Day Three
4:15pm
The Miyuki Theater
Mai burst from the room at full speed, her feet slapping the floor as she ran, a cold sweat breaking across her forehead. At some point in her rush, she managed to tuck the picture inside her pocket. The corridors blew past Mai as she turned corner after corner, but slowly it dawned on her that she had no idea where she was or where she was running to. Confused, Mai came to a halt at yet another corner. Panting she glanced around, the hallways in front of her and behind her were draped in a veil of silence.
Darn it! Which way did they go? Which way did I go...?
Mai straightened up, swallowing the lump of panic that had risen in her throat; this was no time to lose her cool. Taking a few deep breaths and closing her eyes, Mai strained to hear anything at all that would lead her towards Ayako and Masako. But there were no sudden cries, no foot steps, no voices- nothing.
Mai opened her eyes with a frown, it was as if the world was muffled somehow- or muted. A terrible thought crept in the back of her mind, maybe this was a side effect of the vision she just had? Maybe she could hear nothing at all? A cold shiver rushed through Mai, her heart began to pound, the panic rose again in her throat and this time she was helpless to swallow it.
In one frantic motion Mai kicked the wall nearest her and was answered with a dull thud and a surprised cry from herself. Mai winced and held her foot, she hadn't meant to kick out quite so hard, but relief filled her- she had heard the thud and her own voice.
Reassured that she had not lost her hearing, Mai decided to turn the corner she had just came up on, if she was lucky it would lead her somewhere she recognized. That was when she heard it- like a shot Bou-san's voice reached her ears. Knowing that she must be getting closer, Mai broke into a run, wincing occasionally at the pain that flared in her foot.
Mai reached the end of the hall and realized that it branched off in two directions, Mai quickly looked left and saw nothing but an endless hall- but she then looked right and there, at the opposite end, stood Bou-san and the others. Relief swelled in Mai's chest, blocking out the protest her foot was putting up as she found herself running towards them even faster than before.
"Hey!" Mai called as she approached, but no one seemed to notice, they were all staring at the wall. Mai's eyes widened, stretched out across almost the whole length of the right side of the hall- mirrors one after another, all gilded and gleaming.
The Hall of Mirrors? Mai thought as she recalled Naru's orders to Ayako and Masako.
Mai stopped a few feet away from them, just outside the reflection of the first mirror,
"Bou-san..." Mai persisted, looking at him with concern.
The monk stood there rigidly, unblinking, his face the color of ash. When she couldn't get a response, Mai looked to Ayako beside him. Her cheeks were drained of all color, her mouth open in a kind of eternal scream, her hands grabbed at Bou-san's sleeve in horror.
Mai felt the warmth of her relief leave her, replaced by cold fear. In alarm, she looked to Masako next. She looked like a broken porcelain doll, her dark hair falling wildly across her white face, her blue eyes staring unseeingly as though they were glass.
At the sight of the three of them rendered motionless, Mai felt the fear take hold of her mind, terrifying conclusions racing through her head. It was then that she saw John. He stood just on the other side of Masako, his hand clutching the cross at his neck, gazing into the mirror in front of him. Suddenly he looked away, and noticing Mai, shouted,
"Stay back!"
Stiff with fear, Mai did as she was told and stumbled even a few more steps from the mirrors,
"John..." Mai breathed, her eyes flicking to the helpless forms of her friends.
"Mai, it's the mirrors, don't look into them!" John warned, and with great concern he looked to the frozen figures next to him. In the next moment he swiftly took hold of Masako and attempted to pull her from the mirrors. A switch flipped inside of Mai, she had reached the point where she was numb from the fear and now the adrenaline was kicking in. Without thought she surged towards Bou-san, grabbed his arm and tugged-
"Bou-san, come on! Snap out of it!"
The monk wouldn't budge, he stood there in his dead weight, staring- mesmerized by the mirror in front of him. Across from Mai, John was having trouble with Masako as well, and while her dead weight could hardly be called heavy, she had become limp, falling against John and then slipping from his grasp. The priest struggled to hold her up, moving inch by inch away from the mirrors.
Mai pulled and pulled Bou-san's arm, but he wouldn't even lean, and soon she began to fear she would tear his arm out of socket. Panting with a cold sweat, Mai let go of the monk's arm with a cry of frustration. How long could he be like this before some kind of permanent damage happened? Down the hall, John almost had Masako to safety. Mai looked to Bou-san with renewed vigor,
I won't give up on you Bou-san! Now move!
And then an idea struck Mai, and before she could think about what she was doing, she lunged at the monk, full force. For a split second Mai was suspended in air, and then she was falling as she gripped onto Bou-san. It was all over in an instant and the two of them hit the ground with a heavy thud- a second thud following immediately after. Mai looked down at Bou-san, the monk had broke her fall, a look of pain filled his face as he let out a groan,
"Bou-san!" she cried and thoughtlessly she engulfed him in a hug that caused him to let out another groan.
"Ugh...Mai? What are you doing?" he protested, blinking up at her through watering eyes.
"Oh, sorry..." she mumbled moving off him, embarrassed. Gingerly, the monk sat up and looked around,
"Wh-what is going on here...?" he asked as he took in the sight of a worried looking Mai, and the fallen body next to him,
"Ayako?"
Shocked, Mai looked past Bou-san to see the figure of the miko on the floor beside them,
"Oh no, Ayako!" Mai exclaimed as she clamored to her feet and hurried to her side.
"I forgot...she was holding on to you...she must have fallen when we did," she murmured, taking the woman's hand and looking her over.
Ayako's tightly shut eyes flickered as Mai's warm fingers covered her own cold ones. Recovering quickly, Bou-san moved Mai out of the way, and took Ayako's head in his hands. She had landed with her head slightly propped up against the wall, leading Mai to believe that she must have hit her head on the way down. Bou-san checked her concernedly, tilting her head gently left and right, his fingers running through her hair, feeling for any swelling. As he felt the back, the monk drew in a sharp breath,
"She does have bump here, and it's pretty big, we need to get ice on it," Bou-san said, moving to pick up Ayako.
"Wait!" Mai cried, pulling down on his arm.
"Ow!" Bou-san exclaimed, "That hurt, my arm's sore for some reason..."
"Bou-san, you can't look into those mirrors," Mai persisted, avoiding saying anything about his arm.
"I know," he answered with a frown, "We need to talk to Naru, now."
Just then Mai remembered John; quickly she looked down the hall,
"John, how is Masako?" she called worriedly.
The priest was leaning over Masako's motionless figure; he looked up at Mai uncertainly,
"We need to get her back to base, Bou-san how are you feeling?"
The monk stood, careful to face away from the mirrors, and gathered Ayako in his arms,
"I'll be fine, it's Ayako we should be concerned about," he answered selflessly, but Mai could tell he wasn't okay; he winced holding Ayako's dead weight in his arms. Mai looked back to John,
"Here, let me help you," she offered as she saw John lifting her limp body with difficulty. Reaching them, she hung one of Masako's arms around her neck and leaned some of her weight onto her shoulder. John adopted the same position and the two of them made slow progress. It seemed like an eternity back to the base and several times Masako almost slipped from their hold. Mai gritted her teeth as she was forced to step on her sore foot again and again with the added weight of Masako bearing down on it. John looked over at her wonderingly, but Mai merely smiled through the pain.
Finally they reached base. Naru and Lin looked supremely surprised to see them, carrying each other and limping along into the room.
"What is going on here?" Naru demanded, stepping away from Lin's desk to intercept them. Bou-san laid Ayako down on the couch and sank down beside it, rubbing his shoulder with obvious discomfort,
"We need ice, now."
Naru looked to Lin and the tall man rushed from the room. Hastily Naru moved forward to take Masako from John and Mai, who by now were sagging from the effort of traveling all that way with her. Making it look easy he carried the medium over to an arm chair and set her down in it. With a dark expression he looked back to Mai and John, who each had collapsed into chairs of their own,
"What happened?" he repeated, taking off his jacket and placing it over Masako's cold form. Mai looked to John- she had arrived too late to know the whole story. The priest glanced over at Ayako,
"We had just left the dressing rooms, the exorcisms hadn't gone well- when we heard a scream. We ran to see what was happening, and when we got there we saw Ayako and Masako frozen in front of a wall of mirrors. We tried to get them to move, but they wouldn't, and then I looked into the mirror-" John paused here looking troubled.
"It was the same as before," Bou-san suddenly spoke, his voice forbidding, "decay and death..."
Mai felt a shiver run up her spine at hearing this, with wide eyes she stared at her two unconscious team members,
So that's what they saw...
Naru stood from Masako's side and paced the floor, a look of deep concentration on his face,
"What happened then?"
Bou-san grew quiet, rubbing his shoulder thoughtfully, "I'm not really sure..."
"I can't explain what it's like to see yourself...like that. It held us frozen there, that's when Mai arrived," John answered with a deep frown, as if he was staring into the mirror again. Sitting next to him, Mai gave the troubled priest a sympathetic smile.
"Mai arrived? You mean, she wasn't with you?"
Mai's smile faded at the sound of Naru's hard voice, she felt his eyes burning into her,
"Mai, why weren't you with them?" Naru persisted, his pacing stopped and his full attention on her. Mai's stomach dropped, she had been drawn back to the room by that old man, a man neither Bou-san nor John knew she had seen, a man who wanted his existence kept a secret...in her mind Mai saw him drawing a finger to his lips, a pleading look in his eyes.
If I can't say anything, what can I tell Naru..?
In her pocket the photo sat heavily and with every breath Mai feared Naru could hear it crinkle. Naru narrowed his eyes at her, her silence was only more incriminating,
"Well?"
"Yeah," Bou-san spoke up, "where were you?"
Beside her John looked to Mai, but not nearly as suspiciously as Bou-san and Naru were.
"Hey, I'm the one who saved you," Mai snapped turning her gaze on the monk, "you should be grateful I showed up when I did!"
