Here is my first Ghost Hunt story, In the Heat of the Moment. Please enjoy, and feel free to let me know what you think…
Standard Disclaimer applies – I do not own anything!
In the Heat of the Moment
Chapter 1 – Vacation…All I ever wanted...
July - Day 1
Mai opened the door to SPR at exactly 7: 03 a.m., struggling to hold back another yawn. It is too early in the morning…. She hauled her duffel bag inside, and set it down with a thump.
"You are late Mai I did say seven at the very latest." Her boss's supercilious voice cut into her thoughts. She turned around to see everyone already seated. With a murmured apology she sat, letting Naru fill everyone in on the case.
"This is a serious case. Tamoe Ishihiro owns an Onsen Ryokan, hot springs resort that people are disappearing from." Naru let that part sink in, and then he continued. "His wife Yumi is half- scared out of her mind, and they are ready to lose the business if we can't solve the case."
He gave everyone a severe look before he continued. "There have been three separate disappearances since the Tamoes' purchased the place, just over a year ago. According to the witness statements, the victims' were using the hot springs at the time."
Mai's eyes widened with fear. "But Naru, how can people vanish while bathing?"
Naru glanced at her with a haughty smirk. "Why do you think I took this case?" He did not give her time to formulate an answer, and instead began issuing orders.
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Mai sat next to Bou-san, as he drove through the outskirts of Tokyo. They were currently following Lin and Naru. Lin drove the SPR van at a decent pace, weaving through traffic. Bou-san followed him easily in his little white car.
Bou-san had asked her specifically to sit up front, rather than Ayako. Mai wondered what was going on between the two. Ayako, Masako, and John were sitting behind her and the monk, carrying on a quiet conversation.
Mai looked in her side mirror, to see a quickly disappearing downtown. With a sigh, she thought about all of things she had planned before; before her vacation was over run with a new case. She closed her eyes and thought back to the day before, when it had all started….
… … …
Taniyama Mai sighed with relief. The teacher had just released them for their first big break of the school year. She gazed out the window, glancing at the humid, sunny weather. She blew her bangs out of her eyes. I have to stop by work today…then the rest of July is mine.
Mai smiled at the thought of relaxing, as students rushed around her. She grabbed her bag, joining the mass of moving bodies.
When she exited the building, the intense wave of heat engulfed her. Tokyo is hot this summer... So hot, in fact, she could see the heat shimmering in the air. She made her way towards the Shibuya District.
Mai finally reached the Office of S.P.R. Shibuya Psychic Research. It had been her home away from home for over a year. She glanced up at the building with a small smile. Has it already been that long since I first met everyone?
Mai thought back to the time when she first met all the random people that had become like family to her. She had met her aloof boss first. Naru was quite possibly the most conceited person she had ever met, but found her face flaming at the thought of his good looks, and the crush she secretly had on him.
Takigawa Houshou or Bou-san, as everyone called him, was a part-time Monk, and a full-time bassist in a rock band. She viewed him as an older brother, and he seemed to return the sentiment. He could be highly annoying in a cute way. Matsuzaki Ayako, a self-styled Miko, was a bit of a puzzle, biting humor with a dash of nice thrown in for confusion. Masako Hara, was a famous medium from T.V., but seemed down to earth, for the most part. When Mai thought about how Masako-chan flirted with Naru, it made her want to strangle the smaller girl. John Brown was an Australian Roman Catholic priest that seemed to like to help. He was always playing mediator for everyone's conflict.
The Principal of her school had called in all three, during her first investigation. She finally met the person, who made everything possible. Koujo Lin. Lin-san, if it were not for him, she never would have filled in as a temporary assistant to Naru. That was really my fault, his injury because, of my curiosity…
She smiled, remembering her first impressions of the mostly silent Chinese man. He came across as mysterious in a brooding, silent way. Although, for the most part he just did not like Japanese people, she had seen him make an effort.
Mai opened the door, slipped inside, and closed the door behind her. Grateful to her meticulous boss, she let out a happy sound as cold air washed over her. Of course, he would have the air conditioner on full blast.
She set her bag down, and slipped off her shoes. Mai squeaked as the monk ruffled her hair.
"Hey keep it down Naru is in with a client." Bou-san gave her a curious once over. "Why is your face bright red? Have you been drooling over guys again?" He teased her, waiting for her response.
"It is a sun burn..." At least I hope that is what it is. I need to stop thinking about Naru.
