Case Three: curse of the hakutaku

  Chapter Ten: mizushima village

  Morning came for Kashiwa as Orion woke up. It was Sunday morning, a free day from school. Orion stretched his arms as he kicked off the blanket and sat up in bed. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Looking at the clock on his desk, it read: 7:05 AM.

  “I’m awake too early again,” Orion muttered to himself. He got out of bed and changed into a white tee under a jacket and light blue jeans. Orion grabbed his phone from the bed stand and exited to the living room.

  His phone vibrated and he lifted his hand up to see it was from Kasumi, Satoru’s younger sister. She doesn’t usually text him because she usually calls, so Orion found it odd to see her text. Swiping his phone screen, he read the message:

  hey orion! wanna meet up? im around the area

  Orion yawned again and typed on the screen for his reply: Sure, where do you want to go?

  A response came immediately: i wanna visit kiyo! is that ok?

  Yeah that’s fine, just ring the bell when you’re here.

  Orion sat down at the settee while waiting for Kasumi’s arrival. While waiting, he turned on the TV and browsed through the channels for a short bit when the doorbell pealed. Getting out of his seat, Orion walked to the door and slipped into a pair of slippers before opening the door.

  On the outside, it was bright for being 7 AM and ushered in the middle school girl standing at the entrance. She had long brunette hair around midway her back, the same colour as Satoru, and wore a flowery dress that went down to her knees. Kasumi may be related to Satoru, but their parents divorced about two and a half years ago, and as a result they lived in separate districts.

  “Good morning, Orion!” Kasumi greeted cheerfully. She hadn’t seen Orion in months, so she certainly missed the high schooler.

  Kasumi walked forward a few steps and gave Orion a big embrace before he could walk away. But instead of turning her away. As a contrast reaction, Orion patted Kasumi on the head before giving her a slight smile. Kasumi rested her face on Orion’s chest but by now, he walked further into his place, leaving the girl standing in place before she ran after him.

  Orion went to Kiyo’s cage and unlocked the door. The parrot flew around Kasumi before perching on her left shoulder. She chirped a few times happily as Kasumi’s finger stroke her.

  “Did you miss me, Kiyo?” Kasumi giggled, rubbing the bird’s chin with one finger. Kiyo was always a good bird, from what she remembered.

  Kiyo chirped once and nuzzled Kasumi’s cheek. Kasumi petted the bird a few times before facing Orion. She thought there was something funny about Orion, but she couldn’t put a finger on it.

  “Hey Orion?” Kasumi asked sweetly, dancing lightly around Orion and as she went face-to-face with him, she stopped and placed her hands on his chest, peering up into his blue eyes. “Are you dating someone?”

  Orion looked back into Kasumi’s hazel eyes. “What? Where did you get that idea from?” Orion scratched his head with his right hand and looked baffled. “I’m not.”

  “Are you telling me the truth?” Kasumi pouted, tiptoeing against Orion’s body. She wanted to hear it straight from his mouth that he wasn’t dating anyone. “You seem different, is all.”

  “I’m telling you the truth. I’m not dating anyone,” Orion stated. He wasn’t sure what brought these questions on from Kasumi, as it wasn’t like she had romantic feelings for him.

  “Heehee!” Kasumi said, as she twirled away from Orion. “I got the answer I wanted to hear!” She felt relieved that Orion didn’t have a girlfriend, though it wasn’t as if she had feelings for him. Orion was more like a close friend she could confide in for anything. Kasumi was more afraid that if Orion got a girlfriend, he might become less available for her to confide in.

  “You’re so weird, Kasumi,” Orion commented casually. “What were you doing around here anyway?” Orion observed as the young girl twirled around the room with Kiyo perched on her shoulder. He guessed it would have to do with Satoru.

  “I was thinking of visiting Satoru…” Kasumi said as she stopped twirling. “But I’m afraid he’d just get mad at me.” A sad expression fell on Kasumi’s face as she dropped her head down. She felt like her brother never wanted to see her. “And Mom would be mad if I said I went to visit brother Satoru, so I told her I was visiting you.”

  “We can visit him together,” Orion suggested as he placed his hand on Kasumi’s shoulder. He knew Satoru was just worried about hurting Kasumi because they lived apart and didn’t want to strain her by seeing her too often.

