Loading User Commands:
[X] Late Morning

---

"Haa... haa... haa..."

The room is filled with the sound of quick ragged breathing. After blinking a few times, a pair of eyes takes in the surroundings. The late morning sun shines brightly through the windows. No one else is in the room.

Youmu closes her eyes and tries to calm herself. She can still feel herself sweating as if she had run a marathon.

"Get it together," she tells herself. "That was just another weird dream."

A dream? It felt like something much more than that. She can still remember the sparkle of his azure eyes. Deep blue, like the sky or the sea. She can still hear the gentle sound of his voice and the softness of his heartbeat. But more than that, she can still feel his warmth and his touch. Even now, she can recall how he had... Youmu quickly opens her eyes. She can't be sure unless she checks, but something feels off this morning.

"..."

She swallows nervously as she lowers one of her hands to check under her dress. The half-ghost turns bright-red when she realizes that something underneath is quite damp to the touch.

"Kyaaaaaah!"

~~~

Youmu looks at herself in the mirror. Even after a quick shower and a change of clothes, she still feels like a mess. But she can't afford to neglect her duties. Carefully, she ties up her hair with a her black ribbon.

"It's just a dream, after all..."

First, she takes the long sword "Roukanken". She was told that this weapon could kill ten spirits in one stroke. Then, she takes the short blade named "Hakurouken". This blade could dispel the confusion of those it cuts, human or spirit, but it could only be used by those of the Konpaku family.

"..."

She pauses by her dresser to pick up one last thing - a small bundle of cloth. This contains the skull that is the container of her ghost core. After looking at it for a minute, she carefully stuffs it into her ghost half so that it can't be seen.

"I wonder if Lady Yuyuko already had something to eat..."

~~~

Their eyes met. In that single moment, both of them stood frozen, not out of fear but of surprise. The half-ghost and the intruder stared at each other. The intruder growled menacingly. Her eyes narrowed. In the next moment, they rushed forward at each other. Both of them were ready to kill.

But Youmu was faster.

Her blade flashed like lightning. In the next second, the intruder blinked, as if shocked. Then it fell apart into seventeen different pieces of meat, each sliced as cleanly as the last.

"Tsk, I cut trash again..."

After sheathing her sword, she turned back at the bloody mess. Youmu frowned as she examined the remains of the creature. It was no wonder that she couldn't sense its presence. This creature didn't have a soul. It was nothing but a "shell". No, it was little more than that - a "puppet". This creature must be what Vincent described from before - a ghoul. But how did such a thing breach the defenses of Hakugyokurou?

Her eyes widened. It was then that the half-ghost realized it. It was already late morning, but Lady Yuyuko had not come into her room to complain about breakfast. Did something -

"Ah!"

Youmu quickly closes her eyes to heighten her senses. She can't feel Lady Yuyuko, but she can sense two presences near the mansion entrance. One of them feels oddly familiar. She can't sense anyone else nearby. The ghouls do not have souls, so she can't sense their locations.

She pauses to think.
[ ] Lady Yuyuko's Room
[ ] Vincent's Room
[ ] Dining Room
[ ] Entrance
[ ] Kitchen
[ ] Garden

Loading User Commands:
[X] Stay with her.

---

"I... don't want to be alone tonight."

She kneeled beside him and clasped her hands together.

"I-I know that I'm not that pretty, and I'm clumsy and careless. But ever since you looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes, I just -"

She gasped in surprise. He put his finger on her lips to silence her.

"Stupid girl," he whispered.

"Eh? But I -"

Suddenly, he grabbed her in a tight embrace. Her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't even move. His heartbeat. She could feel his heart beating wildly against her chest. His warmth. She could feel his warmth spreading into her through their clothes.

"You're beautiful."

He held her even closer. She couldn't see his face.

"Idiot!" he cried suddenly. "I've fallen for you ever since we first met! How could I not fall for you?"

Her cheeks grew red.

"B-but you said -"

Slowly, he pulled himself away. He sighed heavily before looking back at her.

"You really don't get it, do you?" he said, as if lecturing her. "How do you think something like this would end? Love between a ghost and a human? The very concept is already messed up from the beginning! There is no way that this could turn into a happy ending."

He lowered his eyes and smiled to himself sadly.

"I... didn't want to hurt you."

"..."

She shook her head. Even if she was a stupid girl, she already knew what he was saying. She already knew that it was a lost cause from the start. But even so...

"If it's with you," she whispered.

"What?"

She looked at him, her eyes clear and determined.

"If it's with you, then I don't mind a sad ending."

A moment of silence passed between the two. He examined her eyes closely. She did not waver. Finally, he spoke.

"So that's how it is," he said.

