Crimson Butterfly
A Fatal Frame Fanfiction
By Chendzee'a Li
www.chendzeea_li@hotmail.com
All characters belong to Tecmo.
Chapter 2
The lost village
"I heard singing before… but there's nobody here…" Mayu whispered as the two of them stared at the village below. A sudden feeling of uneasiness washed over them prompting Mayu to take her sister's hand. Mio squeezed reassuringly and smiled.
"We'll be okay." She said soothingly.
"Promise…?"
"I promise."
"What now?" Mayu asked, looking around thoughtfully.
"We get out of here." Mio nodded, then headed back towards the large wooden gate she'd passed under early. Hand in hand the two then turned towards the large red arch. It looked different than when Mio entered. The gate looked to have fallen apart with age and disrepair. But most disturbing of all was that the trail leading back down the hill was gone.
"What the?" Mio frowned. Sensing something amiss Mayu clung to her arm worriedly.
"What? What is it?"
"The trail is gone…"
"Wha?"
"It's gone…vanished." She clarified, looking around.
"What will we do?"
"I guess we'll just make our own." Mio shrugged stepping into the thick underbrush. She'd only made it a few steps before thorny briars pricked and stabbed at her legs, while the thick tangle roots nearly toppled her. Mayu stood in the clearing behind her watching her sister's meager progress.
"Be careful…." She pleaded, holding her hands close to her chest in worry.
With a scowl, Mio looked around to see if she'd have better luck in another area. She wouldn't be so lucky and quickly realized it. Pausing in thought, she stood teetering unsteadily amid the waist high tangle of brambles and branches. She knew she could possibly worm her way through the mess, though it'd be painful, but Mayu most definitely couldn't.
"Mio?" Mayu called, growing anxious.
"I'm okay." Mio sighed, turning back to her.
"We can't get out this way." She said calmly, not wishing to alarm her. That said; she turned and made her way back to her sister.
"But you could." Mayu said quietly as she approached, looking down, ashamed at her weakness. Mio's heart sank and she wrapped her arms around her warmly.
"Not without you." She smiled, kissing the top of her head.
"I don't mean to be such a burden…" Mayu whispered.
"Hush…" Mio sighed cradling her. "We'll just find another way."
Mayu tried to be strong, and bit her lip in an attempt to hold back tears. Sniffing lightly, she turned and pointed.
"There's another trail." She noted pointing west, away from path leading down to village.
"Great." Mio chirped. Anything away from the village seemed like a good idea and she rushed to investigate. Mayu hobbled after her as quickly as she could, thankfully Mio waited for her before continuing. They didn't get far before coming to a large ravine. The chasm was large and far too sheer to risk climbing down, much less in the dark.
Mio slumped in defeat then looked somewhat optimistic upon spotting a bridge. Her joy was short lived as they approached. The bridge, such as it was, looked like a deathtrap. The wood was warped and brittle looking with whole sections missing. However, it did look possible to cross if need be, though neither really wanted to risk it. Peering thought the fog Mio bristled slightly.
"We don't want to go that way." She said flatly.
"What is it?" Mayu frowned, straining to see in the darkness. Through the fog, wooden grave makers poked up through the bushes on the other side of the chasm.
"It's a cemetery." Mio sighed.
"I don't think that'd be a good idea…" Mayu whispered quietly.
"Me either."
"Do you think we should check the village?"
"Yeah…" Mio answered sounding understandably apprehensive. "Come on…"
Their progress was slow with Mayu's injury but Mio didn't complain, not that she ever did. But Mayu stayed quiet so not to pester her, she knew she was upset, even if she didn't say so. Sometimes she worried that Mio resented her, resented her weakness, especially after the death of their parent's. With them gone, the responsibility of supporting them fell solely on her. Their inheritance was meager and Mio was forced to take a full time job on top of going to school. With her frail health, Mayu didn't have the stamina to do both. So it was decided that it would best to focus on her studies.
