CHAPTER 4

A Light in the Darkness

Ranma slammed his shoulder into the door again, rattling the frame hard enough to shake dust from the ceiling.

He glanced down at his smaller frame and scowled. As if trapping him in this room wasn’t bad enough, the bastard had turned him into a girl just to make the entire ordeal that much more humiliating.

Still, Ranma slammed against it again and again.

He knew it was pointless. Even his moko takabisha hadn’t left so much as a scratch on the damned thing.

Still, it felt good to hit something. Right now, he deserved the pain.

Why the hell did it have to be cats?!

“Stupid bastard,” he growled, driving another kick into the door.

“You know, most people give up after the first hundred attempts.”

Ranma froze at the sound of Kieran’s voice.

Finally.

He let out a slow breath, relieved to have something to hit besides a door. Schooling his expression into one of complete indifference, Ranma turned to face the jerk responsible for this whole mess.

“So, you finally decided to show up.”

Kieran smiled as though he’d arrived for a friendly visit. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, Miss.”

Ranma ignored the jab. “Nah.”

He leaned back against the door and crossed his arms. He still intended to pound the guy into the floor, but first he needed answers.

Akane was out there.

“I’ve just been trying to figure out what I’m doing here. Pretty sure my worst nightmare isn’t being trapped in some lame attic with ugly wallpaper.”

“Really?” Kieran tilted his head. “I think the damsel-in-distress role suits you rather well.”

“Huh. Remember that when I’m kicking your ass.”

A glint of amusement lit Kieran’s eyes. “It’s cute that you think you can.”

Ranma drew in a slow breath, reminding himself not to murder the guy just yet. “So… are you gonna explain what’s going on here and how you know Akane? Or should I just start smashing your head into that wall over there?”

He jerked his chin toward the wall. It was solid enough that Kieran’s skull would probably crack before it did.

Kieran chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m a lover, not a fighter. Surely we can talk.”

Ranma snorted. “Pretty sure kidnappin’ girls puts you in a different category altogether.”

The humor faded from Kieran’s expression.

“You want to know why you’re here?” His tone lost its teasing edge. “For one, I couldn’t have you helping Akane through the game. The last thing I need is my future bride becoming even more attached to you than she already is.”

Ranma’s jaw tightened.

“And second,” Kieran continued, “because you didn’t draw your real nightmare.”

“Really now?”

“Not that I was interested in what you drew.” Kieran smiled faintly. “I was only interested in removing you from the board. Your cursed form and the cats were simply bonuses.”

“That’s one way to admit you’re scared of me, I guess. Why? You thought you’d become my worst nightmare?”

“Hardly.” Kieran’s smile vanished. “You know exactly what your nightmare is.”

Ranma fell silent.

Of course he did. Ever since Jusendo, the nightmares had been annoyingly persistent. Over and over again, he watched Akane falling, drowning, lying motionless on the ground, dying—and every damn time, he arrived too late to save her.

Jeez. Compared to that, cats and curses were nothing.

“Fine,” Ranma admitted reluctantly. “You got me. But that still doesn’t explain the rest.” Folding his arms, he fixed Kieran with a skeptical look. “How do you know Akane? And what the hell are you, anyway? The stuff you do shouldn’t even be possible.”

For a moment, Kieran regarded him in silence, as though deciding how much he wanted to reveal.

When he finally spoke, the easy amusement had vanished. “I’ve been watching her for ten long years—long before a fool like you stumbled into her life. Akane belongs with me. I’m not about to let some nobody who appeared out of nowhere steal her away. Not now. Not ever.”

The possessiveness in his voice made Ranma’s stomach turn.

This guy wasn’t just dangerous.

He was completely unhinged.

“Ten years?” Ranma let out a disbelieving laugh. “You’ve watched her for ten years and you’re still hung up on her? What the hell, man? There are cute girls all over the world. Why Akane?”

Kieran frowned. “Why?” He looked genuinely puzzled by the question. “Because she’s…” He searched uselessly for the right word. “Light. No… Fire.” His brow furrowed. “I’ve spent my whole life in darkness. How could I not be drawn to her?”

Ranma blinked. That was it?

He’d expected some grand revelation. Instead, he’d gotten some nonsense about a flashlight.

The guy was every bit as nuts as Kuno.

“You’re an idiot. Akane isn’t like that at all. She can’t cook worth a damn, she picks fights she can’t win, and she’s stubborn enough to make a mule look reasonable. If you keep trying to put her on some pedestal, the klutz will knock you out on her way down!”

