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Chapter 27
The Aftermath
Surrounded by concrete and rubble, Apricot walked along the sidewalk, the city’s once towering skylines now resembling a junkyard. The streets, stained with blood, bore witness to a freshly inflicted nightmare. Armed soldiers removed bodies from destroyed buildings, while a pair of men hoisted a lifeless form into the back of a large convoy truck, its interior filled with dead eyes staring back at her, bodies stacked like lumber.
She questioned her choices: Was it wise or foolish? Was the reaper lying? Despite the desolation, she clung to the hope that this was the price of a new day. The world would eventually find peace without the wicked haunts. A teenaged Uchellen boy in a green shirt stared out the window, his eyes meeting hers, both sharing the same unspoken thought: How do we proceed from here?
As a group of armed soldiers marched past her, their attention focused solely on the cleanup, Apricot mused, “I guess that is all we can do. Pick up the pieces and carry on, regardless of what happened.” She watched as children collected small pieces of metal and carried them to a dumpster, their parents assisting them in disposing of the debris.
The sound of a woman’s weeping echoed in the distance, likely mourning the loss of a loved one. The conclusion was not what Apricot had hoped for. Although the threat had been eliminated, its scars would remain forever. But then, she noticed a glimmer of hope: people walking the streets, going about their lives, seemingly untouched by the terror that had befallen the city on that dreadful night. Relief washed over Apricot as she realized her family could still be safe. With gleaming eyes, she raced toward her neighborhood, her heart pounding with each step.
As Apricot opened the gate to her house, she felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of relief and belonging. She reached for the doorknob, her hand trembling slightly. “Thank goodness,” she thought, as she entered the house. “Mom, Dad,” she called out, her voice quivering. “Jasper!” She took a few steps inside and shut the door, noticing that everything was in its place. As she walked down the hall, she glanced into the kitchen and saw no dishes in the sink. “Everyone must be still asleep,” she concluded.
Opening the cupboard, Apricot grabbed a clean glass and filled it with cool water from the sink. As she drank, she leaned against the sideboard, the refreshing chill of the water soothing her parched lips. She caught a glimpse of a shadow passing over the wall and called out, “Jasper?”
There was no response. Setting the glass down, Apricot turned and entered the hallway. She saw a faint ripple in the morning sunlight in the living room, the shadow disappearing across the wall. Turning from the kitchen, she peered into the living room from the hallway. Her view was limited by the entryway, so she approached cautiously. She called out, “Mom,” her voice barely audible. Still no reply. “Dad?” she questioned.
The moment she stepped into the living room, she saw a disfigured humanoid holding Jasper in its claw. Her parents were bound together in the corner of the room. The creature’s face was partially missing, its lower lip hanging several feet from its head, exposing sharp teeth. Its neck stretched out like a dislocated gooseneck faucet, eyes hollow and white with blood. The other side of its mouth was on its throat, and one arm was missing. Its body appeared to be melting like wax, but it was still unmistakably flesh.
“Hello, apostle,” Urias said in an eerie voice. Apricot’s eyes widened, her heart racing as she tried to comprehend what she was seeing. “I was waiting for you,” he rasped.
Apricot clenched her fists, locking eyes with the horror before her. “Let my family go,” she demanded, her voice laced with fear and determination.
Urias, his pupils absent, groaned. “I can’t sense the black god anymore. Where is he?”
Her brow furrowed in irritation. “Put my little brother down now.”
“I don’t think he’s here anymore. I think you made him go away,” Urias grinned, revealing his gums above his teeth. “I think you’re responsible for all this. You ruined everything.”
“How are you alive?” Apricot asked, her voice trembling.
Urias let out a childish laugh. “Oh, I didn’t. I’ve been dead for a long time. Join me,” he exclaimed, flinging Jasper from his grasp. The boy screamed as he crashed into the wall, knocking pictures down with him. Using one clawed hand, Urias charged at Apricot. In a moment of sheer terror, she leaped into the hallway. As he moved, he snapped his many mouths, drool dripping from them like weeping sores.
