A/N: Hey everyone, I hope you will like this chapter. As I said last time this chapter would be the beginning of the end. Ah haha, if you could call it that, since this story still has 10 or more chapters to go.

Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt.

-oOo-

Flashback...

Soon enough the announcement for the formation of SPR's Japanese branch was made. The night ended with everyone enjoying themselves though some had regrets in their hearts while one finally accepted his feelings. None of them realize that things would begin to unravel and Mai would be in the middle of it all.

...Flashback

-oOo-

It was the day after the party, everyone was sleeping in for the day, since they were still tired from the activities and events last night. In which the official announcement of JSPR, was included in said events.

It's announcement was a huge success, though at first it only gained excited chatter from everyone. Things changed when it was announced that Dr. Oliver Davis, is going to be its head. This had people scheming to try to get on the team, but their plans were laid to waste when JSPR's line up was also announced. There were still some who tried to protest but was silenced by Naru saying that the members of his team had already been working with him for close to a year and he has no plans of breaking it apart. Martin also added that their teamwork was one of the best he had seen, so it would be such a waste to lose such team. No more protests were heard but their were still those who are scheming to get into the good graces of the team. Some earned Naru's death glare when they tried to get close to Mai.

With the announcement, the team's stay in England was extended by Martin, since a lot of people requested to have them as guest lecturers. They all agreed to it but they were still trying to change Martin's mind with regards to them earning compensation since they were already staying with him and Luella with all expenses paid for. The lectures on the other hand wouldn't happen until after the New Year celebration so they still have time to change the man's mind. But for Mai the lectures would either be a blessing or a curse which would still yet be unknown.

-oOo-

Martin, Naru, Lin and Keiki were the first ones up, having been used to waking up early despite their lack of sleep. Both Martin and Naru were enclosed in their own offices doing their work.

Lin and Keiki were in the parlor, drinking a cup of coffee in companionable silence. But it was broken by Lin, "So, how did you end up losing sight of elder sister and Shinji?"

Keiki stiffened then shot back at his younger brother, "How did Mai and Naru slip past your overprotectiveness?"

Both brothers just stared at each other in an impasse. A few seconds passed by when the both of them let out long suffering sighs. Keiki let out another sigh, "I was supposed to follow the both of them at a distance but it seems Yasuhara-kun had a different idea. Everytime I catch sight of the both of them, he would pop-up out of nowhere and begin distracting me. When he left, Kourin and Shinji were gone and I had to search for them again and e-kun would appear again." Keiki's tone sharpened everytime he said the word again. He covered his face with a hand, "That young man is a force to be reckoned with."

Lin raised an eyebrow at that, "What do you mean?"

Keiki sighed for the umpteenth time, "From the very beginning he already counted on what we would do. It's like he could predict the future. Are you guys sure that, that young man has no psychic abilities?" Keiki turned to his brother with a defeated look.

Lin shook his head, "We are sure that he doesn't have any psychic ability. Since Noll had him tested before he formally joined the team."

Keiki just shook his head, giving the point win to Yasuhara, "So, why exactly did Mai drag Naru to the dance floor?"

Lin's eye twitched, he also sighed and began informing him what transpired at their table, mostly what Sophia Gray did. He then finished his explanation, "Madoka managed to emotionally manipulate me into staying."

Keiki blinked, "Ah." It was the only thing he could say, feeling for his little brother. After all, it most likely wasn't emotional manipulation but rather him not being able to say no to someone he is attracted to.

Lin narrowed his eyes at his brother, "What is with that reaction, elder brother?"

Keiki avoided his brother's eye and muttered, "It's because your weak against women." He added in his mind about him being weak against a particular woman.

Lin's eye twitched again, "I believe pot meets kettle, or should I remind you what happened last time with elder sister. Perhaps she threatened you again, that's why you didn't try hard enough last night." Lin commented in a leveled tone.