Kieran’s answer was a cold, taunting smile.

“Is it any wonder you’re so unworthy of her?” His gaze lingered on Ranma’s currently ample chest before returning to his eyes. “Who are you to judge? You never chose Akane for yourself. She was handed to you.” Ranma stiffened. “Now, it’s my turn. And I intend to do everything in my power to make her mine.”

The gaze Ranma directed on him was scorching.

“Alright then. If you’ve been watching us, then there’s something you should’ve figured out by now. I’d sooner die than let you lay a finger on her.”

“Yet here you are.” Kieran’s smile returned. “Pacing around in your little cage.”

“Yeah?” Ranma shot back. “How long do you think that’ll last? Soon as we’re done talking, I’m either going through that wall or through you.”

“I doubt that.” The smug confidence in his voice was infuriating. “But I’ll make you a deal. Give up on Akane now and I’ll let you go. Half a dozen girls already want to marry you. Surely one of them will do.”

Ranma stared hard. “For real?”

“Quite.” Kieran’s smile never wavered. “So why not save everyone the trouble and step aside? Let Akane come to me. It’s going to happen whether you agree to it or not.”

Ranma barked out another laugh. “If you actually thought I’d say, ‘Yeah, sure, take her’, you’re even crazier than I thought.”

“No,” Kieran replied. “I didn’t expect you would.” His eyes narrowed dangerously. “You won’t take her for yourself, but refuse to let her be happy with anybody else. I expected nothing less.”

Heat rushed to Ranma’s face.

The bastard knew exactly where to strike.

“What the hell do you know? Just because you’ve been STALKING her for ten years doesn’t mean you know the first damn thing about her. She’s ’fire,’” he scoffed. “Give me a break.”

A flicker of irritation crossed Kieran’s face.

“I’ve seen more in ten years than you could possibly imagine,” he told him, his gaze hardening. “And I know I can make her happier than you ever could. I could give her things you could only dream about. And you? What can you give her?” The corner of his mouth lifted. “More tears? More disappointment? A broken heart? No. I’ll never step aside for the likes of you.”

“Shut up!” Ranma shoved himself away from the wall. “I’m done talking. I’m getting out of here!”

He exploded forward, whipping a roundhouse kick toward Kieran’s head.

Instead of connecting, his foot sliced through empty air. Ranma stumbled as the force of his own kick carried him past where Kieran should have been. He caught himself, wheeled around, and froze.

“What…?”

A heartbeat ago, Kieran had been standing right in front of him, towering over his smaller frame.

Now he was gone.

Before he could turn fully, something slammed into his shoulders from behind. Caught completely off guard, Ranma lurched forward several steps before crashing into the wall.

“Damn it!”

Ranma spun around, already throwing a back kick toward where he thought Kieran would be.

Again, nothing. His shorter leg sliced through empty space.

“Missed again.”

The taunt came from somewhere to his right.

Ranma whipped around and found Kieran standing several feet away, looking entirely too pleased with himself. A cold prickling sensation crawled up the back of his neck. His instincts screamed that he was missing something.

“Quit screwin’ around!” he barked, launching himself forward again. This time he kept his eyes locked on Kieran’s every movement.

And this time, he saw it.

As Kieran retreated, his body seemed to blur and flatten, the edges of his form dissolving into darkness. The shadows beneath his feet stretched upward, swallowing him whole. In the blink of an eye, he melted into the wall itself, leaving behind nothing but a dark ripple racing across the faded wallpaper.

Ranma skidded to a stop.

The ripple shot across the room. And a moment later, Kieran stepped back out of the wall on the opposite side as casually as if he’d walked through a doorway.

Ranma stared.

The Shadow Prince.

Apparently, that wasn’t just a lame nickname.

“Well,” Kieran said, casually leaning against the wall as though nothing unusual had happened, “this was fun. Although, considering your reputation, I expected more from our fight. I’m tempted to blame your curse, but I don’t think that’s the problem.”

Ranma scowled.

The smug grin on Kieran’s face made it clear he was enjoying every second of this. Worse, he wasn’t entirely wrong.

Ranma still had no idea what he’d just witnessed, let alone how he was supposed to beat it.

How the heck was he supposed to fight a shadow?

“I’d love to stay and play,” Kieran continued, “but I’m afraid I have a game to oversee… and someone very special to see.”

Ranma took a step forward. “I ain’t letting you walk outta here.”

The words came out automatically. Even as he said them, he had no idea how he intended to stop someone who could disappear into the shadows themselves.

