Disintegration - Shiori

"JOHN!" Hosho's yell echoed through the stairwell, his footsteps loud though he could not help. Ayako following not long after. "What's going on?" John could hear their voices, but he couldn't call out. His back pressed tightly to the wall. He couldn't even move. It felt as if a massive weight was compressing him, crushing his ribcage. Masako stood before him, her eyes vacant and black, smiling sinisterly. He kept his gaze hard, unwilling to show fear to her. He knew it wasn't Masako anymore. "Whatever you are…" he coughed, his voice rasped and quiet from the pressure. "You're not going to chase us out with scares like this…." "Precisely…" She spoke, her voice distorted. "John! Masako!" As the Monk reached the top of the stairs, she collapsed.

"John?! What happened?" Ayako asked, rushing to help. She wasted no time and checked Masako, turning her over. She had hit her face on the floorboards but looked relatively fine. John was coughing, catching his breath. "She was… possessed." John explained, his words delayed. "I-I was pushed up against this wall here and pinned, like something was holding me." He cleared his throat. "Attacked right away?" Hosho stated, turning back to Ayako. "That's strange…" "And aggressive. This spirit is very angry about us being here." John added. "Look, we better get back downstairs before something worse happens. I'll carry Masako down." Takigawa offered, picking the younger woman up in his arms.

Shortly after they brought Masako down into the main lounge, Naru returned with Lin and Yasuhara. They designated a couch for Masako and Mai took it upon herself to watch over her. She wanted to make sure she was okay. When John caught his breath again he explained to everyone what had happened and what the spirit, had said to him. Tension filled them all quickly, understanding now that the activity in the hotel was strong. In any case, they would be at the ready to preform what rituals and cleansing needed to evict the spirit. Clearly, this wasn't just the imagination of some superstitious construction workers. This was very real, and a threat. Even if they knocked down the hotel, whatever plans Hayami had for the future would be in vain if they didn't act.

"I need everyone to set up the cameras." Kazuya ordered, "Everywhere." He asserted. "But… aren't there too many rooms? We'd need like three hundred to capture every place here." Takigawa reasoned. "That is correct, so we must set them up in crucial areas where activity is at its highest." "Wait, so you're saying we have to go back up there where Masako was attacked?" John exclaimed. "Precisely. We now have proof that area is active, so I suggest setting up one at the top of the stairs and down the hall. I sincerely hope someone is brave enough to do it." "I'll do it." Takigawa grabbed the equipment. "No point in sending someone up who can't defend themselves." "Alright, I'll come with you. I don't trust going up there alone. I think this is one of those times where we have to stay together." John stepped forward, picking up some of the chords before leaving with Hosho to set up on the third floor. "Right. No one wander off alone, we'll be right back!"

"Ayako, Yasuhara. Do you mind?" Kazuya pointed to the other cameras. "Yeah, sure." "Alright." "First and second floor." Naru reminded them. "Put them in places that seem creepy, right?" Ayako put her hands on her hips, looking back at him. "Naturally. I hope you can distinguish where." Naru glanced up at her. He was messing with some chords on the floor, getting them ready to plug in to the socket. While she watched everyone set up, Mai felt an uneasiness come over her. It wasn't just from what John had described, it was something about the entire situation. Something felt wrong, like they were being watched. She would ask Masako how she felt but she was still unconscious. Speaking of Masako, she was looking quite ill. "Hey, Miss Hayami is there a bathroom or kitchen that's still working around here?" "Huh? Oh, yes. They didn't shut off the plumbing yet. There's a set of public washrooms down the hall and a kitchenette just past the conference room." She pointed off to the right where these two large French doors were. "Great, thanks." Mai smiled, getting up.

