《Wraithbound》


 Chapter 1 - First Contact: Awakening Affinity

    The heart of Shinjuku pulsed with an electric energy, a neon-tinged symphony of activity that never seemed to fade, even in the dead of night. Amidst the throngs of people rushing through the streets, their footsteps drumming against the pavement, an undercurrent of something unseen lingered ¨C a subtle hum of power that only those attuned to the supernatural could sense.


    Narrator (Hikari):


    "Do you believe in the supernatural? My grandfather used to tell me stories about it."


    Beyond the bustling city streets, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The scene transitioned to a graveyard on the outskirts of Shinjuku, an eerie stillness blanketing the area. Jagged headstones jutted from the earth like broken teeth, their long, twisted shadows seeming to sway and dance of their own accord. The air here felt charged, as if the very ground was brimming with an ancient, malevolent energy ¨C a place where the veil between the mortal and the otherworldly grew thin.


    Narrator (Hikari):


    "He''d talk about yokai, demons, and things beyond the veil. I thought it was all just a bunch of nonsense..."


    The scene shifted once more, this time to the bustling halls of a high school, alive with the chatter and laughter of students. For most, it was just another day ¨C but for one individual, the atmosphere held a palpable tension, a sense of unease that prickled the senses. Only the most attuned could feel it ¨C a subtle, gnawing dread that crept up the spine, a premonition of the extraordinary events that were about to unfold.


    Narrator (Hikari):


    "...until one fateful day."


    Hikari Sato strode through the school gates, the warm sunlight bathing her in a golden glow as she drank in the familiar energy of the place. As she entered the classroom, her gaze immediately fell upon an unfamiliar face ¨C a student with round glasses and an air of calm confidence.


    "Ah, you must be the new student, Sutaro Katsuki~" the teacher, Ms. Liz, greeted him with a welcoming smile.


    Sutaro made his way to the empty desk beside Hikari, adjusting his glasses with a subtle, almost deliberate, movement. Their eyes met, and Hikari couldn''t help but study him, intrigued by the flicker of something different in his gaze.


    "Nice to meet you. I''m Hikari Sato," she offered, her tone light and friendly.


    "Nice to meet you, too. I''m Sutaro Katsuki," he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.


    Hikari raised an eyebrow, her expression playful. "Well, well, Sutaro Katsuki, huh? Unique name. So, you''re the new kid?"


    "That''s right. I transferred here yesterday," Sutaro answered, his voice calm and measured.


    Hikari gave him a skeptical look, smirking. "Oh really? Didn''t want to stick around at your old school? Decided to spice things up here, huh? How generous of you~"


    Sutaro chuckled, tapping his glasses with a nonchalant air. "Sometimes you need a bit of spice in life. Makes things more interesting. But hey, what''s up with this school? Any interesting things happen here?"


    Hikari let out a small laugh, clearly amused. "Heh, the usual. Tests, clubs, pranks, fights here and there."


    She leaned back in her seat, smirking. "What, you looking for something specific, newbie?"


    Sutaro''s smile widened, his voice playful. "You could say that."


    Intrigued, Hikari leaned in a little. "Oh, really? What is it you''re looking for, exactly? Don''t keep me in suspense~"


    "If I told you, I promise you wouldn''t believe me," Sutaro replied, a mysterious glint in his eyes.


    Hikari laughed softly, a hint of challenge in her voice. "Try me. I''ve heard all sorts of things. Not much surprises me anymore."


    Sutaro gave her a knowing look, his eyes darkening just a little. "Do you believe in the supernatural?"


    Hikari''s eyebrow raised, her expression cool. "Oh? So you''re one of those types, huh?"


    As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Hikari and Sutaro made their way out into the bustling hallway. Hikari led the way, her confidence evident in her brisk stride, while Sutaro followed, his gaze scanning the crowd around them with a curious, almost predatory, intensity.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "So, what''s the deal with you, Sutaro?" Hikari asked over her shoulder, her tone a mix of teasing and genuine curiosity. "You don''t seem like the ''new kid'' type. What''s your angle?"


    Sutaro''s response was measured and cryptic. "I''m just here to... observe."


    Hikari looked back at him, raising an eyebrow. "Observe? So, what, you''re some kind of secret agent or something?"


    Sutaro''s lips curled into a faint grin, but he didn''t elaborate, simply nodding toward the lunchroom ahead. "I think we should focus on food right now."


    Hikari scoffed, though there was a spark of intrigue in her eyes. "You''re really something, Sutaro. So serious all the time. Let''s see if you can keep that attitude when you meet some of the weirdos I hang out with."


    As they entered the bustling lunchroom, Hikari made a beeline for the food line, her movements efficient and confident. Sutaro followed, leaning against a nearby pillar as he watched her with mild amusement.


    "So, newbie," Hikari called out, her voice playful, "why do you act all jittery like you''re looking for something?"


    Sutaro''s grin widened, his posture relaxed but with an underlying sense of alertness. "What if I told you I''m in a gang?" he said, the words slipping from his lips with an almost mocking seriousness.


    Hikari froze for a moment, her hand hovering over a tray of sushi rolls. She slowly turned to him, her eyebrow arching skeptically. "What the fuck...? What a weird thing to say. Even so, you''re in a school. Even if you were, this is a school. No one''s gonna attack a school. What do we look like, Americans?"


    Sutaro chuckled, clearly entertained by her reaction. "Wow, really shitting on the U.S. like that, huh? Gotta say, you''ve got some big balls to be doing that~"


    Hikari turned toward him then, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Yup, that''s right. I''ve got big, huge balls~" she said, her playful tone impossible to miss.


    Sutaro blinked, taken aback by her confidence, but it only made his grin widen. "Well, I''ll be damned... You really don''t pull punches, huh?"


    Hikari smirked, her eyes gleaming with a sharp, challenging glint. "You better get used to it, newbie. Around here, you''ve gotta keep up."


