Ch. 25
The Dover Boardwalk in winter was never going to be as crowded as it was in the summer. Given that it capitalized on being a seaside location, that was a given. However, there was an exception to that rule and that exception was the holidays.
With Christmas being right around the corner, the wooden rails of the Boardwalk had been thoroughly wrapped in strings of twinkling colored lights and garlands of silver tinsel hung from the overhead lamps. Most of the shops remained closed, but each of the sealed storefronts boasted a fresh green wreath topped with a red velvet ribbon. The few stalls that had opened for the Christmas season were awash with golden light as their owners called out cheery greetings to the people passing by. The summertime smells of fried dough, steamed oysters, fresh fish and just-churned ice cream were replaced by the warming scents of iced gingerbread cookies, crushed peppermint, hot spiced apple cider and cinnamon and clove candles. Delicate snowflakes painted the wooden walkway in a carpet of white that muffled the steps of the crowd as they strolled serenely through the winter wonderland.
Tomoko stood near the end of the Boardwalk, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene before him. Folding his wings tightly, the bat demon paced slowly up the Boardwalk, following the crowd and allowing his eyes to travel from stall to stall. Occasionally, someone would pause and stare at him; Tomoko would give those people a nod and a smile and continue on his way. A few whispers followed him, but they were soon swept away in the festive chatter of the rest of the crowd. That was fine with Tomoko; the yokai was far more focused on observing than being observed.
Pausing by a bench, Tomoko turned to view the dark waters of the ocean below him. The snowflakes that fell into the nearly black waters were lost immediately in the gentle rocking waves and while Tomoko could hear the occasional ship's horn, there was almost no activity on the seas tonight. Turning back to view the crowd passing back and forth, Tomoko strained his senses to the limit, hoping to catch the slightest hint of the teenage runaways.
The bat demon sighed as he mentally reviewed the case. Frank Peters and Judy Tanner, both seventeen, had both been enrolled at a local public secondary school and, according to their parents and teachers, been caught more than once attempting a romantic tryst. While sneaking away to steal a kiss or hold hands was one thing, it was quite another be caught with their hands in each other's clothes. That had, of course, nearly resulted in both teenagers being expelled, but before any further punishment could take place, the two had vanished.
"Not much we can do," one of the officers assigned to the case had confessed to Tomoko. "Both of 'em are only a few months away from bein' eighteen. Once that happens, it's not really our concern. The most we can do is urge them to go home and make up with their families. But you know how teenagers are; they'll get a taste of the outside world and go runnin' home to Mummy and Daddy."
"Not always," Tomoko had replied. "Sometimes, when foolish teenagers run away, they stay away and leave others behind to clean up the mess they left behind."
"I suppose that's true. But Frank and Judy don't seem like those kind of teenagers, if you catch my drift. I think they'll come home with their tails between their legs sooner or later. Huh, wouldn't want to be in their shoes when that happens."
No, Tomoko, had supposed, no one wanted to be in such a position. He wondered if Miranda's mother had felt that way when she had ended up expecting the child of an already-married man and had to confess what she had been doing behind her family's back. Still, was that any excuse for Pamela Worthington to abandon the child she was responsible for? And was there a good reason for a man who had already pledged himself to another to forsake his vow and yet promise to be true to another? Tomoko didn't think so and he doubted that Miranda would either. of course, he had avoided discussing this particular case with her, given how Frank and Judy's relationship would likely hit a little too close to home for her.
Speaking of the wayward teenagers, Tomoko couldn't pick up any lingering scents of the two. Had the weather been drier, he might have been able to, but the falling snow had cleared away Frank and Judy's trail as easily as any rain could have done. Besides, they had supposedly last been seen here a week ago; even in good weather, there was a good chance the trail would have been cold even then.
Still, there was a good crowd here and there were certain to be a few police officers roaming up and down the Boardwalk. Tomoko decided he might as well make the most of the time he had here and ask a few questions. The yokai began making his way back down the Boardwalk, eyes moving from side to side, feeling the chilly night air stirring around him as the crowd brushed past him, smelling the odors of spice and gingerbread and...
Miranda.
What? Tomoko jerked to a stop, nimbly ducking away from the steady push of pedestrians. The bat demon lifted his nose and inhaled. Yes, yes, there it was again. Oh it wasn't Miranda, not exactly, but there was a familiarity to the smell that reminded him of his wife. And this wasn't something that could be replicated like lavender perfume or a floral shampoo; no, this was simply a person's natural scent that could never be replicated.
