The Curse Gift – The Start of Puzzles.
Ghost Hunt Trilogy 1.
A fanfiction by Aoi Kitsukawa.
Disclaimer: Ghost Hunt is belongs to Fuyumi Ono-sensei, I only borrow the characters in the light novels/ manga/ anime. Please enjoy reading it!
Summary: Ghost Hunt Trilogy 1. Nearly half a year after the SPR's last case. Mai received a shocking gifts, which unknown to her and the others it was an ultimate mistake that changed her life forever. News that is more shocking was the appearing of Naru's cousins! At the same time, several rape-murder cases rapidly appeared, and the police had to ask SPR's assistance through Madoka and a female superintendent officer. How do the cases have connected with Mai at all?
Author's Note: Sorry for the very late update for this chapter! I got stuck making biscuits and cookies for the celebration, which will be held in less than two weeks! Argh, sooo tired!
Once again I check a day after the submission of the second chapter and got NONE reviews. Great, now I'm gonna cry for good…! Well, at least my three regular readers; Hanamaki, Lily and Marrylissa are still there to read my story. Sorry Lily for not informing you about this story, I've got too busy lately.
11 alerts and 4 favs; that's nearly the same as my other story; Something that I did not know under Kyo Kara Maoh section. Thanks to Crazy-san, CrossPixie-Kiki X StarFox-Riki, whispered25, TuTsXxX, Nala Moon, Enma An, Haze, Racnea, Oceanmina101, Marrylissa, Lily and Hanamaki for the reviews, favs and story alert.
To Racnea: Riko? who is that, It would of been caller if she was mia or is she mia with a different name. Im confused now...
-Actually, Riko wasn't Mai nor her surname. If you read carefully throughout the two chapters before, she was an officer who was in charge with one major case. What exactly her role, you need to read this story dear. ;)
IMPORTANT!
Argh! I made a mistake regarding the director's name of Nakagawa Foundation in the previous chapter! The truth is, the name of the director is actually Norihiro not Nobuhiro! Sorry for the mistake! If any of you realize that his name has change, it's because in previous chapter, I accidentally made another name for him! Huhuhu…very sorry…! ToT
By the way, I'll temporarily placed this story in T rank for 2-3 days, and then moved it back to M rank. Somehow it seems that nobody knows this story's update, much to my dismay.
Pairing: Mai Taniyama & Kazuya Shibuya/ Naru
Genre: Investigation x Suspense x Hurt x Comfort x Mystery x Supernatural
Nee…
Do you remember the time we meet again?
The wind blew the snow about on the side.
During our meeting,
I spent most of the time talking about myself.
My life, my job, my social life…
And I didn't really get to hear much about you.
But I know I would have loved…
To hear what you had to say about yourself…
Gift 3: Mori Madoka's Cousin!?
It's been a while since our last contact with each other…
Early December.
Snow had slowly fall onto the frozen earth where many people stepped their feet on it; walked or ran, in their own rhythms. Most people wore thick clothes and coat, in order to prevent the cold weather from affected their health. Christmas was on the way; however, it was not affecting some people who were committed with their work. Even so, some of them were taking a break from work and found some leisure place for themselves.
Including her.
A woman in middle twenties sat on her chair in one of the café in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Dogenzaka. She had a pair of black glasses that covered her eyes. Her long black hair, which looked silky and shining, fell gently on her back. Her blue-black suit, blue navy necktie and white shirt seemed perfectly matched with her figure; showed that she was a beautiful woman with the criteria of successful woman. On her right ring finger placed a gold ring that attached with beautiful blue diamond on it, shone dimly. Probably it was due to the snowy day.
Many people stared at her not only because of her natural beauty but also due to her eyes that been covered by black glasses. Usually people would put down their sunglasses whenever they entered somewhere in the building but not her. For some reason, she did not take it off.
She took a sip of hot coffee, trying to warm herself. Sat on the table other that the source were a plate of one slice tiramisu cake, freshly baked potato bun and sausage bread with fresh salad (?). She was unable to get her breakfast that morning due to her urgent works, but later on for her morning drink, she decided to eat anything that she wanted that day. After all, she was missing the freshly baked bakeries handmade, which usually she got at home.
A sound of bell alerted her and then she saw a woman with strawberry blonde hair (1) came into the café. Finally found the one she wanted to see, she waved her hand, and that woman smiled in relief as she walked to her and took her seat. She called a waiter and chose something for herself. After that, she sat down her handbag on the table and said to the woman in front of her.
"It's been a long time, onee-san," She said with cheerfulness.
"Greetings to you too, Mori Madoka (2). You've become so beautiful the last time we saw each other," Said the mentioned person.
She was waiting for Mori Madoka, the one who taught Naru how to Ghost Hunt.
Madoka only smiled shyly; she knew that woman would say like that to her.
Apparently, Madoka was the person who accepted the case in the Tokyo Police Metropolitan HQ, and it was the request from her friend's father. Her father was working as one of the superiors in the police force, and mainly in Crime Investigation Department. Lately, the HQ had been suffering from many paranormal activities, which had caused her friend to call her. She actually reluctant to accept the case since it already attracted the media's attention, but her friend begged her since she also witnessed the strange incident. Plus, when her father said that they agreed to pay them (she actually not care about it since she more worried with Naru), she had no choice but to accept it.
But there was one question. In all over the place, why the place was police station?
When she received another call from the client (her friend's father), she was told that there will be a representative of them to meet her first. When she heard the representative's name, she somehow was overjoyed, but at the same time, she also felt sad. That person, the one who was sitting in front of her, was someone who was close and dear to her.
A few minutes later, the same waiter came with a tray full of food; freshly baked blueberry pie and egg tarts, a cup of Earl Grey tea, mushroom soup and spaghetti. After the meals were placed down, both women started to eat while discussing about the case. The meals were good, but Madoka pretended not to be bothered, but fail. She took a bite of her pie before she asked the woman a question.
"Nee, why are you wearing the black glasses?" She asked.
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"I won't wear it if there's no reason behind it," She said as she ate her bun. "Madoka, you eat a lot!"
"Looks who's talking! I'm so hungry, plus it's been a while since I came to this café. The foods are good!"
"At least don't eat like a pig," She said which earned her a small slap on her hand.
"There you are, always talking without insurance! Really, you're not change at all!" Pouted Madoka as her companion laughed a little.
"I've been in serious cases since two years ago and the problems keep showing up. The victims' family even had threatened us if we don't find the criminal soon," She said as she ate her last bun. "Sometimes they even pretend that with money they can do everything but in the end we're the one who must clean up their mess."
"That's awful…"
"Indeed. Those stupid fools."
Later on Madoka chatted and discussed with the lady about the cases and who was in charge of connecting them; asking questions which was the part of investigations that she usually do, made sure that the press did not know about the SPR's matters and their arrival at the haunted place in several days. She asked the lady about her time if she could take some time to come to the SPR office and met with the president –Shibuya Kazuya. The person only nodded as she kept on talking about the case as well as other matters that regarding the case. She might be pretended about this, but Madoka knew she knew her was staring at her all the time, trying to find any sign or trace of time where she did not see her before. Throughout the conversation with her that morning and ended up with their agreement with each other, they both left the place together. The snow was blowing gently, showing the sign of snowy December, the month of winter festival.
