Disclaimer: I do not own Ghost Hunt, plain and simple.

Chapter 10: A Secret

A new discovery has the case progressing than ever before.

NARU

"They've agreed to stand down until we're done with the case," Nuo-san announced as soon as she'd returned from the police station.

"You handled that pretty quick," commented Ayako-san. I could barely get them out of our back the first day she's only been gone for 5 hours. She must have quite outstanding credentials as I do. That or certain connections. I would have preferred to use the latter if my connections here in Japan wouldn't feed me to the media.

"I know people." Ah... It would be hard to get any reliable information, given that her connections practice discretion. I watched as she sauntered towards the her desk. She didn't pick a file from the table, instead she picked a book: Hardbound, about the size of a children's encyclopedia. I couldn't make out the title and I really shouldn't care... much less watch. Still, my eyes drifted to her.

Gene moved to peer at the page she was pointing at. He-

"Naru-bou." My thoughts were interrupted. Bou-san approached with a piece of paper held to me. I gently laid my notes on my lap and took it. "I'd already asked Lin about it and he said I should refer it to you. He has the original." The paper was a scanned copy of an old... I believe it's a journal.

"Where did you get this?"

All this time- She was my mother.

No one told me anything about it. I thought-

She's dead, and it's- it's my fault! Mine!

I let her die- I should have-

I killed her!

No one should know-

The words were mostly illegible, written by a trembling hand and blotched with tear stains. I assume. Many lines were blacked out with messy scratches, hurried scratches of a pen. But, the message was clear. And, I have strong reason to believe that this pertains to Ritsuko Ayami's death.

"I did some extra sifting through the manager's office. That was lodged under the Yashiro-san's desk." So the author was, indeed, our client.

"I've analyzed what I can but all I managed were these." Lin placed the laptop on the desk and showed us a few more lines he'd managed to restore.

I shouldn't have done it...

-called an ambulance-

But if I did that, I-

Shoko mustn't know!

"I sent a copy to Madoka for further analysis." He then, handed me the original piece sealed in a bag.

"Gene." I looked up to find my brother alone. Where's Nuo-san?

"The boss went out for some air." Was there a little strain in that answer? "What is it?"

"I'll tell you when she's returned, along with Ayako-san and Masako." How bothersome that they've decided to leave when we've obtained crucial information. It would be a waste of breath to repeat everything. Gene rolled his eyes at me and I glowered. "Just spit it out, Noll. I'll repeat everything for you. I know how much you value your breath." Idiot scientist can't even repeat a few sentences.

At least I know that my breath is as valuable as the rest of me. Thank you for acknowledging my superior existence, stupid medium that you are, I shot back, handing him the bag. The rest crowded in.

"This was found in the manager's office." I pointed at the laptop. "These are the parts Lin managed to decipher." Gene placed the page on the table for the rest to see. "Madoka's having the rest analyzed." He had that thoughtful look, arms crossed on his chest, brows barely knit together, forefinger tapping on his arm.

"We know for sure that it belong to Yashiro-san," Osamu-san commented. "And, we know that he's written about Ritsuko Ayami's death." The obvious-yes.

"It doesn't make sense," the boy, Kaoru spoke from beside me.

"What d'ya mean, kid?" Bou-san asked, with a look of curious amusement that I'd hated as a child. One I noticed was a mutual distaste I have with Kaoru.

"Here, he says, 'I let her die', but on the next line, he confesses on killing her." He pointed at each sentence. If we were to base everything on this note, then it would be logical to assume that what had happened was an accident, and he was overcome by guilt that he blames himself for the act."

"But, Ritsuko Ayami's death was definitely murder. Her throat was slit. And, according to the police report, the other wounds found on her were caused by a struggle with a knife," Bou-san said.

"Yes. That was my point." Kaoru regarded Bou-san with the same curious amusement an adult would give a child. He didn't like it either.

"He was an accomplice." All eyes turned to me. "He was hesitant, conflicted. He was protecting someone, someone important." Family

"Since, he didn't want Shoko-san to know, she's not our suspect," John said.

Noll, it's-

Gene was interrupted by a ring. "It's Madoka," Lin said. "she's faxing in the analysis, now." He went to retrieve the fax.

-All this time-no one-she was my mother. No one told me anything about it. I thought it was weird.

This woman suddenly- I've never-

I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't have helped him. I- would lose my- Father

Kami-sama- Shoko mustn't know.

