Originally posted February 27 until March 9, 2010
((This is a series of entries taken from a larger post. Over a period of about two weeks, Kori and Chance traded signs of affection and had conversations about their relationship. At this time, Akemi/Gale had been recovering after a vicious attack and recovering at Arasaka Castle, Kori's family retreat. Kori, Theresa, and I all had a part in constructing these bits of a life.
A lot happens in these excerpts. Chance and Kori tell Akemi/Gale about their relationship. Kori gives Chance his sword, Kori asks Chance to move in with her. Kori reveals the curse of her sword. Chance talks to Kori about safe sex.))
-- by Kori Arasaka
A scarlet haired women leans back on a dark brown leather chair, looking out of the top story of her office. The cityscape of Tokyo is alive with lights and motion, a never ending chorus of urban music at play.
She smiles slightly, two vases of beautiful flowers and chocolate strawberries decorate her desk. She takes a deep breath and whispers to herself, "Live."
A tall blond woman enters the office, talking on an emerald green headset and carrying a small stack of papers.
"How beautiful, oh look and strawberries too, my favorite! Too kind. . . they can't all be for me. .," the tall blond says as she scoops a strawberry and savors the chocolate.
The scarlet haired woman shakes her head and lets out a short chuckle before spinning in her chair.
"They came throughout the day. Beautiful aren't they?" the scarlet haired woman says as she reaches for a strawberry.
"Are. . .these are for real? Not from some sick fan or . . wait . whats that look?" the blond woman's mouth drops. "You and . .. Chance?
Oh. . . My . . . .GOD. . . are you smitten? Korinna Arasaka the most powerful woman in the business world and the deadliest swordswoman since Musashi. . .is . . . . .SMITTEN?"
A short silence ensues, then giggling from both.
Kori covers her mouth as she giggles and Diana runs around the desk and sits in her lap on the chair. "I want to know everything! Damn you for turning your cycle cam off! Did you kiss? Did you like it? Did HE like it? Are you pregnant? TELL ME!" Diana says as she pretend-strangles Kori in the chair.
Kori laughs and her face blushes. "It was a wonderful evening, something I haven't experienced in a long time Di."
"Oh God Kori! Finally! my God! i mean, it's as well this happen now especially, I mean with everything that's transpired, you needed this. How long have I been telling you? hrmm?," Diana proclaims as she pokes Kori in the ribs.
Kori responds to the poking, red faced and laughing. "No no no!! don't not there! Ahhh!" Kori rolls off the chair onto the floor.
The women both stand, letting the giggles wear off. Diana sighs and Kori follows suit and they face each other smiling warmly at each other. Diana looks as if she is going to speak at the same time Kori does, but they smile and let out a short laugh, embracing each other.
"I'm so happy for you, if even for the fleeting moments in time, I hope this lasts for a while," Diana says.
Kori's eyes begin to tear and the two begin to sob and giggle at the same time.
-- A chat transcript between Kori and Rex Celestis
Chance stayed close to Kori throughout the day, clearly interested in her day-to-day life while doings his best to stay out of the way. Her read rimmed eyes concerned him and he could see the fatigue in her shoulders. He wondered when she slept last.
As a businesswoman, Kori Arasaka cultivated fidelity and fervor in her employees. Chance noticed her people addressed the most menial tasks with passion and attention. People moved throughout the castle at all hours, performing a wide variety of tasks, more than a few beyond Chance's understanding.
"You really inspire people, Kori," Chance remarked in one of their quieter moments together. "Are the staff here all descendants of your clan?"
"Everyone here follows in their ancestors footsteps without question or doubt." She offered a weary smile. "Even me. We believe there is a purpose for us, even in these modern times."
"They seem very focused, hard working, and you seem to .... Well, you seem well liked and respected as a boss."
"I respect them as much as they respect me. We honor each other in our duties and strive to become better as a whole." She giggled. "Did that sound like a speech. I'm sorry. I'm tired and silly."
Chance smiled as he embraced her. "And here I was just thinking you should write a management book."
She laughed in his arms as she returned the hug. "Actually you could do something for me if you don't mind?"
"Not at all. How may I help?"
"Down the road at the blacksmith's building, Hirokuni Fumio. There's a project he was working on for me. I have to finish up here with some meetings. Would you mind visiting with him and checking on it?"
The younger man smiled in her arms. "I was going to offer a back rub, but I'm happy to help."
"I'll hold you to that," she said with a smile. "Yumi will show you the way." She departed for her meetings with a kiss. Chance watched her leave thinking, not for the first time, he was punching well above his weight. He turned and nearly bumped into a bowing Yumi.
"I'm to see Hirokuni Fumio. Can you show me the way?"
