2Chapter 2 - "Reminiscing Happier Days"
In the beginning, dying was a concept that our vast imagination could not explain, for one can not experience dying and live to tell others. Death is what it is, and that's all there is to it. When you die, you die.
And when you lie... what exactly are you hiding the truth from? Like death, finding validity is inevitable. But the main difference is that the truth lives on forever, and it will stain you with odium toward yourself or everyone else. So, the bigger question is, would you like to die with lies, or would you like to die with the truth?
Can you sleep peacefully with not knowing...
Shaggy...
Boy, that sure was weird of those girls to pop out of nowhere and come into the classroom like that. That Aika girl was as scary as any monster the gang and I have come across. There's also not much difference between her and those monsters anyway. In the end, they're just people in masks. Despite knowing that, they still do a good job scaring the pants off me.
As much as I wanted to decline their offer, the gang refused to let the opportunity go to waste. Not to mention it's a group vote I can't seem to ever win. Even the teacher seemed genuinely concerned the second that abandoned hospital was mentioned.
Tenmura Hospital, was it? Chills run up my spine from the simple mention of its name. It's funny, really, since I don't know anything about the place or how it looks. I'm not exactly keen to find out either.
I distract myself with the images of tasty food waiting for me at the house, while I walk home alone. I let out a sigh of exhaustion.
The light from the sunset shines along the route I've been taking since the first day of school. The wind blows softly, and I look over to the sun as it begins to hide itself more and more. I look away and face forward, and go back to walking quietly.
"...Man, like I wonder how Scoob is doing?" I mumble to myself.
I appreciate Daphne and her folks taking the time to allow Scooby-Doo to travel with the rest of us. No offense to the gang, but without Scooby I would be lonely here. After all, everyone has their own way of keeping themselves busy. Fred occupies himself with his inventions and... whatever else it is he does. Daphne has no problem making new friends, and knows how to utilize her family inheritance to her advantage. Velma constantly exceeds her threshold of intelligence without anyone noticing. And me, what is it that I'm good at? I eat to comfort myself.
So again, it would be lonely to do something you love, like have a movie marathon catered with a mountain of junk food, without your best friend.
. . .
"That's correct! Tenmura Hospital hasn't been touched, not even by internet personalities. Hard to believe, don't you think?!" Said Aika.
It wasn't hard to believe, actually. Like most of them, I'm not looking to be cursed or come up missing.
Aika continued.
"Now, it's not that I don't trust my fellow club members or anything of that sort. However, it would be helpful to have some extra muscle in the group, and more eyes also."
I was standing beside Miss Kaede, whom was on edge as well, and look over to the gang. They turn their heads side to side, giving each other questioning looks. While they were pondering over the plan, I approach the PIC crew's club leader anxiously.
"Excuse me, your club leaderness..." I mumble.
Aika, one hand resting on her hip and the other curling its fingers over her chest, turns to me with a raised brow.
"Wh-what exactly is this, hospital you speak of..?"
As I ask that, I could hear Miss Kaede hum a low growl of disapproval in the background. Aika smirks, and snaps her fingers twice while beckoning Mimiko to come over to her side. Aika looks to me avidly as Mimiko writes in her notepad.
"Tenmura Hospital, simply put, is a haunted attraction that many residents often gossip over. Since its abandonment in the early 90s, no one has seen the building active over the course of the following decade. However, considering everyone knew the long period of the hospital's inactivity, people still claim to see shadows and silhouettes of, what appears to be, the patients of the forbidden wing.
Not just that, but of doctors and nurses as well, who were the cause of most of the restless spirits..."
Daphne, Freddy, and Velma listen to Aika carefully, and I try my best to conceal my trembling body. This hospital is just a big load of 'not gonna happen.' But hey, when was the last time anyone listened to Shaggy?
I let out a sigh of submission, and give one last attempt in preventing anyone from sealing this deal.
"If I can add something-
"I'm interested." Velma said nonchalantly.
Without any rehearsing, Miss Kaede and I simultaneously cried out in disbelief. Should I even be surprised anymore.
"Yeah, sure, why not..?" Freddy added.
Daphne leans her chin on her finger in thought. She throws her hands up in front of her.
"...We haven't refused a mystery before, so why start now?" Said Daphne.
"Splendid!" Shouted Aika, clapping her hands together loudly.
I groan soon after hearing that, and Miss Kaede's head falls over her shoulders, crushed in defeat. Meanwhile, the PIC crew and the gang celebrate their successful partnership through handshakes. I look over to each person, and almost miss what had occurred for only a brief moment. It was Daphne. She had a certain expression, one that someone could understand very well, but never knew how to describe specifically.
She grins with turmoil, a look I rarely see from anyone in our group. Sure she accepted the terms of exploring a haunted vicinity, along with everyone else, but her expression says otherwise. A look that closely conveyed 'Did I make the right choice?' Frankly, did any of us know what we were getting ourselves into..?
. . .
I enter the house and shut the door behind me.
"I'm home, Scoob!" I shout from the entrance while taking my shoes off.
When it came to living conditions, Fred, Scooby and I have a house to ourselves. A spacious entryway, two bedroom, two bathroom, one kitchen and a common area, two floor complex. As for the girls, they occupied the home next door with the same things provided. Ah, I suppose the only thing we have that the girls don't would be the balcony on the side of Fred's room. Most of the expenses you can think of were all paid for, thanks to you know who.
I loosen my tie, thank goodness, unfasten the top couple buttons of my dress shirt and pull out the bottom cloth that's been tucked into my pants all day. During this typical everyday task of mental fatigue, my legs bring me to the living room. There, lying in front of the couch across from the television, was Scooby. I stand put for a few minutes, looking at Scooby stare blankly at the TV, and bring my brows close together in puzzlement.
I throw my school bag and my blazer on the nearby wooden rocking chair and went over to Scoob. I sit beside him and lean against the foot of the couch. We didn't speak, instead we merely watch the TV. It was on a random channel, and to no surprise, in Japanese.
"..."
Ever since we came to Japan, something felt off. I sat there thinking to myself, listening to the ambience from the TV, what happened during the long journey here that affected the way I felt? It was a strange sensation.
