Deja Vu September 29, 2513

Marcus takes off his belt and hands it to Matthew. “Make a tourniquet, stop the bleeding, you’ll be okay.” He then gets his portable terminal and takes it back to Matthew. “Call Grieves, he’ll come fix you up.” Matthew looked at him in surprise, “Where are you going? You’re not going after that jinu after she shot me are you?!!” Marcus glares at him, “You brought this on yourself, accept the responsibility. I warned you. Besides, you’re not going to die. We’ll have a talk about what else you’ve done before I’ll let that happen.”

It is a miracle she makes it out of the Dojo without detection, even more of a miracle she makes it to Marcus’ shop, uses his forgotten keys to enter and makes her way to the sound of voices without falling over. What is it with this shop and these boys that has her so out of commission so often, is it jinxed, was it bad luck? As she leaves the shop, she steadies herself by leaning on the wall for a moment. She will have to take this into serious consideration when she is feeling up to it. The nausea and dizziness is back, too much too soon. She only hopes to make it back home before it’s too late. Right now, what she feels like is, is, what was that noise? She turns in its direction and stares uncomprehendingly at the man before her, within seconds the man is suddenly attached to her and she looks at him curiously trying to figure out how that happened. In the next moment she is out cold.

He holds her as upright as he can get her for a moment, arms around her waist and behind her back, pressing her close. He stands, wondering what to do, not truly wanting to leave his brother to bleed to death on the storage room floor. He does not want to leave her propped up against a wall in the alley either. He has a moment of sheer hair pulling frustration for what his brother has gotten them into before he makes a decision. Picking her up in his arms he decides Grieves can take a look at her too, hopefully before she wakes up. He shoulders his way back into the storage room and places her on the table before going over to help his brother. He sees pain, fear and panic in his brother’s eyes and is moved to pity. “It will be okay Matthew. Grieves is good. Did you call him?” A paler, more humble Matthew looks at him. “No, I, I can’t.” He looks down at his bloody hands holding the belt tight around his leg. “I’ll call. The bleeding has slowed, the belt is helping, you’ll be okay Matthew.” He puts a hand on Matthew’s shoulder and looks him square in the eye. “We will have to talk about this.” He says to Matthew, not without compassion.

Matthew looks at the unconscious girl on the table. “What did you do to her?” Marcus, in the middle of the wave to Grieves does not reply. He puts away the terminal and goes to get his med kit. He uses a patch on Matthew to stop the bleeding until Grieves can arrive. “Why don’t you tell me? Since you did it.” He looks at Matthew expectantly. Matthew looks at the floor, face filled with shame, as cold beads of sweat break out on his forehead. “Later then. Grieves will be here soon.” He stands up and goes over to collect Rae. He is not sure if he is relieved or worried she is still out. He again takes her to his room, deposits her on the bed and goes to get cold packs. Returning he flips on his light and leans over her, noticing for the first time her colorful condition. Blood is caked in her hair and some in the corner of her eye; half her face is showing a mottled bruise and her chin and mouth look pink and puffy. On impulse he picks up her arm and looks at it. She has bruises on her wrist and bicep. He turns on his heel and marches back to check on Matthew, an idea growing in his mind.

There is a knock at the back alley door and a well-dressed man walks in carrying a large bag. He walks swiftly over to Matthew and crouches down. Working swiftly he sterilizes the wound and area, deadens the area, removes the patch and bullet, and then uses a dermal mender to heal the incision. He is done in record time. He gives Matthew a shot for the pain and smiling brightly tells him, “It should be better in a no time.” He discards his bloody gloves into a small plastic bag and packs his bag up. “If that’s all should we step into the other room to discuss the fee?” Marcus gives Matthew a look as he asks, “How long until he is able to be up and around on his own?” Grieves smiles pleasantly and says, “Oh, I’d say two days or so. Nothing rough mind you, but he should be ok to move around on his own. Shall we get him to a bed?” Marcus nods and reaches down to grab an arm and haul Matthew up. Between the two of them they put Matthew in his bed. Matthew nervously watches them go.

Once out in the hallway Marcus stops Grieves, “That isn’t all. I have someone else for you to check, she is unaware of our.” He pauses as if searching for the correct term. Grieves supplies it for him, “Nefarious dealings?” Marcus nods. “I see then, well, I’ll be sensitive and discrete in dealing with the, lady is it?” Grieves asks. Marcus nods again and leads him into the other bedroom.

If Grieves is surprised by the colorful girl, he doesn’t show it. He goes over to her and quickly takes stock of her injuries. “Yes, yes, she’s going to be dizzy and most likely nauseated for awhile with that one.” Pulling out a scanner he holds it over her, taking a reading to see if there’s anything his eyes could have missed. “Hmm, seems she should recover. She should be monitored though; head injuries can be rather nasty. The rest is just superficial.” Marcus looks at Grieves and nonchalantly asks, “What is the rest?” Grieves raises his eyebrows and looks at him with surprise, “I assumed you knew. It appears to be minor abrasions and cuts, some mild bruising on the legs and arms. Mostly on the knees and thighs. Otherwise make sure to keep her awake as long as you possibly can, watch to see if anything is odd about her eyes. If there is a problem, get her to a hospital, I won’t be able to fix it. I’ll give you something for the nausea and headache she’s likely to have when she wakes up” He leans down and removes the butterfly band-aids, reaches into his bag and pulls out the dermal mender and some alcohol preps. He cleans the area and applies the mender. “There, that should take care of any scarring. Anything else I can do for you? Oh, here give her this for those scratches.” He pulls out a small tube of ointment. Marcus takes the ointment and looks at it, “Thanks Grieves, now, for your payment. This way please.”

