Crimson Butterfly
A Fatal Frame Fan-fiction
By Chendzee'a Li
Email: characters belong to Tecmo.
Chapter 10
Sisters
"I can't…" Mio sobbed quietly. "Mayu…I'm sorry…I just can't" Fear choked her, and she very nearly accepted her fate. However, the memory of the spirit spurred her to action. She could still see her in her minds eye. Sae… as she was called, reaching towards her, with cold, lifeless hands. Just being in the presence of the phantom was terrible enough to drain away the will to live and she knew instinctively that its touch, like the Kusabi's would result in her death. She could smell the blood staining the ghost's kimono, it tainted the very air and she imagined it coming up the stairs below to rip her apart. It was dark; nearly pitch the only light coming from a small candle in the corner of the room. She was in a storage room of sorts filled with boxes, statues and other bits of old furniture, all covered with dust cloths. A door lay ahead, and she hurried to it. She needed help without the camera she was helpless. Her mind raced as she crept out into the hallway.
Perhaps Itsuki could help. She chided herself for the thought. He was trapped, sealed away, what could he possibly do. Not only that, but he was a member of the village, how could she even trust him. Still, considering the circumstances, she had little choice. Resigned to her fate she stumbled through the shadows, her only light coming from intermittently placed candles. She was living on borrowed time, she knew it, soon the spirits of this place would descend upon her and she'd be done. A hollow creak of wood caught her attention, footsteps. Shaking, she turned to face the sound. Immediately she recognized the figure at the end of the hall.
"Mayu!" She screamed with joy. Startled and overwhelmed at her fortunes she stared at her sister with open mouthed wonder. Mayu, hearing her, turned and moved forward, she was quiet; something was wrong. Instinctively Mio moved towards her then paused as she approached, her features vanishing into shadow as she passed through the shadows of the hall.
"Mayu?" Mio called again, her skin tingling with fear. Something wasn't right.
"You won't leave me alone again… right?" Mayu whispered, stepping out of the shadows, only to be replaced by Sae, who laughed manically. Hovering, her blood stained kimono fluttered about lazily as she drifted forward. Mio let out a moan, low, hollow, a bestial groan of fear. Turning on her heel, she fled in a panic and ran blindly up the hall. Rushing through the darkness, she tried the first door she came across only to find it locked. Numbing cold washed over her and she spun around just as pale hands reached for her neck. Ducking away, Mio continued her charge up the hall and up a set of rickety stairs until she found another door. This one was unlocked and she rushed inside. Locking the door behind her she backed away. Eyes wide and heart pumping she looked around for a place to hide or flee. A soft knocking came from behind her. Crying, she turned to face the door.
"Mio, is that you? Please open the door…. Please…" Mayu whimpered from beyond.
"Mayu?" Mio choked, shaking her head.
"Please…"
Weak and weary Mio approached the door. She knew better, she knew what lay beyond; still, she had to know, had to be sure. If Mayu needed her, how could she abandon her? Tears in her eyes, she opened the door.
Sae was waiting and lunged forward. Mio screamed in a wretched mix of heartache and fear. Her frantic scramble carried her to the far side of the room and through a series of doors. Searching frantically for a means to escape she ducked into a small closet and crammed herself between two wicker baskets holding her breath. The ghost was toying with her.
A knocked sounded on the closet door forcing her to fight to keep from screaming.
"Why didn't you come back?" Sae whispered quietly, her voice sad and confused. "I kept waiting… and waiting… Dear sister…."
Mio closed her eyes, praying for an end of it. She just wanted it to be over, for better or for worse and for a fleeting moment she thought to rush out and welcome the insane specter's deadly embrace. A long silence reigned but Mio remained still, her breathing so shallow feared she'd soon faint. More time passed and her legs began to ache, but yet she remained still.
"She's gone…" Sae muttered in disappointment from beyond. Mio could feel the chill aura leaving, and she prayed that meant that the ghost had moved elsewhere. Waiting a few moments longer, she slowly rose and stretched her legs. Satisfied that she'd regained some of her strength she slowly peeked out into the room beyond. All was clear, the dread cold was gone and all seemed relatively normal.
