Hey all! So sorry for being gone so long! My move went well and I suddenly jumped into working full time and going to two universities! YIKES! But now I have officially graduated as of last weekend and I am working at my dream job - BROADWAY! SO CRAZY! OMG!

Sorry for being gone, but hopefully the wait was worth it! All the best3

I hugged myself and looked over at the catwalk that was now empty.

"I can now safely say that we are only dealing with one spirit. The fearful spirit and the angry spirit I felt are one in the same."

I looked over at Naru with mournful eyes. He returned my gaze with his usual stoic demeanor. I tried to hold back my emotions to the best of my ability. Just a few hours ago I was mourning for this woman for the pain and suffering she endured during her marriage. But now things are different.

"Reika is starting to change. She is becoming a violent spirit, and it's only a matter of time until she actually kills someone."

...…...…...

We had all returned to base once more. Ayako removed the metal from John's shoulder and gave him a few stitches, and Naru was able to reboot the security system and get the cameras back online. Yasu called Maho and explained the situation. Fortunately he lived nearby so he was able to come by early with some other employees and clean the mess. They roped off the section with the damaged booths and planned to place security there tonight to deter some curious ghost fanatics from the scene. Unfortunately Maho had an expensive band coming in tonight as well as a few VIP guests, so he was able to close the club. I could tell he was torn about the potential danger, but it was understandable considering he has a business to run.

I had made everyone tea and now we sat silently in base sipping our drinks and mulling over what just happened. Naru went through two cups of tea before he addressed the team.

"Considering the escalation of events, I want this case closed within the next 48 hours, before Reika seriously injures or kills anyone. Mai, since you seem to have the most information on our spirit, do you have any idea as to why she attacks someone, and what led to this most recent outburst of anger?"

I sipped my tea and massaged my arm. When Naru and I fell under the table he flipped over on top of me and I could feel my arm beginning to bruise from it's hard contact with the floor.

"I don't know why she attacks people the way she does. Honestly, when we were locked in our staring contest, I didn't feel like she was trying to attack me, but warn me. I don't know what she was warning me about, and only when you guys showed up and approached me, did she suddenly become violent."

I rubbed my face with frustration. "I don't know what it means. I feel like I'm missing something but I just don't know what it is. What I do know is, Reika is starting to become malevolent. If this activity only started when the club opened it has to do with something going on here. I think our best chance may be for Masako to channel her and try a cleansing. I think it's still possible for her to be cleansed, but we need to do it as soon as possible."

"Are these your instincts talking?"

I nodded my head in agreement.

Naru watched me for a moment more. "Alright we will try a cleansing tomorrow. I would prefer to do it tonight but the club will be opening in a matter of a few hours and the employees have already started arriving. I don't want to take a chance that if it goes wrong, we are putting the patrons and employees in harm's way. We will continue to do our rounds, but I want everyone to be extra vigilant considering this violent outburst today. It's most likely possible that she used up too much energy to make another appearance tonight, but stay on your guard and be cautious. Yasuhara - no drinking."

Yasu feigned ignorance and smiled. I'm guessing someone snuck over to the bar last night, and someone else noticed...

Ayako stood and stretched. "Alright ladies, let's go get ready!"

I looked at Ayako in confusion. "Get ready? For what?"

"We decided that if we wanted to blend in so we could do our jobs without being interrupted, we needed to dress like the other people in the club. You can't wear your jeans into the club and not expect people to peg you for the ghost hunting team."

I looked to Masako and to my surprise she nodded her head. "Ayako has a point. The less we stand out, the less chance we have at being bothered. It was decided this morning while you were sleeping."

I started to panic, I hadn't been anticipating this. "But I don't have anything to wear!"

Masako huffed. "Seriously Mai, we went to a club and you didn't bring anything suitable to wear?"

I glared at her, "And you did?"

"Of course."

I looked to Yasu and Monk for help. Yasu grinned, "Mai, I think only you, John, and Naru are the only ones who didn't bring something to party in. Then again, big boss's dark outfits could technically be considered trendy. So I guess it's just you and John." Naru had glared at him as if to say 'don't lump me with you,' and John looked sheepishly over at me.

"Actually, I did bring something a little nicer, too. I didn't know what to expect and if we would be allowed to investigate in casual wear."

Monk laughed. "So it looks like just Mai then!"

Ayako pulled me up from the couch and led me towards the door. "Don't worry Mai, I think I have something you can borrow." I looked back at Yasu and begged him with my eyes to save me, but he just waved and smiled.

