I really wish I owned RK…But, no, unfortunately it’s Watsuki sensei creation, and the owners are those wealthy companies who don’t care about plots and characters, but money… You already know who they are.

 

Note: Be warned. It will include violence, some use of profane

language, and will include some extent of explicit sexual content, so

keep on reading at your own risk. 

 

The story begins few month before the events of Kyoto Arc, so it will

include spoilers and  some elements from it as well as from the Revenge

Arc too, although my fic will not follow either the anime or the

manga, and I will break some canon rules.

 

Note: I want to express my gratitude towards Mir, from the Tales from Meiji Era site.( http://tfmeijiera.tripod.com/ )

 

Mir has been helping me with this and the improvement in the vocabulary and grammar through this chapter is due to Mir’s kindness and supervision. Mir also has edited and improved the fic with wonderful suggestions. Thanks again for your time and effort!

Thanks, Mir! I hope there are more people like you around!

 

To Nodoka: Thank you very much for your comments. Oh, yeah, the places mentioned are REAL ones…I spent long hours searching for the actual maps of the original Silk Route and its ‘branches’. Many of these places can be visited today in a guided tour…

 

I don’t remember if I mentioned this in the English version, but I did in the Spanish one. Mystical Beast (as well as Jinn although under other names) (as I called the concept) are common figures in almost every civilization since History can be recorded (which means these concepts are even older). I think it was Jung who talked about ‘archetypes’, common ideas or concepts which belongs to the collective mind of humanity. Shinto, as well as Indian cultures is a shamanic religion in its origins. You can also find these concepts in China, and  in Africa.

Obviously the tiger is a Chinese figure inherited by Japanese culture, as you mention.

Anyway, the idea is Universality here. These ‘Mystical Beast’ in the fic will be the Guardians of human kind, and they won’t be bound only to Japan.

As you pointed, the oldest myths seem to be fairly close to universal constants, because humans in the end are one and the same thing, and share a common origin, a common mind, and last but not least the same fate.

 

 

Chapter 4 –

The Meeting

 

  

 His gaze was lost in the space outside the window, somewhere in the garden below. 

 

An annoying sound droned on in the background -- Heishin, his second in command, was giving him the usual reports. 

 

He turned to face the pathetic creature. 

 

He felt as much repugnance for the man as Heishin felt for him. But because they needed each other, they had established a kind of bearable coexistence for the sake of both convenience and the goals they aimed for.   

 

Of course, such relationship had its ups and downs. 

 

Heishin's arm, having resting in a sling since Enishi discovered the scratches and the cigarettes marks on the polished ebony surface of his desk was, beyond doubt, a proof of that fact.   

 

Two months had already passed since the incident.  

 

As Enishi remembered the pleasing sound made by Heishin's bones when they broke under the blows of his hand, a satisfied smirk settled on his lips.  

 

-         ... with that we can assume we've solved the feud concerning the jade shipment and that annoying Englishman ... As to the deal with our client in Japan,  his agent said he doesn't want to lose any more time, so he rejected the installation of any blindage around the engine room.

-         Did you warn him about the danger he'd be in if someone were to sneak onto the ship? No matter how heavily armed it is, its weak point is the engine room, and if someone with the right amount of good luck and guts get into it, he can sink the ship.

-         I did explain all that to him, but he and his boss seemed not to be concerned at all. They think the ship is so powerful that nobody will be able to touch them, even with that weak point. They are willingly and knowingly taking the risk in order to get the boat ready for battle as soon as possible.

-         Well, then. It's their money and their decision."  Enishi gave a slight shrug.  "But to avoid future groundless complaints, remind them of their decision when you give it to them. I don't want our reputation stained by a reckless buyer. If an incident occurs it would be bad for our business and spread the wrong idea about our products.

-         They have requested that a personal inspection of the ship to be carried out by their boss himself before the delivery.

-         Quite unusual… I thought he wouldn't even consider the idea of leaving Japan yet for a short trip…" Enishi mused to himself.  "Well, then it's settled. Get the list of their requests.  We want them to be very comfortable around us. They are a very interesting investment, and we don't want any disappointments. Are there other matters to discuss?

