Chapter 4
The Ghost at the Girls' Dorm
And then the girl approached the other girl, who was weeping. Very slowly, but cautiously, the girl approaches her. And what happened then…
"SHE GETS YA~!" Yoshimitsu puts her hands on Meimei's shoulders in a quick motion, making her freaked out and the Chinese girl hides under the table.
"That was scary!" she cries.
The American turns towards Ageha and Matsuri, who are just sitting there, listening.
"What's wrong?" she asks with an eyebrow raised. "You two weren't scared in the slightest?"
"Sorry to say, Yoshimitsu," Ageha says. "But I've been listening to that story since we were kids."
"I thought it was fun!" Matsuri says. "I was so enthralled~!"
Yoshimitsu sighs. "I don't want to hear that." She walks over and slumps against the wall. "Geez, how booooring!" She lets out a sigh again. "Any more interesting ghost stories?"
"I don't want to hear one!" Meimei says from under the table.
"Ah, come to think of it," Matsuri says. "You haven't heard about the tales of this dorm?"
"Tales?" The Chinese girl pops her head out from the table.
"Yes," the Native American replies. "According to one I heard, there is a ghost at this dorm."
Meimei goes back to hiding under the table. "EEEEEEK!"
"A ghost?" Ageha asks.
Yoshimitsu rubs her chin. "Hmmm…now that you mentioned it, it does seem that there would be ghosts here."
"Yes, I don't know the details," Matsuri says. "But, what I've heard: the sound of the shower runs in an empty bathroom, if you look at yourself in the mirror at 2 a.m, you'll see things other than yourself, and so on. Those stories have been passed down from generation to generation."
"Oh, I get it," Ageha says. She hears Meimei whimpering from under the table and takes a look.
"I'm scared!" she cries.
"It's okay, Meimei-chan," the Spaniard assures her. "Stories like that are just made up and have no basis in reality."
"I'm not so sure about that," Yoshimitsu says. "They say that there can be no smoke without a fire. Therefore, hearing things that have no sound, seeing things that can't be seen…it could be the workings of an evil spirit living in the dorm!" She turns around and flashes her light above her face, making a scary face in the process.
It scares Meimei so much that she runs off to hide behind the curtains. Ageha puts her hands on her hips while frowning on her.
"Please stop," she says.
"Speaking of strange things," Matsuri says. "Why is your room the only one on the north side? All of our rooms are lined up on the south side. But your room is on the far edge on the north side."
Yoshimitsu smirks as she turns on the flashlight again. "You finally clued in~! Now that you've realized, there's no other choice. You see, the truth is…"
"Yes?" The three girls lean closer to hear better.
Yoshimitsu winks at them. "It's about a will. A will~"
"Huh?" Ageha asks. "A will?"
"Yup!" the American replies. "Ageha was always supposed to live in that room. It also said that you were to use the furniture provided."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
Matsuri stands up with a smile. "There's some mystery behind this! I like it!"
Yoshimitsu smiles as well. "You're getting into this, aren't you?"
"Yes~!" The Native American says, cheefully. "Maybe we'll find something out."
Later, everyone goes up to their respective rooms and Ageha turns on the light. She takes a looks around for a bit. I was thinking that the furniture was pretty vintage, she thinks. I hope it's not haunted…
Just then, she feels a hand touch her shoulder, making her turn and jump, making her bump into the bed.
"EEEEEEEEEEK!" she screams.
Yoshimitsu bursts into laughter while holding her stomach. "Hahahaha~! It's just me, Ageha~!"
The Spaniard jumps to her feet and glares at her. "What was that for, Yoshimitsu!?"
"You weren't scared by that story, weren't you?"
"No, not at all," Ageha replies as she turns away, closing her eyes.
"You don't have to worry," The American says, wiggling a finger. "You've already been here a month so far. Have you seen any ghosts?"
