Friday, March 13th, 2015 – 08:21
Hermes Street

Yuuki closed the front door to her house and breathed in the warm fresh air. It was a beautiful day, so much so that she didn't need to wear the school blazer for the first time that year. She had felt like taking a walk and with her bag hoisted over her shoulder, she set out on a long and peaceful march to Bishopmill Academy.

The sun was shining and the fresh doughy smell from a nearby bakery overwhelmed even that of the passing rush hour traffic. The people she past appeared to be in a good mood as she overheard pleasant, upbeat conversations from nearly everyone with not a single mention of 'Baku – the midnight stalker'. It was as if she had been transported to an alternative time before the other world and shadows. The thought made her smile, even though she knew it wasn't true.

Her quick pace meant that Yuuki was early and so she decided to take a more scenic route. She walked to the edge of Green Park and leaned on the outside railings, looking at the people who were already there playing. It would fall silent soon, as the young children and their parents would be starting school and work, but it was pleasing to see nonetheless. As she gazed doe eyed at the sights before her, Yuuki noticed two people, a man and a woman, who appeared out of place. They were approaching her but it was only when they came within ten or so meters that she recognised who they were; Olivia and Oscar, Igor's assistants within the Velvet Room. She slouched.

"Hello," greeted Yuuki with forced enthusiasm.

"You were right!" cheered Oscar, "she was here!"

"Of course she's here," sneered Olivia, "this human is painfully predictable."

Yuuki growled but said nothing. She should have known that her attempts to forget the other world would be in vain. Resuming her former position Yuuki watched the children playing on the grass. They seemed to be having fun. Suddenly she noticed Oscar, dressed in his black three piece suit, running towards them. She wondered what he was doing, before realising that he was attempting to join in their games. Didn't he realise how strange he looked?

"That's a rather rude thought," stated Olivia with an air of arrogance, "you should be grateful towards us."

"I can't help what I think," retorted Yuuki defensively.

"So you don't consider yourself responsible for your own thoughts?"

'What is she talking about?' Yuuki saw Oscar playing near an old hut at the edge of the playground. The local kids were watching him as intently as her.

"He's an idiot," explained Olivia, "I can't believe Igor thinks he's ready."

"Ready?"

"To be the sole assistant. Igor goes through phases where he likes lots of people around him, even having a band inside his Velvet Room, but he wants Oscar to do the job himself. It's probably because his favourite was Oscar's mother."

Yuuki paused for a moment, "how come you're not sure, I thought you said you could read minds?"

"I can read your mind, no-one else's."

"Why me?"

"Stupid human."

Olivia's non answer left her confused, but Yuuki guessed that being a guest meant her thoughts were available to Igor and his assistants. The two of them watched as Oscar was angrily chased away by the children's parents. He was slowly making his way to the trees and other sights, clearly bemused by all the protests.

"There's only one more central shadow to face and it will be over," said Yuuki cheerfully, "then the shadows won't harm anyone else ever again."

"Are you not the one who is wrong?" asked Olivia, "you kill the shadows even when they pose no threat to you, is it not you humans who act cruelly?"

"They're shadows; we needed to stop them from killing people."

"What is the definition of life? Are the shadows not born, do they not consume, do they not take form, grow, adapt, react to stimuli? Some of them are even capable of reproduction. Do you still not consider them to be alive? Or is it that your life is worth more than theirs?"

"That's-"

Yuuki paused for a moment. Perhaps Olivia was right, perhaps she had been deluding herself into thinking she was destroying things rather than sentient beings. They were still the enemies of humanity, and it had been right to prevent the murders from taking place, but equally they had been wrong to target the Individual shadows. As Olivia said, they were no threat to them.

Was she heartless? Why had she never considered the shadows to be alive? Yuuki felt cold inside, as if she had realised something she never wanted to know. What was the purpose of the shadows? Who was creating them?

