AN: Here's another story that I decided to work on. I haven't given up on my other story, but I felt like trying something a bit different. Character profiles are on my profile if you want to have a better understanding of the characters. Not sure how this story will be received, but I hope you enjoy.

{~}

Notes:

[Visions]

'Thoughts'

"Normal conversation"

Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt or any of the characters except my Oc's. All rights of the picture used in the cover belong to the artist.

(First person perspective)

Everything began with an accident. I wasn't supposed to interfere, something about it disrupting the flow of time or some other nonsense. But even if I try to interfere, things always had a way of working themselves out or my attempts would ultimately fail and the tragedy would just happen anyway. That is my curse. I am only an observer, someone who can only watch as someone walks through death's door, someone who becomes a scapegoat when tragedy befalls – a living target. But even so, something compelled me to go to that place that night, to try and challenge fate once again.

-Flashback-

"Where are you?" I whisper as I gaze at the lake in the inky darkness, furrowing my eyebrows in thought. I bend one of my knees, allowing me to perch one of my arms across it as my other leg dangles freely. Honestly, sitting on a railing near a cliff at the edge of a road was not the brightest idea I had ever had, but the road was deserted and I doubted anyone would be driving by at 3 in the morning. I brush away my messy ebony locks from my face, allowing them to slightly rustle from the movement before resuming their position against my shoulders.

"Ayumu…" I trail off as I pull out my phone from my tan cargo pants before closing my eyes. Clutching the phone tightly in my hand until my knuckles turn white, I strain my ears to hear something, anything, but was only met with the chirping of crickets before that too was swallowed by the silence of the night. Opening my purple eyes, I allow a small smile to appear on my face. "You're still alive. You're still alive…" I repeat before relaxing my back and shoulders. "I can't hear your voice yet…" A pained smile enters my face before an annoying ring reaches my ears. Glancing down at the caller ID, I see the name Kaz appear on the screen. Sighing, I reluctantly answer the call after several more rings, bracing myself for-

"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU NARI?!" *static*

I immediately wretch the phone away from my ear, rubbing it in an attempt to relieve the searing pain caused by that sudden outburst. Cringing, I hesitantly place the phone back on my ear, only to immediately regret it.

"NARI!"

I cringe once again at the volume of his voice before releasing a sigh.

"Hey Kaz. How have you been?" I answer evenly, getting the feeling Kaz was fuming at my words wherever he was at the moment.

"That's all you have to say?" I quirk an eyebrow at the eerily calm voice over the phone. "Nari… you disappeared for almost a month. No note. Nothing. I thought … His voice trails off, causing me to slightly stiffen.

"I'm fine Kaz… I can take care of myself and you know that." I reply as I pat the left side of my black vest where my … gun was strapped to my torso, allowing a wry smile to enter my face. "Ayumu and I were orphans… your family saved us. I won't let it be for naught. I just-" I try to continue, but get cut off.

"No. I know you want to find Ayumu. I do too, but he's gone. You have to accept it. He left and he's not coming back." Kaz replies, slowly allowing the bitterness to leak into his voice.

"He didn't abandon us. Ayumu isn't the type of person to leave unless there was a reason… you know that Kaz." I add, feeling as if I was talking to an impatient child. Ironic since I was the youngest out of the three of us – Kaz, Ayumu, and I.

"…Drop it Nari. This is not up for discussion, " Kaz finally responds, allowing his normal detached tone to overtake his voice – the voice he created for himself to prevent himself from being seen as weak. "Now tell me what you were thinking when you chose to disappear." Again, that no nonsense voice takes over.

"I had to make sure of something." I answer vaguely as I touch the bandaged area on my left arm, "if I don't find him… he's going to die."

That immediately catches his attention. "Who?"

"I don't know."

"Where?"

"Don't know."

"When?"

"Same answer."

"(Pause)…When did you become an idiot?"

I feel my eye slightly twitching in annoyance. "I could ask you the same thing Kaz." I mutter angrily as I swept my eyes along the deserted road. Nothing.

"Do you at least know how?" He tries again, causing a grim smile to enter my face.

"Yes."

"Explain."

I close my eyes before replying, "I couldn't make out any features. He was wearing dark clothes, blending him into the night so the incoming driver never saw him until after she ran him over. He was still breathing and alive afterwards, but…" I trail off as I bite my bottom lip.

"Nari?" Kaz asks, concern slightly leaking into his voice.

"She just goes back in the car and kept running him over and over to make sure he was dead but even then he was still hanging on, though barely. She wraps him up in some blanket and stuffs him in the back of her car before tossing him into a lake. I could feel his pain Kaz. I could feel myself getting crushed over and over by the car. I could feel my bones snapping, my organs rupturing, my blood pooling all around me… before I felt myself drowning, suffocating… It was like she murdered me herself Kaz…" I finish, recalling the unbearable pain that seared through my body.

"…Your sight shouldn't put you in that situation… only if it doesn't involve Ayumu…" Kaz trails off, catching on to why I was there in the first place. "Nari. Get out of there right now."

My eyes widen at the urgency in his voice.

"Kaz, what's-?"

Before I could finish, he cuts me off.

"I don't care how you do it. Get away from where you are right now. I'm coming to get you."

"Kaz! I-"

"Don't argue with me this time. Trust me, Nari. Just trust me…" The words bubbling up my throat momentarily pause as I take in the slight pleading in his voice. He was desperately trying to convince me to leave it alone, to be safe. But I couldn't. I just couldn't. Releasing a small sigh, I finally respond.

"…Gomen ne Kaz… but I need to save him. I made some adjustments.." I trail off as I place a hand on the hidden gun on my person. "It should work…or it does in theory."

"…Nari you're basically walking into a starved lion's den blindfolded with a tooth pick to defend yourself with." He deadpans.

"Don't you know it." I answer with a humorless laugh. "Hopefully I'll see you soon Kaz."

"Nari-" I snap the phone shut before he could get another word in. I knew I was going to regret that once I saw him again, or well if I saw him again. I knew the consequences of what I was doing. Fate and death – two entities that despise being challenged and robbed – would not look at me kindly for intervening. Compensation will have to be given, but I push that thought to the back of my mind as I glance down at my phone once again as I hear the obnoxious ringing. The word Kaz flashes across the screen but I merely turn off my phone and pocket it before standing up from my dangerous perch. Closing my purple eyes once again, I slowly inhale and exhale as I recall the scene once again. The blood. The pain. The fear. The regret. I feel my body slightly tremble as the waves of emotion flood my senses before I suddenly snap my eyes open once again.

