THE TOUR
The Shroud led the group towards a dilapidated looking house. Paint chipped off the wall, the lawn had grown and also become a little brown due to lack of care, and the place didn't look like anyone had lived in it for a long time.
The Shroud spoke, "The home we visit tonight has a dark and horrible history. Some time ago, a man began killing people. No one is quite sure why. Some said he just went mad. Some say that these people wronged him in some way. Others say that he had a compulsive need to kill. As I said, no one is quite sure. However, when he was finally caught, the police had found 20 bodies hidden throughout the house. However, that does not include the makeshift cemetery the man created in his backyard.
"They say that the spirits of the victims still seek vengeance for their violent deaths. That the souls will not be sated until they can drag a living soul away with them into the underworld."
The atmosphere was already eerie and the appearance of the house just made Kagami shiver further. Ichiro was praying under his breath while Arashi was grinning. Tobei and Konata held hands.
The Shroud went over to the door and pushed it open, beckoning, "Now, enter at your own risk, true believers…"
The tour group entered behind the Shroud as he continued his macabre tale, "Back in the 1970's, this monster of a man invited his victims to his house. He would then put them to sleep. When they awoke, they were tortured mercilessly to death in his basement."
The walls were covered in graffiti, dust kicked up with each step, the floorboards creaked and there were cobwebs hanging from the corners. It used to be a nice home, but now it was just an abandoned house.
The Shroud led them towards the entrance of the basement and pulled the door open. They slowly and carefully followed him as they descended. The stairs creaked as the Shroud continued, "Some say that you can still hear the screams from the spirits of his victims as they begged to be freed. Unfortunately, they died violently and are trapped within these walls."
Kagami began to shiver. She wished someone would hold her. She spotted Tobei with his arm around Konata's shoulders and she frowned, envious. She had to admit, this Ghost Tour was really scary. Sure, there were no ghosts, but the story and the atmosphere was enough to make her get goosebumps on her skin.
Not a pleasant feeling.
"The killer would shackle his victims up upon the wall over there," the Shroud said as he pointed with his lantern. "Then, he would use a variety of knives to cut into their skin. He didn't kill them right away. He just enjoyed their terror and their screams as well as the sight of their blood dripping to the floor with each cut he made."
A wailing sound was heard, causing members of the group to scream and jump. Konata sprang into Tobei's arms, hoping she'd protect him. Kagami stayed rooted to the spot, but her knees were shaking.
"Ever since the killer's capture this house has been abandoned. Because of its horrid history, nobody would ever want to live here. Also, there had been sightings of strange apparitions. Some say you can see the faces and shadows of the departed victims. Some also said that messages had been written in blood upon the walls."
Kagami's heart was definitely racing. Did the place just get colder? Sure, it was near autumn, but still it was like a refrigerator. She shivered slightly.
There was a loud slam, like a door shutting, causing the group to yell out in shock. Then, they heard what sounded like clattering chains. Moans and howls could be heard. "It's just the wind," Kagami told herself. "Just the wind." She was trying to convince herself.
"Perhaps…" the Shroud chuckled. "Or perhaps the spirits are looking for someone. Someone attuned to the other side…Tell me, young lady, are you a shrine maiden?"
Kagami paled. How did he know that? She glared at Konata, who she knew told Tobei, who might've told this Shroud person. She, however, couldn't help but answer, "Y-y-yes."
The Shroud let out a low eerie chuckle. "Poor girl...Holy things tend to upset vengeful spirits."
"Oh, yeah," murmured Arashi with a grin. "He's really in character."
"Indeed," agreed Ichiro. "Hope he doesn't scare the girl too badly."
Kagami's frightened expression turned furious as she poked Shroud in the chest, "OK, Mr. Shroud! I don't know what your game is but I'm not buying! This whole Ghost Tour thing is just a set up! You must get off scaring the crap out of girls but I'm no regular girl! I'm Kagami Hiiragi, Mister! Don't you forget it!"
"Kagamin is fired up, like a tsundere," commented Konata. "Acting all angry when scared."
"Oh...you poor, poor child. As a Shrine Maiden you should know better than to underestimate the dark forces that human minds cannot begin to comprehend. I was your guide, and as such, I could have brought you to safety..." The Shroud began to back away from the group. "But it appears Hiiragi-san can defend you all from the darkness. Or, at least, I pray she can. I bid you all adieu."
Suddenly, a loud scream filled the house as smoke poured from the confines of the Shroud's cloak. When the screaming stopped the Shroud's cloak fell to the ground...empty.
"And that's our cue to go!" said Tobei loudly. "OK, people! Time to leave!"
Kagami returned home, exhausted. She actually ran home since she wanted to get back fast. After the creepy end of the Shroud's Ghost Tour, she really needed to be in a nice and safe place.
"How was the G-g-g-ghost Tour, Onee-chan?" Tsukasa asked.
"It's something else," admitted Kagami. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight!"
She slept but left her table lamp on.
Back at Shirogane High's male dorm, Richard, Tobei, Arashi and Ichijo were in the American's room, talking about the tour.
"And once again, Richard, you managed to scare another group half to death!" declared Tobei. "How does it feel?"
"Amazing," smiled Richard. "I'm a showman, and I think that was one of my best works yet. And you're right, that Kagami girl is pretty cute."
"So, you're not offended about what she did earlier?" asked Ichiro curiously.
"He must've gotten excited," remarked Arashi.
Richard laughed again. "Why would I be offended!? I love it when people challenge me, makes that one last scare even better."
"Hey, guys. This Sunday, Konata-chan wants me to hang out with her and her friends. She also asked me to bring friends. Interested?" asked Tobei.
Arashi shrugged, "Got nothing better to do."
"I'd love to," replied Ichiro.
Richard answered, "Sure, I'd love to meet the other girls. And sorry if I scared Konata too badly Tobei."
"She was holding me the entire time, Richard. You did me a favor," Tobei responded, smiling.
A/N: Next chap, the BLOGGER BOYS meet the LUCKY STAR girls. Wonder what will happen?