"Hai, Chance-san." Yumi led them to an SUV and started driving down a road.
Chance watched they moved through a forested area. Small, rustic buildings stood among the trees. "How long have you worked for Arasaka-san, Yumi?"
"I worked for her father, Arasaka Kunio, Chance-san. Many years. Many, many years." Yumi responded. "Fumio has been with the family as long as I."
"Did your parents work for the family?"
Yumi pulled up to a small cluster of buildings. Chance could smell the smoke of the smithy as he pulled open the car door. A number of people clustered around the forge, helping Hirokuni Fumio, Chance assumed. "Hai," he answered, "My parents, their parents, and many generations before. Takima can show you the library where we keep our family records."
"Do you have any children, Yumi? If I may ask."
"Children?" He laughed as he pointed blacksmith's shop. "Kuro and Juro." Two young Japanese men looked up and smiled.
"Thanks for the lift." Chance bowed.
"Hai. Anytime Chance-san. I will be here for you, speaking with my sons."
Chance approached the smithy. It looked pulled from the pages of history. A small residence, Fumio's home Chance presumed, stood short distance away. Chance bowed before entering the structure, content to watch the short, skinny, master swordsmith work on a katana with two apprentice. The man looked up through black glasses to wave at Chance. "Hai, Chance-san," he called through crooked teeth.
Chance bowed, greeting the swordsmith with "Hajimemashite. You have a beautiful shop." The young man could see the order of the place, cleanliness of the tools, the careful arrangement of items.
Fumio handed the unfinished blade to his assistant and muttered a few instructions. He wiped his hands on his apron as he walked towards Chance. "Kori-san told me you were coming. Domo, domo." He placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder directing them out of the shop. The swordsmith leaned on Chance as they walked to the nearby residence. "Have to watch out for the foxes here, Chance-san. They steal things. Very sneaky." He giggled like a school child.
"Arasaka-san mentioned you were working on something for her?" Chance asked as they slipped out of their shoes. The interior modernity of the house surprised Chance; a 2 meter television screen in the living room stood out from the Japanese décor.
"Ooooh, shhhh," Fumio chided. "You like scotch?"
"As long as I don't have to put anything in hot coals," Chance replied with a smile. Fumio pulled a bottle of 37 year old Glenlivet and two tumblers from a cupboard, filled each glass 3/4 full, and then pushed a glass to Chance.
"Kanpai!!"
Chance raised his glass. "Kanpai." He sipped as the older man drained the glass. The swordsmith let out an explosive gasp. Chance refilled the older man's glass. Fumio placed his hand on Chance's shoulder. "I know Kori-san since she was… "He held out a hand about three feet from the ground
"What was she like then?" Chance asked with a smile. "Did she like sweets?"
"Happy child, Fumio answered, draining half his glass and giggling. "No responsibility. Sweets?" he laughed. "Mochi, rice!" He placed both hands on Chance's shoulders a gave a shake.
Chance watched the older man, allowing himself to be manipulated. "She seems to have so many responsibilities, now."
"Come show me," Fumio ordered him. He motioned Chance to follow, standing in a typical kendo stance, holding an imaginary katana. Chance stood, slid off his jacket, and fell into a stance.
"This is something for Kori?" Fumio tapped Chance's stomach, then made minor corrections to his shoulders and arms. "I'm a little out of practice," Chance noted.
Fumio finished his glass. "Wait here please," he politely commanded. Chance refilled the swordsmith's glass as the older man left the room, singing and giggling to himself as he walked up a flight of stairs. He returned a few moments later, carrying a long slender package wrapped in rice paper and tied with a red cord. He set it down on the table, raised, then drained the glass. "Kampai!" Chance reached out his arms as the old man stumbled. Fumio steadied himself and bowed his head. He whispered something Chance couldn't quite catch.
"Are you ok, Hirokuni-sensei?" Fumio reached out to unwrap the package. He revealed a katana with a black, polished saya. The Arasaka mon adorned the ebon scabbard. A deep blue cord wrapped around a rich pearl rayskin to form the hilt. Silver adornments flashed at Chance.
"That's beautiful, , Hirokuni-sensei. Is that one of Arasaka-san's swords?' Fumio slowly drew a highly polished blade and pointed to an inscription, "Koi to seki to wa kakusarenu." He sheathed the sword and held it out to Chance, blade facing him, hilt in his left hand. Chance accepted in both hands, bowing. "I will be sure to keep it safe until I can give it to her."
Fumio's face sobered, "The blade is already in the hands of its owner."
Erudite as ever, Chance looked up from his examination of the hilt. "Huh?" The swordswith put away the bottle and glasses as Chance protested. "It's too much of a thing." Chance followed Fumio as the older man slipped back on his shoes and strutted back to the smithy. "Thank you!" Chance called out after him. Fumio turned and waved with a giggle.
