A/N: Thanks to those who reviewed chapter one! I appreciated your thoughts and , I'd like to thank those of you who just stopped by and took a peek. :) I only hope this chapter will be as interesting, if not more so, as chapter one. This chapter has an adult situation in it but it's nothing to revealing. Just thought I'd warn anyone who didn't want to read it.

Oh, and for those of you who have the song 'Somewhere' by Within Temptation or their song 'Pale'...I'd listen to one of them or both of them as you read the segment labeled July 3rd. I was listening to Leona Lewis' 'Bleeding Love' as I wrote it. Let me know if it helps enhance the reading. Enjoy....

Disclaimer: Don't own Ghost Hunt or it's characters. I only wish I'd been brilliant enough to bring it to life. :)

Haunting Echoes

Chapter 2: Fate's Twisted Hand

London, England

Six months later.................................

"Noll, have you spoken to Gene lately?"

Oliver "Noll" Davis glanced up from the book currently occupying his attention, "No, mother, I haven't. I haven't heard from him in some time. Months really. Since he left for Japan, I've heard not one syllable from him, except for the day he left."

His tone unflappable, cool, maybe one could say uncaring, but that was just Noll. He was as calm and serious as Gene was social, always smiling; never lacking in opportunity to tease his twin. They were as different as night and day. Even their clothing reflected their personal style: Gene always wore dark colors, mostly blue or black and Noll mostly wore white, a contrast to his pale skin.

Their mother, Luella Davis, smiled as she clasped her hands together in her lap. "Do you think he's found a girl, Noll? Maybe this is why we've not heard anything from him this long while." The hope in her voice unmistakable. His mother....ever the matchmaker.

"I'm not making assumptions of that level when it comes to him, but I wouldn't be surprised," he remarked dryly. His attention fell back to his book; it's contents enrapturing him in regards to new information on studies performed in the area of Parapsychology: the effects of psychics and mediums repeatedly exposed to the supernatural, mainly spirits. Information that could be helpful for future cases, as he and Gene both worked at their parent's company, Shibuya Psychic Research, or, simply put SPR.

Smoothing her long, black hair, Luella stood to her feet, anxious to hear from her wayward son. It'd been too long. Way too long. Just what was he up to anyway? "I'll give him until morning and then I'm calling. I can't bear this silence any longer! What if something happens to him?"

Her anguish, and her words, caused Oliver to look up, his blue eyes glinting dangerously. "I'll know. I'm sure he's fine, mother. He's most assuredly absorbed in a case. And we all know how Gene is when he's buried deeply in his work, more specifically, a perplexing case at that."

"You're probably right, Noll," she laughed nervously. "Not that you wouldn't know anything of being absorbed in an interesting case, now would you?" She asked her son, teasing him as only a mother could. "Are you certain, Oliver?" Her dark eyes became instantaneously serious.

He knew to what she was referring. "I know I am." He answered her with a small smirk, certain and all-knowing.

Noll watched his mother carefully. She seemed so exhausted, always worrying over his brother and his constant lack of communication. "Mother, why don't you go and rest? You'll feel better in the morning, I promise."

His request seemed more of a command but she didn't mind obeying this once. Sleep would alleviate her worried mind, at least for a few hours. Bidding her son goodnight she left him in the library reading his book; an intense expression stretched across his face.

Japan

Early morning......

Gene and Mai lay sleeping when the shrill ring of his phone interrupted their dreams.

Who could be calling this early? If it was one of their friends, they'd better have a really good reason for calling. Picking up the offending object he answered groggily. "Hello?"

He rolled his eyes as the person on the other end verbally assaulted him, demanding answers. Answers he wasn't sure he was prepared to give. Slipping from Mai's embrace, he grinned as she scooted closer, whispering in her sleep.

Exiting the room he closed the door softly behind him.

Gene's eyebrows rose as the cold voice demanded, "Where the hell have you been, Gene?! Mother's worried sick. You better have a damned good reason for not calling! She's disappointed, but at the same time she thinks you've found a girl; that's why you haven't phoned....because you're busy."

