Chapter 21

Part 1

Another Vane, why didn't I think of that? I know that Miss Sophia, Miss Rei, Miss Houky and potentially a Miss Charlotte too, came from this world. Who knows how many other people here have Vane's power?

I check google, Poppy said that the other woman alighted from the station before hers. It is all too possible that Kay could have tracked her down yesterday, while I was indulging myself playing with Poppy.

She touches my arm; I find it reassuring somehow. I turn to myself. "You stay here, Poppy wanted to show us Osaka castle and the waterfall in Minoo park. I'll find Kay and make sure that she is not a danger to anyone." I feel a gentle tug, through our bond. I glance at my other self, wondering if he felt it too.

He nods at me, barely perceptibly. "To take on Kay, we need to be whole. Besides, Poppy can seal her magic away seamlessly now, unless we kiss her. Although if you insist, I was thinking of spending the day in a love hotel. I found the perfect one too, look."

Poppy peers over his shoulder. "I thought they are meant to have play stations, karaoke and a large spa bath, that review says it didn't even have clean sheets!"

We chuckle, she is exceptionally cute.

"What?"

Having shared a secret smile with myself, I answer her. "It's funny that you think you'd still care about those things within a few seconds of us taking you there."

Poppy looks suspicious. "This rivalry thing of yours, is all put on, isn't it?"

Unable to keep the charade up any longer, we snicker. While she frowns disapprovingly at us.

I remove the jewel I purchased yesterday from my pocket. "Ready I ask myself?" We hold hands, the jewel begins to glow as we transfer the excess life-force we received from Poppy into it. She looks concerned, as we begin to fade.

"There is no cause for alarm, all will be well."

I stand alone holding the gem, which I discreetly replace in my pocket.

"You could have done that at any time couldn't you?"

I give Poppy a cheeky wink, designed to disarm the most cold-hearted of women. "Of course, but we were all having such fun, were we not?"

As we near Tokyo, sitting on the bullet train together, I notice that Poppy has become despondent. I nudge her and put on my Sirius voice. "What's up, love?"

"I booked us a trip up Fujisan next weekend…"

"Don't worry, our weekends together are my top priority." After going back to Saligia that is. "Consider it a date. I will be leaving soon though, therefore kindly consider our last two Saturdays after that to be my treat."

She puts on a smile, at odds with the sadness of her eyes. "I'll look forward to those Saturdays then."

Part 2

My time with Poppy has just doubled, and yet my mind keeps returning to the fact that I have less than a month with her left… I gaze out of the window as rice fields and rural buildings flash past in the fore view and Fujisan drifts past in the distance. Transience has a beauty, which is why, I discovered on YouTube a few days back, the Japanese love their cherry blossom. It is a pity I will not be here next spring to share a picnic with Poppy, sitting in a park under heavily laden cherry tree boughs. I can imagine she would find it exciting watching the blossom forecast on the news, waiting for the prime time for our trip.

Having rashly promised her two dates, I need to look out for things equally entertaining; hopefully Albert will help me again.

We alight from the train and have a late lunch at the station before travelling on to Poppy's stop. I send a burst of magic into the pin, it glows immediately. Suspicious that I'd pointed it in the right direction straight away, I slowly move it through 360 degrees, the light flickers on and off. "How can there be such a large number of people like you?"

"Well Tokyo is a densely populated place. If we were in more rural Japan, you'd have probably been lucky to pick up anyone. Is Kay as powerful as you?"

A pertinent question, of which I wish I knew the answer. "If she is, she would have to wait for her magic to replenish before using less to narrow the search the second time. Luckily, I don't have to wait."

I check my phone, because I wish to prove to Poppy that I can fix her attention solely on myself, as her face showed scepticism before. I'd have preferred not to bother with the hotel, for extra emphasis, however, in getting here I've noticed how well lit the place is. There are no discreet pockets of shadows to be seen anywhere, in direct contrast to the presence of security cameras.

"What are you doing?" She peers over my shoulder. "No-way. You want my magic, which means I get to choose the hotel."

I pass over my phone and watch her face as she intently flicks through possibilities. I'm going to check my history later and see if she searched for 'hotel with clean sheets.' Ha ha.

Having chosen, she takes my hand. "This way."

Part 3

As we enter our room, I'm surprised. It is tastefully decorated with a fusion of modern and traditional Japanese styles. From how secretive she was being over it; I was imagining some weird theme that Poppy hasn't felt comfortable with sharing with me, worst case scenario being fluffy toys. Obviously, I guessed the spotlessness correctly and it turns out that instead of toys, my lover has an adorably winsome lighting fetish. She is happily playing with a set of controls changing the rooms mood through warm and cozy, to bright and energizing, before returning to cozy but with a more intimate and romantic vibe.

