Author Note: I feel I should warn everyone that the outline for this fic is pretty long (like the longest I have ever planned). This means this is going to be a long story, if things go according to plan.
~CWA

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: BLOODSTAINED LABYRINTH PART VIII

Day Three (Continued)

Danny was the one who gave the bad news to Miss Igarashi, explaining with such sincere sympathy that it was unlikely that Suzuki was going to be found and if she was, it would likely be just a body. The older woman didn't take the news well, crying and sobbing into Danny's chest. Mai had never seen Danny look so broken up about something before. Hearing Danny say those words though just brought them all to the harsh reality that their job was a tough, dangerous one sometimes.

Currently, they were explaining to Naru what they had found- everything from the trail ending to the hidden room to their 'strange evidence.'

"A hidden room," Naru asked skeptically.

"Yep," Mai said, popping the 'p' with an easy grin.

"But that's not all," John added as he held up a bloodstained lab coat, "We also found this."

Naru came over to the coat, though Danny steered clear of it. To him, the stench of the blood was strong and being so close to it was almost sickening. He felt his stomach twist slightly and the brief image of his previous mother and father hunched over him with blood staining their own suits came to mind. He shook that image away as he tensed slightly, his hands shaking. Mai looked over at him briefly with a bit of concern, Masako and Ayako doing the same, noticing his change in demeanor. He gave them a reassuring smile, trying to let them know that he was alright.

"Read the tag," Monk stated as Naru got a bit closer, "Miyama Charity Hospital, the one founded by the first head of family."

"That would mean that this lab coat was issued by that hospital," Naru mused.

"But what would it be doing here in a hidden room?"

"I see something," Naru narrowed his eyes as he examined the coat closer.

He brought it over to the table and took something out from the pocket. The others gathered around closely as Naru unfolded the paper to reveal that some form of money.

"Wow that money looks really old," Mai mused, "It looks like there's something written on it."

"What does it say," Ayako questioned as Mai took the money to look closer.

"Ura…ru…kyo…shi…mina…ha…rai..sho," she pronounced slowly.

"What the hell is that? It doesn't make any sense," Ayako exclaimed.

"It's dirty, I can't read it in some places."

Both Naru and Danny looked at the paper closely themselves from beside Mai, reading it nearly perfectly. They both got thoughtful looks on their faces as they deciphered the meaning.

"Why would someone write on money," Monk questioned.

"Maybe whoever it was didn't have anything else to write on," John mused.

"Let's keep investigating," Naru finally stated, "But be sure to stay together…"

Mai and Lin were stuck together in the room, the others split off to investigate. Lin typed away at his computer, ignoring Mai's presence. So here I am, having to stay and keep watch with Lin, Mai thought a bit irritated, He's been in such a bad mood since yesterday. He hasn't said two words to me this whole time… She stood up,

"I'm going to get some tea, do you want any Lin?"

"No…Thank you," he said firmly, not even pausing from his typing.

"O-kay," Mai said hesitantly, "So what do you think happened to Suzuki?"

Lin continued to ignore her as he typed away at the computer, causing Mai to get a concerned look on her face.

"Why aren't you talking to me, Lin? I really didn't mean to do anything to offend you! I was just surprised that you were Chinese and I guess I just said it wrong or something because I think you're great and I didn't want to do anything that could hurt your feelings."

At that, Lin finally turned around. His black hair swept over one of his sharp brown eyes. The twenty-five year old's face showed no expression other than minor annoyance.

"I'm fine. I just hate the Japanese. Do you even know about what has happened historically? Do you know what they did to my country? You should pick up a book. Not to be rude, but I am not interested in befriending anyone who is Japanese. Especially those who don't know their history."

Mai bit her lip as her face heated up. My heart is pounding so loud. I don't know what to do. I usually feel this way when I'm angry but this is different. I feel… sad… She clenched her fists as tears bristled at her eyes.

"It's not like I'm stupid about it. I know Japan did some terrible things, but hating people know for what happened then is… I don't know, but it just seems really wrong," her voice wavered, "Just think if everyone did that then the whole world would have to hate each other forever and it would be awful. We have to learn to forgive each other! I can understand if you don't like me because I'm annoying or something but I'd really wish you wouldn't hate me because I'm Japanese…"

Lin stared at her blankly a moment before chuckling, throwing her off guard as he gave a sly grin.

