~~~AKEMI~~~
'Help...' blood filled the dark room, one light flickering right above a bloody strap table. Its scent putrid that was almost acidic to the nose if possible. 'Help me...'
Two huge burly men held a person in the middle of them, ragged and weakened as though left with no fight in life.
'Help...' in a blink, the strap table was no longer empty as a person occupied it— tied with their neck laying bare at end of the table, under it was a rusty bucket to fill. 'Help...'
"I don't wanna die!"
A hand laid itself on her shoulder, Akemi swallowing her breath as her left hand stopped in its tracks whilst she held her paint between her fingers. "Nee-chan?" one of her cousins tilted their head in growing concern. The girl was no more than 6, her cheeks stuffed with baby fat and locks lifted to untameable hair that all women of the Maruyama Clan seemed to inherit. Rini held her stuffed unicorn close to her person, whom everybody inside the house shoud call by its name Ms. Sparkle Velvet Cherry Cakes, but people call the unicorn by its nickname Ms. Sparkle Cakes.
A few more of her little cousins loved their dolls and each one with a delicious name to it; Twinkle Star Butterscotch was deemed Duchess in her Celestial World with her sister Jolly Ginger Naps who was rather lazy and likes to sleep but that doesn't hinder the noble unicorn to save her friends such as Razz Berrie Julie and Berry Sugar Cups, princess unicorns of a different country, they also have a magical bear friend named Lady Sassy Cream Puff who help them with their endeavors by providing them knowledge from her experiences and books. That obnoxious friend, Sparkling Glitter Bubbles which one of her cousins gossiped to the heiress to be Duchess Twinkle Star Butterscoth and Jolly Ginger Naps's missing sister' and spoiled that she will soon be the villain of the celestial world; the drama these girls put in their life but their older cousins lived for the tea of it.
And lastly the reigning crown princess, Nugget. Akemi felt a bead of sweat for that one, not really sure how that name came to be out of everyone they have named.
Having kept calling the heiress, Rini decided to nudge Akemi when the little girl noticed her Nee-chan was in sort of a trance in the early morning. Rini thought Akemi was just still sleepy and stared at nothing like how Rini usually is in the morning as well. So when she was left with no response for minutes now the little girl poked Akemi's shoulder. Not realizing it would entice such a jump,
"Rini?" Akemi winced when she felt the morning sun on her skin and not the dreary coldness she was surrounded by while in a trance. 'Since when did she got here?' "Do you need anything?"
"You've been staring at your painting for a long time again— Grandpa said its time for breakfast!" Akemi rarely woke up in the middle of the night and when she does it is often forgotten as to how she made her steps out of bed. Often times those venture lead Akemi right to where she is now. A canvas lifted right before her and a painting following with it and this time she must have been meddling with oil painting as she felt some of the smudges by her fingers.
"Oh sorry... I must have been sleep walking again— I'll go make my way downstairs in a bit. Thank you~"
"Can I pick what you're going to wear today?" The little girl beamed, showing her crooked teeth as she held Akemi's finger to pull her to get ready.
Seeing how excited she was, and highly anticipated it every day let Akemi give in to the little girl as her cousin started walking inside her closet and looked for the prettiest dress that would look great to her sister.
While her cousin picked her clothes, Akemi led herself to the bath. Wanting to remember what she has just dreamed of to ignite such a motivation to paint out of nowhere, only to freeze in place as she felt excruciating pain right on her abdomen. 'No! Now!?'
~~~MAI~~~
The door to the SPR Office opened, as the jingling bell notified Mai of a customer, looking up the high school student was greeted by a slight questioning look from a beautiful woman. "Hello..." Madoka greeted when her soft hazel eyes caught Mai sittiing at the long reception desk by herself.
"Please come in, may I help you?" Mai asked standing up to greet the woman and Madoka let out a charming smile at her polite words.
'She's gorgeous!'
"I actually have a meeting today with someone in this office."
"Yikes..." Mai checked the papers, rustling them out one by one until she gave an apologetic look towards the beautiful woman when she noticed the lack of people in the Office. "Uh... I'm sorry, most everyone's out right now." Madoka nods, stepping inside the office, closing the door with a light click.
"Well then, is Lin here?"
Mai stupidly blinked, caught of guard at such a casual calling. "Li..n?"
