Chapter Eleven: Making Scenes
Kizna woke, with a jolt, to the sound of the telephone. She went into the kitchen, and picked up the receiver. "Hello?" she mumbled, still sleepy.
"Hello, it's Saki," a voice answered, on the other side of the line. "Got your e-mail, Kitkat. Is something wrong?"
"You'd better sit down for this."
"Sitting. What happened?"
"Hiead's back."
"What do you mean, Hiead's back?"
"He's alive. And he's in town."
"You know where he's staying?" Saki wanted to know.
"He's right here, in the living room."
"Oh my god. She did pull it off. She really did get him out," Saki said to herself. "Has Zero seen him yet?"
"Well yes. But I'd rather not get into it just now." Kizna paused, then asked, "What did you mean by 'she got him out'? What's that about?"
"I'll tell you when I see you."
"Okay. Thanks for the call."
"Any time, Kitkat. Bye."
"Bye." Kizna hung up. Curioser and curiouser, like Alice. Better wake the sleepers. No, let them wake up on their own. She padded up the stairs, pausing at the landing.
Once in her room, she picked up a hairbrush, and removed her headband. As she ran the brush through her hair, she glanced out the window, at the darkening light.
Kizna looked at her reflection in the mirror. You look fine, dear. Ha. I feel like crap. She studied her left hand. Time to remove this thing. She walked into the bathroom, grabbing the soap. After a few minutes, she slipped the engagement ring off, drying it with a towel.
She walked into Zero's room, toward the corner shrine with the photographs, and picked up their picture. I think that was the year we went up to Lake Muir with Rio and Garu. I was trying to cook some trout, and Zero had to do damage control. Shooed me away from the grill. We ended up eating pizza and s'mores for dinner. Rio didn't mind, but Garu was royally pissed off that he couldn't enjoy what he'd caught. And Zero? He made some jokes about blackened fish, raided the kitchen of our cabin, and got to work. Talk about a wild beginning to a wild week. Between Garu skinny-dipping at six in the morning, Rio's water volleyball mania, and Zero dragging us on nature hikes, I don't know how I survived.
Kizna studied the photograph. Our last day there, we'd finished breakfast. Zero was out on the porch, looking at the water. I came up on him, which, I think, startled him a bit. He had such a wistful look that morning. Asked him what was on his mind. He just smiled. Should have paid more attention to the eyes. She put it down, and then placed the ring on the table. With this ring, I set you free. She slipped out of his room, and walked back to hers.
Downstairs, Erts opened his eyes and stretched. He glanced at Garu and Rio, who slept on the sofa, limbs tangled. Why weren't you this affectionate with my brother? I mean, Garu, I'm glad you and Rio are together. Still, I wish Ernest were here. And I think you should have been together. He turned and looked at Hiead, who lay with Zero, in spoon fashion. So the fabled "Angel of the Outlands" has come to the city. I often wondered why the good sons at GOA were so quick to list you as dead. Envy? Contempt? Fear? Maybe, Hiead, all three came into play. He got up, and headed into the kitchen. Water. I'm parched. Habibi followed him, wreathing his legs, as he got a glass out of the cabinet.
Erts sat at the table, where the cat joined him. "Hello. Come on up, little one." Habibi climbed onto his lap, placing forepaws on the blond man's shoulder. "What do you want to tell me? I won't let anyone know." The calico meowed, nuzzling against Erts' cheek. "Oh, I see. Tell me more." He chuckled, scratching the cat's ears. "You think so, Habibi?" He scooped the cat up, walking back into the living room. "Want to give the boys a wake-up call?" He stroked Habibi, smiling as the cat rumbled. Here goes nothing. "Gentlemen, time for you to wipe the sleep away."
Garu stirred, muttering "Go 'way, kid." Rio whimpered, clutching at Garu's shoulders. Erts shook his head, then deposited Habibi on top of the two. The cat yowled in Rio's ears; he jerked upright, giving a yelp as the cat scrambled to the floor. Garu stretched, giving Erts a half-hearted scowl.
"Damn, Cocteau! What's the meaning?" Rio snapped. "You could have killed me there."
"It's getting late. Don't we have a viewing to attend? I mean, you guys were the ones going on about it."
"Okay, okay," Garu said. "But who's going to wake those two?" He pointed to Hiead and Zero.
Erts smiled, as Habibi crept toward the two. "I think they'll be up soon enough."
The cat moved closer, walking over Hiead's leg, which he had hooked over Zero's hip. Mismatched eyes surveyed the sleepers: who to wake first? The big love would recognize the cat's voice and sound with great ease, to be sure. But the silver one---here was a challenge! Habibi crept up his leg, toward the shoulder, and started to knead the back. Hiead turned a bit, then winced, as the cat swatted his face with its tail. Habibi turned again, tangling a paw in the silvery hair; emitting a yowl, the calico reared back and pounced.
Hiead sputtered, opening his eyes. "Tiger," he muttered. "Is this a forest? Am I a gazelle?"
Zero shifted, murmuring, "What's going on, Hiead?"
"Your cat just woke me up." Hiead tried to glare, but only managed to look annoyed. "Does he think I'm on the menu?" Habibi meowed and nuzzled his face. "Little hunter," he growled, "go rouse your big love."
Zero opened his eyes. "He does that every morning. Don't you, little love?" he cooed, as the cat walked over, and licked his nose. "You're awfully affectionate now. Ready for a cuddle?" He rubbed Habibi's stomach, scrunching his nose against the calico's muzzle. "Oh yes, you're in a most amorous mood this evening." Habibi sprawled onto the floor.
"He's certainly uninhibited," Hiead remarked, with a snort. Of course, there's a certain dark-haired young man, with permanent bed head, who has the most inviting look to him. I think he knows who he is.
"So," Kizna called out, "is everyone awake now?"
"I guess," Zero replied, with a stretch. "Do we have time for a round of chocolate?"
Garu raised an eyebrow. "Not another bite, Enna."
"Not that kind of chocolate, dude." Zero got up, heading into the pantry. "I was thinking hot chocolate." He returned with two bars of Garoto dark chocolate. "If you want a cup, get in here." Hiead walked in, snatching up a chocolate bar. "Thank you Mr. Gner, now smash that against the counter."
"What did this chocolate ever do to you?" he asked.
"It was too delicious for its own good. Give it a whack. Now." Zero raised the chocolate bar in his hand, and smacked it against the edge of the counter. "And let's give this another one." He gave the bar another whack, breaking it into smaller pieces. "Once more, with feeling." After a third crack, he set the broken bar on the counter, and found a one-liter measuring cup. Zero then unwrapped the chocolate, shaking the contents into the cup. "Your turn, Hiead."
"Why not," Hiead said, smashing his chocolate bar with one blow. He emptied the contents into the cup. What's the method behind the madness? Zero filled the electric kettle with water, and set it to boil. "Now, I need milk, a little sugar, vanilla, and a saucepan. Volunteers?"
The others walked into the kitchen: Kizna went into the pantry, and came out with a canister of sugar and a bottle of vanilla extract. Garu found a two-liter saucepan and placed it on the stove. Rio rummaged through the refrigerator, and brought up a liter of milk. Erts watched the action, then grabbed a whisk from the utensil drawer.
"Zero," Hiead wanted to know, "couldn't you have just used cocoa?"
