Chapter 9: The Mistress from Yamaguchi
Mari carried the luggage to the car. Keima sat inside the car, holding his PFP firmly. As she placed it inside the car, she glared at him.
"Get out of the car and help me dammit!"
Keima yawned.
"I need to finish every single game I bought first."
Mari gritted her teeth. She pulled him out of the car, throwing him on the street. He collapsed on the ground, groaning in pain. He stood up, recovering from his pain. He turned away from her, walking back to the house. She turned around, glaring at him.
"Don't you dare go back inside your damn room!"
Kirino and Kumuro strolled towards Mari. Kumuro smiled at Mari, delighted to see her again. I looove Keima's mother. She much nicer and gentler than my dear mother… Kirino held the bag tightly, glaring at him.
"Why aren't you carrying it, dammit?"
Kumuro sighed, feeling his arms tired from carrying two huge bags.
"My hands are full."
She smashed the bag on Kumuro's back, making him fall on the ground.
"Stop whinging! You can easily carry that on your back!"
Kumuro groaned, feeling his back throbbing.
"Why mother… Why?"
Kirino turned her head, facing Mari. Mari glared at Kirino, having her eyes squinting.
"So you decided to show up, Lips-Ripper…"
Kirino widened her eyes. What… Imposible? How… how could she be here in this town? She gritted her teeth in rage.
"What the fuck? Why the hell are you here, Gut-Smasher?"
She marched towards Mari, stepping over her son. Kumuro groaned, feeling more pain. Keima turned around, feeling a strange aura around him. He cocked his eyebrows, noticing Mari and Kirino leaning their heads and pushing them against each other.
"Are you the one responsible for making my song wimpier?"
Mari chuckled sinisterly.
"Your son is a nice person! You can trade yours for mine for all I care!"
Kirino snorted.
"I would rather have a son who can kick a lot of ass than your weak-arse piece of shit who only plays his damn games all the time!"
"Doesn't your son play games as well?"
"He only does the whinging and moaning most of the times."
Kumuro stood up, recovering from his pain.
"Mother! Mrs. Katsuragi! Why are you fighting?"
Mari and Kirino turned around, glaring at Kumuro. They shouted at him at the same time, making him whimper.
"You stay out of it!"
Kumuro cowered. Mari and Kirino turned their head and growled at each other. They traded insults and threats to each other. Whimpering in fear, he ran towards Keima and grabbed his shirt tightly. Keima tilted his head, feeling his shirt about to get ripped apart. Kumuro shook him hard, making him dizzy.
"What's going on? Why are they fighting? Did they catch some disease where humans are at war with each other?"
Keima pushed Kumuro away from him.
"Calm down!"
He shook his head, removing the dizziness from his body. He turned his head, studying the bickering ladies carefully. He adjusted his glasses carefully.
"Now… Is your mum an ex-biker?"
Kumuro nodded his head.
"How did you know?"
Keima sighed.
"But the looks of it, it seems that they either used to be rivals from a part of a gang, or they're sworn enemies form opposing factions."
Keima moved his hands from his glasses.
"I guess I should've known when your mum had treated you badly."
Kumuro sighed. Somehow, that would make sense… He turned his head around, watching Kirino storm away from Mari.
"I don't need to see your disgusting face anymore! You can have my damn son for all I care!"
Keima hopped out of the car, feeling his head spinning around. He staggered to the ground, wanting to open his mouth and spew. Kumuro hopped out of the car, gazing upon the clear blue skies. Ahh… It's a wonderful day to be visiting Keima buddy's relatives. Somehow, I'm almost a part of the family! He smiled, making his face grow from the bright radiant sun. Mari emerged out of the car, facing Denma's house.
"Oka-saan! We're sorry we're late!"
Denma ran out of the house, showing his cheery face. His white hair and beard glowed from the sun. He jumped high in joy.
"My favourite grandson! He's here! He's here!"
He skipped towards Keima, hugging him tightly. Keima gasped, feeling his lungs tightened.
"Hey… Gramps…"
Denma slowly lifted pressure on Keima's body.
"Oh Keima! Gramps has been waiting for so long now!"
Denma lifted his head up.
"When will you stop growing, my boy?"
Keima broke sweat from his head.
"Maybe we should inside now…"
Mari strolled towards Denma and Keima, folding her arms.
"Hello farther."
Denma turned his head around, glaring at Mari.
"So you're here too…"
He marched to her, pointing his fingers at her.
"I'm telling you now! I won't let a reckless biker gang woman call herself an honourable Katsuragi!"
She leaned forward, frowning at Denma.
"Although none of my ancestors are here, I've come to pay my respects. Why don't you start being more grateful?"
Denma's wife pushed him over.
"Oh Mari-san! Thanks for coming!"
Denma stood up, growling at his wife. She chuckled lightly.
"Come! It's Obon!"
Denma pulled Keima near him, strolling back inside his house. Mari, Denma's wife and Kumuro followed after them. They entered a dining room, noticing Keima's uncle and aunt sitting there. They both waved at Keima and Mari.
