In this semi scripted preparation I am proposing a season of episodes based on the following scenario:

At the beginning of the new fall semester we return to house Grimory to find Issei, more lecherous than ever, being pressurized to study harder and develop a sound work ethic. Enter a new student Remon Sakajima who transfers from a seminary near Kyoto and immediately starts a spiritual discussion club. It attracts students of all faiths and its main activity is the reading and discussion of the worlds cosmic literature. Of course, this provides little in the way of interest to anyone within house Grimory- until the quiet arrival of a second student.

Enter Adonia  Adon  from a little island somewhere in the pacific. She is a tall, statuesque but amply blessed blond, with an athletic build. Her grades are excellent and she excels at singing and volleyball. She wears housewife flats and comparatively long skirts in  uniform colors. she’s always courteous and diplomatic and wears satellizer style glasses. she is shy discreet and quiet, but her physique is just imposing enough as to capture Issei’s imagination right off. Even on hot days she wears thin white gloves, and for some reason whenever issei passes casually by her in the hall she accidently drops a single, blank sheet of paper.

In actuality she is his worst nightmare come to life. She is an angel. and whats worse, shes not the run of the mill, generic, proximal to the gate angel. She is a class 1 Archangel named Adonael. Her very presence on the school grounds would, under normal circumstances, constitute gross misconduct regarding the players of both heaven and hell, and that which lies between, having powers so great that any balance paradigms would be meaningless. She is charged to simply monitor goings on on campus for any unauthorized attempts to alter gaming outcomes between the houses by heavenly sources, and otherwise to try to learn a thing or 2 about this whimsical little creation known as humanity. It seems that the most high is considering another purge. Not one so profound as the first mind you, but just enough of a culling as to bring a certain perceived rise in heavenly factionalism under control earlier rather than later. During club meetings her comments are short but remarkably profound. Her questions no less short and concrete but at the same time thought provoking. Her suspicions of heavenly mischief are aroused when she discovers Remon Sakajima meeting secretly with members of house Phoenix concerning club activities.
Adonia’s first encounter with Issei occurs when he enters an SDC meeting by mistake in that one of his clubs meets in the same room but at a different time. Adonia acknowledges his demonic aura at first but then notices a small but not at all faint glow emanating from his chest. She is immediately intrigued by this. Issei humbly apologizes and leaves but as he bows he finds himself gawking at adonia’s rack. He quickly contains his lust and scurries away.
Later, as he is running by, she drops a sheet of paper. he stops, picks it up, and introduces himself as he returns it to her. He is appropriately formal and typically lecherous at heart all the while having no idea that she is fixated on the glow in his chest. She has the power of interior knowledge so he his unable to hide his feelings from her in any way. she quietly introduces her self and gives him a fairly warm smile. she gives a slight blush as he cooks up a momentary fantasy and quickly diverts her attention to Asia as she comes up from behind him. He introduces them and she gives Asia a much warmer smile. She expresses how nice it is to see her again. Asia is confused of course being sure that they have never met until now. Adonia then heads out to her next class.
Asia is intrigued, but lets it go, as she waves at the both of them as they exit in different directions. Later on in the evening, during a stray demon pick-up, Akeno notes that while their job went well as expected, Issei’s timing seemed slightly off, as if he were preoccupied by something. Riess notices this as well but says nothing. Asia notes that it could have something to do with the new girl in school. Riess gives a smirk and goes on to something else while the others note that Asia may have a point in that they all know him to be a perv-bomb without a failsafe.
The next day, while on the way to class, she hurries by him again, and once again a piece of paper falls from her note book. This time she hurries into the auditorium as if late for something or another. Riess and the crew happen to see him from down the hall as he turns and runs after her, and they decide to get a load of who he’s chasing this time. Issei notices that the paper is staff paper but once again its blank. As he approaches the auditorium he notices music playing. He is unfamiliar with it. He enters to find it is classical, orchestral, not normally to his liking, a student chorale rendition of Mozart’s laudate dominum. But as Adonia’s voice rises out in the lead in coloratura, he stands transfixed and his chest begins to glow. Adonia notices and her normally green eyes change color to pitch black. She continues to sing her part as the rest of house Grimory stands behind him now watching at a discreet distance Riess notices that his back is glowing where his heart should be located, while Asia notices a faint glow in the chest of Riess as well. But then Riess notices the change in Adonia’s eye color and is suspicious. She tells everyone that things may have gotten interesting. Issei slowly leans forward while gently clutching his ribcage in his arms. He is in a strange kind of half bow. When the music ends she excuses herself from the rehearsal and moves hurriedly toward Issei. She asks if he is alright and he insists that he is. She then enquires as to his business here and he quickly hands her the paper. She smiles warmly and insists that they have once again been the victim of her own clumsiness, but Issei counters that getting the opportunity to hear such a voice makes it difficult for him to find himself in the role of a victim. Quickly she bows and insists formally that he does her way too much honor in that she is only a part-time music student, having taken the course pretty much for credit. She then excuses herself and heads back to the stage.
Issei turns to leave and Kanako chides him for choosing once again to perv out over the buxom one. He apologizes for allowing himself to appear in such a way, and ensures her that he had no intention of approaching Adonia in that way. At this point Riess asks him what exactly he was doing. He explains that he was returning something she’d dropped and nothing more.
In the evening at house Grimory Issei still seems far away. Asia inquires as to his mood. Issei asks for her confidence in this, but he explains that he cant get that voice out if his head. He clutches his chest and further explains that he felt a kind of resonation throughout his being and even in the sacred gear. But at the same time he has pledged his soul to Madame Grimory, and so he must figure this out on his own. Asia says he shouldn’t worry in that Madame Grimory will care for him no matter what. He counters that he feels as though this experience might cause her to doubt him, as though he is letting her down in some way.
On the way home he encounters Adonia walking along briskly. He stops his bicycle and offers to give her a ride. She offers that she prefers to walk but thanks him. He then asks if he can walk her home in that case in that night is falling. She says that would be nice. She asks him what he thought of the music and he says he was surprised in that he had always found classical music boring and draggy. He expresses his concern about the way in which her voice spoke to him and seemed to bring him to strange places he would have a difficult time describing in words. She explains to him that music is a vehicle for the conveyance of information, just as any other communicative form, but because it relies on the sender and receiver’s state of attunement for ideal effectiveness, it can also serve to align the receiver in such a way as to be able to receive information of a more spiritual nature. At this Issei’s look becomes rather quizzical. He says he doesn’t know about any of that attunement stuff but that he couldn’t help noticing that her voice seemed to truly soar. She tells him that what he perceives to be a talent on her part was made possible by the alignment that the music provided him beforehand. In other words the way had to be properly prepared in order for him to recognize what she was putting out there.
She goes on to say that some people have a heart that is open to such realignment, and therefore are easily communicated with in such ways. Obviously his is one of these.
The next day at lunch Issei is sitting by himself when she comes over and asks if she can sit with him. He stands and welcomes her. He then says he’ll be right back and heads up to the bar to get a bento box. Asia then comes by and sits on her other side. She once again greets Asia warmly and asks if she might want to solve a riddle with her. Asia agrees. Her riddle proceeds thusly: A man happens across a fox who offers the man a service in exchange for a fee. The man agrees. Later when its time to render payment the foxes fee turns out to be many times the value of the service rendered. Should the man pay. To this Asia answers yes. The riddle continues: Same man, same fox only this time, the fox being wounded by hunters asks the man do him a service but makes clear that, if he agrees to, the result will be costly to him. The man hurries the fox home and takes care of the fox, healing his wounds and caring for him over the next four months. the fox then takes off and the man is hit with all manner of bills associated with the foxes care. Should the man be held to pay? Asia thinks for a moment and then says yes. When Adonia asks why Asia says because these were fees associated with the foxes care and relate to the service only if the foxes care was the service requested by the fox. But in the event it was not, the fox could choose to mitigate the cost of his care by compensating the man for his service requested if the man agreed. But still the man should pay for the care of the fox even if the man didn’t agree to render the service that the fox requested if it was different then his care.
Adonia then smiles warmly at Asia and says that she likes her answer so much that she will give her a gift. She pulls a pair of satellizer style glasses out of her backpack and gives them to her. Asia is befuddled at first. She thanks Adonia but insists that she’s always had 20/20 vision. Adonia asks her to try them on while reading. When she does Adonia says they look splendid. She pulls a bible from her backpack and asks that Asia tries them on this. Asia turns away in expectation of all manner of pain but Adonia is insistent. She opens the book for Asia, apparently to a random page, but when Asia turns around to read it she finds that, not only is she pain free, it happens to be opened to what had always been her favorite passage. Asia is ecstatic and looks at Adonia almost in tears and thanks her. Adonia then says she has to hurry to class as Issei comes back with the bento. He had purchased one for Adonia as well but gives it to Asia who is reading away with a smile. He watches as her graceful form fades in the crowd.
Later in the afternoon at house grimory Asia is humming and reading her bible. Riess takes notice and inquires as to her newfound ability. She explains about the glasses and Riess asks to try them. They do not work on her and she is wracked with pain. Kiba now tries and gets the same result. Ankeno opts to leave them alone in that she has never had much interest in that book. Kanako suggests that their benefit may be specific to Asia. Riess inquires as to how Asia was able to acquire them. Asia explains that the new girl gave them to her after she solved a riddle. Riess’ look becomes more serious now. She asks Asia to recount everything that happened and recite this riddle exactly as it was told to her. She does at which point Riess’ look becomes worried. She tells Kiba and kanako that they are to find out as much as possible about this girl. Asia begins to argue that all seems harmless, but Riess tells her that she is just making sure that Issei’s overactive gonads aren’t getting him in trouble again. She explains to Asia that the riddle isn’t a riddle at all but a message to Riess.
In the evening Issei is walking Adonia home. She stops for a moment and gives him a new Ipod. He is taken aback by her offer but insists he has no way of compensating her for it. She says he is being silly. As they walk along they pass a bus bench and she asks if he will sit with her a moment. The moon is full and the evening quiet and he agrees. She asks that he try the I-pod and share a phone. He complies. The music is that of D. Sancious: prelude number 3. He says the music is strange to him. She asks him where it might take him if he were to open himself to it. He says he doesn’t understand, to which she answers that its nuances may lie between the voices. Suddenly, his chest begins to glow and his gaze becomes distant. He acknowledges this after a bit of listening, and he agrees that this is quite piece. He asks to play it a again, and to this she chuckles that he should feel free to look for anything he wishes on it. She tells him that she is going to sit on the bench for a while and that he should continue home. He thanks her again for the I-pod and goes on his way. She bids him farewell.
As she sees his head cross the horizon she then greets another.
“So perhaps I should leave this seat to you then.” She says to Madame Grimory.
“Not at all. I mean you two seemed to be really getting along. What girl wouldn’t find that intriguing on a night like this?” To this, Adonia says nothing in response. “It’s on nights like this that life’s most wonderful events tend to occur. wouldn’t you agree?” Adonia’s counter is swift but reserved.
“Certainly the goings on between 2 schoolmates could occur on any evening, but I must also admit that such times and spaces should lend themselves to a certain forthrightness between individuals in discourse.” She smiles as she gazes at the moon. “A good evening to you ma’am.” As Riess’ eyes turn to the girl we see that she has already disappeared and is walking away behind her.
“This fox certainly treads carefully”, she notes to herself.
The next morning, during a girls football game Kanako and Kiba are on opposite sides of the field with video cameras taking in the action. Kanako expresses dismay at having to spend the day watching some chicks’ rack jiggle. Suddenly, during an attack on the opposing goal, Adonia leaps into the air and redirects a pass across the front of the field-side of the crease into the upper right corner of the goal with what appears to be a perfectly timed roundhouse. Even Konako is impressed by the amount of skill. Adonia is promptly mobbed by her teammates and the game goes on.
Later at house Grimory the news is dire. Kiba and Konako or processing the video images and enhancing them on computers. Riess comes in and immediately inquires as to their progress.
Konako: “Well we cant say for sure what exactly this thing is, but we can definitely say that its not human.”
Riess: “Really? Show me.”
Konako: “Ok. Here’s the footage of the goal she scored in the second period. Now lets slow it down to a crawl.This is where she leaps….and now the kick.”
Riess: “It looks pretty good but not out of the ordinary in terms of what humans are capable of.”
Konako: “And that’s what gives it away. Lets go back to the leap. notice that the foot extends as it should naturally, but that theres little to no tensure in the calf muscle. The same can be said for the quadriceps. Now look at the kicking leg. You can clearly see that the quads were completely relaxed as if the individual were reclining.
Riess: “I see.”
Konako:”But that’s not enough, even though anatomically speaking that kick should not have taken place. Lets’ presume for a moment that it was actually a human that executed this maneuver. I mean I can think of lots of players around the world who could without busting a sweat. But there’s one thing all of them would have to do without exception: at the point of contact with the ball during a kick this difficult, they’ld have to have at least one eye on the ball. But look where she’s looking. At a fixed point across the top of the crowd.”
Riess: “So she happened to be looking at the crowd. I mean that’s all that’s there.”
Konako: “Yes. I thought the same thing until I saw Kiba’s footage. Here it is from the direction she’s looking. Wait for it. There is what she was looking at at the point of impact.”
Riess: “The crowd?”
Konako:”One would think, were it not for a strange coincidence: If we zoom past the crowd just enough what do we see coming up the road?”
Riess: “Issei and Asia.”
Konako:”Begging the following questions: Did she make this kick to help her team or just to get an oggle at Issei? And more importantly: How could she have known that this was the point to get a look at him since he’s on his bike and we’re talking about 2 separate vectors of motion, each separated from the other by the crowd?”
Kiba: “Thankfully, there’s more concrete and irrefutable proof of something amiss in the same footage that is not point of view dependent.”
Konako:”Yes but you have to admit mines certainly more colorfull and appealing to the girl.”
Kiba: “On the previous day the grass was clipped in preparation for the game the following day, and in the wee hours of the morning it rained for about an hour. As you can plainly see in the same footage the kids are all wearing cleats and that the field is wet. And as one should expect there are grass clippings covering their shoes. But look at her shoes. Not a single blade or drop of water. And if we roll the footage back a few steps before the kick we see the terrible truth. If you roll the footage backward or forward at this point it makes no difference because as you can clearly see….”
Riess: “There are no footprints.”
Kiba: “Leading to the obvious conclusions that either this thing is not there and that this was a mass delusion, or that it is there and that these things in fact happened.”
Konako:”And its this issue that’s easily proven by the one constant object in the game that never changed: the ball. We checked. Its just a plain old everyday football courtesy of some local sports retailer that really doesn’t matter.”
Riess:”You’re really quite the detective duo it seems.” She gives a slight smile, “So weve determined its not human mind telling me what it is then?”
Konako: “Not at this time. But that is one advantage of my point of view dependent analysis. If one were to conclude that magic had to be at play, while we don’t know what this is or how powerful it is, we know that this magic is being expertly wielded and with ridiculous levels of control. Because the anatomical analysis shows without a doubt that even if the goal was a pure matter of luck, this thing took great pains to restrain the kick.”
Kiba: “the ball never exceeded normal structural stresses associated with such a kick and never traveled faster or slower than it should have at any point in the game.”
Riess: “Too bad. I wouldn’t have thought twice about a pretender. But since our darling Issei has the hots for it, it looks like its going to be another busy night.”
Later in the evening, Adonia and Issei are walking home.
Adonia: “Issei this may seem a little forward of me, but would you like to play a game with me?”
In his mind Issei now conjures images of debauchery with the girl, and Adonia, being fully aware of this, gives a shy but slightly loving smile.
Issei: “What kind of game?”
Adonia: “It’s really a kind of exercise I suppose, in which the individual is attempting to align the spirit and the body of 2 separate individuals to act in concert, but in the absence of a physical connection. If you use your Ipod and put on a piece of music which inspires you it will help to guide your movement. It will be both of our jobs to determine the movement of the other, maintain our distance but not ever touching. Would you like to try?”
Issei: “Sure why not.”
Adonia: “If we touch we must stop and start again. The idea is to see how long we can go without touching, and at the same time stay in concert. If you open your heart in the same way you did with the music you may find this to be a help. So we will begin with our arms extended with me standing in front of you with my back to. I must follow your movement though I cannot see you.”
Issei: “OK ill try not to make it too hard.” Adonia chuckles at this.
Adonia: “its not a math quiz silly. Just relax and let the spirit move you.”
They begin slowly to the sounds of Sancious once again playing in his ear. She follows his motion without fail. His chest once again begins to glow. Their movements become less stained and more elegant and congruent. As his chest glows brighter their movement becomes other worldly in their defiance of inertia and gravity, but never lacking in grace and always in concert.
Issei: “I see it now. Perfect harmony, throughout the spectrum of existence. Madame President we have to do this. The experience is…. truly….” His focus is interrupted by the voice of another and he falls but lands upright. Adonia does this also in concert.
Riess: “And one day you and I may do such things together. But right now I must ask something difficult of you.”
Issei: “Madame Grimory. It’s not what you think. We were just…”
Riess: “You needn’t explain. But I need you to do something for me.”
Issei: ” Of course Madame President. What do you need.”
Riess: ” I need you to step away from her. Right now.”
Issei: ” Wait. Madame President. This is a misunderstanding.”
Riess: ” Possibly. But right now I need this from you.”
Adonia: “It’s alright Issei. I’ll make it easier and walk away myself.”
Riess: “Not this time monster.”
Issei: “Wait. you’ve got it wrong.”
Konako: “Oh put it back in you’re pants you moron. You think we’d be here if she was human?”
Issei: “What’s going on?”
Adonia: “Issei I would ask that you do a service to everyone here, and comply with the wishes of your mistress.”
Issei: “What?”
Adonia: “Her words, however upsetting to your sensibilities right now, wear a ring of purest sterling, and eminate from the very fountain of guardianship.”
Issei: “But…”
Adonia: ” In the purest sense of the words inhuman and monster she is correct for my existence in this place cannot be so.” She walks toward Riess and bows down on one knee. “I would now petition the great Madame Grimory to allow her minions Issei and Asia to take their leave so that they need not be tainted by the business between us.”
Kiba: “Divide and conquer is it? Please.”
Adonia: “The nature of this petition lies not in tactical advantage or disadvantage.”
Riess: “You’re not in much of a position to negotiate. What leads you to believe I would agree to such a thing.”
Adonia: “Even in the farthest reaches of existence, the discernment of she who would head the house of Grimory is well known. While it is true that I do not bend to your authority on this plane of existence or any other, I must recognize and respect its virtue nonetheless. In the cases of Issei and Asia, it would constitute an unnecessary complication to an already delicate state of affairs, for them to bear witness any further to these proceedings.”
Riess: “Hmmmm. And what, pray tell, is in it for me?”
Adonia: “I cannot attest to the value of what I bear, either to you or anyone else. But let it be sufficient that my words be heard in this way. If you do not find them useful, at least they were prevented from falling upon the unadulterated ear.”
Konako: “Pretty words that offer nothing. Typical drama queen if you ask me.”
Adonia: “Little Konako, whose strength approaches one of the many pillars of existence. One should try to remember that it would be fraud to offer that which one does not have in any transaction.”
Konako: “Oh man can I have her? Just for a little while?”
Issei: “Hey! Nobodies attacking anyone!”
Riess: “Very well. Ill agree to you’re request. Issei take Asia home.”
Issei: ” Um. well, are you sure?”
Riess: “Try doing as I say for once in your life. I mean it’s just a conversation after all.”
Issei: “Ok. ok. I’m going.” He steps to Adonia who is still bowing down. “Listen I’m sorry about this. I had a wonderful time but I gotta go.”
Adonia: ” Of course. There’s always tomorrow.” He drives off.
Riess: “So whats on youre mind?”
Adonia: “To coin a phrase: The current rate of exchange for a human soul.”
Riess: “Go on.”
Adonia: “Your current concern with my agenda is certainly understandable. In that neither of us could truly be held to answer to the other, the fact that Issei has demonstrated an affinity for that which I am is of little consequence in the scheme of things. There have been no casualties, no unwarranted release of nonexistential phenomenae associated with such intercourse, and in that he is at this point in your charge, I take no umbrage with your response to my presence here. However, you should be aware that the intensity of that affinity is a direct consequence of the means by which you came to possess the soul in question and, by proxy, the sacred gear which is a part of him.”
Riess: “Well aren’t you the righteous one all of the sudden.”
Adonia: “Unfortunately, this means, if it would have limited itself to the soul of the crimson red dragon, would have been sufficient to satisfy those forces which would govern the willful exchange of souls, in that a dragon soul, however powerful it can be said to be, obeys a different set of cosmic principles.”
Riess: “So?”
Adonia: “The conflict arose when you used the same event to acquire the boy’s soul. In the case of a human soul, the compensation to all forces in play must be commensurate with the purity, girth, gravity, and consciousness inherent in such a soul, and since the boy, pure in all respects at that point was given no choice or reasonable vehicle of escape in the transaction, suitable compensation was all the more exorbitant. It is my duty to inform you that compensation will be made by you, Madame Riess of the house of Grimory in full.”
Riess: “And I take it that you are here to collect?”
Adonia: “I am only a messenger. I do not come to enforce such wills. As you already are aware, the only acceptable means of satisfying compensatory requirements are dissolution, rendition, or default transferal. The obvious choice of these three would be dissolution; The one which most appealed to you when you undertook this atrocity.”
Riess: “So what’s the problem?”
Adonia: “If there is a problem it no doubt lies in exorbitancy of the payment rather than the means which you have chosen to remit. Over the last two years you have become aware of a painful reality that was inherent in your plan from the beginning, but would not make itself known until now.”
Riess: “And what’s that?”
Adonia: “Your original plan was that you would mitigate the cost of compensation by seeing to it that the soul was kept uncorrupted. You would further make attempts to improve the boys lot by attempting to mentor the soul for the better. A most noble and thoughtful enterprise on the surface, but unfortunately unsound, resulting in the inescapable paradox that haunts you now: This idea caused the price to go up rather than down in that the more one invests with the idea of holding off compensation, the more powerful and attractive the soul becomes, making the loss all the greater in the end. And so, in that the projected payment has reached such proportions that you now find yourself desperately searching for alternatives, I am pleased to inform you that there is in fact one with which to avail yourself. A fourth choice which was not available at the time due to the expediency your plan served.”
Riess: “I see. And I’m to believe this, why?”
Adonia: “What you choose to believe is of no consequence. Only the action taken matters.”
Riess: “Ok so what’s this choice?”
Adonia: “In order to make it apparent to you I would ask to approach you for the purpose of making it clear.”
Konako: “Yeah sure”
Akeno: “I’ve got a place for you if you really want to get close.” Adonia ignores this and raises her hand toward Riess. She allows a pendant to fall from her hand. It is in the shape of 2 elongated diamonds joined at the ends by a small bauble.” Riess’ chest begins to glow.
Riess: “Vibrating the chest cavity to produce a quantum glow. Childsplay.”
Adonia: “Perhaps, but if you look to see what is actually glowing you may be able to understand.” Riess lowers her eyes a bit.
Riess: “It’s…its nothing really.”
Adonia: “On the contrary. It’s the single most important requirement of the fourth choice: The making of place. This gambit on your part is what makes the fourth alternative possible. A place reserved for the perfect soul to find peace and the company of a complimentary soul joined in harmony. This place makes you unique among demon kind.”
Riess: “It’s just a silly dream really. All little girls have them at some time or another.”
Adonia: “A sterling droplet but little more in that you undertook to create this place when Issei, at the expense of his own arm and with his life soon to be yielded, pulled you from the clutches of Raiser, and in doing so laid the foundation for this place which now materialized within you from what was once a silly girl’s fantasy.”
Riess: “You don’t get it. This sort of idea is impossible.”
Adonia: “Were that so, we would certainly have no reason to meet. Your assertion bases itself in the very notion that you work so tirelessly to promote in Issei: That in order for the spirit to be truly fulfilled he must conquer and ultimately transcend his animal nature. In this you are surely wise, but in order to satisfy the fourth alternative you must also do the same and transcend your own devil nature. This is the most difficult step for one such as yourself who has come to rely on craft and guile as a means of fabricating desired outcomes, because, unfortunately, any outcomes associated with this choice cannot be fabricated and are left strictly to chance. This choice requires that you transcend your thirst for power and dominion over the soul in the name of vanity and for the purpose of staving off the misery and loneliness which must follow a lifetime of such pursuit. This choice requires that you return all that you have taken from Issei along with all intrinsic improvements you have put into his soul, with no expectations, no promise of fulfillment to you whatsoever. You will undertake this of your own free will and with only the hope that the improvements you have made and the place that you have prepared within your own existence would be sufficient to bring him back into your arms. But unlike dissolution, you would be under no obligation to never contact the individual again. At all times you would retain a somewhat reasonable chance of realizing what was once a silly girls dream. Furthermore, in the event that your dream were realized in this way, you would now enjoy the benefit of being able to transact forthrightly for the same soul, but this time with a surety that all interests concerned would be satisfied.”
Riess: “But there are still other considerations that far outweigh such possibilities. As you know my lot is sealed in brimstone and the only thing that I offer anyone are the curses and misfortunes of existence. Where, monster, does the chance of such an outcome lie in these? You say that my lot lies in the slim chance that a wholesome thing should find true fulfillment in the arms of a loathsome thing, but what reasonable individual runs toward the open mouth of a lion in the hopes of a full life? A man would truly be a fool to run headlong to me who stands before you with little more than a bucket of curses to bestow, while just 2 or 3 steps away, in any direction stands a worthy maiden holding the grail of blessings.”
Adonia: “Shame: the first tier of self-loathing. It can be most insidious and blinding in its creep through the heart and mind. For herein lays the crippling notion that only nice girls qualify for a mans heart. You have marshaled it in the form of fear which is fundamental to your demonic power, a formidable power in its own right, but even this was not enough to hold back the place that has been made for your Issei. Perhaps you can find a line of sight through its many folding shadows and see that its not at all impossible that a man, strong of body, heart, and soul should seek out your bargaining table amid so many tables with these things in hand, to acquire once and for all, the blackening of his soul he so longs for at your hands.”
Riess: “You are truly the worst kind of monster. You would propose the loss of all that is held dear in the name what? The chance to find myself, a noble devil, waddling about in my house, having been fattened alive by the soul of a mere boy, and spilling all manner of misfortune on my floor as though the growth of which should serve anyone? I am the instrument of vengeance and fortune’s check. Without my hand all runs amok. You would propose my existence is little more than a phase of adolescence. Such insolence.”
Adonia: “Pride: the final foothold of the unfounded stance.”
Riess: “Kiba have your way.”
With blazing speed Kiba prepares a debilitating thrust. But Adonia takes the full force of it without moving through the left chest. Kiba is aghast at her lack of pain even as her blood covers his hand.”
Adonia: “Yuuto Kiba: The truest guardian of accuracy and precision, in whose mighty hand such a fine blade has once again found its mark. Rend now the flesh on behalf of your mistress and do us both honor.”
Kiba:(quietly)”Whoever you are, know that I take no pleasure in this.” He turns back toward his mistress withdrawing the blade in a streaming trail of blood spatter. he returns the blade to its scabbard and walks away, head down.
Adonia: “Well done.”
On the way back both Issei and Asia become aware of the fighting. So he over boosts his sacred gear and blazes back in the direction of Riess.
Riess: ” Akeno, I don’t care if she keeps talking. But I demand she does so on her knees.”
Adonia: “Akeno: Through whose hand all senses must pass. She believes the highest measure of sensation lies between the extremes of pleasure and pain.” Akeno begins to unload all manner of magic against her. “Ultimately it is the notion of struggle which you pursue, for pleasure and pain are, in the end, unrelated.” Adonia falls to one knee under the onslaught. “Take heart in that the virtues of serenity will be known to you nonetheless.”
Akeno: “You’re no fun at all.”
Riess: “Use your mandala.”
Adonia: “Mandala: a semi-gelatinous quantum rope. It’s strength is ultimately determined by the channeler’s attunement.”
Issei now arrives to find his mistress enraged, and Adonia bound and heavily bleeding.
Issei: “Madame President! What are you doing?!” He races forward and catches the form of Adonia as it falls forward into his arms. “My mistress. How could you do this?”
