A year... It took me a year to update this story. Look I didn't expect this chapter to take so long, I don't know if I was burnt out or too busy working on my Whitechapel adventure story for that year (Which you should check out by the way wink wink.) ;) Anyway, not much I can say other than I hope to post a lot of stories this month enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 3: A Haunting we will go
"Great, what do we do first?" Emily questioned, ready for action,
"We have to get back to our rooms and get the ghost hunting equipment." Amy stated, "The spirit boxes are the only thing that can communicate with them."
"Shouldn't our third eye powers make it easier to understand them?" Chloe questioned, raising her hand,
"Our powers can only do so much; although we'll be able to see the spirits, the spirit box will ensure we can communicate fully," Amy explained,
"Understood, ladies, let's make haste," I ordered,
"But carefully, Jimmy is still on the prowl. If we're caught, who knows what will happen." Amy followed up,
"Roger that." Everyone saluted,
"Great to the elevators!" I ushered; we all hopped onto the elevator and went back to the first floor. Avoiding Jimmy as he returned using the stairs, he rushed to a room labeled "Assistance Manager." The man unlocked the door and walked in to see a sleeping Ven and Vanitus.
"Wake up!" He yelled, shaking them both,
"Ugh, what is it this time?" Vanitus questioned drowsily, "Did they find out? Do they want to speak to us?"
"No, we're still in the clear. I have a job for you boys." Jimmy said,
"Ugh, Hugo." Vanitus groaned, seeing it was Jimmy's alter ego, "I hate to disappoint you, but I think you've got us in enough trouble this summer."
"What's your request?" Ventus spoke, now wide awake, "I could use a little excitement."
"No!" Vanitus yelled, "I've had enough of you demons taking over my boss and brother."
"Oh, don't be like that, Vani." Ventus pouted, with puppy dog eyes, "You know we're just having fun. It's not like Hugo, and I will hurt them."
"I doubt that. I've seen your work; you want to silence those girls, so they don't expose you." The spiky raven-haired guessed,
"When you say it like that, it sounds illegal," Hugo stated,
"It is!"
"Fine, have it your way. If you want something done right, you do it yourself. Have a good night, and if you hear screaming, it's theirs." Hugo left, closing the door behind him, just as Ventus got out of bed and started getting dressed,
"Don't tell me you're going along with this madman's plans," Vanitus questioned, trying to get comfy again,
"Of course I am. Don't worry. I won't hurt them; I just want to mess with their heads a little." Ven smiled wickedly
"Fine, if you're going, I'm going. I think it's time I told them the truth, the missing teens, Jimmy's secret, and you." Vanitus glared at Ventus,
"Ouch, and I thought we were family Van." He winced, faking pain,
"We're not family. You're just a demon that resides in my brother's mind. Thanks to you and Hugo, this hotel has more victims, not to mention Maya's capture."
"Hey, in my defense, that detective was getting dangerously close to the truth, and so are our new guests." Ven reasoned, "As for Maya, I still don't understand why Hugo is keeping her captive. He's been secretive about her lately. At least her friends got an extended stay."
"That's not funny!" Vanitus snapped,
"Okay, okay, sheesh. Can't I have any fun around here? Anyway, I'm heading to the first floor. I'd watch your back if I were you. You know how Hugo gets when his dark secrets are exposed."
"Oh, trust me, Hugo's reign of terror ends tonight," Vanitus stated, determined,
The brothers rushed out of their shared room and onto the elevators.
"Which floor?" Vanitus asked, looking at the buttons,
"First floor. Hugo should be there by now," Ventus replied plainly,
"Fine, I'm heading to the second floor." He decided,
"Going up?" Ventus asked jokingly,
Meanwhile, the rest of us rushed to our rooms to grab our equipment. We managed to head back with no problem, but that good luck wouldn't last, as we were sure Jimmy would return to hunt us down any moment.
"Okay." Amy spoke up, "You got everything?"