  “Really?!” Kasumi squealed excitedly. She twirled around Orion and gave him another big hug. It made her elated that she would be able to see her brother again. And there might be a chance of meeting her father, though her mother would never approve of that.

  Orion put Kiyo back in her cage before going to the doorstep to put on his sneakers. Kasumi trailed close behind him as he locked the door. The two headed on their way to Satoru’s house, chatting about miscellaneous topics. It took about ten minutes before they arrived at Satoru’s one-story house. His father must be at work as the driveway was empty. Orion walked up to the door and pressed the bell.

  Satoru opened the door shortly after. To his surprise he saw his sister and his best friend together. Eyeing them suspiciously, Satoru stepped to the side to let the two inside. He closed the door and led the two into the living room where there was an abundance of snacks on the coffee table.

  “What brings you here, Orion?” Satoru asked warily, watching his best friend take a seat on the settee. He wasn’t sure what warranted his visit, especially when it included his own sister. He loved his sister, but he was also wary about their situation.

  Orion shrugged and used his elbow to gesture toward Kasumi, who was looking around the living room. He mouthed the words, “She wanted to visit you” to Satoru. He saw Satoru sigh before fixing his attention to Kasumi. Orion figured Satoru got his message.

  “So, what brings you over here?” Satoru asked Kasumi, his hands behind his back. He was happy to see his little sister, but he didn’t want her to get in trouble with their mother for coming out here. Their parents still disliked each other intensely even after two and a half years.

  “I just missed you, brother,” Kasumi pouted. She twirled around her brother for a bit before settling down on the settee beside Orion. It had been a while since she saw Satoru, but he hadn’t changed. His laptop was on the coffee table on a standby screen. “Can I not visit you?”

  “I didn’t say that,” Satoru said defensively. “I missed you too, dear sister.” Satoru’s face softened and a smile appeared on his face. He did miss seeing Kasumi and it was a pleasant surprise to see her come by out of the blue.

  A huge smile appeared on Kasumi’s face as Satoru said that. She was elated now and full of energy. Kasumi jumped out of the settee to land beside Satoru. “Let’s visit Mari too!”

  “We could have gotten her first since now we’d be walking back the same way…” Orion sighed. Then his phone started ringing so he checked the caller ID. It was Erika Fujioka from Tokyo Metropolitan Police. He quickly picked up: “Hello, Orion here. Yeah. Yeah. Only two? Got it. Will be there in a jiffy.”

  “What happened, Orion?” Satoru asked curiously. He peered over Orion’s phone, but the call already ended. Satoru guessed it was from the police, most likely Erika Fujioka.

  “Fujioka called about a strange new case and wants me to come along. I’m going to call Kasumi to drive us over,” Orion explained briefly before looking for Kasumi’s number and pressed the dial. He explained the situation to Kasumi and it was agreed she’d make it there in approximately at a maximum of twenty minutes.

  “Who’s this Amane?” Kasumi asked suspiciously. She noticed Orion’s face softened while he was on the phone with this ‘Amane’. Kasumi reached out for Orion’s hair and ruffled it, which to her surprise, he didn’t brush her hand aside or scold her.

  “She’s Orion’s girlfriend,” Satoru teased, stepping back from Orion in case he tried to do anything as revenge for what he said.

  “G-girlfriend?!” Kasumi squealed. “You told me you didn’t have a girlfriend, Orion! Did you lie to me???” Kasumi started pounding questions to Orion, jumping down to the settee.

  “I don’t! Don’t believe everything Satoru tells you,” Orion said exasperatedly. He leaned back on the settee with one hand over his forehead and eyes closed. Then he opened his eyes with a devious expression on his face. “Yeah well… Satoru’s got a girlfriend… and it’s Mari.”

  Kasumi’s eyes widened. She jumped up again and started getting up close to her brother. “Is that true, brother?! Are you dating Mari? But wait… Doesn’t Mari like Orion? How did this happen? You must give me all the details, brother!”

  Satoru glared at Orion, who was smirking in his seat with his arms crossed. His eyes seemed to say Payback. “No, it’s not true, sister! Don’t believe everything Orion says! Mari likes Orion!”

