The darkness engulfing Teiichi fades, leaving his vision blurry. Using his hands, he feels around his surroundings and notices a hard surface below him. His palm rubs across the long length of its back and then glides across another flat surface along the front.
"A chair!"
He feels around the outer part of the furniture and finally takes a seat, keeping still until his vision returns to normal. Upon regaining his sight, he glances around to find himself within an almost-empty room with the two doors. Upon completing his survey, two female voices suddenly sprout out from the other side of the door in front of him, quickly approaching his position. Hoping out of the chair, he desperately searches for a place to hide before ducking behind the chair next to him, breathing down his panic.
Smart move, Teiichi.
The door slides open and in walks Yuuko and a smaller girl. Her wavy hair brushes against Yuuko's arm while the flowers within her hands clench close to her childlike chest. Their laughter echoes within the naked room, only dying down once they near his position.
"You don't have to be so clingy, Yukariko."
The smaller girl pouts her lips while poking Yuuko in the arm.
"I'm not clingy!"
Teiichi's nervousness dissipates slowly as the duo walks past him and stops at the next door.
"I guess they can't see me," he thinks. "I must be reliving Yuuko's memories."
The girls grasp the handle and pull the door open. As the opening of the door concedes, a sudden image of the clubroom flashes into his mind. Teiichi's blood runs ice cold as he races to their location, forgetting himself as the fear surges through him.
"Don't go down there, Yuuko!"
He reaches out to place his hand protectively on her shoulder, but his face lights up with shock as his hand falls right through her being, no contact made. His heart drops as he stands there, forced to watch the girls make their way into the dark entrance without a single way to stop them.
Is this the moment she dies?
Teiichi's heart-rate increases as he follows the duo down the wooden steps, each step like a bang in his heart. Arriving at the bottom of the stairway, they make a turn towards the cave entrance and approach the shrine that stands against the back wall.
"Why do we have to do this, sister?"
Yuuko places the flowers beside the structure and knocks off an ancient collection of dust on its frame.
"There's no school right now. So it's our job to keep this place clean."
"I suppose you have a point."
The two arrange the flowers as best they can at the base of the structure and finish their duties before exiting the room. After returning to the above room, they close the door tightly and make their way into the hall. Teiichi walks through the door and follows closely behind the siblings the whole way through, observing their smiling faces and happy-go-lucky demeanor and wondering when and how it had all gone wrong.
"Yuuko and the chairwoman," he realizes before Yuuko stops beside one of the empty classrooms.
"This is going to be your new classroom, Yukariko."
Her sister steps towards the window too and peers inside curiously. Her face twists in horror, however, and for a moment she just stands there in her shock, disgusted by the sight in front of her but unable to move away. Yuuko and Teiichi quickly move beside her and peer through the room. His stomach begins to churn at the sight of the mound of corpses within.
"I'm sorry about that. I forgot they're using the school to store bodies because the crematory is full."
Yuuko place her hand on her sister's back and leads her gently out of the building, herding her like a baby lamn. Pursing the girls once more, Teiichi looks back at the classroom once more and shakes his head in the upmost disbelief.
"How many bodies are in that place?"
Exiting and following their path towards the school gate, Yukariko brushes against her sister and glances up at the overcast sky, her eyes distant and foggy.
"How much longer do we have until this ends?"
Yuuko places her head closer to her sibling and strokes her hair. There's sadness in her movements; the sadness of uncertainty.
"I'm not sure. Regardless of how long, we have to stay strong and be there for each other."
Taking her hand off the girl's head, she looks down to find a miserable expression upon the girl's young face.
"Many people are saying it's because of the curse."
"Don't buy into that talk. There's no such thing as curses. The only thing that kind of talk is good for is causing fear, and we don't need that."
"But..."
Her rebuttal is cut short as a trickle of rain splashes the top of her head, speeding its way down her cheek like a tear. They both gaze upwards at the same time, resulting in several cool drops colliding with their faces.
