Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

—"Hey, have you heard? About the school's seven wonders?"—

A young girl is seen walking through the halls of the school's old building. The click of her shoes filled the empty corridor with a resonating song– unheard. Despite being alone, her mere presence commanded the attention of all that witnessed her unmatched grace and beauty. Some could even say her appearance was comparable to that of a victorian-era doll– yet, her bright-green hair stood out the most as it shined like emeralds in the daylight.

She wore a decorative, cream-colored dress that swayed with her every step as she came upon a lonely door; its age showing through the outdated wooden fibres, inevitably worn over time. Echoes of her footsteps haunted the walls one last time before stilling.

Earlier, this girl had been casually eavesdropping on a pair of students, when she heard of an interesting rumor regarding one of the seven wonders of the school:

—"I'll tell you about the most well-known… Hanako-san of the toilet."—

The student hesitantly enters the restrooms, eyeing the third stall carefully as she slid the entrance door shut quietly behind her.

—"They say that in the third stall of the third floor's school bathroom, in the old building, you can find Hanako-san."—

She recalls, a wish will be granted for anyone that can summon her… but be warned, your wish will come with a price. To summon her, you must knock on her door three times.

One.

Two.

Three.

And then…

"Hanako-san, Hanako-san… are you there?"

She waits with bated breath as the echo of her voice sings back to her.

No response.

The young lady waits a solitary moment before exhaling– only to find her hot breath appearing as a cold fog before her. At that moment, she feels a dense, freezing sensation begin to lap at her feet; her tense muscles stiffen in anticipation.

Gradually, the soft echo of children's laughter fills the room. A horrible sense of dread begins to wash over her as the innocence of the giggling begins to darken and fade, leaving only a mix of faint new scents in its wake.

"Wait... is this...?" She gasped.

The smell of herbs fluttered past her nose, causing it to tingle with recognition.

"What's this smell?" Letting in another deep breath, she spoke,

"it's so,"

"...familiar."

A cold shudder crawled up her back as she felt the breeze push past her once more.

"Who's there?" She demanded as her head whipped back in her growing impatience. The air stilled. All of the energy around her grew heavy and damp as she scanned the room for a presence.

Then suddenly, a voice bellowed from her backside like the call of a speeding train.

"BOO!!" Shrieked the apparition, manifesting behind her.

When she turned to face the force, her eyes lay upon it sullen and unimpressed. "...Is that all?" The girl spoke calmly, voice lined with irritation.

A boyish spirit appeared before her, erupting in laughter from his own hijinks. He was floating just above her in an upside-down position, causing the sleeves of his—rather feminine-looking—kofurisode to droop past his head. On the end of each of those sleeves, she noted, were sparkling, moon-shaped pins that must’ve been responsible for keeping the openings for his hands shut. More noticeably, though, this spirit wore an unusual-looking eyepatch that was covering his right eye. The patch showed a red symbol that spelled out “seal”, surrounded by a dark background. How strange, she thought. Regardless, the rest of his attire was quite elegant– resembling a painted depiction of the night sky, colored with a pigment that was comparable to the dark-purple hue of fresh blackberries. The spirit was also accompanied by two matching ghostly orbs that hovered restlessly around his being.

"I GOTCHA, I GOTCHA!" He squealed in delight. He began to rotate himself right-side-up as he snickered childishly– only to discover that his victim's face merely wore that of an unimpressed frown, instead of one filled with terror.

"Wait– huh? Why haven't you run away?" He questioned. "Aren't you scared miss? What's your deal?"

"No offense, apparition," she sighed, "but would this be your first time trying to scare somebody? I found your attempt in poor taste, to say the least."

"WHAT? NO!" He screeched as droplets began to form in his eyes, "why would you say that!?"

With a raise of her brow, she stared back at him with that apathetic, cold gaze. The nonchalant way she poised her body spoke to him in a sense that said she was quite experienced when it came to supernatural affairs.

"...Okay, maybe it is." He admitted, crestfallen.

"Listen- I didn't come here to play… I need to speak with Hanako-san," she said matter-of-factly, "that wouldn't happen to be you, would it?"

The ghost averted his eyes and looked around the room nervously. "Ahh, well…" he began, "That's, uh… A good question, miss! Because, well… y'see…" He trailed off, hoping to buy enough time to think of an excuse that would fit her expectations.

The boy looked down at his sandals anxiously, mulling over his response. "No, I'm not." He eventually settled on; his hands fidgeting within the sleeves of his silken robe

"Well then, farewell. Thank you for wasting my time." She scoffed, and began walking away in the opposite direction.

"WAIT! I KNOW HANAKO! I KNOW HANAKO-SAN!!" He shouted as he darted after the school girl.

She rolled her head over her shoulder to face the oncoming spirit, causing her emerald locks to cascade her face like gentle waves. "So?" She asked, bluntly.

The boy was stopped short in his tracks as the two came eye to eye. The bright moonlight of his own iris got caught in her intense gaze. For a moment, he could feel himself getting lost in those two little oceans of sea-foam green; eyes that drowned out any surrounding stimulus.

As he sunk deeper into the cold waters of her mind he began to realize there was no real reason for her to stay– and nothing that obligated the young spirit to assist her in any way. Yet, the boy couldn’t shake that little nipping sensation he felt in his soul… Perhaps it was the desire to help a person in need? Or was it something else…?

He pondered– struggling to search his mind for the purpose of these dwellings.

"So…? Um." He stumbled. "I can… help you– I mean." He shook his head, doing his to break the uneasiness he felt from their interaction. While catching a glimpse of doubt swimming in the girl’s eye, he realized his plea wasn’t getting through to her.

"Please please PLEASE, miss!" He begged. "Lemme help– gimme a chance!" He grabbed at her shoulders and began shaking the girl back and forth rapidly.

"I know I’m not Hanako– but I can help too, I swear! I can!!" He could feel his face getting wet again from his tears as pleaded with the girl. They weren’t caused particularly by any sort of sadness, but more of an involuntary physical reaction from the intensity of the situation.

"Okay- okay! Just… Please stop touching me, please." She snapped. She felt like her brains were being scrambled. "I'm not sure why it would matter that much to you anyway. You supernaturals have such strange customs." She rolled her eyes at his eager puppy-dog expression.

"And don't call me 'miss'," she growled, "my name is Sakura Nanamine. I'm a third-year in the high-school division."

"... and I need help fulfilling a wish."

"Nana…. nana…" The spirit mumbled. Somehow, his lips struggled to form the sounds it took to pronounce her last name– in the same way that a toddler would struggle to pronounce basic vowels. "Na-na-meen…. Oh, what was it? Na-ne…"

Sakura was taken aback at his brash, childish nature. "Nanamine. Na-na-mi-ne-san." She hissed.

"MISS!" He shouted at last. "Tell me your wish, okay?" He hovered—a bit too close—to her face and squished it incessantly. His sharp, focused stare cut through her like tiny daggers.

It dawned on Sakura that this was the kind of apparition with no sense of personal space. Or maybe he’s just some buffoon with selective hearing, she decided.

"You’re a great listener, huh?" She questioned, sarcastically.

"Yes." He answered honestly.

Perhaps both.

"Fine, alright– look–" She said, shoving him off. "I know how these 'wishes' work. Don’t mistake me for some fool you can take advantage of." She affirmed. Sakura didn’t consider herself an expert when it came to supernaturals, or anything like that, but she did know her way around these types of contracts. Supernaturals were mischievous folk—she knew that much—and she wasn't going to let some pesky ghost try to twist and turn her prayers into some half-baked wish-making. “So don’t expect a hefty fee from me if you fail to fulfill it properly.” She added.

"Of course, miss!" The boy replied, innocently. "You won't be disappointed. Just tell me your wish!"

"My wish…" She began. "It's…." Suddenly, Sakura found herself caught on her own words. She knew her wish was a simple request, really. Though, now that she was forced to say it out loud, she realized that perhaps it sounded a bit silly. "My… My wish…" She mumbled, half-heartedly. She tried to keep her cool under his pressure, but all she could do was turn and look away as her face grew hot from embarrassment. Her hand involuntarily hovered over her dark, quivering lips as she tried her best to build enough confidence to speak her request– but the more she waited, the more that awful pit in her stomach grew.

That's when she caught a glimpse of the spirit’s expectant eyes and curious head-tilt. The blatant innocence of his behaviors caught her off-guard, causing her to falter once more.

"...Nevermind." She decided, making her way, again, to the bathroom’s entrance.

"NOOO!" The spirit cried out. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mooon! It’s just a wish! Everyone has a wish, miss! Don't be like that!" He begged as she was making her way to the door. This time, he didn’t bother running to her side– finally accepting the distance she had put between the two. Instead, he chose to huff and sobb like a toddler as she walked away, expecting to receive a mother-like pity from her yet again. He watched her reach the door and, with blurry eyes, he felt his will to keep her there begin to crumble. Deep down, the boy understood this: there was no point in keeping her there, and nothing to gain from this interaction. Yet… the nipping persisted. Her very presence made his disembodied soul tingle in a way he hadn't quite felt before– yet he couldn't begin to explain or pinpoint the feeling.

"You… Are you scared?" He spoke quietly, just as the young lady was about to close the entrance door behind her. She paused. The room fell silent for a moment, allowing more tension than necessary to build between them.

"Excuse me?" She spat. Making sure to avoid eye contact, she kept her stare fixated on the doorframe as her neck crooked in irritation.

"I… I said you’re scared!" He barked back, succumbing to a false sense of confidence. "That's right– yeah! You’re just too scared, huh? Scaredy cat!" He said, mockingly, with the intention of provoking her. Honestly, he had no idea what he was doing, but he knew he couldn’t let their meeting go to waste. In a sense, it was almost like he was trying to prove to himself that he was a competent wish-making supernatural– despite his obvious lack of experience. He stared at her firmly, practically burning a hole in the back of her head, trying to coax her into facing him directly.

"How childish!" The girl snapped. "Is this an attempt to get me to stay, hm? Tell you my wish? Is that it?" She scoffed. "As if—!" Despite her better judgment, her body began to trudge its way back into the room– her hand vacating its spot from the door handle one last time.

"I already told you, I'm not stupid! You supernaturals always have hidden motives, I’m sure of it. Don’t pull the pity-card and expect me to feel bad for you!" Her face ran red with a mix of anger and embarrassment as she scolded him. "Tell me what you’re really after. Why are you so concerned with my wish, huh? What are hoping to gain from this? It's my choice if I want my wish granted or not!"

"I just want to know!" He yelled in earnest. "I really just want to help! I promise!"

"If you really wanted to help, you'd take me to Hanako-san!"

"I– I can't!"

"Why not?" She growled. The room quickly turned cold as a hush blew over them.

"I… I can't. I just… can't, ok?" He felt himself deflating with every word he spoke. “Please, trust me– I’m– I don't know why but– Please, listen–” He was stuttering, trying to find the perfect string of words to explain himself. Using his long sleeves to hide his frustration, he drew in a breath to try and cool himself down, despite not being able to actually take any air in. “It's… hard to explain. I would– but I can't. Not right now, ok? Please believe me,” he said as he wiped his puffy eyes. He sucked in another breath in an attempt to regain his confidence. "But– I can still help you. And if… if you're embarrassed or somethin'... I get it. It’s probably hard telling a stranger about your deepest wishes, huh?" His words were accompanied by a warm smile.

Sakura felt her heart pang once more as her expression softened almost involuntarily. She realized, then, that perhaps this apparition really was the honest sort– as rare as that was. She looked deep into his one eye in search of any hints of deception– only to find the glimmer of a lonely child looking back at her. A child, she thought, he looks just like a child…

"But we don’t have to be strangers! You can call me Tsukasa, if you'd like?" He chirped, giving her a big toothy grin.

"...That's right, I never asked your name. How rude of me," a sharp exhale escaped her nose in an attempt to laugh.

"Tsukasa-kun, was it?" The name almost rolled off her tongue like a familiar song. "I suppose it's nice to meet you. I apologize for the way I acted… I should be grateful that such a kind supernatural being is willing to help me." She returned his warm smile, but very faintly– just enough to ease the tension they both felt moments ago.

Tsukasa's eye widened with interest from her sudden, bold hospitality. He wasn't sure how to feel, but he somehow understood that this display of kindness was not something to be taken for granted. So, with a soft huff, he began to rise from the floor, and exclaimed:

"Let’s start over then!"

"So, ma'am," he began, "what are you gonna wish for? I'll do my very best for you, whatever it is!" His translucent figure shimmered in the warm rays of the sun as he floated upwards, arms flailing by his side. His kokujoudai shared in his excitement as they spun around him with glee.

"Alright then…" she chuckled, "I'll tell you."

Chapter Text

—“ I’ll tell you… ”—

“My greatest wish… is to make a friend,” she breathed a sigh, “a true, honest friend.”

Tsukasa was taken aback. The nature of her request was so pure—so unexpected—that it caused him a quick double-take. How was a girl like her so concerned with making friends…?

“Tsukasa-kun, will you help me grant that wish?”

“But, miss—!” He blurted suddenly. “You’re so pretty! You must have tons of friends!”

Sakura fumed with embarrassment. “That’s… uh…” She looked away, tapping her foot restlessly. “Clearly, that’s gotten me nowhere—” she said, shooing him away. “—but that’s beside the point.” 

Tsukasa tilted his head curiously. “Ohh. Well, it couldn't be that hard to find you a friend! Making friends is easy-peasy!” Tsukasa cheered. “You just gotta… show ‘em your real self! Yeah— be honest!” 

“Be honest…? No, no. That’s too forward.” 

“Awww don't be sucha worry-wart miss! Just follow my lead— C’mon! ” Tsukasa grabbed a hold of Sakura's arm and yanked it, leading her out of the bathroom. 

“H-hold on, right now? Slow down! We didn't even prepare!” Sakura called in protest as she was forcibly dragged into the halls. Other school kids were beginning to venture out of their classes, causing quite the commotion ahead of them. Sakura did her best to look casual as she was pulled against her will by an invisible force— despite how painfully awkward it must have seemed to any outside viewer.

“Don’t worry! I’ll help you make friends with the first person you see!” Tsukasa chirped as he scanned the crowd of people. “Hmm…”

“You're being ridiculous— let go of me!” Sakura stole her arm back from his grasp and patted herself down. 

Tsukasa then caught a glimpse of a girl from across the school hall, mesmerized by the amethyst shimmer of her curls. The student was fixated on a mirror within her locker, applying a layer of lip gloss idly. While watching her, Tsukasa sensed a captivating, natural charm radiating from her presence— very similar to the type of aura Sakura gave off.

“Perfect! She’ll do!”

“Who? What are you doing?”

“The girl! The one by the lockers—” Tsukasa pointed rudely to the younger student, “—miss, isn’t she pretty, just like you? You should go talk to her!”

Sakura did her best to avoid the crowd of oncoming alumni as Tsukasa ushered her forward. “Ahm– isn't that a bit, I don't know… Sudden? I mean, there’s not enough time, and she’s probably busy— Tsukasa-kun—”

Before Sakura could process the situation, she found herself standing only a few feet away from the girl she was being led to. Tsukasa must've been right— she was quite charming, even for a younger student. It happened to catch her a bit off-guard, but she recovered quickly by pretending to use the first locker she saw. 

How embarrassing… She thought, cringing at herself. Maybe he’s right, though… Maybe I am second-guessing myself.

She cleared her throat, “Uh— Hello there. I’ve seen you around lately, are you a freshman this year?” 

Awful.

Sakura noticed from the corner of her vision that her ghostly assistant was propped up on an open locker. He offered a friendly thumbs-up to encourage her further.

The dark-haired student’s gaze shifted, only just noticing Sakura, towering slightly above her. “Oh!” She gasped. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” She apologized, almost dismissively.  “Mhm, yes. I’m a freshman in high school. Class 1-A.” She avoided making direct eye contact as she began rummaging through her locker. 