"Yes, Amy, and if you want to double-check, do it later, we don't have time for a checklist," Emily replied, hurling the bag over her shoulder,
"For once, I agree with you. But I still want to check in case we're missing anything." She insisted,
"Fine, while you do that, I'm going to look around the room for a self-defense tool. Never go unprepared in a horror movie scenario." Emily reminded,
Amy quickly looked through her and Emily's bags, making sure they had everything necessary to tackle the newfound ghostly request,
"Wait…" She paused, "Where's the Scrying Mirror and Spirt Compass? Ugh, they always forget something!" Amy grunted in frustration,
"The what and what?" Emily asked as she found another deadbolt key,
"The Scrying Mirror allows us to see things related to the ghost in question. Consider it a hint system."
"And the compass?"
"It works as its name suggests. It shows us the way to a spirits location."
"And why are they so important? They seem like an optional thing." Emily wondered,
"What would rather? Going around this hotel knowing what we are looking for? Or going around blindly while a crazed manic is hunting us down?" Amy explained,
"Okay, when you put it like that. It sounds like they'll make our job easier. Do you think we'll be able to find a replacement here?" Emily wondered,
"Come to think of it, I wouldn't be surprised if Jimmy has some." Amy realized, "I mean, he had a Spirt Box. He might have a Spirt Compass and Scrying Mirror as well."
"Well, we better meet up with the others and start searching," Emily said, about to leave when the sound of the doorknob turning took both girls aback.
"Oh no, I forgot to lock the door," Amy whispered,
"That sounds very unlike you, Amy." Her sister replied,
"Well, this is what happens when I'm rushed. I overlook something important and don't notice it until it's too late."
"We better hide. It could be Jimmy." Emily thought aloud,
"Quick, hide in the trunk. I'll hide in the wardrobe."
The two sisters hid with baited breaths fearing it was Jimmy. As the door opened, it took everything in them not to scream,
The individual walked to the center of the room and spoke, "Amy? Emily? Are you ready to go?" A friendly voice called out,
Both girls came out of their hiding spots and turned to see Cindy smiling.
"Sorry, Cindy." Amy apologized, "We thought you were Jimmy."
"It's okay. Dakota and Mimi knocked on our door a moment ago. Chloe and I thought it was him too." Cindy explained,
"Is everyone else ready?" Emily wondered,
Cindy nodded, "They're waiting near the elevator. Let's make haste. I could've sworn I heard voices in the halls."
"Sounds like Jimmy's looking for us." Emily voiced concerningly,
"And he's got help. I bet Ven and Vanitus are in on this." Her sister theorized,
"Great, just what we need, more obstacles." Cindy groaned,
"Come on, we better hurry before they find us." Amy ushered, and they left,
"Alright, gang." Amy addressed us as we stood single file. "This will be our biggest case yet; our job is to locate and listen to the spirit's stories and, if possible, help them pass on any questions?"
Chloe raised her hand, "What happens if we get caught? What's the best course of action if Ventus, Vanitas, or Jimmy find us?"
"You hide." Amy answered sternly, "Go into one of the rooms and don't come out until you know it's safe. If anyone attempts to come in, hide in the wardrobe or the bathroom. Don't let them get the jump on you. Understand?"
We nodded, understanding Amy loud and clear.
"Good, everyone goes in groups of two and try not to get separated. In the case you do, though, the main floor will be our meeting place. Now take these master keys and get out there. We can't leave without solving the mystery of Sea View Hotel."
"We got it, Amy." We saluted and grouped up,
"So where should we head first?" I asked Mimi,
"I don't know. Maybe we should give the first floor another once over. Those heirlooms Jimmy mentioned could be vital evidence."
I pondered on this, tapping my chin with my finger. "Hmm, it could be. Alright, let's look around. Maybe we'll find a scrying mirror and compass while we're at it."