"Let's go! We don't want to get caught up in this rain!"
The two quickly dash towards their home with Teiichi close behind, huffing to keep up with them.
"I guess... this is just the beginning."
Teiichi wanders around Yuuko's childhood room, eying the dolls that line the top of her shelves and furniture. Periodically glancing in her direction, he finds that the image of her doing her homework remains constant and unchanging. The sudden drop of her pencil, however, ends his exploration, once again making her the center of his attention. Her body shivers slightly as she rubs herself, trying hopelessly to calm down her fearful nerves.
"Gah... I guess seeing those corpses has me on edge."
A roar of thunder reverberates throughout the house, causing her to jump up and move anxiously towards the door. Wanting to keep up, Teiichi follows behind her, examining the immaculate walls as they stroll through the hallway she must've grown up in.
"I know this place. It's Kirie's home, isn't it?"
The door to a nearby room opens up and out walks Yukariko. She jumps at the sudden realization of someone standing within the darkness of the hallway, tossing the rags upwards in her shock but catching them just in time.
"Oh sister, what brings you out here?"
"I couldn't concentrate in my room, is all. How is mother doing?"
She lowers her head in an attempt to hide her grim expression, but it appears to be no use. Yuuko understands.
"She's not getting any better."
Trying to wash away her frown, Yuuko places a hand on the girl's shoulder and pushes her chin up.
"Mom's going to be fine. Don't get so down about it."
Her words tug on Teiichi's heart-strings in a way he can't believe, and in a moment she'd leaned forward to hug the girl lightly, the two sisters bonded by this moment of shared pain.
"She's always able to be optimistic," Teiichi thinks.
The gentle gesture of Yuuko's brings a smile to the girl's face.
"You're right. I'll try to think more positive from now on."
A massive pounding shoots through the wall, bringing the trio's attentions to the door further down the hall. Repositioning themselves near the entrance, a number of males converse with each other as well.
"The villages next door have been hit as well. I hear that doctors have even fled from the area," says a man, his voice with minimal emotion.
"Brother, what's the cause of this disaster?" asks another man, this one with a voice heavy and gruff.
"I'm not so sure. It doesn't appear to be a regular disease or it wouldn't be so hard to cure."
"It's the curse!" a third young man shouts. His voice is frantic.
Yuuko's face sours at the mention of the word 'curse'. She looks back at her sister and notices the objects in her hands jittering.
"It's... all you Kanoes' fault. You've been... neglecting your duties for far too long and now the god is angry!" an elderly voice bursts out. It's weak from age but stronger now with anger.
"Brother, perhaps we should consider doing the ritual," a deeper voice speaks.
At the final statement, Yuuko grabs the door handle, impulsivity too much to handle.
"Yuuko! Wait!" the two remaining children both shout, but it's to no avail.
The door flies open and the conversation in the room comes to a screeching halt. Yukariko freezes behind the wall, while Teiichi, grateful to be invisible, stands beside Yuuko. Staring into the dimly lit room, the men ranging from different ages all sit around a single table. Looking around the room, Teiichi's already stiff body suddenly petrifies. His heart stops as the death-glares coming his way intensify by the second. Even though everyone in the room besides the man with glasses appears to want to kill this intruder, she remains steadfast, reciprocating the aggressive welcome.
"All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Father, Uncle Kou, Uncle Kyo, and even the concerned members of the village. All of you are important members of this community, and you should conduct yourselves as such."
The atmosphere at that moment remains still as the electricity in the area intensifies with Yuuko's brave words. Shutting the door, she quickly feels something grab her arm and pull her hard towards the wall. Her sister gazes into her dangerous eyes but remains painfully quiet. Moments elapse before the two go their separate ways, and still recovering from his ordeal, Teiichi massages his chest and slowly walks behind his girlfriend.
"Is this the real Yuuko Kanoe? She didn't flinch at the looks those men were giving her."
Yuuko turns to face in his direction.
"I'll just go to sleep now," she says, releasing a sigh before going into her bedroom.
