Tsukihime - Far Side Scenes (EN)

s48-s49, s123-s124, s304, s203-s209, s209a, s210-s218, s234-s243, s290-s291, s312, s312a, s305-s306, s313-s321

Bad ends: s234 => s532, s314 => s533

s321 is the last far side common scene. Akiha's route begins at s322. Hisui's route begins at s323. Kohaku's route begins at s324.

You may jump straight from s306 to Hisui's route s323 by taking choice 1 if Kohaku's affection is low enough. You may also jump straight from s305 to Akiha's route s303 by taking choice 1 if you took s240 => choice 2 => s242. The above choices skip s317-s322.

*s48
The howling continues. There's no way I can sleep like this. ―― I can't sleep, but that's just normal. "―― I'm sleepy, so I'll pass." Pulling the sheets over me, I stretch out on the bed. I can just think of the howling as the sound of something mundane as cars driving by on the street. *sigh* Today's been a very long day. I'm mentally tired from eating dinner in this unfamiliar mansion and my conversations with Akiha and everyone else. After all that, the howling is just background noise. I close my eyes and gently fall asleep. "---Nng." I think I just heard something. Half-awake, I look at the clock. It's just past two. ―― It's been about two hours since I heard the dogs howling. The dogs' howling has already stopped. The mansion is so quiet, I can hear the clock ticking in the silence. "--?" I hear it again. ―― Inside the mansion― from the lobby? "-Could it be a burglar?" It's not impossible. The mansion's contents are outrageously valuable. On top of that, with no one here now except Kohaku-san, Hisui, Akiha and myself, it's very insecure. "――" Getting out of bed, I slip out of the room quietly. If it's a burglar, Akiha and everyone will be in danger, so I can't let this one go. I'll just look down from the second floor into the lobby; that should be safe enough. There's nothing wrong there. "―― !" No, someone's there. The figure that enters from the entrance and crosses the lobby with wobbling, uncertain steps, is--- "Aki― ha?" She's not going to her own room on the second floor, but to the first floor of the west wing. The only things there are Kohaku-san's room and my old man's room. "―― What's she doing at this time of night?" I can murmur all I want, but I won't be getting any answers. After gazing at the lobby for a while, I decide to return to my room. ―― Well, she probably had something to do, or went to see Kohaku-san. I feel bad about sneaking around and watching her, and I don't want to just ask her about everything she does. "―― Sleep, sleep. There's school tomorrow." I bury myself in bed and close my eyes. ---As I fall asleep, my thoughts keep returning over and over to Akiha's hollow-eyed figure in the lobby― and how something seemed wrong.

*s49
The howling continues. There's no way I can sleep like this. ―― I can't sleep, but that's just normal. "―― I'm sleepy, so I'll pass." Pulling the sheets over me, I stretch out on the bed. I can just think of the howling as the sound of something mundane, like cars driving by on the street. *sigh* Today's been a very long day. I'm mentally tired from eating dinner in this unfamiliar mansion and my conversations with Akiha and everyone else. After all that, the howling is just background noise. I close my eyes and gently fall asleep. ---I have a nostalgic dream. The end of summer eight years ago. After I was injured, was taken to that hospital where no one ever visited, and met Sensei. Upon returning to the mansion, I heard from my old man that I would be taken in by a family I had never heard of. Everything happened so fast. Right after the day I left the hospital, I ended up going to the Arima household. There was not a single cloud in the blue sky that day. The start of autumn. I was led away from the Tohno mansion. But a little before that― That girl had come to see me, sneaking past the eyes of the adults. "When you are about to leave, please come to the tree in the rear courtyard." After being told that, I snuck out from under my old man's eye and out to the rear courtyard. The sky was blue. Below that deep blue sky that seemed to extend forever, she waited for me. As far as I knew, this was the first time she had left the mansion to come outside. "Take this." Saying that, she undid the ribbon that bound her hair and handed it to me. I guess it was her farewell gift to me, but as a child, I didn't even feel happy about it. ―― After all, what kind of a nine year old boy would feel happy about receiving a ribbon? "That ribbon is my favorite, so give it back to me later, okay?" But those were the words that saved me. "Give it back," she said. "Come back," is what I heard from those words. ---Just that was good enough for me. That last day, with no one to even see me off. For her, who I had never even spoken to, to say that to me― it made me happy. ---But I could not say, "I'll definitely return it." As clever as I was at the time, I realized I would never be able to return to this mansion ever again. ―― Those were the only words we exchanged. Something about her icy eyes was very sorrowful. It was time, so I began walking towards the doorway. The girl just stood there like a doll, watching me leave. A distant dream of what happened on one fine day. Under the cloudless blue sky.

*s123
"Morning, Kohaku-san. Today is a lovely day." "Yes. Good morning, Shiki-san." Kohaku-san delivers her ordinary morning greeting with a smile on her face. "Did you sleep well last night? I was worried that you might be inconvenienced, staying in an unfamiliar mansion and all." "Ah, no, there were no problems. I used to live here, after all, and now I've got you to watch over me, Kohaku-san." "Oh, you're quite good at this, Shiki-san." "Eh? No, I'm just saying what I think― what is it I'm good at?" Kohaku-san just looks at me, smiling. ―― Somehow, I feel embarrassed when she looks directly at me, so I shift my gaze to the side. ---And then. --I realize another stare, one which has been on me silently for a while now. "Ah― hey there." I give a light wave to greet her. Akiha continues to stare at me― or perhaps, glare would be a better word. "Well― um― good morning, Akiha." "Oh? You don't have to force yourself to greet me. Please, go right ahead and ignore me. After all, it seems you'd prefer to enjoy the morning with Kohaku." "Uuh―" Akiha's words sting. ―― It's not like I had intended to ignore her. I just said hello to Kohaku-san― "Please don't tease Shiki-san too much, Akiha-sama. We don't have much time, and Shiki-san hasn't finished his breakfast yet." "Well, that's Nii-san's fault for waking up late, isn't it? He's just getting what he deserves for leaving everything to do in a rush in the morning." "Hmph!" Akiha sniffs. ―― It seems like my failure to greet her was another point she was unimpressed with, in addition to her objection to my late arrival. "Um― Kohaku-san. Is my breakfast ready?" "Yes, I've laid it out in the dining hall. Please, eat up at your leisure." "That won't do, Kohaku. Nii-san has no time to eat breakfast at this time." "Hey, listen, Akiha. It's only seven, so I've got at least that much. It's an easy thirty minute walk from here to school, so I can take it easy for at least ten minutes, can't I?" "Are you saying you're going to finish breakfast in just ten minutes? You're not some starving dog, so if you're going to eat breakfast, I'd like you to take your time." "--" Akiha's words really do have thorns in them.

*s124
"Good morning, you two." "Good morning, Shiki-san." Wearing a white apron that suits her, Kohaku-san replies with a smile that could not possibly be any larger. On the other hand, Akiha just casts a glance at me. "Good morning. You certainly took your time this morning, Nii-san." She certainly knows how to put a damper on things. "Took my time? It's barely past seven! It only takes thirty minutes to get to school from here, so I'm actually up early." "So you're saying you're going to finish breakfast in just ten minutes? You're not some starving dog, so if you're going to eat breakfast, I'd like you to take your time." "--" Akiha's words really do have thorns.

*s304
"Hey. Good morning, Akiha." "---Good morning, Nii-san." "Good morning, Shiki-san. Breakfast is ready in the dining hall. Please eat up." In contrast to Akiha, Kohaku-san greets me with a cheerful smile. "Ah, thank you very much― It looks like you're having your after-meal tea. Have you already finished breakfast, Akiha?" "Of course. I don't care when you get up, Nii-san, but please at least make some time for breakfast. Having breakfast after seven is a sign of sloppiness." "―― I think having breakfast at seven is pretty normal. What time do you get up, Akiha?" "I get up at five in the morning. What about it?" "―――" ―― Wow. I don't know why she gets up so early, but it was so perfect a time to get up that I have no room to retort. "Besides, your school is thirty minutes from here on foot, isn't it? Please don't be late to a school that's so close by. It'd be an embarrassment." "―― Urgh." Akiha's words are filled with thorns that stab at me. But as it's the truth, there's no opening for a counter-argument.

*s203
The howling continues. There's no way I can sleep like this. ―― I can't sleep, but that's just normal. "―――――― I'm sleepy, so I'll pass." Pulling the sheets over me, I stretch out on the bed. I can just think of the howling as the sound of something mundane, like cars driving by on the street. *sigh* Today's been a very long day. I'm mentally tired from eating dinner in this unfamiliar mansion and my conversations with Akiha and everyone else. After all that, the howling is just background noise. I close my eyes and gently fall asleep. "Nng." I think I just heard something. Half-awake, I look at the clock. It's just past two. ―― It's been about two hours since I heard the dogs howling. The dogs' howling has already stopped. The mansion is so quiet, I can hear the clock ticking in the silence. "--?" I hear it again. ―― Inside the mansion―― from the lobby? "-Could it be a burglar?" It's not impossible. The mansion's contents are outrageously valuable. On top of that, with no one here now except Kohaku-san, Hisui, Akiha and myself, it's very insecure. "―――――" I get out of bed, and slip out of the room quietly. ―― If it's a burglar, Akiha and everyone will be in danger, so I can't let this one go. I'll just look down from the second floor into the lobby; that should be safe enough. There's nothing wrong there. "―――――!" No, someone's there. The figure that enters from the entrance and crosses the lobby with wobbling, uncertain steps, is--- "Aki―― ha?" She's not going to her own room on the second floor, but to the first floor of the west wing. The only things there are Kohaku-san's room and my old man's room. "―― What's she doing at this time of night――?" I can murmur all I want, but there won't be any answers forthcoming. After gazing at the lobby for a while, I decide to return to my room. ――― Well, she probably had something to do, or went to see Kohaku-san. I feel bad about sneaking around and watching her, and I don't want to just ask her about everything she does. "―― Sleep, sleep. There's school tomorrow." I bury myself in bed and close my eyes. ---As I fall asleep, my thoughts keep returning over and over to Akiha's hollow-eyed figure in the lobby, and how something seemed wrong.

*s204
Back then, the whole mansion was like a giant playground. The garden, a deep forest. The house, a tall castle. We played in our own little world, which would take days to explore. Every day was fun. No one thought about ever growing up, and we believed that days and nights would always be the same. It was just a childhood spent playing like puppies. We got along wonderfully, and were the best of playmates. Whenever I turned back, Akiha would be there, waving her hands and hiding shyly. Yes, always the same. Back then, the whole mansion was like a giant playground. The garden, a deep forest. The house, a tall castle. We played in our own little world, which would take days to explore. "---Good morning." ―― I hear an unfamiliar voice. The dream disappears, and all that remains is the feeling of my languid, waking body. "It is morning. Time to wake up, Shiki-sama." An unfamiliar voice greets me. ―― Stop calling me Shiki-sama already. I told you yesterday, it sends chills down my back ---I wake up. Hisui stands far from the bed, like a statue. "――" Where am I? "Good morning, Shiki-sama." A girl in a maid uniform bows. "Ah― yeah, I came home, right―" I push myself up, and look around the room. "Good morning, Hisui. Thanks for coming to wake me." "There is no need to thank me. It is my duty to come and wake you, Shiki-sama." Hisui answers indifferently, completely expressionless. "Ah, really―? Okay then―" ―― Even in an unfavorable light, I think Hisui's features are beautiful. It should be wonderful for such a girl to wake me every morning, but as Hisui never smiles, I don't feel that happy about it. ―― What a shame. If Hisui only had half of Kohaku's brightness, she would be really cute. "---Do you need something?" Realizing I am looking at her, Hisui stares straight back at me. "No, nothing at all. Waking up with you there makes me feel like I'm really at the Tohno mansion." Now then. Getting off the bed, I stretch out both arms. "Shiki-sama, there is no time. From the mansion to your school is a thirty minute trip. This leaves only twenty minutes for breakfast." "Eh? ―― Ahh! It's already seven o'clock!?" I gasp in amazement after looking at the clock. ―― My repeated awakenings last night must have messed up my sleep pattern. "Your uniform is folded and awaits you over there. Please come to the sitting room after you have changed." "Damn it, if you're going to wake me, wake me up earlier―" Muttering selfishly to myself, I reach for the uniform. It's folded neatly, and the shirt has even been ironed. Passing my wrists through the sleeves feels good. It's that fresh, brand-new feeling. Akiha and Kohaku-san are relaxing in the sitting room. Akiha is wearing the uniform of the Asagami Ladies' Academy, a famous school for young girls. They are drinking tea together gracefully, as if breakfast ended a long time ago.

*s205
"---Good morning." ―― I hear an unfamiliar voice. The dream quickly fades away as a voice calls me back to reality. "It is morning. Time to wake up, Shiki-sama." An unfamiliar voice greets me. ―― Stop calling me Shiki-sama already. I told you yesterday, it sends chills down my back ---I wake up. Hisui stands far from the bed, like a statue. "Mm――" I sleepily look around. "Good morning, Shiki-sama." A girl in a maid uniform bows. For a moment, I doubt my eyes. Finally, I recall my current condition. "Yeah, I came home, right―" I push myself up, and look around the room. Outside the window, the weather is great. A blue sky like the one I saw in my dream. "Good morning, Hisui. Thanks for coming to wake me." "There is no need to thank me. It is my duty to come and wake you, Shiki-sama." Hisui answers indifferently, completely expressionless. *sigh* "―― Why do you have to be so formal, Hisui?" It's really a shame. If Hisui only had half of Kohaku's brightness, she would be really cute. "---Do you need something?" Realizing I am looking at her, Hisui stares straight back at me. "Ah, no, nothing at all. Waking up and seeing your face, I just felt like I'm really at the Tohno mansion―" Hisui's eyes are like cold ice. Seeing that all of a sudden, something reminiscent of a dream flashes through my mind--- "-I, see." I remember it completely. That day, that girl who gave me the ribbon right before I left was the one who always watched us from that window. That is, in other words--- "It was―― Hisui." "Yes? Did you say something, Shiki-sama?" "Ah―― Hisui, do you remember? About when I left here eight years ago?" "Yes, I remember it. But, was there anything special that happened?" "Eh---anything special? Hisui?" "Please forgive me. Eight years has passed since you departed this mansion. So even if you speak of those times, I cannot answer with any specific details." "Wha-" Does she not remember the promise we made back then? "Hisui---you don't remember about the ribbon?" "―― Ribbon――?" She looks downcast as she admits with difficulty that she does not remember. "―― I see. That's right, it was eight years ago―― Sorry, it's nothing. Just forget about what I said." "――――――――" ―― She doesn't remember the promise. But, it isn't anything I can hold against her. Even though it was maybe just a childish promise, it really did help me to face forward into the future back then. "Well, time to get up. Hisui, do you know what time it is?" "Yes, it is now past seven o'clock in the morning." "Okay, that leaves me just a little time then." Stretching my back, I get up out of bed. "You say that, but you do not have much time. It takes about thirty minutes to go from the mansion to your school. You only have twenty minutes to eat breakfast and get ready." "Ehthat's right, this isn't Arimas' house!" I'm filled with horror. I was so used to the Arima house being only twenty minutes away from school, but from here, I don't even know a shortcut. "Your uniform is folded and awaits you over there. Please come to the sitting room after you have changed." "Damn it, if you're going to wake, me, wake me up earlier―" Muttering selfishly to myself, I reach for the uniform. It's folded neatly, and the shirt has even been ironed. Passing my wrists through the sleeves feels good. It's that fresh, brand-new feeling. Akiha and Kohaku-san are relaxing in the sitting room. Akiha is wearing the uniform of the Asagami Ladies' Academy, a famous school for young girls. They are drinking tea together gracefully, as if breakfast ended a long time ago.

*s206
"Akiha-sama? It's almost time to leave; is this alright?" "―― I know. Sheesh, don't be so worried over stuff like this on the first day." Muttering some complaints, Akiha stands up. "Well, I must say goodbye. Nii-san, you should apply yourself to your studies today." Akiha leaves the sitting room. Kohaku-san follows, seeing her off. "Apply myself to my studies―?" She's quite ceremonious about trivial things in an old fashioned kind of way― I guess it's because she's been disciplined under our old man for the last eight years. "―― Well, I'd have gone to school even if she hadn't said anything." I scratch my cheek. There was something about Akiha's face as she left― because of it, I paid no attention at all to her various admonishings this morning. "Of course---" I clap my hands together. For some reason, Akiha's face just then seemed to resemble her face from long ago--- After eating the breakfast Kohaku-san prepared, I exit into the lobby. Hisui was waiting there with my bag. "Shiki-sama, have you enough time?" "Yeah, it should only be twenty minutes to school if I run. It's only seven-thirty, so I should be fine even if I take the long way." Seeming satisfied with this answer, Hisui bows her head in assent. "Then, allow me to see you out." "Eh? Ah, yeah― thank you." ―― I still feel terribly awkward having my own servant. "Oh, Shiki-san! Please wait just a moment!" With pattering footsteps, Kohaku-san runs down from the second floor. "――" Hisui steps back and falls silent as Kohaku-san approaches. "Huh? Weren't you with Akiha?" "Lady Akiha goes to school by car. Since I had something to give to you this morning, I stayed behind." "Something to give me?" "Yes. This came from the Arima family yesterday." Kohaku-san smiles. "Eh? But, I have all my luggage already. The things I used while I was at the Arimas' house all belonged to them, so all I've got are my own clothes―" "Really? But this was sent here, nonetheless―" Kohaku-san hands me a thin wooden box, perhaps twenty centimeters long. It's not heavy at all. "―― Kohaku-san, I've never seen this before." "Well― apparently it was left to you by your departed father. It was to be given to you in the will." "―― By my old man?" ―― I can't feel anything about that. What's the old man who expelled me from this mansion eight years ago doing leaving me things? "Oh well. Kohaku-san, please take it to my room for me." "-" Kohaku-san is staring intently at the wooden box. She seems almost like a child who wants a toy. Staaaaaare. No, she is a child. "―― I get it. You want to know what's inside, right?" "Oh, not at all. I merely wondered for a moment." ―― Like I said, you do wonder what's inside. "Alright, let's open it. One, two― three!" With a dry sound, the wooden box opens. Inside, there isa ten-centimeter bar of thin iron. "―― It's― an iron bar." Undecorated and worn, it has finger marks all over it. ―― The old man must have really hated me to leave me a piece of junk like this. "No, Shiki-san. It's a fruit knife." Kohaku-san takes the iron bar out of the box. "See, isn't it one of those folding knifes? One, two― three!" With the sound of sliding metal, a ten centimeter blade pops out from the bar. ―― I see, it certainly is a knife. "It's old, but it seems pretty solid. The year and the era it was made in is written on the back." Kohaku-san replaces the blade, and hands over the knife. Certainly, there's a number written on the grip. The character "seven", and under it, the character "night". "Nee-san, there is no era by that name. It just says 'Nanatsu-yoru'." "Ah!" I turn around in surprise. Hisui, who had been silent until now, was looking at the knife over my shoulders. "Y, you surprised me― Hisui, you should say something. You don't have to look over my shoulder like that, you know. If you want to see it, I'll show it to you." "Ah" Hisui's cheeks become faintly red. "P-please excuse me. Um---That knife was so beautiful that I could not help myself." "Beautiful? You really think it's beautiful? It looks kind of beat up to me." "---Not at all. The tempering of the blade is masterful. I think it is a knife with its own proper history." "Really? It looks to me like a piece of junk―" But since Hisui seems so convinced, I begin to feel the same thing. ―― Hmmm. In its own way, I guess it's not such a bad inheritance. "'Seven nights'―? Maybe that's the name of this fruit knife?" "Maybe― though, I can't imagine him naming a knife like that." Whatever the case may be, it's obvious that it's an antique. "Well, in any case, I believe in taking what's given to me." I replace the blade, and put the knife in my trouser pocket. "Shiki-sama, have you enough time―?" "Ah! I have to get going. Well, Kohaku-san, thanks for the delivery." Kohaku smiles and waves me off. I come out to the gates. Hisui follows in silence. "―― Hisui. You're seeing me off?" Hisui nods wordlessly. "Shiki-sama? What time shall we expect your return?" It seems Hisui will continue to use "-sama" to the bitter end. Well, if I take time to argue it now, I'll be late for school. I'll complain about the honorific later. "Shiki-sama?" "Ah, yeah. Uh― probably around four o'clock, I think. I don't do any club activities." When I don't hang out with Arihiko, I usually get back pretty early in the evening. Hisui bows deeply at my random estimate. "I understand. Please take care on the way." ―― I'm not sure what to take care about, but she's probably just worried about my health. "Yeah, thanks. You too, Hisui." I return the goodwill with good intentions. With an energetic wave of the hand at Hisui, I leave the gates of the mansion behind. ---I go down the hill. Since I've attended school from the Arimas' house up until now, this is my first time taking this route. "Not many from our school―" Apparently, there are not many people from my school who live around here. Half past seven in the morning. I can't see anyone running along the streets in a school uniform except me. Slowly, I begin to see some people in school uniforms intermingled with the crowd. This is around where the road to school begins. "―― Where's Yumizuka-san―? Well, I'm not going to be that lucky―" I recall the smiling face of the classmate who departed here yesterday saying "my house is this way". As I think of Yumizuka Satsuki in the classroom, my pace quickens a little, and I hurry towards the classroom. I leave the residential area and reach the crossroads. The gates will be closed in about ten minutes. I start to run across the asphalt. --I made it. It seems like it took twenty minutes rather than thirty from the mansion. I'll need to leave around seven if I want to go slowly, since I ran several times on the way. "?" When I get to the classroom, I notice the air is buzzing. Although the classroom in the morning is always noisy, there's something different about the noise today. I walk to my desk by the window. Arihiko is waiting there sullenly. "Arihiko, did something happen?" "―― Dunno. It's nothing big. There's a rumor that someone in class ran away from home." "Ahh― that's what all the fuss is about, then." I sit down at my desk with a sigh. "---What do you mean, nothing big!? Who ran away? Who!" "How should I know? But we'll know when homeroom starts. Whoever's seat is vacant, they must be the one who ran away from home." "Ahh, that's true." It's true, but, Arihiko's attitude seems a little dry. ―― If one of our classmates really has run away from home, I think it's a bit much to just ignore it as someone else's problem. "Arihiko? Aren't you being insensitive? One of our classmates ran away from home― aren't you worried?" "Eh? You're the only one who's seriously worried, dumbass. Everyone's talking about it because it's an interesting thing to talk about. It's not as if you or I had run away from home, so there's no need to worry, is there?" ―― Now I remember. This guy's cold like that to everyone except his friends. "Though, I guess I am a bit worried. Running away from home at a time like this― they'd have to be really brave or really―" "―? A time like this? What kind of time is that?" "I told you yesterday, Tohno. There's a serial killer going around on the streets right now. I don't know who ran away from home, but they'd have no excuse if they got attacked by him while living on the streets." "Can't bethere's no way that'd happen." "Tohno, you should watch TV more. There's been eight victims already, and he doesn't discriminate. You'd better think again if you think you're safe. The town's empty at night nowadays. The only people who go out are drunkards and policemen, which is why it's so boring." Arihiko's voice is very serious. Hearing it, I begin to feel uneasy. "Oh, Kunifuji's here. It's homeroom at last." Arihiko returns to his seat. After a while, everyone is seated. Only one seat is empty. There's no mistaking it. The desk of Yumizuka Satsuki is empty. "Well, my house is this way. Bye-bye. See you at school tomorrow." "――" ―― Yumizuka said that when we parted yesterday. I don't know what happened at home, but I can't see her making that smiling face before running away. "Yumizuka is absent." Yumizuka Satsuki is merely treated as absent as attendance is taken. ―― As if nothing is amiss, homeroom proceeds. I

*s207
-I know Yumizuka was smiling yesterday. I didn't think that she could make such a face, say "bye bye", and then run away from home. "---Sensei." "What is it, Tohno? A question?" "Yes. Is it true that a student in our class has run away from home?" "Hrm--" Instantly, the air in the classroom solidifies. He frowns, then, with a difficult expression, bows his head in assent. "Yes, that is what we've heard from Yumizuka Satsuki's parents. Yumizuka didn't come home last night, but they've been searching, and I'm sure they've already found her." Saying so, he departs. The classroom becomes noisy again. I have a bad feeling about this. ―― It's really heavy. A terrible feeling as if my body is tied down to this chair.

*s208
---I was about to ask, but I didn't think the teacher would tell me. If she did run away from home like Arihiko said, it's her business. Besides, there isn't a teacher on the planet who'd answer a classmate who just casually asked "Has Yumizuka-san run away from home?" "―― Yeah, it's not like it's been confirmed yet or anything." Maybe Yumizuka was just late. It would be a better idea to see how things go for a little while longer before asking the teacher.

*s209
I still feel down even when lunch time arrives. While the news of Yumizuka Satsuki running away from home was shocking, it seems it wasn't a topic that could last forever. The classroom is just like always, and it seemed that I'm the only one troubled by our absent classmate. "Tohno, let's go get lunch." "That's okay. I don't really feel like it." "Huh― I guess it can't be helped. Don't be troubled with other people's problems too much." "――" Other people's problems, huh. Arihiko's words are too close to the truth. "Huh? You're not with Inui-kun today?" "―― Senpai? What are you doing in our classroom?" "Well, I thought I'd have lunch with you guys― Tohno-kun, aren't you going to eat something?" Senpai sits down on the desk, looking at me anxiously. "Nah, I just don't seem to have any appetite today." "Ahh― Are you not feeling well?" "―― Something like that. Don't worry about me, you go on to the dining hall. Arihiko's probably already there." "Oh, you're not energetic at all! I don't know what happened, but if you don't eat lunch, you'll just feel even worse." "That's― true. But―" But since I'm not hungry, there's not a lot I can do. "Alright, I'll take you somewhere special. It's really a secret, but you're special, Tohno-kun." With that, she grabs my arm and pulls me out of the chair.

