yay! another chapter. as for the review quota i was going to update anyways. it was just a test to see how you guys would respond.
at any rate I won't do that again until possibly right before the last chapter, depends on a lot of things.
disclaimer: nope, i still got nothing.
Urado was almost pleased; to be correct he was never fully pleased so those who served him reveled in the times when he was almost pleased. Things seemed to be going well in a plan for revenge that was as insane as the woman who thought it up. To be sure he'd had his doubts in the beginning, but this could actually work out in his favor. Ubusuna would be much too satisfied with her revenge on Oliver Davis to notice the rest of Urado's plan. And by the time she did it would be too late. Her company would be handed over to the police with its true business exposed, she'd be put in jail; or was it the looney bin? for her actions, and he would be in the global spotlight of the new weapon company Urado Arms; formerly Taniyama Electronics. As a definite added bonus, all the people who could put him away for he'd done would be either dead, or in a place where no one would believe that all this was his doing.
Sakauchi was merely a worthless pawn in the grand scheme of things. What better way to get back at a world renowned psychic and a girl whose whole life unknowingly revolved around his world than by using an invention created by a tech-savvy occult freak? And the best part? He didn't ask what they intended to do with said invention, he already knew what it could do, and if he tried to warn anybody of anything it could be traced back to him and he would be jailed and labeled as a terrorist. Besides that, he'd gone beyond expectation when it came to dividing the two who were, in Urado's opinion, becoming much too close.
'Oliver Davis' the gaunt man thought looking at one of the screens that had his profile pulled up. Certainly he'd never met the man, but he had surveillance and informants. Most indicated his cold demeanor and critical attitude of anyone other than himself; but from what Urado saw the man seemed to have a soft spot for Mai, obviously driven from attraction. But who wouldn't be attracted to her now? She'd definitely grown since the last time he'd seen her. That would make her end all the more romantic, young love nipped before it even had a chance to blossom. Surely it was something out of Shakespearean fancy.
However, Urado had never been a patient man and he was eagerly awaiting the chance to dispose of the little rat. To be honest Urado was sick and tired of the life he was currently living. Sure, it demanded power and respect; but it wasn't the kind he wanted. Urado wanted to have worldly power and respect. Sighing, the cadaverous man took another glance at one of the screens. There was Ayako watching over a sleeping girl. Oliver's only living relative Kasai, Urado presumed. It was then he was reminded of Ayako and her husband's protective streak when it came to Mai. It was well known that though Mai's biological parents had wanted Mai to inherit and run the company when she was of age, but it was also well known that takigawa and Ayako were not going to force it on her. Mai could do whatever she wanted and if that meant taking over the company it was fine with them, same as if she chose not to; then if they wanted her husband could take over seeing how the former monk and miko had no children of their own besides Mai. Either way as long as Mai was happy, they were happy.
Ironic isn't it? Urado's father had plotted takeover of the company and had almost succeeded until they had interfered. Mai wasn't the only one who had lost a parent that night. Because of that the company Urado had been born and bred for had been ripped from him before he could do anything about it.
'Soon enough, things will change' Urado thought watching the monitor with Ayako on it intently. 'I'll have my place. And those worms will have learned theirs. I will win this, I always do.'
It was a bit of a struggle but Willy had managed to get Lin a flight to new York within the hour like promised. All Lin needed to do was make the flight on time. Lin had thanked willy greatly before heading back to the office to make the excuse that he wasn't feeling well so he was going home. He'd no doubt they'd believe him since even when he had a cold he'd always come into the office, if only to do paper work. So if he said he needed to go home they wouldn't press him on it. All the way back though, Madoka was silent. Normally he would enjoy the one time the woman wasn't getting overly excited about everything but the way she was being quiet was unsettling.
"what's wrong?" Lin asked as they pulled in the parking lot.
"nothing, I'm just worried about you going to new York. That's all." Madoka replied blankly.
"why?"
"I overheard willy when we left the office. He told someone 'Kojou's moving' and hung up." Madoka admitted.
Lin sighed, being Oliver's guardian was troublesome enough, but add that onto being an FBI agent and things really got hectic. "I realize that being in this agency was going to be tough, but I haven't done anything to make any enemies yet. But if I'm affiliated with an enemy I can see the problem. But this job doesn't come without any risks Madoka." He explained.
"I know." Madoka replied. "Just like I know you can take care of yourself, but if you crash and don't come out alive I swear I'll never forgive you."
"I know." Lin told her. "Now, let's get to work."
Naru looked at Mai, considering his options. He had a bit of a height advantage and from the looks of her figure a weight advantage as well. That and the safety lock on the gun was still in place so he wasn't overly worried about her being able to shoot him. However, without taking her eyes off him Mai was somehow able to unlock the gun.
"Keep your hands where I can see them Naru." She ordered backing up.