"What difference does it make?" said Olivia nonchalantly, "mortals are the playthings of the gods, you should act with the tools you have been given and let us condemn you for it."

Were deities really so fickle? Yuuki smiled, only Olivia could make her believe she was inherently callous and then morally superior within a minute. It seemed she had fun teasing her.

Oscar came running towards them. He was finished exploring his surroundings and had a wide smile on his face.

"Are you quite finished acting like a moron Oscar?"

"This world is much more interesting than ours. A black cat made me break a mirror by crossing my path while I was walking under a ladder."

"You do realise this is Friday the 13th?" asked Yuuki nervously.

aaa

Another Friday morning had come to its conclusion and the afternoon classes were well under way.

The exams were 12 weeks away and signs of their inevitable approach were clear to see. A nervous energy, similar to that which had swept the corridors of Bishopmill Academy in January, was beginning to build. Every week until that fateful fortnight in June would become even worse, but for now the relief of the weekend was at hand.

Yuuki's thoughts bounced between her studies and the shadows. She was almost praying for them to appear to end the uncertainty. Not knowing when they would start killing was becoming unbearable. Yuuki imagined her exams working in a similar way and shivered.

Right now her history teacher, Mr Niven, was drawing towards the end of his lecture. His withered, aged hands wrote one final note onto the board before the school bell reverberated around the school building. With a friendly, reassuring smile that caused his wrinkly face to be swamped by lines, he dismissed his pupils and returned to his desk, although he wasn't quite finished yet.

"Yuuki, Yuuki Hashimoto, stay behind."

His voice, normally upbeat and boarding on humorous, was deadly serious, and his smile was gone. Yuuki nervously did as she was told as her colleagues past her. Soon they were alone.

"I-Is something wrong sir?"

"Nah," replied Mr Niven, "I just wanted to say how great a job I think you're doing."

Yuuki released a sigh of relief before yelling at her teacher 'there are other ways you could have done that'.

"I know, but where's the fun in that?"

She was about to leave when she noticed Mr Niven's walking stick had fallen to the floor. He tried to reach down but stopped eight inches short. His face became more contorted as he lowered himself slowly. Yuuki collected the stick for him and placed it in his hand.

"I'm getting too old for this," he confessed, "it's for the best."

"What is?"

He ignored her question. "Have you ever considered becoming a teacher Yuuki?"

"I…haven't thought about what I'll do."

"Good, you shouldn't limit yourself. Young people today are so quick to tie themselves down before they have a chance to think things through. But I'm sure you'd like teaching."

"What makes you say that?" asked Yuuki.

"Just a hunch. If you have the patience to talk to a senile old man like me instead of running to class then you can teach."

Oh crap! Yuuki hurried towards the door and almost tripped in her haste. She could hear the faint sound of laughter from the room she had just left. 'He's making fun of me'. But as Yuuki hurried up the stairs she wondered why he took such an interest in her. Did he genuinely care about her? Was he in his own meandering way trying to get her to think about her future?

'Maybe I'm imagining things'. Yuuki hesitated before opening the door to room C34. Ms Clapton had already commenced with her lesson meaning a yelling was now unavoidable. 'What did Mr Niven mean when he said 'I'm too old' and 'it's for the best'?'

"Thou hast enhanced a bond. From hence forth the Temperance Arcana shall bless thee."

Yuuki stepped inside and weathered the tidal wave of abuse from Ms Clapton for arriving late. At least it was Friday.

aaa

Sunday, March 15th, 2015 – 23:51
Hashimoto residence

The movie she was watching was supposed to be a horror however it paled into comparison to real life.

Last night the shadows had struck. That in itself wasn't unexpected; indeed Yuuki had been awaiting their arrival for some time now. The frightening aspect came when she learnt there had been two fatalities.

