Chapter 3

Hanyuu's World

It was a new day in Hinamizawa, and a new fresh start for Keiichi and his new ghostly companion. He decided today that he would walk to school, since he knew Rena would probably be waiting at their temporary route. Well that of course and how he wanted some time to think to himself whilst walking.

Thanks to their talk last night, he had somewhat more confidence about this demon/spirit shindig of sorts. He knew the main goal that was clear to him; finding a way to gain Rika's confidence and trust back and getting the answers he needs from her. Of course, though right now there were other tasks to deal with. First off, he needed to apologise for yesterday's outburst, which was reasonably his fault. Another was to make sure they didn't find him suspicious, or worse, crazy. The last thing he needed was trying to explain how he can talk to a spirit of Rika's dead great grandmother (yes, that sounded funnier in his head).

Though he couldn't help but to continue thinking on the number of questions he had, specifically for Hanyuu. She was the biggest mystery to him so far, but even though he's only met her since yesterday's incident, he's somewhat accustomed to her now. One question however, he wanted to ask in specific...

"Keiichi!", he looked over to Rena, waving her hand to him and calling his name. It seemed like she's made up for yesterday when she wasn't waiting for him. Now all he has to do is play it cool and act like nothing weird had happened yesterday. He walked over to the sweet looking girl casually.

"I see you waited for me this time. Now I won't have to walk to school by myself." He remarked in a teasing tone.

"Y-Yeah, sorry about that still." She replied shyly.

"Eh, don't worry about it. Any ways let's get on our way there."

She nodded, walking with Keiichi as they made their way on the path to school. "Well, at least she's acting like her normal self at least" He thought to himself. Which was a good thing. To him it at least meant that she wasn't thinking about yesterday still. Though he still has to apologise, it was wrong of him to do that to his friends after all. He sighed, preparing his apology as he looked at Rena. "So um, about yesterday-"

"It's fine"

Huh? He didn't even get to say anything. Did she already forgive him? "But Rena I-"

"Don't worry about it Keiichi, you were probably stressed out with whatever was important right? Right?"

Well then, I guess when she puts it that way it's true. He did after all make up that he had to something important, so maybe the others will think the same as her too. After all He and the others looked out for each other at times, even the most troublesome moments. At least that's what he remembers. The last they stood up for someone was when Satoko was being abused by her uncle, and they got the entire village to support them to help her out. Even the Sonozaki family. Now he remembered clearly. Yeah, it all happened last...week...right?

That doesn't sound crazy...right? That did happen, right? Or was that another dream? No way, it couldn't be, it all felt so real, as if it DID happen. But something was off...something that wasn't right. He didn't even know Satoko HAD an uncle, or any sorts of abuse. So, where did he get that info? What was going-

"Keiichi!"

He jerked suddenly, responding to Rena's call. It seems that he wasn't paying attention again, cause whilst he was thinking to himself, he seemed to have stopped for almost a minute. He had to control himself, otherwise not just his friends, but other people will start wondering what's wrong with him. He looked at Rena, a show of worry on her face. Shit, not this again.

"Keiichi, are you alright? You were doing this yesterday." He was slightly sweating, trying to think of a proper response. "Please Keiichi, be honest."

He bit his bottom lip slightly, as he prepared himself as he replied, "Sorry, I've just been real bothered about yesterday. That was really dumb of me. In all honesty, I just hope that Mion forgives me for it." Now one thing he knew was that he wasn't that dumb. He knew that Rena could tell the taste of a liar from a mile off, though that didn't stop him from thinking of tactics of avoiding her lie detector of a brain. If he sounded innocent enough, and gave a lie that sounded almost true, or something like that, then he could get away with it.

She stared a little, almost as if she was trying to read him through him with those blue gleaming eyes of hers. She gave a small smile to him, "Right, I didn't think about that, though I'm sure she'll forgive you. After all, the club isn't the same without you."

