I Don't own Ghost Hunt
Chapter Fifty-four: Cat and Mouse
Naru Pov
I felt my heart shredding at every second I wasn't next to Mai, to the point of getting sick. I'm sweating heavily, I wipe my forehead, looking up at the cloudy sky feeling the gust of wind making me feel a bit of relief.
"I hope to God, this will work," I mumbled to myself, as I stood in front of the cave, making sure everything is safe. Yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling of the atmosphere feeling it tight. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it feels off.
As I returned to the cave after a few agonizing hours and fighting off the stupid forcefield, I stop in my tracks to see Mai huddle against the wall of the entrance, shaking a bit. My heart drops to my stomach.
I rushed my steps going up to her and she half-opened her eyes to look at me, I place my hand on her forehead to see that her fever shot up once again.
"Damn it!" I cuss under my breath as she looks at me a bit half dazed.
"Not again... Go away, you're not my real Naru," she said. I arched a brow tilting my head.
"I am not?" I asked her. She shook her head closing her eyes again.
"You're my dream Naru, silly. Now go away, I'm waiting for my real Naru. I'm mad at him."
"You are?" I asked as I place my arm under her legs and using my other hand a place it behind her back and hoist her up in my arms, only to wince since the wound on my side hurts.
"Yes, he left me after he told me he gave me his heart. He didn't let me talk at all. I didn't warn him about my dream I had or I didn't get to tell him that I gave him my heart as well. He's a big meany." she said placing her head on my chest. My heart swells at her words, with a feeling of deep sorrow at the same time.
"I see, he's terrible, but maybe he had his reasons," I simply said as I place her back to her back into her corner and put her on top of me. Mai huddles closer to me, as I move my hand to summon our blanket and place it over her.
"He's mean, but not terrible, so when will he get back? I miss him," she said with a thick voice as I place her injured hand on top of my chest.
"Soon, just sleep I'll watch you for a while," I told her. She tilts her head up I look down to see her face flushed red. My heart sank, and I wasn't sure what I can do, there's no medicine to reduce her fever. If I didn't leave her, then we can't ever move forward, but this is so painful for me.
"Sleep Mai, okay," I told her, she nods snuggling closer to me.
"Dream Naru,"
"Hmm?"
"Why are these things happening to us? Can't Naru and I have a normal relationship?" she asks me. I shrugged at her as I began to rock her against me.
"Maybe it's to make the relationship stronger? Plus, is a unique type of romance if you think of it." I told her. Mai lifts her head to look straight at me.
"Unique?" she questions. I nodded, as I brush her hair behind her ear and smiled tenderly.
"Hmmm, think of it as a test so we can last until we are very old," I told him. Mai suddenly smiles as she leans forward getting closer to me, my heart racing like crazy as she gives me that sweet smile.
"I missed you, my dream Naru, I can always be blunt with you. Alright, I'll let Naru know that. Can I kiss you?" she asks me.
"Why ask?"
"I don't know, maybe it will be cheating?" she asks me. I shook my head, feeling very honored that she asking me.
"You can kiss me anytime, I'm still your husband in the dream world as well. While you don't confuse me with Gene." I simply told her. She giggles.
"Trust me, you and Gene are so different, my heart only belongs to you, Oliver Davis," she said as she moves forward and presses her lips on mines. I blinked, as I felt her smile. I closed my eyes and return the chaste kiss. With that, she slumps down and falls into a deep slumber.
I held her and sigh as I press my cheek against her head to look out the opening of the cave.
"Seven years and so many things have changed between us and so many horrific and wonderful things happen as well, making us closer. Lin would have a field day. Mom, Dad, how will take it when I return? Now that I think of it, I do miss them. Mom, Dad, will you accept my wife? Whatever happens, when we return, don't worry, I'll protect you, Mai. I don't know why, but I have this bad feeling and to be honest, I don't want to return. I know this is wrong, but I'm scared, Mai. I'm scared when we return we separate, and I can't leave you Mai. You're my home, my heart." I wipe my eyes, as tears gathered and my throat tightens.
With that said, I stay silent as I held my wife in my arms and the sweat and the feeling of being sick vanished from me.
...
...
...
I awoke a bit startled causing my leg to jump. I rubbed my eyes and look at two brown eyes looking at me.
"Mai?" I asked a bit startled by her sudden looking at me strangely. I place my hand on her forehead to check her temperature, but she shrugs me away causing me to look at her a bit startled.
"How could you... Leaving me alone, how can you just tell me you give me your heart and leave me." she begins to cry, alert bells run in my head as I shook my head.
"I couldn't get you in trouble Mai, it was hard enough to leave you, don't you think it was easy for me? I was right you had a fever after I returned." I hauled out as she blinks rapidly.
