The Mob Rules

Part 2

Return to Japan

By Nick Maro

:: Writer's Note: [ ] Indicates speaking in Japanese. The Arashikage Hexagram - :|:|:| ::

To say Pizzazz was furious would be saying the volcano at Pompeii was just a minor eruption. David began to walk closer to his sister but she stopped him with her hand. "Sit the fuck back down, David. Whatever it is you want to say better be an explanation." She went back to her pacing. She pointed at him before he could say anything. "The next words out of your mouth better be an apology for letting that – that - slime in my home!" She paced angrily before her twin again.

David stood and stopped Pizzazz from pacing by putting his hands on her shoulders. "Phyllis, I'm not happy with having him in my home either but his life is in danger. Eric told me that some gangster named Leo Scarletti is after him. He owes Scarletti a huge debt and he says that man has put a hit out on him." He opened the door to the den a crack. "Look at him. He's scared out of his mind." He closed the door quietly again. "Eric asked me to protect him. I can't let him die and I know it's not in you to let him get murdered either." David sat back down on the couch.

Pizzazz paced the room again while thinking and muttered quietly to herself. David noticed that when she did that she was really upset and was going to make a choice didn't want to make. She stopped pacing in front of him. "Fuck, I'm going to regret this I just know it." He braced himself just in case and Pizzazz knelt in front of him. "Okay, you have a point. As much as I hate that man, I can't let him die either. He's asked you for help in protecting him and because of some code of honor you live by, you will. I don't expect to understand it so don't bother explaining. Just keep him the hell away from me."

"Thank you, Phyllis. Just for the record I'm not doing this out of the kindness of my heart. He now has a debt to me. I intend on making him pay that back as soon as this is over. I don't forgive him for the stunts he's pulled but since he asked for my help in protecting him I'm going to do so." There was a knock at the front door and David stood to answer it. "I just waited to tell you this until you were done expressing yourself. Then you could see it from my point of view." He opened the door and let Roxy and Jetta inside. "Sorry to call you two so early in the morning, I'll explain everything once Mary and Kimber arrive." He led them both into the living room. "Pizzazz, we'll finish this discussion later, okay?" Pizzazz walked into the kitchen pushing past David without saying a word.

"Wow, never seen her so pissed." Roxy looked up at David. "What's going on?"

David sat next to her and let out an exhausted sigh. "She's upset with me. I made a decision she doesn't like." He rubbed his tired eyes as Roxy put her arm around his shoulders and leaned his head on hers. "Thanks, Roxy."

"No problem. Just rest here for a few minutes. You look like you're about to fall down." She kept her arm across the back of his shoulders while he rested.

A half hour later there was a soft knock at the front door again. Jetta got up to answer the door to let Kimber and Stormer in. Stormer smirked at David sleeping on Roxy's shoulder. "This is what he called us over for?"

Kimber shook David on the shoulder. "Hey, get up." David began to slowly stir and wake up. He blinked the sleep from his eyes and hid his yawn. "What was so important that you had to tell us at this Godforsaken time?" She sat on the arm of the couch next to him.

"How long was I asleep?"

"About a half hour, luv. Wish Roxy slept as soundly." Jetta handed him a cup of tea. "I made some while you were asleep."

Kimber hugged David and gave him a gentle kiss. "I know you didn't call us all over to see that. Shutuproxy. Now what is it?"

David stretched as he stood. He slowly explained the situation and the reaction was just as he expected. Jetta and Stormer were shocked while Kimber and Roxy both watched him for a long time. He looked back at the four women. "So, what does everyone think?"

"I think you're daft!" Jetta said quietly.

"David, I-I know you want to help but these are dangerous people." Stormer couldn't hide how nervous she was about what she just heard. "Are you willing to put your life in danger for Eric?"