'I found you.'

Allowing my body to move on its own accord, I trek through the seemingly empty road, acknowledging the possibility that I could possibly be run over myself before I reached the scene, but that didn't matter. I had to get to him. I had to see him. I had to know he was safe. Desperation floods my veins as I suddenly feel myself sprinting. A shadowed figure appears from the woods, walking briskly across the road without taking the time to check if any cars were passing by.

"Ayumu!" I call out frantically, catching the man's attention. He glances in my direction before my voice becomes stuck in my throat as I see the headlights of a car quickly approaching him from behind. He doesn't notice at all; he just stares at me.

'Say something. Move. Move.'

"Move!" I finally yell, causing him to turn to his left as he finally notices the blinding headlights coming towards him. Without my consent, my body barrels towards him as it runs on pure adrenaline, pure instinct. The sound of rushing blood echoes in my ears, but I felt as though I was running in slow motion. I almost reach him, but before I could push him out of the way, he harshly shoves me away, taking the full force of the speeding car.

'No…no… No! Ayumu!'

The tires screech and the resounding crack of breaking bone echoes in the darkness as his body tumbles against the pavement as the car settles to a rough stop.

"Ayumu!" I cry out frantically, stumbling onto my feet to reach the unmoving body several meters away from me – ignoring the painful skid marks from my fall. His chest moves up and down unevenly as if he was straining to breathe. I quickly survey him in an attempt to see the extent of his injuries using the lights from the parked car, immediately noticing his leg bent at an odd angle. Shadows cover his face as a pained expression appears. It seemed as if pushing me away had caused the car to only hit his legs rather than any of organs present in his torso, but I couldn't be entirely sure. The sound of a closing door alerts me of the woman stepping out of her car. A gasp of fear and surprise escapes her lips as she takes in the scene before her. I try to find any unique features of the woman, but it was impossible with the shadows protecting her. Shakily she places her hand on the top of her car to right herself before glancing back at me and getting back into the car. No. She wouldn't. The engine once again starts before the screeching of tires follow as she positions the car to face Ayumu and me. She would. She was going to kill us.

"Ayumu…" I trail off before grasping one of his hands, feeling a small spark of energy from his touch.

I only receive a groan in response.

"I…I'll protect you this time." I vow as I grasp the gun from its prison, cocking it straight at the driver. At that moment, the driver speeds towards us right as I pull the trigger.

~memory lapse~

"A..Ayumu…" My voice cracks as I feel tears prick the back of my eyes as futility was trying to set in. Logically speaking, we had no chance. Even if I somehow made it back to my car, I wasn't in any condition to take him to a hospital; I didn't even know where the hospital in this area was. I swipe my hand through my hair only to cringe as I was met with a wet and thick substance. Blood. Clenching my teeth in annoyance, I grasp his hand with my clean hand, hoping he would somehow wake up. It wasn't long before I heard the sound of sirens in the distance. Was I imagining it? Turning my hazy gaze to the source of the sounds, I see bright blue and red lights quickly approaching. The sound of slamming doors and hurried footsteps soon take over before my eye lids slowly droop down.

"Nari!"

'Kaz..'

"Oi Stay with me!"

'We're safe…'

"Nari!"

His voice fades away before I was met with nothing but darkness.

'Ayumu… '

~memory lapse~

-Scene change: Hospital-

"You're awake." Kaz mutters softly, relief evident in his voice. I send him a small smile as I wrap my arms around his strong frame.

"I figured. Where's Ayumu?" I ask, immediately feeling his form tense.

"What happened?" I growl out, slightly pushing him away to see his face. "Where's Ayumu?"

"It's not him." Kaz answers with a sigh. Seeing my confused expression he slightly rubs the back of his head. "That guy you saved… it wasn't Ayumu."

"But.. " I trail off.

"I know. He does look somewhat similar to Ayumu though, so we passed that off as his name to enter him into the hospital. Sorry Nari… but it's not him."

I clench the white sheets covering me as my form begins to tremble. 'Ayumu… why… why did you have to disappear after that case… why?' I could feel Kaz's eyes on me as I allowed some of my emotions to leak out.

"Even if it wasn't Ayumu… you saved someone Nari." He responds softly, as if talking to a traumatized child. My trembling slowly subsides before I glance up at him with a sad smile, choosing not to respond.

"You always hated it – being able to see snippets of the future but not being able to change it. You would always warn people, strangers even, of the tragedies that would appear in their lives, but they never believed you. When the events you predicted happened, they believed you cursed them." Kaz chuckles coldly before sitting down on a chair near my bed. "And you let them hurt you. You couldn't protect yourself… it was always Ayumu and me who protected to you. I know you hated it Nari. I could tell."

I still don't respond and he takes the silence as a cue to continue.

"You eventually stopped talking about your insight, stopped trying to change things. So why was this time different?" He prompts.

"I thought he was-" I try to explain, only to get cut off.

"You can stop pretending Nari. You and I both know you knew it wasn't Ayumu. You're his twin. You wouldn't mistake someone else as him, even if it was dark. You knew." He concludes as he crosses his arms. I close my eyes before reaching for the silver chain around my neck, grasping the ring hanging there, a matching pair with Ayumu.

"You don't have to answer why, Nari." Kaz adds, "But I hope you learn the reason why." He gets up from his seat, brushing off the invisible dirt off his white dress shirt. "If you want to go talk to him, he's in the room next to yours. He's asked to see you." With that, Kaz exits through the door, leaving me to my own thoughts. Releasing a sigh, I unclench my fist as I gaze down at the ring resting in my hand. It was a simple silver band with interweaving swirls, a matching pair with the ring Ayumu wore on his right hand.

To be honest, Kaz was right. That spark I felt when I touched that guy that night… I knew it wasn't Ayumu. The energy I feel every time I come in physical contact with my twin was unexplainable; I just knew it was him, but when I held that person's hand… it was different but somewhat familiar? He was an amplifier just like Ayumu, but exactly who was he?

