Chapter 2: A Case of 'Anemia.'

Set during the 'After School Hexer' arc.

Naru sat up in his hospital bed, his limbs aching and his vision still spinning lightly from exertion. He'd awoken only recently and he knew Lin would soon be arriving to chastise him for his use of his powers.

His brother, Gene, had always considered Lin a friend, and after a while the Chinese onmyoji had felt the same about both the brothers, but it was hard for the young Oliver to show friendship. He knew that Lin was aware of their mutual respect and their similar personalities, both of which meant that they worked exceptionally well together. It was an understanding that few people could understand.

Naru raised a hand an rubbed his eyes just as he heard a knock at the door, "Yes?" he called and Lin entered.

"Naru," the man said. He'd taken usually quickly to Mai's nickname, like everyone else.

"Lin," Naru nodded once as the man sat on one of the chairs.

"How are you feeling?"

"Tired," the boy answered brusquely.

"It's your own fault," Lin sighed, "What happened?"

"Mai fell down a manhole..."

"And you?"

"The ladder broke, she wouldn't let go of my hand," Naru shrugged. "There were rocks at the bottom. I saved us both."

"You put yourself in hospital," Lin corrected with exasperation.

"Mai is still alive, and so am I," Naru said, "She said she saw a child at the bottom and it tried to pull her in."

"Anything else?"

"I saw it again."

"The woman?"

"Mmm," the boy nodded.

"They've targeted Mai as well?" Lin said.

"Of course," Naru said and Lin raised an eyebrow.

"What are you thinking?"

"That she was right. The girl...Chiaki Kasai, is innocent."

"Even now?"

"Especially now," Naru said, closing his eyes for a moment and leaning back against the headboard.

"I see...why target someone who's only ever protested your innocence," Lin concluded.

"Exactly," the boy nodded, giving a tired smile.

"...You really should think things through. Your powers aren't to be used lightly..."

"It's not like I planned this," Naru sighed.

"You still need to be careful, you know what happens when you..."

"Yes, yes, but what else could I have done? If I'd done nothing we both would've landed on those rocks and I wouldn't even be here for you to lecture."

"I know..."

"You can't tell Mai, or the others," the young boss narrowed his eyes.

"I won't," Lin said quickly, "Just keep in mind that if I have to, I will. It's my job to protect you - whether or not you make that easy for me is you to you."

"How can I ever forget that? You never stop reminding me," Naru almost hissed.

"If you had a care for your own welfare I wouldn't need to be so insistent, Oliver," Lin retorted.

"Don't call me that here!" the boy whispered angrily.

"The professors weren't happy..."

"You called my parents?!"

"Of course," Lin said emotionlessly, inwardly he was splitting his sides with laughter.

"Are you sure you know what 'protecting' means?" Naru muttered and Lin chuckled.

"So, the case, what are you thinking?" the man asked after a minute.

"I'm thinking..." Naru said quietly, "I need you to find something out for me...before you call the others. It's time we close this case."

"You want to close a case while you're in hospital?"

"Yes," the boy answered, "If you won't help me, I'll do it myself. You know I will."

"I know," Lin sighed and stood up, "What is it you want me to find?" he asked