A faint tightening of the muscles around her
eyes was the
only sign of Kuno Kodachi's feelings. "Keiko!"
"Yes captain?" The tiny gymnast appeared instantly
at the command.
"Have you seen anyone near my locker?"
"No m'am. Is something wrong? No one would . . ."
Kodachi cut her second-in-command off peremptorily.
"I am leaving. Continue the drills for another hour.
Then dismiss everyone."
"Yes captain. It shall be as you say." Keiko bowed
once and withdrew. She knew better than to ask questions.
As the door to the girls locker room closed Kodachi pulled a
small square of plastic from her gym bag and eyed it with
distaste.
************************************************
"Shan Pu get card. Find on bicycle after
delivery."
"I found mine under a plate when I was cleaning the
tables. It was wrapped in a ten-thousand Yen tip."
"Ten-thousand Yen? No can be Nabiki."
Ukyou and Shan Pu looked at Kodachi expectantly. The
three conspirators were seated in the back of the now closed
Ukyou's Okonomyaki.
"Mine was in my gym bag. It could have been placed
there at any time before practice." Kodachi tapped an
elegantly manicured nail on the table top. "The card
disintegrated within the hour . . ."
"Ayaii . . .Shan Pu card gone too. Shan Pu cut plastic
and it burn up . . .poooof!" Shan Pu put her fingers together
and drew them apart sharply. "Maybe . . ."Shan Pu lowered
her voice to a whisper. "dark magic!"
"I think a powerful oxidizing agent and some white
phosphorous."Kodachi drawled. "are more likely
explanations than magic."
"Okay, that Shan Pu second guess."
Ukyou rolled her eyes heavenward. "What difference does it
make if it's an ozeldising argent . . ."
"Oxi-diz-ing A-gent" Kodachi carefully enunciated.
"That's a class of chemicals . . ."
"I don't care if it's the senior class . . .or" Ukyou
shot a look at Shan Pu. "if it's magic or itty-bitty fire
demons. What I want to know is what are we going to do?"
"That should be obvious, even to you." Kodachi
managed to look down her nose even while seated.
"THAT"S IT!!!" The table shook as Ukyou slammed
her hands flat against the top. "You and me bitch. Outside!"
Kodachi quirked a disdainful eyebrow at the enraged chef. "I
think not. If you wish to commit suicide there are less painful
ways. And I have no interest in working up a sweat . . ."
Shan Pu grabbed Ukyou just as she launched herself across
the table with an inarticulate scream of rage.
"No fighting now!" She ordered. "We fight now we
lose all. Either finish what start or GET OUT! Is all or
nothing-no going back." Shan Pu shoved the struggling
Ukyou back in her seat and held her there by main force.
"Kodachi apologize now."
Kodachi lounged in her seat, and appeared oblivious to Shan
Pu and Ukyou. Slowly she uncrossed her ankles and stood.
To Ukyou's surprise Kodachi made a slight bow.
"Kuonji Ukyou, I apologize." A sour look crossed
her face. "This is the second time I've . . ." She broke off
shaking her head, then resumed. "I should not take my ill
humors out on you."
Shan Pu's mouth dropped open. She knew she looked like a
carp on a hook but the shock was too great.
"Who you? And what you do with REAL Kodachi?"
Kodachi ignored the gibe and continued. "Besides a natural
reluctance to explain myself I must confess to a certain
amount of jealousy."
It was Ukyou's turn to do fish imitations. Staring bug eyed
she listened as Kodachi continued.
"All on your own you have developed a martial art,
built a business, attended to your education. I may be further
along but I started with more. All my life I have had the
Kuno name and fortune. So I am a little jealous . . .and a
little afraid of you. Of how much you have done all alone."
Kodachi sketched another bow. "Please forgive me."
"Oh . . .ah . . .well . . . Sure. Alright. I forgive you.
You know" Ukyou added. "That's almost exactly what
Akane said . . ."Ukyou stopped. "HEY!!! Were you
SPYING on us . . .me?"
"It is prudent to keep an eye on . . ."
"Why you . . ."
Shan Pu shoved Ukyou back into her seat. "No fighting now.
Beside . . .Ukyou look cute asleep. Should ask Ribbon Girl
for eight by ten glossy."
Ukyou flushed as she remembered being sung to sleep. Shan
Pu saw the blush and correctly interpreted it's cause. "Shan
Pu mother sing that song when Shan Pu little. Make sleep
good. No bad dream." Shan Pu looked pensive. "Is good
sleep no bad dream. Ukyou should be glad."
"To sleep, perchance to dream. Aye, there's the rub."
The other two girls stared at Kodachi.
Kodachi shrugged. "Tatewatti has subscribed to the audio-
book-of-the-month-club."
************************************************
"Aaaaa! This one doesn't fit either."
"Here Akane, try this one." Ukyou handed Akane a
skirt from the rack.
"It fits . . .but . . .it's another size LARGER!" Akane
wailed, sounding bewildered. "I just don't understand. I've
been working out and . . ."
"Hey, don't worry about it." Ukyou put an arm
around Akane's shoulders. "You look great. I don't care
what anybody says."
"Uh . . .thanks Ukyou." Akane gave Ukyou a weak
smile before she turned to take her selections to the cashier.
Even had she been looking she might have missed the look of
pain on Ukyou's face.
************************************************
"You lucky live in Japan."
Akane looked up from contemplating a selection of ice-
cream. She and Shan Pu were taking turns pushing the cart
as they shopped. "Oh, why's that?"
"Japanese girl can eat all things no worry. All time
worry back home. Amazon warrior have to be ready fight all
time. Every morning have inspection. Warrior not in shape
fight get big problems, must pay penalty. People laugh. Not
nice like Japan where no one care what eat. How much eat."
Carefully watching out of the corner of her eye Shan Pu saw
Akane's shoulders stiffen, then relax as she replaced the ice-
cream. Following Akane through the store Shan Pu
wondered why she didn't feel more satisfaction as she
watched Akane load her cart with items from the diet-
section.
************************************************
" . . .gave her the clothes with the altered
tags. Now
she's convinced she's gone up at least one dress size."
Ukyou looked down at the floor after she finished her report.
"I too must report complete success." Kodachi
added. "In addition to altering the bathroom scales I have
repeatedly assured her that physical appearance is
meaningless. Coupled with her natural lack of self-confidence
I have no doubt . . ."
"Why?" Ukyou broke in quietly. "Why are we doing
this? What's the point?"
"I assume you are referring to the present plan?"
"I . . .I . . .yeah . . .sure." Ukyou sounded anything
but sure. "What's the point? Other than making her feel
miserable about herself. Or is she supposed to kill
herself . . ." Ukyou paled suddenly. "NO! She wouldn't...not
over that? Even she wouldn't be so stupid . . ."
Shan Pu put a hand on Ukyou's shoulder, "Spatula girl forget what
we doing?"
Ukyou took a deep breath. Then another, and another. Until
she regained a measure of control.
"No, no of course not. I just didn't want . . .I mean
her family. I didn't want Kasumi to find . . ."
"I think there is little chance of suicide. This is just
the final stage of a very clever plan."
"What you thinking ribbon girl?"
Kodachi looked Shan Pu square in the eye. "I believe you
know. After all you were with her in the grocery when she
made her purchases."
Shan Pu drew in a deep breath and nodded slowly.
"What! What are you talking about?" Ukyou glanced
back and forth at the other girls.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Kodachi lay her arm across
Ukyou's shoulders. "I may be completely wrong. It's nothing
you . . ."
Ukyou angrily slapped the arm away. "I'm NOT a child. Just
because I'm not as accomplished at assassination as the two
of . . ." She broke off at the expression on Kodachi's face.
"Oh god! I'm sorry Kodachi. Shan Pu I didn't mean . . ."
"Is Okay." Shan Pu said quietly. "Ukyou right. She not
good murder like Shan Pu, Kodachi. Be glad. Sleep better."
Ukyou grabbed the two girls in a fierce hug. "Dammit. I
didn't mean that. Don't shut me out. I'm in this with you all
the way."
"But maybe Ukyou not happy be in with Shan Pu,
Kodachi? Ukyou maybe not liking plan?"
Ukyou suddenly realized she was all alone with two girls
who had conspired with her to commit murder. They could
not afford any loose ends. And if Ukyou was not with
them . . . Suddenly a weight Ukyou hadn't realized she was
carrying fell away. Taking a deep breath, possibly her last,
she faced her fellow conspirators. "I think . . ."
A phone rang, making the three jump as if they'd been
goosed by an electric wire.
"Moshi, moshi?" Kodachi spoke into her cell
phone."I see. Yes. Yes. We'll be waiting. Goodby."
"What?"
"Who that?"
Kodachi slowly closed the phone and slipped it back into her
pocket. "We have received a dinner invitation. A limousine
will pick us up momentarily."
"A dinner invitation? Who from?"
"From whom." Kodachi corrected absently. "And I
don't know." She smiled thinly at her friends. "It's a
surprise."
