Life and death were LITERALLY the only two outcomes hanging over me... though, the stranger in question didn't hesitate as their axe was now higher in the air. Ready to be used on me as if they were going to butcher a helpless, trapped animal...
"S-Stop!"
Despite the danger... Shinozaki moved closer. Desperately pleading to the shadowy figure.
(Ayumi): "We're unarmed! See? We're-We're on your side! Stop what you're doing!"
Even when her cries were loud and clear, the distance between me and the blade of the axe drastically shortened by every milli-second, until my survival instincts rolled me to the side. Completely dodging the impact of what could've been my final moments on this world. With an aftertaste of the dry, cursed soil... scorching my throat in every breath. Reminding me that I'm still very much alive, but also reminding me...worse has yet to come.
(Yoshiki): "...! *Sputter*"
Holy fuck!
This asshole is actually trying to kill us!
Wait...
Is this HIM?
The killer?...
(Ayumi): "*Gasp* Oh my God! Kishinuma! Get up!"
Even when the world was shaking, I didn't hesitate. Neither did Shinozaki as her hands were on me. Not only that she guided me back on my feet, but she also began dragging me without letting a second go to waste.
(Ayumi): "C'mon! C'mon! C'mon! This way! Hurry up! Move faster!"
But it was too late. The attacker was already within reach. Forcing me to push Shinozaki back to safety.
(Ayumi): "What the-Kishinuma!?"
One swing, missed.
Another swing, missed again.
(Ayumi): "Oh my god! Run! Run Kishinuma! Run!"
The attacker didn't go at all easy.
Every strike lessened the space I had, boxing me more into a corner where sliding past him became too dangerous.
All I could do then was...become the bait.
Lead him further away from Shinozaki and into the cemetery.
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma! What are you doing-?!"
(Yoshiki): "Get help!"
(Ayumi): "...?!"
(Yoshiki): "I'm holding him back! Mooove your ass and get help! NOW!"
(Ayumi): "No! Kishinuma...just run!"
Running is one option, the other... fight the attacker. But I knew I couldn't match what I was up against. The way he swung showed years of experience. An attempt to disarm him would be just suicide. However, if I just ran off... there's no telling where I'll end up.
Apparently, it didn't matter what choice I made. Cruel fate had yet another surprise in it's sleeves.
(Yoshiki): "Haaahhh!"
A syringe of pain stabbed through one of my legs.
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma?!"
Not by the tainted blade, but by a poorly timed cramp. Putting me back into the ground as I witness the attacker approaching slowly. Shinozaki tried moving in to get me. But the attacker noticed her attempts which he then directed his axe at her to keep me isolated.
(Yoshiki): "Fhhhuck! Hrrrrgh...!"
Not good! Not good!
Why the fuck is this happening NOW?!
(Ayumi): "Stop! Don't touch him!"
To make matters worse, the same leg with the cramp was now caught by tremendous force.
(Yoshiki): "...!"
That being the attacker's boot. Now he was holding me in place.
(Ayumi): "I-I said stop! Leave him out of this!"
I tried kicking him with the other leg, but doing that just caused me to grit my teeth and pound the ground in dear agony, as he began squeezing me.
(Yoshiki): "Nnrrghhh! Motherfucker!"
(Ayumi): "No! Stop! Stop hurting him!"
I can't die!
I can't FUCKING die!
(Ayumi): "Stop this! Please...!"
Not here!
Not like this!
(Ayumi): "Whoever you are, please...please stop what you're doing and let's...let's just talk it out!"
As a last resort, I desperately dug around my surroundings for stones or...whatever I needed to survive.
But my shaking hands couldn't get ahold of anything.
The grainy dirt was all I had.
Even if it was just dirt, I didn't hesitate on using it!
(Yoshiki): "Hrrrgh! Take some of that you bastard!"
(Ayumi): "...!"
Throw after throw after throw... yet somehow, the son of a bitch didn't back off or even...flinched. But it wasn't just that. The lumps I threw at him created these distinct sounds of... metal being scratched.
What the fuck is this?!
Then it became obvious once the dust cleared up. He was wearing a mask. But not just any mask...
(Yoshiki): "What the fuck?!..."
(Ayumi): "...?!"
It's design was too unnatural, even my body jolted backwards with a knot inside me twisting and burning. As the wearer's mask closely resembled to a vulture. One with a long, metallic beak where the mouth would be, and crimson lenses for eyes.
They were also wearing this ghostly, yet long overcoat.
Tattered, waxed leather gloves.
Strapped boots.
A wide brimmed hat tighten down by the leather straps on each side.
And a balaclava tucked behind their mask.
No fucking way!
It's gotta be him!
The fucking serial killer!
Same person or not, the way I've been handled couldn't be any different.
Killing is their intention, yet they weren't moving as quickly now.
Actually, they weren't moving at all. Not even to the sounds of Shinozaki's desperate cries. Which took my attention more than the pains traveling through my crushed leg.
(Ayumi): "Please...! Don't...Don't kill him!"
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki...he's not going to stop! Run before it's too late!"
(Ayumi): "Don't kill him! Please...!"
What the fuck is she doing?!
(Ayumi): "Don't kill him! Don't kill him! Don't kill him-"
(Yoshiki): "SHINOZAKI!"
(Ayumi): "...?!"
(Yoshiki): "Leave me behind and get the fuck out of here!"
(Ayumi): "No...! I-I can't leave you-"
(Yoshiki): "RUN!"
(Ayumi): "...!"
(Yoshiki): "Run and...and don't look back! Run as fastest as you can until you're back in the city!"
(Ayumi): "Ki-Kishinuma...!"
(Yoshiki): "Go! Get out of here already!"
(Ayumi): "N-nnngh...!"
Even when we were having our back and forth, the killer just kept watching in silence.
Expecting... something.
Whatever it was, I didn't want to give into his sick, twisted desires.
Especially, when she's watching...
