Mai's Point of View:
Shouldn't there be pain?
I slowly open my eyes, letting them adjust to the dark room, before assessing my injuries. I'm chained to a wall, and aside from my arms getting tired, I feel physically fine. Nothing is cut, broken, or bleeding.
What the hell?
My eyes wander, and I see I'm in a room made out of pure iron. Even the walls are iron. Two lit torches are on either side of me. To my left, there are cells that have iron bars for the doors. To my right is one long counter sticking out from the wall. Dozens of different tools are lying on top of the counter.
"Mai!" A small voice says from my left. I look to see Youta standing on the other side of the cage. His tiny hands grasp the bars of the cage, and he's looking at me worriedly, "Oh no! He got you!"
"It's okay." I say, smiling over at the young boy, "I'm alright."
"Of course your alright." An older girls voice says. I look in front of me to see a girl about twelve or thirteen standing there in a white night gown with a lace trim. However, that's where the normality stops. Red marks are around her wrists and ankles, and I see bruises covering her entire body. Half of her cheek is missing. It's a clean cut, so it was probably cut off. A slash across her left eye causes it to be torn in half, with blood leaking down her face. She has millions of little cuts all over her body, but all of them have something in them. It's white, but I don't know what it is. She sees me staring, and rolls her eye, "It's salt. Roger may have been hateful, but he was also crafty. The simplest things can cause the most pain."
Dread fills me, "What's your name?"
She seems reluctant to answer, but does anyhow, "Akita."
"I'm Mai." I say, smiling at her.
She scoffs, "I know. Youta likes to talk." She was acting so defensive, but I know she's scared. I can hear it in her voice; see it in the way she's trying not to tremble.
"Before, when I said I was alright, why did you say 'of course?'" I ask, trying to stand on my tip toes to lighten the pain in my arms. They were seriously beginning to ache.
"He won't hurt you while you're asleep." Akita says, looking down at her feet, "While you're asleep, you don't scream as much."
Astonishment fills me, "So he did all of this to you all while you were all awake?" Akita nods and Youta looks away from me. This is all too much for the child. I could understands that. Even the toughest of soldiers have to retreat at some point.
"He's coming!" A voice whispers from somewhere in the room. Akita and Youta's eyes both grow wide, and they disappear, but not before Akita turns to me and says, "Scream as loud as you can. No one can hear you, but it'll satisfy him longer." As panic and anxiety fill me, I try to reach out to my spirit guide. However, as I blindly search for him in my consciousness, I realize that I'm being blocked off some how. The door makes a loud click sound, and I realize that I'll have to act my way out of this one. So instead of trying to act calm and be strong, I let the fear and anxiousness take over me.
The best actress is one who isn't really acting.
Shuto's Point of View:
Naru-san hangs up his phone, a panicked look on his face. He darts out of the room, and I follow closely behind him. I don't know what's going on, but I have a sneaking suspicion it has to do with Mai.
He descends all the way down to the basement. He quickly snaps, "Look for a hidden door." Then he begins to search. A shine catches my eye, and I move towards a tall book shelf. With out blinking, I pick the shelf up and throw it to the side.
At this point, Lin-san and Yasu-kun are running down the stairs to the basement. Naru-san is next to me before the two men have even touched down to the ground. He grasps the metal ring that works as a door handle, and jerks the door open.
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHH! STOP! PLEASE!"
"Mai!" Yasu-kun shouts, running with the rest of us as we run down the long hallway that leads to a large iron door. Before we even reach it, the door flies off it's hinges just as I'm able to see my breath.
The first sight to all of us is Mai.
She's chained to a wall. Several bruises cover her face, and I see blood dripping from her arm, where a large gash resides. She's panting, but her head snaps up and her eyes grow wide at the sight of us. The man is there. He's standing in front of her. He's holding some type of paddle. Suddenly, he draws back and hits Mai in the ribs. Hard.
"AHHHHHHH!" Her mouth opens as the scream let's loose. Her eyes squint shut as her face contorts in pain.
Everyone around me falls to the ground, all looking as if they're being held down by some unknown force. I turn to look and see ice creeping up the walls. All of us can see our breath, and I realize that this is Naru-san's 'power'. The power that allows him to shoot energy blasts. I think it's called something like 'PK'.
Mai's eyes are so wide now it looks painful, "Naru! Don't!"
Whatever it was, it looks and sounds like Mai doesn't want him to use it.
