Chapter Four: "Everyone founders, but you are a spell that I'm under"
"Eleutheria Middle, Caro speaking," a voice said over the cellular.
"Kizna Towryk, please," Zero replied, shivering in the darkening field. The line clicked; he waited.
Darden Angel watched from a small distance, taking in emotions and nuances. He wasn't the most emotional individual, but he could not ignore the tension sparked by the afternoon's events.
Fire Rescue had come and gone; the Action News 5 team descended on the coaches with all the subtlety of a ball peen hammer. Rio had contacted the Principal, then Gareas, informing him that he needed to accompany him to the wake.
"Zero," Kizna spoke, once she picked up the line. "What's going on?"
"One of the soccer players died this afternoon. Remember Ryker? He went into convulsions and, oh god, could you come with me tonight to his wake? I promised his mother that I'd be there at nine."
"I'm sorry, Zero, really I am. But I can't leave till the session ends."
"Can't you plead off just this once? I really need you with me this evening. Please? Please?"
"I can take a personal day tomorrow. And I'll try to meet you after the session. But I'm not making any promises. You understand."
"Sure. I do understand. Talk to you soon, kit-kat."
"Bye-bye." He pressed the END button on the phone. Would it kill you to send your fellow teachers to the devil, and accompany me? I'm not talking a grand opening of a Safeway here. Even Garu is closing his dojo so he can give Rio a bit of moral support. No, Zero, you know she's under a lot of pressure. And what the hell am I under, when I watch a star athlete die and can't do a damn thing to stop it happening?
A firm hand clapped Zero on the shoulder. "Enna," Rio said, "you okay?"
"I'll be fine." He gave the older coach a half-smile, and returned the cell phone.
"Look, if you want, I'll take you home."
"No thanks. You and Garu have to get ready. Just call before you leave."
"I really think you shouldn't be alone now. Maybe Kizna?"
"Doubtful. Tonight's the brainstorming session for the Language Arts department. If she makes it in before midnight, I'll be surprised. Anyway, she's taking a personal day, and she'll join me tomorrow."
"She should be with you now, dude," Rio replied. "Why doesn't she just tell them where to stick it, and head home?"
"It's really vital. And I don't mind." Zero's eyes dipped down, staring at crushed blades of grass.
"Like hell you don't. Will you at least come to our place?"
"Maybe after we've paid respects. I still have to scare up a covered dish."
"Just promise me you won't do anything stupid, all right?"
"I promise." Rio reached over and scrunched Zero's hair. "See you later then."
"Later, dude."
Zero returned to the bench where he kept his gym bag. He stuffed his loose gear inside, and zipped it up. Once the adrenaline had wound down, he'd gotten cold. Darden had brought over his jacket, which he'd gladly put on. A good thing he did, too. I'd probably be halfway to pneumonia otherwise.
Another hand touched Zero. He turned his head; Darden's eyes glowed in the fading light. "I think the last thing you need is to be alone. Let me take you home."
"Walk with me. I'm only two blocks away, and I really would rather walk."
"At least let me help you with the bag."
Zero shrugged and handed it over. "Free country, isn't it? Have fun."
"Look, if you want to be alone, just say so. I still agree with Vilgyna, though."
The two walked along to the back door of 2217 Malmsey Street. Darden snorted at the sign on the door.
"Beware of CAT? You keep a tiger on the premises?"
"No, just a calico who lets us think we've got the upper hand."
"You and, what's her name? Kizna?"
"That's right. A neighbor of ours moved away, and his cat had given birth, a few weeks earlier, to a new litter. This one bounded up, landed on my shoulder, and basically said, 'You are going home with me.' At least that's what I think it meant when it started mewing." He found the keys, and opened up. "Habibi? Ya habibi? Little love, I'm home. And I've brought company."