She helped the best she could though, by cooking and cleaning. Still, at times she felt useless and inadequate. Most of all, she felt guilty, guilty that Mio had to endure so much because of her and sometimes thought perhaps, things would be better if she just went away.
"Stop that." Mio chided her, squeezing her hand. Even without looking, she knew what she was thinking, Mio knew her as well as she knew herself.
"I'm sorry." Mayu whispered.
Sighing sadly, Mio turned to face her. With a stern look she shook her head.
"No, you don't ever have to apologize to me Mayu…ever."
Mayu shirked under the intensity of her sister's gaze and blushed.
"I'm sor…"
"Don't" Mio grinned. "What'd I just tell you." She continued, poking her playfully in the ribs.
Mayu jumped slightly then giggled.
"There we go." Mio smiled, then turned to continue down the trail leading to the village. She'd only taken a step before stumbling over something.
"Mio!" Mayu cried out reaching for her. Hopping about to regain her balance Mio looked down in surprise.
"I tripped." She explained.
"It was this." Mayu muttered, kneeling to pick up a weathered black bag.
"What's in it?" Mio asked, curious.
"I dunno, it's hard to see." Mayu shrugged, limping over to one of the torches lining the trail. Rummaging through the pack she found a few old candy bars, socks, a pair of gloves and small sealed bag with some news paper clipping.
Interested, Mio peeked over her shoulder to see.
"Well?" She asked curiously.
Mayu scanned the papers casually.
"Umm, something about a guy named Masumi Makimura. It says he was geologist working for the dam project. Apparently he turned up missing during survey and was eventually presumed dead."
"That's depressing. Perhaps he's here somewhere." Mio offered hopefully then reached into the bag. "Oh look." She exclaimed retrieving a photo.
It was of a man and woman, obviously a couple.
"Wonder who they are?" Mio asked curiously.
Mayu frowned gravely.
"Lets go…" She whispered, dropping the bag.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah… I just don't want to be out here anymore."
"Okay." Mio nodded, taking her hand. With that, they hurried on their way.
*****************
It was fairly short trek down to the village and upon closer inspection the place seemed far older than it originally seemed. The buildings were falling apart, some more so than others. In fact the place would've seemed to be abandoned if not for the fact that torches burned in several places. While strange, they did at least offer a small measure of light in the dreary place.
"Well somebody is here." Mio mumbled under her breath.
"Look…." Mayu whispered, pointing towards one of the larger homes.
Mio glanced in time catch a glimpse of what she thought was a woman walking into the house.
"Come on." Mio said quietly, leading the way.
Gingerly the two walked towards the house. There was no sign of the woman though the door was slightly ajar. Beside it burned a lantern and a small plaque signified that home belonged to the Osaka family. Mio was about to comment when a light drifted past one of the windows.
"I wonder if someone is here?" Mayu whispered.
"Looks that way." Mio commented quietly. Looking up, she stared at the now dark window in thought. A hand gently touched her shoulder and she gave a welcome sigh. She was about address her sister when she noted Mayu had walked in front of her. The hand wasn't hers.
"Are you going to leave me again…?" A voice whispered in her ear.
Gasping in fright Mio nearly screamed. Turning around quickly she saw nothing. Mayu glanced at her curiously, obvious to what had occurred.
"Mio?"
"Huh?" Mio blinked, glancing over her shoulder once more. "I… I'm fine…" She breathed, trying to calm down. Suddenly going inside the house seemed like a really good idea. Hurriedly, she opened the door and stepped inside, Mayu followed and the two found themselves in a dark foyer, facing another door. On their left was wooden screen, through which on the other side they could make out a dimly lit room. Trying to get better look Mio leaned closer only to come face to face with a shadowy figure which promptly vanished. Jumping back in fright she staggered back against Mayu who kept her from falling.
"What is it?" Mayu asked, holding her.
