Till Death Do Us Part

Part 2

Forgotten Vows

By Nick Maro

Lying in her old bed, Kimber stared blankly at the wedding dress that she had worn only a few hours before. Her eyes and throat hurt from crying. She studied the dress and could only think of one question. Why? Why did David suddenly have a change of heart? Why didn't he talk this over with her first? Why did he look as if he didn't want to leave her? Too many questions bounced in her mind.

The edge of the bed sank down and Kimber looked up to find her sister sitting there. She didn't hear her enter the room. Sniffling back a new set of tears Kimber sat up and hugged her sister tightly. "You know what's funny, Jer," Kimber said with her voice hoarse and cracking, "I don't hate David at all. I'm not even mad. He may have left me at the altar, but I don't hate him. There has to be some kind of reason for him to do this."

Jerrica pushed her younger sister away to an arm's length. She stared at her for a moment and then smiled sadly. "I just realized how grown up you've become. If this had happened two years ago, you'd have the whole room torn up from throwing a temper tantrum. But now, now you're living on your own and you've matured. I know I would've kicked Rio's ass if he ever left me standing at the altar!"

"I just know David. He wanted to marry me. He really did. His sense of honor wouldn't have let him leave me there if it wasn't for a damn good reason. At least I hope it was. Maybe I'm just trying to keep myself from admitting the truth." Kimber laid her head on her sister's leg. "I just don't know what to do now."

"David is on his way back to Japan," Yukio said startling both women.

"Yukio! How long have you been here?"

She looked at both Jerrica and Kimber then bowed in forgiveness. "My apologies, I'm used to walking and moving silently. I heard everything Kimber had to say about David-san. I hope she's right in that he isn't a coward." Yukio pulled a piece of paper out of her back pocket and handed it to Kimber. "Techrat found David's name on an airline passenger list. Please don't ask how he got it."

Kimber looked at Yukio in surprise, then swung her legs off her bed and looked for her pair of pants. "Before you can ask, I'm going to Japan to find David. I don't know where to look or even where to begin, but that won't stop me."

"I can't allow you to go, Kimber," Yukio said putting a hand on her shoulder and forcing her to sit down. "I've been asked by Phyllis to go alone. If anyone can find him it's me. I'll come back right away when I do find him and know he's safe. I'm asking you as a friend, most importantly as my friend, to stay here for the time being, Kimber."

Kimber stood up and then sat on the edge of the bed. She looked at Yukio and her sister. "I need to go with, Yukio. I can't stay here and just wait."

Yukio sat next to the young redhead. She draped her arm across Kimber's shoulders. "I'll be honest here. David is traveling with a known member of the Osaka Yakuza. The Yakuza is like the Japanese mafia. No one else recognized his name. I did." She glanced at Jerrica quickly, then back to Kimber. "Kyoko's name was also on the list. I don't know how she's connected to the Yakuza, but I'll find out. Now do you see why I must go alone?"

"Yeah, I suppose so," Kimber said after a moment of silence. "But the moment you find him, you either bring him back or tell me where he is. Okay?" She looked at Yukio with tears in her eyes.

"That's what Phyllis said." Yukio winked and smiled. Kimber hugged the Japanese woman and cried on her shoulder. Jerrica rubbed Kimber's back lightly. After a few moments, Yukio stood and left the room to travel to Japan, leaving Jerrica to console Kimber.

Intense feelings of déjà vu washed over David as he sat on the bench overlooking the garden. It had been forty-eight hours since he had left Kimber and flew back to Japan with Kyoko. She had explained to him the night before the wedding that she needed his help, but he couldn't marry Kimber and help her. David told her that he'd need time to think about it. He now found himself back in Japan.

David watched Kyoko work on her flower garden from his window. He adjusted the volume of his MP3 player and relaxed while watching her work. Kyoko looked up from planting and waved to him. He gave her a wide smile and returned the wave. He turned his MP3 player up and continued to watch her work with his thoughts wandering back to Kimber. He hoped that she could forgive him one day.

