by Amanda Rose
Each ate until they felt they’d nearly explode, they hadn’t been able to fill their bellies in such a long time, such tasty and abundant food wasn’t the norm when travelling. Twilight was upon them as they finished a sweet sugar cane desert. A bonfire was lit in the centre of the village, where the close-knit community would nightly gather and celebrate life with dancing and the telling of tall tales. Jenko pulled out his pouch of gold and paid for their meal, then they walked over to take part in the festivities.
Vince slipped away from the main crowd to go sit by the pond. In his solitude sitting along the water’s edge Vince took out his ever-frequented journal. In the light of the bonfire he began to meticulously record the events which had occurred. Quan was the most life filled place he’d ever seen, and he found himself at a loss for words. In the end he couldn’t even find the words able describe about the elegance, and was left having to draw the place.
After he finished the sketch he looked up to the stars above lighting the night sky like diamonds. His attention turned to the now waxing moon. The reflection of the moon glistened in the water among the lily pads, and crickets sang loudly. Vince’s thought dwelled on Suako. He wondered when she’d be arriving? The next few days perhaps? They were a little early after all.
Mei’s laughing suddenly interrupted his thoughts, she was clearly having fun and over indulging in drinks. He began to jot down her transformation after the incident back at the mountains by Ryoko:
After close observation Mei has totally done a complete turn about, not just in her recovery but in her attitude. I believe she is trying to deny her past, which she divulged to us back at Miss Sui Akron’s home. Since that time, she has seemingly put on a mask to cover up her feelings. She’d buried those feelings for so long, and after them resurfacing I guess she simply couldn’t handle it. I’m worried about her. The looks in Kato’s eyes when he looks at Mei makes me think he feels the same way.
Mei is currently getting plastered over by the bonfire with everyone. She’s drinking it as if it was water and she was dying of dehydration. I wonder if anyone else notices the tears in her eyes behind that mask she’s fabricated? Drowning out the past. I wonder if it’ll work for her? It never did for me…
Mack is busy dealing with the C.D.F.P. organisation. I am starting to get the feeling that he has a second objective. I don’t quite know what yet. He hasn’t given us enough information. Maybe he plans to have it out with Yoshida? Taking down the empire should be enough to get him there. But no… it must be something else.
Suako has…
Before Vince could finish writing his sentence Jenko came over and slapped a bottle of whisky against his chest. “Hey! Get yer butt over ‘ere!” Jenko said with a tiny slur. He and Mei had been drinking shots. Vince closed his books and slid it into his pack hastily, while Jenko yanked him over to the bonfire with everyone else. They danced and sang late into the night, enjoying the native’s company, as well as their stories before they finally stumbled off to an empty cottage above the lake, which would accommodate them.
The morning sun came all too soon, and as they dragged themselves out of bed, each felt their heads pounding. Kairu, who hadn’t touched of lick of alcohol, was the only one who was just simply tired. Rather groggy, Mei stepped outside the front door and saw, by the riverbank side, Kairu practising his martial arts. The thought of that much activity with her overly tired body was more then she could fathom. Kato saw Mei cringe at the sight and gave an effortless wheeze of a laugh. Vince felt well, having built his constitution up to withstand copious quantities of booze over previous years. Mack and Jenko took the longest to get out of bed; once they looked to the centre of the room and saw the tray of food left by the hostess of their temporary residency they soon felt violently ill.
By mid afternoon everyone had finally come around. Mack had gathered them all in a circle within there stay room. “Alright everyone, we need to make a game plan for tomorrow,” Mack insisted, He never could stand wasting a day, his days in the military left him restless. If nothing else they would discuss being productive in their investigation to justify not having actually done anything. “Jenko, who are the key players here for us to work on?” Kato asked before taking a sip of an herbal drink.
Jenko, still holding a cold compress on his head, took a moment to think. “Well… the chief… obviously… uhh, lemme see now… well the elder if we can get ‘em to say more then two words in a sentence…” Jenko continued in a stunted thought process. In the end they never achieved anything, but it still made Mack feel like they’d at least put in some work that day setting plans.
