Masquerade Chapter Two
May Wednesday
Day 2 1100
Base is now set up, computer monitors set, ready for the hook ups from the cameras and mics.
"Miss Hara, Miss Matsuzaki, walk through the main house, and through the backstage area, notify me with any areas that have any activity. Monk, John, Mai, setup the cameras in these areas. They were given to us from the owners, and apparently high areas for visible activity of some sort." Naru handed Bou-san the list. Turning to look at the computers Lin was sitting in front of. "Before you leave, Mai, tea."
The girl rolled her eyes, setting the cameras she had in her hands down. Mai went over to the portable stove top they brought just for moments like these. At least it was quick, and she didn't have to get lost to try and find the kitchen. Finishing the tea up quickly, Mai placed the cup on the desk next to her boss's elbow. Turning from him, she smiled at the two waiting men. Picking up the cameras, they left the room.
"So, Mai, what do you think of this place?" Bou-san asked, without looking up from the camera he was placing just inside the front doors.
"It's alright I guess," Mai replied, distractedly. She was looking at the chandelier once again, half hoping to see the flashes she has seen earlier that day.
"No angsty feelings from the dead?" The monk asked teasingly, now looking at the girl.
"Nah, I haven't received any bad feelings from here. Just flashes of color, and glitters from like jewelry and dresses, and music." Mai said, fidgeting with the mic. Unbeknownst to her, it was on, but she didn't think about what she was saying. "This place has had so many good and bad, that just right now, it's all fun out here. Makes me wonder what Masako would feel."
John and Monk looked at each other, caught off guard from Mai's answer. Normally she wouldn't be so nonchalant about it all. She was off, the two men could see it.
"We have a few more cameras to set up; let's finish these up, then head back to base for lunch," John said.
May Wednesday
Day 2 1545
The time after lunch was productive, but quiet. No One had seen or heard anything from this apparent ghost, and the SPR crew was happy about it.
Interviews with the owners, cast and crew members went smoothly, and Naru was able to piece together something of a possible pattern, if That at all.
Nothing was caught on camera, well except a couple or two that thought one of the stage wings was empty. Lin and Naru, if they had any possible emotions probably would have turned red with embarrassment. But they didn't, they just decided to call Mr. Dena to asked the couples to move away from the equipment.
They wouldn't want any accidents with the said cameras, now would they? Mai thought.
After those situations, nothing fun happened. Bou-san sat up from his position on the couch. Looking over to where the girls were sitting, he said, "We are here at one of the most famous theaters, and even though we are here because it is haunted, why are we just sitting on our bums, where we could have fun exploring the areas, and watching the rehearsals?"
Everyone looked at him, mixed thoughts on their faces. Yasu was actually the first to get excited.
"You're completely right, Bou-san!" he exclaimed. Hey Big Boss," Yasu turned to Naru, "if we make rounds with for the temperature again, can we go explore?" hope and excitement shimmered in his eyes.
Looking away from the computers where most of the open part of the theater could be seen, Naru observed the growing excitement from the people behind him.
"Don't get lost, and make sure you are actually getting readings. We need to do final readings for the day. When you get back, Miss Hara, will you be able to perform a seance tonight?"
"Yes, I believe so." was the meek reply from behind a kimono sleeve.
Ayako and Mai looked at each other and shrugged.
Exploring won't hurt. Maybe we can actually watch some late night performances. Mai thought. And before Naru could demand tea, for the second time in the hour, she bolted from the room, quickly followed by the young high school researcher.
"Did you leave the stove on or something, Mai?" Yasu asked, catching up to her at the end of the hall.
"Noo.." Mai replied, "I didn't want to serve any more tea to the stupid tea addicted jerk. Besides, I want to look around this place! Maybe we could find the proof that everyone was saying earlier, about me looking like the starlet, Madelyna."
Yasu noticed that the foreign name flowed off Mai's tongue with no problem.
"Mad-eryn-ah," he tried to say it himself.
Giggling, Mai started to coach him on how to say it properly.
"What are you fools doing in my theater?" someone sneered behind them.
