Hello guys!

Thank you all for your reviews! They are really heartwarming :)
Also, the fic has a NEW NAME! Echoes of the Past!
I thought it was a very fitting name.
I come bearing a new chapter and it is my longest one yet!

This chapter is easily the double of last chapter^^" I hope you all like it.

Do please review your thoughts about the chapter!

Disclaimer: Still a no on that ^^"

A brownhaired man was cowering from a overwhelming shadow.. "I-I'm sorry master... I didn't know they w-would be so powerful!" A loud growly shout echoed through the dimly lit room. "They?! THEY?! It is just ONE that seem to be a likely threat! That.. Man.. I do not know what he is or what he has.. But it was something fiercly strong and fast.." The entity moved in the shadows towards a medium sized steelbar cage. The cage was rusty and grimy, in the middle was a big chair with armrests which was occupied by the badly preserved remains of a small girl.. The man looked away from the cage, not able to handle the sight.. "Then again.. If it wasn't for some young stupid snotty brat then we wouldn't be in this position. If you had only gotten the right girl from the start then none of this would have happened Souza!" Said man winced and backed away from the oppressing entity, lifting his arms to shield from the oncoming backlash.. "I-I'm s-sorry master.." The entity turned fully towards the trembling man. "You will find out everything and anything about that man whom accompanied Mai.. He must NOT come between me and my beloved." The entity slowly faded into the surrounding shadows and disappeared, leaving Souza to himself. He sat down and gazed slowly towards the run-down cage again.. "I'm so sorry.. Lien.. Mai.. I'm so, so sorry.."

[Base POV]

First sign that something was off was when they could feel the whole mansion flood with hatred and a cold sensation not from this world and then the screaming of children was heard. Every equipment in the baseroom went haywire. "Where is it coming from?!" Naru barked at Bou-san at the computer. The monk clicked rapidly, doing a doubletake.. "It's.. It's everywhere... Every room is reacting.. Childscreams from every room, temperature drops in all rooms.. Everything is reacting everywhere!" Naru's eyes widened and stared at the screen in disbelief. Temperatures dropped from the normal regular 25-26 degrees celsius to -20 degrees celsius. Naru turned towards where the frontdoors were, feeling a spike of recognizable force from that area. "Lin?" The next thing they heard was a loud bang resonating through the hallway into the room. Everyone ran out through the doors and towards the frontdoor which they now saw was wide open and one door was of it's hinges, leaning towards wall.

Mai stood rooted with Lin's arms protectively around her, calming her silent crying. That's what welcomed most of the SPR. For Naru, what welcomed him was pretty much the same scene with the major difference of 5 very angry and protective Shiki glaring towards them, no beyond them. He could clearly hear their vicious hissing. Whatever had been here was not something to underestimate if it got an reaction like that from the Onmyoji's Shiki.
Lin was the first to notice the crew and slowly turned his head towards them, face grim and eyes hard as obsidian. He looked straight into the eyes of Naru switching over to english. "Noll. We need to talk." The young blackhaired man swallowed hard. 'When was the last time I saw him this angry?' He had that thought over and over again as he saw Ayako and Bou-san walk over to them to check them both over. He actually couldn't ever recall Lin acting like this. Ever.
He stood rooted as they all went inside towards the baseroom. He could feel Lin's gaze at his back. Naru just knew that whatever this conversation contained was not going to be fun and he had a nagging feeling that he was going to get chewed out, royally so, by his chinese mentor and assistant. "Just like the good old days, neh Gene?" He looked up towards the starfilled sky, feeling a light breeze and a faint whisper. "Idiot scientist."

Mai sat down on the couch, trying to collect her emotions so to not cause any accidental PK. Ayako sat beside her discussing something with Bou-san and John. Mai paid half-attention to the discussion as she followed a certain tall, dark and handsome man with her eyes. Lin stood by the computer and reviewed the latest activity, taking notes and jotting down something for later check-ups. Naru walked through the door and the room went dangerously quiet. Mai noticed Lin's stance change from formally casual to rigid, almost like he was ready to pounce the young scientist. Lin turned toward the young man, face completely blank except for the eyes which were livid. Lin started slowly walking towards him but was momentarily stopped by a small hand grabbing his hand. He turned, his livid eyes focusing into the dark brown confused orbs of a certain young woman. His eyes calmed and smoothed out, ghost of a smile faintly gracing his features. Everyone around did a major doubletake at not just the sudden change of mood but also the highly unusual show of emotion from the normally stoic man. "L-Lin-kun...?" Her single word said so little but still so much. Said man sighed deeply and nodded. "Hai hai. Don't worry Mai-chan. I'll be back momentarily." Mai smiled almost sadly to him, she knew that he knew something she didn't and that a certain boss was att the bottom of that knowledge. She turned towards said boss and saw him swallow nervously while watching his older assistant.
Lin turned towards his ward again and nodded towards the door, walking out through it. The young scientist followed him silently and closed the door behind him. Every pair of eyes turned towards the young woman questioningly. Mai stared wide-eyed at everyone. The silence was broken by a very extremely curious monk. "Okay. Spill it! What of the everloving kami has happened in the last couple of hours?" Mai started fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.. "Uhmm.. W-what d-do you mean?" She looked everywhere except the eyes of her big brother figure.. "You run out of here in panicky tears some few hours ago, Lin-san leaves without pretty much a word and next we know you are in his arms and you share some kind of connection?" Mai's blush kept growing and growing until her whole face was a stoplight.. THUMP "IIIIIITTEEEEE! Holy cow Ayako! What are your hands made of?! Stainless steel?!" The monk was holding his currently growing bump on the head. The miko turned to him, a tickmark visible on her forehead. "Well if you were more considerate and tactful Houshou I wouldn't have to do that now would I? Seriously and you have like what, four younger sisters? One would hope you'd have a bit more consideration by now." The monk startled at the woman using his real name instead of the regular nickname. He rubbed his bump and mumbled. "You didn't have to hit so hard.." John walked up to the young woman and put his hand on her shoulder. "Would you like to get some tea Mai-san?" She nodded slightly and followed him to the small kitchenette joined to this baseroom. She sat down at the small table, wathcing the young exorcist make tea her thoughts a couple of rooms down the hall.