Adonia: “Your worry is misplaced noble Issei. Look instead to your mistress now.”
Issei turns to look at Riess who’s skin has become a strange kind of purple. Her muscles flex mightily in the moonlight and her face is that of death itself. “This is Madame Grimory being consumed by the fear of losing that which is most treasured. In your arms she may find enough comfort to take away her fears and calm her rage. This falls to you who would love her for all time Issei. For this is the meaning of for better or for worse. Honor her now when she is most in need of your hand and let the truth find you.”
Issei: “Yes of course.” Riess strides toward them with a purpose, now in the fullness of demonic rage. She is quite taller, beefier, and for the first time that Issei can remember, looking outright mean. He reaches his hands straight out and wraps tight around her waist. “Tell me Riess, please. What can I do to make this stop. Whatever it is I……I’m right here.”
Riess: “Still you would accede to the demands of this self-righteous bitch rather than obey your mistress. Are my tits not making it for you these days?” With one hand she lifts him up by his throat. “You had to interfere. For what? To cop another feel?” Is it not enough that I would give all that is house Grimory on your behalf? Exactly what the fuck can I do for your perverted ass now?”
Issei: “This! Whatever is causing this! give it me! I’ll Take it. Go ahead. It’s OK.”
Riess: “What? I would give you the worlds knowledge and understanding, but you are asking for this? Why?”
Issei: “Because….because…..its hurting you. I cannot stand that you should be hurt. It…..It’s just not going to stand. And that’s why I’m here. I’m right here for you…..mistress.”
Upon hearing this, her face seems to express genuine surprise, then a strange kind of fright, and then it seems to succumb to dismay. But then, with a horrifying scream, she hurls him into the air above and prepares a heavily enchanted right cross in the direction of Adonia. But as her fist leaves downtown, Adonia gracefully raises her hand to the heavens, stopping Issei’s travel upwards and suspending him in midair. As the punch heads home Adonia allows the pendant to fall from her hand again. Akeno’s mandala falls away to reveal Adonias wounds have vanished. The top diamond of the pendant now divides in three to create a Holy Cross and around it a circle of light begins to form. Time seems to slow to a crawl as the revelation hits Riess. Riess’ face now shows geniuine fear.”
Riess: “Impossible.” Adonia’s clothing seems to simply fall away with her eyes still looking toward Issei in complete ignorance of Riess’ fist, now frozen in time at Adonia’s right cheek. Asia now comes running up the road to her mistress. She reaches for Riess’ arm and grabs it and as she does the rage completely leaves the face of Madame Grimory. She uses her arm to try to shield Asia from Adonia and try to push her behind her own body. “Everyone!” Kiba, Akeno, and Kanako now begin running in her direction in slow motion. “Runn!”
Kiba:”What?”
Akeno: “Eh?”
Konako: “No chance.”
At this point all three are slammed face down into the ground. Suddenly, a powerful flash of light engulfs them, and little Asia’s face peers out from behind the arm of Madame Grimory. With a thunderous crack that produces a shock wave in all direction Adonia spreads her wings and rises slowly skyward.”
Asia: “Woooowwwwww!! That is so cool! Adonia-chan….a class 1 Archangel?” She allows a tear to fall as she beholds Adonia in her glory and drops her knees.
Adonia: “Little Asia whose prayers bring such joy and inspiration to the highest ears. Your faith doth inspire the light you see, even from the lot which has befallen you. Hold now the hand of your mistress that she may bear witness to a tragedies undoing, and keep the most high in your heart as he keeps you in his own. For if nothing else…” she now teleports to the right ear of Asia. “….we hold you to be just the cutest little devil.” Asia leans forward and weeps to herself.
Asia: “Thank you so much.” She takes the hand of Madame Grimory as Adonia looks for the first time into Madame Grimories eyes directly.
Riess: “You cant do this. You mustn’t.” Adonia’s eyes are terribly purposefull now and pitch black. Her gaze is as the sharpest of swords.
Adonia: “It is not by my hand that his heart sits on sunders edge, but by your own.”
Riess: “Yes! I admit it! I cast him down in my despair! But by what right do you now lay claim to his heart?”
Adonia: “It is sinful enough that you would attempt to destroy that hallowed place you made in you’re own heart. For this, it is not my place to judge. But because you have attempted to unmake such a place in the heart of this boy, Your guardianship can no longer be regarded as anything other than sacrilege. In that you have already demonstrated your utter disregard for the sanctity of any transaction between you and the soul that is Issei, compensation will be made forthwith and in full.”
Riess: “Noooo!!!”
Asia: “Madame Grimory?”
Riess: “I cant stop it! She’s going to kill him! What am I going to…..?!” Asia pulls Madame Grimory to her knees and grasps her hands. “Asia, whats…?”
Asia: Dear Lord. My name is Asia. I’m in the care of Madame Grimory whom you probably know already. Please help us. Madame Grimory tries so hard with all the people around her, and Issei is like family to us. I’m not one to criticize usually but on behalf of Madame Grimory I have to ask this of you. I mean we kinda want the same things right? We want people to take the path that is the right one and Madame Grimory uses her power for this all the time, but this time she made a mistake. But she is trying hard and I have to admit that I cant see why Issei has to die either. I mean, how is she supposed to show these poor souls the right way, if you keep taking all the really good ones for yourself? Where’s the example in that? But still, you’re The most high and can do ultimately what you deem right. I understand, but please find a way so we can still have our Issei. Because Madame Grimory is really worth it too. Her heart is good in it’s own way. And Issei’s is like…..we’d all give anything for a heart like that. And together they always do the right things.” In tears now, Riess pulls little Asia close to her as she looks upward to see Issei and Adonia continuing the dance as before in slow motion. Suddenly, Adonia reaches out to him and, with her index finger draws the sign of the cross upon his chest in light. She then returns to in concert motion. They begin to slowly revolve in opposition to eachother, and Issei’s chest begins to open revealing a cross shaped gaping wound that is through and through. It keeps spreading until the heart is revealed, pumping, having been completely debrided and disconnected from anything else. It seem to simply seems to float weightless in the center of his otherwise wide open chest pumping normally. there is no blood or gore, just the revelation.
Adonia: “I am Adonael, and it is by my hand that this child is rendered unto the pantheon of Cerise for audit on this day. What say you as to his destiny?”
Now Issei’s body is laid out recumbent against the sky as the form of Adonael comes upright alongside of it. She peruses the heart, and as her light passes through the cross shaped chasm in his chest, Madame Grimory now sees his chest laid open and does the only thing that is left her. She screams his name to the heavens in despair as her own chest shows a glow that is unmistakable in any light. As her scream reaches his ear, he awakens.
Issei: “Riess. I’m coming!” But he still does not move any differently in body. Instead, a powerfull flash of slightly bluish light begins to blaze from his chest and Adonael is overtaken by it.
Adoneal: “This souls light is…..the gravity!……It is as…..I see now. It was….perfidy. The error of Job I have clearly undertaken as work. Forgive my arrogance in this action most high and knowing. I will render payment for such on behalf of all parties forthwith, forthrightly and in full. For I can no longer find the will….to rend this soul again.”
Instantly she slams to the ground about six paces in front of Madame Grimory.
Adonael: “Take heart little Asia, for a way has surely been found.” As Madame Grimory stares aghast at her, Adonael raises her face to Issei once more and blasts an incredible stream of light skyward. This time the energy and shock are of cataclysmic proportions, knocking back Riess who carefully cradles Asia. The beam passes straight through the open chest of Issei causing the heart to glow as a star in the heavens, while the ground gives way around Adonael causing a crater to form, small at first, but gradually deepening and widening. Finally, as the light of the angel is expended, the body of Issei floats back to earth and gently alights at the feet of Madame Grimory. The heart is still ablaze and beating strongly, but now blood begins to pool in the gap of the cavity.”
Riess: “Asia. help him. Hurry.”
Asia: “Issei. This is…..its…..”
Riess: “Everyone help!” Akeno, and Kiba begin chanelling power at Asia. Riess steps to the edge of the crater to see the remains of the angel now covered head to toe in a kind of highly buffed and closely jointed metal of various types and colors. Her wings are now as ranks of cylindrical steel bars. Her face is now vieled in metal and her pendant now appears in the same shape as before, but upside down. Riess snarls as she sees Adonia attempting to find the strength to stand.”
Asia: “It’s not working!” Riess runs back to Issei to find his eyes staring skyward and the still glowing heart starting to slow.
Riess: “I know its hard Asia but….” She is suddenly startled to hear the voice of Issei.
Issei: “Riess. I’m coming. Just Hold on. I’m …” Asia’s eyes are fillng with tears now, as the heart continues to slow. Suddenly her whole body begins to glow.
Adonia: “Little Asia, be of good cheer.” As the glow increases Riess notices the heart steady it’s pace. She follows the aura back toward the crater to see a steel hand raised in their direction.
Asia: “It’s….its working.” The blood pool seems to reverse as if by magic and the flesh tightens around the steadily beating heart as the wound slowly closes.
Issei: “Riess. I’m……here.” He passes out again.
Asia: ” We have to get him home.” Riess looks back to see the form of Adonia struggling to climb out of the crater, and into the light of dawn. She is completely nude and still smoking. her face reflects only despair and remorse. Riess makes a portal and they disappear with the exception of Riess. She walks back to Adonia who sits alone and covers her with a shroud.
Riess: “I hope it was worth it bitch.”
Adonia: “His recovery will take some time, but he will be whole.”
Riess: “Try not to let me see you again. It wouldn’t be good for any one if you do.”
Adonia: “You do me too much honor, great madame. Do with me what you will, for whatever you choose, it’s more than I deserve.” Riess has already ported away by this time.

At a bus stop in town sits a tall, powerfully built, black man with a backpack. Madame Setri comes by and sits down. She is casually dressed and she carries a medium sized purse. Neither says anything to the other. A shadow of a male figure soon runs by and attempts to snatch the purse. She wont let go. The black man stands up and from the back pocket of the assailant a knife is drawn, and the assailant lays open Madame Setri’s arm with a swift swing, but still she wont release the purse. The black man then proceeds to disarm the assailant, then subdue him but at the last moment the assailant escapes while clutching what seems to be a violently separated shoulder.
He then turns back to Madame Setri who is bleeding and clutching her purse. He squats down and reaches for her arm, and she immediately pulls away as if protecting the purse. He tries to calm her a bit even though she is not expressing fear of any kind. He then quickly strong-arms the purse from her, and as she is starting to express a scowl, he quickly shoves the purse under her uninjured arm and raises his own hands.
Black man: “Ok? See? No purse.” He now beckons Madame Setri to give him her injured arm. She does, but timidly. “I’m not going to hurt you, but I need to have a look at the arm.” He gently rolls up her sleeve. He then covers the gash with his hand and there is a greenish glow. He also expresses some pain. When he removes his hand the wound is gone and theres just a small bruise. He sits down on the ground as if recovering from something himself. “It’ll hurt a little for a few hours, but then it’ll be gone. Please um…please don’t tell nobody. OK?”
Setri: “Why’s that?”
Black man: “Cuz its fucked up. People think I’m a fuckin’…. Please…miss.”
Setri: “Not very natural is it?”
Black man: “Yeah right.” He looks up and sees she is wearing a police badge.
Setri: “James Hicks. Youre under arrest.”
Black man: “What?”
Setri: “The charge is purse snatching.”
Black man: “You can’t be for real.” Other officers are handcuffing him now.
Setri: “Real as red beans and rice….homie.”
Black man: “What the fuck kinda..? Yo man, get up off me!” Later at the station James is brought into an empty room handcuffed and sat in a chair by 2 officers. They close the door behind them as they leave. A half a minute later Madame Setri appears again with Madame Grimory in tow. The 2 of them start interviewing him.
James: “I’m not sayin shit. I’m not coppin to shit. I want a lawyer.”
Setri: “Good. Then you can listen.”
James: “No way. Not without a lawyer.”
Setri: “Well, he doesn’t wanna talk and he says he wont listen so….”
Grimory: “Oh? But if we do it my way things could get….complicated.”
Setri: “You’re right. But hey, the guys talkin’ laywers here. Do we really have time for booking, and phone calls, and court appearances,” she looks up at James now with a smirk, “and who knows what other kind of shit that we really don’t give a shit about?” She opens a file folder.
James: “What the fuck do you motherfuckers want then!?”
Grimory: “You don’t want to answer our questions but we should naturally answer yours?”
James: “Yeah, right. Like I arrested you for nothing.”
Setri: “Wow. Look at this. He really is just off the plane like an hour or 2 ago. Man, did you know that he was sentenced to finish high school here by a judge in Houston.”
Grimory: “Trashy Americans.”
Setri: “Get this. A high ranking diplomat approved the agreement. Apparently the judge was well connected.”
Grimory: “Really? Why would we allow them to send their trash over here? The judge had to be crooked.”
James: “That’s not true.”
Setri: “Oh come now, James. Everyone knows the only people that can…”
James: “Judge Mack wasn’t no crook. He was tryin to….”
Grimory: “Trying to what?”
James: “He was trying to…help me. Look just call the man he’ll tell you everything. He ain’t hidin’ nothing.”
Setri: “Oh yeah. Cuz when you’re dealin’ on that level you don’t have to hide anything right?”
James: “It’s not like that!”
Grimory: “Really? A judge get’s on the phone and makes it all ok, and makes you disappear. Tell me. When does this happen and the judge is not crooked.”
Setri: “Oh wait. Here it is. Last year James was one of the most highly scouted high school sophomore athletes in NCAA history. The NBA even tried to alter their recruitment rules regarding high schoolers to get a crack at him.”
Grimory: “So whats that got to do with a crooked judge?”
James: “He wasn’t crooked.”
Setri: “Wait….he could be right. Look at this. One of the schools that recruited him the heaviest was the judges’ alma-mater. And the diplomat was a classmate of that judge. He could be telling the truth.”
James: “It’s not supposed to work like this.” He’s becoming distraught now. “I did the right thing. I was just sittin’ there and this thing happened and I made the good choice. I told him I would do that and I did it.”
Riess: “Told Who.”
James: “Judge Mack. That was what he asked of me. He said it wasn’t always possible to make the right choice in situations, but that he would be satisfied if I just made what my heart told me was the good choice. And I did that.”
Riess: “And you cant understand why you now find yourself arrested for snatching miss Setri’s purse from under her left arm and placing it under her right.”
James: “Right.”
Setri: “Oh, come on James. Nobody gets arrested for that.”
James: “So then…..?” Riess waves her hands and his cuffs simply fall away to the floor.
Riess: “You know James I cant help but ask why you haven’t once asked miss Setri why she isn’t saying what really happened?”
James: “Well…What do you mean?”
Riess: “She accused you of a crime you didn’t commit. You didn’t once accuse her of misrepresenting the facts in the case, or accuse her of lying.”
James: “Well….you know these things have a way of….bein’ looked at from different….points of view. If she says she saw it this way then…”
Riess: “That’s a great answer. Just reasonable enough to get a cop not to inquire further. Right?”
James: “What are you getting at?”
Setri: “Oop. There it is.”
Riess: “No question.”
James: “Look. Can I go?”
Setri: “Not this time James.”
James: “Why? What did I do?”
Riess: “You didn’t answer my question for one. Why didn’t you at least ask Miss Setri to stop misrepresenting the facts?” James seems to search his brain for an answer. “It’s alright. I’ll tell you. The reason is because it turns out that you’re a cannibal James.”
James: “Oh man.” he starts laughing. “I went from purse snatchin’ to eatin’ people.
Riess: “Listen now James. Cannibalism is the consumption of human flesh. In your case you do this as a means of healing.” James face becomes more serious now. He turns hurriedly to Setri.
James: “You went and told…”
Riess: It’s right there James. You see it? What you would call a bruise on her left arm is actually a residual effect of the means you used. It’s called shadow healing. Shadow healing demands the exchange of something for a desired effect to materialize. But you see, you’re a human, mortal. So the only thing you can really give is flesh. Youre a fairly large young man so you feel that you can afford to be rather forthcoming in making this exchange.”
James: “So now it’s off to the experiments huh? I’ve got to be some sort of freak right?”
Setri: “Man fight the fear for a second. What you do is a gift, one that we can appreciate before anyone. Not because you fixed my arm, or aspire to such lofty, albeit totally incorrect ideas, but because it represents the true nature of what we do all the time, and ultimately, a kind of final truth about what existence really is. The fact that a human can do this is amazing now matter what side of the fence you’re on.”
James: “Well, umm. I’ve never heard it put quite that way before.”
Riess: “Of course not James. You’re from a place that is very weak with regard to higher existencial philosophies.”
Setri: “Or lower ones if you prefer. But right now we need to bring you up to speed on what’s going on. I mean I’m sure you’ve figured out that while we are the bitches that snatched you up off that bus stop, chances are we have nothing to do with local authorities of any kind.”
Riess: “Well put girl.”
James: “So then…. who the fuck are you people?”
Setri: “We’ll gladly tell you. But first we need to make absolutely sure we have your attention. So let’s see…” she looks around the empty room. “Oh. I know. Russian Roulette.”
Riess: “Double is faster. I mean….” They both draw 357 guns and start unloading them.
Setri: “Good idea. Why waste resources?” James begins to express fear. “Hey man calm down. They’re guns. See, you’re expressing fear right now and normally that would be good enough. But in this case we need a little more so….” They load 3 bullets each. “Let’s get started.” She spins the cylinder. “I am Madame Setri: Head of the noble house Setri. One of the last 3 noble houses of Hell.” she puts her pistol to Madame Grimory’s head and pulls the trigger. It clicks.
Riess: “Ooh. This is better than regular…you know?” Madame Grimory spins the cylinder.
Setri: “And this lady is Madame Grimory head of the noble house Grimory.” Riess takes aim at madame Setri”s head and pulls the trigger. It clicks gives a click.
James: “Hey wait. Please ladies!”
Riess: “Stay with us James. You’re so close now.” Setri spins her cylinder.
James: “Please! Why are you….?”
SetrI: “I’m a devil James and I’ve come for your soul.
James: “Look what do I gotta do to….?”
Riess: “Make it stop? Westerners. They’re so precious.” Setri pulls the trigger and there’s a click.
Setri: “Right now you think all of this is happening” Madame Grimory spins the cylinder “because of something you did, something you said. Typically Western. It has to be all about you.” Grimory points the gun at Setri and clicks.
Riess: “Ahhh! This is so cool.” she starts to spin the cylinder.
Setri: “This is happening to you because of the efforts of a third Noble house called Phoenix. Now, our main job is to make sure that what lies below stays below.” She spins the cylinder. “Phoenix wants your soul James and for those guys things like guile, craft, trickery,” she points the gun at Riess: click. “lawyers, mean nothing. They like force. The minute your plane touched down they started coming for you. Now we snatched your ass up because 53 seconds after we took off,” Riess spins the cylinder. “with you in the car, they showed up. And if we’d have left you there,” Riess puts the gun to Setri’s head. “there’d be no right choice, no questions and answers. Just…” Riess pulls the trigger and the gun fires, blowing the side of Setri’s head out, and spraying blood all over madame Grimorie’s clothing on the right side. Setri falls dead to the right of the table. James is horrified of course.
James: “Shhh! Oh fuck.” He Is clearly distraught now. “You shot the bitch!”
Riess: “Oh! Well. There you have it then.” she puts down the gun and turns to James.
James: “Oh god! How could you just… Oh Jesus.”
Riess: “Ok. calm down James. You see? That, right there. That’s it.”
James: “What are you talking about? What the fuck?!”
Riess: “That feeling you’re experiencing. The one that’s telling you that this is some horrible dream gone worse. Dread with a lot of shock, mixed with outrage and just the right amount of something else. Something that drives it home. Here James go examine the corpse. Come on. See?” He looks at Setri under the table, in a growing blood pool, chunks of brain laying about it.
James: “Damn.” He’s getting nauseated and more distraught.
Riess: ” There. Right there. What is that? Just say it James. You can do it. What do you wanna say?”
James: “I can’t…..”, he reaches out toward Setri and weeps to himself. “I cant fix this.”
Riess: “That’s right.” She gets up and helps him up. “Come on back honey. Sit down now. Come on.” He slumps back in his chair in shock and dismay. “You’re absolutely right. That feeling of helplessness, impotence, where there’s just no alternatives or wiggle room of any kind, and where you realize you have absolutely no power to change your circumstances or effect the outcome in the slightest: That’s what were looking for. I know it seems heavyhanded, but it’s necessary, otherwise we can’t be sure that were really connecting on a level where everybodies clear. Ok so now whats the point of all this? Well to make absolutely clear that Miss Setri here is gonna have your soul and there’s no changing that, no mitigating that, and that the only thing that you have to do with that is the fact that you have that power. And whats the point of this you may ask? The point is you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about, and there’s no inverted causal relationship. There’s no moral or ethical defect on your part which has lead to this. It’s simply befallen you, and that’s all.”
James: “So you had to shoot the lady….?!”
Riess: “Oh. No, no. James don’t let that lead you astray here. Three bullets per gun, two separate shots a round? Just the basic math says somebody’s going to get shot. But I tell you what. Come on look at me. I’m going to ask something now, and it’ll make you feel better.”
James: “Wh…What?”
Riess: “Well, I’m going to ask Miss Setri to stop scaring you and get back to the business at hand.”
James: “What?” From behind James right shoulder a voice appears.
Setri: “She gets to have all the fun.” He turns quickly to his right to find Madame Setri standing about two steps behind him, leaning against a wall.
James: “Oh God. What the…..” He jumps up in disbelief. “What the fuck!” He moves back toward the spot where Setri was laying. The blood and brains are still there.
Riess: “No, no. James don’t go there honey. No. no that’s despair. We don’t want you like that.”
Setri: “I’m fine James. Come sit down.”
James: “This is….crazy! I….”
Setri: “James. I’m right here.”
Riess: “Come on back honey were almost finished now….”
James: “Ya’ll crazy!” He runs toward the door but it’s locked. He sobs a bit and sits down.
Riess: “We have to finish James. Come on.” Setri comes and slowly sits down next to him. Her voice is more tender than assertive.
Setri: “It’s alright. Let’s just sit here for a moment and breathe, and be alive a little while. How about that.” His head snaps up and she is sitting next to him. The gaping wound in her head drying now. She stares ahead with a somber gaze. “Yeah, I understand. It’s hard to have a conversation with someone whose missing body parts, messy all over.” She gets up and moves to his other side. “Here look.” She sits down next to him. “See?” He peaks over his folded arm at her. “My good side, yes? Less messy, easier to talk to.” He gives a half chuckle “Yeah, see? It’s ok James you’re not corrupt in any way because you can see the humor in something like that. Look. See?” She gently lifts her left arm. “Remember this mark? It should be gone by now.
James: “Yeah. Why isn’t it? Maybe cuz you…”
Setri: “What?”
James: “Well, you got…” He points at her head.
Setri: “Yeah, well that’s a good try James but no. If you think about it I got a few marks tonight. But this mark, this is really a hell of a mark. It’s sort of like when a little girl gets her first valentine from a classmate she didn’t know cared, or her first piece of jewelry.” She wraps her arms tenderly around James arm. “I keep this because I’m that same girl who you would do anything to convince that the only thing that you ever wanted to take away from her was the hurt.”
James: “I see.”
Setri: “James that house Phoenix, their name represents all that should rise up from the lower places to overtake the higher ones. They’re a Noble house so they can operate up here so long as they follow the rules, and they generally do. But this mark here and the power you have to make such a mark is a function of the capacities of your soul. If Phoenix can get that soul, they’ll put it into something from below that can hold it. Then they’ll start enchanting it, amplifying it in magnitude, until it’s so powerfull it cant be stopped. At that point Phoenix will attack our Houses one at a time and we wont be able to hold them back. Then there will be only one Noble house up here and they can set their own rules. Now Madame Grimory and I, we need the humans James. We do.”
James: “Yeah for souls. Right?”
Setri: “No, No. It’s true that human souls are considered of the highest quality, generally speaking, but no. You can get a soul from just about anything that walks or crawls. No, we need humans because they are born and they grow, and they go outside and play and something changes. Then they grow bigger and get more ideas and more things change. Then they have babies and they grow old and they die and the whole thing just continues to change. I mean they do this so well most of the time they’re not even aware of it. They get up in the morning and piss and something changes. They give us images that take us to far away places, music and stories that cause us to soar. They build things because their bored, and invent things because they can. If it was just us and those guys up there then nothing would ever change. There’d be no reason to ever get out of bed.”
“If Phoenix becomes the only noble house on the surface, then it wont be long before those lower houses, the ones way down there, start making their presence felt up here. For them, the mention of humans only elicits the thought of something to be gotten out of the way. They don’t even bother to think of the taste of the meat. James, honey, What were saying is that it’s not just you that’s being bent over here. Do you think I got up this morning thinking ‘hey some guy named James Hicks is getting off a plane sometime today. Hey! I got me a soul this time.’ Please. James 3 hours ago I was spread out on the bed with my hand so far up my twat it was like discovering a new country, using the juice for nail polish remover. Do you really think I wanted to stop to snatch you off of some goddamn bus stop? But then there’s the basic problem right? I’m a devil, and you have absolutely no reason to believe anything I say.”
James: “Look I uh…I appreciate the offer….”
Setri: “Yeah. No matter how much sense I make to you, it’s just too much to expect that you should understand the concept. James there’s no offer, this is not a negotiation. I’m taking you. End of story honey. Now miss Grimory and I have decided that we can probably hold off Phoenix for about 24 hours, and then after that Raiser’s gonna definitely step up the operations. So then I’ll have to take you. Here.” She stands up. “Come on. Let’s just go back to the table. Were almost done. Come on honey just take my hand. It’s alright. It’s not poison.” He gets up slowly. “Come on. I’ll grab a seat next to you here.” She sits down to the right of him opposite Grimory now. Riess puts Setri’s purse on the table.
Riess: “So I take it, like, this stuff is no longer an issue here.”
Setri: “Oh. I forgot about that. Strange.” She looks at James and again her voice is almost a whisper. “Isn’t it kind of weird how this lame Coach knockoff, which ultimately means so little with regard to how you came to be sitting here, keeps coming up?”
James: “Uh yeah.”
Setri: “Look. Here’s about 200,000 dollars.” She pulls a stack of bills from the purse. “You take this and go sky diving. Then go buy a car and crash it or something. You could give it away to the poor or donate it to some church. You could go to a brothel and have them drain your balls till they look like salted pecans on the inside. Then have them wash you gently, and feed you, and cradle you in their arms, then screw you some more. You could take this and try to run as far away as you can. It wont help cuz I have my mark on you, but still you could have a great time trying to get away from me. Just take it and live. Really live and don’t feel any guilt or shame about it. Just enjoy being whole, and free, and, well….you.”
“If you run out and need more, or if for some reason you get bored or lonely. If there’s some girl you would like to meet but aren’t sure how to approach her. If you have a question or cant find your way somewhere you’ve really gotta go. Just call my name. Whisper it. If something scares you or you don’t want to be heard saying such an unholy name as mine, you can just think it. I’ll be right there James to show you just how lame my word is. My name is Sona Setri and I’m here for you. I will bring to bear your reassurance. I’ll bring a dumpster full of whatever it takes that you should walk tall and rock steady. You understand what I’m saying?”
James: “Uh, yeah. Yeah. But I don’t want the money. Thank you though.”
Setri: “Oh. Well I was just…. I see. I see it now. You think I’m trying to tempt you. No James. This time you’re wrong. This could be called, at best, a gratuity. You see you’re rendering me a service here, that being your soul. I can’t adequately compensate you for that. Souls don’t trade for money. There’s no dotted line here. But I understand. I’m a devil and not to be believed or dealt with to any degree. Ok. Let me then demonstrate the difference. Ok. First I want to tell you that temptation is the presentation of an object in accordance with anothers desire, but with the intent of obscuring an agenda. The easy way to remember it is that, generally speaking, the temptation comes first and then the agenda materializes.”
“So now. You see Madame Grimory there?” James looks up to see Madame Grimory, writing something on a form of some sort and gently moving in her chair. She seems to slowly, gently undulate in the seat as she writes. Setri now whispers to him. “You know why she’s moving around like that?”
James: “No, actually.”
