AYUMI

Akiyo stared at the slightly swaying body, neck in a chain. After what seemed like eternity, she collapsed on her knees, and wailed, "Len!" Color flashed across my eyes, and I pursed my lips, and tried to rub my eyes. But I my own knees buckled, and I gave out besides her, shadows flitting across my vision as I slowly drifted to another world...

I remember why I first came to Heavenly Host. Sachiko took form of a flesh-and-bone body, and bringing Yuki, Tokiko, and Ryou with her to haunt people at night, of course, the only living victims can't get in the way. Those said living victims were Nakashima and me. We could only be helpless as we were brought back to the dreadful school, left in the curse of our dead friends. Everyone! They were the new ghosts, Satoshi the new Sachiko. I think Morishige is the new Hammer Man. I'm frightened. I'm now alone... I let Naomi die... I am now insane to the depths of my soul.

I make myself sick.

"Ayumi? Ayumi, don't die on me! I already lost Len!" a choked voice cried out. My eyes fluttered open, and I saw Akiyo's worried expression. I felt lighter, somehow. Also happier. Somehow, I think I became sane, I realized silently. "Um..." was my only reply. She smiled, and deep relief spread across her face. "I thought I'd surely lost you!" she blurted out. "A ghost of a man came, and he told me to go away, or be killed, or be taken with him. He said you were joining them fully, becoming a loyal recruit. I didn't get what he said, do you? I just flipped him off, though, and moved to a different spot."

She inhaled, and grinned at me. "That's very brave of you," I told her coolly. "Really? Thanks!" she beamed. I shakily stood up, and quickly fell again. My balance wasn't at all steady. Steadying myself on the wall, I glanced at Akiyo. "We should keep moving," I mumbled, and she nodded. I gave her a small smile to show her I was alright, and limped along the bomb shelter. I desired to get out of there, in case I become insane again, but the only way to get out of here is to appease everybody. Besides, I don't think Satoshi or anybody else knows I'm sane, so I need to put on my best acting skills.

Should I tell her? The thought occurred to me like a whirlpool. I opened my mouth to confess, but an almost terrifying sight made me stop dead.

To think I would've been happy to see her face again.