“Right. Um…” Sakura—feeling a bit frazzled—looked to Tsukasa for guidance. The boy nodded reassuringly and tried gesturing to his own chest as a form of charades. Sakura furrowed her brows in confusion, until she glanced downward and noticed the sapphire-studded brooch that was placed upon the other girl’s bosom. 

“Your brooch…” Sakura nodded gently to her chest, desperate to break the awkwardness of her staring. “It’s lovely. It resembles a butterfly, does it not? How cute.” She said, in the sweetest voice she could muster. 

“Oh, this old thing? It’s just a family heirloom. My parents always insist I wear it, but I don't really like it.” The girl followed with a half-hearted, nervous chuckle.

“How unfortunate… I think it’s quite beautiful, at least.” Sakura choked out. The interaction left a sour taste in her mouth, but Tsukasa urged her further. Sakura put a hand to her own chest, feeling the edges of the diamond-cut ruby brooch that she wore on her uniform. She figured it would work as a conversation starter, considering the commonality of their appearances.

“You see, I…”

A bell chimed throughout the school, letting the students know that lunch hour had begun. 

The other girl breathed a quiet sigh of relief as she shut her locker behind her.

“I’m sorry, I really have to go. Please excuse me.” The student dashed past her with swift, dainty movement, leaving Sakura to feel somewhat off and embarrassed about the whole exchange. She watched solemnly until the student disappeared into the crowd. 

“That was terrible.” She grumbled, resting her head on the locker door.

Tsukasa flapped his long sleeves around in his excitement. “Nuh-uh, you did great! It seems like she really liked you!” He affirmed. 

She pinched her fingers atop the bridge of her nose, feeling defeated. “Are you kidding me? Of course she didn't… I was obviously getting in her way. She was only being polite.” 

“Aww, what? Really? That's too bad!” He whined. “It was good practice, then! There's plenty of potential friends here, we gotta try them all!”

“Tsukasa-kun, I really don't think—”

“ My lady~! ” 

A lanky high-school boy called out in their direction, causing Sakura to jolt up from instinct.

Tsukasa flipped his head around in startle, facing the young man. “Who’s that?” He questioned Sakura, his voice full of curious enthusiasm.

The approaching student’s fluffy cinnamon-roll hair bounced playfully as he skipped towards their group, waving his hands around like a lost child sprinting towards their mother. The boy desperately called out various 'yoohoo’s' in order to catch Sakura’s fleeting gaze, inadvertently managing to attract the attention of every student except hers.

“What’s he doin’ that for? Does he know you?” Tsukasa wondered, squinting his eye in the direction of the commotion. “Ohh! Is he your friend, miss? He seems nice!” He said eagerly as he waved to the taller boy.

“We have to go.” Sakura whispered, irritation and panic mixing in her expression. She turned away quickly from the oncoming student, who seemed to be getting lost in the lunchtime hallway traffic. 

“Wait—! But—!”

“I said go!"

Sakura found shelter in a vacant hallway as she doubled over, coming to an abrupt stop. 

Tsukasa was not far behind as he yelled an exacerbated ‘hold on!’ in her direction. When he finally caught up, he tried comforting her as he watched her breathing stagger.

“Who— who was that guy?” He huffed.

“A hassle.” She spat, still struggling to stand properly. “But I think… We lost him.” She sucked in a deep breath as she tried to regain her bearings.

Tsukasa’s lips pursed in disappointment. He hadn’t managed to help Sakura make even one friend so far, despite his best efforts. He came to the conclusion that Sakura was a tough nut to crack, and was going to need a little extra push to break her obvious social awkwardness. 

“Maybe—” Tsukasa waited a moment for Sakura to re-establish herself, “—maybe we’re going about this the wrong way?” He doubted, tilting his head up to ponder the ceiling. His finger lay on his chin in a childish fashion— if only to prove that he was thinking really hard about it. He sang an irritating ‘hmm’ as he floated himself in slow circles around her.

“I got it!” He shouted at last. “Tell me, miss, what do ya’ like?”

“You mean what do I enjoy doing in my free time?” She raised a brow at his request. “Well, let me think…” Sakura didn't often think of herself as a hobbyist— choosing to focus mainly on self-betterment, instead of frivolous things that would just take up her time. She searched her mind for an answer, trying to uncover what skill best defined her interests.

“I suppose I enjoy reading—sometimes writing. I spend a lot of my time in the library.” She decided.

“That’s perfect! We’ll find someone that likes reading just as much as you!” He cheered. “Off to the library!” Tsukasa pumped his fist joyfully in the air as he led her down the hallway. 

Sakura watched him go with a quizzical stare, realizing he was going the wrong way. “The library is that way…” She corrected, pointing him in the opposite direction.

He paused, and flipped around, quickly fixing himself. “I knew that!” He assured, promptly making his way back to her.

“But just to be sure… uh… you lead the way, ‘kay?” He tucked himself behind her dress cutely as he shoved her forward.

“Right. Sure,” she scoffed. “Follow me, then.”

The two came upon big wooden doors, opening one and slipping in. The light from the Sun cascaded through the dark room, giving a peaceful and alluring view. The quiet shuffling and chatter was a welcomed change for Sakura as opposed to the over-packed hallway they were in previously. 

Sakura stationed herself at an empty wooden table, resting her head upon the palm of her hand. Tsukasa followed close behind.

“We’ve been at this for a while, and nothing has been working… Are you sure you know what you're doing?” She grumbled.

Tsukasa flapped his sleeve at her dismissively. “Duh— Of course I do! It shouldn’t be that hard to make a coupla’ friends!” ...Right?

“Maybe you’re just too scary?” He chuckled to himself.

Tsukasa scanned the area. “You stay here and rest, ma’am. I’ll go find someone that wants to be your friend!” He said with confidence, quickly scurrying off through the book stacks.

“No, you— and, he’s gone… Okay.” She sighed. Always so stubborn…

Sakura picked up a lone book she saw that was left on the table, mindlessly skimming through it. She let her mind wander as she tried to re-assess her situation within her quiet moment. Everything seemed to be happening at once, and she hadn't found the time to wrap her head around it properly— especially when such a pesky spirit was constantly blaring in her ears, and dragging her halfway across the school. She still couldn't help but wonder, who was this child, really? Why is he haunting the bathroom? And how is he connected to Hanako-san—

Suddenly, Sakura heard a voice echo throughout the library, interrupting her thinking.

Looking around, she realized there was a pair of girls causing noisy chatter from behind her. They were sat at a table across the room, almost hip-to-hip with each other, gossiping about the latest school rumors. Sakura rolled her eyes.

“Hey— did you hear about this rumor? I heard it from some girl…”

Sakura's ears twitched.

She casually craned her neck to listen closer to the conversation, acting disinterested, while she continued glossing over the book before her. 

“Apparently, a while ago, Hanako-san abandoned her place in the bathroom—” she whispered to her friend, “—and nobody has been able to summon her since!” 

…Did she hear that right? Sakura's eyes widened involuntarily as she absorbed the information.

The girls shuffled in their seats as her friend gave a silent gasp in response. “I know! They say it happened years ago, but nobody knows exactly when, or why …” 

The girls leaned in close to one another. “I don’t know, can she do that? You see, my friend last week…” At this point, Sakura was beginning to tune the conversation out, as it devolved into a not-particularly-interesting anecdote.

Sakura sat alone with her thoughts for a minute as she tried to decipher the meaning behind this new story. She hadn’t heard anything about it till now, and if she had, perhaps she wouldn't be stuck in the situation she’s in currently…

She thought to herself: Hanako-san… has abandoned her post? Is that true? If that’s the case, then—

“MISS! Hey, miss! I found you a friend!” He yipped, breaking Sakura away from her thoughts once more.

“What, already? Where?”

“There's this super cute girl over here—c’mon, stop sulking—right behind this bookshelf!” He whisper-shouted a peppy ‘This way!’ as he dragged her across the room.

The two hid behind a bookshelf, far enough to not raise any suspicion from the girl. Sakura couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for slithering around like a creep.

“There she is! ” He giggled quietly. “Doesn’t she look nice? ”

“Why are you whispering?” She hissed. Even though they had to be quiet in the library, that wouldn't matter to Tsukasa, since no one could hear him anyway.

“Oh—! I don’t know,” he corrected. “But look—!” He pointed to a young, high-school girl further down the aisle that was juggling several heavy books by herself.

“I bet she's super easy to get along with. Why don’t you go say ‘hi’?” He encouraged, smiling playfully.

Her brows pinched. “With her? No, I can’t. She already seems occupied. I wouldn’t want to bother her.” Sakura said hesitantly, feeling her last miserable encounter reverberating in her mind.

“Ooohh, I see. Well, in that case—”

Wearing a mischievous grin, Tsukasa whispered something sneaky to his koku-joudai, inaudible to Sakura. The dark orbs obeyed, immediately dashing down the length of the bookshelf, quickly ambushing the girl’s books. With a harsh thud, the stack fell to the floor, leaving the girl completely befuddled, failing to notice the koku-joudai as they scurried back to Tsukasa’s side.

Sakura gasped, “Seriously!?  Why did you do that!?” quietly shouting in her distress.

“Now's your chance—go help her! People love being helped!” He encouraged her with a gentle shove in the other girl’s direction. 

Sakura staggered, trying desperately not to trip over herself as she came upon the fallen girl.

“Ah! I’m sorry! Are you okay, senpai?” The girl cried out. “My mess didn't cause you to fall, did it?”

Sakura regained her balance, and plopped down in front of the student, ungraciously. The two girls locked eyes as they settled into each other's company.

Sakura studied the appearance of the other girl, appreciating the way her long hair resembled the color of ivory, shimmering in the sunlight. Each strand graduated into a soft shade of teal—wholly complimenting the ruby sheen of her gentle eyes well. 

She took a moment to soak it all in, her eyes softening. “N-no, not at all,” Sakura assured, placing her hand on one of the fallen books. “In fact… I noticed you needed some help.”

“Right, right… How embarrassing! Ha-ha! You know how studying can be, though!” She followed with a smile, trying to play off her own clumsiness.

“Oh, I understand completely… No need to worry. The stress gets to even the best of us.” Sakura reassured, helping her gather the sprawl of books. She couldn’t help but let her eyes wander across the various novels laid before her, discovering that some of the covers resembled symbols related to supernatural folklore. How peculiar, to be ‘studying’ from books such as these…

The girl yanked a book towards herself, interrupting Sakura’s curiosity. “Yeah! But I swear, it's like something… whizzed past me! Y’know? Oh, maybe I sound crazy, ha.” She said a bit nervously, waving off her statement in fear of being dismissed.

Sakura chastised Tsukasa’s brashness in her mind.

“I don't think you do,” Sakura comforted. “and actually,” she added, “this must seem strange, but—It’s that… your voice is…” Sakura considered the best way to phrase herself. 

“Have we met before, perhaps?”

The doll-eyed girl stared back at her blankly, curiosity glistening within her. “W–what? Us? Hah—noo no, I would totally remember meeting someone as pretty as you— I mean—!”

Sakura gave a reassuring chuckle as the other girl let her books slip from her hands once more. “I see,” she smiled, “surely, though, I must have heard your voice in a dream.”

The girl turned beet red.

Quiet giggles escaped their lips, settling the tension between them. They both indulged in the mutual warmth that radiated from their words, while Tsukasa observed from a distance. 

He watched with utmost interest, studying the mannerisms of the girls carefully, taking in the intricacies of the delicate moment. He basked in the blossoming of a new friendship, patting himself on the back mentally for doing such a good job.

While transfixed on the interaction, his focus was only interrupted by something above that tickled his eardrums. His eyes followed hesitantly to the source of the noise, guiding his head upwards, until suddenly—

He froze.

There, at the ceiling’s corner, he was greeted by a grotesque sight that made his soul shiver in an ugly way.

Just above them, much, much too close for comfort, was a dark, squirming mass that appeared to have a large eye—no, multiple eyes—that surveyed the room thoroughly. The creature had several dark arms that tore at the ceiling’s plaster, crawling around feverishly, seemingly searching for… something. What was it, exactly…? Tsukasa didn't want to wait around long enough to find out. 

More than anything, at that moment, he wanted to curl up into a little ball and disappear forever. He wanted to melt into the floor and hide away, far away from the dark abomination. He had never quite witnessed anything like it before in his whole life—or afterlife, for that matter. 

Tsukasa fluttered over to Sakura’s backside, shrinking down behind her silhouette. She did her best to ignore the soft tugging sensation that pulled at her uniform. 

He gazed up at the creature from behind her, like a shy rabbit peeking from its burrow. He was hesitant to alert Sakura of the danger, for fear of gaining unwanted attention by her possible reaction.

Tsukasa thought of a way to best leave unscathed.

He sucked in a breath. “Hey—Hey miss, y’know what? On second thought, why don't we go somewhere else?” He babbled hastily, pulling desperately on the hems of her dress.

Her eyes narrowed. “What? No— What are you talking about?” She kept her voice low, and eyes focused on book-staking, in order to not draw attention to the conversation.

“It’s… Uh… It’s too stuffy in here! Right! We should go somewhere else, somewhere better than here. Somewhere where we can find more friends, where it's not so stuffy.”

“Huh? You’re not making sense—you—” Before she could argue, she found herself being pulled away, vacating her spot on the floor. The library doors slammed shut behind her before she could utter a word of thanks, or goodbyes —not even an exchange of names. Sakura was left longing for more, forced to mourn the loss of a potential friend. 

The silver-haired girl looked up from her task as she heard the doors slam, realizing her newfound solitude. She looked around before securing her belongings, placing them neatly on a nearby table.

“Oh, well.” She sighed, disappointment tracing her soft lips. “I hope she's okay.”

Tsukasa flung the bathroom door shut behind them, practically hurling Sakura into the room with him. She stumbled past him until she met with the wall on the other side. Tsukasa rested his shoulders on the door, relishing in the safety of the familiar room.

Tsukasa put himself back together, trying to conceal his strange outburst. “Sorry miss… Looks like no new friends today.” He sang in his best, carefree-sounding tone. “But that’s ok! There’s no shame in trying again tomorr—”

“What is your deal? ”

“My— what? My deal? I don't have a deal!”

“One moment you’re begging me to let you grant my wish… The next, you’re pulling me away from someone I just met?” Sakura let her pent-up frustration flow like a river. “I feel like I’m running in circles with you!”

Tsukasa flinched.

“What aren’t you telling me? What’s really going on?” She interrogated through her gritted teeth.

Tsukasa raised his palms, placing a false barrier between them. “Nothing! Nothing’s going on! I’m just trying to help— I want to help!”

“Help? Is that what you’re doing? Because it seems like you’ve been doing nothing but attempt to embarrass me all day!” 

His breathing hitched. Tsukasa tried to answer, but all that escaped was a pathetic whine. 

Sakura whipped her head, not allowing herself to falter from the childish display. “I swear, your behavior is just so… atypical, even for a supernatural. Don’t you want payment for my wish? Isn't that how this works?” 

“I–is it? I don't know—”

“You don't know? Really? Am I to assume you’ve never fulfilled even a single wish? Do you even know how to?”

“I—”

“You don't even know how to make friends, do you? ” 

“Well— neither do YOU, apparently!” His sleeves quickly clasped over his mouth.

“Sorry— Sorry! I didn't mean that! No— I’m so stupid!” Tsukasa cried herbal tears, bonking his own head.

“You’re right! I’ve never done wishmaking before, okay?” He admitted. “I’m suuuper new to this! And… I dunno how to make friends either! It's not my fault!” Tsukasa backed away, falling against the rough wall. “You don’t have to be so mean…” He hiccuped, wiping his dark tears away.

Tsukasa hated arguing. Arguing always led to hurt feelings—and everyone would say things they didn’t mean, which led to more hurt feelings. He always tried avoiding it the best he could, but right now… He felt trapped in its cold embrace. 

His anxiety consumed him once more as he dropped downward, curling into the safety of his thick robes. His sobs echoed throughout the quiet room.

Sakura swallowed her lingering fury, feeling guilty for snapping at him again. She wasn’t typically this impatient, but something about this spirit seemed to bring out the worst in her. Or, perhaps, the most in her. She wasn’t sure.