Mimi and I got onto the elevator and pushed the button to the second floor; meanwhile, Amy and Emily decided to take their investigation to the basement.
"Remind me again why we're here?" Amy wondered,
"The basement is like a signature place for spirits. If there's something here, we will find it." Her sister replied,
"Hello, is anyone there?" Amy spoke into the spirit box. No one answered, though. "I'm not getting any readings."
"Yeah, I'm not… Wait a minute." Something caught Emily's eye as she walked over and picked up a mirror. "Hey, is this what you meant by Scrying Mirror?"
"Emily, that's it! With this mirror, we'll be able to find everything much faster."
"So, how does it work?"
"When in a dark room. Hold up the mirror, and you'll see clues about the past victim. Like this." Amy held the mirror to her face and saw a little girl crying in the basement. "That's weird. It says something here, but I don't see anything that could relate to a spirit."
"Maybe, we haven't found the right clues yet. First, let's find someone and come back later." Emily directed her sister back to the elevator and pushed a random button, but as the doors closed, Amy saw a little girl crying by the lift.
"Wait, wait, wait!" She yelled, pushing the basement button, and rushed back out,
"Amy, what the heck?!" Emily yelled, following her,
"I saw somebody, a little girl." The ginger hastily explained, turning on the spirit box. "Hello, is someone there?"
"Hello?" The girl replied,
"Whoa, no way the mirror was right!" Emily gasped,
"Shush, what's your name?"
"I'm Amy Bell. I'm ten." She replied,
"Great, what now?" Emily wondered
"We ask her questions."
"Alright then. We just saw a little girl crying down here. Was that you?"
"Yes, it was. A boy called Jimmy locked me in the basement. Then he started stealing things from me." She explained,
"What did he take from you?" The brunette questioned,
"I can't remember." Amy Bell stated,
"Great, what do we do now?" Emily asked,
"We investigate. The things Jimmy stole from her could still be in the hotel." Amy said, "Amy, why don't you come with us? You can help us."
"I can't." She stated, her voice sounding distant,
"Uhh, why does she sound further away?" The feisty girl inquired,
"Her spirit is fading; we can only maintain communication for so long. Better not waste time with meaningless banter. We need Amy's story to understand Jimmy better."
"Alright, Ams, so what should we do first?"
"Call the others. Maybe one of them found something."
"I'm on it, Dakota? Come in, Dakota?"
"Alright, what have we found?" Mimi wondered,
"Barely anything. We found the sword in my room, trophies in Amy's room, and some suitcases in Emily's. We should head to Cindy and yours next. Maybe there's something there." I suggested,
"Alright then, let's…."
"Dakota? Come in, Dakota?"
"What?" I looked down at my walkie-talkie, "Oh, Dakota, here I read you loud and clear over."
"Dakota, we found a spirit. She's a ten-year-old girl named Amy Bell. According to her, Jimmy locked her in the basement and stole her stuff. Did you or Mimi find anything that could belong to her?" Emily questioned,
"I don't know to ask her about the trophies and suitcases we found," Mimi suggested,
"I'll see what she knows. Miss Bell, are you still here?" Amy questioned,
"Yes, I'm still here." She replied, now sounding much clearer,
"We found some trophies. Where did they come from?" The ginger asked,
"I don't know." Amy Bell replied,
"We also found some suitcases. Could they be yours?" Emily questioned,
"I don't know." She said, voice fading away,
"We're running out of time to question her this last one better count."
"Wait, the sword. Ask her about the sword I found in my room!" I requested, having a feeling Amy Bell might know something.
"All right, who does the sword belong to?" Emily asked,
"Jimmy had it; I didn't like it."
Our eyes widened in horror,
"Looks like Jimmy isn't as kind-spirited as he appears," Mimi spoke,
"Considering he's trying to kill us. That's self-explanatory." Emily deadpanned,
"We should…" I paused, hearing footsteps down the corridor. "Oh no, someone's here."
