Sudds1998- Hey guys, I'm back! I know it's been a while. Ok, maybe years. Don't hate me! I have a legit reason for not posting. I have entered the life of a University student and have had barely enough time to even sleep. Now that I have a summer break and am used to university life I will post more often.

Naru- So, your back.

Sudds1998- yep.

Naru- You gonna kidnap me?

Sudds1998- Nope.

Naru- Good.

Sudds1998- . . .

Sudds1998- You gonna say the line?

Naru- no.

Sudds1998- What why not!

Naru- Simple, you locked me here for two years and wouldn't let me out.

Sudds1998- But . . . I'm sorry I forgot!

Naru- You forgot for two years!

Sudds1998- * crying* I'm sorry!

Naru- Not good enough. *Grabs Sudds1998*

Sudds1998- Hey what are you doing! *Gets duck taped to a wall*

Naru- There, now you can't get out.

Sudds1998- Let me out of here!

Naru- Na, I don't think so. I'm leaving and never coming back.

Sudds1998- Naru! No!

Naru *Smirks in satisfaction while heading towards the exit*

Mai- Oh hey Naru!

Naru- . . . Mai . . .

Mai- What's going on? Why is there duck tape on the wall?

Naru- It's simple Mai, I duck taped Sudds1998 to the wall so she couldn't bother me anymore.

Mai- what are you talking about Naru? Sudds1998 isn't duck taped on the wall. She has been gone for years. You are hallucinating again.

Naru- What, but she was just there!

Sudds1998- *Hiding (again) in closet* Hey readers, don't forget I don't own Ghost Hunt or it's characters. Though I seem to have accidentally trapped them in this place for the past few years . . . oops.

Chapter 5: Sing your heart out: part one

The air was crisp and clean as we rode in the companies van down the old cobblestone path, my hand sticking out the window. We've been on the highway for three hours (with one and a half more to go) and have recently entered the Town of Sunrise Mountain. The surrounding area was not what you would expect when picturing a nightclub with a ghost. The town is completely engrossed by forest and small lakes with beautiful fields of flowers. The town is really more like a city than a town though; it's huge with lots of tall buildings and a few skyscrapers. Did I mention all the vines and tall trees that seem to be everywhere? It's like the forest combined with the "town" to make a giant symbiotic ecosystem. It's awesome and honestly I could never picture anything bad happening here; it seems like paradise, but then again every rose has its thorns right?

The ride, for the most part, was uneventful. It would appear the gang was able to go back to their old ways as soon as we got back together. As usual, Monk, Ayako and John were driving in Monk's car while Massisuki, Lin, Naru and myself rode in the companies white van. Also, as per usual, the ride was . . . boring as hell. What with all three of my "companions" ignoring, avoiding and all-out SILENCING any attempt of a conversation I've tried to start. So I did what any rational person would do in my situation: listen to music.

I plugged my earphones in and listened to the oh so electronic tunes of "Monster" by Imagine Dragons. Yes I know their American but I don't care, they're awesome.

"If I told you what I was, would you turn your back on me?". . ."And If I seem dangerous, would you be scared?". . . "I get the feeling just because, everything I touch isn't dark enough"

As I was lightly singing the song I could feel a pair of eyes on me, but I ignored them. "And this problem lies with me-e" I am all out singing now.

"I'm only a man with a candle to guide me, I'm taking a stand to escape what's inside me!" . . . "A monster a monster, I've turned into a monster, a monster a monster, and it keeps getting stronger!"

I have loved this song since I first heard of Imagine dragons; it was the first song I memorized by heart. I should have taken it as a futuristic warning or something because honestly hearing the lyrics to this song is like listening to my life right now.

I do fear that one day my friends will discover my secret and reject me, just like I fear they will be afraid of me. I know the monster inside me is evil and will kill if provoked and that the only way to control it is the cycle of the moon; with each passing night, only makes it stronger. I don't' mean stronger in the sense that the leopard gains more abilities, I mean that the leopard slowly gains more control of my mind after each full moon. I only have a certain amount of time left until my consciousness is gone and is replaced by whatever it is that is inside me.

"Hey Naru, could we stop at the next rest stop? I really need a bathroom."

