After being struck and flung away, her eyes suddenly opened. Since she quickly regained consciousness, she was able to immediately assess her situation. Despite still bleeding, she swiftly used both hands to help herself get up from her lying position due to her sudden propulsion. With careful effort, she managed to rise, her entire body trembling, particularly her two arms, as she transitioned to a sitting position. As she sat up, blood from her face began to spread, staining her features. Her eyes were tinged with blood as well.
While seated, she was accompanied by labored breaths and gasps. Her breathing was rapid and panting. After a brief moment of sitting, she gradually rose, her legs shaking uncontrollably. The number of people who noticed her began to increase. An attempt was made by a female student to help her, but Himiko looked at her, blood dripping from her eyes like tears. This sight frightened the girl, causing her to quickly retreat. Once Himiko managed to stand, she started walking, swaying and stumbling as she moved through her surroundings. Amid her walking, she almost stumbled and had to grab onto a metal fence beside her to regain balance. She continued walking immediately afterward. As she walked, the people around her became even more fearful. During her walk, she unexpectedly encountered Rika, her younger sister, in the distance.
Chapter 3 - Entering into the Darkness
Upon seeing her sister, she softly called out, "R-Rika..." her voice barely above a whisper. From her sister's perspective, she was absolutely terrified by what she saw. Even though it was her older sister, the fear remained strong. As a result, she quickly stepped back, an expression of fear and anxiety on her face. Suddenly, she turned around and ran away, tears streaming down her face in terror. As tears streamed down her face, she squeezed her eyes shut and sniffled. Despite her situation, she continued her walk. As she pressed on, traces of blood marked her shoes and droplets from her head and both arms fell onto the ground as she walked. After a while of walking, she inadvertently brushed against the side of a bridge and fell into the sea. As she plummeted, her blood started to spread through the water, rising to the surface as she gradually submerged beneath the sea.
Character Profile time! - Sato Rika?!
Sato Rika is a 17-year-old sibling of Himiko. She is the second oldest among the three siblings. Like her sister, she strives to excel in her studies and work to assist her older sister Himiko. Standing at a height of 170cm, Rika possesses long, Dark Blue hair complemented by Violet eyes. She is diligent and resilient, yet she also grapples with moments of fearfulness.
Back to the moment
"What am I missing to improve my life and fulfill these promises? What do I need to do to make it through this life? All I want is to provide for our family and make my siblings happy," she murmured in her thoughts. As the moments passed and the sea further darkened, it felt as though she was experiencing a dream.
"this feels rather Familiar.. I remember when our parents passed away, I promised them that I would secure our family's livelihood. But after their funeral, we were told that the money they earned wasn't legally theirs... I was shocked when I heard that, but I accepted it, thinking I could still support us. It turns out, I was just being arrogant," she reflected in her mind. In tandem with these thoughts, tears of blood welled up from Himiko. And after a brief moment of sinking deeper into the sea, a child's Female voice echoed, calling out her name, "Himiko~~, Himiko~~," accompanied by giggles.
Himiko slightly opened her mouth, and bubbles escaped, forming orbs that floated from her lips.
"Do you really want to disappear?" inquired the young girl's voice.
"I don't know," Himiko responded. After her answer, the voice giggled again.
"Our lives shouldn't be disregarded just like that. Our aspirations can be achieved if an individual carries the steadfastness. The duration or extent of hardships shouldn't be the focus."
"How can I fix all of this?"
"Hmm," the voice sounded as if it was smiling.
"Do you desire to mend everything?"
"..yes."
"Do you wish for another chance to attain your desires?"
"Yes..."
"If that's the case, join me, and let's merge to achieve these goals together."
"No matter the difficulties," Himiko declared, tightening her grip on her convictions.
"In that case, join me, and let's continue this life together!"
After the voice's statement, two large hands opened beneath Himiko. As they drew closer and closer, it seemed like they were closing, and as Himiko was enveloped, her voice blended with the voice's words.
"The challenges we will journey through will culminate in the tools of our darkness. Your death will still find hope, and these upcoming trials will become our instruments. But... all of this is a... contract, to become companions of... the desired darkness," it said, creating a sound that resembled a smile. After its words, Himiko found herself submerged beneath the water, with the two large hands surrounding her.
As the voice's statement concluded, the hands closed rapidly, as if trapping Himiko within its palm.
Transition to the Next Part:
Himiko's eyes suddenly opened, floating in the sea and lying down. Upon opening her eyes for the first time, she gazed upon the beautiful sky. She looked at it and then closed her eyes to let out a sigh...