Either way, it wasn’t deserved, no matter how frustrating he was.

“Okay,” Sakura breathed in a heavy sigh. “This is getting us nowhere…” She said, rubbing her temple.

“I-I’m sorry…” Tsukasa mewled, unfurling himself. 

“No, don't be. I shouldn’t be mad… because it's true.” She said plainly, her arms crossed.

Her words hung in their silence.

“...Miss?”

She let out a half-hearted “hm?” as she sulked in front of the window.

“What’s a friend like?”

Sakura was surprised at the sudden shift in conversation. “A friend..? Well…” She reflected on that simple question, despite not understanding the intentions of it. 

A shimmer came to her eyes as she gazed through the tinted glass. “I suppose it’s someone you enjoy spending time with… a person to share your woes with,” her face softened, “And will help when you're in need.” 

She shrugged, turning back around to the boy. “At least, that's what I think a friend should be. Everyone has different preferences, I assume.”

Tsukasa took a second to himself before coming to a realization.

“... Oh!”

“What is it?”

“Well, I was thinkin’...” He prompted, carefully testing the waters as he gradually floated back to her. “Isn't that all the stuff we did today?” 

Sakura took his words in.

“I mean… we hung out all day– you told me about your feelings n’ stuff… and—even if I failed—I still tried helping you, didn't I?”

“W-well, I—”

“You had fun, too, right?”

“That's, uh… Ahm…” She rubbed her cheek with her index finger. “It was… Definitely the most exciting thing I’ve done for a while?” She said, feeling adventurous as she rode atop her lingering sense of adrenaline.

He gave a chipper laugh. “Okay! Then maybe I can still help you!”

“Sakura… Do you wanna be friends with me?” He asked, gently gazing into her.

“With… you? A ghost? I don't know…” 

“I know I haven’t been very good today… But let me make it up to you! It’s been so long since I’ve had a friend—!”

Sakura grunted, unsure of what to say. Tsukasa took the opportunity to close the last bit of distance between them.

“I’m not gonna leave you alone until you say yesss~!” He giggled while poking and prodding at her. “It’ll be fun!” He said, gleefully imagining the scenario. “A ghost and a girl… Being friends! That sounds so cool!”

“Ah— Oh dear. Well, you—” She shook her head with a smile. “Oh, alright.”

Tsukasa gasped. “Really? That’s great!” His face brimmed with excitement. “Then, miss, from now on, I’ll be your friend!”

He grinned. “So that means… I granted your wish, huh?”

Sakura couldn't answer. 

Tsukasa took her silence as a yes. “Then, in exchange… I want you to be my friend, too.”

Sakura was taken aback. “... Are you sure? Is that all you want? Nothing more?” 

“Yup! I had a lotta fun today. Promise you’ll come to visit me more, ‘kay?” He held his sleeved hands out expectantly.

“...I suppose if that's what you want, Tsukasa-kun. I promise to visit you, every day.”

“Friends then?” His smile shone like the morning sun. At that moment, Tsukasa seemed so full of warmth, despite his naturally cold presence.  

“Friends.” She placed her hands gently atop Tsukasa’s. His sleeves were softer than any silk she had felt before.

“Forever and ever!”

Their palms intertwined through the cloth of his robe, displaying a scene of intimacy that Sakura had not been accustomed to. She felt the urge to break away, but her hands remained, locked in the gentle embrace.

Suddenly, an unsourced wind picked up from around them, causing their clothes to flit and wave. Within the flurry, a mysterious glow erupted from their clasped hands, fully surrounding them with a blanket of warm light. They both watched with wonder glistening in their eyes, mesmerized as strings of lights wrapped through their arms— connecting together like the locks of a chain. It flashed, filling their vision completely.

Before their minds could process the exchange, the glow had quickly dissipated, leaving them dazed, and longing for answers.

Sakura blinked. “... What was that?”

“Oh... I dunno! Maybe the Sun?” The boy said unsurely, a nervous chuckle slipping out.

She shook her head. “Tsukasa-kun! The Sun? Really?”

Tsukasa danced in place, his eye still shimmering with child-like wonder. “He-he! I’m not sure! I’ve never seen anything like it!” He paused, turning to face her. “Do you think it means we’ll be friends forever, miss? For reals?”

Sakura mulled over the thought, letting her eyes wander about the room. “I… I don’t know. It seems like—”

“I’d like that.” Tsukasa rolled his shoulders up, offering Sakura a sweet smile.

Her heart panged.

Chapter Text

It was a beautiful afternoon for Kamome Academy. The pastel colors of the sky danced to the cricket’s melodic chirps as the sun stretched further and further over the horizon— a truly heartwarming display to any passerby. Some would even consider the sight enough to stir up a feeling of deep adoration.

…And stir it did, for this young man. 

As he gazed upon the sunset—passion glinting in his eyes—he dreamed of his one true love: Sakura Nanamine. His one and only— his esteemed “Lady”. Visions of her overcame his every waking thought, it seemed— like a spell had been cast upon his sorry soul. He stared out the school windows, contemplating her endless beauty, and kindness, and… Well, where was she, anyway?

It had been a couple of days since he had seen her usual wanderings around the school, and it had begun to worry him. In fact, it almost seemed she would completely disappear once the bells rang. So, this strapping young man did what any other lovesick fool would do in this situation—

Follow her.

Anyone with half a brain would consider it borderline stalking, but he didn’t care. He was on a mission—a mission of love! 

The plan was simple: He would locate her, then shadow her movement to find out where she had been sneaking off to every day. It was unusual for Nanamine to adjust her routine so suddenly… He was only concerned for her well-being! What if someone was taking advantage of her…? The thoughts made him dizzy, but he kept his steps quiet and steady in order to not alert her as he followed close behind. Down the school hallway she ventured, until suddenly, she stopped— turning quickly to the entrance of the girl’s bathroom.

That’s right, it was nothing out-of-the-ordinary, but… To be making this same route every day, spending all her after-school hours within the restroom stalls? Something had to be up!

So, with confident strides, he made his way to the restroom entrance. Bursting through the sliding doors, he yelled:

“MY LA~DY~!”

-WHACK-

Natsuhiko stumbled, falling to the ground while wincing in pain. “Ow, ow, ow—!” He cried, clutching his face. Looking up, he realized his attacker was none other than his mistress— the one he had been searching so tirelessly for. “M-my darling! It’s you!”

“Natsuhiko, did you really follow me into the girl’s bathroom…?” She interrupted, cutting through him with a cold, unforgiving stare. 

“I– I was only worried about you! You kept disappearing after school—and I was only trying to—”

“So you… followed me? To the women’s bathroom of all places?”

“W-well, when you put it like that—” He trailed off before locking eyes with the strange boy next to her.

Tsukasa perked up, immediately recognizing the handsome face he had seen days before. “HEY! I know him— I know you! You’re that funny boy!” Tsukasa pointed enthusiastically, approaching him. “I saw you the other day! You chased after us, didn’t ya’?” He snickered, floating closer to inspect Natsuhiko’s features. “Are you Sakura’s friend?”

Sakura scoffed. “He is not my—”

“YOU—!” Natsuhiko bellowed as he took hold of Tsukasa’s tiny shoulders. “Who are you!? Have you been taking advantage of my lady!?” He shook him like a piggy bank, as if attempting to dislodge the last penny within the walls of his big head. “Answer me!”

“Leave him alone, Natsuhiko! He didn’t do anything!”

With a disappointed expression, he obeyed, loosening his grip on the kid. “Anything for you, miss…”

Tsukasa’s lone eye rolled around in his head like a bingo ball, until finally fitting back into place. Once regaining his stability, he quickly scurried off from his attacker, molding himself into the corner of the bathroom wall. “Meanie!” He barked.

“So then, what’s going on here? Why’ve you been running off every day with this—weird boy!” Natsuhiko gestured protestingly to the kid. “It’s almost like…” Natsuhiko did a quick double-take, flipping his gaze between her and Tsukasa. He paused. “...Don’t tell me..?”

“Absolutely. Not.” She snapped.

Tsukasa’s head tilted with curiosity. What did they mean…?

“Then who is he— what is he!? Some kinda demon? ”

Tsukasa waddled back up to Natsuhiko, wary of his tall stature. “My name’s Tsukasa, sir!” He said with a big, toothy grin. “I’m Sakura’s best friend!”

“Best… friend?” His lady didn’t have friends, especially not best ones. Whatever this thing was, it was definitely taking advantage of his Sakura, and he’d do anything to put a stop to it. He picked Tsukasa up from the collar of his robe and swung him around like a loose bag. “Whatever you’re doing, you better not be doing! I won’t let you hurt my lady!”

Tsukasa couldn’t help but giggle and wail as if he were on a big roller coaster—even if it was meant to threaten him. 

He figured the new boy wasn’t too scary after all—maybe just a bit protective. When he really thought about it, his protective nature was kind of… endearing.

Tsukasa was glad Sakura had such a good friend.

Walking down the hall, Natsuhiko reminisced on his first encounter with the strange ghost boy, “Tsukasa”. Since the day they had all first come together, the group had joined regularly in the women’s restroom for almost a week now. Once everything had settled down between them, Natsuhiko just couldn't help but further question the situation. He didn’t understand why Sakura was wasting her time with that dumb kid…!

Really, what made him so special anyway? Was hanging out with a creepy ghost kid really more enjoyable than his own company? No, no, that couldn’t be it…

Whatever it was, it didn’t matter anymore, because, today, his patience had finally paid off—!

Earlier, he had received a letter within his desk, reading: ‘Meet me after school, in front of the stairs by the art room. I’ll be waiting. – Nanamine’

Natsuhiko’s heart swelled. This could only mean one thing: Sakura was ready to confess her undying love to him! Of course, he knew it all along, but he figured his lady a bit shy… unable to express her true feelings… until now. Perhaps now that they were spending more time with each other, she had begun to realize what an amazingly stunning guy he was. That must’ve been it, what else could the letter possibly imply?

Natsuhiko mentally hit himself, realizing how silly he was for concerning himself with Sakura’s new ghost “friend”. Clearly, nothing could stand between their love, not even supernatural forces! He squealed like a little fangirl, kicking and flailing in place with glee. He held the letter close to his chest and sighed deeply, collecting himself.

Walking down the school halls, he admired the start of a beautiful sunset. He mulled over the scenarios flitting through his head, wondering exactly what Sakura would say to him. It was enough to dull his senses and keep him trotting forward without a care in the world— that was, until he found himself colliding with another student.

“W-woah!” The younger student squeaked. He was a shorter, blonde boy with wide blue eyes full of worry. “Sorry- Sorry, senpai! My bad! I wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?” 

Natsuhiko waved it off cooly, assuring the kid that it was no big deal. The younger student let out a short sigh of relief before collecting himself, and both left with a quick bow before carrying on. Despite that, nothing could worry Natsuhiko’s mind right now, except his—

Gah! Is that water on his shirt!? Where did that come from!?

He whipped his head around to scold his kouhai for being so careless, yet found that he had disappeared already. In fact, the halls were completely empty… It seemed no trace of the kid was left behind, other than a few droplets of water shimmering on the wooden floors. Natsuhiko shrugged it off, not wanting to keep his lady waiting. He patted himself dry and continued on.

Natsuhiko made his way to the end of the hall, whistling to the tune of a love song. 

‘The stairs by the art room’, he thought. What a peculiar place to make a love confession… but he couldn’t complain. The idea of her just acknowledging his existence was enough to keep him going.

Squinting through the darkness, he called out to his lady. “I’m here~! Hello~!”

“Natsuhiko, be quiet. You’re going to attract attention.” Sakura hissed from the shadows. 

“Ah, my lady!” Natsuhiko lowered his voice. “I see, of course. You want privacy— but there’s no need to be nervous~! I saw your letter.”

“Right. I apologize for requesting your presence so suddenly—”

This was it, everything was happening so fast! His heart thundered in anticipation, but he silently hoped it wasn’t too noticeable. 

“—But we needed your help.”

...Wait, who’s ‘we’?

Suddenly, he was bombarded from behind. An ambush!— He assumed. 

“Natsu! I’m so happy you came!” Tsukasa grappled him, cheering into his ear without remorse.

Natsuhiko was taken aback. “Sh-shrimp!? What are you doing here? My lady was just about to—” 

Sakura glared back at him. “About to what ?” 

“Well… Nevermind.” Just then, he could practically feel his heart shatter into a million tiny little pieces. Whether it showed on his face or not, he didn’t know, but he couldn’t let it get him down “Then, what’s all the fuss about? You said you needed my help?” At the very least, he could make himself useful to her.

“That’s correct. I asked you to meet me here because of something concerning Tsukasa showed me.” She nodded toward the spirit. “Care to explain?”

“Oh, right, right! The plan! I’m so glad you both came, I reeaally need your help.” Tsukasa whined in gratitude. “Sakura already knows, but…”

“Natsu, have you ever heard of the Seven School Wonders?”

“You mean, those school rumors? Sure, yeah, everyone’s heard of ‘em— but they’re mostly just a coupla’ tall tales, right?” 

Sakura chimed in. “They’re more than just rumors, Natsuhiko. The school’s Seven Wonders are ancient, supernatural pillars that have protected this school for generations. They— you really don’t know? Seriously? I assumed you had at least heard the recent mysterious broadcasts...”

Tsukasa chuckled at Natsuhiko’s dumbfounded look. “It’s OK! It just means you’re lucky enough not to meet them, huh? ‘Cus the ones that have… Well…” Tsukasa paused. “Let’s just say, you probably wouldn’t remember anyone that did anyway! Haha!”

A drop of sweat fell past Natsuhiko’s brow. 

“But lately, there's been a bunch of students disappearing all over the whole school! Sometimes even outta thin air! There’s usually someone that keeps them in check, but…” Tsukasa’s lips pursed.

Natsuhiko waved his hands, stopping Tsukasa before he could continue. “Okay, that sounds scary and all, but what's that gotta do with us? You’re not expecting us to tangle with ghouls or something… Right?” 

Tsukasa’s face fell. “No one else can stand up to the Wonders… I can’t do this without you or Saki!” He pleaded, clinging to Sakura’s shoulder.

“No. No way, shrimp. That's the last straw! I’m not letting you put my lady in harm's way!” 

“Natsuhiko…” Sakura chided.

Natsuhiko scrunched his face in protest, refusing to believe Sakura would be swayed by such an absurd plan. Putting himself in danger was one thing, but for her… No, he couldn’t let that happen. She was too delicate, and beautiful! Not made for fighting…!

Sakura cut into his thoughts. “Natsuhiko, you've seen it too, right? We’ve been losing students every day. Doesn't that worry you?”

“My lady… But…” He tried his best not to think back on the disappearing kid from earlier, but Sakura's disappointed look lured him back in and destroyed him. How could he refuse her?

“R-right… Okay. Anything you desire, miss…” 

Tsukasa bounced in excitement. “Does that mean you’ll help me? Really?”

“Uh… Sure, yeah. Sure, why not? How hard could it be?” Natsuhiko chuckled nervously.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re the best, Natsu!” Tsukasa leaped at him, latching himself on like a koala.

“Yeah, uh-huh. Whatever you say, shrimp.” He said dismissively, lightly pushing the kid away. “Can we get this over with? Quickly? What do we even need to do?” 

Sakura approached the boys, admiring their growing closeness. “That’s right, Tsukasa. You haven't even told us your big plan.” 

“Oh! I almost forgot!” Tsukasa exclaimed. “Well, in order to rescue the students, we need to break into a Wonder’s boundary! Which is like… a big pocket of space made for supernaturals.”

Sakura nodded. “I think I’ve heard of it. Isn’t that what they call the border between life and death? How could we possibly go there?” 

“It’s a lot easier than it sounds, as long as you know where to look!” Tsukasa assured.

Natsuhiko raised a brow. 

Tsukasa couldn’t help but giggle at his confusion. “C’mere, I’ll show you.” The three lined up side-by-side at the bottom of the nearby stairs, collectively taking in the creepy ambiance. “You see that fourth step there? That’s where we need to go.” 

