《Haruki’s Supernatural Companions》 Chapter 2 — “Lost Child?” "The entire NPA? Please elaborate further, whats happening there?" The operator had no idea what was going on or whether this was a prank call. Meanwhile, Haruki stood frozen in fear, unable to move a muscle. His eyes were wide open, locked onto the tarantula as if it were some ancient artifact. The tarantula stared back with glowing red eyes, and Haruki was ready to collapse at any moment. Finally, the enormous tarantula moved its limbs. Haruki felt the vibrations from its sheer size, and that was when his fight-or-flight response kicked in. He stepped backward as though an invisible force had kicked him in front. In reality, he had stepped back so far that his legs performed a split, and he tumbled onto his back. "Just send any kind of help! C''mon!" Scrambling back to his feet, Haruki sprinted, running with speeds that could rival Usain Bolt. He didnt dare to look back, why would he? I understand. the operator said. However, I still dont know whats happening or what the issue is. So please, if you could kindly inform me- Bro, can you stop yapping?! Just send someone! Anyone! Ask questions later! Stop being useless! "I''m begging you!" Haruki cried out, his voice was so loud it echoed through the hallway. The sound antagonized the tarantula, prompting it to chase him. The ground shook under the weight of its terrifying limbs with every step. "I see, it must be urgent then. Are there any armed individuals? Whats your location?" The operator''s voice remained calm, as if he was in a podcast acting as the host. He waited patiently for a response, only to be taken aback by Harukis response. "This is it" "Where I die." Haruki mumbled underneath his breath, picked up by the phone still held firmly in his hand, its built-in flashlight continuing to emit its light through the dark hallway. His sweat was dripping profusely, and his breath came in short, rugged gasps. As if he''ll pass out anytime soon. "Is everything alright?! The authorities are on the way! Please say something!" The arachnid is just inches away from grabbing him. Then, Haruki shoved himself through a door to his right, slipping into an adjacent room. He landed face-first on the rough, wooden floor, his phone thrown a few feet away. "Please, say something! Whats happening there?!" The operators tone had became more alarmed, fueled by the unexpected commotions, though he still had no idea what was happening. Haruki, still laying on the floor, suddenly felt a strange tingling feeling on his leg. Slowly, he faced himself upwards and saw a nasty sight. "Holy!" Thousands of micro-sized spiders had crawled onto his leg, they hadnt bitten him yet, but the sight alone sent a jolt of panic through his entire body. Adrenaline surged through his veins, and he let out an ear-piercing scream. "Arghhhhh..!! Gross!" He squirms uncontrollably, trying to wobble them off, but they cling onto him tighter. Even more emerged from cracks in the walls and holes in the floor, which didnt make it better. "Get off me!!" Haruki yelled, using all his bodys strength to shake the tiny spiders off. At the same time, the large tarantula from before peaks inside. It could see Haruki rolling around the ground frantically. This caused him to jump involuntarily, and he kicked the golf ball sized eyes of the giant, with a leg covered in spiders. The creature had to retreat back for a split second, allowing the boy to sprint out the room. He then entered a neighboring room, which was still part of the same hallway. However, there was no floor upon entering and he fell straight down.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Hahhh..?!" "This is gonna hurt..!! He closes his eyes, and braces for impact. The fall was much longer than he anticipated. Surprisingly, he lands on water, instead of the concrete floor he was expecting. At the bottom of the room he just fell from, exists a wide, and deep pit. Filled entirely with liquid. He was completely submerged in it. The pool wasnt technically clean, it looked colorful, with even some trash and plastic floating around. There was a foul stench spread all across the cramped room. At least, the dirty fluid washed away all the spiders attached to him. So when he finally emerged from his indoor swimming pool, he very much did not like any second of that. Nobody would. I aint ever had an experience as bad as this one... Now, how the hell am I supposed to get back up... This day cant get worse can it? He thinks to himself, not having the courage to open his mouth, or his eyes. The boy''s entire body from head to toe was covered in the slimy, sticky substance of whatever fluid he just nosedived into. Haruki took off his polo T-shirt and attempted to rub his head using it. However, it proved to be futile since even the cloth was trashed. "Dammit." He uttered to himself, his voice was a mix of emotions. The miserable boy was overwhelmed with the current station. Still coated in the gross contents of the pool, he spun around and analyzed his surroundings. He couldn''t find anything useful. The area looked like a dungeon, with random tunnels branching out in all directions. Stones and concrete make up most of the walls, with glowing fluorescent rocks illuminating the dark. There were random cavities with more fluid leaking out. "Are you