip be?" he asks.
"Why don't we go to the haunted spa resort you once take us there? I pretty sure there's spirits there," I suggests
"No way! That place it's a hoax!" Nana says. "I suggest we spend our time hanging out in Shibuya shopping. I know the best capsule hotel there!"
"That's way too boring!" Arata disagree "There's nothing special there and besides I go there all the time! How about you, Harold? What do you suggest?"
"Why don't we have a camping trip in Jizo Forest?" Harold suggests.
"Huh?" I then enquire him "Why there?"
"Wait…don't you mean the mysterious lady who appears and lives in the haunted house somewhere in Jizo forest?" as Arata realizes what he means.
"Yes!" said Harold as he began to explain "Rumors has is that a young ghost lady in white and purple who carries an umbrella keeps appearing in that house. It is said that the house was lived by one of the noble families many decades ago but due to the amount of murders in that house, no one dares to live there. However, around ten years ago, a camper was taking a hike and was viewing the house when she sees that young lady wandering around in the house and vanishes beneath his eyes. He was so frighten he left the place. Up till now hikers says that it could be the ghost who lives there before and guarding the house due to a distinctive outfit. No one has ever dared to go near there or solve this mystery nor do the police ever bother to investigate this mystery."
"So wait…you're saying is…" as I began to realize his intentions.
"That's right! We're going to investigate that house and solve that mystery whether if the ghost lady does exist!" Harold announce with excitement.
As he announces it, the room was silence. All of us were surprise and stun on what he says. Ten seconds later, Arata quickly place his laptop on the floor and slams on the table, nearly spilling their drinks and yells angrily at him "Are you seriously out of your mind? This is not some cartoon or drama show on television, you know? This is a real ghost! A! REAL! GHOST! "
"Well we can't say it's a really a ghost since this is all speculations and rumors made up by the people," Harold says "Besides, it's best we see it for ourselves than wasting our summer break right?"
"I completely disagree with your idea!" Arata says and then look at me "Kaoru, you disagree with him right?"
Nana notices my expression and tells him "I don't think he's going to agree with you, Arata" as I wasn't daydreaming from what Harold said, with an very happy expression.
"KAORU!" Arata yells at me.
"Huh…oh…err…yeah?" as I snaps out from my daydream.
"Think about it, this is something we have never done before? Can't you think of the consequences?" he says
"But I really do like to check it out. I know the hot spa idea is good but Harold's idea is much better," I reply
"I…I agree with him too!" Nana says while raising her hand.
"Well it looks like we have a majority vote!" Harold says happily "Come on, Arata! Why not join in the fun than being called a coward?
Lost of words from what we say, he gives up "Arrggh! FINE! I give in!"
"Ok gang. We're going to Jizo Forest this coming Sunday," Harold says in excitement.
"YAY!" as we cheer except for Arata who just says it in a low tone as he's still not happy with the idea.
In the past few days, I was packing some of my essential stuffs for my camping trip to Jizo Forest. Well, since we're going to spend the night in the forest too, this considers a camping trip. But I'm very happy and excited about this trip. Not only that I get to check the haunted house but this would be the best summer break that I ever had if we manage to solve this mystery. Well for this trip I brought along some homemade bento that I made for each of us, a few clothing, my IPod (I usually keep it inside one of my pockets), my wallet and a sleeping bag. I think this should be enough for the trip. However, I wasn't able to get some sleep because I was very anxious to wait for the day we go for the trip itself.
So the day has finally arrived and all of us meet each other at my place at 11a.m. Well we were suppose to meet each other an hour earlier but Harold seems to be stuck in the traffic jam since we're all going to use his car. So as I say my goodbye to my 'Mom', we are off to Jizo Forest. During our two hour drive, he had our lunch and also talks about the plans when we reach the forest and even talk about what we essentials we have brought for our trip. As we reach Jizo Forest, we parked our car in one of the parking lots and take our luggage and enter the forest.
Jizo Forest is not only famous because of the high mountain but also famous for its supernatural phenomenon. Here in this forest, there are number of tales instead of the haunted house such as living spirits around the forest and hanging ghost living in the forest. This is why not many people dare to camp in Jizo Forest but so far we are some of the brave people who dare to camp in that forest. The good news is that Harold has his own version of the map to the haunted house so it's easier for us to go there. Well Harold actually came here a few weeks ago to search for the haunted house and then draw out the map. The bad news is that it took us more than 3 hours to find our way to the house since he himself can't recognize his own drawing. Worse comes to worst, the clouds began to grew darker as it was about to rain.
Arata and I were nearly exhausted after a 3 hour hike to our destination and decide to take a break until Harold just notices the house as we were drinking our water. The brown house looks like a double story house but the house is in ruins. The paint around it looks wear and tear, the front door's broken and some of the glass windows are broken and luckily it didn't come off. It's a good thing too as we were about to walk into the house, it began to rain.
