A Night At The Opera, part four {Chapter 21}

[dd]

Shoeless, Tessa walked with Sousuke towards the lobby. They had passed from view before Kaname and Kyouko removed their mouse heads.

Kaname was about to say something colorful until she heard a noise behind her. Turning, she saw one of their earlier assailants crawl off the front of the stage, moving slowly in her direction, hand outstretched in a claw.

Her anger at Sousuke boiling over, Kaname walked up to the gangster, and started kicking him savagely. He would not harm her or Kyouko when they were this close to leaving this place!

A large contingent of police rushed in about that time, most of them going backstage now that the front areas were secured and the patrons were safe. One officer deviated from his original course, stepping over to Kaname and Kyouko. "I'll handle him, mam. It looks like you have been backstage. You must be very brave to have fought your way up here. I commend you both." The officer bowed.

Camera crews had followed the police in. One crew heard what the officer had said to the two young women. "Sounds like we have a couple of heroes, here" the anchorwoman said, holding her hand in a way that signalled her cameraman to start filming. "Or, I should say two heroines."

The growing crowd of media people blocked Kaname's and Kyouko's escape route. The two of them were safe, but they were trapped.

Their pictures and story would be on the evening news.

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The dark night looked like a kaleidoscope, as so many police car lights flashed this way and that, almost blinding in their combined intensity. Groups of patrons roamed about, too excited or too scared to move on yet. Surviving guards and gang members, few in number, were lead into well-secured police vans. Ambulance lights added different colors to the surroundings.

Tessa and Sousuke sat on a small brick wall not far from the opera house entrance. Sousuke's face had chased away camera men and news-people. There were plenty of willing people to interview. The two of them had spoken briefly with the police, making it a point not to mention their role in the harrowing battle inside. Who would have believed them any way?

"Here, Tessa. I have something for you." Sousuke handed Tessa the pin Joe had given her. "That was clever of you to drop it. You did very well in there. I'm proud of you"

Tessa's eyes brimmed with tears. Neither Sousuke or she were certain if it were the pin, the praise, or the fact that events were finally catching up with her. Brushing away tears, Tessa tried valiantly to smile. "There's only one thing I'm sad about, Sousuke."

"What's that, Tessa? Is it because the night was ruined?" Sousuke was concerned. He had truly tried his best. He hadn't wanted any of the violence or disruptions to take place. But, he was secretly pleased that he had been able to save innocent lives and bring judgement upon numerous evil men. The world would be a better place, if only by an infinitesimal amount.

"No, Sousuke. It's my shoes...I REALLY liked those shoes!" Tessa laughed a little laugh, squeezing Sousuke's hand. "But I had a wonderful day Sousuke. And the night was wonderful too, up until the gang attack. I wouldn't trade this day for anything Sousuke!"

"I see. You must be exhausted, though. Should I see you home now?"

"Not yet, Sousuke. I'll soon be ready to walk again, and when I am, I want to do something we both can enjoy, something pleasant to end the evening with." Tessa looked up at Sousuke, her eyes sincere and wishful.

"Will you be alright by yourself here, for a minute? You should be completely safe, and I shouldn't be too long."

"Yes...certainly...but where are you going?"

"Tessa! Is that something you ask a man. I will go to the restroom, if it is still intact."

"Oh...sure...sorry! I'll wait right here." Tessa was unconvinced. She had her suspicions, and would see how long it took Sousuke. She watched as he got up, walked over to a police officer, and had a short converstaion with the man. "She caught the words "not needed as evidence" and "danger should be clear" as well as "check with site personnel" from the officer. She heard Sousuke say "Thank you" as he walked into the building.

Ten minutes later, Sousuke returned carrying a bag. He handed it to Tessa.

"My shoes?" she asked Sousuke, eyes twinkling.

"How did you know...did someone radio ahead...did you follow...?" Sousuke sounded slightly perturbed. Maybe she shouldn't have ruined his surprise.

"No, Sousuke. You have been very galant today...it wasn't difficult to guess what you might do. Thank you. For everything." Tessa smiled. She put on her shoes and did a lazy pirouette. "Much better. Much much better. Where should we head next?"

Sousuke thought a moment. "We have both planned our parts of the dates well. Events may not have gone exactly as planned, but that is no fault of ours. I would suggest a different approach now. We could just walk through the park on our way to the train station, seeing if anything catches our eye."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Tessa looked at Sousuke for a while. She thought 'I already have my eye on something.' She admonished herself. She should slow down. She was setting herself up for a disappointment. It was time to accept the small things that came her way.

"Oh!" Sousuke said, suddenly stopping. "I just remembered. In all of the excitement, I left my Glock 17 inside. It was my favorite pistol. It's your turn. Do you mind retrieving it for me?" He did not smile.

Tessa played along. "OK...it may take a while....be back soon as I can!" She started up the steps.

"Tessa! I was just joking!"