She glanced at the monk, remembering something important. "I thought we didn't have any cases for awhile?" She glanced at the monk.
Bou-san shrugged before answering her. "I don't know…some guy came in, Naru took him in his office, and well that's all I know..." Bou-san words trailed off as Naru's office door opened.
Naru led the man out. "We will be there tomorrow, sometime in the afternoon then." Naru shook the man's hand, and watched as the man let himself out. "Ah just the people I wanted to see. Tea, Mai." He gave her an expectant smirk when she did not rush.
Mai walked into the kitchen area, seething over his arrogance, and began brewing the tea. She returned with Naru's cup, and kept her fingers from trembling when her fingers brushed his. She then glanced at Bou-san in silent question. He nodded in reply, and she returned to the kitchen to fetch two more cups.
She filled them, and then returned to where Naru stood. When she handed the monk his cup he mouthed a silent thank you at her. Her boss stared into his tea, lost in thought, and his eyes lit with an interesting light that caught Mai's attention.
He finally lifted his head long enough to motion toward the couch, and Mai and the monk moved to sit. Naru followed them, but remained standing. "That was our newest client." Naru looked up from his teacup to glance at Mai. "I know I told you that you could have some time off, but that isn't happening now." He let his gaze roam to the monk before he continued. "I will need you both here first thing in the morning." He crossed his arms waiting for the arguments from both parties.
"But Naru…" Mai started to argue, but Naru unfolded his arms and held up a hand to forestall her objections.
"This is a serious case. These people need our help." Naru let that part sink in, and then he continued. "His wife is half-scared out of her mind, and they are ready to lose their home, if we cannot solve the case." Naru knew exactly how to convince Mai, using her empathy against her.
She stared at the knowing smirk he wore, and growled softly. He does that to me every time….
Takigawa, on the other hand, was itching for a confrontation. "I have a concert later this week. Naru you have known for months." Bou-san's eyes held smug satisfaction.
Naru shrugged indifferently. "You have two choices, either you come, or you don't." He glanced at Mai. "I'll see you early, seven at the latest." He awarded her with a cool glare that spoke volumes. You can leave at any time….
Mai took the hint, and picked up her forgotten cup. She carried it to the sink, dumped the contents and rinsed it out. She stared at the two, silent combatants as she slipped her shoes on. I wonder who will win this one… She hefted her bag onto her shoulder, took a deep breath and left the cool oasis….
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Mai's eyes opened, and she glanced at Bou-san. "So Naru convinced you, eh?" She watched as confusion danced over his features.
"What are you talking about?" He glanced at her, and then his gaze returned to the traffic.
"I was thinking about yesterday. You are here, so Naru convinced you to come along." She playfully stuck her tongue out at him, until she saw the slight flush he wore.
"What?" She let her gaze remain on him as a look of embarrassment enhanced his flush.
He chuckled nervously before continuing. "It is just..." The silent moment stretched as he tried to find the right words. "Not funny." He hung his head for a few seconds, leaving Mai to think what she wanted.
Her gaze moved away from Bou-san, and she stared at passing scenery. What was that all about?
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Naru sat next to Lin in silence, reading over his notes. His mind wandered back to the day before, and the confrontation with the Monk.
… … …
Naru stared at his sleeve flicking off an imaginary piece of lint, as Mai left. He waited a few seconds, and then spoke to Takigawa. "As I stated, it's your choice, but if something were to happen, you would always wonder." He left the rest unsaid. He could see, by the monk's eyes widening, that the message hit home.
Naru hid his grin and kept his cool façade in place. You fool, do not think I do not know how much you would regret it if something happened to Mai…. You are no less smitten than the rest of us, even if you hide it, and treat her like a younger sister.
Bou-san sighed, and dropped his head into his hands. How do I get myself into these messes? "I'll call in a favor, but Naru, never forget for one minute, you owe me for this one…"
The Monk eyed Naru with mock hostility before he stood, and walked into the kitchen, putting his cup in the sink. Never one to pass up an opportunity, he could not resist adding. "It's probably a good idea that I tag along, because someone has to keep an eye on you too." She only has eyes for you, after all….
He followed Naru's lead, and left Mai's name unspoken. Bou-san knew Naru would never purposefully hurt Mai, but it was fun to needle him. He did not even glance at Naru as he left, leaving his younger boss to wonder.
Once the office was empty, Naru slumped against the wall a slight flush on his face. I am too good for that... He knew exactly what Bou-san was insinuating. I would not take advantage of Mai, when the time comes, it will be a mutual decision. He felt his face heat up, and closed his eyes to regain control.
