Chapter 2: Family Reunion, Some Things Never Change
Authors Note:
I never finished the ghost hunt manga because it never finished coming out online. I just know crap through research and other such things... oh yes, I will be incorporating numerous anime/manga/books/whatever into this story so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Speaking of which, Last chapter's opening was from the intro of "My Apology" by Floetry. Today the opening is the English lyrics to "Regret" by Mai Hoshimura. It's an awesome song! You should totally check it out if ever you get the chance! I am truly grateful to you all for taking the time to read my story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt, or any other anime mentioned in this fic. If I did...well let's just say certain 'stuff' would be happening or something like that...kufufufufufufufu... Oh and I don't own Comedy Central or any of the music or movies/games mentioned in this fic.
Didn't I say 'up until then'?
I showed a bit of honesty, but
You're always doing irritating things to me
Handling me like I'm an object
Didn't I say 'up until then'?
Making it someone else's fault is running away
The days are coming to an end,
I can't reach my aim
I'm sorry, anyway, this is goodbye.
If you're not here I say no way, I'm selfish like that (Always hoping you won't leave, hoping I won't make you leave)
Love and friendship, I want to know about everything (Its way too unclear, I don't understand it)
One day there'll be a knock on the door to the hole in my heart
I'm waiting for you.
It hasn't just been about me since then I tried to hurt you just a little
Doing that with sweet words
Don't deceive me, I can't believe you
Don't try and show off
No matter how many years, no matter how long it takes
Don't stop If I'm not there you say it's no good, honestly (You want me more, don't pretend to be tough)
The afterimage of love is a dreaming girl's escape (Grabbing onto it, holding onto it)
To someday break the lock on my heart
If you're not here I say no way, I'm selfish like that (Always hoping you won't leave, hoping I won't make you leave)
Love and friendship, I want to know about everything (Its way too unclear, I don't understand it)
Someday would you hold me and this hole in my heart
I'm waiting for you
I don't need anyone else
I'll believe it tomorrow too
"Shoujo S" by Scandal (eng lyrics)
Chapter 2: In Which What Happened When All Were Separated And Immortality Come Into Question…
Mai's POV:
"Who the bloody hell are you and where the bloody hell did you come from?" I heard Naru say, venom dripping from each syllable.
"Kufufu...I'm a good friend of Mai's and I'm here to assist her, which if I'm assisting her I'll probably also be assisting you if you are going to re-hire her. As for where I came from? The kitchen window." Mukuro replied, amusement strong in his voice.
"Oi! He came from Italy okay! Mukuro, stop antagonizing Naru. Behave for my sake would you. If not mine then Chrome and Tsuna's sake then..." I exclaimed worriedly.
"Anything for you, my dear sweet Mai." Mukuro said with a mock bow.
In response I simply smacked his head which earned a few sweat drops.
"So yeah, onto other matters are you planning on re-hiring me or not Naru?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Yes. The paper work is with Lin, but you can take care of that later Now you said that you could have those 'friends' of yours come in?" Naru said sounding ever so pleasant (sarcasm for you sweethearts whom have yet to be tainted by the darker side of humor).
"Yes I'll call them in now." I said.
During my phone call Madoka had bid me farewell. She had said something about having to go pick up the equipment from some place she had it mailed to. I don't know, nor do I really care to know.
"What the hell possessed you to buy a Japanese equivalent to a New York brownstone?" I questioned darkly.
It had been about an hour since I called Firo and the others and they had been giving us details on the case we would be taking. Only problem was is that if they made smarter choices they wouldn't have been in this situation. Hence my being pissed at them.
"Well, ya know how we feel Mai! We're just a little homesick (please read as 'time-sick'). When we saw the place we immediately felt at home! Right Czes?" Firo exclaimed nervously.
"Speak for yourself Firo. In case you forgot I'm much older than anyone in this room and I'm not from New York." Czeslaw replied snarkily.
At that moment all of the room's occupants turned to him with different expressions on their faces. Ennis had a look of mild surprise. Firo was slightly freaking out. Naru was bordering between curiosity and disbelief. Lin was the same. Mukuro was simply amused. As for me? Well poor little ol' me was the one who leaped across the table to grab Czeso and drag him into the kitchen for a little talk. I felt the curious and grateful stares coming from behind me.