As both of the women walked together under the snowy day, Madoka could not help but wondered what exactly happened to this lady all the time when they didn't meet with each other. It was so long since they last saw each other, since her father got offered to work at British SPR and moved to England; the last time when she saw her was when they were eight years old. Ever since that time, they were separated and lost in touch with each other, besides they both were related through their mothers. Madoka's mother and the person's mother were siblings.
Madoka and the police officer were cousins.
It was not that Madoka wanted to blame her for their inability to keep in contact several years ago. She did not know that much, but from the conversation that she heard from her parents in secrets, it was appeared that her cousin's family was not in good term with each other. She heard from her mother secretly that her aunt (the cousin's mother) was a second wife of certain billionaire. Although their marriage was legal, but the first wife and her children really against the marriage and it affected her aunt's life so much. From her marriage with the billionaire they were given four children; the officer was the eldest daughter and the second child in the family.
Madoka sighed silently as the warm breath went out from her mouth. She glanced at her cousin whose eyes still covered with the black glasses. She realized that for the time they were talking with each other, her cousin never said anything that related to her and her family. She seemed to know when Madoka will ask about her, and cleverly spilt over the words and she would unconsciously follow her, joining the conversations. Except one thing for sure, she was a police officer, an elite superintendent. She did remember her cousin once mentioned to her that she dreamed to be a police officer, and now she made it.
Madoka also realized that her cousin seemed to have the same characteristic with Naru –her student. Silent, serious, always talk in deep voice (3), not hesitate to throw an insult regardless who you are (even Madoka cannot fight with her on this!), workaholic, brilliant…except she was not cold, over-confident, self-centered, wearing black clothes and most of all, narcissist! If her cousin DID possessed any of the characteristics, especially the LAST one, she swore that the hell freeze over!
Both of them were separated when her cousin got a call from her co-workers, probably for work again. Lately, there were many cases where many young women; age as young as 16 until 26 years old were kidnapped on the street. Even her cousin had advice her to be careful and not to walk alone in the street. She just smiled and nodded her head, as she looked at her cousin went to her motorcycle and took her helmet, wore it on her head. She started the engine and then, with a blink of eyes, she was on the street, rode across the area. Madoka just stood there alone, letting the snow fell on her hair.
"Nee-san…" She said.
"What exactly happened to you?"
She waited for some time before turn around, and started to walk away from the place with millions of questions that were buried deep into her mind about her long no see cousin…
Mai opened the door of her small apartment, tiredly walked into her home. She took off her scarf and coat, hung them on the coat hanger that was nailed on the wall at the door. She placed her shoes on the floor at the door hall, silently walked into the main room of her home. She lazily searched the switch of the lamp and at once, the main hall was in light. It was sunset when she reached home from her school trip to the museum; a compulsory task from her history teacher to the students including her. She sighed tiredly, she did not mind went to visit the museum but why on earth, of all the months, her teacher would choose the freezing snowy December despite the nice, warm spring or summer's month?
Mai slumped on the small coach of her apartment. During her on way home, she called Naru at the office and luckily, that narcissist jerk was still at his office. He told her that her packages were arrived and he 'expected' her to come to the office so that she could 'get rid' of them immediately. Mai winced a little with his word and said that she will come to the office tomorrow after school time.
"And don't be late," Was all he said before he hung off the phone. She sighed as she hung off the phone and walked back to her apartment somewhere in Shibuya area (4).
Mai lived in a small apartment with one living room, two bedrooms, small kitchen and bathroom-washing space unit for each. It was the gift from her previous guardian whom left her for following her husband to oversea to further his study, and although not so spacious but enough, the typical living unit for a middle-lower college student. For Mai, it was far more enough for a high school student like her. The living room was the "common area" where the straw mats were. There was a small table that she used to eat and done her homework. She did not have much furniture in her apartment, enough with the small table, a small bookshelf, desk lamp, kotatsu (5), small canvas cupboard, heather and small TV. Every morning she would rolled her futon and stowed it way into the sliding cupboards. In the cupboard, she stowed her clothes and belongings.
The apartment had a small kitchen. Really, it was a sink with two cupboards up above and two down below. Counter space was on each side of the sink and one of those counters was devoted to the rice cooker, small refrigerator and small oven burner. Every electrical item were given by her previous guardian except the small refrigerator where she had won it on lucky draw several months ago and a heather that she bought after she worked at SPR.
Mai took out her account book that she got a day before her trip from her bag and stared at it, the Bank of Nippon book account. She opened the book and checked the amount in the bank. Just as Kuroda had told her before, she already got the huge amount of scholarship -500,000 yen! That was much money to hold by her! Mai felt her grin went wide as she leaned against her back and started to wonder what she should do with the money or the things she wanted to buy next day. Maybe she should buy some new clothes or a cell phone.
Mai felt that she should be grateful; her apartment was not rent with high price because her guardian had lent it to her since it was her possession when she was young. Knowing that she would not able to return back to Japan in five years, she let Mai stayed at her apartment to Mai with reasonable price since she knew that girl had nowhere to stay. Besides, her former guardian was from rich family and married with rich guy (marriage arrange) so she did not bother to lend Mai her apartment. All Mai had to do was to pay the rent, bills and her living expensive by herself.
Mai stretched her body as she went to her bedroom and took out some clean clothes and towel. She felt tired and she needed a shower to refresh herself. She felt that it was a right thing for her to accept another scholarship to support herself, plus they were giving her another help by giving away some books and other things to students like her. Mai sang happily, as she went into the bathroom when suddenly something flickered in her mind.
Of the entire student, why she was the only one who had Bank of Nippon as her scholarship account while the rest had the Sakimoto Bank as their scholarship account? Why she was the only one who got it differently than the others?
"Someone is concern about you and wants to help you. This form is one of this person's help so you need to accept it Taniyama-san. And be aware of the people who associated with Nakagawa Foundations."
Asabuki's words somehow made Mai felt strange but she shook the thought off from her mind and took her shower.
None of these matters she never thought that actually had leaded her into something that will ever gave her huge impact to her for the rest of her life.
Yasuhara walked back home from his part-time job that night, after all he was working at the SPR (Shibuya Psychic Research) office. That day his co-worker, Taniyama Mai did not come to the office due to her lesson trip to the museum that day so he had to do Mai's work instead.
It was still an early night as he walked across the busy city of Shibuya. Although night already descended and the neon lights were light up, still, a lot of people walked and across the road; either to return home or went somewhere for socializing, each of them went into their own destination. Just like the young Yasuhara Osamu too.
It was a good thing that he got his own apartment although it was belongs to his father. Usually his father used the apartment that he stayed now for rental (as another source of money too); however, the previous owner who rented the apartment had moved out since he got an uprising from his director and had to move to Osaka. Therefore, considering that Yasuhara was in the university level and of course, he needed some space, his father let him stayed at the apartment. Besides, it was located near a nice neighbourhood and quiet, so Yasuhara gladly accepted his father's request.
Good thing that his apartment was not include the security surveillance camera! Thank goodness for this.
After bought some food and groceries for weekend (he could only cook during weekend and some simple dish, he swears that he needed to learn how to cook decent dishes!), Yasuhara went out from the supermarket and walked home. On the way to his home, suddenly he was bumping with someone with long black hair and both of them fell down. His groceries and books were all fell down on the ground.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Please forgive me!" It was a girl, and she quickly bowed her head as an apology act as she bent down and collected the fallen things for him.
