Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The rough, uneven road made Maria flinch with every jolt. She gripped the wheel, wondering if her little car could survive the winding forest path. The tires squealed in protest. The entire vehicle rattled as she pressed forward. This retreat was supposed to be a chance to relax, but so far, Maria felt anything but.

Finally, she reached the cabin she had rented for her impromptu vacation. It looked sturdier and larger than she had pictured. A small comfort after the nerve-wracking drive. Stepping out of the car, Maria glanced at her phone—no signal. Well, that's what she expected. Still, the sight of those empty bars in the corner of the screen made her a bit uneasy. She was truly cut off here. Alone with the trees and her thoughts.

This was supposed to rekindle her creative spark. Maria was a writer in theory, but lately she struggled to write anything more than a sentence. Her sister suggested a change of scenery to help shake things loose. Maria took the advice, though she wasn’t fully convinced it would work. A new setting might help, but what if the problem wasn’t where she was, but something deeper? What if she wasn't able to ever write again?

Maria cringed at her own melodrama. Sure, it had been over a year since she was last able to successfully complete anything, but that could be for all sorts of reasons like... Well, if she knew, she wouldn't be alone in some unfamiliar forest, she supposed.

Using the code the owner texted, Maria retrieved the key from the box by the door. As she opened the door, she was greeted by the cozy warmth of the cabin’s interior. The kitchen and living room blended together and were only separated by a change in flooring. Towards the back, were three doors. The first led to a bedroom with a queen bed. A thick checked comforter and a blanket with little black wolves adorned it. The single lamp on the nightstand, along with a modest window, seemed to be the only sources of light.

The second door revealed a small closet stocked with extra blankets, pillows, and towels. The final door opened to a cramped bathroom. Much smaller than she had hoped. The toilet and sink were so close she could wash her hands without standing up. The narrow shower stall unpleasantly reminded her of her old dorm. Still, if that was her biggest complaint maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all.

After dropping off her bags in the bedroom, Maria returned to the front of the cabin and settled on the porch. She fiddled with her pen, staring past the blank page in her lap to the dense woods that stretched in front of her. The sounds drifting from the trees were so different from the constant drone of the city. Every chirp and rustle made her wonder what was living beyond the wall of trees. After what felt like an eternity, she sighed and stood up. Despite her desire, it didn't seem like her writer's block was disappearing that soon.

As she reached for the door, a faint whine echoed from the woods, stopping her in her tracks. It sounded like an injured animal, though Maria couldn’t be sure. Writing frustration forgotten, she turned from the door taking a hesitant step toward the trees. Curiosity and concern pulling her into the forest.

When Maria neared the shadowy edge of the woods, the rumble of a loud truck shattered the stillness. The rusty red pickup came to a stop, the engine idling loudly before shutting off and a tall, broad-shouldered, thickly built man, climbed out of the cab. His wild red hair gave him almost a feral look.

"You must be Maria.” His deep voice carried a casual tone. He wore an aloof look on his face, walking toward her with an unhurried stride. Hands shoved in his pockets, he was obviously a local.

"I am. And you are?” Maria kept her tone cool but polite. Keeping her guard up, she eyed the stranger warily. He didn’t seem threatening, but she knew better than to trust appearances.

"Genjuro Kazanari.” He said while offering his hand. The name clicked in Maria’s mind. She felt some of the tension ease from her shoulders. Genjuro was the owner of the cabin. She hesitated only for a moment before reaching for his outstretched hand. She hadn’t expected him to visit while she was here, but it made sense. It was his property, after all.

"It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Kazanari. Your cabin is beautiful.” Maria gave him a polite smile as she released his hand.

“You can call me Genjuro,” he replied, his voice warm despite the lack of a smile. “Sorry for the surprise visit, but with no phone or internet up here, I wanted to make sure you settled in okay.”

"Oh! I have. Thank you.” Maria genuinely appreciated the break from the constant notifications. She had been looking forward to being unplugged from the buzz of the city.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Genjuro placed his hands on his hips, stretching backward. His posture relaxed. “If anything comes up, my niece will be around. You can always reach out to her if you need help during your stay.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Maria wasn’t sure what he meant by his niece 'being around'. As far as she could tell, there was nothing here but the cabin and the surrounding wilderness. Which reminded her of the cries she heard earlier. “By the way, what kinds of animals live around here?”

Genjuro rubbed his chin thoughtfully while looking off. “Just the usual—squirrels, deer, foxes, wolves, bears—”

“Bears?” Maria couldn’t help but react with a note of alarm.

“Yeah, but they’re nothing to worry about. Just be loud when you’re outside, and they’ll steer clear. Don’t leave your trash out, and stay indoors after dark.”

“Right…” His reassurance didn’t really soothe her nerves, but she figured wild animals just were part of being in nature.

“If you want to explore the woods, there’s a trail over here.” Genjuro walked her to an opening in the trees. Most of the undergrowth had been cleared away. “I recommend sticking to the trail if you’re inexperienced. If you wander off and get lost, it could be… difficult to find you.”

“Thanks for the heads-up.” There was something foreboding in his words. Maria wondered if he knew she’d been about to venture into the woods when he arrived.

“Any more questions?” Genjuro seemed to be studying her closely.

“Um, no, not really.” Maria suddenly felt self-conscious. She felt she should have more to ask but didn’t know how to even begin.

“Alright then.” Genjuro turned to head back to his truck. “Remember, if you need anything, my niece will be around.”

He ducked into the cab, closed the old door with a metallic groan, speeding off the way he came.

After the curious meeting with Genjuro, Maria decided to explore the forest. She needed to clear her head. Whatever creature had been crying earlier had gone silent. Hoping for the best, Maria chose not to dwell on why. She found her way back to the path and started down it. The trail was even and well cleared, suggesting the Kazanaris took care to keep it that way.

As she walked, Maria tried to take in her surroundings. She was here to find inspiration. To refresh herself. Otherwise, this trip would be a waste. Spotting a large rock, Maria walked over, climbed on top, and sat cross-legged. Closing her eyes, she steadied her breathing and focused on the sounds of the forest. The rustling of squirrels, the songs of birds, the crunch of… footsteps?

“What are you doing?” The sudden voice shattered her calm, and Maria slipped backward with a yell, landing on the hard ground. Thankfully, the soft leaves cushioned her fall—mostly.

She stood, brushing the forest from her clothes. Her patience at this point frayed.

“Are you alright?” The voice, now closer, had the decency to sound remorseful.

“I’m fine.” Maria turned, her irritation clear. “Do you make it a habit to scare people in the woods?”

The speaker was a girl about her age, with long blue hair and a thin face. She was bundled up in a flannel shirt, dirty jeans, and scuffed boots. Despite her rough appearance, Maria couldn’t help but notice she was strikingly pretty.

“I’m patrolling the woods,” the girl replied, eyeing Maria cautiously. “I wanted to know what you’re doing here.”

“I’m renting a cabin nearby. The owner said I could explore the area.” Maria crossed her arms, studying the girl with suspicion.

“You are? From Genjuro Kazanari?”

“Yes.”

The girl scratched her head, seeming to weigh her words. “You should leave.”

Maria blinked. “I was planning to head back anyway, but—”

“No, I mean leave altogether. Go back to wherever you’re from.”

Maria bristled at the girl’s tone. “Why would I do that? I’ve already paid to stay here. If you have a problem, take it up with Genjuro.”

The girl hesitated, then muttered, “I’ve tried. I keep telling my uncle not to rent out that place.”

“Well, he did. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” Maria turned back toward the trail, annoyed. She paused, glancing left, then right, uncertain.

“Do you need help getting back?” The girl’s voice carried a hint of amusement.

“No! I’m fine.” Maria started down one direction, but the path quickly felt unfamiliar. She huffed, turned around, trying the other path, only to find it equally strange. Embarrassed, she returned to where the blue-haired girl still stood, watching. Maria’s cheeks flushed with humiliation, feeling like a lost child.

The girl sighed. “Come on, I’ll take you back.”

With no other choice, Maria followed her down the trail, her frustration simmering as she swallowed her pride.

“My name is Tsubasa,” she said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Tsubasa walked ahead of Maria, moving quickly across the uneven ground. Maria, not quite as nimble, felt herself falling further and further behind. Each misplaced step sent small shocks of pain up her legs. Her thin canvas shoes failing to shield her from the rocks and twigs scattered along the trail. Tsubasa obviously lived here a long time. Her lithe form easily moving through the forest. Maria couldn’t stand the way the distance between them grew. Her pride still hurt from earlier.

"Right." Determined not to trip and make her humiliation worse, Maria focused her attention to the path ahead. Each step becoming more frustrating than the last, she silently cursed herself for not wearing better shoes. It was like walking barefoot over gravel.

"How long are you planning to stay here?" Tsubasa asked. Given her earlier comments, Maria suspected she was trying to see how quickly she could be rid of her.

"A month." Maria smirked, knowing her answer would upset the blue-haired girl.

“A month?” Tsubasa sputtered, turning to face Maria while still walking. Her dexterity was amazing. Maria found herself begrudgingly impressed at how effortlessly the girl navigated the trail, even backward.

“Why are you staying so long?” Tsubasa asked, displeasure clear in her voice.

"Is that any of your business?" Maria stopped walking and crossed her arms in front of her. She knew she couldn’t argue and walk at the same time and she decided the former was more important right now. "What's your problem with me, anyway?"

“I don’t have a problem with you,” Tsubasa replied, stopping as well, rubbing her arms nervously. Her gaze seemed unfocused. As if seeing something not there. “It’s just… dangerous in these woods.”

"Oh, this is all just because you're so worried about me, huh?" Maria’s voice thick with sarcasm. Her patience already thinned from the day’s failures. “How thoughtful of you.”

“I’m not lying to you!” Tsubasa shot back, her voice rising in indignation. “It really is dangerous!”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Well, so far, the worst thing I’ve run into out here has been you.” She knew Tsubasa was probably right. The woods held real dangers. But Tsubasa had rubbed her the wrong way from the moment they met. Taking her advice felt like conceding ground she didn’t want to give.

Tsubasa’s expression darkened, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Fine. Do what you want, then.” Her voice was clipped, but the tips of her ears betrayed her frustration. Nearly glowing with the red. She turned abruptly and began walking again, her steps stiff and hurried. She had clearly enjoyed this conversation as much as Maria had.

Maria stood for a moment, watching Tsubasa stalk off. She felt a flicker of fear beneath her irritation but shoved it aside. Adjusting her bag and brushing a stray twig off her leg, she began to follow. Her steps slower and heavier. If the woods were as dangerous as Tsubasa claimed, Maria figured it wasn’t the worst idea to have a guide—even one as rude as her.

The girls had been walking for what felt like forever. Maria had always considered herself athletic, but now she felt aches in muscles she didn’t even know existed. There was no way this was the same path she’d taken earlier. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if Tsubasa was actually planning to take her back. Just as the thought sent a chill down her spine, the trees began to thin. The welcome sight of the cabin appeared in the distance.

A loud sigh of relief escaped Maria before she could stop it. Tsubasa glanced back, raising a single eyebrow. To Maria’s relief, she didn’t mock her. Shocking, as Maria was certain she must look as pathetic as she felt.

“Thanks,” Maria mumbled. The long walk and lingering tension had stripped the bite from her words. She was grateful to be out of the woods. Yet, the unease lingered still. While walking among the trees, she hadn’t been able to shake a sense of vulnerability. She felt like a piece of prey walking helplessly. It was probably just Tsubasa’s earlier warnings getting to her, but the feeling had unsettled her all the same.

“Don’t mention it,” Tsubasa replied as Maria dragged herself up the cabin’s porch steps.

Maria could practically feel the girl’s gaze on her back and suppressed an irritated groan. She’d almost forgotten how annoying she was.

“Did you… want to come in?” The words came out stiffly, dragged from Maria’s lips by a reluctant sense of politeness.

“Yes, thank you.” Without hesitation, Tsubasa followed Maria up the steps, shutting the door behind her.

Maria tried not to let her irritation show, but it was exhausting. She clearly doesn’t like me, so why is she sticking around?

Once inside, Tsubasa’s behavior turned from odd to downright unsettling. She began inspecting the room—checking the windows and doors and pulling the curtains closed. Her movements were efficient and deliberate, as if she were set on high alert.

Maria folded her arms and watched her uneasily. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked, trying to break the tension.

“Tea, if you wouldn’t mind,” Tsubasa replied without even glancing at her, continuing her inspection.

I do mind, Maria thought bitterly, but what choice did she have? She trudged over to the kitchen area and filled the kettle with water, placing it on the stove. The kettle wasn’t hers—she was more of a coffee person—but it had been there when she arrived. Leaning against the counter, Maria began to rub her temples. The beginings of a headache lingering.

When she turned back around, she froze. Tsubasa was completely still, staring at her with an intensity that sent a shiver down Maria’s spine. Her blue eyes, piercing and unblinking, held none of the aloofness from earlier. Instead, her expression was sharp, focused—like she was sizing Maria up.

“W-what?” Maria stammered, but Tsubasa didn’t respond. The air between them felt heavy, charged. Maria’s breath quickened as fear clawed its way into her chest. She took an unsteady step back, then another, until her hand collided with the hot burner on the stove.

She cried out in pain, the sharp sting jolting her back to reality. The sound seemed to break whatever spell Tsubasa had been under. The girl blinked, her face softening in an instant.

“Are you alright?” Tsubasa asked, her voice low and steady, but filled with concern. She rushed forward, reaching for Maria’s hand.

Before Maria could protest, Tsubasa gently took her injured hand in her own. Her touch was firm but careful as she guided Maria to the sink, turning on the cold water. The icy flow stung then quickly soothed the burn.

Maria remained silent, staring at the rough hand holding hers. Tsubasa’s unnerving expression from earlier was gone, replaced by something almost tender. Her heart began to race—not from the pain, but from the flood of questions now circling her mind. One stood out clearer than the rest.

Just who was this girl?

Chapter Text

Maria watched Tsubasa sip awkwardly from the mug of tea. Her own cup of coffee clutched in her uninjured hand. Tsubasa’s eyes kept drifting toward Maria’s bandaged hand, her expression a mix of guilt and hesitation.

“It’s fine,” Maria said flatly, responding to the unspoken apology. “It was my own fault for not paying attention.”

Tsubasa lowered her mug, her lips pressing into a thin line. She looked like she wanted to say something, but whatever it was remained unsaid.

“Look, if there’s nothing else, how about you go?” Maria’s patience had completely worn out. She wanted nothing more than to collapse onto the queen-sized bed in the next room. She was ready to try and forget this disaster of a day.

“Okay.” Tsubasa took a final sip from her mug and set it on the table. “Sorry for, just sorry.” She stood, pushing her chair back with a screech that grated on Maria’s nerves.

Maria sighed. “I already said it’s fine.” She grabbed Tsubasa’s cup and walked it to the sink. “Let’s just avoid each other from now on.”

“I meant what I said earlier—you should leave,” Tsubasa said softly, following Maria to the sink.

“I’m not leaving, okay? Even if you try to scare me.” Maria exhaled heavily. She didn’t have the energy to get angry again.

“I wasn’t trying to,” Tsubasa hesitated, her voice almost a whisper. “Just… be careful.”

After the source of her budding headache finally left, Maria trudged into the bedroom, finally laying on the bed. Her body ached, but she had to admit the day had been more eventful than any she’d had in a long time.

Pulling out her notebook, Maria stared at the blank page. To her surprise, the words came easily:
Although her attitude was poor, I couldn’t help but feel charmed by her clumsy words. Something about her blue eyes felt familiar, like I was looking at myself—or how I was. She seemed so unrestrained, to say what she felt. I wonder what she thinks of me. Does she see herself when she looks at me?

Maria paused, feeling an embarrassed heat creep up her neck. Despite how much she didn’t want to admit it, her mind was filled with thoughts of Tsubasa. It was natural, she supposed. Seeing someone so strange would pique her curiosity. Still, the satisfaction of putting words on the page again overpowered her discomfort. She continued writing.

By the time night fell, Maria’s body had stiffened. Staying in one position so long often did that. She stretched her arms and legs, deciding it was time to move around. Walking into the living room, she opened the curtains Tsubasa had drawn earlier and poured herself a cup of water. She was surprised by how good the water tasted compared to her apartment back home. She hadn’t really thought about how water could taste before. Maybe her sister Serena had been right. A change of pace was exactly what she needed. A break from her life, and the things she didn’t want to remember.

Moonlight poured through the window, bathing the cabin in a soft glow. Despite not being full, the moon was bright enough to see outside clearly. Curious about how the night here differed from the city, Maria stepped outside. She expected quiet, but the forest was alive with chirps, rustling leaves, and distant animal calls. She settled onto the porch, the cool air brushing her skin, and gazed into the shadowy woods.

Her eyes hadn’t fully adjusted to the dark, but she thought she saw movement in the distance. Squinting, she leaned forward, straining to make out the shape. Reaching for the porch light, she flipped it on.

A pair of glowing eyes stared back at her.

Maria froze. The eyes reflected the dim light like polished mirrors, unmoving. The more her vision adjusted, the clearer she saw the creature. A long, hunched figure with wet, matted fur stood perfectly still. Watching her. Its mouth hung open, saliva dripping to the ground. It stood perfectly still, watching her.

Maria’s heart thundered in her chest. Every breath felt far too loud. The creature began to move foward. It’s slow, deliberate movements reminded her of a cat stalking its prey. Silent. Precise. There was something disturbingly human about its shape. The way its head tilted, studying her.

The creature stepped closer, its movements eerily graceful. Suddenly it misstepped, a twig snapping beneath its large paw. The sharp sound jolted Maria out of her trance. Panic flooded her body.

She stood quickly, bolting for the door. Her limbs trembling as she threw herself through the doorway, bolting it shut behind her. Her back hit the wall, sliding down to the floor. Her hand clamped over her mouth, muffling the sound of her ragged breathing.

The cabin was silent, but she swore she could hear it —its slow, deliberate steps circling the house, searching.

Maria didn’t know how long she sat there, paralyzed by fear, before exhaustion overtook her. She drifted into a restless sleep. Her mind was haunted by the creature. Its glowing eyes. The sound of twigs breaking underfoot.

A frantic pounding on the door jolted Maria. Her heart leapt into her throat as fear gripped her. When she noticed sunlight spilling through the cracks in the curtains, her worry eased. She groaned as she pushed herself upright. Every ache from the day before was magnified.

She stumbled to the door, suprised to find Tsubasa.

Are you okay? Tsubasa asked, grabbing Maria's shoulders as if to steady her. Tsubasa sounded breathless, face dripping with sweat.

“I’m…” Maria paused, scanning her state. “I’m fine. How did you know something happened?”

“My uncle came to get me when he saw.”

“Saw what?” Maria asked, she suspected the answer wouldn’t be comforting.

Tsubasa stepped aside, and Maria froze. The entire yard was strewn with entrails, all the way to the edge of the forest. The unmistakable remains of something less lucky than her had been savaged in the night.

Maria covered her mouth as nausea surged.

“It was a buck,” Tsubasa explained quickly, assuming Maria was imagining something far worse.

“There’s more out back,” Genjuro said, rounding the side of the house. As he came into view, he turned to Maria. His expression steady but apologetic. “Sorry about this. We’ll clean it up right away. You should head back inside until we’re done.” He pulled out gloves and a bucket from his truck.

“What happened?” Maria asked, unable to tear her eyes away from the carnage.

“I’m thinking it was a bear.” Genjuro pulled on the gloves, then tossed a pair to Tsubasa. “We’ll check for tracks after.”

“It wasn’t a bear,” Tsubasa snapped, glaring at him.

Genjuro, clearly used to this, replied with a sigh. “Then what do you think it was, Tsubasa?”

Tsubasa opened her mouth to respond but stopped short. Frustration clouded her face as she looked away.

“You should go inside, Maria,” Genjuro repeated. This time with a hint of weariness. “We've got it.”

“Thank you,” Maria said softly, retreating inside. Her eyes lingered on Tsubasa as she slowly closed the door.

Sitting at the table, Maria pulled out her notebook. She hesitated, staring at the blank page. Soon the words began to flow. This time, she wrote about the creature she’d seen the night before. Maria had never encountered a bear before. Something about what she’d seen didn’t seem right. Though she had no better explanation, she doubted the hulking, human-like shape belonged to any bear.

Maria stopped writing, chewing on the end of the pen. She though maybe she should’ve heeded Tsubasa’s warnings. But in the daylight, her fear had dulled. In its place, curiosity took hold. Against her better judgment, she decided she would stay.

That evening, Tsubasa knocked again.

“Did you find any tracks?” Maria asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.

“No. But my uncle still thinks it was a bear.” Tsubasa said. She shoved her hands into her pockets, the chill of the evening biting at her.

“And you don’t?” Maria asked. She lifted her eyebrow, studying her.

“I’ve never seen a bear do something like this before,” Tsubasa mumbled.

“Animals can be unpredictable.” Maria didn’t elaborate, her own memory of the creature flickering in her mind.

“I suppose that’s true.” Tsubasa said, letting the silence stretch between them.

Maria stepped back into the cabin, leaving the door open. “You know, Tsubasa, humans can be unpredictable too.”

Tsubasa hesitated, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. “I suppose that’s also true.”