"Noll....can't you be a little bit more sensitive? It's still early here." Gene grinned as he indulged his typical laid-back personality, all the more to piss his twin off. One of life's greatest pleasures, he mused with a smile. It was obvious he was teasing his brother. He found it a rather fun game to play since he was the only one who could get under Noll's skin and irritate the hell out of him. No one could do it better. Not even their mother.

The voice paused, then resumed with icy tones.

"Frankly, Gene, I don't give a damn what time it is. I'm rather annoyed at your behavior, and for you upsetting her. This is a warning....you'd better call her later today, or so help me god, I'll board a plane for Japan and drag you back here to apologize."

Gene rubbed his face, sighing heavily at his brother's ultimatum. "Noll, you don't understand."

"What do I not understand?"

Brief silence stretched across the line. "Mother was right." Oliver stated knowingly. "So....this is about a girl after all."

"Don't sound so angry, brother. She's a keeper. In fact, I've been making plans to bring her home and introduce her to you, mother and father. Her name's Mai," he added affectionately.

Meanwhile, back in Gene's bedroom, Mai awoke. Their bed felt cold and lonely. Upon waking, she discovered why. Gene was gone.

Tilting her head, listening carefully, she could her her lover speaking in a low, amused voice. Getting up, she crossed to the door and carefully cracked it open, trying to hear what he was talking about. Not just that, but she was curious to know the caller's identity. It was too early for any of their friends to be calling, she thought.

She heard Gene say, "Noll, you don't understand."

Noll? Who was Noll? What was going on? She continued listening, finding herself lost in confusion; their conversation spinning in circles until she heard Gene call the person brother. Brother? She wasn't aware of any family much less a brother. It seemed someone had some explaining to do whenever the call ended.

Mai felt a twinge of pride as her lover told his "brother" that she was a keeper, and that he'd intended on bringing her home to meet him and their parents. Once again, she felt a twinge of anger that he'd never divulged such important information. Then again, he wouldn't understand as he had family; she had none, being an orphan for many years. He didn't know the pain, the loneliness, that a solitary life brought.

"Noll, just be patient. I swear I'll call Mother today. Personally, I'd like to get a little more sleep."

"By all means, Gene, sleep while our mother worries herself to death; barely able to sleep, eat or concentrate, thanks to you."

Rolling his dark blue eyes Gene retorted, "Don't be a dramatic ass, Noll. Later. I'll call.... I swear."

His brother answered coldly, "You better, Gene. You're aware of the alternative."

Gene blinked and laughed softly as his brother slammed down the phone in his ear.

"A brother, huh? Sounds like you'd better start explaining."

Shit!

He turned slowly to face Mai, anger and hurt evident in her expression; sadness in her eyes as tears welled.

Taking her in his arms, Gene explained about his brother, his parents, everything but who his brother truly was. Neither of them were ready for that big a confession. Besides, what would she say if she knew his brother was none other than the famous psychic, Oliver Davis? In the past, it wasn't something which had gone over well. Some people could accept the supernatural and some couldn't. Just as some people could easily accept that others had abilities which were unexplainable, such as his and Noll's.

He also explained his reasons for keeping everything from her. It'd been out of love and selfishness. He wasn't ready to share her with anyone in his family, their friends were bad enough.

Tears still in her eyes, Gene stood, holding out his hand and said, "Come with me, Mai."

Still trying to assimilate his newest information, Mai nodded and took his hand. She knew he had her best interest at heart, where it counted. Not to mention she loved him and implicitly trusted him, refused to believe he'd indulge in hurtful duplicity. He may have kept secrets, but didn't everyone?.

That night Gene and Mai lay entwined; Gene slept peaceful, deep. Mai, on the other hand slept fitfully, occupied by terrors plaguing her within her dreams.

"No....no, please..." She whimpered helplessly, her fists wadding up the white sheet covering their bodies.

"No. Don't go, Gene, please don't go! NO...Gene! NO!!"

Gene woke, hearing her frantic pleas which increased to tearful screams. Shaking her gently, he said, "Mai, it's alright. It's just a dream. I'm here.....wake up. I'm here."