A flash of color ran to the back, jumping on the washing machine, and into Zero's arms. "This is Habibi. A more stubborn, headstrong cat you have yet to meet. But he is so lovely." He rubbed his nose against the cat's muzzle, drawing purrs from the calico. Habibi climbed onto his shoulder, and perched there. "Just set the bag down on top of the dryer. I'll sort out everything when I get back."
He turned on a light; both men blinked a moment. A small washing machine and dryer stood side-by-side. Garden tools occupied a corner by the door. A box freezer stood opposite the laundry space, just to Darden's left. The bounty hunter put the bag down, and surveyed the place.
"Well, aren't you going to give me the grand tour?" he asked. Zero looked at the cat, then nodded. "Let me know once you and your colleague are done conferring."
A hand reached out and grabbed Darden's. He started, then relaxed, as the two walked through the house. So this is the place, eh? I'll wager he did a lot of the interior work. I'll also wager his room is the one topsy- turvy space.
"All right then, this is the fabulous laundry/storage room at 2217 Malmsey Street. Pay attention to the use of neutral tones here. Through here is the hallway. Keep your arms and legs in the car, people. We'll return to the kitchen soon. Ahead, and to the left, is the dining room. In that corner, where the red fans hang, is our workstation area. To your right is the living room. We've just had the sofa reupholstered, and there are cushions for extra sitting space. As you go up the stairs, please note the framed calligraphy. These are all handmade, and original pieces. And here is the bathroom, with its nautical themes. Just ahead is the guest room, and around the corner is my fiancée's room." Kizna's room was decorated in shades of purple, lavender, and maroon. "And this disaster, to your left, is my room."
"How in the world do you find anything in here?"
"Every now and then I go on an archeology dig." Darden noticed that one corner of Zero's room was clear of clutter. Candles, roses, and a picture of Zero and Kizna rested on a low table, along with a picture of a silver- haired boy, staring at the night sky, with a dreamy expression.
Why does he keep this, this shrine? Does he keep it for her? No, that has to be a more recent photo. He looks sad. Oh, he's smiling, but his eyes aren't. What would she say if she really looked into those eyes? The roses---he's put them next to the other picture. Who took that shot? Did he catch that boy unguarded? Or did the boy give him that moment? I feel as if I'm intruding. Forgive me, Rei. I want to know so much.
"Come on down, and I'll set you up in my sanctum sanctorum." The two made their way downstairs, into the kitchen. Zero turned on the radio, and started rummaging through the cabinets, the refrigerator, and the pantry. Habibi jumped off his shoulder, and circled Darden, nuzzling his legs. He bent down, stroking the cat's fur.
"He usually doesn't greet people right away. He likes you. And if you want to get his undying affection, you just need to chuck him under the chin. Go on, give it a try."
Habibi began rolling, purring, and nuzzling Darden's face. "Wow. He's totally blissed-out. Amazing." If I chucked you under the chin, Rei, would you move like that? Whoa. Get a grip. This guy's engaged, and if he weren't, he'd still be out of reach. Focus. "So, what are you bringing to the Kuerten house?"
"Thanks for reminding me. I've got a batch of spinach lasagna in the freezer, and a deep-dish blackberry cobbler. Wait here." He stepped out of the room, returning with two foil-covered trays, marked with cooking instructions. "These can thaw a bit, while I scrounge up some dinner for us. What would you like to drink?"
"May I have some tea, please?"
"I'll get the kettle on. We've got Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, green tea with jasmine, hibiscus, and chai."
"Green tea will be fine, thanks. Will you join me?"
"I think so. How good are you at tossing a salad?" He pulled out a bag of field greens, handing them to Darden. He found a large bowl and set it on the counter. "Just put those in the bowl, and I'll chop up some veggies." Zero brought carrots and cucumbers out of the crisper. He grabbed a yellow bell pepper and three tomatoes from two platters on a baker's shelf. He laid them on a chopping board, pulled a knife from a cutlery block, and began cutting everything up. "Here I come!" he said, adding the vegetables to the greens. "Here are the salad tongs. Just be gentle."
