⇲ 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘,
𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄    〉 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 !
XXXX.      ✿      CIRCA JUNE 2012.
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄
CHIEF KEEF.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The air crackled with energy, the oppressive weight of the Flatwoods Monster's presence bearing down on them. Odette could still feel the cold panic gripping her chest as the towering alien raised one of its colossal legs, preparing to slam it down on them.

She had been frozen, unable to move, fear taking root as her mind struggled to process the sheer absurdity of their situation.

"Momo, do it now!" Okarun's voice cut through the chaos, urgent and commanding. He stood just ahead, his posture tense as Momo placed her trembling hand on his head, her psychic energy flowing through him like a glowing thread. Odette barely understood what was happening, but she watched as his body began to change before her eyes.

Okarun's hair flared white, streaked with dark stripes across his face like a haunting mask. His posture hunched, claws curling at his sides, and his speed—his speed was like nothing Odette had ever seen.

One moment he was standing still, and the next, he was a blur, narrowly dodging the monster's devastating stomp and carrying Momo and Odette away in a single, fluid motion.

"Hold on!" Okarun barked, his voice deeper, rougher. He carried Momo on his back, her arms slack around his neck, while Odette clung to his chest in a bridal-style hold. 

Her heart raced as she felt the unnatural heat radiating off his transformed body, the vibrations of his velocity reverberating through her.

"You good, Dot?" he asked, his glowing eyes glancing down at her briefly as they zipped through the air. She didn't respond, too stunned by the sheer power coursing through him. Her lips parted, but no words came out, her mind fixated on the fact that the timid, awkward boy she had known only weeks ago was now harnessing a terrifyingly raw power to save them all.

The Flatwoods Monster let out a guttural roar, its massive hand swiping toward them with brutal force. Okarun twisted midair, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. The three of them landed hard, Okarun skidding to a stop with perfect control, his claws digging into the dirt for balance.

"You just saved us," Odette whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos. Okarun grunted in response, his glowing eyes narrowing as he prepared for the monster's next move. In that moment, Odette couldn't decide whether to feel terrified or awestruck.

The memory shifted, dissolving into something quieter, softer. Odette now stood in her grandmother's cozy kitchen, the warm light from the window casting a glow over the room. Grandma Mo was stirring a pot on the stove, her sharp eyes flicking up to meet Odette's as she hesitated near the doorway.

"What do you want, girl? You're hovering like you've got something to say," Grandma Mo said, her voice gruff but tinged with amusement. She wiped her hands on a towel, giving Odette her full attention.

Odette fidgeted, her fingers toying with the edge of her sleeve. "Hypothetically," she began, her tone unconvincing, "what would you do if I, um... brought a boy home?"

Grandma Mo arched a brow, her expression equal parts curious and suspicious. "A boy?" she echoed, setting the towel aside. "This about that four-eyed kid you met a few weeks ago? The one who helped trash my dojo?"

Heat surged through Odette's chest, climbing up to her cheeks. "What?! No! Absolutely not!" she stammered, waving her hands frantically. "This has nothing to do with him! Why would you even think that?"

Grandma Mo smirked knowingly, her arms crossing over her chest. "Because you're blushing like a guilty little girl," she teased, leaning against the counter. "Don't think I didn't notice how you've been talkin' about him. If that boy's an idiot, I'll kill him myself."

"He's not an idiot!" Odette shot back, then immediately clapped a hand over her mouth as she realized her mistake. Grandma Mo's smirk deepened, and Odette groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Ugh, just forget I said anything!"

--

The soft hum of a television filled the quiet space, and Odette stirred, blinking sluggishly as her senses returned. Her body felt heavy, but the faint sound of a familiar chuckle broke through the haze. A gentle shake of her leg followed, and her eyes fluttered open to see Seiko Ayase leaning over her with a mischievous smirk.

"Well, good morning, Sleeping Beauty," Seiko said, her voice light and teasing as she wiped a stray tear from Odette's cheek. "Had a good nap, did ya?"

