Chapter 25
Mai eyed her reflection with a skeptical eye and yet ironic apathy at her outward appearance. She never really cared for black for because she'd been forced to wear it for too many occasions, and today was no exception. Mai was wearing light tasteful makeup and was very careful to only wear waterproof just in case there were any waterworks on her part. That was also the reason she asked Lin, Madoka, and Naru to come with her. They were all so emotionally solid and strong. Hopefully, it would inspire her to do the same.
'I should get going now. Everyone is waiting for me in the living room.' Mai grabbed her speech and thrust it into her bag. Once she walked down the hall into the living room the three of them wordlessly acknowledged her entrance by making their way to the door.
'Wow, Madoka didn't make any attempt to cheer me up today. I guess this is just my moment to grieve.' Mai noticed as her boss's teacher drew closer to Lin in order to allow her some space. In much the same way Naru only looked ahead and hadn't met her eyes once. Mai sighed quietly at the knowledge she was making them all uncomfortable, but she couldn't help it. In the pit of her stomach she could feel sadness and anger she thought that she let go a long time ago rearing its ugly head. It felt worse than she remembered it.
'I wonder when I'll feel normal again. Or did happiness stick around so long that I forgot that this was normal.' Was Mai's thought before she entered the back of Naru's car and they drove off.
Keiko's parents were Christian so they also had a ceremony in a style that Mai was unfamiliar with, but there were programs to guide everyone on the order of the service. Mai had already spotted Kasai and Michuru, but she didn't want to greet them.
"Mai!" Mai turned around and felt tiny arms around her mid-section. Looking up at her was the spitting image of Keiko smiling up at her. It was heartbreaking.
"Hey Ai. I'm glad to see you. I'm sorry… about everything" Mai said sadly to Keiko's younger sister surprised she could smile so genuinely at her.
"It's alright. I'm sad that big sister is gone, but Mom says that if I'm sad Keiko would be too. Well, I have to go help Daddy so I'll see you later." Ai said and was off as quickly as she showed up.
"Here." Madoka handed Mai a handkerchief before Mai even realized she was crying. Mai took it wordlessly and wiped her eyes.
"Sorry, I didn't mean too, she just looks just like her." Mai apologized and handed it back.
"No honey, you keep it." Madoka said continued back toward their seats. They were on the second row to the front, which surprised Mai. Keiko's family was large so she didn't think they'd be so close to the casket. Lin went into the pew first, followed by Madoka, then Mai and Naru sat on the outside. Mai noticed that the casket was opened and that Keiko body must be on display, but Mai could get herself to look at it. It was too real. Her last words and fear were still too fresh in her mind.
'When I go to make my speech I'll have to walk by her. I can't ignore this forever. Also, they'll close the casket at the end and I won't get another chance. I have to see her now.' Mai could feel her stomach fluttered as she tried to make her feet move, but it was too much. Noll noticed the girl's inner turmoil and placed a hand over hers. Mai looked up at him and he nodded as if to let her know that she wasn't alone.
"I-I need your help." Mai leaned in and whispered to him. He said nothing in reply so she decided that was her cue to continue.
"I wa- I need to see her body, but I can- I don't want to go alone." She whispered again. At this request, he intertwined his fingers with her own and rose bring her up with him. The closer the duo got to the casket the tighter Mai leaned into him and brought her right hand to hold onto his arm. Then Mai saw her. Her closed eyes and serene face laid down in a black and purple kimono. She looked tragically beautiful.
Naru stopped next to the casket, and Mai let her hand brush up against her Keiko's. She was so cold and different to how Mai remember her in life. Feeling her chilled flesh against her hand now left no more denial of how far out of her reach Keiko was now. After what seemed like forever but was only a few briefly moment Mai pulled away and allowed herself to be led back to her seat.
The service was very sad and filled, but the saddest part was when Keiko's little sister sang a tearful song to her sister up in heaven. Mai was barely holding it together as she and Naru's hands were closely intertwined. Mai would be the one to close with her last words to Keiko, which she bitterly thought was fitting since she'd been the last to see her. When it was time for Mai to close the ceremony to say she was nervous was an understatement. When she rose from her seat her three companions let their eyes met hers. Her brown eyes radiated uneasy distress and saddened anxiety. Mai walked past the coffin and cast a wistful side glance at her friend a second time as she rose to the microphone. She held several papers off the speech she'd spent endless hours the prior evening perfecting but couldn't bring herself to read them.
