Disclaimer: I DON'T own Ghost Hunt
Chapter Fifty- The Past
Naru Pov
It took every ounce of power to not go up to this man and rip his throat out.
Hold it, hold it. I repeated to myself.
My heart jumps painfully as I watch him reach out, and touch Mai's hair, as though pretending that there's something in her hair. Mai looks uncomfortable and moves away from him, nervously laughing at him.
"Sorry, there was something on your hair, so are you ready?" He asks her. I rolled my eyes at him as Mai gave him a passive look.
"Yes, I am. then, I'll get my brother." Her English improved so much after all these years. Her night lessons paid off, even though she has an accent, but I'm proud of my student. She has developed so much over the seven years.
"Your brother, he seems very cold face, is he not?" he asks her. Mai giggles at his statement then waves her hand in front of her face.
"Um, Sasuke, has a poker face, cold he is, but warm-hearted man," she assures him.
"Then I'll see you soon," He bows but I did notice that his gray eyes were lustfully scanning Mai's body, then he walks away.
He wants to go blind, doesn't he? I deep growl passes through me. I closed and waited for him to leave.
I heard a soft knock. I opened the door and leaned my arm against the door looking at Mai.
"Yes?"
"Dinner is ready," Mai told me while she gave me a strange look. I nodded slightly, as I peek around the door to see our host looking at us. I lift my arm and wave.
"Can't wait, I'm famished," I told her, Mai arched a brow as I took a step forward, going around Mai, and headed behind the kid.
"I thank you for inviting us in, two strangers into your home," I said trying to display my manners.
"Well, you two have helped a stranger as well, so of course I need to open my home. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you two been in the Black Lagoon?" he asks, as we went down the stairs. Mai moved closer to me, as we reach the bottom he turns towards his right, and open two large fancy brown doors.
"Seven years," I answer him while following him into the new room.
Entering, I heard Mai gasp as her eyes roam the large ballroom, made out of marble, and a huge golden chandelier in the middle.
"Naru, this is where I had the dream with Gene," Mai whispers to me low enough for me to hear it. I simply nodded at her.
"Long time, being in this island. Here," He stops and suggests, so we can sit in our right.
We follow his hand, and we saw a large table place near the window, dress in a fancy white cloth.
I pull out the white chair and signal Mai to sit, she looks touched, and nods and sits down, and pushed the chair in, as I sat next to her. William sat at the head of the table, turning to face my wife.
"How's your leg?" I question him since I haven't seen him limp at all.
He takes a hold of his fork and smiled at me as he said.
"Much better, thank you for asking, its sprain and nothing broken." I nodded turning my gaze back at the window.
Such a big liar you are.
Looking down at the food not trusting it. Mai lifts her glass and took a sip of her water while William clears his throat.
"Oh, right, I forgot to mention. How lovely you look, Alice. I know this is a little too in front since we met and all, but do you have anyone courting you?" Mai chokes in her water, splattering all over herself. Giving William a startled look at his question.
I took the napkin which lay on top of the table and handed it to her. She gave me a thank you look and began to wipe herself.
"I'm sorry, what?" she glances at William.
"Oh, I do apologize for being so forward, but a woman at your age. Which I imagine pretty young, should be married. So I was thinking, with your brother's permission, of course, to let me court you. I have grown interested in you.." I had a tight hold on my fork, trying hard to not stab him with it.
Mai glances up at me, as panic passes her eyes. William turns to look at me.
"What do you say Sasuke?" he asks me.
Don't shove this fork where the sunshine doesn't shine.
"Why are you so interested in my sister? Don't you have others to court?" My voice is thick and poisonous. William gently lifted his gaze from her and turned towards me.
"Well, since she unwed and you have to look for a wife. Why don't you give her to me? I am a proper gentleman, and I will give her a sheltered life, with riches beyond her imagination. Plus, she's very beautiful.." A sly smirk passes his lips, as Mai's eyes widen, and turns towards me.
"Too bad, I have this attachment to my younger sister, almost joined to the hip, I'm particularly picky whom she's going to wed. Also, isn't marriage has to have love involved?"
"Oh, a controlling brother you are. Love can come later, I'm sure we can find affection, I already like her. Then why don't you stay and live with me for a few days, and see what person I am? If you are convinced, then let her with me. If not, you may leave-taking her with you."