Running a hand through my hair, I allow a frustrated groan to escape my lips before I stand up from the hospital bed , noticing the bandages decorating my legs. Not wanting to walk around in just a hospital gown, I glance around for my clothes and find them neatly stacked on the bedside table. Kaz. I allow a small smile to grace my face as I went into the bathroom to change, pulling on my teal tank top before draping on my black vest. I slowly pull on my tan cargo pants, avoiding the sensitive skin wrapped in the bandages before quickly putting on my combat boots. I glance once again at the possessions left for me, noticing the obvious disappearance of my gun. Frowning, I leave the room and stop in front of a door with the words SAITOU AYUMU scribbled on the clipboard resting in an out-box. I didn't know what to expect when I opened the door, but I knew I would never know if I didn't. Releasing another sigh, I rack my knuckles against the surface of the door, somewhat hoping I would receive no answer.

"Come in." A voice calls out.

-End Flashback-

G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T

FILE 1:

Spirits all over? - Part 1

APRIL,

THURSDAY

That night, I saved a stranger. He seemed so confused at the turn of events, but he eventually took it all in stride with a silly smile adorning his face. I couldn't help but smile at the memory.

"Nari."

I turn away from the window to see Kaz standing near the door, dressed in black slacks and a white dress shirt. A tired expression adorns his face as he loosens his black tie. His long black hair was tied into a low, loose ponytail.

"Long day?" I ask, already knowing the answer as I see part of his hair wet from the rain. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he sets his grey eyes onto my blue-contact clad ones.

"You were supposed to be home an hour ago." He intones, causing my expression to deadpan.

"You asked me to check out the school, so I wanted to be thorough. If you're going to transfer me here, give me time to explore." I reply before sticking out my tongue at my poor adopted brother who was used to this behavior.

He doesn't respond for a moment. "He's been asking for you back at home. It seems he's regained some of his memory prior to the accident." He finally responds, causing me to leave my perch on the window sill. I slightly straighten my clothes, adjusting the black vest to hide the gun strapped to my torso as I glance out the window to watch the rain. Ever since the accident, the boy I saved noticed pieces of his memory missing. Seeing as he was suffering from a form of retrograde amnesia, we allowed him to stay with us and after several months, he would recall aspects of his past. Apparently he was a psychic researcher who had taken a case around the area of the accident and was part of some institute. That was all he could remember other than his name, Gene. He said it was a nickname and that was all he could remember for his name. I could tell the memory loss was upsetting to him, but he would always brush away my worries with his kind smile. I will admit that I have grown attached to him over the time he had been staying with us, but I knew eventually he would have to return to his home. I slightly grimace at that thought, feeling like I was treating him like a lost puppy. Anyway, the search for his family was difficult, seeing as the deranged woman who attempted to murder us had somehow escaped the authorities without any charges, so posting his picture out in public was not the best idea. That is, unless we want that psychotic woman coming back for us.

"I see." I answer with a smile before facing Kaz. "This school is normal…" I trail off as I run my hand against the wall. "Nothing supernatural here… at least not without a source anyway."

"Can you be any vaguer?" Kaz questions as he allows a small amused smile to enter his face, causing me to tilt my head to the side as if I was thinking.

"Yup." I answer, making a popping noise at the p. "But then I wouldn't understand it myself." My smile slightly falls, "Hey Kaz… have you heard anything about Ayumu?"

I could distinctly hear a sigh. "No. Nothing." The words feel like a sledgehammer slamming against my chest. It had been almost two years since his disappearing act. Kaz and I have been searching for him, but nothing ever turns up.

"I… I see." I choke out before feeling a hand on my shoulder.

"We'll find him." That was all he said before he left the room, allowing me to reign in my emotions before I follow him out, not noticing the figure that had silently slipped out of the room.

-Scene change: Saitou Household-

"So you don't want him to find you?" I ask confused as I stare at Gene's smiling face.

"Exactly."

I tilt my head to the side in confusion.

"So you have a twin brother named Naru and he thinks you're dead, except you're not." I try to clarify, earning a nod from Gene. "And he's here in Japan looking for you, but you don't want to find him?" Again, another nod.

"You're an idiot." I deadpan, earning myself an uncomfortable laugh from the boy on the leather couch across from mine.

"You could contact him and then rejoin your family. Problem solved." Kaz inputs as he crosses his arms from his position next to me.

"But where's the fun in that?" Gene slightly whines, earning deadpan looks from both Kaz and me. "Look, I want to see him again, but there's something I have to do first."

"And that is?" Kaz questions.

"Hook him up with Mai." Gene announces happily, causing me to release a bout of laughter and a disbelieving look from Kaz.

"You're joking." Kaz mutters.

"Hmm nope." I answer after my laughter subsides, "Doesn't look like he is. Maybe setting his conceited twin up with someone might be interesting." So that was why he kept asking me about the recent vision I saw of him and some girl I never met before. I'm not entirely sure how he found out the girl's name, but I feel like I don't want to know.

"True. True." Gene jokes before his face becomes slightly serious. "Also, I want to help you find Ayumu, Nari." I slightly stiffen. "I know how it feels to be separated from your twin. I want to help you, after all, I wouldn't be here without you."

I allow a small smile to enter my face. "Arigato… you have no idea how much that means to me." I lightly grasp the ring around my neck as I lock my blue contact clad eyes with Gene's. "I haven't been entirely honest with you Gene and I can't be… not yet… Gomen ne…"

His eyes soften as he sends me an understanding look. "I know. Just know I'll help you as much as I can. Now, as to how we'll get Naru and Mai together…" He trails off as a mischievous grin decorates his face.

G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T

FRIDAY

"I hate you." I ground out to Kaz as he tries to stifle the laughter attempting to escape from his throat.

"Gomen, gomen." He chokes out as he takes in my scowling face. "Just never thought I would see you in a skirt."

"You're enjoying this too much." I sigh out before seeing Gene enter the room; surprise decorates his face before a smile overtakes it.

"You look nice Nari." I stare at him blankly before releasing a tired sigh.

"I look weird." I mutter, causing Kaz to release another chuckle.

