What remains

One day, this pain will make sense to you

-(Don't know who did this one either)

July 29,

As I found my was back to the room I have frequented the last few days, I can to find something unexpected. Chains in place, but something was missing. I'm sure it won't turn this game against my favor, but one of the playing pieces I've collected has disappeared. I find the disappearance of this one actually funny. Not that it matters. I have kept him in the dark so long, he should be ready to break. I hardly doubt that he should find my brother. Most likely he will return to me in do time...

August 27,

It has been almost a month since one piece disappeared. He has yet to return, nor has he had any contact with Syo. It seems Otoya still is oblivious to his surviving friend, so they have not made contact yet either. I can hardly fathom how he could still be alive at this point, though I do worry for Hus slightly. I could go out looking for him, but can I really trust Otoya to take care of Syo in my absents. Maybe I should train him better. At this point in time, it seems wise to give him a little trust.

Syo's eyes drifted, in the dim light, over to the window again. Through the closed white curtains, he could see the moon shinning brightly. Disinfectant nauseated him, making him shut his eyes. He had finally broken down and talk to his brother despite his silent promise to himself. He knew the events were real. He hated himself for everything that had happened, but he couldn't keep blaming himself for everything that had happened. It wasn't fair, he didn't mean for anything like that-

Almost silent foot steps snapped I'm out of his thoughts. At first he feared the worst, but then remembered.

"I know you're there. Come out already." Syo's voice was weak, but calling out in the silence of the night even he seemed normal.

"Syo." The voice said from beyond the door. "Did you ask him?"

"Yes." Syo reopened his eyes, though the smell made him want to vomit. How he loathed hospitals.

"I know I'm not the only one alive. There are others."

"You can come in you know. It's been a long time since I've seen your face. I-" Syo broke off at the sound of the white door opening.

Even in darkness, the white of the room was still vibrant. But as blue came into view, the blonde physically relaxed. Even in ratty clothes, and messy hair, it was still good t see Ai again.

"Sempai..." Syo nodded over to the visitor's chair.

Ai kindly took the seat sweeping his hair back behind his neck. "I've already talked to Nagi, and placed the journal where Otoya would find it. All that's left is to wait for Kaoru to let you back into the house."

"And Natsuki?" The blonde asked hopefully.

"I have yet to find him. You do realized that there is a seventy percent chance that he is dead, right?" Ai spoke in his monotone voice.

"Yes. But I know he's there." Syo clutched at his chest. "Ren told me so."

"I don't believe in ghosts." Ai said.

"I know sempai. Find Natsuki, then report back to me. Dead or alive, I want to know."

Ai nodded standing from his chair.

"Wait." Syo croaked, catching Ai before the cyan haired boy could make his escape. He watched his sempai turn back and face him. "Stay with me. Until I fall asleep."

Ai wanted to refuse, but the way that Syo's voice pleaded... sounded so scared and small, it made him stop. This boy just needed someone he could put a little faith in.

So Ai, headed back to the bed. He sat one the edge, and petted the boy's blonde hair. "Of course."

Syo sat up and pulled Ai into a friendly hug. He smelled of mint. It was so much better than disinfectant, so much more soothing. 'Thank you' he mouthed, even though no words came out, before he fell asleep.

"Otoya, help me." His dark voice rang through Otoya's head. "Why won't you help me?"

Otoya's red eyes opened and scanned the room in front of him. At first he noticed it was very dark, not even lightning from the Strom out side would light the way. Nothing looked familiar to him, but at the same time everything seemed right.

Walls were coated in what looked like mud, in the darkness. That same mud also covered Otoya's hands and face. It dripped from the ceiling, poured down the walls. Even covered the windows, almost completely.

The red head started down the long hallway, after the voice that called to him. It sounded like Syo, but very disoriented. His, well use to be, white sneakers sank into the shirt and grime with every step. Every so often he would hear a sharp snap or a nauseating crunch. But his gut told him not to look down at the floor.

About half way through the corridor, the metallic smell hit him. His right hand shot up to his mouth and his left one over his stomach, as his knees buckled and he fell into the soiled floor. His eyes widened. Why had he not smelled that before? It was so strange. Peeling his hand away from his mouth, he licked his lips only to spit out the metallic taste of blood. Looking closely at the floor he new it wasn't dirt he had been trailing through.

"Otoya, where are you? I need you." That eerie voice called out again. This time, though, it did sound more like Syo's voice. Begging and pleading for help. What was he doing here?

"Syo-chan." The redhead called out.

Nothing answered him, save for the sound of his own breathe. Forcing himself to touch the blood, he felt his hands sink in as he pushed himself way from the floor. Maybe Syo would know how they had gotten there. Otoya began running through the hall looking for the exit, for Syo. Blood continued to steep down the walls and ceiling. Sometimes drops would fall onto his head. By the time he reached the big square room, it cover his already red hair and ran down his face mixing with his sweat.

In the corner of the room, by the only clean-ish window, Syo sat in the muck and grime. A head rested on his lap as one of his hands gently stroked the the stained red hair, the other held that person's limp hand. Although the face was turned away so Otoya couldn't see who it could be.

"Syo-chan!" Otoya called.

Syo didn't look up. "Did you come to save me? Well it's to late."

Otoya came closer to look at the person on Syo's lap. His pale blue eyes no longer seeing. But even with stained hair it was obvious who Syo had...

Otoya bolted upright in his bed. Sweat covered his face, hands shaken. He pulled his legs up to his chest underneath the covers. Slowly he rocked himself back and forth, shaking, crying. What a horrible dream for him to have.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. "I'm so sorry, I couldn't save you."

Anybody ever play Splatter House? Oh it's an epic game. They really work for that M-rating in the one for PS3. That inspired Otoya's dream.

Okay down to business. First of all, I'm sorry for yelling for reviews again... I posted three chapters for three stories almost in one day, then had to wait a week for one review. Just one, on this story. So again sorry.

Second of all. DO NO SKIP SCHOOL WORK TO REVIEW. I was a bad student, while I was in school. But now I appreciate school in a whole new light. Although I probably wouldn't change my ways. And hovi you are the only person from Germany so far reading this, so I know that you are always the first or second one to read. Dun worry.

Third, I know I didn't give much time for reviewing on this chapter... but thanks.

Anyways see yeah, next time... I have to read BoO before the people in the Percy Jackson fandom give me spoilers...

Disclaimer- I don't own UtaPri or Splatter House. But you guys... ugh it's such a great game. Title says it all.