Midori didn't go to Yaya's house that Sunday afternoon. Her swollen cheek was very much visible and painful, thanks to Ryuji's spiteful punch. When Yaya called to see if she was visiting, of course Midori made an excuse. "Gomen Yaya-chan, not feeling well today. That time of the month again", she lied. She even chuckled while on the phone, trying to be humorous in the situation.
No way was Midori ready to give Yaya or her family a panic attack over her safety. She knew they would call the police or child services without hesitation, therefore being taken away from her house of memories. This was something she wasn't quite ready for. It was bad enough that she would meet up with Yaya eventually in school, along with everyone else and their load of questions. But spending an entire day of ointment treatment would ease the wound by Monday.
Besides, Midori needed some time alone. She needed to think about everything she was doing so far. After all, her destiny—or fate—was at stake now. Frightening decisions had to be made. Midori knew this was her own battle and no one else's, not even Yaya's. Since she had her 'weapon of choice', she could easily put an end to her misery, and Ryuji's. But the main question remained: to pull or not to pull?
So Monday morning finally came for Midori to go to school. After adjusting her neat uniform by the closet door mirror, she took another good look of her healing face. The swollenness from her cheek improved much better from Saturday night, but wasn't gone completely. A tiny swollenness was noticeable on her lower left jaw, especially whenever she turned her head at a different direction. But the bluish color had returned to her normal skin complexion, and it wasn't as painful anymore. After brushing her hair, she walked towards her book bag that was on her bed. Something else was poking out from one of the front pockets; the black voodoo doll.
Midori picked up the doll, gazing hard on it with deep thought. For some reason, she subconsciously raised her other hand, making her fingers head towards the scarlet thread. Suddenly, the frightening images appeared again. She flashed back to the gruesome bloodied ghouls grabbing her, trying to drown her into the pool of blood. She remembered the shrill terror on her face, the desperate screams for her dear life while watching the entire room bleed and the bed covered with a swarm of poisonous snakes. "Ugh!", Midori yelped, dropping the doll on her bed and shaking her head to erase the horrible images. It wasn't surprising if she was trying to grasp reality again after the unbelievable encounter with Hell Girl.
"It's fine….everything is fine", she said to herself, breathing calmly. She looked around her room, then back at the voodoo doll. She picked it up, stared at it for a few more minutes, then placed it back in the book bag. She had to explain everything to Yaya, the one who actually believed in the Hell Girl legend. Sighing, she grabbed her bag and headed towards the door. "Time to get going", she said. Before she could head to the stairs after shutting the door behind her, someone grabbed her by the wrist with strong force and pinned her against the wall. Next thing Midori knew, she was in front of Ryuji, his hardened and grim face inches away from hers.
Midori was a little surprise. For one thing, she didn't see the man at all throughout the day, even though she spent the day in her room as well. He didn't even bother showing up in her room last night. Midori assumed that he just wanted to isolate himself, to recuperate from his drunkenness over the weekend since he had to return to work. It wasn't like she gave a damn rather he wanted to hide his disgusting self. In fact, it would've been a blessing if it stayed that way forever. But seeing he was here now, wearing his IRS uniform, all she could do was wait for the new torment to start the day. Though she did hope it wouldn't be another slap or punch, after all the trouble she went through healing her cheek.
Building the courage to break the silence between them, Midori shifted her eyes on the floor and cleared her throat. "Is…is there something wrong, Uncle Ryuji?", she spoke softly. She could feel his unpleasant gaze staring right through her. Groaning, Ryuji brought his hands to her cheeks, but not as roughly. He turned her head both ways, examining her cheeks. He also noticed the small swollenness on her jaw. Still glaring, he finally took his hand off her face.
"You better not say anything about what happen—if you know what's good for you", Ryuji threatened, his tone calmed but almost venomous. "I suggest you keep that in mind if you still want to hold on to your precious memories here. For your dear Aunt Shino of course". Midori's eyes twitched at the mention of her aunt's name. Ryuji was now trying to taunt her. He never cared about missing his own wife. The only time he ever mentioned her name was whenever he wanted to bring his twisted games to another level. But she refused to let Ryuji get the best of her to the point of crying.