Turning quickly, the pair of teenagers gaped at the figure in front of them. She was beautiful in a cold way. Crisp and cold looking eyes shot daggers at the intruders.
"Moyoki Akira," Yasu gaped, awestruck.
"What are you doing in my theater?" she asked again, ignoring the boy and focusing on the girl. Narrowing her eyes, the singer made the connection of who this girl was. Or at least looked like.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Mai started to say, but she was interrupted.
"I don't care who you are, you filth, you should not be in my theater, so you better get your whoring looks out of my sight, and you better not get in my way." The woman responded with venom that could maybe make Naru cringe.
Mai just gasped, her hands flying to her throat, shocked that a stranger would say such things to her. Without thinking she started to tear up. That was probably the worst thing anyone had ever said to her. Not even the times when Naru called her an idiot hurt this bad. The tears didn't fall though.
"Hey now!" Yasu exclaimed, " that was really uncalled for! And to let you know, we are from SPR. We are paranormal researchers, and we were called here by the owners to get rid of the so called Phantom. So if you would so kind, if you can be, do not call my friend any more names, and let us do our job. We won't be in your way, and we will make sure of that from now on out."
Yasu was furious. No One had the right to call Mai any such names, and this cold woman just put her name on the top of his bitch list.
Turning to Mai, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and started to walk away.
Akira had another fight coming.
"That is proof right there that she is a whore. I have seen all the men that follows her around here. And no amount of tears from her will change my mind. That bitch is going to get what is coming to her. Her kind don't live long." With that the actress walked away, shutting the door that she came out of. With a click, the two remaining in the hall were locked out.
Yasu glared at the door. Yup, she is number one.
"Let's not tell anyone that she said those things. Please. I don't want to get her into trouble, and I don't want anyone to be asking me about this.." Mai said, her head against the boy's shoulder.
He was should not have been shocked to hear that coming from her. Mai never thought of herself first. Taking the girl tighter into his arms, Yasu nodded.
"I won't tell anyone this time, but if she approaches you again, with that attitude, and calling you those names, we are going to Naru. Promise me that."
"Promise." Mai pulled out of the hug, and smiled at her friend. Her eyes were still glossy, from unshed tears, but she still smiled brightly.
Madelyna,
The two teens jerked, both hearing the name being called. Looking at each other, they bolted back the way they came.
"That was the Phantom wasn't it?!" Yasu exclaimed, panting as he leaned against the wall.
"yeah.." Mai was sitting on the ground, "and you heard him too.. I'm not sure what is more freaky, the cold woman and her words, or that voice."
"definitely the voice." Yasu slid down the wall to snuggle close to the shaking girl. If it was from fright, or just because she was out of breath, gasping loudly because of the running, Yasu did not really know.
She leaned her head on his shoulder, "I'm glad you're here with me, Yasu. With us. I don't think we would be able to know all the information that we do if you weren't here. I don't know how you do it, but thank you."
Yasu smiled, "honestly it's just a bit of fun for me. Researching history is one thing I do enjoy. And honestly, you and everyone else have a better job than me. You exercise ghosts, and cleanse spirits, and such. That sounds so much better to me sometimes."
Mai giggled, "if I could research, I would. I sometimes hate being able to see, hear, and talk to ghosts. All that pain, I can't stand it sometimes." she closed her eyes, "but I guess you are right, it is fun. Sometimes. I feel so proud of us when we help others, and to successfully help ghost move on. It's such an amazing feeling. No matter the pain I feel during the investigation."
Yasu snuggled into this girl friend. No inappropriate thoughts crossed his mind. He was happy to be next to his friend.
Mai kept her eyes closed. Sighing, she let her body relax, sleep nipping at the back of her mind.
The vast blue area opened in her mind, Mai smiling at the familiar sight. Looking around, she sought out a familiar face. Turning 360, she saw him.
"GENE!" Mai exclaimed, running to her spirit guide and friend. Catching her in his arms, Gene smiled brightly and spun her around.
"Good to see you, Mai!" Gene's smile became bigger, if it was possible at least.
