A/N: I recently had the opportunity to watch Ghost Hunt and immediately became hooked! I've read several stories on and decided I would give it a try. One thing I will say that I don't plan on following the manga (as I haven't read it) but I might use some events from the anime. I plan on using a little thing called my imagination that sits wrapped up tight within my brain. ;) Sorry, I just had to let it out for those of you who are sticklers for OOCness and such. This is your only warning.

For now, this is rated T for suggestive adult themes and mild language, but it could go up in later chapters. Also, I'm planning on centering this story on the Naru/Mai pairing, however I know it starts out with a little different pairing. Just be patient with me.

Italics- Signifies dreams.

Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt nor anything affiliated with it, however I can dream. :)

Echoes

Chapter 1: A Strange Dream

June 20th.......

Slamming the door to her apartment with disgust, nineteen year old Mai Taniyama walked tiredly to her dining room table and placed her purse, keys and jacket carefully on its wooden surface.

Why today? She'd had such a horrible day and it wasn't even a Monday.

First there'd been a dream, which she couldn't remember half the details. Only that she felt immense fear and pain....and darkness. So much darkness. Rubbing her forehead gently, feeling the presence of a headache Mai quickly took some Tylenol, swallowing it with a glass of water before heading to her room. Skip supper. She just wasn't hungry.

The rest of her day replayed in her head despite her protests while she changed. While driving to her cousin's house, she'd had a flat tire and her car broke down. Everything she'd touched had fallen from her fingers, easily pronouncing her a klutz, which she really wasn't; then when she and her cousin, Kai, had gone to town for shopping and lunch for one of their rare visits, they'd been rear-ended by a man conducting a meeting via his cell phone. Idiot! Didn't people realize that cell phones weren't supposed to be utilized while driving?

After brushing her teeth, she climbed into bed wearily and pulled the covers up to her chest, praying her sleep would be dreamless. If only she could be so lucky. If only.

Breathing slowly and deeply, she felt the edges of darkness approaching. Relaxing her body she allowed it to take hold and she fell willingly into its waiting grasp.

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Feeling a presence, sensing someone, or some thing, watching her, Mai slowly opened her eyes. There, before her, was a very tall, gorgeous guy. He had black hair worn a little bit longer than most guys, his physique lean and long. But what caught her breath was his eyes; he had the most beautiful blue eyes she'd ever seen. Had she died and gone to heaven? Who was he?

"Ah, so you finally decided to wake." he said with a smile.

Okay, she thought, I'm dead. I'm really dead.

"No, you're not dead." His eyes twinkled with mischief as he reached out and pulled her closer.

Bewildered, she asked, "Who are you, and where am I?" She felt her legs trembling underneath her, evidence of the shock she'd undergone, and the shock of being so close to this boy so handsome that words defied her, and him.

"I'm Gene. I've been waiting for you, Mai. I've been waiting a long time." he confessed. His voice was confident and soft, but not to soft.

Wait!? How could he know my name? We've just met, yet I haven't given him my name. Please tell me I don't have a stalker? That's all I'd need now, she whined. Somehow the lunatic fringe always managed to locate her. Couldn't she even have a good dream? Or was fate determined to much that for her as well? Her mouth opened to ask another question when his finger touched her lips stopping all sound.

"I'm pyschic. That's how I know what you're thinking; besides, the questions are always so transparent; they're always the same." He gestured around the darkness, "Don't be afraid. This is nothing but a dream, Mai. Nothing can harm you here. You are safe. You're with me", he added mysteriously.

Mai felt her head spinning in multiple directions. At least this dream wasn't going south for the moment, and at least she wasn't getting hurt. It was pleasant enough. However, Gene was an stranger but he seemed nice enough. That old American saying came back with a vengeance: what something or someone seems is often different from what really is. So....would reality screw this dream like it had her life? She held her breath, hoping for the opposite.

"So why are we here?" she asked, her mind boggled. This had never happened before. Sure, she'd had dreams. Didn't everybody? But Mai had the clairvoyant type of dreams, or dreams that just never made sense and nothing ever came of them. Mostly, her dreams came true; sometimes they frightened her with their intensity, their images and the knowledge that accompanied them. The knowledge that something would happen, and unfortunately that meant horrible things happened to those she knew best. And having to deal with the fallout of these dreams drained her; at times made her want to become a recluse so maybe she'd never again see a friend hurt like that.

The fact that this guy was here, now....Curiosity had her. This was big! Meeting someone else in her dreams, someone like herself....there was so much she wanted to ask Gene and she was uncertain where to start.

"How about the beginning, Mai. Let's start there."

