Hellu~ Welcome to chapter two. Just to clarify in this story Alfred, Matthew and Ludwig are Juniors in high school, Arthur, Kiku and Gilbert are Seniors. It was just hard to work that in without it sounding awkward.

In the end Matthew did end up sleeping in Alfred's bed like they used to do when they were kids, the blankets pulled up over their heads like a shield of protection. A superstition from childhood thought to have been left behind. They clung tightly to one another, unable to sleep. From time to time the phone would ring and they would try to ignore the sound which seemed far too loud considering their distance from it. A pause of silence would follow and then would be shattered once more by the lover's lamenting call. It finally stopped as it approached dawn and neither boy could do more than fall into an uneasy doze.

Needless to say, both were quite convinced of Arthur's story before dawn had even broke.

~.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group once Matthew had shared his experience. Gilbert gave a laugh that was almost nervous. "...Come on now, aren't we taking this prank a bit far?"

"It's not a prank!" Alfred snapped irritably. "This is seriously fucking scary!"

Looking at the siblings it was hard to find any humor in their tired, strained faces. Even their body language, the way they sat close together, hands clasped tightly as if for protection spoke of an anxiety unknown to either sibling.

Ludwig gave the air a thoughtful look then spoke carefully. "Is it perhaps possible that the prank is on the two of you? Maybe a fellow schoolmate who is trying to frighten you."

Matthew quickly shook his head. "No, it was a woman's voice. Too mature to be a high schooler. I've never heard it before... A-and what Alfred described, where the phone still rang even though it was off the hook... that happened!"

"For hours!" Alfred added. "I'm telling you, we're being haunted by Josephine Carter!"

"I told you," said a cool voice behind them. The two jumped and turned their heads. Arthur approached, perhaps having been hanging back to eavesdrop on them.

Alfred clutched his chest. "D-don't just appear like that!"

Arthur took a seat at the table. "So you finally believe me? I'm hardly the kind that would go telling silly ghost stories if there wasn't something to them you know."

Alfred slammed his hand down on the table suddenly, making everyone jump again. "Hey! You lied to me! You said if I wasn't alone then Josephine wouldn't call. But Mattie was with me and he was the one that got called last night! So what's up with that huh?"

All eyes rested on Arthur, some more reluctantly than others, as he seemed to know the most about all this. He sighed in annoyance. "I only told you what I know. That has always been the pattern in the past, I never said it was guaranteed. Maybe it's because you both fit her type."

"Twins..." Kiku spoke up for the first time. "Maybe...because you are twins."

Gilbert snorted with amusement. "Stupid ghost bitch can't tell the difference?"

Arthur scowled at him and Ludwig shook his head as Alfred and Matthew looked at each other. Kiku gave them a scrutinizing glance before speaking again. "Not quite what I meant. Twins are known to share a special link with one another that is considered almost supernatural to some. Perhaps to Josephine they read as the same person and so she thinks they are both Jonathon."

Gilbert crossed his arms and looked at the two. "...So the ghost bitch can't tell them apart on a supernatural level. Same difference."

"Bruder, would you please." Ludwig rubbed his forehead, clearly embarrassed by his brother.

Still looking rather annoyed by Gilbert, Arthur seemed to think a moment then nodded. "That...would make sense. Theoretically. Better than any other reason I can think of."

Kiku pulled a messenger bag up and started rummaging through it. After a moment he pulled out two necklaces made of twine fixed to a thick piece of paper that had a few Japanese symbols on it. "Luckily I figured that Alfred would be inclined to lose a charm if I made him one so I made two. Both of you may have one."

He held them out and after a moment of hesitation Matthew and Alfred both took one. Alfred examined it as he slipped it around his neck. "Not much to it is there? Are you sure this will work? And if Matthew has my spare what will I do if I lose it?"

Kiku as always was quick with a reply that was to the point, polite, and sharp. "Tuck it into your shirt, try to be careful with it, and I will make more if you think it is necessary."

Matthew slipped it over his head and looked it over before carefully tucking it into his sweater. "Thank you Kiku..."

