Yuzu Katagiri was a normal girl. She had grown up in Kolt Village, a place of simple joys and sturdy, unadorned huts, surrounded by her parents' unwavering love. Their life together was a tapestry woven with shared laughter, quiet evenings by the fire, and the comforting rhythm of village life. They were happy. But happiness, in stories as in life, can be fragile. Everything changed on Yuzu's fourth birthday.
Kolt Village 7 years ago
Four-year-old Yuzu, a whirlwind of pink in a simple dress and worn but comfortable shoes, skipped through the heart of Kolt Village. The morning sun warmed the packed earth path beneath her feet. Villagers paused their chores to offer cheerful greetings.
"Hey, Yuzu!" a man called from where he was mending a fence, his friendly smile creasing.
"Morning, dear," an older woman murmured, her hands busy with laundry.
"Hey, good morning!" Yuzu chirped back, her voice bright and full of childish energy. Her heart thumped with anticipation. Today was special. Today was her day. She hurried towards her home, her excitement tangible, and in her eagerness, she wasn't watching where she was going.
Thump!
She collided with something solid and soft, tumbling backward onto the dusty ground with an "Ow!"
"Whoa there, Missy, slow down," a familiar voice chuckled.
Yuzu rubbed her backside and looked up. It was the Elder, a short, bald man whose face was mostly hidden behind a magnificent, bushy gray beard. He leaned on a gnarled walking cane, his eyes, kind and crinkled at the corners, peered out from above the white expanse. He wore a long-sleeved green shirt, a practical brown leather jacket, sturdy pants, and well-worn black boots.
Yuzu scrambled to her feet, dusting the dirt from her pink dress. "Sorry, Elder," she mumbled, bowing her head apologetically.
The Elder's eyes crinkled further as he smiled. "It's all hunky dory, little one. But where are you going in such a hurry, looking like a pink blur?"
"Home!" Yuzu beamed, unable to contain her excitement. "Today's a special day, so I want to get home as soon as possible!"
"Oh?" the Elder said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Would it be... a 'be extra nice to the elder and give him a shiny coin' day?"
Yuzu giggled, a clear, bell-like sound. "No, silly! It's my birthday!" She playfully slapped his knee, the sound soft against his trousers.
The Elder feigned surprise, his eyes wide. "Oh, is that all?"
"Elder!" Yuzu scolded again, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. The elder threw back his head and laughed, a warm, rumbling sound.
"I kid, I kid," he said, his laughter subsiding. "So, how old are you now?"
Yuzu held up four fingers, wiggling them proudly. "This old!"
The elder squinted, leaning closer. "Hmm, let me see… you're four fingers years old?"
Yuzu giggled again, shaking her head. "No, silly! I'm four years old now!"
"Wow, four!" The Elder straightened up dramatically. "You're basically an adult now! Next thing you know, you'll start having gray hair and back problems, too."
"I'm not that old yet, Elder!" Yuzu protested, though she couldn't help but laugh with him. Their shared laughter filled the quiet morning air.
"Anyway," Yuzu said, remembering her mission, "I have to get home! Can't be late for my birthday!"
"Good point," the Elder nodded sagely. "You better hurry along, or your birthday is going to be mad at you."
Yuzu giggled one last time, waving goodbye to the Elder. He waved back with his cane as she turned and ran, her pink dress a bright streak against the earthy tones of the village, her bare legs pumping as fast as they could carry her towards home.
000
Yuzu's house
Yuzu burst through the door, her chest heaving slightly from the run, a wide grin on her face.
"SURPRISE!"
A sudden explosion of color and sound accompanied the shout. Balloons bobbed in the air, and a shower of brightly colored confetti rained down around her. Villagers, faces wreathed in smiles, surrounded her, wishing her a happy birthday, offering warm hugs and gentle head pats. Yuzu gasped, her eyes wide with wonder.
Then, a man and a woman stepped forward, their faces radiating love.
"Happy birthday!" they said in unison, their voices warm and familiar.
"Mommy! Daddy! Thank you so much!" Yuzu cried, throwing herself into their waiting arms. She hugged them tightly, burying her face in their clothes, inhaling their comforting scent.
"You're welcome, honey," her dad said, his voice soft as he hugged her back.
"Did we surprise you?" her mom asked, pulling back slightly to look into her daughter's face.
"You sure did!" Yuzu exclaimed, still breathless from the surprise. "I wasn't expecting this at all! Is that why you sent me on that mission?"
"Yup!" her dad confirmed, a playful glint in his eyes. "We needed you out of the house so we could set all of this up."
"And to make sure you were none the wiser," her mom added, "we sent someone to ensure you were preoccupied. Can you guess who?"
Yuzu tilted her head, crossing her arms in a thinking pose, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Hmm…" Then her eyes lit up. "Oh! It must have been the Elder! I thought it was weird that I kept bumping into him everywhere!"
"That's right," her mom smiled. "He was keeping an eye on you, making sure you carried out your mission. Which reminds me, did you get what we asked?"
"Yes, I did!" Yuzu replied, reaching into the pocket of her pink dress. She pulled out a small plant, its stem slender, topped with a large, almost heart-shaped leaf. Nestled amongst the leaves was a single fruit, small and roundish, resembling a miniature, bumpy-skinned yellow grapefruit.
"Here you go!" Yuzu said, holding it out to her dad. "But what do you need this for?"
Her parents exchanged a knowing look, a silent conversation passing between them. Then her dad smiled, a gentle, loving expression.
"For this," he said, carefully taking the plant and then, to Yuzu's surprise, returning it to her hands.
"Huh?" Yuzu said, utterly confused, looking from the plant to her parents. They both laughed softly.
Yuzu's dad knelt down, bringing his face level with hers. "Yuzu," he said, his voice tender. "Do you know what this is called?"
