I've always wanted to do a Fatal Frame story but never really know how to go about it. Fatal Frame has real interesting folklore based on Japanese myths and superstitions, especially about ghosts and the spirit world. Well my story is gonna take a different approach to the series, but it will definitely be spooky and haunted in its own right. I don't own Fatal Frame itself but all the characters you read about do belong to me. I hope my readers can enjoy this new exciting story based on actual Japanese legends. Without further ado, please read and enjoy! Thank you!

You made flowers grow in my lungs and, although they are beautiful, I cannot breathe…

Prologue: Hanahaki Disease

I've loved him…I've loved him more than anyone I've ever known. But he didn't love me… Even in the darkness, she could still make out the little village in the distance. There was only the one road that led to the town entrance but she had no trouble finding it. A young teenage girl with short cropped black hair with matching black glasses squinted to get a better look at the little village. But there was no sign of life. The village was abandoned and nobody lived there anymore. Or so the stories say… And yet, she knew… This was the place. This was the only place that could cure the aches in her heart.

Matsumura Village… Locals often told stories about the town's origins. Once it was a mining town where the miners and their families lived in order to harvest the gold, iron and zinc from the mountain's caves. Once the mines dried up, the village slowly became a tourist attraction where it boasted beautiful mountainous views, lavish gardens, trails along the winding rivers and its beautiful art of flowers. Oddly enough, flowers certainly seemed to hold special meaning in the little town, so much so that some residents used to engage in the art of Ikebana here. It was interesting information she managed to gather so far about Matsumura, but she was also aware of the town's more tragic back-stories.

Naoki Sugitani walked along the road until finally entering the village and the first thing she felt was an unsettling coldness wafting in the air. It was in the middle of spring and yet the village already carried an air of abandonment that truly made it spooky. Naoki shivered from the cold. She was wearing a bright orange sleeveless crew top along with brown skirt while wearing her favorite black school-shoes. Naoki was very shy and timid, but also gentle-hearted. It was pitch-dark out so Naoki rummaged in the hand-bag she'd brought with her to bring out the flashlight. Upon clicking on the light, the first thing Naoki did was shine it towards the empty-looking houses that stood like dark statues in the night. One look around her environment told her that she was alone here.

"This village… The cure must be around somewhere. The only thing that can take away the pain that grows within me," Naoki thought.

At that precise moment, Naoki found herself coughing uncontrollably again. So far she'd been able to suppress it along the ride here, but now the ailment was getting worse. Somehow being in this little village was making her sicker somehow. Once her coughing fit subsided, Naoki looked down at the ground and her eyes widen in alarm upon seeing more petals on the ground. It was getting stronger… And every time it happened, Naoki could only think about "him". Even now, she wondered if she could ever truly stop loving him. Naoki fell in love with him at first sight. All those times she'd spend in their classrooms, daydreaming about him falling in love with her. But sadly it wasn't meant to be.

Naoki placed a hand on her heart and could feel herself shaking from the illness growing inside her. It had happened two weeks ago… It started out as ordinary coughs. They seemed harmless enough and she thought she was merely coming down with a sore-throat. But after five days passed, that's when the petals started to appear. Bright-orange petals like that from a flower… Naoki tried taking medicine for it and even once tried talking to a doctor. But the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with her. And he certainly couldn't see the flowery petals she showed him. That's when Naoki knew that this was something much more supernatural…

Soon Naoki grew desperate and worked tirelessly in the libraries, trying to understand what was happening to her. And that's when she stumbled upon some old-looking notes that seemed hidden away in an old tome. It was written entirely in Japanese and judging by the letters, it was written long ago. But it was these notes that enabled Naoki to learn about the Hanahaki Disease… Reaching again inside her hand-bag, Naoki was able to lift out the notes and using the flashlight was able to read them carefully.

Genda's Note 1

After settling down here in the peaceful quiet town of Matsumura, this gave me a chance to do my research on the fabled Hanahaki Disease. The disease in question is unlike anything I've ever heard of before. As a doctor, I've seen my fair share of diseases of all kinds, but Hanahaki Disease is by far the most mysterious.

Hanahaki Disease is an ailment which seems to affect those who suffer from unrequited love. But what makes it unique is that patients cough up flower-petals the more their love grows strong. It's my understanding that Hanahaki Disease was first discovered here in the little town of Matsumura, and it was here that they've come up with an important ritual that cures those of this flowery disease.

I've asked around, but nobody has too much information to give about these so-called rituals and how exactly did it cure Hanahaki Disease. One thing is for sure, it's said the only way to rid one of this disease was to have one's love reciprocated. But according to some of the stories I've heard, this doesn't always end very well.

