Yo! Here we are at the end. Thank you to all readers so far and, for the last time, looking forward to reviews! Laterz!

The team sat in silence, all eyes focused on Naru as they waited for him to formulate a plan. The young boss however, was going through his notes, summarizing what they knew so far.

Their client Hideki Kiyoshi was really Yaoshima Akira. He was Mai's biological father. He had two more children: Ryou and May. The latter was Mai's twin sister, and the former was four years older than them.

For some reason, Jack Midnight, who had come from overseas a handful of years before, was living with the Yaoshima family. During this time, likely because of the inability to control her powers, May accidentally killed Jack. Mai took the blame for this. Jack's spirit very likely heard this and, not realizing she was merely covering for her sister, wishes for revenge against Mai. All of this happened when the twins were three.

Soon after, Akira, possessed by Jack, began attacking the family. Mai, harmed far worse than the others, was in the hospital for some time. Despite Jack leaving his body, Akira wasn't the same any more, and ended up divorcing his wife-the children, all three of them, remaining with their mother.

The mother remarried, and the Yaoshima children became the Taniyama children. This was also when three siblings became four, because Taniyama-san had adopted Konata Shin, who had been living in an orphanage his entire life.

Soon after, Akira, possessed again, kidnapped Mai. Shin rescued her, but ended up getting shot and killed in the process. He was sixteen and Mai was four.

Just a few months later, Jack possessed Akira again, went to the university, and killed Taniyama-san, who was a professor there, along with eight year old Ryou, who had accompanied his step-father that day. The twins and their mother found out about this within hours. The killer was never found, which is why he went on with his life.

Three years later, Jack, once again, took over Akira's body, and this time, killed Taniyama-san's brother-Suzaku-san. This, for some reason appeared to be a suicide. Why he was killed, no one knew, but perhaps Suzaku had some suspicions about the situation. It was hard to say.

Another three years passed. For the fourth time, Jack possessed Akira. This time, he killed Mai's mother and ten year old twin sister-May. Mai, who was at school at the time, was spared from this.

Jack's spirit remained with Akira all these years. Shin, Ryou, May, and Suzaku were all here too. Jack however, has devoured the spirits of the latter three. He powered himself up and was not only able to communicate with them, but kill Akira as well. They couldn't say why he did this, but doubted Mai's father had moved on.

"This house," said Naru suddenly, drawing everyone's attention to him, "currently has three spirits within: Konata Shin, Yaoshima Akira-known as Hideki Kiyoshi, and Jack Midnight."

"Meaning two positive spirits and one negative," said Ayako.

"One very powerful negative spirit," John emphasized. "Being able to communicate with us is one thing, but having the strength to do what he did to Akira-san," his eyes flickered to Mai, "does not bode well for us."

Naru inclined his head, acknowledging those words. "But this also means that the only entity we need to worry about is Jack. Akira-san and Shin-san will likely aid us through this, departing this plane when they feel Mai will be safe."

Mai blinked. "So, dad and Shin-nii won't move on until Jack's gone?"

"I assume so, yes."

"So what do we do then, boss?" asked Yasuhara rather seriously.

Naru brought his fingers up to his chin in thought, while the others exchanged glances, no one speaking. Mai could feel more than one in the group glancing at her every other moment, but she ignored it. She was trying to think of what to do too. This entire case revolved around her, and she'd be damned if she had to just sit there and do nothing.

Mai wasn't an idiot. She knew how likely it was that Naru would tell her to stay out of their way while they dealt with Jack. But they weren't the ones who he'd been hurting. They weren't the ones he'd been trying to kill for-how many years now?

And then Mai blinked. "Lure him out."

"Pardon me?"

Mai looked up at the others, all of who were staring at her in confusion. "Jack. Lure him out," she clarified, watching the others trade looks.

Naru turned to her. "And how do you propose we do that?" he said with a raised brow.

Mai returned the look, raising a brow of her own. "How do you think, genius?"

