Disclaimer: I own NOTHING

Chapter Twenty-three: Wanted: part one

Naru Pov

"No.." My eyes witness the horror as the fire starts to surround Mai. I couldn't get through, there's a large see-through wall blocking our path.

"No...No... Damn it!." I shout in desperation as I began to bang against the wall trying to break it.

Mai does the same in her end, watching in horror as tears run down her eyes as she calls out for me.

"No, Naru, leave him alone!" she screams, banging when I began to feel flames crawl up my legs. I glance down, only to see fire, deep fire, burning me. Trying very hard to ignore the pain, I turned my gaze towards Mai, and my eyes narrow as that bastard appears behind Mai. Mai becomes stiff as he wraps his arm around her waist.

"Let's watch him die... WATCH HIM BURN!" he cynically laughs as he looks at me with a devilish smirk, placing his other deformed hand on her chin, forcing her to watch me.

"No, please... Hiroshi... Please." She starts to struggle in his grasp. His eyes bore straight at me, as I bend on my knees.

"Look at him bending... Watch him die, and then. You'll be mine.." he barks out a cynical laugh enjoying this too much.

Mai struggled in his grasp.

"No.. No...NO... NARU!"

All I knew, I needed to save her, it's my fault in the first place... I can't lose her, even if it causes my life.

...

...

A Day Earlier:

"You know I forgot about something very important," Mai said while we hiked up a small hill, near the mountains, watching some monkeys, and birds pass by.

"What is that?" I questioned looking down, to spot a green spot frog bouncing to a small rock near me.

Never took notice of frogs before.

I felt Mai brush her hand against mine. I turned my gaze towards her, as she looks up at the trees admiring the monkeys.

"High school graduation was a month before we went missing. We're in mid-January and the end of February will be our, first year since we have been stuck on this island. Darn, it, I just needed one more month." she snaps her fingers in frustration.

"When we get back, you can just make up the missing month.." I shrugged, Mai surprises, as she takes a hold of my hand. I arched a brow, looking down at her.

"You're giving me a month off?"

"Don't overstep your barrier. Since when did I say that? You'll just have to work around it." I only stated, as she pouts, puffing out her chest in annoyance. She turns away from me and walks towards the tree.

"I thought you would."

"We have enough of vacation in this island as it is."

"No, we haven't. We have been working non-stop since last month, trying to get everything solved."

"I have many things to catch up on at the office, you think you're the only one that is behind work?"

"No, but..." she stops talking and rubs her nose.

"Fine, but it won't be the same, I wanted to graduate with my friends, we even planned it out. I still need to get into college.." she seems a little disappointed at that.

"You will."

"It's easy for you to say, everything is easy for you, I have to work twice as hard. At least you have a future since you finished school, and also I don't know what I want in life," she mumbles, looking down at the ground.

"It will come to you and whatever you choose I'll support it," I told her, for a reason, I wanted her to work for me at least a little longer, but one thing, I won't stand in her way in her future. Mai surprises me when she grasps my hand and gave it a small squeeze as I look down at her. She looks very touched by my words.

"Thank you so much Naru, you have no idea how much your words mean to me. One thing is for sure, I want to continue to work with you, for some odd reason God placed us together. I could major in some other field, but to be honest I like to be a ghost hunter. I like helping spirits and people it makes me happy. So I was thinking I want to continue to study the paranormal, even though is not a total goal, but I want to be a suitable assistant for you, even though I'm not perfect, and for the recond, I'm not saying this because you're in it, but I do like my job, it gives me a purpose in life and even though it's scary, I'm sure I would never escape it even if I wanted to." She assures me.

I suppress a smile, feeling a strong warm feeling filled my heart.

She very determent and I'm glad that it's not me that she wants to stay in this profession because it makes her happy.

"Then you have to study very hard."

"I will. Will you help me though?" She asks me while we began to walk once again, as I slip my hand on hers and laced our fingers together, making her smiled timidly.

"Depends," I shrugged, making a turn around a bulky old tree, heading for a long dirt road, that leads to another beach, well more like a pond, but somewhat familiar with it.

I'm sure Mai will love it.

"Depends what?"

"If you can keep up."

"I will, I'll show you." she sounded determined.

"All right, let's make a deal." I stopped, wanting her to be in courage, and at least be rewarded, plus, I'm getting a little bored she turned towards me with wide eyes.

"What type of deal?" she seems curious.