"N-no, I haven't…"
"Well, if you're still scared, you can always come to my room." Yoshimitsu wraps her arms around herself with a smile on her face. "I'll hold your trembling body and we can cuddle until you fall asleep~! Ohhhh, that will be so much fun!"
"D-don't treat me like a kid," Ageha says.
"Okay~!" The American skips over toward the door. "Well then, I'll be in my room. Toodles~!" With that she shuts the door.
Ageha lets out a sigh. "Unbelievable. She seriously likes to mess with people, including trying to scare them. If I was as carefree as her, I'd have fewer worries in life." She starts to walk towards her bed when she hears a noise. "Yoshimitsu?" When there's no response, she just shrugs. "Hm. Must be my imagination. She turns off the lights and climbs to bed.
**Next Day**
In World History class, Ageha cannot focus on what the teacher is saying. She just stares down at her notes while thinking, I can't stop thinking about it. Why did Mama choose this room? And something about ghosts?
"Onee-sama! Onee-sama!" Kochou's voice snaps her out of her thoughts.
"Oh, Kochou-san," Ageha says as she turns to her.
"Is everything okay?" the student council president says. "If you feel unwell, you shouldn't push yourself."
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."
"I see. If that's what Onee-sama says…"
"U-um…Kochou-san?"
"Yes?"
"Can you please not call me, 'Onee-sama'?" Ageha says. "I-it feels like I'm someone else. Plus that…I'm still not used to it."
"You'll have to get used to it quickly," Kochou says while turning away and closing her eyes. "Now that you are the Elder, you are the Onee-sama." She turns to her again. "You're our representative. You must be stronger."
"R-right…"
"So, what have you been thinking about?"
"There's something on my mind," Ageha answers. "Kochou-san, do you…believe in ghosts?"
Just then, Kochou's expression changes into a frightened look and a drop of sweat appears on her forehead as well. "G-g-g-ghosts?" she stammers. "Th-there's no such thing! D-don't you watch what comes out of your mouth!?" She hears the bell ring and quickly stands up. "St-stand! Bow!" She turns to Ageha while still stammering, "I-I-I have to go to my next class. So, um, have a nice day, Onee-sama."
"Ah, Kochou-san!" Ageha calls, but it's too late when the student council president accidentally bumps into a wall.
"Ouch!" she groans.
The Spaniard just laughs nervously.
**That Night**
While sitting at her desk late that night, Ageha smiles to herself. Well, everyone has their weaknesses, she thinks. Especially the diligent Kochou-san. But even so… She thinks back on the president's expression and giggles. Who knew that the very serious student council president can be afraid of ghosts?
Just then, she hears a knock on the door. "Yes?"
"U-um…Onee-sama, are you awake?" Meimei says from the other side.
Ageha opens the door and sees Meimei clutching her pillow in her arms. Her hair is down as well.
"Um…can I have a moment?" she asks.
"Yes, of course," The Spaniard replies. "What is it?"
"Um…er…uhh…Onee-sama…" The Chinese girl shyly looks down at the floor. "Will you sleep with me?"
Ageha jumps back in shock. "Eh!? A-as in the same bed?"
"Is that a no?"
"Not really, but what's the matter?"
"I'm afraid to sleep alone because of the ghost stories," Meimei replies.
"Ah, I see." Ageha never even thought of the cheerful Chinese girl being afraid of things such as ghosts. However, she never had someone sleep with her before, except for Yoshimistu when they were kids. "Um…can't you ask Yoshimistu?" she offers.
"No way!" Meimei replies. "If I did, she'd tell me ghost stories all night!"
Ageha sweat drops. "I-I can see that. But this room…"
"That's okay. If you're next to me, I won't be scared."
"Meimei-chan…"
There is a desperate look on the Chinese girl's face. This expression makes Ageha feel for her.
"Mmm…how can I refuse that face?"
Meimei brightens. "Really!? Thank you so much, Onee-sama!"
"Come in."
But as they walk towards her bed, Ageha stops and thinks. Is it really okay letting her sleep here?
