Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 107

　Mocking laughter echoed through the space. 'Where? Where are you? Come out!' It proclaimed with a persistent tone.

　Naturally, there was no way they would willingly reveal themselves to their pursuer. The pursuer, well aware of this, taunted them. Taunted them to torment their prey, to satisfy their sadistic desires.

　"Huff... huff... huff... D*mn it, who is that? How long are they going to keep chasing us!?"

　The chase had gone on for an indeterminable amount of time. Exhausted, the group of five hid in one of the many rooms, in a closet. They huddled together, enduring their fear. The designated leader of the group, a young boy burdened with the name "Izayoi," spoke his thoughts. Recalling the events that led them here.

　They had been relentlessly fleeing from countless black creatures under the cover of the dark night sky. And in their attempt to hide in a warehouse they stumbled upon, they unintentionally shifted to the next room. After that, it happened immediately afterward.

　An endless labyrinthine palace-like space. Composed of countless rooms and corridors, yet without a single window or a room with a view of the garden, they found themselves lost there. And they encountered it. They were being chased. The chase felt like it would never end. They ran and ran, but couldn't find a way out.

　'Kekekeke! Little ones, where are you hiding? Could it be here?'

　A voice that wouldn't give up. Immediately after, the sound of a sliding door or a paper screen being opened could be heard. Instinctively, everyone grew fearful. The source of the sound didn't seem far away.

　"D*mn it... They're getting closer."

　"N-No... I don't want to die!"

　"Idiot, don't raise your voice... I don't wanna die here either. We'll definitely survive."

　Ignoring the whispers of their companions, the group leader, the boy who has been given the name "Izayoi" by the Onitsuki family, pondered their options. He was desperate and trying hard to come up with a plan. What should they do now? What do they need to do?

　(If we can just deceive them like this, it'll be fine. But...)

　He glanced at his trembling companions in the corner of the closet. No, it wouldn't work. He couldn't rely on them.

　Their spiritual power, though existent, was weak, and if there were any combat experience among them, it would be only his. The remaining members, who had been burdened with menial tasks, would simply be killed off one by one. They had no choice but to prepare themselves. Now, he placed his hand on the wakizashi hanging from his waist and held it firmly.

　'Kekekeke! Where are you, little ones?'

　"...!!"

　A sound of a sliding door being forcefully opened nearby. Izayoi involuntarily shrank his shoulders. His gaze turned towards his companions. Their tear-filled eyes widened and they held their hands over their mouth. Izayoi himself broke into a cold sweat. The sweat trickled down his cheeks.

　Rattling sounds followed, most likely the opening of nearby sliding doors at random. Footsteps closing in. It was over. There was no hope. Everyone in the closet despaired. They prepared themselves.

　'...They're not here, huh?'

　Uttering those words in a tone of deep disappointment, the pursuer muttered. And immediately, the sense of presence and the sound of footsteps that had approached so closely began to recede with a desolate air. Yet, everyone remained silent. In silence. Vigilant.