Chapter 12
Ron returned the Lotus Blade to its resting place. The traitor Fukushima was kept at Yamanouchi for trial, while the two men were turned over to the Tokyo police. It was eventually learned who employed them, and a major prostitution ring was broken.
Fukushima refused to reveal the whereabouts of Lord Fiske, or explain how the Lotus Blade would help him regain the Mystical Monkey Power.
Despite the pain of doing so, Yori attended the trial. She refused to allow him to be beaten with the same bamboo cane she had been, saying that he was correct; that had involved personal business between them.
"But I warn you, Traitor, the next time I see you, our business will conclude, one way or the other," she told him. Fukushima just smirked, and gave her a mocking bow. "I look forward to it."
In the end, Fukushima was released, but warned he should leave Japan. If he returned, he would be fair game for everyone who ever attended the Yamanouchi School.
He left, under escort, muttering dire imprecations at them all the way.
kpkpkp
Tara tapped on the door to Yori's room, and got a mumbled 'come in' for a response.
She found the ninja girl lying on her stomach; back, buttocks and legs covered in bandages, and propped up on her elbows,
a pillow under her chest.
Tara sat down cross-legged beside her. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked, glancing at the bamboo stick leaning in the corner. At Yori's insistence they brought it back with them. She could see in her mind's eye Fukushima beating her, while Yori suffered in silence, not giving the traitor the satisfaction of screaming.
Yori nodded, but didn't look at her.
"I wanted to thank you for..." began Tara, but stopped when she saw Yori close her eyes and cringe. "What's wrong?"
"You were in my care, and I failed to protect you," said Yori in a hollow voice.
"But..." said Tara, then stopped. She thought for a moment, then with sudden insight realized what Yori needed to hear. "I forgive you, Yori. There were dozens of those monkeys and that guy; you couldn't possibly have beaten them all. But you tried your best, and that's all I care about."
Now Yori looked at her, and gave a small smile. "Domo arigato, Tara-chan."
"I wish I could have helped, but I'm not a fighter," said Tara.
"Not in the physical, true," agreed Yori, "But you have much inner strength, and have used it to good purpose."
"Um... what do you mean?" asked Tara, completely lost.
"I have spent much time talking with Jen-chan, and she has told me of the many times you have kept her from doing the wrong thing," was the answer.
"She's told me how tough it is to be good, when you've been trained to be bad. But she watches herself, and usually succeeds. I just nudge her when she needs it," said Tara.
Yori shook her head. "So I have seen. It is hard, but you stand your ground with her when you need to."
"She's worth it," said Tara. "Hey, tell ya what, I'll bring you lunch today, so you don't have to move. That okay?"
Yori's smile dropped a bit. "If you wish to."
"It would be my honor," said Tara, smiling and giving a short bow.
Yori cringed inside, but didn't let Tara see it. She was thinking that, instead of bringing her lunch, Tara should beat her with the bamboo for her failure. But she reminded herself that Americans didn't think the way Japanese did, and Tara was far too gentle and nice to even consider it.
"See you later," said Tara, and left, leaving Yori alone with her thoughts.
kpkpkp
That morning had been Jenny's final session with the young students, and all of them had chipped in to get her a small gift of appreciation. It was a surprise, and they wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. That afternoon, Jenny and Tara went back to their room.
"How's Yori doing?" asked Jenny. She was holding her gift-- Maneki Neko, the Beckoning Cat. It a small statue of a cat with a paw raised, a powerful good luck symbol in both Japan and China.
"Getting better," said Tara, sitting on her mat. "Still upset she couldn't protect me. But I brought her lunch anyway."
"And that's just like you," said Jenny, sitting down by her. She returned the statue to its box. Tara had told her Fukushima had not threatened her with the bamboo.
Tara smiled, but it faded quickly. "I keep seeing her in the cave, being beaten by Fukushima. She was so brave, being in agony and not saying a word the whole time."
"She is pretty incredible," agreed Jenny. "Do you know what it was about?"
Tara looked embarrassed. "My Japanese is pretty good now, so yeah, I do. But I gotta say it's private."
"Aw, you can tell me..." said Jenny, intrigued.
"No, I can't. Not without asking Yori first," was the reply.
The Bad Luck Charm started to say something, but was cut off.
"Drop it, Jen. Please," said Tara, crossing her arms.
"Okay..." said Jenny. Then her pink eyes regarded her best friend. "And once again you stop me from doing something bad. I"m glad I could rescue you. Couldn't do without my moral compass."
"Oh, so that's all I am to you," said Tara with mock indignity.
Jenny grinned. "You're also the best friend I've ever had."
Tara softened her stance and smiled, her blue eyes shining. "Ever since you saved me from that fall we've been friends. I can't imagine my life without you being part of it." She paused, getting a faraway look. "I would never have been able to come to Japan if it wasn't for you."
Jenny's smile vanished. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have had any reason to come here."
"Maybe, but look what I've gained from it. The good far outweighs the bad," said Tara, "I've forgiven you, and you need to forgive yourself."
Jenny gave a heavy sigh. "Well, if you're not going to kick me out of your life for it, I guess I'd better."
Tara leaned over and gave Jenny a hug. "Good. We're BFFs, as Monique would say."
Tears appeared in Jenny's eyes and she returned the hug. "Yes, we are. Best Friends Forever. Thank you."
A comfortable silence filled the room, since there was nothing left to say.
kpkpkp
Sensei stood outside their room, listening. It had not been his intention to intrude on their privacy, but he had to know what they decided; what their relationship would be. It was crucial to understanding the prophecy.
Now that he knew, he slipped away soundlessly and made his way to Yori's room. He tapped on the door and opened it.
Inside, he closed it softly.
"Master," said Yori, nodding her head. It was too painful to do more at the time, and Sensei understood. He sat beside her where Tara had sat, and pulled an ancient scroll from his sleeve.
"They have woven their lives together as best friends," he said without preamble, "And the resulting thread will be all but unbreakable. Entwined with the other three, they will be a lifeline for the world."
"I hope it will be strong enough," said Yori.
"It must be," he replied, opening the scroll. "For what is coming, the strength of their bonds will be the deciding factor."
"Any more progress with the prophecy, Sensei?" asked Yori.
"The two lines I was most concerned with have now been made clear. There is no longer any doubt that Team Possible will be the ones who fight this evil. And if they do not win, the world will suffer much for many years."
"And there will be no one left to fight?" asked Yori.
"Do not fret, daughter," said Sensei, "We will all have our parts."
"Hai, Sensei," Yori nodded.
The two, student and Master, fell silent with their own thoughts.