Kyoko waved for David to come join her. He nodded and turned off the music. On the way out he spotted Misato. "[Could you please serve lunch in the backyard by the flower garden? It's a beautiful day out and I'd really like to enjoy it.]"

"[As you wish, Ikari-san,]" Misato said politely. "[Sir, there have been several phone calls here in the past day. I was instructed by Bayushi-san to tell them that you didn't wish to speak to anyone. It just seemed out of character for you.]"

"[It is. It's also too complicated to explain. Honor and duty comes before your personal needs. This is one of those things. Excuse me, but Kyoko is waiting.]" Misato bowed deeply as David walked past her and went out to the flower garden. David stopped and looked at a young seedling. "Looks great, Kyoko. Who's been taking care of them?"

Kyoko came out of a utility shed where she kept her gardening supplies. "Mariko and Ayumi have been. Mariko has quite the green thumb. It's a shame that we can't go visit them right now. Ayumi has done an amazing painting of you and Kimber together." Kyoko covered her mouth when she saw David wince in reaction. "Oh, David, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure it's beautiful." David sat at a table near the flower garden. Kyoko sat opposite of him. David let out a long breath. "Listen, I have to get to Kyoto and talk to a friend there. He may be able to get us both out of this mess. Or in the very least help find a way out. He's an old family friend. I'm going to have to dodge your uncle's men to do this."

Misato set down their lunch and walked away silently. Kyoko waited until she was back inside the house. "You're not a prisoner. You're free to come and go as you please, but that's only after you meet my uncle." Kyoko played with her food mindlessly. "When did you need meet with your friend?"

David finished chewing his food then put his fork down. "As soon as I can the better, we really don't have much time to waste. When does your uncle want to meet with me?"

Kyoko leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. "I have no idea. He really thinks he can get away with anything because he's the head of the Matsuo Yakuza. It could be today, it could be tomorrow. Hell, it could three weeks from today. The man thinks he's a god."

"Then I'm going tonight. I'll be back by dawn. Kyoto isn't that far away." David finished his lunch and offered Kyoko his hand. "Come on show me what flowers have been planted."

"I know I can't stop you from going, David, but I can tell you to be careful." Kyoko took his hand and gave him a hug. "I do love you. I love you very much and I don't want anything to happen to you. What you're doing for me is the greatest gift any one could give me."

David stared into her brown eyes. He kissed her lightly on the lips and swiped a lock of hair from her face. "I'm doing this for our families and the honor of both schools. Hiroshi and Hiroki would expect no less from me. So if must marry you, I will. Personal happiness is nothing compared to family honor. In all honesty, I'm thankful I'll have a beautiful bride as you." Kyoko blushed at his words. She then showed him the various flowers and seedlings.

The sun had been down for roughly twenty minutes when David slipped out the back door of Kyoko's home. He was dressed in all black and wore a small backpack carrying a set of regular clothing. He also kept a tanto hidden under the backpack near his lower back. David peeked out of the gate and spotted one of Soun's men. He leapt into a nearby tree and jumped into a neighbor's yard. He ran quietly to the opposite fence and repeated the process.

When David was sure he was clear of Soun's men he made his way in the shadows to the train station. He purchased a round trip ticket to Kyoto and back. He walked slowly to the platform and waited. Two of Soun's men came around a corner. They looked around and went back the way they had come. David came out from behind the corner he was hiding behind.

The train pulled up five minutes later. David boarded the train then went up two cars in case he was spotted. He didn't like how it put him out in the open. He chose a seat that provided the best cover. The train pulled away from the station with a light rock. The intercom crackled to life. "[This is Nippon Rail number one-five-three express to Kyoto. Estimated time of arrival is one hour. Enjoy your ride.]" David sat back in his seat and relaxed. He kept his eyes open and his mind alert for any trouble.

Fifteen minutes into the trip, David saw two men enter his car from behind him. He spotted their reflections in the door window in front of him. He slipped his hand behind his back and started to free the tanto slightly. One of the men began coming toward David, he nudged his partner and they started walking toward him.

David watched them carefully. They were almost upon him when the second man fell to the floor of the train car. His partner turned to see what had happened when he too was knocked to the ground. David saw standing over them was a black clothed woman. He stood with his hand still on the tanto and stared at the woman before him.