Squeezing her arms around his neck, Mai giggled. "How have you been? Why haven't you come to see me anymore? Have you talked to Naru at all?" letting him go, she stood back and looked expectantly at his face.
Laughing, Gene held up a hand, "slow down little lady. One question at a time. I'm alright, still no information about why I am still here, but I have an idea at least. I have tried to come see you off cases, but it seems to hard right now, I can't seem to reach you if you aren't close to my idiot brother. And I have talked to him, but not about you. And before you ask, I don't want to bring up the fact I'm still guiding you to him yet, because he is just an idiot that honestly over reacts to the silliest things."
Confused, Mai raised her eyebrow, "Naru over reacting? That's funny. He never over reacts to anything."
"that you see." gene ruffled her hair, "but getting down to business.. this theater.. it's not what it seems. And you need to be careful. The ghost, like many others, has already noticed that you look like Madelyna, and his obsession will go beyond what you may think. Please be careful, and watch the shadows."
"well at least you aren't as cryptic as you have been in the past," Mai commented.
"oh," gene started to fade away, "stay away from Moyoki Akira. She is a danger all on her own. She knows something.."
The scene faded completely and Mai woke up. And saw a few people looking down at her, and Yasu, Who was smirking at the observers.
"do I even want to ask what you two were doing, sleeping on the floor in the middle of a hallway?" Bou-san asked, smiling. A stern Ayako stood behind him.
"You don't know how many years of dust is on that floor," she said, "Get up, and dust off. This idiot man and I finished some of the temperature readings. What have you two done besides sleeping?"
Mai looked at the two adults. Sheepishly she replied, "Dreaming?"
Everyone gasped at that.
"well let's go! Naru-bou would want to heat this!" Bou-san hauled Mai off the ground and began to push her towards the base.
Who knew that Yasu and her fell asleep so close to the doors. If Naru had caught them sleeping, there would probably be hell to pay.
May Wednesday
Day 3 1945
The base was quiet, Lin's constant typing the only thing that could be heard. Naru leaned against the desk, and watched as the group thought about what their thoughts of the theater was. After hearing the warning from Mai's dream (she didn't tell them about Gene.), they all went into an emergency mode, to be prepared for something nasty.
"Miss Hara, what have you felt in this place?" Naru asked.
"It's dark. I'm not sure if it's the spirit or something else, but this place holds many dark secrets. It's also lonely. Misunderstood" Masako replied, covering her mouth with her kimono sleeve.
Ayako nodded, "I can feel the darkness as well. It's very,.. macabre,..."
Naru kept quiet, eyes watching. As his eyes roamed over each face, he stopped and stared at his young assistant. "Mai..?"
The girl was looking down at her hands, which were sitting on her lap, a frown marring her normally bright face. Her eyes were unfocused, and she was shaking.
"Mai!" Naru called again, stepping slightly towards the couch, concerned for the young girl.
This was not normal for her to react so early in cases.
Unknowing that her name was being called, Mai continued to watch as a waking dream unfolded in her mind.
:-:-:
Darkness covered the area, slowly candlelight shimmered and brightened the room for Mai to see. A vanity covered in flowers of all sorts stood off to one side, wardrobes on the other walls. Large carpets covered the floor. One magnificent mirror faced the doorway where Mai stood, in a white lace dressing gown. The candles which were the only light in the room blew out,
*Insolent boy!
This slave of fashion
basking in your glory!
Ignorant fool!
This brave young suitor,
sharing in my triumph*
She could hear someone singing, calling out out to her. Without thinking she started to sing.
*Angel! I hear you!
Speak, I listen...
stay by my side, guide me!
Angel, my soul was weak
forgive me...
enter at last, Master!*
Mist covered the room, and Mai couldn't stop shaking. From fear, or anxiety, or something new, she did not know.
*Flattering child
you shall know me,
see why in shadow I hide
Look at your face in the mirror
I am there inside!*
Mai turned to face the mirror, the Golden frame the only thing she could see. She slowly stepped towards the shadow she could see within.
A hand slowly came out of the mirror. Reaching slowly for it Mai continued to sing, as part of the vision.
