Chapter Two
Mai refused to look at anyone as they all got up for the morning. She kept her eyes firmly on her futon. Ayako was the first to notice.
"What's the matter?"
Mai willed herself not to blush. "Nothing!"
"Any helpful dreams?" Monk asked.
"No, why do you ask?" Mai spoke quickly. The remainder of the room turned to look at her.
"Are you sure?" Naru asked.
Mai stared down in misery. "I didn't."
"Alright, that's okay." Ayako put a hand on her back. "It's just the first night. There's still plenty of time."
Mai got up and went about putting her things away. Grabbing a change of clothes, she excused herself to the bathroom. When she emerged, she found Naru waiting for her, arms crossed.
"I get the feeling you dreamed of something helpful. Why are you lying about it?"
Mai stared back at him in horror. Why won't everyone just drop it? "It was a regular dream, Naru. Not case specific."
That isn't true. Something in Mai's bones tells her it was. That the woman she saw herself as has something to do with the case. But, how can she talk about it without telling everything? The entire dream was sexual...
"I'm not certain why you're withholding information. When you're ready, tell me." Naru turned around and walked away. Mai sighed. This sucks...Why do these things have to happen to her? Can't someone else have the more inappropriate dreams?
Ayako hurried into the bathroom, next. Mai headed straight downstairs, catching up with Naru just inside the sitting room. Mai tried to take his hand, only for him to pull away. She stared at his back. "Naru, I'm sorry, I just—."
"Where's the food?" Monk came into the room. "Smells good in here."
Naru took his opportunity to take a seat. Mai sat next to him, wishing she had the courage to be honest. It was just a dream, after all. A very...intense dream. Maybe, she should just get it over with. But, if Naru deems it case specific, he'll tell everyone.
"You sure you're alright?" Monk put a hand on Mai's forehead. "You look kind of pale."
"I just need food." Mai waved him away. Mai stared after Naru as he got up to get something, feeling too upset to eat. To her surprise, he returned with a plate for her, as well.
"Try to eat something." Naru commanded.
Smiling, she did as she was told, touched. After breakfast, everyone returned to base to collect their gear. Today, they'll be investigating the new gazebo and the forested area around it. With luck, they'll find out something new.
They headed out to the garden in their respective groups. Making their way over to the gazebo, they split off from one another. Mai and Naru chose to check out the area just inside the treeline, where a series of strange, rounded stones sat. It reminds her of old grave markers. She waved her EMF reader over them. Not a beep.
Naru knelt beside one, wiping the dirt off one side. Something was etched there, but it was far too faded to make out. "This might be a date. Nineteen something."
Mai bit her lip. If she's going to be truthful, now would be the time, while they're alone. If she can't tell him everything, perhaps she can cherry pick parts that seem important. "About my dream..."
He stood up. "Yes?"
"I was a woman in a russet kimono, standing in an ornate room. A man joined me. I can feel that, whoever they are, both are relevant. They seem to be...lovers."
He raised a brow. "You're certain?"
As certain as she wants the ground to swallow her whole, she thought. "Yeah."
"What exactly did the dream entail? The smallest detail can have greater meaning. What did they say?"
"They didn't really...talk." Mai blushed all over, again.
His brows furrowed to show confusion. "You're being vague. Why?"
Mai sighed in exasperation. "He...touched me."
She crossed her arms over her chest, resting them on the baby bump. Naru took a step forward, only to seem to second-guess himself. "Touched you."
"You know what I mean. Please don't make me say it." Her face burned. It took her a very uncomfortable minute to get the courage to look at him. When she did, she found him glaring. She immediately crumbled under the stare, wishing she'd just lied. "I'm sorry...I can't always control the direction these dreams take. I—."
Naru silenced her by pulling her into his arms. He hugged her tightly, resting one hand around her back and the other on the back of her head. He spoke softly in her ear. "I'm not angry with you. Only that you had to dream that."
Mai rested her head on Naru's shoulder, willing herself not to cry. She sniffed. "I seriously hope I don't have another dream like that."
"If you do, come find me." He stroked her hair for a moment before letting her go. She leaned away to wipe her eyes. Ayako and Monk came through the trees a moment later.
"Find anything?" Monk asked.
"Some potential grave markers." Naru said.