"Sure! I would gladly accept, let o see if my little sister is suitable for a man like you or vise versa. After all, she is my treasure and anything that belongs to me, don't easily partway. " He smirks at me after I finished speaking. He claps his hands.
"Good to hear from a wise man like you... You must be experienced so you won't be disappointed with me. Now, please my friends, enjoy." he gestures.
Mai frowns, as I lower my hand, and took a hold of her hand under the table.
She intertwines our fingers and holds them tight, I can feel her shake in fear.
Just hold on Mai, don't let him get to you. I have you. I ached to tell her.
"So.. William, How long have you been living here?"
"All my life, My parents came on a ship. Long ago, built this house, and had my sister and I.." he explains as he places a piece of meat in his mouth and began to chew, turning his gaze at my wife.
"So, Alice, tell me a little bit of yourself... I can imagine, you like flowers and such.." Mai frowns, lowering her gaze down.
"Not much to tell. I like flowers, I live with my brother all my life, He is like a father to me. Our parents died when I was five.." she lies.
"Oh, I'm sorry. No wonder your brother looks like he's going to kill me. Perfectly understandable. I wouldn't let my sister off to the first guy that asks her hand for marriage." he said.
Good, he takes notice.
Mai nods then clear her throat.
"Sir, William, I have a question." She began as I lifted my gaze at her.
"Sure, go and ask."
"I know, this sounds odd for little old me to ask... I do assure you, I don't mean to sound crazy, but what exactly is the year? I lost track of time, for you see, my brother and I have lived on this island for so long after the wreckage" William stare at her, but then a chime of laughter escapes his lips.
"Ah, it's 1810, of course, my lady.." my eyes narrow at his statement, as Mai's eye widens in shock.
Well, that explains the dresses and his attire, and the way he's speaking. The question is, is he dead?
Clearing my throat, I added another question.
"What is your sister's full name? Why is she in bed?"
"Her name is Poppy Scot, she is ill, do with the fact of our father's death, a few months ago. As I told you before, she is in no mood to see anyone. So tomorrow, I want her to get along with her future sister-in-law." My free hand fists again, as I muster a dark look at him.
Like hell. So, if he's not a spirit, what the hell is he?
Mai suddenly stood, and bows at William.
"Please excuse me, I am grateful for the meal, but I have no appetite. So can you excuse me, I am very tired. Good night, see you tomorrow William." She spoke, pushing in the chair. She leaves, I frowned, as I turned to face this odd man.
"Will you retreat as well?" He places his elbows on top of his table wrapping his hands together.
I still have questions, but for now, Mai is very uncomfortable.
"I will, we had a long way trip, and I'm exhausted Thanks for your invitation. Good night." I forced myself to bow a bit as I stood up.
Turning I push the chair in the man smirks at me, turning his gaze at the doors that Mai just left.
"Keep her safe for me, sometimes you don't know, what a man and a woman can do, if alone... I promise to take responsibility." My body seems to go still, as my heart jumps painfully.
'Did he just threaten to force himself at Mai? God, please give me patience, before I do something to him. I want to tear his throat out.
Anger seems to be my best friend right now, I can't stand this guy. We just met about two hours ago.
"Is that a threat?"
"Goodness no, a friendly warning. Sometimes, there are far worse things than death, I won't force myself into her, I will make her subdued to me.. Willing I will make her a woman... Now, good night.." he returns to his food as I turned around aching to punch the hell out of him.
That was a threat, crazy bastard.
I closed the door behind me, and reach the stairs trying to hurry since my heart aches to reach my wife, only to see Mai staring at me. I stop a few feet away from her, and our eyes lock.
I won't let anyone touch you, Mai, don't worry. I'm sorry you had to hear that.
I gave her an assurance look causing her to slightly smile at me.
As I was going to reach out for her, William's voice rang behind me.
"Good night Alice, sweet dreams. I forgot to say.. Sasuke... Tomorrow, you may roam about my grounds." And with that I went up the stairs, ignoring Mai.
I heard her steps behind me, and I went to my room but didn't step in as I turn slightly to see Mai reaching her room and goes in. I made sure William didn't follow her. I sigh in relief as I entered the room and closed the door behind and locked it. I sigh, leaning the back of my head against the tree and rubbed my temples.
