"Fake? How?" Mai demanded angrily.
"I already told you, this just isn't real." Naru was growing tired of Mai's disbelief.
"Not real? You're the one who said this had to be it. Unless you're not as smart as you keep telling everyone!"
"Mai, that's enough." Lin was the voice of reason here.
"Whatever the case, if this really isn't it, then we have a lot of work to do," John remarked.
"So what now?" Yasu asked.
"It's only the morning. We have all day to figure out what our next step is."
"She isn't going to wake up any time soon, then, huh?" Mai said wistfully, gazing at her still paralyzed friend. Monk had refused to leave Ayako's side, which was rare as he loved to be out on the front lines.
"Absolutely not." This time it was Lin who spoke.
"Yasu, you have a laptop here, ne?" Naru asked abruptly. Yasu bobbed his head in response. "Good, bring it here. John, go with him."
The two boys left.
"I thought we already determined there was a curse here. Why the sudden rush for info?" Mai asked once the door had closed.
"I've already mentioned that Fukui-san is connected. Don't you think it's funny that as soon as we began mentioning Fukui-san's involvement, the attacks slacked off?"
"Are you saying that he's hiding from us now?" Mai asked.
"That's the logical conclusion."
"But that's not what you're thinking," Mai said knowingly.
"What's your theory?" Naru asked her, his tone light.
"I think he's gearing up for something. You know? All or nothing."
"You may be right."
"I was saying the same thing earlier," Masako added haughtily. "He certainly has a lot of power available from all the souls here, so we need to stop him before he does something." Mai felt herself flush at the mediums words. Was it really necessary to butt in like that?
"We're back Naru-chan," Yasu sang out as he pranced back into the room, with John in tow. Naru winced at the nickname but gestured for them to sit at the table in the room. Yasu quickly set about booting it up and typing some things, guided by Naru.
"Yo, I think this is good," Yasu said suddenly. Naru leaned over the back of Yasu's chair, peering around the boy.
"An article on the gang. Interesting."
Mai rushed over to the two boys and pushed her way in front of Naru so she was knelt next to Yasu, reading the screen. Naru frowned and leaned over again, this time reaching his arms over Mai to rest his hands on the table. Mai found it hard to breathe with Naru so close to her. She wondered if Yasu could hear her rapid heartbeat, seeing as he was next to her. She was faintly aware of Monk and Masako joining their little group in the background.
"There's a link to Takeru Fukui's murder," John pointed out as they read the article. Yasu glanced back at Naru for confirmation, and Mai could feel rather than see Naru dip his head in affirmation. Was it just her, or was Naru even closer? She felt that if he dipped his head a little, his face would be right in her hair. She resisted the urge to squeal and instead focused on the laptop.
After clicking the link they were led onto a news page. Listed on it were the basics of the murder.
"You were right with your earlier research. This must a murder fueled by greed, judging by the way they appear to have gained a ton of money shortly after the death. It would make sense that Fukui-san feels resentment and continues to haunt this place," Naru mused.
"Hey, Naru, it says he lived in apartment 119!" Yasu squinted to where Mai was pointing before whistling in disbelief.
"You know, I think I read that somewhere. How crazy is it that the guy who moved into his old apartment ended up going crazy. Wait a second-… you don't think-"
"That confirms it. Fukui-san used Yanagi-san as a vessel of sorts, then." Naru pushed off of his hands and straightened up, giving Mai room to breathe.
"Perhaps… perhaps the curse is in the room. Yasuhara, you were in charge of investigating around there, right? Where did you find the paper?"
"It was actually just outside the room. I saw the painting in the hall was a bit askew so I checked it, and there it was."
"A decoy, then, eh?" Monk mused.
"So you're saying we need to go into that room?" Yasu asked.
"That's dangerous, Naru. Just because he might be gone for now doesn't mean that he isn't waiting to strike as soon as we get too close. Didn't you say something like that earlier anyways?" Mai scolded him.
Naru glanced down and Mai realized she was still kneeling on the floor next to Yasu. She stood up indignantly in front of him, her face almost uncomfortably close to his. Naru didn't bat an eyelash.
"I never said we'd be going in there, did I?" he reminded her.
"You strongly implied it."