"I could have. But I wanted something a little different. Rio, when you get the milk on, bring it to a scald." He paused a minute. "Let's get the cups and saucers down." He arranged six cups on a tray. "You should find a tin with amaretto cookies in the pantry. Bring that out, please?" Hiead walked inside, whistling low, as he scanned the shelves. Cat food, cornmeal, sea salt, fig preserves, homemade chutney---there it is. He emerged with a red tin, and set it near the tray.
"Now watch," Zero said, as the kettle came to a boil. "If I pour this in all at once, I'll have a mess. But, if I add a little hot water at a time, I can start dissolving the chocolate. Erts, will you do the honors?" He poured a small amount of boiling water into the measure, which the blond started whisking. "Now, I need to get in some sugar---not too much, mind--- and he'll keep this moving while the sugar dissolves." He poured the sugar in, while Erts kept stirring. When the chocolate reached a liquid consistency, he asked, "How's the milk coming along?"
"Nearly there," Rio replied. Zero walked over, dipping a pinky into the milk, and tasting it. He then washed his hands.
He returned to the saucepan; steam rose in tendrils, and bubbles formed at the edges. "Time," Zero said, removing the pan from the burner. He poured a small amount of the hot milk into the chocolate mixture, then added the contents of the measure to the saucepan. He returned it to the burner, lowering the flame. "Keep stirring," he told Rio. He went back to the refrigerator, reaching for a container of heavy cream. "Please bring me a bowl," he asked Kizna, who found a purple, narrow-bottomed dish, and handed it over. Zero rummaged the utensil drawer, and brought up a manual eggbeater.
He poured the cream into the bowl, and began beating it. Even pace here. Add the vanilla. Now add the sugar, poco a poco. Not too hasty, or it won't set. How are the peaks? Let's give it a try. Spoon up! Almost there. "How's the chocolate?"
"It's done," Rio said.
"Bring it over."
Zero poured the hot chocolate into the cups, adding dollops of whipped cream, and placing two amaretto cookies on each saucer. He walked the tray around, waiting for the other five to take their cups. "Your health, everyone." They drank, nibbling at the amaretti. I often wonder what it would be like to wake up to breakfast in bed, and a steaming cup of chocolate. Take the phone off the hook, keep the computer off, just laying back, nibbling at whatever pleases me. Of course, if I get nibbled in turn, I'll opt for brunch.
Hiead shook his head, smirking. Breakfast in bed, huh? That could be fun. "Where are we going, and how do we get there?"
Garu replied, "We're going to the Burgos Funeral Home, up in Rosso Heights. Instead of driving up Barrow Lane, we'll take Malmsey Street to Sharp Lane, and make a turn at Porto Amarelo Road. From there, we'll head into the Heights, and drive toward the junction of Amarelo and Highway 25."
"How many cars will we need?" Kizna asked. I'd like to get there and back without too much fuss, maybe pack a bag, and spend a few nights at the Fortran house. No offense, I think I need a few days on my own.
"We drove here in the four-door, and it sits six, with a little effort." But you really don't want to ride with the boys, do you? "We can take two cars, if that makes things easier."
"I don't really plan on staying too late, so I'd like to take my car."
"I'll join you, Kizna," Erts chimed in. "If that's all right with you. I'll be pulling a double shift tomorrow anyhow, so I can't stay up all night." You're not heading home to rest, though. I think you'll want to leave a note for Zero. But then again, who am I to say?
"Let me move my car, then," Hiead said. {Rei, I get the feeling she wants a little time on her own.}
{I believe you're right.}
Hiead flew upstairs, and came down, keys in hand. He went through the kitchen, and to the back. Five minutes later, he returned. "I should have moved it earlier. Sorry 'bout that."
Kizna glanced at Erts. Is it doomsday yet? He just apologized. Oh, Mother Kannon! He nodded, grabbing his jacket. Rio and Garu grabbed theirs, and moved toward the front door. "See you there," Garu said, as Zero ran up and grabbed two coats. He gave one to Hiead, who threw it on and dashed out the front door. The other three followed.
"Half a moment," Zero said. "I just want to make sure everything's secured." He dashed back to the house, went inside, then locked the front door. He joined Garu, Rio, and Hiead, who were in the car. "Let's roll," he said.
Garu turned around, driving westward on Malmsey Street. The scenery began changing, from row houses to three-story buildings, shops and apartments in the same space. At the intersection of Malmsey and Sharp, Garu turned right. Brownstone buildings came into view: the houses of the Channel district.
Hiead watched a couple---two men in their 50s---walk, arm in arm, into the lighted entry of a building, then vanish. He studied the lights in the houses and basement flats. In one window, he saw a young family sitting down for dinner. A couple---a man and a woman---fought, in silhouette, at another window. Further ahead, a cluster of teenaged girls moved along the pavement, huddled against the chill.
A picture of the Repairers, gathering for lunch, flashed through his mind. Kizna, wearing a violet beret, had her arms wrapped around Ikhny; Saki shared a joke with Wrecka, whose face was flushed with laughter; and Tsukasa wore a half-smile, her eyes on some unfathomable point well beyond GOA's corridors. Damn, I ought to have seen it sooner. Mister Observant-- -right. Ikhny, you should be here. All the crap I put you through---why save my hide? What the bloody hell did I ever give you but grief?
He glanced at Zero, who stared out a window, straining to catch stars in the sky. Where are you now, itooshii? Are you lonely? Are you scared? And if yes, what has you lonely? Why are you scared? And have I given you reason for either emotion?
Zero closed his eyes, and began to sing: "Darkness, darkness, be my pillow; take my hand, and let me sleep, in the coolness of your shadow, in the silence of your deep. Darkness, darkness, has me yearning, for things that cannot be; keep my mind from constant turning, toward the things it cannot see, things it cannot see, things it cannot see."
Hiead started. Where are you, Rei? What's wrong? He gasped, at the memory of a particularly vicious fight between the two Candidates, over a pair of pajama bottoms on Hiead's bed.
Hiead threw the pajamas at Zero. "I am sick of your clothes on my bed! Next thing that lands here gets shredded!"
"I was getting ready to pick them up," Zero shouted. "And if you so much as remove a stitch, I'll have your ass in a sling."
"You are begging for pain, Enna." He advanced toward Zero, who glared at him, standing still.
"Try me, control freak."
Hiead took a swing at the boy. "Idiot."
Zero landed a right hook. "Psycho."
Hiead countered with a jab to the stomach. "Nancy-boy."
Zero kicked Hiead's jaw. "Gutter trash."
Hiead landed a left cut. "Inbreed yahoo." He waited for the next move.
Zero stood, eyes wild with rage, hands shaking. He drew in several deep breaths, uttering one word: "Matricide."
Hiead grabbed Zero by the collar, then threw him back onto his bed. "Leave my mother's memory out of this." His voice betrayed a hint of pain.
I barely ate a thing that whole day. Neither did he, if I recall. End of the day, he headed to the gym, and ran laps till he dropped. And when I found him---!
Zero lay in a heap on the gymnasium floor. "Mama," he muttered. "Daddy said I hurt you. Did I, Mama? Did I? Is that why you left?"
Hiead scowled, shaking his head. "Get up and fight me."
Zero's eyes opened, a look of pure terror in them. "I killed her. She never survived the birth."
Hiead's eyes widened. "How could you know?" I never told another soul.
"Daddy said boys like me never make it to heaven." Zero's hair began glowing. "Mama, please, please, forgive me."
