A/N: Sorry it's been so long since my last update. Shortly after my last posted chapter I had been hospitalized due to severe dehydration and acute renal failure (my kidney's weren't working) and I was essentially a very sick person for the last several months. Now, all's well and I thought I'd try to get an update in for those of you still reading.
Also, this hasn't been checked...just a warning. So no flaming....
Haunting Echoes
Chapter 3:: Face to Face
Mai tossed fitfully in her sleep.
Over and over, yesterday's scene replayed in her mind: her screams, reaching for Gene as the car struck him, the sound more piercing than her screams, the sight of his body falling, crumpled to the asphalt, blood streaming from his mouth, his body broken. All the sights and sounds combined for a frightful, mental over stimulation.
The only reason she allowed herself to sleep, to experience this, was to hear his voice one final time, to feel his kiss one last time. Those were the only things that made it slightly bearable, despite the massive whole in her heart. If she was honest with herself, the reason she didn't want to wake: she didn't want to be alone, to return to her solitary existence. For a time, Gene became her existence, her world; now, just like him, it was gone, shaken to the very core.
She awoke as someone shook her. She slowly became aware of a voice calling her name. He sounded rather worried.
"Mai? Mai, what is it? Are you alright?"
Opening her eyes there was Takigawa on her bed, shaking her fiercely. His eyes worried, he asked here again what was wrong.
"Just a bad dream, Bou-san; nothing more," she replied, her eyes watering, tears slipping free from their prison.
"Tell me," he said calmly, seeing her pain and knowing he could do nothing made him angry. Mai was such a kind and loving person. She was someone who didn't deserve this, nor had Gene. He'd met him a couple of times and had immediately liked him. Fate had certainly handed her a shitload of lemons, and now it was up to her to drown in the flood, or make lemonade.
Mai told him about her dream. The tears, shouts and and questions flowed, her body quivering as she told her closest friend the horror mixed with beautiful pain- the pain relived every time, in her dreams, she held Gene, heard his voice, kissed his lips.
"Bou-san, I love him so much. This is so unfair! What did I do to deserve this? What did Gene do?"
"No one deserves this, Mai. No one. It just happened. Give yourself time. Grieve. Accept his death; that he's gone, and when you're ready....move on. People do it every day. They have to. They have to because there is no other choice."
His handsome face somber, his usually eyes alight with laughter now weighted heavily in sorrow observed her suffering before stating wisely, "Mai, you have to keep going. You give up...you're as good as dead. That's not living, Mai, that's merely existing; if you call call it such." Takigawa took a deep breath and mental plunge, "He didn't want that for you. None of us do." His smiled gently, his eyes kinder, losing a portion of their sadness, "You have to pick up the pieces and continue with life. I'll be here to help you; you know that."
"I know you're right. But in my heart, I don't know if I'll ever be able to move on. It's just so hard!" She cried out and lay her head against his shoulder, the weight of her pain, her sorrow so great.
He ruffled her brown hair and said, "Not yet, you won't. Like I said, Mai, give yourself time. Everything's so fresh, so painful. You won't be able to force yourself to forget him in one day. It might even take years. I don't know. It's different for everyone," he finished sagely.
The monk hugged her close. "Just don't forget that I'm still here, and that I'm here for you. Always."
"That's just what he said," she cried sadly. "He promised me, and now he's gone."
Taking a breath, he patiently gave her a small smile. "We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow, Mai, only today. We should live it to the fullest extent; don't hold back because you never know if today's the last day you'll exist. Don't fall into the trap, like others, believing we have all the time in the world; we don't. Live for today, Mai. Let that guide you; let it be your new motto.
Mai looked at the light in his eyes, feeling a tiny stirring of hope. Maybe she could do this. At least if she had his help, and support. "Live for today, huh?"
He nodded, giving her encouragement.
"I will try, Bou-san, but that's all I can promise, all I can give, for now."
"That's all I ask."
The duo glanced at each other in puzzlement as the doorbell rang.
"Mai, are you expecting company?"
Her brown eyes wide and confused, she shook her head. She clutched the sheet to her chest and inhaled. Gene's scent assailed her senses, taking her away. She didn't notice that Bou-san had answered the door.
Several voices spoke lowly; she couldn't discern the words, or their purpose, so she closed her eyes and allowed herself to start drifting back to sleep.
"Mai?"
"Huh?"
Drowsily she raised her head from the pillow to glance at the monk through bleary eyes. "Bou-san? What is it?"
He wore a strange expression; one might even identify it as consternation or mystification. "Mai, do you know a Kazuya Shibuya?"
Lightly she nibbled at her bottom lip, staring at the paper in Takigawa's hand, pondering her acquaintances far and near. "No. I don't think so. Why?"
Left hand on his hip, he handed her the paper. "We've been summoned to his office tomorrow at ten am."
"Well, maybe he was an acquaintance of Gene's. I guess we shouldn't be rude. You'll accompany me, right?" She questioned him nervously, uncertain.
"Wouldn't dream otherwise," he returned with a smirk. He pulled her from her bed into a snug embrace. "I promised I wouldn't leave you to deal with this on your own. Your my best friend, Mai." His deep voice dropped away, leaving the rest unsaid.