The first was a woman called Emi Yamamoto. She had been discovered murdered in an alleyway in a sea of her own blood. The news reporter stated that 'all of her limbs have yet to be located', suggesting it was a horrific crime. The second was a man named Matt Dillon. Unlike the other victim, who had been killed in central belt of Scotland, Matt was discovered in an equally gruesome condition in a village near 'Tay of Ord' just 70 miles East of Bishopmill.

What Yuuki didn't know was how to interrupt these deaths. Were there to be 26 murders over 13 nights before the central shadow appeared, in which case would the central shadow be in two separate locations? Or was there to be thirteen victims and the 14th would die after 7 days instead of 14? Was it possible that there were two separate lists that contained the names of all the victims alongside two separate central shadows? Or was it simpler to assume that an individual shadow had appeared that was capable of killing people, but that would raise more questions than answers.

Realising that the movie she was watching was failing to grab her attention Yuuki decided to wait for midnight and then scan for shadows. When the lights went dead and her television fell silent she awakened Tamamo-no-Mae and it set about searching for signs of life. It detected nothing. Yuuki wasn't surprised as it was rare for regular shadows to appear immediately.

Yuuki released a tired yawn. There was no way of telling what was about to happen.

aaa

Monday, March 16th, 2015 – 15:34
Bishopmill Academy

Last night the shadows had reverted to killing one person.

Jeanette McCallum, 26, joined Emi Yamamoto, 47, and Matt Dillon, 59, as victims of the shadows. Her death was in line with the other two; a brutal murder at the stroke of midnight with no witnesses. The added twist was that she was living in the south of Spain on the Mediterranean coast, far away from the shores of Scotland.

Nothing connected these three people. Emi had been a cook at a Japanese restaurant with a husband and two mature children, Matt Dillon was a business man although he was expected in court due to a violent outburst and his links to organised crime, while Jeanette McCallum was wanted on suspicion of murdering her husband two years earlier. They had never come into contact with one another, had no common friends and no shared interests. At least none that Senga or Terry could find.

Yuuki strolled through the light drizzle towards the school's main gates. She didn't bother looking for cover. The patter of rain against her head and clothing was soothing in its own way, calming her restless mind, but it ceased abruptly as a faint shadow was cast over her. Yuuki glanced to her side and noticed her boyfriend Iain standing there, matching her slow pace, holding an umbrella above her head.

"Hello Iain, I thought you usually stay late."

"I do," he answered, "however I wished to discuss something with you. Are you free?"

She growled at him. It was nice that he was polite, but Yuuki wished he could be more assertive sometimes. Regardless she nodded her head and the pair walked through the rain towards the centre of town. They talked as she followed his lead.

"I don't understand what's going on," said Yuuki, "why were there two murders on the first night? I don't get it."

"There isn't enough information to provide a definitive solution," stated Iain.

"I know that!"

Yuuki didn't mean to yell but she was frustrated. All of yesterday and today she had been thinking about it however she was no more aware than before. Iain, quite wisely, remained silent for a while. She guessed he was waiting for her to speak again.

"What do you think?" asked Yuuki to avoid apologising.

"We know that the shadows have thus far restricted themselves to one target per night, and that the central shadow arrives on the fourteenth night to eliminate its ambition personally. Therefore either one or both of these conditions have changed or…"

"Or what?"

"Or…it's a coincidence."

Yuuki slouched. Her faith in Iain's powers of deduction dramatically reduced after hearing of his 'coincidence' theory. Of all the stupid ideas that had to be the worst. Yuuki stopped talking about the shadows, since it was clear Iain knew even less than her.

The couple soon arrived on South Street where without warning Iain stopped moving. Yuuki looked at him. His expression was the same placid gaze that he often hid behind.

"We're here."

"Huh?"

Iain motioned towards the building to his left. Yuuki read the colourful neon sign; 'Too Damn Loud'.

"This is the karaoke bar."

"That is correct," confirmed Iain, "I invited the members of the Afterschool Shadow Hunters to meet us here. They should be waiting for us."

"That sounds like fun but…why now?"

