I am back with another update. I apologize for the long delay. I have been busy with my other stories and getting prepped for school. So I will be super busy this fall and you will expect to see delays between now and then. I am grateful to faithful readers who give their full support with their kind reviews and constructive comments. If you have any recommendations for the next chapters, don't be shy and tell me so. The chapter updated takes place four years afterwards. It was obvious watching that episode the girl, Ayaka was not worthy of the straw doll and that she set herself up on that one. I give kudos to Kaoruko for what she did. I also hope she can use her experience to inspire other girls. Enjoy

Disclaimer: Jigoku Shoujo does not belong to me. That is the rightful sole property of Miyuki Eto. It is high time I started putting a disclaimer on my stories.

Jigoku Shoujo Season 1: Aftermath

Chapter7: Raise your voice

Kaoruko Kurushima

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When I was a little girl, my biggest dream in the whole world was to become an actress that the whole world would love and adore. Pink had become my prime color because I was told that is what princesses liked to wear, even unto adulthood. I was blessed to have two loving parents who supported my decision and helped me to achieve my dream. For those of you who are reading my tale, you are under the impression that this is least likely a story written by an elementary schooler. However, the story you are reading hail from a fully-grown adult woman. In fact, I was revered by the public, a polite, well-mannered, talented, beautiful lady who was sure to go far in life.

My name is Kaoruko Kurushima. Just recently, I had gotten back from yet another trip to the doctor's office. What for you ask? "Sigh" my story would have happened to take the course of over a week. In fact the tale in question took place four years ago. Four years ago my career as an actress was ruined and the also the year the most devastating and difficult decision was made. Are you confused? Perhaps I should start from the beginning. I will do my best to sum it up in little words as I can.

As I said before it all began four years ago. I had just completed my success as an actress in a T.V. show. Those who are familiar with it know it by name: (1) Ai no Ayame. Afterwards my manager decided to award me for my success. I remember squealing in excitement before fainting on my soft queen-sized bed for I was about to meet my childhood idol: Midori Kurenai at a gala in downtown Japan. Then I got myself dressed up in one of my favorite formal ball gowns then got straight into the car. It was there I met her, my childhood idol; Midori Kurenai. The party I was at was due to congratulate her for finding a protégé to replace her when she went into retirement. She was even more beautiful than I imagined. Years previous, she had starred in a popular theatrical performance called "Lady Detective", where she began her acting career from the bottom up. She was such a well-rounded woman too. Unfortunately, it seems her dreams of continuing her legacy would come to an end. And it was all thanks to a cantankerous orphan named Ayaka.

If only I had known what she was capable of back then. She had such potential and great ambition as an aspiring actress. Or so I thought. Thinking back, I suppose it was jealousy for not getting the part in the upcoming play, she decided it was best to do away with the competition….me. She acted all coy pretending not be bothered by the issue by inviting me for a "girl get-together". I should have expected it but it was too late. She had two guys gang up on me and that is when the worst thing ever happened to me; they gave me a tonic that ruined my voice and left me literally mute. Now I have always thought of myself as a nice girl; one who could never hold ill will toward anyone. But as they would say Ayaka 'brought out the hate in me'. Then I remembered, rumours of a website where you would type in the name of the person you hated and a girl would take said individual to hell. After the two brutes left, I wasted no time in hurrying home and typed in "The Hell Correspondence". Regardless of the burning in my throat from the tonic, I was able to utter three words before my voice completely gave out: "Please…help…me".

Then that is when she came. My savior, Ai Enma. She didn't hesitate to hand me a black straw doll with a red thread around its neck. She told me if I wanted vengeance, all I had to do was untie the red thread and Ayaka would be sent to hell. However, to perform such task it would be my soul in the end. Well, I am sure you know the rest. Had I not done it, Ms. Kurenai would have suffered for Ayaka's selfishness. She went into retirement shortly afterwards; albeit broken hearted. I never heard or saw her again. Sad. Since that day, I have had multiple throat surgeries and speech therapy to regain my voice. The tonic was apparently more potent than the doctors thought. But I believe with a little faith, I will gain back my voice and take back my place as an accomplished actress and singer. Nothing can stop me not even the black mark upon my chest can keep me from living my life. When that day comes…. I will stand up straight on to that stage balcony and shout out loud. The whole world will see this girl has a voice that needs to be heard.

Next Chapter will be up soon. Chapter 8 will come soon.