"Fever? Of course, I got a fever, I was sick and worried Naru, but you left me. I..." she looks confused.
She got a fever because I left her? Not because of her hand? Wait, no, it can't be. So we can't separate at all? I mean to the point of getting sick? Is that normal?
"Mai, my heart was shredding leaving you behind, but I couldn't let you come with me for that moment, you're injured and you need your rest. Don't worry I set out the plan," I assured her, Mai wraps her arms around my shoulders.
"Don't ever leave me alone again, please! I keep telling you, don't leave me behind. No matter how dangerous it is, I want to be with you." she begs me, noticing how thick is her voice. I move to look down at her, cupping her red cheeks. I felt her tears wet both of my thumbs so I gave her a grim smile, trying to mask my hurt.
"Crying for what? You silly girl? We at times have too, but at this point, it's becoming impossible." I murmured under my breath. She shook her, looking up at me. Wiping her cheeks, she hiccups, looking down at my lap.
"I didn't get to warn you… Gene. He..." she kept stopping each word, looking up at me.
"What did he say?" I question her. Mai moves, shaking her head, letting her breath out, lifting her head.
"That if you continue; you'll lose your life. Are you okay? Did William do anything to you?" her voice shook even more, while she started to fuss over me, to check if I'm alright. I move closer to her. Her eyes widen with surprise.
Hmm, After the beating I gave him, he wouldn't hesitate to kill me. I should have ended him, that damn bastard.
"I'm okay, William didn't even notice me," I assure her. Mai breathes out in relief and leans her forehead against my chest.
"Thank God. I was so scared for you. What happened?" She asks, I took a hold of her chin and lifted it so I can lock eyes with her.
"Mai, everything will work out. I am sorry for scaring you, but I truly needed to do it alone. This time I won't go alone. Now that your fever is down, we can go." I told her to grasp my hand and rubs her fingers on my skin.
"So you missed me as much as I did?" she asks me in a shy voice. I nodded at her.
"Like crazy, even if it wasn't a long time," I assured her. She smiles at me calming down, I leaned forward and kiss her lips. With that, I help her stand up and I did the same and she just follows me with her gaze.
I walked up to the bag and picked it up, placing it on my back.
"Ne, Naru, where are you going?" Mai asks me with a hint of nervousness. I turned to see her running up to me and wraps her arms around me. I wrap my arm around her small shoulders as she looks up at me, she looks so scared.
"We are going to end this tonight." Before she could even ask again; we leave the cave, and appear in front of the waterfall.
Letting go of her, I adjusted the bag behind me, and turned, to head out. Mai seems to hesitate.
So I turned around to wonder why isn't following me?
"What's wrong?" I arched a brow; she puffs her red cheeks, rubbing her bare arm with her good hand.
"Why do we travel at night? Shouldn't we wait until tomorrow morning? What happened? You did say cat and mouse? Explain." her voice shook when she asks me. Frowning, I move towards her, taking a hold of her injured hand with care while my eyes scan hers, feeling my heart racing once again.
"Do you trust me?" I asked her in a soft tone, not sure why in the world I just asked her that. Mai nods timidly, as her red eyes glance up at me.
"You know the answer. With all my heart, with all my being Naru." I gave her a small smile at her answer, feeling at ease. She moves closer to me, as I cup her cheek.
"Then follow. Cat and mouse we shall play." All I said to her, turning around, I slid my hand down, intertwining our fingers. (With her good hand of course.)
I hope this works.
Mai POV
I don't know why, but I felt so shy around Naru while he held my hand tightly, and I couldn't stop looking at him while he guided me towards the forest. My heart feels much better. I thought something bad happened, since Gene's warning.
The hours in the cave were dragging, each minute felt like an eternity, worrying so much over his safety and I missed him so much that I got sick from it.
When I awoke to see him holding me, so many emotions pass through me, (Anger, fear, and above all things pure happiness,) Yet I couldn't help but get mad.
'Thank God, he's alright.' I breathed out, not sure where he's taking me. Maybe back to the other cave, or the mansion? That makes sense, right?
Reaching the middle of the now Forrest, something in me became startled than normal. Letting go of Naru's hand, my heart started to race, but in fear itself.
"Naru. Are we going to the mansion?" I asked him. Naru stops in his tracks and turns to face me. Since it's dark I couldn't see his eyes, but I can feel his eyes looking straight at me.
"Yes and no. I want to test something out. I'm not done with my game." He explains. I nodded shyly, moving a step forward.
"Oh okay? What exactly do we do?" I felt lost now. I had no idea what to do. Naru remains quiet, but turns around, and started to walk once again. I slowly follow him. Then again, my surroundings started to become thicker and thicker.
"Naru." Now fear overtaking me, I move closer to him. Naru stops at his tracks, lifting his gaze as though he felt it as well.