"[I thank you, but please excuse me if I don't know if you're friend or foe,]" David said politely but with enough tone of distrust that the woman would have to reveal herself.

The woman took off her black mask and shook her long black hair loose. "[You're getting sloppy, Ikari-san. You don't know the body language of your own bodyguard?]"

Pushing the tanto back into place, David let out a sigh of relief. "Yukio! I'm glad it's you. What are you doing in Japan?"

"I'm here to ask you what the hell you were thinking leaving Kimber at the altar! She's devastated. What's going on here, David?" Yukio moved the men out of the way and tied their hands and feet together.

David helped Yukio with the men then sat down. He waited for her to finish gagging them. "Kyoko's uncle is the head of a local Yakuza. He is claiming the Bayushi School of martial arts if she doesn't get married, because he believes a woman has no place running it. Hiroki also once promised that she and I would marry. Hiroki freed Kyoko from that promise with one of his final dying breaths. She was free to marry Shin and he would have taken over. That's no longer possible since Shin sacrificed himself for her. Now her uncle wants the school to train his men to become assassins. Kyoko asked me to marry her to save the school." He looked in Yukio's eyes. "It's a matter of family honor. Family honor before personal life."

Yukio sat there in silence and thought of what he had told her. "You're doing the right thing. It's just the timing sucks." Yukio knocked out one of the men who was beginning to come around. "So why are you heading to Kyoto?"

"I need to talk to a friend who can help us out. He's an old family friend." David slipped off the wedding band he kept when he left the United States. He gave it a light kiss and put it in Yukio's hand. "When you see Kimber next give this to her. Tell her that I'm coming back for it and her." The conductor of the train announced the nearing arrival to the Kyoto station. "Tell her I love her and I miss her. Also, don't kill those men. Just convince them they didn't see me."

David stepped off the train before Yukio could reply. She looked at the ring and at the two unconscious men. A sly smile crossed her lips. It had been awhile since she'd able to have some fun.

Kimber and The Misfits listened to Yukio explain what David had told her no more than a day earlier. Yukio opened Kimber's hand and placed the ring into it. "He said that he'd come back for that and you. He didn't say when, but I'd say soon. What David is doing is a matter of honor. I hope none of you hate him for doing this. David is one of the most honorable men I've ever known. If he says he'll be back, he will be. Just give him time to do what must be done."

Kimber threaded the ring onto her necklace. She stood and started pacing the room thinking of what Yukio had told her. She watched the birds at the bird feeders out of the patio window. She tried to keep the tears back, but it was a futile gesture. Tears started falling from her cheeks. She sniffled once and turned to her friends. "He'll be back. I know he will. David always tries to do what he says he'll do."

"You're right, Kimber. David always does what he says he'll do. We just have to let him work his magic." Pizzazz stood and hugged her future sister-in-law.

"Thanks, Phyllis." Kimber pushed David's twin away and looked at each of the women and Techrat. "I give him a week. If he hasn't returned by then, then I'm going after him. Honor be damned. I'm not losing David over his sense of honor."

Yukio sat in her chair and watched Kimber pace the room. "You're not going to lose him. He says he has it under control. I trust him."

Kimber whirled around on Yukio and stuck her finger in the woman's face. "I trust him also! What I don't trust is the situation! A lot could go wrong. I have half a mind to pack and go to Japan right now. You said he was going to Kyoto. I'll start there." She began pacing the room again.

Stormer grabbed Kimber lightly by the arm. "Think about what you're doing."

"I know what I'm doing. I'm going in search of the man I love." Kimber thought for a moment. "Again. I'm not losing him to honor." She pulled her arm free of Stormer's grip.

"You're not going anywhere, Kimber. So you sit right down." Yukio swept Kimber's leg from under her causing her to fall backwards. She then pivoted Kimber so that she fell into a chair. "Now you get this straight. You're staying here. David told me that I am to make sure that you remained safe. I intend to do that. I owe David my life. It's dangerous for you to go alone. The men David is dealing with are some of the most dangerous in the world. If they capture you, they'll either kill you, sell you into white slavery or worse. You wait that week. At the end of it, you and I will go find David. Do you understand what I've just told you?"