They lazed the rest of the day away, which almost never happened since they became mercenaries under Mack’s command. There was a subtle breeze that played with puffy white clouds overhead. Golden hues blessed the sky as the sun sank down below the horizon that evening. Night befell the village, and the fire was ablaze yet again. While the others slept Kairu attended the festivities. He sat quietly and waited for the stories to begin again.
Morning slowly came, the overcast sky gave the illusion of time being earlier then it really was. A few noisy pelicans announced the unseen sun’s presence. As they prepared to embark that day, Kairu suddenly entered the tent. He’d been out all night, but didn’t look tired in the least. “I have news,” he said in his usual tone.
Despite the lack of enthusiasm everyone took a seat and had a feeling this may be important. “What is it?” Kato asked, thumping against the hard-wooden floor. “I was out all night and met the chief’s daughter. I got a lot of information,” he explained. Everyone sat starring until Mack finally spoke up, “…And that would be?”
Kairu sat down as well, then he began, “Well, as we noticed from simply being here, there are no modern conveniences…” Mei interrupted, “Oh my god, I didn’t notice that,” she blurted out in a moment of embarrassment. “Sorry go on,” she shook her head. “It seems although they have the C.D.F.P.’s power generator here, but they don’t trust technology…” yet again he was interrupted, “Then why do they have that thing here?” Vince vainly gave Kairu a nervy glare. Kairu just rolled his eyes, “Ahem, as I was saying, they don’t trust or believe in modern technology. They have that here against their will.”
Eyes darted back and forth from person to person. “It was just recently installed here, I barely even noticed how new it was when we arrived. That is the Companies very first generator using the new technology, the first to use their new chemical compound. The C.D.F.P. required this land because they had problems configuring the coolant system but didn’t want to delay production. The water in Quan makes the air a few degrees cooler here. They can easily pump the water in through the machine as well, rather then expending money and importing water into a location. Hence they chose Quan.”
“…And the company has very persuasive ways of getting their way,” Mack grimly added. Kairu nodded and continued speaking in his formal dialect, “The company offered Quan some gold. At first Okichi’s father denied them. Soon offers turned into threats, and the people of Quan, being a small solitary group of people, could easily be forgotten about. The Company forced their way in here using those tactics. Okichi's father couldn't afford a war, he knew it would result in annihilation of the Quan tribe. Rather than risk everything he let them build their ‘wicked contraption’ as she so eloquently put it. The C.D.F.P. keeps this town poor by inducing heavy taxation to allow them their air filtration dome.”
“Damn the company. They always be bustin’ in where they don’t belong,” Kato convulsed. They shared his feeling in a mutual murmur of agreement. “Good work,” Mack praised Kairu. “We know where they stand now,” Jenko’s eyes were deep as he peered back into his memory, “…when I was last here some years back the C.D.F.P. were camped out not far from here. I left before anything happened. Someone mentioned ‘C.D.F.P.’ and I got my ass outta the line of fire. That must’ve been when the so-called negotiations took place.” He said, eyes lost in searchi
ng his mind.
They spent the following week scavenging the town for any scraps of information. Unfortunately, the Quan people were simple and therefore kept their conversations as such, and they didn’t care to discuss the generator which they all condemned. The Quan tribesmen were also very superstitious. They believed speaking about bad things perpetuated the bad things to become a stronger role within their lives. This made it complicated as they tried to get more information. Some of the younger generation, who were rebellious to the ‘old ways,’ were a little easier to dig information out of, though they didn’t know as much as those older and politically involved.
It came down to only a few people of whom they had yet to talk to. The tribe elder, being one of the last. Mack didn’t know how to approach the old man, he’d felt the initial impression hadn’t gone as well as it could have. The old man didn’t seem to trust them, and Mack spent much time dwelling on whom to send in to speak with the elder. He finally arrived at the conclusion that Kairu would be the best choice. Kairu, practically being royalty back in Ryoko, had lived a sheltered life within the mountains. His innocence would certainly be trusted, Mack thought.
Kairu had no problem with this, so he entered the tent, while the others stood outside waiting. The aroma of freshly dispersed essential oils was hovering around the tent; the curtains collected the fragrance as it ebbed out. As Kairu passed through the curtain he felt a sense of calmness wash over him, he bowed, and asked if the elder was taking any company at the moment. The old man looked up over the top of his novel, nodded and Kairu came forth to sit in front of the man. The elder placed his book aside and removed his reading spectacles.