Well, someone was channeling their older brother. Naru recalled Ryou speaking to him in much the same way. His young assistant didn't know that though, seeing as she had been possessed at the time. "Mai."

"Do I seriously have to clarify?" she said incredulously.

"Mai."

"Use me as bait." There were many cries of indignation, which she chose to ignore, instead focusing on her boss' blue eyes. "Why are you so appalled by that, Naru?"

"It's too dangerous!" he all but hissed in response.

"Aren't most cases?" she retorted rather calmly. "You've never hesitated about using me as bait before, whether I knew about it or not. What makes this case so special? Besides, using me would lead to the fastest result."

"No."

"She has a point, Naru-bou."

Naru immediately whipped around, glaring at the monk. "No."

Bou-san rolled his eyes at the immediate refusal. "Regardless of whether we do it or not, Mai's right." He dragged his fingers through his hair. "Jack's obviously after her. Has he even done anything to the rest of us?"

No, he hadn't. Yet, despite knowing that answer- "No."

"We should do as Mai-san and Takigawa-san are suggesting."

"No, Lin. I refuse."

"Noll."

"No."

Mai huffed. "You're being way too stubborn about this, Naru."

"I will not risk you, Mai," snapped Naru impatiently.

Mai blinked. "Naru..." She sighed. While she was very pleased he was so concerned for her, all his refusal was doing was hindering the case. Using her was the best way to attract Jack's attention, among being the only surefire thing they could do in the first place. The easiest as well.

What if nothing else worked and Jack ended up following her or something? What uf it ended up putting Keiko and Michiru at risk? It was clear he wasn't going to rest without getting his revenge on her. If they didn't do something as quick as possible, there was a chance he could possess someone on their team and attack her that way. And in Mai's opinion, that was definitely worse than merely using her as bait. At least this way they would have a chance to prepare and gain the upperhand.

She tried to explain this to Naru-explain the logic, but still, he refused to listen. In fact, the more she tried to convince him, the more vehemently he refused.

"No, Mai. There is no way I will agree to this, regardless of what anyone here says."

Mai sighed in irritation, and then her eyes lit up as she was struck with a bolt of inspiration. Pulling out her cell, she got to her feet and made to leave the room.

"Where are you going?" Naru demanded to know immediately.

Mai looked at him innocently from over her shoulder. "To call Madoka. I figured we should fill her in on what's been going on. You know how she gets when she's kept in the dark for too long, and she may have had to leave, but that doesn't mean she can't or won't come back. I mean, do you really want her to come barging in here and messing up your plan?" She kept her voice sweet as she spoke.

Naru all but paled and Lin quickly turned his head, as if to hide a smile. Bou-san didn't bother doing the same, and started chuckling, while Yasuhara snickered.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Naru scowled. "Fine, Mai. You win."

"Oh, goodie." Mai pocketed her cell and sauntered back to her seat, earning her another scowl, which she countered with a bright grin.

Even if they did use Mai as bait, they still required a plan, thought Naru. And while he was still firmly against putting Mai in danger, he knew it was the best, and perhaps, only way to finish this. But how?

They easily could leave Mai in a room alone, and have her call Jack out, but what exactly would they do if he came out? How would they get rid of him? Move him on?

Frowning, Naru rubbed his chin in thought. He needed more tea...

It was a few minutes later that Naru and Mai found themselves in the kitchen. The former was leaning against the counter, watching as the latter of the two made tea.

Mai was expressionless, and seemed to be moving on auto-pilot, which had Naru frowning and sighing again. He couldn't really blame her. In fact, he felt horrible about it. How had this case taken such a drastic turn? That their client, who they were supposed to have been protecting, had been killed?

"...Naru? Are you okay?"

The soft voice drew Naru out of his stupor, and he looked down at Mai, who was peering up at him in concern. Expression softening, Naru couldn't help but gently run his fingers through her hair. "I'm fine, Mai. Just thinking."

