A/N:- Hello lovely readers! I wrote this on a mere whim and the fact I'm fascinated by my local traditions (Even if they are dying out!) Most likely everyone is out of character (I'm sorry, I tried!) I have to admit though I couldn't stop laughing when I wrote this. (But then again, I'm weird!) Don't ask about the title, not even I'm sure why I chose it. Anyways, enjoy!

Key

'Thoughts'
"English"
"Japanese"

Disclaimer:- I own naught but the weird plot. (If I did this would be in the anime!)

On a Roll

Mai's POV

I paced nervously outside my boss' office. He had been on the phone all morning and I wanted to know what it was all about. He hadn't even asked for tea, which I thought was unusual. I could hear Naru's raised voice arguing with whoever it was on the phone, I couldn't understand what he was saying though as he had been talking with them in nothing but English. I felt so frustrated. I wanted to help in some way but I was unsure of what I could do. Lin came out of his office to collect something from one of the cabinets. He noticed me standing there awkwardly and gave me an apologetic look. I was about to open my mouth to ask what was going on, as I knew Lin understood what Naru was saying, but he had already retreated back into his office and shut the door firmly. 'Drat! Will I ever find out what's going on?'

Naru's POV

I had been stuck on the phone all morning listening to my Mother witter on about some case she wanted me to take. It was in England; in some village I vaguely recall visiting as a child. I had tried to refuse twice now already but she was persistent, I had to give her that.

"Please Noll; you'd be doing us a great favour by taking it." She begged. I stood firm, I was not going to back down.

"No Mother. I have told you already, I am way too busy with things here in Japan. Besides, you're already in England, wouldn't this be better handled by…"

"…You, yes you're right. When can I expect you?" Mother interrupted. I let out a silent sigh. She was always like this, pushy.

"I am not going Mother and that is final!" I said with a bit more force than necessary. I was starting to get a headache. I wanted to call out for tea but that would only start another argument on how I treated my staff. 'Darn, why'd she have to learn Japanese?'

"Listen to me Oliver William Davis!" 'Oh man! She used my middle name, I'm in trouble!' (A/N:- Yeah, I gave him a middle name. Parents always seem to use them when you've really crossed the line. Not that I would know!) I wasn't going to let her know how much that bothered me though. I refuse to bow down to my Mother.

"Might I remind you that in the eyes of the law you are still a child, no matter how many fancy ideas and doctorates you may have and must do as your parents say. Your Father and I only let you go to Japan because we trusted you, also we are the ones funding your little excursion so I think you owe us. Now, I am not asking you, I'm telling you. You will get on a plane to England and you will be taking this case. Let me know when you and your team are on your way." With that she hung up. Angry wasn't the word for how I felt about my domineering Mother forcing me to take a case I didn't want. I clenched and unclenched my hands to calm myself, breathing deeply.

"Mai, tea!" I yelled. Mai practically tripped through the door ten minutes later with my tea and placed it beside me on my desk. She waited a few moments as I took a sip as though expecting something. This was my favourite form of stress relief. I knew what she wanted and she wasn't going to get it. I glared at her icily, deliberately taking another sip of the beverage. 'Mmm, peppermint!' She seemed to take the hint as a scowl engraved itself on her face before she turned to leave muttering something about 'ungrateful jerks'.

"Oh and Mai?" I called out to her as she reached the door. She turned and looked at me expectantly again. "Call the others and tell them it seems I have a case to discuss with them. Also, tell Lin to come in here." I averted my gaze from her and focussed back on my tea, effectively dismissing her. She banged the door closed whilst mumbling about 'narcissistic bastards'. I let out a small chuckle as soon as I thought she was gone. 'I do so love teasing her!' Lin knocked on my door after a few moments and entered and I settled back in my seat to discuss the basics of the case with him before the others got here.

Mai's POV

'I can't believe that guy!' I was worried about him all morning and he just demands tea and then dismisses me. No 'thank you', nothing. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself before knocking on Lin's door and informing him Jerkface, I mean Naru, wanted to speak with him. I then crossed the room to my desk and picked up the phone to start dialling the rest of the gang. They all agreed to be here within the hour. 'I just wonder what's going on.' Ten minutes later I heard the chimes above the door sound and I turned to see Masako cross the room and seat herself on one of the sofas. 'Of course she would be here first, why wouldn't it be her?' Slightly irritated, I plastered a fake smile on my face and politely asked if she would like something to drink, which she declined. Ayako, Monk and John trickled through the door half an hour later, Ayako and Monk already involved in a full scale argument and John trying to calm them. They seated themselves near Masako and requested drinks they wanted before Monk voiced the question on everyone's mind.

