Chapter 12 – We Made These Memories For Ourselves

Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt, if I did the series would never have ended and Mai and Naru would have little paranormal grandbabies for Martin and Luella running around by now.

Author's Note: UPDATE: **Currently offline due to illness, will work on updating as soon as medically possible! **

Once we get to England there is the opportunity for some OC's when we get to the BSPR offices, anyone who would like me to consider using their OC as supporting cast, please PM me with all of your OC's details and I will pick those that suit my storyline best for now. All others will be kept to use in later chapters if permission for that is given, I mean if anyone is interested. I know it feels kinda exciting for me to put my input into my own ideas into the storyline, so why not share? =)

Not yet edited.


The next few days rushed by in a blur for the intrepid members of SPR – Japan. Oliver concluded the case with Mai's high school principal, and even offered him the same non-disclosure agreement concerning his true purpose and identity in Japan. The principal although originally reticent to accept a legal document offered by a teenager did accept the proffered contract and was pleasantly surprised when he learns that the young man in front of him was imminently qualified to guide Taniyama-san in her academic career. The principal also managed to get all of Mai's exams graded and returned by Thursday afternoon, and was again pleased to offer the duo the information that she had indeed passed them without a hitch. Mai was currently being processed by the administration for graduate status, and the principal assured them that he could have her transcripts and test results ready by the time she applies for enrollment at Cambridge.

Oliver also spent some time at the law firm they had hired to represent SPR, and was able to have the NDA's filed with the firm for posterity. He also met with an attorney in the firm's real estate division, and gave them a very particular set of requirements for some property, both commercial and residential, to purchase and register under the BSPR flag. Once that item was checked of his list, Oliver took the time to complete the arrangements for Mai's expedited passport to be couriered to the office Friday morning, and set up domestic and international bank accounts for Mai, as well as added her to the office accounts, and set up direct deposit into her domestic bank account for her paycheck every other week.

Mai instead of immersing herself in business matters took her free time off from school to begin packing her apartment, and gave her landlord notice to vacate. This was one decision Mai hated that she had to make. She adored her landlord Yui Takanashi, the woman being the super sweet grandmotherly type that Mai had never known before. Once Mai explained to Yui-san that she was going to move in with her fiancé and promised to keep in touch with the older woman, Yui-san gave the petite auburn-haired girl her blessing and well wishes, while offering to store all of Mai's belongings for her until they returned to Japan from overseas. Even though she never realized it before meeting Naru, Mai had already made herself a much larger family than she could have hoped for, and now that her eyes were opened to the possibilities, she truly felt blessed to have met such wonderful people after she was orphaned.

Mai also took the time to contact Igarashi-sensei and sent a confidential file to her containing all of Kuroda's information and testing results, including all video collected that featured the pigtailed girl from the case at the old schoolhouse. Finding a time that was open for both Kuroda and her new Master to meet, Mai arranged the initial meeting with both parties, feeling accomplished when she knew that this was a partnership that would benefit all parties involved. Together Mai and Naru both checked in with John offering assistance to help Kenji pass on if he wanted backup. John was able to assure both of them Father Tojo already rendered aid in recovering the boy's remains and that they were planning to help Kenji move on as soon as they could make contact with him.

Lin was kept busy, finalizing the details of getting Gene's body ready for transport. He had to complete several different customs forms for the governments of Japan and England as well as the airline they would be using, and he felt that it was not a job that he should ask Oliver to help with. His next job was to arrange for security that could monitor the office and all the expensive equipment stored there while they were gone. He also arranged to have emails and any phone calls regarding urgent case requests to be forwarded to Takigawa to evaluate their potential as a case for all of the spiritualists combined upon arrival, or something that the monk and others could take care of during their absence. Lin was definitely impressed by the new SPR members' willingness to assist in any way possible while they were gone, and thought to himself that it was a promising partnership he would be glad to enter into.