lost, mister? You look scared." A squeaky, feminine voice behind him spoke. This startled him since it was complete silence. "Eehh..?" He turned around and had to look down, he saw a relatively petite, short child. She was offering him a clean white towel and he was grateful. "Obviously Im lost. What are you doing here? Where are your parents and why do you look so relaxed? He replied back, curious about her whereabouts. At the same time, he gently reaches for the white towel from her hand, and wipes his face with it. She smiles at him contently. "I can ask you the same thing too, mister." "Why are you asking me that anyway? Are you underestimating me? hmpff. She adds. She crosses her arms and pouts at him annoyingly. But it came off as more adorable than menacing to Haruki. No, Im not underestimating you. Youre a child thats why Im asking for your parents, nevermind. He sighs, will he have to babysit a kid while trying to escape this mess? "Long story, but I got chased by a huge damn spider!...Im not lying, it was probably bigger than your average car. He exclaimed, remembering the horror he faced while narrowly avoiding death. She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, staring up at him with a face that said, ''Are you serious?'' "Um... Well obviously, what were you expecting, mister?" "What the hell do you mean by ''obviously'', you wouldn''t see shit like that on a normal basis!" He replied back in disbelief, raising his voice at her. "..Please calm down, mister... She brought her hands together, palms facing inward, just below eye level, as if she was trying to block a punch from him. He suddenly felt a weird feeling, he felt bad for getting mad at a kid. He looked at the sweet, innocent girl and concluded that she wouldn''t hurt a soul. Haruki controlled his temper and relaxed his body. He then muttered a ''sorry'' to her. Its okay. She slowly lowered her hands. If I were to actually hit you, your hands wouldnt stop anything. He chuckles Eep.. This promptly caused her to raise her hands upward again, this time she even hid her face. Im joking, calm down. Lets get out of this shitty place. He patted her delicate, soft, and dark hair, while looking at her reassuringly. Mhm..! She looks up at him and nods repeatedly. Wait... Did you...Noticed its eyes were red..? The girl asked, as if she made a revelation. "The spider? Yeah, it''s eyes were glowing bright red, is something up with that? He answered truthfully, but he didnt like to think about that spider too much. "Ooh!" Something clicks inside the girl''s head, causing her eyes to brighten up. "I think it was one of Katsumi''s minions, she''s the only Jorgumo here. "A what now..?!-" He exclaimed. "I see her sometimes so I could probably talk to her, she doesn''t usually attack people... Did you make her mad?" She continues talking, meanwhile. Haruki tries his best to process this information. "-Hahh..?! Who the hell is Katsumi?! And what do you mean a Jorgumo?! He was suspicious that this child was just messing with him, while another side of him genuinely trusted her. When he finished shouting, the girl stared at him with a concerned look. Then, she showed a face of seriousness. "You''re... A human aren''t you? Cuz if that''s the case..." She says slowly. "What do you mean by that? Youre not making any sense right now, youre messing with me arent you? You know what, nevermind. He turns around and enters a tunnel at random, ready to explore every inch of the dungeon and get out of there. Not wanting to wait for the girls response, it was probably nothing vital. "Wait, mister..!" "Please come back, you want an exit? I can lead you to one." She clasps her hands together, as if she was praying when she said this. He immediately turns back around, like he was ordered around by a high ranking officer. "Alright, show me. I''ll just follow you. But you better not be lying." The girl is thrilled and hops around the chamber playfully. "Yay! Oh, by the way my names Aya!" "Cool. Just show me the way, you knew an exit this entire time and didnt tell me? She pulls down one of her lower eyelids and sticks her tongue out teasingly. Thats cause you never asked! she mocked him, spreading her arms like a bird flapping its wings. Then, she leaves the area and runs toward the tunnel. Haruki is forced to catch up, or he risks losing her. He had some doubts, but if he doesnt follow along, who knows what will happen to the girl. "Can you slow down? I want to get out of here quickly, but I also want to save some energy just in case we get ambushe-" When he took a turn in the tunnel, he saw Aya on the other side, in front of her was a different giant spider. Chapter 3 — "Supernatural Encounter." "AyaWhat the hell are you doing?!" A masculine voice pierced through the dense atmosphere, yet it sounded protective. He had only met the girl just a few minutes ago, and he had grown attached to her. "Whattt?? Whatchu worried about? The tiny girl whined with a playful, and carefree tone. Compared to the absolute behemoth next to her, she looked like a fragile toy. The eight-legged spider completely obstructed one side of the tunnel. "Hey... This aint no game, can you back away from it? Slowly." He urged, growing impatient. "Stop whispering! I cant hear you properly, mister. She turned towards him, exposing her back to the creature. Its