"I thought…" Mio whispered. "It's nothing…" She lied, having no desire to upset her. Turning towards the inner door she stared a moment before finally pushing it open. The heavy door creaked loudly making her wince, so much sneaking in. Stepping into the interior of the house the twins were greeted with a foul, musty scent. The house was rotten; the paper wall dividers had long since decayed leaving only their skeletal wooden supports and the floors where buckled from years of disrepair. A fine layer of dust coated everything and the slightest step kicked up a murky cloud that stank of mold and decay. The room was large, obviously a family sitting area; at its heart sat a square fireplace, around which rested several old, moth eaten cushions. A hallway branched off from the main room, as well as two doors and an old staircase that led up into darkness, the place was large.
"Is there any one here?" Mio whispered, finding it doubtful; the place seemed like a sealed tomb. It was hard to see with the only illumination coming from moonlight seeping through the numerous cracks in the walls and the chimney overhead. Turning to check on Mayu, she found her looking terrified and distant.
"Mayu?" She asked, touching her shoulder. A surge of energy and a flash of light burst in her mind staggered her. She flinched in shock as a flood of visions assaulted her mind.
"Masumi…." A woman's whispered in her mind. It was a frightening sound dry and soulless.
"Masumi where are you?" The voice called out quietly.
A vision formed, someone walking through a forest.
"Masumi…?" The voice moaned hoarsely.
Startled, Mio staggered back, breaking contact and causing the visions to cease. Mayu, still caught in the trance, grabbed her arm and the visions began anew.
"Where did you go…." The woman called through the darkness and a new vision appeared. This time it showed a long hall, a door, and beyond it, a man with is back turned.
"Why…?" The voice cracked as if in pain, then a new vision appeared. Simple yet horrifying, a rectangular pit, black as death and above it floated a strange figure.
"Masumi where are you…?" The voice called again. This time a violent image rocked Mio to her core. A woman, a man, his hands locking around her throat crushing the life from her. Finally, one last, terrible vision came. This one was worst of all, a young woman in a white kimono, drenched in blood. She was laughing insanely and at her feet, lay a mound of shredded corpses.
In a flash it was over and the twins snapped away from each other as if struck. Mio fell hard to the ground while Mayu staggered back against the door.
"What was that?" Mio gasped, clutching her chest in an attempt to catch her breath.
"I… I don't know." Mayu whispered, teetering visibly.
Mio was there for her. Rising to her feet; she quickly caught her.
"I have you." She whispered putting a protective arm around her waist for support. Thankful, Mayu rested her head against her shoulder.
They stood there a moment, holding each other as Mayu regained her strength. After a few moments Mio smiled down at her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah…" Mayu sighed then looked up with a shyly quizzical expression.
"You smell like strawberries…" She giggled.
"What?" Mio smirked, caught off guard by the comment.
Closing her eyes, Mayu inhaled softly, savoring the scent she slowly opened her eyes and smiled.
"Strawberries, your hair smells like strawberries."
Laughing, Mio patted her cheek playfully then hugged her tight.
"Are you sure you're okay…?"
Mayu slowly slipped from the embrace and took her hand. Nodding softly, she then smiled.
"Thank you."
Mio nodded graciously and brushed a lock of hair from her sister's eyes.
"Okay then…" She said quietly then looked out into the dark depths of the house, and in that instant, their moment of levity seemed impossibly distant. Glancing back at Mayu she drew strength from her trusting eyes. Managing a weak smile she squeezed her hand and pressed onward.
*****************
Stepping further into the body of the house. Mio felt Mayu's hand tighten.
"Mio, don't go too far…"
"It's okay…" Mio assured her while trying to convince herself as well. The vision had her rattled more than it should have. Mayu had always had what one could call a gift. A sixth sense so to speak, she had visions, omens of future and past events. They appeared randomly with no rhyme or reason. Even more troubling was the fact that the visions tended to come true, though not always in the way one would expect. She had no control of the power, it merely was, and it was something the two of them had come to accept without comment. Mio too had the gift, though no where near as strong as Mayu's. While her sister's trances came with visions, sounds and at times even smells. Mio's experiences tended to only deal with sensations and vague premonitions with the occasional visual elements. These were strongest where Mayu was concerned and for that Mio was most thankful, it helped her in look out for her cherished sibling.