Darden tossed the salad, watching Zero reach into the refrigerator for a packet of mozzarella cheese, a couple of eggs, and a loaf of bread. He began by cutting the crusts off the bread. He then beat the eggs in a bowl, drained and sliced the cheese, and placed a skillet on the stove, adding olive oil. He assembled the sandwiches, dipping them into the egg mixture and frying them. He placed them on a plate, and set them in the stove to keep warm. He arranged a platter with salami, green and black olives, and prosciutto, and set that on the table. Next came the place settings: green placemats, blue napkins, two stoneware plates, forks, knives, and spoons graced the table. Zero motioned to Darden, who brought the salad; then he removed the sandwiches from the stove and set them on a trivet, near the platter.
"Dinner is served. Please to the table, sir."
The two sat and ate in silence. Only the radio murmured in the background.
"Thank you for dinner, Zero," Darden finally said. "You're a good cook."
"Thank you. Let's get these pans into the oven." Once the lasagna and the cobbler sat in the stove, Zero gathered the dishes. "Wash or dry?"
"I'll wash," Darden replied, rolling back his sleeves. "Do you keep any kitchen gloves on hand?"
"Under the sink," Zero said. He looked at the other's forearms, noting the tattoo on the inside wrist. It's a number. Oh my god, that's a GOA number---oh no, no, no, it's got to be some sort of joke. The goddesses aren't that sadistic. It can't be. It is. Sweet Kannon, it is him! But where and how.and what the devil is he doing here?
"Are you all right?" Darden filled the sink with suds, and began tackling the plates. "You act as if you've seen a ghost."
"No. Just someone I thought was gone forever. What brings you here, so late?"
"Two things. I'm looking for the source of the Quark trade. I got a tip that it originated here, through a network known as the Shadowcatchers. And there is the other question: the one you'd like to ask me, and the one I need to ask you: do you know me, Rei Enna? And if you do, can you help me remember?"
Zero stared, mouth agape. "As I said before, all I really recall is waking up in a hospital, and leaving with scrubs, a sealed letter, and a silver ring. I've never removed the ring, not once. And I just noticed, you've got a ring on your left hand as well. It's a band set with a square cut garnet. If it's the same one that I've seen in dreams, the inside of the band has 'Love surpasses all---Hiead' engraved. As mine has 'To the love of my soul---Rei' engraved on the inside."
"Hiead." The silence returned. "You're alive. Oh gods, you are alive."
Water spilled over the edge of the sink, soaking the floor and startling Habibi. Darden turned off the tap. He reached a hand up to Zero's face. "Hiead. I was Hiead Gner. Then you---then we were---"
"Yes. We were."
The two turned to the sink, finishing the dishes. Zero prepared tea, and checked the oven. "I have to get ready for the wake. Where are you staying?"
"I haven't found a place."
"Why not stay here?" Deep blue eyes welled with tears, pleading.
"Is that a good idea?" Ruby eyes measured the other's gaze.
"Just a few days. I'll see if Rio or Garu can help you find a place of your own."
"A few days, then, if you insist."
"I do insist."
"Rei Enna, I am in your debt."
"No debt, sir, but friendship and love."
"Thank you, Zero."
Author's Notes
I was over at Naruto House, and to my shock, have found my date and time need adjusting. Look for a few minor adjustments to the Prologue. Beyond that, I want to thank everyone who has read, and all who have reviewed. #88---thank you for the encouragements. As to your question concerning Zero, well, all I can say is read on! All will be revealed in time.
The chapter's title is taken from the song "Cold Hands Warm Heart" by Echobelly. I wish I could meet the band.
To come: the wake at the Kuerten house; a midnight breakfast at Rio and Garu's place; Kizna meets Darden (Hiead); and a dinner party with Clay, Saki, Yamagi, Roose, Rio, Garu, and the folks at 2217 Malmsey Street. Stay tuned.
Again, thank you for reading and reviewing. I look forward to more.
Long live love!
