Arlo bid Damayanti goodbye. She kissed him sweetly, her bag slung on her shoulder. She waved as she walked to the door,
“Love you, my Heart! I will be back soon,” she glanced at the kitchen, “Most of the groceries will be delivered. Then I can make you a meal that you deserve; a proper meal.”
“I be here, I will make sure that they are put away. Be safe, my Love.” he waved.
As soon as the door closed, his eyes drifted over to the stack of notebooks from D’s trip to Japan. He got up from his seat and went to pour himself a cup of coffee. He knew with the length of time that his wife spent in Japan, there were going to be some changes, but this was something else. She seemed so boxed in. It was weird, she squeaked this morning while in the bathroom. He had checked it after she was done, maybe she had seen a bug or something, but it was perfectly clean.
He walked back over to his desk and set his cup down. The stack was going to reveal it’s secrets, it waited there pregnant with all of its knowledge. He started to sort. After about five minutes, he had sorted the stack. One notebook was a practice primer on two different types of Japanese script. Some of the others were in also Japanese, but were far more advanced. One had a green cover, it was completely written in Gaelic.
“This must be the one for me,” he murmured. Three of the notebooks were full of equations and esoteric symbols. He smiled, “Honey, you must have had a situation of monomania.” The rest were evidently journals or musings.
Arlo turned and opened up his laptop. He sweetly hummed to himself as his fingers deftly typed out the password, Damayanti’s birthday. With a double-click, he opened the file marked ‘Damayanti’s epic’. His eyes scanned where he left off. He frowned for a moment as he shifted his eyes back to the stack of journals. The first document was minimized and he opened a new file. He titled the file ‘Travels to Japan’
He reached over and opened the first of Damayanti’s journals. It had a starting date of April 1st. He skimmed over a few days as she had taken note of the time before she left. She had made notes about what had happened to her family. A muscle jumped in his jaw as he clenched his teeth. Arlo took a deep breath, steadying himself and sipped at his coffee. He thumbed through the next couple of pages, his brow smoothing as he took in her attention to detail, her melodious voice speaking Sanskrit filling his mind.
April 23th, 2024
My heart aches so badly. I did not want to leave, but I had to. My sisters, Max, and most of all, my beloved husband. I cannot be around them, the enemy is too close. Max and Arlo will watch over my sisters. My soul bleeds for the state that Ishanti is in. I need to complete my quest as quickly as possible so I can get back home. It sounded like Arlo was going off on his quest soon.
Chicago doesn’t hold a candle to the sheer neon metropolis that Tokyo is! New York may be the city that never sleeps, but that is just the definition that we Americans cling to. Tokyo puts it to shame. I cannot wait to see the sights! Such a maze!
Mercedes and I have arrived at our hotel. We got a separate room from Sir Terrance and Grant. Zhon is in another room. I was interesting, Grant introduced me to one of his associates, Rupak Gamjer. He is a Gurkha from the British forces. He is a specialist in security. We have not talked much yet, but he seems to be all business. I did find out that Rupak is a devotee of my grandfather. I can’t help but smile at that. Grant thought that he would be a good addition to the group since we may not always be working together. He said that there was something official that Sir Terrance had to attend to. If I have put all of the pieces together correctly, Rupak has been hired to provide security in the public function. Mercedes with her security training, will be able to go places with me that Rupak cannot. I have informed Mercedes of the added necessity of secrecy. I have not seen Mr. Yoshida yet, I am sure that he will be able to help us in the right direction when he does arrive.
April 24th 2024
Well, the talk with Sir Terrance went poorly to say the least! I have never seen what started out as a discussion of plans devolved into an argument. There are days he is a real stick in the mud. Bull-headed! He keeps saying that we need to collect what we need as of yesterday and get out of this backwards country! Use theft if necessary! I am trying not to see his frustration through my cultural lens, but Gods above, it is so hard! I am going to give him a day or so to calm down. Zhon says “Grandpa” needs some time. I completely disagree with “Grandpa”! This is going to take finesse, not brute force. Sir Terrance just doesn’t know how things work outside of the Western lens.
I kept my eyes open when Mercedes and I went out this morning. Everything is on a much subtler level here. Yet, I can’t help feeling somewhat of a familiarity with what I have seen. There is a social flow, everyone has their place and knows it. I find it strangely comforting. The veil is very thin in this country, very much like going back to the Homeland. A similar spiritual stream with a different current here. So intriguing! This sets my synapses tingling! I wish that I wasn’t on a mission! I could study Japan for quite a while! I wonder if Arlo would find it as interesting as I am beginning to!
I went to talk to Grant afterwords. He was talking with Rupak, I didn’t mean to disturb them, but I was invited in. Grant is aware of what we are! I hope that Sir Terrance knows what to do! I couldn’t help it, I didn’t completely show everything, but I did inform both Grant and Rupak that I am a daughter of Ganesha. Grant nodded sagely and Rupak wasn’t ruffled at all. He accepted everything that I said, citing that in the Subcontinent, these things happen. He seemed really honored to be with me. He said that it was his duty from that moment to protect me with his life, since I was Lord Shiva’s granddaughter. Wow! I felt a little put upon, but then he bowed and touched my feet. Maybe he was sent by Grandpa Shiva, I am not going to refuse a gift. I placed my hand on his bowed head and accepted him. I will not do to him what I did to poor Max; this time I will take my time and ease him in. Maybe in the next couple of days I can get a blessing for him from Grandpa.
April 25th 2024
Lord Agni came by and gave me a brief rundown on the basics of how things go in Japan with the spirit world. It’s complicated in a different way than the Homeland or America. He alluded to that it was much more dangerous for even foreign Gods. Her “Divine Radiance” does not appreciate outsiders. I got the gist as we talked that things are still in council with the rest of the Family upstairs. He said that I am his “Hall Pass”, he said that he needs a break every so often. I happily obliged him, but managed to pull out of him that he was married to both Arlo and I. Tricky! I love him for that! I can be tricky too! I now have to make sure both of my spouses are taken care of! I wonder what Arlo will think with this new challenge.
Mercedes doesn’t seem comfortable here. I have tried to reassure her that we will find our way and that this trip is only temporary. Six to eight weeks is what I am expecting now with this new information on how hard it is to get into the Japanese court. She told me that she was also hurt that Sir Terrance considered her an amateur at best and that she knew very little on how security worked. Really?! I don’t sling insults at Grant! The nerve of some people! This is just the difference between civilian and military. Hopefully I can keep the group running together smoothly.
