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For being the first people to support this book/continuous support. Thank you guys! Without them, we wouldn't be at 40 chapters right now ^^

Final chapter before the epilogue!

Not meant to burst your bubble-

But foin, I'll make a sequel.

And if there is to be a sequel, this is the reason why it happens-

- - -

10 pm, Kamome...

Hanako felt a lot more giddy and cheery as he bade Y/N goodbye, the memory still clinging to him and refusing to let go. He fought to keep a straight face, not burst into a triumphant cry of joy, and focus on another matter that had been worrying him for a while now.

"Where has Tsukasa been?"

Sakura looked up with surprise as her master's brother, the 7th Wonder Hanako himself, opened the Broadcasting Room with a start.

She looked down at her paperwork uncomfortably. Tsukasa had mentioned he was "paying this Rift thingy a visit," but had instructed her not to tell anyone.

"I'm sure he's granting a wish to another apparition." She said in a leveled tone.

"Huh, weird." Hanako hummed in confusion. "I thought he would be connected with Mitsuba. I tried to look for the guy, but he's vanished."

'The pink-haired boy? He was walking with him before he disappeared.'

"Anyway, thanks!" Hanako waved dismissively. He closed the door, leaving a now anxious and worried Sakura alone and afraid.

She had not liked the look on his face when he talked to Mitsuba. And she recalled, very dimly, he had mentioned something about Y/N as well when he "journeyed to the Rift."

'I can't spy on him! That will be the end of me! But...'

She looked down thoughtfully at the Mokke who claimed to had traveled with Tsukasa to the Rift before. She leaned down, gently murmuring a hushed command;

"Can you follow Tsukasa to the Rift? Tell him to come back. I have an urgent message."

The pink bunny looked up at her in surprise.

"What message?"

"It's only for him. I'm afraid I can't tell," said Sakura flatly, desperate to get to the bottom of this predicament weighing down on her shoulders.

"Alrighty, then!" The bunny hopped off without question, disappearing from sight.

Sakura watched it leave, wringing her hands in a tight knot.

'Please hurry. Something's wrong, I can feel it.'

~

11 pm, Sukora...

Sneaking out of Kamome proved to be more easier than it was. Everyone had gone, and Sukora was deserted. Y/N hastened her steps as she headed for her home, which was thankfully, only a few steps away from the school.

Even as she left the Rift, Y/N could not get what happened out of her head. She hated the fact that whenever she tried to, it would only come back as a stronger memory, making her blush all over again.

"Y/N, Y/N!"

Y/N looked up groggily to see her little cousin racing towards her, their arms thrown up in the beginnings of a hug.

She had no reaction as C/N leapt on them, hugging them tightly. Mr. and Mrs. Tsukira came out after them, eyes wide in panic.

"Where have you been?!" Her mom looked her over from head to toe as C/N cried into her uniform out of relief. Y/N forced a smile, sweeping strands of tousled hair out of her face.

Y/N hastily tried to think of an excuse, but C/N choked out in between tears.

"Osane, Y/N's friend, said she stayed at her house for a project!"

Y/N forced a look of surprise down. Osane had covered for her? How thoughtful!

"Don't ever run off on your own again!" Her father reprimanded. As stern as his tone was, his eyes were clouded with alleviation. "You could get yourself hurt!"

"Sorry..." Y/N said halfheartedly, gently patting C/N on the head and pushing past everyone. Tiredness had overwhelmed her, and she was getting sleepy.

"I won't do it again. Can I go to bed now?"

"You may." Mrs. Tsukira's eyes finally softened with worry. "You look exhausted, my dear. Catch up on some rest for tomorrow."

Y/N nodded. She had to go to school tomorrow. How could she ever thank Miku for such a well-thought excuse?

~

Second Period, English...

The teacher looked up from his desk, giving Y/N a very heated stare.

"Do you expect me to submit this poem in our Writing Contest?"

Y/N wondered why he even bothered to ask. His face was red and burning, clearly telling her he was "happy" with what she came up with.

"No, sir."

"The last part is too rushed! The theme of rumors is gruesome! "

Y/N watched as he gestured to a radio-looking device; the one used for the broadcasting P.A. systems of Sukora.

"If you win and you'll have to recite this to the younger grade levels, how do you think they'll react?!"

Y/N timidly looked away.

"I'll repeat it, sir."

