Final Showdown

by Karin De Havin

  She laughed. “Will do.”

  Shiro stood before me, his aura weakened from battling the monster. “On behalf of my adopted country, I want to thank you as well.” He reached over and took my hand. “Have a safe trip back to the States. Please let me know if you are ever in Fiji. My family will be sure to show you a good time.”

  My heart never felt so full. “I would love to.”

  Kenzo and Ren stood on either side of me as the familiar light beam formed in front of us.

  I bowed one last time to the Sun Goddess and waved good-bye to Yuki as she nestled into Amaterasu’s hair. The thought of never seeing her precious little face again made me well up. The light beam appeared before us, signaling it was our time to leave. Linking my arms with Kenzo and Ren’s, I braced myself, as the light grew so intense it forced me to close my eyes.

  When I opened them, we were standing in Kenzo’s room at the ryokan. My heart pounded in my chest. “It must be well past midnight. Mr. Shinji will have called the police.”

  Kenzo laughed. “Actually, it’s exactly the same time as when we left.”

  “What?”

  Ren nodded. “We fought the battle in the paranormal world—not this one.”

  My mind spun unable to absorb one more earth-shattering piece of information. “Right.” I staggered toward the door. “Then I guess I’ve got to head over to dinner.”

  Ren pointed to my black shirt and jeans covered in demon goo and bright green monster blood. “Think you better change first.”

  I laughed gazing down at my jeans that looked like I’d been in a paintball fight. “Right. There’s no way I can explain to Setsuko what happened to my clothes, let alone why I smell like a dead skunk.”

  Speeding out of Kenzo’s room, I zoomed down the stairs and stood in front of the door to my room. I reached into my pocket for my key. Crap. I must have lost it in the battle. Taking a chance, I turned the knob and the door popped open. In my haste to get to Kenzo’s room, I’d forgotten to lock the door. Just to be safe, I checked the luggage to make sure nothing had been taken. Everything seemed just as we’d left it. Good thing I made such a big mistake in Japan and not in the States.

  Running the water in the shower until it got close to scalding, I stepped in and let the blood and goo from the demons wash off my skin and down the drain. Scrubbing my skin harder than usual, the fragrance of jasmine soap finally overpowered the demon stench. After blow-drying my hair, I wadded up my clothes in the plastic trash liner and tossed them out the window and into the bushes. Hopefully no one would discover them until after we were long gone. I pulled out my last pair of clean skinny blue jeans and a white short-sleeved blouse from my roller bag. Putting on a bit of foundation, eye shadow, and lip-gloss, I finally felt like a human again. No one would have any idea I’d just returned from an epic battle in an alternate world.

  Feeling quite proud of myself, I looked forward to a nice, traditional Japanese meal. Nothing like saving Japan from the dark side to make a girl hungry. I entered the dining room and found Setsuko seated by herself next to a large window that looked out onto a beautifully arranged bonsai garden. I sat down across from her grateful to finally rest my legs. “Hey, where are the cute guys from the lounge? I thought with that sexy outfit you would have snagged at least one.”

  She sighed and covered up the tiny bit of cleavage her pink wrap top reveled. “Nope. They were giving all their attention to the blonde girls.”

  I knew a thing or two about rejection. “Sorry. Guys suck.”

  She nodded. “So how was your hike? Hey, wait, you changed your clothes.”

  Better make up something believable quick. “Yeah, I made a slight mistake in judgment when I hiked up this hill, my boots hit a rock and ended up in a mud pit.”

  She laughed. “I can totally see you doing something like that.” She pointed to my bicep. “It looks like you still have some mud on you.”

  What the heck was she talking about? I thought I’d scrubbed my skin really well in the shower. I moved my arm closer so I could see what she was talking about.

  Setsuko gasped. “What the H is that? It looks like a tattoo of the sun?”

  I swallowed hard realizing she’d been right but having no idea where it came from.

  Her eyes narrowed as she focused on my newly acquired tattoo. “So, you went for a hike, did you?” She waved her hand in the air. “Mr. Shinji, can you come over here for a second? Erin has something to show you.”