Another lunge from Urias was aimed at Apricot. She dodged his arm, backing into the kitchen. He sauntered into the room quickly. “I expected more from you, Apricot. It seems you have lost your powers. Mmmmm, no more favors from the black god, eh?” he cackled. Apricot grabbed a pair of knives from a wooden block on the counter. “Oooo,” Urias groaned. “You sure about wanting to fight me? But then again, I’m sure your blood will be enough to call him back.”
With a surge of adrenaline, Apricot charged at Urias, wielding the knives and letting out a shrill scream. He kicked her in the thigh, sending her tumbling backward. Urias cocked his head, observing her as she struggled to regain her footing. He swiped at her, catching her off guard, and she slashed at his throat. She blocked his claw-like fingers with both hands, her body trembling with the effort. Urias snapped back his claw, nicking her in the ribs. The sound of tearing flesh filled her ears, the pain intense but not debilitating. Ducking low for another strike, she was caught by his hand, Urias’s arm pinning her to the ground.
He picked her up and threw her against the wall. His follow-through left her with no time to recover as he towered over her. Her body ached, and she clutched at the gaping wound, exposed muscles oozing. As she snapped her head up and saw Urias standing over her, she struck at him once more. Her swing missed, cutting through the air as he stepped back. As she went for another strike, Urias sidestepped her attack and raked his claws across her back. Her jacket was sliced open, revealing her shirt and torn skin underneath.
Urias lunged at her again, and she bent over in pain. She grabbed his wrist and held it up, raking the other knife against his pale stomach. The flesh split open, releasing a foul odor. He stepped back, examining her with an open jaw. The spear-like points of his teeth resembled a fish’s mouth. As she gazed at his damaged body, she saw his insides writhing with life. Black, bubbling blood seeped from the center like sap dripping from a tree.
Apricot was struck by Urias as she stood on the countertop, and several objects crashed to the ground. Urias eventually latched onto her throat. She stabbed both knives into his wrist, tearing through his forearm. Urias released his grip but didn’t back away. Using the counter, Apricot kicked him in the face, sending him flying into the refrigerator. She groaned as the burning pain in her stomach forced her off the counter onto her feet.
Urias leapt toward her again, reaching out with a split hand for her neck. Apricot dropped to her knees, stabbing both knives into his lower calves and dragging them up the length of his legs. He fell backward onto the ground, screaming in pain. As Apricot collapsed onto his horrid body, she slashed both knives across his throat, severing his head. Urias let out a shrill gasp as he looked up at her.
Rising to her feet, Apricot stared down at the gasping head. She watched its desperate movements and, in a burst of rage, stomped on his skull, crushing it like a grapefruit. Taking several deep breaths, she steadied herself, her body still seething with anger. As Apricot walked into the living room, covered in blood, she saw her parents bound in the corner. “I think it’s over now,” she whispered, her voice hoarse and filled with relief.
Apricot’s mind swirled with images of a dull burgundy glow as she slowly stirred from slumber. An incessant buzzing rang in her ears, nudging her back to consciousness. She opened her eyes to find a red and purple haze enveloping her room. Ignoring the time, she turned her head to the alarm clock, reached out with her hand, and silenced the insistent noise. As she pushed back the covers, she felt the weight of the past few days lift. Glancing out the window, she saw the blue skies and whispered, “It’s nice to see the morning without fear again.”
Rolling out of bed, Apricot ambled to her closet, browsing through her clothes. She selected a red and white striped shirt, tossing it onto her bed alongside a pair of black jeans adorned with fashionable tears down the legs. A soft smile crossed her face as she looked over her chosen outfit.
