Declaimer: I do not 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 eight.
'Thoughts'
"Mouths moving"
Flash backs
In the Night
By: CloudsLover
Chapter Eight
Fading
The palest ink is better than the best memory.
-Chinese Proverb
4:00 a.m.
It had been at the start of witch hour that their male identity had made his presents known "This footage is remarkable" came Yasuhara's voice as he reviewed and documented the new evidence they had obtain from hours ago.
"He's after the child" Masako's words echoed in Lin's head. He took a moment from entering their new data and glanced towards a sleeping Mai; said girl was currently resting on the armchair that the monk had placed in the corner of the room. "We were so scared…" the fear in her eyes was what had unnerved him the most; it had been the same expression she held in the forest. "I was so scared" she had stared passed him in alarm, as if she had not been herself and for a brief instant he was positive that she might not have been.
'Paranormal activities are drawn to her' the thought that the male entity had tried forcing his way through both: the monks and miko's barrier was something that they should concern themselves with. It was bad enough that they had a witch to worry over and to add just another hostile spirit to worry about would be unbearable to all SPR members. However, the safety of their clients and team was first priority "Be sure to compare these EMF readings to the ones the monk and miko took when we arrived at the house" it was tedious work but it had to be done to show their client proof of paranormal activity not that they need to. Since Hiro-san was well aware that her house was currently hunted.
"But isn't it normal that so much activity is present during witch hour," Yasuhara asked out of curiosity as he had come across an article during his earlier researched. "Everything seems to have settled down since an hour ago..." glancing at the clock once more he continued with "there have been no other activities visible on any of our device..." Lin knew that the younger man was exhausted and in need of some rest "did he purposely show us what he is capable of" Yasuhara glanced at the data before him "then he suddenly goes dormant" startled by onmyoji's voice Yasuhara looked up to see a very much frowning Lin
"Have you ever heard of the hour of the wolf" Lin asked without looking away from the monitors not waiting for an answer he continued, "I agree that many paranormal experts and so called ghost hunters believe that most activities happen between midnight and three a.m. and as such they make most of their investigation during that time." Yasuhara sat up on his chair a bit straighter giving Lin his full attention
"And you don't agree with them" Yasuhara questioned because in the five years he had known Lin, Lin had never been so out spoken. It felt as if something within the group had begun to change and it seemed that those changes had taken place with Mai's return to SPR. Yasuhara's attention was soon drawn back to Lin who seemed unfazed by their current conversation as he easily continued with his work "it sounds to me like you don't fully agree with this method…" Lin stopped what he was doing and turned to Yasuhara with a frown still very much in place
"It's not that I don't agree or disagree..." Lin sighed, seeing that Yasuhara current fascination on the subject. "To fully conduct an investigation in such a short period of time and officially state the data they gathered to their clients as evidence is not a professional paranormal expert… swindlers: better describe them" the room remained silent, only the sound of Mai's shallow breathing was heard indicating that she was still fast asleep.
'And that's just his opinion' Yasuhara hid a small smile as he watch Lin glance towards their sleeping coworker; he had lost count on how many times Lin had stop what he was doing to just make sure Mai was okay "so tell me what is so important about the hour of the wolf… I thought that was just some old Swedish film" Lin smiled catching Yasuhara by surprise
"Doesn't make it any less true?" turning his back on his surprised coworker he continued with "just because the material is used and shaped to an artist own enjoyment doesn't diminish the fact that it's there… for wasn't witching hour also established in the same way centuries ago." Yasuhara let everything Lin just said set in and was about to inquire into the subject even more but that would have to wait since Mai began to awaken from her slumber.
"Mai-chan" Yasuhara's voice came out amused as he watch her sit up from where she had previously slept "Did you sleep well?" Lin continued with his work and Yasuhara being the joker that he was couldn't just let it slide without a little teasing "Mai-chan, you're drooling" causing the reaction he was aiming for from both his coworkers
"I am not" Mai nervously laughed as she wiped her mouth at the thought that she might have been "Where are the others" she asked as she lifted both her arms over her head, stretching out any kinks that might have developed while she slept. Lin watched from the reflection of the monitors as Mai's shirt began to lift slightly from the blanket that pooled around her lap. "Lin-san" Yasuhara hid a knowing smirk as his friend continued on unaware of the affect she had on the older man, "I didn't mean to fall asleep" because it had been her turn to watch the monitors "why didn't you wake me" she asked a little annoyed
"You had a long day…" Lin focused on the monitors ahead of him "just don't let it happened again" Mai smiled at his warning
"Yes, sir" she playfully replied as she stood up from where she had been sitting. Finally aware of the blanket that had previously covered her from the cold "I…" she glanced towards Yasuhara who instantly denied any participation "how about some tea…" she voiced not aware of the slight frown Lin held on his face; he could easily see their interaction from the screen before him.