"Uhh Lin..-san, Lin-san is in... uhh sorry?" Noticing that she was baffled and looking lost, Madoka placed a hand on her lips as she let out a sheepish look on her face,
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Mori, Madoka Mori. You can call me Madoka," The woman gave a welcoming smile, and Mai saw flowers bloowming just behind her head but seeing the genuine smile, Mai couldn't help but let out a bit of hers too although not as natural asMadoka seemed to carry.
"Uhm, please wait a moment while I get— " The door to Lin's office opened and out came said person, a few stacks of papers in hand. Mai has always wondered what Lin seemed to type most of the time at his computer that would leave him locked inside for almost the whole day while the hgih school student often times catch Naru just reading books and sipping tea. Mai turned to face him. "Lin-san! If now's a good time-"
"Lin!"
'Woah!' Mai froze once again at the casual greeting, 'Just who is this woman?'
And it seems Lin too was stunned, but for a different reason as Madoka stepped closer to him with her usual smile. "...Madoka?"
'Wha— ?' Mai watched the two with curious eyes, her head already coming up with different reasons and ideas about the two aas they looked lovely and comfortable standing next to each other.
"Sorry for surprising you like this," Madoka gave an apologetic smile that didn't last long as it turned warmly at him. "How are you?"
"I'm good, why didn't you call ahead?"
"Yeah, I guess this is a bit of a shock. Did I catch you of guard?" Madoka gave a laugh as she leaned forward, from how the two interacted with each other Mai couldn't help but feel like a third wheel, 'Should I leave them alone or...?'
"You did, but that can't be why you came." 'Wait! Did Lin-san just smiled?! Could- could she be Lin's...?!'
"Anyway," Madoka straightened as she looked around when Lin could tell this was not all why she came, trying to get a glimpse of the Wizard. "Is Naru in?"
"He's on a trip." Lin gently worded while Madoka sadly smiles, at his response before changing it back to her usual. Their change of emotion went unnoticed to Mai as the high school student continued to gush over what could be happening towards the two with no supported eveidence whatsoever to prove her thoughts of Lin's possible girlfriend.
"I see... Then please tell him to call me. It's for business." Hearing her, Mai got out of her thoughts in the gutter and decided to make the woman comfortable by giving her a seat on the waiting area as well as make her some tea while Lin took his direction towards the Office phone which are calls Mai cannot answer and has to let either Akemi or Lin be the one to take it. She didn't mind, it was less work with a lot of pay.
"Here you are," Mai handed Madoka some tea and a few biscuits that Akemi bought for the Office for any guests, the heiress even thought of getting candies for her sweet tooth.
"Oh, thank you!"
Lin on the side was taking a call, talking to Naru. "Okay. Yeah, I understand... uh-huh."
Mai turned to glance at the tall man whose shoulders were a bit slumped as his energy was consumed. 'How sad for him, Naru must be badgering him mercilessly.'
"Okay, please hold on. I'll transfer you. It's Naru, for you." Lin hands the telephone towards Madoka, even lifting the whole phone case so Madoka won't have to adjust her position because of the short cable and didn't have to let Madoka stand up when she was eating.
Madoka took the telephone calmly and with a light voice she spoke, "Hello, Naru? Come back home... Yes? Okay, I see... but will you come home?" It was a while quiet for a while on Mai's side as she listened in on the one-sided part of the conversation before Madoka let out a beaming smile. "Thank you, travel back safely~!"
"H-he's coming back...for you?!" Mai gaped as Madoka ended the call, placing it back to where it was placed.
"Yes, he'll be back tonight." Madoka took a sip of her tea.
"I can't believe it... that's amazing, Naru listened..." Seeing how stunned the student was Madoko stared at her in innocent curiosity while Lin tiredly walked back to his office with a breath.
"Hmm, you must be... that's right! The part-time worker Taniyama."
Mai nods, not even confused as to why Madoka knew of her. "Uh-huh and what you just did was unbelievable! Naru and Lin never seem to interact with people— except for work of course and I only have seen one person standing up to him to make a conversation."
"That one person, you don't happen to be talking about Maruyama Akemi?"
"uhh hai..."
Madoka brightened, when Mai nodded and was about to take out her camera but soon slumped in disappoint as Mai said: "But she's not currently here right now, Akemi-sempai is currently finishing some business in America-" realizing she shouldn't have said it despite Madoka's good intentions, Mai changed the topic— one she is extremely curious of knowing. "Say Mori-san, how do you know them? Lin and Naru?"
"How? strictly speaking, I'm their master." 'Eh?' "I'm the one who taught Naru how to 'Ghost hunt'."
