Katrina's Birthday!
"Where is the boat?" A little girl bounced along the busy dock, her green eyes occasionally scanned the horizon and a mane of shiny orange curls jostled together in her excitement.
"Katrina calm down the boat will arrive shortly." A kimono clad, elegant lady standing next to her stared out to sea with deep violet eyes and her knee-length hair billowed in the wind like a silver cloak behind her.
"I, for one, cannot wait for Bei-Mei's arrival." A man walked up to them with a smirk. His jet black hair, piercing blue eyes, nearly colossal height and body mass gave him the accurate appearance of a warrior prince.
"Daddy! Why isn't it here yet she said it be here by noon! And what about sister and the others, they promised to be here!" Katrina crossed her arms and glared accusingly to the bay, but her attempt to appear imposing only added to her adorable childish features.
"It will only be a little longer I'm sure. You know your mother enjoys making an appearance. Tiger Queens are fun like that." Her father chuckled as he stooped down to her level.
"I don't care she promised!"
"Hey! Did we miss her?" A well figured blonde came running up with two breathless Japanese girls.
"No you didn't. I just now see her ship it just pulled into the cove." The silver-haired maiden crossed her arms with an annoyed smiled. "I bet she was late on purpose again."
"Who cares, she's here! HI MOMMY!" Katrina frantically waved to the large red ship approaching.
Anchoring to the dock was a very ornate ship with a roaring tiger carved out of the bow, gold and valuable gems decorated the carving, and its pure white sails fluttered in the Japanese harbor breeze. The cargo space was laden with huge boxes and a beautiful, well decorated Chinese woman stood next to the helmsman waving just as enthusiastically back.
"Katrina dear! How is my lovely daughter?"
"I am well, thank you mother." All child behavior disappeared as she bowed gracefully to her mother.
Bei-Mei daintily began her descent down the ship's gang-plank. Her black hair piled high and elaborately shaped, glistening ornaments were weaved into it. Her cat-like eyes were an un-natural yellowish orange and her body was wrapped yards of bright red silks with golden tigers weaved into the fabric. Matching red silk shoes with gold ribbons adorned her feet while her throat and arms dripped with numerous jewels and gold.
Morbius took her hand and bowing deeply placed a kiss on her knuckles. "A truly worthy appearance for the most stunning queen."
"Oh Moribus stop with your flirtations." Bei-Mei giggled and flicked a red fan in front her face fanning as if it was hot. "Aren't you broiling?"
Morbius grinned "A common misconception that vampires are allergic to the sun."
Bei-Mei giggled more, hiding her face behind her fan.
"Queen Bei-Mei welcome to Japan." The blonde bowed.
"Ah Arriana dear, how have you been? Oh, and whom might you two ladies be?"
"I have been well business is good. May I introduce Momo Kenosawa."
"Your Highness." The black-haired girl bowed.
"And Yuri Kerogasa."
"Your Highness." The lavender haired girl bowed.
"Ladies." The Queen curtsied. "Oh my your eyes are interesting Miss. Yuri. The right is blue, but the left one matches your hair."
"Thank you mam I am happy they are mine."
"If we have finished with formalities I would like to see the town. Sarabi be a dear and see that the cargo reaches your house safely." Bei-Mei dismissively flicks her hand at Sarabi.
Sarabi sarcastically replies, "Oh, I would dare to dream of allowing these Chinese artifacts come to harm."
Bei-Mei and Sarabi stare each other down, smiling, like animals before a fight. However, Bei-Mei breaks eye contact first saying, "Thank you Sarabi."
"You are most welcome Bei-Mei."
They bow ever so slightly, with the left hand to their chests, and leave, Sarabi to the ship and Bei-Mei crowded by the group.
"Why so hostile towards Sarabi?" Momo asked.
Bei-Mei frowned as she thought. "Mmmm...I suppose because we have what is called a friendly rivalry." She tilted her head, "Although we have our differences we do not hate each other." Then she smiles, "Even though she clearly understands I am superior."
"What was that Bei-Mei?" An evil sounded Sarabi appears behind her.
"I was saying how simply lovely these cherry trees are." Bei-Mei flicks her fan in front of her again. "Are those poor wolfie ears failing you in old age?" She smirked tauntingly.
Sarabi smiles, "Sadly for you my ears are sharp as ever."
"So mother what did you bring in all those boxes?" Katrina stepped in breaking the tension.
"Oh! Some presents for my beautiful daughter. Along with my luggage and some gifts for your grandmother Sarabi's household for all your hospitality."
"We are gracious for your generosity your highness." Sarabi smoothly replied.
Bei-Mei bowed her head. "Oh, but Katrina you will simply love your birthday presents! I can't believe it one hundred and twelve years old. It seemed only yesterday I had to watch you come to Japan with Sarabi. I have missed you so."
"Why did you send her here Bei-Mei?" Yuri asked politely.
Bei-Mei and Sarabi stopped simultaneously and the rest stopped with them. They looked at each other, then down. "It wasn't safe in China. I knew she'd be safe here with Sarabi. No one would dare approach Sarabi, even less likely when she had someone to defend."
"I thought it made people weak to protect others? They'd be a distraction." Yuri said.
Bei-Mei snapped to attention and sent a withering glared at her, "Normally that is true. However, as much as it pains me to admit this Sarabi would be able to protect her better. She is faster, older, smarter and more powerful. She knows almost every sword, magic and fist technique there is. Not to mention she knows nearly everyone.
"Hell, she even has a goddess behind her! She is a far better candidate for protection over my and Morbius's daughter." She huffs then glance at Morbius lost in thought. "I will leave her here until it is safe."
