Chapter 24

Mai sat in the ambulance after the police received her witness account.

She'd just been looked over for any injuries. There wasn't going to be much of an investigation, seeing as the number of witnesses, the murder weapon, and the culprit were all recorded and placed in custody by the cops. Sota made sure to contact his team members who broke up the party before the police came over. The police had also contacted all of their emergency contacts, and they we're on their way to pick up the melancholy teens.

Mai was brought out of her daze when a sudden screeching sound was heard, and she looked up to see that the SPR van had pulled up with Lin in the driver's seat. The side door was opened and Ayako was the first to exit the vehicle with Houshou not far behind. They were desperately scanning the scene beyond the police tape.

One of the officers approached the two of them quickly enough, and they seemed to be speaking with him. Mai still hadn't received the okay from the EMT that she was healthy enough to leave the scene.

"What do you mean? We are her family! Where is she? I need to know she's alright!" Mai could hear Ayako yelling as Monk held her back. Another car pulled up to the scene, and Mai could feel her heart clench again when she recognized it. Keiko's father rushed out of the vehicle and his wife exited the vehicle alongside him.

'I don't want to see this. I don't want to see them hurt. I don't want anyone to hurt more than I do.' Mai thought to herself.

"If the police have already cleared you then you're all set young lady." The EMT approached and all Mai could do was nod dumbly.

She got up and looked around and saw Michiru leaned up against a police car and was speaking to them. Their eyes met for a moment and Mai nodded to her. Her friend seemed to understand as waved Mai goodbye. She continued to the police line and with every step closer to Keiko's family the more tightly her stomach coiled into a knot.

"Ma'am, please stay behind the line!" The cop urged and Ayako looked like she was about to get physical until her eyes meet Mai's.

"MAI!" She yelled and snuck under the tape and ran up to her and placed her in a tight embraced.

However, Mai's arms remained limp, and she didn't return the fierce hug. Ayako was too relieved to notice the girl's lack of response. Ayako then held her at arm's length and took in her appearance clinically. The doctor quickly noticed the large amount of blood now coating her white blouse from embracing Mai's black dress.

The black fabric hid most of it but the rain water kept rinsing more blood from the garment.

"Mai! The blood! "Ayako yelled in surprise.

"It's not mine." Mai replied robotically her eyes on the ground.

"Mai! Oh my goodness you're alright!" Mai was surprised to feel and hear the voice that held her now. It was Keiko's mother. Mai was too distraught to respond.

'Does she know? Do I have to tell her?' Mai pushed her away and looked her in the eye. She was determined to face her head on.

"I think I can see Michiru over by the police car honey, but where is Keiko?" Her father asked looking around and then his eyes finally settling on Mai. Mai could feel her eyes welling up again with tears she'd been holding back, and she choked a sob.

"Mai? Where is Keiko?" Keiko's mother asked again her voice sterner this time, most likely understanding the implications of Mai's silence.

All Mai could do was mutter 'I'm sorry' over and over again and shake her head. Keiko's mom then covered her mouth and ran underneath the police tape to the closest officer with her husband not far behind. Mai looked on as she grabbed the officer and asked

frantically where her daughter was, and the officer shook his head and delivered the news.

Mai turned away but the cries of Keiko's mother were loud and most likely inconsolable. Mai's heart was breaking for her, and there was next to nothing that could mend the hole in her heart. Mai knew better than anyone that for now she just needed space and time to mourn.

"Mai. It's okay. It's going to be okay." Monk said as he held her. She hadn't even noticed that she had been crying too, and her face was drenched with tears. Mai said nothing and made no motion to hug him back, and only stood with him.

'How did this happen?' Was Mai's last thought before she could feel Monk walking her toward the van.

Regression

Noun. – a return to a former less developed state.

The rain started up again and Mai just sat on her bed above the covers. Her head was drawn into her knees, and for a brief moment she was no longer crying.

Now she just felt very numb.

It was now early morning, and Mai had yet to go to sleep. Her mind refused to let her rest even though she was extremely tired.

'I'd been so happy for so long I almost forgot how terrible this feeling was. To lose someone so dear and lose them right before your eyes. I almost forgot it was possible to hurt this much.' Mai pondered as her eyes blankly stared at her window and the pounding rain.

When she arrived back Madoka and Naru were waiting for her, and she was able to smile at least for them. She showered and told them she wasn't hungry and went straight to bed. Mai tried to sleep, but before any of this had happened, she'd already been having terrible nightmares.