glowing red eyes fixated on the boy, as if telling him not to move. The spiders tentacle-like limbs slowly slithered toward the girl, threatening to grab her small frame. Haruki watched in horror while she was utterly clueless, he needs to act now before it was too late. "Aya! Get your ass over here now!" He shouted, causing spittle to explode out of his mouth. He dropped to his knees with open arms, so that when she runs toward him, he can scoop her up and run for their lives. "Why are you in such a hurry? Oh, thats right, youre human. Just calm down and let me explainnn! "What are you even saying?! Are you stupid? Its about to grab you! Do you even have any survival instincts?!" "A ''survival instinct? Whats that? Anyway, you probably offended it! Hmpff!" She crossed her arms and pouted at him, Haruki couldnt believe what he was hearing. Not only was she refusing his help, but she was also blaming him for the situation. Before he could respond, the spiders limbs had wrapped around the girl tightly. She let out a small yelp as it lifted her off the ground with ease. Afterwards, the giant arachnid retreated to the opposite direction of the tunnel. Imprisoning the girl in its grip. I-I told you! Now you made it mad! The girl cried out. Tsk. Haruki instinctively got to his feet and began following the spider. As it increased its pace, so did he. Dont worry Ive got you, Aya! I promise! Despite having met Aya just a couple minutes ago, he was willing to risk his life to save her. The target he was pursuing in the dungeon abruptly made a turn, leading to a dead end. However, it extended its long limbs and began scaling the walls. Attaching itself to the sides of the concrete walls. He looked up and realized the tunnel didnt really end. Rather, it changed direction. There was a connecting tunnel that extended upward to the surface. How the hell am I suppose to...? He muttered to himself, watching the spider climb higher with Aya still in its grasp. He didnt know what to do next. Grinding his teeth, he was furious at himself for being so utterly useless. If only he had acted faster, he might have prevented this. Damn... If... if I hadhad I just Then, his eyes noticed something. Stones of various shapes and sizes sticking out of the rocky walls. They acted as stepping stones, and there was an abundant of them. No way... Not doing that. Why would I? Ive already tried everything I could... Theres no way Im gonna... He tried to look away, but the weight of guilt wouldnt let him. Slowly, he began walking back in the direction he came from. Yeah, after all, I just met her not even an hour ago... Theres no need for me to go this far He sighed deeply. But, shes so young. Aya-chan! Where are you? He shouted. Though his voice was weak and out of breath, with sweat dripping from his forehead uncontrollably. Nonetheless, his voice still echoed throughout the forest. I cant believe I did that... Why? His legs trembled with each step, threatening to give in any second. His legs was covered in bruises and dirt. He clenched his fists tightly, but his efforts in suppressing the pain was futile. Cant feel my legs no more... That was a stupid idea. He thought to himself. Then, he shook his head and remembered what he was here for.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Thats right... Aya. That dumb girl... I cant let her get hurt. He promised to himself. The underground dungeon from earlier extended far beyond the house. Now, on the surface, Haruki was wandering through a forest instead of the large wooden home. He followed a trail of massive footprints left behind by the creature, using them as a guide. Each step was unbelievably difficult, and even he was surprised he hadnt collapsed yet. Fortunately, he came across another clearing in the forest. There, he spotted the same spider from before. It was holding something he couldnt make out of in its limbs. Is that you?! Aya! Haruki poured his remaining energy to call out to that something. He didnt care about anything else, his only concern was the girl. You. Stay right there, or you wont like what Ill do next. A different girl responded, and it wasnt Ayas. She stood in front of the spider, yet it didnt try to attack her. She eyed down Haruki with her blue sapphire eyes, and her brown hair flew with the wind. She began walking towards him, and he surprisingly just stood still. That girl... Hold on, shes too familiar He said to himself. Her body features, it sparked something in his memory. Brown hair... Blue eyes... Wait a minute Katsumi-san, dont hurt him! Hes my friend! Hes not a bad person, I swear! Unexpectedly, a squeaky voice suddenly interrupted the two. It caused Katsumi to stop, and to look back behind. Thankfully, the behemoth released Aya from its grip. Hm? I dont believe this human can be labeled as nice. Especially after he abandoned me when all I did was ask for his help. Her tone was monotone and sounded emotionless, it probably had the power to bring anyone to depression. Yet, Haruki was focused thinking about something else. Ask for help... Were you that girl from the streets earlier? It all made sense. Her hair, eyes, and even her story. Sadly, the girl wasnt too trilled to see him again. So, you remember me, huh? She said, her gaze focused on him. This time, I wont let you get away. Her posture stayed