『Under the willow tree』[Hanako-kun x reader]

The Misaki Stairs 2

"No. 2 Of The Seven School Mysteries

The Misaki Stairs

They lure students to the Netherworld and tear their bodies apart into tens of thousands of pieces and if you're lucky, just in the thousands"

"This is the Netherworld. The missing students should be in this boundary ... somewhere. I can't guarantee their safety or well-being tho" Tsubaki commented while walking up the stairs as she talked, everyone was in awe and looked around in suspicion at the area 'This really does look and feels like another world' The boundary is littered with countless toys and different knick-knacks and furniture. I saw Yashiro looking at some dolls, they all had a piece of paper with the kanji for the number two, Yashiro and I both felt uneasy at the sight of them in their little kimonos and bob haircuts. The path that we walked on next was underwater

'Is this, the sea ... between life and death?' I leaned down and touched the water but as soon as I grazed the water I jolted my hand away as scales appeared 'This is the real deal, a world where supernaturals live, C-Crap I forgot about the scales. I have to be careful with this trip ...or I'll turn it into a fish! At least it's safe to get my legs safe' I thought to myself as I wiped my hand on my shirt "Hey Tsubaki! There's nothing here! I thought there was going to be a big scary monster or something?"

"Aww~ well what's the point of starting with the big guns first? Now where's the fun in seeing your victims scream if it starts right away?" Tsubaki asked giggling as she touched her cheek "It's way more interesting whittling away at their sanity, ever so slowly until the brink of insanity ... Now that's FUN!!" Tsubaki said cheerfully as she floated away up into a high part of the staircase "Well, that's what's expected from us Seven Mysteries, as the seven we're just pillars that govern the supernaturals that choose to live within the walls and halls of this school... that's why they fear us. I mean think about it, nice creatures give the living a sense of happiness and joyful comfort while the scary monsters lurking outside that comfort zone only bring fear and terrible night terrors ...

Of the truest monsters leave quite the impression, Am I right~"

We looked at her as she turned away and continued to walk up "Still, No. 2's gone too far. We have to stop this immediately and-" Tsubaki was cut off by the sound of a ringing, we turned around and saw a phone. The ringing continued as we walked towards it. Yashiro and I held each side of the phone and asked "Hello? W-who's speaking?" A cold, spine-chilling voice came on and said "It's me Misaki."

"Misaki?" 'A phone call from one of the seven mysteries!?'

"I have been teaching my students 

in the schoolhouse at the top of these stairs

But, I was killed torn to pieces, right where you stand. Say, would you

Please look for my body?

I can't do anything as I am now..."

"W-wait! Where is Aoi?" Yashiro asked with a yelp "First my arm then the right one, with this I can use them to hold my chalk for writing. Do hurry, Class is about to start~" With the task settled for us the phone call ends "She hung up ..." We turned to a creaking sound and saw an hourglass tilt and its sand start spilling down into its other chamber "So we have a limited amount of time?" Kou asked as he stared at the timer "Do you think we can go if we give her arm back?" Yashiro asked as stepped closer to Tsubaki "Dunno... but I'm sure she'll give us something in return" The ghost said looking at her and petting her head "ITS OK SENPAI!! It was probably just a prank caller and we can keep going!" Kou said loudly trying to cheer her up "I wouldn't recommend it~" Tsubaki commented in a sinister-toned way as she looked at us "You see, as the Mysteries of the school we have our very own domain, and in said domain we're unbeatable. So in my case, my domain is the willow tree and technically the restrooms as well. But if you really want to, go ahead. There's no telling what could happen if you were to step off the path. But of course, do remember our deal, I won't be there to stop or help you if anything were to happen~" Tsubaki teased as she held the boy's shoulders