(non-FMP!) Homecoming chapter 3
Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 12:49 am
For those, I haven't forgotten the Forum X-over. Please bear with me, my creative juices are elsewhere.
Bel, return home Ch 3
Normally, on the last Thursday of November here in North America, families would get together for a large Dinner and remember and relive the last year. Long lost friend and relative would met, greet and generally have a good time. Not for me though, as I just went to the third funeral of the day. Me, Rebekah, Melissa, and Hirupchik were exhausted as we left the cemetery that was the final resting place of Melshia Merrshah, James and Samantha Mackenzie. We had just been on a whirlwind of flights that stretched from the Pacific to the Atlantic to attend a series of funerals that encompassed my family. While Hiru and Melissa had only seen the rest of our family a couple of time, this was a show of solidarity. We were all family, if even it wasn’t blood. This was also to show who wanted us dead that we were not going run. They messed with the wrong people this time.
We went over to the vehicles that would take us to Melissa’s home. Since mine and Reb’s was kindling, Melissa’s family offered to help. We were entering the home when a familiar black human came out of the house. He was now wearing his full uniform complete with awards that signified that he saw some pretty intense situations.
“ Marshall Jackson” as my sister went to attention and gave a crisp salute as she was in her IPA uniform.
Since neither me or Melissa wore ours, we weren’t obliged to salute. However we did stand straight wanting fro acknowledgement from the elder man. Only Hiru did nothing, she just kept on going into the house.
The Marshall returned my sister’s salute as he shifted to allow Hiru to go inside. He then spoke.
“ I am sorry for all of your losses this week but I need to talk to all of you, now.”
Both my sister and Melissa looked at me as I merely nodded my head. There was not to many times that an IPA Marshall wanted to speak to you and you just don’t tell him to wait until you feel better.
“ We pulled some information off of Merrshah’s personal computer. It was some names and addresses of people that seem to be not related except by his computer.” He gave my sister a data chip. “This was obviously meant for you.” He walked away from us then turned to face us. “ Try not to get into too much trouble, people.”
He left as we filled into the house. We went up to Melissa’s room and loaded the data chip on her personal computer. We pulled up the files and found out what Melshia had pulled.
Some personnel files from an old database associated with Project Sparta.
“ I don’t get this. How come there is three columns and who are these people?” I said to my friends.
Melissa shook her head and looked to my sister. “Maybe you could pull some string and find out some of these people, Rebekah. You’ve got access to the IPA database. “
“ I do but I can tell you something already. The first column third entry I do know of. She is dead. Ship accident in the Procyon system. She was found asphyxiated in her room. It was a big deal as a some of a high-ranking official on Britannia was found dead , too. I have the feeling that many of these people are dead of accidents.” she said looking over the file.
“ this would be easier if Melshia was here.” I lamented.
“ That is correct, Bel. Hence the reason he died. Whoever is doing this knows how to cover their tracks. Damn I wish Mishtahl was here, she’d be better at this then I am.”
Melissa frowned at this. “ Mishtahl? Who is this Mishtahl?”
My sister spoke as she took the data chip out. “My partner in the IPA. She a wiz with computer, if you can keep her at the console. “
“So you want to bring another one of our friend into trouble, sis” I spoke with a little more force then I wanted.
“ No, Bel, I don’t. For the last five years of my life, I have entrusted my life to her and she hasn’t failed yet. How do you think I got anything on Project Sparta.”
“ I do have the question for the both of you? What pray tell is Project Sparta?” said Melissa as she crossed he arm under her chest.
Stop staring, Bel. I thought as I tried to put some stray thoughts out of my head.
“ It was a supposed to be a research project funded by some data research group about kid geniuses. Bel was a child in the project. However, Bel as you know isn’t jus a normal person. His stamina, strength and other traits are far beyond what any of us would consider normal.” said Rebekah.
“ You think that this project had some other goals, too.”
“ Correct, When you try to access any file trough normal channels you get either nothing or access is not authorized. Also, we have tried to find who was Bel’s genetic Family is and nothing ever came of it. Whenever Mom and Dad tried to talk to some of the researchers they were unavailable or had just died. Dad even hired a private investigator for a time. The Private eye gave us nothing. Any information we have gotten has been thru word of mouth and it not much.” as my sister continued her story as I could not get win against my mind.
I decided to get up to get out of there when Melissa spoke up. “ What’s up , Bel?”
“ Have to go to the Bathroom.” I spoke going to the restroom.
After a couple of minutes making a deposit for the sewer system, I reentered the room where my sister and Best friend were chatting.
“ you don’t have enough information on the subject to make that conclusion. Genetic Manipulation is outlawed throughout the UFP except for medical reasons. Not even the military can do what you say was done, and they have good reason to insist on trying it.” Melissa countered my sister’s argument.
“ I know that. It just my intuition that says that I’m on the right track..”
“ Pleas you two, that’s enough. We won’t get anywhere now. We all need some sleep, so we should all turn in early and try to get up early tomorrow. We’ve got a flight to catch.”
“ Why yes we do.” said Melissa
“What?” said me and Rebekah
“ You are not going…” “Oh, No, I’m not allowing…” as me and my sister tried talk Melissa out of her decision to accompany us to Japan.
Melissa got up and went over to her closet and started to pull her sweater off. “ I going to get undressed so I can go to bed, Bel, Reb. I suggest you leave, unless you have something else to discuss?’ as she pulled both her sweater and shirt showing her bra and chest.
Then I had my sister grab my right ear. “Let’s go Bel. You might get a nosebleed from the show.” as I was taken from the room.
As I exited the room, I thought that Melissa shoulders dropped ever so slightly, as if from disappointment.
I went to the guest room that was mine for the night and went to sleep.
I t would mid morning before I would be awake again.
When I awoke , I looked outside and saw a sight I hadn’t seen in a long time. Snow was blanketing the landscape. It was like those drawings of the holidays. White was everywhere. While it does snow in the winter here in the mountains, it usually doesn’t happen this early in winter. I got up and tried to go to the bathroom I had visited the night before. As I entered the bathroom, I was surprised to see Melissa in there too.
I looked away as fast as I could and willed myself to talk. “I’m sorry, Melissa. I just got up and…”
She laughed as she grabbed a towel. “ You can look now, Bel. I ‘m descent.”
I still didn’t look around to face her as she continued. “Honestly, Bel , you amaze me sometimes. You know where the toilet is. So go take care of your business.”
“I don’t think I can cause you’re in here.” fumbling thru the words as I tried to contain any sudden bodily functions from taking over.
She laughed again as she went to the door. “ If you are worried about modesty, Bel. You shouldn’t leave your room in just your briefs. Doesn’t leave much to the imagination.”
I had to be blushing so red know that my face was the same color as my hair. She was right.
Morning business was taking cared of and then I dressed for the trip. I packed (which wasn’t much as I hadn’t really had time to settle at home ) and went down stairs. I went to the dining room and was greeted by a fully dressed Melissa and Rebekah.
“ About time, Bel. Damn, you had to be hibernating in that room. You usually are awake by first light.” said my sister as she gave me a hug.
I returned the hug and over her shoulder I saw Melissa. Melissa smiled at the display and winked at me.
“ Guten morgen, Rebekah, Melissa. I would have been awake if the sun wasn’t blocked by these clouds.” I said as I went to a cupboard to get a glass.