"Oh, it's alright, missy. It's nothing," He said as he also collected his things and took some from the girl's hand. When both of them stood up, they could see ach others' faces.
She was a young girl with black eyes and long black hair that reached her back; she wore the casual clothes for girls. On her shoulder was a leather bag that she slung over her shoulder. She was a young beauty, but at the same time, she gave people some kind of strong impression coming from her.
"Thank you very much for your help miss," Said Yasuhara as he looked at his watch with shock. "I'm sorry for being rude, but I need to get going. Thanks again miss."
With that, he left without the girl was able to know his name in hurry. She smiled and silently sighed when her eyes caught something on the ground. She picked it up and saw it was the boy's notebook with some name card inside of it. Her eyes wide when she saw what had been writing on it:
Shibuya Psychic Research
Shibuya Kazuya.
She looked at the book and saw the name: Yasuhara Osamu. Never in her life that she would meet again with this people, had she thought. It had been some time since the case that happened at her school last year, and yet she met with one of their people. However, she felt strange, that young man wasn't there when she was at her old school. Could it be he's a new worker?
"Kasai-san?"
"Ubusuna-sensei!"
"Where did you go? I told you not to go anywhere when I was in the market," Complained the woman named Ubusuna.
The girl named Kasai just smiled as she looked at her former teacher in her high school. She told her briefly, what happened and then without any thought, both of them walked away from the crowd, leaving for good.
Nobody would know what the next day shall be happen, right?
Rape is such an ugly word for an ugly act. There is no way when you hear that word that you could pretend that is a nice idea. That what was Riko had thought as she went back to her office in the Tokyo Police Metropolitan HQ after the meeting with the high ups before. The case that she was handling right now had been worse than before!
Yesterday she received another report of a missing person. If she could conclude the numbers, it would be the 62nd victim had ever missing. Saito Momiji, age 18. She was a third year student of Senshu University High School, missing near Inokashira Dori, located near Honancho/ Meidaimae. That place was a little bit far away from Shibuya, and as far as she knew the case should be under the local police's power, however when they did found something during their investigation upon the missing girl they immediately gave it to the Crime Investigation Department of Tokyo Police Metropolitan HQ.
More specifically, her division.
For the past two years, she had been in charge with the missing-rape-murder cases that she had right now. From the first year the incident had started, its number had been increased until now, 62. Most of the missing people were women, age as young as from 16 until 26; even 26 were less being victims than those high school girls! What exactly in these girls had that the criminal really put his eyes on this age group?
Riko put down her black glasses and rub her forehead; she had very less rest lately, plus she was affected by some disease that made her to wear her black glasses all the time. After the 60th victim was found, a week later another victim was shown up. She had no idea why, but it seems that this criminal really 'love' those girls that he kidnapped after killed one another. She still remember the 60th victim –Ayatsuzi Marina who died at Yamate Dori several days ago. She was terribly raped and then was strangled to death not long after the wild rape that the rapist had done to her. She could remember clearly the pale face of her victim; bruised on her face that obviously seen, those wounds on her body and the tattered clothes that barely covered her half-naked body…
ARGH! She quickly shook her head away when the light suddenly turned off and on again, earning some screams at the main hall of the HQ. She was at the hallway where the entrance to the office was there. Some people who came to finish up their traffic summons, reporting something even cried in shock and fear. The building had shaken a little, and the temperature dropped rapidly cold. Panic was heard everywhere and unfortunately for Riko she was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
She was at the hallway where the silhouette of the woman would appear every night, and terribly, it was already night time!
Suddenly she could see the form of a floating woman with wavy long hair floating in the air. Her head was leaning down; making her hair fell on her face down way. Her clothes were tattered; she could briefly see the pale skin of the ghost, which was scratched with blood. The wounds can be seen at her arms, legs, body, but Riko could see something more than what people could see with their own eyes.
However before she could do something, Yamagami appeared from her back and shouted to her to run away. However, his voice had gained the ghost attention, suddenly turned her face towards the officers, and quickly flew away to them. Yamagami already fell down on the floor and screamed in fear and panic. Strangely, the ghost stopped her track right in front of Riko's face; both of them stared at each other face to face, with several inches within the gap between them.
Riko stared at the ghost with stern eyes as she could see the ghost's mouth moved her lips, whispering something. What she heard after that was something that she never expected to hear.
"Find me, please…I'm so scare, and alone…It's so cold…"
Riko's eyes went wide as she heard the words. What happened after that was…
WHAAM!
"AARRGGHH!"
"Officer Riko?"
A sound of something been hit was echoed throughout the hallway and at the same time the lamps were exploded and everything went dark. Luckily, the emergency lamps turned on and some of the staff went to the 'haunted' hallway to check whose people were in that place. One of them was Officer Rena; Riko's teammate went to search for them and saw Riko and Yamagami together. Yamagami was sitting next to her trying to comfort her, while Riko was seeing to hold her left eye and in great pain.
"Yamagami-kun! Riko! What had happened?" She asked.
"I don't know Rena," Said Yamagami. "Everything was so sudden when suddenly THIS thing happened and then everything went off!"
"This thing?" Asked Rena when she saw Riko slowly let go of her hand and looked at her and the others.
"EEEHH?"
….
What they saw at the moment had make them speechless and shock, which later on all of them were screaming in panic and shock before all of them had been thrown with books (A/N: where did she got that?) by Riko.
"GYAAAHHH~!"
"OH MY GOODNESS!"
"THIS IS DIFFICULT!"
"ALL OF YOU SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU MORONS!"
WHAAMM!
In the end, that night, once again, the HQ was in panic situation, but it was not because of the same problem. It was because one of the officers had involved with the paranormal activity in such 'interesting' way and the others did receive the 'kind treatment' from her…!
Mai went into the SPR office right after the school time was over. She politely declined the offer of her friends to window-shopping that day since Naru had reminded her 'kindly' (since she's already got her scholarship so…! XD), so she had to get to the office before he knew and claimed that she was late. She quickly walked away and walked past several blocks and shops when she suddenly heard news on the giant screen in the middle of Shibuya city that was airing in the air.
"Another person had been reported missing last night, which had made the numbers of missing people turns into 62 people. The latest victim that was missing was known as Saito Momiji, age 18, a student of Senshu University High School. According to the Tokyo Police Metropolitan HQ, the lost person had been report yesterday by her family that claimed she did not called home for more than 10 days. The victim was a promising student of medical field sponsored by Nakagawa Foundation scholarship…"
The news that she heard at that time somehow had made her stopped her movement. The reporter had mentioned the name of Nakagawa Foundation, the same funding that she received three days ago. What does he means by 'just like the previous victim'?
Mai slowly walked away as she suddenly remembered her conversation with Kuroda three days ago, regarding the Nakagawa Foundation…
-Flashback-
"An unlucky gift?"
"Indeed. That's what I heard from previous people who got it before us." Said Kuroda as they walked back into their class.
"Apparently there are some cases that connected with the students under the Nakagawa's sponsorship. Some of them had been kidnap and even worse, were found death after several days missing," She explained. "These matters had been happening for two years already. That's why it has been called as an unlucky gift."
"Huh? I didn't even know about it."