    As Hikari and Sutaro settled at a table, the noise and chatter of the cafeteria grated on Hikari''s nerves. She rolled her eyes, muttering, "I swear, these damn sheep talk about the same crap every single day."


    Turning her attention to Sutaro, she raised an eyebrow. "So, newbie - where''d you transfer from, anyway?"


    Sutaro stifled a yawn as he replied, his tone casual. "The U.S. Had some... problems there, so I had to pack up and move here."


    Hikari''s eyes narrowed, a playful skepticism in her voice. "Problems, huh? That sounds like you got yourself banned from the whole country."


    Sutaro held up his hands in a mock show of innocence, his face twisting into an exaggerated angelic expression. "Me? Banned? No wayyy~~~! I''m practically a saint - I didn''t do anything wrong~"


    Hikari snorted, her smirk widening. "Please, I can see right through your bullshit. You lie as easily as you breathe."


    He leaned forward, meeting her gaze with a smirk. "And I''m sure you''re no better. Those gyaru eyes of yours? They''ve got ''liar'' written all over them~"


    Hikari laughed, shaking her head. "Damn, you got me there, bud~"


    Sutaro stood up from the table with a sly grin. "I gotta go. There''s something - or should I say, someone - I''m looking for~"


    Hikari raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Looking for someone, huh? What, you mean the school''s resident ghost?"


    Sutaro chuckled, giving her a playful wink. "You know it~ I''ll see you after school."


    Hikari rolled her eyes, masking her intrigue with a sarcastic smirk. "Yeah, sure, newbie. Just don''t get lost chasing after your supernatural nonsense. See ya."


    After school, Hikari waited impatiently near the front gate, her foot tapping as she glanced up from her phone, scanning the area for Sutaro. Suddenly, a strange noise echoed from a nearby alley, catching her attention.


    "What the...?" she murmured, her curiosity getting the better of her as she stepped toward the shadowy passage.


    The moment she crossed the threshold, the world around her shifted - the bright afternoon sky gave way to a dark, ominous night, and a full moon hung overhead. Shadows seemed to writhe along the walls, and an eerie silence blanketed the area, as if she had stepped into another dimension entirely.


    A shiver ran down Hikari''s spine. "What the hell...?"


    And then, a deep, sinister voice interrupted the silence.


    "Well, well... is that what I think it is? A female human? Ooooh, I haven''t seen one of those in a while~"


    Hikari spun around, her heart lurching as a towering, grotesque demon materialized before her, its shadow seeming to devour the faint moonlight. The creature''s cold, predatory gaze pinned her in place, filling the alley with a chilling menace.


    "So, little human, what is your name~?" the demon growled, its voice dripping with malice.


    Hikari stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "H-Hikari... Hikari Sato..."


    The demon grinned, a twisted expression spreading across its face. "Hikari Sato... such a lovely name for such a fragile little human~"


    She stumbled back, panic gripping her as the reality of the situation sank in. This couldn''t be real - demons didn''t exist, did they?


    The demon''s dark laughter echoed through the alley. "Oh, poor little Hikari. You never believed in creatures like me, did you? And yet, here I am, flesh and blood~"


    Hikari shook her head, desperately trying to convince herself that this was all just a nightmare. "No... you can''t be real... this isn''t happening..."


    The demon''s grin widened, savoring her fear. "Oh, but I am very real, little human. And you''re all alone... with me. Aren''t you scared? I can practically taste your fear~"


    It circled her slowly, predatory and hungry, as Hikari''s mind raced, her eyes darting around the darkened alley for any possible escape. "Please... just leave me alone... I haven''t done anything to you..."


    The demon stopped directly in front of her, its gaze locking onto hers with a sadistic gleam. "Ah, but you have, little human. You wandered into my domain, and now... you''re mine~"


    Hikari swallowed, the alley walls seeming to close in around her. The creature''s laughter echoed in her ears as dread tightened its grip, trapping her in a reality she couldn''t escape.


    To be continued...

 Chapter 2 -The demon

    Hikari¡¯s pulse hammered as she locked eyes with the creature before her¡ªa being so monstrous it defied explanation. Its gaze felt like an abyss, a bottomless void that threatened to devour her sanity. She could barely breathe, her thoughts scattering as she stumbled backward, desperate to escape the terrible pull of its stare. Her heart thundered in her chest, her body seized with an instinctive urge to flee, yet the alleyway stretched endlessly ahead of her, mocking her futile attempts to break free.


    A low, rumbling laugh echoed down the corridor, a sound that clawed its way into her bones. It was guttural, malevolent, vibrating through the air like a blade scraping across steel. Every nerve in her body screamed, but she couldn¡¯t tear her gaze away from the creature¡¯s twisted, predatory grin¡ªa smile stretched far too wide, revealing rows of serrated teeth that glistened under the dim lights. Its head tilted at an unnatural angle, neck popping as it twisted to better savor the terror etched across her face.


    ¡°This¡­ this can¡¯t be real,¡± Hikari gasped, her voice barely a whisper as she spun around, desperately searching for an escape that didn¡¯t exist. Her hands pressed against the walls, feeling their cold, unyielding solidity, but her feet refused to carry her forward. The creature¡¯s presence was suffocating, its laughter laced with a cruel amusement that made her skin crawl. She clutched her chest, heart hammering as she fought for air.


    ¡°Oh, mortals always make this so entertaining,¡± the demon purred, its voice thick with malice and delight. The words slithered around her, wrapping her in a shroud of dread as it took a step forward, its grotesque form contorting and shifting with each movement. Bones cracked, muscles twisted beneath its skin, and the sickening sound of flesh reshaping filled the air, each step bringing it closer to her, each sound driving her further into terror.