That traitor!

...

About two hours later, I stood looking at myself in the mirror. Ayako did bring something for me. She said it was her own dress but considering how tight it was on me, I wasn't sure if it was her dress or if she was saying that and if she actually bought it for me...

It was a black sleeveless, bodycon dress that hugged every single little curve I had. It had a deep v neck cut, and once I saw myself in the mirror my entire body flushed red with embarrassment. I felt so exposed. Ayako and Masako thought it looked absolutely amazing on me, and thought to some degree it did, but I had never worn anything like this before in public. Ayako had also brought a set of small kitten heels that were conveniently in my size - a size that I know neither Ayako or Masako wore...

Ayako ignored my protests and decided to do my makeup. I had some bruising around my nose, but she was gentle, and made sure to cover all of the bruises. My eyes were a different story. She gave me dark cat eyes with smokey eyeshadow. I barely recognized myself in the mirror.

"Ayako, I can't work like this! It's like I'm barely wearing anything! I feel so uncomfortable…"

"Oh hush Mai. The club will be dark and people will barely be able to see you, which is a shame with your figure in that dress! If only a certain boy would notice..."

My body flushed red all over again.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

She rolled her eyes, but thankfully didn't say anything. Honestly, I wasn't ready for any conversations surrounding my love life.

Ayako was wearing a signature red dress she loved, and even Masako had brought a dark purple cocktail dress. When Ayako had gone to the ramen shop earlier this morning, she had also stopped by some boutique and found a wig for Masako so people wouldn't recognize her. He wig was a long, light brown that complimented her skin tone. If you had seen the three of us, you'd think we were here solely for a night on the town rather than for work.

After we finished getting ready, we headed to base. I trudged along feeling nervous about my outfit, but I tried to remind myself that it was just for the job. Once we entered base I noticed that everyone else, except Naru, had changed as well. I tried to sneak in quietly behind the others but of course that didn't work out.

Monk just had to bring attention to my outfit. "Ayako! You were supposed to make the two of them blend in! Not stick out even more! Now the guys won't stop flirting with them, especially Mai!"

"Shut up, Monk!" I could already feel my face turning red. I snuck a quick glance over at Yasu, and I could tell he was trying hard not to look at Masako. She was also doing her best not to look at him, but I could tell it was weighing on her. Honestly, Yasu!

"Young lady, I think you need to go change! Either that or one of us need to act as a bodyguard for you to fight all the men away!"

I smirked and walked across the room. "Sounds like a good idea." I grabbed Yasu by the arm and dragged him over to the door. "I'll see you guys on the dance floor!" Without a glance back, I dragged Yasu from the room, up into the club that had already started to fill with people.

I had felt Naru's eyes on us the entire time. I noticed that he actually looked up from his research but he wore his usual, 'I'm bored' look. I purposefully didn't look his way, but my stomach was full of anxious butterflies who were getting their hopes up. I tried to squash the feeling, but I knew my feelings would only grow fonder for the man who broke my heart.

...

As soon as we walked out of the kitchen and into the club, I felt even more eyes on me. I tried to ignore it, but it was difficult as we came out the door behind the bar where everyone there could see us. I stopped a little ways away from the bar and finally stopped dragging Yasu along. I took a deep breath and let it out.

"So Yasu, where do we want to investigate?"

"Tut tut, Mai. So quick to get to work. At least let me get my date a drink first." He escorted me to an unoccupied table and walked over to the bar. I hoped for his sake he ordered something nonalcoholic because Naru was probably watching.

Naru was probably watching.

O my God... Naru could be watching us and here I am in such a skimpy dress in a club.

I wanted to bang my head on the table and curse my rotten luck. I took a deep breath and calmed myself. Who am I kidding? Naru wouldn't be watching me on the monitors. He's probably watching for any activity like I'm supposed to be doing. And if he did watch me on the monitors, it's probably to make sure I didn't get myself killed by Reika.

I could already feel a headache coming on. Suddenly the chair next to me was filled by Yasu. I hadn't expected him back so soon.

"That was fast. What did you get me?"

"A club soda. Usui is working tonight and once he saw me he took my order immediately. On another occasion he probably would have made me wait my turn, but he must have seen you in that dress and he knew one of the drinks was for you. He even put a little cherry on top. How cute!" Yasu winked and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm sure all of the men at the bar saw my dress. The little of it there is to see anyways…" I took a sip of my soda and glanced around the room. I could see a few guys staring at our table, but I did my best to avoid eye contact. Honestly, what is it with men? You'd think that they hadn't seen a girl before. Jeez.