With those final thoughts, Teiichi takes a seat outside of her door, not wanting to intrude. Learning against the structure, he stares down the empty corridor before closing his eyes and sighing deeply..
"You are one strong girl."
The faint voices echo in Teiichi's ear as he lies against Yuuko's hard door. A yawn escapes his mouth involuntarily as he rubs his eyes in unison. Using the wall as a crutch, he picks himself up and dusts off his clothing. Upon cleaning himself, however, her door slides open and out comes Yuuko wearing a long, black dress with her hair nice and straight down her back.
"Good morning, Yuuko," he says, diverting his eyes from her chest.
She calmly looks around the area of her doorway, eyes gazing around curiously as if someone was speaking to her.
"I thought I heard someone say my name."
Shrugging off the feeling, she shuts the door behind her and makes her way down the hall. Arriving at the living room, Yukariko and their father both turn towards the young woman and offer her a light smile.
"Good morning, Yuuko," they both say in unison.
"Good morning, Yukariko. Good morning, Father."
Teiichi leans against the wall and basks in the warmth radiating between the three of them. Their father picks up his bag beside the table and makes his way towards the front door, his footsteps loud but steady.
"Do you mind taking that medicine to your Uncle Kou, Yukariko? It would be a big help to his wife's condition."
Yukariko gives her father a hesitant nod before taking the bag of medicine from the table.
"Can you take care of your mother until I get home, Yuuko? I won't be long, I promise."
She nods her head and waves her father off as he leaves the house. After his departure, the two prepare for their respective tasks. Heading into the kitchen, Yuuko gathers some rags and clean water, and returning to the living room, her sister opens the front door and shouts down the hall.
"I'm going out, Sister! I'll be right back!"
"Be safe!"
The residual warmth dissipates within the area due to the family breaking apart. Teiichi follows behind the teenager and ends up at a nearby room, watching as she lightly knocks on the door while repositioning her materials.
"I'm coming in, Mother!"
Waiting for a moment, Yuuko slides the door open and together she and Teiichi slide into the room. Lightly shutting the door behind her, she moves towards the woman lying on the futon, placing the material on the floor and resting her hand cautiously on the woman's sweaty forehead.
"Your fever seems to have gone down a little."
Teiichi gazes at the woman's pale, sick face, watching with concern as her chest rises and falls at a pace way too fast to be considered healthy.
"She's rather tall. I can see where Yuuko gets it from."
Finding a place on the opposite side of the woman, he takes his place on the mat.
"You... shouldn't be in... here with me."
Yuuko grabs a cloth and dips it in the container. Ringing the water from it, she places it upon her mother's head and wipes away the sweat without hesitation.
"You know I can't do that."
A rough cough emerges from the woman's mouth and lungs, prompting Yuuko to pat her affectionately on the chest. Her expression lowers as she reaches for a clean cloth and wipes the dribbling blood away from her parent's lips.
"You're... such a reckless child."
Folding the rag up, she places it on the floor and runs her hand through her mother's hair.
"Wasn't it you that taught me to help those who can't help themselves?"
The woman takes a large breath of air and coughs it back out.
"I... suppose so."
Touching her mother's shoulders, Yuuko lightly nudges her until the woman rolls to her side. Noticing the sudden motion, Teiichi quickly and respectfully turns his head while she pulls the back of her nightgown up. Using the rag once more, she wipes away the collection of sweat. Patting the woman softly on the back, she lays on her back once again and lets her raise the front of her gown. After wiping away the fluid, she gives her mother a smile.
"There. Good as new."
"I... don't feel that... way."
A string of coughs erupt and Yuuko grabs the rag from before and uses it once again, careful not to press too hard and cause any unnecessary pain.
"Well, you may not feel better now, but I'm sure you will in a day or two."
The woman gives out a small chuckle before simmering back down.
"You should go apologize... to your father. For barging in on his meeting."