"Couldn't you just pop us to the mansion or whatever you're Why are we even walking?" I hissed under my breath, taking a hold of his shirt. Naru tilts his head towards me, and places his index finger on my lips, to indicate to be quiet.
Nodding, my heart now racing double.
A semi-thick white fog began to surround us once again. I turned my gaze towards my right.
My eyes widen, at the sight in front of me. I took a hold of Naru's hand, as he brings me behind him. Standing in the middle of the forest, far away from our treehouse and at the brick of midnight, isn't a good idea.
"Stay still, and don't move," he tells me… I glance up at him and I am afraid but afraid to lose him again.
"What are those?" I asked him as we stare at human size things, dress in dark cloaks just standing there as though they are looking straight at us. Naru shrugs, as we took a step back.
"Don't know, but one thing is for sure." he went silent as those things started to move into the shadow of the trees.
"They aren't spirits." He concludes, I felt a sweat drop at his words. I tilt my head to the side, patting his shoulder.
"Really? I couldn't tell at all." I spat dryly causing him to give a sheepish smirk.
"This answers your previous question. I couldn't," he whispers, as he holds my hand tighter. Then the realization hits me.
"Oh no, the force field. Why didn't you tell me? Then how did you manage to appear in the cave?" I asked him.
"Will you believe that the power of love brought me back to you?" he teased. I rolled my eyes at him but gave him a gentle smile.
"I can, but I won't, but I can take it. Naru, stop messing with me." My voice turned serious, he chuckles, lowering his stand, a sudden blush passes my cheeks, as he places his hand on top of my head and ruffles it. Removing his hand, I move my hand and fix my hair, blushing harder.
"Ne?"
"We need to keep going. I don't think they can hurt us," he stated causing me to raise a brow.
"How do you know this?"
"If not, they would have a long time, Mai."
"I bet to differ. They did hurt you. Let's just get out of here." I told him watching the shadows moving around.
"Let's go." I move so did Naru; slowly moving towards the mansion, with those shadows, right behind our track.
About twenty minutes or so, we finally reach our destination. Upon reaching it, Naru turns to stare behind us. I did the same, to see no one no creature in sight. I knitted my brow, frowning at this.
"Okay, strange, very strange," I mumble, turning my gaze back towards the house. A sudden odd, weird feeling comes over me making me shivered. Naru notices and places his hand on my shoulder. I glance up, as his eyes soften.
"We'll be the cats, catching the mouse. Follow my lead, okay." He whispers. I nodded and we headed in. Now nervous of what plan Naru conjured up in his head, we went towards the first scroll, which is closer to us. (By the tree)
"Why are you using cat and mouse analogy, I'm not a five.." I murmured at him. He smirks, turning his gaze at me.
"Sometimes you are, so I have to use simple words, now be quiet, so we can concentrate on the matter at hand." I felt a vein pop out of my side, from the irritation.
"Plain jerk," I hissed at him, he just shrugs at me.
"Plain jerk? If I am, why do you love me?" he teased me. I pout, not sure how to argue with that.
"Fine, I don't know... Maybe I'll rethink my love for you." I teased him even though I wouldn't.
Naru's eyes narrow at my words.
"Is that so, have fun." his voice turned dark, causing my heart to jump painfully.
Naru, I was only teasing you. No, he must know that I'm pulling his leg like he's doing to me.
"Funny!" I said dryly at him puffing my cheek causing Naru, to just ignore me.
Hunching down, Naru takes a hold of my good hand, I stare, looking at his long fingers, for a reason.
"Burn it." He whispers. Blinking at him, taken a bit back, but nodded and without a question of a doubt.
I snap my fingers (After he let go,) and place my hand on the scroll. The scroll catches on fire.
A sudden eerie piercing scream echoes down at us. I shivered, looking at Naru with wide eyes.
"Was that a woman screaming?" I asked him. He nods and helps me up.
"We need to finish this today. Don't worry. I'm here; I won't let anyone or anything, touch you." He assures me causing me to nod at him.
"Okay, just be careful..." I murmured the last words to myself. We went around the mansion quietly, so we wouldn't make noise.
"Don't worry I will if I go, then who would be braiding your hair?" he teased. I gave him a serious look.
"Ayako of course," I said to him. He stops and turns to look back at me with a raised brow.
"Fine by me, and here I was thinking of doing more than just braiding hairs," he smirks at me. My heart skips a beat as I wrap my good hand around his arm and lift my gaze at him.
"Seriously Naru, don't do anything to get yourself in trouble, please," I told him seriously. Naru gives me a stern nod.
"Trust me, the one that has to be worry is that bastard. He's going to pay hell after what he did to you, Poppy, and to whomever else, he harmed."
Naru POV
"Not again!" Mai covers her ears as another bloody scream echoes around us. I watch the scroll, turn into ashes on the ground.