"I'm getting a headache." I lowered my hand and look at the bed in front of me, just blankly staring at it.
Gene, you better have a good reason for us to be here.
With that in mind, I leave the room and appear in Mai's room, I caught her sitting on top of the bed with her legs up and her arms wrap around.
Slowly I walk up to her, and without a word, I wrap my arms around her, holding her into my embrace. She didn't have to look, but leans into me, as I rub her arm.
"Naru." she whimpers almost as though she's crying.
"I know.." I assured her holding her tighter. Watching the window I saw our reflection. There it stood, us holding each other.
"I was waiting for you until I heard him say that to you. I think we should tell him that we are married." I hold her tighter, rubbing my hand in her small back.
"Not just yet... He won't do anything to you, because he's not human." Mai looks back at me.
"How do you know that?" she asks me. I snuggle closer to her, closing my eyes.
"Just a feeling Mai, there's no one in this island that is alive besides us," I admit to her.
"Even if he's not human, he's a man, Naru, but what is he? You said he's not a spirit."
"He's not. I don't know what he is... If I'm correct, Poppy is the name of the lady. I wonder if the creatures are doing this? I need to gain more information. Try to see if you can talk to Gene, is William the same guy that lay dead on the ground? When the woman was weeping for." I asked her. She shook her head.
"No, It was some other guy..." she explains.
I frowned lowering her down on the bed as I scooted next to her. She moves over, and wraps her arms around me, holding me very tight.
"Don't go anywhere tonight and every night, I don't want to be alone.
He... He threatened me to.." she gulps, as I wrap my legs around her.
"Don't remind me.. Sleep Mai.. I'll protect you... I'm sorry.." I whispered, feeling bad about this. Mai shook her head.
"It's my fault for lying. I mean, wouldn't it be obvious we are married. We have wedding rings… Is a dead giveaway." She grunts.
"He didn't notice or pretending to not notice, either way, is a good thing, we got to see his real personality very fast. I think there's a reason, why he appeared, spirit or not. Gene wants us to find out, we just need to keep an eye out." Mai nods, placing her cheek on my shoulder.
"Alright, then don't let him near me, Just the thought of him touching me makes me feel disgusted, Naru, I don't want no man, but you. Also, Naru, please promise me you won't get hurt. I'm scared for you." She trembles, I frowned, holding her closer to me.
"Nothing will happen to me, trust me. Your mine Mai, no ones else. Now, sleep, I'll protect you, I will always protect you." I kiss her forehead, snuggling next to her.
Mai nods, moving her head, she kisses my lips as I close my eyes, and kiss her back.
The moon's rays overshadow our room giving it a glowing effect, only our shadowy figure can be seen.
Mai, I love you so much, I don't want anything to happen to you.
Mai POV
"It's weird," I said as we lay on the bed holding each other in the darkroom, watching the moonlight.
"What is?" Naru asks as I felt his fingers caress my arm.
"Sleeping in the bed," I told him. Naru went quiet as I felt him move his body slightly.
"It is, my back has gotten used to the cold floor." He admits.
"Do you feel that we should search the house to find any clues?" I asked him. Naru turns his gaze towards the big window thinking as I grasp his shirt, trying to not think of that man downstairs or whatever he's doing.
"I have a feeling we should wait." He finally broke the silence.
"Wait, for what? For him to plan our death?" I spoke out, Naru sat up to look at me.
"I'm not that suicidal, it's a feeling Mai, plus you can burn him if anything, can't you?" he said. I thin out my lips.
"If I remember," I admit to him. Naru places his hand on the back of my head and caresses it.
"I know you can do it, you have to protect yourself when I'm not around. Actually, I think we need to learn self-defense." He adds.
"Self defend?" I asked him. Naru lowers his hand and grabs my hand to hold it.
"Yes, we don't know how long our powers will last as I mentioned last time, so we need to prepare for anything, this island is full of surprises which makes me uncomfortable. Are you willing?" he asks me.
"Do you know how to?"
"I dabble here and there." He assured me. I rolled my eyes as I kiss his cheek.
"You always dabbling on something, what is it that you don't know?" I asked him. He shrugs at me as a wicked smirk passes his lips.
"I'm full of surprises," he simply said as I watch him lay back down, closing his eyes. I rolled my eyes as I lay back next to him and lay my head on his bare chest since Naru took off his shirt a few minutes ago since it's hot in here.