Ayako looked irritable. "Can we go inside? It's hot out here."
"Shortly. What did you find, if anything?"
"Nothing. It's radio silent out here. We'll have to try again at night." Monk shrugged.
The others broke through the trees, next. Kuroda was talking John's ear off as they did, telling him all about the program she wants to take in England. John smiled kindly, listening to every word. At the very back of the group, Lin and Masako stood, both looking somewhat bored. These hauntings seem to only happen at night. With that in mind, what will tonight bring?
At nine, the sun finally set over the treeline. Ayako had spent the better part of the day begging Naru to permit her to use the hot springs. No amount of explaining that they're here to work calmed her. Ayako has been...strange, lately. Getting sick and irritable, constantly tired, either increased appetite or nothing at all agreeing with her. If Mai didn't know any better, she'd think Ayako was actually pregnant.
She nearly laughed to herself. Unlikely. If she were, Mai would be the first to notice, since they live together. And who exactly would be the father? Mai instinctively looked over at Monk. Well...they have been spending a lot of time together.
She shook her head. No, this is ridiculous. Ayako is a doctor. She understands her own body and would know if she were pregnant. More so, she never would have agreed to take the case if she were.
"Ready?" Naru opened the door to the base. Mai and the others went to join him. The plan is to sit in the gazebo and wait for a bit, then split off into groups again.
Mai took Naru's hand, holding her fake baby bump with the other. At least it's plushy. If something should attack, it'll hit the bump before it hits her. As they headed outside and followed a trail of lanterns, Naru looked over at her, taking in her appearance.
"How do you feel?" He asked softly.
"Fine." She told him truthfully. After talking about what happened in the dream, she's felt a lot less stressed. Naru ended up giving the rest of the team a very filtered version of her dream, saving her the embarrassment. "You?"
He turned to look at the trail. "Fine, as well."
Masako hurried to walk on Naru's other side. She gave the side eye to Mai and Naru's laced fingers, clearly not happy at the sight. She smiled up at Naru. "It's a beautiful onsen, I must admit."
"The circumstances of the case mar the scenery a bit." Naru responded.
Reaching the gazebo, everyone sat down on a wrapping bench, circling a large table. Naru placed an EMF reader on the table. For the next twenty or so minutes, they waited. While the reader picked up nothing, Mai herself felt the uneasy feeling return.
Monk stood and stepped out of the gazebo. "It's almost feels like the calm before a storm. I don't like this...We'd better wrap this up."
"I feel an almost electrical charge in the air." Masako said.
Everyone stood and went to stand on the grass beside Monk. Looking around herself, Mai shivered. Something is coming...
It happened swiftly. Something barreled through the group, separating people. Naru grabbed Mai's arm and dragged her into his arms, locking them around her. Ayako flew back, spinning around as she did. She landed directly on the fake belly.
"Ayako!" Monk rushed towards her. Kneeling beside her, he helped her sit up. "Are you hurt?"
She winced. "A little. My gut feels bruised."
"Do you need a doctor?" Monk fretted.
"I am a doctor. I'll be fine." Ayako tried to wave him off, but he wouldn't leave her side.
Monk helped Ayako carefully to her feet. "Let's get inside before it comes back."
No sooner did he say that, Masako was dragged to the side by her arm. Whistling, Lin sicced his shiki on whatever had hold of her. They flit through the air around Masako, aiming for something unseen. When whatever it was let go, Lin grabbed Masako and practically carried her towards the onsen.
Naru started herding Mai towards the main doors, his face whipping around as he scanned the area. "Let me know what you sense."
"It's so close." Mai whispered in horror. She can feel the hairs on her body standing on end. Whatever it is that's attacking...it's full of so much anger and aggression.
Mai felt her hair being pulled. She was nearly knocked off her feet, only for Naru to catch her. The entity let go of her, only to barrel down on her, trying to throw her to the ground. Naru, sensing what was about to happen, threw himself around Mai, taking the brunt of the blow.
Ahead, Mai heard Kuroda scream. "It's got me!"
The next minute was pure chaos. Before Mai knew it, everyone was inside. She looked up at Naru. He'd picked her up and was carrying her. She clung to him, shaking. He carried her straight up the stairs and into their warded base. As soon as they were over the threshold, the terrible feeling ceased.