"Don't change the subject, where were you Mai?" Naru cut in sharply, he was determined to get answers. Mai felt herself heat up, she was being forced to meet Naru's eyes, could she lie to him like that? Would he even believe her?
"I was coming, I just couldn't keep up with Bou-san and John."
Mai's words came out convincing enough, unfortunately there were so many holes in her statement that she knew Naru could see right through it. Naru crossed his arms and leered over at her, staring down her bold faced lie. He wasn't about to let her go, he opened his mouth, but never got the chance to speak.
Lin entered the room with two bags of ice, tailed by Mr. Sachi with two more bags. At the sight of Masako slumped limply in the chair, he let out a horrified gasp,
"Masako!" he cried, and ice bags abandoned, he ran over to her, "oh Masako, speak to me, say something..." he pleaded, holding her head in his hands, brushing her hair out of her face. John stood and Naru crossed over to the hysterical playwright,
"Mr. Sachi, please let Hara-san be," Naru requested, coming to stand between them.
Mr. Sachi's eyes were lit with concern, "But- but she's hurt! She needs help!" he protested, taking her lifeless hand in desperation. Mai looked to John who was standing next to her, his face pale with worry; he kept opening his mouth, only to close it a second later.
"Please, Mr. Sachi, we're not sure what's wrong with her, you could do her more harm than good by moving her," the priest finally managed to say. Mr. Sachi stared at Masako as if she was on her death bed; he let his hand fall from hers dramatically,
"Fine. If that's how it is..."
Naru stared at his client darkly, unamused with his dramatics. Mai watched the relief pour over John's face, with a heavy sigh he sat down again.
"We have no reason to believe its anything serious Mr. Sachi," Naru assured, trying to coax the man from the medium's side. The playwright was reluctant to budge,
"Some ice, maybe some ice would revive her?" he persisted, planting himself firmly beside Masako. Lin passed in front of Mai, handing out a bag of ice to Bou-san, who ignoring the pain in his shoulder, administered it to Ayako's head immediately. The miko frowned at the sudden cold, her eyes flickering; she let out a soft moan.
"Don't be such a baby," Bou-san chided her, but his voice was surprisingly gentle.
While Ayako continued to stir, Mr. Sachi was trying to persuade Lin into giving him an ice bag,
"Please, I just want to see her move, twitch, anything," he pleaded, squeezing Masako's hand tightly in his.
"Mr. Sachi, she needs no ice. Lin, leave a bag for Bou-san's shoulder. John, are you hurt as well?" Naru questioned, his back to them. He had crossed the room to the small counter where Mai had made tea at earlier, and was preparing another pot. Mai watched him with a small smile, he could have asked her to make the tea, but he didn't.
"No, I'm fine thank you," John answered, sounding more like himself.
Lin did as Naru asked, left a bag of ice for Bou-san and gave none to Mr. Sachi. Sitting in her chair, Mai watched Bou-san apply his ice bag to his shoulder enviously. Her foot throbbed, how nice would it be to place a bag of ice on her swollen toes? Her eyes flicked to Naru who was handing off a cup of tea to John, his dark eyes caught hers for a second- looking away quickly Mai gritted her teeth, there would be no ice for her.
Not without telling Naru what really happened anyways...
"Mai, for you."
Pulled from her thoughts, Mai looked up at Naru staring down at her, a tea cup extended towards her. Mai swallowed nervously, something in his eyes glinted at her as if to say, I know you're hiding something...
Not nearly fast enough for Mai's liking, Naru moved on, giving his next cup to Bou-san, and then Lin. Neither awake yet, Naru set aside Ayako and Masako's tea for later. Sitting for the first time, Naru placed himself in a chair between the miko and medium. Refusing to leave Masako's side, Mr. Sachi stood hovering over her, muttering things like, "I think I saw her move" and "If you look hard enough, her eyes flutter..."
"Hey-" Bou-san suddenly spoke up, "she's waking..."
Everyone looked to the couch he was sharing with Ayako. Indeed the priestess was stirring, and in the next moment- she opened her eyes. An instant passed, her vision swam and then adjusted, without warning, she let out a cry and flew upright.
"Takigawa-san!" she shouted, whacking his shoulder rather hard for a person who had just been unconscious.
"Ouch!" he cried just as loud, grabbing his tender shoulder, "what's gotten into you?"
"What has gotten into me? What has gotten into you?! Get away from me!" she protested, her cheeks burning red, but Mai had a strange feeling it wasn't entirely from anger. Standing now, tending to his shoulder, the monk shot her a dark look,
"How's that for gratitude? See if I save you again."
Ayako closed her mouth and looked around the room at all of them for first time.
"Saved me? What are you talking about...?" she finally asked, this time sounding more uncertain than aggressive.
Bou-san sat down rather roughly, rubbing his shoulder. Ayako moved her legs out of the way and sent him a disgruntled look.
"I saved you. Hard to believe anyone would bother though..." he grumbled, reaching for his ice bag.
"Ayako, how is your head?" Naru asked, before she could argue with Bou-san. Ayako frowned slightly, gingerly touching the back,
"It hurts actually..."
Naru nodded and took a sip of his tea; meaningfully he looked to the bag of ice at Bou-san's feet. Ayako followed his gaze and the Bou-san reached down for the bag. With a shrewd smirk, the monk held it out just so the miko had to lean forward to take it. With an irritated huff, Ayako snatched it out of Bou-san's grasp. There were a few moments of silence in which the air crackled between them and then a gasp from Mr. Sachi broke the tension.
Sitting slumped on the chair, Masako's head moved, and then she let out a small whimper. A frown formed on her pale pink lips and her delicate brows furrowed in distress. John stood once again, worry flooding his features.
"Masako- Masako it's alright, Joji's here. Follow my voice...come away from the light..."
Abruptly Naru stood, crossed over to the armchair, and brushed Mr. Sachi aside. The playwright sputtered in shock and offense, but Naru hardly seemed to care, and ignoring his client he ordered Lin to bring him a wet cloth.
"Naru..?" Mai whispered, leaning forward in her seat, her concern for Masako's health out shining her concern for just how close Naru was to her rival. Near her, John seemed pale and was staring at Naru with equal concern blazing in his eyes.
"But- but you said there was nothing to be worried about!" Mr. Sachi protested, finding his voice again after his moment of shock. Naru shot the playwright next to him a hard look as he accepted the cloth Lin was offering him, murmuring his thanks.
Blocking out his client pointedly (which Mai could see was no easy task as with each second he was pressing in...) Naru leaned in close to Masako's ashen face and ran the cool rag over her forehead, his gaze deeply concentrated on her face. Mai was suddenly struck with a prickly sensation that ran up and down her spine, her stomach clenched slightly. He was too close now...too close...
And then Mai saw it, but only just so- the medium's eyes had opened for the briefest of moments, then closed tightly. Naru must have been blinking in that moment, because he said nothing and persisted to run the cloth across her forehead and cheek in such a way that it made Mai's insides burn.
And then there was movement again, Masako began to frown much deeper than she had, her head began to jerk left and right, each time coming infuriatingly close to Naru's. There were relieved sighs and excited gasps around the room at this sign of life, Mai merely growled under her breath. The image of Masako opening her eyes moments before re-played in her head, she saw clearly what the medium was up to.
That Masako.
"Naru...Naru..." Masako began to mumble in her apparent unconsciousness. Mai gritted her teeth,
The nerve!
"Naru...save me...I-"
"Enough!" Mai suddenly shouted, standing up from her chair, her chest heaving. The room fell silent, all eyes bore into Mai with confusion. From anger or otherwise, her cheeks flushed.
"I...I mean, someone should wake her up already- it's obvious she's- uh- distressed..." Mai mumbled unconvincingly.
Everyone blinked back at her blankly, but then passion sprung into Mr. Sachi, and before Naru (who was giving Mai a seriously dark look) could speak, the playwright exclaimed,
"She's right! She must be awoken before she is put through anymore-"
Mr. Sachi then boldly proceeded to squeeze himself next to Naru and just as his hand was reaching for her shoulder, Masako's eyes began to flutter open. She squinted with dim awareness at the faces above her,
"Naru?" she said in a decidedly weak voice. Feeling that perhaps she hadn't taken notice of him yet (but she had...) Mr. Sachi drew her hand in his and smiled down at her,
"And Joji too," he announced, adding emphasis on his name.
"Naru, it was so horrible..." she said, still pretending Mr. Sachi wasn't hovering over her face, and with one swift move reached out for Naru's shoulder. Mai self-imploded where she stood, but before she could recover her voice, Naru stood and Masako's hand fell unceremoniously back to her side,
"Someone please get Hara-san her tea," he said crossing the room in deep thought.
Mr. Sachi moved a fraction of an inch at the order, looking to offer the medium comfort, but his reluctance to leave her side was strong, and for a moment he sat uncertainly, suspended between the choices. But his distress was quickly put to an end as John leaped up to meet the task. He picked up the cup from the table and coming to a stop at the only place Mr. Sachi was not hovering over, extended the luke warm tea to her.
Masako, who had been staring stunned at the spot where Naru had left her, her mouth slightly agape, was forced to met John's eyes and thank him mildly for the tea. John stood there only a moment longer, and then returned to his seat.
At the other end of the room, Naru stood near the doorway,
"Mai- Lin, follow me," he ordered and then vanished into the hall. Like always, Lin was out the door before Mai could even process that she had been spoken to, and feeling slightly stunned herself, hurried after them. They were already halfway down the hall when Mai emerged from base and she had to run if she hoped to catch them.
"Naru-" Mai panted irritably as she bounded up to them, "slow down a second- what is going on?"
Naru's dark eyes flicked to her briefly, and not slowing his brisk pace any, he merely answered,
"Put your hair up in this."
Holding her side Mai came to a halt staring at the elastic band Naru held in his hand.
"Wha-?"