One hand moved to stroke her hair, trying to soothe her, comfort her. Lifting her chin, he tenderly kissed her, hoping it would tell her he was real; he was here and that everything was fine. Mai responded to his sensual, pleading ministrations. Her tears ceased, her breathing slowed and she hugged him tight.

"It's alright, Mai. You're safe."

"But are you, Gene?"

Her tear stained face sent a pang to his heart. "I am. I'm here, Mai. I promise you." His dark eyes regarded her seriously, but with love shining in their depths. "Tell me."

"It's the same damned dream," she admitted, frustration evident in her voice. Holding him tightly she whispered into his muscular chest, "The one where we're together and you're hit by a car; it ends with you being taken from me. Forever!" Mai sobbed, her small body wracked with pain and fear.

"Sh," Gene spoke lowly, soothingly. "Everything will be fine, Mai. Don't worry. You're okay now. I'm here with you; I won't ever leave you." He swore fervently.

Staring into her tear-filled brown orbs, Gene leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. Applying more pressure, he whispered between kisses, "I'll make you forget, Mai. Forget this dream; forget everything but you and me."

She sighed as their kisses metamorphosed from chaste and comforting to desperate and passionate. Mai clung to Gene as his hands slid over her skin, carrying out his promise. To make her forget. He was accomplishing his goal and how!

"Forget, Mai....." Gene whispered as he seduced her, tantalized her senses, making her forget.

Mai felt a familiar heat building under her skin, within her body. She moaned as Gene's lips trailed down her throat and across her neck and down to her shoulder. Her hands automatically moved to his back, pulling him closer, gripping her lifeline as he seduced her mind, her body and her soul.

He'd wanted her to forget. With his talented hands, lips and body, he brought her to new heights, and for the duration of their joining, the rest of the night, she forgot everything but him.

Several months later

July 3rd................................................................................................................................................

"Happy birthday, Mai!"

She awoke to Gene's smiling face as he kissed her good morning, wishing her a happy birthday. She kissed him so sweetly and hugged him close, thanking him for his wishes and consideration.

The both of them lay tangled up in the sheets, giving credence to the wild night previous. A look of confusion took place of Mai's regular smile as she watched her lover reach into his bedside table, retrieving something, yet not allowing her to see it.

Taking one of her hands in his, he smiled nervously as he said, "Mai, I just want you to know that the last year has been the best year of my life. Aside from family, I felt so empty. I felt there was little in my future except work." He gave her a grin while continuing. "Meeting you changed that. I used to feel lonely; not quite whole, like I was missing my other half. But because of you....my search is over. I've found not only my other half but my soul- my life."

Understanding dawned in her eyes. She knew exactly what he was saying; she knew exactly how he felt. For so long, she'd suffered the same afflictions, the same fears. Mai's attention returned to Gene as she waited for him to finish.

He reached behind his back and sat on his knees. "I know this isn't exactly the traditional way, nor the least bit romantic, but if feels right and that's all that matters." His blue eyes shone with such happiness that nothing could negate their sheen, their brilliance.

"Mai, I love you more than words could ever say, not that words would ever be enough, but I need to know....will you marry me, Mai Taniyama?" He fell silent awaiting her answer. He'd never been the patient type, just like his brother. Neither of them were really known for that virtue, especially Oliver.

Mai glanced down at the pear shaped diamond ring her lover slipped on her finger. Tears of joy streaked down her face, feeling her love for Gene reflecting in the stone's clear depths. Nodding her head, she whispered, "Yes, Gene, I'll marry you."

The two lovers hugged and kissed enthusiastically, their excitement burning up the early morning light.

"So, how'd your call go? Your mother alright?"

Mai peppered Gene with questions as he exited their bedroom, following the promised call home. She examined his face anxiously, wanting to hear everything.

"All's well," he replied calmly. "Mother's anxiety has been assauged for now, and I've also made arrangements for us to visit my family in England."

Mai launched herself into his arms, happiness abounding between them. "When?"

"Two weeks."

"Two weeks?" Suddenly her face fell. Her eyes losing their luminescent glow.

"What's wrong, Mai?" Gene wasn't sure what caused the lapse in joy, or the negativity he abruptly felt emanating from her.

