Case 3: Mai Proves Herself

Mai was seething on the inside. She knew she was right. She needed to figure out the connection. Carefully avoiding the cameras, she moved up to the third floor. No one would look up here for her and she could meditate in peace. Mai checked a few rooms until she found one she felt would work for her purposes. She locked and blocked the door, pulled a few candles from her bag and started setting up the room. It would be dark soon and she wanted to use the light she still had.

A flash brought her attention to the ceiling. She paused for a brief moment. Naru instructed Lin to send one of his shiki with her? She shook her head. There was no time for distractions. If they wanted to see what she was doing, so be it.

"Just don't interfere, okay? I can get hurt if you do." The glow softened and landed on the chair Mai propped against the door handle. It would watch, but not interfere.

Mai sat in the symbol she drew in the middle of the floor. It would protect her body from being inhabited while she traveled to learn the history of the building. Since they arrived, she really didn't have the time or freedom to do so with being possessed and then babied by Naru. Experience taught her that she'd find much more this way than anything they could find in books and records. Even the information she gathered through her sleeping visions paled to her spiritual walkthroughs.

Mai placed the voice recorder next to her. As she learned to refine her process of exploring a location, Akito worked with her so she would give a running commentary of her trek. It took a while until Mai automatically talked about everything she found while walking a site in spirit form. The recording provided an accurate record for later reference.

"This is Taniyama Mai. I am with SPR investigating the Tohruki Orphanage. This is a record of my spiritual trip throughout the building to determine the true history of this location. Yasu found minimal information at the local library. No documentation was found on-site. I will start my investigation now."

Taking a deep breath, Mai moved into a meditative state. She no longer felt her body constraining her as her spirit wandered the building. Each time she touched something, visions would come to her. It was like short stories being presented on the building and inhabitants. She knew the time frame she needed to concentrate on, so she ignored those of workers clearing halls and the construction of the building.

Slowly, Mai saw each of the children she helped to move on. She learned their names, their friends and why they were here. She saw all their stories. She even found Namaru-san's memories in a few locations.

The area she needed to move toward was black. She could see the hall going toward Higashi's office became darker until she couldn't see. She knew she should go back there, but the unease it brought her made her hesitate and leave to find more stories. When she couldn't avoid it any more, Mai stood at the hall, wondering if she'd come out of this intact.

"I am going into the darkness — the area that Higashi's office is in. I cannot see fully down the hall and the darkness becomes complete at the end." Mai swallowed and walked into the darkness. Even without a physical body, she knew something wasn't right. She reached for the doorknob that she could barely make out and opened the door to the office.

- x X x -

Monk and Ayako were tired of Yasu's teasing. Lin and Naru were ignoring them. John and Masako gave up trying to stay out of it, but ended up commenting on the obvious change in their relationship as well.

"Ayako and I will go grab everyone some dinner," Monk volunteered, pulling the red-head up with him. "We'll be back shortly."

"Why did you drag me out?" Ayako asked, pulling back on their joined hands as the door shut behind them.

"Do you really want to endure more of Yasu's comments? Especially when there are more pleasant ways to spend time together?" Monk leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. Ayako's face turned red.

"I guess you're right," Ayako admitted as she followed him down the hall.

"Excuse me," Yoshiogo walked up to them. "Aren't you two part of SPR?" They both nodded. Monk tensed up, not wanting the man near Ayako.

"One of the cameras in the workroom was hit accidentally. I can show you which one so you can make sure it's not damaged." Ayako and Monk looked at each other.

"Sure," Monk said. "It won't take long." He walked down the hall following Yoshiogo. When they got to the room, the camera was on its side. Monk went to inspect it while Ayako waited in the doorway. Yoshiogo looked her in the eye and gestured out of the room. Ayako followed him.

"My dear, I cannot begin to explain how beautiful you are," he said softly in her ear.