Naru was having a very bad day. He stood with his arms crossed across his chest, leaning against the wall. Trying to maintain some kind of confidence in this abysmal situation. Lin stood watching the young man, eyes cold and face blank. "What exactly Do you know about this case Oliver?" His tone was low and almost threatening. Naru swallowed nervously. "A young man requested our help in finding out about some strange happenings around his mansion. His case intrigued me so I accepted." Naru started while being scrutinized by his assistant. "His case intrigued you? I read the casereport. That was a typical case that you would toss out the window first chance you got. Tell me the truth!" Lin stated angrily. Naru sighed sadly and slumped his shoulders.. "Taniyama Souza approached us with his so called case. The thing that actually got me interested was his name. As we both knew then that Taniyama was an orphan with no other family but Taniyama is in itself a very unusual surname. The other thing that piqued my interest was that he didn't seem to be alone. I felt something else inside him, but I couldn't pin it." Naru walked over to the recliner and sat down, "I accepted it in hopes to get more answers. I hoped it would turn out to be just a stupid coincidence. I didn't expect it to go so south so soon. And now Souza seems to have vanished. We can not seem to find him anywhere nor can any of his servants. We also heard some very interesting rumors from them. Apparently Souza started to own this house almost 10 years ago having inherited it from a "distant relative" but none of the servants could recall a Taniyama ever owning the mansion earlier. And to make things even more weird, he had a little girl with him, but she vanished shortly after coming here." Lin was now pacing back and forth thinking about the new facts. He stood by the window, gazing out over the garden. "When did Souza disappear? When was the last anyone saw him? Lin turned to Naru whom ran a hand through his hair, contemplating the question. "I think Matsuzaki-san and Takigawa-san were the last who saw him shortly after you went away with Mai. They met him in the kitchen area If I remember correctly." Lin nodded and continued pacing. He slowly walked over to the young scientist and flicked his hair to the side, uncovering his blue eye. Staring straight into the shocked scientist's eyes. "This is something you should have gone over with me and Mai before accepting. Thanks to all this she is in such grave danger that I am not sure IF I can protect both you and her at the same time. And that is not something I am happy about." Naru could hear the veiled warning slash threat hidden in that statement. 'If Mai is hurt or dies, you are screwed. Your parents be damned.' Naru swallowed hard while gazing into the Chinese harsh mismatched eyes. He had royally fucked up and he knew it. He truly had never seen Lin this angry. Ever. Naru nodded his head. "Protect Mai with all you have. In this case I seem to be of no notice from whatver resides here. If my parents have anything to say about this it will be on me only." Lin nodded grimly and walked towards the door. The oppressing feeling slowly abating from the room as Lin left. Naru knew he would never forgive himself if Mai was hurt or worse killed. And he knew Lin never would either.

Mai sat totally relaxed as she sipped her tea. 'John's tea is always so different from my own. Stronger yet smoother. I usually like my teas more mellow and sweet but John's is an exception.' She and the young exorcist had sat in silence just enjoying the tea. "Soo how was your dinner with Lin-san?" Mai almost choked on her tea at the surprise question.. Almost. Mai blushed slightly, setting down her tea. "I-it was really nice. H-he took m-me to a really fancy chinese restaurant owned by his sister and brother-in-law. The Jade Dragon I think it was called." John nodded and smiled at the young woman. He may be young but he was no fool. He had seen their slowly evolving friendship. He was a little shocked first as he knew of the stoic Chinese view of the Japanese people in general, but then again he also heard of Mai-san's berating of Lin-san. 'Time sure flies fast. Feels just like yesterday I was called to assist at the supposed haunting at Mai-san's school. Now here we are four and a half year later.' He glanced at the young woman currently sipping her tea nervously, he chuckled lightly. " You don't have to worry Mai-san. None of the other knows anything. Matsuzaki-san might suspect, but doesn't know anything for sure." Mai blushed and smiled sheepishly. "That obvious eeh?" John sipped his tea and chuckled once again, eyeing the young woman. "Actually not very, Matsuzaki-san and Takigawa-san's relationship is a lot more obvious. . No, you have been very subtle. I guess I just notice it easily as an outside observer." Mai sniggered at the mention of the monk and miko's relationship. It was really hilarious how they both think they are sneaky about it.

