Author's Note: I'm glad people are liking my story so far, but I do need a little help. Who do we want messages from on THE-GRUDGE-FORUMS? I have a couple of ideas, but not very many. The story covers both 'The Grudge' movies so it would be interesting to see what people come up with. Any help would be appreciated greatly! I thank everyone who has reviewed so far, your opinions and thoughts are really appreciated :) and beg of you all to keep reading and reviewing.

CHAPTER 9

Maya could not believe it. Karen Davis, in her final days, appeared to have written a message about the Saeki household. Maya pictured Karen sitting at a computer, researching the house much as she was doing now. And discovering the horrible truth about the house and its story. And writing about it. She read the message to herself.

Hi, my name is Karen Davis and I'm a student from America but am currently in Japan with my boyfriend, Doug, doing social voluntary work. I have to say, I have not enjoyed my stay. Indeed reader, the past few weeks have been truly awful and I fear for my life. It started when I was sent to the Saeki house, to look after an old woman by the name of Emma Williams. Her previous assistant, Yoko, had disappeared the day before, so I was filling in. As I was cleaning, strange things began to happen. I heard noises, saw things. I found a young boy in the cupboard. He told me his name was Toshio. As I waited for my boss to arrive to deal with Toshio, I went back downstairs and found Emma acting strangely muttering to herself, wanting 'her' to leave her alone. I did not understand, but then I saw 'her'. She killed Emma right before my eyes. I will never forget that.

After I left the house, I thought it would end, but it didn't and still hasn't. I still see things and hear things all the time, especially when I'm on my own. Doug's worried, I know, but I have decided to stop this once and for all. I did research, and found out all about the Saeki household. How the family had died, including the young boy Toshio, who I swear I had spoken to earlier that week! A man not too long ago told me that in Japan, when someone dies in the grip of a powerful emotion, a curse is born, and those that touch death will die themselves. Well I have touched death, and seen the horrors of this curse, and I am sure that soon I shall be consumed if I do not sort it out.

But, readers, if I fail I give this warning. Takeo Saeki died in the grip of rage, and therefore created a curse. This curse bares a grudge against the whole world and will spare no one. Under no circumstances must you enter that house. It is a danger beyond human power. I leave this site as a place for any others who have fallen in the grip of the Saeki household to share their thoughts and help to give the warning.

Good Luck.

Maya let the message's words run through her mind. The message didn't tell her much that she didn't know already, but it gave her hope. Hope that she and Aneko really weren't alone. That there were others who were suffering. Who were being haunted. And maybe they were still alive and could help her.

'This curse bares a grudge against the whole world and will spare no one.'

That sentence in itself was what gave her real hope. Because the curse was sparing her. It was protecting her, at least for the time being, and that was all she needed. She herself, was evidence that the anger that dwelled in the Saeki household could be overcome. And Maya was the person that destiny had chosen to stop the killing, and the death, and the pain. She would stop the anger.

She printed the entire list of messages, making sure not to miss out a single one, and after emailing the link to herself at home, shut down the computer.

Aneko looked up.

"You ready?" She asked. Maya nodded and gathered up all the paper, putting it into her bag. The two girls began to walk slowly towards the classroom.

"We need to meet up." Aneko said finally.

"Yes. My place tonight?" Maya asked.

Aneko smiled. "Sure! I'll meet you by the gate." And with that, she rushed off. Maya smiled, happy to have a friend she could rely on, and turned.

And then she screamed.

In the window opposite, with his face pressed up against the window, was her truest nightmare. The only man who would have the power to stop her in her quest. And he wasn't after Aneko this time. Takeo wanted her.

Eyes wide, Maya turned and ran quickly to registration. Alone in the corridor, her footsteps sounded loud. But no others came. She couldn't hear Takeo following her.

And this just scared her more. If he wasn't after her then he could be after Aneko. And if not, then where was he. She banished thoughts of Takeo out of her mind. She needed to focus on class.

The teacher, Miss Suzuki, was disappointed when Maya arrived.

"You're late Maya!" She said angrily. "Sit down."

Miss Suzuki was an unobservant woman at the most part. She did not notice that the girl was out of breath, or pale.

She did not notice that the look in Maya's eyes was one of pure fear. Fear for her life.