Keiki coughed, "Umm, well, I blame it on leaving with two head strong women. Which we are fated to have in our lives considering how Mai is." And Madoka he added in his mind. The two brothers just sighed at the fact and chose to stay in comfortable silence, as they soak the peace and quiet. Before it turns into a mad house, care of the two pranksters. Though it won't be for a while, since the two stayed up til dawn to finalize their plans.

-oOo-

The occupants of the house finally woke up, with the exception of Madoka and Yasuhara. The women were in the kitchen preparing the food for a late brunch. They were just discussing things about the night's events with Ayako remaining silent all through out.

Mai noticed this and asked, "Ayako, what's wrong? You've been quiet since the beginning." This had the other women look at her in worry as well.

Ayako wanted to reassure them that she was alright but her heart couldn't take it anymore and she cried out to them what happened between her and Bou-san. Luella going to Ayako to hug her.

"So you are just going to cry like a baby. It seems your all words and have nothing to back it up." Masako commented with a scornful look on her face. Luella and Kourin were about to berate her but Mai stopped them and motioned for them to keep quiet and just observe.

Ayako growled at the girl, "What did you say you brat?" Tears were replaced by rage.

Masako scoffed, "You heard me. You are all bark with no bite. Are you going to just cry and wallow in self pity?" Ayako was about to start screaming at Masako but the look in Masako's face stilled her. "If your answer to my question is yes then we have nothing to talk about. Because you are no longer the Matsuzaki Ayako I know."

Ayako's eyes widened at Masako's words. She pursed her lips then scoffed, "Who are you calling pitiful, you brat?"

Masako smirked, "You, I'm calling you pitiful. Honestly, the man just said you look beautiful and meant it as a friend giving a compliment. He didn't exactly say he sees you as a friend or even doesn't like you and here you are bawling your eyes out. So my answer remains. You are pitiful."

Ayako just gaped at the girl's audacity. She tried to open her mouth but no words would come out. Masako rolled her eyes, "Sheesh, you act like he just told you that he didn't like you, you know."

"But doesn't him complimenting as my friend exactly just mean that?" Ayako finally found her voice.

Luella, who finally understanding why Mai prevented them from stopping Masako with her barbs, chirped, "Well they do they say men would straightly say what they mean which is quite different with women who say one thing and mean another."

"Well doesn't he complimenting me as him being my friend straight to the point." Ayako asked with a raised eyebrow.

Kourin in a sing song voice commented, "Tsk, tsk, your quite of the mark, my dear Ayako." She didn't notice the strange looks the others were sending her and continued speaking, "He complimented you as something coming from a friend which means he thinks of himself as your friend and not the other way around." Kourin finished and was off into her world again, gaining blinks from the others.

Masako gained their attention again, "So, Matsuzaki Ayako, what do you plan to do now?"

Ayako just stood their dumb founded but soon enough a smirk appeared on her face, "Well then I'll just have to make him fall in love with me." The others just smiled at Ayako with Mai commenting, "Don't worry Ayako, everything would be alright."

Before Ayako could ask what Mai meant, their attention turned to Kourin again who was humming the waltz. With mischievous smirks on their faces they attacked.

Luella immediately squealed, "Oooh! Someone is in L-O-V-E, Love." She emphasized the word love.

They all grinned when Kourin squeaked and turned red from head to toe. Mai went to her aunt, "Soooo, aunt Kourin did anything happen between you and Shinji?"

Kourin became flustered and stuttered out, "Umm, we just dance and went to talk outside in the garden balcony. That's all, really, haha, I swear." Kourin averted her eyes from the four women. Though she briefly remembered overhearing Naru and his cousin's conversation.

Ayako then hummed, "That's not all is it, you won't be acting that way if that were the case." She then wiggled her brows at Kourin.

Kourin blushed again and looked down, slowly she peaked through her lashes with a bashful grin. The girls were waiting in anticipation and they got the reaction they wanted to see. Kourin lost her composure and started to jump up and down while squealing, this set of the others as well.