************************************************
"de la Hoya's International House."
Kodachi
whispered in awe as the limousine purred to a stop.
"Wow . . .meeting in a nice restaurant. I wonder if
they serve French food?" Ukyou's nose was pressed against
the window.
"Ayaiii. This very fancy place. Even Shan Pu hear of
International House. Very exclusive. Kodachi eat here
before?"
"I am a Kuno." Kodachi drew herself up grandly.
"Daughter and grand-daughter of Samurai. We have served
Emperors, Shoguns . . ."
"Shan Pu ask if Kodachi eat there?"
"Ummmm" Kodachi glanced down. "We're on the
waiting list." Her head came up defiantly. "But they
promised us a table Tuesday, April 18 2006, at 7:45."
************************************************
"We were invited." Kodachi repeated
icily. "Check
your book again."
"I'm sorry." The supercilious young man did not
sound sorry. In fact he seemed delighted at the opportunity
to say no. "I'm sorry . . .I don't find your name. Perhaps"
He
ran a disdainful eye over the three girls casual dress. "you
would be happier at Denny's. I can give you directions."
"Don't."Ukyou grabbed Shan Pu's arm just before
she could turn the little twerp into a furry guava jelly. "It's
not worth it. Let's go."
Kodachi clenched her jaw, momentarily cheering herself with
a fantasy involving a flensing knife, thumbscrews ,a starving
rat and this insolent peasant . . ."
"Shoji . . .what's the problem?"
They all turned toward the voice to see a tall nordic blond
gajin woman wearing a form hugging emerald green silk
dress. Ukyou suddenly felt under-developed as well as
under-dressed.
"Uh. . .Megansan. No problem. These young persons
were lost. I was merely giving them directions."
"That not true. We not lost. We invited here. So
Stupid Boy" Shan Pu jerked a thumb at Shoji. "Say he can
no find our name in book. Tell us go Denny's."
Megansan's eyebrows came together in a tiny frown and she
turned the reservation book so she could read it.
"Your names, please?"
"Uhh. I'm Kounji Ukyou. This is Shan Pu and this is
Kuno Kodachi."
The effect was electrifying. Before Ukyou had finished
naming herself Megansan had a phone in her hand and was
speaking rapidly.
"They're here. Yes . . .yes. Get Janesan down here
and then alert the boss. . . .right.Okay." The phone
disappeared and Megansan knelt on the floor, bowing.
"Please forgive me for this misunderstanding. If it is
your wish to go to"Megansan gulped slightly. "Denny's, or
any other place, you will be taken there at once. As guest's
of the International House. We can have the corporate jet
fueled and waiting within forty five minutes if you wish to
leave the Home Islands."
The three girls could only stare stunned at the beautiful gaijin
woman kneeling before them. Before they could gather their
wits another gaijin, slightly smaller with Titian hair and eyes
as green as the sea walked briskly to the desk. She spared
one look for Megansan and another longer look at the
reservation book. A cold hard look came over her face and
she turned and bowed, speaking in a Japanese so pure she
could have stepped out of the Imperial Court.
"Please forgive us. The International House offers no
excuse for this behavior. But we hope you will forgive us."
The newcomer started to kneel as well, when Kodachi found
her voice.
"Yes . . .yes, of course. Mistakes can happen. I . . .uh
we" She looked around to find Shan Pu and Ukyou
nodding."we forgive you. Please get up."
The Titan haired beauty gave her hand to help her blond
colleague to her feet. "You are most gracious. I am Jane, and I
believe you
have met Megan. de la Hoyasama will be down to greet you
shortly."
Shan Pu, Kodachi and Ukyou could only stand, gap jawed.
de la HOYA? The owner of International House. Coming to
see . . . THEM? Stunned they allowed Janesan to lead them
away. Behind them they could hear Megan-san tearing a strip
off the unfortunate Shoji.
" . . .couldn't let them in dressed like THAT." He
protested.
"You see their names here, written in red. You know
what that means."
"Yes but . . ."
"But NOTHING." Megansan's voice was as icy as
the blue of her eyes. "These are friends of a VERY important
person . . .they get preference over everyone except God and
the Emperor. And if God shows up they STILL get the best
table . . ." The voices faded out as they were led to a small alcove.
Leading them inside the small room, Janesan pointed out a
small closet filled with brightly colored silk.
"If these are not to you liking, just let me know." She
pointed to a phone on the wall. "I have to attend to some last
minute things." She gave them a smile. "but Megan will be
along shortly, or de la Hoya-sama." She grinned at that last,
then shut the door behind her. Almost immediately it opened
again and a tall, distinguished man stood in the doorway. He
blinked in surprise, then a broad smile covered his face.
"I beg your pardon. I was looking for . . ." He
paused, and his gaze swept the room. "Well, this explains the
rush. I'm sure you will be pleased." With that cryptic remark
the door closed behind him.
"Ohhh. These are beautiful." Ukyou pulled a green
and blue kimono out of the closet. "There's one here for you
Shan Pu and you too, Kodachi. Kodachi?" Ukyou turned
when she got no answer to see Kodachi frozen in front of the
door.
"Kodachi? Kodachi are you all right?" Worridly
Ukyou waved her hand in front of Kodachi's unblinking
eyes. "Shan Pu, quick. Something's wrong with Kodachi."
"D . . .do you know who that WAS!" Kodachi said in
a horse whisper.
"Who WHO was?" Ukyou frowned.
At the door . . .just now . . .at the d d door."She was
stuttering in her shock.
"Shan Pu see Japanese man. Have strong chi. Who
was?"
"That was . . .that was Grand Master Soshitsu Shoan
16th Grand Master of the Urasenke school."
"Is that good?"
Kodachi stared at Ukyou in disbelief. "Is that GOOD? Grand
Master Soshitsu is a living national treasure. He has just
returned from the United Nations where he lectured on The
Way of Tea as a method of bringing people together."
"Wow. And he's here? I wonder why?"
"Maybe hungry?" Shan Pu muttered as she wrestled
her kimono on. "Aaaaaaa! Stupid thing no go on . . . ."
Kodachi looked around to find Shan Pu flapping wildly ,
tangled in the folds of her kimono.
"Hold on." Kodachi reached out and deftly pulled the
tangled silk off Shan Pu in a single smooth motion. "I'll be
your kitsukeginoshi."
"Huh? Shan Pu not know kitsu . . .kitsu . . ."
Kodachi sighed. " Kitsukeginoshi . . .professional kimono
dresser. Even in Japan kimono is not much worn anymore.
Except on hollidays . . .or by traditionalists." Kodachi gave a
small sad smile. "Now days Japanese can't even wear their
own clothes without help."
"Kodachi know kimono?" Shan Pu asked doubtfully,
looking at the bewildering pile of cryptic pieces of silk.
"I have had extensive training in all the classic arts . .
.calligraphy, painting, naginata, kyudou, and of course
kitsukeginoshi." So saying Kodachi reached out and
stripped Shan Pu bare with two swift tugs.
"Ayiii. What do?"
Ignoring Shan Pu's question Kodachi pulled a rectangle of
white cloth from the pile and wrapped it skirt-like around
Shan Pu's waist. "First the susoyoke" she explained. "And
then the hadagi." She pulled the coat like garment over Shan
Pu's arms an pulled it closed. Next Kodachi pulled a long
garment, like a thin peach colored robe from the pile and
handed it to Shan Pu. Shan Pu slipped it on and twirled
around in front of a mirror.
"Ohhh. This very pretty. Shan Pu like very much."
"This is the nagajuban" Kodachi said with a sigh. " it
acts as an under-slip to the kimono."
"What that mean?"
"It means you're still in your underwear."
Shan Pu looked in dismay at the pile of strange garments that
still remained. "Ayyyy. How Japanese ever win war. Battle
over by time finish dress."
Kodachi rolled her eyes but refrained from comment. " And
this" Kodachi pulled a thin belt from the pile. "is the
datejime. It's the first of three belts."
"Hmmph. Only Japanese need three belt hold up
pants. And not even have pants." She glanced over at
Ukyou. "Spatula girl how you do?"
"Just . . .ummmp . . .just fine. I've . . .uhh. . . I've
been wearing kimono all my life."
Muttering under her breath Kodachi swung Shan Pu back
around. "Stand still . . .please." She added as an
afterthought. Grabbing the belt in both hands she draped it
over Shan Pu's right shoulder so the narrow, undecorated
end fell just below Shan Pu's chest and pulled the remainder
of the belt across the back to her left hip. Wrapping the belt
twice more around Shan Pu's waist Kodachi brought the
other end off Shan Pu's right shoulder and tied the ends in a
simple knot in front, tucking the loose ends under the belt at
the sides. Kodachi reached into the pile of silk beside Shan
Pu and pulled out a brilliant gold and green kimono.
"Hold out your arms." Kodachi commanded. Slipping
the kimono over Shan Pu's arms, Kodachi stepped back a
pace and looked at how the silk hung on Shan Pu's frame.