Yuzu looked at the small plant in her hands. Its leaves were vibrant green, and the fruit was cheerful yellow. She shook her head.
Her dad's smile widened. "It's called a Yuzu."
"Hey, that's my name!" Yuzu gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Her parents laughed again, their joy infectious. "That's right, honey," Yuzu's mom said, kneeling beside her husband and wrapping an arm around Yuzu. "You and this plant have the same name. It's a birthday gift. A Yuzu, for our sweet Yuzu." She pulled her daughter into a warm embrace.
"Mommy…" Yuzu whispered, her voice trembling, tears blurring her vision.
Yuzu's mom let go and stood, standing close beside her husband.
"Now make sure to take good care of it," Yuzu's dad said, his hand resting gently on Yuzu's head.
"I will!" Yuzu beamed, clutching the plant carefully. "Mommy! Daddy! I love you!"
"We love you too!" They both said, their voices filled with an overwhelming love that wrapped around Yuzu like a warm blanket. They all embraced in a tight family hug, the world outside the small house fading away, leaving only the three of them, bathed in the golden light of a happy memory.
000
Later that night
As the last well-wishers departed, the remnants of Yuzu's fourth birthday party began to fade. Soon, only her parents and a final guest remained – a young man with short blond hair, dressed in a plain white shirt and black trousers.
"Hey, thanks for coming," Yuzu's dad said to the young man.
"No need to thank me," the young man replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't really do anything."
"Oh, nonsense," Yuzu's dad insisted. "We wouldn't have been able to throw this party without you, Gerard."
"That's not true," Gerard demurred.
"Yes, it is, mister!" Yuzu's mom said, playfully scolding him. "Who knows how this would have gone if you weren't here planning everything! Take the compliment!"
"Y-yes ma'am!" Gerard stammered, holding up his hands defensively and blushing. Yuzu's dad chuckled and put a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Now now…" Yuzu's dad said to his wife before turning to Gerard. "Seriously, though, Gerard, thank you for everything you do for my family; it means a lot."
"Of course, what are friends for?" Gerard replied, and the two embraced in a brief, friendly hug.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay and have some cake?" Yuzu's mom asked.
"Sorry, but I really have to get going. Give my regards to little Yuzu and tell her happy birthday from Uncle Gerard."
"We will. See you tomorrow, old friend," Yuzu's dad said. Gerard waved goodbye and left.
The couple then headed to the kitchen, where a pouting Yuzu greeted them. "There you guys are; I was waiting forever!"
Her dad chuckled. "It's only been two minutes, dear."
"Well, it felt like forever!" Yuzu said, crossing her arms.
"Well, we're here now, so let's have some cake," Yuzu's dad said.
"Yay, cake!" Yuzu exclaimed and ran to the kitchen counter, where a big vanilla cake sat. As she reached for a slice, a ladle gently tapped her hand away.
"Not so fast, young lady," her mom said. "Did you wash your hands?"
"I sure did!" Yuzu said with a wide smile.
"Really?" Yuzu's mom raised an eyebrow playfully. Yuzu flinched slightly.
"Okay, maybe I didn't…" Yuzu admitted, her head drooping a little.
Yuzu's mom giggled. "Go wash up, and then you can have cake."
"Okay!" Yuzu said and hurried to the sink as her parents began preparing the cake.
Yuzu returned and sat at the table displaying the vanilla cake with four lit candles. She was about to dig in when the ladle appeared again, halting her.
"Uh uh, you have to blow out the candles and make a wish first, dear," Yuzu's mom reminded her.
"Do I have to?" Yuzu asked, pouting slightly.
"Of course, you do," Yuzu's dad said. "If you blow out the candles, the cake will taste extra delicious."
"Really?" Yuzu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Yuzu's dad nodded. "But you have to make a wish first and then blow out the candles."
"Okay then, I wish everybody in Kolt Village and all of Seren have good, happy lives!" Yuzu declared. Her parents exchanged surprised and warm smiles. They sang Happy Birthday, and Yuzu blew out the candles. Just before they could cut the cake, a loud knock echoed at the door.
"Who could that be at this hour?" Yuzu's dad wondered aloud.
"Maybe someone forgot something?" Yuzu's mom suggested. The knocking persisted, growing louder with each rap.
"Geez, must they be so impatient?" Yuzu's mom muttered, pouting. Her husband chuckled softly.
"You girls wait here. I'll see who it is," Yuzu's dad said, leaving the kitchen.
"Who could that be, Mommy?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
"I don't know, sweetie. Probably one of the villagers. We'll let Papa handle it; for now, let's have cake," Yuzu's mom said, reaching for the kitchen knife. But before she could slice the cake, Yuzu's dad screamed, a sound of pure terror.
"H-huh?!" Yuzu squeaked, her small body trembling.
"H-honey?! What's wrong?!" Yuzu's mom cried out, fear lacing her voice.
Just then, a man stepped through the kitchen doorway. His red and black uniform bore a skull and crossbones emblem, and a bloody butcher knife glinted in his hand.
"Finally," the man said, his voice chillingly casual. "You guys were taking forever!"
"Who are you?!" Yuzu's mom demanded, her eyes wide with alarm.
"Who, me?" The man blinked, pointing a finger at his own chest.
"Yes, you!" Yuzu's mom said, her tone sharp and unforgiving.
"Oh," the man answered nonchalantly, twirling the knife in his hand. "You don't need to know who I am." He then pointed the knife towards Yuzu and her mother. "What you do need to know is that I'm here to kill you. So, which one of you is Yuzu Katagiri?"
Yuzu flinched at the sound of her name, instinctively moving closer to her mother, who pulled her into a protective embrace. The man noticed this and let out a cruel laugh.
"So it's the brat then; this should be easy."
