Case 05, Part 01
Mai was not going to be in Japan for both Christmas and New Year. Unfortunately not… at first I thought she was going with a happy note, family time and celebration of Christmas and New Year. I knew it was common to spend Christmas with family and celebrating New Year with a lot of people in Italy, so I presumed Mai was looking forward to the festivities.
She was not.
"I would love some private time with my family, but unfortunately… while it would be peace and quiet for Christmas…"
-For what the emphasized word worth for her family anyway-
"My New Year is going to be a ball night and…" She didn't finish her sentence and left the rest to his imagination. "I wonder if I could spend the whole night barricading myself with my family members…"
I raised an eyebrow at that.
"A ball is not every girl's childhood dream like Cinderella make it out to be." Mai informed me with a snort. "It's my nightmare… I'd rather sitting around kotatsu and eating oden or hotpot."
Definitely not very princess like of her. She'd rather have oden and kotatsu than a luxurious ball. Her whole family could call her princess and yet she preferred humble if not frugal lifestyle.
"Especially since I have to plan the whole event myself." She growled under her breath. "You know… the guest list, the menu… decorations, entertainment and everything while I don't even want to attend them! Especially the part where I have to wear a dress! Putting some make-up and act like a princess!"
It made me a little confused, considering Hayato was very much at home with luxurious goods. He was especially an avid fashionista, because the last time I and Gene had conversation about clothes with him –I didn't know how we get there from physic of moon gravity and U.M.A myself- he mentioned about sending Gene and I a nice coat some designer gave up after a fashion show, and how his walk in closet was already full with them.
"Are you really growing up with Hayato?" I couldn't help but wonder.
Mai stared at me, "Excuse me if I don't like social event like a New Year party with strangers… I am sure you don't like them either."
"No, I don't." I despised social event where you had to act like you care for most of people attending the said event, even though you didn't know them. Not to mention half of the girls in the party usually drooled over me or Gene, I was sure they couldn't tell us apart even if we wore different clothes.
Mai snorted, "Bad memories hm…" Of course she could tell I was recalling those. "Whatever happened in the past… well, it sets in stone anyway."
She always seemed to be somewhat detached and yet couldn't be apart from past for some reason, most likely because she possessed such a strong post-cognition.
"Ne, Naru… do you believe in prophecy?"
As usual Mai never warned people when dropping verbal bomb on them. The question almost caught me off guard, but I managed to answer calmly. "Depends… if you're talking about horoscope, no I don't."
"I am talking about prophecy from a seer." Mai began to explain, "And I am not talking about prophecy from ESP medium like Masako-san."
Lin entered that moment just in time to catch the last sentence Mai said. "Prophecy?"
Mai nodded, "Yes… I tried to find something about seer but you don't have such book… so I thought you don't believe them. Even though precognition is said to be a genuine psychic power…"
I sighed at that, "I'm just not interested in them, especially since listening to one could turn to a self-fulfilling prophecy…"
Mai just laughed at that, "Is that so? Hm… I wish I could say that to her."
Silence…
"Are you implying you know a genuine seer?"
She had the gall to flippantly reply, "Yes… and she has a message for you."
Once again silence fell in the air, and I broke it in cool voice. "In that case, tell this seer I am not interested to hear any." Although… I was curious, since this was Mai who believed the said seer. The chance this person was genuine seer was high. "You tell this seer about me?"
"A seer… Naru, since you're not interested in them… you should know they never ask about the person they made prophecy of." Mai explained to me. "If they did… it would be just a name for formality sake and nothing more, if someone claim they can see your future and ask for your birthday, name and horoscope… most likely you're conned by a fortune teller…"
"And your friend isn't?"
"Well… my friend is not a fortune teller…" Mai was giggling now. "She didn't give me monthly horoscope. In fact I never once ask her to tell the future."
Was it because…
"I fear for her."
Not for herself?
She coughed, clearing her throat. "You did say the dead know no more than the living aside about death… ne, Naru?" I nodded at her. "Which is why they can't tell the future… well, the same goes for this friend of mine."
"What do you mean?" I couldn't help but wonder.
"The moment she can't tell the future any longer… would be the end of her life." Mai muttered in saccharine voice. "She couldn't tell the future beyond her death."
It was a well-known fact pre-cognition was one of the most unstable ESP ability, in fact even a proven esper could get their prediction wrong… as future was a fickle thing. However this was the first time I heard of someone with precognition with such limitation. If it could be called that.
Mai just laughed again, "Well… future is not set in stone, never has…" She stood up from the sofa then placed pulled a brown envelop from her pocket. The letter was sealed with a black wax seal with lily flower mark, which was unusual to be used nowadays. "Here, it's yours to do as you please Naru… throw it away to trash bin or read it…whichever."
Then with that parting words she gave me a peck on the cheek before leaving SPR office. I stayed rooted on the spot with the letter on my hand and feeling the last shred of warmth that imprinted from her hand to mine.
Lin's eyes were glued on the letter and I knew he was as curious whether I was going to read this letter from stranger who knew me by the hand of fate.
I opened the letter, it was very short… so it didn't take me long to finish it. Lin was about to ask about it when I throw the letter to nearest paper shredder.
"What's written there?" Lin asked warily.
I shrugged, "Nothing important." I answered. "I didn't shred it because I'm offended by what written inside… in fact whoever wrote it is a very polite person." Not someone high and mighty because they knew the future, for sure…
I myself could see the future, after all psychometry was ability to see both past and future to some extent.
However… aside from that pocket watch of hers, Mai… she was the only person whose possession I couldn't read at all. It was not like I ever tried to violate her privacy but everything she possessed in this office and her apartment, not even one of them… not even one I could sense a link that tied to her existence.