"Oh, so you're going to shoot me now are you Mai?" he asked in response, trying not to let his irritation show. He noticed as he moved his hands that Mai had now taken enough distance back that she was up against the edge of the bed. If the need arose he could use it to his advantage.
He was still calculating how to do so Mai surprised him yet again. She flipped the gun so it faced her.
"Go ahead." She said levelly. "Take it from me."
Naru moved toward her and took the gun, keeping it trained at her heart. He was slightly confused (like he'd ever admit it) that she had pulled his gun on him and then flipped it to aim at her. Mai sighed, seemed like she was getting impatient about something.
"What?" Naru questioned.
"This is your opportunity." Mai replied. "I'm not going to put up a fight, I've handed over your gun, and you know I don't like to carry weapons so I'm completely clean." As she said this she shrugged out of her jacket so Naru could not only see her bare arms and her curves, but also that she was indeed clean of any weapons. "Now please, stop messing with me and take me to my family."
"Excuse me?" Naru asked. Okay, Naru knew this girl wasn't as normal as most people were but this was just plain ridiculous.
"You heard me." Mai snapped. "I want you to take me to where all this leads to instead of wasting all my time and energy or just kill me now."
"What on earth are you talking about Mai?" Naru asked once more as he reactivated the safety lock on the gun. Mai's stormy eyes calmed for a moment as he put the gun on the dresser behind him, before darkening once more.
"JUST STOP PLEASE!" Mai shouted angrily without regard for who might hear.
"What do you need me to stop Mai?" Naru countered calmly. It was starting to piss Mai off immensely that he wouldn't lose his temper even when in a fight like this.
"You are the most frustrating man on the face of the earth!" Mai groaned.
"And you have reason to believe your little miss sunshine?" Naru replied raising a brow. "Now explain why you found it necessary to pull my own weapon on me."
"It was a test." Mai said.
"Come again?"
"I wasn't going to sit around and wait for this so I gave you an opportunity to attack me." Mai answered.
"That makes no common sense at all Mai."
"Don't you dare play dumb with me now." Mai threatened, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "I really don't have the patience to deal with stuff like this at the moment to confess and take me to my family or get out!"
"Translate Mai." Naru told her. "I'm pretty good at learning new languages but I've only just met you this morning so learning your personal language will take a little while longer. It would help if you wouldn't peak in circles."
"Oh please, I'm speaking crystal clear right now." Mai ground out. "Sakauchi told me not to trust you."
"And you believed him?" Naru asked in mock (yeah right) surprise. "If that's the case then you lack more brain cells then I thought."
"Very funny." Mai retorted. "but for your information I didn't, I met him less than an hour ago and he's got creepy spider man written all over him."
"Creepy spider man?" Mai heard this but chose to ignore it. Naru sighed. "I thought you said you trusted me Mai."
"I do, but that's why I had to test you." Mai said in an annoyed tone.
"Again Mai, that makes no sense that a normal person would have."
"Don't you take that condescending tone of voice with me mister!" Mai scolded.
"You know Mai, I have spent time with certified psychopaths. But I'm starting to believe you might just top the list of them."
"Look, you didn't attack or shoot me." Mai offered up.
"And normally I would take that as a good thing, but with you I am presently unsure of what it means."
"Of course it's a good thing!" Mai replied. "How could you take it as anything but?"
"Try looking at what just happened from my perspective for a moment will you? First you go off on a small rant about how you trust me, then you kiss me out of the blue," Here Naru was glad he could hide his emotions or else he was sure he'd be a bright pink by now. "And not two seconds afterward I have my own gun pulled on me by you. How would you like me to make perfect, rational sense of that at the moment Mai?"
Mai looked at him for a moment, and then started laughing. Naru pinched his brow as Mai sank to the edge of the bed and doubled over letting out laughter that gradually got softer.
"And now you're laughing at something I fail to see the humor in Mai. I know I'm not the best at dealing with my own emotions, but I'm very good at rationalizing behavior patterns of other people." He would have continued with his mini-rant had he not realized that Mai was past laughing. Now she was silently crying, her body shaking with every sob. He was at a loss, on the one hand he could go over and possibly end up with another weapon pulled on him, and on the other hand… who was he kidding? There was no other hand when it came to this girl. She always seemed to evoke actions from him that his head knew were stupid, but that his body wouldn't listen to.
Slowly he walked over to the bed, his natural protective instinct he had for all the people he worked with closely urging him on despite whatever protests his head came up with. Gene, who had said nothing at all at the exchange, smiled. He knew it wasn't just the business protection feeling that was driving his brother to the girl; in fact he was actually beginning to open his heart and care for her, something Oliver hadn't done since his death.
When he finally reached the bed, Naru put a hand on Mai's shoulder causing her to look up at him for a moment. When her eyes met his she lunged forward, making Naru move back a step before realizing this was a need to be held, not a need to kill him indicated by the way she wrapped her arms around him tightly. He hadn't even known her for a day and yet Naru somehow knew that Mai didn't like to cry in front of other people, she might make a sad face; but she would never cry.