RAE’S REVENGE September 29, 2513

Early, the morning after, Matthew sat in the back room of the shop running his fingers over the mythological stone now in his possession. Stupid bitch never had a chance. Now it’s mine. Later today, I will go on the cortex and put out the word. Maybe I will get lucky and find an on-planet buyer. I don’t want to have to go off world and raise any suspicions with Marcus.

As Matthew sat with his back to the door, he didn’t hear Marcus enter the room. Marcus walked over to Matthew, peered over his unsuspecting shoulder, and was just about to ask him what hell he was doing sitting on his pigu again, when he suddenly realized what was in his brother’s hands. “Oh God, Matthew, please tell me that is not what I think it is! You didn’t? You stupid son of a bitch!” Before he knew it, Marcus picked Matthew up by the collar, twisted him around so they were face to face and slammed him hard up against the nearest wall. Through clenched teeth, Marcus glowered, “why?”

Matthew struggled to free himself but realized quickly it was fruitless. His brother’s grip was that good. Settled with his back against the wall he replied with a smile, “why not?” Marcus filled with red. He glared at his brother, and said, “Give it back. Now.” Matthew was just about to respond when he saw metal. A split second later, he heard the female voice of controlled fury coming from over his brother’s right shoulder. “Yes Matthew. Give it back. Now.” Click.

Marcus realized quickly what was happening and turned his head at a snail's pace to the right, the barrel just grazing his forehead. “Rae, calm down. He’s giving it back.” He released his brother and raised his hands, slowly in a non threatening manner. He turned back to his brother, “aren’t you, Matthew?” Matthew looked at his brother and back at Rae. She was standing in front of them, a gun in each hand, a barrel pointed at each of their temples. No words could describe the look of anger in her eyes.

I will not be shown up by this white trash. No ruttin’ way. He taunted her, even though he knew he shouldn’t. It was already over. She had him. She had them both. He looked at her again, a nervous smile painted on his lips, “Why should I? What are you going to do, kill us b…” Before he could finish that sentence, she lowered her right hand, still holding his gaze, and shot him in the right thigh. Matthew collapsed into his brother and screamed in agony, “You stupid pofu!” For a moment, Marcus stood there, horrified at what just happened. He then laid his brother down on the floor, and Rae stepped back a few paces to give him some space, still holding the guns at both men.

Marcus saw the necklace still clutched in his brother’s fist. He held out his hand, “give it to me, Matthew.” Defeated, Matthew gripped his bleeding leg with one hand, and gave the necklace to Marcus. Marcus took it, stood up and turned to face Rae. In complete silence, he held out the necklace for her to take. She stood there and stared at him. After a few moments pause, a look of understanding passed between them. She lowered both her guns and walked toward Marcus to retrieve it from his non-threatening hands. Rae looked at it with longing just for a moment, and then turned her gaze back to the brothers with a look of hurt and disgust. She turned on her heels and walked out the door, knocking over a pile of books off the counter in one last angry explosion. Marcus turned to his brother and shook his head in frustration, “Now look what you did!”

Who’s Been Breakin In My Dojo September 28, 2513

Estes slowly crept down the stairs, gun drawn. Reaching the bottom he peered into the darkness, listening for the sounds he heard earlier. The noises were not typical Rae noises; she was normally done with her routine and asleep by now. There was the noise again, the front seemed clear. Noise came from the back area! He slowly crept in that direction; the ambient light his only guide. Reaching the hallway he stopped again and listened carefully. The noise had stopped and there was light coming from Rae’s small room and her door was flung wide open. He stayed in the shadows as he crept closer, watching for any signs of danger. Sensing none, he holstered his gun and quickly checked the back door. It was closed. Going back to Rae’s room he says, “Rae what was that..?” Before he could finish he spots her splayed on the floor, blood pooling on her face.

“Rae!!” He swiftly crouched down beside her and checked her pulse, but if the blood on her face was any indication she was still alive. She was out cold with a scalp wound, always looked more serious than it usually was with those. They bled a lot. Still, she was out cold, and was not responding to him. He quickly did a once over for any serious damage. There were abrasions and raw spots on her bare thighs and legs, her mouth was swollen and her face looked raw, but the head wound seemed the worst of it. She gave them an argument whoever it was. There would be hell to pay if he found them. He left the room and quickly came back with a first aid kit. He first applied pressure to her left temple area to stop the bleeding, then, with his other hand he carefully wiped blood off her face as best he could. Once the bleeding was controlled, he placed butterfly bandages on the wound, figuring he’d get her to the doctor and have it fixed correctly. He then placed ointment on the worst of the abrasions on her legs and thighs, leaving some areas for her to do herself. He grew angrier the longer he worked on her; he should not have let her stay down here in this closet. Should have known it was not safe. Should move her to my place from here on out! She’s not ready yet, stupid punk kid, thinking to take on the ‘verse. He carefully picked her up and put her on the bed and covered her. He got up and went to secure the door and bring a chair to sit on.