"So what's all this about anyway?"

"I wish I knew Monk, I wish I knew." I replied, quickly knocking on Naru's door to inform him of the teams' arrival before entering the kitchen to prepare drinks for everyone.

Naru's POV

I had just finished briefing Lin on the details when the cacophony of sound from the noisy slackers in the reception area entered my office, heralding their arrival. Mai knocked on my door confirming what I already knew and I moved away from my desk, grabbing a notebook and pen as I got up. I instructed Lin to get his laptop to take more notes and also book plane tickets as I moved out of the sanctuary of my office and into the chaos of the main room. I noticed everyone looking at me eagerly as I took my usual spot in an armchair. Lin settled himself on the sofa next to me and set up his laptop and Mai came out of the kitchen with a large tray of drinks and after distributing them knelt on the floor on the other side of my chair. Clearing my throat I began.

"I have called you all here for a case my Mother has insisted I take." I heard a couple of quiet sniggers coming from the direction of the monk and miko and I gave them my iciest glare to shut them up. "Apparently there have been numerous casualties and fatalities due to a haunting in England." I informed. Everyone seemed to be on board at the moment, but then again up to now it has sounded pretty normal. The next part of my speech would decide how seriously they would take it.

"Before I go on, who here has heard of cheese rolling?" I fought to keep my composure, but the sheer absurdity of the case my Mother was insisting I take was taking its toll. I glanced around noting the confused faces of Mai, Ayako, Monk and Masako. I sighed inwardly; this was going to be interesting. I did notice at the mention of cheese rolling the priest looked a little pale and then he spoke.

"Do you mean the odd tradition in England where they throw cheese down a hill and run after it?" He asked. I nodded solemnly.

"I don't get it. They do what?" Mai piped in. 'I knew it! Why Mother, why?'

"Okay, let me explain this for Mai's sake. In a specific region of England once a year around spring holiday the local people climb to the top of a cliff like hill and throw cheeses weighing anywhere between 7lbs and 40lbs down it. They then race to the bottom of said hill, practically injuring themselves, to win the aforementioned cheese." How I said that with a straight face I'll never know.

"That's crazy!" Monk exclaimed, looking incredulous. I couldn't agree with him more, but I'll never tell him that.

"It's a two hundred year old tradition." I stated. Inside I was cursing the guy who invented it.

"So how do we know it's a haunting then and not just these idiots throwing themselves down the hill?" Ayako asked. Good question.

"My Mother said that it has been happening more frequently lately and it's not even time for the tradition yet."

"I see. Well, I'm in Kazuya." John voiced, still looking a little unsure.

"What about the rest of you?" I asked, looking round everyone again.

"Yeah, count me in." Monk spoke.

"If I must." Ayako said.

"I would be honoured." Masako stated. Mai was about to open her mouth when I interrupted.

"Of course you will also be going Mai; you are my assistant after all." I declared, leaving no room for argument.

"Yes, your highness." She snapped sarcastically. I just ignored her, it makes her madder.

"Now, I need to know who here can speak English other than myself, Lin and obviously John?" Everyone looked at me uneasily. I guess they were too caught up in the moment to actually register anything I was saying.

"I can speak a little English, but just a few phrases." Masako enlightened. I glanced at the others who all shook their heads sadly. 'Brilliant. I have a team who are as thick as posts!'

"Fine, we will just have to make sure there is at least one speaker of English available at all times." I stated. "How's it coming with the plane tickets Lin?"

"There is a flight available in two days." He informed, his eyes never leaving the computer.

"Alright, Lin make sure everyone has the travel details. I will see you all at the airport in two days." I said getting up and retreating back into my office. 'What have I let myself in for?'

A/N:- Okay, so this is the first part over with. I don't know how long it will be or when the next update will be. (My idea has kinda run out! Oops!) I'll think of something I'm sure!

Just in case any of you didn't know, all the stuff said about the cheese roll is true. (I should know, I 'm a local!)(That's all the personal info you're getting from me!)

Please read and review. It means a lot and I also know where I'm going wrong or right. Suggestions also welcome. See ya!