by NAK Baldron
The men in the room took a step back. Dai and the twins raised their hands away from their weapons, knowing they were inside Akio's death circle.
Still, Ren staggered, surprised by Akio's silent entrance.
Hiroshi snapped his fingers again.
The frail giant clicked his tongue. "Ren is the guest of Dai. He shall choose the boys fate. Harm Dai, in any way, and honor will demand your death, he is formally recognized as Goruden."
Dai threw himself to the ground in complete bow to Hiroshi. "Thank you, wise Goruden-Tanken. My blood is your blood."
Another snap of Hiroshi's fingers stopped the groveling. Akio drew his daggers, and every man took another step away. Some bumping into each other or the tent walls.
"No." Shaya's voice didn't leave their circle.
Akio didn't sheath his fencing daggers, but he straightened his posture and allow them to hang limp, supported by his index fingers. Twirling the right, then left. Clear as glass, the man feared nothing.
Could he really take on over twenty men? What kind of fucking place is this?
Ren's bladder raged against the tension. "Excuse me, wise, um . . ."
"Goruden-Tanken Hiroshi," Shaya whispered, annunciating each syllable with care.
"Wise, Goruden-Tanken Hiroshi. Could your hospitality extend far enough to allow me to piss?" The last word sang out high and crisp. The room erupted in laughter, and even the giant tightened his lips in what could have been a grin.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Sapphire Nation, Fencura
Shaya and Hiroshi were able to speak plainly with Ren led out of Hiroshi's main tent by a servant girl to find a bathroom. None of Hiroshi's men would dare speak of what was said inside their Lord's tent.
"The boy is of special interest to Clan Kaito," Shaya said. "I'd consider it an extension of the hospitality of Sueun's Temporal Palace, if you'd agree to mark him as untouchable."
"Are we to understand that this foreigner is under the protection of Clan Kaito?" The giant asked on behalf of his Lord.
"No," Shaya said. "Only that I would consider it a personal favor if Goruden-Tanken Hiroshi would call off his over-zealous servant."
Dai puffed up his chest at the insult, but stopped himself from doing anything foolish when he saw Akio point the tip of his dagger at him.
The giant leaned over to converse in hushed whispers with Hiroshi. "Clan Goruden will gladly extend this personal favor to Clan Kaito and request that all present take note of the debt owed to Goruden-Tanken Hiroshi by Kaito-Tanken Shaya."
Shaya tapped her left index finger on the tip of Akio's dagger and presented the blood to the room. "Consider the debt marked."
"The debt is acknowledged by all present," the giant said.
Ren returned, again red in the face. The boy was too shy to know what to do with a woman, and the servant girl hung on his shoulder, clearly trying to press him. He was barely older than a child—Shaya wasn't much older, but she'd been forced to grow up the day she accepted the title of Kaito-Taken. Still, his powers were clear as day, and Shaya wanted to learn more. He'd prove a valuable ally, capable of helping her control her own magic, and save her the wrath of the other Thief Lords discovering her abilities. Perhaps in return, she could teach him the ways of Shinzo. If he realized how much the girl next to him wanted the same thing he wanted, perhaps he wouldn't look like he was just punched in the stomach.
"What did I miss?" Ren asked Shaya.
"Nothing important," she said. "We're going to play cards with Dai now."
Dai and his men led the way out of the tent.
"Follow Akio." Shaya pointed Ren in the direction of the men leaving. "You're safe inside these tents."
Once Ren left with the others, and when she couldn't hear their footsteps, she bowed to Hiroshi. "Clan Kaito agrees to repay our debt owed, at Goruden-Tanken Hiroshi's chosen time and place."
Hiroshi gave a slight nod of his head, and Shaya left without a second look back. Either she'd gambled correctly, or the whole damn thing would blow up in her face.
CHAPTER NINTEEN
Texas, Earth
Tuesday, September 6th
Kandice and Blake parked their mopeds on the street in front of their old house. Only one car sat in the driveway.
