"Not many people are too worried about you," I taunt, sitting horizontally on my chair while picking my nails. Kuu lacks any response to my statement and keeps staring at the chess match in front of her. Getting impatient, I uncross my legs and sit properly, awaiting Kuu's next move. "I don't have all day, so you might as well be thankful that I'm spending time with you," I continue. She clears her throat and moves her eyes to me, still pondering about where she'll place her character.

"Move the pawn that's on the left to the next right square, I get your rook," Kuu finally says, as I reach over the table and move her white pawn piece to her desired area, causing me to lose a rook. I place the piece on her side and study the situation. My friend patiently waits for me respectively, just like she always had over the years we had together. I hear her neck cracking as it bends left and right. Figures.

Besides, she's been down here for a few days. School was cancelled for an entire week due to Amai's outbreak. In all honesty, I didn't expect her to go that far, let alone chopping the corpse's head off. That surprised me, and pretty much everybody else who had heard of the situation. I've also heard that Amai's parents consider her dead to them because of her monstrous action. Seems rational.

Unable to find a solution, I end up losing the chess match against Kuu Dere. I never really thought reading could make someone smarter, but ever since I started reading some of that manga I've been given, there's been a slight rise in my grades at school in biology and psychology. Speaking of manga, that reminds me...

"Hey, I still have some of your manga upstairs," I say, breaking the silence.

"You kept all of it?" Kuu questions with slight confusion.

I nod my head and sit in an informal way. "Yes, they've actually gotten me a little interested in reading more. But, since you're going to be staying here for a while, I thought I could probably lend you some. How's about it?"

Kuu blinks rapidly a few times before answering my question. "You mean it?"

"You bet."

And, for the first time in my entire life I've spent with Kuu, she delivers me a wide, hopeful, happy, and emotional smile. "Yes, thank you," she nods, her voice rising a few octaves. "I would love to read some."

Smiling back, I clap my hands together as I leap up from my seat saying, "Hey, you're gonna love this. I went out and bought a few just for the both of us!" while gathering Kuu's rising happiness.

Kuu gasps highly. "Really? What ones? Sailor Sun? Magical Girl Pretty Miyuki? Miss Sayaka's Mystical Servant? Blend Z? The Past Diary? Oh!" She gasps again, this time lowering her voice to a low pitch as she leans forward, whispering, "...Citron?" and smirking sinfully.

"Nope," I reply, making Kuu more jittery and excited. Well, it seems I was most certainly wrong about her. She does feel emotions, it's just that I've never, ever, seen her this way. And by never, I literally mean never. "I'll go get them, be right back," I pause, making Kuu settle down as I proceed up the stairs.

Seems odd that I'm spoiling her like this, huh? No matter what, though, she's still my friend, and I basically kidnapped her in my basement for as long as it takes, so I might as well make it up to her while I'm still innocent, y'know? Anyway, I head up to my room and scour through my shelf and pluck a few books at random, making sure they're ones that I, myself, have purchased. Chess isn't the most exciting activity, and makes a poor excuse as a "sport" like some say. But that's my opinion.

I flip through a single book and study the pages while I carry the rest under my arm. Arriving back downstairs, I place the books on the table after I scoot the chess match off of it. Slamming down the pile, Kuu takes her time to read the spines. There were a variety to choose from, such as Tokyo Ghost, Two Piece, Elf Tail, and many more. I've collected a few volumes of each series, along with some of the side stories. Sitting down on my chair and checking the clock, I figure that I have some time left to spare before it's time to leave for the annual ceremony downtown.

"See any you like?" I ask, scouring through a book.

Kuu studies the covers carefully as I present them to her, and finally, after numerous books, she chooses one that sparks her interest. "That one, please," she decides, seeing the image. The image is of a girl with midnight black hair, and eyes that are a bright shade of vermillion. Along with the cover, the title, "強迫ギャンブラー" is somewhat interesting as well. Who knows, maybe a manga about gambling could be interesting, you never know.

Since Kuu's arms are prohibited from moving, I have to turn the page for her. Silently, she reads the manga to herself as my arms begin to cramp up from being in place for so long.