"I called you from the entrance, left me hangin' back there. Like is something the matter..?" I said.
Scooby and I kept our eyes glued to the television. I was rubbing his back as he continues to lay on the floor wearily.
"Scoob..?"
I look down at Scooby, who showed no enthusiasm through his stillness. Suddenly, soft whimpers utter out from his mouth. And like any friend who's concerned, I slouch over Scooby and pet his head gently.
"Hey, hey, what's wrong pal..?"
I look around for the TV remote. Spotting it on one of the couch cushions, I snatch it and volume the TV down and resume rubbing Scooby's head.
"It's okay Scoob, I'm here..." I mutter.
"Uh... Do you want a belly rub?"
He doesn't answer.
"...Scooby Snacks?"
That didn't seem to work either, for his soft crying persists.
"Do you want your old pal to fix you up a big bowl of ramen?"
That was subconsciously more in regards to myself than Scooby when I suggested it... but again, no good. I scratch my head, unsure of what to do, and am left wondering what's gotten into him.
"Like, aw man..." I murmur dejectedly.
I don't know why this thought came into mind, but I spoke it aloud nonetheless.
"—Do you miss home?" I said quietly.
The room falls silent, silent enough for the faint sound from the TV to be heard. Scooby moves his head to my lap and rests it on my thigh. This big pup wore the saddest eyes any dog could make to their owner. It never occurred to me that aside from being lonely, Scooby would also grow homesick. It must have slipped my mind somehow. How could it, though..?
"Home..." Scooby mutters.
I pet his head once more, and use my other hand to scratch his chin.
"It's okay buddy, I miss home, too." I said.
Mom, dad, Sugie, my old room, everything. Being far away from home hasn't affected my school life too much, luckily, but I can't forget that I didn't come here alone. After all, there's a depressed great dane whimpering on my lap right now, not to mention there's my friends. I wonder if they occasionally think about home, too?
"Say, Scoob..." I began.
"Tell you what, how about I go make us a dinner feast and like, watch all the Vincent Van Ghoul movies I brought with me?"
I wait a bit, and watch as Scooby picks his head up from my lap. His tail wags and his eyes glint with a small ray of glee.
"Rincent Ran Ghoul..?" Said Scooby.
I nod with a wide smile.
"Yeah, like I couldn't shove all the DVD's into my carry-on... But they're all your favorite ones, I promise!"
Scooby looks away, contemplating to himself. He looks back to me with a weak smile.
"R'okay..." Said Scooby.
I hate seeing Scooby so depressed, so from here on out I plan to make the best out of Japan.
Scooby scoots back as I stand up. I brush myself off, exit the living room and enter the kitchen.
I pace around and begin the preparations of noodles and whatever Daphne stocked up in the fridge for us. I dig through a few cabinets, taking out several instant noodle packages, wooden chopsticks, flavor condiments and large bowls. The bowls were slightly different sizes, so I decide to give the larger one to Scooby. I look at the two bowls, and smile to myself. I snap out of my daze and place them on the kitchen counter alongside everything else.
"Hmm... —Eggs are good, and like, maybe some meat!" I murmur to myself.
I approach the refrigerator, slowly opening it in anticipation of what awaits me beyond the door to me and my buddy's happiness. The Rogers Falls, also known as my watering mouth, could resolve droughts after seeing how the inside of the fridge was stocked to the brim with a variety of foods. My hand hovers through the massive selection, taking the eggs from the top shelf. I spot a slab of pork and snatch that as well. I can already see this meal coming together nicely.
As I continue to look through the fridge's many spoils, I can hear Scooby enter the kitchen with the perpetual way he walks. I take out what I want to add to the noodle broth and close the refrigerator door. With the last of the desired ingredients laid out with the others, I sigh with satisfactory then look over to Scooby.
"I'll start cooking, so why don't you go get the Van Ghoul films out from our room? Sound good?" I grin to Scooby.
"...mu..."
He mumbles something I couldn't hear.
"What was that? I didn't catch that Scoob." I said.
"Not too much." He says more clearly.
The room falls quiet as I look at Scooby, surprised. Do my ears deceive me...
"Oh," I utter. "Uh... okay, yeah sure pal." I chuckle awkwardly.
He nods to me with a soft smile before leaving the kitchen. As soon as Scooby left, my smile leaves immediately after.
I get that he's homesick, but it's rare to see him depressed like this. Perhaps coming with Daphne and the others wasn't a good idea after all. Though, there's more confliction within this slightly smaller problem. It's not that I didn't want to come along, but as the trend continues, it felt like it was a given. Not having a say in the group's plans suck. Though, I didn't have much option to decline in the first place. Before I was even to answer her yes or no, she had already settled things with her parents in order to surprise us all.
We were excited, of course, but something still didn't feel right...
With all these things swirling in my mind, I nearly forget to take out the most essential appliance for making this feast: the pot.
I remind myself of the basic Shaggy needs and fetch a pot from one of the other cupboards I haven't checked yet. I find it, and head straight to the sink to add water.
Several minutes go by fairly quick, and I put the finishing touches on our bowls. I decorate the top of the noodles with cut vegetables, added a few drops of soy sauce, place the sliced halves of hard-boiled eggs in the middle and finally spread out the thin slices of well cooked roast pork along the edge of the bowls. It was a magnificent sight to gaze upon. Sadly, it's one that won't last long due to my growling stomach.
I swiftly wash up and walk over to the supply closet connected between the living room and kitchen, and take out the small folding table from inside. I notice Scooby waiting in the living room with the stack of Vincent Van Ghoul movies beside the DVD player. I move with haste.
Scooby and I exchange grins once I enter the living room with the table, unfolding its legs and placing it in front of him.
"All set pal?" I said to Scooby, kneeling on one leg.
He nods his head to me.
I stand back up and return to the kitchen to retrieve our supper. I smoothly set everything in their respective place, noodle bowls, snacks on the side, and napkins. I scramble over to the TV and pop in the first disc into the DVD player. I quickly make my way back to Scooby's side while the insertion process continues. As we patiently wait for the movie to load, I open a bag of chips for my appetizer.
