by Erik DeLeo
A short while later, the top popped open. A moment after that, the full stench of the place hit Miko full-force in the face. She suppressed a gag.
“How’d you find me?” asked Miko, holding a paw over her nose and trying to breathe through her mouth. It didn’t help much.
“How’d you end up in a box?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Too late…wait…did you have one of your episodes? Again?” It was hard to see in the darkness, but Sukoshi thought he detected a hint of distain on Miko’s face. “Never mind. I don’t want to know. Long story short, I finished surveying my side of the docks and then was so hungry I went in search for food. Which led me here. I wasn’t actually looking for you.”
“It’s nice to know I was missed.”
“That’s a weird way to say thanks.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. Luckily, I found a piece of cheese earlier and it wasn’t even rotten!”
“That’s great,” replied Miko without excitement.
There was a loud click and then a noise, like metal groaning.
“We need to get out of here.”
“You have a firm grip of the obvious,” said Miko.
“Hey, be glad I’m not holding the fact I rescued you over your head.”
“On the contrary, I think you are.”
The groaning crescendoed into a screech, and a vibration ran through the pile of trash Miko and Sukoshi sat on.
“What’s happening?”
“Quick! We don’t have much time! They’ve turned on the compactor. Grab my tail!”
Miko hesitated.
“Now!” yelled Sukoshi.
Miko reached out with her paws and held Sukoshi’s tail firmly, yet as gently as she could. She let the field mouse guide her over the piles of moist garbage. The smell was overwhelming, but the fear of being crushed propelled her. The accumulated trash was getting pushed together. It tumbled over itself, and as it did, Sukoshi and Miko scrambled up and over.
“There’s a small, rusted out opening up ahead. You should be able to barely squeeze through.”
Miko saw it just as Sukoshi mentioned it. A tiny ray of daylight pierced through into the inky black. If she could reach the opening, beyond it lay freedom. But Miko could sense time was running out. Without giving it much thought, she scooped the mouse up with her other paw barreled ahead.
There was a metallic shrieking sound as the walls were closing in. Paper and trash and other refuse were starting to protest with crumpling and crunching. Miko slipped on something wet and almost fell. She got closer and closer to their only means of escape.
Something caught her foot for a second, put Miko pulled it out. She was within reach of the hole, and she threw Sukoshi through it. Then she leapt towards the opening right as the trash became crushed behind her.
The sudden daylight was blinding, and Miko tumbled out, falling head over tail. Flakes of rusted metal fell after her like snow. She landed in a lump, panting. Sukoshi lay next to her unmoving. The trash compactor gave one last gasp as it shuddered to a stop. Silence hung in the air, except for the occasional caws of seagull.
“I think I’m dead,” said the field mouse.
“You’re…not…dead,” replied Miko through deep inhales.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, because if there is an after life, I’m positive I’m not spending it with you.”
“Maybe we’re ghosts, then,” continued Sukoshi without missing a beat. “Or trapped between worlds. Or…”
Miko let him ramble on as she lay on her side and caught her breath. They were outside next to a large metal contraption, which she assumed was the trash compactor. Rust had eaten a hole through one part on the side, and that’s how the pair had escaped. Miko pushed herself up into a sitting position. It was then she noticed something smelled. Her.
“What’s that stench,” asked Sukoshi, crinkling up his nose. “Wait, is that you?”
Miko shot him a glance.
“Well, it’s not me,” protested the mouse.
Unfortunately, she was inclined to agree with her friend. She did smell something terrible. Her fur was coated with a slick substance that smelled strongly of decomposing food. It was so revolting, she had no urge to groom herself.
“Fine. I stink. But it’s better than the alternative.”
Sukoshi was inclined to agree. They were still alive. “By the way, I think I found where they’re keeping them. I saw some sketching looking dogs by a small building over by the cranes. To clarify, sketchy looking dogs with tattoos.”
Miko let out a sigh of relief.
