4. Chapter 4: Ravage

Chapter 4: Ravage

Part A

I told Keiichi everything that I knew about the Keima Clan. I told him about Abbot Ayatsuri, the little information I knew on Keima Katsurou and his family, about the Onigari-no-Ryou…and my suspicion about TOKYO's involvement. I told him everything that was on my mind and within my heart. He hung off of every word I said. He never interrupted me and he never made a comment to himself over the phone. The other line was dead silent. I first thought the line was dead, but then I heard his breathing.

_"Is that…all true, Rika?"_ he said close to a whisper.

"The Keima Clan, yes, but as for TOKYO…I'm not sure yet! They may very well be involved!"

_"I thought we were done with everything last month! How could there still be people out there that want to kill you? I don't get it!"_

"Keiichi…I really need you here with me…" My voice choked up. I was too old to shed such childish tears in fear of this new obstacle…but I couldn't hold them back any longer. "To me…it doesn't matter why they want me dead anymore…I just don't want to die! I can't die like this!"

_"Nobody's going to die, Rika! I won't let that happen! I promise you that! If anybody touches you, I'll kill them!"_

"…Keiichi…" I gripped the receiver tighter.

_"I'll be back in Hinamizawa tomorrow! I'll be there at your house in the morning! Do you think you can hold on without me until then? Will you be safe?"_

I wiped my nose and sniffled. "One…one of Akasaka's friends from the police station is living with me right now. He's guarding me around the clock! He's right downstairs!"

_"Is that so?"_ Keiichi sighed in relief, but he was still very much concerned for me. _"I'm glad you're being looked after, Rika! I'm grateful that Akasaka is coming through for you! I owe him!"_

I laughed lightly. "He loves me…just like you do, Keiichi…!"

_"Well, you're my friend, Rika! Of course I love you! I want to keep you safe!"_ I sensed that he was smiling on the other line. _"I have to get going now, I'm really sorry…please, Rika…please stay safe! I don't want to think about what would happen if I lost one of my friends!"_

"You won't! The police will take care of me! You won't have to worry about anything!"

_"Haha…I don't think that's possible. I always worry about you and the others!"_

"Please, Keiichi…get some rest! I'll see you tomorrow okay?"

_"Rika…I don't want to leave you like this…I want to stay up all night and make sure you're okay…"_

I smiled. I hoped that he could sense it just like I did his. "I'll be fine…! Akasaka's friend is with me! He'll protect me from anything! Now please…go to sleep…"

_"…Be careful…Rika…"_

I didn't want to hang up either, but I put the receiver back on the hook.

Keiichi wasn't going to sleep at all now, I was sure of it. I'd be on his mind all night. My face would be in his mind with every passing second. He would never stop thinking about me, nor would he stop fantasizing about what could happen to me. Keiichi was always paranoid around his friends. If something happened to us, no matter how miniscule it was, he was the always the first to help! He cared about us more than anything! He'd sacrifice himself without a second thought if it meant saving us! He always tried to be the hero! Stupid…stupid, stupid, boy!

I held my arms and got down on my knees. I cried.

I was trying to act my age…but I couldn't. The little girl…the side of me that somehow lived through this century of confinement, was set loose. I hated that side about me. I hated it! I was supposed to be strong! I faced death countless times and I showed no fear! Why…why was I crying all of a sudden? Why was I afraid like I was? Why did I fear death? Why…? Why…? Why…?

"Rika-chan?"

My back was turned to the doorway. I glanced over my shoulder.

Takuma was standing at the threshold. The blanket I wrapped around him was draping off of his shoulder. It covered up the gun in his hand, I could tell because the barrel was poking against the sheet.

"Are you okay?"

Was I crying that loud?

"Ah…no…no, I'm fine." I didn't mean for my tone to be so low, I didn't mean to show my true voice. All my fortitude had left me in that one instance. "Please…go back to sleep…"

"You don't sound okay…" Takuma walked closer to me. He pocketed his weapon. He knelt down, facing my back. "Have you…been crying?"

I wiped my eyes. "N-No…I'm not crying…"

"Rika-chan…you don't have to lie to me!" Takuma touched my arm. "You're crying because you're scared, aren't you?"

I didn't open my mouth.

"You've got nothing to be afraid of! Hanzaemon Takuma's at your side!" He laughed. "I won't let anything happen to you! I promise you that! They'll have to go through me first!"

I hugged my knees and buried my face into them.

"Hey…come on now…" He tugged at my arm.

"Leave me alone…" I whispered. "Please…leave me alone…"

"I'm not going anywhere, Rika." His voice was so calm…so full of love…so full of warmth towards me. "I promised Senpai I'd take care of you…and that's what I'm gonna do!"

"I admire your resolve…but please…I just want to be alone right now…"

Takuma squeezed my arm a little. "Rika…"

I gnashed my teeth together. "You stupid man…! I told you to leave me alone…can't you understand that?" I yelled at him.

"I understand…"

"Then leave!"

"…No…"

Takuma took hold of my arms and pulled me into him. My back touched his chest and I was in between his legs. He wrapped his arms around me and flung the blanket over me. He rested his back against the wall and let me lie into him. I tried to break free, but he wouldn't let me go.