"Thank you," Ayako said, her eyes remaining glued to his. She could feel her spirit being pulled to him. Her disgust of him vanished as curiosity and desire flared in her. All thoughts of the Monk left her.

"I want you and I know you want me." Ayako nodded. "After everyone goes to bed tonight, meet me in the kitchen. Then we can go somewhere private. Please don't tell anyone about our rendezvous. We don't want to be disturbed." Ayako nodded again.

"It was just knocked over," Monk said, coming out of the room. He glanced between Ayako and Yoshiogo. "Are you ready to go?" Ayako nodded as Monk grabbed her hand, but didn't say anything. He frowned as he realized Ayako was staring at the older man.

"Goodnight, Dr. Yoshiogo," Ayako said. Monk turned to her as soon as they were out of earshot of the doctor.

"What did he say to you?" Monk asked.

"Nothing. He just looked at me. It was odd."

- x X x -

Inside the room, only the area around Higashi's desk was lit. Mai stayed in the darkness. She didn't want to make the mistake of letting him see her in case the first dream with him wasn't a fluke. She couldn't stand to watch him brutalize another child.

He was working at his desk, filling out some paperwork. Mai waited patiently. Suddenly, a knock came from the door. Mai moved away from the door and further into the darkness, fearing discovery.

"Come in," Higashi said, not looking up.

A large man walked in, bending slightly to clear the door frame. Stubble covered his head and chin. His face looked like he was angry, but Mai felt it was how he always looked. The man looked rough like the one who raped the boy, but he seemed more intelligent. This one wasn't just a hired hand. He walked to the desk, grabbing the chair in front of it and pulling it closer. Sitting down, he propped his long legs on the desk. Higashi finished what he was doing before he looked up.

"Hisao, is it done?"

"Yes, the last of the regular employees has been replaced. My men are now taking the spots and ready for orders. I still think sacrificing the employees would have been a better choice."

"Killing the locals will bring their attention here. Right now, we need to not draw attention to ourselves."

"So, what are our plans, boss?" Hisao asked.

"That is up to you. You're the expert."

"Well, I would recommend somewhere we wouldn't be disturbed. The basement would probably be best."

"Best for what?" Mai recognized the older woman immediately. If Namaru-san was alive, this memory was before her previous dream.

"Hisao is looking for an area to set up some classes. We're going to teach the orphans skills they can use later in life," Higashi lied. Namaru-san nodded.

"Teaching them skills beyond normal schooling would give them a better chance of improving their lives. It is good that you are looking toward their futures."

"What can I help you with, Namaru-san?" Higashi asked.

"Hikaru-san quit this morning. I thought you should know."

"Hisao has already found a replacement."

"It seems odd that all of our local employees quit in the last month."

"Perhaps there are better opportunities for them. Being an orphanage, we cannot pay much." Namaru-san nodded.

"I will take my leave. If I can be of any assistance, I will make myself available."

"Thank you, Namaru-san," Hisao smiled at the woman. It looked more like a grimace. Mai could tell the smile was fake, but obviously Namaru-san couldn't. The two men waited until she left and closed the door behind her.

"When will you do it?"

"The sooner the better." Hisao laughed. Mai could feel the evil intent behind it. The darkness started closing in on the room. Mai knew where she needed to go next, the basement.

- x X x -

Naru frowned as he looked around. Mai was missing. Yasu said she needed some time. She'd let them know if there were problems. He didn't like this. Mai attracted every spirit they came across. She wasn't safe. She'd already been possessed and used so much power that she'd slept for twelve hours . . . not that the excessive sleepiness was unusual.

The others weren't happy, but said they understood. Masako's comment about Mai throwing a tantrum infuriated Naru, but he didn't contradict her.

Neither of them saw her on the monitors. She wouldn't be seen if she didn't want to be. He had to trust that she could protect herself. There it was again. That word. He didn't realize trusting someone to be safe was so difficult.

