AN: Finals are finally over! I'm free. Haha had to get that off my chest. :D This quarter has been pretty rough but I'm back for winter break and will be updating so stay tuned for that. This is going to be a dense chapter so it might be a bit much to stomach. Sorry about that….More of Naomi's character is going to be revealed in this chapter so watch for the little hints here and there. Hopefully I can start the silent Christmas arc by Christmas but no promises. Keep your fingers crossed and now without further ado, here's the next chapter.
{~}
Notes:
[Visions]
'Video events'
'Thoughts'
"Normal conversation"
Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt or any of the characters except my Oc's. All rights of the picture used in the cover belong to the artist.
-Hallway-
(First person perspective – Kazama)
I watch Naomi disappear behind the bend of the corridor in amusement. She never was one for subtly and that was what worried me. Frowning, I let out an exhausted sigh.
'What you're asking isn't a simple request… but I'll comply… We all have roles to fulfill right now regardless of...'
"You discovered something."
Snapping out of my thoughts, I turn back to Naru, recognizing the fluctuation in his tone. Chuckling, I give Naru a smile. "Rather curious of our partner, are you? I don't fault you in that. I am quite curious myself." I glance up in nostalgia. "Naomi's a different case. I've known her for… quite some time, but even I can't discern that woman's motives." I smile wryly before locking eyes with Naru. "Her connection with her employer makes her quite suspicious, doesn't it?"
Naru nods slightly. "She's been hired specifically to prove Kasai's innocence. " He heads to the conference room with Mai and me trailing behind. "Given such a narrow-minded objective… it's not uncommon for people to compromise their integrity to complete a job."
Mai blinks in confusion. "So… you're saying Naomi might try to fake evidence to prove Kasai's innocence? I don't think she's the type…"
"I'm surprised you understood." Naru remarks offhandedly, causing a tick mark to appear on Mai's face. "I was merely making an observation."
"Gee, great to know you think so highly of others…" Mai mumbles sarcastically.
"I think that has been established, Mai." I add with a small chuckle before my expression darkens. "But Naru is correct in his assumption. If she's still the woman I remember, she will go to extremes for what she believes in."
She blanches. "…The way you said that wasn't very comforting…"
I smile eerily down at her. "That was the intent."
Taking on a thoughtful look, Naru stops right in front of the door.
"Mai, Kaz. Can I ask you two a favor?" He doesn't wait for a response, keeping his hand lingering on the sliding door. "I'd appreciate it if you two kept the spoon bending a secret from everyone, especially Lin."
Mai turns around before placing a hand on her mouth as a silly grin enters her face. I quirk a brow. Blushing, she turns around and nods.
"Sure, I won't tell. I promise." She smiles.
I let out a chuckle, noticing the slight twitching of her lips. 'You want to ask him why…. How amusing.' Shaking my head, I turn my attention back to Naru.
"Of course."
"…Thank you." Naru slides open the door and we all head in.
"But that can't be true!" Housho denies, causing Masako to shake her head slightly.
"There are no spirits here. I've walked around the school and sensed nothing. If there were any, I would have noticed."
Housho frowns before stepping forward and stooping low to level with Masako's face. "Oh come on, there has to be at least something at the desk." He waves four fingers in front of her face. "That desk has caused four accidents!"
She closes her eyes with a frown. "There's some kind of deception going on at this school."
This merely causes Housho to scowl. "Really?! And I guess all the students and teachers are in on it. You got to be kidding me!" He breathes out angrily. Noticing the growing tension, John places a placating hand on Housho's shoulder.
"Calm down, mate…"
Focusing on Masako's words, Naru places a hand on his chin, furrowing his brows in thought. In the furthest corner of the room hidden behind the shadows of the filing cabinets, Naomi observes the group with an amused smile. Her crimson eyes flicker over to mine before she places a finger over her lips, telling me to keep silent for the moment.
'It seems they have yet to notice you in the room… quite a feat, but for you, it's not surprising.'
"You know, Masako's theory may not be accurate." Ayako adds, breaking the stifling silence of the room.
Masako lifts her kimono sleeve over her mouth. "I believe I'm still more accurate than Matsusaki-san."
Mai gives the group an incredulous look before her head slumps to the side. "What…?"
"In fact, I wonder if anything she's said thus far has been accurate." Masako replies haughtily.
Ayako bristles. "Oh? So you're able to see them but can you exorcise them?"
Ignoring the two, Naru walks over to Lin. "Lin. Kaz. Let's get back to work."
Lin glances down at Naru. "Of course."
I smile in response. "Very well."
The argument immediately ends at Naru's announcement.
Smiling, Housho turns to John. "Hey, whadda say we go take another look around?"
"I'm right behind ya."
Huffing, Ayako turns to Masako. "You better look at it carefully this time."
Masako returns the look evenly. "My conclusion will be the same no matter how many times I look at it."
Clapping soon fills the room, causing all the occupants to turn to the source. Still clapping, Naomi steps out of the shadows before facing the room with a pleasant smile.
"I believe that was quite a first impression." Naomi remarks before crossing her arms. "Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. You all appeared to be having a moment of sorts. Izayoi Naomi." She flicks her eyes to John, Masako, and Ayako. "Hara-san's reputation precedes her. As for you two…" She trails off.
Understanding her lingering statement, John sends her a kind smile. "The name's John Brown."
Crossing her arms, Ayako eyes Naomi warily. "Matsusaki Ayako. I'm a priestess."
"Hm… I see." Naomi muses before sending us a smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you three. As I'm sure you've all been informed, I will also be working on this case. My assistant is working in the conference room on the other side of the school. You may see him later on, but I make no promises."
Ayako furrows her brows. "So you're the other investigator the school hired?"
Naomi shakes her head. "Not quite. I am employed by one of the teachers in this school. Our goals are rather similar, so I decided to work with Naru on this case; however, if for whatever reason a problem arises," She trails off an a dangerous glint enters her eyes before quickly disappearing, "I reserve the right to leave and continue my investigation as I originally planned."
Ayako makes a move to retort, but stops when the door swings open to reveal Ayumu. John, Masako, and Ayako stare unabashedly as Ayumu makes his way over to Naomi.
"Everything's set Naomi." He chirps happily before his expression grows concerned. "Hey, you ok there?" He places a hand on her forehead. "Hmm… you're a bit warm. You shouldn't push it. Wouldn't want to go back to the hospital huh?"
I frown at the faint blush dusting Naomi's face. 'Still him huh…'
Glancing away, she grabs Ayumu's hand before lowering it to her side.
"Ayumu…" The softness in her voice catches us off guard. "I'm perfectly fine. Besides, I'm not the one with a gash on my side." She finishes darkly, causing him to release a small laugh.
He nods stiffly. "That you aren't. Still," He takes his hand out of her grip before folding his arms behind his head. "Someone's got to take care of you. Wouldn't want you falling down the stairs or anything right?"
Naomi's expression darkens slightly before she releases a tired sigh. "Very well. Do what you must, but don't interfere when it truly matters."
His grin widens. "I make no promises."
A rueful smile forms on her face. "I expect that."
"Did we just miss something?" Housho voices out, scratching the back of his head.
"You got that feeling too?" Mai adds, "I thought I might have been the only one."
I let out a chuckle. "I'm sure we did. Those two are very much in their own little world right now."
"I apologize."
We turn back to Naomi.
"I didn't mean to ignore you all… please forgive my rudeness."
"Ahh… no it's fine." Mai waves off nervously.
This causes Naomi's smile to widen. "Good." She turns to Naru. "Ayumu and I will take our leave, but we'll be sure to report back with anything significant."
Naru matches Naomi's gaze. "Alright."
Taking that as a cue to leave, they do. Once they close the door, Ayako lets out a huff.
"I don't trust that woman." Ayako mutters bitterly. "She seems pretty egotistical under all her fake pleasantries and what's up with that I-am-all-mightier-than-thou attitude of hers?"
"Do you really have a right to be saying that?" I ask skeptically as I quirk a brow, earning a chuckle from Housho and a glare from Ayako.
"Hmph. For all we know, she could be the one behind the attacks at this school."
"I doubt that… she's only been to this school for two, three days at most. These incidents have been going on for weeks." John pipes up.
Ayako waves the comment off. "She could have staged them without being in the area. Some exorcists do that to make sure they have a steady flow of work."
"Well, it's possible… but I somehow doubt that's the case… probably because it's coming from you." Housho adds, causing Ayako to bristle.
"There's something off about her, that's for sure." Mai trails off uncertainly, cutting Ayako from her retort. "Does anyone else feel like she's familiar?"
Ayako crosses her arms. "I'm sure I would remember someone like that."
John looks at Mai curiously. "Why do you say that, Mai?"
Mai gazes down in thought. "I don't know. I just get the feeling that I know her from somewhere, but if I did, I would definitely remember her. Her appearance isn't exactly… normal."