"I'm surprised that the screams haven't alerted that man," Mai whispers, looking back at the mansion.
True, wonder if those screams are coming from the mansion or the forest is hard to pinpoint.
Lost in my thoughts I felt Mai's warm hand land on mine. Catching my attention, I turned towards her, as she smiles.
"Yes?" I asked her, feeling at ease now, that she isn't mad at me anymore.
She shyly moves forward and kisses my cheek as a kid. She blushes, standing up, she looks at her wounded hand then turns her gaze towards the tree. I couldn't help but smile as my heart races at her simple action.
"We need one more. I feel bad for that woman." She turns, as I took her hand and concentrating, I pop us into the mansion ballroom. She looks around, her brown eyes turning confused.
"We need one more, why are we here?" she asks me. I place my hands into my pockets and started to walk towards the door.
"When I was here earlier, the one scroll isn't where we last saw it," I explain, remembering that I made a walkthrough to memorize the walk, so it wouldn't be too difficult. Mai frowns, rubbing her hands; she turns to face the weeping lady stain glass. I turned my gaze towards it. My eyes narrow, at the sight.
"Ne? What happened to the weeping lady? Wait…." She jogs up to the stained glass, and stare at it.
"It can't just disappear, It's a painting it couldn't just grow legs and walk out or whatever, this isn't Harry Potter. Naru, have you seen this earlier?" she turns, looking up at me. I glance down at her but shook my head.
"No… She was defiantly there earlier. Let's go to the wine cellar." I told her. Mai nods, but with no confidence at all.
"You think the last scroll is there?"
"No."
"Then why are we going there?"
"To see,"
"See what?"
"Nothing." Mai stops as she rubs the back of her neck.
"Nothing? That makes no sense." She complains. I smirk, turning to face her.
"Ah, but that's the beauty of it, we just have to find out what this nothing is." Mai stares at me with narrow eyes.
"Who are you? And what have you done with my husband?" she demands. I stop in my tracks, confused by her words, so I raise a brow.
"I am me... What does that have to do with anything?" Mai stares at me, analyzing my question, and then a small giggle passes her lips.
"My Love, sometimes, you are so cute, when you get confused." She blushed, looking anywhere but me. I felt my cheeks warm up but didn't comment on it. I slip my hand on hers so I won't get separated from her.
Now heading towards the wine cellar, we watch our steps carefully, only to stop and reverse our steps to hear footsteps ahead of us. Mai glanced up at me, with a wary look in her eyes.
I took a step to take a small peak. I can see William faces his back at me, talking to the same woman as before. The woman wore an old fashion traditional white robe. Her black hair was tied into a bun, thin and pale. I frowned, as I kept staring at her.
"She's beautiful, is that the same girl we saw last time, and.." Mai stops her conversation. I glance down, to see her small body hunching down under me.
I frowned, noticing how rigid she went, as her eyes landed on William. I place my hand on her shoulder. She glanced up, and I can see tears forming in her eyes. My heart clenched.
"Don't mind him. He won't touch you, okay." I assure her. Cause, next time I won't hold back.
Mai nods, as we move back. Now, plastering against the wall, I move closer to the edge, to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"My Lady, it's all set up," William said. I raise a brow from his odd statement, but no answer is heard, but I hear ruffling in the background. The woman was smiling as her eyes landed on me. My eyes narrow.
"Don't be shy, come here my boy." The woman's voice is delicate, pure in a way. I turned to stare at Mai, she looks scared, but I touch her shoulder to give her assurance. She nods, as I gave her a small warm smile.
Then, as I turned, I place my mask on, dropping every emotion on demand. I step out of my hiding place staring at the woman, the woman smiles at me gently from the top of the stairs.
"Now, are you Sasuke? Which my son spoke of?" she asks, in an elegant Japanese tune.
I slightly nodded, not daring to remove my eyes from her. The woman moves her head and smirks gently.
"Nice to finally meet you, I'm Ester; I am the head lady of the house. I just lost my husband, as well my daughter has been down due to the loss of her father. I heard you have a sister, which is Alice?" her eyes sparkle do the mention of Mai. I felt my heart tighten, but cross my arms, giving her a stern look.
"Come out, and don't be scared. I won't harm you."
If you say so, I would believe you, blindly lady. I resisted rolling my eyes at her.
With a support tug at Mai, we both began to head upstairs, as I turn to look at my wife, she was giving the woman a strange look, but if I had to conclude, is fear and anger at her.
I move closer to her and the Ester turns to face her son. William has his eyes on me, I could feel his death glares, and anger. I gladly return the gesture. Mai takes a hold of my arm, but in doing so. Ester turns, and a dark giggle passes her lips.
"Please, come with me." And with that, she started to walk towards the wine cellar.