Kimber stared at Yukio a long time. Each of The Misfits looked at each other nervously. They'd never seen Yukio angry. For such a small woman she intimidated each of them. Pizzazz thought of how Yukio reminded her of David when he was angry. "Kimber, just wait the week. I'm sure my brother will be in touch by then," Pizzazz said quietly. "I'm worried as well."

Kimber closed her eyes tightly and felt more tears run down her cheeks. "Fine, but at the end of the week, I'm going to Japan with or without you, Yukio."

Yukio knelt down, wrapped her arms around Kimber and rocked her slowly. "Everything is going to be okay, Kimber. You'll see."

Kyoko knocked lightly on David's door. She heard him mumble to wait. She shifted her weight and balanced the platter of food on one hand. Kyoko opened the door when David gave the okay. She smiled at David as she brought him breakfast in bed. "I figured if you're going to be a guest in my home I should treat you like one." She sat on the edge of his bed and watched David begin to eat. "So do you think this will work?"

David swallowed a bite of his breakfast. "Yes, it will. He gave me his word that everything will be straightened out. No matter what your uncle will never possess or obtain any knowledge of the Bayushi School of martial arts. He's isn't even blood related." He went back to eating.

The phone rang before Kyoko could reply. She intentionally waited and answered it on the sixth ring. Kyoko's composure changed noticeably. David figured that she was talking to her uncle. He watched her take the phone to the bench by the window. After a few moments Kyoko switched the phone off and slammed it back on the cradle. She put her hands on her hips and chewed the inside of her cheek for a second. "Get dressed. He's sending a car to pick us up now."

"How long till they get here?"

"About a half hour but we can make them wait. Just one of the many ways I like to piss off my uncle. So you have time to finish eating and to take a shower. I'll meet you downstairs when you're ready." Kyoko kissed him on the forehead and left the room.

David finished his breakfast and then took a shower. While in the shower he thought about his trip to Kyoto. A lot depended on what Kyoko's uncle had to say and what he'd agree to. David got out of the shower and dried off. He opened his closet and looked at his clothing selection. He chose his Ikari family ceremonial kimono. David figured he would show that he respected the tradition he had adopted into his life.

After getting dressed, David went down the stairs and met Kyoko in the living room. She was dressed in the Bayushi ceremonial kimono. Her smile grew when she saw him. "Guess we were thinking the same thing, huh?"

"Nah, just seemed like the right thing to do. It'll also show your uncle that we both honor tradition. I guess we should get going. I know you like keeping him waiting but let's not make it too much longer." Kyoko agreed with David and left the house and got into the waiting car.

The car pulled out of the drive way and drove to Kyoko's uncle's mansion. David and Kyoko remained straight backed and quiet during the whole trip. They both stared straight ahead. A half hour later the driver pulled through the gates and parked near the front door. Kyoko and David walked side by side through the door down the long hallway. They stopped in front of a pair of twin solid wood doors. Kyoko flashed a glare at one of the bodyguards and he opened one of the doors.

David and Kyoko slowly walked to the desk while the thin grey haired man looked up at them slowly. "[It's becoming a bad habit of yours to arrive late, Kyoko dear.]" His gaze turned to David, he studied him from head to toe and back. "[So, this is the man you wish to marry? The man who will love you and take care of you until you're both old and gray?]"

"[Yes Uncle, he is. David is very honorable and respects the tradition of martial arts. He may not be Japanese, but I believe he holds a Japanese soul. He treats me as an equal and not as a slave. David is easily one of my closest friends and I hold him dear in my heart. Even though the man I was set to marry has sacrificed himself to save me, I still honor his memory. But I must move on and carry on the Bayushi School and martial art style.]" Kyoko stared her uncle directly in the eye.

"[I wish to hear his reasons.]" Soun tore his gaze from Kyoko to David. He felt as if Soun was looking into his soul.

