A/N: When I saw this on the '100 themes' list I knew instantly what to do…
P.S.- Two in one day?! (Granted, this one is short) That's awesome!
Disclaimer: I own my panda collection… made of 2 pandas… Go away!
Theme: Solitude
Pairing: Mai and Naru
When he opened his eyes, Naru could see nothing but black. It was like he was floating through an abyss. He lazily looked from side to side, searching for anything familiar. He flexed his muscles, his slender fingers opening and closing. He turned around and his eyes widened.
His brother stood before him as clear as day. It was almost as though he was looking through a mirror if it hadn't been for the sad smile on the ghost's lips. (That and his 'reflection' didn't show his gaping mouth and wide eyes.)
"Noll." The sound was crystal clear and Naru knew instantly that it was his brother. No one else could guess his nickname so accurately. (Except maybe Mai but she was different.)
"Gene." His reply sounded too loud and Naru started feeling uncomfortable surrounded by the darkness.
"Go to her." Gene said before turning and slowly walking away. Naru stretched out his hand to try to stop him.
"Go to who? No, Gene, please don't go!" He had always hated that his brother brought out the emotional side of him. He tried running after Gene's retreating form but it seemed that for every step Naru tried to take, Gene took two.
"…ru." Another faint voice caught his attention and Naru turned to face the new speaker but no one was in sight.
"…aru." He heard it again, still faint but a bit closer than before.
"Naru." He thought he recognized the distinctly female voice. Maybe his ears were playing tricks on him.
"Naru, let's go home." He turned and saw his accident-prone assistant, Mai, smiling in complete sincerity. Her pale hand reached for his and he let her take it.
He knew now that even if his brother had left him, Mai wouldn't. He would never live a life of solitude again. And he wouldn't have it any other way.