I sat down across from Melissa and my sister as we continued the conversation, “It is too bad we are going to Japan. I always thought the mountains looked best with snow on them. It just seams so peaceful.”
Melissa spoke after she took a sip of hot chocolate. “ I agree but we have to go to Japan.”
Rebecca looked at my friend and said, “You are not going to Japan.”
The two of them went into an argument about whether or not Melissa should accompany us to Japan. It was amusing to me because I knew what the outcome was. They would try to get me to be the tiebreaker, each believing that I would side with them. I decided to preempt them by speaking up.
“ She’s going.”
Both females turned and faced me. Rebekah and Melissa showed surprise on their faces that quickly changed
While Melissa beamed, my sister was very irate with me. I put up my hand to forestall the fusillade that was about to come from my sister.
“ She’s been through as much as either of us, Rebekah. I am certain that whoever wants us dead will use Melissa if they have the chance. The best place for her is with us. Just as you trust Mishtahl, I have trusted Melissa. We don’t have much time to catch the flight to Japan, girls, so lets get moving. Trajan can get us down to the rails.”
I got up an headed out to my Hummer to get thing readied to go, when Melissa came out carring her bags.
“ Thank you, Belisarius. I thought that I would have to convince the two of you that it was for the best.” she said looking at me. “ It is just too bad that we can’t spend sometime to enjoy the snow.”
“ No thanks necessary, Melissa. You are right. You’re in just as much danger as me and Rebekah. I would rather you be with us, then hearing about your death.” I said as I was brushing the wet snow of the Hummer.
The next thing surprised me as a white object hit me square on the noggin. I brushed the snow away as I saw one of Melissa’s little cousins preparing for another beaming of me.
I moved behind the wheel of Trajan as I packed a snowball for the little sniper. Melissa was surprised at was happening and tried to stop her cousin but she got hit from another direction.
I whirled and threw the projectile at the assailant that beamed my friend. The kid was then hit in the Jacket by my snowball. The force of the strike along with normal kid’s balance caused the kid to fall on his butt. It was now that three snowballs were let flown from the porch as the other three tikes add to the assault. A good ambush those kids did, but they forgot that the were dealing with a Space Marine Commando. What ensued was a snowball fight that would be remembered for ever by those kids, me and my friends. Many snowballs were thrown and some found their intended targets and others finding other targets. Me, Melissa and later Rebekah fought the five cousins to a draw. For an hour, we were all little kids running around the yard and house beaming the other side, the dog, the cat, and even Melissa’s grandmother ( I never hit her, that much I know. First rule of snowball fights. If you don’t want to get hit, don’t go outside.) It was an escape from the reality of our lives. For a time, our innocence was regained as the snow continued to fly. When we finally got on the road, the world came back to take away that innocence. I could tell that all of us were wishing that the snowball fight would last for ever. Then I remembered something from the past. Every great battle must have a name. And that was one to remember.
“ The Third Battle of Blood Mountain.” I spoke out loud. This caused looks of confusion from my friends, but I didn’t care. It was a good battle and any noteworthy battle must have a name.
Nagasaki International, Later that day.
We exited the airport terminal and entered a downpour. We had spent four hours on the flight and we were exhausted from that and the snowball fight.
“ I couldn’t believe that two Space Marine Commandos were ambushed by those kids.” joked Rebekah as we went to the Grav terminal.
“ They had us perfectly, Reb.” I protested. “What do they teach Cub Scouts now. Guerilla Warfare.”
Melissa spoke as she tried to keep a handle on the umbrella she had. “ Remember that my uncle Robert served in the Terran PDF. He probably taught them that.”
We got to the Grav terminal and got the ticket we need when a voice called out.
“ Rebekah, there you are.” said a high pitched voice from the crowd
We turned around saw the person running towards us at break neck speed. She was female with blonde hair and reddish brown skin. She had a body similar to Melissa’s gymnast body but was larger in the chest area. She was wearing a body suit of silver-blue with a deep blue jacket. She continued to call out to my sister. Both me and Melissa turned to her and saw a rather peculiar expression.
I heard my sister curse as the blonde was now closer. She had pointed ears similar to a Caphite, but her eyes were crystal blue not a natural occurring color for the Caphites.
She tackle-hugged my sister, which caused my sister to lose her breath.
“ I have been trying to find you throughout this terminal, Rebekah. They said that your fight was showed up over an hour ago, and I thought that I lost you.” said the blonde assailant.
Melissa coughed as I tried not to smile at the sight.
“ Ma’am,” spoke Melissa, “ you might want to let go of your vice grip before Rebekah dies of asphyxiation.”
“ Oh, I am sorry,” as the blonde let go my sister causing her to fall on her butt. “Oh, by the way, who are you?”
My sister tried her best to introduce everyone while trying to catch her breathe as she got up. “Mishtahl, this is my brother, Belisarius and my best friend, Melissa” she turned to me and Melissa. “Guys, This is my partner, Mishtahl.”
“ Hello” I said as Melissa offered her hand.
“ What is this for, Melissa?” as the blonde took her hand.
“ For putting up with this bitch for five years. “ she smiled as they shook hands.
My sister glared at Melissa as she gave a brightening smile.
“ Why are you here, Detective Markarbitahlisht?” I spoke
The blonde turned and faced me. She was as tall as my sister and Melissa as she looked into my eyes.
“ You are the first Terran who has not butchered my family name the first time speaking it. Rebekah, you where right he is amazing.” she beamed.
I blushed at the compliment as Melissa spoke up. “Bel has always been a linguist of sorts. Languages just come naturally for him.”
My sister was now over the shock of her partner being asked the same thing I did.
“ I heard that you had some problems here and I asked to come here and it was granted. I am not letting some assassin try to kill partner and best friend.”
“ How did that happen?” Melissa asked as I walked away toward the train that was pulling up.
She shrugged as she walked with us toward the train. “ I have some friends in the personnel department. I asked and they delivered.”
I was getting tired of carrying all the bags when Mishtahl decided to add her travel bag.
I stopped to protest this, but the three females were talking up a storm. I tried to tell them that I was getting tired but they continued to ignore me. It wasn’t the weight but the disruption of it that made it uncomfortable. I got on the grav train with no help from the three females. I was so glad that we were not in Tokyo as I would have never got on the train as they would have run over me to get on it. Also It wasn’t packed so that I could find a seat. I dropped the bags and took my seat. It would be about 45 minutes to reach Okayama form here and I need some down time. I took my VCD player put on the headphones and played the music in it . That didn’t mean that I was totally immune to the conversation between the three women. I learned the Mishtahl was only half Caphite. Her mother was Terran and so how caught the fancy of a Caphite official on a trip there. Normally Caphites didn’t show emotion as they followed the path of logical thought. Seems that they almost destroyed themselves and they blamed their emotion for getting a hold of them. Mishtahl stated that they do show emotions, but only in the company of family or trusted friends, and only a little. She explained that she lived on Caph and was indoctrinated in their philosophy but felt her emotion too much. She said that there was a minority on Caph that would like to see a more emotional people, that the strict logical society was not envisioned by their founder but a balanced society that showed compassion, and other good emotions.
Later, we exited the terminal into the town that we stopped at. Both me and Melissa went over to the bus terminal, while Rebekah and Mishtahl decided to get a rental vehicle.
It was raining here at Okayama as it was in Nagasaki. It wasn’t typical of a Late November rain but more to something that would be associated with a tropical system as it was warm.