This morning marked the first time she’d eaten breakfast at home since her release from the hospital. As she descended the stairs, the familiar aroma of her mother’s home-cooked salmon and green onion miso filled her nostrils. She stepped shyly into the kitchen, murmuring, “Good morning,” without making eye contact with her family.
Her mother carried a plate of cooked rice into the living room. “Apricot, can you get the soup kettle?” With her father and Jasper already seated at the table, Apricot lowered her gaze to the floor, still smiling as she placed the kettle on the table. She took her seat next to her mother and bowed her head.
Catching a glimpse of Jasper, she noticed the wide grin on his face. He was wearing a white collar around his neck. “Are you like a superhero or something?” he asked.
“No,” Apricot replied softly.
“Well, you saved our lives. I consider you my hero.” Jasper’s eyes brimmed with tears, and Apricot’s brow furrowed in surprise.
Trying to suppress the emotions surging within her, she retorted, “That’s not very manly, little boy.”
Her response left Jasper’s jaw hanging open. “What! I am a man.” Apricot couldn’t help but smile. This was home. “Dad, tell her!”
The morning banter filled Apricot with joy as she reveled in the moment. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, and she felt a comforting warmth as she listened to her parents’ mundane conversation and Jasper’s endearing remarks. Everything was as it should be. The nightmare was finally over.
The vibrations from her leg prompted her to retrieve her phone from her pocket, revealing the words “Okabe Government” on the screen. Closing her eyes, she realized how quickly good things could come to an end. The moment of serenity had vanished, replaced by the weight of reality once more.
The white marble floors of the Okabe capitol building shimmered like silver, reflecting the meticulous care with which they had been polished. As Apricot walked the hall alone, she admired the pictures and artwork that adorned the walls, though their presence only served to heighten her discomfort. She tried to forget the faces of those whose lives she had ended. Additionally, an unsettling odor permeated the building—something akin to pepper. Her throat constricted as she approached the high council’s conference room, a familiar sensation from previous encounters.
Strangely, they had allowed her to arrive voluntarily. Even if she had wanted to escape, she couldn’t. Upon entering the courtroom, her surroundings shifted to monochromatic shades of silver-gray and black. The large light fixtures above cast a nearly blinding, pure white light upon the room. A circle of long, metallic desks surrounded the floor, with a few young children seated at each. The child at the center appeared to be around thirteen years old.
“Apricot Signa, thank you for your cooperation,” he said firmly.
Apricot studied each council member, noting that none were older than the boy in the middle. Would children be making decisions about her life? Was that possible? “You’re welcome. Pardon me, but I don’t know how to address you,” she said, uncertain of what lay ahead.
“Forgive me, I am not familiar with these formalities myself. My name is Yushio Okabe. I am the inaugurate emperor.” He sighed. “These circumstances are…unusual. I ask that you bear with me.”
Apricot bowed respectfully. “Of course.” She remembered that Kyo was gone, and it was impossible to establish a formal emperor at this point in time. This young boy had been thrust into the position. It made sense, but the presence of the other children remained a mystery.
“The events that have unfolded over the last few months have been a long series of unfortunate incidents. The consequences have ravaged the lives of everyone living in Okabe. You are one of the few people with firsthand knowledge of these events.” Apricot’s hands tingled slightly. “There are holes in our investigation. You see, the previous administration left no clear records. We do have a thorough understanding of your role in all of this. Empress Kyo had a keen interest in you, as did Shiori of the Kinjo clan. Do you have any knowledge of this?”
“I do,” Apricot said, understanding the importance of honesty.
His head nodded in agreement. “Good. Well, I understand they arrested you for an act of terrorism against the Okabe government. Shiori Kinjo, along with a small group of people, attempted to usurp the rightful rule of the Okabe family. Were you a willing participant in that act?”
She bowed sheepishly, remaining silent.
