They were still screaming when John and Naru rushed out of a back room, supporting a listless Masako, Yasu close behind.
"What's going on? Are you two okay?" John asked worriedly, trying to hold up Masako's limp head. Mai could easily see the girl was out cold, and she didn't want to find out why.
"We just heard you guys out here, where were you?" Monk demanded, fear giving way to anger. Naru's eyebrows arched.
"I do believe we've all had a run in with the ghost, we heard you two in there," he replied, gesturing to the room. Mai shivered when she saw the small wooden door tucked away in the corner, swaying slightly. She had no idea what was in the room, the light wasn't on.
"You heard us? What do you mean?" Mai asked hesitantly.
"You were talking to us, responding. I'd say probably the same way we talked to you," Naru said.
"I think we should go, we've got enough here," Monk said quietly, turning to look pointedly at the large pile of memorabilia by the stairs.
Investigation Day 1 - 5:10 PM
"You know, for such a lavish and beautiful theatre, it's history was quite ugly," Ayako commented. The woman had showed up while the group was in the basement, and was wandering around with Lin taking notes, something she wasn't too happy about. Lin nodded his agreement, studying an old flyer for a play at the theatre, a drama. He grimaced at the tacky colours and typical promotion lines.
"They also did quite a bit of plays involving murder, do you think that's why they have a ghost problem? Someone was actually murdered in a play?" Ayako said thoughtfully, gently setting the flyer down. Naru had explicitly warned them not to damage anything, which was difficult since all the items were worn and crumbly.
"Don't be stupid," Lin said coolly as he studied the theatre manual. Ayako grunted angrily in response but kept working. She had learned not to take his remarks so seriously, his bark was worse than his bite. She frowned when she saw a piece of paper on the floor and bent to gingerly pick it up.
"Whoa, this thing is old! It was the first play performed in this theatre, apparently," Ayako said disbelievingly as she picked up a worn faded flyer.
"Kito Takamura," Lin said softly, his fingers extending to trace the drawing of a woman on the page.
"Who?" Ayako asked.
"The actress, she played the main character in the play," Lin explained.
"How did you know that?" She asked curiously.
"I've been doing some research," Lin said.
"Check this out! 'Congratulations to Nakame-san and Jade-san on their engagement.'"
"Nakame-san, I recognize that name. He's another actor. I'm afraid I don't know who Jade -san is. Interesting. I'll research that as well. For now, it's getting late. I'm sure supper will be ready soon." With that the two started back to the base, unaware of a door slightly creeping open and an angry bloodshot eye glaring at them out of the darkness from a crack in the door.
Investigation Day 1 - 6:20 PM
Naru watched the crew chatting eagerly about the day's events. They were all clustered in a corner of the dining area while the owners of the theatre were busy preparing for supper. He had offered to help but they had refused, trying to be good hosts. He didn't mind, it gave him more time to think.
"I can't believe you actually listened to Naru," Ayako exclaimed heartily. Mai gently punched the woman on the shoulder, prompting a bout of laughter, Masako included.
"Excuse me for trying to be a better ghost hunter. I've had enough near death experiences, thank you very much," she replied haughtily. Ayako laughed even louder.
"Hey, she's right, you know. It'd be terrible if Mai actually died," Monk said. The group fell silent, Naru glancing up worriedly from his notes. "Then we'd have no difficulties solving cases, it'd just be easy! Go in, get the ghost get out, no little Mai detours," Monk added, prompting more laughter from the group.
"Well, I'm turning a new leaf. I refuse to be thrown around by some measly ghost! I will be the most epic ghost hunter ever," Mai exclaimed jokingly. Monk frowned at her, clearing his throat obnoxiously while pointing to himself. They were interrupted when a loud crash sounded from the kitchen.
"Supper is ready," someone called. The group quickly settled themselves quickly, hushing their chatter. Soon enough a feast was laid out in front of them, and they all tucked in, especially Lin and Masako.
"So, have you found anything yet?" Kazuko asked hesitantly. His wife looked down, hair covering her face to conceal her expectant expression.
"Yes, actually. Do the names Kito Takamura and Nakame-san ring a bell?" Naru asked cautiously. Everyone was confused at the mention of Kito Takamura, but they all knew the names were important.
Kazuko's eyes widened in recognition.
"I do, indeed! Kito murdered Nakame-san and his fiancée!"