"It's called albinism." I add, earning looks from the other occupants in the room. "It's a genetic condition that causes the hair to appear white and the eyes red, blue, or purple. Definitely a unique trait. If what you say is true Mai, I'm sure you would remember someone of her appearance."
Mai slightly blushes. "Yeah… but I just can't shake this feeling…" She trails off as she plays with several strands of her hair.
'You're ability is starting to grow… even if you don't realize it…' I frown at the thought. 'This may be troublesome, but for now, it poses no threat…'
"Maybe you saw her when you walked through town or something? Don't worry about it. It's probably nothing." Housho adds, earning a small, reluctant smile from Mai.
"…If you say so…"
"So what is she? An exorcist… researcher… Wait, let me guess… she's a medium, isn't she?" Ayako muses aloud with a smirk.
The others send each other looks. "Actually… we don't really know… she never told us." Mai answers with a frown.
Ayako frowns. "Seriously? And you all just allowed her to help even though you don't know her background?"
"Well…."
"I'm quite familiar with her work." I cut in. "She's a paranormal investigator. Her methods are actually similar to our own ghost hunter here…" I motion to Naru. "… except she rarely shows her face on a case. Usually her assistant or assistants do all the physical work whereas she does all the analysis behind a screen. If she's taken the effort to show up, there must be something in this case she wants to address personally."
"Sounds like she just lets her grunts do all the work. Still don't trust her." Ayako sniffs.
Naru ignores her and matches my gaze. "Any ideas on her motives?"
'Yes… but it's not for you to know.'
I shake my head. "Nothing I have not said before, I'm afraid."
"You sound like you know her well, Kaz…" Ayako eyes me in interest. "Anything interesting you can tell us?"
I send her a smirk. "I suppose you can say she has a tendency to go to extremes…" I answer wryly. "She's not really one to follow conventional methods."
"Eh?" Ayako sends me a calculating look. "Seems rather suspicious to me…"
I merely shrug.
"Kaz?"
I glance over to Masako. "Yes?"
"That person she was with… Ayumu was it? Is he Nari's brother? The resemblance between them… and Naru too… it's uncanny."
"Join the club." Housho shrugs. "Almost all of us freaked out when we first saw him."
"Now that you mention it… I would have thought another Naru walked into the room if it weren't for his eyes. Such a deep purple, very different from Nari's ice blue." Ayako adds. "He's not too bad to look at either."
The corner of my mouth twitches downward. "…You're too old for him." I deadpan, causing her to fume before glancing over to Masako. "…He is."
Masako's eyes become downcast. "I… see… It's unfortunate for her to be missing…"
"She isn't missing much." I easily dismiss. "Family matters aside, shall we continue on with this case?"
Naru looks up at us. "Yes. It's about time."
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
FILE 3:
The After School Hexer – Part 2
DECEMBER
WEDNESDAY
-Conference Room 2-
(First person perspective – Naomi)
"So they're already starting with the exorcisms…" I mutter to myself as I watch Housho, Ayako, and John on the monitors.
'That won't accomplish anything… I'm surprised Kaz was able to persuade Naru not to have him perform one… but this is Kaz I'm talking about…' I shake my head. 'I should not be surprised… still, I wonder what you're planning…'
Placing a hand over the headphone's ear pad, I turn up the volume from the audio feed. Flicking my eyes to the monitors, I pull camera 076's current footage.
Currently Operating… 09:45
*static*
The image of one of the school hallways appears.
With several keystrokes, I zoom into the art storage room before a small smile appears on my face. "Found you…"
Naru leans over to the laptop. "Nothing's out of the ordinary."
"No changes in temperature since the last recording either." Lin points out.
Kaz releases a sigh. "The evidence doesn't seem to point to a textbook case spirit… looks like Nari's right. Again." He shakes his head. "How unfortunate…"
"It appears so…" Naru murmurs.
*creak*slide*
I zoom out the image, showing Masako resting lightly against the door frame.
"I - it un-sing."
Frowning, I increase the volume of the nearby microphones.
The others turn to Masako.
"There never was a spirit in this school to begin with. Though Nari claims not to be a medium… she appears to share similar thoughts. She has not been wrong either, has she?"
Naru gazes back at Masako. "There are still unexplained events occurring here." He faces the screen once again. "We have no reason to stop our investigation until we determine their cause."
Masako shakes her head. "Fine. But no matter how hard you look, you won't find any spirits."
*ffshhh*
Kasai leans slightly around the bend of the hallway as she gazes at the group before silently slipping away.
"It appears we better approach this case from another angle… perhaps a more… human source?" Kaz inputs.
Naru places a hand to his chin. "It's possible… but with the given criteria, we won't be able to narrow down the cause to a single factor."
'They're starting to look at more plausible sources now…a logical choice. After all, they can't waste too much time on baseless leads… time is starting to run out…' I frown as I gaze down in thought. 'If things start progressing too quickly, I will have to intervene…'
"We should review our current speculations and derive our next move from that." Kaz adds. "It's possible we're overlooking a key detail. Starting with the…"
Hearing enough, I pull away from the camera and return it back to its normal settings. Taking off the headphones, I turn to Ayumu.
"It appears they are finally catching on. Quite the slow bunch." I let out a small smile.
He smiles before shrugging. "Hey, we can't all have the same insight as you." He teases.
I shrug. "I suppose… but it's something I have to be careful with… if I rush and reveal too much… I become a target, but if I were to slow the pace of this case too soon, preventable accidents will follow. It's quite a compromising position." I run a hand through my hair. "Still, I would rather become a walking target than have you be one. I just have to decide the timing." Seeing him about to interrupt, I add, "I at least have a form of warding. You; however, do not."
He lets out a sigh. "Geez, rub that in why don't you? Look, worry about yourself a little more. I'm not the one sporting recovering injuries here."
My lips twitch upward. "True, but I can handle it." I dismiss easily before turning back to the monitors. "All this set-up is going to waste…" I sigh out before a wry smile enters my face. "Well, not exactly. It's fulfilling its intended role rather well… using its proxy role as a disguise." Booting up a nearby laptop, I smile in amusement when all I see is a white screen. Knowing the trick to the monitor, I pull out a pair of polarized glasses and place them over my eyes. The white screen morphs back to the normal desktop. With several keystrokes, I pull out one of the tracking programs.
….
….
SynDIG 1 Operational
…. Acquiring signal….
… Signals located…
A layout of the school appears on the screen before focusing on specific floors. The image morphs into a single panel on the right with each tracer name and location listed on the left.
076 – Operating… Heading to Conference Room 1
045 – No signal
174 – No signal
973 – No signal
927 – Operating… Biology Prep Room
KaZ – Offline
"Why are you staring at a blank screen?" Ayumu leans over my shoulder to examine the white screen. "There's nothing on it… wait a minute…" He opens the nearby drawer and pulls out another pair of glasses before perching them on his nose. His eyes widen in surprise before he fiddles away with the glasses – moving them away and in front of his eyes in utter disbelief.
"Wait, wait, wait…" He continues gawking. After several more moments of incoherency, he composes himself and sends me a deadpan look.
"… You're such a creeper…" I quirk a brow. "How did you… wait, who did you even bug? And you even have one for Kaz?! … Do I even want to know why?"
"I want to keep track of my boy toy." I deadpan, causing him to sputter. At his expression, my lips twitch upward as I fight off the laugh bubbling in my throat before it eventually escapes. At the sound of my laughter, he pouts.
"Hey, that's not funny. I was being serious…a-and don't just randomly say that stuff!" He huffs as a blush dusts his face. He shakes his head. "Seriously though… who did you bug?"
"I'm surprised you're not curious with the screen. But to answer your question…" My lips curl upward. "Kasai and Ubusuna-sensei... I'm naturally an untrusting person and those two have been a rather interesting pair so I decided to keep tabs on them… figure out where they are and when and see how their timelines match up with the events."
"Ok… I get that… but how were you able to get tracers on them without them knowing and for them to keep carrying the tracer each day? Doesn't seem likely…. So what's the trick?"
"Hm… seems you caught on…" I muse aloud as I watch Kasai's tracer move to the front of conference room 1's door. "Kasai wasn't too difficult. When I was in the meeting with Kasai and Ubusuna-sensei yesterday, I bent two spoons… one that Naru's group saw and another into a bracelet of sorts… that was where I planted the tracer and I merely hoped she would wear it. It seems she did… I feel slight remorse for tricking her, but it's for the case."
He nods. "And Ubusuna-sensei?"
"She was more… difficult." I look off to the side. "Her tracer's a prototype I have been working with. It destroys itself after 24 hrs so I need to plant a new one on her each day. She's more observant than I initially thought… so I have to make sure I give her something she cannot trace back to me. As for where I place it…. She doesn't pay much attention to what she steps on."
