Memento

Shaun collapsed into the jump seat of the Osprey as the engines whined to life. Davis, Edmonds and Sharpe joined him a few moments later.

"Oi," Edmonds huffed. "I thought the ol man weren't never goin' ta shut it."

"Caution, Edmonds," Davis said. "He may be an American, but he is the senior officer on these islands. It's only natural that he would want as full and detailed a report possible on the conditions he sends his men and women into."

"I know all tha', Corporow," Edmonds said. "But four days?"

Davis heaved a sigh. "No matter. Unless the Ambassador or the Captain decides he can spare us, we are ensured some good R&R once we get back to Ikei."

"Tha's good, I've got someone to look up," Edmonds replied.

Shaun rolled his head to face his Marine counterparts. "I do have a favor to ask of you, Corporal."

Davis cocked an eyebrow. "What would that be, Sergeant?"

"When we get back, would it be possible to speak to Captain de Souza and see if he can spare you over?"

"What for?" Davis asked, his interest piqued.

"Since we got to Ikei, I noticed Alex seems to lack direction. She is constantly worried over Misa, especially since the attack."

Sharpe let out a groan at the mention of attack. Edmonds took the opportunity to crack his knuckles.

"Are you suggesting we put them under a 24 hour watch, Sergeant?"

Shaun shook his head. "Nothing so drastic as that, Corporal. I am merely asking if you could spare the time to train them, especially Alex. They both need some proper martial training. Sadly, my hand to hand combat skills are not to par with yours."

"I dunno, Sergeant," Edmonds said. "Alex seems the type can take care of hersewf."

"It's not Alex I'm worried about in a fight," Shaun said. "Well, okay, I am worried, but my biggest concern is that she really has nothing to look forward to and she lacks discipline. There is only so much Asuka and I can do, since we are not her parents."

"I won't say Miss Kinoshita can't do with some skills," Davis commented. "How would Alex take to the suggestion? You know we have no authority to make her play along."

"You let me worry about that," Shaun said. "I can always appeal to her protective instinct."

Davis smirked at that. He then pointed to the sword laid carefully in Shaun's lap. "You know we won't be of any use in training Miss Schweiger in the use of that blade."

"The blade work will fall into place," Shaun said. "But the discipline has to come first, and that is where I am asking you to step in."

Davis, Edmonds and Sharpe all looked to each other then nodded. Davis turned back to Shaun. "I think we might be able to convince Captain de Souza to let us train your girls."

"You know," Sharpe said, pointing to the sword. "I never noticed that design carved into the scabbard until now."

The men took a closer look. "It looks like a tiger," Davis said.

"Agree," Shaun said. "And very appropriate for our hellcat."

The men chuckled.

"Thank you, Corporal," Shaun nodded to each man in turn. "Lads." He then reached next to him and checked the fasteners on the gifts bestowed upon his family. The book lay nestled in his turnout pack, the naginata securely strapped to the hull. Shaun sighed aloud, pulled his boonie over his eyes and settled in for the short hop from Kadena to the Ark Royal.

Misa sat cross-legged on the flagstone walk, at the gate in front of the house. Alex sat just behind, scissors in hand.

"Are you sure about this, sweetie?"

"Yes," Misa said. "It's too hot to wear my hair this long, and I want it short, just in case…"

Alex rested her chin on Misa's shoulder. "In case of what?"

"The worst," Misa said.

Alex set the scissors aside, clapped her hands twice and chanted "kuwabara" several times. She finished her short prayer and retrieved the scissors. "Are you really sure? I hate for you to lose this beautiful hair."

Misa sat quietly as Alex fussed and gently ran her fingers through the silky strands.

"Please do it, koibito," Misa said softly.

Alex sighed. Though it pained her to do it, she knew Misa was right. Hair this long would only prove a liability, should They make their way into their little paradise. She gently pulled Misa's hair back, and snipped off the first strands.

Within half an hour to Alex's reckoning, she had finished the chop job. Misa ran her fingers through the short bob, shaking loose any straggling strands. Satisfied with the cut, she turned and planted a kiss on Alex's lips.