"Wow…that was close. Otherwise we'll be soaking wet in a minute or two!" Harold says in relieve.
"Well no thanks to you for using YOUR own map that we're lost," Arata grumbles.
"Still at least we're here in the house itself. Now lets us look for a place to put our bags. We start searching once we find a nice spot," Harold suggests.
"Wait…we're staying here?" ask Nana.
"Well I doubt we can sleep outside the forest even though Arata and you brought a tent along," I reply and look at my watch "And besides, it's almost six o' clock and it's going to get dark so I guess we have no choice…"
"…Yeah! Blame it to -Map-Is-Accurate" Arata sternly looks at Harold.
"Hey! At least we've arrived ok? Stop complaining, ok?" Harold says. "Anyway…let's look around for a nice spot ok?"
And so after a few minutes of search, we manage to find a nice empty room on the first floor. The living room was huge but dirty seeing how old is the we place our stuffs, Harold takes out torch lights for each of us and tells us that he, Nana and I to search the house for any clues of the ghost lady with the umbrella. Arata will stay in the livingroom while he sets up some of our stuffs, Harold will search for clues around this floor while Nana and I search upstairs for clues and decide to meet back at the living room in half an hour.
So while Arata's trying to set up our sleeping area, Nana and I went upstairs while Harold check the lower floor and most probably the basement too if they have. As we reach the top floor, the hallway was long as we can't see what's in front of us without our torch lights. There were many rooms and we decide to check each of it. However all we see is an empty bedrooms filled with cobwebs and spiders. But one of the rooms is a piano room with a cupboard. Although the cupboard is lock, the piano still works after so many years. This is odd. We assume that the piano would be broken. It's even more strange that the piano has not been covered with dust as if someone was here before. Rather than further investigate, we went back downstairs where we're going to sleep. At least while Arata's waiting, he cleans up the dust around the floor with the broom he found. So while we have dinner of my bento I make, we have a little discussion regarding our finding.
"So did you guys find anything?" Arata asks.
"Well so far there wasn't anything to search except the basement where I see an old sewing machine. But it hasn't been used before," Harold reply and then ask us "What about you two?"
"Well there's nothing special in the bedrooms but we do find a piano room that is oddly strange," I reply
"The piano itself wasn't covered with dust at all," Nana adds in.
"Hmm..kindly odd…." Harold wonders and then joke "Maybe the lady plays it!"
"Man…you have the time and place to make joke in here…" Arata sighs
"So anyway…what's our plan now?" I ask "I mean how we're supposed to find this ghost lady with the umbrella?"
"Good point seeing that she can't just walk straight pass us or something at night…." Nana says.
"I have an idea," as Harold comes up with an idea, with a sneaky smile "How about one of us sleep in another room beside the piano room?"
Arata realizes it and nervously says "Err…That...that reminds me! I need to sleep now!" as he quickly opens his sleeping bag and hide shivering inside.
"Coward…." Harold jeers at him "Anyone wants to volun..."
"ME!" I interrupt while raising my hand.
"You as expected," said Harold with relieve "We never know what make your act so bravely. This is more like the time you win my dare by sleeping alone in a haunted room a few years ago,"
"Well it wasn't scary at all seeing that you guys even try to fool me before when I actually mean by not being afraid of ghost or creatures," as I say to them, fearlessly.
"Well ok…" Harold says as he knew he won't change my mind "Just be sure to take a few of your stuffs including your sleeping bag just in case ok?"
I nod and while I was taking some of my essentials, Nana asks me "Are you sure you don't want anyone to accompany you?"
"That's ok!" I reply "I'll be fine. I promise!"
"Err…ok…" Nana replies with a worried tone
So there I was in one of the bed rooms beside the piano room in two hours time. Harold gave me a walkie-talkie for me to keep update while Nana gave me a small spare bag for me to carry some essentials while Arata…he ask me to take some of the comics if I get bored. So I place most of the stuffs in Nana's bag especially a spare bento and a small bottle of water just for emergency before I head upstairs to the room I'm sleeping. The room was a bit uncomfortable due to a number of cobwebs but it was worth it. Hours has pass by as I keep myself awake by reading comics or even hearing my IPod songs but nothing. There was no sign of activity. I was feeling sleepy as it was almost midnight and decided to take a nap. Sigh…If I don't see any ghost it's actually to be expected since I never seen one but hope to see any kinds of fantasy or mythical creatures. This is why I was so brave since I know myself I won't be seeing any types of mythical creatures.