    Hikari backed away, her legs trembling, her entire body betraying her as she tried to scream. ¡°Stay away! Don¡¯t come any closer!¡± Her voice rang out, echoing off the walls before dissolving into the abyss around her.


    But the demon only grinned wider, a dark satisfaction glinting in its hollow, empty eyes. ¡°Oh, but I love when you beg. Such delicious fear¡­¡±


    In an instant, the creature lunged, moving faster than her mind could process. Its clawed hand shot out, seizing her ankle with a grip like iron. She screamed, her voice ragged with panic as she was yanked backward, flung into the air like a ragdoll. The impact against the wall knocked the wind from her lungs, pain exploding through her body as she crumpled to the ground, gasping and disoriented.


    The demon loomed over her, a shadow blotting out everything else. Its face was a patchwork of twisted, nightmarish features¡ªeyes that seemed to bore through her soul, and a mouth filled with serrated teeth, each one dripping with dark, viscous saliva. It leaned down, exhaling a breath that reeked of decay, taking in her fear like a predator savoring its prey. ¡°Mmm¡­ you smell delightful,¡± it hissed, its voice dripping with hunger. ¡°So much life¡­ so much spirit¡­ all for me to consume.¡±


    It gripped her throat, lifting her effortlessly until her feet dangled above the floor. Hikari¡¯s vision blurred, her fingers clawing at its hand, but it was like trying to break stone. Suspended in its grasp, she felt every ounce of hope drain from her body, leaving her limp, a puppet in the hands of something unfathomable.


    ¡°P-Please¡­¡± she choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks, her voice a broken whisper. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to die¡­¡±


    The demon¡¯s laughter vibrated through her, each cruel chuckle sending a jolt of despair through her bones. ¡°Beg all you like,¡± it sneered, its mouth opening wide enough to reveal the black abyss of its throat. Rows of jagged teeth glistened, each one poised to tear into her flesh. ¡°I¡¯ll savor every moment.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As it moved in closer, ready to devour her, a sudden shockwave of energy tore through the alleyway, shattering the oppressive silence. The demon recoiled, hissing in pain as a dark figure stepped out from the shadows at the far end of the corridor, moving with a calm, controlled grace that was almost unnerving. The newcomer¡¯s gaze was locked on the demon, a smirk playing across his lips, as though he had been waiting for this moment.


    ¡°Finally found you, huh?¡± The figure¡¯s voice was cold, laced with a confidence that made Hikari¡¯s heart skip a beat. She blinked through her tears, forcing her vision to clear as she took in the sight of Sutaro¡ªthe quiet new student from school, the one who had seemed so unassuming. Only now, he looked nothing like the boy she remembered. His eyes burned with a fierce intensity, purple highlights flaring amidst dark strands of hair that now seemed almost alive, crackling with an otherworldly energy. Dark, jagged marks traced down his face, framing his fierce gaze and giving him an almost feral appearance.


    ¡°S-Sutaro?¡± she stammered, her mind struggling to process this new reality. The boy she knew, calm and reserved, was now a being shrouded in an aura of raw power, a jagged mask fused to his jaw, baring monstrous teeth that gleamed in the dim light. His presence radiated danger, an undeniable strength that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat.


    He glanced at her, a flicker of recognition in his eyes before he turned his attention back to the demon, his smirk widening. ¡°Yep, it¡¯s me. And as for you¡ª¡± His gaze shifted back to the creature, his voice dropping to a low, menacing growl. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for this freak for a while.¡±


    The demon straightened, its dark eyes narrowing with a newfound hostility. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re an exorcist, aren¡¯t you?¡± it spat, venom dripping from each word.


    Sutaro chuckled, an edge of dark satisfaction in his tone. ¡°That¡¯s right. And I¡¯m here to make sure you never bother anyone again.¡± In one fluid motion, he dashed forward, his movements so fast that Hikari could barely follow. He appeared in front of the demon, his fist connecting with a sickening crack that sent the creature flying backward, slamming into the wall with a bone-jarring impact.


    Hikari forced herself to her feet, eyes wide as she watched Sutaro handle the demon with a lethal grace she hadn¡¯t thought possible. Each of his movements was precise, every strike landing with a force that left the creature writhing in pain. For a moment, hope flared within her. Maybe, just maybe, this nightmare was ending.


    But as the demon pulled itself from the wall, something changed. Its twisted form began to shift, muscles bulging as its eyes filled with a dark, burning rage. ¡°You think you can defeat me?¡± it snarled, its voice layered with a terrible, dark satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯ve feasted on the souls of humans for centuries, tasted their despair, devoured their hope. You¡¯re nothing to me!¡±


    Sutaro raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the creature¡¯s taunts. He cracked his knuckles, his jagged smile returning. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard that before.¡± Flames flickered along the edges of his form, casting eerie purple light across the alleyway. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re still talking after this.¡±


    Hikari watched in awe and terror as Sutaro launched himself at the demon again, his fists engulfed in purple flames that cut through the darkness like a beacon. Each blow sent shockwaves through the air, each strike filled with an intensity that left the creature staggering. But as the fight wore on, Hikari sensed something shifting in the air¡ªa deep, suffocating cold that seemed to creep over her skin.


    Suddenly, a chilling voice filled the alleyway, a sound so dark and menacing that it seemed to make the very walls tremble. ¡°You dare play in my domain?¡±


    Sutaro froze mid-strike, his expression shifting from confidence to shock as he turned to face the source of the voice. Hikari¡¯s blood ran cold as she saw a new figure materialize from the shadows¡ªa presence so dark, so immense, that even the demon recoiled in horror.


    ¡°No¡­¡± the demon whispered, its voice filled with an uncharacteristic tremor. ¡°It can¡¯t be you¡­¡±


    The figure moved closer, each step exuding an aura of darkness that seemed to pull the light from the air around it. A sense of dread filled Hikari¡¯s chest as she took in the newcomer¡¯s face¡ªa face that was somehow familiar, yet twisted, distorted, as though molded from shadows themselves.