Setri: “Well, you know when we were doing the…the gun thing, well she was brought to orgasm like- 4 or 5 times there, and that seat got rather moist. And you know, when they get soaked certain fabrics can be kind of brutal on a girl, you know, down there. And….you know…. Look at her James. That’s Riess Grimory. Her beauty is regarded as legendary throughout all the hells.” Madame Grimory looks up as though someone has called her.
Riess: “What?” She glances up at James then back at the form. When she looks up again she fixes her gaze upon him and slides the form away. “James what is it?” Her voice quiets, softens a bit. “You want to ask me something? Come on James ask.” She seems to move ever so slowly toward him. Each time she makes a slight change to her position, her new position causes her to have advanced just a small amount. As she gets closer, her voice becomes more soft. Until it’s almost as a whisper. “Tell me. What do you want to say?”
James: “Well, umm.”
Setri: “Here James,” she whispers, “let me help you.” With an almost effortless wave of her hand she denudes madame grimory as she leans toward him. “There you go.”
Riess: “What can I do for you James? Just whisper it.”
James: “Could you….put her clothes back on please.”
Setri: “Buck up. If you can get past it you can get to the agenda.”
Riess: “You want to touch me don’t you?”
James: “Yes.”
Riess: “I see.” She spreads herself out for him on the table. “Come. touch me James.”
James: “No.”
Setri: “Here. let’s see.” She places her hand gently in Grimory’s crotch and withdraws it slowly. “Oh yes.” She gently licks her index finger tip. “Real peachy. She’s ready as rainfall I’d say.”
Riess: “Go on James. Take me. You want me don’t you?”
James: “Yes.”
Riess: “Then take me. Come. I’m here for you.”
James: “No.”
Riess: “Why? Why not?”
James: “Because….you don’t want me. You don’t know me.” Riess is taken aback now and her eyes suddenly give it away.
Setri: “There. Can you see it? The temptation has failed. Here it comes. The agenda.” Riess slowly backs away from him.
Riess: ” I see. Ok. Well….um….I suppose that….” Setri rearrays her as she returns to her side of the table. “Yeah thanks. You know, I think we could just stop here. I mean he has been apprised of….the situation….you know…The schedule. So we could just stop with all this stuff about souls, contracts, etc. Umm…Yeah, he probably doesn’t want to waste any more time on this sort of thing. But James, um…. I have a small thing I have to discuss with you, really small. Now I’m Madame Grimory…as you know, and this isn’t my contract. I cant change it. I cant make it go away or not happen. But I find myself nonetheless in a situation here, and I have to ask something….of you.”
James: “Well, what is it?”
Riess: “You are not obligated to me in any way now. I won’t be your Madame once this is all through. But I have to ask. I mean I just cant fail to ask…See? I need a favor.”
James: “A favor?” He chuckles for a moment. “You are gonna help this lady here take my soul and you need a favor. You guys ask an awful lot for 50 cents.”
Riess: “Of course.” She now chuckles with him “You’re right. That’s funny. That’s Redd Foxx isn’t it? No there’s no question that I don’t have a leg to stand on here. If you were to say ‘fuck you, you conniving bitch’ I couldn’t at all hold it against you. But I have to ask. Can you just hear me out?”
James: “Alright. Go on.”
Riess: “Oh. Alright. Well. There’s a boy and he’s been very badly hurt. And I was hoping that…you could look at him and maybe….”
James: “There’s a boy and he’s hurt? Well where is he?”
Riess: “Oh. He’s very close. He’s right here, and I was hoping that you could….”
James: “Right. Where is the boy?”
Riess: “Now James. I can’t stop this. You don’t have to…”
James: “Ok. Ok. Let’s think for a second. Alright? Now. You are devils and in 24 hours she gonna have my soul. And according to you both, no matter what I do in that time, it don’t make a damn bit of difference. She gonna have my soul. But what if you, being devils as you are, are in fact lying, and what I do in that time is very important as to whether or not she gets to collect on my soul. Well I would think it would be in my interest to take a look at the boy and see what I can do. But, now. Let’s say that youre telling the truth and it don’t matter what I do, 24 hours from now, she’s gonna have my soul and that’s that. Well, in that case, how does it hurt me then to take a look at the boy and see what I can do?” Riess is clearly aghast at James response.
Riess: “…..James….”
James: “What exactly does this kid mean to you?” Riess hesitates for a bit, fidgeting, and seeming to search for a response.
Riess: “Well,…I mean well….you know it doesn’t really….”
James: “It’s alright. I see it. It’s alright. Just show me the boy.”
Riess: “Oh You just go through the door and down the hall. He’s right there.”
James: “I can’t. You have to unlock it.”
Riess: ” No. No James just turn the handle, open it and walk down the hall.”
Setri: “Now.” She yanks James by the arm to face her. “Can you see the difference?”
James: {hesitates somewhat.} “Yes. Yeah, I understand.”
Setri: “Good. It’s a gratuity. Take it. Enjoy it. There’s no repercussions no backlash to it.” James just looks but doesn’t take the money. “You know what? Don’t worry about it. I’ll bring it with me. We have to finish up some things here and then we’ll be along in 10 or 15 minutes. Otherwise, yeah you just open the door and go down the hall. The boy’s right there like she says.” James gets up and heads over to the door.
Riess: “Just open the door. And James……Thank you…….Thank you.” James turns and nods in acknowledgement then turns back toward the door. He reaches slowly for the handle and hesitates to turn it.
Setri: “No. There’s no traps no diabolical machines. Just open the door. He’s at the end of the hall. We’ll be along. It’s alright.” He opens the door and heads out. the door closes behind him. “Dammit I’m so hot.”
Riess: “Yeah you should be. 17? The purpose, the discernment. What are they feeding those kids over there?”
Setri: “Gave him every incentive for ethical and moral failure. He didn’t miss a beat.”
Riess: “He didn’t hesitate I mean….but there was something else.”
Setri: “What?”
Riess: “Yeah, when I was getting all up in his area I could taste something else. It was foreign of course, and it was old, way older than him.”
Setri: “Well?”
Riess: “I couldn’t really make it out. It’s so…..foreign.”
Setri: “I didn’t see anything. Could be an ancestor or mojo or something. The guys black, deep south, you know the kind of shit those people are into down there.”
Riess: “Yeah. I suppose. I’m so happy for you. You straight hit the lotto on this guy.”
Setri: “I looked him up on Youtube. His highlights are wild. What the hells wrong with those people over there? They just throw him away like that?”
Riess: “I looked at his timber just now and he could have found all kinds of new real estate up in here.”
Setri: “Yeah. Man it’s….hot.”
Riess: “How did we get here Setri?”
Setri: “Don’t Start! Now you buck up girl! Now I’m gonna take this kid and the next time that Phoenix steps up here they better come correct.”
Riess: “That’s right. You’re right. That’s what were doing here. No question.” Setri grabs at her lower belly and expresses a strange kind of discomfort. “What’s the matter?”
Setri: “What is….?”
Riess: “What?”
Setri: “All I did was mark him. No spelling. I haven’t touched a rig. Why do I feel like I’m being asked to walk barefoot across broken glass with this guy?”
Riess: “The payment.”
Setri: “What?”
Riess: “You know better.”
Setri: “What are you talking about?”
Riess: “You know better. After a thousand years of running amok, you know better. You look back and think of all the lives, the voids, the destruction, and you realize. With all that power we could have built something truly wonderful. Us, them, the humans, we could have all done well. But instead we ran wild, killed indiscriminately, and just transacted like mad.”
Setri: “Don’t make it sound so obvious. There was no instruction manual on this thing, and the only guy that had the information wasn’t saying shit.”
Riess: “Yes that’s true. But still, you know better now. The fact that you feel that superball bouncing back and forth across your nuts like that tells me that I’m on the right side of the trade on this. We both know a few hundred devils, but not one of them can feel what you’re feeling right now. That tells me you’ll do all the right things with this guy. He’s aching inside you with the mark and he should be. I’m so proud of you.”
Setri: “Ill make the payment. whatever it takes.”
Riess: “I have every confidence you will.”
Setri: “Man, I got fucking Vesuvius down here.” She clutches anxiously at her thighs.
Riess: “Yeah. We’ll get some water come on.”
Setri: “Sure. Ok.” They get up from the table and head out.
Riess: “You know. That finger drag across the clit thing was fucked up.”
Setri: “Bitch, please. I got shot in the head.”
Riess: “Oh yeah. That’s….true.” Chuckles slightly. “We’ll clean that up.”

James enters Issei’s room to find Issei stretched out on his bed. He is cyanotic and his fingernails are slightly yellow. His chest has a cross shaped scar in the center, but the scar lines are so recessed they appear more as joints of some sort. Asia is keeping one glowing hand on Issei while holding an open book with the other. She seems to be nodding out on her knees on the side of his bed.
James: “Um. Hi.”
Asia: “Who are you? What do you want?”
James: “Oh. My name is James. I was asked to come by and see what I could do for the boy.”
Asia: “No! Get away from him. Get out!”
James: “Now. Little girl now wait a minute. Now. Madame Grimory asked me to stop by and have a look at him.”
Asia: “Madame Grimory? Well…..”
James: “Here. Look.” He carefully opens his jacket and pulls a small green stone from it. “See I’m just going to take this little stone and set it down on this table. Then I just need to sit here next to him. Now if I can just put this hand on him,” James places his left hand on Issei’s right abdomen and his right forefinger on the stone. “and I touch the stone, see how it makes a screen on the wall? See? Now we can get a look inside and see whats going on. Would you mind telling me how long he’s been like this?”
Asia: “Oh. Um. Probably about 3 and a half hours.”
James: “Well. That was right about when I landed. What do you know?” He looks back at the screen on the wall. “Well his abdominal organs look good. So let’s look further up here now. We’ve got a short slice across the liver there. Not too bad. But that V-shaped piece missing from the stomach I got to fix that. Its across the top of the stomach so its alright for now. He has a single slice down the diaphragm, practically in the center. He’ll breath better when we get to that. Ok now further up we see that….we see that…..That’s impossible. How’s that….? What the hell happened to this guy?”
Asia: “He was….well….in an accident.”‘
James: “No, no. No way. He’s been practically…..eviscerated.”
Asia: “Um. Well. What do you mean?”
James: ” The vessels leading to the heart, in all directions, are gone. His blood is flowing through the pathways but because there are no vessels to keep it separate, it’s mixing in places where it shouldn’t. That’s why he’s all blue like that. But I’m not getting it. I mean he should be bleeding into the lungs……The lungs.”
Asia: “What’s wrong?”
James: “See how the lungs toward the center are brighter in color on both sides?”
Asia: “What does that mean?”
James: “It means it was built back. It’s new tissue. But that’s impossible. Much less in three hours. What could…..?” He looks at Asia quizzically, then notices the faint yellow glow of her hand upon Issei. “Little girl. That power of yours. What is it?”
Asia: “I’m just trying to keep him comfortable. And my name’s Asia.”
James: “And how long have you been keeping him comfortable Asia?”
Asia: “Well, since….it happened….I suppose.”
James: “Oh. I see…..That power…is it from….?” He points upward.
Asia: “I couldn’t say that. I just know that since I was little I was always able to give comfort to animals that were injured in some way. You know, dogs and cat’s and things.”
James: “Oh I’ve been there. Birds are the worst aren’t they? They’re bones are so different. They got three chambered hearts….”
Asia: “Yes, Yes. They don’t really tell you much about what’s hurting them, and there’s so many diseases and stuff which they get.”
James: “Right. And then that brain size thing. You manage to get one going again, and you let him go and he flies right into the mouth of something.”
Asia: “Or into traffic. And you end up all sad anyway.”
James: “Yeah. Heartbreakers, all of them.” He turns back to Issei. “Ok I need to find a cup or something.” He see’s a fast food drink cup on his desk in the corner of the room. “Yeah, like that one.”
Asia: “What are you doing?” (somewhat suspiciously)
James: “Well, I’m gonna replace something inside him and when I do, he’s gonna want to pee. And that’s good because it’ll help him start clearing out some stuff. So I’m gonna put this under his….dick so he can pee.”
Asia: “What? Why?”
James: “Well, you see that yellow color in his fingernails? That’s because he’s building up something called bilirubin. Now that’s happening because the liver isn’t getting the correct blood pressure, and it’s not being cleared by the kidneys because they aren’t either. So when I start replacing his vessels he’s gonna wanna pee. Ok. There now we got that. So. Now I’m gonna put my hand out and I want you to use your other hand to touch it.”
Asia: “What? No. Why?”
James: “It’s alright. You’ve done a lot here. Built back a lot of things. I want to make sure that what I’m doing doesn’t tear down any of that. Now, what you’re doing has a certain flow and if I can understand that flow then I will know how to avoid interfering with it. See?” She reluctantly reaches out and touches his hand, at which point he seems to notice it readily. “Oh….Yeah…..It’s different…..calm but…..powerful…..I almost got it now…..Yes…..Got it. Amazing. Thank you.” He takes off his jacket and sets it on his lap then sits down next to Issei. “Now this part could get a bit ugly. you may find it….you may not wanna watch.”
Asia: “What? What are you going to do?” He touches the stone again and begins on Issei.
James: “Here we go. This portion of the descending aorta is called the celiac tree. So now I’m putting it in and pushing up…” He starts expressing pain, and Asia notices a strange striation forming under the skin of his arm; as if a worm were boring through his underlying flesh. “…the aorta. Good that was easy. Now to close the stomach.” She notices another striation forming in the arm. “Ok. I’m leaving the diaphragm for last. Now it’s time to fix the package.”
Asia: “Package?”
James: “Yeah.” He slides his hand higher on Issei’s chest. “This here is the pathway for the pulmonary artery and vein. This is way important. Once I repair this his circulation will be like it’s supposed to be. But I can see some backflow at the valve of the vein. Let’s see what that is. Ah….You see it? There’s a piece of bone or something stuck in there. Ok. I need you’re help now. I’m gonna push it through the heart and guide it across the collar bone. When you see it bulging I need you to tear it out and I’ll close it. OK?”
Asia: “Wait. What?” James finds a t shirt and lays it across Issei’s right collar.
James: “It’s gonna be a little bloody so use the shirt to soak it up. OK here we go. Ok it’s through now let me move it…..You see it now?”
Asia: “Yeah. It’s like some sort of maggot under the skin.”
James: “Just tear it out, With your fingernails or nail clippers or something.”
Asia: “Well…Ok.” She leans over and bites the bulge out of his collar.
James: “Oh. shit.” He hurries and soaks up the spurting blood with the shirt and closes the wound. Asia sees another striation as he does this. He then takes the shirt and wipes Asia’s faces and mouth. “It’s alright. Spit it out. Good.” He gently wipes her face some more. She takes the shirt from him and continues. “You just did your first successful heart surgery.”
Asia: “Oh. Really?” James returns to the stone and continues. “Wow.”
James: “Ok now for the package. The vein first……and now the artery…..smooth. Now the diaphragm. This part is hard so…” He strains and expresses a fair amount of pain this time. Asia is aghast as a huge, much wider striation appears on James side and seems to move just as fast as the ones on his arm earlier.”
Asia: “James-sama. Please.”
James: “It’s alright……almost got it. It’s muscle…….tough…..under tension….more difficult…..there.” He slumps back on the floor. “I gotta rest now. You know….But he’ll be fine now.”
Asia: “He’s breathing better….like you said.” She hears the sound of dripping water. “What’s that sound?”
James: “It’s called success.” He sits back against a wall and hangs his head.
Asia: “James-sama. Are you alright?”
James: “Just give me a moment.” Asia gets up and throws the bloody t shirt away then turns to go out the door. She comes back in a moment with 2 bottles of drinking water. She sits one down next to James who is still hanging his head down, then goes back to her original position near Issei. She opens the bottle, tips it back for a big swig and while drinking, lays her free hand on Issei. When she swallows and straightens up she looks down to see that Issei is now staring at her. She gasps at first but then strokes his hair.
Issei: “Ohai Asia”
Asia: “Issei just keep still now. You have to rest.” He looks about and sees James against the wall.
Issei: “Who dis?”
Asia: “James. He’s a friend.” James looks up as he hears his name.
James: “Hmm? Oh. He’s awake. That’s good, but don’t let him move around too much.”
Issei: “You…black.”
James: “Yes.”
Issei: “America?”
James: “Yes” Issei looks around again.
Issei: “Ipod.”
James: “Oh you want your Ipod? Ok.”
Issei: “13.”
James: “13. Ok.”
Asia: “Wow. Look at him. He’s better.”
James: “Yeah. But He’s still gotta rest a while. He’s not gonna be up for a couple days.”
Issei: “You take.” He hands James his left earphone.
James: “Ok.”
Issei: “Change?”
James: “Oh yeah. Ok. We can get wit dis.”
Asia: “What? Get with what?”
James: “Huh?”
Issei: “Anything it takes.”
James: “To get up out the hood.”
Asia: “What are you guys talkin about?”
Issei: “Cuz I aint mad atcha.”
Asia: “What? What’s wrong. Why would you be mad? I did all I could here. You were hurt bad – real bad. I did the best I could. You know I’d do anything to help you. Come on, now. How could you be mad at me?”
Issei and James: “I ain’t mad atcha.”
“We was once two nigga’s of the same kind,”
“Quick to holla’ at a hoochie with the same line.”
“You was just a little smaller but you still rolled.”
“Caught a stretch in Y.A. and hit the hood swole.”
“In between ya had a geri curl didn’t quite learn.”
“On the block wit ya glock trippin’on sherm,”
“collect calls to the tip sayin how you changed.”
“Cuz you a muslim now. No more dope game.”
Asia: “What kind of spell is that?”
James: “Huh? What’s wrong.” She notices Issei is asleep again.
Asia: “Did you put him to sleep with that spell?”
James: “Spell? What spell?”
Asia: “Don’t be coy. You were both chanting it just now.”
James: “No. That’s a song we both know it.”
Asia: “No way. It was in English. He speaks Japanese. And there was no melody.”
James: “Well. A lot of people know this song. It’s real famous. And yeah, you say a rhyme to a beat.”
Asia: “That’s a spell!”
James: “No. It’s a very well known song by Tupac Shakur. It’s called ‘I Ain’t Mad Atcha’.”
Asia: “Oh…Is that why he said that?” Suddenly Issei begins to shake somewhat.
Issei: “Riess I’m coming. Don’t forget about….!”
James: “What’s all this?”
Asia: “I don’t know.”
Issei: “Riess! Hold on!”
James: “I’ll change the music. There. Number 12.” (Beethoven’s 7th 2nd movement.)
Issei: “Riess!”
James: “Let’s have a look upstairs.” He touches the stone again then places his other hand on Issei’s head. “That’s not good.”
Asia: “What’s wrong now.”
James: “See that big kind a loop that’s all lit up? That’s called the limbic system. There’s way to much activity. The whole thing is lighting up.” He pulls out a black stone from his jacket on the floor. “Let’s see what he’s looking at.” He touches the black stone and touches Issei’s head again. This time What is projected on the wall are the events he last experienced. “This music is beautiful.”
Asia: “How are you doing that?”
James: “Oh this black stone let’s me do that.” He sees Adonia dancing with Issei. “Who is that? She’s beautiful.”
Asia: ” Oh that’s some girl at school. He’s probably in love with her.”
James: “No he’s not. Not at all but….this place is…….perfect. Pure. They’re totally like….locked in……What? Madame Grimory. Wait this is…..Oh no…..No please Mistress. How can you…..?”
Asia: “James-sama.” She sees him becoming more and more distraught now. Then sees the angel revealed on the wall and James begins to weep slightly. “Madame Grimory. Madame Grimory!” Madame Grimory Immediately appears next to her.
Riess: “What’s wrong Asia?” She sees the replay on the wall and notices James’ state.
“James.” She takes the earplug out and listens to it for a second. “Oh shit. James.” She shakes him and he releases his hold of the stone and Issei.
James: “He….needs to get…..back there. He believes….he…..failed you. If he can… love you….in the way that you need…..then the angel won’t fall.”
Riess: “Oh James.”
James: ” He believes…..he can….make it right. You…..were….like me.”
Riess: “What? No James. I’m not like…”
James: “Yes you were….Just like me. You had no way….No means…..And so you reached down…..and pushed…..up.” He’s becoming more fixated as if falling into madness. “And he heard it!….And the angel…fell.” He points at Madame Grimory’s feet. “RIght there!.” Suddenly Setri appears.
Setri: “What the hell is going on?”
Asia: ” He has a sacred gear.”
Setri: “What?” Asia points at the stones the floor and when Setri sees them she seems to shudder for a moment. “James.”
James: “He does not want….the angel to fall.”
Setri: “James”
James: “He has to get …”
Setri: “James!”
James: “…back there.” Setri reaches out and gently touches his forehead with her forefinger. He instantly falls back down against the wall. Her touch seems to instantly calm him, perhaps daze him.
Setri: “Damn it James, where is it?!”
Asia: “His jacket.” Setri immediately rifles through his jacket until she is able to find a red stone in the lapel. She carefully, almost reverently lifts it out.
Setri: “Ok. It’s alright. I’m just putting you here with the others. There. there you go. Now I know how this looks but it’s not….quite….how it appears. Well on the other hand maybe it is in a way. But really, were not nearly like those other guys you ran….”
James: “No, no. They’re just some stones I picked up in….”
Setri: “Sssshhhhhh!Ssshhhhh!”
Riess: “Man. Who the hell does this?”
Setri: “I….can’t get the math to make any…sense on this.”
Riess: “It’s all these ripples!”
Setri: “What?”
Riess: “Oh. Ever since that cunt touched ground there’s been all these ripples. They’re just spreading all over and touching everything. I just can’t…get a bead on where it’s all going.”
Setri: “Oh you want chaos? Consider the probability that this thing should come to rest on Japanese soil at the very same time as Issei comes to rest at your feet.”
Riess: “Well…, yeah that’s practically impossible. There’s gotta’ be something behind it.”
James: “Believe me. It’s just some stones I picked up off the ground.”
Setri: “Oh James stop it. Nobody’s buying that.”
Asia: “It’s a sacred gear.”
James: “Why do you keep saying that? They’re just some stones I picked up a few years back.” Riess sits down and holds him close.
Riess: “Honey it’s an interesting notion but the effect to which I saw you using them demonstrates that you two are much better friends than that. It’s alright. It’s not an indictment.”
Setri: “James stop bullshitting and tell me what he’s doing here.”
James: “He? What he? Who are you talking about?”
Setri: “I understand. A friends confidence is not to be betrayed. But I don’t have the time for this.” She steps toward him and reaches behind her shirt and pulls a small double edged dagger and a metal ring.
Asia: “No! Stop!”
Riess: “Wait!”
Setri: “Sentimentality isn’t going to cut it here.”
Asia: “This isn’t right!”
James: “No Asia. Don’t get in this now. Look I don’t know what’s got everyone so upset but I did what you wanted.”
Setri: “Yes. Arigatou. Now it’s time to go.” Behind her the red stone suddenly glows brightly. Madame Grimory sees this and tries to grab her.
Riess: “Stop. Setri stop!” Suddenly a beam of red light blast through Setri’s abdomen and she momentarily winces in pain. She quickly gathers herself and James notices a small hole in her belly as she drops to her knees before him.”
Setri: “Ok. Maybe it’d be better to….put this away….” She’s expressing a bit of pain in her speech though her face seems unbroken. ” look for some other….ways.”
James: “Damn. It looks through and through. Come on now.” He pulls Setri to him in a kind of awkward hug. She looks up at Grimory with a befuddled look. “OH….It’s at an odd angle….though” She suddenly feels his pectoral muscles atrophy and then the muscles of the lats giving way in mass.
Riess: “James stop.”
SetrI: “Oh my. He really doesn’t know.”
James: “It’s alright….I can…..so hard….” He slumps back and drops his head. Asia runs to him and lays hands on him. “Oh. that’s…..Asia…..wonderful.”
Riess: “How can he not know?” Setri looks back at the stones and thinks a moment.
Setri: “Because…..He didn’t tell him.”
Asia: “James sama come on. I have you.”
Riess: “It’s alright let him rest. You’ve got quite a taste in your mouth for him. So what did you two do in here while we were out?”
Asia: “Oh. Go ahead make it sound dirty. You really want to know what we did? Heart surgery!”
Riess: “What?”
Asia: “Yes Madame. James pushed a piece of bone that was blocking his heart through to his collar bone, and I pulled it out.”
Riess: “But I just asked him to see if he could….”
Asia: “Help? He put back all of the vessels leading to his heart. He repaired his organs. He made him breathe better. Know why I’m over here on James? Because I know longer have to lay hands on Issei! Look at his color. He’s…peeing.”
Riess: “Oh my. Honey I….I had no idea.”
Asia: “It get’s better still. He woke up. They had a conversation. They were listening to music together. They were singing…together. But…it sounded kind of like a spell of some sort.”
Riess: “Well what was it?”
Asia: “Well he said it was Tu..pac”
Riess: “Tupac Shakur. What was the song?”
Asia: “Umm. I ain’t….”
Riess: “I Ain’t Mad atcha.” Her smile suddenly becomes wistful and nostalgaic. “And it was Issei that asked for it?”
Asia: “He said it was number 13.”
Riess: “Oh man.” She gently cradles James in her arms. “He was reaching out to him. And what a gorgeous way in which to do it.”
Asia: “I don’t understand. I still think it was a spell.”
Riess: “No, it’s really a gem of a song. Truly wonderful. One of the most beautiful things he ever laid down.”
Asia: “But how could issei know it if he speaks Japanese?”
Riess: “In one sense it’s difficult since the same things don’t rhyme in Japanese as they do in English. But it’s beauty also lies in it’s use of a certain vernacular in the context of a certain kind of flow. He could choose to memorize it being unclear of it’s meaning, for the purpose, say, of connecting with someone else who may be clearer. By choosing this song, he wasn’t just trying to connect with James as a black man from the U.S., but as a young man: period. Because it turns out that the meaning of it’s words speak to this particular brand of young man who is crossing over into adulthood. Around the world people recognize this, and so this piece has gained a lot of fame.”
Asia: “Well how come I’ve never heard it then?”
Riess: “Well it’s not something you might hear in church or a school assembly in Japan, but believe me, people all over know it.”
Setri: “Asia. Don’t get mad at me, but I have to take this guy.”
Asia: “I know. I don’t have a problem with that.”
Setri: “You certainly did a minute ago.”
Asia: “Yes, because you were panicking and trying to rape your way out of your problem.”
Riess: “Oh jeez. I wouldn’t have thought to put it that way but I have to admit. The shoe just slips on so easily.
Setri: “Cute. But if only the worlds realities were as simple as you’re making them sound. I’m the only one here who can’t afford to lose this guy. Call me indecent if you want, but if Phoenix is able to get him because I failed to take him promptly, all the decency and sentimental moments won’t mean shit. We’ll be on our heels for the rest of the year.” Asia moves to lay her hands on Setri’s belly.
Asia: “You know things got terrible there with Issei for a minute or so. But James didn’t try to amputate something just to make it go easy for him. He hung in there with him. I wouldn’t presume to be so righteous as to tell you why devils tend to have it so hard luck-wise. But I’ve noticed that, most of the time, when the opportunity arises to treat people decently, they tend more often than not to do something else.”
Setri: “Ok, look little miss perfect. Any problems you have with this take them to your Madame. That’s who you should be complaining to, not me.”
Asia: “I’m not complaining Setri sempai. I’m asking you to please find a way to…”
Riess: “Don’t say another word Asia.”
Setri: “Thank you. Now I can think.”
Riess: “Then you should start by not flattering yourself. I asked Asia to stop talking not to shut her up, but to see to it that she didn’t have to beg someone like you to keep to the plan. So I’m going to make clear where my house stands. Things have changed. For you they’ve been complicated by the presence of the sacred gear. I understand. But things have changed for my house also. After what this man has done for my house, we can no longer stand for any line which says he doesn’t get his 24.”
Setri: “But Riess what if they come….
Riess: “Then they come! But he’s getting his 24 hours one way or another.”
Setri: “Dammit Riess Just give me one disadvantage, besides my loss of reputation, to taking him now rather than later.”
Riess: “Gladly. If you take him now the payment practically doubles.” Setri thinks for a moment and seems to relent.
