Mystic Rhythms

Part 2

Danse Patterns

By Nick Maro

The mid-January snow covered the ground around David as he practiced with his katana. It was early afternoon and he had been practicing for the past three hours non-stop. For months he hadn't been able to concentrate like this in America. He felt more at peace at his Japanese home. This was his dojo and nothing in America could ever replace the feeling one got from the place where he learned the art.

David swung his sword around and sheathed the blade. He bowed to the dojo in respect. As he began walking toward the house, he heard light clapping. It was from a young woman who stood at the gate with a small smile on her face. She had a small pile of envelopes tucked under her arm.

Confusion crossed his face as he walked closer to her. "[Good afternoon, may I help you with something?]"

"[Hello, forgive my intruding I was just coming over to give Mariko some of her mail that I accidentally got.]" The young woman showed the labels of the envelopes, being careful not to drop them in the snow. "[No one answered the door, but I heard someone back here. I take it you're David, right? My name is Kaori Umezawa. I moved in next door a few months ago. I'm pleased to finally meet you.]"

"[I'd love to say the feeling is mutual, but Mariko never mentioned you.]" David quickly thought of something nice to say. "[What I mean is that it's nice to meet you also. Would you like to come in for some tea? Mariko should be home anytime now. She and Ayumi went to the market to get the week's groceries.]"

Kaori handed David the mail and acted as if she was having trouble debating if she should accept David's offer or not. She finally grinned and winked. "[Well, since you offered so nicely and you didn't hit me with the katana. Okay.]" She followed David to the back door and quietly thanked him when he held it open for her. She kicked off her shoes and sat on one of the stools at the kitchen counter. "[So, what style of kendo was that? I've never seen it before.]"

David glanced over his shoulder in mild surprise and delight. "[It's the Ikari Style. My family's own style of kendo, that's been passed down for many generations. There's also a bit of Arashikage Clan style in there as well.]" David put the kettle on the burner and got out the tea. "[You caught me doing my morning exercises, well, afternoon now. I guess I lost track of time. You weren't waiting long were you?]"

"[Nope, I was enjoying watching you anyway. You move so gracefully. You're like a ballet dancer with swords.]" She giggled as David began to blush and turned to hide it.

"[Tell me, Kaori, what's your line of work? What do you do for a living?]"

"[Well, tell you what. Why don't we discuss this over dinner at my place? You bring the wine and I'll cook a nice dinner.]" Kaori blew on the cup of tea after David handed it to her. "[That is if you want to. I mean, I don't mean to come on too strong. It's strictly a friendship thing and…and totally up to you.]" She nervously smiled up at David.

Putting his cup of tea down David returned the smile. "[I'd love to come over tonight. I'm just curious as to why Mariko hasn't mentioned you before.]" He looked at the mysterious young woman more closely. She had shoulder length black hair. Her eyes were a very light brown, almost copper in color. Her smile was more of a sly smirk than a wide smile. He noted that she was slightly taller than most Japanese women. Overall he found her very attractive both physically and in personality.

Kaori looked at him and shrugged. "[What's America like? Mariko told me a little about your family there, but didn't go into details. She just said you were her adopted son and left it at that.]" She sipped the tea again.

"[I'll tell you tonight,]" he said with a wink. "[Listen, I need to take a shower. You can wait down here for Mariko if you want. If not, then I'll see you tonight.]"

"[You got it. My house is the one on the north side to you. Come over around eight? Is that a good time?]"

"[Perfect, see you then.]" David walked Kaori to the door when she began to leave. He waved to her and watched her head into her house. He got in the shower and washed off the sweat from his workout. Afterwards he called Ken. "I just had the beginning of either the strangest day in my life or a wonderful one. I met this young woman who just moved in next door. Her name rang a bell and I thought of you. Kaori Umezawa. Does that ring any bells?"

Ken nearly deafened David with his shout. "Are you kidding me? She's the hottest manga writer-artist today. She's also the most private. She never goes to conventions, nor has her picture been taken for magazines. No one knows what she looks like or even if she's a she. You gotta tell me all about her. C'mon man! I'm your buddy and pal."

David began laughing while listening to his friend ramble on. "I'll tell you everything tomorrow. I'm having dinner at her place tonight."

"Oh you rat bastard," Ken said clearly annoyed and jealous. They talked a bit more about Kaori until Mariko and Ayumi returned with the groceries. David hung up and helped them unload the car while thinking about her.