Lin chose that moment to enter the office. "Naru?" He glanced questioningly at his young associate.
Naru took a moment longer to pull himself back under control. "Just a new case, we leave in the morning, for Lake Ashinoko. Come in to my office and I will fill you in…"
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Naru shook his head to dispel the uncomfortable memory. Lin caught the motion, and knew something was eating at his friend. As reserved as he was, he knew better than to ask. Naru was as bad as he was if not worse….
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Bou-san sat fuming in the silence. That Miko has a lot of nerve…. He sighed with irritation.The evening before,he had called Ayako to let her in on the news of the new case. While filling her in, he had let it slip that Naru had forced his hand. He had not related how Shibuya had managed to force him, only that he had.
Ayako had lectured him about standing up to Naru, when it came to his career. It is not fair…. There was no way he could tell Ayako that Shibuya used his fondness for Mai against him.
Takigawa glanced over at Mai, to find her dozing. He reached past her, and reclined the seat, guiding her head back to lean against the headrest.
Ayako glanced at the bassist in the driver's seat. Grrr…that man drives me crazy… Her inner-voice chose that moment to speak up. Only because you like him--not even close… She let a smile grace her features for a moment, the only sign that she agreed.
Bou-san chose that moment to glance in the rear-view mirror. She turned to the medium, and thought quickly of a question.
"Masako-chan did Shibuya-san call you himself?" Ayako let her attention linger on the smaller girl as if they were having a discussion.
The medium seemed startled by the question. "No, actually John-kun called me, after hearing from Naru." Masako hid her smile at the look on Ayako's face. She had purposefully dropped the honorific from Naru's name. It was fun baiting Ayako and Mai with little things, regarding her relationship with Shibuya.
The monk saw that Ayako was having a quiet discussion with Masako. John caught him looking, and shrugged with a helpless smile.
Ayako watched John distract Takigawa, and let a sigh escape.
Bou-san returned his attention to the road ahead, just in time to see Lin exiting from the highway. He stayed behind the black van, and turned his signal on.
How does that Miko get under my skin so easily? He knew the answer. Because I can see us together, long term. He felt his face heating up. Not now…not now rein it in… He did not need the three people in the back, seeing him blushing like a school boy.
Mai chose the most inopportune time to blink groggily at him. "I must have dozed off…Bou-san why are you blushing?" She asked the question even half-asleep.
"It's a sun burn." Please buy it…please buy it… "You should sleep Mai-chan we still have another hour at least." Takigawa smiled at her, keeping a bland look on his face.
How funny, that was my excuse…Mai decided the monk's advice was good, and let her eyes drift closed.
He sighed in relief when her eyes drooped, and she dozed back off. He pulled himself under control, turning on the radio to distract himself.
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They finally arrived after another hour of following back roads up the mountain. When the van pulled into a gravel parking lot, Bou-san followed. He put his car in park, and killed the engine.
Ayako, Masako, and John all exited the vehicle with a swiftness that surprised the Monk.
He glanced over, and realized that lack of motion had not awakened Mai. He poked her arm. "Come on sleepy head we have arrived." She half-mumbled something unintelligible. Bou-san decided a little trickery was in order. "Would you look at that? Masako-chan is all over Naru-bou" He spoke rather loud on purpose, and let shock color his tone.
Mai registered Bou-san's words, even in sleep. She sat up, and her eyes began roaming for the small medium. When she saw Naru talking with Lin, she turned around to glance at the Monk.
His eyes lit with a triumphant light. He shrugged at her questioning gaze. "You wouldn't wake up, so I figured something important would do the trick."
With murder in her eyes, Mai undid her seatbelt, and opened her door. She climbed out, and shut door, stalking off leaving a laughing Bou-san.
She glanced around at the wooded area, surrounding them. The trees provided cool shade, dappled sunlight, and a soft breeze blew. By the time she approached the rest of the group, her spirits had already lifted.
There was no one around at all and no buildings that she could see. Naru stood consulting a map with Lin, and everyone else waited for Naru's decision. Upon closer inspection of the surrounding area, Mai could see a trail off to the left, leading away from the gravel parking lot.
She had just spotted it, when a couple strolled out. She recognized the guy, as the man in Naru's office from the day before.
"Naru-chan…Naru-chan…" Mai tried to get his attention, but he was zoning her out, intent on Lin's words. Mai decided one more time was in order. She cleared her throat. "Naru-chan!" Her impatient tone had his angry eyes turning in her direction
"What is it?" He snapped irritated by the interruption.