"Let go of me! You stupid…! You stupid…"

"Call me whatever name you like, but I ain't letting go of you!" He smirked as he looked down at me. "You're gonna relax whether you like it or not!"

"…Hanzaemon…!"

"Come on!" He rubbed my shoulders. "Stop all that crying! It depresses me to see someone cry like that! I don't operate on tears here! I operate on happy faces!"

You had to be kidding…

"Depression is contagious, you know? You start feeling down, you start infecting everyone else and they get depressed too! I don't work like that! C'mon, Rika! Smile for me! Smiles make the world go 'round!"

I looked over my shoulder at him. "…Just what are you…anyway…?"

"Quit your scowling already!" He chuckled at me. "You're making me nervous!"

I turned my head around. I laid it against his chest and took a deep breath. "You're such a moron…"

"Just relax, okay? Leave everything to me!"

I folded my arms across my stomach and snuggled my head against his body.

He was very warm. His chest was firm, but it was soft enough for me to be comfortable. His arms trapped me, but I was secure and safe within them. His arms were like a barrier, protecting me from all the outside forces that wanted my blood. His legs tucked underneath me so I could sit on them. He rested his chin on top of my head. I protested at first…but…I slowly…grew to welcome his touch.

My hands reached up and latched onto his wrists.

"…Thank you…Takuma…"

"Anytime! Haha!"

I nestled my head against him again. "You're…very warm…and so comfy…"

"Haha…thanks." He blushed. "I hold my wife like this sometimes. She enjoys it…very much…"

"I like it. It not only feels comforting…but it feels so…paternal as well…!"

Takuma's sigh tickled the hairs on my head. "…Yeah…"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you!"

"I-It's okay…don't worry!" He laughed to himself. "I…I always wanted a kid to hold like this too…to keep them secure and safe from their nightmares! Unfortunately…I haven't been that lucky at all lately."

"You'll have a child of your own someday!" I giggled.

"…Haha…at least I made you smile! But…I dunno…"

"You'll have a child! However…you can't steal me away though! I know what you're thinking!" I leaned my head back so I could look up at him. He appeared upside-down to me. "I'm Akasaka's daughter! You can't steal me from him!"

He laughed again and held me closer. "Dang…you saw right through me, huh? Seriously though! What does that guy have that I don't?"

"Don't be jealous now!"

"I-I'm not jealous!"

"Yes you are!"

Takuma huffed and turned his head to the wall.

I shifted in my spot and laid the side of my head against his chest. I nestled my ear over his heart so I could hear it beat.

"Goodnight…Takuma…"

"'Night, Rika-chan…"

"It's lovely…" I smiled to myself. "...your heartbeat…"

He whispered to me, "Are you counting the beats?"

"Yes. It's…nice…" I sighed happily, before I dozed off into the land of dreams.

I slept soundly for the rest of the night. Takuma's heartbeat lulled me into the deepest slumber I had in ages. It was one of the most comfortable ones as well. His heartbeat was special. It was…very different. I didn't know how to describe it. It was calm, steady, and melodious to my ears. His heartbeat reminded me of Akasaka's.

Sometimes when he would visit Satoko and me, he would sleep over on the couch. He didn't mind it at all, though I offered him my own bed. I could be restless some nights and I wouldn't be able to sleep no matter how hard I fought to close my eyes. I would go to Akasaka and cuddle with him. He would sit up and I would lay my back against his chest, just like how Takuma held me. It was so strange…Takuma, a total stranger to me even after this year in the loop, was able to calm me down. It was as if…he knew how to calm me.

He held onto me and trapped me with his embrace. He allowed himself to be open to me and he kept me safe, just like Akasaka did. He must have told Takuma about those nights he spent here and how he would hold me. Akasaka probably told Takuma all about his attachment to me, how we were like father and daughter. Takuma shifted into that same paternal figure that Akasaka was to me. I found myself hypnotized by his touch and by the sound of his heart beating.

I didn't mind it at all. I didn't want him to stop holding me. I didn't want him to let me go. I…was afraid that he would. I clutched onto his wrists and pressed myself against him harder. I didn't want to be alone…I didn't want to be vulnerable anymore…I didn't want to fight alone.

The morning sun rose. Takuma was still sleeping by the time I awakened. I went to the kitchen and prepared a hot breakfast for him. The scent of pancakes and toast licked at his nostrils. His eyes practically shot out of their sockets by the time I presented him with his meal! He looked so happy!

I caught Hanyuu watching us while we ate together. She sat on top of one of my large dressers. She smiled down at us, with her elbows on her lap as her hands held her head up. I hadn't seen Hanyuu smile so much like that before! She had been inconsolable for the longest time since we were trapped in this second loop! It lightened my spirits, a little, to see hope in her eyes.

There was a knock at the front door. I was about to get up, but Takuma insisted that he answered the door. His revolver was in his pants pocket. He was ready to draw it in case of an attacker, though I doubted that anybody would want to try and kill me so early in the morning. Although, in all of the worlds I had seen, one could never be too cautious!

"Who're you?" Takuma asked harshly as he stood before the opened door.

"Oh! Uh…are you Akasaka's friend I heard about?"

"Who's asking?"

"Um…Ma-Maebara Keiichi."

Keiichi!

"I'm a friend of Furude Rika…she's here, right?"