*Angel of Music!
Guide and guardian!
Grant to me your glory!
Angel of Music!
Hide no longer!
Come to me, strange angel*
Taking his hand, Mai followed him into the mirror; darkness swallowed the light that was remaining behind her.
*I am your Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of music.*
The shadow man lead Mai deeper into the darkness
MAI!
MAI!
She believed that she could hear someone calling her name. Her Astral form began to shake violently, something bad was going to happen, Mai just knew it.
MAI!
MAI, WAKE UP!
The darkness wouldn't let her go, the hand keeping her in his grasp, walking deeper and deeper into the darkness.
Nau-Maku-San-Manda-Bazara-Dankan
Mai could hear Bou-san chant the mantra of the Immovable one. Still she couldn't leave the vision.
:-:-:
"We just have to let her ride this out." Naru said, releasing the hold he had on the shoulders of the now still girl.
The slight shaking Naru had seen had turned into spasms and the room had erupted into panic to calm her. Mai's eyes had rolled into her head at that point, and she fell to the ground. Naru had ran across the room, pushing the small table in front of the couch away from the girl, to try and catch her before she unconsciously hurt herself. Moving her head into his lap, and gently holding onto her shoulders, Naru looked at the small medium who screamed as this started to happen.
"Miss Hara, what do you see?!" Naru exclaimed, worry now evident on his face, for the first time ever.
"He is here. He won't let Mai go." Masako started to cry, "This darkness wants Mai. I do not know why, but, this… this is nothing I have seen before."
Everyone was quiet, watching the scene in front of them. No One wanted the young girl to get hurt, but nothing that they could think of would be able to help her now.
Not even Naru could think of anything to pull her out.
"Noll," Lin started, "what did the clients say before they left yesterday morning?"
Naru looked at his guardian, thoughts racing. "Mai supposedly looks like a young lady who rose and fell from fame here at this theater. And many of the cast and crew earlier today couldn't stop staring at Mai either. They must have known something!"
Gasps could be heard through the room.
"Yasu! I Need you to rush and get as much information about this opera house, and find out about this supposed performer. Call Madoka and get her to help. The sooner we get information, the faster we can prevent Mai from going through this again. Monk, John, Miss Matsuzaki, please make charms and bless this room, and the sleeping quarters. And two people are to stay with Mai at all times. Do not let her out of your sight! Understood?"
Everyone nodded and rushed to start on their appointed tasks.
Somewhere else in the Theatre, unaware of the happenings at the SPR base:
Akira sat at her vanity, slowly removing the make she had to wear for the blasted show. She hated it. Just as she hated the fact that her career here could be over because of that stupid girl. The one that looked just like Madelyna, the whore that ruined her great grandmother's career.
"History will not repeat itself. That little bitch will not get in my way. I will end her before her future begins."
Author Note:
Aaannnnddd cliffhanger... sort of.. holy shit... I'm sorry I'm not sorry..
So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all that have reviewed for the 1st chapter! Somethings I would like to point out, to clarify what was brought to my attention... I am writing this all on my phone, and the thought is just to get it up as soon as possible, and worrying about the editing later, but I do know that I should think more cleanly before posting, so I took a little more time before I posted this chapter. Hopefully it is a bit better than the 1st! lol I will go back and edit all of this when I have the time to sit at my computer longer than maybe a hour. I love my job sometimes... so many long hours.. not to mention all the travel time..
Remember I am using the 24 hour clock system here, seems more fitting for me honestly, so to figure out the time, if i have anything past 1200 (noon) just subtract but 12 and you will get the time. :)
I am not sure how well I can get the characters as correct as possible, but this is a fan fiction, and I hope that I can do the real author proud!
1) *(Read more: Phantom Of The Opera - Notes Lyrics | MetroLyrics)*
Word Count: (without Author Note): 3.233
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GHOST HUNT NOR THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, I AM JUST THE PERSON WHO DECIDED TO COMBINE THE TWO FOR AN INTERESTING TWIST OF FATE
XOXO, L0V3SICKF00L