Mai gave him a smile, and pointed at the couple rapidly drawing close. When he turned, and spotted the couple, his demeanor changed to all business. He stepped forward to greet the couple.
The least he could do is say thank you…Mai hid her irritation, intent on listening to the conversation.
"Welcome, you made it…" Tamoe Ishihiro looked thrilled that they had arrived. Yumi also seemed grateful, but remained silent, letting her husband carry the conversation. "Right this way..." He waved towards the trail, and then continued. "We have tried to keep this place as natural as possible."
The trail was rather short, and in a moment, the whole group entered a clearing. The heat was more intense here away from the cooling shade of the trees, and everyone took notice.
Mai glanced around, and a small gasp of pleasure escaped from her lips.
Ishihiro grinned at her reaction. "Beautiful isn't it? Now you know why we try to keep everything natural." He waved a hand, indicating the whole place.
The hotel had the feel of an old Japanese shrine, but that was not what held everyone's attention. Beyond the hotel, a trail meandered, and through the trees, they could see the hot springs. Steam rose in the air, shimmering in the afternoon sunlight, and the whole place radiated a tranquil, tropical feel that was almost lethargic in its essence.
Yumi smiled shyly at the group before her. "I hope you enjoy your stay here." She spoke the words quietly, and glanced down after speaking. Ishihiro was more effusive in his welcome. "Come on in, out the heat, Sei, our cook has prepared a light meal for your arrival." He smiled at the group, and waved them toward the hotel.
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Naru took in everything at once. He could sense the couples' relief that help had arrived. The wife was clearly not as outgoing as her husband was, but that could be for many reasons. He glanced at Lin with a measured look, happy to note that the Chinese man was also paying attention. He stepped forward, leading everyone else into the cool depths of the hotel.
The whole group followed their hosts into a decent sized reception area. Ishihiro stopped, long enough to direct their attention. "This is the lobby, and the dining room is over there." He pointed to the left. They could see a few big tables, and a couple of smaller intimate tables grouped around the room.
Their host walked a few feet forward, pointing to a hallway that left the dining room. "The six rooms that we have are down that hallway." He pointed towards the back of the lobby. "The kitchen is back behind the lobby, and connects to the dining room through a small hallway. Our private residence is off to the left." Ishihiro gave everyone a genial smile before continuing. "Please make use of whatever you need, but," He held up a hand. "Could you please refrain from entering our private residence?"
Everyone nodded, and he sighed. "Okay then, a meal awaits you, and then we will show you to your rooms."
Everyone moved into the dining room, minus Naru. He took a moment to gaze at Ishihiro, and find a plausible question. "Excuse me Tamoe-san, I forgot to ask, how many guests are present at the moment?" He gave the owner a bland look of curiosity.
Ishihiro looked relieved. "Oh no one, just your team is here, lately business has been nonexistent." He left out the reason, because Naru already knew.
"We are going to use one of the spare rooms as a base." Naru watched as Ishihiro nodded helplessly. "That is everything for now." He turned away, and headed into the dining room.
The group had chosen one of the big tables, and everybody had already sat. The only open seat was between Lin and Mai. He walked over and sat with a nonchalance he did not feel.
"Let's get down to business. Tamoe-san has already been informed that we are using a spare room for our base." Naru glanced at Bou-san, John and Ayako. "You three," He held up an autocratic finger. "Carry our equipment in here."
Bou-san prepared to whine, but Naru cut him off. "Eat first, and then carry." Bou-san shot him a grateful look, but Naru had already moved on. His attention had jumped to Masako and Mai. "You two, when we are done….I expect you to get a feel for the wife. Ask her questions. See if you can learn anything important."
Masako nodded, but Mai looked surprised. She kept her thoughts to herself, and stared at her boss. What is he doing, pairing me up with Masako-san?
Lin was the only one left, and Naru just glanced at him. Lin nodded without saying a word, and Mai shook her head. How do they do that? She sighed with a mix of confusion and frustration.
The cook came into the room with a big tray, and everyone quieted down. Sei set the tray in the middle of the table and bowed respectfully. "Please enjoy." With another courteous bow, he left them to serve them selves.
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Once they finished lunch, their host returned. "If you will follow me, I will direct you to your rooms." He led the way down the hallway, and everyone followed. Naru mapped things out as they went.
