Hey everyone~ Remember when I used to be good at updating things regularly? Like... once a week? -sighs heavily- Sorry for making everyone wait so long for everything.

Small warnings in this chapter for Gilbert's mouth and mild fanservice.

No one was quite sure how much time had passed when Ludwig stirred. His usually meticulous hair was a mess and when he spoke his voice was oddly gentle. "I'm feeling much better now. I think I should be fine moving."

"About damned time," Gilbert muttered. He was getting anxious with all this waiting and he didn't like how he was feeling one bit. Gilbert Bieldschmidt did not get scared, damn it!

Arthur seemed to be pulled from thoughts a million miles away. For a moment he looked older than he was in the flashlight's glow then once more resembled the frightened teenager he was. "I think we should get going then. Josephine's power is probably strongest in this room."

Kiku's gaze wandered over to the twins. They held fast to each other and it became confusing for him to tell where Alfred began and Matthew ended. He blinked and the strange illusion was lost. This place was getting to him, too. "Matthew, is he alright to go?"

"I-I'm right here, you know," Alfred said softly, his voice delicate. "I can move, yeah."

Alfred started to stand, Matthew rising with him. They supported one another until they were both on their feet. It occurred to Arthur that they shouldn't stand so close together, that it would be better strategically to separate them. He held his tongue. That logic would undoubtedly not get very far under these circumstances.

Gilbert likewise helped haul Ludwig to his feet. He wavered once but after that he seemed solid, if not a bit pale. When they were all standing they stared at one another in a sort of bemused daze. It was actually Alfred that finally broke it. "I want to go home."

Matthew rubbed his back. "We're going to go home right now. We..."

They had never found a way out. It was then that Gilbert had what was possibly his only good idea for the entire night. "Oh! The only reason we couldn't get out of the house before was because the bitch blocked up the doors and threw shit at us. If we move something out of the way while she's still weak we can get out!"

Everyone felt a wave of relief. Ludwig nodded. "There are certainly enough of us to move anything she put in front of the door. We should move quickly, though."

After all, if Ludwig was feeling better, how did Josephine feel? Huddling close together, the group started down the stairs. Arthur went first, holding the flashlight. Kiku was close behind him, followed by the twins. Ludwig then Gilbert brought up the rear. They all held their breath, waiting for the hostess of this grim party to make an appearance.

They carefully walked around the grandfather clock, Alfred shuddering. Ludwig glanced down at it then kept his face forward, jaw clenching. The stairs creaked and it sounded far too loud in their hushed silence. Still, there were no incidents as they all made it safely to the first floor.

Arthur paused, waiting. Nothing. He strode towards the front door and they fanned out a bit, looking at the large desk that was blocking their path. "If two of us push, the rest can pull either from the side or the front. With all of us this should be doable."

They all quickly discussed it. Ludwig and Alfred (who seemed calmer than he had since they first got there) would pull, Matthew and Arthur would push, and Gilbert and Kiku would do what they could to add extra force from the side.

As they moved into position a chilling question went through all of their minds. Was it really this easy? They tried not to let it linger but it did. Surely it couldn't be this simple. It never was. Alfred knew that better than the others and he was determined to get out before things got really bad because it never, never was-

There was a faint crackling sound from the cellphones and every one of their hearts sank. Ludwig immediately took control, his voice overly loud and harsh. "On the count of three we put everything we've got into it! One! Two-"

"Jonathon..."

"Three!"

"You can't leave me again, Jonathon!"

Everyone put as much force as they could into it, pushing or shoving as hard as was possible. They trembled with the effort, breaking out into a cold sweat. The air was filled with wood grinding against wood and the flashlight rolled along its surface making light flash sporadically. They got it halfway past the door before they had to stop.

"Come on," Alfred whined, trying to pull.

"Just give us a second and we can regroup," Arthur said, teeth clenched tightly together. They were all filled with nervous energy, eager to start up again. They took a breath and repositioned themselves as the crackling became stronger.

"Jonathon!"

"One, two, thre-" They were about to move again when one of the drawers struck out violently, smacking Gilbert sharply in the ribs. He swore loudly as Kiku hastily backed up, his injured arm pulled away from it protectively.

Josephine's voice was suddenly booming, no longer just in the cellphones. "Stop trying to take him from me! Let me have my Jonathon!"