Naru, once again a few paces ahead of her, was forced to come to a stop. A moment of stillness and silence passed with Lin and Naru staring at her, and then with a strained laugh she realized that they meant for her to come and take it. A bit embarrassed and growing more and more confused, Mai shuffled up to Naru and took it from his hand, conscious of her fingers brushing the warm skin of his palm. Her cheeks now a fair shade of pink, Mai was glad for an excuse to bend down, and proceeded to gather her hair, her face conveniently out of sight of her handsome boss. Never the less, she felt his eyes on her as he said,
"Everything will be explained when we reach the Hall of Mirrors."
Mai righted herself, and having drawn her short hair into a sort of ponytail, they moved on. They were approaching the Hall of Mirrors faster than Mai had expected. For a brief moment the image of the old man flashed in her head, the photo was heavy in her pocket again, her eyes fell on Naru a few steps ahead of her- and in that instant he glanced back at her. Mai tensed and quickly looked away.
How does he know! It's like he can read my mind...
Mai's stomach did a sort of flip-flop at the thought. If he could read her mind then-
He would know how I feel about him...
A blush began to creep up Mai's neck, but then her next thought completely extinguished it,
Then he would also know about the man. He would know I'm lying to him...
Mai squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, hoping to block out all images and thoughts having to do with her secret ghostly encounter, just in case Naru was reading her mind.
He probably can't though...she thought, trying to calm herself.
They turned a corner and all thoughts of mind reading and ghosts were jarred from her head completely. Mai's eyes were drawn down the hall, to the place where she had found half her friends frozen. Terrible images of their expressions flashed before her, and suddenly her feet felt as if made of lead, she could go no further. Naru detected her slowed pace, silently he took her hand. This surprising contact was enough for Mai to surface from her terror for a moment and blink surprisedly at the back of his head. Beside them, Lin said nothing and appeared to notice nothing.
Being more or less pulled along, Mai reached the part of the hall just before the mirrors, here Naru stopped and let go of her hand. He turned and looked at her,
"Mai, I want you to help me with something, could you stand in front of one of the mirrors?"
There was nothing forceful in the question, his tone was even and open for her to decline, even so Mai asked,
"Those mirrors, you want me to stare into one of those mirrors?"
Patiently Naru nodded,
"Yes."
Mai stared down the length of hall, every few inches one of the mirrors hung, gleaming in the dim light.
"But- you saw what happened earlier- I don't understand," Mai stammered, bewildered, glancing from Naru to the mirrors and back again.
Again Naru nodded, but said nothing to persuade her, the only thing betraying any emotion on his face were his eyes, they stared steadily into hers, conveying an unspoken message: trust me.
Mai swallowed and drew in a deep breath. Her mind was made up, she trusted him. Calmly, Naru stepped aside. This was where that mind reading thing came into play again; he knew her answer without her even speaking a word.
How...?
But Mai didn't have time to dwell long, for in the next moment she turned to face the mirror. Mai blinked. It was strange, she knew it was her face staring back at her, but it wasn't any version of her face she recognized. It was as if all color had been drained from her reflection, her skin was pale, wrinkled, and so thin that the bones it clung to were visible. Mai shuddered and let out a horrified gasp. She felt herself take a step back; she had the sudden urge to run, run far and fast, anything to stop staring into her horrible reflection.
Just then Mai noticed a light pressure on her shoulders, with some difficulty she was able to look up. Reflected in the mirror above her was Naru, he had come to stand behind her, his hands on her shoulders.
Naru.
Calm spread through out her, Naru's presence was the strength she needed to stay focused. She looked again into her ancient features, her hair falling white as snow around her face, her eyes clouded and lifeless. Suddenly Naru's grip was much tighter on Mai's shoulders.
Uncertainly she looked up to see Naru staring back at his reflection with the strangest expression, his eyes wide and hallow. Mai's calm evaporated from her, if Naru was disturbed by what he was seeing, things were just as bad as she thought them before. An icy sensation settled in Mai stomach, the urge to run consumed her again, but just before she could break away, Lin's urgent voice cut the air,
"Naru!"
As if broken from a spell Naru stepped back, pulling Mai with him, and then letting her go, turned away. Mai looked after Naru with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, trying to catch a glimpse of his face, but his back was to her. When Mai persisted, Lin stepped in between them, shielding Naru from view.
"How was it?"
Mai's eyes darted to where she presumed Naru stood behind him, was he asking her? After a moment of silence and steady staring on the Chinese man's part, Mai managed to say,
"Well...terrible..."
"Mai reacted as I figured," Naru suddenly spoke, and Lin stepped aside, revealing Naru to be facing them, completely composed. Mai looked from one man to the other, thoroughly confused, what was that? Why had Lin stopped her from seeing Naru?
"What do you mean, as you figured?" Mai finally asked some moments later, realizing that neither Naru nor Lin were going to explain what just happened. Naru looked down the hall, then back at them, and began to walk,
"I knew that you would not freeze like the others, and you didn't. You reacted as I figured," he answered vaguely. Crossing her arms Mai began to follow,
"You didn't know that for sure, what if I had ended up like Masako, or worse?" she protested, glaring at the back of her boss' head. It was barely detectable, but a small smile pulled at Naru's lips,
"You wouldn't. You do not appreciate your looks nearly as much as Hara-san does her own," he stated mysteriously.
Mai clenched her fists; she was beginning to get angry. Why did everything he had to say always end up with Masako? Wouldn't anybody give her a straight answer? Was what he just said an insult or a compliment to her anyways? Naru must have noticed her hostile vibes, because he then decided to elaborate,
"What you saw earlier, Mai, was not some supernatural effect of the mirrors, it was a self induced reaction. They were being held there by themselves. It was their shock. You may recall that John had not become frozen, why do you think that was?" This last part was asked with a glance back at her. A fresh blush rushed to Mai's cheeks, she hated it when he looked at her like that, she felt put on the spot, her brain felt miles away,
"Well- uh...um," she struggled, unable to think of anything intelligible, steadily blushing deeper. Naru faced forward again,
"Vanity, Mai. John, and consequently yourself, as I suspected, are not vain. You were shocked with the sight of death; they were shocked with the sight of themselves old and decayed. This affected their sense of vanity so much that they became frozen where they stood, unable to look away."
The blush subsiding from Mai's cheeks, she attempted to think some of this through. So it was vanity that caused such reactions then? Mai pictured Bou-san, Masako, and Ayako and saw it made sense. Then an idea struck her,
"Naru," Mai began, keeping her voice as even as she could, "If their vanity caused Bou-san and Ayako to freeze, why did Masako..?" Mai trailed off artfully as Naru nodded,
"I suppose it affected her that much more," he allowed. Her vanity was that much more. Masako equals vain, Mai equals not, was the unspoken comparison Mai left hanging. Mai's hand wandered to where her ponytail was coming out,
"So, if you were just seeing if I would freeze or not, why did I need to put my hair up?" she wondered, raising an eyebrow at Naru.
"I did not bring you there to see if you'd freeze or not Mai, I've already explained that I knew you didn't take care of your looks enough to be vain-" here Mai winced at the out and out insult, "-I brought you there and had you put up your hair to test something. I am now positive that those mirrors, no matter how antique they look, are not original to this theater, I have reason to believe that they may have been put in just weeks ago."
Mai's eyes widened in surprise,
"What?"
"Didn't you notice? The reflection was of you with your hair down," Naru answered, his vagueness returning and with it Mai's confusion. Mai recalled her reflection to mind, Naru was right. She hadn't noticed before, she had been too terrified to catch such a simple thing, but Naru had.
"You had me put up my hair to see if my reflection would match it? But how did you know...?"
"It was a simple test. The reflection did not change; those are not normal mirrors..." Naru said quietly, more talking to himself now. Mai's anger was returning again,
"Well, I could guess that much! Most mirrors don't show yourself dead. But how did you know to check-" But here she was cut off by Lin,
"Naru, it's getting late, we should head back to the Inn."
Naru nodded,
"Ayako and Hara-san should have recovered enough by now."
Mai entered base first, seeing things to be much the same as when she had left it. Ayako and Bou-san were still sitting on the couch, though as far apart as possible. Masako was still in her arm chair; Mr. Sachi though (most likely at Masako's insistence) was now sitting in a chair drawn up next to Masako, looking a bit sullen at not being able to hover over her anymore. John was no longer sitting; instead he stood at the only window in the room, and upon hearing Mai enter, turned his gaze away from the view outside and smiled over at her.
Mai seated herself in the same chair as before, behind her Lin made for his computer chair, and Naru came to stand before them all. His dark eyes traveled over to Ayako and then Masako,
"How are you both feeling?"
Ayako glared at him, adjusting her ice bag from its place on the back of her head,
"At least I'm filled in now, how could you send me there again?! Look what happened!"
Naru sighed, "It's not my fault you're so vain..." he murmured under his breath.
"What was that?!" Ayako exclaimed with growing agitation. Naru looked to Masako pointedly, but she would not meet his eyes,
"Are you angry at me too for asking you to investigate the Hall of Mirrors?"
Just then she turned her brilliant blue eyes on Naru,
"No- no, of course not. I agreed to it didn't I? I only wonder...well, I assume you've just returned from the hall, but I was not asked to go. Do you not think me competent enough to investigate anymore? I assure you I am quiet fine and unshaken by my experience-" Naru cut her off here,
"Hara-san, my choosing for you to stay had nothing to do with you being competent, but rather, able. I would not ask you to join us in your state, next time, of course, I will be expecting you to participate to the best of your ability," Naru explained calmly. Relief washed over Masako's face,
"Yes, of course," she smiled. Across the room Mai felt as though she was going to be sick, Masako's pathetic ploys never seemed to end.
"Now if everyone feels up to it, it's time we headed back to the Inn," Naru suggested. He was met with silent nods and everyone stood.
"Yes, good idea," Mr. Sachi agreed, getting up from his seat, and reaching out to help Masako from hers (she of course by-passed his hand completely...), "the festival begins in just a few hours, do you have your stories written?"
