DISCLAIMER - see chapter 1
"Lin!" Ayako cried as she entered, John and Monk-san close behind. Ayako was at his side in an instant, feeling for a pulse, waiting with her eyes closed in focus. "Monk-san! John! Get him on the bed now!" She shouted as her eyes snapped open and she turned to Mai quickly, waving a hand in front of her eyes, watching her shiver and her ragged breathing. "She's in shock." She said to herself, raising a hand and slapping her hard across the face. "Mai! Snap out of it! Lin is still alive!" She insisted before turning back to Lin, who was now lying on the bed. "Naru, wrap her in some blankets and try to calm her down! Fai! I need hot water, disinfectant, needles, thread, small pliers, a sponge, cotton wool and some tissues! Masako, help him!" She ordered as she ripped the sleeve of her top and tied her hair back, pulling up her other sleeve before heading for the bathroom and washing her hands.
"What can I do?" Monk-san asked as she re-entered the room, knowing that the priestess knew what she was doing.
"Wash your hands; John too, I might need help." She replied as the two men entered the bathroom. Mai slowly came back to herself, registering the urgent activity around her and Naru's soothing words. He's alive…Lin-san…He's not dead. She thought dreamily, the activity around her slowly coming back into focus.
"Mai? Are you alright?" Naru asked as Fai and Masako returned laden down with all that they had been told to get. Around the bed Ayako ripped open Lin's shirt, frowning at the ugly wound, large chunks of wood still lodged in his flesh. As she examined the wound John wiped the pliers and needle with disinfectant thoroughly.
"Oh God, don't you dare Lin-san!" Ayako shouted as his breathing slowed, his breaths loud and heavy. "Houshou, bring a light!" She ordered as she took the pliers and leaned down over the slowly bleeding wound. Monk-san grabbed the lamp from the bedside table, ripping off the lampshade and tossing it away, either ignoring or not noticing that Ayako had used his first name.
"Sorry Fai, I'll replace it later." He added as he held the light close to the wound as Ayako delicately pinched a large splinter of wood in the wound and pulled back very slowly, a small drop of sweat trickling down her face as fresh blood seeped from the wound. John reached across with a tissue and wiped the sweat from Ayako's brow while reaching to the wound and dabbing the blood away with the cotton wool as Ayako went in again.
"Not now!" Masako whimpered pleadingly. Mai looked up at her shivering frame in confusion until she felt the presence herself.
"Naru! He's coming back!" Mai cried as she got to her feet and ran to John, covering her hands with his. "Let me take over! You have to exorcise him! Keep him busy!" She ordered as she took the cotton wool, wiping the blood from the wound as John pulled his cross from beneath his woollen jumper and held it out, closing his eyes in concentration. It was odd to see him waiting to do an exorcism without his cassock or Bible; Mai just hoped he'd be able to do it. Ayako was slowly pulling the splinters out, working as quickly as she could without making the wound worse.
"Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy…" John began before he went flying into a wall, falling to the floor unconscious, the cross slipping from his grasp.
"Mai! Focus!" Ayako ordered as Mai looked over at John. Mai nodded and soaked up the blood, watching Ayako examining the wound closely, motioning occasionally for Mai to wipe more blood away so that she could get a closer look at the wound. "Alright…" She sighed quietly as she picked up the disinfectant and dripped it onto some cotton wool before lightly cleaning the wound. She lifted the threaded needle and leaned close to Lin's stomach, carefully sewing the wound shut with steady nimble fingers.
"No! Naru!" Masako cried as Naru was pinned to the wall and choked by an invisible force. Mai heard a low curse from across the bed and Monk-san drew back.
"Mai! Take the light!" Monk-san ordered as he thrust the lamp into Mai's hands and turned, raising his hands and chanting quickly, the force holding Naru flying at Monk-san instead, hitting him hard in the stomach and then on the back, knocking him out.
"Not yet…not yet…" Ayako pleaded desperately under her breath as she continued sewing, until that same invisible force pushed her away, pinning her to the ground and strangling her. Mai froze for an instant before taking up the needle and sewing, her stomach turning as she watched the needle piercing the skin, small droplets of blood leaking out, the thread turning red as she pulled it through, the wound slowly being closed.
Why are you working so hard little girl? Tohru's voice asked in her head. Mai found it harder to move suddenly, as if something were filling her body, but as she looked at how close she was to finishing she fought with all her might to keep moving. Why fight the inevitable? You won't save him; I'll kill him myself, with your hands! He continued, slowly taking over Mai's body. Her hands stilled, shaking as Tohru stopped her and she tried to continue.
"No! I won't let you kill Lin-san!" She cried as she slowly fought to tie off the string before stepping back from the bed.