'No, it'll sound too robotic if I just read it. Shit… what do I do?' Mai thought as eyes scanned the crowd who'd gathered in the church today.
"To be honest I wrote a speech for this occasion, but I just decided that it'd be better if I speak from my heart instead." Mai recited as she folded up here speech and took a deep breath.
"I remember when I first met Keiko I was very young and in a tough place in life. I was bitter and mad at the world, and because of that, I didn't have any friends. One day Keiko was a new student at our school, and she wore her hair in these goofy pigtails. She was assigned to sit next to me in class; a seat that no one wanted. She was always so open and kind to me no matter how many times I was rude to her or blew her off. She'd eat lunch with me, and always volunteer to be my partner even though I was terrible to her. It didn't make any sense to me until I overheard her talking to our classmates. One day they asked why she was always hanging out with me and told her that I was bad luck and some other not-so-nice-things-too. And to this day I'll never forget what she told them. Keiko said that everyone has good in their heart and that I was no different. She was always able to see the best in people and taught me to do the same. In the midst of a tragedy in which some you love has been taken from you, you must look through the same eyes as Keiko. You must know that there is good in everyone and forgive. Forgive those who hurt you, forgive wounded you, but most importantly forgive yourself. Keiko would have wanted it that way." Mai said silent tears cascaded down her face as she ended her short heartfelt speech. There was a round of clapping as Mai went back to her seat, but she didn't smile or acknowledge any of it.
'Have I forgiven Keiko's murderer? Have I forgiven myself?' She asked herself thoughtfully as they closed the casket and carried the body down the church aisle.
The weather was the best it had been that entire spring, and the sun and sky were finally showing the signs of warm weather. The casket had already been dropped and Mai watched them throwing dirt over her coffin with detached emotions.
"Mai." Mai looked up to see Keiko's mother waving her over to which she was quick to obey.
"Your words today were so eloquent and beautiful. I'm happy you decided to speak today. I'm very thankful Keiko had a friend like you." Keiko's mother spoke genuinely and made Mai's heart warm again if only for a few moments.
"Thank you, but I only spoke the truth. I'm indebted to Keiko and to you too. You both always made sure I never felt alone." Mai responded with a warm smile.
"Um… excuse me." The two woman turned to Kasai whose eyes were rimmed red and looked on with a broken smile.
"Aren't you the boy who was dating my daughter?"
"Ah yes I was. I just wanted to apologize for not introducing myself to you earlier. I figured I'd have plenty of time to meet you when Keiko was ready, but it didn't work out that way."Kasai looked away with a thoughtful expression but continued to speak.
"Anyway, I came to wish you my condolences and apologies." Kasai said and Keiko's mom nodded slowly to him but offered him nothing else.
"Don't be a stranger Mai. I have to tend to my family now." Keiko's mother dismissed and left the two alone.
'That was odd, Keiko's mother is never that cold. Is she upset with Kasai?' Mai thought briefly but then turned her attention back to the boy in front of her.
"Hello, Kasai. I wish we could be meeting each other again on much better terms." Mai said to him.
"Same here. I'm sorry you lost your best friend." Kasai said and patted her on her shoulder.
'Touch his heart!' Gene called surprising her. He hadn't heard from him since their last case and didn't expect to see him until their next one. However, Mai had refused to question her spirit guide this time. Their training together had taught her that trust in their relationship was essential. So Mai reached forward and put her hand over his chest, and immediately felt herself sway. Mai could feel her knees buckle and get weak, and black spots invaded her vision.
Noll, Madoka, and Lin were waiting in the parking lot by the cemetery waited for Mai to make her exit. The three agreed the burial was a more intimate and personal affair to that Mai should be permitted to attend alone. Though the head of the Japan branch of SPR was a little more than restless as he watched others approach the parking lot and exit. His assistant still seemed to be spending her time somewhere inside the grounds.