Interestingly, Mio could see what Mayu saw during her trances though only through physical contact. Which usually meant such visions were as unexpected as they were unwelcome. In fact, it was during such a trance that they learned of the death of their parents. Mio was letting her mind wander and she scolded herself for being distracted. Focusing on the matter at hand she looked across the central room and found a sliding double door. Moving carefully, she approached the door and quietly opened it.
The foul odor of old decay greeted them and Mayu coughed from the stench it. It was a bedroom, dimly lit by a small oil lamp hanging on the wall. A long window lined one wall of the room looking out onto a small meditation garden. Satisfied that no one was lurking in the shadows Mio moved further into the room. The small chamber was divided by remnants of an old mosquito net that hung limply from its ruined frame.
"I feel like we're being watched." Mayu whispered then gasped. Pulling on Mio's hand she gestured frantically to shadows beyond the net.
"What?" Mio asked, turning to investigate. A mat bed rested on the floor and startling enough it appeared that someone was be under the covers, motionless.
Mio crept closer but stayed well clear of the lump. Mayu hung close behind her, glancing about warily for any sign of danger.
"Hello…?" Mio said quietly, though she didn't really expect a reply. The blanket was dusty and covered in cobwebs, whatever was there had been there for awhile.
"A book." Mayu squeaked, pointing over Mio's shoulder. It was lying next to the bed, uncomfortably close. It appeared to be a journal of sorts, and looked fairly new in comparison to the building.
Mio had no desire to get within arms reach of the bed and its unknown occupant. Though after a moment of deliberation she figured the journal could hold useful information. Steeling herself for a surprise attack she knelt and prepared to make her move. Quickly, she reached out and snatched the book then promptly scampered away. Nothing happened. Giggling nervously she looked to her sister.
"You should've seen your face." Mayu grinned, her hand covering her heart, startled.
"Better safe than sorry." Mio smirked, arching a brow as she scanned the journal.
"Well?" Mayu asked, coming to stand by her side.
Mio politely held up a finger to silence her as she read. Mayu nodded in understanding and glanced around nervously as she shifted her weight uncomfortably. The wind was blowing and whistled through the house eerily filling it with disturbing groans and creaks. Her mouth felt dry, she was thirsty and hoped they could find some water. Her leg was throbbing and she was forced to sit down to alleviate the ache.
Finally Mio closed the journal and sat it down glumly.
"What's it say?" Mayu asked curiously looking up at her.
"It was written by a woman named Miyako Sudo. Apparently she was the fiancée of the man from the newspaper clippings."
"Oh…" Mayu nodded. "She must have come here looking for him."
"Looks that way." Mio sighed.
"Well did she find him?"
"I think so…but, the later pages were… strange. So I don't know."
"Strange?" Mayu frowned.
Mio looked at her severely, the journal clearly stated that the woman became trapped in the village. From what she read, it was easy to surmise that she then went mad and probably died. Mayu waited for some sort of explanation. Not wishing to distress her, Mio offered a hollow smile.
"It's not important…." She said quietly. "Come on lets get out of here, can you walk?"
"Yes." Mayu nodded, rising shakily to her feet. Mio helped her up and steadied her while she regained her footing. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah…" Mayu smiled, gazing fondly at her.
"Alright then lets go."
As they started to leave Mayu caught a glimpse of something mixed with the clutter on a nearby shelf.
"Mio look." She pointed, shuffling towards it.
"Careful."
"It's okay, it's just a key." Mayu smiled, plucking it from its resting-place.
"Well, hold on to it, we may need it."
***********************
Walking back into the main room Mayu shivered slightly. The room seemed darker than before. Something ominous was in the room with them.
"I've been searching for you…" A woman's voice whispered causing both girls to start. Turning quickly they scanned the shadows.