  Chapter 13

  Sayonara

  June 6th 9:00AM

  “No! Stop!”

  Ren pounded on my bedroom door. “Erin, are you all right in there?”

  Crap. I shook my head realizing I had just woken myself up from a series of nightmares. In my first, Mr. Shinji busted me for getting a tattoo and forced me to fly back home a week early. In reality, Mr. Shinji wasn’t even in the dining room that night. Setsuko got me again. In the second nightmare, I basically relived the battle at Ise. Except in my nightmare version of the battle the candle didn’t work, and Death killed us all. I sat up in bed and called out to Ren, “I’m fine. I just had a bad dream.”

  I got up and staggered to the bathroom and splashed water on my face. Funny, I didn’t look any different after the fight of my life. Well, except for the dark circles under my eyes. Still, I could take satisfaction in what we accomplished, even if no one knew that our efforts last night brought Japan’s paranormal world back into balance—hopefully forever.

  Ren greeted me with a cup of tea and pointed to the bar where she prepared my breakfast which consisted of a bowl of cereal, a banana, and what looked like a glass of real orange juice. Guzzling down half the glass, I relished in the sweet orangey taste as it slid down my throat.

  Ren flipped open her laptop and sat next to me while I inhaled my cereal. “I’m typing up my report for the PSIA about what took place in Ise. I wanted to know if you had anything you might want to add about the events.”

  I swallowed down my mouthful of cereal. “I think events is a pretty tame word for what we went through. I do have a question. Do you know what happened to Kyubi?”

  “She’s fine. Amaterasu asked her to clean up the mess in the meadow.”

  “Oh man, I feel so sorry for her. Did she do something to tick off the Sun Goddess?”

  Ren laughed. “No. Believe it or not it is one of the highest honors to clean the battlefield.”

  I wiped my forehead as it had been covered in sweat. “I’m sure glad it wasn’t me.”

  “Me too.” Ren chuckled and shifted her gaze back to her laptop. “You sure you have nothing to add to the report?”

  “No, I’m sure you did a great job documenting everything. Just make sure you paint me as the hero.”

  She didn’t laugh. “But you were. You, and only you, could extinguish Death’s candle.”

  I touched the sun tattoo on my bicep. “Amaterasu seemed to have graced me with a parting gift.”

  Ren flipped over her wrist to display the same distinctive sun tattoo. “Yes, as you can see, we all received one. It is a sign of her appreciation and protection.”

  I picked up the banana and peeled back the skin. “I thought everything was back to normal. Why would we need protection?”

  Ren cocked her head like a bird. “You never know what outside forces will rise up in the future.”

  “Great. And I was just starting to feel safe again.”

  She squeezed my hand. “It’s more symbolic than anything.”

  I wanted so much to believe her. “That’s good because I honestly don’t think I could go through something as epic as Ise again.”

  Glancing at the kitchen clock, I pushed back the barstool. “I better head off to the academy and say my good-byes.”

  Ren gave me an encouraging smile. “You never know. Maybe you will see your friends again. San Francisco is a nice place to visit.”

  The way Setsuko treated me lately, I doubted I’d make a special trip to see her unless
I could see Gina too.

  “You’re right.” I hugged Ren and darted out the door. My bodyguard roommate had turned out to be a great friend.

  My last ride to Seda Academy felt surreal. On the one hand, it seemed like I’d been in Japan way longer than a year. On the other, it seemed like just when I finally got in the groove of living in Tokyo proper, I had to leave. I know I could come back to visit, but it wouldn’t be the same.

  Smiling at the familiar bell tower as I crossed into the courtyard, the sound of laughter filled the air. Kenzo stood in his skintight rocker outfit, talking to a group of the girls from the Harem. He must have given them one last joke to send them off. He saw me skirt around the group and gave me a thumbs up. The confusion on the Harem girl’s faces was priceless. They must think we finally hooked up. Little did they know Kenzo’s gesture celebrated the fact that we won the battle between good and evil.

  Gina let go of Adam’s hand and waved me over. “Hey, Erin. I heard you had a sailor moment when you were in Nara.”