He blinks owlishly. "Her shoe? How… did you manage that?"
*cough* "Well… let's not get into that." I turn away and pull out a blueprint of the school.
"Hey." He swings my chair around before placing his hands on the desk behind me, caging me between his arms. "You can't..." He trails off before leaning forward. "…just leave it at that."
I roll my eyes. 'Sorry… but not this time. The same trick never works on me twice.'
"I can and I will. After all, a woman must have her secrets, no?" I smirk before shoving the blueprints into the side of his face, causing him to back away in response.
He scratches the back of his head. "Ok… ok, you got me… so about that screen… what did you do to it?"
I notice the shift in topic but choose not to address it. "Nothing too complicated… I merely removed the polarized filter paper on the screen and placed filter paper on the glasses." I take off the glasses and show him the paper attached to the frame. "The filter paper allows you to view the image on the screen… not an entirely new concept seeing as this process has been practiced before… I suppose you can say I am borrowing this method from a friend." I explain and tap the roll of blueprints onto my open palm.
"Huh… so I guess it's just an extra security measure?"
"Exactly." Standing up, I hold out the roll of papers. "Now, back to business…" He shakes his head before taking the roll of papers and spreading them out on the open table. "We know where the sites of origin are." I walk to the back of the room before pulling out a faded sketchbook from Ayumu's bag. "We know what the targets are seeing… the specific summons inflicting the incidents…" I trail off as my eyes skim the sketch-filled pages before stopping on a specific image of a woman with long hair. "And which spirit will create the most harm…" I walk back to Ayumu before tossing the sketchbook on the table, showing him the spirit I had referred to. "The longer the source exists the more harm can be done to the person targeted. Unfortunately, even with this information, we do not have enough information to proceed."
Ayumu glances down at the sketchbook before releasing a sigh. "I probably know the answer to this question already… but are you still set on being a target? I think that's a bit excessive… you know, having more than one at a time isn't exactly ideal."
My lips curl up in amusement. "Very true; however, it's not that simple. With Kasai actively searching for information, status updates, basically everything and anything related to the investigation of this school… my plan cannot go as smoothly as I first anticipated. It may be too late to change the escalation of the accidents, but that is not necessarily bad."
"You're not actually…" He trails off before flicking his eyes to the door. "…going to let more people suffer, are you?" Ayumu mutters out, but the warning in his voice is clear.
'So someone decided to listen in? Perfect.'
I lean against the table before releasing a sigh. "What choice do I really have? What the victims are going through right now only pales in comparison to what the end result will be. Their pain… their suffering… it's retribution for the pain they caused… it's only fair, isn't it – for them to suffer just as Kasai has?"
Ayumu sends me a pained smile. Even if he knew we had to keep appearances – to act and take on a different persona – he couldn't deny how little I was acting at the moment and he hated it. "Are … you sure you don't mean yourself?" He asks cautiously. "What she's going through right now… it's what you went through but a much lesser degree."
I smile ruefully. "Despite that, no one deserves the pain and humiliation Kasai is going through… Life is never fair… some suffer needlessly while their tormentors suffer no ill will, no consequences. It's … disgusting… so what's wrong with leveling the playing field? What's wrong with punishing the ones who began this cycle of pain?"
"… It won't stop the pain. You know that."
"Do I?" I lock my gaze with his. "That day… I should have died." I take several steps to the door before hearing some rustling. 'Still there huh…'
Facing Ayumu, I continue, "I was cornered and just when I finally had the nerve to fight back, it was too late. I should have died from…" I couldn't finish and shake my head. "Kaz… he still blames himself for that… All I can say is that life can be cruel. That is what I learned that day."
"So that's why you personally took this case, isn't it? Not just to prove someone's innocence, but to get some closure for yourself as well."
"I don't know what you're talking about." I answer sardonically before harshly pulling the door open to reveal... nothing. The person had already left. "It seems our guest finally heard enough and left. I'm not surprised." I lightly close the door.
Arms encircle my waist before I feel myself being pulled into Ayumu's chest. "You never do learn, do you?" He whispers before perching his chin on my shoulder. "You just placed another target on your back. What happened to not having enough information to proceed?"
I shrug. "The opportunity presented itself, though it was quite earlier than I had planned. Regardless, the end result will be the same."
He tightens his embrace, careful not to aggravate my wounds. "You… you don't have to do this. You're not alone in this ok? I'm here too so don't take all the burden now. Being here and seeing this… it hurts you. I can tell."
I smile sadly before tentatively placing a hand on the side of his face. "I know. But I cannot let you risk your primary objective because of the role you play now. Regardless of my safety, don't break out of your role." He makes a move to retort, but I cut him off. "You promised… so please… don't endanger yourself. I think I do that enough for the two of us." I finish lightly.
A conflicted look enters his face before he release a tired sigh. "I'm really starting to regret that promise right now… but I never said I won't intervene if things get too dangerous." He smiles warmly. "You're still recovering so please take it easy. Your body won't be able to put up with the stress if this continues."
I frown, knowing he was right. 'I hate this… you being here… you're jeopardizing everything we planned since that day… why are you risking it? It hurts knowing this and seeing you and Mai…' I trail off in thought. 'What am I thinking…that's not important now… It's ultimately your choice… you're only here to … watch over me…'
My chest painfully tightens at the revelation, but I merely utter, "That's why you're here… correct? You're watching over me in Kaz's place…"
'Just like old times… even though you're not really you…'
He shakes his head and places his hand over mine, keeping his other arm still wrapped around my waist. "That's not the only reason. I'm doing this because I want to. No one is making me. Not Kaz. Not you. No one. Just me ok?"
I nod in understanding, but it does nothing to lessen the pain in my chest.
"And you should try to lighten up a bit. Your formality really isn't something I'm used to… you're rarely this formal around me… it's unsettling hearing you talk like this." He finishes in a mocking tone.
'Trying to bring us back to our sense of normalcy I see…' I smirk. "Suck it up."
His smile widens. "Now that's what I'm used to."
I roll my eyes. "Don't get too used to it now, appearances remember?"
"Hai, hai."
I smile sadly. 'You baka… you have no idea how far I will go to ensure your safety. I just hope you'll forgive me.'
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
-Scene change: Conference Room 1-
(First Person Perspective - Kazama)
Naru, Ayako, and Masako sit around the table drinking tea whereas Housho leans against the edge closest to Naru with a coffee mug in his hand. John stands off to the side closest to the door.
"Here Kaz." I glance over to Mai to see her holding one out for me as well.
I send her a smile. "Thank you Mai."
Her face slightly reddens before she quickly walks back to the counter to clean up the teapot.
'That's happening to her quite often how… how interesting…' I thought before taking a sip of the tea.
Ayako glances up from her tea. "I thought there was something suspicious about that girl. So you're saying Kasai came in here to check us all out, right?"
Mai walks over before placing a hand on her chin in thought. "I don't think so… I would think she'd be more bothered by the circumstances than what we're doing."
"Well… Kasai is aware the entire school thinks her curse is the cause of all this. Maybe she thinks of us as her new enemies." Housho adds.
"She wouldn't do that!"
"Still, she does have powers." John adds. "According to a number of her schoolmates, she was able to bend a spoon with her mind. Do you think she could also possess P.K.-L.T.?"
Mai blinks in confusion. "P.K.-L.T.?"
"I'll explain this for Mai's sake. P.K.-L.T. is the ability to affect living creatures with only a force of will. The major two divisions of supernatural abilities are P.K. and E.S.P., also known as Extra Sensory Perception. This ability allows you to know what normal people wouldn't sense. Telepathy and clairvoyance are in this category. P.K.; however, is a force of will. Moving objects by literally thinking them into action. This genre has the three following categories: P.K.-M.T., P.K.-S.T., and last but not least P.K.-L.T. P.K.-S.T. is the ability to affect static targets. Spoon bending falls in this category. P.K.-M.T. is the power to affect moving objects and P.K.-L.T. – as I have said – is the ability to affect living targets."
"So what makes you think Kasai is capable of doing such a thing?"
Naru gazes at Mai with a deadpan expression. "If you can't see the connection after everything I just said, then I can't help you."
Mai slumps over as a dark cloud appears over her head.
"So are we in agreement then? That Kasai really did invoke a curse on the school?" John brings back.
Mai awakens from her stupor. "A curse?"
Ayako looks back at Mai blandly. "She admitted it. She said and I quote 'I'll curse you all to death.' Unquote."
"Oh, right…"
"But it's not really a curse. It's more like using psychic powers to make people suffer. That's the P.K.-L.T. part, but judging from what I've heard from a number of students, I don't think the girl has that much power. Do you guys know about the famous British psychic Oliver Davis? They say he slammed a one-hundred and ten pound aluminum block into the wall. But he hasn't been able to perform P.K.-L.T." Housho adds before standing up to refill his coffee mug.
