A Dragon's Clutch

by Alica Mckenna Johnson

“Sapphire,” Sasha shook my shoulder. “Wake up, I’ve had a dream.”

  “I’m awake. What’s going on?” I mumbled.

  “We’re in trouble.” Sasha’s gray eyes widened with worry.

  I fought to untwist my legs from the kimono. “Okay, let’s go for a run so we can get away from any hidden ears.”

  “If we all go the tengu might notice,” Sasha said.

  “Good point. It was your dream, you decide who else needs to come.” I grabbed my clothes wrinkling my nose. The tengu wouldn’t let us leave to get our luggage, so no clean clothes. I stepped into the hallway. A tengu set out sets of clean tunics and pants.

  “King Sōjōbō asked me to bring these as you all are starting to smell,” she said her black beak snapping with each word.

  “Okay, thank you. I’m going for a run first, then I’ll wash and change,” I said. I wasn’t offended. We’d worn the same clothes for two days and didn’t have access to deodorant. Of course we smelled. “I’ll let the others know. I’m sure they’ll be most grateful.”

  Her fingers wrapped around the hilt of her sword. With a squawk she stormed off down the hall.

  I guess doing anything for humans and dragons was offensive to her.

  Sasha, Kayin, and Shin waited for me by the stairs. “I told Philip we were going out,” Sasha said.

  “I’m surprised he didn’t want to come, in case something happens.” I sat on the porch and laced my sneakers.

  “Didn’t you realize,” said Shin grinning madly, “we are deemed the least important by the tengu. I’m Korean, Kayin’s black, and Sasha isn’t aggressive enough for them to respect. Even though you’re the Jewel, you’re missing a couple inches of flesh that would give you real value.”

  “Excuse me, more than a couple of inches,” Sasha said with a crooked grin.

  “Please stop,” Kayin said. “Sapphire, let’s go before they attempt to show off their ‘little inches’. We’ll meet at the empty fields.” Kayin pointed to the far side of the rice paddies near the start of the bamboo forest.

  Shin kissed Kayin’s cheek. “See you there. Try and keep up, Sasha.” Shin took off down the road Sasha right next to him.

  I chuckled and fell into step next to Kayin. “I can’t believe you said that. A few months ago you would have been too embarrassed.”

  “Yes, well, you guys are corrupting me. My parents would be so ashamed.” Kayin grinned and then his face went blank.

  “How is your dad? We haven’t talked in ages.” We jogged past a group of tengu doing kata. The slow, trance-like martial arts movements made the tengu appear serene for a moment.

  “Um, he’s fine. His second wife is pregnant with their second baby,” Kayin said. “He sent me pictures of my sisters and baby brother, plus my step-mother holding their first baby, a boy. I can show you them when we get back to Tokyo.”

  “I’d love to see them.” I started running, a bit faster now that my body warmed up. I knew Kayin would follow my pace as I had the shorter legs.

  “He liked the gifts I sent. And my siblings begged to come and see me perform after they saw the program and pictures of us doing statue.”

  “I would love to perform for your family.” We turned and started running between rice paddies. Tengu farmers bent over the rice plants, tending them in the murky water. “What does he think of Shin?”

  “I don’t … we don’t …” Kayin sighed. “He sees being gay as a white man’s disease. It’s illegal in my country, so he doesn’t want me coming home until I’m cured. He knows I have someone, but he doesn’t ask, and I’m too much of a coward to force the issue.”

  Kayin’s anger and fear spurred him to run faster. I kept up, but talking would be difficult. “It’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not. I don’t want Shin to think I’m embarrassed by him. He’s wonderful … I think I … I don’t want to lose him.”

  “Kayin, I think he understands.” I paused for a moment to breathe and turn towards an empty field. “Last I heard he hasn’t told his parents that he’s gay. You both are trying to preserve relationships with your parents.”

  “Yeah, I guess. It just feels like we’re hiding.”

  I frowned. “Do you want him to tell his parents about you?”

  “Yes. It’s selfish, as I’m scared to tell my dad, but someone who is important to you shouldn’t be hidden from your family, right?”

  “It sounds like you and Shin need to talk.”

  Kayin sighed. His worry felt like icy prickles against my shield.