tense, ready to act if he ever tries to resist. She raised her hands up and snapped her fingers. Ill be the last thing youll see. That gesture was like a command. It caused hundreds to thousands of spiders to reveal themselves, from the soil, trees, bushes, and elsewhere. They all gathered in the clearing, surrounding Haruki. The creatures came in all sorts of sizes, colors, and markings. From tiny yellowish Oonopidae spiders to the enormous Goliath Birdeaters. The exhausted teen didnt even try to move, even if he did there was no way he could take them all on. He could only stare at them hopelessly. Would you like them to engulf you alive? Or would you like me to finish you off. Please listen to me, Katsumi-san! Leave him alone he did nothing! Aya pleads. Ugh. As much as she hated it, she reluctantly ordered her minions to burrow back into the soil. She stomped her feet on the ground furiously. I hate it when you use that... Its so unfair... So unfair... Its so damn stupid... She mumbled underneath her breath, her anger caused her voice to grow louder. Hearing this, something clicked inside Harukis head. Unfair? What does she mean by that. Katsumi is definitely a Jorgumo... And Aya, shes been acting weird too. Shes gotta have some sort of power too. He contemplated, recalling how Aya calls him human. Shes got no power here. Katsumi could easily overpower both of us. So why did she listen to Aya? Haruki concentrated, struggling to come up with a conclusion. Then, Aya spoke up and broke the silence. Katsumi-san, please calm down... She clasped her hands together, as if she was praying, and looked at both of them worryingly. For some reason, the Jorgumo girl immediately relaxed herself. her facial expression softened, and suddenly turned to that of a sweet looking girl. Just like when Haruki first met her back on the streets. My bad... But it still doesnt change the fact that he purposely left me. Please forget about that. She said almost simultaneously. About what? What was I talking about again? Hmm... well, if I forgot, its probably not that important. Katsumi dismissed the matter. This conversation gave the final piece to the puzzle, it was obvious now. Aya can order anyone around without any resistance. His eyes widened at the possible implications, he imagined what she can do with such power. Holy shit. He wanted to scream it out loud. The Jorgumo girl looked back at him strangely, he displayed a weird expression which got her intrigued. Is something wrong? Gabriel, right? No. I was using a fake name that time. Just call me, Haruki. He was too focused on surviving. But, hed been interacting with supernatural beings all this time. Completely by accident, and all because he took his dog for a walk. All of a sudden, Katsumi looked alarmed and shut her eyes close. Her face dead serious, and it looked like she was communicating with another being. I see... Aya-chan, we need to leave this place now. My little assistants have detected humans nearby. But what about Haruki? Aya asked, she looked at him with concern. Youll be fine, right Haruki-san? Ah, Ill just bring him back to his home. I can send him a transport. Haruki didnt like where this was going, so he slowly backed away. My job here is done, I gotta dip... He told them casually. But before he could get away, a long, familiar black limb extended behind him. It wrapped around his waist and effortlessly lifted him off the ground. He panicked and started squirming vigorously to break free, but it was pointless. His strength was no match for the raw power of the spider. Haruki-san! You can trust her, shes not a bad person! Aya assured him gently. You swear? Im not really into spiders, but, you know what? Kasutmi or whatever, this ones actually kinda cute. Hahah... Surprisingly, the creatures grip was gentle, almost as if it was trying not to crush him. Maybe this was the effects of Aya ordering Katsumi to calm down, which prompted her to relax her minions too. The tiny girl nods happily. I trust Katsumi as much as you! I swear shell get you back home safely. Thats... Good to here... Distant sirens suddenly can be heard which grew closer, Haruki was relieved but the girls werent so much. I told you, we need to run! We cant be seen by anyone, no matter what! . Oops, sorry onee-san. Well, next time, dont do it again. Okay, Aya-chan? Katsumi said sweetly, moving close to pat her head. She was a completely different person now. While the two girls were busy talking, the sirens grew even louder. Then, the flashing red and blue lights pierced through the shadows of the rainforest. Although, it was still morning. Now! We cant waste anymore time! She announced. The girls scattered hastily, leaving Haruki with the spider, stuck in its grip. The behemoth began to crawl deeper into the woods, taking him along. Separated from the two, it caused Haruki to feel more anxious of his new companion. Nonetheless, he chose to trust the girls and hope this spider will take him back home alive. It appears that the police had finally responded to his call earlier. Right when he didnt need them anymore, but he had more problems to worry about. Like how hell explain the situation to the cops. He was pondering what to do next. When out of nowhere, he heard a bark. It was something hed heard many times, and this one Was definitely his dogs, Ken.