⇲   𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘,
𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 〉 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍  !
XXXX. ✿ CIRCA JUNE 2012.
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠     𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐉𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐄
MARIAH THE SCIENTIST.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

The soft hum of music flowed between the shared earphones, creating a private bubble for Odette and Okarun as they sat together in the quiet warmth of Seiko's Shrine.

The playlist Odette had meticulously crafted set the mood perfectly—soft, melodic tunes punctuated by the occasional upbeat rhythm. Outside, the night sky stretched endlessly, glittering with stars that seemed brighter in the stillness.

"This one's my favorite," Odette murmured, her voice barely audible over the music. She tilted her phone toward Okarun, showing him the track name. Her hair brushed against his shoulder as she leaned closer, and he glanced down at the glowing screen, his face softening into a small smile.

"It's nice," he replied simply, his eyes drifting back up to the stars visible through the Shrine's open window. "It kinda feels like it fits this moment."

Odette smiled, pleased that he understood the vibe she was going for. She rested her head lightly on his shoulder, the weight of the day melting away in the silence they shared. Their proximity felt natural, comforting even, as though this was the space they were meant to occupy.

The faint scent of her perfume wafted up to him, and for a brief second, Okarun felt a pang of nervousness—but he quickly suppressed it. He didn't want to ruin this moment.

"I like this one, too," Odette added, tapping on the next song in the playlist. The sound changed, a slightly livelier tune playing now, and her foot tapped along to the beat. She tilted her head up to look at him, noticing his soft expression illuminated by the faint light of her phone. "You're awfully quiet."

Okarun chuckled softly, turning his head to meet her gaze. "I'm just... thinking, I guess."

Oh, about what?" she asked, nudging him gently with her elbow.

He hesitated, his cheeks flushing faintly. "Just... how crazy this all is. You know, aliens, Turbo Granny, curses. And then... this."

Odette arched a brow, sitting up slightly to look at him more closely. "This?"

He gestured vaguely between them. "I mean, I never thought I'd be sitting here, listening to music with someone like you. It's kinda... surreal."

She laughed lightly, her voice soft but warm. "Well, when you put it like that, it does sound a little wild. But hey, I guess we're stuck with each other now. Might as well make the most of it."

"Yeah," he murmured, his gaze dropping to his lap for a moment before flicking back up to her. "I'm glad it's you, though."

--

Odette stirred awake, her senses coming to life one by one. The soft hum of the television was the first thing she noticed, its gentle flickering light illuminating the living room. She stretched under the warmth of the oversized blanket covering her body, her limbs achy but comforted by the plush couch beneath her.

The faint smell of smoke tickled her nose, and her eyelashes fluttered open just in time to catch the sight of Seiko seated in a chair nearby, a cigarette lazily hanging from her lips.

"Morning, sleeping beauty," Seiko greeted with a half-smile, her eyes flicking between Odette and the muted news report on the TV. Her voice was raspy yet warm, the kind of tone that made you feel welcome, even if her words could cut you down in an instant.

Odette groaned softly, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "What time is it?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

"Early enough. You looked like you needed the rest," Seiko replied, taking a drag from her cigarette. She blew out a thin stream of smoke, the curls dissipating into the air as she spoke again. "Your grandmother, Mo, wants to hear from you. Says you owe her a call. Something about 'feeling the chaos in her spirit' or whatever that woman says when she's worked up."

Odette winced slightly at the mention of her grandmother. She could already imagine the barrage of questions she'd have to answer. Grandma Mo always had a knack for sensing when things went sideways, and after last night's events, Odette figured her radar had to be off the charts.

"Yeah, I'll call her," Odette said, her voice steady but her mind still groggy. She stretched again, her hair falling into a messy cascade over her face. She reached up to smooth it out but stopped short when Seiko's sharp laugh broke the quiet.

The blanket pooled around her waist as she rubbed her face, trying to shake off the haze of sleep. "How did I even end up back here? Last thing I remember, I was out cold in the shrine with Okarun."

Seiko chuckled, a smug grin spreading across her face. "Let's just say you two were looking a little too cozy out there. Thought I'd save you from waking up sore and uncomfortable on the floor. So, I carried you back inside. You're welcome."

Odette's face heated at Seiko's insinuation, and she quickly looked away, tugging the blanket higher over her lap. "You didn't have to make it sound weird," she muttered, but Seiko's chuckling only grew louder.

