New chapter. I really think that this story is going to go well...and Ill get to finish it. Yay!

Thanks, once again, for reviewing my story, Kerri. Shortening it just saves me time

Anyways...its story time!

I quickly turned on my heel and rushed to the right. I had to find Itsuki quickly. Maybe he would be able to help me.

I turned to the left and ran into the yard where Itsuki was.

"Itsuki! Itsuki!" I shouted, running towards his 'home' in a hurry. "Itsuki!"

"Mio?" I heard a voice ask questionably.

"Itsuki!" I shouted, grabbing on to the handles of the window he was peeking out of. "Itsuki! I need your help!"

"Mio...why are you here? You should have escaped when you had the chance."

"I had to come back...to see Mayu."

"To see Mayu? Why?"

"I just....Im not sure. Mourning at an empty grave didnt seem to be enough." I responded to his question. What was the truth? Maybe that reason was a lie. Maybe...maybe I wished that I could have died with Mayu...after all...

"We were always supposed to be together." I heard a voice echo behind me combined with my own voice. I turned around quickly.

"Mayu?" I said, confused.

She smiled and limped toward me. It was her. On her right shoulder rested a crimson red butterfly.

"Mayu...its you." I said, hugging Mayu. I felt her return the hug.

"Mio...I have to tell you...the village..."

"What about it?"

"The exit is lost."

I froze for a second. The air in my lungs seemed to disappear like magic.

"What do you mean...lost?"

"Well...its not lost exactly. Its just...all of the paths in and out of the village are under guard by Sae and her Kusabi."

"Theres still a chance that we can escape. They cant be both places at once."

"No, Mio. You dont understand. Sae guards one exit and the Kusabi guards another."

"Why? Why would she do such a thing?"

"Shes afraid. Me, Itsuki and Sae are the only people who are left in the village. Everyone elses spirit was set free. Shes alone, Mio. Shes only had us to talk to. Shes afraid that if we escape, shell have to be alone for the rest of her life. Nobody deserves that, Mio. Nobody! Thats why we have to stay here."

"But Mayu...I dont want to leave without you...even if I can leave...I dont want to leave here alone." I said, tears running down my face. I slipped out of Mayus arms and fell to the ground. Mayu lowered herself to look at me.

"Mio...maybe we can help Sae. What if she were to leave with us?"

"Would she even listen to us? What if she tries to kill us?"

"She wont. Not me, anyway. Trust me. If we can talk to Sae than Im sure that we can all leave here safely."

I didnt know what to do. I was confused. Should we try to talk to Sae? Wait...

Me, Itsuki and Sae are the only people who are left in the village.

Only ones left in the village? But what about the ghost I saw guarding the door? Was it really there?

"Mayu...are you sure that were the only ones left in the village?"

"Well...yes and no. You see...well...maybe now isnt the best time to tell you."

"Tell me! Tell me now!" I shouted.

We all heard something walk towards us. I turned to see what it was. A dog? A ghost dog...

It jumped towards us and latched onto my arm.

"Augh!" I let out a cry of pain and distress. "Mayu! Take the camera!" I shouted, referring to the camera that had been dropped on the floor.

Mayu slowly picked up the camera and aimed.

"Mayu! Hurry!" I shouted. The pain was starting to be too much for me. I couldnt stand it.

SNAP! went the shudder of the camera. The dog let go of my arm and staggered back. Mayu took aim again. She was letting the power in the camera charge. Mayu remembered how to use the camera apparently. Which I was grateful for.

SNAP!

The dog faded out of existence.

"What..was that?" I asked.

"Saes minions. She kind of went crazy and now shes using some sort of ancient magic to summon spirits. We really need to help her."

I got up and looked at Mayu.

"Mayu. I need to go talk to Sae. You stay here."

"Mio! No! Youre hurt! I cant let you go and talk to her. Youll be in danger."

"And you wont?"

"Not as much. Itll be safer if I go. Wait inside with Itsuki and Ill be back as soon as I can. Ok?" She tried to convince me. I guess I didnt have much of a choice. I nodded and handed her the camera.

"You might need it."

I watched Mayu walk out of the yard and down the road. It might be one of the last times I saw Mayu.