"I know...gotcha." Tessa laughed freely.. Sousuke was happy to see that.

"Let's go to the park."

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Kaname and Kyouko finally broke away from the media circus. That had been more intimidating that the whole damn skirmish!

Kaname told Kyouko it was time to go home. They had done enough for the day. Enough had been done TO them, too. Besides, they had no idea where Tessa and Sousuke went, and no way to track them.

"Don't worry, Kaname!" Kyouko said. She wasn't holding her camera.

"Oh...ha ha hah hah...there's no problem, Ky! It would take a lot more than a quick and easy battle with some gangsters to get my spirit down, right?!" Despite what Kaname said, worry lines filled her face.

"I wasn't talking about that, Kaname."

"What...?"

"Sousuke, Kaname...Sousuke. I think he truly likes Tessa, but I don't think he cares about her the way he cares about you," Kyouko spoke very quietly, with a determined tone to her voice.

"Sousuke? What are you talking about. Are you saying that you think I am worried about how Sousuke might feel about me or Tessa? Ha ha hah hah hahahah." Kaname was too tired to give it her best.

"KANAME!" Kyouko was very firm. She was also realively loud. She walked up to Kaname with her hands on her hips. "Kaname. We have been through a lot together, in the past. We have been through a lifetime, today. For tonight, at least, will you do me the courtesy of the truth." Kyouko rubbed her eyes, before resuming her intense look.

"Tomorrow we can get back to the usual game...but can you just be honest with me tonight?" Kyouko's voice had a strange pleading quality to it.

Kaname hung her head. "Yes." She thought a moment. "Will you do me the favor of not asking anything more tonight...if I promise to tell you the truth when I'm ready? I'll answer anything you ask tonight, if I must. But I'd rather not. Please."

Kyouko felt ashamed for a moment. She shouldn't use this opportunity to take advantage of her friend. "It's OK, Kaname. I understand."

"Thank you."

"It will be OK, Kaname...I'm sure it will."

They talked quietly a moment before getting ready to head home. They would cut through the park on the way to the train.

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The park was very busy that night. A fair number of people in fancy clothes were strolling about. Other opera goers must have had the same idea. Tessa and Sousuke could hear more laughter than they might have expected. Now that the amzing ordeal was over, it seems that everyone's spirit was climbing. After all, this had turned out to be a memorable night. The events of that evening would liven up conversations for a long time to come.

Tessa took in the sights around her. Some trees were darkened, mysterious. Others glowed with spotlights, bright and cheerful looking. Others still were draped with colored lamps, festive in appearence. Adults and children walked about. Tessa smelled popcorn. She thought she heard a caliope. She could see what she gathered were the spinning lights of a carousel in between a row of large trees. Some small festival must be going on.

Following a well lit path, the pair caught sight of a brightly colored building with a roof sculpted like an ice cream cone. A man on a unicycle passed them by, enjoying a cone. Two jugglers were similarly occupied, juggling with one hand, holding a cone in the other.

Speaking with Tessa, Sousuke accidentally bumped into someone. It was a mime. No, not just 'a' mime. 'The' mime. Recognition came quickly. The mime looked frightened. Sousuke smiled, and slowly offered his hand.

Cautiously, the mime shook Sousuke's hand. Sousuke noted that the ice cream had fallen off of the mime's cone. He apologized, and did a pantomime of putting a new scoop on the mime's cone. The mime applauded. The three of them headed towards the eye cream shop.

"I could go for an ice cream, Sousuke. I think this is just the thing we were looking for." She smiled and hugged his arm. Looking at Tessa, the mime sighed.

The line was long, but Sousuke and Tessa didn't seem to mind. They had been through too much noise and action for one day. The quiet was heavenly.

Finally, they had an opportunity to order. The mime had gotten orange sherbet, double scoop for his troubles, and had left after bowing multiple times to Tessa and Sousuke. Tessa went for Chocolate raspberry truffle. Sousuke got his favorite...vanilla.

As they started to walk away, a boisterous crowd of people walked up around them, jostling Tessa hard. Her cone was knowcked from her hand, and she was pushed aside roughly.

"Watch were the hell you stand next time, cupcake. Move when men come walkin'!" That voice sounded familiar to Sousuke. "Wait...well don't that beat all! It's the pretty little thing from Joe's! Hee-awww!"

That's why it was familiar. It was THEM again. Sousuke was not pleased. A phrase of Kaname's came to mind: "Three strikes and you're out." Sousuke walked over to the bullies he had met twice at the shooting range.

"Oh, and a good thing got right better, didn't it! It's Dead-Eye Dick...but he ain't dead..." One rowdy started.

"...and he probably doesn't have a dick." Another finished. "Does he, sweetheart?" He planted a wet kiss on the top of Tessa's head.

"And he doesn't have his big bad guns! What happened to the dark haired cutie...she run off and leave you for another girl? Har har har har!"