"Look…" Mio gasped. The ghostly form of a woman watched them from a nearby hallway. The voice was the same as the one during the vision.
"Wait…" Mio called as the phantom turned and walked further up the hall.
"Wait?" Mayu mouthed in concern as Mio hurried after it.
"We need answers…" Mio explained to her as she hurried. Rounding the corner she paused. Something was familiar; she recognized the hall from the vision.
"Well?" Mayu frowned looking at closed door at the end of the hall. There was something unsettling about it.
Mio stood silent, gathering her resolve. Mayu trusted her judgement and waited. Finally, abruptly, Mio strode forward with a fair bit of defiance and opened the door. A chill washed over them.
"It's…cold…" Mayu shivered, clinging to Mio's arm. "I wonder if someone is here…"
Stepping into the room, they looked around. It was open on one end, revealing the same meditation garden they'd seen earlier. This was a resting area, an informal place to smoke and chat. Cushions lay everywhere as did a well used mahjong set.
"Doesn't look like it." Mio huffed, somewhat disappointed that her fear was unfounded. A coal brazier sat nearby, cold and unused. Mio kneeled; perhaps they could light a fire and rest.
"Mio!" Mayu yelped nearly falling over backwards.
A man had appeared, apparently out of no where, a ghost.
"Mayu behind me." Mio ordered, stepping between them.
The ghost stood motionless and peered down at them. He was dressed in modern clothes, which seemed odd considering the obvious age of the village. Not that Mio pondered on it; her primary concern was its intentions.
"Don't come near me…." It muttered flatly then vanished as quickly as it appeared.
"Let's get out of here." Mio said, her tone chilled. They couldn't leave the room fast enough. Once in the hall Mio hurried forward to make sure everything was clear.
"Mio wait…." Mayu called out, limping after her.
"I'm right here." Mio assured her, looking back. "I won't leave you."
"No, it's not that." Mayu said, pausing.
"What is it?" Mio asked walking back to her.
"I sense something…."
"What?" Mio blanched.
"In there." Mayu whispered, pointing to a nearby door.
Mio sighed and nodded gravely. "If you say so." Closing her eyes a moment in preparation for whatever she may see, she opened the door.
"It's a study?" Mayu whispered, peeking around her sister.
"Could be, I don't know." Mio answered, entering the room. It was cluttered mess, full of boxes and books. Against the back wall sat a large and ornate familial shrine. Made of mahogany the small altar was finely crafted and at it's base sat an array of small trinkets signifying respect for the departed
"I feel something strange…" Mayu murmured.
"Hey look." Mio said kneeling, at her feet lay an old camera, it was fairly large compared to modern models, a real antique. It was a peculiar looking thing, ornately marked with strange symbols. She picked it up and Mayu lunged for her.
"Wait Mio, that's!" It was too late, Mio's eyes widened and she stiffened.
"It's too dangerous…" A mans voice whispered in her mind before everything went black.
"So this is the Camera Obscura…." The voice whispered. "Takes pictures of impossible things…"
A trance, this time it was Mio's turn, somehow the camera was augmenting her own gifts. She saw a man, old and severe looking, standing in a cavern. Before him stood a great stone obelisk, bound in heavy ropes and strewn with runic scrolls.
The man held up a camera, the same one she'd found. She then saw herself looking through his eyes. Raising the camera the man aimed it at the altar. With a resounding click, the camera flashed brightly. With an inhuman howl, a sea of ghostly arms lunged out of the altar. With a start, the man dropped the camera, and backed away. There was nothing there.
"What was that…?" He whispered, his voice fading. "So it's true…I… can't believe it…"
"Mio!" Mayu called, shaking her violently. With a shout, Mio came out of it. Dropping the camera she looked around her wild-eyed.
"I saw…" She muttered.
"I know…" Mayu nodded with grim understanding.
A knock sounded on the door. Both girls jumped and spun around.