But as soon as I began to take a nap, suddenly I feel a sudden chill…no it's not the wind or the rain. I heard a loud walking sound but it was faint and oddly I don't seem to get any contact with my friends. Not only that, I tried to talk on the walkie-talkie but it seems that it didn't give any feedback. I heard the sound as it comes closer and closer. I tried not to make a move but peep at one of the small hole that I can see through the piano room. The hole was small enough to see the whole piano room door. The sound was very near to me and then it stops. The sound then changes to the sound of a creaking noise from the piano room door. As soon as I know the door open, I can't believe my eyes as I see through the hole. I see the ghost lady with the umbrella. She's wearing a hat with blonde hair and her looks like a young adult. I'm guessing she's 30. Her outfit's a white gown with a purple cloth at the centre. I can't see exactly how it looks like since I was too stiff to make a move as I worry that she would see me. However, the girl didn't seem to notice me but instead I heard her opening the cupboard. How odd…the cupboard was supposed to be closed as we last checked. Then there was silent.
My heart was pounding very hard as I worry that I would get caught. I didn't make a move for a few minutes until I get up and call on the walkie-talkie. No reply again. So I have no choice but to go to my friends but it's best to check why the ghost enters the cupboard. I take the bag that Nana gave me and quietly sneak inside the piano room. As I enter, no one was there but then I look around and to my shock, I see a portal inside the cupboard. The portal's a bit unique. Not only it has ribbons on two sides, but there were dozens…no…maybe more than that inside the portal. Is this the path to the underworld? I move closer and put my hand inside the strange portal. It seems to go through inside. I stand inside the cupboard since there is enough space for me to enter and put half of my body inside the portal to have a better look. Inside I see millions of eyes around the place. It wasn't what I expected I taught this was just a holographic picture but this is real. I can't believe my eyes. It's real. The story is true. Still…its best I better go tell this to the guys.
Suddenly, as I was daydreaming, out of nowhere the cupboard door furiously shuts itself, slamming my butt which pushes my whole body inside the portal. I make a loud scream as I was falling. Falling endlessly as I was screaming in fear. Not only because of the fall but millions of eyes staring at me and I am now even more scared to even look around the place. The eyes were looking at me and I know myself I might be in hell. Not only that my body feels like I've been struck by lightning as I can feel millions of volts in my entire body. I can't do anything but just scream. Luckily I see an exit and was happy that I'm saved and want to end this nightmare now. But I realize that as I exited out the portal, I drop down on the ground pretty hard, knocking myself unconsciously.
I woke up with a groan with a pain in some parts of my body but no broken bones. I look around the area and notice I was in the forest knowing that the first thing in mind is that I end up back in Jizo Forest. I even notice that it was already dawn and look at my watch; it was almost six in the morning. Oh crap. I have been knocked out for so long that I didn't know that I fallen asleep in the forest. I looked up to see the same portal I dropped down. In an instance, I ran away from it after all I have been through. As I walk a few miles from the hell portal, I realize one thing. I'm lost. I take out the walkie-talkie in my bag and call them but there's no signal. I even try to use my hand phone but there is no reception. I then try to call for help but I realized that there's no one here but only to hear the sound of the forest. I panic as I can't do anything.
Still I feel hungry and decide to have an early breakfast by eating the spare bento that I made. After my breakfast, I decide to find a way out of the forest and get help. As an hour pass by, I walk and walk but I can't seem to find the exit. Suddenly, I feel dizzy. I try to walk but my vision seems blurry. To make matters worse, I feel my body in pain and I feel that I was going to collapse at any moment. Please not now. I have to move. I don't want to die. But soon, my body gave up and I collapse onto the ground. I can't move or even get up. I can't believe that I'm going to die at the place like this. Mom. Dad. I'm sorry but I'm going to meet you soon. Just then, I feel my body's a bit light and try to open my eyes, I notice someone was carrying me but I can't see who it was as I pass out.
Back at the haunted house, it was already noon and Kaoru's friends were in panic as they were searching for him. They were outside at the entrance yelling for him.
"KAORU!" yell Harold "WHERE ARE YOU?"
"LOOK IF THIS IS A JOKE IT'S NOT FUNNY!" Arata yell.
"KAORU!" yell Nana "CAN YOU HEAR US?"
"It's no use…" as Harold was out of breath "We look everywhere in this house. He's not here!"
"Great! Just great! How are we going to explain to Miss Naoko? She's not going to be happy the moment she finds out that Kaoru's missing?" Arata say in panic.
"I don't understand," said Nana "His bags are still at the bedroom. How did he manage to disappear so quickly?"
"This is all your fault, Harold!" Arata angrily say to him "If you haven't been giving this idea in the first place we wouldn't have this sort of problem!"
"Well if you haven't been chicken out in the first place Kaoru wouldn't have volunteer!" Harold reply.
"PLEASE STOP!" yell Nana as she was about to cry "This is not the right time to be fighting!"
