Day Five

5:00am

The Koku Inn

Mai blinked. She was standing alone in a darkened hall. For the moment she remained motionless, her eyes slowly taking in her surroundings which no longer included her bed at the Koku Inn.

I'm dreaming...

She took a step forward and shivered, her bare feet chilled as they passed over the cold hard wood floor. Ahead of her, though more dark and shadowy than she had ever encountered in the day, was a long and vaguely familiar hall, lined with pictures. Mai took in a small breath in recognition,

I've been in this hall before. This is the Miyuki Theater.

Another shiver passed over Mai as she gazed into the blackness beyond her. There was no flashlight this time, no Bou-san...but that didn't mean she was alone. Recalling her previous dream on this case, Mai was met with the image of a ghostly Mr. Miyuki.

This is just like last time.

Fighting the urge to close her eyes against the darkness that at any moment could reveal a supernatural figure, Mai took a brave step forward.

Mr. Miyuki is kind and he needs my help, there's no reason I should fear seeing him...but why can't Naru show up?

Keeping a hopeful look out for her boss, Mai drifted a few more feet, holding a fistful of her night gown. Passing by rooms bathed in moonlight, the ordinary objects that filled them seemed strange and sinister. Mai squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head, resisting her imagination's attempt to take over.

This is just the theater, it only seems creepy because of the dark...and the fact that I'm alone here...and I'm not even sure why...

Forcing herself to stop peering in the rooms, Mai began to pay attention to the walls of the hall she was walking through. Many frames were hung there with photos new and old. Dark faces smiled down at her. Ignoring her nerves, Mai observed the pictures collected on the wall and tried to determine why she had been summoned here for a second time. As if in answer, an old man suddenly materialized a few feet away. Mai halted in her tracks, but found she was not startled despite his abrupt appearance. Once again there was a solemness about Mr. Miyuki's face from which she could only feel sadness, not fear.

"Mr. Miyuki," Mai spoke, her voice loud in the silence.

The man brought a grave finger to his lips and then purposefully looked to the section of wall he stood beside. Mai furrowed her eyebrows in concentration,

"Is there something you want me to see?" Mai asked, her voice a whisper this time.

Mr. Miyuki managed to point a finger at the wall, further convincing Mai. Curious, but hesitant, Mai came forward. As she drew very near to the man, he moved back, but still gazed away at that part of the wall with dark helpless eyes. Struggling against a wave of sadness, Mai swallowed and examined the pictures hanging before her.

"It's you..." Mai began as she found herself gazing into those same eyes, only happier.

Proudly taking up much of the wall was the triangularly set frames of the Miyuki family. The ghostly form of Mr. Miyuki pointed again, drawing her attention from his lively self to the blank frame below and to the right of it. When she and Bou-san had seen it first earlier that day, they had been shocked but not surprised to see the heiress missing from her place on the theater wall. Mai blinked and looked sympathetically towards the old man whose stare was burning into the empty place where his daughter's picture should be.

"She wants to tear this place down," Mai explained in a soft voice.

Mr. Miyuki looked at her and shook his head, pointing once again towards Toki Miyuki's frame. Desperately trying to follow, Mai took another step forward and peered closely at the vacant spot.

"What is it? What do you want me to see?" Mai asked, looking up at him uncertainly.

The ghostly old man set his mouth in a line of determination and reached for the name plate beneath the picture less frame. Mai moved back, watching in confusion as Mr. Miyuki began pulling at the gold name plate. For a moment he struggled with it and Mai recalled how much energy it had taken for him to speak earlier that day. Mai was just about to offer a hand when there was a scraping sound and the name plate fell from the wall with a clatter. The old man straightened up, appearing a bit weaker than before. For a moment concern for Mr. Miyuki held Mai still, but with an encouraging look from him, she glanced back at the place where the name plate was- and found one still remaining.

"Kioko...Miyuki..?" Mai breathed staring at the tarnished plate stunned.

"Kioko," Mr. Miyuki whispered achingly, his sad and tired form going hazy around the edges.

"Kioko," Mai repeated and then the theater was no more.

Something white and blaring pressed against her eyes and with a moan of protest Mai rolled over in bed. Mai opened her eyes, staring into pillow. Her heart was racing and her cheeks were wet. Slowly, a dull pounding in her head, she sat up. Sunlight streamed in replacing the moonlight of the night before.

It had been a dream, but one of her real dreams. Kioko. The name weighted heavily on her lips.

"Kioko," Mai spoke, her voice weak and cracking from sleep.

A flash in her mind- a vision, the image of the name plate falling to the hall floor.

What does it mean..?

The pounding in Mai's head grew and she fell back into her pillow with a groan.

Was this was supposed to give me answers? I only seem to have more questions...

Laying there, her head spilling over with questions and thoughts, Mai was startled by the jarring slam of a door down the hall, followed by a shout: "Hachi, I ask for your hand!"

Suddenly, Mai was awake. A memory as alarming as her dream surged in and pushed out all thoughts except one: the festival.

It starts this morning.

Naru!

Mai threw off her blankets and stood, the suddenness of this movement causing a fresh wave of pounding to break over her head, but panic was governing her now and with a sudden vision of Masako knocking down their boss' door, Mai reached for her nearest bag of clothes.

"Where's that skirt?" Mai demanded, digging to the bottom, cursing the mess she had let it become.

Growing frustrated Mai turned over her bag and dumped its contents on her unmade bed. Miraculously the skirt fell out after some through shaking. Grabbing the nearest shirt, Mai threw her outfit on as the sunlight through her window grew brighter. Reminded every second that Masako could already be asking for Naru's hand, Mai snatched up her brush and began running it through her hair at a rapid pace before giving up and tossing it away. With a quick glance in the mirror Mai raced for her door and stumbled out into the chaos.

Mai froze where she stood, nearly pinned against her own door by the mass of people rushing by. The voices and shouts were so loud that Mai had a hard time hearing herself think.

Between this and last night, I'll be deaf by the time this festival is over.

With determination, Mai plunged into the swarm that was the hall. Dodging elbows and wincing as several people yelled in her ear, calling to their lovers, Mai stubbornly forced her way towards Naru's door.

Almost there...

Nearly pushed over by a man racing another man, Mai practically fell against her boss' door. Flustered and highly disgruntled, Mai glared after their retreating back. In an attempt to compose herself, Mai straightened her skirt, and tucked her hair behind her ears. Room number thirteen stood before her. It was then Mai realized she didn't know what she was going to say,

Hey there Naru, will you spend the day with me?

Mai's mouth went suddenly dry,

Yeah, right...

Hovering before her boss's door, Mai felt a surge of irritation as someone cleared their throat from behind her. Not even bothering to turn around, Mai could see her rival's coy smile.

"Amusing Mai, but if you would step out of the way."

Mai held her hand higher, more firmly posed to knock, and glared over her shoulder,

"It is amusing that I was here first and you weren't. What's the matter; have to sneak out to avoid Sachi?"

