Everyone sat in the living room and watched an animated movie. Aki did her best to fit both kids on her lap as the crying ebbed. Fuyuki started laughing at the jokes in the movie but Natsumi barely seemed to notice what was happening. She had an empty expression as she stared at the screen.
They all continued to watch movies through the afternoon and even ate dinner in front of the tv. When the sun started setting, Fuyuki stretched his arms and yawned.
"I think it's time we all had some sleep." Akina stood up from her chair. She led Fuyuki to the room he would share with Natsumi.
Natsumi stayed with her mother and slowly looked up to her. "Mommy? Can you sleep with us tonight?"
"Are you still worried about that deer?" Aki whispered as she leaned down, keeping the conversation to them. Natsumi looked down and nodded. "I have to help Grandma with some stuff. Will you be alright for a little while?"
Natsumi swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded again. Doing her best to be strong, she stood up and took a deep breath as she walked confidently to the bedroom. It didn't take long for Fuyuki and Natsumi to change and brush their teeth. They tucked themselves under the blankets of their futons after the light was clicked off. Fuyuki was quick to fall asleep. Natsumi sat up on her futon and stared at the light streaming from the parted door.
Her mind was far too loud and distracted to be able to sleep. The idea that her past nightmare was in the nearby woods, even showed itself in daylight, was too much for her to understand. She never actually believed in monsters. The world couldn't really have such terrible things in her opinion.
A shadow swiftly cast over the floor, blocking the light. Natsumi held her breath but released it when she saw it was Akina. The elder woman walked over to Natsumi and knelt down next to her futon.
"Your mother told me that you were worried about something." Akina whispered.
"It's the deer." Natsumi lowered her head. She felt stupid for letting herself doubt and fear something she knew couldn't actually be real.
"Here. I think this will help." Akina held out a small crystal. It was white with a blue shard in the middle.
"It's beautiful." Natsumi smiled at the crystal's simple and pure appeal.
"I know you don't really believe in the mystical stuff but if there is magic and such things in the world it should be good magic right?" Akina smiled. "If you put faith in this crystal it will help you."
"Thanks Granma." Natsumi sighed happily and held the crystal close to her heart. "I think I can sleep now."
"That's good. Good night Natsumi." Akina stood up and left the room.
Natsumi curled up under her blanket and caressed the crystal. Granma was right, she always is. I just have to believe in this crystal and nothing else. Feelings have power right? Granma put her own feelings in this and now I will so it'll be really strong. Come on crystal, please clear my head and let me sleep. Moments passed and Natsumi could almost feel the peace of sleep taking over.
"So you cling to a crystal now."
Natsumi's eyes shot open as the gruff voice muttered from a nearby corner. She slowly peered over her blanket to the darkened space. Her eyes locked onto the single eye with the red thread.
"I-I'm dreaming you again." Natsumi closed her eyes tight and tried to dream of something else.
"This isn't as simple as a nightmare Natsumi."
"How do you know my name if it isn't?" Natsumi felt a short burst of courage having complete faith that she is just dreaming.
"I can hear the people around you. The moments of happiness right before I come and destroy it." The voice chuckled.
Natsumi felt her heart shrivel. Desperate to hold onto what she relied on to be true her whole life. She knew she was only a kid and didn't know everything yet, but it felt like forever to her. It felt right that dark things couldn't be real. That they shouldn't be able to or even be allowed to exist. "You were that deer from earlier right?"
"Yes. You don't miss much now do you? Now that you're not some crying toddler."
Natsumi made a quick glance to Fuyuki who was still sleeping. He had a small smile, having a good dream.
"Don't worry I won't do anything to him. I'm only interested in you."
"Why me?" Natsumi asked. Her voice started cracking as her throat dried out.
"I've had many victims in the past but I never let them live after they know I'm there. Somehow I was sent away before I could get you. It took me forever to find you again and now I want to know." The darkened form stepped closer, still cast in the shadow of the room but the outlines of his tall figure were becoming clearer. "How did you banish me away Natsumi?"
"What do you mean? I didn't do anything last time." Natsumi spoke quickly. Hoping he would know she wasn't lying. "I thought you just vanished. That you were just a bad dream."
"I can't evaporate like that! Tell me what you did?!" Slowly his voice grew deeper and harsher. He leaned closer, towering over Natsumi. The light finally spilled over him, showing the blood red skin, the crudely stitched scar over the exposed skull.
"I just cried." Natsumi whimpered as tears trudged down her cheeks once again. "I just cried and wished for it to be fake. Don't hurt me please." Natsumi wanted to look away from the rotting eye but she was petrified. The monster before her grew closer and closer with each second. His slender fingers reached for her. They almost brushed her skin before she was enveloped by red smoke.
"Natsumi?" Aki and Akina opened the door as the smoke dissolved into the air. "Who are you talking to?"
"Are you ok Natsumi?" Fuyuki sat up and rubbed his eyes, having just woken up to her whimpering. Natsumi looked at everyone before breaking down. She covered her face from the new sense of fear that the monster she met years ago would still be able to find her again.