"What's the matter?" Meimei asks.
"Oh, nothing." She laughs nervously as the two climb into bed.
A few minutes later, while Ageha is trying to sleep, Miemei speaks up.
"Can we face each other while we're sleeping?" she asks.
"Why's that?"
"Because I feel much safer."
Ageha nods and turns herself over to face the Chinese girl. "That better?"
"Yes!" Meimei snuggles next to the Spaniard and both of them giggle.
"You're so spoiled~" Ageha teases.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
The Spaniard giggles as she pulls the covers towards Meimei. "Not scared anymore?"
"Nope, I feel really safe like this."
"I'm glad."
Meimei suddenly takes a whiff of Ageha's hair. "Onee-sama, you smell nice. It's…so…"
"Meimei-chan?" The tanned girl then finds the Chinese girl fast asleep. She smiles and gently strokes her hair. "Good night, Meimei-chan."
**Next Day**
"Ageha?" Yoshimitsu calls. "Are you up? It's time to go!" She opens the door, and jumps back in shock. "Ack!"
Ageha sits up and rubs her eyes. "Oh, good morning, Yoshimitsu."
The American points a shaky finger towards the Chinese girl. "A-Ageha, wh-what is the meaning of this!?"
"Hm?"
"Onee-sama…" Meimei coos.
"AAAAHHH!" Yoshimitsu screams.
The Chinese girl strokes Ageha's hair while purring, "More. Please some more, Onee-sama…don't stop…"
The Spaniard swallows hard and slowly looks up at the American. "Y-Yoshimitsu…I-I can explain! It's not what it looks like!" She can see her childhood friend trembling in anger and clenching the hem of her skirt while her bangs hide her expression. "C-calm down, Yoshimitsu…please…"
"Ageha…" It is then that Yoshimistu finally explodes. "YOU BIG IDIOT!"
**Later**
Ageha sighs as she walks outside on a cloudy day. "That was horrible…"
"Hey, it's not my fault," Yoshimitsu says. "By the way, you didn't do anything to Meimei-chan, did you?"
"I didn't!" Ageha defends. "I already explained the circumstances!"
"Yeah, but this is different."
"Ah, so this is where you were!" Matsuri calls as she runs towards them from behind them.
"Matsuri-chan, what's wrong?" The Spaniard asks.
"It's terrible!" the Native American cries.
"Huh?" Ageha and Yoshimitsu exchange confused looks.
The three girls head toward the front courtyard and sit on the bench.
"The room that doesn't open?" Ageha asks.
"Yes," Matsuri replies. "My friends in the Drama Club told me. That's what your room used to be called."
"That's disturbing. But why?"
"It was 22 years ago in the summer," Matsuri explains. "It is a story of great sadness and love. Back then, it was the Elder who lived in your room. There was an underclassman who was her 'little sister' and a guitarist. But the little sister was sickly since birth and had to be hospitalized. One day, she got a letter announcing her Onee-sama's graduation and engagement to be married. She wanted to see her one last time, so she slipped out of the hospital, carrying her guitar with her."
"In her weakened state…" Ageha says.
"How admirable…" Yoshimitsu says.
Matsuri looks down at the ground as she continues the story. "But…unfortunately, her Onee-sama had gone home. It was summer and the dorm was empty. She waited alone in her Onee-sama's room for her return, playing on her guitar every now and then. For days and days. However, it was too much for her already weakened body and she slowly drifted, as if into a sleep…and then…"
Ageha lets out a shaky gasp while cupping both hands on her mouth. She has never heard such a sad story in her life.
"Upon finding out about this, the Elder was devastated," Matsuri continues.
"I-I see…" Yoshimitsu says.
The Native American's eyes are still focused on the ground. "I know what it feels like to want to see someone you love. But she didn't get to see her."
"How sad…"
"Since then, this room was left vacant." Matsuri says.
"And that's where I live now?" Ageha asks.
"I don't think it's fun anymore…" Yoshimitsu says. "What should we do, Ageha?"
