Chapter One:
Death Lurks in the Shadows
A warm gentle breeze blew through the trees. A few wooden wind chimes clunked together as the group of five students lingered near the dirt path that snaked into the dark unwelcoming forest in the hills of Tamashini Town. The five students had all agreed to meet near the edge of The Forest of Silence. In Tamashini, many myths revolved around the forest that surrounded the seaside mountain town that only few called home. Tamashini residents honor the forest for its fertile soil and active wildlife. The forest being so dense, it is nearly impossible to find one's way if they stray from the dirt path. A few people have gone missing in the forest and while it is where festivals are held, there is a deep-seated respect as well as fear for the forest. The people of Tamashini pay their respects open at the shrine which is kept clean by the elderly Genkai.
Not much is known about the woman except she is known for her spiritual prowess. She moved into the shrine two years ago, in 1995, to manage its upkeep and the town does not see her often except during festivals. She is a recluse and viewed as highly mysterious. Due to her private life, many children consider her to be some kind of witch, able to commune with the dead or other spirits. The who idea of venturing into the eerily quiet forest had been that of Era Tsukino. While young for a high school senior, Era was well known for having bold ideas, wanting to enjoy as much of her life as possible. Sometimes her impulsive nature got her into trouble. Sometimes she'd have to climb to the top of a tree to get the right photograph which would result in a sprained ankle or fractures wrist but Era was never one shy away from an idea and often enough once the idea had been planted in her head, there was little to deter her.
The Forest of Silence was not forbidden to anyone but it was a place no one often went into come nightfall.
As the five lingered near the forest's only entrance, Era took a few steps back down the slope that lead to the town's row of homes and shops. No lights were on behind them but the moon, in its waning gibbous stage, provided her enough natural light to snap a picture of them preparing to go on a small quest. Era's camera was her most prized possession and she never left home without it, not wanting to miss out on a great photo here or there. The teenager's long flowing light brown hair gave her some warmth as the spring air was kept cool due to Tamashini's proximity to the ocean. She had on cream colored sweater and blue jeans, not wanting to get too dressed up for their outing. It was a little after midnight as the five stared into the quiet depths of the forest.
"Okay looks like we're here. Let's go!" She pumped her right fist into the air.
When she had voiced her idea after class hours ago, Era had been surprised to see who had shown interest. There was Hime Masami who was rather quiet and an A student. That said, Hime wasn't often the kind to break rules as she enjoyed having such a polite and proper image. That said, Era was happy to welcome the older student to their little romp in the woods. There was Isami Hironaka who was Era's age but like Hime, rather reserved and stuck to himself. There was Rikyu Kiyabu who was also her age who she wasn't surprised to see at the meeting spot. And lastly there was Matsuri Yanagi who was nice enough but still also a surprise. In all honesty Era expected to see someone like Bunko who was the class clown. Or even Sachi who was always the center of attention. That said, Era was hoping they could still have a fun night in the woods and maybe become better friends.
"There is no need to yell. People are sleeping." Hime said quietly, her arms folded over her chest. Hime's presence surprised even herself. While they had all grown up with one another, they weren't necessarily close. Era had her own friends just as the others had their own niches in the town. Hime has promised herself as well as her parents that during her final year of school, she would do her best to branch out and become more social with her peers. That said, Hime had her doubts about going into the forest so late. Since she was a cautious soul, she did leave a note in her room if she happened to not come home in the morning, so that a search party could be formed and directed accordingly. Hime looked at the other four, hoping her note would be unnecessary but she did like to take precautions as needed.
With everyone feeling tense, doubtful, or worried, it was time to get moving before one of them changed their mind.
"Come on, the sooner we depart the sooner we'll be back home safe in our beds." Hime said as she began to walk into the forest.
"Aw don't be in such a rush. There's no fun in that." Era whined lightly.
Hime glanced to the younger classmate,
"This being your idea, makes you somewhat responsible for our safety. You should take that seriously and make sure we all make it back.""Whaaat? I am not your babysitter! Guys, I am not liable for any harm that may befall you. We're all adults here," Somewhat.
"so we all need to be careful. So watch your step and don't blame me if you fall and break your nose or something." Era laughed lightly as they walked along the dirt path, the moonlight that once gave the group light and guidance now became somewhat muddled due to the high trees. Hime looked around as she turned on her flashlight. She had the common sense to bring it along though it looked like Era had not. Hime had on a dark red long sleeve shirt. She had over that, a black vest and matching black linen pants to deal with the slightly warm but windy evening. Hime alternated her flashlight from left to right front of their path, making sure they followed it and did not somehow stray. Her choppy brown hair was tied back in a loose ponytail and she stuck to the middle of the pack while Era took the lead.
"I think the shrine isn't far." Hime spoke up. While she had been to the shrine several times during holidays and festivals to pay her respects, it was harder to consider time and distance in the dark. Even though her focus was on the narrow path in front of them, her eyes couldn't help but catch glimpses of the various wildflowers that littered the forest. It seemed that even in darkness, they held such immense beauty.
"Hold on guys." She couldn't help but call out to the others as she slowed down and turned her flashlight towards a collection of pink azaleas.
"They look so different at night." She crouched down and brushed a finger along one of the silky flower petals. It was no secret that Hime had a passion in flowers and plants.
Era stepped back and snapped a picture of Hime by the pool of flowers. Though she didn't think it would turn out well given the lack of lighting, she hoped it could be a nice memento for older girl. The group continued to walk, their pace slow. From time to time there would be the sound of cicadas or crickets. There seemed to be a wave of peace settling over the intimidating forest. The more she spent in the forest amoung the others, the less nervous Hime found herself. Perhaps there was something soothing about being surrounded by trees and flowers that made the brown haired teenager accept the moment for what it is, as opposed to what her worries were fabricating in her head. Hime focused on where she was and who she was with, not wanting to miss out on this spur of the moment adventure.
"So...we've got break coming up. Any plans?" Hime asked the others. They would soon have three weeks off from school and she had to wonder if anyone was already planning how to spend their days of freedom.
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