⇲ 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘    〉 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 !
XXXX.      ✿      CIRCA JUNE 2012.
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐎 𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐀
SZA.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The morning light streamed softly through Odette's window, painting her room in shades of gold and warmth. She lay still for a moment, recalling the whirlwind of events from the previous day—the energy in the dojo, Ken's startled face, and the strange sensation of floating, as if she'd detached from the world for just a moment.

Now, she had yet another adventure ahead: meeting Seiko Ayase, her grandmother's close friend and an experienced spirit medium.

Odette rolled out of bed, stretching as she took in the quiet of the Monroè Estate. The air was cool, and the faint scent of incense lingered, a comforting reminder of her grandmother's early-morning routines. She brushed her vibrant red hair out of her face, then set off to prepare for the day.

After a quick shower, she selected her outfit—a plaid mini skirt that hugged her waist and added a touch of playful style, paired with cozy brown boots and leg warmers that reached her knees. She swept her hair into loose waves, allowing her bright red locks to frame her face.

Her makeup was light but effective, accentuating her eyes with long lashes and giving her lips a soft, natural shine with a light pink gloss lined in brown.

Once she was satisfied with her look, she wandered into the kitchen, where she found another note from her grandmother taped to the fridge:

Good morning, Odette, the note read. Eat the breakfast I left for you and remember to meditate before heading out to Seiko's. Dress nicely, no "hobo" looks today, please. I'll be waiting in the car with our driver at 3:30 PM. Make sure you lock up before you leave.

Odette laughed softly to herself, amused at her grandmother's constant reminders to "look presentable." She opened the fridge, finding a neatly arranged breakfast—steamed rice, miso soup, and a few pieces of tamagoyaki.

She settled at the kitchen table, eating slowly as she mentally prepared herself for whatever the day might hold.

A Few Hours Later

With breakfast behind her, Odette still had the house to herself for a while. She made her way back to her room, opening her laptop to resume her research on the strange spirit she'd come across the previous night—the "Turbo Granny."

She typed the name into the search bar, eyes scanning the screen as articles and forums popped up, each filled with rumors and speculations.

Turbo Granny, she read, a mischievous spirit known for haunting roads and scaring late-night drivers. The story was strange, yet it stirred something within her—a mixture of curiosity and unease. She clicked through various sites, piecing together fragments of information.

People claimed that the spirit's laughter could be heard echoing through empty streets, a low, unsettling sound that sent chills up the spine. Odette frowned, intrigued by the mysterious figure. The more she read, the more questions she had.

Eventually, the curiosity tugging at her was too much to ignore. She stood, deciding to explore some parts of the Monroè Estate she hadn't seen yet. The shrine grounds were expansive, dotted with small gardens, winding paths, and occasional statues that seemed to watch her with wise, knowing eyes.

She wandered along the narrow paths, taking in the serene beauty around her. It was a world both familiar and foreign, and as she wandered through each corner of the estate, she felt a growing sense of belonging—a sense that this was her place, her purpose. An hour slipped by without her noticing, and she glanced at her watch to see that it was almost three.

She made her way back to the dojo, her thoughts drifting back to the energy she'd tapped into the day before. Sitting cross-legged on the mat, she closed her eyes, focusing on the stillness around her. Slowly, she began to breathe deeply, letting go of her lingering nerves, allowing herself to sink into meditation.

The silence was grounding, and soon she felt that familiar pull—the strange sensation of floating, of separating from the physical world.

It was as if a dark, gentle cloak had wrapped around her, shielding her from everything else. Her body felt weightless, her mind detached. But before she could slip any further, a wave of energy surged within her, a powerful current that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Her eyes flew open, and with a gasp, she dropped back to the floor, her nails scraping against the wood as she steadied herself. She sat there, heart racing, the remnants of the energy dissipating around her. Whatever this was, it felt like a piece of something much larger, something she was only beginning to understand.

3:30 PM: Outside the Estate

Odette stepped outside just as a sleek black car pulled up in front of the shrine gates. The driver stepped out, nodding politely as he opened the door for her. Her grandmother sat in the front passenger seat, her expression as calm and composed as ever.

