Disclaimer: Please see Part I for the usual statements.
Author's note: I sincerely hope you like this part! Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Memory Ronin
Part XII
By Callisto
Air Japan—Flight 5038
In flight over the Pacific Ocean
There was one hour left of their long flight before they landed at Japan's Narita Airport. Jarod, true to his word, accompanied her on the trip. He was curious about what she considered as 'home'. At first he thought she meant she would be returning to Delaware; it was a pleasant surprise to find out she meant Japan. Still he was perplexed. He knew she had visited there from some of the things Sydney had told him but he had no idea the place held so much significance for her.
He turned to look at her and caught her staring at him. Her eyes were bright with affection and love. His brilliant smile reflected his reciprocal feelings. She slid her hand into his and leaning towards him she started speaking in a low voice.
"There are a few things you need to know before we land," she began. The intensely personal stare he was giving her was beginning to distract her. Mentally shaking herself she continued, "We are going to be met by my personal lawyer. I need you to let me talk with him for a few minutes alone."
"Why, is something wrong?" he asked curiously. The hesitant way she was talking was starting to give him the idea that she was ashamed of him.
"No, nothing is wrong. It's just that my lawyer was also my lover. Well, the past tense is very recent. Hideaki and I have known each other a very long time and we have been lovers off and on for a number of years. I couldn't break it off with him over the phone; he deserves better than that."
"Am I the reason your breaking it off with him?" he asked staring directly into her gray eyes.
"Yes," she replied returning his stare and gently caressing his closely shaven cheek.
Jarod looked away from her for a few seconds, his mind working furiously. Returning his gaze to her face he asked his next question, "When you were on the phone with him back home, you told him that you had tripped me and had me on the ground. He is aware that you have other lovers?"
Smiling gently at his loaded question she decided to answer it fully. "Yes, Hideaki is fully aware that I have other lovers and never at the same time. You on the other hand are a completely different story. If we work out, buster, I have plans for us that include monogamy."
Jarod became silent once again. He looked at her again and said, "Good. I want to discuss our future together with you and monogamy won't be something available for compromise."
She blinked in surprise and slid her gaze into his once again. He was serious and she did her best to control her own growing excitement and glee. She had been disappointed before and didn't want her vulnerabilities to leave her open to despair if her expectations failed to materialize. Her only response to his comment was to grip his hand tighter and pull it into her lap.
Once they were on the first floor of the sprawling airport, Parker looked around for any sign of Hideaki as they walked slowly forward. Not seeing him, they proceeded to get their luggage and returned to the main arrivals area. This time Parker spotted Hideaki almost immediately and squeezing Jarod's hand she asked him to wait until she had a chance to speak with her friend.
Jarod nodded solemnly and watched with interest as Parker walked up to an austere looking man, impeccably dressed in an expensive business suit. She walked directly up to him and paused when she was only a few feet away from him and stared at him. She then stepped up and embraced him familiarly and kissed him on the mouth affectionately. Jarod felt a slight tug of jealousy and continued to watch the two former lovers.
Parker looked directly in Hideaki's face. The respect and love she felt for her friend shined plainly in her eyes. Breaking their usual tradition of slightly bowing and reserving any signs of affection until they were in his limo, she stepped up to her old friend, wrapped her arms around his unprotesting frame and planted a wet kiss on his mouth. When she stepped away she was pleased with the lipstick smear she left on his face.
Bowing slightly he said, "Ah, Parker-san, ever the comedienne. How are you and how was the flight?"
Noticing the genuineness of his concern she took one of his arms and gently tugged him to walk with her. "I'm doing fine, Naizen, thank you. There is something I need to tell you," she began cautiously.
Folding Parker's hand in the crook of his elbow, Naizen knew what was coming next. This was a break in her usual pattern so he felt a little anger was called for. "You have brought one of your lovers with you this time? I am a patient man, Magdalena but I am not made out of stone. What happened to limiting yourself to only 3?"
"I have limited myself to 3. This time things are different," she said staring directly in front of her instead of looking into Hideaki's face. In a quietly, perfectly enunciated voice she said, "this time I've brought Jarod with me. I think he is falling in love with me and we both know how I feel about him."