*s209a
Ciel-senpai takes me to an unused classroom in the very corner of the school building. "Huh―? This is a Japanese-style room, isn't it?" "That's right. It's very relaxing since no one else is here." "Well, that's true, but― isn't this place locked, Senpai?" "Yes. It's usually only open to members of the tea ceremony club, so normal students can't get in." Saying so, she takes a key out of her pocket. "Oh. Are you in the tea ceremony club, Senpai?" "Yes. Well--Actually, I'm the only member." With a laugh, Senpai goes into the Japanese-style room. ―― The inside of the room feels special, as if it isn't part of the school. The sensation of the tatami and the sunlight through the windows feel very relaxing. "As I said earlier, I'm the only member of the tea club. Thanks to that, I can use this place freely during lunchtime and after class. Here." Laughing, Senpai lays out cushions. "I'll make some tea now, so please wait right there, Tohno-kun." ―― Senpai heads towards the sink to prepare the tea. There's no point in standing up, so I do as I am told and sit down on the cushion. "―――" Perhaps it was the magic of the Japanese-style room. That chaotic maelstrom that had been raging in my chest calms down, and now I can finally begin to think calmly about what has happened with Yumizuka. "Thanks for waiting. Here you are. Now, let's have some lunch. Actually, I have some things to ask you, so it's just as well we're having lunch here." "You have something to talk to me about?" Puzzled, I drink the tea I'm offered. As I'm in the Japanese-style room, my posture reflexively straightened and my mind has become tranquil. ―― Although I had no connection to it, the Arima family heads a tea ceremony school. Perhaps it was because I had been raised in that kind of environment, that I feel more at ease in a Japanese-style room than a Western-style one. Senpai looks at me with a troubled expression. "What's wrong, Senpai? You look a bit worried." "Eh? Ah, um, I was just a little surprised at how calm you were about all of this, Tohno-kun." "Really? Well, my family is a strict one, so I'm used to these kinds of things. More importantly, Senpai, didn't you have something you wanted to talk to me about?" "I do. The continuation of what we were talking about earlier." "―― What we were talking about earlier― you mean about my family?" Senpai nods to indicate a yes. "If you don't mind, I would like to hear more about it. I was curious about it since we stopped halfway." "―― It's not that I mind, but hearing about my family isn't very interesting. It'd be a waste of time." "I don't mind if it's not interesting, I just want to hear about it." "―― Hmm, you sure are eccentric, Senpai." "Maybe I am," Senpai laughs. "Alright, then. Let's continue from before. You said you moved to your home. What do you mean by that?" Senpai asks, full of curiosity. ―― Well, the conversation back then must've been pretty fragmented for Senpai, since she didn't know any of the circumstances. "---Let's see. Basically, I'm a guy who's been disinherited. I was seriously injured after getting caught up in a traffic accident when I was nine years old. The injuries themselves somehow healed, but after that, I easily collapsed from anemia and threw up my food. That's why I was entrusted to my relatives, the Arimas, while I recuperated." "Uh, so in other words, the Arimas have been your parents who raised you since you were nine, right?" "That's right. I knew my old man hated me for some reason and that once I had been entrusted to the Arimas, I would never go back home―― Go back to the Tohno mansion, that is. That's why, well, I thought I'd just continue to live as a son of the Arimas forever. That's what I thought, but my old man kicked the bucket recently. That's when they told me to return to the mansion, now that my old man is no longer there, and I finally agreed to them." ---And that, pretty much, is my domestic situation. I end my story like that. Ciel-senpai gives a little nod silently. "―― May I just ask one thing?" "Mm? Sure, if I can answer it. Go ahead." "―― Alright, then I'll ask. Did you dislike your previous family?" My previous family---the Arimas who had raised me as my parents? My mother and father who weren't my real parents, and the unfamiliar building which without a doubt was home to strangers. But completely regardless of that--- "No, I liked them. They were people who didn't care that I wasn't related to them by blood. They were so warm to me that I felt bad about being depressed all by myself. And for them to love me no matter what―― I didn't think it was a bad thing." ---I was loved by these people. That's why soon, even one day sooner, I have to truly become family to them--- I had been telling myself those words since I was young. ―― Since a very, very long time ago. Over and over, I swore, till I would practically pass out. "―― Um, just like Arihiko said, I didn't have a single complaint about the Arima family. They treated me well, and I think I responded to their affection, too. Between us, even though I knew we were just playing at being family, even if it was all just an act, I didn't feel any pain." No, I was happy instead. In a way, I had considered the Arima parents and me to be the ideal nuclear family. "---But it was no good, was it?" "―― Yeah. Despite everything, there was a line I couldn't cross. 'This isn't your real family――' No matter what I did, I couldn't get those words out of my head. I knew I should have been ignoring it, but I just couldn't do it. I don't know if you'd call it a childhood experience, but it had already become like a curse to me. Somehow, no matter where I was, I felt like a stranger to my family." Senpai is silent. Avoiding my gaze, she huddles her shoulders apologetically. "See? It was boring after all, right? That's why I said it would be a waste of time." "No, that's not true. It was a very meaningful story." Saying that, Senpai begins to eat her own lunch. I follow her example and start nibbling off the bread I had bought. ―― Thanks to my conversation with Senpai, my appetite has returned. Despite that, I still couldn't even finish half of it. "So. Tohno-kun, is anything troubling you right now?" "Eh--why that, all of a sudden? I don't have any worries in particular." "Hmmm. Then I suppose the reason you aren't eating much must be because of your health." Senpai stares at me. ―― Somehow, her gaze feels very penetrating. It feels difficult to remain silent under a gaze like that. "―― I don't have any worries, but― Senpai, what do you think of the recent killings?" I can't help but ask. The stories about my classmate who hasn't returned home won't leave my mind. "Killings? Oh, you mean that business about the vampires?" "--Yes. There's already been eight victims, right? I haven't caught the news lately, so I'm not too sure about this subject. Do you know anything, Senpai?" "Well, I know as much as anyone else does, but no, not the details. It's just that― The word 'vampire' sends chills down my spine." "Ah, you mean how it seems the victims have had their blood drained? Strange, isn't it? I wonder what it could mean?" "Who knows? It's impossible to know how such people think. But I wonder why they've nicknamed him the 'vampire'?" "――?" What an odd question. "Well, isn't it because the blood was drained from the bodies? It'd only be natural to call them vampires, wouldn't it?" "Do you know the folklore about vampires, Tohno-kun?" Suddenly breaking into a smile, Senpai asks an even stranger question. "―― Vampire folklore? ―― You mean how people who have their blood sucked by vampires become vampires themselves?" "Yes. If that was true, there shouldn't be any bodies left, right? Supposing some vampire was the killer, there'd be no bodies, Tohno-kun." "---I see. That's true, but― it's just a nickname, isn't it? Do you really believe in vampires, Senpai?" "Not at all. After all, the fact that the bodies are there show that it's not a vampire, right?" Smiling, Senpai gives a reply that seems slightly off the point. "But couldn't you also think of it this way? Maybe the victims whose bodies have been found died because they couldn't become vampires. Perhaps there are those who can be turned, and those who can't. The people who can become vampires won't have their corpses found even if they were attacked by vampires. Because even now, they're still alive--out there somewhere. But those who can't become vampires just die, and so their bodies wind up being found." "Well-that's―" ―― Senpai is still smiling. I know it's only a joke, but I'm having difficulty laughing it off. "Oh, I'm just joking. It'd be like some kind of horror story if that were really true. I don't like scary stories, so please don't ask me things like that." "―― What? It looked to me like you were really getting into it, Senpai." "Yes, I don't like scary stories, but I do like scaring you, Tohno-kun." "――――" ―― Did I do something to make her bear a grudge against me? "But all jokes aside, Tohno-kun, lately the streets have become dangerous at night. You mustn't go out, even though you are an energetic young man." Senpai gives me a warning that sounds like a joke. I can't tell how serious she is. Lunch break ends, and fifth period starts. The lesson on classics goes in one ear and out the other. ---Well, my house is this way. ---Bye-bye. See you at school tomorrow. That's what Yumizuka said. She wouldn't say that and then run away from home. "" I have a bad feeling about this. The killer who wanders the town at night. It's dangerous to go out at night, the words Senpai said. "" Perhaps it was because of that red imagery surrounding us when we parted. Suddenly, a vision of Yumizuka Satsuki soaked in red blood appears before my eyes. "Guh--" It happens suddenly. My vision goes white, and my sense of balance reels. "" My field of view lurches. Something lurks in the back of my head, and my consciousness feels heavy. "―― This is bad―" I know this feeling. Sudden dizziness prior to an anemic attack. The blood accumulated in the brain's blood vessels become a black lump, making my head sway, and my vision will go pitch black. It feels as if the blackness is pushing its way out of my brain into my eyeballs. ---This is bad. I haven't been collapsing during class lately-- Red. Is it because Yumizuka's blood-red image is too fresh in my mind? My vision distorts. As darkness envelops it, I somehow grab onto my desk. But, it's useless. There's no strength in my fingers. I fall towards the floor-- As I do, I remember her words. "Tohno-kun, help me when I'm in a pinch, okay?" --I told you that's impossible. Whatever you may think of me, I'm not Superman "---Sorry for dragging you along with me, Arihiko." "Yeah, yeah, I'm used to you collapsing without warning like that. Honestly, sleeping in the infirmary up to the very last minute? Just who do you think you are?" "You should've woken me up. There's nothing conscientious about letting me sleep until they lock us in the building." "Shaddup. You think I'm going to wake up a sick person? You'd just collapse again. C'mon, we need to get back. It's already seven, y'know." Arihiko walks down the corridor. ―― After that. I collapsed from anemia and was left to sleep in the infirmary. Time passed until school lock-up time at six-thirty, when I was awoken by Arihiko's punch. And so, we came to be walking along this deserted corridor. "Hey. C'mon Tohno. What are you doing?" "--Sorry. I'm coming." I shake my still-woozy head, and follow Arihiko. "Alright. You can go home by yourself from here. See you at school tomorrow." "―― Thanks. Sorry as always, Arihiko." "Don't worry, pay me back in double in the future." ―― Arihiko's answer isn't exactly in proper Japanese― Smiling wryly to myself, I decide to head back to my own house. I reach the intersection. It's still seven in the evening, but there's no one around. I guess because of the killer, fewer people go out at night. The only figure I can see now is the back of a woman, far away. "―― Ah, a blond?" The distant woman seems to be a foreigner. Even from far away, I can see her golden hair rippling as she walks. ―― It draws my eyes after her. Even though I only see her from behind, I can tell she's beautiful. Thump. "Eh―" Suddenly my heart pounds loudly. My throat becomes inexplicably dry and parched. I break out in a cold sweat. "U--gh." My head aches. It's not like the anemia earlier. Rather than fading, my consciousness becomes sharper. "Ha-gha." I gasp. That---back. Watching the woman's golden hair--My head hurts terribly. *pant*---*pant*, *pant*" ―― My thoughts feel like they're melting into a haze. I will― follow behind her, and then--- "And―― then?" What am I going to do after that? The woman disappears into a group of apartments in the shopping district. "―― I have― to― fo― llow―" I don't know why, but I think that. My legs move on towards the apartments. But, before that. "--!" Only for an instant. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the figure of Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumizuka, san-?" My head becomes clear. Yumizuka― it was only for an instant, but without a doubt, that was Yumizuka. Was she going towards town? "What's she doing out, at a time like this―!?" I was so mad, I didn't care if she disappeared or if she ran away from home. It's too dangerous for a girl to walk around town at night alone. Yumizuka walks through the crowded town. ―― She's so far away, I'm not certain. But even if I've mistaken her, I decided to run after her and tell her to stop. "Wait, Yumizuka-san--!" I shout, chasing after her. "---" Yumizuka glances back, as if she heard my voice. That face― there's no confusing it. The girl walking ahead of me is unmistakably Yumizuka Satsuki, and the expression on her face wasn't frightening. "--Ah." But I felt a chill run through my spine. ---Thump. My heart beats quickly. The back of my head becomes heavy, and my throat burns. An ache assaults my head, just as it did with the blond woman earlier. "What is this― It's weird―" The inside of my body is burning. I feel dizzy as if I'm in the grip of a terrible fever. In that moment, Yumizuka begins to walk again. "Wa― Wait, Yumizuka-san―!" I call out, running. Yumizuka walks on, not turning. "Ca― can't you hear me, Yumizuka―!" I urge my hot body onwards. But, no matter how much I try, I can't catch her. ―― No matter how fast I run, I can't catch up to her even as she walks. "--" Something is― strange. I know that, but I can't tell what it is. Right now, all I can do is to follow Yumizuka Satsuki. And then. I lose sight of her. Yumizuka Satsuki, whom I had been chasing without success, is nowhere to be seen. "―― Shit― What the hell is going on―!" I stop, catching my breath, My chest heaves deeply. ―― Though I hadn't realized until now, I must have been running for a long time. "What― time is it―?" Resting my hands on my knee, I glance up at a nearby store window. It's--already midnight. "Can't be. I couldn't have been running for that long." ―― It's hard to believe, but the clock is correct. Looking around, most of the shopping district is closed. "---I should― go back." Even though I'm worried about Yumizuka, I feel like I won't be able to find her anymore. ―― I chased her for almost four hours, calling her name all this time, but she did not even respond. What was she thinking? With a big sigh, I decide to head back to the mansion.

*s210
--Even after second period, Yumizuka still didn't show up. With no way to find out, my bad feeling about this grows. It's lunchtime. In spite of the morning's excitement, the classroom has returned to its everyday cheerfulness. It seems that no one in class is really taking Yumizuka Satsuki's running away from home seriously. "Tohno, let's get lunch." "That's okay. I don't really feel like it." "Huh, I guess it can't be helped. Don't be troubled with other people's problems too much." "――" Other people's problems, huh? Arihiko's words are too close to the truth. "Huh? You're not with Inui-kun today?" "―― Senpai? What are you doing in our classroom?" "Well, I thought I'd have lunch with you guys― Tohno-kun, aren't you going to eat something?" Senpai sits down on the desk, looking at me anxiously. "Nah, I just don't seem to have any appetite today." "Ahh― Are you not feeling well?" "―― Something like that. Don't worry about me, you go on to the dining hall. Arihiko's probably already there." "Oh, you're not energetic at all! I don't know what happened, but if you don't eat lunch, you'll just feel even worse." "That's― true, but―" But since I'm not hungry, there's not a lot I can do. I

*s211
―― There is no one around. The shopping district still had some people, but the way back to the mansion should be completely empty. "―――" The words "serial killer" run through my mind. Midnight. Walking through town alone. I might be an easy prey for such an attacker. "!?" A sound. Somewhere behind a building, there is a sound. I think it is the sound of someone falling? "―― The back alley――?" The noise came only once. An eerie silence surrounds me. ―― I have a bad feeling about this. Did someone collapse in the back alley? Did the wind just knock something over? ―― Whatever it was, I probably shouldn't get involved. -But. Is it because I was looking for Yumizuka a while ago? I feel like she's there for some reason. "―― What― should I do――?" There's no one around. The only help I can rely on is this knife Kohaku-san handed me this morning. I---

*s212
"―― Sorry. I really don't feel too good right now. I'm going to the clinic, so please just have lunch with Arihiko." Senpai sighs. "―― I don't know what is going on, but please do not push yourself, Tohno-kun." "Haha--I'm going to the clinic so I won't push myself." Forcing a smile, I leave the classroom. When I get back, homeroom has ended. I'm the only one left in the classroom as everyone else has rushed off to club activities or to their houses. "Well." There's really no need for me to stay here. Putting my things in my bag, I leave the classroom. It's past four o'clock. I told Hisui that I'd return around four, so I don't have time to wander around. "――" I suddenly stop as I walk up the hill. Yesterday, at this same time. I remember how natural the parting was between Yumizuka and I. "――――" To be honest, I'm concerned about Yumizuka. But no matter how much I worry, there's nothing I can do. I told her I would help her as much as I could whenever she was in a pinch. But now, I don't even know how I can help. I reach the top of the hill, walk along the wall and reach the front gate of the mansion. "―― This western mansion does seem out of place." In the middle of a residential area and at the top of a hill, this imposing mansion really does give the impression that it is from a country other than Japan. Besides, to top it all off "Welcome back, Shiki-sama." And standing there in front of the gate to welcome me is a maid. Hisui stands like a statue in front of the gate. "Thanks, Hisui―― Um, forgive me for asking, but have you been waiting for me here the whole time?" "No, not the whole time. I have only waited for half an hour. Is there something wrong?" She speaks extremely matter-of-factly. ―― Wait a minute, waiting for me like that is going overboard. "---I'm really happy that you waited to greet me, but you don't have to go that far. Wearing that and standing so conspicuously, I feel a little embarrassed." Plus it is autumn. It'll get pretty cold out soon. "――――――――" Hisui is silent. She might be part foreigner, as her blue eyes are like finely crafted glass, staring at me lifelessly without emotion. A brief silence ensues. "―― I understand. Then, starting tomorrow, I will wait in the lobby." Hisui gives a brief bow and opens the gate. After that, she resumes her immobile depiction of a statue. After I walk through the gate and enter the garden, she quietly follows behind me. When we reach the entrance, Hisui whooshes past me. "Uwaa!" I instinctively jump back. "―― What is it, Shiki-sama?" "Uh, no-nothing, it's nothing." "―――――" She silently opens the front door. She must have moved ahead of me to do so. Waiting behind her master until her turn arises and quietly fulfilling her duty. Perhaps that is the duty of a maid, but it makes a normal person like me a little nervous to have her attending my every move. ―― This isn't good at all. This just makes me feel like a perpetual guest in my own home. "Um, Hisui?" "Yes, what is it, Shiki-sama?" "I said this yesterday already, but I'd like to do things that I can do by myself. No, please let me. This is sort of a secret, I suppose, but the truth is, I really am pretty lazy deep inside, so I tend to let things go." Yeah, I really want that to be a secret from Akiha. "―― I do not understand, are you telling me to be more strict?" "No, that's definitely not it. I just want to live as relaxed as possible." "―― I am deeply sorry. I do not appear to understand what you are saying, Shiki-sama." "―― Um, that's why I'm saying--you don't have to look so serious." ―― This is troubling. Last night when I talked to her a little about this I had a premonition, but I didn't know she took things this seriously. "---Sheesh, what I'm saying is that you don't have to worry about me. I don't mind being helped with things like laundry and cooking, but other than that, I can take care of myself. Isn't it just you and Kohaku-san taking care of this enormous mansion? So I don't want to add to your duties; just relax!" "―――" Her expression doesn't change. She doesn't answer or even give a nod. Just― a quick closing of the eyes, I think. "I understand. But you do not have to worry about me, Shiki-sama." Argh, she doesn't understand at all――― Hisui swiftly swishes to the side to make way for me. I sigh. ―― I am really taken aback― All this devotion really does make me happy, but I think it'll be good if she was just half as cheerful as Kohaku-san. She has such a beautiful atmosphere around her, maybe if I just relax a little bit, that would be-- "Shiki-sama, are you not going to return to your room?" "No, I was just thinking about something." I turn to the side and face the stairs. Hisui looks rather longingly at the bag in my hand. ―― I think she wants me to let her carry it. She already went through all this trouble just to greet me, and now she wants to carry my bag. I ignore her longing attitude as I quickly walk towards my room. "Please take off your school clothes and place them here. I have to clean the mansion, so if you need anything, please call for me." "―― Hisui, you clean the mansion? I wonder what Akiha and Kohaku-san are doing." "Akiha-sama is in the salon taking care of Makihisa-sama's business and inheritance matters. Nee-san would most likely be sweeping in the courtyard." "―― Huh? My old man's business inheritance? Is she talking with a lawyer or something?" "Yes. It seems that she is being informed about all of the administration policies, so she will be extremely busy until dinner time." "―――――" Well, the old man DID suddenly pass away, so he probably didn't tell her anything about his company. "Sorry for taking your time. I'll call you if anything happens, so you can return to what you were doing." "I understand. Well, then, please excuse me." I change out of my uniform and into some normal clothes. The clock says it's just past five o'clock. It'd be a waste if I just spaced out in my room, so now I should

*s213
―― That's right, she's been taking care of me since yesterday. So if I have time to fool around, then I should go help Kohaku-san. "I guess she's sweeping in the garden." If it's just sweeping the garden, even I could help with that. I psyche myself up, and head towards the garden. "Oh, welcome back, Shiki-san." Kohaku-san faces me with a tender smile. "Thanks. You're sweeping the garden by yourself?" "Yes. The gardener will not be here for another three days, so I thought I should just straighten up these fallen leaves." Kohaku-san holds the bamboo broom with both hands. She looks like she's really enjoying herself. Cleaning up this large area by herself should be quite a huge task. "You're really something, Kohaku-san. I'd complain if I had to sweep this whole garden." "Oh no, it isn't like that at all. This is my duty, so I have to do it to put food on the table. That is why I must push back my tears and sweep this garden. Ahaha!" Kohaku-san laughs and gives a care-free smile. She certainly is cheerful. "Besides, there are some things I do in the back courtyard, so when I am not busy, I always check up on the garden." "Eh――? 'Things you do'? Like what?" "Well, let's see. Ever since I was a child, I've liked growing flowers. I gathered so many kinds of flowers on whim that it is more like a jungle than a flowerbed." "Ahaha," Kohaku-san laughs brightly once again. ―― But I didn't know that. I rarely go back here so I didn't realize it, but I guess I have seen something like a flower garden from the second floor. "I see. You like gardening, Kohaku-san? What kind of flowers?" "Well, lots of kinds. But most of them are morning glories." "Oh, morning glories? That seems like a fitting choice." "Really? I always thought that they didn't quite match the mood of the mansion though―" "No, not the mansion. I mean they suit you well, Kohaku-san. Morning glories are so pretty in their simplicity." "Shiki-san, I think you have the wrong idea. The ones in the garden are Korean morning glories. They are a bit dangerous." Kohaku-san laughs as if something was really funny. "Is that so? But Korean morning glories are still morning glories, right?" "Yes. It is also known as crazy eggplant, or datura. The flowers can be made into an anesthetic. The world's first general anesthetic, Tsuusensan, was made in Japan with the Korean morning glories as its main active ingredient. If you drink it by accident, it will cause dangerous hallucinations, so please be careful, Shiki-san." ―― Um, I don't really think I'd ever "accidentally drink" the flowers, Kohaku-san. "I also wanted to grow some cactus and other cute things like that, but Akiha-sama was vehemently against it so I had to stop. It really is too bad that I tell you all these things, but cannot show them to you." Saying that, she takes up the broom again. "―― I see. So you sweep the garden because you like flowers and stuff like that?" "No, that isn't really the reason. Actually, I'm terrible at cleaning inside the mansion. I don't know why, but I always seem to break something." "Huh?" "I seem to break or rip the most valuable thing in the room. Well, but I don't do it on purpose, right? But Hisui-chan told me, 'Nee-san, maybe you should just stick to the family finances and cooking.' How mean of her!" Kohaku-san is still smiling while acting angry. Butthis is quite different from my first impression of her. "―― You don't mean― Kohaku-san, are you clumsy?" My statement is more of a blurted outburst than a direct question. Kohaku-san groans in disappointment. "You're saying it too, Shiki-san? Hisui-chan is too cruel and says, 'Nee-san, you are too slow', while Akiha-sama teases me and says, 'You are not being careful enough.' I don't mess up because I want to! They're so mean!" "―― That's right. There really aren't too many people that mess up because they want to." I didn't know what to say, so I tried to be somewhat neutral. "That's right! It's the thought that counts, so I think they should overlook it if I mess up ten or twenty times!" Kohaku-san starts quickly sweeping the leaves again. ---Well, I didn't come here to get in her way. "Kohaku-san, is there another broom?" "Yes, there are many in the shed. What are you going to use it for?" "No, I just thought I'd sweep up some leaves too." Kohaku-san's broom freezes. "That will not do, Shiki-sama. If you were to do that, I would be in trouble." "Get in trouble? Who would get you inwell, I guess there really is only one person who would." "Yes." Kohaku-san nods quickly. "Don't worry about it. I'm doing it because I want to. So it's wrong for Akiha to complain. If Akiha has any complaints, she'll have to blame me, not you." "Oh, that is true." "Isn't it? So relax. Besides, it's more fun if we both do it." "―― Um. Shiki-san, you do not seem to understand Lady Akiha. If you did that, she would get angry for another reason, I think." "―― I don't get it, but you're saying she'll get angry whatever happens?" "Ahaha, that's it. So please do not worry about sweeping." Still smiling, Kohaku-san says this directly. "―― Oh. No matter what happens, Akiha will get mad at you. Then I don't want to make any trouble for you. Sorry, forgive me for just being careless." "No, you were not being careless. I'm very happy you wanted to help me." Even though she says that with her bright smile, I feel bad because I really did want to help her. I sigh. Kohaku-san looks up at my face cheerfully. "Shiki-san, did you really want to help me?" "Yeah, if I won't get you in trouble―" "Then, shall we go somewhere else? Akiha-sama will find us here, so I think it is better if we sweep behind the mansion." "Behind―― in the backyard?" "Yes. Akiha-sama will never find us there, so we can sweep all we want. Here you go," Kohaku-san hands me the broom she had in her hands. "I will go to the shed to get another broom, so please go ahead, Shiki-sama. Please don't let Hisui-chan or Akiha-sama spot you as you go, okay?" Trot trot trot! Kohaku-san dashes with quick, light steps. ---She really looks like a mischievous kid. Before I realize it, a grin creases my lips. Akiha and Hisui don't seem to be the joking type, so Kohaku-san's brightness is quite charming. "Alright, let's do this!" Gripping the broom that Kohaku-san was using earlier, I covertly walk to the garden behind the mansion.

*s214
―― That's right. She's been taking care of me since yesterday, so if I have time to fool around, I ought to go help Hisui. ---Well then. Hisui said she'd be cleaning the mansion, but where could she be? I go down to the lobby. She wasn't in the hallway on the second floor, so maybe she's in the sitting room? ―― Not here. ―――― Not here. ―――――― Not here. ―――――――― Not here. She's not anywhere on the first floor. The only place I haven't been are the locked recreation rooms, the guest rooms, and the salon where Akiha is right now. "―― I guess she's on the second floor then." It is a big mansion, so there's probably a bunch of places I haven't looked. Psyching myself up, I start up the stairs. I go up the stairs and glance down the hallway. And then, I see Hisui's silhouette standing by the window in the east hall of the mansion. "Hisu--" My voice dies in my throat. In the middle of the hallway. In the twilight, between light and shadow, Hisui stands motionless. "--" ―― I can't― speak. Something about her seems― dangerous. Hisui lingering in the gloom of this western-style mansion. She seems so incredibly beautiful; but at the same time, a chill runs through me, as if I were looking at a ghost. She doesn't even move a finger. She simply stares out the window. "--" That window. Is that the same one she watched us from back then? "Hisui" I can't do anything but stare in fascination. I'm so dumbstruck I can't speak, or even blink. I can only watch her. And then. Her eyes, still like that of a doll's, suddenly turn towards me. "Shiki-sama, is something wrong?" "Ah---no, nothing, I just, um――" "?" Hisui tilts her head in curiosity. That seems to break the mysterious spell I was under. "I was looking for you because I had some free time and thought I'd give you a hand. For some reason, I couldn't find you, but I made it." " ―― I see. But Shiki-sama, there is no need for you to do that. Please return to your room." "Hmmm―――" I thought it would turn out like this, Hisui doesn't want me to do any work. "But Hisui, I don't have anything else to do. I don't like just doing nothing, so I thought I ought to pitch in." "Shiki-sama, you may say that, but there is no longer any work that you might assist me with. The only thing that remains is to arrange Akiha's bedroom. No males are allowed to enter Akiha's bedroom. Not even you, Shiki-sama." "Hmmmm――――" Well, that's definitely true. ―― But, it is a little cruel. She didn't have to emphasize that last part. "Please excuse me, I have to finish my duties." Her footsteps echo in the air and she goes into Akiha's bedroom. "――――― Sheesh." I can't just go into a girl's bedroom because I have free time. "―― Oh well, I guess I'll go back to my room." I turn on my heels. Before doing so, I get curious about the window Hisui was staring out of. "Huh---isn't that Kohaku-san in the courtyard?" You can see the whole courtyard from this window. Was Hisui looking out into the courtyard from this window just as she did when she was a child――?

*s215
―― No, I would feel bad about moving around and interfering with Hisui and Kohaku-san's work. It's still only been two days since I came back to the mansion. Perhaps it's because I'm not used to it yet, but for some reason, I feel tired. I should relax and rest until dinner.

*s216
It's after dinner, and we drink tea in the sitting room. Akiha sits across from me and Hisui stands by the wall. There is no such thing as a TV in the room, and Akiha doesn't say much. ---Everything seems so― high-class. "Shiki-saaan, can you come here for a moment?" Kohaku-san's cheerful voice calls from the lobby. "Nii-san? Kohaku is calling you. Did you do anything to make her call for you?" "No, I don't remember anything---I'll be right back." I leave Akiha and Hisui behind and go to the lobby. Kohaku-san is pacing back and forth by the entrance. "―― Kohaku-san. What are you doing?" "Ah, Shiki-san. Well, it's a little complicated―― Can you please step outside with me? Here is not a good place." "――?" I don't understand what's going on, but I follow her anyway. "You have something to tell me? Is it a secret or something?" "Yes. If Akiha-sama were to hear it, she would get mad at you, Shiki-san." Something Akiha would get mad over――? "What do you mean? I haven't done anything to make her mad." "Oh, it isn't anything you did. But you know, while you were eating with Akiha-sama, a guest came to see you." "Huh? A guest, for me?" "Yes. She was walking around the front gate, so I called out to her. She was wearing the school uniform of your high school." And then Kohaku-san began to describe the guest's appearance. About my age, with a slightly childish face. A cute girl, her long hair tied in pigtails――? "――――" Thump. I feel as if my world is enveloped in darkness. That description. Isn't it Yumizuka Satsuki, who ran away from home--- "She asked 'Is this Tohno-san's mansion?' And I answered 'Yes it is.' Then she asked 'Is Tohno-kun here now?'" "―― Hmm. And then what, Kohaku-san?" "Yes, well she seemed to want to talk to you, but she refused when I asked if she wanted to come in. She seemed okay that she would not get to meet you right now." Kohaku-san wonders aloud what it was all about, and she tilts her head. But, I'm the one who wants to know. "Why--why did Yumizuka-san come to my place――" I don't know. I don't know, but, I have a bad feeling about this. "―― Kohaku-san, how long ago was this?" "Um, it was before the end of dinner, so about ten minutes ago." "--! And, which direction did she go?" "She went down the hill, towards the station, I think." ---Can I make it? If I run---if I get lucky, I might make it. "―― Got it. I'll be gone for a little bit, so please keep this a secret from Akiha." "I understand. If Akiha-sama found out, she would not leave you alone, Shiki-san." Giving a quick bow to the smiling and cheerful Kohaku-san, I run down the road and into the night. *pant**pant*, *pant* Dashing with all my strength, I run toward the station. *pant*, *pant*, *pant*, *pant*! I look for someone like Yumizuka in the crowd in front of the station. *pant*―― *pant*, *pant*――― I'm out of breath. My legs are painfully aware of how fast I was running, and they stop. "―― I, knew―― it wouldn't, be this easy, to find, her――" *pant*, *pant*. Trying to control my breathing, I start to run again. ---I don't see Yumizuka Satsuki anywhere. It's only natural, but I can't seem to give up that easily. ―― I don't think it is because I am so worried about her. It's just that I have this terrible premonition, that's why I am running like this. ---I'll be going. Bye-bye, Tohno-kun. That was a goodbye just like any other. ―― A truly happy, gentle smile. That was not the face of someone who'd run away from home. ---Tohno-kun, help me when I'm in a pinch, okay? Yes, it really is that simple. I just― don't want to betray that smile I pant with exertion. I don't see her in the park, either. ―― There wasn't a way to find her from the beginning. I should just give up and go back to the mansion. "―― Damn―― it――" Still, I try to look for her as I turn to go back through town. I come to the front of the station once more. It's already past nine o'clock. It's probably because of all the recent serial killings that the area around the station is quite empty already. At that moment, "Yumizuka." For an instant, I doubt my eyes. But the back of the figure in front of me, it resembles Yumizuka Satsuki too much. Yumizuka walks quickly into the midst of the crowd. ―― I can't tell for sure. I may have been wrong, but I decided I should catch up to her and call out to her. "Wait, Yumizuka-san---!" I shout while running. "--" Did she hear me? Yumizuka quickly turns around to face my direction. That face― there's no confusing it. The girl walking ahead of me is unmistakably Yumizuka Satsuki, and the expression on her face wasn't frightening. "Ah." But I feel a chill run through my spine. ---Thump. My heart starts to pound quickly. The back of my head throbs heavily, and my throat is burning. "What is this― It's weird―" The inside of my body is burning. I feel dizzy as if I'm in the grip of a terrible fever. In that moment, Yumizuka begins to walk again. "Wa---wait, Yumizuka-san―!" I call out, running. Yumizuka walks on unsteadily, not turning. "Ca― can't you hear me, Yumizuka―!" I urge my hot body onwards. But, no matter how much I try, I cannot catch Yumizuka. ―― No matter how fast I run, I cannot catch up to her even as she walks. "--" Something is― strange. I know that, but I couldn't tell what it is. Right now, all I can do is follow Yumizuka Satsuki. --And then. I lose sight of her. Yumizuka Satsuki, whom I had been chasing without success, is nowhere to be seen. "―― Shit― What the hell is going on―!" I stop, catching my breath. My chest heaves deeply. ―― Though I hadn't realized until now, I must have been running for a long time. "What― time is it―?" Resting my hands on my knees, I glance up at a nearby store window. It is--already midnight. "Can't be. I couldn't have been running for that long." ―― It's hard to believe, but the clock is correct. Looking around, most all the lights in the shopping district are off. "---I should― go back." Even though I'm worried about Yumizuka, I feel like I won't be able to find her anymore. ―― I chased her for almost three hours, calling her name all this time, but she did not even respond. What was she thinking? With a big sigh, I decide to head back to the mansion.