Naru-san seems to listen to her, because the air grows warmer slightly, and Lin-san is able to whistle. Monk and John (they must have come in while I was focused on Mai) begin to chant, while we all wait anxiously. The man spins around with a snarl. He steps forward once, before screaming as Lin-san's shiki attack him. Before I know it, the man is erupting in black flames and then he's gone. Naru-san makes his way to Mai. The chains snap from around her wrists and she falls to the ground in a heap of body parts and bruises. The dark haired man falls to his knees beside her, and we all watch with an air of awe as he pulls Mai's head in to his lap. He brushes the hair from her face, and Mai smiles up at him, "You idiot. You used your powers."
He stays quiet, just keeps brushing back her hair. I can't see his face because he's looking down at Mai, but I can see Mai. She's smiling, but she's obviously in pain.
Ayako-san steps forward, "Mai, should I call an ambulance?" It was a stupid question. Even she knew that, but I don't think she knew what else to say in this situation. We had never seen Naru-san be so gentle before, even to Mai. The way he moves is as if she's the most precious and fragile thing in the world to him. It's quite a sight, but it seems so… natural, in a way.
"Yes." Mai says, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, "I think my ribs are cracked." Ayako's eyes grow wide, and she pulls her phone out, running up the stairs quickly to get better reception.
"Monk, John, Yasuhara, Lin, and Madoka, go find the bones and burn them. It will stop him from ever coming back. Just for insurance." Naru-san says, his voice deep and gravely. The five of them leave reluctantly. Lin-san has to grab Madoka-chan and pull her with him.
"Naru…" Mai begins, her voice soft. Haru, who had probably gotten down here with everyone else, moves next to me, taking my hand in his own tightly. He's trembling.
"You idiot." Naru-san says quietly, "What hurts?"
Mai giggles, the sound strained but real, "A shorter list would be 'what doesn't?'" Naru-san sighs, before looking up as some men rush pass us to Mai. He allows them to pick her up, and rush her outside to the ambulance.
Haru and I walked up the stairs and meet up with everyone else as the paramedics stabilize Mai. She's still awake, and she's quietly staring at the ceiling as she's prodded and annoyed. Naru-san stands with the rest of us, watching as the normally spastic Mai is as still as a rock.
"We're going to have to transport her to the hospital. She needs critical attention." One of the paramedics says as the other one begins to strap Mai in to the holster.
"I'll be riding with her." Naru-san interjects before any one else can.
"Are you kin?" The paramedic asks, looking slightly intimidated at our bosses glaring face.
"She's an orphan." Naru-san growls, looking the angriest I've ever seen him.
Uh oh, Paramedic-san. Never get in Naru-san's way when Mai is hurt. Bad move.
"Well then, r-right this way, s-sir." The paramedic says, ushering Naru-san behind him. Naru-san follows him with a glare as Yasu-kun and Monk-san both chuckle to themselves. Ayako-san let's out a little giggle as John-san smiles.
"What's so funny?" Haru asks, looking confused as to why everyone was so happy all of a sudden.
"They're laughing at the paramedic," I tell him.
"Why?"
"Because he was scared."
"Why was he scared?"
It was my turn to chuckle and I turn to my cutie pie, "Naru-san is very protective of Mai. He has been since I began working with them, but that protectiveness seems to have multiplied since they got back from their recent business trip."
He tilts his head to side, looking adorably bewildered at the situation, "So they're dating?"
I shake my head, "No."
"Then they're best friends?"
"No. In that aspect, they hate each other."
"Then what does that make them? Enemies or lovers or…" He looked bewildered by the entire situation.
I chuckle, "It's makes them Naru-san and Mai." He's still slightly confused, but by the light that shines in his eyes, I think he understands most of it.
Yasu's Point of View:
We all arrived at the hospital just as Mai's ambulance is pulling up. They rush her in and I see the boss run after her. It seems that's all those two do now. Mai runs after Boss, while Boss runs after Mai.
They just need to get to it already.
"We're here for Mai Taniyama." Ayako tells the front desk lady. She nods and gives us brief directions to the waiting room for ER patients, and then we go take a seat.
Haru sits next to Shuto and I smirk to myself. Haru is probably the most adorable twenty year old I've ever seen (even for a guy), and I think our manly Shuto seems to understand that. We sit there for an hour. The next thing I know, we're allowed access to Mai's room. She's laying there in the hospital bed with bruises and millions of patches and band aids.