"Not many girls wear jeans under their skirts." He adds offhandedly. I glance down at my outfit; it was a simple white sailor looking top with a short black skirt and jeans underneath. "I'm not having hormonal guys sneaking a chance to peek under my skirt." I rebuke. "Again, why are you sending me to school when I've been home schooled for most of my life? This is a waste of time."

"Don't worry about the reason, Nari." Kaz waves off.

I stare at him for several more minutes before resigning, knowing I wasn't going to get an answer. "Fine, fine. I'll see you two later." I call back as I pull out a pair of fake glasses and perch them upon my nose. "Don't ruin the house while I'm gone." I add, earning a 'hey' from Gene. After shutting the door behind me, I cast a glance at the tan bag hanging loosely over my shoulder, feeling some relief that I was able to sneak my gun with me. I run a hand through my ebony locks, noticing that it ended at the middle of my back now.

'It's grown… guess I lost track of time.' I thought aimlessly as I continue walking towards the school, noticing the freshly blossomed cherry blossoms blowing around in the wind.

-Flashback-

(Third person perspective)

"What are they Ayumu?" A younger version of Nari could be seen grasping a boy's hand as she stares adoringly at the scene before her. Ayumu's dark locks rested at the nape of his neck and his vibrant violet eyes watch the drifting cherry blossom petals dance through the air.

"They're cherry blossoms." He finally answers, a smile decorating his face.

"They're really pretty Ayumu. Can we take some home with us?" Nari asks innocently, earning herself a pleasant smile from her brother. "Of course Nari. I'd do anything for you."

-End Flashback-

(First person perspective)

As the memory ends, I run my hand through my messy locks in frustration.

'Ayumu… where are you?'

It wasn't until I bump into an object did my mind snap back to reality. Reacting on instinct, I grasp the object I ran into, preventing it from crashing onto the hard pavement. Blinking several times, I glance down to see the object I had bumped into was just another student from the school, seeing as she wore the same uniform as me, excluding the jeans. Her eyes slowly peak open as she glances around, probably confused as to why she was not on the ground, before locking her brown eyes with mine. Words seem to be lost to her as she notices my hand tightly holding her arm, explaining why she had not landed harshly on the ground.

'I know her.'

"Gomen ne. I spaced out and didn't notice I ran into you." I apologize, releasing my tight hold on her arm. She slightly rubs her arm before flashing me an easy going smile, eerily similar to Gene's.

"It's alright. It was an accident and you didn't let me fall so it's all good." She replies easily. "So what's your name? I haven't seen you around before. I'm Taniyama Mai."

'So that's why…'

"Saitou Nari. I just transferred here, so it's understandable that you wouldn't recognize me." I reply with a smile.

"Really? Isn't it a bit late to transfer?" She asks curiously.

"Probably." I answer with a shrug.

"Huh… well since you're new, want to be friends?" Mai asks, causing me to smile in response.

"Sure," I reply, walking forward several steps before looking back to see her rooted in her spot. "Well aren't you going to show me around?" She snaps out of her daze to catch up before we ask each other questions - nothing specific though, just general questions. It wasn't long before she stops near an old wooden building.

"Mai?"

She snaps out of her daze. "Huh, did you say something Nari?"

I tilt my head to the side in confusion as I stare at the old school building. "Not really. You just stopped in front of the building all of sudden. I was just wondering why."

She awkwardly scratches her face. "Well, I was just thinking about the rumors surrounding this building and how it looks like they could be true."

"Rumors?" I repeat, earning a nod from Mai.

"Yeah… they were mostly ghost stories. I'll tell you more about them later. Hey, you want to check the building out?" Mai asks, a hopeful expression on her face, causing me to release a sigh before agreeing. That was how I found myself standing next to Mai outside the abandoned old school house building. Mai hesitantly climbs the two steps to the door before peering inside. As she looks through the window, I run my hand against one of the wooden posts, noticing how the wood easily creaks when I apply a little pressure. The creak startles Mai as she quickly glances around to find the source before locking eyes on me. I send her an apologetic smile whereas she sends me a half-hearted glare before resuming her search through the window.

"Find anything?" I finally ask after several more seconds of silence.

"It's a bit hard to see … is that a camera?" With that, she hesitantly opens the door before walking to the room.

"Mai..." I warn, but she ignores me, causing me to sigh before following in after her. The room wasn't interesting. It had several large wooden shoe shelves, something that you would associate with a school building.

"As I thought, it is…" Mai trails off, causing me to snap my gaze to her. She hesitantly approaches the camera.

"Mai… I think you should leave that alone." I warn, walking over to her.

"But what is it doing here?" She asks, facing me.

"Um someone placed it here to make sure someone doesn't steal it?" I joke, earning myself a disbelieving look from Mai before she reaches for the camera once again. My eyes slightly widen as a scene flashes before me.

[Blood. Blood drips down a man's face as his angered grey eyes match mine.]

'Who was that?'

"Who's there?" A harsh voice calls out to us, causing me to slightly flinch whereas Mai stumbles back into one of the old wooden shelves, causing it to teeter from side to side.

"Ah… sumimasen. It wasn't like I was-" But Mai gets cut off as the shelf slightly pushes her forward.

"No way!" She exclaims, panic clear on her face.

Dropping my backpack near the door, I sprint towards Mai. "Mai, get out of there!" I exclaim as I send a harsh kick at the shelf in an attempt to topple it to the side, only for it to hit the shelf on the other side before they both swing back towards us.

'Damm you Newton… you just had to make that stupid second law.'

I slam the side of my body against the shelf as a last ditch effort to slow the shelf's descent, but knew I wasn't strong enough to push the shelf, let alone two, back up without relying on my…

"Nari!" Mai exclaims as she rushes back to me to help me push the shelf back, causing me to release a growl.

"Oi what part of 'get out of here' don't you understand baka!"

"But I can't just leave you." She attempts to explain. At that moment, I finally notice the sound of footsteps and a shadowed figure charging at us. I feel a harsh shove before the sound of splintering wood and crashing objects resound in the room. Dust covers the area, causing me to cover my eyes before I lower my arm to see a well-dressed man collapsed on the floor. His dark hair covers one side of his face and it was obvious he was in pain. It was the man from my vision.

'Again… I..'

"A-Are you alright?" Mai frantically asks as she rushes to the collapsed man before her, receiving only a pained groan in response. Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I rush over to the man as well. My hands hover hesitantly over his shoulders - refusing to touch him.