"No thanks" Yasuhara voiced while Lin said nothing. Mai took Lin's silent response as a no.
"It is a bit late for tea… or early, I should say" Mai voiced as she glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Mai… have you ever hear of the hour of the wolf" Mai couldn't help but pause as she folded the blanket she had been using at Yasuhara's question
"The hour of the wolf…" Lin tried to ignore them even if it had been a subject, he and Yasuhara had just spoken about moments ago. "Night and dawn… the hour when most people die." Mai continued as she finished folding the blanket "when sleep is deepest… and nightmares are most real." she couldn't help but frown "it's the hour when the sleepless are haunted by their deepest fear… when ghost and demons are most powerful" Yasuhara looked at her impressed a look Lin seemed to be giving her as well. Mai had taken time away from SPR and yet her time away didn't hinder her ability about the knowledge of the unknown "you know…" Mai then playfully added, "I also heard that the hour of the wolf is also when most children are born" this only caused both men to cough, Lin being the first to recover
"Taniyama-san, help Yasuhara compare those EMF's readings" Lin couldn't help but voice a little annoyed "better yet why don't you look into those EVP's from earlier today" Mai shot Yasuhara a confused look. Yasuhara could only shrug unable to voice his opinion feeling slightly bad for his friend seeing as he was partly to blame for Lin's current annoyance.
'I shouldn't have fallen asleep' where her only thoughts as she reached for the headphones.
'Great, now she might think I'm upset about her falling asleep' Lin thought as he watched her pressed play and focused on the task he had now assigned her. 'I'm just wasting her time.' He thought, as he watched her go thru those EVP's he himself had finished a few minutes before she had awaken, and yet she was unaware that every passing moment she sat beside him was becoming his personal hell. Lin was soon regretting Mai's closeness since he was becoming too aware of the perfume she was currently wearing; he felt disgusted with himself because he somehow felt he was invading her personal space 'get a hold of yourself' he finally gave up, pushing back the chair he had occupied for the past hour 'A drink… I need a drink' water would have to suffice for anything stronger would be unprofessional of him but Mai seemed to not notice his predicament because she had stopped him soon after his attempt in escaping her closeness
"Lin-san" She was frozen unable to move from her current spot as her gaze was fixated at the monitor before her, she slowly began to remove her headphones "I… think" a chill invariantly ran up and down his spine as Mai's voice soften into a whisper as the EVP's laid forgotten before her.
"What is it" Lin couldn't help but ask she was currently speaking riddles. "Taniyama-san…" he questioned once more noticing her gaze had not left the monitor before her. Slowly turning his own gaze from her now slightly pale face to the monitor that she seemed so fascinated with "Taniyama-san" He didn't sense anything or see anything that might cause alarm "What do you see?" she didn't answer or she was unable to do so "Taniyama-san"
"What's wrong?" Yasuhara asked from where he sat not daring to come any closer "What's going on" Lin ignored him, as his focus was the girl just in front of him.
"Mai?" he called out her name staring into the eyes that looked to be searching for something; something he was unable to see for himself. "Mai?" never in his life had he ever felt this way 'no' he told himself for of course that was a lie. 'In the forest' as he had ran to find her, he had felt hopeless just as he felt now "Mai… you need to snap out of it" he voiced more harshly and yet she didn't respond "Yasuhara, go get the others" not wasting anytime Yasuhara ran out the room slamming the door as he did so "Mai…" Lin spoke softly as if drawing her out from where ever she was. "I need you to focus on my voice… can you do that for me?" as he spoke he sensed her eyes being to shift towards him ever so slightly but they soon reverted back to the screen as if she didn't want to miss it "Mai" he placed both hands on her shoulders turning her slightly towards him
"She knows," she voiced once more just above a whisper as he continued to try and gain her attention "Lin… she's crying… she's so scared" as she spoke he heard it echo through the house, a crying child.