-         Yes. We have a situation with that shipment to Fateh Ali Khan. Tadjiks[1] attacked our men just as they arrived at the oasis of Kuqa... The Silk Route has indeed proved to be expensive lately...

-         Shit! SHIT!-  Enishi's voice deepened dangerously- I want our men to hunt for those bastards day and night, and I want them to spread the limbs of those sons of bitches among the Tadjik tribes in the desert. They need to learn a lesson, and I'll give them one they will never forget. I want their heads on spears by the road. No one should be spared among them, not even the younger attackers. Those who hold weapons must be punished, except their women and children, if you find them in their tents.  They have to serve as an example and a warning to others.-  There was a silence.- The Silk Route... that reminds me of the other matter that I've asked you to take care of…

-         Enishi ...- Heishin saw his inevitable fate of the last two months coming down on him… again.- We have turned the country upside down for the past two months, and yet we have not been able to find her.

-         I'm pretty sure you are not doing it as I've asked you.-Enishi sighed.- Now, look at me. I still cherish the idea that someday I'll get through that thick skull of yours and be understood by your sleeping brain. Do tell me... How many green-eyed, white-skinned, redheaded women can be found in Gensu? I'm positive that women like this one are not a common sight there. I can't believe she could have left the area without anybody noticing it, especially when we are the ones searching for information on her whereabouts. There should be at least some trace of her still there -- traces that I'm sure like hell that you and the idiots you've had working for me lately have neglected. I can't believe you people could be such a bunch of incompetent morons. Kami! Her looks are so distinctive that she should be easy to find in such place! This is a simple task I've asked of you. Now, Heishin keep this in mind: I want her here. And I want her here soon. I will be greatly disappointed if you don't bring her to me quickly. And you won't find that amusing, that I can tell you."

 

Heishin sweatdroped. That guy gave him the creeps.

 

-         We would have already located her if she was being held in any a brothel or as a concubine.  We would have also have news if she were among the Westerners. And although her looks are quite uncommon, we have already followed dozens of erroneous leads.

-         I'm sick of pathetic excuses. People don't just vanish into thin air. We have the resources to take over a country, and here you are, babbling over the fact you can't find a girl. A girl. For Kami's sake! I won't take it any longer. I hope I've made myself clear enough to you."

 

Heishin was fed up with the whole thing. 

 

Once again, they were having the same discussion over the situation they'd had countless times since Enishi's return. 

 

That ghost of the redheaded woman had become his boss' latest and annoying obsession, almost as sick as the one he had for his sister on account of its persistence. 

 

Were it not for the fact he himself had heard the poor bastards from Dunhuang describing her before they were given a quick exit from the organization, he would have really thought that the woman was merely a product of Enishi's mind.

But seemingly, the woman existed ...or she had existed, at least. 

 

The possibilities concerning her fate after her escape from Dunhuang's quarters were numerous. She could have been abducted and sold inside or outside of China, she could have been attacked and dead, or she could even have left the country voluntarily. However, the boss wanted her found or at least, he wanted to have word of her final fate..   

 

To make a long story short...  it was a problem that they both had begun fighting about weeks ago, and it had long since become a dead end alley.  

 

A sudden change of topic would be a good and safer course to follow. 

 

He trusted that Enishi's projects and his busy schedule for the weeks to come would keep him well enough occupied to force him to forget about his desert ghost. Heishin hadn't even meet her, but he already hated her for all the nuisances that she had put him through.   

 

He specially resented the fact that he had been ousted from his rightful place as boss when she had saved Yukishiro Enishi from his convenient death in the desert.  He would never forget or forgive her interference. 

 

-         Enishi... We have just received some samples from the new merchant from Beijing. He wants our permission and protection to convey his jewels from Japan to America, via Shanghai.

-         Mmmm. They seem... perfect.-Looking down at the gems with a connoisseur's expertise, Enishi took them from the little velvet pouch that his associate gave him, and placed them on his desk

-         But this is by far the best piece..." Heishin passed him a black case.

