Chapter Four-
A SUDDEN DREAM
DAY 1
Mai found herself walking alone on a hallway. The entire place screams elegance and wealth. Not a single artifact is out of place. Realizing that she might be in one of her dreams with Naru, Mai started looking around for clues.
"Just when you thought you don't know where to begin it suddenly appears." Mai said out loud as she focused her attention towards the portrait hanging in one of the walls.
The man had blonde hair, kind violet eyes, red lips and a warm smile.
'He's handsome.' She thought.
A little drawn towards the portrait, Mai unconsciously started walking closer, raising her hand, wanting to touch the handsome man's face when someone called her.
"Mai." A voice called out to her. A man in black suddenly appeared. "You should not do touch that."
"You shouldn't appear like that too, Naru." She exclaimed, embarrass at being caught. "You always scare the hell out of me."
Taking couple of breaths, Mai carefully stepped back, away from the inviting smile of the handsome man in the portrait.
Waiting for her dream Naru to talk to her and give her clues. Mai take her time looking at the dream version of her boss.
"Naru? What's wrong?" Naru didn't answer her and just continued to stare at the portrait. Curious, Mai looked at the portrait. Her eyes grew big due to recognition.
"I know her." She told Naru. "She's the client for this case, Naru."
"Mai…" Naru called her. When she looked at him, he is already looking at her. "Look closely."
Mai stared at the portrait again. The girl from outside her dream looks the same, her face, her hair, her elegance. Mai could still sense the warmth and solemnity of the girl on the portrait but she couldn't understand what Naru meant by looked closely.
"N-naru, I don't know…." Mai's eyes grew big when she noticed the red like film slowly climbing out of the bottom side of the picture. "Naru what's that? It is ruining the portrait."
Mai looked at Naru but he didn't say a word.
"Neh, Naru …wait.." Mai looked again but she still can't understand what's going on. She was about to ask Naru but he's nowhere to be found.
"Mai?!"
"Who is it?" Mai called out.
"Mai!"
"Who is there?" Looking around, not sure where the voice calling her was from, Mai felt she was slowly being pulled somewhere else. "Where to this time?"
"Are you alright?"
Mai opened her eyes. Raising her hand, she covered her eyes willing her vision to stop spinning. Taking a deep breath, Mai looked at where she is. The place looks big, the ceiling is high and the place doesn't look familiar. The only familiar on this room is the person in front of her.
"Are you alright?"
"John?" Mai asked. "Why? Where am I?"
"You passed out while Travis-san is telling us the story of this case." John told her while giving her a glass of water. "Then we decided to bring you here in your room. You will be sharing this with Ayako and Masako. Shibuya-san thinks it's better that way."
"Where are they?" Mai asked after taking a sip of the water.
"Naru just got out of the room. He asked me to watch you while you rest." John said while giving her a tablet. "Anika-san said this will make you feel better, I think it's for the dizziness, anyway Bou-san told me he'll drop by after Lin and him get done with their lunch. The others are all working."
"Thank you, John." Mai passed him the glass. "I'm fine now."
"Mai…" John looked at her. "When you are sleeping, you called Naru a couple of times. Did you dream of him?"
"What?!" Mai tensed up. She suddenly got up not realizing what it will do to her. "I feel faint."
"Don't worry I won't tell them." John told her amused as he helped her to lie back.
Mai looked at the priest before smiling. "I think that's for the best."
"If you don't mind…" John looked at her. "You seemed to be so bothered of Naru on your dreams while you are calling his name, do you mind telling me about it? It might make you feel better."
"It's really nothing, John." She told the priest.
'I just thought that I would see Naru smiling on my dreams at least, after seeing him hugging another girl but even in my dreams he's still looking at her.' She thought.
"I won't force you if you don't want to." John said while arranging her pillow. "Go back to sleep Mai, it will make you feel better."
"H-hai…" Mai then closed her eyes again. "Thank you, John."
"No worries, Mai." He smiled at her before taking his seat. "Go back to sleep, you'll feel better when you wake up."
"Where am I?" Mai suddenly see herself on a place she doesn't recognized. "Am I dreaming again?"
Mai turned around to see Naru behind her. "Naru."
"Mai." Mai could still feel the loneliness in him. His eyes are still different.
"Don't channel my emotions to you, Mai." Naru told her. "It will be too stressful to your body. You won't last."
"How do I do that?" Mai asked.
'I can't do that, Naru…' Mai thought.
"You have to do it Mai. Will yourself not to care." Naru told her. "I need you to do this. This is the only way for me to see you in your dreams again."
"B-but Naru." Mai protested.