  “Me? Why are you—” Orion started to say when his phone vibrated. He checked his phone, and it was a text message from Mari. “Hey, look it’s your girlfriend texting me, Satoru.”

  “She’d rather be your girlfriend than mine,” Satoru replied, with a slight bitter intonation in his voice. He turned away from the other two with his arms crossed. “Hey, isn’t it almost time for Amane to get here?”

  Just as Satoru said that, Orion’s phone rang, and it was from Amane. He nodded a few times before hanging up, mumbling to himself. Rising from the settee, Orion led the others outside to where a black Mercedes-Benz SUV stood waiting with a chauffeur next to the vehicle.

  “Oh, I… didn’t realize there was going to be a crowd,” Amane said guiltily, sitting in the backseat. She looked down at her hands, which were intertwined. “Umm… I guess two people can come on back.”

  “I’ll go,” Satoru suggested. “Sis, come with me. Let’s not bother the lovebirds.” Satoru climbed into the vehicle with Kasumi following behind to the seats in the back. After the two were seated comfortably, Orion climbed into the seat beside Amane. The door closed automatically as the chauffeur returned to the driver’s seat. Orion gave an address in Tokyo to the chauffeur, and the group started moving.

  “Oh right, this is Kasumi, Satoru’s younger sister,” Orion introduced to Amane. “She was visiting today.”

  Kasumi bowed her head to Amane who looked behind her. “Hello, I’m Kasumi. I don’t actually live with Satoru since our parents are divorced.”

  “Nice to meet you, Kasumi. I’m Amane. I’m in the same class as Orion,” Amane bowed her head in return. She stole a glance over to Orion who was nodding and returned the look.

  “She seems refined,” Kasumi whispered to her brother Satoru. “I like her.” She nodded a couple of times before leaning back in her seat. She folded her hands on her lap as she sat back.

  The four chatted about loose topics as the chauffeur drove to their destination. As the time progressed, the four became silent as topics dwindled down. In silence, they rode together as Amane leaned toward Orion and rested her head on his shoulder.

  “Oooh, I see why you said she’s Orion’s girlfriend!” Kasumi whispered to Satoru. “I feel so bad for Mari…” She looked down at her hands before looking back up. “But those two looks so cute together.”

  “Traitor,” Satoru whispered. Satoru felt bad for Mari even though he had feelings for her, but he wanted happiness for Mari more than anything even if it would hurt him. Satoru sighed to himself.

  “What are you two whispering about?” Orion asked casually. He remembered he hadn’t responded to Mari’s text yet, so he took out his phone from his pocket and swiped the screen.

  Hey Orion umm are you busy?

  Orion looked baffled as he read the text. Mari seemed hesitant to message him, which was odd for him because Mari was always straightforward with her messages. He thought for a while on how to answer and eventually responded: Yeah, going to a case right now.

  Amane didn’t move her head, but she glanced down to Orion’s phone and saw the message he sent. She looked up at Orion, who merely gestured to his phone and whispered, “Don’t worry, it’s just a text.”

  The car started to slow down before it came to a full stop as they neared their destination. The chauffeur got out of the car and opened the side door. Orion climbed out first followed by Amane and then Satoru and Kasumi. The three followed Orion into an apartment complex where a police officer was waiting at the entrance.

  Orion walked up to the police officer with the others, “I’m Orion Minamoto. Erika Fujioka called me over.”

  “Got it,” the police officer said. The officer took out his walkie-talkie and spoke into it: “Minamoto is here, Fujioka.” Another voice came back through: “Let them in.” The officer nodded and opened the door for Orion and his friends. “Go up to the third floor. Apartment 3D.”

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Orion led the group up the stairs to the third floor and looked around for apartment 3D. It didn’t take long to find it as the door was open and a few officers were outside the door. Orion jogged his way to the apartment with the others doing the same behind him.

  As Orion reached the officer, he said, out of breath: “This is Orion Minamoto, reporting for Fujioka.”

  “Understood. Please come in,” the officer said as he stepped to the side and lifted the police line. The four students ducked under it and entered the apartment where Erika Fujioka was waiting with Keshiki Himura. The apartment was mostly untouched as they entered. The body was still on the floor in the living room with a mask over the body.