    Sutaro¡¯s jaw clenched, purple flames flickering uncertainly along his claws as he assessed this new threat. His usual cocky expression was gone, replaced by a grim resolve that made Hikari¡¯s stomach twist with anxiety. Whoever this was, they exuded an authority, a menace that made even the demon look like a mere child in their presence.


    The newcomer¡¯s eyes locked onto Sutaro, a slow, cruel smile stretching across their face. ¡°Foolish exorcist,¡± they murmured, voice dripping with condescension. ¡°Did you really believe you were the hunter in this place?¡±


    The alleyway seemed to darken even further as they spoke, the shadows thickening, pressing in until Hikari could barely see. She clutched her chest, feeling her heartbeat stutter as her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She wanted to scream, to run, but her body refused to obey.


    Sutaro glanced at her, his expression hardening as he took a protective step in front of her, his eyes blazing with defiance. ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are,¡± he growled, raising his fists. ¡°But I¡¯ll protect her, no matter what.¡±


    The figure merely chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Hikari¡¯s spine. ¡°How quaint.¡± They raised a hand, fingers curling, and suddenly, the shadows surged forward like a tidal wave, swallowing the alleyway, engulfing them in an inescapable darkness.


    In that moment, Hikari knew that they had only just begun to scratch the surface of the true horror lurking in the shadows¡­

 Chapter 3 -So the supernatural is real, huh

    As the shadows surged forward like a tidal wave, swallowing the alleyway, engulfing them in an inescapable darkness. Katsuki raises his hand to create a shield of pure yokai energy. The shadows collide with his shield, sending a powerful shockwave through the alley. The figure steps back and walks towards the demon.


    ¡°I see now, your the yokai hybrid of war¡­ god damn it. I thought I¡¯d be able to avoid you. But I guess that was inevitable.¡± The figure grabs the demon and absorbs him into himself, the figures body becomes more distorted and twisted, like something that is only seen in movies. Katsuki grabbed on to Hikari.


    Katsuki: ¡°Alright hikari, hand on tight!¡± In a flash Katsuki dashed from the alleyway, the once dark place was now back to the bright afternoon. The figure, now fused with the demon chases after them.


    Hikari: (Panicked, adrenaline surging): ¡°What the hell is happening!!!¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°We¡¯re now in a high speed chase against a demon~!¡± Hikari can feel the wind whip through her hair and past her face, she¡¯s never moved so incredibly fast. He was running like a bullet train, causing a super sonic boom as he runs. The demon is able to speed up and catch up to them slightly.


    Hikari is currently thinking to herself, ¡°Is this really happening? I¡¯m being carried by the new student I only met today, and now I¡¯m being chased down by a demon!¡± Hikari can barely believe her own thoughts. A demon is chasing them, that should be a sentence only heard in a supernatural setting. But as Katsuki runs with her in his arms. She realizes that reality is completely different than what she thought.


    Hikari: ¡°Sutaro, explain what the fuck is going on!¡±


    Sutaro: ¡°What¡¯s happening is we just ran into a Wendigo.¡±


    Hikari: ¡°A¡­ Wendigo¡­? You mean those creatures from cryptic associated with cannibalism and madness?!¡±


    Sutaro: ¡°I¡¯m exactly talking about them.the Wendigo is said to be a spirit that possesses humans, turning them into insatiable, emaciated creatures consumed by hunger. These beings induce insanity in their victims, often driving them to madness or turning them into new Wendigos. They are often seen as symbols of the horrors of starvation and the darkness of human nature.¡± He looks back and sees the Wendigo infused demon is still on their trail. ¡°And unfortunately for us, we ran into an extremely powerful Wendigo at that. The damn bastard fused with the alleyway demon to become stronger.¡±


    Hikari is barely able to process this, she feels like her world has been turned upside down. A Wendigo, infused with a demon?! She can barely believe any of this is real, she feels like she¡¯s dreaming. Like she¡¯s in a long and extremely vivid dream.


    ¡°So grandpa¡­. You were right¡­ the supernatural does exist, huh¡­.¡± She said to herself, her voice at bit shaky and in disbelief.


    As Katsuki continued to run with her in his arms, he gets a very, very, VERY dumb idea.


    ¡°Ok Hikari, I¡¯m gonna do something very crazy, and you can¡¯t act scared.¡± Before she even had a chance to process what he said, he throws her 50 feet into the air. Hikari feels her life flash before her eyes, tears begin streaming down her face as, she¡¯s always been afraid of heights.


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    Katsuki: ¡°Ok¡­ now I just have to time this right¡­¡± The Wendigo catches up to Katsuki completely.


    ¡°I FINALLY CAUGHT YOU, YOU DAMN EXORCIST THOUGHT YOU COULD BEAT ME?! I¡¯LL FEST ON YOUR FLESH AND SAVORY EVERY BITE!¡± Katsuki turns towards the Wendigo and comes to a standstill mid sprint at 945 MPH, this causes the Wendigo to be flung forward. ¡°let¡¯s see you savor this~¡± in a flash Sutaro accelerates from a standstill to 10,000 MPH. Turing himself into a living projectile. He slams into the Wendigo completely obliterating it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you though, I definitely savored that defeat of yours~¡± he said with a condescending tone. Katsuki looks up and sees Hikari falling at an incredibly speed. ¡°Right, almost forgot about her~¡± In a flash Sutaro accelerates Into the air and appears above Hikari in the blink of an eye, in that same moment they are back on the ground.


    Hikari collapses onto the ground and hugs it as if it¡¯s the only thing keeping her tethered to the earth. ¡°OH MY GOD, I WAS SO HIGH!!!! I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIEEEEE!!!¡± She yells as tears of joy stream down her face, as she¡¯s incredibly happy to be back on the ground.