"Well, let's dig in Scoob!" I said gleefully.
I smile for the both of us, even when Scooby's favorite movie franchise was loading on the television. It felt awkward being the only cheerful one. I finish my first bag of chips and prepare the next. I look over to Scooby, who's staring at the screen attentively. He was still as a statue. I swallow my stuffed cheeks and wipe my mouth with one of the napkins.
"Make sure to eat your food before it gets cold, okay buddy?" I said.
I look to Scooby, my smile shrinking. Every word counts, or so they say. This unfamiliar silence from my best friend makes me feel confused and useless. I look back to the TV and see that the movie had already went to its option menu. I turn around and find the remote in the same place I left it. I swipe it off the couch cushion and press play.
Scooby watches the movie with an impassive gaze. I try my hardest to muffle my obnoxious sound effects of slurping and crunching.
"Rhaggy..." Said Scooby.
Being so conscious of how loud I was, I nearly jump off the floor from Scooby's abrupt call of my name. I gulp the rest of the food in my mouth and look over to Scooby.
"Y-yes..? What's up?" I said, covering my mouth to prevent anything from flying out of it.
The movie continues to play in the background as Scooby keeps his eyes on the screen, and I keep mine on him. Without turning, he speaks.
"I love you..."
I'm overwhelmed with feeling. I wasn't sure where that came from. It was completely random. My eyes are still on Scooby, wider and more considerate than before.
"Oh, um..." I stammer. "I love you, too, Scoob."
"I'm okay." Scooby quickly replies.
He turns his head to me and smiles.
"Ret's r'enjoy the movie... with all this tasty food."
Scooby finally looks happy, and I can't help but nod in agreement to that idea. We both go back to watching the movie in silence, stuffing our faces in junk food bliss. Scooby gently sips on the broth from his noodle bowl, which is smaller than the one I had taken out earlier...
. . .
I wasn't sure when, but I ended up falling asleep in the middle of the Van Ghoul film marathon. Scooby was still awake, or so I presume. I lie on the floor with a full stomach, wrinkled uniform, and a small river of drool coming out my mouth. The darkness from my closed eyes gradually grow bright. Slowly, I begin to dream.
It was a wooden room, old and torn to bits. Skid marks decorate the walls and the floor. The ceiling slants on both sides, indicating that this could be the attic. Looking around, I also see the room I stand in had no doors, just a window. I stand across from it, and to the right of the window, staring at the corner was a girl. She sat on a beaten wooden chair with arm restraints on them. Her long dark hair covers her body, making it difficult to see what she looks like. The sunrays entering through the window gleams across my view of the girl, contrasting the darkness and making it harder to see her.
The girl, who was whispering to herself, had no color at all. Merely black and white, and hues of grey in between. I soon realize, that my vision consists of those simple colors as well. I try to touch my face, but I couldn't move my body.
I stand there, only able to move my eyes.
"... bon..."
I hear her soft voice. It grows more clear as I quiet myself and listen.
"... lovely..."
Lovely? What was...
My petrified body floats closer to the girl. She was fiddling with her fingers and continues to look at the dented corner. I notice her body was paler than her white dress shirt, but again most of it was concealed behind her long hair. I approach the girl, close enough to hear what she's been mumbling for the past few minutes.
"... What lovely bones..."
What?!
My eyes grow wide, beads of cold sweat form on the base of my forehead, and I can feel my body begin to tremble.
How do I turn away and leave? How do I get out? How do I make a run for the window?
The girl, still whispering that ominous mantra, gradually turns around. I was helpless in doing anything, being forced to watch her. She reveals herself.
Her pale body...
Her slim, skeletal fingers...
Her face, hidden behind a white porcelain mask with a lifeless morbid expression.
An abrupt smell lingers in the room. It's foul, and extremely rancid.
"What lovely bones..." The girl continues to whisper.
As her voice grows louder, the smell becomes more nauseating. I couldn't stand the smell as much as having to look at the black and white female figure. It was strong, and powerful, and... not from the dream.
My eyes shoot open, and I find my head laying behind Scooby's tail. I swing my body off the floor and sit upright. I gag and fan my hand around my face. Scooby, watching the credits roll from the final movie, looks over his shoulder and snickers.
"Augh, Scoob! It stinks!" I said irritably.
"Go sleep in your bed." Scooby retorts.
"Okay, okay sheesh."
Not another word was spoken. Scooby and I clean up and get ready for bed. I throw all the empty bags and used napkins in the trash. Scooby takes the bowls and soak them in the sink. I quickly head to the bathroom in my room and wash my hands and face. I roll out the futon and immediately jump into bed as soon as I negligently set it up. I still felt tired from the nap, so I decide to sleep while still in my school uniform. My obnoxious groan is muffled as I bury my face into my pillow. Scooby enters the room and hops into bed with me.
"Change your clothes Rhaggy..." Said Scooby.
I moan in response.
"Too tired..."
That was all I was able to get out before dozing off to sleep once again. Scooby sighs and circles around the foot of the bed. He lays his body gently beside my feet and closes his eyes slowly.
"... stay away from Rhaggy."
. . .
Daphne...
I hum in contemplation, tracing my finger in a circle on the table beside the mousepad.
"Daphne?" Said Velma.
I blink then look up to her. She sat across the table, occupying the other computer.
Velma and I had decided to head to the library after that bump-in with the Paranormal Investigation Club. Well, actually, I had plans to go beforehand. Velma didn't have much to do, so I asked if she wanted to tag along.
"Did you hear what I said?" Velma spoke monotonously.
"..."
I remain quiet, staring at her with sealed lips and squinted eyes of embarrassment. Finally, I let out a sharp sigh and admit the truth.
"No, sorry. What was it that you were saying..?" I said sheepishly.
Velma gives a short growl complemented with a vacant stare. We revert to the quiet game for a few seconds, listening to books sliding off the shelves, fingers typing on keyboards, and pages being flipped carry on outside our little space bubble. Velma resumes.
"As I was saying..." She began. "I wanted some advice."
"On..?"
Velma looks down at our table, averting her gaze and mumbling to herself. It was barely audible, but she finds courage and speaks up.