"Maybe one of us should go get her. I think it's over now." Madoka said willing sparing her student his pride.
"HEEYYY!" A voice called and drew the attention of the trio. Michiru ran up them and took a minute to catch her breath.
"I'm glad- puff- I could –huff- catch up with you all when Mai wasn't around." Michiru said as she stood up straight to address them.
"Why would this kind of situation interest you?" Naru asked getting straight to the point as always.
"I'm going to ignore the attitude and give you this." Michiru fished a small piece of paper out of her purse. Naru grabbed it and opened it up and handed it back to her just as quickly.
"You're not my type." Naru said rudely to which Michuru rolled her eyes and pushed it back into his hands.
"The number isn't mine you ass. That is the number of Mai's teacher she used to live with before she lived alone. Hear me and hear me well Mr. Bossman. That number was given to me by Mai's teacher, and now I'm handing it off to you. Only call if Mai receded into such a state that you can't help her out of yourself. Only use that number if Mai isn't getting over Keiko's death very well, alright. If it does come to that just call that number and tell her sensei about Mai and that person will come to visit her. I'm trusting you all so don't disappoint me. Don't let Mai that I gave you that and if you have to call DO NOT tell her about it. Now, I have to leave before she sees me." With that Michuru looked left and right and left the threesome very confused.
Naru looked down at the number once again and shoved it into his pocket and proceeded to wait for his assistant.
"Well, that sure was strange." Madoka said and sweat dropped as Michiru disappeared.
Mai looked around and saw her surroundings were heart-wrenchingly familiar. She was standing outside of Sota's house the night of the party, and Keiko and Kasai were both leaning up against the outer fence.
'I don't want to see this again.' Mai thought immediately covering her eyes, but her heart was telling her to watch this. Though she didn't want to see her friend's brutal murder, she did miss seeing her friend alive and well. So Mai forced her eyes onto the scene in front of her.
"I want us to break up." Kasai spoke loud and clear and looked straight into Keiko's eyes.
'What I thought he said that Keiko broke up with him.' Mai thought to herself but quickly refocused on the scene in front of her.
"W-Wh-What?" She whimpered.
"You heard me. I want to stop seeing you so I'm breaking up with you." He replied harshly as her whimper grew to a whine.
"H-have I done something? Are you bored of me? Because I c-can ch-change. I-I'll do better. I'll be better." She pleaded with him as she slowly reached her hand up to touch his face, but he smacked it away.
"To be honest I was never really interested in you, but I thought you would be able to occupy my interest for a while but you failed. You're quiet, you're boring, you're plain looking, and not very smart." He continued as more raindrops started to drizzle over them. Mai could feel her anger increasing as her fists turned white.
"W-why? Why a-are you being so cruel? I thought… YOU SAID YOU LOVED ME? WAS IT ALL A LIE? A GAME?" She yelled angrily.
"Yes, now leave. I don't want to see you anymore. Go home tramp." He finished and began to walk back into the house and shelter himself from the oncoming rain.
"But-" Keiko tried to explain, but Kasai turned around swiftly his eyes now reading fury.
"I SAID LEAVE! NOW!" He yelled and scared Keiko backward. With that, she turned and ran away crying.
"Mai! MAI!" Kasai called and shook her and Mai returned from her trance a bit surprised.
'D-did that really happen? I have my key on so I shouldn't have these visions. Why does this keep happening? More importantly, why did Kasai lie.' Mai's thought were racing at the sight of the boy in front of her. Her fisted tightened and she could feel her face getting hot with anger.
'This sick piece of crap! After everything he said to Keiko before she died he has the nerve to cry for her now, and lie to us all! I should make this piece of shit black and blue.' Mai thought to herself but suddenly caught a glimpse of Keiko's family holding each other and crying.
'Damn it all. I can't make a scene right now, and I don't need him to know I know what he said to her. Not yet anyway.' Mai gritted her teeth and cursed everything that she could act the way she wanted.
"Um… Mai? Are you still there?" Kasai questioned again and Mai looked at him before sighing in an attempt to release all her aggression.
"I'm fine. Sorry, I zoned out for a minute there. I should get going, my friends are waiting in the parking lot for me to join them." Mai spouted quickly and made herself scarce as she retreated to the van.
