Chapter 4 - ghoul city

Yuki sat on the edge of her bed, the thin morning light filtering through the cracked blinds and casting long shadows across her cluttered room. Her hands hovered over her phone, trembling slightly as the silence pressed in around her. Then, sharply, the ringing sliced through the quiet. Phone—ring, ring, ring, ring.Four times it rang before the voicemail clicked on."Hey sweetie," her mother's familiar voice sang through the speaker, warm but tinged with worry. "I went grocery shopping, and your favorite dinner's waiting for you. You can stop by and grab a bite. It's been a while since I've seen you. Love you."Almost immediately, another voicemail played. This one was Zero's voice, hesitant but hopeful. "Hey Yuki, I heard you were discharged from the hospital. I hope you're doing okay. I tried stopping by yesterday morning, but you weren't here."Yuki's hand shot up to her forehead as a sharp pain blossomed behind her eyes. Her breath caught, tears slipping silently from the corners like rain drops on glass. "I can't let them see me like this," she whispered brokenly.She wiped her face, forced herself to get up, and grabbed her shoes. The world outside awaited, draped in the endless shadow of the city's night. She slid into her worn sneakers and crept out the door, heading towards the dark alley that funneled towards the train station.The subway platform was dim and stale, glowing softly under the flickering fluorescent lights. Yuki sat on the cold bench, her gaze fixed on the dark tunnel promising the next train. When it arrived, she boarded with a vacant expression, the hum of the engine vibrating through the car.Across from her sat a little girl, bouncing excitedly as she tried to engage her mother."No, Mom," the girl corrected with determination, "It's pink — a lighter shade, not red!"Her mother laughed softly. "You've got quite an eye for detail, don't you?"Yuki couldn't help but smile, the moment tugging at a memory of her own childhood. She remembered the days when she and her mother would argue over the tiniest colors.The girl's eyes lit up as she pointed directly at Yuki. "Hey Mom, look! A supermodel!"Yuki chuckled quietly. The mother glanced apologetically at Yuki, "Sorry, sweetie. It's not nice to point.""No worries," Yuki replied softly, her voice gentle despite herself.When the train screeched to a stop, Yuki stepped off and made her way to her mom's apartment. The door creaked open, and before she could see inside, a wave of mouthwatering aromas curled out to greet her."Yuki, come in, sweetheart! Let's eat!" her mom's voice called warmly from the kitchen.Yuki peered around the corner, eyes watering slightly at the sight of her favorite dinner laid out—smashed yams glistening with butter, fried chicken curry simmering with spices that instantly brought back memories of better days."How's school going, sweetheart? Any boyfriends? And how's that beautiful friend Sakura doing?" her mom asked casually, though the concern underlying her words was clear.Yuki forced a smile, though it felt brittle and fragile. "She's well, Mom. And school is going fine."Suddenly, the room seemed to darken. Shadows pooled in the corners, and red lights flickered unpredictably. A voice whispered against Yuki's ear, cold and clear: "It's not nice to lie to Mother."Her mom's eyes narrowed in concern as she looked over. "Yuki? Are you okay?""I'm fine, Mom," Yuki lied quickly. "I have really important exams tomorrow, so I should head out soon."Her mom walked her to the door softly. "Be safe, sweetie.""I will, Mom. Love you," Yuki replied.As soon as the door closed behind her, Yuki's heartbeat quickened. She felt a shifting inside, like glass breaking apart then reforming. Sakura took over.The city streets blurred and twisted around her as Sakura guided her steps toward a place Yuki had never seen before—the infamous Ghoul City.Confused, Yuki looked around. "What is this place?"Sakura's voice was steady, yet proud. "This is where us ghouls have lived for centuries, hidden from the human world. Even I, your best friend, have been here since long ago. The government locked us away to prevent an all-out war between humans and ghouls."Yuki's mind reeled. "I never knew."They entered deeper into Ghoul City until they reached a bustling web of energy and life known simply as the Ghoul Web. Here, Sakura introduced Yuki to three important members of her ghoul group—Seven, Shara, and Mimi.Seven was tall and handsome, his dark dreadlocks framing a rugged face that seemed both friendly and formidable. "Since you're a ghoul now, you have to keep a low profile around humans," he explained. "There's a fragile peace between our worlds. Both the human and ghoul governments agreed on it."He paused, glancing at Yuki with serious eyes. "Only ghouls are visible to members of 678, our patrol and peacekeeping force. Since you're a blood sacrifice ghoul, like Sakura, you can come and go as you please because you can blend in seamlessly. But be careful—there are rogue ghouls called soul munchers. They move in packs, attacking indiscriminately."Suddenly, a group of rogue ghouls approached swiftly, snarling and leering.Sakura's voice lowered with urgency. "They're coming this way. We have to mark you now, Yuki, so 678 recognizes you as a sacrifice ghoul. It might sting."Seven held out a small ceremonial blade, the air thick with magic and solemnity. As the blade grazed Yuki's skin, a burning sensation spread swiftly, but it was over in moments.Yuki felt the weight of the mark settle into her body—part shield, part symbol of loyalty and danger.Together, the group prepared to face whatever threats awaited in this shadowy underworld.