"It's strange being back here," Blake said as they walked to the front door.
"Don't speak before I introduce you." Kandice knocked on the front door.
When Lance opened the door he stared at Blake. "Who is this?"
"Lance, this is my brother Blake. He sees Them too."
"Oh." Lance extended his hand and shook Blake's. "It's great to meet you. Please come in."
Lance led them into the living room and waited for them to sit before sitting himself. "Slava is still out, but he should be back any minute."
"Okay," Kandice and Blake said together.
Blake looked around the living room and stopped on the small TV. "You guys keeping up with any shows?"
"We needed it for surveillance," Lance said. "We don't watch much television. I like to watch movies in the theater sometimes, but Slava views all American film as propaganda."
Kandice laughed, while Blake gave Lance an odd expression of disbelief. The customary bottle of vodka and three glasses sat on the coffee table. Lance poured three small servings and offered Blake and Kandice each a glass before downing his own in one gulp. Blake and Kandice only took a sip before setting their glasses down.
"You needed advice?" Lance asked.
"Yes," Kandice said. "I've dropped out of school, and the news upset my Taekwondo instructor. I'm not allowed to go back until next week, and he wants a full explanation for why I dropped out. He's not satisfied with my life being busy."
"I see," Lance said.
No one spoke while Lance looked out the window, lost in thought. He hadn't looked so serious since the first time they had sat in this room together. It was hard to believe it had only been a few weeks since they met. He was becoming Kandice's close and trusted friend.
Fighting Aether Walkers must be one of those things that can't help but unite people.
Once the silence grew into an awkward-tension, Blake spoke up, "Why not just tell him you're helping me?"
"What?" Kandice asked.
"Just tell him I'm going through another rough patch. Since I had to quit when I went to the hospital, I think he would understand."
"I never thought of that."
"Why were you in the hospital?" Lance asked. "If it's not rude to ask."
Kandice froze. Her heart raced with fear—Blake had never spoken of the hospital to anyone, including her. Blake seemed to think for a moment, then explained what happened. He told Lance the story of their mom's death, and the doctors hospitalizing him for fear he was a danger to himself. When he spoke about it, his emotionless tone surprised Kandice. He stated the facts like they happened to someone else.
Blake was different—he was becoming stronger and more confident—much like their father was before their mom died. This change grew every day since he discovered her ability to see the Aether Walkers. Regret gnawed at her gut for not telling him sooner—her attempts to protect him had backfired—but this showed it wasn't too late for him to get his life together.
Lance let Blake finish talking before speaking. "I'm surprised they released you. Most of us who go into hospitals never come out. In Russia, they use the insane as test subjects for awful experiments."
"Aside from the pills, I was fine. I convinced myself it was a dream. I repeated the lie until I believed it, and then the doctors did, too."
"Well, I'm glad you're out," Lance said.
"Me too," Kandice said, and gave Blake a hug.
He blushed a little. "Sis, don't get all soft on me."
As they waited for Slava, their conversation turned to Austin and what Lance thought of it as an outsider.
"I've seen some of the sights," Lance said, "but I'd like to know what the locals do."
Blake
was a homebody, so the question rest on Kandice.
"I've always enjoyed the literature museum on the south side of UT's campus," she said. "I could show you sometime."
"It's a date."
Did he mean date like they would go, or date like a romantic date?
It would be far too awkward to ask for clarification so instead she sat quietly, praying Blake wouldn't make a smartass comment.
Slava stumbled in the front door with two large duffel bags on one arm and was bleeding from the other.
Lance ran to the kitchen. "What happened?"
"There were more than I expected," Slava said.
Lance came out from around the bar holding a first-aid kit. He cut off Slava's shirt at the shoulder—his arm had a long gash from the middle of his biceps down to his elbow. Kandice could see the white of bone as Lance poured vodka on the wound and used a towel to wipe away blood. Slava hissed in pain, but refused to scream.