"Naru,"
"Hmm?"
"Promise me something," I asked.
"What?" he asks me as I look up at him.
"Whatever happens, don't ever give up on us," I said to him. Naru arched a brow but nods feeling him kiss the top of my head.
"Same here Mai," he asks of me. I lift my head as he lowers himself and I pucker my lips up for him to kiss.
"Deal, seal it," I said to him. He chuckles and lowers himself and gave me a soft kiss on my lips. I smiled at him, closing my eyes feeling very secure, but I knew being in this place will bring problems, oh I wish I was wrong with my feelings.
...
...
...
"No... I won't.." a female voice echoed down the hallway, causing me to stir in my sleep. I groaned rubbing my face. Opening my eyes sleepily while Naru groans moving his body holding me tighter.
I can't believe I fell asleep in this creepy place, but at least Naru is here.
"Naru, I love you so much," I whispered, moving timidly and kiss his lips. He moans, running his hand down my back making me shiver in delight.
"NO... I wasn't the one... She did... She is the cause of his death." I heard again a female voice.
Oh, it wasn't my imagination, I did hear a woman's voice.
I move away from Naru, to sit up but a sudden slam against the door causes me to jump in fright.
Naru groans, moving his hand to rub his face.
"Mai, don't move too much... I…" he stops talking as he opens his eyes, and glances up at me.
He notices my panic look.
"What?" he immediately sat up, hunching over to grab his shirt from the ground and place it on while I pointed at the door.
"A woman's voice," I whispered to him.
Naru stands up slowly moving towards the door. Another bang echoes the room causing me to jump in fright.
Naru reaches out to grasp the door handle.
I stood up from the bed and move behind Naru grabbing his arm as soon he props the door open, but a slight crack enough to see outside.
He turns to give me a brief look and turns back to look through the slight crack door. I snuck around Naru's arm and glace out as well. My eyes widen, to see William looking at a young woman in the hallway, his eyes are in pure rage.
Wait, this looks strange, I don't know why does William look a bit older?
"No... You are the one! You aren't even my real sister, don't blame my mother for what you did. You killed your father.." My eyes widen, to see him slap the girl across her face.
The girl cries, holding her cheek, my heart clenched at the sight as anger started to stir in me. Then I shook, as William takes a hold of her arm and force her into her room, hearing her scream, as I watch in horror as he began to remove his belt.
"Tonight I have to show you again," William said in a dark matter.
"No, not again, Nooooo. Let go of me.." The young woman screams in horror. I felt a tear run down my cheek as disgust and horror-struck me.
No, he's going to force himself on her? Again?
I was about to go out and help her, but Naru pulls me back and shook his head.
"This already happened Mai, we can't do anything." He simply said as he shuts the door behind him and places his hands on my ears.
Already happen? Wait, is this the past?
"Look at me Mai!" he mouthed
I did, and I continue to cry as I saw Naru flinch a bit. I shakily stretch my arms and cover his ears as well. I felt horrible that I couldn't help her.
Placing our foreheads together, not wanting to hear anything. Wanting to leave. My heart clenched so painfully for that woman.
Finally letting go, everything was quiet as I leaned my head against Naru's chest.
"Sick bastard!" I cried out taking a hold of his arm. Naru wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.
"I know! I heard her scream... Poor girl.." Naru murmurs, while I hold him tighter.
"I'm sorry, but we need to leave, he can do the same to me. Wait, how did you know this was in the past?" I asked him looking up at him. Naru locks the door behind him and surprises me as he picks me up in his arms, making me wrap my legs around his shoulder, as I lay my head on his shoulder.
"He was older and transparent," he tells me. I felt a bit taken aback.
"I didn't notice the transparent part, only that he looks slightly older," I admit to him.
"I'm sure he did something her father and kept Poppy lock up,"
"You think Poppy is the lady in the mirror? Then, is this why she turned into the dark arts? Why God punish her?"
"It could be her, we aren't sure yet, but we have to help her move on. I'm sure we are here to resolve this and make them move on and figure out what exactly happened, but I have this gut feeling there's more to it, for now, I have come up with a theory." He admits to me.
"Your theory?" I asked him as he sat me on the edge of the bed and sits next to me.