Gilbert held his ribs, ignoring the throbbing pain. "You crazy bitch! Your husband left you! He probably had some other really smokin' lover on the side. And I don't blame him. If I had to spend more than five seconds with you I'd run off too! I'd rather kill my-"

Matthew shoved him hard to make him shut up. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Gilbert was about to retort when he was violently pulled onto his back. He struggled as he tried to get a hold of something that he couldn't even see. It started to drag him along the floor rapidly and he writhed, trying to get free. "Ludwig!"

Ludwig was sprinting after his brother in a heartbeat, trying to catch up with him. He had almost reached him when Gilbert was violently yanked to the side, thrown against a wall. He gave a pained cry as he struck the wood, a more frantic one escaping him as he was shoved against it again.

"Gil!" Ludwig was reaching for his brother again when a chair came flying at him from the dark, tripping him up and sending him painfully onto his knees.

Josephine's voice came out as a hiss, filled with self-righteous fury. "Nasty boy, getting in my way, saying ugly lies! I won't let you! I won't let you take him from me again! I'll kill you if I have to!"

Gilbert was dragged kicking and cursing up the wall. The others watched in a sort of dazed horror, tingles traveling up their spines and making their scalps crawl. Cement seemed to root them to the spot.

Knees stinging, Ludwig pulled himself up to his feet and grabbed his brother's legs. He was hoping that the power of his charm would be enough to stop her but his brother kept getting pulled up higher. "Stop! Don't hurt him!"

The cellphones cracked so loudly it was as if they were giving off a faint electric charge. Matthew took his out almost on impulse, staring at it for a moment. In a shaky breath he started to talk at the static. "Josephine, if you can hear me... please stop!"

"No! I won't! I won't let him take you away!" There was a frustrated sound and then the chair that had assaulted Ludwig splintered into pieces. One of the chair legs rose up and came flying at Gilbert, cracking him sharply along the ribs. His mouth opened as he let out a silent gasp of pain, no sound coming out.

The sound from the cellphones began to resemble something like a high pitched shriek as items floated from the ground, hanging in suspension. Arthur was trembling. Josephine was going all out. At this rate she very well might burn out but she might also kill Gilbert in the process. There was one last thing he might be able to do but... He looked around. The others looked ashen faced, obviously unsure of what to do. Ludwig was trying to pull his brother down, crying out desperately at Josephine as she assaulted his brother mercilessly with the chair leg. His resolve firmed in that moment, as much as he didn't care for it.

Arthur strode forward, voice a bit uncertain when he spoke. "Josephine... Please, stop."

The crackling continued, as did the cries of pain from Gilbert, and Ludwig's pleas. Arthur took a slow breath then spoke again, voice booming. "Aunt Josephine, stop this at once!"

There was a sudden, strange hush in the room. Josephine had gone still and the others were deadly quiet. Matthew stared at Arthur, lips parting for a moment before he seemed to force himself to speak. "Arthur... what did you just call her?"

Arthur cleared his throat, standing up straighter. "Josephine is my great great Aunt."

The uncertain silence continued for a few more beats of time.

"If this is true," Kiku said softly. "That would explain a few things. Your strange fixation with making Alfred and Matthew come out here. Also, Alfred said that Josephine looked familiar to him. It was not because he had ever seen her before, but because she resembles you."

Ludwig's grasp didn't loosen around his brother's legs but that did give him pause. "Now that you mention it... I wasn't thinking it at the time but she does look like him."

Things were clicking into place but Gilbert hardly cared. His rage flared up and he gasped out, "You bastard! You were working for her! You summoned her and lured Alfred and Matthew here to-" The chair leg came down sharply against Gilbert. "Ah! You bitch!"

Before Josephine could further retaliate, Arthur hastily spoke. "Look, it's true that I knew about this connection between us. All I wanted was to put her at peace. That's all, I swear! I never had any dark intentions and never imagined it would turn out like this. And now I'm going to make things right if I can."

Arthur took a deep breath, "Aunt Josephine, please stop this. Can't something be arranged?"

There was a soft crackle of static and Gilbert was suddenly dropped. Ludwig awkwardly caught him before they both tumbled to the ground. Matthew's and Alfred's cellphones both began to ring. Matthew jumped and quickly fumbled to pull his out. There was no information on the caller ID. Chest feeling tight, he answered it. "H-hello?"

