Chapter 22

-Huuff huff... (person)

At night in a city with very peculiar buildings, a man runs in the middle of a deserted street, it seems he was running away from something. He was quite scared and desperate, to the point where he didn't know where he was running, until it took him to a dead end street. He looks around looking for an escape, until he hears the sound of a can being dropped, at which point he is consumed by fear, he loses the strength to stand up and falls to the ground.

-Please... don't come any closer. (people)

A shadow is reflected on the wall he was leaning against.

-NOOOOOOOOOOO!! (people)

Thursday 10/15 7:50.

Inside Akemi's office, she was reviewing some documents while Souta prepared coffee for them to drink.

-Here it is. (Souta)

-Oh thanks. (Akemi)

-How is he? (Souta)

-Ahhhh, it's very smooth, it looks like you mixed something in it to get rid of the bitter taste. (Akemi)

-I remember you saying that you didn't like very bitter coffee, that's why I mixed some chocolate in the middle of the coffee powder, making it, in addition to being sweeter, lose some of its bitterness. (Souta)

-I didn't expect you to know so much about coffee. (Akemi)

-I love it, that's why I know so much. I like how drinking a simple cup gives me the feeling that everything is calmer around me. As if I entered a submerged state of reality. (Souta)

-Yes, I can feel it too, everything is so calm, silent and peaceful. (Akemi)

-Eeehh... everything so peaceful... I wanted this feeling to last forever... (Souta)

WAAAANNN! [noise of door slamming]

-IT´S SHOW TIME!! (Ryusaki)

-Well, it looks like my happiness just went away. (Souta)

-Yes. (Akemi)

With dead eyes Souta and Akemi throw the rest of their coffee into a pot with a plant.

-Hey what are you doing? (Ryusaki)

-Doesn't matter, say what you want? (Souta)

-Why does it look like you're mad at me? (Ryusaki)

-Because I have enough reasons. (Souta)

-So Ryu, what job did you take this time? (Akemi)

-Ahhhh... actually I was in need of help with this, after our last job there was no more interesting case for us to solve. I'm getting really bored, even classes are tiring. (Ryusaki)

-HOW DOES THEY ARE TIRING? YOU ARE SLEEPING ALL THE TIME AND WHEN YOU ARE NOT SLEEPING YOU ARE DRIVING CLASS SOMEWHERE! (Souta)

-Haaa! You're just jealous because I have this badge that lets me miss every class and you don't. (Ryusaki)

-I don't know if I feel angry with your snobbish face or sorry for the stupidity. (Souta)

-Ahhh! (Akemi)

-Hmmm? What was it? (Souta)

-I just remembered that we won a new case this morning. (Akemi)

-A new case? (Souta)

-Yes, this one. It appears that a city is having a large number of disappearances, there is no clue as to the possible culprit, but the residents suspect that it is some cursed spirit that is haunting the city. (Akemi)

-A spirit? What is it, Scooby and his friends were too busy to figure it out and sent this to us. (Souta)

-Obviously this is a mistake of the residents, it must be someone pretending to be a ghost to scare everyone and not be discovered. (Akemi)

-Yes, it seems that we have no choice, after all there is no way for him not to accept this request... (Souta)

-Huh? What are you talking about? (Ryusaki)

Ryusaki was tinkering with the coffee machine.

-Ryu... what are you doing? (Akemi)

-Me? Humph... (Ryusaki)

Ryusaki opens a simple smile on his face.

-You know, sometimes we have to rest, do nothing, unite with nature, do you understand? (Ryusaki)

-Could it be Ryu... that you're afraid of ghosts? (Souta)

-Huh? Hahahaha what are you talking about? Hahahahaha of course not. (Ryusaki)

Ryusaki starts drinking from his coffee cup.

-What are you doing? This cup is empty. (Souta)

-Ahhhh... are you feeling it? It's like I'm submerged... (Ryusaki)

Souta and Akemi begin to force Ryusaki to solve the case.

-AHHHHHHHHH!! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR ASSESSIONS ARE DOING?! (Ryusaki)

Ryusaki clings to the door so as not to be taken away.

-Release Ryu! (Souta)

-NEVER!! (Ryusaki)

-Ryu! We have to solve this case. They placed an order for us. (Akemi)

-If that's the case, send them to call the ghost hunters. (Ryusaki)

-What are you talking about Ryu? Stop being a crybaby and come p***! (Souta)

They manage to get Ryusaki to let go of the door and lead him being dragged on the ground as he pleads for help to everyone they pass.

Thursday 10/15 7:50 PM.

After a long car journey, Ryusaki, Souta and Akemi finally reach their destination. They were immediately surprised by the structure of the place, it was as if the city was built based on a horror movie.