She woke up frantically clawing at the air and her face as she tried to escape. She let out a panicked sound when a dark shadow loomed over her. It reached down and trapped her hands in its own and it was a while before the pounding in her head allowed her to realize it was Estes. She gave him a trapped look for a moment before she was able to calm down and stop struggling against him. He asked her, “What happened Rae? Do you know who did this? Why?” She rolled slightly onto her side and peered around the room, as if to check it was just the two of them. She bit her slightly swollen bottom lip to keep from crying, knowing her necklace was gone. “Noo, noo.” She cried out, and he took her comment to mean something else. “You don’t know who it was? I’m going to call the police.” He looked at her, unsure if she was ok to be left alone. She attempted to push herself up and her eyes rolled back in her head and she sagged back onto the bed. He sat next to her and cuped her face in his hands, angry again. “Rae, open those eyes Rae. I’m going to take you in to the hospital if you don’t.” Her eyes fluttered and opened, she reached up to hold his wrist clumsily. “No, no hospital, rest, be okay tomorrow, please.” She said drowsily. He gave her a stern look of concern but as always, gave in, figuring she would feel better tomorrow and not much could be done for a head injury anyway. “Fine Rae, if you’re not better tomorrow, we go in though. You want I should call the police?” She blinks slowly at him, fighting back a touch of nausea. “No, didn’t get anything from the shop, you interrupted I think. Gonna be sick.” He swiftly reached down and shoved a bucket over to her just in time. Her hands shook as she wiped her mouth and her vision danced with black spots. She gave in for a moment, hoping it would fade enough that she could escape and get her necklace back. “Thanks, Es. Just need some rest now, you go back to bed.” She closed her eyes and waited. He let out a sigh and said, “I’ll be in the front, keeping an eye out. If you need me, just call.” He wandered out, seriously debating calling the police, but either way determined to put word out on the street to find out who had done this.

It was several hours before she was able to sit up, and a long time after before she was able to stand and get dressed at a turtles pace. She was determined to get her necklace back and put some fear into Matthew’s heart though, and she doggedly continued to get her things together. She holstered two guns as she leaned against the wall heavily, fighting still to stay upright. She tried to be as quiet as possible so as not to disturb Estes in the front. He would never let her do this. Gotta be quiet, shi gotta stay awake, gotta stay up. Get this done, get out, never see him again. No killing.

THE SNATCH II

“You!” she raged. In a flash she was out of her bed. Standing face to face with Matthew, she stared in his eyes. He stared right back. She calmly held out her right hand, and demanded, “Give it back. Now.” Matthew took a moment and looked down at the priceless stone, then looked back into Rae’s fiery eyes. He snorted a simple, “No.”

Rae did not hesitate. Before he knew what hit him, she had sucker-punched him square in the throat. It stunned him. He staggered backward, dropped the scissors to the floor and clutched his throat. Even in his agony, he still held on to the necklace. As he was doubled over gagging, trying to catch his breath again, she struggled to remove the necklace from his clenched fist. Matthew would not let go. She leaned back using the bed as a crutch, and kicked him square in the mouth, drawing blood. He fell to the floor with a thud. She straddled him, and struggled some more to free the stone from his grip. He was stronger than her. He knew this. But she also hurt him first. I just need one good hit, and she’s down. He used this moment to regain his composure and catch his breath. He decided he was going to let her wriggle on top of him for few to experience a moment of twisted amusement.

A wicked grin spread across his cruel lips as he lost focus for a moment of inappropriate excitement. Rae seized upon it, and punched him hard in the face. Again, he gasped in pain. “Pofu,” he said harshly.

He pulled her body closer to him and he felt the rise and fall of her breath against his chest. She gave a painful groan. “Don’t do that again,” he said firmly. She struggled some more as he obtained the upper hand, and twisted his body. They both rolled, Matthew being the victor. He was now on top. She should know better than to fight with a man. She has no clue what her wriggling could lead to. She’s lucky I have some standards, but, if she wants to play rough two can play that game. I’ll scare the hell out of her. She won’t come nosing around our place anymore and good riddance! “I only came for the necklace, you jinu, but since you seemed like you were into it, maybe I should take something else while I’m here.” She opened her mouth to scream, “Es . . .” but that’s the only sound that escaped from her lips before he had clasped his hand over her mouth. Her eyes widened in fear. She tried unsuccessfully to bite his fingers but his grip was too firm. She could not pry her lips open wide enough to get her teeth clamped over his thick fingers. She lay there helpless.

With one hand clamped over her mouth, he attempted to use the other one to hold both her hands over her head as she lay on the floor. She struggled a bit, and her nails dug into his sweaty skin. She wouldn’t be much of a challenge for someone who was really out to get her goods. She’s lucky I only intend to scare the death out of her. He let go of her mouth for a split second and slapped her hard in the face as she let out a muffled a cry. As the sting sunk in, he used the moment to grab both her arms and held them over her head. Before he could do what he intended, he heard the thump of footsteps trudging down a flight of stairs. He quickly covered her mouth again so she wouldn’t scream. He didn’t know who it was and wasn’t about to stick around to find out. In a flash he decided there was no time to finish the dastardly deed he was about to perform. He was thoroughly disappointed. Guess I’ll have to scare her more next time. Now to shut her up so I can get the diyu out of here.

