I apologize for taking so long to update the story. I've just been so busy studying for finals and preparing for my family trip that I've somewhat forgotten to update. Not to mention hours and hours of writer's block. Once again, I apologize for being so late with the next chapter.

Well, on with the story!

Chapter 4: Possession

"I see. So you are the survivor of the house fire from years ago. And the cause of the fire was the robber who killed your parents." Naru explained, raising his hand onto his chin.

"Yes."

Naru sighs, trying to think of what could be done. "Since the main spirit is after Mai, we should have someone watching over her during this investigation. They need to be with her at all times." Everyone in the room gave a small smirk and all eyes pointed towards Naru. "What…"

"Well, since your the one who suggested, I think it's only fair that your the one to look after Mai." Ayako winked at Naru who gained a confused look on his face at her comment.

"Huh?"

"Well, I'll leave it you, Naru." Hosho left.

"Wai-"

"If it's Naru, then I'm sure Mai will be fine." Ayako left.

"Hold on!"

"Have fun, Naru!" John left along with Masako.

"WAIT!" Naru held out his hand trying to get their attention but to no avail. The door closed, and then there was silence. Naru turns around to find Mai giving a nervous smile on her face. He sighs as he realizes the situation he put himself in.

As the day goes by, Naru never leaves Mai's side. The groups walk down the halls to check on the cameras before heading off to their respected rooms. Suddenly, Mai stops in her tracks.

"Mai, why did you stop?" She doesn't respond and starts walking to the edge of the railing surrounding the stairs. Mai stops and turns to face Naru. She has this blank look on her face. What happened to her? The group enters the hall.

"Naru, what's up with Jou-chan?"

"She seems out of it."

~ Inside Mai's mind ~

What's happening…Why can't I move my body!

It's because I'm controlling your every move.

Who's there! Why are you doing this to me!

You should know who I am. I need my revenge!

~ Back with the group ~

The group starts walking towards her to try and keep her from falling. "TAKE ANOTHER STEP AND I'LL THROW HER OVER THE EDGE!" Everyone stopped.

"That…wasn't Mai's voice." Ayako became worried.

"No, it wasn't." Naru stared at Mai, glaring at the thing inside of her.

"Masako, do you know what's happening?" John wondered.

"I believe that the evil spirit in this house has possessed Mai."

"Can you make it talk?" Hosho asked the young psychic. She nodded and slowly walked up to Mai.

"Whoever is in the body of Taniyama Mai, please speak. Who are you? What do you want with the girl."

Mai began to lean back over the railing, almost tipping over, causing everyone to take a step closer while reaching out their hand to grab her. Mai stopped. "I said to not come any closer didn't I?"

"What do you want with Mai!"

"Hehehehe…I robbed this place back then but failed due to some overprotective parents, and now, I want my revenge on the one person I was unable to kill." Mai faced the railing and fell over.

"MAI!" Naru screamed as he ran towards the falling girl, catching her hand before it was too late.

"She got lucky this time, however the next time we encounter each other will be her last. Hehehehehe…" A black mist appeared out of Mai's body and drifted away into the darkness. Naru turned his attention back to Mai who was coming to.

"Ugh…What happened." Mai slowly blinked as she tried to figure out her surroundings. She looked up to find Naru grasping her hand. "Naru? What are you doing? Where a- AAHHH! WHY AM I DANGLING FROM THE RAILING!"

"Calm down, Mai…" Naru held her hand tightly as he started to pull her up over the railing. Finally, with lots of struggling, Mai was safe.

"Naru, what happened to me?" Naru looked back at the young girl with concern.

"You got possessed by the killer of your parents. He wants to finish what he started back then, so he's going to try many ways to kill you."

"W-What should I do…If he can possess me, then I'm not safe anywhere, am I?" Mai held a depressed expression on her face. Naru thought of an idea that could work.

"You'll sleep in my room tonight so I could watch over you." The group's eyes widened in shock. Mai's cheeks brightened with red.

"How could you say such indecent things Naru!"

"Bringing a young girl like her into a room alone at night!"

"Eh…" Naru became confused. When he finally understood he blushed rapidly. "T-T-That's not what I meant! I meant that she can sleep in the bed and I'll sleep on the floor!"

"Oh, sure~"

"Look, he's embarrassed."

"Naru's a pervert…"

"Oi!" Naru looked back at Mai, who's cheeks brightened with red in a rapid increase of speed.

That night…

Naru quietly watches over the sleeping girl. All of a sudden, the boy smells smoke. He walks to the door and slowly opens it, to find bursting red flames, burning down the hall. "Damn it!" Naru rushed towards the sleeping girl and shook her awake.

"Naru, what's wrong?"

"We have to get out of here! NOW!"

"Eh? Why?"

"The house is burning down."