Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Lilly Murdered
Gram picks up a piece of paper, visibly shocked.
Gram: A-Aimi, I think I know why your dad left.
Aimi and Kono exchange concerned glances at Gram’s reaction.
Aimi: Why? What did you find?
Gram: Y-your dad left to look for your mom.
Aimi: Huh? Why would he do that? My mom passed away.
Gram: No, Aimi, you don’t understand. Your mom didn’t just pass away... I-I think she was murdered.
Kono: Gram, what?
Aimi: W-what are you talking about, Gram?
Gram approaches Aimi and Kono, presenting the piece of paper for them to read.
Kono: (reading the letter) "Hey Lilly, I hope you’re having a great day and watching over me from above. I want you to know that I love you very much. Since you left us, the children and I haven’t been the same. They barely smile or laugh, and it breaks my heart because I realize I never really paid attention to them. You always did and had fun. I’ve been working on this investigation for a few weeks now because the police keep saying they can’t find anything, but they’re not looking hard enough, and they seem a bit off. My sweet Lilly, I will find out what happened to you. I know you didn’t have any health concerns, but I promise to find the person responsible for this! I’m going to shut down the mall temporarily to focus solely on you. I’m saying this now because I’m going to leave Hana, Aimi, and Ricker alone for a while. They will be upset with me, but when I bring you back, we can be a family again! I’ll be there with you and the children, and we can have picnics again. I can attend Ricker’s hockey games and Hana’s school dances, and most importantly, I can hold Aimi in my arms again and give her a thousand kisses. I love you, Lilly! And I will find you."
As Kono finishes reading, they see a picture of Aimi’s mother, deceased and surrounded by investigative tape. Aimi begins to cry silently, and Kono embraces her.
Aimi: I think you’re right. My mother didn’t just pass away; she was killed.
Gram: I-I’m so sorry, Aimi...
Kono releases the embrace, bends down, and looks at Aimi.
Kono: Don’t worry, Aimi. We’ll find out who did this.
Aimi: Really?
Gram: Damn right! We’re going to finish what your dad started.
Aimi: (Wiping her tears) T-thank you, guys.
Kono: Anything for a sweet girl like you.
Aimi embraced Kono while Gram examined the board filled with pins.
Gram: Aimi, what was your father’s name?
Aimi: Ron.
Gram: Ron... Ron, what were you planning...
Gram began reviewing the photographs of the individuals.
Gram: Who are these people?
Aimi: Those are all the teachers from the school.
Kono: From the school?
Aimi: Yeah, they’re from the school.
Gram: So these are all his suspects.
Kono: What are we going to do with this, Gram?
Gram: We need to look up all these people and their backgrounds to see if we can find anything unusual.
Kono: Okay, sounds good!
Kono approached a dusty computer and turned it on, with Aimi offering her assistance. Meanwhile, the scene shifted back to Hana navigating through a crowd of students, reflecting on the moment Mr. Kyto had touched her hand.
Hana: I mean, it wasn’t that weird, was it? He rubs other students’ hands, right?
Hana entered the cafeteria and noticed Ohma eating his lunch. She approached him.
Hana: Hey, Ohma.
Ohma: (Mouth full) Hi, Hana!
Daru approached.
Daru: Ohma, chew with your mouth closed.
Ohma: Yes, sir!
Daru sighed and took a seat at the table. Ohma swallowed his food.
Ohma: How was your class, Daru?
Daru: Awful, like always. I don’t like music. You just blow into this weird-looking thing.
Hana: Well, that’s music for you. There are instruments you blow into, some you strike, and others you shake.
Daru: They all sound bad. I hate school. I’m glad I never went.
Hana: Schools really aren’t that bad, you know?
Daru: Yeah, you’re right; they’re all terrible.
Ohma: (Laughs) That was a good one, Sir Daru.
Daru: Stop calling me "sir"!
Ohma: Yes, sir—yes, Daru.
Akira approached the table and sat down with her arms crossed.
Daru: What’s wrong with you? Let me guess, you’re mad again.
Akira: Just be quiet!
Ohma: (Laughs) That was really funny, Akira.
Akira: The games you guys play here are stupid! What the hell is dodgeball?
Daru: Dodgeball?
Ohma: Oh! Is that food?
Akira: What!? No, I just said it was a sport.
Ohma: Oh! What’s a sport?
Akira: You’re really dumb, you know that, Ohma?
Ohma: (Smiling) Thank you, Akira; I appreciate being dumb!
Hana slaps her forehead.
Hana: Okay, well, I’m not hungry, so I’m going to study for my next class because I have a quiz.