Maria moved to the stove, setting the kettle to boil. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to avoid each other while I’m here, so maybe we should try to like each other.”

Tsubasa hesitated before sitting at the table. After a long pause, she whispered, “I already like you.”

Maria snorted with laughter. “You have a weird way of showing it.”

Tsubasa’s cheeks flushed. “Is there a certain way I’m supposed to show it?”

“Well, telling someone to leave isn’t a great start.” Maria moved to the table. She grinned, leaning her head to look at Tsubasa.

“That’s… unrelated,” Tsubasa stuttered, turning her head away, ears visibly red. “But I’ve accepted that you’re not leaving. The best thing I can do now is protect you.”

Maria poked Tsubasa’s cheek. “You’re going to protect me?”

“I will try.” Tsubasa said firmly, still refusing to look at her.

“Do you want to stay the night?” Maria asked with a smirk.

“W-what?” Tsubasa turned, her face becoming an even deeper shade of red.

“So you can protect me.” Maria clarified, still grinning. “Whatever that thing was came during the night, right?”

“I don’t think that would be appropriate,” Tsubasa sputtered.

“But I thought you liked me,” Maria teased. She enjoyed the way Tsubasa squirmed.

Before Tsubasa could respond, the kettle began to whistle. Maria stood, laughing, pouring the tea for Tsubasa. She then made herself an instant coffee.

“Isn’t it late for caffeine?” Tsubasa asked, eager to change the subject.

“Probably, but I wasn’t planning on sleeping tonight anyway.” Maria placed the tea in front of Tsubasa, her laughter softening into a smile.

Tsubasa’s face flushed again, causing Maria to shake her head in amusement.

“I’m going to be writing,” Maria added, wiping a tear from her eye. “What were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t thinking anything,” Tsubasa grumbled, drinking her hot tea quickly, wincing. “I should go.”

“Okay~” Maria teased, watching as Tsubasa stood and shuffled to the door.

Before leaving, Tsubasa glanced back, her face serious. “Be safe.”

“You too,” Maria replied, her tone softening.

As the door closed, Maria returned to the table with a satisfied sigh. She had a lot to write about tonight.

Chapter Text

Maria sat at the kitchen table, her notebook open in front of her. The pages were filled with looping, hurried handwriting, from the hours she spent pouring her thoughts onto paper. In the short time she’d been here, she had written more than she had in months. The story was coming together.

She tapped her pen against her chin, skimming over her latest notes. The protagonist was a young woman desperate to escape her past, stumbling into a small, isolated town. There, she met a mysterious girl who seemed to take up residence in her mind. She was a puzzle the protagonist couldn’t stop trying to solve. But, in the background, a monster stalked them.

The girl ignored the monster, focusing instead on the growing connection between her and the enigmatic other girl. But monsters couldn’t be ignored forever. Eventually, everything caught up with her—the beast, her past, and the parts of herself she wanted to forget. She would be forced to confront them all.

Maria stared at the page, her cheeks flushing slightly. Was it too on the nose?

This isn’t a memoir, she reminded herself quickly. Sure, her experiences here had inspired the story, but wasn’t that the point? Writers drew from their lives all the time. And besides, she’d taken plenty of creative liberties.

For one thing, the protagonist had confessed her love to the mysterious girl in the story. Maria found Tsubasa fascinating and a bit cute, but to say she loved her at this point would be silly.

Maria’s pen hovered over the page as she considered the next scene. She wasn’t sure yet how the deuteragonist should respond. She wondered how Tsubasa would respond. Maria laughed to herself picturing the blue-haired girl getting flustered and awkward at the imaginary confession.

She sighed and stretched, feeling the pull of her tired muscles. The shadows in the room had grown longer while she worked, and the soft glow of twilight spilled through the kitchen window.

It was getting late.

Her gaze lingered on the notebook for a moment before she closed it gently, running her fingers over the worn cover.

She couldn’t stop herself from glancing at the window, at the growing darkness outside. Would the monster return tonight? The thought sent ice down her spine.

Maria decided she didn’t want to know. Not yet.

Maria woke the next morning feeling almost as exhausted as when she’d gone to bed. Her mind was foggy, her body heavy, as if she’d spent the entire night running. She couldn’t remember what she’d dreamt about, but the faint dread clinging to her suggested it hadn't been anything pleasant.

Dragging herself into the kitchen, Maria brewed a cup of coffee, the rich aroma didn’t help as much in lifting the weight from her chest as she had hoped. As she sipped, she wondered if she would find the remains of some other unlucky animal scattered across her yard this morning.

Their was a small knot in her stomach as she opened the front door.

Relief flowed through her at the sight of the yard. The only remains there were the orange leaves that blanketed the grass. She stepped out onto the porch with her mug in hand, sitting to watch the leaves dance across the ground in the gentle breeze.

The chill of the morning air nipped at her cheeks, her breath visible as soft white clouds. The sunshine was gentle, promising warmth later in the day, but for now, she wrapped her hands around her mug for heat.

This was the same place she’d sat when she first met Genjuro and the same place she’d sat when she first glimpsed the monster.

A sudden, sharp rustling sound came from the trees. Maria’s grip on her mug tightened as her heart leapt into her throat.

Her anxiety faded as quickly as it came when an increasingly familiar head of blue hair ducked out from between the branches.

Tsubasa froze at the edge of the yard, her expression caught somewhere between surprise and guilt. “Oh. You’re outside.”

She looked like a puppy caught chewing on the furniture.

“Good morning, Tsubasa,” Maria stood, chuckling softly. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Tsubasa’s gaze darted away, her posture stiff. “I was just checking on the yard. After yesterday, I wanted to make sure things were in order.”

Maria smirked, leaning against the porch rail. “My, how attentive of you. Can I thank you with some breakfast?”

Tsubasa’s cheeks tinged pink. “I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble.” Maria strolled back into the cabin. She left the door open behind her as she stepped into the kitchen.

As she had expected, the soft click of the door shutting came moments later, and Tsubasa followed her inside.

“You really shouldn’t do that,” Tsubasa said quietly, stepping closer. Her voice was soft, but there was a firmness in her tone. “You don’t know what might come in.”

Maria turned to face her, slightly surprised at how close Tsubasa had gotten. She practically had her pinned to the counter. “I’m not worried about it,” Maria said lightly. A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she added, “You’re going to protect me, right?”

Tsubasa’s blush deepened, and she cleared her throat, stepping back slightly. “That doesn’t mean you can act carelessly.”

“Sorry,” Maria said, smirking. “I promise I’ll be more careful.”

Tsubasa didn’t respond, instead pulling out a chair and sitting at the table, her hands resting awkwardly on her lap.

Maria turned to the cabinets, rummaging for ingredients. “Is there anything in particular you want to eat?”

“I’m fine with anything.”

“Then do you want me?” Maria asked casually, her back still turned.

The sharp bang of Tsubasa’s knee hitting the table startled Maria, and she bit her lip to stifle a laugh.

“What?” Tsubasa choked out, her voice strained.

“I said, do you want tea?” Maria’s smirk widened.

“Oh… yes, please.” Tsubasa’s voice was quieter now, but Maria could hear the embarrassment dripping from every word.

When Maria finally turned to look at her, Tsubasa’s face was a deep shade of red, her eyes glued to the table as if it might offer her an escape.

Maria laughed as she pulled a box of pancake mix from the cabinet. “Are pancakes okay?”

“That would be fine.” Tsubasa’s voice was clipped, but Maria noticed the stiffness in her tone softening just slightly.

“Great.” Maria turned on the stove, setting the kettle on for Tsubasa’s tea before grabbing the bacon from the fridge. “I can make bacon with it.”

“That is also fine,” Tsubasa said, her tone neutral. But Maria caught a flicker of eagerness beneath the words and smiled to herself, filing the observation away for later.

She hummed as she worked, whisking the batter and laying strips of bacon in the hot pan. Maria hadn’t planned on eating this morning, but making breakfast was a convenient excuse to keep Tsubasa here a little longer. Studying her was quickly becoming one of Maria’s new favorite pastimes.

When the food was ready, Maria plated up two servings and set one in front of Tsubasa.

“Thank you.” Tsubasa wasted no time grabbing her fork and digging in.

“It’s my pleasure.” Maria couldn’t help smiling as she watched the other girl devour her food.

Tsubasa paused mid-bite, glancing at Maria. “Are you not going to eat as well?”

“I will,” Maria said, picking up her fork with deliberate slowness. Her lips curved into a teasing grin. “I just really like seeing you enjoy yourself.”

Tsubasa ducked her head, saying nothing as she resumed eating. But Maria caught the telltale redness creeping up her ears.

Maria ate her food leisurely, her gaze drifting to Tsubasa as she chewed. She was endlessly fascinating. Tsubasa’s formal way of speaking clashed with the way she ate, wolfing down her food like she hadn’t had a meal in days. She was a tangle of contradictions: cold and reserved one moment, then shy and thoughtful the next. Not to mention that time she had stared at Maria with such intensity that she hurt herself.

Maria half wished she had her notebook nearby to jot down her observations, but she figured that might be a step too far.

“If you come by and don’t knock, you look like a stalker,” Maria said casually, cutting into her last piece of pancake.

“What?” Tsubasa froze mid-motion, her napkin hovering halfway to her mouth.

“When you check the yard,” Maria clarified, leaning back in her chair. “You should let me know you’re here. Otherwise, it’s a little creepy.” She didn’t actually find it creepy, but she wanted Tsubasa to let her know when she stopped by. It would be a missed opportunity otherwise.

“I’m sorry,” Tsubasa said, setting her napkin down neatly. Her expression contrite. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“As long as you do,” Maria replied, smiling as she picked up her empty plate. She stacked Tsubasa’s plate with hers and carried them both to the sink.

As Maria rinsed the dishes, she couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder. Tsubasa was sitting quietly at the table, her hands folded in her lap, her expression unreadable.

What an interesting muse she had.

Chapter Text

As much as Maria enjoyed the isolation of the cabin, after a while, she began to miss being around people. She didn’t trust her tiny car—or her driving skills—to navigate the forest road. So she asked Tsubasa if she would take her into town. The girl had looked surprised, but eventually agreed.

To be honest, Tsubasa’s car didn’t look much better than Maria’s. But with Tsubasa behind the wheel, the trip was far smoother. It took them about 40 minutes to reach the “town” of Arnica.

To Maria, it didn’t feel much like a town at all. The buildings were scattered. Their architecture mismatched. And the unpaved road that led into it looked more like a dirt trail.

“There really isn’t much to do here,” Tsubasa said suddenly, her tone flat as she kept her eyes on the road. “There’s a movie theater, but the movies are usually a few years old. There’s also a bar… they have darts and pool.” Her voice softened, and Maria thought she sounded embarrassed even to mention it.

“I’m actually pretty good at darts,” Maria said, smiling.

Tsubasa glanced at her briefly, looking pleased. “Then we’ll go there.”

The bar's parking lot was more crowded than Maria had expected. She raised an eyebrow at the lineup of motorcycles parked near the entrance.

“Do you ride?” Tsubasa asked as they approached the door.

“No, but I’ve always wanted to,” Maria admitted, her gaze lingering on the bikes.

“I can take you for a ride sometime.” Tsubasa scratched her reddening cheek.

“You have a bike?” Maria asked, her excitement bubbling up.

“Yes. I’ve been riding since I was a teenager,” Tsubasa replied, a hint of pride creeping into her voice. “I’m fairly skilled. I was even better than—.” She stopped abruptly, her face falling. “Anyway, let’s go inside.”

Maria’s curiosity was piqued, but she decided not to press. She opened the door, but before they could enter, a man came flying out, landing roughly on the ground with a thud.

“Oops! Sorry! Are you okay?” a cheerful voice called from inside.

A girl with chin length, light brown hair and a round face came jogging toward the door. Maria stared, momentarily speechless. Meanwhile Tsubasa stepped protectively in front of her.

“Are you getting into fights again, Tachibana?” Tsubasa asked. Her tone was somewhere between exasperation and motherly scolding.

“It’s not like that!” Tachibana waved her hands frantically.

“Lay off, Boss,” another voice chimed in from the bar. A sharp-looking girl with short white hair leaned lazily against the counter. “This idiot was just defending herself."

“Boss?” Maria glanced at Tsubasa curiously.

“Yukine works for my uncle and me,” Tsubasa explained stiffly.

“And who are you?” Tachibana smiled sweetly at Maria.

“Her name is Maria,” Tsubasa interjected before Maria could answer. “She’s staying at my uncle’s cabin.”

“Nice to meet you, Maria!” Tachibana extended her hand warmly. “I’m Hibiki, and that’s Chris.” She motioned toward the white-haired girl at the bar.

Maria took Hibiki’s hand, but before she could reply, Hibiki leaned down and kissed it theatrically.

“Hey!” Both Chris and Tsubasa shouted simultaneously. Immediatley the two stormed towards HIbiki and Maria

Maria couldn’t help laughing at the chaos. It didn’t take long to figure out that these were Tsubasa’s friends. The easy camaraderie between them lightened Maria’s mood. Though much of their conversation revolved around people and places she didn’t know, she found herself enjoying their banter.

“Yumi said she saw that beast in the forest again,” Hibiki said suddenly. Her tone more casual than the words warranted.

Maria straightened. “What beast?”

“The one people say stalks Gevadan Forest” Hibiki said, turning to Maria with a dramatic shiver, her voice dipping into a spooky tone. “None of us have seen it, though.”

“And Yumi didn’t either.” Chris scoffed, crossing her arms. “She’s full of shit.”

“That’s not true! Yumi wouldn’t lie to me!” Hibiki protested playfully.

Maria noticed that while they argued, Tsubasa stayed quiet, her expression unreadable.

“What does it look like?” Maria asked, cutting through their bickering.

“Hmm…” Hibiki tapped her chin. “I heard it’s ten feet tall, with scales, and it eats people!”

“That’s ridiculous. It’s furry,” Chris said smugly. “Not scaly.”

“But Yumi said—”

“I told you, Yumi’s full of shit.”

“It looked furry to me,” Maria said quietly, thinking back to the creature she’d seen outside the cabin.

Chris smirked triumphantly before freezing. “Wait—you saw it?”

“Maybe,” Maria said, scratching her cheek. “I saw something the other night when I went outside.”

“When you what?” Tsubasa’s sharp voice cut through the conversation.

Maria shrugged. “I’m pretty sure it’s what killed that deer.”

“That was a bear,” Tsubasa said quickly, her tone defensive. “You shouldn’t have gone outside at night. It’s dangerous.”

“You said yourself you didn’t think it was a bear,” Maria pointed out. She chose to ignore the comment on being outside

“It wasn’t some monster hiding in the woods.”

Maria tilted her head. “For someone so scared of the forest, you're not very curious about what’s out there.”

Tsubasa’s face hardened as she fell silent. Hibiki and Chris exchanged awkward glances.

“That’s probably because—” Hibiki began, but Tsubasa cut her off.

“No, Tachibana,” she snapped. “It’s none of her business.”

Maria flushed. Her annoyance flaring. “Got it. Sorry for intruding.” She stood abruptly and stormed out the door. Once the autumn air began to cool her anger, she realized, with embarrassment, without Tsubasa, she wasn’t going anywhere.

Sitting on the hood of Tsubasa’s car, she stared at the ground. She thought they’d finally been getting along. Why was Tsubasa suddenly so cold?

The sound of footsteps broke her thoughts. She looked up, surprised to see Hibiki jogging toward her with a sheepish smile.

“I’m sorry about Tsubasa,” Hibiki said, scratching the back of her head. “It’s not what you think. She has her reasons. I promise.”

Hibiki sat next to Maria. “You should ask her about it, when it’s just the two of you. And please don’t stop being her friend. I can tell she likes being around you. She’s just awkward.”

Maria laughed, “Yeah I can tell.” She paused for a moment, remembering their earlier conversation. “Can… can you tell me more about that beast? The one in the forest, I mean.”

“Oh sure. It’s just a local legend. People around here call it The Beast of Gevadan. Well some people do- I do." Hibiki corrected. "They say it's a maneater. It’ll eat animals too, but it prefers a human when it can get it. And, uh,” She scrunched up her face trying to rack her memory. “It only comes out at night… and only when the moon is out… I think.”

Hibiki leaned towards Maria suddenly. “Did you really see it? If you’re staying at Genjuro’s cabin, you're right on the edge of the woods.”

“I think so. I'm not really sure” It was starting to seem like the most likely explanation to Maria.

“That’s so cool.” Hibiki leaned back away from her again. “Me, Chris, and Tsubasa have stayed there a couple of times, but we’ve never seen it.”

“That’s… unfortunate?” Maria wasn’t really sure how to take this girl’s enthusiasm. She didn’t find it unpleasant at least.

“Tsubasa doesn’t believe in it.” Hibiki looked towards the bar. “But she really is worried about you. So try to talk to her. Okay?”

Before Maria could respond, Tsubasa and Chris exited the bar. Hibiki gave Maria a wink before hopping off the car.

Tsubasa walked up to the car, opening the driver’s side door. She went to sit, but stopped suddenly. She walked over to the passenger side door instead. Tsubasa opened it, waiting for Maria to get in.

“Um, thank you.” Maria said. She waved goodbye to Chris and Hibiki before getting in.

Tsubasa pulled out of the parking lot. “I’m sorry.”

She spoke so abruptly, Maria almost didn’t register what she’d said.

“Oh, that’s okay. I overreacted,” Maria replied. Her eyes drifted to the window, watching the trees blur by.

“No, it wasn’t your fault.” Tsubasa’s tone was firmer this time, almost resolute.

“Alright, then. It was yours,” Maria said with a teasing edge. A small smile tugged at her lips.

“I—uh…” Tsubasa faltered. Clearly caught off guard by Maria’s response.

Maria chuckled softly. “Relax. It’s fine. I get it.” She shifted, resting her head against the cool glass of the window.

The car fell into a comfortable silence. The rhythmic crunch of tires on the dirt road filling the space between them. The weight of unspoken words lingered, but Maria didn’t press, letting the moment stretch.

“Someone I loved died in those woods.” Tsubasa didn’t look away from the road.

Maria didn’t know how to respond at first. “I’m sorry. That must have been-"

“Would you like to join me for dinner?” Tsubasa quickly cut her off. Her tone was casual, as if her earlier confession hadn’t happened at all.

“Sure.” Maria caught the unspoken message: that conversation was over.

Tsubasa pulled up to something that looked a bit like a house. Maria raised an eyebrow, wondering if Tsubasa had brought her to someone’s home. When they walked inside, she was surprised to find a cozy, little restaurant.

“Sit wherever you want, sweetheart,” a cheerful woman called from behind the counter.

Tsubasa nodded politely and grabbed two menus from a shelf before leading Maria to a table near a window. She handed over one of the menus and sat down.

“Are you going to drink coffee again?” Tsubasa asked, flipping open her menu.

“Maybe…” Maria said, scanning hers. “Is it any good here?”

“I don’t know. I don’t drink coffee.” Tsubasa closed her menu after barely a glance. Her decision already made.

“You’re not very helpful, you know?” Maria said, peeking over the top of her menu at her companion with a smile.

“Sorry about that.” Tsubasa didn’t sound sorry at all.

Maria sighed dramatically. “I guess I’ll just have to try it and let you know. That way, if the next girl you take on a date asks, you’ll have an answer.”

Tsubasa looked up. A blank expression on her face “Why would there be a next girl?” she asked seriously, catching Maria off guard.

Maria blinked, her cheeks warming. “I was just joking,” she mumbled, ducking back behind her menu. She quickly decided on the steak and a coffee, trying to shake off the unexpected shift in mood.

A young woman approached their table. Her black hair bouncing over her shoulder. Her white apron was tied neatly around her waist and her name tag, decorated with tiny heart stickers, read “Miku.”

“Hi, Tsubasa! Are you having your usual?” she asked, smiling warmly. Tsubasa nodded, handing over her menu. “And what about you, miss?” Miku turned to Maria with the same friendly smile.

“The steak and a coffee, please.” Maria passed her menu to Miku.

“How do you want your steak cooked?”

Maria glanced at Tsubasa. “How do you like your steak?”

“Bloody.”

“I’ll take that, then.” Maria smiled politely at Miku, who jotted down the order without missing a beat.

“I’ll bring your drinks out in a moment!” Miku said before disappearing into the back.

“She seems nice,” Maria said, leaning back in her chair.

“She is.” Tsubasa’s response was curt but not dismissive.

Miku returned quickly with their drinks, the restaurant clearly not too busy. She set down Tsubasa’s glass of milk and Maria’s coffee before taking a seat in an empty chair at their table.

“So, are you a friend of Tsubasa’s?” Miku asked, crossing her arms on the table and looking curiously at Maria.

“That’s yet to be seen,” Maria replied playfully. “I’m Maria.”

“We are friends,” Tsubasa interjected, narrowing her eyes at Maria.

Miku giggled at the exchange. “Do you know Hibiki too?”

“We actually just met,” Maria said, taking a sip of her coffee. To her pleasant surprise, it was good—better than anything she’d had recently. She wondered if the local water had something to do with it.

“I’m her girlfriend,” Miku said with a proud smile, popping her chin on her hands. “I hope she treated you well.”

“She did,” Maria replied honestly. “She was very sweet.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Miku quickly straightened up as a man poked his head out from the kitchen and waved her over. “I’ll bring your food in a minute!”