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"Come on Kyouko, keep up! This exercise is good for you. There's no guns, bombs, or gang members out here. Nothing but fresh air!"

"Kaname...that's the fourth time you've said that in the last ten minutes!" Kyouko did not look amused.

"Well then, you should know by now that I'm just getting warmed up!"

"Then...maybe it's time to cool down. Those folks are carrying ice cream cones. Can we get a cone kaname...please!" With that look, Kaname couldn't refuse.

"Sure, lets' go!" She didn't slow down her quick pace. Turning back to tell Kyouko how good the exercise was, Kaname bumped into someone. She heard the plopping sound that often accompanies the fall of ice cream to the ground. She turned arouned. Damn, just what this night needed!

The poor mime just couldn't catch a break. Seeing Kaname, he was suddenly worried that he might be broken if caught. Even though he had been the one whose ice cream had been brutalized, the mime started running. Kaname's look can do that sometimes. He headed for the thick brush next to the ice cream stand.

Kaname was not too far behind. "Kannnaaammme..." Kyouko called after her. But she wisely chose not to follow. The line was long, and she didn't want to lose her place.

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Tessa was usually the pacifist in Sousuke's little circle. True, she had the most power and responsibility of them all, and she had placed orders that had led to extensive destruction and considerable loss of life. But, that part of her was professional...and, as the saying goes, 'distance disinfects dividends.' Businesses could use child labor tactics and other dirty tricks oversea, far from home, and somehow convince themselves that they were clean and reasonable. Tessa had an easier time dealing with the results of a cruise missile strike than she did with with violence up close and personal.

But, this had been a rather hectic day, one that even rivaled the brief take-over of the TDD-1 by Guaron and the Mithril traitors. Tessa had been ogled by corrupt guards and she had been dragged by gangsters. That had been followed by a crazy escape with death sniffing at her trail the entire time.

Plainly put, she was not in a very good mood. More specifically, she was not in a forgiving mood.

Normally, she would have asked Sousuke to just walk away. She could certainly take some insults...and it was her ice cream after all.

But, Tessa's pilot light was turned way up. And, a small deeply buried part of her had the makings of a fine barbarian. She had missed Sousuke's enconter with the guards. This could make up for that.

"Sousuke," she said, rubbing her injured shoulder. "That really hurt. And we waited so long for the ice cream." The staged look she put on when she looked at the poor fallen chocolate raspberry truffle could have brought a contingent of marines to its feet, fire in their eyes. "That was my favorite flavor."

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In comparative terms, the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist was a minor thing. Tessa was hurt. Tessa was unhappy.

Sousuke did not view his abilities at fighting or his proclivity for trouble to be character flaws. He did not consider them to be undesirable personality traits. The latter was a component of destiny. The former was simply a tool. A valuable tool. Some people were good at singing. Some people were good at painting or woodcrafting. Sousuke was good at diminishing threats, often to the ultimate degree.

The battle with the gangsters had been professional. The lesson plan for the guards had crossed the line into personal matters. The rowdies...this was purely personal.

"I do not like rude people" Sousuke started, his voice sounding like the wind blowing across an arctic ice floe. "I do not like inconsiderate people." That voice, that was a hot wind rising from the depths of a Libyan desert." "I do not like cruel people." That voice arose from the deep forests of Guatemala.

Sousuke walked up to the largest bully and looked him in the eyes. "I do not appreciate stupidity. You have had past opportunity to learn your mistakes...instead, you continue, and you bring violence and unhappiness to people who cause you no harm."

"Oh-ho-ho-hoooo!" The bully was amused. He felt safe being amused. No visible weapons. Five of his toughest buddies with him. All of them slightly drunk and ready to rumble. "Dead-Eye sounds ready to cry boys. He must REALLLLLLY miss that dick." They all laughed, the kings of comedy. "Tell you what...we can make things up for the little lady. A night with us on the town ought to do the trick!" All of them whistled, clapped, or made kissing faces.

"I see. As a professional, I feel compelled to offer you one way out. Your subsequent physical condition will depend on your response. You may indeed make things up to the lady. You may buy her another ice cream cone. And, you may apologize."

Tessa had a sour look on her face...there was something she wanted more than ice cream. Sousuke was puzzled by her glare, but continued nonetheless. "In any case, this place is very crowded. We should continue this discussion over there, by that thicket."

The rowdies were in complete agreement. Over there would be better. More room to move. No witnesses. Being practical, however, they left one man in line at the ice cream hut.

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The mime often wore black and white make-up. That may or may not have had any connection with his love of black and white movies. Climactic scenes from various movies ran through his head as he ran through the brush, hiding briefly behing larger shrubs and trees.

A fugitive, running through a forest, dogs on his trail.

A boxing movie, where the aspiring fighter is beaten to a bloody pulp in his earlier fights.

People in their Sunday finest, heads bowed, standingat a grave site as a coffin is lowered into the ground.