 

The blue diamond shinning on the hilt of a curved Mogul-style dagger[2] was magnificent. The hilt itself could be considered as a superb piece of craftsmanship, carrying the design of a tiger's head while the diamond flashing from its setting was the tiger's eye. He looked at the weapon and found himself drowned in some kind of strange fascination.  

 

When he drew out the blade, he felt as if an energy discharge had passed over him, and a strange feeling formed inside of him.

 

-         It seems to have been made for you...- Enishi detected a subtle hint of envy in Heishin's tone

-         Take the stones for yourself.

-          How nice of you…

-         What do we know about this new dealer?- Enishi chose to dismiss the fool's retort while he pressed his hand against the exquisitely engraved scabbard, his mind lost in thought.

-         We have almost no information on him.  Nobody knows who he is or where he comes from. He does not show himself, and he sells his goods only through representatives. He made his first deal barely a month ago, and he has established himself on the market ever since with such marvelous jewels as these. He was wise enough, though to contact the appropriate people, including us, to avoid problem with his competitors. Nobody has seen him personally, although according to Xian, the English Consul who is asking for his attendance at his reception tonight sent him a message. The Consul's wife seemed quite interested in acquiring some of his jewels, but she demanded that he be there in person.

-         Are we invited?

-         As usual. They wouldn't dare not to.

 

Heishin raised an eyebrow. 

 

It was not Enishi's common behavior to be interested in such things. 

 

He was an antisocial loner, and it was almost impossible to get him to attend any kind of social event. Anyway, as they need to keep the façade of their lawful silk trade as a cover-up for their real business, Heishin usually took responsibility of keeping up their social obligations.  Since he seemed to enjoy it -- moving through society circles like a fish though the water, he fulfilled his role reliably. 

 

-         Should I assume that you will attend?

-         Aa. I need to see my tailor immediately. I will need clothes to the occasion."

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

 

 

The party was dreadfully boring. 

 

She always felt the same way among human females. In fact, she felt that way fact among humans all the time, regardless of gender. 

Period. 

 

However, she found human females quite annoying. They were mostly frivolous and selfish gossipers. This last trait had been aimed at her countless times.  

 

However, she was had already become used to being the direct target of the apparent hostility of the gender to the point it didn't bother her anymore.  

 

As a matter of fact, there were some reasons for such human behavior.  

 

As it became apparent from their behavior, the European as much as the Oriental humans had found that there was something different about her. Of course, they could not define the extent of such difference. But their intuition alerted them to the discrepancy. And as it was integral to human nature, they tended to reject everything that that didn't fit within their normal parameters.  

 

So usually, she was subjected to the purest form of ostracism on the part of the human beings.  

 

Oh, yes ... They were always extremely polite, but one could sound civil and at the same time raise invisible boundaries meant never to be crossed -- and to her they extended this gesture of contempt.      

 

They made use of all the good old clichés to exclude her from their social gatherings. 

 

She seemed to them to be a half-breed woman, an unforgivable sin in the eyes most Europeans and Orientals. Since her looks only supported the theory, she never bothered to deny it. 

 

Another main objection to her was that she was an independent woman. No honorable woman used to wander alone without a husband, a father, or a brother screening her from public view, and no respectable woman worked on her own. Only low class maids, factory workers or prostitutes did it -- and only because these unfortunate women were without a family to take care for them.[3]  

 

Her independence was another black mark on her record. It was an annoyance to most men, both European or Chinese, who were the ones she dealt with. Although most women looked upon this aspect of her life with at least a little glint of envy in their eyes, they bowed to the mens' opinion and condemned her for what they'd love to do themselves.  

 

Last but not least, her exotic features had proven to be as a charm for men, a bad feature when your main clients are their wives. Most spouses would chose an inferior quality gem rather than letting such a dangerous woman walk into their houses. 

 

Then she discovered that it was easier as a woman to stay locked away in her own place. So she established herself in Beijing and ran her business through employees who carried out the transactions and the exhibitions for her. 

 

Sill on some rare occasions, the buyers demanded her presence, and were shocked to find that she was a woman. 