"Yeah, thanks Kiku! Man, can you please come spend the night at our house 'cause Mattie totally doesn't count apparently? Please? Oh my god I'll die if I hear the phone ring one more time. Better yet, I wanna spend the night at your house!" That way it definitely wouldn't be an issue.

Gilbert smacked the table. "You can come spend the night at our house. If you don't mind the dog slobber that is."

Ludwig gave him an icy look. "The dogs do not slobber. But the two of you may stay with us if it is indeed necessary. Though I still can't believe any of this."

Before further planning could be made Arthur reminded everyone of his presence. "I want to do a séance."

"Oh yeah? Then go do one. Nothing is stopping you, ya know. Have fun with the rest of the creeps." Gilbert cackled.

Kiku looked at him nervously. "I do not think something like that would be a particularly good idea."

Arthur was not listening to them. When he found nothing but stormy resistance on Matthew's face he only had eyes for Alfred. "This woman's spirit has been suffering for decades and this is the strongest reaction she's had in a long time. Maybe she can be put to rest. If nothing else she would stop calling you, wouldn't she?"

A bit grudgingly, Ludwig was forced to put in his two cents. "Look, if we are to assume that your information is overall correct and that somehow this ridiculousness is true then Josephine will leave them alone after Halloween. The most logical thing would be for them to remain with people tonight, go out on Halloween, still remaining with other people, and then the problem will have taken care of itself."

Gilbert reached over and pinched his cheek. "Isn't he so logical it makes ya want to puke sometimes?"

Kiku shook his head slowly. "In this case I think I agree with Ludwig. Meddling with spirits can lead to nothing but bad things..."

The final blow came from Matthew. "That's right, there's no way either Alfred or I are exposing ourselves to that! Go find someone else to do a séance with."

And still Arthur only looked to Alfred. "It seems all of them are too frightened. Surely you aren't afraid Alfred? Don't you want to try and give poor Josephine some peace?"

Bristling, Alfred sat up straighter. "Of course I'm not! And...I...I dunno..." Alfred liked to think of himself as a bit of a hero. "...Do you really think if I did this séance thingy it'd work? Like, she would be put to rest or something?"

"It's a possibility. She might listen to you if she thinks you're Jonathon. You can tell her to move on." Arthur smiled. "I know exactly what I'm doing so it's not like you have to worry. I've done some séances before."

Alfred chewed his bottom lip thoughtfully and Matthew frowned sharply. "Oh no, don't you even think about it Al! Seriously, it's a bad idea. Let's do what Ludwig said and just lay low until Halloween is over."

After a moment Alfred spoke slowly. "Even... if she's really freaky and scary and a ghost and all... Josephine was sort of a victim right? I mean...she was left by her husband and all she wants is to be reunited with him. It's...sad. I can't in good conscious ignore it if there's something I can do to help her. I mean...it won't be dangerous... Right Arthur?"

"Of course not. It will be just like a conversation, that's all." Some of the others at the table couldn't help but get the suspicion that Arthur looked a bit smug at his victory.

"Alfred..." Kiku started warily.

"No. If...if it isn't a big deal I can deal with a g-ghost..." Alfred quickly cleared his throat. "I don't expect anyone else to join or anything. Mattie, you can stay with that crazy Cuban guy or one of these guys if you want. I'll be alright."

Matthew frowned sharply, infinitely annoyed at Arthur's playing on his brother's naïver aspects, like his hero complex. "Alfred, you cried at least twice last night just from the phone ringing! You don't really think you can handle talking to a ghost do you? It's silly! I...I won't let you do it!" Though even he wasn't sure how he thought he could stop him.

For a moment they stared each other down. "...I'll tell mom and dad about your pot stash if you try to stop me."

Matthew blanched. "H-how did you know about...?"

A small grin came to Alfred's lips. "Because you just admitted to it."

"Ah-!"

Matthew grew sulky as Alfred turned once more to Arthur. "So when do you want to do this?"

"Tomorrow," Arthur said firmly. "Halloween should be the most powerful day to do it. For obvious reasons."

Ludwig looked from Alfred to Arthur and back to Alfred. "I can't believe you're actually going through with this nonsense! You should just leave it well enough alone and avoid it as much as possible."

