I am trying SO HARD to update faster than I usually do.

Disclaimer: I no own. You no sue. I also don't own the Chapter title. "The FRAY" does.

VERY IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE! READ!: One thing before you read. I watched the Ghost Hunt episodes on YouTube and I tried to get Takigawa's chant down right, but I know it's not exactly on point, because at least four of the words, I will make up. I'm sorry. PLEASE DON'T HIT ME!;o;! In one line in the story Naru will call the Shinishi-ko a "Shrine style commission" which just means it's like a Fake shrine to fool the spirit into materializing. As it turned out, there is a form of possession (seance) that is like the Shinishi-ko, it's just that the Spirit would not be able to materialize, as if it were alive. It's not really different from any other possession (seance) except the spirit would be visible to anyone and everyone in the room. I learned THIS MUCH from a Japanese exchange student I met at school the other day. Her family has a large shrine back in Japan, and they have performed this kind of seance before, but it takes a lot of energy and the participants would usually have to rest for at least? Three days, before they can gather all their strength back. It's not called the Shinishi-ko either. I still don't what it is. o.o

ON WITH THE SHOW!

Beating Hearts

chapter : How to save a life - part three -finale

Takigawa lead the way, practically sprinting with Mai still in his arms, as they came upon everyone else at SPR.

"We have her!" he panted. "Let's begin."

Lin gave a small smiled and then nodded. "Put her over there, on that mat, and cross her ankles, and put her hands on her stomach."

The Monk nodded and did as ordered. Ayako walked over to and started to light the incense as she said her usual mantra. Waving around a small twig with a few green leaves on it, as well as a small bell, over Mai's body, John came over and stood behind Mai. His feet were near her head.

"Our Father, Who Art In Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name. . ." he began, making the cross sign in the air above Mai's head.

"Banzu ko jei tin zetro ku waka. . ." Began the monk as he sat entirely still across from the Miko. His hands were in their usual form and his eyes were closed, slightly twitching as he concentrated as best as he could. Masako when and stood in front of the ropes that were tied together with four, small wooden posts. Chalk outlined the shape of a square so that they knew what Mai's perimeter limit was. She clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes, silently praying in her mind.

"Lin." Naru said. His assistant looked down at him, then looked back at the Shinishi-ko that was being performed.

"Why are all three of them performing the shrine style commission?" Naru question.

"To keep the spirit stable as it passes carefully into it's body." Lin said.

"The three of them all use different forms of spirit communication. John is a Catholic Priest. He specializes in exorcizing the spirit. His form will most definitely clash with Ayako's and Takigawa's." Naru informed. Lin thought about it. Everyone had been in such a rush to get everything ready that he didn't really think things through as carefully as he normally would. He never made mistakes like that.

Never.

"Masako and John should switch places." Lin concluded.

"Exactly."

"He will drive the spirit from it's perimeter limit, exorcizing it from the boundaries. It'll be like tricking the spirit. But they have already started the process." Lin observed. Naru nodded.

"But the spirit has yet to come forth, let alone materialize. The Shinishi-ko process wouldn't deteriorate until the Spirit makes it's entrance. It's safe to have them switch now." Naru said. Lin looked at him.

"You are very smart, Naru." Lin stated. Naru didn't say anything.

"John. Masako. It seems I am at fault. You two must switch places right now. Quickly, before the Spirit arrives." Lin said. "Do not break your concentration. Just move slowly to your new position." he added as an after thought. Masako slowly backed away from the ropes and walked around Ayako, who had her back to the Perimeter, and took John's place behind Mai, as John slowly made his way in front of the ropes. Neither one of them every broke their concentration.

". . .And he sayeth unto the people, "Fear not for I am your savior and you shall receive me as your God.".Whence came from thy kingdom of glory, returneth did he to the land of life, did all believe. . ." John said lowly.

The candles that were lit started flickering when John made another cross.

"They are calling me. It's pulling." Mai said to her parents. They were standing next to Masako, who still was praying silently.

"Masako, you can hear me, right? Nod if you can." Mai said.

Masako gave a slight nod.

"Is there anything I need to do before I let myself go completely?" Mai asked.

Masako shook her head. Mai was silent, contemplating whether or not to ask her next question.