The medium's pale cheeks tinged pink, but her face remained fixed in an unaffected expression.

"I do not sneak, unlike some people. Now if you won't move aside at least knock and stop hanging around like an idiot," Masako replied expectantly.

Mai gave her rival a long look,

"You want me to knock?"

"Clearly, how else is Naru going to come out so I can ask him for his hand?" Masako explained coolly.

Mai's eyes flashed,

"Excuse me?" she protested as she lowered her arm, turning towards her rival and blocking the door all at the same time.

A bit more color glowed upon the medium's cheeks,

"Out of the way Taniyama-"

Mai leaned back against the door,

"No."

Masako stepped forward,

"Knock or I will," she threatened.

Mai grinned,

"I'd like to see you try-"

A look entered the medium's eye and suddenly she was upon the door, her pale hand reaching out to knock. Desperately Mai did the first thing she could think of and gripped the door knob, giving it a good twist. The door swung inward and the two of them stumbled in with a cry.

"Mai!" Masako gasped in horror, her black hair tossed in front of her eyes which glared fiercely at her rival.

Mai regained her balance, but was unable to recapture her voice at the realization of what she had just done.

I just burst into Naru's room!

But their collected panic and embarrassment was all for naught as they saw in the next moment. Before them was merely an empty room. Mai swallowed and started breathing again,

"He's...not here."

Masako hastily brushed at her messy bangs and pulled at her kimono,

"You're luck amazes me. The nerve of you opening his door..!"

Mai blinked rapidly and crossed her arms, fixing her rival with a searing look,

"Well, if you hadn't attacked me-"

The medium's mask slipped as her mouth opened in offense,

"Attacked you?! Please."

But Mai blocked out the rest of her rival's protest as thoughts of more importance raced through her mind,

If Naru's not here...then where is he?

Mai's eyes then widened in realization,

The dining room.

Suddenly Mai was darting from the room, barely registering Masako's shocked look as she hurried out the door. It was Mai's turn to be shocked though as she rushed into the hall. It seemed impossible, but there were even more people filling the narrow space than before.

With great difficulty (as she was going against the flow of bodies), Mai pushed forward, glancing over her shoulder often, hoping Masako was stuck back at the room. Being prodded and jostled about, Mai passed Bou-san's door and wondered briefly where the monk was in this chaos.

Probably hunting down Ayako.

Just then Mai came face to face with another hunter: Mr. Sachi. The young playwright looked sharp, if flustered, in his best black dress shirt. Upon bumping into Mai, his surprised expression turned into desperation,

"Masako?" he breathed.

"Naru?" Mai gasped.

"That way," they both answered, pointing in opposite directions.

With a shared nod they were off again. Mai was still enjoying a lingering smile from picturing Masako's horror as Mr. Sachi caught up with her, when she caught sight of someone who wiped that smile clean off her face. Niko's head was bobbing in and out of the crowd several feet ahead of her, his eyes darting intently from person to person.

Shoot!

Her breath hitching in her throat, Mai moved as quickly as she could to the wall and pressed herself against it, hunching lower than the man walking in front of her.

Not now! This can't be happening!

Feeling slightly ridiculous and getting knowing looks from those who glanced her way, Mai crept forward stiffly.

Please don't see me...please don't see me...

Fighting down a guilty conscience as Mrs. Koku's voice echoed in her mind ("Niko's room is located in the back half of the Inn"), Mai passed Ayako's room, moving in the direction Mr. Sachi had pointed.

The dining room is this way, and Naru better be too!

"See something interesting down there?" a voice asked.

Mai froze and the man she was using as a shield entered a room in front of her. Suddenly feeling very vulnerable, Mai stood and glared up the person who so rudely pulled her out of hiding. Bou-san grinned down at her and then found himself being yanked forwards,

"Oy- Mai, what?" he protested as she positioned him to block her from sight.

"Bou-san, don't move," Mai ordered, tugging on the back of his shirt to hold him still.

"Can I at least ask a question?" he wondered with some amusement, craning his neck to glance back at her.

"Hm?" Mai answered, peering carefully around the monk's arm.

"Naru or Niko?"

Mai gave Bou-san's shirt an unnecessary pull,

"What kind of question is that?"

"Well, you're hiding from one of them, my money's on Niko..."

"Is Naru in the dining room?" Mai asked, ignoring his last comment.

"So I am right-" the monk smirked.

Mai poked him in the back,

"Have you seen him or not Bou-san?"

"Who, Niko? I see him right now and here he comes-"

"What?" Mai cried as the monk stepped forward and waved.

In a great panic, Mai ducked her head and slunk along the wall as quickly as she could. Then many things happened at once.

"Masako!" a voice shouted from some distance.

"Naru!" a breathless voice, much nearer, called.

Mai's head snapped up as she recognized it to be Masako's. Several feet behind her Mai spotted Bou-san whom she assumed had approached Niko- but was standing instead with Naru.

That Bou-san!

Mai's attention then darted down the hall where she knew her rival must be coming. Sure enough, through the mass, Mai caught a glimpse of a brightly colored kimono.

That Masako!

"Excuse me," Mai urged, fighting her way back to the place she had all but ran from.

"Masako!" a male's voice shouted again, this time closer.

Not pausing for a moment, Mai rose on her feet, attempting to spot Mr. Sachi among the many men filling the hall.

"Mai, there you are!" another called in the next moment.

Panic sized Mai as she knew it be Niko's voice. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed it- the young man was quite a few feet behind her, but had seen her anyways.

Shoot!

Fighting down her guilt, Mai pretended not to hear the young heir.

"Mai!"

With her head down and a shameful blush tinting her cheeks, Mai pressed forward through the crowd, though she found she was met with more resistance then before.

What's going on?

Anxiously peering past the people crammed in next to her, Mai caught sight of a large group exiting the dining room, causing the already congested hall to fill to its capacity.

"Naru!" Masako called again, also stopped some feet away by the human wall.

Mai bounced on her feet nervously, hoping to glimpse their boss somewhere in the crowd, but had no such luck.

This can't be happening! Masako can't get to him first!

"Masako!" a voice shouted directly behind Mai.

Snapping around she saw Mr. Sachi breaking his way through the crowd, excusing himself through the impenetrable mass by reminding everyone of his importance,

"Pardon me, official playwright business...Mr. Sachi, owner of the Miyuki Theater coming through..."

"Mr. Sachi!" Mai called, waving the agitated man over.

"Mai! We meet again, have you seen Masako?" he asked in a rush, glancing around uncertainly.

It suddenly occurred to Mai that the playwright was her chance to make it to Naru, maybe her only chance, and she was going to take it.

"Yes, I saw her somewhere over there," Mai answered; pointing vaguely in the area she had left Bou-san.

With a nod and not another word, Mr. Sachi began forcing himself through the tightly packed crowd,

"Mr. Joji Sachi here, make way..."