"Jonathon...put my nephew on the phone, please. Thank you, darling."

Her voice sounded faded, tired, but determined. Matthew swallowed hard and held the phone out for Arthur, who took it gingerly. "Josephine?"

"Arthur... You'll help me, won't you? I beg of you. I can only find peace so long as I have my Jonathon with me! If you do this for me I'll let the others go, no exceptions. They can walk right out the door. I just need your body for a little while. Only a little while? Please?" She let out a soft sob. "Please, Arthur?"

Arthur glanced at Gilbert, who was being supported and watched over carefully by Ludwig. He was definitely worse for wear. Next his gaze turned to Matthew, who was staring at him with wide eyes, hands clenched together so hard his fingers were pale as bone. Next Arthur met Kiku's eyes, usually so calm and clear, now clouded with uncertainty and strain. He was still holding his injured arm. At last his gaze traveled back to Alfred and for the first time he noticed the strange mood that had overcome him. "Alfred...?"

Static crackled in his ear and he ignored it for the moment. Alfred was staring straight ahead, his eyes glossy. His expression was perfectly blank. A chill went through him and he was convinced that Josephine had done something to him. That should be impossible, though. He was wearing one of the protection charms.

Matthew had followed his gaze and his expression became even more horrified. He hurried over to his twin and shook him gently. "Alfred? Alfred! Please, say something!"

Alfred gave no indication he had heard anything, merely staring straight ahead. Matthew let out a low sob. "What's wrong? What's happened? Alfred!"

"I think he's in some form of shock," Kiku said uncertainly. "Perhaps this latest assault was too much for him and he went somewhere else for a while. To cope."

Arthur had to think. He needed time—but there was none. The decision had to be made now. Did he let them potentially all die? Did he risk letting Josephine exhaust herself? He finally spoke in a low voice. "Josephine, give me a couple of minutes. Five, no more than five are needed. Just... let me talk to them. I will give you my decision then. Please allow us some privacy?"

There was an uncertain silence. Arthur knew he was pushing it. There was no reason she should trust him any more than the others just because he was some great nephew of hers. There was the slightest crackle. "Very well. Five minutes. I will grant you privacy but if I think you are trying to trick me..."

"I understand. Nothing like that will happen. Thank you." The cellphone went quiet in his hand and he numbly lowered it. "We have to talk."

Ludwig tried to help Gilbert to his feet and was brushed off impatiently. "You think we should listen to a goddamn traitor like you? Are you going to kill them? Is that what you're going to do? Tell us to give them up? I'm waiting!"

Arthur gave him an affronted look. "It's not like that at all! I can... I can make a deal with her, but you have to cooperate with me. She wants to possess me and... finish what she started, I assume. However, this might not be the worst deal to make. She would let the rest of you go. And Ludwig said possessing him had made her tired. I'm sure it will make her tired to possess me as well. She has already used even more energy against Gilbert and might lose stamina before she can do any real harm. Meanwhile, one of you can call the police. Say it's an emergency. They can break in here and... It's honestly the best I've got."

"Now isn't that depressing. The best you can do is leave yourself vulnerable so your crazy aunt can kill one if not both of them. Look! Alfred is in some kind of comatose state! Josephine has crazy ghost powers and you want to let her possess you and leave him at your mercy? It'll be a slaughterfest! Maybe you just enjoy the idea of it," Gilbert hissed accusingly.

"That is enough, Gilbert!" Ludwig snapped. "We have to think about this carefully. Arthur, she really is very desperate. Do you think that you can handle it?"

Matthew interrupted suddenly. "Shouldn't you be asking me that? Can we handle that? Can I handle that? I'm not sure, actually but... I say it's worth a shot. Maybe Arthur can try to resist her and I can overwhelm him and hold him down until you get help. And... I think it's worth it to try and take Alfred out with you. She... I don't know why she needs both of us and..."

They didn't need him to finish the sentence. It was obvious that Alfred was in bad condition. He was so distant, as if there was no one there at all. It was a miracle he hadn't gone into this strange state earlier but everything had obviously finally gotten to him. He needed to be taken away from there as soon as possible. Alfred wouldn't even be able to protect himself from Josephine.

Kiku ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't want us to have to leave anyone behind. It's..."

"It's our decision." Matthew stated more firmly than anyone expected from him. "Just like it was my decision to come here with my stupid brother and it was his decision to come with this... this idiot."