The English teacher let out a long, quiet sigh. After a few seconds, he shoved the paper harshly to Y/N's waiting hand.

"The science teacher before me told me you've been unfocused and distracted in class. Try to think straight, Y/N. Elaborate on your poem better."

Y/N nodded, suppressing a groan of frustration. Even the teachers had noticed she was still distracted as ever by yesterday's events!

She thought C/N's persistent suspicions about her mooning over a boy in Sukora were annoying enough. Looks like it was more than just an irritable case; it was affecting her grades, too.

"Yes, sir." She nodded determinedly. The teacher looked satisfied by this.

"Dismissed."

~

Lunch...

"What's gotten into you, Y/N-chan?"

"I have to repeat the damn poem!" Y/N cut in sharply, putting out all of her contained anger. Osane's chopsticks fell out of her hand, startled by her loud tone.

Passerby began to stare. Y/N shyly looked away, poking at her food.

"Sorry." She mumbled.

"I honestly think your poem is great!" Osane tried to go for a cheery tone. "I don't get why Mr. Koragi refused it!"

"I appreciate that," Y/N managed a small smile. "By the way... thank you for covering up for me yesterday."

"It's no big deal." Osane shrugged.

Now it was Y/N's turn to be caught off guard. She expected to at least be interrogated about her disappearance. Trying to mask her surprise, she went for a friendly conversation.

"How's the red color scheme of our project? Can I help?"

Osane fidgeted uncomfortably.

"Say, Y/N..." Her friend piped up quietly. The optimism in her voice had now vanished, and she looked alertly from side to side. Y/N followed her eyes, and grew perplexed. Lunch had only just begun, and there were barely any students. What was she worried about?

"Do you need help for your poem?"

"You'll lend a hand?!" Y/N brightened up instantly. "Of course! Osane, why are you being so-"

"Then let's go."

Y/N got up with a start as Miku grabbed her wrist, pulling her away from the barely-filled canteen. She looked at her indignantly as her bento was left untouched.

"What about the food? You can't just leave the food!"

"The food can wait." Osane cut in impatiently. "Let's make your poem in the bathroom. No one can hear or see us there, so nobody can steal your idea."

Y/N blinked in bewilderment as the brunette continued dragging her up the staircase, and into a familiar-looking bathroom. Her eyes grew wide in fear and doubt.

"A-Aka Manto's...?"

"No one will disturb us." Osane reassured. "That's a good thing."

Y/N held her tongue, and, much to her fright, allowed Osane to bring her inside the bathroom. She knew her friend was clever and popular; whatever thing she did, as strange as it was, would always have a good reason behind it.

Just like how Miku stated, all the stalls were unoccupied, and the place looked as gloomy as ever. The only light source was a weak shaft of sunlight from a small window far up, bathing the room in a dim, eerie glow.

"Now what...?" Y/N shrank just a little closer to the brunette. Osane's red eyes stayed on the tiled floor as she slowly closed the door.

"Read your poem, Y/N." She said gently, a hint of her old optimistic spirit back in her tone. "I want to hear it! Only then can I add some insight!"

Y/N nodded, then called out hastily as Miku clicked the door to place.

"Can you keep the door open a crack? It's so dark... kinda' gives me the chills."

She felt a small rise of embarrassment at the confession, but her friend nodded in understanding, letting out a small sigh. She left the door open by a little distance.

Finally comfortable, Y/N cleared her throat formally, holding up the paper to start her reading.

"The seven old Wonders of Sukora High; Dangerous rumors one cannot deny. Each rumor given by their own accord, Will harm you and hurt you or build a rapport.

First is the 12 pm Sewing Girl fair, A weaver of clothing with threads made of hair From her victims. Her death came by too quick-"

She flinched as the door behind her suddenly slammed shut. Y/N awkwardly shuffled back into place as Osane looked at her encouragingly.

"Wh-when... when her arm and neck were pricked..."

"Are you sure you can do this, Y/N?" Osane pressed patiently. "You're a bit unsure when it comes to audiences!"

"Sorry, Osane." Y/N mumbled shamefully.

"Hey, it's no biggie!" Miku cheerily said. "I have an idea! Why don't you close your eyes? That way, you can pretend I'm not here!"

Y/N looked at her in amusement, about to shake her head, but her friend continued persistently-

"What if your poem gets chosen in the end? You'll need to memorize that! It'll help if you don't look at it."

