Quote:ClassicDrogn wrote:
...why are you even writing fanfic, you protagonist-type bastard? Go out and have some real adventures! 
LOL!!! Well, one way looking at it (and it's pretty obvious now when you think about it) is while my body leans heavily into the athletic bent, my mind in turn leans into the intellectual bent. An interesting juxtaposition, ain't it?
That, and I'm stuck with family affairs. Lately it's been all I can do to keep my head above water, but now things are looking up a bit. We'll see.
Quote:ClassicDrogn wrote:
More seriously, that sounds like a good character arc, to use as the
story framework of becoming emotionally invested in the idea that yes,
this new world IS "home" now, to match with the logically made decision.
Oh yes, for certain. Garrick will definitely have to take some time out to reconnect with his roots... even if, in a weird sort of way, they don't exist there. (Like, for example, the Saldana family of Mexico City all being killed outright Game-of-Thrones-style instead of being forced to come to the USA and the Farmers never having to change their names from whatever it was before and leave wherever they came from (supposedly, someone got in big trouble... with Hoover's FBI), thus eliminating the causality of Mother's side of the family.)
Another interesting thing is to have the Jyuraians take note of Garrick's attempts... and this, in turn, attracting the attention of the Kuromitsu family (Mihoshi's Family). Thing is, they have something they call 'The Male Rite'. Apparently, this is clearing forests... the old fashioned way. With giant freakin' axes. Apparently it's a mental discipline for them.
I can see them taking one look at the Ironman competition... and coming to the immediate conclusion that these humans have got some serious resolve. (Especially in the case of senior citizens running in the competitions - in a society where the elderly have earned their chops and pretty much command from on high, this would be pretty shocking.)
Anyhow, got some more stuff for you guys, and this wasn't terribly easy to write! Funaho doesn't make too many appearances, and when she does appear she is the very picture of the reserved woman with a purpose... which honestly doesn't help me much. The strangeness of the situation just doesn't seem to be conducive to writing her sort of character.
Garrick's feelings at the end of this bit are very much a reflection of my own when I finally figured out how to end it. Very apropos, considering.
Time passes. The
months drifted by lazily as Autumn turned to Winter, and Winter
inexorably gave way to spring.
Tenchi began dating
the other girls. Even Sasami-chan, but we didn't really call those
dates. Especially since Ryo-Ohki often tagged along. But I knew
better. At the very least, Tenchi was taking my advice to heart –
he began to step a little outside his comfort zone and, finding that
the feelings really were reciprocal, he found that it wasn't so bad a
thing to be a Ladies' Man. The girls were all more than willing to
take things slowly, and that was fine with him.
As for The Girls,
well... they all finally began to settle down.
Ryoko and Ayeka
went from petty rivalry to friendly rivalry. Downright playful even.
It was starting to enter the 'good theater' category of fun once the
two decided to really go at it. Of course, it always was, but back
then it was the sort you'd only watch from High Earth Orbit. But
now, we could sit down at the dinner table together... and while the
two would toss out the most outlandish and scandalous slander at each
other, it was all done with grins that belied the vicious verbal
exchanges.
Mihoshi actually
tried to do better. And by try, I meant she even began to
subconsciously throw her crazy luck at things. She was still a
klutz, a total spaz, and seemingly clueless... but she was no more
naïve than the rest of them. Oh, and Washu and I worked together to
finally get a working guidance beacon setup for Yukinojo to follow.
No more crash landings.
Washu was... well,
Washu. There wasn't changing any of that. She still messed around
with everyone, and once I had settled in there were no holy cows. Of
course, I would always give as good as I got from her.
Sasami didn't
change much either... except that I established an all-hands-on-deck
policy regarding dinner. As an old friend of mine put it, “Those
who help will eat and those who don't won't.” My aim was to make
it so my adorable little sister didn't have to work so hard in the
kitchen. I knew what it was like because I had been there. You try
cleaning up after six siblings that hardly did anything for
themselves.
Sasami protested,
of course, but I insisted. Sure, it was rough going at first. I
found that we had to clearly label all the ingredients to prevent
mix-ups (I'll admit that salt and sugar is an easy one to make if you
aren't careful). Prep work like cutting and peeling vegetables was
an easy enough task once you knew what to do. Getting the table set
was almost a chore in and of itself, with as many place settings as
we needed. There were also more menial tasks, like stirring the pots
so nothing burned and fixing tea and beverages. My sweet iced oolong
tea knocked everyone for a loop and I soon found myself having to
prepare it in large quantities.