'That was…very odd. Does she know something?' Kasai wondered as he watched the brunette vanish farther and farther from his narrowed eyes.
'That bastard! AAAUUUGGGHHH!' Mai paced back and forth in her room. She was livid at the discovery she'd unearthed when she touched Kasai today. He was the reason Keiko had run off on her own and played them all when he was crying at the party that night! How much more had he lied about if he lied about that? Suddenly everything about the boy seemed suspicious.
'Maybe I'm just over thinking, but I won't be able to rest until I figure it out. God! Why didn't I sense something was off about him?' Mai ranted and raved to herself and stopped right in front of her mirror. Her eyes landed on her key that was draped over her neck.
'If I didn't need this charm to dampen my energy I could've sensed his aura, and then I'd know exactly the kind of person he was. I need to control this. I can't lean on my charm forever.' Mai contemplated ripping her the necklace off right then and vowing never to wear it again. I wouldn't be all that easy since wearing it constantly had the effect of lying in a bed for months at a time. She'd need the physical therapy to re-exercise her control of her psychic powers.
'I'll start small, and leave it off for an hour, and then two, and keep going until I don't need this stupid thing anymore.' Mai plotted as she packed resumed her previous activity of packing her bag.
'I've got my eye on you Kasai.' Was her last thought on the matter as she continued to distract herself with her choice of clothing.
They would all be arriving at any moment for their new case. Mai was in the back of the van with the equipment, while Madoka was wedged in between the bodyguard and the boy genius. Monk was driving with Ayako, Yasuhara, and John in their car that trailed behind them. They were getting close and the area appeared much more rural; they'd only passed by a couple homes in the vast landscape. A four hour drive had come to an end when the team pulled up to a beautiful looking ranch home. Ms. Kinjo came out the front door to greet the team immediately.
"Welcome to my home, and thank you for making the long journey here. My husband is at work and my son is at school, but they'll be here later on." She began and noticed the team hand increased in size.
"Pleasure to see you again Ms. Kinjo, you've met both of my assistants Mr. Koujo and Ms. Taniyama. As well as one of my researchers Ms. Mori. These are our spiritualists Mr. Brown, Ms. Matsuzaki, and Mr. Takigawa. And this is our other researchers Mr. Osama." Naru introduced as the entire team stood before her.
"Hello everyone. I'll show you to your base of operations and sleeping quarters." The hostess beckoned as she delved further into the household. The house was very beautiful, but very odd how it was styled much like a western mansion. It seemed very out of place in the middle of rural Japan but did feature a lot of Japanese paintings and décor. On the second floor, all the way down the hall was where our base was located.
"Your rooms are on the opposite side of the home, and I prepared three rooms for you all. I'll be cooking all of your meals, and the kitchen is stocked with tea as to your request. I have to tend to the animals, and I have a few appointments for animal checkups in the area. I'll never be too far away if you need me, and I left my cell phone number with your assistant. I think I got everything, but is there anything else you guys need?" Ms. Kinjo asked as she racked her brain to make sure she didn't forget anything.
"No, you've done well at providing our necessities. We will contact you if we require any further supplies." After that, Ms. Kinjo dismissed herself and left the team to their business.
"Alright, we don't know very much about this case and even less about the location. Therefore, we'll be stick to the partner system and play it safe. Listen well because I don't like to repeat myself. If anyone abandons or leaves without their assigned partner then they will be dismissed from the case and placed on probation. We can't afford to make any mistakes in a place so far away from medical attention. Monk, Ayako, and Yasuhara start setting up the base, John and Mai bring all the luggage to our rooms with the usual sleeping arrangements. Lin and Madoka, we know nothing about this area, change that." The team moved out with their respective orders.
Hello, again my wonderful readers! HAAAA! At last Mai smells a rat! Anyway, I just wanted to say that every time you all comment on my use of Inuyasha characters I do laugh to myself. Inuyasha is an anime that I also love (duh!), and there are so many characters it helps me keep track of who everyone is in this fanfic as well. Thank you for all the reviews, favs, and follows! I appreciate every effort you all make and look forward to seeing more from you guys. See you next time!