"This girl can't even seem to bend spoons very well. I remember when I was little there was a sort of supernatural craze when a bunch of kids claimed that they could bend spoons and perform magic. Of course, it turned out most of them were just lying." Ayako comments.
"Wow. That means you must be pretty old."
Ayako whacks Housho upside the head.
"Ow!" Housho rubs the top of his head while Ayako glares at him with her hand still clenched in a fist.
"Be that as it may, in Kasai's case, she truly believes in her psychic powers. She felt she was unfairly attacked and ridiculed by her teachers in front of the whole school. And then strange things began happening ever since. This is a fact we cannot overlook." Naru continues as he stares at his reflection in the tea.
Silence envelopes the room. After several lingering seconds, Masako locks her gaze with mine. "Kaz, how much trust do you place in Izayoi-san?"
'And so the questions finally begin…'
I send her a curious look. "As much as I trust Nari. Is there something bothering you?"
Masako looks down sadly. "Yes… I believe Izayoi-san may be a possible suspect in this case as well… When I went to the other conference room to discuss the matters of the case with her, I overheard her having a rather heated discussion with Ayumu. He asked her if she was going to allow more people to suffer which she responded rather apathetically. She claims the accidents are a form of retribution to the suffering Kasai has endured but feels they pale in comparison to the end result. She never specified what the end result entails, but toward the end of the discussion, Ayumu mentioned how whatever she is doing won't stop the pain. That was all I heard before I left. I'm sure the two didn't notice I had overheard the conversation."
'That can't be everything you heard, Masako… but I'll respect your choice to withhold information for now…' I frown. 'Still, Naomi… you let her overhear you… it's impossible for you not to have noticed… just how far are you going to go…' Releasing a sigh, I face Masako. "That's quite a troubling piece of information." I swirl the tea in the cup. "I'm not foolish enough to dismiss what you've heard as a misinterpretation, but at the same time, I would also like to hear her side of the story. Though, that would pose multiple problems we cannot afford to face head on."
Ayako scoffs. "What more proof do you need? Sounds to me Izayoi-san might be an accomplice or the actual culprit. She has a motive now – revenge for Kasai and maybe some personal vendetta she's been harboring – and you've said she can bend spoons so she has P.K.-S.T. From what I hear, her control is rather solid, making her a powerful individual. Wouldn't be surprised if she also has P.K.-L.T. as well." Ayako shakes her head. "I never did trust her from the moment I saw her."
Housho furrows his brows. "That's possible, but even if she has P.K.-S.T., it isn't definite that she would have P.K.-L.T. as well." Housho adds. "But I get what you're saying… things aren't really looking good for her. She fits the criteria for the culprit."
"But she's only been at this school for a week at most! She couldn't have caused the accidents since those started weeks ago." Mai defends.
"You do have a point." John muses.
"But she specified that she has taken on this case earlier on. She just hasn't been here physically, meaning she had the chance to start the curses before we were even assigned this case." Ayako points out.
"You mean she started this whole thing the exact same time Kasai had that outburst of hers? Don't you think that's a little far-fetched now?" I ask with a quirked brow. "The timelines don't align, unless there's something I'm missing?"
Her eyes narrow before she crosses her arms. "Oh? Then, do you know when she took on this case?"
My smirk widens. "After this incident became a school-wide pandemic."
Releasing a huff, Ayako turns away. "So what? As far as I'm concerned, she's our number one suspect."
Shaking my head, I glance down at my tea cup in thought. 'Was this what you were planning all along? You want them to turn against you… why? What do you have to gain from this?' I pinch the bridge of my nose. 'How far are you going to go… even if you ask me to put my trust in you… this is getting too much… you're taking too many risks. This suspicion isn't one I can buffer…'
"And Ayumu?" Mai voices out. I glance up. "Do you… do you think he's a part of this too?" Her expression falls. "I don't want to believe he has any part in this. Nari… she trusts him wholeheartedly. He doesn't seem like the type to..."
A twinge of concern enters Ayako's face before it disappears under a mask of indifference. "Look, people are never what they seem. It's just the cold truth." Ayako comments before her voice softens slightly. "Even if Nari trusts him… we can't rely on just her words. We have to look at the facts." She releases a sigh. "With how things are going now, I'm actually glad she's not here right now. Can you image what emotions she would be going through right now? To find your long lost brother as a possible accomplice in a string of supernatural accidents. Not the best circumstance to find a lost relative." She takes a sip of her tea.
I release a sigh. "And that is exactly why I have not revealed to Nari Ayumu's presence in this case. It's sometimes better to keep false hope than to tarnish it with something as unsavory as this."
Housho places a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, I know you're protective of Nari, but I don't think that's really your call to make. She's almost an adult. Don't you think you should let her decide?" Housho comments. "I feel like it's better to get the truth out sooner than to let herself cling onto false hope. Saves her from the pain in the long run. Or that's what I think." Housho lowers his hand with a sigh. "This case isn't exactly clear cut huh…"
I scoff. "I believe many would call that an understatement."
Before anyone else can comment, Yuko rushes into the room out of breath. "Something awful has happened! Yoshino-sensei was in a bad car accident and is now in the hospital!"
Mai's eyes widen. "What?"
A grave expression enters Naru's face before he stands up.
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
-Scene change: Hospital-
Yoshino-sensei stares fearfully ahead as his grip on his sheets tighten. His head is wrapped in bandages but that is all I can discern of his injuries. Housho, Naru, Mai, and I stand around his hospital bed. Several seconds tick by before he finally begins to speak.
"I-I was driving and there it was…" His voices trembles as his knuckles turn white from his grip on the sheets. "A dismembered hand… the one I always see at night…it-it suddenly landed on my windshield and I lost control…"
His grip tightens on the sheets. "It's her fault. She did it! Shiaki Kasai! I bumped into her when I was leaving the school. She…She gave me to most evil look I've ever seen." His expression becomes frantic. "She was cursing me! She really wants to curse me to death!" He covers himself with the sheet before releasing fearful whimpers.
I watch the scene with a grave expression. 'Punishing the tormentors… It's been a while since I've seen this side of you…'
-Scene change: Outside the hospital-
Housho and Naru walk ahead whereas I stay back a bit with Mai. We continue to walk in silence before Housho breaks it.
"So whadda ya think, Naru? Is it Kasai or Naomi?"
"I'm not sure. But we can safely say that things are getting progressively worse. Let's hurry back. We've got a lot to do and no time to waste."
Mai suddenly stops.
"Mai?" I place a hand on her shoulder, noticing her trembling beneath my touch.
Housho turns to face us. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know..." Mai places a hand on her chest. "I just felt scared all of a sudden."
I frown, but before I can comment, my phone rings. Pulling it out, I see Nari's name flashing across the screen. "It's Nari. I'll put her on speaker."
*click*
"Kaz?" Her voices sounds strained, causing me to furrow my brows.
"You're on speaker. Nari, are you alright? Did something happen?"
I hear rustling in the background. "N-no… it's just… I have a really bad feeling. Things are escalating over there… aren't they?"
"That obvious?" Housho rubs the back of his head. "Yeah, one of the teachers ended up in the hospital… a dismembered hand slammed into his windshield and he lost control of his car."
"…I see… this revenge is being taken too far. Look, I know I'm in no condition to come over and help, but I'm willing to help from the sidelines so don't hesitate to ask. Anything you want me to look into – information gathering specifically – consider it done."
I smile slightly. "I see you still don't like being left behind."
I hear a small chuckle. "Don't you know it… but that's not the main reason I called. You guys are hiding something from me, aren't you?"
Mai sucks in a breath. "U-um w-what are you talking about? Hiding something? No-no it's just your imagination. What made you think that?" Mai stutters before ending with a nervous laugh.
"… Mai…"
"Yes?"
"….Remind me never to ask you to lie for me. You suck at it." Nari deadpans, causing Mai to rub her head sheepishly. Releasing a sigh, Nari continues, "Doubt I'll get it out of your guys anytime soon but that's not important now. Look… this case… it's not going to be a simple one…" She pauses for a moment before I hear a strangled cry.
*clank*rustle*rustle*crash*
"Ugh…Damn… that hurts… what the hell did you get yourself into Ayumu…"
"Nari!" I call out in alarm.
"Hey, what's going on?" Housho takes a step toward the phone.
Her breathing comes out ragged. "It's… nothing… just injuries acting up…"
We all share a look. Something had happened to Ayumu and in response, Nari.
'What's going on? Why would Ayumu be targeted now…?' Everything suddenly clicks, causing my expression to darken. 'Noami… you found something significant… but because of that pendant I gave you, you can't be cursed… so Ayumu was targeted instead…'
"Back to what I was saying… this case has several layers to it… Whoever you think the culprit is now… trash that idea. It's not… her. This case revolves around revenge and it's not an obvious one. It's one you'll have to do some digging to find."