"I was so scared"
"Who's crying Mai?" Lin asked as he noticed her eyes begin to fade. He panic "stay with me…" she blinked "who's crying?" the crying began to get louder as doors began to shake "Mai, listen to me…" the look in her eyes caused him to hold his breath for it was the same far of look she had while they were both alone in the forest "Mai" then it was gone.
The first thing she saw was Lin's worried expression "Lin…" the door opened as Bou-san's voice echoed in the room
"What the hell happened" Bou-san stood in the middle of the doorway blocking anyone else from entering the room as he awaiting for an answer "Mai… Lin" Lin took a step back giving the miko the need room to check up on Mai who had easily made her way inside the room but Mai's stare slowly drifted towards the monitors as if they held the answer to Bou-san question
"I think… she is trying to tell us something" there before them stood a message
"Help Me" clearly written on the wall.
"She knows"
Mai's earlier expression now made sense to Lin as he voiced "Ko-chan, knows that he is after her… and wants our help." but why was he after her was still unknown to them. "Is it still safe here for our clients?" Lin asked reaching over for his water bottle so Mai may take a sip to calm herself down "Hiro-san…"
"No…" Naru voiced as he entered the room followed by Masako "there's no need for that… for the time being he's not interested in them... I have already informed our client that we are handling the situation"
"Are we? Shibuya-san... that burst was a lot stronger than before" Mai held her head in between her hands trying to hold back the headache that was sure to develop as she heard John speak out his concerns "Taniyama-san..."
"Ko-chan… I feel Ko-chan was the one that got away" it was coming back to her, the dream she had from when she had awoken to the male's spirits energy.
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.
A light breeze raffled her dark hair as the scent of smoke was quick to gain her attention, it seemed she wasn't the only one to be out so late at night "Come child…" there a few yards away stood a figure as the young girls eyes began to fade into the darkness…
"Mai" Ayako moved closer to the shaking girl far too cold for her liking placing her arms around the smaller woman's shoulder, she slowly began to lead her towards the chair Mai had previously slept on. "First, please calm down… and start from the beginning" Lin watched on as Ayako slowly took Mai away, causing the distance between them to grow as she did so.
"She was taken… or he failed to take her..." Mai paused not sure, if she was making any sense "I… I'm not sure" she closed her eyes, hating the uncertainty "I don't know" Naru looked towards Masako who stood silently beside him
"Masako" she looked startled by Mai's growing abilities
"Yes… I know what she means" to this Mai looked up surprised as Masako looked a bit annoyed "Ko-chan is currently trap… in an echo of sorts" Bou-san frowned
"Explain" the room remained silent as they watched the young medium gather her thoughts as she was unsure how to explain it clearly for them "or are you unable to do so" Bou-san smirked at the glare Masako sent him
"Ko-chan is trapped within an echo" Masako smirked as she continued "imagine her spirit is a pebble tossed in a pond… her energy caused a ripple effect that is beginning to fade" perhaps that was why Hiro-san and her son were now able to sense her. Since the information that Lin and Yasuhara have gathered, it seemed that no previous owner had seen her or have any knowledge of her presence.
"She's been hiding within an echo…" John looked on sadly; he couldn't help himself and asked, "How is that even possible"
"It sounds like a pocket dimension: a distorted echo of our own universe" this came from Yasuhara "a parallel dimension of sorts" who was being to smile at the thought
"Please control your inner sci-fi geek Yasuhara," voiced Bou-san to which Yasuhara blushed and stepped aside. "Okay, let me try and make sense of what just came out of your mouth." he looked towards Naru who seemed not to be fazed by what his girlfriend just announced "Ko-chan is currently trapped within an echo?" Masako nodded which he continued with "what does that even mean" Masako was about to answer but stopped as Mai took it upon herself to interrupt
"For the love… that is holy" Mai stood up from where she sat, "we hardly know how she passed… or the identity of what is after her" Bou-san looked away knowing that he had strayed from their main objective. "And this is what has you so riled up… a pocket" Mai looked towards Masako for some kind of support which Masako was willing to give; even if Mai had interrupted her mid explanation
"Ko-chan aura is a strong one, the strongest I have felt for a child" Masako paused as she glanced towards Naru who seemed pleased with just remaining silent "that might be what he is after" to this everyone seemed to agree "It's safe to assume she is safe for the time being"
"What makes you say that," Ayako asked as she made sure Mai was comfortable on the chair "how sure are you that we are all safe"
"As Masako stated before… Ko-chan spirit energy is strong and because of this he is unable to pin point her whereabouts" Naru was composed as ever as he handed over some documents to Lin who accepted them silently leaving Ayako's question unanswered.