"Ju... Jun." Velma murmurs.
My face glows with joy as I clasp my hands together.
"Oh! Boy troubles, I see!" I said, grinning from ear to ear.
"What's the problem?"
Velma looks down again and frowns.
"Nothing too paramount per se... rather, I just wanted your opinion on whether I should call him and ask him to hang out some time this week, or something."
"Ooh~." I toot.
I smirk at Velma devilishly.
"Sure you aren't moving things too quickly?" I said.
"I don't have much of a choice." Said Velma.
I tilt my head to her and hum in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
Velma frivolously glares at me and unconsciously fixes her imaginary glasses before huffing a short breath of annoyance from the realization.
"See, the thing is, we won't be here for long, right?" She states.
"So... it's either I make a move now, or call it quits on the whole thing and just be pen-pals with the guy. And as far as I can tell, he seems to be moving at a moderate pace in this temporary platonic relationship."
Ah, right. I occasionally forget we're only here for one school year. Not to mention how fast a school year could just blow through in the blink of an eye.
"I see." I said lucidly.
"Yeah..." Velma added.
I gently lean my lips against my index finger while my eyes wander off as I think.
"So what do you suggest I do..?" Said Velma.
After an extensive period of thought, I turn my head and smile jubilantly.
"I say go for it and take the risk. It can't be that bad, right?" I said encouragingly.
I think Velma was not expecting me to provide more gasoline to the flames of her urges, for she stares at me with her mouth slightly open. I blink a few times and look around to see if she were looking elsewhere. I turn back to her.
"Velma?" I said.
She lets out a quiet gasp and shakes her head.
"Sorry, brain fart." Said Velma whilst rubbing her temples.
I cover my mouth with my knuckles and muffle the snicker that nearly escapes.
"It's rare to hear you use that word, Velm..." I said.
Velma narrows her eyes and rests her hands on the computer's keyboard.
"Flatulence isn't much for comedy gold usage. It's just a natural occurrence we all experience, yet some people still tend to use it as such." Said Velma.
With a raised brow and a thought-provoking stare, Velma's eyes dawdle to a certain direction. I sit there and watch her stare off into the vast empty space.
"What are you looking at?" I ask.
"The reader..." Said Velma.
"Hmm?"
I attempt to find the exact location she was focusing on, but to no avail. Once again, I am left in confusion.
"Where? Which one?" I said.
There were plenty to choose from in this library, though most of the patrons were on computers typing away. Velma waves her hand at me.
"Don't bother, you wouldn't understand."
Velma stands from her chair and gathers her belongings.
"Leaving already?" I said.
Velma walks around the table and stops alongside my chair.
"Yeah, I finished the rest of my work for my classes. I'm gonna head back to the house, see you at home." Said Velma.
"Okay then."
She makes her way to the exit. All of a sudden, Velma stops a few feet away from our table and quickly turns back. She run-walks to me and leans over, holding her hand up to my ear.
"I promise I'll call Jun some time today. I'll keep you updated." Velma whispers.
I gawk at the computer screen then slowly twist my head toward Velma. I chuckle to her softly.
"Alright, good to know." I said.
I nod to Velma, exchanging waves of farewell as she resumes walking and disappears around the tall bookshelves.
Now that I'm alone, I begin focusing more on my own personal research. Specifically, I dove into the supernatural phenomenon of the Eastern spirits, myths and legends. I start my investigation with gathering data on our high school. I know enough about it, but I'm sure there's bound to be rumors floating around like the infamous Tenmura Hospital. I type swiftly and consistently.
"Shimori... High School... accidents..." I mumble, following what I type.
Hundreds of results, but none of them were useful or relevant to what I had in mind. Most of the top results were figures of interest with the correlation to the name or the kanji that make up Shimori, while the rest lead me to unrelated weblinks. I continue scrolling through the abundance of headings, carefully skimming through the window and making sure to match each kanji properly.
An hour passes, and I had given up finding any articles of incidents connected to the school. I eventually move on to the old tales of sneaky foxes, deceptive hags and stories of missing body parts. As interesting as they all were to read, they don't answer the burning question inside my head.
Who, or what, was that shadowy figure I saw back then?
Having my eyes glued to the screen of the computer for so long, I hadn't notice the sun was already getting ready to retire. I push my seat back slightly and stretch my arms over my head. I let out a soft grunt then look around the library. There was barely anyone in the building, but what else did I expect.
"Um..."
I jump from my seat, alarmed by the random voice that calls me from the opposite direction I was looking. I twist my body around to the source and am greeted by the librarian. She was old with greying hair tied in a low bun, thick framed glasses, a dark brown blouse and navy slacks.
I look at her studiously.
"The... library... close soon..." She said, trying her best to speak English.
I notice her having a hard time getting the words out. Not to mention how noticeable the Japanese syllables in her speech were. I smile at her compassionately with low knitted brows.
"When will the library be closing?" I said in Japanese.
The librarian looks to me in astonishment, wide eyes, raised brows and all. She was practically gaping at my fluency. Though, I still have much to learn. The librarian clears her throat and fixes her glasses.
"U-uh, excuse me, the library will be closing in fifteen minutes. Please leave five minutes before then."
I answer briefly. "Understood."
With the information I've gathered, I think I can head back home and connect the pieces together in some way or another. I begin to grab my books and writing utensils off the table, one by one, and throw them into my school bag. The few remaining windows on the computer screen close by themselves as I turn off the device. After checking to make sure I didn't forget anything, I stand up and push my chair in. I turn to the exit and see the librarian was still standing where she had been for the past few minutes now. Her peculiar look from before remains evident in her eyes.
"Yes..?" I said.
The librarian blinks at me and grows flustered.
"I'm so sorry!" She said timidly.
I look at her, my eyebrows pressed together in confusion.
"Sorry for what?" I said with a gentle smile.
"I, well, just... your Japanese is very good." Said the librarian.
My eyes shimmer with pride and I bow to her as a thank you for her admiration. I quickly give the librarian a close-eyed smile.
"Thank you very much! That means a lot coming from a native Japanese speaker!" I said gleefully.