(Yoshiki): "Well what are you waiting for?... I'm not begging for my life!"
"..."
(Yoshiki): "Go ahead! Kill me! Kill me you son of a bitch! C'mon! Kill me! Kill me RIGHT NOW! KILL ME!"
The killer then slowly raised his axe in the air... as countless memories began overlapping reality like an open scrapbook. Page-by-page, unfolding and blinding me of real-time. That all I could see were momentous occassions when me, my friends and family smiled and laughed along. Although, most of them were being overshadowed by this one memory. The time when me and Miki were staying over at our uncle's cottage. Late at night. Comfortably taking in the warmth of the fireplace in his living room. Drinking his aloe green tea while listening to him recounting his experiences out at the deep waters.
Out of all memories, this is the one I was remembering.
It was the one memory I wanted to go back to. Just to have a final moment with...my family...at our home.
But no matter how hard I focused into it, it wasn't happening.
Any moment now... great deal of pain will keep me awake, until my body can no longer take it.
This was the end for... Yoshiki Kishinuma.
The guy who couldn't keep his promises.
Not even... for the person who I was supposed to not leave behind in this cruel, dark world...
(Yoshiki): "..."
Miki...
I'm sorry...
I'm really, really sorry...
I hope you can smile again when I'm gone.
Right when my heart sank into those thoughts... a sudden sound of a thunder strike resonated throughout the field.
-CLANK-
(Yoshiki): "...?!"
The source coming from the killer as he got struck by what I first thought to be a chunk of meteorite.
Directly hit the backside of his head which caused him to fumble to the side in agony.
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki?..."
There, she helped me up and dragged me without hesitation.
(Yoshiki): "Why didn't you-"
(Ayumi): "I'm not gonna leave you behind you idiot!"
(Yoshiki): "..."
She...saved my life!
She actually saved my life!
(Ayumi): "Don't just stand there! Move yourself!"
It was the perfect opportunity to escape.
But...
(Yoshiki): "Hey! What the fuck is wrong with you?! This is not what you do to people you fucking sicko!"
(Ayumi): "Are you...Are you being serious right now...?!"
Shinozaki of course kept dragging me back and tried reasoning me out of my dumb bullshit. But my mind just kept moving towards the opposite direction. Emotionally driven by the thought of anybody we know...can just disappear the next day.
If I said nothing, this moment would forever haunt my life.
I had to get my thoughts out...
(Yoshiki): "You could be improving your own goddamn life! But instead, you're out here... taking the life of others, who don't even know who the fuck you are!"
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma! Shut up and run! This is NOT the time for this!"
(Yoshiki): "We have friends! We have families! All waiting for us at home! Every one of us...has a future to look forward to! But you? What gives you the right to take all that way from us?! Huh?!"
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma!"
(Yoshiki): "Hey! Are you even fucking listening?!"
At that exact moment, the killer stopped struggling and reared their head slowly towards us.
(Yoshiki): "Answer me goddammit! What gives you the right to...kill?"
"..."
(Yoshiki): "Don't you have anybody in your life...anybody who you love...anybody you don't want murdered...by someone like you?"
Still... nothing came out of his mask.
All I could hear then was Shinozaki whispering into my cold ear.
(Ayumi): "...This won't change anything! Please just drop it!"
(Yoshiki): "..."
Nothing else could be said.
Even if the killer listened and understood, it wouldn't stop him from wanting to murder us.
As long as we're alive, we're able to report to the authorities of what happened tonight.
Too many have already been slaughtered by him.
He needed us dead...
(Ayumi): "...Kishinuma!"
(Yoshiki): "Yeah...I'm going."
Thankfully, my leg recovered throughout that entire exchange, but with the support of Shinozaki it recovered well enough that I was able to move on it normally again right as we found our way back to the entranceway of the cemetery.
Freedom, now before our eyes.
Disguised in rust, rubble and steel.
(Yoshiki): "...?!"
Even when the exit was literally a few feet away... this was the moment when fear completely blinded us from all directions. Disbelief sinking me back into the grave's darkness as chills ran up my sweaty back. A gut-wrenching sight, made my whole body light and numb in an instant after accepting what I saw wasn't an illusion caused by the overbearing stress.
(Yoshiki): "No fucking way!"
(Ayumi): "Wh-What?!"
My hands were now desperately tugging on the newly found chains. However, despite the effort, they weren't coming off. The hanging padlock needed a key.
(Ayumi): "C-Can you break it off?!"
(Yoshiki): "Fuck no!"
Another method was climbing over the fence. Unfortunately, the height was against us by 10-feet. Even if we were somehow able to reach. Their design weren't meant for climbing over, seen by the top parts as their structure were like spiky, sharp daggers. Off-limits to any fragile, living body which could easily tear apart organs if pressed hard enough. So with that in mind, I took a look behind us, only to find-
(Yoshiki): "GET DOWN!"
(Ayumi): "...?!"
Without hesitation, I forcefully pulled Shinozaki to me. In return, saving her life as the killer missed and sliced their axe right through the metal. Not only they struck the fence, massive dents were also formed on the surrounding pickets where their body slammed into. Monstrous weight and damage that couldn't be rationalized no matter how we looked at it.
We didn't even have time to stare. Already their axe was out and ready.
(Yoshiki): "Move!"
(Ayumi): "Oh my God! Kishinuma! Oh my God!"
But of course, Shinozaki was too startled to move properly. Which I ended up grabbing for her bandaged hand. Giving her the boost she needed.
(Ayumi): "...!"
(Yoshiki): "Keep running! Keep running!"
Rather than letting go, she grabbed right back. Not with just one, but with both hands. Holding on for her dear life as I guided us throughout the rest of the unexplored cemetery. Where we ran through areas of higher ground, and avoided open paths. But no matter how fast we were going... and no matter how many tombstones we used to cover our tracks, the shadowy monster still appeared in the foggy distances, haunting us in awkward, eerily slow movements.
