Chapter 12

Mai woke to the sound of the shower going and looked over at her alarm clock.

6:00AM

'Beeping… so loud.'

She rolled over and slammed her hand against the top of the noisy machine. Mai pushed herself upward as the sheets clung to her tired body. She let her eyes drift to her window only to see the beginnings of sunrise, but nowhere near enough to brighten the sky.

Mai looked around her new bedroom and couldn't help but smile. Ayako insisted that if she were subjected to live with the one and only narcissist, her personal living space would be bright and be inviting. She'd come over while Mai was in the beginning stages of recovering from her broken leg. The doctor even painted the room a pale blue, hung-up various wall decals, and black and white photos of the team members.

Watching Ayako complete any sort of manual labor was shocking to say the least.

As the weeks went on Mai added a few more personal touches like her most prized photos. Two of her favorites were of her and her teacher and the other was of her parents together. Ayako referred to making a space your own as nesting. Mai had really come to feel at home, and she was almost glad that she'd been forced into this awkward situation.

Almost.

Last night Gene focused on meditation to help her learn techniques for relaxing in stressful environments, i.e., anywhere Naru would take her for a case. She was learning to explore the memories of spirits who would give her permission without his guidance. Gene did not wish for her to relive his death so instead she delved into her own subconcious. She was brought into a flashback of when Naru had rejected her feelings and compared her affections to her love for Gene.

'The worst part is at first I believed him and doubted myself. Even when my intuition told me otherwise. I do love Gene, just not the way I love Naru. But, it's been so long… how could I confess again? There was no way he'd believe me. ' Mai let out a deep sigh and flopped back onto her bed, covering her face with her pillow.

There was a knock at the door, but Mai was too deep in depression to hear. The door was opened and silent feet walked over to the side of the bed. Naru took his hand out to shake the seemingly sleeping girl, only to pull back when she rose quickly. Mai was just as surprised as he was, squealing as she fell off the side of the bed.

"HEY, DON'T YOU KNOCK?"

"I did knock Mai, and you didn't answer so I let myself in." Naru stated plainly.

"DON'T YOU THINK IT'S A BIT EARLY TO BE HARRASSING ME?"

"Mai, don't you think it's a bit early for yelling. Get up and pack. You have to get to school, and we're heading out as soon as you get out of classes." And with that he was gone, leaving the sweet smell of soap and his earthy shampoo in his wake.

'He was so kind to me the last case, but now he's acting like nothing happened. He was probably just pitying my situation. He can't very well be left short an assistant.' Mai sighed as did as ordered.

"So I go to pay for the sweater, and it turns out the same guy was the cashier! So we both smile and laugh, and he writes his number down on the back of the receipt. "Keiko said and Michiru and Mai squealed and laughed.

"Oh! I love bold guys!" Michiru chirped excitedly.

"So? Is that it? Have you texted him yet?" Mai asked further.

"No, I don't know what to say. I'm so nervous and I don't want to sound silly! What do I do?" Keiko squirmed blushing.

"You say hello and just let it take off from there. Is that really so difficult?" Mai said dryly.

"Well, Mai we can't all have our dream boys just waltz into our lives some of us have to date and flirt our way to a man." Michiru said as Mai blushed lightly and rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, university exams are just around the corner now, are you guys prepared? What are you going to major in?" Mai asked changing the subject.

"We're both going to apply for Tokyo University, but I'm going for Nursing and Michi is going for business management. How about you

Mai?"

"I did want to apply to Tokyo as well, but I'm somewhere in between traditional history, detective work, and parapsychology. Hmm… maybe I could triple major?" Mai thought to herself and weighed her options carefully.

"Knowing you Mai you definitely could, all you do is study these days. Make sure you make time for you and don't overwork yourself.

"Keiko said in her motherly tone.

"Yeah, ever since that boss of yours came back you've turned into a workaholic and so uptight. Remember, everyone loves care free Mai." Michiru said as they all parted ways. Her friends headed toward their respective after-school programs and Mai scanned the area for the SPR van.

'What's that supposed to mean? I'm still the carefree Mai! It's just that responsibility comes into everyone's lives and one must allocate one's time wisely and- OH GOD. I sound like an old lecture professor. I am uptight! Maybe that's why Gene's been having me meditate so much.' Mai sighed reaching the end of the front walkway of her school.

She spotted the dark vehicle and Monk leaning outside the van doors.

They both meet eyes smiling and Mai ran up to Monk, tackling him in a hug. He swung her from side to side and shook her hair into a messy state. The man had been scarce as of late touring with his band. It was a pleasant surprise that he was able to make this latest case.

"Hey, kiddo! Look at you! I go and leave you and come back to a stunning young lady." Monk said and Mai shoved him affectionately. He followed to open the car door for her and gave her a hand into the vehicle. She slid into the window seat and noticed Naru and Lin up front in their usual spots.

