Blood Moon

Chapter 71

*Hiroshi's Pov*

We arrived back at Auntie's Cafe.

Uncle Kyotarou and Aunt Mika promised Ruri that they would spend the whole day with her.

Ruri was pleased to hear all that but she asked that I also stay for a while as well...

I...kind of had no choice on that option...

Nishimiya gave us the results of Ruri's condition.

*Flashback*

Ari: Despite being in a weakened state, her body seems fine and her brain exhibits theta waves frequently.

A lot of people wouldn't understand what that means. But I did...

Me: So you're saying she might have been daydreaming this whole time...?

Ari: Yes... that's what the other doctors have been saying. Since daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for an effect on memories, emotions, and sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. Hannya-Sama made not had harmed her physically...but psychology and emotionally. Keep a close eye on her Hiroshi...

Me: I will...

*End Flashback*

Mika: Ruri-chan, do you need any help carrying those grocery bags?

We had stopped at the grocery store to get a couple of items for Ruri. Things she like such as food, drinks, sweets, etc. Anything to make her feel better after all she went through.

Ruri: No thanks. I'm fine, Mommy.

Mika: Okay...

She send a worried look towards her husband who held a more guarded one.

It seems that they're can't stop worrying over her. I don't blame them. I would be too if my child was kidnapped by some deranged spirit that tormented her for the past two months.

Wait...

Has two months already passed...

I looked at the date and it said August 18th...

That means I'll be back in school in about two more weeks after Labor Day...Well fuck...

Tbh, I don't even think I want to go back to that hellhole called Yongedu High. It gave too many dark memories there.

Plus, it seems like no matter what anyone does. There will always be bullying.

Even though those who harassed Tomoki are gone...

There are still a bunch of assholes to try and finish the job.

It will take just one asshole to start all it all again. They will never learn...

Such a fact on life...

My thoughts were back on Tomoki Tanaka.

The Dead One...

What if...I had actually helped him...?

Would we be actually friends...?

Or would it been too late...?

I don't thinkbit matters either way because Hannya-Sama would still harm us and used another puppet or scapegoat...

But still the knawing feeling of not being able to help out my former classmate struck me with guilt...

I may not be one of the reasons why he suffered...but damnit...Reiki Saiko, Masao Akimura, and the rest of those psycho bullies...

Since we live in a world of cowards, no one wants to own up to their actions or face the consequences. So they turn tail and killed him to keep him silent.

Tomoki...You were pretty brave standing up to them...but it costs you your life and your parents as well...

Me: I don't know how to feel about all of this...

Kyotarou: Hiroshi?

Me: Uncle?

Kyotarou: You thinking of something...?

Me:...Uncle...Since summer vacation is almost over...Once I beat Hannya, I'm thinking of trying to make some rearrangements and leave Yongedu...

My Uncle stayed silent at that. He didn't seem happy nor upset on my decision.

Kyotarou: I see...

Me: It's just that...all this happend because I, Manaka, Himeno, nor Yamada weren't able to help Tomoki...because I just thought he should just help himself but damnit...he died...then became the Dead One and his tormentors act like nothing happend until they all started dying...then Ruri got taken by Hannya and my friends ended up getting killed along the way...

All of this was just messed up...

Kyotarou:....

Me: Uncle...What do you think I should do...?

Uncle Kyotarou looked a little surprised. Before this whole Hannya-Sama thing. I always been looking after myself and making my own decisions. But now I just felt lost...the finale was almost here and I'm not even sure if I'm survive or not this final encounter...I just...want it all to end...because I wanted my ordinary life but I can't because Hannya-Sama ruined that for me...

Kyotarou: Well...What do you want to do, Hiroshi?

Me: Eh?

Kyotarou: I think the answer you're looking for is pretty clear. You should follow your heart and it will lead you the right way...or whatever your mother used to say to cheer me up when we were kids.

Ah, that's right. They were pretty close when they were younger. But now that Mom is away in another country and Uncle hasn't seen her in years. Their relationship was a bit distant...

Kyotarou: Ayaka was always like that. Stubborn to the core. You do take after her sometimes once the decision is made. Maybe...Someday she'll come home...

Yeah...Maybe...

Kyotarou: Man...I can't believe how much you have gotten lately. You're about to be 18 soon yourself. So yeah...you're old enough to make your own decisions. Even if I don't approve of many but...I believe you already know the answer...if you want to stop attending Yongedu and go to another school...or at least start working. I won't mind. Sure, your Auntie and maybe your Mother wouldn't like that answer...but they'll come around.

He pats my head and rustled my hair a bit.

Kyotarou: I can only ask for one thing. Hiroshi. Take good care of yourself and help me protect this family...

I made a small smile.

Me: Of course...Uncle...

*Later*

Hours have passed...

Soon the Blood Moon will appear for a final time.

My family will be in grave danger once Hannya appears...

I pulled out the sword to readied myself.

Ruri: Big Brother...?

Me: Yes Ruri...?

Ruri: Please...be careful...

Me: I will Ruri...Don't worry. I won't let her harm you again.

Ruri:....

She became unresponsive for a second but nodded. I didn't mind it and thought she grown more worried over me...

I then stepped outside of Auntie's Cafe and looked up...

The Blood Moon had appeared...for one last time...

Me: This is it.

The final battle was approaching.