  “You both risk a lot by telling your parents, but if you care that much about each other, if you see Shin as someone you want to build a life with, then it sounds like it’s a risk you need to take.” My lungs were grateful Kayin was lost in thought and didn’t want to talk the rest of the way.

  “Is everything okay?” Shin asked when we got the empty field. His blue-streaked black bangs stuck to his sweaty face.

  “We were just talking,” Kayin said smiling at his boyfriend. Shin grabbed his hand pulling Kayin close. “I promise we’ll talk later, but right now we have magical beings to deal with.”

  Shin frowned. “Okay, if you’re sure.”

  “I am.” Kayin kissed Shin’s cheek.

  “Is that the only kiss I get?” Shin pouted

  Kayin chuckled and leaned down.

  Oh my! I turned giving them a bit of privacy.

  Sasha grinned. “Well. That’s hot.”

  I smacked his arm. “Don’t stare at them, it’s rude. Tell me about your dream.”

  Sasha grabbed my arms, his eyes widened. “It’s the tattoo, the tengu are weaving a spell into the design.”

  “What? Have they hurt Hiroshi?”

  “No, it’s designed so that once the tengu king walks through the portal, the gateway to Akasha will shut. We won’t be able to open it again.”

  “Why would they do that?” Kayin asked.

  “The dragons, right?” Shin said.

  Sasha nodded. “Yes, they are hoping it’ll kill the dragons’ eggs.”

  “Those assholes!” My fists clenched as I looked back at the castle. “I wish we could leave and force those birdbrains to beg me to let them into Akasha.”

  “That’s a rather naughty wish. I like it.”

  “Nara,” I cried as the old women stepped out of the tall green bamboo. “How did you get here?”

  “A mix of stubbornness, music, and magic.” Nara smiled, her wrinkled face lighting up. “My faerie friends told me you were in trouble, so I’m here to help.”

  “Who is this?” Sasha asked.

  “This is Nara. I met her at the ryokan. She was playing music for the faeries to dance to one morning, and we talked a bit.”

  “Do you trust her?” Shin asked.

  Nara smiled and waited for me to answer.

  “I don’t feel anything bad from her, and the guardian of the ryokan wouldn’t have let her in if she meant anyone harm. My bracelet didn’t show any signs of danger or anger.” I ran my finger over the silken braid of unicorn hair clasped with a faceted crystal bead, which currently was turquoise with silver streaks. Happy and protective.

  “The help of a wise woman is always welcome,” Kayin said.

  “Such a honeyed tongue.” Nara took my arm. “Let’s walk back to the birdcage while you tell me everything, and we’ll see if my old brain can still plot and plan.”

  “I’m sure you can,” Sasha said. “And I’m grateful you’re on our side.”

  “We’ll see what I can come up with. Now how did you wind up here and in so much trouble?”

  I sighed and began to tell Nara everything with the guys helping out when they thought I wasn’t telling the story well enough.

  * * *

  I tried to keep from fidgeting with the hem of the cotton tunic the tengu had given me as Hiroshi lay on the tatami mat. Please work. The guys had gone to tell Philip what happened, and I was anxiously waiting for Nara.

  The tengu unrolled his tatto
o equipment and set up the inks. “This should only take a few hours.” He began to sway. “Who is playing that music?” Chirping, he grasped his head. His muscles tensed as he fought the hold of Nara’s flute.

  I sat next to Hiroshi and placed my finger to my lips. I didn’t want to do anything to disrupt the spell.

  Hiroshi jumped and grabbed my arm as the tengu beat his fists upon the floor.

  “Get out of my head, witch.”

  Nara stepped out of the shadows from the far corner of the room. Her face looked peaceful and the song from the flute steady and soothing.

  Shaking, the tengu slumped forward soft, sad chirps coming from his black beak as his eyes became unfocused. He sat, his movements jerky like a puppet in the hands of a beginner. Slowly his movements began to smooth out.

  Nara walked closer then knelt next to us pausing in her song. “You need to make a choice child,” she said to Hiroshi.

  “What? Who are you?” Hiroshi’s eyes wide as he looked between me and Nara. “Sapphire, what’s going on?”