’“So now what?” asked the field mouse.
“Now? Well, you get back home to your family and make sure they’re safe.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“What about the barkuza? What about the puppies?”
“As much as I would like to, I can’t take them on by myself. I need to talk to Kobayashi.”
There was a noise from the other side of the trash compactor. Was someone coming? Both Sukoshi and Miko shot bolt upright.
“Meet me back here tonight! “Go! Now!” she said to Sukoshi, who didn’t hesitate. And with that, Miko turned tail and ran in the opposite direction, smell and all.
A moment later, around the corner appeared Akihiro, who saw Miko scampering away. He knew what he must do to prevent the ninja cat from spoiling his plans.
Council
“Look what the cat dragged in,” said Kobayashi smiling.
It was midday outside the Silver Pavilion. Kobayashi was sunning himself on a rock next to the pond in the zen garden. Miko was soaking wet.
“It’s a long story,” she replied.
“I have time,” said the sensei in a relaxed tone, rolling over on his back.
Miko relayed the story of the barkuza. Of the puppy trafficking ring. And of something even darker, the one the Tosa Inu was talking to. Kobayashi perked up at that last bit of information.
“Who could be giving orders to the barkuza?” she asked. “That’s a dangerous enough group as it is.”
“You heard this person?” asked her master.
“I heard something. It sounded…evil.”
Kobayashi sat up. “This is dangerous stuff, Miko. You should think before getting involved.”
She had never heard her sensei express reservations like this before. “I’m already involved, sensei. The question is, who are these people?”
A serious expression washed across the face of the tortoise shell cat, who uttered a single word. “Mamushi.”
“What?”
“Have you heard of the Cabal of Shadows?” asked Kobayashi
“No. I don’t usually delve into the dark underworld of Kyoto.”
“It’s no surprise. These groups like to keep a low profile. The barkuza are one. They’re dangerous. But these various other groups are very dangerous.”
“It’s a good thing I came to talk to you, then. I obviously need your help.”
Kobayashi regarded her with an odd look. He held her gaze a moment, then glanced away, shifting his gaze to the still waters of the large koi pond.
“What is it?” Miko asked, sensing something.
“I’m afraid I can’t help you,” said Kobayashi, not taking his eyes off the water. He slowly turned his head back toward his former student.
“This is not my fight Miko. And if you were smart, you wouldn’t make it yours either.”
“I have an obligation to my client…” protested Miko.
“You have an obligation to yourself,” he replied, cutting her short.
“I don’t understand,” she said, confused.
“The barkuza are one thing. The other groups they work with? When I said they were dangerous, I meant deadly. Especially the one I think you stumbled upon.”
“But we’re ninjas,” said Miko. “This is what you trained me for. This is what your master trained you for. Besides, I need
your help. It happened again when I was caught. I couldn’t resist my instincts. I failed.”
“Explain.”
“After I heard the weird voice, the one you think is from a member of this shadowy group. I was found out. I was running for my life, and the leader of the barkuza threw a cardboard box. Instead of running for the door, I jumped right into it,” Miko said, embarrassed. “I couldn’t stop myself.”
Kobayashi’s attitude shifted, and his voice became gentle. “Remember how I told you battling yourself is tougher than any fight with a sword?”
Miko nodded.
“What I failed to mention is that it never ends. The battle, it’s forever. Your instincts will be constantly whispering—sometimes shouting. Always present. It’s up to you to rise above them. You don’t become deaf to the noise. It’s when you hear the noise, but choose not to listen. That’s the first secret of the ninja. That’s when you can become a true master.”
She considered his words carefully.
“Thank you, Kobayashi-san. I appreciate your wisdom.”
Miko titled her head, and felt the heat of the sun on her body. Her fur was beginning to dry off. It was getting later.
“I need to go. I can’t let the barkuza win. I need to help those puppies. I don’t know how I’ll win, but I’ll fight them by myself if I have to. If you change your mind, meet me at the docks tonight at sundown.”
