6:00pm

Once more, we were all gathered in the living room. Daniel, Yume, Yukio and Rina were all covered in bandages. This case had cost us a lot. But at least they were all here and safe now. It was time to expose the culprit. Naru explained to everyone that the curse was actually a Blood Contract. "I'd guess it when the monster took control of Rina's body and asked for blood. He also talked too much for a simple tormentor. He had to be the spirit of a deceased human."

It was obvious he already knew who the culprit was. "The Blood Contract is a form of cursing that was created in -300 B.C. in Ancient Egypt. It was used to curse entire generations of family."

From Ancient Egypt? I knew who that was. Shion remained silent in her seat, holding her hands together and facing the ground. "You gave us one information too many. If you had kept to yourself that you came back from a search in Egypt, it would've been much harder to expose you. Yet another thing betrayed you. First you're the little sister of the late Sakura Kimura, Yume's mother. Second, you are very protective of Yume.

Everyone froze and looked at Shion. She got up and started laughing. A hysterical laughter that sort of scared me. When she stopped laughing and caught her breath. She lifted her head. She looked angry. Her eyes had daggers in them, but she spoke very calmly. "Yes it was me. In five month of expedition I had time to learn a few things. You thought I had forgotten didn't you Yukio? Forgot that you killed my sister? "

Everyone turned to Yukio. Shion didn't stop there. "After Sakura's funerals, I met Yume for the first time. She was leaning on my sisters piano, begging her absent mother to play for her. I sat there and played for her, all night long. She never stopped crying. And then she told me, it was her fault and that's why you were sending her away. How could you abandon your own daughter and make her suffer when you were the one responsible for her mother's death? You knew about the threats she received but you decided to ignore it because of your stupid job?\. What did you think when you found her dead in your house?"

A river of tears came out of her eyes. "I hope you suffered Yukio! You hear me? I hope you suffered. But suffering wasn't enough. Your existence itself was enough to make Yume suffer even more than you. I wanted you to feel fear like my sister did before you died as well and leave Yume in peace! I wasn't going to let you destroy the most precious thing my sister left behind! For her to be free,YOU HAD TO DISAPPEAR!"

SMACK! The sound of Yume's palm on her aunt's cheek echoed in the room. "You're an idiot, aunt Shion! Stupid, stupid, stupid aunt! Why are you trying to destroy the only thing that I truly want? Why are you trying to break apart my family!?" She calmed down and put her arms around Shion's waist. "Look at us aunt Shion, were all here. I just got my dad back. Don't take him away from me again."

Shion hugged her niece back. After a moment of silence, Naru spoke again. "Your aunt had already gave up on killing your father. She was just letting off some steam, right now." Naru took a strange golden necklace with a huge broken ruby. "She tried to nullify the contract but the demon didn't agree. This is the talisman used for the summoning ritual. I found it yesterday."

I don't think I've ever seen a brighter, honest smile on Yume's face, than in that moment.

Thursday, October 28th 10:23am

We were finishing getting all the gear back in Lin's van. "Are you sure you're well enough to drive Lin? If your head is still hurting, then..."

"Don't worry Mai. Besides, I can't let you or Naru drive."

"Guess you're right."

Ayako, Masako and John were already gone because of work. Monk stayed to help us pack everything. Everyone was to meet at SPR office to get there fees. The whole family was gathered in front of the porch to say goodbye. Yume was happier than ever. Naru said that there was no inconvenient for Shiro to stay but that Yume should still get a special formation for taming him. Shion and her were to leave for China next vacation to consult an old friend of Lin that could teach it to her. Shion hadn't completely forgiven Yukio, but I was certain everything will be fine. "I can't thank you enough for your help, all of you."

"We only did our job Mr Kimura" replied my boss.

"You did a lot more than that."Added Mary.

"Well, we should be on our way. Take care. Let's go Mai."

"Right." Before I could follow him, Yume wrapped her arms around me. "Thank you Mai. Can we see each other again?"

I gave her my email. "Make sure to tell me about China, okay?"

"Pinkie swear." Daniel came near us and planted a kiss on my cheek. I blushed. He smiled and said. "Naru's a very lucky bastard. I'll be sure to find myself a girl like you someday."

I didn't know what to say. "Mai. We're leaving!" Saved by the bell. I waved goodbye and joined my boss.

3:20pm - Shibuya Psychic Research office.

"Well, I look forward to our next case together. Thank you everyone."

After we all received our fees, everyone started leaving. Ayako had to go to work at the hospital, Masako had an interview, Monk had a meeting with his band and John had a mass to celebrate. I had to meet my friends at the mall. "Mai, do you need me to drop you?" Proposed Monk.

"Yes, plea... Wait never mind to speak with Naru. Don't worry I'll take the bus."

"Okay. See ya later!" He left. I turned around and to my surprise Naru was sitting in his couch, looking at me. I took a deep breath. "Naru, why were you going to use Shigon when the demon caught me? You know it can kill you. You told me yourself you would never use it unless you had no other choice."

"Maybe it was because in my eyes the situation was desperate. You better not tell anyone. I am a self-centered bastard with a big deal of pride, after all."

I couldn't believe this guy! That was his way to tell me he was worried about me? What a jerk!

"Well, thank you very much for all your concern. I'll be sure not to worry next time you put your life on the line! It might hurt your beloved pride!"

I started walking away, but then... "Mai." Before I could turn, Naru grabbed my arm and pulled me against him. With his other hand he grabbed the back of my head and closed the gap between our lips. "No way!" I thought. "Naru was kissing me? It couldn't be! Yet I wish this moment could last forever."

He released me and stared at my confused expression. He smirked at me. "So I'm that much of a good kisser, huh?"

"What? No...No way!"

"Then why are you blushing so much?"

"YOU'RE SO FULL OF IT!"

"You better hurry or you're going to be late."

"What are you talking... Oh shoot. I forgot." I ran out the door so fast that I didn't hear his last comment."You better not be late for our first date, Mai."