Mai turned her just as the door opened and saw Lin standing there. "Aaah Lin-san. Would you like some tea? John-san's made a really good batch and it's still warm." Said Chinese smiled slightly and nodded. He took the last seat around the small table. It was very obvious as he sat down that this table was not made for tall people, he didn't particularly care as he was used to it, but Mai noted it and moved a little to make more space to stretch his legs. He thanked and sipped his tea, slowly feeling the tension ebbing away. John stood up and took his cup to the sink and washed. "I'm going to check on Matsuzaki-san and Takigawa-san so that they don't tear down the baseroom" He bowed to the two and went out to join the others in the base. Lin and Mai watched the young man exit the room and started sipping their tea again. "How do you feel Mai?" Lin asked with a concerned voice. Mai put down her cup of tea and sighed. "I.. I don't know.. I'm scared... I don't really feel particularly thrilled about spending the night here.. Not after everything that has happened." She closed her eyes, trying to stave off the tears that wanted to burst.. She suddenly felt a warm hand encircle her own. She opened her eyes and met Lin's gaze. "Don't worry, Mai. I will protect you." She was lost in his warm and loving gaze. She could feel his promise in her heart, like an imprint. "I know Lin-kun." He snorted lightly in amusement. "Please call me Koujo, Mai." Mai blushed and nodded. "Haai Koujo." She said breathily. Lin couldn't help but remember that night in her apartment after the debacle with Yasuhara. 'Dear Kami'Was all he thought. He lifted his hand to his lips and lightly pecked it and Mai's blush deepened even more. 'Wonder how far down the blush goes.' was one of the many thoughts going through the Chinese man's mind. His thoughts were unfortunately disturbed as frantic discussions could be heard from the baseroom. "What now?" Mai wondered questioningly as the both stood up to walk over to the other room.

Naru stood by the equipment with an annoyed face as Ayako, Bou-san and Masako were in an heated argument. Lin and Mai stood staring at the three and the looked over at the young exorcist who lifted his hands in a 'I'm not getting in there' and then to Naru who was visibly twitching at the loud argument. "What is going on? Why are you arguing?" Lin's baritone voice reverberated through the room shutting everyone up. All three stood fiddling until Ayako huffed in exasperation flinging her hands up into the air. "We are currently discussing what we are dealing with here. Both me and Bou-san are very sure we are dealing with a something beyond ghosts. We think it is a demon of some kind. It may have been human once, but what we felt and the reaction of the equipment is not of some lone ghost. Buuut..."Masako stepped forward. "We are dealing with a onryou. What I have felt feels more like an onryou than anything else." Ayako put her face in her palm and just sighed and the bickering was on again. The monk kept himself out of it this time whilst Mai just looked between the two women like a game of tennis. Lin walked passed the bickering duo and went to where Naru was. "So what is the plan?" Naru's brow furrowed as he was thinking. He checked his watch, 9.38 PM. He let out a strained sigh. "Well we have pretty much deduced that it is not safe to stay here for the nights any longer. I want you to take Mai home, ask Takigawa and Matsuzaki to make some warding charms. We will meet back here tomorrow at . We will go on from there." Lin stared into his boss' eyes and saw the hidden meaning. 'Protect Her'. He nodded and turned towards the other group. "Takigawa-san, Matsuzaki-san a word please." His words cut through the bickering once more, leaving no room for arguing. It wasn't a request as much as it was an order. The couple walked over to Lin, eyeing him questioningly. "I need you to draw up warding charms for Mai AND her apartment. Whatever is here is after her life. None of us are staying the night anymore. It is too dangerous." Ayako stood shocked while Bou-san's features hardened. Bou-san was the first to act and pulled out some charm-paper and started to write down something on it and then gave it to Lin. He looked at the charm. 'Sanskrit?' He thought an glanced questioningly at the monk. "This is the strongest personal warding charm I know. It renders her invisible to all paranormal entities and it also masks her powers. Unless you haven't noticed she's become quite the beacon of power." Lin nodded in understanding. He knew what the monk meant. Since Mai got the memories of her past back she's been exuding power. She probably didn't notice it herself, but she's more or less become a beacon for all ghosts, active or not. Ayako stepped forward and grabbed two pieces of paper. She took out her own pen and started meticolously drawing her charms. When she was done she walked over to the two meter high plant in the corner, sat down on her knees and put on hand at the base of the plant and held the two charms between her fingers and started to chant silently. Everyone in the room was shocked at what happened. As the chanting continued on they saw the plants slowly wilter until it was dead. Ayako thanked the plant morosely and stood up, walking over to Lin handing them over. Lin could feel an almost malicious feeling from them both, he eyed the miko warily. "These are nothing to play with. The first charm is the one for the house. This will make her house nigh impenetrable by anything paranormal. Ghosts and spirits or in our case demons will NOT want to try because the will experience horrific it just above the front door and it will protect the whole apartment. The other one is similar to Bou-san's except that it will also make her impossible to possess and she will know if something tried too, 'cause she will both feel it and hear it as whatever tries to possess her will, like with the first, feel unfathomable pain. I must advice you to not let anyone try Psychometry or anything that would invade her mind either. It will not be as harsh as for spirits, but it will be mighty unpleasant. They will decay over time, turning black but how fast depends." Both men stared at her in shock. 'She knows something like this?!' Both men thought at the same time. Lin pocketed all charms and thanked them both and started to walk away when he felt a hand stop him. He turned and met the mikos harsh eyes. "Those two are charms I have promised my ancestors to never use unless it was in real dire need and also to keep secret because of what they are and what they do. You could say they are a little like a family-secret. You saw what was needed to make them work. Do I need to tell you how serious I am about this situation?" Lin noticed her grip on his arm tighten slightly to make a point. Lin met her gaze with his one eye, acknowledging her sacrifice and her seriousness. He could almost read her mind saying 'she better not get hurt or else.'. She let go when she was satisfied with their silent conversation and Lin continued on towards Mai.
Naru stepped forward clearing his throath. "Alright. After the latest incidents and new discoveries I have deemed it too dangerous to stay over the night here. We shall meet back here tomorrow at . Am I clear?" His voice left no more discussion. Everyone nodded and agreed.

