could've sworn I went to sleep.

If I was dreaming, I must have been out cold in the real world because of how vivid my dream is. Like HD-vivid. I was in some sort of old, Japanese-style room with tatami mats and various scrolls of Japanese characters I can't understand. In the center of the room was a long, low table which held various maps, weapons, and cups full of tea.

There were at least five people, I counted. Three on my right side, one on my left, and one person at the end. The four people were wearing black shirts with white circles-no a seal. It looked like the imperial seal of Japan with two white 'leaves' going down to a white 'branch'. They looked like they were all teenagers, save for the person at the end wearing a regal-looking kimono.

"Our current writer is DEAD! How many times do I have to drill it into your minds!?" The one person on my left slammed the table with his fist, cup shaking.

"We know how you feel, William, but what can we do? We vowed to ourselves that we will never interact with the outside. No matter what." A girl from my right said calmly.

"How could you... All of you... Could stay so calm!?" He yelled.

"William." The person next to the girl sipped his cup of tea. "It's better this way. We wait for the chosen one in the prophecy, so stay patient."

That made my blood boil. I can't stand people just waiting for their heroes to come save them. I opened my mouth to argue with them, but nothing came out.

'William' growled and slammed the cup on the table, shards spewing, tea spilling, and blood coating his fingers. "Does it look like I can sit my shiri here waiting for our prince charming?" He stood up and went to the sliding doors, ignoring his bleeding hand.

"And where do you think you're going?" The same boy asked. William didn't answer and left the room.

"That boy will become the death of us." The boy sighed. Tapping was soon heard as the woman in the kimono lifted her cup. "Is something the matter, Empress?"

The black-haired woman opened her eyes and it made me shiver that it seemed like she was staring her viridian gaze at me.

Then with a jolt, I woke up.

"Something the matter?" Martha's voice rang out and orange and yellow appeared in my eyes.

"Nothing... It's nothing." I meant to say it sternly but all that came out was a strangled choke. She scrutinized me with those sharp eyes of hers before shrugging it off and looking outside but a choked gasp caught my attention.

I was afraid to ask. "What is it?"

The bus stopped jerked suddenly, making my head hit the seat in-front of me. People were murmuring already as the driver stood up and went outside. Martha tugged harshly at my sleeve, her eyes silently ordering 'We have to get out of here or something bad might happen that we're gonna regret.'.

I stood and went outside, followed by Martha and Lucas. The bus still seemed to be in perfect condition. The street lamps were on since it was a sunset, which would have been pretty if it weren't for the smoke and buildings. But the creeps still clung to my spine. After following the twins to a busy street where tall buildings cast shadows across the pavement, Lucas tugged my sleeve.

"There's a subway nearby here. We can take a train." I nodded and followed them, ignoring the hues of red and orange when he spoke. But I stopped when a plethora of colors started to dance in my eyes. I tried to blink them away but they just kept glowing brighter and voices started whispering.

"Lucas...? Please tell me what's happening..." I murmured.

I didn't get an answer. I was too busy being stupid when I felt something push me. Judging from the impact left from my body, it was metal. I would've dodged them all if the whispers would just shut up.

"Kasumi! Open your eyes!" The orange contrasted against the dull colors. I opened my eyes to see the rusty streetlamps moving about cartoonishly. A single eye was present in every glass pane of the lamps.

"Slap me if you're seeing what I'm seeing."

My right cheek stung as Martha withdrew her hand.

"Okay. Got it." I would've drawn my tessens, but I realized we were drawing a crowd. People dispersed from us like we were street performers or something. Thinking quickly, I pulled the two away from the street and into a tall building. I didn't care what building, I was glad that I was out of there. The voices and colors were gone, save for our panting.

"What... The heck was that...!?" Martha panted then raised her voice.

"More yokai, I guess." I said, swiping sweat off my brow. "What building are we-"

"There you are, Fujiwara-san." I jumped when a tall woman said my name. She was wearing a crisp, white button-up and a dark grey pencil skirt that hugged her waist and hips, similar to what Loraine was wearing. "You're just in time for your appointment. Ms. Fox will see you now."

Reacting quickly, I got my tessens. "Who's talking?"

The brunette only tilted her head. "That is of no importance. Now come, you are running late by one minute."

Martha magically appeared behind me and got a dagger from her bag. "Who are-"

In merely a second, the girl whizzed past me and planted a pen near Martha's neck. Specifically her pulse point.

"Ms. Fox only wants Ms. Fujiwara." She said robotically. "The two of you are of no importance. Please wait at the lobby and I will inform the both of you when the meeting is over."

Martha gulped but nonetheless sheathed her dagger back. The robotic girl took her pen back and placed a hand at the small of my back.

"Do not be afraid, Ms. Fujiwara." The girl calmly said, leading me inside an elevator. "Ms. Fox had anticipated your arrival and will not bring harm to your companions."

The last thing I saw was the twins' looks of confusion before the elevator doors closed.