The mime had never been particulary athletic. Perhaps like some people, he was discovering his talents later in life. A track coach might give him strong consideration if he saw his performance that evening.

With his desperation...his will to survive...and his new found sprinter's speed, the mime should have been able to put any troubles behind him that night. But, he had the very Devil on his trail!

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With every step Kaname took, her anger grew. She hadn't kept exact count, but didn't need to. Things were already off the scale.

She had spent a good deal of the day being angry at Sousuke. She had spent a good deal of the day being angry at herself. And she had spent a good bit of the night running, creeping, and fighting for her life.

This might be a good thing for Sousuke, too! If she could find a target for all of her pent up anger, perhaps she could explore more pleasant emotions with Sousuke. Yes, Kaname Chidori, philanthropist.

She remembered a TV commercial from her stay in America. 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste.' She smiled. That was true. A mime, on the other hand....

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"Well, well, well, well, well..." The largest and most vocal rowdy said, flexing his muscles, moving his neck in circles, then cracking his knuckles. "You've got us all here in the dark, sissy boy. Why? Did you want to neck, or something? You'll find out that we are real men. And real men don't put up with trash like you."

"I take it, then, that you have refused the offer of leniency?" Sousuke did not sound disappointed. Quite the opposite. Tessa was smiling.

"Oh...let's see...how should we answer him boys?" The one man spat on Sousuke's tux. The others soon followed suit, making it a contest.

"Yeh! Got his ear!" "Hot DAMN...I think that one went down his neck!" "Pttthhuueewwee...bullseye!"

People who are in near death situations often feel like things were moving in slow motion. That was not the case this time. The speed was hard to follow.

The large bully felt Sousuke's wrath first. In mid laughter, he felt something strike his groin...hard!!! Bent over, he then took a hard elbow to the back of the neck. Sousuke had lept straight up a considerable distance before laying on a blow that would have brought a bull to its knees.

Another man was in mid spit. The saliva had no opportunity to leave his mouth as something else entered. Sousuke's heel rammed into that orifice, pushing a few teeth in with it. As soon as it had come, it was gone. Sousuke's attention for the poor man's state had not left, however.
As the stunned man staggered backwards, Souske moved up and brought both fists crashing into the man's temples, sending him to his knees.

To their credit, the other three men did not run and did not simply stare slackjawed. They had been in streetfights before. All three jumped for Sousuke, intent on bringing him to the ground. To their detriment, they were not a very good judge of their opponent, never having run across anyone that could teach them the errors of their ways.

Things have a way of changing.

So do faces...ribs...long bones...soft tissues. Two of the men missed. The third managed to grab the back of Sousuke's tuxedo, pulling him to the ground with him. The impact with the ground did not bother Sousuke. The subtle feel of ripping fabric did.

The man thought that bringing Sousuke down would be advantageous. It was...very much so. It made things easy for Sousuke...he didn't have to move a step to mete out his punishment to this transgressor. With a roll and a fierce punch to the stomach, he had the man gasping for breath. There can never be too much of a good thing...Sousuke took out his garrotte in one smooth motion, and wrapped it around the man's throat.

Looking to judge the threat from the two remaining men, Sousuke noticed that they were already back on their feet, circling warily. Good. Those two might provide a little better contest. With the luxury of time, Sousuke looked down at the frantic man at his feet. The bully could not remove the garotte himself, and was on the verge of blacking out.

"There is a lesson in this. Anger begets anger. Violence begets violence. You are not as big as you think you are...look what you are going through now. The next time you meet someone stronger than you, you may not be so fortunate." Sousuke removed the stricture, and heard the man take a long rasping breath.

Sousuke assessed the two remaining men. They looked frightened, but determined. No doubt they did not want to be viewed as cowards. Perhaps they were truly concerned about their friends. No matter, Sousuke was not interested in their motivation at the momement. His own motivation hadn't changed.

"This has not been the best of days for me" Sousuke admitted to his remaining foes. "I find it very difficult to control myself now. Your three friends were fortunate. I fear you will not be so lucky." The look Sousuke gave them could have stopped a train in its tracks.

The two men looked as if they had caught a glimpse of Death himself. They looked at each other. They nodded. Both turned at the same moment and started running back towards the light and the crowds.

Sousuke extracted his sling. He thrust a hand in his pocket. Good, he had not lost the marbles during the fracas. If David had been watching, he would have been impressed. The first marble hit one of the running men in the back of the head, causing him to stumble and roll to the ground. The second marble missed, but the third and fourth his the second man in the back, causing him considerable pain, and bringing him up short. Two more misses before Sousuke's final marble hit the man in the side of his face, fracturing his jaw.

Both men were still conscious. Sousuke took out his taser and used the threat of it to drive the men back to their fellow bullies.

"We will move on to the next step, now." Sousuke adressed all of the bullies, each one of them rubbing or touching a sore area. "You will have one last chance to apologize and buy the lady new ice cream. Failing that, I shall no longer hold myself back."