"You need to get up." I say eerily calm despite the emotions churning in me. He moves his head to the side, locking his stormy grey eyes with mine as a trail of blood runs down from a cut on his head. My blood runs cold.

'No… no… no… No!' I cry out in my head as the scene from my vision plays out in front of me. 'Why… I just…I didn't…' I trail off as I feel tears prick the edge of my eyes.

"What's wrong?" A voice calls out, but I ignore it, locking my gaze at the man's obviously angered face.

"I didn't mean to…not again," I whisper, only catching the injured man's attention before quickly snatching my hand away from his shoulder as if it had burned me.

The sound of footsteps snaps me out of my trance as the other figure approaches the collapsed man. As my eyes travel to the other man's face, I freeze. Gene. No, Naru.

"Lin, what happened?" The man asks, completely ignoring my gaze. Responding to Naru's voice, Lin glances away from me before using his arms to push himself up. Blood drips onto the ground.

"It looks like a small cut. Can you stand?" Naru questions.

"Yes..." Lin weakly replies as he places a hand over his face.

"Um… sumimasen. I heard a voice all of a sudden and then…" Mai tries to explain, only to have Naru interrupt her.

"Nevermind the excuses; is there a clinic close by?" Naru questions as he drapes one of Lin's arm over his shoulders.

"Ah..There's one outside the school gate." Mai replies as she reaches for Lin's other arm, only to have him slap it away.

"I'm fine. I don't need your help." Lin glares at Mai as blood trails down his forehead. Mai stares at the two unsurely as they stand up.

"We met yesterday, didn't we?" Naru asks as Mai and I stand up as well. She confirms his suspicions, resulting in him asking for her name.

"Taniyama Mai." She replies hesitantly as she clasps her hands together.

"I see… and you?" He switches his gaze on me, causing me to feel slightly uncomfortable seeing as I saw Gene standing in front of me instead.

"Saitou Nari. You?" I could see him slightly pause when he hears my first name; something flitters across his eyes before it quickly disappears.

"Then, Taniyama-san, Saitou-san, I think I should let you know that the bell just rang." He replies smoothly, ignoring my question. Mai stares blankly at the two before running through the door.

"N-no way! I'm late!" I hear her call as I stay rooted in my spot. "Looks like she forgot about me." I mumble to myself with a sigh before walking towards the door to pick up my discarded backpack. I slightly pause at the doorframe before facing the two behind me.

"I don't care if you hate me. I just want to say… gomen ne. If you want to avoid accidents, just avoid me." Not waiting for a response, I walk out the door and head to the school. I knew I was already late, but I could use the 'new girl' card as an excuse so I just took my time. I needed it.

-Time skip: after school-

Apparently Mai was in my class, but before she could talk to me, I ducked out of the classroom as the bell rang, allowing the crowds of students to block me from view. I honestly had no idea where I was going as I walk through the throng of students eagerly leaving the building. My legs continue to carry me through the school building as I attempt to reign in my emotions. After staring into Lin's eyes, it was obvious he hated me. That hatred in his eyes was nothing foreign to me, seeing as it was the only look sent my way once someone found out about me. Gene was different; he accepted me and would treat me like I was human, not some circus freak. He was the only one other than my family who whole-hearted accepted me, and I'm grateful to him for that. Maybe that was the reason why I agreed with Gene's plan to get Mai and Naru together, but regardless of his plan, I don't think it was smart to put me in charge of physically getting them together… if that made sense. I had no sense of romance… so how am I supposed to help two people develop feelings for each other? Gene probably forgot about that.

Releasing a sigh, I run a hand through my messy ebony locks before hearing the voice of last person I wanted to see right now.

"Saitou-san." Naru calls out to me. Not turning around, I halt in my steps. At this point in time, I had two options: give up and listen or run away and hope he doesn't chase after me.

'Definitely option 2.'

With that, I shift the strap of my backpack on my shoulder before bolting through the hallway, hearing the distinct annoyed call coming from behind me.

'He actually chased me… didn't think he was the type to do that…' I thought bitterly before quickly entering a dark, empty classroom and closing the door. I lean against the wall and after several moments, I hear footsteps tapping against the hallway floor before they slowly stop in front of the door of the classroom I was currently in. Seconds felt like minutes. Minutes felt like hours until finally the sound of footsteps move away from the door and further down the hallway. I release a sigh of relief before slumping down onto the ground so that I sat with my knees close to my chest.

'He's persistent… after I specifically told him to stay away… Kaz what the hell were you thinking when you sent me here! You know I can't get close to people…' I slightly hug my knees before releasing another sigh. 'Well, seeing as how I'm stuck in this school, I better make something of it…' I thought before I hear two voices outside the classroom.

"Umm… how is he?"

'Mai?'

"About that… he suffered a bad ankle sprain and won't be able to stand for a while."

'Naru?'

"I-I'm really sorry to hear that. And how do you know him?" Mai tries to strike up a conversation.

"Assistant."

"Then that means you help him with his work?"

"Other way around." I hear Naru's footsteps stop. "He's the assistant; I'm the boss. And that assistant can't move so it's up to you and your friend to take his place."

I tense at his words. 'What?'

"Seeing as she ran away the moment she heard my voice, I ask you locate her and tell her the news."

"Hey, hold on a minute!" Mai exclaims.

"The camera's broken." That silences her. "My assistant tried to stop you from touching the camera and now it's in pieces."

"How…how much was it?" Mai asks hesitantly, already dreading the answer.

"It's quite expensive. Compensating me would be impossible for you, so you only have one option. Work as my assistant."

"Assistant?" Mai repeats, "As in, I'll be helping you with your work?"

"Isn't that what I just said?" Naru answers, causing me to slightly scoff at his reply.

"What do you do at your job?" Mai asks.

"I hunt ghosts."

I facepalm. 'Why am I not surprised…whoever's watching me up there just loves messing with me.' I thought as I continue to listen in.

"Eh?"

"In other words, ghost exorcists. We received a request from the principal to investigate the old school. I'm with Shibuya Psychic Research."

"Psychic research?" Mai repeats.

"Is that a question?"