Lin and Mai sat in silence during their ride to Mai's apartment. She glanced out the window thinking about the night making her brow furrow. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear Lin call her name. When he touched her shoulder she came out of her funk looking at Lin questioningly. "I was asking you if it was this or the next exit to your house?" Mai checked where they were. "Well the first is fastest but the second one has a really nice pizzeria on the way to my house." Lin chuckled and glanced at her momentarily. "Hungry again?" He checked the clock on the dashboard. 10. . Oh he hadn't noticed it was so late. It was a couple of hours since they ate. "Alright, lead the way Mai" He added while smiling warmly.
Fifteen minutes later they stopped at a homely-looking pizzeria. Mai jumped out and was soon joined by Lin. "Let's go Koujo!" She said happily. He followed her up the small stair to the front door. When they opened they heard a small bell chime and the wonderous smell of pizza hit them. A small growl was heard from Lin's stomach area. Mai laughed and poked him lightly on the belly. "Hungry much Koujo-kun?" Lin just smirked at her impression of him from the restaurant. They were greated by an elderly woman with a motherly smile. "Aaaaah Mai! I haven't seen you in ages! I thought you had moved without telling us." Mai was hugged by the round woman before she turned to the tall man beside her. "Ohh I'm so sorry, where are my manners? Welcome to Koufuku Pizza. My name is Jane Hashimura." She bowed deeply towards Lin whom bowed back. "Good evening. I am Lin Koujo." The woman nodded and turned to Mai. "Let me guess. Order to take?" Mai chuckled and nodded. She took out her pad and pen. "So what would you like today? The usual for you Mai?" Mai looked at the menu while biting her lip. "Annooo.. I think I'll actually have an Gringo today." The woman jotted down her order and turned to Lin. "I'll have an Al Fungi please." The woman nodded and passed the noted to the kitchen. "It will be a couple of minutes. Would you like something to drink?" Mai ordered a cola and Lin took a carbonated grapesoda. Lin pulled out Bou-san's and one of Ayako's charms. "These are for you." Mai accepted them and looked at them and then at Lin. "Protective charms?" She asked. Lin nodded and took a sip of his soda. "Yes. Handmade by Takigawa-san and Matsuzaki-san each. These will give extra protection." She nodded and put them with her cellphone. She paused and looked at her cell and then looked at Lin."K-Koujo.. W-would you mind.. M-maybe switching p-phonenumbers?" She was blushing fiercly as she asked stuttering. Lin was shocked at the question but wuickly relaxed and smiled. "Of course Mai." He reached for her phone and quickly buttoned in his phonenumber, clicking the call button until his vibrated. "Now I have your number too." He said while smiling warmly. She took her phone again and pocketed it while blushing bright red. "Your Pizza's are done Mai!" The both stood and walked over to the counter. "Paying together?" The elderly woman asked. Before Lin could answer Mai nodded and said yes. "Alright that'll be 1000 yen dear." Mai paid like nothing and thanked the woman. "Now you come visit and old lady soon again, you hear Mai-chan?" Mai laughed and promised she'd be back. Mai took the pizza's and turned to Lin. "Shall we?" He noted mutely and walked out the door with Mai.
In the car Lin turned to Mai. "If you don't mind me asking. Why did you pay for my pizza?" Mai blushed and looked out the window. "I.. Well.. You paid at the restaurant.. And I wanted to return the favor.. Maybe not as fancy as yours.." She slowly trailed off feeling her blush grow more and more. She felt his fingers on her chin turning her head towards him meeting his mismatched eyes. "Thank you Mai. You really are a one of a kind." He said and gently kissed her lips. She felt butterflies jitter in the pit of her stomach as she slowly melted into the kiss. Lin slowly ended the kiss and gave her another quick peck. Two louds growls broke the silence and they both chuckled as their bellies loudly complained.
The drive home was really short as it was just a couple blocks away. Lin took the pizza's as Mai got her keys out, unlocked the door and turned on the lights. Lin walked inside and put the pizza's on the kitchentable. He then pulled out the last charm and stuck it right over the front door. Instantly he felt like a spiderweb expanded around her apartment. "W-what was that?" Mai asked nervously. She had also felt it. "No need to worry. It was just the last protective charm from Matsuzaki-san." Mai relaxed as he explained. "Ohh okay. Was worried it was something else.. So. Would you like to watch something while we eat?" Lin nodded and started clearing the livingroom table while Mai started the TV. They brought their pizza's and some soda from the fridge to the livingroom and sat down. Mai sat indianstyle in the sofa with her pizza on her lap. "Ooooh Jane is such a dear. Always slices my pizza so I don't need any utensils." Lin opened his pizzabox and saw that his too was pre-sliced. He started thinking about the pizza's. "Mai? How much did you pay for the pizza?" Mai looked at Lin. "Uhh 1000 yen I think.." Lin did some fast headcount and came to a significant higher price.. "I think they forgot too charge for one pizza or you got one big discount.." Mai giggled at Lin's deduction. "Don't worry Koujo-kun, she always give me discounts.. I've known them for years. Jane helped me shortly after my parents died.. She let me work part-time at that pizzeria while I studied and lived with my teacher.. Since then she's always been kind of a grandmom for me.." Mai spoke with fondness in her voice and smiled nostalgicly. Lin smiled while he watched her eating style.. He noted that she looked so at-home. Her hair up in a messy bun, the arms on her sweater were rolled up and she was balancing her pizzabox on her lap like a pro.. "Something tells me you've eaten like this before?" He noted at her style with some tease.. Mai scratched her head and grinned. "Weeeeell yeeah.. Maybe once or twice.." They sat eating while watching some japanese game show. Lin never had understood these kinds of shows, but he was happy to see Mai laughing heartily at it. The boxes were sat on the table when they were done eating. Mai sat more comfortably while watching the show. Lin noticed that mai was slowly leaning more and more into him, noting just how tired she really looked. "You look tired Mai." Just as he said that she yawned and he chuckled. "Yeah... I'm a bit tired actually.." They stood and took the pizzaboxes to the kitchen. "So I guess you've got to go now?" She asked with a hint of sadness in her voice. Lin shook his head and smiled. "No I'm staying here.." Mai's eyes widened in shock. "B-but what about Naru?! Doesn't he need your protection?" Lin held up his hand. "You are the one in danger. Naru told me himself that you are priority and I can't help but agree with him." He smiled softly while Mai calmed down and blushed. They walked out to the livingroom again and moved the table. Mai started to move the pillows from the couch. She remember last time he had slept over here to care for her after her hospital visit. She had totally forgotten that her couch was a convertible couch and Lin hadn't noticed that it was either. So he observed with a very confused face while Mai shoved her hand down between the seat and the back. "Uuuuuh Mai.. What are you doing?" Mai felt around in the backpart after the strap with a very determined face. "Aaah there it is, come her you little bugger." She pulled the strap and the sofa extended to a full bed size á 160cm wide and 200cm long. Lin's surprise was so out of place and hilarious that Mai started laughing.. "That.. Is a very nifty thing. I had no idea this was a convertible sofa.." He said still slightly surprised. Mai's laughter died down to a giggle.. "Y-yeah I thought this might be a bit more comfortable for you instead of trying to sqeeze down on it like last time.. I'm gonna go get you some bedsheets, pillows and a cover.." Lin watched as Mai walked down the short hallway to a linencloset. She opened it and pulled out what she needed and started making his bed. He watched her with a soft smile. Just then he got a flash of something else. Mai, slightly older, making a bed. Her long wavy hair in a loose braid. A small round bump showing in her summerdress. She turned and smiled lovingly at him and went bad to making the rest of the bed and just as fast as it came it went away again.. He blinked in shock but didn't find himself minding that kind of future.. He smiled gratefully at Mai as she just finished making his bed. "Why thank you Mai.. If there is any problem or anything at all, you can come to me. No need to worry about disturbing me.. I'm here for you.." He gently caressed her cheek and kissed her forehead. She smiled warmly, nodded and then turned towards her bedroom. "Thank you Koujo-kun."