Vaporous, Sae rushed out of the wall towards her. Mio expected as much, but was still caught of guard. Exploding into a full run, she barreled out of the room and slammed the door behind her. A quick glance around brought a gasp of relief from her. Moonlight was filtering under a door at the back of the room. With renewed vigor she fumbled at the handle, it was locked. Cursing to herself she cringed as the door behind her creaked open. She didn't turn around. Instead she focused on trying to turn the rusted mechanism.
"Don't go…. Stay with me…" Sae whispered, her voice taking on a distorted, tone.
Mio ignored the horror behind her, and finally released the latch. She could feel the cold gnawing at her, could almost feel, the dead woman's hands around her neck. Throwing herself forward, she burst through the door and found herself outside, standing on the covered bridge separating the twin houses.
Turning, she looked back the way she'd come. The door was shut and all was quiet. Mio didn't trust the silence; instead she bolted, across the bridge and into the far house. Having searched the area earlier she was able to navigate the shadowed building with haste. Mindful of making too much noise and careful to watch her step she made her way down stairs and to the exit. Thrilled, she found it unlocked, and hurried out into the moonlight.
"Itsuki…" She murmured to herself, trying to keep her focus, she was exhausted. Half stumbling, she hurried the best she could back to the storeroom that held the mysterious young boy. He was waiting for her.
"Yae…" He said quietly as if he'd been expecting her. The barred window he peered out from was slightly taller than she, forcing her to stand on her toes to face him.
"I'm not Yae…" Mio shouted; eager for answers.
"I know…" Itsuki sighed, hanging his head.
"Help me…" She breathed, wearily.
"You have to get out of here…" The boy whispered, his eyes stern, he seemed more lucid than before. "
"Not without Mayu."
"You don't know what they're planning."
"I don't care… I just want to go home."
"She'll come for you."
"Who?"
"Sae…"
"The girl in the white kimono…"
"You've seen her?"
"She nearly killed me. Can't you help? Perhaps I can get you out?"
"I cannot leave this place. This village, all of us, we are damned and it's my fault…"
"What do you mean?" Mio frowned, growing impatient, she had to find Mayu.
"The ritual, my brother and I were supposed to perform the ritual… It was our turn. It shouldn't have come to this… Sae and Yae…. It's my fault."
"Just tell me how to get her back?" Mio pleaded.
"It was my fault the ritual had to be repeated… For my failure Sae and Yae had to pay the price…." Itsuki mumbled quietly, his head hung low.
"They were to complete the ritual in your stead…" Mio frowned.
"Yes… But I couldn't let that happen so I tried to help them escape. They almost made it but Sae fell and Yae left her behind. Kurosawa was furious, he ordered Sae hanged and thrown into the abyss. He hoped the sacrifice of his daughter would be enough to appease the darkness.
"It didn't work…" Mio mumbled; the answer obvious.
"No, if anything it made matters worse, Sae returned, her spirit fueled with rage for being abandoned and betrayed, at her side was the failed Kusabi, together they killed every man, woman and child in this village. We are damned now, cursed… and then you arrived… twins."
"No…" Mio mumbled her eyes blurring with tears.
"Yes, you and your sister are the key."
Mio shook her head and closed her eyes, she knew truth of it already, but to finally hear it aloud was more than she could bear.
"You know what they want?" Itsuki sighed, nodding in sympathy.
"Yes…"
"You understand then what will happen."
"I want to go home…"
"I fear time is running out."
"Then help me."
"Listen to me, it is very important. Behind the village is a temple; inside you'll find hidden passage, it'll take you away from here. It's the same one Sae and Yae used to escape. Kurosawa had the passage sealed; the lock to open it is hidden."
"Hidden, do you know where?"
"Yes, there's a great tree near the temple, there's a chamber buried beneath it, a shrine. Don't worry, you'll be safe there. Inside you'll find the device that will open the passage. Activate it and you can leave the village.
"Thank you…Itsuki."
"You can thank me by finding your sister."
"I don't know where she is…"
"I think you do."
"With Sae…"
"Yes…They are bound together, where you find one you will find the other…"
Mio stiffened at the notion of going back.
"But…?"