When they finally got all of it out of their system, Kourin turned her attention towards Mai, who stiffened in turn.

Before she could be questioned, the tea kettle whistled. Mai found the escape she needed, "Oh! We need to finish cooking already. It's already quite late, the others must be hungry." The other four shared a look and nodded at each other. They'll corner the girl later and make her spill. Since judging from her reaction something happened between her and a certain narcissist.

They finished the food and started bringing then out to the dining room. Ayako and Masako were the last to leave the kitchen.

"Hey, Masako, thanks for back there." Ayako said to the girl whom at times she didn't get along with.

Masako in her usual haughtiness, "I only did that for my own good. I don't need a broken heartened old lady bawling." Ayako growled at Masako but the girl just continued with what she was saying, "I also did it because I don't want you to experience the same thing I did."

Ayako stopped mid stride, "What do you mean?"

Masako sent Ayako a sad smile, "I always envied you and Mai, because you can show others how you feel. Since I started making head way with my career, I started to have insecurities with myself. That no one would love me because they find me strange with my abilities. There was a part of me that wanted to be like a normal girl and because of that, I black mailed Naru into going out into dates with me. I used his identity as Oliver Davis over his head."

Ayako's eyes widened at the confession. Masako just sent her a remorseful look, "From the very start, Naru already stated that he doesn't like me. But I had it in my head that he'll like me in turn. And for that I hated myself, for trying to break up the bond between him and Mai. I wanted to have something like theirs in the future."

Masako then sent a smile at Ayako, "I learned from that experience to be myself and that someone someday would love me for me, just like how Mai loves Naru unconditionally. Not expecting anything so long as the person she loves is happy, she does this even though she's quite dense over Naru's feelings for her. But what is admirable about Mai is that she lives life without any regrets. That's why, don't give up on your feelings for Bou-san. Until he says to you otherwise, then continue loving so in the end you won't have any regrets."

"Thank you, you know despite saying I'm going to make him fall in love with a while back, I was having second thoughts. But your words just now gave me strength to do what I must do and if in the end he doesn't return my feelings then I can let him go without any regrets. Maybe that's why I was so distraught that I thought that what we have already ended before it even began." Ayako said in contemplation, turning to the girl beside her she commented, "You've really changed you know that, from the bratty girl I met to a mature young lady."

"Being with you guys, helped me grow. There's no need for me to be envious of others because I have you guys as my friends, who accepts me for who I am. Mai taught me this when she saw me as her sister." Masako said this with her heart light. Their conversation was put on hold when Mai started to call for them to hurry up.

-oOo-

As the women were in the kitchen, the guys congregated in the parlor. Except Yasuhara, who was still asleep, Martin and Naru, who were in their offices.

Shinji suffered the death glares of both Lin and Keiki. He took a deep breath and thought that enough was enough, he had nothing to fear since he was serious about Kourin. Standing up he turned to both of Kourin's brothers, he kneeled and bowed in supplication. "Master Lin Keiki and Master Lin Koujo. I, Tojo Shinji, humbly ask for permission to court your sister, Lin Kourin."

Both Lin and Keiki narrowed their eyes. As the father of the house is no longer with them, the duty of being the man of the family falls on Keiki, and with that he began testing Shinji's resolve. "What are your intentions for my sister?"

Shinji, without standing up from his position, looked directly into Keiki's eyes, "I will love and cherish her with all my life. To be there for her when she needs a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, be a steadfast companion and protector, and to ensure her happiness. Most of all, to show her that I am worthy to become someone she can live her life with."

Keiki asked another question, "What if she does not accept your hand in courtship? What will you do?"

"Shinji answered, not wavering at the least, "If that were to happen, then I would let her go."

"So, your going to give up. Give up on her, just like that." Keiki commented with narrowed eyes.

Shinji, with determination and seriousness in his eyes, said, "No, of course not. I wouldn't just give up that easily and I would fight to be with her. But not to the point that she becomes a bird trapped in her gilded cage. It is better to set her free rather than watch her live her life forlornly, wishing to spread her wings again." That was the only time Shinji allowed his face to show sorrow but soon enough it was replaced by an unwavering gaze, which was directed at Keiki and Lin.

