Author's notes

Mion and Shion based!

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING; Not Higurashi or its characters or anything that deals with the anime!

Mion stared at the police officer for what seemed like an enternity. Ooishi's words We have recovered Takano's corpse. replayed in Mion's mind again and again. She was no fool, she knew the chance of Takano still being alive were close to zero but still, knowing without any doubt that she was dead was a hard blow. Mion felt Shion's hand grabbing her own and squeezing it in a vein hope of giving comfort for either twin. She looked at her younger sister to gain some of the strength that was expected of the heir to the Sonozaki family before looking back at Ooishi, "A- are you sure the body you found is Takano's?" Mion cursed herself for stuttering and making it look like she were some child and not a grown woman.

Ooishi shook his head, "Not until we have the full autopsy report but including the fact that Miyo Takano went missing today there is little doubt that it was her."

Shion's grip on Mion's tightened into a death hold. "What do you mean 'until we have a full autopsy report'? Couldn't you just tell it was her by looking at her, you two have met before haven't you?"

Ooishi scratched the back of his head. "Well if this were a normal murder case then yes, but the corpse's body was stuffed into a gas drum and lit on fire in the mountains. Needless to say the body was impossible to identify without dental records." Ooishi looked at the group before reaching into his pocket to grab a cigarette, "You don't seem so surprised that Takano was murdered," his eyes pierced Mion's, "care to tell me why?"

Mion was about to say something but her sister sneered, "What is your problem Ooishi?! Whenever something bad happens in this village you always come to the Sonozakis first!"

Ooishi glared at the younger twin which made Mion instantly want to punch him. "Maybe because of who your father is Ms. Sonozaki." He blew his cigarette smoke at the twins and chuckled when they coughed. Ooishi looked at the elder twin and asked, "I ask you again, why are you and your friends not surprised to find that Takano is dead?"

Mion looked at the ground and admitted, "This is the day where all the consecutive murders took place so logically it wouldn't be that surprising for a missing person to be found dead."

Ooishi nodded at that answer and took out a notebook to write a few things down. "Where is Ms. Ryugu, I have some questions I wanted to ask her."

Mion shook her head, "No, she cant deal with this right now. You will have to come back when she's in a better state of mind."

Ooishi raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean 'a better state of mind'?"

Shion looked at her twin and seeing that Mion had nothing said, "She and Takano were very close friends and when she heard that Takano was missing she freaked out. I don't think this is the time to tell her that Takano is dead."

Ooishi wrote that in his notebook and commented, "Miyo Takano was a nurse and Rena Ryuugu a simple student, what could make those two become close friends?"

It was Rika who answered, "Rena said that she was becoming interested in the history of Hinamizawa and Takano was the best person to talk to."

Again the police officer wrote in his notebook, "Why is Takano the best person to go to in order to learn the history of Hinamizawa? Why not go to a library?"

Rika answered this as well, "Because Rena wanted to know the more gruesome side of Hinamizawa and Takano was researching that."

Instead of writing this in his notebook Ooishi looked at the girl and sighed, "Alright but how often do they meet?"

Satoko came out of the house and walked to her friend, "That's none of your business Ooishi!"

Rika ignored her friend's outburst and answered the old man, "Once a week but they talk a lot on the phone. Mii-chan says that they might as well be a married couple."

Ooishi snickered at this and wrote in his notebook. The group heard running and turned to see Keiichi and Satoshi rounding a corner and coming toward them. They slowed to a walk when they saw Ooishi waving at them and walked to their friends, Satoshi being close to Satoko and Rika and Keiichi close to the twins. Keiichi was the first to ask, "Is it true? Did you really find Takano's body?"

Ooishi shook his head, "As I told them we cant be sure until I get the full autopsy report but there is little doubt that it is her." He looked at the boys before asking, "Where were you two a few minutes ago, aren't all of you suppose to be in a group or something?"

Satoshi beat Keiichi to the punch, "We were with Tomitake in a search group looking for Takano until they called it off for the night. Tomitake dropped us off at my house and when we learned that the girls came here we hurried."

Ooishi wrote a little, "If that's true how did you know about Takano's body being discovered?"

Satoko spoke up, "I told Ni-ni that when I said we were at Rena's house through the phone."

Ooishi nodded and sighed, "The night's getting chilly, mind if we can continue this discussion inside?"

Mion shook her head, "The night air does good for one's health, we can just stay right here if you have any more questions."

Ooishi glared at the girl before looking back at his notes, "Well I only have one." He looked at everyone in the group, "Miyo Takano was last seen with all of you including Tomitake before she disappeared and was killed. Care to explain what happened?"