Naru knelt down, still holding tightly onto Mai. She scanned his face. He's in pain. "You're hurt!"
"I'm fine." He winced. "How are you? What hurts? Tell me."
Mai struggled to get out of his grasp, but he wouldn't let her go. "Naru, you have to let me go. I can help."
Letting out a shaky breath, he finally loosened his grip. Mai slid to the floor and scrambled to her knees. She looked him over. Naru leaned back, against the wall. "It's just a bruise."
Ayako rushed to check on Naru. She felt down his shoulders and back. "It doesn't feel broken. Take off your shirt."
"I'm fine." Naru tried to stand, only for Ayako to pull him back down.
"Now. That's an order from your doctor." Ayako held a hand up. "Don't make me box your ears."
Looking annoyed, Naru unbuttoned his shirt and removed it, revealing the v-neck underneath. Pulling that off, too, he let Ayako check his back.
Mai stared in awe at the sight of him. However she imagined him looking, this is far better. He's slight, as his build would indicate, but toned. He's beautiful...
"Mai, I have some salve in my bag for bruises. Hand it to me."
Snapping out of her daze, Mai fetched it, handing it over. As she did, she caught sight of the large bruise forming on Naru's right shoulder blade. With his face still healing from Ayako's punch, he looks like he's been in one hell of a fight. Mai bit her lip.
"Whatever this thing is, it's strong. You're lucky it didn't break your back." Ayako tsked. "Going forward, we have to stay near the base at night. The spirit is dangerous and we still don't know what it is or how to face it."
When the salve was applied, Naru pulled back on his v-neck, but kept the button up off for now. "We'll remain in here for the remainder of the night. Lin, call Mrs Shimizu and inform her what happened."
Monk plopped down on a cushion. "That was brutal...It's like it tried to separate us from one another. It was aiming for the girls, but it doesn't seem to have a problem attacking whoever gets in the way."
"We have to find whatever is keeping it here." Naru carefully stood. "It could be a totem or that it needs its bones laid to rest."
Lin nodded. "I'll talk to Mrs Shimizu about getting the bones back from the police. If they're her ancestor, she's in her right to lay them to rest."
"The rest of you, rest. There's nothing else we can do, for now."
"Don't have to tell me twice." Ayako went to fetch her futon. She was the first to settle herself in, not even bothering to change.
Mai put her futon to the left of Ayako's. Fetching her pajamas, she looked around. "How will we change?"
Naru fetched a blanket from the closet and a few pins from his bag. He pinned the blanket to the corner of the room, creating a privacy screen for her. She smiled gratefully. She took his hand before he could walk too far. "Thank you...for everything. I don't know how well I would have fared if that spirit had successfully hit me."
"So long as you're alright." He squeezed her hand, then walked away. Stepping behind the makeshift privacy screen, Mai changed into her pajamas. Climbing into her futon, she was just getting comfortable when Naru laid his beside hers, the fabric nearly touching.
Mai blushed. Sleeping beside each other? Have they reached that stage of the relationship? She burrowed under her blanket, covering the lower half of her face. Naru glanced at her and smirked.
"I don't know if I like this." Monk pointed at the two of them.
"I'm not risking the safety of my partner." Naru went to change behind the blanket screen. Mai smiled, catching the double meaning. Partner for this case, but also partner in life.
"If he gets handsy, just scream and I'll come rescue you." Monk told Mai. Naru came back into view with a glare. Mai suspects the only place Naru's hands are at risk of being is around Monk's throat.
Everyone slowly settled in to sleep. As soon as the light was turned out, Mai became hyper aware of how close Naru is to her. She can feel the warmth radiating off of him. If she flexed her hand, she'd touch his arm. She looked up at his face, seeing he was looking back at her. She blushed.
'Go to sleep.' he mouthed.
Mai sighed and rolled onto her back, trying to get comfortable. She shut her eyes, but didn't feel remotely tired. How can she sleep when he's this close? It's like they're in bed, together.
Mai's face turned a shade so red, she was sure Naru could see it in the dark. She saw his arm move towards her. He gently took her hand, his eyes still closed. She felt herself settle at his touch. Closing her own eyes, she let herself finally drift off.
