Author's rant and vocabulary at bottom.
Sailor Chibi Kamen's Theatre presents:
Destiny Takes A Hand
chapter 3
Slender Fungus
*************************************************************
The young man turned to face the miko. "Reisan...." His
voice trailed of as he took in the sight before him: her violet
eyes, lit from within; the long braid that draped over her
shoulder, caressing the length of her body; her full breasts,
visibly flushed with excitment; her shapely, well muscled legs.
Toda Masazumi took in the vision that was Hino Rei, and he was
struck dumb with awe.
Rei watched from behind her mask of indifference. Kamisama,
is this the same boy who yanked my pigtails all those years
ago? she thought, her heart fluttering so hard it threatened
to leave her chest. The man before her was about Makochan's
height, and of slender build. In the lantern light his green eyes
appeared nearly as dark as her own. He wore a tan sports jacket
over a black t-shirt and trousers.
From inside his jacket he produced a single lavender rose.
"I searched far and wide but could find no hana to equal your
beauty, utsukushii tenshihana." The sincerity in his eyes
melted the icy wall around Rei's heart.
They stood transfixed, staring, for a few moments. Rei
broke the uncomfortable silence. "Gomen, Mas-san, where are
my manners? Onegai, have a seat." She motioned to the cushions
on the floor. "Can I offer you some tea?"
"I'm fine, Reisan. Arigato." Masazumi took a seat. Rei
was at a complete loss for words as she settled near him.
"There's no need to be nervous. We've known each other
nearly our entire lives." He moved closer.
"Yet we're still strangers...." Rei became defensive.
"Why *shouldn't* I be nervous? I haven't seen you in twelve
years, then you show up in my life again trying to court me?
All your pretty words were just that: words." She stood up,
crossing her arms and facing the wall.
Mas stood and walked to her, carefully placing his hands
on her shoulders. She did not move. He spoke softly and carefully.
"Reisan, I've been here ten minutes. In that time have I
mentioned marriage?" Rei shook her head. He continued. "As I
said on the phone, I would like to get to know you, and I
don't mean in the biblical sense. Couldn't hurt, though! I
want to know your likes, your dislikes, your hopes and dreams
for the future. Where I am in all of that is entirely up to
you."
"Chocolate! Lots and lots of chocolate!" piped up Usagi
from below the window. "OW!!!!!" One of the others, probably
Minako, punched Usagi in the arm to quiet her.
Rei was horribly embarrased by her friends' eavesdropping,
but Mas just laughed his heartiest. "It's just as well. Why
don't we go someplace?" he suggested. "We look too good to
sit around here talking."
"Hai," she laughed. "Besides, we'll never get any
semblance of privacy with that tofu for brains around."
"I heard that, Miss Thang!!" came from outside, along with
stifled giggles from the others.
"Ano, where should we go? I'm not that familiar with this
district."
"Well, I haven't eaten since early this morning. How do
you feel about Thai food? Maybe some dancing afterwards?"
Rei asked excitedly. "Or if you had something else in mind,
like a movie...?"
Mas did have something else in mind, but he didn't dare
voice it. "I'm not big on Thai, so how 'bout we hit a sushi
bar? And I know of someplace we can go afterwards to dance."
"Sugoi! Let me get my shoes and we'll go."
So she did, and off they went.
@}~~`~~,~~{@
"So, how are your parents?" Rei inquired before biting
into tekka maki.
"They're ok, healthwise. I think they're starting to miss
Nihon, though. They're always reminiscing about the 'old ways.' "
Mas tried a piece of uni and found it to his liking.
Rei laughed, her amethyst eyes sparkling. "Otosan would
throw a fit if he heard that! He hates the 'old ways' --
tradition, respect for one's ancestors and past -- everything
I represent to him.
"Unless it suits his purposes, of course." Her mouth
crooked sarcastically.
"Of course." Mas motioned to the waitress, who came
over. "Dozo, two bottles of sake."
The waitress looked dubiously at Rei. "Are you old enough?"
Rei smiled. "Arigato, dear. Now be a good girl and bring
the sake, ne?
Humbled, the girl bowed and went to the bar.
"Reisan, she's probably older than you!" Mas whispered
once the waitress was out of earshot.
Rei let out a deep breath. "Wakataimasu. In this
repressive country women are so used to being treated like
children that sometimes it's just easier...." She stopped
and turned to the girl returning with the wine. "Gomen
nasai. You didn't deserve that. To answer your question,
hai, I'm old enough."
"A-a-arigato gozaimasu," the shocked girl stuttered as
she backed away from the table.