'Wha-?!' Mai sheepishly grineed as she did realize the stupidity of believing Naru just became a Ghost hunter. 'There was no reason to think that Naru was born a ghost hunter but how could someone so gentle be Naru's sensei?! I can't believe she didn't teach him some manners.'
Mai placed a hand on her knees, clenching and unclenching her fists as she squirmed in her seat. "Um well... H-how about Lin-san?" 'A-re? Why am I feeling shy?'
Madoka knowingly tilting her head yet remained oblivious. "Huh? What about Lin-san?" but Mai got too shy and shook her head, 'I guess...I really don't know that much about Naru.'
~~~~NARU AKEMI MADOKA~~~
{Next Day}
The ringing bell of the Shibuya Research was heard when Naru, Lin and Madoka reached the Office, it was early in the morning half an hour after six. They thought of it empty but when the doors to the Office was unlocked as well as the room lit up with no such clutter, Naru could tell what it all meant.
All he did was remain quiet and slowly took off his coat, Lin and Madoka following his action just as he hanged it, a pair of strapped heels was heard and out from the mini kitchen came a smiling blonde. "Oh goodmorning~ you guys came here early. Have you had any breakfast?"
Naru turned to face Akemi just as she greeted Lin and Madoka a smile to which the two responded 'goodmorning.' as well, both differ from energy one not as enthusiastic while the other completely sunny as Akemi seemed to be but nonetheless greeted the heiress,
Akemi stood in front of them with her candle-like fingers intertwined at her front. Her hair no longer the silvery waves it used to be instead glimmered like golden threads tied on a high ponytail, a dark blue bow ribbon keeping it together. A few strands were freed to frame her delicate face, round rimmed glasses standing out as it zoomed in over her purple orbs that brightened at the sound of Naru coming in the Office with Lin and a guest.
Rini made sure Akemi wore a white frilly blouse, having a ruffle bow designed to cover her chest whilst her long sleeves were a bit loose enough for her to easily bend her elbows until it circled tight on Akemi wrist via buttons. There were two straps from her lolita corset skirt tied as a bow on her nape. A white thin striped navy blue lolita corset skirt for her bottom outfit. The corset ending just below her knees and stopping right under her bust, letting her chest be emphasized but not enough to be seductive, as it only made Akemi look more lady-like and similar to a doll accentuating her small waist as well with four opal buttons on top of the corset. Akemi looked like one of the lolita dolls that were encased in her little cousins rooms, or an old fashion scholar like uniform. Yet she still looked elegant as ever.
Akemi observed as Naru glanced at Madoka beside him, confused as why she remained quiet but nevertheless took a hold of this opportunity while it lasts and so said, "No need for breakfast, we already got one on the way. Bring tea instead."
Akemi let out an astonishingly jubilant smile, nodding her head with happily closed eyes and went back to the kitchen to prepare some tea, having done her work quickly as that was what she was already doing before they came here. Already knowing of their arrival,
When Akemi was out of sight, Madoka finally found her voice as she finally processed the person who greeted them. Lin already making his way to his own office.
"Naru, you didn't tell me she was this pretty!" 'Her magazines didn't do her face justice...'
Turning a sneaking glance, Madoka watched as Naru remained stoic in expression and sitting at the single sofa chair located in the waiting area. Taking out the map locations in Japan so openly where anybody could see. "I never said she was pretty."
Madoka let out a smile as what that action meant, "Well Lin did." Naru's pause might have went unnoticed to others but Madoka have keen eyes on her head and noticed the reaction.
"Here you go~" Akemi came out of the kitchend and placed Naru's tea at the center table in front of him before sending Madoka an angelic smile while she placed her portions and the biscuits stocked at the kitchen. "I don't know how you like your tea but I do hope this is to your tastes."
"Oh thank you for the tea," Madoka smiled as she took a sip of hers and felt a satisfying warmth passs her stomach as it was splendidly brewed and aromatic; the taste quite addicting.
"When did you got back from your trip?" Naru asked as he too took a simple sip out of his cup whilst Akemi sat herself next to Madoka, handing the woman some biscuits.
Madoka watched as Naru actually made a light conversation but Akemi seemed to have thought nothing of it and kept her elegant smile. "I actually just got back from the flight~"
Madoka hummed, "From America, right? Taniyama-san told me you you were there. Can I ask why? "
Turning to her Akemi nodded, "I had to finish up some business I left in America but not wanting to waste a trip, my family treated it like a mini-vacation of sorts so we stayed there longer than necessary..." Akemi let out chuckle, Madoka smiling along with her.