"I know. . .I know that when this is complete I will be back in my body. It's taking a lot of energy so I can materialize properly and then fall back into my body. When everyone is finished, would it be possible for Lin to perform it? So. . .So you all can meet my parents?" Mai asked.

Masako hesitated for a few second, and then gave a firm nod. Mai smiled.

"Thank you Masako." she said.

Masako smiled as she mouthed her prayer silently. Mai turned to her parents. They were standing there, holding hands as they looked at her.

"According to Masako, this won't be the last time I see you. But when the last time comes. . ."

"Don't worry," Rei said. "You'll see us again when you die."

"What a depressingly happy thought." His wife said. He smiled kindly at her.

"You always were one for oxymoron's, you oxymoron." he said.

"I love you too." Himiko told him. Then she looked at Mai. "And we will always love you. Dead, or alive, we'll be with you, dear."

Mai had no restraint as the tears fell from her eyes. She hugged her parents one more time.

"I love you both so much." she said. The held her tightly, want to never let go again, but they knew that they had to.

"Go now." Himiko said, smiling.

"Everyone is waiting for you." her father informed her. Mai nodded, dripping tears. Then she turned and hopped into the perimeter. She looked over her shoulder before she went completely through, and saw them standing there, waving. When she was completely engulfed in the perimeter, they disappeared before her very eyes. Mai looked at her hands, as the energy swirled all around her. Her hands were a pale color, and then slowly, then began to turn a light pink. She looked at her clothes and saw that they became less and less transparent.

Mai closed her eyes, feeling very tired. The calming energy that surrounded her was uplifting, like a gentle breeze. Mai slowly reopened her eyes, and saw the blurry figures of her friends before her.

As every neared the end of their mantra's, they knew that mai was before them. Ayako was the first to end. She readjusted her position. Her back was to Masako, and she was looking to her left, where she saw the glowing Mai. Ayako didn't even try to repress the joy she felt when she realized the "seance" was working successfully. Soon the Monk finished his mantra as well. He looked up at Masako, wondering why she hadn't stopped yet, and then he remembered that John and Masako were in the positions to safely guide to spirit to it's destination. They all held their breath as Mai's eyes slowly opened. Naru walked carefully to the ropes, making sure he didn't cross the perimeter.

"Mai." he said. Mai's widened eyes looked up at him.

"Do you know where you are?" he asked.

"At work." Mai stated. Naru considered this answer inside his head. It was true that she was at work, but it wasn't what she thought.

"Technically, yes. But you aren't working. In fact, you are nearly dead."

"I know." Mai said. Naru nodded.

"Do you know how you got the way you are now?" Naru questioned. Mai nodded. It was then that the door banging open caught everyone's attention, except John's, Masako's, and Naru's.

"He did it." Mai said, raising her hand slowly to point at a panting Zakuro.

"I WILL MAKE YOU ALL PAY FOR TAKING WHAT IS MINE!" Zakuro shouted at the top of his lungs. There stood Zakuro with the knives in his hands, panting, glaring at every single person in the room. His eyes fell on Mai. The one standing in front of Naru and the one laying on the ground. He wasn't exactly sure as to what was going on, which just angered him more.

"Lin," Naru called out, "restrain for his is a distraction."

Lin nodded then turned and faced the direction that Zakuro was standing in. Zakuro's eyes were wild with rage while Lin's were dark with collectiveness. Zakuro took a few steps forward before it turned into jog. He jumped at Lin, only to be kicked off to the side. The knives were flung from his hands. As he scrambled to get them, he suddenly felt a weight on his back. Lin was kneeling down on his back, pressing his knee close to Zakuro's neck. The next thing Zakuro knew, was darkness.

"Takigawa." Lin said, "Hand me that spare rope over there."

Takigawa grabbed the rope and got up. He walked over to Lin and handed it to him. He stood there and watched as Lin tied Zakuro to a pole.

"This guy doesn't seem like a psychopath." he said.

"How do you know what a psychopath looks like?" Lin questioned, not facing the monk. Takigawa shrugged and then put a hand on the back of his head.

"I don't know. The movies always make–"

"Stop stereotyping." Lin ordered. The monk rolled his eyes as Lin passed him by. He followed behind him, and walked back over to where everyone was.

"What happened?" Naru asked Mai. She looked off into the distance.

