AN: Hey everyone! Sorry for the long hiatus, my desktop decided to take its next journey to tech heaven on Monday. Lucky enough the hard drive was savable. Which had the beginning of this chapter, finally extracted all my files to transport them to my laptop.

Also wanted to say thank you to all those who favorite, followed and reviewed Beautiful Chaos.

Lastly; I know I said back a few chapters ago that I would not go into explicit detail regarding Mai and Naru (lemon) if the time comes, just out of respect for my readers and the rating. But I did get a few private messages from followers of the story asking if I can put their lemon in. If you could take a few moments of your time and vote on the poll in my bio regarding the topic.

Option A: No Lemon. But still, keep the teasing

Option B: Yes Lemon! Rating will change from T (teen) to M (mature)

I am personally okay with each option. I originally wanted it to have a few lemons within the story because I believe it shows the growth of the characters and them coming closer to each other on all levels. I will always keep the hot steamy teasing between the two because I like it and I like to write them. But please if you can vote on the poll or leave a review if you have any other thoughts. Again, if you like reading how I write my story thank you. If not and you are uncomfortable with sexual content (I've gotten a few choice words from some as well) please don't read or bypass the content within. Thank you :)

That's all folks! (Anyone knows where that's from? Don't make me feel old)

P.S. its a short chapter. Please forgive me. I know where the next chapters are going, I just need the results of the poll to really get the nail in the coffin

Chapter 21

Monday, May 14th

Case 2: Day 1

Atman Academy for Gentlemen and Ladies

I don't know how long I have been walking through the forest. Lizzy never came after me. The sunset and the only light was coming from my phones flashlight and the orbs of the spirits. The forest was dense and thick to get through. My feet scratched and bleeding from the tough dirt and rocks. Thorns from trees and bushed ripped at my arms and legs. My dress was caked in dirt from the countless times I tripped over vines and fallen branches. And I am pretty sure I twisted my ankle badly at one point. I held my heels in one hand while the other held my phone.

"Why do I do this to myself?" I realized some time ago that I shouldn't have acted so reckless and run off after floating orbs. But I couldn't wait for the others either. I know, I somehow know that these spirits are taking me to the black box in the forest. And if I had waited, I would have missed the chance to do so. The forest was mostly silent besides the wind rustling the leaves and the subtle hooting of owls

"Mai, What the bloody hell do you think you are doing!" I screamed a little at the sudden voice. Gene appeared in front of me with Kat by his side

"Jesus Gene!" I met up with him. Slapping his arm, grateful that I am his host and is allowed to touch him "Announce yourself next time! I'm alone in the freaking woods!"

"Turn back right this moment. I can lead you the way." He pointed behind me. If I didn't know any better I would believe Naru stood in front of me.

"The others are out here looking for you" Kat sternly said with crossed arms "We need to get you to them" I walked past the duo, knowing they are right but I had to continue following the orbs.

"I can't. I know they are taking me to an important location" I pushed branches out of my way, trying to not get far behind the orbs "Please, go get the others and lead them to me"

"Mai, this is dangerous." Gene said "My brother is livid"

"Figured." I stopped and looked at the two spirits behind me "Go get him. I'll be with Kat. Tell him I am okay and to not worry" I smiled, the look of defeat crossed his eyes as he sighed knowing he wasn't going to win. He vanished and left me alone with Kat. Who wasn't so pleased with me either

"Mai -" she started

"I know. I reckless and I shouldn't have run off on my own"

"Yes! How could you be so stupid." she walked next to me "Granted, Oliver is the last thing to worry about, what would have happened if a Hunter sought you out?" to be honest that thought never crossed my mind

"I guess you're right on that." The trees started to thin out and the dirt and leaves of the forest floor slowly turned to rough sand. Standing before me was a metal chain link fence, a lot taller than the one on at the school. Beyond the fence was a massive black lake. The moon still waking in the night sky shined dimly on the smooth surface, small ripples slapped the edge of the sand as the wind blew. The orbs floated across the lake

"Mai….look" Kat pointed to across the lake, in the direction of the orbs. Hard to see in the night, but with the little help of the moon. Stood the black box I had seen earlier in the evening.

