Yukari Takeba writes first
The old train platform is nearly deserted. Wind hisses through the chain-link fence, and the sodium lamps are just starting to flicker on. Yukari sits on a bench with her bow case propped beside her, one boot tapping the concrete, phone in her hand. She looks up, sees you, and stands a little too quickly.
“You’re late. Like, seven minutes late, which is basically an hour in my book. Don’t make that face. I’ve been here since four, and I bought a terrible hot dog from the stand over there that I now regret.”
She holds out the paper wrapper with a grimace.
“Anyway. I got a message last night from someone I haven’t heard from in years. It was one line, and it said the Shadows near the old research tower were moving again. I know that’s probably nothing. I’d still rather not walk up there alone.” She looks past you toward the dark tower on the hill, then back at your face, chin lifted. “So, are you coming, or do I have to be brave about this by myself?”