By Thursday evening, the majority of any necessary errands had been completed by Naru, Mai and Lin and that left the next day free to prepare for the trip to England. Mai was planning to take advantage of this and was meeting Ayako in the morning once the shops opened, so she could get some appropriate attire for Gene's funeral, and her visits to Cambridge and BSPR as well as luggage that could withstand a trip overseas. Naru and Lin would put out some feelers on local paranormal message boards about searching for possible apprenticeships available for budding spiritualists and ghost hunters; the hope being able to organically connect with Kasai or Sakauchi before any tragic circumstances at their schools occur. They all know that the chances of this succeeding is a long shot but when Mai suggested it, the thought that they could possibly prevent several injuries or death made the attempt worth the effort involved.

Having completed as many side missions as possible before departing Japan, all three had one final dinner together in their hotel suite, and went to retire; each exhausted from the flurry of activity the past few days had contained.


The next morning Mai met up with Ayako for their psychic girls shopping trip in front of the Rimowa shop in the Shibuya Shopping District so they could find some suitable luggage for Mai's overseas trip. Oliver had to convince Mai that shopping at such an upscale store was worth the cost, since she would be using the same luggage for years to come, and if she got something durable now, they would not have to replace it later. Mai still wasn't comfortable with the cost, and Ayako could tell because Mai cringed every time the younger girl looked at the prices on the pieces she selected. Ayako had more experience with travel, and helped Mai to find everything she would need to complete a full set in a glossy blue that reminded Mai of her beloved's eyes, and arranged to have it delivered to the hotel while the two girls kept shopping.

When Mai pulled out a brand new thin metal credit card in black embossed with her own name on it Ayako gave her an assessing look as they finished the transaction and started walking to a new shop, and asked, "Mai, am I correct in think that card has no credit limit?" Mai faltered at the question, stumbling slightly as she glanced over at Ayako and responded, "I don't know… Naru said not to worry about what I spent, since he knows how frugal I am," she said with a nervous laugh and kept speaking quietly, "He handed this to me last night; he had it expedited from the bank on an account with both of our names on it that he set up this week with the attorneys. I hate spending money on myself, but I know that I need to get the appropriate attire for all of the things we need to accomplish in England," the petite young woman said with a sigh.

The shrine maiden shook her head at Mai and said, "Why are you so worried? You guys are engaged and live together, right? It isn't unusual to share money even before marriage, don't stress so much about it," Ayako said and patted Mai on the head affectionately then asked, "How long have you been together anyway?"

Mai absentmindedly answered her, "Oh yeah, last week…" She trailed off as she realized what she said and rushed on flustered as she said, "Well that is this time around, before we were dating like 2 years and married like 3 but knew each other 7 years total before meeting for the first time last week," Mai's eyes darting around frantically as she fully realizes what she had revealed to the miko thoughtlessly and she sends out a telepathic plea to her fiancé, "Naru! I accidentally told Ayako we met last week, and then it got worse and I went on about this time, and marriage, and oh no, what am I going to do?"

Mai sees Ayako's wide, shocked eyes as they both stand rooted to the sidewalk in front of the next store they were planning to visit and she begins to tremble in her excited state until she hears a calm masculine voice in her head say, "Mai, love, calm down. Take Matsuzaki-san to the nearest café you can find and explain the situation with her over a cup of tea. In the future she loves you like her own daughter remember, offer her the truth and all will be well, I promise you," as Naru's voice retreated from her mind she realized that he was right, as he usually was, and that this was not something to stress any of them over and she exhaled softly before smiling brilliantly at her companion. "Hey Ayako, there's a cute café on the corner over there. I think we should get some tea and have a talk," Mai said as she grasped Ayako's hand within her own, looking at the other woman with an earnest gaze until she was rewarded with a slow nod and a confused stare.

Once the two ordered some tea, and were seated at the cute corner café Mai rubbed the back of her neck and gave Ayako a sheepish smile before starting her explanation, "So, what I am going to tell you will sound really…strange ok? Please hear me out with an open mind, after all with our skills and talents in the paranormal field this really shouldn't come as a surprise to any of our team," she said and took a deep breath while gazing at Ayako with an imploring look.

Ayako watched Mai with an unbiased expression on her face and stated, "Mai-chan, you didn't judge me for the unique way that my priestess skills work, so I will return your goodwill with my own and listen to your explanation. Please be open and honest and we can work through this. I am aware that I can be discourteous at times, but considering I have met your fiancé I doubt that you find that as off-putting as most would," the older woman said with a slight smirk and Mai returned it with her own little giggle.