“ Why don’t we get a rental, Bel. It would be easier and we wouldn’t have to worry about time schedule of buses.” said Rebekah as she walked with me.
“ It is actually easier to get on the bus then it is to get a rental, Melissa. Japan’s bus service is always on time, and the road in this area are worse then back home. Anyways, when in Rome,…….” I said to my beautiful companion.
“Do as the Romans do. I know. However, I don’t think ‘the drop by anytime’ was to be extended to me and Mishtahl. How do you know that they have the room for us?” she said as we stopped at the terminal for the bus.
“ The route is 44. It will take up to the shrine and that is where the Suzahara’s live.” I smiled as the rain continued its assault on the earth.
“ You’re not listening to me, Bel. How do you know that they will have the space? And will you wipe that stupid grin of your face.” she got in front of me and looked into my eyes.
I continued to smile and I think it got even more lopsided as I looked at her.
The dawning of comprehension came across her face. “Why you!!” as she slapped my left arm.
A hissing sound came from as I gritted from the pain the wound that I received from the assassin. Melissa was right that some anti-coagulant had been used. The area was still oozing blood and that entire arm was tender from the abuse it received as they tried to get the anti-coagulant out of my blood system.
She stopped immediately as a concerned expression came across her face. “ Here let me look at..”
I stopped her from lifting up my sleeve with my other hand. “I can look at it my self, Melissa. “ I gave her a small smile. “ I was taught by the best combat medic in the Marine Corp.”
She relented but gave me stern response. “ Alright, Bel. We won’t look at right now. However when we get situated at the Suzaharas’, you’re going to let me look at it ,aren’t you? From your reaction, it’s probably still oozing.”
“ I can take care of it.”
“ Of course you can. I have no doubt of that. However, if it doesn’t get any better we are going to the hospital. It has never taken this long for any cuts you’ve had before to clot. That assassin must have used some really powerful stuff to cause your blood to clot. Even the saw incident didn’t take this long.” she said with concern.
I merely nodded my head. I hoped that Melissa would not notice that the pain was still there. I was worried, too, you know.
She look away as the bus was coming to a stop. “You could have told me you called ahead and arranged everything. I was getting worked up for nothing.”
“ Why can’t I keep from secrets from you?” I said as I got the bags.
She took her bags as I tried to get them. We both looked at each other. She shook her head and I relented. She was worried about my arm, something I did not want.
“ Because I’m a woman and your best friend. “
I shook my head as we got to the seats on the back. She wanted seats closer to the front, but I knew where the stop closest to the shrine was and knew It would be pretty far out there and others would need those seats for the short trips. You see that the Suzaharas’ residence was near the Masaki shire in the foothills outside of Okayama. For generations, the Suzaharas were caretakers of this particular shrine. This shrine was dedicated to a local folk hero named Yosho that defeated an oni (demon) of fearsome power. It is said that in that shrine the oni still was trapped in there. Whenever I tried to investigate this (when I was younger), Kagatoshi would be there just to stop me. I never found out of the rumors were true when I was younger. Now, I really don’t know. Most of the legends like that one have a kernel of truth, however there have never been proof that onis or demons exist, ever. Melissa drifted off to sleep during the ride into the mountains and used my shoulder as a pillow. She had to be past exhausted to do that on this bumpy ride. The main reason that me and Melissa had separated from my sister and her partner was they were going up to Tokyo to get access into the IPA database and look into the info that Melshia had left us. Anyways, that would allow some time to find alternate sleeping arrangements if the Suzaharas’ weren’t up to four adults visiting on short notice. Even though I called a headed and made the arrangements about our visit. The Suzaharas and Mackenzies had know each other since the late 1800s when the USA sent military advisers to help the Japanese train a modern army after centuries of isolation. Even the Second World War did not strain the friendship between the two families.
When we visited during those summers early in my life, their was no difference in the treatment between Rebekah and me by the Suzaharas even though I was not related to Mackenzie line. They always treated me as if I was a member of the family. When I told them over the phone what had happened, Mariko insisted on helping out. Mariko was patriarch of the family now since her mother and father died when she was 18. She had been raising Kenji and Misato since then. As now both kids were going to college (both were 16 and going to college in the US), Mariko would alone in that big house with only her grandfather showing up when he decided that the shrine was tended , she’d be glad to have the company. I have a feeling that there was another reason. You see that I had a big crush on her when I was younger and actually went on a couple of dates with her. Now it had been over five years since we had last seen each other. I don’t know if this meeting would go as good as I would like it.
I nagged the sleeping beauty from her rest as the bus got to the stop that was closes to the shire and the house. She roused and got her belongings and we both got off the bus. She looked and saw w a cobblestone path that led to some steps that led up the mountainside.
She looked at them and then looked at me. “ You can not be serious, Belisarius. We have to walk up all that to get to the house.” she said while giving me a sour look.
I smiled as stared up the path with only my bags. “No, Melissa, only” as I counted the number of flights it would take to get to the level where the residence was at. “ eleven flights of 100 steps. It only a quarter the way up to the shrine. Let’s go. The rain is not going to let up so we can walk up those steps.” as I continued up those steps.
“ You could have told me about them earlier. I wasn’t ready for this.” as she started up the first flight.
“Melissa, race you up them.” as I took off up the second flight.
I turned the corner as the step meandered up the mountainside so that I couldn’t see her. However, she let the entire valley now her displeasure at me. “ I AM GOING TO KILL YOU, BELISARIUS. THIS I SWEAR.”
I continued up the stairs getting as far ahead as I could. She would cool off before she got all those steps. Best let her stew for awhile. I ‘m not stupid.
It took her half an hour to catch up with me.
She spoke trying to not show she was winded from the experience. “I thought you would be inside by know.”
The rain had finally let up as I smiled at her. “I wouldn’t do that, Melissa. I had to make sure you get up here. I would leave you hanging that bad. Give me some credit. Here let me take those bags for you.”
I pointed to the house that was over 300 meters away. “ That is the residence of the Suzaharas. I think that Mariko is getting some warm stuff ready for when we enter.” as I took her bags.
Melissa was obviously winded from the exercise (so was I, but had 30 minutes to catch my breath) but showed that she didn’t need that much help get there as she tried to keep her two bags. “ I don’t need your help, Wallace. I got up this far by my self, I can do the rest.”
I still would not let go of the bags because I did feel bad of leaving her behind like that. “I can see that, but also you winded, too. Remember that I ‘ve been up and down these stairs before and know how much it takes out of you. The least can do right now is take your bags. Anyways, Mariko will no forgive me if I let you take those bags.”
She looked at me seriously. “You also know that you shouldn’t put too much strain on that arm either.” she then dropped he shoulders a little and gave me the smaller of the two bags. “If you insist, Bel. Take this one.”
“ As you wish, Milady.” as I tried to bow as best I could with the weight of the bags.
She had turned when I did this so did not see the show I put on. We walked down the pathway to the residence. We got closer, I saw two figure on the porch waiting for us.
I saw that one was Mariko and the other was Kagatoshi, the grandfather and the shrine keeper. Mariko wore some slacks and a sweater while the old man wore his shire attire.
We go to the porch and stopped as they came over to greet us.
Mariko was normal height for Japanese women at this time( about 5foot 10inches) and her hair was in a long braid down to her waist. Her hair was black and her eyes were green. Her body was still somewhat on the skinny side compared to Melissa, but was still attractive. She had a big smile as I greeted them.