"I'll start teaching you everything I know, By the end of the year, if we haven't been rescued, I will test you. If you don't pass, you have to..." I paused, thinking of what to do... I haven't thought it through, so Mai beats me to it.

"Fine. If I don't pass, I'll dance for you." she blushes, as I stare at her confused.

"Dance?"

"Yes. I'm very shy, so dancing isn't my forte in front of people, in my birthday didn't count, cause I was being possessed by the odd music," she tells me. At the mention of that, I felt my chest turn hot.

That dance. Alluring it was... It was almost hypnotic, as though she was trying to seduce me in, as she kept moving her body in a sensual way, moving her hips, lifting her red dress, running her hands through her hair, and then turns towards me, and gave me one of the most ironic lures I ever seen, as though she was calling me towards her. I was becoming weaker and weaker. All I wanted is to go up to her, and rip her clothes, and take her. Strange indeed. Luckily Ayame snapped me out of it by whispering in my ear.

"It's a mating ritual, only to does who are newlyweds, and since it's her birthday. It's a gift from us to you both. Go, and make love to her."

Ayame tells me while my eyes narrow at her explanation. I stood up, shaking off my strange sensation, and grabbed Mai by her waist. Snapping her out, but she was still under the influence of the rhythm. I couldn't hear it, but she could.

Returning to normal, for a reason, that sensation turned very subtle, and the look in her eyes, made me just want to dance with her, but not out of lust or anything, because, she felt right in my arms, and all I wanted is an excuse to have her there.

Mating dance? How low is that?

Mai glance at me waiting for my answer.

"Fine, but you have to wear the outfit I choose, and what type of dance," I told her, actually this felt like fun. I wouldn't mind. While it is not the mating dance.

"What outfit? Fine, whatever, then if I win," I shrugged at her question.

"Whatever you want.." Mai presses her lips together, as to contain a smile.

"I'll hold you to that. I will win.." she chirps while clapping. I mentally groaned, already regretting this.

"So by the end of this year, heading for the second year, I will give you the test. If we still haven't been found. Deal?" I stretched out my hand, as she glances at it.

"Deal." She takes a hold of my hand and shook it happily causing me to smile back.

..

..

..

My wife, and my woman.

Never thought I would say that to anyone. Now, this silly girl has made me say things I never said to anyone.

She has no idea how easily she could manipulate me. Luckily, she's too naïve to do it, but that naiveness of hers is just pure innocence which to be honest, it drives me crazy.

"How much longer? It's been five days." I heard Mai complain, as we headed on a slope, reaching the pond.

"In a day we reach our destination," I told her, watching her walk ahead.

Tiresome that day was. I knew Mai cared for me, but not to the extent to love me. She doesn't see me as a sub and that alone made me happy so happy that I thought my heart will explode. Sometimes I get dark thoughts, questions, such as. What if this all is a lie? But then again, Mai isn't the only one afraid... I just don't say it. Everything that she is, I'm not. She doesn't know it, but she can read me like a book.

"Oh my, this is breathtaking." I heard Mai gasp out, as I stop in my tracks, looking forward, to see the ocean in front. At the front, is a barrier of rocks making as a point forward.

'I knew it.' I smirked, placing my hands inside my pockets, watching the waves hit against the rocks, as the wind picks up, making my shirt flap a lot.

"Were you here before? If so, no wonder it took you forever to get back to me," she said as sadness overshadow her voice, as I came up to her and nod.

"Kyoko showed me the way, that means that we are closer now," assured her.

"Oh, the beautiful woman... Did you bathe in there," she asks, surprising me.

"No." I felt confused, I had no time to take a bath since all I wanted is to get back to Mai.

"Oh... Why?"

"I told you... I was in a hurry to sleep in my bed." I lied, since, I don't want to admit the truth. Mai frowns, as she looks into the vast of water.

Moving towards the edge of the water.

"Really? And..." but Mai stops mid-sentence when I saw her move closer to me and takes my arm, pulling it.

"Look, look." she chimes, pointing at the water. I follow and was amazed to see a sea turtle swimming about, heading for land.

"It's huge. I have never seen a huge one." Mai moves a little closer, her eyes roaming the large turtle. His head stretched out, turning to see us, then went by its merry way.

"There are dolphins as well," I added, remembering that I spotted one, while headed back home.

"Really? Can we see it?"

"I don't know if they're still there since it was a little over a month ago, but we can make camp here," I shrugged.

"Yes!" she screams happily while hoping in circles. I chuckle at her sudden happiness.

"You think we can climb the rocks, and see if we can spot a dolphin?"