"Mai, we only have thirty more minutes till we arrive, you can wait". Now, before everyone gets all-judgmental, it's important to put into perspective that I drank practically an entire gallon of tea yesterday. Why? Well, let's just say that a certain someone demanded that I pack him practically all his tea supply yesterday; which as you can imagine, was not ideal for me. I mean, Naru owns enough tea to run his own tea business. So, I'd be pretty much his "tea maid" throughout the whole case. I, therefore, came up with the "genius" idea to drink his tea supply out the day before the case; so when he asks for tea, there would be none. You might think this ridiculous, I mean- everybody else did. I could've just thrown out the tea bags, hidden them or even burn them; but you see, Naru would've just looked through the trash, my company credit account, or whatever he does to completely undermined, and distinguish, my "master plan``. No, he does not just look through the Trash for fun; but he is like Sherlock Holmes in his ways of figuring out my clever lies. Anyway, let's just say I learned my lesson when it comes to lying to Naru. "Alright, but be quick." Good, cause I am very close to losing it over here.

We stopped at a rest top covered in flower trees and vines. The whole place looked pretty close to what you'd expect of a greenhouse; with the exception of a couple of restaurants and restrooms. " hey guys, where there would you like me to pick up some snacks? We're probably not going to have enough time to get food when we get there." Ya, would you mind grabbing something? I'm not sure what they have here but anything is better than nothing" "Sure thing Monk"

As I entered through the doors I immediately felt as though I was amerced in Jungle . . . the whole place was surrounded with potted trees and flowers and the roof was glass. After I finished my "business", I searched through the options for a semi-decent meal. The only things I could find were a Tim Hortons, Burger King, Taco Bell and Mc Donald's, which were all good options, the only problem was choosing one. In the end, I chose the best option, Burger King. (Sorry to all Mc Donald's fans) As I was on my way out the door, holding about fifty dollars' worth of food, some stupid head walked right into me. "wow, sorry mam, I didn`t see ya there." I didn't get a good look at his face because I was busy adjusting the bags in my arms. From what I could tell though he was older and dressed nicely with a white shirt and black pants. "it's alright, nothing was damaged" except for my fries but I won`t mention that. ``Let me help you with your bags. I`m hoping you're not the only one eating this hull, cause that`s an awful lot of food"`

``Look, I appreciate your help but I'm fine. Also, all `this` isn`t for me it`s also for my co-workers . . . . so if you don`t mind I need to go.`` As I tried to slip past him my arm brushed up against his and I felt the familiar pull towards my usual vision. 'Ah crap . . . ' I thought as I slipped into oblivion.

ASTRAL PLANE

``ugh, where, where am I . . . .?"

"Well, that depends, do you want the good news or the sad news"

"Ohhh . . . damit, I better not of fallen asleep at work again or Naru is going to kill me …. "

"No, nothing like that, you just touched a client's arm at a gas station and collapsed to the floor."

"Then what's the sad news?"

"You are covered in fast food."

". . . . none of my co-workers saw right?"

"Nope, everyone is surrounding you. Ayako appears to be taking a picture."

"Crap. Gene, there better be a good reason for you to be dragging me overhear, besides to annoy me."

There he was: Gene. As usual, my second favourite Twin was standing there looking cool as a cucumber, while I lay on the floor, looking like an idiot. Nothing has changed, especially the astral plane; it still has the look of a deep purple lava lamp. I haven't been to the astral plane since Naru left; mostly because I taught myself "control" over my powers but also I haven't been on a single case. As I mentioned before, I CAN NOT WORK CASES AT NIGHT and, since most paranormal activity happens at night, I cut ghost hunting out of my life. Also, there's the fact that finding ghost related work here sucks, let alone during the day. Yet here I am, working a possible one to two week case. What is the matter with me? I used to be so responsible. Anyway, I'm off topic- Gene- need to focus on the problem.

"Gene, show me"

"Okay, miss bossy . . . can't even be bothered to say hello."

"What?"

"Here we go."

