A rumbling engine found Obake inside the Tree Corridor.

No way.

Yumo sped along on a sleek motorcycle. Its iron wheels left figure eight track marks as he went. His sudden screech to a halt almost left Obake with a face full of dirt and gravel. With the engine killed, Yumo popped the kickstand and pushed up his goggles. A small band aid stuck to his left eyebrow. The gorgeous motorcycle gave Obake a temporary reprieve from his stewing anger.

“I’m sorry I ever doubted you,” said Obake with adoration.

“Didn’t I tell you?”

“You definitely did.”

“I’ll have a girlfriend by the end of the day. Watch. I can’t wait to see the stupid looks on Jevoss and Eshra’s faces.”

“That’s going to be priceless.”

Obake examined the craftsmanship. “A Stinger: Model 0. Classic, I didn’t even know these were still around.”

“I got super lucky. My dad found it in some old junkyard.”

“What? I would’ve never let this go if I were them.”

Obake opened the Stinger’s fuel tank to find it full of teal stones. “How much zoganite does it take?”

“Eight pounds, I’ll be able to go a hundred and seventy-five miles before I have to fill up again.”

“You’re so lucky. Looks like you already made all the modifications too.”

“Sure did, took me forever. That’s why I’m running so late. I didn’t sleep much either. This thing is addicting.”

“I bet. I wouldn’t even go to the academy if I had one of these.”

Yumo reignited the engine, releasing teal smoke from the exhaust pipe. “Sorry I didn’t have time to look at your fuel tank. I can fix it after the academy though.”

“Don’t worry about it. How’s the eye?”

“Stings like crazy, damn bear.”

“I would’ve brought you some puapo, but I’m not on the best of terms with my grandparents right now.”

“Oh yeah, I saw them. They didn’t look too happy.”

“That’s their problem.”

“Still keeping secrets?”

“Their favorite thing. It’ll never end.”

“You’ll have to find out the truth some other way.”

“Yeah, I’ll figure it out somehow.”

“All right, well I’ll see you down there.”

Wrinkles of insult appeared on Obake’s forehead.

“I’m messing with you.” Yumo laughed, then brought his backpack around and fetched another pair of goggles from its depths. “Hop on.”

Obake and Yumo yelled from exhilaration as they cascaded down the Serpentine Trail. The gong signifying the imminent start of classes met their ears. Revving the engine harder, Yumo careened to the front entrance where Miss Jiaou stood.

“Well, now. Aren’t we luxurious today?”

The pair dismounted fast.

“Have you forgotten the rules?”

They decided it would be in their best interest to play dumb.

“No bicycles. No skateboards. No scooters. No glissaders or motorized transporters of any kind.”

“Uh… we forgot,” said Obake with a pathetic level of conviction.

“Well, in that case let me remind you we are on a mountain. What if you were to fall off? Wouldn’t be pleasant now, would it?”

Yumo slid his goggles up. “I know, but I’m almost eighteen so I figured it would be okay.”

“You figured wrong.”

“Look, I was going to hide it in the garden. Can I?”

“No other options come to mind. I certainly won’t send you back home on that thing. Does your father know you drove that here?”

“Uh… no,” said Yumo with the same level of pathetic conviction as Obake’s previous lie.

The boys walked through the garden.

Miss Jiaou was sure to follow. “Be sure to secure that thing. There are those who’d find great satisfaction in stealing it.”

From Yumo’s backpack came a lock and chain. “That’s why I have this bad boy.” He fastened the Stinger to a burly tree.

“Careful not to leak any zoganite. Don’t make more work for me.”

“I won’t. Don’t worry.”

“Hurry now. You have a few minutes left.”

“Hey, Miss Jiaou.”

With one brow raised, the groundskeeper glared at Yumo.

“Can you keep an eye on it for me?”

“Most certainly not.”

Yumo applied his best puppy dog impression. “Please?”

“Oh, all right. Now hurry along.”

Obake returned his goggles to their rightful owner. Right above the forehead is where Yumo’s goggles went, and his Stinger key dangled from a golden chain. Like an expensive necklace, he wore it with pride.