Antoinette (poetisa)
"Eleutheria Middle, Caro speaking," a voice said over the cellular.
"Kizna Towryk, please," Zero replied, shivering in the darkening field. The line clicked; he waited.
Darden Angel watched from a small distance, taking in emotions and nuances. He wasn't the most emotional individual, but he could not ignore the tension sparked by the afternoon's events.
Fire Rescue had come and gone; the Action News 5 team descended on the coaches with all the subtlety of a ball peen hammer. Rio had contacted the Principal, then Gareas, informing him that he needed to accompany him to the wake.
"Zero," Kizna spoke, once she picked up the line. "What's going on?"
"One of the soccer players died this afternoon. Remember Ryker? He went into convulsions and, oh god, could you come with me tonight to his wake? I promised his mother that I'd be there at nine."
"I'm sorry, Zero, really I am. But I can't leave till the session ends."
"Can't you plead off just this once? I really need you with me this evening. Please? Please?"
"I can take a personal day tomorrow. And I'll try to meet you after the session. But I'm not making any promises. You understand."
"Sure. I do understand. Talk to you soon, kit-kat."
"Bye-bye." He pressed the END button on the phone. Would it kill you to send your fellow teachers to the devil, and accompany me? I'm not talking a grand opening of a Safeway here. Even Garu is closing his dojo so he can give Rio a bit of moral support. No, Zero, you know she's under a lot of pressure. And what the hell am I under, when I watch a star athlete die and can't do a damn thing to stop it happening?
A firm hand clapped Zero on the shoulder. "Enna," Rio said, "you okay?"
"I'll be fine." He gave the older coach a half-smile, and returned the cell phone.
"Look, if you want, I'll take you home."
"No thanks. You and Garu have to get ready. Just call before you leave."
"I really think you shouldn't be alone now. Maybe Kizna?"
"Doubtful. Tonight's the brainstorming session for the Language Arts department. If she makes it in before midnight, I'll be surprised. Anyway, she's taking a personal day, and she'll join me tomorrow."
"She should be with you now, dude," Rio replied. "Why doesn't she just tell them where to stick it, and head home?"
"It's really vital. And I don't mind." Zero's eyes dipped down, staring at crushed blades of grass.
"Like hell you don't. Will you at least come to our place?"
"Maybe after we've paid respects. I still have to scare up a covered dish."
"Just promise me you won't do anything stupid, all right?"
"I promise." Rio reached over and scrunched Zero's hair. "See you later then."
"Later, dude."
Zero returned to the bench where he kept his gym bag. He stuffed his loose gear inside, and zipped it up. Once the adrenaline had wound down, he'd gotten cold. Darden had brought over his jacket, which he'd gladly put on. A good thing he did, too. I'd probably be halfway to pneumonia otherwise.
Another hand touched Zero. He turned his head; Darden's eyes glowed in the fading light. "I think the last thing you need is to be alone. Let me take you home."
"Walk with me. I'm only two blocks away, and I really would rather walk."
"At least let me help you with the bag."
Zero shrugged and handed it over. "Free country, isn't it? Have fun."
"Look, if you want to be alone, just say so. I still agree with Vilgyna, though."
The two walked along to the back door of 2217 Malmsey Street. Darden snorted at the sign on the door.
"Beware of CAT? You keep a tiger on the premises?"
"No, just a calico who lets us think we've got the upper hand."
"You and, what's her name? Kizna?"
"That's right. A neighbor of ours moved away, and his cat had given birth, a few weeks earlier, to a new litter. This one bounded up, landed on my shoulder, and basically said, 'You are going home with me.' At least that's what I think it meant when it started mewing." He found the keys, and opened up. "Habibi? Ya habibi? Little love, I'm home. And I've brought company."
A flash of color ran to the back, jumping on the washing machine, and into Zero's arms. "This is Habibi. A more stubborn, headstrong cat you have yet to meet. But he is so lovely." He rubbed his nose against the cat's muzzle, drawing purrs from the calico. Habibi climbed onto his shoulder, and perched there. "Just set the bag down on top of the dryer. I'll sort out everything when I get back."
