Chapter 5

 

"I can feed myself." Minako glared at the small bandaged figure lost in the center of her bed. "Ami says that you need to save your energy. Now open." Soban stared back, her eyes narrowing mutinously. "Here comes the airplane. Vroooom Vrooooom. Now open up the hanger door." Soban rolled her eyes at Minako's display and chuckled involuntarily. "Oh . . .all right." Obediently she opened her mouth and allowed Minako to spoon feed her. Shortly they were finished and Minako carefully cleaned Soban's lips with a damp cloth. "There . . .all warm and full. Now I'll just let you alone to have a nice nap." "Heavy date?" Minako flushed and glanced at Soban from beneath lowered lashes. "What . . what gives you that idea?" Soban snorted inelegantly. "One, your parents are going to be out of town for another two weeks. Two, you've been going around all day with a stupid grin on your face and three, you're wearing new silk tap-pants and that matching ruffled camisole." Minako stared at Soban openmouthed then flushed as the meaning of her words sank in. "You . . .you watched me getting dressed? You HENTAI . . .I thought you were asleep!"

"Hey . . .you took away my clothes . . .been keeping me against my will . . ." Soban indicated her bandaged form with a wave of her hand. "Tied me up . . .looks pretty kinky to me." Minako purpled as conflicting emotions surged through her head. "BAKA . . .it's not the same thing. You were hurt. My home was closest and my parents are gone on business. We would've taken you to a hospital but you woke up . . .and fought the idea so much Ami was afraid you'd hurt yourself . . .so we brought you here." "And I could've gone home days ago . . ." It was Minako's turn to snort in disbelief. "You can't even go potty by yourself . . ." "You should know. I think you like it . . .having me at your mercy . . ." Minako flushed angrily. . . .then realized Soban was jerking her chain . . . again.

"We WERE talking about why you were watching me get dressed . . .while pretending to be asleep. Do . . .do you . . .like girls?" Minako asked hesitantly. Soban raked Minako from head to toe with her good eye. "What you mean is . . .do I want to throw you naked to the floor and ravish your body. Do I want you naked, helpless . . .writing in passion as I . . ." Minako stamped her foot in frustration. "You're impossible. Why can't you ever give a straight answer." "How do you know I'm not?" "I . . .I just do . . . that's all. You're just trying to get a rise out of me. Well it's not going to work. I know about all your little tricks. . . ." "Not ALL my tricks." Soban smirked. Minako made a motion as if she were going to throw the empty soup bowl at Soban. "Oh hush. And, as a matter of fact, I DO have a date tonight. And he's SO COOL. Not like those BOYS at Juban." "And Mr. COOL isn't a boy? Then what is he . . .a pork-bun?"

"NO! He's a collage MAN. The son of one of my father's friends." Manako hugged herself in excitement. "HE's got his own CAR . . .and he's been to France and Italy . . .his father is in the diplomatic service . . .and he knows how to order at a restaurant . . .IN FRENCH , and . . . The door bell chimed and Minako spun, her skirts flaring. "How do I look? Do I look alright?" Soban quirked a lip sourly. "Do I look like an expert? I couldn't get a date with an Imperial edict and twenty million Yen unless the boy were blind, deaf and dead." Miako looked crestfallen. "OH, I'm being selfish. I'll go tell him that we can't . . ."

"Hell! Don't be stupid. You look fine. Go out and have a good time." "We're not going out. I couldn't leave you alone." "Go . . .go. What could happen . . ." "No . . .we're staying in." Minako giggled. "Besides, he says he want's to spend a quiet evening . . .I think he's so SWEET!" "You are so kawaii I could puke." Soban let her head fall back on the pillow as Minako skipped out the door giggling.

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"Do I look alright." Minako asked, then mentally kicked herself for asking such a . . .a . . .childish question. But Hirosan didn't think it was childish. He smiled, in his quiet way, and said she looked wonderful. Ikeda Hirosan . . .20 years old . . .a student at the Todai . . .son of a diplomat . . .beautiful . . .Minako sighed again looking at him. "I brought you a present." Hirosan walked over to his overcoat draped over a chair and pulled a wrapped package out of a side pocket. Minako automatically reached for the package as Hiro handed it to her. As she unwrapped it she saw that it was a video. For a moment, as the brightly colored box was revealed, she was afraid that it was . . .unsuitable. Then she had the paper completely off and saw . . . "CATS!!! Oh, how wonderful. I saw the stage production . . .it's just fantastic." Impulsively she threw her arms around Hirosan in a hug . . .then pulled back blushing in confusion.