Arthur didn't seem vexed by the words so much as ashamed. "If you act quickly, I'm sure no harm will come to anyone...more than it already has."

Gilbert was glaring at him harshly. Ludwig had already decided. He didn't want to abandon Alfred or Matthew or even Arthur, but he had to get Gilbert out of this house. Josephine would definitely kill him if given the chance and Gilbert would only provoke it. "I think we should do it."

Gilbert stared at his brother in disbelief then sneered. "It seems everyone has their mind made up about it anyway."

There was a short pause. Kiku was about to protest one more time when the cellphone rang again. This time it was only Matthew's. Arthur raised it. Once again, no contact information. He answered it. "Josephine?"

"Your decision?"

Arthur looked at everyone else then closed his eyes. "I will do it. You must keep up your end of the agreement though. Let the others free."

Josephine's voice softened with eager relief. "Yes, oh yes I will! Remember, Jonathon must stay. And you have to take that necklace off that prevents me from touching him."

Arthur hesitated but if they had already decided there was no point backing out now. "Alright. We'll send the charms out with the others."

Kiku made a face but Arthur shook his head at him. Matthew removed his necklace slowly then reached up and took off his brother's. This was ridiculous. No protection at all. He handed the charms to Kiku, who gripped them tightly. His face was pale and almost sickly.

With them removed Arthur was momentarily afraid that Josephine wouldn't keep her end of the bargain after all. Her voice distracted him from his thoughts. "Are you ready?"

Arthur took in a shaky breath. No, he was not ready for this. "Yes."

There was a pause and then the cellphone went silent again. Josephine appeared before them, closer than anyone was expecting. They all took a step back from her. Shaking, Arthur handed Matthew's cellphone to Ludwig and tried to stand up taller as he approached her. Josephine pushed back her long blond hair, revealing her face, each vein cutting across it like a marker of her sorrow. Arthur tried not to wince away, disturbed by similarities that were undeniable between them as they came face to face.

"Arthur," Kiku said uncertainly. Arthur held his hand up.

"Go ahead, Aunt Josephine." He braced himself, terrified and oddly thrilled. Goosebumps prickled along his arms.

Josephine came closer, pressing in close to Arthur. The others watched in horror as she possessed him, Ludwig shuddering as he remembered the sensation. Arthur collapsed to his knees, gasping. It was easier on Josephine this time. Perhaps it was because she was not met with resistance or maybe it had something to do with their shared bloodline. She easily slipped into his skin, into his mind.

There was a strange moment as they came together that Arthur saw as she did. All of the others seemed vague in her vision, their faces unfocused. Most interesting of all was that each had a distinct aura surrounding them. One was rounded and soothing and blue. Another, red and harsh and jagged. Yet another, solid and nearly orange with tints of red here and there. And then there was mild confusion. Two were exactly the same. Soft around the edges and golden and kind. So kind.

Arthur felt his aunt's attraction to these auras and in a strange round about away understood that they were similar to what Jonathon's aura must have been like. Josephine was more focused on Alfred and Mathew's auras than their actual appearance (other than the fact that it was loosely similar to her husband's). And there was no telling one from the other. So that was why. They were-

Jonathon.

Arthur's consciousness was overwhelmed by Josephine's and he was pushed very far back into a corner, completely shut out from what she was doing. She could not allow for anyone to interfere, not even Arthur. This was her last chance and it would be all or nothing.

Josephine opened Arthur's eyes slowly, feeling her control over this body. She turned her attention to the others. They jumped as the desk slid the final few feet out of the way of the door. It took more effort but she could still do that even in a body. The door swung open invitingly.

"Go. All of you. But Jonathon must stay."

There was a moment of uncertainty. Was it worth it to try and run? No. She would surely close the door before then and who knew what would happen if they broke the agreement. Matthew gently pushed his brother towards Kiku. "Please take him with you. She only needs one of us."

Kiku bit his lip hard then took Alfred's arm, guiding him towards the door. It started to swing shut. "Jonathon must stay!"

Matthew let out a frustrated sob. "Why isn't one of us enough?"

If Josephine heard the question, she chose not to acknowledge it. "Leave, before I change my mind."

Gilbert growled low in his throat and Ludwig grabbed his arm tightly before he could even think of doing anything stupid. "We'll do what we planned to begin with. We'll go out and get help for them."