The librarian nods in return and gives a smile of her own. I wave goodbye as I exit the building. She locks the door behind me.
Outside was chilly, and a little dark. I also remember the way back home has scarce lighting, so I had to be careful where I walk. Not that I was afraid of encountering a suspicious stranger, rather I was more worried about tripping or bumping into something on the dingy road.
A sigh escapes from my lips. Whether it was a sigh of acquiescence, or a sigh of frustration, I didn't care. Any knowledge is better than no knowledge of the topic at hand. I still felt restless. I just need to talk to someone about this. I want to leave Velma alone in order for her to go through with her plan on a certain issue. Shaggy is probably hanging out with Scooby, which I'm happy for the both of them. In other words, they shouldn't be bothered. I haven't spoken to Kaori enough to assertively go to her for this type of information, so she might brush it off and say that I'm thinking too much. Plus, she has her family, so going over to her house at this time would be an inconvenience to them. The only person in mind, who I hope is still awake right now, would be...
. . .
Freddy...
I slip on a clean white V-neck shirt and a pair of boxers before exiting the bathroom. With a fresh towel hanging over my shoulders, I take the ends of it and begin to tousle my wet hair. I perch myself along the edge of my futon, unfamiliar with the feeling of this type of bed, staring blankly out through the balcony. A light breeze from the central air blew against the translucent curtains of the glass doors.
By the time I got home, Shaggy and Scooby were both sound asleep. I hopped in the shower as soon as I came back from my jog on the trail close to the house. I also took the time from finishing my workout early to look around the nearby shops. It's a bummer I couldn't stay longer due to curfew. There were some interesting components I saw that I could probably use to incorporate with my latest project.
My body falls back onto the mattress as I huff a short breath out my nose. I hold the ends of my towel, slightly pulling them against the weight of my neck.
Aika, and the Paranormal Investigation Club. They seem eager to head to Tenmura Hospital, given the fact we'll all be meeting in front of the abandoned building tomorrow afternoon. I was kind of surprised, I didn't expect them to be a group of pretty girls. Especially Aika, though she seems to have her head in the clouds to focus on a relationship. Not that I'm interested or anything.
I sit back up and stand from the futon. My mouth felt parched, so I decide to cool down with a glass of cold water before heading to bed. While leaving my room and descending to the kitchen, I resume patting my hair dry with my damp towel.
The incident from earlier today begins to play in my mind...
We stopped in the middle of our game during gym. I went over to Kaori and asked her what was going on. She told me the gist of things, and pointed over to the shed. Then I followed Daphne outside, and found her sitting along the edge of the shed's window. I recall catching her as she fell from up there. Though, I never got to ask her what she saw, or why she did that. Maybe it's something better left unknown, or perhaps something that will be brought up again later. All I can do now is wait and find out when the time comes.
I fan away the thought cloud that made me think too much, and take a glass cup out from the cupboard. I bring it to the water dispenser beside the fridge, and push down on the tap. The water gradually fills the glass and I watch it intently, thinking to myself could it go any faster.
A knock on the front door echoes from the entryway to the kitchen. I look up from my glass of water and stop the dispenser's waterflow. I wait a minute. I take the glass away from the dispenser and hold it up to my chest. My eyes dart to the clock hanging on the wall, and see that it was a quarter to 9. I grew more self-conscious, wondering who it could be at this time of night. I carefully set my half filled glass on the counter and proceed to investigate.
Only a single set of three knocks on the door, but that was enough for me to grimace the entire way walking to the entrance.
"Hello..?" I call out.
There was no answer, not even another knock or two. I cautiously walk over to the front door and check through the peephole. I turn on the porchlight, but I couldn't see anyone. I gradually turn the knob of the front door, keeping the chain lock bolted, and slowly open it to a small crack. I lean in toward the crack and see there was still no one in sight, however it was difficult to move my head in certain angles with this restricted linear view. After quickly thinking it over, I chose to unlatch the chain lock and open the front door. It swings open, and I step out into the porch, looking around for the perpetrator.
I stand outside for a few more minutes while continuously snapping my neck in different directions. It was quiet, aside from the ambient sounds of crickets chirping and cicadas singing. I twist my body left and right with my arms crossed, accompanied with my brows coming together in puzzlement. Whoever it was that knocked on the door, they're gone now.
A heavy sigh erupts from my lips while turning back to the house. I close the door behind me and latch the chain lock back in its place.
"Must've been a bad joke, I guess..." I mumble.
I scratch the back of my head while returning to the kitchen for my glass of water. Not making a bigger deal out of it is best. I swiftly finish my drink in three gulps and place the glass cup in the sink. Finally, it was time to head back to my room and get some rest.
I turn off the lights along the way back to my bedroom.
Upon reaching my room door, however, I'm greeted by the sound of knocking once again. I look over my shoulder at the pitch black steps, listening carefully to see if they would perform another set of knocks. Aggravated, I cross my arms and repeatedly tap my foot on the floor.
Should I go answer it?
Then again, this could be a repeat of the first time...
I throw my hands up in a fit and trot down the steps. I also turn a few lights back on in order to see where I was going before reaching the entryway.
"Hello..?" I call out again, a frown forming on my face.
I stand a few feet from the house entrance. No one answers my second call either. I don't bother checking to see if they're still there, and head straight back to my room. I swiftly smack the light switches off, followed by entering the room and firmly shutting the door.
I close my eyes and breathe a long sigh, leaning toward the wall on one hand. I throw the towel on the floor with my other hand, watching it drop and slide to the corner of the room.
The sinister pattern continues, mysterious knocking can be heard all the way from my bedroom door.
My teeth clench tight in anger, my brows furrow with heavy creases on my forehead, and my hands ball up into fists as hard as rocks. Whoever was knocking on the front door is intentionally trying to piss me off, and it's working. I grab my bedroom doorknob tensely, holding it like I was ready to pull it out of its socket. The knocking persists, but I soon realize something was odd.