Odette yawned and stretched, her arms reaching out as she shook off the remnants of her dream. "Yes, ma'am," she murmured, still trying to piece together what had happened before she passed out. The memory of the chaotic fight against Turbo Granny and the Flatwoods Monster hit her all at once, making her sit up quickly.

Seiko chuckled, her voice holding a teasing lilt. "Easy there, sweetheart. You took quite a fall back there—that's why you passed out. You're lucky that tough head of yours didn't crack the floor."

Odette glanced around and realized she was back on Seiko's couch, the faint scent of incense lingering in the air. Her hands went to her hair instinctively, fingers running through the strands. She froze when Seiko added, "Oh, and you might want to check a mirror. Your hair isn't red anymore."

"What?!" Odette bolted upright, running to the nearest mirror in the corner of the room. She gasped when she saw her reflection. Her once-vivid red hair had transformed into sleek black streaked with vibrant pink highlights that framed her face. "What the hell..."

Seiko leaned against the armrest of the couch, smirking. "That's what happens when you overexert yourself using powers you're not fully in control of yet. You're lucky it's just a hair change and not something worse. If you're not careful, you could lose control entirely—or worse, let the spirit of the Reaper consume you."

Odette turned back to Seiko, her expression serious. "What do you mean?"

"You've unlocked something powerful, kiddo, but power always comes with risks. Exhaustion, loss of control, permanent changes... or worse. That's why you need to meditate more and practice exercising your energy properly. You don't want the Reaper's spirit running the show."

Odette nodded slowly, her fingers brushing through her altered hair. "I get it... I guess."

Seiko waved a dismissive hand and tossed a bundle of candy bars toward her. "Here, have a snack. And if you're looking for that boy—what's his name? Dork with the glasses?—he's in the shrine. Go check on your lover boy before you start meditating again."

"L-lover boy?!" Odette stammered, heat rushing to her cheeks. "He's not my—he's just—"

"Yeah, yeah." Seiko waved her off with a playful snarl and threw a folded teal dress in her direction. "Go change first. Your old clothes are toast. Literally. I'm not letting you walk around looking like you just survived a war. That belonged to Momo, but she couldn't fit it anymore, so it's yours now."

Odette caught the dress, examining the soft striped fabric. "Thanks, Grandma Seiko," she said with a smirk, teasingly emphasizing the title as she hugged the older woman. "I'll wear it, but I'm not calling him my lover boy."

"Sure you won't." Seiko laughed, ruffling Odette's hair.

Seiko blinked, then let out a hearty laugh, patting Odette on the back. "And 'Grandma' Seiko, huh? Fine, kid. Just don't make me regret acquiring another grandkid."

In the bathroom, Odette took a moment to compose herself. She slipped into the striped teal dress, the vintage-style brown belt cinching her waist perfectly. Her hair, styled into twin buns with the pink streaks cascading down, framed her face beautifully. With a quick touch-up of lip gloss and a check of her lashes, she was ready..

--

Rushing through the living room, Odette caught sight of Momo, now awake and chatting with her grandmother. "I'll be back!" Odette shouted as she bolted toward the shrine, snacks in hand.

Momo raised an eyebrow. "Where's she going in such a hurry?"

Seiko shrugged. "To her lover boy."

Momo nearly choked. "L-lover boy?!"

Odette ignored the banter behind her as she stepped outside, the cool night air greeting her. The stars twinkled above, the moon casting a soft glow over the Ayase residence. The shrine doors creaked as she opened them, revealing Okarun sitting cross-legged on the floor, his head resting on his hand. His hair was a mess but his expression was calm. He looked up as the doors opened, his face lighting up when he saw her.

"Dot!" he exclaimed.

"Kenny!" Odette rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. She clung to him like a koala, burying her face in his shoulder. "You're okay. You're really okay."

Okarun's cheeks turned bright red, the scent of her perfume making his head spin. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. But... uh... I can't really leave the shrine yet. If I do, the curse will take over again."