She smiled slightly, looked a little amused. "When are you not thinking?"

He scowled. "Quiet, you. Have you finished making tea yet?"

"I finished five minutes ago. Your cup's by your elbow." The amusement was back.

Blinking, Naru glanced over, only to see that a full cup was indeed resting on the pristine counter. He reached for it immediately, and sipped, enjoying the burn of the hot liquid as it flowed down his throat. His eyes fell shut as he savoured the taste and allowed his mind to wander back to thoughts of their case.

Mai didn't move, and neither did she say anything. Though Naru looked peaceful enough, Mai had spent enough time around him to know that wasn't true at all. He was thinking. Thinking hard. And she didn't want to interrupt that train of thought, least of all during such an integral moment in their investigation.

Naru's eyes shot open. "That's it!"

Mai, who had been standing there, watching her boss in curiosity, jolted back in surprise at the sudden exclamation, tea nearly sloshing over the rim of her cup. "Uh, Naru?"

He grabbed her hand, blue eyes all but shining. "Back to the Base," he ordered.

Mai blinked and set down her teacup. "Er-okay...?"

As soon as the two rejoined the others, Lin swivelled around in his chair. He took one look at Naru, then said- "You have a plan, Noll." It was more of a statement than it was a question.

Naru sat down, waited for Mai to do the same, and it was only once he had determined he had everyone's undivided attention that he began to speak.

"From what little we know about him, Jack Midnight was a good man in life. It was only in death that he began wreaking havoc and ruining lives-Mai's in particular."

Many exchanged glances, but no one actually said anything, eager to know what Naru was thinking. It was not, after all, often that he bothered explaining things to them, usually waiting until they had solved the case before doing so. This was certainly a welcome change.

"Now, how did Jack die?"

"No one knows for sure," said Yasuhara, checking his notes quickly. "Even his death certificate says the cause isn't determined."

"He was killed with abilities authorities would have had a hard time noticing," said Naru. "Abilities May, Mai's twin sister had. May killed Jack. Mai took the blame. Jack is only aware of the latter."

Bou-san frowned, running long fingers through his hair. "So he's pissed at Mai for killing him, and wants revenge."

"May killed Jack."

Mai's eyes widened and her hand automatically came up to cover her mouth when she gasped, struck by a sudden revelation. "Jack's been after the wrong person this whole time!"

"...What?" Ayako looked quite lost.

"I never did anything!" Mai exclaimed. "May was the one to kill him-accidentally, of course, and I, being the protective twin that I was, took the blame for doing it. We were only three years old, it wasn't really like we knew any better."

"And Jack," said Naru, "who was either dying or already a spirit, never knew what happened. All he heard was Mai taking the blame for his death and, furious, immediately began plotting to take his revenge on her."

"But Mai's innocent!" It was Bou-san's turn to figure things out next. "Jack should have been exacting his revenge on May not Mai!"

"But he killed May-san," said John, "and devoured her spirit."

Mai jumped to her feet and turned to face her boss. "So, technically, Jack already has gotten his revenge, hasn't he? May killed Jack, and Jack, through a possession, killed May."

Naru inclined his head. "He has gotten his revenge. The problem is, he doesn't know this. He's still under the impression that you, Mai, were the one to take his life."

Mai frowned and slowly sank back down into her seat. "So...do we just call him out and tell him this?" she said.

Taking a sip from the cup he had brought with him from the kitchen, Naru smirked. "Yes, actually. That is exactly what we are going to do."

"...Huh?"

"You, Mai, are going to go into the sitting room."

"Alone?"

"Strictly speaking, no. I believe Shin-san and Akira-san will both be with you throughout." He took another sip of tea. "The rest of us, while remaining nearby, will stay outside the room. Bou-san, John, Lin, and Matsuzaki-san should all be prepared to act, should something go wrong. And you will call Jack out, Mai, and tell him exactly what he needs to know. If all goes well, we should be done before nightfall."