"Come sit with us, Keima!"
Keima reluctantly moved towards them. He sat down, gazing upon a plate of watermelon pieces. Kumuro sat near Keima, smiling at everyone.
"You have interesting people here, Keima buddy!"
Denma sat down, folding his arms. Mari rolled her eyes as she sat next to him. Denma's wife smiled joyously.
"I'm gonna get more watermelons!"
She left the room, letting everyone relax. They started chatting happily, creating a cheery atmosphere. Keima's uncle gazed upon Mari's face.
"Mari-chan! You're beautiful as always!"
Keima looked around, finding a few people missing. Keima's aunt turned around, smiling at him.
"Keiichi-kun and Asa-san aren't here."
Keima turned his head around.
"I see…"
His aunt closed her eyes.
"I turned 42 this year, Keima-kun."
Keima's grandma re-entered the room, carrying another plate of watermelons.
"Eat, eat."
She placed the plate on the table and sat down. Denma took out a piece from the plate, munching on them quickly.
"So… How are the bowls looking?"
Mari sighed.
"Well…"
Denma turned around, shouting at her.
"You removed the bowls from the store, didn't you?"
Mari grabbed a piece from the plate. She sighed.
"There's no use when you can't use them…"
Denma gritted his teeth.
"You have disgraced the Katsuragi family!"
Mari rolled her eyes. Kumuro stood up and walked towards Denma.
"You seemed a bit stressed. Perhaps I'll give you a massage."
Kumuro pushed his hands firmly on the back, rubbing around the surfaces. Denma giggled, feeling more relaxed.
"Ooo! You're a good kid!"
Keima's aunt blinked at him.
"Who's that kid there?"
Mari smiled.
"That's one of Keima's friends I've been telling you about."
Denma stood near a small storage room, opening it up. He turned around, smiling at Keima.
"Keima! This room's filled with games you've sent to me!"
Keima glanced at the room.
"I don't think I can fit in there…"
Kumuro widened his eyes.
"How many more games you need there, buddy?"
Denma moved closer to Keima, showing his glowing eyes.
"Ke… Keima… Gramps… he wants you to have this."
He held his hands out, revealing a bowl. Kumuro cocked his eyebrows, staring at a picture of an ugly chick. Her huge orange hair complemented the huge ears sticking out. The initials of Denma's name are marked next to it. Denma giggled, feeling honoured of holding his bowl out.
"I've been trying to put a picture of a game you like in a bowl…"
Keima widened his eyes. He carefully held the bowl, studying it carefully. Denma turned away from him, leaving Keima and Kumuro behind.
"After all of these years of hardwork and sweat, I have finally come up with a way to project this image with great colours!"
Kumuro moved his head, checking if Denma disappeared. He turned his head, glancing at the bowl.
"Dude, your gramps either has a twisted vision with a lot of devotion for you, or a twisted sense of humour inside his mind."
Keima shrugged, entering inside the room.
"I guess he cared for me a lot."
Kumuro followed after Keima. He looked around inside, noticing pictures of girls standing around the room.
Keima stood alongside Kumuro and his family around a marble gravestone. They held their hands out, pressing them against each other. Their heads faced the words on the stone "The Katsuragis". Mari kneeled down alongside Denma. Denma turned his head around, growling at her.
"You gang of ruffians, pray properly!"
Mari frowned at him.
"We are already…"
Kumuro turned his head, gazing upon Keima's hands.
"Your hands aren't press together properly."
Keima frowned at him.
"Why are you pressing your hands together?"
Kumuro turned his head away.
"I'm respecting your family, so be grateful about it!"
Keima rolled his eyes. Keima's aunt turned around, putting her finger near her lips. The two shut their mouths, staring at the gravestone. Everyone around the stone bowed their heads down. Kumuro closed his eyes, smiling joyously. It's such a great day! Especially when I can respect other people's ancestors! The wind rustled, swaying the branches violently. His mind slightly ached from the howling wind. A voice whispered inside his mind. For my moon god… He opened his eyes. He turned around, looking behind him. He turned around, staring at Keima.
"Did you say something buddy?"
Keima turned his head, blinking at him.
"What?"
Kumuro turned his head again, looking behind him. Mari turned her head, facing Kumuro.
"What? Did you hear a ghost?"
Kumuro held his hands on the sides. He gazed upon the open field, staring at the bright green plough lying on the surface. A few birds chirped and whistled on a tree near him. A few butterflies flew around him and Keima. Kumuro moved his eyes, staring at the trees standing amongst each other. They stood still, guarding the majestic green mountains from the world. The clear blue skies above the mountain watched them from below. The clouds moved through the sky, drifting above the mountains. Kumuro sighed, feeling empowered by nature.
"Man, I wish I've brought my notebook with me!"
Keima turned his head blinking at Kumuro. Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima.
"I could at least write everything I'm seeing right now! This countryside is soothing and alluring without any city noise, eh?"
Keima turned his head, gazing upon the field.
"This village used to have more people."
Keima moved his eyes to the trees.