"Oh, Mai…" Madoka whispers, clutching her husbands arm as we stare at the fire cracker of SPR. Her heart monitor beeps loud and strong as we all stand there.
It's then that I notice the boss sitting next to her. He's in a small chair, face away from us but to Mai. Every time something happens to have him show emotion, he seems to just naturally hide it from others… except Mai.
This is getting annoying.
"The doctor said that she's in a drug induced coma. Her ribs are bruised, and she has several lacerations all over her body. He'll be taking her off of the medicine, and then it's up to Mai when she wants to wake up." The boss sounded monotone as ever. Not one trace of any sorrow or worry in voice.
But I know better.
Mai's Point of View:
"Mai!" A voice says. I open my eyes to see happy blue eyes and a gentle smile shining back at me, "Thank God you're alright. The iron wouldn't let me link to you or Noll. I'm sorry."
I'm laying down on a flat surface that is neither warm nor cold. I'm in the never ending blackness that is my Astral Plane. This is basically a place in the very back of my mind. Gene stays here more often than not. The only other place he can actually go other than here is to look in to past occurrences for cases and stuff. I've never actually asked where that was, but I have the sneaking suspicion that I wouldn't want to know.
I grin, allowing him to help me up off of the ground when he offers his hand, "It's fine. I'll live."
His eyes flash a silver color for a second, before the normal blue returns, "I want to show you a few things while we have time, is that okay?" At my nod, Gene and the blackness around me disappear.
I'm standing in an orphanage. I'd know that looks of an orphanage no matter where I go. However, by the sight of the red, white, and blue flag, I seem to be in an American orphanage.
Around me is a deserted music room. It has one large piano that is covered in a white drape, but other than that, the room is bare with white walls and tall ceilings. A large brown door rests across the room from the piano.
I look up to see the door is suddenly open, and a small carbon copy of Naru is walking through, scowl and all. The little Naru has baby chunk on his cheeks and I can't help but grin.
So Naru was a chunky kid.
"Go away," Kid Naru hisses behind him, his American accent rather thick, "Can't you leave me alone for ten minutes?" Kid Naru is wearing holey jeans and a dark t-shirt. The ratty sneakers on feet add to my presumption that I'm defiantly in an orphanage.
"I just want to hear you play." A much more pleasant voice says. I see another copy of Naru come through the door, however, this one has a much more gentle nature to him. The only difference between him and the first copy is that this one is wearing a dark green t-shirt.
This must be Kid Gene.
"AJ, you're annoying." Kid Naru hisses to his brother, not turning around once, just continuing his angry march to the piano.
"I know." Kid Gene says, following behind his brother much more calmly than I'd have thought, "Just ignore me and play."
"I plan on it."
The drape is jerked off of the piano and a beautiful black piano (that is obviously old but still gorgeous) appears. Kid Naru lifts up the key board cover, and places the folder that he'd been carrying in his hands on the music stand. After climbing up the stool, Kid Naru sits, and the next thing I know, the room is filled with beautiful notes. I can't see Naru, because he's facing away from me, but I'll be damned if he doesn't look serene.
Kid Gene is standing there quietly, watching his brother play the instrument. The song goes on for a few moments and I'm astonished that a kid could play like this. The two of them don't look any older than seven or eight.
The door opens and a sing song voice calls, "EJ? AJ?" A woman with beautiful blonde hair and bright green eyes peeks through the door. She smiles when she sees the two of them, "I thought that was you playing, EJ. Why don't you two come with me and you can play with the rest of the kids outside?"
"No thank you." Both of them say. I flinch.
Geez. Creepy.
The woman sighs, "Fine, but can Lucy stay with you? She doesn't want to play either."
"Sure." The two of them say again, sounding in perfect unison with each other. That really is creepy.
A small girl with curly pig tails and a cut up yellow and pink dress slowly walks in the room. Her eyes are hidden by overly long bangs, and it seems she has natural blonde high lights in her light brown hair. She's timid and very meek, but the woman smiles at her before closing the door with a loud bang. All three of them are quiet before Kid Gene speaks up, "Lucy, do you want to come watch?"
The girl, Lucy, looks up through her bangs. Her eyes are a bright golden color. She bites her lip, before nodding mutely.
The scene changes and I'm standing in a dark hallway this time. I see Lucy standing in front of a door marked with a name plate that states 'AJ and EJ'. She looks a little bit older. Maybe twelve. Her hand raises to knock, but before she can, it swings open and Kid Naru is staring down at the meek girl with a scowl. He looks older too. Maybe twelve or thirteen.