There was a pause and then Kiku released Alfred. He walked out the door, followed by Ludwig who had a tight grip on his brother's arm and was dragging him out. They had barely gotten outside when it slammed shut behind them. Gilbert turned and grabbed the knob, trying to pull it open. It remained stuck fast. "Locked it, that bitch."

Ludwig immediately took out the cellphone Arthur had given him and started to dial the police. Gilbert continued to pound on the door, kicking it when that didn't seem to be doing any good.

Kiku eventually touched his shoulder, worried that he might hurt himself. "Stop that, Gilbert, it will do us no good. Once the police come then-"

Ludwig's voice rose angrily and they turned to look at him. He was staring at the cellphone in disgust. Kiku frowned. "What's happened, Ludwig? Are they coming?"

"No," Ludwig said, voice thick with anger.

Kiku gave him a horrified look. "What do you mean, no?"

"Guess how many prank calls they've received over the years about 'emergencies' at the Carter house on Halloween night? They told me to stop wasting their time and not to call back."

"Maybe if you try again-"

"I feel that unless I threatened something... I could try. They seemed pretty impatient about it." Ludwig was rubbing his temples, trying to think.

"Screw that," Gilbert snapped. "I have a plan. I just have to get something from my car. Give me a minute and I'll be back. We'll get in there and save Al and Matthew from that psycho ghost for sure!"

Gilbert took off like he shot, holding his side. It screamed with each footstep but he steadfastly ignored it. He had parked up away from the house a bit to hide it from the others. Now the distance was a hindrance. Time was precious and if they didn't hurry someone very well might end up dead after all. All Kiku and Ludwig could do was wait pensively.

~.

Inside the house it was eerily quiet. Matthew flinched as Gilbert banged on the door then ignored it and turned back towards Arthur. Or Josephine. He swallowed hard, standing between Josephine and Alfred. "W-well Josephine... here I am."

Josephine stepped towards him, holding her arms out. "My dear, aren't you happy? We can be together now. If you come with me we can-"

"No." Matthew straightened up, though his hands trembled violently. "I won't. I'm here Josephine, but I will not sit by and let you hurt me or my brother. We are not Jonathon. You have to open your eyes up and see this!"

Josephine stared at him, arms slowly dropping. She looked as if he had slapped her. Arthur's mouth tightened, eyes narrowing. "I see... Jonathon... I didn't want to have to do this. We will be joined once more whether you want to return to me or not."

Josephine held out an arm and a large shard of broken glass that littered the floor wobbled then came to her hand. "I didn't want to have to hurt you this way but..."

Matthew paled but thought he could hold her off. He was mostly concerned about his brother. What if she attacked him at the same time? As it turned out he should have been more worried about himself. As he watched her cautiously the desk suddenly came flying forward. Matthew cried out as he was hit from behind, knocked over roughly. He let out a pained gasp and scrambled to his feet. Josephine stood over him, eyes wide with desperation and fury. "Jonathon!"

Matthew yelped in pain as she swung the shard and it clipped him, cutting him sharply down the chest at an angle. He had just stumbled back when the desk hit him again and he landed hard on his knees. Matthew was dazed, brain buzzing as he tried to think. His breath came in short gasps. Alfred-

The desk shifted towards his side and came at him. Matthew frantically moved away from it, his back suddenly hitting the wall. The desk dragged across the remaining space between them, pinning his arm and shoulder to the wall at a painful angle. "Stop!"

Josephine walked over, singing softly. Her expression was serene. Matthew watched with wide eyes, the desk smashing against his shoulder and sending a white hot flash of pain through him. He sobbed, not sure if something had been broken. Josephine stopped in front of him and raised the shard of glass, a droplet of Matthew's blood dripping from the jagged edge to the floor. "We'll be together. You'll be with me forever. Just the two of us like you promised!"

Matthew struggled against the heavy wood that pressed him to the wall. Fear was like a cold blade down his spine. If she killed him then she'd kill Alfred next. Where were the others? Why hadn't anyone stopped this yet? "Run! Please, Alfred, snap out of it and run!"

The shard of glass was raised and Matthew's breath caught in his throat. He was going to die. He was going to-

"Josephine!"

Josephine paused and looked over towards Alfred. He was pale but seemed more himself again. Matthew turned to look at him. What was he doing? Was he insane?

