“ Who Haunt you ? “

“ Whose eyes peer at you from the darkness ? “

Summer , July 16 , 1986 — Hairama Station …

“ Be careful with that … please … Yes , I will lift … “

A young man with black hair , wear a old pair of glasses ; a black ones , wearing white shirt and black pant . With —-

“ Come , Reiko ! . Becareful …“

A girl about sixteen year , having slender hand and leg , in white frock and long black hair .

“ So You are already here, Tatsuya - san ? “

“ Yes , we are , Saika-san . “

The young man in black coat was there . He was slim and tall too .

“ It is hot today , isn't it ? “

It was summer of july hotter and hotter , cicadas were crying , sweating and sweating .

As Reiko think in her mind ,

“ I HATE THIS !!! “

————————————-

Two days before ,

Kyoto ,

“ The Best Novel of the Year 1986 goes to “ Witch That Never Smile “ Written by Tatsuya Shinzaki . “

That written on magazine of the “TokiKome Smash “. “ TokiKome Smash” was really popular among High Schooler.

“ Hey , Hey , Reiko - chan, is that book written by your dad ? “ Asked by the young girl who was wearing uniform of Yukishina High School .

“ Yes . “

“ Yeah , I thought so . So , Is he famous ? “

“ Yes, Yes. “

“ So , Why don't you talk about in the class ? “

“ Because ….. I hate him . “ she was quite shocked .

As her hand hit on her shoulder ,

“ Quite , Rebellious girl , ain't you ? “

As she push herself over to her ,

“ Quiet it , Quiet it , Maki . “

She stare at her chest .

“ Did your boobs get bigger from the last time ? “

As she squeeze them ,

“ Oh , Wow They are softer than I thought . “

“ Quiet it . Makiiii ! “

She let go of her .

“ What the hell are you thinking ? We are at school , you know . “

“ It fine as long as other don't see . And beside , nobody gonna come at lunch break so relax. “

As they argue ,

“ So , after exams over today , so what next ? “

“ What Next ? “

“ I mean , Summer Vacation , going somewhere ? “

“ Probably Not …. What about you ? “

“ Going my Grandma House with my parents . And you know , in summer , there will be tons of watermelon . Don't worry I will give you some souvenir . “

“ Okay “

“ And Try to get along with your Dad . I bet he want to spend some quality time with you . So be a good girl and go somewhere with him . “

Maki, is my one and only friend who happen to be my neighbour too . She is quiet idiotic and pervert too. But when my mother died , I was four . Father was really busy and was hurt too . And Everybody saying many thing she is only child what happen to her now , what a unfortunate child and so on.

But Maki was only one who didn't asked or said anything . She knows what am I think . My one and only best friend .

As Reiko stare at Maki ,

“ Hey , Don't stare at me so much , I will turn into lesbian . “

“ I know that , idiot . “

In Reiko House ,…….

As she try to pull the door . She heard some conversation . In a moment , door was push inout . And she fall by shock .

“ Ouch “ she said .

“ Reiko “ Her father said .

“ Oh Sorry , My apology , Reiko - sama ( sama means high level respect show to only nobels as a lady or lord ; ) “

The young man said .

“ Sama ( Lady ) !! “ Reiko said to herself .

“ Oh Myself , Katsuhiro Saika . And ——- Tatsuya- san I hope you accept our request . “

Tatsuya nodded . And Saika left .

“ What is this all about ? “ She look at her dad .

“ Reiko , First relax , it about your ….. Mother Twelfth Memorial Service . Your Grandfather , Keisuke Sakuma , want to held for her in Hairama on that day . And want us to be there too . “

“ But …

“ Don't worry . We won't much spend there . Okay . “

She nodded .

That how unable to say no to her father , by spend one night on train , she is here at her mother hometown , Hairama.

“ I Hate This …….

Now at present time

7:30 PM …..

“ We are here , —-

One big wodden traditional japanese mansion was there .

“ Such a big house — Reiko and her dad were stunned .

“ Sakuma Family are wealthiest in Hairama so such big house should suit their taste . “ Saika said .

“ So you mean my grandfather is rich ? . “

“ Yes . Now this way . “

Saika , Reiko and Tatsuya went infront of such big wodden gate .

Saika said in loud voice , “ We are here . “

And then gate open , For Reiko it was like something out of historical movie scene .

They enter the mansion.