    Katsuki: ¡°Relax, it wasn¡¯t that high. Only about 50 feet~¡± Hikari shoots Katsuki a death glare.


    ¡°Only 50 feet?! SOME PEOPLE HAVE FEAR OF HEIGHTS!!!¡± She screams at him as she tries to calm her racing heart and adrenaline rushing through her body. Katsuki morphs back into his regular form.


    ¡°I always so a fear of heights as a dumb fear.¡± He said as he shrugged off her fear as if were completely dumb.


    Hikari: ¡°Well damn, your cold. You think your so cool with that dumb transformation?¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°I never said I thought I was cooler, I¡¯m just telling you to grow some balls.¡±


    Hikari: ¡°Oh fuck you katsuki!¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°Anyways, if you were able to see my turbo form, the alleyway demon and Wendigo. That means you possess a rare gift called, supernatural affinity.¡±


    Hikari raises her eyebrow.


    ¡°Supernatural affinity¡­?¡± She repeats a bit skeptical of if he¡¯s saying is true or not.


    Hikari: ¡°How do I know your not bullshitting me?¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°I mean¡­ after the things you saw, I feel like that¡¯s enough proof.¡± He shrugged.


    Hikari: ¡°But just yesterday I wasn¡¯t able to see any of this¡­ supernatural junk, so what suddenly changed?!¡± She exclaimed.


    Katsuki: ¡°Well, supernatural affinity can awaken in wired ways. As it¡¯s directly tied to the supernatural. Awakening the affinity can be very¡­ strange.¡±


    Katsuki places his hands in his pockets. Hikari thinks back to what could have possibly have awakened her affinity¡­ but then¡­ she remembered.


    The memory of what happened an hour ago flashed vividly in Hikari¡¯s mind.


    After school, she had waited impatiently near the front gate, her foot tapping as she glanced up from her phone every few seconds, scanning the area for Sutaro. She could still hear the strange noise that had echoed from a nearby alley, sharp and eerie, pulling her attention in despite herself.


    ¡°What the¡­?¡± she had murmured, curiosity tugging her toward the shadowy passage.


    The moment she stepped across the threshold, it was as if the world had shifted. The warm afternoon light instantly faded, replaced by an ominous night sky, the full moon looming above. Shadows twisted along the alley walls, and an eerie silence blanketed the area, suffocating any trace of the bustling schoolyard she had just left behind.


    A shiver had run down her spine as she whispered, ¡°What the hell¡­?¡±


    She remembered! Her stepping into that alleyway, and when the sky turned to night. That¡¯s when her affinity awakened.


    ¡°it all makes sense now¡­¡± she mumbled to herself in disbelief still.


    Katsuki: ¡°What makes sense?¡±


    Hikari: ¡°Mind your business damn!¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°Ok my bad.¡±


    Hikari: ¡°So¡­ this supernatural bullshit, what¡¯s the deal with this stuff?¡±


    Hikari leans against a nearby car. He adjust his glasses and shoves his hands into his pockets, while looking at her.


    ¡°The supernatural, things or beings that shouldn¡¯t physically exist, But they do.¡± Katsuki pulls a vape from his pocket and takes a puff of it. ¡°Only people with special gift called supernatural affinity can perceive and interact with these beings.¡±


    Hikari¡¯s eyes widen slightly, she scratches the back of her head and sighs.


    Hikari: ¡°So the supernatural is real, my grandfather always told me stories about it. But I never actually believed in it.¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°That¡¯s how it goes for most people, they start with not believing in it. But once they unlock this affinity.¡± He takes another puff of his vape. ¡°Either they go insane, or they live long enough to see themselves become part of the monsters themselves.¡±


    Hikari stands up straight up and looks into the sky. ¡°Ok, supernatural exists. It will take me time to¡­¡± before she could finch her sentence a vision flashes in her mind. She can see a vivid image of a cyan collar fire flickering inside of her. She feels her heart speed up a bit and sweat drips down her forehead. She feels an icy hand grip her heart. In an instant she¡¯s transported back into the real world. She lets out a loud exhale.


    ¡°Shit¡­ what the hell was that¡­¡± Hikari says while gripping her shirt and breaching slightly faster now. Katsuki looks at her instantly and smirks.


    Katsuki: ¡°Ohhh, you must¡¯ve just had a vision of your aura~¡±


    Hikari: ¡°Aura? What do you mean.¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°I¡¯m not really good at explaining things, but I know someone who can teach you about these things.¡±


    Hikari: ¡°Oh? And who¡¯s that?¡±


    Katsuki: ¡°My sensei, Sylvia Bloodwood~¡±


    To be continued¡­

 Chapter 4 -The Church

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 Chapter 5 -The first mission?

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 Chapter 6 -The fusion supernatural

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 Chapter 7 -Dynamic four

    Hikari propelled herself forward, the air rippling around her as she surged towards the towering oni. Her psychic energy flared, boosting her speed to the point where she was a blur. The oni raised its massive hands to block, its crimson eyes narrowing as it braced itself. But Hikari was faster. She darted in front of it and delivered a powerful uppercut that made its head snap back. Without missing a beat, she spun in a fluid motion, driving a side kick into the creature¡¯s ribs. A deep, guttural growl escaped the oni as it staggered from the blow.


    Just as Hikari lunged forward to press her attack, her body rebelled in a cruel betrayal. A searing pain tore through her chest like jagged glass, stopping her cold. She doubled over, a violent cough wracking her frame. Something warm and metallic coated her tongue, and dread sank its claws into her as she instinctively clutched her mouth. Her legs gave out beneath her, and she crumpled to the ground, trembling.


    ¡°What¡­ what the hell is this?¡± Her thoughts fractured, her inner voice quaking with fear.