"Oh, come on. I know young love when I see it," Seiko teased, taking another drag from her cigarette. "You can deny it all you want, but you've got that glow. Just don't get into trouble under my roof, or I'll call Grandma Mo myself."

At the mention of her grandmother, Odette straightened, her brows knitting together.

"Alright, alright. I get it," she said, swinging her legs over the side of the couch. Her bare feet touched the cool floor, and she winced slightly.

"You might wanna freshen up first," Seiko added, eyeing Odette's rumpled state. "Momo's upstairs. She'll probably lend you something to wear. You're not about to walk around in that torn-up dress all day."

Odette glanced down at the blue dress she'd worn last night. It was wrinkled and still dusty. "Good point," she said, rising to her feet. Her muscles ached as she moved, a reminder of just how much she'd pushed herself. "Thanks, Seiko. For everything."

Seiko waved her off, her attention shifting back to the TV. "Don't mention it. Just keep your head on straight, kid."

Odette headed to the bathroom, taking a few minutes to wash her face and fix her hair. She tied her curls into a loose bun and smoothed out her edges with water, giving herself a semblance of order. She didn't bother with a full face of makeup, opting for a simple layer of gloss on her lips and a touch of mascara to brighten her tired eyes.

When she emerged, Momo was waiting with a bundle of clothes. "Here," Momo said, handing over an oversized gray hoodie and a pair of form-fitting black shorts. "It's all I could find for now. Should be comfy enough."

Odette took the clothes gratefully, her eyes flicking to Momo's face. "Thanks, girl. How are you holding up?"

Momo shrugged, a tired but determined look in her eyes. "I've been better, but I'll survive. We've got bigger things to deal with, right?"

Odette nodded, her expression softening. She quickly changed into the borrowed outfit, the hoodie swallowing her frame while the shorts hugged her thighs snugly.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, noticing the faint stretch marks on her legs and the way the shorts rode up slightly. She tugged the hoodie down to cover more of herself before heading back downstairs.

Seiko was still in the living room, her cigarette now replaced with a steaming cup of tea. She raised a brow at Odette's new outfit but didn't comment, instead nodding toward the phone. "Don't keep your grandmother waiting."

Odette sat back down on the couch, grabbing her phone and dialing Grandma Mo's number. As the call connected, she braced herself for the inevitable barrage of questions.

"Odette, baby! I've been worried sick. What's going on over there?" Grandma Mo's voice came through loud and clear, equal parts concerned and demanding.

"Hey, Grandma," Odette said, her tone softening. "It's a long story, but I'm okay. I promise. I'll tell you everything when I get back."

"You better," Grandma Mo said firmly. "And you better not be getting yourself into trouble. I know you, girl. You're like a magnet for chaos."

Odette laughed lightly, a hint of affection in her voice. "I'll be careful. I've got good people around me."

Odette ended the call with her grandmother, tucking her phone into the pocket of her oversized hoodie. She slipped on her low-top black and white Nike sneakers, the sleek design complementing her comfortable yet stylish outfit. As she adjusted the fit, Momo stepped closer, gently brushing a few wild strands of Odette's hair back into place. The small gesture caught Odette off guard, but she allowed it, her lips quirking into a soft smile.

"You've got a good sense of style, you know that?" Momo said casually, smoothing down the edges of Dot's hair. "Even after everything, you still manage to look put together."

"Thanks," Odette replied, giving Momo a playful nudge. "Gotta keep up appearances, right?"

Their moment of quiet camaraderie was abruptly interrupted by a loud, high-pitched voice echoing from outside the house. "Miss Ayase!" Okarun's panicked tone sliced through the calm morning air, sending both girls into alert mode.

"What now?" Momo muttered, her eyes narrowing as she grabbed Odette's arm and tugged her toward the door.

Seiko was already outside, standing at the edge of the porch with an annoyed expression. Her hair was wrapped up, and an eye mask was pushed up onto her forehead, clearly indicating she'd been attempting to get some beauty rest. She exhaled sharply, one hand on her hip as she stared down the source of the commotion. "What's with all the noise? Can't a woman get five minutes of peace around here?"

Odette and Momo hurried out to the shrine, finding Okarun in a bizarre state. He was running in place, his face red and his entire body trembling as though he was desperately trying to hold something back.

His panicked eyes darted between them, and his voice was strained as he shouted again. "Miss Ayase! Help! I need to—oh no—oh, please help!"