“ Master of this House , Keisuke Sakuma , high respected personality in local . Keisuke- sama has three kid , two sons and one daughter . Elder son Teisuke- sama and youngest son , Seijiro-sama who died last year . And one and only daughter and your mother , Miyako-sama. “

“ Who are they , Saika-san ? .“

As one lady coming from the house —

“ Oh , Otaki-sama —

“ Otaki ? “

“ Yes , She is the wife of the Teisuke-sama. She and Teisuke doesn't have any children . “

“ Oh , I see . “ She think her as very pretty woman .

“ You haven't tell me Who are they ,Saika-san . “

“ Yes , They are —

As Reiko interrupted her ,

“ I am Reiko , Reiko Shinazaki from Tokyo . “

As Tatsuya held her hand ,

“ Sorry Sorry . “

“ So you are Miyako-san daughter ? “

“ Yes . “

As Otaki touch her face ,

“ Such a pretty Face you have . “

“ You are pretty too , Miss …

“ Auntie . Okay . “

“ Yes Auntie . “

Footstep, some creaking sound came from upstairs . As an Old man coming from the upper floor . He has such serious face . He came down and said —

“ Katsuhiro ,

“ Yes , sir “

“ Show them their room . “

“ Yes , Sir .“

And he went upstairs . Everybody went silent . When Tatsuya try to greet and he didn't even look at him .

“Who is that serious old dude ? “

“ Shhh , You will in trouble if he heard that . He is the Master of this Manison and Your GrandFather , Keisuke Sakuma.“

“ So , He is my Grandfather . “

“ Wait , wait , Tatsuya-san and Reiko-chan you have came from such long trip . You must have been hungry . I will set the dinner . Please , wash yourselves.

Night At 8:40PM ,

“ Thanks for much delicious dinner , Otaki-Aunt . “

“ I am glad it was your taste . “

“ It far better than Dad burned dishes . “

“ Oh Hey , Don't say that . “ her father said .

As she hesitated ,

“ Tatsuya-san , If you don't mind , will you let Reiko-chan to sleep with me just for tonight . “

“ Why ? “

“ Teisuke-san ( Her husband ) won't be coming home due to taking care of the storage house of vegetables . Alone in such big room you know …

“ I don't really mind but if she is okay . Then, it fine . “

“ Would you like to sleep with me , Reiko-chan ? “

She nodded .

“ Great , Let's go to sleep , Reiko-chan .“

Night 9: 30 PM …..

“ Hey , Hey Otaki Aunt, Do you think GrandFather hate me and Dad ? “

“ Why ? “

“ I mean he doesn't look too happy when we came so —

She put her hand on her hair —-

“ No , No — He doesn't hate you …He just kind of upset , you know . “

“ Upset , why ? “

“ Tatsuya - san , didn't tell you , huh ? “

“ Tell me , What ? “

“ You see , Your Mother , Miyako-san , was one and only daughter of your grand father . After the death of your grandmother , Keshiki-san , Miyako-san become the only reason for him to live on but ——

Your Grandfather fixed her marriage with his friend son but on the day of her marriage , she ranaway with your father . The whole family name and fame was crush . It was great insult for family but one thing that crush greatly was your grandfather heart. “

“ Do you think it was mistake that my mother fallen in love with my father ? “

She smile and said ,

“ They create such beautiful daughter how that can be a mistake . And you really look like your mother . Don't worry and sleep. “

And she close her eyes ….

Night 12 : 30 PM ….

“ Want to go washroom ? “ She woke up and slide the door .

The House was so big , she doesn't know where she was going . Then She heard a flute.

A soft and light someone was playing the flute .

Something was wrong . Something felt wrong . Airs feel so heavy . And Everything feel so different . As it if , it was a dream .

In Tsukimidai ( Moon Viewing Platform ) , there was a glowing shadow of girl with kimono.

Reiko enter the Tsukimidai , there was little girl playing black flute in white kimono on the moonlit night . That black flute was unusual . At the end of the flute there was the head of the fox

“ Hey , Who are you ? She asked but the girl was keeping palying flute .

“ Hey , I am asking you who are you ? “

She stop playing and look at her and smile —

“ You can see me . Well I wasn't surprise at all .“

“What are saying ? “

“ Listen here girl , I warn you . Leave this Place . Or You will die by THE MIYA-ZAKI .“

In Previous Episode ……

Reiko wake up at the middle of the night . Sudden she heard the sound of the flute . At the Tsukimidai ( Moon viewing Platform ) somebody in white kimono was playing the flute .

