A/N: I just want to say how grateful I am to be blessed with such wonderful and patient readers. Eighty percent of this chapter was finished in December...which tells you how crazy things have been for me to have spent the last four months writing the remaining twenty percent. So many of you have written me such lovely reviews (truly so kind I just might cry), I can't thank you enough. You really were the driving force behind that last twenty percent, thank you soooo much!
I am very excited to announce that I have outlined my final chapters and officially drafted the final chapter. I can't believe I'm within seven or eight parts of concluding this project, it's become a part of my life. I can't wait to share the final stretch of this story with you- I hope it lives up to all your expectations!
Anyways, on with the reading! I hope you enjoy!
Day Six
7:30pm
The Miyuki Theater
Naru disappeared from the door frame. It took Mai sixty seconds. Sixty seconds to collect herself, to breathe, to calm her racing pulse. And then she was up from the chair, unsteady, but determined to follow after him. Worry fueled her every step.
Something's wrong.
"Naru—"
Mai paused and cast a look up and down the hall outside base. It was empty.
He's gone...?
Frowning, Mai picked up her pace. He had told her to meet him at the banquet hall, but where was that? Maybe someone in the lobby would know...
It was then that Mai heard the voices. For a split second she thought that it was Naru, that she had caught up with him, but in listening closer, she realized that it wasn't. The tone was stern, but melodious.
Mai rounded a bend in the hall, just hiding the lobby from sight. The voices become clear. So did the people they belonged to. A man and a woman. Their conversation was hushed, but serious. Mai had the distinct feeling of intruding, that this was a private meeting.
Caught off guard, Mai halted and adverted her eyes, wondering if they had seen her, if she could still pretend that she hadn't seen them...but that was ridiculous. What did it matter? What was so wrong in finding them talking? Except there was something wrong. A strange tension hung in the air. It felt familiar. Familiar like the tension that had settled over herself and Naru back at base minutes ago.
But that can't be.
Awkwardly, Mai's gaze had fallen to their feet. They were standing close.
Too close.
Mai was suddenly struck with a kind of deja vu. Her high heels, his polished dress shoes, their position. It reminded her of something. But, what...?
"...I'm responsible. What would happen, then?"
"I don't know what you want me to say."
"Oh. Mai, hello."
Mai startled, her attention snapping from the floor to meet the eyes of the man. His expression matched hers, but then he cleared his throat, and seeming to master himself he opened his mouth to speak again. The woman next to him had no intention of joining the conversation. She turned from the man without a glance at Mai, and stalked away.
Mai watched Miss Miyuki go, her gaze lingering on the heiress' pair of black heels which clicked sharply against the lobby floor.
"I'm sorry you had to see that."
Mai blinked over at Mr. Sachi. He appeared disturbed. He took no notice of her confused silence and continued on,
"I might have gotten a bit worked up, just with all that happened tonight...to think she could claim that it was nothing. The nerve."
They were arguing?
"But see, I've gone and distracted you. Where were you headed to?"
Mai startled a second time.
Naru.
She had been distracted.
"The banquet hall," Mai answered, finding her voice again.
"Perfect. That's just where I was heading, I'll escort you."
Before Mai knew it they were walking, passing through the lobby in the opposite direction as Miss Miyuki, Mr. Sachi leading the way.
There was a heavy silence between them as the hurried through the theater. Mai's one track mind only knew a single thought. She had to ask.
"Mr. Sachi, did you see anyone come by before me?"
The playwright spared her a glance, pulled from his own consuming thoughts. Mai felt she had never seen him so serious and preoccupied as she had that night.
"No, not anyone but you. Are you looking for someone?"
Mai nodded,
"Naru."
"Hm," Mr. Sachi replied, "yes, well you're not the only one."
Mai's brows furrowed.
What does he mean by that?
"Ah, we're here," he announced, arriving in front of a set of double doors.
Mr. Sachi pushed open the doors wide in one smooth motion, but if he was hoping for a dramatic entrance, he was denied it. The room was dense with festival goers examining themselves, speaking in panicked voices. No one looked up even as the doors swung closed.
"Excuse me," the playwright said at her shoulder in parting.
Mai watched him wade through the mass of people, overwhelmed. Her eyes darted from face to face, but Naru's remained elusive.
Mai drifted away from the doors, and that's when she discovered Ayako. The miko had just stood, finished with wrapping a woman's wrist. She looked every bit a nurse, albeit a war-torn one with her disheveled hair and blood stained clothes. When she spotted Mai she charged over,
"There you are!" she exclaimed, "I didn't even get a chance to check you out earlier, are you hurt?"
"I...don't think so."
It isn't myself I'm worried about.
Mai scanned the crowd, urgently trying to pick out a figure dark and taller than the rest.
A box of tissues in her hands, Ayako extended them to Mai, studying her carefully.
"Where have you been?"
Mai turned her head from the scene around her to the miko and waved away the tissues,
"At base."
"Hm, you've cleaned up already," she acknowledged, lowering the tissues.
"Where's Naru?"
Ayako met her eyes, the look in them told her that she suspected Mai already knew.
"He didn't say anything to you?"
Mai blinked and stared back blankly,
"No."
Ayako broke eye contact and shrugged, her red nails tapping the tissue box absently,
"He left with Lin."
Mai stiffened, her attention which had begun roaming the room for him again, snapped back to the woman beside her.
"Wait, look at you. You missed a spot," Ayako admonished, coming at her with a tissue.
Mai allowed her to wipe at her cheek without protest, her mind working to understand the miko,
"When did he leave?"
"Ugh, dried on. Hold still, would you? He left about ten minutes ago. Now we get to try and run this circus. I mean really, as our company president, at the very least he should be cleaning up messes like this," Ayako answered, pulling away from Mai and waving the tissue at the chaos around them.
Mai looked on not really seeing. Just one face occupied her mind's eye.
Naru.
"And I swear to you, to all of you— soon as I see him, Shibuya-san and I will be having words."
Naru?
Mai's world snapped back into focus. Her head turned towards the voice speaking. Mr. Sachi stood across the room, gesturing in a reassuring away. Sitting before him was Nari and a woman she shared a remarkable resemblance to.
Her mother?
"Words? Shouldn't you have had those with him already? It's a little late now, just look at my daughter!"
The attention of the room followed Mai's lead, everyone pausing to watch. Ayako nodded her head towards Nari and spoke in a low tone for just Mai to hear,
"Her mother's been hysterical since the accident, but really she should be grateful. That stage light could have done a lot worse to her daughter than a sprained ankle."
Mai pursed her lips, remembering the horror of that moment. The deafening bang, the narrow miss...
"Nari is the starring actress of this festival and now she cannot work, who will take responsibility for this? Will it be you or that group of frauds you've hired?"
There were murmurs throughout the crowd. Mai's cheeks colored in offense. Ayako let out a huff,
"And there she goes, again. This is the messNaru walked away from."
"There now, let's not speak rashly. As I said before, I will be speaking with Shibuya-san—"
"They've been here for five days, this problem should have been taken care of ages ago. Someone could have been seriously hurt tonight, just what are you going to do about it?" Nari's mother demanded, speaking loudly, completely disregarding Mr. Sachi's pleas to be calm.
The murmur in the banquet hall grew. People were nodding and frowning. Mai crossed her arms defensively. She suddenly felt exposed. Just then something warm and heavy slipped over her bare shoulders and back. For a moment her stomach lurched with hope, but it wasn't the scent of tea that met her nose.
Not him.
Bou-san?
But there was no waft of sandalwood either...
Mai turned to find Niko standing behind her.
