A/N: Next chapter! ^_^

I'm glad to be writing again. You know what they say: "You don't know what you had until you've lost it." So true.

...

Chapter 37: Oka's speech & Father's goodbye

School for the rest of the day were the best hours of my life! It just seemed to get better and better.

First Senpai said my name, then Kuu Dere came to me to tell me that she hopes her help was enough. After that, my teacher, Ms. Fuka, pulled me over after class to tell me that I passed the last test with a full 100%.

After school, I spotted Senpai exiting the courtyard, and hurried after him. But I stopped as I saw him enter the Occult club.

Now that I think about it... I'm only part of the Photography club... What if I join the Occult club too? Then I can keep an eye on Senpai AND Oka.

I quickly followed him.

The other members were dressing in black robes. Oka stood in the center of the room with Senpai.

"Okay, so what do we do?" He was asking her.

With a hint of a smile, Oka said; "We gather around the pentagram and call upon the dark forces of the afterlife. Hopefully, we will summon something."

This is a really creepy club.

They both dressed in the black robes like the others, Senpai's almost a little too large.

As they were gathering around the circle, I entered the room.

"Um, Hey... I was wondering if I could join your club?" I muttered faking awkwardness.

Oka stood up, removing her hood. "Of course..." She muttered.

She walked over toward the only table in the room, and took out the club sign up forum.

After signing it, I was given a robe and we proceeded to try to summon a demon.

"Okay, how do we do this?" I questioned.

"We kneel around the circle, and chant." Was all Oka said.

The next hour went by slow and dully.

...

After the club meeting, Oka stood and said; "May the peaceful darkness embrace you tonight." Before we parted ways.

While Senpai went to the lockers with the others, I stayed behind with Oka.

She was placing a book on demons and dark magic on the table, facing away from me.

I pulled the doors shut, and faced her. Pulling out a letter opener I had hidden in my pocket, I started quietly creeping up behind her.

"I know why you're here..."

I stopped in my tracks. Oka turned to face me.

"You long to claim the soul of that boy..." Her eyes were cold, cutting straight into me. I tensed.

"But just so you know... I don't intend to give him up to a creature such as you..."

I glared at her, my anger starting to reach it's breaking point. Who does she think she is?!

"If you continue your attempts at ruining his life, you're going to have a bad time..."

Her saying that only reminded me of what Megami had said. But I stood my ground. I could kill her so easily right now. No witnesses. No one to hear her screams...

But that would be reckless... I couldn't afford another death in the school this soon. Not to mention the security camera just outside. No... I will wait. And when that time comes... I will take it.

I placed the letter opener back in my pocket and exited the room. Oka staying behind.

...

I returned home to find two tapes on my front step. Curious.

I picked them up and took them to my room.

Popping the first one in, I heard the familiar voice of my father, but it sounded strange. Almost like he was crying.

I'm a fool! I'm a god damned fool!

I got sloppy. She caught me.

I followed her into an alley. Lost her in the shadows. Then I heard her voice from behind me...

"Long time no see, Mr. Journalist."

I turned around and saw her just inches away from me. She was smiling. I recognized that smile.

It was the exact same smile she wore when she threatened my life in 1989.

I didn't know what to do. I just turned and ran.

I've broken a truce that has lasted almost three decades.

She knows I was after her!

There's no way she'll let me live; I'm doomed!

I can't go to the police; I'll sound like a babbling lunatic without any evidence, and right now, I don't have any. Even if they do listen to me, and investigate her, they won't find anything.

My only option is to leave town - no...no, no, it's worse than that. I have to leave Japan altogether.

I wanted to bring you. But I couldn't risk her following me and finding you.

I can't wait for you to finish school this year, I have to leave immediately.

I'm going to gather all of the recordings I've made so far and put them where I know you'll find them.

That way, at least you'll know why your father had to leave so suddenly.

I only hope that she won't try to get revenge on me by harming you.

I don't know when I'll be back.

I don't know if I'll be back.

I don't know if she's willing to cross oceans to hunt her prey.

If she is, I'll try to lure her into a trap, try to expose her true nature in front of the police. It's my only hope.

I know you can take care of yourself.

If I had more time, there are so many things I'd say to you, but I can't - not now.

Stay safe.

...I love you...

Several emotions coursed through me.

My... My father...? He... He couldn't... He couldn't be...

The slightest bit of tears started streaming down my face. I wiped them away quickly.

Since when did I care about him?

I'd never cared before. But, I hadn't felt these emotions before...

But... When he left... Was that...? Was that the last time I would ever see him?

From inside, I felt an emotion I'd only identified with Senpai...

...Love...

...

A/N: Well, there you go! ^_^

I was going to have the other tape be played in this chapter, but I realized that this was a perfect way to end the chapter... Don't worry, we'll see whats on the other tape... Just know: It's not from her father... :)

Till next time. Cheers!