Nagabe

"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 fairytale begins"--Provided by publisher.

What Teacher feared most is true--the child Shiva has been afflicted with the curse of the Outsiders. Yet somehow, even touched by the blight, she remains human. How can it be possible?

Pursued by soldiers, Teacher and Shiva left their home and searched for a new one in a distant hamlet. They thought to hide away there, but fate was not so kind to them. The cursed soldiers... The Insiders' plans... Even Teacher himself. The mysteries surrounding them slowly begin coming to light...

"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?"--Provided by publisher.

"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...

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.