And it wasn't even the worry of him catching up.
His slowness was just unsettling... as if he knew the layout of the entire cemetery. Which meant... he might know where to trap us.
But that couldn't be the only problem!
(Yoshiki): "Ahhh fuck!"
(Ayumi): "*Pant* Kishinuma...?!"
Dammit!
Not now!
Long hours of work and vigorous exercises were finally catching up just as I smashed my side into one of the stones. Almost toppling myself over countless burials. It didn't stop me.
However...
(Ayumi): "*Wheeze* *Pant*"
Shinozaki's breaths were not sounding normal. Her breathing wasn't only noisy, but she was rapidly panting more than I was.
Then it hit me.
(Yoshiki): "...!"
Shit! She's hyperventilating!
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
This can't be fucking happening right now!
(Ayumi): "*Pant* Kishi-Kishinuma! *Pant* I can't...! *Pant*"
Her grip was even getting lighter, which I pulled and squeezed her harder.
(Yoshiki): "Don't give up now! Hold on!"
Dammit! This is getting worse!
Where the fuck are we supposed to go?!
Wherever we were going didn't make our situation any easier. It only worsen our chances. Even to the point that my vision began getting blurry.
(Yoshiki): "...! *Pant*"
No!
No! No! Not yet!
Dammit! Dammit!
GOD PLEASE!
Give me all your strength!
PLEASE don't let this bastard get us!
If not for me! At least for Shinozaki!
She doesn't deserve this!
Dear God! Please!
(Yoshiki): "...?"
After this one turn, a bushy, flowery arbor tunnel revealed itself no more than a mile away. And as we got closer, stone walls over half my height were running along on each side.
I knew that if we ran through this path, the killer would still be after us.
We wouldn't lose him.
There had to be another way...
(Ayumi): "Why...Why are we...stopping?!"
And that's when I realized... we had to do this.
(Yoshiki): "Over here...!"
(Ayumi): "*Pant* Wh-What are you-"
(Yoshiki): "We're hiding...!"
Once my hands met one of the stone walls, I immediately made it over.
(Yoshiki): "Quick! Get over here...!"
Once she made it over the wall, I then guided her to the ground.
(Ayumi): "H-Huh...?!"
(Yoshiki): "...Lie down!"
As she did, the distant crunching had only worsen. As those sounds can now be heard in areas we were just at. Those undoubtedly being the killer's heavy boots, crushing sticks and tossing gravel up in the air. But those sounds were gradually getting closer to our direction. The killer approaching underneath the arbor, and walking on its path. Of course this didn't make either of us calmer when the steps were closely blasting to our ear drums. This making Shinozaki jitter uncontrollably. Literally vibrating herself like a broken washing machine. Meanwhile for me, my whole body was being drenched in our puddles of cold sweat. And surprisingly, splashes weren't heard from the other side of the wall. It was just slow, steady stomps. Moving further down the uneven, rugged path.
That's what I was hearing, only until... those movements nearby us suddenly stopped.
Complete dead silence. Creeping over us from all directions.
We were now in the mercy of the unknown...
"..."
Why is he stopping...?!
Does he know where we are...?!
Immediately after that unsettling thought... an unnatural, jarring scrape filled the dead air with higher suspense. That being due to the sound of their blade, tracing on stone. Each second of the tormenting scratching, further exposing my tangled nerves, as for Shinozaki, her heart screamed into my lower abdomen. To the point where she actually clung into me with her head buried into my chest.
Move the fuck on!
"..."
Just...fucking move!
God, please!
What are we supposed to do then?
Neither of us were fit to keep running... and even if we tried leaving from our spots now, we'll just instantly be added into the graveyard collection. Prayer was the only thing we had above us... A miracle where... a thought slips into that monster's head so they could be chasing after a shadow far, far from us. That's all we needed. Just one... one fucking thought. One sudden feeling for him to fuck off somewhere else.
But guess what?
The death stomps resumed down the worn out path until they were no longer heard.
We were safe...
For now...
(Yoshiki): "Jesus..."
And knowing we were no longer being chased, it was when I finally released Shinozaki. Which led me to sit myself up, wipe the sweat off my face, rub my arms and thighs, and just let the cool breezes brush off the heat that's been melting inside me.
It felt too fucking good...
Literally, I could fall asleep if I just kept myself in one place for a little too long... relaxing on that soft grass.
(Yoshiki): "That was a close one... yeah, too goddamn close..."
(Ayumi): "*Gasp* *Pant* *Pant* *Wheeze*"
(Yoshiki): "...?"
Just when I thought things were at least okay.
Fuck!
She's still having trouble breathing!
(Ayumi): "*Pant* *Wheeze* *Pant* *Wheeze*"
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki, hey, hey listen! You gotta calm down! Don't breathe through your mouth! Breathe through your nose!"
(Ayumi): "...*Pant*"
Shinozaki nodded with eyes shut, doing what she's been instructed to do.
(Yoshiki): "There you go! That's it...! Slow breaths. In and out. In...and out. Keep doing that...!"
But then...
(Yoshiki): "...!"
Shinozaki's forehead was now suddenly being pressed into my chest with her hands stretching my uniform.
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki?..."
(Ayumi): "You idiot!"
(Yoshiki): "Huh?..."
(Ayumi): "You dumb! Stupid! Moron!"
(Yoshiki): "Hey, hey what's the big deal...?!"
(Ayumi): "Why...Why didn't you run...?!"
Oh...
(Ayumi): "Even after I stopped him... you had the nerve to put yourself in danger again! Seriously! What kind of special breed of idiot are you? I mean, why couldn't you just let him go...?!"
My mouth opened, but then... I realized how much effort it would take for all to just be wasted.
Really, anything I said would just make things more complicated.. But without saying anything, Shinozaki continued aching my heart in a way that's never been done before.
Engraving this memory with that terrifying phrase. Said in such a painful, dreadful voice.
