Declaimer: I don't own Ghost Hunt… just playing around with its characters (bows)

Note: Any of the supernatural facts that are being use in this story have been cut, reshaped and over exaggerated so please don't take anything that you read seriously for it is fanfiction, and a big thank you to 26TARDIS for beta reading this for me (smiles) that being said please enjoy chapter seven.

'Thoughts'

"Mouths moving"

Flash backs


In the Night

By: CloudsLover

Chapter Seven

Hollow


A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

-Chinese Proverb


6:15 p.m.

The wind outside started to pick up causing the leaves on the trees that surrounded the residence to slowly cascade down towards them "How safe is she here" Naru voiced as he watched Masako walk a head of them as she explored the garden grounds searching for any hints about their current spirit "Lin…" he didn't need to voice her name for Lin already knew who's safety his young boss was worried over "If something happens to her…" a leaf landing in the palm of his hand.

"Nothing will happen…" In all reality he knew that he was reassuring himself more than his long time friend. Naru voiced nothing as he continued to watch over Masako; Lin frowned at the look of confusion and uncertainty pass throughout Naru's face.

"If you are that curious ask Naru… Whatever he tells you will be accurate enough" Mai's words quickly came to mind. She had voiced that she was not in love with their boss but had not voiced her reason in returning to SPR; which puzzled him far more that her relationship with their boss.

"Noll…" Naru stopped as he glanced over his shoulder to look at him "Do you know the reason for Mai… Taniyama-san return" he remained calm even after his minor slip of the tongue "You never did confirm…" Naru frowned at his inquire and quickly interrupted

"She is only a part timer" his words sounded far harsher than he had meant them to be 'she wasn't just a part timer' he knew that more than anyone how important Mai truly was "Mai didn't return because of me" and that hurt him even more.

"Who then" Lin couldn't help but ask, very much aware of that fact that he might not even get a response and to his surprise Naru answered sadly

"Gene… My brother" A sudden tapping was heard gaining the attention from both men. Masako who stood few yards away from them had stopped as well, as the tapping sound grew louder "Masako" Naru called out trying to gain the mediums attention.

Tap, Tap, Tap

That eerie sound followed the wind as it crashed onto the branches of the trees.

Tap, Tap, Tap

"A child…" Masako's voice broke as she turned to face the direction of the Hiro's home, looking up towards a moving figure "She's been possessed…" Both men glanced towards where Masako currently stared towards, very much perplexed by her statement.

"Mai" for there she had emerged from the second floor window; carelessly climbing down the tree as if she had done so many times before "Why, am I not surprised" Lin watched as the young brunette landed on her own two feet, as she stood a slight pleased smile emerged from her lips then it slowly faded as that tapping sound began once more.

Tap, Tap, Tap

"Mai" It suddenly stopped as the sound of a crying child soon emerged and quickly disappeared as Bou-san voice bellowed from within the house. A shocked expression soon appeared on Mai's slightly pale face "Mai"

"Down here" Mai shouted ignoring the shiver that ran up and down her spine "I'm fine" she whispered to herself. Footsteps where soon heard from behind her indicating that some of the SPR members were soon approaching.

"Mai" Bou-san's voice came from above startling Mai from where she stood "we thought you had vanished" relief seeped into his voice "stay put" and with that said he was gone.

'What happened?' Mai couldn't help but ask herself as she remained where she was for that had not been the first time one of their members had gone missing during a case; they had come out unharmed both times but didn't mean that that same miracle would occur once more.

"What the hell happened?" voiced Naru as Masako stopped right beside him hiding her pleased smile behind her kimono at her boyfriends' irritated tone "Well"

"I don't know… all I seem to remember is I was checking the camera's in Kiyoshi-kun's room, liked you ordered me too" she shivered once more as her eyes went wide as if she had just realized something important "Did I just climb down that big tree" Naru's eyes narrowed "For Kami's sake, it's not like I plan this…"

"We know Taniyama-san" came Lin's smooth voice as he glanced towards Masako who apparently still choose to remain silent "Hara-san didn't you just say that she had been possessed" Masako frowned but nodded none the less