It was the little girl . Sudden , she stop her flute and warn Reiko —

“ Leave right away or you will die by THE MIYA-ZAKI .“

—————————————

July 17 , 1986 ,

At 1:30 AM ,

In Tsukimidai , Sakuma Residence ,

“ Hey , Wha—What do you mean by I will die ? Just Who are you ? “

The Little girl smile and said ,

“ Just a Well-Wisher . “

“ Well - What ? “

She jump on the railing and said ,

“ Listen girl , take this flute . And alway kept it close to yourself . It will protect , you from ….

“ From what ? “

She smile ,

“ You will come to know eventually . Just don't die like your mother . “

“ Mom ? “

And she disappear into glowing light and vanished .

—————-

At 7:30 AM , Sakuma Residence ,

“ Tatsuya -san , Tatsuya -san …

Door open …

“ Just What happen ? “

Otaki was infront in all tense .

“ Reiko-chan , Rei-ko Chan , is missing . “

“ What ? . Weren't you slept together ? “

“ Yes . But — When I woke up , she wasn't at my side . I am so worried . What should we do ? “

“ Relax , first check whole house — “

Saika came down and said in breathily manner ,

“ I -I - I have found her . “

Evryone went up on Tsukimidai .She start to open her eyes little by little .Everyone reach at Tsukimidai . Otaki run toward Reiko and hug her .

“ Where were you ? You me made so worried . “ she eyes were teary .

Reiko didn't understand .

Tatsuya came . And asked ,

“ What are you doing ? “

“ At night , I went to pee and — I don't know . “

“ I know you were just wandering at night . And you came here and slept . You made so worried . Don't ever do that . “

“ Sorry “

Otaki interfere ,

“ Okay , Okay , Reiko- Chan is alright . So everybody , let's go inside . “

Reiko just realized why she was sleeping on bench like thing . And she just thought of last night , and weird dream .

In that dream , she met a little girl who was wearing kimono and playing black flute with a fox head at the head . And she was saying, “ You will die . “

“ It was strange dream !!! .“

As she try to move , that black flute was on her hand .

It was indeed really strange dream .

—————————-

At 10: 30 AM; Sakuma Residence ,

“ What really is it this thing ? “

She pointed the flute and look closely . It was an odd flute and wind pipe was small. And when she tried to blow the pipe , it doesn't produce any sound .

“ Look , like it broken . But something is still wrong . “

Otaki enter the room , and as she round her arms round her .

“ What are you upto this time ? “

“ Nothing , just at this , “

Otaki take the flute on her hand and look closely .

“ This is very odd flute . Where did you get it ? “

“ I - I - I ….

“ Nevermind . It has Fox at the end too . “

She tried blow but couldn't .

“ I think it was broken . “

“ Yes , Isn't it ? “

“ And look at fox , there something written on it ? “

“ What ? “

“ Inari ? “

“ Fried tofu. “

Otaki laughed .

“ That too .But Inari on the fox . That mean God Inari May be . “

“ God Inari ? “

“Hmm .God Inari is the god of harvest and agriculture . And Inari god messenger are white fox . And sometime Inari God also called God of foxes . “

“ God of foxes , huh ? “

“ Oh , I just remember , there is also a Inari shrine near by too . “

“ So , Let's go . What are you waiting ? “

“ Okay … I will tell Mr . Saika to take you .“

“ Mr Saika , Mr Saika . “

Saika came out and asked ,

“ Yes , Otaki-sama . “

“ Could you take to near Inari Shrine ? I just have go to meet Teisuke -san . “

“ Sorry Otaki-sama , I just to have to priest for Miyako-sama Memorial service . I won't unable to take her . “

“ So what we do then ? “

“ I will take her . “ As Tatsuya enter .

“ I am free , so I will take her . “

“ No , No Tatsuya-san . You are new to this place , aren't you ? What if you two get lost ? I won' t allowed it . “

As Tatsuya laughed ,

“ I am glad you worry so much about us. But rest assure I will take care her . “

“ But ——-

As she hesitate ,

“ Okay , but came before nightfall . “

Tatsuya smile ,

“ Yes , we will . “

And they went .

——————————————

At 2:30 PM , Inari Shrine ,

After wandering three , four , getting lost twice , we finally made it to the Inari Shrine . But ———-

There are five hundred stairs still left to climb .

As they , they both think ,

“ This is our last day . “

As they climb stair , Reiko was walking with flute in her hand faster than Tatsuya . As Tatsuya think ,

“ I didn't think living in the city would make me so fit . “

As he breathing hard .

