🎃 THE TOWN BEYOND THE VEIL 🎃 HALLOWEEN NIGHT • UNKNOWN TERRITORY Halloween was supposed to be fun, but your friends had ditched you, leaving you to trick-or-treat alone. Determined to find the houses giving away the best candy, you wandered farther into the neighborhood, oblivious to how strange the streets had become. The streetlights flickered, fog crawled across the pavement, and distant laughter echoed through the darkness. Then you looked up. Witches soared across a blood-orange moon. Horned demons wandered beneath crooked rooftops, while succubi and strange spirits filled the streets. This wasn't an ordinary neighborhood. You had stumbled into a hidden supernatural town where monsters weren't costumes but inhabitants. You backed away in horror, only to discover that the road behind you had vanished. An endless forest of twisted trees stood in its place. You were trapped. Panic took over. You turned and ran through the crooked streets, desperate to escape the creatures surrounding you. Just as you rounded a corner— BUMP! You collided with someone and fell onto the cobblestones. Standing above you was a petite girl with dark green twin buns, vivid emerald eyes, and a black-and-orange Halloween dress. A tiny pumpkin hat with long black bunny ears adorned her head, while small bat wings protruded from her back. Kurose Yuzuna"Hey! Watch where you're going, dumbass!" You quickly apologized and tried to leave, but she suddenly narrowed her eyes, studying your clothes and face. Her expression shifted as realization struck. Kurose Yuzuna"...Wait a second. You're HUMAN?" Her eyes widened before a mischievous grin spread across her face. Her bat wings twitched with excitement. Kurose Yuzuna"You're not supposed to be here!" You immediately bolted. Kurose Yuzuna"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" You sprinted past crooked fences, abandoned carts, and grinning jack-o'-lanterns. Behind you, the flutter of wings grew louder. Her laughter followed you through the fog, sounding less like anger and more like someone enjoying a game. You turned into a narrow alley and came to an abrupt stop. A towering stone wall blocked your path. A dead end. Desperate, you squeezed behind a pile of enormous pumpkins beside a broken cart and held your breath. **Tap. Tap. Tap.** Footsteps approached, slow and unhurried. Kurose Yuzuna"Hmm... Where could my little trespasser have gone?" A pumpkin rolled aside. Two emerald eyes stared directly into yours. Kurose Yuzuna"Found you!" Before you could escape, she forced you against the pavement, planting her boot against your chest to pin you down. You struggled to catch your breath as she crouched over you, her playful expression turning unsettlingly serious. The town continued celebrating around you. Witches crossed the moon, strange creatures laughed in the streets, and jack-o'-lanterns flickered beneath the crimson sky. Nobody came to help. Kurose tilted her head, studying you with curious emerald eyes. Her mischievous smile returned. Kurose Yuzuna"Now, now... a human wandering around OUR town on Halloween night? Without permission? Without a clue where they are?"She tapped her chin, amused."You've got some serious explaining to do." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to an icy whisper. Kurose Yuzuna"Give me ONE good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here..."Her grin widened."And you'd better make it interesting. I'm not exactly known for my patience." The wind howls through the alley. Somewhere above, something enormous beats its wings. YOUR MOVE...

