Me: Hi…

Yasu: HI!

Everyone else:…

Me: Screw it. I ain't gonna bother. I own nothing.

Naru's POV:

Honestly. I leave for a while and all this happens. I knew that leaving Mai alone for even a split second could easily lead to some problems. Yet, I never thought that such a huge issue could arise. I mean, why Mai? Perhaps because of her psychic abilities. But if that were the case, how would they know about it? Mai never really spoke about her abilities to anyone that was not involved in a case. But I guess it could still be a possibility.

As I watch the anxiety grow in all of those around me I find it difficult to find any clue or even come up with a theory for what is happening. Perhaps there really is nothing we can do. Mai's belongings are in the possession of the authorities and it seems that when she left she made sure that she didn't leave behind anything that I could use. I can't bother trying to find answers to the impossible. Sitting here it really seems like all hope to even finding a clue to her whereabouts is completely out of reach. Honestly this is such a pain, not being able to do anything. Feeling pity is also something I cannot do as I watch Modoka break in front of me. To be completely fair, we all deserve to be blamed and Modoka had every right to feel as she did towards us. Of course, at that moment, Yasu spoke out.

"We're going to find her," Yasu suddenly declared. Everyone just stared at him. He looked like a child who has just been given a treasure map to follow. He looked so determined.

"And how do you propose we do that," said Monk a little doubtfully.

"No idea," Yasu stated.

"Kid, we can't find her if we don't know where to start."

"Start at the beginning."

"What the heck does that mean?"

The beginning… That's it. Start at the beginning. Hmph… I feel slightly ashamed that I did not think of that sooner. Worry truly does make it difficult to think clearly. Nicely done Yasu.

"…Huh?!" everyone suddenly called out. I looked up.

"Oh come on," cried out Yasu, "I'm sure you guys understand what I'm saying. Or at least I know the Big Boss gets where I'm coming from."

Yasu smiled at me in a mischievous way. Of course. Leave it to him to come up with an idea and make me explain it to everyone else.

"Yes, I believe I do."

Everyone look at me eagerly; they looked at me in a hopeful way. I sighed as I began to speak.

"So, getting straight to the point, all we need to do is start at the beginning."

Ayako interrupted saying, "But what does that mean? You guys keep repeating that as if it's supposed to be meaningful in some way."

"Honestly Ms. Matsuzaki. You all need to stop thinking with you emotions and think with your heads for a second. Stop searching in the now and think of the past. Anyone with a brain could do such simple thing."

"Well excuse us oh great one," Monk retorted back at me.

"Do you want to hear this or not?" I inquired with a bit of annoyance.

"Naru, calm down," I heard Lin whisper from behind me.

"… Fine. Let me put this in much simpler terms. This event has already happened and we are trying to figure out what is happening now and where Mai is now. Of course, presently speaking, there are not many clues to the answer of these questions. So what do we know? We know what happened before all of this occurred. In order to solve the questions we have of the now, we must think of what has happened before. Hence, start at the beginning. Something led to this happening. When did this all begin? That is what we should be asking ourselves. According to Madoka, Mai began acting weird before she vanished. And Mai managed to prepare herself and took time to plan her disappearance. In order to so easily disappear from the face of the earth she needed to know beforehand that she was in danger and needed time to plan her escape. We have to think back to what happened this past year. Of course, I will be little to no help with this as I was gone this past year. Madoka can help us with what happened with her the entire time we were gone. But, to my knowledge, you all spent at least half a year with her before separating. All of you have to think back to that time and try and remember anything out of the ordinary. Think of anything that sticks out or odd coincidences. Such is what we need to be thinking about."

Silence… No one moved or said anything but their expressions said it all. It appears that they have finally understood.

"I get it," Monk said with a grin, "Basically we all have to remember anything odd that happened before Mai's disappearance, right?"

"Precisely."

"Geez, you could have just said that," said Ms. Matsuzaki with a huff.

"Honestly I just thought that maybe you would be smart enough to figure it out yourself. Guess I got my hopes up a bit too early."

"Ok then. I say we all take a moment to think back on our time with Mai and see if we remember any odd occurrence," said Yasu with a wide grin, "Right now, we are the characters in a mystery novel and every mystery has it's beginning that leads to the answer we want.

For a moment they become silent in thought. It wasn't until Ms. Hara spoke that the silence was broken.

"This is silly," she said, "Even if anything odd happened before there is no way we could possibly remember now. If something odd had occured I'm sure we would have noticed it at that time."

"Jeez, why don't you tell us what you really think…?" Monk retorted.

"I'm simply stating the facts."

"Well, no one asked you to."

"Look, I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news but there is absolutely nothing we can do. We should just leave this to the police."

"EXCUSE ME?!"

Everyone looked toward Modoka who was quite angry.

"Everyone here wants to find her and you want us to give up?! Are you crazy? I know that you and Mai have had your differences but that does not mean you should just abandon her as if she means nothing! Honestly how could you even suggest such a thing? As her friend you should be trying to help rather than telling us to give up?

Ms. Hara stayed silent. Everyone just kept on glaring at her as though she had committed the greatest sin a human could ever commit. She then stood up and headed for the door and, without looking back at us, spoke once more.