April 26th 2024
(no entry)
April 27th, 2024
(no entry)
Arlo blinked and flipped back through the beginning of the journal. He knew that by nature, his wife was very meticulous. He saw that from the start of this journal, there were entries for every day, be they large or small. He picked up his coffee cup and realized that it was empty. He got up for a refill. He mulled over his unspoken question for a moment, and set his freshly filled cup down. He realized a potential insight to the odd break in her pattern. He walked over to the bookshelf by Damayanti’s desk. His wife had journals going back several years. Arlo spied the two previous months, pulled them and went to retrieve his coffee. Once comfortable in his seat, he flipped through the journals for February and March. After quick review, his concern was confirmed, D didn’t leave gaps in her entries very often. They only happened when something had gone completely sideways. He set them aside. He checked his phone for any contacts from her on those two days; there were none. He then turned to make some notes on the new document file. He picked up the April journal, sliding out the bookmark and picked up where he left off.
April 28th, 2024
Fate has not been kind, but I have to take my blessings where I can. I have not been able to deal with my grief as of late. I should have never left. I should have waited… yet time moves on. I may be regretting my initial decisions, but I am here now. Only way out is through. My emotions have not been stable. I have been having trouble expressing myself, it’s not welcome here. My inner turmoil is boiling underneath. I will have to just push it down, focus on each day.
Two nights ago, I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t know what it was at first. Mercedes was curled up around me. I should have been comfortable. I extricated myself without waking her. I dressed in my pajamas and left our rooms. My grief was rising to the surface, while I was here in Japan, a land that is unknown to me.
The hotel halls were quiet. I felt trapped, I went outside for some air. The east side of the building had a beautiful green space. There was a pond surrounded by blooming purple wisteria and maple. Stone benches set near the edge. The night was mostly cloudy and calm. I couldn’t stop thinking about Mom and Dad, how they were gone. My sisters were left to deal with their grieving on their own. My sweet husband, off on his business, maybe never to return! Here I was, pregnant and an ocean away from all that I had known and loved. I sat there and gazed into the darkened waters of the jewel-like pond. No light, not even the distant lights of the metropolis beyond marred its surface.
I don’t know if I was there for a few minutes or a few hours, but soon the grief broke surface. I came undone. I tried to keep control, but I watched my skin darken to ebony. I screamed and railed tears streaming down my face. When I had calmed a bit, my skin lightened back to its normal tone. Then I got the feeling that someone was watching me. I looked around and saw a ripple on the surface of the pool. Then I heard a voice, a whisper really.
“Niraasha…”
Quick as a blink I felt the scars erupt on my skin, I felt the prick of my fangs on my lower lip. I looked to my hands, my nails had lengthened and my skin was blacker than the night sky. I looked to the pool. An image appeared on its surface. One of Arlo and I; playing with our children while Dad and Mom looked on smiling. I peered out into the shadows and asked who was out there. The image was there, now it moved as if it was a video taken off of pause. Dad and Mom were laying out a picnic on the lawn, Arlo had swung up the young boy on his shoulders.
I had the sudden realization that the voice had called my Despair aspect by her name. I knew that I could never have what I was shown. A serene mask rose out of the waters, seamlessly causing the pool to scatter the illusion of my wish. There was no adornment, other than it being a white mask, its features calm. It spoke from somewhere, from all around me. The full emotion of longing came back in a rush that almost knocked me off of my feet. I desperately wanted the void…I wanted to tear the universe down. I wanted to cut all of the strands of Maya, forever; I did not care who stood in my way.
The voice drew my attention to the pool, whispering how it had heard the birth cries of Despair. My cries had echoed throughout the underworld to the deepest parts of the Abyss, it said. Then it offered me Despair’s true wish. It offered a return to the perfection of Void.
It was what Lord Tezcatlapoca said to me once made me pull back. I hissed at the mask. A quiet laugh of amusement surrounded me. The shadows started to spool around me. The being called me by Despair’s name again.
A cool radiance of moonlight came from near one of the hotel doors. Yoshida Tokaji stepped forward, as he did, the shadows receded.
“Damayanti O’Halloran. Come away. Come with me inside.”
I went inside with Mr. Yoshida. He gave me some time to calm down. I asked him what that mask thing was. He informed me that it was the Lord of Void, Mikaboshi, one of the Japanese titans. He reasoned that due to the nature of one of my aspects, he would have to keep an eye out for me. I asked what would happen if I went with the titan. He said that I would be corrupted, an agent for Mikaboshi. I was filled with fear. I looked into his eyes, they were filled with concern. I felt a sudden pressure in my chest, it felt as if lengths of rope were winding their way around me. I don’t know if it was my fear, or if it was some other urge. I was suddenly struck with the certainty. I threw myself at Mr. Yoshida’s feet. My forehead touched the carpet.
“Lord Tsukiyomi, if there are lethal enemies for me here, I have no other choice but to take refuge at your feet, please accept me. Please protect me! I wish to become your student.” He was silent for many moments,
“Do you know what you are asking? Among your people this is a serious request.”
“Yes. I want you to be my Guru, I must learn from you if I am to survive here. I have no other refuge on these shores, please teach me.” I did not move until I felt his palm gently rest on the back of my head.
“I accept.” he said softly, “From tonight you will be under my tutelage.” The weight of my oath settled on me like a cloak.
We talked for a while, he laid out his plans. He left soon after, stating that I should get some sleep, that he would come for us in the morning.
Arlo pinched the bridge of his nose, shook his head and reread the page. Fear and concern settled in the pit of his stomach. He put his hand to his head. His wife was dumb enough to write down a true name, one of her true names! He quickly turned to his computer and typed down the notes for this entry, minus the true name. After he was finished, he picked up the journal and fetched a metal bowl from the kitchen. Setting the bowl and journal on the counter, he rooted around until he found some whiskey and let out a surprised happy breath as behind it, was a bottle of Everclear. He started to pour himself a tumbler of whiskey and then looked at the page again. He slid the glass aside and took a long swig from the bottle. Arlo tore out the page and crumpled it, pitching it in to the bowl followed by a dousing of the Everclear. The spark of flame from the match illuminated his face for a moment as he dropped it in the bowl. Flames licked up from within, reducing the paper to ash. He snagged another bottle of whiskey and continued to drain the first bottle as he made his way back to his computer. The journal was plopped on top of its stack, a few keys were hit to save the notes. Arlo stared at the stack of notebooks for a moment and then put the bottle to his lips again.
Damayanti put the key to the door. Some of the deliveries were sitting in the hallway. She gently eased the door open and called for the brownie. The little fae woman walked up to the doorway and helped her with the groceries. After they were finished putting the groceries away, she called for her husband. There was the creak of his chair and the clink of glass from his office. She came and stood in the doorway. Arlo was in a half dozing stupor leaned back in his chair. Several empty bottles, many of whiskey and one of Everclear lay on the carpet. She grimaced and leaned up against the doorjamb. The brownie moved past her with a bin; she quickly picked up all of the bottles. His computer was still on with some notes. She walked over behind him and placed a hand softly on his shoulder. Arlo’s eyes opened, they were rheumy with drink.
