"Ah, now I know why you looked so familiar, you're Kenji's twin sister."
"Grandma, so you do know me?" Ren asked as she felt relieved that she had found where her brother was staying.
However, one person was still shocked by what's happening. His mind has not grasped the reality that he was seeing his best friend dead sister right in front of him. What's worse, the girl was casually talking to her grandmother and having tea as if it's a natural thing. However, of course the girl couldn't have tea since she was already dead.
"Grandma, how can you see me?" Ren asked as she has been curious as to why she can see her and others don't.
"Hmm, it's a very long story like I said, it has something to do with those who guard the temple."
… As per what grandma said, she and her family were what you called "Shrine Priestess". There were indeed old tales and secrets about them back in time. It was said they have a special ability to cast demons, ghosts and all supernatural things away. They were once acknowledged as "Shaman" having the ability and influence in the world of good and evil spirit. They were known as being a guide to those good spirits and being a destroyer to bad spirits.
The more I learn about such stories, the more I realize I have come into the wrong place. What if the leader suddenly kills or destroys me for being a bad spirit?
As of now, she has not decided whether to destroy me or not. As she said, I am one of those vengeful ghosts. Well, she classified me as that since my heart will only seek revenge and find out the truth about my death. As long as I don't harm another human, the last remaining fragments of my soul won't be destroyed. Instead, she said, she'll try to help me cross to the other side instead.
Even though I don't know whether that is paradise or hell, I really didn't mind. The fact my heart is stone cold at the moment, I'm pretty sure I'll be sent to hell anyways. Has there ever been a ghost with a bitter heart sent to heaven?
"So, that's the tale about our family. As you know, me and my husband are the keepers of this temple. My husband still has his ability as a shaman so don't worry. I'll make sure to inform him so that he doesn't destroy you."
"Thank you-" Ren said hesitantly, since she didn't know whether she should be gathered or worried that anytime Fuji's grandfather could destroy her.
"Fuji-kun, why don't you take Ren-chan to see her brother."
"Ah-" Ren looked surprised as she turned to face the elder woman.
"Isn't that the reason why you are here, because you are worried for your brother? You're worried that what happened to you might happen to him?"
… Was I that obvious with my plan? I mean, yeah… I went searching all over town for the right temple, wait. Can she read minds as well? She did say they have special ability that normal people don't. Or, did she by chance follow me?
"Child, you're overthinking."
"She can read minds." Ren mumbled, not realizing she had misspoke without thinking.
"She can't." Fuji finally spoke, after being in shock for a long time. He sighs as he realizes he has no way out of this.
… Why is this happening? I thought earlier, I was seeing things, but to think Ren is indeed a ghost. Could those terrible nightmares be related to what happened to her. Should I even tell Kenji about this? Nah, I better keep this to myself for now. Kenji isn't the type of person who'll keep calm about this. He'll probably go running around all over town again shouting that someone killed Ren. But, did someone really kill Ren. As per what Grandma said, it sounded like she was indeed killed.
Ren-chan, one of the most beautiful, talented, gentle girls in our high school. Everyone has given her the title as a Goddess. She is a goddess if you ask me. She was kind to everyone and never did she ever complain about being mistreated. Which is why I pity her sometimes.
Not a lot knows this, but, Kenji always pitied his sister. The fact the girl can never be herself since there are always too many eyes watching her. Just a single mistake can ruin her image which annoys Kenji a lot. The fact is, people are two faced, they smile and praise his sister when face, but one Ren turns her back on them… sighs, I wish I never heard those words. How I wish Kenji didn't hear them as well that day.
Despite all of that, Ren never showed any sign of sadness or hatred. Maybe, that's where we are all wrong. Maybe, Ren knew about all the horrible things being said about her and she kept everything to herself. To the point, to the point she couldn't hold it and end herself.
But, after hearing what grandma said, I think Kenji might be right. Someone must have indeed killed Ren.
"Ren, come, I'll take you to Kenji."