Mas stared in wonderment at the woman seated across
from him. She's really amazing....
"Nani? I was going to apologize before you said anything."
Self conscious, Rei fumbled her chopsticks. "Stop looking
at me like that!" She blushed under his intense gaze.
Mas snapped out of his reverie at her exclamation. "Gomen,
tenshihana." He looked at the piece of sushi she held in her
chopsticks. "What the heck is that?"
"Fugu. You've never tried it?"
"Iie. It's poisonous, ne?" Mas looked faintly green as
Rei popped the morsel into her mouth.
"It can be; demo, death holds no fear for me anymore."
She held out the other piece for him to taste. "It's really
good. C'mon, live a little. I've eaten here many times and
I'm not dead yet."
Mas shook his head. "You go right ahead; enjoy it."
"You don't know what you're missing," Rei said before
eating the morsel of blowfish. "Mmm, oishii." As she sipped
her sake, her eyes suddenly grew wide in fear. Her hands flew
to her throat as she gasped for air.
"Reisan, what's wrong?" Mas jumped from his seat and
was at her side in a flash. Her eyes rolled back, revealing
the whites. Her body went limp and she slid from her seat.
Surprisingly no one appeared to notice as she went into
convulsions. "Somebody, help! Call an ambulance! She's dying!"
Seemingly, none heard his cries for assistance.
When Mas realized he wouldn't get any help he recalled
his First Aid training. He felt her neck for a pulse. Finding
it he breathed a sigh of relief. He began mouth-to-mouth...
...and found a tongue exploring his mouth. Startled, Mas
pulled his head back, only to find Rei smiling wickedly at him.
"You're positively evil, wakataimasu ka?"
Rei's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Iie, I'm too kawaii
to be evil." She sat up quickly and pecked him on the cheek.
"Maschan, you're my hero," she giggled.
"So, you planned the whole thing. Did you pay everyone to
keep quiet, or what?" Mas asked as he pushed in Rei's chair.
"What." Rei smirked. Actually, I willed them not to notice
us, but I'm not telling!
Dinner continued without further incident. After tea was
brought to the table Mas pulled a small pouch out of his pocket.
It was very old, red silk with a gold phoenix embroidered on
it. He handed it to Rei. "Open it."
She did, and pulled out an ancient ring. It was a detailed,
wraparound dragon of fine gold. Its eyes were sapphires and it
held a fire opal in its mouth. She whistled appreciatively.
"Maschan, I can't accept this."
"You have to. Okaasan swears she'll disown me if you don't.
I think it's a matter of honor for her. Besides, she thinks of
you as her daughter already. Since I have no sister, she insists
you take it. Onegai, Reichan?"
Rei tried on the ring and found it fit like it had been
made for her. "It's beautiful. Arigato. Do you know where it
came from?"
"Iie." Mas shook his head. "It's thousands of years old,
but that's all we really know about it.
"There's a story that goes with it. According to my sobo,
it was made by a prince for his lady love, a warrior princess
from another planet. The sapphires represent his kingdom; the
opal, hers. For whatever reason, they were forbidden to marry
and he took his own life." Mas took a swig of tea. "I don't
hold much stock in that story, though."
"I think it's romantic," Rei sighed. "Even if it isn't
true, I like the myth. It adds mystery. Who were these lovers,
and why was their love forbidden, ne?"
"Does that mean you'll take it?" His voice was hopeful.
"Hai, if you'll really be disowned if I don't." Rei's
voice was music to his ears.
Mas fell to his knees before her. "Domo arigato gozaimasu,
utsukushii tenshihana, mistress of my heart," he said as he
prostrated himself. The other diners looked on in amusement.
"You're creating a scene. Get up, " Rei whispered,
beginning to blush.
"Your generosity is second only to your beauty." He
grasped her hand and pressed it to his lips.
"Maschan, yamete!" she exclaimed in a loud whisper. Every
eye in the place was now on them. Her face was scarlet. Rei
loved being the center of attention, but not like this.
"The lady spurns my affections! Woe, oh , woe is me!"
Mas lamented loudly. "I am dishonored! I must commit seppoku
at once!" He picked up a chopstick and jabbed at his stomach
with it.
Rei suppressed a smile. "I don't think that will work."
Mas grinned lopsidedly. "That's the one good thing about
the States: You can use your steak knife if you don't have a
short sword handy."
Rei's clear laughter rang out above the applause of the
crowd.
@}~~`~~,~~{@
By the time Rei and Masazumi arrived at Ginza666 (as the
warehouse had been christened for the night) they had finished
off five bottles of sake each. Mas was used to drinking, being
a college student; Rei, being seventeen and a miko, was not.