Kieran seemed equally aware of that fact.

“Truly,” he said with a faint smile, “I’m shaking.”

Rather than head for the door, Kieran raised a finger and began tracing something through the air.

Ranma frowned.

At first, he thought it was nothing more than a meaningless gesture. Then pale lines of light bloomed beneath Kieran’s fingertips, lingering in the air like glowing ink. Each new stroke remained suspended, weaving together into an intricate pattern Ranma couldn’t begin to decipher.

The symbols pulsed once, then twice, and a heartbeat later, white light flooded the room. And when the glare finally faded, a small hand mirror rested in Kieran’s palm.

For a moment, Ranma simply stared.

He still intended to beat the bastard senseless and find a way out of this place, but watching someone casually conjure a mirror out of thin air deserved at least a moment of appreciation.

“Here,” Kieran said, holding it out. “A parting gift.”

Ranma didn’t move. His gaze flicked from the mirror to Kieran and back again. “No thanks. I’m not nearly as vain as you seem to be.”

“How droll.” Kieran let go of the mirror, yet it remained suspended in the air, cradled by writhing shadows. “This isn’t your typical mirror. Since you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, I thought you might enjoy knowing what’s happening out there. Simply say the name of anyone playing the game, and they’ll appear in the glass.”

“Yeah?” Ranma eyed him suspiciously. “And the catch?”

Kieran merely shrugged. “I thought you may appreciate the chance to watch Akane while you’re stuck in here. You never know.” His smile widened. “You might see something interesting.”

Ranma’s eyes narrowed. “Like what?”

Kieran’s grin turned downright insufferable. “Like Akane surrendering to me.”

Heat flared in Ranma’s chest.

But before he could hurl himself across the room again, Kieran took a step backward. His body dissolved into shadow, melting into the faded wallpaper until nothing remained.

“Enjoy the show.”

The words lingered long after Kieran was gone, and silence settled over the room. But Ranma could only stare at the wall, his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt.

He had to get outta here.

Refusing to give up, Ranma pressed both palms against the faded wallpaper and searched for some sign of whatever trick Kieran might’ve used.

A hidden door. A loose panel. A weak spot. Anything.

But the dumb wall felt exactly like a wall… as thick and as unmovable as before.

Scowling, he searched it again. Then the opposite wall. Then the floor. Then what he could reach of the ceiling, running his hands over every inch of the cramped room.

At last, he admitted defeat.

His gaze drifted back to the mirror still hovering in the air.

Ranma frowned. He didn’t trust mirrors in general, not after the whole mirror-clone fiasco, and he trusted Kieran even less.

But what other choice did he have?

With a reluctant sigh, he crossed the room and snatched the mirror by its handle. The shadows wrapped around it recoiled at his touch, slithering away like startled snakes.

If it actually worked, he could keep an eye on Akane. Maybe he’d even spot a clue to getting out of this place. And if it didn’t… at least he’d have proof Kieran was full of crap.

Tightening his grip on the handle, Ranma focused.

“Show me Akane.”

His chest tightened as he waited, and a heartbeat later, his fiancée’s face appeared in the glass. She was walking down a dark hallway, wearing the same burgundy dress she’d thrown on after her bath.

At the sight of her, Ranma released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

Good. She was okay.

For the first time since waking up in this place, the knot in his chest loosened. At least for now.

He lowered himself to the floor, never taking his eyes off the mirror.

If he couldn’t fight beside her…

…For now, he’d watch over her instead.

* * *

Akane glanced nervously around the parlor.

She had wanted Kieran gone, and although she was relieved he had finally left, being alone felt strangely unsettling. The reality of what awaited her was beginning to sink in, and with it came a crushing sense of responsibility.

All of this because of her?

The thought settled over her like a weight. If Kieran was telling the truth, it was her fault everyone she cared about had been dragged into this ridiculous game. And now they’d be forced to confront their worst fears because of it.

Shame twisted painfully in her chest.

With a shake of her head, Akane pushed those thoughts aside.

Blaming herself wasn’t going to change anything. She could do this. She just had to find everyone, help them through their nightmares, and get them safely to the attic.

How hard could that be?

Well, first she’d have to find them. And before she could do that, she needed to figure out where she was.

Deciding information was her best weapon, Akane set out to investigate her surroundings. If she could figure out where they were, maybe she’d find a way out—or at the very least, a backup plan should they run out of time.

A window stood directly across the room, exactly where she’d placed it when assembling the paper house. Akane hurried over and pulled back the curtain.