"You look lovely, Odette," Grandma Mo said as Odette slid into the backseat. "I trust you've had a productive morning?"

Odette nodded, forcing a casual smile. "I did. Meditated, took a look around the estate... kept it peaceful."

Grandma Mo gave her a knowing look, but nodded approvingly. "Good. Today's visit is important. Seiko has... insights that might help you understand some of what's been happening."

Odette felt a flicker of nerves, but she kept her tone light. "So... what's she like?"

Grandma Mo's lips curved into a slight smile. "Seiko is one of a kind. Strong-willed, fiercely intelligent, and a bit eccentric. But she's also wise beyond measure. I trust you'll make a good impression."

They rode in comfortable silence, the streets of Kamigoe City passing by in a blur. Odette watched the world outside the window, feeling both excitement and a hint of apprehension about the meeting to come.

Odette's heart pounded with excitement as the car pulled up in front of Seiko Ayase's house. It was an older building with traditional architecture, yet somehow it felt inviting and mysterious all at once.

She stepped out, smoothing down her plaid mini skirt, and gave her grandmother a quick, reassuring smile. Grandma Mo had made it clear that this visit was important, and Odette was determined to make a good impression.

The door creaked open, and there stood Seiko Ayase herself, dressed in her signature red cardigan with a loose tank top, cigarette dangling from her lips. Her short, choppy white hair was tousled, and a pair of glasses hung around her neck. Her appearance was both casual and striking, with an intensity in her eyes that immediately caught Odette's attention.

"Well, well, look who's here," Seiko said, a slight grin on her lips. She took a slow drag on her cigarette, blowing the smoke off to the side before looking at Grandma Mo and Odette. "So, this is your granddaughter, Mo? I gotta say, she's got a spark to her."

Grandma Mo chuckled, giving Odette an encouraging nudge forward. "She certainly does. I figured it was time for her to meet someone who could give her a different perspective on what lies ahead."

Odette smiled, extending her hand. "Hi, Ms. Ayase. It's an honor to meet you."

Seiko laughed, taking her hand in a firm shake. "Please, call me Seiko. Ms. Ayase makes me feel like some stuffy old lady. Besides, Mo's told me a lot about you. I've been looking forward to this."

Odette couldn't help but stare, fascinated. "You don't look like an old lady at all!" The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Seiko laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "Well, thank you for that. I like this one, Mo. She's got spunk."

Grandma Mo, however, playfully tapped Odette's back, shaking her head. "Mind your tongue, Odette. But yes, she's quite the character."

Seiko waved off the comment, clearly amused. "Oh, let her be. I've seen enough stiff personalities in this field. A little honesty's refreshing." She took one last drag on her cigarette, then stubbed it out in an ashtray by the door. "Come on inside, Odette. Let's talk."

Odette followed Seiko into the house, glancing around as they entered a cozy sitting room filled with trinkets and old books.

The air was thick with the faint scent of incense, and soft light filtered in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the room's eclectic decor. She took a seat across from Seiko, who poured herself a glass of water and settled comfortably, studying Odette with a discerning gaze.

"So, Odette," Seiko began, her voice low and thoughtful. "Mo tells me you're learning about soul reapers and the responsibilities that come with that title. But I want to hear it from you. How do you feel about all this? About what you've been experiencing?"

Odette took a moment to gather her thoughts, realizing that Seiko's question was far more profound than it appeared. "I... I feel like I'm just starting to understand things. But it's overwhelming, to be honest. Yesterday, in the dojo, I felt something strange—like I was floating, like I was detached from myself. It was exhilarating but kind of terrifying, too."

Seiko nodded, her eyes narrowing with interest. "It sounds like you've tapped into a deeper energy. That floating sensation? It's your spirit energy beginning to separate from the physical. But it takes time to control that. If you're not careful, it can overtake you. The spirit world isn't always kind, Odette. You have to be grounded and prepared."