It as if… she didn't belong here or her own apartment. Mai had become such a dominant presence in my life and yet… for some reason my psychometry told me this girl didn't exist…
It made me wonder, every time she walked away from me… would there be a time she would disappear on me and I couldn't see her even in the vision of the past?
On flight to Italy (3rd POV)
"Of all people to pick me up from Italy because Kyo-san had went ahead…" Mai couldn't help but a little surprised when she sensed who came for her. "It's you Mukuro…"
Their mist sat behind the control panel, grumbling. "Well… I want to complain Hime."
Mai rolled her eyes, wondering if her guardians even realize if not because she was their sky, her complain on them would reach beyond stratosphere. "What is it, Mukuro?"
The ex-convict took a deep breath, "For once, could you please don't force people who got on my nerve to my care?"
Ah… so, it was this again?
"Well… not all could be like our sweet and shy Chrome." Mai droned on. "Fran is a prodigy, and you don't want to teach idiots…" How did Fran landed on Mukuro's care, the detail was a bit fuzzy but from what she knew pineapple was involved somewhere.
What's with Mukuro and that fruit anyway?
"Fran is already a lost cause!" He hollered, "I'm talking about that… Gene!"
Mai blinked at him, "Erm… what did Gene do?" She didn't expect Gene to be the one he complained about, because… Gene was Gene.
"He is not scared of me at all!" Mai gave him an incredulous look, and Mukuro elaborated. "As in… he thanked me for showing him hell! It's like a roller coaster ride to him! And then… he is so polite and…"
The Vongola raised her hand. "Alright… I get the gist." Gene's good nature just natural got on his nerve, like how Mukuro was a natural to get on Kyo-san's nerve. "And you know what? Considering what's on the stake, I don't care."
Mukuro scowled, "Of course you don't Hime…" He was almost tempted to curse 'damn filthy mafia' but that would be self-defeating. "Oh, by the way… expect Hayato to confront you about the twins…" He informed his princess almost petulantly.
Mai perked up at that, her eyes widened for a moment before she leaned back to the backrest with a sigh. "I see…"
The mist paused, "What's with the mild reaction, try to get worked up a little… Hime…"
Mai gave him a deadpan stare, "You guys worked me up all the time with your mischief already."
It always effective, calling their antics as childish mischief.
Mukuro's left eyebrow twitched dangerously. "Still… you're not worried at all?"
"Hayato is no longer the naïve puppy that worship the ground we walk upon…" Mai told him bluntly. "He of all people… know very well we're not perfect, both Tsuna and I have our weakness… he acknowledge that and still pledge himself to us regardless. That is why he is our storm… our right hand man, not because of his pedigree." She was so glad Hayato grew out of his puppy like admiration towards them, unlike Basil.
The illusionist's lips twitched at that, "Ha ha ha… I guess none of us can win against you after all, Hime…"
Mai raised an eyebrow at that, "You're trying to win against me?" She said in mock surprise but there was no heat in her words, "That's new." Mai snorted.
"Pardon me then, Hime… my sky." Mukuro returned smoothly. "Still… about the other twin, Shibuya Kazuya… Oliver Davis."
Mai narrowed his eyes, "Yes?"
"Is it alright to let him out of your watch?" Mukuro queried as he looked at the sky ahead. "Someone could snatch him out of our grasp."
She snorted at that, "I wouldn't worry… not now. Beside… at this point have you seen anyone escape us? You're a testament to that yourself Mukuro…"
The mist shook his head exasperatedly, wondering since when he was caught and drawn helplessly to the twin skies. Not even Vindice could keep him away from them for long… and whoever trying to get their hands on Davis twins, Mukuro doubted it very much they could have a better luck than Vindice.
"Beside… if I have to be concerned, it would be about my fellow sky."
Mukuro frowned at that, "Byakuran? With treaty between Triniset-"
"I wouldn't worry about relationship between our families…" Mai closed her eyes, "In fact… I didn't sense he is trying anything now."
The mist frowned deeper, "Yuni then? Are you sure… after all Yuni is…"
"In case you've forgotten… Yuni is a mafia boss, Giglio Nero Decimo…" Mai reminded him. "She is staying in Japan for Christmas."
Mukuro raised an eyebrow at that, "Then… how about New Year? She can't skip as the boss of Giglio Nero, her famiglia is third in power after Vongola and Millefiore after all."
"Of course she will attend New Year Ball… Christmas is internal event to each famiglia anyway." Mai took a sip of her coffee she poured from her thermos for herself.
The mist scoffed, "And… you're worry she is planning something behind your back?"
"It's not like I fear Yuni is planning something on my back but… that girl is one of few people I feel hard to read… or unable to at all…"
Especially the letter she insisted upon her to be passed to Naru. It was a rule that in a matter of prophecy, Yuni had supreme right in how it was treated. So there was nothing she could do about it.
"Ah… the other people would be your father and Reborn, hm?"
Mai scowled, "Don't mention that man again."
"In case you forgot Hime… he is going to attend both Christmas party and New Year Ball." Mukuro reminded her with a sigh, "You can't avoid your father forever." Not even their princess could avoid a cunning man like Iemitsu forever.
She growled, "Argh! Mukuro, forget both! Can't all of us just escape to somewhere people can't find us? Where do we can find a place with no sign of human life within a hundred mile radius?!"
"Hime…" Mukuro sighed, "We're not going anywhere uninhibited in the middle of nowhere!"
"I wish we could." She muttered wistfully.
The mist scoffed. "You know what? My dear sky… by the time the party start, I am sure we will share your sentiment. Especially our cloud." He was not looking forward for the ball himself. "At any rate… your father is not the only person, or the last one you want to see anyway."
Him…
Mai could only grit her teeth, "I know… Mukuro."
Back to Japan, SPR's office.