Bou-san, halfway to the door, and John lingering near Masako's seat (just in case she did need help getting up), paused and exchanged looks.
"Well, you know, between doing exorcisms all day and being hypnotized by a cursed mirror, I couldn't seem find the time..." the monk answered sarcastically.
"But-" Mr. Sachi began to object- immediately Naru held up his hand and said,
"Don't worry Mr. Sachi, it is all taken care of, we will all have plays written for your festival."
Mr. Sachi closed his mouth and nodded satisfied, but Bou-san wasn't. He opened his mouth to protest, but one meaningful look from Naru caused him to close it again.
"He better have it taken care of..." the monk muttered.
Just then Mai glanced over at Lin who was lagging behind, he appeared to be printing out something, she raised her eyebrows,
Their stories maybe?
"Mai, what in the world did you do to your hair?" Ayako's voice suddenly asked as Mai proceeded into the hall, followed closely by Masako, Mr. Sachi, and John. Mai flinched as she remembered her hair was up in a messy half ponytail, she probably looked like an idiot...
"Oh, it's nothing," she said casually, and with a quick glance at Masako, added, "just something Naru wanted me to do..." as an after thought.
Mai smirked seeing the look on the medium's face and walked on ahead of them.
Masako's not the only one who came play this game.
Mai reached the theater's entrance first and came to an uncertain halt. A moment later she was rejoined by the group she had left and by Naru and Lin who had been a little farther behind. There was a thoughtful silence, and everyone looked around at each other expectantly, though no one seemed to know who should act first. Quite confused at why they were pausing, Mr. Sachi glanced from one person to the next as if waiting for some one to fill him in, and when no one bothered, he sighed impatiently and marched towards the theater doors. Making a big show of holding one open, he looked meaningfully at Masako,
"After you," he encouraged when she did not move. Masako seemed to be ignoring him pointedly, she had no interest in Mr. Sachi escorting her through the door, her sights were set on Naru. As unsuspectingly as she could, the medium began to inch her way closer to Naru, who at the moment was off in thought, looking the door frame up and down, occasionally touching the wood. Mai, who was not off in thought, saw exactly what Masako was up to.
Oh no you don't!
Mai, gritting her teeth, and as fast as she could (without being noticed); she slipped herself past Ayako and made her way for Naru. She was just squeezing by Bou-san, vaguely listening to Mr. Sachi's questions at why nobody was going anywhere, when a strong hand seized her shoulder. Mai let out a surprised gasp and looked up to find Bou-san smirking down at her,
"Come on Mai, Naru can wait," he whispered with a wink. With one last glare in Masako's direction, Mai sighed in defeat and let Bou-san lead her away towards the doors.
As they approached a bewildered looking Mr. Sachi, Mai began to feel her heart race. Even though she had been fine last time with Bou-san's help, she still felt anxious walking through the doors. Perhaps noticing her reluctance, Bou-san gave her shoulder one last reassuring squeeze and then they stepped past the playwright and out the door.
"Masako, what's the meaning of this, aren't you coming too?" Mr. Sachi persisted helplessly, as taking Bou-san's lead, Ayako walked out the door. Lin was next to follow with Naru exiting in deep thought, faster than Masako could beg his assistance. With a slight frown the medium watched him go, only then did she hear Mr. Sachi's pleas and notice that she was one of the only ones left.
"Are you not feeling well enough to walk?" John asked, taking an attentive step towards her. The frown vanished from Masako's face; she drew herself up and attempted to regain her composure,
"I'm fine, I was just...thinking," she answered having collected herself again. John nodded,
"Good. We should probably follow them then..." he continued, stepping now towards the doors suggestively.
"Masako, are you sure you're alright? Come along, I'll take you back to my place and you can freshen up before the festival starts," Mr. Sachi entreated, leaving his position at the door to offer her his arm. But before he could get too far, Masako impulsively grabbed John's arm and all but lead him through the door. Standing at the top of the stairs Masako released his arm and sent him a kind smile,
"Thank you for offering your help," she said, speaking ever so carefully, and though she was smiling, her eyes shown at John seriously. Recovering from his surprise, John was able to catch her meaning just quick enough to answer,
"You're very welcome, anytime."
Mr. Sachi looked between them confusedly for a moment, but then relaxed and crossed over to Masako's side, smiling brightly,
"Oh, if I had known you had offered your help first, I would have never stepped in after you, my mistake," he told John good-naturedly, "shall we go then? We'll catch up with you later," he assured John as he took the medium's arm and lead her down the stairs.
"See you at the festival," he agreed, watching them go.
At the bottom of the stairs John thought Masako glanced up at him, but as soon as he met her eyes she looked away. The priest blinked puzzledly, it happen so fast, was it possible that he had imagined it?
"John!" Mai called a few yards away, she had been watching, waiting with Bou-san for him to come. Shaking his head of these thoughts, John smiled and called back to her, quickly descending the stairs.
Mai looked to John who had just joined them, curiously. She had been more than happy to see Masako whisked off with Mr. Sachi (delighted actually), but beneath his smile, somehow to her, John seemed sobered by it. Some time had past as they all walked in comfortable silence before a rather loud growl from Bou-san's stomach caused him to speak,
"Man, I can't wait to get back to the Inn, I'm starved," the monk moaned, putting a hand to his empty stomach.
"I know," John agreed with a grin, "maybe with Mai's help we could have a feast again?"
Bou-san laughed and gave Mai a teasing look,
"Oy, how about it Mai? Will you pull some strings for us?"
Mai held her head up defiantly and crossed her arms; even still she was smiling,
"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm not pulling any strings, if you're so hungry order more food," she answered stubbornly.
"Hey- be nice," Bou-san pouted, "you know all our food goes on Naru's tab, he'll never let us order as much as we'd like."
Mai found that it was only with strict determination that she didn't crack at the monk's pathetic stare,
"Not my problem, and since when did you start obeying Naru?" she asked, still unwavering. Bou-san shot her a dark look and grumbled something underneath his breath. Drawing her attention away from her starving company, Mai looked to the festival grounds they had almost past.
Dusk was now falling sharply, the sky a rose colored pink. Here and there bright paper lanterns were being lit. The scent of lilies was strong now, as was the smell of the many festival foods being cooked and set out in the small stands. Mai smiled, this would be the first festival she had ever attended like this, and had a feeling she was going to enjoy it.
"Mmm, something's being deep fried," Bou-san said, smelling the air longingly. Feeling her resolve weakening, Mai shook her head and patted his shoulder,
"Maybe I'll order something extra tonight," she mentioned with a pitying smile. Just then her stomach rumbled and Bou-san raised his eyebrows,
"We might need a little more than extra..."
Mai shot him a playful glare as they stepped inside the Inn. Upon seeing that Naru, Lin, and Ayako had already gone ahead to their rooms, the three of them split up in the hall,
"I'll see you at dinner," Bou-san said meaningfully to Mai before he closed the door to his room. Mai unlocked the door to her own room and shut it with a sigh. Her eyes drifted over her unmade bed, her suitcase lying open on the floor, and the days old clothes strewn about. It occurred to her that she hadn't done anything but sleep and shower in her guest room her whole stay in Nozomi.
Halfheartedly, she leaned down and began to gather her abandoned shirts, skirts, and socks. Tossing the heap into her suitcase, she attempted to shut it, and when that didn't work, she shrugged and threw herself on her bed. She closed her eyes; it had been a very long day. The silence was soothing to her ears. Mai rolled onto her side and was met with a crinkling sound.
With surprise, and then realization, Mai reached into her pocket and pulled out the picture she had found earlier. She examined it steadily, but still she was struck with only a vague familiarity, certainly not enough to place where she had seen that face before.
If I could only tell Naru about this, it would be so much easier for him to figure out...
With her hunger and exhaustion catching up to her, Mai sat up and set the photo on her nightstand. Yawning she crossed her room to the window and opened it, the cool evening air wafting in, refreshing Mai's senses. After a few minutes of standing at the window, she felt rejuvenated enough to attempt to pick something out to wear to dinner and the festival.
Heaving her suite case onto the bed, Mai rummaged through the few outfits she brought. After spending quite some time going over the same clothes, knowing she had nothing even remotely nice (or clean now that she noticed...) she settled on the same light pink skirt she had worn on her first day in Nozomi and her last clean top, white with some lace detail.
I'll be under dressed I know, but what can I do? Mai thought looking at the outfit she assembled with a slight frown.
"Well the lest I can do is iron out this skirt," Mai told herself, and picking it up she decided to go find Mrs. Koku and ask if there was an iron she could borrow.
Stepping out into the hall she found it mostly deserted with everybody busy setting up for the festival and getting ready for dinner. Thoughtfully she walked along, wondering where she should look for Mrs. Koku when the woman actually found her.
"OH. HELLO DEAR. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR NIKO, HE'S JUST GONE OUT TO THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS, BUT HE'LL BE BACK FOR DINNER," she shouted pleasantly.
A slight blush warming her cheeks Mai smiled and shook her head,
"Uh, no I wasn't looking for him; I was looking for you actually. I thought maybe you could tell me where I could find an iron?" she explained, holding up her skirt.
Mrs. Koku squinted at her and a look of dawning washed over her ancient face,
"IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE WEARING? GOOD HEAVENS NO GRAND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW OF MINE WILL BE CAUGHT GOING TO THE FESTIVAL WEARING THAT! COME FOLLOW ME AND WE'LL FIX THIS AT ONCE!" the old woman hollered in alarm, ushering Mai to follow.
Granddaughter-in-law!
"Ah- um- it's okay, really...if I could just have an iron...?" Mai protested weakly, finding herself being lead across the Inn. In front of her Mrs. Koku tutted loudly, occasionally glancing back at her with looks of sympathy,
"WE'LL FIX THIS, WE WILL."
Finally, after what felt like forever, they reached a rather large room, done up much nicer than any of the others she had seen.