"He asked for my help and I'm giving it to him. I know they're dangerous people but we've faced much worse. Hiroki Bayushi and the Azure Blades come to mind. I won't let Scarletti scare, bully or threaten any of you while I'm protecting Eric Raymond. Arrangements are being made for your protection as we speak. But we may need to leave for awhile." David sat next to Kimber on the couch.

The sound of foot steps echoed coming down the rear staircase as Evelyn Gabor entered the living room. "David, I will not be chased from my home by some two bit gangster because you're protecting the man who tried to destroy my company. I will not allow anyone to be hurt in my home and that also includes Eric Raymond. I may not like him but I don't want him dead. Whoever seeks asylum here is granted it. David, I know you'll do what you feel is right."

David cleared his throat. "Mom, Shin is going to contact his family in Japan. They're a family of martial artists. Would you mind if some came here to protect us?"

"Actually that may be a good idea. Kimber, do me a favor and tell your sister to be extra careful. I don't want anyone there getting hurt because of your relationship with David." Evelyn headed toward the kitchen. "Anymore more tea left? I thought I smelled some before." Jetta followed her into the kitchen.

Shin opened the door to the den. "Hey David, I just spoke with my cousin. He's coming by with two of his friends. Also, Eric wants to speak with you." Kimber began following David into the den. "Alone David." Kimber gave an understanding smile and let him go into the den alone. Shin followed him and closed the door.

"Roxy, where's Clash and Techrat? Shouldn't they be here too?" Kimber sat between Roxy and Stormer on the couch.

"Oh you missed the fun. David called Clash up at her place. She bitched him out and said she's officially talking on the phone in her sleep." Roxy started chuckling before continuing. "But the best was the call to Techrat. Jetta and I were rolling on the floor afterward. All I heard was let me sleeeeep! It was in that creepy ass voice he uses too. Hell, even David started laughing after he hung up."

"What about Pizzazz? I-I haven't seen her around." Stormer combed her fingers through her hair nervously.

"She went to bed after she and David had this huge fight. I'd never seen Pizzazz that pissed though. Odd part was she didn't punch anything." Roxy covered her mouth as she yawned. "Well, I'm going to bed. I'm sure my usual bedroom here is free. Night ladies." Roxy headed up the stairs. Kimber and Stormer joined Jetta and Evelyn in the kitchen so they could talk for the rest of the night.

Jerrica went through the company files in her home office since she couldn't fall back asleep after Kimber's call woke her before the alarm clock could. She'd been meaning to see the state of her other companies for a while now. She pulled out another stack of papers and sat back. She groaned as her back ached from being hunched over. A knock on the door interrupted the silence. "Door's open," she said without looking up from a report.

Shutting the door behind her, Aja put a mug of coffee above the report Jerrica was reading. "That looks very enthralling, Jerrica."

"Oh, it is. In fact, this is my second time reading it." Jerrica looked up at her old friend. "Thanks for the coffee. Kimber called me earlier and I've been up ever since on no stimulants." She took the report she had just read, flipped it face down and started a whole new pile. "I'm just going through my companies and seeing what to do with them." She read the header for the next one. "Hey, this one is for Starlight Drive Inn. I have an idea, Aja. Let's open it back up."

Aja's grin told Jerrica her answer before she could speak. "I'm surprised we haven't thought of this before. Synergy hasn't been in there for years. It's just sitting there collecting dust and falling apart. However there is the matter of your father's lab still being there. We'd need David to help since he knows about her I say we go for it."

Jerrica put the file aside for later reading. "Great. I'm hungry. Did Mrs. Bailey make breakfast yet?" She grabbed the mug of coffee Aja brought her and followed her out the door.

"Yes and you better grab what you can now. Raya and Shana already got the remaining waffles. I think Ashley got the last of the pancakes too." Aja refilled her own mug of coffee and sat at the table.