It was getting to his nerve, this uneasiness… he was not a sentimental person. And yet… Mai's absence was disturbing to him. He had felt her absence in duration of Yuasa case but now it felt different, it was like there was a glaring hole somewhere unseen left by her absence. Not even when Gene was gone he felt this gnawing feeling.
It was not sadness.
Or even loneliness (He refused to acknowledge it)
He was feeling uncomfortable and frustrated, like missing his third arm.
Why he felt this way now?
Unknown to Naru who was too absorbed by the new nagging feeling he felt, Tojo and Shima already had an inkling of what was going on here. At first they dismissed it as plain loneliness their director refused to acknowledge in Hime's absence, but then… his pacing like a lion on a cage reminded him eerily of their previous superior.
Back on hectic middle school days of Vongola Guardians, it was not rare for their sky to go missing without news. Then there was a time one by one started to go missing and the cloud was left behind, and yet instead of relieved he acted like a frustrated beast and his temper shot up through the roof.
It didn't take long for DC members back then to put two and two together, especially when they observed other guardians acting like this when their sky was not within their range of detection. They got used to be separated progressively as their bond getting stronger but from what they knew… the guardians were very miserable back then.
It was happening again, and to their current superior to boot.
When this happened? Not to mention position for guardians had been filled so why he was affected this badly by Hime's absence?
Although… there was a theory that those who bonded to the sky was not necessarily guardians would feel the same. Irie Shouichi, I-pin and Fuuta were the prime examples. Well, it seemed Shibuya-sachou was joining that rank.
"What's wrong with him?" Poor Lin-san was still a little shaken when Sachou suddenly snapped at him when the Chinese almost ran to him when the younger Ghost Hunter was pacing back and forth in their office like a beast trapped on a small cage. Of course the boy apologized right away –a rare feat on itself- but he also looked pretty shaken himself why he acted like that.
Tojo took a deep breath. "It's some sort of withdrawal…" He tried to explain. "Because of Hime's absence…"
Lin blinked, "Because of Sawada-san's absence?" He echoed, "But Naru is not someone like that…" He knew Naru had special feeling for the girl, but he was not someone who would sulk because of her absence. "Beside Sawada-san had just left two days ago." She had gone for nearly a week before when they investigated Yuasa.
"We don't really know how to explain to you, but this is natural… we're not qualified to explain anyway." Tojo droned on with a sigh.
Shima then added, "He would be irritable for a while until he get used to it…"
Lin eyed his charge with worry, "As long as he didn't start poltergeisting…" It would be a hazard to his health.
"Hopefully it won't get to that…" There was a reason why he trained hard to control his power, it would be for naught if Hime's mere absence snapped that control to half. Although it would be inevitable for his control to slip a little, after all… even though he didn't realize it, her mere presence helped stabilizing his uncontrollable power.
The sky was harmony after all, one that bind everything in this world together.
Italy, Vongola HQ
Famiglia's private event or not, it didn't change the fact it was a gigantic event because they were the largest, oldest and wealthiest famiglia in existence. Well, wealth wise they were neck to neck with Millefiore, and for history Giglio Nero was just younger by a few months. Size however… was another matter entirely.
"What do you mean there is not enough silverware?" Hayato hollered across her desk to the phone.
While beside her desk it was Hana shouting. "No! We will not use dreary blue for Christmas! I want red and gold!"
On the other side was Chrome, the only one aside from her who was not screaming at her phone. "So for the additional chair and…"
RING!
Mai as usual picked up her phone and didn't even let anyone on the other end spoke first. "No Xanxus… Christmas is for champagne not whiskey or whatever alcoholic drink you have in mind. If you insist to bring any I will ban you from Christmas party."
Click.
RING!
"Enka is not appropriate for Christmas party, Basil… no, I don't want to hear what your Oyakata-sama said."
Click.
RING
"Fuuta… just pick whatever on the list we gave you, no need to rank them." It was a mistake to get Fuuta as emergency staff for buying supplies.
RING! RING! RING!
Mai growled, "Bring your own meat to cook for all I care! Squalo! And also… leave that freaking throne in your HQ, he has to sit on the same chair as everyone else! Got it!"
Christmas or not, it was just another day in Vongola HQ.
Japan, 24 Dec
His mood was not getting better with Christmas eve, in fact Lin and his two phantom companions feared it was just about time something will fly over their heads at this rate.
Lin now believed the two really knew what was going on, and no matter how unexplainable it was… the fact remained Naru followed the withdrawal symptom to a T as described by Tojo and Shima. "Is he going to be alright?"
"His mood is not going to get better until Hime gets back from Italy for sure." Tojo said from the middle of head totem they made as they observed the dark haired psychic from the small crack of Lin's office door.
Shima nodded, "It's like missing a third arm…" Shima, whose head was on the bottom of the totem added. "It varies between people when they get better but still… at this rate, we can't take a case."
"Or it would be a repeat of Yuasa and worse."
People running away from Naru with bad mood.
"It's Christmas… who is going to put up a request on Christmas eve?" Tojo wondered out loud as they closed the door.
Lin face-palmed, "Actually…"
"Ah, Kazuya-san."
They heard sweet feminine voice called out followed by closed front door. Of all people visiting the office! It had to be Hara-san!
"Would you accompany me to see the town square? The tree-"
Lin opened his door quickly, hoping to prevent irreparable damage. "Naru!"
Naru narrowed his eyes at the medium, "I don't have time for such frivolous activity, and as you can see I am working." He said in artic like voice that sent chills to their spine. "Leave me alone."
Masako coiled in shock, "I…" She knew well she couldn't push him, but this was the first time her polite invitation was rejected so harshly.