The breath caught in her throat.

For a moment, she could only stare.

As far as her eye could see, the world was buried beneath blood-red ice.

Red snow drifted from a black sky, casting an eerie crimson glow over jagged formations that rose from the frozen landscape like broken teeth. Every few moments, flashes of distant light illuminated shapes moving across the ice—creatures that looked almost human until they lifted their heads and revealed rows of gleaming fangs. They crawled through the storm on all fours, their pale bodies vanishing and reappearing between gusts of snow. Beneath them, the ground itself seemed stained in red, as though the entire world had been soaked in blood.

Akane stood motionless, staring out at the frozen wasteland as horror slowly settled in the pit of her stomach.

It looked like something from a nightmare.

A real one.

Even from the safety of the house, she could feel the cold seeping through the glass. If they somehow escaped the house, if they were foolish enough to step outside, she doubted they’d survive for long.

If the cold didn’t get them, the monsters would.

Or maybe it was a trick. Maybe Kieran had conjured the entire image to keep them from venturing outside. He’d already trapped Ranma in an illusion of cats. Surely a blizzard couldn’t be that much harder.

She pulled the curtain shut a little too quickly, as though doing so might erase the sight from her memory. The explanation felt flimsy even to her, but she clung to it anyway. The alternative—that the world outside really was that terrifying—wasn’t something she wanted to consider just yet.

But even with the window hidden from view, she could see the red snow falling behind her eyelids. If that landscape was real, then their scattered nightmares weren’t the only dangers lurking in this place.

The thought sent a chill through her.

Desperate to focus on something more productive, Akane forced her attention back to the task at hand. Kieran had said everyone was scattered throughout the mansion, and with a time limit hanging over their heads, every second mattered.

She could only hope the interior still resembled the paper mansion she’d built before. If it did, she at least knew the general layout and wouldn’t be wandering completely blind.

“Alright, I can do this,” Akane said, giving herself a determined nod. The sound of her own voice cut through the oppressive silence blanketing the room.

Talking to herself was probably silly, but she didn’t particularly care. The mansion was creepy enough without standing around listening to the walls breathe.

If she remembered correctly, the foyer and parlor had both been on the right side of the house. That narrowed her choices considerably.

“First stop, the dining room.”

Feeling marginally better, Akane headed toward the large archway Kieran had been leaning against earlier. She was relieved to discover there wasn’t a door blocking her path, though the relief lasted only a few seconds.

The moment she crossed the threshold, a deafening crash echoed behind her.

Akane jumped and whirled around.

A solid wall now stood where the archway had been, sealing off the parlor entirely.

She blinked.

Ahead of her stretched a long hallway lined with lanterns and shadows that disappeared into the distance. Somewhere beyond, she knew the others were waiting.

For the first time since arriving, it truly felt as if the game had begun.

“Don’t worry, everyone,” she whispered, resolve hardening her expression. “I’m coming.”

Squaring her shoulders, Akane started walking. The mansion seemed to stretch endlessly before her, each footstep swallowed by the thick carpet until the silence became almost oppressive. Portraits watched from the walls as she passed, their painted eyes seeming to follow her through the dimly lit corridor.

Time slipped by unnoticed until the deep toll of a distant clock echoed through the house.

Akane stopped in the middle of the hallway and listened as the single chime faded into silence. She couldn’t see the clock, but the sound still brought a small measure of relief.

That meant over nine hours remained.

More than enough time.

“We’ll be done in five,” Akane vowed.

If Kieran thought she’d be intimidated or give up, he was wrong. Steeling herself, she continued down the hallway.

She had a game to win.

* * *

It was just her luck that the first person she found was Shampoo.

As Akane reached the end of the hallway, she tried not to look too disappointed. She’d been hoping to find Kasumi or Nabiki, but at this point, she couldn’t afford to be picky.

At least Shampoo looked alive and unharmed. When Akane spotted her, she was trying to kick down a heavy wooden door.

“Need some help?” she called, stepping beside her.

Shampoo paused mid-kick and glanced over her shoulder. “Shampoo good.” Without another word, she drove another kick into the stubborn wood.

Akane’s gaze swept over the dead-end hallway. Aside from the spot Shampoo was currently assaulting, there wasn’t another exit in sight.

Yet, if Akane remembered the game board correctly, the dining room should have been directly beyond it. So why was it blocked?

Frowning, Akane stepped closer. There wasn’t even a doorknob. If Shampoo’s repeated kicks hadn’t splintered the wood, then brute force probably wasn’t the answer.