"Well I can't do that." Alfred didn't like the idea of someone suffering. Besides, it'd prove he wasn't afraid.

"I'll go," Matthew said quietly.

Everyone looked at him in surprise. Alfred admittedly felt relieved to hear him say that. "Eh? Really? I thought you really didn't want to though."

Sighing softly, Matthew gave him an annoyed look. "Well someone has to control you when you fall apart. I can't...let you do it alone."

Alfred beamed at him. "That's the spirit Mattie! We can kick some serious ghost ass together!"

So much for putting the spirit to rest, Matthew thought to himself.

"Well, isn't he a good brother. No offense Luddy but if you were in the same situation there's no way I'd help ya out." Gilbert waved his hand, looking highly amused by the turn of events.

As Ludwig smacked his arm sharply Arthur laced his fingers together and offered Matthew a smile. "Splendid! It should be twice as likely to work as she seems to have taken a liking to both of you."

Kiku's soft voice suddenly broke in. "I will go as well."

Alfred brightened even more. "Cool! Man, Kiku, you can be one of the Ghost Busters! Yeaah! Team Awesome you guys!"

Kiku brushed his fingers through his hair. "Four is close to death so it might help. And perhaps I may assist with my own limited knowledge of ghosts. I will make enough charms for everyone."

Arthur was miffed at having his territory of expertise being encroached upon but was hardly going to tell him he couldn't come. Though three was a better number for these things. "Don't feel obliged to make one for me, I should be fine."

Ludwig and Gilbert seemed surprised by the sudden reluctant enthusiasm for the idea. Gilbert snorted. "Well you can bet neither of us are joining you! We're going to do something actually cool, like pick up chicks in slutty costumes."

"Charming," Arthur said flatly. "No one invited you anyway."

Gilbert flushed with indignity and Ludwig quickly put a steadying hand on his shoulder. "I cannot imagine what you hope to get out of this. Just make sure you don't do anything to get yourselves into trouble."

Alfred grinned at his concern. "Us? Naah, we'll be completely fine!"

Matthew knew perfectly well that Alfred wouldn't be even half as confident tomorrow night when they were actually going through with this. He was nervous. The thing with the phone calls had really freaked him out and the whole thing made him ill at ease. It seemed like a huge mistake but what could he do? He absolutely couldn't let Alfred go through with this by himself.

Arthur cleared his throat softly. "Well, let's make plans of when to meet shall we? Eleven thirty tomorrow night in front of the Carter house."

Alfred paled immediately. "Y-you mean that...a-abandoned house...w-where Josephine k-killed herself? Why there?"

Arthur gave him a look as if it should be the most obvious thing in the world. "Where else would we hold it? The place of her death is sure to yield the best results. Honestly, Alfred. I thought you weren't afraid."

"I-I'm not! I just..."

"It's decided then. Make sure to be there exactly on time. I want it to be close to midnight but I don't want to let the hour pass before we make contact or it might not work. See you then." With that Arthur got up, straightened his shirt, and walked away.

Alfred started to chew his thumbnail nervously. "I... I thought we would be doing it at his house or something..."

Matthew sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Sometimes you're so..."

Gilbert, still angry about the snub, stood abruptly. "Well I hope you guys have a fun time wasting your Saturday night not at any sweet parties or gorging yourself on candy and babes. I can't wait to hear all about it on Monday, your grand adventure of sitting in a condemned house freezing your asses off and looking like morons."

Ludwig shook his head as his brother strutted off. "Excuse his bruised ego. Though you know... I really don't think you should go through with this. If nothing else a house that old without any repairs is bound to be a safety hazard."

Kiku looked at him thoughtfully. "That story about Josephine...really did frighten you as a child, didn't it?"

Turning to fuss with his tray to hide the sudden flush of his cheeks, Ludwig barked out, "Of course it didn't! Who would be afraid of something like that?"

Alfred looked around then raised his hand. Ludwig stared at him a moment then stood up. "...You should seriously consider not going. It isn't too late. For any of you."

They all watched Ludwig walk towards his brother, who was waiting for him impatiently. Matthew finally mumbled softly, "It's not too late Alfred."