Blake turned away.
"Can I help?" Kandice asked.
"Go around the corner," Lance said. "Next to the stairs is a bathroom. Get me all the towels."
Kandice knew where the bathroom was and grabbed the hand towels hanging up and the towels under the sink. When she came back, Lance was pouring a packet of white powder into Slava's arm. He took a towel and dabbed at the arm to gather the excess blood from the wound. A pool of blood stained the carpet. Lance dabbed a hand towel in vodka and placed it against the wound. He swapped the towel for fresh gauze and bandaged the arm.
"Hold this." Lance gestured to Slava's makeshift bandage. "Keep pressure on the wound."
Lance took another bath towel and ran out of the house. Kandice kept pressure on the wound, pushing her hands together with Slava's arm between them. He winced in pain, but Kandice didn't loosen her grip.
This can't be happening again!
Lance burst through the front door. "Blake, upstairs bathroom. Bring me more towels and the bleach under the sink!"
Blake didn't move. Kandice looked behind her and saw he was staring out the window. "Blake!"
"What?" he asked.
"Upstairs. Get towels and bleach, under the sink."
"Okay."
His face was as white as the towels, but he moved his feet and stumbled up the stairs. A few moments later, he returned with the ordered supplies. Lance took the towels and pulled Blake with him out the door.
Slava began to mutter in Russian—eyes glazed over.
Kandice didn't know what to do. This was only the second time someone had bled this bad in front of her. Taking him to the hospital was not an option.
It'll be okay. It has to be okay.
Her mind kept trying to go there, to be back in that car with her mother.
Kandice stopped herself, refusing to lose control. She was in control of her thoughts. She swallowed the weakness pushing its way up from her stomach. Slava's life was in her hands, and he needed her to be calm.
Lance and Blake returned after what seemed like hours, but was actually only a few minutes. Blake darted for the bathroom and vomited. Lance kneeled next to her and took Slava's arm.
"Thank you," he said. "I don't know-"
"It's okay," Kandice said. "What else can I do?"
Lance paused for a moment before answering.
"That room there." He nodded toward her parent's old room, next to the living room. "Find the large wooden trunk. Inside that will be a black wooden box. I need it."
The trunk overflowed with crap, and it forced her to dig to find the black box. Everything inside caught her interest, but she stayed focused and moved survival gear and electronics out of the way with care. The box was small, maybe half the size of a shoe-box, and smelled amazing.
What kind of wood is this?
After handing it to Lance, she took over applying pressure to Slava's arm.
"He lost a lot of blood," Lance said. "I'm surprised he made it home."
Lance pulled out a silver metal sheet with symbols stamped all over it. The squiggles resembled the artwork of a three-year-old. He pulled back the bandage and placed the metal directly against the wound before re-bandaging the arm.
"I need to check on Blake," Kandice said.
"Go," Lance said. "We've done all we can."
Blake was resting his head on the toilet when Kandice turned the corner.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Been better." He tried to laugh, but instead broke down into a coughing fit.
If he can joke, he's fine.
The day had been a test for both of their nerves.
Did he think of mom?
"Can I get you anything?" she asked.
"I wouldn't say no to vodka."
Kandice laughed and brought him a glass, which he finished in four consecutive swallows before putting it down.
"Burns so good," he said.
Kandice smiled. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just going to sit here for a minute. Feel light-headed."
"Did you think of mom too?"
He nodded and looked at the floor.
Kandice left him alone in the bathroom and checked back in with Lance. Slava laid with his eyes closed, but he continued to mutter in Russian. Lance whispered to him in response.
"What is he saying?" she asked.
"Nonsense, it's gibberish. I keep telling him he'll be fine, just to hold on and think of my mother."
She sat down next to Lance and placed her arm around his shoulders. Lance kept a firm grip on Slava's arm, but rested his head against her shoulder.