Gene smiled gently at the quirky young woman, her wavy brown hair tousled from her fingers, which lightly ran through the shoulder-length locks in her nervousness. He took her hand as she shook her head and they began at the beginning.

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The next morning Mai greeted the day with a smile and a cheerful heart, as always. But this morning she possessed more energy than usual and she knew it was due to Gene. Such a vivid dream. Why couldn't they meet in real life? A gentleman at that. Apparently he'd been raised with manners. The way in which he treated her, spoke to her. Reverently. Yet not once had he treated her like a piece of glass. Someone like him was a keeper. If only he was around.

If only......

Mai's phone rang shattering her thoughts. "Bou-san. How are you?" She listened as her friend recounted his band's latest gig and groupie fest. One thing about about Takigawa...he treated his groupies with respect and didn't abuse them or misuse their trust. Takigawa was one of the last original nice guys.

He was also the only guy she'd ever dated. It was mostly friendly, never serious in an on again- off again manner. He, like Gene, treated her with respect. Like she had a brain. Like she wasn't a piece of eye candy. Go figure. Where were all the decent guys going to nowadays?

"Yes, I can meet you for one of our "play days" as you like to call them." Mai teased him as she laughed. "Good thing I'm an heiress you know, or I'd have to go get a job to fund all our dates, you know?" She laughed again, her happiness so contagious her friend could feel it on the other end. She glanced at the clock. It was a little after eight am. "Give me about an hour and we'll meet here, at my place." Twirling a lock of hair around her finger, she cemented their plans and bid him goodbye.

After taking a languid shower and drying off, she picked out a pair of jeans, a pink long sleeved shirt and a dark green tshirt to layer over that.

Finally, after an hour, she was dressed and waiting. She was eager. The petite brunette was never entirely positive where the adventurous monk would take her. In the past he'd taken her to the park, shopping, camping and various other places. The man was handsome, courteous, romantic, thoughtful and very spontaneous. One who'd make a terrific husband someday.

They were just friends passing time and keeping each other company, that's all. She knew the day would come when his attentions would be directed elsewhere. Mai could only hope that one day she'd have the chance for happiness, even if it was fleeting.

"I've been waiting for you, Mai."

She couldn't stop thinking about his words. They haunted her. After all this time, why had someone else come to her? And why of all people was it this Gene? What was so special about the handsome male? And his remark about waiting for her confounded her further. He had never specified how long he'd been waiting or why. Nor had he mentioned one little nagging question.....why her?

Frowning slightly, Mai sighed at the puzzle within. Everything seemed complex and uncertain yet she was positive the answers were easier than the questions. Maybe she just had to ask the right ones.

The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts and distracting her from her extremely good looking dream source.

Grabbing her purse, she greeted the former monk at the door, taking his arm and off they went.

Hours later the petite brunette returned home exhausted. Takigawa had surprised her by taking her to one of his band's gigs following supper. She'd been gone all day! It was almost ten pm. Talk about an all day and a very late evening.

Night penetrated the space between the white blinds, allowing shadows to fall across the room giving her a slightly creepy feeling. Now she wished she wasn't alone; feeling as if the shadows were reaching for her, but that was impossible. There were no ghosts here. Unless the one in her mind counted.

Apparently, Bou-san's exorcism stories were rising to the surface, clouding her mind and causing fear where there was no reason for it. Damn you, Bou-san, she mentally reprimanded the monk. Curse your stories, causing me to be scared in my own apartment.

Rolling her eyes at her foolishness she hurried to her bedroom, put on her pajamas, brushed her teeth and climbed into bed. She wondered if she'd see Gene again. At least he would keep all thoughts of shadows and evil away. In her dream, he'd occupied every thought, leaving room for nothing else.

Slowly she felt herself drifting away, welcoming sleep with arms open wide.

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Standing in the darkness, Mai glanced around anticipating his arrival. Unaware of time passing by, she kept waiting, hoping, he wouldn't disappoint her. That he'd keep his promise to her. Their last meeting had been short, but sweet. Would he be able to stay longer? Would she?

Mai sighed sadly. It seemed he wasn't here, nor was he going to be. A familiar, painful twinge pinched hard in her heart. I get attached too easily, she thought. It's not fair.

"I guess I'll forever be alone", she said aloud, yet to no one, as no one else was there.

"Never alone, Mai." His voice corrected her. "I'll always be near."

Her loneliness lifted as she heard his voice. He'd said he'll always be near. She didn't understand how he could easily make such a vow. "Will you?" She questioned, doubt in her voice and heart.

"Yes."