 

However, this was her first time as an official guest at a formal reception.  

 

The Consul's wife had been very specific regarding her attendance, and she had decided to attend against all wise thoughts, to take the chance in order to gain access to a whole new market among the rich fat European women from the Shanghai Settlement.  Now she had to bear the consequences. 

 

But it was worse than she'd first imagined.   

 

She felt, as any rare species might under some severe scientist's eye -- so sharp was the probing and scornful glance of the Consul's old wife and her court of flattering bitches. 

 

She especially resented their derisive remarks about her, which of course were made in English, since they thought she was unable to understand them.

 

It was her mistake to be tempted by such a tasty morsel as Shanghai's upper-class ladies were. They were nothing but big-mouthed parasites. She hissed in sheer distaste.

 

<Idiotic poor things> she thought for herself.    

 

These old witches had pissed her off... She'd give them a brief glimpse of the true meaning of a Jinniyeh's anger for the next few weeks. Ah, magic could be beneficial, but it also had an amusing dark side when used in full vengeful mode...  

 

There was a swift turn in the guests' mood. It was almost as if the temperature had dropped a few degrees inside the ballroom.  She snapped into attention as nervous and excited whispers circulated all around her.  

 

-         How dare them!  And they are bold enough to try to mix themselves with the rest of us! How could they ever expect to be included among decent and honest people?

-         They should not be invited...

-         Dear ... That is out of the question...Believe me if we had ever had the chance to rid ourselves of them we would have done it long ago.   We hate the company of such …savages... Anyway, my husband says we need them to smooth things over. We could face some…dangers without them.

-         Look!  They had the nerve to bring him here...

-         I've heard such horrible things about him...  they say…

-         Darling, it's not for a lady to talk about such things...

 

She refused to stare at whoever that group of witches chose as their new sacrificial victim. But at last her curiosity was grew more than her principles, and she finally gave up the fight. She went forward the balcony to look for the poor bastard. 

 

 What she found took her breath away. 

 

At that very moment the world seems to stop spinning. 

 

There it was. 

 

Floating over the ballroom, imperceptible to weak human senses, it was the figure of a huge white tiger, seeming to stalk her as if she were his prey. 

 

Under the beast's shadow was Enishi, the man who was responsible for her present misery, and he was moving inexorably toward her, his disturbing turquoise orbs now locked onto hers, barely concealed behind a pair of round glasses.  He seemed to glow as he carried himself with the graceful, dangerous force of a feline. She shuddered at the view; his western-style suit couldn't even conceal his feline grace. 

 

The eyes of the Consul's wife and their companions were wide open in shock when she unwittingly, uttered his name.   

 

Suddenly, everything made sense in her mind. Now she understood why she was stuck right she was among inferior beings.  

 

888888888888888888888888888888888

 

He sensed that she was in the residence just before getting out the carriage. She possessed a unique and unforgettable ki, and he could easily distinguish it from all the other ones in the surroundings. 

 

He grinned widely, congratulating himself on following his instincts. 

 

-         She is here. - He simply stated.

 

Confused looks were exchanged between his companions, Xian and Heishin, who then fixed their eyes on him with curiosity. At long last the first broke the deafening silence to ask him:

 

-         Who is here?

-         The woman from the desert

 

Xian and Heishin were completely aware of Yukishiro Enishi's ability as a first-class swordsman. In fact, the concept wasn't accurate enough to describe his capacities or associate abilities. They also knew that he had the ability to detect the people's vital energy, due to his long hard years of physical and mental training.  

 

There were no room for doubts: if he said that the woman was there, then that was a fact.  

 

Heishin felt a chill running down his spine. 

 

His boss had been acting oddly since he had seen that strange dagger. 

 

Oddly than usual, that was.

 

He wondered if the damned thing had something to with it. 

 

<Nah> he quickly dismissed the thought.

 

Once they were inside the building, Enishi used his highly sharpened senses to look for her, moving among the crowd of flustered guests who backed away from his advancing figure. It wasn't long until he found her. 

 

She was on the balcony surrounded by the hostess and her group of European fawners. He could tell that the Consul woman's claws were tearing the young girl apart. 