After a few minutes, his face was once more schooled and devoid of all emotion. He awkwardly wrapped his arms around Mai in an attempt to comfort her while he moved them back to the bed. Mai simply allowed him to move her and just burrowed deeper into the man's chest, her cries becoming muffled as she did so. When he had them sitting side by side on the bed he placed a hand on the side of her waist that wasn't against him and allowed her to rest her head against the juncture of his shoulder and neck for a few moments.
"Do you feel a bit better now?" he asked when she had stopped her tears for the minute.
"I think so," Mai replied bringing a hand to wipe her cheeks clean. "I knew I could trust you, I just knew I could."
Naru thought for a moment before responding. "I trust you too Mai."
He felt her head move to look up at him. His eyes glanced down and Mai turned away with a slight blush painting her cheeks. Naru stifled a smile at the action.
"Mai."
She turned a bit too quickly and before either of them knew what happened their lips were locked once more. Both were too shocked to move, they didn't even blink. Tentatively Mai broke away and pulled out of his grip, her cheeks now a lovely shade of scarlet. She stared at Naru for a moment, and he was sure his cheeks weren't the pale white they were supposed to be anymore.
"Say something to her Noll." Gene helpfully broke in.
"Thank you for that." Naru replied sarcastically. "Now would you be so kind as to tell me what I should say after this little incident?"
Gene was silent for a moment, and Naru could practically see him shrugging his shoulders. "Your guess is as good as mine."
Naru really wished his brother was alive at the moment so he could relieve the urge to hit him over the head with something large and heavy.
"I'm sorry." He heard Mai say and his attention was back on her. "I shouldn't have turned so quickly."
"It's not entirely your fault." Naru found himself saying in response. "If anything I should have been back a distance as to keep something like that from happening in the first place. We can regard it as an accident, nothing more."
"An accident?" Mai asked. "Oh, right. An accident." She repeated looking down at the floor.
Naru forced himself to ignore her tone as she said the last part. It sounded too much like disappointment, and that would get his hopes up.
"You know what? You're right." Mai said finally after another awkward moment of silence.
"I'm usually right about a number of things Mai. Try and be more specific." Naru replied.
"I mean we should just forget this whole thing ever happened." Mai continued. "Our sole focus should be finding and rescuing Kasai and my parents. Things like that are…" she paused trying to find the right word. "Unnecessary distractions."
Naru had to keep himself from visibly cringing at the words 'unnecessary distractions'. True, he wasn't much of a people person to begin with but he was never told by anyone that whatever had occurred between them was a mistake. He never like being regarded as a mistake and he wasn't going to start now. Mai sensed he was upset but she didn't know how to react. The kiss was inappropriate but she found it was not entirely unwelcomed, even if it was an accident.
'And besides' a voice in her head spoke. 'If you were being completely honest you would have kissed him hours ago.' That thought sent chills up her spine, and Mai wasn't entirely sure it was because the thought scared her in a bad way.
"Naru?" Mai looked over him. He was avoiding eye contact with her.
"It was a mistake Mai." He assured her. "As long as we have mutual trust we'll get through this alright."
"If this were any other situation-" Mai began, but Naru raised a hand and cut her off. He knew she meant that if their loved ones were safe and sound and she lived without a boyfriend; if they had met then then maybe something could have happened.
"It's fine Mai." Naru assured her though he knew what he was saying was a complete lie.
"Okay then."
"Now, it seems we have to deal with two options. Option one is me personally sending Sakauchi to hell. And option two is staying to figure out the clue and sending Sakauchi to hell another day for this low trick."
Mai laughed. "I think we should figure out the clue though I think I would enjoy seeing you do that to him." She admitted.
She pulled out her PDA to check the clue while Naru pulled out some trail mix and handed the bag to her. She took it but just stared blankly at the screen.
"Is it really that bad Mai?" he asked after she didn't move for a few minutes.
"See for yourself." Was Mai's response.
I have land with which I share my name
Along with the times I've shown my fame
Work and fun mix, it fills me with glee
Even though blinded others pay to see
What only those around me can show
And into the sky is they can also go
"Any ideas?" Mai asked watching him read the clue.
"Not presently," Naru replied.
"Why does it feel like every time we get a new clue we're back at square one?"
"Most likely because that's what's happening." Naru answered.
"Do they think we're idiots?"
"No, but they do seem to think we're saps."
In another hotel, the assassin waited for her phone to ring. Since the tracker had been left behind she was at a loss as to where to go. Sure she could just continue to stalk her targets, but that would take precious time she did not have. On top of all that she had to deal with Yoshino. And she'd been so excited when Ubusuna had approached her with such a test of skill. Now it was frustrating that so many road blocks were popping up.