*s217
I can't ignore my feelings. With a killer skulking around town at night looking for victims, I shouldn't be investigating suspicious sounds in alleyways. But― I still remember Yumizuka's smiling face from yesterday. There's no reason for Yumizuka to be there. But if she is, she might need my help. ―― I'll never forgive myself if I just ignore this. "Alright." Putting my hand in my pocket, there is the cold touch of iron. Even though I don't intend to use it, it's comforting to know that I'm not unarmed. ―― And if it comes to it, I have my "eyes" too. Sensei said not to use them recklessly, but she'll find it acceptable if I use it against a killer. "―― The sound― it came from here―" Preparing myself, I step into the alley. ---Thump. My heart pounds. The back alley is quiet. ―― The noise came from the open area at the far end. ---Thump. The back of my head, hurts. As if convulsing under the utmost strain, my wracked spine hurts as if it's about to rip itself out of my body. ---Thump. Why is it? I can't think, yet my instincts shout at me. ---Thu-mp. Don't go. Don't go any further. If you do, you won't be able to come back. ---Thu-mp. But it's already too late. I step out of the back alley, and into the the open space. "Eh?" That weak voice is all that I can get out. The back alley is a single sheet of crimson. Limbs are strewn amongst the garbage and rubble. Not the limbs of dogs, or cats, or the like. They are human limbs, blood dripping from fresh meat and bone. The ground and the walls are painted with red blood. A heavy scent fills my nostrils. Thick. Like a red fog permeating my body, the choking smell of blood. A face. A face. A face. A face on a severed head, rolling around with an expression of agony. A face shriveled up like a mummy, split in halves. A face with both eyes gouged out, so distorted I can't even tell if it used to be a man or a woman. "-" Unable to make a sound, I merely gaze speechless at the corpses. No, they can't even be called human bodies any more. Even a badly made sculpture looks better than this. There are four bodies. They roll around like scraps of leftover food. "Ahah." I gape in shock at the sea of bodies. The back of my head throbs, my throat is parched, and my breath burns like fire. My fingertips quiver, and my mouth distorts. What---is this? What is this world before my eyes? "Red." Yes. Before my eyes, everything is that terrible color--- But I merely stand. No screaming, no fear. Like the scene of an accident in a movie, I only stare at the back alley. Undoubtedly, this is how my mind is protecting myself. Otherwise I would have gone mad. A corpse against the wall moves. No, that's wrong. It's not a corpse. It's not like the scrapped hands and feet. It's a living human being, with limbs attached. "Ah―――" I see something out of place. In this ghoulish spectacle, the response to seeing someone alive is more of astonishment than happiness. But, if he's alive. If he's alive, I have to help him. "Uh---hello?" With my mind still paralyzed, I step towards the living figure. "---Gih." Pulling itself up from the sea, it raises its face toward me. A face like a dried out skull. "Hii!" I leap back reflexively. But, the skull moves faster than I do. With a voice crying out "hyuuu! hyuuu!" he jumps at me. Hyuu! Hyuu! A hideous voice, right next to me. Looking down---there is a large hole in the skull's throat, preventing him from speaking correctly. "Ah!" The dried up face, the dried up arm reaching for me. In the throat of this bag of bones, vocal chords vibrate in accord with the ghastly voice. "Uwaaaahhhhh!" Desperately, I try to tear him off me. But he merely raises that ghastly voice, and will not get off. Rip. Its fingers pierce my shoulder. "―― Chhh!" My body arcs from pain. The fingers were like a sharp needle. It shreds my skin mercilessly, scooping out nerves and flesh as it goes--- "Ah, aahhh!" The pain is so great that I can say nothing else. Though I try to tear him off me screaming, he is too strong. Whatever I do, he does not move. With a creak, the skull's jaw opens. The mouth opens wide enough to rip off my shoulder with a single bite, and he approaches my face as if saying, "I don't want to die, somebody save me". "St---" I can't even say "stop". The guy made only of skin and bones, tries to bite my headand suddenly, he collapses. "Eh―?" The awesome power vanishes. The bag of bones in a person's form crumples to the ground and disappears. Softly, like a bad dream, it turns to ash and blows away. "―― What the hell is this?" Pain runs through my shoulder. "Ach―" My own blood flows down my back. The pain is real. So this must be real. A terrible nightmare. But---it can't be a nightmare, because it's not a dream. "Tohno-kun. It'll be dangerous if you stay there." "!" I turn towards the voice behind me. At the mouth of the alley where I came from, I see Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumi― zuka---?" "Good evening. Fancy meeting you in a place like this, huh?" As if we had merely bumped into each other in the mall, Yumizuka greets me lightheartedly. "Yumizuka, you― What are you doing, out at a time like this?" "Oh, just going for a walk. But what's Tohno-kun doing? Killing so many people like this is bad, right?" Yumizuka says, with a light smile. "Killing so many people― eh?" I look around me. ―― And I remember the tragic scene I'm surrounded by. In a sea of blood. Tohno Shiki stands aghast like a murderer. "N― no! This wasn't me!" "Oh, of course it was. Everyone's dead, and Tohno-kun's alive, so obviously Tohno-kun must have killed them." "No way! It just attacked me――!" I point at the monster that attacked me moments ago. But, nothing's there. Even the ashes of the bones have been blown away by the wind. "Ah" I swallow my breath. Yumizuka is chuckling. "It's not― this wasn't― wasn't me―" My head is paralyzed, and can only manage broken language. ―― I understand. I can think clearly, but I can't put my thoughts into words. For example, why is Yumizuka at a place like this after running away from home? For example, why is Yumizuka laughing in the face of this tragic scene? "Yumizuka-san, I---" "Yeah, I know. You just interrupted someone's meal. I'm sorry for sounding mean. I always act against my feelings, so I'm always acting like this to you." Yumizuka is still laughing. ―― It's so inappropriate for this scene, I feel a chill. Yumizuka doesn't move from the entrance of the alley. Her arms are positioned strangely, as if she's hiding something behind her back. ---And, looking closer, there are spots of something red on her sleeve. "Yumizuka, you---" "What is it? Your face looks scary, Tohno-kun." She laughs again. "--" ―― No. Somehow, this girl cannot be Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumizuka― why are you hiding your hands like that?" "Ah, have I been found out? I guess you're too observant to miss that, huh. I've always liked that about you, Shiki-kun." After emphasizing the "Shiki-kun", she brings her hands out. Both hands are dyed crimson. Not yet dry, the blood drips off them in red droplets. And, proudly, Yumizuka Satsuki is smiling. "Yumizuka, your hands---" "Yeah. I killed those people." "Wha---" "Oh, but, it's okay. I didn't kill them because I hated them. I just needed their blood to live, so I had to kill them." ―― What― is this? I― don't really understand what Yumizuka is saying. "You― really killed them, Yumizuka?" "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you it's a lie, right? Or do you think it's impossible for a girl like me to do such a thing?" Her voice laughs softly. ---I don't believe her. I don't believe her, but she is definitely not telling a lie. This tragic scene. It's all Yumizuka's doing. "Why― such a terrible thing―?" "It's not terrible. Like I said, I didn't kill them because I hated them. There's nothing wrong with killing others in order to live, is there, Shiki-kun?" "What―! That's absurd! Killing is wrong!" "No, it's not. But, I did do one bad thing. Since today was my first time drinking blood, I let a little of my blood get back into them. Because of that, you got attacked, Shiki-kun. "I'm sorry for getting you involved. But we're lucky; it died without being able to finish changing." "What― what are you talking about, Yumizuka?" "It's okay if you don't understand right now. I don't really understand myself yet, so I can't explain it very well." But, I think after a few days I can become like Shiki-kun. Like Shiki-kun, become a great---" As she says so, her face distorts in pain. "Ha---― aaau!!!" Rasps of agony echo from her throat. Yumizuka chokes up blood. "Ithurts. I guess, even if I'm hungry, I shouldn't just drink blood at random. If it's not good quality, beautiful blood, it won't agree with me―" She breaks out in a fit of coughing. She chokes out blood with every cough. "Nn---kuh, nnaaah―!!!" Yumizuka's body convulses. ―― I don't really understand. All I know is, Yumizuka's in terrible pain. That's all I can clearly understand. "Hey― are you okay, Yumizuka―!?" I run towards her to take her hand. "No! Don't come any closer, Shiki-kun!" But, Yumizuka's voice stops me. "―― You mustn't. I'm not― entirely okay, Shiki-kun." She speaks painfully, still vomiting red blood. "Yumi― zuka, you―" I don't understand. Why Yumizuka's in pain, or why she's like this. "What the hell is going on? You said you killed those people, but it's a lie, right, Yumizuka―? If you're in that much pain, shouldn't you be in a hospital?" ―― I'm fooling myself. Even though I understand Yumizuka brought about this tragic scene, I still lie to myself. "Yumizuka― I'm coming over there, okay?" I speak gently. But Yumizuka shakes her head in violent refusal. "Why!?---If you're in pain, we have to get you to a hospital right away―!" "Shiki-kun, you're not getting it. You really never understand anything―" "Idiot! I told you before, I don't understand―!" "Ah― yeah, you did, didn't you. But you're still here―" Yumizuka begins to pull away. "―― It hurts, Shiki-kun." She breathes raggedly, coughing up red blood. "It hurts, it's cold, and I'm scared. I really want your help right now, Shiki-kun." ---But it's too early. Saying that, Yumizuka straightens up again. "Wait for me, okay? I'll go become a great vampire, then I'll come back and see you!" "Ah― wait, Yumizuka!" "--" Yumizuka is gone. Even as I start to run, Yumizuka is long gone. ―― Her speed is inhuman, like that of a wild beast. "---Yumizuka, you---" What happened to you, really―――!? "Gah---!" My injured shoulder throbs. When I look back, the open space where all the limbs were scattered only left red blood. The faces, the organs, the hands and feet. They all turned to ashes, like the skull did before. "Sh― it―" Angrily, I strike the wall. "What the hell is going on!!!" I bellow pointlessly, and the alley echoes my voice. "" The next thing I know, I'm at the gates of the mansion. The wound on my shoulder aches. The lights of the mansion are dark. Somehow, I hadn't realized I would be coming back so late. Akiha--Akiha will surely be angry with me, I think as I put my hand on the heavy doors. ―― The lobby is empty. So, what should I do? Even though my wound needs treating, Kohaku-san is probably asleep-- "―― Nii-san?" "Eh?Akiha?" I look up in the direction of the voice. ―― Akiha is standing on the stairs. "It is you. Coming back so late at night, just what do you think---" Akiha reaches the bottom of the stairs, and her rebuke stops. "Nii-san― where did you hurt your shoulder?" "Ah---" Damn it. I had wanted to hide the wound, but it's too late now. "Ah, no, this is―" "Never mind. Hold still. Is it only your shoulder―?" "Ah--yes, but, how do you know―" "I can tell with all that blood on your clothes. I'll hear about it later, but right now, we'll treat it. Please, forgive me, Nii-san." Saying so, Akiha touches my shoulder. "---Tch!" My body jumps at only the slight touch of Akiha's finger. ―― It appears that the wound is deeper than I thought. "Ah― I'm sorry, did it hurt, Nii-san?" "―― No, I'm― I'd like to say I'm okay, but I guess I'm not. Even a touch is really painful." "I see― if it's this deep, I think it is too much for Kohaku. I'll treat it, so please go into the sitting room." Akiha walks upstairs. "―――― Phew." I turn on the sitting room lights, and sit on the sofa. The wound on my shoulder hurts, and begins to become unbearable. "Sorry for making you wait. I'll treat the wound, so please relax." Akiha comes in holding a first aid kit. ―― I don't think that would really help on this wound, but I guess I should at least get it disinfected. Akiha moves behind me, and begins to treat the wound. The uniform, damp with blood, is cut away with scissors, and the wound is exposed and disinfected. "---Guuuh!" I clench my fists as the pain flashes through my body. ―― But after that, the ache of the wound begins to fade. Akiha must be skilled at medical care, or perhaps the wound wasn't so bad to begin with. After a few minutes, the pain completely goes away. "Alright, we're done. I expect a wound like that should be healed by the morning." Akiha packs away the first aid kit. ―― Somehow, I'm surprised. I would have expected Akiha to ask where I got injured, and to rebuke me for playing outside so late. "―― You haven't asked, Akiha." "I haven't asked― about what?" "Well― you know. Why I'm back so late. Why I'm hurt." I blurt it out like a complaint. After what happened with Yumizuka, I'm exhausted. And because I'm tired, I said such a thing. "Nii-san. I― think I know the right order for things. Right now, the priority is to tend to your injury." "―― I see. Of course, I see―" "Ohh! What kind of person did you think I was, Nii-san! I'm not about to yell at someone who's hurt." "―― You're right. I'm sorry; thank you for everything. But, even though you treated it--" "You're going to say you can't explain the situation, right? I don't want to listen to your excuses, but today is special. If you do not wish to talk about it, I won't inquire either." "Eh? Is that, okay? I came back so late at night―" "―― Certainly, I am curious about what might have happened to you. But, I trust you and I have enough trust to believe you weren't doing something too dangerous. And― I can't force someone to talk when they look like that." Akiha looks away shyly. "――" Look like that---is my expression that bad right now? "I'll listen when you have recovered, Nii-san. If you rest overnight, your health should improve." "--" Feeling awkward, I look away from Akiha. ―― I'm glad she won't listen to me until I'm better, but I feel like I won't be able to talk about it even in the morning. In the end, I can't tell Akiha anything. I feel too guilty to even look at her face. "―― Akiha, I---" "Ohh, please don't keep making that face! I told you, I'll make an exception today, so go back to your room and rest, alright? I bet it's something you can't talk to me about anyway!" Having read my expression perfectly, Akiha turns and goes out to the lobby. I can only sit on the sofa and watch her leave. Suddenly, I wonder. Was Akiha waiting for my return? Is that how she appeared in the lobby so quickly? "---Akiha." "What is it, Nii-san?" "―― Thank you for treating me. I'm sorry for making you worry." "Eh" Suddenly, Akiha stops walking. ---And then she turns away. "I― I wasn't worried about you, Nii-san. If you've that much energy for flattery, you should concentrate on taking care of yourself!" With a crash, she slams the door behind her. "---I really don't understand her." But, I do understand that she was worried about me. "―― Seems like I wasn't doing something too dangerous, huh?" Akiha seems to believe me since she said that. But really, it was a frighteningly dangerous scene. The bodies scattered in the back alley. The figure of Yumizuka, her hands stained red with blood. "---Guh." A chill runs through me just at the memory. I stand up, taking care of my wound, and return to my room. I change clothes, and fall onto the bed. But if I close my eyes, I'll see the scene in the back alley. ---I killed all those people. Yumizuka said so, as if it was nothing. ---I needed their blood. So, she killed them. Just like a vampire. Like― a bad joke. ---Wait, okay? I'll go become a great vampire--- ―― I don't remember. What did Yumizuka say at the end. "Huh―" Sleepiness fills my body. With Yumizuka's face still etched in my mind, I close my eyes slowly. ―― Only one thing is clear. That Yumizuka told the truth, and she really did slaughter all those people. But even then. Instead of fearing everything that happened, I'm more concerned about the one thing she said. ---It hurts. It really hurts, Tohno-kun--- ―― There's something wrong with me. Yumizuka is really a murderer, but those words will not leave my mind---

*s218
I can't ignore my feelings. With a killer skulking around town at night looking for victims, I shouldn't be investigating suspicious sounds in alleyways. But― I still remember Yumizuka's smiling face from yesterday. There's no reason for Yumizuka to be there. But if she is, she might need my help. ―― I'll never forgive myself if I just ignore this. "Alright." Taking a deep breath, I steel my spirit. Besides, if it comes to it, I have my "eyes" too. Sensei said not to use them recklessly, but she'll find it acceptable if I use it against a killer. "―― The sound― it came from here―" Preparing myself, I step into the alley. ---Thump. My heart pounds. The back alley is quiet. ―― The noise came from the open area at the far end. ---Thump. The back of my head, hurts. As if convulsing under the utmost strain, my wracked spine hurts as if it's about to rip itself out of my body. ---Thump. Why is it? I can't think, yet my instincts shout at me. ---Thu-mp. Don't go. Don't go any further. If you do, you won't be able to come back. ---Thu-mp. But it's already too late. I step out of the back alley, and into the the open space. "Eh?" That weak voice is all that I can get out. ---The back alley is a single sheet of crimson. In it, limbs are strewn amongst the garbage and rubble. Not the limbs of dogs, or cats, or the like. They are human limbs, blood dripping from fresh meat and bone. The ground and the walls are painted with red blood. A heavy scent fills my nostrils. Thick. Like a red fog permeating my body, the choking smell of blood. A face. A face. A face. A face on a severed head, rolling around with an expression of agony. A face shriveled up like a mummy, split in halves. A face with both eyes gouged out, so distorted I can't even tell if it used to be a man or a woman. "-" Unable to make a sound, I merely gaze speechless at the corpses. No, they can't even be called human bodies anymore. Even a badly made sculpture looks better than this. There are four bodies. They roll around like scraps of leftover food. "Ahah." I gape in shock at the sea of bodies. The back of my head throbs, my throat is parched, and my breath burns like fire. My fingertips quiver, and my mouth distorts. What---is this? What is this world before my eyes? "Red." Yes. Before my eyes, everything is that terrible color--- But I merely stand. I think I may be going crazy. Thump. Thump. Thump. While being faced with a totally bizarre, alien landscape like this, my heart screams shrilly in anticipation. A corpse against the wall moves. No, that's wrong. It's not a corpse. It's not like the scrapped hands and feet. It's a living human being, with limbs attached. "Ah―" I see something out of place. In this ghoulish spectacle, the response to seeing someone alive is more of astonishment than happiness. But, if he's alive. If he's alive, I have to help him. "Uh---hello?" In my rush of emotion, I step towards the living figure. "---Gih." Pulling itself up from the sea, it raises its face toward me. A face like a dried out skull. "Hii!" I leap back reflexively. But the skull moves faster than I do. With a voice like "hyuuhyuu!", he jumps on me. Hyuu! Hyuu! A hideous voice, right next to me. Looking down---there is a large hole in the skull's throat, preventing him from speaking right. "Ah!" The dried up face, the dried up arm reaching for me. In the throat of this bag of bones, vocal chords vibrate in accord with the ghastly voice. "Uwaaaahhhhh!" Desperately, I try to tear him off me. But he merely raises that ghastly voice, and will not get off. With a creak, the skull's jaw opens. The mouth opens wide enough to rip off my shoulder with a single bite, and he approaches my face as if saying, "I don't want to die, somebody save me". "St" I can't even say "stop". The guy made only of skin and bones, tries to bite my head---and suddenly, he collapses. "Eh――?" The awesome power vanishes. The bag of bones in a person's form crumples to the ground and disappears. Softly, like a bad dream, it turns to ash and blows away. "―― What the hell is this?" A pain runs through my shoulder. "Ach―" My shoulders begin to turn red and swell where he has grasped me. The pain is real. So this must be real. A terrible nightmare. But---it can't be a nightmare, because it's not a dream. "Tohno-kun. It'll be dangerous if you stay there." "!" I turn towards the voice behind me. At the mouth of the alley where I came from, I see Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumizuka― san---?" "Good evening. Fancy meeting you in a place like this, huh?" As if we had merely bumped into each other in the mall, Yumizuka greets me lightheartedly. "Yumizuka-san, what about you― what are you doing, out at a time like this?" "Oh, just going for a walk. But what's Tohno-kun doing? Killing so many people like this is bad, right?" Yumizuka says, with a light smile. "Killing so many people― eh?" I look around me. ―― And I remember the tragic scene I'm surrounded by. In a sea of blood. Tohno Shiki stands aghast like a murderer. "N― no! This wasn't me!" "Oh, of course it was. Everyone's dead, and Tohno-kun's alive, so obviously Tohno-kun must have killed them." "No way! It just attacked me――!" I point at the monster that attacked me moments ago. But, nothing's there. Even the ashes of the bones have been blown away by the wind. "Ah" I swallow my breath. Yumizuka is chuckling. "It's not― this wasn't― wasn't me―" My head is paralyzed, and can only manage broken language. ―― I understand. I can think clearly, but I can't put my thought into words. For example, why is Yumizuka at a place like this? For example, why is Yumizuka laughing in the face of this tragic scene? "Yumizuka-san, I---" "Yeah, I know. You just interrupted someone's meal. I'm sorry for sounding mean. I always act against my feelings, so I'm always acting like this to you." Yumizuka is still laughing. ―― It's so inappropriate for this scene, I feel a chill. Yumizuka doesn't move from the entrance of the alley. Her arms are positioned strangely, as if she's hiding something behind her back. ---And, looking closer, there are spots of something red on her sleeve. "Yumizuka, you---" "What is it? Your face looks scary, Tohno-kun." She laughs again. "--" ―― No. Somehow, this girl cannot be Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumizuka---why are you hiding your hands like that?" "Ah, have I been found out? I guess you're too observant to miss that, huh. I've always liked that about you, Shiki-kun." After emphasizing my name, she brings her hands out. Both hands are dyed crimson. Not yet dry, the blood drips off them in red droplets. And, proudly, Yumizuka Satsuki is smiling. "Yumizuka, your hands---" "Yeah. I killed those people." "Wha---" "Oh, but, it's okay. I didn't kill them because I hated them. I just needed their blood to live, so I had to kill them." She says it as if it was normal. Of course I can't understand it. All I do understand is---my blood is pulsing wildly throughout my whole body. Thump. Thump. Thump. *pant*. *pant*. *pant*. Like I've fallen in love at first sight with that bloody Yumizuka, I am excited--- "You― really killed them, Yumizuka?" "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you it's a lie, right? Or do you think it's impossible for a girl like me to do such a thing?" Her voice laughs softly. ---I don't believe her. I don't believe her, but she is definitely not telling a lie. This tragic scene. It's all Yumizuka's doing. "Why― such a terrible thing―?" "It's not terrible. Like I said, I didn't kill them because I hated them. There's nothing wrong with killing others in order to live, is there, Shiki-kun?" "What―! That's absurd! Killing is wrong!" "No, it's not. But, I did do one bad thing. Since today was my first time drinking blood, I let a little of my blood get back into them. Because of that, you got attacked, Shiki-kun. "I'm sorry for getting you involved. But we're lucky; it died without being able to finish changing." "What---what are you talking about, Yumizuka?" "It's okay if you don't understand right now. I don't really understand myself yet, so I can't explain it very well. "But, I think after a few days I can become like Shiki-kun. Like Shiki-kun, become a great---" As she said so, her face distorts in pain. "Ha---― aaau!!!" Rasps of agony echo from her throat. Yumizuka chokes up blood. "It---hurts. I guess, even if I'm hungry, I shouldn't just drink blood at random. If it's not good quality, beautiful blood, it won't agree with me―" She breaks out in a fit of coughing. She chokes out blood with every cough. "Nn---kuh, nnaaah―!!!" Yumizuka's body convulses. ―― I don't really understand. All I know is, Yumizuka's in terrible pain. That's all I can clearly understand. "Are you okay, Yumizuka―!?" Without thinking, I run towards her to take her hand. "No! Don't come any closer, Shiki-kun!" But, Yumizuka's voice stops me. "―― You mustn't. I'm not― entirely okay, Shiki-kun." She speaks painfully, still vomiting red blood. "Yumi― zuka, you---" I don't understand. Why Yumizuka's in pain, or why she's like this. "What the hell is going on? You said you killed those people, but that's a lie, right, Yumizuka―? If you're in that much pain, shouldn't you be in a hospital?" ―― I know. Even though I understand Yumizuka brought about this tragic scene, I still lie to myself. "Hey, Yumizuka---I'm coming over there, okay?" I speak gently. But Yumizuka shakes her head in violent refusal. "Why!?---If you're in pain, we have to get you to a hospital right away―!" "Shiki-kun, you're not getting it. You really never understand anything―" "Idiot! I told you before, I don't understand―!" "Ah― yeah, you did, didn't you. But you're still here―" Yumizuka begins to pull away. "―― It hurts, Shiki-kun." She breathes raggedly, coughing up red blood. "―― It hurts, it's cold, and I'm scared. I really want your help right now, Shiki-kun." ---But it's too early. Saying that, Yumizuka straightens up again. "Wait for me, okay? I'll go become a great vampire, then I'll come back to see you again!" "Wha---wait up, Yumizuka!" "--" Yumizuka is gone. Even as I start to run, Yumizuka is long gone. ―― Her speed is is not that of a human's, but of a wild beast. "---Yumizuka, you---" What happened to you, really―? "Gah---!" My shoulders throb in pain where he grabbed earlier. When I look back, the open space where all the limbs were scattered only left red blood. The faces, the organs, the hands and feet. They all turned to ash, like the skull did before. "--Ah." Thump. I feel sick as if I'm going to cough up blood. "This can't, be" Thump. This excitement, is so intense, I almost ejaculate. "This---" For a while, the crimson color of blood burns in my eyes. "This can't be real!" My world swims before me. My eyes see nothing but a distorted world. ---Before I realize it, I'm back at the mansion. Just like a pet somehow finding its way home, I guess. I'm on the verge of collapsing from dizziness; I didn't think I would make it back this far. "――― Ggh." Vomit. I'm going to vomit. "Ah---gha, ah---" My heart is exploding, I can hardly breathe. "―― I have to―― hurry and rest――" Since I've collapsed so many times before from my anemia, I know I'm about to faint. ---If I rest. If I just rest my body in bed, this nausea, my exploding heart, will all go back to normal. I---I can forget all about that, as if nothing happened, and wake up to a normal day. "Shiki-san? You have returned?" "Ah―― Kohaku--san." Kohaku-san emerges from the west hallway. ―― That's right, Kohaku-san's room is in the west hallway on the first floor. "Welcome back, Shiki-san. Did you get to meet your friend?" "Uh---ah, yes, I met her." I remember as soon as I answer. The scattered limbs. Face. Face. Face. Face. The blood-stained alley. Yumizuka's laughing face and her bloody hands "―― Sorry. I'm going back to my room, so please go back as well, Kohaku-san." I don't feel like talking with anyone right now. I leave Kohaku-san behind and go up the stairs. I collapse on my bed. "Ahah." My chest rises and falls as I take deep breaths. "---" My mind feels faint. Dizziness overwhelms me. Even if it means passing out, I just want to go to sleep right now. ---So why can't I sleep? I'm so dizzy right now, but why don't I pass out like always? If I close my eyes, the vision of that scene in the alley shows up under my eyelids. My heart throbs violently. It isn't terror, rather---it's closer to sexual excitement. "Why" I don't understand it at all. Is there this thin of a line between terror and lust? "Eh――――?" Who can it be at this hour? "Shiki-sama, are you awake――?" That whisper is Hisui. Thump. Just imagining her form, my heart calms down a bit. "―― Yeah, I'm awake. Please come in." "---Please excuse me." ―― What's this? Hisui enters carrying a tray and something that looks like medicine wrapped in paper. "―― Hisui. What are you doing at this hour?" "Shiki-sama, you seemed to have trouble sleeping so I brought you some medicine." "Eh―――? Uh, that's right. ―― But how did you know, Hisui?" "I heard it from my sister. She told me that you were very tired, so I should give extra care." ―― I see, it was Kohaku-san. She must have seen how bad my face looked when we met in the lobby. "―― And, this medicine is?" "It is a sleep-inducing medicine. Your personal physician gave his approval that it could be used for you." "Approval―― at this hour!?" "No, my sister asked your personal physician as soon as she found out you were coming here to live in this mansion." "Wow--Kohaku-san is pretty amazing. She's pretty thoughtful." Anyway, I'm very thankful right now. Taking the water from Hisui, I drink the medicine. "Nnah." I start to feel very sleepy after a while. "―― Thanks, Hisui. Please give Kohaku-san my thanks as well." "As you wish. Well then, please rest well, Shiki-sama." ―― I can hear Hisui's footsteps. It feels like all the power is draining from my body. "Mm---feels, good---" I space out. As if I was passing out, I quickly fall asleep--- ---Is this a dream? A red alley. The same back alley that I was in before. Where Yumizuka Satsuki is killing. Luring appropriate passers-by into that back alley. Mercilessly killing them from behind by twisting their necks like a damp cloth, then plunging her teeth into them. One person. Two people. Three people. Four people. How dare she--do those things without me! As if in a dream, indulging herself in drinking the blood, Yumizuka tears apart the four dead bodies and continues licking the blood. A crimson world. But, I don't feel it is sick, or detest it at all. Pathetic. Pathetic, pathetic. A knife in my hand. *pant* *pant* My breathing is out of control. My heart is pounding like a piston, urging me to do something. If it were me, I'd do a much better job. *pant*, *pant*, *pant*. I breathe hard. Is it because I'm holding back my impulse of wanting to do the same things Yumizuka Satsuki is doing? I'm going out of control. Because I don't---want to see such a thing. Why are you hesitating? There's no--hesitation. Why are you holding back? There's no--holding back. There's no point resisting it. Someone's― irritating voice. I  I want to do   what I want to do. That voice. It is, my own. ―― Yumizuka is crying. Is she crying because she's not good at killing? Or is it because she's in pain? I don't know. Worthless. Is it alright to think so? That woman is worthless. ―― But, am I the one who is worthless? WORTHLESS ones should just be killed. ―― Is it alright to kill the worthless? Kill. ――――――     Kill. ――――― Kill. ―― Kill. KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILL. KILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILL. KILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILL.

