Occultic;Nine > 03.SHE CRACKED

Chizu:
Hmm~hmm~...

Sagami:
Hey!

Chizu:
...What's wrong? Are you lost, little boy?

Sagami:
There you are...

Chizu:
Huh?

Sagami:
Hee hee...

---

Teacher:
He decided not to go out, or, it began to rain. The work for--

Miyu:
Where are you, Chi...?

--- <OP> ---

Old Man:
Open your eyes! Devil has possessed this park! As we speak, Musashino's been corrupted by the electromagnetic waves of Wardenclyffe! Which means, these gloves are rotten! Nicola Tesla's experiments never stop! The Global System created by the Tokyo Wave Tower--

Ririka:
I know you've seen me looking at you...
He's so cute.

Moritsuka:
Oh, man, I can't believe this...The seller on that auction site said we've made up at the park we can make the trade in person...That's what I get for trusting total stranger on-line...urgh...Oh, hey, maybe you are the one who I've been messaging. So you know it's me, my handle is "Domo, I'm Zenigata."

Ririka:
Sorry, you have me confuse with someone else.

Moritsuka:
Oh, my apologies. I gotta lucky on one the bid on the extremely rare trading card. Wanted to get as soon as I could for some major bragging writes, couldn't wait to rogue those punks noses in it, so that's why I'm up in here. But I guess I was stupid and get screwed. Man, I'm so dumb! So it does seem there are more and more pretty card gamer across these days, so I wasn't sure. Of course, I'm being totally honest, there was kind a hope that it was you I was here to meet?

Ririka:
Er...I like your cos'play. Are you a student?

Moritsuka:
Nah, I get that a lot, but I've already graduated. And I'm just wearing my everyday work cloths.

Ririka:
Hmm...That means you must be a little older than I am. But my first impression of your stature...rather adorable.

Moritsuka:
...You stole something important to me. Did you know that?

Ririka:
Oh, I have no idea. What do you mean?

Moritsuka:
It's my heart, forever.

Ririka:
...Aha.

Old Man:
The corruption's not just in Musashino! It's not in Tokyo--

Moritsuka:
So what's up at this old man, anyway?

Ririka:
Oh, that's "God."

Moritsuka:
You're telling me you and God know each other?

Ririka:
Actually, we've never even met.

Moritsuka:
But that's the old ma--um, but that's God's face?

Ririka:
I just wanted to draw him.

Moritsuka:
And he doesn't get mad?

Ririka:
He seems pretty okay with it. Cause one of god's virtues is tolerance.

Moritsuka:
Would you mind if I take a look?

Ririka:
...

Moritsuka:
Wow! This is amazing! You sell artwork at conventions? No, it's not like all the moe stuff I usually see...But it's really well done! This style of yours is pretty familiar. Are you a student? Art school?

Ririka:
Nn-nh. I don't go to art school but I am a student at Seimei.

Moritsuka:
I don't even think they have an art department, do they?

Ririka:
Not really.

Moritsuka:
But you're too good to be a regular student. Wait, this is Kichijoji, a lot of manga artists live here! I'll bet anything you're one of them! Is it cool if we shake hands? Because if we do, I'm never gonna wash them again!

Ririka:
Well, I'm more the dojin artist.

Moritsuka:
You probably sell your drawings at Comiket, right? What kind? If it's BL dojin, that's really not my thing...But I know I've seen drawings like these before. I recognize--

Ririka:
Come on. You're lying, aren't you? I seriously doubt you prying one of my books. Why don't you tell me what you saw? Or were you only saying that so you could try and pick me up?

Moritsuka:
Hmm...I totally can't remember now! Ah, lame! I can't believe I'm such a loser! Oh yeah, I forgot to ask your name! Or, you could give me the title one of your books instead? That might be enough to jog my memory.

Ririka:
My name is Ririka Nishizono.

Moritsuka:
Yeah, I know.

Ririka:
...So you knew who I was from the beginning. Aren't you, sneaky?

Moritsuka:
Well, you did write "Below the Dark Water." There's a lotta talk on-line. You know that, right?

Ririka:
They're talking about my stuff?

Moritsuka:
Of course, they are.

Ririka:
Then, I'll bet by "talk", they're bashing my book, right?

Moritsuka:
H-honestly, let's just say I couldn't really get into it either...I-I thought the topic itself was really interesting, though. Especially, the third chapter. Great stuff!

Ririka:
That's a surprise. I thought you weren't into BL.