Once Miku left, Maria turned to Tsubasa. “I’m surprised she told me she was Hibiki’s girlfriend. I thought small towns were usually close-minded about stuff like that.”

Tsubasa took a slow drink of her milk. “Some towns might be, but people here don’t care about other’s sexualities in general.”

“What about you?” Maria asked curiously.

“Of course I don’t care,” Tsubasa replied simply. “I’m not going to judge someone for their preferences.”

“No, I meant… are you also—”

Before Maria could finish, Miku returned with their food. Maria’s steak was cooked perfectly rare, and Tsubasa’s “usual” turned out to be spaghetti with a rich meat sauce.

“Spaghetti and milk?” Maria chuckled.

“Is there something strange about that?” Tsubasa asked, her tone defensive.

Maria smirked, cutting into her steak and watching the red juices flow. “Hmm, well, I’m not going to judge someone for their preferences.”

Tsubasa shoved a large forkful of spaghetti into her mouth. She clearly chose food over a retort. Maria chuckled quietly to herself as she chewed her steak. She found herself enjoying these little glimpses of awkwardness and vulnerability.

“You’re a writer, right?” Tsubasa asked after swallowing another forkful of spaghetti. “You mentioned it before.”

“Yes, I am.” Maria dabbed her lips with a napkin.

“What do you write?”

Maria paused, giving the question some thought. “Mostly romance—sometimes fantasy—but lately I’ve been experimenting with horror.”

“Horror?” Tsubasa tilted her head, curious. “Do you like it?”

“I never used to,” Maria admitted, cutting into her steak. The blood seeped across her plate as she spoke. “But I’ve found some inspiration for it recently.”

For a moment, Tsubasa watched Maria. Her expression so dark and unreadable, it caused a shiver to run down Maria’s spine. She tried to shake it off, keeping her tone light.

“I have a couple of books published,” Maria added. “If you’re interested, I can lend you a copy. I brought some with me.”

Tsubasa’s gaze softened, drifting back down to her plate. “I’d like that,” she said, her tone lacked its usual certainty. Her fork hovered over her spaghetti, as if the food had suddenly lost its appeal.

“Remind me when you take me back,” Maria said, breaking the silence. “I’ll grab one for you.”

Tsubasa nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on her plate.

“Did you want something else to eat?” Maria asked, sensing the shift in Tsubasa’s mood.

Tsubasa’s head snapped up. Her sharp eyes locked onto Maria. For a split second, Maria thought she looked startled, as if her question had caught her off guard.

“…No, this is fine,” Tsubasa said finally. She punctuated the statement by taking another bite of spaghetti.

“Alright,” Maria replied. Though she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. To fill the silence, she took another bite of her steak. After swallowing, she added with a playful lilt, “So, what do you do when you’re not cleaning up dead animals and chauffeuring pretty girls?”

Tsubasa blinked, momentarily surprised by the comment. Then, to Maria’s relief, a faint smile curved her lips. “My uncle and I work as hiking guides,” she said, her tone easing. “For people who want to explore the forest.”

“Then take me hiking,” Maria said, her tone teasing.

“No.” Tsubasa’s answer was so abrupt and final that Maria blinked.

Figures. Why am I the only one not allowed in the woods? Maria thought to herself, biting back a sigh. “I’ll just have to ask Genjuro to take me then.”

“Wait.” Tsubasa straightened, frowning. “Don’t ask him. I’ll take you.”

“If you insist~” Maria’s voice lilted with playful smugness. Tsubasa grumbled something under her breath, clearly feeling played.

They both returned to their meals, the tension between them easing further. Once finished, Miku returned to the table, a bright smile on her face as she caught sight of Tsubasa’s mildly annoyed expression.

“Can I get you anything else?” Miku asked, clearly stifling a giggle.

“Just the check, please,” Tsubasa muttered.

Miku brought the check to the table, but before Maria could even glance at it, Tsubasa snatched it away.

“I invited you, so I’ll pay,” Tsubasa said firmly, pulling her wallet from her jacket pocket.

“It’s okay. You can let me pay my share,” Maria offered, reaching for the check.

But Tsubasa held it out of reach, her expression unyielding. “What kind of date would I be if I let you pay?”

Maria froze. The statement threw her off. “Well, when you put it like that…” A warm smile slowly spread across her face, softening her teasing tone.

Tsubasa didn’t respond. She focused instead on counting out the cash, but the tips of her ears burned red.

Maria still felt light as they walked back to Tsubasa’s car. The warmth of their dinner lingering in her chest. As they drove through the winding forest road, Tsubasa turned on the radio. Bubbly pop music crackled out of the speakers. Maria’s ears perked up as she recognized the song. She began to hum along. Then began to softly sing the words under her breath.

Tsubasa glanced at her briefly, turning down the volume just a bit as she pulled up to Maria’s cabin. “You have a beautiful voice,” she said quietly.

“Thank you.” Maria had heard the compliment before, but it felt different coming from Tsubasa. She smiled, her cheeks warming. “I bet you do too.”

“Why do you say that?” Tsubasa asked. A flicker of curiosity crossed her face as she turned to face Maria.

“Your voice is so deep.” Maria leaned toward her slightly, closing the space between them.

Tsubasa stiffened. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. “And?”

“And you have good breath control.” Maria placed her hand lightly on Tsubasa’s stomach for emphasis.

Tsubasa’s breath hitched, but Maria didn’t stop. “And you speak so clearly,” she added, her other hand brushing gently against Tsubasa’s lips. Her fingertips traced the soft curve.

The air in the car felt heavy and warm despite the cold November chill outside. Maria could feel the subtle rise and fall of Tsubasa’s chest. The quickening rhythm of her breath matched her own.

Maria leaned closer. Her face just inches from Tsubasa’s. She could feel her breath, soft and uneven, on her lips. Her pulse raced. She was sure Tsubasa could hear it in the heavy silence.

Then, suddenly— “Your book!”
Tsubasa’s voice came out sharp, almost panicked, as she roughly pushed Maria back.

“Huh?” Maria blinked. Startled and stunned, her mind struggled to process the words.

“Y-you said you’d lend me a copy of your book,” Tsubasa stuttered. Her face started to turn a deep shade of red as she turned away, refusing to meet Maria’s gaze.

For a moment, Maria could only stare, trying to catch up with what had just happened. Then she nodded, exhaling a soft laugh to break the tension. “Right. My book.”

Without another word, she opened the car door and stepped out. Her shoes crunched against the fallen leaves strewn across the yard. As she walked toward the cabin, she glanced back seeing Tsubasa rest her forehead against the steering wheel, her shoulders slumped forward.

Maria shook her head. A small, amused smile tugged at her lips. Inside the cabin, she grabbed the first book she could find from the shelf. It wasn’t her best work—a fantasy romance about a witch and a princess with a tragic ending. When it was published, reviews were mixed. Some readers criticized the heartbreak, but for Maria, writing it had been cathartic. A way to pour her grief onto the page. She ran her fingers over the cover thoughtfully. Would Tsubasa feel the same way reading it? Tucking the book under her arm, Maria headed back to the car. Tsubasa hadn’t moved from her hunched position with hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Maria knocked lightly on the driver’s side window. Tsubasa jolted slightly before rolling the window down. Maria leaned in, handing her the book. “Here,” she said, her voice soft.

Tsubasa reached out, her fingers brushing against Maria’s as she took the book. Before she could pull away, Maria tightened her grip, holding Tsubasa’s hand in place. Then, without warning, Maria leaned in further and kissed Tsubasa’s cheek.

“I had a good time today,” she murmured, releasing the book.

Tsubasa froze. Her hand instinctively flying to the spot where Maria’s lips had just been. Her blue eyes were wide. Her face flushed crimson as she stared at Maria in stunned silence.

Maria couldn’t help but softly grin at her expression. “Good night, Tsubasa,” she said, stepping away from the car.

As Maria began her walk back to the cabin, she felt the heat of a blush creeping up her face. She couldn’t stop smiling. The feel of Tsubasa’s warmth still lingered on her lips, and she let herself savor it.

Behind her, Tsubasa sat motionless in the car. Her hand still pressed to her cheek, as if trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Chapter Text

Maria stood at the edge of the forest, its jagged shadows stretching out like claws beneath the light of the moon. Through the looming trees, she felt eyes, intense, unblinking. Familiar. As if staring deep into her.

A twig snapped behind her.
Her heart lurched, and before she could think, she was running.

The sound of her footsteps echoed through the silent woods. Soon they were joined by a heavy rythmic pounding chasing closely behind her. Too close. Her breath came hard and fast. Her lungs burned as adrenaline surged through her veins.

She recognized the path beneath her feet—the same trail she’d walked with Tsubasa before. But as she ran, it became something more sinister. Its once familiar twists and turns distorted in the silvery light. The rock where she’d first met Tsubasa flashed past her, a fleeting memory. But she didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop.

The pounding footsteps behind her grew louder, more frantic, driving her forward in terror. The path stretched endlessly in front of her. The forest closed in tighter the deeper she went.

She prayed for an escape, a clearing, a road—something. But the further she ran, the darker the path became. She realized she was venturing further into the forest than she’d ever dared before.

Her legs screamed for her to stop, but she pushed harder, her pulse hammering in her ears. A fallen tree blocked the path ahead. She didn’t have time to think—only act. She sprinted faster, muscles coiling as she vaulted over the log.

For a moment, she stumbled, her balance faltering. Without missing a step she quickly regained her footing. The heavy footsteps behind her never ceased. She heard the beast growl, hitting the ground behind her with a thud. Its leap carrying a relentless precision.

The trees began to thin. The oppressive darkness giving way to a flood of moonlight. Relief surged in her chest—an end to the forest, an escape! She sprinted faster, her lungs screaming, her body desperate for freedom.

But as the trees parted, her relief turned to dread.

Instead of a road or the safety of civilization, the forest opened to the edge of a cliff. She skid to a stop. Her feet dug into the dirt as she teetered dangerously close to the edge. The chasm before her was vast, the bottom swallowed in shadow, its depth impossible to gauge.

She spun around, but before she had time to react, the beast lunged at her.

She didn’t even have time to scream as its body collided with hers, the force sending them both hurtling over the edge.

Wind whipped around her, her stomach dropping as the void swallowed her whole. And as she fell, the last thing she saw were a pair of large, unblinking, blue eyes.

Maria jolted awake, clutching her chest gasping in panic. Her heart hammered wildly. She pressed her hand against it, as if that alone could calm the frantic beat.

The moon spilled through the thin curtains, painting the cabin in soft, muted tones. For a moment, it brought her some relief. She was safe. She was awake.

Maria sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers clutching the thin fabric of her blanket as if it were anchoring her to reality. The dream still clung to her like a thick fog, each detail unnervingly vivid—the pounding footsteps, the glowing blue eyes, the terrifying weight of the beast colliding with her, and the dizzying fall into the void. She pressed her trembling hands to her face, forcing slow, deliberate breaths in an effort to steady herself.

She shivered, her body trembling as the oppressive silence of the cabin settled around her. At this moment the cabin felt less like a home and more like a cage.

The shadows on the wall seemed to sway and stretch. Maria couldn’t stop herself from staring at them. She wondered if any of them belonged to the predator that stalked her dreams. During the day, it was easy to be curious about the creature—a thrilling mystery, something to investigate with excitement. But at night, the unknown beast felt darker, more terrifying, more… personal. She couldn’t stop the feeling that it was outside the cabin right now, waiting for her.

If I opened the door right now… would I see those glowing eyes staring back at me?

The thought sent a chill down her spine, and she forced herself to look away from the window. Her notebook sat on the nightstand, its leather cover bathed in silvery moonlight. Without thinking, she reached for it, and flipped it open to the last page she’d written on. Her pen hovered for a moment before she began to write. Her movements were hurried and frantic, as if putting the dream into words would exorcise the creature from haunting her mind.

She described the way the rocks and twigs felt beneath her feet as she ran. The sharp, rhythmic sound of the beast’s paws pounding the ground behind her. The glowing blue eyes bore into her memory, vivid and unrelenting. And that hunger in them… there was something almost human in the way those eyes had watched her, something that made her stomach twist.

As the words spilled onto the page, the dream began to feel less real. The act of writing turned her terror into something distant, contained, manageable. It was soothing taking the things that haunted her and transforming them into a story—because here, on the page, she was in control.

When she reached the moment she and the beast plunged over the cliff, she stopped. The pen stilled in her hand. She stared at the page, at the words trailing off into nothingness, and frowned.

How would this story end?

Would the beast fall onto a jagged rock at the bottom, defeated by its own recklessness? Would Maria find some kind of weapon in the void to defend herself? Or… would the beast rip its long sharp teeth into her?

No solution came to her, no satisfying conclusion. The ending lay just out of reach, clouded by the remnants of her fear. She sighed and closed the notebook, placing it back on her nightstand. There would be time tomorrow to figure it out. Maybe she’d ask Tsubasa what she thought.

Even if she couldn’t sleep, Maria decided to try closing her eyes. She lay back against the pillow, willing herself to focus on the good things that had happened today. She thought about Hibiki and Chris, their energy and playfulness filling the bar with life. She thought about the coffee she’d had earlier—rich and delicious. Maybe she’d have an easier time sleeping if she hadn’t had it so late.

And then there was Tsubasa. Her deep, measured voice. The slight roughness of her hands that somehow felt so careful, so gentle. Her intense, blue eyes.

Maria’s breath hitched. The thoughts didn’t bring her the peace she’d been hoping for. Instead, they sent her pulse racing again—for a very different reason. She groaned, turning over onto her side, burying her face in the pillow. Sleep still seemed far away, but at least the oppressive weight of the dream had started to fade.

Maria squinted as the warm pink light of dawn trickled through her curtains, painting the room in muted hues. She hadn’t slept at all. Her mind had been racing for hours, and now exhaustion draped over her like a heavy blanket, overshadowing the fear that had kept her awake.

She rolled out of bed reluctantly, groaning as her stiff body protested every movement. It had been years since a nightmare had shaken her like this. The kind of nightmare that left her staring at shadows, wondering if they were more than just tricks of light.

Dragging herself into the kitchen, Maria brewed a cup of coffee, the familiar, bitter aroma wafting through the small cabin. It helped, but only a little. She sipped it slowly, cradling the mug in her hands, as she tried to decide what to do.

She didn’t trust that sleep would bring any peace, and the idea of lying in bed all day left her feeling restless. I need something to keep my mind busy, she thought.

A knock on the door startled her, the sound echoing sharply in the stillness of the cabin. She knew it could only be one of two people. Well maybe three if the creature had decided it was tired of waiting for her to wander out at night. But the first two people she thought of would be more likely. And of the two she assumed she could guess which one it was.

The knock came again, louder this time.

Maria groaned to herself. She really didn't want Tsubasa to see her like this. Maybe she could pretend she wasn't here...

The knocking came again, louder this time. Maria realized she didn't know what Tsubasa might do if she couldn't reach her. Probably break down the door was her guess, well actually she probably had a key…

The knocking came again, even louder this time and more insistent. Yeah, there was no getting out of this.

“Coming!” she called, pouring the rest of her coffee into a light pink mug. She downed it quickly before walking to the door.

When she opened it, Tsubasa stood there, a large backpack strapped over her shoulders.

“You’re still in your pajamas,” Tsubasa observed, her tone neutral but her eyebrow slightly raised.

“Tsubasa, it’s 6:00 a.m.,” Maria said, her voice laced with disbelief.

“It is,” Tsubasa replied, as if that were a perfectly reasonable explanation for her presence.

Maria sighed, leaning against the doorframe. “Are we doing something today?”

“You wanted to go hiking,” Tsubasa said, adjusting the straps of her backpack as if to emphasize her point.

Maria blinked. She had asked to go hiking, but she hadn’t expected Tsubasa to take her up on it the very next morning.

“Fine. Come in,” Maria said, resigned. “I’ll get ready. Help yourself to anything if you’re hungry.” She gestured vaguely toward the kitchen before retreating to her bedroom.

“Thank you, but I’ve already eaten,” Tsubasa replied. Maria heard the familiar screech of a kitchen chair sliding across the floor as she grabbed her clothes.

In the bathroom, Maria turned on the shower, waiting for the water to heat up. As she stripped off her pajamas, a strange self-consciousness gripped her. The thought of Tsubasa sitting just outside the door making her cheeks warm. She shook her head. Get it together, Maria.

Once the water was warm, she stepped in, scrubbing herself quickly to avoid keeping Tsubasa waiting. But as she rinsed the shampoo from her hair, a creeping unease washed over her.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw those glowing eyes again, burning into her. She could hear the pounding of its paws, the rustling of leaves. And then—snap. The sound of a twig breaking.

Her breath quickened. Her chest felt tight. Her limbs trembled as her mind spun out of control. She tried to push the thoughts away, to tell herself it wasn’t real, but it was no use. Her shaking hands fumbled for the conditioner, and she slipped, her body hitting the shower floor with a loud thud.

The impact knocked the air from her lungs, and for a moment, all she could do was gasp.

“Maria!” Tsubasa’s deep voice called from the other side of the door, sharp with concern.

Maria tried to say she was fine, but the words wouldn’t come. Her breaths were shallow, rapid, and she clutched her chest, shivering despite the warm steam filling the room.

“Can I come in?” Tsubasa asked, her voice softer now but no less worried.

Maria let out a quiet sob, the sound involuntary and raw.

The prolonged silence was all the permission Tsubasa needed. The door opened, and Tsubasa was at her side in an instant, kneeling on the wet floor. Without hesitation, she pulled Maria into her arms, ignoring the water soaking through her clothes.

“What happened?” Tsubasa asked gently, her voice steady as she cradled Maria’s head against her chest.

Maria couldn’t answer. She shook, gasping for air as tears streamed down her face, mingling with the spray of the shower.

“It’s okay,” Tsubasa murmured, stroking her damp hair. “You’re okay. You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

She focused on the strong and steady sound of Tsubasa's heartbeat as is began to soothe her. She let it ground her. Slowly her breathing began to even out

Later, Maria sat at the kitchen table, dressed and nursing a fresh cup of coffee. She stared into the mug, avoiding Tsubasa’s gaze.

“Has anything like that happened to you before?” Tsubasa asked carefully, breaking the silence.

Maria hesitated. “Yes. When I was a kid.”

“Did something happen?”

Maria didn’t answer. She took another sip of coffee, her eyes fixed on the table.

Tsubasa got the hint and leaned back in her chair. “Why don’t you finish getting ready?”

“I am ready.”

Tsubasa’s eyebrow twitched as she glanced at Maria’s white canvas shoes. “You’re planning to hike in those?”

“They’re the only shoes I brought.” Maria blushed, suddenly self-conscious.

“What size do you wear?”

“An eight.”

“Same as me.” Tsubasa stood and walked out the door.

Maria watched through the window as Tsubasa rummaged through the backseat of her car, returning with a pair of battered brown hiking boots.

“Wear these,” Tsubasa said, holding them out with a satisfied smile.

"... Thanks." Maria reluctantly slipped on the more-than-gently-used boots. Eyeing their frayed laces and caked mud. Despite their worn appearance, she was surprised by how comfortable they felt. Practical, if not pretty. She tugged a cream-colored sweater over her T-shirt and gave herself a quick once-over in the mirror.

“I’ve prepared everything else,” Tsubasa said, slinging her backpack over one shoulder as she waited by the door. “We can head out now.”

“One second!” Maria dashed back into her room and grabbed her notebook and pen. She returned, tucking them into her bag. “Okay, ready.”

Tsubasa led Maria outside to her car.

“Are we not hiking here?” Maria asked, glancing back toward the familiar woods around the cabin.

“It wouldn’t really be a hike in this part of the woods,” Tsubasa said with a chuckle.

“Oh.” Maria felt her cheeks heat up again. She was really making a fool of herself today.

“I know a good spot,” Tsubasa assured her, starting the car.

After a quiet drive, they arrived at a large parking lot, already filled with cars.

“Whoa, I didn’t even know this many people lived around here,” Maria said, scanning the rows of vehicles.

“They don’t,” Tsubasa replied, turning into another row as she hunted for an open spot. “This is the closest thing we have to a tourist destination. People come here from out of town for the trail.”

“Busy season for business, then,” Maria said teasingly. “What are you doing giving personal tours during work hours?”

Tsubasa blushed slightly, her hands tightening on the wheel. “You asked me to.”

Maria grinned, seizing the opportunity. “I did, and what a good, obedient puppy you are,” she teased, patting Tsubasa’s head lightly.

Tsubasa swatted her hand away, her blush deepening. “I’m not a puppy.”

“A good dog, then?” Maria teased, laughing.

“I’m neither.” Tsubasa quickly got out of the car, but Maria caught the faint red creeping up her ears before she disappeared from view. What an interesting reaction, Maria thought, storing it away for later.

The trailhead they entered was wide and well-maintained, with packed dirt and small signs marking the way. Families strolled leisurely along the path, children skipping ahead while dogs barked excitedly.

“It doesn’t really seem like people would need a guide for this,” Maria observed, gesturing at the friendly, bustling scene around them.

“True. If you stay on the main path, you don’t,” Tsubasa said, a sly smirk creeping onto her face. "But people rarely want to do that." She disappeared suddenly, slipping into the trees and bushes at the trail’s edge.