We were silent for a moment as we sipped our drinks, and I figured now was as good of a time as any to ask him.

"So Masako asked you to move in, huh?"

I watched as Yasu practically spit out his drink and started choking. I handed him the napkin from my glass and he took it and wiped himself off. I smirked at his flabbergasted face.

It felt good to put him on the defense every once in a while.

"She told you?"

"Yes, she did. Which makes me wonder why, my best friend, didn't say anything to me? And why said best friend, is being an absolute dick to the best girl he's ever dated?"

Yasu grabbed my glass and took a sip of my drink.

"Hey!"

"Sorry, just wanted to make sure that it actually was club soda and not alcohol. You're being very ballsy tonight, Mai."

"Enough with the jokes, Yasu. Stop deflecting and answer the question."

He frowned and ran a hand through his hair. I could tell he was uncomfortable, which was very rare for Yasu. He was always so sure of himself, and to see him so vulnerable made me want to hug him. But considering his behavior, I wanted to smack him at the same time.

I now spoke softly to him, "Do you not like Masako anymore?"

Yasu stared with wide eyes. "No! It's nothing like that. Masako is absolutely amazing! She's talented, funny, smart, kind; I could go on and on. I really, really like her Mai."

"So why are you ignoring her?"

"I… I like her so much…. I think I love her."

I smiled at Yasu and put my hand on his. "I'm happy for you Yasu. But that still doesn't explain why you ran out on her after she asked you such an important question, and why you haven't been treating her like the woman you love. What happened?"

"I don't know Mai. I panicked. As soon as she asked the question, I was elated, but then reality struck. Why me? Why did she pick me? She could be with movie stars, billionaires, artists, anyone but me and that's who she chose. I've gone with her to parties and work events, and she introduces me to these people, who I can tell are interested in her. She doesn't look at them at knows all these successful and wealthy men, and I'm nothing compared to them. I'm a graduate student, riddled with college debt, no fulltime job, no family money, and no one of importance. Her apartment is fancy and she's rich. If it's not a new TV show increasing her fanbase and popularity, it's a book deal. There is always something! I would only be holding her back. She would have to pay for everything because I don't have money. My apartment is a small studio that could fit in the guest bedroom I stay in at her place. She's never complained but if I move in and problems start because I can't afford anything and I embarrass her, maybe she'll end it and kick me out. I would go from being the happiest man on the earth to a poor, heartbroken shell of a man."

Yasu hung is head into his hands.

"Masako doesn't care about any of that Yasu. Considering her popularity and social status, do you honestly think that if she didn't want to be with you she would ask you to move in with her, let alone take you to her parties and introduce her to people as her boyfriend? Masako is the kind of person who won't do anything if she doesn't want to do, and she doesn't bother with things she thinks are a waste of time. She knows that you have college debt and that you're a graduate student. Has she ever asked you to pay for anything? No. She wants you to succeed and she wants to support you. She doesn't see you as a burden. She doesn't see you as some charity case, but as a man who makes her smile and feel like a normal girl amongst the pressures of her life and work. Masako can be petty and stingy, but not when it comes to the people she loves and trusts, and that's you. She loves you Yasu. And if you love her too, you'll tell her and move into that apartment and be happy."

Yasu slowly looked up at me, and the unshed tears in his eyes glistened in the flashing lights on the club.

"Does she really love me that much?"

I sighed and fixed him with an exasperated look.

"Yasu, she loves you. So much so, that the proud Masako Hara, confided in me and literally cried on my shoulder. If that doesn't tell you anything, then you are absolutely hopeless!" I threw my hands up and took a sip of my drink. I could tell that it was finally dawning on him how much Masako cared if she was suddenly confided in me; she had always been tightlipped about her emotions and it was an honor really to be privy to her sensitive side. We had gotten close over the years but she was still a private person. We didn't see her break down often, but it was a true sign that she cared about us and considered us close, if she could be so candid with how she felt.

I looked over at Yasu who was smiling ear to ear. "I knew I needed my little Mai-chan to tell me what a bad boy I was being."

"Eww, Yasu. Save that kind of stuff for Masako." I rolled my eyes and sipped my drink. "Go find her and make up already."

"I'm not going to leave you alone."

"Don't worry. I don't think Reika will be attacking us anytime soon, anyways."

