[FIC] The Book (part 5)

[dd]

“It looks as if a lot of people are sick today.”

The Japanese History teacher looked around the classroom. There were a number of empty seats. One girl was out sick, and another had been excused due to an illness in the family. The seats that Kaname, Maya, and Ryo normally sat in were empty as well.

Sousuke sat in the rear corner again. It was just as well. He had not had time to return home to change, and his clothing still held traces of that sneezing compound. The more sensitive students in the class showed a reaction to him, so it was good to maintain his distance. Perhaps that would be an advantage later on.

There was one person who no doubt would make it a point to stay away from him for entirely different reasons, even though she too had already suffered the effects of the chemical

“No matter. I can only teach those who are here,” the teacher said. “You are the fortunate ones indeed, since the Pop Quiz that I made for tomorrow will borrow very heavily from this afternoon’s lecture.” He walked over to his desk and referenced his notes.

Sousuke placed his tape recorder on his desk top. He would share the recording with Kaname, if she wanted. The words she had for him on her way to the Principal’s office had been rather harsh. He had almost shown her the book then and there, but Mizuki and the other perpetrators came back, grabbed hold of her, and dragged her on her way.

How did he always end up in this kind of situation? His intentions had been thoughtful, and to his mind, responsible. If things ever went the way he was preparing for, his study would have been to Kaname’s benefit, right? Or had he made another miscalculation? In any case, there was real danger that she might not speak to him for a while… if ever. Whatever progress they had made in their relationship may have been lost. That kind of thing might make his research useless. That would be par for the course… all that trouble for nothing.

The teacher walked over to the blackboard, picked up a piece of chalk, and then wrote ‘1333 - 1573‘. He put the chalk down. “Today I will discuss some important events from the Muromachi Period. That was the era when members of the Ashikaga family occupied the position of shogun. The period was named after the district in Kyoto where their headquarters was located. Although the Ashikaga clan occupied the shogunate for nearly two hundred years, they never succeeded in extending their political control as far as did the Kamakura bakufu. Because provincial warlords, called daimyo, retained a large degree of power, they were able to strongly influence political events and cultural trends during this time. Rivalry between daimyo, whose power increased in relation to the central government as time passed, generated instability, and conflict soon erupted, culminating in the Onin War of 1467–77. With the resulting destruction of Kyoto and the collapse of the shogunate's power, the country was plunged into a century of warfare and social chaos known as the Sengoku, the Age of the Country at War, which extended from the last quarter of the fifteenth to the end of the sixteenth century.”

Sousuke sighed. This was his worst class. It was strange, since he loved History so much. But, he also realized recently that he loved Kaname, and look where that had gotten him. Perhaps he was cursed. His life was nothing that anyone would wish to trade for, were they given that chance. When things were finally looking up, and he was beginning to get an appreciation for the life that the average civilian had, he stepped on another social landmine.

No. He should not be defeatist. How many battled had seemed unwinnable, only for him to survive, thanks to some unexpected turn of events or the arrival of allies? And, anything that he learned, no matter what it was, made him a stronger person in some fashion, did it not? No one said that life was fair. But, no one swore that a bad thing could never be followed by something better. He did not want to think of things better than Kaname. He wanted to think of better things with Kaname Chidori! To that end, he would resume his study of the more uncomfortable aspect of the text. At the least, it would serve to distract him from his troubles.

REAR ENTRY POSITIONS OF KARMA SUTRA

If you mount her like a dog, gripping her waist, and she twists round to gaze into your face, experts in the art of love say it is Svanaka (the Dog).

If the lady, eager for love, goes on all fours, humping her back like a doe, and you enjoy her from behind, rutting as though you'd lost all human nature, it is Hirana (the Deer).

When, with lotus-feet set well-apart on the ground, she bends, placing a hand upon each thigh, and you take her from the rear, it is Gardabha (the Ass).

If she lies on her stomach and you seize her ankles in one hand, lift them high and make love, tilting her chin back with your other hand, it is Marjara (the Cat).