“Hey! Hold on a second!” Maria called, jogging to the spot where Tsubasa had vanished. She hesitated, peering into the dense foliage.

Before she could decide what to do, a hand shot out and yanked her in.

“Whoa!” Maria stumbled forward, nearly losing her footing. When she steadied herself, she saw what lay beyond the brush—a much narrower, rock-strewn path that twisted deeper into the forest. Fallen branches littered the ground, and the sunlight barely pierced through the thick canopy above.

“Try to keep up,” Tsubasa called, already climbing over a cluster of branches ahead of her, “if you can.”

Clearly, being in her element had brought out a streak of arrogance. Maria smirked and darted forward, easily clearing the branches and overtaking Tsubasa. “Why don’t you keep up?”

Tsubasa raised an eyebrow, her pace quickening. “Do you even know where you’re going?”

“Down the path?” Maria quipped, not slowing her jog.

“That’s a good guess.”

With a burst of speed, Tsubasa caught up to her, gripping Maria around the waist and hoisting her up as if she weighed nothing.

“Hey! Put me down!” Maria protested, but she was more surprised than angry.

Tsubasa carried her over her shoulder effortlessly, weaving through the rough terrain with impressive speed and agility despite her thin frame. Maria was stunned. She didn't think Tsubasa could be the strong, it didn't seem possible.

When they reached a flat, grassy clearing, Tsubasa set Maria back on her feet with ease, barely winded. She shrugged off her backpack and unzipped it, pulling out a neatly folded plaid blanket.

“What’s this?” Maria asked, watching as Tsubasa laid the blanket on the grass.

“Lunch,” Tsubasa replied simply, digging into her bag again and pulling out several containers. She sat cross-legged on the blanket and began arranging the food.

“I thought that was full of hiking equipment,” Maria said, amused.

“Food is equipment too.” Tsubasa popped open a container of grapes and plucked one out.

Maria’s stomach grumbled at the sight of it. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now. She leaned against Tsubasa’s arm playfully. “Are you going to share?”

“Yeah,” Tsubasa said, casually picking up a grape and popping it into Maria’s mouth.

Maria laughed, chewing the sweet fruit. “What else did you bring?”

Tsubasa opened another container, revealing sandwiches stacked neatly inside. “Here.” She handed one to Maria.

“Did you make all this this morning?” Maria asked, genuinely impressed.

“I was up early,” Tsubasa admitted, scratching her cheek bashfully.

“You must’ve been.” Maria unwrapped her sandwich, her thoughts drifting briefly to her own chaotic morning. She glanced at Tsubasa, a small smile forming on her lips. “Thank you.”

“It was no problem.” Tsubasa nibbled on her own sandwich, her usual calm demeanor returning.

The clearing was quiet and peaceful. The sounds of the busy trail far behind them. For the first time all day, Maria felt herself relax. She leaned back on her elbows, gazing up at the patches of sunlight filtering through the trees.

It was nice, being out here with Tsubasa.

Maria wasn’t sure how long they had been sitting there, eating and talking, but when she looked up, she noticed the sun had dipped much lower in the sky. Its warm golden light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing.

So much for hiking,” Maria laughed, not at all regretfully.

I can take you somewhere deeper in the woods next time,” Tsubasa said, already starting to pack up the now-empty containers.

Next time. The words made Maria feel unexpectedly warm. There was a quiet certainty in them, a promise that Tsubasa would stick around, that she wasn’t just some passing presence in Maria’s life.

“Why do you care about me so much?”

The question escaped Maria’s lips before she could stop herself. It wasn’t something she had planned to ask, but it had lingered in the back of her mind for a while now. Tsubasa clearly treated her differently than she did others. She was protective, attentive. Was it because Maria was from out of town? Or was it something else?

Tsubasa froze, her hands stilling over the containers. She turned her head slightly, her blue eyes widening in what looked like surprise. It was clear she didn’t have an answer—or at least not one she was willing to give.

Maria’s stomach tightened at the silence. The lack of response made her uneasy. “That person you lost,” she began carefully, her voice quieter now, “do I remind you of them?”

For a moment, Maria thought Tsubasa might not answer at all. The question hung heavily between them, the clearing suddenly too quiet.

“Not exactly,” Tsubasa said finally, her voice low.

She didn’t elaborate, and Maria didn’t push. The answer only raised more questions, but it seemed communication wasn’t a skill either of them had mastered.

The awkward silence that followed was broken by a sudden rustling in the bushes nearby.

Maria’s heart leapt into her throat, and she instinctively leaned closer to Tsubasa. For her part, Tsubasa tensed, her posture straightening as her sharp eyes flicked toward the sound. Then, to Maria’s confusion, she let out a low, rough sound.

The rustling grew louder for a moment, and then a small rabbit burst out of the bush, hopping across the clearing before disappearing into the underbrush on the other side.

Maria let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her hand pressing to her chest. A nervous laugh escaped her lips. “It was just a rabbit!” she said, shaking her head. “He was kind of cute.”

“Yes, he was,” Tsubasa replied, her shoulders relaxing as she returned to packing up the containers.

But even as Maria tried to laugh off the moment, she couldn’t quite shake the uneasy sensation prickling at the back of her neck. It felt like something was watching them, just beyond the trees, hidden in the lengthening shadows.

“Hey, Tsubasa?”

“Yes?”

Maria hesitated, glancing at her companion. “Did you… growl?”

Tsubasa stilled for a fraction of a second, her hand pausing over the lid of a container. Then she turned to Maria, her expression unreadable.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said evenly.

Maria raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “You definitely made a sound,” she pressed, leaning slightly toward her. “It was, like…” Maria gave her best attempt to imitate the sound Tsubasa had just made.

Tsubasa’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You must’ve imagined it,” she said, but there was a faint edge to her voice.

Maria narrowed her eyes, studying her.

Before she could dwell on it further, Tsubasa stood, the packed containers back in her bag. “It’s getting late,” she said, brushing off her jeans. “We should head back before it gets dark.”

Maria frowned but didn’t argue. “Sure,” she said, rising to her feet and dusting off her sweater. As they left the clearing and retraced their steps through the narrow, rocky path, she glanced over her shoulder.

The shadows beneath the trees seemed darker now, thicker somehow. The air felt colder. She kept her notebook clutched tightly in her hands, its familiar weight grounding her.

Maria followed Tsubasa back along the winding path they had taken to the clearing. The sky had deepened into a dusky amber, the long shadows of the trees stretching across their feet as they walked.

The silence between them felt heavier now, the weight of unspoken words pressing against Maria’s chest. She knew she had killed the nice mood they’d shared earlier. Her blunt question hanging awkwardly between them. She knew they both held secrets to their chests.

The first time Maria stumbled, catching her foot on a loose rock, Tsubasa’s hand shot out without hesitation. She grabbed Maria’s hand, steadying her, and didn’t let go.

Maria blinked at their joined hands as Tsubasa wordlessly guided her over the uneven terrain. The warmth of Tsubasa’s palm against hers was steady, grounding. It should have been awkward, but it wasn’t. Maria let out a small sigh, unsure if it was relief or something else entirely.

The ride back wasn’t as awkward as Maria had feared. Tsubasa had turned on the radio again, tuning it to the same pop station as before. Maria watched as Tsubasa tapped her fingers lightly against the steering wheel, keeping rhythm with the song. It was such a small, casual gesture, but something about it made Maria’s chest tighten.

When they pulled into the driveway of the cabin, Maria was acutely aware of the sudden stillness. The soft hum of the engine faded as Tsubasa turned off the car, leaving only the faint chirping of crickets in the background.

Maria’s cheeks warmed as her mind drifted to the last time they had been parked here together—how close they’d been, how she’d leaned in, only for Tsubasa to abruptly push her away. She could feel the blush creeping further up her face as she stared down at her hands in her lap.

“I was thinking about what you said earlier,” Tsubasa said, breaking the quiet. She unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned into Maria. Her intense eyes locked onto Maria’s.

Maria’s breath hitched as Tsubasa moved closer, so close that Maria could feel the faint warmth of her breath as she spoke. Her heart began to race, a nervous flutter building in her chest.

“I think…” Tsubasa began, her voice low and steady, “I’m actually a bad dog.”

Before Maria could fully process what Tsubasa had said, the other girl closed the remaining distance, catching Maria’s lips in a kiss that was searing, fierce, and utterly unexpected.

Maria froze for half a second, her brain scrambling to catch up, before the heat of Tsubasa’s lips on hers melted any coherent thoughts. The kiss deepened, and Maria felt her heart slam against her ribs as the space between them began to shrink. The world outside faded entirely, leaving only the warmth of Tsubasa’s hand cupping her cheek and the dizzying sensation of being consumed by her.

The windows of the car began to fog with the intensity of the moment. The cool night air outside unable to touch the heat rising between them. Maria’s hands hesitated before sliding up, one gripping the edge of Tsubasa’s jacket as if to steady herself, the other threading into her hair.

Chapter Text

Tsubasa pulled back from the kiss, her breath uneven. She gently rested her forehead against Maria's. Her intense gaze searched Maria, waiting for her response to the kiss, Hoping for Maria to speak, to move, to close the distance between them.

Maria's mind began to spin. Tsubasa's sudden boldness was unexpected. It was in stark contrast to her reaction to Maria's advances last night. And yet, here they were, so close their breaths mingled, as though the world outside of them didn’t exist.

They continued to stare at each other in silence, the air between them heavy and charged.

“I should go inside,” Maria said softly, her voice unsteady and unsure. She didn’t know what else to say. Her heart ached with the weight of the moment. She had the distinct feeling that if she kept looking into Tsubasa’s eyes she might lose herself entirely.

“Okay,” Tsubasa said, her voice barely above a whisper.

But she didn’t move.
Maria hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached up, placing her hands lightly on Tsubasa’s shoulders, gently pushing her back to create some space between them. Both still panting, their chests rising and falling in rhythm.

“Do you want to come in?” Maria asked, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself.

She didn’t want the day to end. She didn’t want the connection between them to fade.

Tsubasa opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She looked conflicted, her brows furrowing slightly, as though she were waging a war with herself.

“I…” she started, her voice faltering.

Maria felt a pang of disappointment. She forced a small, tight-lipped smile, trying to play it off. “Got it,” she said lightly, though the sting in her chest betrayed her tone. “Then I’ll go.”

She turned toward the door, reaching for the handle. Before her fingers could close around it, Tsubasa grabbed her, pulling Maria back with surprising force.

Maria barely had time to register the motion before Tsubasa kissed her again.

This time, it was different—slower, softer. The earlier intensity was replaced by something more deliberate. Tsubasa’s lips moved gently against Maria’s, as though she were trying to say all the things she couldn’t. Maria’s chest tightened, and her free hand instinctively reached up, curling against the edge of Tsubasa’s jacket.

When Tsubasa finally pulled away, her face was impossibly close, her voice almost a whisper. “Good night, Maria.”

Maria blinked, her cheeks flushed, her lips still tingling from the kiss. “Good night,” she managed to say, her voice catching slightly.

Reluctantly, she opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air. The walk back to the cabin felt longer than it should have, her legs heavy, her thoughts swirling. Every few steps, she glanced back over her shoulder catching glimpses of Tsubasa sitting in the car, her expression shadowed, unreadable.

When Maria reached the cabin door, she paused, her hand on the knob. She glanced back one last time, her heart still racing. The windows of the car were slightly fogged, and she could see the faint silhouette of Tsubasa resting her head against the steering wheel.

Maria smiled softly to herself, the lingering warmth of the kiss carrying her inside.

Maria’s thoughts continued to swirl as she lay in bed staring at the dark ceiling. She could still feel the fluttering of her heart from the kiss. The warmth of Tsubasa’s lips lingered like a phantom sensation. She had wanted a distraction from the unease that had plagued her since arriving at the cabin, and she’d definitely gotten one.

She turned onto her side, biting her lip. She wondered if Tsubasa had gotten home okay. Now that she thought about it, she didn't even know where she lived. Next time, she decided. She’d ask her next time.

The restless energy wouldn’t let her relax. Maria sat up, feeling the dull ache of hunger. They’d had a late lunch, and it was now well past dinner. Wandering into the small kitchen, she opened the fridge and grabbed the leftover chili she’d made the day before. She set the pot on the stove, lighting the flame with a quiet click. The glow of the fire cast soft shadows across the cabin. Maria leaned against the counter, gazing out the window as she stirred the pot.

The moonlight illuminated the grass outside, silvering the blades and painting the world in an ethereal calm. Maria was surprised by how relaxed she felt. The memory of her dream—the beast with its glowing eyes and the suffocating weight of the forest—felt far away. Maybe it wasn’t real, she thought, her grip on the spoon loosening. She hadn’t seen any sign of the creature since that night, though she hadn’t exactly gone looking for it. Normally, she would’ve been too afraid to keep the lights on at night, worried that something out there might see her. Now she flicked her gaze between the moonlit grass and the bobbing leaves, almost convinced it had been nothing more than her imagination. It seemed silly to sit in the dark, afraid of a nightmare. She flicked on the kitchen light. Its dull light bathed her surroundings in a warm yellow glow.

When the chili started to bubble, Maria turned off the stove and poured it into a bowl. She grabbed a spoon and sat at the table. Her notebook still sat where she’d left it earlier. Pulling it closer, she began to scribble idly as she ate. Her thoughts filled with blue eyes and gentle forest clearings.

Maria was deep in thought when she was jolted out of her writing by a sudden, high-pitched whine outside.

Maria froze, her pen paused mid-word.

The sound was faint but unmistakable, followed by a slow, scraping noise against the door.

Her breath caught in her throat. She turned her head slowly toward the door, the spoon clenched in her hand as if it were a weapon. The scraping stopped, leaving the cabin in a silence so complete it made her ears ring.

Maria held her breath, straining to hear anything else. The seconds dragged on, and when nothing came she let out her breath shakily, trying to convince herself it had been the wind or some stray animal.

Then came the first bang.

It was loud, jarring—something large slamming against the door, making the wood creak ominously. Maria stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. The low growl that followed froze her blood. Whatever was out there was trying to get in.

Another bang, harder this time. The door rattled in its frame.

Maria’s chest tightened with panic. Her breaths came fast and shallow. She stumbled backward. Her eyes darted toward the bedroom, her body moved on instinct. She dashed inside, slamming the flimsy door shut behind her.

The bedroom door was much weaker than the one the creature outside was pounding against, but it felt better to have even one more barrier between her and whatever was out there.

Maria crawled onto the bed, pulling the blanket over her as if the thin fabric could shield her from the beast outside her cabin. She clutched its edges tightly, pressing her hand against her mouth to stifle her fearful sobs.

Then, suddenly, the banging stopped.

Silence enveloped the cabin, filling the small room with her anxiety.

Maria’s heart hammered in her chest as she strained to hear. She tried to sense whether it had gone or was simply biding its time. The oppressive quiet seemed to press down on her.

Minutes passed. Or maybe hours. She didn’t know anymore. The adrenaline coursing through her body eventually gave way to exhaustion, and despite her fear, Maria’s body betrayed her. Her eyelids grew heavier with every passing second until she slipped into a fitful sleep. The blanket still clutched tightly to her chest.

The next morning, Tsubasa didn’t come back.

Maria told herself it wasn’t unusual. She didn’t need to see her every day. But after what they shared yesterday, the hike... the kiss—it felt strange. Her chest ached with a dull sense of absence that she wasn’t sure she liked.

Maybe I'm getting too used to having her around. She ran her hands through her hair as she sat at the kitchen table. She didn't like feeling this dependent on another person, not again. She sipped her coffee and closed her notebook that she had been using for some early morning writing.

Maria felt restless. She needed something to occupy her mind and keep her from spiraling further into her thoughts. Then she remembered an old church she had passed on her way to the cabin. It seemed to be the closest building to her current residence. Her curiosity was sparked. Without overthinking, Maria decided to check it out.

Her little car bounced along the uneven dirt road. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the steering wheel. The “road” was more of a suggestion than an actual path. Every dip and bump made her question her self-proclaimed skill as a driver. By the time she reached the main road, her shoulders ached from tension.

The drive was mercifully short, and soon Maria found herself in front of the church. It stood quietly, nestled against the backdrop of towering trees. No cars were parked outside, and for a moment, Maria wondered if it was abandoned. Still, something about the place called to her.

She parked her car and approached the heavy wooden door. Pushing it open, a soft creak echoed in the silence, followed by the faint scent of old wood and dust. Inside the air was cool and still. The faint golden light filtered through the stained-glass windows casting colorful patterns across the pews.

Maria hadn’t been inside a church since she was a child, but she found the familiarity comforting. She quietly walked down the aisle and chose a pew near the center. Reaching forward, she pulled a Bible from its holder. She flipped through its pages.

The text was unmistakably Christian, but the denomination eluded her. Most of the stories and verses resonated with her childhood teachings, though some passages seemed different—like echoes of the familiar but spoken in a foreign tongue.

When she looked up, her eyes wandered to the stained-glass windows lining the walls. The sunlight outside made the images glow, their colors rich and vivid. At first, they seemed like typical depictions of saints and holy figures, but the longer she looked, the more unsettling details began to emerge.

The demons portrayed in the glass were grotesque. Their forms were exaggerated with sharp teeth and twisted limbs. They didn't just look menacing; they tore apart their victims in graphic detail. Maria shivered and turned back to the Bible in her lap, trying to shake off the discomfort.

She found her self distracted as she read. Her mind drifted between the passages and the haunting images on the windows. The sharp creak of the main doors opening startled Maria, and she sat up straighter, her heart racing.

A tall woman with long white hair entered, holding a wide-brimmed hat in her hands. She glanced at Maria with mild surprise before making her way to the pew beside her. She sat gracefully, bowing her head in silent prayer.

Maria found herself staring. There was a serenity about the woman that made her seem almost otherworldly. Her features were striking, and Maria couldn’t tear her eyes away.

“Ma’am, are you here to worship or to stare at me?” the woman asked, her voice smooth but cutting. She didn’t open her eyes, her head still bowed in reverence.

Maria’s cheeks burned. “I’m sorry.” Her voice sounded embarrassingly loud in the quiet church.

Silence hung between them as the woman continued her prayer. Finally, she opened her eyes and turned to Maria fully, her gaze sharp and calculating. “I apologize for my rudeness,” she said, placing the hat delicately on her lap. “It’s rare to see others here.”

“Is that why you sat next to me?” Maria asked, attempting a casual smile.

“No.” The woman’s tone was matter-of-fact. Her expression gave nothing away. “This is simply my usual seat.”

Maria fidgeted under her intense gaze. “Oh, okay. I’m Maria,” she offered, hoping to ease the tension. “I’m just visiting the area. Honestly, when I first saw this place, I thought it might be abandoned.”

“Saint-Germain,” the woman introduced herself, her name spoken with an almost regal air. “Most people in town don’t visit anymore. It’s usually just me and the Sister.” She motioned toward the front of the church. Though no one was there now, Maria could imagine a solemn figure standing near the altar.

“No priest?” Maria asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

For the first time, Saint-Germain’s calm demeanor faltered. Her hands tightened around her hat. “The Father…” She paused, her voice dropping. “We are in the process of finding a new priest.”

Maria couldn’t help but wonder if evasiveness was a trait shared by the townspeople here. Everyone she had met so far seemed to skirt around answers. Still, Saint-Germain felt even more guarded than Tsubasa.

“I see. Well, good luck with that,” Maria said with a sympathetic smile, trying to mask her curiosity. “The church here is very unique.”

“Religion is meant to ease people’s troubles,” Saint-Germain said, glancing up at the vibrant stained-glass windows. “When the troubles are unique, it’s only natural that the church would be as well.”

Maria followed her gaze, her eyes lingering on the twisted, grotesque depictions of demons in the colored glass. “I suppose that makes sense.”

Saint-Germain turned her sharp, probing gaze back to Maria. “Speaking of troubles, what brings you here? I assume a tourist wouldn’t spend her precious time in a place like this just for the scenery.”

Maria shifted uncomfortably, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. “I just have a lot on my mind.”

“A common ailment among writers,” Saint-Germain remarked smoothly.

Maria blinked, caught off guard. “How did you—”

Saint-Germain raised a hand, pointing to the side of her own. Maria looked down at her fingers, where faint dark smudges from writing stained her skin.

“It was either writer or artist,” Saint-Germain said with the barest hint of a smile, the first sign of warmth since their meeting. “But your demeanor struck me as more introspective. Writers are often like that.”

Maria felt herself relax slightly, returning the smile. “You’re right. I am a writer.” She stood, brushing off her pants. “I’ve enjoyed our talk, but I think it’s time for me to get going.”

“Likewise.” Saint-Germain stood as well, leading the way out of the pews and toward the church doors.

Outside, the afternoon sunlight was sharp and crisp, bathing the quiet clearing in warmth. Saint-Germain replaced her wide-brimmed hat, and Maria noticed something she hadn’t before. The other woman wore a uniform that was well-tailored, with a badge on her chest and a holstered firearm at her side.

Maria blinked in realization. “Officer Saint-Germain?”

Saint-Germain adjusted her hat, her expression cool but polite. “It was a pleasure speaking with you, Ms. Maria.” She paused, studying Maria for a moment. “I don’t doubt we’ll see each other again. Writers often have a lot on their minds.”

