Chapter 13: Sadako Will Appear Tonight (1):

Hiroshi's POV:

We started learning more about Sadako. Apparently, she wanted to be an actress. She had the lead in a movie titled 'Success'. Showbiz proved too much and that was when her powers started going out of control.

"Look at that," says Mayako, "Sadako was an illegitimate child! That makes sense, her father was Poseidon! For all we know, her mother wasn't a volunteer!" Mayako then picks something up. "This must be her hairgrip."

We then found a book. There's a writing that says, 'The devil has been released to destroy the world'.

...

I dropped Mayako off at her place. "See you tomorrow," says Mayako, "we'll go to the drama troupe together. Where to meet?"

"You should get some rest," I said.

"You needn't worry about me," says Mayako.

"No," I said, "I'll settle it myself. It won't be a problem."

"Why," asks Mayako.

"Sadako is a dangerous person," I said, "you should know that. 'The devil has been released to destroy the world'."

"You can't conclude that that's referring to Sadako," says Mayako.

"Five people have died because of the tape," I said, "and Sadako was blamed for natural disasters! Sadako is right beside us and knows our every move."

"So, what," asks Mayako, "you agreed to let me join you!"

"I regret it," I said.

"I want to go with you," says Mayako.

"Don't be willful," I said.

"I'm not willful," says Mayako.

"Shut up," I said.

"Am I really that irritating," asks Mayako, "will I really be a hindrance to you?"

"If something happens to me, you have to comfort my family," I said.

...

I then drove off. I was then back home. "So, is anything alright," asks Mom.

"Everything's fine," I said. Should I tell them what has happened or wait til the end? Danger is just around the corner.

...

There are still several questions to be answered. Sadako's hometown is in Oshima and her father is the Greek God of the Seas, Poseidon. I then figured something about the message about giving birth. It means someone used her DNA to create something! She's been cloned! What happened to that clone? I then remembered what Dr. Domyoji said about Hydra. But why would a terrorist organization clone Sadako? Could it be they wanted to create a psychic supersoldier? And the injured man. Who is he?

Dr. Domyoji's POV:

"You think Hydra's stealing our cells?"

"I know it sounds strange..."

"Beyond strange! What would they need it for?"

"I believe they may have some sort of cloning plan," I said.

"Looks like somebody is trying to get their hands on the research. We should inform the authorities to safeguard our interests."

Ryūji's POV:

I was sitting there, thinking about Mai. Where could she have gone? "Mai..."

Mayako's POV:

I was walking. "Hey Mayako," says Kunihiko, "is anything okay?"

"I don't want to talk about it," I said. I then had a thought. I was thinking about Ryūji. "Could he be..."

Hiroshi's POV:

I arrived at my destination.

Mayako's POV:

I decided to have a talk with Ryūji. "You're looking for Mr. Takayama? He isn't around today."

"He isn't here," I asked, "can you give me his address?"

"Sorry I can't do that."

"Will you come over?"

"OK."

Hiroshi's POV:

"The troupe was formed in 1989 and was popular at that time. But all the artists of that time are gone. It has been a long time since the media showed interest in us."

"I'm not a reporter," I said, "I'm here to look for someone named Sadako. I heard she joined the troupe in 1991."

"How are you related to her?"

"I just want to pay her a visit," I said, "is she still here?"

"She left long ago! She only stayed here for one year. She was a loner who hardly socialized with the others. And she never kept in contact after she left."

"Can you tell me what you know," I asked.

"She was a talented actress. Whenever she stepped on stage, she dazzled with star appeal. And she made the role she played come alive. She has artistic talent. Because of that, she became the lead not long after joining us. Everybody in the troupe has heard of her talent. She was born to be an actress. No one can replace her."

"If that's the case," I said, "why did she..."

"She had a lover. The guy was a troupe member too. But I'm not sure what happened to him. They were captivated by each other. That's all I know. Sorry I can't entertain you further."

"Was there..."

"I really don't know anything else. If you're here because of that, then forget it. I have no time for you." He then walked away.

...

I was back where I started. I then looked and saw Sadako. "Let me help you," I said. Sadako then slaps me and I fell to the ground, and she left. "I'll take that as a no!"

Dr. Domyoji's POV:

I was back in the lab, and I saw a dead body!

...

"It must have been suicide. He left evidence behind."

"What are you saying," I asked, "I should bear the responsibility of his death?" I said some things to this man before his death. I found out he was working for Hydra! "I shouldn't have abolished him without sparing a thought for his feelings! Perhaps all he wanted to do was to complete the research for me."

"Don't reproach yourself. You merely did your duty." He then walked away. I then thought about what Ryūji said.

Hiroshi's POV:

I was still trying to figure out what I'm going to do about Sadako. I then had a thought. Maybe if she learns there is someone who loves her... she might stop!

Mayako's POV:

I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. "Sorry to bother you," I said, "anybody in?" Nothing. I was about to walk away when I heard the door unlock. I then entered.

...

I looked around the place. I then saw a girl sitting there. "Hi, I'm Mayako Mizukoshi." I then saw her dolls and one of them was headless. She then looks at me. "I need to talk to Ryūji. You know, Ryūji Takayama? Why is that doll without a neck?" She then looks at me again. "Sorry. I'll take my leave." I then stood up and turned around and Ryūji was there!

"Why are you here," asks Ryūji.

...

"I read your dissertation in a magazine," I said, "you wrote about the inheritance of memories of the past. You even studied the development of one's past memory. So, what is your story?"

"Why do you ask," asks Ryūji.

"You're related to her, aren't you," I asked.

"I am not her son if that is what you are asking," says Ryūji.

"You gave Nonomura a number of days before he died and then he died," I said, "like how the videotape works! You have some sort of connection!"

"This game isn't as simple as you think," says Ryūji.

"Game," I asked.

"Yes," says Ryūji, "besides Sadako, no one knows what the goal of the game is. Everybody may live or they may die. No one knows the ending. We are both ill fated. We have to accept our destiny." We just glared at each other.

To Be Continued

In the next chapter, Hiroshi continues to try to learn more about Sadako.