-This is amazing, I've never seen anything like this. (Akemi)

- Count Drakula must be the mayor for her to be like that. Don't you think Ryu too? (Souta)

The two look back and don't see Ryusaki.

-What is that? Did he get to his feet while we weren't looking? (Souta)

-Where did he go? (Akemi)

-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO closed (horrifying noise)

-Akemi, did you happen to hear that? (Souta)

-I heard. I'm starting to get scared, what if in fact Ryu has already been kidnapped? (Akemi)

-Which? That's impossible, after all these ghost things don't... (Souta)

-RUUUOHHHHHHHHH! (monster)

Something with a deformed face goes towards Souta and Akemi.

-AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! (Souta and Akemi)

-Hahahahahahahaha. (monster)

-Huh? Why did he start laughing out of nowhere? (Akemi)

-I understand, it's you right Ryu? Trying to scare us with that mask. (Souta)

Souta goes to the monster.

-Hmmmm? (monster)

-DIEAAAA!! (Souta)

Souta punched the monster in the face and as soon as he fell to the ground he continued punching in anger.

-I'll teach you never to scare us like that again in life. (Souta)

-Hey! You have to try this ice cream they sell, it's just amazing. (Ryusaki)

-Not now Ryu! I'm giving you a lesson you'll never... wait, if you're there. Who? (Souta)

Souta removes the monster's mask and sees that it was just a stranger.

-Hmmmm, who is this? Ta p***!! His face is all deformed what happened? (Ryusaki)

-HEY! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?! PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE NOT DEAD! (Souta)

-I am fine. (unknown)

-Fortunately. Is there a hospital nearby for us to take you to? (Akemi)

-Yes, next to the cinema, there is a hospital. (unknown)

-Okay, we'll take you there, so please hold on a little longer. (Akemi)

They take him to the hospital to be examined and wait for the result in the waiting room.

-So you mean that Souta became some kind of delinquent? (Ryusaki)

-Shut up, I thought it was you. (Souta)

-What?! You mean you wanted to do that to me? (Ryusaki)

-Calm down, calm down, Souta ended up losing his mind at the time, after all that guy was trying to scare us. (Akemi)

-Scare? Like this? (Ryusaki)

-So I see you've already found him. (?)

-Who is it? (Souta)

-Nice to meet you, I'm Marie, I'm the 13th generation of the founder of this city. (Marie)

-Tell us Marie, how do you know him? (Akemi)

-The person you found, was Mr. John, he has the habit of scaring everyone who tries to visit our city. (Marie)

-You mean he's some kind of maniac or something? (Akemi)

-Not exactly that, but then, where is he? (Marie)

- Lying on a stretcher, between life and death. (Ryusaki)

-WHAT? WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM? (Marie)

-This guy here. (Ryusaki)

-I'm sorry, I ended up losing my mind and going after him. (Souta)

-I see... it's okay, it's natural that this would happen sooner or later. (Marie)

-You who brought Mr. John here? (doctor)

-Yes, it was us. (Akemi)

-Looks like he's alright, so you can rest assured. (doctor)

-Wow. (Souta)

-How lucky you are, Souta. This time you were almost to blame for the murder. (Ryusaki)

-Shut up. (Souta)

-I know we don't know each other right yet, but could you please let me introduce the city? (Marie)

-Of course, it will be extremely helpful to have someone who knows her to introduce us, it will help a lot in our investigation. (Akemi)

-Investigation? (Marie)

-Yes, we came here because of a request. (Souta)

-SO YOU REALLY CAME??!!!! (Marie)

In the middle of a busy street, where people all walked in classic clothes, Ryusaki and his colleagues were guided by Marie.

-I'm sorry for my emotion earlier, is that I never thought you would come. (Marie)

-So it was you who sent us the order? (Akemi)

-Yes, actually I've been trying to ask for help for years, but everyone refused and no one ever came. (Marie)

-All refused? (Ryusaki)

-Yes, only you have come so far. (Marie)

-What was Ryu? (Souta)

-Wasn't it just me who was afraid of ghosts? (Ryusaki)

Is that what you're worried about? (Souta)

-ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS! (?)

-Who is he? (Akemi)

Marie frowns a little at this point.

-He's our mayor. (Marie)

-AS YOU KNOW OUR DEAR CITY HAS RECEIVED MORE AND MORE VISITORS THESE LAST DAYS! (Mayor)

-Hmmm. Looks like he's happy. (Souta)

- THIS COULDN'T BE MORE REVOLVING! (Mayor)

-Or not. (Souta)

-These filthy pigs are insisting on corrupting our beloved city with their disgusting auras. BUT THIS IS ABOUT TO END, WITH ME HERE, I WILL MAKE NONE OF THEM DARE TO COME BACK HERE! (Mayor)

-UOOOOOHHHHHH!! (citizens)

The mayor bows to the audience and leaves.