"Sorry, it's just someone said the same thing to me a long time ago… You just made me remember that."

"Oh," Mai muttered, "Was it Naru?"

"Oh no… When I told Naru, I'm pretty sure he's exact words were 'that's stupid.'"

Mai gave a small smile and nod,

"That sounds like him," she said weakly.

Lin continued,

"I don't hate you, Mai and I'm sorry if I made you think I did, but my heritage is very important to me and I can't just get rid of my feelings… So will you forgive me for saying such hateful things?"

He stood up and bowed slightly, which she returned.

"Absolutely."

They didn't get a chance to speak anymore as the others of the SPR group, and Danny, walked into the room. Danny refused to meet anyone's eyes, still obviously torn up that he was unable to find Suzuki.

"Hey guys," Mai greeted, "Did you find anything?"

She didn't receive an answer as there was a tapping sound on the window. Danny looked over toward it curiously, as did everyone else, but he knew it wasn't a ghost. Though he had to admit, seeing a faint outline of someone knocking on it wasn't exactly a friendly picture. Mai and Ayako were quick to jump to each, exclaiming,

"G-GHOST!"

Despite the seriousness of the case, Danny couldn't help but laugh hysterically as the window opened. A woman with shoulder length hair that Danny didn't recognize entered, but apparently the others knew her as they all relaxed.

"Hi everyone," Madoka greeted cheerfully.

Naru felt his annoyance peak as the woman entered. They quickly ushered for her to take a seat, but she paused as she looked at Danny. She took in his tall lean, but muscular frame, strange hair and eyes, and rough appearance with stride as she thrust her hand toward him. He hesitantly reached out with his hand, allowing the woman to grasp it both of her hands, shaking it up and down cheerfully with a strong grip.

"Hello! I don't believe we met! I'm Madoka, Naru's teacher! I recognize you from your pictures, Mr. Fenton! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Danny could almost feel his shoulder popping in and out of place at her strong handshake. He sent a weak look toward the others for help, but they all shook their heads.

"I-It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Madoka," Danny stuttered politely as he pried his hand out of her grip, "… A teacher of Naru's, huh? That must mean you have some dirt or stories on him?"

He gave her a sly grin, causing her to wink,

"Oh I'll be sure to share those embarrassing stories about Naru with you when I can!"

At that point, Naru stepped forward,

"Madoka," he snapped, "Why in the world did you show up here?"

Madoka took a seat by the table with a calm expression, not only minding Naru's harsh tone.

"I wanted to tell you what turned up in my investigation."

Investigation, Danny wondered as he turned to Mai. Mai leaned in to whisper to him, informing him that Madoka was the one who got Naru on the case in the first place. He nodded in understanding and turned his attention back to the conversation.

"But you know it's dangerous here," Naru stressed, "What if something had happened to you?"

"I'd guess you'd just have to rescue me then! Let's start with Suzuki, the girl you called me about this morning… I questioned all the taxis and cubs and no one saw or picked up anyone with her description. Let's move onto the disappearance that happened two months ago. Apparently the boy was here having a party with several friends. They reported he staggered out of the room at one point and never came back…."

Madoka started to read off the papers she brought with her.

"…A week later there was an official search party and that's when the twenty-one year old man from the fire brigade disappeared…. As for the Miyamas, I'll start with Kaneyuki. The man was meticulous. Listen to this, an employee from his silk mill was embezzling money from the other workers. He was, understandably, fired. But Kaneyuki also fired the man's only son who worked at the mill as well as three other sons who were on staff at the hospital. The house that they all lived in as well as that of his daughter and son-in-law was actually rented to them by Kaneyuki and they were all evicted from the property."

"He threw them out," Mai cried, a bit raged.

"Yes. Apparently even the embezzler's parents were also employed by Kaneyuki on the grounds here and he told them to clear out too."

"Geesh," Ayako huffed, "Talk about through."

"Yeah," Madoka agreed, "The man became famous for it… Anyway, Kaneyuki wasn't a social guy. He insisted on hiring maids from outside the area. He was very adamant about keeping others away from the house. Over time, the locals became to suspect something fishy was happening. His son also tried to keep people away and people began to say some strange things."