"Well. . .I remember telling John that it wasn't a good time to talk. Then Zakuro got very angry, and I quickly closed the door. Then we started yelling at each other. I was facing the door up until I turned around to look at him, and that was when he hit me with something. The next thing I knew, I'm here." Mai said. She looked around at her surroundings. "Where exactly are we?"

"That's not important." Naru said. "Close your eyes so we can end this."

Mai blinked, confused. "End what?"

"Mai," Takigawa came up and stood next to Naru, "You are currently a spirit, and we don't have much longer until you stay that way."

"You mean. . .You mean I'm DEAD!?" Mai screamed. Naru didn't flinch.

"Close to it." he said. "We have to hurry this up because we don't have a lot of time. Bou-San, Matsuzaki-San." Naru nodded. They nodded in return and went back to work.

"Mai." Naru said. "You might feel a little tugging. Don't fight it."

"I. . I feel it!" Mai was panicking now. Of she was completely willing, then they could lose her in the transference, and Mai could end up not existing at all.

No Spirit.

"Mai. Please. Listen to me." Naru said in a soothing voice. Mai heard him, and directed her gaze to him. He could see the panic clearly. He had to do something or else he'd lose Mai. He'd never see her again.

Mai. His Mai.

That was unacceptable.

"Nothing bad will happen. It seems scary because you don't know what's happening, but when you wake up, I will be right here. Now please, calm down." he said.

"But–but Na–"

"Trust me." he said. Mai blinked, slowly realizing that he meant what he said. She smiled slowly at him.

"Alright Naru," she said. "I trust you."

"Good. You should know better then to doubt me."

"Your ego is a big turn off." Mai said. Naru didn't respond. He simply stared at her. He could see Mai slowly start to disappear as she stared back at him. His eyes traveled down to the part of her body that had already started to dissipate, and then they landed on her face.

"Naru. Make a promise to me." mai suddenly said. His eyebrow twitched slightly. He was very tempted to say "No" but then realized that she'd then be mad, and her emotions would get in the way of the transference.

"What?"

"Make a promise to me." Mai repeated. Naru rolled his eyes.

"I know. I mean, what is it?"

"Promise me that when I get back, you'll be right there." Mai said firmly. Naru sighed and turned his back to her. He started walking towards lin, who was keeping a watchful eye on their unconscious intruder.

"I promise." He said.

"Really?" Mai asked disbelievingly. From where he was, she saw him nod his head.

"Yes. Really. Now hurry up and get back to your body. You have missed a lot of work." He said. Mai's positive attitude dropped a few knots.

Trust Naru to ruin a perfect moment, but. . .Mai smiled.

"Alright." she said, and closed her eyes. She felt a warm feeling envelope her and then as quick as it had appeared, it was gone, and Mai's whole body ached. She groaned, and slowly peeled her eyes open, and found herself looking into the dark blue eyes of her boss.

"You. . kept your promise." she smiled weakly. Naru's expression remained the same, even though on the inside, he felt enormous relief that there performance was successful.

Mai tried to sit up, and then winced as a pain shot through her body. She looked down at her shoulder and saw that she had a cut. Perplexed as to where it came from, she looked at Naru, the question on her face.

"Where did–"

"Do not worry about it." He said. "Just rest for a moment."

Mai blinked, and began to protest when she felt a different presence next to her. She turned her head slightly and saw that Masako had position herself next to Mai, on her knees. She stared down at mai with a kind smile on her face, as her hands laid placidly in her lap.

"Mai," she began, "Do you remember what you asked me to do?"

"I. . . no. What are you talking about?" Mai asked. It was just as Masako had expected. Mai didn't remember anything before she entered the boundary.

"When you were a spirit you contacted me."

"Well. . . I can see why. You'd be my only direct contact to everyone."

"Yes. You sent them messages, but you spoke to me multiple times." Masako said. Everyone stayed quiet, listening to see where Masako was going with this.

"I did? Well. . ." Mai wasn't sure what to say. She had no idea where Masako was going with this. Masako closed her eyes, opened them and smiled sweetly at Mai.

"I made a promise to you as well. And I intend on keeping it." Masako said, and then she stood up. Everyone watched as she made her way to the ropes. Masako put her hands together and closed her eyes once more as she began calling out to two particular spirits silently. A purple aura began to emanate from inside the boundary, and then slowly, two spirits appeared, and materialized. Mai's eyes widened as she saw who it was.

