Chapter Seventeen

Osaka, Japan
1999

The first time he made a journey to Japan was a complete fluke. It was during one of his wandering periods where he traveled the world for multiple purposes, training, knowledge and most important to be of use to the Powers. The people he left behind in Port Charles were given reasons for his departure and Sonny would occasionally contact him with business that needed to be handled but for the most part he was left to pick and choose where his travels would take him. He was already east, leaving the mountains of Tibet when he decided to travel further into Asia, bringing him eventually to the mass of islands in the land of the rising sun.

It was like taking a step into a new world, one he had stumbled to accustom himself with. A strange blend of East and West but managing to retain the uniquiness that made this land so illuminating. Customs and beliefs so different than those he were used to, yet somehow familiar. The love and respect for family. Wisdom and kindness. Tradition. He stayed longer than he would have ordinarily, wandering, absorbing, unaware that he had caught the eye of a very important man.

A man who would take the path of his life and change it forever.

Their first face to face would occur one night he was returning to his room after dinner at the ramen stand a few blocks away. Life had made him wary, forced him to learn to guard his back at all times and that's why it was utterly surprising for the rather tall man to take him by surprise. One moment he was walking past the dark alley entrance, a quick side glance revealing it's empty state, and the next a voice spoke up from behind him.

"You are unfamiliar here."

It wasn't a question, just a simple declaration of fact. Tired, he almost didn't stop but prefering to keep things unconfrontational he paused, shoving his hands into his the pockets of his leather jacket. "Yes, I am."

"And yet, you are familiar."

That gave him pause, becuase from the moment he entered Osaka he had felt a vague sense of deja vu sweep over him. So he turned around, concealing his shock at the sight he was greeted with. At the calm voice, he had been expecting a man opposite of the one before him. This one was tall, at least four inches more than him, with dark hair shorn close to his head, a wide muscular body that spoke more of war than the peace in his kind dark eyes. Dressed simply in a dark shirt and pants, he should have looked unassuming, but the aura of strength and command that surrounded him made that impossible.

"I could not say," he finally managed.

Before he could prepare, a hand shot out, grasping the back of his neck in a powerful grip. He would have struggled if not for the shock that someone had gotten the best of him without even trying hard. He was also smart enough to know that if this man had intended him harm, he would be dead. Instead he remained as still as he could under the circumstances.

The dark eyes he had been watching flickered briefly with a red hue, so fast that he figured it was his imagination. He had the strange sensation of being examined, of this man taking his measure and was gradually coming to a decision. A decision that would be a major turning point of his life. Then the impassive face staring down at him gentled, a brief smile touching his mouth and softening his features.

"So you are the Champion I've been expecting. Good. A man who doesn't rush to judgement and assesses a situation before reacting makes a good hand for those who be. I am Kaiza Sarutobi, and I shall be your teacher."

Kaiza became more than his teacher, his sensai, they became friends. He taught him more than jujitsu, he taught him about life, honor.

So when he needed to escape, having just been handed his heart back by Elizabeth Webber in the neverending triangle that had developed between him, her and Lucky Spencer, it was no surprise to return home and find the message on his machine suggesting that he pay a visit. He had already spoken with Sonny about leaving, there was no need to call again about the change in destination.

He did call Carly from the plane so she would know, so he could speak to Kady and arrange for her to visit him later. Carly gave him a hard time, not wanting her daughter traveling to a forgein country without her. Funny how she hadn't given him this much trouble when it was Italy.

A during the flight, it felt like all the walls he built around himself began crumbling. The work, Carly and her dramatics, hiding behind the mask, it all drifted away. Leaving simply Jason Morgan. By the time he exited the plane he felt lighter. Free. Already the pain and strife of Port Charles seemed further away. He was already mentally making plans of the things he wanted Kady to see. Especially the little shop tucked neatly away that specialized in medicinal herbs owned by Mikoto-san, who always berated him for not taking better care of himself.

He could hear the old woman now when he returned for more of that paste he used for injuries. She would be cursing him, all the while checking him over with her eagle eye and packing supplies for him to take with him. "The paste was to last for a year, not three months baka!"

"Jason-san!" His thoughts had brought him to the port where he would wait to be picked up, and he turned to find a teenager rushing toward him.