We walk quietly, heading down. Upon reaching the wine cellar a sudden cold breeze pass by us. I shivered, as Mai did the same.
The woman smirk, elegantly crossing her arms, she turns her gaze towards her son and slightly nods at him.
"Now, Sasuke, I have a question for you." She spoke in English, walking up to Mai. Her eyes search hers. I felt her go still, as Ester smirk.
"Yes?" I asked, as she stretches out her body hand and takes a hold of Mai's hair, and run her slim fingers through it
Mai's eyes narrow in frighten away, while I death glare at her.
I'm about to cut her hand out. Don't touch her.
"Can she bear a child for my son?" her words seem to be like a knife that has stab into my heart.
Sick, this family is sickening. Disgustingly sickening.
"No. I am sorry, but I can't allow that.." I told her. Mai clears her throat, moving closer to me, feeling her nails dig into my skin. I didn't mind at all.
Ester giggles once again, taking a hold of her chin lifting it so she can make eye contact with Mai.
"Now, now, I can arrange for her to be married, no worries about her reputation. I just need a grandchild, she looks healthy enough… OR…" she emphasizes, as she turns her gaze at me, with an evil glint in her eyes. I didn't show any emotions whatsoever.
"I am just a simple woman, and I am not fooled. Now, if you are done, playing this foolish lie, can we get into the business. Now, I do have a proposal for you." She tells me, turning her gaze at Mai.
"I'm all ears.." I lazily told her.
"Give me your wife, to bear my a child for my son, and I promise you, that you can leave this island by tomorrow."
"Well, doesn't that sound tempting." I simply told her.
Mai Pov
My heart is pounding hard against my chest. Had she just proposed to sell me off, so Naru can escape this island? What is wrong with her? She's sick disgustingly sickening. I watch her eyes scanning mine. Turning my gaze, Naru smirks at the lady.
"Sounds tempting," his words seem cold. I gulped heavily, as Ether straightens up, to stare at him.
"You are an intelligent, handsome young man, do tell me, do you want to live the rest of your life with this woman? What can she offer you? Go back to your world, leave her with me. Find yourself a better woman that can stand to your level. I promise, that William will take good care of her. I can untie you both." She concludes. My heart drops to my stomach as I kept praying in my head.
Naru, am I that bad? Will others see that when we return to Japan? Am I not worthy to be with you?
I stared at my husband, having faith.
Naru let go of my hand, and he starts to walk around her, his eyes calculating.
"Sounds very tempting… True, I'm still young, and yes, I can find another woman that can stand my level. More educated, and more into my status." He agrees which hurts me deeply.
Mai... Have you forgotten that Naru is rich? He…. He is more advanced than me. He comes from another world. Why haven't I thought of that before? Naru, will you forget everything you told me and showed me, as soon we return to reality, to our old world. Will our love, will be a simple pass time for you?
These dark thoughts plague my mind.
"So, you accept?" Ester asks. Naru smirks even more moving closer to her. He tilts his head to the side and gave me a long glance from head to toe. For a reason, my whole being shiver in the way he was staring at me, as though instead of disgust, it was pure love and something else.
"You are right, nothing is promising about my wife, she has nothing to offer me, besides some good time in bed." he turns his gaze at her. My eyes widen at his sudden word.
Lies Naru, we only made love twice, and those two times were the most beautiful times of our lives which I would never give back, which I will never regret.
My hands began to shake.
You trust me, right? his words rang in my head from our earlier conversation.
I do trust you Naru, I do, so I will trust you with this blindly.
"I give you my word. Now that you have accepted, and admitted if you please, leave so my son and your wife can have some time alone. The only way to break the bond, if you or your wife just bed with another. So.." my eyes widen, as William smirks at me, with an evil lustful glint.
Naru nods, as he waves his hand, and freezes them both on the spot.
"Naru!" I breathed out, turning my gaze at him. Naru's expression seems to turn angry.
"Oh it works, I was nervous that it didn't," He murmurs to himself and turns to look at me. He cups my cheeks, causing me to lean against his palm.
"Now... My plan is set, we have little time." He tells me. I arched a brow, confused by his words.
"Huh?"
"Remember I told you that we probably find nothing." He explains. I was forced to nod, not understanding this at all.
"Then, it's your turn to be the cat. We already have the mouse trapped." Still lost, Naru surprises me when he turns his head and stares at the woman after he lets go of me.
"Her proposal seems so good, but there's a slight problem with it." He whispers in a deep voice, causing me to shiver again.
"What?" I asked as I reach out to grab his hand.
"You kept thinking dark things, weren't you? When we get back, I'll forget everything we lived through, about you. That from my status, you're not good enough, that others will mock us, or am I wrong?" My eyes widen at his words.
"How did you…" but he chuckles, moving his head, and press his nose against my cheek, breathing in deeply.