Ryuji continued glaring, crossing his arms. "Honestly, til this day, it even amazes me on how I put up with your presence for these five damn years. And it was all because of her. Trust me, I could kick your ass out of this house anytime I want to…don't forget that. Do you hear me?", he said. Midori only gave a small nod, still keeping her eyes on the floor. That didn't satisfy Ryuji enough. Growing irritated, he grabbed her by the cheeks a bit harder, making her have eye contact. She winced a bit from the hard pressure on her left jaw. "What's the matter, you can't talk anymore?", he growled. "I asked you a question, and I expect an answer! Who the fuck do you think you are, not opening your mouth but just nodding like you're some kind of snotty bitch? Now for the last time, do you hear me?".
Midori mentally narrowed her eyebrows, wanting to spit at his face so desperately. But it was unnecessary to escalate his temper at a time like this, since she didn't want to be late for school. "Yes…I hear you, Uncle Ryuji", she replied calmly. Snorting, Ryuji let go of her face.
"Hmph. Well, good. Now get the fuck out of here and go to school. I gotta go back to my damn job too. Somebody has to continue bringing the money on the table, since it ain't your ass". Ryuji pushed pass Midori, heading downstairs first. As he was halfway down, he glanced over his shoulder and gave her one last glare. "Have a good day at school", he said emotionlessly.
Midori stood there, watching Ryuji grab his jacket and closed the door. Realizing that she was still holding her book bag, she looked directly at the black voodoo doll in the front pocket. At times like this, Ryuji immediately reminded her why she chose to do this. Snorting herself, she headed downstairs and started leaving the house. "Yeah, same to ya, douchbag mother fucker", she grumbled over Ryuji's last comment.
Midori reached her school and parked her bicycle at the side of the building, where she chained and attached the bike to the rails. She headed towards the crowd of students that were entering the main doors. Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder and took her by surprise. She turned around. "Y-Yaya-chan!", Midori said. She didn't expect to see Yaya so soon to talk with her. She was hoping to pick the right timing to chat, which would have been lunch time or gym break.
Yaya stared at Midori questionably, tilting her head a little to notice the swollen jaw. "My god, Midori-chan…you wasn't on your period after all. He hit you!", she snapped. Midori placed a hand on Yaya's mouth.
"Shh! Keep it down! I can explain everything!", she whispered loudly.
Yaya took Midori's hand off of her and glared. "Explain what? That it was a mere accident of hitting you instead of slapping you? No more lies Midori, you gotta let me help you!", she pleaded. Midori placed both hands on Yaya's shoulders, trying to calm her down.
"Yaya-chan, please…I promise I'll discuss everything during lunch time. Just not here. Besides, I have…something to show you", she said. Yaya raised her eyebrow, but didn't say anything else. She gave a stern nod and followed Midori to the building.
"I definitely want to hear this after class", she mentioned.
Once lunchtime arrived, most of the students gathered around in their small groups outside, eating their lunches. Midori and Yaya sat alone by a tree at the side of the building, where they normally sit whenever they choose to eat outside. As Midori opened her sealed sandwich, Yaya folded her arms and waited for her explanation. "Alright, spill it", she demanded. Midori paused for a moment, then sighed and put her sandwich down, facing Yaya.
"To start it off, yes, Uncle Ryuji did punch me Saturday night, but it was just once and it wasn't as hard". Yaya's eyes widened.
"What the hell do you mean not as hard? Judging by the swollenness from your lower jaw, it was obviously worse before. Is that the real reason why you didn't come over yesterday?".
Midori bit her lip and gave a small nod. "Y-yeah…gomen, Yaya-chan. I wasn't ready for you to see me this way. I know you and your family would freak out and call the cops. But you must understand, I didn't want that to happen either because I don't want to abandon my house just yet. All my memories are still there". Yaya shook her head, not believing the foolishness coming from her friend's mouth.