Then as if the world was testing Naru and his thinning patience the Miko and the Monk came in cheerfully. "Ossu! No Christmas tree? And here I thought Jou-chan would put one up in living room at least!"
"I come for some coffee latte." Ayako didn't bother to hide her real intention. "Since it's Christmas we need some merry time!"
Lin was tempted to throw his stoic persona and told the irregulars to flee from their office especially since the surrounding air was getting colder and the teacup on the table was starting to shake.
Then John came in, "Uhm… excuse me Shibuya-san."
"Are you coming to make merry too, John?"
The priest blinked, "Uhm… actually I have a request from a church in town for S.P.R." He confessed nervously.
RING!
They were saved by sound of ringing phone, Naru's cellphone. He picked it up on the third ring, "Moshi-moshi… Hayato?" Glancing at the three stunned spiritualists back briefly, he marched to his dark and gloomy office. "I am not fine unfortunately."
Then the door was closed with a click, and the walking disaster was relatively secure inside his office. At least Lin hoped so.
"What was that?" Bou-san wondered out loud.
Tojo enlightened them, shocking them with his presence as usual. "Hime is in Italy for preparing Christmas and New Year… so Shibuya-sachou is a little…" He trailed off, knowing everyone could fill the blank by themselves.
"Again?" Ayako groaned, "You should start putting up sign outside 'Beware of Naru in Bad Mood' before someone get scared for life."
And here she thought they learned their lesson after Yuasa.
"Still…" Bou-san trailed off, looking at Masako who was still frozen on the spot and not listening to them at all. "He was not this bad back then… why now?" Was it the holiday?
Tojo and Shima sighed in unison, 'How we have to explain this?'
C.E.O's office (Naru's POV)
"It's like missing your third arm, and there is a glaring hole somewhere on the back of your mind… you get short tempered, and the world feels like conspiring against you." Hayato described what he felt perfectly to the letter.
I couldn't help but almost amazed, "How do you know that?"
"Well… we go through this pace sometime in our life." Hayato answered me vaguely.
I snorted, typical of him as Mai's family member. They were all expert of giving vague and twisted answer. "This coming from Physic researcher? What do you know about the living?"
"Well… if you want me to connect this line to Shamal or Ryohei…" Hayato trailed off.
I scowled, "Hayato… if you know I am not in the mood, get to the point. I don't like this… how to get rid of it?"
It was not hard to tell the pause followed my query was Hayato's rolling his eyes. "Well… there is no getting rid of it." He told me bluntly. "It helps if you try some yoga breathing exercise, distract yourself from your discomfort with whatever you have in hand…"
I was getting frustrated, "Why did this happen to me?" Well, John came with a request and knowing the priest most likely it was genuine and pressing request if his nervousness was anything to go by.
"Part of life… like growing up, there is no avoiding it so deal with it." I almost tempted to call him mean, but that was something Gene would do, not me.
I growled at him, "Hayato… I am almost at my limit." I almost threw that cup at Takigawa's head. I always tried to keep my emotion under tight control, uncaring of what people said about me being unfeeling and cold because if I was emotional it would disastrous for me and people around me. "This is not a joke… I can't concentrate. At this rate…"
"Whoaa… Noll! I get it! I get it!" He sounded panic, which served him right to take my predicament lightly. "This is unhealthy and I don't recommend it but… your meds, the one Shamal gave you."
I perked up at that, "Yes?"
"Crush one pill to powder and dilute it in 700ml of warm water…" He instructed in exasperated voice. "Keep it in thermos and drink a couple of sip every a couple of hours…"
I frowned at him, "You're not giving me a placebo I hope?"
"Just do it paranoid idiot! It will make you feel better and keep your temper in check, you know how disastrous it would be if you let your PK out of control." Hayato sighed again. "However… please keep this a secret from Hime, and don't depend on this method."
"Alright… I just need to deal with today." That was all I asked.
Hayato ended the line and I walked outside, and found the irregulars surprisingly had not running away yet. I could tolerate Bou-san and to an extend Matsuzaki-san –I had to respect her purification skill a little after the last case- but Hara-san was just… hard to tolerate as long as she was infatuated with me.
Although after I snapped at her today she didn't seem to think about asking me out for now so I could go to the kitchen uninterrupted to make my own medicine, crushing one of the white pills from blue case I kept on my pocket, filled the thermos with desirable amount of water and poured the powder. I shook the thermos a little to mix them together then took a small sip.
Hayato was right, the restlessness numbed a little. Not much but enough for me to regain my composure.
"Uhm… Naru-bou." Bou-san poked his head in, "Are you alright?"
I sighed, "Yes…" Not really but I am not going to enlighten him on that.
RING! RING!
I picked up my phone, not bothered by the locked number on the screen. "Hello?"
"Naru…" Her soft voice called me.
I tensed as I could almost feel my whole body hummed in tune to her voice.
"I heard from Hayato that you're feeling unwell so I call to ask about your condition." At any other time I would feel annoyed that Hayato was meddling, but somehow I couldn't help but grateful as slowly but steadily I feel the pull that restore my balance. Like I had been underwater for so long and just found oxygen back.
"Mai…" I breathed a sigh of relief. "I am fine." Now at least.
"I am glad to hear that…" She sounded relived. "You know… it's Christmas and I think the others are going to barge in and…"
As always she seemed to know this instinctively. "They already did."
Mai giggled, "Try to be lenient to them at least for today… if they want a Christmas party, and well… ask Tojo and Shima to herd them to next door. I had them to get a tree and everything ready."
"Mai…" She was pampering them again.
"You don't have to join them but… do try to be more sociable, it's Christmas after all." She murmured softly to the phone.
It was just another day, Christian setting the festive mood of winter solstice. "Actually we're going to investigate a church today… John's request."