"That is correct… I felt a child's spirit" Naru glanced her way causing her to shift slightly "it was the first time I felt it, this spirit seems to hide itself well… even from me"

"A child's spirit" Mai whispered gaining the attention of both men as her voice had held sympathy "why does it feel that hers isn't the only one present"

"Because it isn't, there's another within in the house hold…" Naru moved away towards the door that led them back inside where they were currently using as base "and if what I assume is correct it is far more dangerous than the one that possessed you" Mai moved ahead of them stopping them from entering the house

"And when Naru were you going to inform us about this other spirit" She looked over to Lin who was currently frowning at his childhood friend who seemed to have kept that information to himself "You deliberately placed me in danger didn't you… a warning would have been nice Naru" she was growing annoyed that he still used her as a lab rat, testing her out in his supernatural experiments, Naru looked on in confusion not that he showed it.

"Shibuya and I were uncertain if this spirit were of two different identities" Masako stated trying to defend her boyfriend "until just now do we realize that this case involves two different spirits" she voiced as their suspicions were none of the group's business.

"Since when do you work separate from the group... this isn't a competition" Masako blushed looking away in embarrassment ignoring the look that Naru was sending her way "Naru, group meeting now" she was about to walk away but was stopped by Naru's comment

"I'm the boss here, Mai don't forget that" without even pausing she answered back to his growing annoyance

"Then start acting like one" Lin watched Mai's back as she was soon embraced by Bou-san "Bou-san, you can let go now" Mai voice could be heard as they disappeared around the corner as Bou-san continued to fuss over her.

Lin followed soon after but not before saying "Noll, you are a grown man… stop acting like a child" taking one final glance towards Masako who hid behind her kimono, having the notion she was main cause of Noll's foolish behavior.

Naru and Masako remained behind a few moments longer as they both had something to say to each other, Naru was the first to begin "Why didn't you tell them" she knew that he was expecting an answer "Masako, you why did you disregard my orders" her eyes became blurry indication she was close to tears "you put Mai… the group in danger" which was unacceptable "Masako" she flinched at his tone

"Forgive me" was all she could say causing Naru to sigh, she continued with "I love you" of course he knew that she did, for her current actions as wrong as they were showed how much she cared for him "I won't do it again, I promise"

"Let's get going" Masako reached for his hand which he accepted showing her his dedication to their relationship.

6:28 p.m.

"You son of…" Bou-san was quickly pulled back by John and Yasuhara at their friends' show of anger "She could have been hurt" Naru stood there unfazed taking all of the blame as Masako stood beside him avoiding the onmyoji knowing glance for it always seemed that Lin was always well informed in some aspects.

"That's enough" voiced Mai as she stood in front of Bou-san placing both her hands on the taller man's showers as reassurance that she was in did fine "We are here to help Hiro-san and her son" Bou-san unwillingly backed away causing Mai to sigh in relief "Now that we know how many spirits occupy this house we can narrow down their identity"

"Seeing as how unpredictable these two spirits seem to act, Takigawa and Ayako have prepared protective charms… Mai have one on you at all times" Naru glared at her as if she was not going to obey "See's as this is the first time that one of the spirits have attempted to take over a host, have Hiro-san and her son as well as the rest of the house hold carry one as well" it had become a necessary safety precaution "Lin"

"This is what we have gathered" Lin voiced as he stepped towards the board with the current information that was currently written "Hara-san has identified one of the spirits to be of a child" Masako nodded but remained silent "the second spirit by the intensity both Hara-san and Noll felt is easy to assume to be an adult male" as Lin continued paper was shuffled around by Yasuhara "Yasuhara has gathered information regarding the previous owners"

"How many have owned this property" John asked as he waited for his own copy of the report as both miko and monk read throughout the report within their hands "and which of them had children"

"Kenji and Mokota family were previous owners before this property came to the hands of Hiro-san's husbands' relatives" everyone nodded as Yasuhara continued "Hiro-san has yet to speak about it but it seems that her husbands' family were against the outcome of their son's will: which left everything in name of Kiyoshi-kun" it was left unsaid but everyone had the feeling that Kiyoshi wasn't Hiro-san's husband legitimate child.