"I think Naru knows what he's doing, Mai." Masako's all-knowing voice made her grimace. Smart-aleck.
"Alright. Fine. But I'm not setting foot in that room. Last time I saw that place was very unpleasant."
Ayako suddenly began mumbling under her breath.
"What's she saying?" Lin asked from the computers. Yasu got up and very cautiously crept over to her, wincing every time Ayako glanced his way. Finally he knelt next to her.
"She's not possessed anymore!"
"Really?" Mai said excitedly. Ayako's voice was strained but growing slightly stronger.
"I don't feel anything anymore," Ayako whispered audibly.
"What do you think, Lin," Naru asked.
"My shiki aren't sensing anything within them anymore."
"So along with Fukui-san's retreat, Yanagi-san bailed as well? Interesting. Naru, do you mind if I perform a blessing. Just to prevent anything like this happening again if things go wrong?" John said.
"That sounds like a plan. I'll join in with some cleansing I've learned. Naru?" Lin asked
"What have we got to lose," Naru affirmed.
Mai and Yasu watched the monitors as John, Lin, Monk, Masako and Naru stood in a semi-circle in front of Ayako.
"May the Lord descend from the heavens and bestow his righteous blessing upon these souls, so that they may be free from harm and safe from all distress," John murmured.
"I've never heard this one before," Mai whispered, leaning closer.
"I think he's BS-ing everything," Yasu admitted wryly. Mai chuckled and swatted his arm but resumed watching the feed.
John switched into reciting his Latin prayers when Mai noticed something in the corner of the room. She picked up the mic, getting ready to warn Naru when the transmission cut out. The video started growing fuzzy and cutting in and out, but Mai could just make out a large dog leaping out at Ayako before all the screens shut off.
"Yasu, we have to go down there," Mai pleaded when she realized what had happened.
"Naru told us not to!"
"I think they're in trouble! I saw a dog leaping at Ayako!"
"Let the old hag get it. Do you know what she told me this morning? She said I only appear older because I dress like a nerd. Can you believe that? Besides, didn't the spirits back off? It's a bit early to be launching an attack already."
"Yasu, now is not the time. I'm going, anyways," Mai added when she saw his incredulous look. She was about to storm out when Yasu grabbed both her arms and held them behind her back, effectively keeping her in place.
"Mai, Naru said no. Weren't you just yelled at because a possessed chick tried to kill you?" Yasu reminded her. Mai struggled and shouted, but didn't answer. Yasu sighed. "Look Mai, I'm sorry, but no way."
"You're gonna have to tie me down then because there is no way I'm letting you keep me from helping my friends!" Mai bit out. Yasu shrugged.
"Alright."
Ten minutes later everyone was in for a shock when they walked in and saw Yasu casually chatting on the phone while Mai sat tied to a chair, muttering insults.
"What the?" Lin asked. Yasu waved cheerfully and hung up before standing to greet everyone.
"She's not very good at listening," Yasu explained, his carefree voice not matching the situation.
"I can't believe you actually tied me down," Mai yelled. Naru just pinched the bridge of his nose before walking over and untying her.
"You punched me and tried to run out!" Yasu retorted.
"You flying tackled me!" Mai's rage was evident.
"Honestly, you two. Bickering at a time like this," Naru said coolly. Mai and Yasu fell silent as the temperature in the room dropped mildly.
"Is Ayako okay?" Mai finally asked timidly.
"Yes. She's with Monk and Hara-san for the time being."
"Did the spirits come back?" Mai asked.
"No, not right now." Naru's words were almost kind, even so Mai felt her heart thud painfully. "It was a warning, but he was easily dispelled. The three are in the kitchen with the chef for the time being."
"No matter, we have work to do. John, Lin, come with me," Naru continued.
Mai hardly noticed as they left.
It was only eight but Mai was already sleepy. John, Naru, Masako and Lin were all heading to apartment 119 to look for the curse vessel. Monk was with Ayako in the girls sleeping quarters, Lord knew what they were getting up to. Yasu had taken the liberty of speaking with Kabayashi-san, as the woman had arrived back at the building a few hours ago, and was currently typing up something.
"Whatcha workin on?" Mai asked. Her words even sounded sleepy, and Yasu chuckled slightly.