The boys realize what she says and calm down. Harold takes a deep breath and says "Yeah…you're right! I'm the one should be blame for this mess,"
"No! It's our fault too!" Arata apologies "We weren't brave as he does. Never taught this would happen…"
"Excuse me? What's all the noise?" as they heard a female voice.
"Oh well we were just….OH MY GOD!" as Arata sees her and said in a shock.
The moment the other two looks at her, they notice they are seeing the mysterious ghost lady with the umbrella as the group hug in fear.
"What's wrong with you three? You look like you seen a ghost?" she ask.
"YOU'RE the ghost that we heard of!" Nana replies.
"I get it! She's here to eat us!" Arata says.
"Hold on! Aren't ghosts supposed to appear at night?" Harold wonders.
"Huh?" as she was a bit confuse regarding the situation. She then understands what's going on and giggles "I see. But I do have legs! See!" as she pulls up her down showing two legs with black shoes.
Kaoru's friends finally calm down into relieved and Nana asks "Sorry about it. We taught you were the ghost and now our friend is missing, Miss…."
"Yukari!" she introduces herself "Call me Yukari! Now care to explain what's going on since you I like to know why you are here and your missing friend Kaoru?"
And so Kaoru's friends explain to Yukari regarding their trip to the haunted house and it seems that their friend Kaoru is missing after they woke up.
"I see." As Yukari understand what exactly happen "I assume that your friend might have taken the secret underground tunnel," "'Underground tunnel'?" Arata asks "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh I remember!" as Harold realizes something "There was some sort of trap door on the floor at the basement but I open it to see a hole with a ladder below,"
"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Nana asks.
"Well I'm claustrophobic!" Harold replies "I was too scared to go down there and might ask one of you guys to help me out the next day. Besides it was getting dark and I don't think it's a good idea to go down there,"
"But Miss Yukari, how did you find this place?" asks Nana.
Yukari explains it to them "Well just some months ago I was taking a walk in this forest and find a cave. I decide to have a look and was surprise to see a ladder and find out that it leads to this place. It was a nice place to stay as a temporary shelter every weekend. However the room in this place was full of cobweb and spiders so I secretly build a room for me to sleep,"
"That explains it," as Arata gets it "So does that mean the 'ghost' rumor was…"
"It was just a misunderstanding. I can't remember clearly but there was a man who was clearly frighten of me and fainted before I get the chance to meet him. But its best that I hide myself in my underground room since no one will ever notice it," Yukari continues.
The guys feel in relieve and disappointed about it. But then Harold realizes something "But wait, what about Kaoru?"
"Hmm…I'm guessing that your friend might have exited the tunnel to search for the 'ghost' you guys were hoping for. But problem is that he might end up lost since there are dozen of caves below. I was lucky that there are no animals living there," Yukari says.
"So then Kaoru's in trouble?" Nana says. "We have to find him,"
As they were going back inside the house, Yukari stopped them "Hold on! If all of you go down there, I'm worry that you three will end up lost like your friend,"
"So what should we do? We can't contact him using the walkie-talkie?" Harold says.
"Why don't you leave him to me? You give me your contact number and address. Just give me a few days and I'll contact you," Yukari suggests.
"Well…I suppose so," as Harold says "What do you think guys?"
"I guess we have no choice seeing we only bring our essential stuffs for the haunted house but not the rescue search team," Arata sighs.
"Well Miss Yukari just help us find our friend or we have to come back here looking for him!" Nana says.
"I will!" Yukari promises.
And so as they pack their belongings, they waved goodbye to Yukari and left the house. However there were some doubts after they were near Harold's car
"You know….something been bothering me ever since we left. How DID she come to Jizo Forest in the first place?" Arata wonders.
"That's right! She doesn't seem to have a car around here?" Harold says.
"Hey guys! I think we didn't see a car over there!" as Nana points at the white small car just a few meters away.
"But are you sure we can trust Miss Yukari?" Harold says as they enter the car after putting their bags inside.
"I am not sure if it's just me but I wonder why trust her?" said Nana as Harold starts the car.
"Whatever happens we have to keep this as a secret for now and if there's no sign or call from either Yukari or Kaoru, we're will have to come back here!" Arata tells them as they drove out of the place.
As they left, suddenly, the car that they see disappears into thin air, only to leave behind a paper talisman. Back at the haunted house, Yukari sense that their gone and sigh in relieve.
"Phew. I taught that lie would never work. Still I never taught that I have to use illusions to fool them. Oh well! I guess have to look for the boy…after I shut the boundary first,"
Yukari decide to go back to the piano room and opens the cupboard to see the portal or the boundary she refers to. She seems to know where the boy went and enters it as it closes behind her.
Meanwhile, Kaoru finds himself in a dark location where he only sees emptiness.