"You seemed cold," he explained kindly at her look of surprise, indicating the dinner jacket he had put on her.
"Oh, thank you," Mai mumbled slipping her arms in the sleeves with a thankful smile back at him.
"Okay, so I managed to sneak some food, it's a little stale, but not bad. We should leave soon though, I got some dirty looks, I think this place is turning hostile."
There he is.
Sandalwood and spice. Bou-san had joined them. He was speaking to Ayako, one hand furtively holding a plate, the other waving a pair of chopsticks, his back to Mai.
"Dirty looks, is that anything new?" Ayako quipped, but said no more as a large helping of rice was stuffed in her mouth.
"Eat, nurse Matsuzaki. You'll need energy if you're going to treat all the crazies in this room."
"We didn't get to have dinner, are you hungry?" Niko asked, watching as Mai watched Bou-san offer another bite of rice to Ayako which she reluctantly accepted while tending to an old man who had approached her with a scratched forehead.
Mai put a hand to her stomach. Was she? Somehow the pit she felt there didn't seem like hunger.
"Oh Niko, hi," the monk spoke, acknowledging the heir, "Uh, I was hungry, but this will work...oy, Mai!"
"Hi Bou-san," Mai greeted, looking over the monk.
He seemed not much worse for wear after the events of that night. His white dress shirt wasn't very bloodied thanks to the jacket no longer wore. It was currently draped around Ayako.
"Where were you? We were getting worried, I was just asking John if he had seen you."
Mai leaned back from the interrogating chopsticks he used to punctuate each of his words,
"I'm fine Bou-san. I was at base."
He tilted his head at her, "Alone?"
No.
With Naru.
But something's wrong.
He's not himself.
Mai took in a breath and changed the subject,
"How's John?"
Bou-san directed his chopsticks over his shoulder,
"Taking care of Masako. She's sleeping."
Mai's eyes followed the direction he gestured to, and through a part in the mass of people, she spotted the young priest. He was seated near a long table, lined with silver covered dishes, presumably the dinner they should have enjoyed that night. He was a startling sight in contrast to the white table linen, blood staining most of his shirt red. Mai frowned wondering at the difference between him and Bou-san, but then she recalled how he had thrown himself over Masako on stage. He had used himself to shield her. The medium he had protected sat next to him, leaning against his shoulder, her eyes closed, wrapped tightly in his jacket.
"...this theater should be evacuated! Who's to say that something worse won't happen next time? How can my daughter be expected to preform if she fears for her life?"
Mai's gaze flicked to Nari's mother. She was still passionately arguing with a flustered Mr. Sachi.
"Mrs. Motoshi, please. Let's not shout. I'm just as upset as you are, believe me. What happened tonight was nightmarish. It just goes to show what I've been saying all this time...there is a haunting here. There will be no reason to be alarmed much longer, though. The group I've hired are professionals, they'll take care of this. I'll make sure of it."
As Mai listened to this exchange, the pit in her stomach tightened. Mr. Sachi was right. There was a haunting, but it wasn't what he thought. This wasn't the disturbed spirit of gentle Mr. Miyuki. This was a spirit that had shown how dangerous it could be. How were they supposed to suddenly take care of it? How would he make sure of it...?
Just then the murmur in the room picked up. Someone had entered the banquet hall. Mai turned, the knot in her stomach rising into her throat.
Naru?
The man that parted the anxious crowd was taller than most, wore a serious expression and a dark suit, but...
"I'm here to bring you to your dressing room, a doctor is waiting for you there," Lin announced, addressing Nari.
The hurt actress nodded, seeming exhausted, and accepted the supportive arm of Mr. Sachi, who insisted that he should escort her there. The path that Lin had cleared widened further to allow them to pass, Mrs. Motoshi trailing after.
Before he followed them out Lin stopped at Ayako's side,
"Treat who you will, and then send the rest home. This evening's entertainment is over."
The miko nodded in agreement and immediately attempted to restore order to the chaotic group.
"Okay, whoever still needs treatment should form a line in front of me, we'll be closing the theater."
Mai watched Lin disappear through the banquet doors, in confusion. She bit her lip.
Naru.
The room shifted. The mass of festival goers began to dutifully line up.
"Ayako, you said that Naru left with Lin?" Mai asked, trying to get close to the priestess, getting elbowed in the process.
"Bandage," Ayako ordered Bou-san, who stood at her side, handing out what limited first-aid supplies they had, "Yes, he left with Lin."
"But Lin was just here and Naru wasn't."
Ayako shrugged, attention on her patient.
"So?"
Mai suddenly felt warm. Too many people.
"Shouldn't he though? Be with him, I mean...?"
Ayako paused, and flashed her a wondering look,
"How should I know? I'm not his babysitter. I wish he were here, I have a thing or two to say. How dare he leave us to play clean up like this..."
Mai swallowed with difficulty, worry pulsing through her veins. She opened her mouth to persist, but then felt a hand on her shoulder,
"Mai, you okay?" Bou-san stared down at her in concern,"You look tired. Don't worry about Naru, he's probably back at his room. We've got things here, you should head back too."
His room?
Mai relaxed a fraction, the idea giving her relief. Her impulse to take him up on his suggestion, to leave, was strong— she needed to know if the monk was right, but she hesitated.
"What if you need my help?"
"I have him," Ayako answered, poking Bou-san in the side so that he would hand her a bottle of rubbing alcohol, "He should earn his keep."
Bou-san stuffed another bite of rice, cold by then, into Ayako's mouth. Her stream of protests were muffled. With satisfaction, he continued,
"John seems to be doing just fine with Masako, we'll be finished here soon anyways. Go and get some rest."
Mai nodded, her guilt slipping away. It was quickly replaced with a sense of urgency.
Naru.
"If you're going back, I'm headed there now, I'll walk you," Niko offered, following their conversation.
Mai nodded again, her mind set.
Let's go.
Giving a departing wave, Bou-san returning it as he was once again poked in the ribs, Mai left the banquet hall.
Mai's feet carried her forward, through the halls of the theater, through the lobby...only faltering at the entrance.
"Need my arm? It's probably pretty slippery out there on the steps," Niko acknowledged, mistaking her pause.
Mai stood before the doors, feeling ill at the sight of them, but imagining Naru staggering through them, she stubbornly ignored the sensation. She took Niko's arm with a grateful smile.
The knot in Mai's stomach felt pulled a million ways. She drew in breaths of cool air. If Niko noticed her struggles, he didn't comment. It was dark and the steps were slick with rain, he was taking extra care to get them down safely.
Niko kept her arm wrapped around his as they crossed the festival grounds. Mai fought to keep her pace matched with his. Every second felt like an eternity.
Almost there.
"Are you okay?"
"Hm?" Mai pulled her attention from the direction of the Inn.
Beside her Niko looked back her, his expression uncertain.
"You seem a little distracted, I was just wondering if everything was alright?"
"Distracted?" Mai repeated, a self-conscious blush creeping up her neck. Was it that obvious?
"Ah well, you just— um, stepped through that large puddle."
"Oh," Mai answered, staring down at her flats which were now soaking.
"Is it anything I can help with?" Niko wondered, now actively directing them around another puddle.
Mai's blush spread across her face,
"Sorry, Niko," she apologized, "It's just been a long night."
The young heir nodded, and the two of them shared a smile. The next instant Mai's gaze was drawn back to the inn coming into sight.
Squish. Squish.
Squish. Squish.
They passed the front desk, turning on one of the hallways. Mai's heartbeat kept time with each squeak of her wet shoes.
Almost there.