    Shaking, she lowered her hand from her mouth, her breath hitching as her gaze fell upon her palm. Crimson streaks stained her skin¡ªa vivid, undeniable truth.


    ¡°Blood¡­¡± she whispered, her voice raw and trembling. ¡°My¡­ my blood¡­¡±


    The words barely escaped her lips before a cold wave of panic surged through her. The world seemed to close in, the noise of the battle around her fading into a suffocating silence. Her chest tightened as the realization burrowed deeper, dragging her into the churning abyss of fear.


    The oni loomed over her, its massive shadow swallowing her form. A twisted grin spread across its grotesque face as it raised a clawed arm high above its head.


    ¡°Dumb little esper,¡± it growled, its deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.


    The oni¡¯s claw descended with devastating speed, ready to crush her where she knelt. But in the blink of an eye, a streak of black and purple energy tore through the air, intercepting the blow and yanking Hikari out of harm¡¯s way. The world spun around her before she felt herself being cradled by strong arms. She looked up to see Katsuki in his Turbo Form.


    His jet-black hair flickered with violet flames, glowing streaks of purple energy rippling across his body like lightning. His once-normal glasses now morphed into angular shades that glinted dangerously. Jagged markings etched into his skin glowed like molten cracks, and his lower face was obscured by a shadowy, shifting mask with a jagged, yokai-like maw. He was a sight to behold¡ªa storm of barely-contained power.


    ¡°Careful, Hikari,¡± Katsuki warned, his voice distorted slightly by the mask but still gentle. ¡°You¡¯re still new to this. Your psychic abilities aren¡¯t stable yet. You can¡¯t expect to control your aura perfectly when you¡¯ve just awakened it.¡±


    The oni roared and charged, its massive claws slashing through the air toward Katsuki and Hikari. Its sheer size and speed made the ground tremble with every step.


    But before the attack could land, Lila shot forward, sliding between Katsuki and the oni with her hands raised. Her eyes burned with determination.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t, YOU BASTARD!¡± she screamed.


    A shimmering shield of psychic energy materialized before her, colliding with the oni¡¯s claws. The impact sent out a deafening shockwave, forcing the ground to crack beneath them. Sparks of psychic energy crackled and flared as the oni¡¯s claws scraped against the barrier.


    Lila smirked. ¡°Too bad for you that you were fighting someone inexperienced. But now¡­¡±


    She sidestepped in a graceful blur, letting the oni¡¯s momentum carry it forward. The creature stumbled, its weight causing it to lurch. Lila seized the opportunity, her hands glowing with psychic energy as she conjured a scythe with a sleek, deadly curve. With a fierce gleam in her eyes, she slashed at the oni¡¯s back, her movements quick and precise.


    ¡°¡­now, you¡¯re fighting someone with experience,¡± she said coldly.


    The oni howled in pain as Lila¡¯s psychic scythe tore through its thick hide. She didn¡¯t let up. Her weapon dissipated in a flash of light, replaced by two glowing daggers of pure energy. She darted forward, slashing and stabbing with terrifying speed, each strike landing with pinpoint accuracy. The oni¡¯s massive frame shuddered as it tried in vain to defend itself, its roars becoming desperate.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    The air was thick with heat and tension as Nami continued her beam clash with the Kagutsuchi. Her energy burned bright, a dazzling golden streak against the grotesque creature. Sparks of raw power crackled and hissed in the space between them. But as the battle raged, the Kagutsuchi turned its monstrous gaze toward where the oni, Hikari, Katsuki, and Lila stood.


    Kagutsuchi: ¡°Tch, of course he¡¯d fail. If you want something done¡­¡±


    Its voice was a guttural snarl, oozing contempt. Without finishing its sentence, the Kagutsuchi abruptly disengaged, stepping sharply to the side. Nami¡¯s energy blast roared past it, splitting the air with an ear-piercing crack before colliding with a distant building in a fiery explosion.


    The Kagutsuchi, a grotesque blend of flesh and molten rock, radiated heat like an open furnace. Its decaying skin stretched over volcanic stone, glowing veins of lava pulsing beneath its surface, filling the air with sulfuric stench. It let out a low growl before dashing toward the group in a blur of molten fury, the ground beneath it bubbling and hissing in its wake.


    Nami¡¯s eyes sharpened, locking onto the Kagutsuchi¡¯s every move with cold precision. She cut off her energy blast with a measured exhale, her breath steady despite the chaos. With a fluid motion, she snapped her wrists, and shimmering spiked chains materialized in her hands, radiating the fierce brilliance of her aura. The chains clanged as they spun in precise arcs, their deadly spikes catching the light with every calculated swing.


    Aura Constructs: Nami¡¯s mastery over her aura allows her to shape it into intricate and versatile forms. She can summon protective barriers, intricate tools, or animated constructs that serve as sentries or relentless attackers. These constructs, forged with exceptional precision, are both durable and adaptive, granting Nami unparalleled versatility in battle, whether at close range or from a distance.


    Nami: ¡°Running like a bitch, huh? That¡¯s one thing I hate¡ªRUNNERS!¡±


    With a feral yell, she lashed out. The chains whipped through the air like serpents. They struck the Kagutsuchi mid-sprint, sending it hurtling backward, its grotesque form crashing through the walls of the abandoned hospital with a deafening THUD. Dust and debris erupted from the building as the ground shook beneath the force of its landing.


    Nami didn¡¯t wait for a response. She pivoted sharply, her gaze locking onto the trio with a fiery determination.


    Nami: ¡°I¡¯ll deal with the Kagutsuchi. You three handle the oni!¡±


    Her voice carried authority, and there was no room for argument.


    The trio exchanged quick glances, a shared resolve passing between them.


    ¡°Right!¡± Katsuki nodded sharply. Lila tightened her grip, and Hikari steadied herself, determination flashing in her eyes.