"What do you want with my daughter?!" Yuzu's mom demanded, her voice trembling but firm.
"To kill her, duh," the man replied with disturbing simplicity.
"Wha…?" Yuzu's mom gasped, her face paling.
Just then, Yuzu's dad came crawling into the kitchen, heavily wounded, a trail of blood marking his path. He reached out, grabbing the man's ankle. "HONEY! TAKE YUZU AND RUN!" he yelled, his voice strained with pain.
"Daddy/honey!" Yuzu and her mom cried out in unison, their hearts breaking at the sight of him.
"Oh, you're still alive?" the man asked, his tone bored. He casually picked at his ear, then pointed the knife downwards and stabbed Yuzu's dad repeatedly in the back. Yuzu's dad went limp, his body falling still and lifeless.
"There, that should do it. Man, I think I'm getting rusty," the man muttered to himself, seemingly unfazed by the violence he had just committed.
Yuzu stared at her father's lifeless body, tears streaming down her face as a silent scream of grief tore through her. Beside her, Yuzu's mom shook with a mixture of inconsolable sadness and burning rage.
"YOU BASTARD!!!" Yuzu's mom roared, charging at the man with tears flooding her eyes and the kitchen knife clutched tightly in her hand. She lunged, trying to stab him, but he easily intercepted her attack, grabbing her arm in a vice-like grip.
"Oh please…" the man sneered before delivering a brutal sequence of blows: a sharp punch to her face, a sickening jab to her stomach, and then a powerful roundhouse kick that sent her flying across the small kitchen. She crashed into the table, sending the birthday cake tumbling to the floor, before collapsing in a heap.
"MOMMY!" Yuzu screamed, scrambling towards her mother's side, her small hands reaching out.
"Y-yuzu… run," her mom whispered weakly, her voice barely audible.
The man crouched down, his face devoid of emotion, and stabbed Yuzu's mom in the back, ensuring her demise. He then turned his attention to Yuzu, a chilling smile spreading across his face.
"Now it's your turn~" he sang disturbingly cheerfully.
Yuzu backed away, her small form pressed against the cold kitchen counter, her wide eyes fixated on the menacing figure before her. Tears poured down her face, each drop a testament to her terror.
The man looked at Yuzu, his smirk widening. "Aw, are you scared?" he asked with cruel amusement. "Don't worry, this will only hurt a lot!" He raised the bloody knife high above his head, ready to strike. Yuzu screamed, bracing for the inevitable.
Suddenly, the knife was knocked out of his hand mid-swing by a swift, unexpected force: a ladle.
"WHAT?!" the man exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise and disbelief. He spun around to see Yuzu's mom, panting heavily, her face bruised and bloody, but her grip on the ladle firm.
"DON'T YOU TOUCH MY BABY!!!" Yuzu's mom screamed, her voice fueled by a primal protective instinct. She swung the ladle with surprising force, landing a clean hit on the man's head.
"Ow! You stupid bitch!" the man roared, clutching his head. He lunged, grabbing the woman's wrist, and wrestled her to the ground. He rained down punches on the defenseless mother until her grip on the ladle loosened and it fell from her grasp. He snatched up his butcher knife and stood over her, his eyes filled with a furious bewilderment.
"Damn it! " the man cursed, ''Why do you assholes keep back after i stab you?! Am I that rusty?!
Her eyes blazed with hatred as she glared at him.
He backhanded her hard across the face. "Answer me, bitch!"
Spitting blood, she defiantly spat in his face. He wiped the bloody saliva away, his eyes narrowed with rage. He raised his knife.
"Wrong answer."
He plunged the knife down, again and again, into her chest. Yuzu watched, paralyzed by terror, her mind screaming.
Mommy!
She frantically looked around, her gaze landing on a knife lying on the kitchen table. The man continued his brutal assault. As he drew back for another strike, a sudden cry escaped his lips.
"What?!" He looked down in disbelief, a kitchen knife buried deep in his chest. He turned to see Yuzu, her small hands trembling as she pulled the knife free.
"You little…" he choked out, blood gurgling from his mouth. He glared at Yuzu, a final, hate-filled look before collapsing onto the floor, his body stilling.
Yuzu dropped the bloodied knife and rushed to her mother's side, sobbing. "Mommy! Are you okay?" She gently shook her.
Her mother's eyes fluttered open, a weak smile gracing her lips. "Thank goodness… you're safe." Blood trickled from her mouth as she coughed.
"Mommy!" Yuzu cried, panic rising in her chest.
"I'm sorry, sweetie," her mother whispered, her voice fading. "It seems I'll be joining Daddy soon."
"No! Don't leave me! Please!" Yuzu sobbed, clutching her mother tightly.
Her mother reached up, her hand gently stroking Yuzu's cheek. "It's okay. We're going to a nice place. This isn't goodbye, my love. It's love you later. We'll be waiting for you."
"But I want to see you now, Mommy! Please!"
"My sweet Yuzu… I'm… so sorry…" Her hand fell limp, her eyes closed, and she was gone.
Yuzu knelt there, numb with shock and grief, surrounded by the bodies of her parents and their killer. Gerard, the Elder, and several villagers rushed in, drawn by the screams.
"Hey, we heard screaming. What is—oh my god—" Gerard stopped abruptly, his eyes wide with horror as he took in the gruesome scene. A wave of shock rippled through the villagers. The Elder's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Yuzu, still and silent beside her mother.
"Yuzu?" he said softly.
Yuzu blinked, her dazed eyes focusing on the familiar faces. "Elder? Gerard-san?"
"Yuzu… did you…?" the Elder began, his voice hesitant.
"What? No! It wasn't me!" Yuzu cried, shaking her head frantically.
"Yuzu, how could you…?" Gerard said, his voice heavy with sorrow and disbelief.