Inhaling deeply, her brown eyes regarded him anxiously. "Just how near are you? Near enough to meet outside our dreams? And how can you promise you'll always be there to protect me, like you told me last night? What if something were to happen to you? I've only just met you, yet I feel I've known you a lifetime. Why is that, Gene? Why do I feel this way? I'm so confused!"

Gene's dark blue eyes watched her, knowing the anguish she felt, feeling the stirrings of a past she didn't know, haunting echoes coming back for them both.

Taking her gently in his arms, his voice soft and comforting, "I'm a lot closer than you think." His strong arms tightened around her slight frame, which was shaking.

"I'll always protect you, Mai, whatever happens; whether I'm alive or dead, I'll protect you with everything that I have," he swore fiercely.

She smiled and blinked hard, forcing back tears. "Will we ever see each other?"

"Not right now", he answered. "There are reasons outside your knowledge, but maybe one day..."

Gene couldn't bear the pain in her eyes. She had to come to the truth in her own time; the past would reconcile when she was ready. He only wished he could alleviate her worry, her pain and tell her everything, but he couldn't. If she didn't discover the past on her own it'd defeat the purpose of him finding her, him being there. More importantly, no one else could ever know about her, save one. And he'd only use that card only if something did indeed happen to him.

The duo stayed in each other's embrace, afraid to move. That the dream world around them would shatter, rendering them apart, the link interrupted; leaving them in a world where sleep provided the only peace either could find.

"Can't we stay?"

He smiled sweetly. "You know the answer to that, Mai," he chided gently.

"One day....I'll hold you to your promise." She told him firmly. She pulled back slightly to glance at his angular features. He was so beautiful it hurt. She'd always been plain, and next to him... she was downright average.

"I'll be waiting for that day." He leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead; smirking as she blushed, her face shocked. "You're the one who's beautiful, Mai. I only wish you could see yourself as I do."

"Maybe one day I will", she admitted hesitatingly.

Gene's eyes narrowed, his posture tense.

Concerned, she asked him, "What's wrong, Gene?"

"Nothing." His voice tight with anger, his eyes searched around them, finally seeing the shadows approaching, hunting them. "Mai, you must go now."

"Why?"

"Danger's here. Shadows. The very thing I'm trying to hide you from. Please, go while there's time", he urged her.

Worried, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. She'd never been this forward, but her sixth sense told her it was now or never.

He responded in kind, smiling as she ended the kiss, so sweet and innocent. "One day, Mai..." Gene's voice trailed away.

"One day", she agreed.

Blue eyes watched regretfully as her slender form slowly faded, the emptiness she'd left behind pressing heavily on his chest. But he was out of time. Coolly switching off his emotions, he took a breath. Turning to face his enemy, he glared hatefully at the inky form before he smirked and faded from its reach.

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Next morning:

June 21st.........

Mai sat at her favorite cafe` sipping a steaming cup of tea. Her mind was still pondering last night's dream and the fact that she'd kissed a guy. A guy she didn't really know. Her hand automatically flew to her heart. Somehow, he felt familiar. Safe. How could she possibly know that? They'd only met twice; only in dreams, making everything harder to deal with.

Suddenly, she heard a voice, distracting her from her problematic life. The sound...she couldn't forget it. It couldn't be, could it?

Leaping to her feet, her eyes skimmed over the area, leading her to the counter where a tall, thin male with ebony colored hair was placing an order. She watched as the clerk handed him his drink and his change.

The moment he turned from the counter their eyes locked. Blue met brown. Shock quickly morphed into surprise, and Mai let out a delighted squeal. Wearing entirely nothing but black, the clothes only adding to his charm and handsome appeal. It was him. Her breath caught in her throat, heart pounding wildly as she gazed at the bedazzling wonder who had effectively captured her attention in so short a time.

Forgetting her tea, she ran straight into his arms almost spilling his coffee in her exuberance.

"Gene! Oh my god, it's really you," she cried.

"Same here," he replied with a grin. After their shared dream last night, he was still trying to avoid meeting her face to face. He'd told her that much last night. But maybe fate was giving a nudge and he should listen. Hugging her tightly, he smiled, thanking fate for this chance. One they may never get again.

The two of them, arm in arm, made their way to Mai's abandoned table and her forgotten tea.

Mai couldn't hold back the enthusiasm she felt. Truthfully, she felt overwhelmed with emotion. He was here. With her. To think she didn't have to wait that long for him....Maybe my luck's turning around, she thought, for once. She was having difficulty believing that Gene was really here with her. Yet here he was. Every bit as handsome as in her dreams.

"How often do you come here?"