"Hmmmm." Kodachi turned Shan Pu a full 360
degrees, eying her up-and-down. "Ah . . .hmmmm."
"What! What means ah...hmmmm?" Shan Pu asked
nervously.
Kodachi ignored Shan Pu and wrapped the lower part of the
kimono further than the top part to create a tapering
silhouette. Pulling the koshimimo string snugly about Shan
Pu's waist to hold the kimono in place as she again stepped
back to observe her handy-work. Stepping froward Kodachi
adjusted the hem and neck line with a few deft tugs.
Apparently satisfied Kodachi wrapped the second datejime
around Shan Pu's waist and tied it with a small neat knot.
"Hold ABSOLUTELY still."
Shan Pu gulped and nodded meekly at Kodachi's cold
command. Reflected in the mirror Shan Pu could see
Kodachi holding a wide, brightly colored length of cloth in
her hands. Folding it in half along its length Kodachi flipped
it over Shan Pu's head, settling it around her waist and
pulling the ends behind her back.
"This is the obi." Kodachi's warm breath tickled her
ear. "Tying the third belt is the final and most complex step
in wearing kimono. If you even BREATHE while I'm doing
this . . .I will hurt you so badly your shadow will cry."
Shan Pu whimpered. She finally realized why she was having
such a tough time winning Ranma from some Japanese
school girls. Compared with the difficulty of getting dressed
a little thing like a blood feud with Chinese Amazons must
seem pretty trivial. Not daring to breathe, black spots
danced before her eyes as she watched Kodachi in the
mirror. Holding the longer end of the belt in her left hand
Kodachi made a second fold, running her right hand sharply
down the length to accentuate the crease. With a quick
motion Kodachi brought the two ends around each other in a
simple knot and pulled it tight. Thinking Kodachi was
through Shan Pu started to relax. A rumbling growl that
could only have come from a starving wolf (or a testy
kimono-dresser) froze her in place. Kodachi glared at Shan
Pu. Satisfied that Shan Pu had learned her lesson Kodachi
twisted the knot, pulling one end up, the other down to lock
it in place. Kodachi tucked the short end of the obi under
Shan Pu's left elbow and pressed it against her side to hold
the obi in place. The longer part of the obi Kodachi spread
out and unfolded from the knot down to the very end,
turning the final 30 cm so the decorated sides touched.
Grasping the obimakura in her free hand Kodachi placed the
small oval pillow in the fold she had just made in the obi. In
the mirror Shan Pu could see Kodachi close her eyes and
take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Nervously Shan Pu
could feel Kodachi gather her Ki, letting it build as she
centered herself as if for some tremendous effort. Suddenly
Kodachi moved, with a smooth burst of power that Shan Pu
had only seen once in her life when two village elders fought
to the death in the field-of-souls. In a bewildering whirl of
silk and motion Kodachi gathered the pillow and three layers
of obi, swiftly moving, gathering and tying; folding, tucking
and . . .Kodachi paused, an end of the obijime rope in each
hand.
"The 'Butterfly in Summer'" Kodachi cried and her
hands wove a deceptively simple knot in the center of the
obi, tucking the loose ends neatly under the rope. Releasing
Shan Pu, Kodachi slumped wearily to the ground.
'Hmmmph." Shan Pu snorted in derision. "Japanese
so stupid waste time with . . ." Shan Pu's voice trailed off as
she saw herself in the mirror. Gone was the Chinese
Amazon . . .replaced by an elegant mysterious princess from
a fairy tale or legend.
Kodachi cast a weary eye at the Amazon captivated by her
own image then turned to Ukyou.
"I'm glad that at least SOME Japanese still remember
their heritage and . . ." Her voice trailed off she caught sight
of Ukyou's perfectly tied kimono.
"Yeah, well I've had a lot of practice over the years
and . . .something wrong?" Ukyou noticed Kodachi's
stunned look and twisted to look at herself in the mirror. "Is
my koshihimo crooked?"
"No, Ukyousan" Kodachi pushed herself wearily off
the floor. "Your kimono is tied perfectly . . ." Ukyou smiled.
"For a MAN."
Ukyou's smile slipped. "Oooops."
Kodachi grabbed Ukyou in a steely grip.
"Stand PERFECTLY STILL . . ." She growled.
************************************************
Jane stuck her head in the door to see two perfectly
gowned
young ladies looking as if they had just stepped out of the
Emperor's court. The third slumped wearily against one wall
staring dully at a silken susoyoke that dangled limply from
her hand like a dead mackerel.
"Oh my, Kodachisan. If you're having trouble with
your kimono you should ask your friends to help you." She
smiled gently at the young woman. "There's no need to be
embarrassed. Many girls have trouble putting on a kimono."
Jane turned to Ukyou. "Should I get her an aspirin?"
Ukyou looked over at Kodachi who was slowly banging her
head against the wall, "Ummmmm. No, she's just been under a lot
of stress
lately. We'll help her . . .get dressed and be right out."
************************************************
"I'm sorry, am I too soon?"
Ukyou and Shan Pu looked around at the sound of the voice.
IN the doorway stood a dusky skinned gajin woman with
softly curling dark hair wearing an expensive tailored suit.
"Uh . . .no?" Ukyou said intelligently.
"I'm sorry." The woman chuckled warmly. "I haven't
introduced myself. I'm Ms. de la Hoya."
"D D D D . . ." Ukyou stuttered.
"la Hoya?" Kodachi finished.
"Yes. I'm acting as hanto tonight, however" She
looked briefly pensive. She bowed slightly to the three girls.
"I'm afraid that a small . . .crisis has arisen. The prime
minister has ask International House to cater an emergency
summit with the Russian minister . . ."
"And you will not be able to act as assistant to the
host?" Kodachi finished.
"Ahhh . . .not exactly." de la Hoya looked
embarrassed. "The Prime Minister wishes to know if you will
allow me to act as hanto in his place or if you would prefer
that he postpone his meeting with the Russians?"
"Prime . . ." Ukyou gulped
"Minister . . ." Kodachi stared bug eyed.
"Russians!!!" All three girls chorused.
"Oh dear. I will call the Prime Minister and tell him
he should postpone his meeting until after . . ."
"NO!" Kodachi almost shrieked. "Uhhhhh . . .I mean,
certainly not. I am sure you will be entirely adequate as . . ."
Kodachi huffed as Ukyou's elbow slammed into her ribs in a
discrete jab.
"What Kodachi means is that we would be GLAD if
you acted as . . .uh . . .hanto." She smiled weakly. "After
all
just having the Prime Minister as first choice is an honor in
itself."
"Oh, he wasn't first choice." de la Hoya said
absently. "But we were afraid the Emperor's presence would
disrupt the ceremony. He was VERY disappointed."
"emperor?" Kodachi said weakly.
"OUR Emperor? I mean the EMPEROR?" Ukyou
asked."
"oh my." Shan Pu managed.
"Well, If you're sure I'm acceptable . . .?"
The three girls nodded hastily.
"Then you should choose who among you will act as
the main guest."
"Excuse me." Kodachi said in the tone of a fighter
who has taken one too many body blows. "Is this . . .is this
going to be chaji or . . ."
"Oh yes, this is going to be a formal tea." de la
Hoya looked slightly abashed. "I'm sorry we don't have a
proper machiai yet."
"No, no." Kodachi assured her. "This is a fine waiting
room. I was just wondering . . ."She fingered the brightly
colored silk of her kimono doubtfully. "The colors are
awfully . . .bright for chaji. I was just wondering . . ."
"These kimono were chosen by your host. They date
to BEFORE the restoration." de la Hoya said.
"Oh . . .ah . .of course." Kodachi fell silent, but still
looked troubled.
"If you would choose which of you will be the main
guest?" de la Hoya repeated politely.
"Kodachi best choice." Shan Pu said, pushing
Kodachi forward.
"Oh, definitely. Kodachi is the one you want." Ukyou
seconded.
Smiling slightly at Kodachi's look of disgust at being thus
double teamed de la Hoya turned and lead the three girls
out of the machiai, down a short corridor that showed signs
of recent construction and through another door into . . .
"Ayyyyy . . . .is so beautiful." Shan Pu breathed
looking about in awe.
"I've never seen anything like it." Ukyou slowly
looked around the garden filled with trees, shrubs and
flowers. "I never dreamed you had something like this . . .in
the middle of Tokyo."
"I'm glad you like it. We were afraid it wouldn't be
finished in time." de la Hoya turned to Kodachi. "I'm afraid
that I'm not as familiar with The Way of Tea as a good hanto
should be. It might be best if you explained what is going to
happen."
"Of course." Kodachi thought for a moment, then
began speaking as de la Hoya led them forward. "This is
the roji, a path through the tea garden." Kodachi pointed to
the worn stepping stones. "The path is freshly sprinkled with
water to indicate freshness and purity. It symbolizes washing
away the dust of the real world. The garden itself is
designed to give sense of simplicity and purity."