Mai undressed and threw her clothes in the hamper. 'Might as well take a shower.' She walked over to her bathroom and stepped in to the shower, turning it on to let it warm up. While waiting for it to warm up she went over to her cupboard and pulled out a towel. When the temperature was just right she walked in and almost moaned in bliss. "This was soooo needed.."

Lin sat on his bed, having taken of his clothes, writing a small notice to Naru, when he heard the sound of a shower starting. He stood up and walked over to her bookshelf picking up a random book. He propped up his pillows and started reading. He couldn't help but let his fantasy flow as he saw a certain young brunette, naked, wet and lathered. 'Dear Kami. Xingxu focus!' He thought to himself. He could almost hear the sniggering from his Shiki as they floated around. He growled and the sniggered even more. 'Enough!' Just as they all calmed down the shower turned off. Lin went back to his book again.

Mai walked out of the shower, a towel around her body and a smaller towel in her hands rubbing her hair. The con of having long hair, it took ages to dry.. She walked passed her fullbody mirror and stopped. She looked at her hair and realized how long it had actually gotten. As it was wavy you never got to see the real length when it was dry. She was slightly shocked that it reached her butt by now. She continued to dry it and then brushed through it. She pulled on a pair of black satin boyshorts with red details and a black tanktop. She yawned as she laid down on her bed and almost instantly fell asleep.
What Mai did not expect was that her dreams would be assaulted by old forgotten memories from a past she didn't know until this day. Memory after memory, Mai felt herself get more and more emotional. Memories of her playing hide-and-go-seek with her sister Lien and big brother Souza, of her reading with her father, of her baking with her mother. One after another assaulted her dream and she could no longer keep her feelings at bay. She saw from an out-of-body perspective how she and her whole family sat and were happy, talking, laughing... Living... And she cried. First it started softly, but it soon turned into an uncontrollable bawl. She slid down on her knees, head in her hands. Tears falling freely, she tried to breathe but it was like something was pushing down on her chest until everything was let loose with a loud sorrowfull wail.