I bowed to both of them and presented myself and Melissa.
“ Suzahara Mariko, Suzahara Kagatoshi, I would like you to met my best friend and comrade in arms, Melissa Callosantos of Georgia.” I said in old Japanese.
Kagatoshi came down and bowed to Melissa “It is an honor and a privilege to met some who is a trusted friend of Belisarius.” He then took Melissa’s hand and kissed her fingers. “Especially one so beautiful. Now this old man can die because there can nobody as perfect a vision of beauty as you are.” said the old fart in Anglic.
Melissa was taken aback as the flowery comments from him. “TTThank You, Master Kagatoshi. You are defiantly different from the stories that Bel and Rebekah have told.” as she was blushing.
Mariko had stepped down and bowed to us. “Do not worry about my grandfather’s flirtatious comments. He means no harm.”
“unless he has a bokken in his hand.” I said under my breath .
“ So you want to test out you skill with the blade so early, Belisarius.” He said with his eyebrow raised. “Think you take on the old man of the mountain out, now.”
Mariko looked at him. “No, grandfather, he has had a very trying week. I think its best that all of us should go inside and have some food. Let us unwind and tell stories of better times. There is no need to continue with the old rivalries, now.”
“I agree with you, Mariko. I am sore from that walk up those stairs and need some rest before anything else happens. I also need to at that wound of yours, Belisarius. Don’t you think that I had forgotten about it.” as she turned and looked at me.
“ Still don’t know how to evade to your right, boy. I should have broken that out of you long ago.” said the old man as he put his arms on the porch railing.
Melissa shot her head to him now. “ And you have no idea how he go that wound so don’t make any patronizing marks, old man.”
“ Melissa, you don’t have to take up my cause against him.” I said to her.
She was still looking at Kagatoshi as she replied. “ I will not allow anyone to question your abilities or your courage. It is a slap in your face and mine that this is happening.”
Kagatoshi merely chuckled at this. “ I have known this young man since he was five. I have trained him in kendo, jujitsu and other forms of martial arts since that time. I am fully aware of his strengths and weaknesses.” he straightened and bowed to her, a deep bow. “I am sorry that you misinterpreted my banter as recriminations of his capabilities. I assure you that I have the utmost respect and confidence in those abilities. I am also not surprised by his choice of confident. Not many would challenge me as you have because of extensive history. However not only have you challenged me but stand ready to defended your friend from an offense that he doesn’t recognize. Only one with such fire as you have demonstrated could reach through that skull of his.”
Mariko waited for us to enter as I forced Melissa into the house. She stilled tried her best to cause the old man to burst into flames.
“ He just trying to gauge you, Melissa. He has always been like that. Always testing you. Always pushing you to the edge.” I said to my irate friend.
We had gotten in the house, we were escorted to the dining area. Kagatoshi did not join us. It would seem that he still had some duties around the shrine to do.
Mariko had set up dinner for us. The table was Japanese so it was set up for you sitting on the floor for you. I hate those table because they never designed for people like me. I sat on the edge of the raised platform, waiting for Mariko to come out with some food. Melissa had gone upstairs to unpack some of her stuff. At this time I decided to look at the dressing of the wound. Yep, it was still oozing. Some of the bandage was wet with blood. I am going to hate taking it off. But that could wait for later, I still have to figure out how to get Melissa from looking at it.
“ You need to stop fiddling with the bandage, Bel. It will take longer for it to heal if you don’t leave it alone.” said Mariko as she brought some soup and rice to the table.
“ I am not fiddling with it, I am trying to see how bad I reopened the wound.” I protested.
“ Sure. You have always been fascinated to see your own blood.” She said while pouring some sake. She gave a cup and poured herself one. “Why are you so fascinated when you get hurt?”
“ Really don’t know. Maybe that it reinforces that I am normal. That I am human.”
“ Have you asked her out, yet?” she said sipping the sake.
“Huh, what are you talking about?” I said as I looked into the cup of sake.
“ Melissa. Have you asked her out, yet?”
“ No”
“ Why?”
“ I would rather not talk about it.” I said as I put the cup down. I hadn’t take a sip of it.
“ You are as normal as they come, Belisarius.” Mairko said with a smile.
“ Huh?”
“ Men, Boys. Always so ready to put their lives on the line but never ready show their true feelings.” she said shaking her head.
“ Do you have a boyfriend now, Mariko?”
“ I was asking you a question, first, Bel” she said while taking another sip.
“ Can’t take your own medicine.” I smiled at her as I decided to take a sip of the sake.
The sip dried out my mouth and burned slightly down my throat. I tried to show no discomfort, but saw the smirk on my friends face that I failed.
“ I am right now not looking. The last one was an idiot. Had a good package but the soul was twisted. Just haven’t any luck. “ she spoke downing the rest of the cup.
She was pouring another cup for her self when I spoke. “ I just do not know if it will work out. Considering that someone has a death warrant out for me, maybe it would be wise for her to forget about me and move on. “
She shook her head “Idiot”
I pretended not to hear her. “Did you say something?”
“ You are such an idiot. She has already fallen for you. I don’t know what you did , but what ever you did impressed her like nothing else. She does a good job of dealing with you indifference…”
“ INDIFFERENCE. You have no idea what has happened between us. “
“ Not a lot from what I can tell. You have a bad habit of not taking risks. You would be alone because then only you would have to worry about yourself. But you know that we are a social species and feed of the interaction between others. Have you ever said thank you to her?” she was saying looking directly into my eyes with an intensity that made me look away.
“ I have many times.”
“ When?”
I tried to think of one and realized that I hadn’t since leaving Telleron 3.
“ Thought so. Men can be such imbeciles. Never know what they have until they lose it.” she said. I could tell that she was starting to get inebriated. She usually never drinks this much.
“ Then what should I do? Announce my undying love for her?” I said with as much sarcasm as I could muster.
“ You should get down on your hands and knees and ask for her forgiveness. You should count yourself lucky that she hasn’t left yet. Belisarius, come back here? I am not done with you yet?” she was saying as I went upstairs.
While she had a point about not thanking Melissa for the support she has offered, she could not under stand the quandary I was in. Somebody was gunning for me. Somebody was gunning for my friends. And right now, I cannot protect them. If I couldn’t do that simple task, how could I ask Melissa anything like love? I know that I love her, but I didn’t know if it was a family love or the deeper love of lovers. I didn’t know that her love was for the Belisarius that was the hero on Telleron 3 or the bumbling idiot that is here, trying desperately to save his friends? I was scared that she would pay the price that was dictated by the mastermind of these attacks. I was scared that if that happens that I would fall in the abyss that I was looking down now. However , I also knew that she was the lifeline that held me from falling into that abyss, too.
I got up to the set of guestrooms that was mine and Melissa’s. I saw that she hadn’t slid her door all the way, so I snuck a peek. I saw that she had fallen asleep in her clothes on the bed. I went in not making a sound as inspected the room. She hadn’t really gotten anything done. She hadn’t even gotten under the covers of the bed. I took a blanket from the closet and put it over her. Her features were so soft while she was asleep. She must have been exhausted from the days activities. I went to the door and turned off the lights. As I slid the door, I whispered into the air.
“Thank you for everything, Melissa.”
I slid it closed and thought I heard something from inside. She was in REM sleep, but I swear that she said You’re welcome.