Of course, I
changed as well.
Mostly, what I did
was help Tenchi with his field work, and Scrappy the Wonder Truck was
endlessly useful. Granted, there wasn't much actual growing going on
this time of year, but ground still had to be turned, fertilized,
turned again, and kept free of weeds. There was also the irrigation
system that had to be maintained, as well as the tools themselves...
and then there was Scooby.
With Washu's help I
did find a Mazda B2500 Crew Cab and turned it into a ridiculously
efficient diesel-electric drive and then christened the newly
retrofitted vehicle 'The Scooby-Doo Express'.
And then I filed
the patent.
There was no
response from the automotive industry right away, but I got a lot of
hate-mail from the OPEC people – it was all bluster, though. It
posed no threat to their corporate interests because it ran on
diesel, and I wasn't keeping anyone from using it. Noboyuki had to
retain a lawyer for me. The funny part was that the man waived the
legal fees in exchange for doing the conversion on his vehicle. The
fuel savings alone would pay for his usual fees within a few months,
and to make it even better we turned it into a publicity stunt. Soon
enough, every Japanese auto manufacture was looking into offering
diesel-electric options... each with their own proprietary quirks, of
course.
OPEC was even less
happy about that, but their legal avenues were exhausted. Washu
never said anything, but I think she wound up stopping an
assassination attempt. But then, explosions around here were a
pretty regular occurrence anyhow.
But the most
interesting changes were because of my lessons from Yosho and Washu.
Washu, not
satisfied that I was fulfilling my potential with an bachelors degree
in Mechanical Engineering, felt I would be better suited going for a
double-doctorate in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering fields.
With her personalized attention, she fast-tracked me through
everything and we found the most prestigious universities that would
permit me to get credit by examination. Scooby wound up being part
of my doctoral thesis for both fields.
Did I ever mention
that I learn ridiculously fast under dedicated attention?
As for Yosho... he
taught me everything I would ever need or want to know about Jurai.
I learned about the religion, the monarchy, the government, the
school system, the cultures, the customs, the food, the holidays and
even the languages.
But most
importantly, he taught me the sword styles.
I've always had
suspicions about my marshal aptitude. Sure, I've got endurance out
the ass, but mostly because I know how to pace myself. And I can
certainly lose myself in the moment which can lead to that all
important battle-fugue state. But the most bizarre thing about me
was that despite my clumsiness I am a savant at swordplay. In the
few informal spars I have been in just to see what I can do, I found
that I excel at parrying blows and spotting the opening I needed to
score that one precise strike.
I'm good with a
sword.
I'm even better
with two.
But I am
devastating with a sword and a shield.
For now, however,
Yosho only allows me one sword... and he has been very pleased with
what he has been seeing so far.
For example, he
would take Tenchi by surprise time and time again with his
disappearing act. I, on the other hand, knew to anticipate such
moves and Yosho had to become... creative. Seriously, words cannot
express how happy that man was when he realized how much potential I
had. He figured that after I got my technique down pat all I'd need
was simple strength training to better resist an enemy that sought to
batter me with sheer brute force.
Of course... Murphy
still loves me like a red-headed step-child.
One week Mihoshi
came home early and surprised me with a lake-landing while I was
free-running. The small tsunami that made washed me into a thicket
and caused me to startle a nest of Suzumibachi. Fucking OUCH.
Then there was the
time Tenchi, Yosho, Noboyuki, and I all decided to have a guys'
evening in the floating onsen... only someone forgot to mention this
fact to the girls, who all decided to descend on the place en masse.
We never could get the blood out of the wood decking and it all had
to be replaced.
Ryoko was not
without guilt when she somehow got the lot of us roped into a
freaking PUNISHMENT GAME! You remember the MTV show
Silent
Library? Guess what – IT
ORIGINATED IN JAPAN! She thought it was just a regular game show and
I am still a little miffed about it.
But there was one event that particularly stood out... We had all
decided to have a little fun in Tokyo... but I had forgotten about
something critically important.
