After the Storm

Chapter 1

Mai felt the cold keys in her hand, unlocking the door of her apartment with little more than a glance to make sure the key smoothly found the keyhole before giving it a twist and making her way into her dark home. She glanced around, suppressing a shiver at the shadows cast by the light streaming in the doorway before flipping the overhead lantern on, illuminating the room before her. She suppressed a yawn, stretching her arms out, feeling the tension of the day uncoil before pulling her pack off her back and dropping it unceremoniously at her feet. Mai kicked her shoes off and collapsed on her couch, another yawn popping from her mouth, this time unsuppressed- stretching her jaw uncomfortably wide, almost as if to make up for stopping the escape of the last one.

Mai took in the familiarity of the small room, taking comfort in it as she thought back to the day. Wake up, go to work, night class, and sleep. It had been her daily schedule for two years now- and with it being her first semester in college, she didn't see an end in sight.

Two years. Two years since Naru had left. Two years since her school had decided her job had taken too much of her time. GED night classes had been brutal. Mai had maintained her naivety despite her time as a ghost hunter- she snorted quietly to herself as the term skittered across her mind unbidden- but, in honesty, life was a bitch.

But she had survived. Survived some horrific dreams while she worked for SPR as well as some truly terrifying experiences- some of which her mind still struggled to classify as reality. She had people who cared for her, and helped her understand what was happening and how to decipher it.

Now, Mai thought somewhat bitterly as she made her way to the small kitchenette in the corner of the room, Now, I'm alone.

Mai pulled out a pan, ramen in hand as she measured out the required water and watched thoughtfully as she waited for signs of boiling.

She wasn't surprised by how quickly the group scattered. It wasn't all their fault either. She was a teenager- handling the way her boss rejected her in the same way most teenagers would. She tried to forget. Mai moved to a lower income community, scrubbing her life of any and all hints SPR had left behind. She changed her number- and found herself struggling in school. Her attendance had become an issue anyways- and why did school matter when she had a broken heart?

She had been so stupid. She knew that now. Mai sighed as she poured the cooked noodles into a bowl and situated herself back on the couch, turning the radio on a popular music station to dispel the thoughts that crept up on her with the silence.

It had taken her two years to put her life on track. Mai blew on the steaming bowl in her haste to fill her empty stomach. She was finally doing what she should be doing in the timeline of her life. School and work kept her sufficiently busy. Her mind was at ease mostly.

Two years and Mai found herself on a clear path. It was a lonely path; she had become very good at deflecting company. It was easier to be alone.

It was much easier then explaining the bags found often under her eyes or the slight tremor visible in her penmanship. The lack of control made her angry whenever she found herself reflecting on these long term effects. Mai would throttle the man if she ever ran into him again.

Mai placed her bowl in the sink as she stifled yet another yawn. Her eyes drooping now that her stomach was warm and full. She hated the fear that came unbidden as she put on her pajamas and readied herself for bed.

As she lowered herself on the futon, several lights illuminating the small apartment for when she woke up gasping in the night, Mai struggled to calm herself.

Two years. It had been two fucking years of fighting a battle Mai was starting to believe she would never win. Night. After. Night. Nightmares. Senseless fears. Silence that reminded her she was completely alone.

She fought sleep, even as it lulled her body into a false relaxation. Her heart slowed as her breathes deepened. For just this moment, Mai dozed peacefully.

Author's Note: I don't own Ghost Hunt or its characters. Updates may be sporadic depending on life. I'll TRY for weekly updates. As always, your thoughts on the story are always appreciated!