The moonlight flickered over the mansion, making it feel as if nature itself were protective of the structure.
"Mm, at least I'm finished now," I thought, setting the question papers aside and placing my pen on the table.
I realised I should reply to Lara's mother about her leave for tomorrow; I hadn't acknowledged it yet. Mm, a phone call is probably best. I picked up my iPhone and dialed the number.
[Lara's House]
"Lara, you should have just left school the moment you were sure you had a fever. From what you told me, even your teacher asked if you wanted to go home," a woman with striking pink hair said. She was wearing a blue skirt and a crop top, her brown eyes fixed on her daughter.
"Um, but Mom, it's exam time. What if I missed something important? And today we even had a class test!"
"Hey, hey, don't argue with each other, please," a man with yellow hair and blue eyes said, sipping coffee at the table.
"John, she went to school with a fever," Lilly said, sitting down beside him.
"Well, at least our daughter has a sense of responsibility," John said with a sigh, looking back at Lara. "Most students would use any sickness to avoid school. But," he added, his expression turning to worry, "it's better not to go if you're sick. Especially with a fever—you don't want it spreading to others, okay?"
"Yeah, that's what I'm saying. I'm proud of you, sweetie, but you need to take care of your health," Lilly added sternly.
"Okay, Mom, I will. But it's not a big deal, it's just a fever," Lara said, her face flushing slightly at the drama.
"And also you are taking the day off tomorrow. Just stay home; don't run around anywhere," Lilly said, getting up to head toward her room.
"I'll try mom. I want to get the graded test papers tomorrow, though."
"Your friends can pick them up for you, so you'll still see your marks its a class test any way," John said, placing his finished coffee cup on the table.
Lara nodded. "Well, there is that. I guess I don't have to go."
"No, you don't. First, eat this," Lilly said, handing Lara a paracetamol tablet.
"Fine, Mom," Lara muttered, swallowing the medicine and reaching for a drink.
"Here," John said, passing her a cup of water.
"Thanks, Dad."
Suddenly, a ringtone echoed through the room—a musical melody that filled the space.
"Urm, Lilly, your phone is ringing," John said.
"Who is it now?" Lilly wondered. She walked over to the table where a family picture of the three of them sat and checked the screen. "Oh, it's her teacher. Probably about the message I sent earlier." She took the call.
"Hello, this is Lara's teacher. Sorry for bothering you this late at night," a soft voice sounded from the phone, like musical notes.
"Mm, oh, no worries," Lilly said, sitting on her pink bed.
"Mom, who is it?" Lara whispered.
"It's one of your teacher," Lilly whispered back.
On the other end, there was the sound of a light cough. "May I ask... did Lara have a fever when she came to school today?"
"She did," Lilly replied, ignoring Lara's embarrassed face. "She just went to school stubbornly couse of test ."
"I see. She did act a bit strangely in my office. About her leave—I will tell it to her class professor, but still you should tell him about it, i sent her class professor's number , " Morrigan said over the phone. She frowned lightly, then smiled.
"Thank you very much for the number I will do that," Lilly said looking trough phone
"That's about it. As for her test papers, she can collect them from her friends. Mm... also, is Lara nearby? If so, can you put her on?"
"Oh, sure. Wait a moment." Lilly handed the phone to Lara. "Here, it's your teacher."
"Um, yes, Teacher? It's Lara. What is it you wanted to say teacher?" Lara asked nervously. Her face flushed and her pink hair swung as she moved.
"Oh, it's nothing much. Study well, even while you're on leave. Ask your friends what was covered in class, or consult the subject teachers—they will tell you what you missed."
"Okay, Teacher, I'll do that," Lara said, calming down.
"Um, also... do you know anything about Daniyal? The one who hasn't been to class for days?"
Lara frowned, thinking for a moment. "No, I don't, Teacher. From what my friends say, he doesn't really interact with others. He has a few friends in school, though."
"I see. Then goodbye, and get well soon. Remember to study in your free time," Morrigan said patiently.
"Okay, Teacher. Are you hanging up now?"
"Yes. See you in school, Lara." The call cut off.
"Oh, sweetie," Lilly said excitedly, "your teacher could be a musician with a voice like that!"
"You have no idea, Mom," Lara said, smiling in disbelief.
[The Mansion]
"Tch. Some idiot dogs," I thought to myself.
I walked outside. A trace of blood bloomed on the ground like a river of red paint. Three vines looked as sharp as spears, dripping with fresh blood.
Grrr... grrr... "Woof! Woof!"
Kuro had transformed. He was now a monstrous white hound. His blue eyes blazed like pearls of fire, and blood was smeared around his massive canines. He stood tall, his paws tipped with huge, lethal nails.
"Oh, Kuro. You look good," I said, patting his head. He crouched down slightly, allowing me to reach. "Who's a good boy?"
Kuro shook his head and began moving in a specific direction. I followed him. On the ground, I noted metallic knives and a severed hand, still clutching a Yin-Yang symbol.
...Damn. To chase me across the nation... these Shinto priests are a bit too annoying, even when they are powerless without their gods. But hadn't they stopped after a few tries in the past? Though, "gods" are just a myth. Who knows if they are real? I haven't seen one yet.
How they tracked me down, I wasn't sure. Mm, well, it's not like I'm hiding very well, I thought. I touched a skeleton hooked in the vines. This was basically new-gen shit. They were playing without mantras or anything. Might just be robbers.
"Woof! Woof!"
"I'm coming, Kuro," I said. I walked toward him and Koma. I noticed the metallic, rich smell of blood everywhere. Argh, I should have taken care of this myself.
I looked up. A tree vine was shaking. A body was tangled there—still alive. Well, barely.
"Is this what you wanted to show me, Kuro? Good job restraining yourselves, guys," I said to Kuro and Koma.
"Now, let's see who you are."
I pressed my hand against the person's head. A red aura flared from my palm, covering the body. Kuro started shaking in excitement.