Tomoko sniffed again, zeroing in on the smell. There, just ahead. The yokai followed his nose, coming to a halt just outside of an open stall that was selling boxed chocolates. Standing in front of the stall were two women, both wrapped in furry overcoats and scarves. Tomoko stared at them, his heart thudding in his chest. Though different in stature, one being tall and lean and the other short and heavy, their scents marked them as twins as sure as Tomoko's scent was alike to that of Takashi's. And unless Tomoko was mistaken- and he wasn't- the sisters' scent was similar to that of his beloved Miranda.
The two women took no notice of the bat demon watching them and Tomoko took the opportunity to study them carefully. The taller one was indeed quite thin and her sharp bony face was highlighted by her brown hair being pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. She wore a pair of cat's eye glasses and her lips and cheeks were coated in blood-red lipstick and rogue. Her fur coat was cinched tightly around her waist, but Tomoko could see the long fingers, each tipped with a nail that had been filed to a point, poking out from her sleeves. Across her face, the thin woman wore an expression of barely concealed impatience as she waited for her sister to finish making her purchase.
Said sister, meanwhile, was string intently at the stacks of brightly-colored boxes and ribbons. Her round doughy face was as heavily made up as her sisters, but her color of choice was a baby soft pink. This, coupled with her curled hair done up in pigtails, made her look like an overgrown child and the eagerness for sweets did little to dispel the motion. The larger woman also wore a fur coat, but it was bulging at the seams and the buttons strained to remain closed every time she shifted. She wore no glasses and her dark brown eyes shone in the light of the candy stall as she handed over a small handful of bills and was given several large boxes in return.
"Pleasure doin' business with ya!" she called, hefting the boxes into a large shopping bag she had set next to her.
"And not a moment too soon," the taller woman huffed with a roll of her eyes. "Come, Sponge, let's be off."
"Yeah, alright, Spiker. Lemme just make sure I got everythin'."
Spiker and Sponge? Odd names, to be sure, but Tomoko didn't dwell on the fact. He waited until the women were passing a few unopened stalls before quickly catching up to them.
"Beg pardon, ladies, but might I have a moment of your time?"
"If you're looking for a- what?" The taller woman had turned at the sound of Tomoko's voice, but her words were cut off like water from a tap as she took in the sight of the bat demon standing before her. "You... you're a..."
"Hai, I am a demon. My name is Tomoko Kurosaki and I-"
"I don't care what you want! You stay away from us!"
A few people paused and stared at Spiker's shout. Tomoko ignored them, holding up a clawed hand.
"Please I mean you no harm. I just wanted to ask you-"
"What're you even doin' here?" Sponge spoke up. "I thought your kind weren't allowed 'round decent folk!"
"I assure you I mean no harm. I just wanted to ask you-"
"Hah, I'll bet you mean no harm, you awful disgusting-"
"Have you ever heard of a woman named Miranda Worthington? Or the Worthington family, in general?" Aware of even more onlookers, Tomoko thought it best to just get straight to the point.
"Worthington?" Spiker's eyes narrowed. "Where did you hear that name?" she hissed.
"My wife's maiden name was Worthington and I-"
"Wife? Huh, I'll bet. You'll have to do better than that! I know their standard are low, but I doubt even one of them would marry you!"
Tomoko frowned. "I'll thank you to not speak about my wife in such a fashion. Now, I am-"
"It doesn't matter! We know nothing about them and we don't care to!" Spiker's lips pulled back from her teeth in a furious snarl. "And if what you're saying is true, demon, you tell that little hussy to stay out of our sight! She and her blasted family have caused Sponge an' me enough damage."
"Then was your father-"
"Everything alright here?" A heavyset policeman had strolled over to the demon and the women, swinging his baton casually from side to side. He eyed the crowd and shook his head.
"Move on, everyone. I've got this."
"Oh, officer, thank goodness!" Sponge fluttered her eyes at the policemen. "We're so glad to see you. How'd you know we was in trouble?"
"Don't worry, you're not." The officer tipped his hat to Tomoko. "Sir, let me introduce you to Madams Spiker and Sponge, two very generous contributors to our local policeman's funds. I'm sure you bein' from Scotland Yard would know all about that."
Given that Scotland Yard was planning on beginning a years-long investigation into local police stations who took bribes in exchange for letting known criminals walk free, yes, Tomoko could say he was very much aware of what the officer was insinuating. Still, if this particular officer was one who could be persuaded to look the other way when money went missing, it was best not to tip him off.