Everyone but Mai nodded, though a couple of them did seem slightly hesitant. Mai understood why. She wasn't exactly sure how to feel about confronting Jack herself, even though using herself as bait had initially been her own idea...

Two hours and many preparations later, Mai found herself standing in the middle of her father's living room. She was alone.

Naru and Yasuhara were in the Base, watching the proceedings over a monitor, while Bou-san, Ayako, Lin, and John all stood just outside the two entrances to the room Mai was in, poised to jump in should the need arise.

Mai stood, fighting not to tremble in her nervousness. But she knew she had to do this-that this had to be done. This was the only way.

And then she felt a sudden warmth on either side of her, and she smiled. "Hello, dad, Shin-nii." She looked to her left, and then her right.

Akira and Shin were standing beside her, one on each side, both giving off a strange, light blue glow. Both looked at her and smiled gently, as if attempting to comfort her.

"You're doing the right thing, sweetheart," said Akira.

"We'll be here until the end," said Shin.

Mai, feeling much calmer, nodded. "Thank you." She took a deep breath, building her courage. "Jack Midnight-san, please come out!" she called in a firm tone, trying to make sure her voice didn't start to shake.

For a moment nothing happened, and she debated on whether or not she should call out again, feeling just a little bit awkward, anticipation building once more.

"Just wait," instructed Akira.

"He'll come," said Shin.

Both sounded firm and confident, and when Mai glanced at them, they were looking straight ahead, completely focused. She did the same, and waited.

Sure enough, mere seconds later, something began to materialize on the other side of the room, right across her. Only a large table stood between Mai and Jack.

His features weren't really all that discernible. She could tell that he had dark hair, eyes, and clothes. And unlike Akira and Shin, seemed to be giving off an eerie red glow.

Mai was nervous again, just at the sight of him-of this man who had killed her uncle, father, step-father, mother, brother, sister, and adoptive brother-the man who had hurt her. He had made her suffer so much but, oddly enough, hadn't she already forgiven him so many years ago?

A low growl pulled the girl out of her thoughts, and she quickly refocused, aware Naru would have been yelling at her lack of concentration if he'd been in the room with her.

She felt, rather than saw Akira and Shin move closer to her. At the same moment, Jack took a step forward, lips pulling back in a snarl. His intentions were obvious.

"Wait, Jack! Please listen! There's something you really need to know!"

The dark entity merely growled again, taking another step closer. A sudden oppressiveness filled the room, and Mai felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

"Keep trying, Mai!"

"Don't stop!"

Her father and brother clearly knew what they were talking about, so Mai did just that. "Please, Jack! You need to hear this!" she cried. "I know your death was sudden and unexpected, and I know you're really angry about it!"

"Revenge... Revenge...! REVENGE!" Each yell got louder, and every slow footstep forward made the entire room shake, knocking little knick-knacks off the mounted shelves.

Mai cringed and gasped, her ears ringing painfully. It hurt...it hurt...

"Easy, sweetheart. Easy."

"You can do this, Mai. Keep going!"

She swallowed hard, fists clenching. "I never hurt you, Jack! I never did a thing!"

The ringing got louder, the oppressiveness worse, and with another low, guttural growl, Jack got ever closer.

"Tell him, Mai!"

"I didn't kill you! My sister did!"

Though the growling continued, Jack paused in place.

Realizing this was her chance, Mai went on. "May killed you, Jack! Don't you remember? I wasn't even there when it happened! I'd run off to get our ball!"

Amongst more growls, came the words- "You, said-"

"I know I said I was the one who did it, but I lied! I lied to protect my twin sister!"

"Revenge..."

Akira moved, situating himself behind his daughter. "Almost there, Mai!"

She took another deep breath, even as her knees shook. "You already got your revenge! You killed May and you even devoured her spirit! You killed her and she's paid for what she did!" Gods, it was so hard to talk about her sister like this.