Setri: “Then were gonna need more troops.”
Riess: “And invite the bumrush? Don’t overthink it. You’re plan is good. Just let it ride. Setri my house is with you on this. Look, I was in exactly the same position last night as you are now. Things got scary for me and I chose to get ugly. Don’t make the same mistake now.”
James: “That’s not exactly true.”
Riess: “James. A little eavesdropping there?”
James: “You were… magnificent.” She can see that he is still somewhat weak.
Riess: “What? No.”
James: The majesty….power,….your stride. Oh, it was demonic in nature, but there was a magnificence. You were really something to see.”
Riess: “Well James, I’m flattered. In a way it’s thoughtful of you to be impressed with that form to a degree in that it could be said to have a touch of novelty, but really: That was hardly my finest hour. Look at me now honey, look at me. This is me James: a devil and a fairly bad one. My natural tendency would be to tell you that this is me and that that thing you saw wasn’t me. That was someone else. But that would be a lie. That was me. Plain as all outdoors. I was enraged James, and when this happens I sometimes take that form. I know a few devils James but I don’t know any who would want to be remembered that way. And you might say: ‘well of course not. It’s easier to steal souls looking pretty, and buxom, and nice.’ But really now. Do you know of any humans who would want to be remembered for something like that? Please honey, if you remember anything about me don’t let it be that.”
Setri: “Alright James. We need to have a conversation, and this ones going to get thick.”

Adonia is walking about in downtown Honeida in a lackadaisical shuffling way. She stops to look in a window. Her eyes have a dullness now. She walks out of the downtown area and into the residences after a bit. She comes to a bench and sits down a moment. A man appears to her right reading a newspaper.
Man: “I Have still to imagine how an object falls so short a distance, yet produces an impact which should shake foundations so far from it.” She remains silent as he closes his paper and looks skyward. “At the time I was accounting on Joan’s Terrace, when suddenly the place inside which, were I a man would have been occupied by a heart, became as lead, seeking firmament of any sort upon which it could alight. I looked about at the faces of our loved ones. You know them well. What would normally be perfect mirrors of quantum curvature were now directed at me, and their visages were as pairs of unpolished onyx pebbles struck deep in worn alabaster.”
Adonia: “My only wish is that not one more should follow such a path as I now tread. MY words carry little weight with you, as well they should, for even though my bones creak in despair with each step taken in this place, I have no regrets.”
Man: “Know that the counsel I offer is not meant to admonish, it’s virtues lying not in chastisement, but is meant to uplift the spirit and steady the gait. You must, during this phase of your exile, above all else, protect that which has elicited your dive. Fail in this, and all is truly darkness.”
Adonia: “My thanks to you, Wing Commander. I will heed your words and take them appropriately to heart. But now I would ask that you do the same. Not one more.”

Setri: “James to understand this I’d like you to take a look at Issei’s left arm please.” James is reluctant at first. “Go ahead. Just lift up the sheet and look under there.” James lifts the sheet and sees crimson red dragon.
James: “Um. It’s like some kind of metal….glove but…” As he looks down toward Issei’s hand he sees an eye open and look up at him. Finally, he sees the mouth for the gear open and hears a growl. “Damn! What the hell is that?.”
Setri: “That is a sacred gear. A sacred gear is a soul which abides with another soul symbiotically. But rather than abide as a spiritual addendum directly, it abides as an item. That item there is called Crimson red dragon. Crimson red dragon is chaotic, playful. It obeys a very narrow set of cosmic principles. It is tied directly to celestial objects; the earth, sun, moon, certain constellations, and during certain celestial cycles, importantly: comets. Crimson red dragon doesn’t ask much: only a couple of things really. He demands that the soul which he abides with -he’s gotta’ like it. A lot. And that furthermore, that host soul remains uncorrupted, pure, as pristine as the day it was born. He will protect it at any and all costs.”
“Crimson red dragon could be said to be not very worldly, in that his vocabulary is rather small. He only does 3 or 4 things that the boy ever asks him to, even though he is known to command forces on a scale that would make us all look like gnats. He tends to unleash power in fairly basic ways: linear, single targets, fairly straightforward. But the magnitude: unlimited. That boy took on Raiser – alone no less – and crushed him. That boy – you saw it – brought a class 1 archangel in full glory to her knees! We think he kept the boy alive through the ordeal. But we can’t be sure because he doesn’t really say much.”
“Now if something were to happen to that boys soul – if it were to become corrupt in some way – one of two things would happen, and you’ve got about a 50 percent chance either way. Crimson red dragon can manifest, i.e., we’d now have a big crimson red dragon flying around, blowing off all manner of flame, looking about for another soul in which to abide. Suffice it to say that, if you’re not that really likeable soul he’s looking for, you probably won’t want to be standing in front of him. Or, he could simply go away. He could choose to simply return to the stars and await the next celestial go-round. It happens a lot actually, where a sacred gear just quietly goes away.”
“Now there’s something else I want you to know about Crimson red dragon: Issei was born with it.” James expresses genuine surprise at this. “No James, he wasn’t born like Michael Jackson imagined he was, with a glove on his hand all sparkly. When Issei was born, Crimson red dragon abided with him as a spiritual addendum. That is, a soul symbiotically attached to his own. That arrangement didn’t change until our darling Madame Grimory here attempted to contract Crimson red dragon one night. Don’t get the wrong idea: Doing this sort of thing is no problem. Crimson red dragon doesn’t care, so long as the soul he is put into, he likes abiding with. But it turned out that Crimson red dragon wouldn’t abide with any of her minions, so she looked around for a soul with which he might abide. Couldn’t find any. Then she looked down at her feet. Well, there was the boy. His soul was pure and untouched by anything, and Crimson red dragon liked it – a whole lot. So she contracted the boy, and when she did, Crimson red dragon once again abided with him. But now, Issei was a devil unlike before, so this time Crimson red dragon abided, but as an item: a sacred gear. Are you grasping the concept James?”
James: “Yeah….I think I understand what you’re saying.”
Setri: “Good. I’ll therefore continue.” She points at the stones. “This is a sacred gear. But, unlike that one Issei has, this was created in the pit.” James’ face suddenly becomes sullen, and he allows a touch of dread to leak into his expression. “Oh. The look on your face says everything’s so serious all the sudden. Somehow, not casual any more. Get a grip James. The same rules apply here as with Crimson red dragon. This is the soul of a Santeria Saint named Leroy Hutchins.”
James: “Excuse me. A santa what?”
Riess: “What the hell? Do they teach you kids anything in school over there?”
James: “Of course. But I’ve never heard of…”
Riess: “James you’re from the south. There’s no way you don’t know what Santeria is.”
Setri: “Why do you think we automatically put him back a year when he came over here?”
Riess: “So he can do complicated surgery but he doesn’t know this?”
Setri: “You shouldn’t worry yourself. You can be sure they didn’t do anything to teach him that either.”
Riess: “Oh come on now James. You’re not going to make us have to go all Adam Clayton Powell on you are you?”
James: “Uh. What? Who?”
Riess: “Oh my. There it is again.”
Setri: “It’s not his fault. He’s young I guess. Maybe that’s why he didn’t ever let him know who he was. It’s that fucking country you come from that does this to you.” James looks up at Grimory in a befuddled way, then over to Asia who just sort of looks away.
James: “Oh I get it. America’s the bomb when you need something, but once you got it, we’re just a bunch of gaijin bitches you could do without.”
Setri: “Well I guess that would be fair if you were part of something where the pronoun we really served you. But I look at you, a young black male from Houston, and I’m hard pressed to view your patriotic outburst as little more than superficial bravado. I’m not saying that Americans suck James, I’m saying that your country has a string of barbed wire wrapped around your nutsack. They give a slight tug and suddenly the mouth opens and begins expelling exactly what the powers that be in such a place want to hear. Like now for instance: You have, clearly, no understanding of the individual that comprises your sacred gear, it’s capabilities, or it’s history – a tragically rich one, I should point out – and so it falls to me, a Japanese girl from Honeida to inform you as to it’s importance to you. This man has no cultural bond to Japan James. He never spent a day here in his life. He came from your country, and the fact that I have to go through this serves as a fair indicator of just how important your country regards your understanding of who you are and where you come from. Now I naturally express some distaste as to your lack of knowledge with regard to the customs and practices of your own country, and you think I’m some sort of terrorist threat for doing so. Why? Because that’s exactly the way they want you to think. But don’t worry. I’m going to show you clearly how important he is to you. James, I want you to look around and tell me: who’s your best friend in this room right now?” James looks about and then fixes his gaze on Asia.
James: “Well. I’d say…. Well, Asia never gave me any problems, so….”
Riess: “Of course.”
Setri: “She’s everyone’s friend James. But I understand your point. In this case it might have been a better question if I asked you: Who, in this room has done the most for you?” James hesitates a bit.
James: “Well…I suppose again….I mean she helped me with Issei….and she’s been always nice.”
Setri: “James let me show you something.” She pulls the dagger out again. “Do you know what this is?” She turns quickly to the stones “Easy now. This is just a demonstration. Please trust me now.”
James: “Yeah. It’s a knife. What? Were you gonna try and cut me ?”
Setri: “This is called the covenant. This is not something you would want to ever cut or stab someone with. Now watch.” She approaches him with it in hand. She gets right up to him, but this time nothing happens. ” Now. I’ll start again.” She puts the knife away goes back to her original position. This time she pulls out a metal ring. “Do you know what this is?”
James: “No. You had that in your hand when Miss Grimory shot you though. I remember that.”
Riess: “I what? What would you lead to…..?”
Setri: “Because I was right up on him and he couldn’t see what really happened. This is called the terms of the bond. Now watch.” She approaches him again. Again nothing happens. “You see?”
James: “What? Nothing happened.”
Setri: “That’s right. These two things I just showed you constitute what we devil’s refer to as a contracting rig. If I bring them together in front of you I can instantly sever your soul from your body. James I was in the process of killing you and he stopped me. He was careful too. He made sure not to harm you in doing so. And he made sure you had no knowledge that he was doing it. But you would convince yourself that someone other than Saint Leroy Hutchins would do more for you here? If you don’t want to believe anything I say, believe this: No matter where you are in the world there is no one who would do more for you than him!”
James: “I…I mean…I thought…” She sits down with him again. Her tone is less indicting more tender.
Setri: “I know honey. You thought they were some stones you happened upon. I’d say you got them about a coupe of years ago. Around march madness wasn’t it? At Ole Miss.”
James: “How could you…know that?”
Setri: “You got out the car you were in, or maybe a bus, and you just had to go down to that stream didn’t you? You know, the one that winds to the left of the statue as you go into the campus.”
James: “But you weren’t there. How could you….?”
Setri: “It was the way the sky just busted off that water that got you wasn’t it. Yeah, springtime, around dusk, the colors are just magnificent. That was what he liked about you. You walked down there and the stones were strewn about at fair length from each other, right in front of you. But you were so caught up in the water. But then you noticed the red stone out of the corner of your eye. You lowered your gaze to look at it, and you saw the green stone sitting practically at your feet. You picked that one up first didn’t you? Then the red stone. Then you thought: Maybe there’s others. So you turned your eyes the other way and that’s when you saw the glow. The black stone was glowing purple. You picked it up, and ever since then, if they’re in pocket and your pants go in the wash, you find them in your jacket. If you leave your jacket at school or at a friends house, you find them in your pocket.”
James: “How could you possibly know these things?” She looks at him in a rather caring, almost motherly way.
Setri: “We believe he was born in the Islands, most likely Haiti but possibly Martinique, around 1835. We know he spent time in France because besides being a practitioner of Santeria, he was also a catholic priest. We believe it was from France that he traveled to Africa and learned the deeper traditions of his craft. He was about your height but he was older, more stout. He arrived in the United States we think around 1866 through a port in Georgia. I wish you could have met him James. Wherever he walked people just seemed to do better. He was fluent in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Greek, Latin, Yoruba, and Benin. He developed certain apparatuses for extracting fluids from certain plant organelles without killing the plant. He had processes for seeing to it that livestock bred healthy and on time. He didn’t care who he spoke with, black, white, native American, he just took it in. He helped anyone, and at the time, if you were black in the deep south, a man like him was indispensable. He had three things that marked him. He was forthright. If something was said to him he took it all in, no filtering. He feared nothing in peoples words. And when he spoke he was equally open. He was wise. The intelligence of this man was scary, his knowledge, vast. But he didn’t go around beating people over the head with it. One could even say that he spent the greater percentage of conversational time listening. And he was passionate. If he was looking for it, it would be found. If he was after it, it would be caught. If he was doing it, it would be done. I ran into him in 1870 in New Orleans. He was coming out of a restaurant. I was on business at the bordello next door, and I was taking a break in the alley. He came out and stood for a moment. Then he folded his arms and closed his eyes. There were all these weird effects about him, almost like, something one might see with Kirlian photography. When he opened his arms and eyes, he looked down that alley, and I swear it was as if every object in the heavens was looking directly at him.”
“That’s the kind of passion he had. And that passion was how they got him. In 1881, in a field in Mississippi, an old man took his last steps one afternoon, and he laid down and waited for death to come. Now Saint Leroy saw this from a distance, and he decided that, whoever this old man was, he shouldn’t die alone. He decided that he would usher him into the next world. But Saint Leroy also new that about 90 or 100 yards to the west was a group of local hooligans riding around on horses. 15 years earlier, they’d lost their homes, their land, their wives, their money, their station, everything. They had been drinking heavily on this afternoon, and at some point one of them suggested that it might be a good idea to go hunting niggers, and so they did. But Saint Leroy wasn’t leaving that old man alone. And so, as the old man breathed his last, someone cracked Saint Leroy in the back of the head with the handle of a Peacemaker. They beat him, sodomized him, spat on him, urinated on him, burned his hands and feet with cigarettes, and then they hung him from a tree. One of them decided he wanted a trophy, and set up a photograph, which in those days wasn’t like snapping a polaroid. There was equipment involved, you had to get the light right, get everyone in. To this day it is the only known picture of any kind of Saint Leroy Hutchins. They danced, laughed, told jokes, patted each other on the back, smoked cigarettes, and then headed off after about 10 or fifteen minutes. And then the contractor came. The contractor took Saint Leroy down to the pit where they had conjured up a huge creature. You see they took one look at the soul of this magnificent man, and they figured, after everything that he’d just been through, that he was pissed. But Saint Leroy would not abide in that creature. And after 2 or 3 minutes of stomping around and killing everyone including those who had summoned it, defiled it, and enchanted it, the creature exploded. Created all kinds of new real estate down there. And the net result was these 3 stones. This is also called the Mississippi stone. There’s a limerick about it you might want to think about: Pay no mind if you should find, the Mississippi stone. Pick it up, take it home, it goes away on it’s own. What does that mean to you James?”
James: “Well nothing. I never heard it before.”
Setri: ” The point is that Saint Leroy has been happened upon many times in the last hundred and forty years, but always with the same result: He would go away. As far as we can tell you are the first soul he has ever abided with. All things considered I’d say he made a great choice. I mean it’s all right there. I’d say he’s come along way in a hundred and forty years. He was able to get off a lot of that….taint in that time. That fel, sulphur, brimstone, there was none of that. Madame Grimory wasn’t able to make him out when she was trying to push up on you. He probably saw the exuberance with which you take in the world as it comes to you. The way you gazed upon the water probably just did it for him right there. Here, look.” She picks up the black stone. This stone-you used it to access Isseis’ mind. This stone is forthrightness. It allows a clear pathway between the minds of both. Nothing gets filtered. He allowed you to do this for a number of reasons. First, because you are coming into adulthood, he needs you to be tougher in one sense. You see, when the mind is open it is also vulnerable to certain kinds of inflow that could hurt it. He figured you could handle it, and I’d say you did well. You empathized with Issei’s state rather than indicting Madame Grimory or the angel. The problem is that Issei is a devil, so he operates on power thresholds that are much higher than the ones you operate on. If he feels something it must be really profound. If something hurts, it must really be throbbing. If he feels joy, he must have cum like a river. Well this caused you to get sucked into his experience so deeply you almost lost control of your own mind. From Saint Leroy’s point of view this was worth the risk, because it was also important for you to recognize that you are surrounded by devils, and he figured you needed to know who it is that you are helping.”
“This green stone. You use it all the time. This stone is wisdom. It allows you to see inside of anything. With it you learn about all sorts of things. He’s teaching you, mentoring you. He knows the importance of knowledge. James this man is worldly, not like crimson red dragon over there, and he wants to show you the world and all it’s wonder. But this red stone, you never use it. He hasn’t shown you its properties. This is passion. Passion is something we grapple with our whole lives, and he is all too clear of the trouble it can lead to unbridled. He’s being very careful with you. He knows you’re not ready for what this thing can do. It has been estimated that this stone, when exposed to the right quantum phenomena at the right frequency, could allow someone to level this whole neighborhood with little more than a thought. And if you were to inject a little energy, say, the amount one might use when taking a piss, the crater would be a half mile wide.”
“Here’s what we don’t know. We don’t know how much his soul was twisted by that action in the pit. I am hopeful though. From what I’ve seen so far I’d say he’s pretty well adjusted. Now for the complications. If Raiser finds out you’ve got this then Phoenix will be coming full force, and we won’t be able to hold them back. See, they figure that they want another crack at this guy. After a hundred and forty years there’ve been improvements and they think they’re better at it. If that happens I’ve got to take you. But this creates another problem. I can’t try to contract you both separately because I only have the required soul capacity for one of you. Now I’d definitely be hitting the lotto with this guy, but if I have my choice, I’ll take you every time. Firstly, I wouldn’t want to try to contract Saint Leroy in that the last time he had any dealings with devils it only served to make the worst day of his life even more so. So he’s got no reason whatsoever to abide with me. But if I contract you, your soul will then abide in me, and If he views this as your corruption, what then? If he decides to go nuclear again I could lose you both and I can’t abide that. The payment would be much too great.”
James: “Payment?”
Setri: “Don’t worry about that. It’s something that only concerns us devils. Anyway, what if he chooses to simply go away? Besides the fact that it’s diminishing to your soul, and I have absolutely no interest in that, this is Japan. Where’s he going to go? He has no spiritual connection to here whatsoever other than you. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Secondly, well….it has to do with my own…. I’m a weird devil James. If I’m asked to place a bet on the performance of a person or a thing, I’m going to bet the person wherever I can. For better or worse, even though I know of his history, his capabilities, his understanding, he has become a thing. So I’m betting the house on you. My only hope is to contract you and hope that he can recognize that I’m not about the business of corrupting you in any way. If he can see that I’m not trying to make you monstrous at all, or tear you down spiritually, he might be willing to abide with you still. I don’t care if Saint Leroy doesn’t do a thing for me. He’s good for you and that’s what’s important.”
Riess: “Let’s take a break now. James I’m going to go get you some sukiyaki and tempura.”
James: “Oh. Thank you. Some food would be nice.” He reaches into his pocket for money. “How much is it? I’ll kick in.”
Setri: “No put that away James. Let us do this for you.”
Riess: “James. You don’t think about that. You just think how good this is gonna taste goin down.
James: “No. No, no. It’s my pleasure. Really.”
Setri: “Oh jeez. My tits must really not be making it for you. I mean you won’t just let me do this little thing for you?”
Asia: “Dang it! There it is again.”
Setri: “What is it now?”
Asia: “You’re trying to punish him for the way he was raised. We were all raised that way. He’s being a gentleman and a good house guest. So now. James-sama. Do you have, like, 5 American dollars?”
James: “Yeah sure.”
Asia: “Give it to me then, and we’ll make it a pot luck. I’m going to go get the food. You’re going to love it.”
Riess: “I’ll go with you.”
Asia: “Really? Thank you Madame. I’d be honored. Madame Setri is there something I can get especially for you?”
setri: “How about a quiet little udon and some bento to go around.” She gives Asia a little money. Then she runs over to Madame Grimory who’s headed out the door. “Hey Riess do me a favor and bring back some sushi.”
Riess: “Sushi?”
Setri: “James needs raw meat but he doesn’t want to be seen eating it.”
Riess: “Oh. Yeah that is a cute way around that. Try to keep your hands to yourself while we’re gone.”
Setri: “I understand. Todays that one day of the year. I think they refer to it as ‘Let’s beat up on Setri day’.” She goes back in the room and sits down next to James. He’s still somewhat groggy but awake. “That little twit. Stealing my thunder. I try to be thoughtful but I’m just trying to serve myself.”
James: “I don’t think she meant it that way.”
Setri: “Of course not and fundamentally she’s correct. But so what? I get frustrated sometimes with that little self righteous mouth of hers.”
James: “Umm. About the wound. Are you feeling better?” She looks at him for a moment. She then stands up and then straddles him. She leans her forehead against his.
Setri: “About that. You see Issei over there?
James: “Right.”
Setri: “He’s a devil. But he’s a minion in the service of Madame Grimory. Because he’s a minion you could work on him comparatively easily. Why he was just a typical boy only two years ago. So your physiologies are pretty much identical. But I’m a Madame. I was never human. Now it’s one thing for you to patch up a cut on my arm but quite another for you to try to reverse the effects of a quantum burst to the belly. For all the flesh you gave you barely closed the back end of the wound. If you’ld have continued you’ld have died and I would still have an open wound. James I’m what amounts to an abomination. I was born way down in the pit. Look at the floor under my feet. What do you see?”
James: “Oh. Damn. I hadn’t noticed that before. It’s like a funny distortion in the carpet. Some sort of aura I guess.”
Setri: “Yes. If I gave you the true vision it would appear as a muddy, jet black, undulating pool. That’s because wherever I go I corrupt the ground. I’m spiritually tied to this place, this land you know as Japan. I can go anywhere in the world I want but I’ll always return here. You need to know about me as I sit here measuring your wood, stimulating myself against it. That’s what I’m doing, right? Some sort of beguiling lap dance perhaps? Not really. In 24 hours you’ll be a minion in the service of my house. The anticipation of that for me is overwhelming at times, but it is also something I have reason to dread. You see you’re Afro-American, and right off the boat. That’s a problem.”
James: “What is this thing you’ve got with black people? What did we do to you?”
Setri: “Well, if I was looking to be argumentative I could say that you helped those white fuckers nuke me during the war. But that would be silly. No, it has to do with your history. James slavery is not simply one thing. Around the world it takes many forms. Marriage for instance could be considered a limited kind of slavery. Now Madame Grimory would do anything for that little pervert of hers over there. Absolutely anything. She would lay down and fuck you until your world was sufficiently rocked if she had to just to help him. Slavery as it appeared in the United States was nothing short of an atrocity. It was hardly something akin to a cozy living arrangement! It’s not in your nature to be subservient to some bitch who pulled a slave ship up to a bus stop, didn’t even bother to park it, and slapped a collar on your black ass. I brought you here and now your tending Grimory’s vegetables. I look at Issei there and I see you keep a garden well.”
James: “That’s…..some real fucked up shit to say.”
Setri: “Yes it is. But again I’m out of options. It’s come to the point where I have to be as honest as I can. Now be honest James. Am I not doing the same things as a slave trader in one sense at least? You see I’m trying to connect with that place in you. That….holiest of holies where anamnesis resides.”
James: “What?”
Setri: “It’s the place in your spirit where the memory of that atrocity resides. You could say it’s where we keep the shit bottled up. You know, slave owners in America always complained that, no matter the care they would afford, slaves could never be trusted. They were treacherous, and had to be watched. You know why this was James?”
James: “Hell yeah. We wanted to be free.”
Setri: “Well of course you’re correct. But it’s much deeper than that. You see the owners were little more than consumers themselves. In their minds you were willing participants in this atrocity. They had no knowledge of they way in which you were introduced into slavery. It was not them who burned your villages, raped your women, killed your original children, and captured the ones they wanted. It was not them who committed the most barbaric acts of torture in history for the purpose of breaking your spirits and bringing you to market as recently broken wild animals. So in their minds they had gone to the market and picked up a piece of livestock and brought it home. This livestock could do the most marvelous things and they desperately wanted to trust it. Livestock, no matter how well you train it, will always be livestock. It will never stop in it’s mission until it dies. But human beings are different. They develop spiritually. consciously, and essentially. This is The mark of humanity. It will die in a much higher state of consciousness, and spirituality, than it had in life. Even though it’s physical state would lead us to view birth and death as fairly similar in terms of behavior and appearance, the spiritual development never ceases. But it never occurred to these silly white people that you were in fact human beings. Even today they really don’t grasp the notion. That’s why it’s difficult to have a lot of love for that oversized 7-eleven with way too big a parking lot and not enough trash cans you call The U.S. of….aarrghh! Human beings must reach for higher levels of existence. They couldn’t possibly have remained slaves forever. But they never told them that. Even when they did they didn’t want to hear it. They still don’t. There’s a pretty fair percentage that still believe that black people are basically a slightly lower level of existence than themselves, and that the only reason that black people are walking around as free citizens is because they lost a war to some other white people.”
“So here I am James. I’m sitting here on your lap trying desperately to avoid an eternity of chasing you around the earth because you simply refuse to serve my house. I can see myself hiring Grimory to go get your ass. She’s the big bounty hunter where hells minions are concerned. Nobody gets away from her. I can see her. She’ll either take the job for nothing just to be sure that you’re able to accomplish whatever it is that drove you to run away. Or, she’ll say something to the effect of: Hell no. If he had to get away from you then you plain fucked up in your obligations as his madamme and you deserve no less. And in both cases she would be right. A job like that would hurt her heart. After what you’ve done for her house? James look at me. I will not let Phoenix destroy you, and believe me when I tell you that they’re coming…..soon. But can you see my problem? In order to prevent it I have to bring you, a young, afro American wonder of a man, the gift of slavery. It feels like I’m introducing a bullet to the head of a young child with the idea that it should help him grow. Tell me James. Please. Just tell me if you might know of a mask or some sort of make up behind which I might effectively obscure my shame right now. I’ll go and get it. But I think, even if there is such a thing, that I would still end up worrying about these things. If only I could convince you that there’s no whips and chains here. There’s no eternal torture or mindless exploitation of the body. If I was in a position to do this without contracting you first we would never have to speak of these terrible things. But all I can do is rub myself against your body and try to have a bite to eat with you, learn of you, and hope that you can learn enough of me so we can both look forward to our abiding rather than dread it.”
James: “Look, I appreciate your situation. I do. But do you really believe that there’s any condition under which my soul should be taken from me and I should look forward to it? What could possibly lead you to believe such a thing? If you would value my spiritual health as you say then how could you hope for such a thing? I know how. The truth is you have no interest in anything about the black experience, or my experience as a black man in the world. How could you with all these responsibilities on your plate? No. What you want is a house nigger. Plain and simple. That….well that can’t happen.” Setri looks back at the sacred gear for a moment.
Setri: “And the shame mounts. It is truly a joy to have such discourse with St. Leroy through you. He’s everything they said. His words….such clarity. James the truth is I have never desired you as a minion. Clearly a contradictory statement in that my actions clearly indicate that I am about the business of acquiring you as a minion. My house would benefit greatly from your capabilities as they stand at this moment even with you being human. Yet, in the context of that reality I do not desire you to become a member of my house. Contradictory isn’t it? Now what you just said James is pretty accurate, but only in a prima fascia sense. I look at what you’ve done with Issei there and I can’t help but ask how you should come to rest, at any time, in a room full of devils. It’s clear that the Americans never deserved a man like you. The Japanese probably don’t either. But devils? If we deserve the miracle you’ve bestowed on us, then it would be also fair to say that people like Dahmer and Manson deserve weekends off. James your importance to the world as a man far outweighs your use to me as a minion. If I were to contract you on the basis of desire of a cool minion I would be inviting disaster to my house. How would I compensate mankind for such a loss? It’s a kharmic thing I suppose. You make the assertion that I would desire a ‘house nigger’ as you put it– and don’t get the idea that I’m unclear about the true essence of that term and what it entails–but only because you lack a key piece of information which I happen to have. This information says that if I don’t secure you using the only means available to me–that being a contracting rig–then Phoenix will kill you. Plain and simple. That…I will not allow to happen.”
Riess: “Setri. You couldn’t do it could you?”
Setri: “I suppose not. Smells so good.”
James: “Couldn’t do what?”