"It's because it's only happened recently eight months ago. One of the missing victims' families made uproar and then, it started to be tucking in by the media."
"Why did the students still accepting the fund if they already knows the rumors about it?" Asked Mai.
"Who cares? Every month, your fund will give you up to 500,000 yen! That's a lot of money even to you!" Claimed Kuroda as Mai rolled her eyes.
"No way! 500,000 yen per month? This is crazy!"
"I told you so," She said, grinned. "But I think you should take Asabuki-san's advice serious too. Maybe this is what he means by his words. Make sure not to stumble into something bad, Mai-san."
-End of flashback-
Mai stopped walking for awhile, as she was in deep thought when suddenly she remembered that she was late for work! Mumbling under her breathe, she quickly ran through the road towards the building of SPR…
"You're late."
'Crap, now I'm doom!' Thought Mai as she closed the door and then hung her coat. She could see clearly the ARROGANT-JERK NARCISSIST named Shibuya Kazuya or his real name was Oliver Davis; the framed researcher of British Society for Psychic Research, with nickname Noll or famous one –NARU stood at his small library in the office!
NARU SHORT FOR NARCISSIST!
Wahahaha~!
Apparently all of the members were at the office, and of course, with three boxes in the middle of the living room, it making the room more crowded than before. Yasuhara and Takigawa were busy talking to themselves; mostly about the boxes, Ayako, Madoka chatted about girls' issues, and Masako silently listened to them. John and Lin were discussing about something at Yasuhara's desk since there were a crowd in the living room while Naru was standing at his small library. Mai quickly filled the kettle with water and the placed it on the stove. She waited for the kettle to whistle as she took out the tea bags; she chose red tea and placed it into a teapot, added with two spoons of sugar. After she poured the boiled water into the teapot and then placed the cups and the teapot on the tray, she brought them to the living room and served them while the tea still hot.
"Naru, the tea's here," She said as she looked up and saw Naru put back the book that he held into the bookshelf and walked to her direction.
Mai poured the tea into each of the cup and then she took one before handed it to Naru. He sat down on the single couch (his usual port) and took a sip of his tea. He closed his eyes as he felt the warm of the tea went through his throat before the warm was spreading all over his body. He always like the tea that Mai made, and that was why he always asks her (order her actually) to make for his tea. And it was funny to see her reaction; pouting and huffing and then stomped away into the small kitchen in the office while mumbling something under her breathe such as 'jerk', 'idiot narcissist', 'tea addict' etc.
For a while, the office was in silent as everyone was enjoying the hot tea served by Mai. Indeed, that day was a little bit snowy, and just the heater in the office seemed not enough to make them warm. After finishing his cup, Takigawa asked to Mai.
"Nee Mai, is the box at your desk belongs to you?"
"Huh? I don't know…" Naru cut off her words by saying it to her.
"It was for you Mai. The packages arrived yesterday from your sponsorship."
"Really? Thank you Naru!" She said as she stood up, then went to her desk, followed by Takigawa, Yasuhara, and dragged together with them was John. All of them helped Mai brought the boxes to the middle of the living room.
"Wow, talk about sponsorship…" Said Ayako. "You've gotten three boxes for it!"
"Aside from money, what else did they give to you?" Asked Masako.
"I don't know, this is the first time I ever know. Usually the sponsorship will give whether money or something that useful for the needed like clothes and food. I only got money from my scholarship though," Said Mai.
"Why don't you open them up Mai? I'm thrilling to see it!" Claimed Madoka.
"Stop acting like a child, Madoka," Scolded Naru only to received a 'gentle' smile from her.
"Oh, watch your mouth please, Naru," She said, making everyone including Lin and Naru sweat dropped.
Mai just sighed as she took a knife from her desk and opened the cover. It was plastered with her name on it, and another one was from the Nakagawa Foundation. She opened the middle box and it was revealed a stationeries and books inside the box. Most of the books were the referred books for high schools, exercise books, test pads, notebook and some light reading. The stationary was not that much but enough for Mai to have it.
"Wow, that's so cool," Said Yasuhara as he picked up a book, which was a textbook for history world. "A lot of books and stationeries, you've got a school bag too!"
"I already got one, Yasuhara-san," Claimed Mai as she looked at the painting set in on the table. It was 36 painting colours with the brushes etc. She put them down on the table as Naru picked one of the brushes and stared at it.
"Gene used to paint…" He unconsciously said it aloud, earning stares from his co-workers.
"Really?" Asked Ayako.
Naru just nodded and did not saying anything after that. Everyone understood that asking Naru more questions about Gene would only make the room's temperature drop so it was better not to ask him anything that related to Gene.
Mai took the knife that she used before and then opened the second box. After some difficulty, she finally opened it and revealed some piles of clothes. Everyone eyes were wide as they saw it and as Mai picked up one of the clothes, Ayako rushed towards her.
"Mai! That dress is beautiful! It's from Butterfly Kiss' brand!" Claimed Ayako as the women eyes wide.
"Really? That's expensive! How can I get all these expensive clothes just like that?" Cried Mai in shock.
"Butterfly Kiss?" Asked John and Takigawa together.
"If I remember clearly…" Said Yasuhara when suddenly there was a jingle at the door and revealed a girl with long black hair and a woman with wavy brown hair that reached her shoulder length.
"Excuses me…is this Shibuya Psychic Research?" Asked the long hair girl when suddenly her eyes wide when she saw Mai sat on the couch.
"Taniyama-san?"
"Yes…? May I –KASAI-SAN (6)!"Cried Mai with happiness as she went over and greet the young girl at the door.
"Ah, Kasai-san?" Asked Yasuhara in awkward as he looked at the rest of the members. John and Ayako explained to him that she was the SPR's former client just like him, except that they never thought would be meet again after she graduated from a certain metropolitan girls' school's junior college. Followed behind her was the other client, Ubusuna Kei (6).
"Ubusuna-san?" Asked John as the woman nodded her head with a smile.
"It's been a while isn't it Taniyama-san," Said Ubusuna as she smiled a little. "Oh, you also received the Nakagawa Scholarship?"
"How did you know, Kei-sensei?" Asked Kasai.
"Hoho. Yuasa High School also got offered the same scholarship, and as far as I know Kasai-san too, have receiving the scholarship."
"Yes, but I doubt to accept it first," She said as she took out a notebook which she picked up yesterday. "Yasuhara-san, right?"
"Yes I am." Said Yasuhara, a bit shock. "Is something the matter?"
"You forgot this book. I found it after you left me."
"Ah! Thanks! That's my note for my criminal laws studies!" Said Yasuhara as he took it from Kasai and said thank you.
As Yasuhara and the others chatting with Kasai and Ubusuna, Mai went through the second box, which contained clothes and some accessories when suddenly she caught something in pink in the box and pulled it out. What she saw after that had make her shriek a little.
"What is this maternity clothing doing in this box?" Cried Mai as she showed the beautiful pink maternity clothes to everyone.
"A missing clothes?" Asked John as he looked at the clothe. "This is still new."
"It's a Butterfly Kiss' brand," Said Takigawa as he looked at the brand from Mai's shoulder. "What is the connection with this brand and the scholarship?"
"As far as I remember, Butterfly Kiss is under the Nakagawa Foundation. The owner of this brand is actually the eldest daughter of Nakagawa Norihiro –Nakagawa Kazuha," Explained Ubusuna.