Chance walked up to the waiting Yumi. "I think we have what we came for." The driver opened a door and walked over to the other side of the vehicle. Chance sat in the front seat, staring at the sword as the castle grounds passed outside.
"Koi to seki to wa kakusarenu." The inscription read. "Love and a cough cannot be hidden."
-- by Rex Celestis
The sword felt odd in his hands, too light for its length and construction. Chance didn't know the weaknesses of other swords he had held, until he wielded one of this quality. He would work through a move then have to stop, shocked by the careful handling the sword demanded. It didn't help that the inscription forced a smile every time he saw it.
It literally translated into "Love and a cough cannot be hidden;" more loosely as "Love conquers all." She had told him that some feelings went better unsaid. Was this her way of saying something? In just the short time that he knew her, Chance felt with confidence that Kori did very little, if nothing, without a purpose or meaning.
"Sempai," Akemi had asked him if she could use that term for him. It was just a word. No mystical significance. Employees used it for their bosses, freshmen for upperclassmen, students for teacher's assistants. He had suggested she use it for him once, after bristling at what he considered an overuse of "-sensai" and "-sama." Now, now with Kori and… now it just felt different.
Kori and Akemi; they came as a package deal.
Chance only thought of himself as a father one time: when faced with a future version of Regina's child. Even then, he looked for some reassurance that the relationship would work out or prosper not really thinking if he would make a good dad. Parenthood seemed way, way far off.
You're getting way, way ahead of yourself, boyo, he cautioned.
Akemi defined the term "Special Needs." Emotionally and physically abused, a skewed perception of the world. Quick to form emotional attachments, inappropriate attachments, perhaps, but Chance knew it didn't make the emotions any less real.
He had the experience. He had worked with high risk and abused children before. His mind flitted back to that 13 year old girl whose parents used her for unspeakable religious rites; that 11 year boy who killed his parents rather then face their "attentions" again. Chance had played a part in their recovery, of those two and others.
Do what you can with what you have, and move on from there.
In any case, he and Kori would have to find some time to talk to Akemi, to let the teen know they had started seeing each other. That would make a decent first step.
He stopped again, catching sight of the inscription on the blade. "Love conquers all."
Perhaps, perhaps it does.
-- by Rex Celestis
Kori finds a handwritten note of fine washi paper on her desk. It's written in a clear hand. He must have dropped it off when she was away form her office.
Kori,
I'm sitting here as Akemi sleeps, recovering from her surgery. Sitting here, so close to one you cherish, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity to step into your life. I think back to just watching you at your desk, reviewing documents, answering the phones. There is so much that I've learned in these last few weeks, about you and this world. I've appreciated the moments with you, stolen kisses between calls, a brief touch.
I'd like to learn more, and not knowing when we'll next have time together, I thought I would pen some thoughts and questions for us to think about.
I don't mean to sound presumptive. I've made no secret of my feelings for you and that I hope to become a larger part of your life as we get to know each other better. I believe we should sit down with Akemi some time before we return to MC and let her know we've started seeing each other. Like so much about us, this is new ground for me. Still, it feels right that we should tell her together, explaining how early this is in the relationship and the future remains uncertain. I do realize that I'm not Akemi's parent, however, and I will respect any decision in this regard.
I had a conversation with Diana the other night that sparked questions of a more personal nature. Forgive me for asking them in a letter, but I feel I have waited too long to inquire.
I will remember with fondness our visit to the Meji Shrine, together. It seemed so intimate, as if you were sharing a part of yourself with me not seen by others. At the same time, I heard you speak, speak as if to someone else, not for the first time. Kori, why did you bring me to the temple, draw the spirit's attention? With whom do you speak in those moments?
Diana told me you have the power to heal yourself, that your current research into medical technologies is an attempt to give that power to others. Beyond your beauty, intelligence, martial talents, and regeneration, what other powers do you have?
At dinner in Tokyo, we discussed the Night Blade, your sword. I remember hearing that you were one of the few that could wield it. Why is that? What happens to those the carry the sword? Why is Night Blade kept locked away?
I imagine the answers to these questions will only spark more queries. Respond to what you will. I realize how little time we've spent together in the larger scheme of things. I hope that as we spend more time together, I earn more of your trust and learn the whole truth of things. My feelings have only grown stronger the more I find out about you.
And they are strong feelings, indeed.
Chance
-- by Kori Arasaka
My dearest Chance,
First, let me start by telling that I expect questions about my life to come up often, I don't blame you. This is a lot to take in with such short notice but you can appreciate that certain things just happen and I have to react quickly to them. Your patience in all of this has been amazing.