However, the girl was unmoved and it seems she never intended to see Kenji in the first place. All she wanted to know was whether he was safe or not. Despite they may not see eye to eye, he was still her little brother.
"Ren, don't you…"
"It's fine, I know Kenji is safe here. I've stayed too long, I better…"
"Where do you plan to go child?"
"I-"
… That's right, where will I go? I can't go home anymore, nor can I go back to the memorial place and watch my mother in despair. I actually have no place to go. What should I do? Should I go to school instead, but, wouldn't I be making the place quite eerie.
"Fuji-kun, why don't you take her to the temple for now. At least, she'll be safe there."
… Safe? I'm a ghost already, what else would dare harm me? I mean, are there things that ghosts should be afraid of?
"Ah, I'll bring her to grandfather then. Ren, let's go."
Ren obediently followed as she got up and bid the elder farewell. As she slowly exits the door, she couldn't help but keep her gaze at the elderly woman.
… Strange, what could be there that can harm me? Should I ask Fuji?
As the two of them headed to the top temple, Ren continued to enjoy the beautiful scenery, as she was gazing upon them, she couldn't help but feel bitter about everything.
"I hate this." She mumbled as she found everything around her disgusting.
"You're only saying that…" Fuji replied emotionless about what the girl just said. He sighs as he is in deep thought as they continue on their way. 'Of course you'll hate everything, you're no longer alive to see it change and appreciate it. What's worse, you're emitting such dark energy for a ghost. Who knows how long you'll be able to stay?'
"Fuji, how long have you been able to see ghosts?" Ren curiously asked.
"Just now." Fuji answered without any hesitation and with a direct short word.
Ren was surprised and excited to know more. ��Wait, am I the first ghost you've ever seen?"
"No, you're the first ghost I'm seeing and talking to." He sighs as he realize he has a lot of explaining to do.
"What do you mean?"
"I've always seen them, but I don't talk to them. My family runs a temple, so spirits would normally come and visit us."
"Spirit? Aren't they just ghost?"
"Hmm, how should I explain it." Fuji thought for a moment an easy way to make the girl understand the difference between a spirit and ghost.
"Aren't they both just names for beings that are dead?"
"Well, for normal humans, yes, but for us who are guardians of the temple. There is a vast difference between them. Ghost, are like you… As time passes, they either turn into a spirit."
"Huh?" Ren was so confused that despite how smart she may be she couldn't grasp that short and terrible explanation.
Fuji was flustered as he realizes he must have said something without thinking. He pondered hard on a better way to explain things, "I mean, ghosts can still keep their natural human form. I mean, you still look like yourself, right? Whilst spirits are different, since you can either turn into a good or bad spirit. And bad spirit, is something you don't want to be."
Ren notices how drastic Fuji's expression darken when he spoke about bad spirit.
... I wonder what happened to Fuji that he seems so frightened about bad spirits? Could, something related to his family has something to do with bad spirits?
"Why? Does it have something to do with what your grandmother said earlier?"
"Well, it's something to do with that, but, for now. You better get some rest."
"Rest?"
"Hmm, since you are still a ghost, you can still naturally rest. But, time moves faster for you, so an hour sleep is like a day's sleep for you."
… Now it made sense, I felt like I was chatting with the old lady way too long yet when I looked at the time, it's only been a couple of minutes. The more I understand about all this ghost stuff, the more I'm curious about what other ability I can do. I wonder…
"Fuji, can I control another person's body?"
Fuji was shocked and worried, his face was already giving out the answer, but he yelled, "Whatever you do, don't dare do something so stupid as take control of someone else body."
"Why?"
"Just don't do it, if you don't want to turn into a bad spirit don't do it."
"So, you're saying if I take control over someone else's body, I'll turn into a bad spirit."
"Yes!" However, that wasn't the truth, but Fuji just didn't want the girl to have any idea and do something foolish. It was better she doesn't know the truth and eventually doing it will bring more harm and something terrible which can lead to her end.
"Hurry up."