“Interesting. You may or may not be aware that Empress Kyo murdered my grand uncle, Mitsura Okabe. She was a rebel herself. Her actions were vile. Look around, Apricot. All of us have been intimately affected by these events. This is what remains of the Okabe empire. We are children, not rulers. Everyone else, however, is dead. It is left to us to uphold the family name and carry on a lasting tradition.” His face remained stone cold. “We understand our history. You have spent years investigating those subjects, a skill I am well aware you hold a degree in. You must have known at the time about the corruption that festered in our household.” Apricot hesitated. “Our council has spent several hours deliberating what exactly to do with you. You are a liability,” he told Apricot.
As her chest tightened, she felt a sharp pain, as if someone was squeezing every vein in her body at once. “I will make a deal with you. I will offer you a complete and total pardon for all the crimes you have committed. In return, you will never speak about the reality of the incident to anyone ever again. Do I have your agreement?”
“That sounds fair. I agree,” Apricot said, feeling as though she had dodged a bullet.
He nodded. “I foresee no further action from the Okabe government regarding you. For your comfort, I will inform you that we are dismantling everything Kyo and Mitsura had put together. While there was disagreement among the council regarding my planned actions, we agree that what they tried to achieve was pure madness. There will be no more insane projects going forward under my rule. However, on another note, we have yet to locate Shiori Kinjo, who is of particular interest to us. You wouldn’t know of his whereabouts?”
“I do not,” Apricot said solemnly. Seated next to the young boy, he glanced over at the girl beside him.
“She’s telling the truth,” the girl remarked, looking into a screen.
“All right,” he sighed wearily. “Our conclusions must be correct. Shiori has escaped in secret back to the Kinjo clan. Apricot, I have restored your citizenship to Okabe. Your social credit has been restored to its former value as well. Your jade marks have also been returned to you in full. Your license as a journalist, however, has been permanently revoked. You are prohibited from participating in any form of journalism. I hope you understand, given the circumstances. I would consider you a hero if not for the events that led up to this.” Apricot swallowed hard, feeling a lump in her throat. Holding back tears, she knew that her future had just been taken away from her. However, she realized that journalism was something she could not return to after everything she had experienced. “As a consolation, I have arranged for you to receive your full pension as though you had fulfilled your duty as a state journalist. I suggest you pursue a life abroad or whatever life you would have wanted instead of journalism. You may leave.”
Apricot sat surrounded by her friends, a half-savored burger in her hands. Machi struggled to bite into a burrito, the steak inside proving to be a challenge. “So, as I said, I got this new issue of Eerie Truths! No more Claw Fingers sightings, but check this one!” Bonni tossed the magazine onto the picnic table. “The Valkyrie of Okabe!” read the headline. Although there were several images of a girl, static made it virtually impossible to discern any details. “It’s like we got a superhero!” Bonni exclaimed.
A small smile played on Apricot’s lips, though she remained silent. “Thank goodness for Akagi.”
Machi snapped her head back, swallowing her mouthful of food. “Bonni, you can’t even see anything in the pictures! It could be just some random person,” she argued.
“Pshh! Like, whatever, Machi!” Bonni retorted. “A monster could slap you in the face, and you would deny it even existed. What about the monsters that attacked the city a few weeks ago?”
“Everyone knows it was a chemical hallucination. People just erupted into a frenzy,” Machi responded, rolling her eyes. Solenne gave Apricot a knowing smile, and Apricot’s blush deepened as she realized she couldn’t deceive Solenne anymore. That, for some reason, brought her a sense of comfort.
“Girls, girls, does it really matter?” Sato interjected, trying to diffuse the situation.
“Shut up, Sato!” the two yelled at him in unison.
“Well, that’s something they agree on,” Apricot laughed.
Rubbing his head with a smirk, Sato suggested, “So, what do you say we go to a late-night movie?”
From the other side of the street, Hunter gave Apricot a slight nod before disappearing into the shadows of an alley. A smile appeared on Apricot’s face. “Sorry, Sato, but I’ve got a night shift again—clean-up duty. You know how it is.”
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