Daru: Remember what I said.
Hana: Yeah, yeah, I know I’ll be around people.
Himitsu approaches the table and notices Hana leaving.
Himitsu: Hey, Hana, where are you headed?
Hana: Hi, Himitsu! I’m going to study for my quiz.
Himitsu: Oh, okay, have a good study session.
Hana: Uh... thank you (laughs).
Himitsu walks to the table and takes a seat.
Himitsu: Akira?
Akira: What?
Himitsu: Am I ugly?
Akira: Yes. Very ugly.
Himitsu: Aww!
Ohma: Well, I think you’re very attractive, Himitsu.
Everyone looks at Ohma with puzzled expressions.
Ohma: What? Did I say something wrong?
Himitsu: (Nervously laughs) Thanks, Ohma; you’re a great guy.
Ohma: I’ve always got your back. (Smiles)
Daru looks at Himitsu with a smirk.
Himitsu: Why are you looking at me like that?
Daru: He’s a keeper.
Himitsu: AHH! WOULD YOU PLEASE STOP!
Akira begins to chuckle.
Himitsu: You’re laughing too!?!
Zodiac: Why is the fire troll laughing?
Akira: Say that again and this troll will kill you.
Daru: Okay, since everyone is here, I got a message from Gram today in class.
Himitsu: Really! What’d he say?
Daru: He said he’s been doing some investigations of his own.
Zodiac: Wait, what?
Daru: Yeah, he’s at the mall we went to a while ago.
Ohma: Wait, Gram is down here?
Daru: Yeah, I’m shocked too. He said he wanted to help because he felt useless.
Akira: Well, he is.
Zodiac: So what’d he tell you?
Daru: The biggest news so far is that they found out Hana’s mom didn’t pass away; she was murdered.
Himitsu: What! Murdered!?
Akira hits Himitsu.
Himitsu: Ouch!
Akira: Keep your voice down, you idiot!
Himitsu: Okay, sorry.
Daru: Yeah, she was murdered, and she was a teacher here. They’re looking for more information, and he’ll send it my way if they find anything else.
Zodiac: They?
Daru: Yes, Gram, Kono, and Aimi.
Akira: Aimi? Isn’t she under house arrest?
Daru: I’m sure Kono took care of that.
Ohma: So if she’s dead, that means she died here because she was a teacher?
Daru: I don’t know yet, but that seems to be the case.
Himitsu: Sometimes I get scared thinking about what the person behind all this stands to gain.
Ohma: Yeah, I think that too.
Akira: Well, the school is closed tomorrow and the day after.
Zodiac: Yeah, so I’ll have to look into it on Monday.
Daru: We’ll continue then, but for now, keep your eyes open.
Ohma: Yes, sir!
Daru: I’m going to the weight room.
Ohma: Oh, I’ll come!
Daru: No—ahh... fine.
Daru and Ohma proceed to the weight room.
Himitsu: I’m going to find Hana to make sure she’s okay.
Akira: Yeah, go check on your little girlfriend.
Himitsu: She’s not my girlfriend!
Himitsu strides away to locate Hana.
Akira: So, are you going to tell me what was bothering you the other day?
Zodiac: Nothing was going on; I was just having a bad day. Just drop it.
Akira: You can keep lying all you want, but it’s not going to work.
Zodiac: I’m not lying. People have bad days, and that was one of them for me. Why do you even care?
Akira: Oh, I don’t really care that much; I just enjoy seeing you like this.
Zodiac: You’re weird.
Akira rises from the table and begins to walk away.
Akira: I’d rather be weird than a liar.
Zodiac: Whatever...
Once classes conclude, the school day ends, and they return to Hana’s house to relax and rest. A day passes, and it is Saturday, with the school closed. Ohma and Himitsu are in the living room watching television.
Ohma: (Laughing) This is so funny, don’t you think, Himitsu?
Himitsu: (Laughing) Yeah, that guy running away from the monster reminds me of Gram.
As they continue watching the show, Hana enters the living room and approaches them.
Hana: Hey guys! What are you watching?
Himitsu: Oh, it’s an action comedy about a hero fighting a huge monster.
Ohma: And it’s really funny!
Hana: (Chuckles) Well, I’m glad you guys are enjoying it. I have to go to the grocery store to stock up on food.
Himitsu: Are you? Isn’t it too dangerous for you to go alone?
Hana: I know it is. I was going to ask if you had seen Zodiac or Daru.
Ohma: Uhhh, I think Daru mentioned he was training outside; as for Zodiac, I’m not sure.