Mai smiled for the first time since Gene's accident and took a deep breath in, exhaling harshly. "Well, I guess I better get ready for a meeting tomorrow, right," she breathed, her countenance a little too bright, too forced.
Takigawa informed her that he was running home to retrieve clothes and personal items, as he was staying over. He just didn't feel it appropriate to leave her to her own devices, consider the horrific nightmares that was the source of the young woman's affliction; not to mention the centralization of them being her fiance`s tragic death.
"Mai, I'll return in about an hour's time. If you need me...." he held up his cell phone, feeling satisfaction at her acknowledgment. Turning, he opened the door and closed it behind him, the sound so loud, so hollow; the click of the lock echoing with finality.
Mai sighed and decided to try to sleep while he was gone. Maybe, for once, the nightmares would stay away. She could wish. Everyone knew the old adage about wishes and horses. If she had one right now, she sure would ride.
Mai heard voices around her. Some were distorted, some clear. Globes of multicolored lights flowed around her, all other surroundings were black. She narrowed her eyes and could see nothing else for the lights.
Where was she? What kind of dream was this?
'Oh, god!'
Realization struck her, and she suddenly felt nauseated, her petite frame trembling with fear.
"Nee-chan?"
A child's voice echoed from the never-ending obscurity. Several other small voices joined the first swelling in volume.
"Who's there", Mai cried out timidly. "Who are you? Where are you? Show yourself," she demanded despite the fear attempting to surge, to choke her.
"Here I am, nee-chan," came the voice in a sing-song manner.
There stood a little boy approximately six years old with black hair and blue eyes. He smiled so sweetly. Dark blue orbs lit up from the power of his smile. "We've been waiting for you, Mai."
Her eyes opened wide. "H-how did you my name?"
"We know everything. We've observed you for some time. How do you think you've managed to escape so many accidents?" His face became angry. "Evil wants you, Mai. We've protected you thus far, even using the human to continue our agenda."
Bile rose in her throat. The knowledge that Gene had died for someone's agenda caused a fury to rise within. "You used him? His death was your fault!" Her accusatory glare burned. "Why didn't you just let me die?!" She yelled, her pain interjected into each and every word. "Everyone I've ever loved died tragically and mysteriously- never any true explanation, except Gene! I'm tired of being alone! I'm all alone..."
A bright light encompassed the young child, causing Mai to shield her eyes, as his voice lowered, changing tones, he stated calmly, "Mai, you've never been alone. I've always been with you."
The radiance disappeared.
"Gene!"
Mai launched into his arms and held him tight, tears streaming freely, although happy to be in his arms once again. "I can't believe you're here," she whispered joyfully, kissing his face, his lips.
"Was that child you?"
He nodded. "We are many. We are whoever we're needed to be."
"We?" Who are "we"?" Mai was perplexed by Gene's ambiguous statement.
He simply smiled. "I've been many, as have you. I've always watched over you, guarded you, and most importantly....loved you. I've been more than one, always. Look to the past for what you seek; the answers will find you there. But be cautious how deep you dig for certain elements strive to keep you ignorant of everything. Your lack of knowledge will be your downfall and their victory," he warned.
Mai inwardly swore. She hated riddles! Now, her life was at the center of one, depended on her solving one.
"Kazuya Shibuya."
The familiar name shot through her. Why would he mention him? Her mind automatically remembered the letter Bou-san handed to her earlier. "Kazuya Shibuya? What of him, Gene?" Suspicion loomed. Had Gene been mixed up in something when alive? Just who was this Shibuya? And what was his connection to her beloved?
"He can help you. More so, when the time comes, and the forces of evil have descended, he can protect you. He's the only one who can," Gene admitted honestly. Suddenly his attention seemed elsewhere.
Looking back to Mai, Gene knew he had to tell her something without revealing the full truth, which when wouldn't believe, not without help. He had to try. The love he felt for her filled his entire being, reminiscing the sweet, and unfortunately the bittersweet- their final parting, which pierced his heart, his soul as nothing else could.
Glancing into his face, she was stunned by the emotions in his eyes, on his face. He seemed to be in pain, and it appeared to be killing him. "Gene, what is it? What's wrong?" Her small hand reached up to cup his face, which he leaned into enjoying the warmth she offered.
Gene sighed heavily, his soul aching. "We're not really here, Mai."
"What?"
"We're not as we are; nothing's as it seems. You are in danger! I haven't surmised the specifics yet." He kissed her brow gently. "I can't believe you found this place, and all on your own," he chuckled lowly. "You're such a miracle, Mai, and you're not even aware- the raw talent you possess...."
"Do you mean the talent for getting those close to me killed?"
It was a dark joke; yet Gene didn't appreciate its humor. "Mai, something is pursuing you. It, alone, is to blame for the deaths of your loved ones, for me." He hugged her close, inhaling her scent, recommitting everything to memory, reluctant to release her, knowing when he did she'd have to wake before their adversary discovered their secret, unintended meeting and interfered.
"Mai, it's time to go."
"Go?" She was confused. "But, Gene, I just got here", she protested. "I want to stay just a little longer."
