Nagabe

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.

Teacher and Shive have left their home with soldiers in pursuit. Their efforts to hide seem useless as the other cursed quickly find them again.

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.

Shiva's aunt comes with soldiers to take the young girl home. Teacher unsuccessfully tries to defend Shiva but is overcome. Meanwhile, chaos reigns in the small hamlet on the Inside and Shiva questions where she really belongs.

If an Outsider touches an Insider, that person becomes an Outsider. One night, a black hand that doesn't belong to Teacher reaches through the barrier to touch Shiva. Plus, there are whisperings of a being called "mother.".

Although Shiva has been afflicted with the curse of the Outsiders, mysteriously she remains human. Meanwhile, the Insiders' revelation from their Holy Father portends trouble for both Shiva and Teacher.

"In a world split between the Inside and the Outside, those living in both realms are told never to cross over to the other side, lest they be cursed. A young girl named Shiva lives on the other side, in a vacant village with a demonic guardian known only as 'Teacher.' Although the two are forbidden to touch, they seem to share a bond that transcends their disparate appearances. But when Shiva leaves Teacher's care to seek out her grandmother, the secret behind her mysterious living arrangement comes to light."--Provided by publisher.