"Sure, why not." I place the bag near a palm tree on my far right and took off my shoes to get more comfortable.

Mai follows me and does the same, but then she blushes when she takes the bag.

I arched a brow at her sudden change of mood, which she took notice of.

"I'm going to change," she whispers.

"Why?"

"I need to wash my clothes and not ruin the fresh ones. Since it's very hot today, our clothes can dry in an hour, before sunset. Want me to wash yours?" since normally I do it myself.

"I can do it myself," I murmured. She frowns, but shrugs and takes out something, which I couldn't get a glance at, since she hid it very fast behind her.

"I'll be right back." and with that, she stands and rush off behind the palm tree.

I frowned but took off my shirt and my pants off. Since I have my boxers on. A minute passed, a second and a third.

"Mai, aren't you coming out?" I crossed my arms, leaning against the trunk.

"I will." I heard on my right. Turning my gaze, Mai pokes her head out around the tree, as a blush passes her cheeks.

"What's wrong?" I move towards her, but she rose her hand to stop me.

"Don't come any closer, I'm trying to muster up the courage."

"Courage?"

"It's embarrassing, okay," she admits,

"What?" I have no idea what she means, but then her eyes roam my body, for a reason, I felt a little weirded out, but at the same time, a sense of pride seems to fill my heart.

Since when do I find it attractive, to let her watch me like that?

Noticing how deep and tender her eyes gotten.

"Mai?" I called out causing her to shake her head.

"Alright, just don't make fun of me." she finally says.

"I'm not, just come out." I promised as I wave at her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Alright,"

She steps around the palm tree, and stood in front of me, as she has one hand holding her elbow while nervously flicking her nail with her teeth. I glance down at her, to see her in her white panties and a normal white bra, that shows cleavage. I cleared my throat, feeling myself grow warm.

She looks so soft and beautiful. I...

My mind went blank, not sure how to progress this as and I have just finally gotten over from seeing her naked long ago, this is hell for me.

"Why aren't you laughing?" she asks. I arched a brow, confused by her words.

"Why would I laugh?"

"Don't know. I don't have a body of a model or those girls you see on the beaches or tv. Normally I wear a different bathing suit, but since I'm not packed with it at the moment, and this is the first time I wear my underwear in front of anyone.." she shrugs.

"That's just fantasy, Mai. Your just a normal girl. That's how you suppose to look, don't think that all men like the type of girls. We all have different tastes, men are just simple creatures, you women just think too much of how we suppose to think." I truthfully told her. Her eyes seem to light up again.

"So, you don't mind my figure?"

"Let just say, my type of girl, is the opposite of what you just mentioned. I don't disagree with you." I felt my cheeks warm up, as I rubbed the back of my head, feeling myself grow nervous.

"So you do?" she seems a little lost. I mentally groaned once again, do I have to spell everything out to her?

Yes, I do. More than I thought.

I felt my inner self scream, but I just reply.

"I'm not picky and I am a simple guy, can we go and see that dolphin," I mumbled, turning around, and ran my hand through my face.

I walk away while Mai remained quiet maybe contemplating what I just said.

"We can go in this section, it's safer than the ocean," I said as I pointed at a small pond that is formed around the rocks.

"I'm still confused if that was a yes or no... While you don't think I look weird, then it's okay.. I like the way you look.." she truthfully tells me. I stop in my tracks, turning to face her.

"Most girls do." which is true.

"Oh, I didn't mean that... I mean.., I meant... That way you are. Your... I don't even know how to explain myself. I just know, I love being in your arms." she whispered out the last part, meaning for me not to hear it, but I did. I felt my heart leap at the declaration.

Just like when she thought I was going to kiss her. I was going to a few days ago back at the treehouse.

I finally got the darn wall open, I was about to say something, turning around, she was dozing off while leaning against the wall. So I move closer to her and my eyes soften while I stretched my hand and started to trace her face. Place my thumb on her lips, I bit my lower, feeling tempted to kiss her again. Ever since our second kiss, she has been driving me crazy, but every time I get near her, she gets very nervous and starts to hiccup, so I tried to stay away until she gets used to it.

Closing my eyes, I move closer and tap her lips with mine.

What are you doing to me?

I questioned, feeling my heart race. Then I move up, kissing her forehead, very lightly.

I'll wait... While you're next to me, I'll wait until you're ready.

Moving back, watching her shiver, so I place my hand on her forehead, to see if she's not catching a fever, but she finally opens her eyes, then a hiccup escapes her lips.