Mai was kneeling on the floor of the ornate room. She looked up into the mirror, to find she was that woman, again. Her lip was busted open, blood pouring down her chin. Above her, a man was looming, yelling at her. She shrank in fear. This isn't the same man that touched her. This one is angrier, stronger looking.
He grabbed her hair and pulled her up from her sitting position. Mai hissed, feeling the pain in her scalp. He threw her back down. Tears poured down her face, brought on by the physical pain and some strange mental one. She turned around to look at the open doorway. Just beyond was her lover, lying in a pool of his own blood. His unseeing eyes stared back at her. This man that yells at her...he's killed him.
Mai reached out. "Yosuke..."
"Hoshiko!" The man screamed. "Look at me!"
Mai looked up at his angry face. She flinched as he slapped her. Kneeling over her, he punched her in the gut. Coughing, Mai tried to shield herself as he began to rain blows down on her. He hit her until she was coughing up blood, until her bones were breaking, until she couldn't breathe.
She's dying. She's never felt fear like this. The knowledge that someone who's supposed to care for you would do this. This man...she somehow knows that he should care. But, he doesn't...He's far too furious to remember that.
Something else is wrong...her baby! He's killing her baby! She can't stay awake...Shutting her eyes, she let unconsciousness take her.
Mai bolted up in her futon screaming. It sounded so anguished, even to her own ears. She felt hands on her shoulders but she flinched away.
"Don't touch me! Stay away!" Mai bellowed. She pushed at the person in front of her, too dazed to register who it was.
"Mai!" Naru shouted. All at once, the panic stopped. Taking in several breaths, she blinked rapidly as she finally began to register his presence. He was kneeling in front of her, hands on her wrists, gently shaking her.
She sobbed, throwing herself into his arms. Hesitating a moment, he held her while she cried. She felt several hands on her head and back. Ayako made soothing hush sounds. "Mai, it's okay. It was just a dream."
"It wasn't!" Mai cried out. "He killed her! He beat her to death! And the baby! He killed the baby! She was so scared!"
"Who?"
"Hoshiko!"
Naru ran a hand down her hair. "It's over. Do you hear me? You're safe."
Mai buried her face in Naru's shoulder. He held her tightly. It felt as if he was the only thing holding her together.
"She's bleeding." Ayako came to kneel in front of Mai, on the other side of Naru. "Mai, open your mouth."
Mai did so. Naru pulled away enough to look. "She's bit her tongue."
"I can still feel it...The pain he caused. My stomach...It feels like something is broken inside." Mai whispered, horrified by how much of that pain followed her out of the dream.
Naru pushed gently on Mai's shoulders, encouraging her to lay back on her futon. He put his hands on her waist. "I'm going to lift your shirt, alright?"
Mai was in too much pain to blush. She nodded. He carefully pulled it up to reveal her stomach. She expected to see terrible bruises. To her surprise and relief, she looked unharmed.
"The pain is likely psychosomatic. The dream felt so real, you still think you can feel the pain. It should go away shortly. I'll get you some pain pills."
Ayako went to dig through her medical bag. Naru lowered Mai's shirt. She looked at each of the faces in the room. All were awake and staring at her. She smiled weakly at Kuroda, who looked the most shaken up. She's never witnessed a truly bad vision of Mai's.
"I'm okay, I promise." Mai whispered to her, unable to speak loudly due to how hoarse her voice was.
Kuroda nodded shakily. "Does...this happen often?"
"Not often. Once in a long while, during a particularly stressful case." Naru answered for her. She reached for his hand. He gave it to her, rubbing soothing circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.
"What time is it?" Mai asked, regaining her voice a little.
"Nearly six. If you don't want to go back to sleep, I'd like you to get ready." Naru told her.
Mai carefully sat up, accepting the pain medication from Ayako. She took them with a glass of water. Leaning over, she fished for a change of clothes from her bag and went to change. When she reached for the fake belly, Naru pulled it out of her reach. She didn't complain.
Getting dressed, she chose a blue sundress with thick straps. Naru took the space behind the curtain next. When he was dressed, he whispered something to Lin and went to take Mai's hand. "Come. I'm taking you somewhere."
Mai hesitated by the door. "Is it...safe?"
"The sun is nearly risen." He encouraged her to leave the room. Leading her down the stairs, they left the onsen and headed right for Naru's car. He helped her into the passenger seat before taking his own in the driver's seat.