Mai doesn't respond as I hear the soft patter of footsteps. "Psychic research is another term for spiritual investigation. We basically examine and scrutinize reports of supernatural phenomena. And I run the company."

"No way…" I hear Mai respond in disbelief.

"I'll see you later then." With that, the sound of footsteps disappears before I hear Mai leaving the area as well.

Lowering my hand, I release a sigh before murmuring, "Looks like I'm home free," as I stand up.

"I wouldn't say that."

I pause at the voice before releasing another sigh and facing Naru to see the obvious signs of annoyance on his face. 'Of course... things are never that easy, are they?'

"You knew I was in here, didn't you?"

"Do I really need to answer that question?" He retorts, shooting me a disinterested look.

"I'll take that as a no." I mumble to myself, "And you're here why?"

"You owe me a camera."

"I didn't break it… " I answer lamely, before running a hand through my hair. "Look, why don't you let me take a look at it and I'll try to fix it?"

"I highly doubt that."

"It's already in pieces… the worse it can get is even more pieces. Not like you have anything to lose." I answer with a shrug.

"Very well."

"After that, just leave me alone alright? I don't like getting close to people."

"Is that so? Any particular reason why? I seem to recall you telling me to stay away if I wanted to avoid accidents."

'Me and my damn mouth…'

"Look… I'm a trouble magnet. Accidents just have a tendency to occur when I'm around." I answer with a shrug. "Besides, you remind me too much of him…" I trail off, confusing Naru.

"Excuse me?"

"My brother… you remind me a lot of him." I explain, not understanding exactly why I was talking to Naru about this. "Just forget it alright? I'll take a look at your camera, fix it up, and then you'll live happily ever after with your beloved camera. Problem solved." I finish lamely, earning myself a scoff from the black clad stalker.

Before he can respond, I hear the distinct ring of my cellphone. "Hold that thought." I mutter out before glancing down at the caller ID to see Kaz flash through the screen. Releasing a sigh, I answer the phone.

"What." I growl out, earning a slightly amused chuckle.

"Bad day?" He replies, causing me to roll my eyes.

"What part of trouble magnet don't you understand, Kaz?" I add in before sighing, "Look… I've had a long day. What do you want?"

"You have a case." I pause at his words, knowing exactly what he meant.

"Reject it."

"Come on Nari. It's at your school.~" I hear Gene's voice say in the background. "Why does he sound like he's high on sugar?" I ask as I place a hand over my face. "Because he is." Kaz states simply. "I'm not forcing you to take it, rather, why not assist in it? After all, isn't that what Naru was about to ask you?" I stiffen.

"… Do I want to know how you know that?" I ask hesitantly, earning a laugh from Gene. "Nope~" Gene sings in the background, causing me to sigh. "I hate you."

"You don't." Kaz retorts. "Just give up and accept. It will be easier." With that, the line clicks and I'm met with the sound of static. Annoyance coating my eyes, I snap the phone close before shoving it back into my pocket.

"If you're done," Naru interrupts as he walks over to me. "This isn't just about a camera. This is about replacing my assistant that you had a hand in sending to the doctors."

"You have Mai." I rebuke.

"You'd let her take all the responsibility?"

I can feel my eye twitching in annoyance at his persistence. Why won't he just give it up? "No… " I trail off, feeling akin to a child getting scolded by a parent. "Fine… I'll help with your investigation, but don't get close to me. I'm not here to make friends."

'That's a lie.'

"I'm only doing this to repay you."

'Another lie.'

"Very well." Naru concedes before he makes his way toward the door; he pauses for a moment before facing me with a smirk. "Just so you know…You're a very bad liar." With that, he leaves the room. I stare blankly at the spot he stood several moments before as a small chuckle escapes from my lips. "Naru huh? Looks like your brother is going to be a hard guy to crack, Gene." I mutter in amusement before leaving the room as well.

G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T

FRIDAY EVENING

-Outside the old school building-

"You still haven't told me your name." I point out as I watch Naru open the black van. He pauses for a moment to glance at me. "Kazuya Shibuya." He answers simply before resuming his work.

'So he's not native to Japan. He wouldn't have introduced himself like that if he was. Makes sense since his real last name isn't Japanese.'

At that moment, Mai appears next to me out of breath.

"I've been *pant* looking all *pant* over for you." She chokes out as she attempts to breathe. "Where have you been this whole time?"

"Here." I reply simply, earning me a deadpan expression.

"I doubt it." Mai mutters to herself before glancing at the van. "Oh wow…" I had to agree with her, the equipment loaded in the van looked really impressive.

"One week ago, the school's principal came into our office," Kazuya *cough*Naru*cough*explains as he hands Mai a tripod, "I did some research on what happened." He adds as he hands Mai a box, causing her to release a groan as she strains to balance all the weight in her arms. Ignoring Mai's apparent struggle with the objects, Naru continues, "The old school building was used as part of the school until eighteen years ago. Since that time, every year, one or two deaths have been confirmed. In the case of the demolition of the west wall, the accident where the roof collapsed did, in fact, occur." He trails off as he types on his laptop to pull out an article, "However, there is no truth about the workers being killed. Only five people were injured and that was due to a worker's negligence." Naru concludes before picking up several more boxes and cords and handing them to me before taking several boxes himself.

"Construction ended with only a third of the planned demolition ever being finished." Naru continues to explain as he leads us through the old school building, "It's true that a teacher did in fact commit suicide, but that too was explained in the form of a suicide note." Mai steps on a creaky floorboard and looks up at the ceiling, possibly imaging the teacher hanging before her. "And the runaway truck from last year was due to a drunk driver and so, work was cancelled for the last time. There's no doubt that the rumors played a part in this decision… As far as my research shows, there's nothing that takes these stories beyond their level of rumors. For a place this active, each incident has a clear cause." Naru finishes explaining as he places down the folded up rack on the table. "We'll set up base here."

"Base?" Mai repeats.

"Base is where we'll do our observations." Naru explains calmly as he gazes down at Mai.

"Arigato.. for the explanation." Mai responds with a sweat drop.

"Put the shelves together. I'll start bringing in the equipment." Naru orders as he makes his way to the door.

"You want me to stay here by myself?!" Mai exclaims in disbelief.

"I'm still here you know." I respond, causing Mai to send me an apologetic smile.