Though Josephine's concentration had been broken she quickly recovered. "I will get to you soon, my love. Until then I must take care of-"

Alfred's voice cut in, strong and steady. "Do you not recognize your own husband?"

Josephine's froze, eyes widening. Matthew gaped. What? What was he talking about? Josephine squinted down at Matthew then turned fully to Alfred. "Of course, of course I do, my love! It has just been so long..."

Alfred walked closer. He seemed calm and collected. Josephine cut the rest of the distance until they faced one another. Josephine looked up at him, almost disbelieving. "Where have you been all this time, Jonathon? I was so alone. So very alone... You promised!"

She reached up, putting Arthur's arms around him, pressing close. "I missed you..."

Alfred rested his arms loosely around Arthur's waist. "I know."

Josephine slowly began to raise the shard up high, intent on bringing it down into his back. Then they could be together. Then he would keep his promise!

Matthew cried out in warning but Alfred didn't pay him any mind. His eyes were locked on Arthur's, looking into them as he addressed Josephine. "I know. I know you've been lonely... and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Before Josephine could make a killing blow Alfred leaned in, kissing her deeply. She went very still, squeezing the glass tightly until it bit into the flesh of Arthur's palm and blood began to roll sluggishly down to his wrist and into the cuff of his sleeve. His hand wavered indecisively and then the broken piece of glass was dropped, shattering completely as it hit the ground. A hand came up into Alfred's hair, clutching with desperation. The other touched his cheek, smearing blood across it.

When they were both nearly breathless Alfred pulled back, reaching up to cup Arthur's face. "Josephine... I've done wrong by you. None of this is what I intended for. I wanted to be with you. Nothing... nothing was supposed to come between us but it just didn't work out that way. Things went wrong. I'm sorry my love. So sorry..."

Tears welled up and slipped down Arthur's cheeks. "Why did you leave me here? I never wanted anything but you, don't you understand? I've waited so long. So long-!"

Alfred hugged her fiercely. "And I'm here now. I'm right here for you. I'm sorry I was so late. Josephine... you never wanted to hurt anyone, did you?"

"No." She pressed a tear stained cheek against his chest, clutching him as if he were a lifesaver.

"I didn't think so. You were just scared and alone, weren't you? And it was my fault. But I'm here now." Alfred gently pushed her back. "Josephine... it's time for you to come home."

Josephine nodded slowly, fresh tears welling up. "We can go together, can't we?"

Alfred shook his head slowly. "No, you have to make this journey on your own. But I promise something so much better will be waiting on the other side for you."

Josephine gave him a reproachful look, panic rising up again. "I want to go together! What if I go and you're not really waiting for me?"

Alfred took Arthur's hands, lifting them up to kiss his knuckles gently. "I know I broke a very important promise to you in the past. I would do anything to fix that. Trust me this once, Josephine. Once more. It's time to move on. Then we can be together."

Josephine searched his eyes and finally let out a soft sob. She brought her Johnath's hands up to a clammy cheek. "I'm sorry... You must be so ashamed of me after all I've done. I was just so very lonely without you."

"I know. It's okay. Everything will be okay." Alfred leaned down and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

She gave him a tearful smile and reached up to touch his cheek again. Fear and hope flashed in her eyes and she moved to kiss him briefly once more on the lips. She had him here, now, and they were together. But Jonathon had come back. He'd finally come home to take her from this place. He was far too late, but he was keeping his promise at last. "I love you, Jonathon. I have always loved you."

"And I have never stopped loving you, Josephine. Never."

Tears continued to roll down Arthur's cheeks, lower lip quivering. Finally Josephine nodded, her grip loosening. "I'll go. And I'll find you on the other side. I... You're sure we'll be together?"

"Yes. We'll find each other. This time I'll keep my promise. If you can't find me, sing that song I love and I'll come straight to you. Trust me, Josie."

Josephine swallowed thickly. It seemed an eternity since she had last been called that. A spring morning, freshly awoken by a kiss, being promised this trip would be the last one and then it would just be them. Forget the rest of the world, just the two of them forever. "Then I'll go. Please don't keep me waiting again. I can't take it any longer."

"I won't. I'll be waiting for you. Now let go."