"Mai, it's not the ghost I'm worried about. It's the men in this place. Have you noticed how many guys have been staring at you? I'm sure big boss is jealous, seeing on the monitors, so many potential men wanting to court you."

I snorted into my drink. "Yeah, sure, ok. How about this, we go find the others and then you go get Masako. Deal?"

Yasu made a show of shaking on it, and we started walking arm in arm around the club hunting for the others. After searching for about 10 minutes I finally spotted Masako and John upstairs. They were hanging out near some booths upstairs watching the people sitting down. I tapped John on the shoulder who turned around and greeted us. Masako stayed quiet and tried to feign disinterest.

"Hey John, mind joining me for a bit?"

He looked between Yasu and Masako and understood my intentions. "Sure." John and I departed and headed over to the balcony. We squeezed our way into a small space that looked over the crowd on the dance floor.

"I take it you talked to Yasuhara about whatever he did wrong?"

I laughed. "Why do you assume it was Yasu who did something wrong?"

"Mai, I may not be able to marry or have romantic relationships, but I know when a man is in the doghouse." John gave me a knowing look and all I could do was laugh and agree. From there we chatted off and on, pointing out people in the crowd below and watching for anything paranormal. At one point, we saw Monk and Ayako walking the perimeter of the dance floor, but they soon disappeared into the darkness near the corner. So far nothing had happened and the night had been activity free. After standing there for a bit, the air started to get stuffy from the heat rising off of the dance floor. Since one of the fans was no longer working upstairs, it felt hotter than usual. John offered to get us some waters, so I stayed where I was and continued to watch the crowd.

Soon enough, once John vacated the spot next to me, someone filled it.

"I haven't seen you around here before. Is it your first time at Club Yoru?"

I turned to look at the man next to me and I felt my neck craning upward to accommodate for how close he was standing. I felt annoyed at his closeness but I reminded myself that the club was packed and it was incredibly loud, so to have a conversation it made sense to stand close. But I still didn't like strangers crowding my space. He was good looking, but I wasn't in the mood to do any shameless flirting. Usually when I had some alcohol it was fine, but tonight I wasn't in the mood.

"No, I've been here before." I made my answer brief and scanned the crowd below for any sign of John. I was feeling very hot and the body heat of the man next to me wasn't helping.

"Are you sure? I'm a regular and have been for a while. If you had been here before, I'd definitely remember you." I watched him as his eyes lingered a little too long. My earlier embarrassment started to return, but I held it back. I shouldn't be embarrassed or allow someone to make me feel uncomfortable. I was allowed to wear anything I wanted. I also have every right to be here, enjoying myself, and I shouldn't let anyone deter me from having fun.

"I'm pretty sure I'm capable of remembering what I have and haven't done, thank you very much. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm waiting for my date to return." I turned my body away from him, proud of my Naru-esque reply. I was starting to feel light headed and I had no patience to deal with pushy men.

I felt a hand on my shoulder as he tried to get my attention. "Aw, don't be like that. I'm sure once you get to know me you'll like me. I'm a nice guy. How about a dance?" He tried to get closer to put an arm around me, but I stretched my arm out and gave him a shove. Suddenly I didn't feel so good and I didn't want him in my personal space. I grabbed the railing for support, as my vision swam.

"Mai? Is everything ok?" I heard John's voice broke through my thoughts.

"She's fine, we are just talking. You can leave now."

"No… John… I don't feel good…" Before I could say anything else, my legs gave out. I fell unconscious before my body even hit the floor.

...

Suddenly I found myself standing in the empty warehouse. Another dream? So soon?

I quickly looked down at myself, and saw that I was in my own body. Thank goodness. I don't know if I could handle another first person dream or convergence episode so soon after the last, especially if it was another beating.

I spun and saw that I was still on the second floor. I walked over to the balcony, but rather than seeing the dancefloor I had become so accustomed to, I saw a warehouse full of machinery. After looking,I noticed that they were producing guns and other weapons like grenades. So Yasu was right; it was a weapons factory.

My attention was suddenly diverted to my left. I almost jumped as I saw Seijuro leaning against the railing and overlooking the warehouse, just as I had been doing. He had a bottle in his hand and I could tell from his sloppy movements and slouching, that it wasn't his first. My instincts were telling me it was late a night. No employees were around and the man was drunk, so he was probably drinking after a day of work.

"Seijuro. You wanted to see me?"

My heart leaped to my throat and I spun to look behind me. Reika stood, in a beautiful dark blue kimono. I could instantly tell by her stance that she was nervous and scared to be alone with this man. Her face looked gaunt and tired; much slimmer than the photo from her wedding day. I stepped back so I was no longer in between them.