The rotted door burst open when the woman kicked it lightly. She covered her mouth to protect it from the splinters and dust particles. Light filtered through the cracks of the boards on the windows. There was a table that had seen better days in a corner, a refrigerator that had been broken for years and an old rusty framed bed in another corner. The mattress on the bed was holed filled and covered in various stains.

Looking over the woman's shoulder the older man frowned. "Looks like it's another dead end, Giselle. This place has been abandoned for years." He shrugged when Danse entered the house. "Then again that didn't stop you before." He entered the house and helped his daughter search for any clues of his missing wife's whereabouts.

Danse stood before the bed and called her father over. "Look at this, Father. There's chains connected to each of the leg posts. It's like someone was held here before." She carefully examined the cuffs at the end of the chains. "These cuffs don't have any hinges. They seem to have been made to fit around the captive's arms and legs. It may not have been mother, but someone was definitely held here."

Peter opened the fridge door where he immediately covered his mouth and nose as the stench of rotting flesh hit him. He shut the door before his daughter could see the contents. "Giselle, let's get out of here and call the police. There's a body in the fridge here. It's not Nadia. The body is male." He led his daughter outside and breathed the fresh air in deeply.

"We can't call the police, Father. Last thing we need to is answer questions on why we were all the way out here. Let's just get back to the dance troupe and get to L.A. The show for Haven House is tomorrow evening. Maybe we can find some clues then." Danse leaned against her car and sighed. "This may seem like a wild goose chase, but I know it isn't. We'll find mom soon. I just know we will." A sad smile crossed her lips. "We'll be a complete family again." She hugged her father at the thought.

Jetta yawned as she made her way across the dance room floor. She handed Roxy and Pizzazz their beers and sat in the booth next to Roxy. She handed Stormer a glass of water. Jetta leaned her head against Roxy's shoulder. "So, have we decided on our song list or is Phyllis still worryin' if she should call Richard or not?"

"Nah, she called him. He's not there." Roxy glanced down at Jetta. "Instead Mary and I are debating if we should have Techrat mix our album or hire someone else. I was thinking of begging Rio again since he did a beautiful job on Rebirth." She lightly shrugged. "He might do it. I dunno if he's still holding a grudge or not. I've been avoiding him since the pool incident." Roxy took another small sip of her beer.

"Techrat's been too busy with Clash and Video getting their studio off the ground," Pizzazz continued peeling off the label from her beer bottle. "But, that doesn't mean he won't help us out. I'm just saying we should help them out by giving them business. It would be great publicity for the studio and, hell, we'd pay. Just because they're friends doesn't mean we should take it for granted." She wadded up the label into a ball and flicked it at Jetta, who was starting to drift to sleep.

"Hey!" Jetta yelled swatting at the air. "Watch it, Colony. I'll kick yer arse!"

Stormer chuckled while watching the people dancing. The song changed and Stormer smiled. She slid out of the booth and joined the group on the dance floor. Roxy propped her head on the table and watched the blue haired woman. "That's a good point, Phyllis, but I just have to wonder if they'll think it's us showing sympathy or not. I mean we'd be their first clients and all. Maybe they want to do this on their own."

Pizzazz thought about what Roxy had said. "Wouldn't hurt to ask is all I'm saying. The worse they can say is no."

Roxy nodded. "Well I was just voicing my opinion on the matter." She turned and watched Stormer dance. "So what should we do about the disco queen? I haven't seen her with this amount of energy in ages."

"Ah let her dance, she's just excited about the new album is being made. Mary put a lot of herself into this one. This is a kind of therapy for her for what's been happening and all." Pizzazz finished her beer. "I think she did this while she stayed in the hospital." She pointed at Jetta. "What about sleeping beauty there? Gonna wake her up?"

"Hmmm?" Roxy looked at the raven-haired head on her shoulder. "Let her sleep. She hasn't been sleeping very well as it is. Right now any sleep is good sleep for her. We'll wake her when we're ready to leave." Roxy went back to watching the people dance in the club.

As Jetta drifted into her dream, a vacant, disembodied voice whispered to her. Sheila. Your power is growing. Your control over the energies is growing. You are doing well, my pupil. But you must start studying harder. If you cannot sleep, then study. Soon you will not need sleep for you will control one of the fundamental energies in the universe. That will sustain and nuture you. Now sleep. I will be with you soon to show you greatness.