To be honest, I didn't see the spider on her shoulder, I wanted to kiss her, but the spider ruined it. I was disappointed by that.

"Want to swim up there, or walk?" I asked, breaking the silence after I finished thinking about last week.

"Walk, then swim back," she mumbles, but her redness in her cheeks won't go away. I nodded, and headed for the edge of the rocks and slowly climb down. Turning around, I stretched out my hand, and she takes it. I hoist her up, watching her extend her leg and carefully go down and we started to walk.

Without noticing that we kept our hands joined. After five minutes, we finally reach the outside part of the rocks, and we sat down. Feeling the freshwater waves wetting our legs.

"Wow, I have never been this close to the ocean, and the sun looks closer." Mai gasps out, swinging her legs. I glance down at her, watching her, just enjoy the view.

"It's something." I agreed, turning my gaze back.

"I wish the gang was here, they would love to see this. So, where the dolphins?"

She stands placing her hand on my shoulder to balance herself, so she won't slip. Squinting her eyes, she places her hand above her eyes to shield them from the sun.

Then she gasps, pointing in front.

"Oh, there they are. Get up.." She exactly pulls my arm up. Without a word, I stood, with her help, and glance out. There, a group of dolphins swimming in circles or jumps.

"Where did you see them?"

"I saw it in the pond. I think they just jump over the rocks since is very thin." I explained, actually enjoying the view.

"I wish I can swim with them."

"You can."

"Err, I rather not.." she tells me lowering her head, when a dolphin swims up to us, poking his snout out.

"Oh, can I touch it?"

"You can unless you want it to bite your hand off." I teased, sitting back down. Mai sits next to me, and gasp.

"Really? I have seen on television, that they don't bite people, if they do that, then..."

"Mai, you can, I was just teasing," I murmured, stretching my arm up, and slowly touched the dolphin myself. Watching as the sun made the dolphin's dark skin sparkle.

"Mean." she spat, but stretched her hand out, and touches the other side. The dolphin made his noise, flapping its tail, making water splash on us. Mai laughs at it. I just wipe my face, with my free hand.

"Hello there, such a beautiful mammal you are... I can't believe this." she squirms, as a giggle passes her lips.

"This is like a dream. I'm touching a dolphin. I always wanted to. Even though this place is scary, it has its beauty, and I am tending to enjoy every last bit of it." she whispers, as the dolphin retreats, going back towards the ocean.

I lift my hand and glance at it.

It's something, I do agree with that.

Turning my gaze at her, she stares at me with a huge smile.

Don't you think I'm beautiful?' she asked me that night when I tried my best to calm her. I snapped my eyes open and stare at her. And felt my heart race.

"Isn't it beautiful Naru?" Mai questions.

"Not beautiful, but enchanting," I whispered answering her other question, as she nods in agreement.

"That's true, that's the best way to describe this place. Enchanting." I snapped out my thoughts and cleared my throat.

That was close.

"Too bad we can't swim with them. Either way, let's go and have fun... There's still daybreak, plus, I need to wash the clothes.." she whispers the last part.

I nodded, standing up once again. I helped her up and turned towards the pond.

"In the count of three." I position myself, watching her place her hand together, bending her knees. I chuckled at her.

"What?" she gave me an annoyed face, as I shook my hand.

"Nothing.." I smirked, she shrugs and counts.

"Three." and she jumps surprising me.

"Hey!" I yelled, jumping in as well. I shivered at the contact, as I swam back up for air. Mai was laughing, swimming backward, looking up at the sky.

"It was fair."

"No, it wasn't," I argued, swimming towards her, she takes a breath, and goes under. I swam, feeling my muscles stretched, but in doing so, I paused for a second, feeling my heart pound hard, and not in a good way.

I have a very bad feeling.

I rub my chest, but I became startled when Mai came behind me, and grab my shoulders, and push me down.

Going back up for air, I spit out some water that went in my mouth and nose. She giggles.

"Don't do that." I scolded feeling irritated by it, her giggle stops, looking up at me with sad eyes.

"Sorry. I was only playing." now I see guilt pass, her eyes, as I felt myself feeling guilty.

"Just don't do that.." I felt my voice turn gently. Mai nods in agreement turning around, she swims, but stops hearing her gasp.

"Look that turtle came back. Cool." she points out, as her mood changes. I move behind her and wrap my arm around her waist.

"Payback," I growled in her ear, I heard her gasp, and I dunk her down. Swimming towards the bottom. Mai turns, as she opens her eyes, floating under, I kept my hand very tight around her waist.