"Naru wants me to follow up on a thread of sorts. You know, the theory that Fukui-san is trying to kill Kabayashi-san because he wants this place out of business?"
"Yeah. Yeah I remember now. Why do you think that is?" Mai said softly. Yasu turned in his chair to see the girl better. She was resting at the table, her face in her hands.
"Aren't you the prophetic one? Hasn't Naru's dead twin told you everything yet?"
"Hmm. No, I haven't seen much of him. I'm not sure if that's good or bad."
Yasu's lips twitched upwards slightly. "Mai, you're exhausted. Get some sleep." Mai locked eyes with him before sighing and relenting, gently collapsing her head onto the table and wrapping her arms around her head.
Within seconds she found herself at room 119. Weird, I don't remember leaving. Unless… this is a dream, isn't it. It doesn't feel like one, though.
When she tested the door, not only was it unlocked but it swung open easily.
"Guys?"
It was just her in the room. She jumped when she heard harsh, ragged breathing right in her ears. When she looked, she saw a man curled up on the floor, rocking back and forth and breathing erratically. Kenshin Yanagi?
"You called, boss?" a familiar voice said from behind Mai. She turned to see Gene smiling slightly.
"I thought I'd gotten rid of you," Mai teased, slightly uneasy about the melt down going on behind her.
"Not quite. One last thing for you to see," Gene said before vanishing.
As if against her will, she moved to kneel next to Yanagi-san. When she touched him, his head jerked in her direction and he locked eyes with her. She screamed in response as he suddenly let out a loud wail and leapt up at her, tackling her. She shut her eyes in panic.
However, instead of hitting the floor, she felt warmth wrap around her. When she opened her eyes, she was in Yanagi-san's previous position. Wait a second, I'm Yanagi-san!
She was seeing things through Yanagi-san's eyes! She was also hearing things, mainly his thoughts.
Kabayashi-san can't win. She tried to ruin me.
"I'm not going to do it. I can't." It was a man's voice coming from Mai's mouth, and she remembered that she was currently sort of inhabiting his body.
She started all this. Don't you want to end it?
"I'm not going to kill her!" His voice was pleading. Huh, so Fukui-san really does want to kill Kabayashi-san. I thought it was because he didn't want anyone else to own his building, but yet… it sounds like he thinks she's responsible for his murder. I'm sure I've heard this before…
And why not? She killed me.
Mai felt her heartbeat quicken. She remembered her earlier vision about following Kabayashi-san around. He couldn't really think that!
"No."
Kill her!
Mai felt her ears rings painfully and her hands twitched. That awful feeling from her previous dream was coming back, but it was even worse. She felt like a bottle of soda that had been shaken up and was about to explode. Her brain felt too big for her skull, and her head too heavy for her neck.
"I'm not going to kill her."
Yanagi-san was the good guy then, huh. Then he really was being controlled by someone else… Masako was right. Mai felt her features twist in disgust when she realized Masako was actually right. When Masako found out, Mai would never hear the end of it.
Then I'm going to kill her myself.
"You can't." Mai felt something brush up against her, leaving her skin icy cold and prickling. Did Yanagi-san experience this too? He must've been tormented all this time by Fukui-san. What an awful person.
"You can't kill me. You need me to write your curse. But I won't. I'm not going to." Mai felt an excruciating pain in her chest, and she let out a scream. When she looked down she saw a ghostly hand reaching into her, gripping her heart. No, this is Yanagi-san. It doesn't really hurt Mai!
I'll just do it myself.
Mai watched, feeling Yanagi-san's rage and helplessness as Fukui-san took over his body. Mai had been possessed before, but this felt more like being lit on fire. Fukui-san wasn't just trying to take over, he was trying to kill Yanagi-san in the process. Yanagi-san was stubborn, though, and despite being weakened by his torment and fragile psychological state, he refused to give in.
"I'll write it, stop! I'll write it."
Good.
Mai held her breath as Yanagi-san/she stumbled over to the dresser and pulled out a scroll. Interesting, where did he get such a thing? Mai felt her blood run cold as she realized he was actually going through with it. She couldn't do anything but watch as Yanagi-san wrote something on the paper.