Weren't the boys adopted around the age of twelve? This must have been right before they were adopted by Martin and Luella.
"What do you want?" He spats, sounding annoyed.
"I-I—" Lucy seems to try to come up with some articulate, but can't seem to think with Kid Naru's dark blue eyes.
"Spit it out already." Kid Naru snaps, "If you're looking for my brother then he's not here. He's playing with some of the other kids out—"
"I'm looking for you, EJ." Lucy says, her voice quiet, "Would you help me please?"
"With what?" Kid Naru says after a moment of hesitation. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he looks like a delinquent orphan.
Stereotype.
Lucy pulls out a pink folder from behind her back with the word 'Science' written on it in a messy handwriting. Kid Naru raises an eyebrow, before stepping aside and letting her in.
The scene changes again, and bother Naru and Gene have to be sixteen now. They're standing in a classroom by themselves quietly. Both of them have on a school uniform and have book sacks. The door opens and Lucy walks in. She looks like puberty did her well. Her awkward atmosphere is still present, but her hair is no longer frizzy, more like luscious brown and blond curls that compliment her golden eyes.
"Lucy." The two boys say. She smiles and I see both of them smile back.
Wait a minute… Naru, smiling?
"AJ, EJ. I missed you." She runs forward and hugs both of them at the same time, "I'm glad you met me."
"What are you doing in England?" Gene asks, still holding on to her as Naru sits by himself on top of a desk.
"I've gotten a scholarship to the school. I'll be coming here until we all graduate." Lucy looks so happy.
"Great." Naru says, "Now I have to hear about you two acting like idiots all of the time."
"Hey!" Gene says playfully, "We're in love, Noll. Can't help that." He reaches down and kisses Lucy on her lips. Naru glares at them, and I get the feeling that he's jealous.
The scene changes again, and Lucy is standing in the hallway with Naru. Naru looks annoyed and Lucy is crying.
"I'm sorry, EJ." Lucy sobs, "I can't help who I love…"
"Don't give me that shit." Naru spats at her, "it should be me you love, Lucy. I'm the one who always saved you from the other kids at the orphanage. What makes Gene so great?"
"You two shouldn't be fighting over me," Lucy sobs.
"Don't change the subject!" Lucy flinches when Naru yells. Even I get a little bit scared. It's not often Naru feels the need to raise his voice.
"He's so gentle, EJ." Lucy says, sniffling and wiping her eyes, "He's sweet and kind. He smiles. I can't help that I love him for it, EJ."
"You don't love me because I don't smile?" Naru sounds hysterical now, "I can smile!" Naru smiles beautifully, but it's not real. To anyone else it might have been, but to me it's not.
It seems it's the same way for Lucy, "You aren't smiling, EJ. You're just changing your facial expression. The smile isn't real."
"Who cares?" Naru growls, "All that matters is that I love you and you're choosing my brother."
"EJ, stop it!" Lucy is angry now, "That's your brother! I won't have the two of you fighting over me!" She turns and runs away from him.
Naru doesn't go after her.
'Last one...' Gene's voice whispers in my head and the scene changes.
Naru and Gene are standing side by side in a church. Luella and Martin are next to them with solemn expressions, but what really gets me are the boys' expressions.
Both of them are glaring at the coffin that rests at the front of the pews.
Lucy lays in the coffin with a white dress on. Her small hands grasp white lilies, and to be honest, even in death she's beautiful. She looks utterly content. No longer the restless or sorrowful girl I saw just a few moments ago.
"This is what happens when we fall in love." Gene murmurs, speaking in Japanese this time, looking more angry at himself than anything.
Naru wears the same expression, "We can't fall in love ever again. With the same girl, or a different one."
"I agree." Gene says.
Naru sighs, and everyone begins to leave. Naru walks up to the coffin, and places a gentle kiss on Lucy's lips, "I'll never love anyone else."
And my heart shatters.
Yasu's Point of View:
We've all been sitting in the room for six hours. SPR will be closed down until Mai wakes up, because we all refuse to leave her side. Boss hasn't gotten up once since we all got here, not to get tea, read a book, or even use the bathroom. He just keeps watching Mai, as if silently encouraging her to wake up.
All of a sudden, the steady beep beep beep of Mai's heart minister changes to a beeeeeeeeeeeeep.
"No!" Ayako yells, standing up and throwing open the door, "Quick! She's flat lining!"