-But what was that? (Souta)

-Marie, could you explain to us what's going on? I believe it is important to our investigation. (Akemi)

-Could we talk about it while we have a coffee? I believe this will take a while. (Marie)

In a very rustic bakery with tables spread across the street, Ryusaki and his friends sit to hear what Marie would tell them.

-So where do I start? (Marie)

-I think from the beginning it would be better. (Souta)

-So let's go back to 40 years ago, in a time when I wasn't even born, there was a child with great pride in the city, she loved every part of it, after all that's where he grew up. However, as he got older, he realized that some people didn't give the same value as he did, those people were tourists. He saw them throw trash around the city, break some monuments and pollute the air in that region without caring, for him it was obvious that they wouldn't mind, it wasn't their house, they just came here to have fun and they were leaving. When he asked the elders, they said they couldn't do anything, that they put up notice boards, but even so they disobeyed them and continued to do these infractions. It was then that that child began to grow up with a great grudge in his heart. Over the years he gained loyal subordinates who followed him, he gained the trust of all citizens and at age 16 he made a revolution. By forcing all tourists to leave or die by staying, he began his mandate not to let any more tourists dare enter our city. It completely changed politics and education, causing everyone to be taught from an early age that tourists were despicable beings. (Marie)

-Let me guess, was this person that mayor? (Souta)

-No, this person who spent the years hating tourists, ended up disappearing completely from society, no one knows for sure where he is. The new mayor is just one of his loyal followers. (Marie)

-So you mean that Mr. John is another faithful follower? (Ryusaki)

-Why did you finish this? (Souta)

-Yes, since the haunting started to scare off tourists and gained fame even outside the city, he started to dress like a monster to try to scare away the new tourists who were entering the city. (Marie)

-So, it means that everyone really hates tourists. (Souta)

-I do not think so. (Ryusaki)

-Why do you think that? (Akemi)

-When we arrived in town and I went to buy ice cream at the store, or even at the hospital and here, we were treated very well, I can't believe these people really hated us. (Ryusaki)

-Yes, there are some people who want this policy to end and most of them own the commercial establishments. This happens, because since it was implemented, our trade started to fall and we stopped buying things that came from abroad. That made our city stay in the past, we don't have TV, modern clothes, even our carts ended up lacking parts or medicine to give to the horses. We are increasingly regressing, which is why a large part agrees to end this policy, so that an opposition group has been created. (Marie)

-We need to meet them! (Akemi)

-Huh? (Marie)

-Marie, you said there was a group right? We need their help. (Akemi)

-But why do you need their help? (Marie)

-You just told us that people hate tourists, obviously this ghost is one of those people trying to drive them away so they don't come back. That's why we need the power of these opponents to catch the culprit. (Souta)

-Exactly. (Akemi)

-Hehehe. (Souta)

-I understand, but I don't know if I can take you to the leader, you know, just in case. (Marie)

-OK. We understand. (Akemi)

-It would be kind of difficult to get everyone together, but luckily a meeting was scheduled for tomorrow at eight pm, so it will be very easy to make them meet. (Marie)

-How lucky. (Souta)

-Looks like we're off to a good start in this investigation, isn't it Ryu? (Akemi)

-Huh? Oh yes, sure. (Ryusaki)

-Did something happen Ryu? (Souta)

-That little candle sitting behind me. Since we arrived she hasn't stopped staring at us. (Ryusaki)

-I believe she's in favor of the mayor's policy. I think it would be better if you don't wear these outside clothes anymore. (Marie)

-You're right, I think we'd better mix it up so we don't cause problems. (Akemi)

-Do not worry! I have the perfect location for this. (Marie)

Marie takes them to a large clothing store that covered an entire city block by herself.

-Marie is you! (store owner)

-Shizu! (Marie)

The two run towards each other and embrace.

-Hahahahaha. How I missed you. (Shizu)

-I'm sorry, I was pretty busy helping my dad. (Marie)

-It's okay, don't worry. (Shizu)

-Ohhhh, you really know a lot of people. (Souta)

-Who are them? (Shizu)

-These are outsiders who agreed to help us with the investigation. (Marie)

-And even! I thought they would never come. Thank you very much!! (Shizu)

-No need to thank us now, we haven't done anything yet. (Akemi)

-Shizu I need your help, could see us common clothes for them. (Marie)

-But of course, leave it to me, if you're going to help with the investigation I'll do whatever it takes. Please follow me. (Shizu)

She took extremely elegant clothes to give to the three, who put them on right after receiving them.

-I think it got a little tight on me. (Akemi)

-I believe that's normal. (Souta)

While they were getting ready, Shizu began whispering to Marie.