I could almost hear a smile in the other end, "Hm… a case in a church. I would love to visit a church…"
"Mai, you're in Italy now… I don't think any church in Japan could compare to the one there…"
"Hm… is that so? I am not talking about the church but the company…"
What did she mean by that?
"At any rate… I need to go now." I could hear in the background, people clamoring about the preparation and even someone stumbling. "I will call again later if I can… alright Naru?"
I sighed at that, "Alright… and say hello to Hayato, Shouichi and Spanner for me." It surprised me I said such thing, but I had to admit I missed them… the three geniuses who didn't seem to care of my cold attitude or psychic power. To them… I was just another friend of theirs, which was why Gene and I kept them around for years. No matter how hard it was to maintain long distance friendship.
"Of course…" Mai didn't tease me, she just accept the fact I was not a robot and I could miss my friend. "While New Year is impossible I am sure I can get them some time off soon to visit you, alright."
Sometime I wondered why Mai always naturally made it convenient for people around her. "Hn."
"See you soon… Naru, and before I forgot…"
"…"
"… alright…"
Click
Japan, Giglio Nero's manor (3rd POV)
Gamma, second in command of Giglio Nero for two generations wondered if he was getting senile. He was twenty six, not old enough for questioning his sanity. Although as said by mafia society at large, looking after a trinisette holder especially the sky was bound to take predictable toll on anyone.
Unless your name was Reborn.
However he was blessed by a kind and gentle boss, who undoubtedly the most normal among current Trinisette holders. So he never feared for his sanity although sometime he might get himself into early grave with worry about his princess.
This however was never ever something that crossed his mind.
After all nothing could prepare Gamma from the sight of an empty bedroom, opened door to balcony and white fabric that tied to the railing of balcony that undoubtedly used to be high quality silk sheet of the uncovered mattress of the canopy bed plus their curtains. He of course had watched this kind of scenario in classic soap opera, of a maiden running away from arranged marriage however not even in his wildest dream he imagined to be on the receiving end of it.
"Uhm… Gamma-aniki?" Nozaru and Tazaru asked hesitantly.
"CONTACT FOUNDATION! TURN THE WHOLE JAPAN UPSIDE DOWN IF WE HAVE TO! WE HAVE TO FIND HIME!"
That was how the morning of Christmas Eve went on in Giglio Nero manor.
Tokyo, Tojo's Church (Naru's POV)
I took a small sip of my diluted medicine before returning the small thermos to my pocket. Looking at the white building in the distance I admired it for a brief moment, a classic and well cared church in Far East island country was rare in my opinion. Whoever in charge of it was undoubtedly someone devoted, which was strange for such place to be a haunting.
"Let's get this over with as soon as we can!" Bou-san was in good spirit after he found out Mai generously left party supplies on the office next door for them. "So we can have Christmas party!"
"We will help." Hara-san seemed to forget the whole ordeal –as in me telling her to go away- and insisted to come with us to help. "It's hard to work on a day like this after all."
Then don't come.
"Right! Right!" Matsuzaki-san added.
John looked guilty, "Uhm… I am sorry for the trouble."
No, John… in fact for today you're the only one who didn't trouble me.
"Brown-kun." A priest who was wearing standard priest robe and brown cardigan greeted the Australian exorcist.
"Tojo-san." He returned before gesturing towards me, "This is Shibuya Kazuya, manager of Shibuya Psychic Research…"
He gave me a curt bow I returned, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
The spiritualist behind me were busy admiring the architecture when laughter of children reached our ears. Then we realized unlike normal church, the yard also had a playground with all sort of recreational equipment for children like swings, sandbox and jungle gym. Not to mention all children here were foreigners, judging from their hair color and complexion.
"Wow, we've got all sorts of International children here…" Bou-san commented.
"Father Tojo looks after foreign worker's children here." John explained with a smile, and no small amount of admiration in his voice. "He also take care of children who one way or another couldn't stay with their family.
So this place also doubled as an orphanage. All children here looked carefree and happy, so different from the orphanage Gene and I landed into back in America. I couldn't help but thought as my eyes swept over the playground and then stopped at one child.
A young girl around ten years old or maybe a little older, obviously not Japanese from her fair skin and vivid blue eyes. Her hair was cut in bob style like Hara-san but with long low ponytail on the back of her neck. She was dressed in long sleeved white dress with orange rim on the knee length skirt, black stocking and shoes.
She was reading a book for younger children around her and a toddler was using her lap as pillow, she stood out among them for some reason to me. I didn't get why wither but… she was like Mai, they shared similar air but not the same. Then she noticed my eyes on hers as our eyes met, she just smiled at me, inclining her head slightly in greeting before continuing entertaining the children around her.
"Naru?" Lin called me.
Then I realized I was spacing off, and snapped back to reality. "I'm fine." Then I noticed the commotion they made around Hara-san, recognizing the medium from TV show and asked to show them ghost.
Children in this place were not afraid of ghost it seemed. Father Tojo was about to chide their children for interrupting us but someone was faster.
"Everyone…" A calm voice interrupted our thought, it was the blue eyed girl from before. "Don't disturb this Onee-chan alright? Let's play together over there."
Father Tojo looked disoriented for a moment, "Erm…"
"Father Tojo." The girl smiled at him. "I will bring them to play over there…"
He blinked, then he smiled back at her. "Oh right… thank you Yuni-chan, you're a life-saver."
I sighed, considering these guys would be useless as I interviewed our client might as well get them to help. "While we hear what Father Tojo have to say about the case, could you look after the children for him?" And not dumping the babysitter job on another child.
"Heh?" Matsuzaki-san and Hara-san blurted out in unison.
Bou-san jumped right away on the opportunity. "Alright! Let's play over there, everyone!"
Then he along with the two herded the children back to the playground, although in the girls' case they were pulled along.
