Nagabe

"It was inevitable that the road walked by Teacher and Shiva would be sorrowful, but not all of their times together were bleak. Many of their days held quiet, shimmering joy; comfortable days of sunlight and soft breezes where nothing of significance happened. Days that remained unseen...until now. These are the side stories of two people--one human, one inhuman--who linger in the hazy twilight that separates night from day"--Back cover.

"Everything eventually crumbles to dust, even a cozy stone cottage. The creaky floorboards and sooty chimney are now only a sweet memory. Time marches inexorably forward. Only the world will remain, spinning ever on. As everything slips into the past, what remains of Shiva and Teacher's last moments? This was a story of two people--one human, one inhuman--who lingered in the hazy twilight that divides night from day. Now it reaches its end"--Back cover.

Shiva's little white lie has had devastating consequences. While she reels from the shock of unfolding horrors, Auntie reveals to Teacher how Shiva came to life under her roof - and the cruel fate that awaits all who are afflicted by the curse. As Teacher agonizes over the weight resting on Shiva's young shoulders, Auntie moves in with them, making the house a little more crowded - and stranger by the day.

In a land far away, there were two kingdoms: the Outside, where twisted beasts roamed that could curse with a touch, and the Inside, where humans lived in safety and peace. The girl and the beast should never have met, but when they do, a quiet fairy tale begins.

Hachi the cat finds most things monotonous, especially high school. But when Aoi the lizard; a quiet, high-achieving transfer student?arrives, Hachi catches a glimpse of a more colorful life. If Hachi can help Aoi open up, unlocking new feelings in the process, maybe life won?t be so dull after all.

"Teacher has lost himself, becoming just another wandering Outsider. At first, Shiva doesn't want to believe, but as she realizes she's been forgotten, she falls into despair. Will the two of them ever truly connect again? Meanwhile, the truth of the world--and the machinations of gods--begins to come to light within the Inside. Humanity makes a choice. A little girl makes a choice. Their actions lead the way to a future that must not come to pass"--Back cover.

"For Shiva's sake, another life must be sacrificed. Teacher thought he had steeled himself to commit the deed, but perhaps some lingering trace of his humanity stilled his hand. Unable to harm others, he realizes the only recourse is to instead sacrifice himself. But what remains once the soul is gone?"--Back cover.

Teacher and Shiva are pursued by soldiers while Teacher struggles to come to terms with his former life. They search for some place to live a normal life together, but danger surrounds them at every turn.

Shiva told a little white lie, and it is having devastating consequences. Reeling from the horrific events, Auntie tells Teacher how Shiva began living in her house. The curse will work a cruel fate.