    As Nami turned back toward the smoldering wreckage of the hospital, her chains crackling with renewed energy, the trio faced the oni, bracing themselves for the next clash. The battle wasn¡¯t over¡ªnot by a long shot.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The oni lunged at the trio with savage ferocity, its speed nearly blinding. Its claws carved through the air with a sharp whistle, its glowing eyes fixed on them like a predator locking onto prey.


    Before it could get close, Katsuki, still in his Turbo Form, blurred into motion. In the span of a blink, he closed the distance, moving so fast that the air around him erupted into a deafening shockwave. The sheer force rattled the walls of the abandoned hospital, shattering its windows into glittering fragments. His jet-black aura, streaked with luminous purple flames, burned like a living inferno as his fist collided with the oni¡¯s claws.


    The impact was cataclysmic. The shockwave rippled outward, splitting the ground beneath their feet and sending debris flying in all directions. Katsuki didn¡¯t even flinch, standing firm as the oni recoiled from the devastating clash.


    Lila glanced down at Hikari, her protective instincts overriding the chaos around them. She knelt beside her, her bubblegum-pink hair cascading over her shoulders as her bright azure eyes locked onto Hikari¡¯s face. The softness in her gaze stood in sharp contrast to the chaos around them.


    Lila: ¡°Hey, Hikari, are you okay?¡± Her voice was calm but tinged with concern as she placed a gentle hand on Hikari¡¯s shoulder.


    Hikari¡¯s breath caught in her throat. Even in the heat of battle, with adrenaline surging and fear clawing at her, she couldn¡¯t ignore the warmth radiating from Lila¡¯s touch or how close she was. Butterflies churned in her stomach, and her face grew warm.


    Hikari: ¡°Uh, mhm. I¡¯m¡­ okay~¡± she managed, her voice awkward and her smile lopsided.


    Lila tilted her head slightly, clearly unconvinced but too focused to argue.


    Lila: ¡°You¡¯ve used up a lot of aura already. You¡¯re still new at this, Hikari. You need more time to train before you can fully control your psychic powers.¡±


    As the oni staggered back from the initial clash, it growled low, retreating a few steps. But Katsuki wasn¡¯t about to let it escape.


    In a flash, Katsuki launched himself forward, his acceleration instantaneous, leaving a distorted ripple in the air behind him. From a dead stop, he hit speeds of over 300 mph, his movements so fast they were almost invisible to the naked eye.


    He drove his fist toward the oni with unrelenting force, his knuckles wreathed in Yokai energy. The oni barely managed to twist out of the way, the blow grazing it with enough power to crack the ground beneath its feet. But before it could recover or steady itself, Katsuki twisted mid-air with flawless precision. He lashed out with a devastating kick, energy roaring around his leg like a tidal wave.


    The oni had no time to react. The kick connected with brutal efficiency, crashing into its torso with a sickening crack. The force hurled the oni backward like a cannonball, sending it careening into a nearby wall, which crumbled on impact.


    Katsuki landed smoothly, his glowing aura flaring as he stood tall. His angular shades gleamed, the jagged lines of his Turbo Form pulsing like veins of raw power, And a shadowy jaw mask on his lower face, revealing multiple rows of jagged teeth. He didn¡¯t even glance at the wreckage; his focus remained unyielding, his presence dominating the battlefield.


    Katsuki: ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere.¡± His voice was calm but carried an edge that sent shivers down Hikari¡¯s spine.


    The oni hauled itself to its feet, its hulking form looming menacingly over the trio. Its crimson eyes burned with fury, its muscles tensing as it cracked its knuckles with an ominous pop. The air around it seemed to grow heavier with the stench of sulfur and raw aggression. It snorted, steam billowing from its nostrils like a raging bull about to charge.


    Oni: ¡°You damn exorcist¡­ I. Will. Kill. You. Humans!¡± Its guttural voice echoed through the ruins, dripping with hatred.


    Before the oni could make good on its threat, Katsuki sprang into action. In a flash, he was gone¡ªa streak of black and purple tearing through the air. His movements were so quick they generated bursts of wind, scattering debris across the battlefield.


    He began circling the oni at blinding speed, the ground beneath him cracking under the sheer force of his acceleration. At 400 miles per hour, Katsuki moved with such fluidity that his path became a glowing ring of purple and black energy encasing the oni. The creature roared, swinging its massive arms in frustration, trying to track Katsuki¡¯s movements, but it was too slow. Each swipe of its claws hit nothing but air.


    Meanwhile, Lila straightened up from where she had been checking on Hikari. Her bright azure eyes hardened with determination as she raised her hands. A radiant pink glow enveloped her fingertips, condensing into orbs of psychic energy. She hurled the blasts toward the oni, each one streaking through the air like a comet.


    Lila: ¡°You¡¯re not getting the upper hand this time!¡± she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.


    The oni snarled, now forced to defend itself on two fronts. It blocked one of Lila¡¯s energy blasts with its forearm, the impact sending it stumbling slightly, while it flailed at the blur that was Katsuki.


    But Katsuki was far from done. He grinned under his shadowy mask, his jagged aura streaking like flames as he cranked up his speed. From 400 mph, he pushed into hypervelocity, reaching Mach 2 in an instant. His movements became almost impossible to follow, his form dissolving into streaks of neon light that darted around the oni like a living storm.


    He struck from every angle, his attacks precise and unrelenting. A punch to the side, a kick to the back of the knee, a quick jab to the ribs¡ªeach hit landed with bone-shattering force, each one disorienting the oni further. Every strike created small shockwaves, rippling out and rattling the already crumbling walls of the abandoned hospital.


    Katsuki: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Too slow, big guy?¡± he taunted, his voice full of confidence as he zipped behind the oni and delivered a sharp kick to the back of its head, sending it lurching forward. ¡°Keep up, why don¡¯t you?¡±


    The oni roared in frustration, spinning wildly in an attempt to swat him away. But Katsuki effortlessly dodged each attack, seeming to vanish and reappear in a different spot with every second. His footwork was erratic and unpredictable, almost playful¡ªlike a predator toying with its prey.