Mai hurried to follow, wondering if Niko was making his way to her in the same way Mr. Sachi was making his way to Masako. Would people part for the heir to the Inn? With a knot of nervousness forming in her stomach, Mai kept her head down and stuck close to the playwright ahead of her.

After progressing at a rapid pace through the masses, Mr. Sachi came up against two things much harder to break through, someone who didn't care who he was- and Nari.

"What do you mean? I'm the owner of the renowned Miyuki Theater!" he argued hotly with a man who stood a good foot taller.

Mai shrunk back a bit, hoping to sneak past another way when a female voice cut through the murmur around them,

"Joji! Joji!"

The playwright stopped mid-sentence to blink and glance back. Making her way with equal efficiency as he through sea of people was Nari. Mai stole a look back at a distressed Mr. Sachi and decided it was time to go.

This is getting complicated...where's Naru?! I have to be close!

Mai pushed her way past Mr. Sachi as the young actress was about to reach him and found there was a bit of a flow to the crowd once again. Moving through as fast as she could, Mai heard her name called again, but this time from a different direction than behind her.

"Mai!"

Mai's heart skipped a beat before realizing that it was Ayako shoving her way towards her.

"This is madness!" the priestess cried, glaring sharply at a man who opened his mouth to protest to her pushing her way through.

"Tell me about it," Mai agreed, glancing behind them uneasily, "Have you seen Naru yet?"

Ayako smirked,

"Haven't found him yet? You better hope Masako-"

Mai snapped her attention back to the miko,

"She hasn't, Sachi's searching for her anyways..."

Never mind that Nari probably captured him. That Masako!

"Hmm, well I haven't seen Mr. Tall Dark and Brooding. Have you seen Lin?"

Mai raised an eyebrow,

"Lin?"

The priestess pretended not to notice this and went on impatiently,

"Have you or not?"

Still fixing the miko with a look, Mai shook her head.

"Well some help you've been, I'm going to keep looking," Ayako announced, but before she moved away she added knowingly, "You never asked about your fiancé and I have seen him."

Heat rushed to Mai's cheeks,

"We're just friends!" she protested, but it was only half-hearted and the miko had already disappeared.

Mai thought of Niko moving towards her, asking for her hand...and felt the knot in her stomach grow tighter.

We're just friends.

With renewed vigor, Mai urged her way through the suddenly thinning crowd. To her great surprise she stumbled upon the first open area she had seen all morning, and standing in it were Mr. Sachi, Nari, Masako, Niko, and Lin. Things suddenly happened very fast. In shock, Mai attempted to back up, but ended up stumbling up against someone,

"Oh- excuse me, Mai."

"John?" Mai asked breathlessly, looking up into his blue eyes as he caught her from behind.

The bright smile he offered her faded slightly as he looked up to those standing around them.

"Mai?" Niko said, just noticing her.

"Masako!" Mr. Sachi cried hurrying to her, obviously having just come upon them as well.

Masako, with surprise equal to Mai's, allowed a few people coming through pass between herself and the playwright. That's when Mai spotted Naru, Bou-san, and Ayako just off to the side. Quickly Mai righted herself and rushed to the other end of the open space which was quickly filling again.

"Joji!" Nari cried, reaching for and just missing him as he attempted to get to Masako- who had now also caught sight of Naru and was moving quickly towards him.

Mai nearly broke into a run as she saw the medium coming up behind her.

Naru!

Mai was upon her boss rather sooner than she expected. She stopped suddenly and his heavy gaze turned on her. A few heartbeats passed. Mai stood in silence, opening and closing her mouth, but suddenly nothing would come out. Beside her boss, Mai could make out Bou-san waving some kind of gesture, but she couldn't concentrate with the blood pounding in her head.

"Yes, Mai?" Ayako prodded, regarding her with an eyebrow raised.

Masako will be here any moment. I have to speak now.

"Naru..."

"Naru-" Masako spoke coming to stand beside Mai, "I would be grateful if you accepted my hand."

And then that was it. It was over, Masako had asked. Mai looked over to her beaming rival and felt the knot in her stomach catch on fire.

That Masako!

"Oh my, I had no idea you were so popular," a voice suddenly spoke.

Something about it struck Mai and for a moment she forgot her anger and looked away from the medium. In her determination to get to Naru, Mai had not noticed the one other person standing with him: Miss Miyuki.

Naru set his gaze on Masako, whose smile was faltering a bit after having waited several moments for his conformation.

"Naru?" she spoke in her softest, most endearing voice.

The knot in Mai's stomach was slowly sinking as realization dawned on her,

Miss Miyuki got to him first.

"That's very generous offer Hara-san," Naru finally spoke, his face remaining impassive, "but I've already been asked."

Mai's mouth fell open and Masako sleeve came to cover hers.

"Oh, excuse me," she murmured, fixing Miss Miyuki with a cold stare.

The woman merely smiled and took Naru's arm. The knot in Mai stomach exploded. But before Mai could do or say anything stupid, Mr. Sachi was upon them, and so was Lin, and John, and Nari- and Niko.

"Masako, my dear," the playwright cried, taking the medium's hands, "the crowds I have fought to get to you- why did you leave the house so early this morning?"

"Joji!" Nari interrupted, breaking through the people moving around them, "Joji, I ask-"

"Anyways, please take-" Mr. Sachi suddenly spoke, hurrying along as he spotted Nari.

"Accept my hand."

There was a moment of silence. Masako blinked and looked to John who had just spoken. Mr. Sachi appeared taken aback.

"Yes, I will" Masako answered, though she hardly seemed to know what she was saying.

"Uh, excuse me..?" Mr. Sachi attempted to protest, but found there was nothing to say.

"Joji-" Nari persisted, reaching for his arm.

"Wait!" Niko called, working his way over.

Mai tore her eyes from the scene she was watching unfold to face the young heir.

"Hey Mai, do you want to stick with me today?" Bou-san suddenly asked, looking down at her.

Mai's heart leaped.

"Yes," Mai answered quickly looking up at him gratefully.

She looked down and felt a rush of guilt, remembering what had happened just moments ago with Naru.

"Niko," she began, but he gave her a quick smile

"One moment Mai," he said moving past her.

Mai blinked and watched him approach Nari,

"I would be honored if you would take my hand," he spoke in a rush.

Nari, her hand still gripping Mr. Sachi's arm, looked to Niko in utter surprise.

"Me?" she asked.

Mr. Sachi was suddenly animated,

"Oh yes, what a fine idea! Our crowned Mr. Miyuki and Yoshi as partners today, nothing more auspicious! Great thinking Koku!"

And with great relief Mr. Sachi removed his actresses hand from his arm and placed it with Niko,

"Couldn't have planned it better, now if you'll excuse me," he continued, giving a fleeting look to Masako and John before moving away.

"Lin!" Ayako's voice cut the tension filled air, "How about spending the day with me?"