*s234
I can't do something that dangerous. If I went into an alley like that, no one can come to help me. There's something wrong with me wanting to go in there just because I heard a noise. It is getting late and I should head back. I return to the mansion without meeting anyone. The lights around the mansion are all off. Somehow, I hadn't realized I would be coming back so late. Akiha--Akiha will surely be angry with me, I think as I put my hand on the heavy doors. ―― There's no one in the lobby. It is late after all. Akiha, Hisui and Kohaku-san are most likely fast asleep in their rooms. "―― I couldn't find you after all, Yumizuka-san." But I know she has to be somewhere. Thenfor sure, she will come to school tomorrow. I return to my room silently so as not to wake Akiha and the others. It's getting late. To get ready for tomorrow, I have to hurry up and go to sleep. ―― I feel as if someone is calling my name as I wake up. "Mn――――" A little warmth returns to my body. I look around suspiciously and see an unfamiliar figure by my bed. "OhHisui." "Yes. Good morning Shiki-sama." Hisui bows. "Ah, rightyeah, morning Hisui." I get up as I answer. This is my room, and just like yesterday, Hisui came to wake me up. "Thanks. I'll change and head to the sitting room, so you can go back to what you were doing." "Yes. Then I will be waiting in the sitting room." Hisui bows her head and walks to the door. Tap, tap, tap. Her footsteps are louder than normal. She reaches the door and then turns around. "Shiki-sama, forgive me for asking such a question. What time did you return last night?" Yesterday. If I recall correctly, I went out looking for Yumizuka-san and returned after not finding her "―― Sorry. Something caught my attention and I came back late―― Um, I will be prompt from now on so it would be great if you could overlook it this time――" "―― No, it is not necessary for you to say such a thing, Shiki-sama. It is the duty of us servants to work in accordance with the schedule of our masters. However, I humbly request that you at least contact us. Whatever the circumstances, you should still be able to let us know." "You're right. Sorry. I'll keep my promise from now on." "I understand. Then please excuse me." "―― That was rare. Hisui seemed pretty angry." She's always so expressionless, it seemed she really gets angry when she does get angry. ―― As if I did something really terrible. "Well then, time to get up." After changing out of my pajamas and into my school uniform, I head to the sitting room. I find Akiha and Hisui there. Kohaku-san is probably in the kitchen cooking my breakfast. "Good morning, Nii-san." Sitting on the sofa, Akiha greets me and looks at my expression. "―― Ah, morning. Sorry about last night." Returning her greeting, I head to the dining room. There really isn't that much time for me to stay and chat with Akiha--and I myself don't really feel like talking to anyone at all. "Nii-san, I would like to speak with you a little--is that alright?" "Speak with me? I don't really mind." I sit on the sofa across from Akiha. "This is cutting straight to the heart of the matter, but what were you doing last night? Hisui says you returned late at night. Nii-san, you know about our eight o'clock curfew, correct?" Akiha asks me with a direct stare. "Sorry for breaking the curfew. A classmate of mine seemed to be having a lot of trouble so I went looking for her―― Well, all I ended up doing was walk around. I apologize for being late, but it isn't a big deal." "Just walking the streets IS something. You are still a minor, so please do not wander out late at night. Even if you weren't, there have been a lot of disturbances going on." "―― Maybe I am a minor, but I don't do anything dangerous. I don't care for drinking or anything like that. You can just relax. And I'm a guy after all. Walking around town at night isn't dangerous." "What are you saying? Please say those kind of words after you can go a week without anemia. I shouldn't have to say this, but you shouldn't strain your body. You might plan on walking around energetically, but you'll end up collapsing all of a sudden. What would you do then?" "Ah--that may be true, but―" Akiha seems to be worrying about me. When I think about it that way, I start to feel that maybe last night was a little selfish "Goodness. If you do that what would others think? For the eldest son of the Tohno family to collapse late at night in town, the rumors would make me so embarrassed I couldn't even go to school." "Uh--that may be true, but―" ―― Akiha seems to be worrying about herself. I start to think I was stupid for thinking last night was selfish. "Anyway, please keep the curfew tonight. If you break it again, I will have to hand down a punishment on you as head of the household." Akiha whirls around quickly and exits the room. "―― Punishment, Akiha?" I think it was a joke, but she certainly sounded serious. "Shiki-saaaan, breakfaaaast!" Kohaku-san's voice rings out from the dining room. I rise and head towards the dining room. "Shiki-sama, around what time will you be returning today?" "Yeah, today is Saturday so I'll be back early. I don't know what Akiha will do if I get back late either." Yeah. To be honest, it's a little scary. "I understand. Well then, please be attentive and take care of yourself." She gives her customary bow. After Hisui sees me off, I leave the mansion. As I arrive at my classroom I look for Yumizuka-san. She isn't in the group of girls. She hasn't come yet? Or maybe "Yo. are you looking for something Tohno-kun?" ―― The familiar face of my friend appears from the side like a crab. "Yeah. I'm in the middle of looking, so don't get in my way, Arihiko." "Oh reeeeally? If you're looking for Sacchin, it's useless. It seems she'll skip school today too." Arihiko giggles meaningfully―― He seems to have seen right through me. "―― What's this Sacchin thing?" "Sacchin is Sacchin. Miss Yumizuka was taken in by the police last night and is now under house arrest. Takada-kun told me while he was eating chocolate." "EhYumizuka-san returned home?" Something seems a little out of place. "Hey. If you don't believe me ask Takada-kun. He seems to be one of Yumizuka's neighbors." "-" I look around to my classmate nearby. As usual, Takada-kun is eating chocolate. He looks like he's doing his best impression of Santa Claus as he munches while walking. ―― Quite the interesting person for a side character. "―― No, I'll pass. Takada-kun isn't one to spread rumors so it's most likely true." "Yeah. A lot of girls have gone by to visit her and Kunifuji went this morning to her house―― Well, it seems like Yumizuka will have a rough time for a while." Arihiko returns to his chair with a difficult expression. The homeroom bell rings. Still feeling a bit vague about it all, I wait for Kunifuji-sensei's arrival. ―― Our teacher Kunifuji didn't come. Classes started without homeroom and the Saturday class ended quickly. My classmates exit the room hastily. Those with club activities go to the cafeteria while those without any hurry on home to spend the rest of their Saturday elsewhere. "Well then." There's no need to laze around here. I should go back to the mansion and think about what to do from there. I stand out of my chair. And then, "Will Second Year, Third Class Tohno Shiki-kun please report to the Staff Room immediately." Says the intercom announcement. "―― What's this? I didn't do anything to be called up." Tilting my head out of question, I leave the classroom. Come to think of it, maybe it is natural. The school was bound to find out it I was walking around late at night in my school uniform. My school is second-rate but still oriented towards attending university so there are a lot of troublesome rules. ―― After being sternly warned by the student guidance counselor, I end up writing an essay of apology. "―――――― It's getting late, Kunifuji-sensei." I mutter to myself in the empty room. The teacher told me he would come back after an hour. ―― It's half-past six already. It seems Akiha will scold me once more. "-Fine. I'll be heading back now." I announce this to the teacher who isn't here in an attempt to convince myself and stand up. Of course, the classroom is empty. I walk over to my desk to take the bag in my hand and exit to the hallway. "Good evening, Tohno-kun." Suddenly, someone calls my name. "-!?" I whirl around instantly. In the dark, unlit classroom. Yumizuka Satsuki sits with her back to the blue moonlight. "EhYumizuka, san?" "What a coincidence. You are still here Tohno-kun? Don't tell me you were in the guidance counselor's room?" "Ahyeah. Just a little unpleasantness there" "I see. You know, I was called there about last night too. I was in the very next room." She smiles as she says so. A gentle, carefree smile like before. "" So why is it? For no reason, a chill runs up through my spine. "I see― it was you next door. Huhu, the school rooms are narrow so you can somehow understand what is going on next door. Your live body warmth or your breathing― it would have been nice for me to enjoy it longer." Our eyes meet. Swaying. Stretching. This instability as if the floor was bending. "But it's great timing. I― have a request for you Tohno-kun. Is it alright?" "Uhsure, I'll do it if I can." "Really? Then I'll ask. Tohno-kun, can you go out with me?" ? Well, if that's it― sure. "Sure, do you have something you need to buy? I don't think there's too many good stores open right now though." "――――――――" She looks at me blankly. ―― Huh? It seems like I was a little off. "Oh, that's not it Tohno-kun. I'm not asking you to take me out shopping. I'm asking you to go out with me like a lover." Yumizuka-san giggles happily. "Eh--" After― such a sudden confession― my brain― doesn't seem to work― properly. "Wait a second. Yumizuka-san, I" I'm happy, but― To be told this all of a sudden, I Wellno-problemright? "Yeah―― there's, no problem― I think." "Really!? Yay! Then I'll call you Shiki-kun from now on! I'm so glad. I was worried that you might hate me for saying that. ―― Yeah. Maybe I didn't need to use the teacher to make sure you stayed late." She mumbles. I don't quite grasp what she said. "Hey Shiki-kun. I really used a lot of courage to tell you. Did you know how scared I was, Shiki-kun?" She looks at me directly. Her eyes. Why― do her eyes look redand as if I was asphyxiated, my brain stops working. "Yeah. You did well, Yumizuka-san." "―― Yeah. So, hey. Maybe I should get a reward from you, Shiki-kun? I've been waiting so longI want you to do it, Shiki-kun." "Do what?" "Simple. I want you to kiss me, Shiki-kun." This isn't good. Somewhere in my mind, something screams at me in warning. So―? I don't care about that. If sheif Yumizuka-san wants it, what's wrong with it? We are loversso isn't it normal? "―― Alright. Don't move, Yumizuka-san." I walk towards Yumizuka-san. The dry sounds of my footsteps. I walk in between the desks to draw closer to the girl by the window. ―― As I do, I see the bodies of many female students collapsed in between the desks as if they were hidden. Blood flows from each of their necks. But stillI couldn't care less about them. Yumizuka-san doesn't move. Grabbing both her arms, I press my lips to hers emotionlessly. "―― Huhu. With this, you are mine Shiki-kun." Her whisper sounds incredibly evil. "Ah---rghh――!?" I collapse onto the floor. A splashing sound. I didn't notice it before, but the floor is splattered with blood. Under the desks lie the discarded corpses of my classmates strewn about. "Wha--" I try to stand up using my arms but I fall back down again. There's no strength in my body. Heat. The heat, suddenly turns cold. "Relax Shiki-kun. I won't make you like them. All you have to do is listen to my voice just like this." Her cold voice. I don't understand at all what she's doing. Even though I don't understand anything, I know this is so wrong it makes me nauseous. "Ghh!" I strain my arms and legs as I crawl on the floor. But even that was stopped with her voice. "No. You can't get away. I won't let you get away. ―― C'mon. First we have to expand my world. You'll help me won't you? You broke your promise to help me whenever I was in a pinch, so you have to listen to whatever I say from now on." She chuckles. ―― My distant heartbeat. The fragrance of the blood drenching the floor makes me dizzy. So, if I ever do wake up again, then― I realized my body will never feel warm again. In the moonlit classroom, Yumizuka Satsuki slowly bites into Tohno Shiki's neck.

*s235
A hot, summer day. A blue sky and large, large columns of summer clouds. The wafting breeze. The droning voice of the cicadas. The voice of cicadas. Chiiirp. Chirp Chirp. Chiiirp. Chirp Chirp. Chiiirp. Chirp Chirp. So loud I want to die. Cicada shells are lying in the clearing. As if the sun is right by my side, the clearing is roasting. A hot midsummer's day. As if the entire world became a frying pan. waa, u, uwaaa. waa, u, uwaaa. waa, u, uwaaa. Akiha is crying. A child lies collapsed at her feet. His white shirt is painted red with blood and he doesn't move at all. I'm, looking down at that. My hands are red, just like that child on the ground. No, that's not it. These hands are red with the blood of that child. "Akiha!" The adults are coming. "What in the" The adults take Akiha away. The child lies there, dead. Alone by myself, the adults press the hands which killed the child to the ground. "Did you kill him---!?" The adults are yelling at me. They shout my name, the one who killed the child. Those two syllables, shouting as if they went crazy. Just those two syllables. Those adults call me SHIKI, as my hands are stained in red. "Shiki-sama, if you do not get up now, you shall be late. Please, wake up." ―― Hearing my own name called, I awaken from a deep dream. "Hisui―?" "Yes. Good morning, Shiki-sama." Hisui bows deeply. Autumn sunlight shines through the window; this is unmistakably my room. "--Hi― sui." "Shiki-sama, are you feeling unwell?" "Ah― No, I'm fine." ―― I just had a terribly nostalgic dream. But I can't remember the details that well. "What was it― I can't remember―" "?" Hisui tilts her head slightly. ―― Well, there's no point in telling Hisui. The dream---what kind of a dream was it? A dazzling white bright enough to bring tears to my eyes, and furiously gushing spots of red. ---Something. SOMETHING, LIKE AN INAUSPICIOUS DREAM. "―― SHI― KI―" "Yes? What is it, Shiki-sama?" "―― It's nothing. I'm sorry--I'll go straight to the dining room." With a nod, Hisui walks to the door. Clack, clack, clack. Hisui's footsteps are louder than usual. Just as she is about to leave the room, she turns back. "Shiki-sama, forgive me for asking. What time did you return last night?" "Ah― yesterday― Quite late at night." "―― Shiki-sama, you said your return would be at four o'clock. I assume the schedule changed?" "Ah." I remember. Yesterday morning, I told Hisui that she should expect me at four. "I'm sorry. Things happened, and I didn't make it back. I will be prompt from now on so it would be great if you could overlook it this time――" "―― No, it is not necessary for you to say such a thing, Shiki-sama. It is the duty of us servants to work in accordance with the schedules of our masters. However, I humbly request that you at least contact us. Whatever the circumstances, you should still be able to let us know." "You're right. Sorry. I'll keep my promise from now on." "I understand. Then please excuse me." "―― That was rare. Hisui seemed pretty angry." She's always so expressionless, it seemed she gets extremely angry when she does get angry. ―― As if I did something really terrible. "Well then, time to get up." Pulling away the sheets, I get up. ---At that moment. My body aches terribly. "Guh―!" The pain--it's not from the gash in my shoulder. It's from a much deeper place, aching with my heartbeat. "A---gah---" Clenching the sheets, I somehow weather the pain. "Ahhh--" It fades away. There's nothing lingering. Perhaps just a sudden fit? "―― Chest― wound." I touch my chest over my cloth. There is a great scar there, and even now that it has healed, at times it still hurts like it did just now. The doctor said the physical wound is healed, but that the mind must be replaying the pain over and over again. Usually, the scar begins throbbing after I see a traffic accident or something dead. The image of blood or death must make me recall the accident eight years ago. "―― Because of last night, I guess." The red back alley. And the normal, smiling face of Yumizuka. "Guh--!" My chest--hurts. The image of Yumizuka doesn't leave my mind. But I don't know what I should do, what I can do. I can only live my everyday life. "―― Shi― t―" Swearing at myself, I roll out of bed. After changing out of my pajamas and into my school uniform, I head to the sitting room. Akiha and Hisui are in the sitting room. Kohaku-san is probably in the kitchen cooking my breakfast. "Good morning, Nii-san." Sitting on the sofa, Akiha greets me and looks at my expression. "―― Ah, morning. I'm sorry about yesterday." Returning her greeting, I head to the dining room. There really isn't that much time for me to stay and chat with Akiha--and I don't really feel like talking to anyone at all. "Nii-san, I would like to speak with you a little---is that alright?" "―― Alright. But please make it short since I don't have much time." I sit on the sofa across from her. "Continuing last night's talk― Nii-san, what were you doing yesterday?" Akiha asks me with a direct stare. "Nothing. Just went for a walk in town. I'm sorry for getting back late, but it's no big deal." Since I don't want to lie to Akiha, I answer as evasively as possible. "Just walking the streets IS something. You are still a minor, so please do not wander out late at night. Even if you weren't, there have been a lot of disturbances going on." "Ah--" Disturbances--the killer skulking around the town at night. Why? Why didn't I realize? The killer that murders people and drinks their blood. That phrase perfectly matches Yumizuka's behavior yesterday-- "―― I shouldn't have to say this, but you shouldn't strain your body. If you come back with an exhausted face like last night's again, I'll get worried. If you're in trouble, please tell me. I may not be able to do much, but if you could―" -I don't want to think about it, but― Yumizuka. Yumizuka could be the killer terrorizing the town. "―― Nii-san? Are you listening to me?" "Ehuh, yeah. I'm listening." I hear Akiha's voice. But, the only thing in my mind is the image of Yumizuka from yesterday. Akiha glares at me. "So. You can't talk about your situation, Nii-san?" "Yeah. It has nothing to do with you, Akiha." Right now, I can think only of Yumizuka. I want to be alone--and so I said that. "You're going to keep going your own way, is that what you're saying, Nii-san?" "―――――" "I understand. Well, please, feel free. If that's what you want, Nii-san, I'll do the same." Akiha stands, and walks out to the lobby. "Shiki-sama? Is this acceptable?" "―― Acceptable? Is what acceptable?" "I believe Akiha-sama is deeply concerned about you, Shiki-sama. But I think it is difficult for her since she does not often talk about her feelings" "I know. But right now, my head's full, and I can't― I do feel sorry." "――――" Hisui falls silent. "Shiki-saaaan, breakfast!" Kohaku-san's voice can be heard from the dining room. I stand up and head towards it. "Shiki-sama, around what time will you be returning today?" "Ahh― since today's Saturday― --No. It'll probably be in the evening. There's something I want to look for." "I understand. Please, take care until then." She bows deeply. After Hisui sees me off, I leave the mansion. ---There was no point coming to school. Yumizuka Satsuki was treated as an absentee, and no one seemed to be the slightest bit concerned about her. Time passed without my realizing it. Perhaps Arihiko or Ciel-senpai came by sometime, but I don't really remember. Noon comes, and school ends. I have no idea. I have no idea, but I still have to look for Yumizuka.

*s236
"Shiki-sama――!" There's a voice calling me. "Please remain strong. I shall bring you something to drink." I sense the presence receding. Footsteps. It makes me realize that it is morning now. "-" I open my eyes. There isn't anyone else in my room. I hear something ragged. "―― What is―― that noise?" Speaking, I realize that it was my own breathing. "Hu―― h?" My body is drenched in sweat. A tiredness suffocates me, as if I had just ran a long marathon. "Kgggh――" My head hurts. ―― Because I saw that hideous dream. Yumizuka painted with blood, and I, staring at her in envy. A complete nightmare. "―― There's something wrong――" I manage to say this much, still breathing hard. Last night's dream still lingers in my head. It really was a horrific nightmare. I was just blanked out in my dream, as if I couldn't rouse myself from the nightmare if I tried. "Shiki-sama――!" And then, Hisui rushes into my room. "Hisui――? Did something happen? You didn't even knock." "Um―― Are you awake, Shiki-sama――?" "Yeah, I just got up. Good morning, Hisui. Thanks for coming to wake me." "Um--yes. Good morning." Returning my greeting apologetically, Hisui approaches the bed. "I have brought you something to drink. You do not appear well, so please drink it." Looking at it, it seems like she brought a drink on a silver tray like she did yesterday. "――? I don't really feel bad or anything. I slept soundly and I feel refreshed." "But---" Hisui stares at me. "You seemed to be in a very poor state earlier. Shiki-sama, does the scar on your chest not hurt?" "No, not really―― Well, it may be because of that terrible dream. I was really having quite a nightmare." ―― I feel dizzy just remembering it. Hisui looks intently at my face. "―― I see. Hisui, you woke me up." "―― Yes, I am deeply sorry." "What are you saying? Thanks, Hisui. You really helped me a lot." I really do mean that from my heart. If she hadn't woken me, I might still be trapped inside that awful nightmare. "I'll change and go to the dining room. Thanks for everything--and for giving me this drink. Sorry about that." "No, you do not need to apologize. I will wait for you in the sitting room." Hisui silently leaves the room. To be honest, I really am quite moved. I thought she was truly without emotions, but she may just be poor at expressing them. She was so distressed over me having a nightmare, it makes me smile imagining her in such a hurry. Maybe it isn't that hard to see Hisui's smile. "Well, time to get up!" I throw off the sheets and get up. ---In that instant. Pain explodes through my body. "Gaaah―――!" It's from a much deeper place, aching with my heartbeat. "Ah---ggghh---" Clenching the sheets, I somehow weather the pain. "Ahhh--" It fades away. There's nothing lingering. Perhaps just a sudden fit? "―― Chest― wound." I bring my hand over my chest. There is a great scar there, and even though that it has healed, at times it still hurts like it did just now. The doctor said the physical wound is healed, but that the mind must be replaying the pain over and over again. Usually, the scar begins throbbing after I see a traffic accident or a dead body. The image of blood or death must make me recall the accident eight years ago. "―― Because of last night, I guess." The red back alley. And the normal, smiling face of Yumizuka. "Guh--!" My chest--hurts. The image of Yumizuka doesn't leave my mind. But I don't know what I should do, what I can do. I can only live my everyday life. "―― Shi― t―" Swearing at myself, I roll out of bed. After changing out of my pajamas and into my school uniform, I head to the sitting room. Akiha and Hisui are in the sitting room. Kohaku-san is probably in the kitchen cooking my breakfast. "Good morning, Nii-san." Sitting on the sofa, Akiha greets me and looks at my expression. "―― Ah, good morning Akiha." Returning her greeting, I head to the dining room. There really isn't that much time for me to stay and chat with Akiha---and I don't really feel like talking to anyone at all. "Nii-san, I would like to speak with you a little---is that alright?" "That's fine, but please make it short since I don't have much time." I sit on the sofa across from her. "Then I will get straight to the point. Nii-san, where did you go last night?" Akiha looks directly at me as she asks. ―― Kohaku-san probably did keep it a secret, but I guess it wasn't possible to hide being gone for two hours. "Nothing. Just went for a walk in town. I'm sorry for getting back late, but it's no big deal." Since I don't want to lie to Akiha, I answer as evasively as possible. "Just walking the streets IS something. You are still a minor, so please do not wander out late at night. Even if you weren't, there have been a lot of disturbances going on." "--Ah." Disturbances--the killer skulking around town at night. Why? Why didn't I realize it? The killer that murders people and drinks their blood. That phrase perfectly matches Yumizuka's behavior yesterday "―― I shouldn't have to say this, but you shouldn't strain your body. If you come back with an exhausted face like last night's again, I'll get worried. If you're in trouble, please tell me. I may not be able to do much, but if you could―" ---I don't want to think about it, but― Yumizuka. Yumizuka could be the killer terrorizing the town. "―― Nii-san? Are you listening to me?" "Ehuh, yeah. I'm listening." I hear Akiha's voice. But, the only thing in my mind is the image of Yumizuka from yesterday. Akiha glares at me. "So. You can't talk about your situation, Nii-san?" "Yeah. It has nothing to do with you, Akiha." Right now, I can think only of Yumizuka. I want to be alone--and so I said that. "You're going to keep going your own way, is that what you're saying, Nii-san?" "―――――" "I understand. Well, please, feel free. If that's what you want, Nii-san, I'll do the same." Akiha stands, and walks out to the lobby. "Shiki-sama? Is this acceptable?" "―― Acceptable? Is what acceptable?" "I believe Akiha-sama is deeply concerned about you, Shiki-sama. But I think it is difficult for her since she does not often talk about her feelings" "I know. But right now, my head's full, and I can't― I do feel sorry." "――――" Hisui falls silent. "Shiki-saaaan, breakfast!" Kohaku-san's voice can be heard from the dining room. I stand up and head towards it. "Shiki-sama, around what time will you be returning today?" "Ahh― since today's Saturday― --No. It'll probably be in the evening. There's something I want to look for." "I understand. Please, take care until then." She bows deeply. After Hisui sees me off, I leave the mansion. ---There was no point coming to school. Yumizuka Satsuki was treated as an absentee, and no one seemed to be the slightest bit concerned about her. Time passed without my realizing it. Perhaps Arihiko or Ciel-senpai came by sometime, but I don't really remember. Noon comes, and school ends. I have no idea. I have no idea, but I still have to look for Yumizuka. The sun sets. Even after running everywhere in town, there's no sign of Yumizuka Satsuki anywhere. "―――― Gah." I bite my lip angrily. ―― But it's not anger over not finding her. Two days ago. I'm mad at myself for promising such a thing in the first place. ---Help me when I'm in a pinch, okay? Yumizuka said that, and I answered lightheartedly. I would help, as much as I could. ―― Such an irresponsible answer. There's really nothing I can do. She said it hurt. I can't even find Yumizuka, painfully suffering in the cold darkness. "---" The sun is setting. ―― I don't want to admit it, but maybe I can only find Yumizuka after nightfall. "―― I told Hisui I'd be back in the evening." Perhaps it's too early. I'll go back to the mansion and calmly think this through. "Welcome home, Shiki-sama." Hisui was waiting in the lobby. "I'm back―― Hisui, where's Akiha?" "Akiha-sama has not returned yet. Since she shall be late, we are to have supper first." "I see―― I'll be resting in my room until dinner, so I'll head to the dining room when it's time." "Yes. Please rest until I call you." I turn my back to the bowing Hisui and walk towards my room. ---After supper, I sit down on my bed. The clock's hands show nine o'clock. Since leaving the mansion after eight is forbidden, I cannot go outside any longer. "――――" But, that's merely a rule. If I feel like it, I can easily go outside. ---Bye-bye. See you at school tomorrow, Tohno-kun. ―― What―― am I thinking? It's just foolish. I just can't comprehend what's happening to Yumizuka. I do realize she is the vampire serial killer causing all these incidents in town. But still. I can not forget her last words she said in the sunset on our way home ―― Before I realize it, it's almost midnight. Lost in thinking about what I should do, I've passed some of the night wide awake. "―― Shiki-sama, are you awake――?" ―― Hisui's voice. Why is she up this late at night? "I'm up, but why, Hisui?" "---Yes, I was unsure, but if you were awake, I thought that I should tell you." "Tell me what?" "Just a while ago, a call came for you, Shiki-sama. The message was that 'I'll be waiting in the park.'" "Phone call―― This late at night?" "Yes, the call ended before I could ask for a name, so I was unsure if I should tell you, Shiki-sama--" "No--that is――" ―― This doesn't require any thought. That phone call had to have been from Yumizuka. "―― Thanks. But, it's a little late, so I'll wait until tomorrow. She's one of my classmates, so I'll see her tomorrow." "That is not true. There is something wrong with smiling like that with such a strained face." "Stupid, I'm not lying at all. I'm fine, I won't go out this late at night. Akiha would get mad, and you would get in trouble, so there's no reason for me to do that." "―――――――" Hisui descends into silence. The conversation between us dies. "―― Shiki-sama. Please do not push yourself too hard." "―― Nah, I'm not pushing anything. I'll go to sleep, so please go back to your room." "―――――――" Hisui just looks at me. "---Well, good night." Not being able to endure her stare, I slam the door. "―― Sheesh. I can't hide anything from Hisui." I take my knife out of the drawer. ―― I don't intend to necessarily use it, but I just feel better with it by my side. "---The park? Why would she call me out at this hour---" Muttering, I think back to those foolish tales. Vampires can only move about during night time. So supposing that's true, then Yumizuka didn't call me out at this hour. It's more like if it wasn't this hour, then she couldn't call me at all. "―― Sorry, Hisui. Even I think I'm stupid. You told me not to strain myself, but I can't just sleep like this." Apologizing to the empty room, I quietly leave the mansion. *pant*--*pant*--*pant* I rest my body, burning from all the running. It's almost midnight. The park located off of the main road. Because of the serial killings these past several days, there's not a soul to be seen around here. "―――" Thump. My heart beats loudly. My throat dries up from the tension. If the phone call that Hisui received was from Yumizuka, then she has to be waiting there for me. The park is empty at night. There isn't a sound under the the moonlight. I don't know why, but a chill runs through me. "--Sst." The back of my head numbs. A horrible chill, as if my body freezes to my fingertips. I try to catch my breath. In contrast to my cold body, my throat is scorching. It's dry with thirst. I put my hand in my pocket. I just---wanted a blade in my hand. "Why―?" Just― A faint headache. A low temperature. My mind is cool like ice. Something is strange. This park, it feels like something bad is around here. "―― Just what am I afraid of?" I shake the headache off, and walk deeper in. There's no one around. A terribly dark and lonely place to meet someone. There--someone is crouched. Breathing raggedly. Her face, pale white, as she scratches her throat in pain. Without a doubt, it is Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumi― zuka?" Her figure is tormented. Without a thought for what happened last night, I run towards her. "Wait― !" Yumizuka stops me with just a word. "―― Wait, Shiki-kun. I'm glad you came, but I don't want you any nearer right now. Please, don't come any closer." Her breathing looks painful. Her body convulses as she speaks, as if she's about to collapse any second now. "Don't be stupid! I'm not going to leave someone looking as painful as you alone―!" "No, I'm okay― You came, so I'm fine now." Forcing herself up, Yumizuka smiles at me. "―― What's going on, Yumizuka? Why haven't you been home? What was that about, yesterday? Why, that" "Hm? That what?" "That---you know what I'm talking about!" "If you mean yesterday---well, you saw what happened. I told you, 'I killed those people,' didn't I?" She answers frankly. ―― It's almost as if she's laughing at my feelings of denial. "Then― the recent killings in town were all your doing, Yumizuka―!" "I don't like to say it, but― that's the way it is, yeah." "What the hell do you mean, 'That's the way it is' ―!?" "It's just the way it is. I killed those people, and I'll keep on doing the same thing. I can't just lie about it, can I?" "Yumi― zuka, you--" "Please. Stop calling me that. I'm calling you Shiki-kun, so it's only fair for you to call me by my first name too." "Wha―" I take a deep breath. Yumizuka is still like before. Even though she acts like she used toshe says some pretty scary things. "When I think about it, I look foolish. I could never talk to you like this, for all the years I watched you from afar." "Eh--Yumi― zuka――?" "I was always watching you, Shiki-kun. Even before I was saved in that warehouse, I was always watching you. I'm― really a coward. I always just agreed with the people around me, and smiled when it seemed right. Before I knew it, everyone was treating me like an idol." "So school wasn't fun for me. But that changed, after you talked to me in the second year of junior high, Shiki-kun." "Eh--?" "Nah. It's not something you'd remember. How can I put it― You were always natural, never showing off. Probably you didn't even think about what you said back then." "--" What can I say. Just as Yumizuka says, I remember nothing. I don't know what I said to her, or even if I had talked to her back then. "It's okay. Don't make a face like that. You were only hanging out with Inui-kun, so it was normal for you to ignore other classmates." "But that was okay. I was happy just being in the same class as you, Shiki-kun. It was my goal to talk to you and let you call me Yumizuka-san. Now that I think about it, it was too small of a wish." She recalls nostalgically. Those ancient days. ―― Like she is remembering something that happened a long time ago. "I― was always watching you. I knew you'd never notice me, but I watched you anyway." "--" Well--to be honest, I'm happy, but― "Do you like me, Shiki-kun?" How can I answer her right now---?