Alfred didn't say so out loud but he was pretty sure it had been too late since the first time the phone had rung.

~.

That night they stayed at Kiku's house and there were no phone calls asking for Jonathon. Kiku made a charm to ward off spirits for himself and courteously did as Arthur requested and didn't make him one. Though he made a 'spare' just in case.

There was a nervous buzz that surrounded them all the next day as they waited for night to descend. None of them spoke of what they were about to do. As if even uttering a single word about it would lead them to ruin. It was instead an invisible heaviness that settled over them like a fine, smothering gauze.

Though he tried to hide it, Alfred in particular was starting to freak out. Even eating a ton of candy that was meant for trick-or-treaters didn't calm his nerves. Evoking a spirit... It really did sound dangerous. But Arthur had said it would be like a conversation. Which mean he wouldn't even have to see the ghostly body right? He hoped so.

Gilbert called after it had gotten dark and the door bell had begun to call out with promises of tricks or treats, asking if they were sure they wouldn't rather ditch and go to a Halloween party instead. It was a decisive moment. When the three of them glanced at one another, no words had to be spoken to know that they had already committed themselves, no matter how reluctantly. Kiku gently declined and Alfred felt another layer of finality settle over them. This was actually going to happen.

A little after eleven they bundled up and finally set out. They would be walking. By now it was bitingly cold and windy but mercifully dry. Alfred concentrated on the crunch of the leaves beneath his feet, trying not to think about what he was about to do. The regret was starting to seep in. Bravado was fine in the warmth of the school cafeteria but here in the dark on Halloween night, shivering in the cold, it was a lot more difficult to keep up.

It was a long walk but they arrived with a few minutes to spare. It wasn't exactly a welcoming sight. The old two story house really was on the outskirts of town and the area seemed rather dead even on Halloween. The Carter house was in quite the state of disrepair, just as Arthur had said it would be. The yard was nothing but weeds, the paint peeled and faded beyond identification, all of the windows visible from the front were boarded up tight (no doubt the glass long ago smashed by bored kids). The place was bleak to say the least. It looked haunted.

For a long moment all of them just stared at it. Kiku was the first to walk towards it. After a moment of hesitation Matthew reached over and took his brother's hand, the other immediately squeezing tightly, and together they followed after him.

Once the three had reached the door they didn't know what to do. Arthur was nowhere in sight and all were reluctant to enter the house. They huddled together, watching the road for his arrival. The mood became decidedly antsy as eleven thirty hit.

The longer they stood there the more the tension and unease grew. Alfred grumbled softly that if this was just some kind of prank he'd beat Arthur within an inch of his life. Just as they were starting to debate on whether they should leave the door behind them creaked open. Alfred shrieked and hugged Matthew tightly as they whirled around at the sound.

Arthur raised an eyebrow at them. "Oh good, you're here. Sorry for the wait, I was getting things ready. Come in."

He stood back and opened the door wider for them to enter. They hesitated. Alfred, flustered by his embarrassing outburst forced himself to go in first, stopping short a few feet in. Kiku and Matthew followed suit, crowding close together. Arthur closed the door, a small lantern he held in his hand the only illumination. "Do watch where you step. The house was well built and sturdy enough so you don't have to worry about breaking through the floor. There is some random rubbish here and there though and you don't want to trip."

"Ah, one moment please." Kiku opened the small bag he had brought with him and pulled out a flashlight, turning it on. "This should help."

Arthur seemed irritated by it, probably because it ruined the ambiance, but merely nodded. It was a silent given that Arthur was now the leader of their small group. The one who knew what he was doing and the assumed expert on the situation. He headed the front of the group, the twins following nearly side by side with Alfred clutching at Matthew, and Kiku bringing up the rear with his flashlight to help light the way.

While the house might have been sturdy it certainly creaked a lot as they walked through it, to an alarming degree on the staircase. The hairs on the back of Alfred's neck stood on end as they made their way to the second floor. It was freezing in here, practically a meat locker, and a thick layer of dust quickly coated their nose and the inside of their mouths. Here and there were pieces of broken furniture and evidence of past intruders.