Wise men would have known when to quit. Clever men would have learned an important lesson. Judging by the expressions on four of the men's faces, Sousuke felt that he might have successfully imparted a little bit of wisdom into them. But, there is always one in the crowd.

The largest man, the first to go down, was still defiant. "F@CK YOU!!!"

Sousuke reached into a specially made pocket. He took out the grenade that remained. He slowly showed it to the men. He then did something they had never seen before...something very frightening: he smiled.

The men all turned and ran, heading for the nearby thicket. Sousuke prepared to pull the pin.

Tessa placed her hand over the grenade. "No, Sousuke!!!"

"Tessa, but..." Sousuke was initially disappointed.

"Give me the grenade Sousuke...*I* want to do it!!!" The look on Tessa's face rocked Sousuke back on his heels. He quickly complied.

Pulling the pin, Tessa threw the grenade where she thought the men might be at the proper moment.

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The mime discovered another hiden ability. He could climb! A squirrel would be jealous.

Running from the crazed demon, the mime had scampered up into the stronger branches of a tall tree, hoping the darkness would shield him. As he watched, the girl ran into view and stopped. He was concerned...could she be following his scent?! That wasn't possible was it? Just what WAS she....

The mime soon saw the reason the girl ceased in her chase. A group of men came running from the other direction, stopping when they saw the girl. The mime recognized THEM too. He had been the butt of their cruel attention on a number of past occasions. He hugged the tree tighter.

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Kaname cursed. "Where the hell could he have gone!" she said, her anger being overtaken by frustration. She gripped her halisen tight in one hand and swung her shopping bag in circles.

She heard a noise up ahead, the sound of many feet running. Running in her direction. Soon, five men burst into view. They stopped seeing her. Once again, recognition came quickly.

"Boys, things may be looking up. Lookit at what we have here? Didn't I mention this cutie, earlier?" The largest bully smiled and hooked his fingers through his belt loops. "So, sugar babe...you ready for a REALLY good time?"

Kaname didn't have time to answer. She barely had time to move. A small round object landed near the men. Kaname had seen plenty of THOSE before!

The bully had the opportunity to say "Get her..." before the concussion grenade went off. He and his four comrades were knocked to the ground.
Kaname, who had run while she could, was still on her feet, her hair and fancy dress covered with dirt, twigs, and leaves.

In the tree, the mime smiled and silently clapped.

It would have been a good time to leave, Kaname thought. For them!!! There was always a time for mimes...but this group had finally crossed the line. While they were making their way to their feet, stunned, Kaname finished the lesson that Sousuke had started.

There are many strokes in golf. There are different ways to move a tennis racket. There is a science to swinging a bat. Kaname put all of her sports knowledge to work, finding new and effective ways to use a halisen. And, some things seemed to hurt more than others...some things left more attractive marks than others.

The men were not sure just what hit them. A whirlwind? A whirling dervish? They saw Kaname's face...and they saw the blur of the halisen.

Kaname, for her part, used her opportunity to great effect. She pictured Sousuke's face on the men, and worked off a lot of pent up anger and aggression. And, these men clearly deserved what they received. She smiled. The court was in session...the honorable and just Judge Kaname precided.

When they were back in possession of most of their senses, four of the men ran off, back the way they came. The fifth---the largest and noisiest, of course---grabbed the halisen in mid-swing and tossed it into Kaname's face. He grabbed her bag and threw it up into the tree, nearly hitting the mime.

"So, what are you going to do now, sweet cheeks? Looks like we will have a two person party. Those damn chickens will be jealous when they hear!" The man took off his belt and started swinging it.

Kaname was about to run. She shouldn't have any difficulty outrunning this man. As it turned out, she didn't need to.

An unsuspected missile, the mime fell from the tree, landing hard on the head of the bully, knocking him to the ground. He placed Kaname's shopping bag at her feet. The mime got up, and started kicking the man fiercely in the abdomen.

Kaname retrieved her halisen. She walked up to the mime, tapping the fan against her palm. Her look was fierce. The mime swallowed.

"Here...use this!" She handed the halisen to the mime. The performer went medieval on the prone bully. Kaname stood back and smiled. That mime was GOOD!!!

When they had both satisfied their urge for vengeance, Kaname and the mime stood facing one another. "I'm not about ready to stop my feelings for mimes" Kaname said. The mime fliched, preparing to run. "But, I am willing to make one exception!" She smiled, holding out her hand.

The mime shook Kaname's hand and bowed. "Thank you. This has been a pleasure" he said, shocking Kaname. He waved, and went off on his way.

Kaname picked up her shopping bag and headed off to find Kyouko and ice cream.

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The running men had not been thinking clearly. They were so befuddled by the grenade and Kaname's tender ministration that they ran back towards Tessa and Sousuke.