I went to my room and also succumbed to sleep when my head hit the pillow.
Bel, return home Ch 3
Normally, on the last Thursday of November here in North America, families would get together for a large Dinner and remember and relive the last year. Long lost friend and relative would met, greet and generally have a good time. Not for me though, as I just went to the third funeral of the day. Me, Rebekah, Melissa, and Hirupchik were exhausted as we left the cemetery that was the final resting place of Melshia Merrshah, James and Samantha Mackenzie. We had just been on a whirlwind of flights that stretched from the Pacific to the Atlantic to attend a series of funerals that encompassed my family. While Hiru and Melissa had only seen the rest of our family a couple of time, this was a show of solidarity. We were all family, if even it wasn’t blood. This was also to show who wanted us dead that we were not going run. They messed with the wrong people this time.
We went over to the vehicles that would take us to Melissa’s home. Since mine and Reb’s was kindling, Melissa’s family offered to help. We were entering the home when a familiar black human came out of the house. He was now wearing his full uniform complete with awards that signified that he saw some pretty intense situations.
“ Marshall Jackson” as my sister went to attention and gave a crisp salute as she was in her IPA uniform.
Since neither me or Melissa wore ours, we weren’t obliged to salute. However we did stand straight wanting fro acknowledgement from the elder man. Only Hiru did nothing, she just kept on going into the house.
The Marshall returned my sister’s salute as he shifted to allow Hiru to go inside. He then spoke.
“ I am sorry for all of your losses this week but I need to talk to all of you, now.”
Both my sister and Melissa looked at me as I merely nodded my head. There was not to many times that an IPA Marshall wanted to speak to you and you just don’t tell him to wait until you feel better.
“ We pulled some information off of Merrshah’s personal computer. It was some names and addresses of people that seem to be not related except by his computer.” He gave my sister a data chip. “This was obviously meant for you.” He walked away from us then turned to face us. “ Try not to get into too much trouble, people.”
He left as we filled into the house. We went up to Melissa’s room and loaded the data chip on her personal computer. We pulled up the files and found out what Melshia had pulled.
Some personnel files from an old database associated with Project Sparta.
“ I don’t get this. How come there is three columns and who are these people?” I said to my friends.
Melissa shook her head and looked to my sister. “Maybe you could pull some string and find out some of these people, Rebekah. You’ve got access to the IPA database. “
“ I do but I can tell you something already. The first column third entry I do know of. She is dead. Ship accident in the Procyon system. She was found asphyxiated in her room. It was a big deal as a some of a high-ranking official on Britannia was found dead , too. I have the feeling that many of these people are dead of accidents.” she said looking over the file.
“ this would be easier if Melshia was here.” I lamented.
“ That is correct, Bel. Hence the reason he died. Whoever is doing this knows how to cover their tracks. Damn I wish Mishtahl was here, she’d be better at this then I am.”
Melissa frowned at this. “ Mishtahl? Who is this Mishtahl?”
My sister spoke as she took the data chip out. “My partner in the IPA. She a wiz with computer, if you can keep her at the console. “
“So you want to bring another one of our friend into trouble, sis” I spoke with a little more force then I wanted.
“ No, Bel, I don’t. For the last five years of my life, I have entrusted my life to her and she hasn’t failed yet. How do you think I got anything on Project Sparta.”
“ I do have the question for the both of you? What pray tell is Project Sparta?” said Melissa as she crossed he arm under her chest.
Stop staring, Bel. I thought as I tried to put some stray thoughts out of my head.
“ It was a supposed to be a research project funded by some data research group about kid geniuses. Bel was a child in the project. However, Bel as you know isn’t jus a normal person. His stamina, strength and other traits are far beyond what any of us would consider normal.” said Rebekah.
“ You think that this project had some other goals, too.”
“ Correct, When you try to access any file trough normal channels you get either nothing or access is not authorized. Also, we have tried to find who was Bel’s genetic Family is and nothing ever came of it. Whenever Mom and Dad tried to talk to some of the researchers they were unavailable or had just died. Dad even hired a private investigator for a time. The Private eye gave us nothing. Any information we have gotten has been thru word of mouth and it not much.” as my sister continued her story as I could not get win against my mind.
I decided to get up to get out of there when Melissa spoke up. “ What’s up , Bel?”
“ Have to go to the Bathroom.” I spoke going to the restroom.
After a couple of minutes making a deposit for the sewer system, I reentered the room where my sister and Best friend were chatting.
“ you don’t have enough information on the subject to make that conclusion. Genetic Manipulation is outlawed throughout the UFP except for medical reasons. Not even the military can do what you say was done, and they have good reason to insist on trying it.” Melissa countered my sister’s argument.
“ I know that. It just my intuition that says that I’m on the right track..”
“ Pleas you two, that’s enough. We won’t get anywhere now. We all need some sleep, so we should all turn in early and try to get up early tomorrow. We’ve got a flight to catch.”
“ Why yes we do.” said Melissa
“What?” said me and Rebekah
“ You are not going…” “Oh, No, I’m not allowing…” as me and my sister tried talk Melissa out of her decision to accompany us to Japan.
Melissa got up and went over to her closet and started to pull her sweater off. “ I going to get undressed so I can go to bed, Bel, Reb. I suggest you leave, unless you have something else to discuss?’ as she pulled both her sweater and shirt showing her bra and chest.
Then I had my sister grab my right ear. “Let’s go Bel. You might get a nosebleed from the show.” as I was taken from the room.
As I exited the room, I thought that Melissa shoulders dropped ever so slightly, as if from disappointment.
I went to the guest room that was mine for the night and went to sleep.
I t would mid morning before I would be awake again.
When I awoke , I looked outside and saw a sight I hadn’t seen in a long time. Snow was blanketing the landscape. It was like those drawings of the holidays. White was everywhere. While it does snow in the winter here in the mountains, it usually doesn’t happen this early in winter. I got up and tried to go to the bathroom I had visited the night before. As I entered the bathroom, I was surprised to see Melissa in there too.
I looked away as fast as I could and willed myself to talk. “I’m sorry, Melissa. I just got up and…”
She laughed as she grabbed a towel. “ You can look now, Bel. I ‘m descent.”
I still didn’t look around to face her as she continued. “Honestly, Bel , you amaze me sometimes. You know where the toilet is. So go take care of your business.”
“I don’t think I can cause you’re in here.” fumbling thru the words as I tried to contain any sudden bodily functions from taking over.
She laughed again as she went to the door. “ If you are worried about modesty, Bel. You shouldn’t leave your room in just your briefs. Doesn’t leave much to the imagination.”
I had to be blushing so red know that my face was the same color as my hair. She was right.
Morning business was taking cared of and then I dressed for the trip. I packed (which wasn’t much as I hadn’t really had time to settle at home ) and went down stairs. I went to the dining room and was greeted by a fully dressed Melissa and Rebekah.
“ About time, Bel. Damn, you had to be hibernating in that room. You usually are awake by first light.” said my sister as she gave me a hug.
I returned the hug and over her shoulder I saw Melissa. Melissa smiled at the display and winked at me.
“ Guten morgen, Rebekah, Melissa. I would have been awake if the sun wasn’t blocked by these clouds.” I said as I went to a cupboard to get a glass.
I sat down across from Melissa and my sister as we continued the conversation, “It is too bad we are going to Japan. I always thought the mountains looked best with snow on them. It just seams so peaceful.”