She was leaning rather heavily on her escort's arm.
"Reichan, are you sure you're ok?" Mas looked down at
her worriedly. "We can always go back to the jinja."
"Hai! I juss had a *leetle* too mush sake, thass all,"
she drawled. "I'll be fine soon, I promish." She hiccupped.
Mas looked around them. There's no one here I can't handle
if any trouble starts, he thought, suddenly grateful for two
semesters of kickboxing. What the hell!
Once inside, Rei excused herself to what passed for a
restroom and, one henshin later, was again in control of her
faculties.
Multi-colored lights flashed in time to the music, reflecting
off of Rei's now-loose hair...
"...she's got herself a universe..."
Snippets of lyrics fought their way through driving beats...
"...blue skies, yeah, uh huh..."
Scantily-clad bodies writhed to the pulsating rhythms...
"...i'm livin' in ecstasy..."
As usually happened in this type of situation, 'feelings'
began to rise...
"...you're much too young to get a hold on me...."
A guitar riff repeated, starting the next song.
"Konban wa, B's and G's! Trickmaster in tha haa-ouse,
spinnin' the songs till long past dawn!" the DJ said over
the public address system.
' I'm the trouble starter, fuckin' instigator!'
"Damn straight. Any lovely, lonely ladies out there, come
over and make a request. I'm available. Trickmaster out!"
' I'm the bitch ya hated, filth infatuated! I'm the pain
ya tasted, well intoxicated! '
"I'm the firestarter, twisted firestarter!" Rei chanted
along with the music, an odd gleam in her eye.
"You're the firestarter, twisted firestarter!" The entire
crowd screamed along, as if in answer.
The crowd parted as a fuschia-odangoed waif in silver
vinyl hopped through the dancers, handing out what appeared
to be colored sugar cubes. "Happy pops! Get your happy pops!"
She handed two to Mas. "One for each of you, ne? On the house,
this time."
"Iie, Michichan." He handed the girl a bill. She refused
to take it at first, but relented.
"Have fun, you crazy kids. Love ya like ya crazy!" She
vanished into the writhing mass of bodies.
"Maschan, who was that?" Rei asked.
"Oh, that's Michiko, my cousin. She's dosed a few times
too many and her mind is basically mush now. Demo, her 'happy
pops' are great; they're LSD."
"Really?" Rei's eyes lit up. "I've always wondered what
it's like." She took the blue candy Mas offered and slowwwwly
sucked it (and his fingers), watching his 'reaction.'
He smiled appreciatively. "There's time for that later.
Now, let's dance!"
Many heads turned with longing as the beautiful couple
made their way to the dance floor.
**********
Hours passed and midnight approached. It was a typical
rave: lots of X, lots of skin, and everybody loved everyone
else. It was too good to last.
"FREEZE! POLICE!"
Exclaimations came from the crowd.
"Kuso!"
"A raid!"
"Shimatta! Scatter, minna" came Trickmaster over the PA.
"It's been free-ky, B's and G's!"
"Reichan, we gotta go!" Mas pulled on her arm. Rei,
meanwhile, walked calmly towards the front door of the warehouse,
right into the bulk of police. Mas was scared shitless--he
had no way of knowing what scheme his date had thought up.
An overzealous male officer, not long out of the academy,
put his hand on Rei's shoulder to detain her. She whipped her
head around and leered evily. Her shoulder became uncomfortably
hot.
"AAAAH! Youma!" the policeman screamed, clutching his
singed hand.
Mas looked at Rei, puzzled. "What did you do to him?"
"Oh, nothing. Just a little trick Ojiisan taught me." Her
laugh was soft and deep. "Here we go. Follow my lead and
we'll get out of this without any problems."
Rei walked straight towards the officer in charge.
"Konbanwa, Nobukosan," she sang sweetly.
Det. Nobuko was surprised. "Konbanwa, Reisan. What are
*you* doing here?"
"My escort and I ran into some friends while we were at
the movies. They told us to meet them here, but we had no
idea...."
"You mean you didn't know this was a rave?"
Hai! That's the word!" Rei bobbed her head. She put on
her sweetest smile and opened her eyes wide, feigning naivete.
"Well,...would you mind coming back to the station to give
a statement?"
"Actually, I would. I'm sooo tired," Rei covered her mouth
lightly as she pretended to yawn "and besides, Ojiisan is
away so I have to wake up early. I have *so* much to do
tomorrow. I promise to go straight home.
"By the way, how's Miichan?"