'He looks like Kaiza,' was his first thought, noting that time would eventually mold Takeshi Sarutobi, Kaiza's fifteen year old son into a younger version of his father. Dressed in a white short sleeved shirt and black tie, with black pants and shoes, he looked as if he were returning from school, proven by the knapsack on his back. His black hair was wild and unruly as if he had been rushing, and while Takeshi strongly resembled his father, when he smiled Jason could see Aiko, Kaiza's wife.

Takeshi bowed, a traditional sign of respect Kaiza had instilled in him, then burst into laughter as he gave him a brief hug. The affection was all Aiko. The Sarutobi family were one of very few who looked beyond his quiet and still exterior to the man beneath. Aiko had taken one look at him and pronounced him a man who needed affection. Her hug had been a surprise, but one he found he didn't mind. Her family had followed her lead.

"How have you been Takeshi?" He asked with a rare smile.

"Good, hai, everyone is excited about your visit. It is good that you came near the weekend, so that I could ride back with you. Oh tou-san told me to pick you up," he said in lightly accented english, "You made great time! Come the boat is ready,"

"You've started classes here in Osaka then?"

"Hai. It's difficult, staying here for the week, but I'm staying with family and I take the boat with the others who come for school."

Finally they reached the medium sized boat that would make the journey across the water to Kaiza's island where he would be staying. There were ten other teens near Takeshi's age, all dressed in similar uniforms who were speaking quietly when they arrived. Jason figured they were attending school with Takeshi as well.

"Everyone, look who made it!"

The smiles and greetings were so different from what he was used to back in Port Charles. There he was Jason Morgan, the brain damaged Quartermaine and Sonny Corinthos' enforcer. Here he was simply a man. He recognized several faces, especially Takeshi's friends Shino, and Ichiro. The three were infamous for the various pranks they pulled as smaller children. Then he was introduced to a shy girl with a sweet smile, Sachi, who he figured was Takeshi's girlfriend.

After he settled in a seat, the boat departed, making it's steady way across the water. They rode for an hour before he finally saw the telltale signs of the island they were headed for. Kirigakure no Sato, it's literal translation, Village Hidden in the Mist. The boat's captain had no problems guiding the boat through the thick mist, though it was almost impossible to see through.

Fifteen minutes later the air cleared and he was greeted with the bright bounty of Kirigakure and realized how much he had missed this place. And he put the troubles he had carried on his shoulders down for the first time.

xx

"Now I don't want to pry but of course you're going to tell us what has placed these shadows in your heart Jason."

It was late, and the three adult were sitting outside under the moon, listening to the fading sounds of life and the night. He spent his first hours in Kirigakure reaquainting himself with the village and the people who remembered him from his previous visits. Takeshi pointed out the newest additions, and introduced him to several people. The beautiful fertile lands, the fields, and quaint houses tucked neatly around were carefully blended with modern touches. And while western life had made it's mark on Kirigakure, the island was still as uniquely it's own as the thick mist that surrounded it.

A small school house released it's students as he made his way to the Sarutobi house, young children spilling forth in a wave of excited laughter. Somethings would never change no matter where he went.

When he arrived at the large house, noting the pregnant woman tending a beautiful garden, imagine his surprise when Aiko stood pressing a hand to her lower back and laughed gesturing him forward. Takeshi had rushed inside and seconds later, a smaller verison of Aiko ran outside and leapt into his arms.

Ten year old Nami was just as exerberant as her mother, though four year old Suki who tucked herself neatly behind her mother's leg and watched him was a mixture of both of her parents, with Aiko's fragile beauty and Kaiza's calm. The last time he had seen Suki, she was still a baby, so she would have the fewest memories of him. While Nami was just as curious as he remembered her to be.

"Aiko-chan, if you didn't mean to pry you wouldn't have said anything." Kaiza pointed out in a humor filled voice. "My wife is nosey."

"Ha, you should watch it, baka, see where you end up sleeping tonight," she rolled her eyes with a snort of laughter. "Jason-kun, you know I love you, so if I'm prying it's only because I care about you and don't like seeing you so troubled."

"I'm fine," he began and seeing her disbelief he changed it to, "I will be fine. Being here helps. I'm glad you don't mind Kady visiting."

"Of course we don't," Aiko waved off his concern, "We look forward to having her Jason. She can play with Suki and Nami and the other children here. Now," she leaned back into Kaiza's arms, "Is there some woman back in New York that I need to have a talk with."