"You can say that it's quite, but... the countryside is its people. Without the people, traditions also die out."
Kumuro blinked at Keima, scratching his head. Keima lifted his head up to the sky. His glasses shined form the sun ray.
"It's like cleaning up the charred remains of a mansion, burnt down at the end of the serial killer's streak, by a stranger took advantage of the dispute between the head and branch families, or was set ablazed on a whim by someone like a resident with a strong dialect, or eventually someone like a suspicious Shinto priest and a miko… who'll clean it up?"
Kumuro lowered his eyelids.
"Man, you call that good similes?"
Keima frowned at Kumuro.
"What dya have in mind then?"
Kumuro closed his eyes.
"It's like a huge bushfire that burned brightly, only to be inevitably taken out by the cold chilly winds of progress and mankind. The bushfire can grow big, or it can be stopped prematurely. However, only a few bushfires that grew as much as a mountain will live the longest before burning out."
Keima lowered his eyelids.
"How much did you go through to think this up?"
Kumuro placed his arms on the sides.
"Well… I am trying to become a novelist after all!"
The wind howled through Kumuro's ears. He widened his eyes. Is this…? A voice called from behind.
"I've come for your children."
The clouds covered the sun, making the fields darker.
"This is for my moon god…"
A shadowy figure crept behind Kumuro, smiling at him.
"If you try to stop me…"
Kumuro turned his head around.
"You will die!"
Kumuro stared at a straw doll on the figure's hands. The sun emerged out of the clouds, bring light to the fields. The shadows disappeared, revealing a small girl with wide eyes. Keima turned around, blinking at the girl. An old lady strolled towards her, smiling at her.
"Airi-chan. We should go now."
The girl called Airi turned her head, facing the lady.
"Baa-chan…"
Denma and his family strolled towards the old lady, waving at her. Denma smiled at her.
"Hey there Hinaga-san! Visiting a grave I see?"
The lady called Hinaga nodded her head.
"Yes I am."
Hinaga placed her arm on Airi's back.
"So… Airi-chan…"
Airi opened her mouth, laughing loudly like an evil scientist.
"I shall succeed for my moon god!"
Mari watched Hinaga and Airi walk away from Keima and Kumuro.
"What a strange child…"
Denma's wife picked up the dishes from the table, walking back to the kitchen. Keima's aunt picked up her napkin, wiping the dirt off her lip. His uncle picked up his glass of water, sculling it down. Denma clapped for him, feeling cheery.
"You know what. It's time to tell a ghost story!"
Keima's uncle turned his ehad around, facing his wife.
"Honey, you're really good with those types of stories. Why don't you tell these fellow boys a story from this place?"
Keima aunt nodded her head.
"It's always a pleasure to do so!"
She moved her arms out to Keima and Kumuro.
"This is a story that happened a long time ago, in this village of Yamaguchi…"
Keima and Kumuro turned their heads, facing each other. They moved their heads away from each other, staring at Keima's aunt. Her face darkened, pulling out a sinister smile.
"Long before the foreigners invaded this very land, there was a beautiful mistress called Yamata Mizuki. She was like any other women: someone who wanted affection from other handsome men. However… Mizuki had failed to gain any interest in those one…"
The moon appeared from the sky, shining its moon light through the window.
"Until one night… When the full moon appeared… A pale white man stood before her… Rising above ground… She opened her eyes, seeing something that has never been seen by mankind before. She asked him, "Who are you?" He replied, "I am a being like no other mortals, for my name is Tsukuyomi no Mokoto!" Her cheeks reddened from the sound of his chilly masculine voice. Possessing the beauty of the moon, his skin shined brightly. At that moment, she had found the love of her life."
Kumuro's body trembled, forming goosebumps.
"He whispered to her, "I am dazzled by your beauty. You aren't like my previous wife!" She took a step forward, asking "Will we be together?" Tsukuyomi nodded his head. However, he asked her a favour – something that was forbidden for any decent person to do: stealing children for him to devour them whole. Something in his eyes told her that what he claimed to be might not actually be him, but rather a moon demon called the Anumashi."
Kumuro chattered his teeth. Keima rubbed his fingers against his chin.
"Ignoring her senses, she agreed as she set off on a dangerous quest. House after house, she invaded homesteads, quietly kidnapping children inside, and returning them to her love of her life. She watched him consume the children alive, like a savage beast feasting on its prey. Corrupted by his charms, she did not care about the children's cries, or the agony they've suffered through – all she wanted was his affection."
She slowly raised her body, holding her hands above her head.
"When the village found the culprit, they captured her and gave her an execution for her shameful sins committed in this very village. Today, there are some villagers claiming to hear her whispers. You could even hear her say this…"
Kumuro widened his eyes, hearing something familiar.
"I've come for your children. This is for my moon god. If you try to stop me…"
Keima's aunt opened her eyes. She shouted at him, causing him to cower in fear.
"YOU WILL DIE!"
Kumuro fell down, lying on the floor. Mari blinked at Keima's aunt.