The public bathroom would have nothing to offer her, so Mai went for the kitchenette. Surely there was an old towel or something around there. Maybe even a linen closet? Normally she kept a rag on her for these situations, but she'd have to make do with the circumstances. They didn't come prepared after all. This hotel was abnormally small, at least it felt that way. The corridors were quite narrow and twisted for a commercial hotel. With the floral décor, wallpaper and antique furniture it felt more like a bed and breakfast or a mansion. Maybe it had been converted? At the end of the hall she came to these beautiful, large oak doors that were painted white. "This must be the conference room." Her footsteps echoed when she entered the room, a spacious place stacked with tables and chairs. Some pieces of furniture were blanketed with white sheets and a thick musty smell filled her lungs. As if no one had come through here in a long while. A large, magnificent crystal chandelier hung high above her head. The ceiling was so high, and the windows so large it looked more like a ball room than a place for business men to gather.

"Ah, that must be the kitchenette." She beamed, looking at a door on the side. It was next to these large tables, practically invisible with the patterns of the wall painted on it. Perhaps they served food here during fancy events? She fumbled to find the light switch, flicking it on with her palm as she studied her surroundings. Nothing seemed too ominous about this place. It was just… a kitchen. Albeit an old looking one. Wilted gingham curtains lined the little windows next to the sink. The oven and fridge looked bulky and outdated, but the calm buzzing of the fridge assured her this wasn't totally abandoned. Someone had been keeping this place tidy. Maybe Wakana? Or the workers who were doing construction? People needed a place to make their lunches right? Searching around the wooden cabinets, she found some neatly rolled cloths. "Alright! Exactly what I was looking for." Mai walked over to the sink and turned it on. The water came rushing out black and she cringed, the color progressively getting lighter. It just needed to be drained, she saw this before in older houses. She watched it surge out into the drain, leaning against the counter.

Then, she looked up, out the window. The sun was almost completely gone. She could see twilight setting in from the window. "Hmm…" The water was almost running clear now, getting warmer. "Just a few more seconds…" She assured herself, her gaze returning to the dusk scenery. Then her eyes registered a reflection she didn't recognize. "…!" Mai jolted at seeing the face behind her, turning around quickly, "Who-…" She was alone. Chills ran down her spine, her throat dry as she checked the entire room. No one was here.

Mai quickly soaked the cloth and started back to the lounge. No use in staying here after something freaky like that happening. "Ugh…" She pushed the door open, walking quickly through the conference room. Did it get dark that fast? And why was it so cold in here? She hugged herself, enduring a shiver coming over her body. It hadn't taken her this long to make her way across the room, had it? Was she going in circles? Did she get lost? Mai stopped. Nothing could be seen but the faint outline of the window panes. There was no way it could be this dark, it was just barely twilight. The lights turned on, startling Mai as the conference room was lit up. Everything was arranged immaculately, the tables organized and decorated with fresh flowers and expensive looking silver. A few men dressed in tuxedos stood at each door way, silently waiting. "What…" She took it all in, the chandelier above her glittering as if it were new.

"Shiori! Shiori." A man called out, getting Mai's attention. "Shiori, there you are. I was looking all over for you." He smiled brightly, taking her hands, which she noticed were gloved white. "You weren't supposed to see it yet, but I hope everything is to your liking." He looked very cheery, happy to see her. Mai looked down at herself. She was wearing a tight wiggle dress*. It was made of silk, red with white buttons. "But my name isn't…" "Shhh, I hope you're not coming down with something. You know this evening is very important. I need you well enough to sing." "Why… is it so important?" Mai struggled as if she were supposed to remember. "It's our anniversary darling. Are you playing little games with me?" He tilted his head, his words scaring Mai. "No, no! I'm not married… I'm… only a high school girl-" "Hush hush, and get yourself done up. You promised to wear that blue dress I bought you, remember? It's almost eight." He grinned and let go of Mai. She turned, looking all around her until she heard a different voice. "Shiori…" A man appeared in front of her, frightened. He was quite younger than the first man, with dark hair combed up and styled. "I have some unfortunate news… we're going to have to rush things." "What do you mean?" "Love…" He got closer, whispering in her ear. "I'm afraid we're going to have to run away tonight. If you want to live a happy life with me you need to listen to me. Things are getting worse and I don't trust him." He squeezed Mai's hands. They felt cold. "Who are you talking about? That man, is that who?" "Shiori don't, please. I'm not joking…" "My name isn't Shiori…" "We've got to go upstairs and pack your things." "My name is…" "..And get some money from the safe…." "…My name is…" "Maybe we can catch a train to the North…" "…name is… Mai."