"Sumimasen… you were so quiet I almost forgot you were there."

"It's fine." I wave off before facing Naru, "N-ne Kazuya, if you still have that broken camera, I'd like to take a look at it."

'Almost blew it.'

He glances at me questioningly before replying. "You won't be able to fix it." I roll my eyes.

"Just let me see. Again, the worst I can do is return it in more pieces."

He pauses for a moment before sighing, "Follow me then."

"Hey!" Naru and I turn back to look at Mai, immediately noticing the uneasiness on her face. Releasing a sigh, I reach into my pocket before placing the object in Mai's hand.

She glances down at her hand in confusion, "A whistle? Really?"

"Just in case you need to call us." I explain.

"And you have this why?" She asks with a deadpan expression.

"Overprotective brother." I answer with a shrug. "Honestly, I don't see how a whistle works against a rapist; I think a kick to the crotch is better." Naru's mouth twitches downward slightly at the thought.

"Once I give you the camera, stay here and help Mai with the shelves." Naru explains as he makes a move to exit the room.

"Why don't I just help you? We'll get it done faster that way." He pauses for a moment as if thinking it over before nodding his head. "Very well."

I follow after him, hearing Mai mutter about how she would be all alone in an abandoned building where she could suddenly get spirited away. I roll my eyes at the last part and see Naru leaning back into the room.

"Mai." He calls out, earning himself a 'yes' in response, "Could you cut the theatrics? It's annoying." With that, he leaves the room, motioning me to follow him. I can't help the small chuckle slipping past my lips once I hear the frustrated groan coming from the room. It didn't take us long for reach the van and after sifting through the boxes, Naru hands me the one containing the broken camera before draping a looped black cord over his right shoulder.

"Take a look at it once you finish unloading more of the equipment." Naru states before striding back to the old school house. Cracking my back, I stack the box containing the broken camera on top of another box before lifting them up. Slightly surprised at the weight of the two boxes, I shift them in my arms before walking back into the school house. As I walk through the hallways, I hear a banging noise, causing me to halt in my steps. I glance around, but see nothing that can cause it. A moment later, I hear the distinct sound of the whistle, causing me to quickly place the boxes onto the ground before sprinting through the hallway.

"Mai!" I call out as I harshly slide the door to the side, seeing Naru holding his ears in annoyance as Mai looks at him sheepishly.

"So I'm assuming you used the rape whistle on Kazuya." I quirk an eyebrow at Mai, causing her to flush in embarrassment and Naru to send me a glare.

"Sumimasen…" Mai mutters as her shoulders sag, "I heard the ceiling creaking and then the lights suddenly turned on."

"So no banging?" I ask, earning confused glances my way. "I'm taking that as a no then." I sigh out as I run a hand through my hair.

"Stop goofing around and get back to work." Naru finally mutters out as he walks further into the room, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, narcissist." I wave off as I make my way back to my discarded boxes.

-Time skip-

After we finish unloading, I set down the camera on one of the tables and being to fiddle around with some of the wires.

"What are those?" I hear Mai ask.

"Infrared and high-speed cameras: used to take pictures in complete darkness. These.." Naru pauses, "are for thermography; they give temperature readings in accordance to the image they record."

I hear the tapping of footsteps and the slight clicks of turning knobs.

"It's amazing how you know how to use all this stuff." Mai comments.

"Not really. Your mind and mine are just very different." Naru retorts, causing Mai to release a small groan.

Shaking my head at the two, I continue to fiddle with the wires before noticing the missing sensor. Tilting the box to the side, I pull out some of the broken pieces of the camera before pulling out a chip and placing it onto one of the circuit boards. After fiddling with more of the wires, a flashing light appears – signaling the camera was currently operating. Allowing a small smile to enter my face, I screw the cover back onto the side of the camera before turning it off.

"I fixed it." I call out, earning myself two surprised looks.

"You... fixed it?" Naru asks, skeptical of my claim.

"Did you not hear me the first time?" I slightly joke before holding out the camera and turning it on. "Several parts were missing and some of the wires were dislodged, but with what you had, I was able to repair the camera back to its former condition, possibly better since I replaced the older parts with newer ones."

He takes the camera from my hands and examines it, noticing how it responds perfectly to his commands. "I see. Looks like I was mistaken. Arigato Nari." He replies with a slight upward tilt of his lips.

"Hey, what made you go into the ghost hunting business?" Mai calls out, causing Naru to snap his attention back to her. "There was a need for it," He replies simply as he walks to one of the shelves to put away the camera.

"Have you ever had any cases you couldn't solve?" She continues, earning a negative from Naru. "That's something. Not only are you good looking, you're smart too."

I stare at her blankly for a moment before blinking several times. 'Huh… guess my job might be easier than I thought Gene… Looks like Mai is already attracted to Naru… now the hard part…'

"So you think I'm handsome?" Naru asks as he turns to face Mai.

"Uh, well, that's what all the girls at school are making a fuss over." Mai replies nervously; Naru pauses for a moment before looking at me.

"Nari, do you think I'm handsome?"

I stare blankly at him for several moments, allowing the question to sink in. "If you define handsome as having most of the female student body fawning and willing to throw themselves at you, then yes." He stares at me for several moments before facing the cameras once again.

"I see. Well, they have good taste."

Mai and I send each other a disbelieving look at his response.

-Time skip-

Mai slumps her head on one of the desks, exhausted from setting up all the cameras, as Naru paces around the room, checking the monitors. I glance out the windows to see the sun slowly setting. 'It's getting late.'

"You two can go home for today." Naru states. She snaps her gaze to him in disbelief.

"For today?" She questions, "You can't be…"

"I'll see you both tomorrow." Naru interrupts, still glancing at the papers in his hands. Heaving a frustrated groan, Mai adjusts her bag onto her back before turning to me.

"Nari, do you want to walk home together?"

"Sure." I reply, tossing the strap of my backpack over my shoulder before placing a hand on the table to push myself up. At that moment, a scene flashes before me.

[A miko. Two figures approaching a door. Sinking ground. Shattering glass. A scream. Blood.]

'Who…who was that?' I thought as I place a hand over my eyes. 'Don't get involved… it…that was nothing…'

"Nari? Are you alright?" I glance over to Mai to see both the occupants in the room sending me questioning looks.