But now the growling stopped too, and Jack made a noise that sounded almost...questioning. The crimson glow around him faded just a little, and for a brief second, the man's real appearance flickered through. It was working.

Mai lowered her voice a little, though kept her tone firm and convincing. "You wanted revenge on the one who killed you, right? What can be worse than not just death, but your very soul ceasing to exist? That's what happened to May. That's what you did. That's how you exacted your revenge!"

Everything suddenly stopped shaking, and the ringing faded away. The red glow all but gone, Jack stood there, staring at Mai, looking exactly the same as she remembered as a child.

"I didn't want to die. I didn't deserve death."

Mai couldn't stop the sympathy that bled through. "May never meant for any of that to happen," she said softly. "She didn't know how to control her abilities-we were only three years old. It was an accident, Jack. A really, really unfortunate accident."

Jack looked...sad. "I have my revenge." It was almost a statement.

"You do. May caused your death, and she no longer exists."

Everything was going fine, and then there was a bang-the sound so loud it made the entire house shake. Jack released a scream. A loud, piercing, evil sounding scream that had Mai jolting back in surprise, lowered guard abruptly snapping back up.

The humanity in Jack's eyes vanished, the red glow returning, stronger than ever, and he screamed again. "REVENGE!"

"Ah!" Mai cried out in shock as the dark entity started on her violently. Recoiling, she backed away, able to hear the others-her friends, banging on the doors that had slammed shut.

What was going on!? What had gone wrong!?

"No!" yelled Akira suddenly. "I refuse to allow you to harm my daughter again! Shin!"

"Hai!"

The two good spirits were suddenly on the other side of the table, both grabbing hold of Jack, who was still screaming and snarling, fighting viciously in an attempt to break away from them.

"No! Dad, Shin-nii, wait!" Mai pushed herself forward, arm outstretched. "No!"

There was a flash of light so bright that Mai had to raise a hand to shield her eyes. And then there was silence. No yelling, snarling, banging, or knocking. Nothing at all.

Slowly, Mai lowered her arm and opened her eyes. The room was a mess, but all sense of oppressiveness was gone from the air. Sunlight streamed in from the open window, and it was like breathing freely again for the first time in a long, long while.

Akira, Shin, and Jack were gone, and Mai was once more alone.

And as the doors flew open, and her friends rushed in, Mai slowly fell to her knees. It was a familiar set of blue eyes that drew her out of her shocked stupor, black clad arms embracing her tightly.

"...Naru."

"It's over, Mai. You're free."

"Free..." she echoed, realizing that what she was feeling was relief.

Jack was finally gone, finally done haunting and hunting her. He was gone, and was never coming back. Her family would make sure of it.

After a brief rest, the team began packing up, all of them eager to leave the house where so many painful things had been dragged up.

"Mai, tea!"

Mai rolled her eyes. "Hai, hai." She passed the monitor she'd been holding over to John, who smiled at her gently.

Returning it, Mai headed over to the kitchen, absently wondering what was going to happen to the house now that its owner, her father, was dead. She paused in place when she found her boss standing in the middle of the room. "Naru? What's up?"

"Come here."

Mai blinked but did as told, approaching him. She'd only just opened her mouth to speak when Naru cupped her cheek with one hand, tangled his fingers into her hair with the other, and pulled her into a kiss so intense that it had her knees buckling in mere seconds.

Moaning, Mai grabbed hold of Naru shirt, but just as quickly as he had started the kiss, Naru released her and stepped back, a smirk on his face while Mai made a sound of disappointment.

"Naaaaruuuu!" she whined.

His smirk grew, and he tapped her on the nose. "I want that tea, Mai." And he started to walk away.

Mai stared at him in shock, mind slowly processing what had just happened.

The rest of SPR, still packing equipment in the Base, all suddenly heard a very loud, very irritated, and very familiar scream.

"Naru! You stupid, narcissistic, tea addict jerk!"

Oh yes, Taniyama Mai was most definitely free.

FIN