"My name is Mai."

"My name is Mai!"

"Mai!" Hosho yelled, forcing her awake. "Kid, are you alright?" He held onto her shoulders. "What…" Mai opened her eyes, looking around the convention room. Everything was old again, chairs stacked against the walls, cob webs littering the place. "What happened? We found you like this. Ayako said you had gone off and realized you'd been gone for a while." "Where did they go?" Mai asked, sitting up. "Who?" Yasuhara asked, leaning over to look at her. "The people… the men. The young man…" she trailed off, realizing she must have had one of her dreams again. "I think we better get back to the group." Takigawa offered his hand.

"And then these two men came to see me, calling me Shiori. I think they thought I was someone else. They were strange, like from another time. I think I was reliving a moment as this Shiori woman." Mai glanced down, a warm cup of tea in her hands. "Though the question is, who is she? And why did I experience that?" She sighed. Everyone sat around the various sofas in the lounge, sipping on tea and listening to Mai. Masako had woken up since Mai's experience. She had a bit of a headache but was her normal self. "In any case. I think it's worth searching for information about her. She must be important right? We can look for a record, or a photograph. Maybe we could get in contact with her…" "Yeah, we'll channel her in through Masako." Ayako commented, leaned against her palm. "What? It's likely she's the spirit." "Right. I hope you take this as a warning for future reference. Stay together." Kazuya warned. He seemed disgruntled as usual. "Father Brown was right. I believe this spirit likes to attack when someone is vulnerable." "…Or extremely sensitive." Masako cut in. "I was overwhelmed with an angry female spirit. So I believe we should approach this case with extreme caution. I believe she has an affinity for attacking women based on what we've experienced so far. She seems hostile and able to hurt us to an extent. All the more reason to be cautious." She closed her eyes.

Lin was all set up at a table, the monitors on and already recording. He was typing away at something. Mai sat on the edge of the couch next to Masako who was just finishing her tea. "Miss Hiyami, are you sure you want to stay here with us?" Naru asked. "Yes…" "The spirits should be more active at night…" He stared at her. "…More active?" "Yes. You said you saw that apparition when you were closing up, correct? That only means the hauntings will get progressively worse. You see, spirits have more energy at night. If that frightens you, you are more than welcome to leave now and return for us in the morning." Wakana hesitated on answering. "…W-Well… you need the keys, right? And I'm not allowed to give them away. So I'll stay. I doubt anything will be worse than what I experienced." She looked down. "I hope…."

"Naru." Lin called, sparking everyone's attention. "There's activity on the third floor…" He held on to his headphones tightly, glancing back. "Noise. I can't see anything on the monitor though." "Can you put that on speaker, Lin?" "Yeah…" He unplugged his headphones, turning up the volume. Everyone grew silent, the speakers spiking with this strange crinkling noise. It sounded like… someone crushing or breaking something. SCREECH. Everyone gasped, a scratching noise started. "What's that?" Mai asked, her eyes widened in horror. "Shh…" Kazuya held up a finger, as if to pause her. The scratching ceased, and then, a burst of flames came up on the screen. The right wall of the corridor ignited, the fire spreading quickly along the rug. "Oh no!" Wakana screamed. "That's terrible for the structure! I can't afford to have this place burn down!" She darted off, towards the staircase. "No, wait! It's too dangerous to go up there!" Mai called out, standing up and reaching out. "Wakana!" Mai took off after the woman. "No, Mai it's dangerous for you too! Damn it. Come on, let's go guys. Together." Hosho gestured for everyone to move.