Keiki and Lin continued to stare Shinji down but he wasn't backing down and remained firm in his stance. The brothers shared a look, turning back to Shinji they said in unison, "We, the sons of Lin Shuhei, accept your suit in courtship for our sister, Lin Kourin."

Shinji's eyes widened then bowed his head to the two again, "Thank you."

Lin's voice was heard, "Do not thank us yet. Elder sister would still have the final choice on whether to accept your hand or not." He said still said this, despite knowing that Kourin would already accept it with how she acts around the man.

"It also doesn't mean that we won't still watch you, even if she accepts it. Hurt her in anyway or form would forfeit your life." Keiki said with a serious tone.

Shinji bowed, "I understand. You have my word that I will not harm her. But if I do, please give me the chance to redeem myself. If after, you still think that my actions cannot be forgiven then you may do as you wish against me."

Keiki nodded, "See that you do." He sighed, hoping it would take a while before he had to do something so serious again, and offered Shinji his hand. Shinji looked up in shock but soon enough clasped his hand to Keiki's as the man help him up. Lin clapped him on the back with a nod, Shinji returning it as well.

Both Bou-san and John were off to the side, they watched as Shinji supplicated himself in front of the brothers. He felt like crying and hit his head on a wall for his stupidity as he saw Shinji weather the storm to be with the one he loves. He on the other hand chickened out and tried to protect himself and cause Ayako to be hurt.

He also remembered the words Yasuhara said to him when he returned to their table as Ayako left.

-oOo-

Flashback...

Bou-san watched Ayako as she left, he didn't move despite catching a glimpse of disappointment and tears in her eyes. He was feeling stupid and pitiful when a voice suddenly said. "I'm going to channel my inner big boss self and say, you're an idiot."

Bou-san turned and saw Yasuhara in front of him, clenching his hands into fists, "You don't have to tell me, I already know I'm an idiot."

"No, you don't know that's why I have to tell you." Yasuhara fixed his glasses and looked at Bou-san in seriousness, a look that normally doesn't appear on his face. "Man up Bou-san or you'll the person you love." And with those parting words Yasuhara left the man to think on his own."

...Flashback

-oOo-

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see who it was and saw John, with the other three looking at him.

John asked him in a worry, "Are you alright Bou-san? You were spacing just now and wouldn't respond to me calling your name."

Bou-san clenched his jaw, turning to the others, "Will you guys help me with Ayako?"

The other four were startled at the man's question as well as the heart wrenching look he had on his face. "What do you mean by help you with Ayako-san? Did something happen?" Shinji asked.

Lin adding his own question, "Does this have anything to do with you two being left alone in your table last night?" Keiki and John looked at each other and wondered what happened after they left Yasuhara alone with the two.

Bou-san took a deep breath and began telling them everything that transpired last night between him and Ayako when they were left behind as well as Yasuhara's words. "I felt so stupid and it was just hammered down by seeing Shinji humble himself in front of you. I was afraid that I would be an embarrassment to her, since she is from a prestigious family and I have nothing."

"Then you should have been more honest to Ayako-san and told her your true feelings. Pushing her away will not solve anything but only cause the both of you pain in the end." Keiki reprimanded the man.

Bou-san bowed and accepted Keiki's words knowing that he was at fault, "I understand and I'm prepared to do everything I can. In order for me to regain Ayako's trust and affection."

Lin asked, "Even if the road towards it is rocky and difficult at best?" Bou-san nodded to Lin and answered yes.

The four guys then agreed to help him with Lin commenting, "You could also ask Shinji for any advice on how to supplicate yourself though not too formal as he did." The teasing note on the man's voice had Shinji flustered. This made the atmosphere less heavy than before.