"The only flaw about her plan is that you aren't in it. If I leave this island, it will be with you, or not, I will be here for the rest of my life." My heart flutters at his words, causing me to grow so warm.
"Until we get very old?" For a reason, my heart feels at peace. So what, if he's richer if he wants me by his side... I am willing. I am willing to be at his side for the rest of my life. I can't let him go. Not even if my life depends on it, I rather die.
"Until we get old and shrivel up." He moves and kisses my right cheek. I smiled, kissing his cheek as well.
"Thank you." I felt so grateful.
"Now, let's end this tonight. I'm sick and tired of this mind game." He tells me. I nodded, smiling at him.
"Now, where do you want me to burn?" Naru surprises me when he takes a hold of my waist and boosts me up into his arms placing his arm under my behind to support me.
"Hey, what in the world?" I asked breathlessly. He spins around, and before I could ask again, we were outside, and he places me down.
"Burn it now..." he shouts, as all of the sudden, Naru is thrown across the yard. My eyes widen in shock but turned to face him. He landed on the ground, painfully at that.
"Naru! Are…"
"I'm okay, it was the creature thing, burn the mansion now." He grunts, getting up, taking a hold of his injured arm, as the shadows started to surround us. I had no idea what's going on, but I took a step back.
"I can't burn the Mansion, my fire isn't that powerful, and…"
"Mai, concentrate," I heard behind me. I turned to see Naru standing right behind me, as he gently wraps himself around me, noticing that a lot of energy surrounding him making his hair move, and then he lifts his hand and gently, he traces his hands down my arms and lifts them, encircling his hands around mine.
I felt his warmth surround me, while he holds me still. He moves his head, so he can lean his head against my head.
I felt myself blush at his sudden intimate movements.
"Mai. Trust me. You can do it. I'll let you borrow my powers again. Now, flame it." And with that, the flames surround my hands, encircling around our join hands spiraling around our arms.
William and Ester appear in front of us, as Naru would do. My eyes widen.
"What are you doing?" Ester demanded us. I stare, as the flame kept getting bigger and bigger, but something in me started to stir.
I can't do it, I'm going to kill them.
"I can't do it Naru!" I shout, turning to face him. Naru shocks me, as a deadly look passes his eyes, as he tightens his grip on me.
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes, with my heart, I told you earlier."
"Then do it," he whispers into my ear as I turned to face our enemies, then I let go. I let go of the fire and a large fireball mixed with Naru's pk infused into one as I watch in horror as the huge fireball goes straight at the mansion surpassing the wall.
My eyes widen in horror as a big explosion comes our way, that Naru immediately twirls me around, to shield me from the fire with his big body.
"Naru!" I shout as he grunts in pain, receiving the heat waves of the explosion.
A strange scream echoes again the forest, the woman, I turned, to see the mansion bursting into flames, it was like a horror flick, everything burns so quickly, that I hardly had time to react.
William glance down at his arms and horror-struck him.
"NO!" He shouts in pure agony as his body began to turn into ashes, disintegrating into the air. Naru turns and watches as William's body falls to the ground in a pile of ashes.
"No, my son. Please... I was close. Please bring him back, you sick son of a bitch, you killed my son." Ester pleads as she stood close enough to the flames. Naru lets me go, to take a hold of his shoulder. I turned, to watch in horror the mansion in blasts of fire.
Naru stood as my shield, his hair moving rapidly due to the sudden winds. For a reason, he looks utterly breathtaking.
"Naru," his name barely passes my lips, as he stares at me with a soft expression.
"You idiot," I whispered, feeling a tear drip down my cheek, feeling a strange emotion welling up in my heart, then horror struck me to see blood dripping down the side of his lips.
"Ne, Naru, you're bleeding," I said, as he gives me a grim smile and wipes his mouth.
"You're too over-sensitive Mai."
"AHHH! NOOO!" I heard behind Naru. I move to stare with wide eyes at the horrific scene that displays in front of me.
"Ester, please move out of the way. You'll get hurt." I pleaded with the woman that stood so close to the burning mansion. She turns her gaze at me and gave me one of the coldest looks I have ever seen, which could have frozen us if she had that power.
"You… You ruined everything,"
"Me, ruined everything and you insulted my husband, Woman, that son of yours did horrible things to us and Poppy, and you excuse us?" I couldn't even believe this.
"How? How the hell did you know?" she demands, but her voice... It changed. It sounded more demonic than anything, just like when William burst into the room almost two weeks ago.
"Naru?" I asked, turning my gaze at him. Naru smirks devilish, as his dark bangs cover his eyes.
"Haven't you ever heard of a little game of Cat and mouse?" he began, which made me frown, no understanding this at all.