She smiles at Katrina, "Of course only if you want to come home."
Katrina smiles, "We shall see mother."
Bei-mei laughs and continues holding her daughter's hand. "Of course, my dear. Enough dreary talk tomorrow is my daughter's 112th birthday. What type of cake are you making? Are we having it in the garden? I do love these cherry blossom trees they are so beautiful!"
"I love drinking under them! Nothing better than a 6-pack of cold beer and a hot man by my side under the trees." Arrianna laughed loudly.
"I have to agree, although I prefer the company of a classy lady by my side." Morbius winks at Bei-Mei.
"Oh behave!" Bei-Mei taps him teasingly with her fan.
"We are at the car. I trust you will find the limo accommodating."
"A limo! Oh Sarabi you know how to treat a queen."
"Ah ha...yes well this is our driver and Momo's grandfather. Kiro Kenosawa."
"Kiro? Kenosawa? The war veteran?" Bei-Mei raised an eyebrow at the elderly man.
"I allowed Momo's family to move in for protection. He insisted on doing something to help with expenses." Sarabi shrugged.
"Oh, how lovely." Bei-mei clapped her hands. "Helping out a veteran that is so wonderful." She slid into the posh leather seats. "Oh yes, this is very lovely. Oh chilled Chinese tea! Aw, you even have snacks how thoughtful!"
"Katrina actually set up the limo this time. She wanted her mother to have the very best of China in a limo."
Katrina blushed under the praise. "It was nothing special."
Bei-Mei nibbled on a rice snack. "Oh Katrina, these are delicious did you make them yourself?"
"Yes I did, I am glad you like them."
Bei-Mei beamed at Katrina. Then conversation followed until they reached the Silva home. The mansion was huge nestled deep in the forested valley of the Mt. Fuji.
"Wow, this is a wondrous home."
"Thank you Bei-Mei I have worked hard on it. I hope you find it accommodating once again."
"Your home is always so lovely I am never disappointed with it."
Sarabi nodded in return. Enormous iron gates opened and closed magically as the black limo passed through them. The large yard was littered with trees, flowers, and even a small crystal clear pond.
They stepped out of the car and Katrina immediately locked hands with her mother and father. "Mommy are you going to sleep with me tonight?"
"I will dear." Bei-Mei smiled at her daughter.
"Yaaay! You can meet Ichigo." Katrina giggled as her parents hustled along each side of her.
"Who is Ichigo?"
"She's my friend and Momo's little sister. I like her a lot we do lots of fun stuff together."
"Like what?" Bei-Mei smiled.
"Ooh, lots of things. We take walks, pick pretty flowers, play dress up, color pictures, kid stuff. Plus she is my second in command with the maids at my inn. When she isn't in school that is. Grandma said I can start going to school now since my temper is under control."
"You haven't been to school yet?" Bei-Mei raised a brow at Sarabi, who looked away in an attempt of innocently fascinated with her trees.
"No, I used to break things and get mad easy. Grandmother helped me focus and calm down so I wouldn't hurt anyone. She has taught me a lot in the place of school. Reading, writing and lots of other stuff along with the self-control exercises."
"Is that so?" She looks back to Katrina and smiles, "That is very kind of her I know she has taught you well and you will be an excellent student."
"Yeah, she said I have to go to high school, though cause the humans would get suspicious of a girl who doesn't age."
"That would raise a great deal of suspension amongst normal humans." She smiled at her. "When do you start?"
"When summer break is over and the new school year starts. I'll be going to the same school as Yuri and Momo." Katrina was grinning ear to ear.
"That's wonderful dear. Now let's talk about your party."
"Oh, I've got it all planned out." Katrina grinned.
"Oh dear not this again." Morbius smiled at Katrina, then Bei-Mei. "Prepare to have your lovely ears talked off, she has been non-stop about this party. As for me, I must go feed, it has been a few weeks. I will see you all upon my return at dusk." He bowed deeply placing another kiss on Bei-Mei's hand then swooped out of sight.
Bi-Mei sighed dreamily after him, then seconds later was fully focused on Katrina's rambling about her party. The others went their separate ways, chuckling, and began preparations for Katrina's party the next day.
That night they all sat at the Silva's heavy carved wooden table laden with dozens of Chinese dishes. There was much laughter and storytelling from everyone. Bei-Mei of China and old romantic stories of her and Morbius.
From Morbius they heard much on his homeland and travels, Arriana her many exes and her booming businesses, Momo and Yuri after school plans, Doctor Kurosawa talked about his patients and from grandpa Kurosawa hilarious and embarrassing stories from his son's and grand daughters' lives growing up. Sarabi remained quiet, though dinner, despite the laughter and fun, something wasn't right.
After dinner and all were asleep Sarabi climbed to her roof to ponder. She hadn't seen anyone at the dock or smelled anything too unusual, but her instincts told her something was amiss. Someone or something had, followed Bei-Mei here in Japan and she was determined to find out who and why.
"So you felt it to mother?"
"Oh Morbius... I... Yes. Something isn't right. I don't think Bei-Mei came here alone. I can feel it in my soul. Someone followed her here and I don't think they came for a friendly chat with our beloved Tiger Queen of the East." Sarabi's deep piercing purple eyes stared at her son.
"So you believe they came for the queen?" Morbius stood beside his mother.
"Not exactly. Actually, I think they have two targets."
It took one look. A mental connection that only a mother and her child could have for Morbius to understand and he nodded in confirmation then they stared at the moon together.
"Tomorrow is the night of the full moon." Sarabi stated.
"Then it will be a red one." Morbius concluded. His fangs grew long in anticipation of the blood about to be spilled.