  Figures Setsuko blabbed about the tattoo. “Yeah, I wanted a permanent reminder of my time in Japan.”

  Adam moved next to me. “Can I see what all the fuss is about?”

  I dropped my backpack and rolled up the sleeve on my denim shirt. “What do you think?”

  He laughed. “When Setsuko told us your tattoo was the sun, for some reason I pictured the Japanese flag. I can see now it’s literally a sun. Why does it remind you of Japan?”

  If only I could tell Adam what it really meant, it would blow his mind. “It’s the symbol for the Sun Goddess. She created Japan after all.”

  Gina laughed. “Touché. I think it’s really cool. There is something powerful about the way the rays burst out of the center.”

  Interesting. Gina sensed its energy. “Thanks.”

  The sound of Setsuko’s Mary Janes click clacking on the brick pathway. “So, you couldn’t resist showing off your new artwork.”

  “Not after you blabbed about it to everyone on campus.”

  She huffed. “Not everyone. Just twenty people.”

  For some reason I couldn’t stay mad at Setsuko. When I needed her most, she came to my rescue and helped me learn Japanese. Not to mention the fact she threw me the best birthday party ever. “Oh, only twenty people. Then that’s okay.”

  We all laughed together—the perfect way to say good-bye.

  Mr. Shinji dressed casually in a pair of khaki pants and a white golf shirt, walked over to our group. “Good to see everyone. I wanted to thank you all for an enjoyable year together. I hope you will prosper in college. Have safe trips home.” He glanced at me. “Erin, can I speak with you a moment.”

  I waved to the gang. “See you back in the States. Keep in touch!”

  Gina did the “call me” sign up to her ear. I’d have to fill her in on Mr. Shinji when I got home.

  The gang waved good-bye as I followed Mr. Shinji across the courtyard and into the lounge. Once we were inside, he pointed to a lounge chair. “Please, sit down.”

  Crap. What had I done now? “Is there a problem, Mr. Shinji?”

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gold box. “You’ve made quite the impression on me, and I hope I have made one on you as well.” He placed the box on the arm of my chair. “Something to remember me by.”

  Slipping the lid off the box, a smile spread across my face when I recognized the round red painted doll with the white face accented with black mustache-like marks and blank eyes. “It’s a daruma doll.”

  “Yes.” And I hope it will bring you good fortune.”

  I tucked the box safely in the front pocket of my backpack. “Thank you so much, Mr. Shinji. I’m sure it will help me reach my goal.”

  He got up from the chair and straightened his khakis. “I see you know the tradition of painting in the eyes.” He held out his hand. “It was nice meeting you, Erin.”

  I stood up and gripped his hand tightly. “Likewise, Mr. Shinji.”

  Watching him walk away left a lump in my throat. Of all the people I had met in Japan, my relationship with Mr. Shinji changed the most. We started off basically hating each other, but over time we learned to have the greatest respect for one another.

  “Erin, is everything okay? I saw you go off with Mr. Shinji.”

  The person I dread seeing the most—Kenzo. How could I say good-bye to my rock star tour guide? “He just wanted to give me something to remember him by.”

  “Look, I have to go.” He handed me a note. “Have a safe trip home.”

  My heart sank. How could he leave me like I was just someone from his Harem? Part of me wanted to tear up the note—but the other opened it. In Kenzo’s familiar bold handwriting it said: This is a coupon to a fancy night out on the town as your going away present. Tomorrow night, meet me in front of the JumboTron at seven sharp. P.S. I look forward to seeing you in your hot rocker chick outfit, and don’t forget to wear my favorite bra.

  Kenzo

  Later that Day 6:00PM

  The Painful Goodbye

  I had said so many good-byes yesterday, but the one tonight would be the hardest. After everything we had been through together, how do I leave the person that changed my life forever? The person who showed me a Japan I would have never known without his guidance? The person who showed me a hidden part of myself I never knew existed? How do I say good-bye to Kenzo? Just the thought made tears well up in my eyes.