"I see... Cleaver you are. No wonder they warn us. You haven't got rid of us. Now that the weeping lady is free, soon, she'll come to you.." and with that, she disappears.
"Weeping Lady? The one that escaped? She's not good? Oh come on, when are we going to catch a break?" I grunted when I turned my gaze at Naru, only to see him collapse to the ground with one knee, holding to his side.
"Naru!" I shout bending to his side.
I took his good arm and wrap it around my shoulder. He lifts his head and gave me a crooked smirk.
"You did an awesome job. Like always, you never seem to amaze me. I'm a lucky bastard." He chuckles, as I rolled my eyes at him.
"You sound drunk. You have lots of explaining."
"I know. Now, let's see if they can let me go to our treehouse." Before I could complain. He stands up, and takes a hold of my waist, pinning me against him. I blushed,
"You're hurt... I.."
"I want to sleep. I have been stalking someone for the whole day and gave you my powers again, If Yasuhara or Lin were here, the case would have been easier. Now, scold me tomorrow. You nag too much, and I am not in the mood to hear it now." He grumbles.
I felt irritated, but then my eyes soften, as he laid his forehead against my shoulder.
"We still don't know anything about Alack... Also.." I press my hand on the back of his head, as I felt his breathing slow down.
"Don't worry, I got it. We need it to piece itself. Later. Mai. We still have lots to resolve." He whispers my name, as I kept trying to hold my balance on him.
A giggle passes my lips, as I press my cheek against his side head.
"What?"
"Your heavy."
"I know."
"You know, I will tell our children one day, that I have carried you so many times, right?" I told him making him shrug.
"Don't, will lose my ego. Tell them, that I have, I carried their mother as a princess." I blushed at his statement.
"Princess?"
"Right princess seems so fairytale concept. More like a sack of potatoes," he teased. I playfully shrug his shoulder, causing him to grunt and laugh at the same time.
"Jerk, do you have the energy to take us back? Do we need to put out the fire?" I asked. I move my head to stare at the fire, but to my surprise, it was gone. No trace of it. It just left behind an empty feeling, that seems quite familiar to me.
"Ne is gone. Naru, the mansion, is gone." I shook his shoulder. Naru turns his head and nodded.
"As I expected. Now.." he stops and turns his gaze at me, with a sly smirk passing his lips.
"Now we sleep." And before I could ask, I found myself staring at familiar stairs, that I have missed so much. It's been almost a month since we last have been here.
"Ne?"
"I'm too weak… Sorry." He whispers, as he straightens up, and slowly made his way up the stairs. I frowned, but shook my head, and wrap my arm around his waist. He looks down at me, placing his arm around my shoulder, giving me a tight squeeze.
"You did great Naru, don't worry." I assured him as I give him a kiss on his cheek causing him to give me a broad smile causing my heart to skip a beat.
"My Firestarter is the best." I blushed at his words, looking down at my hands a sudden strange fear passes my heart.
"Yeah, but I was scared," I told him. Naru kisses the top of my head, and we slowly reach the door.
"You should be, is not easy." I frowned at his explanation, but either way, we'll talk about it later.
"So is it over?"
"No. We only scratch the surface. I'll explain later." I open the door, and for a reason, a sense of home came rushing in.
"Home Sweet Home!" I shouted, causing Naru, to chuckle.
"I was hoping to hear that. Now, sleep." He whispers, moving towards the second pair of stairs.
"I need to examine your wounds, and…." He shuts me up by presses his warm lips against mine giving me a sweet kiss and smirks as he left me dazed and my eyes turn heavy, yarning to kiss him back.
"Don't worry. Sleep... I need sl…" he stops him talking when his eyes widen, and then he collapses down into my arms.
"Naru!" I shook his shoulder, as I tried to keep him in my arms. No response from him at all. Then something in me shook, as the door flew right open a gust of wind appears from nowhere. Making me shiver in the cold.
I glance down, to see the creatures, shadows enter our house.
"Ne... Naru, they are here." I panic, as the creatures started to surround us, little by little they enter, as they started to climb up the walls. My heart started to pound harder and harder.
This is not the place to panic, Naru is down. Come one, you said you'll show him, now do what you stated. I pep talk myself. The creatures seem to act angry as another bloody scream of the same woman surrounds the atmosphere.
I use my free hand to cover my right ear.
"What do I do?" Now panicking more than ever, all I knew is that I had no idea how to defend myself or Naru, but that won't stop me at all.
"I'm going to guard you My Love, you've done enough for me. So now I will protect you even if I can't feel my fingers or move my hand too much. I will protect you the same way you protect me."
Oh, I hope...
(Deleted Scene: Before Coming to Black Lagoon a week before. )
Naru Pov
"Here," I heard Lin speak as he places a cup of my tea on top of my desk. I lifted my gaze from my laptop and remove my brown glasses. Lin arched a brow at the sudden action.