With all the silence, I start to realize how scary it could be to be down here all alone 24/7. Especially if you believed in ghosts and demons and all that trash. I wonder how Kuu manages...well, I suppose she is used to secluded and solitary places, but how can anyone be able to stand this much of it? As I ponder my thoughts, I also begin to realize how things could start getting difficult. She'd need a heater during the winter, plus, I have to feed her every now and then. So, she's basically my own personal...pet, I guess. There isn't really any other word to use.

As time passes, I keep a close eye on the clock. I have two hours left, so that should probably take up most of her reading time. And, no. I'm most certainly not going to be doing this everyday for an hour, no way in hell.

"Welp," I suddenly say, making Kuu jolt from the unexpected interruption. "I gotta get going. I'll be back later to give you something to eat, alright? Don't go anywhere. Heh..."

Kuu looks down at her cables in disappointment. I guess that wasn't the right joke to use at the time. "Bye, then," she eventually replies, watching me head bskc upstairs and listening to the door close and lock.

Tonight's going to be a long night, She thought, the sound of silence and occasional creaks filling the secluded basement. She's got her by the weak spot. Demon can't seem to let loose...but it's best to keep low.

As her thoughts mindlessly continued, she realized that she was alone in the room for god-knows-how long. "Anything could probably break her free," she continued out loud. "I just need to find the correct timing. If I can do this right...I'll be free. Free from this horrid place...free from her. The demon, I meant."

It just goes to show how silence can so easily drive someone to insanity.

Kuu kept talking to her imaginary self. Inside her mind, though, the way she talked was much more vivid.

"You've literally been unable to move for what feels like a month," added the brown-haired tsundere. "how can you be so confident in what you're planning?"

"Ah, ah, ah," paused the lady dressed like a queen, sitting in her own personal throne. "I do believe that Kuu dear has a point. Don't be so cynical, Tsundere-chan!"

"Guys, be quiet," Kuu shushed. "she might hear you."

"As if," scoffed the tsundere. "this place is basically soundproof. Plus, why would she even care about our conversation?"

"You never know what a demon's up to!" The himedere chimed in, crossing her legs.

The tsundere rolled her eyes at the himedere, and rested her chin on Kuu's head. "I'm booored..."

"I am too, Tsun. I am too," reassured Kuu, making sure that Tsun was well aware that she wasn't alone in her feeling of boredom. Tsun played with the blue strands of Kuu's hair, while Hime picked her nails. Once again, the stillness of silence fell through the small room, making the situation more awkward that it already had been.

Tsun nestled her head on Kuu's hair as she spoke her mind. "Have you ever wondered why no boys have approached us yet?" She asked, looking down at Kuu and at Hime. They both paused for a second as they looked at each other in confusion. Tsun stood up straight and placed her hands on her hips. "That's because we're independent! We don't need boyfriends, no senpais, or husbands!" She ranted on. "Because we do our own thing! We control our own life!"

Kuu shook her head in dismay. "I'm afraid that's only what you think," she replied, making Tsun spark anger. "In fact, I think it would kind of nice to have a senpai. I just need to find one."

"Well, I most certainly think that a senpai must charm the one he's attracted to. If it were my decision, the only way a "senpai" would be able to get me to notice him was if he'd gladly kneel forward and kiss my toes," Hime added with confidence. "and lick my fingers clean."

"You have some surreal issues," Tsun pointed out. "that's just gross."

Hime narrowed her eyes and leaned on her knees, speaking directly to Tsun. "Would you rather stress yourself trying to get a boy to like you, only to have a huge disappointment in the end?"

"Which is exactly why I don't need a boy!" Tsun retorted.

Kuu sighed through her nose. "Guys, please be quiet. At least help me turn the manga if you're gonna be around now."

"Gladly," Hime replied, elegantly standing up and strutting over to Kuu. Tsun sat in the seat next to Kuu and Hime sat across from her. "Ooh, look," Hime squealed, picking up a specific book. "Miss Sayaka's Mystical Servant," She exclaims, revealing the white cover of a human and a pink-haired girl with wings. "This one looks neat."