"There's the thing to welcome an old soldier home," the voice caught both by surprise.

They faced out to the street and saw Shaun standing a few paces off, gifts in hand and a big smile on his face.

"Shaun!" Alex shouted. She jumped to her feet and ran to meet him. Misa followed up shortly thereafter.

"Anata!" came the shout from inside the house. The group turned to see Asuka dashing down the walk, tears in her eyes, laughing with joy.

Alex and Misa stepped aside to let Asuka jump into Shaun's arms. "Where have you been? I waited four days! You never called!"

"The General wanted a complete report," Shaun said. "Come, I'll tell you all about it inside. I also have gifts for everyone...I believe the word is 'omiyage'."

Asuka placed the tea pot on the table while Misa and Alex set out the service. Shaun placed his gifts at each place on the table and sat in his customary seat. He waited for everyone to be seated before he cleared his throat.

"I won't bore you with the details, but with the combined effort of Japanese, American and British forces, we secured a section of the Izu peninsula for future use as a resettlement area."

Asuka, Alex and Misa nodded their heads.

"Right, anyway," Shaun said. "Alex and Misa. I ran into some classmates of yours from Fujimi, and they asked me to pass these gifts along to you."

Alex turned her gaze to the sword in front of her and ran her fingers along the scabbard. She turned to see Misa gingerly play with the haft of her naginata. Shaun cleared his throat once more.

"Misa, I was entrusted to give this to you by everyone, it's for the school. There is a dedication inside the front cover." He handed over the heavy math book. Misa smiled and bowed her head.

Opening it, she read the names and smiled as she remembered the faces of those who made it out alive.

"Um, who gave this sword to you?" Alex asked.

"A young lady by the name of Busujima Saeko," Shaun said. "She also passed along an invitation to see her when you can and she will evaluate your forms."

Alex blushed and lowered her head.

"The naginata came from Miyamoto Rei, Misa," Shaun said. "She knows it's not the same as the spear, but she hopes it will serve you well."

Misa smiled and bowed her head once again.

"And for my dearest," Shaun turned to Asuka. He gestured to the cloth wrapped package on the table. "Miss Busujima, Miss Miyamoto and a Takagi Saya helped me pick this out for you."

Asuka carefully unwrapped the gift to reveal a beautiful kimono in peach and violet hues, a crane embroidered across the back, wings spread in preparation to take flight.

"The crane is a symbol of good luck and longevity," Asuka explained. "I think this is a charm to wish us a long and happy life. I will treasure it."

She leaned over and kissed Shaun on the cheek.

"What is the tiger supposed to represent?" Shaun asked, pointing to the inlayed tiger on Alex's sword scabbard. "I understand a bit of the Chinese zodiac, but the symbolism is lost on me otherwise."

Asuka gazed at Alex for a long while before speaking. "Passion, ferocity, sensuality, speed and beauty are some of the things that the tiger is associated with," she said. "On the flip side, the tiger is also known for its capriciousness, cruelty and wrath. Alex-chan, I feel this Busujima-san is giving you a warning along with your gift. If you can harness your passions and strength, they will serve and protect you. However, you must master them, not let them master you."

"Ah, that brings to mind another conversation," Shaun said. "Corporal Davis and his group said they would be willing to train you, if you are willing to train under them."

Alex carefully considered Asuka's warning, "Okay, I'll do it. I wanna protect everyone that's dear to me." She wrapped her arm around Misa and pulled her close. "I'll do it."

Shaun sat back, a satisfied smile on his face. "I'll let them know first thing tomorrow."

T/N: Anata literally translates as "you". In this case, the meaning changes among married couples to mean "dear" or "darling"

A/N: and thus ends New DEADs Order. The State wishes to thank the generous efforts of Comrades Draco38, jm1681 and Rassilon001. Also, the State wishes to thank the personal efforts of Comrade Draco38 in writing a section in the previous chapter during our collaboration with him. It is incumbent upon The State to mention we failed to properly thank Comrade Editor Draco38 at the time, and we sincerely hope this atones for our gaffe in etiquette.
The State invites readers to leave comments, questions and reviews.