What is this? That voice was so full of rage. Mai tried to reach into Yanagi-san's thoughts somehow, but found she didn't have to.
"I cursed the place. I refuse to help, so if anyone dies here, they can be your lackey instead." Mai gasped. He placed a trap on this place. People's souls were stuck here! That would explain all the incidents then, and the multiple souls.
You fool. You're stuck here too.
Yanagi-san just sighed and slumped over. The harsh ringing that never seemed to go away went up a pitch, and his hands were nonstop twitching now. Fukui-san was really driving him over the edge. Mai could only sit back, horrified, as he headed for the door. His movements were disjointed and his vision was fuzzy.
It seemed like she had blinked, but she found herself on the roof. The night air whipped past and Mai felt somehow relieved. The torture and constant paranoia must've taken a toll on him. Still though, she felt her stomach drop out when he pitched himself forwards and tumbled to the ground.
The last thing she heard was Fukui-san's voice, whispering in her ear.
You are going to regret this.
Mai woke up to strong arms wrapped around her. She was being lowered to the floor. Where was she? She was still confused and disoriented.
"Naru, there you are!" Yasu's voice came from behind her. So it was Yasu who was currently holding her. She felt awkward, being cradled by him as he knelt on the floor, but she was still too confused and dizzy to know what was going on.
"What happened?"
Mai was starting to recognize her surroundings. She was on the roof. Why?
"She tried to jump!"
"How could you let that happen?" Naru sounded angry. Mai fought back a smile. Naru usually got angry when he was concerned. Maybe… just maybe, he was worried about her! Her eyes focused all at once and she saw Lin, Masako and Naru kneeling next to them. Mai was still wrapped up in Yasu's arms.
"She just walked out. By the time I realized that she wasn't herself, she was halfway to the roof. I caught her just in time. Put up a struggle, though." Yasu let out a rueful laugh.
"Mai, do you remember anything?" Naru's voice softened as he addressed her. Mai shook her head and sat up, untangling herself from Yasu.
"I had a dream, but I don't…" Mai trailed off as her eyes widened in recognition. "I dreamt Yanagi-san's suicide."
"Acting out his final moments? That takes some serious channeling," Lin said with a soft whistle.
"Or a ghost who really wants his message across. What happened in it?" Naru asked. To Mai's surprise he leaned over and helped her up. She blushed slightly as she thanked him but tried to compose herself, although Masako's angry glare didn't escape her.
"He's the one who wrote the curse. But it's not a curse on Kabayashi-san," Mai began.
"Huh, plot twist," Yasu joked.
"Let me finish," Mai warned and Naru just sighed. "Anyhow, he cursed this building. He didn't want to help Fukui-san kill her, so instead he cursed anyone who lived here. I think to death."
"So that's how it is."
"Are you saying Yanagi-san willingly threw these people at Fukui-san, the guy who supposedly drove him insane?" Yasu said indignantly.
"That may be exactly why. He was insane and just wanted a reprieve. However that poses a problem. If that really is the kind of curse, then…" Naru trailed off and looked at Lin. Lin stared off into the distance, deep in thought.
"Then what," Mai pressed, tugging at Naru's sleeve.
"That may be why the spirit could get into base no matter what," Lin finally said softly.
"Gene warned me to be extra careful earlier on. This must be why," Mai breathed out. Naru shot her a sharp look but didn't say anything.
"If that's the case, then Naru, wouldn't you agree that this may be used against us?" Yasu said.
"I'm afraid so. I fear the real reason the attacks have stopped may be because he's realized we can't carry out his orders so he may try to take us out as revenge."
"Which would be why Mai just tried to kill herself a few minutes ago," Yasu put two and two together. Mai's head was spinning.
"Did you at least find the vessel?" Mai asked.
"We were a little preoccupied trying to save you, so that would be a no." Naru's voice was biting, and even though it wasn't Mai's fault, she still felt ashamed. "Anyhow, we still have time, but barely. Lin, I'd like you to put a charm on Mai again. Overprotection is a must now."
"As you wish."
"That settles it. Yasu and I are going to the room together."
"Alone?" Lin said, his tone angry.
"Yes. You will watch over Mai. No questions."
Mai just sighed.