Setri: “Keep my hands off you.”
James: “No, Miss Grimory. It was just a conversation. We….”
Riess: “Oh I know James. I’m just leaning into her ribs a little. Come on Let’s eat.”
Asia: “Oh yes. Here we are.” She starts pulling cartons out of bags. James is amazed at the abundance. “Ok. Now we have the sukiyaki here. We weren’t sure which one you would like so we have beef, chicken, and this one is…well… weird.”
James: “Weird?”
Asia: “They said that it might appeal more to the international palate. I mean It’s not exactly traditional. See how the broth is slightly creamed and there’s all kinds of seafood and stuff.”
James: “Ah. Kind of like a chowder. Yeah I like that.”
Asia: “Yes. That’s it. Ok This is a nabiaki udon. You can see it has a lot of little things swimming around in there. And now Miss Setri’s udon is here. Im going to set that over by her.”
Setri: “Thanks Asia. Where’d you get this?”
Asia: “Junjo.”
Setri: “Oh. Well, aren’t I the lucky one today. James do you mind if I sit next to you and eat with you?”
James: “Are you kidding? You’ve gotta be hungry. I mean we’re eating. Come on now.”
Setri: “Well actually, I’m a devil and uh…well we don’t really have to eat.” James looks at her bowl for a moment.
James: “Oh. Yeah I guess I can kinda tell.”
Setri: “Really? How’s that?”
James: “Well that soup there. It looks like just noodles in hot water. It doesn’t seem to even smell like anything from here.”
Setri: “Oh. I see. Well I tell you what. Take a spoon and taste the broth of that nabiaki udon. Go ahead, just the broth.” James complies and finds himself quite pleased with the taste.
James: “Yeah this tastes good. Real good.”
Setri: “Ok. Now I’d like you to wipe your spoon off with a napkin and stick it in here and do the same thing.”
James: “But it’s just hot water.”
Setri: “Really? Come on let’s see how hot water tastes in Japan.” James complies again. When he does, he finds himself mesmerized.”
James: “Oh…Oh my. That…that’s just incredible.”
Setri: “What’s the matter?”
James: “How did they do that?”
Setri: “Do what?”
James: “How’d they get all that in there?”
Setri: “All what?”
James: “Those colors. There’s a slight thickness. Not water at all. And then…well…this kind of calm.”
Setri: “You know that old guy opened up 15 or 20 years ago and back then you’ld swear he was scraping this shit off the floor.”
Riess: “Oh jeez yes. It was just horrible. The working girls would all go there at lunch because he was really good looking, but they had to have a handbag full of alka-seltzer because the food was just awful.”
James: “You’re joking.”
Riess: “No. It’s true.”
Setri: “Yeah. I can’t tell if he married a woman that can cook, or had a son that went to cooking school. He could have hired a really good chef. Some people do that. Maybe it’s something you just grow into. I don’t know. But somehow, he ended up on top of his game I think.”
James: “I have to agree. Junjo. I have to remember that name.”
Asia: “Now here is some plain rice. Here is some red beans and rice. These things are you pretty ordinary but some people like this stuff on the side with a meal like this so… we got it. And here’s a bento box for you. Now the idea is that, well, all these things are wet, sloppy, except for the rice of course, while the bento is fairly dry. You can mix and match, you know wet and dry things as you like.”
James: “Well. I appreciate this. Man, everything is so perfect. Smells so good, all of it. But I have to try the red beans and rice because it’s a little different than we do it back home.” He tastes it and smiles. “Oh yeah. That’s different. Plenty of dirt but the beans are pureed, kind of creamy almost. I’ve never had it that way. Really good. Not ordinary at all.”
Asia: “Oh. Well umm. I got this at a real reputable place. They’re one of the cleanest places in town I’d say.”
Riess: “That’s not what he means Asia.”
James: “No, no. I don’t mean it has dirt in it or anything like that. I mean it has all kinds of herbs, spices, makes it good. But I also mean that it’s(he points at the floor) more down there. Now what miss Setri is eating, well that’s more up here. Red beans and rice speaks of the earth, the ground we walk on. Everything in it grows down there right? And doesn’t it stick to you, kind of like mud?”
Asia: “Hmmm. I hadn’t looked at it quite like that. Anyway it’s something that everyone in japan eats at least 3 or 4 times a week. That’s why I call it kind of ordinary.”
Setri: “Yeah. Well believe me honey. From his point of view there’s nothing ordinary about that. You know I was talking about Saint Leroy earlier. Well when I was down there in New Orleans they had a thing for red beans and rice in just about every restaurant. And let me tell you. Every one of them was not to be missed. And they were all different about it.”
Asia: “Oh. I see. Oh yes I almost forgot. Your change James sama.” She hands him some money.
James: “What? No way. All this food? Two dollars and, well, whatever those add up to?”
Asia: “It’s not enough? I was cheated?”
James: “What? No. I’m not supposed to get any change. Not with all this. If anything I would owe you some money.”
Riess: “Well. You know Asia and me, we go shopping all the time and…well…we get home and suddenly we notice that…well…all sorts of things got purchased. And so we thought that you shouldn’t have to pay for that.” To this James shows some consternation for a moment before he speaks.
James: “Wow. You people are truly…devils. I mean…” Setri and Riess both express some surprise at this.
Setri: “Well. Umm. Why do you say it like that?”
James: “Because. it’s real clever how I have all this good food sitting here but I don’t really have to pay anything. And then, you factor in that wicked sense of humor and it all just comes together right?”
Asia: “On this I have to agree James sama. It’s definitely the sense of humor that gives it away every time.” He gives Asia a sly smirk.
James: “Oh of course. Not like that stuff on the floor would indicate anything right?”
Riess: “Oh. What? Did I step in something on the way back?”
James: “No. No I was…talking about” He points down at her feet “you know.”
Riess: “You….You can see that?”
James: “Well. Yes. I mean I wasn’t really paying attention earlier. Miss Setri explained it to me and….”
Riess: “What? Setri!” Madame Setri looks up from her bowl innocently enough.
Setri: “What?”
Riess: “Look the guy’s just off a plane all of what? A few hours? Now how much of this stuff are we going to put on him?”
Setri: “Now, I understand your concern Madame and normally I’d agree. But after the conversation we just had, it seems to me that he…he does pretty well.”
Riess: “Hm. Well then. Ok. He can see it.” She chuckles slightly at the notion.
James: “I didn’t mean to be indiscrete. I just thought it was a funny thing to say.”
Riess: “It was. No I’ve got no problem with it. If you can see it you can see it.” She notices that James seems to be pondering something as he eats. “What’s on your mind James? You seem concerned still.”
James: “Well. I was thinking about that aura, you know. Well it seems to me that it probably makes certain activities more difficult than they might be if you didn’t have it. So I was trying to think of a way you might be able to turn it on and off when you need to.”
Riess: “Now James. What you are saying is that, from your point of view, this should be rather burdensome for me. Well, you’re right. In fact I have no problem with the luggage viewpoint. But you need to know that it’s not like I have a santa claus sack full of goods that would serve others better than me slung over my shoulder. No I’d say it’s more along the line of the average size wallet that you guys like to carry in your back pocket. It makes a little bulge back there at first but then after a while it’s like you don’t even notice it’s there.”
James: “Oh. Well I understand.” He turns his head in the direction of Madame Setri. She is finishing her soup at this point. When she does she looks back at him as if to acknowledge a question in his eyes. She immediately continues the discussion.
Setri: “Yeah. Did you know that the vast majority of the curses we acquire in life, no matter the individual, we don’t acquire by happenstance or the malicious intent of others? In the west it’s common for people to believe that blessings come from God and curses come from the Devil. Believe it or not, we in the east have no problem with this notion. That’s why Christianity does well here all things considered. But there’s a fundamental difference between our cultures. We stop there. You do not in the west. In the west this idea is used as the premise of the following statement: If one pursues the virtues of heaven one will be blessed but never cursed. Likewise, if one pursues the virtues of hell then one will be cursed but never blessed. Rationalism at it’s finest but unfortunately flawed. You see once you introduce desire then the source of the curses and blessings associated with a particular desire is no longer important. Once one acts upon a desire, then the associated curses and blessings materialize simultaneously, regardless of intent or original source. The pursuit of the desire simply activates it’s own set of consequences both good and bad. The realization of such desire activates a new set. You see? The curses we get in life we call down upon our own heads. We do this by reaching for the blessings we seek. Now this aura under my feet is a function of the fact that I’ve acquired certain curses which cause it. But believe me when I tell you that a girl like me couldn’t imagine going through life without the benefits associated with having done so.” She gives a kind of reassuring smile as she says this.
James: “OK. Well. I can definitely roll with that. If you ladies are down with it like that then I’m just fine.” He continues to eat for a bit but then starts getting full. “Hey ladies I’m sorry but I can’t eat another bite.”
Riess: “You know we have a remedy for that situation, but you may do it differently.”
James: “What’s that?”
Riess: “Oh. Well, ok. Here it is: We stop eating.”
James: “Oh. Hey. Caught me with my mouth open on that one.”
Asia: “See it’s the sense of humor that marks them every time.”
James: “But what about all this food though? I mean it’s really good and…”
Asia: “Don’t you worry about that. I’m going to take it down and feed Issei’s parents.”
James: “What? No way.” Setri’s head snaps up when she hears this “Table scraps? We can’t do that.”
Asia: “Listen now. I feed them every night, and every night they always say the same thing. They say I’m the second best thing that ever happened to this family. Trust me James sama. They are going to love it.”
James: “Ok. But if I’d have known this I wouldn’t have ate directly out of the carton like that.”
Riess: “I don’t think there’s any problem with that. Don’t worry yourself. Asia’s got Isseis’ parents on speed dial I’d say.”
James: “Ok then. By the way. I’ve been here a while and I haven’t seen them at all. Do they even know I’m here? I mean I don’t want them to come up here and think…”
Riess: “Actually, we’d prefer that you didn’t think about that either.”
James: “Now come on. This is their house. They have a right to know who’s in their house.”
Riess: “Don’t worry. Asia’s good about that. She keeps them updated about, you know, goings on.” James gives a slightly suspiscious leer upon hearing this.”
James: “Ok. But, well, Issei was in pretty bad shape. Why didn’t they come up to see him in all that time?”
Riess: “Well, you know, again Asia is good about keeping the….”
Setri: “Riess. Please.”
Riess: “What?”
Setri: “He’s not going to accept any of that. The man’s not stupid.”
Riess: “Well, what would you have me say?”
Setri: “As I said before, he does pretty well. With, say, the truth for instance.” Riess gives a look of slight desperation, as a small child whose been caught sneaking a cookie.”
Riess: “Very well then. Umm, James. Isseis’ mom came in twice just since we’ve been sitting here with you. The first time she noticed Issei was better and she burst into tears. Asia told her he was better. It was when we were trying to calm you down after what you had seen with….you know, the stone.” James chuckles a bit at this.
james: “With all due respect Madame, this is a fairly small room. I don’t think I would have missed that.”
Setri: “No, you wouldn’t in the event that you weren’t behind whats known as a selective barrier. But since you are, you are undetectable by Isseis’ parents. It also makes it so that you can’t see them either.” James looks about himself somewhat franticly now.
James: “A Barrier. Well how do I get out from behind it?” He’s starting to express a kind of indignation now, and Setri notices.
Setri: “Now James. Wait now. This barrier is on the house. It’s not something we applied to you.”
James: “Oh. And I take it that it keeps me in here with you as well.”
Riess: “James. We are not about the business of keeping you locked down. Now we have an agreement that says that you are your own man for 24 hours. Right?”
James: “Right. So I could walk out of this house if I want. Yes?” His tone is clearly challenging.
Setri: “Not without us pleading rather passionately with you that you should not.”
Riess: “Please don’t!” She sort of lunges in his direction and startles him somewhat. “Please. If you leave this house the prospects of a reasonable defense drop so substantially it’s…well it becomes…”
Setri: “Man. Why did it have to be an American. They are such a pain in the ass when it comes to this sort of stuff.”
James: “Oh. Here we go again with that shit. If I choose to disagree with you then I’m as trashy as all those people you say you can’t stand. Is that it?” Setri turns away slightly with a look of quiet dismay.
Riess: “James. Your right. Her choice of words might not help as much as she would like them to.” Madame Grimory’s tone becomes less righteous more caring now. “But I have to agree with what she’s aiming at. Honestly now. You want desperately to believe that just as people make friends they make enemies. Well that is true. But this does not mean that if you, in your dealings with others in the world, choose only to make friends and never enemies that you should never have cause to have enemies. No. Now I understand. You’re in a rather different country. All you did was get off a plane. But honey, you have enemies here, ones that were made by someone, yes, but certainly not by you. These enemies, as we speak, are making preparations to secure your end – tonight. Now this barrier around the house is simply one of several means that we’ve employed in your defense. It’s not designed to remove you from existence, but simply to obscure you from the eyes of these enemies. Now in the case of Isseis’ parents it doesn’t allow them to see you – to interface with you in any way, and only because it’s necessary.”
James: “That’s what I’m not getting. Is my presence offensive to them? You have me stealing away in their house. what’s all that about?”
Setri: “Ok. Remember when you challenged Miss Grimory to think about a particular situation? I will now challenge you to do the same. Let’s think for a moment. When you came in what was the state of affairs? We have their son clinging to life. Asia is overworked. Suddenly, this stranger comes in. A tall, imposing foreigner goes up to see Issei, and he simply lays his hand upon him. All of the sudden he’s up – singing even. It’s clear he’s miraculously healed. Can’t you imagine it. They’d be on the phone immediately to the neighbors, the priests, anyone interested. Then they’re looking you up on the net. Hey it turns out this guy is nobodies ascetic. He can do some amazing shit with a basketball too. Hey, I’ve got this amazing foreign guy in my house named James Hicks. He just raised Lazarus in my son’s bedroom. James Phoenix wouldn’t have to look for you. They would just mix in with the procession of neighbors streaming toward what would otherwise be the most ordinary house in Honeida.” Asia now comes back in with a big smile.
Asia: “Ok. Issei’s parents are just stoked about the food. They weren’t expecting such a feast on a Friday, you know and…” She looks about and sees the serious faces in the room. Downcast eyes everywhere. “…and…well….I missed something. What’s wrong? Why’s everyone so…?”
Riess: “James was asking about why he hadn’t seen Isseis’ parents come to see him in all this time.” Asia searches momentarily.
Asia: “I see. Well, you know they’re eating right now… and as I said they are really…”
Setri: “We told him about the barrier.” Upon hearing this, her own expression becomes exceedingly less pridefull. She sits down across from James as she had during dining and her own face reflects a somber mood now.
Asia: “James sama. When they were explaining your sacred gear to you, Issei’s mom was holding my head in her arms. My hair got wet from the tears streaming down her face. She was thanking the heavens that they had sent me to this family. I sat there and had to go along with that…lie. I mean…well…you and I know what really happened. I was running out of energy and I couldn’t say what would happen to him if I ran out. You came in and my first thought was that you were an enemy who would hurt us. Remember? She’s clinging to me and my only thought is that I almost drove you away…They should be kissing your feet. If I had my way the world would know of what you’ve done for Issei. The pain and physical degradation you endured so this strange young man whom you never met before could live. And the whole time you only seemed to think how much better he’d feel when you finished. That’s the kind of thing that reminds us the world and it’s people aren’t just this decaying….thing. I don’t want Madame Setri to have your soul James sama. It’s not right. I’m sorry Madame but I can’t possibly agree.”
Setri: Be anything Asia but don’t ever be sorry about that.”
Asia: “But James sama I have to help her. That other house just wants the soul and nothing else. They would just kill you, and I can’t abide that either. Please James sama, just a little while longer. Stay with us. Please.
James: “Well thank you Asia that was…a really nice thing…to say.”
Riess: “You know, obscuring Setri was so much easier. With her I could stack all manner of magics. With you we could only use the barrier. Madame Setri, right now, can’t be detected by anyone using any means unless she wants them to. For all practical purposes she seems to have been removed from existence.”
James: “Really?”
Riess: “Oh yes. In your case we could only use the barrier so if someone wanted to locate you from outside this house they’d have to use certain magical resources to do that. Were counting on this since the only other people who have those resources are the enemy.”
James: “Wait you’re saying you’re counting on them locating me. What’s the point? If you’re defending me then why make miss Setri disappear? It’s sounds more like I’m being used as bait.”
Riess: “Yeah. You could say that. But not really. There’s three reasons we chose this line. One: The master of House Phoenix isn’t one to come out to get a single soul because he has, in his stable, a contractor with a sterling reputation. We think he’ll rely on her for this because this is the kind of thing she’s particularly good at. She’s the fastest thing out there and powerful to boot. Now we are sure she’ll assemble a small team, probably five or six minions for assaulting this defense. Now before I get to the second reason I have to tell you that this contractor has to break into here without alerting Isseis’ parents. There’s a rule among all the houses that says that, in any action involving a single soul or individual by a house, there can be no collateral damage of any kind.”
James: “I’m not sure what you’re driving at there.”
Setri: “Well, James. Try to understand that if bystanders get caught up in the fighting, buildings get destroyed because heavy magics got unleashed in a neighborhood like this, then there’s a good chance that the humans could get together and attack us. They outnumber us by 3 or 4 million to one so we’d have no chance. Believe me James, however wicked you might perceive us to be, there is nothing more violent, vicious, or relentless than humans who think they have a cause. Oh, the house masters would use their power to survive, but their houses would be burned, their shrines attacked, their minions killed, and we could easily find ourselves driven back down below. It could be for decades or even centuries. Now before you call that idea a stretch you might want to know that this has happened before. So all of the houses adhere to this rule. It’s better for everyone.”
James: “Oh, now I see what you mean.”
Riess: “Good. Now for the second reason: Unbeknownst to Phoenix, there are 2 madams here. If they got wind of Setri they might choose to open the entire garrison. This would be a problem. Even if Madame Setri called out the troops it would still be much more difficult to secure you and still guarantee that there would be no collateral damage. If the battle went against them there is the chance that Lord Raiser could decide to join it, at which point the destruction would definitely get out of hand. So instead, I took her out of the picture, and made her into something much better: the ultimate hole card.”
James: “How’s that?”
Riess: “Well, as big and fast as this contractor is, She has no chance against Setri. James, Setri is a madame. You think I was something to behold when you looked in Issei’s head? You haven’t seen her. She’s just plain dangerous. She’d make a great white swim out of it’s own skin to get away from her.” James leers over at Setri slightly fearfully now.
Setri: “Now Madame Grimory. There’s no need to scare anybody. But yes, James. I’m not exactly sporting the double D’s like Madame Grimory, but I could be said to have some skills.” She gives him a reassuring smile, and he gives a slight chuckle to this.
James: “I see. So what’s the third reason?”
Riess: “Well, now this one doesn’t have to do with your defense, per se. It has to do with your sacred gear.”
James: “I don’t understand.”
Setri: “Look. We have Saint Leroy sitting here and I’m trying to make a credible argument that I have no interest in corrupting you, defiling you in any way. Now if I’m stacking magic up on you like a burger joint with the lettuce and tomato, why should he believe any of that?”
James: “That…makes a strange kind of sense I’ve got to admit.”
Riess: “Now here’s how we know they’ll come in a light way. My house is maintaining a perimeter outside. Now when they launch at us I’ll join them in the front. The neat thing about this is that my house is the smallest of all three houses, and we are currently short handed by one. From their point of view they’ll easily outnumber us anyway.”
James: “That makes no sense. How could that possibly be good.”
Setri: “Well, it’s not ideal for Madame Grimory, but at the same time the state of the line could be said to be more than acceptable. You see, when any master or mistress joins her minions in battle, power of that team jumps pretty substantially. They can’t possibly fight with the intention of overrunning her. No, they will definitely fight with the idea of tying up the front line and injecting the contractor. Once they do this we have them where we want them. So you see this is one of those times where it actually pays to be a little thin up front. It gives them every incentive to be reckless. I can promise you James that Grimory is notorious for holding the line this way. But James, if you walk out of this barrier, we lose the benefit of most of those things. With the speed of this contractor our chances diminish by like 75 percent. She’s just too fast. They can set up in a way that just gives her clear access and we have no chance at all.”
James: “I see.”
Riess: “James. Just one more thing. Please consider this. You know, here in Japan we’re kind of known for tidal waves. That last one was, well, I’m sure you’re aware. Now we’re not all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful. We’re the other guys. We’ve got some power, there’s no doubt, but I wouldn’t presume to be able to hold back that kind of thing. But don’t you think if we’d have known ahead of time we could have gotten together and done something? Maybe just get it to deviate one or even half a degree in trajectory? Something to keep it from slamming into a goddamn reactor? Of course we would. This is our land, our people. Well James this time we knew ahead of time and we’re ready for anything. And all we’re asking of you is that you just sit tight with us a little while longer and let the wave pass.”
James: “Well, I guess I end up being the fool either way.”
Setri: “I don’t quite get…”
James: “I’ve decided to stay with you. Now let’s say all the things you’ve been saying are false. In that case I was foolish for staying here and deserve what I’ve got coming. But now let’s say that you’re telling the truth about all this. Well in that case I was foolish for not believing you and giving you all that guff.” He yawns and quickly covers his mouth. “Excuse me. Sorry. I’m just so tired. I mean the plane ride and then all the stuff afterward.”
Riess: “Of course James. You need rest honey.”
James: “No, no. I can stay awake.”
Setri: “Asia, could you hand me one of those pillows please?” Asia takes a pillow off of Isseis’ bed and hands it to Setri, she places it snuggly in her lap. “James the meat we had was good, but it wasn’t raw. You’ve still got some stuff to replace back there. So I want you to lay your head right here in this pillow, stretch out and give your body a break.”
James: “No it’s ok. I can stay with you. I’m good.” He hides a yawn again and leans his head back against the wall.
Setri: “I know what you’re thinking and you’re just a little off right now.”
James: “Really? So what am I thinking then.”
Setri: “Besides the more competitive idea of ‘who does this bitch think she is thinking she can read my mind’, you’re basically thinking that you don’t go to someone’s house, enjoy their company, eat their food, and then pass out like a wino. It’s trashy.”
James: “How could you tell that?”
Setri: “Don’t worry there’s no demonic mischief afoot. It’s obvious in that you’re a polite man. It’s polite. What else would a polite man be thinking? But in this case your wrong. It’s not trashy. In fact, you would be honoring everyone in this house, including Issei’s parents. You’ve worked hard on all our behalves. So come on now.” He yawns again and slowly relents. “Yeah I know. It is that time.”
James: “You’re not going to try to steal my soul while I’m nodding out are you?” He says this sarcastically.
Setri: “It doesn’t work like that. Your body has to be aligned with the stars. I can’t do that from inside a house. I’ve got to do that sort of thing outside before both heaven and hell.”
James: “Oh. I didn’t realize.”
Setri: “Of course not. It’s something only we know. Which brings me to my last question. Now we’ve been talking about devils and contracting, and souls, and curses, and blessings, and things like that. But what if it turns out that none of that means shit? What if the only thing that matters,” She pulls his head closer to her own as she leans down. “is this moment…right here…” She gently kisses his forhead. “…right now? Tell me James. What then?” He feels himself gently falling asleep in her arms now.
James: “Well…I guess things…I mean it’s all good….I guess….” He falls asleep and nuzzles his face against her midriff.”
Riess: “Oh Setri. You’re like an old bottle of good scotch. You just get smoother every year.”

This space is a cavernous one, as the maw of a great ancient thing that never closed. It’s walls glisten in a strange way in the darkness. It’s only source of light are randomly spaced pools of a strange bubbling liquid with a serpentine glow. About the walls crawl huge insect-like creatures which appear to scratch and claw at the rock of the walls in an almost voracious way. On the floor of this great hall demons stride about between the fel pools. They nod in acknowledgement as they pass each other on the throughways. The movement of some of them would appear blurred as they run about in pursuit of whatever errands they have been assigned, no doubt having been so instructed by someone of a higher station than themselves. Along the walls there are entrance ways to passages and various alcoves, and in one of these, destiny is sitting patiently on a large boulder and perusing the columns of a form on a clipboard. With a slight expansion of her wings she gets up and strides toward the hall clipboard under arm. She is black as tar from head to toe. Her height, imposing, as some sort of great, polluted gargoyle. She steps toward a group of devils gathered around a table in the center of the great hall. They all stand with her approach. She is Coalstone and she commands them.
Coalstone: “As you were everyone.” She approaches another devil seated behind a computer “Target’s current status?”
Regino: “He’s currently recumbent. Substantially lowered energy output than earlier.”
Coalstone: “And the others in the room?”
Regino: “Asia’s output is much lower than normal. Madame Grimory is…well…I can’t really say.”
Coalstone: “Of course, I understand. Have you made any progress on Madame Setri?”
Regino: “I’ve tried every protocol we have. She’s just…nowhere. Not at her house. Not at Isseis’. I can’t locate her anywhere in Japan.”
Coalstone: “Foreign actions are rare but she has been known to have been summoned by them on occasion.”
Regino: “We know she was summoned yesterday afternoon, but I can’t begin to give details on that.”
Coalstone: “How much time now?” As she questions him a massive figure approaches her from behind. He is dressed in purple silks and his flowing long hair blazes crimson. At the table all the devils bow graciously as he moves past. A black leather cloak shrouds his shoulders and back.
Regino: “We have 17 minutes 21 seconds until azimuth is reached.” She turns to go back to the table but almost crashes into the cloaked man.
Coalstone: “Lord Raiser, forgive me.” She bows neatly.
Raiser: “Not at all. How are things proceeding?”
Coalstone: “We have about 16 minutes before we go. The target is resting but well placed within the house. But there is unrestricted access through an adjacent window in the room.”
Raiser: “Well that’s certainly acceptable. What about Setri?”
Coalstone: “That is a problem. We’ve scanned in every mode and frequency. We can’t locate her anywhere in Japan. Even her phone’s disappeared.” Lord Raisers’ eyelids suddenly narrow tightly around flaming red irises.
Raiser: “Now listen closely. If you should encounter Setri on this venture, and are engaged by her, you will have superior speed of course. But she will compensate by altering time. So you must be wary of any spell from her which results in a bubble form. You must be sure to get out of the bubble before it coalesces. Also, I want you to be clear on this as well. I want that soul, but I do not want you to be taken by them. Your safety is the first priority.”
Coalstone: “Lord Raiser. I would respectfully remind you that, even though I serve this house without reservation and prejudicially so, I still have a reputation to uphold. You will have our soul – tonight.” He gives a comforting smile at this.
Raiser: “Yes. Of course. Fare well then. Carry on.”
Coalstone: “Thank you Lord raiser.” She walks back out to the table in the great hall.
Regino: ” 4 minutes until azimuth.”
Coalstone: “Alright final stretch. Let’s gear up. You’ll want to be limber for this. We rise in 3.”

James wakens to find Madame Setri sitting at his side. She is dressed differently now, in a long flowing dress and black high heeled ankle high boots reflecting a time long past. The dress is rather stately looking with a bright scarlet base color and a black flame pattern at the bottom. She wears black silk elbow gloves with diamonds and pearls. Her hair is pinned up perfectly and He finds himself taken aback by what appears to him as an almost other worldly beauty.
Setri: “Welcome back sleepy head.” Her smile is motherly but her gaze is directed intently toward the northern wall of the room. She stands up still gazing in that direction.”
James: “Oh my. Forgive me. I really zoned out there.”
Setri: “Did you sleep well?”
James: “Apparently. I feel much better. Man how long was I out?”
Setri: “A little more than a couple hours. Listen, I need you to sit up now”, she kneels down gently before him and her eyes now show an intensity he has not seen before. “and listen to what I have to say. I don’t know, maybe you can tell by my formal attire, but a situation has developed while you were asleep.”
James: “You look nice. Got invited to a local party? What’s going on?
Setri: “Well thank you. We decided to play dress up for a bit.” Madame Grimory comes in now. She’s in what looks to be a running suit and running shoes. “But no there’s no party. Pheonix is coming. They’ll be here in 6 or 7 minutes. Suddenly James’ demeanor becomes more serious. “James listen now. Please don’t panic. I need you to do something for me. I can’t order you. I’m not your madame yet. But I’m asking. Now if something comes through that door or that window overhead, and it’s not us, and it scares the life out of you, I need you go over behind Asia and place the following parts of your anatomy as deep in her butt cheeks as you can. Those being your head, your shoulders, or both. She needs to feel that back there. Will you do this?”