"Do you want to save your sister or not?"
"I…"
"Go!"
"But how…?" Mio pleaded, she couldn't face Sae alone; she had nothing to protect herself with.
"Go!" Itsuki screamed; his face contorting in anger.
Mio back pedaled nearly falling over.
Itsuki's expression turned to one of heartfelt compassion.
"You must save yourselves, I can do nothing more for you..."
Nearly in tears, Mio nodded wearily.
"One more thing…" He whispered pleading.
"Yes?"
"My sister…. Chitose, she'll be wearing a red Kimono…Please… If you see her, tell her not to be afraid…and that I'll come for her."
Mio nodded quietly then turned. Choking on mix of anguish and dread she broke into a run. Making her way through the village, she could hear singing far in the distance, an old song, steeped in symbolism and tradition. She ignored it, not wanting to ponder its meaning. It wasn't long until she found herself outside the doll maker's house. The creaking building seemed to dare her to enter. Beyond it stood house Tachibana. She knew Sae was there, waiting, but first she had to retrieve the Camera Obscura, and that meant returning to the tunnel. Steeling herself she opened the door and stepped inside. She could feel eyes upon her, watching, pondering her intentions.
She knew the way and easily found the doll lined chamber containing the stairs leading to the tunnel. A figure waited, wreathed in shadow, a woman. Mio's first thought was that it was Sae. However, this creature was in a worse way. She seemed mummified, her eyes, hollow sockets and her hair withered away. Mio scowled, she didn't have time for this and she was tired of running. With a scream of nearly suicidal rage and frustration she leapt straight at the thing. Caught off guard by the attack the apparition stood stupidly as Mio dove through it. Painful, mind shredding cold clawed at her core as the two made contact. The jolt gave her a much needed boost of adrenaline as she hit the ground at the top of the stairs. Confused the ghost turned to regard her, only to find that Mio was long gone.
Laughing in spite of her self Mio hurried through the tunnel, weariness and stress having taken its toll and she feared she'd gone mad. Soon however, her antics tired her and she slowed until she was forced to catch her breath. Sighing, she looked about, it should be nearby. A glint of glass caught her eye. Smiling as if greeted by an old friend she knelt. The camera was intact and seemed no worse for wear as was her flashlight. Retrieving the two, she slipped the camera back around her neck and turned on the light. It's soothing glow pushing back the oppressive shadows. Her confidence returning, she gained a slight gleam in her eye and allowed herself a small glimmer of hope. Moving onward, she found the stairs leading into hose Tachibana, pausing to gather herself, she held Mayu's pendant tightly, drawing strength from it. With a sigh, she found her nerve and threw open the door and stepped inside.
A dusty haze hung in the air, illuminated by the thin beam of her light. Shadows crept throughout the hall before her and she envisioned any of them lunging forward and ending her life. Closing her mind to such thoughts she hurried onward, mindful of even the slightest sound. Unsure of what to do or where to look, she toyed with the idea of calling out, but realized the foolishness of such a thing. Frowning, she wandered aimlessly throughout the rotting building. The scent of moldy wood and damp cloth hung in the air, giving the place an earthy smell. Sniffling at the odor she abruptly jumped with a start as the tingling of small bells rang out. Turning towards the sound, she heard delicate footsteps hurrying away in the darkness.
"Mayu?" She called out tentatively, not really expecting a reply. Against her better judgment she followed the sound. Rounding the corner she discovered a door, slightly ajar. Slowly she pressed it open revealing a stairwell.
It was a fairly large chamber covered in fallen debris. Panning her light across the room before entering she studied the stairs warily. They were warped with age, and missing a good deal of planks. Resigned, she began her grim climb. About halfway, she heard the snapping of wood and an ear shattering scream of terror. Looking up in fright, she caught a glimpse of a figure falling headfirst from the balcony above. For a brief second their eyes met, it was a woman, her eyes full of fear. Then she was gone, vanishing into the shadows below as the sickeningly wet sound of her hitting the floor echoed in the air.