Now she didn't know what terrified her more. The waking world or the one revealed behind her eyes.

Regression. Mai could feel herself falling back into old habits. She wanted to hate the world and everyone in it. It was all so unfair.

So damn cruel.

Knock knock knock

Mai's head rose from her knees in time to see the door open, and a darkly dressed figure entered her room. Naru closed the door behind himself and walked over to her with a calm steady pace. He was cautious like approaching a wild animal, and gently sat on the edge of her bed. Oliver brought his eyes up to meet hers, and was surprised at how empty the brown pools he'd come to care for had become.

"What?" Was all Mai could say her tone harsh and inhospitable.

This surprised the narcissist.

He mentally played out several scenarios, but this result was in the lower percentile. This much anger felt wrong from her. It didn't take much of his genius to know that he wasn't very good at conveying his emotions. For a long time, he'd always had Gene for that, but now he'd have to handle it on his own.

"You haven't eaten, consumed any liquids, or gotten any rest." Naru stated hoping that she'd make this easy for him.

"I'm fine, plus tomorrow is Saturday. I don't have obligations to take care of. So what if I stay up? Frankly it's none of your business, is it?" Mai bit back hoping he'd get a clue and leave her alone. At this Naru took a big sigh, and rose from his seat at the foot of the bed.

'She clearly isn't in need of any company like I anticipated. I'll just have to give Mai her space.' Noll surmised and made his way to the door.

"Wait." Mai cried in a shallow whisper the he'd barely caught.

He turned around to see her honey brown eyes. They were no longer empty, but hinted something that disturbed the young scientist even more.

Her eyes were furious.

"Why? Why do I have these stupid psychic powers if I can't save anyone I care about? What the hell is the point? It's so damn useless!" Mai asked her throat tightening again, but she fought against it hard. At her inquisition Naru approached Mai again, his eyes never leaving her own. He stared her down but she didn't back down; Mai's gaze remained fierce and steady.

"Listen and listen well Mai. With the gifts you have been given you can help a lot of people, but you can't save everyone. So help who you can, and don't punish yourself for those that you can't. Though you and I can help people, we can't play God. We can't bring back the dead." Then he exited the room without another word.

Even after he left Mai continued to stare at the doorway, and contemplate what he just said.

'We can't play God, huh? I guess you know that better than anyone.' Mai thought and listened to the rain.

He could barely sleep he was so excited. Things couldn't have gone better if he tried. Albeit true that he had hoped that his father would have killed Mai; the suffering and the utter agony she felt as Keiko died in her arms was breath taking. Kasai truly wished he could relive that moment over and over again.

'Her suffering felt better than anything I've ever felt. It was utter euphoria! God, when I first set my sights on that broad, I thought I'd make it simple and easy. But now I'll have to outdo myself when I finally get rid of her. I'll have to plan and wait until the heat is off.' Kasai planned and grinned as he stared up at his ceiling.

He did feel bad about fooling his mother, and coming home in 'tears' explaining Keiko's death, but she'd be fine. His mother had dealt with the ruin of a father he'd had, and came out on top with the help of a kind man. A man who'd been more father to Kasai that his own dead beat sperm donor. Just thinking of the way Mai stabbed him in the back made his blood boil.

'To think she's still walking around without paying for the sin she's committed. Living a happy life. Not for long though. I'll make sure she'll be begging to die after I'm done with her.' He thought giddily. He was through waiting for retribution from the Gods. He was the creator of his own fate, and now the fate that Mai deserved.

He held in the laughter that wanted to bubble outward for fear that his mother would be let on too his current state of delight.

'Your time is ticking.' Was his final thought before he shut his eyes and fell back into ecstasy.

It was Monday.

Now Mai had never been keen to Mondays, not that she knew many people who were, but today especially seemed impossible. She knew that by the time she'd arrived at school the news of her best friend's death will have spread. She knew better than to under estimate the power of the teenage gossip mill. Just like the time after her father died, and then again when her mother died.

She'd already been a spectacle among her student because of her ability to miss an insurmountable number of classes and maintain her grades at the top of her class. Not to mention holding a job all at the same time.

She wasn't even part of any teams or clubs, and didn't often hang out outside of school. She never really paid any attention to the odd way others saw her because she had two great friends who were always there. To a lot of her classmates, she was a mystery, and because of that she was alienated at times.