“ Dad , take a break .“

“ N-no I-i will ———-take a break . “

“ So I am going up . “

“ Wait —-

And she dash off .

The shrine was surround by huge forest and didn't think she encounter anyone but —————

Reiko suddenly heard some noise … she followed to look …she think it was small animal but ….. it was girl …

A girl same age as her , black hair with bangs and ———- she was playing with the monster ———

Monster , like ball shape and has one eye and one horn like cyclops in small version.

As she see me ,

“ Oh , He-hell-lo “ in awkward way by Reiko.

That girl screams so loudly . That monster escape .

“ Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

At same time , Reiko too for some reason accompanied her at scream,

“ Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

After that ,

“ Why are you screaming ? “

The girl say in shivering manner ,

“ I — I thought yo-you were G—ghost . “

At that moment , Reiko really think this girl is dumb .

“ I am not ghost , okay , I am human . “

She was crying and still crying .

“ And - And What was that ? “

“ That ? “

“ Yeah , That . Cyclops thing ? “

“ Cy- chan . You can also see them ? “

“ See them , what do you mean ? “

Sudden a claws of something come at Reiko head …

“ Watch out !! “

She get down . And sudden got sprain on one ankle .

“ Hey , Are you fine ? “

“ Do you think I am fine ? “

“ I am sorry . “

“ Now why are you saying sorry ? “

Again that claws come at their head and Reiko look up see.

It look like bird but it has three eyes and one horn on head .

“ Just what is it ? “

“ Youkai ( Demon Spirit ) “

“ Any plan to stop it ? “

“ No ,

“ Figures . “

As Reiko move that youkai also change it way toward her .

“ It look like this youkai is after me . “

“ What ? “

“ Okay , here is plan . I will be decoy and you run . “

“ And What about you ? “

“ I will be fine , just run quickly okay . “

As try to run from the sprain on ankle , she fell and as that youkai toward her suddenly —-

From the flute on her hand , a three headed fox appear like flames and slash and eat the eagle youkai like nothing . And it went it into flute .

“ What was that ? “ she try to look inside the flute .

“ Kuda - Gitsune . “

“ Kuda - Gitsune ? “

“ Yes , especially it is an fox spirit in pipe . Usually Kuda-Gitsune don't use for fight . They are used to answer the question from us human,also use for fortune telling . “

Reiko seem confused .

“ Oh Sorry forget introduce . I am Kasumi , Kasumi Sakaki . Are you — the Spirit User ? “

“ Spirit - What ? “

“ Spirit User . Mean somebody who control spirit . “

“ Oh , But sorry I am not a spirit user , just an normal high school girl . “

When she try to get up , time suddenly stopped .

“ Hey , what happen…….

She can't hear anyone , it her whole surrounding freeze ,

Sudden that little girl appear ,

“ Told you , leave or die .“

She came close to her face , and said

“ I guess YOU DIE . “

In the Previous Episode ....

Reiko went to Inari Shrine , to unravel the mystery of the odd Fox headed Flute .

But she encounter something else .

Kasumi , the strange girl who was talking to little cyclops monster . When She and Reiko get attacked by the gaint bird like monster .

With the Flute , she held on her hand , come the gaint fox in falmes and cut that monster in halves .

But suddenly Reiko can't move her body and that little girl in Tsukimidai ( Moon viewing Platform ) came close to her face and said "I guess YOU DIE "

______________________________________-------

There is black , everything is black , just dark and black like there is nothing but endless darkness .

Reiko open her eyes . Everything feel so weird , just like that dream . It was night . In the Sakuma Residence , as she walk in the corridor . In Tsukimidai ( Moon viewing platform ) , She saw that little girl again .

" Hey , You ? "

She ignored her .

" Don't ignored me ? Just tell me what happen to me ? Where are others ? Where are —

So fast she come near her and put her finger on Reiko's mouth .

" You —- Just talk to me . "

Reiko couldn't move . That girl take her hand on the shoulder and …

Sudden Reiko was on the railing …

" Look like time to die "

" Ah , Forget to mention the name , Koroe. Nice to meet you "

She push Reiko . Reiko fall ,

But in the lake , Reiko consiousness came but she was wondering how can she stand inside the lake and breath so easily . Out of nowhere , people start to appear . There were seven men , and surround by villagers .

One young man came infront , he was saying something . Reiko couldn't hear .

But suddenly all of the villager , came at them with weapon like axe , sickle etc.

" What is going on ? " she thought .

