Chapter 3: She Once Was Lost, But Now Can See
When Sakaki woke up, she realized she wasn't in Chiyo's summer home anymore. 'Where am I?' she thought. Suddenly, panic struck. 'Where are the others? They couldn't be…' She tried to stand up, but she couldn't. She looked around and saw she was strapped to the floor of a pink and red room, with a mirror on the ceiling. Sakaki couldn't understand what was going on.
Suddenly, a voice out of nowhere spoke. "I am sorry for the arrangements, but mistress wants you secure while she prepares." Sakaki looked around, but all she saw was a small black bird hopping towards her. "Do not be alarmed, Sakaki-kun. The mistress wishes I don't harm you." The voice called.
"Where are you?" Sakaki called, searching for the speaker.
"In front of you." Replied the voice, smoothly. The only thing in front of her was the black bird. In front of her eyes, it grew larger, as its legs became humanoid, its wings moved back, and arms appeared on his tall, clearly humanoid body.
"T-t-ten…" Sakaki stuttered.
"That's right. Tengu. Name's Ka-No-Gu, by the way, Sakaki-kun. Kano, if you'd prefer," said the birdman, putting on a charming kimono.
"Y-you killed my friends!" Sakaki screamed, wishing she could break free and strangle the tengu in front of her.
"Yes, sorry about that… Mistress's order. I did manage to save one of your friends by making her my pet." Ka-No-Gu.
"Who IS this 'mistress' you keep mentioning? What does she want from me?" Sakaki asked, growing eerily calm despite her intense rage.
"I believe you know her. As for why, I can only guess," Ka-No-Gu said.
"You know full well why, Kano-bozu!" a voice called indignantly. A voice Sakaki recognized. It was the one who Sakaki had always suspected was crazy. The one who had the motive.
"YOU!" Sakaki exclaimed.
"Yes me!" the voice replied while a figure stepped out of the shadows.
End chapter 3.
Note: By now, you might have an idea of who did this. Think about it. You'll recognize my hint retroactively next chapter.