He started rampaging. I thought he'd take out the gym. I mean, it only lasted five minutes, but those were the most intense five minutes. And then he woke up.
"Forgive me, Hiead," Zero whispered. "I was wrong."
The two walked back to the room; neither said a word, just went to bed.
Hiead moved closer to Zero, joining in the song: "Darkness, darkness, long and lonesome, as the day brings the pain. I have found the edge of silence; I live in the depth of fear. Darkness, darkness, be my blanket; cover me with endless night. Take away the pain that flows away; fill the emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright."
Zero gave Hiead a sad smile. {I'm sorry, koishii. It just hit me out of nowhere.}
Hiead leaned down, kissing Zero on the forehead. {I know. I felt it, too. Let it pass.}
Zero rested his head against Hiead's shoulder. "Darkness, darkness, be my pillow; take my hand and let me sleep, in the coolness of your shadow, in the silence of your keep. Darkness, darkness, be my blanket; cover me with endless night. Take away the pain that flows away; fill the emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright."
The two fell into a silence: the silence of sorrow and promised solace. They watched the scenery change: brownstones gave way to shotgun houses, with small front lawns and iron fences, as the journey progressed. These, in turn, gave way to larger, genteel houses: the houses where the Garden District began.
Garu followed a fork in the road, where Sharp split away from Porto Amarelo. "Same stupid walls on the rise. I'd love to know: are they there to keep everyone else out, or to shut themselves in?"
"What if it's both?" Rio answered.
"What if it is?" Garu said. "You really think the denizens of Rosso Heights want to consider the reasons they throw the barricades up?"
"Maybe not. But who would we be, and what would we be like, if we lived in the Heights?"
"I don't know."
"And neither do I." Rio took Garu's hand. "But walls aren't forever. Even the highest and hardest collapse."
Garu kissed Rio's hand. "And then come new walls."
"And when they fall, they fall." Rio paused. "Would anyone be offended if I turned on the radio? No? I just want to hear something before we get there." He turned on the stereo; a voice crackled in the dark. "Cyril Sebastian, filling in for Erts Virny Cocteau, tonight, on Radio Flora. Stay tuned for classics from White Stripes, Buena Vista Social Club, and Sheila Chandra. The Waterboys for you now, on Radio Flora."
Mandolin chords kicked in. Zero spoke. "I love that song. Turn it up, please, Rio?" Rio obliged, as the song began: "I wish I was a fisherman, tumbling on the sea, far away from dry land and its bitter memories, casting out my sweet line with abandonment and love, no ceiling bearing down on me, save the starry sky above, with light in my head, and you in my arms."
Live oak branches hung, denuded and grey. Lamps along the walls cast a pale green light on the Amarelo.
"I wish I was the brakeman on a hurtling, fevered train, crashing headlong into the heartland like a cannon in the rain, with the beating of the sleepers, and the burning of the coal, counting the towns flashing by in a night that's full of soul, with light in my head, and you in my arms."
Zero slipped an arm around Hiead's waist. His companion pulled him closer, and drew him into a lingering, gentle kiss.
Garu snorted. "Kids these days, no self-control."
Rio gave him a wicked grin. "And I could say the same for the sensei in the driver's seat. Not that I'm complaining, mind you." Garu paused the car, and kissed Rio. "Oh, definitely not complaining. I ought to feed you chocolate every night."
"I know I will be loosened from the bonds that hold me fast, that the chains all hung around me will fall away at last. And on that fine and fateful day, I will take me in my hands; I will ride on the train; I will be the fisherman, with light in my head, and you in my arms."
Garu resumed driving. Fifteen minutes later, he came up to the driveway for Burgos Funeral Home. He spotted a compact car in the parking lot. "I see Kizna and Erts are here." He found a space, and parked. "Everyone out!"
Zero glanced up at the night sky. A field of stars clamored overhead. He breathed a sigh, then turned to walk into the building. Once more, dear friends, into the breach. I thought only teachers with 20 or 30 years' experience talked about burnout. Let's see, I've been here six times when Kizna's students died, and about 12 times for every soccer player we've lost. Add this evening, and the total comes to 19. The school psychiatrist is going to be up to her armpits in students.
He approached a somber building, fashioned after an Edwardian estate, with lamps lighting an arched, granite entrance. Zero waited for Hiead and the others to catch up, then opened the grey-green doors, walking inside. The receptionist at the front desk greeted the four. He was a slight man in a blue suit, with lilac hair and kiwi-green eyes. "And you are here to see?" he asked.
"Kuerten," Rio replied. The man gave a bloodless smile, motioning to his right.
"He is in the Gaudí Suite. They've just brought in the casket. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at nine-thirty."
(You know, Rei, I always did wonder how the other half died.}
{And now you know.}
Hiead studied the ceiling, a dark mahogany, which offset pale walls. Along the walls, stylized irises and poppies twined with ivy, snaking up toward carved torchière lamps. The strains of Erik Satie floated through the hall. The smell of pipe tobacco curled, in bluish wisps, from a corner. A man in a white waistcoat and black trousers carried a tray with brandy, red grapes, and a round of Camembert. "I'll take that, thank you," Rio sang out, snatching the tray from the server's hands.
"Rioroute Vilgyna! Are you off your idiot?" Garu hissed, as he took the tray and returned it to the man in white. "Please forgive my companion. He has the appetite of a shrew, and sadly, manners to match." The server walked away, cursing under his breath. "I swear, you'd think you hadn't eaten in days."
Rio blushed, looking at his feet. "Sorry. I guess I got carried away."
"What did I tell you?" Garu took Rio's hand, squeezing it. "Gentlemen, here is the original chowhound."
Zero reached over, giving Rio a playful smack. "Wouldn't be you otherwise. Besides, Garu, could you really trust a man that doesn't take any pleasure in his food?"
Hiead cleared his throat. "If we're going to view the body, hadn't we better walk over?"
Zero and the others took the hint, and started down the hall. Garu and Rio led the way, drawing stares and whisper.
"Look at them, holding hands."
"Scandalous."
"Positively disgusting. And among mourners, too."
Garu shot a frigid glare at the onlookers, and pulled Rio closer, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. Rio hooked his arm around Garu's waist.
A grey-haired, barrel-chested man, coming from another room, scowled. "To think that two men would parade this way. Have you no shame?"
Zero saw the glass of champagne in the man's hand, and smelled the after- note of smoked sturgeon. "Excuse me, sir, but what gives you the right to talk? No offense, but how are you honoring the dead when you've just indulged in an upscale ligging?"
The man sputtered. Zero continued: "How well did you know the deceased, anyhow? Are you here with family, friends, or are you just here for the open bar? Besides," he said, pointing to a teenage couple in a niche, "why hasn't someone told those kids to get a room? And don't feed me that line about a boy and a girl in love---those two look like they're out to reenact every position in the pop-up Kama Sutra Coloring Book."
He wrapped his arms around Hiead, giving him a mischievous smile. "Besides, we're with the ones we love, and they're here for us. Isn't that right, koishii?"
The man's eyes widened, as his face turned maroon.
Hiead leaned in, saying, "You're right, itooshii," and kissed Zero. Garu shrugged, and kissed Rio as well.
When Hiead and Zero finally came up for air, the silver-haired man smirked, then spoke: "Satisfied? Now bugger off."
"Well, I never!" the man spat out, as he stormed away.
"Hey, give it a try. You might just like it," Zero said, as a parting shot. He grinned at Hiead. "Think we've offended anyone?"