Bou-san felt a slight burden lifted but not fully since there was still a lot of things to be done. He thought to himself to do things one at a time. Now that his thoughts weren't as jumbled as before he remembered a certain event happening last night, "So, Lin-san, how did your charge get snatched from under your nose?" He asked with a mischievous grin. Both John and Shinji looked at Lin with curiosity and Keiki had an amused look on his face.

Lin stiffened at the question then glared at the monk for dredging up the event. This had the monk pale and said, "I'm sorry for asking." Realizing that it might not have been a good idea to tease and overprotective father. Any conversation were halted by Luella calling them for a late brunch.
-oOo-

Bou-san lingered by the doorway not knowing how to face Ayako. He was unaware the person he was looking for was right behind him, until that said person spoke, "Would you stop blocking the door way you idiot."

When Bou-san heard the voice, he jumped a foot in the air. In a mad scramble to turn to Ayako, he tripped on his feet making him fall on his back. "Damn it Ayako, don't scare me like that."

Ayako just glared at him, "If you weren't standing their like an idiot then this wouldn't have happened, you stupid monk." This led them to start bickering. Those with them in the room gave sighs of relief, since seeing the two bicker felt much normal to them than the awkward and silent atmosphere between the two last night. There relationship was still strained but it was on the mend.

"You old..." Bou-san stopped mid tirade and looked around the room, he finally realized why he felt off, "Where's the shounen?"

Ayako, who was about to hit Bou-san with her purse, blinked and look around as well, "Yeah, Madoka isn't here as well."

It was only now that everyone noticed the duo were actually missing. John, with a contemplative look on his face, said to the team, "They might still be asleep, since I saw them still up at dawn when I went down to get a cup of water."

This confused them as to why the two were up so late. Mai then blew their confusion away when she made an off handed comment, "I really don't want to be around when they wake." This had everyone eating as fast as they could and made themselves scarce, not wanting to find out what ploy the two were exactly planning.

-oOo-

The days counting to the New Year had everyone just lounging around the house or what not. They also became victims to Madoka and Yasuhara's pranks. Some of the pranks include Shinji and Kourin being locked in a broom closet, John eating chocolates with chili pepper, Bou-san wearing a bear costume for a whole day, Keiki had women calling him for dates, Masako wearing a maid outfit, and Lin had girly stickers stuck to his laptop. There were a lot more pranks they were subjected to, with the exception of Mai and Naru. With Mai's instincts, it was easy for her to escape any form of prank from the two. As for Naru, he was able to escape, for the most part, because of his bond with Mai. Though there was one prank Mai didn't alert Naru on, and it was when he had to wear a colorful outfit. Naru was irritated at first but seeing Mai's reaction to what he was wearing made it all worth it. Though he still ordered tea from her every chance he gets as retaliation.

-oOo-

Because of the said pranks, the team, minus Madoka and Yasuhara were in the parlor trying to either come up ways on how to get back at them or how to escape the pranks. Well as of the moment, try was the operative word since every plan they had was shot down by someone.

Bou-san groaned, "Damn it, every plan we made will not do a single thing to the both of them. If we only had a prank detector then this would be over already."

Ayako rolled her eyes, "Stop being a baby, you stupid monk. And how do you propose as finding a prank detector."

They all let out long suffering sighs, with Mai serving them tea with a sympathetic smile, "Come on you guys, don't lose hope. You'll soon find a solution, I'm sure."

"Well, if Mai says so, then we'll find a solution." Kourin commented her spirit renewed.

"You all are idiots." Naru commented from the far corner of the room, having been forcefully dragged by Bou-san to join them.

"Don't be like that Naru-bou, shouldn't you be helping us as well since those two managed to prank you as well." Bou-san looked at the black clad narcissist.

Naru just glared, "You are just wasting time and the only reason why those two even managed to prank me was because of a certain someone." He shifted the glare to said person, who just avoided his gaze and tried to act innocently.

The others all followed his gaze to Mai, at first they were confused as to how Mai was involved in him getting pranked. But slowly each of them finally caught on to what he meant, "AHHH!"