Feeling a tingle of foreboding, Stormer stopped dancing and went back to the table. She saw Jetta twitch slightly and mumble in her sleep. She looked up at her two best friends. "I'm about ready to go. How about you guys?"

Pizzazz stood and stretched. "Yeah, it's almost two in the morning. Wake up Sheila while I pay the tab, Rox. Meet you by the front door." She turned and went to pay as Stormer joined her half sister. She turned her head once to look back at Jetta with a slight frown.

"Wake up, Sheila. We're leaving." Roxy shook the shoulder that Jetta's head was on.

Jetta slowly woke and looked around then up at Roxy. "Jus' had the strangest dream. Well, it wasn't much of a dream. More of a voice in me ear tellin' me how great I'll become or somethin'." She shook her head in annoyance. "Blast it all. I can't remember what it was now. Probably nothin'." Jetta looked around the table. "Where are Phyllis and Mary?"

Roxy slid out of the booth and held her hand out for Jetta. "They're paying the tab we rang up. Personally I can't wait to get home. I'm tired as hell." She slid her arm around Jetta's waist and walked with her to the front doors where Pizzazz and Stormer waited for them. She couldn't help but notice that Stormer was carefully watching Jetta's actions and movements.

The light knock on his bedroom door brought Richard out of his meditation. The door opened and Christine smiled at him. "The alarm at the house went off earlier tonight. Did you want me to send someone to check it out or anything?" She held back a yawn and blinked in effort to stay awake.

"I already knew about it when it happened, Christine. It's nothing to be concerned of just—" Richard's voice trailed off. "On second thought I'll go myself. I just checked the wards and I may have missed something very important." He stood and got dressed. Richard grabbed his car keys and walked back to where Christine stood. "Take care of our guests while I'm gone. I won't be back until later this evening."

"Sure thing. What should I tell them?"

Richard slipped on his jacket. "Tell them that something has come up. It might be a lead it might not be, also that I'll be back later to update them all. So they shouldn't wander too far." He hugged his longtime friend and began walking down the hallway. He turned around while walking. "Tell Phyllis when she calls that I'm away on business and I'll talk to her later." Richard broke into a short run down the hallway.

Nervously checking the small bouquet of flowers and bottle of wine, David rang the doorbell. He desperately wanted to run his fingers through his hair, but couldn't while holding the wine bottle. After a few moments the door opened. Kaori smiled sweetly and looked at her watch. "[Well, good to know that you're so prompt.]" She opened the door wider. "[Get inside. It's freezing out there.]"

David walked just inside the doorway and let Kaori shut the door behind him. He handed the flowers to her and smirked. "[Since we didn't have any of your mail, I found these instead. I'm sure you're not disappointed.]"

Kaori opened the bouquet and let out a small squeal. She looked up at David sharply. "[How did you know that black roses were my favorites?]" She smelled them again and smiled.

"[It was a lucky guess.]" Kaori arched a suspicious eyebrow at him. "[No, honest, it was.]"

"[You're a very strange man, David Ikari.]"

David scratched the back of his neck and looked sheepish. "[Yeah, I get that a lot.]" He remembered the bottle of wine he was holding. "[Oh, I brought this too as requested. I'm not very good at shopping for alcohol. So I don't know if this brand is good or not.]" He shrugged and smiled. He kicked his shoes off and followed Kaori into the dining room after she took his jacket.

"[Don't worry about it. I just testing you anyway,]" she said over her shoulder. "[But don't get me wrong, I do appreciate it.]" She went into the kitchen and put the flowers into a vase. When she came back in she brought a pan of pizza with her. She placed it on the table and looked at David with a slight smirk. "[I really can't cook, either. In my line of work it's near impossible. Sorry.]"

"[No, don't apologize. Pizza is just fine.]" David put a few slices on his plate. "[So you're a manga writer and artist. I believe the series is called Gaijin Samurai?]" He tried not to smile too much when Kaori looked up at him. "[Well?]"

Kaori was stunned and a little disappointed that he knew her career. "[Let me guess, you're a fan, right?]"

David laughed quietly. "[No, my friend Kenshiro is. He actually got very jealous when I told him I was having dinner with you. Anyway, it's been a while since I was able to relax like this.]" He wiped his hands on a napkin. "[Might also say I rarely do with such a beautiful woman as yourself.]" David smirked and gave Kaori a quick wink.