Hiead widened his eyes in mock-innocent fashion. "Us? Offend? We're lambs, you and I." The two laughed, catching up with Garu and Rio, at the double doors leading into the Gaudí Suite.
Here, the ceiling was covered with molded aluminum panels, stamped with sunflowers and lilies. A mural of a city, with houses on stilts, streets paved in shells, and twisting church spires, covered the walls. A fire roared in a fireplace decked with brass towers and copper rose vines. Stained glass windows of nymphs and muses glowed, backlit. People sat in brocaded chairs, or on couches upholstered in maroon and cream velvet. A large table beckoned, groaning under the weight of silver trays with blini and beluga, with foie gras and roast venison. Tarts and petits fours gleamed on a cart, surrounding a bowl of mint chocolate mousse. A white- jacketed attendant polished the counter of a well-stocked lacquer-and- chrome bar.
And in the distance, a pearl-grey coffin sat on a stand covered in red silk. The body of Ryker Kuerten lay in it, wearing a black suit and tie. His strawberry hair was combed and waved, just enough to enhance the pale, freckled skin of his face. His lips pressed together, in what was anything but a serene smile. His mother and father sat in the two chairs nearest the casket, receiving mourners and murmuring curses.
"There they are," Rio said, pointing to Kizna and Erts, already in line to pay respects. "Yo! Dudes! We're here!"
Erts turned, nodding hello. Kizna did the same.
The ritual varied little from that at the wake: the mourners greeted the Kuertens, then knelt at the coffin, clapping and uttering a word or two. When Zero reached the front of the line, he saw a young man, disheveled and sleepless, running into the suite, toward the coffin, leaning in to kiss the dead boy's lips.
A collective gasp echoed in the room. Eveline Kuerten stiffened in her chair; Guillermo Kuerten lunged from his chair, tackling the wild-eyed boy. "Maricón!" he shouted. "Fucking fag! Get out, or I will rip your heart out, and make blood sausage."
The boy looked at him, black hair askew, green eyes aflame. "Old man," he answered, "since when did he become your son? When you were screwing his nannies? Or maybe after those nights you stank of whiskey and cigarettes? I watched him beg for your attention, watched him fall to pieces when you and that harpy of an ex-wife tore into him like a chew toy. I had to rush him to the hospital when he tried to overdose on tranquilizers he stole from your medicine cabinets." Tears fell down his face. "He was my closest friend. You have no right to tell me what I am."
Rio walked over and separated the two. "That's enough, Jordi. Let's go out for a breather." He put an arm around the youth, walking him away. Jordi Marques gave a last look at the casket.
Guillermo Kuerten raced to intercept the boy, when he felt a draft. He looked down, to see his trousers and a paisley thong, pooled around his ankles. Before he could open his mouth, two sets of arms pulled him into a corner.
"Lay a hand on the boy, or on my colleague, and you will live to rue the day," Zero whispered.
"And don't think you can mess with us," Hiead added. "We're younger, stronger, and faster than you. We can disarm you before you've even pulled a weapon. We've had more experience fighting than you've had as a grieving father."
"Besides, you'd be setting a bad example for those of us who live in the lower city. A bad example indeed."
"You'll answer to the Shadowcatchers," Guillermo hissed, trembling. He pulled himself away, and redid his thong and trousers.
Hiead placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Shadowcatchers? Do you mean the lowlifes transporting Quark from here to hell?"
The older man snorted. "They're the front line divisions. The elite corps deals with your sort."
"And what sort," Zero asked, "might that be?"
Guillermo Kuerten sneered, in a voice rich with contempt, "The sort that makes trouble for people like me." He stalked back to the casket, sitting next to his ex-wife.
Garu walked over. "I think we've overstayed our welcome. I'll round up Kizna and Erts; you get Rio, and see how that kid is doing." Zero nodded, taking Hiead by the hand, and rushing outside, stopping long enough to grab their coats.
Rio sat with Jordi, on a bench under a live oak. The boy looked at Hiead and Zero, eyes heavy with despair and anger. "What do I do now?"
Hiead replied, "What you're doing now. Grieve. Weep. And remember him, because he was."
"I don't understand."
"You will," Zero said. "Not now, maybe not for some time, but you will."
Jordi got up and walked away.
Rio looked at the two, and asked, "So what do you want to do now?"
"We'll ask Garu when he gets here," Zero answered.
Erts came up, followed by Kizna and Garu. "I think they'll be talking in Red River City, about tonight, for a long while."
"I think you're right," Kizna added.
They stood, silent, as a north wind cut through.
"So," Erts said, "Any ideas as to what we can do now?"
"How about a bite at the Punta de la Luna?" Rio asked.
"Sounds like a good idea," Zero said. "Beats standing around here. What do you think, guys?"
"Sounds all right," Hiead answered.
"Not tonight, thanks," Erts replied. "I need to rest up for the double shift I have tomorrow."
"I thought I'd head to the Fortrans," Kizna admitted. "I kind of wanted to talk with Saki, and maybe stay there for a while."
Zero leaned over, kissing his former fiancée on the cheek. "I understand. Go on, kitten."
She walked with Erts to her car.
Garu cleared his throat. "So are we going yet?"
"Are you up for a trip to the Waterfront?"
"I think so."
The four walked to Garu's car, and climbed in.
Within minutes, the car pulled away from Burgos, leaving Rosso Heights for the lower city.
Author's notes
As of this chapter, I'm raising the rating to R. I had a feeling I would have to at some point. Bear with me.
Thanks for reading thus far, and for your patience! This is one of the most enjoyable pieces I've written in a while. KLMeri: I'm dedicating the next one to you! Tkawaii: hello, and welcome aboard. Glad you like the story, and I do hope to hear from you again. D-chan: well, here's the new one. Let me know what you think. UE: the Shadowcatchers are not too far off. And with a body count of 19 in Red River City, Hiead will have his work cut out in tracing the Quark trade to the source. Cloa: I think the menu is a good one for friends, and that proverb is one of my favorites. And yes, I do plan on writing more! #88: good to hear from you. Thanks so much for the input; I will be writing more soon. Kokushibyou Patorishia: well, greetings and salutations! I wanted to thank you for the review you gave my lil' PWP (and merci to all who reviewed "Spin it 'Round Again"), and I am so glad you are enjoying this story.
I'm happy to see that gundamesca has updated "The Miscreant." Welcome back! If you haven't read the story, read it. If you have, read it again. A lovely little epic in the making. I highly recommend it.
Spanish lesson: "Punta de la Luna," the bistro Yamagi and Roose own and operate, literally means, "tip of the moon." "Maricón" refers to a gay man, and it is an especially derogatory term when spoken in anger.
Food notes: Blini are pancakes served at funerals and memorials, especially in Russia. Beluga is the highest grade of caviar. A ligging involves free food and drink.
Music notes: the title is inspired by the song "Make a Scene" by the late Chris Bell. Hiead and Zero, on the way to the funeral home, sing "Darkness, Darkness," written by Jesse Colin Young, and most recently covered by Robert Plant. The song they hear on Radio Flora is "Fisherman's Blues," written by Mike Scott and performed by the Waterboys.
Coming soon: Kizna has an enlightening talk with Saki. There's more than food being dished at the Punta de la Luna! Clay and Hiead meet up. What does he know about Quark, and what will he tell? Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome all your comments, critique, feedback, praise, and flames. Thank you.