'Kiyoshi-kun had still lost a father figure' Mai frowned; the harsh reality that a child not yet even past five most endure the rash reality of what most of been a harsh family dispute "I want to be the one to interview Kiyoshi-kun" Mai looked up very much demined to have her way. Naru ignored her for the time being as he continued on with the meeting

"Yasuhara what have you gathered regarding both families in the local paper" Yasuhara gave a quick glance towards Mai before answering

"Mokota lost the property due to a fire; no one was harm burning the incident… they had no children" He frowned as he continued "I didn't fine much information about the Kenji family other than a family painting of a mother and child, a little girl who looks to be around Kiyoshi-kun's age" Yasuhara turned one of the screens and uploaded the so called picture.

As the picture came on the screen the lights began to flicker in one of the rooms "which room is that" asked Naru as he and Bou-san stood in front of the monitor "Kiyoshi's room… is that were Mai disappeared from" Bou-san nodded not in the current mood to argue with his so called boss "Hiro-san did say that most of the activity is in this room"

"Since our arrival it has escalated" which was routine seeing as they were now looked upon as intruders "Didn't you say that Hiro-san's mood changed" to those unaware of the paranormal it would easily be mistaken for a mothers worry but both Naru and Masako had felt anger not belonging to the now single mother "Perhaps we should speak to her once more"

"Then it's settled… Takigawa and Ayako will make sure the surrounding area is still secure" both monk and miko nodded for they had not forgotten that Mai was still in danger "John and Yasuhara I want you to stay here and watch the monitors" he turned to Mai who had already began to gather up some of her things "Mai, you and Lin interview both mother and child… Masako and I will investigate the rest of the building" Mai nodded as she and Lin left the room quietly.

"Yasuhara…" Naru turned towards the said man who continued to gather information on his portable notebook "what have you found regarding the spirit of the forest" Yasuhara paused as he took the time to look up from his notes

"I'm still narrowing down three of the sources that I have come across…" Naru nodded as he turned towards John who was monitoring the screens asking nothing more of the researcher

"John, stay alert while Yasuhara works on Mai's case" not even waiting for the priest response both Naru and Masako left the room, Yasuhara and John glanced towards each other and shrugged as they got back to work.

7:05 p.m.

Mai glanced at the clock beside the night stand and sighed 'we have gather so little information…' she couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed as they entered Hiro-san's bedroom "Hiro-san… if you don't mind the intrusion, there are a few questions I would like to ask you and Kiyoshi-kun" said boy had been currently playing beside the bed stood up and shyly hide behind his mother

"Is this really necessary…" Hiro-san placed her hand on her sons shoulder "Kiyoshi-chan is terribly shy" Mai smiled as Kiyoshi tried to hide even deeper in his mothers' shadow.

"It will only be a few questions" Mai tried to reassure both mother and child as she dared to step fully into the room "Lin-san if you would please wait outside" Lin knew it wasn't a request for the sharp look Mai had sent his way could easily rival that of Noll's.

"Of course… I'll be just outside if you need me" Mai nodded not before sending him a sweet smile causing him to hold his breath as she slowly closed the door. Mother and son both now sat on the bed as they waited for Mai to being. Still smiling Mai brought the vanities chair towards the bed and sat down in front of them sensing their awkwardness, which was one of the reasons why Mai had asked Lin to remain outside while she spoke to both mother and son.

"It has come to our attention that there is a child's spirit roaming your home" Mai looked towards Kiyoshi's wide eye look not surprised that said boy knew of said spirit "Kiyoshi-kun you wouldn't happen to seen this spirit… a young girl about your age" she already knew the answer but patiently waiting for Kiyoshi to answer, Kiyoshi looked up shyly towards his mother before answering

"Mother said she wasn't real…" Mai looked towards the older woman and couldn't help but wonder what could have been her intentions "Ko-chan isn't real" alarm could easily be seen in the boys' eyes as well as his mother who held her son's hand tightly "mother said she wasn't real"

"Have you been ignoring Ko-chan" Mai asked quickly; for that could be one of the reasons why so much activity had suddenly surfaced so quickly since their arrival "Has she tried playing with you or tried talk to you about something that has been bothering her" Kiyoshi paled at her question for it seemed the boy indeed knew something he had not even told his own mother "it's alright Kiyoshi-kun we are here to help… Ko-chan needs our help" palm hitting Mai's left cheek echoed in the room as a slight sting remained behind

"I asked you here to help my son not some child that has long ago passed away" Mai filched at Hiro-san's harsh words as she tried and failed to ignore the pain "how dare you speak of a dead child when my son is alive and in front of you" Lin began to knock on the door which seemed unable to open now that there was yelling within the room.