Lin half-laid relaxed on the convertible, reading his book in the dimly lit room. Everything was calm as he let his mind wander. He was still baffled that Mai actually was half chinese, even more so that she was of the ancient Jiang family. But he also felt so very sorry for Mai. He knew that she hadn't really grasped just what has happened, what all this means and most of all just how much danger she was in. He thought about these last couple of weeks. All the little moments with Mai, brief lunches or spontan teatimes they had shared or their many walks they had had round Shibuya. All laughs shared. All sweet kisses shared. He realized quickly that she had gone beyond being just a co-worker and friend. 'But where does she stand now? We haven't really had an official date. Well sure the dinner they had tonight was more exclusive, but we never said it was a date..' His thoughts were suddenly abruptly interupted as a loud heartbroken wail. "Mai!" He jumped out of his bed in nothing but his black satin boxers and ran for the door. He knocked on the door and the wail stopped. He could hear silent shuffling and the door opened. What met him broke his heart. Mai was crying heavily, shaking from the sobs. "K-ko-koujo..." She mumbled out between sobs. She looks so small and fragile. She hugged him around the chest and sobbed into his chest.. "Ohh Mai.." He said mournfully. He sat down on his knees and let her cry into his shoulder while stroking her back.. She was shaking something fiercly from the sobs.. "Come here sweetie." Lin said as he stood up and becond her to follow him. He sat her down on the convertible couch. "I'll make you some tea.." He rushed out to the kitchen and opened her cupboard. She had a lot of different flavors. He passed all the exotic ones and went straight for the chamomile tea. A couple of minutes later Lin entered the livingroom with two big cups of steaming chamomile tea with lemon and honey. "Here you go Mai. It's hot." She took the mug and gave a sad smile. She was lost in her thoughts instantly. "Do you want to talk about it?" She turned to look at him, tears still falling down her cheeks. He noted her eyes glace over, giving her a distant look. "I.. I g-guess I shouldn't b-be to surprised.. I h-haven't given m-my newly found past much th-thought.. S-so ofcourse i-it would c-come full b-blast in my dreams... M-memories I didn't e-even know I had.." Lin nodded in understanding. Of course her memories would play in her dream.. She took a sip of the tea, a small sigh escaping. They sat talking about what she had remembered. About her parents, her twin sister and her big brother. Her crying had abated to just light shivering. It was first now that he noticed her sleepwear. Perfectly fitting black boyshorts with some red detailing and a very formfitting black tanktop that ended halfway down her stomach. He swallowed hard. 'Dear Kami.' Was all that flashed through his noticed her eyes drooping slightly, he offered to take her now empty cup of tea. Mai smiled lightly at Lin.. "T-thank you K-koujo.." She gave him the cup and he put them on the table next to them. Lin put his arm around her and gave her a hug. "Don't worry Mai. I'm here for you." She hugged back tightly and snuggled into his chest. He felt her breathing slowly even out and her body becoming relaxed.. "Mai..?" he asked quietly. All he got for an answer was a low mewl and a tightening of her arms around him.. He carefully laid her down, slowly extricating himself from her grip. Mai started mewling more in a small sad voice.. 'Poor Mai..' Lin sat down on the bed and turned of the lights before laying down on his back. Shortly after a small body inched closer, searching for heat and safety. Put his arm around her and she instantly put her head on his chest, one of her petite legs over his. "Good night Mai-hime" He said and kissed the top of her head.. Mai sighed content and a low tired whisper was heard. "G'night Koujo... Daisuki yo..." Lin blushed lightly and just smiled, sleep came quickly.

Mai slowly awoke. Her sleep had been oddly enough been calm. No nightmares, no memories. No dreams at all actually. She moved slightly, feeling something stir behind here. She felt something snake around her stomach and hugged her closer to it. She opened her eyes wide and looked back seeing the calm and relaxed sleeping face of Lin. 'How did I get here?' She tried to think of the night before.. She remembered going to bed and... Ohhh right... The memories.. Lin had come for her and made her tea. 'Guess I must have fallen asleep after the tea..' She relaxed and turned back and yawned lightly. Lin nuzzled her neck, lightly kissing it while hugging her even tighter to himself. She blushed heavily as she noticed something hard poking her lower back. Mai extricated herself slowly so not to wake him up. She walked out to the kitchen and started to make some coffee and prepare breakfast while humming softly.