(Ayumi): "He would've killed you at any point!"
(Yoshiki): "..."
(Ayumi): "Do you understand that...?!"
My fist then tighten...
The thought of being so worthless... at such an important time, filled me with shame...and regret and...anger.
Not that I didn't want her to save me.
No, its way more complex than that...
(Ayumi): "He almost...killed you... a-and he...he almost...! Oh my god...!"
She couldn't even get all of her thoughts out. Her shuddering held back some of her words as she kept tightening and clinging into me as if I'm the world's last option. At this point, the numbness could be felt spreading from every desperate tug as all her emotions struggled to vent without her choking up.
And for me, well... I was still a little too out of it... too slow and exhausted to react the way I should.
(Ayumi): "We almost died...! *hic* *whimper* *hic*
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki..."
(Ayumi): "Oh my god...! Oh my god...! We almost died...!"
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki, hey... listen-"
(Ayumi): "Oh my god...! We almost died...! We almost died! We almost died!"
Literally, she went on like a broken record. Repeating those cries until I hugged her with my hand resting over her head.
(Ayumi): "Died...died...!"
(Yoshiki): "It's okay, Shinozaki. It's okay..."
A few gentle brushes in and finally, she eased her whole body. Finally resting into my arms.
(Yoshiki): "This will all be over soon."
(Ayumi): "*Sniffles*"
(Yoshiki): "We'll be out of this horrible place in no time. We just gotta find an exit, okay?"
I kept stroking her... but she held even tighter and continued letting out her vulnerabilities in small bursts.
(Ayumi): "But Kishinuma, I...I can't... *sniffles* I can't run like that again!"
(Yoshiki): "I know."
(Ayumi): "I...I just can't!"
(Yoshiki): "I know. Which is why we're gonna be extra careful when we're moving around."
(Ayumi): "..."
(Yoshiki): "As long as we're quiet, everything will turn out just fine."
(Ayumi): "What makes you so sure?..."
Then...I just came out and said it.
(Yoshiki): "Well...that's because...I have you."
(Ayumi): "...?"
Shinozaki then lifted her head, now with her mouth and eyes gently widening in their own shapes. Didn't stop me from going on. That very innocent yet gentle look, kept inspiring me. Persuading me to keep moving forward into those calming, blue sky eyes. The only pair that's beyond the stars above us. Literally... I didn't even have to look up for those to wish upon to have this, "illusionary beauty". The real thing was already right here. Becoming more true by the second, while slowly realizing, how much can change after tonight.
Yeah, after tonight...
Me and Shinozaki could literally become... best friends.
No more pointless arguing...
No more of her... thinking the worst out of me.
Our bond... will be unlike anything out there. Far beyond the stars to our planet.
And that's an opportunity I wasn't planning to waste.
There's no way I could.
(Yoshiki): "Because of you, and because of me... we made it this far. We're here now because...neither of us gave up on each other. That's why I believe we'll make it through this."
Out of my control, my hand just kept stroking her little, soft head. When I realized what I was still doing to her, I stopped, but noticed... she wasn't fidgeting or putting up a fight. She just kept staring in awe, and by seeing those innocent eyes shine through mine, the future became brighter. So bright that I became blinded by these blurry visions of us smiling and laughing together.
(Ayumi): "...You really think so?"
Really, I had nothing to reinforce those words, but just with more words. But that beautiful future... kept glowing brighter and brighter. I couldn't stop myself from smiling, regardless of the hell my body was feeling. The pain couldn't match against the wholeness being formed in my soul with her.
(Yoshiki): "No matter what happens. By the end of tonight. You, me... we're going to get out of this in one piece."
(Ayumi): "...!"
(Yoshiki): "You will not get a single scratch. You won't get hurt! Not by him! Not by anyone! I can promise you that as long as I'm with you. Your life is safe under my hands, Shinozaki."
Instantly a tug could be felt pulling down on my uniform, as those beautiful eyes never left my face. They kept looking deeper and deeper... almost like... if they were connecting my soul with hers. Connecting to every movement, touch and sound. Like if we are becoming in one.
(Ayumi): "That's a really big promise you're making..."
(Yoshiki): "Yeah... and it's the one I'm keeping."
Shinozaki then lowered her head. While she tighten her grip. Something still bothered her.
(Ayumi): "...But that's not in your control."
(Yoshiki): "...?"
(Ayumi): "I mean, nobody would've predicted this... nobody."
Of course she still doubts me.
Can't blame her.
(Ayumi): "S-So...I don't expect you, or anyone... to know how this night will turn out! I can end up hurting myself without you knowing!"
Ah, I see...
She doesn't want me to feel responsible if anything happens to her.
(Ayumi): "Promises are meant to be broken, y-you know?..."
(Yoshiki): "Well, let me tell you what I do know."
(Ayumi): "...?"
(Yoshiki): "I have no reason to fail when you're counting on me. And that's all I really need... to carry out what I need to do."
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma..."
(Yoshiki): "It might not mean much coming from me, but I mean that. And hopefully, it clears your mind a bit."
(Ayumi): "..."
Fuck, am I making this weird?
She just keeps giving me that look...
I've never seen her like this before...
(Yoshiki): "So that's... that's why I know things will turn out for the best! And that's just something you have to trust me on."
(Ayumi): "..."
(Yoshiki): "Yeah... uh anyway! We should get going! We can't stay here very long."
The embarrassment had to been obvious.
Hell, I couldn't even keep my face in the same direction as hers.
When I tried moving up well... Shinozaki didn't want to get off.
She kept me in her grasp.
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki, you uh, ready to go?..."
But her next words, oh they were something else...
(Ayumi): "You're a bigger idiot than I thought..."
After everything, she still treats me like that?!
(Ayumi): "You really aren't making this easier..."
She doesn't seem that pissed though...
But why is she saying this stuff?...
(Ayumi): "You really aren't..."