"Is everything alright… Mai open the door" Lin knocked a few more times "open the door" his voice was harsh but Mai didn't move as she remained seated where she was very much calm as she continued with

"You've seen her…" Mai paused as she locked eyes with the older woman who was shocked at Mai's statement gaining the attention of her son who sat beside her; surprised that his own mother had seen a child that she herself said never excited "Ko-chan… you have seen this child" Hiro-san shook her head in denial holding her son closer to herself as if her warmth would protect the both of them from the truth "a young child the same age as your son, who died long ago… you must of seen her first" the last part Mai voiced out for herself contemplating the older woman's actions

"No" Hiro-san whispered covering her son ears with her hands "No… there is no child other than Kiyoshi" Mai frowned as something unknown flashed in Hiro-san eyes for just that instant there was pain and loss "there is no other child, than this child" Mai sighed seeing as she had no other choose.

"Forgive the intrusion" without another word Mai lean forwards and grasped Hiro-san hand who was to shocked to pull away from Mai's hold feeling something run up and down her spine "I can't help you, if you don't let me" tears reached the young's mothers eyes as she slowly let her hand slip from her own, the very hand that had moments ago stuck Mai face had gone cold "when you're ready I'll be here to help you" without saying anything else Mai stood fully and walked towards the door.

"Please… help us" Mai heard Hiro-san whisper before stepping out of the room as if the door had never been stuck "please" she heard before closing it once more behind her she turned to see Lin standing beside the door

"What happened" Lin asked waiting for Mai's response, feeling his annoyance being to build at the hand print that marked Mai's face "Taniyama-san?" Mai grow pale as she stood there unmoving, a hallow look flashed before her eyes "What happened" Mai sighed as she tried to focus willing herself not to pass out from the overwhelming emotions she had received from holding Hiro-san's hand "Taniyama-san"

"She is far more frightened than her son… Hiro-san has been denying that child's existence" Mai sighed once more as Lin stared at her in confusion for something in the back of her mind lingered.

"I want to know the reason why she stuck you" Mai looked up surprised at his concern "Even if she is our client she has not right to place her hands on… one of our employees" Lin quickly caught himself from saying 'you' he clenched his hands to his side restraining himself from placing one of his hands upon her cheek, in the means of easing the pain.

"Let's head over to headquarters and will speak about this on the way" she wanted to give both mother and son privacy, and Lin and her standing in front of their door wasn't helping anyone, especially when said man looked to be ready to use one of his shikigami's on anyone that dare to cross them "I did something I should have" Mai told him as they made their way down the hall towards the stairs for both mother and son's room were up stairs.

"You used your ability…" Lin stated as a matter a fact which caused Mai to stop beside him in total surprise "and now you are feeling guilty" Mai nodded causing Lin to sigh at her reaction "Was this before or after she hit you?" he watched her as she covered her cheek, Hiro's handprint all ready slowly fading.

"After… It seems I insulted her" And she now knew the reason why, which only caused Mai's guilt to deepen.

"Was that your plan to use your ability on her… was that the reason why you asked me to remain outside the room while you interviewed them on your own" Mai frowned

"No" Mai voice was harsh but calmly continued with "no that wasn't the plan, she gave me no choose but to use my ability on her" Mai valued her privacy more than anything for someone to just invade them as she did to Hiro-san was unacceptable "The way she was speaking about Ko-chan gave me the impression that that wasn't the child she was adamant in denying"

"What do you mean by that" Lin asked as they began to walk once more, Mai sighed uncertain if she should voice it out loud or not seeing as how Hiro-san kept that to herself for so long "is there another child we were unaware of?" it seemed that they were unaware of many things when it came down to this case and their client; something he and Noll always frowned upon for if they were ill prepared for a case many thing could easily go wrong.