"Bath time. Have you ever been in a Jacuzzi?" Poppy asks.

I would love to indulge her but… "We haven't time for a bath."

"Yes, we do. I was thinking on the way here, we'll get really confused with tracking Vanes with your method, unless we try it in the early morning. People move around significantly during the day and well into the evening, especially at a weekend. Also, I doubt the other women are in any danger. Kay will want to keep them sweet until the next full moon at least."

She's made some good points, therefore I allow myself to be led.

A Jacuzzi, as it turns out, is a large bathtub that gives you a massage, one that is soothing rather than sexually stimulating. I'm beginning to feel a little suspicious, therefore I run a finger down Poppy's arm.

She opens her eyes and smiles. "Do you like it?"

"I can give better massages," I say, with a wink that probably falls short of my usual salaciousness, as I'm far too relaxed.

"Oooh, is that true? Well, I saw some massage oil on that shelf. You can go first though, just lie down on the bed." She grabs the oil and waves it whilst grinning at me, even though she can tell that watching her exit the bath has put other ideas into my head. She plans to torment me, it's obvious. I will bide my time and get my revenge when appropriate…

Part 4

I siphon off the excess magic she's given me, before I split in two again, and decide to confront her. "This is just a normal hotel, isn't it?"

She laughs, presses a switch, and a section of ceiling slides away. "Normal hotels don't have a mirror like that or toys like these." She opens a hidden wardrobe.

Inside is a vending machine. It seems her preferences match closely with my least favourite theme after all.

She must have noticed my face fall, as she says. "We don't have to play with any of these, if you don't want to."

Not wishing to disappoint her, I decide to try and act enthusiastic. I need to maintain my skill in that field, therefore this will be good practice. When I see what is really on offer though, I burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You said toys, I thought you meant like the yellow teddy."

She runs what I can only describe as a phallus shaped object over my arm. "No, these are completely different electrical beasties."

She is teasing me, therefore I retaliate. "Can I choose anything?"

"Yes, but I may be heading back home before you finish taking the plastic off, depending."

Having been closely observing every little thing about her over the last month, I can make a good guess which of the things, out of those I recognise, I can and cannot unwrap. She seems open and honest, which I find winsome, however, there is something about those qualities of hers that brings out the worse in me and I cannot resist... "Then I had better do my own thing."

I float her over to the bed and wrap silk around her wrists. Cross, she immediately yanks her hands apart, then looks surprised at her easy freedom and the torn fabric.

I climb on top of her and move her hands back together with mine. "I want this, it's my turn. Although if you free yourself again, it will ruin the mood for me, and we'll have to stop. Therefore, do try and keep still."

She's frowning again. "But that will be practically impossible, this material is tissue paper thin."

I chuckle. "Serves you right, for ignoring how I was feeling after the jacuzzi."

"I wasn't ignoring, delayed gratification enhances pleasure."

She has the audacity to wink at me, looking all too pleased with herself, rightly so, and I find it extremely cute. However, we're playing a game, therefore I say, "I agree one hundred percent," and give her my sweetest smile…

Part 5

Back at the station, I check my pin again. Poppy has taken a screen shot of the area and draws lines, as accurately as she can, in the direction of the light.

There are now only three possibilities, discounting the one pointing directly at our apartment which must be due to my collection of antiques and Poppy's most loved possessions. Although I don't understand how those things would make the pin glow as brightly as it does for another woman.

We move Northeast and try again, which gives us five cross over points. One is distant enough that it can be dismissed, along with its partner…

Poppy gently touches my arm. "We need to be careful; I don't think Kay will be pleased to see either of us."

She thinks she's coming with me, wandering around this city at night? I suppose it is the safest in this world, still… "I'm taking you home." I can tell that she's about to argue, therefore I add. "I can disguise myself with magic, I can't do the same to you."

"But you didn't have any problem dressing me up using magic at the hotel." Seeing me yet again at a loss for words she continues. "What you really mean, is that you don't feel able to protect me and concentrate on doing your job. You don't need to lie to me. Surely we are beyond that now…. We could make a deal. I'll let you take me home, if you promise to teach me magic to defend myself against Kay."

It sounds like a reasonable arrangement; however, I am now worried that Kay's already found our apartment, what if she attacks Poppy while I'm on a wild frost lizard chase. Therefore I agree both to the magic lessons and Poppy accompanying me on the search.

Chapter 22

Part 1

There is no one at the first spot, however, at least it means the woman is free rather than a prisoner. Our next Vane works in a 7-Eleven store which oddly, considering the name, is open for 24 hours a day. We are both hungry by now, therefore we buy some snacks and order some fried chicken from the hot food counter.

