Naru's POV
We just arrived at the Shinto Mansion. I could just tell that I would need some painkillers after the car trip.
FLASHBACK
We all sat in the van, since Takigawa's car had broken down. Lin and I sat at in the front, with Madoka in between us. Matsuzaki, Takigawa and Yasuhara in the middle. John and Masako at the back with the equipment behind them.
I managed to block out some of the noise that 'The Troublesome Three' (dubbed by Masako, surprisingly) but I could see it was affecting John, Masako, Lin and even Madoka. Just as I was about to tell them to quieten down, Madoka called out "HEY! If you guys do not shut up, I will make you walk there! You hear me?!"
The three of them nodded, to afraid to speak out. Never mess with a pregnant woman. Now I can get some peace and quiet.
I started to read over the information that Lin found out about Mika. Well, this is interesting. Apparently there isn't any information after two years ago. The same time as Mai…died. This is now starting to prove our theory.
"Noll, are you okay?" Lin asked, pulling me out of my reverie. You could hear in the background Takigawa and Matsuzaki starting up quietly again.
"Yes, why?"
"You had a pained look on your face. What were you thinking about?"
"Ah, nothing." Damn, I must have left my facade down. "How much longer till we arrive?"
"Not long now, maybe five minutes or so."
"Thank god, I don't think I can stand them much longer." Madoka piped into the conversation. "They don't even act like they are married. And I swear Yasu is gay."
Lin and I gave her a look that said 'seriously'. "What?!" She replied. "It could be true!" I shake my head at this and Lin just chuckles. Madoka had now turned around and is participating the argument that was going on, as the rest of us lapses into a comfortable yet slightly awkward silence.
END OF FLASHBACK
Mika is standing at the front door, like she has been waiting for us for a while. She is, however, asleep, semi-sprawled on the porch. We pull into the driveway quietly and exit the van.
Lin's POV
I went over to the girl, hoping she wouldn't be as difficult to wake as Mai was. I guess I have softened up a bit. Madoka being pregnant helped, but it was mainly working with Mai. As I reached her, she started shivering. Thinking that she was cold, I went to put my jacket over her. But as it touched her skin, Mika started thrashing around, like the jacket was trying to bound her. It reminded me of when Mai used to have those dreams. "Noll!" I called out, not taking my eyes off the girl.
"What?" He replied, coming over.
"It's Mika."
"What about her?"
"Look for yourself." I moved out of the way so Noll could see the girl.
I saw his emotionless mask falter and turned into a surprised look as he started down at the thrashing girl.
Naru's POV
Looking at Mika thrashing around on her porch reminded me of when Mai had one of those dreams. I just stood there, staring at her, only brought back to reality when she sat up screaming and crying. I don't know what compelled me to do this, but I went and comforted her. Maybe because she remind you so much of Mai, a voice said in my head, similar to mine.
Gene?
No, its a magical unicorn. Who else do you think it is?
How are you talking to me?
Through ways of the undead, of course.
What do you want?
Straight to the point as usual. Not that I would want it any other way.
Gene….
Fine. Just to talk, thats what. This case is going to be a difficult and strange one. Nothing like you have ever faced before.
I figured out the difficult part of it already, but why is it going to be strange?
Because not everything is as it seems…
Gene's voice started to fade out and then stopped. I brought my attention back to Mika, who had calmed down. I could see that she was a little bit uncomfortable being surrounded by the team, "Everyone, start bringing the equipment."
"But we don't even know where the base is!" Takigawa called out.
"Lin was given a map with the base marked on it."
John got the map off Lin and they left to get the equipment out of the van. However, Lin was still standing next to me.
"Lin, you go to." I ordered him, not taking my eyes off the girl in front of me.
"You sure you're going to be okay?"
"Yes, now go."
Lin left, leaving me with Mika. I focused my attention on her. "Are you okay?"
I saw surprise or shock, not sure which one, was never good with emotions, flash across her face before it went back to her normal look, the one she was wearing when we first met her. This made me realize that, like me, she was wearing a mask.
"Yes, fine. Come on, we have wasted enough time. Since your assistant took the map, I'll show the way to your base." With that she wiped away any stray tears and stood, motioning for me to follow her. I did, but felt uneasy as I stepped through the door.