Why? What is he to you? He is nothing! He isn't even your friend; he's just someone in the background! Tohru taunted, delving into her mind, forcing up all of her past memories of Lin:
"I don't need your help!" The tall man said coldly as he slapped Mai's hand away, glaring up at her a blood dripped down his face. Mai was taken aback as she held her hand, feeling hurt at the dislike on his face as he stared at her.
"How's your leg?" Mai asked cheerfully as she looked up at Naru's tall assistant as he leaned on his crutches holding a small video camera beside the van while Naru looked though some notes. He looked down at her with a glare, causing her to back up. Please hurry and get here everyone! Mai thought nervously.
"Um, Lin-san?" Mai asked as she saw the tall man heading to his office with a file. He paused silently and looked down at her coldly, quietly annoyed at being interrupted. "Would you like some tea?" She asked hesitantly as she clutched the try to her chest.
"No." He snapped in response as he went into his office and closed the door loudly. Jeez; no need to snap, I only asked! She thought, feeling both annoyed and a little hurt.
"Here; I made cookies." Mai said cheerfully as she placed the plate on Lin's desk as he typed on the computer. His fingers didn't even still as he sensed the movement beside him.
"I don't want any." He replied without turning around. And here I was trying to call a truce…Mai thought sadly as she left the room, leaving the cookies behind.
"Oh no! Lin-san; I'm so sorry!" Mai apologised as she looked up from her place on the floor were she'd fallen after running into him. The file he had been carrying was on the ground, the pages scattered all over the floor.
"Watch where you're going!" Lin snapped as he knelt down to gather the papers, not looking at her as she quickly helped.
What can you possibly see to save in him after all he's done to you, how can you defend him? Let me take over and he'll never upset you again…Tohru tempted as he tried to take over again. He's right…Lin-san has been short and rude sometimes…but…
"No! You don't know Lin-san! Don't even try to judge him!" She cried as she thought of the man she had come to know:
"Mai!" Ayako cried in horror as Mai was pulled along the wooden floor towards the hole, her skin scraping painfully on the smooth but old floorboards.
"Ayako!" Mai screamed in terror as she reached out, seeing the door pulled open as Lin entered.
"Taniyama-san!" He exclaimed as he ran towards her as fast as he could, desperately reaching out for her, his fingers inches away from hers as she gave him a look of pure terror.
"Lin-san!" She cried fearfully as she slipped further away, seeing the look of horror on his face as she slid over the edge of the well.
"Mai! Hold on! Lin-san's coming down for you!" Ayako called as a rope was dropped over the edge of the floor into the well. Mai waited nervously as Lin slid down to her and took a chair from Ayako, gently helping Mai up onto it, his hands securely on her waist. Mai blushed; his hands were so gentle even though he was usually so cold.
"Alright, I've got you. Start climbing." He said assuringly, watching as she took the rope and tried to pull herself up. "Put your feet on the wall and walk." Lin instructed as she put her foot on the wall. She felt his hand on her back, supporting her, pushing her up slowly. Oh God! I'm wearing a skirt! She thought as she glanced back with a blush, but Lin wasn't looking at her. He was looking at the floor or the wall as he pushed her, looking anywhere but at her.
Mai gasped as she tripped, the cup slipping from her grasp and smashing on the floor. She closed her eyes, feeling herself stop in mid fall, a strong arm wrapped around her chest from the side.
"Lin-san!" She exclaimed in surprise as she stepped back with pink cheeks. "Thank you…Uh! I better clean up!" She added with a blush as she began picking fragments up, a sharp edge cutting her hand. She gasped and closed her eyes, feeling someone take her hand. She opened her eyes to see Lin caressing the skin of her hand, his piercing eyes examining the deep cut before he took off his tie and wrapped it around the cut. "Wait! You'll ruin it!" Mai objected as she tried to pull her hand away, but Lin gripped her wrist tightly.
"Don't worry." He replied, his face looking gentle for the first time.
Mai watched as the ghost pulled the scythe from its mouth, the blood pouring up its face and over its eyes as it stared at her and Naru. Mai felt her body shake in fear, and then Naru's hand was on her wrist.
"Stay calm." He said assuringly. Someone, anyone, John, Ayako, Monk-san, anyone! She cried inwardly, opening her eyes as the ghost disappeared and a flashlight shone down from above.
"Naru? Are you down there?" Lin called. Lin-san! Mai thought gratefully as she looked up towards the light.
Oh God! Not again! Mai thought as she fell forward in the corridor bracing herself for the impact of the floor, but she never hit it, someone had their arm around her. Mai looked up to see Lin giving her a helpless sigh with a smile as he helped steady her, a file clutched securely in his hand.
"This is becoming quite a habit Taniyama-san." He said as she regained her footing, her breasts crushed against his arm, her hand on his chest for support as she looked up at him with a deep blush as he leaned down, his face only inches from hers. "I…um…" Mai stuttered, his lips so close to hers that she could feel his soft breath, and as she looked up his eyes were so kind. I've never seen his eyes so…warm…She thought as he stepped back and readjusted the file in his grasp.