"Isn't she's one of the top fashion designer in Japan? I never taught she's the daughter of millionaire!" Claimed Masako.
'Well…I don't know about that, but I need to make a call for the person in charge," Said Mai as she borrowed Ubusuna's cell phone (Naru did not allow her to use the office phone for some reason). "It had been mention during the briefing."
"Well then, I guess it's the time for you to go for shopping!" Said Ayako as she suddenly stood up and looked at Madoka who nodded in agree.
"Umm…no need to be rush Ayako! It's…"
"No excuse! I always see you in the same clothes so you need to make a change! Not to forgot that you're so skinny! What did you eat at home?" Asked Ayako like a mother.
"Well…you know, I…"
"URGH! Madoka! After this, let's get her to shopping! Agree?"
"Sounds great! Oh, and everyone also follows us to!" Said Madoka with her 'usual' smile, making Naru frowned and Mai had turned pale.
It seems that it's going to be a very long day…
By the end of the day (midnight!) Mai flopped onto the couch in exhaustion. Ayako and Madoka were a force of nature! That what was Mai had thought as she looked at the bags and the boxes at the small living room of her apartment. She had mentioning to Mai that she always wore the same outfits (although she wore different clothes but still, Ayako is Ayako!) Then she took Mai by her hand and led her and everyone else through hell for the rest of the afternoon. The office had to be close down for the rest of the day due to the shopping frenzy!
Ayako managed to drag everyone, including Naru and Lin (with Madoka's help of course…!) to go to the mall that located in the middle of Shibuya city. She bought Mai more skirts then she has ever seen in her life! Short skirts, long skirts, dresses and a few but not many pairs of jeans, then they were the blouses, soft sweaters, silk pajamas, underwear, the list goes on and on. She also insisted on more blankets, pillows, pictures for the wall, lamps, shoes, make-ups (she complained that Mai only could afford herself with lip balm only!) and a thick rug, just everything! Madoka then dragged her to the boutique where she and the rest for the gang spent for THREE HOURS just to find Mai her suitable ball dress, formal dress, cocktail dress and anything that even Mai do not know what to call anymore.
After that, they went into accessories stores and bought Mai some earrings, bracelets, rings etc. After that, they went into pharmacy (what the heck!) and bought her some vitamins, toiletries and supplies so that she could grow healthy like other teenagers too. Ayako made some dirty joke as she showed her a condom, which Mai slapped her hand for it and blushed terribly. Luckily the men weren't there as they just stood at the outside, carrying the goods before all of the women (including Masako as she found out that it was fun to have shopping frenzy!) stormed out from the pharmacy, put the things onto Yasuhara's hands and grabbed Mai into another parts of the mall. They went into a market and bought Mai some foods for the next three days.
Of course, the men had to be the 'servant' to carry all the bags and boxes along the way.
Mai was afraid of the power of these two women and whatever high they were on. It was like the more they bought for her the more she needed to get! She had never seen such a shopping frenzy, since all her money was enough to pay for the bills and living expenses. When she was worried about the costs of everything, both Madoka and Ayako just waved her off, said that they were rich enough. By the end of the day (sunset) she only just shut up and let them go. It was obvious not only Mai but also everyone wasn't going to be able to stop her…
When the night appeared, they came back to the office and took only the first and third box (which contained dry foods and cans), returned back to her apartment and had to put everything away. Madoka and Ayako were not satisfied until everything had been put into its place. Clothes hanging, bed made and rug and pictures put down and up. Arranging the foods in the cabinets and then started to make dinner, everything! In the end, they had dinner at Mai's home, and although they had changed some of the condition in the apartment but Mai had to admit, looking around the room. Suddenly it feels like she had a home and contemplating the team of people that she now work with… maybe a family.
Mai looked at the calendar, and realized that Christmas was several days more, since it was still in early December. She sighed as she stood up and glanced at the desk where a blue azure scarf was lying on the desk, waiting to be pack into the small box next to it.
Mai smiled as she picked up her towel and went into a bathroom. Tomorrow will be going a long day; it was the say where the SPR will be meeting with the representative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police HQ…
The next day was the meeting between the SPR and the representative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police HQ. According to Madoka, she probably came by with one of her co-workers, and she just leading them to the office. Of course, Madoka would join in with everyone for the meeting since she was the one who arranged the case between them.
"It's a woman?" Asked Takigawa as all of the members sat down on the couch. All of them were leaving the two-seat-couch for the guest so some of them sat on other additional chairs, mainly Takigawa, Mai and Yasuhara.
"Yes, it is a female elite superintendent," Said Madoka as she took her tea, which been served by Mai.
"I never thought that the police would ask for our help," Said Masako with her kimono sleeve hid her mouth. "After what had happened three months ago, I believe our relationship with the police is a bit strain."
"Well Masako-chan, this case isn't ordinary and lots of the staffs witnessed the paranormal activities. It really created problems for them to work so they had no choice but to contact us for help," Said Madoka.
"And don't worry. This person isn't the one who easily look down on people."
"How do you know Madoka?" Asked Lin as he opened up his laptop.
"Well…it's because I already met her; she's a nice lady," Claimed Madoka cheerfully.
"You seem so happy Madoka," Said Mai. "Is she's someone kind?"
Madoka looked at her cup with a strange sad expression, which everyone including Naru and Lin saw it and felt weird. Usually Madoka would say something with her usual cheerful attitude but when it came for the police's representative, she was somehow sad. It was something rare to see from Madoka, and for some reason it must have something to do with the said person.
"She's kind of course…" Said Madoka as she gently put her cup on its source. "It's just that…there's something bother me after we met last time."
"What is it?" Asked Lin.
Madoka stared at the empty space in front of her; the image of the elite superintendent came into her mind. Those calm, serious face woman with black glasses covering her eyes somehow attracted her attention for a while. She had been mean to ask her why she wore the glasses; but unfortunately, she easily forgot the matter when it came into the case that they're talking about. In the end, both of them went back home without her opportunity to ask her the reason why.
"Nothing! I'll ask her later…" She was trailing off when slowly the whole office heard sounds of footsteps echoed throughout the hallway with several voices along with them.
"I told you to take some rest, will you? Your injury several days ago still not heal, isn't it?" Said a male voice, full of worries.
"Just shut up. It's not that it's enough to kill me in the first place so don't bother to talk about it anymore!" Said another voice, stern, serious and sounded feminine. "Say another word, I'll kick your ass out of this building, understand that?"
Wow, that sounds harsh…
"Geez, no need to burst out like that…"
SMACK!
"Just silent will you? She's been in bad mood ever since she got 'that' remember?" Said another voice, feminine and soft.
All of the members except Lin and Naru looked at each other. The voices were loud but the conversation somehow attracted their interest to know what was going on to them. Madoka's face changed when she heard the voices. Somehow, she felt that it had something to do with the case that the SPR will receive that day, but that serious feminine voice was familiar to her…
The sound of the bell clinging was heard and the door slowly opened, revealed three people stood in line at the door. The one who opened the door was a man in late twenties; nearly the same age as Lin, his eyes and hair were dark brown; he was at least 180 cm tall and he wore a light brown coat that covered enough his tall body. Followed by him was a woman with light brown, half-curly hair with a pair of green eyes that matched her perfectly. She had the average height of most Japanese woman had; around 160 cm, and she wore a soft yellow coat and pink scarf that wrapped around her neck. She smiled gently to the SPR members, however despite her pretty face; she seemed in the same age as the male before.