"It's working." Ukyou sighed dreamily.
"Well, technically there shouldn't be any flowering
plants. And our kimono should be . . ."
de la Hoya interrupted, almost sharply. "If there are any
deficiencies they are entirely the fault of International
House."
Kodachi flushed in embarrassment. "Please forgive me." If
this kept up she might just get used to this apologizing stuff.
"I did not mean . . .that is . . ." Kodachi floundered for
a
moment. "Is Grand Master Soshitsu going to conduct the
ceremony?"
"No. One of his students is conducting the tea
ceremony. " de la Hoya noticed Kodachi's look of
disappointment. "But he did supervise the construction of
this garden and the chashitsu. The gardens and tea room
were" She added, deliberately not looking at the three girls.
"constructed expressly for your visit." Without waiting for
a
reaction de la Hoya walked on down the path until she
came to a low stone bench. Kodachi halted, still trying to
understand what she had just been told. She knew, almost to
the Yen, how much it must have cost to make this garden.
And the chashitsu . . .any tea house the Grand Master
designed would be a marvel of austere simplicity . . .and
probably cost more than the first six floors of Kuno Tower to
achieve that deceptive simplicity. Shaking herself out of her
daze Kodachi indicated they should sit on the bench.
"This is the koshikake machiai ; the waiting bench"
she translated for Shan Pu. "We wait here for our host. He
will come from there." Kodachi pointed to another path.
"After he ritually purifies himself he will come and lead us to
the chumon or middle gate. This is a very low gate. We will
have to bend over or perhaps crawl . . ."
"Why crawl?" Shan Pu asked suspiciously.
"The gate is made low so that all who enter, no
matter if commoner or Emperor, enter at the same level. It
symbolizes the gate between the physical world out here and
the spiritual world of tea."
Shan Pu nodded almost understanding and Kodachi
continued, "Our host, eishu literally means house master, enters
the gate first, followed by the hanto, main guest and . . ."
Kodachi hesitated, looking at Ukyou and Shan Pu. Realizing
Kodachi's dilemma Ukyou spoke up.
"Do you want to go after Kodachi or follow me Shan
Pu?"
Shan Pu shrugged. "Shan Pu no care." Her stomach rumbled
and she blushed. "Just hope no wait long to eat." She
blanched suddenly. "Shan Pu no eat lunch today. Busy busy
time. Shan Pu will eat? Not just pretty clothes and tea?"
"Ummm. Yes, there is a light meal. To complement
the thick tea. Usually rice, soup and fish." She hurried to
assure Shan Pu. "Then we come out into the garden for a bit,
then back for thin tea and a sweet." Kodachi heard a slight
rustling noise and realized their host was coming. Hurriedly
she continued, trying to compress years of study into a few
seconds. No talking until we enter the tea house. Inside there
will be a wall hanging and poetry to indicate the theme of the
tea. Bow first. Examine everything with reverence. We will
discuss their significance. Admire the utensils when they are
passed around. The charcoal and ash are arranged. .
."Kodachi was slurring her words in her rush to explain.
"The arrangement of the mats . . .the selection of the bowl . .
.color of . . .all has meaning." Her highly trained hearing
heard the light steps of their host approaching. She had only
seconds to make sure they did not embarrass themselves
before their host. Chaji was a very important spiritual event.
Despite some . . .irregularities with the color of the kimono
and other things. . .the presence of the Grand Master, the
obvious deference of the top three people at International
House; the mention of the Prime Minister and Emperor for
Kamisama's sake told her their host was a man of great
importance. Even if (or perhaps especially if) he were the
mysterious 'voice' Kodachi wanted to make a good
impression and was in a panic that . . .
Akane was in a panic as she approached the bench. Despite
the reassuring words of Uncle Shoan, Akane knew she
wasn't ready. All day her stomach and been churning and
now in the presence of her friends she felt light headed and
nauseous. Wanting nothing more than to flee or burst into
tears Akane bowed silently and turned to lead the way to the
tea house. Before entering Akane stopped at the tsukubai
and purified her mouth and hands with water from the stone
basin. Behind her she knew the others were dipping water
from the basin which had first held water for The Way of Tea
in the Muromachi period. One by one the others purified
themselves and followed Akane through the tiny sliding gate
which was a mere thirty six inches high. Akane knelt before
the kakemono and waited the few moments for the last
person to enter the tokonoma and latch the door. Akane
could hear them discussing the kakemono. Kodachi was
describing the brush painting of the blind man crossing the
bridge by the great Zen Master Hakuin. Kodachi gave a brief
history of the old master and some of the possible meaning
of the blind man feeling his way across the bridge. Like the
distant droning of bees Akane could hear them discuss the
scriptures next. She had chosen them so carefully.
'Knock on the sky and listen to the sound'
'We shape the clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness
inside that holds whatever we want.'
'What is the color of wind?'
So clever she'd though herself. Choosing the wall hanging.
Meditating on exactly the right scriptures. Just as if she knew
what she was doing. Akane clenched her jaw to keep from
spewing bile on the floor as sweat burst out on her brow.
Somehow Akane found herself serving the sake. She didn't
remember bringing the chakaiseki, but obviously she had
served the first course. Or had she? Maybe she'd forgotten
and gone to the . . .no, no she could taste uminomono. The
taste of seafood told her where she was in the ceremony.
Automatically she took the small cup of sake from Shan Pu.
Since the position of server was considered a higher position
each guest acted as host, if only briefly, to ensure the
equality of all. Akane shuddered as she realized she couldn't
remember what she'd done. Or what to do next. He mind
was blank with fear. Tears threatened. She'd never been this
frightened in her life. Stupid, clumsy Akane. What business
did she have pretending to do Chaji. People spent years, a
lifetime learning. . .but she'd wanted to surprise her friends.
************************************************
Kodachi held herself still with an effort as
Akane alternately
flushed and paled. Kodachi had studied The Way of Tea her
entire life, and this was a travesty. At one point she'd almost
pleaded illness it was so painful to watch Akane woodenly
and clumsily move through the ceremony. Materially,
everything was of the highest quality, the most exquisite
workmanship. But the spirit was missing . . .the poetry and
magic of a masterful tea ceremony. Perhaps the presence of
the Grand Master had raised her hopes. But this . . .this
wasn't at the level of a sea-side tourist attraction. She sat
quietly as Akane served them each omogashi. After they
finished the sweet Akane invited them to retire to the garden
while she prepared for tea. Standing in the garden Kodachi
breathed in the perfumed air and listened to the others
excitedly chatter about how wonderful everything had been.
Kodachi was incredulous, then realized the other three had
nothing to compare this with. That made her a little sad.
Either they would go through life thinking this empty sham
was truly The Way of Tea . . .or they would have the
privileged of attending a real Chaji . . .and this memory
would turn to ash.
************************************************
The pain in her belly and head were so bad that
Akane
wished briefly for a tanto. More realistically she considered
blowing up the tea room. With her record of cooking it
would be believable. Most of the ceremony was a
blur . . .except for Kodachi. Kodachi knew she was a fake, a
fraud . . .For the first time in her life Akane wished she were
a coward. That she could just run away. But she couldn't
run. Nor could she deliberately blow up the tea room. But
she wasn't sure she could face them. A stabbing pain almost
drove her too her knees. She forced herself to her feet. She
was NOT going to let fear beat her. She might not be the
best at Tea . . .she might even be the worst. But she had
never given up on anything. Suddenly she thought of the first
thing Uncle Shoan had told her about Tea. The Seven Rules
of Rikyu, first master of The Way of Tea. Master these rules,
Uncle Shoan had told her, and I will be YOUR apprentice.
The first and last rule she remembered clearly:
make a delicious bowl of tea and give those with who you
find yourself every consideration. Make a delicious bowl of
tea. She could do that. Akane headed out into the garden.
Give those you are with. . .Akane stopped and looked at the
people standing there. Her friends. What did she have to be
afraid of? Every consideration. Of course. They were her
friends. Delicious tea. Consideration. She could boil water.
So simple. A great weight seemed to fall away and with a
gentle smile she invited them . . .invited her friends . . . back
inside for tea.
************************************************
She should have rung a bell, Kodachi thought
crossly. Five
or seven times With a distinctive alteration of LOUD,
Medium, and soft. A bell in evening, a gong at day to call
them back in. At least they'd purified themselves before
coming back. And the flower arrangement replacing the
hanging was an improvement. And she could find no fault
with the kettle or the arrangement of the charcoal. Nicely
done, if a trifle simple. Kodachi looked up and froze in
shock as Akane entered graceful as a dancer, composed as a
buddha. Distantly Kodachi noted that the Tea Bowl was
from the Edo period while the water container was a
deceptively simple piece of 17th century Seto ware. She was
almost afraid to look at it for fear it would break. It should
be in a museum, not here were it could be broken with one
careless, clumsy . . .Kodachi found suddenly she couldn't
finish that particular thought. Couldn't think of either
clumsy or careless in connection with Akane. Mesmerized
she watched Akane arrange the chawan, chasen ,chakin and
chashaku next to the water jar. As if it were the most
important thing in the world Akane arranged the tea scoop
across the tea bowl, then retired to the preparation room.
