(John's POV)

With each step a searing pain blasted through my nerves, I jerked and stumbled along the continuous corridor, I almost dropped the heavy bible along the way. Although with this bible in hand I felt a lot safer from whatever evil lays beneath this church. I fear that If Takigawa wasn't there, then I don't think I would have even survived, let alone manage to walk down one of the corridors. In the brief time I had known Takigawa I had never seen him vulnerable but now his face twisted in exhaustion and pain. Takigawa's spine must be in agony due to his unnatural positioning. It was my fault he was in this much pain, its not fair to make him do all the work considering it was my height and leg that were the problems.

"Takigawa, its alright I think I can put more weight on it. Why don't you rest for a bit and I will try to walk" My voice wavered and I'm positive that he heard the anguish coursing through it but I flashed him my signature smile. Hopefully to reassure him. It did not work.

"Not a chance. You have a broken leg and at best a mild concussion…. Also look at the ceiling, there are about a hundred spiders up there. I am not standing straight up." He chuckled towards the end. He glared at me for the suggestion however, it held no malice. "Besides Ayako would kick my ass if I made you walk".

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Language Takigawa, after all I am a priest".

"Oh yeah well I am a Monk after all" his deep rumbling laughter echoing throughout the corridor. It bounced of each wall and continued forward into the unknown. Suddenly a startling realization hit me like a freight train.

"Takigawa?"

"Yeah what is it?"

"Why are all the torches lit along the corridor?"

Takigawa stopped dead on the spot as if pondering the situation. He glanced behind us with an uneasy expression. Torches lined the left-hand side in short intervals. Each of them was indeed lit. This place looked ancient and if there was anyone down here surely, they would have noticed our presence. Out of nowhere I was hoisted into the air and into Takigawa's strong arms. The movement jostled my broken leg making me hiss in pain. It felt like a thousand tiny needles were simultaneously stabbing into my leg. Black spots filled my vision and I could feel the colour drain from my face. Quickly I buried my face into his shoulder. I didn't want him to feel bad for causing me pain.

"What…. What are you doing?" I stammered out of pure shock.

"I don't like it down here and we are moving to slow. This will be quicker" He no longer sounded worried but strangely calm.

He was right, there was this thick and evil atmosphere surrounding us. I swear I could feel eyes watching us as we moved. Takigawa's long purposeful strides kicked up dust as we cruised towards what we hoped was an exit. His strong arms held me close to his warm chest. I could hear his strong steady heartbeat thumping against his chest. A sense of dread washed over me, my eyes felt heavy and I started to nod off. Boy was I tired suddenly.

Takigawa did not seem to be affected. His steps stayed even but his breathing sounded deeper. Something was wrong "Put me down Takigawa" I insisted but if he heard my request he refused to acknowledge it. "Put me down please". This time he looked down at me and I froze. His eyes held a red tinge to them and his smile…. his smile was inhuman. I panicked immediately.

"Takigawa you are not yourself, I am asking you politely to put me down"

He did not stop, instead he simply replied, "Make me priest boy".

I griped my bible with as much force as I could manage "In the beginning was the word and the word…."

Takigawa let out a demonic growl. He moved the arm that was supporting my back up to my shoulders before firmly clamping his hand over my mouth. My right arm was pinned to my side and my left had a vice like grip on the bible. I started struggling, moving my head this way and that, but to no avail. He seemed to be growing furious at this constant moving. His growl grew louder and moved his hand over my nose as well – cutting of my air supply. Panic set in quickly and I struggled even more.

"Stop struggling or I will suffocate you" His tone was serious, he was really going to kill me. I nodded desperate for air. This appeared to work as he subsequently moved his hand back over my mouth only. I greedily gasped for air, sinking back into 'it's' arms all I could do was try to bide my time and pray for a miracle.