Her eyes ran along the room numbers, seeking...
Nineteen, eighteen, seventeen—
"Mai, I was thinking...are you hungry?"
Niko spoke from behind her. He had fallen back as Mai's pace had picked up.
"Hm?" Mai repeated, all her attention on the door just yards away now.
Sixteen, fifteen, fourteen—
"I thought if you wanted, we could get some dinner? I could tell you about tomorrow's festival."
Thirteen.
Mai stopped. Without hesitation or thought she knocked. There was no answer.
"Naru," Mai called, her knocks becoming more insistent, "Naru, are you there?"
Still nothing.
It briefly occurred to her what she must look like hanging outside a man's room this late at night, that she was being too loud. She would be the talk of Nozomi if she wasn't careful...
But there it was again. The memory of his pale face hovering inches from hers. It wouldn't leave her alone.
Forget them.
"Naru," Mai persisted, pressed right up to his door.
Her hand slipped down the grains of wood, down to the door handle. She only second guessed herself a moment before her fingers closed around it and gave a firm twist.
No click. The door didn't budge.
It's locked.
"You're looking for Shibuya-san...?"
Mai startled at the sound of Niko's voice. She had forgotten he was there.
"Oh, sorry...yes, um— he didn't look well tonight."
Niko nodded slowly in response, looking thoughtful...and then suddenly met Mai's eyes.
"Excuse me a moment."
Before Mai could even answer, he was moving down the hall. Mai watched him go wonderingly, then turned back to the door and began knocking again,
"Naru..?"
Faster than expected, Niko returned.
"I asked my grandmother if she had seen him," he spoke, slightly out of breath.
Mai's hopes rose, but he shook his head.
"Shibuya-san hasn't come back yet."
Bou-san was wrong.
Mai's gaze fell to the crack at the bottom of the door: dark.
He's not here.
"But...that just must mean he's still at the theater?" Niko persisted.
At his reassuring tone, Mai fought off the doubtful frown pulling at her lips.
"You're right, he's probably busy with things there."
She smiled wanting to believe it. Needing to believe it. She couldn't think otherwise, the weight of him leaning against her, his shallow breathing, still too fresh in her mind...
He's fine. He's at the theater.
Watching her carefully, Niko glanced between Naru's door and the doors of the dining room.
"Shall we...eat then?"
Mai nodded.
"Okay."
Lead back down the hall, her eyes lingered on room thirteen until she could no longer see it.
Niko pushed open the doors to the dining room.
"Wait here," he instructed as Mai hovered in the dark doorway.
The heir disappeared, and a moment later the room was lit. Mai blinked, adjusting to the change, taking in a rare sight, the tables around her empty and silent.
"We have it all to ourselves," he announced, joining her again, "everyone is either at the theater or in bed."
They chose a table near the windows, which Mai had never had the chance to do, notoriously late for her meals at the inn. Mai took a seat, her gaze captured by the view at her right. The glass was nearly black with the dark outside, splattered with the remains of the rain storm.
"Give me a minute, I'll make us something," Niko offered, seeing her settled in.
Mai sat back, listening to the sound of Niko pulling out pots and pans in the kitchen. She was grateful for his help that evening, for him going to such trouble. She should eat, she hadn't had dinner.
I'm starving, she told herself, pointedly ignoring the fact that it wasn't her stomach aching, but her chest.
I'll eat and be just fine.
To take her mind off of her hunger, Mai's attention moved back to the window, but she quickly discovered that was a mistake. Each drop of rain that slid down the pane served as a reminder of the experience she had in the theater, of the blood which stained her dress, of the confusion, chaos, and the horror, of being lead back to base, of...
Mai shook her head, as if that could help her shake him from her mind. Habitually, her hand reached across the table for the thing she drew most comfort from, but her fingers closed on empty air.
I need a cup of tea.
The kitchen door swung open. Out walked Niko, a tray in hand. Mai smiled at him and murmured her thanks as a plate of steaming food was set down in front of her, but her thirst rather than her hunger drove her to pick up her glass instead of her chopsticks.
Mai took a breath in, ready to inhale the calming scent of tea, but the cup was cold.
"It's juice," she spoke, unable to help herself.
Niko nodded stirring sauce into his rice, unaware of her disappointment.
"Was grapefruit a good choice? We have orange too."
Mai nodded back, setting down the glass. The ache her in chest seemed to intensify. Mai promptly took a bite of her chicken yakitori, but no matter how much she ate, the feeling stayed.
"So, should I share tomorrow's festival rules with you now, or would you rather wait for my grandmother's meeting tomorrow morning?" Niko wondered, though the smile she read in his eyes told Mai he already knew her answer.
Acknowledging this, she worked at matching his lightheartedness.
"Now is good. Thank you."
Niko grinned at her knowingly, and after tucking into a large helping of his rice, he began his explanations.
"The fifth day of the festival is the day of achievement. It honors what Mr. Miyuki achieved during his career. The theater is a major symbol of this, and every year on this day at sunset all of Nozomi gathers there to share achievements they have made, inspired by Mr. Miyuki. That is...usually. I don't know what will happen now."
Mai set down her chopsticks, frowning uncertainly,
"Do you mean...after what happened tonight?"
Niko nodded,
"The town is superstitious. Nari's been hurt. I don't think there's anyone in Nozomi who doesn't believe in the haunting now. No one will want to cross Mr. Miyuki's restless spirit. For the first time since the festival began, the theater may be empty on it's day of honor."
Mai's frown deepened, one hand coming to rest against her chest. An image of old man with sorrowful eyes and a finger placed before his lips came to mind.
They blame him. Of course.
"Not that it's your fault," Niko added hurriedly in her silence, "I know Mrs. Motoshi was upset, but I'm sure your group has done everything they can about the haunting. I'm sure Shibuya-san will come up with something to make the theater safe again, maybe even tomorrow?"
Naru.
Mai shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Her chest felt as if someone had lit it on fire.
"Are you alright?"
Niko was halfway out of his chair in concern. Mai waved one hand dismissively, while the other beat at her chest.
"Sorry, I'm fine. It's just indigestion."
"Really, are you sure? Here, you should drink."
Mai's glass was placed in her hand. She raised it her lips, but she somehow knew it wouldn't help. It wasn't the juice she needed.
"Better?" Niko asked, still out of his seat.
Mai motioned him to sit, clearing her throat.
"Better, thank you."
Niko sat, though reluctantly. He glanced at the clock hanging in the dinging room.
"You must be tired, it's been a pretty long night."
"Mm," Mai nodded, picking at her food, finally acknowledging to herself that she didn't have an appetite.
Too long.
"If you're finished, you should head back and get some sleep. I'll clean up here."
Mai glanced up from her plate with relief, grateful for a chance to be excused,
"I think I am. Thank you for dinner Niko."
The young heir returned her look kindly,
"You're welcome. See you during the festival tomorrow."
"See you then," Mai answered, standing from the table. At the double doors, she gave a wave, and then was gone.
Outside the dinning room, Mai found herself in a hall that was empty and quiet with sleep. It really had gotten late...
Mai blinked, and came to a halt. She was standing outside room thirteen. She supposed she should be surprised she had lead herself there, but she wasn't. It was where her mind had been all through dinner.
Mai knocked, once, twice...no response. Pursing her lips, she stared at the base of the door. There was no light on inside.
He still isn't back...?
Mai's hand moved to her chest absently, the ache there growing with her worry. Shaking her head, she attempted to throw off the feeling.
Naru's fine.
He's probably just asleep.
Still, I wish he'd answer his door...
