A/N: Hello! This is my 'first' fanfic (I've written several others, but ended up leaving them halfway... You've been warned!). For some reason I've always had a nagging feeling to write a Ghost Hunt fic so.. Here it is! I'm open to constructive criticism, but please no flames!
This will have a couple of OCs, and there are way too many pairings to put them in the description so... Yeah. Also, if you find in here someone familiar from another anime.. It probably is /sweatdrops/. Anyway, on with the show!
Disclaimer: I don't own Ghost Hunt or anything other than my three (soon to be four) OCs. If I did, you could bet anything that the anime wouldn't have ended so abruptly.
_.-+*+-._
The door opened to reveal a large group of people walking into the room. The first to enter were three men (a stoic tall man, and two teenagers), followed by a red-haired woman, a young blond man, and a messy brown-haired man.
After sensing something, I immediately narrow my eyes towards the hallway, where a pretty teenage girl stood, seemingly petrified. Next to me, my resident medium tensed and gasped mutely. Huh, maybe they're both seeing something?
The brown-haired man turned and said something to the girl before they both entered, and the group sat down. Ohashi-san, the representative for our client, began to explain the reason for our presence in the Mansion, as well as the events leading to that. I scoffed silently at the thought of teens trying to come here for the thrill of the paranormal, but couldn't help and feel a bit sad that so many had met their end here.
"Now, please allow me to introduce everyone who has so generously agreed to join us today," God, Japanese politeness customs are a drag, I thought, annoyed that we couldn't just start working already.
"Ms. Igurashi, and her assistant Naoko Suzuki," an older lady and her dark brown-haired assistant bowed politely.
"Renowned medium, Masako Hara," a young black-haired girl in a kimono bowed. What's up with the kimono, though? I eyed Hikaru, and he looked at me admonishingly, as if reading my thoughts. I shrugged, for a moment not paying attention to the speaking man.
"-their mentor, from the English Psychic Research Society, Dr. Oliver Davis," I looked at the group of three comprising a fat dude – well, sorry, he's just not giving me good vibes! – a younger man, and an Englishman with glasses.
Or so they said.
"I assure you, we will have no problem handling your case," the man – what was his name again? – exclaimed, at which point I scoffed pointedly and rolled my eyes, while promptly ignoring him.
"Alan, remember to act professionally, it won't do us good if the others think we're a group of stuck up teenagers," Hikaru discreetly whispered my way. I glared at him, but softened my face into a perfect mask of stoicism again.
"The Shibuya Psychic Research team, led by Shibuya Kazuya," the teenager boy with greenish-black hair and glasses smiled and bowed along his other two 'assistants'.
"And, last but not least, three representatives from the European Psychic Research Society, led by Alan Kraus," I bowed as well, Monique and Hikaru following my lead.
"Well, if that is all, would it be possible we be shown to our base room?" Shibuya asked Ohashi, who nodded, and looked at us. Hikaru nodded, understanding the silent communication of the representative.
I got up, and followed Hikaru to help him handle the bags with our base material, Monique taking the laptop cases, and we all left the room.
"Ha, with a bunch of inexperienced teenagers here, it'll be a piece of cake Atsumi!" Pig-man, as I dubbed the man, said in what he thought was a shushed voice. I didn't bother to voice a counter-insult, but I looked over my shoulder and gave him my best Death Glare of Doom.
Ohashi led us through the labyrinth that was the mansion until we were in front of two grand set of doors facing each other.
"These can serve as your base rooms, and if there's anything more you would need, don't hesitate to ask,"
With that, Ohashi left. The SPR group opened the doors to their base, as did we.
"Monique, start setting up the computers, Hikaru, let's go get the cameras and mikes," I dished out the orders, getting a childish grin from Monique and a soldier salute from Hikaru.
"Yes, sir!" practically shouted Hikaru. I rolled my eyes, and we left. We had some basic blueprints of the side of the mansion we were on, and Monique had one as well, so we wouldn't get lost.