"Czeso, for all the centuries you've been around for I would think that you would be a little more discreet about your immortality and damn near invincibility." I whispered fiercely.
"If they take this case they're going to have to know why we're still alive. Quite honestly if I were them I wouldn't believe there was such a thing as immortals like us. Hell, I wouldn't believe it was possible to communicate with the devil and make a deal with him the way I did all those years ago." Czeslaw pointed out.
"Fine but how do you expect to convince them of that?" I asked.
"Either me or Firo will have to cut our arm off or something." He replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
I sighed and shook my head. After a little bit more warning and scolding Czeso and I came out of the kitchen.
"Guys, we need to talk." I started, "Something needs to be clarified first so that all misunderstanding is nullified before things get out of hand. Naru and Lin, First I must know that everything said in this room will be kept a secret by all those in here."
"Of course Taniyama-san, what is it?" Lin replied politely after sending a warning glare in Naru's direction.
"Our clients are-in a word-immortal. They are virtually indestructible and it is only due to this fact that they are still alive. I mean honest, what mortal being would survive having body parts chopped off in their sleep?" I explained haphazardly.
"To prove it I shall injure myself in some way and you can watch me heal instantaneously," Czeso offered.
Then without a second thought he pulled a pocket-knife and promptly stabbed himself in his left jugular artery. It was quite a gory scene, but in no time flat he was healed and moving about as if nothing happened. It took a while for Naru and Lin to get a hold of themselves but after they were finally composed enough to speak rationally Naru asked a question that had been going through my head as well for quite a while.
"So why might you need us if you're immortal?"
"Well it's kind of inconvenient to constantly have body parts severely burned or cut. Sometimes it slows the healing process when a lot of damage has been done to the body within a certain amount of time. Besides if ever we have normal guests over like Mai-chan, I would like to see her alive and kicking ass like always the next day you know?" Firo explained.
My mouth shaped into an 'O' for a little and then I ran over and gave them hugs.
"You guys are so sweet! I didn't know you loved me that much!" I exclaimed happily.
Mind you throughout this whole affair Mukuro has been chuckling away nonstop as if this all was the most humorous thing in the world. What is this supposed to be? Comedy Central or something? Please, I wish.
"Now that that's settled, what do you say? Will you take the case?" Ennis asked hopefully.
"Fine, please prepare 3 rooms for us at the very least. We will probably be there in two days time." Naru said with a sigh.
"You can find our home on the edge of Shizukana Oka. Here are the directions." Ennis handed Naru a paper with the directions on it and then the group of immortals left.
Later on in the day (about 6:00 pm-ish) when all clients left the office. Mukuro lounging on the couch and the two workaholics were cooped up in their offices doing who knows what. It was then that I received an incoming phone call from none other than my other 'boss' Tsuna.
"Hey Mai-chan, I have the info you asked for and I also have a problem, which is the reason why I'm calling you personally. Reborn interfered with your shadows so now you either have to cancel your performance, post-pone it, or just attend it." Tsuna said exasperatedly.
"Reborn's going to get it the next time I see him. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Justice will be served and karma shall come with the name Taniyama Mai. You can tell him I said that too." I replied," Now how about that info if you don't mind?"
"I sent it to you already and it should be arriving shortly. I'm sorry to cut the conversation short but I have a meeting with the Giegue, the Shimon, the Mare, and the Giglio Nero Famiglia in a few so, A dopo [see you later]?" Tsuna said hastily.
"Yes sir. A dopo." I said shortly and then proceeded to hang up.
He probably has to make sure that our allies won't start fighting amongst themselves…Although I shouldn't be worrying about that right now. What I should be worrying about is my performance and what to do about it. It starts at 8:30 pm and I get out around 7:45 pm so I should have enough time to prepare. I guess that means I'll be singing tonight.
"Taniyama-dono, 'tis an honor to see you again." I heard from the doorway suddenly.