I rushed from the kitchen table to the front door. When I spotted Keiichi standing there in his school clothes, I didn't hesitate! I bolted forward and leaped into his arms.

"Keiichi!" I threw my arms around his neck as he grabbed me by the waist. "You're here! You're really here!"

His face turned a light shade of red. "Haha! Rika-chan! Yeah, it's me! Take it easy!"

"Who's this guy? Is he really one of your friends, Rika?" Takuma removed his hand from his pocket.

"Yes!"

Keiichi let me down and I grabbed his hand. "This is one of my best friends! It's Keiichi!"

"So you're her friend?" Takuma wiped the suspicion from his face and smiled his old goofy grin. "Hey there! Hanzaemon Takuma! I'm a new friend of Rika! Haha!"

"Yeah, that's right! You're the guy who's guarding Rika-chan?"

"The very same!"

I let Keiichi in. He joined us at the table and I gave him some of my breakfast. I heard his stomach growling! He must have rushed over here as soon as he woke up! I could tell, because his shirt was almost un-tucked!

"Keiichi, you need to be presentable for Sensei's class today! And did you sleep at all last night?" I laughed at him.

"Oh! Geez…!" He tucked his shirt back into his pants and laughed nervously. "So…uh…you okay here, Rika?"

He completely ignored my question about his sleep. I noticed the bags under his eyes. Just like I thought, he hadn't slept at all. He must have arrived home late last night and barely rested.

"Yep! Takuma's a great bodyguard!"

Takuma nodded his head and scratched at his neck.

"I really can't thank you enough for looking after her, Hanzaemon-san!" Keiichi bowed his head. "I appreciate this so much! You don't know how relieved this makes me!"

"Whoa! Easy there, kiddo! Don't go thanking me yet!" Takuma raised his brow. "I guess Rika told you about the news, huh?"

"Yeah…she did…" He looked at the wood of the table. "I just still can't believe that somebody else would try to harm Rika!"

"I've heard a bunch of stuff from Akasaka Senpai concerning all of that! A crazy woman tried to kill her, right?"

"Yeah…and now a cult wants her dead! When is this all going to end?"

"…Soon I hope…" I said lowly.

"Like I told you before, Rika!" Keiichi turned to me and raised his fist. "I'll kill anybody that comes near you! Even if I have to forfeit my own life, I'll keep you safe! I'll keep everyone safe!"

"My, my, my!" Takuma chuckled. "What a tough kid you are! You're so young and have a bright future ahead of you, and you'd lay down your life just like that?"

"…I will! I wouldn't even think twice about doing it either! My friend's are worth more to me than anything in the world!"

"Ah…so you really are that Maebara kid Senpai went on about! Gotta say, I admire your attitude! With vows like that, you'd make a good cop someday!"

"Haha, thanks! But I don't think I'm cut out to be police material!"

"Why not?"

Keiichi shifted his eyes around. "I just don't think it's for me. Maybe I'll be a teacher or something."

"Keiichi would make a great teacher!" I clapped my hands. "He's so smart, he can do anything!"

"Yeah, well!" He snickered. "I also don't…like the idea of holding a gun."

"Is that so?" Takuma leaned forward. He ran his eyes along Keiichi dangerously slow. "You got the strength, that look in your eyes, and that attitude to make it as a cop, but you don't like the idea of fighting?"

"I'll fight if I have to…I just don't like guns…"

"How come?"

Keiichi rubbed his arm and turned his head.

"Ah! It's okay!" I petted Keiichi's head. "Keiichi will make a great teacher someday!"

"You really think so?" Takuma chuckled. "I think he'd make a better detective than me! I mean, with those eyes of his, he can probably stop anybody cold! I bet he's a great shot too!"

"A-Anyway!" Keiichi shook his head. "R-Rika…what's going to happen to you now?"

"Rika's gonna stay under my protection," Takuma answered for me, "until Senpai and the department can nail the Keima Clan for a premeditated murder charge, as well as conspiracy to commit murder. I'll be staying with her here for as long as it takes to close this investigation. You really don't have to worry about a thing! I'll take good care of her!"

"Just to be sure…I want to help too!" Keiichi said strongly.

"How can you help?"

"I'll work alongside you and Akasaka-san! Just give me any job and I'll do it gladly! My friends and I could help you with anything that you want! Just say it and we'll do it!"

"Huh…I dunno about that." Takuma folded his arms and closed his eyes. "I don't like the idea of kids being involved in a dangerous operation like this…"

"We're not kids!" Keiichi swung his fist to the side. "We stopped Takano before and we can stop this cult just the same!"

Takuma opened one eye. "You got guts, I'll give you that, but this isn't a game here, Maebara-kun! People can really get hurt!"

"But…! There's gotta be something I can do!"

"Keiichi?" I tugged at his shirt. "Please…listen to Takuma!"

"Rika…!"

"Akasaka put him here for a reason! Takuma is a reliable ally! You can leave it all to him!"

Keiichi wasn't happy with my answer, but he accepted it. I knew how badly he wanted to help me, but this was the way things had to be for a while!

"Can we at least tell the others?" he asked.

"I told Satoko, since she's always with me. I haven't told Rena, Mion, or Shion though."

"Then we should tell them!"

"Not yet!" Takuma tapped his finger against his arm. "Senpai and I have been looking into the Clan for a while now! No offense, but I can't allow anything, or anyone, to hinder the progress of the investigation! That means you, Maebara-kun!"