"Mii's fine, arigato. She asked me, the other day, when
we could visit Rei-oneesan. Maybe we'll come by in a few days.
"Hai, you can go." Det.Nobuko sighed resignedly. "Just
be sure to go right home and stay out of trouble, ne?"
"Hai! Say hi to Miichan for me!" Rei pulled Mas by the
wrist and broke into a sprint.
"Nobuko! Why did you let those two leave?"
Det. Nobuko turned to his superior who had just arrived.
"Because, Jirosama, that girl is miko of Jinja Hikawa, *and*
her father is Representative Hino. I will *not* incur the
wrath of gods or politicians.
"And, she brought my daughter back to me. I am forever
in her debt."
@}~~`~~,~~{@
After a four block jog they reached the black Miata that
Mas had rented for his stay. Mas spun Rei around to face him.
"What the hell was that all about?"
" Oh, Nobukosan donates to the jinja on a regular basis.
And, I helped find his daughter when she disappeared a few
years back. I, uh, had a vision of her abductor." Rei blushed
modestly. That's not too far from the truth!
"Really? That's amazing. Demo, *you* are an amazing woman,
tenshihana." Before she could resist, Mas pulled Rei in for
a deep, passionate kiss. She struggled slightly, but soon
relaxed in his arms. Slowly, unsurely, she put her arms around
his neck. Her delicate fingers entwined themselves in his
shoulder length mane. After a minute he leaned back against the
car, breaking off the kiss. He reached into his pocket and
pulled out a fat joint. Lighting it he passed it to Rei, who
was far past resisting temptation. They stayed there, watching
the moonlit shadows of the smoke on the wall.
@}~~`~~~,~~{@
Around 3 am, after many hours of killing brain cells, the
couple arrived back at Jinja Hikawa. Unbeknownst to them an
impromptu slumber party was taking place. Usagi and Ami had
dozed off earlier, but two forms sat, awake and talking.
"Makochan, I'm starting to worry," Minako stated. "Rei's
never out this late. She's usually so responsible, especially
when she's here alone."
"I know, Minachan. That's why *I* can't sleep. If that
creep did anything to her...." Makoto clenched her fist and
shook it threateningly.
A high-pitched squeal came from the direction of the steps
by which Ami had thoughtfully placed the usual lanterns. It
was quickly followed by maniacal laughter. Mako and Mina
exchanged puzzled glances.
"I guess that means they're back, Makochan."
"Guess so. Ya think Rei's ok?"
"Well, she's *never* ok." Mina grinned. "Demo, hai, I
think she can take care of herself."
"G'night, Minachan."
"G'night, Makochan."
All fell silent within the jinja.
@}~~`~~~,~~{@ @}~~`~~~,~~[@ @}~~`~~~,~~{@ @}~~`~~~,~~{@
love & hope & sex & dreams
pride & joy, fast cars, ice cream
jet black hair, soft socks & shoes
let's fish around, free air again
golden madness, feed off dead meat
time not lost but sold white teeth
we want victory, we want truth
a million stars move into view
feeling good here in the rain
worms dancing, dancing in your veins
i am you but you're not me
bitter dolls, these always free
dance till it hurts in a midnight glow
truth is simple, can't ever say no
flames fly higher, look up the moon
watching demons again, neither are you
but we play all the things you are
bomb song, swan song, red hot jazz
burn ourselves out, just to please
back to a car, get on your knees
big, big bomb song gets burnt out
so light your own fire,move into view
you can do better
you can do better
you can do better, that's only true
slender fungus was a disc of shiny concrete
slender fungus was a disc, a shiny ball of meat
slender fungus sucks the toes that linger 'round your feet
(slender fungus kissed a fish inside a stolen jeep)
slender fungus eats in bed before he goes to sleep
Tones On Tail
other song credits:
Ray of Light (of course!) - Madonna
Blue Skies - bt with Tori Amos
Escape from Reality - the omen
Fine Time - New Order
Firestarter - the prodigy
---------
Vocabulary for the gaijin:
utsukushii = beautiful
onegai = please, but not the same as 'dozo'. it's a usage
thing i really can't explain.
Nihon = Japan
sugoi = awesome
kawaii = cute
yamete = stop
seppoku = ritual suicide
oishii = tasty
If you're confused about the whole thing with Det. Nobuko, go read
Mixxine # 3. It's loosely based on that. I know they translate
badly, but 'til I can read Japanese, it'll do.
For those over 18, please go on to chapter 3b.
A red curtain covered with lavender roses comes down, closing
the Theatre. Ja mata, minna. O daijini.