Italy, Vongola HQ (Mai's POV)
Of all things to say the moment he landed and reported to my office…
"Yuni of Giglio Nero is missing, and her famiglia demanded Foundation to turn Japan upside down in search of her." Reported Kyo-san in indifferent air.
I rolled my eyes, "Hm… you didn't sound like someone who have even slightest interest about boss of our ally go missing."
Kyo-san eyed me with the same disinterest, "Considering you stay rooted in your seat and not reacting, I presume she is in no immediate danger and this matter don't require as much as attention as Gamma believes."
I sighed at that, "True… if she is in any danger, Byakuran and I would have noticed." I crossed my fingers, resting my chin in relaxed manner. "Aah… what she is thinking? I wonder… making Gamma worried like that." Shaking my head exasperatedly. "Well… Christmas Party is about to begin and we can't leave it… even if we have legitimate absence to do so we're just going to incite panic if people know…"
Beside… while it was said they were equals, by the law of Trinisette it was Yuni who was holding the highest authority. Although she wondered in this generation that authority was still…
Kyo-san sighed, drawing my attention back to him, "Can I…"
"Don't even think about it." I cut him off smoothly. "If I can't get away from this party, neither can you my dear cloud." I giggled at him.
He sighed exasperatedly. "Then we will just ignore this?"
I shook my head, "I will contact Byakuran to prepare in case we need to look for Yuni ourselves, it's not like I need to be seen all the time in this party."
Beside… worse comes to worse, I could always make Chrome or Mukuro to create a double for me. Some people would notice but as long as Coyote and the rest of Ninth generation guardians didn't, I could always slip away…
Kyo-san's eyes narrowed at me, "Asking that bastard to prepare…" He trailed off with a scowl. "What a waste of energy." He couldn't help but say.
I just laughed at that. "Maa… just enjoy the party for now Kyo-san! You just need to tolerate people for a couple of hours!"
He cringed at the prospect and I sighed. Well… hopefully it would be another Christmas party that only on the end had someone with tonfa on the face. Not at all would be ideal but I never had a high expectation when it comes to my guardian and their inability to not create chaos.
Japan, Todoh Church (3rd POV)
"Repeated possession case?" Naru echoed the summary of what happened in that seemingly peaceful church.
Father Tojo nodded, "Yes… occasionally one of the children in my care would get possessed by a spirit."
John then added. "I drive the spirit away from them every time it happened but…"
"But then other children would get possessed…" Naru finished for him.
The blond nodded. "Yes." He looked to the side. "According to Father Tojo, this morning one of the children behaves strangely."
The other priest nodded in agreement. "Actually the spirit is not harmful, the children would just behave out of character with blank memory of the possession…"
So aside from occasional possession no meaningful harm was done to children.
"However… the possessed children would hide themselves so…"
That caught Naru's interest, "Hiding?"
Playground
Bou-san felt someone tugging his sleeve and before his brain could process it he blurted out. "Wait for a sec, Jou-chan! Do you need me for some-"
Instead of brown eyes, a pair of warm blue eyes greeted him. It was the girl named Yuni who cared for younger children in this church. Why did he mistake her for Mai just now? In fact… he was well aware she was not here, so why?
"Bou-san, ne?" She queried as she let go of his sleeve.
He nodded, "Yuni-jouchan right? Do you need me for something?"
She beamed at him, "There is a boy waiting in the forest, could you please accompany me to pick him up?" She said as she pointed at the path to the forest near the church.
Looking at the path and eerie looking forest Bou-san was so glad this responsible girl asked for his company. It didn't look safe to be ventured by a little girl alone. "Alright, let's go."
At that time it didn't occur to Bou-san why he followed Yuni to that forest in search for the boy. Or how strange the way she phrased her reason to go to that forest. However somehow his analytical mind as a spiritualist was taking a leave of absence so he followed the girl to the forest, holding her hand.
She was humming a song.
The Sea knows no bounds.
The Clam passes down its form from Generation to Generation.
The Rainbow appears from time to time before fading away.
It was in foreign language so Bou-san didn't get what the lyric said, but there was a sacred and solemn feeling in the tune. "Is that a Christmas song?"
She smiled at him, "No…"
"Hm…" He had heard similar lyric from somewhere, the accent and the feeling it gave off at least. "Is it Italian?"
"Hai." Yuni answered. "I come from Italy…"
"Hee…" Bou-san grinned at her. "A friend of ours is also an Italian, well… she has mixed blood. I think she is one forth Italian… and you know, Yuni-jouchan?"
"Hm."
The monk rubbed his chin, "I don't really get why… but I feel you're similar to her." Why he even had this conversation with her? It was like with Mai, he felt compelled to say what inside his mind and heart.
She giggled, "Is that so?"
Tuk.
Eerie sound of something woody knocking made him pause, and he let go of Yuni's hand. Before he could shout however, the girl didn't go too far and went straight towards a young boy who was hiding behind a tree.
"Hello there." Yuni greeted the boy.
Then Bou-san noticed the boy had blank eyes, it was very brief but this eerie feeling… "Yuni-jouchan! Get away from him!"
However instead of her getting away, it was the dark skinned boy who bolted from her, as if something scared him. "Ara…" She looked amused by the behavior of the possessed boy instead of freaked out then after fiddling with some sort of bracelet chain on her wrist she went after the boy much to the Monk's shock.
"Oi!"
Yuni didn't answer as she continued running after the boy, before she stopped when she and Bou-san heard the sound of tapping again. Bou-san had no time to contemplate the sound because Yuni was already running to catch up with the boy. Somehow… Bou-san felt this was eerily so alike with when Jou-chan bolted repeatedly out of the base when she sensed a danger.