"Do you really think you can hide all these wounds and bruises forever? Come on Midori-chan, I'm not stupid. You never pass up visiting my house for anything. And of course I would freak out like I am now! You know, a part of me knew you were lying when we were on the phone". Midori kept her eyes on her sandwich that was on her lap. Yaya gave another sigh. "Honestly, something has to be done, Midori. I don't want my best friend to end up dead if things escalate more, forever feeling the guilt for not doing anything". Yaya's brown eyes saddened while looking down at the grass. Midori saw her helpless expression and felt more guilt. Then she remembered what she wanted to tell her.
"Yes. Something will get done. And I know just the thing". She pulled out the voodoo doll out of her book bag, showing it in front of Yaya's shocked face.
"What is that? A voodoo doll?", she asked.
"Not just any voodoo doll…it's a doll from Hell Girl", Midori answered carefully, watching Yaya's reaction. Yaya's eyes widened more.
"You-you really did visit that website, didn't you? You really decided to do this?".
Midori put the black doll on her lap, staring at it. "You know, at first I really thought you were joking around. I never would have thought that the legend was true…I saw her, Yaya. Hell Girl really did came and visit me". Yaya, scooted closer to Midori and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"Dear god Midori…so, so you really want to kill your uncle?".
Midori flinched at the word. "That's the thing! All of this has left me to question about myself, Yaya. I don't know if this is a way to test my values as a good or evil person. What if... what if I am evil? I know killing is wrong and it's not my place to take one's life and judge, but still I…I don't want to be treated this way anymore". Yaya held Midori closer, not knowing what to say.
"Midori...Midori-chan, I know all of this is scary. Believe me, I swear I had no idea that the website actually existed…unbelievable". Smirking for the first time, Midori shook her head.
"I'm still trying to get over that Hell Girl came into my room. I don't know if I can look at reality the same anymore". Suddenly, the school bell rang, signaling that lunchtime was over. As both girls gathered their things, Yaya placed her hand on Midori's shoulder again.
"Midori…you do know what all of this means, don't you? You're basically making a deal with the devil. I really don't want you to do this, but…just please make the right decision". Midori looked at where the voodoo doll rested in her book bag, not facing Yaya.
"Yeah…I'm still thinking about it. Who knows, maybe Uncle Ryuji would come to some sense if I give him some more time". Yaya continued staring at Midori with a worried, frightened expression as they walked back to the building. 'Midori…just want do you plan to do?', she thought.
During seventh bell, Midori excused herself to use the restroom. She also needed a little more time alone to clear her head about everything that she shared with Yaya. She regretted getting Yaya involved in a way, yet at the same time, found some kind of relief since she was the only one who could actually believe her. Midori just appreciated Yaya for not pressuring her too much to change her mind and let her decide on her own. While on the toilet in the restroom stall, someone's swift footsteps passed by and caught her attention. She thought she was the only person in the restroom, since no one came in the entrance. The footsteps came from the opposite side of the room instead. After flushing, Midori opened the stall and looked around.
"Hello?", she said. Seeing there was no one there, she walked towards the sink. As soon as she rinsed her hands and dried them with paper towels, she bent down and picked up her book bag off the floor. But once she looked back at the mirror, another familiar reflection appeared in the mirror next to hers, causing her to gasp and drop the book bag on the floor. Her emerald orbs blinked several times, shocked that Hell Girl was standing right there next to her. Ai's emotionless face turned around from the mirror, staring at Midori directly with those same glowing crimson orbs. Midori froze, not sure what to do.
"And now…the decision rest with you", Ai repeated, standing there just as calmly.
Midori closed her eyes and shook her head wildly, trying to see if she was really there. When she reopened them, Ai disappeared with a blink of an eye. Midori found herself alone in the restroom again. Quickly grabbing her book bag, she hurried out the entrance. "I gotta get out of here", she said. "It's fine, everything…everything is just fine". She tried reassuring herself as she walked back to class. But she knew she'll still see Hell Girl again—as long as she held onto the thread of her life—or death.