"This place makes me feel sick," Masako swayed before tumbling into Noll's grasp. Her hands pressed against his chest she cast Mai a subtle, victorious smile.
Mai tightened her jaw while her knuckles cracked. Her eye twitched and a low growl rumbled in her throat. Before she could accuse Masako of being overdramatic a hand rested on her shoulder.
The rebel monk was holding Mai back as he quietly consoled her.
Noll didn't pay too much mind to what he said. Instead, he clutched Masako's wrist in his hand and made eye contact with her.
Masako's body nearly melted as Noll peered into her face. The blush on her cheek darkened as she lost her footing.
"Oh," she moaned theatrically, "there are so many children here, crying for their mothers! Naru, we have to do something!"
Noll glanced towards the others from the corner of his eye. He could practically see the steam shooting from Mai's ears. She grumbled out an inaudible retort.
"We'll find a way to help them," Noll assured Masako. Turning his head he called for Lin to retrieve the child, Ayami, and her doll. He also ordered the miko shrine maiden he had invited onto the investigation site to craft several charms for the protection of his clients.
"Really? You're going to put us to work while you and Masako snuggle and snog?"
Masako jumped away from Noll, hiding her entire face while shouting at the miko over such an inappropriate suggestion. Ignoring Ayako completely, Noll stepped over to the monitors. He held a hand to his chin, mulling over Masako's most recent comment concerning the spirits in the house.
Children…
"Mai," Noll didn't bother looking at her, "didn't you say something about seeing a kid outside after we put out the fire in the kitchen?"
"But there wasn't any kid. Monk and Ayako checked," Mai huffed.
"Perhaps neither Takigawa-san or Matsuzaki-san were sensitive enough to see it," Noll crossed his arms as he faced Mai. She offered him a blank stare.