Melissa spoke after she took a sip of hot chocolate. “ I agree but we have to go to Japan.”
Rebecca looked at my friend and said, “You are not going to Japan.”
The two of them went into an argument about whether or not Melissa should accompany us to Japan. It was amusing to me because I knew what the outcome was. They would try to get me to be the tiebreaker, each believing that I would side with them. I decided to preempt them by speaking up.
“ She’s going.”
Both females turned and faced me. Rebekah and Melissa showed surprise on their faces that quickly changed
While Melissa beamed, my sister was very irate with me. I put up my hand to forestall the fusillade that was about to come from my sister.
“ She’s been through as much as either of us, Rebekah. I am certain that whoever wants us dead will use Melissa if they have the chance. The best place for her is with us. Just as you trust Mishtahl, I have trusted Melissa. We don’t have much time to catch the flight to Japan, girls, so lets get moving. Trajan can get us down to the rails.”
I got up an headed out to my Hummer to get thing readied to go, when Melissa came out carring her bags.
“ Thank you, Belisarius. I thought that I would have to convince the two of you that it was for the best.” she said looking at me. “ It is just too bad that we can’t spend sometime to enjoy the snow.”
“ No thanks necessary, Melissa. You are right. You’re in just as much danger as me and Rebekah. I would rather you be with us, then hearing about your death.” I said as I was brushing the wet snow of the Hummer.
The next thing surprised me as a white object hit me square on the noggin. I brushed the snow away as I saw one of Melissa’s little cousins preparing for another beaming of me.
I moved behind the wheel of Trajan as I packed a snowball for the little sniper. Melissa was surprised at was happening and tried to stop her cousin but she got hit from another direction.
I whirled and threw the projectile at the assailant that beamed my friend. The kid was then hit in the Jacket by my snowball. The force of the strike along with normal kid’s balance caused the kid to fall on his butt. It was now that three snowballs were let flown from the porch as the other three tikes add to the assault. A good ambush those kids did, but they forgot that the were dealing with a Space Marine Commando. What ensued was a snowball fight that would be remembered for ever by those kids, me and my friends. Many snowballs were thrown and some found their intended targets and others finding other targets. Me, Melissa and later Rebekah fought the five cousins to a draw. For an hour, we were all little kids running around the yard and house beaming the other side, the dog, the cat, and even Melissa’s grandmother ( I never hit her, that much I know. First rule of snowball fights. If you don’t want to get hit, don’t go outside.) It was an escape from the reality of our lives. For a time, our innocence was regained as the snow continued to fly. When we finally got on the road, the world came back to take away that innocence. I could tell that all of us were wishing that the snowball fight would last for ever. Then I remembered something from the past. Every great battle must have a name. And that was one to remember.
“ The Third Battle of Blood Mountain.” I spoke out loud. This caused looks of confusion from my friends, but I didn’t care. It was a good battle and any noteworthy battle must have a name.
Nagasaki International, Later that day.
We exited the airport terminal and entered a downpour. We had spent four hours on the flight and we were exhausted from that and the snowball fight.
“ I couldn’t believe that two Space Marine Commandos were ambushed by those kids.” joked Rebekah as we went to the Grav terminal.
“ They had us perfectly, Reb.” I protested. “What do they teach Cub Scouts now. Guerilla Warfare.”
Melissa spoke as she tried to keep a handle on the umbrella she had. “ Remember that my uncle Robert served in the Terran PDF. He probably taught them that.”
We got to the Grav terminal and got the ticket we need when a voice called out.
“ Rebekah, there you are.” said a high pitched voice from the crowd
We turned around saw the person running towards us at break neck speed. She was female with blonde hair and reddish brown skin. She had a body similar to Melissa’s gymnast body but was larger in the chest area. She was wearing a body suit of silver-blue with a deep blue jacket. She continued to call out to my sister. Both me and Melissa turned to her and saw a rather peculiar expression.
I heard my sister curse as the blonde was now closer. She had pointed ears similar to a Caphite, but her eyes were crystal blue not a natural occurring color for the Caphites.
She tackle-hugged my sister, which caused my sister to lose her breath.
“ I have been trying to find you throughout this terminal, Rebekah. They said that your fight was showed up over an hour ago, and I thought that I lost you.” said the blonde assailant.
Melissa coughed as I tried not to smile at the sight.
“ Ma’am,” spoke Melissa, “ you might want to let go of your vice grip before Rebekah dies of asphyxiation.”
“ Oh, I am sorry,” as the blonde let go my sister causing her to fall on her butt. “Oh, by the way, who are you?”
My sister tried her best to introduce everyone while trying to catch her breathe as she got up. “Mishtahl, this is my brother, Belisarius and my best friend, Melissa” she turned to me and Melissa. “Guys, This is my partner, Mishtahl.”
“ Hello” I said as Melissa offered her hand.
“ What is this for, Melissa?” as the blonde took her hand.
“ For putting up with this bitch for five years. “ she smiled as they shook hands.
My sister glared at Melissa as she gave a brightening smile.
“ Why are you here, Detective Markarbitahlisht?” I spoke
The blonde turned and faced me. She was as tall as my sister and Melissa as she looked into my eyes.
“ You are the first Terran who has not butchered my family name the first time speaking it. Rebekah, you where right he is amazing.” she beamed.
I blushed at the compliment as Melissa spoke up. “Bel has always been a linguist of sorts. Languages just come naturally for him.”
My sister was now over the shock of her partner being asked the same thing I did.
“ I heard that you had some problems here and I asked to come here and it was granted. I am not letting some assassin try to kill partner and best friend.”
“ How did that happen?” Melissa asked as I walked away toward the train that was pulling up.
She shrugged as she walked with us toward the train. “ I have some friends in the personnel department. I asked and they delivered.”
I was getting tired of carrying all the bags when Mishtahl decided to add her travel bag.
I stopped to protest this, but the three females were talking up a storm. I tried to tell them that I was getting tired but they continued to ignore me. It wasn’t the weight but the disruption of it that made it uncomfortable. I got on the grav train with no help from the three females. I was so glad that we were not in Tokyo as I would have never got on the train as they would have run over me to get on it. Also It wasn’t packed so that I could find a seat. I dropped the bags and took my seat. It would be about 45 minutes to reach Okayama form here and I need some down time. I took my VCD player put on the headphones and played the music in it . That didn’t mean that I was totally immune to the conversation between the three women. I learned the Mishtahl was only half Caphite. Her mother was Terran and so how caught the fancy of a Caphite official on a trip there. Normally Caphites didn’t show emotion as they followed the path of logical thought. Seems that they almost destroyed themselves and they blamed their emotion for getting a hold of them. Mishtahl stated that they do show emotions, but only in the company of family or trusted friends, and only a little. She explained that she lived on Caph and was indoctrinated in their philosophy but felt her emotion too much. She said that there was a minority on Caph that would like to see a more emotional people, that the strict logical society was not envisioned by their founder but a balanced society that showed compassion, and other good emotions.
Later, we exited the terminal into the town that we stopped at. Both me and Melissa went over to the bus terminal, while Rebekah and Mishtahl decided to get a rental vehicle.
It was raining here at Okayama as it was in Nagasaki. It wasn’t typical of a Late November rain but more to something that would be associated with a tropical system as it was warm.