“What do you desire, boy?” The man seemed pleased to have some company. From what Kairu could tell the man lived a rather solemn life, none of the other tribe’s people seemed to visit the old man for anything but advice. He was wise, he could read into your mind, and peer into your soul. They must feel uneasy about that, Kairu thought to himself.
“What is your name, wise one?” he asked, unable to stick strictly to his task, the old man made him curious. In Ryoko everyone was close to everyone, no one was excluded; although he somehow felt segregated at times. The old mans eyes glistened, no one had asked about him for the longest time. “…Otojiro,” he said half stunned. “Blessed Otojiro, would you tell me of your history?” Kairu could not help but ask. This pour soul had been starved of attention. Everyone he’d spoken with for the longest time wanted to know about themselves, now it would be his turn to tell his story.
Otojiro sat there, in a bit of disbelief. Kairu watched the man’s expression go from bleak and knowledgeable to the heart of a young man. After a short pause Otojiro began to tell his tales, and Kairu listened intently. Part way through Otojiro fixed them both some tea. He offered Kairu some of his treasured imported dried fruits, which he’d kept hidden in a small safe near a tiny wooden self-supporting bookshelf.
Otojiro told of gripping stories of wars, from back when the continent from the west had claimed this land as their own. The people fought admirably to win back their land to no avail. The old man used to be a grand warrior for the tribe, he led the Quan into battle many times against the new empire before they were forced to surrender. Otojiro was so enthusiast he enacted a few of his battle sequences for Kairu.
Kairu loved hearing his father and grandfather speak of Ryoko in its historic battles years ago. The bandits that used to come and attempt to pirate the old city and escape to the sea was one of his favourite stories: They came one night while the city was sleeping. They crept around and stole whatever lay in front of them. By sunrise they’d stolen half of the old city’s economic property… and so the story continued, though Otojiro had reclaimed Kairu’s attention suddenly as he exclaimed “Thud! The enemy hit the ground, and then…”
Hours passed outside and they all wondered what was taking so long inside the tent. “This is ridiculous! What could he be saying that’s taking so long?” Vince angrily grunted, fatigue getting the better of him. He was feeling rather envious of Kairu’s maturity and entrusted responsibilities, despite his age. Kato was starting to feel a little agitated himself from waiting so long, “Should ‘n we be doin’ somethin’?” He asked feeling rather useless just wasting time waiting. “Maybe we should go…” just as Mei finished speaking, Kairu slipped out of the tent. Mei, Kato and Vince hustled over to Kairu to see what had been said. Jenko and Mack pulled themselves up from the ground and walked over, stretching their arms as they did.
“So, what did you find out?” Mei eagerly questioned. Kairu stopped moving completely for a second, “Have you all been waiting for me?” he pointed to himself. Mei and Vince vigorously nodded. “So? Common, what’d ya’ find out?” Vince asked crossing his arms. “I uh, forgot to ask.” Mei and Kato stood looking dumbfounded. Jenko couldn’t contain himself, and he erupted with laughter. Mack shook his head, “Oh that figures… Well don’t worry about it kid. But, what were you in there so long for then?” Kairu looked up a little embarrassed. “We just talked,” he said, then walked off to be alone.
“I don’t believe it,” Mack laughed. “Waste of time,” Vince complained. “Oh, lighten up, he ain’t used to interrogatin’ people. Besides, he understands formal town structures better then we all do. He’ll get us any info we be needin’,” Kato said as he started walking off towards their cabin. Mei looked at Vince questionably, her eyes asked why such animosity? though her words never reached her lips. She then took off after Kato and went to the cabin. Mack and Jenko strolled off toward the food tent talking about their plans.
Vince just stood there alone for a minute, then walked off into the jungle like area. Using a strong hanging vine, he hauled himself up into one of the trees. Looking off into the distance he sighed as he watched a few clouds pass overhead. Under his breath he whispered to the wind, “Suako, where are you?”