"Probably just tired from all the lifting today." I reply easily, earning myself a smile of understanding from Mai and a skeptical look from Naru.

-Time skip: Outside the School Building-

When we leave the school house, Mai releases a long sigh.

"Long day?" I joke, earning myself a nod.

"I can't believe we have to come back tomorrow."

"Well, it can't be helped. Too bad all our work is going to go to waste though." I answer with a shrug.

"Waste? You mean everything I did today was a waste of time?!" Mai cries as she flails her arms.

"Yup." I respond, making a popping noise at the p, "There's nothing supernatural in there, well not without its source anyway."

"Huh?"

Before I can respond, a bright light interrupts us – causing me to cover my eyes with the sleeve of my uniform top.

"Mai? Were you here with Kazuya-senpai all night long?"

"What were you doing?"

The light lowers, revealing two girls from my homeroom.

"Keiko, Michiru." Mai identifies before the girls send their glances towards me.

"You're the girl who just transferred here. Nari right?" One of the girls asks, earning a nod in response.

-Time skip: At a bench-

"Paranormal research?" Keiko asks in disbelief.

"So he's not an upperclassmen…" Michiru trails off in dismay.

"He's not." I confirm as I watch the two disappointed girls from my seat next to Mai.

"Apparently, he's a ghost hunter." Mai inputs.

"Ghost hunter?" The two girls repeat in confusion before another voice appears.

"Taniyama-san…, " The voice trails off before a girl in pigtails and glasses comes towards us. She was dressed in the school uniform and I believe she's also in my homeroom. "Could you introduce me to him?" She finishes as she places a hand on her chest.

"Introduce you to Naru-chan?" Mai clarifies.

"What's all this 'Naru-chan' stuff all about?" Michiru asks as she closes in on Mai.

"Pfft… it does suit him. He's pretty narcissistic, "I input.

"That's right! He's the biggest narcissist I've ever seen! I can't believe I have to work for him!" Mai complains.

"Well… we did end up confining his assistant to bed rest…" I trial off, earning myself a shut-up look from Mai – causing me to release a careless shrug in response.

Not wanting to be ignored, the other girl walks toward us. "After all, I can sense spirits and I may be able to help him with something."

Mai looks at the girl uneasily, "I don't think it's such a good idea since he's a professional…"

"Well I am by no means an amateur!" The girl retorts coldly, causing Michiru and Keiko to narrow their eyes at the girl.

"Mai, let's go." Michiru whispers before pulling Mai from the bench.

"Y-yeah…" Mai stutters out.

"You too Nari." Keiko mutters, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the scene. As she pulls me away, I glance back to see the girl sag her shoulders as a forlorn expression takes over her face. I knew that expression; she was lonely and hurt. After several more seconds, Keiko releases my hand and Michiru does the same to Mai as we stop in front of a convenience store.

"She's such a weirdo! She's been like that since middle school." Keiko cries out.

"That girl is so strange." Michiru agrees as she crosses her arms over her chest.

'Werido…strange…just another way to say freak…' I thought to myself with a small frown. 'I'm not sure if I believe in her ability to see spirits but… something is off about her…I'll have to look into this.'

"Who was that anyway?" I ask, earning glances my way.

"That's right. You just transferred here so you wouldn't know. Her name's Kuroda. She had a lot of the same classes as me and would constantly bug people about seeing spirits or something." Keiko explains.

"So you obviously don't believe her?" I ask, earning nods of confirmation from Keiko and Michiru.

"I'm guessing a lot of people in your classes share the same thoughts?" I ask as the sound of a siren rings through the air.

"Pretty much." Michiru confirms before walking away with Keiko. "It was nice to meet you Nari, but we need to head home. Bye Mai."

"Bye Mai, Nari." Keiko calls to us as they walk away.

"I bet I know why she wants to help; she must have a crush on Shibuya-san." Michiru jokes with Keiko.

"No way! That's gross!" Keiko laughs.

I glance over at Mai and see her looking at the spot where Kuroda once stood, noticing the sound of the sirens getting louder and louder.

G l H l O l S l T ll H l U l N l T

-Time skip-

-Scene change: Saitou Household-

"I'm home." I call out, immediately noticing the eerie silence blanketing the house. Narrowing my eyes, I flick on the hall lights before walking further into the room. "Gene? Kaz?" I call out again, only to receive no response.

'They should both be home right now…'

Pulling my gun out of my backpack, I walk through the kitchen and notice a figure passing the couch. Not hesitating, I tackle the figure to the ground before pinning him on his stomach with his arm behind his back.

"Who are you?" I growl out before noticing the small sparks forming against my skin at the contact I had with the person. "Wait... Gene?" I hear a muffled groan in response. Getting up from my position, I walk over to turn on the light switch to see Gene rubbing his arm as he stands up.

"Geez Nari. Were you trying to dislocate my arm or something?" Gene jokes, sending me a silly smile. I release a sigh as I run a hand through my hair. "Why didn't you answer me when I called you?"

"Huh? I just woke up." Gene answers, "If I knew you would tackle me every time I sleep on the couch, I would do that more often." He teases, causing my face to slightly heat up in embarrassment.

"Gomen ne… just thought you were a robber or something."

Gene tilts his head to the side, a frown marring his face before his smile returns. "I see. I'll make sure to answer next time then. How was school?" Once the question leaves his lips, a grimace forms on my face.

"Haha that bad?" He asks as he grabs my hand to pull me to the couch. "Want to talk about it?" He questions as he positions himself like a psychiatrist – taking my glasses off my face to put on his as he holds a fake pen and notepad. I slightly smile at the sight.

"Really?" I ask, resulting him in motioning me to go on. Shaking my head at him I reply, "I blame your brother."

That catches his attention. He strokes his fake beard, appearing to be in deep thought. "Go on."

AN: So that was the first chapter. I had trouble working with Gene's character, seeing as all I had to go on was Naru saying Gene was a lot like Mai in the manga, so hopefully I was able to make him fit that? Naru is a bit difficult for me to write as well, but I think I'll just have to get used to that. This time around I'm working with three Oc's right off the bat, so it's a bit difficult to create definite roles for them. Tell me what you think, liked, hated. Review if you want and until next time…

Ja ne~