⇲ 𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄    〉 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 !
XXXX.      ✿      CIRCA JUNE 2012.
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐄'𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐄𝐌
SAILORR.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The early morning sun cast its soft glow over the quiet streets, the faint chirping of birds providing a peaceful backdrop. It was an almost cruel contrast to the chaotic events of the night before.

The trio—Odette, Momo, and Okarun—stumbled along the path toward Momo's home, each carrying the weight of exhaustion and adrenaline still pumping through their veins.

Odette sighed heavily, adjusting the strap of her teal handbag as she glanced at her reflection in a nearby window. Her hair was a frizzy mess from the humidity, her face barely holding onto the remnants of makeup.

She tugged her oversized checkered sweater tighter around her shoulders, trying to fend off the slight morning chill.

"Seriously, Dot! What exactly are those cool powers of yours?" Momo asked, her voice cutting through the silence. She grinned at Odette, clearly impressed despite her own bedraggled state.

Odette raised an eyebrow at the nickname. "Dot? That's new."

"Well, it suits you," Momo replied, shrugging as she adjusted her bag. "But seriously, I need to know. The scythe, the cloak, that whole badass Grim Reaper thing? Where did that come from?"

Odette smirked, though her exhaustion dulled the usual sharpness of her expression. "It's... complicated. My grandmother says it's part of some ancient family thing, but I'm still figuring it out. Last night was the first time I've even tapped into it that deeply."

"Ancient family thing? That sounds so cool!" Okarun piped up, his voice filled with genuine awe. He winced slightly as he walked, his body still sore from Turbo Granny's possession. "You looked like a literal goddess of death back there."

"Yeah, well, being a goddess of death comes with a side of exhaustion and a headache," Odette replied dryly, though she couldn't help but smile at the compliment. "But thanks, Kenny."

"Do not call me Kenny," he muttered, his face turning red.

As they approached Momo's home, the first thing that caught Odette's eye was the tall torii gate framing the entrance. Its deep grey beams gleamed in the morning sun, exuding an ancient, almost mystical energy.

Ken hesitated as they reached the gate, his expression uneasy. "Um... I don't think I should—"

Before he could finish, his body erupted into flames the moment he stepped through the gate. "AHHH!" he screamed, flailing as the fire consumed his form.

Odette shrieked, stumbling backward and clutching her chest. "What the actual hell?!"

Momo's eyes widened, but her reaction was immediate. She raised her hand, psychic energy swirling around her fingers, and hurled Ken into the nearby river. He landed with a loud splash, steam rising as the water doused the flames.

Momo crossed her arms and sighed. "It's the talisman on the gate. Grandma must've put it up to ward off evil spirits."

Odette stared at her in disbelief. "And you're just now telling us this?"

Momo shrugged. "I forgot!"

Ken resurfaced, sputtering. His hair, once neat and flat, now resembled an old lady's perm, puffed out into an unruly Afro. He stumbled back to shore, drenched and glaring.

Momo burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. "Oh my god, Okarun! You look like you walked out of a retro disco movie!"

Odette smirked but quickly elbowed Momo in the side. "Leave him alone. He's been through enough." Turning to Ken, she held out a wide-tooth comb from her handbag. "Here. Let me fix it for you."

Ken blinked in surprise. "You... you don't have to—"

"Sit," Odette ordered, her tone gentle but firm.

Ken obeyed, sitting on a nearby bench as Odette knelt behind him. She gently worked the comb through his hair, untangling the mess with care. The rhythmic motion seemed to calm him, his tense shoulders relaxing as she worked.

——

Inside the Ayase Residence

Once inside, Momo handed Ken a fresh change of clothes, rolling her eyes as he fussed over the fit. "Stop complaining. It's either this or your burnt outfit."

Odette, now sprawled on Momo's couch, watched them bicker with mild amusement. She sipped from a glass of water, her teal handbag resting at her feet. "You two are like an old married couple."

Momo glared at her. "Don't start."

Ken, now dressed in a simple white t-shirt and gray sweatpants, sat down next to Odette with a defeated sigh. "This has been the worst day of my life."

"It's barely started," Odette pointed out with a chuckle.

Ken groaned, burying his face in his hands. "And I still don't have my... you know..."

"Your junk?" Momo offered, earning a withering glare from him.

"Not helping!" he snapped.

Momo smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Well, maybe next time don't challenge ghosts and yokai. Just a thought."

Odette chimed in, her tone teasing. "You were pretty eager to prove aliens exist. How'd that work out for you?"

Ken sighed. "Okay, fine. I made some bad decisions. But I wasn't expecting to lose... that."

Ken's expression turned somber. "I just... I didn't want to lose the chance to make friends. I thought if I talked to you, Momo, maybe I wouldn't feel so alone anymore."