- x X x -

Ayako felt fidgety. She couldn't sleep. She'd waited for half an hour after she felt Masako was asleep. There was something she needed to do. Something in her mind was telling her she needed to wait until everyone was asleep. Then, she could do what she promised. But what did she promise?

Assured that Masako was completely out, she got up and dressed in the sexiest outfit she brought with her. Quietly, she did her hair and make-up. She needed to look good. It was important to always look good. Excitement made her tense, but in a good way. She knew something wonderful was about to happen. It was a secret though. If she shared it, the opportunity would be lost. Ayako slipped from the room, being sure that her high heels made as little noise as possible.

Ayako made her way to the kitchen. Everything else seemed unimportant. The need to get to the kitchen overrode her conscious mind. As she moved closer to the kitchen, her confidence grew. She swung her hips as she moved. For some reason her body felt incredibly hot. Ayako unbuttoned a few buttons at the top of her shirt so the air could touch her skin.

Two sets of eyes watched her on the monitors. One stopped typing and signaled his shiki to wake Noll. The other cursed and ran out of the room to protect his new girlfriend.

- x X x -

Mai stood at the open door, looking into the basement. Dread gripped her. She wanted to do anything other than go down those stairs. She wanted to prove she wasn't worthless; she wasn't weak. If she left now, she wouldn't find the final pieces to this puzzle. Not only that, she couldn't leave this place. More than anything, she wanted out.

She placed her foot on the first step, then the second. She pushed the panic down. The darkness got deeper. The stairs seemed to never end. She knew there was no way there would be so many. The building was trying to keep its secrets. A spell was placed so she couldn't find the truth. Mai concentrated, pushing her will before her. She broke through the illusion and stepped to the floor.

A soft glow on the floor illuminated the room slightly. Mai walked forward slowly, carefully placing her feet. As she drew near, she saw a symbol drawn on the floor. Mentally, Mai drew the symbol in her head three times to make sure she wouldn't forget.

Heavy footsteps on the floor above grabbed her attention. She moved back to the shadows, being sure not to make a noise. Mai put up mental, sound and spiritual barriers. She dared not add blood as the smell might grab their attention. Mai created them so she could witness what they did, but they couldn't sense her. She moved back into the darkness so she could see the symbol while remaining partially hidden.

A bare bulb flared. The footsteps came down the stairs. As Mai watched, Higashi and Hisao carried Namaru-san's body down the stairs. Mai could tell she was dead. Hisao tied her up by her feet and pulled on the end of the rope until her body hung over the symbol. He tied off the rope and moved next to Higashi at the edge of the symbol.

Hisao started chanting and slit Namaru's throat. A little blood flowed from the body and dripped onto the symbol. It was enough to activate it. A small red demon appeared. Mai paled, but continued to slowly describe everything so she could provide witness to the dark happenings in the basement.

- x X x -

Yoshiogo smiled widely as Ayako walked into the kitchen. He felt his body responding. He liked them young, but his appetite needed to be sated. She would do. He decided that punishment was in order. SPR hadn't just blocked his power; they had removed the spirits from the building. She helped destroy the spirits here. He would destroy her and weaken SPR. Of course, he needed his pleasure first.

Confidently, he walked up to her and grabbed her hair. He jerked her head back and looked in her eyes.

"Tell me what you want," Yoshiogo demanded. Ayako's eyes remained unfocused as they looked up at him. She didn't say anything. Yoshiogo grinned evilly at her. "You have no choice. I have power over you. You will do everything I say."

"Like hell she will," a voice came from behind Ayako. As Yoshiogo turned that way, a fist hit him in the face. Monk grabbed Ayako before she could hit the floor.

"You really think you can protect her? You do not realize who you are talking to."

"A weakened human with his soul promised to a demon," Naru said as he stepped through the doorway. Lin stood behind him, looking as angry as Monk. "Would you like to contradict me, Yoshiogo. Or should I say Higashi?"

"Where did you hear that name?" The older man looked furious.