Natsuhiko followed the point of Tsukasa’s sleeve, vision adjusting to the darkness of the enclosed staircase. Nothing seemed out-of-the-ordinary, besides a consistent drip drop that he assumed to be a leaky pipe from above. But as his eyes focused, his heart sank deep. He was realizing, against his will, and despite his best judgment, that there was no water at all. It was much too thick, and dark… almost crimson in color. The echoing drip came from a place undetectable—as if it appeared from thin air. It was impossible, he thought. He didn’t dare imagine what it was, what it could be.

He looked to Sakura for relief, hoping to find a bit of solace in her deep, calm eyes—but they were transfixed only on the step, glistening with the same concern he shared.

“The Misaki Stairs is a super easy boundary to get to! That’s why we’re going here first.” Tsukasa explained enthusiastically, ignoring their obvious hesitation. “Just follow my lead!” The boy gleefully skipped onto the first step, ushering the other two to do the same.

“One!” He began. 

”Two!” In unison, they moved their next foot upward.

“Three!” Natsuhiko and Sakura exchanged nervous glances.

“Four—” 

Tsukasa's voice rang through their minds as their souls shifted and warped into an odd reality. The feeling was like no other— inhuman and feverish. 

When Sakura’s eyes opened, speckled darkness clouded her vision, and all she could hear was the sound of rushing water from all around. Gradually her senses returned, and her body stood frozen in shock, unbelieving of the sight laid before her.

Together, the three took in the view of the vast, scarlet city towering above them. Staircases and temples stretched far across the starry horizon, intimidating them with its sheer size and grandeur. The beautiful golden glimmer of its lanterns threatened to draw them in like moths to a flame.

Despite its dazzling appearance, the structures all felt randomized and off-putting, as if left unfinished and forgotten. This place could have easily been a bustling city, yet there was not a soul in sight.

Grand, but lonely. 

“Now that we’re here, we need to find the Yorishiro of the boundary!” Tsukasa chirped, bringing their sights back to him.

“Uhh… the what ?” Natsuhiko asked, scratching at the back of his head.

“Well uh!” Tsukasa paused for a moment, tapping his sleeve on his lip in thought. “Yorishiro are kinda like a power source… A battery!” He decided. “The Yorishiro is an item most precious to the Wonder, and without it, POOF!” He dramatically raised his arms. “No more Boundary, and no more power! Then we’ll be able to save everybody!” 

“This place is HUGE, how are we going to find this ‘Misaki’s ’ special item with all this junk around? We don't even know what it's supposed to be!” Natsuhiko huffed, partly defeated. 

“True, but—Okay, I know it sounds strange, but I’m… I feel like I’m sorta in tune with all the Wonder’s Yorishiro… Like, I can sense when one’s nearby.” Tsukasa's voice trailed off as he looked into the distance.

“I just need to focus real hard,” he continued, “then I can find it!” The boy began searching vigorously, playing a game of hot-or-cold in his mind as he constantly changed directions.

Sakura took this peaceful moment to admire the boundary. It felt like a never-ending festival with all the lanterns and goods sprawled around—so lively, despite being hauntingly abandoned. In any other circumstance, this would be a lovely place to keep to herself. 

She was pulled from her amazement when she noticed Tsukasa had stopped floating. He was looking straight down, into the barely visible waters below. She wondered, Had he found the yorishiro already..? Before she could come over to ask, Tsukasa had broken the silence.

“OK…” He began, his stare cold and dark. “Jump.”

Natsuhiko and Sakura both shivered.

“You can’t be serious! That’s insane!” Natsuhiko gawked at the deep abyss below. His stomach flipped a few times as he took in how endless it seemed.

Sakura’s shoulders softly shrugged. “He’s right,” she affirmed, joining them by the cliff’s edge. “You’d have to be pretty brave to jump down there.” She said with emphasis, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Brave?” Natsuhiko’s chest swelled with newfound, boyish confidence. “Well in that case—!”

“Great!” Tsukasa cheered—and without much warning, Natsuhiko found himself pushed, hurtling down into the gaping darkness. The scream he belted out was loud and visceral, slowly fading until he could no longer be heard. Somewhere in Tsukasa’s mind, the jump did not seem far down. However, after seeing Natsuhiko disappear into the waters, he was not so sure. He methodically blinked before looking to Sakura.

“Do you think he’ll be okaay?” Tsukasa asked innocently, despite being the cause of Natsuhiko’s demise. 

“He’s indestructible.” She joked, yet could not stop looking down from where Natsuhiko had been falling.

Sensing her nervousness, Tsukasa gave a hearty smile as he took her dainty hands into his own cloth-covered ones. “Don’t worry! We can go together.” He said with surprising gentleness. “Are you ready?” 

She smiled with fondness, giving a nod to her friend.

Now together, they faced the gushing waters head-on with hands clasped. With a deep breath, they jumped, floating down rapidly until everything faded into black.

Sakura’s eyes fluttered open, staring at the cobblestone she had fallen onto. Despite the drop, she felt just fine, as if she had been sleeping there for a while. 

She was gently grasped by sturdy hands, helping her up from the ground, Natsuhiko’s face meeting hers. The sky was a soft orange, filled with warm sunshine and fluffy clouds. Natsuhiko’s relieved and welcoming smile fit the background almost perfectly.

There were magnificent pagoda trees and luscious bushes that decorated the landscape. The gentle wind shuffled the leaves and grass. Ahead of them were staircases of smooth stone. This peaceful and sunny rural area was a stark difference compared to the dark and cold city they had just been.

“We’re here, we’re here! I can feel the Yorishiro close by!” Tsukasa cheered. “Let’s go!” Running up the steps, he had a rushing sense of joy knowing his newfound friends were just right behind him.

Sakura shook her head in amusement at his cheery disposition, following after him up the stairs, raising her head high. Natsuhiko was only a few steps away from her, surveying the grassland.

Suddenly, a round object flung out onto the stairway, rolling down with dull thuds. There was a silky black mass covering the spinning item until it hit the ground, revealing to be hair. It was a doll’s decapitated head, spinning around to show a ghastly face through the tangled strands.

There was a heavy silence between the group.

Then came the clicking and creaking noises. Little pale hands grabbed at the ground to let their limp bodies crawl. Dozens of small dolls with black bob cuts emerged from above, their faces resembling the dead or being covered by a marked cloth. They were all dressed in women’s vintage formal attire.

The urge to run away was immeasurable, but Tsukasa was determined. “We have to get through them,” he shouted. “We’re so close to the Yorishiro, don’t give up now!” Giving a head start, he rushed at the creepy dolls by kicking them away, the sounds of them falling similar to empty coconuts and broken porcelain.

Natsuhiko shielded his dear Sakura through the small hoard, continuously kicking and stomping on them to protect her. Sakura had no time to protest. Eventually, the both of them were able to catch up to Tsuaksa before stopping completely in their tracks.

From the flight of stairs above them, a woman dressed in white and red emerged. The tall pair of geta she wore clanked against the steps as she stumbled on her way down. Her platinum hair was frizzy and disheveled, and many parts of her locks were noticeably cut unevenly. She was out of breath, clearly having rushed over in a frenzy. The woman dragged an enormous pair of scissors with her, which she swung forward at them threateningly.

“Intruders!” The lady screeched. “How did you even get down here?!” She questioned, sounding absolutely appalled.

Between the slowly approaching army of toys and the sheen of the silver blades, the gang was collectively befuddled.

“No matter,” the woman spoke, “I’ll rip you all to pieces, just like the rest of them!” The scissors she wielded snipped loudly, threatening to cut them down.

Sakura stood to face the deranged woman, her emerald eyes locking with the other’s slit forest green ones.

With the intention of attacking the teens with her silver shears, the Wonder took a strong step forward before feeling a gush of power flow through the winds. She was caught in the girl’s intense stare, unable to look away. Her muscles froze up. Panic and utter confusion were present on her face as she stood completely still.

The boys wouldn’t let the opportunity pass, quickly looking at each other to nod in confirmation. They both lunged at the woman and restrained her arms and legs, the pair of scissors dropping down the stairs.

“Hurry Saki!” Tsukasa called out. “I feel where the item is! It must be in that case next to us! There’s a seal on it, you’re the only one that can rip it off!”

Hurriedly, Sakura broke her stare and turned to face the structure on her left, off the path of the staircase. She dashed to it, narrowly avoiding some of the dolls that had caught up. 

The woman could move again, immediately trying to thrash as the boys confined her with all their might. “NO!” She wailed as she saw the girl open the temple-like compartment, pulling out a small pair of hair-cutting scissors with a black seal stuck onto it.

Bracing herself, Sakura viciously tore the seal from the precious shears.

The land stilled, then came the rumbling. Harsh sounds of shattering glass were ringing in their ears, and the shards were obscuring their vision.

Then, the world melted into nothingness.

Clearwater puddles echoed silently before a boy emerged from the depths, landing on the ground.

He stood, his staff helping him up, as the wind blew through his spiked hair and chilled his scales and fins. Even though he was ready for a fight, the landscape was… peaceful. There were acres of bright red spider lilies and still water, many of their petals flying in the gentle wind. The sky was a soft blue that faded into pinks and oranges beyond the horizon. His breath had been held, but he exhaled in relief as he took it all in.

The boundary was no longer occupied, and someone had beaten him to it.

Chapter Text

A shaken voice came through the red and golden handle of the phone.

“I swear to you, It’s not what it seems.” 

“Then, what is it?” Another voice asked, with an impatient temper.

“It was these little brats… they—”

“What, children? Are you telling me you were defeated by a couple of students?”

“I—I tried to fight them! I did my best—!”

“Your ‘best’ ? So even your best isn’t good enough?” 

“No, no! Listen, Nana-sama—there was a girl. When she looked at me… It’s like I was locked in place! I couldn’t move! I couldn’t stop her!”

“So what? You’re saying you were scared? Frozen in fear? A ‘School Wonder’—scared of a little girl?”

“But—it wasn’t—!”

“That’s enough! ” He shouted, throwing a fist down to his desk. “I’m disappointed in you, No. 2.”

Taking a deep breath, he reclined into his office chair. “You know… I entrusted you all with a task. A very small, basic task.” He emphasized while he rubbed at his forehead. “Yet you’re expecting me to drop everything in order to restore your Yorishiro? Right now? While we stand in the middle of a crisis?”

Yako stayed silent, drowned in her embarrassment.

Hanako sighed. “You must understand the kind of pressure I’m under lately, right?” His voice leveled into cooling breaths, steadying his eye upon the insect-like supernatural that danced around his gloved hand.

“Despite this, I believe I have been very generous. So, I’m asking you all to work a little harder until I have what I need.” Hanako brought the creature closer to his face, studying the intricacies closely. He caressed it gently between his two fingers. “That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

“N-no, Nana-sama.”

“Good. Don’t disappoint me again, or you can kiss your seat goodbye... Permanently .” Crushed within his palm, the bug produced a nasty squelch as its essence dripped from his fingers. The off-putting noise was heard even through the phone, reminding No.2 how lucky she was not to have this conversation in person.

“Yes, Nana-sama…” she gulped. “It won’t happen again.”

“Make sure of it.”

Click .

Hanako gave an exacerbated sigh as he pinched the top of his nose, eyebrows furrowed from his forming headache. After everything that has happened in the past month, it seemed like things couldn’t get any worse.

He left his chair spinning in place, escaping the drabness of his small office. Once he opened the door, the chandelier lights and the coolness of the ground’s water refreshed his spirit.

The boundary he occupied was a spiritual version of the school’s abandoned Broadcasting Room. The entrance doors would switch between realities as Hanako pleased, keeping anyone from accidentally stumbling upon his domain. Though regular visitors knew how to enter through a knocking code or taking certain supernatural paths.

His single eye settled upon the guests he had, one expected and one uninvited.

“Ohhh Yashiro~!”

All attention turned to him.

“Oi, not so fast, Hanako!” Minamoto Kou shouted, trying to block his way from Yashiro.

Hanko sighed. “Kid… You’re still here! How nice.” He wiped off the leftover supernatural goop onto Kou's olive-colored jacket as he pushed him aside. “Anyway—”

“Dude—Ack! You’re sick! What is this stuff!?” Kou exclaimed, trying to get the substance off.

“Yashiro, sweetie, you’re a sight for sore eyes! Did you miss me~?” Hanako asked rhetorically, though with such care in his question.

Yashiro blinked, re-focusing on Hanako, who was looming just above her. “O-oh! Hanako-san! Are you okay?” She asked with worry. “You were gone for such a long time, is everything alright?”

“Don’t worry dear… Just another stressful call… Whenever I’m with you, though, all my worries wash away!” He squished her chubby cheeks in his hands. She gave meek squeaks in protest as her face got squinched.

“Hands off, you creep!” Kou roared, pulling him away by his long cape. Hanako rolled his single eye as he was shoved off of his own assistant.

Hanako let out a huff. “Ease up, toy soldier.”

“Unfortunately, a Wonder’s Yorishiro was compromised yesterday,” he admitted, snatching his cape back from Kou. “My Yousei have been on patrol recently, I can’t believe they haven’t picked up any suspicious activity… Say, I heard it was a bunch of students breaking in, how peculiar! Kid, did you see anything?”

“What if I did know? Why the hell would I ever tell you?!” Kou practically barked. However, it did make him think back on yesterday’s events. Were there really other students fighting against Hanako’s tyranny, much like himself? 

“Doesn’t hurt to ask,” he shrugged, letting one of his ivory haku-joudai twirl around his own gloved hand. “I already have a lot on my plate, and suddenly I have a bunch of rebellious bugs in my midst.” Hanako hissed, frustration seeping out of his voice.

Suddenly though, Hanako perked up. “Couldn’t you take a break from fighting me all the time? Y’know, make things easier for me?” He asked Kou casually. “I promise to keep your little sea princess safe and sound~” While he teased Minamoto, he rested an arm playfully on his shoulder.

“You’re the one I’m protecting her from, scumbag!” Kou protested, shimming the ghost away from his shoulder.

“Anyways,” he dismissed Kou as he turned to Yashiro. “Darling, if you see anything odd during school hours please let me know, okay?” He asked sweetly, also noticing that her tea cup was empty. Taking the liberty, he picked up a teapot and poured out a wonderfully warm aroma of peach and chamomile. Yashiro sheepishly smiled as she gave a small nod of gratitude, taking a sip.

“I’m going to have to work hard to get Yako’s Yorishiro restored.” Hanako tapped on his chin thoughtfully, then continued on. “Until then, I have a new script for you to recite, Yashiro.” 

He pulled out heavy sheets of paper, making sure to whack the stack at Minamoto’s face before handing it gently to her. “I’ll let you mull it over, and we can start broadcasting tomorrow.” 

Yashiro took a minute to flip through his organized papers. She took in their details and instructions carefully.

“The Prin- Senpai shouldn’t have to do anything for you!“ Kou scoffed. “These rumors you’re making are way out of hand, putting everyone in danger! How dare you make her do something so cruel.”

“Careful, now~” Hanako chided, almost in song. “Just because we’re not physically fighting now doesn’t mean I couldn’t pummel you at any given moment. Choose your words wisely.” He warned, deadpanning at the boy.

Yashiro gave a tired frown that was directed toward Hanako, making him awkwardly clear his throat and adjust his uniform.

“I’ll use my words alright…” Kou grumbled, sneering as he crossed his arms.

“Oh my goodness, the time!” Yashiro yelped abruptly, hurriedly taking her tea cup and gulping it down. “I have to go home now!” Her Mary Janes splashed the crystal waters as she stood up, gathering her belongings on the table.

“Oh… Is it that time already?” Hanako asked, his smile turned crestfallen. “It feels like you just got here…” He grabbed his own hand and rubbed it anxiously with his thumb. 

“Gosh, time flies!” She said in surprise, Kou followed behind her with his exorcist staff. 

“Please, Yashiro! Couldn’t you stay just a little longer?” Hanako pleaded, floating into her vision. “I mean, wouldn’t it be nice to discuss the script over some cucumber sandwiches?” He offered half-heartedly, unfortunately already knowing the answer.