(Yoshiki): "I...don't understand? Did I say something wrong?"
Shinozaki then rested her hands on my shoulder and raised herself higher that we could meet eyes at an equal level.
What is she trying to do...?
(Ayumi): "You're putting it all on yourself, Kishinuma..."
She's... really that worried?
It was confusing, but then again... this is the girl who always hounded me to get my shit together.
That's right, this is just Shinozaki being Shinozaki...
This is exactly like her to worry.
(Yoshiki): "Maybe I am."
(Ayumi): "No! You are! And it's stupid because you literally just said we needed each other... have you already forgotten that?"
She's got me there...
(Ayumi): "It's not just you! We're in this mess together! So...I expect you to count on me too...!"
This girl is on a whole other level...
(Ayumi): "Count on me from now on, okay? Kishinuma?..."
But it wasn't just her words...
Her face also...changed.
Wait a minute... is she... wait... is she really blushing?...
The stare I gave probably made her realize what I was seeing, as she tried to face the other direction, hiding those burns.
(Ayumi): "Anyway... I'm...I'm ready to move now!"
Before she could...
(Ayumi): "...?"
My hand patted her on the head reassuringly.
She had no idea how to react, but the glow on her face definitely didn't die down. Even her beautiful eyes continously sparkled as I let on a smile.
(Yoshiki): "I'll be counting on you from now on. Watch my back, okay?"
(Ayumi): "...Y-Yeah! I will!"
Just like that, Shinozaki followed without any objections.
Well... up until we approached this one lofty building that was surprisingly not a mausoleum. Taken over by the overgrowth of moss. But also barricaded and broken, as the shattered windows had their glass spread across the deck while some of the arches were horribly corroded. Whatever this building was, it was off-limits for any number of bystanders. And Shinozaki pretty much didn't stop being the voice of reason.
(Ayumi): "That's a place I'm happy to avoid! Glad we're not going there! Right? Kishinuma...?"
Tempting as it was to leave this cursed bulding behind, not many options were left open. The cemetery was getting smaller, so as our chances of survival. And it's not like I wanted to force her. But what else could we do? Where else would we go?
So I made the tough decision...
(Yoshiki): "Wait here for a bit."
(Ayumi): "What?..."
(Yoshiki): "Don't worry. I'll make sure it's safe. Give me a minute to check."
I then began walking forward to the place. But for Shinozaki...
(Ayumi): "N-No! Wait! Hold on for a second!"
She caught up and followed along. Panicking in her words as she tried desperately to change my mind.
(Ayumi): "What you're doing is absolutely crazy!"
(Yoshiki): "Yeah..."
(Ayumi): "And that's all you're gonna say?!"
(Yoshiki): "I'm not trying to make this complicated, Shinozaki. I'm doing what needs to be done."
(Ayumi): "Okay, you clearly lost your mind! The windows are LITERALLY boarded up! Don't you see that?"
(Yoshiki): "Yeah, I do..."
(Ayumi): "What about the massive cracks on the walls? O-Or the crumbling arches? The rotting wood? Or the debris lumping on the roofs? There's even glass all over the ground!"
Despite what she said, I still kept walking on the stone path. Keeping my attention ahead of the building.
(Ayumi): "How are you this careless...?! Don't you even value your life just a little...?!"
(Yoshiki): "Doesn't matter how bad it looks. If there's something inside that we could use to escape from this place, I'm going for it."
(Ayumi): "..."
(Yoshiki): "I know it's unfair. But please, trust me on this."
(Ayumi): "...What do you expect us to find in there anyway?"
Our movements then completely stopped. But Shinozaki's worries were still ongoing as she pinched at herself.
(Yoshiki): "Well...there could be all sorts of useful things inside. Like...bolt cutters! You know? For the padlock we could break back at the entrance. There could also be... ladders! That we could use for the fences! Maybe even a radio to signal for help? Or maybe a map of the cemetery? Then we could know all the possible routes to escape from here...!"
(Ayumi): "*Sigh* Kishinuma..."
(Yoshiki): "If we find one of those things, then we can leave this place a hell of a lot sooner!"
(Ayumi): "..."
She's really terrified.
Knowing that she was, I grabbed for her shoulders and tried reassuring her.
(Ayumi): "...?"
This got her to give me that same stare... and she just didn't fight it.
(Yoshiki): "Let's at least check the entranceway. If we can't get inside, we'll try finding a way around the hills. Does that sound better for you?"
She turned her head to the side.
(Ayumi): "I can't believe you're making us do this...! Fine..."
(Yoshiki): "Awesome! Well, not awesome... well, you know what I mean!"
(Ayumi): "Not really, no... I'm actually still sane, unlike you...!"
Surprisingly, she cracked a smile. Something I really needed.
(Yoshiki): "I'll make sure it's safe!"
(Ayumi): "Don't let me stop you then...!"
(Yoshiki): "..."
I really owe myself to this girl...
Still can't believe she rescued me like that...
I really, really owe her...
When I finally walked over the deck, that's when I realized...something was wrong.
The flooring.
It felt... too unusual. Like if I could collapse through and get stuck.
(Yoshiki): "Alright... this doesn't feel safe!"
(Ayumi): "Told you...!"
But that wasn't the red flag.
(Yoshiki): "...?"
The steel door in-front of me, suddenly opened itself. Greeting me cold air and unsettling eeriness. Welcoming in our vulnerable senses. At least, that's what I experienced. Shinozaki seemed unphased, going by the confusion in her voice.
(Ayumi): "It's not locked?..."
(Yoshiki): "Uhhh... I guess not?"
(Ayumi): "...?"
The door must've been pushed by the breeze, yeah...
(Yoshiki): "I'm going in now."
(Ayumi): "...Okay."
Once I entered, Shinozaki followed her way inside. But with the entire place being engulfed by the darkness, the door was slightly left open as Shinozaki used her phone for light.
If only I could do the same.