"Could you bring me some tea please?" He asked as he put his hand on the handle of his door.
"Sure!" Mai replied brightly as she continued her way into the office. He's quiet…but…Lin-san's a good person. She thought cheerfully as she entered the kitchen, glad that she was making some progress with him.
"Come on, I'll drive you home." Lin-san said as he shook Mai's shoulder. Mai opened her eyes groggily, unsure of where she was or what was happening. I was working…I should be working…She thought tiredly as she was slowly helped to her feet and led across the office. Lin put his arm around her shoulders securely, pulling her to his chest as they walked down the stairs so that she wouldn't fall. Mai felt the air on her face and looked up to see the empty streets.
"What time is it?" She asked tiredly as Lin led her to the van, unlocked the door and helped her up.
"One O'clock." He replied before closing the door and walking to his side of the van. "Do you have your keys?" He asked as he started the van. Mai nodded and got out her keys, putting them on the dashboard so that she didn't have to look for them later before slowly closing her eyes, feeling Lin reach across and pull her seat belt on. Lin-san…He really is a nice guy…Mai thought tiredly as she fell asleep.
Where…where am I? Mai wondered as she woke up. She was lying down on a bed, her bed she realised as she looked around the room. But how did I get here? She wondered as she sat up, seeing a note on her dresser. 'I'll put the keys through the letterbox. See you tomorrow, Lin.' He must have carried me all the way here from the van! She realised, knowing that she hadn't walked up herself.
"Did you stop him? Did I?" Naru asked fearfully, his blue eyes wide in terror. Monk-san stared at the boy, taken back by the unusual expression. Usually nothing would have rattled Naru, though Monk-san could hardly blame him this time. Tears pricked the edge of Naru's vision as he awaited the older man's answer, the hand fisted in the monk's top quivering as he waited.
"No; he didn't. We got here in time." Monk-san replied softly, gathering the boy up and cradling his naked body soothingly. Naru cried into Monk-san's shoulder uncontrollably, the older man holding him tighter in response and rubbing circles on his bare back. "Hey; it's okay; you're okay." Monk-san soothed as John grabbed Naru's robe and put it over the younger teen's shoulders, letting his hands rest there supportively as the naked boy tugged the robe tighter over himself.
"Mai, are you alright?" Lin asked as he looked down at the girl in his arms. Mai pushed herself back and forced a smile, tears still running down her cheeks as she looked up at the Chinese man's concerned expression. It was unusual to see the stoic man rattled, and he clearly wasn't used to dealing with a hysterical teenage girl, but still it meant a lot that he was trying.
"I'm fine." She replied shakily, finding that she couldn't stop crying despite herself. "I just need a minute okay?" She added tearfully as she leaned into his arms again, a small hand reaching up to grip the front of his shirt. He held her comfortingly and rubbed her back gently, occasionally running his long fingers through her honeyed locks. He smells nice…comforting…I feel safe…After a while she heard Naru get to his feet and pick up the scattered papers, which had fallen from his grasp as the spirit first took over.
"Come on. We have work to do." Naru said coldly, not even looking at Mai as he left the room. She felt Lin getting up and caught his sleeve, the Chinese man looking back at her with an expression of curiosity with a hint of dread and discomfort.
"Thank you Lin-san." Mai murmured as she released him, pulling her knees up to her chest and burying her face. The older man said nothing before she heard his heavy footfalls departing, somehow feeling lonely. She felt the bed move and looked up to see Monk-san sitting next to her with his arms open. He always knows…With a small smile Mai shifted closer and leaned on his chest, feeling his arms wrap round her, enveloping her in warmth and security. "How did you know?" She asked after a few moments of silence.
"Lin was watching the screens. We were talking for a minute and when he looked back he saw you and Naru in here and knew something wasn't right." Monk-san replied in a soothing tone as he wiped her eyes gently.
"Of course things have been awkward between us! We got off on completely the wrong foot, but that doesn't mean that we hate each other! It doesn't mean Lin-san is a horrible person! He's kind and he cares! He does! And nothing you say will ever change that! So I won't let you hurt him!" Mai cried as she took control and felt him leave her body. "Where did he go?" She thought aloud as she looked around. Lin was too badly injured, but there were five others to choose from. She looked at Naru, who knelt on the floor holding his throat, but she knew that Tohru wasn't there. John was still down. He must have hit his head really hard on the wall. She thought as her eyes moved to Monk-san, who was slowly pushing himself up with a groan, looking around in confusion until he saw Ayako, throwing himself on his knees beside her.