"Did you make the last part up?"
She turned her head, blinking at Mari.
"What dya mean? This is what I heard from other villiagers. This is actually a traditional story."
Mari shrugged.
"I don't know. I thought that kid from today was scaring visitors off with that nonsense."
Mari turned her head. She blinked at Kumuro, witnessing him huddling against a wall.
Kumuro laid his body on the bed, gazing upon the dark ceiling. He twiddled his thumbs, hearing the eerie winds blowing outside. Mari's eyes shut gently, rolling her head on her silky soft hair. Keima's hands held out his PFP, snoring loudly. Kumuro's body shook, repeating the story inside his mind. I've come for your children. This is for my moon god. If you try to stop me, YOU WILL DIE! Kumuro whimpered quietly, feeling his spine chilly. The wind howled louder, making the trees outside sway more violently. The branches banged against the door, ordering those inside to let them in.
Kumuro lifted his body up. He folded his arms tightly, hugging his body. He turned his head around, facing the window. The crows flew over the tree, waking up the villagers with their irritating calls. Kumuro move his body to Keima are carefully pulled his PFP off his hands. He held his hands out above Keima's face. Sorry buddy… But you are needed now… He squeezed his nose tightly, making Keima open his eyes. He frowned at Kumuro, feeling his nose clogged tightly.
"Why did you pinch my nose?"
Kumuro released his nose, letting him lift his body up. Keima growled at him, showing his red eyes.
"What do you want?"
Kumuro cowered from him. He stuttered a few words.
"W-w-well… Y-you s-s-see…"
Keima folded his arms, waiting impatiently for Kumuro's answer. Kumuro pointed his fingers at the ceiling.
"You mind if you take me outside to the toilet?"
Fumes emitted from Keima's head. He moved his head, glaring at Kumuro.
"What the hell? Are you a little kid now?"
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Well… After hearing that story…"
Kumuro giggled nervously. He moved his hands, pushing his fingers at each other. Keima rolled his eyes. He raised his body off his bed. He marched to the door, opening it up. Kumuro slowly raised his body. He crept to Keima, trying to follow him hesitantly. Keima tapped his feet impatiently.
"We haven't got all night!"
Kumuro nodded. He walked past Keima, standing outside the living room. The two strolled through the corridors, gazing upon the grave stones outside. The eerie winds flew through the graveyard like ghosts. Kumuro whimpered, gazing upon the darkened trees.
"Now that I think about it… Living near graveyards sure is a bit spooky…"
Kumuro stood still, finding a door in front of him. He turned around, watching Keima walk away from him. Kumuro held his hands out.
"Wait! Aren't you gonna stay?"
Keima turned around, cocking his eyebrows.
"Jesus Christ? Are you serious?"
Kumuro nodded his head, whimpering in fear. He pouted his lips, begging him to stay. Keima folded his arms, disgusted at Kumuro's wimpy ways.
"There are times when I think your mother is right… You really are too wimpy!"
Keima turned around, leaving Kumuro behind. Kumuro turned away from Keima. He noticed the doors became darker. His body trembled in fear. His teeth chattered. He whispered to himself, encouraging himself to face his fears. He took a few slow steps, holding his hands out. His hands slowly submerged inside the shadows, finding the door knob. Suddenly, his hands felt a small touch, making his heart thump faster. He screamed, moving his hands away from the shadow. A cricket fell from his hands, landing on the ground. He moved his head to the floor, watching the cricket run away from him.
He wiped the sweat off his face, feeling relieved. His heart slowed down, feeling relaxed. He moved his hands back inside the shadows, touching the knob gently. He twisted it carefully, pulling the door open. He crept inside the dark hollow room, trying to find the switch. He whimpered, feeling his hands shaking. As the light shined on him, he sighed. He closed the door behind him, occupying the toilet. He closed his eyes, projecting happy thoughts inside his mind. Suddenly, a strange cackle echoed outside the house. Kumuro opened the toilet door, exiting the toilet. He turned off the lights from inside and faced the window.
His eyes widened, noticing a shadowy figure lurking through the woods. He placed his hands on his face. Should… Should I go outside? He walked through the corridors, finding a way out of the house. He crept through the fields, spotting the same figure creeping through the trees. Each step he took, his heart thumped faster. He crept through tree to tree, hiding his body from the figure. The figure marched towards a house. Kumuro blinked at the creature opening the door. Why is the door not locked? He continued hiding behind a tree, wait for something to happen. Moments later, the figure emerged out of the house, carrying something on its arms.
As the figure moved towards Kumuro, Kumuro widened his eyes. He noticed two sleeping children being carried on its shoulders. Oh no… Is this… Is this really…? The figure abruptly stopped. It turned its head around. Whispers entered inside his ears. Looks like I got myself a witness… The figure marched towards him. You can't hide from me! Kumuro whimpered, watching the figure revealing more of its shape. He ran away from the creature, retreating to his hiding place. The figure stood still and laughed evilly, projecting voices of demonic monsters from its mouth.
"It's not like this human will dare to tell!"