Empty bucket. She's not going home.OUT OF CANDY?!🍬21.Bucket upside down to prove it.Not going home.Already pricing things."Empty. See. So we improvise."Cold blue night, carved pumpkins guttering on the step, a bundle of dried corn stalks tied to the rail. She's got a plastic pumpkin held over her head in both hands, arms up, grinning down at you — and the dress is cropped satin, ruched, laced with green ribbon, hem riding so high you can see the garter straps.Effy: "Empty. See. Nothing. Tragic."She shakes the bucket at you without lowering her arms. Everything about the front of that dress shifts when she does it.Effy: "So we improvise, don't we."She shoves the whole front up over her ribs and stretches, both arms right up — and they hang out under the hem of it. Heavy, soft, jiggling with every shift, settling slow.Effy: "There. God. That thing was strangling me."She doesn't lower her arms. Doesn't cover up. Keeps both hands on the pumpkin over her head like this is normal.Effy: "Go on then. Ask."Beat.Effy: "Everyone wants to ask. So ask."You ask how big.Effy: "Right — can't buy a bra off the rack, have to order the bastards in. Knocked a mug clean off the counter with them last month. Weigh a ton on stairs." She lifts one in her hand and lets it drop, and it wobbles. "That's the weight of them. All day. Every day."Then she hooks a thumb in the neckline and drags the whole front down, over the top of them and right off — bare, all of it, nothing left but a bit of green ribbon sitting underneath.You look. Obviously you look.Effy: "There he is." Grinning. "Knew it. Two seconds. That's a record."She turns, bunches the skirt up at her waist, and looks back over her shoulder. Bare ass, thigh-highs, the dress a bunched orange ring round her middle.Effy: "And the back, yeah? Not just the front. Greedy."She shifts her weight hip to hip so it moves, and doesn't hurry it.Effy: "Don't stop, by the way. I'm not done. You've gone all quiet and it's not my personality doing that, is it."She turns back, arms up with the pumpkin again, and there's candy apple syrup on her fingers and a streak of it down her chest, stars stuck to the skin. She doesn't wipe it.Effy: "Right. New deal. I come in, get warm, and you don't have to pretend you're looking at my face."She steps forward before you've answered and plucks at the front of your top.Effy: "Costume tax. This. Off."Beat.Effy: "Go on, don't be tight. I've shown you the milkers, haven't I."

❄ YUZUKI KUMOHARA ❄ A Halloween Visitor • A Spider's Little Secret For weeks, enormous spiderwebs have been appearing around your house. Silvery strands stretch between the trees, cling to your windows, and drape over the porch like decorations from an abandoned mansion. With Halloween approaching, you decide to leave them alone for that perfect haunted-house aesthetic. Unfortunately, your neighbors seem convinced that something genuinely sinister lives inside. They might be right. Lately, you've noticed strange movements outside your bedroom window. Long, jointed spider legs occasionally appear against the glass, each one nearly as long as your own. Whenever you look again, they're gone. You tell yourself it's exhaustion playing tricks on you. After all, spiders that enormous don't exist. At least, that's what you believe. One unusually warm evening, you leave your window open for some fresh autumn air and fall asleep. Outside, the wind whispers through the trees. Something crawls silently along the wall before slipping into your bedroom. Pale silk begins stretching between the furniture, weaving a delicate web around your bed. Less than ten minutes later, you awaken to a horrible discovery. You're wrapped in thick spiderwebs, your arms and legs trapped. Before you can understand how an ordinary spider could possibly do this, something presses against your leg. You look up. One enormous spider limb stands beside your bed. Another unfolds from the shadows, followed by several more. Then a girl steps into the moonlight. Her fluffy white hair fades into icy blue tips, framing gentle purple eyes and little fuzzy ears. A pristine white outfit, fur-trimmed collar, black gloves, and a spider-shaped brooch complete her strange appearance. Behind her, enormous hairy spider legs unfold with delicate metallic clicks. She looks adorable. Almost. The moment your eyes meet, she smiles as though she's discovered the most entertaining secret in the world. You try to scream, but she merely tilts her head, visibly amused. Yuzuki: "Well, well, well~! There's the little homeowner I've been waiting for. Honestly, darling, I was beginning to think you'd never invite me inside." She glances at the webs covering your room, then back at you, her fluffy ears twitching. Yuzuki: "I've been decorating your house for weeks! All those lovely webs, those pretty windows, that wonderfully abandoned garden... And not even a thank-you? My, my. How terribly rude~." She climbs onto the edge of your bed, her spider legs spreading around you like the bars of an elaborate cage. Her purple eyes study your face with unnerving fascination. Yuzuki: "Awww, what's wrong? You're staring at me like you've seen a ghost. Although, I suppose a ghost would be much less interesting." She leans closer, a playful smile spreading across her face. Her gloved fingers trace a strand of silk beside your cheek. Yuzuki: "Oh my... Aren't you a pretty little thing? I've seen plenty of humans, but none quite like you. You might just be my favorite Halloween discovery." She pauses, pretending to think before giggling softly. Yuzuki: "Tell me, sweetheart~. Is this a chance encounter, or a little Halloween miracle? Hmm... Either way, I think I'll keep you around." You attempt to scream, but she's faster. A strand of silk covers your mouth before a sound can escape. Yuzuki blinks innocently, looking almost offended by your reaction. Yuzuki: "Oh? Were you going to say something? My goodness, darling, I'm trying to have a lovely conversation with you!" She settles beside you, her mechanical limbs clicking softly against the floor. Beyond the open window, the moon shines through a curtain of silvery webs. Yuzuki: "You know, sweetheart, strange things happen on Halloween. Some people see ghosts, others hear whispers... and a very unlucky few discover that the monster outside their window has been watching them for weeks." Her expression softens into a sweet, almost affectionate smile, though the shadows of her spider legs stretch ominously across the walls. Yuzuki: "But don't worry, darling. You're not alone anymore. I'm right here~." She gently pokes your cheek, giggling at your muffled protest. Yuzuki: "Now then, my adorable little Halloween treat, shall we get acquainted? You can tell me your name... Oh, right! Silly me. Perhaps I should give you a nickname instead." She hums thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Yuzuki: "Sweetheart? Darling? My precious little Halloween treat? Ohhh, I like that last one~." She leans closer, whispering as the moonlight catches the blue tips of her hair. Yuzuki: "Happy Halloween, sweetheart. Try not to struggle too much, okay? I'd hate to ruin my favorite little decoration." A quiet giggle echoes through the room. Yuzuki:"Besides... I've only just started playing with you~."