As one they all turned towards Mai, who had a deer in the headlights look on her face. Noticing the advancing group, she inched her way towards a certain narcissist, who was already starting to make his way out of the room, hoping to herself that he'll save her. But it seems the man was still angry at her for the prank done to him. If his vindictive look wasn't a dead give away then his words sealed the deal, "Payback." With that said and a final smirk, he left the girl to the wolves.

Realizing that Naru left her, she began cursing the man for leaving her and cursing herself as well for thinking that she was forgiven for her being an accessory to the prank. Turning around to the others, she raised her hands in a placating gesture. She gulped when she saw the glint in their eyes, she tried to reason out with them but to no avail. In the end, Mai became the team's personal prank detector which was a complete victory for them.

The pranks finally stopped, when the duo realized that Mai was alerting the others. So for now, the pranks are put on hold until they could find a way to bypass Mai's ability. Peace and quiet rained until the New Year celebration which they spent with a bang, but along with it comes the storm of change.

-oOo-

The day of the lecture and seminar finally arrived. The members of JSPR were all present in the function hall since they were invited as speakers. They were going to explain about their abilities, past cases, and what not.

They were also able to listen to other guest lecturers, the current speaker was Dr. Mark Craig. The topic he's discussing is about possessions, curses, and seals. The topic also includes the differentiation of the three as well as their effects on a person.

Dr. Craig is on the topic of possessions, "As you all know, a person who is possessed would have blank spots in their memories. Which is not normal unless a person has an illness which causes the memory lost." He paused for a while to check if everyone was still following him.

He then continued, "We would now discuss how to recognize if someone is possessed or their memory lost is caused by something else, like an injury to the head, dementia and the like. Now does anyone here have an idea on how to recognize a possession?"

A female student seated at the back raised her hand, Dr. Craig motioned for her to speak. "The books I've read mentioned things about looking into a person's eyes to know if they are possessed or not. A person is possessed if their eye color changed, if it is rimmed with red or even if the eyes are blank."

Dr. Craig nodded, "Yes, you are correct that the eyes are the first to be checked, but this is not always full proof. There are those who have been possessed but their eyes still looked normal, which is mostly due to spiritual manipulation. Spiritual manipulation is a type of possession that allows a spirit to take control of a living person by giving them suggestions." He likened it to the shows where an angel and devil appears on the shoulder of a person telling them what to do. The hall was filled with laughter when he reenacted it on stage, which livened the place a little.

"Now that everyone is awake, let's return to our discussion. Aside from the eyes what other ways can you think of?" A comment on asking the person something that he only knows. Dr. Craig shook his head, "We're back to square one if that were the case since someone who had amnesia or even dementia might not be able to answer, so that option will be scrapped. Any other?"

A male student from in front haughtily said, "Just do an exorcism and the spirit would be gone." He looked at his buddies who laughed along with him.

Dr. Craig looked at them with narrowed eyes, "That kind of thinking young man would get you in trouble some day or worse killed." This shut them up and was about to talk back when a professor when near them and ushered them out of the hall. The professor then turned to Dr. Craig and asked for pardon for the interruption. Which he waved off saying that it happens.

Dr. Craig then coughed to gain everyone's attention and resumed his explanation as if no altercation had just happened, "As for the matter of doing an exorcism, it is only to be done if you know that there is an actual possession. Doing it on every person you suspect as someone being possessed would be time consuming and down right rude. Now, before I explain what other way can be done to prove if someone is possessed, are there any suggestions, questions or violent reactions."

When there were no further comments from anyone, he continued, "The best way to test if a person is possessed is through a mirror or a picture. This is because the spirit's reflection or outline will be seen overlapping with the person being possessed." He then began presenting the slideshow he made of pictures showing the overlapping he mentioned.

A five minute break was given, then Dr. Craig resumed the talk, "Next in our discussion are about seals and curses, these two are quite different from possession but further along our discussion you would see why I grouped this three together."