Odette pulled back slightly, examining his face. "Well, at least you're safe for now," she said softly before noticing the pink tinge in his cheeks. "And why are you blushing?"

"No reason!" he blurted out, looking anywhere but at her. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh... your hair... it changed."

"Don't remind me," Odette muttered, running a hand through the sleek black and pink strands. "Apparently, it's a side effect of using my powers. But look who's talking about changes! You literally turned into a speed demon out there."

He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "I guess we're both going through some weird stuff, huh?"

Odette smiled, leaning back against the shrine wall. "I gotta admit, though, Kenny—you looked amazing out there. The way you moved, fought that monster, carried me and Momo out of danger... I've never seen anything like it."

"You think so?" Okarun asked, his voice softening. "Even with the curse?"

"Of course." Odette playfully nudged him. "But once we get rid of that curse, it'll be impossible to see you like that again. Shame, really."

Okarun laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Well, I hope I'm still awesome without it."

"You will be," Odette said confidently, grabbing his hand and drawing circles on his palm. "We'll still need you as our guide to all things alien."

Their laughter echoed in the shrine, a much-needed reprieve from the chaos they had faced. They shared the snacks Seiko had given her, passing candy bars and donuts back and forth as they recounted the events of the night.

"You're lucky Seiko didn't kill you outright," Odette teased, tossing him a piece of chocolate. "She was seriously whooping your ass when the curse took over."

"Don't remind me," Okarun groaned. "She literally threw me in here. And... I didn't expect her to be so young. I thought grandmothers were supposed to look, you know... old."

Odette burst out laughing. "You should probably keep that observation to yourself. Seiko doesn't play around."

"Ugh..You're such a messy eater, Kenny," she said, leaning closer to wipe sauce from the corner of his lips. Her fingers lingered for a moment, her touch soft and deliberate.

Okarun froze, his breath hitching as her gaze met his. Before either of them could say a word, the shrine doors slammed open.

They were interrupted by the sound of the shrine doors creaking open again. "Okarun! Dot!" Momo's voice rang out, her tone panicked. "If that hag did something to you—"

Momo froze in the doorway, her expression shifting to disbelief as she took in the scene: Odette holding Okarun's face, wiping away what it seemed to be crumbs from the corner of his lips. Both froze, staring back at Momo like deer caught in headlights.

Her eyes narrowed as she took in their positions, Odette still leaning into Okarun's space. Her expression shifted from worry to irritation in an instant, causing the girl to shut the doors on the two.

"What the hell were you two doing?!" Momo asked, her voice rising as her face turned red.

"It's not what you think, Miss Ayase!" Okarun stammered, scrambling to his feet.

Odette, however, remained unfazed, crushing a napkin in her hand. "Momo, calm down. Are you feeling better now?"

Momo groaned, her face red with both embarrassment and frustration. "You two are alive and well, and you're already doing... stuff?!"

"Like I said," Okarun began, his voice cracking slightly, "it was nothing!"

Odette smirked, crossing her arms. "Girl, if we were gonna do anything in this sacred shrine, your grandma and mine would skin us alive."

"Ah, shut up! You two were definitely about to do something... I just know it!" Momo shouted, her voice tinged with exasperation. If she ever caught them actually mouthing each other, she swore she'd pluck every strand of her hair out in frustration.

Still, she was glad they were alive and seemingly unharmed. Maybe she was just overreacting—though she wouldn't admit it. Her relief quickly shifted to annoyance as her grandmother appeared in the doorway, a cigarette dangling from her lips.

"Since when did you start being friends with weirdos?" Seiko asked, her tone light but her smirk teasing. "I thought you hated being weird."

Odette froze mid-sentence as muffled voices came from the other side of the wooden door. She leaned closer, carefully removing one of her earrings to press her ear against the door. Ken joined her, his curiosity piqued.