Mai buckled up, confused. "Where are we going?"
"You need to be away from this place for a while." He told her.
Mai smiled softly. He's normally all work. But, he still prioritizes her. He wants to make sure she's alright. Sure enough, the further they drove from the onsen, the better Mai felt. By the time they reached Tokyo, the pain in her stomach was entirely gone.
Naru headed in the direction of Shibuya district. Pulling into a nicer neighborhood, he parked in a lot next to a very expensive looking apartment complex, similar to Ayako's, but more modern.
"Where are we?" Mai asked as he turned off the engine.
"My apartment." He got out of the car and circled around to open her door. She stood up, confused.
"Why?"
"Do you not want breakfast?"
Mai looking down as her stomach grumbled. The reminder of food made her realize just how hungry she is. "Breakfast sounds amazing."
"I thought so. I'll cook."
Mai grinned. "Really?"
He hasn't cooked for her since she was in the hospital, after the spectrophilia case. Naru led her through the lobby of his apartment and to an elevator. They took it up to the fifth floor. It opened to reveal a spacious hallway with three doors. Naru opened the one on the right, to reveal his apartment.
Mai looked around as she entered. It's very dark gothic modern, with black leather furnishings and floor to ceiling bookshelves. The walls are a deep blue. The lamps look antique. The kitchen has a black granite theme. Mai ran her hand along the counter tops.
Naru opened the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs. He sat them on the counter and fetched a bowl and whisk. "How does an omelet sound?"
"Delicious." Mai circled around the counter and took a seat on one of the two bar stools. While Naru worked, Mai stared, admiring his precision. It shouldn't surprise her. Naru is precise in everything. Why should cooking be any different?
Naru glanced up at her. "What are you thinking?"
She leaned back, a little embarrassed. She had started to think of him without his shirt on, again. She tried distracting from the question. "Shouldn't I have disclosed the dream before leaving?"
"Anything you share with me, I'll pass on to Lin. For now, focus on this." He put a plate in front of her. He'd rolled the omelet perfectly.
Taking a bite, she smiled. "Thank you."
He set to work on making one for himself. When he'd finished, he quickly washed the dishes before sitting beside her to eat. By that point, Mai was nearly finished.
"When did you learn to cook?"
"Embarrassingly recently." He kept his eyes on his plate. "During my recent stay in England. My mother insisted."
Mai perked up. Naru talks about his family so little. "What was your childhood like?"
He paused for a moment, looking deep in thought. "You want to know about my upbringing?"
Mai nodded. "Very much."
"Like you, I'm an orphan. My brother and I spent our early childhood in an orphanage in America. I don't know why we were there. It all happened too long ago to remember. The Davis family adopted us and brought us to England. There, I learned more about my abilities and how to control them."
Mai wanted to ask more, but worried about upsetting him. She knows the circumstances of Gene's death, but not much else. Perhaps, someday, he'll share.
"And your father is a professor. I know that. What about your mother?"
"Also a professor, though she took quite a sabbatical to raise Gene and I. She's still working to reestablish her career." Naru took another bite, prompting Mai to do the same. "And yourself?"
"I suppose I've never spoke about my parents very extensively. I lost my dad in an accident when I was four. I have vague memories of him, but it's been too long for me to really remember him. I lost my mom to illness in Junior high. I...wasn't okay for a long time. I lived with my teacher. She helped me get on my feet and work to establish myself as an independent. Now, I'm making my way in the world."
Mai felt Naru trail his hand down her hair, something he's taken to doing, lately. She smiled and resumed eating. After the meal, while Naru washed the dishes, Mai went to look at the bookshelves in the living area.
Science books, history, psychic research. The most interesting looks like a series of mystery novels.
"Anything catch your eye?" He'd come to stand directly behind her. Spinning around, she looked up in his eyes.
"Mystery? I didn't think you read nonfiction."
"E.B. Abernathy. My brother read all his books. I always keep the collection."
Mai smiled. That's so sweet. Standing on her toes, she kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her. The feeling was a bit of a shock after two days of wearing that stupid fake belly. Now that she's not, she can properly feel him against her. She blushed. Naru paused to look at her, a smirk forming.
"What are you thinking, now?"