"What could we be dealing with here Naru..." and it seemed that some of the other SPR members were just as curious as Mai was "can this be another version of Orikiri-sama" she questioned thinking back to when they had meet Yasuhara for the first time.
Yasuhara visible shivered at the thought of dealing with a similar curse he had unknowingly participated many years ago "A death spell?" his voice failed to remain steady as he tried to continue "but that would require multiple spirits? Wouldn't?"
"In some folklore some spirits feeds on the life essence of others… in this case children being the purest form" Mai looked down and couldn't help but worry not noticing the look Naru had sent her way as he continue on with "I'll be sure to look into it"
"Are you positive that Kiyoshi-kun is not in any danger?" Mai voiced just above a whisper she looked up and noticed Lin staring at her before he looked away towards Naru who then reassured her with a nod.
"First things first… Yasuhara find out what happened to Ko-chan" Yasuhara nodded as he moved towards his own computer wondering if he was even going to get some sleep "Mai…" Naru paused changing his mind and continued on with "Masako… speak with Hiro-san and see if her husband's family might know anything regarding this house" Masako smiled very much please with the job Naru had assigned her "Lin, I want you to speak with Kiyoshi-kun and see if the male spirit has appeared before him…" Naru hesitated a moment but then added, "Mai… you are to be Lin's assistant until further notice" which apparently wasn't such a good idea
"What about us" Bou-san asked a little more than annoyed that Naru was pairing Lin and Mai up 'I thought I made myself clear' he didn't want Mai out of his sight. "She's far safer with me… us around" Ayako smiled liking the sound of us coming out of Houshou own mouth but to this Lin looked displeased with the monks' chose of words.
"Bou-san" Mai understood where he was coming from but it felt unfair "I'll be…"
"We still got a witch after you, Mai…" the room remained silent even Yasuhara stopped what he was doing "we shouldn't have come here… after you were attacked… we should have left" this went directly towards their boss who remained unfazed by Bou-san current outburst
"That was out of the question" Mai voice became harsh causing the monk to step back in surprise because Mai had never spoken to him in that way. "I'm glad Naru choose to continue… regardless if his decision puts me in danger" she sighed releasing any frustration she had towards him as she continued with "Look... I know that I'm in danger… but rushing this case just so we can focus on my problem isn't fair to Hiro-san or Kiyoshi-kun"
"I think…" Mai felt a warm hand on her shoulder and for the first time since Mai's return Masako felt at ease. Which only caused her to fell apologetic towards the Mai who seemed overwhelmed moments before. If ever asked if she did it out of kindness she would of course deny in doing such a thing "we all need some rest… we'll start again in the morning" Yasuhara looked pleased at the thought of a few hours of sleep
"Not you, Yasuhara… continue on with your work" Naru added before he exited the room, one by one they began to make their way back to their sleeping quarters, Bou-san being somewhat reluctant but was easily pulled away by Ayako who was very much determined to get a few extra hours of rest. Mai smiled as she reassured them both of her safety
"I'll be fine" Mai watched the slider door close as both monk and miko left. Her smile slowly faded into a frown, which both remaining men didn't fail to notice
"Are you feeling okay Mai-chan," Yasuhara asked before starting on his research yet again. Excepting the fact, that sleep was hours away from him still "perhaps you should rest a bit" Mai of course refused this offer all together with
"How can..." however, she didn't get to finish her sentence as Yasuhara saw the perfect chance to tease her but Lin who seemed to know what he was up to ruined that plan easily
"Taniyama-san, how about making us some tea?" Mai seemed startled for a second. Lin had never asked her to make him tea before, she had always assumed when Naru wanted tea that Lin did as well. She couldn't help but smile
"Of course, Lin-san... I'll do that now" she was flustered as she opened the sliding door. After the door closed once more, Yasuhara spoke after clearing his throat
"Does that... us," Yasuhara playfully began wondering if Lin would react at all, to his teasing, "involve me in it?" Lin turned his back refusing to answer. "I'm hurt" Yasuhara voiced as he yawned becoming far too tired to tease anyone "I want some us tea" well maybe he wasn't as tired as he believed to be "some us tea sounds great" Lin was starting to sympathize with the monk who was a regular focus of the younger man's teasing nature.