While Poppy chats to the shop assistant, I browse the sake on offer. Obviously, to keep up the pretence, I'll have to buy a couple to take home with us. I can hear Poppy tell the assistant that her friend Kay, said this was the best convenience store in this district. She wonders if perhaps the shop assistant remembers seeing her. The assistant says Poppy's friend must have visited the store during a different shift.

I'm concerned that Poppy has referred to Kay as her friend, it made the assistant relaxed and happy to chat, however, I can see it being a danger if Kay finds this woman. So, when we locate the woman at the third spot, I insist we approach things my way. I knock sharply and loudly on the door, and show the police badge, that I'd recreated from the memory that Poppy agreed to share with me. I assure the woman that there is no cause for alarm. We are merely here to follow up a report that the dangerous fugitive from the stabbing in the mall has been seen in the building.

"But, but, I thought it was all some English students playing a trick?"

I explain that it was a real event, that the students tastelessly edited with ice daggers. The woman is suitably worried; however, she says she hasn't seen Kay. I give her the number of my secret phone, and ask her to call me as soon as possible if she does. I will try the same tactic with the other woman once she returns home.

Part 2

The weeks have raced by, I can hardly believe I've cooked the last meal I will ever share with Poppy and that we are now standing in awkward silence. I'd taken her back to Osaka to see the things we'd missed on our first visit, then followed that up with a day seeing the autumn colours, in the forest surrounding the Meiji Jingu shrine. She'd seemed delighted with both, and said the shrine was one of her favourite places in the whole world. However, it all seems inadequate somehow... I should have been able to make those weekends truly special for her, like our trip up Fujisan. I'd initially been concerned, as we were climbing just out of the season, and Poppy was being extremely fussy about the clothing we needed to take. However, she'd hired a guide, and the weather was good, if freezing. Having stayed unofficially in a mountain hut, we'd climbed through the early hours arriving at the peak just in time to witness the sunrise. Standing there with our arms around each other is a memory I will treasure always…

I don't want to leave yet. Besides, I never managed to find Kay, despite both Milesse and I having spent many hours searching. To go now means breaking my promise to Yuki, my master has to come first though. I did apologise to her of course.

She was not impressed. I'm afraid I am yet again a bad fox in her opinion. When I told Albert, he insisted we go out drinking again. My head still hurts, even though I'd promised myself after last time that I would refrain from indulging to such an extent. Yet Poppy trying to be nice to me is far more painful than my head. She said she'd enjoyed dinner; however, I could tell from her face as she ate it, that her sadness at my leaving rendered it tasteless. I should never have deepened our relationship; her sorrow is significantly greater than it was a month ago.

"Well." She gulps, then darts forward to hug me with wild intensity. "All the best." She looks up at me, a fake smile on her lips and genuine sorrow in her eyes, before stepping away from me.

I bow. "Thank you for making my stay on Earth extremely enjoyable. I will always treasure the time we had together." I redress in my lilac morning suit, pick up my suitcase and stand next to my collection of Vane memoriabilia, while Poppy retreats to our bedroom.

Part 3

I chant the words the consorts used to send me here, matching their soft tone, whilst envisioning my room. A gentle hum emanates from my collection of brick and brac and it glows slightly, that is all. Nothing else happens.

I am both frustrated and oddly relieved. I now have the time to both track down Kay and provide Poppy with the memories she deserves. I hurry to our bedroom to tell her the good news. She is curled up, her body convulsing with silent tears.

"Is having me around for another couple of months really that upsetting?" I jest.

"I don't understand."

"It seems I greatly underestimated the amount of magic required."

She leaps out of the bed and into my arms, hugging me tight with more than her physical body. I realize that I'd felt nothing through our bond once she'd left the lounge. Did she perceive on a subconscious level that she had to let me go? "I'm glad you can stay a little longer."

I hug her back fiercely, yet at the same time feel a touch of disquiet. Which leads me to joke again. I just hope I can survive another of Albert's leaving parties.

"Does he really drink that much?"

I explain that Albert doesn't; however, one of his colleagues Wakuto does. Poppy seems surprised that it wasn't just me and Albert, therefore still in teasing mode I say, "Don't worry it was strictly men only…. apart from the Geisha."

She scowls at me, however, I can tell there is no fierceness there. I'd promised a month ago, that while I remained on Earth I'd belong solely to her and she'd known I was telling the truth. She loves and trust me, would do even if the Geisha part wasn't a lie. I kiss away her frown, then make love to her as slowly and tenderly as possible, until she lies satiated and soporific in my arms. I though cannot sleep.