"The girls haven't left for school yet, have they?" Aja shook her head. "Good. I was thinking of what Kimber said about being extra careful. We'll drop off and pick up the girls till she says otherwise. My gut has been telling me to heed her warning." Jerrica walked to the back stairs to the second floor. She stopped before the food and looked at her friend. "You be careful today also. I'm going to break the news to the girls then ask Shana to help out." Jerrica quickly went up the stairs, disappearing from sight.

David stood next to Shin on the driveway where they awaited Tommy's arrival while Eric was still asleep. The rest of the people in the mansion were doing their own thing. David requested that no one bother himself and Shin while they waited. He yawned again and checked his watch. "Who are these friends of Tommy's again?"

"Very close friends of his. One of them is a member of our clan. He's an outsider but still a member. The other is a close friend. They're both like family, so please treat them with respect." He looked at David who was nodding slowly. "Sorry, I know you will, just nervous about meeting them for the first time."

"It's okay. I've over explained to friends more than once when I was nervous." David laughed to himself. "In fact, so does Pizzazz and my mother. My father did too when he was alive. Must be a family trait." David mumbled as he watched the front gate open and a dark blue car pulled up the driveway toward them. He pointed the car to a parking spot by the garage. He followed Shin to the vehicle. Tommy stepped out first, then a man who appeared to be wearing a latex mask. Finally a stunning redheaded woman got out of the back.

Shin bowed to each person with David following his lead. Shin gave his cousin Tommy a hug. "Thanks for coming. I hate making a request like this."

Tommy held up his hand to silence his cousin. "Shin, you're a member of the Arashikage clan, don't worry about it but let me introduce my friends to you both." Tommy gestured to the man next to him who was tucking the mask back into his collar. "This here is Hebime." He bowed to David and Shin then shook their hands. David noted that Hebime also had the same tattoo that Shin and Tommy had their right forearms.

"I'm Akai," the redhead told Shin and David she bowed then shook each of their hands. "Forgive Hebime for not speaking his vocal chords were injured in an accident. That is also a reason for the mask." She looked at Hebime who gestured in sign language to the two men. "He says don't worry about staring, he's used to it."

"Let's head inside the house, I don't feel safe standing here in the open. I'll introduce you to my family and friends." David led the four into the mansion and into his father's study. Since his father's death, this was the only room David took over that belonged to him. "Before we begin, can I get anyone anything?"

Hebime pushed Akai's chair in once she had sat down then sat next to her. Akai smiled warmly at David. "No thank you. We can get something afterward."

Tommy looked at both Shin and David. "I informed Hebime and Akai in the car about what's going on. I also called my uncle in Japan he said we must come in person to formally make this request. I know that David doesn't want to leave everyone here unprotected. That's why I asked Hebime and Akai to stay here and guard the house until we return." Tommy waited for David's answer.

"From what Shin tells me about you and your friends, I trust your judgment. That sounds good to me. I'll make the flight and hotel reservations for each of us. It's just that my only request is that we bring Eric Raymond with us." He stopped pacing in front of Tommy. "Is this okay with you?"

"You think like I do, David," Tommy said cracking a slight smirk. "I think we're done planning here. Why don't you introduce you us to your friends and family. I'm actually a fan of The Misfits myself." He stood and with Hebime and Akai following his lead. David led his new friends to the living room where most of his family and friends were waiting after having breakfast.

"Looks like he made a run for it, Boss, looks like he didn't even pack." Sal reholstered his gun and turned to the gentleman in the suit.

Leo Scarletti didn't look happy as he walked through the bedroom. "Wonderful. Here's what you and the boys are to do, Sal. I want to know where that coward is. I want no stone unturned. Tear this place apart. I want any lead, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Then I want you to find him and tell me. I'm doing this one myself."

Sal followed Leo Scarletti out of the modest home. "Yes, sir, I'll give Tony a call now."

David knocked lightly on Pizzazz's door and opened it before she could answer him. He saw that she was still asleep. He walked over to the bed and slowly shook his sister. "Phyllis, wake up. I need to talk to you."