He sighed mentally, thank goodness. She bought it. "Alright then, come on, I don't want to be late again."

"Right!" They both continued walking to school. Though Keiichi thought he was in the clear, it was a different story with Rena. "I don't know if he's telling the truth or lying." She thought to herself, glancing over at Keiichi. It was almost like he was trying to hide something, but what? She couldn't figure it out now. But she wants to, she wants to know what's wrong. What he's trying to hide. The last thing she wanted was for him to end up like him. Like...Satoshi.

But she won't let it happen. She promised herself that no matter what, she would help Keiichi with any problem he had. Even if it meant she had to tie him up and take him to her basement. Okay, maybe that IS too far, but still, she promised. Cause no matter what, she'll do anything to help Keiichi. No matter what.

Keiichi and Rena made it to the school, on time for Keiichi this time. At the front gate was Mion and Satoko, and what seemed to be Mion's twin sis Shion as well. "Odd, I wonder where SHE was yesterday", he thought to himself. It was odd for him ever since she moved to their school lately. True he was used to the other girls tricking him and such, but Shion is...different. Though on the other hand, it was funny to see her tease Mion, even if it involved him. Shion waved over to the two of them, though to Keiichi he knew something was up.

"Hey there Keiichi" she said, a snide grin on her face. Yep, she was up to something. "So, I heard you yelled at my sis yesterday. You know she cried a lot after that." Wow, and immediately a guilt trip.

"H-Hey! No, I d-didn't! Stop making t-t-things up!" Mion replied, blushing whilst stammering her words. Ah I see, so it IS just another one of Shion's teasing moments.

Shion shrugged, "Alright jeez, I was only joking."

Keiichi sighed to himself, crossing his arms. "Well, I was going to apologise for yesterday anyway. Also could you not try to make it that I broke her heart?"

"Well, you never know; she could have had a serious heartbreak. After all she does have a cr-"

Immediately, Mion had crashed Shion onto the floor, trying to cover her mouth shut whilst stammering uncontrollably.

Rena cooed over the two, "Hauu! Mion's trying to suffocate Shion! So cute!" Keiichi and Satoko just stood away from the three, looking at each other with disappointed looks. Honestly...he could never understand what she found cute anymore. Though it was still odd that Rika isn't here. But to be honest, he already knew why.

He looked down to Satoko, "Hey Satoko." He asked.

She looked up to him, "Hm?"

"So um, what's with Rika? She's been absent for a while?" Immediately when he asked this, he noticed that Satoko's tone shifted a bit.

"She's...still sick." He knew she was lying, but for now he'd just leave it for later. If he continued to harass her for answers, he'd get nothing out of her.

"Ah, alright then. Hope she gets better."

Satoko gave a slight smile, looking away. "Yeah..."

"Better to not make her feel any worse today." He thought to himself.

Besides, today was going to be P.E, which means that they can keep their minds off of things like that, and more onto enjoying themselves. For now, it's the most he can do with the others.

Today he had to focus more on winning this game than about secrets and ghosts. Cause today was zombie tag, and he already knew the rules of this one; everyone tries to avoid getting tagged by the zombie. If someone gets tagged, they join the zombie team. The people who aren't tagged are announced the winners. Lucky for him, Shion got the short end of the straw, being the first tagger. To be honest, serves her right for the teasing, thank karma for that one.

Keiichi however was having an issue trying to find a place to hide still. He was trying to figure out where he could go that no one would figure out until the last minute. He looked around him carefully for any spot. He spotted the school shed, heading over to it immediately. He climbed up onto the top of it, sitting on the roof. This was already perfect! A high ground, with a good look of each side in case they come from any of the sides. If he was lucky, no one could find him unless they look onto the roof, hopefully at the last second before the bell rang. Now he could just relax...

"I never really understood this game."

"Gah!" Keiichi jumped out of shock, falling over. He looked up to see Hanyuu, who had appeared out of nowhere and scared him unintentionally. "Ugh, next time could you warn me when you appear out of nowhere?"

