Never What it Seems

Author's Note: I wanted to thank the three that reviewed and those that read I really do appreciate it. I usually do not do this type of thing because the response is low. This is a mix of point of view. Most of it is third person. I hope that you enjoy. I am sorry it is late coming out. I have had essays due for college.

Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt only the characters I create.

Day 2

The SPR van followed by Monk's car pulled in front of a lavish three story resort that appeared to have been built during feudal Japan. Mai stared out the window of the SPR van in wonder. Her hands pressed against the glass. Lin watched her through the rearview mirror. As per usual he wore a mask of indifference while he watched the excited girl. He glanced quickly to Naru only to notice that Naru was sitting there with the black folder he had always carried since his brother's death. What Lin did not understand was why after the found Gene that Naru continued to carry it around. It had been over a year since the team was told that Naru was in fact Oliver Davis and that the reason why he had come to Japan was to search for his twin Eugene Davis who had been killed in a car accident. There were still some sore spots for some of the members when they remembered that Naru had lied to them. Takigawa had taken the news harder than some of the others. Professor Oliver Davis had been admired by the monk until that is he found out that his stubborn narcissistic boss was him. Then again Takigawa had not been left heart broken by the man like Mai had been. Lin wondered silently if Mai was still upset over it. He had noticed a slight difference in the interaction between Mai and Naru since they had returned from England. Naru seemed to be a tad bit more in tune to Mai while Mai seemed to be holding herself back most likely from fear of being hurt again.

Pulling up to the front of the hotel Lin parked the van and got out. He moved to Naru's side as the others gathered around looking up in awe at the building. He had to give the owner credit they place was in great condition and looked to have been restored completely to its original state. They were making their way to the entrance as Madoka exited the front doors followed by an older woman.

"Well it's great that you guys finally arrived. Isn't this place wonderful?" Madoka beamed.

"Yeah it is so cool I have never been to a hot spring before. I was so psyched for today." Mai replied with a bright grin on her face.

"Mai.." Naru said impassively. Mai turned to him to signify that she was listening to him. "We are not here to have a vacation. This is work."

Mai's smile suddenly vanished. Naru always had a way of ruining the poor girls mood with just a few simply words. The older woman at Madoka's side smiled softly as she regarded Mai and the others.

"Well you seem to be a fun group. Dear please don't worry. I would like for all of you to use the hot springs to relax as well as to help me solve this mysterious case." The woman bowed softly. "I am the owner Jun Takahiro. Please make sure you rest while you are here. I don't know anything about ghost hunting, but I am sure it can be exhausting." She said brightly. Mai raised her arm in triumph her boss could never deny a customer.

"Alright guys if you follow me I will take us to the base and the two rooms designated to us." Turning Madoka bowed to Ms. Takahiro as she excused herself. Turning back to the group she smiled. "Let's get this show started" She said smiling. It appeared that Madoka was also looking forward to the case.

Lin picked up his laptop case and walked with the others to the second floor where base was located. The first floor was dedicated to relaxing. The dining room, living areas, and spas were all found on that level. The second and third stories were dedicated to the guests. There was a guest house in the back of the property where the owner lived. The layout was rather simple and would be easy for Lin to map out come time for the measurements to be taken. Base was rather comfortable. It was a large room that was joined to the room where the men where to sleep, while the women had a separate room. The room was already set up most of the way save for the equipment. There was a small cozy sitting area with a coffee table on the other side of that a table had been set up with a chair that would take the place of a desk. Near the shoji screens that lead to the men's room was a comfortable table with cushions around it for eating or studying.

"Well this is where we will be next door is the men's room and down the hall is our room." Madoka announced. "We are to report downstairs in 3 hours for a luncheon with Ms. Takahiro. That is when we are to learn more"

Naru moved to the table and tapped his finger against the surface. He gave the orders for Mai and Takigawa to unload the van. John was to help bring in the equipment and luggage. Ayako and Masako were to go around the resort and see if they could sense anything. Masako already looked pale, but had remained quiet.