Blinking the sun out of her eyes, Pizzazz looked up at her brother. "Wha-what time is it?"

"It's after ten-thirty. Mom said you were up very late and I wanted you to get some rest." He sat next his sister on the bed. "Listen, I'm sorry for making you as angry as I did. I only did what I thought was right." David cleared his throat. "I also wanted to tell you that I'm taking a quick trip with Shin and his cousin. We have to go to Japan to talk with their clan. Tommy tells me that I need to bring Eric with me. This way you don't have to worry about seeing him. Until we get back, Tommy is having two of his friends stay here; Hebime and Akai. I think you'll get along with them just fine. From what I've seen you're all very well protected with them, so you won't have to worry about those gangsters. Come down when you're ready."

Pizzazz stretched and got out of bed. "I did a lot of thinking last night. You're a very noble man that I'm proud to call you my brother." She put on a robe and faced him. "Very few people would do this for someone who has hurt them in the past. What I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for being a bitch to you. I really was only lashing out like that because I couldn't do it to Eric." Pizzazz began walking out the door, stopped and turned to face him again. "You will be back for the album's release, right?"

David sighed and gave a little shrug. "I'm going to try but I can't make any promises, but if I'm not, Kyoko agreed to cover for me. You'll be in good hands with her, but you already know that."

"Just do me one big favor when you're in Japan. Be careful. You're the only brother I have. Hell, you're my only twin." She flashed a smile that said all is forgiven. "Well, I need a shower then I'll meet our new friends." David nodded as Pizzazz shut the bathroom door. He heard her turn on the water. He left her room and walked down the flight of stairs to the living room.

"David, how much longer do I have to kneel?" Eric Raymond whispered.

The four men knelt in front of the gate of a huge complex that was in the middle of the mountains of Japan. David estimated it had been just over thirty-six hours since they had left L.A. to meet with the Arashikage clan. David spoke to Eric without looking at him. "Eric, shut up. We kneel until they let us in. When they do you keep your mouth shut. If someone asks you a question one of us three will translate for you. And you will answer and be respectful when you do." He shot Eric a glare that frightened him to his core.

"I-I-I understand, D-david," Eric stammered quickly.

The doors opened about an hour later, Eric began to rise but David and Tommy pulled him back down by the waist of his pants. An elderly man approached the four kneeling men. He was about five feet tall, hunched over a bit and had a long white hair. David thought he looked like the stereotypical old master you'd see in a martial arts movie. The robes he wore were beautifully embroidered. He gestured from them to stand, Tommy and Shin bowed their heads in respect. David followed their lead quickly with Eric in sync with him. "[Welcome, my sons.]" The clan leader smiled widely and gestured again for the four men to follow him. He led them through the courtyard and past where students were training. He sat at the top of a flight of stairs and motioned for the four men to kneel. "[Now I know two of you but the other two I don't know. Which one is David Ikari?]"

"[I am, sir. I asked Shinobi Arashikage for help in protecting this man,]" David waved a hand at Eric, "[as well as our friends and family from the men who wish us harm. Shinobi told me that I would have to ask you myself for protection.]" David bowed his head again. "[Sensei Arashikage, I ask for the protection of the Arashikage Clan. Will you grant my request?]"

The Sensei of the Arashikage clan sat on the step studying the two strange men thoughtfully for a moment. "[Walk with me, young Ikari.]" He rose and waited for David to stand next to him. They walked side by side through the cherry blossom orchard. "[Have you been told the riddle of the Arashikage hexagram?]" The Sensei rolled up his sleeve to reveal the same tattoo pattern that Shin, Hebime and Tommy had. It was six rows long. The first row had two short red dashes while the next row was one long red dash. It alternated like that until there were six rows, three of each dash mark. David thought it looked like three U's in Morse code on top of each other.