Diana is my best friend however, as long as she has known me she only knows portions of the secrets that my lineage holds. The important thing is that I respect her judgment and decision in all of my affairs. What she shared with you about my life isn't anything that I would have lied to you about, although a better time to discuss it with you might have been chosen.
The Night Blade was created by by Fumio in the Iga Province in the 14th century. The Blade was first given to my ancestor, Arasaka Hiroto. The blade was imbued with the blessings of Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto and hence carries great power however, power is not granted without a price.
The blade feeds on vengeance and grants the one who wields it great power in exchange. It tunes itself to the one who wields it and fuels what is already present in the person's heart. Now you understand the reason why it is kept in the vault. The blade is tuned to me and no other until such time the need for vengeance is satiated and I pass the blade on. My family has carried the burden of this blade.
You can understand now my concern with its use. Each day without it, I temper my desire for vengeance but I lose a bit of my power in exchange. Without the blade I will eventually join my ancestors. It is to the kami and Tsukuyomi that I pray for an answer to that which my family is bound.
Your interest in my business ventures is expected. I see the detective in you and am always impressed by your deductions. What Diana said is true, I can heal myself and with the blade, I can heal others. There is no secret behind my research interests. I actually do want to make this world better by creating new methods of healing through medical technology. The Arasaka Space program is just that, more efficient and time saving methods of travel eventually to be provided commercially at a manageable cost to travelers.
You have inspired me to become more than a servant to vengeance and it is for this I will be indebted to you for all of my life. I pray to the spirits to give me more time here with you.
Kori
-- by Kori Arasaka and Rex Celestis
He found her tapping away on a holographic keyboard projected onto her desk of her study. Three LCD monitors played three different news stations. Chance felt like a puppy, delighting in the way she re-adjusted her glasses and lifted her gaze to look out the sixth floor window at the bridge that crossed to Teuri Island.
The young man had been dressing better since coming to the castle. Slacks replaced jeans; fitted shirts, worn polos. "Kori?" he asked. "Do you have a minute?"
She turned and smiled. "Hi. Good morning. How did you sleep?"
He leaned over the desk, to kiss her. The redhead let the kiss linger. "Well," he replied. "You?"
"I slept." She giggled. She looked a touch pale to Chance. Red tinted her eyes.
"I'm getting way too used to this you know," Chance teased. "You're going to have a hell of a time getting rid of me."
"I wish we could stay. Diana's arranging the penthouse back in Millennium."
"For you and Akemi?"
"Yes." The corporate exec took a short breath. "I'm hoping you will come as well. Akemi's taken a liking to you," Kori added with a smile.
"To live with you?" Chance bit the inside of his lip.
"Home is the heart is… but yes. If I haven't scared you away."
"No fear and oh yes, please." He kissed her, deeply.
"And," she added with a smirk, breaking the kiss. "If you can put up with my redeye flights, consistent travel schedule, business calls, etc."
"I think you're worth it," he said with a grin. "But I do have a confession to make."
Kori rose then turned to embrace him. "Tell me," she whispered.
"I know we haven't, well had sex yet," he said in as even of a voice as he could muster. "When we do, I expect… We should, hmmm, be safe."
The redhead laughed, moving to hold his cheeks with both hands. "You're so sweet." Chance grinned as the red rose in his face
"I suppose its something we haven't talked about have we?" she said with a smile.
"I've been safe, it's just. I need to get tested again in a few months, ok?"
She nodded and smiled. "As you prefer."
"I should be fine but I couldn't stand the thought of getting you sick. You mean so much to me, I know it's early in our relationship, but,..."
"I would have thought that by now you know I don't do anything without a plan ahead of time… and I appreciate your concern." She picked up her tea from the desk to take a sip.
"Thank you. I think that's likely all of the skeletons from my closet."
"I think it's time you see something." Kori placed a hand on his shoulder and directed him. The young man followed, slipping his hand into hers as they walked into the next room. A sliding panel opened to reveal a tall, titanium door barring the Arasaka mon. Chance heard a bolt snap open after a retinal scan and a combination on a key pad. He didn't really notice where she led him. His eyes traveled back to her.
The 7 by 7 meter room illuminated as they stepped inside. The suits of armor along the walls succeeded in pulling Chance's attention away from his girlfriend. Each of the 20 sets looked familiar to him, all configured differently for a variety of environments. For six months he successfully configured one suit of armor that barely functioned. He looked at the display cases, his jaw ajar.