Mio hurried down, her instinct to help overriding her commonsense. The woman lay broken on the floor, her head and limbs lolling at unnatural angles. Mio choked at the sight, falling backwards as the body shifted, the sound of grinding bones and ripping sinew filling the air. The woman shimmered transparent and gurgled. Aghast, Mio fled up the stairs as fast as she could. Reaching the balcony, she noticed the railing had long ago fallen away. Stealing, a glance below, she shone her light upon the floor. The woman was gone. Mio breathed a sigh of relief and turned to leave when another shriek filled the air. Looking to the rafters above, Mio leapt out of the way as a body hurtled towards her from above. Flailing, it was the woman from before; once more she vanished into the darkness to splatter onto the floor below. Mio retched at the sound hurrying away as fast as she could. Bursting through the nearest door she found herself face to face with a young girl in a red kimono.
Startled the girl looked up fearfully.
"Give me back my brother…" She pleaded before fleeing up the hall, the sound of bells trailing behind her. Befuddled, Mio stood motionless as the girl passed through the nearest door and vanished. Coming to her senses, she then heard a familiar voice coming from a nearby room. Her heart in her throat, she rushed to the door only to find it looked. A large, barred window revealed the figure within.
"MAYU!" Mio screamed out in joy and relief. Mayu was kneeling, her back towards her and seemingly at prayer before a small family altar.
"Itsuki… I'm sorry….I'm sorry…" She whispered quietly, oblivious to her sister's cries.
"Mayu!" Mio cried again, hammering on the door. It was locked tight. Crying out in frustration she kicked wildly at the door to no avail. Slumping to the floor she cried softly.
"Mayu… please… talk to me…."
There was no reply, only the same quiet murmuring. Sniffling, Mio peered through the barred window.
"I'll get you out of here…. I promise."
Mayu didn't reply. Hanging her head in anguish, Mio pondered her next move. Remembering the strange girl, Mio realized who it had to be.
"Chitose!" She called out in exasperation, rushing to where the girl vanished. Opening the door, she hurried into the short hallway beyond. The hall turned, leading to series of small steps that opened into a large bedchamber. Scanning the darkness, she frowned in dismay only to startled, by the sound of shuffling beneath her feet. Something was moving under the floor boards.
Hopping back down the stairs, she returned to the short hall where low sliding panels led to a crawlspace below bedchamber. A chill drifted through her, knowing something terribly lay waiting for her.
"Chitose?" She whispered.
Against her better judgment, she knelt and examined the panels.
Gingerly, she attempted to open the compartment and found it stuck tight. After a moment of jostling, she managed to work it open and peered inside. Old boxes and folded clothes lay filled the cramped crawlspace. Shinning her light through a tangle of cobwebs, she noticed a simple brass key, bound to two small bells via a red ribbon. Annoyingly, it was just out of reach.
"Chitose?" Mio whispered her pulse quickening. "Your brother sent me…" She added somewhat feebly. Shuddering, she crawled inside to retrieve the key, if she were lucky it would be the one she needed.
It was a struggle to reach it, the compartment was cramped. Readjusting her position to try again, she felt the hair on the back of her neck raise. Stiffening, she closed her eyes, not trusting herself to look. Taking a brief moment to prepare, she opened her eyes and slowly turned. A pale, transparent girl peered back at her, just inches away.
"They're everywhere…" The girl whispered.
Unable to help herself, Mio screamed, burst out of compartment and into the hall. A pitiful sobbing filled the air, a child's crying. Eyes wide in fear, Mio waited for the girl to slip out of the darkness of the crawlspace.
"Help me…." The girl sobbed, appearing behind her. Spinning around, Mio gasped as the child clung franticly to her legs. Tears sparkled in the girl's dark eyes as she whimpered inconsolably. An unearthly chill washed up Mio's body prompting her to kick wildly at the girl forcing her backwards against the wall. Staggered the girl reached out to steady herself looking confused, and unfocused. It only took a moment for Mio to realize that the girl was half blind.
"Chitose… Itsuki…" She began trying to calm her. Instead she was rushed once more.
"Itsuki….Help me…please…" The girl sobbed, reaching out helplessly. Mio couldn't let her touch her again.
"Don't!" She shouted, sidestepping her. Tripping over the hem of her kimono the girl fell to her knees. Cradling herself in misery she let out a mournful, heart wrenching wail. Everything went dark, and Mio herself, totally blind.