"[Yes, Sensei, Tommy explained it on the flight.]" David paused and remembered what Tommy told him. "[The hexagram itself means Chi-Chi. After completion. But the riddle goes, good luck at start, not so good later. Pay attention to details and avert coming danger. Maintain balance. It also means through chaos comes order. It's from the I-Ching, isn't it Sensei?]"

The Sensei smiled at him. "[Very good Ikari-san, I can tell you have a deep spiritual connection to Japan.]" He walked with David for a while longer. "[Shinobi tells me you are to thank for helping restore his honor. Is this true?]"

David allowed himself a small smile. "[It's a matter of perception, Sensei. All I did was find the man who murdered the man who raised me like a son. Shinobi just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I'd like to think that I helped in doing so. Hiroki Bayushi was once an honorable man who was like a brother to my adoptive father but he lost his way and honor a long time ago.]"

"[Sad thing when an honorable man loses his way, is it not?]" David nodded at the Sensei's words. "[What about this Eric Raymond you want protected, do you think he's honorable?]"

The question made David pause for a minute. He let out a short breath. "[At one point in his life, maybe. He's hurt my family on more than one occasion. I only agreed to help him because he asked. I've never wished him to pay for harming my family through death. That is bad karma. He's asked for help so I'm giving it to him in hopes that he will see it as a guiding light out of the darkness that has overcome his life. I do believe deep down he is still a good man, he just needs guidance to find himself again.]"

The Sensei led him back to the entrance of the courtyard. "[You're very wise, more than you realize at times. I will think about your request while I talk with Tommy and Shinobi. And please stop calling me Sensei. Shinobi thinks of you as family and so will I. You may call me Uncle.]" David began to walk back to his friends. "[David, I do have one request for you.]" He stopped and looked at the wise old man. "[I would love to see a demonstration of the Ikari style of kendo, if you don't mind.]"

"[Certainly Uncle, how does after dinner sound?]" David nodded as the clan leader smiled letting him know that would be a fine time. He entered the guest house where his friends and Eric were waiting.

A knock sounded from Leo Scarletti's office door and his enforcer Sal entered the room. "Found Raymond, Boss. He's in Japan. Some punk kid named David Gabone or Gabor, that's it, Gabor, is protecting him. I just got a message that they're on their way back. I say we get that shitheel Raymond when he gets off the plane."

"Excellent work, Sal, and I agree. We get him at the airport but I want insurance for in case we're not successful. Do a background check on this David Gabor, maybe we can manipulate him to our whims." Leo picked up his phone and began calling the members in his crew. "I also want all of the info on his flight."

"Right, Boss." Sal left the room as Leo made the calls.

David watched the landing strip come up at the plane out of the window. He wasn't very happy with the answer he got from the clan leader. The plane taxied to the terminal and the passengers started to disembark from the plane. "Eric, wait until everyone else has gone. You know the drill." He watched Eric's reflection in the window.

"David, the plane is empty. We can go now." Tommy told him a few moments later. David looked around and got up. They left the plane in a single file manner. Tommy in the lead, then David, Eric and finally Shin taking up the rear. "If it's any consolation, waiting a week for my Uncle to send some help isn't that bad. He didn't say no. Also, I was impressed with your demonstration. It's a great technique." They walked through customs and then to the baggage claim.

"Thanks, Tommy." David hefted his bag and placed it on the ground. He handed Eric his small suitcase. After everyone had their luggage Tommy led them to the parking garage. "Okay, stay alert here, this parking garage is too dark for me." He noticed that Tommy and Shin gave him a look that he was stating the obvious.

Looking through the sniper scope, Tony steadied the rifle. He used the dark of night to keep him hidden. The night scope brought the target up perfectly since using a laser sight would give him away. He spoke softly into the microphone. "Target locked, Mr. Scarletti. Just give me the word."

"Anytime you're ready, Tony."

Tony slowly squeezed the trigger as Eric walked through the parking garage.

TO BE CONTINUED IN "MISFITS TO THE RESCUE"

PART 3 OF THE MOB RULES