  “Hey Orion,” Erika greeted Orion. She had on a black suit outfit with her brown hair tied in a bun. She reached out to Orion to stop him from proceeding any further. “Hold it.”

  “Yes?” Orion said, stopping in his tracks.

  “Who is that new cutie?” Erika asked teasingly, gesturing to Kasumi. She winked at Orion.

  “This here is my younger sister Kasumi,” Satoru hurriedly pointed to her sister. He didn’t want his sister teased to be dating Orion though Orion was his best friend. Satoru was simply overprotective of his sister.

  “Cute,” Erika said casually. “Anyway, it looks as though the victim was poisoned and there’s been a small injection hole on the side of her neck. We’re currently finding out what poison. But we have another case not far from here.”

  “How far?” Orion inquired. His hand was under his chin, lost in thought. The victim could be a local or someone who drove around for their targets, depending on the answer. It would have to factor in the second case as well.

  “About ten minutes driving,” Erika answered. He noticed the pose Orion was in, his contemplative, lost in thought position. That’s what she loved about the boy. “It’s approximately the same duration if you were to take the train.”

  Alarm sounded in Orion’s head. Train. There was something there about the word train with this case. It’s possible the culprit really took the train to get to their victims. But who would be taking the train to kill? There was also a habit that most women use poison to kill their target, possibly due to their smaller figure. But there was still a real chance that it was a man behind this case. He could still be wrong; it could simply be someone driving from one location to another.

  “Earth to Orion, earth to Orion,” Erika’s voice interrupted Orion’s thoughts.

  “Huh? Oh, sorry, I was just thinking…” Orion trailed off. “I…am not sure, but I think they may have taken the train. I may be wrong, though.”

  “I’ll give the chauffeur the address when we’re ready to go,” Erika nodded. “The estimated time of death was given at 3 to 6 PM yesterday. Cause of death is poisoning,” she stated matter-of-factly.

  Orion examined the apartment, but nothing was out of the ordinary. There wasn’t anything missing from what he could tell and no monetary loss, so it wasn’t a burglary. He looked down at the corpse with the mask on it, with the observation that the victim must have suffered before dying.

  “Was there forced entry?” Orion asked, still staring down at the body. He stared at the mask. It was an odd design. There were nine eyes and six horns with a manlike face. The mask creeped Orion out just by looking at it. Then he heard a gasp coming from AMane, so he glanced over at her, who looked pale. “What’s wrong, Amane?”

  “No, no forced entry,” Erika responded before Amane could answer. “Must be someone she knew or trusted.”

  “I… The mask…” Amane said in a whisper. She was visibly shaken, hugging herself. The mask reminded her of her parents’ village.

  “What about it?” Orion asked, reaching out a hand to steady Amane. He could tell Amane was shaken up, but he did not know the reason. It was worrisome seeing Amane shaking.

  “I… know what it is,” Amane said, still pale. “It’s the hakutaku. My parents’ village worships it as the guardian spirit for herbal medicine. But… why is it here?” Suddenly Amane felt like vomiting and dashed to the bathroom.

  While waiting for Amane, Orion examined the mask further. It looked grotesque with the numerous horns and eyes on its body. He wondered what a spirit mask is doing here in a crime scene. After a few minutes, Kasumi returned looking paler than before.

  “I’m sorry…” Amane said shakily.

  “It’s alright, Amane,” Orion reassured, patting her on the back. He was worried about Amane’s health now; something must have triggered a change. Could it be that mask of the so-called hakutaku? He never even heard of something like the hakutaku. Orion glanced at Satoru who merely shrugged.

  “I’m really sorry, I’m okay,” AMane said, still with a pale complexion and started to perspire. Suddenly she remembered what the other adults had been saying around her grandparents’ deaths. They had been practically murdered by the salesman who came to the village and had their shop taken over. They were bullied and harassed daily. Amane could still hear the adults’ voices now and her legs gave way, causing her to fall to the floor until Orion caught her before she completely fell to the ground. “Ah… Orion…”

  Erika Fujioka watched the scene unfold, starting from the mask explanation. She didn’t want to suspect Orion’s friends but from what she said, it was mighty suspicious. That she recognized the culprit’s tool raised red flags. Erika approached Amane and helped her to her feet with Orion’s help.