"No, I am definitely not discouraged by difficult people, but I actually know you Ayako, and know that you have one of the most giving and kindest hearts that I have ever met. When I started to freak out about accidentally revealing this information so soon, Naru reminded me that in the future we have a very close, familial bond and that if I just explained everything to you, that all would be well," Mai explained with gentle smile. Ayako returned her smile, but looked puzzled and said, "I'm sorry, when did you talk to Naru? We have been together this entire time and you never called him that I saw?"

Seeing Ayako's puzzled gaze, Mai blushed and hurried to explain, "So, we told this to John the other night when he came to our hotel for me to share a vision with him concerning his parish, but didn't mention it to anyone else yet. We can speak telepathically to one another, even at great distances. During his entire lifetime Oliver was telepathically connected with his twin brother Eugene, although that ceased when Gene passed away. After I linked with Gene on the astral plane, along with Oliver, who usually is unable to visit that plane, we were all connected telepathically. Sometimes, it might seem like we know what the other one is thinking and part of that is because we actually can sense the other's thoughts, but another part is also that we know each other from our long standing relationship." Mai picked up her teacup, and took a long sip as she steadied her breathing and continued, "These are the details that might seem far-fetched to you though, Ayako. Last Thursday I met Naru for the first time, and to be frank, I didn't trust him at all. Then, something completely unexpected and inexplicable happened and we ended up on the astral plane with Gene, who Naru had been searching for and was unable to contact. Something to keep in mind also, before we fell into the astral plane I had never used any psychic gifts in my life, but the experience awakened all of my latent gifts. Through a "perfect storm" of conditions the three of us found ourselves amplifying one another as if completing a circuit, and Gene used my previously unknown gift for precognitive visions and his ability as a spirit guide to take both his brother and I into a vision. That vision lasted somewhere around 6 or 7 years as far as we can calculate, and in that time we lived our lives. We lived our lives together, and our lives included each of you, along with a few other people I am currently trying to find to complete our family," Mai gave Ayako another imploring look, before glancing down at her hands as they were wrapped around her teacup and said, "Do you want to hear more?"

At this point in Mai's recitation, Ayako's eyes were opened so wide as she nodded emphatically that her makeup was cracking under the strain, and Mai was thankful that eventually the priestess would opt for a more natural look in the future once the miko and the monk stopped fighting their attraction and became a couple. Chuckling to herself, Mai began to explain the entirety of her visions to Ayako, and how they had used the case at the school to verify events that they had experienced in their shared vision. She explained to Ayako that mentally she and Naru both felt that they had been married for several years, and even though the chronological order of their association was short, their emotional bonds had weathered more rough patches and tests than some couples who had been together for decades.

The longer Mai spoke, the more Ayako's features softened in understanding, and when Mai began to tell the shrine maiden how close they became in her future vision and how much that relationship meant to the orphaned Mai, Ayako's heart swelled with a purely maternal emotion. She moved her chair closer to Mai's and reaching out hugged the younger girl to her, her eyes swimming with unshed tears and she promised Mai, "I want to support you in this future you have foreseen. I won't ask for any details that might alter the course of events as you have seen them for our relationship, but can I just ask one thing?" Mai, who was now sniffling as she finally met the woman she knew Ayako to be in the future, nodded at her, afraid to speak in case she started crying, and the miko asked, "Do we ever knock some sense into that obnoxious monk?" This question had Mai crying for a different reason, and she nodded, mirth dancing in her eyes as she confirms, "Ayako, eventually yes, there is all sorts of knocking, but you wouldn't believe me right now if I did tell you," and then Mai winked at her friend teasingly, and Ayako turned bright red as she blushed heavily at where her thoughts took her. Mai taking pity on her friend changes the subject and suggests that they finish their shopping excursion so that she will still have to time pack for her flight that evening once they finish.