"Yashio Ryuusuke," Lin muttered. I nodded my agreement. However... "It's not a simple revenge. If that was all she was aiming for, why go through all the trouble. The animal carcasses would have been enough sacrifice. Why take in humans? Why take in psychics?" The conditions of the remains were also abnormal.

"Damn," Gene cursed. " I though... We asked the coroner. All the victims had been subjected to sexual intercourse. The damages on their genetalias suggests that they were forced to participate in a violent one. The same goes for the survivor, Ibuki-san."

She's breeding!

It appears so.

"And, you neglected to mention this, why?" I demanded icily. It was crucial information, and they've withheld it, violating the conditions of our merger. "I assumed that you've noted the conditions of the bodies in the corridor, so I'd expected you-or Lin would have requested for an update from the examiners and the hospital," Gene defended. "You were standing pretty close to Ibuki-san."

He was right. The neglect was ours. "Of course." I looked down at my notes. Slapping myself for _. Stupid.

Gene sighed, putting a hand on my shoulder. I got your back Noll.

I didn't respond.

"Y-you mean she ravished them?" Bou-san exclaimed, finally catching up to the conversation. "I'm gonna be sick." It was revolting, I agreed..

John had gone pale, and so has Yasuhara. It was ridiculous seeing that the boy entirely unperturbed or just damn good at hiding his bewilderment and disgust. I had no doubt that he understood the implication of our findings after Bou-san had put it so bluntly.

"Why?" I mused. "Why the need to breed?"

No one had an answer.

Just then Ayako-san and Masako came in. "Matsuzaki-san, did you see the boss?" Gene asked.

"She's in the room, sleeping. Been since we got in," Ayako-san answered. "She seemed so-"

Gene froze. His face had gone ashen. Before I could ask, before anyone could react, he shouted, "Yasu! Get the kit!"

Osamu-san was already at the door, going to God knows where. Gene right behind him. "Gene!" I called, standing up.

What's happening?

He didn't answer. He didn't have to.

A scream pierced the air, a tortured suffering screech. I barely registered my brother's cursing, nor the footfalls behind me. She needed help. She was being tortured. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. I had to get to her fast.

Gene stopped in front of the women's bedroom, grabbing for the door knob. It didn't open. He bit out another curse. "The key!" he barked at Ayako-san. I was so tempted to blast the door. We had to get in there. Ayako-san fumbled with the keys. I grabbed it non-too-gently from her hands and gave it to Gene. The door opened, and the full force of her screams shook me. My eardrums rang from her shrill cry, her pain sending a shiver over my , that didn't bother me. What bothered me was that she was suffering and I didn't know what to do.

Her writhing form gripped at my chest. Nuo-san was clawing at the sheets, desperate to grab onto something. Her back arched and her head was thrown back, her veins and tendons visible. She kicked on something only she could see. Her eyes were wide open but, as she thrshed her head from side to side, I was met with a vacant gaze. All this was clear, even in the dark room. It was a possession, violent and probably fatal.

Lin reached for the light switch. Gene knelt on the bed next to her, warning us to stay back. I couldn't.

"What's going on?" Bou-san demanded from behind me, halting my involuntary step forward. Masako was also saying something behind me but I couldn't pry my attention from Nuo-san.

Gene clasped her face with his hands, forcing her to look at him. Her vacant eyes looking through him, but Gene held her gaze. "Wake up!" he commanded. Nuo-san strained her neck, loosening my brother's hold. She wasn't trying to get away from him as I'd originally thought. Her hands flew to her throat. Clawing at an invisible force.

My hackles rose. She was being strangled. And, my stupid brother wasn't doing any progress with the exorcism. Gene reclaimed her head. "Boss! Wake up!"

Osamu-san came rushing in, shoving passed us. He had a white box in hand- a first-aid kit. My mind went hyper-wire. Was she injured? Where?

"Nuo!" Gene tried again.

"Okaa-san!" Kaoru called to her, too.

"Nuo!" Gene began to shake her. She wouldn't wake.

"Gene. She has to wake up now!" Osamu-san said, looking from her to him.

"I know!"

She stopped, her body going limp. I'd thought it was over until my brother roared, "NO!" I froze. Is she dead? I looked at her still form, relieved to see her chest rise and fall. What is it? Is she dead? Gene didn't answer. I had to know, and it infuriated me that my brother would keep the answer from me. Gene!

Gene shook his head. But she will if she doesn't wake. Before he could sever the connection, I felt his desperation, his fear. I Found myself mirroring them.