"No, listen to me! It wasn't me! That evil man did it!" She pointed a trembling finger at the lifeless body on the floor.
Gerard's brow furrowed. "Yuzu… there's no one there."
"What?" Yuzu gasped, turning to where she had pointed. The spot was empty. "But… he was just here! I swear!"
"Yuzu, that's enough," Gerard said gently but firmly.
"But I didn't do it! You have to believe me!" Yuzu pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
The villagers stared at her with a mixture of fear and disgust. Yuzu recoiled under their accusing gazes, turning to the Elder, her last hope.
"Elder, you believe me, don't you?" She reached out, grabbing his arm, her eyes filled with desperate pleading.
The Elder looked from the horrified faces of the villagers to the three dead bodies, then back to Yuzu's tear-streaked face. He hesitated for a long moment before slowly turning away.
Yuzu's hand fell from his arm. A wave of shock and despair washed over her. Do they really think I did this? The thought echoed in her mind. But it was that man… wasn't it? Where did he go? Was there even a man? Did I imagine it all? Did… did I do it and not remember?
Gerard and the villagers began the grim task of cleaning the blood-soaked kitchen and removing the bodies. The Elder took Yuzu's hand.
"Come, dear," he said softly, his voice devoid of the judgment in the eyes of the others. "Let's get you cleaned up. We'll figure out what happened… okay?"
Yuzu stared straight ahead, her face blank, a storm of emotions raging within her. The Elder gently led her towards the bathroom.
000
The day after the horrific murders, Kolt Village mourned. A funeral for Yuzu's parents was held outside the village. Gerard delivered a heartfelt eulogy, recounting their contributions to the community and expressing the deep void their absence would create. As the service concluded, the villagers began to disperse, leaving Yuzu alone before her parents' newly erected tombstone. Whispers rippled through the departing crowd.
"I still can't believe they're gone…"
"We'll miss them terribly."
"How could their own daughter do such a thing?"
"Look at her, acting like she's innocent."
"Ungrateful brat!"
"Witch!"
Yuzu remained fixed on the stone, deaf to the venomous words. Suddenly, a sharp pain stung the back of her head. A rock clattered to the ground beside her. She turned to see a group of village children snickering, their faces twisted in cruel mockery. "Demon murderer!" one shrieked. "Witch!" another echoed. Yuzu ignored them, her small body aching with a deeper wound than the physical one. She began the lonely walk home, the children pelting her with more stones, their laughter like sharp shards in the air. The adult villagers offered no comfort, their eyes filled with harsh glares and open disdain.
Reaching the empty house, Yuzu's bruised body ached, but the emptiness inside was far greater. She glanced at the kitchen, the cheerful chaos of her birthday celebration from just yesterday now a stark and painful memory. Twenty-four hours. In a single day, her world had shattered. Her loving parents were gone, and the only home she had ever known had turned against her.
She retreated to her room, a space once filled with the comforting presence of her parents and the playful company of her stuffed animals. The large pink room now felt like a suffocating cage. Her bed, usually a soft haven, was cluttered and uninviting. A dresser stood against one wall, topped with a framed photo of her beaming parents and the small yuzu plant they had given her. On the left, a large mirror reflected her small, broken figure.
Yuzu approached the mirror, her own face a stranger, devoid of emotion. In a sudden burst of anguish, she snatched her closest stuffed animal, a fluffy white rabbit, and slammed it against the glass. A spiderweb of cracks spread across the mirror's surface. She ripped the rabbit from the wall and tore its head off, stuffing flying like snow. One by one, she grabbed her beloved toys and mutilated them, a silent scream echoing in the small room. Finally, she turned to the dresser, her gaze falling on the picture and the plant – symbols of a happiness that now seemed a cruel taunt. With a guttural cry, she swept them to the floor. The glass shattered, the precious yuzu plant scattering across the wooden boards. Yuzu sank to her knees amidst the debris, a raw, heart-wrenching wail erupting from her small chest. The sobs continued for what felt like an eternity, until exhaustion claimed her, and she collapsed onto the cold floor, surrounded by the remnants of her shattered life.
000
One year later
Kolt Village bustled with its usual activity. A male villager watered his garden, only to return from fetching a drink to find it in ruins.
"What?!" the villager exclaimed.
Nearby, a female villager hung laundry to dry. As she reached for more clothes, mud and dirt splattered across the clean garments.
"Oh my goodness!" she cried before fainting.
Inside a cozy cottage, a woman washed dishes when the door burst open. A child, bruised and sobbing, ran into her arms.
"Mommy!" the child cried, clutching her tightly.
"Oh my god! What happened, dear?" the mother asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Hic... It was her, Mommy! I was playing with my friends, and she suddenly attacked me!"
000
An angry group of villagers gathered at the Elder's house, where he sat outside in a chair, attempting to quell their unrest, but to no avail.
"Now, now," the Elder said cautiously, "what seems to be the problem?"
"You know what the problem is!" a male villager yelled. "It was her! She ruined my garden!"
"She destroyed my clothes!" a female villager fumed.
"She beat up my son!" a mother cried, holding her bruised child.
"Hold on," the Elder interjected. "Aren't you all being presumptuous? How do you know it was her?"
"Who else could it be?!" the male villager exclaimed. "That girl has been tormenting us for a year now!"
"He's right!" the female villager raged. "Only she would pull stunts like these!"
The Elder sighed. "Okay, I shall speak with her."
"And then what?!" the male villager demanded. "She's just going to do it again! We've had it up to here with her! She's caused trouble all year, and you've just let it slide!"
"Yeah!" the villagers agreed.
"Listen, just go about your day; I will handle this," the Elder said.
"You better!" the male villager glared. "Because if you don't, we will!"
The villagers dispersed, and the Elder sighed heavily as Gerard approached.