(Yoshiki): "Shit, forgot to charge mine... my battery is almost dead."
(Ayumi): "I have something that'll help!"
(Yoshiki): "...?"
(Ayumi): "Could you hold my phone for one second?"
(Yoshiki): "Alright."
(Ayumi): "Keep the light on me!"
Shinozaki was now on the ground, digging through her bag as I cooperated.
(Yoshiki): "Better?"
(Ayumi): "A little closer!"
Not very long, a match and candles were in her hands.
Does she always carry those?
After lighting one, she handed it over.
(Ayumi): "Here you go! Place it somewhere safe, please!"
(Yoshiki): "Will do."
Alright, where will this go?
The small desk nearby was the first thing I saw. After leaving it there, the room revealed itself. Looking like the reception area of a clinic. Rundown and abandoned just as we expected it. While the air continued giving this endless supply of "heaviness". Though Shinozaki seemed more proud of herself than anything. The total opposite of how she was outside.
What exactly changed?
(Ayumi): "I'm really glad I decided to pack these!"
(Yoshiki): "Don't you carry those around everywhere?"
(Ayumi): "Not usually...!"
(Yoshiki): "But those happen to be the same ones from class, aren't they? I sorta remember seeing those last year. Back when...we used to stay after school."
(Ayumi): "That's right! They are the same ones...!"
Our talk should've ended there. However... Shinozaki just kept staring at the unlit candle in her hands. Feeling it while she continued on as if she was being exposed for a secret, or rather... she herself discovering one.
(Ayumi): "You really noticed, huh?"
(Yoshiki): "Noticed what?..."
Next thing I knew, she was up at my face!
(Yoshiki): "...!"
It almost made me fell back, but thankfully I caught myself before looking like a bigger fool. For Shinozaki, well...she continued letting out this random surge of energy.
(Ayumi): "My candles! Normally these don't get the attention they deserve because well... they are just candles! But coming from you... I never thought you'd be the one to actually remember them!"
(Yoshiki): "Well... to be fair, I did stay behind a lot."
(Ayumi): "But you remember them!"
Is it really that big of a deal to her?
Although we were still dealing with a dangerous situation, that excitement of hers made me forget a little. Making me smile and get wrapped up like the little gift she is.
(Yoshiki): "I also remember how loud and obnoxious you were! Always yelling me a storm when I didn't look at you the right way. I'm surprised I haven't gone deaf yet in either ear..."
(Ayumi): "Ohhh shut up!"
Then just like that, the both of us laughed. Getting along...
(Ayumi): "Haha!"
This is... amazing...
I hope we stay like this...
"Count on me from now on, okay? Kishinuma?"
...
(Yoshiki): "By the way, this belongs to you."
(Ayumi): "Thanks...!"
(Yoshiki): "..."
(Ayumi): "..."
I thought Shinozaki had something more to say... but then I began to realize how long we both idly stared into one another.
Why is she still staring into me?...
Does she...notice how I feel?
(Ayumi): "You doin' alright?"
(Yoshiki): "Uh... yeah! I think so! Why wouldn't I be?!"
Crap! I'm making this awkward!
(Ayumi): "I know you got hurt pretty badly by him."
(Yoshiki): "...?"
Then that's when I found her checking my leg.
(Ayumi): "It looked really painful! Surprised you haven't been limping..."
(Yoshiki): "Oh that... well, I can tell you I don't really feel any pain!"
(Ayumi): "Well, that's good to hear!"
(Yoshiki): "Yeah, thanks for asking..."
(Ayumi): "..."
Fuck, now it's awkward again!
I need to get us moving...
(Yoshiki): "Uh... Anyway, I guess I'll shut the door and we'll-"
-SLAM-
(Yoshiki): "...!"
(Ayumi): "H-Huh?!"
The steel door we came through slammed shut. But there were no footsteps heard on the other side.
It's just like earlier.
(Ayumi): "Did that door just...closed by itself?"
Don't freak her out...
(Yoshiki): "It did... but it also opened before we got in! Must be because it's really old and loose! Yeah, it's gotta be the wind's doing!"
Even so, I went to check by holding the handle.
(Yoshiki): "...?"
No way...
It's shut tight!
How can that be?!
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma?"
(Yoshiki): "Yeah the door is being weird... Nothing to worry over! This is an old building after all!"
(Ayumi): "..."
The damn thing won't budge!
How is this even possible?!...
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma?..."
(Yoshiki): "Okay, well the door is shut like how we wanted it. So uh... Let's just keep exploring. Yeah... One room at a time!"
I then marched head. But not very long, as Shinozaki's voice held me back by the uniform collar.
(Ayumi): "Kishinuma. What about this room?"
(Yoshiki): "Huh? Ah, yeah... my bad."
Focus you dumbass...
You can't start fucking this up for the both of us...
Our lives are at stake!
I walked it back until I was at the door. Then slowly, I reached for the handle and slide the door opened. All I could see then was just pure darkness. An unnerving sight that made my body jolt backwards.
Why is it that dark?...
God, I could feel enormous amounts of cold pouring out now...
Literally like we're walking into a freezer...
(Yoshiki): "Give me your candle."
She did. Then I guided us into the room.
Inside, not many objects were seen. Not because of the darkness, rather... the room itself barely had any inventory. As there were rows of empty medical cabinets. Also, rows of rusty counters with broken drawers, and checking in those... they were all also empty.
(Yoshiki): "Did you find anything?"
(Ayumi): "N-No... nothing over here."
The discomfort could be heard in her voice.
She wanted out badly.
(Ayumi): "I thought this place was a columbarium, or um... some kind of funeral home... but it's looking more like a laboratory! What do you think?"
(Yoshiki): "I'm getting morgue vibes than anything. Actually, I've seen rooms like this back at our hometown. It would make sense that this used to be where chemicals were stored."
(Ayumi): "...You've been in the morgue?"
(Yoshiki): "Handful of times, yeah."