“Hello, my guiding star…” he said with a slur as he tipped his head back. He pursed his lips for a kiss. Damayanti leaned over and obliged him. She wrinkled her nose,
“Whew!” she said as she pulled away, “Who died? You smell like a whiskey mill.”
“Nobody died,” he rumbled, some of the Gaelic burr sliding into his voice.
“Then what happened? I was only gone for a couple of hours.” she narrowed her eyes and peered over his shoulder at his laptop. “Something bothering you?”
“I can’t remember.” he said as he turned his chair. A sly grin slid across his face as he pulled her into his lap. She squeaked. “I will be better in a while.” He chuckled. He nuzzled her neck.
“Are you hungry?” she asked as she ran her fingertips through his coppery hair. “I can make you something…”
“Later,” he murmured. He picked her up,
“Honey!” she chirped, “I have things to do! I have to get my itinerary made, I have to get the house together.” He narrowed his emerald eyes at her, the grin widened, he shifted her into a princess carry.
“It can wait until later. No routines, not today.” he admonished and carried her into the bedroom.
April 29th, 2024
I guess I officially started my training today. Mr. Yoshida, I mean Sensei, went through all of the kimonos that I brought with me. They did not meet his expectations. He made it known that they would not be appropriate for meeting any of the others among the Japanese, I mean Amatsukami court. I was told that they were not properly sized and of the wrong material, very inferior. I had to be measured for a proper fitting. I said that I could give him my measurements. He cast me such a withering glance that I actually stepped back. He ordered me to strip and stand in the middle of the bedroom. I was to keep my eyes downcast as he wished. (I had learned yesterday that to meet and hold his gaze was a challenge, both uncouth in general and unbecoming of a woman. I would lead to swift punishment, no matter who did it.)
I have to admit I was quite sheepish. I could feel his gaze on me as I disrobed. I stripped down to my bra and panties. He cleared his throat and asked me to remove those articles of clothing as well. Mercedes stepped forward with tailor’s tape. He ordered her to hand him the tape and to step back. I caught the look of shock and dismay in her eyes as handed him the tape. Then she walked to stand to one side of the room. I felt his presence behind me. He pulled the Asi from my hair and I felt my hair tumble and swing free. I heard his sharp inhale and I didn’t understand what he muttered in Japanese. He went over every inch of my body, measuring me and his sharp eyes taking in every detail. He even scrutinized my teeth and eyes. I have never felt so vulnerable, so exposed. He left for a moment when he was finished and came back with a silken kimono. He informed me that this was fine for the house, that my standard and formal kimonos would be ordered this afternoon. I bowed to him, glad that this experience was over. The pressure I felt between his demeanor and the honored bond was almost excruciating. I have to relieve the pressure of the honored bond soon, I just have to take it slow.
April 30th, 2024
Well, I ran into the first of the demons, or should I say a yokai this evening. It was quite the surprise. I awoke to Mercedes’ half-choked scream. I jumped up in astonishment. There seemed to be what was a tongue, a very large tongue wrapped around her and was trying to pull her out through the skylight in the ceiling. Her scream brought Sensei and Rupak running in. Rupak grabbed her by the legs while I vaulted through the window and on to the roof. I drew Asi and shifted it to a talwar and summoned my armor. Sensei followed me. This thing was nasty. I guessed it had a twenty foot long tongue leading to a mouth full of sharp teeth. Mercedes screamed again and the fucker grinned at me. I could not let anything hurt my lovely sub. With a growl I let my rage and passion out. I heard Sensei gasp behind me. I struck the tongue, but Asi would not cut it. That got me even angrier. I felt the flames start to surround me. There was a flash of silver and Sensei severed the tongue. The stump was rapidly retracted. I heard Mercedes’ squeak and then a thump in the room beneath. I let out a snarl, feeling my fangs prick my lips. The yokai tried to escape into the darkness of the grounds around the house. Sensei and I leaped off of the roof to follow. Sensei was faster than me. He caught up with it at the edge of the grove. Wow, he killed it so quickly, I barely registered the yokai’s screech. He came back holding what looked like a piece of the tongue. He offered it to me, I found it disgusting and refused it. We burned it. That was so satisfying.
He turned to me after it was finished. His gazed traveled over me, his eyes filling with disappointment and disgust. I asked what was wrong. He motioned to all of me and then said that this form that I took did not become me. He said that I severely lacked discipline. Sensei turned his back to me, he said if I was to continue to let myself go in such a fashion, that he would release me. I felt the honored bond start to grow distant. I took a deep breath and calmed my temper. I knelt at his feet and asked for forgiveness. He ordered me inside. I was ordered to strip again. I expected corporal punishment, but it was different. Sensei bound me in cordage, wrapped so neither my weight or the cords would hurt me. He hung me from a bar in the closet. I was told that I needed to learn to control my thoughts and emotions. He shook his head and said that he expected better from a Deva. So I was told to meditate and that he would release me when he came back. I sort of had an argument with myself. It was really strange, he was so adept at binding me up in knots, it didn’t hurt, it was rather freeing and sort of exciting.
Arlo tapped his pencil against his lips. His brow furrowed as he wrote a couple of notes. A half eaten cupcake sat on a plate on the side table, along with a still warm partial cup of coffee. Damayanti’s sensei, Tsukiyomi in avatar form as Yoshida Tokaji, seemed to come off as an asshole. Arlo had serious misgivings, this member of the Amatsukami took advantage of her. He would have to continue to study to see if this was truly the case. He reached over and picked up the cupcake and took a bite. He let out a sigh of satisfaction. He read a couple more paragraphs and gently picked up a stray crumb that had fallen onto the page. His wife was a lamb in the woods when she landed in Japan. It was a really underhanded move to take advantage of her situation. Fingers flew across the keyboard of his laptop for a moment as he entered the notes.
He smiled as he took a sip of his coffee. Earlier, his wife had made an excellent dinner as always. She had cleaned up in the kitchen after dinner and busied herself with baking afterwords. him a cup of coffee with a little Irish cream and some sugar. With a sweet smile, she had then set down a freshly iced cupcake.
“I made extra as always. I can’t leave Dad or Uncle hanging, especially since I am back home.”
“I love you,” he said as his eyes met hers, “Thank you so much.”
“Love you, my Heart.” she replied and gave him a loving kiss, “I’ll let you get back to work. I don’t want to interrupt.”
“Okay.”
A glint of gold lit up in her eyes. Arlo watched her for a moment, heart full of the sweetest mix of emotions as he watched her walk into the living room. It was so good to have her back home. He turned back to her journal.
