"We don't have much time, big sister," the little boy said to Kuri. "I'm Dylan and this is Rebecca."
The little girl pulled at Kuri's kimono. For some reason she was in a fancy one at the time.
"You can't let us die, big sister," she said.
"I-I…won't," Kuri said softly. "I'll…protect you both."
The two suddenly ran out the back door.
"Where are you going?" Kuri shouted, running after them.
I found myself in the forest behind our house. A blaze engulfed several of the trees and as Kuri watched, flaming tree branches collapsed on Rebecca and Dylan, killing them.
"I-I couldn't…" Kuri whispered.
Xxx
Kuri looked over at Jiro expectantly from the living room couch. She had come to her family home for the first time in years. Rin was still recovering, sleeping, in the basement.
She had just told Jiro the entire story. He was a childhood friend of the family, and the only one she could really tell about her demonic adventures.
"It really is an unbelievable story," Jiro said. "But the thing is, we've seen our share of strange things here at the Hikawa Shrine. Your father's death, for example."
Kuri stood up sharply. "I'm…going to prepare for the party."
"It's your summer party, Kuri," Jiro said. "Why didn't Reiko come home with you?"
Kuri set up a table. "The caterers will arrive soon. And I don't expect Sis to come home."
Jiro ran a hand through his brown hair as he helped her set up chairs. "Kuri, why didn't you take me with you? Or at least tell me?"
"This is my first time back," Kuri replied. "And why on earth would you want to go there?"
"Someone has to look out for you, Kuri," Jiro said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I guess so," Kuri said. "But Rin is dependable enough, when he isn't being a pain in the ass."
The doorbell rang, and they set out the catered food. Soon enough her family members started arriving.
"You look just like Toshio," Mom said to Kuri, hugging her. "I can't believe you are so grown up."
"Mom, I don't really look like Dad, do I?" Kuri laughed.
"Yes you do," she responded. "Although you are definitely a lovely young woman."
Kuri laughed and continued eating.
Soon the party ended, and Jiro was left in the house with Kuri.
"You look exhausted," he said. "Go to bed and I'll clean up."
"Thanks Jiro," Kuri said. "Can you make sure the box Grams sent me goes to storage? It's another cursed item or whatever. So be careful."
"Got it," Jiro said.
And with that, Kuri went to bed.
Xx
Kuri fell out of bed several hours later in response to a loud noise from the attic. The Hikawa Shrine was subject to a lot of strange noises, especially at night. Mom used to say it was restless spirits and they should be left alone.
However, Kuri knew that Jiro was in the guest room, so she decided to check on him. She walked into his room, only to find it in shambles and him holding of a black mask.
"Damn it Grandma!" Kuri muttered.
The mask heard me and turned to me. "Ahh…a priestess. If I absorb your body I shall be unstoppable."
It rushed toward Kuri.
"No! K-Kuri!" Jiro yelled.
Kuri held it off. "Jiro. Get Rin! Call to him and he will answer! I have no concern for myself, but this mask will kill countless others if it achieves its goal!"
Xxx
Jiro stumbled past Kuri and downstairs
"Rin!" He shouted. "Kuri-chan is in danger! P-Please! I can't watch her die!"
Rin got up and eyed Jiro warily. "Who the hell are you?"
"My name is Jiro," Jiro responded. "I am Kuri and Rei's childhood friend. I've been looking out for them since their mother's death."
"And you went and let Kuri get attacked?" Rin questioned.
Jiro glared at him. "She told me to get you! What was I supposed to do?"
"Whatever," Rin said. "I'm going to save her."
Rin didn't like this Jiro person. He seemed to have some sort of bond with Kuri, and that…was bad?
Xxx
Kuri stared at the black mask. It had her on the edge of a bridge. She was holding it back with swords. "D-Damn you…"
"You sure have a knack for getting into trouble," came Rin's voice. "And you suck at swordplay
Jiro climbed up as well. Once again the mask went for him, and this time he punched it, but his hand was sucked in.
"Jiro!" Kuri yelled. She grabbed the black mask and ripped his hand from it, but that only freed it up to grab her hand.
"Oh no ya don't!" Rin yelled, and pushed her back, destroying the mask.
Kuri went to Jiro's side. "Are you injured?"
He shook his head, blushing a little. "I was supposed to be saving you."
"Are you done? Cuz I want to be getting home now," Rin snapped at them.
"What's your issue?" Kuri asked, following him separately as he went off down the road.
"What'd you get so concerned about him for?" he yelled.
"Oh," Kuri said, finally getting it. "I see. Jiro and I are not together. Father wanted that, Mother as well. Most of the Hikawas want me to marry into the Sakemoto family. But I don't harbor anything more than the bond of friendship toward Jiro. He's like a brother or a close cousin. I was concerned because he's like family."
"Well he sure doesn't look at you that way," Rin grumbled.
"I can't do anything about that, Rin," Kuri replied.
Rin started to respond, but decided against it.