The notes were signed by a man named Akihiko Genda. It seemed he was a doctor and it was through looking up his address that Naoki was able to find Matsumura. The village that contained the cure to her disease… At first being here in this dark deserted town gave her second thoughts, it wasn't until she felt another painful ache in her lungs that she made up her mind. She had no choice. This was the only way to save herself from her fate. If there was a way to get rid of this curse, she would have to start searching. Holding the flashlight steady in her hand, Naoki began her exploration of the town.

The further into town she went, the deeper the cold air seemed to grow. Not knowing exactly where to go, Naoki came upon the first-looking building that stood out. What appeared to be an old-fashioned Japanese-style house loomed tall in the darkness. Naoki looked up at the building with curiosity and then flashed her light on the sign that she could make out. Oshiro Inn… Matsumura used to be a tourist attraction so it made sense that they would have an Inn to accommodate visitors. Something about this place seemed to call to her that before she knew it, Naoki decided to investigate the Inn. After all, there was bound to be all sorts of information about town inside.

To Naoki's surprise, the door was unlocked and she had no trouble sliding the doors open and stepping into the foyer. The air inside was colder. Naoki shined her flashlight around to see what she could find. To her right was the reception desk where one could check in. Looking around there, Naoki could see some old dirty brochures, maps and postcards. Nothing of interest. Walking further inside, she wondered if she could find any clues that could help her in any way. Naoki stopped to see a closet half-way open where it contained ratty yukatas and slippers lying abandoned inside. She turned and nearly jumped in alarm when she thought she saw someone slowly walking away down a corridor.

"Hello…?" Naoki called out timidly. It happened so fast. Naoki doubted that anyone lived here anymore. But now it made her wonder. "Am I not the only one?" she wondered to herself. Was it possible that others who suffered Hanahaki Disease also came to this town?

Naoki stood staring down the dark corridor that seemed to lead to some of the guest rooms on the first floor. For a moment, she wondered what to do. Was there somebody else here? It kinda would be nice to run into another person. Perhaps someone who can actually help her. Making up her mind, Naoki headed down the corridor. Upon coming this way, she came upon the garden. The garden must have once been a popular spot for visitors to relax in. From what she could make out, the garden contained a stone-made bench, maple-trees; a stone-lantern that was unlit, and a pond. There was no one around. Just as Naoki turned her back on the garden to further explore the corridor, that's when she heard it for certain.

"I just wanted him to love me…"

Naoki spun around in time and gasped when she first spotted the woman in the garden. She appeared so suddenly that it left Naoki rooted to the spot. The woman stood with her back towards Naoki and didn't appear to react to her presence. After getting over her initial shock, Naoki was about to open her mouth to call out a greeting but before she could, the unknown-looking woman suddenly hunched over and began coughing uncontrollably. And that's when she vanished out of sight… Terror gripped Naoki's heart when the horrible realization hit her.

"That woman is a ghost! That would mean she's…," In that moment, Naoki knew. Matsumura wasn't just an abandoned village. It was haunted. She wasn't the only one wandering around here.

Naoki seriously contemplated leaving this cursed village behind and never looking back. But then without warning, she grabbed her chest and started coughing herself. And as she did, Naoki vomited. Once her stomach stopped hurting, she looked down and became even more horrified to see orange lilies on the ground. That's when she realized her Hanahaki Disease was getting worse. And then she knew she couldn't leave this village yet. Not until she found a way to stop the curse from claiming her.

Naoki waited for her heart to stop pounding so much and once she managed to retain some courage, managed to leave the garden behind. But it still left her with some unanswered questions. Who was that strange woman? Naoki didn't have to wait long to find out. Reaching the end of the corridor, she stopped when she noticed the trail of petals on the ground. They were a lovely shade of pink. Cherry blossom petals…? But there weren't any cherry trees around these parts. Naoki began to follow the trail of cherry blossoms and realized they might lead to somewhere. As Naoki followed the pink petals closely, that's when she saw her for a second time…

"I loved him… Why didn't he love me?" The woman's voice wasn't really a voice. More like a shadowy echo. Naoki saw the ghostly woman walk through the guest-room. That was where the pink petals led as well.

Upon reaching the door, Naoki hesitated. That ghost woman was inside. This must be the room she rented here at the Inn. Finally Naoki slid the door open and decided to investigate the room. Upon entering, she saw the room was quite a mess and the furniture already collecting dust. However there were some interesting things she came to discover. Stepping into the room, Naoki moved her flashlight around to see what she could find. The first thing that caught her eye was the duffle bag sitting on the futon. Shining her flashlight on it, Naoki went over and curiously went through the traveling bag. She found interesting things in it. Inside was a wallet with a driver's license and a picture of an attractive woman in her early twenties with very long black hair. And there was a name…

"Ayuki Kihara…," Naoki read. This must be that woman's name. She must have come here to Matsumura too. But then…what happened to her? And then Naoki also found what appeared to be a Pink Diary that belonged to this Kihara woman.