Moritsuka:
Well, no. But I've got admit the plot was pretty fascinating. In fact, this whole time, we've been out here talking, all I can think about was asking how you managed to come up with it. I mean, gouging out someone's tooth with a knife, then keeping it as some kind of souvenir after killing the one you love, that's not easy to pull out of thin air.

Ririka:
I don't hunches by come up any ideas. Everything based on dreams I've had. Then, like that, since I can remember.

Moritsuka:
Why don't we talk about the word "CODE?"

Ririka:
What do you mean? For headphone?

Moritsuka:
No, I didn't say "cord," but I said was "CODE," C-O-D-E.

Ririka:
I'm not sure I follow you?

Moritsuka:
If all your manga ideas come from your dreams, aren't they premonitions? ...Like this. I'm sure you recognized this page copy from "Below the Dark Water." I circled some letters in red, specifically a word, and, I need to know, why did you write here?

Ririka:
...COLA?

Moritsuka:
That's not it. You see it, don't you? You were the one who drew this.

Ririka:
...You're right, it's the word "CODE." So, why is this a big deal?

Moritsuka:
...

Ririka:
You think that picture was inspired by my book?

Moritsuka:
It was the last message left behind by a man who's just been murdered.

Ririka:
...Who are you, anyway?

Moritsuka:
I'm surprised you even have to ask, cause by now, you should know me fairly well. I know I might look a little deferent...but I'm the detective you put in your manga.

---

Ryoka:
Poya-ya! This is delicious! Seriously!

Izumi:
Oh, it know, isn't it?! Why can't Gamo-tan realize the flavor simply to die for?

Ryoka:
Um...He's not here again...What's going on?

Izumi:
Maybe he's come down with a little cold?

Ryoka:
Either way, he's still at home...

Izumi:
Oh, really? Desh.

Ryoka:
Ah~, I was getting so worried I called him, and in the answer, he seemed depressed. And we haven't talked since...

Izumi:
Stop that girlfriend, you're talking about like he's dead or something. (Beep) Hm? Oh, my! Gotta run. Later honey!

Ryoka:
Er...?

Izumi:
Hello there--

Ryoka:
Okay, bye! ...Poya...Why do we have a try to curse him in the first place...? (Beep) Yay! It's Gamo-tan!
...No. Alright. I'll get going soon. See ya.
...I'm leavin'! Night, Mr. Izumin! Poya-ya!

Izumi:
Hey, good night! ...

---

Sarai:
...

Moritsuka:
Oh, Sarai Hashigami!

Sarai:
...

Moritsuka:
Hey there! You are the guy who was closest to him but ended up being my last one!

Sarai:
...

---

Moritsuka:
From what I've heard, you and your father didn't really speak much.

Sarai:
That's true. Our relationship wasn't the best. And it only worsened after he had immersed himself in the occult, of course.

Moritsuka:
Sounds like before, then you had some respect for him?

Sarai:
...

---

Sarai:
Nonsense! Are you really going to sacrifice everything you've worked for?!

Hashigami:
Science can be applied to a multitude of subjects. Including the occult.

Sarai:
Do you know how many people lost their jobs saying that?! They've been black listed forever!

Hashigami:
Yes. I also know they did do with only the noblest of intension.

Sarai:
Look, father. I can't accept that their hearts were no by-place, but still, that doesn't count for those other people. The ones who claim they can do things that rest of us can't, are completely reprehensible. Let's say there is the world beyond our current knowledge, there's still no way for you to prove that people who act as mediators of that world is ethical! No matter what we do, only they know when they're telling the truth or being deceitful!

Hashigami:
You are certainly making some valid points. But I believe there must be a way. And it's imperative that I find it.

Sarai:
Father, your dream was to make Tesla's Super Theory into reality. You always told me that. So, why...?

Hashigami:
I began to understand as I study the research he left behind. Tesla may have found a world where Astro Bodies or Spirits gather while retaining their previous lives' consciousness. And I want to prove its existence.

Sarai:
Father...you've lost your mind. Fine...Ruin your life!

Hashigami:
Um...

---

Moritsuka:
Science, huh? So Professor Hashigami, a man who was trying to solve the mystery of Tesla's Super Theory, suddenly turned the occult for some reason, and nobody knows why? If you ask me, there was something that pushed him to do it.

Sarai:
But I wouldn't have any idea. And it was all so sudden.

Moritsuka:
Of course not. You're his flesh and blood, the closest one is always the last to know.