Antoinette (poetisa)
Kizna woke, with a jolt, to the sound of the telephone. She went into the kitchen, and picked up the receiver. "Hello?" she mumbled, still sleepy.
"Hello, it's Saki," a voice answered, on the other side of the line. "Got your e-mail, Kitkat. Is something wrong?"
"You'd better sit down for this."
"Sitting. What happened?"
"Hiead's back."
"What do you mean, Hiead's back?"
"He's alive. And he's in town."
"You know where he's staying?" Saki wanted to know.
"He's right here, in the living room."
"Oh my god. She did pull it off. She really did get him out," Saki said to herself. "Has Zero seen him yet?"
"Well yes. But I'd rather not get into it just now." Kizna paused, then asked, "What did you mean by 'she got him out'? What's that about?"
"I'll tell you when I see you."
"Okay. Thanks for the call."
"Any time, Kitkat. Bye."
"Bye." Kizna hung up. Curioser and curiouser, like Alice. Better wake the sleepers. No, let them wake up on their own. She padded up the stairs, pausing at the landing.
Once in her room, she picked up a hairbrush, and removed her headband. As she ran the brush through her hair, she glanced out the window, at the darkening light.
Kizna looked at her reflection in the mirror. You look fine, dear. Ha. I feel like crap. She studied her left hand. Time to remove this thing. She walked into the bathroom, grabbing the soap. After a few minutes, she slipped the engagement ring off, drying it with a towel.
She walked into Zero's room, toward the corner shrine with the photographs, and picked up their picture. I think that was the year we went up to Lake Muir with Rio and Garu. I was trying to cook some trout, and Zero had to do damage control. Shooed me away from the grill. We ended up eating pizza and s'mores for dinner. Rio didn't mind, but Garu was royally pissed off that he couldn't enjoy what he'd caught. And Zero? He made some jokes about blackened fish, raided the kitchen of our cabin, and got to work. Talk about a wild beginning to a wild week. Between Garu skinny-dipping at six in the morning, Rio's water volleyball mania, and Zero dragging us on nature hikes, I don't know how I survived.
Kizna studied the photograph. Our last day there, we'd finished breakfast. Zero was out on the porch, looking at the water. I came up on him, which, I think, startled him a bit. He had such a wistful look that morning. Asked him what was on his mind. He just smiled. Should have paid more attention to the eyes. She put it down, and then placed the ring on the table. With this ring, I set you free. She slipped out of his room, and walked back to hers.
Downstairs, Erts opened his eyes and stretched. He glanced at Garu and Rio, who slept on the sofa, limbs tangled. Why weren't you this affectionate with my brother? I mean, Garu, I'm glad you and Rio are together. Still, I wish Ernest were here. And I think you should have been together. He turned and looked at Hiead, who lay with Zero, in spoon fashion. So the fabled "Angel of the Outlands" has come to the city. I often wondered why the good sons at GOA were so quick to list you as dead. Envy? Contempt? Fear? Maybe, Hiead, all three came into play. He got up, and headed into the kitchen. Water. I'm parched. Habibi followed him, wreathing his legs, as he got a glass out of the cabinet.
Erts sat at the table, where the cat joined him. "Hello. Come on up, little one." Habibi climbed onto his lap, placing forepaws on the blond man's shoulder. "What do you want to tell me? I won't let anyone know." The calico meowed, nuzzling against Erts' cheek. "Oh, I see. Tell me more." He chuckled, scratching the cat's ears. "You think so, Habibi?" He scooped the cat up, walking back into the living room. "Want to give the boys a wake-up call?" He stroked Habibi, smiling as the cat rumbled. Here goes nothing. "Gentlemen, time for you to wipe the sleep away."
Garu stirred, muttering "Go 'way, kid." Rio whimpered, clutching at Garu's shoulders. Erts shook his head, then deposited Habibi on top of the two. The cat yowled in Rio's ears; he jerked upright, giving a yelp as the cat scrambled to the floor. Garu stretched, giving Erts a half-hearted scowl.
"Damn, Cocteau! What's the meaning?" Rio snapped. "You could have killed me there."
"It's getting late. Don't we have a viewing to attend? I mean, you guys were the ones going on about it."
"Okay, okay," Garu said. "But who's going to wake those two?" He pointed to Hiead and Zero.
Erts smiled, as Habibi crept toward the two. "I think they'll be up soon enough."
The cat moved closer, walking over Hiead's leg, which he had hooked over Zero's hip. Mismatched eyes surveyed the sleepers: who to wake first? The big love would recognize the cat's voice and sound with great ease, to be sure. But the silver one---here was a challenge! Habibi crept up his leg, toward the shoulder, and started to knead the back. Hiead turned a bit, then winced, as the cat swatted his face with its tail. Habibi turned again, tangling a paw in the silvery hair; emitting a yowl, the calico reared back and pounced.
Hiead sputtered, opening his eyes. "Tiger," he muttered. "Is this a forest? Am I a gazelle?"
Zero shifted, murmuring, "What's going on, Hiead?"
"Your cat just woke me up." Hiead tried to glare, but only managed to look annoyed. "Does he think I'm on the menu?" Habibi meowed and nuzzled his face. "Little hunter," he growled, "go rouse your big love."
Zero opened his eyes. "He does that every morning. Don't you, little love?" he cooed, as the cat walked over, and licked his nose. "You're awfully affectionate now. Ready for a cuddle?" He rubbed Habibi's stomach, scrunching his nose against the calico's muzzle. "Oh yes, you're in a most amorous mood this evening." Habibi sprawled onto the floor.
"He's certainly uninhibited," Hiead remarked, with a snort. Of course, there's a certain dark-haired young man, with permanent bed head, who has the most inviting look to him. I think he knows who he is.
"So," Kizna called out, "is everyone awake now?"
"I guess," Zero replied, with a stretch. "Do we have time for a round of chocolate?"
Garu raised an eyebrow. "Not another bite, Enna."
"Not that kind of chocolate, dude." Zero got up, heading into the pantry. "I was thinking hot chocolate." He returned with two bars of Garoto dark chocolate. "If you want a cup, get in here." Hiead walked in, snatching up a chocolate bar. "Thank you Mr. Gner, now smash that against the counter."
"What did this chocolate ever do to you?" he asked.
"It was too delicious for its own good. Give it a whack. Now." Zero raised the chocolate bar in his hand, and smacked it against the edge of the counter. "And let's give this another one." He gave the bar another whack, breaking it into smaller pieces. "Once more, with feeling." After a third crack, he set the broken bar on the counter, and found a one-liter measuring cup. Zero then unwrapped the chocolate, shaking the contents into the cup. "Your turn, Hiead."
"Why not," Hiead said, smashing his chocolate bar with one blow. He emptied the contents into the cup. What's the method behind the madness? Zero filled the electric kettle with water, and set it to boil. "Now, I need milk, a little sugar, vanilla, and a saucepan. Volunteers?"
The others walked into the kitchen: Kizna went into the pantry, and came out with a canister of sugar and a bottle of vanilla extract. Garu found a two-liter saucepan and placed it on the stove. Rio rummaged through the refrigerator, and brought up a liter of milk. Erts watched the action, then grabbed a whisk from the utensil drawer.
"Zero," Hiead wanted to know, "couldn't you have just used cocoa?"