From there he began to explain that both seal and curses could either be written or oral. When orally, both seal and curses are done through chants. The difference lies on the intent of the person on whether it is a seal or a curse. When it comes to the written ones, the two are quite different. Written curse are all seals, while written seals are not all curses. This is because in written curses, one has to draw certain symbols or seals to allow the curse to take form. Written seals on the other hand, would depend on the intent of a person. If one wishes to protect then those are seals, if one wishes to harm then those become curses.

Dr. Craig went on to discuss the types of curses, their counters and effect on the one doing the cursing and on the one being cursed. Next to be discussed were seals, their types, uses, effects and other things.

Andrew Stevens, one of Naru's students, asked Dr. Craig, "Sir, is it possible to place a seal on a person?"

"Are you referring to charms or seals placed directly on people?" Dr. Craig confirmed. Andrew commenting that it was the latter.

Dr. Craig nodded, "It is actually possible to place a seal directly on a person. There are those who prefer to place protective seals on their bodies, like seals against possessions that are placed on the body in a form of tattoo which could either be permanent or not. Using dye, blood or herbal tinctures to draw the seal on the body."

"Sir, is placing a direct seal on your person a better choice than charmed papers?" One of the instructors asked quite curious about the information.

Dr. Craig closed his eyes in contemplation, "Both options have their pros and cons. For charms it has a chance of it being lost or destroyed but it doesn't have a direct effect on the person carrying it. Which is the downside to placing seals directly on a person. It is true that it cannot be lost or destroyed easily but one mistake on drawing the seal will be dangerous, one can seal their memories or even create a death curse."

-oOo-

The team were currently listening to the discussion, Mai herself was enraptured with it since she was learning quite a lot. But when the discussion reached the part about seals, she doubled over in pain as her forehead began to have a burning sensation. Naru who was speaking to some of his colleagues excused himself and went to Mai, both he and Lin supported her and took her to the backrooms. Lin's siblings, Shinji, Ayako and Bou-san followed them. The others staying behind to explain to Martin, who was just thanking Dr. Craig and about to call JSPR for their turn.

-oOo-

Ayako began to check Mai, who had lost consciousness from the pain, with a frown on her face she said, "Aside from the redness on her forehead, she is okay. There are also no indications as to what could have caused her pain."

Shinji then placed his hand on Mai's forehead and began to chant, a few seconds later he removed his hand in pain. The others were alarmed to see his hand was burned. Ayako went to him and began to tend to his hand, while he was doing so he turned towards Lin, Keiki and Kourin, "Please check Mai's condition, there is something that I wish to confirm before saying anything."

The three nodded and began to check Mai using their own styles, that will not require them to touch her less they get injured as well. All three of them frowned at what they just found out. They turned around and saw Shinji with a frown as well, there was no need for them to tell him what they found since they're reaction was answer enough.

Naru who stood to the side, rubbing his own forehead unconsciously, asked them, "What is wrong?"

Shinji turned to Naru, "I am not sure exactly what is going on but the current discussions regarding seals, somehow in one way or another reacted to the seal on Mai." He finished with a contemplative look on his face.

Bou-san exclaimed, "Wait a second! What seal are you talking about? Did someone in the hall place it on her?"

Shinji shook his head, "The seal on my is quite old, which makes me believe that it has been on her since she was young."

Keiki added, "This is also the first time we've encountered that seal. We've been monitoring Mai's abilities for quite sometime now so it is worrying that she had a seal on her and we didn't even notice it." The others were shocked at the information.

Before they could continue with the conversation, Madoka appeared, "Noll, you and the others need to make an appearance." They were about to protest but was cut -off.

"You guys should go, Shinji and I would do some more diagnostic tests on Mai to see what the seal is for and how to break it." Kourin said as she looked at the others. Seeing that they were still in doubt, she added, "It would take a while for us to find out anything and it would be easier to explain with everyone present."