*s237
The sun sets. Even after running everywhere in town, there's no sign of Yumizuka Satsuki anywhere. "―――― Gah." I bite my lip angrily. ―― But it's not anger over not finding her. Two days ago. I'm mad at myself for promising such a thing in the first place. --Help me when I'm in a pinch, okay? Yumizuka said that, and I answered lightheartedly. I would help, as much as I could. ―― Such an irresponsible answer. There's really nothing I can do. She said it hurt. I can't even find Yumizuka, painfully suffering in the cold darkness. "---" The sun is setting. ―― I don't want to admit it, but maybe I can only find Yumizuka after nightfall. "―― I told Hisui I'd be back in the evening." Perhaps it's too early. I'll go back to the mansion and calmly think this through.

*s238
---I'll search at school. I know she's absent, but― right now, this school is the only connection I have to her. The sun sets. Even after looking everywhere at school, there's no sign of Yumizuka Satsuki anywhere. "―――― Gah." I bite my lip angrily. ―― But it's not anger over not finding her. Two days ago, I'm mad at myself for promising such a thing in the first place. ---Help me when I'm in a pinch, okay? Yumizuka said that, and I answered lightheartedly. I would help, as much as I could. ―― Such an irresponsible answer. There's really nothing I can do. She said it hurt. I can't even find Yumizuka, painfully suffering in the cold darkness. "---" The sun is setting. ―― I don't want to admit it, but maybe I can only find Yumizuka after nightfall. "―― I told Hisui I'd be back in the evening." Perhaps it's too early. I'll go back to the mansion and calmly think this through.

*s239
---I have no idea where she could be. But let's search around the area where there are lots of houses and apartments. The sun sets. Even after running everywhere in town, there's no sign of Yumizuka Satsuki anywhere. "―――― Gah." I bite my lip angrily. ―― But it's not anger over not finding her. Two days ago. I'm mad at myself for promising such a thing in the first place. ---Help me when I'm in a pinch, okay? Yumizuka said that, and I answered lightheartedly. I would help, as much as I could. ―― Such an irresponsible answer. There's really nothing I can do. She said it hurt. I can't even find Yumizuka, painfully suffering in the cold darkness. "---" The sun is setting. ―― I don't want to admit it, but maybe I can only find Yumizuka after nightfall. "―― I told Hisui I'd be back in the evening." Perhaps it's too early. I'll go back to the mansion and calmly think this through.

*s240
"Welcome home, Shiki-sama." "I'm back― Hisui, where's Akiha?" "Akiha-sama has remained at school for certain formalities. Since she shall be late, we are to have supper first." "―?" Certain formalities, huh. Akiha's school probably has lots of formalities as it is a top tier school for young ladies. "I'll go wait in my room till suppertime and I'll head down when it's ready." "Yes. Please rest until I call you." I turn my back to the bowing Hisui and walk toward my room. ---After supper, I sit down on my bed. The clock's hands show nine o'clock. Since leaving the mansion after eight is forbidden, I cannot go outside any longer. "――――" But, that's merely a rule. If I feel like it, I can easily go outside. ---Bye-bye. See you at school tomorrow, Tohno-kun. I---

*s241
I― just can't let her be. I know that looking for Yumizuka is dangerous. No matter what her reason is, she did kill that many people. But I can't let it go. That way home in the sunset. I cannot forget the last words she said. "―― I'll go. Obsessing over it won't do any good." I change clothes, and slip my knife into my pocket. I tiptoe out the mansion, so as not to wake Akiha or the others. ―― The lights in the lobby are out. It's a dark, lonely place; perfect for a secret departure. Creak, creak. I go down the stairs which creak only when they shouldn't, and walk quietly to the door. --And― "Nii-san? You're going out, at this hour?" Already in the lobby, Akiha speaks quietly. "Akiha--so, you got back, huh?" "Yes, just a little while ago. But anyway--what are you doing, Nii-san? You've changed your clothes, so it appears you are going out." Akiha gazes intently at me. It's not a look of blame. She is merely gazing at me uneasily. "You're going to go out and get hurt again, like last night. Aren't you, Nii-san?" "―― I'm sorry. A friend of mine is in trouble. I can't let it go." "―― I see. I'm sure you're going to go even if I stop you, Nii-san." "Yeah, but I won't do anything dangerous. I'm just going to check it out a bit. ―― I'm sorry to cause trouble like this, when I've only just come home." Saying so, I begin walking out. "Ah--" A soft voice comes from behind me. "Nii― san." A weak voice, so unlike Akiha's usual tone. ―― It's just like her voice from eight years ago--tinged with unease. "Akiha―?" "You'll― come back, won't you?" "" Akiha's weak, vulnerable face. It has none of its earlier coldness, but like Akiha's childhood face, it's close to tears. "―― What are you talking about? I'm only going out for a moment. You shouldn't make a face like that." "I― I know, but―" "It's okay. I'll come right back. I'm sorry, Akiha; I've always been causing you trouble." "Ah--Nii-san!" Ignoring Akiha's voice behind me, I leave the mansion. ―― Outside, a moonlit night. Perhaps because I saw Akiha's unsettled expression. For some reason, I feel I may never return here. I arrive at the shopping district. If Yumizuka's anywhere, she'll most likely be here. It's because the murder victims are found near this shopping district. "―― Damn it, what am I thinking―!" I curse my own logic. ―― But, at least I'm more likely to find her here than anywhere else. Putting all thoughts aside, I start to look around for Yumizuka. ―― How long has it been? There's no sign of Yumizuka; not in the back alleys nor in the crowds. *pant*---*pant**pant* I rest my body, burning from all the running. It's almost midnight. ―― It might be useless to keep looking around. "Where has she gone―?" I start walking again. There's one place I haven't looked yet. I'll give up after my body really can't move anymore-- ―― Leaving the brightly-lit main street behind, I arrive at the park. Because of the serial killings recently, there's not a soul to be seen around here. "――――" Even though I can't imagine Yumizuka being here, it's the only place left to look. "-" The park is empty at night. There isn't a sound under the the moonlight. I don't know why, but a chill runs through me. "--Sst." The back of my head numbs. A horrible chill, as if my body freezes to my fingertips. I try to catch my breath. In contrast to my cold body, my throat is scorching. It's dry with thirst. I put my hand in my pocket. I just---wanted a blade in my hand. "Why―?" Just― A faint headache. A low temperature. My mind is cool like ice. Something is strange. This park, it feels like something bad is around here. "―― A little more till I reach the center of this park." I shake the headache off, and walk deeper in. There's no one around. A terribly dark and lonely place to meet someone. There--someone is crouched. Breathing raggedly. Her face, pale white, as she scratches her throat in pain. Without a doubt, it is Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumizuka--!?" I guess there is the joy of finally finding her. Not thinking about last night, I run towards her. "Wait―!" Yumizuka stops me with just a word. "―― Wait, Shiki-kun. I'm glad you came, but I don't want you any nearer right now. Please, don't come any closer." Her breathing looks painful. Her body convulses as she speaks, as if she's about to collapse any second now. "Don't be stupid! I'm not going to leave someone looking as painful as you alone―!" "No, I'm okay― You came, so I'm fine now." Forcing herself up, Yumizuka smiles at me. It seems like a show of bravado. ―― But I can't approach her. I do at least understand that Yumizuka doesn't want me near her. "―― What's going on, Yumizuka? Why haven't you been home? What was that about, yesterday? Why, that" "Hm? That what?" "―― Damn it, I don't know! I really don't understand anything, Yumizuka―!" "Really? You saw what happened yesterday. I told you 'I killed those people', didn't I?" She answers frankly. ―― It's almost as if she's laughing at my feelings of denial. "Then― the recent killings in town were all your doing, Yumizuka―!" "I don't like to say it, but― that's the way it is, yeah." "What the hell do you mean, 'That's the way it is' ―!?" "It's just the way it is. I killed those people, and I'll keep on doing the same thing. I can't just lie about it, can I?" "Yumi― zuka, you--" "Please. Stop calling me that. I'm calling you Shiki-kun, so it's only fair for you to call me by my first name too." "Wha―" I take a deep breath. Yumizuka is still like before. Even though she acts like she used toshe says some pretty scary things. "When I think about it, I look foolish. I could never talk to you like this, for all the years I watched you from afar." "Yumi― zuka?" "I was always watching you, Shiki-kun. Even before I was saved in that warehouse, I was always watching you. I'm― really a coward. I always just agreed with the people around me, and smiled when it seemed right. Before I knew it, everyone was treating me like an idol." "So school wasn't fun for me. But that changed, after you talked to me in the second year of junior high, Shiki-kun." "Eh--?" "Nah. It's not something you'd remember. How can I put it― You were always natural, never showing off. Probably you didn't even think about what you said back then." "--" What can I say. Just as Yumizuka says, I remember nothing. I don't know what I said to her, or even if I had talked to her back then. "It's okay. Don't make a face like that. You were only hanging out with Inui-kun, so it was normal for you to ignore other classmates." "But that was okay. I was happy just being in the same class as you, Shiki-kun. It was my goal to talk to you and let you call me Yumizuka-san. Now that I think about it, it was too small of a wish." She recalls nostalgically. Those ancient days. ―― Like she is remembering something that happened a long time ago. "I― was always watching you. I knew you'd never notice me, but I watched you anyway." "" Well--to be honest, I'm happy, but― "Do you like me, Shiki-kun?" How can I answer her right now---?

*s242
I don't know. I was so intent on looking for Yumizuka until this evening. But with nightfall, the events of last night suddenly appear fresh in my mind. The dead bodies scattered about the alley. Yumizuka, who said she killed them. ―― No matter what the reason, she killed them. So I understand that staying out of it is the best choice. "―――――" I understand, but I can't cast aside my doubts. What am I thinking? It's just foolish. I just can't comprehend what's happening to Yumizuka. I do realize she is the vampire serial killer causing all these incidents in town. But still, I can't forget her last words she said in the sunset on our way home ―― Before I realize it, it's almost midnight. Lost in thinking about what I should do, I've passed some of the night wide awake. "―― Shiki-sama, are you awake――?" ―― Hisui's voice. Why is she up this late at night? "I'm up, but why, Hisui?" "---Yes, I was unsure, but if you were awake, I thought that I should tell you." "Tell me what?" "Just a while ago, a call came for you, Shiki-sama. The message was that 'I'll be waiting in the park.'" "Phone call―― This late at night?" "Yes, the call ended before I could ask for a name, so I was unsure if I should tell you, Shiki-sama--" "No--that is――" ―― This doesn't require any thought. That phone call had to have been from Yumizuka. "―― Thanks. But, it's a little late, so I'll wait until tomorrow. She's one of my classmates, so I'll see her tomorrow." "That is not true. There is something wrong with smiling like that with such a strained face." "Stupid, I'm not lying at all. I'm fine, I won't go out this late at night. Akiha would get mad, and you would get in trouble, so there's no reason for me to do that." "―――――――" Hisui descends into silence. The conversation between us dies. "―― Shiki-sama. Please do not push yourself too hard." "―― Nah, I'm not pushing anything. I'll go to sleep, so please go back to your room." "―――――――" Hisui just looks at me. "---Well, good night." Not being able to endure her stare, I slam the door. "―― Sheesh. I can't hide anything from Hisui." I take my knife out of the drawer. ―― I don't intend to necessarily use it, but I just feel better with it by my side. "---The park? Why would she call me out at this hour---" Muttering, I think back to those foolish tales. Vampires can only move about during night time. So supposing that's true, then Yumizuka didn't call me out at this hour. It's more like if it wasn't this hour, then she couldn't call me at all. "―― No matter how much I think about it nothing will get done." Right now I have to go to the park. I exit the mansion quietly to avoid Hisui's notice. *pant*--*pant*--*pant* I rest my body, burning from all the running. It's almost midnight. The park located off of the main road. Because of the serial killings these past several days, there's not a soul to be seen around here. "―――" Thump. My heart beats loudly. My throat dries up from the tension. If the phone call that Hisui received was from Yumizuka, then she has to be waiting there for me. "―――――" The park is empty at night. There isn't a sound under the the moonlight. I don't know why, but a chill runs through me. "--Sst." The back of my head numbs. A horrible chill, as if my body freezes to my fingertips. I try to catch my breath. In contrast to my cold body, my throat is scorching. It's dry with thirst. I put my hand in my pocket. I just---wanted a blade in my hand. "Why―?" Just― A faint headache. A low temperature. My mind is cool like ice. Something is strange. This park, it feels like something bad is around here. "―― Just what am I afraid of?" I shake the headache off, and walk deeper in. There's no one around. A terribly dark and lonely place to meet someone. There--someone is crouched. Breathing raggedly. Her face, pale white, as she scratches her throat in pain. Without a doubt, it is Yumizuka Satsuki. "Yumi― zuka?" Her figure is tormented. Without a thought for what happened last night, I run towards her. "Wait― !" Yumizuka stops me with just a word. "―― Wait, Shiki-kun. I'm glad you came, but I don't want you any nearer right now. Please, don't come any closer." Her breathing looks painful. Her body convulses as she speaks, as if she's about to collapse any second now. "Don't be stupid! I'm not going to leave someone looking as painful as you alone―!" "No, I'm okay― You came, so I'm fine now." Forcing herself up, Yumizuka smiles at me. "―― What's going on, Yumizuka? Why haven't you been home? What was that about, yesterday? Why, that" "Hm? That what?" "―― Damn it, I don't know! I really don't understand anything, Yumizuka―!" "Really? You saw what happened yesterday. I told you 'I killed those people', didn't I?" She answers frankly. ―― It's almost as if she's laughing at my feelings of denial. "Then― the recent killings in town were all your doing, Yumizuka―!" "I don't like to say it, but― that's the way it is, yeah." "What the hell do you mean, 'That's the way it is' ―!?" "It's just the way it is. I killed those people, and I'll keep on doing the same thing. I can't just lie about it, can I?" "Yumi― zuka, you--" "Please. Stop calling me that. I'm calling you Shiki-kun, so it's only fair for you to call me by my first name too." "Wha―" I take a deep breath. Yumizuka is still like before. Even though she acts like she used toshe says some pretty scary things. "When I think about it, I look foolish. I could never talk to you like this, for all the years I watched you from afar." "Yumi― zuka?" "I was always watching you, Shiki-kun. Even before I was saved in that warehouse, I was always watching you. I'm― really a coward. I always just agreed with the people around me, and smiled when it seemed right. Before I knew it, everyone was treating me like an idol." "So school wasn't fun for me. But that changed, after you talked to me in the second year of junior high, Shiki-kun." "Eh--?" "Nah. It's not something you'd remember. How can I put it― You were always natural, never showing off. Probably you didn't even think about what you said back then." "--" What can I say. Just as Yumizuka says, I remember nothing. I don't know what I said to her, or even if I had talked to her back then. "It's okay. Don't make a face like that. You were only hanging out with Inui-kun, so it was normal for you to ignore other classmates." "But that was okay. I was happy just being in the same class as you, Shiki-kun. It was my goal to talk to you and let you call me Yumizuka-san. Now that I think about it, it was too small of a wish." She recalls nostalgically. Those ancient days. ―― like she is remembering something that happened a long time ago. "I― was always watching you. I knew you'd never notice me, but I watched you anyway." "" Well--to be honest, I'm happy, but― "Do you like me, Shiki-kun?" How can I answer her right now---?

*s243
"---To be honest, I don't know. But I can't just leave you alone." ―― Yes. Since I talked to Yumizuka two days ago, she has never left my mind. So that must mean― "―― Unlike your case, I don't feel like I've known you for years, but---" Even though I knew it was dangerous, I still came here. "I― think I do― like you." "" Yumizuka looks at me, aghast. I stare back at her. "---No―" She shakes her head. She seems about to burst into tears. "---I don't want that―" "―― Yumizuka― san?" "―― Because that, that just makes me look---stupid―" Still aghast, Yumizuka looks down as she murmurs.

*s290
"---I'm sorry, but, I can't have any special feelings for you." I answer clearly while looking her straight in the eye. "I― see." ―― Both Yumizuka's voice and body tremble. "――――" ―― I can't think of anything else to say. Maybe this makes me a horrible person, but those are my true feelings. I never had any special feelings for my classmate Yumizuka Satsuki. I'm only here because what happened on the way home two days ago left such an impression on me, I couldn't just forget about it--- "―― Yeah, I knew that. I guess that's why things turned out this way. ―― It's okay. Since you say that, I'll be honest to myself too, Shiki-kun."

*s291
"YumizukaI―" I― can't answer. Maybe this makes me a horrible person, but those are my true feelings. I never had any special feelings for my classmate Yumizuka Satsuki. I'm only here because what happened on the way home two days ago left such an impression on me, I couldn't just forget about it--- "I thought so. You never even knew I existed, so you couldn't have fallen in love with me."

*s312
"Ah---" Yumizuka's body trembles. Breathing painfully, she falls to her knees. A choking sound. Squatting on the ground, Yumizuka coughs heavily, and she spits out a lump of blood. "---Yumizuka!?" This time, I do rush near her. "Yumizuka, are you okay? Yumizuka―!" I put my hand on her heaving shoulder. "Ah---" I feel a chill. Even through her clothes, I can feel the coldness of her body. "Stupid, you're freezing! What are you doing out in the open on a night like this!" "---Shiki, kun―" Her voice is hollow as she says my name. Yumizuka collapses against me. As she pants, her warm breath brushes my skin. "Yumi― zuka?" "It's okay if you don't like me, Shiki-kun. Because, I really didn't understand you at all until now, either." Yumizuka speaks as she coughs. "It's alright, don't talk―! I'll take you to a hospital―!" "But, I understand now. Who you are, and what you want to do. I really understand now. Because---" "Eh---?" "Because, I became like you, Shiki-kun---!" Saying that, Yumizuka sinks her teeth into my neck. "Ah" Fading. My consciousness is fading. Yumizuka's fangs dig into my neck. "---" I'm being drained. As if all the life in my body is liquified and sucked out. Without strength, there are no thoughts. So, my consciousness is not fading. It is simply being destroyed. "---Ah." There are no thoughts. I know I'll die if I stay like this, but I can't even. All the same. From somewhere beyond my mind, my blood begins to boil. "Yumizuka!" Both my arms push her back out of pure reflex. She falls right on her behind. "What are" I stand up. But, I can't. I'm so exhausted I can barely even lift an arm. Yumizuka sits, as if in a drunken stupor. "Ah" I can't see her face clearly. Everything dims as my consciousness fades. I can't control my body either. All that exists is the pain in my neck. Blood gurgles forth. Yumizuka's teeth marks remain in my neck. And through those two deep holes, something black is being poured into my body--- In my veins. Somewhere beyond my reach, the black thing violates my whole body. As a small piece of the black thing goes through my veins, my body burns inside. "Ah---guhhhh!" A pain, a pain as if my spine is about to be ripped out. "Haa---arghhh!" In pain, I claw at the ground. But there is no relief. I cannot move since Yumizuka has drained everything out of me, and the pain pours into me like a black snake. I cannot move, so the black thing crawls and twists as it pleases inside me. "Haa---ah, ah---" I clutch at the ground. With glazed eyes, Yumizuka― looks at― me. "Yumi― zuka― what have you―!" "It's okay, it only hurts at first. First it hurts, but when the blood mixes, it should die down." "Don't worry, I won't kill you. I poured my blood in properly, so you won't collapse and crumble away like those failures last night. You will only look at me from now on." Yumizuka whispers joyfully. "What are---you talking about― Yumizu― ka---" "I'm saying that I'm making both of us the same, Shiki-kun. Sucking people's blood instead of eating normal food, nocturnal, unable to walk under the sun. You're going to be a different creature." ―― What is, that. Ridiculous, that's just like-- "Yeah, like a vampire. I didn't really understand how I became this way either. Two nights ago, I went out to check the rumor that you were walking around in the shopping district every night, and then when I came to I was lying down in that back alley. Back then, I thought it was just cold, dark, and painful." "But it's strange, after a while, after my body has changed completely, I understood a lot of things. My body hurts because it's being destroyed very fast, and the sunlight acts like a catalyst for that. And if I want to stop the destruction, I need the genetic information of the same type of living organism as myself." "Yeah, I didn't understand the logic that well, but it was plain enough what I had to do. I was cold, and it was lonely by myself. I didn't want to disappear, so I just grabbed a random person and sucked his blood. And you know what? It was really delicious! The pain went away and I thought I could do anything." "But, it was so nice that before I realized it, it was all gone. The man was all shriveled up, like a mummy, and I felt really bad. I thought to myself that I was turning into a monster, both in mind and body. ---But, I had to do it in order to live. Like I said, I didn't kill them because I hated them. I suck blood the same way you people eat animals. So I decided not to think about it too deeply." "Wha---" What― is this? Is it okay to kill other people in order to live? That― I― "But, it seems I've become a proper vampire. Tonight's meal was quite fun. Until now, I've been sucking blood since I was cold and in pain, but now that I'm getting the hang of sucking blood, it's becoming more interesting. You understand, don't you Shiki-kun? You are a much better killer than I am." "Wha---" What― What are you talking about, Yumizuka. "I was always watching you. So, I know your gentle side and your scary side. I never talked to you because I didn't understand your scary side." "But, I understand now. You're the same as me. It doesn't matter if you like or hate people. You could kill anyone, right?" "Don't--be ridiculous." I've never even once had that thought. "I'm not being ridiculous! I never understood the fragile air about you, but now my body has changed, and I can understand. Shiki-kun, just you being there is flirting with death. There are natural-born killers in this world, but even among them, you are the best." "You know, I was really happy yesterday. It was the first time I was happy after becoming this way. Because I finally understood you, Shiki-kun. I never really knew you before. Shiki-kun, you're the same, right? You see someone, and for no reason, your heart throbs, and your throat goes dry." "That's--a lie, that feelingI've never." "-" I can't say― I never had it. "See? A pure homicidal impulse, without the influence of emotion. Your fragile side, which I always wanted to understand." "I forgot to say one more thing. A vampire is someone whose blood has been sucked by a vampire, right? That's true, you know. To be precise, the person whose blood has just been sucked dies. Vampires pour their own blood into their victim as they drink to turn them into their own. So what was in your blood back then was my blood." Standing up, Yumizuka says this with satisfaction. "―― So, this is― your― blood, huh?" The black thing that still defiles my body. It's not even a mouthful, but it still causes unbelievable pain, enough to drive me to madness. "Well, I guess that's long enough. Stand up, Shiki-kun." I hear Yumizuka's command. The pain fades. Feeling returns to my limbs, and I can finally stand up. "---Good. From now on, we'll always be together, Shiki-kun." "――" "Now, come here. Come by my side, hold my hand, and make me feel better." She holds out her hand. Thump. My heart pounds, and my legs begin to move. But they don't move forward. They move backward. "Shiki―― kun?" Yumizuka's voice is perplexed. Thump. My heart throbs. My throat becomes dry. Every nerve in my body recognizes the person in front of me as an enemy. I start to breathe harder. This feeling. Desperately, I endure the poison of Yumizuka's blood and the boiling impulse arising in my body. "Why―? Hey, why aren't you doing what I tell you to do―?" Thump. My heart beats. Is this the impulse Yumizuka was talking about just a while ago? Thump, Thump. My heart beats loudly, as if it was repeatedly ordering me to kill― to kill. "Shiki-kun, you---" "Think straight, Yumizuka." Yumizuka looks at me as I breathe painfully. "Why---!? Why didn't my blood work―!?" "―― I don't know, but it does feel like there's some mud in my body." That should be Yumizuka's vampire blood. If a mouthful of it could make me feel this sick, I can't even imagine what pain it must be for Yumizuka, whose body is filled with it. ―― It hurts, she said. At last, I understand what she meant. "―― Let's stop, Yumizuka-san. It doesn't help you to do this. You're sick. We have to get you to a hospital, and return your body to the way it was." ―― I don't want the girl who cares for me to be suffering anymore. But she glares at me with eyes filled with hate. "---My blood is definitely mixed with your blood! So you should already be part of my body―! Could it be, someone else has control over you already―!?" "Like I said, I don't understand, Yumizuka. All I understand is---you saying that it's dark, cold, and lonely. All I remember is your smiling face two days ago, telling me to help you whenever you're in a pinch." ―― To be honest, I don't know what kind of creature a vampire is. But you have to kill and suck blood to live, and if you're still in pain, then I have to try to get you back the way you were. "―― Yumizuka. You said it hurts." "Yeah. It still hurts even now. My blood vessels are still the same as they were when I was human, so just the flow of blood hurts. Delicate and weak, as they burst easily. But if I drink a lot more human blood, my blood vessels will be just fine." "You said, it's painful." "Yes. My heart is in pain. I have to take people's blood in order to live. I don't feel like it's a crime but it hurts. I'm painfully afraid that the person I was is going to disappear. But, I wouldn't be so scared if I'm not alone." "You said, it's cold." "Yeah. I'm so cold, I feel like my fingers will freeze off. But I don't think it's bad. I just can't feel warmth anymore." "You asked for help, desperately." "I want help, but it's already too late. I can't go back to who I used to be." Yumizuka says, smiling just as she did back then. "Why---why did you end up that way―" "Why? That's what I want to know. When I woke up, I had this body and just had this thirst for human blood I needed to fulfill. It would have been so much easier if I just died instead." "But, I guess it can't be helped. Like people eat animals to live, I have to eat people too." "Wha---what is that―! What are you talking about―! Why are you saying such things, Yumizuka---" Unable to accept the facts, I just shout. "---" Yumizuka is silent, and only shakes her head. "Why―! Are you saying you can't laugh and walk and talk normally again like before? It― it was only two days ago―!" "―― That's right. Just two days ago, I was a creature on your side. It was like a dream. I understand now that I've lost it. ---Yes, it was really like a dream. I would give anything to go back." "Then---" "But it's impossible. I can't go back. I have to live on like this. Cold, painful, alone." Yumizuka looks down. Her cold body trembles. "---Help me, Shiki-kun." A faint voice escapes her throat. "I'm scared. It's really cold, and I'm alone no matter where I go. So please, help me." ―― I understand. I remember the trifling promise I made on the way home from school two days ago. "---Yeah. I'll do whatever I can." ―― Really. To change you back into the old Yumizuka Satsuki, I'll do anything. But― Her answer is very different than mine. "―― Ahaha. Oh, Shiki-kun, you're still thinking about turning me back? ―― Honestly, you're so kind. It's a great contradiction for someone who loves to kill to be so gentle about everything else." Yumizuka chuckles happily. "I told you, it's impossible. You can't help me like that, Shiki-kun." "Wha---then, then what should I do―! There's nothing else I can do. I want to help you, there's nothing I can do―!" "That's not true. There is something you can do to help me, Shiki-kun." Saying so, Yumizuka steps forward. ---Thump. A chill runs through my back, sensing the danger. "--How can I help you, Yumizuka?" "It's easy. You just have to become my friend―!!" "Ch---!" Red, piercing eyes stare at me, and I can't breathe. ---This is bad. I realize it, but my legs are not moving. "Friend, wha---" "Then I won't be alone, and I won't be cold or scared. No, if you will be mine, I'll be much happier than I ever was as a human---!" ---THUMP. My heart beats even faster. Yumizuka reaches out with her arm, straight for my neck. Her speed is like a bullet. But somehow, I see it perfectly---or I felt like I saw it perfectly and I drop to the ground. "---Guh―!" I twist my head desperately, and throw myself to the ground. With a whoosh, Yumizuka's arms pass over my head. "Haaah." "---Can't be." The target and the attacker. We gaze at each other in amazement. "Yumizuka, you---" "Shiki-kun?" Yumizuka looks down at me, aghast. I---I know I have to run away, but my body is still frozen. Thump. My heart rings like a bell. My hand grabs the thing in my pocket, in spite of my paralyzed mind. Yumizuka doesn't move. Only her eyes change, from surprise to delight. "―― I get it. I thought it would be simple to get you into my possession, but---" Thump. "Tonight will be quite entertaining, won't it, Tohno-kun?" Her red, piercing eyes are hungry for blood. Her arms extend brutishly, mercilessly. Every hair on my body stands on end. Before I'm torn apart, my hand takes the knife out from my pocket. Thump. "-Eh?" The movement of my arm is faster than my voice. With a swish, the knife slices through Yumizuka's thigh. "Kyaaaa!" Yumizuka screams shrilly. ---I look in shock at my arm. There is the bloody knife that sliced open her leg. "――――― Ah." My senses return. My body moves. ---Before I realize it, I am fleeing from Yumizuka as I tremble. I breathe wildly. I just run. "Why---why did I---" I don't know. I don't understand why or how I stabbed her. Thump. My heart rings out. And before I knew it, I had sliced her leg with my knife. *pant* *pant* *pant* *pant*---! Yumizuka's blood flows over the knife. The feeling of tearing flesh remains in my arm. "Why---" Really, why did I do such a thing? I only---I only wanted to help Yumizuka Satsuki. "Guh---" Somehow, remembering her face makes my heart beat louder. Fear and excitement. Yumizuka is trying to kill me. My heart pounds in response to the danger. I, Tohno Shiki, cannot compete with that creature. It's like apples and humans. How can the ones getting eaten oppose that which eats them? It's already like that. Just as Tohno Shiki eats a tomato with no opposition― for Yumizuka Satsuki, I am no different from a tomato. If she finds me― If she catches me, she'll kill me. So, I am running away. I run, and feel that I'm still alive. I run through the night. For now, I just run. --For what? That's clear. Because if I don't I'll be caught. I feel the presence of Yumizuka Satsuki behind me. The presence, which felt like a needle before, gets larger and looms menacingly behind me. *pant* *pant* *pant*! I run to escape. But who am I running from? ―― It was a beautiful smile. The smiling face of Yumizuka Satsuki remembering her days at junior high school was truly gentle. "Sh― it―!" Such a thing, how could such a thing happen―!? Yumizuka became a monster which kills people, and drinks their blood "!?" Suddenly something hits my back, and I'm knocked to the ground. "U---ghuh―!!" Since I fell over running, my body is covered with scrapes. But my back hurts far more right now. With the impact on my back like that from a weapon, breathing becomes impossible. "What---" I start to say it, but the words vanish. Something falls onto the ground next to me. The thing that just smashed into me is rolling. "Per― son―" It was some guy, arms and legs twisted. "--Ah." Blood flows from the man's body. Red blood flows over the asphalt, staining my body red. It's― a human body without a head. "Ohh, I didn't mean to hit you. My reflexes have improved, but I guess it's a problem if my aim is too accurate." A delighted voice comes from behind me. "Ah---" Still on the ground, I look behind me. What I see there, is Yumizuka Satsuki walking, with a human head in one hand. "I'm sorry, Shiki-kun; it hurt, right? I just tried to surprise you by throwing it ahead of you." As she apologizes, Yumizuka tosses the severed head away. "Yumizuka, what was that---" "Hm? Oh, this? I ran into him while I was running after you. He was being a little noisy so I ripped off his mouth. I tasted a little of his blood, but drunk people's blood tastes so nasty. Shiki-kun, you should only choose young and healthy bodies too." Speaking pleasantly, she approaches with a smile. It's nothing like the smile from back then. Bye-bye, she said. There are no similarities with the person who waved and departed back then. "You---really don't think anything of killing people, Yumizuka?" "I don't. Talking humans and edible humans are different. Even you make a difference between human friends and friends to be killed, right Tohno-kun?" "I didn't think so at first. Last night, I really hated myself too. But, I had to drink blood, to ease the pain. So I killed a lot of people. Each time I killed someone, my body stopped hurting and my heart hurt more." She stops for just a moment. For a moment, Yumizuka Satsuki looks down sadly. "But, I came to understand. Right now it will still hurt a bit, but even that will fade. Becausebeyond the guilt of killing people, the wonderful feeling of taking their lives away was many times stronger. I told you, didn't I? That I will be like you, Shiki-kun. Don't worry, I'll become a splendid vampire who enjoys killing, just like you." Yumizuka approaches with a smile. "-That's a lie." I say so, only to realize that even that is a lie. It's such a poor lie that even I can't be deceived. It's hopeless. She's hopeless. Yumizuka Satsuki cannot be saved. Even my remaining reasoning lost to that sole conclusion. "" I stand up, grasping the knife tightly. She's going to suck my blood anyway. I don't plan on losing my life and becoming one of those vampires. So. There was only one thing to do from the beginning. "---Yumizuka, I― can't save you." "That's not true. If you just cooperate, we'll be happy together." "---" No. That's a twisted happiness, Yumizuka. "But. I made a promise. ---so I have to help you in some other way." Saying so, I take off my glasses. An ache floods my head. For the first time, I accept this vision in order to kill someone. "---I see. Well, I'm glad you're motivated, Shiki-kun. But it's too late. This race is already over." "-!?" "Gah---!" ---What, what just happened―? In an instant, Yumizuka disappears, I see her face beside me---and at that moment, something slams into my side. "Ha---a, guh―!" ―― My back hurts. Such a simple attack and I am slammed into the wall of a building? "Kuh---!" Grasping my knife tightly, I somehow manage to stand. "Oh, you can still move? You're relatively strong, aren't you, Shiki-kun? Since you were always troubled by anemia, I thought you were weak." Yumizuka's voice draws nearer. *pant*---*pant*, *pant* Breathing---my breathing is rough. What is this? I have made a serious mistake. "It's useless to expect anything from that knife. To me, you look as if you're stopped. Even if you had a gun, it would be useless." Her laughing voice is full of amusement. "---Ghaa---ah." That's, the mistake. I can see the lines along which things break, but I'm just a human who can see that. If my opponent is many times faster than me, like Yumizuka, I can't even touch those lines. "Kuh---" In other words, against her, it's useless even if I can see these lines. "---Ohh. Well, it can't be helped. I'm going to be a little rough. Don't worry, if your head and heart are intact, I can do something." "Kuh" With a crash, everything becomes black. Yumizuka's hand grabbed my arm. And threw me like that― Like a soccer ball, I was thrown and I fall to the ground on my back. "Ahghh!" I can't see. My body is in such pain, I can't see anything. "Hey now, you shouldn't be sleeping there, Shiki-kun――!" "!" I roll to the side quickly. Right where I was before, Yumizuka's arms pound the ground. The sound of asphalt breaking apart reaches my ears. "Hakk――!" I force my numb body to move. My vision is still pitch-black. All I can feel is Yumizuka's presence. "――― You――!" Standing up and facing her presence, I raise my knife. "I said it was useless. Why can't you just accept it calmly, Shiki-kun!?" Her presence nears. Thump, the sound of my heartbeat. It might be because I can't see anything, this time I easily slip through her grasp. "--No way." Yumizuka's surprised voice. I know her back is facing me. But since I can't see her, I can't do anything. From therea hostile, killing presence growing stronger. "Why youI said, don't move!!!" Her voice. Impending death. I blindly swing my knife to meet them. "Kyaa!" The sound of rending flesh. I just sliced her arm. "CraYumizuka, are you okay――!?" Saying so, I hate how stupid I am. Why am I worrying over someone trying to kill me? "--Ah." My body― floats. I am hit from the front and fly through the air. "Ah--" My vision returns. Is it because her attack was so strong? "―― Back―― alley." It seems I flew all the way to the back alley wall. I feel the hard wall against my back. "Ah." My consciousness starts to fade. Still, Yumizuka mercilessly presses forward. "Liar!" Her voice full of hate, she swings her arm towards me. "――――――" I can't move. Since I can't move, all I can do is be killed. "―――――― Eh?" The wall shakes. Yumizuka's arm only pounded the wall next to me. "Liar! You said you'd help me when I was in a pinch!" Again, she starts to break areas away from me. "Why? Am I not good enough because I became like this? But I couldn't help it――! I didn't become like this because I wanted to――!" Bam. Bam. Like a child throwing a tantrum, she keeps screaming. "―― It hurts so much, it is so painful, but why won't you help me, Shiki-kun!? You promised to help me, so why--" Bam. Bam. Her forlorn, anguished voice. In this situation where she could kill me any time― For some reason, my fear of impending death starts to fade away. "Shiki-kunif you could be by my side, I could even bear this pain. Why, why can't you accept me――!?" ―― How, foolish. Her words weren't ones of hate directed at me. Yumizuka Satsuki was only crying this whole time because she can't help it Her voice dwindles away. Only able to move my fingers, I look at her. ―― How come? Yumizuka looks at my unmoving body as if she was surprised. ―― As if, she was waking from a nightmare, and regretting what she's done. "Shiki-kun, I―― never, meant to" Her voice is trembling. ―― I guess she's calmed down, but her voice still sounds like she is about to cry. "――― It's――― okay." You don't need to blame yourself like that. Even if your mind and body turned into a vampire. In the end, you're still just a pitiful victim. In any case, I can't move. Yumizuka, if you say you are so alone, in so much pain, and so cold, then there is only one thing that I can do. "―― It's okay, Yumizuka-san." "Shiki―― kun?" "You can suck my blood if you want. It's a promise―― I'll be with you, okay?" I think my voice was kinder then I ever was. After hesitating, she quietly kneels by me and holds me. "Is it, really okay?" Her voice is mingled with hesitation and happiness. "―― What? You came after me because you wanted to do that, right? Why are you hesitating now, Yumizuka-san?" "But--I really want to, but" If I do that, I really will be hopeless That last line barely escapes her lips. "――――" ―― How ironic. Certainly she has become a vampire. Yet in her most important part, a human heart remains. Because her heart remains, Yumizuka Satsuki still feels pain over being a vampire. Being human. As long as that part remains human, she will be in pain. "It hurts, doesn't it? So it's okay. I can't help you. So shouldn't we just do things your way?" "――― Shiki――― kun." She nods. Then, she brings her lips to my neck. "Ah--" Disappearing. The remaining heat in my body fades away quickly. Quiet. Such a quiet death. I don't have any power to break free. The "lines" in my vision should disappear soon too.