The knocking was much softer than the first two, like tapping, and the sound of the tapping came from the glass doors leading to the balcony. I grow bug-eyed from this realization. I was still facing my bedroom door with my back to the balcony. I listen carefully, hesitant to turn around. The lights were off, and the tapping continues to fill the air with unwanted suspense. I notice the shadow that creeps to my feet under the moonlight, and I begin to sweat. Was it a stalker?
I bite my lip, and steadily turn my body. There it was, standing on the other side of those glass doors, a dark and ominous figure leaning on the glass and pressing their hands against it.
"Dah!" I cried.
I jump away and hit my back against the wall.
"Freddy, it's me..!" The silhouette whispers.
My rapid heart composes itself. I squint my eyes and take a closer look at the shadow as I creep forward with my back hunched over.
"ーDaphne?" I mutter.
Her features become more recognizable, and I quickly make my way to the balcony doors and unlock them. It slides open smoothly, and Daphne enters my room.
"What are you doing here?" I said.
I slide the balcony doors shut and leave a small crack. Daphne takes off her shoes, places them near the sliding doors and begins to pace around the room. As she eases herself through aimless movement, I walk over to the lamp posted near the night stand and turn it on.
Daphne smiles apologetically. "Sorry, is this a bad time..?"
I turn back to her.
"No, not really." I said. "What's up?"
"Nothing, much..." Daphne mumbles.
I raise my brow at her.
"Uh-huh..." I said while nodding my head.
She presses the tips of her index fingers together repeatedly, while averting her gaze from mine.
"Well, you see, it's just..." Said Daphne.
"Yeah?" I mutter under my breath.
What could she be trying to discuss? Perhaps what happened earlier today?
I take Daphne's hand and draw her to the floor, sitting on my futon in the dimly lit room. An awkward silence falls over us. I slouch back and smack my lips, simply to project any sort of noise over the insufferable silence. I turn my head away as Daphne fixes her skirt while trying to find a better sitting position. After Daphne finishes swiping her clothes and patting herself off, she sighs and casually leans on her right arm. I scratch the back of my head, wondering how to start the conversation.
Suddenly, Daphne speaks again.
"I guess I feel a bit listless as of lately." She said softly.
"Oh, I see." I said.
Daphne hesitates to continue. She takes a moment.
"Remember when I..." She trails off and murmurs the rest.
Well what do you know, guess the subject of this morning's incident has approached sooner than I expected.
"Remember that time we went to rocky point beach?"
Or so I thought...
"Huh? Oh, yeah." I said.
How could I forget?
"That was when we encountered the ghost of Captain Cutler, or so his wife claimed." I said, followed with an amused chuckle.
Daphne lets out a soft laugh, and brings her knees close to her chest. She wraps her arms around her legs and rests her chin on them.
"Yeah, it was fun solving that mystery with the gang." Said Daphne.
We both stare at the wall facing the closet with the bedroom door on the left, and the sliding glass doors leading out to the balcony on the opposite side. The silence cuts in and interrupts our conversation once more. We sit around for a few seconds. My mind indulges on another memorable event.
"Oh!" I cried.
I look over to Daphne.
"And remember when we got lost, and found ourselves in Gold City?"
Daphne's lips perk and form a small circle. She then bursts into laughter while closing her eyes and throwing her head back. I smile bashfully at her. I can feel my cheeks getting hotter. Daphne settles down and wipes away the tear forming on her waterline.
"Yeah, I remember that one. It was one of my favorite mysteries we solved together." She said gleefully.
I couldn't help but let out a cheerful laugh of my own. My smile disappears, and I look to Daphne with worry.
"So, how've you been?" I said.
Daphne senses the change of mood, and raises her brows at me. She turns away and looks down to her feet.
"I've been alright, mostly." She said.
"Mostly..?"
"Yeah, mostly. There's a couple things I would like to know the answers to without bothering anyone."
"Hmm?" I hum. "What do you mean?"
Daphne gently folds her legs onto the futon. She rests her right leg on top of her other leg, and scoots closer to me.
"I just wanted to make sure I didn't seem like I was crazy... am I?" Said Daphne.
She looks into my eyes with an earnest gaze. I shake my head to her.
"Well, wouldn't be the first time for any of us, right?" I said jokingly.
I add an awkward laugh to aid my response, but that didn't seem to work. I'm still anxious, and Daphne still looks glum. Actually, I'm not too sure what she's trying to get at. Did she come here specifically to...
"I feel so useless." Said Daphne.
Given how quiet it was beforehand, Daphne's words felt like they echoed throughout the house. I slide my body over and close the minuscule gap between her and I. My knee gently bumps hers. I tilt my head to the left, leaning to get a better look at Daphne's melancholy face.
"What makes you say that all of a sudden..?" I said.
"I come here on a spontaneous whim, and out of nowhere decide to change my mind. It's a bit confusing to explain right now, even for me." Said Daphne.
"How confusing could it really be..?"
Daphne abruptly stands from the futon and makes her way to the balcony doors to grab her shoes.
"I'm sorry for troubling you, Fred." Said Daphne, picking her shoes up.
I shoot up from the bed and follow behind her.
"Wait wha... what are you talking about? You didn't do anything wrong!" I said.
I try to keep my voice down as much as I could since Shaggy and Scooby were asleep in the other room.
"It's nothing, really... I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" She said.
Daphne grabs hold of the sliding door handle and proceed to open it. I impulsively take her wrist before she could open it any further. Daphne swiftly looks to me, surprised.
"F-Freddy..?" Said Daphne.
I didn't know what to say, or how to respond. I froze. I stopped her solely out of instinct.
"I..." I begin.
My mind goes blank, and Daphne slowly lets go of the balcony door handle. Our hands drop to our sides. Her shoes were still in her hand. We look away from each other, my face growing warm again.
"Freddy..?" Daphne mumbles.
I pick my head up and look at her anxiously.
"Yes?!" I stutter.
Daphne snickers softly from my stammering, and brushes her fingers across my cheek.
"You don't have to be so scared..." She said.
My pupils dilate, and I stare at Daphne widely.
"I mean, it's-
I grab her shoulders, lean in close and press our lips together. I finally did it. I just hope this was what she wanted to talk to me about.