Swallowing hard, she asked him, "What if they don't like me? What if they're expecting a high class woman with family money of their own? What if-"

His lips cut off her questions, pressing lightly to hers; distracting her from her insecurity. Pulling back, disconnecting their lip to lip contact, "They'll love you, Mai. Don't worry. We love each other and everything else is inconsequential. You're what matters to me."

Relaxing somewhat, she smiled as his words gave her encouragement. "And you're what matters to me," she returned. "So, what are we going to do today, with it being my birthday and all?" Her brown eyes twinkled, losing all signs of anxiety.

"Get dressed. We're going out." He replied, feeling such exuberance it couldn't be contained. It was all due to the petite brunette in his arms. She gave so much, yet asked for nothing in return. That was Mai.

Later, the duo were casually strolling down the street after eating lunch at their favorite bistro. Holding hands, laughing and talking, nothing seemed to bother Mai or Gene as they stopped in several various shops, purchasing a few things here and there.

Mai's attention became occupied as she glanced around, a bad feeling stirring in the pit of her stomach; a fear she couldn't explain overwhelming her emotions. Clutching Gene's hand tighter as they moved, she swallowed hard, her head swiveling back and forth, attempting to figure out why this place seemed so familiar to her.

"Mai, there's your favorite chocolate store. Let's go," he said, pulling her from the sidewalk and they began to cross the street.

Oh, god, no! Knowledge slammed into her, the reason this place was so familiar. Feelings of nightmarish dejavu` crept up, taking her within its grasp. "Gene, let's do the chocolate shop some other time," She protested.

"Nonsense." Gene looked at her strangely. He knew something was bothering her. He'd noticed the way she kept looking around, fear in her eyes, taking away her smile and worrying her. "It'll be fine, Mai. Let's hurry."

As they reached the street's median, a black car came barreling towards them and Gene reacted instantly.

"Mai!" A strong sense of apprehension swept over him, frightened for her life, Gene pushed her towards the sidewalk, in the direction of the chocolate store. He watched as the force behind his thrust sent her flying, her head striking the sidewalk and her eyes closed for a moment, causing doubt, making him wonder if that was the right thing to do. However, Gene hadn't much time for pondering this as the car grew closer.

Mai felt Gene's fear as he pushed her towards the sidewalk, her balance affected as she struck her head on the concrete. Her eyes shut; the blow causing dizziness and a momentary disorientation. Her eyes reopened just in time to see him smile at her before the car slammed into his body, sending him flying into the air and tossed to the ground like a rag doll.

"Gene!! No..." She screamed his name while watching helplessly as the whole scene played out before her. "No, Gene!" She hurried to her feet and ran to him, tears streaking down her pale face. Kneeling down beside his battered body, she placed his head gently in her lap and stroked his ebony hair.

Gene was broken. He was hurting everywhere but no more than in his heart. He was dying in more ways than one. His heart was bleeding, as was his body. He could feel her tears raining onto his face washing away rivulets of blood from the numerous cuts on his face. He could feel her anguish as his own. He inwardly raged at the skies. Why? He'd found happiness; Mai had found happiness, only to have it stolen. God knows he didn't want to leave her; now it appeared he had no choice. He had to break the promise he made her...that he'd never leave her. That hurt more than the physical pain piercing his body, radiating all over. The pain inside was nothing listening to Mai's tears, her pleas, for him to stay. This was heaven and hell at the same time. This was his torment, shouldering all of their emotions. Utter hell. But he had to stay strong for her; he had to get her through this.

"Gene, please stay with me. Look at me," she pleaded. "Look at me, Gene! Please...." His midnight blue eyes stared back at her, filled with agony and love.

His hand reached up to shakily caress her cheek and she leaned down to kiss his blood coated lips. She withdrew as coughing spasms racked his thin body, and she knew he was attempting to hide his pain as he refused to cry out.

"I ...love you....Mai," he whispered and she kissed him again.

Smiling through her tears, her breaking heart, she said, "As I love you, Gene." Their lips met in one last passionate plea- for her to live and for him to stay, only it wasn't meant to be.

Gene inhaled a couple of ragged breaths, then his body stilled, his breaths ceased.