The delicate shuffling of feet echoed in the darkness, along with the tell tale tingling of bells that signaled the girl's approach. Mio found the wall and braced herself against it.
"I can't get out…it's dark….please…." The girl cried feebly. Mio could hear her rustling about, searching for her.
"Chitose… please stop this…" Mio fretted, the girl would inadvertently kill her if she didn't do something. Cold arms grabbed her in the darkness. Crying out in pain, Mio struggled, she had to do something. Left no other recourse she fumbled with the camera obsucra. Finding the flash, she pressed it wildly. The world went white and the girl let out horrible scream as the darkness evaporated. Tears in her eyes and left no other option, Mio targeted the girl in the camera sights. Chitose tried feebly to shield her eyes.
"Please…" She whimpered, looking up at her imploringly. She was a lovely child, delicate, with caring eyes and gentle features. It tore Mio apart to do what she had to do.
"Itsuki… says he's coming for you…" She whispered. "I… I'm sorry…" Choking back tears, she pressed the shutter. The flash blinded them both. Howling in tortured mix of pain and sorrow Chitose fell harshly against the wall crumpling to her knees. Weeping uncontrollably she slowly faded away, her sobs echoing throughout the hall. Mio collapsed into tears on the floor.
"What have I done…?" She whimpered, hating herself, knowing she could have possibly done more. There she sat, for long moment, feeling lost and confused. Finally, her tears fading, she looked to where to girl had fallen. She'd left behind the key. Gently, she scooped it up, noting the small bells adorning the ribbon. Sniffling, she focused on it, knowing what it could mean. If all went well, she would soon be reunited with her sister.
Quickly gathering herself, she pushed the guilt to the back of her mind and hurried back to the locked room where she'd seen Mayu. Eagerly peering through the window, she froze in horror. The room was seemingly empty.
"NO!" She blurted, hurrying to try the key. Hands shaking, the fumbled with it a moment, then gasped as it unlocked. Rushing through the door, she scanned the darkness eagerly, thinking perhaps that she was hiding. Nothing, no one, in fact, the room seemed as though no one had been in it for years.
Weary anguished washed over her causing her to stumble. Pressing her back against the wall, she let out a shuddering sigh, as fresh tears began to flow. Movement in the hall caught her attention. Gazing through the window into the hall, she briefly saw a figure moving towards the door. It was Sae, the white kimono was unmistakable. The door to the room creaked a moment, and Mio whimpered, backing away. Suddenly the door rushed open and Mio screamed as a figure lunged forward to grab her.
"Mio!" Mayu shouted joyously, hugging her so tight she feared she would break. Startled and shocked at the same time it was all Mio could do to manage a strangled gasp of surprise. Still horrified, that it was some trick of Sae's, Mio stood stiff in her arms, waiting. Confused, and hurt, Mayu backed away to regard her.
"Mio?" She whispered curiously, her brow twisting with worry. Mio's expression was fearful, unbelieving, she couldn't allow herself to hope. Saddened, Mayu nodded in understanding.
"Mio…" She sighed sadly. "Mio… I don't understand what's happening to me… But…I want you to know that no matter what happens… I'll forgive… you… just…." She hung her head, tears welling in her eyes. "Just…. don't leave me behind…"
Mio's expression softened and her demeanor melted. Tentatively, she reached out and pulled her close.
"Mayu… I… of course I'd never leave you behind." She whispered, nuzzling her hair.
"I searched for you…" Mayu whimpered softly. "I kept looking…"
"It's okay; at least we found each other." Mio smiled then beamed brightly. "I found a way out of the village!"
"Really…?" Mayu gasped, her somber eyes widening.
"Yes, come on; let's get out of here… I think the ritual is beginning."
Mayu nodded and took her hand, gripping it tightly.
"Don't let go." Mio smiled warmly at her.
"Mio…" Mayu whispered.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for coming back for me…"
"Enough of that..." Mio grinned, and then grew solemn. Almost on impulse she leaned forward and paused as if in thought. Mayu studied her curiously, her heart thrumming in her chest. A small smile played across Mio's lips as she cradled Mayu's cheek, then, without a word kissed her softly. Mayu, squeezed her hand in response, giving in to her. The moment was warm but fleeting and they parted gazing into each others eyes.