With a quick look up and down the hall, Mai knocked more insistently, giving it one last effort, hoping to wake her boss if he really was sleeping.
"Naru...Naru, are you there?"
There was the sudden creaking of a door hinge, Mai startled back a step, her heart jolting with hope—
"I'm here, will you cut out that racket?"
Mai's head swung to the right and her heart dropped. Where room thirteen remained locked up tight, room fourteen was open, an old man stood in the doorway.
"Do you know what time it is young lady? What are you doing out here making that kind of noise when other people are trying to sleep? Sneaking about? Well, not on my watch, shoo now. Flirt at a decent hour."
Flirt?
Mai took another step back, unable to get a word in. The old man waved his wrinkled hands at her, repeating grumbles of inappropriate youth.
Chastened and disappointed, Mai retreated to her room. Her door shut with a snap, and two clatters followed this as she kicked off her damp shoes. One shoe landed on her bed, perfectly made.
Bou-san.
Hours before he had helped her put it together, they had discussed her latest Miyuki dream...
The other ghost.
Mai groaned and ran a hand through her hair, she paused and pulled it away in the next moment as something felt sticky. Inspecting her palm, she found traces of red.
Blood.
Mai shuddered, and made for the bathroom. She shrugged out of the dress the old seamstresses of Nozomi had given her, ruined now. Carefully, she undid the bandages that wrapped her healing feet. The shower head poured out steaming water. Mai scrubbed until her skin was pink.
Wrapped in a towel Mai left the warmth of the bathroom to search for something to wear. Piled in a corner were the relics of yesterday's festival adventures: the rich velvet green dress and Ayako's spandex shorts, coupled with Bou-san oversized shirt. She hadn't been able to return either in the rush and distraction of the day like she had originally planned.
Mai knelt before her suitcase, digging for a sleep shirt and pants. Not for the first time, Mai realized she had not brought enough along for this trip, seeing that the pink set she pulled out was the last of the sleepwear she still had clean.
There's still two more days of the festival...
Mai pulled on her pajamas and crossed the room to turn off the gas lamp. In the relative dark she crawled into her bed, drawing the covers up to her chin. She was tired, exhausted. She closed her eyes, ready for sleep to come...but it didn't.
Her mind hummed, the back of her eyelids shown Naru's door. She opened her eyes and restlessly turned over. She was now facing her window and...something else. Outlined in soft moonlight were two food trays, stacked neatly. One of them from Niko, and the other she had learned was from...
I can only imagine what would cause him to make you breakfast.
Ayako's words echoing in her ears, Mai rolled over, wrapping the blanket around herself tightly, attempting to shut out the ache in her chest.
Naru's fine.
He's sleeping in the next room over.
Mai had no idea she had fallen asleep until she found herself in a grassy field instead of her bed. Mai blinked and turned to orient herself. Looming just ahead was a shadowy structure, moonlight streaking through the holes in it's roof.
The outdoor theater...?
She was standing on the festival grounds, looking out behind her she could see the festivities in full swing, lanterns glowing in the darkness, strung over food stands busy with long lines. Mai made no move towards the crowd of people, but she felt even if she had wanted to join them, they were unreachable. The festival was not the focus of this dream. A warm breeze scattered her bangs and directed her attention back to the forgotten theater in front of her.
When she heard the muffled voices she knew she wasn't in just any dream.
I'm in a memory.
Without hesitating she ducked behind one of the decaying benches, hiding in the weeds growing there, holding in a cough from the dust that stirred around her.
"...lilies..."
"...theater..."
"...alone..."
The words reached her ears with the sound of footsteps, instinctively she crouched down further. They were coming. Mr. Sachi...and the unknown woman.
"I had planned to restore it this summer, though after all the extra expenses, I never got around to it."
"Joji, you know that would be pointless now."
On her knees, invisible in the dark, Mai's intuition coursed through her like a current. She now knew the purpose of this dream: identify the woman.
So intent on this, Mai startled in the next moment as Mr. Sachi passed by her. She quickly covered her mouth, stifling her gasp.
"I know you're unhappy about this..."
"Joji, enough apologizing...I'm not that upset."
Mr. Sachi approached the woman, his polished dress shoes toe to toe with her heels. The familiarity of the scene stuck Mai with a jolt. Her hand fell away from her mouth. She suddenly stood, abandoning her hiding place.
Reminiscent of her encounter at the theater hours before, Mai was met with heads turned towards her in surprise.
"Miss Miyuki...?" she spoke, staring at the woman Mr. Sachi held in his arms.
The heiress's blue eyes regarded her coldly, but before Mai could persist, she felt a firm tug pulling her back.
No! I'm not done yet, I have more to ask!
Mai struggled against the grip around her waist. A strong scent of tea washed over her senses.
Naru?
The next moment Mai found herself sitting up in bed, breathing heavy. She stared around, her eyes taking in her dark room at the inn, rather than the shadowy remains of the outdoor theater.
Finding her sheets twisted around her tightly, Mai wrestled herself free and left her bed. She couldn't go back to sleep, not now, her mind alert and racing. Mai paced the room, the hardwood floor cool and drafty against her bare feet. Strangely, what seemed to haunt her the most wasn't the people who had appeared in the dream, but the person who hadn't.
Naru.
Blindly she searched out her suitcase and began digging through it. Finally pulling free a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of jean shorts, she set about changing. Retrieving her (mostly dry) flats scattered about the room, Mai spared a glance at her window. Outside the moonlight was weak, but she guessed it wasn't quite dawn. It was still too early for what Nozomi would call an appropriate visit. And he would be sleeping...
Good. I'll get to intrude on his dreams for once.
Grabbing an elastic, Mai gathered up the strands of hair falling in her face in a sort of half-ponytail, and slipped out into the hall.
For the third time Mai was standing in front of room thirteen. Mai pulled her hood up over her head, but making sure she wasn't seen wasn't hard at this hour, the inn was still wrapped in slumber. She knocked gently at first, but with every unanswered second that ticked by, her knocking became more insistent.
"Naru? Naru, wake up—"
There was the click of a door handle turning and the whine of a door hinge, but with a sinking heart Mai saw once again, it wasn't coming from his room.
"You call this a decent hour?"
It was the old man from the night before.
Mai shrank inside her hood, and gave a quick apologetic head bob,
"I'm sorry, I'm just trying—"
"To make a ruckus?"
"No, I'm trying to see—"
"Look, I'll give you a hint," the old man continued, speaking over her, shaking a knowing finger, "obviously he's not interested. "
A rush of warmth entered Mai's cheeks, she had half a mind to show this nosy man just what making a ruckus looked like, when she felt a touch on her shoulder.
Mai snapped around, expecting a second disgruntled neighbor, but was startled to find Lin standing there.
"May I speak with you?"
With her nod in answer, the Chinese man gave brief bow toward the old man, then took hold of Mai's elbow, and guided her down the hall. Mai could hear the old man's scoffs and grumbles all the way to the dining room's double doors.
Lin released her elbow and smoothly pushed open the dining room doors. Mai walked in after him to a dining room bathed in gray early morning light. Mai looked to the kitchen curiously, but it there was not a pot or pan to be heard, no one was in yet.
Lin moved to towards the back of the room and she followed, weaving around empty tables. They came to stand in front of the windows, still streaked with rain.
With curiosity burning her mind, and a deep ache burning her chest, Mai glanced up at the tall man beside her expectantly.
Does he know something?
"You have some talent for making friends, Taniyama-san."
Mai blinked in confusion, but noticing the slight teasing smile pulling at his lips, she realized he was referencing the awkward situation he had just rescued her from. With a sigh she pushed back her hood and absently straightened her bangs,
"He was being nosy and irritable."