A cylindrical clear case in the center of the room drew his focus. A sword and scabbard hung within, suspended by some unseen force. Chance separated from her to step closer. The rich scarlet of the saya (scabbard) complemented the deep violet of the tsuka (hilt). The tsuba (hand guard) bore a crescent moon design. The ebon blade cast no reflection. Chance read the crimson inscription etched on that dark blade. "Watashi no teki ni wa yoru no fukushū wo motarasu. Bring vengeance to my enemies in the night."
He whistled quietly before looking back to her. "That's it? That's the Night Blade?" She nodded and smiled to him. "What's it like? What's it like to hold it?"
"It speaks to you. Drives you to achieve," Kori explained. "And it feeds on your soul."
"Does it always want vengeance, or was that what is reflected of you?"
Kori breathed deeply and closes her eyes for a moment. Chance noticed a change in the blade. It seemed to radiate in some invisible but obvious way."
"It gives power and takes." Kori said. Chance's eyes passed back and forth between them. "My uncle didn't tell me what the blade wanted," Kori continued. "He just knew that I wanted vengeance for my parents."
Her eyes focused on the blade. Chance moved to stand between them, lifting his arms to embrace her then hesitating.
"I wanted so much to take the lives of those who took from me."
"And now?" Chance asked.
"Without any remorse or fear." Kori's eyes narrowed. She spoke through him without seeing.
"Kori?"
"Do you know what it is like to feel vengeance?" Her eyes began to glow an eerie reddish-violet.
"No, not really. Justice, perhaps," he answered, unsure of his being heard. "Kori?" he asked again.
"To know that your actions can be guided to achieve this. The means to the end." The redhead took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Chance immediately noticed the tension slip from her shoulders.
"Kori, come back."
"Akemi changed all that for me." Her opened eyes revealed their natural color. She swallowed hard and worked a switch. A titanium sheath sealed off the cylinder. She smiled as Chance placed his hands on either of her arms.
"I pray each day for the chance to make my ancestors proud, to give them peace." She bowed her head. "It wasn't their fault. The blade, it has magic that I don't fully understand."
He pulled her to him. "I cannot think..."
"And I was young."
"I cannot imagine your ancestors looking on and not feeling anything but pride at your accomplishments."
"I had such anger. The one person I thought could understand is gone… and yet she had been there all of my life and I didn't know it until it was too late.
"And now she's back, here in your life." Chance told her. "I don't think it's too late."
"Akemi?" Her smile lifted her glasses ever so slightly. "No. Chance there is another. Not another daughter," she added quickly with a laugh.
"Who Kori?" he asked with a puzzled grin.
"Something that I dismissed because I didn't believe it when I was told, but just a feeling I had."
"What do you mean?"
Kori chuckled. "You're going to laugh. I did." She walked to one of the many drawers in the room and withdrew a scroll. She handed it to Chance. "Tiphareth told me of who this was, and then I was sent this along with other things that later made sense." She tilted her head. "I thought it had to do with a kami protecting me, but it was something else."
"This is Meri's journal." He noted, opening the scroll. He settled into a crouch to read more comfortably. "I met her once, I think. I know her loss... What's the connection between the two of you, Kori?"
"Wait, she speaks of you here?" he added, looking up from the page.
"It's one of my projects," she answered. "And yes. She speaks of me."
"This is written to you?"
"No one knows this Chance. Not even Diana. Not anyone in my company, anyway. Gray and Tiphareth are aware." Chance nodded. The significance of what Kori just related would dawn on him later. For now, the scroll engrossed him. "I have a lot on my plate obviously," she said. The young detective missed the smile that spread across her face.
"She refers to you here as her child. An allegory or literal do you think?" he asked without looking up.
"Not literal. She speaks with double meanings." Kori smirked.
"How so?"
"I often thought about why she was writing this to me. I never even met her in the literal sense."
"I remember you arriving after she left."
"I had a cat, named Mystery."
"Takeru-sensei told me about her. Strange eyes. He said she disappeared."
"I thought this was some kind of joke at first until i saw her belongings that she mentions and had them moved to a protected facility in Millennium City.
"Have you had a chance to look through them?" Chance asked.
"My staff just completed cataloguing and documenting the pieces. We had to use a specialized method of scientific dating on some of them." She raised her eyebrows. "Over three hundred thousand distinct pieces. There is no way an archaeologist, even Indiana Jones," she remarked with a wry smile, "Could have collected these pieces."
She shook her head. "Its another reason I need to go back to Millennium." Kori rolled her lip over her teeth. "Somewhere in there is an answer in there to the blade's thirst"
"May I help?" Chance offered. "I mean, this history is well beyond what I've studied, but the mystery... it's delicious." He paused to look at her from his crouch. "And after seeing you and the blade, I ... I will voice my concerns about it passing to Akemi."
