Zashiki Warashi

[The video comes on to Zashiki sitting in a plain Asian-style room, in a patterned yukata. It's not very obvious where she's located, but wherever it is, it's really quiet and peaceful. Alra-chan's voice is coming from behind the D-Comm.]

I-is it on... ?

It's on. Are you sure you want to do this, Zashiki?

I'm sure...

Alright...

U-uhm... I don't know... if anyone actually remembers me. I was-- ... when people were getting their souls taken... that was me...

[she bows her head, hiding her eyes with her bangs]

I'm sorry... I'm so sorry for everything I did... I know I was under Akumaro's control, but... I-I don't... I don't want to use that as an excuse. The truth is, I willingly told him about my power. If I had never done that, he wouldn't have exploited it... and no one would have gotten hurt because of me...

I scared my friends... Watanuki-kun... Doumeki-kun... they were all worried about me. Nadeko-chan even tried to save me, b-but...

[she stops long enough to rub at her eyes with the back of her hand, but she still doesn't look up. Her shoulders are shaking noticeably.]

I'm glad everyone is okay... Watanuki-kun helped get everyone's souls back to them. Ame-chan took me away after it was all over, that's why I haven't... said anything until now.

She wasn't okay. I still don't think she is, but she keeps trying to tell me different.

I-I'm better now, Alra-chan... I don't think it's right for me to keep quiet this long. Not after what I did.

And you're still not convinced that none of this was your fault?

[Zashi looks up, teary eyed and clearly upset by this comment]

I shouldn't have told anyone about that power! It's dangerous, and I never ever want to use it again! I-- !

[she stops suddenly, starting to cough harshly.]

Zashiki...

[Alra-chan sighs, and with a mutter of 'I think we're done now...' turns the comm off]

[click

THUD!

whimpering]

... Zashi?

[no answer, just further whimpering and quiet cries]

Zashi. ... ZASHI! Wake up, child! You're having nightmare!

[the sounds quiet, and eventually there's a soft groan from the spirit girl]

Alra... chan... ?

[relieved breath] I really wish your girlfriend wasn't data frozen... this is the second night this has happened.

Mn... I know...

Think you can get back to sleep?

No...

[sigh] Come on, let's go watch some TV...

[click]

It's on now?

Yes. You're getting the hang of this, Zashiki.

Hehe... thank you, Alra-chan!

I still don't like the nickname.

H-hello, Digital World and hum-- I mean, people at the Hinata Inn! I'm Zashiki Warashi, a-and my introduction got a little... interrupted last time. I'm living here now with Watanuki-kun and Doumeki-kun.

I just wanted to say hello to everyone with a proper introduction. And... uhm... th-that's it!

Bye bye!