"Let's go." Mio whispered. Astonished, Mayu nodded cheerfully, clinging tightly to her.
Mio all but dragged Mayu along as they burst from the house, and into the street. Hurrying as fast as she could, she was forced to slow her pace by Mayu's hobbling. Singing could be heard in the distance. Glancing towards the hill above the village, Mio could see shapes moving against the glow of torches.
"Mayu we have to hurry…" Mio panted, trying to pull her along.
"I'm sorry…" Mayu whimpered, wincing with every step, it was impossible for her to keep up. Spent, she finally stumbled, falling amongst the gravel. Mio spun around, worry and urgency in her eyes.
"Come on, they'll be coming for us…!" She shouted, glancing about nervously.
"Mio… my leg hurts…" Mayu whimpered, gently cradling it. A fleeting moment of annoyance washed over Mio's features, she could see the stairs leading up to the temple, they were so close.
"We're almost there! You've got to stand!" Mio urged her.
Mayu, nodded solemnly, and started to rise.
"Are…are you okay…?" Mio frowned questioningly, helping her to her feet.
"Yes…" Mayu, whispered darkly, staring at her. "I'm sorry…" She muttered, walked forward. Mio's brow furrowed.
"What?"
"Let's go." Mayu droned mechanically.
"Don't be like that; it's just that we have to hurry. You want to get out of here don't you?"
"Yes…" Mayu sniffed, hobbling up the trail.
Mio groaned and hung her head in shame. She hadn't meant to be so rough with her. Catching up with her, she gripped her by the shoulder.
"Wait…" Mio sighed, turning her to face her. "Mayu…"
Mayu, regarded her, eyes glistening, her body trembling with pain.
Hugging her against her chest, Mio sighed, stroking her hair.
"I'm sorry…" She said turning her back and dropping to one knee.
"Wha…?" Mayu murmured incomprehensibly
Mio gestured for her to come on. Sniffling, Mayu nodded, and gingerly climbed onto her back.
Without a word, Mio paused a moment then stood. Adjusting to the weight, she turned her head slightly.
"Ready?" She whispered. Mayu's cheeks flushed and she buried her head against her back embarrassed. Mio smiled, and continued up the path.
It didn't take long to find the great tree; it was just as Itsuki had said. It was a massive oak, covered in spirit scrolls and surrounded by small pinwheels. A large hollow was visible at the base of the tree. Carefully, Mio set Mayu down and knelt to investigate. A heavy thud sounded behind her catching her attention. Spinning around, she noticed that Mayu had collapsed.
"Mayu?" She cried out fearfully.
Dazed, Mayu regarded her wearily.
"I can't go on…I'm so tired…"
"Hush…" Mio frowned, resting her palm against her brow. "It's okay I'll can carry you."
"I'm sorry Mio…."
"Stop it."
"It's always this way…"
"Mayu, its okay… we're almost there. Come on lets get you inside, we'll be safe there."
Nodding, Mayu struggled to her feet. Mio was there to help her and together they made their way into the hollow beneath the massive tree.
The hollow was larger than Mio would have expected, and was oddly cozy. Large candles burned within and hundreds of small pinwheels were perched along the walls, each spinning lazily in the warm night air. Against the back of the hollow rested an ornate altar surrounded by cushions and pillows. Helping Mayu to them, Mio laid her down.
"Rest…a moment…" She said softly, running her fingers through her hair.
Mayu nodded slowly and closed her eyes. Taking in her surroundings, Mio felt safe here, it was as if something powerful watched over this shrine. It was clearly a sacred place. Taking a moment to rest herself, she sat down and looked about for the device Itsuki had spoken off. It didn't take long to notice a series of pin wheeled plates adorning the front of the shrine. Moving towards it, she realized that the shrine itself was the device. Toying with it a moment she noted that it was missing a plate. Frustration and anger grew, causing her to curse under her breath. Exhaustion washed over her, she had nothing left. Falling to her knees, she rested her head against the altar.
