Chapter 7: The Darkness Beckons

Akane's voice was barely above a whisper, but it sent a shiver down Gai's spine. He followed her gaze, and his heart sank. Ahead of them, standing under the archway of the main building, was a figure shrouded in darkness. It was tall and imposing, its presence seeming to draw the light out of the air. Aisha's eyes went wide with fear, and she grabbed Gai's arm, her nails digging into his skin. "Who is that?" she whispered. Gai's eyes scanned the figure, trying to make out any features, but it was like trying to see into a void. The storm raged around them, but the figure seemed to be absorbing the light and sound, leaving only an oppressive silence in its wake. As they stood there, frozen in fear, the figure slowly began to move towards them. Its movements were deliberate and measured, like a predator stalking its prey. Gai could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and his mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the figure, and for a brief moment, Gai saw a glimpse of its face. It was a face he knew, but it was distorted, twisted into a grotesque parody of its former self. "Kenji?" Gai whispered, his voice shaking with fear. The figure stopped in its tracks, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, in a voice that was barely recognizable, Kenji spoke. "I've been waiting for you," he said, his words dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for a long time." Gai felt a chill run down his spine as Kenji's words hung in the air. He had so many questions, but before he could ask any of them, Kenji took another step closer. "You shouldn't have come here," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You shouldn't have meddled in things you don't understand." Aisha's grip on Gai's arm tightened, and Akane took a step back, her eyes wide with fear. Gai knew they had to get out of there, but his legs seemed rooted to the spot. Kenji took another step closer, his eyes glinting with a malevolent light. "You see, some secrets are meant to remain hidden," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "And some people are meant to be forgotten." As Kenji's words hung in the air, Gai felt a surge of adrenaline course through his veins. He knew they had to get out of there, and fast. He grabbed Aisha's arm and turned to run, but it was too late. Kenji's hand shot out, and Gai felt a searing pain as his wrist was grabbed. "You're not going anywhere," Kenji hissed, his breath cold and rank. "Not until I show you the truth."