That morning Mai had been ready on time, and even had breakfast and tea ready for her and Naru with impeccable timing. Though the two hadn't exchanged a word Naru knew that the girl must not a slept that well due to the bags under her eyes. He didn't press the issue since she seemed to be functioning well enough to attend school.

The weekend was tough since Mai insisted on staying in her room most of the time.

The others had come to see her, but Naru insisted that she had her space and time to mourn. So they did. She did feel a bit sorry about leaving Madoka out in the cold though since she'd come a long way, and enjoyed hanging out with her.

'I just want to go the entire day without being bothered.' Mai thought as she stepped out of the car with her school bag. She walked on without looking back or thanking her boss for the ride.

Immediately Mai could feel the stares and hear the whispers of her classmates, but she paid them no mind and pressed on. She didn't doddle outside, something she and Keiko used to enjoy, but instead placed her shoes in her locker and headed straight to her classroom.

There she could have sighed for relief once she saw Michiru was already there looking out the window.

"Michiru, you're early." Mai said as she sat down behind her in her regular seat.

"Yeah, I had to meet with the principle first thing this morning." She said and Mai looked at her friend with a confused expression.

"First thing? Why? Are your grades slipping again?" Mai inquired.

"No, my grades are fine. He's having an assembly for Keiko today and wants me to speak on her behalf. It's so sudden I don't know what to say. I've been crying all weekend and I just hope that I don't cry like a fool during my speech." Michiru said with hollow laughter.

"What? That's so last minute! That's also inconsiderate of him to just up and ask you. Why didn't you turn him down?" Mai interrogated, but Michiru held a hand outward as if to silence her.

"It's okay, but I know if you were in my position you'd at least try, and so would Keiko. So that's why I must. Besides I have a message for you from Keiko's mother." Michiru explained.

"What is it?" Mai whispered. She thought her mother would hate her for not looking out for her daughter when it really mattered.

"She wants you to speak at Keiko's funeral. Now, don't let what I just said pressure you into saying yes. A school assembly is different than speaking at a de-, a passed person's funeral. You've known, I mean, you knew Keiko longer than I have so it's better this way." Michiru finished and surprised Mai a bit.

'I'd been stuck in my world I didn't realize that everything was still moving forward. Of course, there would be a funeral soon. I could never say no to Keiko's mother, but I'm not that good at public speaking. I'll have to do it then. I'm sure her family is hurting more than I am.' Mai made up her mind on the matter quickly.

"I can do that. When is the funeral?" Mai asked solemnly.

"This Thursday. The principle is going to announce that those of us who are going to attend her funeral are excused for the day. Mai nodded and noticed that a few other students were coming into the classroom.

She decided to stop her conversation then, and go to distract herself to allow Michiru to prepare her thoughts.

Mai was glad enough when she was finally able to escape back into her boss's car after a long school day. Michiru had done well during the assembly even though she teared up a bit during the end of her speech. Mai was right there on the sideline waiting for her friend to finish, and hugged her when it was all over. After that the two endured the whispers and glances all day. It was all exhausting, but they were strong and patient.

They both hugged one another at the school gates when they parted ways. For once Mai was thankful that her boss had come to get her. She was emotionally drained and couldn't imagine having to take the train into Shibuya.

"Do you feel up to going to work today?" Naru asked before he made any effort to pull away from the curb. Mai was really exhausted and had her fill of human interactions for the day, but she had to make an effort to see the others. She turned them away all weekend when they wanted to see her. Even if her mood was sour, she could at least be present.

"No, I don't mind." Mai replied her tone flat and robotic. Naru drove away and they continued to toward their regular route.

The drive was silent as always, but the air between the two was stiff and awkward. Naru wasn't one who was easily made uncomfortable by the average person, but Mai was definitely not average. He felt as though he should be making attempts at pacifying her mood, something he normally didn't mind.

'Mai is normally an open book. Especially for someone like me. It is unsettling to be unable to read her. ' Naru thought and cursed his ineptitude with human emotions.

Upon their arrival Mai noticed Madoka was sitting down with a client. Wordlessly Mai went into the kitchen to prepare refreshments, and Noll quickly retreated into his office to retrieve his black notebook.

"This is the owner now. Welcome back sir, this is Mrs. Kinjo. She owns some farm land, and has been experiencing what she believes is paranormal activity. She has informed us that her animals are suddenly reacting very strangely a night." Madoka filled in as the youth took a seat across from his mentor and the client.