The Tokyo Subway Nerve Gas Attack.
We weren't in the subways when it happened. But we were in the area.
We were close enough that poor sweet Sasami-chan saw the people
dragging themselves out of the subway, shuddering and foaming at the
mouth as they tried in vain to breath.
Needless to say, the perpetrators of the attack were mysteriously
delivered to the Tokyo Police.
Even though nobody blamed me, I never really forgave myself for that
lapse. Not for what Sasami witnessed. Not for the loss of lives I
could have prevented.
I still have bad dreams about it to this day.
It was yet another crisp day in the earliest part of Spring. Tenchi
and I were working one of the fallow fields, turning the soil in
preparation for planting next season.
“Ready, Tenchi?” I called out from Scooby at one end of the
field.
Tenchi waved. “Go for it!”
With that, I triggered Scooby's power winch and away we went. Tenchi
had once complained that there didn't seem to be enough hours in the
week to get all the plowing done, so I started brainstorming for a
simple way of making it happen faster.
The project had taken a month in total, mainly just to get a hold of
everything we needed. The most difficult being an old, almost
antique, horse-drawn plow. With that one acquisition everything else
fell into place – the 2000lb. power winch and the modified harness
were comparatively easy.
Of course, the winch itself was a heavy duty model. I wanted to
ensure that it was intended for frequent use and not give out after
turning just one or two fields. Therefore, the winch was even more
expensive than the plow. But I was otherwise satisfied, especially
as Tenchi finished the row and we stopped to look back at what we had
done.
“Wow,” said Tenchi. “Three fields this morning and we're just
now stopping to eat yet. I would have never thought this was
possible. You really are a miracle worker, Garrick.” I scoffed as
I went into Scooby to power him down and get the bento that Sasami
had made for us.
“The only miracle was me showing up on your doorstep the way I did
without killing anyone. This is just a little bit of my particular
brand of ingenuity. Besides, I had to do something to help make sure
you don't wind up being overworked like last time. And turning these
fields is the hardest part by far.”
“I'm thankful for your help, Gar-kun,” he said as he accepted his
half of the bento from me.
“Just doing my part, Tenchi.”
“My my! Look at all this progress! You two certainly do work
hard.”
Tenchi practically jumped at the voice. “Lady Funaho! Ah, what
are you doing here?”
I turned and, sure enough, there she was – the elegant and
ever-composed Lady Funaho, First Wife to Emperor Asuza of Jurai and
Jurai's Minister of Intelligence.
She smiled and said, “You make it sound as though I need a reason
to visit with my family here on Earth, Tenchi-kun.”
I smiled as Tenchi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Well...
you do have an important job, and Jurai is so far away.”
“It's nothing that I can't get away from for a few days.
Especially when there is something as important as your friend
standing behind you. Would you care to introduce us, Tenchi-kun?”
“Wha?” said Tenchi. I smiled – Funaho's sudden appearance had
just about completely scrambled his brains. “Oh! Right! Gar-kun,
this woman is Lady Funaho... she is Grandfather's Mother. Lady
Funaho, this is Garrick Grimm, our good friend from another version
of Earth.”
“It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Funaho,” I
said as I bowed deeply to the noble woman.
“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Grimm. However, in the future, when
it is only us family, I would appreciate it if you were not quite so
formal.”
I couldn't help but smile as I read between the lines. “Of course.
But only when it's just family.”
Funaho smiled. “I see that Yosho and Ayeka have been educating
you.”
I grinned ruefully. “They're good teachers, even if they are quite
sharp and critical. I can understand why though. The environment I
would find myself in has quite a few hidden dangers.”
Funaho's expresion turned a little more somber, though it still
carried an oddly cheerful edge, like someone relishing a daunting
task.
“Indeed it does, Mr. Grimm. That is part of why I am here today –
to judge if you are truly suited to what would come your way.”
I sighed my trademark 'Ho boy, here we go now' sigh. It can be
likened unto the sound a tired old dog makes when he sees a bouncing
six-month-old baby making a beeline for his ears.
I then looked to Tenchi. “Oi, Tenchi?”
“Neh?”
“You think we can just call it a day here?”
“Sure. Thanks you your invention we got a week's worth of work
done already.”
“A week's worth?” asked Funaho.