  “Can you tell me more about that mask?” Erika asked gently, trying not to trigger a sick person. She had to know what relation she had with the culprit and the victim. Erika placed a gentle yet tight grip on Amane’s shoulder.

  Amane looked up into Erika’s dark brown eyes. She could tell it was intimidating that she started shaking slightly. “Umm… there’s not much else to say about it. My parents know more about it, but it’s basically just our guardian spirit for herbal medicine. It’s not supposed to be associated with… murder.”

  Erika stared into Amane’s unblinking eyes, lost in her own thoughts as to what role this Amane played. How did she come to this knowledge about the mask and this seemingly random village? Yet she came here with Orion, and that speaks volumes about the girl. “All right. If you get to learn more about the mask, let me know immediately via Orion.”

  Amane nodded weakly as she tried to stand on her own two feet. However, that failed, and she gripped onto Orion’s arm for balance. “I’m sorry… I’m no use right now,” Amane said with her head drooped.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Orion reassured Amane, holding her up with both his arms. Orion was surprised at how a single mask made her suddenly weak to her knees. He had to ask Satoru to look up the hakutaku when there was a chance though from the glances, but it seemed Satoru knew his request. Orion knew he could count on Satoru with the cases.

  “Anyway, let’s head to the second victim’s place. They’ll be moving the body here soon so let’s get out of their hair,” Erika announced, leading the group out of the apartment.

  The four went downstairs taking the elevator this time around because of Amane’s sudden weakness. Orion led Amane and the other two toward the parked Mercedes-Benz where the chauffeur was waiting for them, apparently already outside the car.

  “Is the lady okay???” The chauffeur asked, panicked. He was charged with watching over the Mizushima daughter when they went out despite being a chauffeur. But he always treated her like a daughter.

  “She’ll be fine,” Orion answered for Kasumi, and then gave the second address to the chauffeur, who merely nodded and went to open the side door. Satoru and Kasumi went in first to the backseats and then Amane climbed into her seat with Orion following suit. The car travelled to its second location, which was another apartment complex not unlike the first victim’s. Erika arrived in her own car shortly before the main vehicle.

  Orion and the others got out of the car and went to the entrance where Fujioka was waiting. She informed them the victim was on the second floor this time so the five of them climbed the stairs to the apartment. The door was open with police tape around the door, and forensics were already there taking photos.

  Erika showed her badge and went inside with the kids following behind. As they entered the living room, the body was lying on the floor, distorted like the previous victim. There was another mask on the corpse, this time it looked as though it was thrown on the body instead.

  Amane turned pale again as she heard the voices again. “It’s that man! He killed them! He killed Mizushima! He harassed the couple and now he tried to make a profit out of their store. He’ll never get away with it.” Amane felt sick to her stomach and clutched her abdomen as she leaned on the wall. She wasn’t sure why she was suddenly hearing voices back from her grandparents’ deaths a few years ago.

  “Amane?” Orion asked out of concern. “Are you okay?” He reached out to the pale girl with an outstretched arm. Amane hadn’t responded, so Orion walked over to her and touched her forehead. It was hot and sweaty. “Are you sick?”

  “No…” Amane said weakly. “I just…remembered what happened when my grandparents died. I think it’s this guy’s fault they died. I remembered the other adults screaming that fact.” Amane tried to stand up straight but was unsteady on her feet, so she clutched Orion’s arm.

  Orion tried to steady Amane as he walked closer to the body. The arms and legs were contorted beyond what you would imagine a human body could bend at. He held up Amane with his left arm as he gathered Erika’s attention. “Potassium Cyanide. That’s what the culprit used.”

  “Potassium cyanide, huh,” Erika pondered. “I’ll let forensics know. But knowing what they used is half the game.”

  “I know,” Orion said, grimacing. He stared at the dead body in front of him. Who would kill this man? And the other woman? There must be something tying these two victims, and Orion had to find out before more victims popped up. Wait. There was a common thread between the victims. Kasumi’s grandparents were from the village and so was the mask of this hakutaku. He turned his head to Amane. “Where is your parents’ village, Amane?”