Jason thought about Aiko 'talking' to Elizabeth, and had to hold back a smile. The two were alike in many ways, loyal, considerate, loving. But Aiko would never allow the past to dictate her feelings and actions. She was strong and decicive and always made her wants clear. She never would have allowed herself to be pulled in so many directions like Elizabeth had and she never would have allowed anyone to make decisions for her.

"No," he told her, determined to put whatever the strange relationship he shared with Elizabeth was behind him. She made her choice, and it wasn't him. He would live with it and get over it. "Unless you mean Carly."

"I'd do more than talk to her," she grunted, rubbing a hand over her distended belly. "We should find you a nice quiet woman, so you can settle down. Have a larger family. Kady needs brothers and sisters."

"Kady has a brother, Michael, remember?"

"Ba! You know what I mean, don't pretend with me."

"My life isn't exactly condusive to relationships," something he had realized more than once during his time with Elizabeth. He hadn't exactly been honest with her. Sure she knew he worked for Sonny, but she had no idea about the other side of his life. Being an instrument for the Powers. Was it really fair of him to ask someone so young to take on so many responsibilites. A daughter, a job that was dangerous, Sonny and Carly and their drama, a life that she would always have to keep a secret. Perhaps that was why he hadn't revealed his deeper feelings to her.

"A woman who genuinely loves you will accept all of you," Aiko said with a wisdom that matched Kaiza's. If you didn't look closely, sometimes that knowledge was underestimated behind her light attitude. "You'll find her in time. So for the moment, you train with the dobe here and let us take care of you for a while."

He looked at his two friends, releasing a breath of contentment, then back to the bright stars glittering in the sky. Her words sounded nice. "Hai."

XX

The dawn he was gifted still managed to amaze him years later.

Now, Jason knew Kaiza had a connection to the Powers, what that connection was, he would never say and Jason respecting the man's privacy had never questioned it. Over the time they spent together, he had learned that Kaiza wasn't a typical sensai. Granted he worked him over well in teaching him the fine martial arts as well as other taijitsus to help him fight demons. Yet on more than one occasion he witnessed that brief red flicker in Kaiza's eyes that he thought he had imagined.

During his visit, when he wasn't training, he watched Kaiza work with the younger children. When he wasn't running, struggling to keep moving despite the weights on his wrists and legs, or when he wasn't meditating for greater focus, he could smile at the younger voices calling out, 'hai, Kaiza-sensai.' What he would later learn, and the secret of the people of the Kirigakure, was that the Sarutobi clan were seal casters.

Granted having his first experience with a demon on Kirigakure didn't exactly end as planned, but he was alive an that was all that mattered.

To the untrained eye, as he walked through the field toward the forest, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Given the gifts the powers granted him, he could sense something was wrong. It was in the very silence. It was early, just before dawn and he was out walking, considering he slept very little and didn't want to disturb the household. Normally the wildlife would be active. Birds stirring, nocturnal animals settling down.

Everything was too quiet. As if a breath had been drawn in anticipation of something. Even the trees and plants, the very wind, was still. Not once had he found a trace of a demon on the island, but that didn't mean it was possible. He just figured, Kaiza took care of his people.

Weaponless for the first time in months, he could only stand in awe, as some invisible force seemed to divide the trees and step into the field with him. From one blink to the next, he found himself facing a creature of unimaginable power.

It looked much like a fox, standing proud and strong several stories high, bright red fur bristled, as if preparing to attack. Six tails, tipped with orange flame swirled menacingly as the demon inclined it's dead, searching with intelligent eyes. Oblivious to his presence it took a step forward only to stop when another demon announced it's presence.

Where Jason was confused about the fox demon, he had no illusions about huge snake that resembled a viper that slithered out into the open. Towering over the trees, with a deep green and purple skin, it's malevolence was evident from the noxious venom that dripped from his fangs.

The fox barked, a sharp high pitched sound that shook the ground around him, even as it leapt into the air to pounce. The snake sensing it's intent, jerked to the side and hissed viciously. Before it could rear and strike, three of the foxes tails was whipping out, lashing it with fire. The snake tried to bite, but the fox was too swift, sliding away even as it prepared to attack again.