She lies on her front, grasping her ankles in her own hands and pulling them up behind her: this difficult posture is known to experts as Mallaka (the Wrestler).

Perhaps that third one was most apt. One of the things that Kaname had called him was a ‘stupid, insensitive ass’. She had never used language like that before. Then again, she had not faced a day where she was given extra homework, assigned detention, sprayed in the face with a strong nasal irritant, and sent to the Principal’s office. For him, it would not be that major an inconvenience, especially after all that he had been through as a child. But, he had much to learn. The difference between men and women was great. So to was the difference between a civilian and a man who made the military his life. Just because he had been through so many things, did not mean that he could understand Kaname, who had suffered through much of her own hardships. Maybe she needed someone who was untainted by pain and trauma. No. Maybe she needed someone who himself was not a source of pain and trauma.

He sighed. Lt. Kalinin had been correct. There were obvious problems associated with an operative developing feelings for the one he is assigned to protect.. But, that point was valid only to a degree. If need be, he would give up his position to stay by Kaname’s side. He was almost certain of that. Almost. How he resented Arbalest at times.

Perhaps he had brought this all upon himself by tempting fate. He had put his own selfish feelings first, making a mockery of his duty in a way that far surpassed his uncharacteristic defiance of orders at Khanka. He had underestimated the sting of Cupid, much as Apollo had. Only time would tell if his own story ended in tragedy.

Daphne was Apollo's first love. That love was not brought about by accident, but by the malice of Cupid. Apollo saw the boy playing with his bow and arrows, and being elated with his recent victory over Python had said ‘What have you to do with warlike weapons, saucy boy? Leave them for hands worthy of them! Behold the conquest I have won by means of them over the vast serpent who stretched his poisonous body over acres of the plain! Be content with your torch child, and kindle up your flames, as you call them, where you will. Do not presume to meddle with weapons like my own.’

Venus's son heard these words, and replied angrily. ‘Your arrows may strike everything else Apollo, but mine shall strike you.’ having said that, he took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from his quiver two arrows of different workmanship, one to excite love, the other to repel it. The former was of gold and ship pointed, the latter blunt and tipped with lead. With the leaden shaft he struck the nymph Daphne, the daughter of the river god Peneus. With the golden one he shot Apollo through the heart. Immediately, the god was seized with love for the maiden, but she abhorred all thoughts of his love.

Sousuke shook his head. He had no doubt which type of arrow he had been struck with. Even the Lambda Driver couldn’t have prevented that strike, The question remained. What arrow would affect Kaname, gold or lead.

Daphne had delighted in woodland sports and in the spoils of the chase. Lovers sought her, but she spurned them all, not wishing to think of Cupid or Hymen. Her father often said to her, ‘Daughter… you owe me a son-in-law…you owe me grandchildren.’ She hated the thought of marriage and begged ‘Dearest father, grant me this favor, that I may always remain unmarried, like Diana.’ He consented, but at the same time said ‘Your own face will forbid it.’

Apollo loved her, and longed to obtain her; and though he gave oracle to all the world, he was not wise enough to look into his own fortunes. He followed Daphne and she fled, swifter than the wind. ‘Stay,’ Apollo said. ‘Daughter of Peneus, I am not your foe. Do not fly me as a lamb flies the wolf, or a dove the hawk. It is for love I pursue you. You make me miserable, for fear you should fall and hurt yourself on these stones, and I should be the cause. Pray run slower, and I will follow slower. My arrows fly true to the mark. Alas! An arrow more fatal than mine has pierced my heart! I am the god of medicine, and know the virtues of all healing plants. But, I suffer a malady that no balm can cure!’

Sousuke looked out of the classroom window. It looked like a storm was forming. It might simply pass over the school, just as Kaname’s mood might pass. He could only hope. If Apollo found no cure, what hope did a lowly SRT soldier have?