Without looking, Seijuro started speaking. "Look at all of this. Look at what my family has built." He gestured with a swooping arm to the factory below.

"My family built this. You… You just get to stand there and benefit from my work and my job, taking money from me that I earned."

He took another drink. "You think I don't know what you're doing? I seen some of the money in the account disappear. Everytime you claim to go shopping, but yet you don't bring anything home? You're stealing my money. Hiding it away. For what? What are you saving up for?"

Reika eyes flashed with fear, but she kept her face passive. "Saving? I don't know what you mean."

"Come here."

Reika froze. The fear was evident on her face now.

"I said come here!" His tone had gotten angry. He drowned the rest of his bottle and fixed her with a glare. Reika slowly walked over to him, and stood about two feet away. Seijuro let his bottle fall to the ground, and the glass clanged on the floor and rolled to the edge of the balcony.

"You're planning to leave me aren't you?" Seijuro took a giant step forward which had caught her off guard. She looked up, unable to hide her terror.

"N..No. I'm sa...saving up money. To… to buy… to buy toys for the children in the orphanage. I… I wanted to do something special for them, especially the ones who lo-lost their parents in battle."

Seijuro gave a harsh laugh. "The children in the orphanage. Ha! You should buy toys for our child. Oh wait, we don't have a child. Because you're a useless wench. Can't give me an heir, can't obey! Absolutely useless!"

My gut twisted as I watched him work himself into a rage, and started beating on Reika once again. I honestly don't know what was worse; being beaten or being a bystander with no power to help. I watched as he continued to assault her, verbally and physically. I felt tears in my eyes, but I knew there was nothing I could do to change the past.

He lifted Reika up and pinned her to the railing. Blood pooled down her face from the wounds she received. She grappled with the arms holding her, and she begged and pleaded. Suddenly it was as if time proceeded in slow motion. Seijuro pushed Reika over the railing. I cried out and watched as she twisted backwards.

Her body started to fall, but in a quick moment, her hands latched around the lowest rung of the balcony. My heart hammered in my chest as she swung back and forth, trying to maintain her grip on the metal bar.

"What's the matter Reika, dear? I thought you wanted to leave me? I'm only trying to help you get as far away from me as possible. Death seems like the farthest possible place. You should just fall already."

Seijuro leaned over the railing and grabbed her wrists, trying to force her to let go.

"Seijuro! Seijuro, please! Please, stop! I swear I'm not leaving you! We can work this out! Please help me up!"

"Oh, Reika. It's too late. People talk. Between your nosy friends going to the police and people seeing your bruises, all the damage you've done is irreversible. You won't be missed, and you know why? Because you're going to be forever known as a spy. A spy for the Americans, who sold information about the government and weapons. When I found you tonight, you were trying to steal a few guns and the blueprints. I confronted you, and you told me everything. You threatened to kill me, and in self defense, I pushed you over the railing. I'll call the police and they'll find me crying over your dead body. Even if any suspicion arises, my connections and status will clear up any misunderstandings. I'll play the role of the betrayed widower well. I'll do my part. Now you just need to do yours and die."

I watched in horror as he released one of her wrists from the bar, and started to pull at the second one. I could see the moment in Reika's eyes when desperation took hold, as she hung by one hand, above certain death. She looked around frantically and noticed the bottle. She reached and grabbed for the discarded bottle, and with all her might swung it at her husband.

There was a sickening crunch, as the glass shattered upon contact with Seijuro's head. He suddenly stopped grabbing at her wrist, and his arms went limp. Reika took the opportunity to grab the lower rung with her other hand. Slowly I watched as Seijuro slid over the railing. Suddenly he was no longer visible, and a loud thud accompanied his fall.

I watched in sorrow as Reika struggled to maintain her hold on the railing. Tears streamed down her face as her arms began to tire. She had tried countless times to pull herself up, but the pain and exhaustion from her injuries weighed her body down. A sob broke past her lips, and she closed her eyes. I watched as she let go of the railing, and followed her husband to her death.

I stayed where I was. I didn't want to see, what I already knew. I knew that they had both died on impact, and that there was no hope. Tears poured down my cheeks as I cried for the woman who was powerless, and in the final moments made the hardest decision anyone ever could.

Letting go.

Thank you for reading! Sorry again for being gone for so long, but hopefully I'll have another chapter up soon. Please R&R&F! Happy Holidays!