 

He knew her well enough, a detestable old hag whose main aspiration in life was to impose the British "superiority"[4] on all of the unfortunate persons who were not under Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Victoria's 'kind' rule. And the witch seemed to be giving the young woman her special treatment.  

 

He couldn't ask for more favorable circumstances. Asiyah, the woman from the desert, would definitively be grateful to be rescued from that old dragon's fangs.  

 

She was not aware of his presence yet, although the sound of shocked whispers and the looks locked upon him filled the room, heralding his presence before he himself stepped in.   

 

When she turned around, meeting his gaze, he felt as if he had been struck by a thunderbolt.   

 

She seemed to be some sort of mythical princess taken from The Arabian Nights, enveloped in sophisticated Hindu clothes and wearing exquisite jewels. She moved with measured elegance, which increased the effect surprisingly.  

 

The contrast between the woman that he had met in the desert and the remarkable beauty before his eyes was extraordinary to say the least.  

 

Anyway, although her external appearance differed greatly from the young girl that had found him in the desert at the point of death, the eyes remained the same.  

 

-         Greetings, My ladies.-  He addressed the women in neat English, nodding his head lightly enough not to sound impolite to the yi[5] , then he spoke to the Consul's wife.-  Lady Berry, would you mind if I took your guest for a while? She is an old acquaintance of mine, and I haven't seen her for a long while…

 

 Asiyah saw the opportunity to escape and seized it without any further hesitation. 

 

-         I'd be delighted- she answered, also in English, provoking a general feels dismay in those around her when they realized that she had understood the numerous and offensive comments about their person that they had indulged themselves in.

 

 

Before the astonished old hag could utter a word, Enishi extended his arm, and she took it and allowed herself to be led away from the group of gossipers. Of course, they didn't even wait for them to move outside their hearing range before they began making comments such as the duty of every honorable woman to avoid questionable companies. 

 

-         I'm sorry. I think I'm staining your reputation with Shanghai's upper-class ladies...

-         Never mind. I don't give a damn for those high society whores. In fact, I'm thankful to you for rescuing me. I was never fond of becoming an object of unhealthy curiosity.

-         Don't mention it...-An amused smile appeared on his face while he found an isolated place on a balcony just opposite of her former location.- You are not somebody easy to find, you know.

-         Didn't I tell you that it was useless to look for me because you would not find me?

-         Oh, but I found you at last... See, here you are…- He chuckled lightly.- We have finally met, although not in the way that I expected, I must admit.

 

An ironic smirk crept across his lips, and there was by an odd shining within his eyes as well. 

 

-         I was wondering… What are you doing here?"

-         I might ask the same question of you…- he retorted.

-         Oh, so it seems as though you enjoy playing games… Well, strange as it may sound, I'm here at Lady Berry's request.

-         So you are the mysterious jewels dealer from Beijing…

-         How did you know...? - Asiyah was shocked.

-         Oh... I have my own resources. There are very few things hidden from me in Shanghai. I knew Lord Berry required the new jewel's merchant to be at his reception. I didn't know it was you until now, but I had an odd feeling this morning when I received your little…gift. I just knew I'd find you here.

-         My…what?

-         That amazing engraved Jambiya with that tiger's head you sent to me arrived just this morning. A very tasty detail, I must say...

-         I have not…- then a sudden realization comes to her mind.

 

Yes, she had sent such a present, although not to him purposely. The hilt was carved as a tiger head, and an amazing blue diamond was the tiger's eye. 

 

In fact, she had sent a personal present to each one of the Triads[6]  bosses in Shanghai, using their aliases as reference in many cases. 

 

So that was his "career"...   

 

She gave a sigh; a sudden understanding awakening on her head about the guests' behavior towards Enishi.

 

She made a quick mental check -- trying to remember the information she gathered about these people. She wanted to be of sure the "line of work" he was devoted to. She almost prayed that it had nothing to do with women or opium traffic.

 

And then, she remembered.   

 

He was weapons smuggler. And very powerful one, at that.  