Sailor Chibi Kamen's Theatre presents:
Destiny Takes A Hand
chapter 3
Slender Fungus
*************************************************************
The young man turned to face the miko. "Reisan...." His
voice trailed of as he took in the sight before him: her violet
eyes, lit from within; the long braid that draped over her
shoulder, caressing the length of her body; her full breasts,
visibly flushed with excitment; her shapely, well muscled legs.
Toda Masazumi took in the vision that was Hino Rei, and he was
struck dumb with awe.
Rei watched from behind her mask of indifference. Kamisama,
is this the same boy who yanked my pigtails all those years
ago? she thought, her heart fluttering so hard it threatened
to leave her chest. The man before her was about Makochan's
height, and of slender build. In the lantern light his green eyes
appeared nearly as dark as her own. He wore a tan sports jacket
over a black t-shirt and trousers.
From inside his jacket he produced a single lavender rose.
"I searched far and wide but could find no hana to equal your
beauty, utsukushii tenshihana." The sincerity in his eyes
melted the icy wall around Rei's heart.
They stood transfixed, staring, for a few moments. Rei
broke the uncomfortable silence. "Gomen, Mas-san, where are
my manners? Onegai, have a seat." She motioned to the cushions
on the floor. "Can I offer you some tea?"
"I'm fine, Reisan. Arigato." Masazumi took a seat. Rei
was at a complete loss for words as she settled near him.
"There's no need to be nervous. We've known each other
nearly our entire lives." He moved closer.
"Yet we're still strangers...." Rei became defensive.
"Why *shouldn't* I be nervous? I haven't seen you in twelve
years, then you show up in my life again trying to court me?
All your pretty words were just that: words." She stood up,
crossing her arms and facing the wall.
Mas stood and walked to her, carefully placing his hands
on her shoulders. She did not move. He spoke softly and carefully.
"Reisan, I've been here ten minutes. In that time have I
mentioned marriage?" Rei shook her head. He continued. "As I
said on the phone, I would like to get to know you, and I
don't mean in the biblical sense. Couldn't hurt, though! I
want to know your likes, your dislikes, your hopes and dreams
for the future. Where I am in all of that is entirely up to
you."
"Chocolate! Lots and lots of chocolate!" piped up Usagi
from below the window. "OW!!!!!" One of the others, probably
Minako, punched Usagi in the arm to quiet her.
Rei was horribly embarrased by her friends' eavesdropping,
but Mas just laughed his heartiest. "It's just as well. Why
don't we go someplace?" he suggested. "We look too good to
sit around here talking."
"Hai," she laughed. "Besides, we'll never get any
semblance of privacy with that tofu for brains around."
"I heard that, Miss Thang!!" came from outside, along with
stifled giggles from the others.
"Ano, where should we go? I'm not that familiar with this
district."
"Well, I haven't eaten since early this morning. How do
you feel about Thai food? Maybe some dancing afterwards?"
Rei asked excitedly. "Or if you had something else in mind,
like a movie...?"
Mas did have something else in mind, but he didn't dare
voice it. "I'm not big on Thai, so how 'bout we hit a sushi
bar? And I know of someplace we can go afterwards to dance."
"Sugoi! Let me get my shoes and we'll go."
So she did, and off they went.
@}~~`~~,~~{@
"So, how are your parents?" Rei inquired before biting
into tekka maki.
"They're ok, healthwise. I think they're starting to miss
Nihon, though. They're always reminiscing about the 'old ways.' "
Mas tried a piece of uni and found it to his liking.
Rei laughed, her amethyst eyes sparkling. "Otosan would
throw a fit if he heard that! He hates the 'old ways' --
tradition, respect for one's ancestors and past -- everything
I represent to him.
"Unless it suits his purposes, of course." Her mouth
crooked sarcastically.
"Of course." Mas motioned to the waitress, who came
over. "Dozo, two bottles of sake."
The waitress looked dubiously at Rei. "Are you old enough?"
Rei smiled. "Arigato, dear. Now be a good girl and bring
the sake, ne?
Humbled, the girl bowed and went to the bar.
"Reisan, she's probably older than you!" Mas whispered
once the waitress was out of earshot.
Rei let out a deep breath. "Wakataimasu. In this
repressive country women are so used to being treated like
children that sometimes it's just easier...." She stopped
and turned to the girl returning with the wine. "Gomen
nasai. You didn't deserve that. To answer your question,
hai, I'm old enough."
"A-a-arigato gozaimasu," the shocked girl stuttered as
she backed away from the table.