I nodded. “We managed to turn three fields in just a few hours
using a power winch and an old horse-drawn plow.”
“Ah, how clever of you. In that case, I understand Sasami-chan is
working on lunch right now. Perhaps we should join everyone else?”
“Sounds like a plan to my, Lady Funaho. Just give Tenchi and I a
few minutes to pack everything in.”
It turned out that Lady Funaho was by herself. For sure, she had an
entourage, but they had remained behind on her ship.
After a cheerefully talkative lunch, Funaho and I went up to my
C-Space for an after-lunch tea and some... private discussion.
“Lady Seto mentioned a rather strange tea that you have. Something
with a sweet and cool flavor that soothes stomachs and nerves?”
“Ah, that would be my Sleepytime tea. Would you like to try some.”
“Yes, please. I've been very curious ever since Seto told me about
it.” Funaho's face then scrunched up adorably. “But she's so
stingy she won't let me try any!”
I burst into stuttering snickers and Funaho looked at me in surprise.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry,” I apologized once my laughing fit went
away. “It's just... all the time you've been here you've been
graceful and poised... and then suddenly...” I then mimicked the
face Funaho had made and this time she began to titter behind her
hand.
“No offense taken, Mr. Grimm. Actually, I'm glad to know that you
can see the humor in such things.”
“Of course not, milady. I'll go ahead and get the tea.”
“Your space is a bit spartan,” called Funaho.
“A bit. It's just a temporary thing, though. In time I'll fill it
up with all kinds of things. My garden, on the other hand, is a
sight. Feel free to look while I work on this tea, milady.”
“Gladly. Where is it now?”
“Go up the stairs, turn away from the library, go past the windows
that overlook the workshop, and keep going straight.” I smiled as
I watched Funaho make her way up the stairs and down the passage to
the garden room.
Soon enough, I was making my way over with one of my modest-sized tea
pots when I heard Funaho cooing.
“Ooohhh, these are beautiful!” As I entered I found mesmerized
by the blue flowers in the terrace next to my cacti and euphorbia.
“Oh, Mr. Grimm! You must tell me about these flowers.”
I smiled as I set the tea aside on a table. “We call it Blue
Bonnet. It's a flower that is very special to the people of my
homeland – special enough that my people made it unlawful to cut
the plants down when they're flowering.”
“Does it have trouble propagating?”
“A little. It's adapted for a harsh environment. The seeds have a
very tough outer layer that keeps them from germinating for as long
as two years. This helps ensure that natural erosion gets them into
the ground.”
“How did you get these to germinate so soon?”
“I scarified the seeds. It's not exactly recommended, but it's the
only way to effectively speed up the process. However, my goal with
this terrace is to have them naturally germinating year-round in a
year or two. As each generation goes to seed, I plant a mix
scarified and unblemished seeds.”
Funaho hmmed thoughtfully. “Clever. But don't you ever worry
about nutrients?”
I shook my head. “They grow in alkali, nutrient-poor soil that
drains very quickly.”
“I see. It's a real survivor then. Is it safe to touch?”
I grinned. “Back home, people lay in them and afterwards they pop
right back up. No poison, no barbs, just wild and strong-willed
beauty.”
“Might I have a few of your precious seeds, Mr. Grimm?”
Unbidden, the imagery of Blue Bonnets growing lush and plentiful
among the trees of Jyurai came to mind – a glorious and hopeful
blue to grow alongside the somber yet lovely amethyst of Jyurai's
Royal Teardrop.
I didn't know if I would ever live to see it. But if that would be
part of my legacy...
“Lady Funaho, it would honor me.” Without another word, I went
to the cleverly hidden shed where I kept my tools and supplies. A
moment later, I came back with the plain little envelope that bulged
with a hidden treasure.
“To grow them naturally, you will need a patch of bare soil, poor
of nutrients, fast-drying, and alkali. Cover these seeds with a thin
layer of soil. In the spring and the autumn, water them liberally
twice a week and no more. They favor bright sun and warm weather.
Once the protective shell has worn away within a year or so, the
seeds will start to grow and in a few weeks you will have a carpet of
these wonderful flowers.”
“Two years is a little long to wait for flowers,” Funaho said
with a smile as she accepted the packet of seeds.