The figure walked away from the house behind it, strolling through the trees. Its body faded within the shadows.
Mari's eyes glimmered at the plates and bowls of delicious food on the table. The tofu stared at Mari, beckoning her to eat it. She closed her eyes, smelling the delicious aroma of vegetables.
"Okaa-san! You made a wonderful breakfast!"
She sat down and turned her head, facing Denma's wife.
"Please teach me how to make it."
Demna's wife chuckled cheerfully.
"You know, the o-tsukemono made all of the dishes delicious."
Demna turned his head, smiling at Keima and Kumuro.
"Keima. Sit next to gramps."
Keima yawned as he sat down. Keima's uncle lifted a newspaper up. He widened his eyes, gasping at the picture of two children.
"Oh my! Someone had kidnapped the children from Himota-san!"
Keima's aunt covered her lips.
"That's terrible. Who would do such a thing?"
Keima's uncle shrugged.
"According to the newspaper, no one had ever seen the culprit who stole the children."
Kumuto sat down, stuttering a few words.
"th-th-th-the mi-mi-mi-mistress…"
His aunt turned her head, chuckling at him.
"Oh Muhara-kun. You didn't get a good night sleep?"
Kumuro's body trembled, traumatised from last night. Keima's uncle placed the newspaper down, facing Denma.
"Father, we'll head back after breakfast."
Keima sighed, irritated from Kumuro's whimpering.
"You know. It was all in your head."
Kumuro nodded his head.
"I saw the mistress! I swear I did!"
Keima shook his head. He lifted his bowl of miso soup up, slurping from it. He gently placed it down after finishing the bowl.
"Maybe you're imagination went out of control then…"
Keima and Kumuro strolled together, exposing their pale bodies to the bright radiant sun. Kumuro wailed at Keima.
"It's the truth! I saw it with my own eyes!"
Keima closed his eyes. When will this annoying shit shut up about it? Keima sighed.
"First of all, it was night time. If you have supposedly seen it, you would have to have a flashlight and shine it at that… that thing!"
Kumuro frowned at him.
"Are you saying that my eyes aren't good enough for you?"
Kumuro entered the shed.
"What I'm saying is that it could be something entirely different from what you thought you've seen, meaning that it could pretty much be inside your head."
Keima pulled out a box of games from a shelf. He pulled out a few game cases from the box, comparing them on his hands. Kumuro folded his arms, having something disturbing him.
"Besides, isn't it at least odd that the doors would be unlocked at night?"
Keima placed the cases on the floor. He lifted the box up, placing it back on the shelf.
"Some houses don't have door locks in this village. Even if they do, maybe they've forgotten to lock it."
He pulled out another box form the shelf, dragging it to the floor. He picked up a bowl form the box, gazing upon the picture. Kumuro turned his head, staring at the bowl.
"You're gonna leave this thing there?"
Keima sighed.
"I can't possibly bring this back home…"
Kumuro moved closer to the bowl.
"Still… He did make it for you."
Keima spun the bowl around, studying the texture and prints on it.
"The bowls Ojii-chan makes seems to be quite valuable… I'm just extremely disturbed with this picture."
Kumuro placed his hands on Keima's shoulders.
"I know what you mean, dude."
Suddenly, the shed door shut tightly, darkening the room. I've come for your children… This is for my Moon god… Footsteps echoed in Keima and Kumuro's ears. If you try stopping me… YOU WILL DIE! Keima and Kumuro turned their heads around, gazing upon Airi. Keima moved closer to Airi, studying her face. Keima turned his head around, facing Kumuro.
"Say, how tall is that thing you told me about?"
Airi snatched the bowl from Keima. He turned around and widened his eyes. Airi laughed evilly like a mad scientist. She ran away from Keima, leaving the shed.
"Hey! Come back here!"
Keima ran out of the door, chasing after Airi. Airi turned around, holding the bowl above a huge rock.
"Play with me… or I'll smash this!"
Keima sat on the ground, glaring at Airi. She pulled out two dolls from her box of toys. Kumuro stared at Airi's dolls. Their faces looked simple, consisting of only buttons and stitches. Airi placed the female doll on Keima's hands.
"Airi will use these two dolls first. Airi will be the wife, so you'll be the husband."
Keima held one of Airi's doll's carefully. He gazed upon the safety pins being used as his hair.
"Errr… I'm back."
Airi smiled, waving her doll around.
"Welcome back dear."
Keima blinked at her.
"Thank you honey."
Airi moved her doll closer to Keima's doll.
"Want to eat? Want to wash up?"
"Either way, it's fine with me."
Airi blinked at Keima.
"How cold, I see… You cheated on me with that widow again!"
Keima scratched his head. Why is she using this setting? Airi snatched the doll from Keima's hand, ripping it off. Keima widened his eyes, screaming at it. Kumuro widen his eyes. This is one hell of a creepy kid. Airi held the doll's ripped head above her head, chanting a word.
"Punishment! Punishment! Punishment! Punishment!"
Keima held his hands out.