Josephine slowly backed away from him, their hands sliding, lingering, fingers finally parting. She began to detach herself from Arthur, who fell first to his knees and then slumped over onto his side as she fully left his body. Josephine let out a soft sigh. She was so tired... brittle. It would be good to rest. She had been waiting such an awfully long time.

Josephine began to fade, her eyes never leaving her darling Jonathon. There was a peace that filled an aching wound within her. Matthew watched from his corner, unaware that he was also crying. With a one final content sigh, Josephine was gone.

For a few breaths of time, no one moved. They were still, and then Alfred seemed to startle back to his senses. He looked down at Arthur and let out something that was a mixture of a hysterical laugh and a sob. "Oh my god."

He crouched down, repeating the phrase again and again, checking Arthur's pulse. He blinked and looked down at himself and stared at the blood on his hand then reached up to touch his cheek. When his fingers came back wet with blood Alfred stumbled to a wall and began to vomit.

Anxiety welled up within Matthew. "Al! Alfred!"

Once he had finished Alfred wiped his mouth shakily with the back of his sleeve and hurried over to his brother, grasping his hand. "You're okay? Matt?"

"I-I'll be alright. Alfred, you... What happened?"

Alfred became distant, looking like he was close to having a nervous break down. "I heard you cry out and I just... I don't know. I don't..."

Alfred began to sob as he braced himself and started to shove the desk away from Matthew. As soon as there was enough room Matthew squeezed out from the space, rolling his shoulder. There was a deep ache there and his chest was bleeding but he was still alive. They both were. "Those things you were saying, I-"

Matthew stopped and stared at him then absurdly burst into tears, throwing himself at his brother.

"Oh god, Mattie, I was so s-scared!" Alfred began to sob so hard it hurt, all the strength leaving his body.

Matthew pet his hair, trembling just as violently as Alfred. "I know. Me, too. I was... But it's done now. Josephine is gone. We're safe. We-"

He couldn't speak anymore. His throat tightened and he gave into his own tears, most of which were from relief. They embraced fiercely, all things becoming distant except for the solid reality of one another. It felt as if neither would ever dare let go again. It was over...

Right?

~.

Gilbert came sprinting back across the lawn, jumping all of the stairs and nearly skidding into Kiku as he reached the porch. Completely breathless, he shoved a red container as his brother and lifted a crowbar, immediately starting on the door with a low grunt.

Kiku stared at him, stunned. Why did he have a crowbar? He was grateful but it was also perplexing. Not as perplexing as when he realized that the other thing Gilbert had brought was gasoline. The smell of it wafted gently in the air. "Gilbert, what are you planning?"

Gilbert said nothing, pushing all of his weight on the crowbar. "Shit! Ludwig, you do it!"

Without a word, Ludwig handed the container to Kiku and replaced his brother, pushing until the tendons stood out in his neck. With a sick splintering sound the wood burst from his force, the door swinging open. Gilbert grabbed the crowbar from his brother and charged in.

"Come at me, ghost bitch!" What he found was not a vengeful spirit bent on murder, but rather what appeared to be an unconscious Arthur and the twins holding onto each other for dear life.

Kiku rushed over to Arthur, half sure he might have been killed in the struggle that had surely taken place. His relief was immense when he found he was still alive. After searching a bit for some spare cloth he pulled a handkerchief out of his back pocket and began to wrap up his injured hand.

Ludwig went to the brothers, gently touching their shoulders. "You're alright?"

It took a long time but Matthew finally raised his head, nodding. "She's gone... It's done."

That was all he said before returning to his former position, face buried against Alfred's hair. Gilbert sneered at the house and picked up the container of gasoline, which Kiku had abandoned, and snatched up the flashlight that had fallen to the floor long ago. He started to run up the stairs, nearly tripping more than once. Ludwig stood and called after him. "Gilbert, what are you doing?"

Gilbert paused at the top of the stairs. If his face hadn't been overcast by the dark, they would have seen the fury in his expression. "I'm burning this house to the ground!"

It was common for Gilbert to have bad ideas, but that was just too much and Ludwig could barely believe his ears. "What? Don't be insane!"

But Gilbert was already heading down the hallway, leaping over the fallen grandfather clock. They heard him thundering up the attic stairs. Ludwig turned his attention back down to the others. "We have to get everyone out of here. That crazy-! I'll grab Arthur. Kiku, make sure these two get out."