Keiichi glowered at Takuma.

"Senpai told me how reckless you can be! Rika shouldn't have even told you anything in the first place!"

"Keiichi's grown up!" I spoke up again. "He thinks before he acts! He won't do anything to disrupt your work!"

"…Even so…I won't allow anyone to spoil what we've accomplished!" Takuma's leer transformed into a smile. "Please understand where I'm coming from, guys! If one piece of evidence is ruined, we lose everything we have! We've come so far that we can't afford a mistake! You understand, don't you, Rika?"

I nodded. I knew that all too well. I could relate…

"I'm thrilled that you want to assist me, Maebara-kun, but just take it easy for a while, yeah? You'll be the first one I call on when the time comes! Always be ready for anything!

"As for now, just go about your days normally until you hear of any new information from me or Senpai! Don't tell anybody what you know and don't even think about asking around for help! Our enemy could be anyone! We can't risk anything!

I heard Keiichi gulp.

"And I'll be right beside Rika all the time! I'll even follow you to school! I'll stay with you every moment of the day, so security isn't a problem!"

"But how will you conceal yourself, Takuma?" I asked.

He smirked at me. "Trust me, stealth and observation is my forte!"

"But Takuma!" I laughed. "If you had those skills in the first place, than why did you get kicked out of the Tokyo Police Department?"

"Huh? Um…I…er…" He hung his head in sorrow. "Geez…you know you could just trust me when I say I got every handled…"

"I do! I just like teasing you!"

"Yeah…so does everyone else…"

"Don't take it personally!"

He ignored me. I think I struck him hard…oh well!

Keiichi walked with me to school. He was very silent throughout most of the trek. I tried to make small talk, to get him to loosen up, but nothing proved effective. He was very uncomfortable with our guard. I was a little too, but I quickly got used to it.

Takuma was watching us from the shadows. I felt his eyes upon us. It reminded me of how the Yamainu would watch me when they protected me, though Takuma didn't have any ill thoughts like they did. The warmth was still there, but it was masked by a glare of death. I thought that he would actually kill someone!

Keiichi was worried about me, much like Hanyuu and Satoko were. Everything would be fine, I kept telling myself. Akasaka would find a lead and he would follow it to the end. He would catch Ayatsuri, the Clan, and TOKYO and put an end to this once and for all! I just had to keep saying that!

I was myself when I was around my friends at school. It was no different than the many faces I had to wear around them. It was just another one. Keiichi tried his best to be normal, but Rena had an inkling that something was bothering him. She was always able to tell if something was on his mind. I just hoped that if she asked him about his problem, that he wouldn't give in just yet.

Satoko was her usual self. She played a prank on Keiichi and cackled in his face, to which he cursed at her and threatened her life. Mion only laughed and continued the abuse directed towards Keiichi. Rena scooped up the tortured boy into her arms and twirled him around with her. It was a regular day for all of us.

When lunch time came, Chie asked me to go outside and water the plants beside the school. As I stood there watering, I noticed Takuma's presence around me. I also felt Hanyuu right beside me. Takuma was behind a tree, watching over me in the shade. Hanyuu was by my side. She was holding her hands over her lap. She was staring at me. Takuma's gaze didn't bother me that much anymore, but Hanyuu was irritating me.

_"Rika? Do you have a second?"_ she asked me sweetly.

I continued to water the garden.

_"Rika? Rika, can you hear me?"_

I sprinkled some water around the delicate buds of the flowers. I was careful not to damage them.

_"Rika? Please, answer me! You're worrying me!"_

"Will you shut up?" I whispered.

_"Auuu~!" _Hanyuu backed away. _"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-!"_

"Shut up already! I'm being watched!"

_"You're being what?"_

"Watched! Oh for the…!"

"Who's watching you?"

I looked over my shoulder. Shion was bending over me. She tilted her head and looked at me awkwardly.

"Why were you talking to yourself just then, Rika?"

"Oh! Shii!" I placed the watering pot down and hugged her. "How are you? How was your day with Satoko?"

"It was great, but is something the matter Rika? Your voice didn't sound normal! Are you sick?"

"No, I'm fine! I get a little nervous by myself sometimes out here! I always think that Irie is gonna pop out and try to make me wear that maid's outfit again!"

Shion's suspicion only grew. I had to take her mind off of this!

"Shii? Can you help me water the plants? This pot is really heavy! I don't think I can lift it anymore! My arms are tired!"

"You want help? Um…sure! Okay!"

Shion picked up the pot and took over my job.

We spent the next ten minutes in silence as we watered Chie's flowers. It kept Shion busy, while it gave me the chance to prepare a better defense against her questioning. It also gave me the chance to examine the area while her back was turned. Takuma was behind another tree watching us. He was standing ready, but he soon backed down when he noticed how familiar I was with Shion.

Shion was smiling. She hummed a little tune to herself and sprinkled water everywhere she went. Sometimes she became daring and twirled with the pot in her hands. She was very joyful today! I wondered why.

"There we go!" Shion placed the pot down and clapped her hands together. "All done with time to spare!"

"You're amazing, Shii! Great job!"

"Ahaha! You're too kind! You know, I'm kind of surprised that you had trouble with this watering pot! I thought you'd be able to lift it, especially since you held that giant ceremonial tool at the Watanagashi Festival!"