 

< Well, it was not as bad as it could have been. >  came thought with some relief.

 

Humans were wicked beings, always at each other's throats. No matter their reasons: money, power, land, nation, God -- all were pathetic excuses and were reflective of their true nature. They killed and were killed with dreadful efficiency and extreme ease if they happened to carry any weapons on them.   

 

She was not pleased with the idea that her future partner[7] was related to such hideous activities. At any rate, though, she was a very open and pragmatic woman, so she'd deal with the fact, solving it in a satisfactory way sooner or latter. 

 

-         Well, we are face to face at last, so, I want you to tell me why you left me this way. Better still... how did you make it? And why were you alone in such desert? Why did you lie to me about your brother and your family?

-         I've told you before. There were powerful reasons to do so. They are beyond your understanding.- < At least, for now>, she thought.- Sorry, not offence meant.

-         Try me- he pressed.

-         Maybe someday I will. But not tonight. I understand from your words that you were searching for me, but you never told me why. Were you so pissed off at me that you wanted to punish me? - she said teasingly.

-         All I wanted to do was to thank you. I owe my life to your care and help, so I do have an obligation towards you. I wanted and still want to reward you for your efforts and kindness to me.

-         I've told you, it was not necessary at all. People do such deeds all the time in the desert.

-         However I insist, and I won't take a 'no' for an answer.

-         I'll tell you how we could solve this. I won't accept anything from you, except maybe your friendship. But let me tell you something first.  I do have mysteries as you have your own share of them. I won't ask about them as long you don't ask about mine. Do we have a deal?

 

Enishi was taken aback by such an answer. He was puzzled by the fact that somebody was acting so boldly to him. Every minute in her company aroused his curiosity even more. She made him feel more and more confused, and he found his determination to get to the bottom of the mystery hidden within her increase proportionally.  

 

-         Yes, we do have a deal - he said after a brief moment of hesitation. Then he inquired, trying to sound casual. - Are you one of the Consul's guests who stays in his residence?

-         Oh, here you are with your twisted sense of humor…- Enishi's eyes widened, and he almost choked at her remark. - I'm not a lady, you know. I do not have a husband or a family to protect my honor and reputation. I'm an independent workingwoman, who earns her own money and does not trust it in any man's control. I'm not a moral example for any woman according social standards. Besides, I'm not white, but I'm not Asian either. I'm some kind of alien, a freak. And with all that, if I had still any chance to stay here, no matter how low they were, my chances are below zero now since I'm chatting with you.

-         Are you upset at that?

 

Her crystalline laughter startled him, and it caused some nearby guests to glance in their direction. Enishi's glance discouraged those bold enough to state, and soon everybody was again minding their own business. Asiyah took note of that fact, but she didn't say anything.

 

-         I have already told you; I don't give a damn about them and their opinions. How could I? They are a bunch of hypocritical fat dogs. Can you name just one of them who has become rich in a manner besides opium trade[8]?  I bet that every respectable European gentleman in this place has half breed children begotten with the same Chinese women they and their wives despise and revile. And you and I aren't blind to their illegal activities, which are the very basis of their wealth...[9] Where is their moral superiority when they force others by brute force, beating them into submission, stealing from them their lands, poisoning them with opium? Is it what they claim is 'civilization'? Forgive me, but then I just prefer to be a savage.  They fill their insatiable bellies, and they are dripping with gold, jewels and silks thanks to the robbery, the trade with opium, and the venality of corrupt officials. They are worse than those they loathe because they do all this under the excuse of morality and civilization. 

-         That is definitively a fact…- He chuckled.

-         Believe me, I honestly choose those who are not afraid of showing what they truly are despite their tarnished reputations -- over the devils who hide under masks of politeness," she said, her emerald eyes set on the moon shinning above them.

 

She was leaning against the rail of the balcony, and Enishi was by her side, his back against the veranda. His intense turquoise gaze was fixed on her; he looked at her over the rim of his small round glasses, while her words still sank through his head. 

 

It was quite uncommon these days to found people who voiced such thoughts openly, since most were quite happy with things as they were -- and continuous flow of money.