“Seriously?” asked Obake.

Yumo smirked. “What?”

Shaking his head, Obake entered the academy. Miss Jiaou and Yumo weren’t far behind.

“It was so easy to get through the mountains today,” said Yumo. 

Obake set sight on Sensei Gwell’s classroom. “Don’t rub it in. I still have to walk.”

“Where do you two think you’re going?”

They turned to see Miss Jiaou pointing at a sign on an easel. It read: Assembly in the Supreme Chamber Today. Joy erupted from the duo.

“Yes. I hope it lasts all day,” said Obake as he and Yumo raced to the third floor.

The chamber doors were thick, but they didn’t stop student chatter from leaking into the hall. The chatter didn’t stop two familiar voices from coming around the corner.

“Thanks. My stomach was hurting so bad. I’m surprised I didn’t pass out.”

“Anytime, we have to look out for each other.”

“I hope I’m not a burden.”

“Of course not, but your mom should be feeding you, too. This isn’t right.”

“Not much I can do about it. She’s always too strung out to think straight.”

“You should tell the Supreme Sensei.”

“No way, I can’t. My mom would go crazy.”

“Well, you have lunch to look forward to, I guess.”

Obake and Yumo each took a peek and glimpsed Eshra and Jevoss departing into the Supreme Chamber.

“Did you hear that?” asked Yumo with surprise.

“Damn. That’s rough, even for Eshra.”

Carrying on, the friends entered the chamber. They shuffled between almost two hundred students before the late gong blared.

“I sometimes wonder if you two delinquents will ever get your acts together.”

Sensei Oldro appeared among the crowd, wearing a sharp scowl.

Obake scowled back. “What?”

“You two were very close to being late. Yet again,” she continued, disdain shooting from her eyes.

“But we weren’t late,” said Yumo.

“Ah. Ah. No back talk. Find your seats.”

She shooed the boys away like a dreadful queen would a couple of peasants. They took refuge from her wrath near the front of the chamber, sitting cross-legged on the hardwood floor.

“What’s with her? I’m going to go off one of these days, I swear.”

Yumo grinned. “We should put one of those little needles in her seat.”

“I’m so down. Monday?”

“Let’s do it. That’ll shut her up for a while.”

Hysterical laughter burst from the boys as other students took their seats. The rollaway blackboard proved absent, leaving the three platforms unobstructed. Faculty members found their seats on the bottom two platforms. Pretending not to notice them, Sensei Gwell ignored all the boys drooling over her. Dr. Kauzo smiled and conversed with a group of students. Without a care, Sensei Pelssa still read from his book. Even when seated, Mr. Batta towered at least a foot above everyone else. Sensei Oldro kept glancing at Obake and Yumo, the disgust on her face blatant for everyone to see. Miss Jiaou sat last and began squirming, none too happy with her seating arrangement.

Over ten minutes passed before Kinichi appeared, striding from his office located to the left. The students simmered down as he took his place atop the third and highest platform. He grasped a tungsten scepter, the top of which contained four sharp curves.

“What is that thing?” asked Obake.

Yumo couldn’t take his eyes off Kinichi. “Maybe he’s planning to punish Sensei Dumb Bitch for us.”

Kinichi raised a silencing hand. “Quiet down now, scholars.” A white and red shawl covered in angular symbols draped his body. “I have a considerable announcement to make.”

What was left of the chatter died out, followed by an uneasy stretch of silence.

“It brings me great joy to disclose that today will be my last day as Supreme Sensei of this academy.”

Sensei Pelssa’s book flopped to the floor; he opened his mouth, but words evaded him.

Sensei Oldro bolted to her feet. “What’s the meaning of this?”

Mr. Batta stood as well, his muscle-bound body slumped with sadness. “You’re leaving us?”

Kinichi refused to look at him. “Not exactly my friend.”

“Well then what’s going on and… why’re you holding that weapon?” asked Sensei Gwell.