Part 4

With Earth there is always a feeling of anticipation towards the next month. This time though, I have enough magic, and although I still haven't managed to locate Kay, I cannot hold of leaving; I arrived in August and now Valentine's Day is a mere two days away. I have discussed my departure with Poppy, and we have agreed to celebrate it early. To that effect I have decorated our apartment with pretty lights and red hearts, and am now in the process of cooking her a special meal. I have also chosen her some English gifts, of flowers, and a bottle of her favourite wine. Because in Japan it's a day for women to give their male acquaintances chocolate, whilst I wish to spoil her; and I will not be around for White day next month when it's the men's turn to give gifts.

My secret phone rings. Perhaps, however last minute, I may be able to fulfil my promise to Yuki after all.

"Hello Sirius, sweetheart. This is purely a curtesy call, as Poppy is upset that you might think that some other calamity has befallen her." In the background, I can hear crying, it sounds muffled, soft and scared.

"Where are you?" I demand.

She laughs, and gives the address of the last woman we found. "Of course, we'll be in Saligia before you can get here." She recites the address of our apartment, and there is a happiness to her voice as she adds, "is just too far away." The phone goes dead.

I have no choice; I must make it in time. Surely having insisted that Kay phone me, Poppy is expecting a rescue. She will fight, she will hold on, until I get there…

I kick open the front door. The house's owner is tied up in a chair. I race past her and quickly search her house. There is no sign of either Poppy or Kay. I untie the woman and question her. Between fresh sobs, she says Kay was here by herself and left hours ago. Feeling nauseous, I race home.

Poppy appears uneasy as I rush into our apartment. She is safe though, that is the main thing… or is it… my collection of antiques has vanished. Does she plan to keep me here, is she friends with Kay after all? Surely not, but if they wanted the same thing…

"Where are my antiques?"

Her face turns from unease into a shifting chaos of guilt, worry and an odd blankness.

I raise my voice to intimidate. "Tell me. You know I need them to return home."

When she speaks her voice is a mere whisper, "You had a knife wound to your gut. You were dying. My holding you was keeping you alive, that was all. How come you were fine by the morning?"

Part 5

At first, I had dreaded her finding out, knowing that the love in her eyes would die and be replaced by animosity. Now though it is for the best, knowing the truth she will be only too happy to let me leave. "Obviously, I accessed significantly more of your magic than mere holding of hands could provide."

She staggers a little, then collapses onto the sofa. I retrieve the gemstone from my pocket. "The antiques don't really matter. I have worked hard at plan B."

"Worked? So, you are saying every moment with you that I treasured, every kiss you stole, every groan of ecstasy that escaped your lips, was all an act to enable you to return home?"

I don't lie, instead I let ice seep into my gaze. She stands up and limps towards the door, tears flowing down her cheeks. I try and stop her; however, she is using the magic I taught her against me.

Only now do I note the blood on the floor, near where my antiques should have been. I crouch next to it, and pick up a pin identical to mine. Kay was here, no doubt she used my antiques to return to Saligia, Poppy tried to stop her, and suffered for it. Heartily wishing that I could go back in time, I clean the floor for her.

The full moon has drifted far across the sky, and still she hasn't returned. I have made a grave error of judgement. What if something has happened to her wandering around injured, alone, and upset at night. I hammer the window frame with my fist in impotence.

When Poppy returns, she has no colour in her cheeks, and her eyes are as grey as a cloudy winter sky.

"I am sorry…"

While I am considering my next words carefully, she walks to our wardrobe, brings out my old clothes and interrupts me, "I have been practising conveyance magic for you, in case you needed my help."

I note that her voice is full of hurt, and she hasn't accepted my apology. I'll let it be, a cad will be easier to get over. Although, she's already looking drained; this will be too much for her. I cannot allow that. "It is alright, we can try next month, when we have built up a better magic store."

"You sole desire has always been to return to your master and his paramour quickly. The only people you really love. Besides, there will be no extra magic." Her tone sounds dead.

She chants softly to herself, and I feel the barriers between the worlds thin. Not wanting to end up somewhere random, I focus on my room back in my master's suite. I am now standing in a hazy mix of bedrooms. I cannot do this; I cannot leave her. "Stop."

"No, I have this."

My body feels odd, strange. I'm sweating, my heart is racing and I'm feeling faint…. I do believe I am panicking. "Please stop, I love you…" I beg her. However, she is beyond hearing. Feeling the force of her magic pushing me away, I leap forward, and hug her tightly to myself. She collapses in my arms. My vision begins to tunnel; worried that I will drop her, I sink to my knees. I cannot pass out, will not, she needs…