"Is this another hunch of yours?" Naru finally asks.
"…Yes. I know it sounds crazy… and all things point to her as the culprit but… it's not her… Just trust me… please."
Naru furrows his brows in confusion at the pleading tone of her voice before releasing a sigh. "Alright. I believe you."
"…You do?"
"I don't think you're hard of hearing."
"Heh… looks like you're still the same as ever Naru. Make sure you don't do anything stupid now like have a staring match with a ghost or something."
"So I've heard." He sends me a meaningful glance.
"Just be careful ok? That goes to everyone. I'm the trouble magnet here so only I'm allowed to be a target."
"That's not very reassuring." I add, earning a small laugh.
"But someone has to do the dirty work right?"
"I would rather prefer it not be you…." I reply honestly.
Nari lets out a dry laugh, earning confused looks from the others.
"True… but you can't stop me, can you?"
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
-Scene change: School rooftop-
(First person perspective – Naomi)
"You've taken things too far…" I growl out before slumping against the railing, allowing my phone to clatter to the ground. Wrapping my arms around my middle, I inhale sharply before releasing a trembling breath. Closing my eyes, I calm my ragged breathing until it subsides to minor hitches. Cracking open my eyes, I stare down at the phone before shakily clasping it in my hands. Several second tick by before the pain in my side subsides.
"I won't forgive you…" I mutter to myself before staggering to my feet. I take several steps to the exit before slumping against the wall. 'How troublesome…' Picking myself up, I stagger down the stairs before leaning against one of the walls of the hallway. Several students eye me curiously but none approach. Good.
"C'mon Kasai, why don't you just stop?"
I blink in confusion before peering down the hallway to see three girls surrounding Kasai.
"Yeah, stop using your psychic powers or whatever." Another girl adds. "I'm about to go crazy!"
"N-no, you're wrong…" Kasai turns to the side.
"If Yoshino-sensei had died, you'd be a murderer!" The first girl, one with black shaggy hair, rebukes.
'A murderer…' I clench my hands before straightening and approaching the girls.
"Hey, we should stop here." The last girl, one with shaggy brown hair, interrupts. "If we say anymore we may be cursed next."
"Though an incorrect assertion, I believe it would be in your best interest to desist in this behavior."
The girls turn around in surprise before taking a step back in what appears to be fear.
"Naomi…" Kasai mutters out hesitantly before rushing toward me. I open my arms and allow her to fall into my embrace, hiding the pain when she accidentally hits the wound on my side.
"I-I didn't…" She mutters as her body trembles.
I stroke her hair before taking a step back. "I know. This was never your fault…" I tilt her chin up. "No matter what happens, keep your head up. Don't allow them to make you the victim. You're innocent."
"I… do you really… believe that?" She looks at me pleadingly.
I pause before a tiny smile appears on my face. "Yes."
'And with this, I sign my own sentence.'
"What are you girls doing over there?"
I glance up to see Ubusuna-sensei standing off to the side. She sees Kasai's expression and understanding flitters across her face. Calmly, she passes the girls and embraces Kasai.
"It's alright."
Kasai doesn't respond for a moment and locks gazes with me before returning Ubusuna-sensei's gesture.
"Uh, Kasai? Naomi too?"
'Mai?'
I turn to the voice and see Naru, Mai, Housho, and Kaz watching us.
'So they made it back from the hospital…I wonder how much they saw…. Regardless, it doesn't change anything.'
"There they go again…" The black-haired girl mutters in disgust.
I glance over and see the three girls glaring at the embracing pair.
"It's kinda sick…" The other girl adds.
"I don't understand how Ubusuna-sensei can stick up for her like that…"
"And that woman… she looks like a demon or something… no wonder she sticks up for Kasai. They're one and the same."
A wry smile enters my face as I continue to watch the girls converse amongst themselves.
"Hey… I think she heard us…" One of the girls takes a step back.
"What's with her eyes…it's almost like they're glowing…"
"L-let's get out of here…"
The three girls turn tail and quickly leave the hallway.
"Naomi…" Kasai mutters. "You shouldn't have… gotten involved… now because of me, even you…"
I release a sigh. "It doesn't matter. I am quite used to it. I have suffered far worse treatment before so please do not take their comments to heart."
"Naomi's right. Don't pay any attention to them… It's not your fault, Kasai. You've done nothing wrong." Ubusuna-sensei soothes as she strokes Kasai's hair.
I don't reply. I merely send Ubusuna-sensei a cold look before walking away. As I pass our group of observers, I send them a small smile before walking back to the conference room. As I do my best to hide the pain running through my body, I think back to Kaz's expression. His expression said it all. He wanted me to stop before things went too far…
I shake my head. 'You can't do anything to stop me, Kaz. Not this time.'
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
EVENING
-Scene change: Conference Room 1-
I glance over at the monitors to see John, Ayako, Kaz, and Housho in the middle of their exorcisms.
'Such a waste of time… but even so… at least Naru now has proof this isn't a textbook case spirit.' I thought as I fill the notebook with numerous symbols derived from the code Ayumu, Kaz, and I created long ago. I release a sigh. 'Exactly… what am I doing?' I pause my writing. '…That's right… everything is ensure their safety as much as possible… but Ayumu… she went as far as to target you specifically… that is something I cannot condone.' I snap the pencil in my hand. 'Wherever you put the source… it won't be easily discovered. But…' I place a hand over my pendent. 'I have something that can counteract it…'
"Man, they've got their hands full on this one." Mai sighs out as she leans toward the monitors. I snap out of my musings and offer Mai an affirmative nod before disposing of the defective pencil.
"I agree. This case has a multitude of layers that have yet to be fully analyzed." I add before walking over to the counter to fill the boiler with water.
"They've exorcised the track team's locker room and that cursed desk. Basically any place that's been linked to those strange occurrences… but still…"
"You feel unsettled." I finish, earning a nervous nod from Mai.
"Yeah… It's just…" She glances around the room. "D-doesn't that mean something will appear in this room too?"
I pause before locking my gaze with hers. "It's not… unlikely…" I trail off. "But if that were the case, then whoever is in this room would have to be a target for the curse."
"Wait really?! B-but…"
I release a sigh before pouring the boiling water into the teapot as I add in the tea leaves. "This is mere speculation, Mai. Worst case scenario." I pour her a cup of tea before offering it to her. "Here, your nerves are rather high. It might help you relax. You're usually the one offering this so it's only fair I return the favor."
Mai smile sheepishly before taking the cup from my hands. "Thanks."
*click*click*
"Uh ahhh!" Mai bolts in the air, sending the tea hurdling straight at me.
*crash*
The cup shatters on the ground but Naru pays it no mind and makes his way to the table.
"N-naru!" Mai's expression becomes awestruck before realization settles in and she notices the shattered cup on the ground. "Ah, Naomi, gomen I didn't… it's just…" She babbles but I wave her off.
"No worries. It was merely an accident." I hide my cut hand behind my back as Mai quickly cleans up the mess.
"Oh, um Naru, how about I pour you some tea?"
He doesn't cast us a glance. "Fine."
When Mai's out of earshot, he casts me a side glance. "Take care of that cut."
The corner of my mouth twitches upward. "It's only a minor scratch."
He releases a scoff, but chooses not to comment.
"Hey Naru, I have a question about Kasai…" Mai starts but Naru cuts her off.
"I don't know yet."
"That was quick…" She mutters bitterly before turning around. "Actually, there's something that's been bothering me…"
*flicker*flicker*
I grip my left arm in pain. 'This again…?'
"Huh?" Mai glances up at the ceiling in confusion as the lights continue to flicker before filling the entire room in darkness.
Gritting my teeth in annoyance, I walk to the pair. "This doesn't appear good…" I murmur.
Mai sends me a nervous look. "I-it's just a blackout. Not worst case scenario right?"
Naru stands up, eyeing the room cautiously. "Quiet." He whispers.
My arm continues to burn, but I merely grit my teeth in annoyance. 'Now of all times… I can't give myself away.' We continue to stare at the ceiling before a purple haze floats down, eliciting a gasp from Mai.
"Wha…"
"Shh… it's ok Mai." I pull her behind me.
The haze travels further down before a woman's face is seen.
"Now, don't make any sudden movements. Just stay calm." Naru advises as he shifts his position to block us from the spirit's view.
Her eyes snap open, revealing two glowing, red eyes. Mai grasps the back of my jacket before taking a hold of Naru's as well.
A deranged smirk cracks on her face as she completely phases through the ceiling and approaches us, specifically Naru. Her eyes lock on his, completely disregarding Mai and I.
"Please… someone…" Mai whimpers.
