The subway, a relic of a bygone era, was eerily silent. The once-bustling platform was now covered in a thick layer of dust and grime. The tracks, devoid of trains for years, seemed to stretch endlessly into the abyss. My footsteps echoed in the vast emptiness as I made my way across to the other side.

Emerging from the subway, the night air felt even colder, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere below. The moon, a pale crescent, provided the only source of light, casting long, dancing shadows on the ground.

My instincts screamed that I wasn’t alone. Akuma’s presence, though unseen, was palpable. The weight of his gaze sent shivers down my spine. I hate to be predictable, but that’s what actually happened.  I needed to find shelter, and fast.

Spotting an ancient temple up ahead, its silhouette barely visible against the dark skyline, I went for it. The temple, with its moss-covered stone walls and dilapidated roof, looked as if it hadn’t been used in centuries. The large wooden doors creaked loudly as I pushed them open.

Inside, the temple was a labyrinth of corridors and chambers. Faded murals adorned the walls, depicting scenes of gods and demons locked in eternal battle. The air was thick with the scent of incense and age.

I quickly moved deeper into the temple, hoping its maze-like structure would throw Akuma off my trail. As I ventured further in, I stumbled upon a room with a large stone altar in the center. Above it hung an ornate mirror, its surface clouded and cracked.

Drawn to the mirror, I approached it cautiously. To my surprise, the reflection it showed wasn’t mine. Instead, it depicted a serene garden, bathed in golden sunlight, a stark contrast to the world outside.

Suddenly, a soft voice echoed through the room. “Seeking refuge, child?”

I spun around, my eyes searching for the source of the voice. An old woman, her robes tattered and worn, her face lined with the wisdom of ages, emerged from the shadows.

“Who are you?’ I said. “I am kindly called… Reina.” she said.

“You are being pursued by a powerful demon,” she said, her voice gentle yet firm. “This temple can offer you sanctuary, but only if you confront your inner demons.”

Taken aback, I replied, “I don’t have time for riddles. Akuma is after me.”

The old woman nodded. “Akuma is drawn to you because of the demons of insecurity and fear that plague you. To truly escape him, you must face them.”

Considering my situation, and seriously out of options, I took a deep breath. “So, what do I do?

The old woman gestured to the mirror. “Step through. Confront your fears, and you may find the strength to face Akuma.”

I approached the mirror. Not sure how this was going to work, I thought I’d just go for it and step toward the mirror, and see what happens, assuming that I’d just hit myself in the face. But the mirror looked kind of iffy up close, and taking one last look at the wise old woman, I somehow stepped through, ready to face whatever awaited me on the other side.