“Hanako-san, I really gotta go… Thank you so much for the tea, I’ll see you tomorrow!” Yashiro said politely, giving a quick bow. 

“Alright then… Farewell, Yashiro, I will see you tomorrow afternoon.” He said solemnly, returning her bow with a hand over his heart. “Also, make sure that anchovy doesn’t walk you home.” He quietly warned her, but was loud enough to be heard.

“She can do whatever she wants!” Kou huffed. “C’mon Senpai, let’s go…” 

Yashiro waved a gentle goodbye with her elegantly gloved hand. As she neared the exit, her beautiful white dress transformed back into her regular long-sleeved school uniform.

“Ciao~” Hanako called out, echoing through the empty room before the door closed. He found himself in solitude again, just like every late afternoon. With a tired groan, he picked up a spare sandwich and ate it dejectedly. He gazed up at the crowned ceiling and its paintings.

After taking a moment to finish his snack, he went off to occupy his time with something worthwhile. In a corner of the room, there was a grand piano made of dark wood. Hung along the wall were displays for his stringed instruments. Violins, Shamisen, Kokyu, and various more so on and so forth.

Today felt appropriate for the piano, so he sat himself down and opened the lid. The first couple of minutes sounded similar to parts in ‘24 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87 No.16,’ but the rest of his time was spent improvising.

He was so drowned in his melody that he almost didn’t notice the visitor who came in.

“Nana-sama…” A dark, low voice bellowed to him.

Hanako played a few ending keys before closing his piano lid. “Hello, what do you have to report?” He asked formally, but couldn’t help sounding bored.

The squirming mass tried to keep itself upright from its previous crawl. Multiple eyes fixated on the phantom boy, and multiple hands politely kept to themselves.

“We saw a boy… He looked just like you.” It said, gaining a mildly surprised look from Hanako.

“Is… that so…” He trailed off, trying not to get his hopes up.

“Yes, Nana-sama… He was dressed in dark robes, and wore a black eyepatch.”

Hanako froze, there was no doubt about it.

“The boy vanished just as we saw him,” the monster continued, defending its reasoning for not venturing on.

This was the best news he heard all day! There was an elated smile that brightened up his face, everything felt clearer and happier.

“Thank you for your work, Bonbon, you may un-fuse for today if you wish.” He praised, patting them on the head. The nicknames he gave the Yousei monsters were to refer to each fused group that he assigned. He somehow kept track of each fusion and every Mokke that combined to make them.

Ecstatically, the dark creature bounced in the air, splitting itself up. There were many rabbit-like Mokke that emerged. Some were soft bright pinks while others were blackened with mono-eyes. They all landed on the shallowly spread waters, their own squishiness cushioning their falls. “We want sugar!!” One of them cried. “Lots of sweets!” Said another.

“Yes yes, I wouldn’t forget your payment.” He said with a chuckle, his expression softening into fondness.

There were many cupcakes and macarons he had left over, he only used a few for the tea parties. He left momentarily from the group to grab the pastries, going through a hidden door.

Emerging from his secret kitchen, he gave each Mokke a dessert to enjoy. He watched them enjoy their treats fondly, as if he were feeding ducks by a pond. Baking was a precious activity to Hanako, something from his past that brought a sense of warmth. Though, he was embarrassed about it, so only a few knew about his secret hobby. Even for his tea parties, he would avoid the truth by saying he had purchased them beforehand.

“If you keep this up, I’ll promote you all collectively to two treats per day.” He encouraged, their little beady eyes glistening. 'They're too easy,' he thought. “However, Hopps has been coming closer to stealing that bonus with their hard work as well. I expect the best from you.” He said with a knowing smirk. Riling them up in a competitive way would surely get the job done, even though he could easily make more desserts for everyone.

As he watched them eat, he let their previous words sink in… Tsukasa, his little twin brother, was actually in the school! He had been searching for his lost twin for a few weeks now, it was so difficult being apart for so long. He would have to go scouting around himself soon. He imagined how scared and lost Tsukasa must have been. Hanako had upped the security and the Wonder’s powers recently to help retrieve him. Not to mention he looked through many parts of the far shore to search for Tsukasa whenever he could. This included the local supernatural market, where they had been abruptly separated in the first place due to an overcrowded and busy day. Hanako bit his lip in shame.

Hanako ushered the Mokke out of his boundary for the night. As much as he loved having them around, they were troublemakers when it came to missing items. He didn’t want to put his supernatural antique collection in jeopardy. Finally, he left the boundary with them and headed to the halls.

The Sun had long been asleep, and the Moon had started enrapturing the land in its gentle glow. The Moon’s gaze beamed through the school windows, Hanako admiring its faraway craters and the stars framing it. These celestial bodies kept their same spiritual routine, between resting and rising. The only thing that could be ensured was their constant balance of light, waxing and waning.

Further down the hall, Hanako noticed someone else admiring the evening’s wingspread. Their head was tilted up and was resting on propped arms, paying no mind to anything but the Moon. Hanako was briefly convinced that the night was playing tricks on him, but there could be no mistake.

He finally found him, his other half.

Relief had washed over him like a waterfall, his shoulders eased and his arms raised up, outreached.

“Tsukasa…?” Dreamily, he approached him, ready to embrace his poor lost brother with open arms.

However, gentleness quickly became pain.

In a panic, Tsukasa swung to slap Hanako right in the side of his face. The blessed golden clasps of his sleeves burned into Hanako’s cheek. There was a stinging sensation etched into a red-marked crescent. Hanako shakingly raised his hand to his own wound in disbelief, staring at Tsukasa.

“I—” Tsukasa choked on his words. “I HATE you, Hanako-san!”

Tsukasa’s words hit him harder than any slap could. Losing all stability in his legs, he fell to his knees, sitting stiff on the cold floor.

“Leave me alone!” Tsukasa shouted again, finding the strength between his hiccups and herbal tears. He backed away, fear guiding his movements.

Hanako could do nothing but stare back at those hate-filled eyes—ones that were once filled with so much joy in his presence. A wave of grief overtook him, drowning away any sense or logic he had remaining.

Turning his heels, Tsukasa ran off, stumbling a bit as he went.
The clanking sounds of his sandals filled the silence as he sprinted away faster. His head felt like it was spinning, but he kept running and running, afraid of what might happen if he stopped.

Hanako quivered as he stared at the floor. Everything he had hoped for had become a nightmare. After being weeks apart from each other, nothing compared to the decades they’ve shared, his brother suddenly despised him. Why was this happening? What could he have done wrong? He searched his brain for anything that could explain this, but it was in vain. His sweet and caring younger brother now loathed him, wanting nothing to do with him. Utter confusion sent him into turmoil, and his chest boiled in anguish.
Tsukasa hated him.

An inhuman scream erupted from his lungs, the noise reverberating throughout the halls of the school.

Tsukasa did not look back.

Chapter Text

A soft chime played through the school halls, officially stopping all classes in time for lunch. Teachers dropped their chalk, and students brought their bento boxes out of their bags. There was a calm air of relief and community as everyone enjoyed their recess.

During this downtime, Natsuhiko waited for Sakura at the old building. They were meeting up to see their little ghost friend who haunted one of the bathrooms. Usually, they spent time with Tsukasa exclusively after school, but recently they found that even their lunches were spent with him as well.

Walking down the hall, there she was, as elegant as ever. Sakura strode over to his side, holding something gently with her arm.

“Who are those for?” He asked in a mellow tone, peeking at the item.

“Tsukasa-kun,” she answered, showing him the small transparent box decorated with purple ribbon. Inside was an assortment of ruffled and colorful cookie sandwiches, made by her own hands—though she was shy to admit. Sakura smiled at the thought of her eccentric friend receiving his first gift from her.

The two made their way to the condemned girl’s bathroom—indicated by the official-looking “OUT OF ORDER” note that hung above it—entering through the heavy vintage door.

Natsuhiko half-expected to be ambushed into a forced hug by the ghost, but to his surprise, there was no contact at all. In fact, Tsukasa was all the way by the glass window, sitting on the sill in a gloomy kind of way. Even his black spirit orbs shared in his despondency. He glanced back solely to acknowledge his friends’ entrance, smiling softly, but that seemed to be all he could muster.

It was… unusual.

“Heyy shrimp,” Natsuhiko began, “we’re back. No hug today?”

“I thought you didn’t like my hugs.” He replied plainly. Natsuhiko shared a communicative glance with Sakura and shrugged. Her eyes then narrowed as if to say ‘ go talk to him ’ despite him having no interest in doing so.

He grunted, and went over to pick up the ghost by the scruff—similarly to a kitten—and gently shook him from side to side, just hoping for a reaction. A quiet protest escaped Tsukasa’s lips, but ultimately, he just went limp and accepted his fate.

Sakura sighed. “These might cheer you up,” she said hopefully, approaching the boys and presenting the treats to Tsukasa.

Tsukasa perked up. “Oooh, are those-?!” His eye lit up at the sight of the gift, quickly breaking from Natsuhiko’s grip as he made his way over to her. “Macarons!” He cheered, picking it up and twirling around. “Awww these are my favorite treats ever! Thankyou-thankyou-thankyou Sakiii!” He hugged the box close to his chest. “How’d you know?!”

“I just…” Sakura trailed off, her smile turning into contemplation. “They reminded me of you, I’m not sure why.” Her smile returned as she watched him tear through the box in delight.

“Ah, my lady is so kind and generous~!” Natsuhiko praised. “You better be grateful, she never gets me gifts like that!”

“Because you do not deserve them.” She chuckled as she made her way to Tsukasa. “Are you enjoying your treats, sweetheart?” She asked with a gentle smile.

Tsukasa mumbled a satisfied affirmation between bites, making sure to savor each crumb. “They’re delicious! The purple flavor is my favorite.” 

Sakura tittered at his face-full expression, happy to see she had picked a good gift. He seemed happier, she thought, but despite his shift in demeanor, she couldn’t suppress the idea that something was off.

“Are you going to tell me what's wrong?” She asked calmly, eyebrows curled in worry.

“Um,” Tsukasa gulped, “What d’ya mean?” His body shifted uncomfortably under Sakura’s worried stare. “Mmn, I dunno. I don’ really remember now…” He shrugged, finishing his last few bites while patting himself clean. “—but I’m happy now that you’re here, Saki! I missed you so, so much!”

She sighed, not wanting to press. “Alright, Tsukasa. If you say so… I’m just glad you are enjoying your treat at least.” 

Feeling the previous tension subsided, Natsuhiko let out a big, exasperated yawn. He brought a hand to Tsukasa's head and ruffled his hair playfully. “Aw, s’alright shrimp. Nothin’ to worry about, okay? I’m sure whatever's bothering you will blow over soon anyway.” He assured. “You’re weird, but… you’re tough, I know that much.”

Tsukasa giggled, feeling Natsuhiko’s genuinity between his words. He let out his own tiny yawn as he slowly slipped into comfortability. 

“I didn't think ghosts could get so sleepy.” Sakura cooed, giving Tsukasa gentle back rubs for comfort. 

He could barely keep his eye open from the drowsiness creeping up on him. “You should relax…” She suggested, but Sakura could not think of any place to rest beside the nurse's office. 

“If only we had a sleeping bag,” Natsuhiko joked, chuckling at the thought of lying down on a bathroom floor.

Their specific words ticked something on in Tsukasa’s mind, and it felt like a mental gate had opened, but just slightly. He had completely forgotten a place… somewhere inside of the bathroom.

“Wait, hold on…” he perked up. “I know a place.” Tsukasa turned to his friends with a toothy smile. He floated over to the familiar stall—the third of the girl's bathroom—and investigated its structure. The others came close as well, interested in what he meant. 

Suddenly, Tsukasa shot up. “It’s through here!” He recalled with enthusiasm. However, neither of them looked thrilled to find that he was referring to the bathroom stall itself. 

“You’re gonna… lay on the toilet seat?” Natsuhiko asked senselessly.

Tsukasa huffed. “I’ll show you, just- get in!” He opened the door for his friends, gesturing for them to go in first. 

All three of them crammed into the third stall, pushed up against the wall and each other. Tsukasa promptly closed the stall, forcing them to become even more cramped.

“Prepare to be amazed!” Tsukasa exclaimed, giving the door three good knocks through the fabric of his sleeves. Before the teens could even complain, they were silenced by a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The air ran cold, and water pooled at their feet unnaturally. It was a familiar sensation since their last supernatural encounter, but it was still jarring, to say the least. 

Light shimmered through the gaps of the stall, piquing their interest as Tsukasa turned to face them. “Welcome to…” He paused, imagining a drumroll as he opened the door, “...the Pillow Room!”

Sakura and Natsuhiko stared in awe at the sight of the large room. What had once been a normal, smaller school bathroom was now replaced with an entirely new setting. The “ Pillow Room’s ” floors and walls looked plush with pastel purples, pinks, and other soft colors sprinkled about in a well-thought-out palette. The room looked mostly empty, but there were a few locked wardrobes and piles of pillowy things in the corners.

“Gosh, I haven’t been here in… a really long time!” Tsukasa explained, floating around the room to take it all in. “I can’t believe I forgot all about it!”

This was curious, how could he have simply forgotten something as big as this…? It made Sakura contemplate as she took off her shoes and placed them into a cubby. Natsuhiko kicked his off as well, casually placing his shoes next to hers.
Tsukasa went around, soaking in the familiar textures of each item, “I used to hang out here all the time, ” He reminisced. “So much of my old stuff is still here!” He came upon a few drawers containing various arts and crafts supplies. He was happy to find origami paper, paints, colored pencils, and other nicknacks that he used to play with. 

“And the best part… there’s still a bunch of blankets and pillows!” Tsukasa cheered, practically bouncing into the pile of softness in the corner “Aww, no plushies though… I thought there was s’pposed to be some here.” He found himself hung on that notion for a bit, before shaking it off, and gathering some bedding in his arms in order to relocate them.

Tsukasa plopped everything down and waved his friends over. “We can all lay down together!!” He suggested, working hard to assemble a large, cozy nest for him and his friends. He didn’t hesitate to sink right in once he was satisfied with his fort.

Natsuhiko was quick to lay down first, lifting his arms behind his head. “Now this is nice. Why didn’t you take us here sooner, squirt?” 

Sakura followed suit, sitting next to Tsukasa, legs folded under her dress. “I don’t understand how you could have forgotten it.” She looked down at the ghost as he sunk further into the plushness of the pile.

Tsukasa thought for a moment, putting his sleeve on his forehead. “Honestly, I… I’m having a hard time remembering a lotta of things lately…” 

“That’s okay, sweetheart. Perhaps some relaxation will ease your mind.” She ran her black-painted nails through Tsukasa’s hair in order to soothe him. He leaned into it eagerly, before slowly placing his head onto her lap. Usually, she was reluctant when it came to physical touch, but something about him reminded her more of a bunny rabbit, or perhaps a little kitten… so it didn’t bother her much.

Tsukasa let out another big yawn, trying to let the stress escape his lips. “You know, when we destroyed that boundary together, you were both amazing!” He brought up suddenly, grinning wide. “We did it together, even though you guys didn't have to. I’m glad we won… but it was really dangerous, too.” Fiddling with the moons on his sleeves, he continued: “I have a bad feeling that things are gonna get worse after what we did… The Wonders must be super mad.”

“But it's for the greater good, yeah?” Natsuhiko added. 

“I think so! We saved a buncha kids, and now nobody’s gotta worry about that 4th step for a while… I’m just… worried about you guys.” Guilt bubbled in his stomach. “I don’t wanna make you do anything you don't want to. If it's too scary, we can stop. You don't have to keep helping me anymore…”

Sakura blinked, taking in his sudden downhearted expression. She knew from the start that it would be dangerous, at least from personal knowledge, but she didn’t define that something so noble was anything to be sorry for. “If you need our help, Tsukasa, we’ll be here for you,” she promised.

Natsuhiko shook his head, “Well, if she’s gonna be here, I guess I will too—but you better not push me off a cliff again, shrimp!” Natsuhiko nagged, though his warm expression betrayed him. 