Saint-Germain tipped her hat in farewell before striding to the only other vehicle in the abandoned church lot, an official looking police car. She climbed in and drove off without another word.

Maria stood there for a moment, watching the car disappear down the road, her thoughts swirling. Finally, she turned to her own car, sliding into the driver’s seat. As she started the engine and headed back toward the cabin, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just stumbled across another enigma of this strange town.

Chapter Text

The next day, Tsubasa didn’t come again. Not that it mattered to Maria. Tsubasa had her own life, she didn’t need to visit her everyday. But Maria couldn’t help but wonder if she did something wrong. Had she moved to fast and scared her? Maybe she felt rejected by Maria’s reaction to the kiss. Could it be that Maria was so bad at kissing that Tsubasa lost interest in her? No, that last one was unlikely. In all her past relationships, for all her flaws, physical intimacy had never been something her partners complained about.
Not that it mattered to her.

The cabin felt too quiet. The empty space only amplified her restless energy. She needed to do something to take her mind off—to distract herself.

Exploring the woods on her own was out of the question, given what she’d seen and heard since being here. Though, the thought of being stuck in the cabin all day wasn’t appealing either. So she grabbed her keys, forced her clunker car through the winding forest road again, and headed to town.

The drive took longer than she remembered. Her old car groaned in protest at every bump and dip in the dirt road. As she drove into the center of town, the small, scattered buildings seemed to rise out of the wilderness like a mirage.

Maria only knew two places in town; the bar and the small restaurant she and Tsubasa had eaten a few days ago. She didn't want to go to the bar, especially alone. She pulled into the gravel lot in front of the restaurant instead.

The building was quiet, just as it had been before. Its homey exterior gave it a cozy, almost out of time charm. As Maria pushed open the door, the faint chime above her head announced her arrival.

Miku stood behind the counter, her back to the entrance as she sorted through a stack of papers. She didn’t look up when Maria walked in. “Hello there, dear.” Miku said brightly. “I’ll be with you in just a moment.”

“No problem,” Maria replied, her voice soft. While she waited, she took the chance to look around. Somehow she hadn’t noticed before, the restaurant seemed to have a theme. Little stuffed monsters sat atop the display cases. Their round eyes stared blankly out at the room. On one wall, faded newspaper clippings were pinned in a crooked line. The headlines boasted sightings of a mysterious beast with blurry photos underneath reminiscent of famous cryptid towns.
Maria furrowed her brow. It was oddly fitting for a town tucked away in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dense, shadowy woods. She squinted trying to make out the figure in one of the pictures.

“Alright, now, how many will—oh! Maria!” Miku turned around, her face lighting up as she recognized her. “How ya doing? Are you meeting Tsubasa?”

Maria gave a polite smile, though the question made her stomach twist. “Hi, Miku. I’m doing okay,” she lied. “Tsubasa’s here too? I didn’t see her car outside.”

“Oh, yeah,” she said cheerfully as she grabbed a menu and some silverware. “She hardly drives here since she lives so close by. Walking distance, ya know.”

It made sense that Miku would know that, of course, but for some reason, it bothered Maria more than it should have. It wasn’t like Maria should know something like that. Still, the thought of Miku and Tsubasa—close friends who had likely known each other for years—made Maria feel like an outsider.

Miku led Maria to a table, her heels clicking softly against the polished wood floor. As they walked, Maria’s eyes wandered across the room and caught on a familiar figure.

Tsubasa.

She was sitting at the same table they’d shared during dinner, her chin resting on her hand as she stared absentmindedly out the window. Her blue eyes followed the occasional car that bounced down the uneven road outside, her expression unreadable.

Maria’s stomach fluttered at the sight of her, though she wasn’t sure why.

“This table alright?” Miku asked, leading her to an empty table.

“Sure,” Maria said distractedly, her eyes still fixed on Tsubasa.

Miku glanced between the two of them and smiled knowingly. “I’ll be back when you’re ready to order,” she said, leaving Maria at her table.

But Maria barely noticed. Her gaze followed Miku as she walked over to Tsubasa, leaning down to speak softly to her. She couldn’t hear what was said, but her heart jumped when Miku pointed directly at her.

Tsubasa froze, her eyes snapping to Maria.

Maria lifted an awkward hand in greeting, her smile unsure. Tsubasa’s expression was hard to read.

Before Maria could process what was happening, Tsubasa shot to her feet, nearly knocking over her chair in the process.

“Tsubasa?” Miku said, startled, but the blue-haired girl wasn’t listening. She slapped a crumpled bill onto the table and grabbed her jacket in one quick motion. Without looking back, she bolted for the door, the bell above it jangling wildly as it slammed shut behind her.

Maria and Miku both stared after her in stunned silence.

Maria barely noticed what she had ordered. Some kind of sandwich. Maybe turkey or ham? It didn’t really matter. Her mind was still spinning from Tsubasa’s abrupt departure. Her chest tightened with the memory of those wide blue eyes.

She fiddled with edge of the tablecloth as Miku placed the food in front of her, still wearing a worried look that she’d had since Tsubasa bolted.

“I’m sorry about her, sweetie,” Miku said gently, straightening the silverware on the table unnecessarily. “She doesn’t know how to act sometimes.”

“It’s fine,” Maria said quickly, trying to wave it off. She picked up a fry and forced herself to nibble on it even though her appetite was fading fast. “I wasn’t here to see her anyway. She can leave whenever she wants.”

Her words came out sharper than she intended. She shifted her focus back on her plate with embarrassment. The sandwich was thick, piled high with ingredients she hadn’t bothered to identify. A toothpick with a cartoonish green monster on the end stuck out on top. It was the kind of thing that might have made her smile on a better day.

Miku hesitated for a moment, watching her with concern, before walking back to the counter. Maria sighed, resting her chin on her hand. Why is it everything she does effects me like this?

The soft chime of the door broke Maria’s train of thought. Two familiar voices filled the small space, their tones overlapping in what sounded like a half-conversation, half-argument.

“All I’m saying,” Hibiki began, gesturing animatedly, “is that if you had a billion hamsters, I don’t think the lion could eat them all.”

“A billion of nothing is still nothing,” Chris shot back, rolling her eyes as they approached the counter. “There’s no way they’d be able to beat a lion.”

Hibiki opened her mouth to respond, but her eyes lit up when she spotted Maria. Without missing a beat, she waved enthusiastically. “Hi! Maria! What's up? Mind if we join you?” Before Maria could say anything, Hibiki and Chris plopped themselves down at her table.

“Well, okay then,” Maria said dryly, forcing a small smile. “Hello, Hibiki, Chris. Do you both come here often?”

“Yup, for sure!” Hibiki leaned back in her chair, teetering on two legs in a way that made Maria’s stomach flip with anxiety. “We gotta come see our favorite girl,” she said, flashing a blinding smile at Miku, who was making her way over to their table.

Miku’s cheeks flushed slightly as she approached, holding her notepad. “What can I get y’all today?”

“I’d like you,” Hibiki declared with a large grin. Maria raised an eyebrow as Chris groaned loudly beside her.

Miku giggled, shaking her head. “Sorry, I’m not on the menu. Can I get you anything else?”

“Fine. I’ll settle for a bowl of chicken noodle soup,” Hibiki said with a theatrical sigh, clutching her chest like her heart had been broken.

Miku smiled, jotting down Hibiki's order before turning to Chris. “And for you?”

“A hamburger…” Chris mumbled, crossing her arms. Then, with her face glowing red, she muttered, “A-and your smile.”

Miku’s grin widened, as she tilted her head playfully. “Great. I’ll have that out in just a minute,” she said, scribbling the order. Then, looking back at Chris, she added, “But I can give you this one now.” She pointed at her face, breaking into a bright, radiant smile.

Chris turned away so fast Maria thought she might get whiplash. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She looked thoroughly embarrassed, but Maria noticed the edges of a barely-contained smile on her lips. Hibiki laughed, slapping Chris on the back. “Smooth,” she teased, leaning on the table with her chin in her hands as Miku disappeared into the kitchen.

Maria watched the scene unfold with quiet amusement. She wasn’t going to pretend she understood whatever dynamic was going on between the three of them, but they looked happy. Comfortable. Like a group of people who had known each other for years.

For a moment, Maria felt like she was on the outside looking in. The warmth they shared was easy, unspoken. It was built on a foundation of trust and history she couldn’t possibly match. She didn't resent it, but her heart began to ache with loneliness. Did she have anyone like that? Even back home? Maybe Serena, but even then, in adulthood they started drifting apart. That was something she always regretted.

Still, Hibiki’s bright smile was infectious. Maria found herself relaxing despite her earlier gloom. “So, uh, hamsters and lions, huh?”

“Oh, it’s an important debate,” Hibiki said earnestly, leaning forward. “Chris thinks a lion could beat a billion hamsters, but I’m telling you, they’d overwhelm it with sheer numbers.”

Maria snorted. “I’m not sure that’s how it works.”

“Thank you!” Chris threw up her hands triumphantly, sending a playful glare at Hibiki. “Finally, someone with common sense.”

Hibiki pouted, folding her arms. “You’re both just underestimating hamsters. Predators always think they’re the toughest things around, but the little guys can be strong too! If they work together that is.”

Maria chuckled, shaking her head. As absurd as the conversation was, it was the first time she’d laughed all morning. For now, at least, it was enough to pull her out of her thoughts.

“So, what brought you to our little town?” Hibiki asked, her wide eyes brimming with curiosity.

Maria blinked, a little caught off guard by suddenly becoming the center of attention. “Oh, um, I was trying to get over my writer’s block.”

“You’re a writer? That’s so cool!” Hibiki leaned forward, practically bouncing in her seat. “Did you come here to write about our monster? Didn’t you say you saw it before? Have you written stuff already? Can I see it—”

Chris smacked Hibiki lightly on the back of the head. “Let her answer one question before bombarding her with a hundred more, you hamster brain.”

Maria laughed, the ease of their dynamic helping her relax. “To answer you: yes, thank you, not originally, I think so, yes, and sure.”

Hibiki blinked, trying to process Maria’s rapid-fire reply, while Chris snorted. Maria reached for her bag, which hung off the back of her chair, and pulled out her notebook. She handed it to Hibiki, who snatched it eagerly and flipped it open.

“I didn’t know you could read,” Chris teased, leaning over Hibiki’s shoulder to peer at the pages.

Maria watched them both as they read, feeling a familiar wave of nervousness settle over her. Even though she was a published writer, having someone read her work right in front of her always left her feeling exposed. Hibiki’s exaggerated expressions didn’t help—her furrowed brow, her wide, sparkling eyes, and her occasional gasp told Maria exactly what she was thinking as she read.

Chris, on the other hand, was much quieter, her sharp eyes scanning the pages without giving much away. That silence, combined with her furrowed brow, made Maria’s stomach tighten with unease.

When they reached the end of the current draft, Maria leaned across the table and plucked the notebook out of Hibiki’s hands. “It’s a bit rough,” she said, clutching the notebook protectively to her chest. “I’m still working out some plot points.”

“Rough or not, that was so good!” Hibiki exclaimed, wrapping her arms around herself as if she were cold. “Your descriptions of that monster gave me chills. Is that really what you saw?”

Maria hesitated, flipping back to the page where she had first described the creature. The memory of that night seemed both vivid and distant, like a half-remembered dream. “Yes,” she said finally. “At least, that’s how I remember it.”

“Creepy,” Hibiki said, shivering dramatically, though her grin was as wide as ever.

Maria chuckled, but her eyes drifted to Chris, who had remained strangely quiet. The other girl wasn’t looking at her, her expression unreadable. The silence stretched awkwardly, making Maria’s nerves bubble to the surface.

“Don’t you think it was interesting?” Hibiki nudged Chris, clearly trying to snap her out of her thoughts.

“Yeah,” Chris said slowly, her voice unusually thoughtful. “It was really interesting…” She trailed off, staring at Maria with narrowed eyes. “About the love interest—is she…”

“It’s not done yet!” Maria blurted out, cutting her off. Her voice came out louder than she intended, and she could feel the heat rushing to her face. She slammed the notebook shut and shoved it back into her bag, her heart racing. Of course she would realize she’d based the love interest on Tsubasa. She cursed herself for being so obvious.

Chris raised an eyebrow, but Hibiki either didn’t notice Maria’s reaction or decided not to comment on it. Instead, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “What about you two?” Maria asked quickly, desperate to change the subject. “What kind of jobs do you have?”

“I work at the firehouse,” Hibiki said proudly, puffing out her chest. She reached for her empty bowl and tipped it back, drinking the last bit of broth. Now that Maria thought about it, she could see how fit Hibiki was—her toned arms and confident energy seemed fitting for a firefighter.

Maria turned to Chris, who was currently wolfing down her burger with no regard for manners. “I work at the hardware store,” she mumbled around a mouthful of food.

Maria raised an eyebrow at the mess Chris was making, stray crumbs and bits of lettuce clinging to her face. The sight reminded her of one of the kids she used to take care of back home. Without thinking, Maria reached for a napkin and leaned across the table, gently dabbing at Chris’s face.

“No one’s going to steal it from you,” Maria said, her tone half-teasing. “You can slow down, you know.”

Chris froze mid-bite, her eyes wide. Her entire face turned bright red, and she mumbled a soft, barely audible, “Thank you.”

Maria pulled back, realizing what she’d just done. She blinked down at the napkin in her hand, then at Chris’s reddened face, and tried to hide her own embarrassment behind a casual smile. But even as she let the moment pass, something else clicked in her mind.

“Wait,” Maria said, narrowing her eyes at Chris. “I thought you worked for Genjuro and Tsubasa?”

Chris raised an eyebrow, chewing on a fry before answering. “I do. At their hardware store. The one the Boss lives above.”

Maria blinked. “The one she lives above?”

“Yeah,” Chris said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Maria felt a bit silly. Did she actually know anything about Tsubasa? Where she lived, what she did day to day—everything about her seemed wrapped in mystery.

“Well,” Hibiki chimed in, her tone light and reassuring, “Tsubasa hasn’t really been involved with the store much lately.” Despite her usual carefree energy, Hibiki was sharp, and Maria could tell she was trying to ease her sudden awkwardness.

“Hm, yeah, I guess that’s true,” Chris said, tilting her head thoughtfully. “She’s way more into their other business.”

Maria perked up slightly. “The hiking guide business?”

“Yeah,” Hibiki said with a smile. “Tsubasa loves being in the wilderness. It’s kinda her thing.”

“I don’t get it,” Chris said with a huff, reaching for more fries. “It’s dirty, hard to walk through, and there’s too many animals. I’ve been living here long enough; I don’t need to spend my free time out in the forest, too.” She rolled her eyes. “Me and Tsubasa used to say we were gonna move outta this town someday. To a big city or something.”

Maria’s curiosity piqued at this small glimpse into Tsubasa’s past. “What changed?”

Chris shrugged, picking at her fries. “I don’t know…” she said slowly, as though turning the thought over in her mind. “I guess it was after—”

“Ah!” Hibiki suddenly yelped, her voice loud enough to make Maria jump. “Um… Sorry! I thought I saw a spider.” She laughed nervously, waving her hands.

Maria glanced between them, her eyes narrowing slightly. It wasn’t hard to tell that Hibiki was trying to change the subject.

Maria brushed her hair behind her ear, lowering her voice. “Tsubasa told me she lost someone,” she said gently, carefully watching their reactions.

The table fell into an uneasy silence.
Chris cleared her throat, her usual brashness muted. “Yeah…” she said, her voice quieter now. “After that.”

Maria’s chest tightened, her mind racing with questions she couldn’t ask. She wanted to know who Tsubasa had lost, how it had shaped her, and why it still seemed to cast a shadow over her life. But this wasn’t the time or place. If she wanted to know more, she’d have to hear it from Tsubasa herself. When she didn't run away, that is.

She decided to shift the conversation, though the weight of it still lingered. “When she’s not in the woods or here, where does Tsubasa usually go?”

Hibiki and Chris exchanged thoughtful glances, their expressions lightening slightly.

“I’m not really sure, home maybe?” Hibiki admitted with a chuckle, scratching the back of her head. “I mean, you’ve probably noticed by now, but Tsubasa’s a pretty private person.”

Maria nodded slowly. She had noticed, and it was true. Tsubasa’s guarded nature was part of what drew Maria to her, but it also left her feeling perpetually on the outside, unable to fully connect.

It was the way Tsubasa was so much like her.

Before leaving the restaurant, Maria asked Miku for directions to the hardware store where Tsubasa lived. She wasn’t entirely sure why, but her feet were moving before her brain could catch up. She had to see her—had to talk to her.

By the time she made it to the building, her heart was racing.

The bell above the door gave a soft chime as Maria stepped inside, the faint smell of sawdust and paint filling her nose. Genjuro popped his head out from behind a shelf, his red hair as untamed as ever. “Maria? What can I do for you?”

She suddenly felt self-conscious. “Uh… Is Tsubasa here?”

Genjuro raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable for a moment before he nodded. “Yeah. She’s upstairs. Follow me.”

He led her toward the back of the store, brushing past a pair of dark blue curtains. The back room was dimly lit, the walls painted in uneven patches that looked like a half-finished project. Boxes of tools and equipment were scattered everywhere, some spilling their contents onto the floor. Maria couldn’t help but think the mess seemed slightly hazardous. At the far end was a plain wooden door. Genjuro opened it, revealing a narrow staircase.

“Just knock when you get up there,” he said, his gruff voice not unkind. With that, he turned back toward the store, leaving Maria alone.

She climbed the stairs, her hand trailing along the wooden railing. The steps creaked under her weight, and at the top was another door—this one decorated with stickers of animals and action heroes, their edges faded and peeling. Maria smiled faintly. It looked like something Tsubasa must have done when she was much younger.

Doing as Genjuro said, Maria knocked on the door. She heard a thud on the other side, followed by hurried rustling and movement. “Who is it?” Tsubasa’s voice cracked slightly as she called out. Maria couldn’t help but find it cute.

“Why don’t you guess?” Maria teased, her voice light but laced with a hint of challenge. The noise on the other side stopped abruptly. Then she heard the rapid sound of footsteps, and the door swung open to reveal Tsubasa, her face flushed and her eyes wide with panic.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” Tsubasa stammered, her voice unsteady.

Maria tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. “What, you’re allowed to show up at my door whenever you want, but I can’t show up at yours?”

Tsubasa floundered, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape route. “Oh, that’s… um… different.”

Maria leaned against the door frame, crossing her arms. “Can I come in?” She smiled politely, but there was an edge of steel in her voice.

Tsubasa hesitated, but eventually stepped aside, her movements stiff and awkward. “O...kay.”

The room was a disaster. Clothes, bottles, and scraps of trash were scattered everywhere—on the furniture, the floor, and even on the bed. Maria wasn’t sure there was a single clean surface in sight. Her eyebrows rose involuntarily. Tsubasa followed her gaze, her blush deepening. “Oh, uh, sorry,” she mumbled, as she hurried over to the bed and shoved the pile of clothes and papers onto the floor. “You can sit here, if you want.”

Maria hesitated, eyeing the now-cleared spot. She draped her jacket over the bed before sitting carefully, trying not to think too hard about what might be lingering in the fabric.

Tsubasa revealed a chair from under a pile of laundry and trash, brushing it off before sitting down herself. She looked at Maria nervously, her hands tightly gripping the armrests. “So… was there something you needed?”

Maria didn’t waste time. “Why did you kiss me?” she asked bluntly, cutting through the awkward atmosphere like a knife.

Tsubasa stiffened, her hands tightening on the chair. “Oh, that…” Her eyes darted to the floor, then to the window, then anywhere but Maria’s face. “It was a momentary lapse of judgment in the heat of the moment.”

Maria’s gaze sharpened. “Really.”

Standing suddenly, she closed the distance between them, leaning down until their faces were inches apart. Tsubasa’s breath hitched, and Maria smirked faintly. “So you’re saying you’re more clearheaded now? You don’t want to kiss me?”

Tsubasa froze, her body tensing like a tightly coiled spring. “No. I don’t.” her voice wavered, still unable to meet Maria’s eyes.

Maria wasn’t buying it. Without giving her a chance to escape, she straddled Tsubasa’s lap, draping her arms loosely over the other's shoulders. The chair creaked beneath them. Maria felt herself slipping slightly, but Tsubasa’s hands shot out to grab her waist, steadying her.

Their faces were so close now that Maria could feel Tsubasa’s shallow breaths on her lips.
She didn’t move. The choice was Tsubasa’s now. Would she push Maria away or pull her closer?

The moment stretched on endlessly, punctuated only by the pounding of Maria’s heart.

Finally, Tsubasa leaned forward, closing the gap between them. Just a soft brush of lips that quickly deepened. Tsubasa’s movements grew hungrier, became more desperate. And before Maria could process what was happening, the chair tipped sending them both tumbling to the floor.

Before Maria could react, Tsubasa was on top of her. The kiss became rougher, more feverish. Her hands gripped Maria’s waist tightly, the pressure verging on painful. Her kisses moved down Maria’s neck, leaving hot trails on her skin.

“Tsubasa,” Maria's breath hitched, as she felt teeth scrape against her neck. “Wait—”

But Tsubasa didn’t stop. The bite was sharp, wild. Maria pushed her away and slapped a hand to her neck. She gasped at the sight of blood when she pulled her hand away.