On second thought, maybe the explosion and subsequent beating had knocked some sense into them. They all quickly apologized. One sheepishly told Sousuke that he had learned something that night. They all went up to the ice cream booth with Tessa and Sousuke.

Their generosity was overflowing, as if to make up for all past transgressions. They bought Tessa five half-gallon containers of chocolate raspberry truffle. They purchased a lerge container of mochi ice cream for Sousuke, saying that the ice cream nestled inside of chewy rice dough was a special treat.

Tessa and Sousuke headed on their way, Sousuke carrying a large bag of ice cream. Before they could discuss what to do with their bounty, the list of coincedences grew longer.

Walking with her husband, the woman from the tuxedo shop greeted Sousuke. "Well, good evening young man. Is this your date? She is very pretty." Both Tessa and Sousuke blushed. Tessa because of the compliment...Sousuke, because of the rip to the back of his tux.

"Thank you, madame. May I introduce Tessa...Miss Teletha Testarossa?"
Tessa curtsied and smiled beautifully.

"Pleased to meet you, mam." Tessa said.

"And I'm pleased to meet you. Oh...but you have a small ice cream stain on your beautiful dress!" Professional attention. "Let me take care of that before the stain sets."

"Thank you." From Tessa. "You're welcome, young lady." From the woman.

"An ice cream stain...it seems that you did not do such a good job as a bodyguard after all, young man." The woman looked stern. Her husband covered up a smile with his hand.

"Uh--" That, of course, was Sousuke. Tessa just grinned evilly, then broke out in laughter.

"I would have expected all my hard work and alterations to be of some use." The woman crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head.

"Uh--"

"And you were going to the opera! The opera! Such a wonderful place. And such an important responsibility!" The woman stamped her foot.

"Uh---madame---"

Sousuke was sweating. The woman noticed. Tessa took notes.

The woman was through. She smiled up at Sousuke. Her game was over. "I'm just joking, young man. My husband and I saw the news. That was a terrible thing that happened."

"Yes," both Tessa and Sousuke replied, sedately.

"I'm certain you did a wonderful job...you're both fine." The woman smiled when she saw Tessa squeeze Sousuke's arm. "I'd like to think that a small old woman helped in some little way."

"Yes. You certainly did. The alterations made a very big difference, as many gangsters could attest. They..." Sousuke stopped, realizing that he had said too much.

The woman smiled. Her husband walked up and patted Sousuke gently on the shoulder. They didn't probe him any further.

When he was patting Sousuke's back, the tailor noted the telltale signs of a rip. He made a meaningful look at his wife, who shook her head. This was not the time for that. Fabric could me mended...it was important that theses two fine young people were in one piece.

It was Tessa's turn to speak up. "Is there something we can do to repay you, madame. Sousuke told me of your hard work. He said you refused payment."

"That's alright, young lady...I just did what my heart told me to do." The woman smiled fondly at the two younger individuals.

"Ice cream." Sousuke said.

"Excuse me?" The woman replied. "Ice cream?"

"Yes. Ice cream. We have a great amount. Would you like some. It would please me to give you some. Not as payment. As thanks." Sousuke showed the woman and her husband the full bag.

"Oh...goodness...the two of you certainly have a sweet tooth! We couldn't take any of your ice cream from you."

"It is not a problem, madame. Neither of our apartments has sufficient facilities to store this product. It will melt. It will go to waste." Sousuke did not like waste.

"Well then...we will take one carton if we may" The woman's husband graciously accepted the carton. "And, if you are looking to get rid of that ice cream, I have a suggestion for you." It was a wonderful suggestion. Both Sousuke and Tessa agreed.

The woman worked as a volunteer at a local orphanage. Although it was getting close to the childrens' bed time, the woman felt that the managers would allow them this special treat. She and her husband would escort Sousuke and Tessa to the nearby establishment.

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

The leader of the bullies had made a decision. An important decsion. It was time to leave this town.

The same old haunts were not fun any more.

Running into that scar-faced boy didn't help.

It would be hard living down the beating from that girl, but he could have done it.

But, the mime. That mime! How could he get beaten up by a mime and stay in this place!!!

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

Kyouko was licking her own ice cream, enjoying the noises of the festival, watching the happy people walk about. She diligently held Kaname's cone, holding it away from her dress as it had strted to drip.

"What flavor did you get me?" Kaname asked, walking up.

"B-Butterscotch c-chocolate swirl" Kyouko said, disconcerted by Kaname's appearence. There were twigs in her hair, dirt falling from her shoes, and leaves filling the top of her bag.

"I'm OK, Kyouko!" Kaname said, smiling. She had undertood her friend's look. "Better than OK, actually. But there's no time to speak on that, now. It's time to get busy!!!"

"Oh...busy...you mean trailing Sousuke and Tessa? I saw them talking with two people over there. But...I thought..." Kyouko sounded dejected.