She turned a little red. Did her friend really have that much faith in her? She was going to protest, but the look of determination and belief in her sparkling red eyes held her back. She sighed, giving in.

"Alright."

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath in, she continued:

"Second, the statue of Sukora's Angel, Fingers unclasped in a prayer appraisal. But when it starts counting from three to one An unlucky life will forever be gone.

Third, the spirit of vengeance and spite; A daughter who's mom was an unlucky wife The mother, a nun, to be pardoned from sin, Killed her own daughter, hid the body within The statue built after the Nun akin."

Y/N tightened her grip on the paper as she heard what sounded like the door locking behind her. She nervously kept her voice steady.

"Fourth, the courtyard of forsaken fight. Fifth, the playground alive in the night. Sixth, the sheets with perpetual stains Seventh, the last; Aka Manto's domain."

She finished off with a hint of pride, folding the paper with her poem to her pocket.

"Well, Osane! I've done it!" She called out cheerily, bouncing on her heels with eyes still shut tight. "Can I open my eyes now?"

Her voice echoed across the room, resonating around her before fading away. Y/N's heart stopped worriedly.

"Osane-chan?"

Someone's cold breath fanned against her ear.

Y/N whirled around in an instant, eyes opening with a start. She delivered a sidekick, but it merely passed through thin air.

'Huh...?'

Y/N realized the room she was in looked a lot more different. It was much more darker, and the window had disappeared.

Strangely enough, the room glowed a dim red, but no matter where Y/N looked, she could not find a source.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder.

Y/N's E/C eyes flared with irritation. Was Osane messing with her? She had already left her lunch for this!

She whirled around, only to come face to face with a figure in red robes, a white mask on their face, and a huge kitchen knife in both hands.

Y/N's eyes dilated in fright, but she kept a shaky fighting stance, pressing her lips in a firm line. She stared the strange assailant down bravely.

"That was a nice poem, Y/N."

Y/N's heart stopped.

She watched in horror as Osane slowly took off the mask, walking towards her until she was forced to press her back against the wall.

"O-Osane...?"

"I've seen how you act." She went on, her voice a strange, menacing calm. Her red eyes, which used to hold so much enthusiasm and warmth, were now cold and unreadable. "Kamome's 7th Wonder is fond of you. As a leading Wonder, I can trust his judgement and take you as my successor."

Poor Y/N was trembling all over as Osane loomed in on her. Betrayal rendered all her other senses gone, making her yell in anger.

"You're Aka Manto?!"

Osane looked momentarily hurt by the venom in her voice, but she blinked away the thought. Y/N would understand.

"As your precedent," Aka Manto went on, laying the knife on top of Y/N's heart. "I will grant you permission to use the Rift to visit him. Visit Kamome's 7th Wonder as much as you wish."

Y/N's throat ran dry as Aka Manto slowly lifted the knife. Every trace of the friend she had trusted was gone, replaced only by anger and disbelief.

"I'm sorry." Osane murmured. "I'll make it as quick as possible."

Before she could deliver so much as another blow, the knife plunged down.

~

'Cold.'

The last thing Y/N could remember was Aka Manto's teary-eyed face as her vision clouded in a horrible red sheen.

It had been very painful. She could not count how many times the knife had stabbed into her and pulled out. She was glad it had disappeared in the flash.

'But why is it so cold?'

Y/N slowly unfurled from the knot she had not even noticed she was in. She weakly held up her hand to a shaft of sunlight pouring out from a window high above.

'The room is back to normal?'

She got on her knees, her eyes staying trained on her surroundings. The bathroom looked like itself again. There was no sign of Aka Manto.

Y/N felt a surge of relief as she examined her hand. There was no blood. However...

'...why does it look like my hand is faded?'

That was when she looked down.

Y/N nearly let out a scream. It was her, filled with wounds where the knife had stabbed her over and over. Her uniform was drenched in blood, her E/C eyes half-slitted and unseeing.

'What the heck! I look hideous!'

She looked down at herself again, her self where she could move. Herself where the uniform was strangely clean, free from any stain.

She got up, stepping out of her corpse with a face contorted in disgust. She phased right through.

She choked back a gasp of horror.

'No way...'

"How's it like to be a spirit, Y/N?"

Her body tensed up. She slowly looked around to face the boy she had made her enemy since the first day she met him.