"Aw, come on, cheesy romance mangas are trash," Tsun pouted. "try some real manga, like One Kick Man."

"Superhero mangas are for you and others similar," Hime kindly replied.

Tsun flushed and stomped the ground. "Just what is that supposed to mean?!"

"Guys, seriously," Kuu interrupted, waiting for Hime to open the book to the first page. Tsun grunted out of frustration and vexation, as Kuu shook her head once more. "You're too boisterous."

"My, you certainly have gotten your vocabulary to a substantial height," Hime conplimented, tilting her head at Kuu. "I must say, someday you'll be at the pinnacle of it."

"I doubt it," spat Tsun, twirling her pigtail in little circles around her finger. "we probably won't even be found by the time we die."

"By the time I die," reminded Kuu. "once I die, you guys will be gone, too."

That was a fact. Kuu knew these two girls weren't actually in the basement with her. They symbolized the depths of Kuu herself—the mysteries that lie within her head. These two were the personalities that Kuu has hid her whole life. Being a mocking, rude, yet kind tsundere, and an elegant, royal himedere. Being a kuudere herself, well, that's just who she was. Besides, Hime and Tsun are only figments of her imagination.

Hime silently flipped each page with glee while Kuu and Tsun silently read the book to themselves. Though, Tsun would make occasional comments about the ridiculous storyline and characters.

She pointed at a specific picture. "How do they not see the wings?! She's clearly in full eyesight of the people! Why don't they see a random fairy flying around?!"

"She uses magic, Tsun," replied Kuu, calmly, making Tsun stay quiet the remaining time. Once the book was finished, they all moved on to the next volume. Then the next, then the next. Eventually, they all completed the entire series and ended with a final goodbye.

There wasn't anything else to do. Everything was just as boring as everyday life had been. The same old thing happens everyday. All for what? Just to die and be rotting corpses in the ground someday? Just for victory? Failure? Success? What exactly do we stress ourselves for in this world? Money is one thing, but what to those "dream big" quotes actually mean? Does it think it'll inspire us to do better, or remind us how much we screwed up in life? Does it mock us with happy words?

Yeah, right.

Tsun sat in her chair respectively, not making a peep until she looked over at her parent. "Hey, Kuu?" She spoke in a more relaxed tone. Kuu turned her head to Tsun, listening to her question. "...are we actually going to die down here...?" She softly asked, a melancholy frown on her face. Kuu has seen her this way a few times before. Tsun was scared. She was scared about the future, about what things will look like and how things will be. The terrifying thought of a horrible future haunts her from time-to-time, yet Kuu was always there to support her.

But this question was different.

Kuu looked down for a few moments before answering. "...that's something I can't control," Kuu reluctantly said, only scaring Tsun even more. Hime quietly looked at the ground, pondering about her own future. Kuu sighed. "...if I had to guess...then, yes. We're...probably going to die down here. I'm sorry, Tsun. But it's only a guess."

Tsun didn't answer the last statement, but rather continued her own. "I don't wanna die."

"I don't want to die either, Tsun. None of us do."

Kuu's most greatest fear out of many was death. The thought of being erased from life, in a snap, just like that...it's haunting. Scary. Frightening. Traumatizing...but it was inevitable. Something we can't control.

"...It scares me," Hime added.

"Me too," said Tsun.

"...me too," Kuu replied. "it scares me the most."

...

...

...

The bug I set down was useful...so, I've learned something new about Kuu. I've learned how she has been able to sustain herself from all the silence. She has...imaginary friends. Who are...I assume, Tsun Dere and...Hime, was it? ...Interesting...well, um, I guess I'll...deal with it later, I suppose. But what was she talking about? A plan? Pfft. She'll never escape my grasp. I still can't believe she still thinks I'm a demon, but that whole point makes it even more fun to keep her around. Besides, if I let her go, who knows what she'll do? She'll probabaly rat me out the second she steps outside.

I can't have that, now can I?

I put on my black kimono and start applying light makeup. Thanks to the Basu Sisters, I've had a little bit of practice with this kind of stuff. Next, I put on some In and Yo drop earrings and smooth out my ponytail. Certainly, this is going to be a good day. I walk outside to the train station, where many other folks dressed like me are headed for the same location.