  “Huh?” Amane looked baffled. She was starting to stand on her own feet after feeling weak for a few moments. She tilted her head to one side and thought for a moment. “My parents’…village? I’m not entirely sure. I’d have to ask them.”

  “Please,” Orion pleaded, holding up his hands in front of Amane. “We need to go there. The earlier, the better.”

  “I’ll call them right now,” Amane said. She stepped back and went to the doorway, taking out her phone. She dialled her mother’s phone number and waited for it to ring. “Yes, mom. It’s me, Amane. Um… Can you tell me where your village is? … Oh, it’s just called Mizushima Village. I’ll let Orion know. …. No, mom, he’s just a friend. …. Understood, I’ll be careful. You too, mom.”

  When Amane turned around, she found Orion standing close behind. It startled her that Amane jumped a bit and placed a hand over her chest. She walked over to the others with Orion and reported her phone call with her mother in a whisper.

  “Ah, thank you, Amane,” Orion smiled softly. “I’ll have to thank your mother one of these days.” Orion actually overheard the phone conversation and felt a tad downtrodden at being called as ‘just a friend’ though he’d never let that out because he technically really was just a friend. But Orion was just grateful they got a location to go to for the case.

  “A-a-ah,” Amane stuttered, flustered. “U-um, it’s really nothing. I’m not entirely sure why you want to go to the village.” She didn’t expect Orion to suddenly ask for her parents’ village. It was worrisome thinking her village was connected to the two murders. She was also worried about what the villagers would think of bringing police to the village albeit it was only the chief superintendent.

  “The culprit has something to do with the village,” Orion said bluntly. “I’ll be blunt; it’s because of the mask. I still have to connect more dots before I can explain myself better.” Orion put his hand on her shoulder and left it there. “But don’t worry, I don’t believe it was one of the villagers. There’s a connection though, however slight as it may be.”

  At the sudden physical contact, Amane blushed deeply and looked away from Orion out of sheer embarrassment but did not move her body from her spot. It felt nice that Orion was volunteering to comfort her on his own.

  “Are you two lovebirds done?” Erika teased, entering the scene with Satoru and Kasumi behind her. Orion had been merely thinking of how to comfort Amane. “So, did you get the village name?”

  “Yes. It’s Mizushima Village,” Orion reported, glancing at Amane, who looked abashed and then back at Erika Fujioka. “I think it’s around the Alps.”

  “It is. We will go now. I’ll travel with you guys,” Erika said with a wink. “I can sit in the backseat with Satoru and his sister.” Erika figured Orion and Amane would sit together in the car, so the rest was deductive reasoning. She decided it was best to go undercover with the kids or the villagers may panic.

  The group headed downstairs and exited the building, to which the chauffeur was already outside the car. His eyebrow rose in sight of Erika Fujioka’s approach to the car, but he nonetheless opened the door for the group. Erika climbed in first then Satoru and Kasumi while Kasumi climbed in front followed by Orion. Kasumi gave the chauffeur the instructions to drive to the Mizushima Village by the Japanese Alps.

  It took a little over two hours to get to the village where villagers were walking along for shopping or visiting neighbors. They didn’t notice an SUV approaching them when the chauffeur turned at a corner and parked the car.

  “I won’t be able to go further in. I’ll be waiting for you here, milady,” the chauffeur said to Amane as he pressed the unlock button for the side door, which opened by itself. The group descended out of the car and onto the gritty roads, and Erika closed the car door.

  “Well, let’s get going,” Erika advised, leading the group deeper into the village. Slowly the villagers noticed the group when a middle-aged woman stopped in her tracks and pointed at them.

  Is that you, little Amane?” the woman called out. She looked around in her fifties, dressed in a white blouse, black slacks and white sandals. The woman walked closer to Amane and the others. “It really is you, little Amane! Never thought I’d see you again since you were tiny.”

  Amane blushed profusely at being recognized. She didn’t recognize the woman, but they must have met when she was a little kid. “Umm… yes. Who are you?”

  “It’s me, Naomi! I knew your parents since you were tiny,” Naomi said, grabbing onto Amane’s hands and shaking them. “What brings you here?”

  “Uh…” Amane stuttered, uncertain what reason she should give. She can’t just give out that she was here investigating a murder that connected to the village. Amane turned to look at Orion, who was contemplating what to say.