“Oh God,” Tsubasa muttered, her face pale with horror. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

Maria clamped her hand over the wound again, her heart racing. “It’s fine,” she said, laughing awkwardly despite the sharp sting. “Just… maybe let’s talk about it next time before you do something like that.”

Tsubasa shook her head, backing away. “We shouldn’t… I shouldn’t…” Her voice cracked. “You should go.”

“No.” Maria stood abruptly, crossing the small space in an instant. She grabbed Tsubasa’s arm and pinned her lightly against the wall. “No more hot and cold, Tsubasa. You don’t get to kiss me and then tell me to leave. We’re going to talk about this.”

Tsubasa stared at the floor, her shoulders tense and her voice trembling. “I… can’t.”

Maria let go of Tsubasa and took a step back, giving the other girl some space. Her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, but she forced herself to stay calm, to rein in the anger simmering beneath her hurt.
“I know you like me, Tsubasa,” Maria said evenly, her voice soft yet firm. “Or at least you’re attracted to me—that much is obvious. So just… tell me what the problem is. Whatever it is, maybe we can work it out. Together.”

Tsubasa’s head snapped up, her blue eyes locking onto Maria’s with a mix of frustration and pain. “We can’t!” she shouted, her voice rough and edged with something primal. Her hands balled into fists at her sides as if she were physically restraining herself from saying more.

The sharpness of her tone made Maria flinch, but she quickly recovered, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Fine.”
She took another step back, the space between them growing cold. “But, Tsubasa, when you look around one day and realize you’re alone… just remember this.” Maria’s eyes burned into her, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest. “Remember that you never even tried.”

Her words hung in the air like a challenge, cutting through the silence that followed. Tsubasa didn’t move. Her gaze dropped to the floor. Her hands, still clenched tightly, shook faintly at her sides. She didn’t deny Maria’s words, didn’t fight back, didn’t offer anything at all. The stillness stretched on.

Maria could feel her throat tighten. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She exhaled sharply and turned toward the door, willing herself to walk away, step by step.

Tsubasa didn’t stop her.

Chapter Text

Maria didn’t want to be alone right now. She couldn’t bear the thought of being left alone with her thoughts—they were too loud, too tangled, and too painful to face on her own.

Without fully realizing where she was going, she found herself back at the restaurant. Relief washed over her when she saw Chris and Hibiki were still there, leaning against the counter and chatting with Miku.

“Maria?” Hibiki noticed her immediately. Her cheerful expression shifted to one of concern as Maria rushed inside. “Is everything okay?”

Maria hesitated, swallowing down the lump in her throat. “Do you know where I can go to get cell reception?” she asked. Her voice was a little shaky and her breathing was still uneven from her hurried steps.

Hibiki tilted her head, her brow furrowed slightly. “Uh… sure?” she said. The worry in her voice deepened.

A short while later, they sat together in Maria’s small car. Miku had insisted on treating the bite on Maria’s neck before she left. Now only the faint hum of the engine filled the silence between her and Hibiki’s words. The brunette leaned against the door, directing Maria through town with easy gestures.

“So,” Hibiki began once they were on the road, “you went to see Tsubasa—turn left here—how did that go?”

Maria’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. Of course Hibiki would ask. Maria didn’t need to look at her to know Hibiki was starting to piece things together. It wasn’t hard, judging by the way she’d practically bolted into the restaurant earlier.

“It was fine,” Maria said curtly, her tone making it clear she didn’t want to elaborate.

“…What did you guys talk about?” Hibiki pressed, her voice still light but laced with curiosity.

Maria’s jaw tightened, her eyes fixed firmly on the road. “Nothing much.”

Hibiki’s airy laugh broke the growing tension. “Haha, I guess you two are pretty alike, huh?” she teased, trying to ease the mood.

Maria’s head snapped toward her, her voice sharp and defensive before she could stop herself. “We are not.”

Hibiki blinked, startled by the sudden outburst. “Oh, um… turn right here.”

Maria exhaled, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Sorry,” she muttered. “Just… give me a little time, okay? I’m still sorting things out for myself.”

Hibiki nodded, her usual bright smile returning. “Roger that,” she said, giving Maria an exaggerated thumbs-up.

A moment later, she pointed ahead. “Oh, we’re here.”

Maria pulled into what appeared to be an empty parking lot. She raised an eyebrow, glancing at Hibiki skeptically.

“You should see this place when the schools let out,” Hibiki chuckled. “It’s crawling with teenagers. Reception’s usually good here, so they all come here to make calls and stuff.”

Maria parked and pulled out her phone, grateful for Hibiki’s help despite her lingering frustration. “Thanks,” she said quietly.

“No problem.” Hibiki opened the passenger door and stretched dramatically, wincing as she popped her shoulder. “I’ll walk around a bit so you can do your call in private. Just yell when you’re done, okay?”

Maria nodded. Hibiki gave her one last reassuring smile before wandering off toward the far end of the lot, leaving Maria alone.

When Maria turned on her phone, the screen lit up with a flood of notifications. Ads, bill reminders, missed telemarketer calls—nothing personal. Her eyes lingered on the only message from a person: a short text from her sister, Serena, asking how the trip was going.

She sighed, her thumb hovering over the call button for a moment before pressing it. The line rang a few times before clicking.

“Hi, Serena,” Maria said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Can we talk for a minute?”

“Hey, sis.” Serena’s sweet, melodic voice chimed through the phone, soothing Maria like a favorite song. “How’s the trip going?”

Maria smiled faintly, leaning back against the seat. “You know, a lot of things have happened. I can’t deny I’ve had plenty to write about.” She laughed lightly, but the sound felt hollow. Her chest tightened, and before she could stop herself, the words slipped out. “I miss you.”

Her voice cracked, sadness breaking through the thin veneer of calm she’d tried to maintain.

“Maria?” Concern immediately colored Serena’s voice, warm and gentle. “What’s wrong?”

Maria took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She didn’t even know where to start. Slowly, she began to tell Serena everything—about Tsubasa, the whirlwind of emotions the strange woman stirred in her, the way every interaction felt like a puzzle she couldn’t quite solve. She kept her voice steady, skirting around the stranger, darker truths. She didn’t mention the creature. There was no point in worrying Serena about something she wouldn’t be able to understand, let alone help with.

When Maria finally stopped talking, the silence on the other end of the line stretched for a moment. Then Serena hummed thoughtfully, the sound soft and soothing.

“Hm… sounds complicated,” she said at last, her tone tinged with her usual optimism. “Did you want to come home?”

Maria froze.

She could go home. She could leave this strange little town, Tsubasa, and the creature behind. She could escape the confusion, the tension, and the nagging feeling that she was unraveling. But as the thought crossed her mind, a heavy sense of dread settled in her chest, like something back home was worse than anything she encountered here. But she couldn’t think of what it might be.

“I don’t think I can leave now,” Maria said finally, her voice quiet. “I need to figure some things out first.”

Serena was silent for a moment, then asked a question that sucked the air out of Maria’s lungs. “Do you love her?”

The word hit Maria like a punch to the gut. Love? How could it possibly be love? They barely knew each other.

But then … Why did being apart from Tsubasa feel like someone had punched a hole in her chest? Why did just looking at her send Maria’s heart racing in a way that felt completely out of her control? Why did she crave Tsubasa’s touch, even when it hurt, even when she wanted to scream?

Maria swallowed hard. Her throat felt dry. “I…”

She didn’t know what to say.

“You need to figure some stuff out,” Serena said gently. Her tone was as sweet as ever. It offered an escape from the suffocating silence Maria hadn’t realized was building. “I get it. Just… make sure you take care of yourself too, okay? Love isn’t everything—if it is love, I mean.”

Maria exhaled slowly, the tension in her chest easing just a little. “I will,” she said softly. “Thank you, Serena. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Serena’s laugh was a warm balm to Maria’s frazzled nerves. “You’d figure it out. But, if you ever do need me, you know I’m here.”

Maria smiled. The tight knot of emotion in her chest had begun to loosen, if only slightly. “How are things with you?”

The conversation shifted, Serena launching into updates about her life—her job, her friends, her latest baking experiments. Maria let herself get lost in the mundane details, the sound of her sister’s voice grounding her in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.

The more Serena talked, the lighter Maria felt. For a little while, she was just Maria—not the girl running from nightmares, not the woman wrestling with her feelings for Tsubasa. Simply a sister listening to stories about home.

Eventually, Maria glanced at the time and remembered Hibiki was still out in the parking lot waiting for her.

“Hey, Serena,” she said, interrupting gently. “I have to go, but I’ll try to call you more from now on.”

Serena clicked her tongue teasingly. “Sis, you’re supposed to be disconnecting from everyday life, remember? Don’t worry about me. But if you ever need someone to listen, I’ll be here.”

Maria’s smile softened. “Thanks, Serena. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

When the call ended, Maria sat in the quiet car for a moment, staring at the screen of her phone. The ache in her chest hadn’t disappeared, but it felt… bearable now.

With a deep breath, she rolled down her window and called out to Hibiki, who had been pacing near the far edge of the lot, kicking at small rocks.

Hibiki jogged back over with her usual energetic bounce. “All good?”

“Yeah. Thanks for taking me here,” Maria said, her voice softer than usual.

Hibiki gave her a bright smile. “Anytime. Come on, let’s head back. I’ll even let you drive me around some more if it makes you feel better.”

Maria chuckled despite herself, some of the heaviness in her heart lifting. “Careful, I might take you up on that.”

Hibiki made light conversation as they drove around town. Her warm voice was lively as she pointed out various places tied to her memories.

“That’s the tree I fell out of trying to save a kitten,” she said, gesturing to a large oak with sprawling branches. “I was in a cast for two months, but the kitten was fine!”

Maria glanced over with a small smile, the mental image of Hibiki scrambling up a tree both amusing and fitting.

Hibiki continued, pointing out landmarks as they passed. “That’s the pond we like to ice skate on in the winter. And over there—” she motioned toward a weathered, two-story building with boarded-up windows “—is the abandoned house me and my friends broke into as kids.”

“You broke in?” Maria asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hibiki laughed sheepishly. “Yeah. We thought we were so brave, sneaking in with flashlights and everything. But honestly? Tsubasa was a total scaredy cat back then.”

Maria’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.

Hibiki grinned, her laughter full of affection. “The whole time we were inside, she clung to Kanade like a burr. It was so cute.”

Maria’s interest piqued at the unfamiliar name. “Who’s Kanade?”

The mood in the car shifted immediately, like a balloon slowly deflating. Hibiki’s smile faltered as she turned to stare out the window. Her fingers tapped absently against her knee.

“She was a friend of ours,” Hibiki said after a pause, her voice quieter now.

Maria hesitated, glancing at Hibiki’s profile. “Was?” she pressed gently. Curiosity and concern mingled in her tone.

Hibiki’s hands shot up, palms facing Maria as if to physically block the question. “I’m really sorry,” she said quickly, her voice earnest. “I know I’m the one who brought it up, but… please don’t ask me any more questions about her.”

Maria’s lips parted, ready to protest, but the pained look in Hibiki’s eyes stopped her. After a moment, she nodded. “Okay.” She shifted her gaze back to the road.

The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was heavy. Maria’s mind churned with the pieces she was starting to fit together: Tsubasa’s reserved nature, her reluctance to connect, the pain that flared up whenever her past was touched on. She couldn’t be certain, but she was starting to think she knew who Kanade was—the person Tsubasa had loved and had lost.

Hibiki eventually broke the silence, her voice light and cheerful again as she launched back into her stories. Maria nodded and responded where appropriate, but her mind was elsewhere.

She only half-listened as Hibiki described childhood adventures and ridiculous mishaps, her focus drifting back to the one thing none of them seemed willing to talk about.
Kanade.

The next morning, Maria woke up to an empty porch. Tsubasa didn’t come. She knew she wouldn’t, but a small part of her had hoped to find the other girl standing there, as awkwardly endearing as ever. She wasn’t there though. She was gone. She should be used to it by now, but stupidly she couldn’t stop dreaming.

Maria found herself driving to the church she had visited before. She needed that strange sense of calm it had given her.

Inside, the air was as still as she remembered, the dim light filtered through grotesque stained glass. At the far end of the pews, Saint-Germain sat with her head bowed.

Maria approached hesitantly and slipped into the seat beside her. Saint-Germain lifted her head, her expression mildly surprised.

“More on your mind?” she asked, her voice as calm and steady as always.

Maria sighed, her gaze drifting to the intricate, unsettling windows. “Something like that.”

“Whatever the reason, I’m glad to see you back,” Saint-Germain said. Her tone wasn’t warm, exactly, but it had a grounding quality that Maria found comforting.

For a moment, Maria thought about asking if Saint-Germain knew Tsubasa. In a town this small, it seemed unlikely she didn’t. But something held her back—a feeling she couldn’t quite explain.

“What is it about this place that makes everything feel so complicated?” Maria asked instead, her eyes lingering on the violent depictions of demons tearing apart their victims.

Saint-Germain took her time before responding, her gaze thoughtful. “The truth is simple, but only if you’re willing to accept it. Many here would rather cling to a convenient lie. But lies need explanations, and explanations rarely fit reality perfectly.”

Maria wasn’t sure she fully understood Saint-Germain’s words or how they answered her question, but she didn’t press further. For now, it was enough just to have someone there with her.

They sat together in silence. The grotesque demons depicted in the stained glass cast strange shadows over the room as if silently watching over them.

Maria must have dozed off at some point because the next thing she felt was a light touch on her shoulder. Saint-Germain’s voice was gentle as she woke her. “Miss, I need to get going, but it was a pleasure speaking with you again.”

“Likewise,” Maria mumbled, still groggy. She rubbed her eyes as Saint-Germain rose gracefully from the pew and left. The door creaked shut behind her, leaving Maria alone in the musty stillness of the church.

It wasn’t until Maria stood to leave herself that she realized something remarkable: for the first time since she’d arrived in this town, she’d slept without nightmares.

The realization left her with an odd mixture of gratitude and unease as she stepped outside. The crisp air was a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere of the church, and it helped clear her head.

She returned to her cabin without incident. But once inside, the prospect of spending the rest of the day alone with her thoughts of Tsubasa was unappealing.With a heavy sigh, she changed into comfortable clothes, tied her hair back, and laced up the boots Tsubasa had loaned her and never taken back.

Maybe, she thought, if she wanted to understand Tsubasa, if she wanted the simple truth, the woods were the best place to start.

Maria wandered to the start of the trail she had only walked once and paused, staring down at its shaded expanse. Even in the bright daylight, the forest always felt cloaked in shadow. Its secrets lurking just beyond the edges of her vision.

She stepped onto the trail hesitantly, the crunch of her boots against the dirt the only sound. Her eyes darted around taking in the towering trees, the dense underbrush, the patches of sunlight filtering weakly through the canopy. Every rustle in the bushes made her jump, her heart racing—until it was inevitably just a squirrel or a startled deer.

As time passed her nerves began to settle, and her steps grew more confident. The oppressive feeling that usually hung over her in the forest seemed lighter somehow. She found herself lost in thought, her feet carrying her further and further down the trail.

Eventually, her path was blocked by a fallen tree, its bark darkened with age. Something about it felt… familiar, though she couldn’t quite place why. Stepping off the trail she walked around it, her boots stomped over uneven ground.

Her toe caught on a root, and she stumbled, catching herself against the fallen log. As her hand braced against the bark, she froze. Deep, jagged claw marks were etched into the surface.

Her heart leapt into her throat.

It could be anything, she told herself, trying to stay rational. A bear. A buck with sharp antlers. But no matter how much she tried to convince herself, her instincts screamed otherwise.

Her breath quickened, panic rising like a tide as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She stepped back, her foot slipping on the uneven ground, and she fell hard to her knees. But the pain barely registered.

Her whole body shook uncontrollably as she wrapped her arms around herself, dropping her face to her legs.

And then she heard it—a low, guttural growl.

Her head snapped up.

Out of the dark woods, a pair of glowing eyes appeared, unblinking and fixed on her. The creature emerged slowly. Its movements deliberate, predatory. Its long, hunched frame seemed to ripple with tension as it stalked toward her.

Maria couldn’t move. Her limbs felt paralyzed as though the weight of its gaze had rooted her to the spot. Tears streamed down her face, and her chest heaved with choked, ragged sobs. She wanted to scream, to run, but the fear pressed down on her like a heavy fog.

The creature’s snarls grew louder, its glistening teeth bared in a terrifying grin.

“Maria?”

The sound of Tsubasa’s voice cut through the fog like a blade.

Maria’s head whipped around, relief washing over her at the sight of Tsubasa sprinting down the trail toward her. But that relief quickly turned to dread.

Tsubasa, no, Maria thought. She needs to leave. She’ll get herself killed.

She tried to speak, to warn her, but her voice was still trapped in her throat, breaking into strangled cries.

Tsubasa dropped to her knees beside Maria, wrapping her arms around her trembling form. Her touch was firm, grounding, though Maria still shook uncontrollably.

“Tsubasa, you have to go. It’s going to…” Maria gasped, her voice finally forming broken words. Her breath hitched, tears blurring her vision. “The beast is…”

Her gaze shifted, following Maria’s line of sight into the woods.

“Maria,” Tsubasa’s voice was laced with fear and confusion, but her grip tightened as she stroked Maria’s hair gently. “There’s nothing there.”

Chapter Text

Maria’s gaze stayed locked on the snarling beast, its glowing eyes burning into her, its presence suffocating.

How could Tsubasa say there was nothing there? She was looking right at it.

Her entire body trembled as she buried her face in Tsubasa’s jacket, desperate for some kind of escape. But the shaking wouldn’t stop. It was too close.

“Maria.” Tsubasa’s voice broke through the haze, steady and calm. She pushed Maria away gently, her hands firm but gentle. “Look.”

Maria reluctantly raised her head, her breath hitching as Tsubasa crouched and picked up a stone resting near them.

“It’s over there, right?” Tsubasa asked, her voice careful, like she was coaxing a frightened animal.

Maria nodded weakly, her hands clutching at her knees.

Tsubasa stood and hurled the stone toward the beast.

Maria flinched, her breath catching in her throat as the stone sailed through the creature without resistance, landing with a soft thud on the forest floor beyond.

It wasn’t real.

None of it was real.

The revelation should have brought relief, but instead, Maria felt a crushing wave of shame. Tears streamed down her face as she began to cry harder, her sobs spilling out uncontrollably.

It was stupid. She was stupid. How could she have let herself fall apart over something that wasn’t even there?

Before she could spiral further, Tsubasa pulled her into a tight embrace. She made soft, soothing sounds as she stroked Maria’s hair, her movements steady and comforting.

Maria hated it.

She hated the warmth of Tsubasa’s body against hers. She hated the way her voice, so low and calm, made her feel safe. She hated the steady rhythm of her heartbeat, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

She hated Tsubasa.

When Maria’s tears finally slowed, and her breathing evened out, another wave if embarrassment hit her like a truck. She shoved Tsubasa away and sat up, wiping furiously at her damp cheeks.

“Why are you here?” Maria’s voice was rough and hoarse from crying, but her tone carried a sharp edge.

“I was just passing through and…” Tsubasa trailed off, her gaze shifting to the side.

“Right.” Maria bit the inside of her cheek, her frustration bubbling up again. She didn’t need to hear the rest to know Tsubasa was lying—or at least wasn’t telling her everything.

She’d had enough of Tsubasa’s half-truths.

“Are you okay to be on your own? Do you want me to walk you back?” Tsubasa stood, brushing dirt from her pants, and reached down to help Maria up.

Maria ignored the outstretched hand, standing on her own with a grimace. “I’m fine. Go continue passing through.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and started walking back down the trail.

The moment she took her first step, pain shot up her leg from her ankle, sharp and sudden. Maria winced but forced herself to keep going, biting the inside of her cheek to stifle a gasp.

“You’re limping,” Tsubasa said, jogging up beside her. She placed a gentle hand on Maria’s shoulder.

“Stop it!” Maria snapped, smacking Tsubasa’s hand away. She turned to face her, anger and frustration spilling over. “Just stop. You can’t have it both ways, Tsubasa. You don’t get to push me away and then act like you care about me.”

For a brief moment, something flickered in Tsubasa’s eyes—pain, regret, something Maria couldn’t quite place. But just as quickly, it was gone.

Tsubasa let her hands fall to her sides, stepping back slightly. “Okay,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

She turned and stepped off the trail. Before she disappearing into the trees, she looked back over her shoulder.

“Please get back safely.”

Maria stared after her, her chest tight.

Why wouldn’t she let her in?

She had hoped that caring about her would take precedence for Tsubasa. That she’d fight harder to stay. But Tsubasa made her choice.

As Tsubasa disappeared into the forest, Maria was left to limp down the trail alone, her frustration mixing with a deep, aching sadness she couldn’t ignore.

Back in the cabin, Maria slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the silence. She threw her bag onto the couch, ignoring the contents spilling onto the floor, and stormed into the bedroom. She collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow.

She screamed, muffling the sound as her emotions erupted—frustration, anger, hurt, confusion—all spilling out in an unrelenting wave.

When her voice gave out, Maria lay there, her body trembling, tears soaking into the pillow. Finally, she pushed herself upright. She needed to write. She needed to get it all out.