What we're getting ready for is the opposite of a funeral. We're all heading to the city hall, where Amai's execution will take place. Indeed, the court wasn't done with her after the case had been supposedly closed, but since she committed such a horrible crime, the judge sentenced her to death. Incredible, right? I'll actually be able to see someone die by punishment.

Of course, coming to this whole thing isn't mandatory, but only people who wish to see her die are welcome. I can assure anyone that her parents will be there, too, just to say the last goodbyes. Senpai, however...I can't say the same. And, I really don't know how this thing affects him.

Phsycially, I'm able to tell. He's begun to act more sluggish than usual, dragging his feet behind him, head hanging, lack of enthusiasm...it makes me want to cry as well...but I can't, and I won't. Emotionally, I have no idea how he feels about Amai committing murder and being given the death penalty. If I were to guess, probably...disappointment, distress, sadness, loss of hope...something like that.

The train speeds far into the distance, heading for Shisuta Town, the sister of Buraza Town. People around me are either clenching their fists in anticipation, crying in despair, or like me, indifferent about the situation. As far as I can tell, I'm ready. I lift my head up a little and observe my surroundings, looking up at people and down the aisle, and that's when I see a familiar face.

Asu Rito!

Wait, why is she here? Shouldn't she be, y'know, against this kind of stuff.

Looking both ways, I snap my fingers, trying to get her attention. Instead, other strangers look at me with question, while Asu just sits there, motionless. I'm not going through this again...

"Asu!" I blurt loudly, gathering literally everybody on the train's attention, including Asu. She notices me and smiles widely, then springs up from her seat and scurries over to the empty seat next to me, and everyone else goes about their own business.

Asu lowers her voice to a whisper. "Oh my gosh, hi! I didn't expect you to be here!" she exclaims quietly, clearly happy to see me. She's nice.

I nod my head as I get comfortable in my seat, scooting around. "Yeah, I could say the same about you. I thought you didn't like death—?"

"Shhh!" she instantly retorts, keeping me quiet. "We don't talk about death during these events...it's disrespectful."

"Sorry."

"It's fine, but people take a lot of things very seriously, so keep that in mind," she informs.

"I will. Thanks."

"Yep!"

Asu keeps quiet after that. Disrespectful? Really? At a hanging? But isn't this some sort of, celebration, or something? I guess that's a weird way to look at it, but isn't death the only reason me and these other folks are even going to this thing? And why is Asu tagging along? Isn't she supposed to be, y'know, against that kind of stuff? Maybe I'm judging her too much...you never know what lies behind an eager smile like hers. Someone who's shy could be very perverted, and vice versa.

Well, all I can say is I'm happy. Not many people actually arrived to the execution, but that gave me and Asu free tickets to the front row. The way Amai pulled at the rope, trying to tear it away from her neck, the way her legs frantically kicked in utter panic, the way she even tried to climb the rope to save her, only to have her life end in brutal suffocation...it was so satisfying to watch.

Now, is time for me to get ready for Kuu's own, let's say, "execution."

Going home, I immediately unlock the basement door and head downstairs, wearing the special mask I was given at the ceremony. A cat mask covering my face. Kuu looks at me when she eventually realizes I've returned, studying me a little before talking.

"What's with the getup? Where did you go off to?"

I stay quiet as I stand perfectly still, my hands locked together behind my back. Kuu shifts her eyes around for a few moments before making a few inaudible sounds, then speaking once more.

"Do you...understand me anymore? I know it's you, Ayano-chan—"

"—sama," I interrupt abruptly. "Ayano–sama."

She blinks. "—Ayano-sama...I know it's you..."

I smile behind the mask and chuckle. "Hehe, is it?" I pace in circles around Kuu and her chair. "Or is it...what did you call me, a demon, you say? Am I a demon, or a figment of your imagination? Another imaginary friend of yours? How do I relate to those two, hmm?"

