The Dead One: The Final Grudge

Chapter 62

Kuro showed Koga where Mei's old home is at...

Though for Mei, it was never home...

Kuro had heard so many terrible stories that took place in that house.

Kuro: Mei did not had a easy childhood growing up.

Koga: Isn't that how it goes for most kids nowadays...?

Kuro: Can it. I'm talking.

Koga: So was I...

Kuro slid the door open and looked around. The place...looked empty...dark...quiet...he didn't like it at all...

Kuro: As I was saying...Mei did not have a easy childhood growing up. I have heard stories from both her and Koutarou-Sensei...

Koga: Do tell...

Kuro sighs as he looked around the Aishiteru home. It was bigger than his apartment.

Mei's home was a Minka.

In short, it was a traditional japanese house.

Like any other traditional Japanese houses, Mei's hone was characterized by tatami mat flooring, sliding doors, and wooden engawa verandas. Another aspect that persists even in Western-style homes in Japan is the genkan, an entrance hall where people remove footwear. The flooring for the house proper is raised a little off the ground to prevent dampness from entering and to keep the living area from flooding in the case of heavy rain.

Kuro then checked the lower level which is known as the tataki, and was traditionally made of packed earth, although concrete is common today. After removal, shoes are put in the getabako. Which was a cabinet that derives its name from geta, or wooden clogs, that Japanese people once commonly wore.

But Kuro and Koga didn't any time to be show their hospitality and guests. Since...the place looked empty...or so they think.

Kuro: From the day she was born, her father had already decided her future. He wanted her to be his successor instead of her twin brother. This infuriated her brother and he took his time throughout their childhood belittling Mei, insulting her, and treating her like trash. All that for being a successor to a large rich company throughout Japan.

Koga: Money can corrupt people. Even children who hold an lot of intelligence. I see where he's getting at and his frustration as well. But that's no excuse to take it out on a family member. Even if they are the reason why you can't get what you want.

Kuro: Hai...Mei... didn't want that future...She wanted to decide for herself. But since her father wouldn't allow her to speak up for herself. He "discipline" her in order to make sure she never go against his wishes.

Hibiki clicked his tongue in disgust.

Koga: There is such a thing as having discipline and abuse being different subjects. Coming from you, it sounds like this family hasn't been treating Mei right.

Kuro: Yeah...her father and brother are horrible to her. Her mother just sits there and watch it all happen. The other members of her family look down on her. The only person who truly cares about Mei in this family is Koutarou-Sensei.

Koga: Is there a reason...?

Kuro sighs before continuing.

Kuro: You didn't hear this from me but... Koutarou-Sensei was treated like an outcast by their family. Even his own older brother shunned him. Their father wanted the successor, so he chooses Koutarou-Sensei's brother who is Mei's father...

Mei's father, Kenshi Aishiteru, was a very cruel man...

He would do anything to get what he wants. It was always "Yes, Sir" to him from his employees. Anything he viewed as a nuisance was nothing but a bug on the road that needed to be squished.

He would handle things only strictly for business.

Even if it meaning lying, deceiving, abuse, and having power.

He married Mei's mother only for business. In other words, an arranged marriage.

There was no actual love between them. He only was looking for an heir.

But once his wife was pregnant. He was thrilled. Not thrilled to have an actual child...no, an heir for him to take over the family business.

Once Mei and her brother, Miao was born. He chooses Mei over her brother.

Which led to her brother getting neglected by everyone.

Jealousy and Greed fueled Miao.

This caused him to gain an hatred for his own sister. He wanted nothing more but to have her out of the picture.

He never viewed her as a sister...no...he viewed her an obstacle.

To this, it led to Mei's misterable life...not just at home...but at school too...

Once the family found out what was going on with Mei...

They didn't care...they looked down on her...

Told her to suck it up and deal with it.

She's an successor. She needs to set an example. Many exceptations lies within her lap.

So for the Aishiteru Family...They were not even an family. They hate each other. They would such means to hurt one another and scars lied buried deep within.

Kuro: There was no love...

Koga: That's pretty messed up... that's even worse than a dysfunctional family. For them to actually hate each other like that.

Kuro: Yeah...Mei nor Koutarou-Sensei didn't deserve any of that...

Koga nodded. But enough story telling. Their wasting time.

Koga: Let's do an little bit of investigation. There's gotta be something here that connects to the clues inside the Aishiteru Home...

Kuro: That is...if we can even find any...

Koga: Alright then. Let's split up to cover more ground. If something happens, the other will holler.

Boh boy splitted up inside the home looking around for any clues they can find.

Kuro checked the downstairs while Hibiki went upstairs. Kuro first took a look around the living room.

The wallpapers inside had an green and white coloring.

A table was nearby with matts sprouted close by to it. There was a tea set sat onto the table.

Kuro: Hmmm...It looked like someone was here recently...but... they're not here anymore...did something happen...?

Kuro questioned fell off deaf ears before shining his flashlight around until he stops at a picture on the wall.

Kuro: Wait...Hold up...

Kuro walked over to the picture as he got a good look at it.

It was a picture of beautiful woman wearing a black and purple yukata. She had a sad look on her face...

Kuro: Could this be...the Geisha Woman...?