Daphne had continued her flight, but even as she ran, she charmed Apollo. The wind blew her garments, and her unbound hair streamed loose behind her. The god grew impatient and gained upon her in the race. It was like a hound pursuing a hare, the god chasing the virgin. Her strength began to fail, and ready to sink, she called upon her father, the river god. ‘Help me, Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger!’ Scarcely had she spoken, when a stiffness seized all her limbs. Her breasts began to be enclosed in a tender bark. Her hair became leaves. Her arms became branches. Her feet stuck fast in the ground as a roots and her face became a tree-top, retaining nothing of its former self but its beauty.

Apollo had stood amazed. He touched the tree and felt flesh tremble under the new bark. He embraced the branches and kissed the wood. The branches shrank from his lips. ‘Since you cannot be my wife, he said, ‘you shall assuredly be my tree. I will wear you for my crown. I will decorate with you my harp and my quiver, and when the great Roman conquerors lead up the triumphal pomp to the Capitol, you shall be woven into wreaths for their brows. As eternal youth is mine, you also shall be always green. The nymph, now changed into a Laurel tree, bowed its head in grateful acknowledgment.

It was a sad story in its own way, as many of the Greek and Roman myths involving men and women were. But, what did that really matter. He was a man, not a myth. He shouldn’t spend his time woolgathering like that. He should either read his book, or pay attention in class. For a brief while, he chose to listened to the lecture.

“Despite the social and political upheaval, the Muromachi period was economically and artistically innovative.” The teacher showed images of artwork from that period. “This epoch saw the first steps in the establishment of modern commercial, transportation, and urban developments. Contact with China, which had been resumed in the Kamakura period, once again enriched and transformed Japanese thought and aesthetics. One of the imports that was to have a far-reaching impact was Zen Buddhism. Although known in Japan since the seventh century, Zen was enthusiastically embraced by the military class beginning in the thirteenth century and went on to have a profound effect on all aspects of national life, from government and commerce to the arts and education.”

Zen teachings often criticize textual study and the pursuit of worldly accomplishments, concentrating primarily on meditation in pursuit of an unmediated awareness of the processes of the world and the mind. Sousuke managed a brief grin. He would not bring that point up to the teacher. It would have made a fun thing to mention to Kaname at study tonight, but that likely would not take place. In any case, Zen is no mere quietistic doctrine: the Chinese Chan master Baizhang left behind a famous saying which had been the guiding principle of his life. ‘A day without work is a day of no eating.’ He had learned that himself in the gutters of Kabul, even though he had never been a follower of Zen teachings, those rooted in Buddhist traditions or otherwise. Perhaps the same was true for relationships. But, would it matter if he discovered that truth, while Kaname chose to believe otherwise?

“Kyoto, which, as the imperial capital, had never ceased to exert an enormous influence on the country's culture, once again became the seat of political power under the Ashikaga shoguns.” The teacher showed ancient ink drawings of that city. “The private villas that the Ashikaga shoguns built there served as elegant settings for the pursuit of art and culture. While tea drinking had been brought to Japan from China in earlier centuries, in the fifteenth century, a small coterie of highly cultivated men, influenced by Zen ideals, developed the basic principles of the tea aesthetic. At its highest level, chanoyu involves an appreciation of garden design, architecture, interior design, calligraphy, painting, flower arranging, the decorative arts, and the preparation and service of food. These same enthusiastic patrons of the tea ceremony also lavished support on renga and No dance-drama, a subtle, slow-moving stage performance featuring masked and elaborately costumed actors.”

Sousuke found himself thinking about Tessa. She made it a point to invite him for tea whenever he was stationed aboard De Danaan. Looking down at his book, he slammed it shut loudly, drawing the ire of the instructor. It did not seem right to be thinking of Captain Testarossa, only to look down and see an ancient painting of a woman laying breasts, arms and forehead to the carpet, raising her buttocks high, while her lover placed his… uhhh… the word lingham was less threatening… into her… errr…her yoni. Aibha. (the Elephant).

