The Story Continued (Ghost Hunt)

Chapter 52

"So what did you come here for?" Naru asked in a dangerously cold tone. "And you better think well before you answer because Mr.Ogawa is on his way here and you've already pissed me off once before."

"If I tell you, will you let us help with the investigation?" Kaoru asked back.

"No." Naru threw dryly.

"Really? Because I have information that might just help you with the case." Kaoru tried again. Mai grabbed Naru's sleeve which made him turn. "We might finish this case quicker." She tried to convince him. He let out a loud sigh. "I'll listen to your information first...and then if I find something for you to do I'll decide." He stated.

"Well, that sounds like we took a step forward." Tooru smiled.

"So what's the information?" Naru ignored him.

"It's more of a story in our family. My mom told me about it. It says that Ichiko had a secret friend. But they never talked in person because they were scared that the other person would be bullied too." Kaoru explained. "And how do you know it?" Takigawa sounded suspicious of the story.

"It's said that this story came from Ichikos diary. But we have no idea where it is anymore.....But....If I remember correctly there was a story of another diary."

"A second one? What for?" Mai asked.

"It wasn't really a diary. More of a book she placed in the library to communicate with her friend."

"If I remember correctly." Takigawa mimicked. "Stop that crap you came here to find that book, didn't you." Kaoru didn't answer. Instead, he looked away. "But why is it in the library? Why hasn't that friend taken it after Ichiko died." Mai questioned. "We might find out after we find the diary." Naru stated. "This time start looking for real." He then looked straight at Kaoru. "You.... can... help." He said through his teeth barely getting the words out. And Mai grinning from ear to ear next to him wasn't helping. "Thank you, Naru!" She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Awww, that's soooo cute!" Reiko squeaked.

Mai blushed at the sudden attention. She tried to turn away and hide her blush. And even without seeing she knew Naru was staring at her with the biggest smirk. "Let's get to work. Lin and Mai will meet with the client with me. The rest of you can start searching. With the size of this library, I wish you luck." Naru broke the silence. After hearing a bunch of "yes" and "sure" started to walk out. Mai waved at the group and joined him happily. As Lin started to follow, Madoka called out to him. "Wait, I'll tag along." She said, making the man smile.

Shortly after, the four of them were seated across from their client. Naru just finished explaining the situation. Mr. Ogawa sighed. "You won't find that book in the library." He stated as he opened a drawer in his desk. He pulled something out. "You have it? Why?" Mai questioned. "And why didn't you tell us?"

The look on his face saddened. "I hoped..." He started. "That the situation would resolve without this information. But with the building getting damaged and all, I knew it probably won't be the case." The man handed the book to Naru who gave it to Mai. "Turn it to the last page." He said and. And Mai did just that. She read.

Dear Ichiko,

I know you will never read this page. You don't know how sorry I am right now. If I knew I would have stopped them. I really would. I haven't been a good sister to you. And that is what I regret the most. But I won't leave you alone, never again. Wait for me. I'm coming.

Your, Sachiko

"They were sisters? That's why they look so much alike?" Mai noticed. Mr, Ogawa nodded. "And they were my daughters." The group was shocked. Mostly Mai and Madoka. "Can you please explain the situation from the beginning? I believe you've wasted enough of our time by not telling us this earlier." Naru said

"When the girls were born my wife and I didn't have much. I wasn't even working yet. So we gave them up for adoption under the condition that they will get adopted together. Years after my wife died, I couldn't stay in my old town anymore. Too many memories. I took this opportunity to find the girls and move closer to them. That's when I found out they were adopted by two separate families. Strangely, they were living in the same town. When an opportunity arrived i took the job at this school but it was too late. It was after the incident. One day I found this diary in the library. Disguised as a normal old book. It has their whole story. They started as friends. Ichiko knew she was adopted so when they noticed the similarities they took a DNA test. And then one day that accident happened"

"But why was Sachiko perceived as a bully in the news?" Mai asked "The answer is also in the diary. For some reason, the bullies took a liking to her. So she could either hang out with them or be bullied by them." The man answered. "So she killed herself to join her sister." Naru stated. "Could it be that the one who wants revenge is Sachiko? Revenge for her sister." Mai asked. "We do have one aggressive spirit and if you say it's not Ichiko then it might be Sachiko." Naru nodded. "But all the other bullies are still alive, we can't use hitogata. We either convince them to leave or we will have to exorcise this place."

"No, please don't. Please help them." The client begged. Naru sighed. "Is there anything else you want to tell us?" He questioned.

"I don't think so."

Naru nodded, then got up and left the room. "I'll let everyone know to meet in the base." Madoka said as she and Lin walked out. Mai looked at the man. "What is it?" He asked. "Do you perhaps...treat the special class differently because of your experience?" Mr.Ogawa smiled. "You're a smart young lady. You're right. I guess I'm using this excuse of a 'special class' to protect them from bullying."

"I don't think they need protection but I believe they will be happy to hear that from you." Mai suggested. "Talking about my past is something I needed for a long time. After we settle the case with the ghosts I might have to come clean to my students. They deserve it." He explained. "I'll be leaving now. No need to disturb you anymore." He stood up and started walking. He stopped at the doorway, heading home. "That job of yours is a very interesting one. It suits you well." He then disappeared behind the door. "I like it too." Mai whispered to herself as she too walked out of the office. She got to the base just as Naru finished talking. "What's going on?" She asked. "Nothing much. Naru just explained the situation to us." Gene answered. "I already sent the others home. We'll be heading back as well. With so much new information we have to rethink our next move." The boss added. "Shut, I had something to tell them." Mai murmured. "What are you whispering about?" Naru asked as he neared the girl. "If all goes well we might finish this case tomorrow and the day after you will be on a plane to England."

"This makes me wish this case didn't end." The girl commented. Naru raised an eyebrow. "You're not scared of my parents, are you? Or do you have no confidence in your English?"

"Mai!" She heard Ayako call. "None of that. Nevermind." She said and was about to answer Ayako when Naru pulled her in. "This is payback." He said after the kiss. "For what?! You said you had no problem with that!" She asked, meaning the display of affection. "I don't. But don't try to be slick with me, Mai. And better get that blush off of your face or Ayako might not let you live." He smirked. Mai stuck out a tongue before turning around and storming off to where Ayako was.