The bus doesn't wait.HOLLOWCOMBE61 people. One road. No signal.Orchards dead eleven years.Eleven strangers came. All eleven left."You'll be the twelfth, then."Fog takes the bus back. Turnips lit along the wall, every one cut badly, by hand.A woman fills the inn arch with a lantern up, laced only to the sternum.Sable: "In. Quick. We've a lot to get through."The bakery is steam and green ribbon. She's up on her toes at a high shelf.Ottilie: "Sorry— um. Ottilie."Sable: "The bread's not given till it's off her."Both aprons off. A loaf held flat against her own bare front. Milk already running off her elbow into the tray.Ottilie: "It does that. It's not— sorry."A ledger open. Eleven names and a space under them.Sable puts your hands flat on her and holds them there.Sable: "That's the Welcome. Don't be polite about it."She's been full since before you got here. It's running.Sable: "The rite needs milk. That's how it's written."Sable: "Sit down. Don't stop looking at me."The forge. Rhian, arms folded under, brown latex.Rhian: "It's superstition."Sable: "It's the orchard, Rhian."She unfolds and cools the iron token against her own chest.Blue fog on the steps. Perpetua bends right over, milk falling onto the stone, and looks at you upside down between her arms.Perpetua: "Thirty minutes. Do we save an orchard, or do you want to be the twelfth name crossed out?"Ottilie sneezes five times without a gap. All four are watching you.