And also… like Jou-chan this girl, she… she didn't look around for the boy at all! She was running straight to him as if she knew where he was.
Could it be this girl…
Back to the living room (Naru's POV)
I would say this was my fatigue induced addled mind talking, or perhaps… it was all Hayato's fault for describing what I was feeling as 'the whole world was conspiring to make your day hell' to me. I would honestly admit to myself that I wish Mai was here… not out of sentimentality or reliance but for a case like this everything would be simpler if Mai was around.
According to Father Tojo, in the beginning of the church's construction he was entrusted to care for a young boy named Kenji. This boy's favorite game was hide and seek so when he possessed a child he would play his own version of hide and seek.
"Stick?"
Which was simply hide and seek with tapping a wooden stick to signal ready or not yet to the one who was looking. Kenji had speech impediment so other children thought up this method so he could join their game.
Tuk
Tuk
Tuk
"This sound…"
Father Tojo stood up, "This is stick, the child he possessed now… Thanat must be in hiding now."
"We have to look for him then." I announced.
We quickly rushed out of the church to find the boy, surprisingly it was not hard to find him. Or more like someone had find the possessed bot for us. It was the blue eyed girl named Yuni from before, she was holding his hand while Bou-san followed from behind closely.
Bou-san raised his hand, "Oi John! We need your help over here!"
Suddenly the boy darted towards us, the girl let go of him. Which was strange because she didn't seem caught off guard by the suddenness, and continued watching the boy when he latched on my assistant of all people.
"Otou-san!" He beamed happily.
Bou-san blinked, "O... tou-san?"
Indoor Playroom
Lin looked stressed, maybe it was not a good idea to leave Tojo and Shima to oversee our empty office. If they were here, they would have assisted Lin in dealing with this boy. However as for now, he just had to deal with it in duration of our investigation.
"Please clear this misunderstanding." Lin pleaded to Father Tojo when the boy refused to let go of him.
Father Tojo looked a little guilty but relieved Thanat was not going anywhere. "Well… you do looks like Kenji-kun's father."
In short please excuse the boy for mistaking you as his father. He was a child so please be patient with him.
As expected of a priest… Lin was speechless and cold do nothing but let the boy to hug and drag him around to play.
Leaving Lin in charge of overseeing Thanat, we explained the case to the rest of our team. How Kenji-kun came to Father Tojo's care and the 'stick' game he loved. The tragedy that happened thirty years ago when on one of the game, Kenji-kun was never found. It was presumed the boy was trapped somewhere in the middle of storm and died. All Father Tojo could find was the whistle he gave as early Christmas present in case the boy needed him.
Then the phenomena started, and for over thirty years Father Tojo and the children coexist with Kenji-kun's spirit. The boy was harmless, he always came out after he was found and if no one found him he would let go of the possessed children willingly.
However it started to change… like any other spirit, he didn't stay harmless. Spirit in long term would absorb emotion and feeling from their surroundings, twisting their initial nature to something worse.
"This could escalate…" I concluded, "Especially since it's Christmas Eve… it's significant time for the spirit since his father promised to pick him up before Christmas."
Matsuzaki-san had the gall to take a video of Lin playing with Thanat. "This is a rare sight."
"Strange…" John must be talking about the behavior of the spirit.
Bou-san agreed, "Yeap… it's a strange sight indeed… Lin playing with a kid like a good father. Maybe he is home-maker father type deep down."
"Uhm… that's not what I meant."
I sighed at their antics and decided. "This is getting nowhere." It would be harmful for Thanat to stay like this so, first thing first. "John… try to drive Kenji-kun out of Thanat for now."
That was the least we should do for now.
Closing all curtains and herding the children out of the room, we began the exorcism. "John."
"Yes." The priest nodded at me and began to pray after he made a cross sign on Thanat's forehead with holy water. "Our father, who art in heaven… Hallowed by thy name…"
I watched John continue chanting the holy verse, wondering is something would happen or not.
"Poor child." Someone said beside me.
I looked to the side and found the girl for who knows since when had sneaked back to the room but because John was concentrating now no one ushered her out.
"Eh?"
Bou-san looked at the girl warily. "Uhm… you shouldn't be here, Yuni-jouchan."
So Bou-san had taken a liking to her so quickly to call her like that.
She just smiled at us. "The poor child is lost… he must be very reluctant to part with his father."
"Lin is not his father." I told her, wondering why I couldn't speak to this child like I would a child.
She was…
"In principio." John finished.
Then she closed her eyes, "Then just for a moment… this body…"
Italian?
Then it happened, the lights flickered on and off followed by rapping sound. I narrowed my eyes as I looked up, and missed the accepting expression the girl wore.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
Then it calmed down, and Bou-san heaved a sigh of relief. He frowned when he noticed the girl who was standing between us was sitting on the floor, facing down. "Are you alright? It's scary but it's okay now."
In the other part of the room Thanat just woke up and wondering what just happened to him while John checked the boy for any ill effect after the possession.
Then suddenly Yuni stood up and walked towards Lin, my assistant looked pretty bewildered that another child was latching on him. This time was a girl and she was smiling sweetly at him.
"Ah."
"Don't tell me that Kenji-kun he… possessed Yuni-jouchan now?!"
This was getting complicated…
Italy, Vongola HQ
Mai stopped on her track as she was about to go to the stage for opening speech of Christmas party of Vongola. "Yuni?"
"Hime?" Hayato leaned forward so he could see her confused face. "Is something wrong?"
She hesitated, "I am not sure…" Yuni was not in trouble, this was not a bad premonition but… "I feel a little restless." She sighed. "Let's get the opening speech over with first." She decided as she entered the stage followed by the right hand man of theirs.
Clap clap clap!