This is a very deep pond.

I watch some fishes swim behind Mai. I started to feel my breath coming out forming bubbles, as Mai moves closer wrapping her arms around my shoulders. I felt my heart jump, as she moves closer, my eyes roam her, watching her long hair float behind, as her eyes turn very soft.

I move closer to her, placing my forehead against her, as she gasps, watching some bubble escape her lips.

I need her by my side. Somewhere deep in me screamed.

Need to protect her.

My heart racing more and more, as the bad feeling started to turn into fear. A strange fear, that I never felt before. I move my hand, and capture her cheek, and move forward.

Closing my eyes, I lay my lips against hers, and Mai closed her eyes and we lock lips even underwater, her lips felt soft. Opening my eyes again, Mai began to move her lips against mines, capturing my cheeks as the warm feeling starting to turn into a hot sensation on my chest. Closing my eyes once again, I move with her, as I pinned her against me, kissing her more.

Slowly we swam back up while we kiss. Finally reaching dry air, we both gasp for air, she moves, looking at me with wide eyes.

"Naru?" she questions, I move closer, feeling very lost, not knowing what the hell I was doing. That spell came over me once again.

"Please ask." I pleaded, running my finger down her cheek. She seems a little lost, as I move closer to her, barely touching her lips.

"Ask?" I felt Mai's chest rise up and down in an uneven pattern; I wrap my arm fully around her waist.

"This." I lock lips with her, grazing my lips against her. Closing my eyes, I felt her shiver as she closes her eyes as well. I felt her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. Slowly she started to kiss me back.

Feeling her other hand wrap around my head, pressing me closer to her. Moving my head towards my right as she in her left, that fear seems to become stronger.

I can't lose you.

Deepening the kiss, as I felt her hands run through my hair. Mai keeps kissing me, passionately, and gently. A two combo, that causes me to lose all senses of the world. Then I felt something salty mix in our kiss. Moving away from her, breathing hard, I ran my eyes up, to see her crying.

"Mai?"

"I'm scared." she finally admits, wrapping her arms around me, holding me so tight as though I was going to be gone in a minute or so.

"Why?" I asked, wrapping my arms around her. She hiccups, moving her head, she places her cheek against mine.

"I have a very bad feeling. It's been bothering me since last week. I don't want to lose you again." she pleads, turning her head, she starts to kiss my cheek, causing me to shiver.

"You won't," I told her, not knowing how to comfort her. She captures my cheeks with her hands, staring at me.

"Don't say that. Please don't," she whispers, lowering her head down, as she lets go.

I sigh, getting the courage, from where? I don't' know, I took a hold of her chin, and tilt her head up.

"You won't lose me. You trust me, right?" she nods.

"I do. You know that. I just don't trust the spirits here. They want to separate us or kill us. Naru. That bad feeling is turning into fear. Something is going to happen, and bad. I don't want to lose you at all. I want to grow old with you." fear seems to control her, feeling her shake.

"You will. Trust me, Mai.." Mai hiccups while I move forward, and place my lips against her once again slowly kissing her, deeply, savoring her, tasting her, she does the same.

Slowly separating, I wrap my arms around her and tighten held her tightly as I soothe the back of her head feeling her holding me tight.

"Then what do we do?"

"We will be prepared... For anything."

Mai Pov

"Look the sunset is so beautiful." I pointed out, as we sat on the edge of some logs, trying to get a little warm with the fire. The sun starts to overcast us, causing a deep shadowy glow. Naru turns and hands me over my fish.

"I want some noodles, with ham, a fried egg, and a coke," I mumbled, taking a bite of the fish, as Naru does the same.

"I want tea, but I'm not complaining," he grumbles after he swallows. I frowned, leaning my head against his arm.

"Tomorrow we'll see Kyoko, she can tell us about what's going on, or show me. Whatever works. You think we can get closer to the truth?"

"Maybe, I was narrowing things down to whom this new character is," Naru stated as I swallow my fish.

"You have?"

"Yes. Hiroshi could be the one the brought Alack and Isac back to the island or he made a deal with them. I'm very certain that he killed Ayame and John, no doubt in that."

"Wow, but he said that I came back, and he'll make me his bride? Can a ghost even marry a live person?"

"No, plus you're already married so it won't work."

"Good." I shivered, not liking this at all.

"Eww, just gross. He looks at me very lustfully. I didn't like it." I shivered. Naru glances down at me, and slides his hand down, taking a firm hold of mine. A simple touch of his makes me feel at ease.