Day 2
7:45 a.m.
It was a busy morning as part of the team remained in the monitor room, Yasuhara had done a great job gathering some leads. John had been kind enough to volunteer, giving Yasuhara a well deserve break. A man who lives close to the Hiro resident had contacted them that very morning. It turns out that Yasuhara had written to the village counsel man regarding their current investigation and said counsel man had then made contact with a family who have a connection with the previous owners. Giving the team a very much need break but not enough to calm their nerves "she looks a bit pale... Houshou" voiced Ayako looking on with concern as they, watched Mai work alongside Lin silently
"I don't blame her..." came Yasuhara voice as he lifted his head from where he had slept for just few moments. "She's been throughout a lot the past twenty-four hours" he sat up feeling his age as he did so for he was becoming too old to be sleeping in front of a desk as if he was still a high school student. "If I was in the same situation, I don't think I would be able to keep smiling as she does" and sure enough, there Mai stood smiling her bright smile as she sat on the floor where Koyoshi shyly continued to play with his toys.
"That's what makes Mai so special..." Ayako smiled at the scene before her as Mai handed Koyoshi-kun a block as he continued to build his tower. The scene was a comfort to the Miko as she watched Mai interact with the Koyoshi-kun but somehow her lover didn't seem to be seeing the same thing as she was or perhaps she refused to see it by ignoring it completely.
"I can't help but think that... we are shaped by our thoughts, we become what we think." Bou-san voiced unable to hide his concern "when the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leave," Ayako looked at him in somewhat confused not understanding what he was trying to say "I'm worried, Ayako"
"Why" Ayako asked noticing that Yasuhara had once more fallen asleep "Mai told us she was fine" Bou-san sighed
"And you still believe her" Shocked by his words Ayako looked towards the monitor once more and watched Mai's moments
'She wanted too' she thought as she watched the boy slowly being to crumble into the sadness that Mai seemed only understand
"She's holding back tears..." they were too busy to notice Lin's slight hesitation as their focus was on Mai as she held onto the young Hiro boy "that's what worries me the most" because there had been a time when Mai was once comfortable to cry in front of them "Ayako" the miko didn't need to be told
"I'll inform Hiro-san" because what the young Hiro boy needed now was his mother, Ayako looked one final time towards the monitor finally understanding what Houshou was trying to say "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus on the light... Mai isn't alone Houshou, remember... she had us" Bou-san smiled for they had that same conversation in the van, a conversation what seemed like days but in reality was only a hours ago.
The sliding door closed leaving Bou-san with his thoughts accompanied by only Yasuhara' light snoring "what if that light only seems like a flicker…" they were slowly losing her to darkness: a darkness so deep he was scared it would consume her "what if that light isn't enough" he continued to watch her unaware that Lin was doing the same.
7:55 a.m.
Lin saw Mai's smile as she approached Koyoshi-kun as the young boy began to gather his toys. "Gene... my brother" he recall what Noll had to say before Mai had been possessed by Ko-chan's spirit. He had forgotten up until that moment 'did Taniyama-san, know Gene before his death?" but all those thoughts had to be pushed aside, as his attention was drawn once more towards Mai.
"Good morning, Koyoshi-kun... is it okay if Lin-san and I play with you" Mai's soft voice filled the room, Koyoshi-kun just shrugged his shoulders in response to her question "I can see you like building blocks," but Mai continued unfazed as she sat next to Koyoshi-kun who shyly continued to play.
Lin smiled when she turned towards him silently asking him for help 'you can do this' he gave her a slight nod as reassurance to continue
"I bet you could build a tower as tall as me if you had enough blocks," she didn't move from her spot or even join in, giving Koyoshi-kun enough space to feel at ease "Have you ever tried to build one?"
"No" Koyoshi-kun answered causing Mai to smile for it was a better response than the previous shrug from moments ago.
"No!" she voiced in disbelieve, brightening the room with her positive attitude "never, ever" she sat up straighter as if determined to try, "do you want to try" she asked giving him a moment to think it over "we could try?" she tried one final time but once she saw Koyoshi's hesitation she stopped persisting any further.