*s312a
With this, it is over. Tohno Shiki will soon disappear, and everything will end. "Ah." End―― end― is that, okay? ―― You will come back, right――? Akiha said that. My sister I left alone for eight years. The black-haired girl I have done nothing for as a brother. Always, Tohno Akiha was alone in that mansion. "" Before, I faced Yumizuka with my knife to bring her salvation from death. And now, I am giving up my life to save her with my life. But, that― Doing that, who would be saved? At least for Tohno Shiki, it's not helping someone he cares the most about "Akiha." ―― I can't die. Even if I'm wrong, I can't die now. "Yumi, zuka" My knife moves. ―― The "line" on her chest. The line on the heart of the girl who believed in herself, hoping for some last salvation ―― I plunge my knife deeply into it. "Shiki, kun?" Satsuki's lips pull back. The power there turns to nothing. "Sorry. I couldn't help you, Yumizuka." This is the only way I can. If she can't escape from the pain, then at leastI can let her have a painless death. "I seeI knew it― you couldn't be with me, right Tohno-kun?" Her voice is terribly peaceful. Just like the way home in the sunset two days ago. "But, I'm still happy. Even if it was just a brief moment, you chose me, Tohno-kun―― Yeah, in that case, maybe dying like this isn't so bad. All the pain is gone, and the scary emotions have disappeared like magic" I feel something blowing at my feet. Looking there, I see Yumizuka's legs have turned to ash from the knees down. "And, it's a little warm right now. Ehehe, this must be your warmth, Tohno-kun." She speaks happily. --This pure regret, it's so much, I want to die. I prepared myself. I prepared myself when I betrayed her, for whatever hateful words she might say. So why? Why this peaceful, happy voice? She doesn't even blame me at all. "Sorry. Iwas powerless. I'm the lowest." My eyes are burning. Inside my brain, my vision wavers. "Aha. Tohno-kun, you are crying. ―― You really are kind. After I did these horrible things, you still cry for me. ―― Yeah, that's what I liked the most about you. I watched you since middle school, Tohno-kunso I always knew about that side of you no one else did." Her proud voice, and the sensation of something drifting away on the wind. Her lower body doesn't exist anymore. "―― I, wanted to talk more with you, Tohno-kun. Normally, just as classmates, to talk more. That's why I really don't want to die now." "--" I can't say anything. I don't have any words for her. At the very end, she leans her head against my forehead. "But, this is for sure the best way. ---So, don't cry, Tohno-kun. You did the right thing." The sensation of the knife gets lighter. Satsuki's body doesn't have a heart anymore. "Ah, it seems like I won't be able to talk anymore. Well, my house is this way. So this is goodbye then." "Yumizuka――!" "Yeah, bye bye, Tohno-kun. Thank you---and, sorry." Whoosh. Like ash scattered by the wind, Yumizuka Satsuki completely disappears before my eyes. ―― Her figure disappeared like it was just a mirage. "--" All that remains is this dizziness. I killed her. I wanted to save herI even said I would save her---but in the end, I killed her to save myself. "Aa." But still. But still, it would have been okay for her to call me a liar at the very end. If she did that, I really could have turned into a bad person, so why Thank you. Sorry. She didn't have to thank me. There was no reason to apologize. "I--killed you." ―― But still, she thanked me. That's why. I really did want to save her. "--" My numb body stands up on its own. I can't think of anything right now. Are my mind and body separate things? Mindlessly dragging my body, I exit the alley The door opens with a creak. Covered in wounds, I finally make it back to the mansion. "--Ah." Akiha is in the lobby. Was she waiting for me this whole time? ―― Right now, I can't understand anything. "Nii-san, what were you doing this whole time? What time do you think" "N, Nii-san, you look" ―― Akiha is shocked. Why? I can't even bring myself to want to think about what's so shocking for her. "Nii-san, hang in there――! What in the world happened? You have all these wounds, and―― you look terrible." "――――――" I don't say anything. No, I can't say anything. I don't even know what Akiha is saying. "--" Akiha gasps silently and then walks towards me. "Anyway, I will have to treat you. Nii-san, can you walk?" "――――――" Yeah. I'm alive, so I can walk. "I will treat your wounds, so please come to the sitting room. Ah, and take a bath--that will be impossible, so I'll have to wipe you with warm water." Akiha disappears with quick footsteps. Akiha takes care of me by herself. She wipes off my dirty body with a towel, goes so far as to make me food, and accompanies me to my room. During that time― I couldn't― even say a single word. "―― Then I will go back to my room. Please rest well tonight, Nii-san." Without even asking anything. In the end, she doesn't ask anything and quietly walks away. Disappearing. Just like― the girl― I killed. As I think that, I grab Akiha's arm. "Nii-san--!?" Then, I embrace Akiha― ―― Strongly. Unable to be alone, I wanted to feel someone's body warmth. "Akiha." I embrace her without thinking. ―― Akiha doesn't say anything. Even though she definitely should pull away, she doesn't resist my trembling body. Like thisall I wanted was to stay like this. "I, am the worst." I confess. From my sin, and I escape to Akiha. "―― I wanted to save her―― I wanted to save her―― but I couldn't do anything." As if seeking salvation, I squeeze Akiha tighter. There's no response from Akiha. As if repelled by my weakness, Akiha pulls away. "―― Nii-san. I do not know what happened to you. I think it is something I shouldn't ask about, either." "" "I cannot give you any answers. You have to solve your own problems. Soplease do not run to me for something like this." ―― Her words are really right on target. Her rebuke is so correct, I finally return to myself. "―― Sorry. Just forget about it, please." "――――" Akiha walks to the door without answering. She tried to leave, but she suddenly stops. "I will not ask what happened. But when you left, I was very frightened. I felt like you would not return. Like eight years ago, I had the same premonition." "---" "But, you did come back, Nii-san. ―― You said you were unable to save someone. But at least, you were able to save me from that premonition." "So, welcome back, Nii-san. Just your return has made me so happy―― So please keep that in mind." Saying that embarrassedly, she gives a quick bow. "Akiha--" "That is all I have to say. ―― I will be very clear so my slow Nii-san can understand. I'm saying please don't leave your cute little sister alone again." "Ha, hahaI see, I get it. But cute? It's not right to say such things about yourself, Akiha." I finally manage a response. But with just that, Akiha gives a boastful smile. "Yes. Then I will see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams, tomorrow will be a new day. I won't allow you to be looking like that tomorrow." Akiha leaves. Ilooking at my body covered in wounds, fall to my bed. "Ha-ah." Deep. As if I'm saying goodbye to something, I let out a deep sigh. "―― Sorry, Yumizuka. I decidedI shouldn't be full of regret after all." ―― Everything about what happened with her will be an indelible scar. But, I should believe it was the right thing to do. I know it is a sin, and I will have to accept my punishment someday. But, I can't have regret for being alive right now. "―― I'm back, Akiha." I mumble aloud my heartfelt thanks. ―― My mind starts to drift. My exhausted mind and body swiftly approach sleep. In that instant, I thought― It's good for me to be alive. At the very least, I have a home to return to. And waiting for me there is my priceless family

*s313
"Ah---" Yumizuka's body trembles. Breathing painfully, she falls to her knees. A choking sound. Squatting on the ground, Yumizuka coughs heavily, and she spits out a lump of blood. "---Yumizuka!?" This time, I do rush near her. "Yumizuka, are you okay? Yumizuka―!" I put my hand on her heaving shoulder. "Ah---" I feel a chill. Even through her clothes, I can feel the coldness of her body. "Stupid, you're freezing! What are you doing out in the open on a night like this!" "---Shiki, kun―" Her voice is hollow as she says my name. Yumizuka collapses against me. As she pants, her warm breath brushes my skin. "Yumi― zuka?" "It's okay if you don't like me, Shiki-kun. Because, I really didn't understand you at all until now, either." Yumizuka speaks as she coughs. "It's alright, don't talk―! I'll take you to a hospital―!" "But, I understand now. Who you are, and what you want to do. I really understand now. Because---" "Eh---?" Yumizuka's arm tenses. With amazing strength, she digs into my shoulder. "Because, I became like you, Shiki-kun---!" Saying that, Yumizuka sinks her teeth into my neck. "Ah" Fading. My consciousness is fading. Yumizuka's fangs dig into my neck. "---" I'm being drained. As if all the life in my body is liquified and sucked out. Without strength, there are no thoughts. So, my consciousness is not fading. It is simply being destroyed. "---Ah." There are no thoughts. I know I'll die if I stay like this, but I can't even Kill this woman. All the same. From somewhere beyond my mind, my blood begins to boil. "Yumizuka!" Both my arms push her back out of pure reflex. She falls right on her behind. "What are―" I stand up. But, I can't. I'm so exhausted I can barely even lift an arm. Yumizuka sits, as if in a drunken stupor. "Ah--" I can't see her face clearly. Everything dims as my consciousness fades. I can't control my body either. All that exists is the pain in my neck. Blood gurgles forth. Yumizuka's teeth marks remain in my neck. And through those two deep holes, something black is being poured into my body--- "Ah---guhhhh!" A pain, a pain as if my spine is about to be ripped out. "Haa---arghhh!" In pain, I claw at the ground. But there is no relief. I cannot move since Yumizuka has drained everything out of me, and the pain pours into me like a black snake. I cannot move, so the black thing crawls and twists as it pleases inside me. "Haa---ah, ah---" I clutch at the ground. With glazed eyes, Yumizuka― looks at― me. "Yumi― zuka― what have you―!" "It's okay, it only hurts at first. First it hurts, but when the blood mixes, it should die down." "Don't worry, I won't kill you. I poured my blood in properly, so you won't collapse and crumble away like those failures last night. You will only look at me from now on." Yumizuka whispers joyfully. "What are---you talking about― Yumizu― ka---" "I'm saying that I'm making both of us the same, Shiki-kun. Sucking people's blood instead of eating normal food, nocturnal, unable to walk under the sun. You're going to be a different creature." ―― What is, that. Ridiculous, that's just like-- "Yeah, like a vampire. I didn't really understand how I became this way either. Two nights ago, I went out to check the rumor that you were walking around in the shopping district every night, and then when I came to I was lying down in that back alley. Back then, I thought it was just cold, dark, and painful." "But it's strange, after a while, after my body has changed completely, I understood a lot of things. My body hurts because it's being destroyed very fast, and the sunlight acts like a catalyst for that. And if I want to stop the destruction, I need the genetic information of the same type of living organism as myself." "Yeah, I didn't understand the logic that well, but it was plain enough what I had to do. I was cold, and it was lonely by myself. I didn't want to disappear, so I just grabbed a random person and sucked his blood. And you know what? It was really delicious! The pain went away and I thought I could do anything. "But, it was so nice that before I realized it, it was all gone. The man was all shriveled up, like a mummy, and I felt really bad. I thought to myself that I was turning into a monster, both in mind and body. ---But, I had to do it in order to live. Like I said, I didn't kill them because I hated them. I suck blood the same way you people eat animals. So I decided not to think about it too deeply." "Wha---" What― is this? Is it okay to kill other people in order to live? That― I― "But, it seems I've become a proper vampire. Tonight's meal was quite fun. Until now, I've been sucking blood since I was cold and in pain, but now that I'm getting the hang of sucking blood, it's becoming more interesting. You understand, don't you Shiki-kun? You are a much better killer than I am." "Wha---" What― What are you talking about, Yumizuka. "Didn't I say it before? I was always watching you, so I know your gentle side and your scary side. I never talked to you because I didn't understand your scary side." "But I understand now. You're the same as me. Hey Shiki-kun. Even you were thinking you wanted to kill someone, without love or hate having anything to do with it." "Don't---be ridiculous." I've never even once thought that. "I'm not being ridiculous! I never understood the fragile air about you, but now my body has changed, and I can understand――! Shiki-kun, just you being there is flirting with death. That's the kind of person you are. Like me, someone who has to kill people. Your need to kill others is the same as the need to breathe, right?" "You know, I was really happy yesterday. It was the first time I was happy after becoming this way. Because I finally understood you, Shiki-kun. I never really knew you before. Shiki-kun, you're the same, right? You see someone, and for no reason, your heart throbs, and your throat goes dry. Seeing red blood, you enter a stupor like you were drunk from alcohol, right? Stealing the life of others, extinguishing the life of others, isn't it so exciting? So fun!" "That's--a lie, that feelingI've never." "Ah." That was, something only in a dream though. But I can't say― I never had it. "See? A pure homicidal impulse, without the influence of emotion. Your fragile side, which I always wanted to understand." "I forgot to say one more thing. A vampire is someone whose blood has been sucked by a vampire, right? That's true, you know. To be precise, the person whose blood has just been sucked dies. Vampires pour their own blood into their victim as they drink to turn them into their own. So what's in you right now is my blood." Standing up, Yumizuka speaks with satisfaction. "―― I see. This is, Yumizuka-san's--blood, then." ―― The black thing that still defiles my body. It's not even a mouthful, but it still causes unbelievable pain, enough to drive me to madness.       If that's the case, This blood. This foreign pollutant swimming in my body. I can't see it. But, with my "eyes", that would--         First, Because of my crawling on the ground, my glasses have fallen off. The lines. I can see the point of that― foreign substance.      Then  kill, I stab the point with my knife. I thrust the knife into my body. But it doesn't cut any of my flesh. What is killed is not me but this foreign object. "Now, it's been long enough. Stand up, Shiki-kun." ―― I hear Yumizuka's command. The pain fades. I can control my arms and legs again, and I can finally stand up. "---Good. From now on, we'll always be together, Shiki-kun." "――――――" "Now, come here. Come by my side, hold my hand, and make me feel better." She holds out her hand. Thump. My heart pounds, and my legs begin to move. But they don't move forward. They move backward. "Shiki―― kun?"       Kill. Yumizuka's bewildered voice. Thump. My heart begins to scream. My throat becomes dry. Every nerve in my body recognizes the person in front of me as an enemy.        Kill. *pant*―― *pant*―― *pant* This feeling. It's as if my thoughts belong to a completely different person. I can't resist the impulse flowing out within me. --My mind/is growing/hazy. "Why――? Hey, why aren't you doing what I tell you to――?"       Kill. Thump, Thump. My heart beats loudly, as if repeatedly ordering me to kill― to kill. "Shiki-kun, you--" "―― No, Yumizuka" She looks at me as I breathe painfully. "Why--!? Why didn't my blood work――!?" "―― I killed your blood. So, I will not become--your partner." "Wha--" The eyes staring at me are filled with surprise.       Kill. "―― Please disappear, Yumizuka―― I don't understand why, but―― if you remain here, I--"        Kill. "I"        Kill. "I don't--want to kill anyone" My mind/is/inverting. Yumizuka's eyes burn black. Like a needle, the sharp intent to kill. Tohno Shiki's body--separates itself from the mind and will of Tohno Shiki. I lick my lips as I pick up my knife. "Oh, you're serious now, Shiki-kun." "---" I can't speak. Nothing. The thought of responding doesn't even occur. My field of vision shrinks to nothing. "Liar. You said― you'd help me."   I don't know   anything about that. "―― Fine. If you won't cooperate, I'll kill you first. There'll be plenty of time to give you my blood after that――!"   Well said,   for a miserable failure. ―― I can only hear the voice. There are no thoughts. My body kills the body of Yumizuka in return, who is trying to kill my body. A sensation of spurting. My right arm holding my knife is heavy and my left arm is burning. The burning on my left arm is from the flowing blood. Yumizuka's nails tore through my clothes and made the blood flow. Maybe thanks to the bleeding, my burning blood cools down. My ferociously pounding heart starts to calm. But, I start to realize, I pierced Yumizuka's heart with my knife, and am now holding her as if I am embracing her. "Wha--" This is, a continuation of my nightmare. Without knowing it, I killed Yumizuka Satsuki. "Wh―― y" Yumizuka's body up against mine is frigid. There was never, never any warmth to begin with. Her body is like pure ice, and isn't doing anything but embracing mine. "――― Yumi― zuka." My fingers holding the knife shake uncontrollably. Shallow breathing fills the air. Mine, and hers. "What--have I done?" I didn't want to kill her. I didn't even have a single thought of hurting her, so why!? "Shiki―― kun." I hear Yumizuka's voice right next to my ear. She's probably going to voice her grudge. She asked me to help her. But all I did in response was to kill her without even thinking. "―――― I'm― so happy." But, Yumizuka, with a gentleness like she were having a dream, said those words. "Wh, y?" "―― Because― this was the first time you ever seriously looked at me. That's why I'm so happy. That makes me― your first time, Shiki-kun." ---Thump. "―― I'm so sorry. They say only death can cure a fool; but in my case, it seems even death couldn't cure me---" --Thump. "―― Yumi―― zuka?" ---Thump. There's no reply. With a dry sound, her body crumbles to ashes as if it was never there to begin with. -What happened? That's right. -I could not, understand. That's fine. "Ha--ah." ―― I breathe harder. Knife still in hand, the contents of my stomach rise to my throat. "Ahghaa--aah--" ―― How come? There is regret over killing her. There's also guilt. But, above all else---I can't rid myself of this feeling. "Aah--ghaa--gah--" What a shock. If you call this pain pleasure, then this has to be the greatest pleasure in the world. That's what I think as I feel this blood pulsing throughout my body. ―― That's the kind of person you are. Like me, someone who has to kill people to live. -She― ―― Your need to kill others is the same as your need to breathe. -She said killing others was fun, she proudly said that to me. "---No." No, that's wrong. I cannot accept that. If I accept that, I could never live as myself again. "I'm different. I'm different from you, Yumizuka." There's no power in my denial. My whole vision wavers. Here---if I stay here any longer, I'll go crazy. ―― I have to go back. Back to my world. I need to hurry back to the normal life of Tohno Shiki, or else I'll be engulfed by this poison. "--Gaaah." Trying to stifle the sharp pain in my head, I start to walk away.

*s314
―――――― Cold. Were you bearing this much cold all by yourself, Yumizuka? Even as I said sorryand pitied you, I didn't understand your pain at all. But, that's over. Tohno Shiki will soon disappear, and everything will end. ---My heartbeat gets farther away. My body warmth, everything that is living, ceases. A familiar sensation. That summer day eight years ago, a hatching cold. THUMP After screaming loudly, my heart stops. And everything. Everything that is Tohno Shiki disappears.