Teiichi brings his head back to see the woman staring at her daughter intensely. Yuuko stares at the floor almost as if in deep concentration, and then suddenly she speaks, breaking the hollow silence.
"Why should I apologize? They were talking nonsense about that curse again, and you know father-"
"Don't argue with me."
Yuuko begins to interrupt, but the stern look in the woman's eyes freezes her words in her throat, making her look down in shame.
"I'll make sure to speak with him when he gets home."
The two women sit in silence as the gentle patter of rain strikes the roof over and over. A string of coughs erupt once more and Yuuko quickly cleans her up.
"How much time... do you think I have left?"
"Maybe a day a half until you're up and abou-"
"I wasn't born yesterday... I know I'm going to die soon," she interrupts the girl, her voice solemn but not despairing. "I'm not a child. You don't have to sugar-coat anything for me."
Yuuko squeezes down on the rag while lowering her head. Hiding her face behind her raven locks, she tries not to let her mother see the way her lips tremble.
"Maybe... two... three days at most, if it's gotten this far."
Her mother closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, letting it all sink in.
"That means... you're father still doesn't know... what's causing it."
"He doesn't, but I'm sure-"
"I know... there's no hope for me. I... wasn't in the best health... to begin with. I can only... be thankful that... I've lived this long."
Yuuko leans over and places her head upon her mother's chest, still shivering slightly.
"What should I do, Mother? Why does it feel like I'm the only one trying to keep things afloat around here? All they talk about is curse this and curse that, and father isn't saying anything about it."
The woman's hand moves out from under the covers and plops down softly on her daughter's head. It's a bit clammy from sickness but Yuuko doesn't seem to mind.
"Just do... what you can. You're still... a healthy girl. You can still make a difference."
Teiichi reaches over and tries to place his hand on Yuuko's back, but it goes through her body and he sighs in defeat.
"Underneath that tough exterior, she's still just a kid. The amount of weight she carries around is too much."
He gets up to leave the room when the mother's voice causes him to turn around abruptly.
"Are you looking... after your sister?"
Her head motions in an affirmative manner.
"Thank you... I know... I haven't been much help over... the past few years, but I love you two with all my heart. So try your best... to set a good example for her... especially in these times."
Her head rubs against her body once more, bringing a smile to the woman's face again.
"I promise I will."
The scene pulls at Teiichi's heart, and though a part of his soul aches, he's unable to remove his eyes from the sight that lies before him. His mind rewinds suddenly, replaying a comment from a while before.
You're a ghost, how would you know how I feel?
The taste within his mouth turns acidic. He places his head against the wall as guilt starts to eat away at him, rotting his insides and turing him hollow.
"Maybe not then, but she knows all too well how I felt."
Yukariko races up the wooden stairs until she's right in front of her uncle's door. A roar of thunder sounds overhead, sending shivers all along her body, but still she knocks calmly on the door, holding firmly onto the bag. Moments elapse before the patter of feet makes its way to the door. The entrance opens and a young girl stands before her.
"How are you doing today?"
"Good morning, Yuka! I'm fine!"
The child's energetic attitude quickly brings a smile to her face as she stoops down and rubs her head.
"I see you'll never stop calling me that, huh?"
"Nope," she responds with a playful grin. "Come in."
She makes way for her to enter and closes the door tight behind her. Removing her shoes, the sound of a gruff voice echoes from down the hall, and tucking the box close to her stomach, she moves through the corridor to hear the words become more audible.
"I swear. He lets that girl get away with too damn much. Who does she think she is talking to us like that?"
"I'm sure he's disciplined her by now."
"I doubt it, Kyo. That coward doesn't have much of a backbone, not even with his owns kids."
"Be that if it may-"
The conversation suddenly stops as Yukariko makes her way into the room. Sweat rolls down the back of her neck as the men focus their attention on her, eyes like daggers.
"What brings you here?" Kou says, startling her.
"Father wanted me to bring this to you. It's medicine for-"
"Thanks," he says abruptly, taking the container from her.