Sarai:
Humph.

Moritsuka:
Here is the same as the other one.

Sarai:
Huh?

Moritsuka:
Out of curiosity, have you heard anything about Aveline Note?

Sarai:
What are you talking about?

Moritsuka:
If you don't know, that's fine. Just forget it. Oh, for today and tomorrow, should probably keep your cell turned off.

Sarai:
What do you mean by that?

Moritsuka:
Maybe we should talk again sometime.

---

Aria:
My mother and father past away when I was only ten years old. After that, in a mansion that suddenly felt too big--

Brother:
Ria.

Aria:
Big Brother and I live together.

Ria:
Ah! Big Brother!

Aria:
He was someone I looked up to. Someone who inspired me. And it felt so happy just getting to spend time with him. I know Big brother Sacrificed a lot--

Brother:
I'm back.

Ria:
Welcome home!

Aria:
He took the responsibility of raising a little sister, thirteen years younger than he was. At school, it wasn't easy for me.

Ria:
I don't ever wanna go back school again! Can't you just stay here with me? Please, tell me you don't go work anymore! Without you here, I don't think I can go on living!

Brother:
I feel the same way you do, Ria. I'd love to spend forever right here with you. But now, I have to keep things running, so going to work is my only choice. Please, forgive me.

Aria:
The year I turned fourteen, a drastic change happened.

Ria:
Ugh...!

Brother:
Ah! Ria! Ria...Ria!

Aria:
That's when I collapsed from hyperventilation. After that day, Big Brother quited his job and stayed home to be with me. Looking back on it now, that one year was the most fulfilling time of my entire life. My childhood dreams finally came true. I could stand up to the classmates who bullying me, and face those men who look at me with lust in their eyes.

Brother:
Ria, you're such a captivating girl. I suppose, the beauty like yours would have an effect on anybody. If I could I would protect you from them all. But I'm afraid, I won't be able to follow you to school...

Ria:
Why, that's okay, Big Brother. As long as you can hold me close to you like this, I know I can get through anything, no matter what.

Brother:
You're so strong, Ria. But if someone crosses the line, you have to tell me. Do you understand? Because I'm ready to defend you using any means necessary. And then, they'll never hurt you again.

Ria:
Ah...Thank you, Big Brother. I love you!

Aria:
However, the happiness I felt was short lived.

Ria:
...?! What are you doing in here?! Who are you?! How dare you lay your hand my Big Brother? Let him go! You can't just hack in here and take him away against the will! Like you're doing is illegal! I want you out of here now!

Aunt:
Ria, calm down! You're--

Ria:
How I'm supposed to be calm?! You're taking away the person I care about more than anyone in this world! Big Brother! Please, you have to wake up now! Big Brother!

Police:
Ah!

Ria:
Big Brother!

Aunt:
Someone! Go over and hold her down!

Ria:
Don't do this to me! Please! Don't take him away like this! No! Help me! Big Brother!

Police:
Settles down! How long are you gonna keep doing something so disgusting?! This isn't normal! You're sick!

Ria:
...I'm what?

Police:
Eh...

Ria:
Saying something's wrong with me? ...You rogue got in your sick heads on that two of us even living here, committing incest, don't you?! Or, maybe it's my interest in black magic that makes things you can judge me? With prejudice! You're the real monsters here! ...Now, it's true I may be in love with Big Brother, but we never even once consider getting into something so repulsive! And what's wrong with us caring about each other?! Especially after all we've been through!

Aunt:
What's going on here! It's far beyond that, Ria! Look around you! Can't you see the reality of what's happened?

Ria:
Of what's...happened...?

Aunt:
The neighbors reported the police that there was a rotting smell coming from inside the house!

Ria:
That can't be...Why would someone say...

Aunt:
I want you to listen to me, Ria, that big brother of yours...hasn't been alive for a year!

Ria:
...Huh? ...But I know that can't be true. I mean, he's right over there...Huh?

---

Takafuji:
He died in surgery?

Touko:
Yeah. Three years ago, in the medical center in Hachioji, Takaharu Minase was in surgery after donating his kidney to his sister, Ria, and then died in the operating table. But Ria's transplant was a complete success. After she woke up in recovery, though, she couldn't accept the death of her brother. Then, just a few days later, Takaharu's corpse disappeared from the morgue. And that was a fourteen years old girl, racked with guilt, put her dead brother in a wheel chair and walked all the way home in the middle of the night.

Takafuji:
From Hachioji?