"I could have. But I wanted something a little different. Rio, when you get the milk on, bring it to a scald." He paused a minute. "Let's get the cups and saucers down." He arranged six cups on a tray. "You should find a tin with amaretto cookies in the pantry. Bring that out, please?" Hiead walked inside, whistling low, as he scanned the shelves. Cat food, cornmeal, sea salt, fig preserves, homemade chutney---there it is. He emerged with a red tin, and set it near the tray.
"Now watch," Zero said, as the kettle came to a boil. "If I pour this in all at once, I'll have a mess. But, if I add a little hot water at a time, I can start dissolving the chocolate. Erts, will you do the honors?" He poured a small amount of boiling water into the measure, which the blond started whisking. "Now, I need to get in some sugar---not too much, mind--- and he'll keep this moving while the sugar dissolves." He poured the sugar in, while Erts kept stirring. When the chocolate reached a liquid consistency, he asked, "How's the milk coming along?"
"Nearly there," Rio replied. Zero walked over, dipping a pinky into the milk, and tasting it. He then washed his hands.
He returned to the saucepan; steam rose in tendrils, and bubbles formed at the edges. "Time," Zero said, removing the pan from the burner. He poured a small amount of the hot milk into the chocolate mixture, then added the contents of the measure to the saucepan. He returned it to the burner, lowering the flame. "Keep stirring," he told Rio. He went back to the refrigerator, reaching for a container of heavy cream. "Please bring me a bowl," he asked Kizna, who found a purple, narrow-bottomed dish, and handed it over. Zero rummaged the utensil drawer, and brought up a manual eggbeater.
He poured the cream into the bowl, and began beating it. Even pace here. Add the vanilla. Now add the sugar, poco a poco. Not too hasty, or it won't set. How are the peaks? Let's give it a try. Spoon up! Almost there. "How's the chocolate?"
"It's done," Rio said.
"Bring it over."
Zero poured the hot chocolate into the cups, adding dollops of whipped cream, and placing two amaretto cookies on each saucer. He walked the tray around, waiting for the other five to take their cups. "Your health, everyone." They drank, nibbling at the amaretti. I often wonder what it would be like to wake up to breakfast in bed, and a steaming cup of chocolate. Take the phone off the hook, keep the computer off, just laying back, nibbling at whatever pleases me. Of course, if I get nibbled in turn, I'll opt for brunch.
Hiead shook his head, smirking. Breakfast in bed, huh? That could be fun. "Where are we going, and how do we get there?"
Garu replied, "We're going to the Burgos Funeral Home, up in Rosso Heights. Instead of driving up Barrow Lane, we'll take Malmsey Street to Sharp Lane, and make a turn at Porto Amarelo Road. From there, we'll head into the Heights, and drive toward the junction of Amarelo and Highway 25."
"How many cars will we need?" Kizna asked. I'd like to get there and back without too much fuss, maybe pack a bag, and spend a few nights at the Fortran house. No offense, I think I need a few days on my own.
"We drove here in the four-door, and it sits six, with a little effort." But you really don't want to ride with the boys, do you? "We can take two cars, if that makes things easier."
"I don't really plan on staying too late, so I'd like to take my car."
"I'll join you, Kizna," Erts chimed in. "If that's all right with you. I'll be pulling a double shift tomorrow anyhow, so I can't stay up all night." You're not heading home to rest, though. I think you'll want to leave a note for Zero. But then again, who am I to say?
"Let me move my car, then," Hiead said. {Rei, I get the feeling she wants a little time on her own.}
{I believe you're right.}
Hiead flew upstairs, and came down, keys in hand. He went through the kitchen, and to the back. Five minutes later, he returned. "I should have moved it earlier. Sorry 'bout that."
Kizna glanced at Erts. Is it doomsday yet? He just apologized. Oh, Mother Kannon! He nodded, grabbing his jacket. Rio and Garu grabbed theirs, and moved toward the front door. "See you there," Garu said, as Zero ran up and grabbed two coats. He gave one to Hiead, who threw it on and dashed out the front door. The other three followed.
"Half a moment," Zero said. "I just want to make sure everything's secured." He dashed back to the house, went inside, then locked the front door. He joined Garu, Rio, and Hiead, who were in the car. "Let's roll," he said.
Garu turned around, driving westward on Malmsey Street. The scenery began changing, from row houses to three-story buildings, shops and apartments in the same space. At the intersection of Malmsey and Sharp, Garu turned right. Brownstone buildings came into view: the houses of the Channel district.
Hiead watched a couple---two men in their 50s---walk, arm in arm, into the lighted entry of a building, then vanish. He studied the lights in the houses and basement flats. In one window, he saw a young family sitting down for dinner. A couple---a man and a woman---fought, in silhouette, at another window. Further ahead, a cluster of teenaged girls moved along the pavement, huddled against the chill.
A picture of the Repairers, gathering for lunch, flashed through his mind. Kizna, wearing a violet beret, had her arms wrapped around Ikhny; Saki shared a joke with Wrecka, whose face was flushed with laughter; and Tsukasa wore a half-smile, her eyes on some unfathomable point well beyond GOA's corridors. Damn, I ought to have seen it sooner. Mister Observant-- -right. Ikhny, you should be here. All the crap I put you through---why save my hide? What the bloody hell did I ever give you but grief?
He glanced at Zero, who stared out a window, straining to catch stars in the sky. Where are you now, itooshii? Are you lonely? Are you scared? And if yes, what has you lonely? Why are you scared? And have I given you reason for either emotion?
Zero closed his eyes, and began to sing: "Darkness, darkness, be my pillow; take my hand, and let me sleep, in the coolness of your shadow, in the silence of your deep. Darkness, darkness, has me yearning, for things that cannot be; keep my mind from constant turning, toward the things it cannot see, things it cannot see, things it cannot see."
Hiead started. Where are you, Rei? What's wrong? He gasped, at the memory of a particularly vicious fight between the two Candidates, over a pair of pajama bottoms on Hiead's bed.
Hiead threw the pajamas at Zero. "I am sick of your clothes on my bed! Next thing that lands here gets shredded!"
"I was getting ready to pick them up," Zero shouted. "And if you so much as remove a stitch, I'll have your ass in a sling."
"You are begging for pain, Enna." He advanced toward Zero, who glared at him, standing still.
"Try me, control freak."
Hiead took a swing at the boy. "Idiot."
Zero landed a right hook. "Psycho."
Hiead countered with a jab to the stomach. "Nancy-boy."
Zero kicked Hiead's jaw. "Gutter trash."
Hiead landed a left cut. "Inbreed yahoo." He waited for the next move.
Zero stood, eyes wild with rage, hands shaking. He drew in several deep breaths, uttering one word: "Matricide."
Hiead grabbed Zero by the collar, then threw him back onto his bed. "Leave my mother's memory out of this." His voice betrayed a hint of pain.
I barely ate a thing that whole day. Neither did he, if I recall. End of the day, he headed to the gym, and ran laps till he dropped. And when I found him---!
Zero lay in a heap on the gymnasium floor. "Mama," he muttered. "Daddy said I hurt you. Did I, Mama? Did I? Is that why you left?"
Hiead scowled, shaking his head. "Get up and fight me."
Zero's eyes opened, a look of pure terror in them. "I killed her. She never survived the birth."
Hiead's eyes widened. "How could you know?" I never told another soul.
"Daddy said boys like me never make it to heaven." Zero's hair began glowing. "Mama, please, please, forgive me."
He started rampaging. I thought he'd take out the gym. I mean, it only lasted five minutes, but those were the most intense five minutes. And then he woke up.