The child grabs Yukariko's hand and pulls her towards the hallway again.
"Come on, Yuka! Let's play!"
Yukariko budges slightly every time the girl yanks her arm, but she doesn't move completely.
"I don't have time to play with you today. How about next time I visit?"
"You said that the last time," the girl cries, pulling her arm more vigorously and starting to pout.
The constant tugging begins to make Yukariko's joints feel awkward. She places a hand on the child's gripping arm and hears a frightening roar rip through the building, shocking them both.
"You're being a bother! Go to your room!"
The pressure of the child's grip suddenly disappears as well as her presence. The hastiness of the sudden incident leaves Yukariko in awe and even fear.
"She... really wasn't bothering me."
"Who said anything about you?"
Yukariko shrinks back and gives him a polite bow.
"I'll... be leaving now."
She quickly makes her way back down the hall and places her shoes on. As she reaches out for the door, the thunderous voice calls out to her from behind.
"Is your father at home?"
She freezes stiff at the closeness of his location.
"He... he's not. He should be back later."
The silence drifts through the air between the two before Yukariko suddenly feels a chill surrounding her. She rubs her hands together and begins to move again before her Kou's voice, softer this time, addresses her.
"Has my brother decided what to do about this curse plaguing our village?"
"He hasn't told me anything."
The footsteps within the hall get closer and danger-signs start blaring in her head, but she keeps still from politeness.
"He's going to get us all killed."
"That's... not true. Father is doing his best to-"
"I bet he sits in his room looking through his books," he says with a pause. "Has your father even told you about the duties of our family or the Akahito ritual that we are responsible for?"
"Akahito... ritual? What's that?"
"The next time you see him, ask him about it."
His footsteps trail away from the girl, causing her alarms to cease. Taking the door handle into her hands, she opens it and passes through the entrance feeling as empty as a ghost. Stepping onto the mushy earth, the overcast sky feeds the new seed inside her mind, allowing it to plant its root.
Akahito... ritual...
Teiichi sits against the wall, staring up at the opening in the ceiling as the moon's pale light bleeds through. The sound of the soothing water waving within the tub causes him to briefly look down. Catching a glimpse of Yuuko's hair in a bun, his heart quickly begins to race, and his face turns a bright pink. Turning towards the wall, he lowers his head in an attempt to rid himself of the erotic images knocking at his mind's door.
"Forgive me, Yuuko."
In the moments of his turmoil, a knock on the bathroom door erupts beside him, pushing the thoughts from his head. He turns his head on reflex, but quickly forces his head back down.
"Sister. Do you mind if I come in?"
Yuuko breaks a smile and turns towards the door.
"I don't mind."
The door opens and in walks Yukariko, holding a towel covering her frontal area. Closing the door behind her, she stands before her sister, staring at her for a moment before shifting her gaze. Yuuko jumps out of the bath and grasps her sister confidently by the hand, sitting her on the washing stool.
"There's nothing to be shy about. We're both girls, aren't we?"
Yukariko faintly struggles, but eventually succumbs to her sister's might. Prepping a soapy cloth, Yuuko runs it across her sister's tiny body. Staring at the back of her neck, she brushes her finger against it, sending the girl forward with a laugh.
"I'm ticklish there! Stop that!"
"But you're so cute. I like hearing that childish laugh of yours!"
Yuuko pulls her back and continues running washing over her body with a giant smile on her face. Finishing up the procedure, the two get up and Yuuko sits back in the tub. Her sister goes to the wash, takes a container of water, and proceeds to wash the suds off of herself. The sound of her standing alerts Yuuko of her completion.
"Come sit with me, Yukariko."
The request causes her to jump in slight surprise.
"Eh... Is it really okay for us to do that?"
"I don't mind at all."
Teiichi fidgets in his location at the activies occurring around him. Pressing down on his knees, he fights to prevent himself from looking up, his curiosity a struggle to suppress.
"I really want to see what's going on, but they're naked," he says as a splash of water sounds off behind him.