Almost immediately she returned carrying the waste water
bowl, bamboo ladle and futaoki as tenderly and carefully as if
carrying her own child. Pacing these items in their proper
place Akane reached for the fusaka, the fine silk cloth that
represented the spirit of the host and was used to purify the
tea container and scoop. The only things in the world that
existed were Akane, Kodachi and the white silk cloth that
Akane was so carefully examining. To make sure it was
worthy of Kuno Kodachi, Kodachi realized. Reverently
Akane folded the fusaka and cleaned the tea container and
scoop as if she were making tea for God. Akane ladled hot
water into the tea bowl, rinsed the whisk and emptied the
bowl in a smooth motion, almost like a seated dance.
Gracefully Akane moved three scoops of tea into the tea
bowl. A small scoop, then a larger one, finally the largest.
For ME. Shan Pu thought in wonder. Nothing existed but
Shan Pu, Akane and the tea. Caught in the moment Shan Pu
could only watch as Akane ladled hot water into the tea bowl
to create at thin paste. Then with a quick motion Akane
added more water and whisked the paste into a thick liquid.
For her. All for . . .
. . .her. Ukyou thought as Akane passed the
bowl into her
hands. She bowed in acceptance of this gift and drank the
bitter brew. Wiping the rim of the bowl she passed the bowl
to Shan Pu, who repeated the action, passing the bowl to
Kodachi. Kodachi paused for a moment. By tradition she
should examine the bowl, admire it's artistic perfection.
Instead she forced herself to look at Akane, Shan Pu, Ukyou
. . .tried to burn this moment into her mind. This one perfect
. . .draining the bowl Kodachi thrust it toward Akane with an
almost savage gesture. Returning a smile of almost
transcendent happiness Akane accepted the empty bowl from
Kodachi as if it were the most precious jewel in heaven and
Kodachi her greatest friend in all the world. Akane rinsed the
tea whisk and cleaned the scoop and bowl. At this point,
Kodachi knew, the scoop and tea container should be offered
for examination. They should discuss the tea objects and
presentation. Instead Akane placed the utensils on the table
and sat quietly for a moment.
"I hope you will forgive me . . ." She said softly and
held out her hand. Kodachi jerked as a figure faded out of
the preparation room. Around her Kodachi could feel the
startlement of her companions. Taking a badly wrapped
package from . . .Janesan . . .Kodachi suddenly recognized
the Titian hair . . .Akane pressed it on Kodachi who
reflexively took the package. Kodachi hesitated. There were
all sorts of elaborate rules for giving and receiving gifts. How
they were wrapped, when and where to open them . . .but
here and now . . .Kodachi felt lost. Seeing Akane smile and
nod Kodachi decided to take a chance.
"I will do this in the American way." Indicating she
would open the gift now. Pulling aside the crude, plain
wrapper Kodachi dug through the shredded paper filler to
find . . .
"I hope you like it."
She dimly heard Akane's quiet vioce.
"It's nothing really, but I thought you would
appreciate it."
With trembling fingers Kodachi touched the cool bronze
oval. She'd recognized the crest immediately, of course. In a
different time, a different place under a different name than
Kuno her family had known this crest, served the owners.
Almost followed them into oblivion . . . thought the mirror
and other objects lost for centuries. "The Southern Emperor
. . .the regalia was lost . . .sword, jewels . . ." She pulled
the
ancient bronze into the light. "Mirror . . ."She whispered,
turning the small oval until her face was reflected in the
polished metal that had once been sacred to Emperors, when
the Emperors had been Gods. "How . . ." She whispered.
"How . . .where . . .WHY?"
"The Tendous have been around for a . . .long time.
The Nerima house is the NEW house, and it's been on that
spot for over eight hundred years. We . . .uh . . .collect a lot
of . . .stuff. I put a copy of the . . .uh . . .well I guess diary .
.
.that explains how we . . .the Tendous that is, got hold of the
mirror. Why?" Akane looked at Kodachi. "You're my
sensei. My senpai. You've taught me about beauty . . .how
to find it within myself. I wanted to show you how much that
meant to me." Akane held out her hand again, and another
figure appeared, blond this time with another badly wrapped
package.
"Shan Pu sensei." Akane bowed, handing Shan Pu
the package. "I'm embarrassed that this is such a small gift.
But I wanted to express my feelings for what you have
taught me, about honor and respect."
Shan Pu looked at the package for a moment, as if it might
bite her, then tore open the wrapping with the joyous
abandon of a small child. The almost manic glee disappeared
and her face was a frozen mask as she saw what lay in the
box.
"Ayyyy." She gave a soft cry as she pulled a worn
iron dagger from the box. Turning it so the light reflected off
the dull metal Shan Pu suddenly closed her eyes and clutched
it to her bosom, rocking slowly back and forth as silent tears
rolled down her cheeks.
"Shan Pu!" Ukyou cried out.
Kodachi reached over and placed a concerned arm around
her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
"Shan Pu fine." She sniffed. Wiping her eyes on her
sleeve Shan Pu turned puffy eyes on Akane. "How . . .how
you know? We . . .Amazon think lost forever . . .how you
know . . .how find?"
"What . . .what is it?"
Shan Pu turned to Ukyou, holding out the dagger. "This
belong Trung sisters. See . . ."She pointed to a chop that had
been hammered into the blade. "This show belong Trung
Nhi." At Ukyou's blank look she elaborated. "Almost 2000
year past Trung sisters, Trung Trac, Trung Nhi live in outer
Tonking province. Su Ting evil governor. Kill, steal ,rape.
Trung sisters grow up, hate governor. No play doll. Grow up
learn weapon, fight. Then governor kill Trung Trac husband.
Trung Trac make vow. She say . . ." Shan Pu paused, searching
for the right words.
"Foremost, I will avenge my country,
Second, I will restore the Hung lineage,"
Shan Pu looked around sharply as Akane softly repeated the old vow.
"Third, I will avenge the death of my husband,
Lastly, I vow that these goals will be accomplished. "
Akane spoke, as if alone with Shan Pu.
"Trung Trac and her sister Trung Nhi fought, and drove out
the invaders. For two years their country was free. Then, they
were caught by an overwhelming army; their backs against a river. With
no escape, they committed suicide rather than fall into the hands
of their enemies."
"Ummmm. Those names don't sound Chinese."
Ukyou said diffidently.
"Not Chinese, Vietnamese." Shan Pu said in surprise.
"Trung sisters Vietnamese, drive out Chinese invaders. Great
Amazon hero."
"But . . ."Ukyou looked bewildered. "Why would
they be hero's for killing Chinese?"
"Shan Pu Amazon . . .just happen live China. All
Amazon admire brave woman fighter. Trung very brave . . ."
She clutched the dagger against her chest. "Dagger, sword
many other treasure all lost. Amazon search many years but
only find few things. This" Shan Pu held the dagger to the
light. "this belong brave fighter. All Amazon proud call
sister."
Ukyou watched in dismay as Akane held out her hand again.
And again a package was placed there, this time by de la
Hoya herself. A long, slender package.
"Please" Ukyou prayed silently. "Kamisama, please
don't let her give me a gift. I haven't helped Akane. I've
never taught her anything. I'm not her friend!
"Ukyou sensei . . .'
The quiet voice cut her like a knife.
"Ukyou sensei . . . you once sacrificed a family
treasure to save me from the Ghost of Furinkin High."
Ukyou's eyes snapped open to see Akane grinning at her.
Then Akane's face took on a more serious cast. "This is
really nothing special. But I wanted to give you a token for
all you have taught me about courage."
Gritting her teeth Ukyou forced herself to take the package
from Akane. If she could have, she would have taken it home
and put in the back of a closet unopened. But that wasn't
possible. Slowly . . .as slowly as she possibly could she
unwrapped the package. Pealing off layer after layer of paper
and tape. And under the plain brown paper she
found . . .glory. First a black and vermilion lacquered
scabbard. Then a gold hollyhock crest and silver fittings.
Involuntarily Ukyou hissed as she uncovered the
treasure . . .a katana; no a dai-katana. And one fit for a king.
"It's not a spatula, but it is Masamune forged."
Akane added.
Ukyou stared at the magnificent long sword in her hands,
then at Akane. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing
came out. Finally she nodded once, jerkily, to acknowledge
the gift.
Still smiling Akane rebuilt the fire for usa cha. In the midst
of these preparations Akane offered smoking articles in a
beautifully lacquered case. Akane grinned at the stunned
look Ukyou's face.
"Sorry. You don't actually have to smoke. This is
just traditional. It's a sign for relaxation."
"Oh. . . .uh. . . heh , heh . . .relax." Ukyou could feel
a burning in her stomach, like she'd swallowed a live coal.