Hysteria trumpeted through Sensei Oldro’s voice. “If you’re leaving, then who will assume your position?”

“Unfortunately, there will be no successor,” said Kinichi.

“Are you closing the academy?” asked Dr. Kauzo with urgency.

“I would say that is the safest conclusion to draw.”

“I have bills to pay!” yelled a fuming Miss Jiaou.

Dr. Kauzo continued. “How could you do this to us? What about the students?”

“I know you’re all upset, but I have waited far too long. Longer than any of you could fathom.”

Sensei Pelssa apprehended some of his elusive words. “Brings you great joy? To leave us high and dry? Is that it?”

“Worry not. Nobody will suffer long. I’ve grown fond of some of you during my tenure. It almost pains me to have to do this.”

“A warning would’ve been nice!” roared Sensei Gwell.

“Well, yes, but… that would’ve ruined everything.”

Kinichi raised his scepter to the ceiling; a diabolical smile curled his lips. A scarlet flash burst from the scepter, enveloping everyone. Cold dread seized Obake when he saw it. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t draw breath. Once the flash dimmed, a strange sensation raced throughout Obake’s body. He scrutinized his arms for traces of bugs. Certain he’d see some crawling beneath his skin, but there was nothing. He turned them over, expecting to see something swimming within his veins, but again… there was nothing.

What’s happening to me?

The horrible sound of students vomiting by the dozens gave him the strength needed to force a breath. Obake swallowed so much air his lungs applauded. Yumo on the other hand, sat clutching his stomach in agony. Yellow bile leaked through his gritted teeth. Obake tried to rise, but couldn’t bypass whatever invisible force held him there.

Why can’t I move?

Right in front, a brown-haired boy convulsed and tore away at his own clothing. He wailed in pain as his flesh altered. Clumps of hair fell from his scalp and his color drained to a snowy white. The teeth in his mouth became fangs, and boney nubs popped through his fingertips and toes. Wails of pain turned to growls of hunger.

This isn’t real. I must be losing it.

Tezza came crawling through the writhing crowd. As she transformed, her tear-soaked eyes fell upon Obake. They begged for help, but the last trace of humanity escaped her.

Everyone else in the chamber transformed as well, Sensei Gwell, Mr. Batta, Dr. Kauzo, Sensei Pelssa, Miss Jiaou and Sensei Oldro. All were no more. The students were gone too, tall and short, fat and skinny, light complexion and dark, every last one of them. In their places stood gruesome creatures with blood-shot eyes, tattered clothes, protruding spines and exposed rib cages. Aimless, the creatures howled and ran into one another.

A miniature cyclone of energy shot to the center of the chamber, just below the ceiling. It sent scarlet rays circling around. Each creature fixated upon it, their crazed eyes glazing over. They became rooted in place, quaking and grunting like mindless beasts. Saliva dripped from their mouths onto the floor, mixing with the vomit at their feet.

Obake’s muscles warped and his skin tingled. His breakfast tried to wiggle up his esophagus. Convulsions came for him as well, followed by overwhelming heat. He desired nothing more than to remove his clothing, but with every fiber of his being he suppressed it, all of it. His unyielding resistance even shattered whatever held him in place.

While sweat leaked from every pore, Obake checked on Yumo again, but he was gone. Frantic, he searched and searched. He soon spotted his friend stumbling into a room on the right side of the chamber. Yumo looked very different. Unlike the others, he was sprouting black feathers all over his body.

Obake motioned toward him, but the chamber teeter tottered, halting his progress. Shutting his eyes, he waited for the dizziness to subside.

“How did you?” Although no longer soothing, Kinichi’s voice was unmistakable. From the top platform, he glared at Obake. A look of astonishment plastered on his visage. “You son of a bitch.”

Kinichi aimed his scepter and fired a scarlet bolt of energy. Obake shielded himself behind one of the creatures. Sustaining the bolt, it dropped dead against the floor. Miss Jiaou’s face was upon it. Her facial features remained intact despite the hideous modifications.