Touko:
Yeah, she walked from Hachioji to her place in Kichijoji, about twenty kilo meters away. A girl who just received the kidney transplant, which by itself is hard to believe, then she finally got home, Ria started living with the dead body of her brother. Im the end, her relatives found out and it was over after about a year or so. But, there's a more to the story.

Takafuji:
Um?

Touko:
This is where things get interesting. Minase's still there. She lives by herself, in the very same place. But, now she's Kurenai no Aria, and performs black magics for paying customers, that she's up to no good in that old mansion of hers.

---

Aria:
...Was it nothing more than an incredible dream...? Were those days...just a fantasy...? I don't know...There are times even I can't decide.
(Ring) (Hung up) (Ring) ...Hello? ...

---

Takafuji:
Now, Touko, I told you before, we're always looking for the best effort there to uses articles for Mu-mu. But listen. We can't publish a single word until we got evidence this girl Aria is doing anything wrong. Got it?

Touko:
Er, that was harsh, sir. Haa...Now, what I'm gonna do...? Hmm...mm?

---

Hashigami:
Sumikaze.

Touko:
Yes?

Hashigami:
Do you recall things for many dreams you had recently? If so, I was wondering if you could describe the images that may come to mind?

Touko:
Hmm...Wish I had some concrete details, but I can't remember.

Hashigami:
It's all right if they're fragmental.

Touko:
Well, I'll try...The dark water...And the moonlight...So many people...That's all.

Hashigami:
Interesting.

---

Touko:
That was months ago...Why did the professor ask me those things...? Maybe he was planning on using it for his series...
I guess, I'll never find out now...(Beep) Yeah, Sumikaze here.

---

Miyu:
...Um? Chi! Ah!

Woman A:
Well, apparently, their daughter's gone missing.

Woman B:
I have no idea!

Woman A:
Police happened coming in and out of their house since this morning...

Woman B:
I hope that doesn't mean something awful has happened to her...

Miyu:
Um...(Beep) Ah? H-hello?

---

Yuta:
I'm sure the cops already have my name written down by now...

Man A:
Yeah, about what happened to Hashigami?

Man B:
Yeah, it's all over the news. They still haven't found who murder him.

Man A:
Man, I can't believe it. He was a great professor, too. Hope they catch the bastard who did this.

Man B:
From what I heard, they've got info from eye witnesses. So I'm sure they'll grab them soon.

Man A:
You think so?

Man B:
Hope they--

Yuta:
The keyhole...I've gotta find the keyhole...
Must be somewhere...Ah, alright! ...Um...Go in...Get in there...Damn it! What is wrong with you! Umm...mm...Come on, think...Where it could be...? I've gotta find that thing...Eh? ...Ah...Aah...! (Pant, pant) ...Ugh...This is bad! Now I'm acting like a criminal! It wasn't supposed to be like this...Why'd I ever go there in the first place...? A keyhole...? Turn the lock...Okay...Um...W-what's the matter...! I won't you just go...Ugh! Er...? ...Hey, just stop that...Stop staring at me!
...Shut out all external information...Ignore everybody else...I'm not being watched by anyone...I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine...(Ring) Eh?! ...Er, hello? Eh!

Devil:
Raaaaagh...!

Yuta:
The...the Devil?! Wha--what's going on?!

Devil:
Aaaaagh!

Yuta:
Aaaaaah!

---

Yuta:
...Er? ...It was just a dream...? Um...is that...?

Radio:
Oh, man! I think no guys at your age still at the bed! Bad boy! Hee hee hee!

Yuta:
I-is this a dream?!

Radio:
Yup. You really wet your bed.

Yuta:
Huh? I beg you! You're talking again!

Radio:
This ain't about me right now, okay? Something awful happened, turn on your TV.

Yuta:
It's not about you?! You've gotta be kidding me! If it won't for you, I won't have to--

Radio:
Will you shut up? Hurry and turn it on!

Yuta:
Hmm...

TV Reporter:
This's just in. We've been issue an update from the local police. The total number of bodies found...is now, fi...fifty-one?! Th-the death tall is rising. And there are some speculation that this number could increase!

Yuta:
...Huh?

TV Reporter:
To recap the situation here, earlier this morning, from the lake inside Inokashira Park in Mitaka City, Tokyo, fifty bodies have been apparently drawn and then recovered. Though there's no confirms, someone said it could be over one-hundred more yet to be found!

Yuta:
How could something like this happen?

--- <ED> ---