Beyond, With a Yokai

Chapter 1: Who Are You?

"If that's true... then why?" Her voice cracked. "To use me like those others would? Or...?"

He gave a slow smile.
Something flickered in his eyes. Something sharp.

"I can do whatever I want with you. And you don't need to know why."

The air grew cold.
Her throat tightened.

What does he mean? What does he WANT from me?

And worst of all—what she'd seen so far made her question whether this was just a dream after all.

"So all the days I spent at camp... after I fell... that was your illusion? Then what were you doing this whole time? Just watching me? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I was curious," he said with a shrug. "Wanted to see what you'd do. But it got boring. So I stepped out of the shadows for a little fun."

"So stalking me in a bathroom and scaring a schoolgirl—that's fun for you?"

"Technically it wasn't a bathroom. Wasn't even real. It was part of the illusion," he said, like it was obvious.

"Then why save me?"

"Because I want to use you. Like I already said." He rubbed his temples like she was giving him a headache. "I've told you enough. Stop being so greedy."

"Pinch me."

"What?" His eyes widened.

"Just do it!" She shoved her hand toward him.

He hesitated—then pinched her.

Nothing.

She grinned, practically bouncing in place.
"See? No pain! Ha! Explain that."

"Want me to make it hurt?"

"Go ahead, imaginary man. Shock me."

He rolled his eyes—then flicked her forehead.

"OW!" she cried, clutching her head.
Tears sprang to her eyes.
"That was the worst flick I've ever felt!"

"I didn't want to hurt you before," he said smugly. "But you asked. I'm nothing if not polite."

"You could've been gentler."

"I wanted to make sure you really got the message: you're not asleep."
He gave a half-smile.
But her own smile started to fade.

The fear... was creeping back in.

"What about that thing? You said it would come for me again. Since you apparently 'need' me, how are you planning to protect me?"

He scoffed.
"You're really full of yourself. I'll deal with it—but not because you asked. I've got my own reasons."

"Well I didn't exactly ask," she muttered, watching him carefully. "What's your name?"

"You know what they say. The less you know, the better you sleep."
He leaned back, lips curling into a mocking grin.
But the cold glint in his eyes never left.

"Yesenia? Why are you outside at this hour?"

The voice came from behind.
She jumped.

Another horror? Or something real this time?

She turned—and saw a camp counselor approaching with a flashlight.

But something about him was wrong.

His movements were too stiff.
Too robotic.
His face... blank. Like a carved mask with no expression.

And he didn't seem to notice the guy standing right beside her.