"I really don't know if I should say this or not… but it involves Hiro-san denying her daughter ever excising… if what I saw and felt I believe Hiro-san gave birth to twins" Mai went silent, seeing her turmoil Lin placed his hand on her shoulder squeezing it slightly as they stopped before the doors that lead them inside where the rest of the team should be already be waiting "To see a little girl the same age as her son must of really frightened her"

"Ko-chan…" Lin voiced the name hesitantly wanting to change the subject just a little seeing the guilt Mai moments ago felt resurface once more for they both knew that Ko-chan wasn't Hiro-san daughter that long ago pasted away for a spirit never age as a normal living child would.

"Ko-chan is what Kiyoshi-kun called the spirit… it seems he also knows something about her we have yet to figure out" Mai had a sneaking suspicion that it involved the tapping sound from before; they wouldn't know for sure until they spoke to Kiyoshi-kun.

"Alright Taniyama-san, we will inform Noll of what you have gathered" that's when he noticed it, Mai's reaction to Noll's real name "Perhaps you should rest a while before the meeting starts" Mai voiced nothing as she entered the room silently followed by Lin who had lots to think about which seemed to only involve the young brunette in front of him.

9:23 p.m.

Hiro-san's kitchen was one of Mai's favorite rooms in the house 'if only SPR's kitchenette was just as nice' she told herself as she sat alongside Bou-san as they quietly waited for the water to come to a boil 'why hasn't he said anything' there was tension between them ever sense her morning disappearance and the incident involving their client just that afternoon had not helped in the matter. She sighed as he continued to stare at her "Bou-san you're staring is making me uncomfortable"

"Good" He voiced without shame as he continued to stare at her, her cheek still slightly bruised "I was starting to wonder when you were going to notice that I was sitting next to you the entire time" Mai sighed as he continued to frown "so are you going to tell me why she hit you"

"Weren't you paying attention to when I told the others that I had unintentionally insulted our…" Bou-san cut her off mid explanation

"Mai please don't lie to me" Mai knew that he was only trying to make sense of what had happened between their client and her for there had to be a good reason as to why Hiro-san had acted that way and knowing Mai she had hit on something that had truly angered the young widow "You would never unintentionally insult someone… it's not in you to do so" Mai could only smile for she could easily remember a few of the times when she had spoken out of term.

"What is done is done…" Mai finally admitted "It was my fault… I didn't think she would react in that way, there's nothing else to do but wait for things to cool down" in all truth she kind of felt she deserved it, their main goal was to help Kiyoshi a living and breathing child "I just hope it's soon…" Mai grow serious as the tea kettle began to boil "I feel we are running out of time"

"Taniyama-san…" the room remained silent as both SPR members watched their client enter the kitchen "if I could have a moment of your time" Bou-san stood as if about to say something but was stopped by Mai's warm hand as she signaled him to leave them both alone. Both women wait as Bou-san reluctantly left the room not before sending their client a warning stare.

"Please forgive him, he means no harm" Mai voiced as she stood "Please sit down, would you like some tea" Mai asked as if the kitchen had always belong to her. Hiro-san declined before seating down behind the counter "I must admit your kitchen is far one of my favorite…"

"I tried, I really did try" Hiro-san started to say as she looked outside her kitchen window cutting of Mai's sentence after a moment she sighed "Taniyama-san, I'm sorry…" she whispered as she held her hands before her tightly unsure how to continue

"It's alright" Mai voiced as she took a seat next to Hiro-san who shook her head at Mai's sincerity, for she believed the young woman to be far too forgiven "I truly wish to help you and your son… and helping Ko-chan will only end up bringing tranquility back to your home"

"I am truly in your dept… if helping this…" Hiro-san paused fighting the anger that was building inside her "spirit… that young child's spirit is in need of help then we will of course no longer ignore her" Mai smiled for it was a small step in the right direction with a deep breath Hiro-san continued with "I have seen Ko-chan…"

"When did you first see her" Mai asked as Hiro-san sighed before responding.