"I think he's really regretting it."
Airi laughed evilly, like a mad scientist. She dropped the torn head onto the ground. She held to two dolls forward to Keima.
"Dear… What do you want to do now?"
Keima moved his head to Airi.
"A divorce counselling."
Kumuro scratched his head.
"Let's do something different this time, like giving the bowl back to Keima."
Airi smiled.
"Good idea!"
She placed the dolls (and a ripped head) inside the box, pulling out two other dolls.
"This time, Airi will be the moon god. So you'll be the mistress."
Keima blinked at the different dolls. It seems that this kid has heard that story quite frequently… Airi placed one doll on his hands. She held her doll out, waving it around.
"You look so beautiful!"
Keima shook the doll up and down.
"Oh why thank you. You look handsome."
Airi moved the bowl near her, placing it below her doll.
"What do we have here? You bought a child for me?"
Keima blinked at the bowl. Wait. What is she doing…? Is she trying to-? She bashed the doll on the bowl.
"This child is delicious!"
Keima held his hands out.
"Hey! Stop it!"
Airi's arm suddenly became restrained. She turned her head, facing Hinaga. Hinaga smiled at her grand-daughter.
"I think you should leave it alone."
Airi blinked at Hinaga.
"Baa-chan."
"So you must be a member of Katsuragi-san's family…"
Keima and Kumuro stood inside Hinaga's living room. They gazed upon Hinaga holding her hands on Airi's head. Hinana sighed at Airi.
"I am really sorry about this. This child has always been rude… She came here this summer holidays because my daughter has to attend something important."
Kumuro moved his hands near his lips.
"Does she have friends at school?"
Hinaga shook her head.
"I'm afraid not. She has been saying eerie things all the time, so no one gets to play with her."
Kumuro moved closer to Airi, squatting down.
"Well all I could say is that I think Keima buddy's somewhat similar to your granddaughter."
Keima turned around, blinking at Kumuro. What does that supposed to mean? Airi moved her head closer to his.
"You will die…"
Hinaga turned Airi's body around.
"Please stop saying that. No one will play with you if you keep doing that."
Hinaga smiled at her, shrugging off her concern.
"Friends are valuable you know. You should make lots of them."
Airi blinked at Hinaga.
"Did Baa-chan also have friends?"
Hinaga faced away from Airi.
"I have. I have."
She strolled towards a picture above the cupboard. Keima and Kumuro stared at the picture of many people inside a house. They held a banner saying "Masao-san, Rieko-san, congratulations to your wedding!"
"There were a lot of friends during obaa-chan's wedding ceremony. I had a wonderful time thanks to my friends."
Kumuro moved his head, facing two pictures inside the cupboard. Two of them contained two girls looking alike. Keima lifted his PFP up, reading the virtual clock: 5:59pm.
"Looks like we have to go now!"
Kumuro nodded his head. Hinaga held her hands out.
"By the way, young Katsuragi."
Keima turned his head around, facing Hinaga.
"Please treasure that bowl. Your grandfather had worked hard on it for more than a month for you."
Keima nodded his head. He walked towards a table holding the bowl. He lifted it up, staring at it.
"Don't worry. I will."
"Good night!"
Hinaga shut the door from her house. Keima and Kumuro strolled through the field, returning to their house. The wind blew harshly, making the trees sway. The shadows darkened around the trees, enveloping their vivid colours form the naked eye. The crickets called out form the bushes. Kumuro's body trembled, forming goose bumps on his skin. His teeth chattered, witnessing his skin darkened. Keima tucked his hands inside his pants, drifting his mind to another place. Kumuro placed his hands on his face. Whispers entered inside his mind, making his body shake more violently.
Kumuro hugged Keima tightly, making him snap out of his daydream. Keima widened his eyes, noticing his bowl falling down. He quickly picked it up, saving it form its own demise. Keima glared at Kumuro, gritting his teeth.
"Why are you doing this now? You already know how valuable this thing is to me now!"
Kumuro stuttered.
"I'm s-s-sorry. It's j-just that."
Keima pushed him away, glaring at him.
"Is this about that thing you've been whinging about? This is getting more-"
Kumuro covered his lips using his hands. Kumuro turned around, hearing something suspicious.
"Not a word."
Kumuro's whispers sent Keima's head fuming with rage. Kumuro crept through the trees, dragging Keima with him. He widened his eyes, noticing the shadowy figure emerging from another house. Kumuro moved closer, hiding behind a tree. Kumuro pointed his hands at the figure, making Keima widen his eyes. Keima blinked at the figure carrying something on its shoulders. As the figure moved closer towards them, the shape began forming more details. Keima's hands shivered form the long tangled hair on the figure. The children slept peacefully on its shoulders. The figure turned its head around, checking if anyone's watching.
The figure smiled sinisterly. Its whispers entered through Keima and Kumuro's ears. Soon, I'll be able to fulfil my task in satisfying my Moon God… The figure marched through the trees, blending its body within the shadows. Soon, the figure disappeared. Keima and Kumuro turned their heads, facing each other.