"Mom, Dad!" She whispered silently. Mai sat up, trying very hard to ignore the pain that was surging through her like a rapid flood. That much as an effort, she had no idea how she was going to stand up. . .

It was then that she felt Naru's arms around her, picking her up. Despite being in pain, Mai blushed and grabbed onto his shirt as a reflex. She gasped as the energy hit her when they entered the boundary. It was so strong, and so lukewarm that Mai didn't know how she'd be able to stand it.

"Naru. . ."

"You'll get used to it. Can you stand on your own?" He asked. Mai hesitated before nodding slightly, and Naru set her down.

Mai stood before her parents, not really knowing what to say. It'd been a long time since she'd last seen her parents (from what she remembered) so she was kind of shaky. Her mother smiled warmly and held her arms out to her.

"Mai," she said sweetly, "my baby."

Mai tried to take a step forward and stumbled. Right into the arms of her parents. Mai didn't even try to hold back the tears that came spilling from her tired eyes. She sobbed into her mother's chest as loving arms surrounded her.

"Mai." said a male voice. Mai looked up and saw that it was her father that had spoken. She was silent for a moment, as she reached out to touch him. As soon as flesh touched flesh, he yanked her into her arms, and started crying.

"Oh, my daughter," he sobbed, "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

Mai collapsed to her knees, and her parents kneeled down with her, still holding her in their arms. Mai didn't know, at that moment, how long it had been since she'd last held her mother and father so closely. But she knew that she loved the feeling, and she never wanted it to end.

"I'm so sorry, Mai," her father repeated. Mai pulled back a little and looked at him. Her eyes were filled with confusion and sorrow. So much so that he couldn't even bring himself to look at her in the eyes.

"Because I. . .Because I died, you went through hell." He said. Mai shook her head frantically.

"You couldn't handle it. You were sad, and you wanted to escape. I've felt like that. Countless times. . ."

"But you are still alive, dear." Himiko said. Mai stared at her mother before lowering her eyes, coming to the conclusion she assumed was right.

"You are right. I couldn't handle it. And I took the cowards way out. I killed myself and I left you two behind." he sucked in some air, like it was the most painful thing in the world, and continued on. "I was so caught up with myself that I didn't even think about what would happen afterwards. All I knew is that I had to get away."

"I'm. . I'm not sure I understand. . .Dad–" mai was cut off by her father placing a gentle hand on her shoulder and squeezing it lightly.

"Mai. Please. Just listen."

"But I–"

"Mai Yukiko Taniyama, listen to your father." Her mother ordered. Mai blinked, slightly startled at th firmness in her mother's voice, but then she nodded her understanding. Her father put his index finger beneath her chin and lifted it so that she was looking at him directly.

"Your mother. . .your mother was sick, and I didn't take the news too well. You were still very young, so you were not informed." he started.

"We had planned on telling you when you were old enough to understand, but by then, it was just me and you. . ." Himiko said slowly. She searched her daughter's face, seeing if anything they were saying was getting through to her. Mai's eyes looked down and began flickering back and forth as if she was analyzing their words. Then she looked up at her parents, and nodded for them to continue.

"Shortly after your father passed away, I did too, the stress and sorrow was not good for my heart, and I died before I could tell you I was sick. It was then that I met your father again, and he explained that he'd been watching over us for a while." Himiko continued. Mai nodded. This much she knew already.

"And I apologized. I felt so guilty for speeding up her. . .death." he was so uncomfortable with it. Even then, years afterwards. "And she then hit me, saying that I shouldn't wallow in my self pity because we still had you to take care of."

Mai cracked a small smile. She had remembered her mother as being slightly "out there" and this proved she was right.

"My goodness, child!" Himiko exclaimed. "Do you have any idea how many times you could have died if it weren't for us? On average, we saved you about three times a day."

"Saved?" Mai said.

Past tense.

They had stopped.

"You stopped watching me? I don't get it. . ."

"Well,"Rei said, "we didn't have to anymore, once you started working for SPR. They became something of a new family for you, and your mother and I knew that it was a good thing, even if it meant we couldn't save you. Touch you in any way we could."

"Oh." Mai said forlornly. The thought of her parents not really needing to do anything for her anymore saddened her to no end. They were her parents. She loved them.

She missed them.