"Ah, there are numerous studies which highlight the benefits of group interactions, singing and music, leading me to believe-"

"You thought it would make me feel better."

"Precisely."

Yuuki smiled. Her boyfriend Iain was a strange one, but he was her strange one. The pair went inside and found their friends waiting for them.

aaa

Thursday, March 19th, 2015 – 16:29
Dream Lane
Shadi Residence

6 people were dead. There names were Matt Dillon, Emi Yamamoto, Jeanette McCallum, Stuart McDonald, George Potter and Ruth Saxon. Every night except the first the shadows had killed one person, as they had done for all the previous sets of murders.

The members of ASH gathered in Iain's apartment in an attempt to understand what was going on. Senga was saying little, as was James although that was probably the result of sleepless nights caused by a particularly gruelling report for his college course. Terry and Bonnie were of the opinion that 'the last shadow will probably show up in Bishopmill,' and that they didn't need to worry.

"But we don't know what day it will show," explained an exacerbated Senga, "will it be after the 26th or the 27th?"

"Then we'll wait for them whatever time it is," retorted Terrance.

The meeting wasn't progressing very well. Iain decided to review what they knew for certain.

"There is no connection between each of the victims save for the history of criminal activity which all but one is alleged to possess."

"But if that isn't right for one then it can't be right," stated Rebecca, "how can it be a pattern if there is an exception?"

"That is true however nothing else connects even the majority of the deaths together. Their demographics, acquaintances, hobbies, interests, religions, education, and even their appearance are all varied, almost to the point of being deliberately so."

If Iain was insisting on an idea then Yuuki presumed there was a reason. She looked at the names which had been written on a sheet of paper. Everyone had such a list to help them keep track of what had happened. Yuuki's was blank as were most of the sheets however Lorraine's had an attractive line drawing on the back of hers. Rebecca's too had doodles and sketches. For some reason it reminded Yuuki of something.

"It might be easier to find the killer," said Senga in a serious tone. "Does anyone have any ideas on who that could be?"

"I have a few theories," replied Iain, "however they are little more than conjecture. If we assume that there is one originator for the shadows then the person should fit into certain specific categories. First they should be female, as each of the central shadows has taken a female form. Second they must live in or around Bishopmill, for the victims prior to this series each had a connection with this town. There are other factors such as age, intelligence, motivation, however these are more difficult to quantify."

"Maybe we should be making a list of suspects."

When Senga said those words something triggered inside Yuuki's mind. 'Suspects', that was the key. Yuuki had seen some of these names before; they were on the list Rose Cameron had made detailing who she suspected to be behind the murders, the list that had her at the top.

Yuuki stood up and reached for her coat. There was no way to tell if she was right without returning to the police station. Her colleagues were understandably confused.

"What's up sis?"

"I think I know how the shadows are picking their targets."

"Really?" exclaimed Daigo, "how?"

"Its people the police suspect of being 'the midnight stalker', I saw a list of names and I think it lines up with those who have died, but I need to check first."

"Hold on," said Senga firmly, "how do you know that?"

Yuuki hesitated before answering, 'Because the last name…is mine.' She hurried out of Iain's apartment and ran as quickly as she could to the police station on Bishopmill High Street.

aaa

When Yuuki arrived she banged her hands against the reception desk. The time was just after 5pm, making her believe that Rose Cameron would be finishing her work shortly. She was the only one Yuuki wanted to talk to, since it was her who had made that list. The man behind the desk growled in response to the noise she was making, but she ignored his disapproval.

"I need to speak to DI Rose Cameron."

"Why don't you calm down little girl and try asking politely."

"There isn't time let me speak to Rose Cameron now!"

"Calm down," said the man, "why don't you tell me and I'll talk to the detective inspector."

"It has to be her, you wouldn't understand."

The policeman behind the reception desk sat down and folded his arms. Yuuki wanted to scream at him. She could appreciate that she was acting strangely, but how difficult was it to simply call someone.