"What kind of things," Danny asked.

"Whenever people asked him why he kept building onto the house the answer he always gave was that there were ghosts in there and he was doing it to keep the ghosts inside and keep them from getting out."

Keep them from getting out, Mai wondered as Madoka handed Naru more sets of papers and envelopes.

"You'll find everyone's personal history in here, all nice and neat," Madoka said cheerfully, "Can I do anything else for you?"

"Yes," Naru said simply as he took the papers and envelopes, "I'd like you to investigate Miyama Charity Hospital."

"You go it," Madoka cheered as she started to leave, through the window just like she appeared, "Bye!"

Danny watched the woman leave before he glanced over to the stained old money that Naru was holding with a thoughtful expression. Just how is this going to tie up? They're connected somehow… I can feel it… And if the guy was trying to keep the ghosts from getting out, at what cost was he willing to pay for it?

Mai, Ayako, Masako and Danny all headed down the hallway together after their encounter with Madoka. I wonder how Ellie is, Danny thought, I hate being away for so long just for a single case, but this one is taking longer since I can't exactly look around as a ghost with so many people here… I hope she's okay. Are they feeding her enough at the daycare? Did her powers slip yet and they're waiting for me to return to explain it? Or is she keeping a good hold on her control as she plays with the other kids? Ayako noticed Danny's thoughtful expression and nudged him slightly.

"Just what are you thinking about?"

Danny gave her a startled expression as if she surprised him, causing the other two girls to look at him curiously as well. He finally just gave a sheepish laugh.

"Nothing much, just wondering if my little sister is doing okay. I had to leave her at a daycare while I take this case and I don't like being away from her for long."

He scratched at the back of his neck nervously as the girls shared a similar look of appreciate and awe. Wow, Mai thought, Danny sure does care a lot about his little sister. Especially if he can think about her during a serious case. They didn't have time to dwell on it, however, as they continued down the hall and bumped into the staff assistant of Mr. Minami. He had a bored vacant expression on his face and walked with a bit of a slouch. He stood in front of them in a boring manner.

"I'm sorry about this afternoon," he said, his voice coming out bland, referring to the events surrounding Mr. Davis, "I hope we can find Suzuki soon. Even though her trail had disappeared…"

He glanced briefly toward Danny, whose eyes were glazed over a bit as he got lost in his thoughts. He bowed his head toward everyone politely,

"Goodnight."

Mai watched as the man walked past them, heading down the hall by himself.

"Atsugi seems like an okay guy," Mai mused out loud, "I wonder what he's doing with a jerk like Minami."

"What's even more baffling," Masako chimed in, "Is why Naru would hire you as his assistant."

Masako, Ayako and Danny started to walk again, leaving Mai a bit behind them. Though Mai was quick to catch up.

"Hey! What do you mean by that!?"

Danny let out a laugh as he stopped briefly for Mai to catch up. He ruffled her hair in brotherly affection,

"Don't take it to heart, Mai, I'm sure Miss Masako is just messing with you."

She gave out a small huff. Yeah well I wouldn't be too sure of that… Danny just gave her a small smile and turned briefly toward Ayako and Masako,

"This is where I will leave you lovely ladies," he gave a playful bow, "I think it's time I retire into my own bedroom. Be sure to stay safe."

They both gave a small nod as Danny left them, but Mai noticed that no one told Danny to be safe as well. I guess it's pretty obvious he can take care of himself, Mai mused, but I think he needs someone… I mean, he admitted he was an orphan too and he has a little sister to take care of. That on top of being a ghost hunter, all by himself, it must be really lonely…

Mai stood alone in a place she didn't recognize. It all seemed empty space, as if she was nowhere at all. Yet it didn't seem to bother her, she felt a bit calm and she realized it must be another weird dream. However, she did see Atsugi walking ahead of her with a heavy slouch, a vacant expression. An unsettling feeling set in her stomach and she wasn't sure why, but she knew if he continued walking in that direction then something bad was going to happen. He was going to get hurt or worse. She cried out to him desperately.

"Hey," she called out, "Wait! You shouldn't go over there! Come back! If you go that way something bad is going to happen!"