I feel her slight tremble, her subtle change in breathing, and her ascending warmth. Her soft gasp hits my skin as I gently deepen our kiss. I slowly part, and step away from her to give her space. Daphne stares at me widely with gaping embarrassment. She shoots her hand over her lips and grows flushed.
"Um..!" She utters.
"Hmm..?" I hum.
"Freddy, I... Uh..." Daphne babbled.
"Did..." I mutter. "Did you not like it?"
Daphne pauses her bashful blathering. The wind from the outside howls into the room and brushes the curtains against her legs. Daphne's hands curl up to her chest as her head falls down and away from my gaze of angst.
"N..." She mumbles.
Daphne looks up to me.
"No, of course not." She said softly. "It was... nice."
Daphne's face grows redder with every word spoken. Her hands hang down to her hips, still curled and locked together by her index fingers and thumbs. She fiddles them timidly and reverts back to avoiding my gaze. I swallow my nerves and lean closer to her.
"May I do it again..?" I whisper to her.
I listen to Daphne faintly gasp, and watch her hit her back against the wall. Her shoes clatter to the floor. I lean my hands against the wall at each of her side, cornering her and waiting for her answer. I patiently stand in front of Daphne and bend down to see her flustered face.
"You may..." She mutters.
Before she could finish her sentence, I tilt my head and approach Daphne's soft lips. I raise her head by her chin with my hand, and we close our eyes again and enjoy the sweet sensation of another kiss. I feel her resting her hands on my shoulders as I wrap my arms around her waist. We push our bodies away from the wall and dance to the middle of my room. We pause for a quick moment, careful not to trip as we descend to the bed. Daphne lays on the cover as I hover over her body. Our hands fondle each other and lock in harmony as we deepen our kiss.
"Freddy..." Daphne moans.
I move down slightly, and peck her pale neck several times. I grab Daphne's waist tightly and kiss her collar with wet lips.
"Ah-!" She whimpered.
My hands familiarize Daphne's frame, caressing her and sliding them under her clothes. She jerks from my touch and grabs my hand impulsively. I pause and look to her.
"Daphne?" I said.
She shakes her head and sits up. I rise as well, still hovering over half of her body.
"Your hands are just cold." Said Daphne.
"Oh..." I utter. "I'm sorry about tha-
I lose track of my words, and watch intently as Daphne slides off her blazer and shirt. Her bra, a dark plum color with a floral lace pattern along the edges, excites me. She grabs the collar of my shirt and lightly tugs me.
"They'll warm up eventually, right..?" Daphne whispers.
Her breath hits my lips, arousing me even more. She fixes herself onto my lap and engages in another kiss. This is bad, any moment now and she'll feel it. I lift Daphne by the waist and lay her back on the futon again. We continue to exchange a few more kisses, before I recklessly pull off my shirt. Daphne brushes her fingers against my pecks and abs. I throw my shirt to the side and lower my body to hers.
"Freddy..." Daphne whispers.
"Daph..." I immediately reply.
"Daph, I really like you..."
Daphne's eyes glisten in the dimly lit room. She smiles to me and holds my face with both her hands. She lifts her body from the bed and steals one final kiss before losing ourselves in the moment.
Without realizing, it brushed against her. Daphne jerks and blinks in confusion.
"Ah..!" I murmur.
She looks down and sees my erection. It lays itself casually on my boxers, stretching them a bit, hitting her leg as we move.
"Daphne, we don't have to if you..." I said.
Daphne strokes my cheek with the back of her fingers.
"It's okay."
I held her hand against my cheek for a brief instant. My heart begins to beat more rapidly. Her soft lips look so kissable. Her naked, vulnerable body made me want to tease her. Her uneven panting fueled my excitement, and my erection.
I kiss her chest and fondle her breasts, and Daphne moans in ecstasy. She rakes her fingers through my hair as I attempt to unfasten her bra strap. Daphne helps by unzipping her skirt and tugging it off. We realize how awkward we both must have looked trying to do one and the other. We stare at each other embarrassingly before breaking out in small laughter.
"Well, this is awkward." I said, addressing the elephant.
Daphne nods to me with a sheepish grin then sits up in order to take off her skirt. I help her slide it off, lifting her slim legs up to my torso and letting her wrap them around my body. We resume where we left off and I successfully unfasten the strap buckle of her bra.
I kiss her sweet scented body more and listen to her whimper with pleasure in her voice. I smile, happy to know I can offer this much stimulation to the one I like.
Suddenly, her moans begin to sound unusual. They grow more frightened. I stop kissing Daphne and lift my head to see her terrified face.
"Daphne..? What is it?" I said.
Daphne's breathing grows heavy and quick. She rapidly darts her eyes back and forth over to the corner of the room and to me. I lift myself off her and turn my head to the corner of my room. A cold sweat trickles down my face. My eyes grow wide. My skin becomes cold.
There, a dark figure, facing away from us, twitches uncontrollably in the corner. It fiddles with an unknown object it hides behind its body. However, I can hear the crunch of the object.
"What the hell?!-
The bulb of the lamp abruptly explodes, and Daphne and I cover ourselves from the flying shards. I quickly look back to the corner of the room and see the figure had sprinted out the room through the sliding glass doors. Without hesitation, I jump up and sprint over to the balcony. I head outside and see it, down on the street. How did it get down there so quick?!
"Freddy!" Daphne exclaimed.
I turn around and see Daphne, shaking in fear and covering herself.
I look to the dark figure before it disappears and watch it run off.
Hold on... is it running, or is it somehow phasing...
Daphne grabs my shoulder.
"What was that?!" She said nervously.
"I..." I mutter. "I have no damn clue."
Holy crap. After witnessing something like that, I couldn't let it get away. I run back into the room and rummage through my closet.
"What are you doing..?!" Said Daphne.
"I'm going after it." I said.
Daphne looks to me in shock.
I slip on a pair of joggers, my white shirt I threw off and a warm coat. I snatch the helmet from the top shelf of the closet and begin to zip my coat. I look over to Daphne and see that she's also bundling herself back up. She looks back to me.
"I'm coming with!" Daphne announced.
Although I was happy to hear that, I simply nod to her and give her the helmet.
"Want to borrow one of my jackets?" I ask.