James: “What? Madame….” She leans close to him and he sees a momentary flash of bright blue light in her eyes. He is caught up again by the intensity of her glare.
Setri: “I know it’s not easy, but I need you to be the bitch here. She’s the veteran James. She can defend everyone in this room from what’s coming. You cannot. Now please say you’ll do this for me. Please.”
James: “Alright. I’ll do that.”
Setri: “Thank you honey. Now there’s just one other thing. I need you to promise me that you will not access Saint Leroy in the way that you did when you were working on Issei until this time tomorrow. If they get wind of his signal they’ll come much bigger and then I’ll have to do something I’ve never had to do in my whole life.”
James: “Umm What’s that?”
Setri: “Go back on my word.”
James: “Well, look I’ve got no problem with that. He spends most of the time in my jacket anyway.”
Setri: “Thank you James sama. It’s safe here. Just wait for me to return. Ok?” She stands up and turns toward Madame Grimory.
James: “Miss Setri:” She turns her head to him. “Good luck.” She smiles warmly and gazes upon him in an almost childlike way.
Setri: “Thank you James. You know that would be certainly a first for me.”
James: “What do you mean?”
Setri: “Well, it’s not everyday that a human wishes a devil luck in an endeavor.” Yuuto Chiba comes in.
Chiba: “Madame Grimory.”
Riess: “Yes Chiba.”
Chiba: “We have incoming.”
Setri: “How many?.
Chiba: “Five. About 600 meters due north. But one has peeled off to the west at incredible speed. Like a flanking action.” Setri’s eyes brighten at this.
Setri: “Coalstone. This is good. She’s going for this window. You take the main force in that barrier in the middle of the intersection. I’m going to push her there. When I do don’t worry about me, don’t hesitate, you blow that barrier.”
Riess: “Ok.”
Setri: “I have to go. James.” They head out quickly and James finds himself fumbling about with his phone. The battery’s dead. He pulls out a charger and looks about for an outlet.
Asia: “No James sama. A phone signal may undermine the barrier.”
James: “Oh. I see.” He reluctantly puts his phone away. His look is uncertain.
Asia: “James sama. I’m so sorry.”
James: “What? What’s the matter?”
Asia: “Well, I mean, for what’s happening to you.”
James: “Oh. Yeah. This is definitely turning out to be more of a trip than I thought it would be. All this excitement in a sleepy little place like this. Who’d have thunk it, right?”
Asia: “James if it helps at all, What Madame Setri said earlier to you is true.”
James: “What do you mean.”
Asia: “About never going back on her word. That’s her claim to fame. There’s a bunch of lower houses in hell who’s masters would do anything to break that record. She is the only devil, as far as anyone knows, who never had to lie, cheat, steal, or bare false witness. Her word is considered the purest in all of hell.”
James: “Oh I see. Well, I guess there’s an exception to every rule.”
Asia: “Please excuse me for saying so, but from where I sit, you’re getting a great madame. She can be a strict disciplinarian, but never one to sacrifice a minion out of hand. Oh she’s known as a great guardian to her minions, would do anything for them, just like Madame Grimory. I know. We go to school with them. They’re a tight group but well behaved at all times. Her reputation as a battle commander is peerless. Her strategizing skill is well known. Like there, for instance. This is a Grimory house operation. It’s all Grimorys’ troops doing the fighting. But did you see how Setri says: “OK this is how we do it”, and Madame Grimory just goes right along? Everyone knows that when Setri lays plans they’re probably winning every time. Now I can also say that her house is different than House Grimory in terms of it’s traditions and foci. She has a somewhat larger and ethnicly diverse house. But her care for the needs of her house, in this regard they could be said to be similar.”
James: “Wow. For a little girl you seem to know quite a bit about this sort of thing.”
Asia: “Well, Madame Grimorys’ house fights against House Setri all the time. She likes me to heal a lot during those times.”
James: “Fight? No they’re friends.”
Asia: “No. Actually they aren’t the chummiest of pals. The two houses find themselves opposed for all sorts of reasons. They don’t always agree. Certain political relationships can sometimes cause direct conflict between them. The two madams have known each other a long time and it’s true that they can work together well, such as in this case, but they spend a fair amount of the time opposed as well.”
James: “Oh man. That’s hard to believe. I mean they seemed so…careful of each others feelings.”
Asia: “Well, a lot of it is simple respect between house mistresses. They’re both very powerful, and noble, so they have no reason to treat each other disrespectfully.” James doesn’t notice but suddenly Asia becomes a bit fixated on the window above him. “Um. James sama . Could you cover your eyes please?”
James: “What? How come?”
Asia: “Now!”
James “Ok. Ok.” James quickly complies. “What’s the matter girl?” As he speaks Asia suddenly raises her hands toward the window overhead. He hears a thunderous crash above him and he lowers his hands a bit when he looks up above him. He sees an extremely slow spray of broken glass shards which just seem to hang weightless for a time. Amidst them he is able to make out the figure of a black, winged demon which has entered feet first. When the head finally appears above his own, he see the face of it turn towards him. He finds himself frozen somewhat in fear as he sees what appears to be a kind of hunger in it’s eyes as it looks into his own. But at the same time he see a hand come through the window behind the demon’s head amid all the floating glass. The demon and the glass seem to become completely still for a moment, the demon’s gaze frozen upon him, but the hand continues to move. It grabs hold of the demons throat and the demon’s grin slowly gives way to an expression of strain. James’ eyes widen in wonder as the demon, the hand, and the hanging glass shards slowly begin to move again, but all in the opposite direction as before. In a split second the hand pulls the now struggling demon back out the window and the glass returns to it’s original state. “What the fuck!?” His hands shaking now he looks over at Asia, to see she has her hands over her eyes but palms out. “What the hell was that?”
Asia “You were supposed to be covering your eyes James sama.”
James: “Asia don’t give me that shit. Now what the hell was that!?”
Asia: “Well, it was the….uh….” James notices her eyes suddenly go out of phase, in the way of boxer who is out on his feet.
James: “Asia. What’s wrong.”
Asia : “It’s alright I…Just need a few seconds.” She lays her head on the bed next to Issei “Just a few more.”
James: “What can I do? Tell me now.”
Asia: “No. I’m fine. I just need a second.” James goes back to his side of the room and picks up the water bottle she gave him earlier. He hurries back to her.
James: “Here, maybe this will help.”
Asia: “Water. Yes. Thank you James sama.” She opens it and takes a big swig. “Whew. Thank you. How did you know it would help?”
James: “I didn’t I just thought I’d try it.”
Asia: “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just that when she came through the window I made a shield with intent of pushing her back out. But then time was reversed so I had to end up pushing back against my own shield. The whole thing ended up costing me 3 times the energy all at once so I got fatigued.” she looks off into space and suddenly smiles. “Oh. It’s all going just like she said now. Oh. Yes. They’ve got them. That’s it!” Her gleeful smile gives way to a more concerned look now. “Um there’s a casualty. ”
James: “What? Casualties?”
Asia: “Yes. they should be coming in soon.”
James: “What? James looks back toward the door to the room and sees a little girl with short white hair slide in. She is bleeding heavily from a wound in her left side but her face expresses no pain. “Oh. Little girl. Come here. I can take care of that.”
Kanako: “What? No. What are you a pervert?”
James: “What? No. I can make that better. Come on now. Let me have a look.”
Kanako: “You’re some kind of pervert.”
Asia: “No he’s not. Now you do as he says.”
Kanako: “What?”
Asia: “Now!”
Kanako: “Uh…alright. You….You better not be a pervert.” James gently lifts her shirt and peruses the wound. He sees that the peritoneum is open but the colon and mesenteries are fully intact. He squats down and turns his attention upward toward the ribs and notices that the spleen has been slightly nicked.
James: “Ok. Let’s take of that. Here we go.” He repairs the spleen easily enough. “Ok Now I’m going to close this all at once.” He suddenly winces and Kanako notices a large striation developing in his shoulder and moving down the arm.
Kanako: “He’s a cannibal.” James takes issue with this term but continues and says nothing. He struggles a bit to complete the closure.
James: “Oh. You’re so tough….little girl.” A new striation begins in the same shoulder.
Kanako: “He’s human. But that’s impossible.” She Sees him straining harder now, little beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “Stop.”
James: “I’m almost….”
Kanako: “Stop.”
James: “Wh..Why?”
Kanako: “It’s done.”
James: “Oh. Ok. Now that mark will go away in about an hour or two. It might hurt a little. But you were bleeding down into to here.” He points at his own left belly muscles. ” I can’t do anything with that. I can’t take things…out. But you can eat soup, broths, drink hot tea, and otherwise normal exercise, and the soreness should go away in about a day.”
Kanako: “Man. You’re good.” James suddenly feels faint.
James: “I’m sorry. I’ve got to sit down…now.” He seems to collapse somewhat heap-like against the wall. The striations in his arm is beginning to swell slightly.”
Kanako: “Hey. you need meat.” James struggles a little.
James: “No. I’ll just rest a little.” He glances in Asia’s direction as Madame Grimory makes her way into the room.
Riess: “Well. That’s that.” She notices James condition and her smile gives way. “James. What’s going on with…?” She turns to Kanako and sees what was once her wound. “Oh James. Honey you can’t keep doing this. You’re going to burn yourself out now.”
James: “No…it’s ok. I can just rest a bit.” Kanako whispers to her Madame now.
Kanako: “Madame.”
Riess: “What is it?”
Kanako: “Just let me snap his neck.”
Riess: “What?
Kanako: “I promise he won’t even hear the crunch.” Madame Grimory suddenly becomes rather irate but continues to whisper nonetheless.
Riess: “You shut your mouth! You don’t talk like that! Look at yourself. Look at Issei. Dammit look!” Kanako complies and is appropriately taken aback by the improvement in Issei’s condition.
Kanako: “Oh my. He did that?”
Riess: “Yes. Now we’re defending him, but don’t get the idea he’s just been along for the ride. He has been sacrificing his very existence on behalf of this house all day and night. We will not trample on this sacrifice. We will honor it. He walks away from here and he walks free, upright, and safely. And you tell Aceno, if she even breathes in his direction, the next time she inhales it’ll be with inverted lungs!”
Kanako: “Yes Madame.”
Riess: “Honey I know you meant well. But not this time. This is Setri’s action. She’s handling it her way. We will support her in that action. But until such time as she decides to exercise whatever options she may have on him, he walks free and clear. Whatever obligations he might have been under to us have been compensated a bunch of times over.”
Kanako: “I understand Madame. But…he needs meat.”
Riess: “Yes he does. Um. In the refrigerator, you’ll find some fresh sushi. I want you to bring him a rack and if he’s still weak, I want you to give him a hand. Show him how to eat it.”
Kanako: “He’s never had sushi?”
Riess: “He’s a young man. He’s just off the plane from the U.S. Probably not.”
Kanako: “I see. No problem Madame. I’ll be glad to. Forgive me Madame. I…I didn’t know.”
Riess: “I know. It’s alright. Go on now.”
Kanako: “Yes Madame.” She hurries out. Madame Grimory turns back to James now. He is still rather groggy at this point.
Riess: “James. Forgive me. I can’t change…the…schedule. You know. But if you can think of anything else that I could do for you, just, just tell me what it is. Please.”
James: “Oh. Thank you…Miss Grimory. But uh…” He let’s his tired eyes wander toward Asia for a moment. “Well actually Madame, there is something you can do for me.”
Riess: “Tell me.”
James: “Well. Um. Asia. Um.”
Reiss: “what about her?”
James: “Please. Don’t….you know, make her….like that. You know.”
Riess: “Oh. Now James. That little girl is as good and pure as she was the day she was born and she will remain so. I give my word on this. Um…But that particular ship that you’re referring to…Um…Well, that one sailed a couple of years ago.” James’ smile gives way to a kind of dread as he slowly turns his eyes toward Asia again.
Asia: “I’m sorry James sama. There was no other way. Madame Grimory didn’t have a choice. I was dying and alone. It was all she could so I could live.”
James: “It’s alright. Forgive me. I…”
Asia: “No James sama. It’s not alright. I was a seminary student. I was soon to be a priestess. I was assigned a volunteer position at a church here in Honeida so I came here gladly. It’s what you’re supposed to do. It’s good for your career. Well, when I got off the bus I was lost. I had an address but that was all, and I didn’t know the way. Issei helped me get there. When I got there a man came to the door dressed like a priest. He knew my name, said he was expecting me. When I got inside he noticed that my school had said that I was good with magic from my introduction letter. So he asked me to put up a barrier. I thought it was a test. It was simple enough, so I did. You don’t question the priests you just follow their instructions. Well, later that night, Issei saw that barrier, and he remembered that he had brought me there. He wanted to make sure I was alright so he went in. But it turned out that the priest wasn’t a priest at all. He was a fallen angel.”
James: “What? A devil you mean.”
Asia: “No a fallen angel. They hate devils. They attacked him with weapons of light. When I came out to see what the ruckus was, they said he was a devil and they were killing him. I tried to tell them that he wasn’t, that he had helped me when I was lost but they insisted. Issei admitted he was a devil, but when I asked him why he came in the church, he told me that he just wanted to make sure I was ok. They attacked him again and they hurt him badly. So I tried to heal him, but when I did they attacked me. I was hurt badly. But then Madame Grimory came and drove them away. She was about to transport Issei but he wouldn’t go unless I got helped also. Madame Grimory doesn’t have a car. She uses transport spells which only work on members of her house. She then told him that I was with the church and that they don’t like the houses. But Issei insisted that I was innocent and had no knowledge of what they were doing in that church, and that they had used me, and that he wasn’t going to just leave me there. So Madame Grimory transported him, but then she came back for me. But it was too late. I was dying and the only thing she could do was offer the contract. Madame Grimory has never asked me to do anything bad, even to an enemy. I read the bible and I pray to God every night. She has never chided me or asked me to stop. I have never known guardianship that compares to that of Madame Grimory, even in seminary. The care, sense of family, I’ve never had that like I do with her.”
James: “Now Asia. If I said anything to imply that you are anything other than a good girl…I was foolish… and I’m sorry” He turns back to Madame Grimory. “Forgive me.”
Asia: “No James sama. It’s not your fault. I was in seminary. I know what they teach you. They say it’s either their way or the wrong way. God or the Devil. But they never tell you that there is as much diversity with devils as there is with humans. They never tell you. It’s not black and white, but they never tell you.” James ponders this momentarily.
James: “You’re right Asia. They don’t tell you that.” Suddenly Madame Grimory grabs James under his arms, and with what amounts to otherworldly strength, lifts him from the floor so that they’re eye to eye. In her eyes he sees a profound intensity, a seriousness, similar to that which he had seen earlier in Madame Setri’s.
Riess: “James Hicks. I am Riess Grimory. The noble house Grimory does not forget acts of kindness which have been bestowed upon it. We do not casually ignore such obligations. We embrace them. If you should ever have need of me or my house, call my name. But by all that is unholy, James Hicks, do not ever summon me!”
James: “Summon? I don’t….I can’t…” She gently lowers him and kneels down next to him.
Riess: “Oh, and um…Try not to call my name too close to Setri. It’s… a girl thing.” He gives a slight chuckle at her caring smile upon hearing this.”
James: Oh, yeah. No problem.” Kanako returns with the sushi now. She sits down next James and opens the flat.
Kanako: “Here James. You want to try this. Trust me. This is from Yojiko’s Fish House in the market. Best place for this sort of thing. Now the neat part about this is that you have a use for everything that comes with it. Ok now, I need you to hold this.” She hands him the lid of the flat. He looks around for a trash can. “No. No you need that. Hold it flat so we can use it. Now I’m going to show the way I like it. I’m going to take a slice of this ginger and soak it in this soy sauce. Now I’m going to take a little of this wasabi and set it down here on the flat. Now we pour on just a little soy sauce and mix it till it’s smooth. Then we take one of these rolls, slide it around in the sauce we made, and….” She beckons him to open his mouth, and when he does she gently places the sushi slice in. James chews for a bit then soon finds himself delighted.
James: “Wow. That’s really good. I had a big meal earlier, but it’s light enough so I don’t feel like I’m stuffing myself. A lot of little things going on there. Really good.”
Riess: “You Know. Americans pay ridiculous amounts for that. Sometimes 2 or 3 hundred dollars a sitting.”
James: “Well, it is pretty good.”
Riess: “We pay a dollar or two. It’s McDonalds for us. It’s Japanese fast food.”
James: “You’re kidding.”
Riess: “No. Really. Um. You feel better now. Don’t you?”
James: “Well, yeah.” He looks at hi shoulder and notices that the striations are almost gone. “That’s amazing. What’s causing this?”
Riess: “It’s because of what’s in the food you’re eating.”
James: “Well, what’s in it?”
Riess: “It’s raw fish.”
James: “Really? Damn. I could have been….”
Riess: “James. You could eat any kind meat you wanted. We don’t judge here.” Madame Setri comes in behind Riess now. James looks up to see her and is immediately aghast. The right side of her head is swollen to three times its normal size, as though an explosive went off inside of it, but without blowing a hole in it. Her right orbit is also swollen to an immense size, and the eye itself is simply laying loosely on the bottom of it. Her hair is burned away, with the exception of a small patch on the back of the left side of the scalp. Her shoes are gone, and she wear the tattered remnant of one glove, but the diamonds and pearls are gone. Her dress is gone and she wears only a black bra, and a black thong. Her bat-like wings are broken as well. Half of one of the wings is gone completely. Across her belly James can see lights glowing in the inside of her, in the same way that a Christmas trees’ lights flicker randomly, and under the skin of her trunk, he sees the moving outline of some sort of creature which appears to crawl like a centipede through her flesh. Her gait appears weak and unsteady. Her whole form seems to smoke and smells of burning flesh.
James: “Miss Setri…”
Setri: “Hey. Oh, you’re not looking so good there. You should try to…… kick back.”
James: “I don’t? You’re smoking!”
Setri: “Yeah. Those fuckers like…fire….a whole lot.” Suddenly James sees a handball sized hole instantly blow out of her side with a firecracker-like pop.
James: “Miss Setri wait….”
Setri: “No, honey. This isn’t for you. I’m just….going to sit down here….and wait for things to quiet down….a bit.” Riess quickly grabs James by the arm and pulls him toward Setri who is sitting down with her back to him.
Riess: “James listen. I have a gift for you. I want you to sit down right here and watch. No human has ever seen this. There’s nothing in any religious literature about it, and very few devils even know. Now Madame Setri is going to lay down there and I’m going to join her in a moment. Now I need you to look. Not with the eyes that the world would have you look through, but with the ones you were born with. Try not to let what you’ve come to know in life direct your vision, but instead, just look through to see what actually happens. If you do I promise you a vision of true wonder you’ll never forget.” She turns to Setri and with an effortless wave of her hand, denudes her and then herself. “Ok. Here we go. There. I know. I’m right here.” She lays down with Setri and gently caresses her. Her voice becomes soft and maternal. “It’s all right now.” They begin a strange intertwining, almost a love dance of sorts. After a bit, James finds himself somewhat put off about having to watch, as the pace of their intertwining motion seems to increase somewhat. He lowers his eyes and begins to turn away as the pace continues to increase. Kanako whispers her displeasure with him immediately.
Kanako: “Don’t be a pervert.”
James: “What?”
Kanako: “Don’t be a pervert.” As he turns toward her in response, Kanako grab his head in her hands and turns it back toward the Madmes. “Look.” Their motion has becomes more regular, almost machine-like. But there is virtually no friction between them even though their skins appear dry, as if some other-worldly lubricant rides between them somehow.
James: “Well. I mean they’re…”
Kanako: “They’re what? Sexing it up? If they’re sexing each other, how come there’s no fluids, no moaning, no sweat? Look at Madame Setri.” James looks for the first time through their writhing dance, and sees that Madame Setri’s skull has returned to it’s normal shape. Suddenly his eyes become filled with wonder and amazement. “Look at her hair.” He notices her hair has returned to normal now, with a radiant luster unlike anything he has ever seen.
James: “What is that? How are they…doing that?”
Kanako: “Well. Now to understand this, you must first know that they’re madams. We’re minions. We don’t have this capability. They share a certain similarity in power. We’re like A.P.C.s and forklifts. They’re more like bulldozers and Abrams tanks. Really powerful, and they’ve got so much weight and life. Now in the battle, Madame Setri engaged the contractor alone. This contractor is like some sort of manga hero. She’s super-fast, weapons, armor, magic, everything. Well Madame Setri took the best she had to give, then pushed her to the center barrier and held her there while we blew it up. So not only did she take the damage from the contractor, but ours as well. Well, Madame Grimory didn’t take any damage. She was directing the annihilation of the barrier. So she could be said to have plenty of life to give. But in order to help Madame Setri, she has to gently get her to trust her. I mean you have the battle. There’s lots of adrenaline. And, of course, they’re not the best of friends to begin with. If Madame Gimory can get her to trust her enough, then she can lift away the hurt a little at a time, allowing Setri’s own rejuvenating magics to work better. So she has to gently…coax her, um…beguile her if you will.” The two Madams motion has finally stopped now, and James is in awe as he surveys the result. Setris’ glasses have returned to her face. Her wings shine anew in the lamplight of the room, while Madame Grimory, her wings covering her nether regions, again gives a slight wave of her hand and dresses them both in kimonos. They appear as two Edo period courtesans now, relaxing and deep in thought. “Now look at Madame Grimory. Is she smoking a cigarette, and thinking, ‘yeah I just rocked your world. Now I’m going to put you to work on the street’?”
James: “No. She looks….I don’t know.”
Kanako: “Right. That far away gaze speaks of so many lifetimes. Look at Setri. That glow. It’s said she’s never as beautiful as she is following a battle which she’s won.” James is mesmerized.
James: “She really is gorgeous to behold.”
Kanako: “Yes. It’s a kind of communing only they can do. We can’t begin to do this.” James look becomes somewhat sad and he lowers his eyes again.
James: “I see.”
Kanako: “What’s wrong James sama?”
James: “You were right. I was being a pervert…almost missed….”
Kanako: “No. That’s not true. I just said that to get your attention. We all know you’re not a pervert. Now Issei there. He’s a pervert, no question. No James you’re human. You couldn’t possibly be prepared to receive this kind of information. My Madame wanted you to see and so I couldn’t let you miss it. That’s all.”
James: “Thank you. My fool ass almost slept through it.”
Kanako: “It’s not your fault, man. There’s nothing in the world that could prepare you for a sight like that. We’ve all found ourselves thinking the same things, and we’re devils. I mean what point of reference could you possibly have with this sort of thing?” Suddenly James hears a familiar voice.
Setri: “James.”
James: “Madame. Um you look marvelous.”
Setri: “Please don’t call me that. I’m not your Madame yet. Sona. Is it so hard?”
James: “Sona. You look great.”
Setri: “Thank you. I just wanted to let you know that you can go now honey.” James’ eyes widen in excitement at the thought. “Yeah. We took care of everything. They won’t bother you anymore. You can go out there and let all of Japan know you’re here.” James smiles at this. “Take that money in the purse. Don’t think anything of it. Just live as you never have. And if you need anything at all, just casually let my name slip off your tongue, and I’ll be right there.” James ponders her words for a moment as he takes in the regard in her smile.
James: “Sona. I need something…from you.”
Setri: “Just say what it is.”
James: “I just would like for you to stop…getting hurt….for me.” She gives a slight chuckle at this before her retort.
Setri: “Well. Now, honey we need to talk about that. You know. Now the average girl likes it kind of cool and dry, around the linens. But if you go saying that sort thing to a woman you should expect that things get a bit, heated… you know, around there. Go on. The world awaits.” As she speaks, James suddenly finds his breathing becoming more difficult. Kanako immediately notices.
Kanako: “James are you ok?”
James: “Hard to breath.”
Kanako: “Oh man. Ok. I’ve got your shoes. Come on. You’ve got to get out of here.” She grabs James by the arm but he pulls away.
James: “I’ve got to get something.” He gently starts tucking his sacred gear into his Jacket. “Ok here we go. Just sliding you in your spot. There you go.”
Setri: “Oh. I see you have a newfound regard for Saint Leroy’s feelings. That’s good. I’m proud of you honey. I really am.” Once again he struggles to breathe.
Kanako: “That’s it. We’ve got to go.” The little girl grabs James by the legs now, with one arm no less, and throws him over her shoulder. Before he is able to protest, She wisks him out of the room and down the stairs to the front door of the house. She put’s him down gently on the lawn next to the sidewalk. James is too busy catching his breath to be amazed at this point.
James: “What the hell happened up there. Suddenly there was, like, no air in the room.”
Kanako: “Right. It’s us. The ventilation up there isn’t very good. It’s not our fault. It’s our physiology. We run really hot, and use a lot more oxygen than you do. Are you feeling better now?”
James: “Actually, yeah I am. You guys must have four or five times the mitochondria that we do. That would account for the oxygen usage, but you probably consume a lot of carbs in that case.” He looks up at little Kanako now. “Hey how did you get me out here so fast? I mean I’m almost twice your size.”
Kanako: “Well, I’m little compared to you, its true. But I could be said to have…a good power to weight ratio.”
James: “Apparently so.” He stands up to see Yuuto Chiba approaching from his left. Since James is taller by almost a foot, he looks over the head of Chiba at the intersection behind him. There is a huge mess of bloody clothing, body parts, pools of blood everywhere on the road. James is obviously appalled.
Kanako: “No. Don’t look at that. It’s going to disappear within the hour anyhow.”
James: “My God that’s horrible. Was that what you were into out here?”
Chiba: “Yes. It was certainly the business of the day.”
Kanako: “Yeah. James don’t let yourself get caught up in that. It’s…our thing.” Chiba notices James disgust now.
Chiba: “Sir. If I may. I would like to say that, should I be called upon, it will be as the fall of a cherry blossom petal, gently, on the autumn breeze.” He waves is hand elegantly to illustrate. ” No sound, or sensation, and the petal will never touch down.”
James: “I see.”
Kanako: “Madame says we’re not doing that. She says he’s free and clear.”
Chiba: “Oh? Really? Well, in that case may I simply say that…the way is clear. Do have a good evening.”
James: “Well thank you. Um. That sword…”
Chiba: “what about it?”
James: “Well. It looks really nice.”
Chiba: “Thank you. And yes. It is.”
James: “Yeah. Look I’m looking for a bus stop. That’s where the cops picked me up.”
Kanako: “Oh. See it? About two blocks down on the other side of the road. See the lamp down there?.”
James: “Well it looks like the same one. But it can’t be. I mean we we’re driving around for a few minutes there.”
Kanako: “There’s another one downtown, but that’s a good three or four kilometers the other way from here. The bus which stops down there also stops at the bus stop downtown. Those are the only bus stops in Honeida.”
James: “Well that’s it then. Before I go, How’s the wound?” Kanako turns to look up at him directly now.
Kanako: “I don’t feel anything. I never got a chance to say it then. James sama, thank you.”
James: “Any time. Well I’ll be seeing you guys I guess. Later.” He heads down towards the bus stop glow. After a few steps down the road he passes a buxom young woman in a traditional Japanese uniform with which he is unfamiliar. Her beauty catches his eye but he keeps walking. the woman allows herself to glance at him, and suddenly her face reflects a certain…appetite. She continues to the house.
Akeno: “Wow. Did you see that man. Black. Tall. It’s not every day you run into someone like that in Honeida. A girl could find many ways to occupy her time with him.”
Kanako: “Before you bust the dial off the pervert meter, you might want to know that Madame Grimory said, and I quote: If you even breathe in his direction, the next time you inhale it will be with inverted lungs. End quote.”
Akeno: “Oh, come on now. There’s no way she would say something like that. Why so mean?”
Kanako: “She asked me to tell you. I told you. What you choose to do from here is up to you.”
Akeno: “Don’t worry. One day they will grow. In the mean time, you shouldn’t try to punish a girl for using her assets just because she has them.” Madame Grimory now appears in the yard.
Riess: “Assets? I’m always interested in assets. What assets?”