Odette swallowed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I think... I want to understand it all. Even before I came to Japan, I was seeing things—figures, shadows. I thought I was just imagining them, but now I realize they were spirits. Real, actual spirits."

Seiko leaned back, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "Ah, so you were seeing spirits even back in the States. That's interesting." She gave Grandma Mo a knowing glance before continuing. "Not everyone can see spirits, you know. Even those born into families like ours don't always have the gift. It's rare."

Just then, Grandma Mo's phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen, frowning. "Excuse me, Seiko. I have some shrine matters to attend to," she said, standing. She gave Odette a warm smile. "When you're ready to leave, a car will be here to pick you up. I'll see you back at home."

Odette nodded, watching her grandmother leave, then turned back to Seiko, who had been observing the exchange with a slight smirk.

"Looks like it's just the two of us," Seiko said, lighting another cigarette. "Now, I can tell you a bit more about this world you're stepping into, if you're up for it."

Odette leaned forward, her curiosity growing. "I'd love that. I feel like there's so much I don't know."

Seiko blew out a puff of smoke, her gaze thoughtful. "Becoming a soul reaper is more than just guiding spirits to the other side. It's about balance—between life and death, between worlds. Sometimes, it's not as simple as helping a spirit move on. There are spirits, yokai, and entities with intentions darker than you can imagine. And you need to be prepared for that. Tell me, have you heard of the 'Turbo Granny'?"

Odette's eyes widened. "Actually, yes. I read about her online last night. But it was mostly rumors and legends."

Seiko chuckled, a dark gleam in her eye. "Well, you're not entirely wrong. Turbo Granny is more than just a myth. She's a yokai with a twisted past. A long time ago, there was a tunnel in Shono City. A serial killer used that tunnel to commit horrible acts—targeting young, innocent girls. After their deaths, the spirits of those girls fused, forming an Earthbound Spirit Crab. Eventually, that spirit crab fused with Turbo Granny after she entered the tunnel to console it."

Odette's face grew pale. "So... she's not just a spirit. She's a fusion of something even darker?"

"Exactly," Seiko replied. "I once went to that tunnel to investigate. Word had spread about the power emanating from there, and I was curious. But the spiritual force was so intense that I couldn't even get close. Turbo Granny's spirit and the vengeful souls of those girls had combined into something beyond my power to handle alone."

Odette shivered, her imagination running wild with images of the tunnel and the darkness lurking within. "That's... terrifying," she murmured.

Seiko grinned, clearly amused by the gleam in Odette's eyes. "Don't look so thrilled, girl. It's dangerous work. But I can see the curiosity in you. You're itching to know more, aren't you?"

Odette laughed, feeling a bit flustered but unable to deny it. "Maybe a little."

Seiko chuckled, standing up and stretching. "Well, if you're going to dive into this world, you'd better be ready for surprises. Spirits are complex, and their stories are rarely straightforward. And it looks like you have the kind of energy that attracts them."

Odette shifted in her seat, considering this. "I guess I do feel drawn to it. There's just so much mystery, so much... I want to understand."

Seiko gave her a sympathetic look. "Well, lucky for you, you've got people like me and Mo around to guide you. Just remember to keep your feet on the ground and your head on straight. And don't go looking for trouble—you'll find it soon enough."

Odette chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Got it."

Seiko reached over, offering her a drink, but Odette shook her head politely. "No thanks, I'm good."

Seiko shrugged, standing up. "Suit yourself. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything. Feel free to relax."

As Seiko wandered off to the kitchen, Odette turned on the TV, flipping through channels until she landed on an old cartoon.

The bright colors and playful voices drew her in, a welcome contrast to the serious conversations of the day. She leaned back, occasionally glancing at her phone and scrolling through some music, eventually finding herself absorbed in the show.

The sun had started to set, casting an orange glow through the blinds. Odette stretched out like a cat, her muscles relaxing as the day's activities began to catch up with her. She leaned against the edge of the coffee table, feeling a pleasant weight settle over her, and her eyes began to close.