"Ah, s-sorry Keiichi."

To be fair, it wasn't all her fault for that, he was still trying to get used to her being around him and such lately. In fact, he almost even forgot she could do that. This was new to him though, considering this is probably as strange as Hinamizawa could get for him. "It's fine. Any ways, what were you trying to ask me?"

"W-Well I just don't understand the purpose of this game that you're all playing."

"Oh, well it's simple really. One person gets picked as the tagger, or what we call the 'zombie', who tags other people of what we call 'infecting' others. The winners are the ones who cannot get tagged until the bell rings. It's pretty fun"

Hanyuu listened to him, interested. "Ohh, I get it now. No wonder Rika enjoys it."

"Yeah, she's definitely one of the best at this game."

Hanyuu nodded her head in agreement to him. "If only she used my ability, then she could win easily all the time."

Keiichi paused for a moment. "Ability? What ability?"

"Well, you see as a goddess I'm able to use my power for one special ability. Though Rika never used it. In fact, I don't know if I can even still use it."

Keiichi sat there, thinking to himself for a moment. So, it seemed there was more to Hanyuu than he thought. He was waiting for the right time to ask her what her abilities were, but it seemed she already spilt the beans before he even asked. Whatever this ability is, he wanted to know. After all, it could probably help them out against a terrible crisis. But the question was how to activate it...

Suddenly, he heard footsteps from below. He lay down as he carefully spied on the person below. It was Rena and Satoko, and it looked like they managed to get away from whoever was after them.

Rena panted, getting her breath back. "Did we get away from them?"

Satoko replied, "I think so...Mion almost got us though." Ah, so it seems like Mion's been caught already. Though that was surprising, since she's usually good at these games. In fact, for all he knows, she could be pretending she was caught. For now, he'd stay cautions.

"Well at least we weren't caught right? Right?" Rena asked, staying positive.

"Well, I don't know Rena...your flesh looks tasty." Satoko replied innocently, looming towards her.

"S-Satoko? B-But I thought you weren't caught!"

Satoko gave a devilish grin. "You should never have trusted me, dear Rena."

Rena cried out, before getting leapt on by the blonde-haired gremlin. That was it for her, Rena had become a zombie. So, if it was true that Mion was also it, then he was the last survivor. All he had to do now was survive.

"Oh, hi Keiichi."

Shit! Rena already noticed him peering over, he was too cautious of himself. Her and Satoko gave him an evil grin as they looked up at him. Jesus, they're both devils! He had no choice, he had to run. But before he could, Shion appeared on the left, whilst Mion appeared on the right of the buildings. Damn, he was surrounded by all corners!

"Keiichi! I want your flesh!" Mion cried out, closing onto his location. Yep that's it, time to make a move. Before they could do anything, he took a leap over Mion, landing onto the floor and running off as fast as he could. The others looked in awe of this stunt.

"Holy moly, did he just jump over you? So cool." Rena said, awed in amazement.

"Don't just stand there! Get him" Satoko shouted, as she went after him. The others nodded, following chase.

Hanyuu appeared beside him, keeping up with his speed. "Auu~! Keiichi, what are you going to do next?" She asked, interested in his plan.

He looked at her, giving a confident grin. "You'll see." He took a turn and ran to a different direction, but to where was unbelievable. He was running to the middle of the playground. Hanyuu was confused at his action. Was he trying to get caught?

"Keiichi, you're out in the open. They'll catch you."

"Keiichi looked over to Hanyuu, "Yep, they will. Unless you help out."

"Huh?" She didn't understand what he meant.

"This is your chance to use that ability and show me how it works. This is a great opportunity to see how well it can help out of situations like these."