"Where am I? Hello? Anyone?" as I cry out loud.
Icouldn'tseewhereIamasitwastoodark.AllIseeisdarknessaroundme.Suddenly,Ihearanevillaughandturnaroundtoseetheghostlady.
"Hehehe! Kaoru, how dare you wakening me up from my slumber? Now you must pay!" as the ghost lady laughs.
I was scared and tell her "Wait hold on! It was just…"
She interrupts "SILENCE! You will become food for my pet!"
As I see her summon out a giant Evil Eye, I realize I was going to die "No! Wait! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you! Please forgive me!" but my words were not heard but only the sound of her laughter while the Evil Eye began to open its mouth and devour me and I just scream. But then I woke up knowing that I just have a bad dream.
"What a nightmare!" as I thinks to myself but then I realize was sleeping in a futon and wasn't in the haunted house but another house since the place looks clean. "Where am I?"
Just then I heard a girl's voice "Oh you're awake. You just give me a fright," which I think I might have shout a bit too loud.
"Sorry. I was having a nightmare," I say in a low tone but wonders about my voice. I look at her to see a brunette girl who is wearing a white blouse, a black short skirt and some sort of a red hat that I can't make out. "How long was I asleep and where am I?" I ask in a low tone again.
"You were unconscious for a day and we're at Hakurei Shrine since that's the nearest place I could find. You were lucky that I find you lying unconsciously and decide to help you," she explains.
"Th..thanks…" as I said in a low voice but realize something's wrong with my voice.
"No problem. I have to help a fellow female crow tengu like yourself, you know," she replies with a smile.
"I see…" I said and realize what she says "Wait…I'm a WHAT?"
"A female crow tengu," she replies "Is there something wrong?"
"No. It can't be…I'm a boy…" as I said in disbelieve.
"Huh? You're a boy? Well I don't think a boy has this looks?" as she gives me a hand mirror from the table.
As I look in the mirror, I was shock as I see myself as a girl. I really have turned into a female and I yell out loud.. I panic as I look at myself as I grow breasts and missing my…I don't even want to say I even notice two small black wings behind my back and was utterly confuse on what has happened to me. No. This is not right. This is a dream. It must be. I keep pinching myself in the cheeks but I'm still here. Please make me wake up. Just then another girl who dresses up like a shrine maiden opens the door rudely and enters the room. She wore a red and white outfit and wore a red ribbon on her head.
"Hey Aya! What's with all the noise? And how's your twin sister?" she asked.
"Well…I can say she's feeling ok but it seems that she assumes she's a boy," Aya said, puzzle about the situation. "And she isn't my sister!"
"But I am a boy! How did I end up like this? Did you do this to me?" as I was going to cry
"You tell me. The moment Aya came with you this morning, we see you as a female as it is now," the shrine maiden replies.
"What? But I'm telling the truth!" I said "I just escape from the hell portal and ended up in Jizo Forest and fainted,"
"Jizo Forest? You fainted in the Forest of Magic," says Aya
"Is there such a place here in Japan?" I ask
"Japan? Where exactly did you end up?" the shrine maiden girl asked.
"'He' or I should now say 'She' is not from our world, Reimu," says a female voice.
"Ahhh!" as I points at the portal "That's the portal that I came out from!"
"So that's what they called in the outside world," as Yukari came out from the boundary and closes it "But here we called it 'boundary' for your information,"
"The ghost lady!" as I move back in the corner in fear while the two girls were confuse about my reaction. "Please don't hurt me!"
"Oh it's just Yukari. Don't worry, Yukari's harmless," Reimu said and then face Yukari "And I guess you know who she is?"
"Yes…although I am a bit too late," she said while she closes her umbrella "I take it you're Kaoru Matsuda,"
I nod and ask "You know me?"
"Yes. Your friends have told me about you," she says and then ask me "Now before I continue; care to explain how you manage to end up in this mess?"
And so I told them on how I enter the portal and somehow collapse in the forest and realize that I've ended up being a female youkai (Japanese folk creature) out of the blue.
"And that's how I ended up here!" as I end my story.
"Well…I hate to tell you this but you're not in Japan or Jizo Forest when you drop down from my boundary," Yukari says.
"Boundary? You mean the portal I drop down?" I ask.
"Yes. You actually ended up in the Forest of Magic and you're lucky that no youkai came to attack you," she says.
"So where am I?" I enquire.
"Well…you're in a land called Gensokyo, the land of fantasy where humans and youkai live together." Yukari explains "This land of fantasy is a sacred place and only a few people from the outside world know about Gensokyo. But you're the first person who enters my boundary. I never would have suspect this would happen,"
"How did she end up like this?" Aya ask.