"I-I have no idea…" The Spaniard replies.
When school is over, everyone starts walking towards the dorms. Ageha walks alone while staring at the ground. She died with her dreams unfulfilled, she thinks. What was she thinking while she waited? And…why did Mama want me to live in this room?
She when she arrives at the dorms, she looks around her room, asking the same thing in her head. For her, it's not anything special, except for it neatly decorated and organized. But what she really wants to know is why her mother chose this room and not any other room in this dormitory.
Just then, there's a knock on the door. "Onee-sama?" Matsuri says from behind the door. "It's me, Matsuri. May I come in?"
"Yes, you can come in."
The door opens and Matsuri walks in, holding a tray. "I brought you some tea."
"Thank you. I was just thinking of getting some."
"Great! One moment, please." As Matsuri pours in the tea, she speaks up again. "By the way, what we talked about at lunch…there's a bit more to the story. Actually-"
"Matsuri-chan," Ageha cuts her off. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I want to hear any more of that story. It's too sad."
"Huh? Why is that?"
"Nothing actually happened here," The Spaniard answers. "And I don't think a girl that fragile would cause any trouble."
"I see."
Just then, the room starts shaking as if an earthquake has started and the lights black out.
"What!?" Ageha gasps. "Wh-what is this!? A-A poltergeist!?"
"Yes, this happened once before," Matsuri replies as she holds onto a chair for dear life as the shaking continues. "Afterwards, when they tried to take the furniture out of here, it was like something was trying ot stop it." She suddenly falls on the floor.
"Matsuri-chan!"
Suddenly, the shaking suddenly stops.
"It stopped," Ageha says.
"Ageha-Onee-sama…" Matsuri says. "There's supposed to be a charm in the closet that a priest used to seal the ghost in."
"A charm?" the Spaniard says. "Is that the part of what you tried to tell me?"
"Yes. It might be weakening. I'll go check it out."
The Native American opens the closet and rummages through some clothes until she finds a piece of paper.
"Ah, here it is," she holds it up. "It's torn."
Ageha gasps. "Th-that's bad, right!?"
Before Matsuri can answer, a bright light shines from the torn paper. The glow fills the whole room, making the shocked Ageha just stand there, watching. Then, the glow disappears and the lights flicker back on. A girl with long dirty, messy blonde hair and wearing the same uniform as Ageha and Matsuri appears floating above them. The girls stare at the blonde for what it seems like minutes. The girl above them slowly opens her eyes. Her vision blurs for a second. The first person she sees is a girl with wavy dark brown hair and tanned skin.
"Onee-sama…" she mutters.
"Huh?" Ageha tilts her head in confusion.
"Onee-sama!" the blonde repeats as her vision clears. She happily jumps into her arms, making Ageha fall onto the bed. Then, her speaking becomes like someone had pushed on a fast-forward button on her. "ONEE-SAMA, ONEE-SAMA, ONEE-SAMA, ONEE-SAMA!"
"Wh-what…what are you talking about?" Ageha cries as she tries to free herself.
But the blonde ignores her and summons a guitar out of thin air. "YOU TOTALLY ROCK! YEEEAAAAAHHHHH!" She plays it, having loud music come out of nowhere, and Ageha and Matsuri cover their ears. "Oh, dang! I've been waiting and waiting for you for such a long time! I've been waiting for you to come back! But my love for you hasn't changed!" She plays the guitar again. "YOU ROCK, ONEE-SAMA! YOU SO TOTALLY ROCK!"
"Settle down!" Ageha shouts.
"Okay…" the blonde puts down her guitar and lowers herself a little.
The Spaniard sighs in relief. "Finally…" She looks up at the blonde. "First things first, what's your name?"
"Right," the girl says. "My name is Karasu, a guitarist from a band called 'A.R.C Angels'."
"Onee-sama," Matsuri says. "She's the girl that died 22 years ago."
"So it seems," Ageha mutters.