Kandice and Blake waited with Lance as the hours moved by. They spoke little and took turns keeping pressure on Slava's arm. Every two hours, like clockwork, Lance would change the inner bandage and flip the silver sheet over.
Just past 10:00 PM, Lance changed the bandage and removed the silver sheet.
"The wound is healing," he said, as he wrapped a fresh bandage. "Can you help me move him into the bed?"
They both helped lift Slava off the sofa and through the door. They lowered him carefully onto the bed. Lance checked to make sure there was no blood running out and the bandage still looked white.
"Thank you," he said. "He needs sleep. He should be out for the whole night."
"Is there anything else we can do?" Kandice asked.
"No. Thank you, though. Both of you." He clapped Blake on the shoulder.
They returned to the couch, and Lance poured a large glass of vodka for himself, but he didn't drink it.
"I think I'll go to bed, too," he said. "I'm tired, and I'll need to check on him throughout the night."
"Of course," Kandice said.
They all stood up, and Lance walked Blake and Kandice to the door.
"I'll call you tomorrow," Kandice said.
"Okay," Lance said.
"I'm sorry," Blake said. "I hope he gets better soon."
"Thank you. I'm sure he'll be fine in a couple days. The seal I put on him will help his wound to heal faster than normal."
Kandice gave Lance a hug before they left.
INTERLUDE IV
Sapphire Nation, Fencura
"FATHER PLEASE DON'T GO," AKIO BEGGED.
"You know I must."
"But—" Akio searched his mind for the right words. "She won't speak to me, and I don't know how to fix it. And what about mother?"
"I've already expressed to her my level of displeasure if she were to pick up her nagging of you while I'm away." His father leaned forward on his elbows across the stone table. "There's nothing I can tell you on how to speak to Kaito-Tanken Shaya. You're her First Sworn. It's your responsibility and honor to protect her. To do that, you too must speak."
Slava leaned back, stretched, and grabbed a small leather bag filled with all of the possessions he owned.
"Come give me a hug." His father stood, his arms held out.
Akio did as he was told, fighting back tears while he embraced his father. He was a man now. His father would disapprove.
>
"Well, I can't keep the crew waiting." His father broke off their embrace, and when he turned back to Akio at the door to give one final wave goodbye, Akio noticed there was a small glimmer in his eye.
Akio sat back down on the floor next to the stone table. It was a revelation to learn that his father was just as sad to leave, as he was to see him go. Shamefully, his mother had been at a friend's house, not that his parents had been speaking much. For the past two weeks they'd been avoiding each other. It had only been this year that Akio realized his parents had an awful relationship. He wondered if they even loved each other, but he knew his father loved him.
CHAPTER NINE
AKIO'S MOTHER WALKED IN THE FRONT DOOR, and he realized she'd been drinking again. Thankful for any reason to avoid her, he decided to follow his father's advice and press his position with Shaya.
"I'm leaving." Akio brushed past his mother.
"Where you going?"
"To take care of my duties as First Sworn."
His mother began to protest, but Akio wasn't listening. Soon, he was far enough down the apartment balconies that he couldn't hear her voice anymore. He took a right into the stairwell and climbed two sets of stairs to the fourth floor. Taking a left on the walkway, Shaya's house was three doors down.
Akio was aware of the eyes upon him, as he knocked on her front door.
Shaya's mother opened the door. "Welcome Akio. We finished eating but there's food left if you would like some?"
"No thank you, Honorable Mother." Akio bowed to her before entering the house. "I'm here to speak with Shaya."
"Please, sit. I will get her."
She left him alone in the main room while she walked down the hallway. It was the first time Akio had been left alone in their home, and he used it to admire the wooden furniture. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd be a guest in a home that had wood. Before becoming a First Sworn, his best prospect would have been to visit a shipbuilder with his father.
"First Sworn Akio." Shaya spoke in her most formal tone.
Deciding to push the point, immediately Akio bowed. "Shaya."