As the heavy footsteps were getting closer, his hand, still gripping the necklace, remained over Rae’s lips. She was weak now, but still conscious enough. She was barely whimpering now. He removed his hand from her mouth and quickly reached over on his left side and grabbed a rattan stick lying on the unswept floor. In one swift motion, he raised the rattan stick and knocked her on the side of the head with it. Immediately she stopped moving and lay motionless underneath him.

He wasted no time and fled the room, the building, through the alley, out into the street, never turning back. He headed for home clutching exactly what he had come for.

THE SNATCH September 28, 2513

Night fell upon Persephone. It was very late and Matthew never did return to the shop. Matthew was not worried about pissing off Marcus. He had other plans. Standing in the alley, he waited to make his move. After what seemed like hours, Matthew emerged from the shadows and made his way over to the back door of the dojo.

From his bag, he took out his lock pick. To his surprise, the door opened without a fight. Matthew stalked into the dojo, using the complete darkness as his cover. He made no sound at all when he walked. Breathing was an afterthought. Sweat dripped from his furrowed brow. He wiped his face with the sleeve of his already damp shirt.

In complete darkness, Matthew reached out and felt for the wall. Using it as his guide, he followed it around a corner and into another darkened room. After he walked a few paces, his foot accidentally bumped a door. “Shi,” he whispered. After a long pause, he felt around for the doorknob. Matthew put his hand on the cold metal hoping that what he had come to retrieve was on the other side of the door.

The door creaked only once. Again, Matthew paused. He crept inside, leaving the door slightly ajar so he could make a clean getaway. A small lamp in the on position sat on a cluttered desk, casting orange shadows in the small dusty room. She lay there sleeping, unaware of the ominous intruder in her sad little room. Matthew made his way toward the sleeping beauty. He hovered over Rae for a moment, listening to her breath. He watched as her chest expanded in and out. He wondered for a moment if he should take something else from her besides the necklace. Matthew extended his left arm, and traced his hand over the sleeping woman’s cleavage. No time. Get in, get out. He snapped his hand back. She did not even stir.

Using what light he had in the room, he leaned over and touched the stone laying in the center of Rae’s chest. He wondered for a moment how to remove it. Rip it off right quick and flee, or cut it slowly from her slender neck so as to not wake her. He decided he would cut it off. After all, the stone was the important thing, not the necklace itself. Matthew looked around the room for anything that would cut the band off. He did not want to make a ruckus. He saw a pair of rusty scissors handle side up inside a grubby coffee mug on the desk next to the lamp. He grabbed them and made his way back over to Rae.

Slowly . . . carefully . . . quietly . . . he cut the band around her neck. Just before he could slide the necklace completely from her neck, she stirred. Shocked, she opened her eyes and quickly clasped her left hand around the wrist of the intruder. She stared for a moment at the stranger standing over her holding scissors in one hand, and her necklace in the other. It took her another split second to realize who the intruder was.

THE DISCOVERY September 28, 2513

“Matthew! You Go Neong Yung Duh! For the hundredth time get your pigu in here!” Matthew was in the back room, supposedly putting the unsellables into boxes to be shipped off elsewhere. Marcus said they had no value and were just taking up space in his store. He had found a buyer. Little old man and his bag of a wife who run a used book shop down the street. Matthew, being the lazy ri shao gou shi bing that he is, decided his time would be better spent flipping through pages of Ancient Earth Myths and Artifacts. He liked looking at the pictures. Especially the artifacts with half-naked chicks carved or painted on the sides of them.

Flip, flip, flip. Boring. Boring. Boring. Flip. Wait a second.

He flipped back a page. That’s when he saw it. He was sure of it. Right there on page 32. No mistaking it. He read the description and smiled to himself. It was at that moment, he decided he would make his move. He smiled viciously to himself as his devious plan unfolded in his head.

Marcus walked in at that very moment. “What in the Sam-Hell are you doing in here you lazy piece of shi. I told you to pack this stuff up an hour ago. The Lesters will be here any minute. Get your pigu up from that chair, get your tamade feet off the redwood, and get your pigu moving.” Matthew grumbled under his breath, “Chui Se” and started to get to work. When Marcus left the room, Matthew took the book out of the box he had placed it in, and put it in his worn leather bag laying on the table.

After he finished piling the last bit of books into boxes, four in total, he carried them to the front of the store and put them down on the floor. Mr. and Mrs. Lester were speaking to Marcus about payment. “Well, don’t just pile them up on the floor. Put them in their cart. Outside,” Marcus pointed. Matthew grudgingly picked them back up and carried them outside. He threw them violently into the cart and walked back into the store.

“If you don’t need my help for anything else, Marcus, I’m going to go get a bite to eat,” Matthew called back to his brother as he walked past him towards the back of the store. “My definition of help and your definition of help are two entirely different things. So, no, I won’t be needing any more of your help,” Marcus retorted.

With that, Matthew walked into the back room, grabbed his bag off the table and left through the alley door of the shop. He knew exactly what he had to do. Come hell or high water, that pofu was going to give up the necklace if he had to rip it from her bleeding throat.