The dizzy spell over Obake faded, allowing him to start a mad dash toward Yumo’s location. Several additional bolts fired from Kinichi, all of which missed their marks.

As Obake drew near Yumo, a creature standing before the doorway dove at him. He caught it by the throat, digging his nails into its slimy skin. Its mouth opened wide, letting out a vile stench and a long pink tongue. Snaking its way over, the tongue licked Obake’s cheek. With a shove, he held the creature at arm’s length. Relentless, it tried to taste him again. The gangly stature reminded him of someone that he soon recognized as Eshra.

Sounds of a switch pulled Obake’s attention back to Kinichi. The wall behind the platforms parted down the middle and both halves slid sideways. An enormous stone obelisk marked with dozens of runes revealed itself. Although hard to see, its ancient design shone beneath a translucent, white, energy barrier. Kinichi stood in awe before it. Two more creatures broke out of their trances and approached Obake.

He slammed Eshra into one creature then tossed him into the other. “Get out of my way!”

All three tumbled across the floor. As Obake reached the platforms, two more creatures attacked. Ferocious slashing and chomping ensued. Evading their strikes, he knocked them both into a pack of their cohorts.

A scarlet vortex burgeoned from Kinichi’s scepter. Dozens of creatures became caught within its pull. Golden fragments of light ruptured their chests, spraying blood around the vicinity. They let out chilling screams while the arms of death embraced them. Each golden fragment wore the face of who it belonged to.

Kinichi guided the contorting faces into the translucent barrier surrounding the obelisk. “Nothing prettier than a freshly plucked soul.”

Heavy cracking blared each time one made contact. Obake considered taking Yumo and fleeing, but as the thought entered his mind, so did another.

‘I will tell you this. They fought valiantly and died with the greatest of honor. They were the best of us and will never be forgotten.’

Yokai’s words resonated far more than the desire to flee.

I don’t know what this is, but I have to stop it.

Obake dashed toward the platforms, Kinichi launched a flurry of scarlet bolts his way. He slipped past them with a burst of agility and went to kick Kinichi’s legs out from under him. It stunned Obake to see his kick phase right through his sensei’s legs.

What was that?

Multiple punches discharged from Obake, but each one phased through Kinichi as if he weren’t even there. Kinichi grinned before punting Obake in the gut with the bottom of his scepter. Obake tumbled down the platforms, landing face to face with a dead, beastly version of Sensei Oldro.

Kinichi continued summoning golden souls. “Wait there, I’m almost done.”

All over the chamber creatures dropped into pools of their own blood and vomit. Cracks became ever present throughout the translucent barrier. They spread each time a soul struck. Soon, twenty creatures remained. Despite the carnage, they stood still, eyes devoid of consciousness.

Defying Kinichi’s order, Obake stormed the platforms. This time he lunged for the scepter. Once again, his hands phased through.

“Winning isn’t one of your strong suits, is it, boy?” said Kinichi, the sharp end of his scepter slicing at Obake.

Twisting out of its way, Obake sent an elbow crashing into Kinichi’s nose. Yes! I got him.

Obake followed with a kick to the head, but his foot phased through again. Kinichi retaliated with another bolt, but Obake ducked. Whiffs of burnt hair tickled his nostrils.

Obake’s punches came too fast this time. “Asshole!” They made Kinichi’s head whiplash. “What did you say about winning?”

Blood trickled down Kinichi’s chin as fury trickled into his expression.

Taunts from Obake continued. “Give it up. This is turning into elder abuse.”

As Obake went to continue his assault, Kinichi slammed his scepter to the ground. Thousands of scarlet sparks discharged, driving the young ninja across the chamber floor. Before long, he came to a stop amidst the corpses of his former classmates.

Kinichi pulled out the last souls and sent them crashing into the translucent barrier. Unable to sustain any more damage, the barrier shattered. Shards sailed through the air then vanished into nothingness.

Scarlet energy radiated from Kinichi’s scepter. The obelisk reacted and started to transform. Its entire composition went from stone to an array of pink, kaleidoscope-like patterns. With a hypnotic glare, Kinichi’s eyes shone. He reached out and crept toward the now shimmering obelisk. Its surface rippled like water, swallowing his hand. Overcome with satisfaction, Kinichi placed his foot inside as well.

