Chapter 6: Someone is Watching... (2):
Ryūji's POV:
I was watching the tape again.
Hikusho's POV:
We were all there as the doctors were taking in Chisuzu. We were all told to wait outside. "Where's Hiroshi," asks Rosanjin.
Hiroshi's POV:
I was still at the lab. Dr. Domyoji came in. "The blood test, brain scan, and electrocardiogram are normal," says Dr. Domyoji.
"Perfectly normal," I said, "which means no findings at all."
"You suspect you're having some health problems," asks Dr. Domyoji.
"No," I said, "let me ask you something. If a healthy person suddenly dies, can the cause be traced? I'm just curious. I've heard of healthy people who die suddenly."
"That happens because some people are complacent about their own health and do not take head of advice. If you go for regular checkups, any illness can be attended to at once." The computer beeps. "Speaking of healthy people who die suddenly, there are very few cases. Is there any problem?"
"No," I said, "thanks for the checkup."
"Don't mention it," says Dr. Domyoji.
I then exited.
...
I was walking to my care when I answered my phone and learned what happened...
...
I arrived and saw Chisuzu in intensive care. "Hiroshi," says Chisuzu.
"Chisuzu," I said.
"The doctor says she's weak," says Mom.
"Where were you," asks Rosanjin.
"I... I was nowhere," I said.
"I am getting sick of this," says Rosanjin, "you keep hiding something from the rest of us! Maybe if you started treating us like your family again, you would've been here with us earlier! But you were too busy with your secrets!"
"That's enough," says Mom, "your sister's in the hospital and all you can do is blame your brother!"
"I... sorry," says Rosanjin.
"She'll recover with some good rest," says Dad, "but her psychological problem is more serious."
"Psychological problem," I asked.
"That's right," says Mom, "she didn't say, but I can tell something was worrying her. According to the doctor, Chisuzu could have fallen ill due to this. Hiroshi, it would help if you tell us what happened!"
"Something has to be troubling you," says Dad.
"Nothing at all," I said.
"That's not going to work," says Rosanjin, "what did that Takayama guy say and what's in that tape?"
"It's nothing," I said.
"Do you know what Chisuzu said," asks Mom, "she asked about you. She asked us to save you. She's lying in the hospital, yet she asked us to save you. She's been worrying about you. We all are. Whatever you're going through, we can help you!"
"I can't tell you," I said, "I'm sorry." I then walked out.
...
I can't risk anyone else suffering from this. I then texted Mayako.
Dr. Domyoji's POV:
I was watching Sensei's death on the TV. I then realized something. I then made a call. "After watching the tape, I'd like to know how Ryūji Takayama casts curses," I said.
Hiroshi's POV:
"I'm sorry," I said to Chisuzu, "this is all my fault! I swear, I'll find a way to make this right!"
"I want to go home," says Chisuzu.
...
I had to convince everyone to agree to that. Chisuzu is now in bed. I then went on the computer. I was watching the tape on it. I then realized something! Something that appears every 5 to 7 seconds! But why is it like that? "I got it!" I then heard the doorbell.
...
It's Mayako. "Hey," says Mayako.
"If this is about the text..."
"I'm just going to ignore it for now because your sister was in the hospital," says Mayako, "I wanted to see if she's okay."
"Yeah," I said.
"I don't know why you dumped me or why in a text, but it's something we can talk about another time," says Mayako, "bye." She then leaves. But now I have to go!
Dr. Domyoji's POV:
I showed Det. Harashima. "So, this is the Gebray you mentioned," asks Det. Harashima.
"Yes," I said, "this plant contains a very unique poisonous element. Logically, plants secrete poison to defend themselves against enemies. Here's some information on the Gebray. There are details of its form, species and habitual environment. Its poison will surface under direct sunlight. If the poison were to be rubbed onto a victim and strong light shone..."
"The spotlight," says Det. Harashima, "the poison will surface, and the victim will be poisoned!"
"If the amount is large enough, the victim may die instantly," I said.
"The poison was rubbed on to Nonomura-Sensei and shone by magnesium light," says Det. Harashima.
"But I must highlight that it's just my conjecture," I said.
"Don't worry, I understand," says Det. Harashima, "thank you."
Hiroshi's POV:
I spoke with Ryūji. "You went for a medical checkup," says Ryūji, "the thing is, even doctors can't help you."
"I smell of antiseptic," I said, "regarding the image, I have new findings."
...
I then showed him. "Every time it reaches this part, the same problem will occur," I said, "every 5 to 7 minutes, there will be an interruption. Why is this so? Someone doctored it! Someone made use of illegal electromagnetic waves."
"Why," asks Ryūji.
"I've no idea," I said, "one more thing." I then played the tape I managed to take back. "I haven't been able to find out where this programmed was filmed yet. It was broadcasted on 3rd October, between 1:07 and 1:10. One thing for sure, during the time of broadcast, someone deliberately interrupted using illegal electromagnetic waves. This explains the images. As to where the waves were sent out and who is behind it, I've already sent a request to the station to check it out. We'll get a reply soon. Any questions?"
"I only have one question," says Ryūji, "do you believe what you're saying?"
"What," I asked.
"Have you ever thought about why the person is doing all this," asks Ryūji.
"You should ask the culprit," I said. My phone started ringing.
"Answer it," says Ryūji.
I did. It was Dad. "About your theory," says Dad, "there were no findings! Now, can you finally tell us what's going on?"
I then hung up. Ryūji then started chuckling. "No interruptions, right," asks Ryūji, "you get it now? Before you came, you should've already known. You only want my information. That's why you couldn't get the answer. The answer is right before you and it's pretty obvious."
"No," I said, "it can't be wrong!"
"I have another question for you to ponder over. How is it possible to capture things outside the mirror from inside? From this angle, the shot must've been taken from inside the mirror. This technique is impossible. A camera is hidden in the mirror. You can adjust the lighting. Which means it can capture an ordinary image. This is called 'nian xie' (Telekinetic writing). Someone used that to create those images in the videotape. This is fathomable. In the human mind, there exists in the nervous system, positive and negative electrodes. When they collide, biological reactions result. Scientists call these senses. In fact, the images we see are already registered in our minds. Attempts to dispute the effects of telekinetic writing are unscientific. Any more problems? By grasping what telekinetic writing is, the problem becomes simpler. What we have to do next is..." Then we heard police sirens. "A pity our game is coming to an end."
...
The police were having a word with Ryūji.
To Be Continued
In the next chapter, Ryūji is in jail.