Arlo’s put down his cup, clinking it against the plate as he re-read the latest entry. Cord binding? Excited? What was going on over there? He opened a new window on his laptop. Pulling up search on his browser, he typed in “Cord Bondage”. What came up initially was listings for BDsM supplies. He refreshed the page and a definition came up. He scanned the definition.
“Hmm, also known as Shibari, an art of restraint from Japan. Uses cords or rope and knot work to suspend and or bind a person. Theorized to have started as a form of torture, it is now more common as an art form particularly of erotic nature.” he murmured. The corner of his mouth turned up in an inquisitive smirk as he glanced at some of the photo examples. He looked up and out towards the living room. It sounded like Damayanti was doing some more unpacking. The smirk still on his face, he minimized the search window and opened a new note file. He titled it, “Subjects to Research Concerning my Wife” He typed in Shibari and then saved the file.
Damayanti used a razor knife to cut the tape on several boxes. She pulled out the relics that she had gathered for Surya. She wrapped each in silk and placed them in a small lock box. She heard a sharp clinking noise come from Arlo’s office. She picked up the lock box and went to her safe. Her fingers flicked across the keypad. The lock disengaged with an audible clunk. She opened the door and slid the box in. she closed and locked up the safe.
As she headed into the living room her eyes alighted on one of her new purchases. The cardboard box was unadorned except for the print of the specialty store and the rough twine tied around it. The shop that she found it in was known in the area for carrying rustic and elegant items. A broad smile crossed her face, she giggled to herself. Tomiko wound her way around Damayanti’s feet. A curious light shone in the spirit cat’s eyes.
“What did you get? I bet it’s a toy for me.” she stated as she washed a paw.
“If you placed that bet, you would lose, Tomiko,” Damayanti replied as she cut the twine on the box. She dropped the twine down on the floor. “Here’s some string. Will this satisfy you?” Tomiko gave her bored look,
“Really? So what’s in the box?”
“Something that will make me feel better. A symbol.” she replied. Tomiko swished her tail as she touched the string. Damayanti unpacked the box. She set a lantern on the table and unwrapped it from the bubble wrap. She let out a sigh of satisfaction as she set it up. Tomiko twitched her whiskers in irritation, her tail thumped against the carpet. The cat wrinkled her nose,
“I guess that you got a toy for yourself.” she stuck up her nose at the string, “I would rather have the box.”
“As you wish,” Damayanti replied. She lifted the lantern and turned it in her hand to admire it. The burnished bronze frame reflected the ambient light in a warm glow. A candle could be set in the bottom or she had the option for using the fuel jets in the bottom. She had placed the cover over the jets and set a white tower candle inside. She set the box before Tomiko, “As you wish, my little moon kitty.” She ran her hand along the spirit cat’s white fur. Tomiko huffed and then slunk inside the box.
“It’s okay,” she sniffed, “It has a weird smell.” Damayanti paid no attention to Tomiko’s grumblings. She cleaned up the wrappings and went to start the tea kettle.
The next two days in the journal were daily entries and a couple of pages of schedules for training and work. Arlo skimmed through these, taking notes. He wasn’t surprised that she had a set up a training schedule. Damayanti would have had a schedule no matter what the project. He reached over for his coffee and found that the cup was empty. A light groan erupted from him as he stretched. It was time for a break. Sean was happily chewing an axe handle on the floor next to his desk. Arlo rose and picked up his cup and the empty plate. He reached down and scratched his hound behind the ears. He walked out of his study and Sean dropped his treat and followed, his tail wagging. There was a box on the floor. Sean stepped forward, curious what was in it. As the hound approached, a low growl came from within. Sean whined and looked up to his owner. Arlo raised an eyebrow. He knelt down and peeked in. Tomiko was hunched, prepared to spring.
“I wouldn’t.” he stated. Her eyes dilated in fear. She rolled on her back, put on her cute face and let out a small mew. “I thought so,” Arlo rumbled. He stood back up and spied the logo on the box. Damayanti must have gotten something to accent the decor in the condo. He went over placed the plate in the sink and poured himself another coffee. He noticed that the kettle was still steaming.
Suddenly, he heard his wife’s voice. Arlo walked out into the living room. The door to the balcony was slightly ajar. Damayanti had changed into a set of hoodie and sweats. She was sitting in one of the chairs, gazing out over the city. A steaming cup of chai sat on a table next to her, but that wasn’t the item that had caught his eye. A lit lantern sat in the middle of the table. The sun had set and the sky was shaded from amethyst to sapphire.
Damayanti’s voice was raised in song. Arlo stood there transfixed. The song’s melody rose and fell. In watching his wife, he could tell that this song had deep meaning for her. Her face was overshadowed with melancholy. The lyrics told a story of choices, light and darkness; of hope, evil, pain, the surmounting of challenges and rest.
When she was finished, she took a sip of her chai, her gaze still focused on the western horizon and the Chicago skyline. Arlo gently opened the door wider and peeked his head out.
“You know, every time that I hear you sing, whether it is happy, sad or contemplative, I fall in love with you all over again” he said with a small grin. Damayanti turned, the flame of the candle reflected in her eyes and brought a warmth to her skin. Her lips turned up in a sad, coy smile. Her eyes met his viridian ones for a moment and then she cast them to the floor.
“You can meet and hold my gaze, my Love. I will never take it as a challenge.” he stated with quiet certitude. Her eyes met his once again and the silence stretched between them. Arlo saw her eyes well up and a single tear slid down one cheek. His entire countenance softened, “You are safe here with me, it is okay to mourn, it is alright to feel.” Damayanti went completely still for a moment. Upon seeing this, Arlo had the visual metaphor in his mind of a deer halting in a glade upon hearing a potential predator. Her gaze was distant yet fixed on the lantern. Arlo slid the door open completely and stepped out on to the balcony. As he came in closer to his wife he gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He gave it a soothing squeeze. She drew in a shaky breath.
Damayanti’s mind raced, her thoughts and emotions threatened to burst to the surface and spill over. Her husband’s presence was comforting, yet he really didn’t know what had transpired in Nippon. She knew even if she told him in the finest detail, he wasn’t there; he wouldn’t truly know. Arlo placed his cup on the table. He exhaled a soft sigh as he knelt down next to his wife and slid his arm across her shoulders,
“Let me be your support,” he said empathically, “Your burdens are my burdens.” Damayanti sniffed and leaned into her husband, laying her head against his. He could feel some of the pent up tension that she was holding on to. She looked out to the now dark sky,
“I always liked twilight, because it’s when the stars start to come out.” Arlo’s hand pulled her in a little closer. She could feel him smile,
“My guiding Star.”
Damayanti shivered a bit. Memories of darkness, the bright sunlight, dawn and dusk whirled in her mind. Arlo stroked her upper arm
“Come Love, come inside.” he murmured as he stood up. She looked at him curiously as she rose from her seat. Arlo blinked at her in momentary confusion,
“Do I have something on my face?” A smirk twitched at the corners of her lips.