"Are you alright, Elder?" Gerard asked.
"I'm fine," the Elder replied, "but they're right, she's getting out of hand. I need to do something about this."
"What are you going to do?" Gerard inquired.
"I'll try to speak to her one last time. If she doesn't change her ways, I will have no choice but to banish her."
Gerard gasped. "But Elder! She's only a child! She wouldn't survive out there!"
"I know, but at the rate she's going, it might come to that," the Elder said.
Gerard looked down sadly as the Elder rose.
"Well, off I go," the Elder announced, heading toward the girl's house. Gerard jogged to his side. The Elder raised his eyebrows.
"I'll come with you," Gerard said. "It's a stretch, but she might listen if I'm there."
"Very well, let's go," the Elder said as they walked down the path.
000
The Elder and Gerard arrived at the house. The Elder pulled a key from his pocket, inserted it into the lock, and opened the door. Inside the kitchen, they found the girl. She was a small girl with short blond hair and brown eyes, wearing a pink crop top and blue denim shorts.
"Oh, I was wondering who that was," the girl said. "What's up, old man?"
The Elder sighed. "Yuzu, we need to talk."
"About what?" Yuzu replied.
"Were you responsible for the incidents this morning?"
Yuzu cocked her head, a grin spreading across her face. "Incidents? I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Yuzu..." the Elder sighed again, his weariness evident.
"What?" Yuzu frowned. "Something bad happens, and I'm the first person you suspect?"
"Yuzu, please just answer the question," Gerard interjected.
Yuzu blinked. "Uncle Gerard? When did you get here?"
"I've been here the whole time," Gerard replied.
"Oh?" Yuzu chuckled, a hint of mockery in her voice. "Sorry, you're so plain and boring I mistook you for the wall."
"What?!" Gerard snapped, his face reddening.
"Yuzu, there's no need for such comments," the Elder reprimanded. "Now, I'll ask again: were you responsible for those incidents?"
Yuzu crossed her arms and legs, a defiant stance. "Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't, who's to say?"
"Yuzu, this is serious," Gerard said, his voice firm. "These pranks have been going on for a year, and the villagers have had enough."
Yuzu scoffed. "What's your point?"
"The point is you either shape up, or we're going to have to send you away."
"What? You're going to banish me or something?" Yuzu challenged.
"If it has to come to that—" Gerard started, but the Elder cut him off with a sharp look.
"I decide that, Gerard, not you." The Elder turned his attention back to Yuzu, his expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. "Yuzu, I do not wish to banish you, but you must change your ways and try to get along with the rest of the village."
"And why the hell should I do that?!" Yuzu growled; her earlier playful demeanor vanished. "Those assholes started it when they blamed me for my parents' murder! They've treated me like shit ever since. Why am I not surprised you've taken their side? Let me guess, you think I did it too?"
"I don't think that at all..." the Elder replied softly, his eyes showing a hint of sadness.
"Oh, bullshit!" Yuzu retorted, her voice rising with anger. "I remember how you all looked at me that day, like I was some kind of bloodthirsty murderer! Calling me an ungrateful brat, a witch, saying I should never have been born!"
"Yuzu, please..." the Elder pleaded, his voice laced with distress.
"Oh, I'm not finished!" Yuzu glared, her small body trembling with rage. "Calling me a monster that plagues this village! Well, if they wanted a monster, they got one! And I will stop at nothing to make them pay! So, if you're going to banish me, then do it! But before I go, I will make sure all your lives become a living hell!"
The Elder and Gerard stood stunned, the air thick with Yuzu's raw hatred. How could so much darkness reside in one small child?
Yuzu scoffed and stood up abruptly. "We're done here. Get out."
She brushed past them, but Gerard, snapping out of his shock, grabbed her arm.
"Now you wait just a second, young lady—" he began, but his words caught in his throat as he met Yuzu's cold, dark glare.
"Don't. Touch. Me" Yuzu said, her voice dangerously low. Gerard immediately released her arm, a shiver running down his spine. Yuzu turned and walked away, leaving Gerard standing there, visibly shaken. The Elder placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Let's just go," the Elder said quietly. Gerard nodded, and they both left the house.
000
The Elder and Gerard reconvened at the Elder's house to discuss the Yuzu's situation.
"So, Elder, have you reached a decision?" Gerard asked.
"Yes," the Elder replied gravely. "I have to banish her. She's left me no choice."
Gerard sighed sadly. "I know. I keep wishing there was something I could have done. If I had just stayed at the party like they asked, maybe I could have prevented their deaths."
The Elder placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Now, now, it wasn't your fault, Gerard. That was a terrible tragedy, nothing more."
"Do you truly believe Yuzu murdered her parents?"
"I don't know what to believe. I desperately want to think someone else was responsible, but no one else entered the village that night, and we found her alone with their bodies. I simply don't know."
The Elder removed his hand. "Regardless, I must prepare for the banishment. Will you assist me?"
Gerard nodded, a sad smile on his face. "Of course. It's the least I can do as her uncle."
As they talked, a knock echoed at the door. They exchanged questioning glances. The Elder opened it to find a woman and a young boy they had never seen before. The woman was slender and fair-haired, with kind brown eyes and a simple yellow sundress. The boy, who looked about five or six, had short blond hair and wore a blue T-shirt and shorts.
"Hello," the woman said. "May I speak with the Elder?"
"I am the Elder," he replied. "And who might you be, young miss?"
The woman curtsied gracefully. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Luna Noche, and this is my son, Takeru." Takeru waved shyly, then hid behind his mother's leg.
"Likewise," the Elder said. "Now, how may I help you?"
"Well," Luna began, "my son and I recently lost our home in a bandit attack. We have nowhere to go, and I was hoping it might be possible for us to stay and live here in your village."