"She's not ready." Kori sighed. "Not yet. The blade feeds on the existing vengeance of the person who wields it."
"She still has much," the young man noted.
"I was hoping you would help, Chance," the redhead continued. "I simply don't have the time to analyze everything. You could spend 300 lifetimes searching through the pieces and documents. What I don't understand is how she acquired some of these pieces. Chance, my researchers have determined that there are scrolls from the Library of Alexandria."
"That's not supposed to be possible... the library…"
"Yes, the library burned to the ground during the time of Julius Caesar," Kori stated. "It was rumored that soldiers had accidentally caused the fire which damaged it. Then over the course of time, Rome eventually did destroy it and all of the documents inside.
"It could have happened later, I believe," Chance countered. "Maybe as late as the Moorish conquest of the area."
"Mmm. We'll never know."
"Still, that Meri amassed these items. Amazing."
"She mentions a time frame that would put her life span at over 5,000 years. Close to the founding of the first dynasty of Egypt around the time of Narmer, 3,150 B.C. "
"I've met a few that claimed a long life," Chance said. "A woman in Chicago told me she fought in the original battle between Heaven and the Fallen. I suppose it's possible."
"mmmhmm. And there's Tiphareth, who claimed to have seen creation."
"Who has come back in human form."
"She's back?" Kori questioned, blinking.
"Yes, Dani told me." Kori looked at him with concern and surprise. "I thought you knew." He remarked.
Kori nodded. "I had heard she had fallen. The last I saw her, she was blackened and dark."
"She's back," Chance affirmed. "Human, with all of the original Tiph's memories. She's House Matron now."
"Chance, there is so much in this world that I don't even come close to comprehending, so much above my pay grade. I'm just happy that these beings are on "our" side." She laughed, rich and honest.
Chance rose from his crouch, holding the scroll loosely in one hand and stepping closer to her. "There is one thing I know, Kori."
"Hmm?" she questioned, her eyebrows rising.
"I know that I'm happy that you asked me to live with you, that you share all this with me." He wrapped an arm around her waist as she kissed him. He closed his eyes and whispered in her ear. "I know I love you, Korinna Arasaka."
Kori sunk into the embrace and held her breath. "I love you too."
-- by Kori Arasaka, Theresa Bathory, and Rex Celestis
Chance watched the black SUV pull up the road to the castle. Kori stepped out; carrying a black, cylindrical, leather bound tube, and a duffle bag. He took a few steps towards the car and embraced her.
"You OK?" he asked with a grin. "Do I need to have you arrested?"
Kori winced at the hug, obviously sore. "I'm fine," she answered with a smile. "How's Akemi?"
"Up and about. She's… she's back by the grave." Chance exhaled his nerves calming to somewhat manageable levels now that he had her in his arms. "Think it's time to talk with her, or do you need a minute?"
"Let me get cleaned up a little and I'll meet you down by the grave," she replied.
Chance nodded then asked, "You going to tell me? Not now, but later."
"Later," she answered with a smile. He smiled despite himself and began to walk down to the grave site as Kori handed her bag to Diana and walked inside. Chance noticed Kori place her hand on her PA's shoulder for support."
The young detective found Akemi at the grave site. The girl kneeled comfortably among the cherry blossoms, speaking in a low voice. Chance did his best to approach quietly and respectfully, enough to let the teen know he was there, but not enough to disturb her.
"Look, Kameko-san," Gale said, her eyes moving from Chance to the grave. "Chance is here. Konichiwa, Chance-senpai." She stood and bowed to him. He bowed and smiled.
"Kohai. Kori's coming down, too," he said. "She just got back."
A smile brightened Akemi's face. "Wonderful! How does she look Chance? She is often tired when she goes on business trips lately."
"She's sore," he said, trying to maintain a smile. "All in one piece."
"Oh. I thought she was going on business."
"Yeah, sore. Our business, you know."
"Oh." Akemi looked away. "I don’t know if I will follow that path, Chance-san, I have a long way to go."
"Good," he answered. “and yes, you do.” but smiled to her. "How is Kameko, today?"
"She is well, domo. I have told her all that has been happening since, well you know."
"I do the same thing when I visit my mother." He telling her that brought a smile back to her face which brightened as they both looked up the path seeing Kori walk through the cherry blossoms towards them. Akemi ran to her as she bowed at the tori arch.
"Kori-mama!!" the girl called before embracing her mother. Kori returned the hug, wincing beneath it. Chance smiled as he walked up behind Akemi. "Kori-mama you are alright, yes? You were not injured, were you?"
"No I'm fine," Kori soothed, kissing Akemi on the forehead.
"You are injured!" Gale insisted
"Sore, not injured. Nothing to be worried about." Kori reached out to touch Akemi's arm. "How are you feeling?"