“ Why don’t we get a rental, Bel. It would be easier and we wouldn’t have to worry about time schedule of buses.” said Rebekah as she walked with me.
“ It is actually easier to get on the bus then it is to get a rental, Melissa. Japan’s bus service is always on time, and the road in this area are worse then back home. Anyways, when in Rome,…….” I said to my beautiful companion.
“Do as the Romans do. I know. However, I don’t think ‘the drop by anytime’ was to be extended to me and Mishtahl. How do you know that they have the room for us?” she said as we stopped at the terminal for the bus.
“ The route is 44. It will take up to the shrine and that is where the Suzahara’s live.” I smiled as the rain continued its assault on the earth.
“ You’re not listening to me, Bel. How do you know that they will have the space? And will you wipe that stupid grin of your face.” she got in front of me and looked into my eyes.
I continued to smile and I think it got even more lopsided as I looked at her.
The dawning of comprehension came across her face. “Why you!!” as she slapped my left arm.
A hissing sound came from as I gritted from the pain the wound that I received from the assassin. Melissa was right that some anti-coagulant had been used. The area was still oozing blood and that entire arm was tender from the abuse it received as they tried to get the anti-coagulant out of my blood system.
She stopped immediately as a concerned expression came across her face. “ Here let me look at..”
I stopped her from lifting up my sleeve with my other hand. “I can look at it my self, Melissa. “ I gave her a small smile. “ I was taught by the best combat medic in the Marine Corp.”
She relented but gave me stern response. “ Alright, Bel. We won’t look at right now. However when we get situated at the Suzaharas’, you’re going to let me look at it ,aren’t you? From your reaction, it’s probably still oozing.”
“ I can take care of it.”
“ Of course you can. I have no doubt of that. However, if it doesn’t get any better we are going to the hospital. It has never taken this long for any cuts you’ve had before to clot. That assassin must have used some really powerful stuff to cause your blood to clot. Even the saw incident didn’t take this long.” she said with concern.
I merely nodded my head. I hoped that Melissa would not notice that the pain was still there. I was worried, too, you know.
She look away as the bus was coming to a stop. “You could have told me you called ahead and arranged everything. I was getting worked up for nothing.”
“ Why can’t I keep from secrets from you?” I said as I got the bags.
She took her bags as I tried to get them. We both looked at each other. She shook her head and I relented. She was worried about my arm, something I did not want.
“ Because I’m a woman and your best friend. “
I shook my head as we got to the seats on the back. She wanted seats closer to the front, but I knew where the stop closest to the shrine was and knew It would be pretty far out there and others would need those seats for the short trips. You see that the Suzaharas’ residence was near the Masaki shire in the foothills outside of Okayama. For generations, the Suzaharas were caretakers of this particular shrine. This shrine was dedicated to a local folk hero named Yosho that defeated an oni (demon) of fearsome power. It is said that in that shrine the oni still was trapped in there. Whenever I tried to investigate this (when I was younger), Kagatoshi would be there just to stop me. I never found out of the rumors were true when I was younger. Now, I really don’t know. Most of the legends like that one have a kernel of truth, however there have never been proof that onis or demons exist, ever. Melissa drifted off to sleep during the ride into the mountains and used my shoulder as a pillow. She had to be past exhausted to do that on this bumpy ride. The main reason that me and Melissa had separated from my sister and her partner was they were going up to Tokyo to get access into the IPA database and look into the info that Melshia had left us. Anyways, that would allow some time to find alternate sleeping arrangements if the Suzaharas’ weren’t up to four adults visiting on short notice. Even though I called a headed and made the arrangements about our visit. The Suzaharas and Mackenzies had know each other since the late 1800s when the USA sent military advisers to help the Japanese train a modern army after centuries of isolation. Even the Second World War did not strain the friendship between the two families.
When we visited during those summers early in my life, their was no difference in the treatment between Rebekah and me by the Suzaharas even though I was not related to Mackenzie line. They always treated me as if I was a member of the family. When I told them over the phone what had happened, Mariko insisted on helping out. Mariko was patriarch of the family now since her mother and father died when she was 18. She had been raising Kenji and Misato since then. As now both kids were going to college (both were 16 and going to college in the US), Mariko would alone in that big house with only her grandfather showing up when he decided that the shrine was tended , she’d be glad to have the company. I have a feeling that there was another reason. You see that I had a big crush on her when I was younger and actually went on a couple of dates with her. Now it had been over five years since we had last seen each other. I don’t know if this meeting would go as good as I would like it.
I nagged the sleeping beauty from her rest as the bus got to the stop that was closes to the shire and the house. She roused and got her belongings and we both got off the bus. She looked and saw w a cobblestone path that led to some steps that led up the mountainside.
She looked at them and then looked at me. “ You can not be serious, Belisarius. We have to walk up all that to get to the house.” she said while giving me a sour look.
I smiled as stared up the path with only my bags. “No, Melissa, only” as I counted the number of flights it would take to get to the level where the residence was at. “ eleven flights of 100 steps. It only a quarter the way up to the shrine. Let’s go. The rain is not going to let up so we can walk up those steps.” as I continued up those steps.
“ You could have told me about them earlier. I wasn’t ready for this.” as she started up the first flight.
“Melissa, race you up them.” as I took off up the second flight.
I turned the corner as the step meandered up the mountainside so that I couldn’t see her. However, she let the entire valley now her displeasure at me. “ I AM GOING TO KILL YOU, BELISARIUS. THIS I SWEAR.”
I continued up the stairs getting as far ahead as I could. She would cool off before she got all those steps. Best let her stew for awhile. I ‘m not stupid.
It took her half an hour to catch up with me.
She spoke trying to not show she was winded from the experience. “I thought you would be inside by know.”
The rain had finally let up as I smiled at her. “I wouldn’t do that, Melissa. I had to make sure you get up here. I would leave you hanging that bad. Give me some credit. Here let me take those bags for you.”
I pointed to the house that was over 300 meters away. “ That is the residence of the Suzaharas. I think that Mariko is getting some warm stuff ready for when we enter.” as I took her bags.
Melissa was obviously winded from the exercise (so was I, but had 30 minutes to catch my breath) but showed that she didn’t need that much help get there as she tried to keep her two bags. “ I don’t need your help, Wallace. I got up this far by my self, I can do the rest.”
I still would not let go of the bags because I did feel bad of leaving her behind like that. “I can see that, but also you winded, too. Remember that I ‘ve been up and down these stairs before and know how much it takes out of you. The least can do right now is take your bags. Anyways, Mariko will no forgive me if I let you take those bags.”
She looked at me seriously. “You also know that you shouldn’t put too much strain on that arm either.” she then dropped he shoulders a little and gave me the smaller of the two bags. “If you insist, Bel. Take this one.”
“ As you wish, Milady.” as I tried to bow as best I could with the weight of the bags.
She had turned when I did this so did not see the show I put on. We walked down the pathway to the residence. We got closer, I saw two figure on the porch waiting for us.
I saw that one was Mariko and the other was Kagatoshi, the grandfather and the shrine keeper. Mariko wore some slacks and a sweater while the old man wore his shire attire.
We go to the porch and stopped as they came over to greet us.
Mariko was normal height for Japanese women at this time( about 5foot 10inches) and her hair was in a long braid down to her waist. Her hair was black and her eyes were green. Her body was still somewhat on the skinny side compared to Melissa, but was still attractive. She had a big smile as I greeted them.