This time he slapped her. "Wake up!"She didn't stir. "Don't do this!" Osamu-san clicked his tongue and bounded out of the room.

I didn't understand. It was all in front of me, yet I couldn't grasp the situation. None of it made sense. Gene didn't attempt an exorcism when it would have been the most logical approach. When I'd thought that it was over, that the possession had been interrupted, my brother grew more desperate, panicked, angry even. Osamu-san had also left when he might have been needed the most. "Nuo!" Gene shouted once more, slapping her again. It didn't work. He was gritting his teeth. His voice had gone hoarse from shouting her name. Kaoru gasped, running to the side of the bed. "She has to wake up!" the boy shouted to my brother, shaking his arm. Then he turned to his mother, imploring her to wake. "Okaa-san! Please, you have to wake up!"

I didn't know what had caused the boy's alarm until I saw the red marks forming on her skin. There were bruises as well. They were growing deeper and darker. And her neck! Good God! What's happening now? Gene shook his head, eyes jumping from injury to injury. Gasps came from behind me as they, too, saw the forming wounds. "Wake up!" Gene called again. "Mai! Wake up!"

"Mai!"

The world stilled. The last thing my mind registered was my breath stopping. I think I heard the others gasp, but my mid ignored them. Her name kept on repeating in my head.

mai mai mai mai mai mai

mai mai mai mai mai

mai mai mai mai

mai mai mai

mai mai

MAI

At that moment, there was no SPR, no case, no Gene, nothing. Just her.

Mai's face flashed in my mind. The 15 year old girl from 6 years ago. Then it was replaced by Nuo's face. The familiarity I saw and ignored came rashing back to me, flooding my mind. Her face, although more mature, those eyes, although different in color. I could recognize the stubborn, gentle, fiery, beautiful set of her face. It was undeniably, indisputably Mai. She's here. She's been with us, working with us for days... with Gene... with her son... She's...

And, when everything came back to me, when time turned its gears again, I breathed and, with it, came her name, "Mai."

GENE

She bolted upright, gasping for breath... Awake! Finally Awake!

I'd thought we'd gone too late, that we couldn't pull her out- not this time. I thought we'd lost her. We would have been too late. The wounds were getting deeper. The scratches on her arms would have been no problem, but the gash on her neck was starting to draw blood. It had never progressed this fast before. She had been susceptible to more serious injuries but we were always able to wake her in time. This place is too dangerous; her connection to Ritsuko Ayami too strong.

But, as soon as her name came out of Noll's mouth... That was all it took. It was barely audible, but Mai had heard him. Noll pulled her out, saved her life.

Mai trembled, terrified but alive. She clung to me, her fingers digging into my arms. I let her, like I always do when she got hurt. Even when it was my brother who caused her pain. It was the least I could do. Her head lolled, landing on my shoulder. She was trembling less violently now. "I'm tired," she whimpered, "so tired."

"Hold on." I can't let her fall unconscious again.

"I can't."

"You have to." I shook her gently.

"The car's ready," Yasuhara informed me, relieved to find Mai awake.

Carefully picking her up, I said to Kaoru, "Let's go, Kaoru." The boy walked by my side as we made our way out, holding Mai's hand. SPR parted for us without so much as a word, but they quickly followed. Yasuhara must have already assured them that we aren't leaving for good... yet.

Yasu's interrogation on the day of his arrival would be nothing compared to the questions and demands for explanation we would soon encounter later on. The question is whether or not Mai decides to give them honest answers. She might not even give them any. Mai's shoulder began to slide off my shoulder, but she quickly regained consciousness. I adjusted her in my arms, murmuring for her to stay awake. "We're almost out."

Yasuhara automatically opened the car door for us. Kaoru slipped in before I could slide Mai in. It was his job to make sure she doesn't completely fall asleep until we're safely out. I made my way to the passenger's side. Gene. Noll stood beside me, eyes searching, beckoning me.

"Follow us with the van," I said, sliding in. "Yasuhara, give him the key." Yasuhara stared at me, uncertain, his hands already in his pocket. I nod for him to hand it to Noll.

"We have to go," Kaoru reminded us, clearly displeased.

There's a lake nearby, I told Noll. We're bringing her there. It was far enough to weaken her connection to the demon and its domain, but not so much as to sever it completely. The success of the exorcism relies on that connection. Mai needs to anchor the entity near her. She must feed on the negative energy, neutralize it and used it against the entity. The process is only applicable during exorcisms, though. The time she spends on location gives her a better feel of the haunting and the soul o demon haunting. The information that Yasuhara's tasked to search only speeds up the process. The more she knows about the entity the more effective the exorcism.