She forced her hands to unclench from the swords scabbard
and watched as Akane whisked the thin tea and poured a
measure into individual bowls for each of them.
As she finished her tea Kodachi sat silent for a moment,
staring at a vista only she could see. Bowing slightly from the
waist Kodachi addressed Akane.
"Akanesan . . .thank you for this tea. I did not
understand your art, at first. This was my failing. I wish you
to know that never has The Way of Tea touched me as this
ceremony has." Kodachi could feel Akane's pleasure at her words
like a
physical presence.
"Shan Pu not know Way of Tea. Shan Pu only know
she like this very much. Make feel good, special. Like at
home again with friends."
Akane practically glowed at that statement.
"Uh . . .yeah. It was . . .nice."
Shan Pu's turned sharply to glare at Ukyou and Kodachi felt
her jaw drop at Ukyou's tepid, almost insulting compliment.
"What! How can you say that?" Kodachi hissed.
"Nice! Nice is . . ."
"Hey, maybe I just don't understand all this . . ."
"Ukyou-san. Kodachi-san" The soft voice cut across
their wrangling and Kodachi flushed as she realized she was
ARGUING in the tea house.
"Please forgive me . . ."
Akane smiled at Kodachi.
"There is no need. Ukyou-san, I am sorry if I made
you uncomfortable. I am sorry if . . ." Akane ducked her
head in a quick bow. "I wanted to show all of you how much
I appreciate your friendship, how much you have taught me."
Akane lay her hand on Ukyou's arm. "If you did not like the
tea, the fault is mine. Please do not let it worry you."
The soft tone and the look of genuine concern
on Akane's
face stabbed Ukyou like a knife.
"I . . .I . . .I don't feel well. My head hurts."
"Ukyou, I'm sorry. Please. You should go home
now." Akane turned to her hanto. "Dera-chan, can you call
a
taxi for Ukyou-san? I'll pay for it."
"I will see that they all get home safely." Came the
reply. With that all four left the tea house. Glancing back
Shan Pu could see Akane watching them from the door.
************************************************
"If I could just use your phone" Ukyou
asked
diffidently. She looked around the plush office where they
had been led after leaving the tea house. "I'll call a taxi and
.
. ."
"Sit down." Jane pushed her back onto the sofa. "We
promised Akane-chan that we would see you home."
Ukyou flinched at the harsh tone and shrank back into the
overstuffed cushions.
"Jane . . .that's enough." de la Hoya put a hand on
Ukyou's shoulder. "Sorry about that. Jane's a little
protective of Akane-chan."
"How did you come to meet Akane-san?" Kodachi
asked as Megan helped her off with her kimono.
"Ha. She saved boss-chan's life, didn't she?" Megan
grinned at de la Hoya, who stuck her tongue out at her
executive.
"Akane save life? What do? Fight monster? Kill
robber?"
de la Hoya chuckled. "Not quite that dramatic, but at the
time it seemed like life and death."She thought for a momet.
" About eight years ago. It was my first time in Japan. I was
scouting for a site for my restaurant . . .this one. And I got
mugged."
"MUGGED!" Kodachi was scandalized. "In Japan?
Tokyo?"
"Yeah. Surprised me too. Anyway, there I was.
Sitting on a park bench in the pouring rain. No money, no
suitcase, no passport. AND I'd twisted my ankle running
after the little bas . . .umm well there I was. Soaked to the
skin and feeling pretty sorry for myself. And up walks the
cutest little girl in a yellow raincoat carrying an umbrella with
kittens on it. I spoke about three words of Japanese at the
time and she didn't speak any English. She takes one look at
me and starts talking a mile a minute." de la Hoya smiled in
remembrance. "When I don't say anything she hands me her
umbrella and picks me up on her back."
"Hmmmph." Shan Pu snorted. "Brute strength when
small. Shan Pu not surprised."
"Well I was surprised. And embarrassed. This tiny
child carrying me through the streets. But no one seemed to
find it unusual. She carries me home and plunks me in the
furo. While I'm thawing out she brings me some clean
clothes." de la Hoya's voice trembled with suppressed
emotion. "I didn't know until later they were her mothers. I
didn't know." With a visible effort she took control of her
self. "Then she fed me lunch . . ."
"Ayyy. Akane cook and you live." Shan Pu looked at
her admiringly. "You very strong woman. Maybe you come
China, join Amazon."
Jane chuckled. "We've wondered about that. Akane-chan had
some . . .innovative . . .ideas about food."
"Hey." de la Hoya snorted indignantly. "I thought it
was WONDERFUL."
Megan shuddered. "That's because you are STRANGE.
Only YOU, and Akane-chan, would think a peanut butter,
banana and tuna sandwich was WONDERFUL."
"Well, she was too young to use the stove. And I
STILL like them."
Megan shuddered again. "Must be an acquired taste."
de la Hoya wrinkled her nose and continued her story.
"While I'm finishing this DELICIOUS" She dared anyone to
contidict her. "lunch Akane-chan called someone on the
phone. The next thing I know this police car pulls up. Three
policemen and an inspector pile out. They bundle me into the
car and off we go. Thirty minutes later I'm in the Tokyo
Hilton. And three hours later I've got all my stuff back and
the little . . .uhh the thief is apologizing on his knees like I'm
the Empress or something. And everyone from the Hotel
manager to the lowest ranking policeman is apologizing. And
assuring me that this will never happen again."
"That's . . .amazing." Ukyou looked up from where
she was struggling to fold her Kimono. "What happened.
Why did all those policemen show up. And what . . ."
"I think we can explain that part." Jane looked at de
la Hoya who nodded. "Well, the BOSS didn't tell us about
all the excitement she'd had. So several months later, while
we were in the middle of TRYING to get this place ready to
open . . .in walks this CUTE little girl, just like she owned
the place and asks for Dera-chan." Megan glanced at de la
Hoya who blushed a little. "Well we didn't know who
DERACHAN was."
"It's a uhhh a nick-name. Akane-chan was a little
confused about American names. And, well . . ." She trailed
off.
"Oh, but DERACHAN is soooo CUTE."
de la Hoya sneered at Megan but refrained from
commenting.
"Well Akanechan just wanders around, waiting for
Dera-chan to show up." Jane continues. "When one of our
contractors starts giving me a hard time." Jane glanced at
Kodachi. "I'm sure you understand some of the problems
gaijin have doing business in Japan."
Kodachi nodded. "Yes, it can be difficult . . ."
"Difficult?" Megan snorted. "Try bloody impossible!"
"Akane stopped all that. My Japanese is good, but
contractors constantly misunderstood me. Orders were
delayed . . .or lost. And it didn't help that we were three
gajin women trying to start a business. Akane-chan walked in
just when one of the electricians had me backed into a
corner. I'd handled that sort of thing before but it's always
unpleasant. When suddenly he just . . .vanishes. I look and
he's about twenty feet away, laying on his back.
Akane-chan's standing over him, hands on her hips, just
tearing a strip off him. Telling him what an idiot he is. How
he's a disgrace to Japan. To the Samurai spirit." Jane
laughed. "Well I thought we were well and truly screwed at
that point. That everyone was going to pack up and go
home. Then Akane-chan gets on the phone. Next thing I
know there's a police car at the front. This HUGE man in a
dark suit gets out. Akane runs up and grabs him around the
legs. He picks her and swings her in a big circle. Then he
comes up to me, bows. Introduces himself as CHIEF
Inspector of Police and what do I need? I'm not sure WHAT
to say. So he gathers up all the workers and explains that we,
everybody at International House, are friends of Akane-chan.
And AKANE-chan is a VERY good friend of his son. And
how unhappy his son would be if Akane were unhappy. And
how unhappy HE would be if his son were unhappy. Well,
no one wanted the Chief Inspector to be unhappy. And
suddenly everyone could understand my Japanese. And lost
orders were found. And deliveries were made on schedule."
"Why big policeman care so much? Why unhappy if
Akane unhappy?"
"I did some asking around." Megan answered.
"Turns out the Inspector has a son that was born with a birth
defect. No legs and only two fingers on each hand, like
tentacles. He didn't have any friends. Even the nurses they
hired to take care of him . . .didn't want to touch him. He
was very lonely and unhappy. Until one day a little girl asked
him to help her fly her kite. And the next day asked him if he
wanted to feed the ducks in the pond. And called him a baka
when he spilled a drink on her dress. And came back the next
day to see if he wanted to play with her dolls. She didn't
even notice anything was different about him. This made the
little boy very happy. Which made his father, the Chief
Inspector, very happy. He's governor of the Prefectature
now." She added.
"I see. But what about . . .the Emperor? And the
Grand Master?" Kodachi added.
"I'm not sure about that." Jane put in. "I don't know,
but I think Akane-chan's grandmother went to school with
the present Empress. All I do know is that the Tendou's are
a very old family. And Akane-chan is friends with a LOT of
people." Megan grinned. "But I don't have to tell YOU that.
As her best friends you know that better than anyone."