"I see," the Elder said thoughtfully. "Well—"
"Of course, you can stay!" Gerard blurted out, startling the Elder. "We have plenty of houses, or you could even stay with me if you'd like."
"Hold on a moment, Gerard!" the Elder chided gently. He turned back to Luna. "I'm sorry, Miss Luna, but we don't currently have any vacant houses to accommodate you and your son."
"But wouldn't there be a house available once Yuzu is banished?" Gerard asked innocently.
"GERARD!" the Elder exclaimed, a warning tone in his voice. Gerard quickly covered his mouth.
Luna raised her eyebrows, a curious expression on her face. "Yuzu? Who is Yuzu?"
"N-no one you need to concern yourself with," the Elder replied sheepishly. Luna, however, was not satisfied.
"Now, Elder-san," she said, her tone more firm, "you should know better than to lie to people. Who is this Yuzu, and why are you planning to banish them?"
"Well—" the Elder began hesitantly.
"She's a five-year-old girl who has been causing trouble in the village ever since her parents died," Gerard interjected quickly. "The villagers have had enough and are going to banish her."
"Gerard!" the Elder said, aghast.
"Sorry!" Gerard mumbled.
Luna looked surprised for a moment, then her expression shifted to anger. "So, let me understand this correctly: a young girl who has lost her parents is acting out, and your solution is to banish her?!"
"Please, ma'am, calm down," Gerard began, "you don't understand—"
"Don't understand?" Luna exclaimed. "What is there not to understand?! You're going to cast out a vulnerable child to fend for herself because you can't offer her support?!"
"It's not that simple!" Gerard retorted, his voice rising.
"Then what else could it possibly be? What justification could you have for exiling a little girl?"
"That is none of your concern!" Gerard snapped.
"Excuse me?" Luna said, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" the Elder shouted, silencing their argument. They both turned to him. He sighed. "Listen, Miss Luna, I appreciate your concern, but as Gerard said, this is a village matter, and you are not a member of our community. Unless you have another request, I must ask you to leave."
Luna looked down, her fists clenched at her sides. "I'm sorry, Elder-san, but I cannot simply ignore a child in need. Please, allow me to speak with her."
The Elder and Gerard exchanged surprised glances. "But why?" the Elder asked.
"I also lost my parents when I was young," Luna explained softly. "I believe I understand some of what she might be going through and what she might need."
"With all due respect, ma'am," Gerard said, "we've been trying to help her for a year, and she continues to behave this way. She refuses to listen to anyone, not even the Elder or me, her uncle in a way. There's no chance she would listen to a stranger."
"Perhaps she needs a woman's touch," Luna suggested with a slight smile. "From what I can see, you aren't exactly skilled at talking with girls."
Gerard blushed, embarrassed, while the Elder chuckled.
"Gerard's... challenges with women aside," the Elder said, earning a "Hey!" from Gerard, "he does have a point. We haven't been able to change her behavior. It's unlikely she would respond to someone she doesn't know."
"I won't know unless I try," Luna insisted.
"Miss Luna…" the Elder began, his tone hesitant.
"Please, Elder-san! Give me this chance. I have to try. Please!" Luna pleaded, her earnestness surprising them.
"Very well," the Elder conceded with a sigh.
"Thank you, Elder—"
"But you will have only one chance," the Elder interrupted. "If you cannot persuade Yuzu to at least apologize to the villagers, then the banishment will proceed. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Elder-san," Luna said firmly. "One chance is all I need."
"Good. You have one hour—" the Elder began, but Luna held up five fingers.
"Five minutes will be sufficient," Luna said with a confident smirk. The Elder and Gerard looked utterly taken aback. Luna knelt down to Takeru's level and patted his head. "Okay, sweetie, Mommy has something important to do. You stay here with these kind gentlemen and be a good boy, okay?"
"Yes, Mommy," Takeru replied. Luna kissed his forehead and stood up.
"Alright, I'm ready. Where does she live?"
The stunned Elder pointed. "Over there. Here's the key."
"Thank you," she said, taking the key. "Please make sure the villagers are gathered." Luna headed towards Yuzu's house. Gerard and the Elder watched her go, speechless.
"She is an interesting woman," the Elder finally commented.
"And a beautiful one at that…" Gerard said dreamily.
"Gerard? Gerard!" the Elder called, waving his hand in front of Gerard's glazed-over eyes.
"Oh boy…" the Elder sighed.
000
Yuzu was in the kitchen, the Elder and Gerard's words echoing in her mind.
"So they're going to banish me…" Tears welled in her eyes. "Well, fine! I don't care about this village or its villagers! They're the ones who deserve to be banished, not me! I did nothing wrong! Nothing!"
Her thoughts flashed back to her fourth birthday, the joy turned to horror, her parents' murder, and the villagers' immediate blame. The killer's evil grin haunted her sleep. Fear and sadness twisted into anger, her small fists pounding the table.
"Yeah, it was all that bastard's fault! I didn't kill my parents; he did!"
"Right?" Confusion clouded her anger as her fists stilled. She was sure there had been a man. She'd seen it all! She'd even stabbed him, but then… he'd vanished. The villagers hadn't believed her then, and they didn't believe her now. The undeniable truth remained: her parents were dead, and everyone blamed her.
"Hmph, why am I even upset?" she muttered. "I should be glad I'm getting banished. It means I can leave this stupid village and start a new life." She tried to sound convincing, even to herself. "Yes! A fresh start, free from this place! I don't need this village or its hateful people! TO HELL WITH THEM ALL!''
"You don't mean that."
Yuzu whirled around, startled, to see a slender, blond-haired woman standing in the doorway.
"Who the hell are you?!" Yuzu screamed.
"You're just sad, angry, and confused," Luna said softly, a sad smile gracing her lips. "I know you care about this village and its people."