She was surprised, stammering on her words, "B-But I haven't used it in years. I don't even know if-"

"Hanyuu." He gave her a serious look, straight in her eyes. She stopped as she looked, this was obvious that he wasn't joking around. "If we're going to help Rika, and stop whatever this issue is I need to know about this power. If not, then we'll probably fail. I know that last night you agreed to help, but I know that you're still unsure about this." She looked down, ashamed that he knew. "But if you are with me, and you really want to help, then you need stop being afraid and do something.

He looked over to see that the others had surrounded him completely. They had all the sides covered, meaning he had no escape left. "You're done for now, Keiichi~!"

Shion called out, ready to strike.

Keiichi smiled, standing there. "Well then, come on and get me."

Shion grinned, "Alright then...attack!" All of then went towards him slowly, getting ready for the next move.

Hanyuu stood there, thinking on what he said. He was right. All these worlds, all these moments, she did nothing. All she did was apologise, as she watched their demises, over, and over, and over again. She always felt helpless, like she couldn't do anything.

The four of them got closer to him, still standing there confidently.

"Any moment right now Hanyuu." He thought to himself.

But In reality, it was herself who was stopping her from doing anything. It's why all these worlds fell. Because she didn't even try. Keiichi is right, if she doesn't gain this courage now, this world, and many others after it, will continue to fail.

Keiichi still stood there, smirking. Mion was getting annoyed at this show of cockiness from him. "Think you'll get out of this one, huh? Not this time, cause now it's over."

"Hanyuu..." Keiichi was getting nervous now, what was she doing?

This isn't just about Rika. Nor just about Keiichi. it's about her too. About her standing up to this effort, standing up to 'her'. And this time...

"Attack!" They all leapt at Keiichi, about to close on him just.

...It's her world.

"Hanyuu!" he called out, covering himself.

Hanyuu jumped in front of him, her hands raised in the air. "GOD'S WORLD!"

…

…

...

Keiichi waited for his demise, but nothing happened. As he opened his eyes and looked up to see however...

"W-What the..." This was his imagination, right? He WAS seeing things, right? In front of Keiichi was the other four, their evil little faces as they were pouncing at them. But...they were just floating in the air. No, more like they were frozen in time. He looked around the playground, seeing that not just his friends, but EVERYHTING was frozen. The leaves from the tree stopped falling mid-way, there was no breeze from the wind, everything had just stopped.

"What is this?" He asked again.

Hanyuu appeared next to him. "God's world."

He took a second in before asking, "God's...world?"

She nodded, "It's ability is to stop time."

Keiichi was...amazed. Hell, any word a thousand times better than amazed. The power to stop time. How much better can it get!? Not just that, but he could just use this whenever he wants!? Imagine all the games he could win...No, even better. This can help with whatever problem they come into. This could save many lives, countless of lives in-fact.

"This is awesome Hanyuu! I knew this could come to help us!" he complimented, pumping his fists.

Hanyuu couldn't help but smile brightly at him. "Thank you. But I must warn you, it doesn't last forever, it can only last for ten seconds."

"Ah, I see. How long has it been?"

"Well, about 5 seconds. So, you should make use of the rest of the time."

He thought for a moment, wondering. What could he do? He could just run for it, but how much time would that give him? Then...he had a devilish little idea in mind.

Ten seconds had passed. As soon as time began, the other four leapt right at...themselves. They all fell together in a pile, straight onto the floor. Mion rubbed her head, looking around. "Damn, where did he go?" She looked to see that he had ran off from them. She tried to get up after him, but as soon as she tried to stand, she fell over again. She looked over at her shoes that...were tied up together!?

It had seemed that whilst time had stopped, he used the opportunity to quickly tie her shoelaces together, buying him time whilst she was stuck in that mess.

"Grr...Keiichi!" Mion shouted, angered by his meddlesome trick.

He laughed at them whilst running away, getting a good distance before stopping to stand in clear view for them. Now he was just toying around with them, and this was honestly the most fun he's had yet. The anger in Mion's voice, their struggle as they're on the floor, it excited him. This was his true comeback. After so many times of him getting fooled and tricked, getting the next punishment game after another, this was finally his revenge for all those times.