"..."

"We're both fools then."

Slowly, he stepped forward. She closed her eyes as their lips met. Not rough, yet not too innocent either. And this time, they did not pull away. Lost in each other's moment, their lips intertwined together. Gently, he pushed his tongue between her lips. She parted them shyly, allowing him to explore her mouth. And as he did so, she rubbed her tongue against the tip of his to encourage him.

Moments later, his eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly took the initiative. She drove her tongue deep into his mouth, almost choking him. Her hand grasped his tightly as she pushed forward with yearning. Then finally, they ended their kiss. Even in the dark, she could see him blushing in the night. Of course, she was too.

Then, she stood up and started loosening her kimono. His face turned beet red and he quickly turned away. He could hear the sound of her clothes hitting the ground softly. Then, before he could argue, she gently put a hand on his shoulder.

She placed her other hand on his cheek and slowly turned his head forward. At first, he resisted. But slowly his eyes turned toward her body. He couldn't help but look at her beautifully curved silhouette. Her modest but delicious chest came into view, entrancing him immediately. She blushed as he continued staring at her delicate breasts. And when she realized that her nipples were already erect..

"D-don't stare like that!" she cried. Suddenly, she covered her chest with her arms.

Her face. At that moment, her face was so cute. In fact, it was too cute. This gesture was just criminal. There was no way he could hold back now. Without a word, he walked up to the girl and picked her up. She flailed her arms and tried to resist, but he just ignored her. He carried her over to the futon before gently putting the girl down. When she realized what he was doing, she suddenly grew silent and looked up at him with damp eyes.

"Hyaaah..."

It was criminal. He bit his lip as he froze. No, this was too much. He can't possibly do anything to her if she looked at him with that kind of face. She was just too cute. But when he had finally thought that it was over, she suddenly gasped, as if realizing something.

"Ah!"

Slowly, she pulled her arms away from her chest and let him look at her naked body freely. She turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. Her cheeks blushed bright red as she surrendered herself. Her breathing grew loud and ragged.

"Haa... haa... haa..."

Shaking nervously, he slowly lowered his hand over her delicate chest. She moaned cutely, "Aaahn~", as he started stroking her. He clasped his other hand onto her left. Her grasp tightened as she continued massaging her chest. Her body quivered at every motion. She continued letting out sounds of enjoyment as they continued.

Then, he lowered himself and gently licked the tip of her nipple. At this gesture, she suddenly jerked up and opened her mouth to let out a silent cry of ecstasy. Her whole body shook violently as she orgasmed.

"... haaa... haaa..."

He stepped away for a moment to let her recover. She lied still blissfully for a few minutes. Then, when he had thought that she was going to fall asleep, the girl opened her eyes and looked up at him. She smiled cheerfully as he started pulling at his pants.

"W-what the -"

He didn't know if he felt happy or annoyed at her clumsy gesture (yet, he was most certainly turned on).

After that fateful night, they would be lovers.

[ ] Early Morning
[ ] Mid Morning
[ ] Late Morning

Loading User Commands:
[X] Kiss her.
[X] Custom

---

He set his weapon aside as he considered her words. This wasn't the first time that she had confessed to him. He had already refused her the first time, as well as the other times after that. After all, they were worlds apart. It would never work out between them. The difference was literally a matter of life and death.

Yet here she was, sneaking into his room. If anyone else saw this, he would never hear the end of it. This wasn't funny or cute anymore. She was forcing herself into his life. Doesn't she understand how troublesome this is?

Doesn't she understand how painful this is?

"..."

The girl lowered her head slowly at his silence.

"I-I'm sorry if I keep troubling you like this. If tell me that you hate it, then I'll stop. This will be the last time."

"..."

"But please," she whispered. "Tell me the truth."

A single tear fell as she spoke those words. Then he realized, at that single moment, something that would change him. He looked at the girl before him and understood. Why didn't he see it before? All this time, it was in front of him.

That it was painful for her too.

"I don't hate..." he mumbled.

"Eh?"

The girl looked up at him. He looked slightly away.

"Stupid girl. I said that I don't hate you, alright?"

She stared back stupidly. That confused expression was just so irritating. He had to do something to wipe it off her face. Then, he got an idea. He rushed up to her and planted his mouth upon hers. The girl's eyes widened in surprised. With his tongue, he forced her soft lips open. He drove it inside her, deep and rough. If words could not convince her, then maybe he could shock these stupid thoughts out of her system. After all, he didn't mind playing the villain every so often.

But that was a mistake. Because this girl didn't struggle at all. In fact, she seemed to be opening herself up for better access. When he noticed it, he stopped moving his tongue. The girl responded by closing her eyes. Then, she started gently rubbing against his tongue with her own, as if to encourage him. Wait a minute... she was enjoying this?