"What's the matter?" Karasu asks. "It looks like you've seen a ghost."
"Because you already are one," the Spaniard chuckles, seeing that it's actually shocking that she appeared out of nowhere.
Karasu raises an eyebrow. "I am?"
Dang , es esa chica realmente tan desorientado? (Dang, is that girl really that clueless)?" Ageha thinks.
"That's not possible!" Karasu says. "You're just being silly." She stretches her arms. "Ahhhh~! You know what this calls for? Energy drinks!" She looks around to see that there's none around. "Oh, well. I guess tea will suffice..." She goes over to touch a cup, but her hand goes right through. "Huh!? Why can't I grab it!?"
"U-umm…look at your feet!" Ageha says.
"Hm?" The blonde looks down. "I have feet, silly!" Then, she notices that she's off the floor. "Oh! I'm floating! Oh! Do I have super powers~!?"
Ageha shakes her head roughly while grabbing her head with her hands. "NOOOOOO!"
After about a few more minutes of shenanigans, it finally stops. Karasu hangs her head down while kneeling on the floor, but still floating.
"Then…I really am dead…" she says, softly.
"You finally got it…" Ageha says with a nervous laugh.
"I only meant to sleep a little, but I slept for 22 years," the blonde says. "I'm such a screw-up."
"I don't think that's the case," The Spaniard says.
Karasu looks up at the tanned girl with a serious expression. "So then, you're not my Onee-sama?"
"I'm sorry, but no," Ageha answers.
Karasu sighs, but looks at her again while leaning closer to her. "But still…you look so much like my Onee-sama."
Ageha stares at her in surprise. What does she mean by that? she thinks.
"Ageha-Onee-sama is our Elder," Matsuri says. "She's very elegant and wonderul and…" She yawns because it's so late at night.
Karasu smiles. "Wow! I can see why you were chosen to be Elder. And I can see why you're just like my Onee-sama."
"Anyways…" Matsuri walks towards the door, rubbing her eyes. "I'm heading off to bed now. Good-night, Onee-sama…"
"Good night, Matsuri-chan," The Spaniard says. When the door closes, she turns back towards Karasu.
"What should I do?" the blonde asks.
**Later**
The two lay in bed, facing the ceiling. Ageha suggested that Karasu should sleep with her tonight since she has nowhere else to sleep.
"Is this really okay?" the blonde asks.
"Yes," Ageha replies. "You're here, so what can I do? I can't just ignore you."
Karasu turns toward the tanned girl. "But I'm a ghost, so it might cause disruptions, like I could possess you or haunt you or even kill you…"
Ageha sweat drops at this. "Y-you're right. But you seem like a good girl, so I trust you. Let's think about the future tomorrow."
"Onee-sama! Thank you!" Karasu says happily and immediately hugs her.
"H-hey, Karasu-chan…"
"Onee-sama, you're so warm…" the blonde whispers. "I'm able to touch your body. It was always my dream to do this."
"Karasu-chan…" The Spaniard smiles and strokes her hair. I wonder what Karasu-chan's Onee-sama was like, she thinks. But for now… She tucks her in and cuddles with her. "Good night…Karasu-chan…"
**Next Morning**
"Ageha!" Yoshimitsu calls. "It's time to go! Are you awake?" She opens the door and jumps back in shock. "Ack!"
The Spaniard sits up and rubs her eyes. "Oh, good morning, Yoshimitsu."
The blonde points a shaky finger at Karasu. "J-Just who the heck is that girl!?"
"What girl?"
Karasu raises her hand to stroke Ageha's hair. "Onee-sama…" she coos.
The Spaniard swallows hard and look up at the angry Yoshimitsu.
"Ageha…" she growls. "YOU BIG IDIOT!"
A/N: So, what do you think of me adding Karasu in here? And the super jealous Yoshimitsu~? Hehe~! A-anyways, feel free to give out any suggestions, questions or concerns and don't forget to review~! ;)