The floor creaked as Mei entered the cabin. “Mei?” Kato asked turning around. “Hmm?” she looked to him. “What er’ ya up to?” He asked, and his eyes asked much more. “Laundry. You have some?” she said as gleeful as any Quan homemaker. Kato shook his head, he looked at her, and he watched her masquerade. He was tired of her always wearing an invisible mask, he saw right through it.
Kato took a moment before he could bring himself to speak his mind. “You’ve changed,” was all he could think to say. Mei laughed, “What are you talking about?” “That’s what I’m talking about,” her laughter then faded to a grim expression, like a thief being got with stolen goods. She tried to slump it off, “I’m the same old me,” she said nervously, turning from Kato to tend to her laundry. Kato walked up to the trembling woman. He gently spun her around to see her tearful eyes weeping. Mei whimpered, “I… I just don’t want them… to take anyone else… from me.” Her fearful eyes searched his for comfort.
Embracing Mei within his grasp, Kato stroked her head lovingly, “I won’t let ‘em Mei. Dun you worry.” He rocked her gently, and they stood there holding each other for a while. They exchanged no words for the longest time, lost within the sanctum of one another. Mei quivered as she broke drown the barriers of her invisible mask; she was exposed, always, to him.
Desperate hands grabbed Kato’s body and refused to release him. “They can’t take you too…” Mei sobbed. Kato pulled slightly from her and wiped the tears from her eyes. “They can’t have me,” He smiled. A tear soaked suffering face looked back at him, her tender heart tried to speak, “But…” in protest. Kato drew near to Mei, and he tilted her head up smoothly and silenced her with his reassuring eyes, then leaned forward and kissed Mei’s soft plush quivering lips. Kato was the home which she’d never allow C.D.F.P. to take. Mei was safe within his hold.
Jenko noticed as Mack’s eyes scanned the town constantly. After finishing his rice, he placed his bowl down noisily, disturbing Mack’s train of thought. Mack turned to look at his companion, and found it off to see him starring back. “You didn’t tell them,” Jenko r
eplied to Mack’s expression of wonderment. Mack sighed, “I couldn’t bring myself to say it yet… everything else was fine but, I don’t want them to think I’m using them.” “They wouldn’t. They’ve all suffered the C.D.F.P., you’re no exception,” Jenko replied. Mack nodded, “In time.” There was a secondary pause. “Well, have you asked about him here?” Jenko inquired. Mack nodded, “Yea, no sign of ‘em. I keep lookin’ though. Never trust that easy.”
Don’t let me to ache, I cannot endure to do so again…
Chapter 7: Dark Secrets
Yu-Lee was revitalised to have an apprentice under her wing. Suako was attentive to everything Yu-Lee told her about the planet, magick, and the Universe. She kept a small journal of all she was learning, and Yu-Lee opened up all of her own personal recordings to Suako. Whenever Yu-Lee was busy with someone else Suako had her nose lost in the books. Time slipped away without her even knowing it.
Time seemed to case to exist in this place. Weeks passed and Suako could barely differentiate from one day as it morphed into another, her mind was so focused on the task at hand. After a month of focus on theory, Yu-Lee felt Suako was ready to start utilising the life energies. Suako was excelling as a student, she could hardly sleep; her mind had never been so alive. All she could think about were her studies. This magick was just too interesting, this power, so strong and useful could help save the planet; Suako would make sure of this.
Yu-Lee was fully contented to be teaching Suako, but something wasn’t clear about Suako. Suako was a positive soul, always optimistic, and this fit in every aspect of her life, except when she slept. Yu-Lee often found herself awakened by Suako calling out in her sleep, screaming and cursing, overcome by night terrors. She was always fighting something in her sleep. What could it be that was such a predominant force over her subconscious? Yu-Lee wondered.
Once day Yu-Lee mustered up some courage to asked Suako about her dreams, but Suako had no reply. She sat there in though for a brief time, then she simply lied. Suako told Yu-Lee, “I don’t remember my dreams.” Then quickly she tried to change the subject. At first Yu-Lee just gave Suako the benefit of the doubt, but as the night terrors continued Yu-Lee knew something more was at play than Suako was willing to discuss.