Hideaki stopped suddenly. He felt as though a perfectly aimed katana had been thrust into his chest. He had heard her mention Jarod only once in their lengthy relationship. When he had informed her that he was betrothed and was unable to extricate himself from the agreement, she had nodded in sympathy and said in a sense her heart was betrothed to another. She explained that Jarod owned her heart and she would do everything in her power to one day have the opportunity to either be with him or to let him know what he meant to her and let him go. There had been an uncharacteristic amount of emotion in her voice when she said it that he knew this man Jarod, was the only person whom she would ever fully love.
"I understand. Congratulations, Magdalena you know that I wish only the best for you," he said forcefully eliminating all traces of emotion from his voice.
She knew this declaration would hurt Hideaki but she wanted to be the one to tell him instead of springing the surprise on him. She stood with him, her hand still wrapped snuggly and comfortably in his arm. She felt like crying, she never wanted to hurt him; he was the last person, save Jarod, that she would ever want to hurt in this manner.
Hideaki turned his head abruptly and saw the emotion on Parker's face. His heart once again was full; he saw the misery in her face for having hurt him. Smiling at his best friend, Hideaki said with gentle smoothness, "It is only right that you should bring him home with you. Sensei Otsu I am sure will be honored to meet him and Oishi-san has been burning with curiosity these past 25 years."
"I wanted you to be the first to meet him. You are as important to me as either of them," she said formally and truthfully.
Once they were in the limo and speeding away from the airport, Parker relaxed fully and smiled at her friend who sat opposite. Jarod sat next to Parker uncomfortably. Hideaki Naizen had a menacing air about him. He was taller than the typical Japanese man and his face was austerely impassive. He gave the impression of imposing power and deadly grace. He was the sort of man that would even make Raines shiver apprehensively. Jarod was left wondering what the devil Parker saw in him, unless it was the devil she was looking for because he had his eyes fixated on Jarod as though he were a detail that needed to be erased.
Sighing loudly, Parker looked impatiently at Jarod. "Okay, out with it. I can practically feel the question you have on your mind."
"I have a lot of questions. The one that keeps intriguing me is Tanaka. I hope we won't be meeting him, I don't imagine that I'm on his 'favorite persons' list."
"No. Tommy Tanaka was a friend of convenience. We had pressures on us that the other could easily understand. Other than that, I hardly know Tommy Tanaka," she said dismissively.
"That's not what Sydney told me," he replied impulsively.
"Sydney. Sydney doesn't know anything I don't want him to know." She paused unhappily as she thought up an appropriate way to express herself. "Sydney thought Tanaka and I were lovers, we never were."
Jarod was silent as he digested this information. He turned and looked at Hideaki and found the man staring at both of them with a small lift of an eyebrow.
"Has Tanaka been bothering you, Parker?" Hideaki asked with growing interest, in unaccented American English.
"I had a business encounter with Tanaka in Delaware a few years ago. The Centre kidnapped a witness to one of Sammy Tanaka's laundry list of crimes. Tommy was sent to collect and Jarod decided to rescue her; as a result Sammy now resides where he belongs, behind bars."
"You were the one responsible for the witness testifying against the elder Tanaka? I would be honored if you would permit me to buy you a drink. I have detested that particular scum for a number of years, you have done the world a favor," Hideaki said admiringly. Jarod had just risen several notches in his estimation.
Parker chuckled to herself and rolled her eyes. Oishi-san was right, men bond at the drop of a hat.
Once they arrived at the hotel and were settled in their suite, Parker wanted to take a long hot bath. She did this so Jarod and Naizen could have some time alone. Each man has his questions for the other and would be more comfortable asking them without her around.
Hideaki, with amusement in his eyes, bowed slightly and told Parker he would keep Jarod company while she refreshed herself. Jarod followed Hideaki from the room with no small measure of trepidation.
They sat in a comfortable booth in the posh lobby bar. Jarod sat nursing a soft drink while Hideaki slowly sipped at a glass of whisky. It was Hideaki who broke the two-minute silence.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but you knew what I was the minute you laid eyes on me."
"I've seen ninja before. No one quite of your caliber but close," Jarod replied quietly.
