真實性-13

Ace

I set my phone aside, the last of Xavier's concerned messages still lingering in my mind. I wasn't used to that—someone caring about me other than Phoenix. It's not that I didn't have friends before... it's just most of them flew off when things got rough. Now, there's Xavier. Something about him is oddly familiar, but I can't place it. Feels like I knew him from somewhere before.

Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks on me. After the accident, a lot of my memories got tangled up. I had to force myself to forget some things—focus on Phoenix, Kuro, and my responsibilities. Everything else just faded into the background. Survival mode, I guess.

I glanced over at Phoenix's room. The door was cracked open, and I could hear his soft breathing from inside. At least he was getting some rest after that exhausting day. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, trying to process the events at the mansion.

That place... it's no ordinary haunting. The sheer density of negative energy was overwhelming. I'd faced plenty of spirits before, but this... this felt different. Almost like they were forced to stay there, chained to that place by something stronger than just memories or grudges.

Four, maybe five spirits. Each of them restless and thirsting for revenge. They're not just lingering—they're angry. Bound by resentment, hatred, and pain. And the worst part? They're not entirely sane anymore. Whatever or whoever did this to them twisted their spirits, driving them mad.

The only way to help them move on... is to let them possess me. Let them speak through me—let them show me their pain. It's risky. Damn risky. If I lose control even for a moment, it could cost me everything. But it's the only way to understand what happened and grant them peace.

I've done possessions before, sure. But not like this. Never with spirits that volatile. I'll have to prepare—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Can't let Phoenix get involved with that part. He's good, but not ready for something like this.

I leaned back on the couch, rubbing my temples. I've gotta find the root of this problem—figure out what or who bound them there. Maybe it's connected to the mansion itself or the people who lived there before. Xavier might have some records or documents that could help.

Kuro jumped up on my lap, nuzzling his head against my chest, purring softly. I smiled, stroking his fur absentmindedly. "You think I'm crazy for taking this on, huh?"

He just purred louder, like he was trying to reassure me. I let out a low chuckle. "Guess that makes two of us."

I'll figure it out. I always do. But it's gonna take more than just strength this time. I'll need to be smart about it. Methodical. If Xavier and Atlas can help with research, that'd lighten the load. Not that I'd admit that out loud.

For now, I'll just let Phoenix rest. Tomorrow, I'll start digging deeper. One step at a time. I'm not about to let some vengeful spirits break me. Not when I've got people to protect.

Hell to it. Where am I?

This place feels like an endless abyss—dark, cold, suffocating. My feet feel like they're sinking into nothingness, and the air's so thick it's hard to breathe. I squint, trying to make out anything in the shadows, but all I see is emptiness stretching on and on.

Then I notice him—a little boy, sitting on the ground, shoulders trembling as he sobs quietly. Something about him feels... wrong. I crouch down to his level, hesitating for a moment.

"Hey, kid," I call out softly, trying not to startle him. "Are you okay?"

He slowly raises his head, and that's when I see it—his eyes are pouring blood, thick, dark streams flowing down his cheeks like crimson tears. My stomach churns, but I keep my voice steady.

"What's wrong?" I ask, but he doesn't answer. Just keeps staring at me, unblinking, as more blood pools on the ground beneath him.

Before I can process it, he lunges at me, small hands reaching for my throat. His grip is impossibly strong, and I stumble backward, clawing at his hands as they tighten around my neck. I can't breathe—

My eyes shoot open, and I gasp for air, my hand flying to my throat. Just a dream...? My heart's racing, and sweat clings to my skin despite the cool room. I sit up slowly, still feeling that suffocating pressure like phantom hands around my neck.

Kuro, curled up on the couch beside me, stirs at the sudden movement and meows softly, looking up at me with curious eyes. I rub my face, trying to shake off the lingering dread. What the hell was that?

Dream or not, it didn't feel normal. It felt... personal. Like something—or someone—was trying to send me a message. I glance at my phone on the coffee table, tempted to text Xavier or Phoenix, but I shake my head. It's the middle of the night. No point in worrying them.

Taking a deep breath, I lean back, running a hand through my hair. I can still feel the boy's cold hands on my neck. That look in his eyes—full of anger, pain, and something darker.

I can't afford to let this mess with my head. Maybe it's just stress from the mansion, or maybe it's something more. Either way, I need to stay focused. I can't let my guard down, especially not now.

Kuro nudges my hand with his head, purring softly, and I manage a weak smile, scratching behind his ears. "You're right," I murmur. "I can't let a nightmare get to me."

But deep down, I know this was no ordinary dream. Something's coming. And I need to be ready.