He turned on a light; both men blinked a moment. A small washing machine and dryer stood side-by-side. Garden tools occupied a corner by the door. A box freezer stood opposite the laundry space, just to Darden's left. The bounty hunter put the bag down, and surveyed the place.
"Well, aren't you going to give me the grand tour?" he asked. Zero looked at the cat, then nodded. "Let me know once you and your colleague are done conferring."
A hand reached out and grabbed Darden's. He started, then relaxed, as the two walked through the house. So this is the place, eh? I'll wager he did a lot of the interior work. I'll also wager his room is the one topsy- turvy space.
"All right then, this is the fabulous laundry/storage room at 2217 Malmsey Street. Pay attention to the use of neutral tones here. Through here is the hallway. Keep your arms and legs in the car, people. We'll return to the kitchen soon. Ahead, and to the left, is the dining room. In that corner, where the red fans hang, is our workstation area. To your right is the living room. We've just had the sofa reupholstered, and there are cushions for extra sitting space. As you go up the stairs, please note the framed calligraphy. These are all handmade, and original pieces. And here is the bathroom, with its nautical themes. Just ahead is the guest room, and around the corner is my fiancée's room." Kizna's room was decorated in shades of purple, lavender, and maroon. "And this disaster, to your left, is my room."
"How in the world do you find anything in here?"
"Every now and then I go on an archeology dig." Darden noticed that one corner of Zero's room was clear of clutter. Candles, roses, and a picture of Zero and Kizna rested on a low table, along with a picture of a silver- haired boy, staring at the night sky, with a dreamy expression.
Why does he keep this, this shrine? Does he keep it for her? No, that has to be a more recent photo. He looks sad. Oh, he's smiling, but his eyes aren't. What would she say if she really looked into those eyes? The roses---he's put them next to the other picture. Who took that shot? Did he catch that boy unguarded? Or did the boy give him that moment? I feel as if I'm intruding. Forgive me, Rei. I want to know so much.
"Come on down, and I'll set you up in my sanctum sanctorum." The two made their way downstairs, into the kitchen. Zero turned on the radio, and started rummaging through the cabinets, the refrigerator, and the pantry. Habibi jumped off his shoulder, and circled Darden, nuzzling his legs. He bent down, stroking the cat's fur.
"He usually doesn't greet people right away. He likes you. And if you want to get his undying affection, you just need to chuck him under the chin. Go on, give it a try."
Habibi began rolling, purring, and nuzzling Darden's face. "Wow. He's totally blissed-out. Amazing." If I chucked you under the chin, Rei, would you move like that? Whoa. Get a grip. This guy's engaged, and if he weren't, he'd still be out of reach. Focus. "So, what are you bringing to the Kuerten house?"
"Thanks for reminding me. I've got a batch of spinach lasagna in the freezer, and a deep-dish blackberry cobbler. Wait here." He stepped out of the room, returning with two foil-covered trays, marked with cooking instructions. "These can thaw a bit, while I scrounge up some dinner for us. What would you like to drink?"
"May I have some tea, please?"
"I'll get the kettle on. We've got Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, green tea with jasmine, hibiscus, and chai."
"Green tea will be fine, thanks. Will you join me?"
"I think so. How good are you at tossing a salad?" He pulled out a bag of field greens, handing them to Darden. He found a large bowl and set it on the counter. "Just put those in the bowl, and I'll chop up some veggies." Zero brought carrots and cucumbers out of the crisper. He grabbed a yellow bell pepper and three tomatoes from two platters on a baker's shelf. He laid them on a chopping board, pulled a knife from a cutlery block, and began cutting everything up. "Here I come!" he said, adding the vegetables to the greens. "Here are the salad tongs. Just be gentle."