“I apologize…” Sousuke said. The teacher nodded, satisfied. In actuality, Sousuke had been speaking to an image of Tessa, one that was replaced by a disapproving image of Cmdr. Mardukas.

Despite the phantom Commander’s obvious disgust, Sousuke couldn’t help but think back to certain instances with Tessa. The training session on the beach, before the Captain’s mock A.S. battle with Melissa. She had straddled him there by accident, but made no effort to get up. She had ordered him to turn off the external microphones on Arbalest after his defeat of behemoth. Kaname clued him as to why, later on. He had consumed multiple plates of Spaghetti Carbonara that she had made him. He had been surprised by her inviting him to the empty kitchen. With a bittersweet feeling, he remembered saving her with a reckless maneuver, during the Pacific Christmas incident. She had asked him pointblank, who did he care more about, Kaname or herself. He had answered truthfully, mentioning Kaname.

Teletha Testarossa was a good person, one who was in a difficult situation of her own. She had given up many things that young women dreamed of, for the benefit of people who would never know her. He would not feel sorry for himself, not knowing what he knew of Tessa’s plight.

The Captain was also very attractive, although she was rather different than Kaname. Tessa was diminutive, although her figure was… no, he had no reason to think about that. She might not be athletic like Kaname, but her clumsiness in form did not diminish her skill as a tactician or the compassion she felt for everyone serving under her. She too was a remarkable girl. By coincidence, she was Whispered too. Perhaps, if his relationship with Kaname soured…

“No,” he whispered in a hiss. He would not entertain that thought. It was professionally inappropriate. It was personally inadvisable. Besides, he would never willingly think of abandoning Kaname, or being disloyal, not while hey maintained a relationship of any form. If the future washed up certain things along the shore of his life, he would deal with them when they came.

Back to the book. That should chase all thoughts of Tessa or Mardukas away. After finishing the chapter on Rear Entry positions, he wondered at the strange eagerness he felt in light of his precarious position. Renewed somewhat, he looked at the next topic.

STANDING SEX POSITIONS IN THE KARMA SUTRA

When, catching and crushing your lover in the cage of your arms, you force her knees apart with yours and sink slowly into her, it is Dadhyayataka (Churning Curds).

When she leans against a wall, planting her feet as widely apart as possible, and you enter the cave between her thighs, eager for lovemaking, it is Sammukha (Face-to-face).

If, as you lean against the wall, your lady twines her thighs around yours, locks her feet to your knees, and clasps your neck, making love very passionately, it is Dola (the Swing).

When your lover draws up one leg, allowing the heel to nestle just behind your knee, and you make love, embracing her forcefully, it is Traivikrama (the Stride).

If you catch one of her knees firmly in your hand and stand making love with her while her hands explore and caress your body, it is Tripadam (the Tripod).

Her foot pressed to your heart…

Before Sousuke realized it, Kaname, Maya, and Ryo had walked into class. Reacting instinctually, he slammed the book closed. Naturally, Kaname had been watching him as he did so. Her scowl deepened, and she glared at him a moment before turning away. That look could have frozen steel to the point of shattering under the weight of an alighting butterfly.

“Kaname, I have recorded the lecture for you. There is a Quiz tomorrow, based upon the material. It…”

“Tell it to someone who cares, Sousuke.” Kaname tossed her hair and turned her back on him. “I’ll get the notes from someone else.”

“I…” Sousuke closed his mouth. Nothing he said would make a difference right now. He would need to ride the storm out, hoping he wouldn’t take on too much water or run into a reef.

The teacher’s voice droned onward, after he made allowances for the tardy students. The tidy and well-prepared man spoke about the Kemmu restoration of 1334; Ashikaga Takauji‘s change of sides and capture of Kyoto in 1336; the flight of Emperor Go-Daigo to Yoshino, and the appointment of a new emperor; and Takauji’s self appointment as shogun. He spoke of the two imperial courts that existed in Japan for over fifty years… the Southern and Northern courts… and the many battles that they fought against one another.

Sousuke didn’t care. There was only one fight that mattered to him.