Akeno: “You see that guy down there? I was simply saying how a lady might apply certain assets toward a memorable evening with such a man.”
Riess: “Oh. Yes. Well you’ll get no argument here. I should point out Setri’s mark is on him.”
Akeno: “Oh. Hnhh. I didn’t notice.”
Riess: “Yeah. We’re going to be checking on him in the morning. And if I find a sliver, one strand of that stuff you’ve got a habit of bestowing on a man during those…special moments, you’ll be resting comfortably at home , like always. But your skin. That will be resting in my purse for a while, and I mean head to toe.”
Akeno: “I see. Very well Madame.”
Kanako: “Wow. Talk about assets. I mean a whole skin beats the hell out of inverted lungs.”
Akeno: “Funny.”
Riess: “Now listen to me everyone. You have honored me this day. You have honored this house as never before. We were outnumbered and facing an A-list outfit. Akeno you were superb out there. The accuracy you displayed. I’ve never seen that from you.”
Akeno: “Thank you Madame. I’ve been reading about effect ordering for the last two days. You know, spell sequencing.”
Riess: “Chiba your sword was furious.”
Chiba: “Thank you Madame.”
Riess: “And Kanako, extra kudos for taking that shot to the belly for me. It might have brought me down.”
Kanako: “We couldn’t allow that Madame.”
Akeno: “Hey I see Asia fixed you up pretty well.”
Kanako: “It wasn’t Asia. All she did was tell me to shut up and do what I was told.”
Akeno: “Who was it if not her? I mean Setri’s good but she is so beaten up herself.” Kanako turns her vision down the block toward James and allows a slight blush to show. “Him? No. He’s human. That is…”
Riess: “And he has honored this house as no human ever has. That’s why I insist we honor him.”
Akeno: “I see. I can give him a ward. They may return.”
Riess: “No honey. We’re keeping the magic off him.”
Chiba: “Really? I’m impressed.”
Riess: “Why’s that?”
Chiba: “Well you must admit it shows great restraint on her part. The wielding of magics is her forte after all. And the notion does lend itself to a certain idea of purity.”
Riess: “I don’t know about any of that. It’s just how she wants it.”
Kanako: “Hnhh. Magic wielder? Come on man. She looked like Jet Li out there tonight.”
Akeno: “Yes. Direct confrontation? Boxing? What was that all about? That’s not Setri.”
Riess: “I’ve told you all on more than one occasion that she’s not just an armchair general.”
Kanako: “That’s true. But I’ve never seen her like that until tonight.”
Riess: “Listen. I want you guys to relax and enjoy this weekend. Don’t worry about anything involving the house. You won’t be hearing from me. Does anyone need any cash? It’s on Setri.” They all give disinterested sighs and negative head shakes. “Man. Nobody likes paper these days.”

James crosses the road under a street lamp. There is a small play area with a couple of trees to his left approaching the corner of the block. He sees the bus stop on the other side of the road now. As he steps toward the corner, he hears a moan of some sort. He is able to barely make out a figure, a seated female, leaning against a tree. He hears another groan and sees some movement on the part of the figure, but he cannot make her out because she is sitting against the shadow-side of the tree. He cautiously ventures over to her to find that she is badly wounded in the arm and leg on the left side. When he gets closer, he is able to make out a partially sheared off wing on her back.
James: “Um. Hi.”
Female: “Eh? What do you want?”
James: “Listen. I can help you.” He squats down next to her. “I can repair those wounds if you’ll allow me.”
Female: “What? Why?”
James: “You’re in pain. I believe I can relieve it.” He slowly reaches and takes gentle hold of her left wrist. She looks up at him quizzically. “Just let me get a look at that arm. Ok. now I just need to see how far around the arm it goes. Your skin is very different. It’s harder on the outside than most, but I think I can still fix it. Ok. Here we go.” As he strains to make the repair, the female becomes agitated.
Female: “I would kill you and take your soul.”
James: “Yeah…People seem to be…about that sort of thing today. Ok let’s see. Ah, there. The mark will go away in a while. Now, for the leg, I’ll have to sit down.”
Female: “Why would you dishonor me?” He ignores this and continues. He gently feels his way along her inner thigh, around the knee.
James: “Ok…Oh you’re really….tough. I got it… Just a little more. There. that should do it.” He peruses the sheared off wing, and then starts to feel fatigued.
Female: “Am I not hideous to you?”
James: “Well now I have to admit. In a dark alley I’d want to give you a wide berth. But hideous? No.” He begins to slump down now. ” I can’t fix the wing. I mean…I don’t know how. I’m sorry but I’ve got to lay down. You’re so tough.” He lays out recumbent alongside her.
Female: “You would confuse me. Dishonor me. I would kill you and take your soul.”
James: “Please don’t. And as for dishonoring you…, I was only trying to help.” Suddenly her form changes to that of a normal woman with the exception that her skin is blue from head to toe. Her hair is a golden yellow, and her eyes green. She is quite beautiful to behold. “What did you do? Are you doing that for my benefit?”
Female: “To what do you refer?”
James: “You looked different before. Did you change for me?” She smiles slightly but does not hesitate in her response.
Female: “Oh, no. This is me. That other form is a battle form. It’s fast, slippery, it has armor, weapons.”
James: “My. You’re beautiful. What about the wing? Are you hurt anywhere else?”
Female: “I am confused. You would dishonor me.”
James: “I don’t understand. I just wanted to help. Have I hurt you in some way?”
Female: “Of course. You are human. You would not understand. Forgive me.”
James: “My name is…”
Female: “James Hicks. I am Coalstone.” Upon hearing this, James becomes fearful suddenly.
James: “Now, please. Don’t try to…”
Coalstone: “You needn’t worry. Madame Setri was quite thorough. Smart. She disabled that capability first. Smart. But her reputation in battle was far understated. She was relentless. Valiant. Furious. Maternal it seemed. As if protecting something terribly precious. Her reputation does not speak of these things.” Her smile is strangely forthright, and her manner is that of a young child who is explaining the properties of a new toy to another young child. “You meant no dishonor, but I was sent to contract you and I failed. If Raiser decided I did not have enough injuries, he might think that I did not fight hard enough.”
James: “Oh. I see. I didn’t know.”
Coalstone: “Of course not. You are human. You could not know this. But, James Hicks, you would help me though I would kill you and take your soul. You would confuse me. You say that I am beautiful. I am confused. You must know, James Hicks, that I am Phoenix. I stand for my house. It is a noble house.” She seems to look up for a moment. “Tell me. Did you help me so that Madame Grimory and Madame Setri could find me here and attack me.”
James: “What? No. I saw you there and you were hurt. So I came over.”
Coalstone: “I see. So then, where are they now?” James thinks before he answers.
James: “Hey wait a minute. You want to try to hurt them, so I’m not going to tell you.”
Coalstone: “As I said: Madame Setri was quite thorough. You believe they are still in the house. Do you not?”
James: “Well. Yeah.”
Coalstone: “They are not. They are here.”
James: “No, no. I left them in….” As he swings his arm to indicate the direction of the house, the arm strikes something. He looks to see that it is the ankle of Madame Grimory. Madame Setri is standing alongside her. Suddenly James, protests on behalf of his newfound friend. “Now, listen ladies. She didn’t do anything to me. I’m laying here because…”
Setri: “James it’s alright.” Her smile is soft but a bit prideful. “Are you ok honey?”
James: “Yeah, yeah. But just don’t be mad….”
Coalstone: “I don’t think you need worry about any further violence between us. There would be no point. As I said James, I am Phoenix. I stand for my house. Contracting humans as minions, this is not our way. But I can understand their position. You must know that my words carry no weight with them. You’re a good man James Hicks. Raiser should not have you. He would destroy you. You should not be defiled, corrupted, made monstrous.”
Setri: “As head of the noble house Setri, I offer you, Coalstone, this pledge. You come back in a week, a month, 6 months, a year, 10 years, 100 years, 500 years, and you will find the soul that is James Hicks to be intact, pure, and no more tarnished than it is to be found at this moment. As head of my house I give you my word.” Coalstone is aghast.
Coalstone: “You…would honor me. I am confused. The word of Madame Setri I will take without hesitation. The word of Madame Setri…is without…peer. I am confused…I…Very well. I will take my leave now. Thank you James Hicks.” James offers her his hand.
James: “I’m glad to have met you.”
Coalstone: “You would confuse me…” She takes his hand, reluctantly at first, but then reveals a girlish grin. “We will meet again James Hicks. Very soon. Good bye James Hicks.” As James is about to say something, Coalstone suddenly vanishes, leaving a strange trail of bluish luminescence in her wake.
James: “What the…? Did you see that?”
Setri: “Yeah, she’s definitely the fastest thing out there.”
Riess: “Faster than the worst sex that’s possible for a woman to have with a guy.” Setri gives her a quizzical leer. “Well it sounded more colorful in my head, I guess.”
Setri: “James look at you. It’s pretty clear that you’re one of those guys a woman just can’t let out of the house. I mean you just walk around like Saint Leroy, making all kinds of history wherever you go.”
Riess: “Coalstone flipping on a target? I swear. I’ve never seen that!”
James: “Yeah. I’m supposed to be over there. Forgive me but she was….” Setri suddenly squats down and grabs him by the lapel of his jacket.
Setri: “Don’t you ever apologize. Not for that. Don’t ever lose it, that willingness to help people in need. Don’t ever trade it. It’s the greatest thing about you. Don’t ever think you have to apologize to me…about that.” Her loving smile slowly returns. “But look at you James. You’re coming home with me.”
James: “Now wait. you said that…”
Setri: “No. Don’t worry. You get your 24 hours. But it’s the middle of the night in Honeida and you need rest. Where are you going to go?” He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a business card. It’s in Japanese.
James: “I’m supposed to go here.”
Setri: “James it’s Friday night. It’s the weekend.”
James: “So?”
Setri: “This is the probation office downtown. You don’t have to worry about this until Monday.”
James: “Oh. Shit. I guess I’d look kind of stupid sitting in front of there all night. Well I guess I could get a motel or something.”
Setri: “Yeah. A motel. That’s an idea.” She suddenly expresses interest in James’ forehead. “Oh. You’ve got something up here. Stay still for a second let me…” She gently touches his forehead and he once again falls asleep. “There we go. Yeah.” She gently places his hands on his chest. “There we go.” She suddenly wraps her arms tightly around her midriff and gives an anguished sort of grimace in Madame Grimory’s direction.”
Riess: “It’s not you honey. It’s not. It’s these ripples. They just keep….touching shit.”
Setri: “Grimory. I can’t fuck this up.”
Riess: “And you won’t. If I had the slightest suspicion that you would, I’d be somewhere else.”
Setri: “Thank you Madame Grimory for everything. You’re house was just by the numbers all the way.”
Riess: “Oh no problem. It was my pleasure.”
Setri: “You took casualties out there. Look just put a bill through my mail slot.” Grimory’s eyes are suddenly ablaze. She scowls as if she’s been attacked.
Riess: “Fucking cunt! How dare you come at me like that! After what he’s done for my house? A bill?”
Setri: “Thank you Riess.”
Riess: “Look. There is something you can do for me. But it’s nothing like that.”
Setri: “What is it?
Riess: “Well. Tomorrow, when you take him. I was hoping I could be there?”
Setri: “What? Why?”
Riess: “I’d like to… to bear witness. I’ve always been kind of heavy handed with these things, and you’ve…kind of got this…way.”
Setri: “Oh Madame. I’d be honored. Keep your phone on. I’ll call you with plenty of time to spare.”
Riess: “I’ll do that. Thank you Madame.”
Setri: “I have to get him home.”
Riess: “Yeah. You go on now. Get some rest.” Setri kneels down and cradles James in her arms. Then they both slowly fade away leaving Madame Grimory standing alone in the shadows. “Goddamn ripples.”

Issei wakes up with the light of dawn. He is befuddled. Why is he waking up so early on a Saturday? Across from him he sees Madame Grimory, naked, voluptuous as always. He gets up and goes to the bath. He struggles a bit with the water faucet in the tub, but is able to draw a bath for himself. After a while he gets in. When he finishes bathing, he returns to his room to find Madame Grimory still asleep. He quietly dresses and heads out. He gets on his bicycle and drives away. Madame Grimory is shaken awake gently and notices Issei is obviously up. Thinking it is him that is waking her, she places the hand that’s waking her and places it on her breast.
Riess: “I’m so glad you’re better honey. I see the pervo-streak is alive and well.”
Asia: “Well thank you Madame but I think you’ve made a mistake there.”
Riess: “What? Asia. Where’s Issei?”
Asia “I don’t know. He’s gone. His bike is gone and his valise is missing too.”
Riess: “He might have gone to school thinking it’s Friday. He was pretty out of it there. He may have lost a day.” Riess begins dressing hurriedly.
Asia: “James said it is important for him to rest.”
Riess: “I’m going to go and get him.”
Asia: “I’ll change the sheets then.”
Riess: “Asia it’s the weekend. I want you to do something fun. If Issei can run off like this then he can change his own sheets.” She ports away and leaves Asia standing alone in the room, wondering how she should entertain herself. Madame Grimory finds herself pulled to a local library. Issei is studying math and physics – not at all in keeping with his normal weekend routine. She finds herself somewhat put off but keeps her voice down per library rules. “Issei. What are you doing up so early on a Saturday.”
Issei: “Ah, Madame. Pull up a chair. It’s important not to get behind in your senior year.” Riess is taken aback by this.
Riess: “Really? Wow. When did you come to this realization?”
Issei: “When you talked about the importance of developing a sound work ethic at the beginning of the week.”
Riess: “I’m impressed. You were listening.”
Issei: “Of course. I want to get into a good college you know.” This causes Riess to look suspiciously at him.
Riess: “Um. I don’t remember you ever expressing an interest in going to college. How did this idea hit you.”
Issei: “You’re right. But at the same time, why not try at least. It could pay off. I mean it might be fun to take a crack at college.” Again Riess is suspicious, but decides to let it go.
Riess: “Okay then, but I need you to do me a favor. I need you not to push yourself too hard. If you start getting tired, I need you to go home right away.”
Issei: “Sure Madame President. No problem. I understand. Steady as she goes.” Riess gets up to leave, and notices Issei’s I-pod is on, but that he does not have his earplugs in. She takes a quick listen. Her head almost splits open upon hearing Bach’s b minor mass. Issei notices immediately. “Are you alright Madame?”
Riess: “Um…Yeah, I suppose. Since when did you get interested in all this classical stuff?”
Issei: “Interesting you should ask. It’s baroque actually. Recently I guess. I’m taking a piano course in my spare time you know.”
Riess: “I see. Well it would be nice if you’d warn me next time when you decide to turn on a mass. I mean really, they don’t make an aspirin strong enough…”
Issei: “Sorry. I didn’t know you were listening.”
Riess: “Right. Ok I’m going to go now. Just remember what I said about working too hard.”
Issei: “Definitely Madame. I promise.” Issei takes the earplugs from her and puts them in now. He is pain-free by comparison. He smiles as he listens, and gently swings his head to the music as he continues his studies, with a serene kind of smile Riess has never seen him display before. She is truly befuddled as she walks away. He is doing all the things he should be, as near as she can tell, but she can’t help feeling that something is not quite right.

James is dreaming of strange things. He sees the face of Issei sleeping. Suddenly his face becomes demonic and he opens eyes and growls. He sees Asia attending to him and sees her suddenly spread her bat-like wings and lick his face with a long, forked, snake-like tongue. He sees Coalstone in the moonlight. She is wooing him under a tree when suddenly she pulls out a dagger and moves to stab him with a triumphant grin. He suddenly awakes with a gasp. He looks about the room and tries to get his bearings, but cannot. There are no windows, and though the room is lit with sky light windows, it’s shadows obscure the walls somewhat. As he adjusts his eyes to the lighting, he notices that sconces around the room suddenly come on , which illuminate the walls against a strange brown and white floor. The floor appears extremely old, and he notices white streaks which seem to protrude just a bit above the floors’ surface. He looks about him and notices he is in a strange, Victorian style bed, with incredibly ornamented posts. The walls appear a slightly pink color, but not even in texture, as if varying between bone white and a fleshy pink. He looks to his left and sees a magnificent mahogany desk, also rather old it seems, with a few papers on it. Above the desk sits a beautiful mask of a woman’s face, highly photographic, but with a shiny, translucent finish, as an object of highly glazed plaster. It’s eyelids are down as if sleeping, it’s visage contented in appearance, and James own eye seem to drift to the center of the room. Against the far wall he see a fountain, strangely resembling a natural waterfall, bordered by algae laden, well ornamented alabaster. The fountain reflects the sky light in such a way as to seem to be it’s own source of light, and James finds himself caught up in it. The water seems to terminate in a large semi-circular moat around the fountain, and the carving of the stone is as trees. Again he notices the strangely patterned floor. Against the undulating highlights of the fountain, the white striations in the floor’s surface take on a much different character. He looks at the floor to his immediate left to get a better view, and realizes that the striations are in fact bones of some sort, but not human in nature, but rather, those of various marine creatures. He looks back to the strange mask to see that its Eyes are now partially open and looking down at the floor. The eyes themselves seem to reflect light in the same way of a living thing but it is still. Suddenly a familiar voice, startles him somewhat.
Setri: “Good morning James.” He turns quickly to his right to see Madame Setri sitting next to him. She is naked, looking down at him with a rather loving smile.
James: “Um. Where am I? How did I get here?”
Setri: “This is my house. This is my bedroom.”
James: “Am I….? Um…”
Setri: “No James. You’re still you…and I’m still me. Listen. I cleaned off a spot on the desk over there and placed a gold plate on it. Then I gently placed Saint Leroy on it, and he seems to be ok there.”
James: “I see.” Again, James notices the mask. This time the eyes seem to be looking directly at the sacred gear on the desk. “Um. Why gold?”
Setri: “Well it’s kind of a respect thing. I mean he is a saint, and this is…a devils house.”
James: “Miss Setri. I don’t mean to seem ungrateful but…are those bones in the floor?”
Setri: “Yes.” James is taken aback by her candor “And the other color isn’t wood. It’s decayed seaweed. Kelp mainly.” She notices James slightly unpleasant surprise at this. “So did you sleep well?” James is distracted by the question somewhat.
James: “Oh yeah. I haven’t slept this good in days it seems like.” He nestles down in his pillow. “I tell you I could just nod off so easy…” Setri notices his sudden drowsiness and responds quickly with a wave of her hand. James is instantly wide awake and bright eyed.
James: “What was that?”
Setri: “Forgive me James. I forgot about the bed when I came in last night.”
James: “The bed?”
Setri: “The bed has an enchantment that causes the body to become relaxed and fall asleep more easily.”
James: “Oh. Well where did it go?”
Setri: “I took it off just now. I should have done that last night but I forgot about it.”
James: “Why’d you take it off? I thought it was cool.”
Setri: “I need to keep the magic off you. Besides, you were already asleep so there was no need for it. I just didn’t think about it. We devils are really good with the body. But not all the things we do with regard to the manipulation of the flesh are evil in nature. A lot of them are simply utilitarian.” “James smiles in admiration as she speaks. “What? It’s true.”
James: “I believe you. I understand. I like to watch you be careful with my feelings. It’s beautiful to watch. It leads me to think…about things.”
Setri: “Really? What things?” James becomes a bit wistful now.”
James: “It makes me wish all this soul stuff wasn’t happening. Not because I’m afraid so much, but because I could still find myself right here with a woman like you anyway. I could easily love a girl like you. I mean I love to listen to you talk about…you know the other stuff in the world. The stories you tell. It really gets me sometimes.”
Setri: “Now James.” There you go again.” She lays down next to him and gently strokes his chest. “Making that cool and dry thing difficult for a girl. And I see by that morning wood…” She suddenly stops her sensual advance a bit short, as if she has heard another voice. “that you need to know that the bathroom is right over there. “she points to a door at the far end of the room. “Don’t worry though. It works with water not blood or weird creatures. It’s a fairly normal bathroom.”
James: “No. I’m fine. Really. Thank you though.” She slides closer to him.
Setri: “I want to tell you how glad I am to have you in my arms.” She gently kisses his lips.”
James: “It’s nice. It’s a nice change from all that craziness last night. If this is the plan, I’ve got no problem with it.” She smiles softly at this.
Setri: “So this is my room. How do you like it?”
James: “You have some interesting things. That fountain is beautiful. It’s like it’s singing in a way. But bones in the floor? Come on now.” He glances at the mask again. This time it looks directly ahead and has a grin which expresses a kind of hunger. James is noticeably upset at this.
Setri: “You like it?” James snaps his head back toward her quickly with a kind of fear in his eyes. “It was a gift from my sister. It came with the floor….What’s wrong James?”
James: “Well. That mask. It’s like it’s….alive.” Setri sits up and looks at it a moment.
Setri: “It’s just a face. Like that basketball player who used to make faces all the time.”
James: “No. It’s not. It’s like it has….” He looks again and notices that it’s look is rather fearful this time as it’s eyes are fixed at the wall nearest him to his left. “…feelings.”
Setri: “Would you like me to tell you about it?”
James: “Please.” Setri’s eyes return to him quickly, and when she notes the wonder in them, what had been a suspicious leer softens to a gentle smile.”
Setri: “Alright. But in order to explain it fully, I’ll have to discuss my nature first.”
James: “Your nature?”
Setri: “You remember the discussion we had regarding curses and blessings?”
James: “Sure.”
Setri: “Would you say that I came off in an authoritative way?”
James: “Quite. But I wouldn’t know really. I’m not that deep into that sort of thing.”
Setri: “Did you know that in all the hells I am regarded as the foremost authority on curses. I am the top collector, cultivator, refiner, applicator, and wielder thereof. Now you ascribe to the more western idea that blessing come from God and curses from the devil. I said that the fact is that where curses are to be found one should also find corresponding blessings, regardless of source. But did you notice that I didn’t disagree with the statement that God is the source of all blessings and the devil the source of curses?”
James: “How can that be. I would think you would disagree.”
Setri: “Consider for a moment, that with all my understanding and prowess with curses, there is one thing I’ve never been able to do. I have never been able to create a curse from nothing. I can take a bunch of little ones and make one big one. I can apply and remove them as I see fit. I can give them limits. But I simply don’t know of a mechanism for creating them from nothing. I’m so full of curses, that I have to work to keep them from oozing across your body, for instance, you being so blessed and all.” James notes a joking smile on her face.
James: “Then, clearly you would disagree with that idea. It would be contradictory it seems to me.”
Setri: “It’s not, and the reason I can’t disagree has to do with my nature. You see, I’m what’s known as an abomination.”
James: “No. No. I would say you are much too nice an individual to be called such a thing.”
Setri: “That’s because you’re limiting the words meaning to a western use. In the west the word means anything that should offend God to such an extent that it must be immediately abated. Furthermore, any god-fearing individual who should have knowledge of such a thing should take immediate steps to destroy it, otherwise he or she will risk offending God by failing to do so. It’s a term that clerics like to throw around when they want to polarize public opinion against some thing or someone. Usually they apply it to groups whose agendas they may disagree with. I’m not using it that way. My use of the term is purely taxonomical. I’m saying to you that the type of life form that I am is an abomination. Now to understand the meaning of this, you must first grasp the difference between that which is demonic in nature, and that which is satanic.”
James: “Well they’re the same I thought.”
Setri: “No. They are not. They are different in the very same way as you described red beans and rice being different from Junjos’ udon. That which is demonic in nature has it’s origins lie down here. Whether it manifests on the surface or below, that which is demonic tends to manifest locally. It’s imperatives are earthly in nature. The mindset of a demon will invariably reflect animal urges. No matter how much power it wields, or the knowledge bases it accesses, it will always apply such wherewithal toward bestial concerns, because it cannot escape it’s bestial nature. Now that which is satanic is quite different. It’s origin’s are from up there. It’s mindset tends to reflect more otherworldly concerns. It pursues knowledge, like the wolf pursues the roadrunner, but always with an otherworldly agenda. Design and fabrication tend to be it’s hallmarks. It is limited to here, physically speaking, but not spiritually, mentally. Now when a satanic entity designs and fabricates a living thing, using demonic sources, materials, the thing which results is referred to as an abomination. An abomination is a thing which sits in between the two conditions. It’s origins are earthly, but unlike the demon, it cannot naturally occur. Now when I was created, I was released into water. I have always been associated with the coastal areas, fishing villages, reefs. That’s why my sister made this fountain for me. That’s why the bones and seaweed make up the floor. My house sits within a certain distance of two different fishing towns close by. Madame Grimory’s house sits on the opposite side of Honeida, more toward the interior, because she’s always been associated with the fields and forests and farms of Japan. I have a bestial, more demonic side to my nature. My demonic nature has a face. That mask you talked about. It is literally the face of my demonic nature. I keep it over the desk which is a pure expression of my satanic nature. It’s where I do my planning, strategizing, managing. I keep my demonic face there so I can look to it when I’m unsure about the impetus for my plans. It tells me when I’m getting too greedy or angry to plan effectively. So. All that having been said. Why do I not disagree that blessings come from God and curses from the devil? As I said, I have never designed and fabricated a curse from nothing. I simply don’t know of any means by which that sort of thing is possible. But you must remember that I am an abomination. That which is purely satanic may have such knowledge in fact. So the truth is that westerners may have it right in regard to the source of curses and blessings. One terrible thing about Satans is that they are horrible at teaching, mentoring. They believe that the efficacy of a life form lies purely in the cleverness of it’s design. Once fabricated, they simply set it loose and watch it go, like some sort of paper airplane or something. Everything I ever learned about anything, I had to learn on my own. That’s what I find so wonderful about humans. They understand the importance of teaching.”
James: “Well. Apparently you do too. I mean I can sit and just learn from you. I’ve never heard these things put in such a way.”
Setri: “In this case I would say I’m not teaching you but simply attempting to reveal myself to you. I mean we’re sitting here, in my bed, naked. We’re learning of each other in an organic way, if not a carnal one. Anyway, you should know that this room and everything in it is about to change. Tomorrow it will be completely different.”
James: “Really. Why’s that?”
Setri: “Because tomorrow you will abide here. It won’t be just about me. This space has to reflect your sensibilities as well. The entire space will be changed to reflect your use of a living environment more.”
James: “Too bad. I really like the fountain.”
Setri: “Even though the fishy floor comes with it?”
James: “You’re right. That part’s a little much.”

Adonia sits under a tree in a local park. About her people are setting up hot air balloons and various other mini flying machines. She is reading from Psalms when she feels the presence of another. She looks to her right and sees a tall woman dressed in cutoff jeans and a t-shirt.
Adonia: “Hello.”
Woman: “Hi. I couldn’t help noticing you reading the bible. It’s not often that one sees a young lady of your age reading it on a Saturday afternoon. Are you preparing something for tomorrow?”
Adonia? “Tomorrow? I don’t understand.”
Woman: “It’s Sunday. Are you preparing a sermon?”
Adonia? “No. I was simply reading.”
Woman: “Oh. I see. Um. I have a small congregation at a small church close by. We minister mainly to the elderly here in Honeida. A young face would be welcome. In fact, if you need a job, I could use a receptionist. It comes with room and board. I can even throw in a meal or two each day.” She hands Adonia a business card. “If you think you’d be interested, Give me a call, or come by the office during the week. My name is Lana.” Adonia is somewhat confused but gracious nonetheless.
Adonia: “My name’s is Adonia. Pardon me but, did you say meals?” She inadvertently allows a smile to show through.

James and Setri are walking about in the downtown area. There is a great deal more bustle than James would expect in a small town. James doesn’t really notice, but all about him teenagers are gawking at him and looking at their phones. Setri notices and goes up to one of them. She asks something in Japanese and the kid show her his phone then points to James who is looking at sunglasses at a store. Setri seems to admire the footage on the phone, then thanks the kid and returns to James.
James: “Hey Sona. Is there some event down here that’s going on?”
Setri: “Not that I’m aware of. Why?”
James: “Well it seemed like such a small and sleepy town just yesterday. What’s with all these people all the sudden?”
Setri: “Well James it’s Saturday. The kids are out of school. There’s not a lot to do so they like to come down here and shop, or just hang out with their friends.”
James: “Of course. I didn’t realize there were so many local kids. Hey I could use a bite to eat. Can you recommend something.”