The door swings open, revealing Housho. Holding his prayer beads before him, he chants, "Namaku samban bazara dan, kan!"
The woman dissolves away before the lights flicker back on. We continue to scrutinize the ceiling, looking for any remaining signs of the spirit but see none.
Housho releases an exhausted sigh. "So the spirits have started showing their faces in here too, huh?" He eyes me suspiciously before facing Naru once again.
'Suspicious already? Perfect.'
"It appears so." Naru walks away whereas Mai slumps to her knees.
"Hey, you alright?" Housho directs to Mai.
Mai doesn't respond.
I crouch down, placing my hands on her shoulders. "Mai?" No response. "Mai, look at me." That snaps her out of it.
"Naomi…" She trails off weakly before her expression becomes frantic. "That spirit was looking for Naru!"
"Naru?" Housho repeats in confusion.
She gets up and turns in Naru's direction. "It wasn't a coincidence! I know she came for him! I had a dream last night and there were fox fires all over the school!"
My eyes narrow in understanding. 'So you're starting to develop your powers, Mai… this isn't good…I had hoped you would sit in the sidelines and be safe… wishful thinking on my part…'
Missing my dark expression, Mai continues, "I think that thing was one of them! I can't tell you how I know that, but I'm positive that I'm right! Those eyes… those evil blood thirsty eyes!" She buries her face in her hands and starts to cry. "They were looking straight at Naru."
I glance over at Naru to see him holding an unreadable expression. "Naru." He turns slightly to acknowledge me. "If I were you, I would be careful. It's not just Mai that's worried about you. Don't take unnecessary risks."
He doesn't respond for a moment, but nods. I make a move to leave, but he calls out to me.
"Izayoi-san."
I turn. "Yes?"
"I expect the same."
I give him a wry smile. "I make no promises. After all, I have a job I must complete."
With that, I leave the room.
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
NIGHT
22:00
-Scene change: Saitou Household-
(First person perspective – Nari)
*bzz*bzz*bzz*
"No… please…"
My cellphone takes on a red hue as the phone continues to vibrate.
"Don't leave me…. Ayumu…"
My knuckles turn white from the tension in my hands. A stab of pain enters my side, causing me to crash onto the floor.
"Nari?"
I ignore the voice, opting to concentrate on the vibrating phone. 'Not again… this is the second time today… what have you gotten yourself into Ayumu…? It can't be-' The call finally ends, leaving me gasping for breath as several stabs of pain enter my side.
"Ugh…"
I grit my teeth in pain. 'You were already weakened by that gash of yours… now you've gotten yourself into another mess…' I let out a scoff. 'And here I thought I was the only trouble magnet.'
"Nari!"
I blearily shift my eyes to the shadowed figure before feeling myself encased in a gentle embrace, filling me with a calming warmth.
"…G-gene?"
He releases a sigh of relief before placing his chin atop my head. "Yes… it's me. Nari, your body can't hold out much longer… this is the second relapse."
I close my eyes. "I know… but I just need a bit more time…"
"First the roof and now here… geez, you never seem to stop making me worried for you." He adds lightly but his voice held obvious worry.
I smile sadly. "Gomen… ne…"
"No worries. I… just wish you wouldn't do this…" His voice drops slightly. "But Kaz and I know you won't be swayed..."
"Heh… you two know me so well…" I release a sigh, feeling the pain slowly ebbing away.
"What happened to your hand?"
I crack open my eyes to see Gene gently holding my hand in his as his thumb lightly ghosts over the bandages.
I close my eyes once again. "An accident." I smile wryly. "That's probably a given by now, wouldn't you say?"
"Yeah…" He mutters sadly. "Nari… you're hiding something from me, aren't you?"
I nod, not trusting my voice at the moment.
He releases a sigh. "…I'm going to assume it's risky and something my idiot scientist of a brother would have no reservations to do either." He runs his hand through my hair. "You two are so alike…"
I roll my eyes. "I still don't see it…" I mumble before releasing a sigh. "Don't you… want to talk to him without any restrictions – without the need to hide yourself from him?"
He releases a frustrated sigh. "I do… but I don't think I can yet… we… we already spent so much time planning and I don't want that to go to waste. Besides, when we get him and Mai together… I think he'll forgive me for doing my little disappearing act." He finishes happily.
"Mai's gotten stronger, hasn't she?" I ask, though I already knew the answer.
"Yes. She's improving at an alarming rate. I never expected this… I… I'm proud of her." Gene answers with a wistful tone. "I entered her dream the other night and helped her create the image she saw… I thought she would need more help but she did most of the work on her own. She just needed to know what to pay attention to."
A dull pang hits my chest, but I shove the feeling to the side, ignoring how deep it jolts as I watch Gene's warm smile widen as he talks about Mai. I slightly clench the fabric of his shirt as I look down at my lap.
'That's right,,, I already know you adore her… this shouldn't come as a surprise. Still, why does it hurt?' I close my eyes. 'Does it really matter? No, it doesn't… just concentrate on what needs to be done… '
My vision suddenly blurs before whips of purple and black swim before my eyes.
[A Hitou Gata. A sewer. White hair. Red eyes. Pain.]
I blink my eyes, but the scene continues.
["Naomi… no… - - -… are you? - died - -…" A shrouded figure crouches before the white haired woman. "Baka… you're such a baka…" The figure releases a dry, pained laugh. "I never wanted to see you like this… Looks like it backfired eh…N-"]
"Nari!"
I blink before shifting my bleary eyes to Gene, noticing his worried expression.
"Hey, you ok?"
His words bring me back to reality and I lessen my grip on him. "I… I don't know…" I answer honestly. "I think I'll be fine… just the shock of everything startled me."
"What did you see?"
I glance down at my hands. "I don't understand … that voice… it can only be him…"
"Who?"
"Ayumu…" I trail off. "It was definitely him… but that can't be… he can't be there…"
"Nari?"
I let out a shaky breath. "More complications… things are never easy when it comes to me, are they?" I give Gene a pained smile.
"Even though I don't know what's going on exactly…" He sends me a reassuring smile. "Everything will work out. I promise."
"I guess so…"
"Guess that's as good as I'll get from you. Now, let's say we get you to bed?"
He strokes my hair before picking me up, earning himself a cry of refusal which he only responds with a laugh. "It's fine. I won't drop you." He places me back in bed before covering me with the blanket. "I'll see you later Nari."
He makes a move to leave, but for some reason, I try to reach out to him only to have my hand miss. Shaking my head, I lower my hand before curling in on myself as I hear the decisive click of the door.
I shut my eyes before releasing a sigh. 'I don't know what to do anymore… Why let me see that… Ayumu, you could easily block any of my visions that involve you… so why show me that? What is it you want me to do… or want me to stay away from…?'
03:00
'I can't sleep…' I thought in annoyance before throwing the covers off myself. Throwing on a loose jacket and grabbing my cellphone, I exit my room, stopping for several seconds outside Gene's door before continuing on my way to the office. Closing the door with a soft click, I flick on the lights before booting up the computers.
'Might as well do something productive while I'm up…' I thought as I run a hand through my hair. Huddling in my chair, I reach for the worn sketchbook in my bag. Flipping through the pages, I scan the various drawings – a dismembered hand, a shadowed figure, Ubusuna-sensei, Kasai, stairs, the corner of the track club room, a flipped over desk – before stopping on the image of a purple tinged woman with glowing red eyes. I run my hand across the image before releasing a sigh.
'Things are getting more dangerous… ' I toss the sketchbook back on the table before covering my face in my hands and releasing a groan. 'Too many factors to take into account… too many variables…too many deviations…' I shake my head before lifting my face to scan the contents of the monitors. White screens.
'I forgot I changed them.'
Pulling out a pair of polarized glasses, I perch them on my nose before breaking the security key to access the desktop. Several seconds tick by, but I had yet to move.
*ring*ring*
I frown at the sound before glancing down at my phone to see the words "restricted" flash across the screen. Confused, I flip open the phone before uttering a confused hello.
"Nari?"
I blink once. Twice.
"…Naru? You know it's…" I read the time on the monitor. "…3:20 A.M. right?"
"Your point?"
"…Hmm… you're right. I don't have a point." I muse aloud. "Something you need?"
"Ubusuna Kei… and Kasai Chiaki… I need you to look into their backgrounds."
'Huh straight to the point.' I thought with a frown. "Don't you have the resources to access that information yourself?"
"Weren't you the one who offered to gather information?"
A smile creeps on my face. "That I did. Consider it done. I'll send Kaz the results once I finish."
"Good."
Silence ensues but I don't mind it. Shifting the phone over to my shoulder, I start searching the archives for the information relating to Ubusuna Kei.
"Ne Naru?"
"…Yes?"
"Why are you still awake?"
No immediate response.