No emotion touched either Hideaki's face or eyes as he watched Jarod carefully. He took another non-sip of his drink and resumed his mute assessment of the man who stole the one woman in the world he wanted.
"How did you meet Parker?" Jarod asked. He knew what Hideaki was trying to do and knew the man would fail.
"We met when we were teenagers at a dojo in Kyoto. I am amazed as the years go by; she becomes even more beautiful.
"Yes, I agree. We met at the Centre when we were just children. The Centre was no place for any child. It guaranteed a miserable childhood and a difficult life in general," Jarod said absently.
Early summer—1980
Mie-Ken Prefecture, Japan
Parker sat opposite her first lover in the quaint restaurant. He had just finished explaining that he had recently married but was eager to continue their relationship. Parker watched impassively as Hideaki squirmed uncomfortably, he knew perfectly well that she would never countenance sneaking around to have an affair with a married man. It was beneath her and even if her mother had not impressed upon her certain moral standards, which continued to be her guide, Mrs. Oishi's direction strictly forbade this behavior as sleazy.
Once Hideaki finished his long, impassioned speech a firm silence settled over their table. Coolly, she picked up her glass of water and sipped at it. What she was going to say would be harsh but the sooner it was said, the better.
"Naizen, please accept my sincere congratulations on your nuptials. My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail. You told me two years ago of your betrothal and I told you that adultery wasn't my particular style. I sympathize with your situation and wish only the best for you. I hope your marriage won't preclude us remaining plutonic friends."
"Have you heard nothing I've said? I don't want to be 'plutonic' friends, you mean far more to me than merely a friend," he replied with the desperation of a drowning man.
"I heard you fine but I haven't heard anything convincing me to change my mind," she replied firmly. Not willing to watch her friend descend further into frustration, Parker gracefully rose to her feet. "It's been wonderful seeing you again, Hideaki-san. Please take care of yourself," she said softly and turned swiftly for the exit. She knew this would happen but she still felt miserable over the loss. Hideaki had been her first and he had forged a special place in her heart. She started to walk up the street oblivious to the amorous looks she was drawing from almost all the men and a few of the women who saw her. She was fashionably and impeccably dressed to show off her lithe and wiry frame to its best advantage. Her taste in the European style of fencing combined with her adherence to Sensei Otsu's teachings kept her in the best shape and health.
She didn't hear him approach, instead felt his presence behind her. He was completely aware of her training and instead of reaching out to touch her, Hideaki called out her name. She stopped abruptly, still struggling to control her raging emotions.
"Parker-san, I understand your reasons. Please do me the honor of joining my wife and I for dinner in Kyoto tonight. This is the only thing I am asking for, after tonight I will no longer trouble you," Hideaki said in resignation.
An automatic rejection sprang to her lips and died there. She was very curious about Hideaki's wife and wondered why he would want to jeopardize his recent marriage so blithely.
"Very well, if you like I will meet you at this restaurant around 7 the day after tomorrow. I would like to meet your wife. What cover story would you like to use for my presence?" she asked.
"No cover story. You are an old girlfriend who came to visit friends and I happened to run into you. Nothing elaborate, there is no need for secrets between me and my new wife," Hideaki said decisively.
The next evening was the first time Parker ever killed another human being. Sensei accompanied her on a special assignment with the information that the executive in question had in addition to embezzling several million yen, possessed a nasty habit of murdering pre-teen prostitutes by beating them to death thus drawing unwanted attention. The Centre sanctioned this elimination and Sensei had been informed by his contact at the Saito Academy that this 'assignment' would be his prized student's first test.
She accompanied her Sensei to the sleek office building in downtown Tokyo. They entered undetected and proceeded to the executive's office. The ensuing fight was swift and violent. The executive had been trained in martial arts and defended himself with a mixture of skill and cleverness. Parker had been caught off-guard but was never in any danger of being bested. When it came time to strike the decisive blow, she hesitated and the exhausting fight continued. It was only when the executive produced a mamba knife and threw it at Sensei narrowly missing him; that something inside Parker snapped. In four succinct moves she retrieved the knife, positioned herself advantageously and effortlessly dispatched the executive by slitting his throat quickly and cleanly almost decapitating him. Sensei, who had been standing off to the side and watching the combat, was never in danger. He stepped up next to his student and seeing the look in her eyes, caught her attention and indicated wordlessly for her to drop the executive's knife she had used to kill him and to leave the evidence of his transgressions behind.