By the time base was done, we could hear the door of SPR's base open and close again and again.
"Hikaru, start setting up the wireless gadgets and tell me when they're ready,"
"Sure thing, Boss," he smirked devilishly, "Wouldn't want our precious Princ- Ah, I mean, very manly man getting his panties in a twist,"
I groaned, and Monique giggled, "Give A-chan a break, Karu-chan, you know he gets stressed when he gets cases with other investigators,"
Hikaru just shrugged, "Not my fault our boss is so guarded about his-"
"Another word, Hikaru, and you bet your ass that I'm telling a certain black haired heiress that you were the reason for her failed engagement meeting last summer," I threatened. I was overly stressed, pissed off, and not to mention trying to figure out the safest way for my team to work this case. Can't they see that this requires being mature, for a change?
Said threatened male froze, his eyes widened towards me, "You wouldn't…"
I narrowed my eyes, "Oh, believe me, I would. So don't test me, or so help me Go-" I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders working on my tension knots which made me shut up immediately.
"Alright, both of you make peace, we have a case to work. No more fighting, you two," Monique scolded us like children. I was too busy melting into a puddle from her magic hands to hear Hikaru sigh, or the door opening.
"Ah, 'scuse me," came a voice with a lovely Australian accent, and I turned my head as Monique shifted slightly to her left. It was the young blond man that we'd seen with the SPR, although I didn't catch his name.
"Yes?" Hikaru said amicably, giving him his trademark mischievous smile, "Can we help you?"
"Ah, not quite, Ohashi-san just came by to tell us to head for the dining hall, although he was in a hurry," I could see behind him part of his group leaving, someone shouting 'Monk!' followed by a loud thud and a pained exclamation.
"Oh, thank you for telling us, uh…" I said, while frowning slightly.
"Oh! I'm John Brown, working for SPR,"
I smiled politely, those eyes, though!, "Thank you, Brown-san,"
He bowed minutely before leaving, and I turned to Hikaru, "Are the gadgets ready yet?" I asked while searching my bag for my 'blueprints' and my black and white cardigan.
"They're set, just put 'em on and turn them on. They should have enough memory to save up until we set up the wireless feed and transmitters," Hikaru beamed and handed Monique and I a black box with a couple of wires.
Hikaru, our resident technology and research expert, was a tall 19 year old with spiky red hair and bright hazel-yellow eyes. He was known at ESPR for his mischievousness, especially if he was around his twin brother, Kaoru. However, he didn't land on the paranormal field by coincidence, he and his brother were born to a very religious family full of Shinto priestesses. Since he wasn't a 'maiden' to be trained, he decided to follow a more scientific outlook on his family's business.
His brother was much like him, except Kaoru had decided to go throughout Japan and learn different exorcising and ghost-hunting techniques. Said twin often met up with the group from ESPR, but happened to be away on a monk seminar on Mt Kouya and couldn't come.
Monique, on the other hand, was more in touch with her psychic side. She was a fairly good medium, could sense and see spirits as well as auras and a whole spectrum of 'aura information' as she called it. She could see relationships, intentions, and sometimes get glimpses of either the past or the future of certain people. The last achievement having been taught to her by none other than moi.
"Hikaru, when we get back, do you think you could make some wards for the base?" Monique cautioned. She was, after all, the oldest of the group. At a bright 21 years of age, was a beautiful brown haired beauty. She had an hourglass figure that at times I envied, and glowing green eyes. Her hair cascaded in waves to her elbows when she let it loose, although most of the time she kept it up in a neat bun.
"Sure thing, I think I have some left over from our last case," Hikaru helped us finish wrapping the mike cable and the camera cable. He handed us some soft tape to secure them to our skin and clothes, and promptly left to the dining hall.
"Great! Are we sleeping at base tonight, though?" I scrunched up my face at the thought.
"Heck no," I promptly answered Monique, who rolled her eyes, but smiled mockingly, "We haven't done a walkthrough yet, and we have no material to review. I say we get a good night's sleep and start bright and early tomorrow before others interrupt."