"I am healing well, Kori-mama. The arm works just like my own though these bugs under my skin are starting to annoy me."
Chance smiled to her and place his hand on her shoulder, "They will settle, Akemi," as Kori agreed and added, “They will itch for a time, then it will slowly go away and then you won't even notice."
"I sure hope so," Gale said as she grinned and re-adjusted her glasses, "Or I swear I will swallow a can of Raid!"
Kori walked to the grave and placed fresh flowers upon it. She bowed her head, whispering. The redheaded executive stood and returned to them, taking Chance's hand in hers. Chance inhaled.
"Akemi," he began, "We'd like to talk to you about something. Is this a good time?" It took a moment for Akemi's eyes to move from Kori's offering.
"I'm sorry senpai. What?" Chance smiled and looked at Kori. He bit his lip and tilted his head towards Akemi. Kori kneeled to look at her daughter's face at eye level then took the girl's hands in hers. Chance crouched next to them and placed a hand on each of their shoulders as Akemi looked back and forth between them, puzzled.
Kori smiled. "Chance and I have become very close Akemi," she said, "and he has, through all of this, been close to my heart, as you have always been."
Akemi nodded, her brow curled in confusion. "OooooK?"
"I thought that my life was to be without love and now," Kori smiled to them both, "Everything has changed."
"Uh huh?" Gale Akemi offered with a nod still not following her meaning."
"We are in love," Kori stated plainly. "Something I could not have imagined or foreseen." Chance watched Akemi as she pushed her glasses up her nose with a finger. The girl's eyes popped in recognition. Kori continued, "But nevertheless I trust in fate and the path my life has taken."
"No way!" Akemi looked back and forth between them as she took a few steps back.
"I ask for your blessings, Akemi," Kori said.
"Really?!!"
"As do I, kohai," Chance added as Kori smiled.
"OH FUC... " Gale cut herself off with a quick hand to her mouth. Kori giggled. "I mean seriously??"
"Yeah, seriously," Chance said with a chuckle as Kori embraced her daughter.
"Kori-mama? Chance? YOU BOTH?" Akemi looked back towards the grave and called out. " KAMEKO DID YOU HEAR THAT!!"
"Your love is more important to me than anything in my life, as well as your happiness," Kori told the excited teen.
"Kori has asked me to live with you both when we go back to MC. But I want to ask you if that is ok," Chance added as Akemi broke away and ran to the grave.
Still yelling back to Kameko’s grave, "THEY ARE GETTING MARRIED!!"
"Hey well, Kohai," Chance called as he and Kori walked back with Kori to the grave. "not marriage, not yet, anyway." He traded smiles with the beautiful redhead beside him.
"OK? Are you serious, about living together?" Akemi asked. "That is so great!!" The girl rushed and embraced her mother, tightly. "Kori-mama I am so happy for you!!! You are in love! And Chance!" She reached out an arm to draw him into the group hug."
Chance raised his fingers to brush Kori's face. "Oh, yes. I am in love." Kori bowed her head to Chance.
Akemi stepped back from them with, her face a stern mask. "OK Chance, one thing." The girl put her hands on her hips and Chance asked, "Yes?"
"That is my momma." Chance nodded, "Yes". "You better treat her right or you will answer to me." She jerked a thumb at her chest then broke out in a big grin and embraced him.
Chance could not help but laugh as he returned the hug. "I'll take this as, 'yes, you can live with us?'"
"Of course you can. Of course you both will have separate bedrooms," continued Akemi with a mischievous grin. "And you both must keep the kissing to private," snickering as she chided.
Yumi called out as he made his way down the path. He bowed at the Tori gate before approaching. "Hai Kensai! Hikoki da!"
Kori looked over to the man and waved. "Watashi wa sugu ni sa reru." She stood, straightening her kimono. Chance also stood, then quickly turned back to Akemi and whispered, "No separate bedrooms." He stuck out his tongue before straightening and bowing to Yumi while Gale giggled. The aide returned the bow with a greeting.
Kori turned to Gale, "Yumi will be keeing and keep eye on you when I'm away Akemi."
"Yumi?? Oh wow!!," Akemi bowed to Yumi before running up to him for a hug.
Kori looked to Chance. "Probably a delivery plane, I'm expecting some equipment," she explained. "I'll take care of it; I'll meet you back at the castle."
"You need a hand?' Chance offered and Kori leaned and kissed him. "It's just some paperwork, Chance, Nothing huge.”
"So when do we go back?" Akemi asked excitedly.
"As soon as you are able," Kori smiled.