Mai rested her hands on his shoulders, in partial shock over her thought process. A flash of that first dream came to mind. Of Mai looking in a mirror while her body is explored. Had the dream been about Naru, she'd probably never be able to look him in the eye, again.
"I..." Mai trailed off as Naru trailed his fingertips along her jawline, down her neck. Shivering, her legs gave out from under her.
Naru caught her, his smirk back. "Really, Mai. What am I supposed to do with you?"
"I have a few ideas." It slipped out before she could stop herself. She stared up at him with wide eyes, her face crimson. "I am so sorry, I—."
Naru crashed his lips into hers, pulling her taut against him. Finding her footing, Mai went back to clinging to him, her thoughts scattering. She felt him pick her up and carry her a ways, before sitting down on the couch. Mai gasped in surprise when she realized she was sitting on his lap.
Naru experimentally licked her lower lip. She opened her mouth a bit to do the same, only for him to stick his tongue in her mouth. Her eyelids fluttered. Giving up on all forms of rational thought, she kissed his back with equal fervor, focusing on every sensation. His lips on hers, his tongue in her mouth, his hand on her waist, the other coming to cup her face.
She didn't mean to, but the onslaught of sensations had her feeling...a very new way. She softly moaned. Naru froze. Pulling his tongue out of her mouth, he looked at her in surprise. She stared back at him in horror. In the next moment, he was kissing her, again.
They quickly reached the same tempo as earlier, their hands wrapped around each other, their tongues fighting for dominance. She ran her hands over his shoulders and down his chest, admiring the taut planes of lean muscle.
When she made a sound again, he just kissed her harder. Her chest flushed with warmth. She felt the straps of her dress fall down her shoulders. Breaking away from her mouth, Naru trailed kisses down her neck and to her shoulder. Mai tilted her head back, her heart hammering.
He paused to grab her chin, making her look him in the eyes. His looked...intense. Like there's nothing he'd rather be doing. He ran the back of his hand from her chin, down her neck, pausing at the topmost hem of her dress. She breathed heavily, silently begging him to go further. To do something to douse this fire.
Like a bucket of cold water on the situation, Naru's phone rang. His eyes, once fit only for the bedroom, cooled. He tensed his jaw, looking irritated. "That must be Lin."
Mai pouted. "It's time to head back, isn't it?"
"Yes." Standing, he sat her on her feet. Mai tried to grab his hand, but he was moving too quickly around the room, collecting her purse for her and shutting off lights.
Mai sat on the couch in the dark. Naru paused to look at her. "You look disappointed."
She bit her lip, her emotions a mess. What just happened...it was incredible. When will it happen again? Will it happen again? Should it? In the moment, she wanted everything that could have happened. She wanted to touch and be touched. She wanted him.
She blushed. What must he think of her? She moaned, for heaven's sake! But, he seemed to like it...
She stood. "Alright. Let's go."
Naru stopped her at the door. Leaning down, he kissed her. She smiled into it. Pulling away, he smirked. "If this is what you want, I'm happy to oblige. Later."
Her face flushed. "Really? You don't think..."
"Think what?"
Mai looked at her feet. "I don't want you to think I've done this before or that—."
He kissed her again, silencing her. He pulled away slowly and gently grabbed her chin, making her look at him. "I know you haven't. You also seem to be under the impression I don't want you as much as you seem to want me."
Her breathing became a little labored as she took in what he said. He wants her. Her. She smiled. "I love you."
She said it without thinking, forgetting completely that they weren't at that stage, yet. To her surprise and pleasure, Naru answered. "I love you. It should be rather obvious, but I'll say it if it makes you happy."
Her heart sputtered as she leaned against the door frame, deliriously happy, Lin called once more. It knocked her down from the cloud she was floating on. Her smile vanished. "It's time."
Naru pulled into the drive of Shimizu Onsen to find Lin waiting outside for them. He rounded the car to Naru's side and opened the door, saying something too low for Mai to hear.
"What?" Naru whipped his head to face Lin.
"She just found out." Lin replied.
Mai felt her stomach knot up. "What's happened? Tell me."
Behind Lin, Ayako rushed from the building, Monk behind her. Ayako looked both angry and scared. Monk just look helpless. Getting out of the car, Mai rushed to catch up with Ayako as she headed for the SPR van. "What is it? What's going on?"