    As Katsuki continued his relentless barrage, Lila provided support from a distance. Her psychic energy blasts struck with surgical precision, targeting the oni¡¯s exposed weak points whenever Katsuki forced it to lower its guard.


    The combined assault was relentless. Katsuki¡¯s overwhelming speed and Lila¡¯s ranged precision forced the oni into a defensive spiral. Its roars grew weaker, its movements more sluggish. Cracks formed along its thick skin, revealing patches of molten-red flesh beneath.


    Katsuki pushed himself even faster, his body becoming a blur of motion. At Mach 2.5, the air around him crackled with static energy, his presence warping the atmosphere like a sonic boom ready to erupt. He landed a flurry of punches and kicks at such speed that they seemed to strike simultaneously, each impact resonating like thunder.


    The oni stumbled, its towering form swaying under the onslaught. Katsuki skidded to a halt in front of it, the glow of his aura casting eerie shadows across the battlefield. His jagged, angular shades reflected the oni¡¯s battered state as he tilted his head with a cocky smirk.


    Katsuki: ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Thought you were gonna ¡®kill us humans¡¯? You¡¯re starting to look a little winded there.¡±


    The oni growled low, its pride wounded, but its body betrayed its exhaustion. Katsuki flexed his fingers, readying for the next strike, his entire frame still radiating untamed energy, ready to finish what they¡¯d started.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Nami strode confidently toward the Kagutsuchi, a sly smirk curling on her lips. Her knuckles cracked audibly as she flexed her fingers, and with a sharp tilt of her head, she stretched her neck, exuding a dangerous calm. Crimson energy swirled around her body, flickering like flames as it pulsed with her aura¡¯s intensity.


    Nami: ¡°You supernatural freaks never learn, do you?¡± Her tone was teasing, almost playful, as she planted a hand on her hip. ¡°You really don¡¯t know who you¡¯re messing with~.¡±


    The Kagutsuchi¡¯s fiery gaze locked onto her, his massive frame tensing with disdain. He snarled, his deep, gravelly voice echoing through the shattered walls of the abandoned hospital.


    Kagutsuchi: ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m messing with a bunch of children.¡±


    Nami chuckled, her smirk growing wider. Her crimson aura flared brighter as if mocking his insult.


    Nami: ¡°Oh, no, no, no. You¡¯ve got it wrong. See, my partner over there~¡± She gestured lazily toward the dimly lit window where Katsuki could barely be seen, his silhouette flickering like a phantom. ¡°You may not realize it, but you¡¯re staring down the Yokai Hybrid of War.¡±


    The Kagutsuchi froze mid-step, his expression twisting from cocky to horrified. His glowing eyes widened, and his hulking body began to tremble.


    Kagutsuchi: ¡°No¡­ you¡¯re lying¡­¡±


    The weight of her words seemed to crush him as if even the name of Katsuki carried a supernatural dread.


    Nami tilted her head with mock innocence, her voice dripping with amusement. ¡°Am I~? Why don¡¯t you take a look for yourself?¡±


    The Kagutsuchi closed his eyes, his fiery aura flaring as he used clairvoyance. What he saw sent a jolt of terror through him. It was true¡ªthe Yokai Hybrid of War was here. Katsuki was tearing through his oni foot soldier with such speed and ferocity it didn¡¯t even have time to scream.


    The Kagutsuchi snarled in frustration, snapping back to the present. ¡°Damn you¡­¡± He raised his hands, flames coiling around them before erupting into a massive beam of fire aimed directly at Nami.


    Nami¡¯s crimson aura pulsed as she extended both hands, summoning two glowing whips crackling with raw energy. The whips coiled and lashed through the air like living serpents, their spiked ends glowing with an intense heat that rivaled the Kagutsuchi¡¯s flames.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much aura left¡­ I have to finish this fast.¡± Nami thought to herself.


    The Kagutsuchi unleashed a barrage of fireballs, each one roaring toward her like meteors. Nami swung her whips with precision, smashing through the fireballs in bursts of light and smoke. The energy crackled in the air as she deflected each attack, her movements fluid and calculated.


    With a flick of her wrist, she lashed one of the whips forward at tremendous speed. The air screamed as the whip cracked, a shockwave rippling outward. The Kagutsuchi dashed backward, trying to evade, but the force of the whip¡¯s strike sent a concussive blast his way, slamming into his chest and sending him hurtling through a crumbling wall.


    The Kagutsuchi growled as he staggered to his feet, flames leaking from his mouth with every labored breath.


    Kagutsuchi: ¡°Damn you, exorcist¡­ You¡¯re always meddling in other people¡¯s business. Why don¡¯t you stick to your own?¡±


    Nami narrowed her eyes, her voice low and sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for your bullshit.¡±


    She swung her whip down with deadly intent, the energy crackling and roaring as it cut through the air toward him.


    The Kagutsuchi barely managed to lower his head, dodging the brunt of the attack. But he wasn¡¯t finished yet. His flames surged as he raised both hands and fired a concentrated beam of fire straight at Nami¡¯s midsection.


    The searing heat struck true. Nami screamed in pain as the beam collided with her gut, sending her stumbling backward. Her aura flickered like a dying flame as she dropped to one knee, clutching at the scorched section of her abdomen.


    The Kagutsuchi grinned wickedly, emboldened by the sight of her pain.


    Kagutsuchi: ¡°Not so tough now, are you, exorcist?¡±


    But Nami gritted her teeth, the glow of her aura reigniting as her determination blazed brighter than her pain. Nami wasn¡¯t finished yet.

 Chapter 8 - victory!

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 Chapter 9 - The sound of thunder

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