Keima body shivered. He held out his PFP, trying to calm his mind. Kumuro whimpered, staring at the trees. This is the second time that happened… Oh god… This is terrible… Keima took a few deep breaths. There must be a logical explation to this… Maybe… Maybe reality's behind this shenanigan again! Keima's aunt strolled towards the boys, blinking at them.
"Is there something wrong there?"
Keima turned his head around.
"No… Nothing's wrong. What are you doing here anyway?"
Keima's aunt chuckled.
"I forgot to get something from father, so I came back. Seems like I'm gonna stay here for another night!"
Kumuro whimpered, hearing the mantra playing inside his head.
"I've come for your children… This is for my moon god… If you try to stop me… you will die…"
Demna strolled towards Kumuro, being drawn by his mantra. Kumuro wailed, haunted by the chants.
"Why do I have to hear this?"
Denma blinked at Kumuro.
"You know, in this village, people have been saying that since long ago."
Denma, his wife, and Keima's aunt stood near Kumuro, reciting the villiage chant.
"I've come for your children… This is for my moon god… If you try to stop me… you will die… I've come for your children… This is for my moon god… If you try to stop me… you will die…"
Kumuro whimpered.
"Please stop this!"
Kumuro laid his body on the bed, gazing upon the dark ceiling. He twiddled his thumbs, feeling déjà vu. Mari's eyes shut gently, rolling her head on her silky soft hair. Keima's eyes were wide open, feeling irritated of Kumuro's restless soul. Kumuro's body shook, repeating the chant inside his mind. I've come for your children. This is for my moon god. If you try to stop me, YOU WILL DIE! Kumuro whimpered quietly, feeling his spine chilly. The wind howled louly, making the trees outside sway violently. The branches banged against the door, ordering those inside to let them in.
Kumuro turned his head, staring at Keima's twitched eyes.
"Hey Keima buddy. Maybe we should check outside."
Keima turned his head, glaring at Kumuro.
"You know, I can't get any sleep thanks to you!"
Kumuro whimpered, hearing the crows flying through the woods the second time. He lifted his body up, facing Keima.
"But… But…"
Keima moved his head away from Keima, facing the window.
"I'm gonna get some sleep. Don't bother me!"
Keima widened his eyes, staring at the shadowy figure walking through the woods. What… It appeared again? Keima raised his body out of his bed, creeping towards the figure. Kumuro followed behind him, feeling his hands shaking in fear. Keima sighed, having a bad feeling about the situation. I hate it when something like the supernatural entered this world. I will get pissed off if this turned out to be reality's doing.
"Let's go outside then."
Kumuro nodded his head. Keima and Kumuro left the house, following the figure. Whispers entered inside the boy's minds. Just a few more children I need... Kumuro's teeth chattered from the creature's voice. I will be able to get what I want soon enough… Keima strolled through the woods, submerign his body in darkness. Kumuro's body shook more violently as his body blackened. The figure emerged out of the woods, gazing upon Hinaga's house. Keima widened his eyes. Its target is… Airi's house? Using his mind, he picked up a stone and threw it at a direction. The stone landed on the bush away from the house.
Drawing the creature's attention, it turned its head and moved towards the bush. Keima pulled Kumuro with him and crept towards the house. Kumuro turned his head, watching the creature bend down. Kumuro widened his eyes, realising what Keima's up to.
"Why are we invading this house? We could get into trouble there!"
Keima sighed.
"If that thing actually existed, then this girl's life is in danger right now."
They carefully entered the door, closing it behind him. The creature turned away from the bush, staring at the door. The creature blinked at it, finding something odd. Keima and Kumuro crept through the corridors inside the house.
"We must find the girl before it does."
Kumuro nodded his head. Keima carefully opened a door in front of him. He gazed upon Hinaga and Airi sleeping peacefully. Airi gently held the doll in her hands. Hinaga's body laid next to Airi, placing her arms on her. Keima strolled through the bedroom, tiptoeing carefully. Kumuro followed after him, shutting the door behind him. Keima stood besides Airi, gazing upon her cheery face. He carefully moved Hinaga's arms, placing it away from Airi. Keima slowly picked Airi up, staring at her. Her head tilted down. Her hands released the doll, dropping it on the ground. Kumuro moved it the doll, picking it up.
Suddenly, the door creaked from behind. Keima moved to another door, opening it up.
"Quickly! There's another way we can get out!"
Kumuro followed after Keima. He closed the door behind him, covering up the tracks. Keima peered from the wall, gazing upon the figure lurking through the corridors. It turned around, walking to another direction.
"Now's our chance! Go for it!"
Keima and Kumuro quickly tiptoed through the corridors. They emerged out of the house, standing outside. Kumuro turned his head facing Keima.
"What should we do now?"
Keima sighed, shrugging at him.
"There's nothing we can do, but run."
Kumuro widened his eyes.
"Wait. What about that lady inside? Wouldn't she get killed if she thought that she's being interfered?"
"You've been trying to stop me?"