"[Have you always been such a big flirt?]" Kaori tried hide her blushing behind her glass. "[But thank you.]" She wiped her hands off on her own napkin. "[So, uh, did you want to watch a movie or something? Okay, so I don't get out enough or plan very well.]"

"[Its fine, I'd love to watch a movie. It really has been a long time since I was this relaxed. Thank you.]"

David followed Kaori into her living room and sat on the couch. Kaori found a movie to watch and sat next to David leaning against his side. She cuddled tighter as the movie went on. David glanced down at her often and wrapped his arm across her shoulders. He turned her face to his with his finger. He leaned in to kiss her when they both felt a slight vibration come from his belt. Kaori looked up at him in confusion and he cursed under his breath. It was Kyoko and Yukio. They had found a lead on the Crimson Sons.

The Zagreb Ballet performed in the cultural center near Haven House. Stormer leaned forward in her seat and watched with full attention. Pizzazz watched the ballet impatiently with her leg bouncing in place. She glanced at the empty seat of where Richard should have been. She hadn't heard from him since he went away on business. Deep down she knew he was okay. Pizzazz glanced at Roxy, who was trying to stay awake by yawning. She was grateful the young guitarist was covering her mouth.

Pizzazz looked at Jetta who was next to Roxy. Jetta was watching the dancers intensely. It was almost as if she was seeing something no one else could see. Pizzazz turned back to the ballet and watched in silence. An hour and half later it was over. The audience stood giving a loud ovation. Jetta nudged Roxy awake and clapped her hands loudly. Roxy woke with a start and looked around and confusion while clapping slowly. Stormer looked down at her friend and began giggling.

The ballet troupe came out and bowed several times. They were then joined by Danse who was smiling through the tears streaming down her face. She waved to the audience and threw kisses to them. People walked up to the stage placed flowers at their feet. Pizzazz grabbed her bouquet and nudged Stormer. She followed Pizzazz and motioned to Roxy and Jetta that they were going down to congratulate Danse and the ballet troupe.

The four Misfits made their way backstage where they waited for Danse to come off stage. It was then that Pizzazz noticed that Jem and The Holograms were backstage as well. The Misfits all noticed Kimber was absent. There was a moment of awkward silence between the two bands. Jem finally broke the silence. "It's nice to see you and The Misfits again, Pizzazz. It really has been too long since we did anything together." She gave a kind smile.

"Yeah, it has been, but you know how it goes, bands mature. Also, we've all been busy with our own personal lives." Pizzazz looked to the stage Danse was walking towards them. "Maybe we should save this conversation for another time." She turned to Danse. "Your dance troupe was terrific. We all enjoyed it." She lightly nudged Roxy.

"Huh? Oh yeah. I really liked all of the jumping and, uh, dancing," Roxy said trying horribly to cover up the fact she was asleep for most of the show. She looked around and found an excuse to get away from the group. "Oh hey, they catered." Roxy quietly walked over to the buffet table and began making a small plate of food. Jetta joined her and whispered in her ear. Roxy looked up at her friend and they went out the backdoor together.

Danse watched the two Misfits make their mysterious exit. She turned to the other women. "Thank you. We've been practicing for months for this tour. From what my assistant tells me we've raised a nice amount of money for Haven House." She turned her attention to Jem for a brief moment. "I wanted to tell Jerrica that I was going to donate some of the money to the Starlight Foundation, but I don't see her around."

"She had some business to attend to with Kimber," Aja offered quickly.

"Then that explains Kimber's whereabouts. So Pizzazz, I hear that Suzaku went back to Japan with David. I wish they were here to see the performance." Danse sipped her bottled water and dried herself with a towel. "What's with Roxy and Jetta? They've been acting a bit strange lately." She leaned against the wall and continued to wipe the sweat from her brow and face.

Pizzazz looked at Stormer then briefly at the door. "Oh, ah, I'm not sure. Whatever it is, I'm sure its nothing." She gave a quick smile and looked at Jem. "I haven't seen you in awhile, stranger. How have you been?"

Trying not to look too shocked Jem smiled. "I've been well. I haven't been around much because I've been visiting family and just relaxing." She gave a nervous glance to Shana and Aja.