"I need more exercise it seems!"

Shion laughed again.

"So what brings you out here? Are you here to visit Satoko?"

"No, actually! I came to see you!"

Me? What did she want me for?

She laughed darkly. "I was going to give these to her, but I thought against it! I wanted it to be a surprise!" Shion retrieved two tickets from her skirt pocket. She placed them into my hand.

"What are these?"

"Coupons! Ahaha!" Shion winked at me. "Those are special coupons that'll get you a free dinner at Angel Mort! They're good until the weekend, so you better use them quickly! I figured you and Satoko could have a nice supper together before you go home!"

Two free dinners, huh? I knew I should have been more serious, but those jumbo cream puffs were calling my name…

"I wanted to do something nice for you! You let Satoko stay with me yesterday and we had a lot of fun! This is a token of my appreciation! Besides, I know how much you enjoy those cream puffs! Ahaha!

"Wow!" I cradled the coupons in my hand. I beamed at her. "Thank you, Shii! Satoko will love this!"

"I know she will! I'll get to serve you guys too! So it'll be the three of us this evening!"

"I can't wait! My tummy's gonna be really happy!"

Shion giggled at me. "Well, I just wanted to drop those off. I'll let you get back to everyone now! I'll see you two real soon, okay? You have a nice school day!"

"I will! Thank you, Shii!"

Shion turned her back to me.

I put the coupons into my pocket and bounced up and down. I couldn't wait for those cream puffs!

"Um…Rika?"

"Hmm?" I looked back at Shion.

"Is it just me…" She was facing me sideways. Her smile was weaker than before. It was slowly vanishing from her face. Her skin was turning pale. "…or am I just getting sick?"

"What's wrong?"

"I feel…really cold…" Shion rubbed her arms and trembled. "I'm…I'm…freezing…! It's so cold!"

"How are you cold?"

The sun was beating down upon us. The weather hadn't changed in one hundred years! I almost forgot what it was it like in the winter season! How could it be cold here?

"I dunno…something's wrong with me. Maybe I'm ill or something…but I'm cold all over my body!" She touched her forehead. "It's weird…I was warm before I came here…but now I'm freezing…!"

She put her hand over her heart.

"My heart's beating faster as well! I feel…so…out of breath…ha…ha…ha…but I didn't do anything! Why do I feel…so cold…and sick…?" Shion suddenly wrapped her arms around her stomach.

"Shion?" I reached out to her.

"Ah!" Shion got down on her knees. "My stomach…my stomach…!"

"What's wrong?" I raised my voice.

"Something's…!" Shion's head was moist. Droplets of sweat streamed down her head. "Something's…kicking…! It's kicking me…! It wants to come out…! It's…it's…hurting me!"

"Shion! Relax! Relax and tell me what's wrong!"

"I was fine…and then I came over here…and now I feel so…!" She hunched over and groaned again. "My…my…stomach…!" She was breathing heavily and tears rolled down her eyes. "It hurts…! It hurts so much…!"

"Shion! Get a hold of yourself!"

"Ah…ah…!" Shion's groaning only increased. "Make it stop…! Please…! Stop it…! Stop it, stop it, stop it, stop it, stop it…STOP IT!"

The bushes rustled. I shot my eyes in that direction. Takuma was running up to me. He sprinted over and almost lost his balance because of how swift he was running. He slid to my side and looked over Shion.

"What's wrong with her?"

"I don't know!" I was panicking. "Takuma, get help! Go to Chie Sensei! She's the lady in the white dress! Tell her to call Dr. Irie from the Irie Clinic!"

"Right! I'll be back soon!" Takuma hopped back on his feet. He bolted across the playground to the front of the school.

"Shion! Help's on the way! You just need to hold on, okay?" I shouted at her.

"Rika…Ri…ka…make it stop…please, make it stop!" She looked up to me with eyes filled with fear. She clutched the strap on my dress. "I'm begging you! Please stop this! It hurts…! It…it…it really…really…!"

"Shion…!"

Her other hand reached for her neck. Her nails were mere centimeters from her neck before I stopped her.

"My neck…! My neck!"

"Don't scratch at your throat! Don't you dare do that!"

It was Hinamizawa Syndrome! But how did she go from a safe level to the most critical condition so quickly? It wasn't possible!

"My neck…it's unbearable…! It's burning…! It's burning… but I'm so cold…and my neck…the itching is too much! I…I just want it to stop…!"

Shion twitched and continued to groan. I held her close to me and kept a firm grip on her hands. I couldn't let her claw at her throat! I couldn't lose her like this!

_"Rika!"_ Hanyuu touched my back.

"Not now!" I yelled. Shion wasn't listening at all to me. "Can't you see Shion's losing herself?"

_"That's just it! It's what I've been trying to tell you!"_

"What? That the Syndrome is the cause?"

_"…It's not the Syndrome…"_

I glanced at Hanyuu.

"…What?"

_"It's not the Syndrome!" _Hanyuu put her hands up to her mouth. _"It's…it's…!"_

Part B

Shion was resting in bed at the Irie Clinic. A damp cloth was on her head. Her eyes twitched every so often, but she was sleeping quite soundly for the most part. Her slumber relieved a small portion of the fear I had in my heart. At least Shion could rest. She was in Irie's care now.