Mion looked at her friends and sister, "We went to the stream to appease our sins with the cotton as we always do on the night of the Cotton Drifting Festival. Afterwards we were heading back to the festival grounds when Takano said she wanted time alone to herself. That was the last time we saw her."

Ooishi sighed, "You're not being honest with me." He looked at the older twin and said, "If you don't start telling the truth then it will only make you look more guilty."

Mion's eyes widen in surprise at Ooishi's statement. She looked at everyone and her gaze fell on Rika, "What do you want us to do?"

Rika thought for awhile before sighing, "We have no choice." She looked at the aging police man, "Come on, it's a long story and the night air is a little chilly." The girl led the group into the house and Mion sighed in relief when they didn't see Rena. Rika led them to the living room and everyone sat down around Rena's table. Rika sighed and began, "First of all, none of the murders have anything to do with the Sonozaki family."

Ooishi huffed, "Why should I believe that, each one had a tie to the Sonozaki family."

Rika glanced at Satoko and Satoshi before stating, "Including Satoko's aunt?"

Ooishi raised an eyebrow before nodding, "Yes, the Hojous were still on bad terms with the Sonozakis after the Dam War."

Rika chuckled, "I thought it was Satoko and Satohsi's parents that were on bad terms with Mion's family, not the aunt."

Ooishi looked at the girl, "Yes but in their eyes every Hojou is the enemy."

Mion huffed as Shion said, "Don't talk as if two of the Sonozaki family aren't in the same room as you and no, not every Hojou is our enemy. Satoko can be a little shit sometimes with her pranks but I don't consider her an enemy."

Instead of giving an outburst Satoko simply shrugged, "It's not my fault that you and not Keiichi trigger some off from time to time."

Ooishi shook his head, "Okay I get it, the Sonozakis are not responsible for that murder but what about the others. The construction manager?"

Rika answered truthfully, "He was killed by his own employees. The one that got away with the right (?) arm died by scratching his throat out."

Ooishi laughed, "I understand the employees part but suicide by scratching his own throat out and nobody finding the body!? What kind of a fool do you take me as?"

Rika sighed, "I knew it would have to come to this." She got up and left the room without a second glance to anyone. Everyone else sat in uncomfortable silence except Ooishi who wrote a few things in his notebook. Rika came back and sat down, "I called Dr. Irie and Tomitake, they should be here in a few minutes."

Ooishi looked up from his notebook, "Why did you call them here?"

"Because they know what I am talking about and obviously you wont believe a single word from any of us." Rika sighed and looked at the table for a second before lifting her gaze to the T.V. "Is Takano's death already on the news?"

Ooishi shook his head, "Until we know more about her death it wont be."

Rika nodded and the group fell into an awkward silence while waiting for Dr. Irie and Tomitake to arrive. When the silence was approaching unbearable levels the group finally heard a car pull up. Mion got up and out the window, "It's Dr. Irie's car!" She watched the doctor make his way to the door and opened it for the man.

Dr. Irie looked at Mion before sighing with relief, "Thank goodness. I thought something bad had happened."

Mion raised her eyebrows, "Don't you know?"

Dr. Irie nodded, "About Takano yes, I'm so sorry this had happened to her, she was a little sadistic at times but in her soul she was a good person. I was talking about Rena." To Mion's look of shock Dr. Irie explained, "I know the extent of Takano's relationship with Rena and I was afraid that something bad had happened to her. Rika simply called and told me to come here so I assumed that Rena had harmed herself."

Both people jumped when Ooishi's voice ranged out, "And what exactly was the extent of Miyo Takano's relationship with Rena?"

Dr. Irie calmed down a bit before answering, "They were close friends as far as I could tell." Ooishi nodded and headed back into the living room. Dr. Irie looked at Mion and shook his head, letting her know that he was lying and knew that Takano and Rena were much more than close friends. He looked back and asked, "What is a police officer doing here?"

Mion sighed, "You just have to come and see." They headed back to the living room and sat down. She looked at Keiichi, "How long do you think it will take for Tomitake to come here?"

Keiichi shrugged and everyone waited another ten minutes until another car was heard pulling into the driveway. This time Shion stood up and walked to the door to let Tomitake in. The group watched as the two took their seats with Shion being close to her twin and Tomitake in between Ooishi and Dr. Irie. Tomitake looked at his friend and saw that he was just as confused as he was. He looked at Rika, "Why did you call me here? I heard that I needed to come her immediately and well I thought that Rena uh." Tomitake trailed off in an uncomfortable silence.