'Whatever,' she thought somewhat annoyed. 'It's not like I don't enjoy the challenge'
Getting back to Yoshino, the assassin sighed. He was a complete idiot when it came to stealth but he was a challenge when it came to brute force. However, she was anxious to get going. The sighting in the Meat Packing district had just been to make sure they were still alive and aware. She couldn't bear the thought of Yoshino getting to them first. It would be an insult to her abilities as well as a major blow to her ego.
She was till contemplating how much of a blow it would be when her phone rang.
"there's been a change of plans." Ubusuna told her before anything else could be said.
"What do you mean?" Masako hissed.
"Urado is up to something and I need collateral so you'll bring Ms. Taniyama directly to me. Understood?"
"Understood." Masako grumbled "but what about Dr. Davis?"
"If you can bring him alive then do so. Otherwise bring me his head on a silver platter."
When the phone was disconnected Masako let out a groan. "She's taking the fun out of everything!" the girl whined when she sure no one would hear her. A devious thought entered her head and she pulled up Oliver Davis' photo once more. "Maybe I should just oust the Taniyama girl and keep Davis for myself." She said aloud as she licked her lip. "That would be endless hours of fun."
Lin and Madoka stood on the private airfield in silence.
"Are you sure?" Madoka asked him once more.
"I'm sure." Lin replied turning to look at her. "Trust me; going to New York will clear a lot of things up."
"Well, if you're sure…" Madoka trailed off before launching a hug on him. "Be safe." She whispered.
"I will, but in the meantime take care of yourself Madoka." Lin said.
He boarded the chopper and Madoka couldn't ignore the feeling of dread that settled in her stomach as the machine flew out of sight.
"I think I'm coming down with another headache." Naru said running a hand through his hair and hitting the headboard he was sitting against.
"Sorry Naru, but I don't carry aspirin on me so you're gonna have to deal with it for now." Mai replied from the end of the bed.
"It must be because I'm still thinking of ways to send Sakauchi into the earth." Naru remarked.
It was what could be called a half-truth. He was thinking of ways to send the traitor to hell but also trying to get his mind off the accidental kiss they shared. Mai was right when she said that it was an unnecessary distraction because it was keeping him from focusing, something that was really important. And it didn't help that Mai was still within reaching distance.
"I think I'll go for a walk." Naru finally said sliding off the bed.
"Really? I'll go with you." Mai replied. Stretching to show her flatly toned stomach.
"No!" Naru replied quickly. When Mai stared at him oddly he made amends. "I think better when I'm alone. I'll only be gone about five minutes."
"Well, if you say so." Mai replied sinking back down to the bed.
That was how Naru left her. He took the elevator down to the ground floor because it gave him time to calm down. Stopping in the souvenir shop to buy a stress ball he made his way onto the pavement. Normally Naru had no need of a stress ball; he was perfectly adept at relieving his stress without things like that. Naru scanned the crowd for any signs of Yoshino or the unknown hunter and everything was clear. But even with the buzz of the city and the rhythmic pattern of squeezing and laxing the stress ball he couldn't rid his thoughts of Mai or their situation.
"Dammit!" he spat pocketing the stress ball. "Why are my emotions taking over now?"
"Because God hates you?" Gene offered.
"Not funny." Naru replied looking down to study the street pavement. Nothing at any of the stores stood out to him and he decided that he needed to find a way to ignore everything that was Mai's charm, at least until this whole nightmare was over and done with.
He stared at the pavement for no more than a minute before a tap on the shoulder made him look up. He saw a boy no older than eighteen looking at him somewhat fearfully.
"Can I help you?" Naru sighed.
"If you could please move sir," the boy began in a voice slightly higher than a normal boy's. "We need to shoot a scene here and we already have enough extras."
Naru waved the boy off and went to stand somewhere else. As the crew set up for the scene a woman came to stand by him.
"What's all this about?" she asked him.
"Some movie they're doing." Naru replied disinterestedly. He looked down at the street once more.
"Oh, anybody famous in it?" she asked as Naru looked up the catch the license plate of a passing car. His eyes widened as he figured it out.
He quickly slipped through the gathering crowd and took the stairs back up to the room. He was about ready to kick the door down by the time Mai opened it for him.
"Where's the fire Naru?" she asked as he strode in and began packing everything up.
"Where the next clue is Mai." He replied.
"Wait, you figured it out?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"A movie crew and a license plate."
"And how do those add up to the answer?"
"They give every state a nickname for promotional purposes. Do you know New York's?"
"Sorry, state trivia wasn't part of the curriculum this year." Mai replied.
"It's the empire state." Naru answered for her.
Mai's eyes widened as the answer came to her. "Alrighty then, let's go!" she said grabbing him by the arm.
"I hate heights." Mai muttered under her breath.
"I know you do." Naru replied.
"No, I mean I really hate heights."
"Your point has been made Mai." Naru informed her as they rode an elevator up to the sky deck of the empire state building. "So now I know you don't like being underground and you don't like heights."