"Wow...this is very nice," Mai commented, examining the velvet curtains that hung over the floor to ceiling windows. Behind her Mrs. Koku was bustling around distractedly,
"HONEY MOON SUITE," she announced, as she paused for a moment, wiggling her eyebrows at Mai. Mai turned as red as the curtains she was standing next to and Mrs. Koku continued on her busy search, chuckling to herself.
"AH, HA!"
Mai jumped a foot at the sudden exclamation, and holding her chest she saw Mrs. Koku hobbling up to her holding out a dress she had just pulled from a near by closet. It was old, but not unstylish, and was made of light blue satin.
"MY THIRD DAUGHTER'S, A FAVORITE WITH THE MEN," she announced knowingly, thrusting it into Mai's hands as she snatched away her skirt.
"RUBISH..." she muttered loudly as turned around and threw it into the closet. With her mouth hanging open Mai watched her favorite skirt thrown into the abyss and the closet door slammed shut unceremoniously.
"WELL, I'LL LEAVE YOU TO CHANGE DEAR," Mrs. Koku shouted with a smirk and then she shuffled out the door, slamming it too. Mai cringed and waited for the ringing to stop in her ears before she even looked at the dress again. It was simple, with no designs printed across the satin, and a little longer than she was used to, but the cut was flattering and the slits in the sides went up high enough so she wouldn't feel like she was leg locked.
With a resigned sigh and one last look at the closet which her skirt was now lost in, she slipped on the dress. A moment later the door burst open and Mai gasped having just reached for the zipper in the back. Happily, Mrs. Koku hobbled towards her,
"WONDERFUL, YOU LOOK EVEN BETTER THAN MY SUKI DID IN THIS, AND SHE HAD BEEN MOST ADMIRED FOR HER BEAUTY, MET HER HUSBAND IN THIS YOU KNOW..." the old woman yelled cheerfully as she reached to help Mai zip up, but Mai was a bit tall and was ordered to bend down. Hunching down, she allowed Mrs. Koku to finish zipping her up.
"THERE, YOU'LL KNOCK MY GRANDSON DEAD," Mrs. Koku predicted, appraising her with satisfaction.
Mai turned red once again and fiddled with her hands under such warm scrutiny.
"Thank you, but about Niko-"
"WELL DON'T JUST STAND THERE AND TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, LOOK FOR YOURSELF," the old woman encouraged, ignoring her protests and taking her by the hand and leading her over to a full length mirror just before the bathroom.
Despite feeling uncertain about the whole thing, Mai had to admit she did look nicer than she could have hoped. The blue fabric shimmered in the last of the day's light and fit snugly to her body. Mai looked over to Mrs. Koku with a grateful smile,
"Thank you, you really didn't have to do any of this..."
Mrs. Koku narrowed her eyes and cupped a hand to her ear,
"WHAT WAS THAT DEAR, DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?"
"I was just saying thank you, this was so generous..."
"EH? YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO SPEAK UP DEARY," the old woman bellowed, straining to hear.
Beginning to feel flustered Mai tried again,
"I said thank you for-"
"HUH?"
"THANKYOU!" Mai shouted, red in the face.
Mrs. Koku smiled kindly at her,
"YOU'RE VERY WELCOME MY DEAR," she answered patting Mai on the cheek affectionately.
Mai smiled warmly back, but couldn't help but feel a bit awkward,
She's only treating you this way because she thinks you're going to marry her grandson...
"GOODNESS! LOOK AT THE TIME, DINNER HAS STARTED WITHOUT US!" the old woman cried with a glance at an old grandfather clock in the room, "LET'S HURRY BACK."
They reached the dining room in record time, the murmur of all those dining drifting through the doors they stood outside of.
"YOU LOOK STUNNING, I'M SURE NIKO IS WAITING FOR YOU, I'LL SEE YOU LATER AT THE FESTIVAL," Mrs. Koku assured, brushing off her dress here and there, and with a bright smile she turned and shuffled off for the kitchens, leaving Mai to walk into the dining room alone.
Mai was suddenly nervous, her insides felt alive. Naru. What would he think of her dress? Was Niko really waiting for her? What annoying thing would Masako say?
Wait,Mai thought with a smile, Masako is stuck with Mr. Sachi, she won't be at dinner.
And on that brighter note, Mai calmed herself, drew in a deep breath, and pushed open the doors. The noise overwhelmed her for a moment, there seemed to be more people here than usual, all the tables around her were filled with people talking excitedly, laughing loudly.
Feeling self conscious, Mai squeezed her way past the tightly packed tables, mumbling an apology every once and awhile. Finally Mai spotted her table, and fortunately no one seemed to have spotted her. Mai was hoping to make as quiet an entrance as possible.
"Hey, Mai! Oh. Wow," Bou-san greeted, waving her over with a grin.
The conversation ceased at the table and all eyes were suddenly on her. Mai's heart fell into her stomach. So much for a quiet entrance.
"Hi," Mai answered, moving towards the only open seat which was next to John.
"You look so nice Mai," John remarked warmly. Mai sat down, keeping her eyes low, but upon hearing this, smiled briefly up at John,
"Thanks."
"Very nice," Bou-san added, grinning at her proudly. Mai began to feel herself blush from these compliments.
"I'd say. Where did you get that dress? Looks a bit outdated, but...not bad,"Ayako commented, sizing her up with approval.
Ayako looked quite nice herself, wearing a stylish black dress with her hair pulled up and Mai was just about to say so, half jumping at the chance to change the subject and half really wishing to return the compliment, when Bou-san persisted,
"Outdated? How would you know? Oh, that's right..." Bou-san trailed off with a smirk while Ayako turned a dangerous shade of red,
"What are you trying to say, Takigawa-san?!" she hissed.
Bou-san quickly took a large bite of food. Mai felt relieved. As long as the attention was off her, and nobody mentioned her dress to Naru-
"Well, new dress or old, it doesn't matter. Mai looks great. Wouldn't you say...Naru?" Bou-san continued, unabashed, after swallowing his large bite. Mai looked up, she couldn't help it. Across from her Naru's dark eyes met her nervous ones. There was a thoughtful moment of silence and then he took a sip of his tea,
"I don't see any difference from usual..."
Heat warmed Mai's cheeks,
That Naru.
Pointedly, she crossed her arms and turned away from her boss. With her anger hardly subsided, a familiar voice suddenly filled her ears.
"Mai, wow. You look...amazing," Niko breathed; staring.
Her cheeks now flushed from self consciousness and not anger. Mai turned her attention to Niko, who now stood at their table, with a pleasant smile, his compliments quite welcome in the wake of Naru's indifference.
"Thank you Niko, you look very nice as well."
And he did, wearing smart looking black slacks and a crisp white dress shirt. Niko received this compliment with a blush of his own,
"Oh, it's nothing, not compared to you..." he murmured modestly.
"Ugh, really?" Ayako whispered under her breath.
"You're just jealous," Bou-san whispered back knowingly. Ayako fixed the monk with a glare,
"Excuse me, what's to be of jealous in that? She's wearing a dress that just fell out of dusty closet and he's drooling all over himself!"
Despite her objections, Bou-san merely smiled,
"Maybe, but you're still jealous..."
"That dress, I don't know why, but it's kind of familiar..." Niko spoke thoughtfully. Mai smiled nervously,
Oh you know, your grandmother lent it to me, it was your aunt's, the same dress she had met her husband in, actually, isn't that wonderful?
"Hm, I don't know why that is..." she lied; uncomfortably aware that she was sitting next to a priest and that Naru's eyes were burning a hole in her.
"You haven't ordered anything, aren't you hungry?" Niko suddenly asked, noticing that there was no food placed in front of her.
"Oh," Mai said suddenly remembering that she was, "thank you, I am, I just haven't ordered yet..."
Suddenly Niko was all eagerness,
"Well, let me set you up with something. I'll be sure to get you something special, just a moment-" he said breathlessly, leaving the table before he even finished his sentence,
"Niko-" Mai called, and impulsively she grabbed his hand to stop him.
The young man turned around and froze, his eyes moving to where her warm hand clasped his. There was no stopping the blush that rushed to Mai cheeks, and no taking back what she had just done, accidental or not.
"Ah- uh..." she mumbled, flustered by the awkward situation she suddenly found herself in, still holding his hand, unsure if she should let it go, "Please, uh, don't worry about a large meal, I'd be happy with a small one..."
Still staring at her hand grasping his, Niko nodded, and answered slowly, as if his mind was on delay,
"Alright, sure, a small meal..."
Finally feeling it safe to let go, Mai released his hand, and Niko drew it to his side, giving her one last look before dashing off for the kitchen.
The silence at the table, when Mai returned her attention to it, was unbearable. No one even pretended to eat, they all just stared, with looks of mingled surprise and amusement, Naru being the only exception (well and Lin too, who seemed completely detached from the situation and was off in his own, much more important thoughts).
"So Mai, does you're dinner come with a side of Niko?" Bou-san asked, his lips twitching in his effort not to laugh, across from him Ayako was losing the fight as a few snorts escaped her.
"Shut up," Mai snapped, not in the mood for his jibes, but the monk would not be shaken off so easily, not with her so cornered as she was.
"Is this something we should expect now? You two walking around holding hands?" he persisted, smiling at her lightly.
Mai narrowed her eyes, her foot began to move around, so help her he would not get out of there unscathed. Blindly, her foot bumped against someone's and she hardly had a moment to wonder if it was Bou-san's when Naru looked up sharply at her. In horror her foot retreated, desperately she reached for her cup of tea, only to realize that she had none. This dinner had gone from bad to worse.
Mai was forced to endure prying looks and embarrassed silence until her food arrived. Unfortunately, it did come with a side of Niko, the young man drawing up a chair to sit on the other side of John, looking around the priest to gaze at Mai. It was no surprise that by this time Mai had lost her appetite; she looked down at her food, trying to seem tempted to eat it. Decidedly, Mai reached for her tea cup, and took a long sip.