Rika coughed to get everyone's attention. She looked at the three men and said, "I know that this will be hard for you to understand but try to keep an open mind." The group took turns to explain the situation to the two men who just sat there in silence trying to hide their shock. Once the group was done explaining Dr. Irie and Ooishi had twin looks of absolute shock and disbelief.

Dr. Irie noticed Tomitake's look of indifference and asked, "Why aren't you shocked as we are Tomitake? Don't tell me you believe them!"

Tomitake simply shrugged, "Why wouldn't I? They have never lied to me before so why now?"

Ooishi shook his head, "But this story! For a disease to infect an entire village and no one showing any symptoms, that's impossible!"

Dr. Irie turned to the police officer, "Actually Ooishi it is not, as Rika had explained before the Hinamizawa Syndrome is very real and I have been studying it using my doctor persona as a cover."

Ooishi stared at the doctor and countered, "Okay so that might be true but what about Rika being this queen carrier!? That is something you would find in an anime, not in real life!"

Dr. Irie scratched the back of his head, "That is true as well although I'm not entirely sure why the Furede women have all been queen cariers."

Rika glanced at Hanyuu who shrugged. "Well the truth of the matter is that i'm in trouble. Someone is trying to kill me for whatever reason and destroy Hinamizawa."

Dr. Irie shook his head, "What? Why would someone want to destroy an entire village?! There's no way a human being could be that cruel!"

Ooishi sighed, "Well believe it Dr. Irie. I have been a police officer before any of these youngsters have been born and believe me when I say that there are a lot of messed up people in the world, although I never met one this screwed up in the head." He glanced at the group, "So is this why you told me your secrets? Did you want my help?"

The group nodded while Mion added, "Even though I hate to admit it but we need more strength in order to beat whatever entity is trying to kill Rika." Mion looked at Dr. Irie, "We need your help as well."

Dr. Irie looked shocked, "What can I possibly do?"

Keiichi laughed as if the doctor had said something extremely funny, "Arent you the ones who help with the autopsy reports for the police station?"

Dr. Irie nodded, "Yes but what does that have to do with anything?"

Satoko smiled, "Keiichi you're a genius!"

Satoshi shook his head, "I don't understand, what are you two talking about?"

Keiichi smiled at his boyfriend, "Don't you get it? We can have Dr. Irie fake Rika's death!"

The group stared at Keiichi and Satoko with looks ranging from shock to disbelief. Dr. Irie was the first to snap out of his stuper, "Fake an autopsy report? Are you isane? I could be thrown into jail for that!"

Keiichi simply smiled, "Yeah that's why we have Ooishi here. If that ever happens he could just save you."

Ooishi shook his head, "It is not that simple."

Dr. Irie nodded, "Yes, I need a witness to the autopsy and no one else in this room is qualified."

Mion laughed, "Then lie! I'm sure nobody is going to make sure that you had a witness. Just say that you found Rika's body while the real Rika is hiding in the Sonozaki underground cells."

Shion thumped her head, "Of course! We could just say that Rika died by uh well she could have died from um."

Satoko finished for her, "From illness! We could pretend that Rika got sick like we were originally going to and say that she got worst and died!"

Rika frowned, "What if someone checks on me like Ms. Chie?"

Keiichi answered before anyone else could, "We say that your disease is very contagious and the only one that is able to be around you is a doctor."

Ooishi shook his head, "That might work but people will think it is suspicious if Satoshi and Satoko are still living with Rika."

Keiichi smiled, "That's the best part, they will live with me!"

Satoshi elbowed his boyfriend as dirty thoughts were undoubtedly going through Keiichi's head, "I'm pretty sure your parents wont allow that."

Keiichi frowned, "But where would you go?"

Mion sighed, "With me obviously, I'm the only one who has a too big of a house."

Shion smiled and gave her twin a hug, "Oh you're so generous sis!"

Mion blushed which thankfully no one noticed. Ooishi thought for a moment before asking, "Alright I understand Dr. Irie's reasoning to being here but what are mine and Tomitake's."

Tomitake spoke up, "I am a general of a secret organization that I cannot go into too much detail about. I can provide man power if you back away from this."

Ooishi laughed, "Now you listen to me, even though you are an adult I still have a few years on you. I have not, would not, and will not run away from a fight and by the way even is talking, this is going end up being a fight." The police officer let his words sink into the group's mind before stating, "That being said, I might have some difficulty supporting you. My retirement benefits are at stake simply be talking to you like this but to hell with it! I haven't felt this much adrenaline in a very long time!"