Lin watched them both silently as he debated in stepping in, he was still a little rusty speaking with children and was still no better than his last attempt; which had caused Mai's possessed body to hide in the woods so many years ago.
"You know..." it seemed she had made her mind about something. Something that she wanted to share for the first time "I can still remember the tower my dad build with me when I was your age..." Koyoshi slowly looked up and noticed as Mai's fingers lightly moved one of the triangle block shape with the tip of her finger "that was the last time we played together" Lin watched Koyoshi's eyes focus onto Mai's action looking for any form of deceit.
"Your dad... died" Koyoshi whispered unsure as to why he was even talking. Mai nodded in response unsure if her voice would be steady enough to answer, after a few silent moments he spoke once more "they say he wasn't my real dad" Mai failed to hide her displeasure.
"It doesn't matter what others say" Mai picked up the tringle and handed it to him as she added "the only thing that matters is what you believe he was to you" Mai smiled and with that smile Koyoshi seemed to break.
"My dad... died" Koyoshi's voice broke long with it came unshed tears "My dad's gone" Mai held out her arms easily embracing Koyoshi into a warm hug causing Lin to hesitate slightly at the sudden shift in emotions.
"I know…" she patted his back knowing that she wasn't who he needed "I know…" but knew that she would be here soon. Lin couldn't help but wonder if Mai had ever wished for someone to hold her just as she was holding Koyoshi-kun. Causing Lin to wonder if this was the reason why Mai returned in the first place
"Mai didn't return because of me" he recalled Noll saying
"Who then" Lin remembered asking unsure if Noll would respond
"Gene… my brother" he had the strangest feeling that Mai was just as broken as Koyoshi-kun was, and at that very moment, he wanted to know the reason why.
8:50 a.m.
The Hiro family's garden other than their kitchen was Mai's favorite part to spend what little free time she had burning the duration of this case 'this is nice' she thought as she looked at her surroundings. The scent of evergreen filled the air as a light breeze passed throughout the red pine needles causing the branches of the trees to sway as it did so. She need to clear her mind and the garden was the perfect place to do so. If only they gave her time I accomplishing that 'here we go' she thought as footsteps could be heard as they neared
"Mai…" she was well aware that he was worried about her "can we talk" the whole SPR team was worried, some tended to show it a lot more than the others and Bou-san was one of them
"Does it have to be now" her tired expression wasn't enough for him to send him away
"Mai" and the hopeful tone in his voice was enough to brake her resolve "please talk to me…" she sighed feeling the tension on her shoulders begin to relax
"What do you want to talk about?" she already knew what he wanted to know but she still felt the need to ask
"I've never asked you… I always assumed…" he stopped as he noticed that Mai was becoming uncomfortable. "I'm sorry…" he ran his hand throughout his hair wondering how he could rephrase his question without both of them being embarrassed by it. "You once told me that Naru wasn't truly Naru?" she couldn't help but blush as she remembered the first time she had gone drinking with him.
"I was drunk…" it had been her first year in college as much as her fellow students enjoyed the freedom it had been a dark time for her, for many it was the first year they would be off on their own without their parents trying to control their every move. However, for her it had been just another day, another year and it had developed into something dark she had tried to hide from the rest of the team perhaps that was the start she has begun to push them away. Therefore, they wouldn't have to witness how much she had begun to fall.
"Were you… because what I recall from experience is that drunks tend to forget" she laughed at his persistence and knew that she wasn't going to fool him so easily, not this time. They say that there are three type of drunks in this world, the first being the happy drunk, those that declared their love for all. The second being the crying drunk anything could be the result in uncontrollable tears. Finally the third being the angry drunk, the ones who seem to be at war with themselves and took it on those around them.
Mai was a mix of the two; an angry drunk that ended up in overwhelming tears "I can't be happy all the time Bou-san" he knew that of course. However, he still remembered the pain she was in; he had never mentioned the incident to Ayako because he knew that it would only add to her worry.