(Ayumi): "..."
(Yoshiki): "When my aunt passed away, those 'professional' examiners had trouble determining who she belonged to. Took us a couple visits to figure out why she never came home. Couple weeks at that."
(Ayumi): "I'm sorry..."
(Yoshiki): "Don't sweat it. It's in the past."
The short search then led us to the next rooms. All to be a waste of time as well. Though, what really caught my attention were the tools found. At first, I thought one of them could be used for protectional use. But after closely inspecting each and every one of them, it became apparent that all of them were either broken or horribly rusted and bent in terrifying angles. Too hard to look without flinching. One grip can surely rip all the skin off my hand! Not even joking!
(Ayumi): "I really don't like this place..."
(Yoshiki): "Me neither."
Other than the tools, the empty body carts confirmed this place to resemble a morgue department. As corpses are expected to be gathered in these rooms for thorough examinations before taken to confinement, disposal, or... other means. But then those uncomfortable questions surfaced...
Why were these kind of rooms set up here, instead of a lower level?
And why would a building like this exist within a cemetery?
Clearly something doesn't add up.
(Ayumi): "Can...Can we leave already?"
(Yoshiki): "We're almost done here. One more floor to go."
(Ayumi): "Ughhh...!"
For awhile, our exploration led us to a specific door on the second floor. In which Shinozaki placed one of her lit candles on the table right by the doorway. Then from there, we found ourselves a room filled of tall bookcases that reached the ceiling. Rows of them that this area could be easily confused for a library. Though, the main attraction was this desk at the opposite end. Which had mountains of books covering almost every part of the desk's surface. Piles and piles of them... in piss-poor conditions.
(Yoshiki): "Ah-Ahhhchooo! *Sniffles* Goddamn...! It's pretty dusty in here!"
(Ayumi): "..."
Shinozaki didn't have the same reaction. Instead, she lit another candle and placed it on the clearest spot of the desk. Now unleashing those hungry flames, providing warmth and decently dimmed lighting. Enough for our eyes to see. Then from there, she began unstacking some of the books. Each of their covers showing subjects relating to philosophy and medical manuscripts for curing and healing numerous diseases. Some even had covers relating to traditional Buddhism and European folklore. An interesting mix of categories in one place. Though what was more interesting, was the sudden confidence Shinozaki had as she kept moving and acting more than I did, which had me rubbing my neck.
(Yoshiki): "What are you doing?..."
(Ayumi): "Something's telling me that I should look through these..."
(Yoshiki): "...At this time?"
(Ayumi): "I mean, I'd rather stay in this room than be anywhere else in this creepy building..."
If it helps her relax, I guess staying here a bit longer wouldn't be so bad.
(Ayumi): "And, um...maybe if I read through some of this stuff, we could learn something useful about this place. Or maybe like... find a map of the entire graveyard? If I remember correctly, you did say we could find something like that..."
(Yoshiki): "Oh yeah I did. But you're right. This room does look like the place to have something like that laying around."
Shinozaki then shut her eyes and smiled gleefully with books in her arms.
(Ayumi): "...Thank you for understanding!"
(Yoshiki): "Yeah, look through what you think is important. I'll make sure everything's fine."
(Ayumi): "Okay!"
So as we stayed, Shinozaki looked through everything she could grab while I kept watch of the hallway. Every now and then, pacing myself back and forth to make sure we were not overstaying. After all, the killer was still out there, searching for us...
(Yoshiki): "..."
That sick bastard could be coming at any moment...
And there's no knowing that, unless... he breaks through the front door.
Our only escape...
...
But if the door is jammed the way it is, he might assume we never came through here.
...
No, I'm sure he's been through this building... plenty of times.
If he's here in the cemetery with us, then that must mean he takes care of the bodies somewhere out here... possibly in this building...
...
Fuck, I really didn't think this through...
(Yoshiki): "...?"
Between thoughts, I heard books dropping, which I then dashed back to the room and caught Shinozaki pulling out what appeared to be...medical folders? Folders of something, that's for sure.
Oh thank God...!
Thought something happened!
(Ayumi): "Interesting..."
(Yoshiki): "Are those...autopsy reports?"
(Ayumi): "I think so... I dunno, I'll check through them."
And so she checked. Meanwhile, I stayed in the room, now observing the written material she had in her hands from a close distance.
(Yoshiki): "...?"
But it wasn't long before the hairs on my neck raised like satellite towers.
"Incurable disease?..."
To make sure I read those words right, I even gotten closer and examined the entire sheet Shinozaki was crumpling, noticing that the so called "incurable disease" was written multiples times over the document.
(Yoshiki): "..."
What are they even describing?
Was this thing that contagious?...
But what's the weirdest thing about this, was the fact the name for the disease didn't sound real. The name was so made up, yet... the name of it just had me... feeling a certain way. A creepy, lingering feeling of familarity... hiding in my own shadow, and even, in the darkness around us. Holding over... our fates. It made my whole body feel bursts of anxiety. As if the walls around me were closing in and if the air had escaped out.
"The Darkening?"
...
Why do I recognize that name?
That's...not right...
How am I remembering this?...
It wasn't just me, Shinozaki was acting strange.
(Yoshiki): "What's wrong?..."
(Ayumi): "..."
She lowered the folder without saying a word.
I looked over what she was reading through. It was more about the weird disease. More mentions of how it was "incurable". Mentions of how... they had to "neutralize" the infected subjects after they were tested and "experimented" on. The stuff was already freaky enough, but reading that had definitely made me swell in anxiety. No wonder why Shinozaki was starting to act up.
(Yoshiki): "If you're worrying about the disease... it's already been too long. These papers...mentioned this all happened years, years ago! So nobody is catching anything. Not now."
Shinozaki didn't answer, but instead... she crumpled the folder even harder.
(Yoshiki): "...?"
(Ayumi): "This is not right..."
(Yoshiki): "What is it?"
(Ayumi): "..."