"I. . .I miss you two so much." Mai said, and hugged them to her once more.

"And we miss you, but don't worry dear," her mother said cheerfully, "we're always with you. Even when you don't realize it." she winked at her.

Mai's face reddened.

"Please," she said, "please don't tell him."

Her mother giggled. "Don't worry dear. Your secret is safe with me."

"What secret?" Her father asked. Mai and her mother looked at each other and then laughed at his obliviousness.

"Never mind. I don't want to know. It's girl things, probably." he concluded. Mai smiled brightly.

"Considerably so!" Himiko chirped. Once again, Mai's cheeks reddened.

"But, yes. We are always with you. Even if we aren't around, we are here," Rei said, and poked her forehead, "and here." and then he gestured at her heart.

"Yes," Mai said, "I know. I just have one question, and I'm sure I know the answer."

"What is it, love?" Himiko asked.

". . .Why is it that you guys always make things fly around everywhere, every time it draws near to being the anniversary of your deaths?"

"Ah. . your mom did that. I tried to stop her, but you know her. She refuses to listen."

"Well, yes of course I threw things around! I couldn't very well have you depressed and sorrowful! If I were alive, do you think I would want you to be sad?" she suddenly asked. Mai smiled.

"I didn't think so." Himiko said. "During the time you were with us, you asked us that question."

"The–what?"

"Ah, yes. The time between when Zakuro, curse his very being, knocked you out, to the time you first entered this. . .thing we are in currently." Himiko turned to Naru, who mai had forgotten was there. In fact, she forgot EVERYONE was there. "What do you call this thing again?"

"Shrine style commission." Naru stated. Himiko smiled brightly at him.

"Thank you, sir. And, I do declare, Mai, it is time for us to go. Your friend here," she meant Masako, "has just about had it."

"Oh. Yes." Mai turned in Masako's general direction. "Masako. Thank you so much! This has made me so happy."

From inside the ropes, she saw Masako give a sheepish smile, which was SO unlike her, Mai concluded. Rei and Himiko helped Mai stand up, and they hugged her.

"We must go sweetheart." Rei said.

"Ok–"Mai was, again, cut off.

"Wait." Naru said. Everyone looked him. Naru simply blinked.

"It is in your will that Mai is put in the care of Zakuro. Earlier, I was going over a few things before I went to Mai's apartment, and I came across it. I have it here, if you would like to change it." Naru then produced papers that were folded, from the pocket inside his pocket. He unfolded them and handed them to Mr. And Mrs. Taniyama.

"Oh. Yes. Of course! I don't want you in the care of that crazy man!" Himiko said sternly. Mai rolled her eyes.

"As if I would go back to him after this. After everything he's done to me." Mai said bitterly. Her parents looked at each other.

"Mai," her mother said, "I am so sorry. I tried to stop him. I really did. Your father even tried but–"

"It's over now. Or, it will be when you change things in the will." Mai said, monotone.

"Oh. Right, silly us! But, we don't have anything to write with." Himiko said. It was then that Naru produced a blue pen from his inside pocket as well. Mai looked at him.

"It's almost like you prepared for this."

"Don't be ridiculous."

Mai smiled brightly. Had she not have been through so much, she would have tackled him into a hug, regardless of his attitude toward her.

"Well, thanks, son." Rei said, and smiled nicely at Naru. Naru only nodded.

"Well. . .I don't really want you to live alone." Himiko said, chewing on her bottom lip.

"I don't have anyone I could go to, though." Mai said.

"But all the damage that was done. You won't be able to pay for all of that with your job." Rei said. It was then that the sound of someone clearing her throat caught everyone's attention. Naru, Mai, and Mai's parents turned to see the self-claimed miko standing next to Masako, with a small smile on her face.

"My family is very rich." she said.

Everyone stared.

"Ok?" Himiko said. Ayako laughed lightly.

"Not to boast or anything, but they provide for me, as I am the only child. Both of my parents are famous doctors and have money to spare." She explained. Himiko's expression brightened up. She clapped her hands rapidly, like a little kid getting a puppy.

"Oh goodie! You'll be able to give Mai the money she needs to–"

"Well, actually, I was thinking more along the lines of Mai moving in with my family. Well, one of my family's estates. We have a property near here, and it would be close enough that she wouldn't have to change schools." Ayako said. "Mai is still very young, and in my opinion, she shouldn't be living on her own when she shouldn't have to. Not just yet anyway."