"Perhaps a new predator has moved into the area. There's nothing paranormal about that." Naru dismissed completely as he sat.

"I've lived on this farm my entire life! I know how the animals behave when they're sick, if they're nervous, pregnant or just stressed. I've got a Ph.D in veterinary medicine and have studied animal behaviors for years, but this just isn't right. The animals aren't the only ones feeling it. My son and my husband too! We've all seen and felt things as well." Mrs. Kinjo implored.

"I'm going to need you to provide some more evidence. I'm not someone who likes to waste my time with superstitious ignorance. " Naru said impatiently. Normally Mai would scold him for such a statement, but she was in the kitchen.

Plus, in her current state he didn't know if she'd be capable of that large of an emotional range right now.

"Well… the other night I was called in by another farmer to help give birth to a calf, so I left my son to close and clean up. When I returned my husband was frantic and panicked, and running around calling out to my son. When I finally got him to calm down, he said that our son was dragged away by something he couldn't see. We looked for him for two hours, and finally found him." At this point the woman chocked a sob. Mai exited the kitchen and placed the tea down in front of the potential client who wiped her eyes and nodded gratefully. After taking a sip of tea and a deep breath, she continued.

"When we found him, he had bruises all over, and he was crying. My son is a big strong boy, and it takes a lot to get to him. He still won't tell us what happened to him, and he hasn't been sleeping. He seems to be getting more and more closed off. I feel like I'm losing him to whatever is haunting our property. Please, I really do need your help." She begged and all was silent for a few moments. All that could be heard was Lin typing and Naru's pen hitting the paper.

"Fine, we accept your case. We will arrive this Friday. Please prepare two rooms for lodging, and one more for our base of operations. Leave your information with my assistant." He closed and dismissed himself back to his office, but not before eyeing his assistant who wordlessly aided the woman.

'Will she be able to handle another case so quickly after everything that has happened to her? Perhaps I should have her sit this one out?' Naru thought before closing the door behind him.

The rest of the day at the office wasn't too bad for Mai. Madoka must have been able to sense her need for solitude because she spent the day in Lin's office leaving the lobby to her. Mai finished the work Naru left for her on her desk as well as her homework, and cleaned the kitchen.

She'd called the team and informed them of the upcoming case, and now she had nothing left to occupy her. The last thing Mai wanted was to be left with her thoughts, but that's exactly where she was.

'I'll have to write something for the funeral on Thursday. I'm not eloquent and poetic like Michiru. I think I still have my black kimono. Keiko… you're really gone. Aren't you…' Mai thought pitifully her eyes watering all over again.

"Mai. Tea." She could hear her boss call and she sighed heavily.

She wiped her eyes quickly and began moving toward the kitchen. She'd just had a cup of tea herself so the kettle was hot enough to make another cup very quickly. When Mai knocked and entered her boss paid her no mind, so she placed the tea down and turned to leave.

"Stay and close the door behind you." He voiced and Mai obeyed without a word. Naru took his time finishing the passage he was reading, and even sipped his tea before he addressed his young assistant.

"Mai." Naru said and Mai said nothing, and waited for him to continue.

"Do you think you can handle working on a case right now? I can't afford to have any distracted team members." Naru asked bluntly.

"I'll be fine. I can handle it." Mai replied shortly and reached for the door again.

"Mai. I haven't dismissed you." He spoke again making the girl stop and face him. Her face didn't read annoyance or anger or frustration; she was just void of emotion. Again, she was silent and waited for him to say something.

"What would you say if I don't think you are ready and decided to dismiss you from this case?" Naru inquired goading her to get a reaction.

"You are my boss. What could I do but follow your instruction?" Mai replied without a moment's hesitation.

'She's not even angry or resistant. It's ironic that now that Mai is actually listening to me it's making me unhappy.' Naru thought to himself and allowed a sigh to pass through his lips.

"Alright Mai, I won't dismiss you, but you must be honest with me if it ever gets too overwhelming. Do you understand?" Her boss inquired and she nodded her head and this time was able to leave the office undeterred.

Hey readers! Thank you to all the new favorites and follows are received. Muahahhaha! I felt like such a sicko when I posted that last chapter because I was so excited to see how you guys would react to Keiko dying. Anyway, Send me lots of review, cruel and kind a like. I love to hear what you all think at each turn in the story because it helps me guide where I'll go next. Until next time guys.