Keima and Kumuro widened their eyes. Kumuro whimpered quietly. Oh no… Is that... They turned around, noticing the figure standing near them. The creature grinned sinisterly. The boys screamed, running away from her. The creature strolled towards them.
"Fools! Where will you go then?"
Kumuro frowned at Keima.
"You should've at least hid from her first!"
Keima gritted his teeth.
"I thought that this thing will search the house first before coming outside!"
Suddenly, Keima and Kumuro stopped. They widened their eyes at the figure standing in front of them. The creature smiled sinisterly.
"Now you won't be able to get away from me!"
The creature burst out laughing. It then landed on the floor, giggling like a normal laughing woman.
"Oh my god! I thought you would get scared!"
Keima and Kumuro blinked at the creature. Mari and Denma strolled towards the creature, holding the flashlight. They shined it at the creature, revealing its true identity.
"What are you all doing out here?"
The creature pulled off its wig, revealing Keima's aunt. Keima widened his eyes in disbelief. His aunt chuckled, enjoying the pleasure from Keima and Kumuro's fears.
"These boys actually believe in that story! I thought I might scare em off a bit!"
Mari turned her head, blinking at Keima holding Airi.
"Why is this girl with you?"
Keima sighed. His eyes twitched. I've been fooled by reality… And it's not even April fool's! Airi slowly opened her eyes.
"I had a dream that glasses guy's carried me through the country, protecting me from the mistress."
Airi moved her head facing Keima. She blinked at him.
"Am I still in that dream?"
Hinanga strolled towards Keima, carrying her flashlight in her hands.
"What's all the commotion here?"
Keima and Kumuro turned around. Hinaga blinked at Keima holding Airi in her hands. Airi smiled at Hinaga.
"Baa-chan, is this a dream?"
Hinaga smiled at her.
"No it's not."
Hinaga strolled towards Airi-chan. Keima placed Airi on the ground, letting her stand up. She ran towards Hinaga, standing next to her. Hinaga smiled at Keima and Kumuro.
"I don't know what's going on, but it seems like Airi-chan likes you both."
Hinaga and Airi turned away from the boys, walking back to their house. Mari yawned, feeling her eyes weary.
"Let's not cause any more ruckuses tonight. It's getting very late."
Mari, Denma, his wife and Keima's aunt strolled away from Keima and Kumuro, returning to their house. Keima followed after them. He grumbled angrily, feeling fooled by reality. Kumuro turned around, having his eyes widened. The figure smiled at him. Consider yourself lucky this time! It turned away from him, walking towards the trees. Despite your insignificant attempt like the others had made, you cannot stop me! I will fulfil my dreams! The figure vanished inside the tree, causing Kumuro to whimper.
Keima sat inside the car next to Kumuro. He stared at the bowl on his hands. Next time, I'm not gonna listen to that damn wimp! Ever! Kumuro whimpered, going through last night's mishap. I swear to god that it existed. Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to be the boy who cried wolf? Mari popped her head out of the car, gazing upon Denma's wife.
"We're gonna go now. Thanks for the O-tsukemono!"
Denma's wife bowed down.
"Drive safely alright."
Denma strolled towards Keima, smiling at him.
"Come again sometimes!"
Keima turned his head.
"Okay."
The car drove away from Denma and his wife, leaving for Majima. Mari sighed, feeling happy.
"Isn't the countryside refreshing?"
Kumuro turned his head, facing Keima.
"Keima, about last night…"
Keima glared at Kumuro.
"Not another word!"
He turned away from Kumuro. Kumuro pouted his lips. I don't get it. The first two times I've seen this lady… It doesn't add up with the third encounter. If Keima's aunt was only involved with the third encounter, what possible explanation is there for the first two encounters? The radio emitted noises, forming images of a newsman delivering breaking news. Mari sighed, annoyed by the same news she heard.
"Why is that world-wide kidnap stuff been flooding the media lately?"
She pushed the button, turning off the radio.
"Honestly. I would give my day job for another night at Okaa-san's place again."
Kumuro faced the window, staring at trees passing by him. I guess there could be some things that are impossible to explain…
Author's notes: If you are kinda pissed that you think that there's more bullshit than realistic things... I wouldn't exactly call that breaking the unwritten rules... (at least I think so... :3 ) Anyway, on with the topic: The main reason I used the gothic/horror type chapter plot is that I wanted to show you a preview of a novel I've been working on (yes, I'm gonna finish this fanfic series before then). The reason why I've decided to stick with the fanfiction right now is that the characters from TWGOK drawn me to do so.
I thought at first "no this is stupid! I have other important things to work on than a fanfic..." But of course, these characters,a nd the OCs themselves pushed me forward. I like to thank those, and my fellow readers, for beckoning mw to continue this. I don't know if there will be anymore fanfics in the future, but I'll let fate decide for me. All in all, I hope you enjoy this chapter and the summer saga of Keima and Kumuro will still continue.
The next chapter (10) will be original (I don't know how original, but see for yourself!), and so the Sumire chapter will be coming after chapter 10.