I'm still scared. Something bad is going to happen. I feel it... I should trust Naru. He knows... I just need to be strong and do what he told me.

"Naru." I gulped, feeling my heart race again, as I tighten my grip on the stick.

"Hmm?"

"After we make love... Can we come here again and do it here?." I heard Naru choke in his fish, as he hits his chest.

"Naru?"

"Why are you talking gibberish?"

"It's not gibberish. It's very romantic... And... Oh no.." it finally dawns on me, as my cheeks flames up, and I move away from Naru.

"Oh, I said it out loud, sorry. I wasn't even thinking about it." I shook my head, looking down.

"I mean, not now. I'm not ready.,. Plus, we have souls to set free. So right now it's a big no. We are still progressing and learning. I'm sorry."

"I know that, it just so automatic. Fine." then his tone turns softer.

"I'm not ready either. It's a big step for us to go to the next stage since we just came into a relationship. Kissing is fine for me for now." he agrees, as a smile passes my lips and I move closer to him. Yet I felt my cheeks so warm, that is running up my ears.

"So you understand. Thank you for understanding, it's a big deal for me. I want our first time to be special. Not because of a ghost or the heat of the moment. Maybe later, but our first time should be when it feels right. Okay." I couldn't even look at him, as I nervously play with my hands.

"Okay." he agrees, looking out. I know any guy, would just be pissed or dump me in the spot. I do have self-respect for that. A relationship should be based on morals and respect.

"Any guy would just dump me... I know most guys just want to and that's all. I met some.. So, I'm nervous, that you would be mad at me. And.." but Naru cuts me off.

"Like I said before, I have my way of thinking. I'm not a touchy person, but one thing I will respect my partner's wishes. I am no hurry. To tell you the truth." he paused, looking down at me, as I glance up, feeling my heart raced wildly.

"What?"

"I'm glad, no one has ever touched you," he whispers, my eyes widen, as he kisses my forehead.

"Really? You won't complain because I have no experience." I asked. He nods at me gently and leans a bit.

"I am, I don't have to worry or feel self-conscious if the last guy you slept was better than me, and to be honest it just strange to think about it if someone else slept with you before me." He admits to me.

I hiccupped, wrapping my arms around him.

"Naru.." I felt so happy.

"Me too, I'm so happy you have zero experience as well. Cause it won't be so awkward, and I don't care what others say because is not their business if we did make love or not. It's our way we do things and no one else's and we don't own to anyone." Then I squint my eyes looking at him.

"Why?" I questioned from his last statement, he shrugs, moving out, and grasp my cheek.

"You're too innocent to have toyed around. You need a man that will respect you and honor you. I am not that man, I doubt there's any, I'll try though. One thing I have learned in life.." he places his forehead against mine and closed his eyes.

"I learned to grasp the things in life and never let go, life is too short. I made that mistake long ago... I won't be making it again."

Is he talking about Gene?

I sadly smiled, feeling warm in my tummy.

"Life is too short... So when we are ready, we can take the next step, I'll wait for you." and that's all he said.

I stare at him for a good few minutes and felt my heart warm up even more. That's all I needed to hear.

"Thank you Naru, you have no idea how much that means to me," I mumbled.

I lifted myself and gave him a chaste kiss on his lips and blushed.

"I love you," I told him honestly as I look down shyly and fiddle with my lips.

He kissed me without questions. I feel so happy and peaceful. Is this how it feels to have a normal relationship?

"I love you," I said to him. I felt Naru kiss the side of my head and turns around shyly, knowing that kiss was his way to say, 'I love you to." I nibble my fish, smiling, all I could do is smile feeling so happy that I think I can just burst out.

Naru gave a soft smile, as he lays his elbows on his bent knees, and kept eating his fish. As we stare at the sunset.

..

..

..

Everything is too happy, is like the calm before the storm... I shivered, as we made it to the village the next day.

"Wow, this is an old village, at least no dead people laying around." I breathed out, shivering at the memory. Naru moves forward, heading towards the fourth hut in his right. I followed him.

"Kyoko-chan!" Naru calls out, heading towards the hut. The door slams open, revealing a small woman, with long dark hair, with deep brown eyes.

"Noll..." she screams, jumping on top of him, wrapping her arms around him. Naru seems to go stiff at her actions, as I frowned at the scene.

"Kyoko-chan, you grew out your hair?" Naru said as they separated.

"Oh yeah, do you like it?" she smiles running her fingers through her dark hair.