She bowed to her old master respectfully, then left. Kobayashi said nothing, and didn’t call after her.
It was dark by the time Miko made it back to the teahouse. The owner had left out warm milk for her along with some food, which she gladly ate up. It helped renew her strength. She then hopped up on a chair and thoroughly groomed herself. She didn’t want to wear her outfit without cleaning her fur.
Once Miko finished, she went to where she kept her ninja clothes and weapons. She moved the tile hiding them out of the way, and placed everything out on the floor. Her katana, her throwing stars, and her knives. This would be the most dangerous mission she had attempted, and Miko wanted to be prepared.
She was methodical. Miko double- and triple-checked each piece. She made sure her katana was sharpened and the blade well oiled. As Miko slipped into her uniform, she took her time with each piece. Her pants. Her shirt. Her mask. Once she was satisfied with that, she strapped on her sword, followed by the four-pointed stars and her knives. Before heading out, she pulled up her mask, said a silent prayer to the protective spirits, and headed out into the night.
Stealth
Miko was alone. There was no sign of Sukoshi or Kobayashi for that matter. She had entered the docks under cover of the night, and made her way over to the massive cranes, their metal beams arcing up towards the sky.
She had located the building Sukoshi had mentioned. And it did indeed look like there were guard dogs stationed outside. She just needed to formulate a plan. Dispatching the guards would be tough, but that’s not what gave Miko pause. It’s that she didn’t know what lay inside the building. Normally, she would have had time to scout the location and know all the ins and outs. But these weren’t normal circumstances. She had to free the puppies tonight, otherwise they’d be on a ship traveling who knows where.
Her katana slipped effortlessly out of its scabbard on her back. She dragged her paw pad across the blade. Sharp. She thought Kobayashi-san would be proud of her preparation.
Miko advanced cautiously, making her way around cargo containers and stacks of wooden pallets, keeping to the shadows. The scattered bright lights at the docks cast long shadows, which gave her plenty of cover to advance toward the guards.
The closer she got, the more her heartbeat quickened. But it wasn’t her instincts that made her feel this way. It’s how she got when she knew a fight was coming, especially one with weapons. Miko calmed her breathing and focused on her five senses to ground herself.
Taste. She licked her lips. The moist, coastal air carried on its currents a hint of salt.
Touch. The feel of the katana hilt was reassuring. The concrete was cold on the pads of her rear paws.
Sight. Despite the light at the docks, the starts were still noticeable under the clear sky. She scanned the area, and detected no other guards.
Smell. The aroma of the ocean was noticeable, along with the distant hint of fish and decaying things.
Sound. It was still. Except for the faraway buzz of mechanical things somewhere else in Maizuru.
Miko closed her eyes and took it all in from all of her senses. It helped her focus on the moment. Her eyes narrowed. She was ready for the barkuza guards.
Slowly but steadily, she closed the distance between her and the two dogs by the entrance of the building. By all accounts, they were mongrel dogs, of mixed breeds and questionable background. But they shared one thing in common—they looked mean.
She was close to the base of the crane closest to the building. It rested on huge metal rollers, which allowed it to move up and down the docks. A huge cargo ship was docked, piled high with colored shipping containers and anchored to the docks by thick ropes. Miko used the crane to shield herself from view as she advanced on the guards. She slipped up to one of rollers, and pressed herself against it. Miko quickly sheathed her katana, and wiped her paws on the fabric of her outfit, a nervous habit to be sure, but one she had grown used to right before a fight. Violence was coming. Miko pulled her sword back out, holding it in her right paw while drawing a throwing star with her left. She counted down from three, two, one.
Miko slipped around the large disc of the roller and charged while throwing the four-pointed star. It flew straight for the forehead of the barkuza stationed to the left of the door. It dropped to the ground immediately. The other guard was completely taken by surprise. She gripped her katana with both hands, quickly closed distance on her opponent, and took him down with ruthless precision and a vicious slash, then a second. He let out a muffled yelp before joining the other gang member on the ground.