He leans against the wall, as he turns to look out the window and rose a brow. I took his hand, holding it firmly against mine. I felt him return the pressure.
"As I told you before, I have this gut feeling William is not a spirit, but not sure what is he, but he's no human. Look, those things, are watching us." He points with his head.
I move towards his side and took a sneak peek outside the window on the bottom. The fog somewhat cleared, but from what I could see is black shadows looking up at the house as though straight at us. I jump back shivering from the sight.
"Creepy, we need a plan," I told Naru.
Naru nods, noticing how far his look is.
"Naru, what's wrong? Since earlier, you have the same expression, at the camp... Don't tell me you have a bad feeling?" I question him while I move to wrap my arms around Naru. He circles his arms around me and places his chin on top of my head.
"Nothing is wrong. I don't feel a bad feeling. Is just something that seems off... I can't place my finger, since you told me about the waltz dance with Gene. Something seems off, as well Snow White as Gene told you to call her... Have you noticed some of the things, are fairy tales themed?" He explained to me.
"Now that you say it that way, yes, It makes sense. I just to let it wait until it gets revealed. Naru, where were you earlier while you were acting all strange, um before that man came to our camp." I asked.
Naru breaths out, looking out the window once again, as I lay my cheek on his chest, to stare out at the dark land.
"Needed to use the bathroom." He lies.
I move my head and arched a brow.
"Tell that story to someone that doesn't know you. Where?" I demand in a stern voice. Naru gave me a disbelieve look.
"What made you think I'm lying?" he asks me. I squint my eyes at him and scrunch my nose.
"Eleven years Naru, even in my sleep I can tell you're lying." I simply told him. He shivered looking at me with a very strange look.
"It's scary to know how much you know me, not even my parents know me as you do, I had to check on something at the treehouse.." he admits, I nodded as I closed my eyes, and yawned.
"Are you feeling better?" he asks me, as he moves to wipe my eyes, from the extra tears that remained. I nodded at him.
"My heart hurts for her and a bit traumatized by what we witness from the past, but what can we do? As you said it's already done, if not, I know you would barge in and save her, with me." I told him, then I smiled at him.
"Thank you so much Naru, also when you're ready, tell me, what.." I whispered, I felt Naru nod.
"Thank you, Mai."
(Deleted Scene: First year in Black Lagoon.. (Seven months on the island.)
Naru POV
The first year of teaching Mai was horrible and frustrating.
"I'm doing fine, and you?" I said as we sat on the ground of the treehouse, in the mid-afternoon.
Mai cleared her throat, squinting her eyes.
"You said... I'm doing fine, and you." She stated in Japanese, which cause me to nod at her.
"Yes, now repeat it to me."
"I'm… doing… dine.. and.. Do?" she mispronounces the words.
I groaned, covering my face with my palm.
"Did I say it right?" she has a little hope in her eyes.
"No, Mai, concentrate on my pronunciation; We have been doing this for two months already, you have improved in your writing, but not your speaking, try this.." I cleared my throat, as she moves closer to me, her eyes roaming my mouth. For a reason, that made me feel a little shy.
"I would like to have the salmon dish.." I told her, she nods, clapping her hands, she clears her throat and starts to say it slowly.
"I.. Could... Like to… have... The.. Fonion fish.." I blinked, not believing what I just heard.
"Well?" she asks as I cleared my throat, standing up giving her the most straight face I could give, crossing my arms.
"There's no hope for you." I simply told her, turning around to leave.
Mai's eyes widen, as she flew herself to wrap her arms around my leg causing me to look down at her with a raised brow.
"Don't give up on me.. Please.." I gave her a long look, as she gives me a teary pleading look. My heart couldn't say no to her though, yet I didn't reply to her as I tighten my lips.
Shaking my head, I headed down the stairs.
"Is that a yes or no?" Mai yells behind me. I wave my hand, as I reach downstairs.
Then that laughter that I hold on, escapes my mouth.
"What the heck is a fonion? That girl says the weirdest things.." I glance up, as I watch her move about repeating the words I just told her.
I smiled at her tenderly.
"At least she has the passion and the will to continue and not give up.. I never knew, teaching her, would be this stressful and hilarious at the same time.." shaking my head, I headed outside, still laughing at Mai's words.
"At least, she's learning."
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