"I would be too. You woke him for nothing."
Mai felt her chest tighten, her hand dropped from her bangs,
"What do you...?"
Lin's gaze shifted from the view outside to meet Mai's,
"Naru isn't there."
Mai stared in surprise.
"Where...?"
Her mind was suddenly racing, the doubt she had been fighting off all night came crashing down on her.
"He's not in the...hospital?"
Lin looked over at her properly, perhaps sensing her anxiety.
"Hospital? No. What makes you say that?"
Mai swallowed, and relief flowed through her.
He's fine.
"Um," she began, composing herself, noticing that the Chinese man was still waiting for her answer, "He looked really tired last night. I was worried something might be wrong..."
Lin nodded, accepting the answer and offering one of his own,
"He's in Tokyo."
Tokyo?
Her worry subsiding, Mai felt a new sensation settle inside her like a weight. Stubbornly, she refused to identify it. Her chest ached.
"Oh, really? For how long...?"
"He didn't say. I expect him back this evening, tomorrow at the latest."
Naru left.
Mai frowned, her neck beginning to flush as she recalled her visits to his room that morning and the night before.
He wasn't there.
"Are you doing okay?"
Lin's question pulled her from her flustered thoughts. She flushed deeper. Not for the first time, she wondered if the man could read minds...
Impossible.
Mai opened her mouth to answer, but realized she couldn't. How she was doing was anything but okay, but she wasn't about to acknowledge feelings to Lin she wouldn't even acknowledge to herself.
"I'm really craving a cup of tea, would you like one?"
The Chinese man regarded her, a shadow of a smile on his lips.
"I would."
Excusing herself, Mai turned for the dark kitchen door. The large room Mai entered was more cramped than she expected, stuffed tightly with boxes of food and shelves of dishes and pottery. Along the back wall a stove was installed next to a wood burning oven.
Tea.
Without hesitation, she helped herself to the Koku's shelves, searching for tea, for a teapot and cups. Successful in her search, Mai lit the stove. She discovered the sink, filled the teapot. The water put to boil, Mai waited in anticipation...her mind wandering. Unsurprisingly, it went to the one person it couldn't seem to leave alone.
He's in Tokyo.
Lin's unexpected answer was still ringing in her ears. She had been worried that she'd find Naru passed out cold somewhere, and now it turned out that he had gone into the city? What was he even doing there...?
At least I know he's alright.
Mai felt herself relax slightly, but with the release of tension came a strange sensation. It was almost as if she had missed a stair step. The teapot whistled. Happy for the distraction, Mai took it off the heat and added the tea to steep.
Mai emerged from the kitchen carrying two steaming cups of tea. Lin received his with a grateful nod of the head.
"Thank you."
Mai nearly burned her lips, eager to take her first sip, her nose buried below the rim. The scent alone was nearly enough to banish the ache plaguing her chest. Mai closed her eyes and breathed deeply.
After a few impatient moments, it was finally cool enough to sip. Mai stood beside the Chinese man in contented silence, each swallow bringing her warmth and comfort. Outside the windows in front of them, the world beyond began to wake.
Mai was just feeling comfortable enough to try and ask if Lin knew just what Naru was doing in Tokyo, when the dining room doors opened and the chance was stolen.
"Mai, there you are—"
"Bou-san?"
"I was just at your room and you didn't answer. You had me worried."
"Sorry, I was talking with Lin—"
"Is that tea?"
In the next instant Mai's cup was plucked from her hands. Mai frowned in offense and made to snatch her cup back before it was completely drained, but was momentarily distracted.
"What are you wearing?"
The monk blinked at her over the edge of the cup,
"What do you mean? This is good tea, by the way..."
"Have it," Mai sighed in defeat, watching him drinking greedily, "I'll make another cup."
Bou-san flashed her a wink, "Thanks."
Returning to her original point, Mai waved a hand at the monk. He was sporting black flannel pants, and a loose t-shirt with a ridiculous band name printed across it.
His band?
"Why do you look like you just rolled out of bed?"
Bou-san grunted into his teacup,
"Because I did."
"You've been wandering around the inn like that...?"
"Mai, do you know what time it is? Nobody is even alive at this hour. Only my concern for you and this tea are enabling me to even speak to you right now. But I see you're dressed and ready for the day, what are you even doing up?"
Mai suddenly became fascinated with the hem of her sweatshirt,
"I went to check on Naru."
"Check? Didn't you get to see him last night?"
"No, he wasn't there."
Bou-san frowned at her, trying to catch her eye,
"Wasn't there...where is he?"
Mai cleared her throat, meeting his gaze in what she hoped was an unaffected way.
"He's in Tokyo right now."
Bou-san's gaze shifted from Mai to the tall Chinese man standing just off to the side, making the connection.
"That's why you're up so early? You went to talk to Lin about Naru?"
"I found her outside his door, she was going to wake the whole inn."
Mai glanced at Lin. There it was again, that small amused smile. In the next second it was gone though, replaced with a more serious expression,
"I do have things to share now that you're here, though."
Mai blinked in surprise,
There's more?
"What are we sharing, coffee? Thank god..."
Mai's attention snapped around toward Bou-san. Standing at his shoulder was Ayako who promptly stole his teacup from his hand.
"Ugh— this is tea."
Mai stared. Not because of the face the woman was making, but rather because of how she looked. Just like the monk, she seemed to have left her room having just rolled out of bed.A rich silk robe was wrapped around the priestess, cut low and lined with lace. Her red hair was piled high on top of her head in a messy bun.
"Do you have any idea what time it is? If there isn't black coffee, how are you even alive right now?"
"The tea was helping," Bou-san murmured darkly.
"I'll be back."
Taking pity on the monk Mai excused herself and disappeared into the kitchen. She came back out a short while later with a tray of steaming tea, including a refill for Lin. Feeling vaguely important, Mai passed out the cups, much to the group's satisfaction. Even Ayako.
Just like old times.
It was then that she realized that she had made an extra cup.
Naru.
Mai took a large swallow of tea. Her chest ached.
The lone cup didn't get much time to cool though before it was given an owner. Just as Ayako was sitting Mai down to look her over, the dining room doors opened for a third time and in walked John.
"Oh, you were in here," he greeted with a relieved smile.
"Yeah, sorry. I didn't think I should wake you. You got back later than us," Bou-san answered, and then pointing to the tray offered the extra cup of tea, "Here, this will help. Mai just made some."
"Thank you," John said, accepting the tea with a grateful look at Mai.
"Oh, but it's okay to wake me with a call at some godforsaken hour..." Ayako grumbled, studying Mai's feet, "Good, they're healing well..."
John came and took a seat at a table near Mai,
"I didn't get to talk with you last night, are you alright?"
"I am," Mai nodded, "How about you?"
John covered his mouth in a yawn. It was then Mai noticed how tired he looked, dark circles under his eyes and his blond hair tousled and messy, even still, he had put the in the effort to get dressed. She tossed a critical look at Ayako and Bou-san, standing around in their pajamas.
"I'm okay, just didn't get much sleep. Things could be worse, considering what happened last night. I'm grateful nobody was seriously hurt."
Mai nodded again, the reality of his words sinking in. Ayako released Mai's foot, her expression pensive. She had treated minor injuries for hours after the incident. Fortunately though, nothing worse than Nari's sprain.
"That's how our client wants to keep it. He spoke with me before I left. He would like each of you to come to the theater this morning prepared to use your talents."
Lin's announcement filled the quiet room. Reading the Chinese man's posture, Mai could tell he didn't care for taking orders from the playwright.