Akemi's reason going to America in the first place was to send her parents free, a way of closure as she visited where the accident took place and finally bid them peace. It was nothing short of sweet and love as she hugged and spoke to them one last time, actually spending a few days with their spirits and her family in America in a way to continue what they haven't finished— spending time together as family. It was still hard to let go but knowing they were up above in peace assured Akemi she'll be fine, it was also at that day her mother nagged her about her hair color when she inherited her father's beautiful golden locks and her mother didn't stop gushing how handsome her father looked about it too until Akemi agreed to having it back to blonde. Hence her change of color,
"Are you doing anything after this?" Madoka's eyes widened as Naru ignored Madoka's glittering moe and kept his eyes towards Akemi who gave him a deep regretful smile knowing she had to reject Naru's idea of having to study her abilities or learning more about Gene, after getting to see him.
"My schedule is packed for the day and the day after as well but I will be there for the case you want help with since I too will be informed of it."
"Hn." And Naru spoke of nothing else after that and went to finish his tea.
But Madoka took note of how tired Akemi would be and couldn't help but ask the heiress if she would be fine, but Akemi assured the woman she'll be fine since she'll take a chance to rest whenever she can.
"So Mori-san, how are you liking Japan so far?" Akemi asked as Madoka gave her a bright smile.
"Japan is still wonderful as ever! and please, you can call me Madoka-chan, Akemi— ne~ can I call you Akemi-chan? Would that be alright?" Madoka turned her knees, making sure it leaned, pointed towards Akemi's direction and Akemi beamed towards the scholar woman,
"That is fine with me, Madoka-chan~!" Both women tried to control their squeals as they got to a mutal point. Naru was frowning at how close the women in front of him seemed to get at such a short time, I guess he should have guessed such an occurrence as the two women started talking about everything and anything with genuine smiles in their faces. Flowers are sure to be blooming just by being in their presence,
Naru left them alone, picking up his cup and map to lock himself at his office while the others were not yet here; leaving Madoka and Akemi to themselves in the waiting area as soon as the conversation turned to him. Knowing he was defenseless against the two teasing women, Naru would instead rather not having him know what they were talking about to remain oblivious instead of being attacked by the two. As always said, Know when you are defeated.
"-Teaching him was quite a chore but it was amusing too watch how a young 11 year old wanted to learn so much about parapsychology~!"
"Pfft—!" Naru shut his door before he could hear the rest.
~~~MAI AND OTHERS~~~
'So he did come back...' Mai stared at the Sensei and student in the room as Madoka waved at the highschool student, the teacher just standing besides a stoic Naru. 'But he's still pouting...'
Naru sat crossed arm as well as his knees, sitting at the single chair in the waiting area. His eyes closed, as though in focus.
"Why is everyone here?" Mai asked as she closed the door to the Office, noticing how everyone; Ayako, and Masako sat on the right long sofa while Bou-san sat on the single chair across Naru, Akemi with John sat on the other long sofa that's across Ayako's and Masako's.
"Because Naru-chan called us in." Bou-san answers, with a hand on his chin.
Hearing his response, Mai blinked. "Huh? for business?— Oh Bou-san! You cut your hair!"
"So I did."
"Wah! Akemi-sempai your hair!"
"Hm? Oh, I was forced to wash it back to what it was..."
"I didn't know you were actually blonde—"
Seeing how they got off topic, Naru decided to speak. Uncrossing his arms to place them intertwined to his knees. "A client has offered us a new case, I'd like to ask for everyone's help."
And just like that, a phone started to ring. Naru's brow twitched as the phone continued to ring, letting out a sheepishly embarrassed smile beside him, Akemi raised her hand and weakly apologized as she left to take the call; wanting to get away before Naru would bite her head off for disturbing him.
"It's a big case to take on." Naru started off once again, gaining the attentions of others as they followed Akemi out with their eyes. "The client has asked us to use our outmost discretion. If the press hears about it, it'll become a media circus— I really don't want to take the case, but various circumstances make it unavoidable."
Masako had her eyes lightly narrowed as she frowned. "Is this the one Ohashi-san brought to you? I already received this case last week."
"Then maybe you'd like to solve this one on your own?"
Masako let out an uncritical smile, giving her grace. "Of course, you'll have my full cooperation."
Akemi walked out from the kitchen, her phone call already finished. Her eyes hesitantly glancing at Naru, "Ano... Naru—"
"You may leave." Naru said without waiting for Akemi to finish her words, it came ice cold to ears but Akemi let out a relieved smile for it though her eyes did held some sadness that she had to be excused, but it was no matter since she already knew of why Naru called them.