Odette paused in her combing, her gaze softening. Momo, too, seemed taken aback by his vulnerability.

"You're not alone," Momo said gently. "Your problem isn't ghosts or aliens. It's that you isolate yourself. But look at us now—we're here for you, even if you're a little weird."

Ken's eyes filled with tears, but he quickly masked his emotions with a scowl. "You're such a bitch," he muttered.

Odette smacked him upside the head with the comb. "Excuse me? Don't call her that!"

The two quickly descended into a playful scuffle, with Ken attempting to dodge Odette's swats while she chased him around the room.

Momo, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but laugh. "You two look like a couple of lovebirds," she teased.

Odette froze, her cheeks flushing. "What?! No, we're not!"

Ken turned equally red. "Shut up, Ayase!"

Their bickering was interrupted by the sound of a doorbell—a deep, resonating chime that sent chills down their spines.

Momo's eyes widened. "That's not the human doorbell..."

Momo froze. The chime wasn't the one used for human visitors but the one meant for evil spirits. Her grandmother had installed the dual-bell system for this exact reason, but hearing it now sent a chill down her spine.

"It's the talisman," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Taking it down must've let something in."

Odette stood, her red hair flaring unnaturally as her hollow skull mask began to form over her face. "Stay here. I'll handle it."

"Like hell you will," Momo said, grabbing her psychic talisman. "We're in this together."

Ken nodded, though his hands trembled. "Y-yeah. Let's go."

The trio stepped outside, only to be greeted by an oppressive black mist that enveloped the backyard. Blood trickled from their noses as the air grew heavier, forcing them to cough and shield their faces.

"What is this?" Odette muttered, tightening her grip on her scythe.

A deep, guttural laugh echoed through the mist, sending a shiver down her spine. A towering figure emerged, its grotesque form casting an ominous shadow over them.

"Well, well," the creature rumbled. "You've broken your promise, little ones."

Odette stepped forward, her scythe glowing with fiery energy. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"

"I am the Flatwoods Monster," it boomed. "And I've come to claim your banana organs for my collection."

Momo stared at the creature, her jaw slack. "Banana organs? Are you serious right now?"

Ken's voice wavered. "It's... it's real. I've read about this thing."

The monster tilted its head, its glowing eyes narrowing. "Your disbelief insults me. Prepare to pay the price!"

The creature stomped, sending shockwaves through the ground that forced the trio to scatter. Odette darted to the side, using her scythe to steady herself. "Ken! Stay close to me!" she yelled, her voice cutting through the chaos.

Ken nodded, though his legs wobbled beneath him. "What do we do?!"

Momo, already forming a plan, shouted back, "It's fighting like a sumo wrestler! If we can force it to touch the ground, we can win!"

Odette smirked, twirling her scythe. "Then let's take this oversized alien down."

She charged, her blade slicing through the monster's leg. It let out a deafening roar but quickly regenerated, its new limb even more grotesque than the last.

Ken, partially possessed by Turbo Granny, used his newfound speed to dart around the monster, biting off one of its fingers. But the strain on his human body was too much, and he collapsed, coughing up blood.

"Ken!" Odette screamed, rushing to his side.

Momo, her psychic powers flaring, lifted a chunk of debris and hurled it at the monster. "Keep it busy! I've got an idea!"

The Flatwoods Monster roared again, swiping at Momo and sending her flying into the wall. She gritted her teeth, refusing to let go of the talisman in her hand.

"I'm not done yet," she growled, blood trickling down her forehead.

Odette and Ken worked together to weaken the monster further, their combined efforts creating a distraction long enough for Momo to slip past its defenses.

With a triumphant yell, she slammed the talisman back onto the torii gate.

The monster let out a final, agonized scream before disintegrating into ash, the black mist dissipating with it.

The trio collapsed onto the grass, their bodies battered and bruised. Momo stared at the sky, her chest heaving. "It's finally over."

The moment the Flatwoods Monster disintegrated into ash, a heavy silence fell over the area. Momo let out a shaky laugh, brushing her sweat-soaked bangs out of her face. "Finally... it's over," she muttered, her legs trembling beneath her.

Odette staggered over, leaning heavily on her scythe for support. She eyed the now clear sky above them and exhaled deeply. "If I never fight another alien again, it'll be too soon," she said with a tired smile.

Both girls turned to look at Okarun, who sat slumped on the ground, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. His hair, now completely unruly and puffed out, caught Odette's eye, and she let out a soft chuckle despite her exhaustion.

Momo noticed it too and smirked. "Okarun, you've got... quite the look going on there."

Okarun frowned, running a hand through the tangled mess. "Oh, great. First, the torii gate fries me, and now this. I look ridiculous."

"Not at all," Odette said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It's kind of... cute, in a messy, endearing way."

Momo nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Better than the Chia Pet afro from earlier."