She adjusted the small mic on her choker, and faced the large crowd that was her famiglia. "Good evening… ladies and gentleman, thank you for coming to our annual family event. I, Sawada Mai of Vongola would like to…"
It was standard speech that was just slightly different from last year, but heartfelt in the same time.
"It's a rare chance for all of us to gather from all over the world in this Sky Ballroom… as the great sky of Vongola I wish for you to use this chance to strengthen our bond… after all it's our greatest strength that support our family from generation to generation… and-"
The speech went on and she finished her part. She took a deep breath before stepping back by one step and the man beside her stepped forward to the center of the stage. "Your turn."
"Roger."
Clearing his throat, and then returning expectant and admiring gaze of their family members with his own warm and gentle smile. The spiky haired male began his speech. "As said by our princess… this is not a formality, we… sincerely wish for all of you to use this opportunity to know each other better… eating together is after all a crucial family event even in daily life. So it's one of family rule in Vongola to not skip it!"
Laughter followed that statement.
"Without further delay… I, Sawada Tsunayoshi… Neo Primo of Vongola Famiglia hereby announce the opening of Vongola's Christmas party."
Mai just smiled indulgingly as wave of almost deafening claps echoed through the air. Sawada Tsunayoshi turned around with familiar gentle and warm smile, his eyes softened as he gazed at his twin sister. He walked towards Mai who was keeping her face straight as her older twin stopped to stand beside her.
"Good enough?"
She nodded, "Yes…"
Good enough for now…
It's been a while since I posted one so...
OMAKE: In which Bou-san tried to question their relationship, Mai is half-asleep and Naru is amused and content.
The easiest way to know whether someone had a special feeling for someone else was… making them jealous. Bou-san, Ayako and John had seen how well it worked on Naru, he was always wearing dark expression whenever Mai got too cozy with other guys. Her family to be exact. Then again… Mai was very affectionate with her family members, and most if not all seemed to consist of attractive guys her age she claimed to have pure, clean and familial love for.
Ayako thought Mai was such a lucky and unlucky girl, because growing up around hots guys had made her blind of them. Ayako had tried to test Mai out of curiosity, showing her pictures of hot models both Japanese and foreigners. Mai's reaction to them, yes… they were good looking so?
Significance of good looks lost on Mai because it was no different than rose was red, and sky was blue.
So obviously Naru's good looks was just acknowledged as a matter of fact, and ended there to Mai.
Bou-san had a faith that Mai had been very caring towards Naru, and it was borderline unhealthy how she pampered him. She cooked him meals, brewing tea according to his mood, filing his documents and willingly became his research subject.
She got to have some feeling for him right?
John politely pointed out, they were talking about Mai here… she seemed to like to spoil people she took a liking to. Ayami-chan was a prime example, Naru was another…
Being a meddler they were, Bou-san and Ayako felt like they couldn't leave this matter to roll naturally. Even more so after Naru kissed Mai back to live, well… CPR. At least they wanted to confirm Mai had a thing for Naru! She was so flippant and carefree about their intimacy, so Bou-san was sure he had to catch her off guard.
The golden chance came when Mai took her turn to catch some nap. Instead of watching monitor with Lin or discussing psychic phenomena with Naru-boy, he opted to watch over the girl. When he saw her stirring, half-awake… it was the opening he was waiting for.
"Hm…" She snuggled deeper to the couch and hugged the blanket closer.
Bou-san jumped on the chance and said, "Mai! Masako is hanging all over Naru-bou! Do something!"
Naru who was dozing off some documents straightened, "What?!"
Ayako grinned like a cat. "Ho…"
Masako who was also napping blinked awake, "He? I did what?" She asked blearily.
Mai was a heavy sleeper, and as long it was not a danger she would continue to sleep even through animal's stampede. "Hm… is that so?" She murmured sleepily, her eyes half-opened and unfocused. "Too bad, Naru-chan is not adorable enough like Onii-chan to justify the trouble I would get into with fangirl. He he he…" She giggled at the last part. "Let me sleep some more…" In short to Naru-chan, she won't help him, deal with it.
And with that Mai snored softly, rolling her blanket over her to cocoon like. Then silence fell to the base.
Naru snorted, breaking the silence. "Not adorable enough am I? Hm…"
Lin continued to type something in his laptop and sighed.
Masako blushed a deep red, and pretty offended she was called a fangirl by Mai. However it seemed everyone on the base was considering it, so she pretended to continue sleeping.
Ayako and Bou-san were shocked by Mai's reply, of all things to say… was that worse than I don't care or better?
They were shocked once again by Naru who stood from his chair and then walked towards the couch Mai occupied, she was curling up so there was enough space for him to sit. "So… I am not adorable?"
Mai giggled again, still half-awake. "Hm… just not enough."
"I see… is it because I am narcissistic?" He looked very amused by the whole ordeal instead of feeling offended.
"Hm… that part is adorable."
"Not sociable enough?"
She giggled again, "It's fiiiiine… as long as…" Naru barely able to catch 'not scaring people' and 'being misunderstood' for being such an ice cube.
"My high and mighty attitude perhaps."
"Not going to trade… it with any… thing." Mai murmured sleepily. "Naru should just be Naru…"
Naru patted her gently on the head and Mai sighed contently.
Bou-san and Ayako sighed, oh well… if these two were happy with their current relationship, who were they to judge? If they ever wondered why Naru was taken by Mai, now they understood. It was not because Mai was pretty, or she was an interesting research subject.
It was simply because Mai accepted Naru the way he was, both good and bad.
And so... we have Yuni taking Mai's place for this case LOL LOL LOL
Well... bet this is another shocking chapter where the might of cliffhanger is proven once again!
YES! It's Tsuna... so? It's chapter 21! He deserve to appear in my humble opinion LOL
Aah... this must be my cold talking, ha ha ha...