Odette blinked in confusion. "What... what's happening?" she asked, her concern mixing with amusement at the sheer absurdity of the situation.

Momo sighed, crossing her arms. "What do you think? He needs to use the bathroom."

Seiko's unimpressed gaze shifted to Okarun. "So go," she said bluntly, waving her hand in dismissal. "What's stopping you?"

"I can't!" Okarun whined, his legs still pumping uselessly in place. "Momo has to suppress the curse! I can't—oh no, this is so embarrassing! I can't just... do it out here in front of everyone!"

Odette's brows shot up, and she exchanged a glance with Momo, who looked equally exasperated. "It's gotta be painful holding it in like that," Odette said, trying to suppress a laugh. "I mean, this is... wow. You've got my sympathy, Kenny."

"Don't call me that right now!" Okarun snapped, his voice breaking with desperation.

Momo groaned, rubbing her temples. "This is ridiculous. I didn't sign up to watch this idiot try to take a piss."

"Well, you're the one who has to stick to him like glue," Seiko pointed out with a dry chuckle. "He's your responsibility, remember?"

"Grandma, this isn't funny!" Momo shot back, glaring at her. "What am I supposed to do? Stand there while he... ugh, no way."

Okarun groaned, his face scrunching up. "Can we not talk about this like I'm not standing right here?"

Odette couldn't help but laugh at the awkward tension. "Okay, seriously, we need a plan because this isn't sustainable. He looks like he's about to explode."

Seiko raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the chaos more than she should. "Momo, why don't you explain how your psychokinesis works? Maybe we can figure something out."

Momo hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. "It's... it's about latching onto auras," she admitted reluctantly. "I can see the curse around him. When I focus on it, I can keep it under control. But... I don't know. I was stronger when I first started using my powers. It's like they've weakened somehow."

Seiko considered this, her expression turning thoughtful. "You're relying too much on sight," she said finally. "Close your eyes. Use your other senses—touch, and sound. Your hands should feel the energy, not just your eyes."

Momo looked skeptical but nodded. "Alright, I'll try."

Odette stepped back as Momo closed her eyes, her hands lifting slightly as she reached out toward Okarun. Her fingers trembled, her brow furrowing in concentration as she tried to connect with the curse's aura. For a moment, the tension in the air seemed to ease, and Okarun let out a shaky breath, his frantic movements slowing.

But just as quickly, the balance shifted. Turbo Granny's curse surged, the energy crackling like static electricity. Okarun froze, his entire body stiffening as a chilling laugh echoed through the shrine. The familiar voice of the curse sent shivers down everyone's spines.

"Oh, come on!" Momo yelled, her eyes snapping open as she tried to regain control. "Why does this keep happening?!"

Okarun's form began to twist and distort, the curse threatening to fully take over. Odette stepped forward instinctively, her fists clenched. "We've got to stop this before it gets worse."

Seiko sighed, her casual demeanor vanishing as she took a step toward them. "Alright, enough playing around. Let's get this under control before he starts wrecking my shrine."

Unable to wait for whatever plan Seiko and Momo were concocting, Okarun dashed toward the bathroom, desperation etched across his face. "I can't take it anymore!" he cried, his legs moving like a blur as he bolted through the house.

"Get back here, you idiot!" Momo shouted, running after him, her grandmother Seiko not far behind with an irritated scowl.

"Stop running! You're going to make it worse, you moron!" Seiko yelled, one hand holding her hair up as if the sheer absurdity of the situation was giving her a headache.

Left outside the shrine with a bewildered expression, Odette stood with her hands firmly on her hips. She let out a long, exasperated sigh, muttering under her breath, "I can't believe this is what my life has come to... babysitting a dude who's about to blow up a bathroom."

Her feet dragged as she reluctantly made her way back into the house, the faint sound of yelling and hurried footsteps echoing in the background. She could already tell this ordeal was going to be burned into her memory as one of the most ridiculous things she'd ever experienced.

——

Inside the bathroom, Momo stood at the door with a conflicted expression, keeping it ajar so she could suppress the curse without actually watching Okarun. Seiko stood a few feet away, her arms crossed as she assessed the situation with a bemused smirk.

"This is humiliating," Okarun whimpered from inside, his voice muffled by the tiled walls. He crouched near the toilet, his face buried in his hands to avoid looking at Momo or Seiko.