“Thank you...” he said gratefully, easing back into his sleepiness. Sakura continued to pet his hair while mindlessly humming the tune of an old song. Tsukasa’s eye fluttered as he slowly drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

“Goodnight, Tsuki.”

It was a beautiful, sunny day on the rooftops of Kimome. The air was brisk and inviting, beginning to welcome in the new chill of Autumn, yet the Sun still shone brightly as to enjoy the comforting warmth of a sunny day.

On the rooftop, two students sat together on a cutesy, red-white checkered mat, enjoying a delicious scenic lunch. They were grateful to have the whole area to themselves. Laid out was a layered bento box from Kou, along with fizzy drinks and candied fruits Yashiro had brought to satisfy her sweet tooth. The two were chatting together as Kou shared the latest story about his little sister—

“—but she saw right through it! It was crazy! Well, there’s no disguising bell peppers from her…” Kou sighed and shook his head at the thought of his sister being so picky, but Yashiro couldn’t help but giggle. “Thankfully, she ate all her broccoli last time… At least Teru-nii will eat anything I make!” He told her in between bites of tamagoyaki.

“It’s too bad your brother had to transfer out and do home-schooling… Akane-kun has been doing a great job as President though! Don’t you think so?” Yashiro asked, sipping some of her melon soda.

“Ah, I haven’t really kept up with school activities lately…” Kou admitted, stuffing a strawberry in his mouth.

Suddenly, a white orb circled the two, its core essence was red. Kou nearly choked, but Yashiro calmly beckoned it closer to her. “What’s the matter, Haku-Joudai?” She asked it, seeing as it was in a rush. 

“… It said Hanako-san wants me to come over immediately!” Yashiro exclaimed.

“Damn that thing…” Kou barely whispered. “What could that guy want anyway? He shouldn’t be spoiling your lunch break like that!” 

The two started quickly packing up their food and containers. “You don’t have to accompany me! I’m sure it’ll be quick, you should eat Kou-kun,” Yashiro reassured him.

“There’s no way I’d let you go alone with that weirdo. I’ll protect you any chance I get, Senpai!” Kou said boldly, putting a fist over his heart.

Yashiro gave him a bashful smile, “Okay Kou-kun,” she said as the wind gently blew through her hair. Kou’s cheeks flushed.

With haste, they followed the white spirit down several flights of stairs, rushing to the dimly lit broadcasting room door that was located just below the school.

She knocked three times on the door, but before she could recite anything, it opened rather quickly. Both of them entered as the white spirit wrapped back around to Hanako’s side. They gawked at the sight of a bulletin board covered in pictures, documents, and red yarn tying it all together. The usual dining table was laced with a cloth texture that resembled a map, and atop it were figurines and chips scattered across the whole thing. It was the spitting image of a shabby military planning room.

“C’mon, this better be important! We both barely got to eat lunch.” Kou complained, crossing his arms at the ghost in his protest.

Hanako barely acknowledged Minamoto’s words. “Yashiro! Sweet Yashiro, never mind the script I gave you yesterday. We can save that one for later. I need you to broadcast something else right after school, no delay my dear!” He said with enthusiasm, but not once looking away from the strategy map that was spread out on the table. Hanako even managed to hand her the new script while he wrote something down.

“What’s happening, Hanako-san?” Yashiro asked, feeling scatterbrained while she took hold of the large stack of papers.

“He’s… He’s back! My brother— he’s actually back… At the school!” Hanako exclaimed, reaching up to connect another red yarn to a tack. “I can’t believe it.”

Kou rolled his eyes, “Wow, that’s great,” he remarked rather sarcastically. “Can we stop doing all this, then? Let Yashiro go, and move on—”

“Oh no, no, no, you don’t understand.” Hanako interrupted, waving a nagging finger at him from across the room. “He’s not… himself .” He pondered, “something… must’ve gone wrong while he was away. There’s something different about him now, like… like he hardly knows me!” He slapped a hand to his forehead in disbelief. “Despite that, I’ve been doing some digging and… I think I know what's going on.”

Yashiro gasped with concern, “Oh no! What happened to your brother, Tsukasa-kun?” Despite her never meeting his twin, it felt fitting to use casual honorifics.

“Here’s the idea… So, we know that there's been a recent… disruption … in the school’s order lately. Well, this can’t be a coincidence!” He professed. “Tsukasa’s disappearance, rumors being altered—Yorishiros being destroyed! It’s impossible! No ordinary students would know how to infiltrate a Wonder’s boundary so easily, right?” He asked the room, but it felt rhetorical.

“They needed a guide ... They needed someone that would be able to show them directly to the Yorishiro.” He explained, tapping on one of the pictures on the board. “Do we know who else would know their way through the boundaries as well as I do? Hm? Any thoughts?” They were both silent, and completely lost on his delirious one-sided discussion.

Hanako pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Tsuaksa,” He stated bluntly, pinning another paper roughly onto the board with an antique golden dagger. “Who I took everywhere with me, who would know all the shortcuts. Yet, unfortunately, now, all those vital pieces of information are being held captive by delinquent students!”

Kou watched in disbelief, fascinated by the way he flaunted his idiotic theories in pride. ‘Is this supposed to make any sense?’ He whispered to Yashiro under his breath.

Hanako suddenly turned to face the two, continuing on without shame. “Those conniving little brats took Tsukasa, knowing he would show them the way… Oh, but they must have tricked him into it! They must have used his friendly, sweet, and gullible nature against him!” He dramatically raised the back of his hand to his forehead at the thought of it all. “How cruel!” He expressed. “They must have manipulated him into thinking things he doesn’t really believe! I just know it.”

Kou exchanged worried glances with Yashiro, she had her hand covering her lips, having an uneasy look in her eyes.

“No need to fret, though…” Hanako’s mouth twisted into a grin as he took a red marker, circling a picture of a large bird-like supernatural in the middle of the board. He started darkly chuckling to himself.

“I’ll save him… and punish those brats for what they’ve done.”

“We’ll set the perfect trap.”

Chapter Text

-“… Hey… Have you heard…?”-

-“The mirrors within the school can be very dangerous…”-

-“If you look into them for too long, admiring yourself from vanity… Then a more modest and well-tempered lookalike will take your place… Forever trapping you within…”-

-“The Hell of Mirrors.”-


Pink sneakers squeaked against the ground as a boy ran through the halls. Somewhere, anywhere but here, he needed a place to be alone. Tears were hitting the floor as he dashed to a dead end. Without looking, he pushed through a door and ran inside—entering the furthest bathroom stall and hunching over. Salty warm tears kept rolling down his red cheeks, wiping them away with his long sweater sleeves only relieved it temporarily. The sobbing wouldn’t stop… He was glad to be alone, at least.

Suddenly, the air grew heavy and cold. An aroma of herbs hit his nose through the tears.

An echo called out to him from within the bathroom. He could swear he was alone, yet he could feel a presence watching him..? The student choked back a sob, not wanting to be caught using the facilities this way.

“What are you doing here?” It asked, cold and quiet. He could've sworn it sounded like some little kid, but the way its voice rang in his ears... It made his body shiver.

The pink-haired student slowly unfurled himself from his fetal position and lifted his head away from the safety of his sweater. At first, he didn’t see any motion beyond the stall, till he tilted his head lower…

“ GAH—! WHAT– WHO!? ” He screeched in a girly tone. In his shock, he took a roll of toilet paper and launched it at the face that was peeking under the stall. It seemed to have missed, but it must’ve scared away whoever was watching him, because shortly after, the other kid had completely vanished. 

Mistuba held himself, taking in deep breaths to slow his heart rate. ‘...What was that?’ He asked himself, not sure if he should be relieved or worried over the prompt disappearance of the boy. “Is anyone there…?” He spoke a little louder, but the shaking in his voice wouldn’t stop.

For a moment, it seemed that maybe he was alone again. Maybe it was just a stupid prankster, come to make fun of him for accidentally running in the girl's bathroom. He sighed in relief, making sure to wipe the rest of the leftover tears from his face while he leaned back on the toilet.

“Why are you crying?”

Mitsuba panicked. Screaming once more as he locked eyes with the boy again— yet, this time he was in another position. Impossibly, he was atop the bathroom stall’s top opening. Either he was going crazy, or this was the youngest-looking tall man he had ever seen. Without saying anything, his head snapped down to if there were any legs or anything that resembled a human underneath the stall… and to his dismay, there was nothing at all, almost as if this boy was…

“Are… are you a…” He stuttered, tears beginning to flow down his eyes once more. 

“Are you a PERVERT?!? WHAT the HELL are you DOING, WATCHING ME IN the BATHROOM, you SICK FREAK?” Tsukasa was taken aback. “AND— WHAT is a BOY DOING IN THE GIRL’S BATHROOM ANYWAY, HUUUH? YOU THINK YOU CAN LOOK AT GIRLS WHILE THEY’RE USING THE RESTROOM, AND GET AWAY WITH IT, SICKO?”

Tsukasa gawked at him. “ Whaaat!? Aren’t you in the girl's bathroom too!?”

Mitsuba shrieked, forcing himself up to run out of the stall. “GET AWAY FROM MEEE! I’m not gonna be a part of your sick, hentai fantasy you CREEP!” He rushed out of the bathroom with the most haste he’d ever mustered. There was no way he was getting into whatever freaky stuff was going on in there! Never, never in a million years would he go back there! He cried all the way down the hall until he was sure he was out of sight.

Tsukasa stared down the hallway, watching as the girly-looking kid finally disappeared from view. 

"OKAY! Come back again soon!" He shouted after him. Tsukasa had a good feeling they would meet again one day.

At the end of the school day, Sakura and Natsuhiko came to greet their ghost friend, Tsukasa.  A wave of comfort washed over him as he saw the two. He floated over to Sakura and clung onto her like a tied blanket. 

Nanamine was not very fond of touch, however, there was an inevitability with Tsukasa’s clingy nature that she could not prevent. "What have you been up to, Tsukasa-kun?"

“There was a funny-lookin’ kid that came into the bathroom! He was so weird, haha! And threw toilet paper at meee!” Tsukasa squealed, hugging her a little closer. "He kept cryin' and cryin' but I dunno what about! He seemed to feel better when he left, though!"

Natsuhiko reached over and peeled Tsukasa off of his lady, but did so casually and routinely. “Some other student went in here? But there’s a sign saying this bathroom is literally out-of-order, can’t people read?! I hope that ‘Hanako-san’ rumor didn’t get trendy again.” He went on with a frown.

This made Sakura ponder, thinking back on certain precautions she had made to keep others out…

“Anyway,” Natsuhiko continued, “-I had a weird day too! My classmates have been acting so strange lately… Saying overly polite things, having unnerving smiles, and moving around all tense like… Honestly, it’s kinda giving me the creeps.” He shivered, a memory of a classmate overwatering a plant coming back to mind.

Sakura lifted her arched index finger to her chin. “Could it be that rumor from yesterday afternoon already came true?” She asked the room. “Ah crap, that one about trapping people in mirrors? I didn’t wanna jump to conclusions, but it sounds just like it!” Natsuhiko confirmed, eyes widened with realization.

“I know what they were talkin’ about,” Tsukasa replied, floating with criss-crossed legs. “ Hell of Mirrors is a boundary run by No. 3 of the Wonders. It’s kinda scary there from what I’ve heard, so you guys prolly shouldn’t go...”

He trailed off, but Sakura picked his statement back up. “You shouldn’t worry Tsukasa-kun, if we saved students from the Misaki Stairs, then I’m sure we are prepared for a place such as this,” she reassured.

“If ya say so Saki…” Tsukasa said, giving her a little smile. "The only problem is, most people can only get in by being pulled in. And it's real creepy-like too! The mirrors grab you while you're lookin' in them, then-"

Natsuhiko grabbed the boy's lips before he could continue. “Well, I don’t wanna get replaced anytime soon,” He asserted, “How else do you expect us to get in, shrimp? Like, should we ask this lunatic oh so nicely if we can break into his house and come beat him up?” He scoffed. “Yeah, right.”

“Oh, oh, I know how to get there!” Tsukasa chirped, “I jus' need to get something from the Pillow Room real quick!” With that, he went into the third stall and disappeared for a minute, before returning with something almost as big as he was. He slid a standing dark-wood mirror into the center of the room. 

Tsukasa presented the mirror before them. “We need to make the entrance!” He exclaimed as he tilted the mirror upwards. “Facing two mirrors against each other is usually a big taboo, they say it creates portals to another world, so most people avoid it," Tsukasa explained as he adjusted it slightly, till it began emitting an eerie, other-worldly glow. "And the rumor is true, so you have to be careful. But today, we're lookin' for the danger!" Sakura and Natsuhiko shuffled closer, wary of the unfamiliar energy that now resonated from the frame.

Tsukasa pointed to their reflections. "Do you see it? Together, the two mirrors here keep reflecting over and over again, making a looong hallway. This is gonna be the way we sneak in without him knowing!" Natsuhiko and Sakura stared down at the swivel mirror in suspense. The standing mirror and the bathroom mirror above the sink reflected one another continuously, creating an endless tunnel. Their reflections repeated infinitely through the glass, causing an uncanny feeling of being watched. Slowly, things came into view, like a textured floor, and a wallpaper with hanging frames.

“Ladies first!” Tsukasa cheered, taking Sakura’s dainty hand in his softly fabric-covered one. She braced herself, and slid her foot into the entrance, feeling a cold metallic feeling as she stepped inside. Natsuhiko was second to enter, shaking from the chills the portal gave him, and Tsukasa jumped right in. 

They watched as their mirror entrance vanished, leaving them with nothing but a void. There was nowhere to go than down the dark long hallway.

Making their way through the crypts, Natsuhiko couldn’t help but look at the mirrors as they walked past… However, there was no reflection looking back at him, besides the shine of the glass.

At the end of the tunnel was a clearing, a light that glared into the corridor. When they walked out, and their eyes adjusted, they were greeted with a grandiose sight. They were in a cylinder building with countless floors, lined with railing and torches. A glorious light shined down upon them through clear and blue stained glass with an intricate design. Far down below them was a jarring sight of bright hot flames crackling and dancing around itself. Sakura could not help but stare in awe, the sight reminiscent of Heaven, Hell, and purgatory.

Natsuhiko gave a small whistle as he looked around the place. “Alright shrimp, use that dowsing-rod magic to find that Yorishiro thing!”

“Aye aye!” Tsukasa playfully saluted, going on to feel around for it. 

As Sakura was soaking in her surroundings, she noticed something strange about the bright beaconed glass covering the ceiling. “Wait-” she interrupted, “-there’s something dark and small up there… It looks like…” 

“Oh oh Saki you’re right! The Yorishiro is aaall the way up there!” Tsukasa pointed up enthusiastically, leaning against the railing.

“Hey, you can float because you’re a ghost right? Let’s grab it and get outta here!” Natsuhiko rejoiced, but not for long. “Well uhhh I can’t grab it myself, only Saki can tear off Yorishiros,” Tsukasa explained, pointing at Nanamine.

“I can’t float very high neither… So if I tried carryin’ her up there, then I might…” Tsukasa tilted his head down to look at the fire pit below, the others following suit. “-slip…” There was an audible gulp that came from Natsuhiko.

“And I heard those fires don’ just burn you up,” Tsukasa continued, “they keep burning your soul forever an’ ever an’ ever-”

Natsuhiko howled, shaking the thoughts from his head. “AGH! No, no no!! Not my LADY!!! ” He clung onto Sakura protectively as images of such an awful fate flashed in his mind. The quick embrace was met with a backhanded whack to his cheek by his noblewoman.

“I will be fine, we will find another way to reach it.” She huffed, leaving Natsuhiko to solemnly rub his red cheek.

Tsukasa floated through the hall, eyeing a large display. “Maybe this could help us!” It was a large mirror split into three, two mirrors framing each side facing inward. There were a couple of round steps, urging anyone who dared to step forward. Naturally, they were drawn to it, and Natsuhiko stepped up first.