"That," Himiko breathed, "is a very beautiful thing for you to offer. I would accept, of course, but it's up to Mai, really."

Everyone's gaze fell upon the bruised girl. Mai looked away avoiding their inquiring gazes. Thinking clearly about her life should she accept Ayako's offer, Mai didn't really see how it would change. Except for one little factor.

"I. . .I don't know." She admitted finally. Rei put a hand on his daughter's shoulder

"Darling," he said, "you know the what the answer is. You know what you want to say. So just say it."

"In some cases, Rei, it's not so simple" Himiko said playfully. Mai blushed and pinched her mother's cheek.

"MOM." She said firmly.

"Alright, alright. I'll stop. Make your decision, sweetie." Himiko said and pulled out of Mai's grip. Mai turned her head to look at Ayako.

"I. . .I accept your generous offer, Ayako. Thank you so much." Mai smiled widely. Ayako nodded and smiled back.

Himiko scratched out Zakuro's name, and wrote ". . .in the care of Matsuzaki Ayako, close family friend." She smiled. Ayako blushed, very slightly.

"Thank you." she said. Mai's mother smiled.

"No, thank you."

When everything was finished, Ayako backed away from the ropes and Mai turned to her parents. They hugged, one last time.

"Please," her mother said, "be careful, now that you are–"

"I know," Mai said. "I will."

Mai nodded at Naru, and her slung her arm over his shoulders and wrapped his arm around her waist as he helped her exit from the boundary.

"Ah. . .before we go. Could you please bring Zakuro to the ropes, please." Rei called out suddenly. Himiko looked at him, as well did everyone else.

"What for?" she asked.

"Just. . .a word of advice." he said vaguely. Lin and Takigawa dragged Zakuro over to the ropes, and Rei stepped forward. Zakuro had woken up a little while ago, just as Naru and Mai had entered the boundary, but he resolved to stay quiet. He knew he would have another chance after some time.

"Taniyama-sans." Zakuro said monotone. Rei's eyes narrowed as he stepped even closer to bring himself face to face with him.

"If you ever go near my daughter again, I will haunt you." Rei said menacingly. Zakuro scoffed.

"Oh, I'm so scared. There's no way you can keep me from her. You're a ghost." Zakuro said. Rei looked at the men holding him.

"Could you push his head over the ropes please?" He asked.

Lin and Takigawa jerked the top part of Zakuro's body through the boundary, and I was then that he got a mouth full of fist. Zakuro's head jerked to the side as Rei's fist made forceful contact with his jaw line.

"I might be dead," Rei seethed, "but I can still kill you."

Zakuro stayed silent as Lin and Takigawa pulled him back.

Himiko put a hand on her husbands arm.

"I know what you're going to say." Rei said. "You're going to get on my case about how I should've handled it better."

"Actually," she said, "I was going to say that I was sorry you didn't hit him harder."

He smiled at her, and then they turned to look at everyone.

"Be good Mai." They called. Mai sniffled, trying to hold back her persistent tears.

"I'll try." she said with a hoarse voice.

Masako opened her eyes as her silent prayer came to an end, and she watched the Taniyama's disappear slowly.

"I would like to thank you, Masako-san, for giving us such joy." Rei said.

"I wish you a happy life." Himiko said, and then they disappeared completely.

Masako smiled. "You are welcome."

She watched as the spirit figures walked over to Mai and naru, and stood beside them, insistent on being by their daughter's side. Masako laughed lightly.

"Well," she said, not really saying anything. Everyone was silent, until the monk spoke.

"Ok, so I guess I have to say it?" he laughed. "Case. Closed."

fin

You see that little purple button, down in the right corner of the screen?

Yeaaaaaaah. . .that one. . .

Press it, and make my day.

XD

Well, I must say. This story did take longer than I originally thought, to end. I would've had this chapter up yesterday, but my internet wasn't working, so I just went to bed (fyi, I was up to four in the morning, typing it because I just wanted to get it DONE! See how dedicated I am? Lol)

So yeah. I hope you come back for more. Oh. . .

-strains her ears-

Do you hear that?

-stays silent as she listens carefully to nothing-

Are you sure you don't hear something?

-strains her ears more-

Well I do.

And it sounds like a sequel.