"Basil? Is that you? When did you get here? Why are you here, not that I'm not happy to see you or anything. It's just a surprise." I stammered a bit.
"For I have just arrived through the front door. Decimo-sama has given me the mission of delivering these important documents to you. I also brought the peoples mentioned in the information as well." He announced, in which during said announcement the front door opened and the WHOLE ENTIRE crew walked in (as in the original SPR employees).
"You did what now?" I exclaimed loudly.
Apparently it was loud enough to cause the two recluses to emerge from their secret lairs.
"What is this racket abou-Excuse me? Wait, since when did you get everyone to come here? And who is he?" Naru asked, the last question being directed at Basil.
"Ah-er, well Basil here is an associate of mine and he brought everyone here for me. That is why you have such a full office.
What I asked for was quite simple really; I wanted info on all of SPR's past workers. As in Hara Masako, Matsuzaki Ayako, and Takigawa Hoshou. No need for John and Yasuhara's info. I've been able to keep in touch with those two a lot easier than the others. Not to mention I already called them and informed them of what's happened. They seemed pretty happy about re-joining SPR and immediately agreed to the case. Now to call everyone else and see if they're up to the job. It seems that they haven't been doing anything new as of late so they should be free if past experiences with them are correct.
This is probably going to be a bit awkward. I should probably come up with a battle plan huh? Let's see, I should figure out a way to get Naru to deal with Masako while I take care of everyone else. Hopefully with Lin's help. That sounds pretty good to me.
"Hello?" I heard everyone exclaim from the doorway as they entered the office even more.
"Hey everyone? Um-I don't know if you remember me, but it's me, Mai. Taniyama Mai." I said, waiting a few seconds to hear their reactions.
Well everyone's reactions save John and Yasu.
"Jou-chan? Is that really you? Wow! I was starting to think I would never hear from you again! How are you doing? It's been so long!" Bou-san exclaimed happily.
"Mai-chan look at how much prettier you've become!" Ayako squealed as she and Bou-san went to hug me.
"Hello you two! It's nice to see you again." I laughed while trying to maintain steady breathing.
Holy crap they're hugging me really, really tight! I noticed out of the corner of my eye Naru was already starting to try and retreat to his office, only to be stopped by a very eager Masako. Lin had already left after chuckling at me for a little and nodding in acknowledgement to everyone. John, Yasu, and Mukuro just stood in the back laughing at us and talking amongst themselves. Well until Yasu decided to save me by disturbing Bou-san.
"Bou-chan, I can't believe you! We had something then and we still do now and yet you totally ignore me only to attack Mai-chan. I can't believe you! Or maybe you were saving something even more special and erotic for me when we are alone!" Yasu said mock seductively.
Almost instantly he ran behind John and started trying an exorcism. We laughed and joked around a bit more. Yasu, John, and I introduced Mukuro. John and Yasu already know him due to certain transactions we all had that I shall not go into as of yet. That can be explained at a later date. By the time everyone had settled in and had the current case explained to them it was just about time to leave. Not to mention Madoka had returned quite some time ago and Basil had left as well.
"We should all hang out after this place finally locks up for the day, aye? We should catch up in a more relaxing atmosphere or something." Bou-san recommended enthusiastically.
"Kufufu…Mai-chan has a gig at a nice little club owned by an associate of ours. How about we all go there and watch her perform?" Mukuro suggested mischievously.
Damn you! I glared at him while internally praying they would say no. Please say no,please say no, please oh please say no. For Kami's sake please! At this point I was screaming mentally. Of course some deity decided they wish to conspire against me today because everyone(excluding Naru, Lin, and Masako because they either didn't care or they weren't paying attention) agreed whole heartedly. Madoka somehow convinced (read as: Blackmailed/Duped) Naru and Lin into coming. Masako decided to come once she heard Naru was coming as well.
It was 7:56 and we made were at the club. The name of the club was "Il Vino de Vita" meaning 'The Wine of Life' in Italian. The place had large couches and lounge chairs around the outskirts of the room. In the front (farthest from us, who were at the door) there was a slightly raised stage and a dance floor. In the back (closest to us) there was a bar. In the semi-center of the room (behind the dance floor) there was a stair like structure that was built into the ground in which each level had a row of round tables and chairs or booths. It was set up much like a jazz club. The color scheme of the club was warm earth tones. It contributed to the homely feeling this club induced.