Okarun groaned, though his face turned slightly pink at their comments. "Thanks, I guess."

Just as the tension seemed to ease, Momo suddenly staggered forward, her knees buckling beneath her. Odette rushed to her side, catching her just before she hit the ground.

"Momo!" Odette's voice was laced with panic as she gently lowered her friend to the grass. Momo's face was pale, her breaths shallow and ragged.

"I'm fine," Momo murmured weakly, her eyes fluttering closed. "Just... tired. Holding the curse down... took everything I had."

Odette nodded, her jaw tightening as she adjusted Momo's position to make her more comfortable. But as her focus shifted back to Okarun, her heart dropped.

A low, guttural growl rumbled from Okarun's chest, his body trembling violently. He clutched his head, his fingers digging into his scalp as if trying to fight off an unseen force.

"No..." Odette whispered, a wave of dread washing over her. She watched in horror as his body began to contort, his limbs twisting unnaturally. His hair flared up once again, turning stark white, and dark vertical stripes appeared across his eyes. The jaw mask returned, sharp teeth glinting menacingly.

"Okarun?" she called hesitantly, her voice trembling.

His head snapped up, his glowing eyes locking onto hers. The malice in his gaze sent a chill down her spine. Turbo Granny's curse had fully taken hold.

Odette's breath quickened, her chest rising and falling as anxiety gripped her. Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her scythe, and she stumbled backward, her mind racing. What do I do? The memory of Okarun's transformation the night before flashed through her mind, and for a brief moment, fear paralyzed her.

But then Momo's grandmother's words came back to her. "Your powers are connected to your emotions, Odette. If you panic, they will overwhelm you. Calm your mind, and you'll find control."

She closed her eyes for a split second, forcing herself to take deep, measured breaths. When she opened them again, the fear was still there, but it was tempered by determination.

"I'm not losing you to this thing," she muttered under her breath, leveling her scythe in front of her as Okarun—no, Turbo Granny—lunged toward her.

Odette sidestepped just in time, her scythe slicing through the air with precision. "Come on, Kenny. I know you're still in there," she said, her voice steady despite the panic bubbling beneath the surface. "Don't let this thing win!"

Turbo Granny let out a guttural laugh, Okarun's distorted voice echoing ominously. "You think he can hear you? He's mine now."

Odette gritted her teeth, her grip tightening on her weapon. "We'll see about that."

The battle was chaotic. Turbo Granny's speed was overwhelming, but Odette's training and instincts kicked in, allowing her to keep up. She dodged his attacks with precision, her scythe clashing against his sharp claws. Each time she blocked or countered, her confidence grew, her fear slowly melting away.

But it wasn't enough. Turbo Granny was relentless, and Odette knew she couldn't keep this up forever. Her muscles ached, her breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"Momo," she whispered, glancing at her unconscious friend. "I could really use your help right now."

Turbo Granny took advantage of her distraction, knocking the scythe out of her hands and pinning her against a nearby wall. Odette gasped, her eyes widening as the yokai's glowing gaze bore into hers.

"This body is mine," Turbo Granny hissed, her voice a sinister mix of Okarun's and her own. "And soon, so will yours."

Odette's pulse pounded in her ears as she struggled against his grip. But even as fear threatened to consume her, she refused to give in. She closed her eyes, focusing on the flicker of energy deep within her.

"Calm your mind, Odette," she whispered to herself. "You've got this."

The hollow mask began to form over her face once again, and a surge of power coursed through her veins. Her scythe, which had been lying several feet away, flew back into her hands as if drawn by an invisible force.

Turbo Granny's grip faltered as Odette's aura flared, the fiery red and black energy forcing him to stagger back. Odette seized the opportunity, slamming the butt of her scythe into his chest and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Turbo Granny lunged for Momo, claws extended, but Odette was ready. With a burst of speed, she placed herself between them, swinging her scythe in a wide arc that forced the yokai to retreat. "You're not touching her," Odette growled, her voice low and firm.

Turbo Granny hissed, circling her like a predator toying with its prey. Odette held her ground, her breaths measured as she tried to conserve her energy. She couldn't afford to falter now—not with Momo unconscious and Okarun lost to the curse.

But just as Turbo Granny leapt forward again, a loud crack echoed through the air. Something whizzed past Odette's ear and struck the yokai square in the chest. Flames erupted instantly, consuming Turbo Granny in a bright blaze. The spirit shrieked, its form writhing as the fire engulfed it.

Odette turned, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw Momo's grandmother standing at the edge of the clearing. In her hand was a brick, a nail embedded in its center with a circle of warding symbols drawn around it.

"Looks like I got here just in time," Seiko said, her voice calm but commanding. She approached with steady steps, her presence radiating authority.

"You kids really know how to find trouble."