"You alright there, Kenny?" Odette's teasing voice cut through the tension as she peeked her head around the doorframe.

Okarun groaned loudly. "No, I'm not alright! This is the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to me!"

Momo pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to maintain her focus. "Can you please not make this worse, Odette?"

Odette sighed, scrolling lazily on her phone. "This feels like babysitting a misbehaving kid. Except the kid's cursed, and we're all paying for it."

Okarun muttered under his breath, his head hanging low. "I had such high hopes for all this... I thought I'd experience things I never imagined like getting abducted by aliens. But no. Instead, I'm stuck in a bathroom with two girls watching over me."

Seiko chuckled from her spot near the door. "Well, it ain't aliens, but it's a story you'll remember."

As Momo worked to suppress the curse, her grandmother took a moment to observe her closely. "You're doing better than I expected," Seiko said, her tone surprisingly soft. "But you're still only scratching the surface of your powers. There's a lot more you can do—if you put in the effort."

Momo glanced over her shoulder, her expression skeptical. "Like what? I can barely keep him under control as it is."

Seiko gestured toward Odette, who was leaning against the wall, still scrolling through her phone. "Your friend over there didn't get this far by slacking off. Powers like yours take discipline. Training. You need to dig deep, just like she's been doing."

Odette looked up, startled by the sudden attention. "Hey, don't drag me into this," she said, holding up her hands defensively. "I've had enough training sessions to last a lifetime."

Momo let out a frustrated sigh, but before she could respond, Odette stiffened, a sudden wave of heat washing over her. Her hand shot to her forehead as she stumbled slightly, her breathing quickening.

"Odette? Are you okay?" Momo asked, concern flashing across her face. She reached out to steady her friend, her hand gently resting on Odette's shoulder.

Odette's voice came out shaky. "Is it just me, or is it getting really hot in here?"

It was intense like someone had set a bonfire directly beneath her skin. Her head spun, and her vision blurred for a moment. She reached out, steadying herself against the wall.

"You okay?" Momo asked, stepping closer, her hand gently resting on Odette's shoulder.

"I don't know," Odette mumbled, her voice weak. "It's like... I'm burning up. Are you feeling this, too?"

Momo opened her mouth to respond but froze, her eyes widening in horror. "Grandma! It's like she's frozen!"

Okarun's body had gone rigid, and his head slowly lifted, his expression eerily calm yet terrifyingly empty. A sinister laugh echoed through the room, chilling everyone to the bone.

Turbo Granny was back.

The room seemed to freeze in time as Turbo Granny spoke through Okarun's voice. "Such a feisty little group," she sneered, her tone dripping with malice. "You think you can suppress me? Do you think you can defeat me? How amusing."

"Get out of him!" Momo snapped, her voice trembling with both anger and fear.

Turbo Granny ignored her, her glowing eyes locking onto Momo. "If you want to play this game, little psychic, meet me in the tunnel tonight. Or..." Her smile widened, teeth bared in a menacing grin. "I'll start killing indiscriminately. Your friends, your family, anyone he lays eyes on. Starting with you."

Momo's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Fine. I'll be there."

Odette, who had been leaning heavily against the wall, suddenly found herself enveloped in a strange black-and-purple aura. It shimmered like smoke, curling protectively around her body. The oppressive heat she'd felt moments ago eased, replaced by a cool, soothing sensation.

Turbo Granny's gaze shifted to Odette, her expression flickering with brief uncertainty. "Ah, the Reaper spirit," she murmured, her tone lower but no less sinister. "Protecting its host, I see. But for how long?"

The aura surrounding Odette pulsed, radiating an almost tangible warning. Turbo Granny recoiled slightly, her sneer replaced by a calculating glare. "Very well," she said. "Tonight, then."

With that, the oppressive energy in the room vanished, and Okarun collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. Seiko, who had been frozen in place, finally moved, her sharp gaze assessing the aftermath. She took note of the burnt talisman on the wall, her bloodied nose, and the faint scorch marks left behind by the curse's energy.

"What the hell just happened?" she muttered, her voice uncharacteristically shaken.

Momo rushed to Okarun's side, her hands trembling as she checked him over. "Are you okay?"

He nodded weakly, his voice barely audible. "I'm... fine."

——

The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery glow over the quiet town. Crickets buzzed in the background, filling the night air with an eerie symphony. The trio stood in Seiko's front yard, each of them feeling the weight of what lay ahead. Turbo Granny had pushed them to the brink before, but tonight was different. Tonight, they were determined to confront the spirit and end the curse once and for all.