"Is there anything wrong with liking being on a normal level?" Mai asked as she clung even tighter to his arm. Naru had to look the other way or else he wouldn't have been able to hide his smirk.
"And it's not normal heights that bother me." She continued. "It's heights like these that bother me."
"Heights like these being?"
"Height's over one-hundred stories." Mai replied.
"I'm alright with that Mai, but I'll need my arm back soon."
"sorry." She said sheepishly.
"However, if you need to you can hold my hand."
"Gee, thanks." Mai replied sarcastically.
"Anytime Mai, anytime."
When the elevator dinged Mai grabbed Naru's hand and the two exited the elevator. The observation deck was completely closed in preventing anyone from throwing things, or people, over the edge.
"Alright Naru, what now?" Mai asked.
"It's better for you if I'm not the one doing all the thinking Mai." He replied.
"I can't think right now. I'm too busy trying not to fall."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Naru asked noting she looked a little dizzy.
"Um, yeah I'm alright. It's just," she paused. "Vertigo." She finished with a smile.
Naru also gave a small smile remembering her excuse for falling down from the tracks. That is, once he was sure no one could see it.
"Well, to start with let's take a look at the scenery while we're up here. It might be a while before we have a chance to see it again." Naru told her guiding her to the edge.
Instead of looking out, Mai buried her face in Naru's shoulder. Naru let out a sigh through his nose and shook his head.
"Mai, it's actually a nice view if you give it a chance." He tried to reason with her. "Just take one look and then we'll be done."
"okay." Mai mumbled pulling away and standing in front of Naru. Her breath hitched at the sight of the unobstructed landscape that stretched out as far as the eye could see. "Wow, it's so pretty Naru. It's my first time being up here so I've never seen anything like this before."
"Really? I never would have guessed." Naru replied.
"Oh, be quiet you." Mai said lightly hitting him on the arm.
"Excuse me," a lady with a southern accent tapped them from behind. "but are you two using that?" she indicated the coin-operated view finder sitting next to them."
"Oh, no go ahead." Mai replied as she and Naru took a step back.
"It's ok dear. The only problem I have is that so many of these things are in need of repair you have to grab what you can."
The two bid the woman goodbye and Mai clutched to Naru's arm excitedly.
"Naru, what we're looking for is in the view finders." She whispered. "People pay to see through them, and when the time's up they go 'blind'. It all makes sense."
The looked at all the broken machines. It would take up time to do each one together. Without a word Mai went to one end and Naru the other. They worked their way down and with only one more machine between them; Naru stuck his hand in the 'out of service' bag and felt a box. Discreetly he pulled it out and pocketed it before noting that someone was talking to a security guard and pointing in their direction.
"Mai, let's go." He said pulling her to face the direction he'd made them both walk in without breaking his stride.
"Why? What about the clue?" she asked.
"I've got it, but we're going to have a little trouble with security if we don't get out of here soon." Naru replied.
When they got to the elevator, people started complaining when they were pushing towards the front.
"I'm sorry, but my girlfriend isn't feeling the best right now." Naru gave for explanation. Mai took the cue and clung to him for dear life, letting out occasional groans and whimpers. The crowd softened at the sight and let them on without a hassle. Naru saw the security guard coming towards them just as the elevator doors closed.
"Stay close to a tour group when we hit the ground floor." Naru whispered to her. Mai responded by taking out a mini hairbrush and two elastics. She quickly brushed her hair into two tiny pigtails and took off the glasses she'd been wearing all day that she'd surprisingly not lost. As she brushed her hair Naru once more smelled that mix of earl grey and roses that'd come from her earlier.
"There, makes me blend in a little more don't you think?" she asked him. Naru kept his features schooled but on the inside he was fighting to stay in control. It didn't help that Mai seemed completely oblivious to how cute and innocent she looked and the hungry stares all the men in the elevator were giving her.
'Focus on controlling your powers' Naru thought trying to block the charm Mai probably didn't even know she was giving off.
"Hey Naru, give me the box." She whispered. He gave it to her trying not to touch her at all. If Mai noticed, she didn't say anything.
When they hit the ground floor they quickly exited the building following a large group of people. They made it out with no incidents other than having to hold each other's hand to avoid getting lost on the way out. After walking about two or three blocks Naru took Mai to a small local café and got a table while Mai went into the restroom.
When she came back out, her hair was let down and her glasses were back in place. She took a seat across from Naru, who looked at her quizzically.
"Tell me, do you really need to wear those glasses?" he asked.
Mai shook her head. "No, I actually have perfect vision. But I didn't know how many fans of my company lived here in America so I wear these as a precaution."
"Well, the only one who recognized you was Sakauchi, and since he recognized you with your glasses on I doubt they're really any use to you anymore." Naru replied. "At any rate, is there a new link up yet?"