Ghost Related Dream

The room was pulsating with the beat of the music, many a person was drinking, dancing . . . and something I can't quite mention in polite company. The place may have the appearance of a tropical wonderland but the heart is as wild as a jungle can get. The inside was a vibrant green with trees and flowers climbing the high walls to the black glass tinted ceiling. There were flashing lights reflecting off disco balls in every colour you could think of and the place was packed from inch to inch. Standing in the middle of the chaos was a young boy with blond hair and brown eyes; he looked uncomfortable in his black suit and tie while everyone else was in tee shirts and jeans. The boy was standing by the punch bowls and by the looks of it, trying to hide. An older man is approaching, by the looks of it in his thirty's, with brown hair and brown eyes, and is also wearing a suit and tie. "HEEEYYY, YOU COME EERR" The boy tries to scramble away, but the man catches him by the colour of his jacket. "You don't by chance . . have tha- thing I asked for boy?" The older man practically slurred. "No, sir he- ahh!" The man slapped the kid's cheek which sent him sprawling to the ground. "SHHHUTT UUPP!" the boy is crouched and holding his injured cheek while the man starts yelling profanities and pointing his finger at the boy. "I told you I wanted the sufffff and I expected you to deliver . . . like the good soldier boy you are" This time the man kicks but the boy grabs the man's foot and trips him to the floor. The kid tries to make a break for it but the man grabs the boy's hair and flings him into a stack of chairs. "Now, I'm going to ask again, where is my stuff?" the man practically snarls in the kids face. "TT-The man sai-d he would be late. Because he ran into problems . ." the kid whimpers back. The older man lifted the kid by his front colour and looked him in the eye while saying " what. Problems." The man said it in such a cold voice it sent shivers down my spine. "Black Raven." The man's face went dead in an instant and he dropped the kid to the floor and walked out. The boy, now sitting on his but, crawled under a punch table and started to cry.

"DDadddyy why . . ."

END OF DISTURBING VISION

When I gained consciousness I was in a haze. My surroundings were blurred and out of focus. Everything but him that is . . . "Mai, I have something to tell you" I stared at his handsome face for a few seconds while memorizing every feature I find fascinating about him. His blue eyes, his sarcastic manner, his thick black hair . . . before realizing something very important, something so obvious, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. "I'm in love with you, I have been since the moment we met and I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of our lives. So, It is with the deepest of feeling that I ask, will you marry me?" Huh, how nice, Naru loves me; he wants to marry me . . . wait a second . . Naru is not typically open with his emotions and, even if he was, he most certainly wouldn't love me. Well, if that's not Naru there's only one other option. "Ya know Gene, if this is going to become an every-day occurrence, I may have to find myself another Ghost to haunt my dreams." As I took a better look at my surroundings, there was nothing but blackness surrounding us, it all became clear to me: I was still in the astral plane. "Hurtful Mai" I took Gene's offered hand and stood back up. "Especially how you denied my brothers love so blindly." Letting go of his hand I looked at him blankly and said "Gene, can we be serious for a moment. Why am I still here? I don't typically stay after a vision unless it's important; so, what's happening?" His face went from playful to serious in a second. "Mai, I am here to warn you. You are in serious danger."

"Gene, I've been in serious danger before, how bad can it be?"

"The won who cursed you will be at the club." Immediately, my blood went cold as ice. No, I don't mean regular ice, I mean frozen nitrogen ice. The stuff so cold, if you place a hand on it for even a second, you could lose a finger. " how do you know this?" I really hope he's kidding. I never intended to run into that scary "wizard" after the "incident"; but, it appears I am. "Mai, I am being serious. Try not to run into him at work."

"Well, that should be easy, the guy doesn't exactly scream 'normal' with his strange outfit. Oh ya, that, and he's a psychopath. I was pacing in circles next to Gene while attempting not to panic. 'I knew taking this job was a bad idea.' "Mai" 'Maybe I can go back to working at the tea shop? Mike wouldn't say no.' "Mai?" "The only downside would be serving a bunch of man whores and tea addicts" "Mai!" Gene grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me. "huh?" " If you actually let me finish . . . I was going to say that you have nothing to worry about." "huh? But you just said I was going to see my 'creator' 'arch nemesis' and the single most reason I am not dating right now. Also, let's not forget how he threatened to kill me." " Yes, to all of that. But Mai, you know what this guy looks like, smells like, and maybe even sounds like. Also, he only said he'd kill you if you get in his way." "and how do I know he isn't the one responsible for the haunting?" "Mai, if he wanted to inflict pain to someone, he'd turn them into cute cuddly animals." "Hey! I am not cute . . ." I said while twiddling my thumbs. "Mai, the point is, you'll be able to avoid him. No human, monkey, deer or 'wizard' is smart enough, or crafty enough, to hide from you in plain sight." "I suppose your right. But what if he is able to sense my presence somehow?" "As I said before, if you don't bother him he won't bother you. Just try not to come in contact with him. You're not ready to face him yet".