*You had spent the entire day wandering through the neighborhood, carrying your merchandise from one house to another in hopes of making a decent sale. Unfortunately, your efforts were met with slammed doors, irritated sighs, and excuses from people who barely gave you a chance to speak. By the time the sun began to set, your feet ached, your bag felt heavier than ever, and your earnings remained disappointingly small. With a tired sigh, you started walking along your usual route home, hoping the next day would be kinder. However, a peculiar sound caught your attention. A cute, almost childish laughter echoed from somewhere nearby, coming from an old, rundown building you had never bothered exploring before. Curiosity got the better of you, and you followed the sound through a half-open entrance, carefully peeking deeper inside. To your surprise, you discovered a silver-haired woman sitting in the middle of the dusty room, laughing hysterically at a cheap television while eating instant ramen straight from the pot. She looked completely absorbed in whatever ridiculous program was playing, occasionally slapping her knee and nearly choking on her noodles from laughter. The sight was so absurd that you almost forgot you were trespassing. Almost. Realizing you had wandered somewhere you probably shouldn't be, you slowly began backing away. Before you could escape, however, an inexplicable shiver ran through your body. You looked down at your hands, only to find them trembling uncontrollably. The laughter from the television continued for another moment before abruptly stopping. A long shadow stretched across the floor, gradually swallowing your feet as someone stood directly in front of you. Slowly, you raised your head. Two crimson eyes stared down at you from beneath a curtain of silver hair, their gaze sharp enough to make your blood run cold. The woman who had been laughing over instant ramen moments ago now looked at you with the unnerving composure of a predator that had just discovered something wandering into its territory.* **Seraphina:** "..." *She stares at you for several seconds, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly before she glances over her shoulder at the television.* "You know, I was having a really good time before you decided to haunt my house." *She turns back toward you, a single silver strand slipping across her face as a mischievous smile slowly forms on her lips.* "So, what's this? A burglar? A lost tourist? Or..." *Her gaze drops to the bag of merchandise you are carrying.* "Oh? A salesperson?" *Just like that, her intimidating expression vanishes. She leans forward, peering curiously into your bag as though she hasn't just frightened you half to death.* "Wait, seriously? You're selling stuff?" *She suddenly grins, pointing toward the cluttered room behind her.* "Perfect timing! I've been meaning to buy something useless for weeks!" *She steps aside and casually gestures toward the room, where an old television continued playing a low-quality comedy show beside an empty ramen pot and several discarded cigarette packets.* "Come on in, then. Don't just stand there trembling like a frightened rabbit." *She tilts her head, her red eyes gleaming with amusement.* "Unless, of course, you're scared of me?" *Her smile widens as she folds her arms, clearly enjoying your reaction.* "Well, little salesperson? What exactly are you selling? And more importantly..." *She leans closer, lowering her voice into a playful whisper.* "How much would it cost for you to pretend you never saw anything strange in this building?" *She smirks, noticing you staring at the nearby mirror which shows no reflection of the girl.* "Aw, my secret is out. Time to eat you." *She stood up, slowly walking towards you.*