Pink Diary 1

I've managed to arrive here safely. Matsumura was a lot easier to find than I thought. And it's here where I can finally confess my feelings for Isao. According to old stories told about this village, this is where people go when they want to make love confessions. They also say this was once part of a ritual where two souls come together to confess their feelings. This was also a method on how to rid someone of the Hanahaki Disease.

I was successful in convincing Isao to come with me to this village. With a little luck, I can love him and win his love in return. I've known Isao since high-school and we share so much in common. Here in little Matsumura, I will tell my beloved how I truly feel.

It was just as she thought. Ayuki Kihara must have been suffering from Hanahaki Disease too. She must have come here hoping her love interest would return her affections. And this forced Naoki to think about the boy she'd come to love so much. A boy who would never return her feelings… Every time she thought about it, she'd get a tightening feeling in her heart. Like she was suffocating on the inside…. The notes did give her one clue. There was a ritual that could cure the Hanahaki Disease with a love confession. But it was no good. A love confession couldn't save her… Naoki resolved to keep exploring the town until she could discover other possible options.

With nothing else of interest in the guestroom, Naoki exited through the sliding door and froze when she spotted the ghost of Ayuki Kihara walking further down the corridor. "I have to tell him," Ayuki's alluring voice called. Before she knew it, Naoki found herself following after Ayuki's ghost. She couldn't help it. She wanted to know about Ayuki's fate… Soon Naoki saw Ayuki vanishing out a door that seemed to lead to the hot-springs. Pulling the door open, Naoki stepped out onto a large deck where she had a nice view of the crescent moon floating up in the inky-black sky. It was here that she saw the hot-springs. She was surprised to see the hot-springs still filled with water. Too bad she didn't have time for a dip. Upon closer examination, Naoki spied with her flashlight another page from the pink diary earlier tucked in between the rocks. Careful not to rip it, she was able to learn more from its notes.

Pink Diary 2

Isao certainly seems to be enjoying himself. We had a lot of fun hiking along the mountain and river, and we returned to the Oshiro Inn to have dinner. Isao went to the hot-springs but I find myself very nervous. My coughing fits haven't subsided and I keep throwing up pink petals which are soon turning into lovely cherry blossoms. I don't have much time left. I hope it all goes well. I love Isao and I know he will love me in return. We were always such good friends. I know we can become more.

I told Isao to meet me by the wishing well. I will tell him there. I must hurry. My disease is getting worse and it'll only be a matter of time before it fully consumes me. Please love me, Isao.

The more she read, the more Naoki sympathized for this Ayuki. She knew exactly what it was like to have feelings for someone. But still, it made her wonder. What happened to Ayuki? Was she able to break the Hanahaki curse? Looking over the notes once more, Naoki saw the words wishing well… Is that where Ayuki went? Was there something at the wishing well? With the flashlight in hand, Naoki left the hot-springs behind and ventured further out into the courtyard. Following some stepping stones that seemed to lead through the trees and evergreen shrubberies, she happened to look up at the majestic mountain looming in the background. That was where the old mines were said to reside…

In the distance, she heard the sounds of a flowing river but she couldn't tell which direction it was coming from. Instead Naoki stopped when she finally spotted it. Naoki flashed her light over at the well that was mentioned in the diary. Moss grew on the well which meant it must have been here a pretty long time. Was this place where Ayuki had come? And as Naoki approached the well, that's when she first saw it. Sitting on the edge was a cherry blossom… only it was glowing brightly and giving off a spiritual aura. Intrigued by the flower, Naoki reached out to pick up the flower. Just as her fingertips touched the petal, Naoki was overcome by a powerful presence. And suddenly something flashed before her eyes…

(Flashback)

Ayuki stood by the well with her crush, Isao. It was here that she finally told him her feelings. Isao smiled politely to his dear friend since high-school. But then with a sad smile, he shook his head no. Ayuki's expression changed to one of utter despair. Heart-broken, she desperately tried proving her love to him but to no avail. And then her despair turned to anger… She couldn't stop screaming her heartache at him. In her fit of rage, her emotions overpowered her. Ayuki used all her strength to push Isao and watched in horror as she accidentally pushed him right into the well…

Naoki dropped the cherry-blossom flower to clap a hand over her mouth in shock. She could hardly believe what she'd witnessed. Ayuki pushed the man she loved down the well? Now Naoki gazed uneasily at the seemingly innocent-looking well. She knew she shouldn't but Naoki went so far as to shine her flashlight down the well to see if she could see to the bottom. It was too deep; the darkness seemed to stretch forever. She couldn't even tell if it was filled with water. Now she turned to look down at the cherry blossom she dropped on the ground. When she picked it up, that's when the trail of pink petals suddenly appeared again. Did this flower somehow belong to Ayuki Kihara? Where would the trail lead to now?