Speed was of the essence and Miko only had time for action, not thinking. She checked both bodies to make sure they would stay down, then advanced on the door. It was unlocked. She opened in carefully. There was no light inside. Miko would need a moment for her eyes to adjust. She stepped inside.
Suddenly, paws grabbed her, restraining her arms. A painful, sharp strike hit her sword arm, causing the weapon to clatter on the floor. She resisted, but it was no use. Miko was pulled inside and a hood was put over her head. She was captured.
As the hood was yanked off, the lights temporarily blinded Miko. Someone hit her hard in the mouth. She blinked repeatedly, trying to focus. Akihiro glared, towering over her, flanked by dozens of tough-looking dogs. Two Tosa Inu restrained her. She had been disarmed.
“You take me for a fool, kunoichi? Your actions were planned for. And now you’re my prisoner.”
Akihiro struck her again with the backside of his paw. The hit stung. Miko tasted blood in her mouth and swore to herself over her bad luck.
“I thought you’d have more to say,” taunted Akihiro. His shoulders twitched, and the muscles across his back rippled. The dogs around him growled. Some licked their lips.
“I’m sure you think you have the upper hand, but you’ve played right into my trap.”
It was a lie, but Miko was trying to buy time. Her mind raced. Akihiro seemed smile, but it looked distinctly like a sneer.
“You are foolish. You think you are the first ninja I’ve dealt with? I have begun to lose count of the bodies…”
His speech was interrupted by commotion from outside. Shouts and barks began to fill the air. Akihiro seemed surprised.
“What’s this?” he asked his guard. The response was a bunch of confused expressions on the faces of the other barkuza members. The noise from somewhere outside continued.
“Fine, you deal with this,” said Akihiro sharply. A shadowy figure stepped into the light. It was another ninja. The figure pulled down its mask. It was Kobayashi-san.
Miko felt her legs go weak. Akihiro growled, then barked a few commands. He and his gang rushed off leaving Miko alone with her former sensei.
Showdown
“How could you?” shouted Miko, deeply hurt.
“How could I what?” replied Kobayashi-san dismissively. “We’re ninjas, Miko. It was a mission. A job. It’s what we do. Besides, I warned you to stay away and leave this. You didn’t listen, which is nothing new.”
Miko bristled at the insult.
“You want to be a part of this? You want this to be part of your legacy?”
Kobayashi laughed.
“You live as a teahouse cat. Your meals are provided to you. You don’t have to worry about much. Unlike running a ninja school. It isn’t as glorious as it sounds. I had bills to pay, and the barkuza paid handsomely.”
Her old master pulled out his sword. She looked for her weapons, hoping they would be nearby. Miko didn’t see them. Then a sudden realization hit her. It all clicked.
“You stole the puppy!”
Kobayashi smiled.
“Can’t sneak anything past a ninja, can you?” he replied. “It’s not like the barkuza could have stolen a dog without arousing any suspicion. They needed someone talented in the arts. Someone like me.”
“You created this whole mess!” she yelled, anger taking charge. Her accusation didn’t faze Kobayashi.
“Actually, it was created by Mr. Kanin and his gambling debts to the barkuza. They just retained my services, which I happily supplied. He owed them money, and the only thing worth enough to settle those debts was his puppy. Like I said, I told you not to get involved. It wasn’t the first time you ignored my advice. Now it will be your last.”
“Traitor!”
“Traitor? Against who? Against what? This was Mr. Kanin’s problem. It’s not a black and white world, Miko. If I taught you anything, it should have been not to take sides.”
Miko’s head swam. Her world had been turned upside down in moments. She tried to clear her thoughts. To focus. Kobayashi pulled his sword and advanced. Things were about to get very bad.