“No.” she replied as she blushed and looked at the floor. She wrapped her fingers around the handle of the lantern. Arlo stepped inside after retrieving both of their cups. He set them down, thinking she was right behind him. He turned and looked out the open sliding door. She stood at the railing looking up at the stars, the lantern’s light shining. Arlo gazed at her beauty for several heartbeats, then stepped to the threshold. He held out his hand to her.
“Please come inside, don’t stay out here in the dark.” he entreated. The lantern swung as she turned, her eyes meeting his. Her look was a haunted one. Something deep within him shivered. Ten thousand questions bubbled up in his mind. He saw his wife; he also had the realization that this gorgeous woman was also suddenly somewhat of a stranger. Thrilling curiosity mixed with concern and undying love rose within his soul. The words slipped from his mouth before he could catch them, “Pravasi, please come inside. I would like to get to know you better.” A joyful light filled her eyes and she stepped forward and placed her hand in his.
Arlo awoke in bed. He shifted around and felt for his wife. Her side of the bed was empty. Dawn was just breaking. There was a ‘yip’ and a happy Sean landed on him. His hound was excited and covered him in sloppy dog kisses. Laughing lightheartedly, he fended off Sean playfully and sat up. He heard busyness in the kitchen.
Sean went and fetched his leash and dropped at Arlo’s feet as he was giving Damayanti a kiss. She was making a full spread this morning with all of the fixings. He leashed up Sean and headed out. He took Sean out for about a three mile walk. When he walked back in, Damayanti met him with a kiss. He draped his arms around her waist and the leash slipped from his fingers.
“Mmm.” he murmured against his wife’s lips. He pulled back a little and she smiled up at him. “Smells divine, my love.” Damayanti blushed and her gaze fell to the floor. He placed his fingers softly under her chin drawing it up for another kiss. He held it lightly as his eyes met hers. “Are you embarrassed of your cooking?” he asked.
“No,” she whispered.
“Has my wife become a little bit shy? You’re shy right now.” he pumped his eyebrows at her, one side of his mouth quirking in a smirk. “You weren’t shy last night.”
“No,” she replied, “I just know my place now.” her eyes were shadowed with introspection. His smirk softened into a genuine smile.“I will be that way if the tides and strands of Fate keep is bound.” she replied, her tone growing an edge of wistful sadness. Arlo’s smile fell into neutral. “A lot of what I have seen shattered my preconceived notions.”
“How banked is my wife’s fire? Is it almost out?” he thought, he pulled her up against him for the moment, “I know our place is by each other’s side. It is meant to be that way,” he purred
“Of course my Heart, you are my husband. That is how it should be.” she placed her hand along his cheek. “Come, have some breakfast.” Arlo sat down at the table and Damayanti set out a sumptuous spread. They dug in and had pleasant light conversation. He observed his wife, and was developing a theory. He needed to observe some more to zero in on a hypothesis. He smiled and settled into the moment, just enjoying her company.
He took a shower while Damayanti and the brownie cleaned up. By the time he was done and dressed, he noticed that his wife had moved to working on her laptop. She was researching something. He moved over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked up and smiled.
“Got a project of your own I see,” he said with a loving smile.
“Yep!” she chirped. He kissed her on top of the head.
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it, my Love.”
Arlo walked into his study and Sean trailed after, a new axe handle between his teeth. He stood there and stared again at the stack of Damayanti’s journals. A fresh cup of coffee sat on a ceramic coaster on his desk. The brownie curtsied and went about her duties. He took his seat and ruffled Sean’s ears as the hound settled at his feet.
May 1st, 2024
My kimonos arrived this morning. Sensei seemed pleased. After I finished cleaning up from breakfast. He called Mercedes and I to our room. He instructed her that she should focus on how I am supposed to be dressed. He asked me to undress and drew out one of the formal kimonos. It was so beautiful! Gorgeous blue the color of the sky, embroidered with peonies and the silk was watermarked with patterns of wind. It had a soft shimmering effect. I don’t normally wear blue, but I have to look the part when I meet the court. I have to make my entreaty.
Sensei dressed me, with Mercedes watching closely. I think that she may be afraid of him on some level. I gave her a reassuring look and submitted to Sensei’s tender ministrations. When he was finished dressing me, he took my hair down. I heard an almost silent sigh from him again. I felt the touch of his fingers as he deftly wrapped and arranged it. I felt the pressure sing within me with his closeness. There is a strange pull from him, I haven’t been able to place it.
When he was complete, he bid me close my eyes and walked me to a mirror. I could not ignore the gentle pressure of one of his hands on the small of my back. When I opened my eyes, I gasped. I looked nothing like I ever had before. There was multiple layers, the inner most one was the shade of garnet, matching the deepest tones of the embroidered peonies. White was the middle; there was elements of the white in the wide belt around my waist. I looked at him in wonder and asked what I was supposed to do when we met the rest of the court. The look in his eyes was warm for the first time since I met him in Chicago. He cleared his throat and asked for me to say it in Japanese. I stumbled through the question, taking in his corrections. He then replied that I should follow his lead as I was under his protection. He would protect me, his honor and my vow depended on it. I bowed and affirmed that I would obey his every instruction.
May 2nd, 2024
Tonight is the night, tonight I go before the Amatsukami court for the first time. Sensei has kept saying that I may have more than one, since her Divine Radiance is hard to reach. Sensei and I had a shorter day at the restaurant. Once we were home, I quickly bathed, (The cold water!) and Sensei oversaw Mercedes dressing me. He mentioned that she needed to work with diligence on detail. She was my handmaiden, and the closest to me. It needed to be perfect. When she was done and I was to his satisfaction, he stepped forward and using the mirror, he arranged my hair again. Many hairpins were used with an artist’s skill. He prominently placed my lotus pin at the front and to the left of my “up do”. He then had me help him dress, it was more for to have an example as for any of the other formal occasions, I would be dressing him before I had Mercedes dress me.
I caught a couple of his looks as I helped him dress. He blushed at one point. The bond was strummed again. I blushed and cast my gaze to the floor. He told me that it was very becoming that my demeanor was softening.
We were driven out to the train station in Tokyo. There was a train waiting for us. An aged man who Sensei mentioned was the conductor stood by the door of the front car. He said that the first three cars were the only ones that any of our kind could be in. They were heavily protected. He bowed to the conductor and I followed suit. The conductor checked the old fashioned pocket watch in his hand. Sensei then directed me onto the train, followed by him and then the conductor.