"Of course not! What IS it with you and your obsession with Sousuke and Tessa!!! I was talking about my ice cream." Kaname started vigoriusly licking her treat. Kaname knew that Sousuke was in the area. Who else would be tossing grenades about?

Kyouko had been through enough. Kaname had been through enough, too. Tessa and Sousuke had been faced with similar trials and tribulations. Besides, she owed them their privacy. And there was something difficult that Kaname wanted to prepare for.

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

The orphanage was in an old apartment building with immaculate grounds.
A long stretch of marble stairs led up to large double front door. Flowering trees bordered the top half of the steps and flanked a large porch area. A group of children sat in wicker chairs surrounding a nanny, eagerly awaiting their bedtime story.

Sousuke froze a moment when he saw that scene. It was so different than what he remembered from the orphanages of his youth. Those memories came back to him now, but the ghosts did not hold the power over him they once had.

Tessa saw his hestitation and correctly interpreted his look. She had read over the reports written about the Guatemal mission. She had seen the files describing parts of Sousuke's early life. She patted his hand. "It's OK, Sousuke...we don't have to do this if you don't want."

Sousuke considered the offer. He was used to being uncomfortable. He enjoyed helping people. He would do his best for children...especially for orphans. He had a special bond there, no matter what or when the cause. "It is not a problem. We have a lot of ice cream. I think we can do some good here. I would like that."

Tessa stared a Sousuke for a quiet minute. Their two escorts respected her silence. "I said it before Sousuke. I will repeat myself because it is worth repeating. Worth remembering. For you too." Tessa smiled, but also looked very solemn. "You are truly someone amazing. I am fortunate to know you."

A bit of levity brightened her eyes. "Of course, I am also insulted; chased; kidnapped; nearly shot, blown up, or killed around you...but that is a small price to pay."

Sousuke hung his head. "Thank you" seemed all he was going to say. Smiling briefly, he added "You left out molested."

Tessa laughed for a moment and said "Yes, that too." Then she too paused. "You shouldn't have told me that though, Sousuke...it ruins the surprise!" She laughed. Seeing Sousuke blush, she smiled and said "I'm only kidding. It was a joke. I know my jokes are a bit disconcerting." She continued to smile.

The old woman and her husband looked on, a touch of concern in their eyes. Concern, and a question. "I was in various orphanages when I was young. In Afghanistan. I was lucky to survive them." Sousuke had shared his past easily. He received warm words of praise and encouragement in return. Friends were not he only people whose opinion mattered to Sousuke now.

The couple introduced Sousuke and Tessa to the children and the nanny. They asked a rhetorical question. The children screamed their answer. It seemed that they would indeed like some ice cream with their story.

The nanny went inside and returned with bowls, spoons, and a number of ice cream scoops. "I'm sorry, but the other attendants are busy putting their groups to bed now. It will take me a while to distribute the ice cream. Could someone tell the children a story while I'm busy?"

"It is not a problem." Sousuke had taken off his tuxedo coat and handed it to the tailor. "Please continue with your tale. I will help here." He grabbed a scoop and went to work.

"I will too." Tessa started dishing out chocolate raspberry truffle too.

"Please...you mustn't...your fine clothes." The nanny sounded uncomfortabe.

"It is still not a problem." Sousuke sounded very insistent. He had accepted this mission. He did not wish to be called back from it. "My apologies to the fine woman and her husband. But clothes are just cloth. Children are so much more. I will do this."

Tessa smiled at Sousuke. So did the woman and her husband. Some of the children clapped their hands. "Me too." Tessa went back to work.

Soon enough, the ice cream was all in bowels, and the bowels were all in the hands of children. The nanny's story was finished, and it looked as if Sousuke and Tessa had successfully completed the mission.

"There's still more ice cream in my bowel, but there is no more story" a little boy piped up, like a small spring peeper. Quiet, but insistent.

Not to long after that, more children seconded his thought. There was a whole chorus of little frogs. "Story...story...story...STORY!!!"

One little girl walked up to Sousuke and tugged on his sleeve. "Do you know how to tell a story, mister?"

"I have done this before." Sousuke answered.

"Can you please tell us a story?" A small sweet voice. Followed by the insistent chorus.

"I do not know if you would like my story. It may not be good."

Tessa nudged Sousuke with her elbow, looking up at him. She winked. "Who would you like to tell you a story?" She directed her question to the children.

The little girl pointed at Sousuke. A few other children left their chairs, carried their bowls over to where the little girl stood, and pointed at Sousuke. All of the remaining children stood and pointed at Sousuke.

"You're elected." Tessa smiled. It was wonderful to see so many sides to Sousuke.

"Do you have an orange or red cloth?" Sousuke asked.

"Yes." The nanny said. "What do you need it for?" She was more curious than concerned.

"I will show you. It is nothing weird. Nothing dangerous."

When the woman returned with an orange colored pillow case, Sousuke draped it on top of the portable light that sat in the middle of the sitting area. "This will look like a campfire. Campfires are good places to discuss strategy or give reports."