Obake clambered over the dead, Dr. Kauzo and Sensei Pelssa among them. “Hey, fuck face! Leaving already?”

With a deep sigh, Kinichi backed out of the obelisk. “I see it’s going to take more than that to kill you, boy. You really are your father’s son.”

Obake gasped. “You have no right to talk about him, traitor!” Jitters set into his musculature. “Why’re you doing this? These were innocent people, innocent kids!”

Kinichi offered no response. He instead amplified his scarlet energy, it flared in erratic fashion, licking the ceiling and scarring the walls. The shawl covering his torso flapped despite the lack of wind. His eyes turned green and all of his skin began melting onto the already fluid infested floor. Neither his clothing nor his shoes could stop it. Skin seeped through as if he were wearing nothing at all. Not a single stain appeared as the gore dropped in rivulets. Younger, dark gray skin appeared where the old brown had been. A pointy nose formed and long ears grew. Oversized, clawed hands supplanted the frail, wrinkled ones. Thin ashen hair turned blood red, full and spikey. The man Obake once knew was now an entity he always struggled to believe existed. Extreme guilt penetrated his emotional state.

It’s true. They are real! I want to go back, forget about it all. The ninja squeezed his eyes so tight they throbbed. Papa was right. I thought I wanted this. When he reopened them, nothing had changed.

Again, he tried, but the gray man didn’t transform back into Kinichi. His classmates and senseis didn’t transform back into humans.

‘I understand why you’re upset. I understand you feel left in the dark. Trust me. Knowledge can be a heavy burden to bear, sometimes too heavy. You’re better off not knowing.’

Yokai’s words replayed in Obake’s mind.

Why didn’t I listen?

Jumping down, the gray man released another set of sparks. Every creature blasted away to the chamber’s perimeter. Obake saw Jevoss and Sensei Gwell’s dead stares rolling within the fleshy piles.

“Let’s try this again,” said the gray man, closing the gap between them.

As soon as his enemy was within range, Obake struck. Why couldn’t I tell? This thing was here, all this time. Right here!

With ease, the gray man evaded, so Obake followed with an axe kick. His attack collided with a scarlet energy shield summoned by the gray man. The shield then blasted forward, mowing Obake over. He ricocheted between the shield and floor until it passed over him.

The scepter transformed into a sizzling, scarlet, energy whip. It slashed at Obake who vaulted from the floor. Wood splintered into a massive, hideous scar. Mr. Batta’s beastly corpse beckoned Obake who rolled toward it. He lifted Mr. Batta’s arm and another crack of the whip severed it. Now in possession of the arm, Obake rushed in for the kill. The gray man swung his scarlet whip, but Obake vanished, leaving a Shadow Cloud in his wake.

When he re-materialized, Obake bashed the arm against the gray man’s face. As if it were a hammer, he brought the arm down a second time. Before the arm could connect again, it disintegrated into fleshy chunks.

The gray man knocked Obake away. “Clever, but that doesn’t make for a good conduit, boy.”

Summoning another scarlet shield, the gray man propelled it at his enemy. It twisted and scraped gashes into the hardwood floor. Obake had time enough to get to one foot. Bracing for collision, he extended both hands. As the shield crashed into them, his arms threatened to snap. The shield shoved him backwards as he planted his other foot. Both of his zori sandals frayed with every slide across the floor. Utilizing absolute force, he pushed the shield back from where it came. It spiraled at its creator, who dispersed it with a flick of his scepter.

This might be my last chance.

Obake flew into a drop kick, but like many of his prior attacks, it phased through. He tumbled to the floor as the gray man pointed his scepter. Expecting to dodge whatever attack was in store, Obake jumped. To his surprise, an attack had yet to start. First, the scepter followed him through the air, only then did it fire. A scarlet bolt hit Obake dead center of the chest. With a sickening crunch, he dropped to the floor.