He had never seen anything like this in all of his travels. Should he interfere? The battle was far enough from the people of Kirigakure but given the size and force of this fight, it wouldn't remain that way for long. Only what could he do? Weaponless and clearly out of his depth he could only stand in awe.

The decision was taken out of it's hand when a loud voice, feminine and furious blared inside of his head, demanding that he get out of the way. He looked up to find the fox demon glaring at him, with a snarl of teeth that was utterly terrifying. Except that distraction gave the snake the opportunity it needed and Jason watched in horror as horrific fangs sank into the hind leg of the fox demon.

It's bark of rage and agony filled the air for seconds until it's six tails wrapped around the snake's head and severed it in sweep of fire and smoke.

The impact of the snake's body as it crashed to the ground shook the earth like a quake, but was nothing compared to seeing the proud fox collaspe to the earth. Heedless of his own safety he raced forward seeing the damage from the fangs as green poison began spreading across the fox's body.

It's breath came in ragged pulls and when he neared the head, he had to jump back as teeth snapped at him. "Baka human, have you no sense! Did you not see the fight! Now look what you have done!"

What could he say? Sorry? That sounded extremely stupid, when it was obvious that whatever poison was coursing through the fox's body was killing it.

"Look what my kindness gets me. I come here to help Sarutobi and his baka village full of humans and how am I repaid?"

"You know Kaiza?"

"And look, the human speaks finally," regardless of it's anger, the fox was obviously wearing down, it's breathing becoming more labored as it's eyes struggled to remain open. "Of course I know Sarutobi, I just said so didn't I? Where is that baka, I only have moments left."

"Calm down Mura," Jason turned to see Kaiza coming out of the trees where the two demons had recently emerged. "Jason couldn't have known Habu would come this morning, there is no sense in blaming him."

"Human," it growled, "What kind of name is Jason anyway?"

"What is going on here?" He finally found the voice to demand, ignoring for the moment the huge sword Kaiza carried and the red eyes he was currently displaying. Jason thought he heard the fox mutter somehting about stupid humans again, but Kaiza shushed it, rubbing a soothing hand along it's muzzle.

"Jason, this is Mura, she is a kitsune. A fox demon. Her father, Seiji protects Kirigakure." Then he turned to the kitsune, "Which is why I don't understand why he sent you out here this morning, knowing you aren't old enough."

The kitsune grunted, "I am old enough, I destroyed him didn't I?" Flicking one of it's tails dangerously close to Kaiza's head but the man didn't flinch. Didn't even look concerned in fact. "He didn't," the fox finally admitted.

"He will be furious, and you know this. How could you do something so irresponsible Mura!"

"Because she is much too headstrong for her own good." Jason looked behind him, stumbling back in shock at the huge kitsune standing behind him. This one looked much calmer, serene and wise, and he counted nine tails on it. "Five hundred years and she is still learning."

"What are we to do, Seiji? Habu has managed to poison her, and it is spreading quickly. Perhaps if she returns to your plane, she can be healed." Kaiza spoke to the kitsune behind him as if this were just two parents conversing over a illmannered child in need of discipline.

"Yes, if Mura returned home, she would heal. However, that would not teach her humility. A lesson, it seems I have failed to impart to her." The kitsune raised his head, sniffing the air briefly, then pinned him with that dark knowing gaze. "This one, your pupil, he is a Champion."

"Yes," Kaiza paused, a look of consideration creasing his features, "Exactly what are you thinking Seiji?"

"I'm thinking Mura should spend some time on this plane. Her disregard for rules, her intolerance toward humans, her impetuousness make her a danger to her brothers and sisters and the people of Kirigakure."

"No," came a soft whimper.

"SILENCE!" Flame erupted wildly from the kitsune's tails as it bared it's fangs. "HOW WILL YOU BE A GUARDIAN, IF YOU HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THOSE YOU KEEP SAFE! YOU WILL REMAIN HERE ON THIS PLANE AND LEARN BY EXAMPLE. I HOPE BY THE END OF THIS MORTAL'S LIFESPAN YOU HAVE FINALLY GAINED THE WISDOM I FAILED TO IMPART TO YOU."

In a burst of flame, the kitsune disappeared leaving them in the field alone. Kaiza turned back to the one on the ground, his face soft with sympathy. "I must hurry Mura, else you will die."

"I'd rather die than suffer that insult."