“You've lived a long time, Lady Funaho. And you have centuries
ahead of you yet. Two years is a passing moment in comparison.” I
sighed heavily. “What I would do with centuries.”
“What would you do with centuries, Garrick?” she asked with that
same smile as she motioned to the table with the tea.
Her sudden use of my given name surprised me and I stumbled as I
clumsily moved to the table, pulling out a chair and offering it to
her. And then there was the question itself!
“What wouldn't I do?” I asked myself, barely cognizant of my
pouring Funaho's tea and offering it to her before pouring a cup for
myself. “I would learn everything I've ever wanted to know.
Craftsmanship, mathematics, music, art, engineering... I could go on
and on. I would build things. Things that are beautiful,
magnificent, functional. I wouldn't fear the madness of the tortured
artist for I would have all the time I needed to perfect my
creations. And I would find someone... my match. We would have
children, and raise them together. Love... I would love them so
much, even if we do anger each other. And I would know the children
of my children, and their children as well. I would be a beacon for
my family, ever-present but not overpowering – a signal for them to
track by no matter how far afield they may go.
“And I would search the galaxy for my special place... though I
think I know where it would be... my own home. A place where I could
find refuge and where I would watch the children of my family play.
A place that is wild, yet amicable. Tranquil and vibrant.”
“It sounds nice,” Funaho said after sipping her tea. “Hmmmm...
I can see why Seto is so stingy now. At any rate... do you think
it's a little isolationist? I know you speak of building things –
public works I would assume. Yet you speak little of interacting
with anyone outside of family.”
I shrugged as I sipped my own tea. “I am an isolationist by
nature. In fact, when I was a child it was so bad that I was
absolutely vicious towards anyone trying to dictate my actions to me.
I desired to be free to do as I pleased, and to hell with anyone
that felt otherwise. If that meant that I didn't have anyone to play
with, then I was fine with that. I had my imagination and it went
wild.
“Over time, my step-father knocked some sense into me, instilling
into me that the world was a cold place and cared little for me and
what I wanted to do. And my mother instilled into me a sense of
empathy – of putting myself into another person's place and
understanding their feelings. Especially pain. Pain was a big one
for me. Even though I have such a tolerance for it – both physical
and emotional – I still feel that I've had my fill of it. I just
want to live a happy and tranquil life and I wish the same for
anybody that crosses my path.
“But if anyone wishes to cause me pain... I would make theirs a
world of hurt in return.”
“An interesting choice of words. It reflects in what I heard about
your arrival. Ryoko broke you neck and caused you so much trouble,
and yet you hold no ill will towards her because it was, by all
accounts and considerations, an accident.”
I nodded solemnly. “Truth. I know Ryoko didn't really intend me
any personal harm. I startled her, she reacted, and then regretted
her action. Hell, she still regrets what happened, so I make sure to
get her good and drunk on the nights it hits her hardest.”
Funaho smiled. “You care about her!”
I scoffed. “She's a likeable person, once you get past her
abrasiveness. Of course, that's a relative thing. What Princess
Ayeka considers abrasive and I consider abrasive are two different
things. I wouldn't be lying if every now and then those two get into
it, but at least I managed to get them to see a little more
eye-to-eye.”
“That is something else I find interesting – that you got Ayeka
to take a liking to you.”
I rolled my eyes a bit. “Not much to it. I just treated her like
a person. Helped that we had some common interests – I couldn't
have made this garden without her help.”
“Indeed. The Royal Teardrops are her signature.”
“Honestly, though, I have Sasami to thank the most. If not for
her, I don't think I would have gotten my foot in the door, so to
speak.”
Funaho nodded. “She speaks well of you. She's also worried about
you. She says that you are so sad that it hurts to see you
sometimes.”
I grimaced at that. “I wish she wasn't so perceptive sometimes...
and I kinda wish you hadn't told me – it can lead to a negative
feedback loop if I don't handle it right.”
Funaho gave me a flat look and said, “I think you're being a little
dramatic there. And if what I heard of you is true, you should know
I don't use that word lightly.”
I blinked at that. “Right. Sorry.”
Funaho then sighed and took a sip of her tea. “That aside...
Sasami obviously hasn't spared any detail. Really, for me this is
all a formality... and simply to satisfy my own curiosity. Besides,
my husband wouldn't forgive me for adopting you without even meeting
you in the first place.