Monique and Hikaru kept talking, while I let my thoughts wonder. The way to the dining hall was, after all, somewhat far.
I didn't get any specially bad vibes from the SPR team or the elderly woman with her assistant – was it Nakao? Naoko? – so they're alright, I thought as we turned, the sound of chatter becoming closer. I'm pretty sure, however, that the Pigman is suspicious. Their 'mentor' was obviously a fake, I mean, I've met Oliver Davis' father for God's sake!
As we entered, we saw the groups separated on different levels of the table, some chattering more than others.
I think I'll ring Martin and let him know that there's someone pretending to be his son, I decided. Nodding to myself, I walked towards the middle of the table, which happened to be empty.
Dinner was a simple affair, Monique and Hikaru chatted with me for a while, but I focused mainly on overhearing the others. I knew that the two-women team was thinking of feeling out the mansion before a séance, so I didn't worry much about them. The three men from the Emi Institute (or whatever he'd said, honestly, I didn't really believe anything from him) were planning on doing a walkthrough tomorrow as well.
Shibuya's team was definitely the loudest, but they didn't say much about their plans for work. The two dark haired (and glass-less) men from the group talked quietly and seriously, which made me raise one eyebrow. I'd felt that maybe the leader was a bit young, but what if it was a stand-in? I pulled one of my necklaces out from under my shirt, and whispered quietly to it. 'Lend me your ears, Mamotsu'.
"If we're separating into teams, I think we should send out Takigawa and Yasuhara with Mai to get the temperature readings," the youngest one said. Narumi, if I'm not mistaken, although my instinct told me that it was wrong.
"Then Hara-san shall be escorted by John-san?"
"Indeed. Matsuzaki-san should accompany them, I don't want her complaining later."
"Are we setting up thermal and night vision cameras around the rooms?"
"It would be a good precaution, yes, but only if we have enough left after choosing the hot spots. I'm sure Miss Matsuzaki's charms will be enough,"
At that, the conversation stopped. Well, aren't they just the cutest workaholics ever? I said, even if it was to myself, with a dripping sarcasm. Monique snorted, and it wasn't until then that I'd noticed she'd been practicing her telepathy on me. I gave her a pointed look but she just shrugged me off and explained to Hikaru.
By the time we were done, we walked back to our base alongside the SPR team. Hikaru had gotten pretty friendly with a certain kimono-wearing medium, who for some reason covered her mouth with her kimono sleeve to hide any reaction. What's up with that? John accompanied them and laughed good-heartedly at some odd joke Hikaru told. I smiled at them.
Turning to Monique, I could see she was talking to who I presume was Miss Matsuzaki, and Shibuya. Said male kept on making passes at Monique, and although Matsuzaki – Ayako seemed to be her first name, from what the short haired brunette exclaimed – hit Shibuya every so often, I could see a hint of pink on Monique's cheeks, as well as a bit of shyness from her body language. Oh boy, that guy's in for a rollercoaster, I thought, she's gonna have him wrapped around her little finger in no time.
"So, you guys are from Europe?" the short brunette turned to me suddenly, a beaming smile on her face. I reciprocated.
"Yeah, although we've spent most of our time specializing in Asia,"
"That's cool! So that's why you guys don't have much of an accent?"
"Yeah, we each have a couple of languages assigned to learn before leaving the branch," I said, and I could feel beams from someone's Death Glare my way. They're good, if I was a wimp I'd totally have a chill, "So what's your name, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh, silly me," she fake-hit her head with a fisted hand, "I'm Taniyama Mai, but you can call me Mai,"
I gave her my trademark dazzling smile, "Pleasure to meet you, Mai, I'm Alan Kraus, you can just call me Alan," she blushed for a moment, before looking confused, "Kraus is my surname, and I do believe it's rather complicated to pronounce in Japanese, though I don't mean to insult you."