  “We’re here to visit Amane’s family village,” Orion told a half-lie. It wasn’t a complete lie since they did want to visit Amane’s village. They couldn’t tell it was related to a murder case. Orion was also curious about the village where Amane’s family came from. “Who would we be able to contact to learn more about the hakutaku?”

  “Hakutaku? Our guardian spirit? What do you need about it?” the middle-aged woman Naomi inquired, a baffled expression on her face. “Wait, are you little Amane’s boyfriend?”

  “Huh?! Uh…” Orion stuttered, caught off guard by the last question. His face flushed red as he stuttered. He wasn’t prepared for that question at all. Attempting to dodge the last question, Orion said, “Oh, we just wanted to learn more about the hakutaku…”

  “The elder probably knows the most,” Naomi answered, observing the black-haired boy a bit more. He looked biracial, but he wasn’t bad for the eyes either with his dark blue jacket and light blue jeans. If she was younger, he’d be her type. “He’s in the house further down then turn right and you’ll see it.”

  “Thanks,” Orion nodded, bowing his head slightly before he turned and gestured to the rest to follow. He wanted to escape Naomi’s questions before it made him more flustered. He was still shocked by the question about being Amane’s boyfriend.

  “It’s no problem, dearies,” Naomi said endearingly. Then she turned to Amane. “Don’t wear him down too much, Amane dear.” Naomi giggled to herself before walking away from the group. She hoped she helped little Amane though she still has no clue why they would come out here to learn about their guardian spirit.

  The group made their way through the village, passing by villagers shopping where some stared at the group as they walked for being a rather large group of people in the village. Amane walked close to Orion out of fear of recognition. They finally reached the elder’s house, which was a two-storied building with a sign above the door that said, “Do not fear, do not worry” and two pillars on the sides of the house. Orion knocked on the door and a voice came out saying to enter. The group entered the house one by one and as they entered, they saw an elderly man sitting by the table with a cup of tea and a pot on the table.

  “Welcome to Mizushima Village,” the elder greeted as he turned from his seat. “And you, little one, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” The elder gestured toward Amane who fidgeted. “Don’t fret. I sense I can help you with something. What is it, my children?”

  “First off… I should introduce myself,” Erika said, stepping up to the elder. She figured she should let the elder know, even if the villagers are best left ignorant. “I am Erika Fujioka, Chief Superintendent of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. We’re here investigating a few murders in Tokyo that seem to have connections to the hakutaku. I advise you to assist us in investigating.”

  The elderly merely smiled. “Of course, of course. My name is Takao and I’m the village elder of Mizushima Village. Pray tell me how I can assist you. I hope no one in the village has committed murders.” With that, the elder Takao laughed briefly before a somber expression returned on his face.

  “Please tell us about the hakutaku,” Erika started off, taking out the two masks that were left on the bodies. “Anything will help.” She was determined to get relevant information no matter what. Clenching her fists, she hoped the village elder would volunteer information.

  “Of course,” Takao said. “Pray take a seat and I will tell you what I know.” His hands were outstretched to the table in front of him. The group took a seat by the table, with Erika sitting to the right of the elder and Orion to the left.

  “You see, hakutaku is a holy beast, a wise chimerical beast that resembles a white ox. It has nine eyes, three on its head and three on each of its sides, and six horns. Hakutaku usually lives in mountains, but only appear where the ruler of the land is a wise and virtuous leader. Ah, they can also understand our languages and know about all things in creation. Of course, they are our guardian spirits for herbal medicine.”

  “Interesting…” Erika pondered curiously. Her hand was under her chin as she was lost in thought. It certainly resembled the masks with that description. But it doesn’t key in on who the culprit was.

  “Fujioka,” Orion interrupted Erika’s thoughts. “I didn’t get the victims’ names. Ask him about them.” He had his elbows on the table, leaning forward to Erika. Orion had a feeling the victims were also connected to the village in some form.

  “Ah yes, Takao. Please tell me if you’ve heard of or seen two people: Akiko Yamamoto and Takeshi Sato. Anything will help.”

  The elder Takao’s face turned pale at the mention of the two names. It was obvious they were connected to the village. “I…” Takao started to say before words failed to come out of his mouth.