Mai decided he was right and took off the fake glasses before pulling up the site on the PDA. She clicked the link that had appeared. Now there was an address, letters, numbers, and a decimal point.
"Wait, this is one of the libraries on campus." Mai said studying the address.
"Since you know where we need to go then let's head out." Naru replied grabbing her hand and leading her outside.
They hailed a cab and shared a pretty much silent ride over to the campus. When they got there Naru noticed that Mai was enjoying every second of it.
"Ah, memories." Mai said as they came to the doors. "I spent a lot of time here as an undergrad you know."
"And now that you've passed that point?" Naru asked noting several coeds who were staring at him intently.
"Eh. I haven't decided. I mean I majored in acting and classic literature but those were just because I was interested in them." Mai replied.
"Mai, I got a doctorate degree at age fifteen, don't you think this is something you should have figured out by now?"
"Great, now you sound like Yasu." Mai complained going over to the electronic catalog looking for the book that matched the call number they'd been sent. "He hung out alot here too." Naru couldn't help it when his eye twitched in irritation. So to get her mind of him as Naru referred to Yasu in his mind, he simply leaned down to look at the location of the book they were looking for as well. He smirked internally when he caught Mai turning pink out of the corner of his eye.
"Well, we should get going." Mai said standing up. "It says here the book we're looking for is in the archives." Naru merely followed after her.
"Here, this should take us up to the stacks." Mai said leading him to a somewhat hidden staircase.
"I thought you said we were going to the archives." Naru pointed out as they ascended to the top floor.
"We are; the stacks is another name for it." Mai replied. "Supposedly, people come up here for relief from," she paused. "Academic stress."
"Misuse of a building used to further learning? How distasteful." Naru commented.
"Tell me about it." Mai agreed.
"And I'm supposed to assume you've never done the same thing with your boyfriend?" he questioned.
"Gross, I'd never even think about it." Mai said wrinkling her nose.
"Very well, start looking for the book." He ordered.
"Yes master." Mai replied in a sickly sweet voice.
"Nice to know you've learned your place."
"Why you egoistic jerk!"
Mai found the book on a dusty shelf that hadn't been used in some time and pulled on it. She suppressed a shudder thinking about the amount of time and planning that had gone into this.
"So do we leave the box with the hitogata in its place or…" she trailed as the book fell in her hand. "Naru, come weigh this."
He grabbed the book and weighed it in his hand. "It's been tampered with." He said almost immediately.
"How can you tell?" Mai asked.
"Mai, look at the book. It's thick, and consists of at least five-hundred pages, yet it weighs the same as a small stack of paper. This book is also very old, so the paper must be heavier than modern books. Ergo; it's been tampered with." He concluded by opening the book to reveal that it had been hollowed out; leaving a square just big enough for the hitogata itself to fit inside.
"Okay, now what?" Mai asked as they walked back downstairs.
"Now we should find someplace safe and work on the next clue." Naru answered reaching the ground floor first.
Mai looked around for a moment. "How about we stay here for a bit?" she offered. "I mean, we'll have reliable access to multiple resources that could help us figure out the clue. Plus there's tons of people around so we'll blend in better. I even know of a few hidden spots that would be secluded enough to have everything out in the open."
Naru contemplated it for a moment. "Very well." He sighed.
They started to move towards a table when Mai heard someone call her name. She turned around and a big smile lit up her face.
"Yasu!" she said happily running over to see him.
The two hugged and Naru had to look away because he was afraid that he would vomit if he saw the two.
"Now you definitely can't deny that you're jealous." Gene pointed out.
"So we've figured out I'm attracted to one woman. Great, now let it go Gene." Naru replied.
"I'm not sure attracted is a strong enough word." Gene said a bit hesitantly.
"Oh? And what word would you use to describe this?" Naru asked.
"Well, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were in love…" Gene trailed off at the end because he wasn't sure how his brother would react.
"That's stupid." Was all Naru said before he blocked his brother out and turned back to Mai and Yasu.
Yasu grinned. "That was the total opposite of the greeting I thought I'd get today."
"I'm just happy to see you." Mai replied as she beamed at him.
"Really? I thought that after the alarm clock incident you'd put me through hell and back before you forgave me. Hey Mai, where are your glasses?" Yasu asked her.
Mai barely remembered the incident; it had seemed so long ago. Mai glanced at Naru, she couldn't tell if the aura around him was his usual scary aura or if he was somehow trying to scare everyone off the face of the earth.
"Oh, I got contacts today so I don't need them anymore." She gave a sheepish smile before continuing. "Anyways, Yasu; I'd like you to meet my new friend Kazuya Shibuya. Naru, this is Yasu."
"Naru?" Yasu looked at him skeptically.
"Oh, sorry." Mai put her hand to her mouth. "That's just my nickname for him."
Naru kept his features schooled as he shook the man's hand. "A pleasure to meet you." He said tightly.
"Likewise." Yasu replied. "So Mai, what brings you guys here? Did you finally decide what you wanted to study?"