Daphne shakes her head.
"It's fine, come on..!" She said.
We race down the stairs and head outside. Daphne kicks the tip of her shoes into place then goes for the cover of the parked motorcycle resting at the side of the house. I smoothly hop on the motorcycle and help Daphne onto it. I start the engine as Daphne slides the helmet onto her head. I wait for the engine to roar a little louder.
"Where did it run off to..?!" Daphne shouted.
"It went off to the left, so we'll try in that direction!" I said.
I let go of the brakes and zoom out the small driveway. Daphne holds onto me as we race off to the dark figure.
No sign of it. We continue along the streets for a few minutes. Daphne gasps and points over my shoulder.
"Over there!" She said aloud.
"Got it!" I yell.
I see it, the dark figure. It runs off to a dark alley. We close in on the thing. It's terrifyingly fast to be someone human. Small thoughts aside, I stay focused and pursue the dark figure.
"We're losing them..!" Said Daphne.
"Not on my watch!" I said to myself.
I give the motorcycle some more gas, flying across the concrete with intense speed. Daphne tightens her hold around me. I try my hardest to keep my eyes on the road while simultaneously keeping an eye out for the dark figure, but it's gone.
"Dammit!" I said.
I rev the engine of the motorcycle and continue along the road of the quiet street. It has to be somewhere around here, hiding.
At the corner of my eye, I see someone. I realize they were simply standing there wondering what's going on, themselves. I gasp and hit the brakes, listening to the tires squeal across the pavement. Daphne lets out a frantic yelp. I turn the motorcycle to its side to help it stop. Fortunately, we miraculously stopped right in front of him.
The person stumbles back and falls on his butt. The bag in his hand flings over his head and impacts the ground violently.
"Oh my god!" Daphne cried.
She immediately hops off the motorcycle as I turn it off and kick the stand up. Daphne approaches the stranger and offers her hand.
"Are you okay..?!" She said in Japanese.
He scratches his head, sitting on the ground still in shock from our close encounter. He takes Daphne's hand and stands back up.
"Yeah, I'm alright..." He said.
I walk over to Daphne and the stranger.
"Is everything okay..?" I said.
The stranger was wiping himself off of dust and dirt, meanwhile Daphne looks at him closely.
"Wait a sec..." She mutters.
"Jun..?"
He pauses from dusting himself off and looks up to Daphne.
"Do I know you..?" Jun said confusingly.
"It is you..!" Said Daphne. "Wha... what are you doing out here at this time of night?"
"Well..." Jun mumbles.
He looks around to find his bag, laying on the ground drenched in liquids of condiments. He walks over to his bag and picks it up. Jun lets out a sigh.
"No good..." He muttered.
"Is something wrong?" Said Daphne.
Jun looks to us blankly.
"Well, my food for the night is wasted." Said Jun, waving the bag in front of him.
"Oh, we're so sorry..."
My gaze shifts between Daphne and Jun. I walk over to Daphne and hook my hand over her shoulder.
"Come on, we should call it a night." I said.
Daphne turns to me confoundedly.
"What? Are you sure?" She said with subtle dismay.
"Hold on..." Jun interjects. "You wouldn't happen to be Velma-San's friends, are you..?"
We look to each other then back to Jun.
"Uh, yeah that's correct." I answer briefly.
"Really? Ah, it's nice to finally meet you..! Um...?" Said Jun.
"I'm Daphne!"
"And I'm Fred."
Jun looks at us in deep thought.
"...Ah, I see now."
I nod to him. "Sorry again for all the trouble."
"Oh no," Said Jun. "Though you two were quite loud so I couldn't help but wonder where that noise was coming from. I wasn't expecting to be nearly run over."
Jun chuckles, and we add our own sheepish laughs.
"Oh, but no hard feelings." Jun grinned.
"Are you sure? I can go buy the things you bought from the store as an apology." Said Daphne.
Jun puts his hand in front of his body, refusing Daphne's offer.
"There's no need. I don't mind the walk to the convenience store. I mean it's, well, convenient."
I scratch the back of my head and look away while Daphne gives Jun a crooked grin and another awkward chuckle.
"Well, sorry again for everything, Jun." Said Daphne.
He shakes his head and waves to us.
"Don't worry too much about it."
It suddenly goes quiet, save for the orchestra of insects in the grass and the cold breeze. Jun turns away and points toward the right.
"Well, I'll be going this way." He grinned.
We bow to him as Jun takes his leave. We make our way back to the motorcycle, and listen to the shuffle of our feet. Jun stops abruptly and turns back to us.
"Oh!" He exclaims.
We turn back to him, who's standing several feet away.
"Do be careful though..!" Said Jun.
"Oh, we will, thank you~!" Said Daphne.
"No, I mean, there's a pedophile crook on the loose around this area..."
I can feel the hairs on the nape of our necks stand up. Our backs stiffen, and we grow the urge of looking around involuntarily.
"The nearest busy street is down in Uehara prefecture, so it's close to the residential homes where you guys are staying. Be careful now..." Said Jun.
Daphne waves to Jun one last time.
"Be safe as well Jun-San..." She said tensely.
With a simple nod and a close-eyed smile, Jun leaves us be and makes his way back to the convenience store.
I hurry back to the motorcycle and start the engine. Daphne comes to my side, quivering a bit. I notice her shivering body, and proceed to take off my coat and hand it to her.
"Here." I said.
Daphne looks to me then my coat. She accepts it and slowly puts it on.
"Thanks." Daphne murmurs.
"Now let's get out of here before we wake the neighbors. Last thing we want is for the cops to get involved." I said.
We hop on the motorcycle and bolt out of there. We never saw the dark figure after that...
. . .
The boy with jet black hair returns from the convenience store. Night grows darker, the wind grows colder.
He heads back to a certain house, one placed right in the middle of the quiet neighborhood. He opens the door, and enters the house, not looking back.
"Don't wake the neighbors..." Jun mumbled.
The door closes shut portentously.
Hello fellow reader, still curious? Another friendly reminder, if you want to see a smaller side of things, check out Scooby Doo: In the Mirror Jun's Journal.