  The buzzing in my pocket broke my dismal mood. I pulled the phone out and sighed when I saw who it was. “Hey Tori, what’s up?”

  “I should ask you that question. You sound terrible.”

  I tried to brighten my mood. “Sorry, it’s been a rough couple of days. I’ve made some really good friends here and it’s been so hard saying good-bye.”

  A sigh came through the receiver. “I know how you feel. Shintro left yesterday.”

  I felt like a total heel. Of course, he would have to return to Japan. “Oh, I’m sorry, Tori. I should have realized he had to head home.” The word had a hollow ring. Part of me felt like Japan had become my home, too.

  “It’s okay. We knew it was just going to be a short relationship. He is Japanese through and through. I’m so glad you’re coming home tomorrow. I really could use my best friend right now.”

  “The feeling is mutual.” I glanced at my watch. “Look, I’ve got to go. I have my last dinner date with Kenzo and then he’s taking me to the airport. I usually hate red eyes, but it will be worth it because I’ll get to see you that much sooner.”

  “I know you will miss Kenzo a lot. You guys became such good friends.”

  She had no idea. The battle brought us even closer together. But it was going to have to be a secret I kept from Tori. I could never explain to her anything about my powers or about the paranormal world. After all, she thought my obsession with Supernatural was silly. “We have.” I choked back tears. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Clicking off the phone, I walked back into the bathroom and touched up my make-up.

  Ren stuck her head in. “I told you, it’s not good-bye forever. Kenzo and I will surely be visiting the US. We help out on cases with the FBI all the time.”

  I knew she just wanted to cheer me up, so I forced a smile. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  She squeezed my hand as I yanked my roller bag out the door. “It will be my pleasure. This isn’t sayonara, it’s matta aimashou, and we’ll meet again.” I hugged her so tight I’m sure I cracked a rib.

  The train ride to Shinjuku would be my last. I closed my eyes and listened to the recorded announcement understanding every word. How far I had come. My phone buzzed in my pocket. Crap. I must have forgotten something. “Okay, what did I forget?”

  My mother’s birdlike sound crackled in the receiver. “Hopefully nothing, Honey. I just wanted to wish you a safe flight home. We are so excited to hear about your adventures. The twins can’t wait to see pictures of all the places you’ve been.”


  “Tell them I have some cool presents.”

  I could hear them squealing in the background. “They can’t wait, honey. See you soon.”

  Part of me felt guilty how little I missed my family while I was gone. The other would be happy to see them again. The twins must be at least an inch or two taller by now. When I heard the announcement for Shinjuku station, I jumped up and yanked my roller bag off the train. I wove my way through the station like a pro. Stopping in front of a row of lockers I tucked my roller bag inside and punched the digital code. I was going to miss all the high-tech wonders of Japan. The only fancy electronics in Magic Valley were the computerized LED lights on Main Street at Christmas time.

  As I headed out to the JumboTron, my throat grew tight. The finality of the night hit me hard—like a demon punch to the gut.

  Tonight’s viewing pleasure on the JumboTron couldn’t be more appropriate. A JAL airline commercial showed a girl about my age dressed in jeans and a long sleeve shirt settling into her window seat as the plane took off. The next scene showed her looking down at the city lights of Tokyo and saying, “I’ll miss you, but I can’t wait to see Paris.”

  I felt the same excitement when I flew into to Tokyo.

  A puff of air hit my ear. “It’s like they knew you were leaving tonight.”

  I turned to find Kenzo not dressed in his rocker uniform, but in his tailored black PSIA issued suit. His rocker hair, tamed by a liberal dose of mouse, was tucked behind his ears. Somehow seeing him this way made things a tiny bit easier. “I still can’t believe I’m leaving. Especially with the battle still playing over and over in my head.”

  He kissed my cheek. “You were amazing.”

  Not amazing enough to win your heart.

  Kenzo looped his arm around mine. “I have the perfect restaurant picked out for dinner.”

  “Really? Is it another French place?”

  He pulled me to the side to dodge a large group of drunk guys. My boots hit a patch of oil and I plowed into Kenzo.