Hirosan just smiled again. "I'm glad you like it. I must confess that I have an ulterior motive." "W . . .what!" Minako gulped. "I would like you to translate for me . . .my English is not so good that I can follow all of the dialogue." Minako laughed happily. "I would be honored Hirosan. " "Call me Hiro . . .and I will call you sensei." Minako laughed again and went to set up the VCR. When she got back Hirosan . . .no Hiro (she felt herself get a little warm using his name so familiarly, even to herself) had prepared a tray of snacks and . . . 'Ummm . . .is that . . .wine?" She asked doubtfully. "OH . . ."Hiro smacked himself against the side of his head. "Hiro no baka. I wasn't thinking Minakochan . . .please forgive me. I will prepare a soft drink for you instead." Hiro started to pour the drinks down the sink. "NO! I mean . . .no . . .it's all right." "Are . . .are you sure Minakochan?" Minako warmed a little at his use of the familiar form of her name. "Oh . . .yes . . .a little . . .I mean . . .yes . . .yes it's all right."

"Well . . .I'll make the soft drinks anyway. You may not like my choice of wine." "I'm sure anything you do is fine Hiro . . .Hirochan." She added boldly. Soon they were settled on the couch as CATS rolled across the screen. Hiro noticed Minako's little grimace at the unfamiliar taste of the wine. Without comment he had smilingly moved a cola into her hand. Minako warmed remembering the thoughtful gesture. " . . .and that's 'Old Dultrononemy' . . .uh . . . 'D-E-U-T-eronomy'" Minako struggled with the name. Her tongue felt heavy . . .swollen. And her tummy. . . "Are you alright, Minakochan?" Hirosan asked in concern as Minako pressed her hand to her stomach. "Uhhhhh . . .mu . . .mu . . .'omach . . .'urts" Minako struggled to get the words out. And her limbs felt rubbery . . .disconnected . . .like she wasn't really in her body at all. "Here . . .let me help you breath." Hirosan started to unbutton her blouse. Feebly Minakao tried to bat his hands away . . .but . . .she couldn't move . . .she couldn't move at all. The door bell chimed and Hirosan left the couch to go to the door.

With tremendous effort Minako managed to get her head to roll sideways on the couch . . . in time to see Hirosan return with a stranger . . .another boy . . .carrying a camera! " . . .osed to WAIT!" Hiro berated the newcomer. "What if she hadn't been out yet." "But I thought . . ." "You're not supposed to think. I told you I'd call you when she was ready." "But you were so long. And you've got three more tonight. " "The stupid bitch wouldn't drink the wine. And it takes longer when it's not dissolved in alcohol." "Well . . .just remember that you've got to get to Ayakosan's in an hour." "No problem. Now help me get her clothes off. Yokichi's already up to 56 . . .I'm not gonna let that little prick win."

"You really think . . ." the strange boy lifted one of Minako's legs and pulled off her shoe; then started rolling down her stocking. " . . .uhhh . . .you really think you can fuck a hundred girls before he does?" "Damn right I can." Hiro growled. Frustrated at the tiny buttons on Minako's blouse he pulled the front with a savage gesture that sent the dainty fasteners bouncing across the carpet. "You boys should be more careful. That's an expensive blouse." Hiro spun at the unexpected voice with a curse; the strange boy jerked back with a gasp and fell on his rear . . .Minako's stocking draped comically over his head. "Who the FUCK are YOU!" "You said there wouldn't be any one else here." The other boy babbled frantically from the floor. "You said she wouldn't remember anything . . .the stuff would make her forget . . .you said she'd be alone . . .you said . . ."

"SHUT UP!" Hiro roared at his hapless accomplice, then rounded on the newcomer. His eyes narrowed as he saw Saoban's small bandaged figure. His face wrinkled in distaste as he noted the scars, the blind eye and the slowly fading bruising. "Shit . . .what a freak. Look . . .we just give her the stuff too." "But she . . .she knows . . . she won't just drink . . ." "Don't be stupid. We pour it down her. She's just a little cripple." Hiro shuddered in distaste at the thought of having to touch the strange figure.. "But we might hurt her . . .uh . . .hurt her more . . .."

"Hell . . .if we killed her it'd be a blessing . . .put her out of OUR misery . . .so nobody had to look at her any more." Hiro pulled a foil packet from his pocket and stalked forward. "Now just take the pill, like a good little freak, and you'll go to sleep. And don't worry about your . . .virtue . . ."Hiro laughed crudely. "A dog wouldn't fuck you. Not even Mako here . . ." Hiro jerked a thumb at the boy behind him." . . .and he's so desperate for a piece he'd even screw a Korean." Hiro ignored the strangled protest behind him as he reached for the small battered figure before him. Soban sagged against the door frame, spent from the effort just getting out of bed. As his hand started to close around her throat he jerked back in surprise as a cold jet of liquid caught him in the face. Angrily he wiped the . . .cooking oil . . .? He recognized the smell. He wiped the oil from his face and surged forward to batter the small figure into submission. No one made a fool of Ikeda Hirosan. He skidded to a stop as Soban flicked a butane lighter into life.