"Uh, not yet." Mai answered. "But I just thought I'd show Naru around while we were in the area."
"I think I'm going to take a closer look around." Naru said walking off. He left them alone because he could see the skeptical look hidden beneath Yasu's grin. Turning a corner of the bookcases he picked up a book and perused through a few pages until he was sure Mai and Yasu had moved. Fortunately for him they were one row in front of him.
"I met him this morning" Mai explained.
"Hmm," Yasu said in response.
"Really. I went out shopping this morning to get you your coffee mix and I bumped into him. We got to talking and I found out that he's going to transfer here next semester. He's taking time to adjust to the city so I thought I'd be nice and show him around."
"Really Mai? He doesn't look like the type who likes to talk. And besides, he seems too smart to need to go to college. Tell me the real reason why you're with him" Yasu replied.
"I am. Really."
"I'm just worried about you okay? I don't want something bad to happen to you."
"I know you don't but you don't have to worry about it. Naru's a good guy, and he's got self-defense training so I'm not worried about anything."
"You're really clueless when it comes to guys Mai." Naru couldn't help but agree with the statement. "Most guys play nice so they can get what they want from you and then leave without a second thought. I don't want that to happen to you."
"It's fine Yasu." Mai insisted.
Yasu sighed. "If you say so. Hey, you never answered my text earlier. How about tonight we go out for Chinese food. Sound good?"
"I'd love to. But I'm not sure if I'm even going to be back at the apartment Yasu. I might be out late just so you don't worry."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm going to be showing Naru around all day and then I wanted to show him a couple of good places to eat and then-"
Yasu cut her off. "Why is it so important for you to show this 'Naru' around? Can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"I'm sorry Yasu." Mai said shaking her head. "But he was going to give me ideas for my field of study tomorrow so I can't."
Naru decided that now would be a good time to step in before a fight broke out and Mai got riled up.
"Oh, there you are." Naru said coming into view. "For a moment I thought you had wandered off on me."
"No, we were right here the whole time." Mai answered. "Are you ready to go?"
"I thought we were going to stay here a little while longer." Naru replied.
"Well, there seems to have been a change of plans." Mai told him glaring at Yasu.
"You don't have to be so mad at me." Yasu said.
"I'm not mad at you, I'm just frustrated." Mai insisted.
"Mai." Naru cut in.
"What?"
"Can I have a word with you?" he asked.
"Uh, sure. We'll be right back." Mai said following Naru.
"What's up?" Mai asked when they were alone.
"We need to tell him."
"You're kidding. Right?" Naru shook his head. "But that's against the rules!"
"Forget the rules right now Mai." Naru replied. "We need someone on the outside to know what's going on if something happens to us."
"But. But."
"No buts Mai. Here's what we'll do. We'll make copies of everything we have right now and put them in an envelope. And then we'll give it to him with explicit instructions not to open it unless something happens. Fair enough?"
Mai still looked unconvinced but agreed nonetheless. "Fair enough."
They came back to Yasu and Mai slipped Naru her student ID. He looked at her.
"Use it and everything's free." She assured him.
A few minutes later Naru had everything sealed up in an envelope and was walking back to Mai and Yasu. Yasu glanced at him before standing up and walking over fiercely.
"what on earth have you gotten her into?" he demanded.
Naru just stood there emotionlessly as Yasu continued to chew him out.
"Yasu. Stop!" Mai said stepping in front of Naru like she was a shield for Yasu's rage. When he stopped yelling, Mai took the envelope from Naru and handed it to Yasu. "Yasu, I want you to hang onto this for me. And if anything happens I want you to open it. Once you see what's inside you can decide what you want to do from there."
"You're scaring me Mai." Yasu said as he took it.
"I know, but please trust me on this." Mai pleaded.
"Just so you know. If I ever have to open this I'll never forgive you." He said cracking a smile.
"I know you won't." Mai replied with a smile of her own.
"Mai, we need to move. Staying here for too long is dangerous." Naru reminded her.
"Alright. By Yasu." Naru turned away thinking they were going to hug again.
"Mai! Get down!" He said grabbing Mai's wrist and dragging her down to the floor. A bullet flew by where she'd just been standing.
The trio scrambled for cover under one of the library tables as more shots rang out. Thankfully none of them had been hit. When the shots paused Naru grabbed Mai's arm.
"We have to get moving or else other people could get hurt." Naru whispered. Mai nodded and the two made to sprint but Yasu grabbed them back.
"What in god's name do you think you're doing?" he asked them.
"Getting the shooter out of here." Naru replied.
"No way are you taking Mai out with you. I won't allow it." Yasu held a firm grip on Mai's arm.
"She's after both of us Yasu, I can't leave him to get rid of her by himself." Mai reasoned.
Yasu looked from Naru to Mai and back again. After a second, he sighed. "Fine. But you," he said looking in Naru's direction. "Better take care of her or else."