"Oh, before I forget." Derachan didn't see the
stunned looks on the three young faces. "I've personally
instructed the staff that the three of you, and anyone with
you, always have priority over anyone else. And always as
guests of International House."
"That is too generous . . ."Kodachi started.
"Nonsense." Jane replied. "Without Akane-chan, there
would BE no International House. Nothing is too generous
for Akane-chan. And nothing is too good for her friends."
************************************************
A short time later the three girls were again
in Ucchan's
Okonomyaki.
"I think it is time to . . .reevaluate our situation."
"What mean?"
"It seems to me that we are in a unique position.
Akane has acknowledged us as her sensei; her senpai. Before
witnesses. As such we only have to ASK her to step aside."
Ukyou's face brightened. "Yeah. All we have to do is point
out that she's too young to get married. Or that Ranma's all
wrong or . . ."
"Akane listen we tell that?" Shan Pu said doubtfully.
"Perhaps not if put that bluntly." Kodachi
acknowledged. "However we are all in an extremely strong
position of authority now. It would be foolish to risk . . ."
The phone rang.
"Moshi, moshi?" Ukyou paled, then punched the
speaker button.
"Splendidly done." The metallic tones hissed from the
speaker. "Now is the time for the last act of our little drama.
Tendou Akane dies tonight."
"We no work for you. We no need kill Akane now."
Shan Pu snarled into the speaker. "You want fight, kill. You
meet Shan Pu, see who best fighter."
"We no longer have need of your services." Kodachi
interjected. "Nor do we see any need to help you . . ."
"Yeah. So long. Don't let the door hit you on the ass
on the way out."
Kodachi glanced at Ukyou. "Don't let the door hit you on
the ass?" She mouthed silently. Ukyou blushed.
"You misunderstand." The voice mocked. "I have no
further need of your services. If you aid me, it is to your
benefit. If you do not help me it is to your detriment. But, no
matter what you do, or do not; Tendou Akane dies tonight."
"What do you mean?" Kodachi was amazed at how
calm she sounded.
"You have served your purpose . . .as Judas goats.
You have set up Tendou Akane for the kill. For that I thank
you. And for that reason alone I allow you this opportunity
to profit from her death. Her inevitable death." The voice
went on persuasively. "If you do not aid me, Tendou Akane
dies. With the possibility you, some or all of you, will be
implicated in her death."
"We're her friends." Ukyou said, the word tasting
like ash in her mouth. "We're her friends. No one would
believe . . ."
"The police will believe what they are led to believe.
That the three of you pretended friendship . . .to kill her. It's
only the truth after all. And there is at least one official who
will look very closely at the circumstances of her death."
"We'll tell them the truth."
"The truth?"
Ukyou wanted to smash that mocking voice.
"The truth? That a mysterious person seduced you
from the shadows? That you conspired to murder an
innocent girl? Who's only crime was trusting too much. That
you changed your mind about killing, but she died anyway, at
the hands of this shadow? This unknown shadow that no one
except you has ever seen?" The mockery vanished and the
voice hardened. "You have one chance. Follow my
instructions. And live, with a chance to prosper." The voice
sharpened. "I will allow you one concession. Obey me now
and you may make her death as painless as you wish.
Otherwise, I shall . . .indulge myself. And leave you the
blame."
Shan Pu shuddered at the hunger in the voice.
"May we have a few days? To prepare?"
Ukyou and Shan Pu stared at Kodachi.
"Tonight only." The line went dead and the three
girls listened to the speaker crackle and hiss.
************************************************
"Are you ready?"
Ukyou looked up as Kodachi and Shan Pu entered her shop.
"Yes." She picked up the box with the deluxe
okonomyaki and followed them out of the shop. "But I don't
understand."
"It's better that you don't . . ."
"No." Shan Pu interrupted. "Ukyou not child. Tell
all."
Kodachi looked between the two girls and let out her breath
with a sigh. "Very well. Due to our . . .interference . . .
Ak . . .Tendousan is more concerned about her weight than
ever. She has started using various herbal preparations in an
effort to lose weight." Shan Pu pulled a small package from
her pocket.
"She use tea . . .like this. Make less hungry.
Make . . .uhh . . .Shan Pu not know word."
"The tea has a stimulant property." Kodachi explained.
"It also is a diuretic." She added delicately. Pulling a bottle
of
capsules from her pocket Kodachi went on. "Many herbal
preparations are unsafe when used in combination or at
increased dosage. In this case Tendousan is taking an herbal
combination that contains comfrey and coumarin; powerful
liver toxins and anti-coagulants."
"What does that mean?" Ukyou asked, not sure she
really wanted to know the answer.
"With the dosage I . . ." Shan Pu gave her a sharp
look. "The dosage we are going to add to the
okonomyaki . . .death should come within twelve hours from
liver failure and internal bleeding." Kodachi looked at her co-conspirators.
"The
initial assumption should be that Tendousan has succumbed
to a viral hepatitis. Should there be further investigation the
herbal diet preparations will be found and death due to
accidental poisoning will be the verdict."
************************************************
"Akane? Akane, are you home?"
Ukyou knocked again on the door. "AKANE!"
Shan Pu looked at the dark house worriedly.
"Something wrong. School start soon. Should
have
light inside."
"There is only one thing to do." Suiting words to
action Kodachi opened the door and went inside.
"Hey!" Ukyou protested. "You can't just walk in
somebody's house. That's . . ." Her voice trailed off as Shan
Pu looked at her. "Oh, yeah. I forgot."
"Shan Pu check upstairs, Kodachi down. Ukyou go
doujou." Without waiting to see how her orders were
received Shan Pu bounded upstairs. Ukyou started for the
doujou. Before she made three steps a piercing scream jerked
her around. Without conscious thought she found herself at
the top of the stairs, Kodachi a half pace behind as they
sprinted toward the sound. Bursting through the door to
Akane's room they found Shan Pu on her knees beside the
crumpled figure of Akane. Shan Pu turned toward them as
they skidded to a stop.
"Shan Pu find her like this. She burn up with fever."
Kodachi knelt on the other side, feeling the swollen glands in
Akane's throat, the faint thready pulse. Through all this
Akane lay limp and unresponsive, taking slow labored
breaths.
"A viral infection, I would guess. Her lymph glands
are swollen. Her skin is hot and dry and her breathing is
labored. Maybe pneumonia. Tatewatti had it as a child and
this looks similar."
Shan Pu jumped up. "I go boil water for infusion. Get
blankets. Ukyou call doctor, ambulance. Akane need
hospital." The two girls dashed out the door. As it
rebounded from the force of their exit the small wooden
duck flew off the door and skittered across the floor to end
at Kodachi's feet. As she listened to each labored breath
Kodachi remembered Taewatti breathing like this. Fighting for
air. Drowning as fluid filled his lungs. An amusing thought.
The hammer girl drowning on dry land. It wouldn't take
much to tip the balance. Tendou Akane's life was hanging by
a thread . . .a rotten thread. Kodachi's hand dipped into her
pocket.
************************************************
Ukyou dashed back in the room, arms full of blankets.
"Th . . .th . . .there's . . .traffic . . .jam." She gasped,
dumping the blankets on the floor. "Ambulance . . .hour . .
.maybe two. He . . .helicopters . . .other calls." Ukyou
started piling blankets around the shivering figure on the
floor as Shan Pu bounced in the room carrying a steaming
pot.
"This good clear lungs. Akane breath steam. Make
better." She looked at Ukyou. "When doctor come?"
"They're not coming. Not soon. There's a bad traffic
problem. And the air-ambulances are on other calls. At least
an hour, probably two before they can get here."
"Aaaa! Akane wait that long?"
"She will be dead within the hour, without immediate
treatment."
"What you saying?"
"Hey, Akane's strong. She can beat this."
Kodachi shook her head. "She can not beat this. She is barely
alive now. She was probably sick during the tea ceremony.
And her death will be a complete accident. No one could
possibly blame a viral infection on us." Kodachi laughed
slightly. "I find it most amusing to think that had we not
come here to kill her, Tendou Akane would have been found
dead when her family came home."
Shan Pu shot Kodachi a look of disbelief and turned to
Ukyou. "We not wait. Call taxi. Take Akane hospital."
"If an ambulance can not get to us, what makes you
think a taxi will make better progress through traffic?"
"You want her dead!" Ukyou accused.
"As did you. And you." Kodachi added looking at
Shan Pu. "The three of us would not be here, together,
except for the purpose of killing Tendou Akane."
"Yeah, well. I CHANGED MY MIND!!!" Ukyou
stuck her face pugnaciously in Kodachi's, one hand gripping
her battle spatula.
"And you?" Kodachi glanced at Shan Pu. "Do you
feel this way as well?"
"Shan Pu no want Akane dead like this. Fight for
husband. Honorable duel. Shan Pu strong, good cook, good
looking. No need kill Akane." Shan Pu slid forward to put
herself between Akane and Kodachi.
"Well then . . ." Kodachi's hand slid into her pocket.