"Since when you wear glasses?" He asks crossing his arms, I took the handle of the cup and lift it.
"Since it strains my eyes, I began a month ago, I thought you knew," I asked him. Lin gave me a questionable look,
"Not really since you barely use them, but I came to tell you that Mai won't be coming in today," he said, I arched a brow but took a sip of my tea and look down to raise a brow.
Interesting.
"Why does it concern me? I'll just deduct her pay," I stated. Lin gave me a strange look.
"She's preparing for her high school graduation, but she'll be here tomorrow," he tells me as I glance down at my tea.
Till tomorrow? Hmm.
I just nodded at him.
"Oh," I simply said as I drank my whole tea and place it down on the table. Lin reach forward and grab the cup but made eye contact with me.
"Noll," He began, as I rose a brow.
"Yes Lin?" he sighs in defeat and lifts himself.
"I'll be in my office if you need anything, remember we have a small case tomorrow afternoon with Miss. Hara," he tells me. I nodded at him as I watch him leave. I placed my glasses on and began to type when the door opens once again. I hover my fingers over my keyboards and lift my gaze to see Bou-san and Mai together. I retreated my hands and cross my arms.
"Didn't you have a day off?" I asked Mai. Bou-san rolled his eyes at me as he takes her hand and drags her in.
"Well hello to you to Mr. Boss, but I brought her in, I have a favor to ask from you." Bou-san makes Mai sit in the chair in front of my desk. She looks nervously looks at her lap. I gave Bou-san a long look.
"Hi Housho I hope you're doing fine," I simply asked causing him to smirk at me.
"Why oh so fine so this favor I have to ask." He pushed again. I scratched my upper eyebrow trying to calm myself from becoming irritated.
"So this favor depends if it doesn't waste time," I simply said not removing my eyes from Mai as I lowered my hand She lifts her gaze and turns to face Bou-san.
"See, he won't do it, come, sorry Naru, for bothering you." she nervously laughs as she stood up, but Bou-san takes her arm and forces her to sit down and gave me a stern look.
"I haven't told him yet," Bou-san said as Mai sigh in defeat. I was now a bit curious about this. Mai nervously laughs.
"You know silence doesn't get us anywhere, tell me, or escort yourself out, you know where's the door at." I simply said as I pointed at the door.
"Geez, aren't you Mr. Bright, well here's a deal... As you know Mai's about to graduate high school and entering the adult world, just like us," he began.
"I'm only a year older than her Housho, but yes." I reminded him.
"I know, you're twenty, but that's not the point. Here's my deal boss, since she doesn't want to celebrate in a bar in her graduation, how about we celebrate it here in the office since she's more comfortable at in exchange, we'll do double shift?" he bargains.
I laced my fingers together and turn my gaze at Mai.
"Is that what you want?" I asked her, she lifts her timid face and nervously licks her lips, causing me to drop my gaze at them for a brief second, but then lift them again.
"I would like to celebrate it with the gang since they're the only family I have. If you don't mind, my friends want to go to a bar, but I don't want to. You see, I had a bad experience last year, since then, I don't want to go back, but it's okay you don't have to." she said.
Well, it's better than having her drunk in a strange place where's there perverts all around trying to get her drunk or sleep with her. Is that what happen to her last year while I was in England?
"Then it will be deducted from your..." but Bou-san stops me as he rose his hand up.
"No sir, it's her graduation, so we will pay for everything, you only provide us the facility for our party, alright Boss?" I couldn't help but smirk at him.
Good.
"Then if you're all responsible, then I have no problem, but there's one thing Mai has to do for me if she will ever going to have her party,"
"Anything," Mai said as I adjust my glasses causing her to blush. I gave her a stoic look as my eyes turn icy cold, but couldn't help but enjoy her blush.
I never get why I enjoy her blushes.
"Why am I regretting this?" She whispers to Bou-san.
"Don't worry he won't ask you anything perverted," Bou-san assures her as I return to my typing as I felt a vein pop out from his oh so joyful comment.
"Oh, I know that, with that, I trust Naru blindly, he's a gentleman, but I'm afraid of whatever he wants me to do, which consists of something with work and my pay," she whispers back causing me to smirk.
"Well?" Mai pushed me as I lift my gaze and she blushes even more.
"In the future." I began and Mai nods.
"Yes?" she asks getting annoyed that I'm dragging this out. I couldn't help but find this amusing.
I can't help it to tease her, she's so easy and I admit adorable when she gets flustered and annoyed.
"Don't let anyone else bring my tea that isn't you from now on, if you're going to take a day off call me directly at my cell number," I told her since Lin's tea doesn't taste that great.
Thanks for the lovely reviews.
I had to write a deleted scene before they went to Black Lagoon, I missed Lin. Lol