"Forgive me, Hiead," Zero whispered. "I was wrong."
The two walked back to the room; neither said a word, just went to bed.
Hiead moved closer to Zero, joining in the song: "Darkness, darkness, long and lonesome, as the day brings the pain. I have found the edge of silence; I live in the depth of fear. Darkness, darkness, be my blanket; cover me with endless night. Take away the pain that flows away; fill the emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright."
Zero gave Hiead a sad smile. {I'm sorry, koishii. It just hit me out of nowhere.}
Hiead leaned down, kissing Zero on the forehead. {I know. I felt it, too. Let it pass.}
Zero rested his head against Hiead's shoulder. "Darkness, darkness, be my pillow; take my hand and let me sleep, in the coolness of your shadow, in the silence of your keep. Darkness, darkness, be my blanket; cover me with endless night. Take away the pain that flows away; fill the emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright, emptiness with bright."
The two fell into a silence: the silence of sorrow and promised solace. They watched the scenery change: brownstones gave way to shotgun houses, with small front lawns and iron fences, as the journey progressed. These, in turn, gave way to larger, genteel houses: the houses where the Garden District began.
Garu followed a fork in the road, where Sharp split away from Porto Amarelo. "Same stupid walls on the rise. I'd love to know: are they there to keep everyone else out, or to shut themselves in?"
"What if it's both?" Rio answered.
"What if it is?" Garu said. "You really think the denizens of Rosso Heights want to consider the reasons they throw the barricades up?"
"Maybe not. But who would we be, and what would we be like, if we lived in the Heights?"
"I don't know."
"And neither do I." Rio took Garu's hand. "But walls aren't forever. Even the highest and hardest collapse."
Garu kissed Rio's hand. "And then come new walls."
"And when they fall, they fall." Rio paused. "Would anyone be offended if I turned on the radio? No? I just want to hear something before we get there." He turned on the stereo; a voice crackled in the dark. "Cyril Sebastian, filling in for Erts Virny Cocteau, tonight, on Radio Flora. Stay tuned for classics from White Stripes, Buena Vista Social Club, and Sheila Chandra. The Waterboys for you now, on Radio Flora."
Mandolin chords kicked in. Zero spoke. "I love that song. Turn it up, please, Rio?" Rio obliged, as the song began: "I wish I was a fisherman, tumbling on the sea, far away from dry land and its bitter memories, casting out my sweet line with abandonment and love, no ceiling bearing down on me, save the starry sky above, with light in my head, and you in my arms."
Live oak branches hung, denuded and grey. Lamps along the walls cast a pale green light on the Amarelo.
"I wish I was the brakeman on a hurtling, fevered train, crashing headlong into the heartland like a cannon in the rain, with the beating of the sleepers, and the burning of the coal, counting the towns flashing by in a night that's full of soul, with light in my head, and you in my arms."
Zero slipped an arm around Hiead's waist. His companion pulled him closer, and drew him into a lingering, gentle kiss.
Garu snorted. "Kids these days, no self-control."
Rio gave him a wicked grin. "And I could say the same for the sensei in the driver's seat. Not that I'm complaining, mind you." Garu paused the car, and kissed Rio. "Oh, definitely not complaining. I ought to feed you chocolate every night."
"I know I will be loosened from the bonds that hold me fast, that the chains all hung around me will fall away at last. And on that fine and fateful day, I will take me in my hands; I will ride on the train; I will be the fisherman, with light in my head, and you in my arms."
Garu resumed driving. Fifteen minutes later, he came up to the driveway for Burgos Funeral Home. He spotted a compact car in the parking lot. "I see Kizna and Erts are here." He found a space, and parked. "Everyone out!"
Zero glanced up at the night sky. A field of stars clamored overhead. He breathed a sigh, then turned to walk into the building. Once more, dear friends, into the breach. I thought only teachers with 20 or 30 years' experience talked about burnout. Let's see, I've been here six times when Kizna's students died, and about 12 times for every soccer player we've lost. Add this evening, and the total comes to 19. The school psychiatrist is going to be up to her armpits in students.
He approached a somber building, fashioned after an Edwardian estate, with lamps lighting an arched, granite entrance. Zero waited for Hiead and the others to catch up, then opened the grey-green doors, walking inside. The receptionist at the front desk greeted the four. He was a slight man in a blue suit, with lilac hair and kiwi-green eyes. "And you are here to see?" he asked.
"Kuerten," Rio replied. The man gave a bloodless smile, motioning to his right.
"He is in the Gaudí Suite. They've just brought in the casket. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at nine-thirty."
(You know, Rei, I always did wonder how the other half died.}
{And now you know.}
Hiead studied the ceiling, a dark mahogany, which offset pale walls. Along the walls, stylized irises and poppies twined with ivy, snaking up toward carved torchière lamps. The strains of Erik Satie floated through the hall. The smell of pipe tobacco curled, in bluish wisps, from a corner. A man in a white waistcoat and black trousers carried a tray with brandy, red grapes, and a round of Camembert. "I'll take that, thank you," Rio sang out, snatching the tray from the server's hands.
"Rioroute Vilgyna! Are you off your idiot?" Garu hissed, as he took the tray and returned it to the man in white. "Please forgive my companion. He has the appetite of a shrew, and sadly, manners to match." The server walked away, cursing under his breath. "I swear, you'd think you hadn't eaten in days."
Rio blushed, looking at his feet. "Sorry. I guess I got carried away."
"What did I tell you?" Garu took Rio's hand, squeezing it. "Gentlemen, here is the original chowhound."
Zero reached over, giving Rio a playful smack. "Wouldn't be you otherwise. Besides, Garu, could you really trust a man that doesn't take any pleasure in his food?"
Hiead cleared his throat. "If we're going to view the body, hadn't we better walk over?"
Zero and the others took the hint, and started down the hall. Garu and Rio led the way, drawing stares and whisper.
"Look at them, holding hands."
"Scandalous."
"Positively disgusting. And among mourners, too."
Garu shot a frigid glare at the onlookers, and pulled Rio closer, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. Rio hooked his arm around Garu's waist.
A grey-haired, barrel-chested man, coming from another room, scowled. "To think that two men would parade this way. Have you no shame?"
Zero saw the glass of champagne in the man's hand, and smelled the after- note of smoked sturgeon. "Excuse me, sir, but what gives you the right to talk? No offense, but how are you honoring the dead when you've just indulged in an upscale ligging?"
The man sputtered. Zero continued: "How well did you know the deceased, anyhow? Are you here with family, friends, or are you just here for the open bar? Besides," he said, pointing to a teenage couple in a niche, "why hasn't someone told those kids to get a room? And don't feed me that line about a boy and a girl in love---those two look like they're out to reenact every position in the pop-up Kama Sutra Coloring Book."
He wrapped his arms around Hiead, giving him a mischievous smile. "Besides, we're with the ones we love, and they're here for us. Isn't that right, koishii?"
The man's eyes widened, as his face turned maroon.
Hiead leaned in, saying, "You're right, itooshii," and kissed Zero. Garu shrugged, and kissed Rio as well.
When Hiead and Zero finally came up for air, the silver-haired man smirked, then spoke: "Satisfied? Now bugger off."
"Well, I never!" the man spat out, as he stormed away.
"Hey, give it a try. You might just like it," Zero said, as a parting shot. He grinned at Hiead. "Think we've offended anyone?"