Matthew looked around, trying to see past the desolate shadows cast by their lights. "Wh-where are we going exactly, Arthur?"

Arthur paused and looked back at them, silent for a moment. "...The attic of course."

A small whimper escaped Alfred. "B-but isn't that...that where Josephine k-k-kill-?"

"Yes, that is where she hanged herself. The place of death should be a particularly effective location to try and contact her. Now hurry up, I want to get this started before midnight."

Alfred froze, squeezing Matthew hard enough that it was starting to hurt. "C-can't we...can't we do it...anywhere else? N-not that I'm s-scared or anything I'm just... er..."

Kiku placed a soothing hand on his back. "Do not worry Alfred, that charm should keep you safe. You are in no danger."

Alfred swallowed hard and reached up, pulling it out of his shirt to clutch it. He really hoped it worked. Arthur tsked in annoyance and Alfred forced himself to continue forward. Matthew tried to say that they could leave, that there was still time to stop this here and now, but his words seemed to get trapped in his throat.

Arthur opened a door and started up another staircase. Their footsteps sounded too loud in the confined corridor. They all noticed a dim glow ahead and when they reached the top they saw that there was a ring of candles in the middle of the room, all evenly spaced out from one another. Alfred couldn't help but notice they were settled under one specific beam and a shiver went down his spine.

"Over here then. We'll sit in a circle where the candles indicate. Then I'll try to invoke Josephine's spirit. All I need is for everyone to cooperate, the whole thing should be fairly painless."

Kiku turned off his flashlight and put it away. "I wonder, would you like a protective charm Arthur? It could not hurt."

"No thank you, that is not necessary. I know what I'm doing, there should be no need for such things." Arthur walked over to the circle and picked up a book, flipping through it for a moment. It hardly installed confidence in Matthew who thought Kiku might have a better idea of how to take precautions against ghosts. Kiku was silent on the matter, putting his bag aside.

Alfred only moved closer to the circle as Matthew and Kiku wandered over to it. His heart was starting to race. This had been such a bad idea. The only thing keeping him together was telling himself that this was to help Josephine. His eyes fluttered down to the circle and he noticed an old black and white photo.

He started to reach down and Arthur's voice snapped testily, "You may look at it so long as you put it back exactly where it was."

Frowning slightly, Alfred carefully maneuvered around the candles and picked it up. "Is this...them?"

Arthur nodded once in a distracted manner and Alfred stepped back, holding the picture so Kiku and Matthew could see. It was of a young couple. Jonathon, undoubtedly blond and blue-eyed beneath the black and white, looked cheerful and buzzing with energy even in the photo. Neither Alfred or Matthew thought he looked too much like them, but there was undeniably a similarity in structure and build. He had his arm around a delicate looking woman who had to be Josephine. She was indeed quite pretty, her long hair flowing down one shoulder as she smiled shyly at the camera.

Alfred frowned slightly. "Hey...does Josephine look kinda... I dunno, familiar to you?"

Matthew sighed. "Al, please stop trying to dramatize this by thinking you've seen her before."

"No... I mean it's not like I think I've seen her or anything. There's just something about her that looks really familiar. I just can't put my finger on... never mind." There really was something about her that looked familiar though.

Arthur slammed his book shut and put it down, taking a seat on the ground. "Please put that back, I'm ready to begin. I think it would be best if Alfred and Matthew were on opposite ends of the circle from one another."

For a moment they looked at each other uncertainly. Finally Kiku sank down to his knees across from Arthur. Matthew tried to smile encouragingly. "I-it'll be okay Al."

Alfred nodded, fear clouding his eyes. They sat across from one another, Alfred putting the photo back in the center of the circle.

"Now, everyone take each other's hands if you will." Arthur reached out for Matthew's and Alfred's hands. They slowly reached out and took his hands, then joined hands with Kiku. Alfred didn't know about everyone else but he was starting to feel slightly sick. "I shall begin now. Please refrain from speaking until after I've tried making contact. And no screaming, if you will."

Alfred huffed but remained quiet. Arthur took a deep breath, eyes closing. "Josephine Carter, we respectfully ask that you honor us with your presence this evening. We wish to speak to you, please, give us a sign that you are here."

