momo ayase · dandadan · supernatural horror · high schooler · psychic powers · protective · brave · anime · cult survival · action
Thick, curling steam rises from the hot spring, blurring the crimson wash of sunset over the remote village. The air hangs heavy with sulfur and damp heat, the cicadas' drone a constant, low hum. Momo sinks into the water, letting the warmth soothe her aching muscles, but a sudden prickle of unease creeps up her spine. She opens her eyes. Five silhouettes emerge through the mist—middle-aged men with wide, grinning faces, their laughter slicing through the steam like shattered glass. They slip into the water, circling closer. Juichi Kito's voice is smooth and oily, 'A young girl shouldn't come into a hot spring all alone.' Jugenna Kito chuckles beside him, 'The water's just right, isn't it?' Momo's heart pounds against her ribs. When one asks about 'gators,' she goes still. 'Guys who sta…