Mai's head rested gently on his cheek, continuously pleading with him when she felt his body become still. She listened to his chest. No heartbeat. Checking for a pulse, she felt for the carotid artery. Nothing. No pulse. No nothing. He was gone. Gene was truly gone! With that, Mai threw her head back and screamed, her cries the proof of her pain.

Her shock so great, she didn't feel the rain suddenly falling, pelting both her and Gene's bodies. She wished the driver of the runaway car had stayed and run over her, too.

Before she knew it, a man was pulling her away from Gene. "No! Don't touch me! I have to be with him," she yelled tearfully. "I have to....."

The man identified himself as a police officer and requested her to come with him.

"I can't. Don't take him away from me," she said, tears rolling down her face. "He's all I have. We were to be married. Today's my birthday, you see, and we were engaged just this morning..." Mai's stricken voice failed her and she couldn't say anything more for the moment.

"Come with me, Miss and we'll take care of everything." The officer pulled her away from Gene while the EMT's verified his death and pulled a black sheet over his pale, bleeding form. The man gently guided Mai away from the scene, he didn't want her to watch the rest for he believed she'd collapse. She was on the verge of it now, as it was.

Back in England.....................................................................................................................................

Oliver "Noll" Davis tore through his closet, searching for something presentable to wear. All his best shirts were at the cleaners and he had a presentation/lecture today, and it seemed he had nothing to wear. "Damn," he muttered.

An idea struck him. Hurrying towards Gene's room, his eyes took in the perfectly straight room, containing books, his computer, yet with all the possessions here...it was empty. He often wondered when Gene would return for good. He knew he was coming in a couple of weeks with his girlfriend, Mai, but he wished that whatever happened between the two of them...Gene would move back, bringing Mai with him if that's what it took.

Throwing open his twin's closet, flipping through the various shirts, he found a long sleeved dark blue shirt. Pulling it gingerly from it's hanger, feelings of pain, fear and emptiness assailed him. Closing his eyes he felt the familiar sinking feeling, his psychometry stepped in, leaving him no choice as he watched the scene unfold, feeling distraught as the vision ended.

Downstairs the phone began to ring.

Running from his brother's room, he went in search of his mother. He needed her. He needed to tell her. He could only hope the news wouldn't kill her.

Oliver ran through all the rooms eventually finding his parents in the library, his mother setting the phone in its cradle with a shocked expression on her face.

"Noll-" she began, her voice trembling, her expression lost to shock.

"Gene's dead, mother." He blurted out Gene's fate, not meaning to sound so callous, it just happened to spill from his lips before he could stop it.

"How did you know, Noll?" Her heart broken, she watched her remaining son sadly, wondering how he could've known as they'd only discovered Gene's fate.

"I touched one of his shirts....I saw everything. I witnessed his death. I saw...." His words trailed off, his emotions so out of control.

"Noll," another voice spoke from the shadows, "get yourself under control. You know what'll happen should you allow your emotions free reign." His friend and bodyguard, Kouji Lin warned him. Lin turned to the Davis'. "I'll make arrangements immediately for Japan."

Martin Davis nodded somberly at the tall Chinese man and thanked him. He held his wife as she sobbed. At least she was free to cry, to scream, if she chose. Unfortunately, Oliver had no such option. The house would be torn apart, no telling what else would occur, should he indulge his current mood.

Some time later the foursome was packed, ready to head to the airport and to Japan.

Finally on the plane that would lead them to their destination, everyone but Noll slept. He stared out the window, a hard glint flashing in his blue eyes. "I'll find whoever did this Gene," he silently swore. I'll find the bastard and make him pay."

Reclining his seat, Noll slipped on a pair of headphones and closed his eyes, wondering what else awaited him in Japan. As the music played, his eyes grew heavy and he succumbed to the waiting darkness.

A/N: Ok....that's chapter 2 for you. Next chap: Mai meets Gene's family face to face. How do you think she'll react to Noll? And what kind of interaction will they have? Will Noll acquire help in his quest to find Gene's murderer? Next chapter: Face to Face.

**Also, sorry this was so long but I couldn't really stop myself. Hope it was at least somewhat enjoyable. Please read and review... .. Have a great weekend everyone! :)