"Quick hide, it could be Jimmy. We'll check in later, Amy, over and out."
Mimi and I made a break for one of the rooms and waited. I looked out the peephole in case Jimmy or one of our friends walked past. After a few moments of silence, I breathed a sigh of relief. "I think we're safe. Found anything?"
"No, too busy hiding," Mimi answered, coming out of the bathroom,
I nodded in understanding, walking further into the room. "I don't think we've been in here before."
"Me, neither. Let's look around." Mimi agreed, and both of us started rummaging around. Mimi found another deadbolt key while I went over to open a cupboard that held research papers by Detective Saihara.
I gasped at seeing something from Shuichi's uncle was here, "Hey, Mimi." I spoke only for my statement to be cut short by someone unlocking the door.
"Quick hide." I hushed, running into the wardrobe as Mimi went into the bathroom. I covered my mouth as I saw the shadow of Jimmy enter the room; I backed as far into the closet as I could as he approached me. Seeing he could not find me, Jimmy moved on as I gave a quiet sigh of relief, but the relief was short-lived as I heard Mimi's screams from the bathroom as I registered a bat colliding with her skull. It took everything in me not to scream as I peeked out to see Jimmy pulling my friend's unconscious body out the door.
I stayed there for what felt like ages, too scared to move or follow, but after not hearing anything for a bit, I got out of my hiding spot, took the research I found to give to Shuichi, and left to give chase. I dashed down the hall, hoping to see where the deranged proprietor took my friend, but all was silent. I was truly alone.
Cindy and Chloe were on the second floor for their investigation. Amy got them up to speed on their discovery, so the sisters decided to keep an eye open for anything that could belong to Miss Bell. So far, neither girl found anything that seemed important, so they wrote it down in their notebook and moved on.
"Are you sure we didn't find anything that could belong to Amy Bell?" Cindy questioned,
"Positive, I don't think a spool of cooper wire and whiskey bottles belong to a ten-year-old," Chloe commented,
Cindy hummed, "Well, at least we found a spirit compass and scrying mirror. These will make our job way easier."
"Yeah, according to the compass, there's a spirit on this floor. Let's hope we're on the right track," Chloe said,
Both girls went into silence but were on edge. They could have sworn they heard shuffling down the halls. But that hunch was soon realized as someone opened a door and grabbed Cindy. Chloe spun around, noticing her sister missing.
"Cindy?!" Chloe called out, "Cindy, where are you?!
"Hey, what gives." Cindy struggled breaking free and faced her kidnapper, "What, Vanitas? What on Earth are you doing?"
"Sorry, Cindy, I didn't mean to startle you." He apologized, "I've been trying to find you for ages."
"Well, not only did you find me, but you took me away from my sister. Whatever you have to say, make it quick."
"I know where the missing teens are." He stated simply,
"What?!" Cindy was taken aback. She did not expect Vanitas to know something. "Why didn't you tell us sooner? Why did you wait until now?"
"Look, I'll explain everything. Just calm down, okay? We can't let Hugo find us."
"Hugo? Vanitas, who are you talking about?"
Vanitas sighed, knowing he had no choice but to explain Jimmy's possession. If he didn't, there was no way the group would trust him. "Hugo is the one who's been hunting you. Jimmy isn't in control of his actions."
"What, how is that even possible? Vanitas, does Jimmy have dissociative identity disorder?" Cindy sternly questioned,
"No, it's a demon that's taken possession of him. He died in this hotel years before Jimmy's family took ownership. Or at least I think he did, Hugo hasn't told us the full extent of his ties with Jimmy, but I know it must be personal."
"How do you know it's a demon that's possessing Jimmy, and what does this have to do with the missing teens?"
The spiky-haired boy took a deep breath, ready to spill his brother's dark secret. "Because my brother has an inner demon as well. He's been helping Hugo whenever there's a guest he doesn't like. They're pretty good friends, much to my dismay."