Reinforcing his will, he keeps his vision away from the sisterly bonding happening before him. He hears Yuuko release a playful laugh as the sound of hands slap against bare skin.
"You're always so stressed. You need to learn to relax a bit."
She massages the girl's shoulders as her face starts to flush. Her words bring a smile to the young woman's face, but for only a single moment.
"Sister... with everything going on around us... aren't you afraid of dying?"
Yuuko's smile fades as a frown takes over, spreading like a disease. Yukariko turns her head to see the sad expression upon her sister's face, and in turn feels her heart grow dark.
"I guess I am, but being scared isn't going to help us," she responds, pasting that smile right back on her face. "There's a chance that it may get a lot worse in the future. So we need to be strong. "
Yukariko averts her gaze as her words sink in.
"But-"
Her speech is instantly cut short as her body collides against her sister's ample bosom.
"No buts. Everything will be alright. If you're scared, I'll be here to protect you. You are my precious little sister, after all. So let's do the best we can."
Yukariko's eyes lower in bliss as soft hands continue kneading her back like dough.
You really are strong, Sister. I don't think I can be like you no matter how hard I try.
A sudden splash of water causes Teiichi and Yuuko to stare in surprise as Yukariko stands in the bath. Teiichi quickly averts his eyes once more, focusing instead on the top of the water where he's able to Yuuko's reflection.
"Where do you get your courage from, Sister? The people at the meeting and myself see what's going on, and we are terrified. Not everyone can be as strong like you. Some people need something to grasp onto."
Her last statement comes out in an almost trance-like tone, like she can't even hear herself saying it.
"I think I may have overstepped my boundaries then."
"I don't think so. I think you did the right thing. If you wouldn't have said anything I'm sure things would have spiraled out of control. You... are the most reliable person we have."
"Yukariko..."
Yukariko shakes her head violently and faces her sister with a playful smile, confidence now emanating from her as well.
"I'm done for tonight. I'll be heading out first. Don't stay in too long."
Yukariko finds a clean towel and places it around herself before walking out. Yuuko's body sinks back into the tub, stopping at her neck. Running her fingers along her legs, she releases a heavy sigh.
"I can't believe I said I'd protect her from something as horrible as a disease. I'm so irresponsible sometimes," she says, glancing up at the glowing moon. "I'm not perfect, Yukariko; even I get scared. I just can't afford to show it right now."
Teiichi removes himself from his seat and heads towards the door. Stopping at it, he turns around once more to see the back of the girl's head.
"You're not irresponsible at all, Yuuko. You're only guilty of caring too much."
Yukariko strolls through the dark hallway, holding tight to the soft fabric of her night gown. Stopping at the entrance to her father's room, she knocks on the door with a light touch.
"Father, do you mind if I discuss something with you?"
"Sure," his voice comes from the other side of the door, deep and casual.
Entering the room, the pile of books littering his desk and floor catch her eye, all of them laying on random pages as he sits at his desk. Closing the door behind her, the girl instantly drops on all fours and gives her father a stern look.
"I want to know about the cause of the disease!"
Her father looks at her with a quizzical expression, but then breaks his gaze to glance over at the pile of books.
"The cause, you say... the other doctors and I aren't able to figure out what the cause is. It's a virus or something we've never seen before."
His answers serves only to make her blood boil. Slapping her hand on the ground, she leans in closer to his position, eyes narrowed to show her seriousness.
"That's not what I'm talking about. Everyone is saying that the mountain god is cursing us for not giving him anything when we built the school. Sister says it's all nonsense, but how can everyone be wrong?"
Her father turns back to his desk and begins flipping through the pages of his books once more, his fingers shaking a bit with nerves even as he keeps his voice calm.
"Listen to your sister. Curses are nothing more than rubbish."
"Why didn't you put down their accusations in the meeting? Do you feel as though there is some chance it could be true?"
Her question goes unanswered as the man clenches onto the pages of his book.