"Is Naru the reason you can't be happy?" she had told him in the van that she had not returned because of Naru, so he had assumed that she had moved on or that she had never been in love with him to start with. However, he recalled the pain she had been when she had spoken about him; angered words that had turned to tears that did not seem to have an end. Tears that ran down on her lovely face as she rambled on about a boy, he knew as Naru "you said that: he was always smiling and that he was kind, that he seemed to care about you" she wanted him to stop "that you didn't know, that you thought one day Naru would smile like that too"
"Please, stop" she shouted surprising them both as she did so "please stop" she whispered, it hurt because he had no idea that the Naru she spoke of in her drunken state was truly Gene. The pain in her heart was deep and still fresh and no amount of alcohol would ever erase that from her mind "please… Bou-san" it hurt too much, even now "please stop" tears began to gather 'I didn't know anything' she told herself as she remembered that he had always saved her, had always cheered her up and she had yet to thank him "I was wrong until the very end… okay… I was wrong" Bou-san didn't know what to say or do for he still didn't understand "we can fall in love alone too… right?" He saw hope in her eyes "Bou-san… I don't want to cry anymore" the rustling of the leaves and the sound of chirping birds nearby sang their song, bringing an eerie calm to the garden. The morning sun was now at its point in the midafternoon sky and Mai just stood there welcoming their song, hoping that it would ease the pain she felt with in her heart.
"Taniyama-san" all she wanted some peace and quiet. Bou-san had left a moment ago noticing that she need her space and well aware that he would get nothing more out of her "I need to…"
"I would like a moment alone…" Mai sighed seeing Lin's hesitation, just as moments ago with Bou-san she quickly changed her mind it was time that she stopped pushing the people that cared about her away. "I'm sorry Lin-san" she tried to smile as she noticed the worried look on his face and felt the need to explain herself "I knew it was going to be hard coming back… but I didn't expect it to like this" the clouds were drifting away, bringing the heat of the sun down. The light breeze that came just as moments before was of no comfort to her now.
"You have been running away" it wasn't a question, since they both knew the answer. "Since when?" he wanted to know so he could start to understand her. Perhaps come to understand them both. Ever since Gene's death, Noll had complete cut himself off emotionally from those around him. Meeting Mai had somehow unlocked some of those emotions, reminding Lin of the days before Gene's death "when did things swift between you that you can't even be in the same room together"
"After finding Gene's body" she answered after taking a deep breath "everything changed… between us" there was an calm silence that fell giving Lin the opportunity to ask a question that had been plaguing him since his conversation with Naru just the day before
"Noll…" there, he noticed it once more, her reaction to their boss's name "He… never mentioned you knowing Gene" not that Naru would have mentioned such a thing. Months after their return to England, Mai's name had become taboo to his young boss. Back then it had never crossed his mind not until recently that his own feeling had come to existed did he question their relationship at all.
"Remember she was the one that…" he recalled Noll words before he had interrupted him from finishing. He had thought that their tension between them had to do on how they parted ways. The only reason he could think of had been that Mai had been the only one not present at the Gene's funeral. Even now, he had hoped that they had settled their issues on the night that Mai returned to the SPR. However, knowing Noll's stubbornness, they might have started where they left off and that would be arguing with each other once more.
"As I'm sure you have guessed that… Naru and I didn't part in the best of terms" it had been a dark day for the both of them and the days that followed were hard for her to accept.
'Noll unexpected return to England most have come to a shock to her…perhaps even more so than the rest of the SPR team' Lin wondered as he watch Mai come to terms with something he was still unaware of
"I know…" she looked away ashamed of herself as the words spilled freely from her mouth, maybe it had become easier after her own conversation with Bou-san from moments before "I know, it isn't fair to Naru…" and yet she couldn't help herself but recent him "but I hate him…" Lin didn't know how to respond for he had been unprepared for such a reaction "I hate him… a hate so deep… so dark…" she looked at Lin and he knew that what she was saying was what she had tried to hide from everyone, possibly even from herself "and it frightens me… I'm scared Lin…" she whispered letting go of any walls that she had been hiding behind from "the longer I look at him… the more this feeling grows" she placed her hands above her heart as if the action alone would cause that hatred to stop.
"Why" was all he could ask since the girl he remembered wasn't the woman he was now looking at, so broken "Why do you, hate him so much" tears came down her sweet face as if it had been the first time in months she had allowed herself to weep, and these tears unlike the others could not be stopped.
"Because… he isn't Gene" as those words passed her lips, she looked away from his startled expression "He isn't the boy I feel in love with in my dreams" she smiled sadly as she added "I felt so cheated…" she tried to laugh but it just came out broken "still do…" Lin watched her carefully, he now wondering how much Mai had been hiding all these years, as he watched her try to hide her tears from him.