"[Kyoko is the daughter of an old enemy of my family.]" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kyoko look at him. "[Her father assaulted my mother when he and my father were students of the Ikari School of martial arts. As a result my father and hers became bitter enemies. Her father kidnapped the daughter that my mother gave birth to as a result of the sexual attack. Kyoko grew up thinking she was her sister. It wasn't until last year that everything came full circle. I was to marry Kyoko despite the fact I was involved with someone else. Kyoko's father said that that debt was no longer with his final and dying words. What I do today is in honor of her family and mine, but most of all to keep the school out of the hands of a monster like yourself.]" David stared hard into Soun's eyes. Soun broke eye contact after a few minutes.

After shuffling some papers Soun looked at the couple. "[Very well, the wedding will take place tomorrow evening. You both are to remain here until then. You'll be shown to your rooms now if there isn't anything else.]"

David stepped forward. "[Yes, I'd like to request that I choose the monk who will marry us. It would mean a lot to me if the monk who married my parents married Kyoko and I. Is that acceptable?]"

Soun sat back in his chair and thought for a moment. "[Yes, you may contact him tonight.]" David thanked the older man and joined Kyoko on their way to their separate rooms.

The afternoon sun shone through the bedroom window. David paced in his room in anticipation of the wedding. He made the call to his family friend in Kyoto who said he would meet David at the mansion around five in the afternoon. David wanted to make some minor prenuptial adjustments that he and Kyoko made before they came to the mansion.

A soft knock came from David's door. He opened the door and let an older Japanese man inside. He was in his late fifties and was beginning to go gray. His posture was that of a man who had endured years of rigorous training and discipline. A friendly smile showed through his graying beard. "[David, it's so good to see you again. Are you and Kyoko ready?]"

"[Yes we are, Master Kanno.]" David pointed at the papers for Saotoshi to look over and sign. "[I just wish that my mother and family could be witness to the wedding. The Ikari family and Bayushi family finally becoming one is a major event.]" He pointed to a spot on a paper for Saotoshi to sign. David didn't want the bugs in the room or the guards to know about the papers.

"[It's a very big deal, David. I'm honored to wed the two of you. I know that Hiroshi and Hiroki are proud of you both. I remember hearing them both talking about their children marrying when they would grow old.]" Saotoshi signed another piece of paper. "[This, of course, is before their falling out.]" He put his pen away and winked at David. "[Well, I must go get ready for the wedding. May I give advanced congratulations to you and your future bride.]" Saotoshi left the room, leaving David smiling at the pieces of paper.

Soun Matsuo waited next to David for Kyoko to come down the aisle. She was followed by a few of Soun's maids who held the train of her gown off of the floor. David glanced at Saotoshi nervously. He really wished Kimber was there as the bride. Kyoko arrived to where David was standing and flipped her veil up. She smiled and blushed at him. They turned together at the same to face the monk.

Saotoshi spoke words that both Kyoko and David barely heard. They spoke when they were instructed to. David slipped a ring on Kyoko's finger and spoke words he didn't mean. All the while he imaged Kimber standing in place of Kyoko. She did the same with David, picturing it was Shin instead of him. Saotoshi cleared his throat and spoke more clearly. "[You may now kiss the bride.]"

David turned and lightly kissed Kyoko on the lips trying to make it look convincing to Soun. When he felt Soun would be satisfied David broke the kiss. He turned to Kyoko's uncle with seething hatred in his eyes. "[Now the Bayushi School will never be yours.]"

"[I beg to differ,]" Soun said with an edge of cockiness in his voice. "[In fact, you'll be the teacher of my men.]"

"[What makes you think I'll agree to that?]"

"[This.]" Soun signaled one of his men. He flicked a switch and the mirror along the far wall lit up. It was a two way mirror. David and Kyoko both let out a gasp when they saw The Misfits and Kimber tied up and gagged. David noted that Yukio wasn't with them. "[You will teach my men both the Bayushi style and the Ikari style of martial art or I will kill each of them slowly.]"

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "YUMEMIRU SHOUJO JA IRARENAI"

(English Trans: I Can No Longer Be the Kind of Girl Who Dreams)

PART 3 OF TILL DEATH DO US PART