Arms embraced her from behind as Mayu pressed against her.
"That's it then…" Mio sighed.
"You'll get out." Mayu whispered, softly in her ear.
"Not without you."
Mayu didn't respond immediately.
"Mio…?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you…"
"I know…I love you too…" Mio muttered quietly. Mayu squeezed tighter and sighed.
"No…I mean…"
"I do too…" Mio sighed, leaning back against her. Mayu smiled sadly, burying her face in her hair. Sniffling, she murmured.
"I wish we had more time…"
"We have all the time in the world." Mio grumbled. "They won't come in here and we're sure not going anywhere…" She added bitterly while kicking at the altar.
"You are…" Mayu said quietly, loosening her grip.
"Stop that… I'm not going anywhere."
Mayu moved to face her and took her hands in hers.
"Here…" She smiled, pressing something against her palm.
"What?" Mio frowned, examining it. It was the missing plate.
Mio's eyes widened in shock as she studied it, in flurry of movement she fit the piece in the altar and rotated the various plates. She was rewarded by an audible click and the low groan of something heavy shifting into place.
"It worked!" She shouted gleeful then spun to Mayu who sat smiling amongst the cushions. Crawling to her, Mio kissed her playfully then embraced her.
"Come on lets get out of here!" She said cheerfully.
"I've been thinking…" Mayu interjected.
"About what…?" Mio said absently gathering their things, noticing Mayu's lack of urgency she turned to face her.
"Come on, hurry up." She smirked.
Mayu smiled quietly and shook her head.
"I can't…"
Sensing a shift, Mio frowned angrily.
"That's enough of that…" She said dangerously.
"I'll never make it… you no that…"
"Mayu…!"
"I knew it would come to this…."
"Shut up…" Mio blurted grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Please Mio… just go…"
Mio slapped her, tears streaming down her cheeks. Horrified at what, she'd done she quickly pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Mayu… I'm sorry… I…." She stammered.
"I'm too weak… I was always too weak…. Ever since the beginning…"
"Please stop…" Mio stammered, choking on her tears.
Mayu looked down sadly, resting against her.
"I'll hold you back…like always…. Only this time…." She sighed heavily, the looked up sadly. "I don't want you to die…."
Mio stroked her cheek tenderly.
"Save yourself… Please…" Mayu whispered, gazing into her eyes.
"I made a promise…" Mio said evenly then rose to her feet.
"Mio…"
Mio said nothing more and simply extended her hand expectantly. Mayu, hung her head in defeat and accepted it. Mio help her stand and the two crawled out into the evening air.
A dark aura cloaked the village, something terrible, something beyond the normal grim miasma of the place. Mio could feel many eyes upon them, they were close. She could see the stairs leading up to the temple, they were steep and the hill was high. Looking back at Mayu worriedly she set her jaw and kneeled.
"Come on." She said evenly. Mayu obeyed. Climbing onto her back she held on tight. Steeling herself, Mio took a breath and broke into a jog. She pushed everything from her mind, all thoughts were focused on escape now and nothing would stop her. She wasn't aware of the dull pain in her legs as she rushed up the steeply climbing staircase. Nor was she aware that the slightest slip would likely end with them breaking their necks. None of that mattered, only escape mattered, for Mayu's sake, she had to be strong. Cresting the hill, the hill she stood before the crumbing temple. It was in the traditional Shinto style, and wreathed in a thick fog. Panting, she smiled and eagerly moved forward.
"See!" She exclaimed.
Something struck her in the face, dropping her instantly. Eyes watering in pain she rolled over on her back to see her attacker. The ghostly form of a man materialized before her, his hard features scowling down at her as he raised a large staff over his head.
"Here they are…" The ghost moaned… bringing the staff down hard across her stomach. The phantom staff felt real enough, and Mio screamed and writhed in pain.
"Don't let them get away…" Another voice sounded.
Tears in her eyes, she could hear Mayu screaming for her. A large gathering of apparitions had appeared and were quickly dragging her away.
"Mayu!" Mio screamed her voice cracking as she tried to rise. Another blow from the staff, connected to the back of her head silencing her.
To be continued….