Lin awoke to the lovely smell of coffee. He stretched and opened his eyes. He heard soft humming coming from the kitchen. He slowly rose and walked toward the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway and watched the young woman go about her business, not noticing him. He definitely wouldn't complain of the view. Her soft yet curvy body was nicely framed by her shiny boyshorts and her tanktop, her long mahogny-brown hair braided down her back, reaching the top of her exquisitely shaped bum.. Her soft humming was very comforting as she expertly flipped some eggs. On the counter stood two plates with toasts and different condiments. He watched her as she swayed her hips to a tune only she seemed to hear, almost making him want to join her in her little sway. She casually turned to set the table and jumped startled at Lin's sudden apperance. "O-oh good morning Koujo-kun.. Did you sleep well?" She asked him as her face turned bright red at his attire, or lack thereof. "Good morning Mai. Yeah I slept really well. And you? Did you manage to sleep anything?" Mai nodded and smiled brightly. "Yes. I slept really well actually. I.. Don't think I had anymore memories or even any nightmares.. I don't think I had any kind of dream really.." Lin smiled and nodded as he walked over to the heavily blushing Mai. "I'm glad. You looked so sad last night. I didn't have the heart to carry you to your room and risk waking you." Mai scratched her neck and blushed a little more.. "Ehhh hehehe.. Yeah.. Sorry about that.. Didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that.." Lin hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. "It's no problem Mai-chan." He slowly let her go and took the plates putting them on the table. "I can set the table, you fix with the eggs." Mai nodded quickly and went back to the eggs, putting them on a plate and walked over to the table. "Would you like some coffee Koujo?" Lin sat down and nodded to her. "Yes please. I'll take mine plain, thank you." She started pouring the coffee. Putting both milk and sugar in hers. "Here you go." She sat down and started putting together her toast. Both sat in peaceful silence as they ate their breakfast. "What time did Naru want us to be back?" Lin swallowed his bite and glance at the watch. "At 12PM. So in about three and a half hour." Mai nodded and took a gulp of her coffee. She fidgeted nervously. "K-koujo? Would you maybe want to go to the market with me today? And maybe grab some tea before going back? Like... A date?" She asked blushing bright red, last part almost coming out in a whisper. Lin smiled warmly. "Of course I would love going on a date with you. The market sounds lovely." They both got dressed and ready for their date. Lin was ready first as he only needed to put on his trademark black suit and some deodorant. He fixed the bed back to a sofa and sat down, continuing to read the book from last night. Five minutes later the door to Mai's bedroom opened, Lin turned his head and was really shocked. Mai stood there in a kneelength darkblue summer dress of Audrey Hepburn-style, with silvery lilies. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail with two bangs framing her face. She had even applied some light makeup, making her face shine and her eyes pop. "Like what you see Koujo-kun?" He swallowed hard. If this how she dressed for a date at a market how would she dress for a dinner date? "You.. look breathtaking.." Was all he said, all he dared to say. She walked over to him and smiled sweetly. "Ohh you. You look wonderful yourself. Tall, dark and handsome." He smiled at her comment. "Shall we?" He asked and offered his arm. She nodded and took it.

Lin had not been prepared for just how big this market would be. It wasn't far from where Mai lived so they decided to walk there. There were so many shops and stands offering a wide variety of wares. Everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to jewelry and pottery. And there were so much people already. Lin glanced over at Mai who was smiling happily while holding lightly on to his arm. He smiled lightly at her exhuberance. He let her lead him through the market.
Mai was having the time of her life. She loved markets. So much fun stuff to look at and a happy energy all around. She stopped and looked at a couple of stands. They had been walking around for some time when she came up to a stand with a lot of jewelry, both new and old. Her eyes landed on a beautiful necklace. It looked like a blue sapphire teardrop pendant that hung of a silver chain. 'It's so beautiful' She thought and looked closer at it. Lin gazed at the young woman looking at the piece. "It's a very beautiful piece. It is really a one of a kind." An old salewoman said as she glanced at the young woman. "Yes it is really beautiful. H-how much is it?" The woman looked at her and Lin and then the piece. "15'000 Yen." Mai sighed sadly and put it down. "Oh well. Another time maybe." She said and walked away Lin slowly following her, looking back at the necklace and then at Mai. "What do you say Mai? How about a cup of tea?" Lin suggested and took her hand softly. She nodded and smiled sweetly, guiding them to the nearest café. They sat down in the café ordering their teas. "I just need to use the toilet, I'll be right back." Lin stood and walked towards the toilets. Mai was looking around the café. It was fairly simple yet charming café. It was a bit hidden so there were almost no people there yet. She sat and fiddled with her cellphone as she felt someone come up to their table. Thinking it was the server she looked up and was shocked and infuriated of who it was.

Lin walked back to the stand with the necklace. He scanned the table but couldn't find the necklace. "Back again I see?" Lin looked up and saw the old saleswoman again. "Yes. I was looking for the blue necklace the young lady who was with me was looking at." The old woman laughed heartily. "I know son. I knew you would be back so I actually put it aside for you when you got back." Lin eyed the woman warily. "What do you mean by that? I only decided to come back her some few minutes ago." The old lady laughed once more. "That is not the only thing I know of, young Onmyoji." Lin was shocked to say the least. He noticed she wasn't looking directly at him but that her gaze was moving around him. 'Can she see..?'"Don't worry. I am no danger to you, your minions nor the young Taniyama-san. I am only an old woman who knows things and likes jewelry." Lin watched her warily, his shiki floating around him also watching her warily. "I have the necklace here if you're still interested." She said calmly and pulled it out. It was laying in black jewelrybox. He nodded warily and took out his wallet. "15'000Yen right?" The old lady nodded. Lin paid and accepted the jewelry, pocketing it. "It was nice doing business with you Lin-san. I hope you'll..." She trailed off and her eyes glazed over, she turned her head towards the direction of the café. "You'll want to get back to Taniyama-san now. Go!" Lin didn't question her and bolted towards the café.