Ayako let out a scoff and stood from examining Mai,
"Prepared to use our talents? After the way that woman went on last night, does he even believe that we have any?"
When there was no immediate answer the priestess continued,
"And what about Naru? Some good his talent of disappearing is doing for us."
Lin faced Ayako with more patience than Mai expected, matching her stare for stare,
"Naru is in Tokyo. He'll be back as soon as possible. In the meantime, we'll respect our client's requests."
The priestess returned her teacup to the tray.
"I guess I'll be getting dressed then."
With that she left the dining room, all hot air and perfume.
"It's because she didn't get her coffee," Bou-san spoke in her wake, returning his own cup of tea to the tray, "I'm going to get dressed too, meet you at the theater?"
Lin nodded in agreement, and the monk turned to go, but not before stopping to take Mai's arm.
"Come on."
The hall they entered was just coming alive. People shuffled here and there, looking sleepy and disoriented. Bou-san wasn't the only one sporting sleep wear.
They reached the monk's room and paused. Bou-san dug in his pocket for his key. Mai, unable to help herself, stole a glance towards room thirteen. This didn't go unnoticed. Bou-san followed her gaze, turning the key in the lock.
"So, you were waking the dead over Naru this morning, hm?"
Startled at being caught, Mai broke her stare. Seeing the door open, she shouldered her way into the monk's room.
"I wasn't being loud. People are too sensitive."
Bou-san trailed after her, his eyebrows raised, but let the comment go.
Mai stopped, her eyes traveling over his floors, his bed, his duffel bag...
Mai had seen inside his room once, a few days before, it had looked like it belonged to a rock star who had pulled one too many all-nighters, littered with coffee cups, papers, CDs, and clothes. But, now...
It's clean?
Bou-san brushed past her as she sat on the edge of his newly made bed. Watching him rummage carelessly through his duffel bag of neatly folded clothes, a sneaking suspicion rose inside Mai.
Ayako was here.
Bou-san stood, what he pulled from his bag wiped the knowing smirk from Mai's face.
"Your robes?"
The monk nodded, heading for the bathroom.
"Mr. Sachi said to come prepared to use our talents."
Mai shifted uncomfortably, her heart rate picking up. Memories of what they encountered the night before flashing in warning through her mind,
"You think he'll ask you to exorcise...?"
The monk shut himself in the bathroom to change, his voice carried through the door.
"I don't think he expects me to come playing my bass guitar, Mai."
Mai squeezed her hands together in her lap, frowning.
"But it isn't Mr. Miyuki that's haunting the theater."
"I know. That's why I want you no where near our exorcisms today. Things could get interesting."
Rebelling against the idea, Mai stood pacing.
"Can't you hold off, just for today? We need more time to investigate this other ghost. We don't what we're dealing with yet."
"I'm not going to lie— that would make me a lot more comfortable. But our credibility's on the line. You heard Nari's mother, and what she said I'm sure the rest of Nozomi's thinking: we're frauds."
Bou-san opened the bathroom looking every inch a monk, tying the sash at his waist. He met her protesting gaze and shook his head,
"Mr. Sachi has to act, he can't just do nothing. Like Lin said, he's a paying client, we're going to have to respect his requests. And anyways," he added, placing a heavy hand on her head, ruffling her hair, "this is good news if you think about it. We've gone from a closed case, to a virtually proven haunting overnight. Operation Miyuki may have gotten derailed, but it's looking like we're going to be able to save the theater after all."
Bou-san's right.
Mai made to agree, to be satisfied, but at the mention of Miyuki she hesitated.
"Miss Miyuki," she spoke, suddenly recalling her dream, "...and Mr. Sachi."
"Hm?"
Bou-san shot her wondering look as she moved past her, grabbing his duffel bag.
"I'm not sure yet, Bou-san. I don't really understand it..."
The monk paused digging through his bag,
"What do you mean...?"
Mai sat on the bed again, gathering her thoughts.
"You know that night of the festival where the men handed out lilies?"
The monk nodded, returning to searching through his duffel.
"You mean the night Niko proposed to you and Naru got so jealous that he went back to the inn and left you that moon lily? Sure, I remember. Go on."
Mai felt her cheeks warm,
That Bou-san.
"It was the night I discovered that outdoor theater. I saw Mr. Sachi there with a woman," she continued, pointedly ignoring the monk's unhelpful commentary.
"One who wasn't Nari, right? What a two-timer...three-timer actually, if you count Masako."
Mai clenched her jaw,
Poor Nari.
"I think I know who the woman was, Bou-san."
The monk tucked papers inside his robe, exorcism materials. He turned to face her properly now,
"You think you know? How?"
"I ran into Mr. Sachi last night in the theater, he was alone with someone. There was just something about them, they were standing too close..."
Bou-san crossed his arms, staring down at her thoughtfully. She had his full attention.
"Alone...? With who?"
"Miss Miyuki."
Mai pursed her lips, the name hanging in the air between them. The monk sat next her, his brows knitted together.
"Miss Miyuki, as in the woman who's been threatening the theater and fighting tooth and nail with Mr. Sachi, Miss Miyuki? Mai, are you sure that something about them was romantic, and not them having a really heated argument...?"
Mai didn't blame the monk's incredulous tone. She was still having a hard time processing what she saw, what she felt herself, but...
"I know how unbelievable it sounds, Bou-san, but my intuition is telling me there's something. I can't just ignore it. Besides, that wasn't the only evidence."
Bou-san listened, thinking hard. At the mention of further evidence he raised his eyebrows,
"There's more?"
"I had a dream last night, but it wasn't an ordinary one. I revisited that night of the festival."
"The one when you were manhandled..."
Mai held up a silencing hand, attempting to keep them on point, and persisted,
"Yes, that one. In my dream I saw them, Mr. Sachi and the woman. I didn't hide this time, I stood up and confronted them. I came face to face with Miss Miyuki."
The monk looked over at her, his expression still seemed be conflicted, caught between amazement and uncertainty.
"But Mai you've seen them. They hate each other."
Mai nodded. She had seen them. Shouting. Cursing. Throwing dirty looks.
But...
"You never know...sometimes the line between love and hate can be pretty thin."
Bou-san let out a breathy noise. If she wasn't mistaken, it sounded partially amused.
"Speaking from experience, Taniyama?"
That Bou-san.
Her eyes swept across his clean room. She had half a mind to bring up her suspicions of his own love/hate relationship, but as if sensing retaliation, the monk suddenly stood.
"Well, whatever is going on, it doesn't do us much good sitting here guessing about it. Let's get to the theater and handle the paranormal part of this case, and when we have the chance again, we'll question Miss Miyuki."
With no choice but to shelve the conversation, running short on time, Mai agreed and followed the monk from his room.
"It's about time, are we going or what...?"
Ayako was standing in the middle of the hall, dressed appropriately in her hakama and haori, her red hair neatly braided back.
Come prepared to use your talents.
Mai's gaze shifted from the miko, her impatience betraying her serene appearance, to the young man beside her. Catching her eye, John shared a smile. He too was dressed to use his talents, his vestment garments, his cassock and stole, ironed and starched. His clerical collar stood out stark white amongst the black. In his hands he carried a vile and a bible.
The priest and priestess were drawing a lot of attention. People passed them whispering and staring.
"Look, aren't they those people from that paranormal group Sachi hired?"
"You mean the fakes."
"Are they playing dress up today...?"
"Maybe they're finally going to do their job."
"A little late if you ask me. I'll never get that blood out of my dress."