Second Chances September 23, 2513

Marcus sits up with a start at the jingling noise. He looks over and sees Rae sitting in a chair with her feet propped up on his bed, twisting his keys around her finger. Reaching quickly for his glasses, he fumbles in the darkness, unable to find them. She uncrosses her arms and holds up her other hand, glasses dangling from them, “Looking for these?” He stammers a “yes, th, thanks.” She holds them out to him and he puts them on. “R,rae what are you, what are you doing here?” Even in the shadows of the room her smile is still visible. “Thought I’d return your keys and have a word with you.” His eyes widen and he licks his lips nervously, “A word about what Rae?” She stands up and looks down at him, “About earlier Marcus, and some things I’ve figured out.” He has a moment of panic, and hopes it is not visible in the darkness. What does she know, how does she know? What have I done to clue her in? Could she destroy me with what she knows? Would she? We’ve only sparred 3 times; she couldn’t have figured that out! I never speak to her during, and they are too fast!

“Wwhat do you mean Rae?” His nervousness is no longer an act. “Oh like before, when you weren’t drunk. I think you should be punished for that by the way. And the way you always put on an act in front of me. It’s the little things, the look around your eyes when you tell a lie. It gives you away.” He can feel his face growing hot as she stares down at him, “Rae, I.” The sting of a slap interrupts him and before he can reach up to touch his face she has crawled onto the bed and is sitting astride his legs. "Wh, what are you doing Rae?" He stutters and looks at her fearfully, not sure what she’s about to do. Rae sits there looking sternly at him, “You can’t tell me you didn’t see that coming. Want another one? You probably deserve it.” He places his hand on his cheek, “No Rae, one is enough.” She tilts her head slightly, “I’m not sure it is. I can see you’re worried, which only means there’s probably even more I don’t know. Now, what could that be, that would have you so honestly nervous this time. Could it be you’re up to something hinky?” He blinks and tries to control his breathing, “Rae, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She nods, “Don’t you? Suddenly able to get sentences out then?” He sits there, trying to think of what to say to that, when she leans in closer. “Don’t worry, I like you better this way. I do believe you mentioned you liked my lip-gloss? Hmmm?” She reaches up and wraps his hair around her hand, yanking his head back slightly before pressing her lips to his in a heated kiss. Shocked Marcus sits cautiously still, waiting to see if she claws his eyes out next. When she doesn’t he slowly reaches out and wraps his arms around her and begins to participate in the kiss. She breaks the kiss momentarily and glares at him before slapping him soundly one more time, “I’m still mad at you, and I still think I should punish you.” He releases her again to rub his cheek, “I can think of a few ways Rae, if you’re game.” She smirks at him, “I apparently always was your game. I’ll tell you what, if you can get me out of my clothes, I’ll allow you to have sex with me tonight.” He swallows as he looks at her, trying to tell if she’s serious. Diyu with it then! He does a rapid flip so that she is lying on the bed and begins to try to undo her pants. She lies there with an innocent look on her face and giggles at his efforts. Maybe he had had too much to drink earlier. Somehow he is unable to undo them, the sheet kept getting in the way and he had to…struggle…and….why was he wrapped up in..wha..

Marcus’ eyes pop open as he startles awake. He sits up looking around his empty room. Drenched in sweat and tangled in the sheets he lets out a frustrated sigh. “DIYU” Throwing off the sheets he makes his way to the bathroom for a cold shower.

BOO Betcha I Scared YOU HaHa September 23, 2513

Rae stands outside Marcus’ door for a moment a bit miffed that he turned out to be so typically male. She’s not sure she believes his whole drunk act though. She’s dealt with drunks before and they weren’t so, coordinated, when it came down to actually getting to business. He was entirely too, sober. She thinks back to all their chance encounters and wonders if she gave him the impression…no, she couldn’t have could she? He definitely doesn’t seem the type to pull a stunt like that. He had to have some liquid courage right? Every time I meet him he’s a fumbling nervous wreck. He was NOT a nervous wreck tonight!! Maybe he should avoid alcohol all together? Maybe he wasn’t drunk and figured he’d sucker me. Knowing men, I bet it’s the last one. Ya know, on the other hand, maybe he SHOULD drink more if it makes him that much more manly. She continues down the hallway and through the shop door, still puzzling Marcus’ behavior. She jumps as Matthew jumps in front of her and backs her up against the door. Glaring at him she says sarcastically, “Hi Matthew, lovely meeting you here.”

He props a hand on the wall and leans over her, trying to intimidate her, “Sure thing Rhiannon. Making house calls again? Got time for another?” He smiles widely at her, the picture of innocence and reaches out to touch her necklace. “So this is what all the fuss was about? What’s the big deal? It’s a rock with squiggles on it.” She reaches up and covers the necklace with her left hand, “You’re too dense to get it anyway, move Matthew.” She carefully slips past him and swiftly leaves without another word. He watches her leave, hoping she won’t be back anytime soon. What he sees in her I’ll never know. Kimiko is ten times prettier and classier and richer than that little street rat. Marcus gets bored easily enough though, this distraction shouldn’t last long. His brother always was a strange one.