Ludwig went over to Arthur, scooping him up. His head rolled, slumping against Ludwig's chest, and he made a soft sound. Kiku had made his way over to the twins, gently coaxing them to their feet. They did not speak or acknowledge what was going on, simply held fast to each other and shuffled outside with Kiku's delicate guidance. Ludwig carried Arthur out, not sure if he should hold onto him and wait or go in after his brother. Truth be told not one of them was that opposed to the idea of the house burning.

Gilbert, meanwhile, was splashing the gasoline around the attic. His expression was alive with a sadistic, furious glee. He allowed the gasoline to trail down the attic stairs and halfway down the hall. He paused, breath ragged, chest heaving. His grin was that of a malicious wolf as he struck a match against the wall. He held the small flame up. "Time to burn in Hell where you belong!"

He flicked the match and it fell to the floor, flames greedily shooting up to consume the gasoline. Gilbert wanted to watch it travel up the stairs but knew better than to stand around and get himself burned with the rest of this dump. He rushed down the stairs, jumping the last three. His leg almost buckled as he landed and a deep pain went through his side but he continued onward. He burst from the house just as Ludwig was starting to consider going in again. "Run! Get to the car!"

Gilbert grabbed his brother's sleeve and tugged before letting go and taking the lead. He let out a great whoop of success. Ludwig sighed, giving the house a concerned look. Finally he started at a slow jog towards his brother's car, trying not to tousle Arthur too much. Kiku gently pushed the twins forward, forced to go at a slower pace. They could not be roused to move more quickly.

Within, the fire was traveling rapidly, first spreading where the gasoline was and then licking at old, dry wood. It began to eat at the house ravenously, climbing the walls, going up the beams, over the floor. The attic was already engulfed in flames, the old photograph of Josephine and Jonathon turning black before fading to ash.

Gilbert waited at the driver's door, slamming his hand impatiently against the car roof. "Come on, come on!"

Ludwig maneuvered to open the front passenger's door. He started to slip Arthur into the middle and Gilbert shook his head. "Get in and put him against the door. I don't want him flopping onto me when we haul ass outta here."

Ludwig nodded but paused by the door. He finally slid in as Kiku arrived with Matthew and Alfred. As he got in, struggling to adjust the unconscious Arthur, Kiku opened the back door. The twins entered first, sitting hip to hip and clasping hands tightly. Their foreheads pressed together and they almost resembled some strange statue in their symmetry.

Kiku closed the door behind him, taking the time to clasp his seatbelt. Gilbert jumped into the car once they were all in and revved the engine. He peeled out, gravel crunching under his tires in short-lived resistance. As they passed the house they noted there was already a bright orange glow visible in the attic. The fire was more effective than Gilbert had planned. He slowed as they drove by it. If Josephine wasn't gone, Gilbert was more than a little smug over the fact that she sure as hell wouldn't have anywhere to come back to.

Satisfied, Gilbert took off at a speed alarmingly over the speed limit, a new urgency rising up. It wouldn't be any good if they got caught. The sky gradually brightened behind them with the rising flames. As they got closer to the town Gilbert slowed and glanced in his review mirror. They had made it. His body might ache and most of them were hurt in one way or another but they were all alive.

Gilbert dropped one of his hands down and found Ludwig's. Ludwig said nothing but grasped it. They didn't let go for the rest of the drive, even when it affected Gilbert's ability to drive properly. Arthur remained against the window, still unconscious and not seeming inclined to awake anytime soon. Kiku stared out his own window, silent and pale. From time to time he rubbed his arm. Alfred and Matthew whispered to each other so softly no one could hear them. Only they knew what passed between them but a calm came over them as time went on.

There were still a trickle of teenagers dressed up and walking around as they got further into familiar neighborhoods. It seemed absurd, somehow, that people would be joking and having a good time in cheap store bought costumes when they had almost died by supernatural means. Already their experience was starting to feel like a surreal nightmare, hardly even real. In time, probably a little different for each of them, they would even be able to talk and laugh about it as if it were merely a horror flick seen on t.v. There would no more late night calls from Josephine.

AN: I find the idea of people having unique auras to be very interesting. I figure 'magical' abilities or sensitivity to more phenomenal occurrences runs in Arthur's family. There will be one more chapter for wrap up and who knows what else~ So, hopefully that will be out soon. Hope you enjoyed!