"Ventus is possessed too?!" Cindy gasped,
"Shh, keep it down. It's on the hunt too!" Van shushed,
Cindy covered her mouth in embarrassment, knowing her acquaintance was correct. "Sorry."
"It's fine. I know this is a lot to take in. But yes, my brother has a demon that possesses him at night."
"When did it happen?"
The other sighed and took a seat on the bed. "Ven and I are originally from Japan. We moved here a few years ago. Let's just say neither of us was happy about it, but my brother being the positive one, put on a brave face. It took a long time for us to adjust. We even had to learn English. After a few months, I found out Ven was dealing with a lot of stress and anger, which soon manifested into a whole other being. And to make matters worse, our parents got us this summer job, and it just made things much worse."
"When you said it got worse? Does that have anything to do with it befriending Hugo?" Cindy wondered,
"Yes, it does. Everything from the past few years is their fault. Thanks to them, Maya and her friends were kidnapped, and I've kept my mouth shut about it long enough. I don't blame you if you arrest them, but I want you to know both are suffering, and all they want is to be free from those demons' control."
"Don't worry, Vanitas. We're going to exorcise every spirit trapped in this hotel. All I need is your corporation." The girl instructed kindly, hands on his shoulder,
"I can do that; I'll do anything to save my brother and Jimmy. He suffered far worse. Anyway, I heard one of your friends met Amy Bell."
Cindy gave Vanitas a confused look, "What does that have to with anything?"
"If you want to set her free, you're going to need these." He said, handing over a pocket purse and a burnt Teddy Bear.
"Where did you get these?!" Cindy gasped,
"Let's just say there's more than family heirlooms in this hotel. We've been covering this stuff up for far too long." The other replied grimly,
"Cindy?! Cindy?!" Chloe yelled,
"Chloe!" Cindy and Vanitas shot up and opened the door to a shaken Chloe,
"There you are. I was looking all over for you! Oh, hi, Vanitas." She greeted with a cheerful wave,
"Hey Chlo, uh, sorry about that. I was the one who kidnapped your sister."
Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Why did you do that?"
"Later, okay, Chloe, did you find another spirit? Her older sister asked,
"No worse, Jimmy just captured Mimi, and she's locked in the storage room."
Both friends gasped and turned to each other.
"We better rescue her. She could have a concussion. Hugo's stronger than you'd think." Van ushered,
"Do you have a key to the supply closet?" Chloe checked,
"Yep, follow me and be careful."
The girls nodded, following the bellhop's lead.
Meanwhile, I was sneaking down the hall desperately trying to locate Mimi, but I couldn't find her or Jimmy anywhere. I started thinking they weren't on the floor anymore when I noticed a shadowy figure.
I stopped in my tracks, "Hello, is anyone there?" I questioned, thinking it was either a ghost or my friend's. When I saw nothing, I figured it was a trick of the lights and went on my way. I nearly forgot about the encounter when someone snuck behind me and covered my eyes with their hands.
I froze; I had no idea who this was or if they were even friendly,
"Hello, baby girl. I've been watching you for a while." A boy's voice cooed,
I gasped, spinning around to see Ventus with a pleased wicked grin on his face.
"V-Ven!?"
Surprise Ven's evil! Well, kind of like Vanitas said he's being possessed by a mental demon, but we'll get into that next chapter. And for those who are new to the fandom (Though considering how small this fandom is I'm guess not many of you. Yes, Jimmy does not suffer with DID this was a huge misconception in many people's explained videos, but Jimmy is possessed by a man named Hugo not an alter or his comedy character Hugo was a real man that died in the hotel but that's all I'm gonna say since that's a pretty big spoiler. But we'll get into that later on.
Hopefully a new chapter will be out next week since I'm already almost done with the next one. Once again sorry for the slow upload but I like keeping my Halloween stories exclusive for this month expect more to come out and I'll see you all next time.