The two left the café and returned to their original mission, each feeling much closer to the other now, and had a very productive shopping trip. No matter what else could be said about Ayako Matsuzaki, she had impeccable taste and was able to assist Mai to find the perfect selection of clothes that ranged from a "just off the plane and meeting the parents outfit" to an outfit that screamed, "I am to be taken seriously as a professional spiritualist even though I am only a teenager" long with a plethora of other clothing that had Mai paling at the thought of what the eventual total would be. While Mai was trying her selections on for fit, Ayako even managed to round up cosmetics and toiletries that the younger girl would need in addition to undergarments and shoes to complete her necessary wardrobe upgrade. Not even in the future had Mai been more in awe, or grateful for Ayako Matsuzaki black belt level as a shopping fiend and she made a mental note to introduce Luella to Ayako in the near future so they could "fiend" out with one another instead of Mai.

Mai was still worried about the excessive amount of clothing they purchased and questioned Ayako as they waited for a taxi, "Are you sure, I really need all of that? I mean I already have shoes and underwear, and I don't really wear much makeup…" Glaring at Mai with a haughty stare, Ayako waited until the girl with the cinnamon gaze stopped speaking before replying, "Yes, Mai. Certain clothes need to be paired with certain foundations and shoe silhouettes in order to give off the most effective appearance. Since you were still very young when you lost your mother, she never had time to share this knowledge with you, and I am happy to offer her my assistance and teach you all the things she never had the time to," when Ayako saw Mai starting to get emotional she changed the subject to tease Mai and said, "Besides, just wait until that narcissist of yours gets a load of some of that underwear and nightwear I picked out for you." At the mention of that Mai turned bright red in embarrassment and Ayako smiled knowingly and winked at the other girl. Mai's taxi pulled up at that moment, and the priestess helped her into the car with all of her bags so Mai could finalize her preparations for their flight that evening.

Upon her arrival at the hotel Mai, quickly packed some of her older, favored clothes along with the new selection of items purchased that day, into the brand new set of luggage and accessories that they picked out that morning. While she was packing, Naru informed her that their earlier evening flight had been canceled but they now had a direct flight leaving in the early morning and that she should go get some rest while he called to let his parents know of the changes in itinerary so they could call the funeral director to retrieve Gene's remains from the cargo bay when the flight arrived around dawn instead of the afternoon pickup they had anticipated before.

After her nap and shower Mai changed into the outfit that Ayako helped her pick out for the flight to England, and it was not only one designed to be comfortable for the long flight, but also to showcase Mai's unique beauty and natural grace. She was wearing a deep sapphire blue cashmere sweater dress that ended mid-thigh over a pair of black leggings along with a pair of supple black leather ballet flats. The look was completed by a chunky black leather belt with a silver star-shaped buckle and silk scarf in shades of smoky black, pale blue and pastel yellow. The look was both youthful and sophisticated and accented the cinnamon hues in Mai's eyes and hair as well as her luminous fair skin; in short she was beautiful and took Oliver's breath away at the sight, and he made a mental note to thank Ayako later for believing in Mai.


The flight check-in went off without a hitch, and since they were flying business class, all three members of SPR were able to board and get settled into their seats comfortably well ahead of the plane's departure. Oliver, giving Mai the window seat since it was her first time flying, could almost feel the nervousness and excitement vibrating off of his fiancé at all of the new experiences. Holding Mai's hand tenderly to help calm her nerves, he rubbed his thumb absentmindedly along the edge of her own thumb while he reads a study on the experience of astral projection in relation to remote viewing and thoughtography. Lin, sitting across the aisle of the plan watched with fascination as the two teenagers acted completely in sync with one another without a single conscious effort on either's part.

Mai pulled out her own book to read as soon as the plane ascended, but instead of a scientific study on the paranormal Mai was reading a popular light novel series, Gakusen Toshi Asterisk. Mai packed the novels because she figured that the 12 hour plane ride was the perfect place to catch up on the last three volumes of the series she had yet to read, but even as interested as she was in the adventures of Julis and Ayato, Mai fell asleep with her head on Oliver's shoulder before she had finished even half of Volume 12. Naru feeling Mai snuggle into his side, called for a flight attendant to ask for a blanket for the slumbering girl, and when he swaddled her within the blankets warmth she smiled lovingly in her sleep at him and unconsciously gripped his arm more tightly and he could feel a pulse of energy where her arm touched his and he found his own consciousness flowing down the connection to Mai until he awakened on the astral plane alongside her and his brother.