A Wolf in Drunks Clothing, September 23, 2513

Reaching his room she shoves him onto the bed. He sits there with a drunken smile and stares at her. She eyes him speculatively, debating. She turns on her heels and leaves the room without a word. He stares in shock for a moment at the spot she was standing, wondering why she left so abruptly. Just as he is about to get up and peer into the hall to see if she’d really left, she returns. She is carrying a couple glasses of water and some pills. She walks over and puts a glass on his bedside table then turns to him, holding out the pills with a snarky comment on how he should make things easier to find. He stares at them blankly until she says, “for the hangover you’re going to have.” He smiles and takes them and the offered glass, downing them both. Taking the empty glass from him she puts it on the bedside table with the full one. Turning back to him she crouches by his feet and begins taking off his shoes. He watches the top of her head with a confused and startled look, not expecting this. Putting the shoes aside she stands up and looks at him, “You need anything else?” When he does not respond she nods and says, “Fine then, sleep it off, stay out of trouble.”

She leans and reaches out, thinking to push him the rest of the way into the bed when she remembers his glasses. Changing direction she is about to grab the arms on them when Marcus reaches up and grabs her wrists. Startled, she looks at him, thinking she must have invaded his personal space too much. An apology is on her lips when suddenly she is tugged forward. She struggles to catch her balance so as not to fall on him and do any damage. Marcus takes care of this for her by twisting her as she falls so that somehow he ends up on top. She looks up at him, a slight display of panic on her face, “Marcus, you’re drunk, y.” Before she can finish her sentence his lips are on hers and her mind goes blank. For a brief moment her mind swims. In the next heartbeat, her body reacts and she reaches up to shove him off. Contact is broken and she blinks a moment before glaring at him. He blinks down at her and smiles crookedly, “nice flavor, “ before leaning back in for another. “No Marcus!” She pushes him further and is able to free all but one leg trapped under him. “Marcus, move! I’m going home!” Marcus lies on his side and lets out a disappointed noise, “ahh, Rae, stay and play.” He grins at his little rhyme and giggling, closes his eyes. Rae gives him a grumpy look, “Don’t even go there! I know you’re not out, no one who was just as coordinated as you were is going to play possum with me!” She reaches out and smacks him lightly on the side of his face while using her free leg to shove the rest of him off of her. Standing up she glares back down at him and says cynically, “Take your own glasses off next time!” Turning she marches out of the door, slamming it in the process.

Marcus opens his eyes and chuckles to him self. She was into it. Might have to get her drunk next time though, and what WAS that flavor? Apple? Caramel? I’ll have to get Kimiko some of that. Kimiko!! Damn! She left with my keys! No visit to Kimiko tonight. He covers his face with both hands and lets out a frustrated noise. He hadn’t really planned on doing anything with the women in the bar. He’d planned on getting relaxed and returning to Kimiko. He always needs a couple of drinks to deal with Kimiko. Now there wasn’t even Kimiko thanks to Rae storming out with his keys. He didn’t dare leave incase she shows back up to return them. He is sure she will once she realizes. Maybe then she’ll have changed her mind. He doesn’t believe she will, but after sparing with her nothing she does will surprise him. She is very creative. He just wonders if she is as creative in other areas.

I Spy With My Little Eye II September 23, 2513

Matthew watches with surprise as she exits with his brother. What is he doing? He’s all over her the drunken fool. What a disgrace. Every since he started going out at night working with her as that robber he’s been acting strange. He even bothered to run a background on her. Why bother with such cheap trash?? I hope he gets bored with her quickly. She annoys me, stupid pofu. We have better things to do than bother with her! She’ll be lucky if she is allowed to clean our toilets one day. Better to get rid of her now though, before she finds out how much wealth and power we have. It would be impossible to get rid of the little harlot then. He follows them at a safe distance, watching his drunken brother with disgust. When she enters the shop he waits, and then enters behind them. Waiting in the shop area to see if she tries to take anything and hoping to scare her.

Dick’s Last Resort September 23, 2513

Marcus sits in the bar, two ladies beside him. He is thoroughly enjoying himself when he notices her walking through the door. Interesting how she stands out, and how distracting she is. He raises an arm to wave at her but she is already engaged with the bartender. She appears to know him. Making deliveries or something. Good to know she has connections. He pushes away his drink and gives the lady on his left his attention. Most likely she is a pickpocket, but she’ll have to work hard to get more than attention out of him. The other heavily painted woman giggles and leans in, trying to get equal attention from him. He grins and allows her to distract him, all the while watching the interaction between Rae and the bartender. The bar is far from empty, but it is obvious who is causing the biggest stir here.

Rae turns from the bartender curiously at the sound of loud raucous laughter. Spotting Marcus she sighs. Spotting who he’s with she grimaces. Turning back to the bartender she nods her goodbye and makes her way over to Marcus’ booth. “Hi Marcus.” She states in an amused tone. “Whatcha got going on here?” The women both look at her cautiously, one smiles and says hesitantly. “Hi Rae.” Rae nods at the woman, continuing to look at Marcus. The woman calling her Rae momentarily takes Marcus aback. They are friends of some sort? “A celebration Rae.” He calls her Rae hesitantly, wondering if she will correct him. “Will you join us? There’s plenty of room.” He fumbles over the word room, dragging it out as if drunk. He gives her a cockeyed grin and holds up his cup, emptying it. He has lipstick smeares on his face and neck, and makes quite an image. Rae isn’t sure if she should laugh or be disgusted.