"Even our family believes that we need to do the Akahito ritual!"
Her heart suddenly races as her father swiftly moves in front of her, fast as a predator. The furious expression upon his face sends chills up her spine, making her breath catch in her throat.
"Where the hell did you hear about that?!"
The sudden outburst sends her cringing.
"Do you want to believe in that superstitious talk with the rest of them?"
He turns away from her, sending waves of relief surging through her body. After composing herself, she sits upon her knees and glances at her father once more, collecting her bravery so as to speak once more.
"So you aren't willing to tell me then?"
The silence given back stings at her core, but she pushes it aside before standing.
"That's... fine then, Father."
She moves towards the door, but her father's voice holds her in place just before she reaches it.
"Wait... if you really want to know, I'll tell you. I want you to understand why you shouldn't believe what they are saying."
Her father takes a seat by his desk once again, and she follows suit. Her heart explodes with joy at the thought that finally she'll get to find out what everyone is talking about.
"Generations ago, our family founded this village," he explained. "They helped cultivate the land, build the establishments, handle medical practices... everything. One day a group of our ancestors wondered into the mountain and stumbled upon copper veins; it's what this place is so famous for. After that, the village began flourishing even more, and the credit was given to a god who was said to live upon the mountain."
Yukariko shifts her legs as her focus intensifies upon the story.
"One of the members at the time proclaimed that the god spoke to him, and told him to offer up one human every couple of years in exchange for his blessings. Because of the closeness of the community, not everyone was onboard with the idea of killing their own. So our family came up with the concept of Akahito, a person who would choose someone to be the offering to that god."
Her chest began to get tighter as she listens on, and for a moment she realized she'd forgotten to breathe.
"One day, many years later, they stopped doing the ritual, and another member claimed to have spoken to the god as well. This person said the god was angry and he would curse them if they didn't give him an offering soon. However, due to their disobedience, he wouldn't be as nice to their next sacrifices."
"What do you mean?!"
"Since we humans seemed to love our women so much, every offering had to be a female. This god was said to have become a particular heinous entity. He wants to defile what we hold dear in exchange for angering him. So he expected someone that was strong and pure so he could enjoy ravaging her. "
The weight of her father's words makes Yukariko nauseous. She places her hand up to her mouth and tries to get herself under control.
"Did any of the sacrifices... ever help?"
"From what we know, they could have all been coincidences at the time. However, there's no proof that doing this helped anything. I see it as murder, and I will never consent to it."
Her heart-rate increase as she thinks about all of the people that have died in the recent weeks. Bodies upon bodies pile up within her mind. Standing up, she bows to her father.
How many people could sacrificing one person have saved?
Taking a final look at her father, she heads towards the door, swallowing the guilt.
"Thank you for everything," she says, her queasiness still showing in her tone. "Good night, Father."
Casting a glance down the hall, she stares into the dimly-lit corridor. The story plays in her head several times, drowning out the sound of her footsteps as she goes heading back into her room. Just as she passes her sister's door, she stops in front of it, her legs refusing to take another step.
I should tell sister what father said.
She raises her hand to knock, but suddenly stops and turns away.
No... she'll just say I was silly for wanting to know about it in the first place.
She continues down the hall with her father's deep voice ringing through her mind, retelling the story over and over. Finally coming to her room, she grabs the handle to her door and slides it open.
"Strong and pure... who would be the best person for that?"
The images of left-over villagers run through her head like a rolodex. With each passing person, she shakes her head in disagreement.
"They are all just like me. Scared and..."
Her eyes creep back up towards the hallway and land upon Yuuko's door. The seed within her mind breaks to the surface. Her eyes narrow in on the area of the house, but in a moment she slaps herself across the face. A fire engulfs her cheek, painful but clearing her mind of tonight's information.
What the hell am I thinking? It's just as Yuuko said. This way of thinking is dangerous.
Stilling one last glance at her sister's door, she enters her room and retires for the night.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Next Chapter: Tears of the Goddess II