After all the equipment had been brought in and set up as well as luggage unpacked and settled the group met back at base. Lin was already busy at his computer typing away appearing to not pay attention when in fact he was listening to every word carefully. Everyone had made themselves comfortable in the sitting area when Mai asked the question that everyone was curious about.

"Ano…So where is this friend of yours that we will be working with?" Mai asked as she brought tea to the group.

Madoka took a sip of the tea and then sighed softly. "She will be here later I am sure. I don't understand why she is late."

Before anyone could ask her more on the mysterious woman a maid knocked on the door and announced that the luncheon was about to begin. Standing the group left base and headed downstairs to the dining hall. They were lead to a table near the back of the dining room where Ms. Takahiro was sitting.

"Welcome, I entrust that everything fit your needs. I took the liberty to order for us. I was already informed by Ms. Mori that a couple of you do not eat meat during cases to ensure a pure body, so I ordered a vegetarian lunch with fish if anyone would like fish." Sitting down Ms. Takahiro motioned to the seats around her. "Please have a seat."

SPR and the irregulars all took a seat Naru placed a recorder on the table so when the case was discussed they would have a record.

"I would rather discuss the case before lunch arrives." Ms. Takamori stated frankly. She looked around and then turned back to Madoka confused. "Where is the pretty woman that came by the other day? Isn't she working with you? I am sorry I cannot recall her name."

Madoka looked up surprised. "She came by? Well that is surprising. She sent me a text a few moments ago stating that she had been delayed but would be here shortly. Knowing her she has already researched the area and has heard a bit on the case already. I will fill her in on the details after she arrives." Madoka stated, she appeared to be slightly jumpy. "Anyways as you were saying."

"Ah yes, as I was saying the case is frightening. Many of the guests have experienced something unworldly. About all I can say is what we see happening. Lately we have a spring that runs red with blood at different hours of the day. We have made that spring off limits, because of the inconsistence of times. We have had guests report to hearing cries of animals and women. Some have even seen a woman reflected in the mirrors. In the kitchen there have been incidences of flying knives and broken dishes. The most terrifying however that is we have people growing ill. I am telling you perfectly healthy people just dropping with an unknown illness. Women have actually remained in coma like states. I was so relieved when Ms. Mori accepted the case we have been terrified that we may have to shut down the resort. My husband has been away on business so it fell on my shoulders to get rid of the problem." Mrs. Takahiro bowed her head. "Please help us."

Naru reached over and clicked off the recorder.

"It sounds interesting and Madoka has already agreed to help you and as such we will as well." Naru stated as he took a sip of his tea.

"Thank you Mr. Shibuya. I look forward to working with you as much as possible." Mrs. Takahiro said as the food arrived. "Perfect timing." She whispered softly. She smiled as everyone started to eat complimenting the food. She was very grateful to all of them.

Mai stretched as they returned to base. All of them were stuffed the meal was great.

"I can't believe we get to stay in such a great place and have great food!" Mai said in delight as she sat down with the group. They were all relaxing before being assigned to their jobs. Mai tilted her head to the door as she heard a click of heels. She looked to Ayako just to make sure that she was in the room. Seeing Ayako was with them she wondered who was walking to their base. All of the members of SPR raised their heads at the sound of a gentle knock. Naru gave a curt "enter" and the door slowly opened to reveal a woman and teenage girl. The woman was simple stunning. She looked unreal with her long almost silver hair and bright violet eyes. She stepped slowly into the room. Madoka jumped up from the couch seeing who it was.

"Aya!" She screamed as she ran to the woman and engulfed her in a hug. No one noticed that Lin had stopped typing at the sound of the name and had turned in his chair. Seeing the woman at the door he stood slowly his hand resting on the back of the chair.

Smiling the woman patted Madoka on the back. "It's good to see you too Madoka. It has been a while."

While the others failed to notice Lin's reactions Naru did not. He regarded Lin from the corner of his eye.

"Aya" Lin whispered softly. Naru's eyes widened a fraction. Now that is new. He thought.

AN: Hope you enjoyed