The children clearly loved the idea. This was something diffrerent. This would probably be fun.

When everyone was settled, Sousuke began his tale. He remembered the children in the pediatrics ward. He would not be surprised by interuptions. It was not the story that mattered. It was the sharing.


"Once upon a time. There was a little girl. She had a very important job to do! If she didn't do it, there would be problems."


*****"What was the job? Was she a nanny?" "Was the little girl a problem?"*****


"Her grandmother was very sick and could not prepare food. Without food, she would die. When she was dead, the food would be too late."


*****"What would she eat when she was dead?" "Would fast food be good?" "What is prepare."*****


"The girl must get the food through a dark forest, where many dangers waited. The girl was at risk, because her parents were important political leaders."


*****"Are there bears in the forest?" "Three bears?" "Porridge?" "Is one bowl too hot?" "What's political?"*****


"A terrorist group sent an operative to capture the girl. She was wearing a red cape and hood, so she would be easily seen by the guards and soldiers in the forest. The terrorist would need use clever tactics."


*****"What's terror wrists?" "Is tac-tics like tic-tac-toe?" "I have ten toes." "I do too." "Was there a wolf...I think this story has a wolf?"*****


Sousuke paused. What is it with children and wolves? That required further research when he had time.

"The terrorist easily made his way past the sentries at the grandmother's estate. He incapacitated the grandmother and placed her under the bed. He hid under the covers and waited for the granddaughter."


*****See...the terrorist IS a wolf...told you" "Was the terrorist sleepy?" "Was it his bedtime?" "Did someone tell him a story?" "Did someone give him ice cream?"*****


"The little girl brought her basket of food into the bedroom. She was not foolish. Something did not smell right. Something looked incorrect. Why was her grandmother under the cover. She had asthma and she was afraid of the dark. The girl had been trained in anti-terrorist tactics."


*****"Why did things smell bad...did someone wet the bed?" "Takeo wets the bed!" "Do not!" "Do too!"*****


" 'Please approach much closer child. I have a terrible cold. It is difficult for me to speak' the wolf said. He readied a rope under the blanket. It was time to kidnap the girl."


*****"Were they going to jump rope." "I like to jump rope!" "Can I go get my jump rope?" "What's a terror bull?" "Is it like a terror wrist?" "Did the girl want to take a kid nap 'cause she was sleepy?"*****


"The girl was a good observer. She noted the boots sticking out from under the blanket. 'What strange footwear grandmother!' 'I have bunions child. The doctor prescribed orthopedic footwear.' The terrorist lied. He was a very bad man"


*****"We can't wear boots in bed!" "I need some boots." "Boots are good to wear on feet." "My feet have ten toes." "Wolf!"*****


"The terrorist pulled the blanket down with his feet, exposing his eyes. 'You have mean eyes grandmother!' 'I was recently doused with pepper spray when my applicator malfunctioned.' the terrorist answered "


*****"Why did the grandmother have an alligator?" "Alligators eat people." "Is the alligator going to eat the girl?" "Wolves eat people too." "How can she see the grandmother's eyes...she's under the bed!!!"*****


"The terrorist prepared his rope. The movement exposed some of his cheeks. He had a slight beard. 'I do not remember so much facial hair, grandmother!' 'Please be considerate child...Grandma has a hormonal condition' The terrorist always had an excuse."


*****"My grandmother has a beard." "What's horror moaners?" "Wolves have hairy faces."*****


"The terrorist threw off the cover, and stood up with the rope in his hands. The girl pointed to the gun on his back. 'Why do you have an AK-74, Grandma...you usually carry an M-1 or BAR' 'Enough with the Grandma stuff, babe...it's time for us to go on a little trip...do not cry out or things will go badly for you!' The terrorist was not polite."


*****"What's an achey seventy for?" "Is an M one like one M&M?" "I like red ones." "I like blue ones." "Nobody likes the brown ones!"*****


The nanny, a slightly perplexed look on her face, pointed to her watch. Sousuke would need to finish things up now.

"The little girl reached into her basket and pulled out a Glock 26. It is a fine gun. Possibly the best pocket pistol in the world. The girl terminated the terrorist with extreme prejudice. That is all. I thank you. You have been a good audience."

Everyone was quiet for a moment. The nanny looked shocked. The older couple smiled and shook their heads. Tessa tried hard not to smile...it was SO Sousuke!

The children exploded. They certainly hadn't understood everything, but they loved the story. They clapped. They hopped. Some of them were jumping around saying "extreme pre-juices!" "Yeh, juice!" "Juice...juice...juice...juice!"

Before they would let Tessa and Souske leave, every child had to hug each one of them. They politely thanked their benefactors for the ice cream. The children wanted to send notes and paintings, so Sousuke gave them his address.

"Please do not send them in unusual envelopes. I would hate to detonate such fine art work. It would be good if you could make your pictures about man and the environment."

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