The Chinese man stood stiffly as the priestess approached him, taking his arm with a confident smile. Unable to refuse, she took his silence for a yes.

Mai shook her head and stared around at the pairs gathered around her. If someone had told her that morning that she would end up as Bou-san's partner, that Naru would end up as Miss Miyuki's partner, that Niko would go for Nari instead of herself, she would have laughed at them. Mai glanced up at the monk beside her wondering what his take was on this strange reality, had he hoped to be with Ayako? Slowly, Mai's gaze slid from the monk to her boss.

Like a prize she was delighted to win, Miss Miyuki held Naru close, smiling radiantly. Just off to the side of the surprising couple, was another as equally unexpected; John and Masako. The medium, initially relieved to be free of Mr. Sachi looked as though she was maybe having second thoughts, sending the priest beside her small uncertain looks. John himself appeared slightly uncomfortable. Mai caught Masako's eye then they both glanced at Miss Miyuki and a silent message was passed between them. No matter what their normal feelings were, it was time to unite against a mutual enemy: Miss Miyuki.

"Are we ready?" Naru suddenly spoke.

Mai couldn't look at him without a slight pang of embarrassment.

I must have looked so dumb standing there...opening and closing my mouth like that.

"Sure we are, let's eat," Miss Miyuki encouraged, looking towards the dinging room behind them.

Bou-san gave her shoulder a light squeeze,

"You were a little late," he whispered as they all started filing for the double doors.

Mai looked up at him sharply, her cheeks still burning,

"No thanks to you!"

"Me?" the monk said in surprise, "What did I do?"

"Don't play dumb Bou-san, you told me Niko was coming when it was really Naru!"

The monk looked down at her with wide eyes,

"Niko really was coming, I had just waved to him when he waved back and kept going- I tried to flag him down so you could get away, but he wouldn't stop and then Naru strolled up with that dazzling thing on his arm," he explained, throwing a look at Miss Miyuki.

Mai's cheeks burned further, but this time in anger.

"I looked like an idiot, you couldn't have warned me?" she persisted with a frown.

The monk held the door open for her,

"You looked like an idiot, what about me? I was standing there doing this out of no where," he answered, pulling a finger across his neck repeatedly, "And if that wasn't enough of a warning for you, I'm sorry. I didn't have enough time to grab my trusty neon sign."

Mai sighed and shook her head, taking up the monk's arm again,

"I was so concerned with what I was going to say I guess I didn't notice you trying to stop me. Maybe it was luck after all that I couldn't find my voice, asking him and then being shot down like Masako would have been worse."

Stepping into the dinging room, Mai wasn't surprised by the crowded tables and the loud murmur. Doing something between a dance and a walk, Mai dodged chairs being slid back, elbows, and even a waiter. Naru found a table for them at the back of the room, near the windows. Missing from their party were Niko, Nari, and Mr. Sachi. Mai could think of someone else she wished was missing.

Mai sat heavily, doing little to hide her glare at Miss Miyuki who was seated across from her, the sunlight streaming in from behind the heiress casting her in some kind of glow. As usual John and Bou-san flanked Mai. Masako boldly took her usualseat on the other side of Naru. The re-formed rivals shared a satisfied look.

"So, Mai would you flag someone down, I'm starving," Ayako spoke up, seating herself next to an uncomfortable Lin.

Mai narrowed her eyes at the miko, but then her stomach let out a rumble, and resignedly she looked for someone to help them.

"Is Mai good with the staff here?" Miss Miyuki wondered, looking to Ayako.

Mai snapped her head back to the table so quickly she nearly gave herself whiplash. Next to her Bou-san snorted. Mai's shoe accidentally bumped into his. Ayako glanced in Mai's direction with a small smile,

"You could say they know her."

Mai's face began to heat, her hands reaching for a non-existent cup of tea.

"What Ayakomeans is-" Bou-san went on, sending a look at the miko.

"Oh, I forgot. She's well acquainted with the Inn Keeper's grandson," Miss Miyuki recalled, her full radiance turned toward Mai.

Mai's hand clutched on to the monk's arm with crushing force. With what could be considered perfect or ill fated timing, a waiter approached their table.

"The usual for everyone?" he asked, oblivious to the tension.

"Perfect," Ayako answered, ignoring the daggers Mai was shooting at her.

With a nod and a bow the young man was gone and the table descended into silence. Masako sat straight in her chair and then faced the heiress with one of her best masks in place.

"It was nice of you to stay for breakfast," she began, with a carefully placed smile.

The woman tilted her head, a light smile displayed in return,

"Of course, why would I miss it?"

"Oh, it's just you must have better things to be doing than spending the morning with a paranormal team," Masako answered, not missing a beat, her smile not faltering for a moment.

Mai smiled inwardly.

It's much nicer not to be on the receiving end of Masako's insult-with-a-smile.

"Perhaps, but in accordance with the festival rules, I'm not to leave Shibuya-san's side this entire day, and I don't intend to."

Mai reached for Bou-san's arm again, but the monk pulled it out of her reach. Masako's mask fell a faction, an eyebrow rising,

"Even through our investigation? You believe we're chasing nothing."

Miss Miyuki opened her mouth to reply, looking to Naru,

"Actually, I don't intend to enter the theater at all."

Naru's dark eyes moved to Masako,

"Miss Miyuki experienced strange occurrences last night and wishes for me to investigate. I'll be bringing Lin and I suppose in consequence, Ayako. The rest of you will monitor the theater."

Mai felt her anger bubbling up inside her,

Strange occurrences? She doesn't even believe in the paranormal.

Mai placed her hands firmly on the table and set her gaze squarely on Naru,

"But Mr. Sachi is your client--"

Her boss's sharp attention turned on her,

"It's just for a few hours Mai, there will be enough people at the theater to continue the investigation."

Mai wanted to argue further, but there was a finality to his voice that she couldn't fight. In frustration Mai sat back in her chair and across the table Masako looked equally defeated.

That Naru.

As if to stop her from exploding, a cup of tea was suddenly set in front of Mai.

Finally.

With an eagerness to drain the entire cup as if that would drain her irritation, Mai brought the much needed amber liquid to her lips. As the faces of Naru, Miss Miyuki, and Masako, who had a particularly strained expression, disappeared behind the rim of her glass, Mai inhaled a thankful breath, took a deep gulp- and nearly sprayed it across the table. Her tea was stone cold. Coughing and sputtering, Mai attempted to wave off Bou-san administering unhelpful swacks to her back.

"I'm- it's okay- just-"

"SOMETHING WRONG?"

Mai froze. Her eyes slowly moved towards Masako and her pursed lips confirmed it.

Shoot.

"PERHAPS THIS WILL HELP IT ALL GO DOWN."

Just then three heavy platters were deposited on the table with a loud bang. Mrs. Koku loomed near Mai's chair with evil delight.

"COURTESY OF THE KOKU'S. ENJOY."