Why the lake? Noll asked.

Her element's water. She can draw enough energy from there to regain her strength.

I glance at the rear view mirror to see if Noll was still following us.

"Are you sure about this?" Yasuhara asked. He knew, though. He'd agreed. We'd planned for them to meet. Noll needed to find what he'd lost, and Mi needed to know what became of the people she'd left. Yasuhara had been uncertain as was I but...

"She needs him. They need him." I'd originally wanted to wait for them to be ready. Enough for at least one of them to look for the other. I know Noll had tried. Yasuhara told me so. But, I also know that half of the reason he did wasn't the right one. It wasn't because he'd acknowledged his feeling for her, his need to be with her. It was on the insistence of Lin and his friends. It was the reason why he gave up when they did. Mai didn't even try. Partly because of the secrets she'd uncovered about her past and her true biological family. Mostly, it was because of her insecurities about her significance in Noll's life. They've dragged this crap for 6 years. I had to give them an incentive. I'd been planning on it for a while, this case just provided me with the chance.

I heard a scoff from the back. Kaoru disagrees with me, of course. He's never thought highly of the father that Mai never mentioned. He's going to be an obstacle that Noll will need to overcome to get Mai back. It isn't going to be easy for him, especially if Maiyu decides to support her brother. I've never been sure of the girl's intentions. She was an enigma, a mystery that only Kaoru could understand. It doesn't always mean that they agree on the same subjects. Theyve had their share of disagreements and debates too. It isn't going to be easy for me as well.

The lake came into view. Yasuhara slowed to a stop. I glanced at Mai, she was asleep- good. I got out, and so did Yasuhara.

"Her wounds aren't serious, but there are quite a few." We set Mai upright so we can better examine the damage. Kaoru held the light for us. Straight red marks covered her arms. They're minor abrasions, the skin's still intact but it's going to be sore once she wakes up. There were others that would fade in the morning. There were at least 2 on her face. The one on her neck was shallow. More than a nick, but deep enough to still be drawing out blood upon slight pressure.

Noll came beside me as Yasuhara worked on her minor injuries while I clean off the blood on her neck. I heard him take in a sharp breath. "How did that happen?" he asked.

"None of your business!" Kaoru snapped, glaring at my brother. Noll chose to ignore him. "Kaoru!" I chided. The boy looked at me defiantly but pursed his lips, glowering at Noll in silence.

Did she have a vision? Noll asked as I prepared the gauze for her neck.

Not like yours. She connects with the spirit directly, not its energy. You experience what is happening at present. She experiences everything, specifically the ones holding the most emotions.

"I didn't know she could do that," he spoke aloud, forgetting himself. I felt Kaoru's eyes move from me to him, figuring that we were speaking telepathically. He was not happy with that.

"Her abilities were dormant then since she was unaware of them nor anything regarding the paranormal. Her exposure to this world through you began their awakening. And, somebody sealed them deep in her."

I can feel the questions brimming in his mind. But, there's a time for answers later. It was a secret Mai must choose to answer. I closed the kit. "Yasuhara, Kaoru and I are going back with the other car."

"What? NO!" Kaoru protested. "I will not leave Okaa-san with HIM!" He pointed at Noll, regarding him acerbically and with contempt he did not even attempt to hide. "You will follow us in the morning after she wakes," I continued, ignoring Kaoru's protest. Yasuhara was already having a hard time holding him in place. We had to leave. "If anything happens, call me." I tossed Noll my extra phone.

Is... is he my son? I stared at Noll staring at Kaoru. Whose else could it be? "You should talk to Mai," I answered instead.

"I'm giving you a chance, Noll. Don't screw up. Don't disappoint me or yourself. And, don't hurt her again." I gave him a light punch on the chest to emphasize my point. She may make it difficult, but don't you dare give up.

We left them there, hoping that all would turn well.

AN: The secret's finally revealed! Now what would Mai do?

Regarding Naru's terrible kanji... I decided against making him horrible at it still. Since, he's been in Japan for a long time and there are no Mai or Yasu to arrange the files for him.

I updated more rapidly than I thought I'd be able to. Although, I still haven't started the draft for the next and final chapter. Yes people! It's almost finished. But, there will be a separate story for when after the case ends.