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Nobody knew where they were.
Some people would say they were in the land of the undead, while some would say it was a land where ghosts with unfinished business wander. But according to what Miaka’s grandmother once told her, it was the Land between the Far Shore and the Near Shore, a boundary between the non-living and the human world.
Miaka was contemplating ideas for her new story in her story blog. As one could see from the bruise-like shadows under her eyes, this has been going on even during the nights.
She wanted to try out a new genre, out of her comfort zone for a change.
Thriller . She thought.
That certainly will be something new. How nice, smiling to herself.
Maybe a change of scenery from my cosy home would help the ideas spring to me quicker . A stroll shall do the trick.
Upon that, she walked out of her house and slowly out from the neighbourhood to stroll near the eerie forest.
Oddly, there were little to no joggers today, so it was coincidently the perfect time to brainstorm. The quiet atmosphere had made it eerier, triggering some ideas for her story.
She sat down with a notebook and a pen in one hand and began to ponder for ideas.
However, she had underestimated how long she was going to stay outside as it was now freezing.
Luckily, there was a certain person jogging today in this empty area even at this time. Yuta recognized her and came up to her to give her his extra jacket.
Surprised, Miaka looked up to see who it was.
“Yuta, what are you doing here? Oh my days, I hadn’t noticed it had gotten so late!”
“And it’s freezing too”, she shivered.
“I was going on a jog after finishing my last assignment. Thankfully, I wore two layers today!”, Yuta said cheerfully.
Yuta was her closest friend since childhood, though they were more than just friends. He would always visit Miaka’s house after school. As to why specifically her house, it was because he loved urban legends and ghost stories, especially the ones told by Miaka’s grandmother, a little bit mad but wise nonetheless.
“Oh! I forgot I had something to tell you. Obaa-chan had retold me a very interesting story today, my all-time favourite. Since you weren’t here today because of your assignments, you didn’t get to hear it.”
“Really?! Then go on, tell it!” said Yuta eagerly.
Unknowingly, they ventured into the now, dark forest.
As she was almost done telling the story, she was suddenly interrupted by what seems to be a large animal's howl. That's when they finally looked around their surroundings.
They had lost track of time and lost their way.
To make matters worse, there was no signal so calling for help would be useless.
“Ugh..! What do we do now?” exclaimed Miaka.
“I’m sure our parents will be wondering where we are right now. This forest isn’t really that far off the neighbourhood, they’ll probably be able to find us”, said Yuta calmly.
“Did you tell your mum you went jogging?”
“Yes, did you tell Obaa-san you went out?”
“Unfortunately, no. She wasn’t in.” Miaka said nervously.
When they thought all hope was lost, they saw a blurry cat figure at a distance.
“Look! I see a cat! If we followed it, it might lead us outside!” she shouted.
There was nothing but tall trees and darkness so without thinking, they decided to go after it.
At that moment, they knew nothing but, that was the biggest mistake they had ever made.
As they were following the mysterious cat, a bright flash blinded them.
When they opened their eyes, they were in a different place. Not even light was present.
“Ugh...What is this place...?” Yuta asked while rubbing his eyes.
“I-I’m not quite sure.”
Suddenly, a thought had hit her, This isn’t the forest. If it isn’t then, where are we? Wait, don’t tell me…Is this what I think it is? Shit. Shit. Shit!
Miaka was suddenly shaking uncontrollably.
“Hey, are you alright? Calm down!”, Yuta consoled.
In the midst of their panic, as if it was made out of light itself the cat figure suddenly appeared in front of them.
Their attention was turned to the mysterious cat.
Upon closer inspection, it had peculiar fur colour and one purple eye.
It suddenly spoke, frightening both mortals.
But, the only words that were uttered from its mouth were,
“Once a human has trespassed into the boundary, they are bound to wander here for eternity”.
Both of their hearts sank. Shocked at what they had just heard.
Miaka shuddered as she recalled what her Obaa-chan would always mention while telling this particular story.
“Never follow the one-eyed Neko Yōkai as it will lead you no way home”.
Her trembling hands reached Yuta’s also trembling hands.
Now, they may never find their way back to the Near Shore ever again.