With a clap the woman and her wait staff left their table. A moment of silence hung in the air as people seated all around them paused to watch the table near the windows receive what they all knew to be the Koku specialty: vengeance.

Mai swallowed, and then regaining some composure, turned in her seat to glare down the nosy Inn guests. Promptly, talking with mouths full of food commenced. With a satisfied huff, Mai faced her own table once again, but found no one talking or eating.

"This is all your fault Taniyama," Ayako snapped holding up a charred indistinguishable piece of meat with her chopsticks.

A loud growling emanated from beside Mai.

"Uh..."

Bou-san was stabbing at a piece of lettuce from the nearest platter, unable pierce it. Heat flushed Mai's face and her hands went cold. There was a light pat on Mai's left shoulder and she looked to see John smiling at her brightest he could,

"This one looks just fine," he remarked, putting on show of dishing up the stone cold and unrecognizable food (was that rice?), sending encouraging looks across the table.

No one made a move for their chopsticks. Even as hungry as Bou-san was (his roaring stomach making it obvious) he placed his on the table and pushed them a few inches away.

"See, just fine," John went on bringing a shapeless lump to his mouth.

Across the table Masako brought her sleeve to her face in horror. Mai couldn't help a nervous frown,

"John..." she began, but he had already taken his bite and was chewing heartily.

And then something about him changed. His chewing paused. Slowly he lowered his chopsticks, blinking a couple of times, his face quickly tinting green. Mai covered her face with her hands and Bou-san leaned past her,

"Face that way!" he urged, aiming the priest for the aisle.

"I'm fine," he gasped as the monk thrust what was left of Mai's cold tea towards him,

"Here, drink- get it down!"

"Oh, here does he need my napkin?" Miss Miyuki offered, waving it unhelpfully.

A loud cackling rang from the kitchens and Mai shrunk in her seat.

"I've officially lost my appetite," Ayako announced, tossing her own napkin onto the table in resignation.

After a moment more of chaos, John righted himself in his chair, drinking what was left of Mai's tea generously.

"Thank you," he murmured when he came up for air.

"Welcome," Bou-san answered, sitting back in his seat, shooting Mai a wide eyed look. Mai narrowed hers back at him,

This isn't my fault!

Or was it? With a burning face, Mai stared at the nauseated people seated around her and sincerely wished the floor would open up and swallow her.

"Well, that was embarrassing. I must apologize," Miss Miyuki suddenly spoke, a hand placed at her chest, as though shocked.

Mai glanced at the woman in confusion,

Apologize?

"If I had known your breakfast would be a causality of the dislike I've garnered in this town," the heiress went on, "I would have let you enjoy it without me in peace."

"No," Naru suddenly spoke, "This has absolutely nothing to do with you. Mai seems to have managed to deeply offend the owners of this Inn. I apologize on her behalf."

Such a scathing speech left Mai on fire. Unable to contain herself, she stood abruptly, nearly knocking over her chair.

"Well, then. Let me restore peace to the table by leaving it."

And with one more smoldering glare directed at Naru, she stormed away.

"Mai!" Bou-san shouted after her, but she was halfway across the room.

Ignoring the looks she was getting from the tables she marched past, Mai reached the dinging room doors and swung them wide open.

That Naru!

Practically seeing red, Mai tore down the nearly empty halls towards her room. Throwing her door open and then slamming it closed, Mai fell across her bed with a huff. Staring hard at her sheets she noticed something sparkle faintly in the sunlight. Blinking, Mai ran her finger lightly over it, examining the glittering dust.

What..?

Mai's gaze moved to the floor just below her where the kimono Masako had lent her the night before lay in a heap.

The festival.

The lily!

Between her dream and the chaos of the morning she had all but forgotten the mysterious gift left for her. Sitting up, Mai looked to her nightstand and sure enough there it was, no longer glowing, but just as real as the picture next to it. Carefully, Mai took it in her hands, staring down at the pale petals uncertainly.

Who would give me this..?

Mai closed her eyes in thought and the first face that came to mind was none other than Niko. It seemed the most obvious that he would secretly give her such a token of love, but hadn't he told her that night that he wanted to be friends? And what about choosing Nari that morning? Mai opened her eyes.

No, not Niko. But who..?

Just then there was a knock at her door.

"Mai, you in there?" came Bou-san's voice from the hall.

"Uh-" Mai answered, looking to the moon lily in her hands.

Quickly she hid it under her pillow, just as the monk walked in.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked observing her closely.

Mai offered him a smile, stuffing her pillow back innocently,

"Yeah. I just needed a moment."

The monk's eyes moved to the pillow crammed behind her,

"Well, if you're done punching your pillow, we should probably get going."

Mai gave Bou-san a look and got up carefully from her bed,

"I wasn't punching my pillow."

"No, I'm sure you were imagining Naru," he grinned, opening the door for her.

Mai sighed and shook her head.

Sometimes, Bou-san.

The two of them emerged into the empty hall and walked in comfortable silence, that was...until the monk's stomach growled.

"I know you didn't want to marry the guy, but couldn't you have played along a little while?" he complained as another rumble issued from him.

Mai gave him a firm look despite bring starved herself,

"I'm sorry your stomach was a causality of the dislike I've seemed to garner from this Inn. I'll be sure to let you enjoy your breakfast in peace tomorrow," she recited.

The monk smiled knowingly down at her,

"Mai, do I detect a hint of jealousy?"

Mai sent him a narrow eyed look,

"All you detect right now is hunger."

The monk raised an unconvinced eyebrow,

"Maybe, but I'm pretty sure I'm picking up a side of jealousy."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Mai answered, ignoring his smirk as they passed the dinging room, "Where is everyone anyway?"

"They should be outside," he replied as they moved through the foyer.

Mai kept her head down and took the monk's arm...just in case.

"Coast is clear," Bou-san murmured as they stepped out into the sunlight.

Mai lifted her gaze and then winced at the sudden brightness. It was a clear morning with an endless blue sky and a large burning sun. Where the Inn had finally thinned out its crowds, the grounds of Nozomi had filled. Scattered all around were pairs of people, most smiling and holding hands.

"Wow, it got busy out here," the monk commented, staring around at the clusters of people, "Oh look, there's Naru."

Mai blinked and held up a hand to shield her eyes. Sure enough, some yards away, was the rest of SPR and Miss Miyuki.

"I wonder why they're stopped?" Bou-san said, squinting at the group standing around.

"Maybe they're waiting for us?"

"Who's that old woman with them?"

"An old woman? Like the ones interested in John?" Mai asked, staring harder through the blinding sunlight.

"I'm not sure, let's go see," Bou-san answered, pulling her along.

"Well, it's about time," Ayako greeted them as they approached, clutching Lin's arm, "If I have to be assaulted by this old loon so do you."

Mai narrowed her eyes at the priestess, but felt growing confusion.

What old loon?

"What are we doing here?" Bou-san protested, looking to Ayako.

