I am New Here (3)

Akihiro helped Ashii purchase some weapons. But he used his connections from the black market. The shipping of the goods was faster than legal channels. If their father were here, he would be scolding his children, but Ashii felt she would be in more trouble if things were registered. She was sure accidents would happen anytime. 

"Don't tell, Father."

"I won't."

As a military man, Akihiro was used to running early in the morning. Ashii also accompanied him the next morning. As they ventured into the neighborhood, they saw a massive wolf-like creature. Akihiro and Ashii immediately hid in the thick bushes. The creature's size was not ordinary, and it was devouring something that looked like meat.

They squatted for a long time and let the creature leave before making their way further into the neighborhood. There were several trees around, and the area could hide people or monsters. Akihiro even warned his sister not to venture alone in the neighborhood after witnessing such a scene.

"Brother, what kind of animal was that? It looked like a massive wolf, but it had an odd smell. It smells like rotten fish and urine mixed together. Was that even normal?"

"I have seen what it ate."

"What?"

"Something that looked like a human's leg."

"A leg?"

"Be careful from now on. This neighborhood is bizarre. I will go back and look for relevant information about this city and send the details to your email."

"Thank you, Brother."

Ashii and Akihiro went back, but they saw more incredible things. The two did not talk about certain topics when they arrived home.

They talked about Ashii's school during breakfast.

"Would you be okay living here, or would you prefer to live in dormitories?"

"I'd prefer living here, Brother. I could do many things, and the school ain't that far. I also have an exclusive driver, and it won't be a problem if I travel back and forth. I can also call the butler if I encounter something I can't solve."

"Are you comfortable with this arrangement, or should I send someone to guard you?"

"No need. I think it's time for me to manage my affairs. I can't always rely on our family whenever I have problems."

When it was time for Akihiro to leave, Ashii suddenly thought of developing her metaphysical practices. It all started when she was fifteen. Every time the clock struck midnight, it would be impossible for her to sleep. She would see different ghostly entities, and they would keep her up until the holy hour. 

She ordered some things online. Blessed objects from temples and from people who practiced the same kind of faith as her. She also ordered a set of tarot cards, but she preferred to use Kabbalistic Tarot Cards. The cards guide her when things get tough, and sometimes, she uses them to predict the future.

Ashii was a gifted psychic. 

When things were done, Ashii searched the net for information about Arzemuxe Elite Academy. 

What she found online was weird. The school usually celebrates several festivals, and what's peculiar is that in these festival celebrations, supernatural phenomena always happen. The most popular was the death of five students. They unfortunately drowned in the lake at the back of the school. 

Some said they saw creatures underneath. Some testified that they were only playing in the water before the accident. Some believed they were lured into the deep parts of the water and became sacrificial objects. But there was no proof about how they died. 

The school also loved celebrations in themes like vampires, witches, werewolves, and other creatures. Ashii was dumbfounded by how such an institution believes in sorcery or mythical practices. She clenched her fist and remembered to wear her amythst necklace from now on. It was a gift that her mother prepared for all the members of their family. 

Ashii then found an article about Zenea forbidding anyone from playing musical instruments. She read the whole article and learned that playing musical instruments could potentially awaken demonic entities sleeping in the city for a long time and cause trouble. She couldn't believe what she was reading, but her experience told her a different story.

She scrolled for more news about the city, and she saw an article saying people within are monsters hiding in captivity. 

"In captivity? Are they controlled by someone?"

Concerning the article, several powerful families were named. But Ashii did not find any picture of their respective family members. 

Xevendore of the North.

Jing of the East.

Gremorin of the West.

Alcovia of the South.

"So, four families controlled the city? Isn't this an abandoned-looking city? I could barely find anyone walking on the streets. Or... do they appear at night?"

Ashii ended the search.

She walked to the window and made sure it was locked. She also checked the door. Then, she kneeled in the middle of the carpet-covered floor with rosary beads and prayed. Her faith was stronger than anyone in their family. After praying, she stood and retrieved a handful of salt from one of the containers her brother bought.

She created a line using salt on the floor and spread the same on the windowsill. She made sure the line was connected on every side. Salt was believed to have magical properties that ward off evil entities. She was sure none of those creatures of the dark could enter her room. 

"Good night."

She was right.

Several entities without shadows could be seen outside of her room and outside the house. There were also creatures on the roof. But nothing has successfully disturbed her sleep. 

When she awakened the next morning, all the salt had melted, and some had evaporated. She cleaned the residue to prevent damaging and staining wood, metal, and tiled surfaces. But something else caught her eye. It was a handprint.

Someone must have attempted to enter my room last night. Otherwise, how could there be someone's handprint on the glass of my window? Who was so crazy to climb it?