I shake my head in disbelief. "… Your ego is going to get you killed one day… or worse maimed." I warn.
"I don't see how being maimed is worse in comparison." Naru responds blandly.
"Well think of it this way…" I shift the phone higher up on my shoulder. "We wouldn't want your little admirers to cry over your loss of attractiveness from a disfigurement." I answer in all seriousness before releasing a small, amused laugh, but even I found it off. No doubt Naru would too, but I knew he wouldn't question it and for that I was thankful.
"…I see." He mutters in amusement. "So you admit you find me attractive?"
I gawk, allowing the phone to slip between my shoulder and ear before clattering to the ground. Releasing a small curse, I grab the phone before letting out a snort. "You're still on that? I admitted the other girls found you attractive."
"You're avoiding the question."
"Obviously. Doesn't take a genius to see that." I rebuke, feeling the room getting slightly warmer. "But really… you're having a staring match with a spirit that can possibly or eventually kill you… I can't tell if you're insanely stupid, brave, or just plain insane."
"I'm merely making an observation, Nari."
"Fine… you're an idiot scientist…. That I can agree to."
"…"
"Naru?"
"*sigh*…It's nothing."
"Suit yourself.… So why call me in the first place? I mean, you're not really the type to call someone unless you want something and now that that's been accomplished, why stay on the line?"
"You're not asleep are you?"
"…That's a rather astute observation monsieur scientist." I mock before returning to a casual tone. "Still doesn't answer my question."
"I heard you had a relapse."
My fingers still on the keys.
"… That's not entirely incorrect…" I answer vaguely.
"So you're still an invalid."
A wry smile enters my face. "That's a technicality. I can still do what needs to be done." I pull out several articles relating to individuals with the last name Ubusuna. Very few matches appear, but that only makes my job easier. Some show me images of males, so I immediately disregard them. "Ubusuna is not a common name…. it might not take me as long as I thought to find more about her… as for Kasai… you don't need her background information. She's not the culprit."
"And your reasoning for this?"
I smile. "A hunch."
He releases a sigh. "I see…"
"Yup… hmm… this may be none of my business, but shouldn't you call Lin or someone to help you out with that little friend of yours? I don't think having a staring match will be quite productive."
"There's no point to bother him if nothing happens."
"How nice of you…" I mutter blandly. "So what, you're going to be staring at it the entire night until it gets bored and leaves you alone?"
"It appears so."
"*sigh* Why am I not surprised…? Then again, this is you we're talking about… Any ideas on how to stay up?"
"I'm talking to you right now, aren't I?"
"That you are… guess it's a good thing I don't really plan on getting any sleep tonight then." I shake my head as I continue to scan the articles. Nothing interesting as of yet – mostly school records, teaching credentials, and the like. "So how's your little friend doing? Still admiring you?"
He releases a scoff. "No change."
"She must be quite enamored with you then. Must make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside."
"*sigh* Why am I still talking to you?"
I let of a laugh. "Not sure… but you can hang up any time you want."
"Very true."
"Ne Naru?"
"*sigh* What is it now?"
I bite my bottom lip. "… If hypothetically you were given the chance to protect several people at the cost of one person… would you do it?"
"If it's hypothetical, then the outcome doesn't matter, does it?"
I roll my eyes. "Humor me."
"…Logically, yes. But even in a hypothetical situation, no concrete sacrifices need to be made."
"… and if the sacrifices have to be concrete?"
"I believe you're intelligent enough to know the answer already."
A smile flitters across my face. "You're right… thanks Naru…"
'I know what to do now… Everything…everything will work out….'
"…"
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
THURSDAY
-Scene change: Conference room 1-
(First person perspective – Kazama)
Mai hands Naru a cup of tea. "What's the matter? Your eyes are all red."
Naru sits down and rubs his eyes. "Our friend came back to visit me."
"Wait a second, do you mean?"
He cuts her off. "Your instinct was right. She appeared at my window last evening."
At that moment, Lin walks in.
"I was afraid something worse might happen if I looked away, so we spent the entire night staring at each other." Naru continues.
Lin's eyes widen in alarm. "Why the hell didn't you call me?!"
"Because I wanted to see what could happen. And I thought it would be rude to wake you up for nothing."
A cold edge enters Lin's voice. "And what would you've done if something had happened?!"
"Then, obviously if it had, I would've called. So stop worrying." Naru dismisses before glancing down at the papers on the desk.
Lin releases a frustrated sigh before making his way to the monitors. "I think I understand your frustration with Nari." He mutters to me, which I reply with a soft chuckle.
"They're quite similar, aren't they?" I muse.
The edge of his mouth twitches slightly but he only replies with a nod.
"Ne, Naru. There's no way it could be Kasai then right? I mean, for her to cast such a big curse, she would have to have a lot of that P.K. whatever power, wouldn't she?" Mai asks.
"It's P.K.-L.T., but you are right. If she wanted to affect so many people, she would need to have quite a lot of that power."
"When we met her the first time, she wasn't able to bend that spoon."
"That may be true, but being weak in P.K.-S.T. doesn't necessarily translate to a strong or weak P.K.-L.T. Those two abilities are separate and shouldn't be compared as a having a direct or indirect proportional relationship." I explain to Mai. "Still, to use that power on such a large scale, Kasai would have to have sound mind, which as we have seen, she lacks."
"That's right and spirits appear to all of the victims in every single incident. The Kasai theory definitely doesn't account here." Naru muses as he glances down at the paper before him.
The door slides open, revealing Ayako, Housho, Masako, and John.
"Well maybe she's off making ethorgy dolls or something." Ayako comments offhandedly.
"You mean she makes dolls night after night and goes around cursing everyone? I guess that's not an impossible theory…" Housho comments.
Mai walks over to Housho. "But whenever you use straw ethorgy dolls, isn't it supposed to hurt where the nail is driven in?"
"She's right, and dolls do not summon spirits." Masako agrees.
"Of course not, moreover, they don't have the ability to cause repeated harm." Naru adds before recognition sparks on his face. He snaps his gaze to Lin and me.
"Lin! Kaz!"
Lin and I share a glance.
"Yes. Of course. It's possible that's the answer."
"It was one of the possible scenarios we drew up… but we didn't take it into consideration due to the lack of information we had. How careless of us." I shake my head. "It makes sense now… No wonder Nari started talking about doll burning again this morning."
"Doll burning…" Naru mutters. "I see… I must have been too tired to pay much mind to it…"
'Too tired to… when did he get the chance to talk to her?' I thought before I pinch the bridge of my nose in annoyance. 'Oh, that's right… I gave him Nari's number in case he needed information… that may have been a mistake on my part…'
Mai sends us a confused glance. "Hm?"
"C'mon, fill us in." Housho pleads.
Naru shakes his head. "I can't believe I didn't realize it sooner." He stands up. "We're dealing with a Zuzo."
"A Zuzo?" Mai repeats.
"There's an extremely powerful hex in this school that is calling down curses on people."
Housho gawks. "Are you serious?"
"Okay then what's the connection between the Zuzo and the spirits?" Ayako asks.
"This hex requires sticking needles into a doll, similar to the use of voodoo dolls. It was something that originated from Onmyoudou. I'll explain so Mai can catch up."
Ignoring Mai's glare, Naru continues, "Onmyoudou has a certain method of cursing called enmi. It's a hex that either involves a Hitou Gata or a possession of the one being curse and driving the nail into the straw ethorgy dolls. The doll's function is to convey the hatred of the person driving the nail. Although the dolls themselves can do no harm, when the Jyusha, or hexer, drives the nail into the Hitou Gata, they call upon Gods or spirits to deliver a death curse."
"Death curse?" Mai repeats warily.
Naru nods. "The Gods or spirits accept the task and carry the curse to the unlucky subject. In other words, the hex actually contracts these Gods, spirits, and even demons."
"So you're saying the cursed desk, the hand that attacked Yoshino-sensei, and the woman that came down from the ceiling were all evil spirits with curses?!" Mai clarifies.
"Someone has cast multiple enmi spells against people at this school. Those who had been cursed were visited by an evil spirit of some sort. The spirits aren't enough to kill their targets immediately, so they torment them to their deaths. It's a very indirect form of murder."
"That's why a series of events continue to take place as this school. And if these attacks were to happen often, I suppose very sensitive individuals would be negatively affected." John adds.
"Yes. An extreme case would be the girl who believed she was possessed by a fox. This explains both the incidents themselves and why the entire school was thrown in such a panic." Naru explains.
"So that's what Izayoi-san meant when she said the accidents pale in comparison to the end result… she meant the victim's deaths at the hand of the curse…" Masako mumbles out sadly.
Gritting his teeth, Housho glances at the others. "If that's true, then isn't it obvious who the culprit is?"