"I do indeed, sir. Actually, I'm on official Scotland Yard business."
"Wait. You're with the police?" Spiker asked, her expression one of sheer amazement.
"Hai, I am. I'm looking for two runaway teenagers. Have you seen either of these two?" Tomoko smoothly drew out the picture of Frank and Judy from the pocket of his black wool hakama.
"No, we haven't seen 'em," Sponge said with a sniff.
"Officer?"
"Can't say that I have. Runaways, you said?"
"Hai and if we don't find them by February, both of them will be over legal age. After that, Scotland Yard is going to pull me off the case as, by then, we'll have no real authority to bring them home."
"Let them be, I say," Spiker glowered. "If they're foolish enough to run off, I say let them run."
"Perhaps that would be the best course of action," Tomoko replied, meeting Spiker's eyes. "I am sorry if I disturbed you. I promise, I will not approach you again if you do not wish it."
"Oh, we wish it. You and anyone else. We ain't interested in knowin' you."
"Very well. Happy Christmas, ladies."
"I'll tell my men to look out for those two," the officer said as Tomoko replaced the picture. "We'll be ready to haul 'em in if they show their faces 'around here, the devils."
"Thank you officer," Tomoko said softly as he watched Spiker and Sponge walk away. "But I fear that opportunity may well be gone."
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"Miranda-daarin? I'm home!" Tomoko shook the snow off his wings and slid his bare feet into the house slippers waiting by the door.
"In here!" Miranda's voice drifted in from the living room. Tomoko strode into the warm bright room, feeling the heat of the fire and the familiar scent of home wash over him. Miranda, reclining in a padded chair and with her feet propped on a footrest. looked up at her husband as he entered and gestured to a large basket filled with brightly wrapped candy bars.
"Look what arrived today. I never would have guessed to expect something like this!"
The woven basket's handle was in the shape of a "W" and it had been wrapped in clear paper and tied with a velvet purple ribbon. Various Wonka candy bars of all kinds were already spilling onto the rug, though there were plenty still left in the basket.
"My goodness, where did this come from?"
"Directly from Willy Wonka's factory, it seems. Look!"
Miranda held out a large card on which was a beautifully drawn picture of two black bats using their wings to cradle a tiny bundle of white blankets. Opening the card, Tomoko felt a smile run across his face as he read the neatly printed words.
To Tomoko and Miranda,
Congratulations on your upcoming little bundle of joy. You are truly blessed and we here at Wonka's wish you and your little one all the joy in the world.
Happy Christmas!
Signed,
Mr. Willy Wonka and co.
"Well, now, that was kind of him."
"I would never have guessed Willy Wonka knew of us! I wasn't even sure he was still alive. I remember when his factory closed; I was just a schoolgirl then."
"Stranger things have happened, my dear. Although I have a feeing it was Ladahlord who shared the happy news with Mr. Wonka."
"Oh? Do they know each other?"
"Quite, but that's a long story."
Miranda chuckled. "Still, that was kind of him. I'll write a thank you card and make a gift basket. Do you think Ladahlord would mind delivering it?"
"Oh I'm sure he'd be happy to."
"Good." Miranda tilted her head. "Are you alright, Tomoko?"
"Hmmm? Oh fine, daarin, fine. Just... just lost in thought."
"Is it your case?"
"Hai. And likely the beginning of another."
"Oh dear, I'm sorry."
"Oh, it's nothing for you to worry about, my love." Tomoko sat down on the couch, leaning over the armrest to both take Miranda's hand and place another on her swollen belly. "And nothing you need to worry about, little one."
Miranda laughed softly before taking on a slightly more serious expression. "I've been thinking, Tomoko."
"What about?"
"Well, remember how you said every half-demon child is different, with some looking more human and some looking more demon?"
"Hai, I remember."
"Well, I think we should name our child based on that. If it looks more human, it should have an English name, but if it looks more yokai, we should give it a Japanese name."
"Hmm, that's not a bad idea. Although it would mean we would need to consider four names- two for a boy and two for a girl- in that case."
"I thought you could chose the Japanese names and I could chose the English names."
"And did you have any in mind?"
"Yes. I'd considered Evelyn for a girl, but I've always loved the name Elizabeth for a daughter. And knowing Aunt Evie, she'd want me to go with the name I prefer."
"I'm sure. E-liz-a-beth." Tomoko nodded. "I like it. Would you use your name for a middle name?"
"I was thinking I'd give her my middle name as well. Elizabeth Rose is lovely."
"That it is. And for a boy?"