Maria rushed back into the living room, sifting through the mess on the floor. Her heart sank.

Her notebook wasn’t there.

She dumped everything onto the carpet, digging frantically through the pile. She knew she’d had it when she left earlier.

Her blood ran cold.

Maria sprinted back down the trail, her breath coming in short gasps. Despite what she had seen earlier, she couldn't help the fear that gripped her as she ran. She skidded to a stop at the fallen tree, digging through the leaves until her fingers closed around the familiar cover. Relief washed over her as she pulled it free.

Then she realized how dark it had gotten.

A low growl rumbled behind her.

Maria froze, clutching the notebook to her chest. It’s not real. It’s not real. She repeated the mantra in her mind, clinging to the memory of the stone passing through the beast.

A step.

Her breathing hitched. It’s not real.

A leap.

Instinct took over, and Maria ran, her feet pounding against the earth. The sound of paws thundering behind her filled her ears, too fast, too steady. The same sound from her dream.

She bolted down the trail, the trees thinning ahead.

Maria burst into a field, a large house standing in the center. She sprinted toward it, her legs screaming in protest. The porch steps creaked beneath her weight as she pounded on the door.

The door opened, and Maria stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind her.

Strong arms caught her, steadying her shaking body.

“Oh my. Are you okay, sweetheart?” The voice belonged to a woman with thick glasses and a loose bun of brown hair.

Maria tried to respond, but only a strangled sob escaped her lips.

“Let's get you inside.” the woman held Maria as she nearly collapsed, the fear and adrenaline finally breaking.

The woman guided Maria into a spacious living room, settling her gently onto a plush, expensive-looking couch. The contrast was striking. Everything inside felt sleek and modern compared to the ruralness of the rest of the area.

Maria’s fingers brushed over the soft upholstery as the woman draped a thick blanket around her shoulders. Without a word, she disappeared into another room, leaving Maria alone with her jumbled thoughts.

When the woman returned, she carried two steaming mugs. The sweet smell of hot chocolate wafted through the air. She handed one to Maria and sat down beside her, the couch sinking slightly under her weight.

“Do you feel up to tellin’ me what happened?” the woman asked gently, her voice warm and lilting. She reached out and began to stroke the back of Maria’s head in a comforting rhythm. “You gave me quite the scare there.”

Maria wrapped her hands around the mug, letting the warmth seep into her fingers. Her breathing had evened out now, though the heaviness in her chest remained. “Nothing happened,” she said quietly, her voice thick. She sniffed and rubbed at her sore eyes.

The woman paused, her hand stilling for a moment before she let out a soft laugh. “Come on now, baby. If you don’t wanna talk about it, you don’t gotta lie.” Her tone was kind, her words edged with a teasing warmth. She adjusted the blanket around Maria’s shoulders, tucking it more snugly. “My name’s Ryoko Sakurai, by the way.”

Maria glanced at her from the corner of her eye, her cheeks heating slightly. “Thank you, Ms. Sakurai.”

“Just Ryoko, please. Besides, it’s Dr. Sakurai, actually,” she added with a wink.

Maria’s eyes widened. “Oh—I’m sorry,” she said quickly, embarrassed.

Ryoko waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. And what should I call you?”

“My name is Maria. Maria Cadenzavna Eve.” She took a small sip of her hot chocolate, the warmth spreading through her chest.

“What a beautiful name,” Ryoko said with an approving nod. “I’m guessin’ you’re not from around here. The population here hasn’t changed much in years, and I think I’d have remembered someone as lovely as you.”

Maria flushed as Ryoko reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. The touch was motherly, yet it made Maria feel oddly vulnerable.

“I’m here on vacation,” Maria explained, shifting slightly under the blanket. “I was staying at Genjuro’s cabin.” Given the size of the town, Maria assumed the chances of Ryoko knowing who Genjuro was was pretty high.

Ryoko’s brows lifted in surprise. “Oh, Gen’s rentin’ that place out again? Huh. He left it vacant for a while after the incident.” She leaned back, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

Maria straightened, her heart skipping a beat. “What incident?” she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

Ryoko hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting to the fireplace as though she was weighing her words. “It happened three years ago…”

Maria leaned forward, her eyes wide with curiosity. Finally, it felt like she might get some answers.

Chapter Text

Tsubasa carefully balanced herself on the less then stable chair, stretching as far as she could to place the last item on the highest shelf in her uncle’s store. Her fingertips just barely brushed the spot, but as she leaned further, her foot slipped.

She gasped, clutching the box of tools and equipment in her hands as she tumbled toward the floor.

“Whoa there!”

A pair of strong arms caught her mid-fall—one steadying her and the other snagging the box just before it could crash on top of her.

Tsubasa’s heart pounded as she looked up, still cradled in the firm grasp of her savior.

“T-thank you, Kanade.” Her legs wobbled beneath her even though the danger had passed.

Kanade, a tall girl with wild red hair and a grin as fierce as it was kind, gave her a reassuring squeeze before setting her upright. “No problem. You okay? You know you can ask for help right?”

“I’m fine,” Tsubasa said softly, though her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I just… didn’t want to bother you.”

Kanade’s expression softened as she placed a hand on Tsubasa’s back. “Bother me? When have you ever bothered me?”

Before Tsubasa could answer, Kanade suddenly wrapped her arms around her waist and hoisted her into the air, spinning her in a playful circle. “If anything I want you to bother me more!”

“Wait!” Tsubasa’s light laughter spilled out as she clutched the box, trying desperately to keep it level. “Kanade, the tools!”

“Fine, fine.” Kanade placed her back on solid ground, but not before plucking the box from her hands. "But let me take care of these.”

Tsubasa reached for the box again, but Kanade held it out of her grasp with ease, her grin turning mischievous.

“Let me do it, please.” Kanade tucked the box under one arm, pretending to pout. “You know how much I like to feel helpful.”

Tsubasa rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a small smile.

Kanade winked and started placing the items on the shelves with casual efficiency. “Why don’t you go get changed? We’ve got a date after this, remember?”

“Right,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She lingered for a moment, watching Kanade work, before turning toward the back room to change.

As she walked away, she couldn’t help the small, contented smile that lingered on her lips. Moments like this reminded her why Kanade’s presence always felt like home.

Tsubasa jogged up the stairs to her room and pushed the door open, struggling against the pile of clothes pressing against it from the other side.

She sifted through the chaos, pulling on a pair of comfortable jeans and her favorite t-shirt, plucked from the pile of clean clothes that miraculously remained separate from the dirty ones. Knowing Kanade, whatever she had planned was likely to be physically demanding.

She bounced back down the stairs, her footsteps light with anticipation, only to find Kanade standing triumphantly in the middle of the shop floor.

“Oh no!” Kanade cried dramatically, shielding her eyes as though blinded. “She’s too beautiful—my heart might explode!”

“Stop it, Kanade.” Tsubasa smiled despite herself. “This is how I dress every day.”

Kanade stepped closer, pulling Tsubasa into a warm hug. “And every day, I feel like my heart’s about to burst just looking at you,” she murmured before leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Tsubasa’s lips.

Tsubasa wished the moment could last forever, but like all things, it ended too soon.

“Should we get going?” Kanade asked softly. Her face was close enough for her breath to brush against Tsubasa’s skin.

“Okay.” Tsubasa stepped back reluctantly. Kanade grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together as she led her out of the shop.

“Let’s take your bike today,” Kanade said as they walked around the building to where Tsubasa’s motorcycle was parked.

“Are you sure? These are your plans.”

“I know you want to drive,” Kanade teased, grabbing one of the helmets from a nearby box. “Besides, you’re better at it than me.”

Kanade secured a backpack to the bike’s rear as Tsubasa grabbed the second helmet and strapped it on.

“Just tell me where we’re going.”

Kanade directed her to the local park, a favorite spot for both of them. The warm day had drawn families out in droves, filling the open spaces with laughter and activity.

“This is nice,” Tsubasa said, her voice soft with appreciation as she admired the scenery.

“This isn’t it. Follow me,” Kanade said, slipping into the trees beside the trail.

“Kanade?” Tsubasa called, a note of concern in her voice.

“I said follow me!” Kanade’s laughter rang out like a bell, easing Tsubasa’s nerves.

Tsubasa ducked under the low-hanging branches and found herself on a narrow, uneven path, far newer and wilder than the main trail.

“Did you make this?” she asked, following close behind.

“No, I just found it.”

“Where does it lead?”

“Stop asking questions and keep up.”

Tsubasa did as instructed, her curiosity tempered by her trust in Kanade.

The trail opened into a large clearing bathed in golden light, the grass swaying gently in the breeze. Kanade dropped the backpack she carried and pulled out a blanket, laying it out with Tsubasa’s help.

“Are we having dinner here?” Tsubasa asked as she smoothed the edges of the blanket.

Kanade grinned. “Back to the questions, huh? Yes, we are. Is that a problem?” She patted the spot beside her invitingly.

“Not at all.” Tsubasa sat down, watching as Kanade unpacked sandwiches and handed her one with an affectionate smile.

The evening passed in a blur of quiet laughter and shared bites, the two of them stealing kisses between stories and teasing remarks. The clearing felt like a world of their own, untouched by time or worry.

“Do you ever think about leaving?” Kanade asked suddenly, her voice sounding almost distant.

Tsubasa, who had been resting her head against Kanade’s chest, glanced up at her. “Yukine and I have talked about it,” she admitted after a moment.

“Oh? Are you planning to leave with her instead of your girlfriend?” Kanade teased, playfully tapping Tsubasa’s nose with her finger.

“I mean with you, of course,” Tsubasa said, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She sat up slightly, grabbing Kanade’s hand and interlacing their fingers. “With all of us. You, me, Yukine, Tachibana.”

Kanade tilted her head back, laughing lightly. “That does sound nice, doesn’t it? A big city where we could all chase our dreams.” Her expression softened as she spoke, her voice taking on a wistful tone. “Chris could become a teacher, like she’s always wanted. Firefighters are needed everywhere, so Hibiki would definitely find a job. And you and me...” She paused, squeezing Tsubasa’s hand. “We’d make a living with our music.”

“I’d like that,” Tsubasa murmured, bringing Kanade’s hand to her lips and brushing a gentle kiss against her knuckles.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the two of them drifted into a comfortable sleep on the blanket.

When Tsubasa woke, the woods were dark, the shadows deep and heavy. She shook Kanade awake, her voice tinged with unease. “Kanade, I think we should head back.”

Kanade groaned but sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Yeah, okay.”

Their belongings had been packed before they’d fallen asleep, so they quickly folded the blanket and set off. Kanade led the way, flashlight in hand, while Tsubasa clung to her arm for support on the uneven trail.

The silence of the forest was oppressive, broken only by the crunch of their footsteps—until a low growl froze them both in place.

Kanade instinctively pushed Tsubasa behind her, her stance protective. “It’s okay,” she whispered, her voice steady. “It’s probably nothing.”

Tsubasa’s heart hammered in her chest, but she nodded, urging Kanade forward. “Let’s just keep moving.”

They hadn’t gone far when something lunged from the shadows.

Tsubasa barely registered the movement before she was slammed to the ground, claws raking across her body. Pain erupted in her shoulder as razor-sharp teeth sank into her flesh, tearing away chunks.

She screamed, the sound ripping from her throat as the creature’s claws shredded her stomach. Blood soaked the ground beneath her, and her vision blurred as the pain threatened to overwhelm her.

“Get off her!” Kanade’s voice was raw with fury as she threw herself at the beast, striking it with her fists.

The creature was too strong, shaking her off easily as it continued its assault. Tsubasa’s mind raced with a single, terrifying thought:

I’m going to die.

Through the haze of pain, she saw the glint of metal in Kanade’s hand—a knife, its blade catching the faint light.

Kanade plunged the knife into the beast’s face with a cry. Blood sprayed, some of it splattering disgustingly into Tsubasa’s open wounds, and the creature let out a chilling howl before scrambling back into the darkness, its whimpers echoing in the night.

“Tsubasa!” Kanade dropped to her knees, her hands trembling as she tried to stop the bleeding. Her voice cracked with desperation. “Stay with me. Please.”

But Tsubasa’s world was already fading, slipping into a cold, endless darkness.

Tsubasa woke to the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor and the faint antiseptic scent of a hospital room. The events of the night came rushing back in fragments, each one sharper and more terrifying than the last. A cold fear gripped her chest.

Her eyes drifted down to a familiar head of red hair resting on her bed. Kanade was kneeling on the floor, her head rested on her arms atop the blanket. She was fast asleep, but the swollen, puffy redness around her eyes betrayed the time she must have spent crying.

Gently, Tsubasa reached out, her fingers brushing through Kanade’s unruly hair. “Kanade,” she murmured softly, her voice still weak.

Kanade stirred at the sound of her name, her eyes fluttering open groggily. When she saw Tsubasa looking back at her, her expression crumpled, and tears spilled over in an instant.

“Tsubasa... Tsubasa!” Kanade sobbed, throwing her arms around her tightly. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Tsubasa said, her voice still hoarse, as she rubbed Kanade’s back in slow, gentle circles.

Kanade suddenly froze, pulling away with alarm. “Oh my god—your stitches! Did I hurt you?”

Tsubasa gave her a small smile. “The pain medication they’ve given me must be very strong. I don’t feel anything at all.”

Kanade let out a shaky sigh of relief. “Thank god.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “The doctors said you might never wake up, Tsubasa. To see you now—it’s a miracle.”

Standing up abruptly, Kanade wiped at her tear-streaked face. “I’ll get the doctor. Just wait here.”

Moments later, Kanade returned with a women in a white coat.

The doctor muttered, shaking her head in disbelief as she looked over Tsubasa's injuries from the night before. “This just ain’t possible.” She adjusted her glasses, leaning in to examine Tsubasa more closely. “Your wounds completely healed overnight? Just like that?”

She pressed lightly on Tsubasa’s abdomen, where hours ago her stomach had been torn open. Tsubasa flinched more out of surprise than pain.

Kanade laughed, the sound almost too loud in the quiet room. “Tsubasa’s just a tough cookie,” she said, slapping the doctor on the back with a grin.

“No cookie’s that tough, honey,” the doctor replied flatly, her gaze flickering back to Tsubasa with a mix of amazement and concern. “We’re keeping you overnight, just to make sure you don’t go and get unmiracled.”

Kanade’s face fell, disappointment flashing across her features. “Then I’ll stay too—”

“Nope,” the doctor interrupted firmly, crossing her arms. “You’re going home to sleep in your own bed tonight. Doctor’s orders.”

Kanade’s frown deepened, but she relented under Tsubasa’s soft gaze.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Tsubasa said with a sympathetic smile.

Kanade leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to Tsubasa’s forehead. “I’m just so happy you’re okay.”

“It really is a miracle.” The doctor shook her head again, still unable to believe what she was seeing.

“I’m sure it’s thanks to your incredible skill, Dr. Sakurai.” Tsubasa smiled at Dr. Sakurai gratefully.

“I’m not sure about that…”

After several rounds of seemingly unnecessary physical therapy, Dr. Sakurai finally relented, admitting that Tsubasa was fully recovered.

“I wouldn’t’ve believed you were ever injured if I hadn’t been the one to stitch you up myself,” the doctor marveled, her thick glasses glinting under the fluorescent light. “You really are good as new. I guess you’ll be out of here tomorrow.”

Tsubasa nodded politely but didn’t feel particularly reassured. The hospital room felt stifling, and with nothing to occupy her mind, she returned to her bed and flipped through the channels on the tiny TV bolted to the wall.

Nothing held her interest, so she left it on a random channel, the low hum of voices providing background noise as she stared at the ceiling. Every time she closed her eyes, the pain of that night rushed back with startling clarity. The sound of the growls, the tearing of flesh, and Kanade’s voice screaming her name—all of it played on a loop in her mind. Sleep remained elusive.

Dinner was a bland and textureless mush that she forced herself to eat despite her lack of appetite. When she was finished, she called for Dr. Sakurai.

“You need something, sweetheart?” The doctor appeared in the doorway, her expression soft but tired.

“Could I have something to help me sleep?” Tsubasa asked. Night was falling. Not napping was fine to Tsubasa, but not sleeping was something she wanted to avoid.

Dr. Sakurai studied her for a moment before nodding. “Sure thing.”

The sedative worked wonders and Tsubasa drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, she woke to find Kanade waiting for her, a bright bouquet of wildflowers in hand and a smile that lit up the room.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” Kanade said, placing the flowers on the bedside table. “Ready to blow this joint?”

Tsubasa smiled faintly, her chest warming at Kanade’s cheerfulness. “Yes, please.”

Chapter Text

Maria stared down at the cup in her hand with an unfocused gaze. “This is the Kanade that died, right?”

Ryoko nodded, her expression softening. “It is. She died 3 years ago. I can’t tell you much about that, no one really knows what happened ‘cept she went into the woods and never came out.” Ryoko took a sip of her drink, her gaze momentarily clouded. “But Tsubasa never got over it. I can’t really blame her.”

Maria’s mind raced. If the creature she had seen was real—if it had attacked Tsubasa—could it have been responsible for Kanade’s death, too? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She had a thousand questions, but something told her Ryoko wouldn’t have the answers.

“Did they ever find what attacked Tsubasa that night?”

Ryoko shook her head, her expression grim. “They didn’t. That’s why Gen doesn’t—didn’t rent out that place. The woods in the park and the woods by the cabin is connected. Though, I guess after so many years without another incident, he decided it was probably safe.”

Maria absorbed Ryoko’s words, piecing together fragments of a puzzle that only seemed to grow more complex. So much for the simple truth. Thunder rumbled outside, followed by the steady drumming of rain against the windowpanes. Ryoko sighed, glancing at the storm. “Looks nasty out there. Why don’t you stay the night? You’ve had a rough day, and I should take a look at that ankle of yours. I noticed you limping when you came in.”

“Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

That night, Maria lay in the guest bed, drifting in and out of uneasy sleep. The howling wind rattled the house, rain pelting against the windows in relentless sheets. But buried within the storm’s symphony, Maria thought she heard another sound—a low, haunting whine.

The first time she heard it, Maria dismissed it as the wind weaving through the cracks in the old house. But then it came again, clearer this time, distinct from the storm. It was faint, yet it carried a peculiar weight, like a mournful cry.

Her heart quickened. Was it a dog? Did Ryoko have pets she hadn’t mentioned? The thought brought her a fleeting comfort until a chill prickled down her spine.

The sound wasn’t just sorrowful. It was almost… familiar.

Maria clenched the blanket tighter around herself, her breath shaky. The whine came again, this time so loud it seemed to echo from inside the house.

She wanted to investigate, to reassure herself it was nothing. But her body refused to move, paralyzed by an unease she couldn’t shake. There was something wrong about that sound—something that made her stomach twist and her fingers tremble.

Instead, she buried herself deeper under the blankets, pressing the fabric against her ears trying to block out the noise. The whine lingered, weaving through the steady rhythm of the rain and the booming thunder, a dark thread of sorrow and dread.

No amount of heat from the room’s radiator could chase away the chill that seeped into her bones. Maria closed her eyes tightly, praying for sleep to take her—or for the sound to stop.

Maria awoke to the sound of gentle knocking at the door and Ryoko’s voice calling her name. She glanced out the window and was surprised to find it still dark. Slipping out of bed, she opened the door, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“Ryoko? What time is it?” Maria’s voice was thick with grogginess.

“A bit past nine,” Ryoko replied warmly. “I’m sorry if you wanted to sleep more, dear. I just wanted to see if you might like some breakfast.”

As if in response, Maria’s stomach growled loudly, drawing a chuckle from Ryoko. “Thank you,” Maria said, cheeks tinged pink. “Just give me a minute to change, and I’ll be right out.”

“I’ll start cooking while you do.” Ryoko’s smile was comforting, her light footsteps fading down the hall as Maria closed the door.

Maria felt strange talking about breakfast when it was still so dark outside. The sound of rain pelting the window told her who the culprit was for the missing sun. She sighed and pulled out her clothes from the day before that Ryoko was nice enough to wash for her.

She made her way to the room she saw Ryoko return with the hot chocolate the night before, and found the air rich with the aroma of something sweet simmering on the stove. Ryoko hummed softly as she stirred a pot, her movements rhythmic and sure. Maria considered mentioning the unsettling sound she’d heard the night before but hesitated. She felt childish admitting she’d been frightened by noises during the night.

Instead, she approached silently, peeking over Ryoko’s shoulder at the pot’s contents.

“Goodness, honey!” Ryoko jumped slightly, pressing a hand to her chest. “You need to start making some noise when you walk, or we’ll have to tie a bell around your neck.”

“Sorry,” Maria said, her tone apologetic but amused.

Ryoko shook her head, laughing softly. “It’s all right. Go sit down, and I’ll bring it over when it’s ready.”

Maria walked over to the table. It was much bigger than her own which seemed strange, considering as far as Maria could tell Ryoko lived by herself.

Soon, Ryoko placed a bowl in front of her. The sweet-smelling dish looked as appetizing as it had smelled, and Maria smiled gratefully. She decided not to ask what it was—whatever it was, it looked delicious.

Ryoko sat across from her with her own bowl. “Looks like another bad day out there,” she remarked, gesturing toward the rain-lashed windows. “Why don’t you stay here until the storm eases up? I’ll drive you back when it clears.”