Shinozaki didn't say a word. She kept staring into the dried, wrinkled paper as she kept reading it to herself. Almost too desperately where she could tear the papers in one tug.
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki?..."
I thought she finally realized I existed, but her train of thoughts kept taking her through multiple destinations outside of our own world. Completely derailed from our true purpose of why we were even inside this room in the first place. She was getting more lost than finding shit... Same can be said for me.
(Ayumi): "This can't be real..."
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki, just drop it... whatever you're reading is old shit. Nothing in there would make any sense."
(Ayumi): "..."
Again, she just kept fiddling through the dusty files, eventually picking out a folder that contained pictures of... blurred faces. Unrecognizable by huge black smears over each of them. Even more eerie and strange, since files like these shouldn't be blanked out like the way they are. Information was meant to be preserved. Though what we were seeing... contradicted the very idea of that. And the more Shinozaki flipped through the remaining black and white pictures in the album, all of the people in those were completely blurred out too. Exactly in the same manner. No face untouched in any of them.
(Ayumi): "...!"
(Yoshiki): "That's fucking weird... They all can't be like that?"
(Ayumi): "...Why does this all connect?"
(Yoshiki): "Huh?"
(Ayumi): "It's exactly like what she said..."
(Yoshiki): "Who now?..."
(Ayumi): "..."
Something was definitely not right with Shinozaki. Which brought me to move closer to see...true terror, slowly slipping out of her.
(Yoshiki): "Okay, I'm really worried for you! You need to tell me what's on your mind!"
(Ayumi): "...?!"
Suddenly, Shinozaki cocked her head towards the doorway, as if she heard something moving in the hallway. Jolt of fear that pushed her against the desk, far as possible from that direction.
(Ayumi): "Oh my God!"
I turned quickly and found... nothing.
Couldn't hear anything either.
(Yoshiki): "What?..."
When I looked back at Shinozaki, she kept shaking her head. Followed by a grab on my side, as she was using me to protect herself from whatever threat she was sensing from the hallway.
I turned again towards the doorway and yet, still nothing.
(Yoshiki): "What? What is it?..."
In response, she pulled on my uniform hard, trembling hard as her voice recoiled in pure fear and desperation.
(Ayumi): "Y-You don't hear that?!..."
(Yoshiki): "Hear what?..."
(Ayumi): "..."
Immediately I turned to her and rested my hands on her shoulders, holding her in place. The attention should've been enough, but she kept darting her eyes towards the doorway, vibrating the whole room just by her little body alone.
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki, you're really scaring me now... tell me, what the hell is going on?"
(Ayumi): "I...I don't kn-"
Shinozaki's words were then cut off by a sudden stagger. An involuntary motion that seemed to be done by copious amount of pain. More so that it led her to hold her head with both hands, as if she was suffering a tremendous migraine.
(Ayumi): "Nnngh...!"
(Yoshiki): "Shinozaki? Hey? Hey! Are you okay?"
She then patted on my arm, but then gently pushed herself back as she used the desk for leverage. Picking up at her own pace.
(Ayumi): "I'm fine... just... could you...could you please shut the door?..."
(Yoshiki): "Shut it?"
(Ayumi): "Yes... Please shut it...!"
(Yoshiki): "Uh... Alright..."
So I approached the door and right as I had my hand on the slider... well... an unexpected creak echoed throughout the whole building. The sound of... small footsteps, light as a child's, gently tracing downwards of the stairs we took not too long ago.
(Yoshiki): "Wha...?"
(Ayumi): "...!"
That's when I moved myself into the hallway. Noticing no sign of anybody, but the very faint sounds of those same steps could still be heard below our level. Running through exactly where we came from.
What the actual fuck?!...
(Ayumi): "Ki-Kishinuma?..."
(Yoshiki): "Y-Yeah... I'm coming back..."
My hands were now back on the door, quickly and firmly pushing it until we were sealed off from the horrors hidden within the shadows.
(Yoshiki): "..."
Even when we are protected by four walls and a lock, my body stayed frozen to the door... with my hand still on the slider. In fear of... the door reopening itself. By a will... outside of our own. It's a feeling I had many, many times back at my family's. But here, it was such a stronger feeling it's like if my life depended on it. One wrong move... everything would be gone in a flash. Like if a grenade would go off and kill all of us...
(Yoshiki): "..."
How is that even fucking possible?!
Nobody should be here!
But how?!
Who the hell can that even be?!
(Ayumi): "*Gasp* *Wheeze* *Pant* *Pant*"
(Yoshiki): "...?"
I still wasn't alone.
Shinozaki's staggering breaths reminded me what was more important. Which I found her sitting on the floor with both hands covering her face. She was really having trouble breathing again. Terrified just as much as earlier.
But by what?
It seemed we both experienced two completely different things.
(Yoshiki): "Hey, are you feeling alright?"
Immediately Shinozaki moved her hands to her shoulders, holding herself as she still had a hard time.
(Ayumi): "Yeah...I am. I just...I just need a moment!"
(Yoshiki): "..."
What the fuck is actually going on here?
Am I hearing things too?...
Or... is somebody else really inside this building?...
I couldn't tell her what I just heard without freaking her out more, but... not saying a word was driving me nuts. That all I could do was sit by her, stare at the old, dusty door... and fear what else may be in store for us tonight.
I know, I know... very long wait! Somebody recently got me into RE:Zero and I've been binging it so much, literally I've been rewinding in-between episodes just to take in the scenes and admire the writing! It's one of the best anime I've seen in YEARS and dear God... GO WATCH IT if you haven't! In less than a month, season 2 will continue for the anime! Perfect time for anybody to catch up on it! Besides RE:Zero, I hope you guys did enjoy this one! This one was STRESSFUL! I think I did okay though! Anyway, if you guys got any questions, suggestions or just have something you wanna share, do hit me up through inbox! Will be trying to keep up! See you guys on the next one!