"Anyway Mai, it's probably a good idea for you to go now. You're about ten minutes from your first case in . . . how many years was it?" "Not important. Thanks Gene, for the warning." "Don't mention it, Mai. Though, if you'd really like to thank me, you could admit your unifying love toward my other self." "Not in this life time Gene." I said sadly while laying down again and closing my eyes.

OUT OF THE ASTRAL PLANE

I awoke, this time for sure, in the real world. It appears that someone placed me in the back seat of the companies van. Looking down I also noticed someone attempted to wipe condiments off of my white blouse- unsuccessfully I might add. Crap, whoever cleaned me could have had the decency to cover the see threw areas. Maybe even given me a different shirt. Whatever I just hope Naru hasn't seen . . . who am I kidding he probably has. "Mai, you're awake." It was a simple statement; one that anybody would believe to be innocent. To me though, it was full of intent. It was seemingly obvious, at least to me - and possibly Lin- that he wanted every last drop of information I gathered from my vision. "Ok, so first-." "Mai, I would like it if you typed out what you saw and make printed copies for both Lin and myself. You can start when everything is set up in the base. Make sure EVERYTHING you saw is included in the report. Don't leave even the most minute detail out. It may be important later on in the investigation." Everything was quiet for the rest of the drive to the bar with the occasional cough or sneeze. Until we eventually arrived at what I imagined was 'Dub-Step'. The place, for a lack of a better term, was comical. Yes, comical: There were giant signs with disco dancers all over the blue bricked walls; graffiti was sprayed over every inch that was not covered in signs, and to top it all off, the whole building was covered in vines that were sprouting yellow flowers. Honesty, I wasn't sure if this place was a bar or a playground for vigilante kids.

As we parked the van by the curb, Monks car rolled in. *SLAM* "That's the last time I ride with you! Naru, on the way back, I'm riding with you guys." "No." was Naru's simple answer to Ayako as he walked towards the front door. "Hey Mai, how are you feeling? Better I hope." It was monk who asked this question while looking both amused and concerned. "Ya, much better, just needed sleep I guess." "It was a vision wasn't it." Masako asked with her sleeve covering her mouth. "Yea it was, and before you ask, I've been ordered to make copies for Lin and Naru. So, we're probably going to have a meeting about it sometime after I hand them in."

The rest of the group and I followed Naru to the large front door which, surprisingly, had a doorbell. It was rectangular and black as coal with a dragon engraved in the centre. *DING-DOONNGGG* The man who answered was dressed as a waiter, and was probably in his early thirty's, with brown eyes and short blond hair. "Are you Kouya Daichi? Akira Daichi's son?" Asked Naru "yes, I am and who are you?" "We are Shibuya Psychic research, I met with your father earlier this week. Your company hired us to rid your bar of any possible hauntings." "ahh yes, please forgive my lack of manners, we tend to attract odd crowds; so, it's kinda hard to tell who's here for partying compared to someone here to fix our plumbing" ' how hard could it be to distinguish a bar hopper from a genuine worker? These people must be blind or stupid'.

"Hey, if I may ask, why do you have a doorbell? I've never seen a bar with one before" asked Monk, as Daichi jr. led us through a dimly lit hallway towards a dark wooden door. "Um, well, I'm not entirely sure myself. You see, when my father bought this building it was a lot more, well, let's just say rustic. It was more like a mansion than a bar really. It was burned to hell in most places and what was left behind was almost unsalvageable; but, with a bit of money and some elbow grease, he sure made it look pretty good, if I do say so myself." "yes, but what does this have to do with the doorknob?" asked Monk. "Well, when my father was renovating the place, there were a few surviving pieces. One of which was the doorbell. I'm sure you saw how wonderfully crafted it is; that's because it was handcrafted from onyx rock by the previous owners. According to the man who sold father the property, it was also an original. Anyway, he decided to try and sell the doorbell: since it was an unnecessary accessory when owning a bar. The thing is, every time he, or someone else, tries to remove the doorbell they seem to lose their train of thought. I know this sounds ridiculous, but every time father, a co-worker, or myself, thinks of selling the doorbell, the thought magically disappears. That is the reason we still have a doorbell." "That is pretty creepy. Wouldn't you say so Naru?" Asked Monk while he looked behind him towards the main entrance.