Leaving the well behind, Naoki used the flashlight to closely follow the pink petals which seemed to lead her back to the Inn. Walking by the abandoned hot-springs, the pink petals led back inside the Inn. Going back inside the building, Naoki had no trouble memorizing the way she took to get here. Following the trail of pink petals led her back to the garden she walked by earlier. Stepping into the garden, the pink petals led her over to a medium-sized maple tree. And it was here where Naoki saw another page from the pink diary. Ayuki must have liked coming to the garden here. But what happened to her?

Pink Diary 3

Isao didn't love me. His love won't be able to save me. Why? I thought I did everything right! Isao is gone. I loved him! I will never stop loving him! No good… Can't stop throwing up cherry blossoms. I can't get it to stop. I loved Isao…I loved Isao…I loved Isao…I loved Isao…I loved Isao…I loved Isao…

The note became erratic after that… It disturbed Naoki when she guessed Ayuki's fate. Ayuki accidentally killed the man she loved…and she still loved him. No doubt about it. Her Hanahaki Disease must have claimed her. Naoki would suffer the same fate if she didn't find a way to stop it. Just as she pocketed the note, that's when she heard it…"I just wanted him to love me…" With a startled gasp, Naoki felt the air get colder. Trembling all over, Naoki then sensed that something was behind her. Slowly, very slowly she turned herself around to see what it was… Naoki's scream broke the silence as she saw the ghostly form of Ayuki Kihara. The dead woman staring at her with brightly lit cherry blossoms growing out of her chest, her neck, her mouth… "I just wanted him to love me." Ayuki's distorted face showed only sorrow now. And as she reached out for Naoki, Naoki did the only thing she could do… She ran from the garden at once.

Naoki never looked back, not once. But she could still hear the sorrowful woman still wailing miserably behind her. She now knew the village was dangerous and was filled with the restless spirits of all those who perished from Hanahaki Disease. And as Naoki struggled to see where she was going while running through the Inn's corridor, she couldn't stop herself from coughing along the way. Suddenly it became too much that Naoki had to stop to grab her chest and throw up more of the orange lilies that grew within her. Once the terrible coughing subsided, Naoki finally looked back and was actually relieved to see that the ghost of Ayuki Kihara didn't follow her. But it was unsafe to linger around for long. Naoki decided to leave the Oshiro Inn at once.

Entering the foyer once more, Naoki started for the exit when a sudden new voice stopped her. "You will never be loved…" Naoki's heart leaped in her chest when she realized she wasn't alone. There was a new a ghost lurking nearby. "You will never be loved…" The voice repeated. But this voice sounded icy-cold and very bitter. The voice of an angry spirit… And when Naoki turned around, that's when she first saw her. As she feared, it was another ghost. Only this ghost was different and was emanating a powerful sinister aura. But what horrified Naoki more than anything was the woman's ghastly appearance.

From the looks of it, the woman was wearing what once must have been a lovely elegant orange kimono which was now ugly, ripped and decaying now. Her black hair was waist-length and flowed down her back. And half her face was obscured by bright red spider lilies, growing out from her face, her chest, her mouth. Through her one good eye, the kimono woman stared menacingly back at Naoki. So much resentment, so much hatred in those dead eyes… Naoki wondered who she was and where she came from. Her kimono was old-fashioned and appeared to be a style from the feudal era. Was it possible this ghost was once a high-ranking woman in those days?

Without warning, the dead woman lifted a pale bony finger and pointed at Naoki who could only stare in frozen fear. "You will never be loved. Unloved forever… Never be loved, never!" Just then, Naoki let out a breathless gasp as she could feel her lungs collapse. Suddenly the cold air was the only thing she could feel anymore. Naoki choked and gagged as she could feel the flowers growing inside her…growing and growing… Naoki grabbed her throat and fell to her knees as more and more orange lilies poured out of her mouth. It was too late. Naoki reached up a feeble hand to try to grab the door to escape but had no strength left. She couldn't breathe…not anymore… As the spider-lily ghost watched her demise, Naoki's last thoughts was the boy she never stopped loving.

"Shou…I will…always…love you," these wistful thoughts went through Naoki's mind as she slipped toward death. "I wish…you could have loved me…too." And in her last moments, Naoki also felt another emotion in her heart. Resentment at not being loved in return…

Poor Naoki…. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time a Fatal Frame character fell victim to the evil spirits. This was only a prologue. Something to give readers an idea of what to expect in this story. So how did I do? Was it an interesting read? Shall I continue more chapters so that readers can continue exploring the haunted realm of Matsumura? I promise I will get the updates going. But I'm kinda proud how this turned out. And there are many other unfortunate victims who died from the Hanahaki Disease. I had fun writing this and look forward to more horror coming up. Thank you for reading!