"Well from what I can tell from her story…sorry since you're a girl now its best I call you a 'she'…it seems that my boundary has a side effect towards human males who comes into Gensokyo from the outside world." Yukari explains "I am not sure about the time limit before the effect kicks in but it seems that Kaoru would transform into any creature and gender the first person who touches her. That's all I know of it,"
"Can you change me back or take me back home?" I plead to her.
However Yukari give a big sigh and said "I'm sorry but I don't know how. Neither does anyone here. Even if you manage to go back to your own world, I figure you still be stuck in that form. Also it's hard to tell whether you have return to your true form when you go back to your world as from now this is your permanent form when you're in Gensokyo,"
"What?" as I was surprise "How long would I be stuck in this form?"
"Well about a year or two or worse case forever!" Yukari says
"NO WAY! You mean I'm stuck in this form for the rest of my life? How am I supposed to face my friends and family? I can't go back like this," I said as I cry.
"Well you have no choice but to tell a lie that you have gone overseas with me for studies or some good excuses," Yukari said. "I'm sorry but you have to accept it the way you are,"
As I was still crying "But…But…."
"Don't worry. I try to find a way to restore your true form when you return back to your own world. I promise," she says.
"I see," as I tried to calm down and stop crying "It just that this never happen to me before…"
"Well sometimes you never know what's going to happen in the future. No one can," Yukari comfort me.
"By the way…sorry to ask but what's your name?" I asked.
"Oh, I guess I haven't introduced myself!" she says "I'm Yukari Yakumo, a youkai who manipulated all kinds of boundaries,"
"I'm Reimu Hakurei, the only human shrine maiden in my home, the Hakurei Shrine," Reimu introduces.
"And I'm Aya Shameimaru, your friendly neighborhood reporter of Gensokyo!" Aya introduce herself.
"Nice to meet you," I says "Just out of curiosity, are all youkai are human-like in Gensokyo? I mean I read lots of books and you look…different,"
"Well you'll be surprise that all the youkai in Gensokyo are all humanoid so don't be surprises?" says Yukari.
"Well since that's been settle…what are we going to do with Kaoru here?" ask Reimu "As what Kaoru said, she…err…he…err…whatever she is now, has friends and family worrying about her,"
"Well to tell you the truth I only have my friends. My parents passed away when I was young," I says.
"Oh…sorry to hear that," Reimu apologizes "But anyway, how are we suppose to help you out since there's no way you're going to explain this form to your friends,"
"I have a suggestion," Yukari says calmly. "But before that…you need to make your 'wings' disappeared?"
"And a place for you to stay since I'm not going to let her stay in my shrine," Reimu says
"Why not?" I ask
"Because she thinks that it wouldn't bring any people to come to this shrine if she keeps you here," Aya giggles.
"Shut up!" Reimu fumes.
"Besides, it's not like she can stay in my place even though I want her too," Aya joke.
"That's a great idea! Kaoru can stay in your place instead," Yukari says.
"I was just joking you know!" as Aya realizes her mistake.
"Besides, you two are more like twin sisters and by my understanding, because you touch and save her, you turn her into what she is now, am I right Yukari if this is what you're going to tell Aya?" Reimu says.
"That's exactly true seeing that you save her first!" Yukari agrees.
"Well…I don't know what to say but…thank you so much!" I thank them while bowing down to them.
"Well..ok. I guess you can stay in my place," Aya gives in "But before you follow Yukari's idea, we need to make your wings invisible,"
"Ok!" I says.
And so I stay at Reimu's place for Aya to teach me how to make my wings invisible (Since she prefers to do it there must to Reimu's dismay) while Yukari decides to go back to the outside world to post some mail in my friends' mailbox at night, telling them that she found them and tell them to meet him in the afternoon. Yukari told me at night that she spy on them and knows my friends were thrilled when they received her mail to see me tomorrow. But I was unsure of the plan even though I manage to learn how to make myself like a girl without wings. However Yukari told me the plan and was surprise that it would work.
So the next day, Harold, Arata and Nana all reached at my apartment in a foggy morning. As they enter the room, they see me with Yukari. They were overjoyed and happy to see me. But more importantly, they are seeing my original form. You see I dunno what happen but somehow Yukari cast some sort of spell and can't believe that none of my friends even my 'Mom' never notice any chances when I came back. So I have a chat with my friends about how I ended up lost in the forest after I came out of the cave and was unconscious while Yukari save me.
"…And that's how I manage to return home safely the next day," as I told my friends.
"I'm glad you're safe dude but…don't do that again ok?" Harold says.
"I won't and I'm sorry," I reply.
"So how about celebrate by having lunch together!" Arata announce.
I look at Yukari and she nod "Well ok but before that I need to tell you something…You see…today is also my last day here since I'll be going to London with Yukari for studies…"
"What? So soon!" as Harold was surprise "Why?"
I felt a bit of guilt on myself and replies "Well…you see…."