There was not even so much as the flicker of a candle. Alfred looked at everyone nervously. Kiku stared steadfastly at Arthur, expression calm. Matthew looked at him uncertainly then to Arthur, then back.

Arthur's eyes remained closed, his expression unperturbed. After a tense moment Arthur spoke again. "Josephine Carter, we respectfully ask that you honor us with your presence this evening. We wish to speak to you, please, give us a sign that you are here."

Still there was nothing. Just uneasy silence.

Arthur frowned and opened his eyes. "...Alfred and Matthew, would both of you repeat what I have said? At the same time, please."

Alfred and Matthew looked at each other, unspoken things passing between them before they both nodded and began to speak. Alfred's voice shook and Matthew's was barely above a whisper as they repeated the words. "Josephine Carter, we respectfully ask that you honor us with your presence this evening. We wish to speak to you, please, give us a sign that you are here."

The candles flickered violently and a thrill of sorts went through all of them. Arthur licked his lips. "Again, one more time!"

But Alfred's voice was frozen and Matthew's eyes were growing large. "I...I don't think w-we should be doing this Arthur..."

"Don't be ridiculous, just invoke her one more ti-"

Arthur didn't get the chance to finish the sentence. There was a loud banging sound that made all of them jump. More followed, as if every door in the entire house was opening and then closing again sharply.

Kiku looked at Arthur, his usually blank face reflecting panic. "Can you stop it?"

Arthur stared back, looking quite pale. "It's... I mean...It's never actually worked before."

The door to the attic finally slammed and there was something like rapid footsteps stomping up the stairs.

Alfred tried to back up, the only thing keeping him in place being Kiku's and Arthur's hands. "Oh shit, oh shit, oh-"

A scream filled the room and the candles flared up and wavered sporadically. Four sets of eyes were drawn up suddenly as they became aware of something swinging above them. Cold chills went down their spines as they saw it was Josephine's body swaying back and forth from an old rope. Blond hair covered most of her face, blue from asphyxiation. And then the candles went out, leaving them in complete darkness.

Alfred let out a scream and tore his hands free from Kiku and Arthur, backing up violently to get away. There was the sound of rustling and some more banging, Alfred's panicked cries puncturing the air over and over again then tapering off into sobs.

A moment later there was a single beam of light as Kiku finally found his flashlight. It swept first around the room, glancing at each of their faces. Matthew was pale and had also backed away from the circle, tears standing in his eyes. Arthur was squinting intently at the place where Josephine's body had been but turned down to Kiku as the light was flashed on him. Finally he located Alfred, sobbing into his knees. Once he had everyone accounted for Kiku slowly allowed the flashlight to travel to the beam. There was nothing there.

Kiku frowned thoughtfully. "...Arthur, you gave us the impression you had a grasp on the situation. Yet you say this is the first time this has ever worked for you?"

Arthur cleared his throat. "Well... I know the basic idea behind..."

Matthew sat up, moving closer to the light. "Y-you said... it would just be like a conversation! You said you knew what you were doing! What...the hell did we do? What did we just do?"

Two different songs began to play, clashing and overly loud in the sudden silence. Alfred cried out again until he realized it was from his pocket. With shaking fingers he dug out his cellphone, Matthew pulling his own out on the other side of the room. They looked at them. The caller ID simply said 'No Name'.

Neither of them answered, simply staring. Alfred tried pressing 'end' but the phone kept ringing no matter how many times he hit it. He dropped it and put his hands over his ears, close to hyperventilating.

A moment later the phones both picked up on their own, the same voice as before speaking with an echo effect through what sounded vaguely like static, "You've finally come home... Jonathon..."

AN: Kiku's reference to four being close to death comes from the Japanese word for four which sounds like "shi" which is the same pronunciation as death.

Also the séance is not quite accurate to how one would probably be performed. I've never been part of one but I looked it up. First of all you would usually use a table. I just went with the candles representing the shape of a table. Three and numbers divisible for three are supposed to work well in séances whether it be number of people or candles used. I just sort of went with a ceremony that is vaguely similar.