Masako shares Housho's glance. "Obviously, the evidence would seem to suggest the hexer is either Kasai or Izayoi-san."
"W-wait a minute." Mai protests, but Ayako cuts her off.
"Well it has to be Kasai… if not her, then Izayoi-san. Unless they're working together."
Mai looks at Ayako in surprise. "Wait, you really think that?"
"Well yeah. Look, Kasai's abilities were rejected and she was made fun of and attacked in front of the whole school right? And even her teacher friend has been put through hell because of it." Ayako explains with her arms crossed. "They pushed Kasai over the edge, so she sent a death curse on them. She's just making good on her threat. Now if we look at Izayoi-san…"
"It's not her…" Mai denies feebly. "It can't be either of them…"
Naru furrows his brows in thought. "Kasai's not the culprit." He finally mutters before glancing out the window.
Mai turns to him in surprise. "You believe me?" He doesn't respond.
Taking in his expression, I furrow my brows in thought. 'That expression… I haven't seen you hold that before… what are you thinking?' Something unsettling sinks in my chest, causing my eyes to narrow. 'Nari… something isn't right… what's going on?'
"Then you think it's Izayoi-san?" Ayako pushes.
At Naomi's name, I snap out of my thoughts, returning my attention back to the conversation.
"She does have a motive…" Masako trails off. "And her statement is rather worrisome…"
I clench my hands. 'It's only an act… this is only an act… one that's being pushed too far… if things keep escalating this quickly… I won't be able to maintain my role… I need to calm down…' Releasing a frustrated sigh, I turn to Masako.
"Perhaps she does… but did you see her yesterday?"
Housho sends me a confused glance. "Well, we saw her defending Kasai before storming off to who knows where. Then she appears in the same room with the spirit targeting Naru. What of it?"
I send him a dry look. "You recall our conversation with Nari correct?"
"She…" Mai trails off and looks at the ground. "She ended up getting hurt again… because Ayumu was hurt…"
Alarm flashes through Ayako, John, and Masako's faces.
I nod dully. "Precisely. Now, think back to how we saw Naomi interact with Ayumu. Can you truly see her cursing him to death?"
The others look down in thought, knowing they couldn't deny Naomi's attachment to her assistant.
Breaking the stifling silence, Ayako releases a huff"….Sure that may be true, but that doesn't deny the fact that she has an obvious motive and is strong enough to create those dolls. She's our main suspect as far as I'm concerned."
"Sorry Kaz, but I'm going to have to agree with Ayako on this… no matter how much that pains me… Naomi's just the only person who can be behind this… Besides, you saw her expression yesterday, didn't you? She was out for blood."
"Hath no fury like a woman scorned." I recite easily. "I'm sure you all have heard the saying before. I feel it applies quite readily in this situation."
"And your point?" Ayako sniffs.
I send her an easy going smile. "If Naomi is still as unconventional as I remember her to be, I wish our culprit the best of luck."
She sends me an amused glance. "You sure you're not just saying this because of your infatuation with her?"
I return her look with a smirk. "I don't lie, not when it comes to Naomi."
"That's great, but someone could still die if we don't hurry." Masako interrupts.
"We have to act. We can't leave the Zuzo out there. I'd like you all to go out looking for the Hitou Gata. And Lin, Kaz, and I will go looking for the culprit." Naru announces.
"Uh… we're looking for dolls?" Housho clarifies.
"There are two ways to break an enmi spell – turn back the curse on the hexer or burn the Hitou Gata being used. The Hitou Gata are usually buried somewhere near the target. If the hexer is a student or faculty member, it's most likely around here somewhere." Naru explains.
"Somewhere?" Housho gives Naru an incredulous look. "Well, what do you want is to do? Dig up the whole school?"
"Well, the hexer must have buried my Hitou Gata sometime after Monday when we started investigating, so that should be fresh and easy to spot."
"But c'mon, this school is huge…"
Naru sends Housho a cold look. "Perhaps you'd like to leave?"
He releases a sigh. "Alright." Housho concedes before making his way out of the room.
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
-Scene change: Outside Conference room 2-
(First person perspective – Naomi)
Releasing an annoyed grunt, I slam my fist against the wall, ignoring the stinging pain in my hand.
"Where did you put it…?" I mutter out angrily. 'I'm running out of time… No matter how much I deny it, I only have a little time left… possibly one day at most. But even then, it's not without consequences.'
Bringing my hand back to my side, I enter the conference room, only to find it empty.
"Ayumu…" I mutter out sadly before shaking my head and making my way over to the monitors. Glancing through the monitors, I see Ayako and Housho scouring the grounds whereas Naru, Lin, Kaz, and Mai make their way to the track club room. "So they discovered the Hitou Gata at the cursed desk already… It won't be much longer then…" I place my hand over the pendent around my neck.
"Just know I'm doing this for you… please don't interfere…" I murmur to myself before taking several steps forward only to have my vision blur. After several seconds, my vision returns and I release a quivering breath before righting myself.
*static* "Naomi?"
I place a hand on my hidden earpiece. "…Ayumu…" I steady my voice. "How's your end?"
"…Not good… Masako was pushed down the stairs before I could get to her… It seems my hexer really doesn't want me to interfere." He explains bitterly. "Had another run in with my little friend."
I clench my hand before releasing a tired sigh. "I'm afraid I'm not really surprised…" I trail off. "I need you to meet me back in the conference room."
"…You're going to go through with it, aren't you?"
"Yes…"
"You're absolutely sure there's no way I can convince you otherwise?"
I let out a cold laugh. "It's my role."
"…It doesn't have to be."
"I know… but I made it myself… I'll see it to the end."
"…Be careful…"
"I know…"
With that, I turn off the link before making my way over to meet the others.
AN: I wonder what Naomi's planning to do? xD Suspicious… Anyway, Nari's and Naru's phone conversation was the most difficult for me to write… hopefully Naru stayed in character… Also, I know some of the things discussed in this chapter are confusing, but it will be cleared up as the case progresses. If there's anything you want to suggest, ask, or want to see in the later chapters, feel free to review or PM me. I'm thinking of doing a side story called "Decrypted Files" which will have scenes to fill in some of the hidden plot twists in Encrypted Files and the non-plot fluff in the dates the cases don't take up. Let me know what you think and if you have any requests for the themes of some of the one-shots, feel free to let me know. Thanks again for reading. Hope to see you next time.
Ja ne~
G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T
Review Responses:
Twilight Dark Angel: Hi again. Thanks for the review and hopefully you had fun using my characters. (^.^) I apologize for the wait, but college takes over my life. Hopefully this chapter was worth the wait.
14AmyChan: Thanks for the review. :D Yeah… Kaz and Naomi have… quite a history with each other. Same applies with Ayumu… Well, he does have his reasons for leaving. I doubt Nari will find them acceptable, but we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? ;) I'm glad you like the new characters; things will get interesting in the next chapters.
razhel: Nice to see you again. :D I'm glad you liked the chapter and the quick update for the last chapter was to make up for the long wait for this one. Sorry about that… As for what's going on with Ayumu… he and Nari share a close connection with each other because they are twins, but for them, that connection goes deeper. They are able to feel each other's pain, almost to a point where they get the exact same wounds but to a lesser degree than the original wound. I hope that clears things up. As for the pairings, yes, it makes things more interesting when the pairings are not clear-cut.
bored411: Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Sorry for the long wait… hopefully the long chapter makes up for it. As for Nari coming back in time to see Ayumu… she'll see him, but not in the way you're probably thinking. :p In regards to Ayumu not being able to keep in contact with Nari… it partly involves the price she has to pay for saving Gene. Death doesn't like to be cheated after all. That's all I'll say for now. Can't give away too much. Back to the roles question... yes roles do play a large part in this case. Someone has to play the villain, the victim, and the detective, but I'm focusing more on when each person takes on those roles. Naomi's, for example, has predominately taken on the role of the villain for the duration of this chapter. Now the question is why? ;)
Jem Juliette Jewels Jade: I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope this long chapter makes up for the long wait. I'm glad you were able to figure out the mystery boy was Ayumu. :D Hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Fairy of the Friz: Thanks for the review and I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Hopefully this chapter doesn't disappoint.
LuzElvaParra17: Thanks for taking the time to review and wait for this chapter. Hopefully this one is as enjoyable as the last.
DragonSlayer2187: I'm glad you like the story so far. Hopefully this chapter was worth the wait. Good thing you like the mystery because this chapter probably made things more complicated than the last chapter and I agree. It's hard trying to steer clear from breaking the Naru/Mai pairing, but I like straining the pairings a bit but not break them. I wish you the best with your story.
Hetomi: Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
TheUnquietDead: Yup and yup. Love is never clear cut and likes messing with our heads. Makes life more interesting though. But when the couple finally gets together, it makes all the trouble and confusion worth it. Or that's what I think.