"Are you deaf, lady?! I said, Who are you?!" Yuzu yelled again, her voice cracking.
"My name is Luna Noche, and I've come to talk to you," Luna replied calmly.
"Talk to me?" Yuzu scoffed. "Did the old man send you?"
"Yes, but I have my own reasons for wanting to meet you," Luna said, her gaze steady.
"Hmph. Well, I have no intention of talking to some blonde bimbo I've never met before. Get out."
"I refuse," Luna stated firmly. "Especially after witnessing that outburst."
"You must have a serious hearing problem. I said I didn't want to talk. GET. OUT," Yuzu growled, her small frame trembling with fury.
"Not until we talk."
Yuzu's growl deepened. She stalked to the counter, snatched a knife, and pointed it menacingly at Luna.
"You leave me no choice. Now, for the last time, get out, or I'll stab you with this," Yuzu threatened, her voice tight with forced bravado.
Luna frowned, her expression softening. "Sweetie, put that down before you hurt yourself."
"YOU THINK I'M JOKING, BITCH?!"
"Language, young lady," Luna scolded gently, unfazed by the knife. "And while I'm sure you're serious, if you think I'm just going to leave because you're pointing a knife at me, you're sorely mistaken."
Yuzu's growl was laced with desperation. "I warned you!" With a furious cry, Yuzu charged, knife raised. As the blade lunged towards her, Luna swiftly pulled a ladle from her dress.
Clonk!
Yuzu gasped as the knife flew from her hand, embedding itself in the ceiling with a soft thud. Luna nonchalantly spun the ladle and tucked it back into her dress.
"Now then," Luna said, her tone even, "let's talk."
Yuzu stared at the ceiling, then back at Luna, her anger slowly giving way to bewilderment. She finally sighed. "Fine, have it your way. But there's nothing you can say that can change my mind—hey! Where are you going?!" Yuzu exclaimed as Luna turned and walked out of the kitchen.
"Your room, of course," Luna smiled over her shoulder as she headed down the hall.
"Wait, you can't just—argh!" Yuzu muttered, hurrying after her.
OOO
The two entered Yuzu's room. It was in disarray, much as it had been a year prior, with heaps of trash scattered about and the bed unmade.
"What in the world…" Luna murmured, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"What? Is there a problem?" Yuzu asked, pouting and turning away slightly.
Luna faced Yuzu, taking a scolding stance. "YES, THERE IS A PROBLEM! THIS ROOM IS FILTHY! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN THIS PIGSTY FOR SO LONG?!"
Yuzu merely shrugged. Luna sighed.
"Oh well, the condition of the room is not the most important thing," Luna said. "What is important is…" Luna trailed off, noticing the ruined framed picture of Yuzu's parents and the broken plant. She gasped softly and rushed to the dresser.
"No way…" Luna whispered, looking at the damaged items.
"What is it?" Yuzu asked, stepping closer. Luna turned to face Yuzu, tears welling in her eyes.
"Yuzu… did… did you break this picture and this plant?"
Yuzu raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, so what?" Luna's tear-filled eyes flashed with anger.
"HOW COULD YOU?!" Luna exclaimed, her voice sharp. Yuzu recoiled, startled.
"W-what's your problem?!"
"How could you break the plant your parents gave you? Like it was nothing?!"
"I don't know!" Yuzu retorted. "I was angry! I just grabbed the first thing I saw!" She shook her head. "Wait, why do you even care?! And why are you even here in the first place?! This has nothing to do with you!"
Luna shook her head. "No, Yuzu, this has everything to do with me."
"What?" Yuzu said, surprised.
Luna wiped her tears and placed a gentle hand on Yuzu's shoulder. "Listen, Yuzu, I can't explain all the details right now, but I specifically came to this village for you."
"What? What do you mean?" Yuzu asked, confusion etched on her face.
"I can't tell you everything yet, but I can tell you that the villagers, the Elder, and Gerard really care for you, and your parents wouldn't want you to live this way."
Yuzu was taken aback, speechless for a moment. Then, she shrugged off Luna's hand and glared at her.
"YEAH, RIGHT, LIKE I BELIEVE THAT! ALL THOSE ASSHOLES HAVE EVER DONE WAS TREAT ME LIKE SHIT BECAUSE THEY THINK I KILLED MY PARENTS!"
"Yuzu…" Luna said softly.
"AND SPEAKING OF MY PARENTS! IT'S THEIR FAULT THAT I'M IN THIS SITUATION IN THE FIRST PLACE! THEY HAD TO GO AND DIE AND LEAVE ME HERE ALL ALONE! TO HELL WITH THEM TOO!"
SLAP
Yuzu blinked, her hand instinctively going to her stinging cheek. Luna's gaze was firm.
"You can say whatever you want about the village and the villagers, but never disrespect your parents like that again."
Yuzu stared at Luna, stunned and hurt. Then, her expression hardened into a glare. "YOU BITCH!" Yuzu spat, raising her fist to strike Luna, but before she could, Luna embraced her tightly.
"H-hey, get off of me!" Yuzu struggled, trying to break free. Luna held her firmly, resting her forehead gently against Yuzu's.
"I know what you're going through," Luna said calmly, her voice filled with a motherly warmth. "Losing your parents at such a young age and being blamed for their death, being called a witch, a murderer, a demon. Trust me, I know the feeling. But I also know deep down that this isn't what your parents would want for their little girl. They wouldn't want you to blame yourself for their deaths. They would want you to be happy, make friends, and enjoy life. It's not goodbye, it's 'love you later.' You'll see them again someday. Until then, live in a way that would make them proud."