Kuu eyes shrink in fear. "I don't...know what you're talking about...I don't have any—"

"Oh, don't be so scared! After all, I've gotten used to this body as a host...oh, poor, poor girl...she's got limited time in this world where I control..." I slur, putting on my best succubus voice.

Being a demon is fun!

"Now, Kuu..." I pause. I take off the belt around my kimono and wrap it around her head, covering her eyes. She attempts to avoid the fabric but immensely fails, her vision now unable to see anything, and her only ally now is her source of hearing. She hears the flicker of flames, and she is slightly able to see a small candle being lit on the table behind the fabric.

"We're going to play a little...game...ahaha!"

Kuu's breathing picks up. The basement is quiet, but her heart is pounding against her chest like the wind rattling a wooden door during a storm. Her arms and legs are shaking like frightened dogs, trying to hide themselves from the fear and horror they've experienced.

"What's she doing?!" Tsun shrieked, flailing wildly while bound to her chair, the fabric tight against her forehead and eyes. "I can't see, get this off of me! Kuu! Hime, help!"

"I'm no different than you are now," Hime replied, calmly trying to free herself. "I can't see either. Kuu, are you alright?"

No answer.

"Kuu, answer us!" Tsun screamed.

The lady behind the cat mask laughs quietly. "Ehehe...can they hear me now? What are they saying? Hime, Tsun...those two are who I speak of. Do you control their minds? Do they control you?"

"N-No..." Kuu says, her voice trembling like a leaf. "they have their own mind...nothing else...what do you want, you freak? You demon!"

"Gahaha! After all this time you're still fully convinced of that? Well, I suppose I have no choice...I can't risk you succeeding in escape and telling everyone my secret, now can I?"

"Kyaaa! Ahh, o-okay, I won't tell anybody! Leave me alone, don't kill me, please!"

"We're gonna die!" Tsun screams.

"Oh dear..." Hime sighs.

"Ahhhhhh!"

"Please don't..."

The clicks of a revolver echo through the room. Kuu screams.

"N-No! Please! No! Tsun, calm down! Aw, shit, no! I won't tell anybody, I swear on my life!"

The demon laughs again, this time, sounding more satisfied. "Gee...you really want to live, huh? Well, okay...I will. But, your imaginary friends will have to answer and pass my test...is that okay, Tsun? Hime? ...Tsun, broccoli or cauliflower...which one is green?"

Tsun pauses for a while, before indicating to Kuu to talk for her. "Caul–" She stops herself abruptly, her mind going blank for a split second. "Broccoli..."

"Broccoli..." Kuu replies.

"Aha...correct."

BANG!

"KYAAAAAAA!" Hime screams, the gunshot ringing though their ears. Kuu clenches her teeth, not hearing Tsun say anything else.

But the fact was, the gun hit the floor. Not Kuu, and not Tsun. She was mocking her.

"Are you afraid, Hime?"

Moments pass.

"Yes, she is," Kuu says, her voice a little more calm.

She smiles. "I'll spare her for now, Kuu. But for you..." the gun is pressed against the side of her head. "What current time is it?"

"I-I don't know!" Kuu retorts. "How could I possibly—"

BANG!

"GYAAAAAAA!" Kuu squeals, the gun firing against her. She could feel her life drifting away, slowly, yet surely...but, she was alive...? She was alive! "What the...?"

Suddenly, the blindfold was ripped from her face. "Kyahaha! My, you guys sure are fun to mess with!" I laugh. "Boy, I've never heard you scream like that, Kuu Dere! Good show, good show!"

Kuu sat there, trembling. She was too scared to speak, too scared to even move, too scared to say something witty, too scared to comfort the traumatized Tsun Dere. In fact, Tsun wasn't even killed from the start. Nor was Hime or Kuu. The gun? Fired blanks. Why? For entertainment.

Everything that Kuu looked at was scary. Even the manga that was in front of her. Every time she looked at Tsun or Hime, only the eyes of trauma reflected off of them. Nothing would ever be the same between them, especially not now. Kuu, indeed...

She was traumatized forever.

The world is a scary place.

Feedback is appreciated.

Lately, I've been wanting to start a story that stars these three—Kuu, Tsun, and Hime!