Mas stared in wonderment at the woman seated across
from him. She's really amazing....
"Nani? I was going to apologize before you said anything."
Self conscious, Rei fumbled her chopsticks. "Stop looking
at me like that!" She blushed under his intense gaze.
Mas snapped out of his reverie at her exclamation. "Gomen,
tenshihana." He looked at the piece of sushi she held in her
chopsticks. "What the heck is that?"
"Fugu. You've never tried it?"
"Iie. It's poisonous, ne?" Mas looked faintly green as
Rei popped the morsel into her mouth.
"It can be; demo, death holds no fear for me anymore."
She held out the other piece for him to taste. "It's really
good. C'mon, live a little. I've eaten here many times and
I'm not dead yet."
Mas shook his head. "You go right ahead; enjoy it."
"You don't know what you're missing," Rei said before
eating the morsel of blowfish. "Mmm, oishii." As she sipped
her sake, her eyes suddenly grew wide in fear. Her hands flew
to her throat as she gasped for air.
"Reisan, what's wrong?" Mas jumped from his seat and
was at her side in a flash. Her eyes rolled back, revealing
the whites. Her body went limp and she slid from her seat.
Surprisingly no one appeared to notice as she went into
convulsions. "Somebody, help! Call an ambulance! She's dying!"
Seemingly, none heard his cries for assistance.
When Mas realized he wouldn't get any help he recalled
his First Aid training. He felt her neck for a pulse. Finding
it he breathed a sigh of relief. He began mouth-to-mouth...
...and found a tongue exploring his mouth. Startled, Mas
pulled his head back, only to find Rei smiling wickedly at him.
"You're positively evil, wakataimasu ka?"
Rei's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Iie, I'm too kawaii
to be evil." She sat up quickly and pecked him on the cheek.
"Maschan, you're my hero," she giggled.
"So, you planned the whole thing. Did you pay everyone to
keep quiet, or what?" Mas asked as he pushed in Rei's chair.
"What." Rei smirked. Actually, I willed them not to notice
us, but I'm not telling!
Dinner continued without further incident. After tea was
brought to the table Mas pulled a small pouch out of his pocket.
It was very old, red silk with a gold phoenix embroidered on
it. He handed it to Rei. "Open it."
She did, and pulled out an ancient ring. It was a detailed,
wraparound dragon of fine gold. Its eyes were sapphires and it
held a fire opal in its mouth. She whistled appreciatively.
"Maschan, I can't accept this."
"You have to. Okaasan swears she'll disown me if you don't.
I think it's a matter of honor for her. Besides, she thinks of
you as her daughter already. Since I have no sister, she insists
you take it. Onegai, Reichan?"
Rei tried on the ring and found it fit like it had been
made for her. "It's beautiful. Arigato. Do you know where it
came from?"
"Iie." Mas shook his head. "It's thousands of years old,
but that's all we really know about it.
"There's a story that goes with it. According to my sobo,
it was made by a prince for his lady love, a warrior princess
from another planet. The sapphires represent his kingdom; the
opal, hers. For whatever reason, they were forbidden to marry
and he took his own life." Mas took a swig of tea. "I don't
hold much stock in that story, though."
"I think it's romantic," Rei sighed. "Even if it isn't
true, I like the myth. It adds mystery. Who were these lovers,
and why was their love forbidden, ne?"
"Does that mean you'll take it?" His voice was hopeful.
"Hai, if you'll really be disowned if I don't." Rei's
voice was music to his ears.
Mas fell to his knees before her. "Domo arigato gozaimasu,
utsukushii tenshihana, mistress of my heart," he said as he
prostrated himself. The other diners looked on in amusement.
"You're creating a scene. Get up, " Rei whispered,
beginning to blush.
"Your generosity is second only to your beauty." He
grasped her hand and pressed it to his lips.
"Maschan, yamete!" she exclaimed in a loud whisper. Every
eye in the place was now on them. Her face was scarlet. Rei
loved being the center of attention, but not like this.
"The lady spurns my affections! Woe, oh , woe is me!"
Mas lamented loudly. "I am dishonored! I must commit seppoku
at once!" He picked up a chopstick and jabbed at his stomach
with it.
Rei suppressed a smile. "I don't think that will work."
Mas grinned lopsidedly. "That's the one good thing about
the States: You can use your steak knife if you don't have a
short sword handy."
Rei's clear laughter rang out above the applause of the
crowd.
@}~~`~~,~~{@
By the time Rei and Masazumi arrived at Ginza666 (as the
warehouse had been christened for the night) they had finished
off five bottles of sake each. Mas was used to drinking, being
a college student; Rei, being seventeen and a miko, was not.