"How is it? I had them make something off menu," Niko spoke, hoping to be met with looks of delight. Mai's mouth suddenly went dry; regardless of how much tea she just finished drinking. Her meal looked good, it smelled good, but at this moment Mai didn't think she could bring herself to even lift her chopsticks. Finally something started to get through to Niko, he noticed her hesitancy,
"Wait- how stupid of me, are you allergic to something in there? I should have asked, considering your allergy to lilies, I should have known you would have more- Mai, I'm so sorry, I didn't ask-" Niko rambled, looking anxiously at her. Mai stared at Niko stunned, and then was filled with guilt.
"Lilies? You're allergic to lilies? Since when-" Bou-san interrupted, but at that moment Mai started to speak loudly over him,
"Allergic? No, it's not that. I was just waiting for it to cool!" she exclaimed brightly, and with that, took an enthusiastic bite. Mai glanced over at Niko, pleasantly surprised,
"This is really good Niko, thank you."
The young man beamed under her praise,
"It was nothing, I'm glad you like it."
Mai nodded smiling and took another bite, her hunger returning with a vengeance.
"Oh no," Niko spoke, his eye catching on a window just beyond Mai, "it's getting late, the festival will be starting soon. I better get going; I have to help some friends set up. You will be there, won't you?" he said, appealing to Mai in the last part. Mai took a sip of tea and answered kindly,
"Sure, we'll see you there."
"Great," Niko replied satisfied, then gave Mai a small bow, and was out the door. A short time later Naru stood,
"If Mai is finished, we should be going too," he announced. Mai stood and met him eye for eye,
"I am done," she answered, feeling a bit irritated with him, though she didn't quite know why.
"Good, let's go then," he replied and then walked from the table, Lin following closely. Next went Ayako and John. Mai stood in her spot for a moment, glaring after Naru's retreating figure when a nudge from Bou-san coaxed her forward. Mai glanced up at him, intending to send him a sharp look, and was surprised to see him gazing down at her with something like understanding.
"I'm sure he thinks you look beautiful tonight, even if he won't admit it," the monk elaborated. Mai's expression softened,
"Thanks Bou-san," she smiled and the two of them walked out on better terms with each other.
It was a short trip to the festival grounds and the SPR group found themselves migrating there in a huge throng of people. The air seemed to buzz with excitement, everyone around them pointed, shouted, laughed, whispered, and gasped. And this was just on the way, by the time they finally did reach the town square where the festivities were being held, hardly anything could be heard above the celebration music being played, and hardly anything could be seen besides the back of the head of the person crowded in front.
A few fireworks in the shape of lilies were sent off into the night air and Mai found herself smiling and clapping. Passing by many of the brightly decorated stands, old women and young men called out their wares, begging them to stop for a look, or grab a bite to eat of their delicious food. Mai was fascinated by it all, the rush of colors, the happy sounds, the amount of people. So that they wouldn't get separated Bou-san had linked arms with her and ahead of them Ayako had snatched up John as her partner. Naru and Lin forged a path through the crowds.
"Mmmm, smell that? I think that's what was being deep fried earlier," Bou-san remarked, leaning in so she could hear him, as they past one of the many stands selling food. Mai laughed and gave the monk a look,
"Bou-san, you can't still be hungry? Didn't you have enough at dinner?"
"Maybe I would be full if someone had kept their end of the deal..." he answered, watching her from the corner of his eye.
"Hey!" Mai cried, swatting his shoulder.
"Ouch, Mai!" Bou-san protested, grabbing his still tender shoulder.
"Oh. Sorry. I forgot," Mai apologized with an innocent smile, "How about I buy you that deep fried thing after all..."
But just then a voice Mai would know anywhere shouted above the crowd, and after a moment her worst fears were confirmed: Masako had found them. It had been a faint hope, but Mai had thought that maybe with so many people around, they might never be able to met up, but alas... there was the medium standing before them in all her glory, giggling behind her sleeve as she just conned Naru into saying she looked 'nice'.
Nice? Bah! Mai thought angrily, nice and vain!
Bou-san sent Mai a sympathetic look and patted her shoulder.
"Isn't this just marvelous!" Mr. Sachi exclaimed, waving a hand at all the merriment around him.
"It is exciting," Masako agreed (still giddy from having extracted a compliment from Naru).
"Quite. And to think this isn't even the best part! The play has still to be preformed!" Mr. Sachi reminded, with a proud glance at the finished outdoor stage.
"Joji!" a voice suddenly cried, "Joji!"
Everyone looked in the general direction of the calls and a moment later Nari emerged from the sea of people surrounding her.
"Nari! Good, you're here. You need to get to the stage immediately; the ceremony will be beginning soon..." Mr. Sachi spoke hurriedly, now sending the stage anxious looks, checking his watch. The actresses smiled faltered,
"Yes, yes I know. I'll be there on time I promise, but-" she said, recovering her smile, "I had to see you before we started, I'd think it bad luck not too...what do you think of my dress? I had it sent from Tokyo."
Mr. Sachi went from nervous, to uncomfortable, to obliging.
"Yes, it's quite beautiful. Very similar to Masako's. You had yours especially made in Tokyo, did you not?" Mr. Sachi remarked, his gaze shifting to the medium. It was clear which dress he preferred.
A frown descended on Mai's face as she glanced at the actress. Nari looked completely crestfallen. She knew what must be running through her head and could feel the cold knot almost as if it had settled in her own stomach just then.
That Masako.
The only consolation for Mai was the expression that had settled on her rival's face. She was still trying to appear composed, relaxed and smiling, but Mai could see the crack in her mask, a dark line revealing her discomfort in being compared.
"Oh, from Tokyo too. What a pleasant coincidence," was all Nari could manage after Masako had stole all of her thunder. Mr. Sachi glanced at his clock and back up at Nari,
"Yes, yes we can see Tokyo's finest dresses put to their best between you two, that is for sure, but if you do not hurry back to the stage, Nozomi will not get to see it's finest play put to it's best," Mr. Sachi said urgently, as the crowds around them began to thin out, the majority of people thinking along the same lines: the ceremony was to begin soon. Nari nodded earnestly, her cheeks flushed from the unexpected compliment, and with a much lighter heart than before, she turned and hurried off for the stage.
"Good heavens, what Nozomi would do without me, I hardly wish to know..." he muttered under his breath, and then noticing how alone they were, added "shall we then?"
Everyone agreed and as expected Mr. Sachi, with Masako on his arm, lead the way to the stage. At Bou-san's side Mai continued to look around, admiring the paper lanterns with their orange glow in the inky dark, and the bright fireflies they attracted. They past under strand after strand of lilies over head, a fresh burst of perfume greeting them with each step. The stars above glimmered in numbers Mai could hardly imagine in Tokyo, and a warm wind stirred the balmy night soothingly. It all appeared so magical, like a dream, and Mai could see why everyone in Nozomi looked so forward to this.
Upon approaching, the stage was just visible above the heads of those who came before them.
"Hm. We've missed out on all the good spots, but never mind it. I have my place reserved and I am sure I can take one of you with me," Mr. Sachi announced. His offer was generally made, but there was no doubt who it was intended for. Especially when he immediately stepped towards the medium,
"Come Masako, we must hurry if we are to get there before they start..." he encouraged, holding out an inviting hand.
"Mr. Sachi," Naru suddenly said, his voice stopping Masako in her tracks, and consequently Mr. Sachi too.
"Yes? What is it? You can see the rush I'm in-"
"Please take these with you; they will need to be turned in," Naru instructed, taking a large section of paper from Lin and handing it over to the playwright. For a brief moment Mr. Sachi looked as if he might complain (you should have had them turned in by now!), but wisely decided not to and took them. A moment later they vanished into a sea of people.
Two spot lights suddenly swung around and focused on the stage, two large curtains suddenly parted. The festival music died in that instant. Mai bounced up and down on her toes trying to see over and around the tall man in front of her, but it was no use. She was too short. To her left Ayako gazed at the stage perfectly fine, being tall to begin with and then adding three inch heels. To her right John seemed to be just tall enough and was fortunate to have a rather small woman standing in front of him. On the other side of John was Naru and Lin, and of course they had no problem, they were in no danger of anyone there being tall enough to block out their sight. Mai let out a sigh and crossed her arms, then vainly bounced around on her feet again.
Maybe I could get John to trade me places, I might be able to see a little of the stage then...Mai thought with an uncertain look at the priest. Suddenly Mai felt herself being lifted off her feet. She let out half a gasp before she realized that it was Bou-san behind her who had picked her up and was now depositing her on his shoulders. The stage was now clear in sight; Mai blushed at this kind gesture,
"Bou-san, thank you, but are you sure? What about your shoulder..?" Mai wondered gently. Bou-san glanced up at her and winked,
"Not a problem, it only bothers me if someone smacks it."
Mai blushed further and laughed nervously,
"Sorry about that."
Just then a loud, rather old, voice resounded across the festival grounds.
"Welcome to the 4th annual Festival of Lilies!" Cheers and clapping exploded from the giant crowd gathered around the stage. On Bou-san's shoulders Mai clapped along with a smile.
"As you all well know, this festival has been held every year after our Mr. Miyuki's passing away, honoring the magic and creativity he brought to us. Today is the start of what will be a glorious week. Tonight represents the man himself, the husband, the playwright, Mr. Miyuki. According to tradition, I have with me one play written by each and every man in this town, one of these plays will have in it the spirit of Mr. Miyuki, the creativity he was beloved for, the one man who has written this play will be dubbed Mr. Miyuki and will represent the great man for the rest of the festival, what an honor I must say", the man on the stage announced, his voice, though old, was powerful and light. There was more clapping at this pause, and when it died down, the man continued,
"Now, from this pile, I will draw out the play and the man channeling our Mr. Miyuki, drum roll please..." the man continued, holding a hand over a very large stack of papers, glancing at the band off stage with a wink. The crowd laughed at this and a drum roll started promptly. Mai sat on Bou-san's shoulders in suspense, watching the old man curiously as he waved his hand about the stack of plays, squinting down at them, picking up a few, then putting them down. The drum roll pressed on and Mai found herself becoming anxious to hear the winner,
"What if it's you Bou-san?" she whispered down at the monk. Bou-san looked up at her with a grin,
"Then it would be Lin, because everybody knows I didn't write any play."