If only she knew how her words pierced him. Yes, he wanted her to stay. He wished she could stay forever, but not like this, not in this form. She wasn't prepared. There was danger in either world, yet here the danger was greatest, and she hadn't the slightest clue. If she stayed....the ramifications plagued him fiercely.
Adamantly he refused. "You must return. Some other time we'll meet, but for now you must go," he insisted.
Stubbornly she crossed her arms and refused to budge. "I'm staying."
A tired smile crept across his face briefly before it was gone again. His eyes and face apologetic, "Forgive me, Mai," he whispered wistfully. He reached out with his hand and lightly touched her forehead despite her protestations.
"No! Gene, let me stay, please! No!" With a determined expression she clung to him, refusing to relinquish her hold.
"That won't help you Mai. I'm already gone."
His regretful words barely reached her amidst her pleas and teas.
Her voice faded followed by her body, and Gene was left standing alone amongst the dark engulfed by pain, anger and grief.
Mai woke, tears streaming, throat raw, body worn. She looked over to the window; it was still dark. Bou-san should be back any time now.
Such a vivid dream! Just like all the rest. She'd really felt as if she and Gene existed together on that dream plane. Inexplicably he'd been mysterious at times, and others....just like he'd always been- loving and eager. Curiosity speaking, she wondered why he'd tell her to search the past for the answers she sought? What answers? What questions? Confusion abounded more than ever, obscuring her view of everything, including him.
She took a drink of water and snuggled back into her covers, and she could've sworn like it felt as if Gene was there with her beside her, yet she knew better. Her hand reached out and caressed his side of the bed, sighing. But deep inside she felt this new awareness bubble to the surface. Maybe she would eventually be all right. And she fell back to sleep with the slightest of smiles on her face.
The next morning.......................................................................................................................................
Mai and Takigawa stood outside a large well-kept two story brick building; the door had black letters written neatly across frosted glass: Shibuya Psychic Research. Being the gentleman he was raised to be, Takigawa opened the door, holding it for her, waiting for her summon her courage to enter. She didn't fail him.
Running a nervous hand through shoulder-length brown hair, she inhaled then exhaled quickly before stepping into the building. "Best to get this over with,"she stated firmly.
Soon she found herself and Takigawa sitting on a black thick cushioned sofa, awaiting the rather infamous Shibuya. Their attention turned to the front door as it opened and a small bell jingled allowing the proprietors to know they had company.
Both Takigawa and Mai's mouths fell open as the well dressed, handsome couple strolled through the door. Both man and woman were fairly tall, possessing dark hair and soulful eyes. The woman had a slim figure, which carried off a blue sheath dress to match her eyes; her mouth seemed to smile although her eyes reflected pain. She thrust forward her hand to Mai.
"Luella Davis."
Mai took her hand, shaking it gently. "Mai Taniyama, Mrs. Davis."
Luella shook her head. "Please, call me Luella." Her gaze diverted to her friend and she asked, "And who may you be?"
"Houshou Takigawa, ma'am," he replied, while taking her hand and giving her a slight bow.
"Martin, can you believe this? We actually found a young man who possesses manners! Maybe he can rub off on-"
"Miss Taniyama, I'm Martin Davis. You may call me Martin."
She nodded. "Well, if I'm to call you Martin, then you must call me Mai. It's only fair," she agreed with a hint of a smile, as she noted his handsome, angular features, his dark eyes seemingly capable of so much mischief, and yet they, too, held so much pain.
Mai clasped her hands over her knees. "Now, I apologize for rushing things, but I must get down to business as there's several things I must attend to today. May I ask how the two of you knew Gene? The three of you have the same last name, so there's some connection. And where is Mr. Shibuya? More importantly, who is he, and how were he and my fiance` acquainted?" Her brown eyes adopted a harder glint, steeling herself for the truth.
Silence echoed loudly in the large room. The couple exchanged glances filled with uncertainty and fear.
"Mr. and Mrs. Davis was Gene's parents, and I, myself, am another connection altogether."
Upon hearing the new voice which split the silence, Mai felt her traitorous heart race at its sound, so familiar, yet not. Her head jerked towards the source to see a tall, lean man with ebony hair and violet blue eyes. The same eyes she'd found herself lost in over the last year.
How was this possible? The man standing before her appeared every inch the image of her Gene, but his expression was cold, his eyes colder, reminiscent of a storm on the verge. His voice cool, not welcoming, not warm like a fire in the winter, its sound disturbing to her ears, her heart. She wanted to weep at the unfairness, at the injustice.
Standing shakily to her feet, Mai approached him. "Who are you," she asked quietly, tears welling in her eyes.
"Kazuya Shibuya."
Then everything went dark.
A/N: That's it for now. I'll try not to keep you guys waiting so long next time. Also, there will be more Mai and Naru interaction. This chap..I just wanted to get them face to face. Anyway, hoped you enjoyed. I've still got several chapters to go on this, just a little fyi. Hope you guys have a great weekend, and if enough people review, I'll give you guys an early Christmas present. I'll put out another chapter in the next week or so. :) Anyway, ja ne.