"Ayako! Wake up!" He cried as he shook her shoulders, his look of horror slowly turning to relief as Ayako moaned and slowly opened her eyes, her hand reaching up shakily to touch Monk-san's cheek. His expression softened as he leaned into her gentle caress and closed his eyes.
"H-Houshou…" She sighed as he helped her to sit up, one arm looping around her shoulders to support her as he checked that she was alright. That only leaves…Mai looked at Masako just as she launched herself, her hands grabbing Mai's throat and pushing her to the floor roughly.
"This one was much easier to convince! Women are so weak, especially when it comes to men!" Masako mocked as she bashed Mai's head against the floor, a painful lump forming from the constant abuse. Mai reached up and took Masako's hands gently, not even trying to pry the hands away.
"Masako…Get a hold of yourself! I know you're not like this!" Mai urged, seeing Masako laugh as she leaned down. Their faces were barely an inch apart as the medium squeezed tightly, Mai choking at the grip on her throat.
"It's no good, you can't reach her now; she's lost in her own fantasy of revenge…Revenge for the pain you caused her!" Tohru mocked with Masako's voice. Mai pushed Masako back by the shoulders and glared at her, tilting her head back to get more air.
"Masako wouldn't do that! She might think it, but she'd never hurt anyone!" Mai cried insistently, and suddenly Tohru wavered and let Masako go as if he had been burned. "Masako?" Mai said uncertainly as she grabbed the girl's shoulders and looked at her closely, the medium's hands reaching up to caress Mai's shoulders in return.
"I know Naru would never forgive me if I killed you…He helped me to overcome it." She replied with a weak smile before falling forwards into Mai's arms, her head leaning on Mai's chest peacefully.
"We have to do something!" Monk-san insisted as he and Ayako got to their feet slowly. There was a loud groan and John was back on his feet, lifting the cross into his hand he prayed again. I don't know if there's anything I can do…If Lin were here I know he and his shikigami could do something! Mai thought, laying Masako on her side before crawling over to the bed to kneel beside Lin's unconscious form, her hands reaching out to grip his arm.
"I don't know if you can hear me, or even understand, but we need help! I know I don't have any strong powers like Lin, but…if there's something you can do, then please, use my strength and do it!" Mai begged, feeling something warm and gentle brush against her cheek. It was a white light, a very soft and gentle light that caressed her almost in an assuring way, and then the other four joined it.
We know you Taniyama-san…Our contractor sees you as a trusted friend. The feelings he feels for you, we also feel, and we know we can trust you, therefore we will allow you to use us as you will. A soft voice said, and she knew it was the shikigami speaking. Well…I got what I asked for, but what do I do?
"Um…Can you stop Tohru?" She asked, feeling the shikigami brushing up against her and wondering if this was what they did to Lin every day. It was an assuring feeling.
We can, but it may be harmful to you…We require much energy for attacks of this sort; even Lin is usually drained to the point of fainting, and your energy is already low…If we use your energy you may not survive at this point, are you willing to take that risk? They asked, brushing her comfortingly. If I don't do this…everyone could die…I can't just sit back and let that happen! She thought as she held out her hand, feeling one of the shikigami on her palm, almost like a small inquisitive pet looking up at her.
"I am." She replied without a trace of doubt. For the others, for Naru, I can die. She thought as the Shikigami moved up her arm and brushed against her cheek.
We knew that you would say that. Your self-sacrificing and caring nature is one of the things that drew him to you. You are a very brave human Taniyama-san. They said before leaving her and heading for the centre of the room, a shrill sound filling the air, though it seemed that no one but Mai could hear it, and suddenly the room fazed. Everything looked like it was in negative; all the dark colours looked white and the light colours look dark green, but it was also hazy, like wind was rustling the edges, and in the centre were the five shikigami in a circle. All of them looked like balls of white fire, and in the centre of the circle was a clear unfazed image of Tohru on his knees clutching his head. Is this what Lin-san sees when the shikigami are working? Mai wondered, secretly thinking this world was quite beautiful. She watched the shikigami attack. They were ruthless; ripping holes through every inch of Tohru's body, his cries of agony ringing in Mai's ears, tears streaming down her cheeks as her energy was slowly drained away. So I'm really going to die…I can barely keep my eyes open! She thought as her body weakened and she slid down to the floor, her vision blurring. I can't hold on…I hope my energy is…enough.
"Mai." Naru's voice said, but Naru was a blur on the other side of the room, and as she looked up the face she saw was in focus. Am I dreaming? She wondered as the Naru before her smiled sadly and gathered her in his arms. "You really are a fool." He chided tearfully as he touched her cheek lightly. "I wanted you to live above all else." He added as the tears fell. Mai reached up her hand and stroked his cheek, the boy before her leaning into her touch.
"I know." She replied with a smile of understanding. I wish he'd said the words before I died. She thought as she let her eyes close, the last of her energy leaving her. My chest…It's burning…It hurts…so much…