Once they arrived home, Parker shed all her outer clothing and walked into the garden. The only noise Sensei could hear were the sounds of Parker retching continuously. He let this go on for a few minutes before retrieving her. He brought a damp towel and fresh clothing for her.
When she had dressed, Sensei looked down at her slumped form with a deep sense of pride. She had performed exactly as he had trained her and within the parameters of her own personality. There had been no surprises; even this bout of sickness was expected. The first kill was always the worst; he had a similar reaction when he was her age.
"Parker-san, you have done well tonight."
"Really? 'Done well' you say? It was literally a bloody mess Sensei and I murdered a man in cold blood. I feel dreadful and you were almost killed because I hesitated. You were right, I am no assassin," she replied despondently.
"No you are not but you did as I instructed. You dispatched a well-trained opponent in less than 5 minutes. The mess you created will warn your handlers off from using you in this fashion. Leaving evidence of the executive's transgressions will also send the Centre a message. They will not want an avenging angel handling their foul wet work."
"That's what Daddy calls me. He calls me Angel all the time. Sensei, I can't do this!!" she said becoming hysterical.
"Your reaction is good. It shows that you are able to tap into the dark place inside of yourself and use it to do what is necessary. The shame you are feeling convinces me that you will never lose yourself in that dark place and it has no influence on your core personality. Never remonstrate yourself for not having the stomach or the turn of mind to be an assassin," Sensei said quietly unable to mask the pride he had in her.
Parker hung her head in shame. She knew something important had been compromised inside of her as she faced a darkness within she never fully knew existed. She was shocked then comforted when she felt Sensei's arm embrace her. Turning into his body, she released the sorrow and dismay which began to envelop her.
The next evening Parker was hardly in the mood to play nice to Hideaki's new bride. She wanted to beg off the whole engagement but she was unable to reach him. At the appointed time she dressed, much to Mrs. Oishi's pleasure, in her now usually fashionable attire and took a taxi to the restaurant.
Hideaki was consumed with anxiety. He needed Parker to see the situation he was in and to take pity on him. His wife watched her new husband's nervousness with impersonal interest. He hadn't been this nervous when they had married.
When Parker finally showed up, Hideaki's eyes widened in amazement. She was easily the most beautiful woman in the restaurant. The white dress she wore emphasized the darkness of her hair and complemented her paleness. Hideaki rose as she approached the table. Every eye in the restaurant was on her as though she were a Hollywood star.
Once her eyes lit on Hideaki's bride, Parker felt instant pity for her lover. Sitting before her, possessing a much more muted beauty of her own, was a sour looking Chiyo. She greeted Parker without recognition and with ill humor. Chiyo looked at this iteki woman and was reminded of the mouse she used to have so much fun pounding on when she was training at the Saito Academy. This woman however was polished and self-possessed; something that other iteki or barbarian would have been incapable of achieving.
They finished the uncomfortable meal in record time and Hideaki walked Parker to a waiting taxi. Just as she was about to enter she paused and looked at Hideaki. "Chiyo? My God, what was your family thinking?"
"Her family is very wealthy and comes from a venerated lineage. Believe me, my reaction was the same when they presented her to me. You would have thought her attitude would have matured with the rest of her, instead she has become even more ill-tempered," he said wretchedly.
"I see. Hideaki, I am so sorry. If there was anything I could do to help you, I would do it in a minute," she said overwhelmed with sympathy.
This was the opportunity he had been hoping for; looking deeply into her eyes he said, "There is something you could do."
The eager expression in his eyes did the rest of the talking. Smiling slightly she nodded and replied, "Alright and I'll be straight with you, I have two other lovers. My rules apply just as before."
"Of course, I agree with your rules implicitly. Tomorrow evening, then?" he said conversationally.
"As usual," she said and stylishly folded herself into the cab.