"It seems your attempt to destroy all information on the orphanage before we started investigating failed."

"There wasn't anything left that could lead you to that conclusion. You only have speculation."

"I have all the proof I need. I have Mai." Naru stared at the man.

"What does that bitch have to do with anything?"

"She's the one who realized after looking at Higashi's photo that you and he were the same person. She's also the one who linked you to a demon." Yoshiogo laughed.

"You can't hurt me. The demon protects me. The only way to destroy me is to destroy him. You're ghost hunters, not demon slayers."

"So, you admit you are Higashi, former director of the Tohruki Orphanage? You raped or had others rape those children in your care? You killed Namaru-san? You killed the orphans and held them here to provide power to continue destroying the lives of young women at Naito Hospital through forced sexual acts?"

"I must give you credit. You and your team aren't the frauds I thought you'd be. To satisfy your curiosity, yes, I am all that and more. You can't touch me. No one can."

"A demon can't protect you from everything," Lin said.

"Ah, but it depends on the demon and what you give him."

"And that would be?"

"That would be telling. Don't worry. I'll come for you when this is over. It won't take long. I will have all of you begging for mercy. Especially my little Mai."

"Lin, restrain him. Takigawa, take care of Matsuzaki-san. I'll wake the other partners to inform them the case is solved."

"You have no proof of anything." Naru glared at him, but didn't say a word as he left the kitchen.

- x X x -

Ayako felt nauseous. That man had tried to force her to have sex. She would have too if her knight hadn't rescued her. Silently, she thanked the man in front of her. Monk kept pacing and glancing at her. He wanted to say something. He stopped, took a deep breath, swore and started walking again.

"Three," Ayako said.

"Three what?" He paused to look at her.

"You've tried to tell me something three times, but all you do is swear and pace."

"You said you don't remember anything." Ayako nodded. She already told him everything she remembered. When his fist came in contact with Yoshiogo's face, the spell was broken. Ayako still found it hard to believe that he had controlled her.

"Well, while you're pacing, I'm taking a shower. I feel disgusting."

"You need to be more careful."

"Didn't Mai say he did this to other women? How was I supposed to know he was using demon powers against me?"

"I didn't say . . ." Monk looked upset, running his hand through his hair. Ayako walked up to him.

"Believe me when I say there is only one man I want to be with. That man is you, whether you believe it or not."

"I don't want to worry about you like Naru worries about Mai."

"You don't have to. Just next time I start acting weird, don't leave me alone."

"Well, I'd say you're acting a little weird now," Monk smirked at her.

"I am not . . ." Monk kissed her, forcing her to be quiet. Ayako took the hint and wrapped her arms around his neck.

- x X x -

Mai was shocked no one was in the base. Glancing at the monitors, she saw part of the team in the kitchen. It gave her time to finish before anyone was aware of what was happening. Mai woke Lin's laptop and quickly typed in his password, silently asking him to forgive her for trespassing on his property. She plugged in her audio recorder and copied the audio file from her session to a folder within Lin's case file for the orphanage.

She launched a drawing program and drew the symbol from the floor in the basement. He might know what demon it summoned. It was the least she could do. Lastly, she typed up a quick text document.

Lin-san,

Everything I found from my spiritual investigation is in this folder. The audio file is my recording of my spiritual walkthrough, containing my notes. The drawing is of the symbol on the floor in the basement. It is still there, but buried under a lot of dirt.

I can help no more with the investigation. I wish you luck solving the case. It was nice working with you again.

Mai

Picking up her belongings, Mai left the base. With all the commotion downstairs, she was sure she'd find someone who could give her a ride back to town so she could get a bus home. As Mai walked out of the building, she turned and looked up. It was the last case she'd work on with SPR. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she brushed it away.

Yasu, Mai thought.

Where are you, Mai? Something big happened and Naru called us all to base.

I've done everything I could to help. I'm leaving. I'll see you at home.

Mai, Yasu tried to get her to respond but was only met with silence.