Naru curtly nodded in response and grabbed Mai's hand. "Stay low." He whispered.
When he saw Mai nod he held up his free hand and counted down from three. At zero both of them ran in a duck-and-cover fashion out of the library and into the subway. As soon as they had sat down on the machine Mai rested her head against Naru's shoulder as she caught her breath.
"Naru, I'm shaking all over." She told him.
"It's the adrenaline." Naru replied having stopped his shivers by the time they sat down.
"And how come you're completely fine?" Mai asked.
"I've been in situations where running for your life like that is the best option before. I know how to deal with the adrenaline." Naru answered.
"Care to show me how it's done?"
"Just take it as a good thing you're still able to function because most people aren't." Naru replied.
"Do you think Yasu's okay?" Mai asked.
"He should be fine. The assassin wasn't aiming for anyone but us." Naru assured her.
"Thank god." Mai let out a sigh of relief. "I don't know what I would do if something happened to Yasu."
"Like I said," Naru replied forcing down a dry swallow. "She wasn't aiming for anyone but us. But it's probably best if you keep him from going back to your apartment. It wouldn't be good if the hunter got your boyfriend by mistake."
Mai sat up and gave him an odd look. "What did you just say?"
Naru sighed. "I said that it would be best if Yasuhara didn't go back to the apartment because they know where the both of you live and you wouldn't want him shot by mistake."
"No, you said he was my boyfriend." Mai pointed out.
"And your point is?" Naru asked wondering why she was questioning her own relationship.
"Yasu and I aren't together." Mai told him.
"The way you interact with each other is the same way couples do no?"
"It might but Yasu and I are more like brother and sister than anything." Mai replied.
"You live together."
"Separate bedrooms, and only because he got a good deal on the place."
"Explain the way your eyes lit up whenever you talked about him."
"We're best friends, and he's a jokester. He knows how to make me laugh without even saying a word."
"Wonderful." Naru replied curtly.
"Why are you so concerned about it?" Mai asked him before something dawned on her. "You weren't, jealous are you?"
"Do I need a reason for every emotion I feel?"
"Oh my god… you were jealous! And of Yasu? That's completely ridiculous!" Mai burst out laughing. "me and Yasu, never in a million years!"
Naru just stared out the opposite window, his lips set in a tight line.
"Aw, come on Naru. There was no reason to feel anything towards me, let alone the kind of relationship I have with Yasu."
Naru just shook his head. "You really are no good." He muttered.
When the train came to a halt he quickly exited with Mai following behind. She followed him over to a less crowded area and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Naru? You okay?"
He slowly turned around and Mai found herself trapped in his eyes. She didn't realize she'd been moving until she was backed up against a cement pole, Naru just inches away.
"Nar-" the last syllable was cut off as his lips met hers. Mai was too shocked to do anything but after a moment she responded, much to Naru's satisfaction. His hands grabbed the sides of her waist and pulled her from the pillar. Mai's arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer. When he finally broke the kiss for air he was able to see Mai breathing heavily with hazy, half-lidded eyes. It pleased him to no end.
"You're absolutely right." He finally said. "There's no reason why I, a person who has never felt anything towards any woman before, should feel anything for you. I am a man who can't afford to feel anything. If I do I could very well end up destroying all humanity. It's illogical for me to feel after I haven't felt anything in years. But you seem to evoke the most illogical actions in me. Let me tell you something Mai, I am a very possessive person. When I want something; I will do whatever it takes to get it. And I don't like sharing things that are mine with anyone else. Let me also inform you that I am quite pleased with the fact that I was the one who received your first kiss earlier today."
Mai gasped. "How did you-"
"I can experience a person's memories by touching them or a possession of theirs. I can also see their future. I saw the little boys that tried to take what you gave me away from you. Then I saw me, and nothing more. The only logical conclusion I can draw from that is that you are now mine. Do you understand?"
He saw her nod. "Good, now I know you are enjoying this thoroughly and it pleases me greatly to know that, but we don't have time like other people do. This was just to make my point clear to you."
"I got the message." Mai was now able to form coherent words. "But, even if I am yours I'm still gonna do things the way I want to. And if you don't like it that's too bad 'cause I won't change for anybody."
"You wouldn't be Mai if you did that." Naru said taking her hand and leading her out of the subway. "but I expect, that eventually I'll have no trouble handling you and that temper of yours."
"Why you…! Egotistical jerk!"
you wouldn't believe how hard it was to write the first kiss scene between naru and mai in this chapter. in the story this is based off of the main male character kissed the main female character on purpose but that didn't really seem in naru's character to me so I had to spend alot of time thinking about how to write it. I think Yasu is a bit OOC in this chapter but I could just be paranoid. to be completely honnest I think the last part of the chapter above is how a kiss scene would go down between the two anyways but... kinda seems the tiniest bit OOC. anyways review and tell me what you think!