All the seven of the including Reiko , were line up , tied their hand . One big man , came with sword , and start to kill them one by one . When Reiko turn came —-

" Am I gonna die ? "

And then she woke up with scream —

" Ahhhhhhhh —

Suddenly door open and Otaki , Tatsuya and Saika came running at her .

" What happen ,Reiko -chan ?" Otaki said .

She was alive and on the bed , on Sakuma Residence .

She go back to her bed , she said ,

" Just bad dream "

" I was so worried , when Tatsuya -san take you here . I thought you got a heat stroke but it was relief that you just faint."

" Faint ? , huh ? "

She look at dress ,

" Who change my dress ? "

Otaki said in hurry,

" Me , me . It was me . "

" And what about the girl ? "

" What girl ? " Tatsuya say in surprised way .

" Girl that was with me "

" No , you were alone . "

" What ? "

" You were alone and faint . Just relax and don't think about anything ,just take care of yourselves . "

And they left .

But thing didn't solve , and still mystery remain why Tatsuya didn't see Kasumi , did she run away or hide from Tatsuya , and why she was able see youkai and why she called Reiko spirits-user .

—————'''''''''''''——-'''-''''''"'""'—'''''——-

Jukly 18 , 1986 , Sunday ,

Sakuma Residence ,

" If I want to found the answers , then I have to go outside . " She think .

" So then the best possible way is —

When Saika pass by .

" Saika-san . "

" Yes . Reiko-sama . "

" It just I am bore let go outside to play . "

" But Otaki-sama told me meet the head priest —

She sulk .

" But I can take you with me . "

" Let's go " she said in cheerful manner.

They went to meet the head priest .

After an hour ...….

They reached the old wooden house and the big wooden gate and there wooden something that has long tooth and wide open more like demon .

" Hoshino - san … He said aloud ..

" Hoshino - san . We are here . Please open the door . "

Suddenly the door open , there was a young woman .

" Welcome Saika - dono , …. By looking at the Reiko ..

And she is … "

" Kirie - san , she is Reiko - sama ,daughter of Miyako - sama and grand-daughter of Keisuke -sama and she is ….

" …Kirie …. Kirie … Hoshino…

Reiko nodded her head .

" Please , come in …..

Kirie take both Saika and Reiko into living room . And turn and said

" Please wait here … and Father , will come soon . "

She close the door .

The whole room was like historical museum , that fill with old items .

Suddenly , the door open and old man with black bead and long beard , come , close his eyes and sit infront of the table without saying anything

" Hoshino - san , Keisuke - sama want you to perform the Soul Dance ritual at tomorrow funeral . So , Please would you like to ...….

Finally , he open his eyes and look only at Reiko , no he was not looking at him , he was staring at her .

" You….. You are Miyako 's daughter , right ?"

Reiko nod her head again .

" Come here …..

Reiko was shock and she just lean her head ….

Then , his hand with bread on …. He just caress her hair … and close his eyes ….

After a moment

" …Hmmm

…hah ….. Courage , a lot of courage ..

Careless…. And always challenging others…..

…..Just like her mother ….

But something is off , something is after you "

Reiko visioned those seven people and villager eith sickle and axe and the man who kill them ...

" Something is protecting you ...

Suddenly, Koroe and Kasumi come up to her mind …..

" But Something is worst to come too…..

Suddenly , she see funeral rituals , everybody was in black and some were crying and some were sad then she saw blood coming from the body , cold - dead body of... Reiko herself ….

Suddenly , he took his hand out of her head …..

She breathing heavy as it if she was being choked by someone …..

Her eyes became dizzy and she was hearing something like …..

" Reiko ….sama Reiko sama ...

But she couldn't reply …..

And she collapsed ....

............

After an hour …..

Reiko open her eyes and see saw she saw in bed and in her right hand there was black bead around her wrist …..

And Saika came and tear up ...

" Reiko-sama ….. Reiko - Sama ….. I am glad you are fine .... Just wait here . I will call Tatsuya -san . Just relax …

And he left the room….

And then Hoshino came into the room ….

He said loud ...

" What did you see in your vision ? Tell me ,young lady ….

Reiko didn't saying any thing …..

" Not want to talk , huh ?

Suddenly , Reiko broke her voice …..

" What you did to me back then ? "

" Nothing … I just show you some glimpse of future ….

" Future …..

" Yes , Some sort of ….

Reiko was in completely in shock

" It is not my power though …..

Reiko look at him

" But I warn whatever …..

You see ...

Will Happen .. "