We were directed to the second car and asked to wait for a few minutes. I turned to Sensei and drew the letter from the Yankee pantheon, the pledge of continued friendship. Sensei took it from me and said that he would take it and present it to her Divine Radiance. I have to admit, that gave me a bit of consternation, I was hoping that I would be able to present it to her. I kept my protests to myself. I felt my moods shift and press within me. I concentrated, calming them.
By that time, the conductor came for us, saying that the rest of the members of the court that were available had shown. We were lead into the first car. I stayed discretely behind my Sensei. The first car was furnished in all I can say was a minimalist yet elegant fashion. Three men were already seated at a table in the middle of the car. One was a man in a Japanese military uniform, one was in biker leathers, one was in what was originally a business suit, I guess there was no jacket. The messy one had stains of the Gods knows what on his shirt. Sensei directed us to the two empty chairs on the other side. He helped me get seated and then took a seat to my right. The conductor took the last remaining seat on the side with the strangers. There were greetings from the others to my Sensei. I caught some of the basics, but I didn’t get all of it. Then all of the them, except for the conductor switched to English. The court was introduced to me; the one in the military uniform was Lord Hatchiman. The one in the biker leathers was Lord Susanno’o. The one in the gross shirt was Lord Raiden. The conductor was Lord Izanagi, the progenitor. These men asked about my lineage and my purpose being in Nippon, along with how long I was going to be staying. I answered what I could, but Sensei, Lord Tsukiyomi did add context (I think?!) to my answers in Japanese. I did not see her Divine Radiance anywhere. I did see imperial emblems near the ceiling at one end of the car. There was some conversation around me that I couldn’t quite understand in a few moments as all the men had switched back to Japanese. When there was a pause, Sensei rose and guided me back to the second car. I was told that I could partake in any of the food in the second car and that he would come back for me soon.
I was in the second car by myself for about half an hour. I did take a chance to look out one of the windows. Tokyo sped by, but I kept seeing shadowy figures come out of the dark. They came near the train and just as they seemed to touch it, they evaporated. When I was asked to come back in, all four and Sensei were still in attendance. Sensei had a look of resignation on his face. They would help me, but thought that the best course of action was to perform a full tea ceremony for her Divine Radiance. each would supply a piece of the tea set, if I first passed their individual challenges.
If I succeeded, I would be allowed in her presence to perform a Proper tea ceremony and state my request. The challenges are as follows:
Susanno’o: I would develop a menu of seven courses and serve him and his guests dinner. This would gain me the ladle.
Raiden: I must either perform a special dance for him and/or learn to fly. This would gain me the cups
Hatchiman: I must learn proper martial prowess in a womanly weapon. No swords. I must perform my aptitude in this new art. This would gain me the whisk.
Izanagi: I must become fluent in Japanese. (he refused to communicate with me, because I did not know the language) I also must learn proper mannerisms befitting my sex and station. This would gain me the teapot and tea.
After that, we arrived back at the original station. Sensei and I were excused. Once we got home, Sensei retired to his study and I made dinner for everyone. By the God’s my stress must have been bad. I am so tired.
May 3rd, 2024
By the Gods! What a nightmare! It woke me up this morning. I tried to get on the right foot today, but shadows of my dreams last night have followed me. I am trying to keep myself upbeat. Being at the restaurant today has helped somewhat. Sensei has been keeping an eye out, I know he has been watching my demeanor.
I woke up with a shot and a scream. Mercedes wrapped herself around me. I slapped her hands gently, as she was stifling me. I was trying to control my breathing, sweat dripping from my brow. My poor lovely, she was just trying to soothe me. Sensei had quickly strode in, his katana untied and at the ready. He knelt at the foot of my futon his gaze focused on me. Rupak ran in after and checked the room. He settled to one side. Sensei asked me what had happened. I stated that I just had a nightmare. Sensei asked me about my nightmare and I described it to him, down to the slightest detail. Rupak narrowed his eyes and Mercedes threw her arms around me.
When I had finished my description, the look on Sensei’s face went from one of concern to absolute blank. He rose and peace tied his katana. He stated on his way out of my room that if I continued to have nightmares, he may have a solution to the problem. Rupak put a reassuring hand on my shoulder and with a few kind words, he left soon after. Mercedes was slightly panicked and I had to calm her down. She said that the nightmare that she had about the tongue demon still bothered her at night.
At the restaurant, all has been going well so far. I am learning a lot, the language is the challenge. Some of the younger cooks and students there seem to be jealous. Sensei noticed this behavior and told me to ignore it. I know I cannot draw attention to myself here, it’s dangerous. I still hear them talk. Sensei has that wise smile again. I jumped as I felt his hand settle on my rump. His breath was at my ear.
“Focus and seek serenity, find your center, Little Pomegranate.”
He’s right. I have to learn as much as I can. If we are able to make it out of this land alive, I have to. I have to traverse the webs of Maya, I have to thread the needle. I just don’t know where Zhon and Sir Terrance are. I have not seen them. I left my coordinates with them and with Mats in Germany. Arlo has to have the information if he is going to be able to find me here. If he does come back…
Arlo stopped and marked where he was reading in her journal. He reached over and snagged his wife’s dream journal. His brow furrowed as he read. She had written the entirety of her dream in the finest detail. He bit his lip.
“What was she going through? Did the titan send that shade or was she trying to be freed? I amstarting to not like the wayTsukiyomi treated her.”
he thought to himself. A twinge of anger rose up in him. He stood up from his seat and started to pace around the study. He plunked back in his seat and wrote in his notes,
“What are the Amatsukami hiding?”
He heard a book being dropped to the floor. He placed a bookmark at the place he stopped and rose again from his seat. He grabbed his cup and walked out. Damayanti had several books open and she was leaning over to pick one up that had slid off of the stack on her desk.
“Everything going okay Honey?” he asked as he walked up. She blew a strand of hair out of her face.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you, Sweetheart. I’m fine.” she replied. He came up and took a peek at what she was working on. He couldn’t quite track what she was working on at first.
“What are you working on?”
Damayanti picked up the book and replaced it.
“Roads run both directions. Streams only run one way.” she stated. Her husband raised an eyebrow,
“It’s not usual for you to be cryptic, however, I do enjoy the new skill you have with speaking in metaphor.”
She kissed him on the nose,
“You have to ask the right questions, of course.” she replied sweetly.
“Oh! Do I want to bear the burden of the knowledge? Is this a burden of yours that you would like me to share my love?” he retorted.
“You can fight fire with fire. A weapon that one side uses can be turned against them once in their enemy’s hands. The tides can always shift.”
Arlo grinned and wandered into the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
“I see the game that we’re playing. All metaphor, no proper context. Sly my Love. You aren’t getting twenty questions out of me right now.” he quipped. Damayanti narrowed her gaze at him.
“I noticed earlier that you tore a page out of my journal.” He shrugged his shoulders and slopped some coffee on the kitchen floor. The brownie quickly darted to mop up the spill. Arlo thanked her and then turned back to his wife,
“I don’t know why I did that. I honestly can’t remember.”