"Excuse us…" Said the man. "Is this the Shibuya Psychic Research office?"
His pronunciation somehow attracted the attention of Mai and the others. Usually people would pronounce the office's name with the slang of their mother tongue (say it terribly), but this man can said it clearly with the English pronunciation.
"Yes, this is it. Please come in," Said Mai as she gestured them into the office. After they muttered 'thank you' then she saw another person stood at the door.
Stood at the door was the young woman who seemed to be the same age as Madoka, however she somehow had the strange and mysterious aura around her. Her long black hair fell freely on her back, while her eyes were covered with black glasses that surprisingly matched with her face. Her right bangs fell gently at her face, revealed a true beauty of her. She wore an auburn coat and soft yellow scarf was not that revealed, but it was enough to show her authority and mysterious aura that came from her. She seemed tall, taller than her female co-worker did; around 172 cm (7). She placed her left hand into her pocket; her black high heels stepped on the floor, making her taller than before.
The tag on her left chest showed that she was an officer.
And at the same time, a cold, sharp voice rang out, "You're late!"
Everyone went stiff as all of the members turned around and saw Naru sat on the coach that facing the door with dark shadows that appeared on his eyes. The temperature of the room dropped drastically, causing the two guests in front of him shriek a little.
Except the lady in black glasses.
"We..we're sorry for being late. Apparently there's some cases that need to be look through so…" Said the man, nervously. He then looked at Lin as he spoke with his shaking voice.
"I'm sorry, are you Shi…" The man was trailed off when the woman in black glasses spoke for the first time. She walked silently without any sound that when she suddenly appeared next to her co-workers, much to everyone's surprise.
"Well, I never expected to be like this, young man. At such young age you're the boss of the office."
"HUH?" Said everyone as all of the people looked at her before turned to see Naru.
There sitting on the couch reading a file dressed in his usual black outfit, looking very annoyed was Kazuya Shibuya, 18 years old and so incredibly good looking. Beautiful would be more fitting to describe his appearance, although his manners did not reflect the word of beauty itself. Both of the woman's co-workers stared at him with wide eyes as the man pointed his finger to him in deep shock.
"Wh-wha-what? He's the boss? THIS BRAT?" He cried aloud, which causing the temperature dropped lower than before.
Naru was obviously in bad mod!
WHACK!
"DON'T POINT SOMEONE WITH YOUR FINGER, YOU MORON! DON'T YOU LEARN MANNERS AT ALL?" Shouted the woman in black glasses suddenly as she smacked the guy with her fist, thus shocking everyone including Naru and Lin.
"Ittai! Why are you hitting me?"
"Serve you right for your behavior! And for your info, I'm not in good mood at all!" She said sternly as she looked at Madoka who looked at her with small smile on her lips.
"It's been a while, Madoka," She said with a smile. Mai and everyone else minus Lin and Naru (although they also shock) felt a sudden heat on their faces, before they looked at each other and realized that they were blushing. They quickly turned away and held their faces, and at the same time the temperature seemed a little bit warm than before.
"Riko!" Claimed Madoka as she jumped from her seat and grabbed the woman's hand. "I'm so glad that you're coming here!"
"What does make you think like that?" She asked raising her eyebrow.
"Well…Oh! Why don't you introduce yourself and your friends too? I bet everyone is curious as much as I do!"
The woman named Riko looked at her colleges and nodded her head. Mai led them to seat on the two-seat couch while John let Riko took his seat which facing Naru. Riko nodded her head a 'thank you' sign and then looked at the head of the SPR. Naru coughed a little as he opened his leather book and flipped some pages on it. Mai excused herself to the kitchen to make some tea, while Lin opened his laptop and get ready to start his work.
"I heard that you're the representative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police HQ, aren't you?" Asked Naru as he looked at the three guests in front of him.
"Yes we are," Said the other woman, but she sometimes glanced at Naru, probably was fascinated by his beauty. "My name is Himatsuri Rena, and this is my colleague Yamagami Isamu."
"And you are?" Asked Lin as he looked at the black glasses woman. Mai appeared with a tray of cups that full with warm tea for everyone as she spread it to everyone. Except Riko, all of them took the cup and inhaled the sweet scent of the Earl Grey tea before took a sip of it.
That was the time when the woman decided to speak again.
"My name is Mori Riko and I'm the head of First Division of Crime Investigation Department in the HQ," She said as she took her cup of tea.
Both Yamagami and Rena choked their tea when they heard Riko's surname. It was the same as everyone in the living room too, while Naru stopped for a while to stare at the guest that had the same surname as his sensei.
"Mo…Mori?" Asked Takigawa disbelief.
"Although it's just a fake surname," She said as she smiled 'sweetly' (sweetly?). "Sorry, but I can't let reveal my real surname yet for some reasons. However, it actually links with someone else here. And please call me Riko."
She glanced at Madoka who in turned looked at her. Naru looked at his sensei and said, "Do you know anything about this Madoka?"
"Oh yes of course. She's my cousin after all," Said Madoka who actually sat next to her cousin. This time, Naru himself choked his own tea while everyone shouted in shock!
"WHAT? MADOKA'S COUSIN?"
"Yes!" Claimed Madoka happily before she looked at her cousin. "By the way, why are you wearing glasses right now? Isn't that rude?"
Yamagami, Rena and Riko were frowning when they heard Madoka asking about Riko's glasses. Put her cup down, Riko sighed as she said, "Nothing Madoka. Better mind your own business about this and just keep silent."
Hmm. Sarcastic person just like Naru and Madoka! No doubt that she was Madoka's cousin…
Deciding not to give up, Madoka leaned closer to her cousin with evil smirk on her face, "Aww…come on! Don't be shy…let's see how gorgeous your eyes are!"
"Wa…wait! Stop that Madoka! It's dangerous…!"
Too late.
Madoka already snatched the glasses away from her and revealed something that shocking everyone that enough to make them shriek, Naru and Lin watched in surprise, Madoka gasped shocked and the two polices sat on the couch with hands on their head and groaned. Both Yamagami and Rena groaned in frustrated, as they knew what coming next would be a full day of disaster for them. None of the SPR members knew what will happened to the, but one thing for sure; their reaction after that would be easily predictable. When Madoka snatched the glasses away from Riko, she had no luck to hide but cried a little. Most of the people in the office were shock to see what had happened in front of them.
What they saw was a pair of black, mysterious eyes that shone in anger, but what had make them surprise more was the eyes were in red and worse, a blue bruise appeared on the officer's left eye! She quickly closed her eyes and used her hand to cover her sight from everyone's attention. It was not that she hated to show it off aloud but it was not something pleasure to show; it was in fact a DISEASE!
Growled lightly in mad, Riko grabbed the nearest magazine and shoved it directly towards Madoka!
"THAT'S WHY I TOLD YOU DON'T DO IT! NOW LOOK WHAT HAVE YOU DONE MADOKA!" Lucky for Madoka she was able to dodge the 'attack' from her cousin.
"I'm sorry! I'm just curious!" Said Madoka as she raised her hands as a sign of surrender.