Seiko stepped outside with purpose, carrying a bundle of garments in her arms. Her cigarette hung loosely from her lips, the ember glowing faintly as she spoke. "These are special garments," she began, holding them up for Momo and Okarun to see. "They'll shield you from the worst of the evil spirits' energy. But only if you wear them properly and don't let your guard down."

She handed the robes to Momo and Okarun, eyeing them with a stern expression. "If you get careless, you'll die. Plain and simple."

Momo held up the garment, inspecting it with mild skepticism. "I mean, we've already taken down aliens, Grandma. I think we've got this."

Seiko's eyes narrowed, unimpressed. "There's no such thing as aliens. Stop horsing around and focus."

Odette watched the exchange silently until Seiko turned her attention to her. "As for you," Seiko said, holding out two talismans, "you've got that Reaper spirit on your side. It seems to know how to shield you from most threats, but you're still human. Keep these with you for extra protection."

Odette accepted the talismans with a small nod. "Thanks, Grandma Seiko."

Seiko looked her over for a moment, then muttered something under her breath before jogging back into the house. When she returned, she held a ceremonial crown in her hands.

Without a word, she carefully placed it on Odette's head, her hands moving delicately to avoid tangling Odette's freshly combed and flat-ironed hair.

"What's this for?" Odette asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"I'd meant to give it to Momo originally, she almost threw it in the trash," Seiko said, almost absentmindedly. Momo huffed, muttering something along the lines of the crown being too heavy on her head.

"But something tells me it suits you better. Wear it with care."

Okarun and Momo immediately broke into teasing grins. "Wow, Dot," Momo said, stifling a laugh. "You look like a princess who just rolled out of bed."

"A pretty one, though," Okarun added, his cheeks flushing slightly as he spoke.

Odette rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "You two are ridiculous."

Seiko stepped closer to Momo, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her usually sharp demeanor softened as she whispered, "Come back safely, kiddo." Then, stepping back, she clasped her hands together and murmured a quiet prayer to the gods, her eyes briefly flicking toward Odette and Okarun as well. "All of you."

The train ride to the tunnel was quiet but tense. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels was the only sound for a while, save for the occasional announcements. Momo sat with her arms crossed, her face set in a determined scowl. "That old hag's gonna pay for hurting Grandma," she muttered under her breath. "I swear it."

Okarun, on the other hand, was hunched over, his face buried in his hands. His embarrassment was palpable, especially with the ceremonial garment he wore. "Why do we have to wear this stuff in public?" he mumbled, his voice muffled.

Momo rolled her eyes. "Because it's too far to bike, and I don't want you using up all your stamina before we even get there."

Odette reached over and gently pried Okarun's hands away from his face. "There we go," she said with a soft smile. "Don't be shy. You look pretty good in this."

Okarun squirmed under her gaze, his cheeks turning pink. "Please stop teasing me, Dot. This is already humiliating enough."

Momo snorted. "He's not wrong. We do look kind of ridiculous." She gestured to herself, now dressed in her usual clothes. "That's why I changed."

Odette shrugged, adjusting the crown Seiko had placed on her head. "Well, I think we look fine. Besides, we've got bigger things to worry about than how we look."

The train screeched to a halt, and the trio stepped off onto the platform. The tunnel loomed in the distance, its dark mouth like a void against the night sky. As they approached, an eerie stillness settled over the area. Even the crickets seemed to have gone silent.

Standing at the entrance, Momo glanced at Okarun, her bravado faltering slightly. "Okay, Okarun, you first."

"What? No way!" Okarun replied, shaking his head.

Momo let out an exaggerated whimper, clutching at her face. "But I'm scared! I might cry!"

Odette rolled her eyes at their antics. "Oh, for crying out loud," she muttered before stepping forward. "I'll go first."

The other two stared at her in surprise as she strode confidently into the tunnel. Okarun quickly followed, his steps hesitant but determined. Momo, after a moment of hesitation, brought up the rear.

The air inside the tunnel was heavy, the darkness oppressive. Every sound seemed amplified—their footsteps, their breathing, even the faint rustle of the garments they wore. Odette tightened her grip on the talismans Seiko had given her, feeling their faint warmth in her palm.

"Stay close," she said over her shoulder. "We're not splitting up."