"Well I was the one who suggested it since he was feeling depress in Japan and have only a few friends like yourselves," she interrupts "I offer him to study in London if he comes along with me. At first he refuses but then he changes his mind and decides to follow me. Sorry for the rush since I was planning to go back to London today."
"When will you be leaving?" ask Arata.
"Around three o' clock," I said.
"Aww…man. You come up with the bad timing since I have to meet up with my friends to practice for the tournament this evening," Harold sighs.
"And I have to visit a customer to help fix her computer," Arata says.
"I see." I said and the notice Nana was really quiet "Nana? What's wrong with you?"
"I…err…Nothing…" Nana says with her heads down.
"Say how about Arata and I go and buy lunch for all of us. How about you, Miss Yukari?" he ask
"Sure!" she says.
"Let's go now! You can stay here Nana!" he says while pulling Arata's hand out of my apartment.
"Hey wait! What gives!" as Arata says while they both left.
Realizing what's going on, Yukari stand up and tells me "I need to tell the landlord about this too ok? You get packing!"
"Well ok!" I nod as she left the room too.
So as they left, Nana and I decide to pack my bags. However, Nana seems to be silent as we pack.
"Well since I don't need much clothes for London I guess this will do," as I finish packing and place it in the living room "Thanks Nana,"
"You lied!" as she finally speak out.
"Huh?" I wonder.
"You lied!" as she turns around in tears "You can fool them but you can't fool me!"
"What…what are you talking about" I lie.
"Please stop with the charade!" she yells while taking off her glasses while wiping her tears "The truth is I have known you since when we were kindergarten but I guess you can't remember me. You once help me from bullies and you ended up being mistaken by a bully and got scolded by the teachers,"
As I tried to remember back "Wait…you're Crybaby Ana?"
"YES! That's me," as she admits "You call me that since you see by my broken name tag so you didn't see the 'N'. "
"But why? Why did you leave after that incident?" I ask.
She continues "After kindergarten, my father has to work in Hokkaido so we have to move there. But I actually return back to Tokyo after I finish my high school and coincidentally I ended up in the same school as you do but we rarely met,"
"I see…but that doesn't mean I'm lying now…" as I tried to cover it up..
"There is one time that you tell your friends that fantasy creatures are a lie. I was angry and decide to slap you but then I see the same expression you're showing. After class, I spy on you and you were crying that you regret of saying that just because people call you names," she explains. "And now…you're showing the same expression and guilt to me,"
Realizing that I have to tell the truth I said "I see…I'm sorry but I…"
"Please don't!" she says while covering my mouth with her hand "I don't know what has happen to you but please be alright by the time you settle your problem!"
I was lost of words and put her hand out of my mouth "Well..I.."
"Kaoru! I'll be waiting here once you get back from 'London' or whatever places you're going. But please promise me you will explain it to me truthfully once you settle your problems. No matter if it's a lie or truth!" as she began to cry in tears.
As I was give in while she's crying all I can say is "I…I promise! And I'm sorry about it…"
Outside, Yukari was eavesdropping at the door and says to herself "It seems this girl has fallen in love with him. But I guess he's too young to realize it just yet. Humans are so interesting,"
Just then, Harold and Arata came with their lunches and said "Hey Miss Yukari. Our lunches are here!"
"Oh ok! Let's go in!" Yukari said.
As they enter, Nana and I acted normally as nothing has happened while Arata help to set our lunch while Harold stands beside Yukari, watching them.
Then, Yukari whisper to Harold "You know this would happen, didn't you?"
"Well…who knows," as Harold shrugs "Let's just say that Nana once tell me something that she should be keeping a secret before. Just don't tell anyone ok?" he winks.
"Likewise," Yukari says.
And so we celebrate a short farewell party with our lunches and I promise to everyone that I will write them a letter back to them since I don't think there's an internet connection in Gensokyo so I have to lie that Yukari doesn't have a computer like mine but an old one that can't use a modem. Before bidding them farewell, I took a picture of me and my friends before they leave my apartment. I also say goodbye to my 'Mom' and walk off with Yukari. We walk for a few miles to a safer spot for Yukari to open the boundary and we went back to Gensokyo. We are back at the Hakurei Shrine where Reimu and Aya are waiting for us while I was back to my female form.
I ask "Miss Yukari…"
"Please…Just call me Yukari" she says with a smile.
"Yukari, where did you learn to do this illusion?" I ask
"Well let's just say I ask someone in Gensokyo to help me create illusions whenever I go to the outside world," she said while opening her umbrella "But sadly that the illusion spells are not permanent and last for a short period of time. I place an illusion mark on your back so that your friends and those who know you will see your actual self. But this illusion mark only works once and that's it. She's good in making it but I can't tell you who is it since it's a trade secret,"
"It's ok. At least I get to say my goodbye to them," I say in relieve but a bit sad as I think about Nana's words.