"I've always liked James or Jonathan. And I would use your name for the middle name."
"My name? Are you sure?"
"Of course! You're his father!"
"Either one sound good to me; I suppose you would have to decide which of them fit a son more."
"What about you, then? What Japanese names do you like?"
"Well, we don't use middle names in Japan. But for a boy, I'd like to give him the name Haruki, after my father. When written the way Father did, it means "to shine brightly."
"Oh I love it! And our child will indeed shine brightly!" Miranda beamed as she stroked her stomach. "Haruki, it suits him. But what if it's a girl? Did you want to name her after your mother?"
"I'd considered it, but while I plan on honoring my mother, there's a different name I have in mind."
Miranda squeezed her husband's hand. "You know, I don't believe you've ever really spoken about your mother, Tomoko. I know you mentioned once she died when you were young, but nothing else."
Tomoko nodded, feeling an old familiar heaviness in his heart. "That's right. Okaa-san, she... she died when Takashi and I were merely ten years old."
"Oh, Tomoko, I'm, so sorry. Is that why you don't talk about her as much?"
"Hai, but it wasn't so much her death as to how she was killed."
"Killed?"
The bat demon nodded. "There was a skirmish on our northern border. Both my mother and father led our forces to deal with the invading yokai. According to those who saw what happened, Mother saw a young female fleeing from battle with a bundle of blankets in her arms. When she flew down to confront her, the female begged to be allowed to escape with her child. Mother, of course, couldn't refuse such a plea and agreed to escort the female to safety under the condition that she keep running and not come back."
"And did she?"
"Hai, but once she'd gotten the female to safety, Mother was ambushed by five others laying in wait. One of our scouts saw them rip Okaa-san's heart right from her chest. And as that happened, the female who had led her into the trap dropped the bundle. She didn't have a baby and she laughed at the sight of my dying mother."
"Oh, Tomoko." Miranda's eyes shone with tears as she pressed her husband's hand to her cheek. "How awful that must have been for you and your brother. And your father too; he must have been utterly heartbroken."
"Hai and mad with vengeance. Ambushing my mother was the only victory those invaders achieved that night. Otou-san slaughtered every one of them nearly single-handedly that night. Not a single one was allowed to flee and Father even went so fa as to cross the border into their territory and destroy every resource he could. I think his rage was so great he even used the trees he felled to divert a nearby river to cause a drought. Either way, those demons were never seen again."
"Oh my." Miranda continued rubbing her stomach as she thought this over. "I imagine he still grieved for your mother though."
"Only in private. He never let us see his tears, though I know he shed them. But he never let his weakness show; had he done so, we may well have been attacked again." Tomoko paused as he considered something. "I once mentioned to Ladahlord about my father looking worried when I mentioned that I wished we Kurosakis didn't have to frighten any who dared to approach us into submission, particularly humans who needed help. My father's eyes were full of sadness that night; looking back on it, I think he was seeing my mother in me and was worried that kind of thinking would get me killed."
"And yet, you ended up being right, Tomoko. I'm sure your father is proud of you."
"I certainly hope so. But while I'm glad I'm working to establish peaceful relations between yokai and humans, my father's methods weren't without merit. After that awful night and my father's legendary rage, the Kurosaki home was left in peace for nearly two decades."
"The silver lining, I suppose." Miranda reached up and ran her soft fingers over Tomoko's cheek. "Were you close with your mother?"
"Hai. She was as gentle as the summer breeze she was named for."
"Was that what her name meant?"
"In a way. My mother's name was Kazane, which can be roughly translated to "the sound of wind." But she was born in the summer when the winds were especially soft and warm."
"Oh that is beautiful. But why not use that name for our baby, if it's a little girl?"
"Well, one of my last memories of my mother is her talking about wanting to have another child and giving Takashi and I a new sibling. She said that if she had a little girl, she would name her Isuzu."
"Isuzu?"
"Hai. And since my mother never got her wish, I will fulfill it for her."
"Isuzu. Hmm, would you call her Suzie?"
"No, Miranda-daarin," Tomoko laughed. "I'd call her Rin."
"Rin? How do you get 'Rin' from 'Isuzu?'"
"From the way her name would be written. Her full name, Isuzu, would mean "the dependable bell;" Rin would be like referring to her as 'little bell' or 'the high sweet sound of a bell.'"
"I see." Miranda nodded. "Isuzu to be called Rin. It's perfect. Now we just need to see which of the names we chose will end up being the one that fits our baby. I have to admit, I rather hope it's Isuzu. I really love it."