Naru, who couldn't find fault in her reasoning, conceded, "Very well, we'll leave things to the both of you." The two nodded in turn.

-oOo-

The lecture over, the team and Martin were all gathered waiting for an explanation. Kourin began, "The seal on Mai as of the moment has become dormant again which removed any discomfort to Mai. Though this time around we could detect it easily."

"What is the seal for? Couldn't you have removed it?" Naru asked in his usual tone but a hint of worry is visible in his eyes.

Shinji sighed, "We tried everything we could to test what the seal was for, but everytime we get closer it would either push as away or Mai would be in pain so we stopped tampering with it."

Kourin added with a grim expression, "Even if we do manage to get close to the seal, this is the first time we encountered this type of seal even with all our knowledge none of if has the same effect as this one. No matter how much we try to decipher it, the only things we get are more questions with no answer whatsoever." They all became silent with grim and worried expressions on their faces.

"Have you contacted mother? She is more adept at seals than we are." Lin's voice washed over the room's silence.

Kourin's eyes widened, "Oh, right. I'm sorry, I forgot to inform you guys. I contacted her and she said that this was the first time she heard of this kind of seal. Mother said that she needed to see Mai, in order for her to make any form of conclusion." The information gave them all a sliver of hope, that Houki be able to help Mai.

Kourin then added, "Keiki, Koujo, Shinji, and I will take Mai to Hong Kong as soon as possible. We also need to make our yearly greetings to mother and the elders, so it would be like us hitting two birds with one stone." The others nodded in understanding. She then turned to Lin, "Koujo, please go reserve flights for the four of us."

Lin nodded at his sister's request, though Naru, who was listening to the conversation, turned to Kourin and Lin, "Make that five tickets, it is best that I go with you."

Kourin was about to comment that the four of them would be enough, when Keiki placed a hand on her shoulder and a raised a brow directed at her. She blinked, then face palmed, "Oops, sorry, I forgot about the bond. You really do need to come with us, since who knows what'll happen to the both of you if we stretch your bond that far."

Before anyone could comment, Mai began to stir. Ayako went to to the girl, "How are you feeling?"

Mai rubbed her forehead, "I'm fine for the most part with how my forehead feels like a heating iron is on it." She shook that off and turned to see their worried gazes. "What happened anyway?" She asked having no recollection of what transpired.

Kourin began to explain to her what happened and the plans they made. "Though, I'm not sure what the others decision are when we head to Hong Kong."

This made them turned to the other members of the team, who were in a huddle conversing with each other. Bou-san turned to Mai with an apologetic look, "Sorry, Jou-chan, we really want to come with you but we've been gone from Japan for a couple of weeks already. We all have prior obligations and can't push back our works even more."

Mai shook her head and said she understand and it doesn't mean they won't see each other again. She stopped mid sentence, "Ah! I have to contact my school that I'm going to extend my absence."

Before she could put herself in a tizzy, Lin placed a calming hand on her head, "Do not worry about that Mai, I'll handle it. As your legal guardian, it is now my duty to inform the school of any absences you have to take."

Mai calmed down and turned to Lin with a sheepish look, "Sorry, I forgot that I can no longer just call the school without any form of permission from you. I've been so used to being independent that I forget that I have someone taking care of me now." She finishes her sentence with a downcast expression.

Lin patted my on the head, "It's just fine Mai, you have me and the others now." Mai turned to Lin and hugged him. The others watching them with affection in their eyes.

-oOo-

Preparations were made for the six to head to Hong Kong. The other members of the team would head back to Japan with Madoka being left in charge of the office, they were assured to be given regular updates. Things are finally unraveling, as for it being good or bad it would depend on who's asking or answering.

-oOo-

A/N: Hope you guys like it. I was supposed to post the chapter yesterday but, *face palm* I was stomped since it's only now that I realized I've been introducing Shinji as just Shinji. I had to search for his surname in my notes, I couldn't find it or might have just missed it somehow in the story line. So yeah, sorry for my rambling.

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