"Mai, if you can't stop caring, you will be devoured by these emotions and you won't be able to go back." Naru walk towards her.
Mai could sense strong emotions from him.
"N-Naru…" Mai called out but couldn't express what she wants to say. "It hurts."
"Do you understand now?" Naru asked while stepping away from her. Mai's headache gradually stops until a tiny migraine remained. When Mai looked at Naru again, he's far from her.
"If you can't protect yourself you can't be here, Mai." Naru told her. "Once you wake up pack your bags and go home."
"Naru, you know that I cannot do that." Mai exclaimed. "They need me. I need to be here. I want to help you."
Hearing her determination, Naru smiled at her. "Then you have to do as I say."
"Tell me." Mai said. "I won't leave all of you alone."
"Mai, concentrate on blocking everything." Naru looked at her encouragingly. "Slowly walk towards me and remember that these are just dreams."
Mai closed her eyes and think of Naru. 'Block everything…these are just dreams…' Mai mumbled while walking a little closer to him.
A slash of pain hit her and she backed away.
"You can do this Mai." She heard Naru's pleading.
Mai closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down. Taking some deep breaths, Mai tried to step a little closer to Naru again.
"Please stop feeling. Please stop." Mai mumbled on and on. She continued walking until she felt another jolt of pain. She almost lost her concentration but she remembered Naru's voice and continued to walk.
The pain got bigger and bigger but she continued on walking until little by little, she finally can't feel anything and the weight she seemed to have disappeared.
Mai too delighted for she can see Naru on her dream again, opened her eyes to see Naru right in front of her.
"You did well Mai!" Naru told her. "This will do."
"Wait, Naru!" Mai called out when Naru is about to turn around. "Could you at least tell me about the portrait?"
Naru looked at her before looking far away. Wanting to know more, Mai looked at where he's looking at. Little by little, the portrait of the Suoh Heiress started to materialize.
"That is a curse." Naru told her. "It is a sign that the curse is starting waiting for her final harvest. Her very existence is starting to be eaten by the curse."
Mai felt her heart beating wildly.
"Little by little, the once pure and as white as snow will turn black." Naru said with unseeing eyes. "Once the light fades and the night is high, the harvest will start. Leaving nothing on its wake."
"Naru if she got enveloped by the curse…" Mai's voice trailed of when she saw Naru's eyes. "Naru?"
"B-but Naru…" Naru pointed to something and when she looked to it, she saw a man on a hospital bed covered by a light red plasma. "N-Naru? Who?"
"If that plasma turned to its final stage, he will die." Naru told her.
"Naru… final stage?" Mai couldn't understand what he meant, all she understands is it's a curse.
"Mai, you have to wake up or you will burden your mind and body." Naru told her. "Go back now. They are waiting for you."
"Hai!" Mai turned around from him when she remembered something. "Naru? I'll see you again, right?"
Naru smiled and nodded. "Go back now!"
"Oh.. you're awake." Bou-san told her.
"Bou-san?" Mai asked. She blinked to adjust her eyes with the lights. "What time is it?"
"It's already past six in the evening."
'That's not Bou-san'. She thought.
Mai opened her eyes and sit up only to see a retreating figure on white coat with raven locks.
"I deel zick." Mai feeling dizzy.
"Tsk, that is because you suddenly get up." She heard Bou-san complained while helping her lie back down. "Naru-bou told me to look after you."
"Naru?" Mai looked at Bou-san who just smiled at her.
"He's at the base right now. He went back there after the doctor, the one who just got out check on you. " Bou-san supplied her with information. "I'm sure you want to see him, but I suggest you wait later."
"Why?"
"Masako is putting up an act on him…" She could see how he tried to suppress an upcoming laughter. "You wouldn't like to see how Naru-bou is duping her by acting cold and nonchalant, it's hilarious."
"Why is she…" Mai's words trailed off when Ayako opened her room.
"My goodness!" Ayako exclaimed as she entered the room. "I can't believe she's too desperate!"
"What did she try to do this time?" Bou-san asked amused by how upset the self-proclaimed Miko is. "Did she try to throw herself outside the window?"
"I suggest she better do that instead!" Ayako blurted out before taking a sit beside her. "She actually tried to faint landing on his lap…"
"Neh…" Bou-san snorted. "Did she succeed? What did Naru-bou say?"
"He said nothing…" Ayako looked at the ceiling while an obvious smirk is currently playing on her lips. "He just continued to read his files while she is so uncomfortable on his lap, then later Anika-san entered the base carrying some cookies and tea."
"She brought him tea?" Mai asked.