Mai suddenly understood Ayako's urgency to leave.
"Come on, let's get out of here."
Mai took the monk's lead, pulling up her hood. Ayako and John joined them and together they left the hum of gossip behind.
Stepping out of the Inn, the cool morning air hit Mai's bare legs and she shivered. Evidence of the rain storm the night before lingered in the coils of damp fog that hung about the town. The grounds they crossed, normally dusty, were now muddy, filled with large puddles of standing water. Mai walked with extra care, determined to keep her feet out of them.
Ayako had more than a few choice words to say during their trek to the theater, running on no coffee, no breakfast, holding up her long skirt to keep it from getting dirty.
They were all relieved arriving at the theater stairs. Without a word, Bou-san took Mai's hand in his and began climbing. The theater's double doors were propped wide open, almost as if in welcome, but Mai knew better. She squeezed her eyes shut as she passed through them.
The experience wasn't made better with an empty stomach, and Mai was forced pause until the room stopped spinning and her stomach stopped lurching. A muttered curse from Ayako nearby told Mai that she had been similarly affected.
"I don't know what is going on with this place, but mark my words— what ever is here won't survive today."
"I'm glad to hear it, that's exactly what I've called you for after all."
That voice.
Mai opened her eyes and turned to find Mr. Sachi standing the middle of the lobby. It was almost the exact spot she had encountered him in the night before, and for an instant that was all Mai could think of.
Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki.
Then she noticed the blood. Surprised, she took in the playwright's appearance: patches of his blue button up dress shirt were stained, his normally jovial face was strained with exhaustion. He looked as if he hadn't slept.
"I don't have much time, myself and a few of the bravest men in Nozomi have been working around the clock to make this theater presentable in time for tonight's festivities, but if you'll follow me, I have instructions for you.
The four of them followed the playwright. Filing into base, they were met with familiar faces. Lin was stationed at his computer and turned in his seat briefly to acknowledge them. A few feet away, wearing a shimmering silver kimono, sat Masako.
Mai came to sit directly across from the medium and they exchanged polite head nods. With everyone settled, Bou-san and John next to Mai, Ayako leaning against the arm chair, attention turned toward Mr. Sachi.
"I'll be brief," the playwright began, his hands braced against the back of the couch, "This was a conversation I planned on having with Shibuya-san, but I've been informed that he has skipped town."
Mai shifted in her seat, heat rising to her face.
What is he implying...?
"A few unexpected results have come out of the disturbance we experienced last night. The greatest being that most of Nozomi now believes what I've been telling them all along: the theater is haunted."
Mr. Sachi paused here, a look of satisfaction settled on his face. His eyes brightened, practically shouting: didn't I tell you? But then his expression shifted, and a tiredness reentered his features,
"But therein also lays the problem. They now believe it's haunted. They're terrified. They won't set foot here. What good is a theater without an audience? I need you to fix this. It might be difficult, I've been doing extensive damage control, but I think, even despite your president's retreat, you still have enough credibility for me to reassure the townspeople that you can make this place safe again."
Retreat?
Mai's pulse spiked. Across the faces of all those around her she could see that they too were annoyed...all excepting Ayako. The priestess had made it clear she thought Naru had left them high and dry.
"Fix it?" Bou-san repeated, his arms crossed.
"Yes."
"As in exorcisms?"
"Do whatever it is you do, just do it fast."
"It doesn't really work that way."
"It'll have to. The festival is tonight."
A light knock at the door interrupted the monk and the playwright's sparring match.
"Um, excuse me— Mr. Sachi?"
Mr. Sachi cleared his throat, and turned to face a young woman peering into the room.
"Ah, Ayumi, you're here. Such a brave girl. You ready to rehearse?"
The young woman nodded. The playwright turned back to the group seated before him,
"I must be going now, I have work to do. I'll let you get to yours."
And with that Mr. Sachi left them. Passing Lin he added,
"You'll let me know when he gets back?"
"Certainly. I'm sure he'll want to talk."
There was a silence, and then Ayako snorted.
"What was that about?"
The comment was directed at Bou-san, and he glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.
"What was what about?"
"Why argue? Of course this theater can be clear by this evening."
"Oh really? How do you figure?"
"I'm here."
There was another snort. Mai's gaze switched to Masako just in time to see her cover her mouth with her sleeve.
Bou-san stood and gestured toward the door, "Well, in that case, lead on."
In a dignified rustle of robes, the priestess did exactly that,
"Thank you, I will."
The monk followed behind her, over his shoulder he addressed the rest of the group,
"Ayako and I will take the West half of the building, John— you and Masako can take the East half. Be careful, we're still not exactly sure what we're up against."
Mai frowned, worry settling in her stomach.
The spirit isn't Mr. Miyuki.
"Return at noon to report out and I'll record your progress," Lin instructed from behind his laptop screen.
Before Bou-san disappeared through the door, he caught his partner's eye,
"Mai, you stay and monitor things from base."
Mai could hear the extra emphasis in his orders to her. He was concerned about her safety. She nodded in answer.
John gave Mai a gentle squeeze of the shoulder as he passed by,
"See you in a little while."
Masako rose from the couch, her silver kimono shimmering in the light, and proceeded to follow the other three. Just as she past her rival she murmured,
"Naru's in Tokyo. Just thought you should know."
Mai blinked in surprise,
"Thanks, I did. Lin told me."
"Perfect."
Mai stared after the medium as she stepped out into the hall.
Was that her...being helpful?
Mai didn't have time to wonder at her rival's behavior for very long though. There was work to do. Quietly, as not to disturb to Lin, she crossed the room and took a seat facing the many camera monitors they had set up. After a moment she spotted Bou-san enter a hall, walking side by side with Ayako. They were still bickering, she could see it in their body language. Mai's eyes focused on the shadows at their backs, alert for what might lurk there.
Satisfied there was no immediate danger stalking the monk and the miko, Mai's attention switched cameras. The screen showed the other half of the theater. Looking particularly pale, Masako stood in the center of a dressing room, her eyes closed. In a corner John lingered, watching. Mai studied the dark of the doorway, but nothing entered or passed by. Mai sat back in her chair, relieved. Then she started all over again, her gaze traveling across each monitor.
Camera one, clear.
Camera two, clear.
Camera three, clear.
Camera four...clear.
Mai's mind began to drift. Something Mr. Sachi had said was lodged there...
"...most of Nozomi now believes what I've been telling them all along: the theater is haunted."
It was exactly like what Bou-san had told her at the inn. This meant the haunting was proven, didn't it? According to the deal...
Mai frowned, struggling to recall the details. She turned in her seat, her eyes falling on the couch. The second day of their investigation Mr. Sachi had sat in that very spot and explained his real reason for them coming...
"That's exactly what I've called you for after all..."
Mai bit her lip.
It was them. They were hired to prove the haunting.
Mai's heart fluttered in her chest with hope.
The theater could be saved.
Mai made to turn back around, but her gaze paused on the armchair across from her. An image entered her mind, a face pale and intense as it hovered over hers. Mai swallowed, remembering.
Naru.
Anxiousness mixed with her hope, and Mai's heart began to race.
His words from the day before echoed in her head,
"We'll honor the agreement we have with Mr. Sachi and stay through the end of the festival, but as far as I'm concerned there's no longer any need to investigate. There's nothing here."
The theater could be saved, but would it be...?
"Lin," Mai spoke, unable to contain herself.
The sound of typing ceased, "Yes?"
"Do you think Naru will re-open the case?"
The Chinese looked up from his computer and met her eyes,
"He'll have no choice after last night."
Mai nodded in understanding.