The other two girls stiffened, bracing for an attack. The
windows rattled as the house started shaking. "I suppose it's
unanimous." Ukyou and Shan Pu stared as Kodachi spoke
into her cell phone. "Lower a basket. There's not enough
room to land safely." Pocketing her phone Kodachi looked at
the other two girls. "I suggest we hurry. I've already alerted
the hospital to be ready for the Kuno Enterprises helicopter."
Shan Pu stared for a moment before gathering Akane in her
arms and dashing for the outside, followed by Ukyou.
Kodachi paused to rehang the duck before following her
friends to the helicopter hovering outside.
************************************************
"WHERE IS AKANE! Wha'dja do with her?"
"Ranma-kun, perhaps if you let go of her throat
Kodachi-chan could speak." Kasumi's soft voice penetrated
the blood thundering in Ranma's ears like only one other
voice could have. Opening his fist he let Kodachi drop,
wheezing, to the floor.
"Really Ranma-sama" Kodachi said massaging her
throat. "You needn't be so rough, unless" She purred,
glancing up at him from under lowered lashes. "unless you
think I've been very bad?"
"Aaaak!" Ranma flinched away from Kodachi.
"Now Kodachichan, you shouldn't tease Ranma like
that. I'm sure he's very worried."
"Yeah. I just got home. An' it's all messed up. Got
broken windows, trash an' stuff all over the place . . ."
"Oh dear" Kasumi murmured. "That would have
been the helicopter."
"HELI . . .What's goin' on?"
"If we could have found you sugar, we would have
told you."
Ranma spun to find Ukyou and . . .Shan Pu? Standing behind
him.
"Ucchan? What's goin' on? Where's Akane? There
was a note sayin' she was . . ."
"Waaaaaaa. AKANE!!! My baby is in the hospital.
RANMA how could you let this happen?"
"OH MAAAAN! It's not my fault. I wasn't even . . ."
"Listen boy. If you hadn't run off to see that Jackie
Chan festival, none of this would have happened."
No one saw the looks of relief Kodachi, Ukyou and Shan Pu
exchanged on hearing this.
Kasumi felt compelled to interrupt at this point.
"Oh no, Uncle Saotome. The doctors say that this
type of pneumonia can come on very suddenly. Even the
person who is ill may not realize how sick they are. Besides"
She bestowed a sweet smile on the three girls. "Kodachi,
Ukyou and Shan Pu took very good care of Akane while we
were away."
The three named girls blushed as three pair of masculine eyes
turned on them with complete incredulity.
"You . . . took care of Akane?" Ranma asked.
"Oh yes, the doctors say that they probably saved her
life." Kasumi added.
"You saved my baby's life. How can I thank you!!!"
"You might loosen you grip so they can breath
father."
Ranma slipped away and ghosted down the corridor to find
Akane's room. A few mistakes later he opened the door to a
lavish private room. And immediately felt as if he'd been
slugged in the gut. He grabbed the door frame to keep
upright.
"It's not as bad as it looks."
Ranma turned to find Kodachi behind him.
"The others do not have my gymnastic skill." She
said in answer to his unspoken question. "They are still
trying to escape Tendou-san's embrace."
"Are . . .are you sure she's gonna be alright?"
Unsteadily Ranma approached the hospital bed. Akane
looked so small and lost . . .so very still. He wasn't used to
seeing her so quiet. Even in her sleep she was always
moving, talking even fighting. Now . . .she just lay on her
back, tubes and wires running in and out of her body. Beside
her bed strange machines whirred and beeped.
"She is much better. She was awake and talking
earlier. She just tires easily."
"I'm stay'n right here." Ranma said, daring anyone to
tell him differently.
"I think that will be . . ." A commotion outside
interrupted Kodachi. "I will be right back Ranma-sama."
Kodachi looked back to see Ranma sitting beside Akane's
bed, both of his large hands wrapped around her smaller one.
Holding her as if afraid she would disappear. And completely
oblivious to anything else in the world.
Kodachi stepped into the corridor to see Tendou Nabiki
pinned against the wall by an Amazon and a Chef.
"Let me go you stupid . . ." Nabiki struggled futilely
in the grip of the two martial artists. "If you don't let me go
you're going to be in big trouble."
"What seems to be the problem?"
Nabiki looked up hearing Kodachi's voice. "Is this your idea?
I'm warning you . . ."
"NO! I am warning YOU. Stay away from
Akane-san."
"What! Are you crazy? What am I saying? Of course
you're crazy. I'm going to see Akan . . ." Nabiki's voice choked
off with a squeak as a ribbon wrapped around her throat.
"We know." Kodachi hissed.
"Know? Know what? What are you babbling about?"
Nabiki croaked, rubbing her throat. "You're going to be
in . . ."
"The princess game. We know what you did."
Nabiki paled. "Game? I . . .I don't know what you are
talking about."
"We know. Know Nabiki hit Akane. Knock down
stair. Tell lie about Akane."
"You're crazy. You don't know . . ."
"Don't lie." Ukyou grabbed Nabiki's shirt front and
pulled her off the ground. "You're not gonna get
another chance to. . ."
"What the HELL" Nabiki wrenched herself loose
with a sudden burst of strength. "What the HELL do you
think you're doing. Akane is MY sister. You've got no
right . . ."
"They're afraid you might try to hurt
Akane . . .again."
"K . . .Kasumi. What do you mean? I would never
hurt Akane."
"I cleaned up the mess after they took Akane to the
hospital. I found everything Akane had set up for the
princess game that you and mother used to play. And where
you had pulled the yari off the wall and struck her with it. I
didn't understand what it all meant until much later. After
you had spent years tormenting Akane, and telling lies about
her."
"Nabiki?" Soun was staring at his middle daughter.
"You didn't . . .you couldn't . . .why?" He whispered.
"Why?" Nabiki hissed. "You ask me WHY! Because
I thought mama was ALIVE. I came home . . .the
decorations. . . incense. Everything. . . .just like mama did. I
thought she was back. " Tears were running down her face
as years of armor plate around her soul cracked. "I thought
mama was back home. I ran . . .didn't take off my shoes.
Mama's gonna be mad running in the house with shoes on."
Nabiki was shaking so hard she couldn't stand and fell into a
chair. "It was a LIE. A viscous nasty LIE. Akane tricked
ME. I thought mama was ALIVE!!!" Nabiki lunged
shrieking and clawing at the figure standing in front of her. A
figure she could see only dimly through her tears. Stunned
by the raw emotion from Nabiki, Ukyou let the first strike
through unblocked. Shan Pu grabbed Nabiki from behind and
she collapsed suddenly as Shan Pu manipulated pressure
points.
"I'll take her." Kasumi said quietly pulling her sister down
beside her. "Nabiki, you were a child then. And Akane was a
year younger. She didn't know. She was lonely and confused.
I think she was trying to make you happy." Kasumi gently
stroked the hair of the sobbing girl in her lap. "She adored you
. . .
you were only a year older. Her O-neechan. She thought you were
wonderful. Remember how she used to follow you around? Always
wanted to wear what you wore? Eat the same things you
ate?" Nabiki's sobs increased until Ukyou wondered how she
could breath.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I . . .I thought . . .I thought she
did it on purpose."Nabiki turned puffy, red rimmed eyes to
Kasumi."Is . . .is she going to be all right?" Nabiki turned
to
Ukyou. "Can I see her? I'll be quiet. I just want to make sure
she's all right."
"Akane sleep now. You come back when she awake.
Can talk then."
"Thank you." Nabki said quietly and allowed Kasumi
to lead her and the two fathers away.
"That was exciting." Ukyou slumped in a chair,
exhausted by Nabiki's emotional outburst.
"I don't think she did it."
Ukyou looked at Kodachi. "Don't think who did what?"
"Nabiki. I don't think she's our voice."
"Why say that?"
"For one thing, my sources tell me she just got back
from Australia."
"Australia! What was she doing there?"
"Getting an impacted wisdom tooth removed. It
seems Tendou Nabiki is terrified of the dentist. There is only
one she trusts. And when he moved back to Australia . . ."
Kodachi shrugged her shoulders. "Plus . . .I just didn't get
the feel of a cold blooded assassin from her." Kodachi looked
aside at the Amazon.
Shan Pu nodded in agreement. "Shan Pu not think it Nabiki
either. Watch close still. But not think Nabiki creepy voice."
Ukyou's eyes got wide. "Then that means. . . .he's still out
there!"
"Or she is." Kodachi agreed.
"What do now? Can never leave Akane alone." Shan
Pu answered her own question. "Stay with all time. Guard
from crazy person."
"Shouldn't we tell Ranma?"
Kodachi looked at Ukyou. "Our credibility might suffer if
Ranma or anyone were to learn the details of the past days.
They might even suffer a lack of trust."
Ukyou was forced to grin at Kodachi's sardonic tone.
"Then what do we do?"
"Do? Why nothing . . .except stay close, as only very
good friends would."