"Mako . . .Mako . . .Makochan." Soban's husky voice took several tries to spur the frozen Mako to life. "Would you please get the door. "Huh?" "The door Makochan. Open the door . . .you and Hirochan are just leaving." "Now . . now . . .wait . . .wait . . ."Hiro stuttered, trying to come to grips with the unexpected situation. "What do you think . . ." Soban limped slowly forward and Hiro backed away . . .eyes fixed on the yellow butane flame . . .very aware of the cooking oil soaking his hair and clothes. With relief he heard the door open . . .and the desperate patter of footsteps as Mako dashed out the door and down the street.

Soban's voice stopped him as he reached the open door. "Better call Ayakosan and tell her you can't make it." "Wha . . ." Hiro had just a moment . . .a tiny fraction of time to realize what Soban meant . . .as she touched flame to oil. With a despairing shriek Hiro ran into the night. Soban watched his blazing figure skitter madly through the street, then turned away in disgust. "Damn . . .what a stupid place to put a koi pond." She dismissed the scorched and now soaking Hiro and limped over to the unconscious figure of Minako.

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Minako came awake sick and slow . . .crawling through a thick mud of pain and nausea. Like a waking nightmare she half remembered . . .HIRO . . .flailing frantically she struggled to escape . . . "Owww! Watch what you're doin'" Fuzzily Minako peered at the figure laying beside her . . .on the floor , she realized. "W rrrrr . . ." Minako coughed, clearing her clogged throat and tried again. "What . . .what . . ." It was enough for Soban. "Mr. Cool tried to rape you." She pulled a foil packet from under her pillow and held it in from of the groggy Minako. It's called 'roach' or R2 on the street. Rohypnol . . ." She slowly spelled out. "It's great for rape. Paralyze's the victim . . AND kills the memory. You don't remember a thing . . ..maybe a few minutes at the beginning. Not much more. Quick too. Maybe fifteen minutes. Faster with alcohol. Next day ya wake up . . .with a headache . . .maybe some bruise's and a used condom beside you." Mianko shuddered at Soban's matter of fact tone. "Where . . .where is . . ." She couldn't bring herself to say his name. "Mr. Cool?" Minako nodded shakily, her eyes darting frantically around the room. "I set him on fire and he left." "WHAT!" Minako bolted upright in shock, then groaned as ten thousand devils started digging a ditch in her brain. "Ohhhhhh." And her mouth tasted like a cat had peed blood on her tongue before dying of some lingering illness. Her stomach lurched and she lunged up, scrambling for the bathroom.

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". . . stupid place to put a koi pond. Anyway, last I saw . . ." Soban pushed her plate across the table. "These wiffle things are good." "Waffles." Minako said woodenly. "They're called waffles." "Yeah, whatever. Can I have some more? Like I said" Soban continued her narrative as Minako filled her plate. "Last I saw ,Mr. Cool was crawling out the koi pond and headed off down the street. Boy . . .I'm stuffed." She patted her stomach comfortably. "I'm glad you liked it." Minako picked up her plate and turned toward the sink.

"Problem?" A tear leaked from Minako's eye and traveled slowly down her cheek to hang from the point of her chin. "No . . .I'm fine." Another tear made a slow solitary journey down her cheek. "I'm . . .I'm . . ." Anguish closed around her throat like a fist. A small bandaged hand came around her waist. "Yeah. Right." The rough voice was skeptical. "OK . . .come on." Unresisting Minako let Soban lead her to the furo. It wasn't until she was chin deep in the scalding water that some of the numbness started to thaw. She felt suddenly self conscious and wrapped her arms around her bare chest. Soban saw the gesture and grinned sourly. "I think . . ." She grimaced as she struggled to move her crippled body into the furo. Hissing in pain she eased into the tub.

"I think your virtue is safe from me . . .but feel free to slake your lust on my body . . ." Sobans head rocked as Minako backhanded her. Soban wiped a smear of blood from her freshly split lip. "Feel better?" Minako stared in horror. "OH god . .oh god. I'm sorry . . . I'm sorry . . ."I'm . . ." "I asked for it." Soban said matter-of-factly. "You were holding it all in. Had to jar you a little. You let stuff fester an' it's bad. Better to get it out now." "But . . but I hurt you." Soban gave a little bark of laughter, then winced as she pulled the cut on her lip. "That! That's nothin' Now . . .what's bothern' you?:" "What do you think?" Minako shot back, a little sullenly. "Well . . .could be you're pissed 'cause I stopped Mr. Cool."