On the monitor Lin could see them arriving at the top of the stairs. First, the Hayami woman and then Mai who was promptly yelling at her. He placed his headphones on, listening in on their conversation while watching the screen. Mai caught a grip on Wakana's shoulders and jumped in front of her. "Are you crazy? What on earth could you do to stop it! Even if you had…" Mai noticed her frightened expression, and turned her head to look at the corridor. No fire. "What the…" She adjusted her fingers, a substance rubbing off of Wakana's shoulders. "Huh…" She didn't remember them feeling like that just a moment ago. Then…

"AHHHH!" Mai screamed at the top of her lungs, letting go of her. "What's wrong?" Wakana tilted her head, her body charred. She had lost all her hair, her eyes gone and replaced with sunken in holes. She had flaky pieces of burnt flesh coming off of what she knew was her skull. "Something the matter, Mai?" She grinned, her teeth horrible and stained red. Mai fell back, kicking at the floor to move herself away from Wakana. Is that what she saw? Was she experiencing the same thing? Was Wakana even a real person? She lost her voice, unable to gather herself from the fear consuming her. "Mai…" She leant down, reaching out to her with bony fingers. Her flesh had been completely burnt off, her limbs lithe and skeletal. She wore a different outfit, a dress. From what she could make out from pieces of the cloth, it was red. "No! Stop… stop… stop!" Mai cried.

"Mai! Wakana?!" Naru, Monk, John, Masako and the rest arrived at the top of the stairs. Apparently no one bothered to stay in the lounge with Lin. "What's wrong Mai?" Naru asked, looking to her on the floor. Wakana turned, bringing her hands together. "I don't understand… she just looked at me and started screaming?" Wakana explained. Mai's eyes darted back and forth from her friends to the charred corpse. Were they insane? How was this not scaring them? "You guys!" She cried, "How aren't you at least surprised?! Look at her! Can't you see? She's all burnt up!" Mai cried out, covering her eyes with her hands. She wiped at them hard, unwilling to open them. What if everyone looked horrible like that if she did? Mai wasn't sure if she could handle that. "Mai… calm down." Naru said, enticing her to look up. She felt his hands soft on her arm and she peaked, assuming he was normal since he felt nice. "….Naru?" She blinked slowly, looking over at Wakana. She was her normal self, her skin intact and her hair tied up. "Mai…" "…I…" She gripped onto him. "I'm sorry. It wasn't like that. I saw her…"

"So, we have apparitions, possession, illusions, retrocognition, noises and ghost fires. Any ideas about what we're dealing with?" Hosho started as they made their way down the stairs. Naru had lent Mai his jacket, brushing it off by saying he didn't need it, and because she was freezing. His explanation about how black clothes retained heat and white clothes justified it. In his mind at least. It unfortunately meant Mai had to endure a sharp glare from Masako. "I don't have a certain theory yet, but suspect that the negative emotions surrounding this place are fueling the spirit. Or caused by her. I sense more than one presence here, but the woman is the angriest." Masako spoke up. "Hmm… do you think that's Shiori?" Mai asked. "Well… I could try to channel her." Masako said thoughtfully. "To see if she is the one lingering these halls, if not, we're up against something entirely different." Masako lifted her kimono slightly as she stepped down the stairs. Ever since she fell down them that one time she'd become very wary. "Maybe she can tell us about the burnt lady." Mai said hopefully. "Because she's definitely the angry spirit."

Author's note:

* A wiggle dress is a style of dress that was common in the 50's/60's. I highly suggest looking it up on Google. I needed to write down the dress cut so you'd know very specifically what it was. I doubt Mai would know specifics about dress cuts but you have to get the image clear somehow, right?

Sorry I took ages to update this! I just got finished with my exams and university. I moved out and am back in my home town which means I have more time to update this frequently! I was thinking maybe once a week? More than that if I'm really bored. I've got lots of time off now so that's a bonus. I'm trying so hard to make this consistent and I'm really excited about what I have planned. In regards to dialogue I tried to make it more clear. I'm not a fan of spacing every time someone new talks but that's just my style. Sorry about that if you prefer the spacing. I hope this is as good as the last chapter. Also, I need to read up about paranormal terminology because damn I need to make this make sense. Well, regardless it's fun! Angry, angry spirit. Thank you for the reviews, don't be afraid to bring up anything! I love commentary, criticism etc, etc.

xx!