The miko merely pointed. Across from them were John and the old woman.

"Yes...I approve very much, now let me see your hand boy," her old voice croaked.

John complied, looking a bit bewildered.

What in the world..?

Mai glanced up at Bou-san who shrugged down at her.

"Ahh, you have given out a moon lily my boy," the woman announced with a yellow toothed smile.

Mai's raised her eyebrows.

John?

The young man attempted to pull his hand back,

"You must be mistaken," he suggested.

The old woman smiled wider and clucked her tongue,

"I see the dust on your hand, it remains for days. Anyways, I am the Wise Obasan, I mistake nothing."

Wise Obasan released his hand and John pulled it back to himself, rubbing his palm uneasily.

"Now, let me see if your partner received a moon lily, a very telling point in my decision..." the old woman went on, hobbling towards Masako, who stood some feet back with a mask firmly in place.

"No reason to be nervous my dear, let Obasan see your hand," she coaxed as she reached the medium who stood a few inches taller.

Masako clasped her hands tightly inside the sleeves of her Kimono and turned her nose up,

"I will not, this is completely unnecessary."

"Don't be difficult deary, I am old but not stupid, if you do not show me your hand I will assume you have received one."

Masako parted her lips in shock, her cheeks tinting pink,

"That's a dear," the old woman murmured, taking the medium's resistant hand.

"Ah-ha!" she suddenly shouted, "You have received one!"

Masako snatched her hand away, her pale cheeks flushing crimson. Mai's eye's widened.

Masako received a moon lily too?!

"Yes, yes...I declare you both to be a good pair indeed!" the old woman cackled.

John looked distinctly pale, unable to look at his partner. Masako recovered from her shock,

"I do not see how that makes us anything- you have no idea who gave that moon lily to me!" she protested, her eyes landing briefly on Naru.

Obasan merely shrugged,

"I see what I see...who's next? Ah, yes- the red headed woman..."

Suddenly Mai wished to be anywhere else.

That crazy old loon is going to make me show my hand and then everyone will know I've received a moon lily!

Carefully Mai began backing up, but was stopped by Bou-san who caught her arm,

"Where are you going? Don't you want to see who else makes a good pair?"

"Uh, I just remembered, I forgot to get something from my room-"

The monk raised an eyebrow,

"Wait, you didn't receive a moon lily did you Mai?"

"I'll be right back I promise-" Mai persisted, attempting to break free of his grasp.

"You did. Mai! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Bou-san, let me go," Mai hissed, struggling against him.

"Oh my, what nails," the old woman's voice declared, tutting at Ayako's pink polish.

"Excuse me, I thought you were supposed to be studying my palm," the miko grumbled.

"Patience," the old woman ordered, turning over the priestess's hand roughly.

"Ow!" Ayako objected, but a stern look from Obasan silenced her.

"Hmm, yet another moon lily exchange," the old woman went on after a moment of staring closely at Ayako's hand.

Mai paused her struggle with Bou-san and he suddenly released her.

Ayako too?!

Slowly Mai's eyes slid over to the monk who now looked a bit self conscious.

"Actually, I'll go with you. I think I forgot my coat..." Bou-san began, stepping back.

"Bou-san, its seventy degrees out here," Mai remarked with an eyebrow raised at him.

The monk glanced down at her with narrowed eyes,

"I'm cold."

"You're chicken."

"No, but chicken would have been something I would have liked for breakfast thank you very much-"

"Chicken breakfasts are for chickens and I'm not going to marry Niko just so you can have one."

"And, what is this? No moon lily dust? You did not give one to your partner, hm? Very interesting," Obasan spoke loudly, looking over Lin's hand closely.

"What are you getting at old woman?" Ayako protested, grabbing Lin's arm and pulling him close.

The old woman narrowed her eyes at the miko,

"I mean I'm marking you two as an unapproved couple."

Ayako opened her mouth in offense,

"You're what- ?"

But Wise Obasan wasn't listening any longer; instead she turned on the squabbling pair a few feet away.

"Well, and who do we have here?"

Mai and Bou-san stopped mid-sentence to stare at the old woman grinning at them.

"My dear girl, what energy I sense about you. A good match for you would be someone with a steady sensible rhythm," she murmured, eyeballing Bou-san thoughtfully.

The monk shifted uncomfortably. Mai felt her stomach flop.

"Let's see the rest of the story, shall we?" the old woman urged, reaching out her bony hand for Mai's reluctant one.

"I'm going to grab my coat-" Bou-san announced, looking to dart away while Mai was tied up, but out of nowhere the Wise Obasan brandished a thick paper fan and swatted the monk across the knuckles,

"Ow!" he cried, rubbing his injured hand.

"Stay put young man, you're next."

Mai sent the monk a satisfied smile which he didn't return.

"Oh, yes...as I suspected," the old woman continued, looking up into Mai's eyes, "You've received a moon lily."

Mai heart leaped into her throat. Not quickly enough the old woman released her hand and turned to Bou-san,

"Let me see your partner now, so he can be on his way..."

The monk looked down at the little old woman shuffling towards him,

"Now monk, let me see what you've been up to."

"How do you know I'm a monk?" Bou-san asked, confusedly, letting the ancient woman take his hand without protest.

"Wise Obasan knows all, now hold still," the old woman answered, taking a better grip on his large hand.

"Ho ho, lookie here, yet another-"

"Person not to give out anything, that's me- selfish. Well thanks for that Granny, I'll be going to get my coat now-"

A paper fan came down on the monk's shoulder,

"Not so fast there young man-"

"Ow, that was my bad shoulder."

Obasan grinned, "I know."

Bou-san glanced at Mai and she smiled weakly.

"Now as I was saying...you too have given out a moon lily."

"So we're approved, or a match- or whatever you call it?" the monk asked, tenderly massaging his arm.

The old woman swatted Bou-san again.

"Oy! What-?" he protested, holding his stomach.

Mai came over to stand between the dangerous old woman and the monk.

"Young man, just because you gave a moon lily and she received a moon lily... that means nothing in itself. No...your energies are too different. She must be placed with someone else...someone like..."

The old woman turned around slowly, as if sensing for something, or in some kind of trance.

"Him," she declared, pointing across their group at Naru.

Mai faltered, her hand gripping Bou-san tightly as he was the only thing holding her up.

Naru?!

"Yes, he is right. His energies would perfectly balance yours," Wise Obasan announced knowingly, her small old feet leading her to the President of SPR.

Mai felt as if she had suddenly come down with heat stroke. Her skin was on fire and her mind was mush. Naru on the other hand looked practically arctic. Anyone not accustomed to the severe stare set upon his face would have frozen, but the ancient woman continued to shuffle towards him, smiling as though she had just solved a difficult mystery.

"Them?" Miss Miyuki breathed bemusedly.

Obviously she thought the old loon before her was just that- an old loon.