"I knew it. I have to get over there" I looked to the fence, daring to climb to the top

"No. this is where I draw the line, Mai. You are going to wait here for Gene and the others" Kat blocked my way to the fence "Even I can feel it. There is something about this place that is dark."

"Dark?"

"Listen, Mai, Carpe's are not the only ones who use magic. There are many different types. Ours is just the natural source. This type….this is sinister." She placed her hands on my shoulders. I looked past her to where the orbs were, floating above the lake, not moving. They showed me their target. But then the below them, the lake started to glow a white-blue light

"K-Kat" she turned to where I was looking. The whispers that coaxed me into the forest grew louder in the wind "Any chance you know what is happening?"

"No" I removed myself from her grasp. I touched the fence.

"I have to get through. It's too high for me to climb" I rubbed my hand over the semi-thick metal "I think its time to practice using fire"

"Mai. You are not going out there!" I didn't listen. I remembered what Kat taught me days ago. She helped me focus heat in a specific location. If I can concentrate on heating up the metal under my hand, I could get it to its melting point. "Mai I said stop!"

"I wish everyone will just stop telling me what to do" I gritted through my teeth. The metal under my hand glowed red, smoke pooled beneath. Slowly like moving lava he metal dripped to the ground. Siring as it touched the cold earth under my feet. Kat stood beside me in awe

"H-how did you think to do that?" she stumbled her words. I rolled my eyes, which is becoming a new habit of mine as of late

"I am not stupid" I huffed. The metal formed a hole large enough for me to squeeze my small frame through. Careful to not touch the still red metal as I did.

"I never said you were" Kat followed, even though I knew she desperately wanted me to turn around "I just haven't spent much time teaching you fire. Water seems to suit you better. But you handled it with ease. Controlling it beautifully" she fell to a whisper.

The orbs of the spirits still gathered in the center of the lake. The water below glowing dimly in the shades of white, blue and green. Wind ripped the top. I was mesmerized by the way the seemed to dance in the air. Something was out there. The water was calling me, like a moth to a flame. I dropped my heels and bag at the edge of the lake. The water crashed around my ankles as I made my way in. it was cold, my feet went numb quickly. But I kept forcing myself deeper into the water. I watched as the orbs descended into the water below, the water was close to the hem of my dress, near the middle of my thigh, I panicked, trying to rush forward into the water, not wanted to lose what the spirits lead me too

"Mai!" Shouts behind me came to my ears. Then crashing of water. A strong hand gripped my upper arms and dragged me out of the lake, not allowing me to get my footing. I stumbled my way out. The surrounding area was dark and I couldn't see since I let my phone drop next to my heels and bag. But I didn't need any source of light to know who was my capture. Naru.

Naru slammed opened the base room door and threw me in roughly. Not expecting the force, I lost my balance and fell heavily to the wooden floors. Thanking the stars that I didn't hit the near by coffee table on the way. I twisted so I was on my bum and glared at the man towering over me "What the hell is your problem!" The rest of the team filed in behind, sticking close to the wall nearest to the door. Lizzy was there, with a look of regret written all over her face. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kat and Gene appear to the right of me near the monitors.

"Get. Up." his tone chilled me to the bone. I've seen Naru get mad, or annoyed. But this was different, for the first time that I have known him. I was scared. My arms shook as I pushed off them, then the trembles moved to my legs. I didn't dare look at him. My heart pounded in fear. It was like I could feel this dark mass coming off him, colder than the lake water. The room was silent, no one brave enough to speak up…let alone breathe the wrong way.

The lights above flickered. It wasn't my doing…

"Miss. Elizabeth, gather Miss. Taniyama's belongings and bring them here." I finally looked at Naru, shocked at what he had ordered, and that he used my surname. Lizzy clearly not working listened anyway and rushed out the door

"Naru-" I tried to protest

"Dr. Davis" He growled out. Tears pricked at the edges of my eyes "You know longer have that privilege. I sent word for a car to take you to the airport. You will be returning to Japan. Due to your curtain situation, I am giving you three weeks worth of pay this coming Friday. To cover any expenses"

"W-what?" mumbled. I was confused, I know I messed up but Naru is really angry

"You no longer work for me, Miss. Taniyama" My breath caught in my throat. The tears finally escaping their prison. My mind went blank as his statement echoed in my head