Rin looked behind me and smiled. 

“Xiao?” Rin asked in a confused tone. I looked behind me. I was relieved to see a familiar face. Xiao was an old schoolmate. He was also our friend.

“What are you guys doing out here? And why are you covered in blood? Attacked or fell?” He chuckled. Rin and I looked at each other and wondered what we should tell. Based on our expressions, Xiao concluded that something was wrong. We decided to tell him what happened. He was in shock. 

“So the only reason you are near the river is that you wanna stay safe from your so-called “parents?” You know, this spirit you speak of might be Hachisukusama. She can shapeshift and poison your mind with words that’ll follow you everywhere. She can impersonate up to 7 people.” Xiao was obsessed with the supernatural and often studied them frequently. All he says will be trusted. Xiao smiled at us and offered that we could go to his house. It was nearby the river which can prevent Hachisakusama from encountering us. As we were walking towards the house, every rustle in the nearby bushes startled Rin and I. 

We noticed that Xiao started to turn his head around but something was wrong. He turned his neck as it started to pause as if the muscles within his neck pressed against him turning his head around. 

“Good luck,” Xiao said as his neck made a satisfying crunching sound as he stood and then fell. Rin and I were afraid. We knew there was something lurking in the shadows. What if the legends were wrong and this river has no ability to prevent us? A great force weighed me down to the floor. Rin as well followed me onto the floor. 

As I regain consciousness, I was awaiting a school. I scanned the tall grassy fields for Rin, but she was long gone. Only the school was present and nothing more. I decided to explore the school. Maybe some people can help me. What if no one was here?