Through her muddled state Mai felt a small prickle of indignation in defense of the old woman,

Hey! There's nothing loony in suggesting us! She isn't called Wise Obasan for nothing!

The stooped old woman passed by Masako and the medium watched her with unhappy resignation. She would say nothing since it was Mai being paired with Naru and not the smirking heiress. But even still, it was clear she believed she matched Naru, not Mai.

"Such sensibility I sense in you. Maybetoo much, but that is where she-" the old woman began, sending Mai a keen look, "-comes in. Her energies are much more unpredictable, they would encourage you to live a little. A life spent buried in work is no-"

"You know nothing of my life," Naru interrupted, his voice so cold that Mai winced.

The old woman stood unblinking,

"Of course not," she said after a pause with a slow smile, "but I do know the ways of the heart."

There was a great silence then between them, one short and one tall- just staring at each other. Mai and Masako shared a brief look, though the medium's eyes held a chill Mai found all too familiar.

That Masako.

"If I may see your hand young man," the Wise Obasan finally requested, her sharp old eyes gazing up at him challengingly.

A moment passed.

He won't do it.

But then Naru uncrossed his arms and held out a hand. His compliance seemed to even surprise even Obasan, but she quickly took it up anyways. An image of a pale flower darted through Mai's mind. A thought suddenly struck her, sending her heart racing.

What if he's given a moon lily? What if...

Mai swallowed with some difficulty as it felt as if her heart had leaped up into her throat. Mai grabbed Bou-san's arm and gave it strong squeeze. As if reading her thoughts, he smiled slightly and mouthed: moon lily?

Mai ignored the monk- the ancient woman was speaking again, her croaked voice difficult to hear over the blood rushing in her ears.

"Hmm. Interesting. A moon lily definitely though..."

Naru freed his hand from Wise Obasan's bony ones.

"If we're done here," he spoke simply, looking to his team and then Miss Miyuki.

Lin gave a ready nod, pulling his arm from Ayako's possessive grasp, and stepped forward. But Wise Obasan was not ready.

"But I have not given my decision," she protested as Naru began to turn away.

The young man glanced back at the old woman over his shoulder,

"I believe you have demonstrated it clearly enough."

A stray clouded passed in front of the sun and for a moment a large black shadow was cast over the flat dusty grounds of Nozomi. The Wise Obasan regarded the stubborn young man before her with a determined glint in her eyes,

"You know nothing of my demonstrations. You are a match. The best match and everyone will know as much tonight."

Mai blinked in the sudden gloom and felt a chill run along her back. Naru did not acknowledge that anything had been spoken; he merely walked on beside Lin, taking about something he obviously found far more concerning than threats from ancient matchmaking women. A stiff breeze blew across the festival grounds and whipped its way past the remaining SPR members. The cloud that had thrown a sinister tone on Wise Obasan's warning was now hurried away on the wind and the blinding sunlight returned.

Mai squinted, watching Naru's dark and blurry figure move along, Miss Miyuki flanking his other side. The old woman followed Mai's gaze and shook her head,

"Despair not my dear, he will be seeing things differently by tonight, or my name is not Wise Obasan," she reassured, a dark smile pulling up on her wrinkled features.

Somehow Mai could not manage a smile in return. It didn't matter though, the festival's ancient matchmaker merely nodded to them all and hobbled off, chuckling to herself.

Bou-san's shadow came to loom over Mai.

"That's one loony lady," he muttered, watching her pounce upon another unsuspecting group.

"Yeah..." Mai said absently, her mind whirling with moon lilies and threats.

Just then a brightly colored kimono glided past Mai's field of vision.

"Naru," Masako called.

The young man paused to look back at the medium,

"I will accompany you to Miss Miyuki's place. I can be of assistance in sensing what exactly has disturbed her," Masako's voice was firm.

She was not going to leave Naru alone with that heiress anymore than she was going let a crazy old woman proclaim Naru and Mai soul mates.

Mai took a step forward and opened her mouth, desperately searching for something to say that would secure her in coming too, but before she could speak, Naru placed the words in her mouth.

"Very well. Hara-san you will join us with John. Mai, head to the theater with Takigawa and run the routine tests."

Masako came to stand with Naru, her eyes briefly catching Mai's, a slight smile pulling at her pink lips. Mai clamped her mouth shut tightly, too frustrated to form any words (or at least any she wouldn't regret later). John departed from them looking uncertain, but Bou-san merely waved them off, gripping Mai's shoulder firmly with the other hand as he could see the fists she was making at her sides and the dark way she was looking at Naru.

"Have fun, we'll check in with you later," the monk called after them as the group finally moved on.

Mai shrugged her shoulder free of Bou-san's grip and glanced up sourly at him,

"How can you be okay with this? He's leaving us to do the grunt work!"

The monk looked down at the flustered young woman wisely,

"Alone is the key word here. You'rejust bothered because two of your rivals are going to have Naru to fight over all day, but you've got that soul mate thing going on and neither of them can compete with that."

"That lady is crazy Bou-san."

"She knew I was a monk and that you received a moon lily- is that crazy? But that's beside the point, what I'm trying to get at here is that we will be alone in the theater."

"Yes, Bou-san. I realize we will be alone and Naru on the other hand will have plenty of company-"

"No," Bou-san protested, taking her shoulders and facing her, "We will be alone. No one to see us, I don't know- trying to figure out a certain mystery...?"

Suddenly it dawned on Mai what the monk was trying to get out.

"Oh alone, you're right..."

The monk grinned,

"Aren't I always? Now, shall we?"

With her dream replaying itself in her head, Mai took Bou-san's arm and allowed him to lead her across the scorching grounds of Nozomi.

My dream...the hall...the name plate, was it real?

"Hey- you alright?" the monk spoke after glancing at her and catching the distant look in her eye.

Mai shook her head to clear it of the many thoughts pushing their way in and then looked up at Bou-san.

What can I tell him? I can't reveal Mr. Miyuki. Do I tell him I had a vision?

"Hello- earth to Mai," the monk persisted, waving a hand in front of her face, "Are you with me?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, Bou-san...I was just thinking."

"If it's about Naru, I don't wanna know."

Mai made a face and swatted the monk's arm,

"Actually, it's about the dream I had last night."

Bou-san gave her a side long look,

"Again, if this is about Naru-"

Mai swatted his arm harder and narrowed her eyes up at him,

"No, this dream did not include Naru. I was in the theater."

The monk's smirk was replaced with a thoughtful look,

"The theater? What kind of dream was it?"

Mai paused for a moment, thinking hard on just what she could tell her curious partner in crime, and then took the plunge.

"It was one of those dreams- at least, I think." Mai answered carefully.

The monk nodded encouragingly,

"And...what happened?"

The two of them reached the stairs leading up to the theater's double doors and Mai took up a better grip on the monk's arm. Her history with passing through the entrance into the theater was less than pleasant, but as of last night things had become a lot worse. Remembering her latest episode, Bou-san halted them just before the doors.