“This the only door you’ve found?”

The question left her mouth before she thought better of it. Of course it was. She’d walked the same hallway herself.

Shampoo folded her arms and gave her an unimpressed look. “Akane think Shampoo idiot? Hallway blocked. This only door Shampoo find, and stupid door no budge.”

To prove her point, she planted another kick squarely in the middle of it.

“There has to be a way through.” Akane ran her fingers along the frame, searching for some hidden switch or mechanism. “The parlor sealed itself up after I left. Maybe there’s something we have to do to open it.”

Shampoo sighed. “Is useless. Shadow Prince win. We forfeit, yes?”

Akane shot her an incredulous look. “We are not forfeiting.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t intend to stay here,” Akane shot back, still examining the door. “There’s got to be a way in.”

Shampoo leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “If Akane spend rest of game trapped in hallway, that fine with Shampoo. Is happy ending for all.”

Akane rested against the door. “Honestly, Shampoo…” The protest died on her lips as she felt something hard pressing against the middle of her back.

Frowning, she straightened and turned around.

A doorknob was suddenly protruding from the wood.

“What in the world…?”

Shampoo blinked. She was still leaning against the opposite side of the frame, one hand braced against the door.

Akane glanced down at her own arm, resting against the wood beside her.

Understanding dawned.

“Oh. It needed both of us.”

“Stupid house,” Shampoo grumbled. Despite the complaint, she reached for the handle. “We do this now, yes? Shampoo want find Ranma.”

Relieved the Amazon was finally cooperating, Akane nodded. “Before we go in, what did you draw? It might help to know what we’re dealing with.”

Shampoo paused to think. “Restaurant full of customers. No time for dating with Ranma.”

Akane stared at her. “That was your nightmare?”

Shampoo nodded with complete sincerity. Maybe this wouldn’t be so difficult after all. The optimistic thought lasted all of two seconds before another one crept in.

Akane hadn’t drawn anything for her nightmare.

What happened when it was her turn?

Her stomach tightened at the thought, but she pushed it aside before it could take hold. Worrying about it now wouldn’t change a thing. She had to focus.

“Ready?” Shampoo asked her.

Akane nodded. Together, they gripped the handle and eased the door open.

Both girls froze.

They were staring at the Nekohanten.

The restaurant looked exactly like the real one, right down to the tables, decorations, and counter. Unlike Shampoo’s drawing, however, the dining room was completely empty.

Shampoo frowned. “This no scary.” She wandered inside, peering around suspiciously. “Maybe Shadow Prince no understand drawing.”

“I don’t understand either.” Akane followed her into the restaurant, mentally replaying everything Kieran had told her. This was supposed to be Shampoo’s nightmare. Unless…

“Maybe Kieran knew you weren’t taking it seriously?”

As though in answer, the door slammed shut behind them. Akane flinched despite herself. It remained there for only a heartbeat longer before the frame, handle, and weathered planks dissolved into the surrounding wall, leaving behind nothing but smooth wallpaper.

Akane let out a quiet sigh. “Well,” she muttered, “I guess we’re in the right place.”

Shampoo glanced around the empty dining room, her brow furrowing. “Restaurant too quiet,” she said. “Restaurant should be busy.”

She wasn’t wrong.

Even during its slow times, the Nekohanten was filled with the clatter of dishes, the smell of fresh cooking, and customers chatting while they ate. Instead, the silence felt unnatural, hanging over the room like someone had swept all the life out of it.

Akane glanced around the deserted restaurant. “Well, if we don’t know what we’re looking for, we might as well search.”

Without another word, they split up. Akane slipped behind the counter, checking beneath the register and inside the shelves, while Shampoo disappeared into the kitchen, opening cupboards and peering into the pantry as though expecting someone to leap out at her.

As they searched, Akane quietly filled Shampoo in on everything that had happened after they’d disappeared. She explained the rules, or at least what she understood of them, and told her what had happened to Ranma.

Rather than react with alarm, Shampoo’s eyes lit up.

“Aiyaa! This mean if Shampoo fail, she join Ranma?” She clasped her hands to her cheeks with a delighted squeal. “Is dream come true!”

She really was unbelievable.

“I really don’t think losing means you get to hang out with Ranma. We’re supposed to be facing our fears, remember? Not getting what we want.” Her expression sobered. “Besides… Kieran warned me someone might die. This place is dangerous.”

Shampoo’s smile wavered. “Maybe is bluff.”