Natsuhiko peered into the center glass, nothing reflecting back at him as expected… Until a face appeared, who was one of his classmates. The student wore a round badge with a large kanji symbol that represented No.3. “Oh! You’re okay, I had a feeling something took you!” Natsuhiko said in relief, “Let’s get you outta here man-“ 

“Why would I want to go anywhere with you?”

“… Huh?…”

“C’mon, you don’t really think anyone would actually hang out with you after school, right?” The classmate said with devious and black-rimmed eyes.
Natsuhiko looked at his classmate in confusion. “N-No I’m just trying to save-“ 

“Hyuuga’s sooo full of himself!” A girl laughed, “Is his head made of rocks?” said another in a gossipy tone. Their faces appeared on small floating mirrors, round seals covering their faces. “Who does he think he’s fooling with that red hair dye, it’s fading in the back!”

Natsuhiko uncomfortably rubbed the back of his neck where his natural black hair was. “H-Hey, I did that style on purpose…”

“Does he think he’s an idol or something? He totally sucks at dancing and the guitar!”

“He acts cool now, but it’s because he used to have acne and glasses back in the day! He’s trying to make up for it, but he’s still such a loser.”

“You need everyone to like you, but not even your imaginary girlfriend likes you!”

“God, how sad!!” The statements circled Natsuhiko, many different students with covered faces peering down at him in judgment.

“What… is this?…” Natsuhiko gawked, feeling shell-shocked as he backed away.

“It must be reflecting your biggest, most greatest, scariest fears at ‘cha! Did I forget to mention that?” Replied Tsukasa, his clothed hands clamping on his shoulders.

“Shrimp!! If you know how this thing works, do something and fix it!” Exclaimed Natsuhiko, grabbing Tsukasa and bringing him around to the front of the mirror. He peered into it, and the classmates faded away back into the glass. 

At first, there was nothing, until a pastel purple mist appeared in the mirror. The lilac fog swirled, creating peaks of odd-looking silhouettes… It was unclear what the figures were doing or even talking about, because often their actions were cut short by the movement of ever-changing clouds.

Sakura, joined him by the steps and asked, "What is it telling you...?" 
“Uhhh, I ‘unno! It just looks like some swirly nonsense to me!” Tsukasa shrugged, floating off alongside his Kaku-joudai so Sakura could give it a go.

“I wonder what the mirror will show me…” She murmured, approaching the front of the glass and facing it head-on. There was a quietness before the glass rippled, like water, waving in rings almost hypnotically. There was a certain allure to it, urging Sakura’s hand to grace the surging glass. To her surprise, her hand went right through, as if it were a portal. “This must be our path,” she said confidently, leaning into it and letting the rest of her arm enter. 

Suddenly, something latched onto her forearm from inside the mirror. Its grip was so quick and disconcerting that she pulled away with all her might. Her eyes darted to her constriction, seeing a ghastly dismembered arm on hers.

Roaring laughter echoed around them. The lanterns in the corridors all blew out with an unidentified gust, being replaced with magenta fire. The small mirrors that hung on the wall started to pulse. Emerging from the glass were glossy mannequins with sharp edges and black knots tied around each of their necks. They lunged forward from their frames, surrounding the group in an effective ambush.

Colossal hands came up from the ground, grabbing Natsuhiko and Sakura, and constraining them with an iron grip. Tsukasa was held back by two mannequins restraining his arms.

The laughing continued as a ghoulish figure with a beak, black feathers, and large hands with long nails materialized in front of the three-sided mirror. 

“So,” he spoke, folding his fingers together, “You three really thought you could sneak in here?” He chortled, observing them with a narrowed scarlet eye.

“Yeah, we did! And we still got in!” Tsukasa hollered, struggling against the mannequins that held his arms.

“What gusto you all have! Unfortunately for you, I’m not so easily fooled like that pesky little vermin you all fought.” He explained, waving his hand around to gesture to the boundary. “You see, unlike No.2, I have eyes everywhere. Every reflective glass in the school I can see through, and my minions can freely switch places with the living as they see fit...”

“However,” the raven wonder continued, “Some mirrors have been out of my reach, and a whole corridor of the school is blocked off from my sight. I’m assuming this was your doing-” He sneered, but was interrupted.

“What gives you, or any of these puppets the right to replace innocent students?” Sakura hissed, clenching her fists and glaring at the shadowed fowl. 

“If you insist on having the gall to question my perfect mannequins, I will give you an example, Nanamine Sakura. You surely do have it all; beauty, wit, and fearlessness, making you nearly a 10/10… Be that as it may, what holds you back is how dry and cold you are.” He criticized, gaining a harsh look from her. “Hardly a personality anyone would voluntarily subject themselves to.”

“How dare you, my lady is perfect!!” Natsuhiko retorted, thrashing around and pointing a finger at him.

The raven simply sighed in annoyance as the giant hand gripped him tighter, winding Natushiko. “Ah, Hyuuga Natsuhiko, you’re hardly a 7/10 at best. You changed everything about yourself for others, yet you’re still a nuisance to everyone around you…” No.3 stated, shaking his head in disapproval. 

“That’s not true, Natsu is my friend!” Yelled Tsukasa in a fit of anger. “And you, Yorishiro of our ‘leader’,” the feathered supernatural addressed, the description perking the ears of both Sakura and Natsuhiko. “I’ve been waiting a long time to say this to you… You are nothing but a spoiled little bra-”

“That’s enough, No.3,” a voice cut through, silencing the entire hallway. The raven obliged, his mighty demeanor dying in its tracks. “Yes, Nana-sama…” he stammered, keeping his head low. 

From the gates behind the large mirror, a human figure floated through, arms behind his back. He lightly landed on the ground as his cape flared downward, walking towards the confined trio. “Well well well,” he said, “these are the delinquents who have been holding my brother hostage? Honestly, I’m surprised that it was truly the doing of mere students.”

Shock overcame the group, and Sakura looked down at the boy dressed in golden buttons, sashes, and a cape. He wore a white eyepatch on his left side, with dark and sharply cut hair underneath a peaked vintage schoolboy hat. He looked fierce, but still quite exactly like Tsukasa.

“Hanako-san…” Tsukasa said quietly as the mannequins released him.

Hearing this, Natsuhiko started connecting the mental pieces in his mind... And he could not hold back his revelation any longer…

“SHRIMP, Hanako-san is your EVIL TWIN?!” he hollered, an awkward silence deafening the space. A perturbed look grew on Hanako’s face, but Natsuhiko went on, “You’ve got it all wrong, we didn’t kidnap no-”

“Shut up, haven’t you done enough damage?” Hanako spat in response, “You won’t fool me, nor Tsukasa any longer.” He announced, but specifically scowled at Nanamine, much to her confusion.

Hanako pulled Tsukasa’s sleeved arm gently towards him. Despite his gentleness, Tsukasa was riotously pulling away from him. 

“Nooo! I don’t wanna go with you!!” He protested, digging his wooden clogs on the ground to stay put.

“You don’t?...” Hanako said with disappointment, a bit of feigned heartbreak in his voice. “Well, how about this… If you don’t come home with me,” he nagged a finger at Tsukasa, then presented a swayed hand to the captured duo, “- I’ll just have to kill your friends!”

Tsukasa’s eye widened in panic, “I’ll go with you, I’ll go with you! Please just leave ‘em alone Nii-nii!” He blurted out, anxiously coming closer to Hanako’s side.

“Good, well then,” Hanako said with satisfaction as he guided Tsukasa to the center of the area. “I’ll leave you to it No.3… Please escort the troublemakers out.”

Solemnly, Tsukasa looked up at his friends for possibly the last time with a defeated and regretful expression. He wordlessly mouthed out something slowly to them, ‘I’m sorry…’ 

With a swift swish of Hanako’s cape, he engulfed himself and Tsukasa within the fabrics, vanishing without a trace.

Leaving the fate of Nanamine and Hyuuga at the hands of bird-like No.3, and his army of glass minions.

Chapter Text

Here they remained, as their once-cheerful ghost companion left their side for what seemed like the final time. Their hearts swelled with guilt—regrets that could not be undone—yet they knew there would be no time to reminisce. As for now, they were still trapped deep within the belly of the beast, unable to escape his tyrannical grasp on their weakened bodies.

Whatever happened to them next was completely up to fate—and the mercy of bird-like No.3. 

His voice was booming, commanding respect in each uttered syllable. “Well… Nana-sama may have told me to let you go,” No.3 scoffed, “But I believe it wouldn’t be fair if I didn't impose some sort of… retribution upon you both for your transgressions here.” 

“Bullshit!” Natsuhiko spouted, struggling against the metallic hand that constrained him. “We didn’t even do anything wrong, you poultry freak!”

The boundary trembled fiercely in his rage. “Silence! I’ve had enough of you meddling teens—I know exactly what you came here to do!” He bellowed, raising his talons in frustration. “Destroying the Yorishiro of a School Wonder without proper cause is punishable by death! ”

His quick fit of fiery rage glared in Sakura’s eyes. She scowled at him for his ludicrous sense of judgment and his deceitful ways.

No.3 cleared his throat. “...However,” He began, steadying his gaze upon them both, “I’ve decided death is too good for you. And, well… we promised to let you both go… didn’t we, my lovely dolls?”

Just as he said that, the faceless mannequins giggled in response, their laughter reverberating throughout the boundary.

”Don’t be scared, little brats~! I’ll be sure to keep you both safe within my elegant frames.” He boasted, beak held high.

“Your soul’s reflection shall be forever displayed within my domain, just like all the others!” With a wave of his large, shadowed hand, No.3 directed their attention to the various mirrors that lined the walls.

Upon closer inspection, the mirrors held the trapped students inside. They almost looked like framed portraits, except their eyes were closed. It was disturbing to think about the doppelgängers who taking their place at this very moment, while the real kids were condemned here.

While their minds were lost in horror, the mannequins skittered up the gigantic hands like crawling bugs. One of them got up close to Natsuhiko, examining him. “Oooh, I want this one… I’m excited that I’ll get such a handsome face!” It said, putting a finger under his chin in delight, much to his disgust. 

“Ah..! She’s as pretty as a porcelain doll… I’ll become so popular with these emerald looks!~” Another mannequin bragged, having grabbed Sakura’s wrist to admire her soft skin and elegant black nails.

The head of the mannequin that loomed over Natsuhiko began to morph, chrome twisting and turning into a large mouth. Inside were rows of razor-sharp teeth, like a worm, about to chomp down on Hyuuga.

He struggled as he tried to push its torso away, but his left hand slipped. His palm was caught between the intricate crystalline structure of its maw, creating a painful bear trap for his delicate human skin. He winced in pain, ready to scream out once he saw the red seeping from the cuts in his palm and fingers.

Abruptly, all movement from the gashing creature suddenly paused, and the mouth above him released his hand. 

“ DISGUSTING! DISGUSTING!! ” The mannequin cried as its mouth started to salivate. Metallic liquid oozed from its putrid mouth, melting along with its head. A harsh noise reverberated from the entity as its form seeped out onto the floor, its existence becoming nothing more than a chrome puddle. 

Natsuhiko let out a nervous laugh in bewilderment, looking down at his bloody hand. The other mannequins were stunned by what they saw, which gave him ample time to slam his fist onto the large hand that held him.

The hand recoiled, losing its grip on him as its fingers contorted. Natsuhiko managed to tumble to the floor, quickly recovering and hoisting himself up.

Quickly, Natsuhiko rushed to the other gargantuan hand that held Sakura in its grip. He reeled back his left fist before punching the chrome arm of the captor, a ripple going up its arm and into its weakened hand. The appendage went down like a tower, with the other mannequins and Nanamine falling off. Natsuhiko scurried to catch Sakura, but she tumbled into him, which softened her fall, but knocked them both to the ground.

The duo stood up, looking toward the goopy metallic messes that used to be colossal hands. A few of the mannequins had fallen into the puddles, which melted them as well, putting the rest of the horde on high alert. The odds of their fight had shifted in the high schoolers’ favor… However, they would need more power than this.

“It seems I have no other choice…” Sakura shook her head lightly as she graced the ruby pendant on her chest. Her eyelashes fluttered downward as her hands encased the gem, her focus producing a powerful glow. From the front of the ruby, she pinched all her fingers together as if pulling the energy outward, as something emerged from within. There were pink blossoms that stemmed from a rich dark-wood branch, a sturdy wand that she grasped. Raising the magical wand above her, it reined a bright light around the dark hall.

Around Nanamine’s head, a large black hat phased into existence. The blackness from her nails dripped onyx down her arm, a ghastly stain appearing, much like a long glove. The frills of her dress seamed small dangling rubies along the rims. Downward, her leggings and shoes dyed into black, a continuous diamond pattern ripping into her tights.

She aimed her wand at an approaching mannequin, the tip of it gleaming before a blast shot out. The minion’s glossy chest shattered like a broken mirror, smashing onto the floor.

Natsuhiko blinked, bewildered by the sight that lay before him. “...I have so many questions.” 

“As do I.” She remarked, “It seems you have abilities too, blood that poisons these creatures.” Her wand pointed forward as she waited for its energy to charge.

Natsuhiko grinned with confidence, “It must be my strength too, being able to deck these things!” He said before another mannequin ran at him. He swung his fist at it, the red of his blood melting its chrome.

“Doubtful.” Nanamine smiled in amusement as she shattered another creature with her wand’s beam of light.

“GAH!” The dastardly raven squawked, “Whoever brings them down first gets to keep their soul for themselves !” No.3 exclaimed, his fists shaking in frustration at his minion’s lackluster performance.

Out of nowhere, all of a sudden, a figure burst out from a large mirror on the wall, rolling strategically to the floor and landing on his feet. He used a golden staff to stand up, looking out towards the fight. The boy had spikey blonde hair, and he was suited in black and blue armor. In anticipation, the grey aquatic tail behind him flicked to the side.

Kou found himself stuck in the middle of a dire situation. Metallic liquid was splattered all over the hall. Wonder No.3 was there with his minions to the right, and a couple of kids were fighting to his left. The students stopped suddenly before looking directly at him.

Natsuhiko shouted at the stranger, “Hey! Who the hell are you!?”

Kou, still baffled, replied, “Are you the guys Hanako was trying to ambush?”

“ Hanako-san?-” Natsuhiko practically groaned, “C’mon man, don’t tell me you’re with him too!”

The boy almost jumped, “N-no! You’ve got the wrong idea! I hate that guy, I’m just here to save the students!”

While Kou spoke, a mannequin attempted to sneak up on him, forming a bladed arm. It didn’t get much of a chance before Sakura blasted it into shattered fragments, surprising Kou.

“That’s us,” she explained, “Hanako-san ambushed us and took our friend.”

“Cool,” Kou heaved, thankful for the save she gave him. “-I can help! It’s nice to have other people fighting him too!”

More minions rushed forward, as No.3 seemed to get more frustrated with the inclusion of another enemy.

Kou dashed toward the metallic mannequins at an alarming speed, striking one down with his golden Raiteijou. His staff pierced it like a harpoon, the electric currents cracked it into pieces.

Natsuhiko watched in awe as he smashed another minion with his fist. “... Hey wait a minute,” he abruptly questioned, “You’re an Exorcist, aren’t you? Why do you look like that ?” The blonde boy’s scaly grey skin and poseidon-like armour could not be overlooked by Natsuhiko, completely dumbstruck.

Kou’s eyes slit as they darted at the boy, his expression deflating into a petulant way.

“Look man— its a long story, so don’t ask .” Kou huffed, “Plus, if I told you… I’d have to eat you! ” Kou teased, baring his mouthful of jagged fangs. He continued fighting, zapping down a minion with his staff’s lighting.

Sakura then shot a beam diagonally, shattering a dummy in half. “I wouldn’t if I were you,” She remarked, lightly chuckling to herself. “ Apparently he tastes bad.”

The shark boy was confused by this statement, before seeing a mannequin grab at Natsuhiko’s side. Kou tried to run towards him, but the creature already peeled open its layered teeth, biting Natsuhiko’s left shoulder. 