Mr. Sachi will give him no choice.
This meant she had another chance. He didn't believe in the haunting, and she was forbidden from sharing the proof she saw nearly everyday, but now he had been witness to proof himself. Was it enough to convince him?
What does he think now?
Her head starting to ache over the implications of her boss' decision to announce a haunting...or denounce a haunting, Mai returned her attention to the camera monitors. Her gaze fixed on the upper right most screen. It showed the lobby, the hall, the double doors. Mai frowned again.
Questions sprouted like weeds in her head.
Why had Mr. Miyuki chosen to revel himself to herself alone...?
Why the focus on his daughter...?
What exactly was her relationship with Mr. Sachi...?
Even if the theater is saved, this case isn't closed. Not yet.
A flash of white. Mai startled. Quickly she straightened up, her eyes scanned the screens before her, searching...
Mai let out a sigh, her heart rate decreasing. It was just Bou-san. He had pulled out a flashlight to inspect something, and it's beam had caught the camera lens. Mai rubbed her forehead, she was definitely getting a headache. The questions vying for her attention were too much.
Determined to banish her distracting thoughts, she got up and walked over to the small kitchenette.
Tea. I need tea.
As Mai was filling the tea pot she realized what a mistake she had made. The greatest of her distractions appeared before her, the memory vivid. Naru. Standing behind her the night before, helping her to clean up.
Mai shook her head, blinking rapidly to clear the image. Absently, she touched at her her back. She swore she could feel his presence there.
"Is something wrong?" Lin spoke. He had watched her cross the room.
Mai turned off the water, and cleared her throat,
"I'm just a little tired. I'm making some more tea, would you like some?"
"Yes, thank you."
Mai switched on the burner, placing the tea pot over the flame. She made to return to her post, to continue monitoring the theater, but froze on the spot. Leaning against the wall near the window was Naru. Mai could see his labored breathing from where she stood. She stared transfixed...and then a whistle sounded.
Mai gasped and glanced around panicked, but it was just the tea pot blowing steam.
How long was I standing there...?
"Are you sure you're alright?" Lin asked, his tone unconvinced.
Mai waved a dismissive hand, removing the boiling water from the heat.
"Fine, sorry— just spaced out there for a moment."
There was a protracted silence as Mai prepared the tea. Feeling flustered, she hurried through the steps, eager to throw herself into her duties. She kept her eyes solely on her task.
She handed off Lin's cup of tea, pointedly meeting his gaze and not peering past his shoulder. The Chinese man returned her gaze, accepting his cup.
"Take a break."
In the middle of departing Mai stopped in surprise,
"Hm?"
"If you're that tired you should get some fresh air."
Mai blinked, already opening her mouth to protest— but, who would watch the cameras?—when her eyes betrayed her and looked past Lin's shoulder, landing on the doorway. Naru stood there, his arms braced against the frame. It was all she could do to break her stare. Clumsily, she responded,
"Fresh air? You mean...go for a walk?"
She felt Lin's gaze bore through her. Did he know...?
No. He couldn't possibly...
"If you think it will help."
Mai hesitated, looking over at her station,
"What about monitoring the cameras...?"
"I'll watch them."
Mai found herself unable to argue. She needed to clear her head.
"I guess I'll take that break then, thank you."
"Be back around noon."
Mai nodded,
"I won't be long."
Her tea abandoned, Mai gave the screens one last glance, drew up her hood, and exited the room.
Don't look, don't look, don't look...
Mai flew through the doorway, down the hall, staring at the floor. Memories of the night before haunted her every step.
Her feet carrying her without destination, other than the need to be far away from base and the visions of her boss it held, Mai turned along a bend leading toward the lobby— and halted. For a split second she had seen them. Mr Sachi and Miss Miyuki, standing alone, tension filling the small space between them. When she blinked next they were gone.
Mai started walking again. She suddenly had a direction. Her jaw clenched, she hurried through the theater's double doors to the outside, nearly colliding with one of Sachi's brave men, bringing in a bucket of water. Apologizing, Mai bowed herself away, one hand at her churning stomach.
Splashing through shrinking puddles, shivering again despite the emerging sun, Mai past the Koku's inn. She knew it now. Her mind wouldn't settle. Not without seeing him. Not without knowing what there was between the Nozomi's reigning playwright and it's prodigal daughter. Naru was four hours away, she couldn't hope for relief there, but Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki...
Mai crossed into the festival grounds. It was a quiet morning, few people were out. Just the same, she kept her hood up, especially as she past the stall that belonged to John's busy-bodied congregation. Retracing her steps from the day before, Mai slipped into the tall grasses that laid just beyond the food vendors. Cool beads of dew touched her calves.
The outdoor theater. The derelict structure greeted her through a lingering mist. Mai wandered about the crumbling wooden benches, silent and thoughtful. She came to the one she had hidden behind and paused, staring toward the stage. Memories stirred in the haze. She relived the moment all over again, searching for answers.
Who was Mr. Sachi with that night...?
She had listened to the playwright and the woman speaking, she had watched them in shadow, and then...
Naru.
Manhandling.
Heat spread across Mai's face. She pushed back her hood, allowing cool air touch her warm cheeks. The question hung in the air.
What if Naru hadn't been there?
In her dream she confronted Mr. Sachi. What if she had really done the same that night? The high heels, the slender silhouette, who would have it belonged to?
Miss Miyuki...?
Mai could still see her sharp blue eyes staring back.
Could it really be her...?
A damp breeze picked up, stirring the fields surrounding the theater. Bou-san's voice whispered in the back of her mind.
"But Mai you've seen them. They hate each other."
Was he right...? Was that all there was between them, hate?
She had overheard a conversation, but was it intimate...or angry?
What credibility did her dream actually hold?
Mai sighed, sitting heavily on the bench.
Maybe it's all just a misunderstanding.
The monk was right.
It made no sense.
She was threatening everything he had worked for.
How could they be in love?
Mai's hands griped the edge of the bench, her knuckles turning white. A pressure was building in her head. It was a sensation she was all too familiar with. Intuition coursed through her.
They are in love.
Mai stood, startled by her certainty— but in the next instant she traded shock for pain. She had rolled her ankle. Off balance, she attempted to steady herself on the bench in front of her, but her momentum was too much, and she found herself pushing it over, falling on her knees. Wincing, Mai did a fair impression of Ayako that morning, muttering a few choice words. Gingerly, she made to stand, but then— froze.
Her gaze had caught on the bench she had just upended. There were ridges, indentations...? Somewhere in the back of her mind she could feel it, the pressure was building again. Tilting her head, she inspected the bench seat. Mai reached out, her fingers touching upon the markings there. There were letters craved into the wood. They were fading with age, but Mai could still make them out.
A shrill ringing rang in her ears, and Mai struggled not to be distracted. Brushing her bangs from her eyes, she read:
J.S. + K.M.
Mai sat back, her eyes wide.
J.S...
She knew those initials.
Joji Sachi.
The pressure in her head reaching a breaking point, Mai's attention turned to the second set of initials. They could have belong to anyone in the world. A school mate of Sachi's, a friend...but the heart carefully etched around the letters quieted all doubt. Her intuition rolled through her in waves. She knew the identity of K.M.
Kioko Miyuki.
Mai's pulse pounded in her throat. Her mind was alive, buzzing. Her eyes locked on the bench. There was one piece of the inscription she hadn't addressed. It was something that shouldn't have surprised her, she had known of her feelings since arriving in Nozomi, but in light of what she had just discovered, Mai's heart sank. Scratched through Kioko's initial was an N.
Nari.
