Help from the Shadows (Open Novella Contest)

9 (Case, Conclusion, Akino)

"Are we there yet?" Choiseung panted out as we went up the mountain, running like a bunch of marathoners since we wanted to have the element of surprise. 

"Not yet," Mitsue-san was being carried by Jorogumo as the spider Youkai traversed through the rough terrain with ease while answering Choiseung's question. 

"I'm completely exhausted," Uncle Chenhua groaned as he slowed down, catching his breath.

"I feel you," Rau agreed. "But we can't stop! In order to solve this case, we have to persevere! If we give up so easily, how can we possibly save the Original Quartet?"

"...That's true," Uncle Chenhua admitted, before he gave Rau a small smile. "Thanks, Rau." 

"No worries, Uncle Chenhua," Rau gave him a thumbs-up. The rest of us could only smile in response seeing that. 

Eventually, we arrived at a huge cave entrance that towered over 6 of us. Jorogumo let Mitsue-san down as we all stood in front of it. 

"Well then," I decided to break the silence. "What are we waiting for? Let's go save Ayame-chan and the rest!" I turned around to face them while saying this, pumping my fist into the air. 

Rau grinned at me. Choiseung smirked. Uncle Chenhua looked determined. Mitsue-san nodded. Jorogumo got herself ready before she gave me a nod too. 

"All right, let's go!" I cheered, which was mirrored by the others before we entered the cave.

The cave was narrow, despite its entrance, because it quickly narrowed down to a small hallway. We had to go in a line, so Jorogumo was put in front, with Mitsue-san behind her. Then, Choiseung, I, Rau and Uncle Chenhua followed them. The moon was shining on our faces through the holes in the hallway as we walked, trying to keep our noise down to the minimum by tiptoeing. It was really silent and tense, because we knew we had to gain the element of surprise. 

Eventually, we arrived at the edge of the cavern, a wide room with a cylindrical puppet theatre in the middle. But we could only gape in shock. 

Why? 

Because there were so many kids sitting on chairs surrounding it, excitedly chatting about it.

"Oh, everyone!" we then turned to see Ayame approach us, smiling happily. 

"Ayame-chan! You're okay!" Mitsue-san cheered. She tilted her head in confusion.

"Eh, why wouldn't I be okay, Mitsue-baa? I'm here to watch the puppet show."

We all gave a start. Puppet show?! What is she talking about?

"Don't you remember, Ayame-chan? We're here to solve the Disappearing Vortexes case," Jorogumo looked alarmed as she began taking steps back to the entrance. Ayame frowned, but soon smiled brightly, "Sorry, I don't remember at all! でも。。。(demo= but)" Her eyes suddenly grew glassy. "Can't you stay with us?" A light blue aura started to emanate from her as she curled up into a ball.

"A-Ayame-chan?" I worriedly called out to her.

"I-I just wanted friends..." Ayame began crying. "Keisuke-kun was right. Friendship can only hurt."

Okay, if we were alarmed at first, we were now super confused. 

"Ayame-chan, what are you talking about? Did Keisuke really say something like that?" Choiseung inquired. 

However, at that moment, the lights, which we now realised was there, suddenly dimmed. The puppet theater's curtains disappeared, as if it hadn't been there in the first place, revealing a Youkai which us Youkai Watch franchise lovers recognised immediately. We gasped.