She was leaning rather heavily on her escort's arm.
"Reichan, are you sure you're ok?" Mas looked down at
her worriedly. "We can always go back to the jinja."
"Hai! I juss had a *leetle* too mush sake, thass all,"
she drawled. "I'll be fine soon, I promish." She hiccupped.
Mas looked around them. There's no one here I can't handle
if any trouble starts, he thought, suddenly grateful for two
semesters of kickboxing. What the hell!
Once inside, Rei excused herself to what passed for a
restroom and, one henshin later, was again in control of her
faculties.
Multi-colored lights flashed in time to the music, reflecting
off of Rei's now-loose hair...
"...she's got herself a universe..."
Snippets of lyrics fought their way through driving beats...
"...blue skies, yeah, uh huh..."
Scantily-clad bodies writhed to the pulsating rhythms...
"...i'm livin' in ecstasy..."
As usually happened in this type of situation, 'feelings'
began to rise...
"...you're much too young to get a hold on me...."
A guitar riff repeated, starting the next song.
"Konban wa, B's and G's! Trickmaster in tha haa-ouse,
spinnin' the songs till long past dawn!" the DJ said over
the public address system.
' I'm the trouble starter, fuckin' instigator!'
"Damn straight. Any lovely, lonely ladies out there, come
over and make a request. I'm available. Trickmaster out!"
' I'm the bitch ya hated, filth infatuated! I'm the pain
ya tasted, well intoxicated! '
"I'm the firestarter, twisted firestarter!" Rei chanted
along with the music, an odd gleam in her eye.
"You're the firestarter, twisted firestarter!" The entire
crowd screamed along, as if in answer.
The crowd parted as a fuschia-odangoed waif in silver
vinyl hopped through the dancers, handing out what appeared
to be colored sugar cubes. "Happy pops! Get your happy pops!"
She handed two to Mas. "One for each of you, ne? On the house,
this time."
"Iie, Michichan." He handed the girl a bill. She refused
to take it at first, but relented.
"Have fun, you crazy kids. Love ya like ya crazy!" She
vanished into the writhing mass of bodies.
"Maschan, who was that?" Rei asked.
"Oh, that's Michiko, my cousin. She's dosed a few times
too many and her mind is basically mush now. Demo, her 'happy
pops' are great; they're LSD."
"Really?" Rei's eyes lit up. "I've always wondered what
it's like." She took the blue candy Mas offered and slowwwwly
sucked it (and his fingers), watching his 'reaction.'
He smiled appreciatively. "There's time for that later.
Now, let's dance!"
Many heads turned with longing as the beautiful couple
made their way to the dance floor.
**********
Hours passed and midnight approached. It was a typical
rave: lots of X, lots of skin, and everybody loved everyone
else. It was too good to last.
"FREEZE! POLICE!"
Exclaimations came from the crowd.
"Kuso!"
"A raid!"
"Shimatta! Scatter, minna" came Trickmaster over the PA.
"It's been free-ky, B's and G's!"
"Reichan, we gotta go!" Mas pulled on her arm. Rei,
meanwhile, walked calmly towards the front door of the warehouse,
right into the bulk of police. Mas was scared shitless--he
had no way of knowing what scheme his date had thought up.
An overzealous male officer, not long out of the academy,
put his hand on Rei's shoulder to detain her. She whipped her
head around and leered evily. Her shoulder became uncomfortably
hot.
"AAAAH! Youma!" the policeman screamed, clutching his
singed hand.
Mas looked at Rei, puzzled. "What did you do to him?"
"Oh, nothing. Just a little trick Ojiisan taught me." Her
laugh was soft and deep. "Here we go. Follow my lead and
we'll get out of this without any problems."
Rei walked straight towards the officer in charge.
"Konbanwa, Nobukosan," she sang sweetly.
Det. Nobuko was surprised. "Konbanwa, Reisan. What are
*you* doing here?"
"My escort and I ran into some friends while we were at
the movies. They told us to meet them here, but we had no
idea...."
"You mean you didn't know this was a rave?"
Hai! That's the word!" Rei bobbed her head. She put on
her sweetest smile and opened her eyes wide, feigning naivete.
"Well,...would you mind coming back to the station to give
a statement?"
"Actually, I would. I'm sooo tired," Rei covered her mouth
lightly as she pretended to yawn "and besides, Ojiisan is
away so I have to wake up early. I have *so* much to do
tomorrow. I promise to go straight home.
"By the way, how's Miichan?"