Ha.
Nobody ever manage to make Madoka stumbled on her feet like that!
"Curiousity kills the cat, right Madoka?" Asked Naru as he slightly smirked. Madoka huffed and turned away.
Riko calmed down herself as she closed her eyes and leaned against the couch; somehow, she felt terribly in pain. Her head, especially at the area of her sight felt very painful, and it was throbbing mercilessly. She moaned in pain a little, as Rena turned to Mai and asked her for some painkillers. Mai nodded her head and quickly went into the kitchen and returned back with a glass of water and some aspirin. Rena said thank you and then handed the items to Riko who gladly accepted them. She took two aspirins and with one gulp, swallowed the pills before drank the water. Everyone watched her with worries when John decided to break the ice, "Anoo…Riko-san, what exactly happen to you?"
"That's what we're trying to talk about," Said Yamagami as he looked at John. "What did you people had seen is one of the incidents that happened at the HQ right now."
"So you're a victim, Riko-san?" Asked Naru.
Everyone stared at him with question: why didn't he call her by surname? Of course, as far as they know, only Madoka and Mai are being called by their first name. Lin was the surname and much better than Koujo so it was exceptional. Besides, Lin was a Chinese and usually their surname was placed before the real name of the person (8). However, they believed it must be because of the two women who had the same surname, although Riko had said before that her surname isn't real.
"Yes, I am," Said Riko in deep tone, causing everyone minus the officers winced. The tone was nearly the same as Naru, except that there were some seriousness and pain in it. "But my red eyes are not the spirit's cause. I got the eyes ache three days ago so if any of you got affect, please tell me. My fault for not telling you people before."
Mai looked at the woman in front of her. She could not deny that she was naturally beautiful. Without any make-ups on her clean face, she looked as beauty as Naru…What a sec? Why must she compare her with Naru? That tea-addicted-narcissist-jerk that always led her into chaotic life, but she could not help but to admire the beauty of the so-call narcissist boss. However the woman named Riko was indeed beautiful; she got a pair of black eyes that like a black crystal that shone beautifully by the sun, her lips were red and seemed to curved into the exact shape, her face was averagely oval like her and Masako, her nose was perfectly shaped with her face and her skin was lightly fair. Her black hair was long and silky; it was easily waved according to the gesture of the body. Her body was slim; not too thin but not fat. Her legs were long and she could see that she was crossing her legs while sitting on the couch.
Just like Naru.
"I'm sorry, it's rude for not introducing ourself here," Said Naru. "I'm the president of the Shibuya Psychic Research –Shibuya Kazuya. The man next to my left is my assistant Lin Koujo. The young girl over there is another assistant of mine Taniyama Mai. On my right are Takigawa Housho –a monk, John Brown –A priest and an exorcist, Matsuzaki Ayako –a miko, Hara Masako –a medium and my teacher –Mori Madoka."
All of the officers nodded their head when Riko turned her sight to Masako and said, "You're the celebrity, isn't it?"
"Hai," She said.
"Hmm…I really wonder…" She said with a mysterious smirk that plastered on her lips, causing everyone wondered about her strange act.
"Riko-san, may I know what had happen to your eyes? Does it have something to do with the current situation at your workplace?" Asked Naru in his professional way. Riko sighed as she run her hand through her hair. Yamagami looked up and said to Naru.
"Shibuya-san, actually the bruise on her left eye was the ghost's doing!"
"A ghost?" Asked Ayako, interested. "Could it be it's a jibakurei?" (9)
"I don't think so," Said Riko as she opened her eyes, revealing her red eyes that made the women except Madoka winced a little.
"If this is a Jibakurei, why it should be happening lately? The spirits that haunted certain building should be resident in the building for such a long time and of course would do anything to make sure no 'invaders' disturbing the home. However, the incidents of the paranormal activities started to show up at least 6 months ago, and it wouldn't make sense if the police station is a haunted place. That's sounds nonsense."
"It seems you know quite a lot, Riko-san," Said Yasuhara as he saw her smiled a little.
"Being an officer doesn't means that you're not allowing yourself to keep on study. Sometimes the cause of some incidents can be caused by the supernatural reasons too."
Riko's words somehow reminded the SPR of the Agawa case that happened three months ago. An officer who refused believed in supernatural finally believed it after witnessed it by him. So what Madoka said was true; Riko was not a person who looked down on them just because they were a 'ghost hunters'. She believed in both logical and supernatural reasons, beside the facts that she had been attack by a ghost according to Yamagami.
As Riko was about to speak again, suddenly the sound of ringing cell phone was hear and Riko muttered 'sorry' to everyone as she picked up her phone. As she placed it on her ear, she slowly let go of her breath and prepared herself for something uncomfortable.
Nothing good happened whenever she got the phone call, and her instinct was right.
"This is Superintendent Riko from Crime Investigation Department, may I help you?" She said in her professional way. Her expression was serious, and from her eyes, it seemed that she made a signal to Rena and Yamagami to prepare for the next action.
"Yes, yes I am…" Riko leaned forward as her expression went hard. "Again?"
"Who's the next victim? Where did it happen?" Asked Riko with stern voice, catching the attention of everyone including Naru.
"Inokashira Dori, Meidaimae? Alright, alright I understand. But I got some situation here so I'll send two of my officers to the crime scene on my behalf alright? Yes, yes I understand. Thank you for your cooperation. I'll be there after my matters end. Roger that!"
Riko turned off her cell phone and turned to face her two officers. Aware that something not good had happened, both officers looked at her and nodded their heads, waiting for the next orders.
"Yamagami-kun, Rena. I want both of you to go to Meidaimae at Inokashira-Dori. Be quick, and don't forget to mention my name once you two go there," Said Riko with seriousness.
"Another one?" Asked Rena as she stood up and bowed to everyone with Yamagami.
"63," Said Riko. "I want you two to do any necessary and don't forget to make the report of what had happen. I want to know everything once this matter's settle, and don't forget to do any research if any of you come across any clues about this case, got it?"
"Roger that!" Said Yamagami.
"Good. Now go!"
"Yes ma'am!"
With that, the two officers disappeared from the sight.
Everyone stared at the officer before Naru coughed to gain attention that had been disturbed before. Riko sighed as she took her cup and took a sip of her warm tea. She seemed to know that Naru was about to question her as she opened her mouth and speak to him at the same time.
"Sorry about that…"
"I'm representing the Tokyo Metropolitan Police HQ for this matter," Said Riko as she sat down her cup on the source.
Naru and the others looked at her with interest.
"As you people had known, the police headquarter had been witnessing many supernatural incidents and in chaotic situation right now. Most of the staffs who had witness these strange incidents were scare and even worse, they're being attack by this supernatural phenomena…"
Naru looked at her with curiousity, and asked, "I thought that police wouldn't believe such things…"
"I know you'll say like that Shibuya-san, but since these incidents happened right on their noses, they finally believe then!" She said as she sighed.
"Riko-san, can you please describe the incidents that happened in the headquarters?" Asked Naru in his professional way.
Riko placed her hand on her chin, seemed in deep thought. She closed her eyes before opened them again and leaned herself against the soft sofa.