 

He was glad she shared his own ideas. 

 

The air around them grew thicker every minute as a result of the guests' stares and whispers. 

 

It was the right time to leave. 

 

-         So, you are in Shanghai by yourself. This is not a place for women to be alone. Believe me, I know. - He smirked, and a chill ran along Asiyah's spine.- So let me invite you to stay at my place while you carry out your business here. I wouldn't have dared to ask you this before because of who I am, but as far as I understand, you are not concerned at all with other's opinion's of you. I would feel honored and somewhat relieved to have you under my protection while you are in the city. It's the least I can do for you.

-         I bet you won't take a 'no' as an answer…

-         Very perceptive of you...  Besides you do owe me a dinner, remember?- He took her by the arm, again guiding her towards the door. -Shall we go? The place is getting... annoying, to say the least.

-         Ah ..Yukishiro-san...  I thought that you would already have left.…

 

Their exit was suddenly blocked by an unexpected comment from behind them. 

 

They turned and were confronted by two Chinese men; one of them was an old man, dressed as Enishi in Western suit. The other one was short and slim with cunning slatted eyes.  Despite their Chinese appearance, they addressed Enishi using the Japanese suffix, which she felt was certainly odd. 

 

-         I was about to leave, Xian-sama ...  Actually; I was wondering how I could have manage to remain here so long.

-         Yes, I see. I'm also under the impression we are not quite welcome today.

-         Heishin, I think you can handle things here while I return to the house. I'll send the carriage for you as soon as I reach there.

-         Of course.

-         Ah ..Yukishiro-san... I see you have found a lovely partner tonight - the older man said.

 

Asiyah felt that both men were evaluating her as if she were a piece merchandise. The idea of burning them to death on the spot played on her mind briefly, but she finally dismissed it.    

 

<All the idiotic humans all around here are getting on my nerves> she thought.

 

-         Oh ..I'm sorry..." it was clear to her that Enishi was trying to avoid the conversation and to slip away quickly and safely without exposing her to them. - Her name is....

-         Asiyah Bakhtiari - she interjected.

 

Bakhtiari was the family name that she had gone by during her years in Isfahan. It was convenient to dust it off for the occasion 

 

-         Are you the little woman from the desert our friend was so eager to find?

-         I never imagined I'd cause so much trouble for him.

-         I was extremely interested in meeting you, young lady. Now I know why he was so…

-         At any rate, she is our new mysterious jeweler from Beijing...- Enishi said curtly, putting an end to the conversation. - Asiyah, let me introduce my friends to you.  This is my partner Wu Heishin and my friend, Mr. Xian Zedong."

 

Both men looked at her, astonished.  

 

-         Oh ...I must say that the quality of your merchandise is... amazing- the shorter man said.

-         Certainly - the old man added.- We will surely welcome such a very profitable relationship, young lady.

-         We surely will, no doubt in my mind...-  The three men couldn't help but notice the ironic tone in her voice.

-         Ah, Heishin... Could you please do me a favor?-  He used a smooth intonation which his associate recognized as the one meaning 'don't-you-dare-ask-me-any- questions-now' so he took the clue and was ready to obey him. -Take Ms. Bakhtiari to my carriage. I'll join you in a moment.

 

When his associate and Asiyah were out of hearing range, Enishi addressed Xian.  

 

-         I want to request a personal favor from you...

-         I know...- The old man smiled. - I understand. She is under your protection. I will let the others know about to leave her alone to her business. Of course, you will have to compensate them somehow.

-         Of course. I'll talk to you later about that.

-         Well, then. It's settled. It's my pleasure to do business with you... Now go to her…- The old man winked at him, to Enishi's dismay.- You've captured the major prize of today's hunt, hey, Yukishiro-san?  Ah ... I would give my right arm to be as young and strong as you are...  Enjoy yourself and have a good time with her... "

 

He sighed. It was useless to try explain anything to him, especially when he didn't even know what would happen in the next few hours.   

 

Anyway he was pretty sure it would be something out of the ordinary, if it was related to the mysterious lady that awaited him in his carriage.  

 

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NOTES