Mai sat rigidly and stared at the man standing in front of her. "S-sou-kun..?" The man winced at her petname of him.'She remembers?' "Mai.." He acknowledged. Mai understood now why she had recognized their client back at the house. It hadn't clicked at first, but now everything made sense. "W-why are you here? Wh-what do you want?" Her eyes started tearing but her gaze was harsh and angry. Souza knew it was stupid, why did he even come here. There was nothing that would make up for what he did. "I..." He paused not really sure what to say. "I'm here to warn you.." Mai bristled at his words and stood up. "You.. You're what? Here to warn me? Let me guess.. Is it possibly about that fucking entity you've been sucking up to since good knows when? How dare you?" Souza's eyes widened. 'Shit.. She remembers everything..' He knew this would not go well. "Let me warn you Souza! Were gonna get you and no entity on earth will be able to save you." He noticed cups and plates rattling all around them. Souza started backing away from the now very pissed of Mai. He felt someone coming so he bolted out the backdoor.
Just as he left Lin ran in through the front door. "Mai?!" She ran to him and hugged him tightly.. "K-koujo.. H-he was here.." Lin checked her for injuries and then looked around. "Are you alright? Who was here?" Mai sat down and started sobbing. "S-souza... My older brother.." Lin's face hardened, how dare he? "Where did he go? What did he want?" She sniffed and dried her tears with a napkin. "I don't know.. He said he wanted to warn me.. I was so furious with him.. After everything he did.. He thinks... Just no.. He ran just before you came.." Lin hugged her tightly. "It's okay. I'm here.." Just as he sat beside her, the server returned with their tea. Lin silently sent an text about the visit to Naru. Mai glanced down at her tea and took a sip. She instantly felt herself getting relaxed. She noted that Lin was still a bit high strung.. "Don't worry Lin. You couldn't have known. For all we knew he could've escaped the country since yesterday." She took his hand and squeezed it lovingly. Lin sighed and nodded.

Naru was not amused. When he arrived at the mansion at 11.30 AM he received a text from Lin about Souza visiting Mai when they were out for tea. 'I had not thought about that scenario..' When he entered the baseroom he just wanted to slam his face against a brickwall.. Everything was trashed. It looked like a freak hurricane had come through. "Kami fucking Damnit!" He walked over all the trashed equipment, going over to the big desk, where the monitors had been. He felt under the table. "Thank kami." It had not gotten the external harddrive, everything that was recorded last night after they had gone will have been saved to it. He carefully pulled it out and put it in his bag. He walked outside again, going over what to do. He saw Bou-san's van pull up next to his car. Bou-san, Ayako and Bou-san walked up to the young scientist. "Hooooh. This is new. Didn't think you would be welcoming us like this." Bou-san jabbed at the young man. "I wasn't either. Baseroom has been trashed. Whatever did it didn't get the external harddrive. When Lin arrives pack everything and load everything, including the broken equipment into the van. We are not staying here anymore. This case from the originator's point of view is over." Everyone blinked shocked with their mouth slightly opened. "I'm not paying you to stand here catching flies." Everyone scrambled in after his remark to start with the packing and moving.

"Something is wrong." Lin said immediately as he saw the young scientist stand in front of the mansion. "What do you mean?" Mai asked confused. "Naru never greets anyone outside the house. Ever." He parked and the both went out and over to their boss. "What's going on Naru?" Naru turned to the chinese and frowned. "Baseroom was trashed during the night. I have the external harddrive. This case is over. I'm not going on with this farce anymore. We have more pressing matters. " He said seriously and glanced at Mai at the last remark. "What do you want us to do?" Mai asked in an equally serious tone. Naru's frown lightened slightly. "The rest of the team is packing the base together. I do not want you inside that mansion Mai. This is stronger than anything we've ever met, I'm not taking any chances. When the van is loaded we're going back to SPR." He took out the harddrive and handed it to Lin. "What you two can do is to go over the info in that harddrive. You have the extra laptop in your van right?" Lin nodded gravely and glanced at Mai whom also nodded. "We'll start immediately." They turned and went back to the van and started going through the harddrive. About an hour later the last things were loaded in the van and they all gathered outside the van. Naru turned to Lin putting out his hand in a give-me way. "Lin give me your car-keys." Lin did as he was told and were handed a new pair. "We're switching cars. You take Mai home and keep her safe. Tomorrow our new case starts. We're finding this out our way." Lin nodded and turned to Mai whom nodded.

So stuff happened!

Mai and Koujo's relationship is slowly blooming.
Naru dun goofed and he knows it! And now the real case starts!

Who or what trashed the baseroom? What is souzas' intention in all this? Was it wishful thinking or maybe a premonition that Lin had?
Stay tuned for the next chapter. Coming soon-ish!
Please give a review of your thoughts and feels of this chapter, the story in general and the new name!
Until next chapter
Cya