“It’s possible,” Akane agreed quietly. “But are you willing to bet your life on it?”

“…Aiyaa.” Shampoo’s shoulders sagged. “Dying much less fun.”

Akane frowned.

Something still wasn’t adding up.

If this really wasn’t Shampoo’s nightmare, shouldn’t the Shadow Prince have forced the truth out of her already? Wasn’t that the main point of the card?

And anyway, why had Kieran taken Ranma at all?

He said his greatest fear wasn’t cats… so was it his curse? Could Ranma be trapped as a girl somewhere, unable to change?

Akane shook her head at the thought.

She needed to stop worrying about him. They were dealing with Shampoo’s nightmare right now, not Ranma’s.

There had to be something the Amazon was afraid of.

The problem was, Akane didn’t actually know Shampoo all that well. She knew the Amazon was fiercely proud, impossibly stubborn, and came from a village that taught its warriors to face any challenge head-on. All obstacles were quickly eliminated.

Fear wasn’t an emotion Akane had ever associated with her.

Still, nearly everything Shampoo did revolved around Ranma in some way. He was the reason she’d come to Japan, the reason she’d been cursed, and why she’d stayed. If the restaurant meant anything, Akane was certain it was only a small piece of a much larger puzzle.

But whatever the answer, standing around wasn’t getting them very far.

After only a few minutes, Shampoo had already given up searching. She’d settled into one of the chairs, looking bored, as though she fully intended to spend the rest of the game sitting around, waiting.

Akane felt her temper flare.

Nine hours suddenly didn’t seem like much time when Shampoo seemed determined to waste every minute of it.

Hoping to give her the benefit of the doubt, Akane forced herself to take a slow breath. She moved beside her. “Does your nightmare involve Ranma?” she asked as evenly as she could. “Maybe… not marrying him?”

Shampoo scoffed. “What Akane talking about? Ranma already Shampoo husband. Husband stubborn now, but eventually join tribe. Then be very happy together.”

Akane sighed. “Then what are you afraid of, Shampoo? Have you even thought about it?”

Shampoo gave an easy shrug. “Shampoo fear being stuck with Akane much longer.”

Akane narrowed her eyes. Now the other girl was going out of her way to be unhelpful. “Honestly, Shampoo, do you want to beat this thing or not?”

Shampoo merely shrugged again.

That did it.

Akane stepped forward and slapped both hands on the table. “Honestly! I’m trying to help you, Shampoo, and you’re acting like none of this matters! If you’re going to sit there and waste time, then fine. Stay trapped in your nightmare for all I care!”

“Then go.” Shampoo snorted. “Shampoo no care.”

“Maybe I should,” Akane shot back. “I’d like to see you reach the exit without me. You couldn’t even get through the front door!”

Shampoo folded her arms. “Any time Akane leave is good time.” She gestured toward the blank wall where the doorway had been as though expecting Akane to walk straight through it.

Akane clenched her fists. “Honestly, Shampoo! You just—"

A small bell chimed softly through the restaurant.

Both girls turned toward the sound.

Suspended above the blank stretch of wall where the doorway had been was a small brass bell. It swayed gently as though someone had just walked inside.

“Oh! We have customers,” said a voice directly behind them. “My apologies. I didn’t hear the bell ring.”

When Akane turned back, she found Mousse standing behind the counter. He looked exactly as she remembered him: white robes, thick glasses, long sleek hair, and a small, knowing smile.

But it couldn’t be Mousse. He was back at the real Nekohanten.

“Mousse!” Shampoo exclaimed. “You here too?”

“Right where you left me, Shampoo.”

The small clock mounted behind the counter, a perfect replica of the one in the real Nekohanten, chirped once. Then fell eerily silent.

Mousse hurriedly adjusted his glasses. “Well! Come in, come in! The tea is getting cold.”

Before Akane could object, he was already bustling about the restaurant with a giant kettle he’d somehow produced from his sleeves, ushering them toward a nearby table while setting out teacups with practiced ease.

“Please,” he said. “Sit.”

There was nothing forceful about the invitation. Nothing threatening. If anything, it was almost unnervingly polite.

Yet Akane hesitated.

Exchanging a wary glance with Shampoo, she reluctantly took the offered seat and allowed Mousse to pour her tea. Not that she had any intention of actually drinking it.

The restaurant fell silent save for the gentle clink of porcelain as Mousse cheerfully filled the last cup.

He smiled.

And just like that, Shampoo’s nightmare had finally begun.

END OF CHAPTER 4