"Mii's fine, arigato. She asked me, the other day, when
we could visit Rei-oneesan. Maybe we'll come by in a few days.
"Hai, you can go." Det.Nobuko sighed resignedly. "Just
be sure to go right home and stay out of trouble, ne?"
"Hai! Say hi to Miichan for me!" Rei pulled Mas by the
wrist and broke into a sprint.
"Nobuko! Why did you let those two leave?"
Det. Nobuko turned to his superior who had just arrived.
"Because, Jirosama, that girl is miko of Jinja Hikawa, *and*
her father is Representative Hino. I will *not* incur the
wrath of gods or politicians.
"And, she brought my daughter back to me. I am forever
in her debt."
@}~~`~~,~~{@
After a four block jog they reached the black Miata that
Mas had rented for his stay. Mas spun Rei around to face him.
"What the hell was that all about?"
" Oh, Nobukosan donates to the jinja on a regular basis.
And, I helped find his daughter when she disappeared a few
years back. I, uh, had a vision of her abductor." Rei blushed
modestly. That's not too far from the truth!
"Really? That's amazing. Demo, *you* are an amazing woman,
tenshihana." Before she could resist, Mas pulled Rei in for
a deep, passionate kiss. She struggled slightly, but soon
relaxed in his arms. Slowly, unsurely, she put her arms around
his neck. Her delicate fingers entwined themselves in his
shoulder length mane. After a minute he leaned back against the
car, breaking off the kiss. He reached into his pocket and
pulled out a fat joint. Lighting it he passed it to Rei, who
was far past resisting temptation. They stayed there, watching
the moonlit shadows of the smoke on the wall.
@}~~`~~~,~~{@
Around 3 am, after many hours of killing brain cells, the
couple arrived back at Jinja Hikawa. Unbeknownst to them an
impromptu slumber party was taking place. Usagi and Ami had
dozed off earlier, but two forms sat, awake and talking.
"Makochan, I'm starting to worry," Minako stated. "Rei's
never out this late. She's usually so responsible, especially
when she's here alone."
"I know, Minachan. That's why *I* can't sleep. If that
creep did anything to her...." Makoto clenched her fist and
shook it threateningly.
A high-pitched squeal came from the direction of the steps
by which Ami had thoughtfully placed the usual lanterns. It
was quickly followed by maniacal laughter. Mako and Mina
exchanged puzzled glances.
"I guess that means they're back, Makochan."
"Guess so. Ya think Rei's ok?"
"Well, she's *never* ok." Mina grinned. "Demo, hai, I
think she can take care of herself."
"G'night, Minachan."
"G'night, Makochan."
All fell silent within the jinja.
@}~~`~~~,~~{@ @}~~`~~~,~~[@ @}~~`~~~,~~{@ @}~~`~~~,~~{@
love & hope & sex & dreams
pride & joy, fast cars, ice cream
jet black hair, soft socks & shoes
let's fish around, free air again
golden madness, feed off dead meat
time not lost but sold white teeth
we want victory, we want truth
a million stars move into view
feeling good here in the rain
worms dancing, dancing in your veins
i am you but you're not me
bitter dolls, these always free
dance till it hurts in a midnight glow
truth is simple, can't ever say no
flames fly higher, look up the moon
watching demons again, neither are you
but we play all the things you are
bomb song, swan song, red hot jazz
burn ourselves out, just to please
back to a car, get on your knees
big, big bomb song gets burnt out
so light your own fire,move into view
you can do better
you can do better
you can do better, that's only true
slender fungus was a disc of shiny concrete
slender fungus was a disc, a shiny ball of meat
slender fungus sucks the toes that linger 'round your feet
(slender fungus kissed a fish inside a stolen jeep)
slender fungus eats in bed before he goes to sleep
Tones On Tail
other song credits:
Ray of Light (of course!) - Madonna
Blue Skies - bt with Tori Amos
Escape from Reality - the omen
Fine Time - New Order
Firestarter - the prodigy
---------
Vocabulary for the gaijin:
utsukushii = beautiful
onegai = please, but not the same as 'dozo'. it's a usage
thing i really can't explain.
Nihon = Japan
sugoi = awesome
kawaii = cute
yamete = stop
seppoku = ritual suicide
oishii = tasty
If you're confused about the whole thing with Det. Nobuko, go read
Mixxine # 3. It's loosely based on that. I know they translate
badly, but 'til I can read Japanese, it'll do.
For those over 18, please go on to chapter 3b.
A red curtain covered with lavender roses comes down, closing
the Theatre. Ja mata, minna. O daijini.