"Is someone there?" Mio called, pulling Mayu behind her.
"Mio…" Mayu whimpered, burying her face against her back.
"Hello…?" Mio called again, moving closer to the door. As the reached for the handle, she noticed how much her hands where shaking, she was terrified. She opened the door, just and inch, so that she could peek into the hall. She screamed; someone was there, peering back at her, a woman, pale, with cold dead eyes.
"Mio!" Mayu cried, pulling her away from the door. Mio kicked the door shut with her foot and backpedaled. It was too late; it was in the room with them. A cold aura signaled it's unearthly presence. So cold Mio could see her breath. Near the door something shimmered, a figure, barely discernable. "The camera!" Mio remembered. Mayu did lead her to it. Perhaps it could save them. Scrambling, she retrieved it. Looking it over to make she it hadn't been damaged in the fall, she promptly aimed it at the apparition. The camera flashed, and then there was silence. The thing shimmered away and the chill slowly left the room.
"It's gone…" Mio whispered, lowering the camera.
"Come on…let's leave this place…" Mayu cried quietly.
Stunned, Mio nodded. "Uh-huh…"
*****************
Rushing back to the main room; Mio tried the front door, it was locked.
"No!" She cursed, pulling with all her might.
"Wait." Mayu exclaimed, holding up the key she'd found.
"Let me see it." Mio said, taking it. Fumbling in her panic, she tried the key. It didn't work. Angrily she kicked the door as hard as she could but it didn't budge. There was something else fortifying it, a force.
"Mio…" Mayu sighed. Looking around she saw someone on the stairway and screamed.
"We finally meet…." The figure said then turned to head up the stairs. It was the phantom woman.
"It's not letting us leave…" Mayu cried.
Mio raised the camera, hoping to use its power to somehow dispel the creature, but was too late.
"Come on." Mio said, giving chase.
"What?" Mayu called out, limping after her. "If we can get rid of it, perhaps it'll let us go."
"Mio…" Mayu fretted, not wishing to see the thing again.
"It'll be okay, I won't let anything happen to you." Mio assured her, pausing at the base of the stairs.
"Masumi…." A voice whispered. "I found you…."
Mio hurried up the stairs only to find that it was nearly to dark to see. Suddenly, a light blinked on causing her to jump. Her reaction caused Mayu to jump as well and she dropped the flashlight she'd been holding.
"What the!" Mio blurted as the light rolled around on the floor casting long shadows on the wall.
"Sorry…" Mayu blushed, picking up the flashlight.
"Where did that come from?"
"I found it back in the study…"
Mio put a hand over her heart and chuckled softly. "You scared me."
"Well you scared me too." Mayu grinned sheepishly.
"Masumi…." A voice hissed, causing the girls to jump once more.
"There…" Mayu whispered, pointing the light to a large solid looking door.
"Well… here we go." Mio said quietly, creeping closer. As they neared the door it was obvious that something was amiss. Mio touched the handle and brought her hand back sharply; it was cold. She tried again, this time to open it but nothing happened, it was locked.
Flustered, cursed under her breath.
"Try it now." Mayu suggested, offering the key she'd found.
Taking the key, Mio slid it into the lock and turned the handle, it worked and the door swung open.
Poking their heads in, Mio scanned the room as Mayu shone the light around. It was the main bedroom of the home. Entering the large room Mio noted many ornate statuettes as several finely crafted Kimonos. The room had held up nicely through the years. A sleeping mat lay towards the back of the room along with a neatly folded blanket. It looked comfortable and Mio realized just how tired she was. Something else caught her eye as well, another journal, similar to the one found earlier.
"What's this…?" She wondered, picking it up.
"Whose is it?" Mayu asked absently as she glanced around the room. Something was here; she could feel it and that worried her.
Kneeling, Mio skimmed over the journal. Speaking aloud she explained what she was reading.
"It's his journal!" She said eagerly. "The surveyor, you know, Masumi. Miyako found him."