Shion laughed, "Don't worry Ooishi! If you do lose your retirement fund sis will just help you."

Mion jumped, "Eh!?" She looked at the old man and scratched the back of her neck, "I- I mean of course I will refund you. The Sonozaki family has mountains of cash! They wont even notice if a couple thousand is missing."

Keiichi stared at the twins, "How much money do you guys have?"

Mion and Shion smiled. Mion said, "Let's just put it this way," Shion finished, "we could buy off any judge we want and get away with anything."

The group stayed quiet as the twins giggled at their expression. Ooishi looked at Rika, "You already know that I am the chief so I can send out undercover officers to look out for you."

Rika nodded, "Thank you."

Tomitake spoke up, "And if things turn ugly I can ask some of my friends to pull some strings and give you an attack force."

Rika smiled, "Thank you as well." She looked at Dr. Irie, "What about you, will you help us?"

Dr. Irie sighed, "It's not like I have much of a choice." He smiled, "I will do whatever I can!"

The group was still cheering when Rena came into the room. She looked a little better than when she left the group but there were still an emptiness in her eyes. She absent-mindedly sat by Mion and looked at the table, "What is going on?"

Mion smiled and wrapped an arm around her friend, trying to spread some of the happiness she felt with no prevail. "Tomitake, Dr. Irie, and Ooishi are going to help us defeat whoever is trying to kill Rika."

Rena's eyes snapped open and she stared intently at Ooishi, "Is this the same person who killed my Miyo?"

Thankfully Ooishi didn't catch Rena calling Takano her Miyo and shrugged his shoulders, "It could very well be but I cannot say for sure." He looked at the poor girl and asked, "You and her were very close huh?" Rena nodded as she fought back tears. Ooishi gave the girl a determined look and said, "We are going to catch this sick bastard so don't worry." He sighed and looked at the almost forgotten notebook, "I must admit Ms. Ryuugu that I originally came here to ask you a few questions but now seeing what kind of situation I'm in, I think that would be futile." Ooishi stood up and addressed the group, "I'm sorry for doing this so abruptly but I must leave now or else my subordinates will start acting like children."

Ooishi turned to leave when Tomitake stood up, "I need to go to so I can call my friends to see if they will help us."

Dr. Irie stood up as well, "I must leave as well, my shift isn't over yet."

The three men left the group alone and went their respective ways. The remaining group stayed queit for ten minutes. The silence was broken when Satoko rubbed her eyes and yawned. Satoshi grinned at his little sister, "Come on, it's time for you to get to bed."

Satoko yawned some more, "But Ni-ni I'm not *yawn* tired."

Satoshi's grin turned into a smile, "Sure you're not." He looked at his boyfriend and then Rika, "Do you guys want to leave as well?"

Keiichi nodded as Rika said, "Yes."

Shion and Mion looked at each other, "I think we'll leave as well." Mion looked at Rena, "Will you be okay by yourself until your father comes back?" Rena simply nodded and continued to stare at the table. Mion sighed and got up with her twin. She looked at Shion and whispered, "I feel bad about leaving her here all alone."

Shion sighed as well, "There's nothing more we can do sis. We can't take her with us because nine times out of ten her father is going to come home drunk and someone needs to take care of him."

Mion suggested hopefully, "Maybe I can stay with her! You could go home as me and-"

Mion was cut off by her twin, "No way, mom and granny are probably already mad as hell at us for not coming home so soon. There's no way one of us can stay here and take care of Rena without them knowing."

Mion shook her head, "Ugh, I hate this."

Shion opened the door for her twin and whispered, "I do too, she's my friend too you know."

Mion looked at her twin, "I know I'm sorry I just hate feeling so useless."

Shion sighed, "Everyone does sis, that's just human nature. We can't help Rena now, she needs to help herself get out of the dark place that she's obviously inching towards. We can only be there to support her, she and she alone has the final say on whether she will see the light or forever be cast into the darkness."

The twins said nothing more to each other, they simply got into the car and drove away. What they didn't see was a figure leaving the house and walking the opposite way of the car and towards the festival grounds.

Author's notes

I know I know, I haven't updated in awhile but that was because I had the fricking flu and I had to stay in bed a bit. Could I have worked on this while being bed ridden? Probably but then I wouldn't have focused on getting better and getting back to work. To make up for the long wait of the update I made this chapter extra long! I had to add another dose of angst for Rena, I do have love for the cute and innocent side of her, but the dark and a little bit insane part of her psyche makes her such a good character and so fun to play with in my story.