"Oh, no you don't think that she's taking your job." Ayako snapped at her before she could give them an upset look. "She actually recognized that you're the one that should be bringing him tea. Although I don't know if that is so nice of her or what, but nonetheless I'm sure she's not planning to take your job."
FLASHBACK (Ayako POV)
"…Naru, I hope your assistant Mai get better soon…"Anika said. "I could see that you are looking for something that is not on what the helpers just made for you."
"This will do, Anika." The Narcissist said coldly. "I really couldn't do much if she just loves to sleep. I don't know why I'm paying her."
"Nehh… Naru-chan, I think she didn't mean to…" Anika snapped while handing him a cup of tea. "She looked tired and I bet you are the one who caused it on the first place, slave-driver."
Naru didn't say a word before getting the cup to his lips. It is evident that he liked the tea this time. "You made this." He said more of a statement than a question.
"What do you think?" The girl said beaming at him, looking really pleased that he recognized. "it's been a while… anyway, I think you should attend to the girl on your lap before she got her nape ache by the way she is now."
"What girl?" Naru asked innocently with not even glancing at Masako who is desperately keeping still on his lap. "I don't know what you're talking about."
END OF FLASHBACK
"He said that?" Bou-san looking more amused than before. "He actually ignored Masako like that?"
"Yeah, and then Anika-san moved towards Naru to help Masako but then it seems that she won't move…. So Anika-san looked at me and smile." The self-proclaimed miko looked at them with a wide grin.
"We were about to move her when she suddenly stood up as if nothing happened and take a sit on the couch. Anika-san and I just looked at each other and I could say she looked amused more than ever."
"Hahahaha… that was hilarious." Bou-san said. "I just could imagine how Masako looked like when she was duped by him like that!"
"She almost cried actually…" The three of them looked at the open door. "I thought she could lost it there but I think she's more attached to her pride like your boss is…" The beautiful girl is now at the foot of the bed followed by two servants carrying a glass on a tray. "We passed by her at the main hall way, I think she's too upset to stop and greet us."
"I think Naru-bou got a little too far." Bou-san commented while staring at the girl in front of them.
"No…" The girl said while walking towards Mai. "I think she went a little too far. It was kind of hilarious putting up a scheme like that." Anika stared at Mai a little before handing her the glass and two tablets.
"Kyouya onii-san told me to give you these, it's for the built in stress of your body and also a multi-vitamins. The maid will take care of your medication, so I hope you won't mind them following you around." Anika gave her a kind smile that seems to sip in her heart. 'This girl is extremely nice.' Mai thought.
"I could take care of it." She said shyly before handing Ayako the empty glass. "
"Don't worry it won't be bothersome for them." Anika took the glass and handed it to the maid. "It will please them. Aside from the fact that it will help me lessen the prying eyes who's spying on wherever I go, Naru ordered them to do so." The maids nodded in response when Mai looked at them.
"Shibuya-sama asked us to look after you." The girl on the right said. "He's kinda worried when she carried you back here to your room, Taniyama-sama."
"N-naru…" Mai head started to spin a little after hearing what the maid just said. Mai looked at the monk beside him who avoided her eyes. She then turned to her miko friend who did the same, when she turned to look at the beautiful girl in front of her, the girl just smiled.
"It will really help him, Taniyama-san, if you feel better as soon as possible." Anika told her before turning around to leave her room. "He's grouchy for about the whole afternoon. I think he's missing your tea." She looked back at her before adding up something. "I guess Hara-san was trying to find out if Naru will do the same thing to her like he did for you, but I guess the poor girl forgotten a very important thing."
Mai watched as she leave her room. Her words just keep on mumbling on her head. "She forgot that Naru is not that stupid to fall for such scheme. He's dense but not stupid."
"Ayako?"
"Hmm…?"
"What does she meant when she said that Naru is dense but not stupid?" She asked.
"Hmmm…"Ayako didn't bother answering her. She just stood up and winked at her. "Get better soon." Then she left.
Day 2
"Bou-san…" Naru turned to the long-haired monk who is currently messing up Mai's hair. "Hara-san pointed out some suspicious spirits lurking around. Go with her and exorcise them as soon as possible."
"Hai, hai!" Bou-san followed Masako who can't even look atNaru.
'I feel for her. This must be really uncomfortable.' Mai thought.
"Matsuzaki-san…" Naru turned to the self-proclaimed Miko. "I want you to make some charms for all of the helpers and us. Give one to Anika and her friends. After that I want you to go with Yasuhara-san to the hospital and put a spirit warding spell on Suou Tamaki's room. Wait for Bou-san to come back so you could do it with him."