'No… not just her… Noll never mentioned it either' Lin knew both twin brothers well; and their strengths in the supernatural but it never crossed his mind that Gene would remain in the spiritual world by choose. "We never told you the reason why Noll…" he took pity on her for now he somewhat understood her agony "why Naru and I had set headquarters here in Japan" in reality he, just as Naru had, they had never saw the need in telling them until it was truly necessary. Noll's safety was his first priority other than their goal on finding Gene's body and Mai's involvement had never crossed his mind.
"No… neither of you mentioned…" she couldn't help but frown, as she looked away from him once more "not until the very end, did you kept it secret… Naru's true identity and Gene's death" hadn't she been the same thou. The past few years had given her time to think on what could have been different: would she have still fallen in love with Gene if she had known he was a wondering spirit? Would her feeling towards Naru be any different than they were now?
"We… it wasn't our intention" Lin knew that his words had no worth at this point for what was done was hard to change. "If I had known…" he stopped as he noticed her body shift where she stood, a low tapping sound echoed around the garden. "Taniyama-san…" a childish giggle burst from her mouth without warning "Taniyama-san…" a care free smile appeared on her face causing Lin to frown, sensing Lin's threating aura, Mai smile became a sad expression as her possessed body took a step back. The SPR members and those currently on the premises where to carry a protective charm at all times, so seeing Ko-chan possession of Mai's body had come as an unwelcome surprise.
"Ko-chan… forgive me" He wasn't going to make the same mistake again, this time around Lin was sure to take a softer approach towards the young spirit "I didn't mean to frighten you" Ko-chan sensed his swift in mood, Lin watched her carefully as she tried to grasped his sincerity.
The tapping sound became louder, as its rhythm continued to grow in tempo.
There was a sense of panic as she turned and pointed towards the side garden that lead them back towards the main house "What is it?" Lin didn't sense any danger that Ko-chan seem to be. Ko-chan continued to point towards the main house the tapping sound began to grow louder causing her eyes to widen in alarm.
"It's not safe, Ko-chan" Lin took a step towards Mai as his need to protect her grew every passing second. "I need you to release your hold on her" he was asking her nicely and Mai's smiling face informed him that Ko-chan understood his unspoken warning "be a good girl…" her smiled faded as Ko-chan released her hold on Mai's body. Lin was well prepared as Mai's unconscious body fell towards him.
The tapping sound from moments before disappeared "Mai" Bou-san called out as he made his way back towards where he had left his young friend moments before "Lin-san" the hint of surprise was not missed by the onmyoji for he still held onto Mai's body protectively "What happened?" Bou-san asked after coming to terms on the situation before him.
"Ko-chan had possessed… Taniyama-san" it was alarming to hear that Mai had been possessed once more. Shaking his head Bou-san concluded the following
"Silly girl…" Lin looked on as Bou-san took a hold of Mai's still sleeping form. His hesitation on releasing his hold on her had been brief but noticeable by the man in front of him. However, Bou-san continued as if nothing had happened. "She most of missed placed the protective charm Ayako and I gave her" Lin didn't respond as he watch the monk carry Mai towards the main house; he silently followed after them as he contemplated a solution "it's not like I can attach a string to it"
"Perhaps you can't… but I can" Lin voiced with some thought. Bou-san stopped mid-step before entering the Hiro household as he turned to stare at Lin "her safety is far more important than mine"
"Since when?" Bou-san asked looking very much like the over protective brother. Lin had made up his mind, long before his encounter with Mai in the garden, probably even before then "if this is some hero complex" Bou-san's hold on Mai tightened slightly, not enough to case the sleeping girl any harm
"Of course not" Lin was very much offend by the monks choose of words "don't insult me… or her" because Mai deserved something greater. Bou-san didn't show it but was very much pleased with Lin's response.
"Alright, lover boy" Lin frowned causing Bou-san to smile "what can be better than one of Ayako's or my protective charms"
"This…" Lin reached into his button shirt and pulled out a talisman that typically hanged around his neck "it has protected me, I have no doubt it will protect her" Bou-san had no doubt that what Lin was saying was true, because what regularly hung round Lin's neck was a Taoist charm.
"Zhu shen hui bi" Bou-san replied in Lin's native tongue catching the other man of guard "evade all the spirits" this time Bou-san didn't hide his smile "you must really like her" with that said Bou-san entered the house, leaving Lin to come to terms with what just happened.
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