Darden tossed the salad, watching Zero reach into the refrigerator for a packet of mozzarella cheese, a couple of eggs, and a loaf of bread. He began by cutting the crusts off the bread. He then beat the eggs in a bowl, drained and sliced the cheese, and placed a skillet on the stove, adding olive oil. He assembled the sandwiches, dipping them into the egg mixture and frying them. He placed them on a plate, and set them in the stove to keep warm. He arranged a platter with salami, green and black olives, and prosciutto, and set that on the table. Next came the place settings: green placemats, blue napkins, two stoneware plates, forks, knives, and spoons graced the table. Zero motioned to Darden, who brought the salad; then he removed the sandwiches from the stove and set them on a trivet, near the platter.
"Dinner is served. Please to the table, sir."
The two sat and ate in silence. Only the radio murmured in the background.
"Thank you for dinner, Zero," Darden finally said. "You're a good cook."
"Thank you. Let's get these pans into the oven." Once the lasagna and the cobbler sat in the stove, Zero gathered the dishes. "Wash or dry?"
"I'll wash," Darden replied, rolling back his sleeves. "Do you keep any kitchen gloves on hand?"
"Under the sink," Zero said. He looked at the other's forearms, noting the tattoo on the inside wrist. It's a number. Oh my god, that's a GOA number---oh no, no, no, it's got to be some sort of joke. The goddesses aren't that sadistic. It can't be. It is. Sweet Kannon, it is him! But where and how.and what the devil is he doing here?
"Are you all right?" Darden filled the sink with suds, and began tackling the plates. "You act as if you've seen a ghost."
"No. Just someone I thought was gone forever. What brings you here, so late?"
"Two things. I'm looking for the source of the Quark trade. I got a tip that it originated here, through a network known as the Shadowcatchers. And there is the other question: the one you'd like to ask me, and the one I need to ask you: do you know me, Rei Enna? And if you do, can you help me remember?"
Zero stared, mouth agape. "As I said before, all I really recall is waking up in a hospital, and leaving with scrubs, a sealed letter, and a silver ring. I've never removed the ring, not once. And I just noticed, you've got a ring on your left hand as well. It's a band set with a square cut garnet. If it's the same one that I've seen in dreams, the inside of the band has 'Love surpasses all---Hiead' engraved. As mine has 'To the love of my soul---Rei' engraved on the inside."
"Hiead." The silence returned. "You're alive. Oh gods, you are alive."
Water spilled over the edge of the sink, soaking the floor and startling Habibi. Darden turned off the tap. He reached a hand up to Zero's face. "Hiead. I was Hiead Gner. Then you---then we were---"
"Yes. We were."
The two turned to the sink, finishing the dishes. Zero prepared tea, and checked the oven. "I have to get ready for the wake. Where are you staying?"
"I haven't found a place."
"Why not stay here?" Deep blue eyes welled with tears, pleading.
"Is that a good idea?" Ruby eyes measured the other's gaze.
"Just a few days. I'll see if Rio or Garu can help you find a place of your own."
"A few days, then, if you insist."
"I do insist."
"Rei Enna, I am in your debt."
"No debt, sir, but friendship and love."
"Thank you, Zero."
Author's Notes
I was over at Naruto House, and to my shock, have found my date and time need adjusting. Look for a few minor adjustments to the Prologue. Beyond that, I want to thank everyone who has read, and all who have reviewed. #88---thank you for the encouragements. As to your question concerning Zero, well, all I can say is read on! All will be revealed in time.
The chapter's title is taken from the song "Cold Hands Warm Heart" by Echobelly. I wish I could meet the band.
To come: the wake at the Kuerten house; a midnight breakfast at Rio and Garu's place; Kizna meets Darden (Hiead); and a dinner party with Clay, Saki, Yamagi, Roose, Rio, Garu, and the folks at 2217 Malmsey Street. Stay tuned.
Again, thank you for reading and reviewing. I look forward to more.
Long live love!
Antoinette (poetisa)