"It looks decent," he simply replies without emotions. Kyoko pouts at him.

"Mean,"

Were they that close?

I didn't like this new feeling, but then again, that bad feeling began to fill me again which made me rub my chest.

Not again.

Naru moves away from the woman and steps aside.

"I brought her." he simply stated. Feeling a sweat drop.

'Wow, that didn't sound like a mafia or anything in those lines.' I secretly told myself. Kyoko turns towards me, and smiles, running up to me, she surprises me, when she wraps her arm around me.

"Mai-chan. Welcome.." she greeted, letting go, and smiles at me brightly, making me want to smile with her. She's very beautiful though, Naru wasn't lying.

"Hello." I bowed down.

"Don't. No formalities. I have taken care of your Noll. You're like a part of my family now." she claps.

"Naru told me you were beautiful I see why, you are," I murmured, ignoring Naru's death glare.

"Really?"

"Yes. I thought he liked you... It's rare for Naru, to say those words." I concluded as we headed for the hut.

"Come in... You may stay the night... And really? Strange last time he was here, he was very annoyed by me. I asked a lot of questions... Did you know he loves you?" her words threw me out of the loop, as she went inside and Naru and I did the same.

She knew? How come it was obvious for her?

"Um, well.." I had no idea how to answer her, but she giggles.

"Shy newlyweds. Interesting... So much fun... I haven't had any in many years now. Now... I need to tell you many things, but I can't remember."

"It's okay... We do have a question. Who's Hiroshi?" I asked her, sitting down on the ground. She does the same and crosses her legs.

"Hiroshi? That filthy dog... Vile mutt he is." she started to insult, as I glance at Naru, he seems to be interested.

"So you do know him. Who was he? Did someone in your village talked about him?"

"Of course I know him, that vile man was so perverted." she shivered in disgust.

"What? You know him?" that can't be, she looks in her early twenties, and alive.

"Of course... It was more than ninety years ago." my eyes narrow as I felt my face drain.

"Wait your a ghost?" I gasped out covering my mouth turning to my right give him a tight look. He just shrugs, looking at the ground as though he didn't do anything.

"Yes. You thought I was alive?"

"Yes, you look so alive, I didn't even shiver... Normally when a ghost..." but I stopped, when she moves forward, and place her hand on my hand, and I shivered from her touch.

Then... Something in me didn't like it...Cause, when she moves her hand I devilishly caught her smirking, feeling my heart race in panic.

Wait, something is wrong. Why didn't I sense her before?

"Deader than a corpse... I can assure you that. Why would you assume that I was?"

"Naru kept talking about you as though..." I paused, as I turned toward Naru, as he has his arm around his rise knee, and cover his mouth with his hand, to cover up his smile.

"That darn man. He was teasing me.' I groaned, lowering my head down, with a blush of embarrassment.

"I was alive, your so mean to her Noll." she finished my sentence and scolded him at the same time. He just shrugs, turning his gaze towards the door, avoiding her sight.

"Ignored him, so tell me, who's Hiroshi?" I asked. Kyoko frowns.

"He loves to play with fire. He's a pervert, that seems to lust over girls around your age. He was in love once. I can't remember whom... That ungrateful bastard. We took him under our village, to get betrayed. I feel bad for Ayame though." she explains while Naru returns into the picture, and opens the bag, and takes out the items we found.

"Do you know about this?" he shows him the half rip paper.,. Kyoko looks down and nods.

"Its Ayame diary page. I remember that intro... I can't remember where her place the other half, but I have to tell you something important to your wife. Can I borrow her for a few... I promise to return her." she bows to Naru.

Naru gave me a stern look, (As to say, be ready for anything,) I nodded slightly, but my fear crept in me, he turns towards Kyoko and nods. I felt my heart leap completely.

No, don't leave me. My mind screamed, but he just stood and goes out.

Something in me told me to run.

I nervously stood, taking a step back.

'Run Mai.' I heard Ayame voice echo in my head... Oh no...

"I think we should go outside, is a little musty in here." I nervously told her, as she tilts her head towards the side.

"Why are you so nervous. I wanted to tell you something. That's why I asked Oliver to bring you." she starts to walk towards me. I gulped very nervously, as I took a side step backward.

"We can, outside, please," I begged. Kyoko smiles at me, getting very close to me, lifting her hand, she traces my jawline.

"Don't see what all these men see in you. So can you just give yourself to them and I can have Noll, they promise me that they will leave him alone," she stated as she lifts her other hand and I heard a shut.

