Part 6: Gathering the Others
Kaito and Ayame continued through the quiet streets.
Red Bowl was already several streets behind them.
They had only one thing in mind.
Find Miri's seniors.
Fortunately...
They didn't have to go far.
The Homura District was nearby.
And one of Miri's seniors lived close to the area.
Kaito stopped in front of a house.
"...This should be it."
Ayame looked at the name.
"Shisui Homura."
Kaito knocked.
Once.
Twice.
A few seconds passed.
Then the door opened.
A boy stood there.
He looked around twelve.
His expression was relaxed at first.
"...Kaito?"
Then he noticed Ayame standing beside him.
"Why are you two here?"
Kaito looked at Ayame.
Then back at Shisui.
"Miri sent us."
Shisui's expression changed slightly.
"Miri?"
Ayame nodded.
"She's at Red Bowl."
"We went there because we were looking for Yuji-san."
Shisui listened carefully.
"Then?"
Kaito hesitated.
"Miri told us to come find you."
"And bring you to Red Bowl."
Shisui stared at them.
"...Why?"
Kaito looked around the street.
"We can't talk about it there."
Shisui's eyes narrowed.
That was enough.
Something was wrong.
"Did something happen to Miri?"
"No."
Kaito answered quickly.
"She's okay."
Ayame added quietly,
"But she knows something is happening."
Shisui's expression became serious.
"What happened?"
Kaito lowered his voice.
"She told us Hunters are watching us."
Silence.
Shisui didn't move.
For a moment...
He simply looked at the two younger siblings.
Then his expression completely changed.
"...Hunters?"
Kaito nodded.
"She told us to get you."
Shisui glanced toward the dark street outside.
The relaxed atmosphere from moments ago was gone.
"Alright."
He stepped back inside.
"Wait here."
He quickly disappeared into his room.
A few moments later...
He returned dressed and ready to leave.
He looked at Kaito and Ayame.
"How long ago did you leave Red Bowl?"
"Not long."
Shisui nodded.
"Good."
He stepped outside and locked the door.
Then he looked toward the nearby houses.
"I'll get a few of my friends."
Kaito nodded.
"Okay."
Shisui started walking.
"Some of them live nearby."
"We'll bring whoever is close enough."
Ayame followed beside him.
"You're going to help Miri?"
Shisui didn't hesitate.
"Of course."
"She's our classmate."
He looked ahead.
"And if Hunters really are inside the village..."
His expression hardened.
"...then we don't waste time."