"The day we moved… after my husband's" Hiro-san burst into tears "I was shocked… I thought she's been waiting" her voice shock with sorrow "my poor baby was always waiting… and all I did was pretend she never existed" Mai patted the poor woman's shacking shoulders and she tried to hold back her sobs "I'm a terrible mother"

"Don't say that…" Mai voiced as stood and walked over to the cabinet for a cup "here drink this" Mai voiced after filling the cup with water from a nearby pitcher, Hiro-san nodded her thanks as she took a small sip of water "You were young and needed to take care of your son who was also need of your attention..." for Hiro-san had almost lost her son that day as well.

"I never held her…" Mai felt her trout harden at the pain Hiro-san must have been hiding these past five years "not once did I think… of holding her" regret was all that could be descried "Ko-chan… isn't my child is she" hope filled her auburn eyes and Mai wasn't so sure what the woman before her hoped to hear.

"No… Ko-chan isn't your child" Mai stated the truth as she continued with "but she use to be someone's child… we must forget that" tears fell down Hiro-san's cheek unable to speak as the wind outside began to pick up casting down leaves that slowly began to fade into ash.

11:52 p.m.

The night was warm as a young girl of the age of five sneaked out of her bed making her way towards the side garden were just earlier that day she had found a small group of tadpoles. At the sound of her mothers' movements she held her breath as her mother turned on her side and mumbled in her sleep, seeing her mother's even breath she relaxed as she slowly continued to make her way towards the sliding door that lead outside, she smiled as she successfully closed the door behind her. A light breeze raffled her dark hair as the scent of smoke was quick to gain her attention for it seemed she wasn't the only one to be out so late at night "Come child… my child" there a few yards away stood a figure as the young girls eyes began to fade into the darkness…

Mai awoke in a cold sweat as she tried to regain her breath 'a dream' she felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked towards the room and felt dark eyes stare at her unfazed who continued to breath evenly "Masako" Mai lightly called out feeling the temperature of the room being to drop "Masako" she whispered once more, for they were currently taking turns in keeping watch as Hiro-san and her son had gone to bed hours ago "I hope you're not ignoring me" Mai harshly whispered causing said medium to turn around to face her

"It's called sleeping" Masako answered back as a knowing look passed before her eyes "it lingers outside" the mediums eyes glanced towards the screen door that lead towards the garden "it cannot enter…" for both monk and miko had protected the room Hiro-san had allowed them to use a room to sleep in: a nice little guest house that could easily be separated in two room by very practical sliding shoji screen divider.

"Is this…" Mai paused as the door began to shake with an unknown force "Masako" Mai glanced towards the screen door as it shook with increased intensity as the room began to get a few more degrees cooler causing both girls to shiver "move away from the window" without a word the young medium slowly moved closer towards her rival not in the mood to argue for a light tapping sound began to echo within the room as the sliding door stopped shaking "could this be… Ko-chan" at the mention of the young spirits name the sliding down began to shake with greater force that moments before as something sinister stood just behind the shoji screen door.

"It's him… Mai" Masako eyes widen as the sound of breaking wood was heard as a hiss of wind soon entered the room "his trying to get inside" panic filled the room as both girls remained closer together as the wind stopped at the sliding door remained still, that is until the sliding down began to slowly slid open causing both girls eyes to widen "Impossible"

"Be gone spirit you are not welcome here" Mai shouted at the top of her lungs causing Masako to scream in surprise as the door burst open, there in the middle of the open door stood a figure "Lin…"

"Who else did you expect" Lin looked on in confusion as the brunette just moments ago tried to banish him as if he was a spirit who was haunting her "what's going on" Mai couldn't help but giggle as her shoulder began to shake

"We were so scared…" tears that had yet to fall were clearly visible within her eyes "I was so scared…" Mai turned towards Masako who looked beyond pale "are you okay Masako" said medium nodded but remained silent "Lin the male spirit was here… he tried to enter the room…"

"It tried to attack you" Lin asked in alarm "Hara-san…" Masako looked up with worry as she answered Lin's unasked question

"He's after the child"

To Be Continue!

Author's Note: Thank you all of have been patiently waiting for this chapter (smiles) and I'm truly sorry that it has taken me so long to update, thanks for all of the support and reviews it truly means a lot. Until next time! ClouldsLover