"Hey Lin, Naru do you have the case file, I'd like to review before we get there." Mai said cheerfully as Monk closed the door behind them and Lin drove away from the curb. Mai accepted the papers and took out a small notebook out of her bag. She instantly zoned into making notes as she read along.

"Wow Ayako was right, you're turning into a little Naru." Monk said and chuckled, unknowingly just stepping on a landmine.

"Monk, do you really think I'm an uptight, know it all, who doesn't know how to have a good time?" Mai whined sadly eyes big and watery. Naru narrowed his eyes at Lin who smirked as he pulled off the curb.

'Uh, why do I have the strange feeling I just said something I shouldn't have.' Houshou thought to himself. His eyes darted between the evil aura rising from the boy genius and the tears rimming the girl's eyes.

"O-Of course not Mai, you're always fun to hang out with. I missed you a lot when I was away." He said waving his hands frantically trying to reason with the girl.

"My friends say that I am and that I need to relax more. Who has time for that when their so much I don't know. I'm not even sure which major I want to go into, or which college I want to apply to." Mai confessed nervously.

"I'm sure that they're just worried about you; you're a smart girl Mai. I'm sure you'll figure out all those other things when the time comes." Monk offered a comforting hand on her shoulder. Mai returned a small smile and continued reading the case file.

Upon arrival six men in black suits all stood in waiting as they exited the SPR van. Another vehicle pulled in behind them where their client exited simultaneously. Mai noted that he was once again wearing his haughty expression, looking down at all those around him.

He stepped forward to address the four SPR members and bowed his head respectfully.

"Welcome Shibuya-san, I have arranged for our staff to bring your equipment to the room you requested. I have also booked a nearby hotel for your team members, and stocked your base with supplies. Now, I have spent this company's good money on you, so you'd better not disappoint." He finished and just like that he was off.

'Wow, that guy is really into keeping up appearances. As pompous as he likes to act, I'm sure he's just nervous about his job, and what other people would think about him for hiring us.' Mai mentally reasoned as she grabbed a few items from her luggage and picked up her school bag, following the others inside.

To say that the place was huge was a major understatement.

The ceilings were high, the halls were long, and they were all decked out in expensive marble and glass. The museum was booming with visitors who curiously watched the group file past the ticket booths and into the staff only part of the establishment. After entering an industrial elevator and walking through a large warehouse they finally reached a room on the other side that resembled a staff break room. There was a fridge, no doubt filled with the aforementioned supplies, a stove, a microwave, and unfortunately a tea pot.

'I wonder who could have requested that.' Mai pondered sarcastically as she stepped further into the base.

"I hope this space will serve your purposes . Here's a list of contacts if you should need to question anyone involved." One of the men offered, but Naru walked away and ignored him much to Mai's annoyance.

"Give them to my assistant." He voiced as he continued to look over the space suspiciously. Mai accepted the paper and bowed, thanking them for the help as their client exited the base.

"Naru, why are you playing ego trip with the client? He already wants to detach from our very existence here." Mai grumbled utterly frustrated with the display.

"Our company's ratings and records speak for themselves. If the client didn't want us here then he wouldn't have hired us or paid for our room and board." Naru said joining Monk and Lin in setting up the shelves.

"Fine, but a little courtesy never hurt you know." Mai said pouting and Monk saw fit to diffuse the situation.

"Have you sensed anything since we arrived Mai? Or had any pre -case dreams?" Monk inquired savvy to the patterns of his young coworker.

"I'm trying a new technique right now. I've been spiritually closed since yesterday. I'll wait until were finished setting up to open because I might get distracted with whatever is happening here instead of analyzing the witness accounts. I'll need them if I want to formulate a sturdy hypothesis. Feelings will only throw me off." Mai voiced as she started to unravel the cords making Monk stop in his tracks and give Naru an icy glare.

"Oh…okay then." Monk wasn't expecting the unloading of her scientific method. He mentally debated how to respond, but trusted his gut. "Just remember that fact-based investigation is important, but you always provide the team with a fresh perspective. Your ability to rely on instincts, gut feelings, and intuition bring a lot to the table. That is why your intuition is so strong because you believe in it so whole heartily; something none of the rest of us are able to do. If you stop trusting yourself Mai, it will be the same as losing your abilities. So don't abandon yourself." Monk said more serious than Mai had seen him since the last case.

"Yeah Monk, I hear you." Mai returned with a small smile considering his advice. Naru and Lin observed their conversation silently, but internally both agreed with Monk's judgements. While he admired Mai's interest in different investigation styles, he did need her opinion on establishment.

"Mai, why don't you walk the facility and see what you can sense? Here's a map, don't get lost." Naru ordered and Mai took the small bundle of supplies from her boss. Mai only nodded in acknowledgement and left her three team mates in base.

I'm sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up. Life catches up with us. But I'm so happy that though I haven't updated in a while that I continued to get reviews (which I LOVE). I'm about to be one break after finals, so you be seeing more from me. Happy Holidays!