“Uh huh,” she sighed, “there was some dangerous information in there. I warned you.” Arlo glanced at the clock. It read a little after ten in the morning. An orange glow with blue center started to light up in her eyes. He walked up as she settled once again in her seat with a huff.
“Are you upset?”
“No, just frustrated.” she grumbled, “I can’t lose all of the information that I accrued while I was in Nippon.” her gaze focused on the screen of her laptop again.
“That’s why I am taking my notes.”
“I know what page was destroyed. I realized what I had written.” she clenched her jaw. “That is not what has been bothering me.”
“Then what?”
“I am pulling threads on a tapestry that I cannot see. I am writing with my fingertip on the surface of a lake, expecting it to stay visible.” Arlo set his coffee down for a moment and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He kissed and nibbled her neck and put his lips near her ear.
“Oh babe,” he breathed, as his hands moved to cup her breasts through her shirt, “You keep talking like that, I will not be able to contain myself. I can’t wait to dip my quill in that inkwell of your newfound creativity. I will have to simply carry you off.” Damayanti leaned into his touch, relaxing for a brief moment. Then she eased herself out of his grip. She placed her fingers on the keyboard and typed in a new search.
“As much as I will definitely take up on that offer later, my Heart, I have to figure this out. This is simply a puzzle I will have to put together a piece at a time.” she looked up at the clock, “I will take a break soon and make some lunch, okay?”
“Promise? I want to ravish you after you recite poetry, metaphor and allegory to me.” he replied as he retrieved his coffee.
“I promise.”
May 4th, 2024
Today I started my training in archery. Sensei had me demonstrate my expertise with the trishula at first. He watched and gave me some tips, but he ended up coming to the conclusion that a trishula was very much like a poleaxe. He stated that it was a womanly form of weapon and completely appropriate. I don’t know he is starting to send me mixed signals. This pressure is insistent, but I have to take it slow. His touch set my nerves on fire as he showed me how to hold and properly use the bow for the first time. He didn’t seem to notice my excitement.
After the archery, we worked on some traditional calligraphy. This was really interesting. I had never used a brush to write with before. He would write out a letter in hiragana or kanji and then have me repeat it. This was very much a challenge; I found that after a while I really enjoyed it! Then something strange happened.
He corrected me on how to hold the brush and I was watching intently as he demonstrated. I swear I didn’t move. As I concentrated on him, we were sitting side by side. I felt an inexorable pull all of a sudden, and I ended up leaning up against him. My hip was pressed against his and I gasped and I saw his eyes widen and then soften. He blushed! Well, I did too, but my Sensei blushed! That was the last thing that I expected. He let out a sigh and had a slight smile on his face. I sputtered an apology and shifted to my proper position. I felt the heat in my face. I continued with my calligraphy and about fifteen minutes later, he adjusted my posture. I was used to this, all yoga instructors will correct a student on their posture. What happened next almost threw me off completely. I was listening to him, reciting what he was having me right in Japanese. He continued to adjust and then I felt his hand cup one cheek of my ass. One full hand, cupping one full cheek! My brush stroke slipped. I heard a chuckle behind me and his hand gripped me for just and instant. He called me by my pet name again. After instruction was over, he grew distant again. What is going on? I walked on eggshells around him the rest of the day.
May 5th, 2024
I tried some of my Japanese with the senior bakers at the restaurant today. They were surprised and cautious. It was a tense shift. Sensei was meeting with the senior staff off and on all day. He seemed to be particularly demanding to all of us, not impolite, he was just exacting. His other students at the restaurant blamed me of course, since I was evidently his “favorite”. I caught a couple of whispered comments about me being a bad omen. I even found a clipping of the local tabloid slid into my locker. It showed a picture of Sensei and I when I was at the restaurant the first day. It took me a while, but I finally figured out the headline, “Are These Two The Newest Culinary Power Couple?” This didn’t engender any pleasant feelings in me, but I have to see this through. I have to continue. My very life and the lives of Arlo’s and my children depend on it. I will do what ever it takes.
I wondered about Sensei’s mood for most of the day until I got back home that evening with him. He had been silent and almost morose on the car ride home, I did not have to continue with my studies that evening. (I still did). He did not quiz me at all. (Which was not normal) I left him to his mood, not wanting to intrude for a bit. I wanted to lighten his current demeanor, so I made some of his favorite dishes for supper. We ate in silence and I figured that I had missed my mark. If it continued like this? I would fail at one of my goals and the obligation would be even more stringent. My most valued relationships would be broken. Why does it seem sometimes that my world, all of my plans come crashing down?
Sensei finally spoke when I served dessert and tea. He said that he would be absent for the next three nights. Realization hit me like a ton of bricks! I am such an idiot! He was a moon God! His mood was tied to the moon’s phases. A shiver of fear ran down my spine; I would be alone in this house with just mortals to protect me. I had to protect Rupak and Mercedes! However, I did not expect what came next.
I had never seen such sadness and despair on any beings’ face before. I set down my tea as I felt Despair rise to the surface. I went and knelt at his side. I apologized if there was any lack in the quality of the dinner. He quietly commended my dinner and the dessert. He then confessed the reason for his coming absence and his fear for leaving me. He then said that someone would come by while he was gone to help me with some artistic activities. He then sat silent and looked at his hands as they laid in his lap. I then confirmed that he would be in seclusion for the next few days, in complete darkness. As I said that, I grasped one of his hands and placed it along my cheek. I told him that I understood how hard it was to be away from the one that he cared for most. For I was away from my loved ones at the moment. Yet no matter how deep or the length of the darkness, one can light at candle. He looked at me astonished and I said that I can’t nor should I replace his sister’s consideration. I will never be as bright as the Sun, however, I could be a candle in the darkness for him. The light of one candle can hold off the darkness; even if one is in a sealed cave and there is daylight outside, there is still light in the world. I told him that my moods aren’t linked to a cycle, mine are much more personal. I do not deny the darkness in me, I work to use it for the greater good. He turned away his head for a moment, I let his hand drop from my face. I told him that I am of fire, even though I am one small spark. I would be here, whenever he needed me.
I then rose, intending to collect up the dishes. He said my name and I turned. He had stood and pulled me into a tight embrace. I have to admit, I stiffened for exactly 0.1 seconds, then relaxed. He thanked me and stated that he would remember my words. I heard his heartbeat as I returned the tight embrace. I held him until he relaxed somewhat and let go.
He retired to bed and I cleaned and prepped the kitchen for morning. Upon heading to bed, I noticed that there were tear stains on the back of my silk kimono. Mercedes curled up with me, she said that she missed me when I was at work today. She is so sweet! (I love my sub!) I braided my hair and then had a satisfying time with her. It’s so comforting to curl up with her, I feel safe in her arms. I hope that my husband is finding some comfort on the road he’s on. I would not be able to bear it if he was cold and alone.
