Demise Game

20.team players

You had just barely managed to reach Jinsei as he had screamed bloody-murder, dragging him back with so much force that you had fallen backwards as well.  Thankfully, your quick actions manage to have you both come out unscathed, the demonic creature's eyes falling onto you.

        "Get up!" you hissed, trying to get to your feet while simultaneously pulling him to his own.  He stumbled, not at all there, still frozen with fear.  The creature took a slow step towards the two of you, and you started to tug on his arm.  "Run! RUN!"

        He finally seemed to snap out of whatever fear-induced trance he was in, nearly tripping once more as the two of you began to book it out of the bathroom.  You had half a mind to grab the crowbar you used earlier to bust the door open, but you weren't coordinated enough to try and pick it up while running past it, not to mention you weren't sure how useful the crowbar would be against a supernatural entity.

        So, unfortunately, the crowbar was left behind.

        You could have sworn you had never run so fast in your life, not even during the Elevator Game, and it was clear Jinsei felt the same.  He was already wheezing and panting, not used to this exercise — and despite being out of breath, he still tried to talk.

        "Why did you save me?!  Why are you helping me?!"

        It was clear Jinsei still believed you to be the traitor, and you didn't have the energy to argue for yourself right now.  Instead, you shook your head.  "I think we have bigger things to worry about right now!"

        You both glanced back behind you to see the creature gaining pursuit, it's tongue lolling out grotesquely.  Its footsteps were soundless, making it hard to determine just how close it was.

        "Shit...!"

        Approaching the stairs, you remembered what you had encountered at the bottom of them, the cold, bone-chilling feeling from earlier that had you run up the stairs in the first place.  What was worse?  Facing off against the alleged Hanako-san, or facing off against whatever that entity on the first floor was?  Whether or not it was Kokkuri-san didn't matter — either way, it wasn't anything good.

        You noticed the mist swirling at the stairs the same time Jinsei did, both of you skidding to a stop and nearly toppling over each other as something came up the stairs...

        Only for you to give a sigh of relief at the familiar, furry little animal.

        Shiki.

        "You brought the cat?" Jinsei asked incredulously, but you paid no attention to the judging confusion in his tone, glance back at Hanako-san, who seemed to stop.  Those too-bright eyes were trained not on you or Jinsei, but on the newcomer.

        "It's you," the ghost (demon? entity? who knows) said, confusion lacing its voice.  In all honesty, you hadn't expected it could speak, but it had the voice of an adolescent girl rather than anything even remotely scary.  "I didn't think you'd interfere again after last time."

        Did this Hanako-san know Shiki??

        You and Jinsei exchanged befuddled glances (Jinsei even more confused than you), before Shiki spoke.

        "It's none yer business, brat." Shiki grouched.

        "Wait, the cat can talk?!?!"

        Jinsei was ignored as Shiki leapt in front of you, standing in between you two and Hanako-san.  "The other two are on the first floor.  I'd suggest goin' down there," Shiki told you all.  You appreciated the helpful information, if it weren't for the fact that Hanami and Isora weren't the only ones down there.