Yuzu stared at Luna, her anger and defiance slowly melting away, replaced by a wave of emotion. Tears welled in her eyes, and she buried her face in Luna's chest, sobbing softly. Luna smiled gently and stroked Yuzu's hair. They remained like that for a long while, finding solace in the unexpected embrace.
000
The villagers gathered in front of the Elder's house as requested.
"Is it true?" a male villager asked.
"Is she really going to apologize?" a female villager echoed.
"Yes," the Elder said, thinking, At least, I hope so.
Gerard whispered to the Elder, "Hey, are you sure we should have left it in Luna-san's hands? She's taking a while."
"I'm sure she's doing her best," the Elder whispered back, "I just hope she succeeds."
"Well, where is she?!" the male villager exclaimed.
"We don't have all day!" the female villager added.
The villagers grew restless, their voices rising in complaint as the Elder tried to quiet them. Just then, Luna appeared before the Elder and Gerard.
"Luna-san!" they both exclaimed.
"Sorry I'm late," Luna said. "I see you gathered all the villagers as I asked."
"Yes, I did," the Elder confirmed. "Did you convince Yuzu?"
Luna smiled. "I sure did!"
"Then where is she?" Gerard asked. "I don't see her anywhere."
Luna winked. "You'll see." She turned to address the crowd. "Hello, people of Kolt Village."
"Who are you?" the male villager questioned.
"I am Luna Noche, an ordinary woman who wishes to live in your village. I was recently informed that you were having problems with a little girl named Yuzu Katagiri. is that correct?"
The male villager raised an eyebrow. "That's right. What's it to you?"
Luna smiled. "Well, I believe I may have solved the problem." With a flourish, Luna gestured behind her. The villagers turned to see Yuzu standing there, holding a plate of cupcakes.
"Yuzu, dear," Luna prompted gently, "isn't there something you'd like to say to everyone?"
Yuzu's gaze dropped to the ground. She cleared her throat. "Everyone," Yuzu began, "I would like to apologize for my behavior this past year. I was upset and angry after my parents died, and I took it out on all of you. For that, I'm sorry." She held up the plate of cupcakes. "As a token of my apology, I made these for everyone. So, what do you say? Can we forget this and start over?"
A wave of surprise rippled through the crowd. The villagers stood in stunned silence, unsure how to react. Finally, the male villager stepped forward and took a cupcake.
"Well, Yuzu," he said, taking a bite, "we accept your apology." The other villagers followed suit, each taking a cupcake. As the villagers began to drift away, Yuzu looked at her empty plate, her expression downcast.
"Hold on, everyone," Luna called out. The villagers stopped and turned back to her.
"Yes?" the male villager responded.
"Don't you all have something to say to Yuzu?" Luna prompted. The villagers looked confused.
"What are you talking about?" the male villager asked.
Luna placed a hand on her hip. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Yuzu apologized for her actions. Now you all need to do the same."
"Apologize for what? We didn't do anything wrong," the male villager insisted. The other villagers murmured in agreement. Luna narrowed her eyes.
"Oh really? So, tormenting a little girl after her parents die is okay with you? Calling her a demon, a witch, a murderer – that's just normal behavior?"
A hush fell over the crowd. Some villagers looked down in guilt.
"But she was the one who murdered them," the male villager tried to argue.
"Do you have proof of that?" Luna challenged. "Did any of you actually see Yuzu do it?"
"Well, no, but—"
"But what? You all assumed Yuzu was guilty without even asking her? Did any of you ever stop and consider how Yuzu felt about the murder, or how she felt in general? Of course, she acted out – can you blame her? Her parents were killed, and instead of support, she faced accusations and cruelty. You all should be ashamed of yourselves!"
Luna's words hung in the air. The villagers looked towards Yuzu, tears welling in their eyes. Suddenly, they surged forward. "Yuzu! We're so sorry!" they cried out, enveloping her in a group hug.
"H-hey, cut it out!" Yuzu said, her voice strained as the crowd squeezed her. Gerard and the Elder exchanged astonished glances. They turned to Luna, who smiled and winked. They had spent a year trying to guide Yuzu and failed. This newcomer had not only convinced the troubled child to apologize but had also moved the hardened villagers to remorse. Just who was this woman? Luna approached Gerard and the Elder.
"Well," Luna said with a satisfied smile, "I'd say mission accomplished, wouldn't you?"
The Elder blinked. "Yes," he replied, "I would indeed say so."
"You were amazing! I believed in you 100 percent!" Gerard exclaimed enthusiastically.
'Liar,' the Elder thought, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
Luna giggled. "So, this means you're not going to banish her, right?"
The Elder watched the villagers playfully toss a blushing Yuzu into the air. He chuckled at the heartwarming scene. "No, I believe everything will be fine from now on. Miss Luna, I must thank you for resolving our little issue. Please, don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can do for you."
"You're very welcome," Luna replied warmly. "Actually, there is one thing I would like."
"Yes?" the Elder inquired.
"Before we were interrupted, we discussed housing accommodations for me and my son. Is that still a possibility?" Luna asked.
"Well—" the Elder began.
"You can live with me at my house!" Gerard interjected, grabbing Luna's hands. "Come on, it will be lots of fun, please—ow!" The Elder whacked Gerard with his cane.
"As I was saying," the Elder continued, rolling his eyes at Gerard, "I deeply appreciate your help, but I don't have any vacant houses that can accommodate you and your son at the moment, unless you would be willing to live with someone."
Gerard coughed pointedly and eagerly gestured to himself. The Elder rolled his eyes again, annoyed at Gerard's antics. Luna smiled.
"That's fine by me," Luna said, "and I know just the person to live with."
"You do?" Gerard and the Elder asked in unison. Luna simply smiled and headed into the Elder's house to retrieve her son. Gerard and the Elder exchanged puzzled looks, shrugged, and followed her inside as the joyful scene of Yuzu being tossed in the air continued.