Before either woman could respond, Richard softly clapped a hand on Pizzazz's shoulder and grinned at everyone. "Sorry I'm so late. Family business. Nothing to worry about." He gave a single flower to Danse. "Forgive me for missing your performance. I promise I won't miss tomorrows." He bowed slightly and smiled wide.

Danse giggled softly and smiled. "Thank you, Richard. I completely understand when it comes to family matters. The other day my father and I thought we had a good lead on my mother. But it turned out to just be an abandoned house, but I know we're close. I can almost feel it."

"You'll find her soon, Danse." Jem put her hand on the young dancer's upper arm. "You've come so far and searched for so long to just not give up. Just don't give up hope. That's the worst thing you can do right now."

"If you need my help just ask. I'll try my best to help you anyway I can," Richard offered.

"Thank you, Richard. My father is over there and he has all of the details."

Richard nodded and kissed Pizzazz on the cheek before he left. She glanced at the door that Roxy and Jetta had left through. "I think we should check on our friends. Make sure they're not scaring small children or the dancers."

"Or eating them," Stormer added quietly with a smirk.

Danse, Jem and The Holograms chuckled quietly as the two Misfits began to walk away. "Thank you for coming anyway, Pizzazz. It was very thoughtful of you. Tell David and the rest of Suzaku hello for me." Danse walked Pizzazz and Stormer to the door. The other women waved to them. Pizzazz caught Richard's eye and pointed to the door. He nodded and quickly joined her and Stormer. Roxy and Jetta were sitting against the building getting fresh air.

Waking from a restless sleep, Frick laid awake in bed for several minutes. He looked over to the bed next to his. It was empty. He saw his partner in magic, Frack, staring out of the window. It looked as if he wasn't breathing at all. Frick sat up and walked up to his old friend. "Can't sleep either I see."

Frack spoke without glancing over his shoulder. "You're still ashamed of what I'd done and who I am. You think I'll go back and side with Tolliver again. Well, you're wrong. Tolliver did things that made sick to even think about now." He shuddered to himself. "I want to see him captured again. I was there when Astral's mentor was slaughtered. I still have nightmares about that night."

Frick grabbed Frack by the back of his neck and squeezed. He spun the other man around and pressed his forearm against Frack's throat. "Well, my young disciple." Frick's voice took on a deep, hollow sound to it. "It's nice to know that what I do to people makes you sick. I could kill you now if I chose to, but I'm going to let you live. Live and know that at anytime I choose I can take control of you or one of your pathetic friends. I will be in contact with you again."

Frack grabbed his throat when he was released. He slid to the floor rubbing it and looked up at Frick who was shaking his head and blinking. Frick looked down at Frack in confusion. "What happened?"

The doorbell rang a second time. Annoyed, Roxy exited her room and answered the door. Standing in the doorway was a middle aged man in an expensive looking suit. He was around six feet tall and had graying hair. His eyes were a dark brown that looked almost black. For an older man, Roxy found him to be somewhat attractive.

Roxy flashed a faked smile. "Yeah? What do you want?" She interrupted him before he could speak. "Wait, if you're a salesman. I'm gonna be seriously pissed off. No one wakes me up to sell me kitchen knives, say how I'm going to Hell or ask for money to save a starving goldfish. So if any of the above applies, you can fucker off right now."

"May I speak to Sheila Burns?" The man spoke in a light European accent. He gave Roxy a kind smile.

"Oh yeah, right, I'll go wake her." Roxy jogged back to Jetta's room and shook her roommate awake. "There's some old guy at the door for you. He's in a suit." Jetta stopped rubbing her eyes and looked at Roxy. "I swear Sheila, if you're in trouble again."

"Will you shut the fuck up for a minute?" Jetta slipped a long T-shirt on and started to walk to the door. "Sorry. You know I am in the mornin'." Roxy nodded and followed her. Jetta yawned and opened the door again. "Yeah? I'm Sheila Burns. What do you want?"

The man's smile widened. "Ms. Burns, I understand you've been reading my books on alternate energy control. May I have a word with you?"

Jetta let out a small yelp and turned to Roxy. "Oh my God, Rox! It's Willam Tolliver! The author of the books I've been readin'" She turned back to Willam Tolliver and held the door open for him. "Come on in. It's an honor to have you here."

Roxy felt a chill run up her spine when Jetta shut the door.

TO BE CONCLUDED IN "DANSE DANSE REVOLUTION"

PART 3 OF MYSTIC RHYTHMS