Chie received word from Takuma. She called Irie and he rushed over. He carried her in his arms and transported her all the way back to the clinic, with Takuma and I in the car with him. Shion put up a struggle when Irie had come, but she was sedated. It was a smooth ride, at least for her. I couldn't shake off the words Hanyuu had said to me. What was she trying to tell me?

It _was_ the Hinamizawa Syndrome that made Shion so ill. How was that possible though? Nothing set her off! There was no way she could have risen from Level 1 to 5 in such short time! There was no way anything could have done that to her! The only catalyst for that would be Houjou Teppei!

In Shion's world, her mind slowly started to deteriorate when she laid her eyes on that man. She slowly rose from a safe level to a critical status. Nothing brought her down. The constant thought of Teppei, as well as the fear of killing him in her nightmare, ate away at her. It also didn't help that she was hearing about demons and the Keima Family as well. Shion was a ticking time bomb!

In this world, however, there were no signs of her encounter with Teppei! If she had met him, she would have came to the school and demanded to see Keiichi! This time, she came to see me as a friendly visit! It was right after she said her farewell that she became sick! Did I say something to upset her? No…I didn't! Then what the hell was the problem?

Shion lost it when she saw Teppei, but she hadn't seen him in this world yet, as far as I knew! So…how did this all come to pass? How could the Syndrome attack her out of the blue like this?

I had been sitting at Shion's bedside for a while now. Takuma was in the corner of the room, wiping his face with his handkerchief. I held Shion's hand. I brushed my thumb against her skin lightly. I needed her to come back! I couldn't lose her!

"Please don't die…!" I mumbled. "Please don't die…!"

"Rika-chan?" Irie stood at the threshold of Shion's room. "I think Shion could use some rest right about now. I'm sorry to cut this so short."

"No, I understand." I slowly released Shion from my grasp. "Irie? What about my friends? They're gonna want to see her too! They'll be here any second!"

"They can observe her through the door's window. I'm very sorry, Rika-chan, but we need to be delicate with her! I think you know why!"

I knew what he was really saying. Hinamizawa Syndrome.

Takuma, Irie, and I left the room. Irie gently shut the door and sighed heavily.

"This is really bad…how did this happen?"

"Shion came to visit me," I said to him, "and she gave me coupons to Angel Mort. She turned her back for a second and then she said she was feeling cold! She hunched over and grabbed at her stomach! After that, she tried to scratch at her throat!"

"She got a bad chill and nursed her aching stomach?" Irie held his chin. "That's…peculiar…"

"What's peculiar?" Takuma turned to him.

"Oh! You're new around here, aren't you? You're from the police department if I remember correctly! Detective Hanzaemon?"

"Yeah, pleased to meet you," Takuma spoke without a care towards the greeting. "Now about the girl…Shion? Is she okay?"

Irie hesitated to speak for a moment.

"You can tell him, Irie!" I smiled reassuringly at him. "He's a friend! He's Akasaka's partner!"

"Oh…so you're Akasaka-san's partner? Well…even so…I'm not sure…you're still new around here so…"

"I can figure it out the hard way!" Takuma clenched his fists.

"Takuma!" I slapped his leg. "Be nice to Irie! He's only trying to help Shion!"

Takuma folded his arms and kept quiet. A cold stare was all he gave to the doctor.

"Well…you see…"

"There's a rather interesting plague here in Hinamizawa!" a female voice said from behind Irie.

"Oh! Nise-san!"

Nise Akane. She was Irie's new nurse, the one that replaced Takano. I remembered she was the one who took care of Satoko in Rena's world, and the one who helped Takuma and Akasaka in that dead-end world of 1993.

Akane stroked her hand through her crimson hair as she emerged from Irie's back. She smiled widely to Takuma.

"Hanzaemon-san! I thought I heard your voice! It's so nice to see you again!" Akane giggled. "You've never met Dr. Irie, even after all the times you came here to get your allergy medication, did you?"

"Um…hiya…Akane…" Takuma smiled lowly. He seemed…embarrassed to see her.

"Is Sonozaki-san doing alright, Doctor?" she asked her superior.

"Shion is sleeping at the moment. Do you think in a little while you could give her the medication?"

"Sure! I'd be happy too!"

"What kind of medication?" Takuma was interested. "Is it for Shion's illness?"

"It is, actually! Ahaha!" Akane giggled again. "My! Takuma-kun's detective skills are without fail! Yes! The medicine _is_ for Shion's illess!"

"…But what illness is that?"

"Hinamizawa Syndrome!" she said with a playful grin.

"Akane!" Irie exclaimed. "Keep your voice down!"

"It's alright, Doctor! Nobody would understand it anyway!"

"Hinamizawa Syndrome…" Takuma said to himself. "That's what Rika-chan and Senpai were talking about before…"

"You've heard of it, Detective?" Irie repositioned his glasses.

"…Yeah. I got the gist of it. It's that parasite thing right?"

"…Yes. It's the disease that Shion is experiencing right now!"

"…I don't get it though!" Takuma closed his eyes and thought hard. "How can a parasite be responsible for a psychological disease?"