  “King Sōjōbō planned to use the tattoo as a spell to keep everyone but themselves from going through the gate. The symbols placed on your skin would have shut the portal as soon as he walked through,” I explained.

  “Those lying, cheating, bastards,” Hiroshi snarled. “So what’s the plan?”

  “If you agree,” I said. “Nara will make the tattooist use different symbols in the pattern which will block the tengu from going through the portal until Shamash invites them in.”

  “Does Shamash come every time you open a portal?” Hiroshi asked.

  “Sometimes. He always seemed to know when we needed him. Now that he banished me from Akasha who knows,” I said twisting my mother’s ring. The midnight blue stone sparkled in the sunlight.

  “He only did it to protect Akasha, you know this,” Nara said, her voice as soft as the wrinkled hand which grasped mine.

  “I know. Like in my head I know. But my heart stupidly feels rejected.” I shook my head. “Enough of my hang ups and deep psychological issues. Hiroshi, are you willing to have this new spell tattooed onto your back? I won’t be able to hum as it would mess up Nara’s magic.”

  Hiroshi sat up taller puffing out his thin young chest. “Yes. What they wanted to use me for is inexcusable. They deserve to have to ask permission from Shamash to enter Akasha. Plus, how many people can say they were able to sabotage a plan of the tengu.”

  Nara grinned. “That’s the spirit, my young man. Okay, lie down, and I’ll get the spell started.”

  Hiroshi and I stayed quiet as Nara played her flute. The haunting melody washed over us, Hiroshi’s eyelids fluttered then closed. The spell the music wove over the tengu calling out. Relax, let me in. Allow me to guide your hand. I swayed and pulled in more Akashic energy to strengthen my shields.

  I kept twisting my ring as the music seeped into the tengu and controlled his hands. He reached for one of the needle tipped bamboo sticks and jar of dark blue ink mixed with tengu blood. The tengu sat over Hiroshi’s back and began to tattoo swirls of air and clouds along with hidden symbols which created the spell.

  Nara stopped playing, a pleased and slightly evil grin on her weathered face. “Well, if that last little bit works, Shamash should be called to the portal.”

  Hiroshi groaned as the needles pierced his skin over and over. I grabbed his hand, wincing as Hiroshi tighten his grip.

  “I’m sorry you got mixed up in all of this,” I said to Hiroshi. The skin around the new artwork on his back was red and swollen.

  “Sapphire, I’m a Child of Fire. I wanted to do something amazing with my life. And now I shall be recording a thousand years or more of stories, knowledge, and life of the tengu.”

  “But what about your life after that?” I asked. “This place isn’t doing well. The magic is crumbling, you have two maybe three years to safely come and go. Then what?”

  “Yeah, I drew the destruction of tori gate this morning.” Hiroshi held his breath as the tattoo went over the edge of his shoulder blade. “I’ll have to leave school and live here full time.”

  “Your parents are going to be so pissed.”

  Hiroshi chuckled. “That is the nice way to put it.”

  “The tengu still own your life,” I said. “I didn’t want that to happen to you.”

  “They are shaping my life, but I own it.” Hiroshi smiled then hissed in pain. “I’m going to write it all down, move scrolls and art and such out of here, and I’ll write books and create manga based off their stories. It isn’t the life I had envisioned, but it holds so much promise.”

  “You are wise beyond your years,” Nara said. “It takes great strength and intelligence to see the possibilities in ruined plans.”

  “She’s right, Hiroshi, and I hope your parents can see that. But if you need anything, let me know.”

  Hiroshi smiled, it was tight from pain. “I will. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

  I squeezed his hand, so much smaller and softer than mine. I hoped he’d be okay. I hoped the tengu hadn’t destroyed his relationship with his parents, and that Hiroshi could still have a beautiful life.

  * * *

  Hours later the tengu sat back, his black eyes shining and vacant. Nara played a lively sweet tune. The tengu’s eyes cleared and he packed up his tools. “This is the most important tattoo I have ever done. Thank you for the honor.”

  “The honor was mine. You are a true master artist,” said Hiroshi.

  I watched the tengu walk away, holding my breath until he was out of sight.