"You're leaving Akemi-sempai?" The heiress nods as she started to get her purse of a brand Mai could never pronounce properly, Akemi hiked it on her shoulder just as Bou-san asked her where she is going.
Akemi gave an elegant smile towards Bou-san, the monk lifting his brow at her as she said: "A family relative is asking for my presence back at home, he was actually scheduled to come earlier but was held off so I decided to pay the Office a visit..."
"Then why bother coming here if you're that busy?" Ayako frowned, the others waited to hear her reason while Akemi let out a wide smile, the fragrance of her happiness smelt close to roses and apples.
"Getting a call from Naru is so rare, I just have to be here, tehee~" Akemi let out a chiming laugh,
Ayako felt her brows twitched, at the small reason. Having to come and go to different places is extremely tiring both mentally and physically when Akemi could have taken time to rest, the heiress decided to go to the Office instead after a flight. "Don't 'Tehee~' me! Seriously this girl!"
"Ara ara~ look at the time, I better go." Akemi once again heard her phone started to ring, she went to leave but before she did the heiress turned to the others bidding them goodbye with her usual smile. "It was nice meeting you, Madoka-chan! I'll see you guys at the mansion then! Au revoir~!"
Naru gave a sigh as they started once again to lost path; ignoring Akemi's sudden changes Naru continued his words as soon as the doors closed.
"Anyway, I personally want to avoid all contact with the media." The others turned to him, placing their focus before they could think of anything else. "So I asked Yasuara-san to be my stand-in."
The door to Naru's office opened and out came a smiling Yasuhara, "Hello."
"Wha?!!!"
Bou-san, frowned not that against of having Yasuhara along but more confused at the excessive measures Naru was taking. "Naru-bou, I know you hate the press but to the point that you need an impersonator?"
"If it wasn't true, I wouldn't have asked Yasuhara-san to come. The client has apparently called together other mediums and the media will flock once to get a whiff of something suspicious going on." Naru grumbled under his breath. "I don't want to get involved if I can help it."
"So," Bou-san grins, finding a hole to put his finger on. "If something's distasteful to you, you dump it on someone else?"
"If you're not interested, do you think I'd care if you left right now?" Was Naru's quick remark making the monk flinch.
Bou-san stammered, feeling a bead of sweat drop on his forehead at Naru's emotionless dismissal. "Hey..now..!"
"Enough! Why can't you ever ask for a favor properly?" The others froze in shock as Madoka lifted a hand to 'touch' Naru's head. "Is that the tone we use when asking people for favors? You always talk like a selfish brat!"
'She- she just called Naru a selfish brat!'
Madoka turns to glance at them, lowering her head to apologize, "This child hasn't learned his manners but he's not a bad child at heart... maybe."
'THIS CHILD?!!' Ayako, Bou-san and Mai's face couldn't be described as they gaped at Madoka's smiling face.
"Madoka! Would you please be quiet?" Naru massaged the bridge of his nose, a few strands of his hair ruffled up at his teacher's actions. His right brow twitching considerably often. "Stop talking."
Madoka beamed beside him, "If you insist, I'm sorry so watch your mouth." As though she had done nothing wrong, flowers bloomed around her as the group could see the glowing crown floating right above her head when Naru's only response was a huff.
"Naru hates to make a big show of things," said person crossed his arms. "He's refused cases similar to this in the past but he's taking this on as a favor to me." Madoka bowed, the others couldn't help but bowing deeper before the Queen. "I know this will be a great inconvenience for everyone but I humbly request your assistance."
"Oh no, we insist," The others feeling obliged to bow deeper before such a great opponent.
"Huh? but I'm confused, Naru." Mai lifted her head, tilting it slightly as she asked. "What will your role be?"
"This time, I'm just a mere investigator."
If Akemi were here she would stifle a laugh, 'Pfft... a mere investigator...!' and the others nodded as that is what she would definitely say. 'But still... that's absurd,' The others continued to think.
"So, who's our client?" Ayako asked with a hand on her chin.
Naru taking out a newspaper beside him and placed it on the table, where the others could see. Ayako picked up the template and left the others gawking, "Is that? That's the Former Prime Minister..."
Now Ayako realized who the person Akemi is supposed to meet as well as why she would see them instead at the 'Mansion' and observing how Naru let her leave despite not saying what the case was made Ayako know that Akemi already knew what was going on. 'Mattaku! That girl sure is keeping some things on her own...'