Hana: Ah, I see. I guess I’ll go to Daru first. See ya!
Hana exits the living room and steps outside, where she observes Daru performing ab crunches while suspended from a tree.
Daru: 446, 447, 448.
Hana: Uhhh, Daru?
Daru: 449, 450!
Hana: Daruuuuu.
Daru notices Hana upside down as he dismounts from the tree.
Daru: What do you want?
Hana surveys Daru, who is visibly drenched in sweat.
Hana: Do you do this type of training every day?
Daru: Yes, I do. And this isn’t even the start of it.
Hana: (taken aback) Oh, I see. I was going to ask if you could come with me to the grocery store to keep an eye on me, if that’s okay.
Daru: I would, but I’m in the middle of my training. I need to catch up on all the days I missed. Why don’t you ask the others?
Hana: I was going to, but Himitsu and Ohma are enjoying themselves watching TV, Akira is locked in her room, and I don’t know where Zodiac is.
Zodiac: What do you want?
Hana abruptly turns to see Zodiac behind her and stumbles back, startled.
Hana: (placing a hand on her chest) You startled me!
Zodiac: I don’t care. What do you want?
Hana: (hesitant) U-uhhh, I was going to ask if you could come with me to the—
Zodiac: No.
Zodiac begins to walk away, but Daru intervenes.
Daru: Hey, it wouldn’t be wise to leave Hana all by herself.
Zodiac: (turning back) Why don’t you do it?
Daru: Isn’t it obvious? I’m training.
Zodiac: Then stop training and go with her.
Daru: (frustrated) No, I’m not stopping! You need to make up for what you did to those kids.
Zodiac: And what if I say no?
Daru: Then I’ll tell the order that you killed innocent people.
Zodiac: Yeah, and I don’t care.
Daru: And Mizuda.
Zodiac’s anger begins to surface.
Zodiac: Keep Mizuda out of your mouth.
Daru: Only if you go with Hana this one time.
Zodiac: Tch, one day I will kill you. It’s only a matter of time.
Daru: (smirking) Yeah, we’ll see about that.
Zodiac starts moving toward the street.
Zodiac: I don’t have all day, so let’s go.
Hana: R-right!
Hana hurries to catch up with Zodiac as they head to the grocery store.
Daru: (to himself) This guy is something else.
As Zodiac and Hana shop for groceries, time passes quickly, and night descends. Everyone retires for the evening. Daru exits his room and descends the stairs, finding Zodiac in the living room sharpening his katana.
Daru: So, you’re up too?
Zodiac: I wasn’t feeling tired. You?
Daru: Pretty much.
A brief silence ensues.
Daru: I was wondering, you know how the school is closed?
Zodiac: Yes, and?
Daru: We should investigate the school.
Zodiac: Are you serious? What about the others?
Daru: Just leave them be. It’s just us.
Zodiac: I’d rather go alone than with you.
Daru: Same here, but if we want to finish this sooner, two people are better.
Zodiac sighs.
Zodiac: Very well.
Zodiac sets his katana aside.
Daru: Then let’s not waste any time.
Daru and Zodiac exit Hana’s house and make their way to the school. Upon arrival, they find the front gate locked and security guards patrolling the vicinity.
Zodiac: Looks like we have some pests around.
Daru: Not to mention the gate is locked.
Zodiac: Hmph. This can all be handled if you let me take care of them.
Daru: No way. We need to keep a low profile to avoid alerting the guards.
Zodiac: Fine. Just stay back.
Zodiac observes a guard pacing in front of the school. Utilizing sudoshi, he appears directly behind him. Zodiac draws his katana and strikes the guard in the neck, incapacitating him. As the guard collapses, Zodiac searches his pockets and retrieves a key to the front gate before returning to Daru.
Zodiac: (throws the key to Daru) Problem resolved.
Daru catches the key, unlocks the gate, and steps through.
Daru: Why don’t you do that all the time?
Zodiac: Do what?
Daru:
Knock people out instead of killing them!Zodiac: Because it’s pointless.
Daru shakes his head.
Daru: Regardless, let’s head inside.
Before they can open the gate, the scene shifts back to Gram, Kono, and Aimi, who are surrounded by papers strewn across the floor.
Gram: Who knew this investigation would take so long!
Aimi: I knew it would be a lot, especially with so many teachers in the school.
Gram glances at Aimi, who is seated in a chair, eating chocolate.
Gram: Hey... Are you going to help?
Aimi: I’m just a kid. Plus, my eyes hurt from staring at the computer for too long.