As her breathing slowed, her mind drifted through the events of the day—the strange energy in the dojo, the mystery of Turbo Granny, Seiko's piercing insights, and the comforting sense of belonging she felt in her grandmother's world.

In the quiet warmth of Seiko's home, she felt her worries melt away, and she let herself fall into a peaceful sleep, her dreams tinged with whispers from worlds beyond.

——

A door opened, causing Odette's eyes to flutter open, adjusting to the dim light in the room. She blinked, feeling disoriented, but her senses sharpened when she heard a young girl's voice nearby.

"Uh... Grandma, why is there a girl sleeping on our table?" The voice was curious, with a hint of surprise, maybe even concern.

Odette sat up, brushing her hair back and looking around to find herself face-to-face with a girl about her age. She wore her dark hair in a loose ponytail, and her expression was a mix of caution and curiosity.

Odette realized immediately who she was—the girl Seiko had mentioned, her granddaughter, Momo Ayase.

Odette gave a small, embarrassed smile, pushing herself up from her relaxed position and brushing off her skirt. "Uh, hi. Sorry, I didn't mean to just... fall asleep here."

Momo tilted her head, studying Odette with a raised brow, but before she could say anything else, Seiko appeared in the doorway, grinning like she'd expected this meeting to be just as surprising as it was. She crossed her arms, nodding at the two girls with an amused look.

"Well, Momo," Seiko said, stepping into the room, "meet Odette. She's Mo's granddaughter, the one I told you about. Looks like you two finally get to meet."

Momo blinked, looking between her grandmother and Odette before offering a warm smile. "Oh! Nice to meet you, Odette." She extended a hand, giving a polite nod. "Sorry if I startled you just now."

Odette shook her hand, feeling her nerves start to settle as she returned Momo's smile. "No worries. I must've just... dozed off." She smoothed her hair and straightened her skirt, hoping she didn't look too disheveled. "Nice to meet you too, Momo. I've heard a little about you from Seiko."

Momo's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh, really?" She took a step back, looking Odette up and down, her expression softening. "By the way, I love your outfit. The plaid skirt is super cute, and your hair? That red really suits you."

Odette felt a surge of pride and a hint of warmth in her cheeks. "Thank you! I, uh... wasn't sure if it was too much." She gave a small, self-conscious laugh. "You have great style, too. I like your hair—it's really pretty."

Seiko grinned, clearly pleased with the interaction. "See? I knew you two would get along. Odette, Momo's got her own quirks with spirits and such, so you two might find you have more in common than you think." She gave Momo a playful nudge. "Show her the ropes, huh?"

Momo chuckled, crossing her arms. "Well, as long as she doesn't freak out too easily, I think we'll be fine."

Odette's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, I can handle it," she replied with a grin, feeling her curiosity and eagerness bubble up again.

Odette watched as Seiko left the room, then turned to Momo, who was studying her with a curious smile. "So," Momo said, crossing her arms, "looks like you're diving into the deep end, huh?"

Odette laughed, nodding. "I guess so. I've always been drawn to this kind of stuff, even back in the States. But now... it feels real, you know? Like I'm meant to be here."

Momo nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I get that. Sometimes I feel the same way. Spirits, yokai... it's like they're part of a world we're supposed to connect with." She paused, glancing toward the kitchen, where they could hear Seiko rummaging around. "And trust me, if my grandma likes you, then you're probably on the right path."

Odette felt a sense of warmth and pride at Momo's words, and they shared a smile before settling back into the comfortable silence of the room. Odette flipped on the TV again, absentmindedly surfing channels until she landed on a cartoon that looked interesting.

She settled in, enjoying the lighthearted distraction, occasionally glancing at her phone and tapping along to the beat of a song playing softly through her headphones. The room was bathed in the warm orange glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows that danced across the floor.

As the day's activities caught up with her, Odette stretched out like a cat, sinking deeper into the plush cushions of the couch. She felt a peaceful heaviness settle over her, her eyelids growing heavier as the comforting hum of the TV lulled her into a calm, contented state.