He quickly pulled away. D-damn, that was close. No matter how he looks at it, this must be a trap!

"..."

She opened her eyes and stared at him with longing. Then, it was she who moved forward. Before realized it, his back was already at the wall. There was no escape. He had no weapons, and every route was already blocked.

By this enchantingly beautiful girl.

"I... don't want to be alone tonight."

[ ] Stay with her.
[ ] Stay with her.
[ ] Stay with her.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Leave it.

---

Before he realizes it, his hands are already reaching for the weapon. The sword is drawing him toward it, extending a promise of safety once he holds it. This blade will protect him against anything. Even the world will bend before its power. Those that can resist the will of this sword are next to none.

"..."

As his fingers touch the weapon's hilt, something flashes in his mind. A single image. But that is enough. Immediately, he pulls himself away from the weapon, as if it were a hot coal.

"No..." he says. "This is another trick..."

Hmm? Why do you hesitate?

He hears the voice, but he knows that it isn't coming from the person standing in front of him. This one is only a puppet. And if the owner of the voice was able to capture this person so easily, he has no chance of resisting. There is no escape from this. But still...

"I won't hurt anyone," he cries. "I won't listen to you anymore!"

Eh? But the game isn't over yet.

The puppet steps closer. He draws himself back.

"I won't fight," he whispers.

Hmm. Now if you do that, it won't be fun for anyone.

"Even if you kill me, I won't fight!"

Heh. This is starting to get boring.

"..."

Just go to sleep. I don't need you to use you.

"I... won't... hurt anyone..."

