Chapter 14: Haunted Ryokan (Part 2)

I know that I am in big trouble. I can't escape from the clutch of the ghost. Is this the end? Just when I thought that I will die, I heard a shout. The ghost lets go of me and I found myself falling to the ground. I close my eyes, waiting for the impact. It never came. Instead of the hard surface of the ground, I landed softly on someone's arm who turned out to be Naru. Naru didn't say anything and carry me in a princess style, all the way to the base. I was too weak to protest. Everyone is still at the base, even Mr. Kinomoto who has probably decided to stop by and see how we are doing. The sight of Naru carrying me has caught them by surprise. Yasu recovered faster than the others, he is grinning and about to crack a joke about it. However Naru beats him to it.

"A ghost attack Mai. It lifted her midair and tried to strangle her."

Ayako-san immediately steps forward to check my condition. Mr. Kinomoto seems shock and confused. This is probably the first time the ghost has ever done such a thing. Ayako-san confirms that I am fine, aside from the shock and the strangulation mark on my neck.

"Mr. Kinomoto, has this ever happen to the customers before?" asked Naru.

"No, this is the first time. It has never attacked a customer so openly before," said Mr. Kinomoto.

Naru sighs and turns to me, "Mai, care to explain what happen?"

I told them what happened, including what the ghost said to me as it tried to strangle me to death.

"Somehow our ghost has taken a liking to Mai. Why do you always seem to attract trouble? From now on, make sure you are never alone," said Naru.

I just nodded. I am actually hurt by his remark about me attracting trouble. It's not like I wanted it to happen. I asked permission to return to my room in order to get some rest. Masako-chan volunteered to accompany me. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep and start dreaming.

I am in a bedroom. Looking at the interior, I'm probably in the 60's era. A young man is sitting on a table, writing a letter. There is also a bouquet of roses on the table. I studied the young man. He is quite good looking. He has raven black hair, dark hazel eyes and a dimple in his cheek. As he is writing the letter, there this dreamy looks on his face. I recognize that expression almost immediately. It is the face of someone who is deeply in love. I want to read what he has written on the letter but the scene changes again. This time I am in the living room. The same young man is arguing with an older man.

"I do not want you to associate with that young lady any more. She is not suitable for you," said the old man.

"But father. I love her!" protested the young man.

Looking at the situation, I can guess that the old man is the father of the young man and he is definitely not happy with his son's choice for his future wife. I take a closer look at my surroundings. Hmm... It seems like the young man belonged to a rich family. This probably means that the girl that he likes is probably not of the same status. Based on the argument, I found out that the young man name is Yusuke. Before I can get more information, another change of scene occurred. I'm back in Yusuke's room. This time, Yusuke is lying on the bed. He looks extremely ill. A doctor is also there, talking to Yusuke's father.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hajime. I've done all I can. Now it is up to Yusuke's will to survive," said the doctor.

At that time, Yusuke started to mumble something. Mr. Hajime comes closer to the bed, trying to listen to what he is saying.

"I'm sorry hime. We can't be together."

Those are his last word. Then he is gone. Mr. Hajime broke down, crying, calling for his son to return. My dream ends there. Something has forced me to wake up from my slumber. Something that feels terribly cold as well as the feeling of a sharp pain at my legs. When I opened my eyes, I'm dangling upside down above the ground. Masako on the other hand is shouting for help as she helplessly tries to get me down.

Sorry for the late update. I've been busy. Thank you for all the positive reviews that I have been getting from all of you. Will try my best to update the story more often