"'Her friend', huh? Very well, I shall do as you suggest and think about my past time with her. I apologize if I offended you in anyway. But I stand by what I said. This is pointless and I see no reason why we should waste our time trying to find her."

"What did you just say?!" Modoka cried out, Lin rushing to hold her back as she practically threatened to tear Ms. Hara's head off.

"For all we know she brought this on herself. Perhaps we will be putting ourselves in danger. Besides, she left without any warning or good bye. For all we know it is she that does not care about us. Perhaps the reason she didn't come to us for help is because she thought we were useless to her and would not be able to aid her in any way. Perhaps… she doesn't want to be found…Have any of you considered that maybe, just maybe, these people have been after her for a while and she just used us to get them off her trail?"

"Mai isn't that type of person," said John as he looks towards her whilst she only gave everyone else a slight glance

"In reality, what do we know about Mai? Hardly anything at all. And for all we know all the information Naru has on her is fake. I mean, she has managed to evade the police and those who are after her by herself. It's as if she's used to running away and disappearing. Perhaps this isn't the first time this has happened. I'm just saying that it would be a waste to try and help someone that does not want help. Even so, I will do as you ask of me. I'll be going now."

"Hey, hold on," cried out Ms. Matsuzaki but it was too late; she was already gone.

"What the hell was that about?" called out Monk in complete disbelief.

"Who knows," Yasu said, scratching his head, "I know they haven't always been the best of friends but this is just low."

"That little…..UGHHHHHHH!" cried out Madoka. Clearly angry at what had just occurred, Madoka began to pace back and forth mumbling to herself, probably cursing Ms. Hara's very existence. Even I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Lin, who was trying hopelessly to calm her down.

"Madoka…Calm down," he said.

"For the millionth time, NO!"

"There's no point in being this angry."

"But she…!"

Before she could start screaming again Monk chimed in as well.

"He's right. Just forget it. We have more pressing matters to worry about."

Madoka sighed and sat down once more in defeat. Thank goodness. All the noise was beginning to get on my nerves. I sat there thinking to myself as the others spoke to one another. If Madoka had kept on screaming I would have had to leave. But still… even for Ms. Hara, that was quite a thing to say. She might also have a point. I hired Mai but in reality I know very little about her. I never really had a need to know anything about her other than her name and how I could get in contact with her. Perhaps Mai was hiding secrets just as much as I was. Perhaps that is why she didn't really complain when she found out that I had lied to her about who I was and why I was in Japan; she had her own secrets and knew she had no right to judge...hmph. Who would have thought that she, of all people, would be so complicated? I guess one cannot really judge someone based on outward appearance alone. Still…

"…llo. Hellooooooooooo….. Earth to Naru…"

"Hmm…"

When I look up I see that everyone is looking at me and Monk is calling out to me. Apparently they had something to me, not that I really care.

"He probably wasn't even listening," sighed Ms. Matzusaki.

"Well, when everyone is doing nothing but spouting nonsense I see no reason to pay you any attention," I retorted.

"You know what…!"

"Anyway," Lin interrupted, "we all need to get back on track. Did you think of anything Naru?"

"No," I replied, "why do you ask?"

"You seemed to be deep in thought."

"It doesn't really matter. It was just a curiosity."

"Care to share?"

"Not at the moment…"

Lin sighed. He already knew that if I didn't feel like saying anything then there was no way he could make me. Instead he just turned to the others.

"Anyway," he began, "I think we all have the basic idea of what we can do. So perhaps it is best if we all call it a day and think about our time with Mai before this. We should all regroup on another day, giving us all an adequate amount of time to think and reflect. Do you all agree?"

There were slights nods and silent words of agreement amongst them all. Lin then turned to me.

"What do you think Naru?"

"…I think that's the best plan of action for now."

"Okay!" cried out an enthusiastic Yasu, "How long so you think it should be before we regroup?"

"If I may," said John, "perhaps we should meet again within three days? That should be enough time, no?"

"I agree," said Ms. Matsuzaki.

"No arguments here," said Monk.

"Yes, that seems like a good amount of time," said Madoka.

"Then we all agree," Lin said with a nod.

"Right! Then since that's settled, I'll be off now," said Yasu as he stood to go to the door, "See you all in three days!"

"Yeah I think I'll be going now too," Ms. Matsuzaki said as she stood up and headed toward the door.

"Hold up, I walk with you a bit," Monk said as he quickly stood up to catch up to Ms. Matsuzaki.

"That's sweet… but do try to keep up."

"… No one can do anything nice for you, can they?"

"I'll be off as well," John said as he waved goodbye, "See you all in three days."

Only Madoka, Lin, and I were left in the office. Lin got up, stating that it would be best if we all retired for the evening as well. I had no argument for that, especially since Madoka looked so worn out. So, after grabbing our things, we headed for the door, turned off the lights, and locked the door behind us. Tonight we would all be thinking about Mai…I wonder how she would feel is she knew that.

Mai: … why is Masako such a bitch?

Me: Because you were being a bitch to me, so eat it. Thanks everyone! Please R&R.

Gene: Hey wait! It's supposed to be my job to say that.

Me: Ooooh now you're talking to me. TOUGH!

Gene/Mai : … I hate you.

Yasu: …someone's salty…

Me: t(-_-t)