"Hai!" Ayako was about to get out when Naru called her again. "I want you to put a ward on Anika's and Mai's room as well."
"Okay." The priestess said before leaving Mai alone with Lin and Naru along with a maid assigned to her. "Later, Mai.
"Hai!" Mai said before looking to Naru.
"Tea." Naru told her before taking his seat.
'Tsk… this bastard will never learn how to use manners.' Mai thought furiously.
"While you're at it, take your medicines." Naru called out just as she was about to go out of the room.
"Hmmm…" Mai looked at Naru before she turned to her guide, if she remember it correctly is named, Yagami Inoue. "Inoue-san?"
"Hai, Taniyama-sama." Inoue acknowledge her attentively. "It's almost time for your medication. It seems Shibuya-sama calculated it quite accurately. If we go now we will reach the kitchen in time for you medication."
"I see." Mai stared at Naru before walking towards the base's door. "Lin-san would you like some?"
"Thank you, Taniyama-san." Lin said before turning to his computer again.
Mai walked out of the door nonchalantly. She's staring at the interior of the hall way when she noticed a huge frame at the path leading to the hall way to their left. Mai turned to her left before stopping in front of a huge golden frame.
Mai's eyes widen when she realized that it is the same frame she saw on her dream. The man's face is kind and distinct. His violet eyes are penetrating yet warm, his prominence is visible yet an inviting feeling could be detected. Mai is once again drawn to the portrait when Inoue caught up with her.
"Taniyama-sama, we don't have time for detours. It is almost time for you medication." Inoue-san called out to her.
"Inoue-san…" Mai asked the servant with her while continuously staring at the portrait of a certain blonde guy. "Who is he?"
"Hmmm…" Inoue-san looked at the portrait with kind eyes before answering. "He's Tamaki-dono. He's Anika ojou-sama's brother."
"I see." Mai could feel sudden yearning on her heart. It seems that she's staring at the portrait so much it makes her eyes blurry and the portrait seems to be covered by a light red like shield.
"Where is he now? I didn't see him around…" Mai turned to look at Inoue who's eyes are clouded with waters. "Don't tell me… is he the one Travis-san was talking about?"
"Yes!" Inoue managed to say. "Tamaki-dono and Anika ojou-sama are the only siblings of the the main family of the Suou's." Inoue informed her while staring at the portrait.
"Although highly prominent to the society, Tamaki-dono and Anika ojou-sama never cease to show us kindness. Most of the servants in here don't know where to go before they met Tamaki-sama."
"Tamaki-dono wanted to help us so he then requested to build a Mansion on this hill which is part of the family's fortune. Once it was built, he then transferred here with Shinou and his driver, Travis-sama." Inoue is now looking gloomy and dreamy. "He's only 10 years old then so the main family tried to object but Tamaki-dono is highly respected and intelligent and so they didn't manage to stop him. When he got the permission to transfer, he then looked for us again and brought us all here. We don't know much then, we literally know how to write and read but then Tamaki-dono took time to teach us something else, like English and French and then he hired a teacher to teach us… we learned every single thing that we needed and got our interest through the in-house teachers he hired."
"Later on, when Anika ojou-sama turned 12, she then transferred here as well. At first we were kind of hesitant on how to approach her but when she first arrived, all she did is give away one of her kindest smile and bow to us as a sign of respect while thanking us for taking care of her brother. At that instant we decided that even how much we learned we will serve the two siblings. Never in our life, even we are not servants, had someone bowed to us with such uttermost respect. Anika oujou-sama was the first one who made us feel and treated us with respect."
Mai looked at the portrait again, admiring the man on it. 'It's a shame we haven't met him…yet… we will surely solve this case and then meet him.' Mai thought smiling to the portrait. 'Hold on Tamaki-san, we will surely solve this case for you and your sister.'
"Taniyama-sama, we have to leave now or Shibuya-sama will wonder what took us too long." Inoue told her after composing herself. "You have to take your medicine in a matter of 3 minutes."
"Hai!" Mai was about to follow Inoue when she felt a cold blood yearning air passed by her. "Tamaki is mine… go away!" Mai couldn't feel her feet on the ground. She could hear the despicable voice of a woman.
"Don't go promising things, bitch! Leave us alone!" Mai felt numb in an instant, she felt someone with innermost grudge nearing her. It feels like it's tearing her apart from her body.
"Mai!" Mai saw a figure before she felt her knees weaken. Mai can't feel her feet on the ground, her heart is racing and her head aches, she could feel her breathing is getting faster by every second, it seems like somebody is crushing her. "Mai!"
End of Chapter 4
AN: Revising and Proof Reading