Gram: (sighs) Kono, have you discovered anything yet?
Kono stares at the computer, shocked, drawing the attention of Aimi and Gram.
Kono: I-I think I found something, guys...
Gram and Aimi quickly approach her.
Aimi: Ooo! What’d you find?
Kono: I was looking at all the teachers and didn’t find anything... but then I saw this picture of them in a group.
Gram: Okay, it’s just a picture of the teachers.
Kono: Yeah, but look closer...
Gram and Aimi lean in but still don’t notice anything unusual.
Aimi: I’m not following.
Gram: Yes, I’m confused as well.
Kono: (sighs) Okay, look.
Kono points to the mirror in the picture, revealing a reflection of the teachers in the background where a strange creature lurks.
Gram: What the hell! What is that?!
Aimi: Wh- that can’t be.
Gram: (confused) Can’t be? Can’t be what?
Kono: That was my initial reaction, Aimi. I researched Skells and discovered that they can take people’s souls. When they do, they can shapeshift into those individuals and can also enslave them, compelling them to obey their commands.
Gram: Wait, are you saying that Eklis never left that school!?
Kono: I believe he’s still there and has shapeshifted into one of the teachers.
Aimi: Oh my God, I can’t believe this.
Gram: Do you know who it is?
Kono: Yes... I think I do.
Gram: Who is it then!?
Kono: I dug deeper into the teachers and found this.
Aimi looks at the screen, which indicates that Mr. Kyto passed away four years ago, around the same time her sister began attending school.
Gram: So, Eklis is impersonating Mr. Kyto.
Aimi: Mr. Kyto...
Gram: We need to get to Daru and the others now; I think they’re in big trouble!
Daru and Zodiac navigate through the dimly lit school hallways.
Daru: Alright, let’s search for clues.
Zodiac: Where do we start?
Daru: I don’t know. You check the second floor, and I’ll check the first. If we find anything, we can use our Jump Watch to contact each other.
Zodiac: Sounds good.
Zodiac and Daru part ways, with Zodiac heading to the second floor and Daru remaining on the first. As Zodiac walks through the corridors, he approaches the boys’ washroom, which is cordoned off with yellow tape.
Zodiac: Good riddance.
Meanwhile, Daru traverses the halls and notices a guard approaching. He quickly conceals himself behind a wall.
Security Guard 1: Hmm...
The guard slowly walks to the end of the hall, preparing to peek around the corner. At that moment, Daru swiftly punches him in the face, spins him around, and wraps his arm around the guard’s throat, rendering him unconscious.
Daru: Have a good rest.
As the guard loses consciousness, Daru drags him to a locker and shoves him inside. Just as he is about to close the locker door, he notices the guard’s pale hands.
Daru: Pale hands?
Daru removes the guard’s helmet, revealing his drab appearance.
Daru: What the hell!
At that instant, Daru hears a girl’s scream echoing through the school.
Daru: What was that!?
Daru feels a vibration on his Jump Watch and sees a message from Zodiac: "Get up here now!" He quickly locates the stairs and rushes up to where Zodiac is waiting.
Daru: You heard that girl scream, right!?
Zodiac: Yes. And something entered that room. (He points.)
Zodiac gestures toward the science room.
Daru: The science room? That’s Himitsu and Hana’s class.
They cautiously approach the science room door. Daru bursts through the door but finds no one inside.
Daru: There’s nobody here.
Zodiac: No, there was. They must be hiding.
They begin to investigate the room. Zodiac approaches Mr. Kyto’s desk and notices a pen positioned oddly.
Zodiac: Hmm?
Zodiac picks up the pen and flicks it back, causing Mr. Kyto’s desk to flip and reveal a set of stairs leading down.
Daru: How did you figure that out?
Zodiac: I don’t know. The pen was in a strange position, so I flicked it back.
Daru: Which led to a secret passage. Whatever went down here must have escaped.
Zodiac: Then let’s continue.
Both Zodiac and Daru begin walking down the stairs, which grow darker as they descend. When they reach the bottom, they see torches lit on the walls and a massive door in front of them.
Zodiac: This door looks sturdy.
Daru: It should be lightweight.
As Daru prepares to punch it, Zodiac grabs his arm to stop him.
Daru: What are you doing!?
Zodiac: Are you serious? If you break down this door, you’ll alert everyone.
Daru: So what? If the person is behind these doors, we can end this.
Zodiac: We don’t know that for sure. It could be a trap.
Daru: What do you plan to do then?
Zodiac: We return to Hana’s house to share our discovery with everyone. I believe we are about to uncover who is behind this.