His eyes. So heavy. What is this? As his consciousness fades, he looks up and stares at the person before him. The puppet only smiles back. But still, even for a puppet, that smile is quite entrancing. With that as his last memory, Vincent falls into the darkness.

~~~

He opened his eyes slightly. There was a sound from outside. He kept still and pretended to sleep as he waited. An intruder? But he did not sense any killing intent. Perhaps his sword had grown dull during these peaceful days.

"..."

His hand slowly made its way toward his waist. Inch by inch, it crept until he had it in his grasp. A dagger of pure silver. He had hidden it within the folds of his clothes. Just in case he was attacked at night. Like this night.

The door slid open. The footsteps of the intruder were barely audible. But the shadow crept closer and closer. He tightened his grip on the knife. He would have only one chance to attack. He must wait for the most opportune moment.

Suddenly, the shadow stood right above him. He froze. How did it move so quickly? He didn't even feel its presence. Slowly, as it lowered itself closer, he opened a single eye. The intruder was too close. He won't be able to strike a fatal blow at this range. Then, he has only one other option.

"E-eh? Kyaaah!"

He quickly tackles the shadow to the ground. Then, as he held the dagger at its neck, his eyes blinked in surprise. The first thing he recognized were her deep brown eyes. The intruder quivered slightly as it stared back at him, her long silver hair splayed carelessly against the floor. Carefully, he pulled his weapon back and stood up.

"... what are you doing here?"

The intruder, flustered at his calm response, quickly bows apologetically.

"I-I'm so sorry!" she cried. "I didn't mean to startle you."

He sighed in exasperation.

"Then don't sneak around at night," he said. "It doesn't really matter, but when I strike, the things that I cannot kill are next to none. You understand that, right?"

"Yes! B-but..."

"There was something you wanted to tell me?" he said. "If it's that again, I already told you that I'm not interested. Besides, it would be too much of a hassle to -"

She interrupted him without warning. With a kiss. Innocent and inexperienced, she rubbed her lips against his. A few moments later, she pulled away and looked at him.

"Liar," she whispered. "I saw the way you looked at me. And even now, you are looking at me with those eyes the same way. With those crystal blue eyes."

He opened his mouth to argue, but in the end, he couldn't say anything back.

"I.. have also been watching you," said the girl. "Watching.. and waiting."

"Well.. err, that is.."

"Please," she whispered. "If you don't hate me, just this once.."

His eyes widened at her last words.

"Kiss me back."

[ ] Kiss her.
[ ] Refuse.
[ ] Custom..?

Loading User Commands:
[X] Stay awake.

---

An unfamiliar room. Four gray walls and a heavy steel door. Two torches flicker gently as they light up the place. The shadows dance at the side of his eye. Vincent jerks back in reflex.

"..."

The jangle of his shackles echo loudly. There is no other answer. In this place, he is alone.

"Haa..."

Sighing heavily, he leans back and stares at the ceiling. It too is painted a dull gray, as if to remind him harshly that this is not a place for guests. Komachi herself had said so, though only in passing.

...

"This place?" she said. "Ah, I think that this was used as a holding facility for humans and youkai that had wandered to the Sanzu River. In the past, the rules were fairly strict. Intruders where either thrown out or disposed of, depending on the case. The old shinigami prepared places like these to interrogate their prisoners."

"Thrown out... or disposed of?"

"That's what I heard anyway," she said. "There was this funny story that a colleague told me some time ago. Apparently, the prisoner that she caught was noisy and annoying, so she left him in one of these cells to calm down. But then, the spirits waiting to cross over started rioting, so she had to leave him here. Soon, she forgot about the prisoner completely."

"... what happened?"

"Well, by the time she remembered," she said cheerfully. "The prisoner was nothing but a pile of rotting meat. The stench was absolutely awful, and when the Yamas learned of it, she was demoted to cleaning duty for several decades! Ahahahaha! Don't you think that was hilarious?"

"Err..."

...

Vincent opens his eyes. This is no time to rest. He has to get out of here.

"Click!"

He turns toward the door. Only then does he become aware of a presence standing behind it. He did not hear any footsteps. Nor did he hear Komachi's voice. But, chained to the walls like this, there isn't much he can do apart from staying still and waiting. So he waits.

"..."

The heavy steel door opens silently. A familiar silhouette walks into view. It seems to be holding something it its arms.

"Found you~"

Before he can react, the newcomer throws something at his feet. Even without a glance, he knows what it is. How this person obtained this item, he can only guess.

Lying in front of him is his longsword. The cold steel glints menacingly in the torchlight.

[ ] Take it.
[ ] Leave it.

The man named Vincent continues staring at the empty grey walls. Watching and waiting patiently. Yet what is he waiting for?

"..."

He blinks as his mind draws a blank. The last few hours... he can't remember a thing! For a moment, panic starts to creep closer.

Then, a powerful breeze blows into his hair, interrupting his thoughts. There are no windows in this prison cell. But he doesn't notice the inconsistency. Almost instantly, his memories are filled up, almost too conveniently. But of course, he can't realize it.

"Ah.."

Komachi had come in only a few minutes earlier, bringing a tray of food and drink. She said that the others at Hakugyokurou seem to be calm about the situation, and that both Youmu and Yuyuko are investigating on their own. None of the three believe that he acted freely, and they have treated this as an incident. Yuyuko was especially worried, and she said that she would spend this evening to search for clues.

Of course, they only discussed this after Chen had fallen asleep (with the help of a little alcohol). Youmu had insisted that they not involve her, though the half-ghost seemed to be hiding something. In any case, they all agreed to reconvene in the morning. Youmu was to watch the mansion for now, while Yuyuko was to return before daybreak. Komachi was tasked to stay here and watch over him (wherever "here" is supposed to be).

"Protective custody," she had said.

In any case, everything seems to be going fine.

"..."

[ ] Go to sleep.
[ ] Stay awake.

A Tremor

Darkness.

I fell once more into the truth that I had forgotten. All around swirled the lost memory... the fragments of ebony. Like picking up the pieces of a broken mirror, any effort was futile. It was pointless to ponder; pointless to comprehend. The endless days of searching and seeking had finally come to an end. After living like Sisyphus for a moment and an eternity, I found it.

I didn't know if it was a curse or a miracle.

Each time I closed my eyes, I remembered that wonderful dream. Of friends and family I never met. And of whom I never will, now that I have found the truth. But I don't mind. I had always believed that the truth was preferable to lies, no matter how painful it was. Perhaps, deep inside, I had always known. Childlishly, I refused to accept it, as it was something I could not understand. Something beyond the experiences and imagination of an ordinary person.

Yet, from the beginning, I knew that it wouldn't last.

I always felt that something was strange. If I were to describe it, I felt like there was always a loose thread in this fabric called reality. A place, a person, a series of events - it didn't matter which. At times, it would be the smallest of coincidences. But then, even the simplest of things can give birth to doubt. A doubt that grew into the realization of truth.

That I was standing at the end of the world.

So I fell once more into the truth that I had forgotten. Yet I had no regrets. Because I knew that the truth would always be preferable to lies. And everything would turn out fine, now that I had returned here, to the end of the world. I closed my eyes and smiled. The memory of a passing dream is enough for me. I can rest now.

Or so I had thought.

Without warning, a single ray of light flashed upon me from the heavens. As if to wake me... no, as if to mock me. I cringed and struggled. I waved my arms in defiance. Yet that light would not give up. Despite my refusal, I found myself drawn to it. This was a disaster... no, a catastrophe. Everything I had sacrificed would be for naught. Yet, I could not resist. Or rather, it only took one more push.

She called out my name.

And the world trembled.