"My name is Yuuki Hashimoto, tell her that and she'll meet me."

The man ignored her. It was clear that he wasn't going to listen. Yuuki had another idea. She opened her phone and searched for the number Rose had given to her previously. It started ringing. After an extended pause the call was answered by a gruff unfriendly voice.

"Cameron here."

"H-Hello, its Yuuki, that is, Yuuki Hashimoto, are you at the police station?"

"No I'm in the magical world of Oz where the hell would I be?"

"Please come to the front desk."

Yuuki ended the call. Within a few seconds Rose appeared from the far side of the counter. Their eyes met. Before approaching her DI Cameron moved towards the sitting policeman and kicked the back of his chair firmly, yelling at him for 'being an eejit'.

"Follow me."

They travelled through the building until they reached the same interrogation room as last time. Yuuki stepped inside and sat on one of the black plastic fold up chairs. She waited for Rose to sit opposite her before she began talking.

"I might know who is going to die next."

"I might know the lottery numbers," mocked the plain clothed policewoman, "what's your point?"

"All the people who have died mysteriously at night, I think I know what they had in common."

"And what's that?"

"Erm…" Yuuki wasn't sure how to explain without getting herself into trouble, but rather than lie she decided to stick to the truth. "Last time I was here, I saw something on your table. It had names on it along with handwritten notes. At the top it had my name. I think that everyone who has died has been on that list, would it be alright if I took a peek?"

DI Cameron moved towards the door and turned the lock. She glanced out of the window and scanned the connecting corridor discretely. Now satisfied Rose returned to her seat and lit a cigarette with one hand while pulling out a hidden ashtray with the other.

"So you're saying that my confidential list, which I made, is the one the killer is using?"

Yuuki eyed the doorway nervously. Why did her interviewer lock her in? Why was she so calm? Other questions that had been brewing came to the forefront of her thoughts. Why had she always considered the police as separate from herself? How did she know that the previous murders followed a distinct pattern?

"Are you? Are you the…"

"Am I what? No you moron I'm not the killer! Geez, you drive me spare. Why would I be smoking sixty a day and having sleepless nights if I was the one doing it?"

"But the door?"

"I didn't want you running off," explained Rose, "most doors in this place lock automatically so they can only open from the outside or with a key but that one's been acting a bit funny. You thought I was the murderer because I work in a crappy office?"

"N-No, I'm sorry."

"Why don't you cut the crap and explain what is going on? How did you know that some of the people we were watching were dying? And why would you even consider such a possibility?"

"…"

'How can I answer?' Yuuki stared at her feet. She knew better than to lie, but the truth was impossible to explain, and she would be institutionalised if she told anyone. The policewoman opposite her slammed her hands violently down onto the table. Yuuki caught a glimpse of her anger filled face. It scared her. She didn't know what to do.

DI Cameron extinguished her cigarette, disposed of the ashes and then made a telephone call. It was impossible for Yuuki to follow the one sided conversation as the only things she heard was 'yes, no, yes'. Almost immediately two policemen, the same pair who had brought her here last week, entered the room.

"Remove all personal artefacts from this girl's person and hold her in isolation," said Rose coolly to the men, "she is to have no contact with anyone, understand? It's already been agreed."

One of the uniformed pair grabbed Yuuki's arm tightly and dragged her from the room. She kicked at him and screamed to be let go, but the other officer took hold of her legs and they carried her to their destination. Yuuki yelled as loudly as she could but no-one stopped to help her.

By the time the trio reached the secure lower portion of the station Yuuki's voice had become hoarse. There was no point in struggling. The shorter fat one lowered her feet and opened an old steel door revealing a cold, depressing square cell. He then rummaged through her pockets and took her phone, her purse and even the packet of tissues she had been carrying. They dropped her onto the hard bed and left her alone. The unmistakeable sound of a lock being turned echoed before the narrow visor two thirds up the door was shut. There was no way out and no way to contact her friends.