She smiled, and waved it off. We were close to base, by now I could see the door at the end of the hallway, "So, where is the European uhh.. Psychic Research?"
I laughed, "Just call it ESPR, though it stands for European Society of Psychic Research, so you weren't that far off," I winked, and she blushed a beautiful shade of pink. Boy, I'm way too good at pretending.
"Thanks," she smiled shyly. I looked up to see the dark haired young man, Narumi, glaring daggers at me. I smirked his way, while Mai remained oblivious.
"Mai," said the dark haired man in one of the coldest voices I've ever heard, "I pay you to work, not to socialize,"
Said brunette fumed, "Why you narcissistic jerk, I was just-"
"Tea," he said, turning and entering his base. I put my hand on her shoulder, which diminished her mini – albeit quite justified – tantrum.
"It's alright, sometimes we have bossy co-work…ers…" It dawned on me that this wasn't the supposed boss, but rather Narumi, one of the 'assistants'.
"Uh, yeah, he's... He's the one who gives the checks out! Yeah! That's why, uh," she visibly fidgeted, trying to make up for her bosses' mistake, "Coming!"
She left hurriedly, and the others followed suit, while I entered with Monique and Hikaru to our base.
"So, what's your big revelation, Lana?" Hikaru asked, after looking at my raised eyebrow.
"There's something fishy about SPR's boss…" then I glared, "And no nicknames when someone could hear us."
Monique sighed, "We just can't get a break with you, can we?" She shrugged and rolled out three very cushioned and very soft futons.
"Well, you want to hear it or not?" I asked exasperated. Seriously, it's because of me that we get everything done much faster, I don't see the problem! They nodded, Monique making herself comfortable on her futon while Hikaru started making some extra wards for base.
I told them what I'd heard thanks to Mamotsu, my owl familiar, as well as what I'd gathered from Mai. Monique filled me in on who was who: she said she couldn't see the boss ties between Shibuya and the others, and that rather they all saw Narumi as the boss. That there was a Monk, by the name of Takigawa, Ayako Matsuzaki, who is a Shinto priestess, Lin, who was either an omnyouji or a familiar-holder like me, Shibuya Kazuya, who had no particular psychic ability, Narumi, a quite powerful PK wielder, John Brown, a Catholic priest ordained for exorcism, and Masako Hara, a showbiz medium with actual powers.
"What about Mai?" I asked Monique, knowing she'd probably done a small reading on all of them for me, as I tended to find it annoying to do so and concentrate on not being caught doing it at the same time.
"She's an astral projector, and I think she has potential for being a medium, but there's also…" Monique trailed off, looking somewhat troubled.
"What?"
"She's got, like, a spirit hanging around her," she pressed her lips togethers, then continued, "It's not a bad spirit, in fact, I think it's trying to help her, but… It had an aura almost identical to Narumi's,"
The gears in my head started turning, and I quietly slid into my futon. I knew that Hikaru and Monique tried talking to me for a moment, but knew that I was too far gone in my thoughts to respond.
So, almost identical souls? That doesn't happen unless… He had a twin. He had a twin, and is the actual Boss, most likely, of SPR? And SPR… Shibuya Psychic Research.. Society of Psychic Research… Isn't that too much of a coincidence?
I saw, without really registering, that Hikaru was sticking the wards on every corner of the room, while seemingly answering something to Monique.
Didn't Kaoru mention that Oliver was leaving BSPR to look for his brother? That he'd been murdered or something? And Martin told me that his younger son, Oliver, was a recluse, quite introverted and a bit of an egotistical prick… Well, not his exact words, but that's what he seemed to..
I widened my eyes.
"He's Oliver Davis," I whispered, Hikaru and Monique not paying any attention to me.
_.-+*+-._
Note: If anyone's interested in beta-ing this, I'd greatly appreciate it. I don't have time to re-read my chapters since I want to make them as long as comfortably possible for me, but I don't want them to be nonsensical. PM in any case! :D