Her honest, beautiful face changed, into a devilish one. An ugly smirk passes her lips.

"If I get you out of the way, I promise to make him very happy." she moves closer to me. I suddenly felt frozen, that I couldn't move my hands.

I need to do the nine cuts. My thoughts scream, but the only thing I can hear is my heart beating fearfully.

"You can't have him. He belongs to no one, but himself." I told her.

"But you're wrong my dear. He belongs to you.. He's your guardian. You own him, if you die, that tie will be broken forever. He'll be freed. He'll be mine, and no man in this island will ever have you." she giggles.

"Why do you think I took him in? For the goodness of it all? No. I wanted to be all nice and that sappy good thing, so I can gain his trust. Look it here, it works. Hiroshi was right. Humans are too gullible. Isac and Alack are nothing. They are just pawns." she runs her nose down my throat hearing her sniff, as feel myself shake in disgust.

"I love the texture of your skin. Oh, that's an idea. Instead of killing Oliver, why don't I rip your pitiful soul, and I can inhabit. He'll never know the difference. He loves you, so, he can have you and me and when he makes love, he's making love to me." she sneers at me, as my eyes widen.

"No... Please.." I begged, feeling tears running down my cheeks.

Kyoko laughs, as a cold blast of wind appears around me.

"Stop harassing her. I got the boy.." I heard a deep male voice, as a figure appears in front of me. The guy from the window stood. My eyes widen. His deformed eyes landed on me. I shivered from fear.

"Ah, deary. Nice to see you again. Here's a surprise," he waves his hand, as the hut disappears.

"Like my allusion? It's stronger than Alack, I can assure you that."

he moves behind me and pushes me forward in a rough way. Until I hit against an invisible wall. I groan in pain.

"I brought you a goodbye present my wife." I heard him sneer behind me. I turned my gaze, to see Naru on his knees, blood running down his mouth, he gave the man behind me a death glare and then turns his gaze at me.

"Mai!" he whispers placing his hand on the wall thing. I gasp, finally feeling my hands moving, I start to pound in the glass thing.

"Naru! It was a trap." I cried out, wanting to break this thing. I can't have Naru hurt.

Then I felt a pull in my hair, yanking my head up painfully and stare into two cold black eyes, then she glances back at Naru.

"Did you have to beat him up so bad? Do it in his body, not face, he has such a pretty face, Chief," she growls at him, as Hiroshi huffed.

"We need to do this before the twins come. They are the only ones they need to be set free, I can't have that. She has come back to me, and I want my bride. Take the boy. I have no use of him."

Kyoko smiles, turning towards Naru.

"Soon you'll be mine... No one will take you, not even this Bi.." she was cut off, when Hiroshi takes a grab a hold of her hair, yanking it hard, but on doing so, she holds my hair tighter, making me hissed, as more tears came down.

"Don't insult my bride. Go,"he screams, Kyoko shrugs him off and gave him a death glare.

"Bastard." and she disappears. I watch in horror as the fire starts to surround Naru.

"No, no. No." I banged, feeling helpless.

I need to find a way out... Plan... If I can use that.. I can help Naru.. He's not dying.

Naru began to hit the wall with his fist hand.

"Mai!" he screams, frustration passes his eyes.

"No... No... Damn it!" he screams, as panic seems to start to consume him. I banged even more.

Plan, need to do the plan.,. Even if it cost my life.

"No, Naru, leave him alone!" I screamed, watching in horror as the fire began to rapidly go up to his legs as he looks down to look at it.

No, this can't be... I watch Naru not even flinch but turns towards me. Then I felt Hiroshi's arm wrap around my waist. I shivered in disgust.

Don't touch me.

"Let's watch him die... WATCH HIM BURN!" he cynically looks at Naru, with a devilish smirk, placing his other deformed hand on my chin, to force me to look at

"No, please... Hiroshi... Please." I started to struggle from his grasp, I'm starting to feel dirty as he stares at Naru.

"Look at him bending... Watch him die, and then. You'll be mine.. I wanted you for so long.;" he barks out, as I turned to see Naru flinching this time, bending down on his knees.

We stare at each other with desperation and a deep ache that it felt that my heart will rip into two. I place my hand against the wall and spread my fingers and Naru does the same. I kept on crying watching in horror.

"No... No...NO... NARU!" and all I knew is that I was losing Naru. Watching in horror as the flames consume him, and I couldn't do anything.

All I knew that I needed to save my love even it causes my life.