“So, that said, I do have one important question to ask, Garrick:
how
are you doing?”
“It's been hard, you know,” I said honestly, “leaving it all
behind. I have so many reminders of who I was and what I've been. I
can't leave those parts of me behind, no matter how much it hurts to
remember the past. If I do... then I might as well carve my own
heart out. I'd hardly even be human anymore.”
Funaho had a sober look on her face. “I am sorry to hear that
Garrick. Trust me, I do wish I could help you by giving you a hug
and telling you that mother will make it all better. Such is the
plight of all mothers. We desperately wish to help our children by
taking their burdens upon our own backs when the better thing to do
is let them work their dilemmas out for themselves. Regardless, you
do seem to be holding up well under the burden of your grief.”
I sipped at my tea, contemplating her words and wondering what to
say. In the end, though, there was really only one thing I could say
to that.
“Thank you,” I said at barely more than a whisper. Funaho gave
me a small, sad smile and we quietly enjoyed my little garden – a
slice of Earth and Jyurai smashed together.
“Katherine seems to like it here,” Funaho said at last.
“I'm glad that she does.”
“My husband will be pleased to see she is doing so well.”
“Will he be coming anytime soon?”
“No, not for some time. While your adoption into the family is
technically all but said and done, Azusa wants to test your mettle.
He's certain that longer you stay here with Tenchi then the more
likely you are to come across a situation that will show your true
character.”
I smiled despite myself. “Fine by me. I don't quite feel ready
for dealing with Jyuraian High Society just yet.”
“Well, that settles that, then!” said Funaho with a smile. “That
leaves us with only one other matter, Garrick: just how much do you
know about us?”
I took a deep breath and let it out slow. “I know... quite a bit.
The question is... how much do you want to change the future by
knowing what I know?”
Funoho gave me a worried look. “Is it that bad?”
“The future?” I asked, a bit surprised. “No. Not really.
There are troubles, believe me. But it's nothing insurmountable in
the least. A question for a question, milady... do you trust
Washu-chan? To do the right thing, that is.”
Funaho seemed to mull that over for a moment before saying, “I do
trust her to do what's right... though I do wish she had the
interests in the Empire in mind when she does so.”
“Then please, milady, trust Washu-chan to be my confidant. She
understands better than anyone else just how dangerous my knowledge
is.”
“And what if someone else finds out about you?” Lady Funaho
replied with a sharp look.
I gave Funaho an equally sober look. “Then I will pray that
Tsunami is able to keep my soul from harm because I will remove
myself from the picture if I have to.”
I couldn't have shocked her more than if I had tried. “You would
kill yourself?”
“I would do what I must to protect my family. I know it must sound
extreme, and believe me, I'm not trying to discount the value of my
life, but in the grand scheme of things... I would rather die before
I permit any knowledge I have be used to do harm.”
Funaho sighed. “Seto told me you would be different. I had no
idea what that old bat was setting me up for.”
That was so far out of left field that I couldn't stop the snort from
squeaking by.
Funaho arched an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“My apologies... but... 'old bat'?”
Funaho sighed once more. “Don't misunderstand, Garrick. I love
that woman like she was my own mother... but like any mother, she can
tend to become... overbearing.”
I laughed. I couldn't help it. “Oh man... and that would be
putting it lightly.”
Funaho closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “And you would know for
sure.”
“Well, of course, I met her a while ago.” I gave Funaho one of
my wicked little smiles. Funaho gave me an odd look for a moment,
then smiled wryly while shaking her head.
“Of course, simply knowing about her is far different from actually
meeting her.” Funaho sighed and then went on, “So, is there
anything that you would be willing to tell us?”
I had been giving some thought, and I felt I had just the thing for
her. “Tell me... are you missing a tree-ship by the name of
Bizen?”
Funaho blinked. “Why, yes. For quite some time, in fact. What do
you know?”
“A lot,” I stated simply. “I can't tell you all the details,
but Bizen will be appearing again sometime in the near future. When
it does, don't bring an entire fleet. In fact, you'll want to try
and get a First Generation Tree for that mission.”
“And you won't tell me more?”
“Nope. It could mess everything up if I do.”