Mai laughed and shook her head. Looking back up, she was just in time to see the old man draw a paper from the middle of the stack. He held it up significantly and the roll drum ceased. A hush settled over all as he approached the mic and cleared his throat,
"...would a Mr. Niko Koku please step up to the stage?"
Murmurs and scattered applause issued from the audience as they all strained to look around to see if this Mr. Koku was near them.
"Niko Koku, as in the heir to the Koku Inn, Niko Koku?" someone shouted from the crowd.
"NIKO! OUR NIKO IS MR. MIYUKI!" someone exclaimed from the sea of people.
Sitting dumbfounded on Bou-san's shoulders, exchanging bewildered looks with the monk, Mai recognized the voice as being old Mr. Koku's.
"NIKO HURRY! GET UP TO THAT THE STAGE AND BE SURE TO CALL OUT TO YOUR DARLING MISS MAI!" a second voice cried.
With horror, Mai knew it to be Mrs. Koku's. Whispers spread like wild fire through the crowd, the end result being some people glancing back at her with amused smiles.
"She's staying at the Inn isn't she?"
"Yes, I was there just this morning. He's going to propose, I heard from a very reliable source..."
"Propose? Their already engaged, engaged!"
"What? Surely not, not yet at least. Maybe he'll do it tonight? Right here on stage before all of us!"
"Oh my goodness, how romantic would that be? Oooh I hope he does!"
Mai felt her world sliding out beneath her, many more people were now turning to look at her, the proposal rumors getting from person to person, spread like a highly contagious cold. Giggles and shouts of disbelief were heard from as far as the front of the crowd within moments. Mai was suddenly struck with the urge to get down from Bou-san's shoulders; up there anyone could pick her out.
"Bou-san, let me down," she demanded in a strained voice.
The monk attempted to look grave, but his eyes betrayed him, twinkling at her in amusement. Swiftly she was let down as Niko's voice filled the air,
"I am so honored; I can hardly believe that this is happening..."
"Well it is, you're our new Mr. Miyuki!" the old man announced and loud applause rang out from the audience.
"THAT'S OUR NIKO!" Mr. and Mrs. Koku yelled from somewhere in the crowd.
Standing again, Mai had no hope to see the stage, and was all the happier for it. Her cheeks felt on fire and she was glad for the dim lighting around the stage. Determinedly she stared straight ahead at the back of the tall man in front of her, feeling the eyes of every one of her SPR team mates boring into her. Naru's especially.
"...and your play will be preformed within the hour. Now Mr. Miyuki, who is this Miss Mai you're supposed to mention?" the old man asked curiously.
If it was possible Mai blushed deeper and began to take small steps back,
Why? Why does this have to happen to me?
"Uh- well...she's a friend of mine-"
"NIKO! A FRIEND? IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL YOUR LOVE?" Mrs. Koku protested from the audience.
Now Mai really did feel the world slipping out beneath her feet, the people around her laughing and loudly whispering more rumors. She felt trapped; she had to get away...
"No, I mean yes...I mean she really is a friend of mine, but just a friend-" Niko was now sounding a bit flustered and embarrassed.
Mai felt his words with mild relief; he was uncomfortable with all this just like her,
He's not going to propose...
Just then a firm hand took Mai's elbow and she was suddenly being lead away as Mrs. Koku's voice rang through the air,
"JUST A FRIEND? NIKO DON'T BE SILLY-"
Fortunately, because of her surprise, Mai hardly heard this last part, and instead found herself absorbed in staring up at Naru's face. He said nothing and not so much as glanced at her the whole while he was leading her away. Mai had no idea where he was taking her. To the theater? Back to the Inn? Why he was taking her was an even more pressing question. Mai stared and stared at him, but received no answers.
They where halfway through the festival grounds when he made a small turn and lead her up to one of the many food stands lining the square. All around them was emptiness and silence, excepting the distant voices coming from the stage. Naru let go of her arm and cleared his throat. Slouching in a chair, half asleep, was young man. Mai was surprised to even see him. At this noise he shot up, running a hand through his hair, looking around wildly until he spotted Mai and Naru, and then he relaxed a bit.
"Oh, uh- hi, how can I help you?" he wondered, glancing at the stage still crowded with people and back at them uncertainly. For the first time Naru looked over at Mai, his dark eyes were unreadable,
"What you would like?"
Mai eyes went from Naru, to the young man, to the food behind him, and then back to Naru again. Was this some kind of joke? Why was he doing this?
"She'll have an ice cream," Naru ordered, apparently unwilling to wait for Mai's recovery. The young man sent a look at Mai, then nodded at Naru and turned around to scoop some out of a basin near him. Mai spent the next few moments trying to catch Naru's eye, hoping to find some answer there as to why he had pulled her away from the stage and was now ordering her ice cream. But Naru's gaze never left the young man, watching him scoop the ice cream and then walk over and hand it off to him.
"Here you are, that will be..." the young man trailed off as he strained to see what the sign said. Naru placed some money on the counter and handed Mai her ice cream,
"Uh- right..." the young man said, picking up the money and putting in his till, stealing bewildered looks at Naru and Mai every now and then.
"Thank you," Naru said and turned to lead Mai away, but then the man spoke again,
"Hey- why aren't you at the stage?"
Naru paused and looked back at him,
"Why aren't you?"
The young man blinked at him,
"Well, I've got to watch the stand, being the youngest you know, the job falls on me..." the young man answered and then persisted thoughtfully, "yeah, nobody ever thinks of Kenji , even though he's just a year older than me. I've never gotten to go to the stage, can you believe that? I remember aunt Momo tried to help me once..."
Silently, Naru and Mai slipped away. Mai licked her ice cream, but could hardly taste it. It seemed all her senses had left her, she could hear nothing but Naru stepping along side her, she could see nothing but his face, she could smell nothing but the usual sent of tea that accompanied him.
"Here," Naru suddenly said.
Pulling her eyes away from his face, Mai noticed that they had arrived at small picnic table, set up next to another food stand, the owner of this one an old woman, who was snoring away. Obediently, Mai sat down, licking around the edges of her ice cream as it melted fast. Naru chose to remain standing. So many questions sprang into Mai's head, there were so many questions she wanted to ask, but every time she opened her mouth, nothing seemed to come out, she couldn't bring herself to say anything.
"You know something Mai, what is it?" Naru asked, his voice breaking the silence. Mai froze mid-lick.
"Huh?"
"You know something, what is it?" Naru persisted.
Is he talking about the man, the picture? Not this again!
Mai sat there struggling to compose herself, desperately searching for a convincing answer. In the mean time Naru's dark eyes found hers, across from her he placed his hands on the table and leaned forward, his expression now very serious.
"Mai, if you know something you're not telling me..."
A strange sense of courage suddenly washed over Mai and matched Naru's serious tone,
"There's nothing to tell."
Naru drew back and crossed him arms,
"You're lying."
Mai licked her ice cream defiantly. All the sickly sweet thoughts and visions that had filled her head a moment ago popped like a soap bubble. For a moment there she had found herself hoping against hope that this was Naru's way of rescuing her, saving her from her misery and embarrassment, but she saw his motives clearly now. He simply wanted her alone so he could grill her about what happened earlier; well she wasn't going to make this easy for him.
"I don't know what you're talking about..."
Naru gazed at her through narrowed eyes,
"Where were you Mai? I know you didn't just fall behind."
Mai took a large bite of cone and chewed for a long while, glaring at Naru the entire time,
"Believe me or not, I did fall behind," Mai answered stubbornly.
Naru met this answer with icy silence and Mai smiled lightly back, she would not freeze to death under his cold stare.
"Oy- Mai!"
Mai's head snapped around to see Bou-san walking up to them, followed by the rest of the SPR team and Mr. Sachi.
"What's going on? You just took off..." he asked when reaching them, looking to Naru suspiciously, "am I missing something?"
"No, nothing," Mai answered brightly, "ice cream?" she offered.
Bou-san sat down next to Mai, eyeing Naru darkly, but accepted what was left of her bribe.
"Nothing, huh?" he persisted, still unconvinced, as he took a bite of the cone.
"Well, Naru was nice enough to buy me this," Mai answered, smiling ever sweeter up at her highly annoyed boss.
"My, what's going on here? Late night munchies? Couldn't this wait?" Mr. Sachi declared when he came close enough to see Bou-san taking another bite of ice cream. Masako looked from Mai to Naru and back. A smile pulled at Mai's lips.
So what if this whole thing was a set up to bribe me into talking? Masako doesn't have to know...
Deviously, Mai sent Naru another sweet smile, but faltered when he frowned at her and looked away. Masako caught this exchange and a fresh smile broke out across her face. Mai crossed her arms and stole Bou-san's last bite.
"Hey-" he protested.
"Is everything alright?" John asked, looking with concern at Mai. Mouth full of ice cream, Mai swallowed what she could and smiled warmly back at him.
"Everything is fine, we should probably head back before the play starts," Naru announced briskly, refusing to so much as glance at Mai. Mr. Sachi looked relieved at this suggestion,
"Yes, yes good thinking," he agreed, holding out his arm for Masako to take. Bou-san stood and gave Mai his arm. Walking back, the monk whispered in her ear,
"So what really happened?"
Mai shrugged thoughtfully,
"Ice cream, I guess."
Bou-san looked confused by this answer, but didn't push it as Mai seemed bothered by the subject. They reached the crowds once again and somehow Mai found herself standing behind an even taller person than before.