“You’re too kind,” Maria protested lightly, though the thought of returning through the storm didn’t appeal. “I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Would you rather brave the forest in this weather?” Ryoko teased with a playful smirk.

“...Then I’ll take you up on your offer,” Maria conceded. “Thank you.”

Ryoko smiled good-naturedly. “In return you have to tell me all about yourself. It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to meet someone new.”

The hours passed as they chatted. Maria found Ryoko surprisingly easy to open up to. She shared stories about her writing, her struggles, and her reasons for coming to Arnica. But when the topic turned to her past, Maria’s demeanor shifted.

“I… didn’t have a good childhood,” Maria said hesitantly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

Ryoko’s gaze softened, and she leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on Maria’s knee. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she said sincerely. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Maria hesitated. She rarely spoke about her past, even with close friends. Only Serena knew the full extent of it. “Maybe some other time."

Ryoko leaned back into her seat. “You know, Maria, I think we got more in common than you think.”

“What does that mean?” Maria looked at her curiously.

“Hmm, well I think maybe we’re both just sensitive souls.” Ryoko adjusted her glasses and gave Maria a gentle smile.

“I think you’re the most honest person I’ve met in this town.” Maria laughed. “It’s nice to have someone actually answer my questions directly.”

“I do love to blabber on, a bad habit I developed in childhood. People used to tease me and my boyfriend, saying I spoke enough for the both of us—he was a very quiet boy you see, a bit like Tsubasa that way.”

Maria looked at her lap not able to suppress the bitterness on her face.

Ryoko studied Maria for a moment. “What’s you relationship to Tsubasa, anyway?”

Maria tensed. “We don’t have one.”

Ryoko raised an eyebrow. “Sweetheart, why would a person you don’t have a relationship with make you react like that.”

Maria let out a humorless laugh. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

Ryoko didn’t press Maria anymore on the topic. Instead making small talk about things around the town that Maria at this point honestly couldn’t care less about but she still managed to nod politely to the stories.

After the storm outside lightened up, Ryoko drove her back to the cabin like she said she would. As they pulled into the driveway, Maria’s eyes widened at the sight of someone sitting on the steps, completely drenched.

Maria barely thanked Ryoko before stepping out, rushing toward them.

“Tsubasa?” she called, her voice tinged with disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t find you.” Tsubasa’s voice was barely above a whisper. When she looked up, Maria noticed her eyes were red and puffy, as though she’d been crying, though any tears had long since ­blended with the rain drenching her face.

“Come on.” Maria grabbed her hand, pulling her inside. She wanted to stay mad. But the way Tsubasa looked at her—raw, vulnerable—chipped away at her anger.

Once inside, Maria disappeared into the closet, emerging with a towel, which she tossed at Tsubasa. “Dry off. I’ll get the fireplace going.”

Tsubasa caught the towel and stood there for a moment, watching Maria as she crouched in front of the fireplace, lighting the kindling.

“Where were you?” Tsubasa’s voice came from behind her, soft but strained.

Maria didn’t turn around. “Does it matter?” she replied, focusing on the fire as it began to crackle to life. Her heart beat faster, sensing Tsubasa’s closeness.

“Of course it matters!” Tsubasa grabbed Maria’s arm and spun her around, the intensity in her voice surprising her. “Do you have any idea how worried I was?” Her voice cracked.

“I already told you, you can’t have it both ways, Tsubasa.” Maria tried to break Tsubasa’s grip on her arm, but the other girl held it tightly. “Let go, you’re hurting me.:”

Tsubasa immediately dropped her arm and staggered back as if burned. “I’m sorry.” She collapsed onto the floor, her damp clothes making a soft slap against the hardwood. Ducking her head between her knees, she let out a shuddering breath. “I just… If anything happened to you—”

“Tsubasa…”

Maria crouched in front of her, hesitating before gently tilting Tsubasa’s face up. Their eyes met—stormy, searching.

“What are we doing?” Maria murmured. The anger, the confusion, the pull between them—it was all too much.

“I don’t know.” Tsubasa leaned into Maria’s touch, her eyelids fluttering shut. “God, you make me feel crazy.”

Maria let out a short, breathy laugh. “You make me feel the same.” Her fingers curled slightly against Tsubasa’s cheek. “I think there’s something wrong with us.”

“No matter how hard I try,” Tsubasa whispered, leaning closer, her forehead resting against Maria’s, “I can’t stay away from you.”

“Then don’t.”

The space between them disappeared as Maria closed the gap, pressing her lips agains Tsubasa’s. The fire crackled beside them casting their shadows in flickering , interwoven shapes against the walls.

Maria pressed their bodies closer, ignoring the dampness seeping into her clothes. The kiss deepened, growing fervent and intense. Her heart pounded as a familiar heat bloomed within her. She reached up, threading her fingers through Tsubasa’s rain-soaked hair, holding her as if afraid to let go.

But suddenly, Tsubasa pushed her away.

Maria staggered slightly, laughing bitterly. “I should’ve known—”

“It’s not what you think.” Tsubasa interrupted, her voice low and trembling. She kept her gaze fixed on the floor, refusing to meet Maria’s eyes. Her shoulders tensed as if bracing for impact. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Maria took a steadying breath, the irritation giving way to cautious curiosity.

“Then tell me,” Maria said softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling in her chest.

Tsubasa hesitated, her fingers clenching into fists at her sides. “I…” She swallowed hard. “I’m… Sorry give me a minute. I really don’t know how to say it…”

Maria’s eyes narrowed. “Is it about Kanade?”

Tsubasa stiffened. Her eyes snapped up, wide with shock. “Why would you—” A sharp knock at the door cut her off.

Maria and Tsubasa exchanged a look.

Another knock. More urgent this time.

Maria stood, crossing the room in three quick strides before pulling open the door.

Genjuro stood on the other side, just as rain-soaked as Tsubasa had been. His usual calm expression was taut with something unreadable.

“Maria.” His voice held an edge of relief. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

Maria frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Her stomach twisted. “Did something happen?”

Genjuro’s shoulders eased slightly, but the tension remained in his grip as he fiddled with something in his hands.

“There was an incident.”

Maria saw it before he even said the words. The shift in his gaze. The heaviness in his stance.

“A body was found in the woods.”

From the corner of her eye, Maria saw Tsubasa go rigid, her expression darkening like a shadow swallowing the last flicker of light.

Chapter Text

Genjuro’s words sucked the warmth out of the room. The fire still crackled, but Maria felt herself shiver.

“Do you know who it was?” Tsubasa’s voice came out hollow.

Genjuro shook his head. “No. When I heard, I was afraid it might’ve been Maria. That’s why I rushed over.” His eyes flicked between the two of them, uncertain. He looked like he wanted to ask something more, but thought better of it. “The police are already at the scene. They’re investigating.”

Tsubasa stared at the floor in silence, her hands clenched at her sides. Maria looked at her, concern tightening in her chest.

“Thanks for checking on me,” Maria said quietly, giving him a small smile and hoped he'd get the hint. “If there’s nothing else…”

Fortunately, Genjuro was better at picking up on things than Tsubasa. “Right. I’ll let you know if I hear anything new.” He nodded, then stepped outside, pausing just before he vanished from sight. “Keep yourselves safe.”

Maria closed the door behind him and turned back to Tsubasa, who hadn’t moved an inch.

“Tsubasa?” She called gently.

No response.

“Tsubasa?” She said again, closer now.

When she touched her arm, Tsubasa jolted like she’d been shocked.

“What?” she snapped, louder than intended.

Maria blinked, startled. “I was calling you.”

Tsubasa immediately looked away, guilt flickering over her features. “Sorry,” she mumbled, backing up a step. Her eyes were stormy, caught in some invisible war.

“Did that scare you?” Maria asked softly. She knew, after everything with Kanade, the news must’ve hit hard.

“You have no idea.” Tsubasa laughed quietly, but her voice cracked at the end.

Maria stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. Tsubasa didn’t resist—she pressed her face into Maria’s chest and trembled, silently. Her sobs were soundless, but Maria could feel the shudders in her shoulders.

“It’s okay,” Maria whispered, running her fingers through damp hair. “You’re okay.”

Later that day, the two of them went into town. Tsubasa had insisted on finding out what happened, though Maria would've preferred ignorance. Still, she didn’t let her go alone.

The police station was small, unimpressive. Inside, a man with tousled brown hair dozed in an office chair, feet propped lazily on the front desk.

Without hesitation, Tsubasa marched forward and smacked the bell beside him.

The man yelped and toppled backwards with a loud thud.

“H-hello!” he sputtered from the floor. “Can I help you?”

“I want information on the body found in the woods this morning,” Tsubasa said flatly.

The man stood, brushing himself off. “Uh... the woods?” He blinked. “That’s news to me.”

“You don’t know anything?” Tsubasa asked, unimpressed.

“If it happened this morning, it’s still part of an active investigation. I can’t talk about it.”

Tsubasa narrowed her eyes. “Since when does this place care about following protocol?”

He gave a weary sigh. “Come on, Tsubasa. You know it’s not up to me. Talk to the chief when she gets back.”

Tsubasa bit down hard on her frustration. “Fine,” she muttered, spinning on her heel and storming toward the door.

Maria hurried after her, nearly colliding with someone entering.

“Ms. Maria?” came the calm, distinctive voice of Saint-Germain, catching her by the shoulders. “What brings you here?”

Maria steadied herself and offered a quick smile. “We heard about the body. We were hoping to find out what happened.”

Saint-Germain’s expression flickered briefly. She looked past Maria. “Tsubasa. It’s been a while.”

“Not long enough,” Tsubasa bristled, her voice low.

"It's a shame to hear you say that." Saint-Germain seemed unbothered by Tsubasa’s hostility. Instead, turning back to Maria and continuing smoothly. "I was actually hoping I'd run into you, Ms. Maria. Do you have a moment?"

Maria hesitated, glancing over her shoulder—but Tsubasa was already gone.

“…If you don’t mind giving me a ride home afterward,” Maria said.

“Not at all.” Saint-Germain smiled politely. “Please wait here.”

She vanished into the back and returned a moment later—carrying a shotgun.

Maria stiffened. “What is that for?”

“With what happened this morning, I think you should be able to defend yourself,” Saint-Germain in a voice too matter of fact for the situation. She held out the weapon. “Do you know how to use it?”

Maria didn’t take it. “No—and it can’t be legal for you to just hand that to me.”

“If anyone questions you, say you got it from me. I’ll teach you how to use it.” Her voice was firm. “You don’t want to be unprepared.”

Maria eyed the weapon warily. “I don’t know…”

Saint-Germain set it down gently on the desk and took Maria’s wrist. “Come with me.”

She led her out the back, into a sterile side building that reeked of chemicals. Bright fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, making the space feel colder than it already was.

“Prelati!” she called.

A short woman with glasses and a scowl emerged from behind a curtained partition.

“What do you want?” she snapped. “You’ll get my report when I’m finished.”

“I need to show her the body.” Saint-Germain said simply.

Prelati frowned. “I’m not sure that’s-”

“She needs to see it.”

Prelati gave a shrug, “Suit yourself.” She led them into a windowless room. A body lay under a white sheet on a steel table.

Maria’s pulse quickened. She wanted, more than anything, to run away. It all felt oddly familiar.

Prelati peeled the sheet back.

Maria was greeted with a hideous sight. The face was torn, flesh hung loosely off the exposed skull. An eye was missing from one socket, leaving a disgustingly bloody hole. Clumps of dark hair still hung from the top of its head. Unfortunately, part of its face remained enough intact that Maria could recognize, the once bright and bubbly face now twisted in agony.

“Oh God.” Maria staggered, her knees nearly giving way. “Miku…”

Saint-Germain caught her and held her steady, gently rubbing her back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you knew her.”

Tears blurred Maria’s vision. “Why are you showing me this?”

“Because you need to understand what you’re protecting yourself from.”

Prelati quietly pulled the sheet back over Miku’s body.

Back at the station, Saint-Germain handed Maria the shotgun and explained briefly how it worked. “It’s not much, but it’s something. I pray you never have to use it.” Maria could vaguely understand what was being said.

"I promise you, whatever did this to her, we will find it." Saint-Germain looked past Maria as she spoke. "I won't let it hurt anyone else."

She nodded wordlessly, still dazed.

“I’ll drive you home now.”

But as they exited the building, a figure approached them—arms crossed, expression tight.

“What took you so long?” Tsubasa’s voice was sharp with irritation.

Saint-Germain exhaled, stepping back. “Seems you won’t be needing me after all. Please stay safe, Ms. Maria.”

She turned and walked back into the station.

Maria hesitated, the shotgun still in her hands.

“What’s that?” Tsubasa asked, stiffening as she saw the weapon.

“She said it was for self-defense,” Maria replied, her voice distant, eyes still clouded.

“That’s… good, then.” Tsubasa opened the trunk of the car. “Put it there. Don’t forget it when we get back.”

Maria tucked it away, then climbed into the passenger seat. Tsubasa started the car, and they drove off.

After a long stretch of silence, Tsubasa finally spoke. “What happened?” Her voice was gentle—as if she were afraid the wrong words would worsen Maria’s state. Maybe she was right to think that.

“Nothing,” Maria said, rubbing at her eyes. “Don’t worry about it.” She didn’t trust herself to look at Tsubasa. Dragging herself back into the real world was never something she was good at.

Tsubasa gave a dry, humorless laugh. “Now you sound like me.”

Maria almost smiled at that. “That reminds me,” she said, seizing the chance to change the subject. “What were you going to tell me earlier?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” Tsubasa echoed flatly.

Maria exhaled through her nose. This damn girl.

She turned to look out the window, watching the trees blur by. “Saint-Germain wanted me to see what would happen if I couldn’t protect myself.”

There was a beat of stillness.

“What does that mean?” Tsubasa asked, her voice suddenly sharp.

Maria’s hand clenched into the fabric of her jeans. “It was Miku,” she said quietly. The name alone made her throat tighten. She forced herself to swallow the lump rising in it. She hated crying—especially in front of someone else. Though, it seemed like she did it a lot in front of Tsubasa.

There was a sharp inhale beside her. “That asshole showed you the body?” Tsubasa’s voice was rising now, brittle with fury. Maria didn’t think she’d ever seen Tsubasa so visibly angry.

“She wanted me to understand what I might be facing.”

“She’s insane.” Tsubasa muttered.

Maria didn’t argue, who was she to judge. “Do you think there’s a heaven?”

Tsubasa hesitated, clearly thrown by the question. “I… I don’t know. Maybe.”

“I want to believe there is,” Maria said softly. “That when we die, we go somewhere better than this.” She twisted the hem of her shirt in her hands, her knuckles turning white. “But I don’t think that’s where I’m going.”

Maria didn’t want to see her expression. Would it have been pity? Concern? Understanding? It was often better not to know.

“What I was going to say earlier…” Tsubasa’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “I don’t think you’d believe me.”

“Let me decide that,” Maria said, her voice steady despite everything.

They pulled up to the cabin. Tsubasa cut the engine but didn’t move.

“Can I come in?” she asked.

Maria nodded, already climbing out of the car. She didn’t need to say anything else.

Tsubasa followed her inside.

Chapter Text

Kanade led Tsubasa to where her car was parked, opening the passenger door with an exaggerated flourish. “Come on. Let’s get you home. I’m sure you miss your mess.”

Tsubasa laughed and slid into the seat. Kanade closed the door before circling to the driver’s side.

As they pulled away, Tsubasa caught a faint, sweet scent lingering in the car. She turned, studying Kanade from the corner of her eye. “Are you wearing perfume?”

Kanade snorted. “You know I don’t.” She glanced over with a grin. “Why? Do I smell good?”

Tsubasa felt her cheeks warm. “You always smell good. It’s just… different.”

“It’s probably the flowers,” Kanade said easily, shrugging it off.

“Probably…” Tsubasa leaned closer to the bouquet, inhaling again. The scent was similar—but not quite the same.

Kanade filled the rest of the drive with cheerful chatter, recounting every bit of town gossip Tsubasa had missed. It felt impossible that so much had happened in such a short time, but Kanade had always been like that—tuned in to everyone, caring deeply, even about people who didn’t always deserve it. She always saw the best in people.

“Miku and Hibiki are talking about inviting Chris to live with them,” Kanade said. “Which, honestly, would be an upgrade from living with the old man—he really does love collecting strays. Oh, and Yumi’s trying to start an anime appreciation group. No idea who she thinks will join. And the priest got into a fight—he’s got this bandage on his face. Who fights a priest? And I heard we got three more tourists than last year. Oh! And we made the state news.”

“The state news?” Tsubasa blinked. “For three new tourists?”

Kanade hesitated. “Well… no. It was about the forest. About there being… something out there.” She winced. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“It’s okay.” Tsubasa reached out, resting her hand lightly on Kanade’s arm. “We’re both fine. We can talk about it.” Usually it was Kanade saying these kinds of things to Tsubasa. Kanade didn't normally show this kind of insecurity.

Kanade’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “I’m sorry.” Kanade rarely cried, but Tsubasa heard her voice crack, just barely.

“It was not your fault,” Tsubasa said quietly.

“I should’ve protected you.”

“You did.” Tsubasa’s voice was firm. “Dr. Sakurai told me what happened that night. You stabbed the… creature. If you hadn’t, I likely wouldn’t be here now.”

Kanade didn't respond. It was times like this Tsubasa wished she was better at reading people. Kanade normally would wear her heart on her sleeve but right now Tsubasa had no clue what she was thinking.

"Can I sleep over at your place tonight?" Tsubasa didn't want to leave her just yet—for either of their sakes.

Kanade broke into a smile, an expression Tsubasa thought was much more suited for her beautiful face. "How could I say no?"

She turned the car toward her house.

Kanade had recently bought the place. It was small and a little rundown, but Tsubasa remembered how proud Kanade was when she bought it. When they got inside, Tsubasa was again struck but the sweet smell that she noticed on Kanade while they were in the car, even stronger now.

“Sorry, I don’t really have food,” Kanade said sheepishly. “We could hit the diner?”

“Later,” Tsubasa murmured. “I just want to rest.”

She wandered into Kanade’s bedroom and collapsed face-first onto the bed, breathing in the scent of her. Moments later, the mattress dipped as Kanade lay beside her, fingers gently combing through her hair.

“You didn’t get enough rest at the hospital?” Kanade teased. “All you did was sleep.”

“I couldn’t rest deeply there,” Tsubasa muttered, pouting.

“Aww. Couldn’t sleep without me?” Kanade poked her nose.

Tsubasa rolled over and wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in Kanade’s chest. The steady rhythm of Kanade’s breathing soothed her almost instantly.

“Tsubasa?” Kanade asked softly.

“Mm?”

“Do you want to move in with me?”

Tsubasa wasn't sure why the question surprised her so much. She slept there half the nights anyway, but the question caught her off guard. She had assumed that Kanade's house would be temporary, just a place until they could finally get out of the town. Moving in made it feel more long-term. More permanent.

“You don’t have to answer now,” Kanade added, kissing her forehead. “Just think about it.”

Tsubasa tightened her grip on Kanade’s shirt, wondering if guilt from not protecting her had prompted the question.

Kanade hummed quietly, rubbing her back until sleep claimed them both.

By the time Tsubasa had awoke, the sun had long been replaced by the twinkling stars of night. There was only a sliver of a moon in the sky which left the world mostly in darkness. She felt a pang of hunger that reminded her that they had slept through dinner and she sat up to rouse the girl sleeping next to her. She leaned down to whisper in her ear and felt that sweet smell again from Kanade's sleeping form. The pang of hunger came again and Tsubasa hesitated in waking her. She let her fingers slowly brush over Kanade's bare arm, over her shoulder, and to her neck. She could feel her gentle pulse, it was hypnotic. She thought she could even hear it in her head pounding away at that same leisurely pace. Her lips moved away from Kanade's ear and to the beating. She licked it slowly, letting the taste of Kanade's skin linger. Her teeth came down gently, barely touching the flesh. Her drool dripped onto the sleeping girl freely. There was an ache in Tsubasa's jaw. One that told her to close it. To feel the soft squish and taste that delicious scent. Her breath sped up and the pangs of hunger grew more unignorable. The thing she wanted was so close. She could taste it, smell it. She could calm the twisting of her stomach, if she just closed the distance.

"Tsubasa?" A groggy mumble came from the beneath her. But the beating in her head and twisting of her stomach was louder. The name fell on ears that couldn't recognize it anymore. She felt it squirm beneath her and the voice in her head told her how to stop it.

"Tsubasa!" Kanade shoved Tsubasa back on to the bed roughly. One hand held Tsubasa down and the other clamped down on her own neck.

Suddenly Tsubasa felt herself crash back into her body. "Kanade?" Her voice was as small as she felt.

"Fuck, Tsubasa. That hurt. Wake me up more gently next time." Kanade laughed but there was a waiver in her voice that Tsubasa had only heard once before. On the night they were attacked.

"I'm sorry." Tsubasa covered her face with her hands, shaking.

"Hey, it's okay." Kanade pulled her into a hug. "It's okay. What's wrong?"

Tsubasa couldn't find the words to explain to Kanade. The shame and fear over the things she was just feeling—and the pang that still ached deep in her stomach.