“And there's no promises I can make?”
I sighed. “Milady... please don't take this as an insult... but
one thing I've noticed about Jyuraians is that they tend to be a
little capricious. It may have rubbed off on you over the centuries,
and any loopholes I unknowingly leave will most like be taken
advantage of. That, and I don't know you quite well enough yet.”
Funaho smiled. “And it seems that I am defeated once again.”
I blinked. “Oh, refering to when you tried to get Washu to make
more Ryokos and Ryo-ohkis?”
“You're every bit as shrewd as she is.”
“Well, at least we can say that wasn't her doing.”
“Oh, it wasn't?” asked Funaho, puzzled at that.
“Nope. That was my...” Man, I wish it didn't hurt so much to
think of them... “That was my family... from my old life.” All
I could do was stare off into the distance as I fought back the
tears. I don't know how long it was until I felt a hand on mine.
Snapping my gaze around, I found Funaho giving me an encouraging
smile.
“I've read the reports, Garrick. I know about what you've lost,
and I know that there is on way to give back what has been taken from
you. The most I can be to you is a surrogate mother.”
“If that's what you want, then what you need to do is get up and
give me a hug.”
Funaho's eyes widened in surprise, but then her face relaxed once
more as she smiled and got up.
“I should have known,” she said as she stepped behind me and
wrapped me up in a motherly embrace. “After having one son
already, I should have known what a sad little boy looks like... and
what he needs the most.”
Call me immature. Call me whatever you want.
But this.
Just this.
This made the world just a little more bearable.
Sure, I had Washu to patch me up... and then there was Sasami's own
affections... But neither of those came close to a genuine hug from
mom. Even if she was only filling in for your real mother.
Funaho left that
afternoon.
I'd given her a
gift of several cartons of Sleepytime tea to share between herself
and Misaki.
That evening as I
sat out on the deck sipping my evening tea, I heard Washu walk up
next to me and plunk herself down.
“You've been
quiet today.”
“It's been a bit
of a weird day for me.”
Washu scoffed. “I
bet. Lady Funaho isn't usually the touchy feely sort. She's making
a special exception for you.”
“I kinda gathered
that. I just hope it didn't make her too uncomfortable.”
“I don't think
so,” said Washu blithely. “You just reminded her about what it's
like being a mom.”
“It's a tough
gig, that's for sure. I don't want to be a burden on her.”
“It'll be fine.
I know you'll definitely pull your own weight, just like you have
been here.”
“Pulling my own
weight, huh? What the hell does that entail in the Royal Household?
I mean, I've been learning a lot about etiquette and ranks and such...
But I've got no idea what the hell anyone does.”
Washu shrugged.
“Everybody's involved with the government in some way or another.”
“Oh? Then what
did Ayeka do before she went off to look for Yosho?”
“From what I
understand, nothing much. Oh, there were things like entertaining
ambassadors and such... but that was usually their children that
Ayeka would entertain.”
“Ah yes. The
whole big-sister thing.”
“Right. It also
helps that she knew how to lay down the diplomacy when she needed to
reign one of their children in.”
I snorted at that.
“I think you meant 'gunboat diplomacy'.”
“Heh. That too.”
For a moment we
just sat there, content to listen to the sounds of the night.
“Hey, Washu-chan,
level with me.”
“What?”
“Do they honestly
want me? As a son, I mean... Sure, I bet they'd love to have some
new blood in the family that could shake things up without going
overboard... But will they really think of me as Their Son?”
Washu sighed.
“Funaho wasn't kidding when she spoke with me earlier. You really
are just a scared little kid underneath it all, aren't you?”
I scoffed. “Story
of my freakin' life, Washu-chan. Is it really paranoia when there's
someone out there that is actually out to get you?”
“Eh-heh-heh.
Point taken. But really, you should give Funaho and Azusa the
benefit of a doubt. After all, they're doing the same with you.”
“Et tu, point.”
I sighed. “Either way. I don't have much choice, do I? I just
hope they don't do anything to hurt me.”
“I don't think
they will, Garrick. It'd wouldn't make any sense.”
“Yeah, your
right. Just being freakin' insecure right now. Screw this,” I
said as I suddenly emptied the tea cup into the lake, got up, and
made way for my C-Space. “I need a real drink.”