"Hmm, where is your father Kouyo?" asked Naru. "Oh, well father is on his way back from a business meeting. He is on the lookout for potential buyers in case the club has to be 'let go'." "Hey, have some faith in us! Most of us here are legitimate exorcists." "Shut up Monk! I would be of far greater use here than a monk rockstar." ' Good grief, those two better not start fighting again'. "I wasn't necessarily talking about you. Though now that I think about it how are you going to be useful here? Your powers only workaround sacred earth." Asked Monk, while running his hand through his hair. "Exactly, in case you haven't noticed this place isn't exactly barren now is it?" "oh yeah, your right. This place is filled to the brim with plants." "Honestly Monk, how little do you think of me?" "Enough you two, we need to set up," said Naru while staring off into the distance.

We walked through the doors and found ourselves in a large room with a grey ceiling, slated black floors; grey walls with blotches of purple, blue and pink and retro looking furniture. Finally, there was a circular stage in the centre of the room which was low enough to walk upon without stairs. "Okay, you asked for three rooms right? Two for sleeping and one for 'base', with lots of plugins right?' "correct," said Naru. "Well . . . this way then" We followed Daichi through another couple of hallways till we ended up in a room that appeared to be a break room for employees." "Okay, I've moved my employees break room somewhere else; so you can use this room for your base. There are two other rooms down the hall for sleeping quarters; I have provided enough blankets, futons, and pillows for everyone and the bathrooms are attached to the rooms you're staying in." Ahh sh** I forgot to ask Naru for a separate room. Should I ask now and risk everyone's scrutiny? Or just sneak out and sleep somewhere else then return in the morning?. . I'll take option two. I'm not going to cause more worry and questioning than I need to. "Alright, if you need anything, I'll be in my office two rooms down from the dance floor." After that, Naru had Lin, Monk and myself bring in the equipment while Ayako, Masako and John walked the halls (A.K.A trying to sense spirits). After about two hours of bringing in and setting up the equipment, Naru sent me out to set up the cameras, and sound systems. "Okay, this place is pretty big, better mark where I've been or I will get lost," I said while sniffing my surroundings. Hell, if cats and dogs can find their way home with smell, then so can I. I set up one camera and sound system per hallway and two cameras and sound systems per room. So far, I have set up three hallways and four rooms with five more rooms and two hallways to go. All the while, I was sniffing. As I entered my final room, which was the dance floor, I set up the last cameras and sound systems. "Okay, job well done. Here that Naru? All systems are up and running." I said while grinning. "Good Mai, now come back to base and type out those reports." Said my walky-talky (A.K.A Naru) "Ughh fine" "Oh and Mai? Make me tea while you're at it" "UUGGHH" I said while storming back to the base camp.

On my way back, I tried my damnedest to subtly sniff my way back knowing Naru was watching me. How do I know that? The cameras keep focusing on me when I walk by. When I finally got there, I was greeted with a very strange yet not unwelcome sight. "You are really getting on my last nerve Monk. Did you, or did you not, eat my cookies?" It was an all-out war scene. Monk and Ayako were practically at each other's throat while John was attempting to separate them; Naru and Lin were looking at the monitors while Masako watched on in minor amusement.

Mai- Oh hey Sudds998, so Naru wasn't hallucinating. You're really here!

Sudds1998- *gets hugged by Mai* Ooff!

Mai- I missed you!

Sudds1998- Mai, where is Naru?

Mai- Right behind me!

Sudds1998- Oh sh***t

Naru- *Summons energy ball* You can't escape! We will be free!

Sudds1998- Mai, here are plane tickets back to Japan. Take care of yourself, bye! *Runs off while an explosion occurs from behind*

Sudds1998- Hi readers I'm once again sorry for being super late on my update. I promise to update a lot sooner than before! Give me suggestions on how Mai should avoid cameras in the comments and I'll add them in the next chapter!