"OHMYGOSH!!" Akemi called out. "I just realized. Won't this like make Yukiko my....sister!?!" She stopped as she spied Kori and Chance kissing again. "Ahhhhhh you two are so cute!" she girl giggled as she embraced her mother.
"No you are cute!" Insisted Kori as she picked up Akemi and tickled her.
"AHH Kori-mama DON'T!" Chance watched in delighted wonder.
"We can leave whenever you both are ready," Kori told them. "Everything in Millennium is… taken care of."
"I think I'm ready," Chance told Kori quietly. "I think I'm ready to start a new life with both of you." He smiled. "Go to your paperwork. Dinner? The three of us?"
Diana walked up the path, bowing at the tori and then approaching. Akemi took off towards Kori's Assistant, calling her name as see ran, "Diana!"
"Kori, the plane is fueled and ready, the shipment is…." Akemi's snuggle tackle cut her short. "There you are! So precious! How are you Akemi?" Diana asked as she twirled the girl around. "We have to take you shopping Akemi! I know all of the best designers and…"
Gale yelled. "I am Great! Kori-mama and Chance are lovers!!"
"I'm pretty sure Diana knows, Akemi." Chance said.
"Diana…" Kori interrupted as Akemi squealed. "See about the shipment and make sure it’s sent as soon as possible." She turned to Chance. "Chance, dinner would be lovely."
Diana laughed at her boss' gentle rebuke. "Fine. Fine. Well I'm off then. Chance you're looking lovely."
"As are you, Diana," Chance replied with a blush.
Diana kissed Akemi's forehead. "You are going to love having me around my dear." She tapped the tip of the girl's nose and sped back up the path.
"OOH can we have pizza?" Akemi turned back to face Kori and Chance. "I mean I love Japanese but if I eat one more squid I am going to grow tentacles!"
"Squid pizza?" Chance teased. "You're on."
"Gross, Chance!" her face showing her disgust while Kori laughed shaking her head. "I was thinking Italian but it's up to you."
"Ok I can do that too," Akemi acquiesced. "Pizza is Italian. Or spaghetti."
"Well, Kohai, you ready to learn how to cook?"
"Me? Cook?" Akemi challenged. "Sempai, I burn water."
"Let's leave Kori-nyan to the boring stuff and start dinner." Akemi sighed.
"The boring stuff?" Kori chuckled. "Akemi, you will have to learn the boring stuff if you are to take my place." She turned to the gravesite to bow and offer a short prayer. Together they started back up the path. They bowed at the tori.
"Thank you Kori-mama, Chance-senpai." Gale stopped. "But. I wish to speak to Kameko and explain." She trotted down to the grave. Chance took Kori's hand as they watched her. Kori rested her head on the younger man's shoulder. "We can leave tomorrow," she whispered. "I have some things to finish up here, but I think she's ready."
Chance lifted up his hand to rest it against her cheek. "Thank you for coming back."
"I think everything is complete," she continued, rocking gently against him. "Truly fate. There's no other explanation. The gods do exist Chance and they watch over us all of our lives." He kissed her hair. "I feel blessed."
Kori let out a deep sigh and whispered to Chance, “There is an answer to the blade.” Chance took a deep breath, “Good, I was frightened, Kori. I don’t mind telling you that. Is the answer close, you think?” Kori nodded and offer a reassuring smile, “It's in Millennium City. It will take time but at least there is hope.”
“Then does this mean you’re ready, ready to start this new life?” he asked. Kori smiled to him, sincerity in her eyes. He smiled then saw Diana pointing at her watch. “Diana is giving me the eye. I'll wait for Akemi and make dinner.”
“I need to run down to the airport for a moment but ill be back soon. This shipment is important and I need to inspect it personally but I will be back fro dinner.”
I love you, Kori-nyan.”
Kori touched her heart and then Chance's, smiling. She closed her eyes and leaned into s kiss.
Chance watched her as she walked away then turned to join Gale as she knelt at Kameko’s grave. “Alright kohai, we need to go down to the dock and see what we can use for dinner." Gale leaned forward touching her heart and then the stone; standing she turned to Chance and took his hand, smiling up to him. “I have a new life now because of Kori-mama, you and Kameko.”
Chance gives her hand a gentle squeeze, “I think it's new for all of us, Akemi and I think we will all do our best.” As they walk Gale pushed her glasses back up her nose as she looked up to him. “I am ready to walk with you Chance-senpai. I will not screw this one up, promise.”
Chance answered more to himself than to Gale, “This, this is going to take some getting used to.” He smiled ae her. Gale waved her hand and cocked her head to the side. “Ahhh... you'll do fine. Kameko says you only need to love her.” Then with a mischievous grin she added, “I'm the one you are gonna have to work at!” She laughed as she pull him along.
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