  “Please tell us, elder,” Amane suddenly spoke up, looking determined with her hands in fists. She wanted to help Orion however she could, and if being in her family’s village as a descendant would help, she was willing to use it.

  “Little Amane… It’s been so long since I’ve seen you,” Takao said reminiscently. “All right. I’ll tell you all what happened. It involves little Amane’s grandparents.”

  “Ah…” Amane said softly, almost inaudibly, as her fists relaxed on the table. She had a feeling her grandparents were related. Her grandparents died five years ago, and her family came out here for the funeral. At the time, she was only eleven years old and didn’t comprehend all the things the adults were saying. Now she will learn the truth.

  “It started around ten years ago. Salespeople and the like started coming and going around here. Some even moved here and started harassing the good people. They bullied them for their stores, profit, money and more. One day, five years ago, Takeshi Sato pushed and bullied and harassed the Mizushima couple. Little Amane’s grandparents. He did it to the point they got deathly sick and passed away not long after.”

  “Grandpa… grandma…” Kasumi said, tears forming in her eyes. Her fists were clenched on the table to which Orion reached out and placed a hand on hers, squeezing it gently. “Sorry, Orion… I’ll be okay.”

  “What about Akiko Yamamoto?” Erika inquired, connecting Amane to the current case. But she didn’t suspect the Amane girl anymore. It had to be someone else with a connection to the village. “Did she also bully residents?”

  Takao nodded grimly. “She didn’t affect little Amane’s family at all. She came here three years ago and harassed residents for their livelihood.” His hands rested on one another as he told the group about the victims. “Oh, she did cause the suicide of the grandparents of the Mizutani family.”

  Kasumi stared at the elder. Suicide. Mizutani. She seemed to remember something about a schoolmate being called to the faculty office due to a family emergency, but Kasumi never expected the schoolmate to be connected.

  “Um…” Kasumi started to say but stopped herself. She didn’t know the student’s first name so she couldn’t offer much about the case. But Kasumi felt that was the key to finding the culprit. They could probably find out who the student was.

  “What is it, Kasumi?” Satoru asked with concern in his voice, turning to face his younger sister. He was worried about getting her involved with the case, but she pushed herself in by coming with Orion.

  “I… There was this student at my school whose last name was Mizutani. I remembered the last name only, but she was called to the faculty office for a family emergency three years ago. I think it’s the same student.”

  “Really?” Satoru asked, flabbergasted that such a coincidence could be found here. He was also worried about his sister going to school with a serial killer. Though the fact that there’s a middle schooler who’s killing people is terrifying by itself.

  “Yes!” Kasumi said enthusiastically. “I’m positive. Um… well, that happened around October.” She barely remembered the month but was positive it was around October. She scratched her head and thought a bit more to be certain. “Yes… I’m sure it was around October.”

  “That matches up,” Takao nodded. “The Mizutani’s died around mid-October.” Takao closed his eyes as he spoke. He remembered Mizushima’s passing away in heartbreak and then two years later, the Mizutani’s took their lives. He wasn’t sure what they had done to warrant this, but he and the other villagers always blamed the outsiders who came in.

  “Tell me,” Orion spoke up, his hand still holding onto Amane’s for support. They were making progress on the case already. He wondered if the culprit thought about how they inadvertently tied in the village with their masks. “Who are the other salespeople who came by? We need their names, please. As much wrong they’ve done, no one deserves to die.”

  “I agree with you, son,” Takao said painfully. “There were eight other salespeople who came by. Let me get you a copy of a list with their names.” Takao stood up slowly with his cane as he walked to the left side of the house. Opening a drawer, the old man ruffled through papers before coming out with one sheet in his hand. Takao returned to his seat and placed the paper on the table, moving it to Orion’s spot.

  “Thank you, Elder,” Orion bowed his head as he took the paper, releasing Amane’s hand. He folded up the paper and put it in his jacket pocket. The elder was an awfully nice man, so he hoped to solve the case soon. Orion got up from the table, in which the rest followed suit.

  The group exited the elder’s house, and Orion took out the folded paper. He then handed it to Erika. Orion suggested returning to Tokyo and the rest agreed as they headed back to the car where the chauffeur was waiting.