Everyone settled in quite nicely in the second row (from the bottom up) and ordered drinks. Well almost everyone ordered drinks except for the designated drivers and John. After making sure everyone was alright I quickly headed backstage to prepare for my performance.
I slipped into a black and white diagonally striped dress that went down to the middle of my thigh, it had only one sleeve and it was similar to a kimono sleeve. After that I got ready to walk out on stage and sing.
Naru's POV:
There were about 5 minutes until Mai's performance starts and it seems the people on stage already finished setting up. I wonder how long this will be?
"Buona serata[good evening] ladies and gentlemen! It's a pleasure to have you all here tonight! Thanks to your popular request and my beloved boss, we have 'Ai' singing here tonight. Now give it up for Ai-chan!" Some lady announced.
Just as she finished announcing Mai walked out onto the stage in an appealing dress. Those around us broke out in applause and even a few catcalls.
"Buona serata everyone, It's nice to get such a warm reception from you all. I think that tonight I'll be singing music from when I first started singing. Are you all ready?" Mai said calmly
The crowd broke out in mellow cheers and she began.
"This is 'Far Away'."
"So sad to see you go so soon
I know that you ain't coming back
In the beginning everything was cool
Toward the end of it all it's all bad
I know I played my part in making it what it is
And I know that you did the same
I guess I'm up outta here
I'm moving on again
I'm sure that you will understand
I play by the rules
You play by the game
I couldn't of stayed
It's easier to say
'Cause I was by your side
When you went through the pain
I guess it doesn't matter now that you're so far away
And every minute you're gone
I'm missing you so
I can't believe that you're far away
Can't get you out of my mind
Boy you're out of my life
I can't believe that you're far away
Everything would be different
If you could hear me baby
Now that you're so far away
Didn't want you to go babe, babe
Ooh tear stains on my pillow
Trying forget you
Don't know what I'm gonna do
More days and counting
I've been laying and staring
Myself in the mirror
All alone in my room
I can't feel this way again
Gonna think with my head
'Cause my heart is what got me here
So hurt from what you've done
More than enough reasons for me to move on"
I wonder who she's singing about. I looked beside me to see most of the women in our little group with watering eyes. Hara-san seemed to be trying very hard to not be affected by this song. It contains a level of deepness I did not think Mai was capable of. Lin and John seemed to be smiling sadly. Yasuhara and Rokudo had their heads bowed in respect. Maybe she's singing about Gene?
"No you stupid idiot. Did you ever stop to think that maybe she was singing about losing people in general? She has lost a lot of people in case you forgot." Gene scolded.
"'Cause I gave you my word
You put your trust in me
Supposed to be the one to give you what you need
I was by your side
When we were meant to be
Guess it doesn't matter now that you're so
Far away
And every minute you're gone
I'm missing you so
I can't believe that you're far away
Can't get you out of my mind
Boy you're out of my life
I can't believe that you're far away
Everything would be different
If you could hear me baby
Now that you're so far away
Yeah...
If I'd have known Sunday morning
That you would be gone
I would have never come home
I wouldn't have answered my phone
To hear the voice at your tone
I knew that something was wrong babe
The cops the one who had told me
That you was alone inside an empty room
Identified you as my baby
Oh my baby
So far away
And every minute you're gone
I'm missing you so
I can't believe that you're far away
Can't get you out of my mind
Boy you're out of my life
I can't believe that you're far away
Everything would be different
If you could hear me baby
Now that you're so far away
Yeah...
Can't believe that you're gone…"
She finished with tears in her eyes.
Maybe she is singing about that, not that it's any of my business. We stayed for a few more hours and sat through a few more songs then we all left with a severely drunk Matsuzaki and Madoka. Tomorrow will probably end up being a very long day...
A/N: Props to anyone who caught my horror move reference in here. You will know exactly what the inspiration for this case is going to be