Ayako looked up at the sky. It took Mai a moment to realize she had tears in her eyes. It made Mai sick. What's so terrible it's enough to make Ayako cry?
"I'm..." Ayako swallowed audibly. Shaking her head, she got in the van, refusing to answer Mai's questions.
Monk sighed. "Ayako is pregnant."
Mai spun to face him. She wanted to be shocked, but her earlier assumptions came to mind. She's subconsciously suspected for a while, but couldn't bring herself to accept it.
"I want to go with her." Mai headed for the van.
Ayako rolled down the window. "No, stay here. We're under contract for the case. We have to finish it."
"I'll go with her." Monk offered.
"No, you've done enough. Just stay here and protect Mai." Ayako ordered.
"Someone has to go with you." Mai put a hand on the door frame.
There was a brief fight as Ayako tried to leave on her own, Lin selected to drive her. In the end, an unlikely person offered.
"I'll go." Kuroda climbed into the backseat of the van. "It will give me the opportunity to check in with my family."
"Are you sure?" Mai asked her. "You may not be able to come back before the case is solved."
"I've seen a lot more than I expected to see. I'll try my best to make it back. If not, fill me in on what happens."
Lin started the van and backed out of the drive after that, taking Ayako and Kuroda with him. When they'd left, John looked to Masako. "I suppose we'll be paired up, now."
Masako looked at Naru miserably, no doubt wishing to be paired with him. "I suppose so."
"When Lin returns, he'll work alongside Takigawa." Naru said.
Monk looked down, defeated. Mai put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Ayako will be alright. We gotta solve this case for her. It'll make her feel better knowing we were able to figure it out. Come on."
Monk nodded. "Yeah...Alright. What's next?"
"The sun will be setting in a little over an hour. Let's try to brainstorm." John suggested. What do we know?"
Heading inside, they sat around the table in the base. Mai was made to call Yasuhara and tell him about her most recent dream. As she described the bone crushing blows, she could see the discomfort in Naru's eyes. He took her hand under the table, squeezing it tightly.
Yasuhara sighed. "Woah, that's rough...It says here that the house was built by a Ryochi Shimizu, for his bride, Hoshiko. They were married for five years, but unable to have any children. Under cause of death for Hoshiko, it says illness."
"That's a lie." Mai muttered. "Ryochi murdered her."
"I believe you, Mai." Yasuhara assured her. "It says that Ryochi remarried after Hoshiko's death. The children he had with his second wife saved the family line. And a good thing, since the same 'illness' that killed Hoshiko also killed Ryochi's brother."
Something clicked for Mai. "What is his brother's name?"
"Yosuke. He died childless."
Mai gasped. "That's it! The spirit, it's Ryochi! He killed Hoshiko and Yosuke, after discovering their affair. The affair produced a baby, but Ryochi beat her to death before it could be born."
"If she couldn't get pregnant by Ryochi, how'd she get pregnant by Yosuke?" Monk asked.
"Some people just aren't reproductively compatible. It happens." John shrugged.
"We know who the spirit must be, now. How do we get him to move on?" Naru continued to play with Mai's fingers under the table.
"If we can get the bones, we can bury them. In the mean time, I can perform an exorcism on the house." John offered.
"It's our best bet. Let's try it." Mai agreed.
"Spirits have a tendency to lash out when confronted so directly. I want you to remain in this room." Naru looked at Mai, giving her hand a firm squeeze. "Please."
"I will." She readily agreed. It would make no sense for her to put herself in harm's way. "Masako and I will remain at base, while John performs the exorcism, Monk for backup."
"And I'll stay on standby." Naru stood, letting go of Mai's hand. "If all else fails, I'm willing to use my PK."
The sound of that didn't scare her the way it used to. Still, it's not ideal. She'd rather he not risk himself at all. That no one risks themselves.
"How will we lure it out?" Mai asked. "I could put on the fake belly and stand nearby."
"Out of the question." Naru crossed his arms.
Mai stood. "How else can we do it? At least I have psychic training and can defend myself. Masako can't. Short of Monk strapping the belly to himself, this is the only option."
"She's right, Naru. I'll have her right next to me." Monk assured him. It didn't seem to work.
Naru looked at Mai, his eyes barely concealing his concern. Seeing that he's outnumbered, he sighed. "Very well. I'll remain nearby as well."