"I can give you a lift again..." Bou-san offered gently, but Mai shook her head. Enough was enough for one night; she wasn't about to risk being seen again. She would just stand and listen to Niko's play. The lights swung around and the curtains opened again, romantic music from the band filled the air. Nari's voice rang out,
"Ah, a place to rest after my long travels..."
Mai had a sudden vision of a fair maiden coming upon an olden day Inn. Her cheeks began to heat up again.
"Come in, please miss take shelter here!" a second voice, a male's, called out in reply.
"No, no, no..." Mr. Sachi protested, spotting Mai just standing there, staring at the back of the man in front of her, "This will never do, you can't see the stage!"
"Oh- uh, Mr. Sachi, I'm fine...really," Mai tried to resist, but the playwright was already taking her hand and leading her off and around the crowd. For a second time that night, she was spirited away.
Well, at least this can't end with ice cream and a surprise attack...
"Here, how is this?" Mr. Sachi said, sounding satisfied as he held out his arms, gesturing for her to behold and admire the vast stage. Mai was much closer to it now and standing on a side where people were not packed in so densely.
"Thank you, this is much better," Mai whispered as the fair maiden accepted a wonderful meal from the obliging Inn keeper. Mr. Sachi beamed,
"Think nothing of it, it is my pleasure."
Just then someone caught Mai's eye, and apparently Mr. Sachi's too. A woman standing some feet off, quite alone, glanced back over in their direction, her blonde hair shining in the moon light, her eyes holding a hard glint in them.
It was over in an instant, her attention in the next moment was on the stage, in which the fair maiden had now come down sick and the Inn keeper was nursing her back to health. Mr. Sachi's smile vanished, he whispered to Mai seriously,
"If anyone questions you being here, you can tell them you are here on the compliments of Mr. Joji Sachi, they should not press matters then..." Mai followed his gaze to the woman and nodded slowly.
"Good," Mr. Sachi declared, sounding again like his cheerful self, "please enjoy the show!"
And with that the playwright hurried off again, most likely to rejoin his dearest Masako. Mai then tried to return her attention to the play unfolding, but found again and again her attention was really on the woman ahead of her.
There was something about her, something almost familiar, but alas Mai couldn't place it. With her attention so consumed, it was easy to see how Mai lost track of time and the play. She was finally returned to her senses by a particularly loud piece of music, and looked up just in time to see Nari accept the Inn keeper's proposal and throw herself into his arms. The curtains closed, the music died, and thunderous applause filled the air.
Clapping just as hard as the people around her, though she hardly saw any of the play, Mai saw the woman in front of her clap for a moment and then disappear into the crowd. Mai had half an inclination to follow her, but decided to stay put, least she run into the Kokus while tailing the woman.
The people around her now began to thin out, all laughing and talking of the marvelous play, none of them even thinking of questioning Mai. Quite alone now, Mai began to wander towards where the rest of SPR had been. Halfway there she was met with Mr. Sachi,
"Ah- Mai! Just the girl I wanted to see! What did you think? Was Nari not wonderful as May?"
"May?" Mai asked distractedly, as Mr. Sachi linked arms with her, seeming all joy and excitement.
"Yes- yes, you remember. The wandering maiden whom the Inn keeper fell in love with!"
Mai felt her cheeks tinge with a blush,
He named her May...
"Oh, yes," Mai finally answered, "Nari was great!"
Mr. Sachi beamed,
"Yes, everybody seems to agree to it being one of her best performances, some say to my credit," the playwright remarked with a wink. Mai merely smiled strainedly.
"Hey- Mai! There you are, you've got to stop disappearing on me like that!" Bou-san scolded as soon as the two of them came into view. Mai crossed over to Bou-san and linked arms with him, smiling warmly,
"Sorry, it's not my fault I keep getting carried away."
Mr. Sachi bustled forward toward Masako,
"Masako, my dear- I haven't even gotten the chance to ask you how you liked the play?" he said expectantly. Masako smiled politely and admitted to having it like it quite a bit,
"I especially liked the female lead, May. Niko is quite creative for coming up with such an original character," the medium answered, emphasizing the word original while sending Mai a meaningful look. Mai pretended to not hear her and instead looked to the rest of the SPR group.
Over the next few minutes Mr. Sachi was able to obtain almost everyone's opinion of the play and to his satisfaction. John thought it nice and light-hearted, Bou-san thought it amusing and couldn't help here giving Mai a teasing look, Ayako thought it a bit boring, but admitted there was some fine acting. Neither Lin nor Naru had a comment on it.
"Well I'm quite happy you all liked it, but I'd say it's getting late. Masako, shall we turn in?" Mr. Sachi suggested, looking around to see the festival grounds emptying out. Masako nodded and said goodnight to them all, giving Naru one last look, before being lead away by the playwright. Mai attempted to make eye contact with Naru, but he seemed to be ignoring her.
Fine then, be that way, Mai thought, crossing her arms. Bou-san patted her on the shoulder and yawned,
"I think we better head in too."
There was murmured agreement. Like always Naru lead the way, closely followed by Lin. Shortly behind them was Ayako. Mai and Bou-san walked together arm and arm and John kept stride along side them.
"Hey- hey wait!" a voice suddenly called after them. The three of them halted and looked back over their shoulders. Breathlessly, Nari came running up to them, her arms laden with roses,
"I'm- I'm sorry to- to bother you, but have you seen Joji?" she panted, looking to all of them anxiously. By the way her face glowed, Mai had the sinking feeling that Nari wished to hear him congratulate her on her great performance. Bou-san exchanged looks with John and Mai before speaking,
"Uh- yeah, just a little while ago. He was, uh- tired and was heading back to his house."
Nari's smile faltered,
"What?"
Mai frowned and nudged Bou-san in the ribs,
"Nice touch."
"He was heading home?" Nari repeated, the glow leaving her cheeks.
"Yes, but he spoke of nothing but your great performance all night. I'm sure he can't wait to talk to you about it tomorrow morning," Mai interjected reassuringly. Maybe she was over doing it a bit, but she felt for Nari, and would try and do anything to keep her spirits up. Nari smiled weakly and nodded,
"Oh yes, of course. Well...thank you, I guess I'll be going."
And with a polite bow she turned and walked off, her glow and excitement gone. Mai watched Nari go with a heavy heart,
That Masako!
"Come on Mai," Bou-san persisted gently.
Moving a long again, Mai was thoughtful and silent, hardly noticing the stands being closed up for the night, the lanterns being extinguished, or the crowds they waded through getting to the Inn. Mai might not have noticed anything at all until she reached her room if it wasn't for catching sight of a familiar face: Niko.
He was standing in a large group of people, off to the side of the Inn, his grandfather and grandmother pressed in near him. His eye caught her eye, he gave a smile, a slight blush, then that was all and he returned his attention back to his adoring company.
Mai found herself blushing, struck with an odd sense of embarrassment. His play more or less had been about her, what was she to make of that? His very grandparents wanted them married, how was she to deal with that? The very dress she was wearing tonight was his aunt's! Thinking these thoughts Mai only blushed deeper.
Mai crossed into the Inn hearing and seeing virtually nothing and was surprised when Bou-san stopped her.
"Mai look, refreshments. Do you want any?" the monk asked, eyeing the table they had set up longingly. Pulled from her thoughts Mai smiled encouragingly,
"I think I'll just go to my room, but you go ahead and eat Bou-san."
For a moment he looked reluctant, but then John assured him he would see Mai to the hall and he nodded, wishing Mai pleasant dreams.
John saw Mai safely to the hall, and then after hearing her own assurances of making it to her room alright, John wished Mai a warm goodnight of his own and entered his room. Alone again, but not sorry for it, as she only wished now to go to sleep, Mai made sluggish progress to her door.
10...
11...
12...
13...
Mai counted in her head before finally coming to a halt at her room: 14. Drowsily Mai patted her sides for her key, a moment passed and then alarm struck her,
My key! This dress doesn't have pockets! I've locked myself out!
This problem was almost too much for Mai in her current state and at that moment she almost had half a mind to just sleep next to her door. Mai looked down the hall; it was a long way back to Bou-san. Resignedly, not sure if she even had the strength to make it, Mai took her first step. But wait- someone was coming towards her, a tall figure was moving down the hall. Suddenly Mai was awake, it was Naru.
He's not in his room yet? Mai thought, glancing at his door a few feet from hers. When he got closer Mai could see that he hadn't noticed her yet, or anything for that matter, he seemed lost in thought. Automatically he arrived at his door, not so much as blinking in Mai's direction and began searching for his keys. Mai was frozen in a moment of indecision,
Should I say something?
Naru found his key and was bringing it to his lock,
Well, if don't now I'm going to miss my chance-
"Naru..." Mai spoke up as he turned the handle and made to step inside.
"Mai?"
Mai adverted her eyes, feeling a blush creeping its way up her neck,
Dang it! Why does he always have to look at me like that?
Naru stepped back from his door and observed her for a moment,
"Is there something you want to tell me?" he asked in a lowered voice, stepping towards her.
Mai suddenly looked up in a panic, she had given him the wrong impression, he thought she meant to confess to her encounter...
"Uh- actually, no. It's just; I seem to be locked out," Mai answered, glancing at her door and then back at him hopefully.
Naru froze where he stood, his arms crossed. For a moment Mai thought he might not help her with the hard way he was staring at her, but then he sighed and relented, brushing her out of the way so he could inspect her door,
"I'm not even going to ask how you locked yourself out," he said giving her a look as he reached for the door handle.
"Well there are not exactly any pockets in this dress..." Mai muttered defensively.
Suddenly there was a click and the door swung open. Naru stood back satisfied and then turned to go back to his room. Mai stared into her room stunned,
"Naru, how did you...?"
But her young boss was already opening his door again. Attempting to recover from her surprise, Mai shook her head and walked into her room, but just before she closed the door she thought she heard,
"You looked beautiful tonight."