Thump! Thump! Thump! Came from the other room. Arlo almost jumped and looked up from the journal entry. He called out,
“Honey! Is everything alright?” Low-level muttering of his wife was the only response. “That doesn’t sound right.” He quickly typed in the next notes and went to his wife.
Damayanti sat at her desk, furiously typing away. There were notes and reference books strewn all around her desk. The brownie looked over at Arlo curiously and pointed at the mess.
“It’s alright.” he replied to her unspoken question. “She’s just working. She will be better in twenty-four hours. Time for snacks.” The brownie shrugged and walked with him into the kitchen. They laid out a lavish spread on the table. “Looks like I will be having an all-nighter.” he thought to himself as he stacked a plate of goodies for his wife. “Here Sweetie,” he said softly as he set the plate down near her, “What are you working on?” He peeked at her laptop, which had multiple windows and search engines running. He reached down and picked a couple sheaves of notes. All were written in Marathi and Sanskrit. His eyes darted down the page, lines of text full of mostly adjectives sprinkled with some pronouns.
Damayanti growled and shoved a pencil into her hair. She snatched a carrot from the plate and munched it down. Her eyes suddenly scanned the room and alighted on one of the whiteboards leaning against the wall. Arlo spied that her eyes were a startling blue, the same hue of the heart of flame. Tiny licks of blue flame sparked from the corners of her eyes. She muttered to herself as she retrieved and set up the board. She pulled some dry erase markers from the drawer in her desk. Soon, script flowed squeaking across the board. A cat was roughly drawn, with the text underneath,
“Where is Scratchy?” Arlo was following what his wife was writing when there was the brush of fur against his pant leg. He looked down and saw Tomiko who yawned and stretched.
“Lunch?” she asked, “Food?” Sean padded out and sat on the other side of Arlo. His tail beat against the floor for a couple of moments and he whined. Arlo got up and put kibble in both of their bowls. Tomiko looked insulted, while Sean happily munched down. The cat looked up at Arlo,
“I really hate kibble.” Arlo drew in a long breath,
“Too bad, we all have to concede to current circumstances.” he replied flatly. He went and grabbed his work from his study and set up on the couch and coffee table.
Damayanti was in the throes of her monomania, her mind spinning, focused on finding the Rakshasa’s true name. Arlo kept part of his attention on his wife as he continued to work on taking notes. When she became stuck, she started to repeat herself. If this happened, Arlo would rise from his work and with gentle directions he organized her notes and would ask her questions that would help refocus her train of thought.
He finished his wife’s journals as the twenty four hours of Damayanti’s time being hyper focused came to an end. With an exasperated breath, she set down the pen she had been writing with. She stared down at what she had written. ‘Jealous of Joy’ was written on a piece of paper in Sanskrit. A satisfied smile spread across her face. She typed the name into her phone, then turned to make some final notes in her computer.
Arlo rose and stretched. He smirked as he saw his wife start to pull all of the writing implements out of her long luxuriant hair, which was now a mass of tangles.
“Oh forget it!” she exclaimed in irritation. She pulled her lotus pin from her hair. It fell in a cascade of dark locks. Pens, pencils, and an assortment of dry erase markers clattered to the floor. Arlo chuckled as he came up and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Did you find the answer that you were seeking, my Love?” he asked. She smiled up at him.
“Yes!” she replied as she leaned her body into him. “thank you for helping me.”
“Anytime. It seemed like you had some trouble for a little bit. Is there anything else I can help you with on this subject?” Damayanti narrowed her eyes and turned in his embrace. She kissed him,
“No, Heart of my Heart.” she sighed. Arlo raised his eyebrows,
“Oh, one of those things.”
“Don’t we all keep secrets?”
“We shouldn’t, we don’t tend to…”
“Let’s just say, it’s one of my upcoming challenges”
“Oh!” he breathed, “One of those things.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck. She glanced around the room,
“First, I need to clean up,” she stated, “and then I want a shower.” Arlo’s smile widened, a certain twinkle in his eye. She deeply kissed her husband. A lustful rumble resounded in his chest. He pulled away for a moment,
“I can help you with that.”
Water steamed off of their shoulders as they stepped out of the shower. Damayanti toweled her hair as she gazed upon her husband’s beautiful form. He scrutinized her as she watched him. A happy smirk spread across her face. Arlo chuckled,
“I told you, that you are not in ‘Nippon’ anymore. You don’t have to deal with those archaic bathing ways any longer. We have modern conveniences.”
“Yes, my husband.” She blushed and cast her gaze to the floor. He cupped her chin in his hand,
“So were you just happy to be home or do you see something that you like?” he murmured as his eyes roved over her. She giggled. Her eyes sparkled with the gold of Joy,
“My Sun has just risen over the horizon, spreading the scent of clover on the breeze.”
“Ah! There’s my poet!” he crooned, “Keep weaving verses my Love and I will make you sing several more stanzas.”
“I can’t help it, it comes when I am inspired!” she giggled as he pulled her against him. Suddenly she stiffened against him, “By the Gods!” she exclaimed. She squirmed out of his grip.
“What?”
“I lost twenty four hours!”
“Yes,” he said, “You were busy, focused on your thread of research.”
She dropped her towel and quickly walked into the bedroom. He heard an unspoken exclamation.
“What’s wrong?” he said as he finished toweling off.
“Tomorrow’s Saturday!” she replied.
“Yes?”
“I have to call Max!”
“Okay?” he said as he walked into the bedroom. “Honey, I would like to choose a vowel. Can you please give me a few more pieces so I can solve the puzzle?” Damayanti grabbed her phone. She glanced at the clock,
“Maybe I can catch him at his lunch hour,” she murmured, “No! Shit! He may be busy, I’ll just text him.”
“Honey… a clue? Can I buy a clue?”
“In a minute!” she replied as she frantically typed away. Arlo let out a heavy sigh and glanced up at the ceiling. “We have to do it on Sunday!” she murmured. He thought about it for a moment, and then his eyes lit up,
“Sunday! You have the relics for Surya!”
“Yes! I have to make preparations!”
“Honey, sometimes you don’t say everything.” She looked over at him,
“Will you come with me?”
“Of course.” Her phone responded with a beep; she crowed with delight and relief,
“Max said that he would arrange it! It should not be a problem!” She typed away again.
“Who are you texting now?”
“Zhon. I am sure that he would like to come. Plus I need to see him beforehand and apologize.”
After about an hour, they had set an itinerary for the afternoon and the following day. They would go over to see Damayanti’s sisters and see Zhon at his gym.
Lantern's Path Fantasy 
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