Sipping her tea she replied, "All the time. They have the best tea. And you?"

"I've been coming here for quite some time. Where do you think I first saw you?" Dark eyes shined with unrestrained merriment, and honesty.

"You've been watching me? All this time?" She felt pleased, if not slightly unnerved that he'd been watching her and she never knew. "How long?"

"Long enough."

Groaning, Mai slapped his arm. "Can't you give me a straight answer? Vagueness doesn't become you, you know?"

"No, but you can't deny you're attracted to the mystery," he quipped.

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"So what shall we do today?"

His question caught her off guard. "Huh?"

Laughing, he caressed her hand softly. "We're finally here, Mai. Together," he emphasized with a slight squeeze of her hand. "Let's do something, you and I. I've waited so long for this moment that I don't want to waste a second."

Nodding in agreement, Mai said, "Neither do I."

Gene observed the girl sitting next to him, amused by her teasing, his curiosity piqued by the inquisitive Mai Taniyama. Inevitable as it was, he was certain it wouldn't be long before she began her inquisition, wanting to know everything, down to the people in his family. And that he wasn't prepared for. Feeling selfish, he wanted time alone with her before being forced to share with his parents..... and his twin brother.

Never before had he wanted something, or someone, so badly. He wanted her so badly he could almost taste her. Wanted her so badly that he was willing to hide her from the one other person in the world who was as important to him as Mai.

Allowing excitement to rule her emotions, the petite brunette stood to her feet, her hand still in Gene's possession. They disposed of their drinks and went in search of activities to fill the day.

Two weeks later....

For the next two weeks Gene and Mai were inseparable. He even slept over at her apartment a few nights, as they'd watched movies and talked late into the night, both reluctant to end the night.

During this time she experienced strange dreams during the day, albeit brief ones. She wasn't sure what to make of them. At times, she and Gene were in a different time, dressed in different clothing; there was something there, but the harder she dug, it seemed, the harder it became to see. She decided for the time being to keep her dreams from Gene until she figured out just what the hell was going on. After all, he wouldn't give her any information to go on, saying things would come in time. But whose time? And when?

Late that night, a dream came to Mai distressing her so greatly that she could barely breathe. She woke in a panic, tears streaming, her body shaking with fear; the sheet quivering atop her bare body.

Laying beside her Gene had woken, wrapping his arms about her, and urged her to tell him what was wrong.

Large brown eyes, filled with tears, peered panic-stricken into his blue ones. Her body trembled in his arms and he kissed her lips softly, applying more pressure, as his tongue slid along her bottom lip and her mouth parted easily. If he didn't calm her.....she would never reveal what had frightened her so.

Mai abruptly broke their kiss, her head falling to rest on his shoulder. Her tears quietened to sobs.

"Tell me", he said.

Mai exhaled heavily, her pain unrelenting. "I dreamed you were in town," she said tearfully, "and that I was with you. We were shopping and went to cross the street when a car came speeding from nowhere." Moisture gathered in her eyes again, clear streams spilling rapidly down her pale skin. "You pushed me out of the way and the car hit you."

Giving a small chuckle, he replied, "Don't worry, Mai. It was only a dream." He stroked her arm lightly.

"But don't you see, Gene? In my dream....you died! I watched the entire thing unfold. I held you as you bled to death in the street! I kissed you as you took your last breath."

"I'm here, Mai. I won't leave you. It was just a dream." He tried to sound reassuring, convincing, but he was aware of his failure. He just didn't know how to proceed with comforting her, trying to persuade her to forget her dream.

"That's the thing about my dreams. Anyone who's ever been close to me.....I've had dreams where horrible things happened to them- they all ended up dead, Gene! Every last one of them. My dreams are real, you know that better than anyone. You've been there; that's how we met. I can't just discount this as easily as you."

She couldn't shake the foreboding feeling piercing her soul. She knew down to the depths of her heart their time was limited. At the same time, she refused to allow this feeling to detract her from the man at her side. She couldn't let it win. She had a nagging sensation that all this was connected to the past, but how? He'd said that it'd come in time, and according to her dream time was a commodity they had precious little of.

Shadows fell and she surrendered to Gene's touch, enthralled by the sound of his voice.

"We'll get through this, I promise, Mai."

Holding her close, he kissed her tenderly, prompting her to join him in creating a much more pleasant dream.

A/N: Well, that's it for the first chapter. Will Mai's dream become reality? What is the truth that Gene is hiding? The answers shall be revealed in due time.....as Gene would say. ;) Things will be revealed in the next chapter, however, not quite all of them. I'm not particularly certain how many chapters this'll be.