  “Well, let me see.” Nara grinned, her dark eyes sparkling as she looked over his back. “Yes, it’s perfect. I’m especially proud of this bit right here. The tengu will be sent out of the circle. If that little bit across his left shoulder works the way it should, all the tengu will stay frozen until Shamash releases them.”

  Hiroshi turned trying to look at the artwork on his shoulder.

  “Thank you for your help, Nara,” I said. “I had no idea what to do until you came. The power of your music is amazing.”

  “You're very welcome. And as a Phoenix, you should know the power of music. Your voice can sooth, heal, control, enchant, hurt, or destroy.”

  I touched my throat. “I did scream in a dream with Cartazonon after the last time we talked and shattered it.”

  “Imagine what you could do with control and intention. Now my little ones, I have to go.” Nara stood and smoothed out her tunic and pants. “It wouldn’t do to get caught by the tengu king.”

  “Is it done?” Zennyo Ryūō asked. “Can I get a picture?”

  The dragon stepped into the room, his camera ready. His bright smile faded when he saw Nara. In a blink he was on the floor kowtowing to the old woman.

  “What?” I asked.

  Wooden sandals clicked against steps.

  “I hope Zennyo Ryūō isn’t bothering you,” Mizuchi said as he slid his sandals off.

  “Of course he is. He bothers everyone.” Kiyohime followed behind him. “Zennyo Ryūō, what are you doing?”

  Mizuchi gasped, a sound so soft and quick I almost missed it, then fell to a kowtow.

  Kiyohime’s eyes widened once she saw Nara and she joined the other dragons on the floor.

  “Ummm.” I turned to Nara.

  The old woman smiled. “There is no need for this. I am here to help.”

  “Uesugi Kenshin, it is an honor to see you again,” Mizuchi said.

  “Are you here to deal with the tengu and their treacherous ways?” asked Kiyohime her voice almost timid.

  “Yes, in a manner of speaking. I’m here to help my mei.”

  Mei, what does that mean and why couldn't I translate it?

  The dragons had a look in their eyes I didn’t understand.

  “We will do our best to keep your mei safe while she is with us,” said Mizuchi.

  “Of course, old friend.” Nara’s eyes closed. “Sōjōbō is walking around. I need to leave. He
, too, will be able to recognize me. He is king for a reason.”

  “It was an honor to see you again before we left to Akasha,” Zennyo Ryūō said.

  “Will you be joining us in Akasha?” Kiyohime asked.

  “No, not as long as I am needed here.” She turned to me. “Goodbye, Sapphire.”

  “Goodbye Nara,” I said. “I hope I’ll see you again.”

  Nara grinned at me then winked. “Oh, we’ll meet again. Of that I have no doubt.”

  “Who is she?” Hiroshi asked.

  The dragons stood and left, not saying anything. Even Zennyo Ryūō stayed silent.

  “You know as much as I do. The other time I saw her was at your family’s Ryokan where she played for the faeries. And obviously she’s important to the dragons.”

  “My Aunt never mentioned her, or even hearing music before.” Hiroshi stood.

  “What was that word she said?” I tried to remember it, but it faded from my mind.

  Hiroshi shook his head. “I couldn’t understand anything that was being said. You guys spoke dragon. Let’s find Miu so she can heal my back.”

  I frowned. Who was Nara helping? Why couldn’t I remember? Hiroshi moved to go put on his sandals pulling me from my thoughts. “Yes, I am ready to get out of here. I don’t know how you’ll survive living here.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be better without beings who are trying to decide if I would make a better weapon or toy to torture,” he said.

  I smiled. “True, it’ll be much more peaceful here then.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “It was amazing,” Hiroshi said once we settled on the train to Mt. Fuji and the Aokigahara forest. “The library is full of scrolls and hand-bound books. I’ll need a ladder to reach them all. And there is no way I can copy everything before their magic fades. I’m going to have to empty the library.”

  “Will the manuscripts survive if they leave the magic?” Miu asked her brother.

  The excitement fell from his face. “I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know.”

  “What if you take pictures of one scroll or book, then try and take it out of the field?” Philip suggested. “My phone turned on in their realm. I was even able to take pictures with it, there just wasn’t any signal.”