She looks from the drunken man to the pickpockets. Sighing heavily she makes a choice, she owes him after all. It doesn’t matter how much he complicates things, silly little, what is the word, Nerd? That’s it, nerd, cute though, for a glasses pusher. Sitting there all drunk, with two devious streetwise pickpockets hanging on him, trying to find his stash of money. “Ladies, if you don’t mind. He happens to be a client of mine.” The lady on the left giggled and rolled her eyes, “Rae dear, you don’t have clients yet! You’re not ready yet.” Rae’s eyes go hard, “You want to test that theory Delores? Or would you rather do us both a favor and find another mark?” Delores scoots out of the booth along with her friend, looking unhappy, “Aw Rae we were so close, why’d you have to ruin our fun?” Rae raises an eyebrow and looks around, “Plenty of fun to be had here, just go look.” Delores and her friend wander off and Rae looks down at Marcus.

“How many drinks have you had? What are you celebrating? Don’t you know better than to do what you’re doing? Drinking makes your senses dull and you don’t have your brother here to watch your back.” She gives him an annoyed look. He pushes up his glasses and gives her a goofy grin, “You could watch my back. I’m your client after all.” Drawing out the “you” into a semblance of a slur he raises his hand for another drink. Rae shoves his hand down and says, “I think you should go home. You’re just going to get in trouble. Get up.” She reaches down and grabs his arm and tries to haul him up, surprised at the resistance. “You really are drunk, you’re like a limp noodle. Get UP!” She gives another tug and this time he complies, looking slightly disappointed. He staggers slightly and bumps into her, grabbing onto her for support while maintaining his goofy grin. “I’m a client. I’m her first client,” he all but giggles as he says it. She stands him up and rolls her eyes, “at least you’re not a nasty drunk.” Reaching out she grabs a damp bar napkin and commences to scrub all the lipstick off his face and neck. He stands there, amused expression in his eyes, swaying slightly. She then turns him and pushes him toward the exit. He complies, leaning back into her push, his face slightly red from her scrubbing. Before they can exit he ask her, “We’re not done yet are we? I was having fun, the ladies will miss me.” She rolls her eyes again, “sure they will lover boy.”

She maneuvers him out the door, at which point he turns and drapes an arm on her, leaning in close. As she fumbles to remove him, he takes a moment to breathe deeply. He smells soap and some sort of flowery hair product. It smells better than he thought it would. He chuckles to himself at her naivety and continues to play the drunk, slurring his words and acting unbalanced. She disentangles herself from him and straightens him up, putting an arm around him to steady him and one arm over her shoulder and holding it there. They continue a somewhat wandering path back to his shop. The whole time he continues to ramble about nothing in particular while Rae adds the occasional “yeah” and “no” and a lecture on the dangers of his actions. Eventually he begins to work in questions, trying to get personal information from her. She carefully sidesteps as many questions as she can, not sure she wants to give him any important information.

His frustration is almost palpable. He decides to lay off with the questioning for now. When they reach the shop she asks, “Where’s your key Marcus?” He leans heavily on her and says, “in my pocket.” After he just stands there, she sighs heavily and reaches out a hand to pat his pockets looking for his keys. He offers drunken commentary, “other pocket, noooope, other pocket,” and snickers when she finally gets to the proper pocket. She gives him an annoyed look and releases him, shoving him up against the wall and holding him there with one hand, “stupid men.” When the door is open she shoves his keys in her own pocket and leads him back and through the shop to the living areas.

I Spy With My Little Eye September 23, 2513

Matthew wanders the market aimlessly. He doesn’t truly want to spend any of his credits here. His brother has closed the shop and wandered off to celebrate. He has been given a rare free reign to wander unsupervised. He knows enough not to do anything stupid though. It isn’t his fault if a few people happen to loose their wallets in such a crowded place as the market. He was pretty good at the petty stuff. He had light nimble fingers.

Things were beginning to go more their way. Marcus had made contacts and some very lucrative sales. Life was looking up. Matthew was even able to help at times. He is much happier now that life is a little more convenient for him. Not having to actually sleep at the shop every night was a big bonus. They had enough money to set up in a very nice apartment in a very rich neighborhood. Of course it was a pain sometimes to remember he wasn’t Matthew there and to call Marcus by the proper name with the proper respect. That was the life he truly liked though, the fancy parties, the pretty women, the lap of luxury. One day he plans on making enough to set out on his own, to not have to share with his brother, depend on him, or cater to him.

Matthew is planning his future career as he wanders through the market when he sees her. She is going from shop to shop, carrying miscellaneous packages. It is nearing dark, but there is still plenty of light and there is no mistaking her wild hair. He frowns as his anger comes rushing back with the memory of what she did. How dare she, no woman had dared to disrespect him in the manner that she had. He follows behind her discreetly, as she delivers her packages to the different shops. With her last package she enters a bar, and he crosses the street to watch and wait for her exit.