Hyuuga’s thick blood poured into the minion’s mouth, making it recoil and cough up metallic goop… Right before its entire body melted away into nothing more than a reflective puddle.

“Huh,” Kou raised an eyebrow, “maybe he does taste bad...”

Down below, at the depths of Kamome Academy, the Broadcasting Boundary resided within its supernatural plane. An old wooden radio laid in wake, facing towards a fancifully decorated main hall.

The pair of twins were transported there by Hanako’s own Haku-joudai. Their departure from No.3’s boundary was veiled by his cape, which now twisted back in place behind his back.

Stress washed away from Hanako’s being as he soaked in the atmosphere… His once serious disposition now melted away in relief.

“Tsukasa~!” Hanako cheered, giving Tsukasa a hug around his shoulders with a wide grin. “Ohhh! I’m so happy you’re home! ” The sweetness in his voice could have rotted any tooth.

“Nooo!” Tsukasa shoved Hanako’s embracing arms away in protest. “Get off me!”

“Oh?… Still upset are we?” Hanako awkwardly replied, not used to his affections being unreciprocated. He kept his hands up defensively as he spoke, “You don’t have to worry anymore Tsuki!... You’re safe and sound, away from those kidnappers !”

“What-! No, they’re my friends-!” Tsukasa tried to explain.

“No no no, Tsukasa…” Hanako nagged, swaying his finger. “They were not your friends, they tricked you… Pretending to be nice in order to use you.”

“That’s not true-!”

“But it is !” Hanako cut in, emphasizing his point by pinching his index fingers and thumbs. “You couldn’t possibly trust people you just met, what, less than a month ago?... You never even wanted to destroy the Yorishiro until they convinced you of it.” He scoffed, his hands expressing outward in disbelief.

Tsukasa looked at Hanako in horror, “No but!- Natsu and Saki are gonna get hurt ! I can’t leave them to die , I have to save them!” The boy almost choked out.

“What?... You didn’t actually believe my bluff about killing those kids… Right?…” Hanako had let out a heaved laugh, but the seriousness on Tsukasa’s face made him grimace. “ Of course not … I just had to scare them enough so they wouldn’t come after you again.” He elaborated.

Hanako sighed before continuing, “-besides, I couldn’t possibly kill a living being, I’m under oath by God! Just like the other Wonders… You already knew that, didn’t you?” He questioned Tsukasa, implying that the mirror Wonder couldn’t murder the teens either.

Tsukasa could just scream from the top of his lungs… But whenever he argued with his brother like this, it felt like his words were taken away from him… So he quietly seethed, his eye focused on him like a pointed needle.

Hanako turned his back to him, approached a dresser, and pulled out a hairbrush from a wooden drawer. A few things were scattered on the counter, including a golden dagger…

In fact, his boundary was full with trinkets, including traditional Japanese items… His decor and furniture, however, were distinctly European. Everything looked grandeur, and glamorously intimidating.

Hm , Hanako suddenly thought, noticing a blank space above Tsukasa… One of his Kaku-joudai are missing, and specifically the one with the red essence . The lack of symmetry bothered him more than it should have, but he didn’t dwell on it. He made a mental note to make his Haku-joudai to find it later .

He drew over to Tsukasa’s side and started to brush his hair, noticing that it had been messy from all of the previous ruckus. “It’s alright now Tsukasa… And your real friends are here after all, didn’t you miss Kuma-chan? He missed you... Along with your Usa-chan, Piero-tan, and all the others.” Hanako recalled Tsukasa’s precious toys fondly.

The reminder of his beloved stuffed animals brought a melancholic dread into Tsukasa’s heart… Yes , he missed them, but they could never ever replace Sakura and Natsuhiko… They were real friends, and they were worth fighting for.

And all the coddling was starting to get on his last nerve.

“ You’re not listening!! ” Tsukasa shouted, flailing around frantically with considerable force, knocking the brush out of Hanako’s hand. “They do need my help, I just know it! You’re wrong about them ‘Nii-chan, they are my friends!”

Hanako looked on at Tsukasa’s outburst in discontent, shaking his head in disapproval. “You’re the one not listening to me… I can’t let you get hurt, even if I have to ground you.”

Without warning, a pair of golden shackles erupted from the ground, rippling the boundary’s water. The crescent-shaped clasps that held Tsukasa’s sleeves together magnetized to the chains with a magical click.
Tsukasa was typically extremely agile, but these shackles were bonded to him in a way he could not evade. He tried to pull his sleeves away from its golden clasping, but it was to no avail.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Hanako pinched the bridge of his nose and put a hand on his hip. “Do you know how much it took to find you?... You can’t just go running off… Just- Ugh- Stay here until I get back, alright? I’ll go check on No.3’s Boundary, but I’m sure those students are just going their merry little way…”

Hanako looked at him in a stern but concerned way. “They’ll forget about all about this soon enough anyway… And you should too, Tsukasa.” His expression grew solemn as he approached him.

He spoke now in a mellowly genuine tone, “I can’t let anything happen to you… I always promised I would protect you…”

But his sentiment fell on deaf ears, as Tsukasa in all his foggy memories could not even recall a vow of such importance… It felt as if he could not even recognize the boy in front of him as his brother…

“I will always keep you safe…” Hanako’s face softened, placing a hand on Tsukasa’s cheek gently.

The simmering pot finally boiled over. Tsukasa’s fangs bared, snapping at Hanako’s cupped hand. His teeth sunk deeply into the joints between his thumb and his index, crimson blood seeping out of the wound. The agonizing pain made Hanako wail in a panicked hiss, his right hand spasming from ensnarement.

Heaving, Kou speared his Raiteijou down at a fallen mannequin. But the creature rolled away from his attack swiftly! The head of the staff pierced into the ground, missing the monster entirely. The electricity from the staff shot straight up Kou’s arm painfully, making him grit his teeth.

“YOU-!” Kou shouted as he winced, sights now on the agile mannequin. He whipped his shark tail, and quickly snapped it at the minion, causing it to crack. The boy finished it off with a dropkick, its bits bursting onto the floor.

No.3 was in shambles, never having been challenged like this in all his time as the Hell of Mirrors Wonder…  “You lot aren’t worth the trouble!” He scoffed, placing a defeated hand upon the grand mirror’s surface.

”Let’s go, my precious dolls! Now!” He squawked. All at once, the army drew back into the mirrors on the wall. Each minion hurried and slipped back into their own respective glasses, disappearing behind the chrome ripples.

“Count yourselves lucky, brats . For today, you may escape with your lives, and your wretched souls…” The wonder snarled at the group with disdain. “But you can all be sure I am keeping a close watch from now on.” As his eyes narrowed at the group for the last time, No.3 slid his shadowy being through the triple mirror, disappearing without a trace.

“HEY! Not so fast, bird-brain!” Natsuhiko shouted as he sprinted toward Birdlike Wonder, but it was already too late. The magenta fire ceased, blowing out like a hush. The boundary was once more lit by the illuminating glass from the ceiling, and their enemies were nowhere to be found.

Nothing but shattered porcelain was left in their wake.

Natsuhiko curled his fists in frustration, “AGH! Dammit, they left! How are we gonna find that shrimp now!...” He grunted, but his passion quickly wavered from his physical pains. “Or get to that Yorishiro…” 

“You’re hurt,” Sakura said sternly, striding over to his side as she examined his injured hand and shoulder. “We will find Tsukasa-kun another way… In the meantime, stay still so I can heal your wounds.”

Natsuhiko obliged as Sakura drew sigils over his bloodied hand with her branch wand. She was like an angel to him right now! But he did not want to praise her, since it would break her concentration. So he chose to admire her silently. 

After a moment, Natsuhiko noticed that Minamoto was still heaving. Kou had residual electricity shocking up his scaly arms. “Hey man, are you alright?...” Natsuhiko asked in concern.

“Huh?- Oh- I-I’m good! ” Kou quickly lied, hoisting himself up by his staff. “But dude you got bitten up bad …” He referred to his injuries, winching at the sight as his fin ears lowered. “You guys should get outta here, and fast!”

Sakura directed her attention away from treating Natsuhiko’s wounds. “But, don’t you need help?... All those students…” She shuddered, glancing towards the panes of mirrors.

“Don’t worry, I can handle this! I’ll make quick work.” Kou proclaimed, his shark tail swishing behind hurriedly. “Go take care of yourselves, and find your friend. That bird won’t be gone for long…”

Natsuhiko’s wounds mended enough to scab over, now standing up beside Nanamine. “Thanks, we owe you one then.” He said with a smile, nodding to him in appreciation.

It then occurred to Sakura that they did not remember the way back to the school from here. Since they followed Tsukasa to get to this boundary in the first place. The halls inside in mirror dimension felt like a maze… How would they ever navigate- 

Before they could worry any longer, a black spirit orb suddenly peeked from behind a pillar. It seemed to be scanning the room for any danger. 

“Oh it’s… you!” Sakura exclaimed, the red centered Kaku-joudai looking rejoiced as it floated over to the pair. “You did a good job hiding, didn’t you?” She fondly praised it, holding out her hand and letting it float over her palm. 

Natsuhiko was somewhat impressed by Tsukasa’s little helper. “Think you can help us find the squirt?” He said with a slight grin, crossing his arms nonchalantly.  

The orb gave an obvious nod, floating ahead of the group to lead them to a particularly large mirror, big enough to climb into. 

Nanamine looked back at Minamoto Kou, thankful to have others that were on their side. “Until we meet again…” She waved valiantly before disappearing behind the pane, alongside Natsuhiko… Who had given a peace sign before departing. 

Once Kou waved and watched them go, he mentally prepared himself for the rescue he’d do to save his fellow students.

Minamoto got to work hoisting the students out of the mirrors, one by one. He worked quickly, still being able to recognize a few of the student’s faces. He was so relieved when he saw his friend Yokoo, and also… Huh?

Who was this ?… This boy looked so familiar to Kou, his hair was shaggy and fuscia, wearing a pink sweater and white jeans. He couldn’t put a finger on where he knew him, though.

He decided to mull it over later, carefully laying the boy’s body against the wall. Kou made sure he was in a comfortable position before continuing to help the others.

Tsukasa’s piercing latching teeth poured dark blood from Hanako’s hand and down his throat. Hanako could not pull away as the glove’s fabric and his own flesh were torn through. Only then, at the mercy of Tsukasa’s limit to chug any more crimson, was Hanako able to get away.

The sight was chilling. Aside from Hanako’s mangled hand, Tsukasa’s mouth and jaw were dripping with blood, which he licked hungrily. The gore splattered all over his dark purple robe. His eye widened in an animalistic way, feeling a surge of power flow through his entire being.

With a jolted breath, Tsukasa pulled at the chains that kept him bound. His neatly folded yukata came undone as he pulled, exposing his neck. The blessed threads of the robe’s sleeves ripping and tearing away from the constraints.

It was then that he saw something he hadn’t in a long time… His hands . Tsukasa’s hands were no longer encased in lavender fabric, they were free . There was a newfound freedom in his heart, and part of his mind felt restored.

With this boost of courage, along with Hanako’s cursed blood, he staggered over to a table with scattered vintage items. Tsukasa saw the golden dagger laid on the counter, taking it in his freed hands. Something about its intricately carved pattern, and the red liquid-filled vile in the middle of the blade, let Tsukasa know this was an abysmally dangerous weapon.

Tsukasa pointed the dagger at Hanako, both hands firm but trembling. All his older brother could do was stand there, staring dumbfoundedly as his hand ached. There was no telling what Tsukasa could do with stolen cursed blood in his system.

The younger brother slowly backed away from Hanako, back facing the only door out of the Broadcasting basement. Never keeping his eye nor his blade away from Hanako, as he opened the door blindly.

Stumbling out of the exit, a rush hit Tsukasa as he wasted no time sprinting upstairs. Escaping upwards and away from the depths of the school, like fleeing from Hell itself. Hope filled his beating supernatural heart as he thought about finding his friends, at all costs.

Leaving Hanako to grovel in his aches and bitter loneliness.

Running through the school’s halls were Sakura and Natsuhiko, following the red Haku-joudai back to the vintage wing of the school. 

They had traversed many dark alleyways and paths in the Mirror dimension to get back. The journey was so tiring that Natsuhiko had briefly thought the spirit orb had gotten them lost. But, lo and behold…

The pair made it to the old building, traveling upwards to the third floor until they were back in front of the abandoned girl’s bathroom… It was almost humorous that they could consider this a second home, now.

The only thing they were missing was their ghost friend. He’s the one who made it feel like a home. The boundary didn’t mean anything without their friend there. Even still, they could faintly hear familiar wood clattering, like geta… His shoes! 

The high schoolers turned their heads to the end of the hall, seeing a sprinting purple and red figure rapidly approaching them. It’s movements were frantic, catching it’s breath as soon as he reached them…

It was Tsukasa, who looked like a ravenous wild animal. His hair was a mess, dried blood splattered his jawline down to his chest, and his purple yukata was practically ripped to shreds… He held a golden dagger with his bare right hand, which he finally let drop to the ground.

“Tsukasa-kun?… Are you alright?…” Sakura’s expression wilted in worry, gawking at his tattered blood-dried garment.

Tsukasa paused for a moment before looking down at himself. “… Ohhh! I’m okay, the blood’s not mine!~” He cheered a little too optimistically.

“I must be in Hell…” Natsuhiko croaked, still dizzy from blood loss, “- ‘cause that looks like an Oni…” He begrudgingly looked on at Tsukasa’s gnarly form.

“Well, we’re glad you’re safe…” Sakura covered Hyuuga’s sentiment.

The red Kaku-joudai joined back with the teal one, rejoicing as they linked their tails together. 

“I’m glad you’re okay too-” The phantom boy said before his attention fixed on her new outfit, “Saki! You’re wearing a pretty witch hat?! Your arms! And that wand?” He asked sporadically, trying to get a closer look at her magical branch. 

Nanamine giggled a bit, taking Tsukasa’s hands into her own blackened fingers. “Your hands… I can hold them now…” She said, bewildered. This was the first time she had ever gotten to see his actual hands, out of cloth… It filled her heart with joy. 

She kneeled down in front of Tsukasa, peering up at him. “We have a lot to catch up on…” Sakura smiled gently, patting his hand with hers. “No more secrets between us.”

Natsuhiko reluctantly approached the pair, still shocked to see this kid splattered in crimson… He then noticed these other red marks, near his back. “Huh?… Shrimp, what are these?” His eyebrows furrowed, fingers hovering over symbols etched into his skin. 

Sakura gasped, coming close to Natsuhiko’s side as she studied Tsukasa’s back. “These… These are charms… We were not able to see them before, but now that your yukata is torn…” Sure enough, the red symbols were written in a way that indicated the number seven…

“HAH?! Wha?- Where?” Tsukasa questioned, turning his head over his shoulder. Determined to see, he continued following the direction of his back by spinning around… And just like a dog trying to chase its tail, he was unsuccessful.

Nanamine shook her head as his lightheartedness lifted her mood. “I can help you remove them if you’d like, Tsukasa-kun… It just might take a while.”

After sharing some laughs, the trio slowly made their way back to the condemned bathroom together. Their ragtag team rested and recovered in the Pillow Room, telling each other’s stories from the day they were apart… Like a sleepover with friends, soaking in each other’s company.

Appreciating the time they had together once more.

Minamoto Kou’s supernatural form melted away into peaches and reds as opposed to his previous grey scales… Armor fading, what remained was his school uniform encased by a puffy green jacket.

He carried a pink-haired student in his arms, entering the open door of the nurse’s office. “Miss, he passed out…” Kou explained, hurrying to one of the spare beds. The boy was lowered to lay as the nurse hurried off to get an ice pack.

Moments of years past attempted to trickle their way into Kou’s mind. He tried to jog his memory as he examined the sleeping boy’s face. It looked like they were around the same age; he had earrings, really long eyelashes… and beauty mark on his left cheek…

Minamoto could not explain the heat that rushed to his face, so he quickly tucked the covers over the boy as he looked away. He closed the blinds haphazardly before walking off, bandaged hands buried in his jacket pockets.

Maybe he would remember… Eventually.