"I'm ashamed of you Mura," Kaiza murmured. The words obviously meant something to the kitsune, becuase Jason could feel it flinch in response. "Your father is trusting in you and you will fail him this way. Jason is an honorable man. A Champion. You should be privilege with this gift you are being given."

"Gift? What gift?" Jason interrupted, "What are you talking about?"

"He doesn't even know what you and father are proposing! Being caged in that human isn't a gift!"

"What!"

"Mura, I hope you learn from this experience." Kaiza said with a finality that made Jason leary. Before he could respond, some force jerked him forward as Kaiza slammed a hand onto his abdomen.

Pain shot through his body, unlike any he'd ever experienced. Like fire, burning through his blood, searing at his muscles as he roared in agony. The last thing he remembered before he was gratefully rendered unconscious was Kaiza murmuring, "Gomen nansa, Jason-kun. Just try to relax and breathe."

"And he called that a gift!"

Cordelia's shriek of outrage made him smile. She scrambled to her knees before him, fully prepared to go to battle on his behalf. When he reached for her, she pushed his hands away in her fury. "It happened years ago," he reminded her. Granted, his reaction when he awakened was the same as hers. Learning that the man he trusted had sealed the spirit of the kitsune within him, making the burden of the secret he carried a bit heavier, he was furious. After hearing Kaiza out, know his sensai only had moments to make the decision in order to save Mura's life, he began to understand.

"How long do you keep it?"

"For the rest of my life. When I die, Mura returns to her plane. Hopefully, wiser than when she left it." Sometimes he wondered if he was accomplishing what Kaiza had entrusted him with, given Mura's ever changing moods and her arrogance. Though he figured she would always have that. She seemed to be more accepting than before, forced to spend time among humans and learn more about them than standing as Guardian and thinking them weak.

Mura had a decided intolerance for weakness. In herself and others.

"So you've got some demon inside of you because of your so-called friend."

"Kaiza is one of my closest friends," he told her, understanding her feelings but unwilling to listen to any harsh words against him. "And yes, this is a gift. Sometimes, a curse, that depends on the mood I'm in. You must understand, Cordelia, Mura is a lot like Kady."

"Kady? You're comparing your daughter to a fox demon."

"Kady is an eleven year old girl who has been given a powerful gift and a lot of responsiblity. She is level-headed, generous and accepting because of the life she has led. I've tried to introduce her carefully into this life. To people who fight the same fight as us. Give her knowledge and guidance."

"So you're saying that this Mura didn't recieve that?"

"I'm saying, Mura is basically a child in comparison to her father Seiji. She is to be Guardian of Kirigakure as her father's heir. She was born with a great deal of power and has to learn patience and respect."

"And they're using you to teach her that." she frowned, but at least her temper was calming.

Sitting up, he brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek. His desire from earlier might have lowered to a simmer, but that need would never completely dissipate. "I'm a father myself Cordelia, I can understand."

"It's still not fair. The fangs and your eyes, I'm assuming that's because of the kitsune. So why did that happen?"

"I can use Mura's energy, but it comes with a price. Normally, I only use a small portion of it to heal myself or when I'm working. Someone tonight in the Waste Lands, we merged more than I've ever done before. I managed to pull away after we walked back through the door but eventually our essences will combine. I don't know when that happens or what the result will be, but given the fangs, and my increase strength so far, I can guess."

"You'll be come part kitsune." The twinkle in her eyes wasn't the response he was expecting, "Kind of a half demon like me."

He hadn't thought of it that way, "Yeah."

"I should probably tell you about that," she told him, but he shook his head. Gathering her close he laid back down, settling them beneath the covers before releasing a deep breath.

"Later," he promised her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. "For now, let's just get some rest."

"Jason?"

"Yes, Cordelia?"

"You're a good man. I just wanted to tell you that. I know how I acted before, how I treated you. It was because I was afraid of how you made me feel. I didn't want to feel anything like this again. Losing Angel hurt so much. I didn't want to open myself up and risk that kind of pain again. Yet, no matter how hard I tried to ignore it, my feelings for you just wouldn't go away."

He was silent for a while, then touched a brief kiss to her temple. All he dare risk for the moment. He remembered Aiko's words and couldn't help but smile. "Thank you. I care about you too and for the first time in my life I don't have to hide who I really am. Thank you for giving me that."