"How can I say about this? First of all, all the lights suddenly turned on and off before suddenly exploded themselves. The door suddenly open and close, the window glass broke out of the blue, that's not the frightening one. The worse one was the silhouette of a death woman who will appear in one part of the building every night!" She said which somehow made everyone except Naru, Lin and Madoka pale.
"The silhouette of the ghost was a young woman in tattered clothes…from what the witnesses had seen, she was showed with injuries all over her body, and her wavy-curly hair covered her face…" She said as she paused for a while. "Although she didn't make any move right now, most of the witnesses felt fear and terror every time they saw her in that state."
Everyone looked at Riko with serious expression; none of them would believe that even the police station would be haunted by a ghost. Not only the staffs had seen the ghost, but they also been attack by it!
Naru closed his eyes and sighed; this case was actually attracted his interest, however he also aware that this case had attracted the attention of the mass media. He was a person who dislike publicity due to his true identity, and he had no choice but to reject the case that had been offered to him by Madoka and this superintendent officer.
"I would like to accept this case, but…" He paused for a moment, as he sighed a little. "I won't tolerate with any mass media since it's already attract too much attention. Maybe you should call someone else!"
Typical Naru!
His words made Madoka angry and she stood up from her seat, placed her hands on her hips as she scolded him, "There you are! Always rude to everyone who's asking for your help! Do you ever realize how hard she has to face just to come over here?"
Naru just turned his head around, pouting as he said 'hmp'! Everyone including Riko who saw this was sweat dropped. He was ignoring his mentor who was mad with him. Her words however, made Riko turned mad and she turned around, slammed her right fist on the hand-place of the sofa.
"AND WHO'S FAULT IS THAT!?" You jerk!
Ahahaha… Madoka slowly stepped back as she laughed nervously. Mai at the other hand was sweat dropped, as she never saw Madoka acting like that.
Riko sighed a little, before she slowly smiled and clasped both of her hands. Her action somehow attracted many eyes before her, as she was some kind of strange or weird. She smirked at them as she said to the team which shocking all of them including Madoka.
"Well, I don't mind if you're going to reject my request…Besides, even if you reject the request it doesn't affect me at all!" She said with smirk as she held her clasped hands up.
"For someone like you who hate publicity, it can be understandable…"
"It's because you're aware that there's people outside there are pretending to be you!"
And THAT what made Naru looked at her. Her words somehow brought him uncomfortable feeling as he looked at her with worries that rarely seen on his emotionless face.
'EH!?' Everyone looked at her with shock expression, including Madoka and Lin.
Riko smiled as she looked up and locked her black, mysterious eyes with Naru's blue sapphire eyes. Her black eyes somehow showed some kind of darkness, something mysterious but at the same time, it seemed scarier even Naru felt the same.
"Avoiding the publicity as far as asking someone else to be you… No matter how clever you are, you can't able to deceive me…" She said she smirked and raised her right hand, which revealed the ring on her finger to the air. Her actions somehow made her more mysterious but scarier at the same time.
"Since you're not Shibuya Kazuya, but rather as…"
"The framed professor of the British Society of Research Psychic…"
"Dr. Oliver E. C Davis!" (10)
Naru held his black leather book tightly in shock, as he never thought that someone else would able to know his identity just by their first time meeting. Everyone, including Madoka and Lin were shock and stared at the young female superintendent who sat on the single sofa, who still held the same mysterious smirk and her eyes that showed more than just…
Black eyes that shone mysteriously to the others that looked at her.
Hints or Explanations:
(1) Most of the stories that I've read so far mentioning that Madoka's hair was pink. However, I believe her hair must be some kind of strawberry blonde colour, a rare genetic that hardly ever seen in most people.
(2) I was always confused with her surname: Mouri or Mori? In the manga and anime, it was mentioned her surname as Mori. However, I made some mistake in the last chapter where I wrote her surname as Mouri. Therefore, I'll write it as Mori.
(3) When it was mentioning about anime, I always realizes that the tone between Naru and Gene were different, Naru always talking to everyone with deep tone, while Gene seemed a little bit lighter and gentle than Naru. Madoka met with the police's representative who was her cousin and realized that she was using the same tone as Naru. From this point, Madoka believed that she seems to meet with the female version of Naru, although she was not as narcissist as Naru!
(4) Shibuya Area –I don't know what people would say about this, but from what I had been searching for weeks (before I went home right now), Shibuya is a very large area, and I believe it including the mountain area where the Emperor Meiji Temple was located. Shibuya Dogenzaka is one part in the Shibuya area. Since Shibuya is very large area and the SPR building was located in Shibuya Dogenzaka, there was high probability that Mai was living in the same area but in different parts in Shibuya.
(5) Kotatsu – a table with heather under the table. Usually used during winter time in Japan.
(6) Kasai Chiaki and Ubusuna Kei were the former clients in the previous cases –After School Curse File in Yuasa High School. Kasai Chiaki was a psychic girl with unstable PK-ST in this case and was accused for the abnormal activities in her school, while Ubusuna Kei was a Biology teacher who supported Kasai Chiaki but in fact the real culprit who planted the Zuso (a type of curse).
(7) From my own observation, most women in Japan had their height not more that 160 or 165 cm (I don't know if there's a lot of women who actually taller than this, sorry if it's not correct). It was rare to see women in such height as the superintendent, and since she also wearing high heels, she seemed to reach at least 175 cm tall, a rare sight of any women ever had.
(8) I don't know how the Japanese people create the names for Chinese people, but usually the Chinese name had three words for their name, for example Xiao Yu Er. Xiao is the surname for Yu Er, not the name of the person. The Chinese name different from Japanese which had two words, just like Taniyama Mai; Taniyama is Mai's surname and not her name.
(9) Jibakurei is the human spirits that is bound to an area. Jibakurei are bound to an area because of an event that occurred. Ayako thinks that the ghost who attacked Riki before is a Jibakurei, since usually this type of spirit can cause harm to the humans.
(10) Dr. Oliver E. C Davis –From Kagedreams' live journal, I found out that Naru's full name is Oliver E. C Davis and Gene is Eugene A. J Davis. I realized that probably many authors didn't know about their middle name (or the full name for it, I'm honestly don't know either, sorry.) and made up few middle names for Naru. For me, I used the real one since it's better than making up new names for the twin.
AAAHHH~! Finally it's done, done, doooooonnnneee! I can't believe that I could done it up until this; it's really feel like a dream! Arrgghh, blame it to writer's block and making cookies! ARGH! My back's hurts…X(
Another failure, or so is what I think. Staying at home makes me have a very limited time to finish my stories! Even this third chapter had to be done more than just a month! Not to mention I got to send my computer for repairing (due to some reason) and I can't use my mom's laptop! I'm going to crash it down if I use hers for this matters! And I had to say sorry that the next chapter will be send probably next month due to the upcoming celebration in my country. The days are less than two weeks so I got myself busy to clean the house and making cookies (I hate to make Almond London!).
Some of the hints or explanations had been showed here, but I had to say that I did make some research about both Akuryu and Akumu series; however, I need more info on Akumu. This s very important to me so I beg you readers, if any of you had the info about the Nightmare Dwelling or even the copy of its novels please tell me, I would appreciate it if any of you had it.
Thank you to all readers for their kind reviews. We meet again in the next chapter. Thank you very much for the supports. Ja ne.
-Aoi Kitsukawa-
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Secrets make women beautiful, but secrets make men what…?