"WHAT! Are you out of . . ." "OK . . .some girls like it that way . . .they can pretend it's not their fault." Minako looked at Soban in shock as she continued. "Could be you're upset 'cause you think you were stupid . . .lettin' that little piss-ant trick you like that." Mianko ducked her head, shamefaced. She did feel like an idiot . . .and betrayed . . and . . . "Well . . .ya were an idiot. Anybody with half a brain coulda told you what he was up to." Minako's head jerked up, eyes blazing . . .then dropped again. "I was soooo STUPID! How could I have let him . . let him . . ." "OK . . .we already know you were stupid. Don't trim your nails in front of the lamp . . .learn from it."

"Learn what? That I'm an idiot . . .a gullible fool . . .a . . ." She gasped in surprise as she got a face full of water. "Think about how the jerk acted . . .and how YOU acted. And why. He's not the only guy . . .or girl that will try to take advantage of you. This guy wanted to fuck you to win a bet . . .he needed a hundred girls before some other little prick got a hundred. The next guy might want money. Or some girl will want your job . . .You got to always think about the angle . . .people always want something. If you know what THEY want . . .an' they DON"T know what you want, you're one step ahead." "What do YOU want Soban? Why did you help me? You could have just stayed in bed. No one would have blamed you. You're sick . . .hurt . . . He could have killed you. Why take that risk?" "Mizunosama would have been upset if anything happened to you." Soban said simply, as if that answered the question.

"Why do you care so much what Amichan thinks?" "Mizunosama is going to be somebody someday. She's a scholar . . .rich . . .connected. She can be anything she wants. And she's going to marry well. Mizunosama is going to the top . . .and I'm going with her." "But . . .why . . .I mean you . . .you're smart . . .you can . . ." Soban snorted . "I'm nothin' . . .street trash. I grew up in the Kabuki-cho . . ." Minako stiffened as she recognized the name. Located on the east side of Shinjuku Eki, the busiest train station in the world. Kabuki-cho was the center of every vice, vermin and yakuza in Japan. Soban nodded at as she saw the look on Minako's face. "That's how I knew about the 'roach', I was raised by whores . . .until child welfare decided I was too happy." She laughed sourly. "As if I belonged someplace else."

Minako started to protest, but Soban ran a hand along the scar that bisected her face. "This is enough by itself. No one in Japan . . .in the world was gonna' adopt a crippled freak like me. Anyway . . .Mizunosama is my ticket off the streets. I sure ain't gonna marry well. An' I don't think I make the 'corporate' image, now do I." She stared at Mianko, as if daring her to disagree. Minako stayed silent, shocked at Soban's matter of fact tone.

"So . . .I need a . . .a . . .patron. An' right now . . .Mizunosama OWES me. Big time. I'm useful to her. An' I'm gonna' keep right on bein' useful. And if part of that is keepin' her friends from doin' stupid stuff . . .stuff that would make her unhappy . . . ." Soban spread her hands in a wide gesture. The two girls sat silently in the hot furo for several long minutes. Minako finally broke the silence. "Anyway . . .you finally got me naked . . .You've gotten Ami, Makato and now me. What is it with you anyway?"

Soban stared lazily at Mianko until she began to get uneasy under the scrutiny. Slowly . . .Soban trailed her hand underwater . . .up Minako's ankle . . .along her calf . . .until her fingers lightly circled Minako's knee. Helplessly Minako giggled at the feathery touch. "It's the knees." Soban's gravely voice came at last. "Huh?" Minako started at the sound. "What do you mean?" "I . . .just . . .love . . ."A delighted shiver ran through Minako as Soban feathered gentle fingers around her knees. Unexpectedly Soban's leg rose from the water . . .like some sea daemon . . twisted . . .scarred . . .frightening. "I love knees. Smooth . . .graceful . . .quiet." Soban bent her leg . . .Minako winced at the harsh crackling popping sound as the scarred knee bent a few degrees . . .then stopped. "Flexible knees." Soban let her leg slip back out of sight. "If I had one wish . . .well maybe more than one wish . . ."Soban sank back in the water with a sigh. Minako felt a sudden disappointment as the clever fingers ceased their delicious torment. "But if I had a wish . . .it would be for knees . . .smooth . . .flexible knees . . .that always worked . . .and never hurt."

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