*s305
I awaken to brilliant sunshine. "――――― Mmmn." I climb out of bed and look out the window. The weather out the window is beautiful, truly fitting for a Sunday. ―― That is, there isn't a cloud in the sky, as if trying to tell me everything that happened yesterday was just a dream. "―――― Is it morning?" My chest hurts. The unmatched clear sky greets me, as it always does. But, that fact just hurts me too much. That girl. The girl who disappeared last night will never be able to experience a morning like this again "Shiki-sama, are you awake?" ―― That voice brings me back to reality. "―― What is it, all of a sudden― ?" Being regretful, is that hypocrisy? "Shiki-sama? Are you awake, Shiki-sama?" Knock-knock, comes a hesitant sound at the door. I am back in my room. No matter how much regret I feel, I wake up just like always. As long as I live, I can't escape reality. No matter how much I regret it. "―― Yeah, I'm up. Come in." "Please excuse me." The door opens with a clink and Hisui enters. "Good morning, Shiki-sama." Did she come to get my change of clothes? She's carrying a clean set. "Morning, Hisui. Um, has everyone had breakfast already?" "―― Shiki-sama. Forgive my rudeness, but did you check the time since you woke up?" "Eh--? The time? It's still morning--" The clock claims it's just past twelve. "Eehh--? Wh, why does this clock say it's noon already?" "I think the clock is not the one who has the time incorrect, Shiki-sama. I came to wake you many times this morning, but you did not open your eyes even once." "―――――――" ―― Was it really that deep of a sleep? Not just my mind, but my body suffered heavy wounds, I suppose. "I see, sorry. You came to wake me up― just what was I doing? ―― Ah, it was a late night, but I still shouldn't have slept in like that." "No, you do not have school today, so sleeping in was an option, but---Shiki-sama, you intend to go out again tonight?" "Eh---No, not, at all―― Ah, more importantly, I wonder how Akiha is. I think she was up late last night too" "Akiha-sama woke up at her usual time this morning." Hisui looks like she wants to say something more, but she answers my question. "―― Oh. She really is different from me, leading that disciplined lifestyle." ―― I think back to what happened last night. While I was still in a dazed stupor over what happened with Yumizuka, Akiha took care of me without asking any questions. After that, um―― it's a little embarrassing, so I don't want to remember it. "Hisui, is Akiha still here? She's an awfully busy person, so does she have a routine on her day off?" "Yes, she does have plans during her day off, but today she is still in the mansion." "―――?" She has plans, but she's still here――? "I don't quite get it, but―― Well, I'll get changed, so please head to the sitting room ahead of me." "Yes. Well, please excuse me." As usual, Hisui glides away without a sound. "Ah, Hisui." "Yes? What is it, Shiki-sama?" "Yeah, I forgot to say something. Thanks for coming to wake me up. It's a little late, but― good morning, Hisui." "---Yes. Please have a nice day, Shiki-sama." Staring up at the ceiling, I let out a deep breath. About Yumizuka Satsuki― That's something I can never forget, for the rest of my life. But, I will not let that control my life. I have a home to return to. Akiha is here for me, and I have an ordinary life to live. To protect all of that, I betrayed her. So--if I can't protect that, then everything will have been a lie. "Is that just sugarcoating it?" Maybe all I can do is deceive myself. Well, Hisui is waiting. I should change quickly, and go back to the normal life waiting for me in the sitting room In the sitting room, Akiha is on the sofa, Kohaku-san is keeping her company, and Hisui is standing by the wall. "Good morning, Shiki-san." "Morning, Kohaku-san. Sorry to be a bother, but could you fix me something to eat? I'm a little hungry from all that sleeping." "Yes, right away. I will get it ready, so please wait a little bit." Kohaku-san quickly patters away towards the dining room. That leaves Akiha and Hisui, who is standing wordlessly like a statue. "―― Yo, Akiha. G'morning." "――――――――" Akiha just looks at me with a dissatisfied look on her face and doesn't return my greeting. "――――― Uh." I knew she'd be upset about last night. I know I deserve it since I embraced her like that last night--- "Akiha. Last night, was---" "Nii-san. Sleeping in this late― just what were you thinking?" "Eh---um, well, I― sorry." "―― Geez, I'm not mad about that. It's your day off, and you've chosen to sleep in until now. It's your laziness that angers me!" With a "hmph", Akiha angrily turns her face away. ―― Well, it may just be my imagination, but "peevishly" is a better word than "angrily". "Well, I couldn't help it. I got in late last night, and my body was just tired." "You brought that on yourself. No matter what the circumstances, please obey the rules of this house." "―――― Erk." I hate to admit it, but since she went to sleep the same time I did, and still woke up early, I really can't counter her argument. "Besides, Nii-san. Shouldn't you let Hisui wake you up in the morning? I'll let you go today because of last night, but you always laze around in bed too long, Nii-san." "―― Um, Akiha. Maybe it's not my place to say, but it's not like I'm sleeping in because I want to." "What? So how come you always sleep in until the last minute every morning? You don't know how I feel when I wait for you until the last minute, and" "Akiha-sama." "Ah" "―――?" Where did the dire, threatening atmosphere go? All of a sudden, Akiha descends into silence. "Hey, Akiha. I said so before, but waking up past seven o'clock in the morning isn't intentional. Even I would like to get up earlier, but my body doesn't listen to what I tell it. If you want to help me wake up earlier, please buy me a really powerful alarm clock. I'm sure that'd get me up." "―― Uh, Nii-san? This may be a stupid question, but did you ever tell Hisui what time you wanted her to wake you up?" "Ah." That's right, I forgot such a simple thing as that. "Oh yeah. Hisui comes every morning to wake me, so it's alright for her to do that. So― Hisui, could you please wake me up at six-thirty each morning? It would really help me out――" I swing around to face Hisui. She stares right back at me. "I refuse." "Eh?" "Forgive me, but I refuse to wake you up, Shiki-sama." "Well, um--" I don't know what to say. The shock put my brain on hold. Looking at the situation, Akiha is also gaping at Hisui in surprise. "Wha" "Hisui, why can't you wake up Nii-san?" "I am unable to undertake things I cannot do. I do not think I am able to wake up Shiki-sama with my own power." "Unable? Why not?" I unthinkingly enter their conversation. Hisui continues staring at me. "These past three days, all my efforts were fruitless. Shiki-sama, do you remember how many times I called your name this morning?" "No, I don't rememberI woke up from your voice? I thought I woke up by myself――" "That means there is no memory of me even calling out.Akiha-sama, that is the situation." "Oh, I see," Akiha says and looks over at me teasingly. ―― How do I say this―― it would seem my standing here has just been lowered quite a bit. "In short, you have tried repeatedly to wake up Nii-san, but there isn't even the slightest reaction on his part---that's how it is, Hisui?" Hisui nods silently. "――――――" I nod silently as well. ―― I see. The truth is, Hisui has already been trying to wake me up early in the morning. I don't want to say it myself, but I must be really good at sleeping in. "――― Nii-san. Why are you looking so proud of yourself?" "Nothing. I was just surprised by how daunting it is to wake me." "―― Hmm. I understand. Hisui, just like before, please try and wake up Nii-san as much as you can." Hisui nods in assent. It seems like the conversation is finished. In the end, it may be just me waking up whenever I feel like it again. "Hey, by the way, Hisui?" "Yes, what is it?" "Um. Does Nii-san really not wake up? Even if you call his name, he doesn't respond?" "---Yes. Shiki-sama's sleep is very quiet, and he sleeps like a statue." ―― Like a statue? What? "Oh? Nii-san has a great sleeping posture, huh?" "No, that is not it---how do I say it― um, Shiki-sama is like a completely different person when he sleeps. I have never seen such a peaceful sleeping face, so when I first saw him, I thought that he had passed away, I---" "So it is not quite that he is hard to awaken, but that it seems very rude to do so, so I can not help but be very gentle. Once Shiki-sama is about to wake up by himself, warmth returns to his white face, and I know he will wake up soon, but---" Looking down, Hisui talks about how I look when I sleep. "―――――" ―― I can't help but feel embarrassed. Come to think of it, a sleeping person is completely defenseless, and after listening to that explanation, I flush as red as if she said she saw me naked. Hisui descends into silence, and Akiha is obviously trying not to look in my direction. "―――――――" The air has become a little, heavy. "Thanks for waiting! Shiki-san, breakfast is reaaadyyyy!" A bright voice saves the situation. "Th, thanks. Well, I'll eat up!" "Yes, please take your time eating." Turning my back to Kohaku-san's smile, I head to the dining room alone. After I eat lunch, Akiha and Hisui are still in the sitting room. It wouldn't be good to ignore them and go back to my room, so I sit on the sofa across from Akiha. "Here, Shiki-san. You prefer green tea, right?" Kohaku-san places an after meal cup of tea on the table beside me. "Yeah, thanks. If you don't mind, then." "No, not at all. This is your home, so please relax a little more." Kohaku-san must be trying to make me feel more comfortable here because she takes good care of me. "―― Geez. I'm thinking I'm already used to this place. Do I still look a little strained?" "Yes, just a little bit. Your shoulders seem a little tense. I wouldn't say you should be like back then, but you certainly can relax a bit more." "Kohaku, you shouldn't spoil Nii-san. He's been living like a sloth at the Arimas' house so long, it's probably good for him to be a little tense just at first." "Heehee. Akiha-sama, you are really strict with Shiki-san, are you not?" "I don't want to be strict. It's just that he is always so spaced out, I have to watch out for him." "――― Huh?" I'm a little surprised. When Akiha talks to Kohaku-san, there isn't any hint of her usual coldness. Maybe it's because they're so close in age, but they seem to be really good friends. "―――" I glance over at Hisui. Since Akiha dismissed all of the other servants except for Hisui and Kohaku-san, I think Hisui must be trusted by Akiha as well. But, since Kohaku-san is her complete opposite in personality, I have a feeling that there isn't much talk between Hisui and Akiha. "May I be of service, Shiki-sama?" Hisui realizes I was looking at her and asks me if there is anything she can do. "No, it's nothing. I was just thinking that you're really calm." "---Yes. It is something that Makihisa-sama taught to me." She answers very distinctly. ―― The answer is so distinct, I can't continue the conversation. "――――――" I get a little uncomfortable and go silent. It seems Kohaku-san and Akiha are still talking. "Shiki-sama, is it okay if I ask a question?" "Eh---ah, yeah. What is it?" "It seems like you departed the mansion last night again, so I would like to inquire if you had some usual, scheduled routine to take care of every night." "Ah---no, I don't have anything like that. The past two days were just something special." I steal a glance at Akiha's face as I say this. Akiha is just quietly watching the two of us. ―― It would appear neither Hisui nor Kohaku-san know about my run-in with Akiha last night. "It's alright, Hisui. I won't go out late at night anymore. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore, so it's not like there's any danger in going out at night." "You say that, but Shiki-sama, you are the eldest son of the Tohno family. Please refrain from doing anything careless." "Yes, yes, just as Hisui-chan says. Your personal physician told me that you should not strain yourself. Besides, you have anemia. "That's true, but it has nothing to do with going out late at night. If I can't walk by myself, I shouldn't be going to school either, right?" "Well, yes. But during the day it is bright outside and people could help you, right? But at night it's different. There's been all these vampire murders recently, so if you go outside and collapse, what do you think will happen?" "Ah――――" Without thinking, my body shudders. Killer vampire. The killer indiscriminately killing people on the streets at night. ―― Last night, the classmate I killed with my own hand. "―― No, it's okay, Kohaku-san. There isn't a vampire out there anymore. ―― Those incidents― they won't happen ever again." Because Yumizuka Satsuki― is no longer in this world. "Oh? Is that true, Akiha-sama?" "I haven't heard anything about it. The one to ask is Nii-san, since he seems to know something about it. Oh yeah, there was a victim from your high school, Nii-san. Year 2 Class 3 is your class, right?" "Eh――? There wasn't a victim from my class." "Ah, Shiki-san, you didn't see the news this morning. Last night, they found a large quantity of blood from someone named Yumizuka Satsuki in an alley off the main street. The blood seems to have been there for a while, but from the amount of blood there, they say she is more than likely dead." "---" ―― My heart starts to throb violently. The fact that Yumizuka Satsuki is dead, I know that better than anyone else. But when they say she's dead, it sounds like, "you killed her, didn't you?" to me "---Nii-san? What's wrong, you're really pale." "-" ―― I can't say "I'm alright." Her death. I am sad that her death was publicized in reality and could not stay as something just in my heart. "――――――" I said I wouldn't regret it, but a shadow envelops me as soon as I think about her. And then. "Everyone, let's have a welcome party tonight!" Kohaku-san suddenly makes a loud announcement. "Huh?" Akiha and I say the same thing aloud, and even Hisui tilts her head. "A welcome party for Shiki-san! Everyone is here, and we haven't even celebrated Shiki-san's arrival yet. So, tonight should be Shiki-san's welcome party." "Right?" Kohaku-san looks at me and smiles. "――――――" ―― Crap. I must have looked really depressed. "Akiha-sama, is that acceptable? If you allow it, we can start the preparations right away." "Yes, Nii-san has finally come back and we haven't even done anything. I think it's a good idea, but― Hisui? You agree, right?" "Ah---yes, if it is acceptable to Shiki-sama, I do not think it will be a bad thing." The three of them turn to stare at me. I---

*s306
In the sitting room, Akiha is on the sofa, Kohaku-san is keeping her company, and Hisui is standing by the wall. "Good morning, Shiki-san." "Morning, Kohaku-san. Sorry to be a bother, but could you fix me something to eat? I'm a little hungry from all that sleeping." "Yes, right away. I will get it ready, so please wait a little bit." Kohaku-san quickly patters away towards the dining room. That leaves Akiha and Hisui, who is standing wordlessly like a statue. "―― Yo, Akiha. G'morning." "――――――――" Akiha just looks at me with a dissatisfied look on her face and doesn't return my greeting. "――――― Uh." Like Hisui warned me, she seems angry about last night. Telling me in the morning that leaving late at night is forbidden only to find me leaving late at night. It's only natural for her to be angry. "Akiha. Last night, was---" "Nii-san. Sleeping in this late― just what were you thinking?" "Eh---um, well, I― Sorry." "―― Geez, I'm not mad about that. It's your day off, and you've chosen to sleep in until now. It's your laziness that angers me!" With a "hmph", Akiha angrily turns her face away. ―― Well, it may just be my imagination, but "peevishly" is a better word than "angrily". "Well, I couldn't help it. I got in late last night, and my body was just tired." "That is entirely your fault. Staying out until way past midnight― Just what kind of lifestyle did you have when you lived with the Arimas, Nii-san!?" "Uh―― I had a strict curfew there, too. I wasn't allowed to leave at night, and――" "Oh, so that's it. At the Arimas' house, you followed the rules, but you come here and break them? ―― In other words, you won't even follow my simplest request? In that case, I may have to resort to corporal punishment." The fury of her intent also flows through her eyes. ―― How do I say this? She has to be joking, only she doesn't sound like she's kidding, and it's pretty frightening. "―― Corporal punishment, Akiha? You're starting to frighten me." "That was just an example. Staying up real late like that and just sleeping until you feel like getting up? Of course I should be very strict." Akiha gives an audible groan. ―― I hate to admit it, but she is right. "Besides, Nii-san. Shouldn't you let Hisui wake you up in the morning? It is a good thing today is Sunday, but you always, always laze around in bed too long, Nii-san." "―― Um, Akiha. Maybe it's not my place to say, but it's not like I'm sleeping in because I want to." "What? So how come you always sleep in until the last minute every morning? You don't know how I feel when I wait for you until the last minute, and" "Akiha-sama." "Ah" "―――?" Where did the dire, threatening atmosphere go? All of a sudden, Akiha descends into silence. "Hey, Akiha. I said so before, but waking up past seven o'clock in the morning isn't intentional. Even I would like to get up earlier, but my body doesn't listen to what I tell it. If you want to help me wake up earlier, please buy me a really powerful alarm clock. I'm sure that'd get me up." "―― Uh, Nii-san? This may be a stupid question, but did you ever tell Hisui what time you wanted her to wake you up?" "Ah." That's right, I forgot such a simple thing as that. "Oh yeah. Hisui comes every morning to wake me, so it's alright for her to do that. So― Hisui, could you please wake me up at six-thirty each morning? It would really help me out――" I swing around to face Hisui. She stares right back at me. "I refuse." "Eh?" "Forgive me, but I refuse to wake you up, Shiki-sama." "Well, um--" I don't know what to say. The shock put my brain on hold. Looking at the situation, Akiha is also gaping at Hisui in surprise. "Hisui, why can't you wake up Nii-san?" "I am unable to undertake things I cannot do. I do not think I am able to wake up Shiki-sama with my own power." "Unable? Why not?" I unthinkingly enter their conversation. Hisui continues staring at me. "These past three days, all my efforts were fruitless. Shiki-sama, do you remember how many times I called your name this morning?" "No, I don't rememberI woke up from your voice? I thought I woke up by myself――" "That means there is no memory of me even calling out.Akiha-sama, that is the situation." "Oh, I see," Akiha says and looks over at me teasingly. ―― How do I say this―― it would seem my standing here has just been lowered quite a bit. "In short, you have tried repeatedly to wake up Nii-san, but there isn't even the slightest reaction on his part---that's how it is, Hisui?" Hisui nods silently. "――――――" I nod silently as well. ―― I see. The truth is, Hisui has already been trying to wake me up early in the morning. I don't want to say it myself, but I must be really good at sleeping in. "――― Nii-san. Why are you looking so proud of yourself?" "Nothing. I was just surprised by how daunting it is to wake me." "―― Hmm. I understand. Hisui, just like before, please try and wake up Nii-san as much as you can." Hisui nods in assent. It seems like the conversation is finished. In the end, it may be just me waking up whenever I feel like it again. "Hey, by the way, Hisui?" "Yes, what is it?" "Um. Does Nii-san really not wake up? Even if you call his name, he doesn't respond?" "---Yes. Shiki-sama's sleep is very quiet, and he sleeps like a statue." "―――――?" ―― Like a statue? What? "Oh? Nii-san has a great sleeping posture, huh?" "No, that is not it---how do I say it― um, Shiki-sama is like a completely different person when he sleeps. I have never seen such a peaceful sleeping face, so when I first saw him, I thought that he had passed away, I---" "So it is not quite that he is hard to awaken, but that it seems very rude to do so, so I can not help but be very gentle. Once Shiki-sama is about to wake up by himself, warmth returns to his white face, and I know he will wake up soon, but---" Looking down, Hisui talks about how I look when I sleep. "―――――" ―― I can't help but feel embarrassed. Come to think of it, a sleeping person is completely defenseless, and after listening to that explanation, I flush as red as if she said she saw me naked. Hisui descends into silence, and Akiha is obviously trying not to look in my direction. "――――" The air has become a little, heavy. "Thanks for waiting! Shiki-san, breakfast is reaaadyyyy!" A bright voice saves the situation. "Th, thanks. Well, I'll eat up!" "Yes, please take your time eating." Turning my back to Kohaku-san's smile, I head to the dining room alone. After I eat lunch, Akiha and Hisui are still in the sitting room. It wouldn't be good to ignore them and go back to my room, so I sit on the sofa across from Akiha. "Here, Shiki-san. You prefer green tea, right?" Kohaku-san places an after meal cup of tea on the table beside me. "Yeah, thanks. If you don't mind, then." "No, not at all. This is your home, so please relax a little more." Kohaku-san must be trying to make me feel more comfortable here because she takes good care of me. "―― Geez. I'm thinking I'm already used to this place. Do I still look a little strained?" "Yes, just a little bit. Your shoulders seem a little tense. I wouldn't say you should be like back then, but you certainly can relax a bit more." "Kohaku, you shouldn't spoil Nii-san. He's been living like a sloth at the Arimas' house so long, it's probably good for him to be a little tense just at first." "Heehee. Akiha-sama, you are really strict with Shiki-san, are you not?" "I don't want to be strict. It's just that he is always so spaced out, I have to watch out for him." "――― Huh?" I'm a little surprised. When Akiha talks to Kohaku-san, there isn't any hint of her usual coldness. Maybe it's because they're so close in age, but they seem to be really good friends. "―――" I glance over at Hisui. Since Akiha dismissed all of the other servants except for Hisui and Kohaku-san, I think Hisui must be trusted by Akiha as well. But, since Kohaku-san is her complete opposite in personality, I have a feeling that there isn't much talk between Hisui and Akiha. "May I be of service, Shiki-sama?" Hisui realizes I was looking at her and asks me if there is anything she can do. "No, it's nothing. I was just thinking that you're really calm." "---Yes. It is something that Makihisa-sama taught to me." She answers very distinctly. ―― The answer is so distinct, I can't continue the conversation. "――――――" An uncomfortable silence ensues. As if sensing this, Kohaku-san starts up a conversation. "Shiki-san. Is it okay if I ask a question?" "Eh---ah, yeah. What is it?" "It seems like you left last night again, so I was wondering if you had some usual, scheduled routine to take care of every night." "Ah---no, I don't have anything like that. The past two days were just something special." I look over at Hisui. She just quietly watches the two of us. "It's alright, Kohaku-san. I won't go out late at night anymore. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore, so it's not like there's any danger or anything." "Oh! Are you still saying that sort of thing, Shiki-san!? Hisui-chan, don't you feel the same way?" "It is as Nee-san says. Shiki-sama, you are the eldest son of the Tohno family, so please refrain from doing anything careless." "See, even Hisui-chan is angry. You are anemic, so you shouldn't strain yourself, you know? I was told this by your personal physician too, Shiki-san." "―― Well, that's true, but it has nothing to do with going out late at night. If I can't walk by myself, I shouldn't go to school either, right?" "It does have something to do with it. During the day it is bright outside and someone could help you, right? But at night it's different. There's been all these vampire murders recently, so if you go outside and collapse, what do you think will happen?" "Ah――――" Without thinking, my body shudders. Just hearing someone else use the word "vampire" like this really reminds me that it was Yumizuka killing those people. "―― No, it's okay, Kohaku-san. There isn't a vampire out there anymore. ―― Those incidents, they won't happen ever again." Because Yumizuka Satsuki― is no longer in this world. "Oh? Is that true, Akiha-sama?" "I haven't heard anything about it. The one to ask is Nii-san, since he seems to know something about it. Oh yeah, there was a victim from your high school, Nii-san. Year 2 Class 3 is your class, right?" "Eh――? There wasn't a victim from my class." "Ah, Shiki-san, you didn't see the news this morning. Last night, they found a large quantity of blood from someone named Yumizuka Satsuki in an alley off the main street. The blood seems to have been there for a while, but from the amount of blood there, they say she is more than likely dead." "---" ―― My heart starts to throb violently. The fact that Yumizuka Satsuki is dead, I know that better than anyone else. But when they say that she's dead, it sounds like, "you killed her, didn't you?" to me "---Nii-san? What's wrong, you're really pale." "---No, it's, nothing---" My mood starts to sink. Thanks to Hisui, my heart was able to be calm, but with just this conversation, I almost collapse. Is my heart really this weak? "Everyone, let's have a welcome party tonight!" Just like that, Kohaku-san makes an announcement in a loud voice. Huh? Akiha and I say the same thing aloud, and even Hisui tilts her head. "A welcome party for Shiki-san! Everyone is here, and we haven't even celebrated Shiki-san's arrival yet. So, tonight should be Shiki-san's welcome party." "Right?" Kohaku-san looks at me and smiles. "――――――" ―― Crap. Why are Hisui and Kohaku-san so able to read my feelings? "Akiha-sama, is that acceptable? If you allow it, we can start the preparations right away." "Yes, Nii-san has finally come back and we haven't even done anything. I think it's a good idea but― Hisui? You agree, right?" "Ah---yes, if it is acceptable to Shiki-sama, I do not think it will be a bad thing." The three of them turn to stare at me. I---

*s315
The door opens with a creak. With a heavy body and dulled mind, I make it back to the mansion. My footsteps drag behind me. The moonlight illuminates my figure, making it look like an exhausted ghost. "---" ―― My left arm hurts where Yumizuka wounded me. The bleeding has stopped, and the gradual lessening of the pain tells me it couldn't have been too deep. "---" I reach the stairs. I don't even care about treating my wounds. Right now, I just want to stumble back to my room and sleep like a rock I wake from a long sleep. The sunshine from the window looks closer to mid-day than morning. It must be because of how late I got back last night. It seems I've overslept. "―――――" Dragging myself up from bed, I look down at my hand. The sensation of how I stabbed Yumizuka remains. Two nights ago. When I met Yumizuka and saw that hideous dream. "―― If only yesterday―― was just a dream." But wishing it won't make it so. I've no clue why or how Yumizuka became a vampire, and I couldn't do anything to help her. ---No. Once Yumizuka had become like that, there was probably no way for anyone to help her. She was already dead. All I did was return that corpse somehow moving about as if it were a living thing back to being a dead body. That's the only way I can think of it. But, still--- "Please excuse me, Shiki-sama." With that voice I have become accustomed to, Hisui enters the room. "Good morning, Shiki-sama. How are you feeling today?" "Hm―― ah, I slept well, so I don't feel bad at all." "Is that so? Hearing that makes me feel very relieved." ―― Even though she says that, I don't see her even relax her shoulders, or give any other indication of it. "―――――" But, I feel relieved as well. Because of what happened last night, the long night is over. Because I don't have to enter that unnatural world any longer, my heart can relax. "―― Thanks, Hisui. You've always come to check up on me from early in the morning, right? Your concern means a lot to me." "Not at all. It is my duty to be concerned with your welfare." There is a hint of happiness in Hisui's expression. ―― Moreover, I feel like I've been somewhat rescued. While I've been sleeping in bed like this, Hisui came as always to wake me up. With just that trivial thing, I honestly feel like I have returned to my normal life. "Um―― Shiki-sama, this is somewhat difficult for me to say, but― can I?" "――? Difficult to say? If it's about me sleeping in till noon, I really can't do anything but apologize." "No, that is not what I meant, but it is perhaps related to when you went to sleep." Hisui fidgets with her fingers as she struggles to come up with the right words. "―― Um, I did not say anything, but Akiha-sama found out about last night." "Eh―― about last night―― what?" "I mean when you left late last night, Shiki-sama." "Oh" I unconsciously turn my eyes away from her. I thought I'd managed to slip away undetected, but I should have known Hisui would still find out. "Shiki-sama, your return late at night has gained the attention of Akiha-sama, so I believe you will be asked to explain yourself sooner or later. She is in the sitting room and may be angry, so please be prepared." "――― I see. Oh well, I can't complain, since it was me that went out past curfew." "About that, will it be occurring again? I cannot stop you, but if you continue doing such things, I must tell Akiha-sama." "No, nothing like last night will happen again. Everything―― has ended last night―― There won't be any phone calls anymore." ---Yes. It really has ended. With these words, it truly is over. Yumizuka Satsuki is no more. The vampire skulking the streets has vanished. I, with my own hands, sent away a classmate who said she liked me, for all eternity. "――――――――" Hisui looks at me with a painful expression on her face. ―― Geez, if Hisui is making that sort of face, then I must look terrible right now. "---Well, I should get up sooner or later. Hisui, is Akiha still here? She's an awfully busy person, so does she have a routine on her day off?" "Yes, she does have plans during her day off, but today she is still in the mansion." "―――?" She has plans, but she's still here――? "I don't quite get it, but―― well, I'll go and get changed, so please head to the sitting room before me." "Yes. Well then, please excuse me." As usual, Hisui walks away without a sound. ---But, I forgot something really important. "Hisui." "Yes? What is it, Shiki-sama?" "Yeah, I forgot to say something. Thanks for coming to wake me up. It's a little late, but good morning, Hisui." "---Yes. Please have a nice day, Shiki-sama." Well then. I should hurry up and change, and head to the sitting room.