"Then, it's settled." John collected his robes and went to the bathroom to change. When he emerged, he looked every part the priest he is. He smiled at Mai. "Everything will be alright. Don't look so worried."
"I'm always worried where my friends are concerned."
They chose the room Mai believed looked closest to where Hoshiko was murdered. Moving the table out of the way, John stood in the center, his bible and holy water ready, a rosary around his neck. Mai stood in the hall, wearing her belly, Naru and Monk on either side of her.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name...In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word, it was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
John went through his usual biblical passages, flicking his holy water around the room. Mai felt the familiar charge that precedes the haunting. She instinctively grabbed Naru's hand. "It's coming..."
John continued to read, raising his voice. As he spoke, he began to levitate. Monk rushed to pull him down. The invisible spirit tried to throw John. Monk quickly caught him. They both hit the wall.
Desperate, Mai shouted. "Ryochi, please stop this violence! You're already dead! Hoshiko and Yosuke are dead! There's nothing keeping you here!"
Mai gasped as she was dragged forward, into the room with Monk and John. The spirit had her by her arms and was pulling her towards the window. Mai screamed. Naru ran to grab her, pulled her back by the waist. The belly tore off. In the same moment, she felt the spirit let go.
An inhuman scream filled the room. Mai shivered down to her core. It knows it's been tricked.
"Get her to the base!" Monk shouted at Naru.
Picking Mai up, Naru rushed from the room, barely getting to the door before something propelled them forward. As they shot into the safety of the base, they fell on the cushions just shy of the table. The spirit, thankfully, couldn't follow. Monk and John were next to rush into the room. Slamming the door shut, everyone panted.
"That...didn't work." Monk knelt on the floor, looking exhausted. "We've just made it angrier."
Naru's phone rang. He answered it.
"Lin...Good." Naru hung up. "The police have gotten back to Mrs Shimizu. The bones will be returned for burial as early as tomorrow afternoon."
Everyone relaxed into the floor where they sat or laid. Mai rested her head on a cushion and shivered. She came very close to being thrown out of a window. She looked up at Naru, who'd pulled himself into a sitting position. He stared back at her, his dark eyes fierce.
The bones were delivered back to Mrs Shimizu. She and her staff stood nearby while Monk and Lin buried them. A stone was placed on top. John said a few words. With Ryochi laid to rest, everyone relaxed a little.
Masako put a hand over her heart. "It feels...different. I can't describe it."
"We'll stay another night, to be sure." Naru told Mrs Shimizu.
"I can't thank you all enough for your help. I finally feel like this is a safe place, again." Mrs Shimizu beamed. "I should be able to open back up in a couple weeks."
"It'll be nice to get back to cooking for a lot of people, again." The cook laughed.
"If it makes you feel any better, I can start randomly requesting snacks." Monk joked with him.
"Do you think it's safe for Ayako to come back? I'm worried about her." Mai asked Naru.
"We'll wait on that. Just one more night." Naru took Mai's hand as soon as Mrs Shimizu and her staff walked away.
Heading inside, everyone got settled in for their night of surveillance. As a thank you, Mrs Shimizu insisted everyone make use of the hot springs. Mai, Monk, John and Masako took her up on the offer.
Changing into a towel, Mai settled herself into the outdoor spring. She sank down to her shoulders, her hair fastened into a bun on top of her head. She looked over at the wooden wall built to divide the spring. On the other side, Monk and John were talking.
"It's truly a beautiful place." Masako said to Mai.
"It is." Mai agreed. This is the first time in a very long while she's been alone with Masako. "It's a shame Naru won't allow himself to enjoy it."
"Kazuya is all business." Masako leaned against a stone. "You should understand that about him."
Mai bristled. "I think I understand him better than you do, Masako."
"Do you?" She smiled. It held no humor.
Mai opted to ignore her after that. She tried to enjoy the hot water, but couldn't shake Masako and her attitude. She gave up shortly after sunset. Getting out of the spring, she wrapped her towel around herself and headed in. She dried off in a little traditional locker room and put on her pajamas.
On her way to the room, her stomach dropped. Something feels...charged. Looking around, she saw nothing. Hurrying up the stairs, she was nearly to the room when something slammed into her, throwing her into the wall. Dazed, she passed out.