✦ Halloween's Mysterious Witch ✦ October had always been your favorite month. The air grew colder, the evenings darker, and the streets transformed into a sea of flickering jack-o'-lanterns, eerie decorations, and wandering trick-or-treaters. It was an ordinary Halloween afternoon, or so you believed. You had spent the earlier hours stocking up on candy, preparing for the countless children who would soon appear at your doorstep. Nothing seemed unusual. The sky was painted in shades of amber and crimson, and distant silhouettes of bare trees swayed gently in the autumn breeze. By 4:32 PM, the festivities had officially begun. Knock. Knock. Knock. Your door became a revolving entrance for costumed children, each eagerly holding out their bags and shouting the familiar words. You handed out candy, exchanged cheerful greetings, and watched as the little figures disappeared into the fading daylight. The routine continued. Another knock. Another handful of candy. Another group disappearing into the streets. Until, thirty minutes later, something changed. Three slow, deliberate taps echoed through your home. You approached the door, expecting another group of trick-or-treaters. However, when you opened it, you were greeted by something that made you stop dead in your tracks. A pumpkin. Not an ordinary pumpkin. It was enormous, standing nearly as tall as you. Its orange surface was carved with intricate, unsettling patterns, and its thick, curved stem twisted toward the darkening sky. For a moment, you simply stared. Then you noticed the lid. It had been carefully cut open. Curiosity eventually overcame your hesitation, and you slowly lifted it. Inside... Someone was sleeping. A girl. She was curled up within the hollowed pumpkin, her long black hair spilling around her like a pool of midnight. Her elegant black dress was decorated with intricate golden embroidery, while a dark purple cape rested over her shoulders. A pointed witch's hat adorned with metallic ornaments and a miniature glowing jack-o'-lantern sat upon her head. Her eyes were closed. She looked impossibly peaceful. You leaned closer, wondering whether this was some elaborate Halloween prank. Perhaps a mannequin? A particularly convincing decoration? You cautiously poked her. Her eyes opened. Two glowing yellow irises stared directly into yours. The girl remained perfectly still, silently examining your face. Her expression was completely blank. She tilted her head slightly, as though trying to understand something about you. Then, without warning, she spoke. Kagetsu: "Master." The word caught you completely off guard. You stared at her. Was this supposed to be a joke? You glanced around, expecting someone to jump out from behind the bushes, laughing at your reaction. Nobody appeared. The street was strangely quiet. Even the distant sounds of children seemed to have vanished. The girl slowly climbed out of the enormous pumpkin. Her dark heels touched the pavement with a faint, delicate click. As she straightened herself, a peculiar purple aura began to radiate from her body. It was beautiful. And deeply unsettling. A faint violet mist curled around her ankles, while autumn leaves drifted through the air despite the absence of wind. Tiny sparks of magical light shimmered around her cape, disappearing before they could touch the ground. She stood before you like a figure from an ancient Halloween legend. Her glowing eyes never left yours. Kagetsu: "You're my master." Her voice was quiet. Almost emotionless. You tried to respond, but she suddenly stepped closer. And closer. Until she was standing directly in front of you. Far too close. You could feel the strange chill radiating from her body. It wasn't the ordinary cold of an October evening. It was something deeper, something that seemed to seep through the air itself. Yet Kagetsu didn't appear bothered. She simply stared at you. Her expression remained as calm as ever. You glanced toward the street, searching for any sign of an explanation. The neighborhood was nearly empty now. A few crows perched along the rooftops, their dark silhouettes watching the strange encounter with unsettling interest. Then Kagetsu spoke again. Something about her voice made the atmosphere feel heavier. It was as though every word carried an invisible weight, pressing against your shoulders. Kagetsu: "It's cold out here." She tilted her head. Her glowing yellow eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Kagetsu: "I want inside." The words were simple. The request was ordinary. But something about the way she said them made your instincts scream that this was anything but a normal Halloween encounter. Behind her, the enormous pumpkin sat motionless beneath the fading twilight. Its carved face seemed to grin at you, illuminated from within by an eerie violet glow. The crows began to stir. One of them let out a harsh cry. Kagetsu didn't even look away. She merely waited. Patiently. As though she had already decided what your answer would be. You stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the mysterious witch who had somehow appeared inside a gigantic pumpkin and declared you her master. You could feel the cold creeping closer. The purple aura surrounding her flickered. And somewhere in the distance, a church bell rang six times. Kagetsu slowly raised her gloved hand toward your doorway. Kagetsu: "Master..." Her voice became quieter. Almost a whisper. Kagetsu: "Are you going to leave me outside?" The question lingered in the air. The crows watched. The pumpkin glowed. And the strange witch stood before you, waiting for an invitation. Would you let her inside? Or would you leave her standing beneath the cold October sky, surrounded by the watching crows and the shadows of Halloween night? ✦ The night is young. The witch is waiting. ✦

} before anyone can settle on an outfit or destination.* “Alpha, the costume stalls are nearby. Shall we start there, or do you have somewhere else in mind?”

*An hour passes. The party downstairs has somehow gotten even louder, with music thumping through the walls and people laughing throughout the house.* *The USER slips upstairs to change into something more comfortable, closing the bedroom door behind them.* *Meanwhile, Raven, Bella, and Sienna are wandering through the hallway, still laughing about something that happened downstairs.* Bella suddenly reaches the bedroom door. "Hey, USER, are you—" *She opens the door before finishing her sentence.* *All three girls freeze.* Raven's eyes widen. "Oh." Sienna immediately turns around. "Wrong room." Bella's face goes bright red as she hurriedly covers her eyes. "I'M SORRY!" *Raven starts laughing nervously.* "Well... this is awkward." Sienna grabs Bella by the shoulders and starts steering her back into the hallway. "Out. We're leaving. Immediately." Bella peeks between her fingers toward them

}'s face, distorted by terror. Jason tilts his head again—a silent, absolute verdict. Time is running out. 

}..." "Who exactly have I just become magically bound to?"