*s316
The door opens with a creak. With a heavy body and dulled mind, I make it back to the mansion. My footsteps drag behind me. The moonlight illuminates my figure, making it look like an exhausted ghost. "---" ―― My left arm hurts where Yumizuka wounded me. The bleeding has stopped, and the gradual lessening of the pain tells me it couldn't have been too deep. "---" I reach the stairs. I don't even care about treating my wounds. Right now, I just want to stumble back to my room and sleep like a rock "Eh―――? Nii--san――――?" --And then. From the middle of the stairs, I hear Akiha's voice. "―――――― Akiha?" I raise my head. In front of me---I see Akiha who has just now made it to the bottom of the stairway. "Ah――――" ―― Akiha is silent. Something about her appearance is a little strange, but I don't even care right now and continue stumbling up the steps. Right now I should just go to my room. So I have to keep going up the stairs. I dazedly make my way past Akiha's still figure. I have to get up the stairs--- "H―― Hey, please wait, Nii-san! Just where did you go this late in the evening?" "---" Who knows? Besides, what is Akiha doing standing here at this hour anyway? Trying to glide down the stairs as quietly as possible, it seems like she was going to go outside just now. "―― It doesn't have anything to do with you, Akiha. I'm going to my room, so don't bother me." "Bother, I---" Akiha gasps and cuts off mid-sentence. "Nii-san, you look---" Her previously shocked eyes become calm. "Your left arm is injured, right? Your clothes are pretty dirty too." "―― Don't worry about it. It doesn't even hurt anymore." "It doesn't hurt? That can't be true. You look like you could collapse at any moment, and there's blood clotted all over your left arm. Goodness, just what in the world were you doing, Nii-san?" "―――――" I can't answer, and only avert my gaze. I couldn't possibly explain everything that happened tonight, and more than that---I don't ever want to talk about Yumizuka to anyone. "―― Nothing much. I was just walking around and got sucked into a little drunken brawling." Answering simply, I climb past her. But with a pull, Akiha places her hands on my shoulders. "Nii-san, I'll get mad." With a weak voice, Akiha looks directly at me. "―――――" With her face like that, I become even more unable to tell her what really happened. "-" "―――――" Just like that, time passes without either of us speaking. ―― After some minutes pass, Akiha lets out a breath and drops her shoulders in resignation. "Fine. I will let it go." Akiha grabs my uninjured right arm and heads towards the sitting room. "―― Hey, Akiha. I wanna go back to my room and sleep." "No. I won't ask you any more about it, so you have to let me treat your injuries, okay? So come this way. I can't help but be worried if you go to sleep looking like that." Still holding on to my arm, she drags me with her to the lobby. "―――――――" Oh well. This is just how it is. I resign myself to doing as Akiha says. ---The treatment was quite simple. I guess it was really not that bad to begin with. After applying some disinfectant and wrapping the wound in gauze, my treatment is over. After finishing that simple care by herself, Akiha takes a towel soaked in warm water and wipes my face. "All finished. This uniform is done for, so we will have to get a new one prepared tomorrow." "――――――" ―― My mind is still numb. Akiha really hasn't asked me any questions about what happened and simply took care of my injury. I'm a little surprised. I thought she would let Kohaku-san or Hisui take care of it, but Akiha did it all with a smile. ―― Her gentleness is completely different from the way she was these past three days and I think back about Akiha from long ago. "Nii-san? Hey, it's all finished, so please go back to your room. Didn't you say you would rather go to sleep than keep me company?" She may still be resenting my words from earlier because she sounds very dissatisfied. "―――――" There's still something wrong with my brain, but I do understand how much Akiha worried over me. "―― Yeah. Thanks, Akiha." Is it because I'm still woozy? I let my true feelings show. "Eh--" Akiha's face turns red and she shrinks away from me. "Oh? I, I don't think it was anything to thank me for. You would help me if I was hurt, right Nii-san?" "That may be true, but it makes me happy." Stuttering, I finally realize it. I am quite emotionally detached right now, but I honestly am happy that---rather than Kohaku-san or Hisui, Akiha was the one that treated my wounds. "D---don't say such stupid things, please hurry back to your room. Or are you hurt somewhere else?" Akiha says so and shifts her gaze. "? Nii-san, your shoulder― there's blood." Akiha places her hand on my shoulder. She peels back my shirt. My exposed shoulder, and neck. Yumizuka's bite marks and dried blood are still there. "Nii-san, this" In that instant, the air freezes. "――――――" The fang shaped wounds on my neck. I don't know how to even begin to explain that and descend into silence. "---" Akiha slowly leans her body towards mine. "―― Nii-san―― there is still―― blood flowing, here." Her voice is terribly taut with strain. The grip of her hand on my shoulder becomes stronger. Her body stops in a position somewhere between touching mine and not. "―― What should I do―― We should, stop the bleeding, right" Her voice sounds delirious. "Akiha?" I call her name while assailed by an unspeakable disquiet. "Nnn--" There's no reply. But instead, I feel a warm sensation along my neck. "Wha―――――――" My voice fades away. Akiha's face is right next to mine. ―― The sensation of rubbing. ―― A contact. Wetness. "Aki―――― ha―― ?" ―― My numbed sense of reason can't grasp what's going on. A hesitatingly touching tongue. The red tongue that fearfully touches my neck. Shaking. The shaking fingers that embrace me, the warmth of Akiha's body. "Aaaa," ―― Akiha is licking the blood dribbling down my neck. But, it really isn't anything to be alarmed over. It's just like what you would do as a kid to stop the bleeding. But it feels so sweet, I can't say anything. Akiha must think the same way, as she just---for no reason, brushes her teeth against my wound. All of a sudden. A sound comes from the lobby. "--!" Akiha pulls back. "II'm so sorry, Nii-san!" Her face a pure red, Akiha runs away. "Wha--" Left by myself in the sitting room, I reach my hand up to my neck. Her warmth is still lingering there faintly. "―― She didn't have to run away." I murmur to myself and shake my head. Licking the wound like that, I did a lot of that as a child. I did that to Akiha and Hisui when they got hurt. ―― But, that's just an act from child-like purity, only done as a child. Both of us grown up like this now and being the opposite gender. We can't really use that method anymore. "―― What was she doing? ―― She was acting pretty strange." ―― Well, I guess I'm also strange right now. As if in a dream, I can't recall what exactly happened. Even what Akiha and I just did, I feel like it'll all be a dream tomorrow morning. ―― And I reach my room. I lurch to my bed and collapse. "--Nnn." Tiredness closes in around my brain. My exhaustion is more in my body than my mind. My body must be trying to halt everything in order to quickly heal its exertions. Before that, I take a deep breath and trace my fingers along my neck once more. "――――― Ah." I'm a little surprised. The two fang marks. The blood really was stopped by Akiha's lips I wake from a long sleep. The sunshine from the window looks closer to mid-day than morning. It must be because of how late I got back last night. It seems I've overslept. "―――――" Dragging myself up from bed, I look down at my hand. The sensation of how I stabbed Yumizuka remains. Two nights ago. When I met Yumizuka and saw that hideous dream. "―― If only yesterday―― was just a dream." But wishing it won't make it so. I've no clue why or how Yumizuka became a vampire, and I couldn't do anything to help her. ---No. Once Yumizuka had become like that, there was probably no way for anyone to help her. She was already dead. All I did was return that corpse somehow moving about as if it were a living thing back to being a dead body. That's the only way I can think of it. But, still--- "Please excuse me, Shiki-sama." With that voice I have become accustomed to, Hisui enters the room. "Good morning, Shiki-sama. How are you feeling today?" "Hm―― ah, I slept well, so I don't feel bad at all." "Is that so? Hearing that makes me feel very relieved." ―― Even though she says that, I don't see her even relax her shoulders, or give any other indication of it. "―――――" But, I feel relieved as well. Because of what happened last night, the long night is over. Because I don't have to enter that unnatural world any longer, my heart can relax. "―― Thanks, Hisui. You've always come to check up on me from early in the morning, right? Your concern means a lot to me." "Not at all. It is my duty to be concerned with your welfare." There is a hint of happiness in Hisui's expression. ―― Moreover, I feel like I've been somewhat rescued. While I've been sleeping in bed like this, Hisui came as always to wake me up. With just that trivial thing, I honestly feel like I have returned to my normal life. "Um―― Shiki-sama, this is somewhat difficult for me to say, but― can I?" "――? Difficult to say? If it's about me sleeping in till noon, I really can't do anything but apologize." "No, that is not what I meant, but it is perhaps related to when you went to sleep." Hisui fidgets with her fingers as she struggles to come up with the right words. "―― Um, I did not say anything, but Akiha-sama found out about last night." "Eh―― about last night―― what?" "I mean when you left late last night, Shiki-sama." "" I unconsciously turn my eyes away from her. I thought I'd managed to slip away undetected, but I should have known Hisui would still find out. "Shiki-sama, your return late at night has gained the attention of Akiha-sama, so I believe you will be asked to explain yourself sooner or later. She is in the sitting room and may be angry, so please be prepared." "――― I see. I got it; I'll be prepared." ―― But, if it's about last night, then Akiha definitely knows about it already. ―― And after that, it was Akiha who took care of me when I was in a complete stupor. "About that, will it be occurring again? I cannot stop you, but if you continue doing such things, I must tell Akiha-sama." "No, nothing like last night will happen again. Everything―― has ended last night―― There won't be any phone calls anymore." ---Yes. It really has ended. With these words, it truly is over. Yumizuka Satsuki is no more. The vampire skulking the streets has vanished. I, with my own hands, sent away a classmate who said she liked me, for all eternity. "――――――――" Hisui looks at me with a painful expression on her face. ―― Geez, if Hisui is making that sort of face, then I must look terrible right now. "---Well, I should get up sooner or later. Hisui, is Akiha still here? She's an awfully busy person, so does she have a routine on her day off?" "Yes, she does have plans during her day off, but today she is still in the mansion." "―――?" She has plans, but she's still here――? "I don't quite get it, but―― well, I'll go and get changed, so please head to the sitting room before me." "Yes. Well then, please excuse me." As usual, Hisui walks away without a sound. ---But, I forgot something really important. "Hisui." "Yes? What is it, Shiki-sama?" "Yeah, I forgot to say something. Thanks for coming to wake me up. It's a little late, but good morning, Hisui." "---Yes. Please have a nice day, Shiki-sama." Well then. I should hurry up and change, and head to the sitting room.

*s317
―― Yeah. I've decided not to have any regrets, and I don't want Kohaku-san to worry about me. "I'm in favor. I'm not about to turn down my own welcome party, am I?" "It's decided! Well, then, I'll prepare the food. Hisui-chan---can you take care of my work for today?" "That will be fine. Sweeping the lobby and the east building?" "Well then, I shall― what should I do, Kohaku?" "Akiha-sama and Shiki-san should rest in their rooms. I'll prepare dinner early to make time for the party, so if you have anything you need to do, please try and be done by then, okay?" Kohaku-san goes into the kitchen, Hisui out to the courtyard. "Well then, I'll go to my room." So. What should I do?

*s318
To be honest, Kohaku-san has the hardest job because she has to prepare the feast for the four of us. I don't think I can be that much help in cooking, but I'll go see Kohaku-san. The kitchen has already become a battlefield. On each counter there is a mountain of ingredients, and I get the urge to turn around and go back as soon as I enter. "Shiki-san, is there anything I can do for you?" Kohaku-san peeks her head through. "―― No, I was thinking maybe I could help or something" But, it seems like I've entered a world where I shouldn't be. "Ah, that really helps. To tell the truth, I was thinking of going to ask you for some help." "R, really――? But, I don't really have any cooking skills, so I'm unsure if I can even help, Kohaku-san." "Not at all, it is something anyone can do. Come on, please lend me a hand." Kohaku-san takes my hand and pulls me with her. "――――" Not really understanding what's going on, I end up helping Kohaku-san. ―― After calming down a bit, I realize that the kitchen is actually pretty small for a mansion so large. They probably had a much bigger galley when there were many people living in the mansion, but with just Akiha, Hisui, Kohaku-san and I, they had this smaller kitchen prepared. "Here, please wash your hands and use this apron." I don't know whose tastes this is a reflection of, but she hands me an apron that says "Quiet Unsociable Person" on it. "I'll start you off with a simple task, Shiki-san. When it's all done, I have another task just for you." Kohaku-san is in a good mood. First, I have to take the shells off all these shrimp. Whick, whick, whick. The sound of a knife lightly hitting the cutting board. Nnnnn~. Kohaku-san's humming fills the kitchen. ―― ―――― ―――――― She must be immersed in cooking because she doesn't say much. As for me, I actually enjoy peeling the shrimp, and keep on peeling the skin. "--" ―― You know, this really brings back memories. Before the incident and before I left the mansion, I played like this several times with Kohaku-san and Akiha. We were young then, and we didn't even think about how we were of the opposite gender. We were just in this spacious mansion, and all we knew was the continuous fun of every day. We played around so much, we forgot about all the things that bothered us before. ―― Or maybe. Maybe, in order to forget the bothersome past, we tried to pass our days with as much fun as possible. "Shiki-san, you really have taken a liking to peeling those shrimp, haven't you?" "Eh? No, not really, why do you ask?" "Because you look like you're having so much fun. You know Hisui-chan, her eyebrows would always be so scrunched up by the time she gets done." "Really? I'm surprised. She looks like the type that would do it without complaint." "Yeah, for some reason, Hisui-chan is poor at cooking. But she is really great at cleaning and arranging things." "Is that so? I always felt that both you and Hisui could do anything." "If that was true I would be very happy. But both Hisui-chan and I are merely normal, so we have our faults too. Hisui-chan's sense of taste is a little strange, so even when she makes things that she thinks are delicious, for Akiha-sama or I, it tastes really strange." I see, so that's why Hisui doesn't cook. Hisui's sense of taste is a little odd; Kohaku-san―― what's her fault, I wonder? "―― Well, come to think of it, you and Hisui are different in your own ways. Kohaku-san, you were always cheerful, while Hisui stayed in the mansion back then." "Oh, did I look that cheerful? I thought I was always watching you all though." "Yeah, I remember. You would always run around with us, but you would tell us to stop doing dangerous things and look out for us." ―― Ah, I really do remember. Playing tag in the courtyard of the mansion. Trying as hard as we could to catch my old man's carp in the pond. "Hey, remember that time, the time where we left the mansion from the gate, right? We didn't know the way to get back, and you ended up calling the mansion and one of the mansion's servants had to come pick us up." "Yes, and after that Makihisa-sama really did yell at you. Everyone was playing with you, but somehow you ended up being the only one. We did so many things, but in the end, you always saved Akiha-sama and me from getting in trouble." She giggles as she speaks aloud nostalgically. "―― What's this? Talking about old times, I really feel like I have returned now." That's right. I really don't have too many memories of this mansion, but talking about old times honestly makes me feel nostalgic. But, my memories aren't just happy ones. "―― But, I did treat Hisui poorly." ―― That girl who was always in the corner of my heart. In the end, I was never able to have a true conversation with that girl by the window. "―― That girl, she was always watching us from the window. Always, it struck me. That lonely face looking down, I always thought it would be great if she could come and play." But still, before I left the mansion, she gave me that one parting gift. "That's right. She was always shy even then, so I never knew what she was thinking. I always thought if Hisui-chan was happy, it wouldn't matter what happened to me." "Oh? Kohaku-san, you really are a good older sister." I'm feeling happy, so I give an answer like that. "Ah." All of a sudden, with a short sound, Kohaku-san lifts her hand. I can see she cut her finger with the kitchen knife. "Ko, Kohaku-san, your finger――!" "Eh?" After I say that, she seems to have realized she cut her finger. "Ah, that's true." "'That's true'? Hey, Kohaku-san!?" I don't believe this. Even I could see that the cut is really deep, but Kohaku-san is still slow-paced. "How embarrassing. I am supposed to be such a good chef. Ahaha!" Kohaku-san gives her normal laugh. "This is no laughing matter. We have to take care of it right away――!" "It's fine. It isn't life threatening or anything." "But doesn't it hurt? It's cut pretty bad!" "No, not at all. If I think it doesn't hurt, then it won't hurt. If I think this isn't my finger, and that it's just a finger of some doll, then I won't feel pain, right?" "Wha" With a smile, Kohaku-san says something pretty outlandish. Well I'm sure if you think that way, it won't hurt as much, but you can't get rid of it all. "Look, let's just get it taken care of! I'm a little weak when it comes to blood, so if I have an anemic fit right here, it'll be your fault, Kohaku-san――!" "I see, then I should take care of it right away. Well then, Shiki-san, excuse me for a moment." The whole time her smile never cracks, and giving me a bow with her head, she leaves the kitchen.

*s319
Kohaku-san has a lot to do, but I'm sure Hisui is much busier. I should try and pay Hisui back for everything she's done, so I'll go help her. I head out to the lobby and run into Hisui right away. She must be tidying things up, because there's a cloth and a feather duster at her feet. "Hisui, can I have a minute?" "Shiki-sama? Did you not return to your room?" "No, I won't. You and Kohaku-san seemed so busy, I feel bad just lounging around and doing nothing." "――――――" Hisui just looks at me silently. "―― Shiki-sama. I do not believe this is the case, but are you asking me if you could help me with my duties?" "--Uhhh." She struck first. "What do you mean? Isn't it alright? Cleaning this huge mansion by yourself is hard, so let me help just a little bit, please?" "You say that, but there is not so much that I require assistance―― Actually, I can say that since Nee-san is not here, I have an easier time." "? Huh? Cleaning is easier― when Kohaku-san isn't here?" "Ah--no, well, I mean--that―――" Did she accidentally let something slip out? She looks down as she stammers for an excuse. ―― It's something I don't see everyday, so I smile at her. "―― Um, Shiki-sama. What I said just now―― Nee-san, um――" Flustered, she tries to tell me not to tell Kohaku-san. "Oh, so what you said right now can't be told to Kohaku-san. I see, I got it." I have to tell Kohaku-san about it. "―― Shiki-sama. Um, I think you should try not to show what you are thinking." "Hm? I'm not really thinking anything at all." "―――――――――" Hisui just looks at me. ―― Perhaps what she said just now might be more of taboo for Kohaku-san than I thought it was. "I understand; I won't tell her, so please stop looking at me like that." "―― I remember now. Even long ago, you would always do pranks and tease others for no reason. Are you perchance planning on doing something devious like you did back then, Shiki-sama?" "No, not really. I just wanted to see how your face looked if you were a little distressed, that's all." "――――――" ―― Crap. Why do I blurt out the truth like that? "Shiki-sama. I still have duties remaining to finish, so if you have free time, please go help Nee-san. As you say, I am very busy so I can not keep you company." Hisui turns away and starts to clean the flower vases. ―― It seems that even though I wanted to help, I made her angry. "―― Um, Hisui?" "Yes, what is it?" But Hisui still responds courteously, so I think she's really nice. "About before--ah, if you don't want to answer, you don't have to. Well, Kohaku-san is always sweeping in the courtyard, and she doesn't really clean in the house that often. Does it have anything to do with what you said earlier?" "Eh―― Yes, it, is related, somewhat――" "Please do not tell Nee-san. She is rather self-conscious of her lack of ability." "? Lack of ability? Kohaku-san doesn't lack in ability; she's a wonderful cook, and knows so much about medicine, right?" "That is, um―― everyone has things suited and not suited for them. Nee-san really seems to enjoy herself when cleaning, but she is too rambunctious and is very dangerous when she tries to do cleaning and maintenance in the mansion." "--Dangerous, Hisui? Putting it that way, is―" That doesn't seem to fit Hisui either. "Shiki-sama, you do not understand, so it is easy for you to say that. Nee-san has tried to excuse the breaking of several items all in the name of cleaning, and not just ten or twenty times. If she becomes serious, her cleaning becomes more like a whirlwind. She has that sort of― talent." As she speaks, I can almost see a fiery aura form around Hisui. ―― It seems that she has been the victim of Kohaku-san's cleaning many times. "―― I see. I'm--quite surprised." "―― Yes. Nee-san knows about it too. After Akiha-sama and I discussed it, we decided and told her it was better for her to work outside in the garden or do other non-cleaning chores. She was very down and disheartened back then." "―― Well, if she did break things and was told not to clean, I guess she would be a little disappointed――" Um, I still can't quite picture that happy Kohaku-san looking down. "So, please do not discuss cleaning indoors with Kohaku-san, Shiki-sama. If Nee-san doesn't do that, then she is really fine--" "Yes? Did you call me?" ""!?"" Hisui and I both freeze. Speak of the devil― Kohaku-san walks in from the kitchen. "Nee-san--is there something you need?" "Yes, I needed another hand, so I thought maybe Shiki-san could come help me." Smiling, Kohaku-san faces me. "But, it seems I was too late. Shiki-san, please continue helping Hisui-chan." "Nee-san. Shiki-sama is not really helping me at the moment." Hisui responds very matter-of-factly. ―― Well, that's how it is. "Ah, is that so? Then Shiki-san, are you free?" "---That's right. If you need another hand, I'll lend you one. But, I'm not sure if I'd be any help. I don't ever cook or anything." "Not at all, it is something anyone can do. Come on, please lend me a hand." Kohaku-san takes my hand and pulls me with her. "---" Hisui watches it all silently. ―― The kitchen is smaller than I expected. They probably had a much bigger galley when there were many people living in the mansion, but with just Akiha, Hisui, Kohaku-san and I, they had this smaller kitchen prepared. "Here, please wash your hands and use this apron." I don't know whose tastes this is a reflection of, but she hands me an apron that says "Quiet Unsociable Person" on it. "I'll start you off with a simple task, Shiki-san. When it's all done, I have another task just for you." Kohaku-san is in a good mood. First, I have to take the shells off all these shrimp. Whick, whick, whick. The sound of a knife lightly hitting the cutting board. Nnnnn~. Kohaku-san's humming fills the kitchen. ―― ―――― ―――――― ―――――――― ―――――――――― ――――――――――― She must be immersed in cooking because she doesn't say much. As for me, I actually enjoy peeling the shrimp, and keep on peeling the skin. "--" ―― You know, this really brings back memories. Before the incident and before I left the mansion, I played like this several times with Kohaku-san and Akiha. We were young then, and we didn't even think about how we were of the opposite gender. We were just in this spacious mansion, and all we knew was the continuous fun of every day. We played around so much, we forgot about all the things that bothered us before. ―― Or maybe. Maybe, in order to forget the bothersome past, we tried to pass our days with as much fun as possible. "Shiki-san, you really have taken a liking to peeling those shrimp, haven't you?" "Eh? No, not really; why do you ask?" "Because you look like you're having so much fun. You know Hisui-chan, her eyebrows would always be so scrunched up by the time she gets done." "Really? I'm surprised. She looks like the type that would do it without complaint." "Yeah, for some reason, Hisui-chan is poor at cooking. But she is really great at cleaning and arranging things." "―― Oh? I seem to have heard, something like that, before." Yeah, just now, actually, and from Hisui. " ―― Well, come to think of it, you and Hisui are different in your own ways. Kohaku-san, you were always cheerful, while Hisui stayed in the mansion back then." "Oh, did I look that cheerful? I thought I was always watching you all though." "Yeah, I remember. You would always run around with us, but you would tell us to stop doing dangerous things and look out for us." ―― Ah, I really do remember. Playing tag in the courtyard of the mansion. Trying as hard as we could to catch my old man's carp in the pond. "Hey, remember that time, the time where we left the mansion from the gate, right? We didn't know the way to get back, and you ended up calling the mansion and one of the mansion's servants had to come pick us up." "Yes, and after that Makihisa-sama really did yell at you. Everyone was playing with you, but somehow you ended up being the only one. Shiki-san, no matter how much you got yelled at, you always said it was your own fault. ―― Oh it is so nostalgic. We did so many things, but in the end, you always saved Akiha-sama and me from getting in trouble." She giggles as she speaks aloud. "―― What's this? Talking about old times, I really feel like I have returned now." That's right. I really don't have too many memories of this mansion, but talking about old times honestly makes me feel nostalgic. But, my memories aren't just happy ones. "―― But, I did treat Hisui poorly." ―― That girl who was always in the corner of my heart. In the end, I was never able to have a true conversation with that girl by the window. "―― That girl, she was always watching us from the window. Always, it struck me. That lonely face looking down, I always thought it would be great if she could come and play." But still, before I left the mansion, she gave me that one parting gift. "That's right. She was always shy even then, so I never knew what she was thinking. I always thought if Hisui-chan was happy, it wouldn't matter what happened to me." "Oh? Kohaku-san, you really are a good older sister." I'm feeling happy, so I give an answer like that. "Ah." All of a sudden, with a short sound, Kohaku-san lifts her hand. I can see she cut her finger with the kitchen knife. "Ko, Kohaku-san, your finger――!" "Eh?" After I say that, she seems to have realized she cut her finger. "Ah, that's true." "'That's true'? Hey, Kohaku-san!?" I don't believe this. Even I could see that the cut is really deep, but Kohaku-san is still slow-paced. "How embarrassing. I am supposed to be such a good chef. Ahaha!" Kohaku-san gives her normal laugh. "This is no laughing matter. We have to take care of it right away――!" "It's fine. It isn't life threatening or anything." "But we can't just leave it alone! Geez, cutting it like that, doesn't it hurt――!?" "No, not at all. If I think it doesn't hurt, then it won't hurt. If I think this isn't my finger, and that it's just the finger of some doll, then I won't feel pain, right?" "Wha" With a smile, Kohaku-san says something pretty outlandish. Well I'm sure if you think that way, it won't hurt as much, but you can't get rid of it all. "Look, let's just get it taken care of! I'm a little weak when it comes to blood, so if I have an anemic fit right here, it'll be your fault, Kohaku-san――!" "I see, then I should take care of it right away. Well then, Shiki-san, excuse me for a moment." The whole time her smile never cracks, and giving me a bow with her head, she leaves the kitchen.

*s320
―― I guess if I tried to help Hisui I'd just get in the way. Since Akiha's actually home for a change, I guess I'll pass the time talking to her. "Akiha, you here?" "Eh---Ni, Nii-san―!?" Hurried sounds can be heard from within. "I just wanted to talk for a bit, if that's okay?" "Ah---yes, please, come in." I put my hand on the doorknob. Thinking about it, this is the first time I've ever been in Akiha's room. "――― Hmm." I open the door a bit tensely. "Uh---" ―― I guess the room is exactly what I was expecting. "What is it, Nii-san? Is it something important, to make you come to my room?" "Nah, not at all; I just felt like talking for a bit. If you're busy, I can come back later." "―― Well, I am busy, but― I can put that off, to make time to talk with you." Akiha tidies up the notebook on her desk. "Oh, you were doing homework? Then, I should go; I shouldn't interrupt your studies." "No, I was just about to start, so I can leave it for tonight. It's fine, so please sit down. I shall make some tea." "Alright, but no tea, thanks. I wouldn't want to spoil my appetite today." "Ah, t-that's true― Then, I'll do the same." Akiha sits on the chair of her desk. I lower myself into a suitable chair, and glance around Akiha's room. It's an amazing room, but of course it's not really my type of place. I haven't even been able to settle into my own room, and it has just the bed and the desk; if they'd given me a room decked out like this, I might have fled. "Hey, Akiha." "Yes? What is it?" "Um, it's just something I've been wondering about for a while. Why did you call me back? The old man died, and while I am the eldest son, that doesn't seem like much of a reason." "What do you mean, not much of a reason? This is your home; it's only natural for you to come back here. There doesn't need to be a reason." "Well, that's true, but― don't you have a grudge against me? I left you here for eight years." "Yes, of course I have a grudge. It was father's fault you were sent to live with the Arimas, but it really made me mad that you didn't send even a single letter during that time." "Uh---no, that was―" "That was what? Come on, Nii-san, what is it!? You come in here to remind me of things I almost forgot! Do you enjoy making me angry that much?" "No! Of course I didn't do it to make you angry. The thing about the letter, I didn't do it because that old man forbade me to do it, so---" "I know that! I'm angry because you brought it up!" "---Ah. I'm sorry, I just wondered. I shouldn't have mentioned it." "Indeed. Please don't talk about such trifling matters." With a sound of annoyance, Akiha looks away. ―― Really, what am I doing? After I took the trouble to come and talk to Akiha, why am I talking about such unimportant things? "Well, I guess it's like you to carry such small matters forever. Kohaku said so too, right? This is your home. You should be more relaxed." "Yeah― I think I'll get used to it, gradually. But---" "But, what?" "Well, no, it's just― there's no nostalgia. I remember life in the mansion, but I'm confused, because none of this matches my memories. Well, I guess I've been away for eight years, so it's natural." "Hm? What's with that expression? Like I said, I don't have anything against the mansion. Don't worry, I don't want to leave or anything." "Ah---yeah. I'm glad, but―" Akiha looks away for some reason. "Nii-san, I have a question I forgot to ask, too. It's― about the injury from your accident eight years ago―" "Hm? Injury from the accident― you mean, the wound in my chest?" "Yes. Kohaku said it hasn't completely healed yet, but― does it still trouble you?" "Hm― I don't know. The actual wound itself healed ages ago, but there's some unstable organs that got damaged. I heard that some of those would heal in time, but some would stay unstable. ―― I guess my incessant anemia is the result of that, in addition to some emotional damage from the accident." "Does it― um, hurt, Nii-san?" Akiha murmurs a question, looking away. "―― Nah, it doesn't hurt anymore. I just feel a little dizzy when I wake up, no worse than that." Well, perhaps it hurts occasionally in the dead of winter. "The dizziness has faded lately, and I'm sure the anemia will go away in a few years. Anyway, it's nothing to worry about. There are people out there with wounds they won't recover from for twenty years, so my wound's nothing in comparison." Akiha says nothing, still looking away. "―――――――" Damn. The atmosphere has become heavy again. "―――――――" Akiha is completely motionless. "――――――?" Somehow, it seems unnatural. "Hey, Akiha!?" "Ah---Nii-san?" Akiha looks up. She lacks all vitality, as if she was passed out until now. "What's wrong, do you feel bad? If you do, you should lie down. I'll go back to my room." "Nn---no, that's not it. I was just―― listening to you, I was remembering about the past---" Akiha's body shakes. She almost falls off her chair, but she remains in it somehow. She takes a halting breath. "Akiha, you're really acting strangely. You should lie down." "---No, it's alright. It's not as bad as yours, but I get easily dizzy too. ―― I was just thinking about the accident eight years ago. Your wound was so deep, and there was so much blood coming out of it---that's why I felt so bad." "―― I see. If that's so, but don't push yourself. If you feel bad, please tell me." "Of course. I would do that without being told. It's alright; unlike yours, my dizziness is purely mental." Akiha answers me clearly, completely recovered. "It's almost time, isn't it? Kohaku will call us soon, so you should go back to your room." "Ahh, five o'clock already? ―― Well, I'll go back to my room, but Akiha, don't push yourself. It doesn't do any good not to speak up when you're suffering." "Oh? It's not like you to be so concerned about me, Nii-san. Maybe I should do so once in a while." "Dummy. It's just an occasional thing. I'll see you later." I open the door. Akiha's room is at the very end of the west wing, a good fifty meters from my room at the end of the east wing. "Ah---Nii-san." "Hm? What is it? Did you forget something?" "No, it's not that, but―――" Akiha falls silent, unable to find the right words. But the eyes gazing at me--- "―― I'm sorry. It's nothing." ---seem like they are apologizing to me. "I'll see you in the dining room later. I won't get angry whatever you do today, so don't worry." "Ahh, that's a relief. Since Kohaku-san cooked us a feast, I was hoping we might be able to forget about table manners today." With that, I leave Akiha's room.

*s321
"Well then, a toast to Shiki-san's homecoming. Everyone, please take whatever you would like to drink." Kohaku lines up drinks in front of us, with a full smile entirely free of malice. Most of the drinks didn't happen to be juice or anything like that, but proper alcoholic beverages. "―― Uh, Akiha?" "Hm? What is it, Nii-san?" ―― There's a gurgling as Akiha fills her glass with a tawny liquid, then adds a little orange juice. "Tha― that wouldn't be whiskey, would it?" "It would. Is there something wrong?" "'It would' ―? Akiha―" Um, aren't we all too young to be drinking―? "This is your welcoming party. We have to have alcohol, don't we? Or― Nii-san, you're weak when it comes to alcohol?" Akiha seems― somehow delighted. "Ah, Hisui-chan. That's unusual, not juice today?" "―――――――" Seeming a little shy, Hisui silently pours wine into her glass. "See, Nii-san? Even Hisui is drinking. Surely you don't intend to be the only one drinking juice?" "―――― Geez. You really want to get the most out of this party, don't you, Akiha?" "Yes. I don't usually like parties, but today is an exception." Huh. Well, it can't be helped. A lot of alcohol isn't good for my body, but a little bit should be okay. The weakest drink laid out on the table is---the wine, it looks like. "Well then, everyone, raise your glasses, please? Cheers!" With a clash, our glasses come together. Kohaku tosses hers down in a single gulp, Akiha takes her time, and Hisui sips hers quietly. ―― Oh man, I'm not responsible for this.

*s532
Bonjour! And now the hint corner for the sake of the precocious Tohno-kun who easily meets another Dead End, It is time for "Teach me, Ciel-sensei!" Now, the first period lesson of the third day. The only remaining lessons are about Akiha-san's route. "Nnya? Sensei, why would Hisui's lessons be done before Akiha's?" Question denied. Now, Tohno-kun. I understand how you feel, but Yumizuka-san is in big trouble. "???? Isn't Shiki the one in trouble?" Enough, it is big trouble. A girl your own age is in trouble, so this is no time to be shying away from danger. Please go back a little earlier and be sure to investigate the back alley. Well then, see you in the next lesson! "―― I don't get it. Why would Hisui be done before Akiha?" "I just don't get it. I'm the main heroine and I don't get much screen time, and Shiki ignores me!" "Yeah, I don't get it! It's just me, and even Ciel has an appearance! But you only get to see me from behind. What's more, Sacchin is acting more like a vampire than I am! What the heck is this, Kinoko!?" "I just don't get it. Don't get it, don't get it!!!"

*s533
Bonjour! Now the hint corner for Tohno-kun who has met yet another Dead End, It is time for "Teach me, Ciel-sensei!" The second period lesson of the third day will be about filial love. The reason you died this time is simple, Tohno-kun. There wasn't enough incentive in you to pull Yumizuka-san off of you the instant she bit you. Bonds of family are very important. Classmates are also important. You have to make sure you concern yourself with being a good Onii-chan, and you have to somehow answer your classmate's love. Yes, you have obligations to both of them. So a little piece of advice. Tohno-kun, it's probably good if you go back and show Yumizuka-san some sincerity. Well then, let's meet again in the next lesson, everyone.