I bowed to both of them and presented myself and Melissa.
“ Suzahara Mariko, Suzahara Kagatoshi, I would like you to met my best friend and comrade in arms, Melissa Callosantos of Georgia.” I said in old Japanese.
Kagatoshi came down and bowed to Melissa “It is an honor and a privilege to met some who is a trusted friend of Belisarius.” He then took Melissa’s hand and kissed her fingers. “Especially one so beautiful. Now this old man can die because there can nobody as perfect a vision of beauty as you are.” said the old fart in Anglic.
Melissa was taken aback as the flowery comments from him. “TTThank You, Master Kagatoshi. You are defiantly different from the stories that Bel and Rebekah have told.” as she was blushing.
Mariko had stepped down and bowed to us. “Do not worry about my grandfather’s flirtatious comments. He means no harm.”
“unless he has a bokken in his hand.” I said under my breath .
“ So you want to test out you skill with the blade so early, Belisarius.” He said with his eyebrow raised. “Think you take on the old man of the mountain out, now.”
Mariko looked at him. “No, grandfather, he has had a very trying week. I think its best that all of us should go inside and have some food. Let us unwind and tell stories of better times. There is no need to continue with the old rivalries, now.”
“I agree with you, Mariko. I am sore from that walk up those stairs and need some rest before anything else happens. I also need to at that wound of yours, Belisarius. Don’t you think that I had forgotten about it.” as she turned and looked at me.
“ Still don’t know how to evade to your right, boy. I should have broken that out of you long ago.” said the old man as he put his arms on the porch railing.
Melissa shot her head to him now. “ And you have no idea how he go that wound so don’t make any patronizing marks, old man.”
“ Melissa, you don’t have to take up my cause against him.” I said to her.
She was still looking at Kagatoshi as she replied. “ I will not allow anyone to question your abilities or your courage. It is a slap in your face and mine that this is happening.”
Kagatoshi merely chuckled at this. “ I have known this young man since he was five. I have trained him in kendo, jujitsu and other forms of martial arts since that time. I am fully aware of his strengths and weaknesses.” he straightened and bowed to her, a deep bow. “I am sorry that you misinterpreted my banter as recriminations of his capabilities. I assure you that I have the utmost respect and confidence in those abilities. I am also not surprised by his choice of confident. Not many would challenge me as you have because of extensive history. However not only have you challenged me but stand ready to defended your friend from an offense that he doesn’t recognize. Only one with such fire as you have demonstrated could reach through that skull of his.”
Mariko waited for us to enter as I forced Melissa into the house. She stilled tried her best to cause the old man to burst into flames.
“ He just trying to gauge you, Melissa. He has always been like that. Always testing you. Always pushing you to the edge.” I said to my irate friend.
We had gotten in the house, we were escorted to the dining area. Kagatoshi did not join us. It would seem that he still had some duties around the shrine to do.
Mariko had set up dinner for us. The table was Japanese so it was set up for you sitting on the floor for you. I hate those table because they never designed for people like me. I sat on the edge of the raised platform, waiting for Mariko to come out with some food. Melissa had gone upstairs to unpack some of her stuff. At this time I decided to look at the dressing of the wound. Yep, it was still oozing. Some of the bandage was wet with blood. I am going to hate taking it off. But that could wait for later, I still have to figure out how to get Melissa from looking at it.
“ You need to stop fiddling with the bandage, Bel. It will take longer for it to heal if you don’t leave it alone.” said Mariko as she brought some soup and rice to the table.
“ I am not fiddling with it, I am trying to see how bad I reopened the wound.” I protested.
“ Sure. You have always been fascinated to see your own blood.” She said while pouring some sake. She gave a cup and poured herself one. “Why are you so fascinated when you get hurt?”
“ Really don’t know. Maybe that it reinforces that I am normal. That I am human.”
“ Have you asked her out, yet?” she said sipping the sake.
“Huh, what are you talking about?” I said as I looked into the cup of sake.
“ Melissa. Have you asked her out, yet?”
“ No”
“ Why?”
“ I would rather not talk about it.” I said as I put the cup down. I hadn’t take a sip of it.
“ You are as normal as they come, Belisarius.” Mairko said with a smile.
“ Huh?”
“ Men, Boys. Always so ready to put their lives on the line but never ready show their true feelings.” she said shaking her head.
“ Do you have a boyfriend now, Mariko?”
“ I was asking you a question, first, Bel” she said while taking another sip.
“ Can’t take your own medicine.” I smiled at her as I decided to take a sip of the sake.
The sip dried out my mouth and burned slightly down my throat. I tried to show no discomfort, but saw the smirk on my friends face that I failed.
“ I am right now not looking. The last one was an idiot. Had a good package but the soul was twisted. Just haven’t any luck. “ she spoke downing the rest of the cup.
She was pouring another cup for her self when I spoke. “ I just do not know if it will work out. Considering that someone has a death warrant out for me, maybe it would be wise for her to forget about me and move on. “
She shook her head “Idiot”
I pretended not to hear her. “Did you say something?”
“ You are such an idiot. She has already fallen for you. I don’t know what you did , but what ever you did impressed her like nothing else. She does a good job of dealing with you indifference…”
“ INDIFFERENCE. You have no idea what has happened between us. “
“ Not a lot from what I can tell. You have a bad habit of not taking risks. You would be alone because then only you would have to worry about yourself. But you know that we are a social species and feed of the interaction between others. Have you ever said thank you to her?” she was saying looking directly into my eyes with an intensity that made me look away.
“ I have many times.”
“ When?”
I tried to think of one and realized that I hadn’t since leaving Telleron 3.
“ Thought so. Men can be such imbeciles. Never know what they have until they lose it.” she said. I could tell that she was starting to get inebriated. She usually never drinks this much.
“ Then what should I do? Announce my undying love for her?” I said with as much sarcasm as I could muster.
“ You should get down on your hands and knees and ask for her forgiveness. You should count yourself lucky that she hasn’t left yet. Belisarius, come back here? I am not done with you yet?” she was saying as I went upstairs.
While she had a point about not thanking Melissa for the support she has offered, she could not under stand the quandary I was in. Somebody was gunning for me. Somebody was gunning for my friends. And right now, I cannot protect them. If I couldn’t do that simple task, how could I ask Melissa anything like love? I know that I love her, but I didn’t know if it was a family love or the deeper love of lovers. I didn’t know that her love was for the Belisarius that was the hero on Telleron 3 or the bumbling idiot that is here, trying desperately to save his friends? I was scared that she would pay the price that was dictated by the mastermind of these attacks. I was scared that if that happens that I would fall in the abyss that I was looking down now. However , I also knew that she was the lifeline that held me from falling into that abyss, too.
I got up to the set of guestrooms that was mine and Melissa’s. I saw that she hadn’t slid her door all the way, so I snuck a peek. I saw that she had fallen asleep in her clothes on the bed. I went in not making a sound as inspected the room. She hadn’t really gotten anything done. She hadn’t even gotten under the covers of the bed. I took a blanket from the closet and put it over her. Her features were so soft while she was asleep. She must have been exhausted from the days activities. I went to the door and turned off the lights. As I slid the door, I whispered into the air.
“Thank you for everything, Melissa.”
I slid it closed and thought I heard something from inside. She was in REM sleep, but I swear that she said You’re welcome.
I went to my room and also succumbed to sleep when my head hit the pillow.