There were three rooms on each side of the hallway. Ishihiro walked all the way to the end, and opened the door on the left.
"This is our biggest room. You three women will appreciate the space. There is also an outside door, with a path directly to the hot springs." He then moved to the door on the right. Ishihiro smiled at Naru, and then continued. "I have done as you asked. There is a room here for two of you, and the other two can share the next room."
Naru nodded before speaking. "Bou-san, I want you and John across the hall from the ladies. Lin and I will take this room."
He glanced idly at Ishihiro. "I think we will use that room as our base of operations." He pointed to the room across from his. Ishihiro nodded in agreement, and excused himself. It seemed the front two rooms would remain unoccupied.
Naru cleared his throat to catch everyone's attention. "We all have work to do so let's get started."
When Mai saw the medium walk down the hallway, she followed. Mai let Masako lead the way as they left the dining room. Together they went in search of Tamoe Yumi.
Mai waited until they were alone to ask the medium about Naru. "Why did Naru pair us together?" She kept jealousy from coloring her voice. She glanced idly at the smaller girl.
Masako gazed at her with a serious, intent look. "Did you ask him why?"
Mai shook her head in confusion, and waited for the smaller girl's reply.
"Maybe you should?" Masako shot her an amused glance, when she saw the frustration on Mai's face. The medium fell silent again as they wandered around. There was no sign of the woman anywhere, but they finally found Ishihiro. He was leaning against the counter in the lobby, reading paperwork.
The medium walked directly up to the counter. "Excuse me," Masako kept her tone soft yet commanding. Ishihiro glanced up surprised. "We need to ask your wife a question."
He looked startled by the request. "I am sorry my wife is resting at the moment, the stress you know. Is it something I could perhaps answer for you?"
Mai stood watching the exchange with a wary feeling. Something is not right…. She waited as Masako politely informed him that it was of a feminine nature, and they would wait to speak with his wife.
As the two girls walked away, Mai glanced back at the lobby. Ishihiro watched their departure. Mai sighed with confusion. Should I ask her if she felt it was weird? She decided against the idea. I will just wait and see…
Masako led her outside, and began making her way around the building. Mai followed curious as to their destination. When they reached the path, Mai smiled. Ah, I want to see the hot springs.
The two girls could feel the warmth even at a distance. It shimmered in the air, and beckoned, calling like a lover. Mai noticed that as they drew closer, Masako's pace quickened. She also felt inexplicably drawn forward, as though she must hurry. Mai kept up with the smaller girl as they hurried up the path. Words were unnecessary, as they both felt the urge to arrive.
When they reached the last bend in the path and the scene came into view, they both slowed. Flat stones in a myriad of color enveloped the pool. The water was crystal-clear, and they could see steam gently wafting above the water. Sand sparkled on the floor of the big pool, and the whole place held them entranced.
Masako finally walked forward a few feet to where the stones began. Mai watched her still in awe of the place. When the smaller girl stopped, Mai moved to catch up with her. Is she as amazed as I am? Mai walked up next to the medium, and glanced at her.
The sight that met her eyes was surprising. Masako stood trembling violently, and her face had gone a pasty shade of white. She spoke in a strangled voice. "Unspeakable things have happened here."
Mai watched almost in slow motion as Masako's eyes rolled back in her head, and she went limp. Mai hurried to catch the girl, before she was hurt on the stones. The young girl was heavier than she appeared. Mai struggled, but ended up sitting with Masako reclined in her arms. She let out a frustrated breath, trying to figure out what to do. Her eyes wandered towards the pool of water, and it called to her. Mai felt her anger growing at the girl in her arms. This is not supposed to be happening…Why must you be so weak?
Her head began buzzing, and felt stuffed with cotton. Is this another trick to end up in Naru's arms? She could feel her emotions boiling under the surface, and she wanted--no needed to hurt Masako. Mai stared at the pool, and noticed the water bubbling. She realized at that moment that something was seriously wrong.
"Help…Naru…Bou-san, John-san, anyone please can you hear me?" Tears streamed down her cheeks in fright. A moment later, Bou-san came tearing into view.
"Mai…what is it?" He took in the sight of the medium collapsed against her, and the real look of fear on the young girl's face. "Are you all right?" He moved closer, and lifted Masako off Mai.
Mai stood slowly on trembling legs, and followed the Monk back towards the hotel. As she moved away from the pool, the episode took on a hazy quality. All she could clearly remember were the medium's words just before she collapsed, the rest just slipped away like fragments of a dream….
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