"It mostly preys upon those with a weak mind. A troubled past, hidden guilt, buried rage, or suppressed lusts can trigger the disease! It can make the infected individual irrational in judgment, suicidal, and at times, extremely violent! Most of the people that suffered the Syndrome have a dark past that they were hiding. Shion…she was one of those unfortunate victims. The poor girl has led a very hard life…"

"That still doesn't explain the parasite…"

"We're still researching it to better understand it, but the Syndrome is complex! As far as I know, there is no true cure to the disease…but it is treatable! I discovered that myself with all the progress that I've made!"

"It's treatable, huh?"

"Yes!" Akane spoke up again. "We have a patient that suffered a similar attack like the one Shion had! Shion's symptoms were a little different, but the cases are still similar nonetheless! That one particular patient I mentioned is actually right here in the clinic!"

"Akane!" Irie yelled at her. "Stop saying things so openly!"

"So wait…this happened before?" Takuma leered at Irie. "And why're you getting so bent out of shape, Doctor? Doesn't everybody know about this patient of yours?"

Irie was caught in a corner. He breathed heavily and cleaned his glasses on his lab coat.

"Last year, in June, there was a boy. He was infected with the same virus and he suffered what we call Level 5. That's when the infected individual receives hallucinations, extensive paranoia, violent tendencies, as well as the urge to scratch at the throat! This boy was taken here and I've been treating him ever since!

"I've kept him a secret because I didn't want anybody finding out about the Syndrome! Could you imagine the chaos that would arise if the whole village knew about the disease? There would be widespread panic!"

"Who was the boy?"

"…Houjou…Satoshi…"

Takuma's eyes widened. "Houjou…that's…Satoko's last name!"

"Yes…Satoshi-kun is Houjou Satoko's older brother. He's been in a coma for the past year. He's responding well to my treatments, but it's hard to tell when he'll wake up! He's coming along though, I assure you!"

"And…she has no idea about this…?" Takuma's voice was filled with disbelief…as well as disgust.

"…No, she doesn't."

"Don't you think she has a right to know? How the hell could you do that to a little girl?"

"Takuma!" I tugged at his pants. "Don't be angry!"

"There's…it's a long story I have no time to delve into…" Irie fixed his glasses again. "Please…keep this between us, okay? Akasaka-san is keeping quiet as well!"

"Senpai? Senpai knows about this too?" Takuma felt even more hurt. "Why…? Why would you do that to her…?"

"Takuma…" I tugged at him again. "It's not like we want to! We want Satoko to know about it, but…she's very fragile, you know…?"

Takuma didn't answer me.

"Until I can find the true cure for Hinamizawa Syndrome, it's better if Satoko doesn't know a thing. Well, if you'll excuse me now." Irie opened the door to Shion's room. "I just want to examine Shion a little bit more. Nise-san, you'll take care of her…won't you?"

"Of course I will!" She winked.

Irie nodded and closed the door to Shion's room.

"I don't like that guy…" Takuma's voice was still cold.

"Now, Takuma-kun!" Akane gently touched his hand. She stroked her fingers along his palm. "Dr. Irie is a good man! He'll take good care of Sonozaki-san! You can trust him!"

"I barely know the girl…but…I feel like…I've known her for quite some time now!" He bit his bottom lip. "And…if her condition is the same as that Satoshi kid's…then will Shion be in a coma too…?"

"No!" I shook my head violently. "Shion's strong! There was no way we can lose her like that!"

"Rika-chan is right!" Akane walked to Takuma's front. She smiled cutely at him. "Shion's vitals weren't like Satoshi-kun's, according to Dr. Irie's records! Shion has a much better chance of recovery than he did! Why, I bet she'll wake up any time soon! Dr. Irie's told me how tenacious and strong she is!"

"Yeah…but…"

"Takuma…" Akane held his face in her hands. "She'll be okay! You and Rika-chan did a great job bringing her here so quickly! You saved her life! You saved her from becoming another victim like Satoshi-kun! You're a hero, Takuma…!"

He placed his hand over hers. He pressed his palm into the back of her hand.

What was this all about? She was acting so loving around him! He accepted her approaches too! But…wasn't he married? Was he…being unfaithful?

"I should get going too." Akane removed her hand from Takuma's face. "I need to prepare Sonozaki-san's medicine! You take care now, okay…Takuma…? If you need anything…you know I'll be here…"

"…I might take you up on that, Akane."

Akane grinned. She turned her back to us and walked off to the medical supply room.

Takuma and I sat in the lobby. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to make sure Shion would be alright. I prayed silently. I prayed so hard that she wouldn't fall into the same coma as Satoshi! Shion had to make it! She had to fight!

I clasped my hands together. I pressed them together so hard that my hands were going to break. I prayed with everything that I had. I wanted my friends to be here with us. They were on their way, I believed. I wished that they would arrive soon!

Takuma was playing with the wedding ring on his finger. He twisted it and stroked his finger all around it. His eyes were fixed on it. What was wrong with him? Was Akane on his mind? He said he was happily married! Why should he even think about cheating on his wife?

"Takuma…?" I asked him quietly. "How do you know Nise-san?"

He didn't look at me. His tone was at the brim with depression. "I've known her for almost a month. She gives me my allergy medicine. I've been coming here for it ever since I came to Shishibone City."

"…What does she mean to you?"

Takuma looked at the floor.

"Takuma…?"