Hiead widened his eyes in mock-innocent fashion. "Us? Offend? We're lambs, you and I." The two laughed, catching up with Garu and Rio, at the double doors leading into the Gaudí Suite.
Here, the ceiling was covered with molded aluminum panels, stamped with sunflowers and lilies. A mural of a city, with houses on stilts, streets paved in shells, and twisting church spires, covered the walls. A fire roared in a fireplace decked with brass towers and copper rose vines. Stained glass windows of nymphs and muses glowed, backlit. People sat in brocaded chairs, or on couches upholstered in maroon and cream velvet. A large table beckoned, groaning under the weight of silver trays with blini and beluga, with foie gras and roast venison. Tarts and petits fours gleamed on a cart, surrounding a bowl of mint chocolate mousse. A white- jacketed attendant polished the counter of a well-stocked lacquer-and- chrome bar.
And in the distance, a pearl-grey coffin sat on a stand covered in red silk. The body of Ryker Kuerten lay in it, wearing a black suit and tie. His strawberry hair was combed and waved, just enough to enhance the pale, freckled skin of his face. His lips pressed together, in what was anything but a serene smile. His mother and father sat in the two chairs nearest the casket, receiving mourners and murmuring curses.
"There they are," Rio said, pointing to Kizna and Erts, already in line to pay respects. "Yo! Dudes! We're here!"
Erts turned, nodding hello. Kizna did the same.
The ritual varied little from that at the wake: the mourners greeted the Kuertens, then knelt at the coffin, clapping and uttering a word or two. When Zero reached the front of the line, he saw a young man, disheveled and sleepless, running into the suite, toward the coffin, leaning in to kiss the dead boy's lips.
A collective gasp echoed in the room. Eveline Kuerten stiffened in her chair; Guillermo Kuerten lunged from his chair, tackling the wild-eyed boy. "Maricón!" he shouted. "Fucking fag! Get out, or I will rip your heart out, and make blood sausage."
The boy looked at him, black hair askew, green eyes aflame. "Old man," he answered, "since when did he become your son? When you were screwing his nannies? Or maybe after those nights you stank of whiskey and cigarettes? I watched him beg for your attention, watched him fall to pieces when you and that harpy of an ex-wife tore into him like a chew toy. I had to rush him to the hospital when he tried to overdose on tranquilizers he stole from your medicine cabinets." Tears fell down his face. "He was my closest friend. You have no right to tell me what I am."
Rio walked over and separated the two. "That's enough, Jordi. Let's go out for a breather." He put an arm around the youth, walking him away. Jordi Marques gave a last look at the casket.
Guillermo Kuerten raced to intercept the boy, when he felt a draft. He looked down, to see his trousers and a paisley thong, pooled around his ankles. Before he could open his mouth, two sets of arms pulled him into a corner.
"Lay a hand on the boy, or on my colleague, and you will live to rue the day," Zero whispered.
"And don't think you can mess with us," Hiead added. "We're younger, stronger, and faster than you. We can disarm you before you've even pulled a weapon. We've had more experience fighting than you've had as a grieving father."
"Besides, you'd be setting a bad example for those of us who live in the lower city. A bad example indeed."
"You'll answer to the Shadowcatchers," Guillermo hissed, trembling. He pulled himself away, and redid his thong and trousers.
Hiead placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Shadowcatchers? Do you mean the lowlifes transporting Quark from here to hell?"
The older man snorted. "They're the front line divisions. The elite corps deals with your sort."
"And what sort," Zero asked, "might that be?"
Guillermo Kuerten sneered, in a voice rich with contempt, "The sort that makes trouble for people like me." He stalked back to the casket, sitting next to his ex-wife.
Garu walked over. "I think we've overstayed our welcome. I'll round up Kizna and Erts; you get Rio, and see how that kid is doing." Zero nodded, taking Hiead by the hand, and rushing outside, stopping long enough to grab their coats.
Rio sat with Jordi, on a bench under a live oak. The boy looked at Hiead and Zero, eyes heavy with despair and anger. "What do I do now?"
Hiead replied, "What you're doing now. Grieve. Weep. And remember him, because he was."
"I don't understand."
"You will," Zero said. "Not now, maybe not for some time, but you will."
Jordi got up and walked away.
Rio looked at the two, and asked, "So what do you want to do now?"
"We'll ask Garu when he gets here," Zero answered.
Erts came up, followed by Kizna and Garu. "I think they'll be talking in Red River City, about tonight, for a long while."
"I think you're right," Kizna added.
They stood, silent, as a north wind cut through.
"So," Erts said, "Any ideas as to what we can do now?"
"How about a bite at the Punta de la Luna?" Rio asked.
"Sounds like a good idea," Zero said. "Beats standing around here. What do you think, guys?"
"Sounds all right," Hiead answered.
"Not tonight, thanks," Erts replied. "I need to rest up for the double shift I have tomorrow."
"I thought I'd head to the Fortrans," Kizna admitted. "I kind of wanted to talk with Saki, and maybe stay there for a while."
Zero leaned over, kissing his former fiancée on the cheek. "I understand. Go on, kitten."
She walked with Erts to her car.
Garu cleared his throat. "So are we going yet?"
"Are you up for a trip to the Waterfront?"
"I think so."
The four walked to Garu's car, and climbed in.
Within minutes, the car pulled away from Burgos, leaving Rosso Heights for the lower city.
Author's notes
As of this chapter, I'm raising the rating to R. I had a feeling I would have to at some point. Bear with me.
Thanks for reading thus far, and for your patience! This is one of the most enjoyable pieces I've written in a while. KLMeri: I'm dedicating the next one to you! Tkawaii: hello, and welcome aboard. Glad you like the story, and I do hope to hear from you again. D-chan: well, here's the new one. Let me know what you think. UE: the Shadowcatchers are not too far off. And with a body count of 19 in Red River City, Hiead will have his work cut out in tracing the Quark trade to the source. Cloa: I think the menu is a good one for friends, and that proverb is one of my favorites. And yes, I do plan on writing more! #88: good to hear from you. Thanks so much for the input; I will be writing more soon. Kokushibyou Patorishia: well, greetings and salutations! I wanted to thank you for the review you gave my lil' PWP (and merci to all who reviewed "Spin it 'Round Again"), and I am so glad you are enjoying this story.
I'm happy to see that gundamesca has updated "The Miscreant." Welcome back! If you haven't read the story, read it. If you have, read it again. A lovely little epic in the making. I highly recommend it.
Spanish lesson: "Punta de la Luna," the bistro Yamagi and Roose own and operate, literally means, "tip of the moon." "Maricón" refers to a gay man, and it is an especially derogatory term when spoken in anger.
Food notes: Blini are pancakes served at funerals and memorials, especially in Russia. Beluga is the highest grade of caviar. A ligging involves free food and drink.
Music notes: the title is inspired by the song "Make a Scene" by the late Chris Bell. Hiead and Zero, on the way to the funeral home, sing "Darkness, Darkness," written by Jesse Colin Young, and most recently covered by Robert Plant. The song they hear on Radio Flora is "Fisherman's Blues," written by Mike Scott and performed by the Waterboys.
Coming soon: Kizna has an enlightening talk with Saki. There's more than food being dished at the Punta de la Luna! Clay and Hiead meet up. What does he know about Quark, and what will he tell? Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome all your comments, critique, feedback, praise, and flames. Thank you.
Antoinette (poetisa)