"Welcome back!" Reimu says. "Aya's bring in some clothes for you?"
"Why do I need those clothes?" I ask
"Well you can't possibly wear this outfit seeing that you look strange to other people so it's best you wear something that suits you," she says.
"What about the stuffs I'm carrying?" I ask.
"Don't worry. Just change into your outfit,' Aya says. "I'll deal with your bags,"
Without hesitating, I wore the outfit and notice that the outfit looks a bit similar to what Aya's but my skirt is light green and so as the…red shoes that somehow has a one-tooth below it. I'm guessing this is a Tengu geta only these shoes than just sandals. As I wear it, at first I taught I might fall down but oddly I manage to balance myself in perfect shape. Guess that being a tengu wasn't that hard trying to balance. I went outside to be amaze by the trio of my looks and outfit.
"Wow! You really do look like me!" Aya jokes
"Only Kaoru has longer hair, has blue eyes, wearing a light green skirt and a blue scarf. This should be able to tell the difference," Yukari giggles.
"Err…thanks!" I said as I look around "Where are my bags?"
"Oh that! I already put it in my house," Aya says.
"That…was fast?" I said in surprise.
Reimu explain it to Kaoru "Aya has the abilities to manipulate wind so she could consider herself one of the fastest person in Gensokyo,"
"Yup! I'll show you later!" Aya said happily.
"Say any idea what my ability is?" I ask
"Come to think of it, I'm curious too about your ability," Reimu says "Any ideas, Yukari?"
"Hmm…Aya, why don't you give her one of your fans?" Yukari ask
"Sure!" said Aya while taking out one of her fan and gives it to Yukari.
"Ok, Kaoru! Try to use this fan and concentrate on that big rock over there?" Yukari said while pointing at the rock beside her.
So I give it all I got by trying to shoot something but nothing happen. I taught I have the wind ability but I don't seem to have it. As I keep trying, I gave up, tired.
"Well it seems that you don't have Aya's ability," Reimu said.
"Hm..this maybe harder than I think…" Yukari says.
"Well…I can't seem to LIFT that big rock!" I said angrily while pointing the rock with Aya's fan.
Suddenly the big rock began to float a bit. All of us were surprise about it. I then say 'Land' in order for the rock to drop down safely and it did. I then tested my powers on Reimu but it didn't work. At that moment, everyone realize what powers I have.
"It seems you are able to levitate certain inanimate objects," Yukari said "Can you try using your powers to fly?"
I followed what Yukari tells me and said "Hmm…Err..Flight?" Suddenly I float up but I lost my balance and land down onto the ground. "Oww!"
"Well I guess that needs practice," Reimu says "And don't even think of trying to lift my shrine!"
"I doubt she can at this level. But soon she has to learn how to use her powers wisely," Yukari says
"Well...At least you learn what's your powers and flight," as she pulls me up. "Kaoru, I think we both make a great tengu team if you keep practicing your powers!"
"Thanks," I said and then ask "So Aya, you're a reporter right? Is it ok if I…."
"Sure! I sure need an assistant like you around seeing that my other friends are busy!" Aya interrupt.
"That's not what I mean!" I said angrily.
"I don't think there's any point of arguing, Kaoru," Reimu said "Once Aya made up her mind, there's no changing it. Besides, all crow tengu are mainly reporters but so far only a few tengus manage to print out newspapers including Aya herself,"
"Well ok. This is my way of saying thanks for letting me stay in your house, Aya!" I say.
"No problem! Even though I do it all by myself, I do need an assistant too," she giggled.
"You do it all by yourself? Are you sure you're not joking or talking nonsense?" I ask.
"Well Kaoru, get use to it!" Reimu said while patting her shoulder "Most common sense doesn't apply here in Gensokyo!"
"Err..okay…" I said in a low tone but then realize something. "Oh yeah…have you seen my bag? You know the smaller bag that I carry?"
"Oh that! You mean this one?" as Aya pulls out Nana's bag.
"That's the one," as I take it from Aya. "Thanks!"
"It's ok. And I have to apologize if I was going to sell some of the items in your bag!" she says.
"What? You can't do that you know?" I say.
"Kidding. I'm kidding!" Aya says. "Anyway, ready to go to your new home?"
"Sure!" I say.
"Let me help you!" as Aya opens another boundary. "I'll keep in touch with you if I find any leads, okay?"
I nodded and I wave goodbye to Reimu and Yukari, thanking them for their help and enter the boundary. So there I am getting a wish that I expected. However…I don't think this is what I have in mind. I wonder what other expectations I'm going to expect. Still Gensokyo will be my new home until I find a way to transform me back to my original form when I get back.