Tsukasa stood by Aka Manto in front of her bathroom stall, a smug grin on his face. Osane glanced at Y/N guiltily before looking down at the floor.

"You two..." Y/N seethed, a wave of disbelief, anger, and frustration surging through her.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!" She charged at Tsukasa furiously, arms prepared for an uppercut. "WAIT UNTIL I TELL-"

A sharp blow of pain erupted from her chest.

"Don't leave for my brother just yet," he chuckled lowly, amber eyes taunting. Y/N looked down, face pale, as Tsukasa's arm went through her, blood slowly seeping out from where her heart would be.

"We still have unfinished business."

Y/N fell to the ground as she felt something ripping off from her chest, her vision blurrying.

"NO!"

'Osane...?'

She could barely look up through the pain coursing through her, but she made out the figure of her red robes as she approached Tsukasa.

"What are you doing?!" Osane cried. "You said you would let Y/N be and leave!"

"I said she'd be your successor." Tsukasa lashed out impatiently. And then, to Y/N's dread, harshly kicked the Wonder to the wall.

"Now..." Tsukasa's calm smile returned to his face, as if he had never knocked out the Sukora spirit. "What is this, Y/N?"

She watched, half-conscious, as Tsukasa picked her fallen paper up; her poem. He lifted it up as if inspecting lost treasure, before unfolding it at last.

"Sixth, the sheets with perpetual stains," he read out loud in a soothingly smooth tone. "Seventh, the last; Aka Manto's domain."

He affixed the pained girl with a bright smile, throwing the paper down. Then, to her surprise, she saw him whip up a familiar-looking device, flicking it on.

'Koragi-sensei's broadcasting radio...?'

"You needed help with the poem, right? Allow me!"

She felt a jab of pain as Tsukasa harshly lifted her by her collar. To her dismay, she was too weak to move away from his hand on her forehead as he began to recite.

"Students of Sukora! Are you ready to hear the latest example of a winning poem for the Writing Contest?"

Y/N's eyes went wide as she heard Tsukasa's voice drift through the halls outside, followed by excited gasps. He gave her a sly smirk before continuing on:

"This red-robed Wonder preys every night With the choice of paper; blue and red, not white."

Y/N let out a shuddering gasp as a jet of agonizing pain went over her body. In the distance, she could hear Tsukasa's voice echo across still. She wanted to pull away and curl into a ball, but Tsukasa kept her close, amber eyes ablaze with delight.

"If blue will be chosen, the victim will find Their lacerated corpse embedded into their mind."

Another tremor of pain shot through her, making her let out a bloodcurdling scream.

"If red is the color the person prefers, They will be stabbed beyond compare."

Another shock of pain racked through her, but Y/N was too weak to even let out a whisper. From the back of her dying vision, she thought she could see Aka Manto's terrified eyes on hers, before she backed away into the open cut of the Rift.

"That is the leading wonder, 7th of Sokura!"

The last thing Y/N saw - before everything faded to black - was Tsukasa's half-eyed grin as he closed the radio with a flick, announcing the words to her quietly.

"Aka Manto, Y/N Tsukira."

~

"HELP ME! PLEASE!"

Hanako turned away from talking with his hakujoudai, his knife already out and his cape billowing in the wind.

Osane pressed against the wall in fright as the 7th Wonder stared her down angrily, his teeth gritted.

"What is this I hear about Y/N getting hurt?!" He demanded, so much hate and ferocity in his voice Osane shrank beneath his amber gaze.

"Y-Y/N... Sh-She...." Osane choked, her voice failing her as she recalled the girl twisting in agony and pain.

"Speak." Hanako's face was devoid of any emotion, his knife to her head. "Or I'll kill you."

"Tsukasa is wiping out her memory!" She blurted at last, falling to the girl's bathroom's floor. A bruise from where Tsukasa had kicked her made her feel weak and tired.

"I... I ran here as f-fast as I c-could... he didn't see me... the Rift... the Rift is in the Hell of Mirrors..."

Hanako's cold expression slowly turned into one of horror. He pressed the knife closer to a trembling Osane.

"What do you mean?"

"I-I've seen the ritual for a new rumor done before!" She cried desperately, shying away from the knife. "H-He did it to a... p-pink haired boy just r-recently..."

He immediately retracted the knife from her, fear not only for Mitsuba, but for Y/N the most, overwhelming him.

He leapt to his feet, leaving Aka Manto alone.