Rae and Marcus, May 4, 2513 Home Again Home Again

Marcus exits the dojo and makes his way home. Once there, he again confronts Matthew. This time a little differently. “Are you okay?” Matthew stares sulkily at him. “What do you care brother, you’re too busy chasing cha wuneng de ren to worry about me.” Marcus sighs heavily and resists the urge to hit his brother again. “I lost my temper. You have to realize, if we are to survive here you must follow my instructions. We have to present a certain picture to these people. If the locals do not accept us, we will never be able to thrive here. A mistake by you could cost us everything. The girl is a local, she could be a valuable asset. Showing her kindness is not a weakness.” Matthew stares at the counter as he thinks upon this. “So, this is just business for you? She is a contact? Nothing more than a business asset?” Marcus gives him a smirk, “what else could she be? I won’t deny I’m curious. It’s an odd girl that lives in a dojo.” Matthew then asks him. “what’s with the rock?” Marcus replies,“I don’t know yet, who cares. She’s happy enough she got it back.” Marcus thinks back to her oddly familiar behavior in the alley after he found the necklace. He wonders what could make a rock so precious to a woman. The women he knew usually preferred jewels. Marcus wanders to the back to take a shower and prepare for the day.

Marcus thinks on the odd girl, wondering what on earth she was doing living in a dojo. Was Estes her father? Is that why she lives in such a place? He didn’t act like her father, though he was protective. He definitely didn’t look like her father. And she was working there. She was definitely learning as well. There must be a business arrangement. Why would a woman want to learn those things? Wouldn’t it be more profitable for a woman to do things such as clothes making, cooking, or even farming out here? Life out here is dangerous enough as it is. Of course she did act more like a man than a woman, definitely didn’t look like a man though. Flirted like a woman too. Had temper tantrums like a woman. He chuckled to himself, definitely a woman. She had a long way to go before she was ready to compete in the real world though. Maybe Marcus will help with that, or, maybe “the man in the mask” will. Now that he knows where to find her, and what she does. She did, after all, tell him she wants to learn.

He would have to keep an eye on Matthew. He was head strong and spiteful at times. He remembered slights and insults a long time. He could try something rash if he wasn’t watched. He felt sorry for Rae, his brother could be a right pain in the pigu sometimes. Still, it was his brother, and he would learn as he grew. He’d always had a soft spot for his youngest brother, and his brother was lucky. If he hadn’t removed him from his father’s home, Matthew’s fate would not have been pleasant and his life could have ended before it began. His father had no use for children, who did not behave, especially fourth sons who promised to be nothing but a drain on his pocketbook. Their mother had pampered Matthew as her last child, and he had wanted for nothing. Marcus didn’t know whether to feel sorry for his brother or just plain amused. It was like pointing and laughing at a child who fell down and skinned his knees on the playground. Now Matthew was out of his comfort zone, forced into the real world. It would not be easy on him. Especially since he was used to women favoring him and catering to him. It would be awhile before anything like that happened here. Power always came before the pampering. So, that’s what he needed to do. Establish the power.

Rae and Marcus, May 4, 2513 Spy Vs Spy

Matthew watches his brother enter the dojo. He wonders what the girl would be doing in such a place. He also wonders why his brother is acting so odd. There must be a reason. Does this girl have something, something that will be profitable to him? What am I missing? His brother rarely socialized with women. He was always too busy training or scheming. The only women he socialized with were the typical dull but beautiful and submissive type. The window dressing, a pretty face for a pretty party or public appearance. Someone who doesn’t demand any affection, just a lifestyle suited to her pampered nature. Women who were willing to put up with a certain emptiness and fulfill a woman’s responsibilities. This was the type of woman their lifestyle required. This pigu didn’t seem the type to put up with anything. She did seem to be the type that was drawn to power. Marcus would soon have plenty of that if all went well.

He ducks around to the back alley and walks down to the back of the dojo. He quickly scans the area. Making mental notes in case he ever had to return. He then turns and heads back to the shop to play the good little brother. Thinking he will quiz Marcus on his odd behavior when he returns, he hopes to be let in on this new development.

Rae and Marcus, May 4, 2513 It's Not My Teeth You Have to Worry About

“I see.” Estes finishes up and as he stands, smacks Rae on the butt and says. “Get to work Rae.” Rae lowers her shirt. She turns to Marcus and smiles. “Thanks for bringing back my shoes for me.” Marcus looks down and says. “It’s not a problem. S..ah, sorry about Matthew.” Rae makes a face. “Guess you’re not your brother’s keeper after all. I have to go now, work to do. Maybe I’ll see you around or something.” She nods and heads off to the back of the dojo. Marcus watches her leave almost forgetting Estes’ presence.

He turns back to Estes and notices the dark look in his eyes. Estes crosses his arms and gives Marcus a meaningful look. “I think your business here is done. No need getting any ideas, hear? Rae’s a busy girl. Way too much to do to have any hanger on’s loafin about. I see you causin problems, you won’t be nearly so inclinded to do it more than once.” Marcus takes a slight step back and gives the man a once over before stating. “She seems a big girl. She can choose her own friends.” Estes gives him a humorless smile. “Seems I recall her telling you friends call her Rae. Recon I remember you coming in here searchin for a Rhiannon. Guess I don’t have anything to be concerned with that bein the case.” Marcus blinks and his face goes blank. “I guess you could be right. I didn’t plan on causing her any problems anyway. Just wanted to make sure she was okay.”

Marcus turns and heads out of the dojo. He is annoyed that Estes does not trust him. He will never be able to build up a clientele if no one here is able to trust him. Of course, it could just be that Estes doesn’t trust anyone. That seemed more likely. Still, the men in there respected him, and Rhiannon followed his instructions with no hedging. He would have to be cautious around this man.