"Oh…?" Mayu mumbled, still scanning the room.
"They were trapped here…." Mio said quietly still reading. "She grew weak… I don't think she could take the darkness anymore."
"How sad…" Mayu whispered worriedly, the feeling of dread was growing stronger.
"He went to find a way out…." Mio continued. "Apparently they were here for quite some time. Finally he left her here while he looked for away out."
"He left her?" Mayu frowned, then turned to look at her. "But…" She started then gasped. The woman was there, looking over Mio's shoulder while she read.
"Mio!" Mayu shouted in horror. Mio felt her hand on her shoulder and turned to look. The hand was pale, transparent. A surge of adrenaline shot her body as the realization hit her. She could feel the unearthly presence by her. Not wanting to make any sudden moves she slowly turned and came face to face with the woman.
"Why…." The spirit hissed, raising up. Mio finally got a good look at her. She appeared much as she would've probably appeared in life. An attractive young woman, wearing a black skirt, and simple white blouse. Miyako Sudo, she came here looking for her fiancée. She'd found him, then they died.
"I've been searching for you…" Miyako whispered. With that, she reached out for Mio, her cold eyes betraying her malicious intent. Mio panicked, screaming; she flung herself away from her. Then crawled hand over hand across the floor until she could stand up. Mayu rushed to her and grabbed her arm.
"Mio!!" She shouted as the phantom moved slowly towards them. Mio remembered the camera hanging around her neck. Quickly she brought it up, Miyako was upon them in an instant. A flash from the camera blinded the three of them. The camera had the desired effect and Miyako howled in pain then vanished.
"It worked!" Mio cheered.
"There!" Mayu shouted, pointing to the corner. Miyako reappeared, visibly weakened. Mio raised the camera once more as she lumbered closer. Pressing the button, nothing happened but a dull whir, the camera was reloading. Mio panicked, the ghost was too close. Lunging forward, it grabbed her by the throat.
"Mayu!" Mio screamed.
"I missed you…" Miyako whispered in her ear as it choked the life from her. Mio pressed camera again, this time it worked and the flash exploded in the ghost's face. With a scream the apparition backpedaled and fell to its knees clutching it's face. In that instant a vision burned it's way into Mio's mind.
A man, Masumi, his body a bloody ruin, lunging forward. A woman screaming as his hands crushed her throat.
"Why…!" The ghost shrieked her voice echoing in the darkness even as her form melted into nothingness. Then it was over and all was silent.
Mio swayed, she was only vaguely aware of Mayu rushing towards her.
"Crimson… butterfly…." She whispered then collapsed.
***********
When she awoke, she found herself wrapped in a blanket. Mayu lay beside her, curled into a ball and trembling.
"Mayu…" Mio whispered, touching her shoulder gently. "Mayu…" She called again, shaking her gently.
"Mio…" She finally responded weakly. "You're okay…?"
"I'm fine…" She assured her.
"I was so worried…." Mayu mumbled, barely awake. The poor thing was exhausted.
"What are you doing? Come here before you catch your death." Mio smiled, holding up the blanket so that could join her.
"I'm sorry…" Mayu sniffled, crawling under the blanket with her. "I tried to stay awake."
"Hush." Mio said tenderly, pulling her close.
Mayu sighed comfortable and rested her head against her chest. Mio welcomed her and stroked her hair softly.
"You still smell like strawberries…" Mayu giggled softly.
Mio smirked and hugged her tight.
"I love you…" Mayu whispered, drifting off.
Mio caressed her hair quietly as she contemplated. It was nice, having her close. Things had been so hectic in their lives of late they'd really had little time to spend together. With work and school taking up most of their time it was rare that they had a chance to just talk anymore. Perhaps when all of this was over it would end up being a good thing.
She let her hand drift down to caress Mayu's cheek as she slept. Mayu smiled dreamily at the touch and murmured in her sleep.
"I love you too…" Mio whispered, before joining her in restful slumber.
End chapter 2
To be continued.