Mion struggled to untie her laces and re-tie them properly, Shion helping her to get back up on her feet. Shion raised her fist at Keiichi, cursing him. "Damn you Keiichi! You're gonna pay for that."

Keiichi smirked at this attempt of intimidation. "Oh really? If so, then come and get me."

Soon as he said this, he was surrounded from behind by both Rena and Mion. Shion and Satoko had already gotten to surrounding the front as well, again, giving him no exit. But that wasn't going to stop him.

"Alright Mion, you take the final kill."

Mion approached Keiichi, "With pleasure."

Suddenly, Keiichi raised his hands in defeat, "Alright then, you win. I might as well accept my defeat." Mion stopped in her tracks. This was oddly surprising for them. Keiichi, already admitting defeat. This wasn't possible. There had to be something. A plan B. A set-up. But what was it? WHAT is it? "But..." Mion waited in anticipation to what he was going to say next. Suddenly, Keiichi gave her an innocent look, covering his slight blush with his hand. "P-Please be gentle with me?"

Mion froze on the spot, her face flushed bright red. His cute expression making her flustered up, unable to do anything, whilst Rena was up on heels cooing over him. Shion and Satoko looked in horror of this scene. Keiichi, that scum bag. He had used Mion's and Rena's weaknesses to his advantage. But that wasn't going to stop them.

Keiichi turned to look at the two, a devilish grin on his face. Satoko growled under her breath, pushing past Shion. "That's it, I'll take you myself! I won't let you win this!" She pounced at Keiichi, close to catching her target. "You're finished!"

The bell rang, marking the end of P.E. Satoko fell to the ground, the feeling of defeat on her face. That was it...Keiichi did it. He won. Mion managed to shake out of her trance, congratulating Keiichi. "Welp, you had some pretty dirty moves, but not bad. You got us pretty good."

He lightly chuckled to himself, leering over at Mion. "But I'm not the only one, am I? After all, there's still you. You didn't get tagged, right?" Everyone quipped their heads over to Mion.

"H-He's lying, right? Right?" Rena asked her.

Mion looked over to her, the same look as Keiichi has. "To be honest, I didn't think you would all fall for it that hard." The three of them fell onto the floor in defeat, completely bewildered of those two. How could they have not known? They were so distracted by Keiichi and his antics that they had forgotten about the tomboy herself. It almost feels like the game was rigged from the start.

Hanyuu couldn't help but to watch the entire thing go down in front of her. Keiichi, he was amazing. How he managed to completely fool them and gain himself the victory. It was clear to Hanyuu indefinitely. With his help, and her powers together, they were destined to break fate. Rika will love this.

"So," Keiichi stated, "What to do for your punishment..."

Keiichi knocked on the door of the office, waiting outside. The door was opened by Dr. Irie. "Ah, hello Keiichi. Is there something you need?" He asked.

Keiichi and Mion grinned, both stepping aside to show Rena, Shion and Satoko. "Do you still have those maid outfits for use?" Irie couldn't help but show his excitement, rushing over and back with a variety of outfits. "I'm glad you asked, dear Keiichi! ~" he said in a joyous tune. "There's this one with nice frills all over! Oh! And this one would fit Satoko lovely! And this one would..."

As Irie went on, the girls looked in horror of their demise, holding each other in fear.

"Nooooo!"

Hanyuu appeared next to Keiichi, giggling at the sight. Now she understood these games. The amounts of fun in them. The rewards and the punishments like these were enjoyable to witness. Truly, this bond between her and Keiichi was going to grow strong within these days. Maybe she should propose a punishment too.

End Chapter 3

A/N. That was one hell of a blast.
For the next chapter will be delving into some more memory mystery of such, though what ones I wonder?
Anyways, hope you enjoyed this and have a good day/night.