Brimming with excitement, Mai squealed when she saw Oliver's spirit form materialize next to them both, and Gene reached out to embrace his brother; a happiness exuding from the elder twin that was almost tangible. "Hey there again little brother, I can't believe I can finally go home to Mum and Dad, and that I get to take both of you with me! I was just telling Mai that I cannot wait to see Mum's face when she realizes you brought a girl home with you," he chuckled as he released Noll from the tight hug and instead slung an arm over both of Mai and Noll's shoulders each.

When Gene released his, Naru was finally able to look around at the version of the astral plane they were on, and he was amazed to realize that he recognized where they were as a foxfire lit version of the garden at the Davis Manor. This was only the second time Oliver had ever visited the astral plane, but he was certain that Mai had only ever described it as a vast empty plane, that had the occasional floating will'o'wisp to illuminate her pathway to a specific vision, so seeing such detail and familiarity surrounding them was a truly amazing experience.

Eugene, grinned as he noticed how Oliver was looking around the area with a shocked expression on his face and said, "It looks like Mai isn't the only one who has discovered new skills since we all came together last week. I can shape the astral world to my liking now, and I am able to stay awake more often than before, and have been able to help some spirits wandering this plane to move on. Still a medium even after death, you know," he beamed at his brother with a truly radiant smile and went on, "Then there's you Noll, you can levitate when in physical contact with Mai! How freaking amazing is that?! And now you are able to come visit me along with Mai; I think that you're developing astral skills yourself due to the connection between all three of us," Gene said swiftly, speaking in the enthusiastic way that Noll recognized would occur every single time his brother had found himself a new passion.

Mai, spying a gazebo in the center of the garden, tugged on Gene, who then pulled Noll along with him, and they all went to sit inside the structure that was covered in twining vines of jasmine and ivy. "This is really stunning, Onii-san, and I don't mean just the garden. Seeing the two of you together it just so beautiful to me," Mai said, her heart in her eyes as she gazed contentedly at the enduring spirit of her best friend, and his twin brother, the love of her life. "I'm so nervous to meet Luella this time around, she had time to grieve and heal before meeting me the first time and now we are thrusting me right into the middle of everything, and I am so worried she won't be open to having me around!" Mai cried out, fidgeting as her nerves started to fray once finally she realized that they were on a direct collision course to meeting the parents. "Naru, what if she thinks I am taking advantage of you… of both of you! I am so scared, I remember feeling like she and Martin were my own parents once I got to know them, but what if changing everything around like we have, changes that too?! Are we really doing the right thing, Naru?" Mai asked as she had a mini-anxiety attack, and although she asked the question of Naru, it was Gene who answered her.

"Little sister, you heard Mum tell Noll just the other night that they would gladly adopt "Mr. Taniyama" who was helping to bring their family back together and offer them closure. She meant that, and I honestly think that she will be over the moon to find out you were able to make it into Noll's inner circle. When I died, they all lost me, until you, Mai, you found me, and are literally bringing me home to them."

Gene smiled gently at Mai to reassure her, and went on to softly say, "You cracked that wall of ice that Noll has always used to protect himself from the pumpkins of the world, and you left a gaping hole in it that other people are slowly realizing is there, so that they too can wiggle their way into his sphere. I, and I am sure Luella and Martin both never once thought that Oliver would ever be able to so openly and freely show such unconditional and deeply unshakable love to anyone. For that alone, even if helping to recover me was nowhere in the picture, or if they are immersed deep in mourning for my passing, they will love you. They will love you just as I do, and just as Noll does, never doubt that just because circumstances have changed slightly," he said as he patted Mai on top of the head in a brotherly fashion before looking over at his brother, who nodded at him in agreement.

"For now though, you both need to ready yourselves to wake up, the plane is preparing to land at Heathrow. Lin is too busy taking pictures to show Madoka, of you cuddled up sleeping together that he hasn't bothered to try rousing the two of you yet, but he will soon," Gene said with a mischievous smirk, and he then pulled them close to him for one last hug before quickly shoving each off the astral plane and back into their own bodies just as the plane touched down on the tarmac. It was time to go home.


End Note: I know, sorry! I had to end before they got off the plane, but don't worry the meeting of Luella and Mai is coming very soon!