-Hey! Now tell me Marie, who is that over there? (Shizu)

-Ahhnn, were you interested by any chance? (Marie)

What are they talking about? (Souta)

-Ahhh, I thought he was cute. (Shizu)

It's not possible? "interested" and "cute", is this that famous event? Looks like my time to shine has finally arrived, I never thought the day I was popular with girls would come. (Souta)

-Yeah, he has an interesting face, but it won't happen, from what I saw he seems to be dating the pretty girl. (Marie)

Hehehehehe, wait, do they think I'm involved with Akemi? That doesn't make a lot of sense, because she and I didn't even show Marie anything to think about it. That means they were talking about... (Souta)

-Ryuuuu... (Souta)

-Hmmmm, did you call me? (Ryusaki)

-Die you worthless worm. (Souta)

-Huh? What did I do? (Ryusaki)

-So, what did you think? (Shizu)

-They're perfect, thank you very much. (Akemi)

-Well, well, no need to thank me. (Shizu)

-Then I think we're already going. (Marie)

-Ehhhh, really? (Shizu)

-I still have to find a place for them to sleep and it's getting late. (Marie)

-OK. Please, when all this investigation is over, don't forget to stop by to visit me. (Shizu)

-Don't worry, we'll go. (Akemi)

After arriving at the hotel, Marie tells them that she needs to resolve some issues about the meeting tomorrow and says goodbye to them leaving them alone.

-Looks like it's all taken care of. (Souta)

-Yes. (Akemi)

-Ahhhhhh, finally. I couldn't stand walking anymore, now we can sleep and rest. (Souta)

-Not really. (Akemi)

Ryusaki feels a shiver running down his spine and slips away so no one would notice.

-And why can't we sleep? (Souta)

-Now is the perfect time for the monster to show its face, so we can't miss this opportunity. (Akemi)

-I understood. Then we will act. (Souta)

-Yes. Hope you also come with us Ryu. (Akemi)

-Kyaaaaa. (Ryusaki)

-Where you were thinking you were going. (Souta)

-You know... I don't think it's a good idea for the three of us to go investigate. (Ryusaki)

-It's because? (Souta)

-I already know! We'll split up, you two will look for him around town and I'll guard the perimeter around here. (Ryusaki)

-Which?! Not fud****... (Souta)

-OK. So we are going. (Akemi)

-Which? (Souta)

-Let's go Souta. (Akemi)

-Oh yeah, wait. (Souta)

In the middle of town, two people walk through it carrying a pair of flashlights, looking for something.

-Seriously, I can't believe you agreed to that. (Souta)

-That idiot would only disturb us, seriously, he's so scared of something that doesn't even exist, he's still a child. He better stay behind anyway so I can concentrate on my work. (Akemi)

Wait... what is this... is Akemi cursing Ryu? God, if this is one of your acts, know that your child is ready to accept your grace. (Souta)

-He may be a genius and have an impeccable deduction in court, but he is very stupid and acts like a child... (Akemi)

YES! YES! YES! YES! (Souta)

-He doesn't take anything seriously. (Akemi)

YES! YES! YES! [YES! YES! YES!] (Souta)

-Frankly it looks like a scared little animal... (Akemi)

YES! YES! YES! YES! (Souta)

-But in a way... that attitude of his is even cute. (Akemi)

AT THE! AT THE! AT THE! AT THE! [NOT! NOT! NOT! NO!] (Souta)

-Yes, in a way he is very attractive. (Akemi)

What the f*** is this?! She must have been continuing to curse him, not getting more and more attracted to him. God you bastard. (Souta)

-Akemi concentrate. I think I heard a noise. (Souta)

-Huh? I'm sorry I ended up getting lost in thought. Where did the noise come from? (Akemi)

Actually, I didn't hear anything, I just wanted you to seem to talk about Ryu. Seriously, he can't even be protecting our hotel, that bastard must be sleeping at this time. (Souta)

-I can not sleep. (Ryusaki)

I know they're both in a lot of danger out there, but I can't help but be tense about this situation. There's a monster walking around and I'm alone here in this room, by the way, I'm in a very unfavorable position. If he walked through the door he would have full view of me on the bed. I think I better hide in this closet next door. Even if the monster entered the room he wouldn't know where I am. (Ryusaki)

Ryusaki gets out of bed and walks to the closet. He opens it to hide and his view of the closet is a picture of an all black man deformed and contorted inside the closet. The figure was staring at him, it was as if she was waiting for him to open the door to attack him, Ryusaki doesn't show any reaction, he just slowly closes the closet door. When he turns his back to run, the monster breaks the locker and jumps on top of him.

-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! (Ryusaki)