"You didn't die or anything when you walked through these doors did you?" he asked, looking down at her concernedly.

"Hm? In my dream you mean?" Mai wondered, staring at the wooden barrier before them.

Bou-san tugged her a step back,

"We can always find another way in..." he suggested, looking around at the building.

Mai smiled and patted him reassuringly,

"No, I didn't die in my dream. I'll be fine."

The monk eyed her carefully, "Are you sure?"

Mai stood taller and nodded firmly,

"Yes."

The monk still seemed uncertain, but took up Mai's hand just the same and pushed open the door.

One...

Mai counted in her head, as she took her first step. A sort of humming filled her ears.

Two...

She was passing through the doors now, her vision turning hazy and her head beginning to pound.

Three.

Mai drew in a steadying breath as they entered the main lobby. Her stomach was tense and glancing down she could see that she had squeezed the monk's hand until his was nearly white, but she had made it.

"You okay?" Bou-san asked as he gently pulled his hand from hers.

Mai smiled weakly at him as he experimented with flexing his fingers,

"Sorry...yeah, I'm okay."

"Good," the monk said, satisfied that both his hand and Mai were still intact, "Now how about you fill me in on this dream while I make us some tea?"

Mai agreed and the two of them walked on to base. With the sun blaring outside, the gas lamps in the Miyuki Theater seemed dull, unable to compete with the brilliant rays shining in. Mai looked away from the windows, somehow reminded of Miss Miyuki. Somewhere across Nozomi the heiress was showing Naru her home, inviting him to tea, tossing her blonde hair while smiling that radiant smile...

"Mai?"

Mai blinked and looked up,

"Huh?"

The monk, nearly to base had stopped to stare at her, paused in the middle of the hall,

"Are you sure those doors didn't affect you?"

Mai straightened up and started walking again,

"Positive."

The monk observed her closely as she passed him into the room,

"How positive is positive?"

Mai shot him a look over her shoulder,

"Positive, Bou-san."

The monk held up his hands,

"Fine...fine, but you seem awfully distracted."

"Tea, monk," Mai ordered, plopping down on the couch, thankful that he had offered to make it for once.

"Yes, Naru," he answered, striding over to the small counter.

Mai crossed her arms, but a small smile pulled at her lips.

While the monk was busy behind her, Mai sighed and sat back, finding the large room rather comfortable with just the two of them. The keyboard on Lin's desk was absent of its usual clicking and his computers hummed quietly in the background. Across from her the couch was empty of Masako and her mask- it was also empty of Naru, but at the moment Mai decided that it was a good thing, otherwise she would be the one making tea.

"So, about this dream. You had it last night?" Bou-san spoke up, heating the water.

Mai gazed at the window in far corner, the light pouring in warming the room. Some of its beams reached the table Mai sat in front of and that's when she noticed something. A vase sat there, simple in its design but bursting with beauty were the lilies that filled it.

Lilies?

Several thoughts occurred to Mai at that moment, Nari being one of them. Who could have put them here? Everyone in the theater was aware of her allergy, and yet here sat a large vase, brimming with the white and potentially deadly flower. But just as quickly as her concern came, it fled her mind to make room for curiosity.

Ayako received a moon lily.

Mai sat up and looked over the edge of the couch at the monk who was currently placing their tea on a tray.

"Bou-san," she said as he walked his way over.

"Oh, finally decided to answer me then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Mai accepted her tea cup thankfully,

"I'm sorry- did you ask me something before?"

The monk sat down beside her,

"I was trying to get some details on your dream, but I'm beginning to think you never woke from it..."

Mai sighed,

"I promise to tell you everything, but first you have to answer me this," she bargained, eyeing the monk next to her.

Bou-san shrugged and brought his tea to his lips,

"Shoot."

"You gave your moon lily to Ayako, didn't you?"

There was a sudden coughing fit beside her as the monk choked on his tea. Mai merely smiled and took a sip of her own,

"So I am right..." she smirked, sounding remarkably like the monk every time he had pressed her for personal answers and received such a reaction.

The monk recovered and sent her a look,

"I don't know who you've been talking to, maybe a loon of a lady, but I've never given Ayako anything."

Mai sat down her tea cup and crossed her arms,

"Liar. She received one, if you didn't give it to her than who did?"

"Lin probably," was his weak reply and he quickly took another mouth full of the hot tea.

He made a face as it burnt his tongue and she smiled slyly,

"Wise Obasan said Lin had given no moon lilies, so that can't be it. It was you Bou-san, now own up."

"Naru then because it wasn't me," he persisted adamantly.

Mai opened her mouth to argue, but then the monk smiled as he regained his footing in their war of words,

"Oh excuse me; it couldn't possibly be Naru because he gave his to you."

It was Mai's turn to swallow a mouthful of scolding tea,

"I don't know who gave me that lily," she objected, her cheeks heating at the mere thought.

"You'd rather it be from Niko then?" Bou-san countered, disbelievingly.

"This isn't about me," Mai argued, attempting to turn the assault back on the monk, "This is about you and why you left Ayako that moon lily-"

"What this is about is your dream," Bou-san replied, swiftly changing the subject, "You promised Mai, now spill."

Mai frowned, tempted to remind him that she promised so long as he answered, which he did not do, but she could tell that, at least at the moment, there was no getting a straight answer out of him and she would have to settle for his choking as being a tell-tell sign of his guilt. Mai adjusted herself on the couch and gazed down at the mysterious vase of lilies left there.

"It's kind of vague," Mai began.

Especially the parts with Mr. Miyuki in it.

"That's fine, tell me what you remember," the monk urged.

Mai ran a finger around the rim of her tea cup in thought,

"I was in the theater, it was night, and I was standing in that hall we visited yesterday."

Bou-san set his nearly empty tea cup down,

"So we're on the right track then? With that picture I mean."

Mai nodded,

"I think so, especially since I found myself-" she paused here to search for a way to leave Mr. Miyuki out, "-drawn to a certain photo."

The monk looked to her eagerly,

"Really? Which one?"

Mai closed her eyes for a moment, her dream playing itself through her mind, the haunting image of Mr. Miyuki staring at his daughter's empty frame.

"It was the blank one Bou-san," Mai answered as she opened her eyes.

The monk was thoughtful for a moment, but then his eyes widened in realization,

"Miss Miyuki's?"

"Yes," Mai sighed, setting down her cup, "but it just gets better from there."

"What else?" he prodded.

"The name plate, her name plate- it just..." Mai halted here, once again thinking up a way to write the ghostly man out, "...fell off. Behind it was another one...and this one read Kioko Miyuki."

The monk gathered their finished cups and looked to her with surprise,

"Another name? Do you think this has something to do with our picture?"

Mai frowned in thought and stood as well,

"That's what I'm not sure about, are these two things some how connected?"

The monk set down their tray and faced Mai,

"Well there's one thing we can do, let's go see for ourselves."