Momo's voice was clear as she began explaining the situation. She revealed her psychic abilities and Ken's predicament with Turbo Granny's curse, her tone growing serious as she recounted everything. Seiko's usual nonchalance wavered slightly as she responded.

"You're playing with fire, kid. That curse is no joke, and neither is Turbo Granny," Seiko warned. Her voice was low and deliberate. "A while back, I found out that Turbo Granny merged with an earthbound spirit in that tunnel. She's not just some regular yokai anymore—she's a powerful evil spirit now.

Despite her grandmother's caution, Momo's determination was unshaken. "I don't care how strong she's gotten, Grandma. Okarun needs help, and I'm not backing down."

Seiko let out a resigned sigh, taking a long drag from her cigarette. "Fine. But you'll need a solid plan. And you better hope it works."

Just as the strategy discussion was getting underway, Seiko swung the door open with a knowing smile. Odette and Ken tumbled forward, barely catching themselves.

"Well, hello there!" Seiko greeted, clearly amused. "Finally decided to join the conversation?"

Ken scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Sorry about that. We couldn't help overhearing."

Momo rolled her eyes. "Of course you couldn't." She turned back to her grandmother. "But seriously, Okarun has no stamina."

"He has none at all," Seiko echoed dryly.

"And I have to keep control over his curse the whole time," Momo added.

Seiko gave a pointed look at Okarun, then Odette. "Then he needs to run with Momo piggy-backing him. And as for you, Odette..." She arched a brow. "I know you're on this new journey with your powers, but how exactly did you get dragged into this?"

Odette shrugged, her expression calm but amused. "Basically, I got pulled into their daredevil antics. But honestly? I like these two weirdos, so I'm in. That said..." She looked between Momo and Okarun thoughtfully. "It'll be tricky to piggy-back two people at once. We might need another solution."

Ken's ears perked up at the mention of piggy-backing. "If anyone's piggy-backing with me, it's gotta be Odette," he blurted out before realizing how it sounded.

Odette blinked, a smirk forming on her lips. "Oh, really, Kenny? That's very bold of you."

Momo groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "You're both impossible!"

Ignoring him, Seiko continued explaining. "The plan is simple. Turbo Granny's power is tied to Shono City. We'll bait her into a game of tag, forcing her out of the city limits. Once we weaken her, it'll be easier to deal with her curse."

Seiko then turned to Odette, her expression softening. "I've already let your grandmother know you're safe here. She wasn't thrilled, but she trusts me to keep an eye on you."

Odette breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Grandma Seiko."

Seiko waved her off with a chuckle. "Don't thank me yet. You're all in for a rough time."

Momo clapped her hands together, her mood brightening. "Well, at least we've got a plan. I really thought Grandma would've killed Okarun and shipped Odette off back home by now."

Odette grinned sheepishly, nudging Ken with her elbow. "We're tougher than we look, huh, Kenny?"

Ken gave her a small smile. "Yeah... thanks to you two, I guess."

Momo walked over and hugged Odette tightly. "We've got this, Dot. And don't even think about chickening out."

Ken scratched his forehead with an awkward smile. "It's too late for that now. My junk's on the line, remember!?"

Momo rolled her eyes, turning to Odette. "You staying the night, or heading back home?"

Odette stifled a yawn, stretching lazily. "I'll stay. Not ready to leave you two just yet. Plus, I should keep Kenny company until I get tired."

Momo raised a brow. "Fine, but no funny business. You can take the sofa, and I'll grab a futon for Okarun. Oh, and I'll get some refreshments." She paused, shooting them both a warning glare. "Seriously. No funny business."

Odette snickered as Ken flushed bright red. "What are you even saying, Miss Ayase?!"

As Momo darted off, Odette turned to Ken, her grin widening. "Wanna listen to some music while we wait?"

Ken nodded, his blush deepening. "Yeah... that sounds nice."

Odette pulled out her phone, scrolling through her playlist. "Anything you want to hear in particular?"

"Surprise me," he said, relaxing for the first time that evening.