"…It's complicated…"

What…did that mean…?

"Don't you love your wife?" My voice had changed. It was my true voice.

"…I love her more than you know…but…ah…! It's not what you think…"

"What am I supposed to think?"

"…Akane…she's been a very good friend to me." Takuma looked at his ring again. "She's always helped me when I needed her assistance. She's been very good to me…she always knows how to cheer me up or how to make me laugh. She's so kind to me…she's very beautiful too…she's very…"

"Do you love her?" I asked plainly.

He gasped.

"Do you love her?" I repeated myself.

"…I…" He closed his eyes as tightly as he could. "It's not what you think…! She…she's not…she's not my…!"

He was sweating, but he didn't care for his face. His eyes were widening. His knuckles cracked. He voice was breaking. The man was falling apart!

"Akane…she could never be…!"

"Rika!" I heard Keiichi's voice! It was coming from behind the main door.

"Shion!" Mion cried out. She shoved Keiichi out of the way. She spotted me. "Rika! Where's Shion? Where is she?"

I didn't hear her. I only studied Takuma's face. I saw the anguish he was feeling…and the confusion in his heart. Just…what was he thinking about?

"Rika!" Mion shouted.

"Ah! Mii!" I jumped up.

"Where's Shion? Tell me right now!"

I pointed to her room.

"Shion…Shion!" Mion dashed to the room, with Keiichi following after her.

Rena brought up the rear, holding Satoko in her arms. Satoko was crying. She was struggling to break free from Rena, but she didn't escape. Satoko's tears dampened the whole floor of the lobby. My heart broke. I never wanted to see Satoko cry again…but fate managed to find a way to make it so.

"You should be with them, Rika." Takuma gestured towards Shion's room with his head. "I'll be right here if you need me."

I watched him for a moment, before I stood up. I gave one last look at him, then I quickly turned and ran to my friends.

Irie was just coming out of Shion's room when Mion and the others barged in. He was about to protest, but they overwhelmed him. He had no choice but to monitor the visitation, despite his wishes for Shion to be left alone. He stood in the back of the room, while Keiichi, Rena, Mion, and Satoko hovered around Shion's bedside.

Satoko held her hand and kissed it over and over. Mion held her other hand and wept into it. Rena and Keiichi stood behind them and comforted them as best they could. I stood at the foot of Shion's bed, running my eyes along her weakened body. I wish there was more I could do! I wish I could heal Shion…but I couldn't! This was her battle! She had to be the one to fight! All we could do was pray! All we could do was lend her our support!

_"Rika…"_ Hanyuu spoke into my ear. _"Don't move!"_

I remained still. I pretended that I didn't hear a thing. I tried not to react to her as everyone was around me.

_"You just need to listen to me, okay? That's all I'm asking you to do! You don't have to answer me or anything!"_

Alright…what did she want now?

_"I told you that Hinamizawa Syndrome wasn't responsible for Shion's condition!"_

She told me that already…!

_"I looked into her heart. It's stronger than ever before! Something awakened it! It's been feeding it and empowering it! Something enhanced its influence over Shion! All of her emotions flooded into her mind! She had no idea how to react! All of her powerful emotions, love, anger, and fear, just went haywire! They were so strong that it increased the its power!_

_ "I don't know how it happened, but…but…Shion's demon has awakened! That demon is our priority! It's slowly killing Shion! The more Shion experiences any of those emotions, the stronger the demon becomes! Once it grows strong enough, it'll take over Shion again and we'll lose her! It'll end up killing her!_

_ "Do you hear me? It isn't the Syndrome! It's the demon!"_

I fought against the urge to speak or to react. My body grew hot and my heart was pounding. Shion…was being attacked by her demon…? What the hell…?

_"I have no idea how Shion's heart became so clouded…but I do have a theory…"_

…Ayatsuri…

_"Ayatsuri is the only person that can control a demon! He's attacking you through Shion! He's making you suffer! He's manipulating the demon into killing Shion, in hopes of hurting you!"_

I shifted my eyes to Hanyuu's direction without moving my head.

She floated into my line of vision.

_"Ayatsuri really is watching us! The Clan is so close to us! Our enemy is within our sight!"_

Ayatsuri was trying to weaken me by attacking Shion this way. It was a dirty move…but a good one! With his power of the Keima Family, he could control or hurt anyone with a demon! He could manipulate anyone into doing anything he wanted, as long as they had a demon in their soul!

My mind froze. My whole head was perspiring. My hands trembled and my eyes stared into the dark abyss ahead of me. I could see that man…that cold and evil man…moving his hands and fingers like a puppeteer…controlling his latest tool! I knew what he was really after…I knew what his true motive was!

Ayatsuri…he was trying to create another doomed world! He was going to use Shion to do it! He wasn't trying to kill Shion! He wasn't trying to make me suffer!

He…he was trying…to use Shion…to kill me!

He was trying to catch me off guard! He was trying to make me focus on Shion's pain, masking her true pain with the image of the Syndrome to throw me off! However…I saw through it! I saw the true threat that lay just underneath the surface!

He had gotten a hold on Shion. This was his only way to attack me without drawing the police's attention to the Clan. If someone else killed me, they'd be in the clear! And who better to murder me…than Shion…the woman with the Hinamizawa Syndrome festering within her body…or…the woman with the demon!