Setri: “You’re in luck. It just so happens that I can.” She directs him to a small, out of the way restaurant. It’s sign is a simple wooden one, obviously rather old, and all the writing is in Japanese. Inside the rickety door, James is appalled to see such old flooring, and tables made of wood. A single old man sits at the register, and there is only one customer, an elderly woman. “Grab a table. I’m going to order for us. Ok?”
James: “I won’t have to work for a good table. There’s no one here. You sure about this place? I mean it seems kind of run down.”
Setri: “Trust me. You’ll love it.” She approaches the old man who smiles warmly and takes her order. James chooses a table by the window. He sits down facing the door, and glances at Madame Setri and the old man. he then looks out the window to see a little boy looking at him on the outside of it. He smiles at the little boy who then beckons a friend over. He seems to be explaining something about James to his friend as he begins moving his arms up and down. Setri comes over and sees this. “Not the best choice of tables obviously.”
James: “I don’t think they mean any harm. Should we sit somewhere else?”
Setri: “No. This is fine. I was just being funny.”
James: “Why are they so interested? And why are they moving their arms like that?”
Setri: “Well,” She pulls out a smartphone. “one of the kids showed me this.” She displays a replay of him making a spectacular dunk. James looks at it but unexpectedly expresses a sort of dismay which takes Setri totally out of the blue. “I think they’re imitating your little dance after the play there.”
James: “I see. I figured they wouldn’t care over here.” She is taken aback by his look of disgust which, after a moment, seems to give way to a kind of shame.
Setri: “James what’s the matter?”
James: “Oh. It’s nothing.” Setri is not at all convinced.
Setri: “The kids seem to like it a lot.” She sees him becoming more aloof now.
James: “Yeah. I understand.”
Setri: “James. I know it’s a little forward of me to say this. You’re not obligated to me one way or another at this point, but I still have to appeal to you to be honest with me. I mean, I’m the devil here. If there’s anyone that should be hiding her feelings it should be me. Right?”
James: “I suppose.”
Setri: “No honey. Come on now. Let’s not…try to fool each other. Now tell me. What’s got you so bent out of shape about this video?”
James: “It’s not the play. It’s the hot-dogging afterwards. We lost that game because I failed to get back on D. In the video they don’t show that. But that’s the truth.”
Setri: “I understand.” She looks onto his face and sees him lower his eyes once again. “It was an important game then?”
James: “Huh? No. It was meaningless. We’d win the city championship three days later.” Still, he looks almost horrified.
Setri: “So an unimportant win became an equally unimportant loss, and you’re upset about that?”
James: “No. I just…Well there were things that happened…afterward.” She notices his anxiety as he says this and choses to press the issue.
Setri: “Afterward?” James hesitates before answering.
James: “I got in trouble that night.”
Setri: “With your coach?”
James: “No.”
Setri: “Oh. I see.”
James: “I was angry. I didn’t care.” Setri gives a slight giggle at this.
Setri: “Really? I mean accessory to robbery doesn’t exactly strike me as a crime of passion.” His look is one of guilt. “What exactly did you do James?”
James: “I didn’t do anything. That was the problem.” Setri takes notice of this and is immediately suspicious. “My performance was awesome. I had 30 points, 11 rebounds. That’s good for a high school game. Well, this guy I know, J.D. Gryce, he had brought some scouts to the game. That was why I put on a show instead of doing my job. So after the game, he met me outside the gym. He gave me a pair of these wrap-around, James Bond sunglasses and told me I’d look less sad that way. I thought they were cool so I wore them. Then he said he had a line on some tickets for the Little Wayne show that night, and that if we went, I’d feel better. I was cool with that too, so we headed over to the bus stop. On the way, J.D. stops some kid. He couldn’t have been more than 14. He walks up and says something to him. Suddenly, I notice the kid looking at me, and he’s all scared. Then he hands J.D. the tickets and takes off. So then we go downtown. In between the bus stop and the arena where the show was, J.D. sees another kid, so we stop. J.D. takes two steps to the right and says something to him. Again, the kid looks at me, gets all shook up, and then hands J.D. some money. So I asked him if he had just robbed that kid, and he said no. He said it isn’t robbery if they just give it to you. But I knew. He had robbed both those kids. Anyway, we went to the show. It was cool. But the next morning I didn’t feel any different. Nothing had changed. He called me as soon as I woke up. He asked me to meet him at this café about two blocks from my house. He said he had a nice job for me. So I went over there. I walked in and saw him sitting at the bar by himself, and headed over. But I never got there. The police hooked me up half-way to him. They took me to the station, printed me, booked me. Then a lawyer came in. He said he’d have me out in a few hours, and that he’d make all this just go away. I told him not to. I told him I did it, and I was ashamed. I told him I’d do whatever I had to do to make it right. He just looked at me, for like, a minute or so. Then he just walked out. They took me to court and I plead guilty. The judge O.R.’d me but asked for a probation report, and said to come back in two days for sentencing. He said he needed to read some law books or something. So the next day I went to see a probation officer. It was a Japanese guy named Takowa, or Takane, or something like….no it was Takeshi. That’s it. After meeting him I played in the city championship, and we crushed them. The day after that I went back to court. And then the day after that I was here, meeting you.”
Setri: “Aren’t you leaving out something?”
James: “No. That’s everything that happened. Leaving something out? Like what?”
Setri: “Well, I’m still waiting to hear about the crime you committed.”
James: “I was with him, and I benefited from that shit. I knew and I didn’t do anything to stop it, and I didn’t walk away.”
Setri: “Oh. I see. You’re saying you were passively complicit. But you had no knowledge aforethought and no intent. Since you never said a word to anyone, any victims’ statements pointing to intent would, at best, be considered hearsay. All interplay between yourself and the victims were carried on by an unsolicited intermediary. Guilt by association? Hmmm. I don’t think so. This whole thing adds up to nothing. What the hell is going on over there?” James’ look is befuddled. “Takeshi is it? I’m going to have to look into this guy.”
James: “You don’t understand. They could say I was looking at them in a mean way. I’m a big guy. They’re not. It can be enough.”
Setri: “Maybe. But I would have to ask how someone goes about doing that while wearing wrap-around, James Bond sunglasses.”
James: “Look I had it coming.” Suddenly Setri’s look becomes serious.
Setri: “Now you listen to me James Hicks. I’m a devil. If there’s anyone who specializes in what people have coming, it’s me. What you had coming was a chewing out from your coach. But you didn’t get that. You felt guilty for letting down your team and you thought you should be punished. But you were not. You were exalted, your vanity, celebrated. And so you undertook to punish yourself by taking on the guilt of another in the place of your own. It happens all the time with people your age. Misplaced emotions lead them to harm themselves. That, I have no problem with. Your eye offended you so you attempted to pluck it out. But now I’m getting pissed.”
James: “Why? It’s not that big a deal. A couple of years probation.”
Setri: “There you go with that casual western shit.” She’s starting to seethe now. “Of course it has to be all about you. No big deal?”
James: “I don’t understand why your getting so upset now.”
Setri: “Because you shouldn’t be here.”
James: “I don’t understand. An hour ago you were insisting how glad you were that I was in your arms.”
Setri: “Yes. I did, and I am still. I’m not pissed at you. I’m pissed because a court went along with your little self-righteous escapade and sentenced you for failure to blind yourself completely. No big deal? Within five hours of your arrival here, there were five devils laying blown apart in the street. My own head got rearranged twice as I recall.”
James: “You….You’re right. Forgive me. I didn’t think of that.”
Setri: “But someone else did. Every jurisprudential failsafe known to man failed to kick in. That’s not just how the coin tumbles. There’s something else going on here, and it’s a lot uglier than the notion of you wearing an eye patch.” Their food arrives finally. She begins speaking in Japanese to the old man.
Old Man: “Forgive me. It’s just me here today. An employee didn’t come in.”
Setri: “It’s no problem at all. We don’t mind. Thank you. It looks just great.”
Old Man: “Thank you for the new customer. We don’t get many foreigners in here you know.” James tries the udon and is pleasantly surprised.
James: “Hey. This is just like Junjo’s soup. Oh man. He’s Junjo isn’t he?”
Junjo: “He seems to know me. I am sure we have never met.”
Setri: “He had your udon yesterday and decided he liked it a lot.”
Junjo: “But he did not come in. He is tall, black. I would remember him.”
Setri: “We had it picked up for us.”
Junjo: “Oh. you must mean the little girl. That was quite an order. It was like she was feeding an army.”
Setri: “Almost.”
James: “Sir your food is just spectacular. Can’t get this food in the U.S.” Junjo looks to Setri to translate.
Setri: “He says your food is delicious. He says he can’t get this sort of thing in his country.”
Junjo: “Well of course he cannot. I had to go to a shrine for this recipe. It’s very old. He seems rather nice for a westerner. How about some Thai iced coffee. Westerners love that sort of thing.”
Setri: “James, would you like to try some thai iced coffee?”
James: “Sure why not.”
Junjo: “It’s on the house. I thought it would be a little early for sake.”
Setri: “That’s a good thought Junjo. You are very kind.” Junjo returns to the kitchen and James chows away.”
James: “When I get old I’d like to have something like this. I mean there’s nothing like this. But I’d think he should make more money. Why aren’t the people coming in? It’s a Saturday.”
Setri: “Well, it’s not an easy buck, even when you have great food. The restaurant business is cut throat, more so than a lot of business models.”
James: “I don’t get it. He’s got the best food for a great price. The place is empty.”
Setri: “I’ve never asked, but it could be that he’s reached a point where he’s satisfied with his business. I mean he’s rather old to be working the high volume game.”
James: “That’s true. It’s just him back there today. I’d hate to see him trying to make the lunch rush by himself.”
Setri: “Anyway, I’m sorry I got all hot under the collar earlier. It’s just bothering me that someone went to such lengths to get you here, at precisely this time. How could they know Madame Grimory needed you right now? Raiser has made big overtures toward you, but he’s not exactly the patient type. He wouldn’t try to work the American courts to get his way.”
James: “You really think I didn’t do anything?”
Setri: “I think you shouldn’t have been prosecuted.” She notices he’s finished his soup already. “I think it’s a good thing you stay in shape. If you didn’t, with the way you like to put it away, you’d end up one of those big, teddy bear types.”
James: “Thanks for bringing me here. Now I know where it is.”
Setri: “Try not to work the old man to death.” Her smile suddenly gives way to a kind of dread. James doesn’t notice.
James: “Man. I’d be tempted to kill the poor guy.”
Setri: “Um. James. I have to make a phone call. Can you just wait here a moment. I’m just going outside the door for a second.” She hurries off as Junjo comes back with the drinks. James makes a phone sign to Junjo, and he smiles and goes back to his seat. Outside the door Setri is nervous. “Come on. Pick up the phone.” Grimory answers. “Did you feel that?”
Grimory: “Yes. It looks like he’s mad. Where are you?”
Setri: “We’re at Junjo’s.”
Grimory: “I’ll be right there.” Behind her, in the restaurant, a blue woman suddenly appears behind James. She quickly wraps her arms around him and begins pressing against his belly with her right hand.
Coalstone: “I have you. Come now.” They both disappear as James looks up at her in his chair. Setri Turns around and returns to the table and sees that he is gone.
James: “What the…? How did you do that?” He looks around and sees that he is standing in front of a large lava-like pool, inside of an underground cave of some sort.
Coalstone: “I thought they would have told you.” He turns back to her and she displays a big girlish grin. “I’m kind of fast.”
James: “Where are we? What is this place?” He notices the large bug-like creatures on the walls “What the hell are those!?”
Coalstone: “No don’t pay attention to those. they’re nothing.”
James: “They’re pretty big to be nothing, and they’re all over the place.” She pulls him by his arm over to the pool. The heat isn’t scorching, but he is discomforted by it nonetheless.
Coalstone: “Ok now this is a brimstone pit. In a moment, an arkeet will appear. So I want you to get in your favorite fighting stance and bop it.” She is behaving like a child on a playground but James is hardly amused.
James: “Coalstone what the hell is this place?”
Coalstone: “It’s an arkeet pit. Now come on. You want to get in a stance otherwise it’ll push you around.”
James: “What?” Suddenly, the pool begins to bubble a bit. Coalstone pulls him away from it a step or two. “Coalstone where are we?”
Coalstone: “Oh. This is the third level of Hell, and I’ve always liked this particular pit because….”
James: “Hell?! Now wait. Why are you doing this?”
Coalstone: “Because. Everyone knows that…” Suddenly a huge centipede-like monster rises out of the pool. It’s head appears as a giant clam shell lined with rows of sharp teeth. It stands about eight feet tall as it starts to move toward them. “Oh. Here it is. Ok get ready.” James is aghast. He is too scared to do anything. “James Hicks? Hey.”
James: “Oh my God.” He begins to run toward the nearest passage. Coalstone quickly blocks it.
Coalstone: “James Hicks. Stop. You can’t go through here. What are you doing?”
James: “Getting the hell away from…that!”
Coalstone: “James Hicks. There is a torture garden down that path. This is just an arkeet pit. It’s safe in here. This passageway leads to…all kinds of… you know. Hell.” She quickly grabs him and put’s him and herself back in front of the arkeet. “Now come on. Get ready.”
James: “Ready for what?! You’re trying to kill me!” The arkeet seems to hear him and moves toward him suddenly. He covers his head with his hands. The creature pushes him down.
Coalstone: “No. James what are you doing?” The arkeet now moves toward Coalstone, who ignores it’s approach to inquire of James. “You want to plant your feet.” The arkeet begins pushing Coalstone back. “James Hicks? Why are you doing that?” The arkeet now pushes her down. “James? What’s wrong with you?” James looks and sees that the creature is standing almost on top of Coalstone. He runs toward her and kicks the creature from the back. It promptly explodes in a plume of smoke.
James: “Sona. Sona Setri.” Instantly Madame Setri and Madame Grimory appear behind him. He walks over to help Coalstone to her feet and notices one of the creatures on the wall turn its head toward her and begin gnashing its teeth. He then kicks it off the wall and it sails into the pool. “Are you alright?” Coalstone gives him a befuddled look.
Coalstone: “Yes. Of course.” Her big smile suddenly returns. “Now come on. You can do this.” Setri and Grimory both seem somewhat befuddled.
Riess: “An arkeet pit?”
Coalstone: “Yes. An arkeet pit.” She says this as though her answer is rather elementary, as if to say, ‘where else would we be?’. Setri suddenly displays a beautiful smile of her own, and Madame Grimory follows suite with a hearty chuckle.
James: “Oh. Thank goodness you’ve come.” He is clearly distraught, but Setri can’t help laughing. “I think she’s trying to kill me again.” To this Both Setri and Grimory begin falling over themselves with laughter. “What the hell are you laughing at?!”
Setri: “I’m sorry. It’s just…so…funny.”
Riess: “You know we should have thought of this.”
James: “What? Did you see that thing?”
Coalstone: “James Hicks. Why did you do that?”
James: “What? No. Why did you bring me here?”
Coalstone: “Because. You’re human. Everyone knows that…” She sees his fear now. “Well I thought that…”
James: “You were trying to kill me.”
Coalstone: “What? No.” She turns to Setri now, who is straining to hide a giggle. “Look at him. See? No fel. No magic.”
Setri: “Yes. Thank you.” She pulls James arm toward her. “James. Believe me, she meant you no harm.” She thinks for a moment. “In fact, all things considered, this may be the best possible place for you to be right now.”
Coalstone: “Yes. It is.”
James: “What? No. She wouldn’t let me escape.” He points to the passageway. “She put me back in front of the thing.” Setri looks at the passage for a seconds.
Setri: “Good. You should be thanking her. If you’d have gone down that passage you’d be dead very quickly. There’s a torture garden down there. You can never see that place and live.”
James: “She brought me to…Hell? Why did she do that if…”
Setri: “Ok. I need you to think back to when you were a little kid. You’d be playing with a toy in your front yard by yourself, and some kid from the neighborhood would walk by. He’d see you, and he’d look, and then he might go on. The next time you saw him he’d ask your name. You’d ask him his. And then the next time he’d come by, what would he always say?”
James: “Well. I guess. Do you want to come outside and play?”
Setri: “That’s right. That’s why Coalstone brought you here.”
James: “What. Why would anyone bring somebody here with the idea of…playing?”
Riess: “Because everyone knows that a naked human can kill an arkeet.”
Setri: “And I notice you took out a grinder there. You know they have absolutely no interest in anything that walks or crawls. They gnaw at the surface of the rock and crap fel into the brimstone pool. That’s what gives rise to the arkeets.
James: “Well it was gnashing it’s teeth at her down there.”
Setri: “Yes it has a whole grille full of big teeth, but they’re all molars. They’re for grinding the rock. That’s why the walls are so smooth.”
James: “Come on now. That thing was huge it would have eaten us both.”
Riess: “Honey. You’re right. It’s big and has lots of sharp pointy teeth. But not only is the arkeet blind, it is also terribly unstable.” She walks over to the pool. “Here. Watch this.” An even bigger arkeet rises up from the pool. Madame Grimory turns her back to it. As James is expressing fear she gives him a smile and raises her hand. As soon as she feels the arkeet touching her back she flicks her middle finger against it and it promptly explodes. “See?”
James: “Oh. You weren’t using some kind of magic just now?”
Setri: “No Honey. The arkeet has all those sharp teeth but it’ll never bite into anything, because if it does it will probably implode.”
James: “I see. Well I didn’t…”
Riess: “An arkeet pit is probably the closest thing we have in Hell to an amusement park ride.”
Coalstone: “Why did you let it push you down James?”
James: “I was scared. I’d never seen anything like that.”
Coalstone: “Oh. Ok. So, how come you attacked it when it pushed me down?”
James: “Well I thought it would try to eat you. I figured I was behind it, so I tried to pull it off of you.” She gives a quizzical look but then a smile.
Coalstone: “Confusing, but…ok.” Setri pulls James by the arm to face her now.
Setri: “Um. James. You know when I told you I had to make a phone call, it was to Madame Grimory.” Her face has a sadness she can’t hide.
James: “Yeah. Sorry about that. She snatched me up so fast I didn’t have time to…”
Setri: “Right. That’s because she knows something you don’t.” She turns to Coalstone “Thank you so much for bringing him here.”
James: “What? Why should I want to be here?”
Coalstone: “Because Lord Raiser launched the entire Phoenix garrison 15 minutes ago. That’s how I learned you were in the restaurant.”
James: “So you brought me to hell? Closer to him?”
Riess: “See Coalstone? This is one of those situations where, in order to do the right thing for someone, you have to offend them. James Trust me. There isn’t a devil on the planet that would look for James Hicks in an arkeet pit.” Coalstone looks up at James with a pleading eye.
Coalstone: “Right. It turns out that hell really is the safest place for you to be. See, I wasn’t assigned because of my injuries. So I could pick you up.”
James: “I see.”
Setri: “I’m sorry James,” There is no pride in Setri’s face at this point. “but you and I have to go now.” She sees the realization strike James face. “I’m so sorry.”
James: “Fine. It was about this time I got off the plane yesterday. I’m cool with it.” He stands upright, defiant in a way and Setri wraps her arms around him and weeps silently.
Coalstone: “I’ve never seen that.”
James: “Hmm? Seen what?”
Coalstone: “Well. Um. I’ve seen both these ladies contract, but I’ve never seen that. I mean she’s ‘Pokerfaced Setri’. I know. I went to war with her just last night. It’s as if she’s…savoring you. Your humanity I mean. I think she might prefer you as a human. I have to admit, after having spent time with you, I kind of like you better that way too.”
James: “Coalstone. Thank you. I had fun today.”
Coalstone: “Really? I wasn’t sure.”
James: “I Have to admit. It was very different.”
Coalstone: “I’m glad. Thank you James Hicks.” He turns to Setri who’s still wiping tears away.
James: “It’s alright. I know you tried to get me as much time as you could.”
Setri: “What are you, like, Mr. Magnanimous? Do I have to keep step with that too?” She gives him a sentimental smile. She then looks over at Coalstone. “Hey Coalstone. Would you like to come with us?”
Coalstone: “Um. why?”
Setri: “I thought you might like to bear witness. We’d love to have you.”
Coalstone: “I…I’d be honored.”
Setri: “Follow us up then. Ok. James, I’m just going press my hand against your belly…. aand…..” Instantly, James finds himself in a park. There are people everywhere, many of them attempting to fly miniature hot-air balloons, but some flying paper airplanes. It is around dusk and James takes in the setting sun. He looks to Madame Setri, who is now arrayed in little more than a sheer, white, day dress. She is barefoot and her hair is up, but held that way this time with a single bamboo stick.
James: “This is a park. Look at all these people. I guess you’ll want to look for somewhere more private.”
Setri: “Not at all honey. No, I told you before. It’s something we have to do before both heaven and hell. It’s one of those things that has to pass muster with everybody. But let me tell you, there may be a tear or two, but there’s no shame here. I’ll stand before any of them for you. So I thought we’d do it like Beethoven. I thought we’d shake our fists at God and wag our asses at the devil. What do you think?”
James: “I Think you’ve got a lot of pride for somebody that don’t play ball.” He manages to let a smile poke through. Setri reaches down the collar of her dress and pulls out a drinking straw with a loop of paper taped to each end.
Setri: “I made this for you.”
James: “What is it?”
Setri: “It’s a paper airplane.”
James: “Really? I mean it doesn’t look like it’ll fly but ok.”
Setri: “No. It works. It was developed by a guy at Hughes Aerospace I think.” She stands on James right side with her left hand on the small of his back. “Here. You just hold it like this.” She then gives a gentle, backhanded wave to emphasize the action. “Then you just give it a toss like a dart. Just let it go.” Again, with her right arm she gives a gentle, backhanded wave. James raises the plane and looks downrange, but as soon as the plane leaves his right hand, Setri’s right hand slams into his chest. It strikes with such force that the back of James’ jacket is instantly puffed outward, even though his body doesn’t seem to move otherwise. His eyes are fixed watching the plane as he begins to collapse, but with her left hand, Setri brings him gently to the ground. “That’s it. Just watch it go. Isn’t it beautiful?” Coalstone finds herself moved almost beyond words.
Coalstone: “Oh my. I mean….”
Setri: “what’s wrong?”
coalstone: “I knew you were smooth but…I’ve never seen it so…gentle…like that.”
Setri: “Ok. A barrier would be in order I think.” Coalstone waves her hand quickly and all the people within the park seem to disappear from view.
Coalstone: “There you go.”
Setri: “Oh. Well, it’s triangular. We stopped using those decades ago. They’re so tight.”
Coalstone: “Well they’re fast, and because it’s a triangle one side or point will always face the chosen star formation. It’s practically self-aligning.”
Setri: “That’s true. Hunh. Well I better get started.” She pulls out a contracting rig.
Coalstone: “Madame wait!”
Setri: “What?”
Coalstone: “The alignment.” Setri looks skyward for a moment, then notices James is facing in the wrong direction.
Setri: “Dammit. Thank you. I almost fucked this up.” She and Coalstone begin turning James body counterclockwise a quarter turn. “I guess this is what they mean by flustered.” She begins to bring the ring and the blade together. Riess is busy scribbling something on a notepad.
Riess: “Hold it. Just a minute.”
Setri: “What?”
Riess: “We have three stars, a triangular barrier, and we have all three houses here.” Setri’s face shows a bit of impatience. “I need to ask you something. How long…do you actually need him?”
Setri: “What? This is hardly the time…” Riess continues scribbling in her notebook.
Riess: “I know. I know, but…if you could give it a limit, how long would you actually need him?”
Setri: “Well, I’d have to train him. That’d be about 4 months, and then, I figure another six and we’d have house balance.”
Coalstone: “Yes. In that time our house would return to every day soul trade. Any exchanges between the houses would be meaningless by then.”
Setri: “Yeah. I guess after a year I’d be good.”
Riess: “He’s on probation. We’ll make it two.” She finishes scribbling and tears off the page from her notebook. She then quickly folds it corner to corner several times and tosses it into the air overhead. When it comes down it is suddenly in the form of a shiny, rune shaped, piece of metal. She quickly picks it up and hands it to Setri. “I want you to insert this into the incantation,” She shows Setri the correct place on the metal ring. “right there.” Setri looks at the rune for a second.
Setri: “Riess. This has never been done.”
Riess: “Well, if it doesn’t work you can just do it the normal way.” Setri thinks as she looks at the hope in Grimory’s eyes.
Setri: “Coalstone. Could you do me a favor?”
Coalstone: “Well what is it?”
Setri: “Could you… really want this to work?” Coalstone thinks for a moment.
Coalstone: “I’ve never seen an incantation like that. Um….Yes. I would like it to work. I don’t think it will, but I would like it to.”
Setri: “Fine.” She places the rune on the ring. “Here we go.” She kneels down next to James and slowly brings the blade to the ring. As she does, her mouth moves in the way of speech, but produces no sound. A bright light suddenly appears as the rig is connected. It grows brighter between her body and his for a second, and then disappears in a flash. She suddenly leans forward over him with a look of agony. She clutches her chest and winces, then begins to whisper. “Now, Saint Leroy. I am not as those others. I will not corrupt his soul. I will caress his spirit. Please give me a chance to show you. I want him whole. I want him pure. He will walk in the sun always. Please. You must give me a chance and I will show you.” Suddenly the pain subsides and she opens her eyes. “Thank you… Saint Leroy. You will not be disappointed.” She slowly stands and raises her head to her colleagues. She is aglow in the way of saints. Her smile is serene, and her eyes speak of otherworldly wonder.”
Coalstone: “It….It’s holding. But that’s not….”
Riess: “Madame Setri. Look at you.”
Coalstone: “This is…I mean it’s historic. This…could change everything. I have to remember this incantation.”
Riess: “Um. Coalstone, you’re right. This could be everything you think. But I Have to tell you that that house of yours may not agree with you. Please. Be careful honey.”
Coalstone: “You’re right. Besides, we don’t really know if it works every time. Right? I’ll have to keep this quiet for a time. But I won’t forget this incantation.”
Setri: “I must take him to the mists. He must be bathed in the way of the pharaohs.”
Riess: “Sona. I’ve never seen you so…beautiful.”
Setri: “Thank you Madame. Thank you Coalstone, of the house of Phoenix. My door is always open to you. Come by any time and we’ll talk. But if Lord Raiser should send you to war against me, come through my office window. We’ll fight it out on the floor, mano a mano. But don’t ever hold back. If he sends you, you come full force. I won’t hold it against you, and I’ll never ask you to betray your house.”
Coalstone: “Madame….I. Of course. As you wish.”
Setri: “We must go now.” She kneels down and picks him up in her arms and then they both fade away, leaving Coalstone and Madame Grimory gawking in awe at nothing. They gather themselves momentarily.
Coalstone: “I don’t know what to say. I’ve never seen any of that. It’s like some miraculous event. But we don’t…I mean those things…they don’t happen to us.”
Riess: “These changes. I’ve been complaining about all the ripples, but look at how we just benefited from them. In the last couple of days I’ve seen that they do happen to us.”
Coalstone: “As a function of chaos? That’s not how it works. Is it?”
Riess: “I used to think I knew. But these days, I realize that I was never as clear as I once thought.”
Coalstone: “Madame. You have to tell me. Well, actually you don’t have to, but please. How did you come up with that alteration to the terms?”
Riess: “Well I had to try something. I mean, after what he did for my house, he shouldn’t have to be condemned to an eternity of…anything. I guess I just really wanted him to be alright. But I couldn’t possibly assert that I knew what I was doing. I just had to try. It went against everything we know about souls, and the trade. But the known outcome wasn’t enough this time. So I just did what I could with the idea that it couldn’t hurt to try. At least then I could look him in the face the next time I saw him and know that we gave it our all so he wouldn’t have to…be miserable.” Coalstone becomes strangely distraught now, unable to contain her emotions.
Coalstone: “I’m so confused. I’m the soul stealingest bitch down there. Nobody can keep step with me. If it wasn’t for that fight with Madame Setri last night, I would have missed this. I had no idea. How could I ever know that the thing that I’m better than everyone else at, wasn’t just simple business? Now I find out that I know squat about souls, I’m just fast at picking them off. This is the first day off I’ve had in years, and I find out I have no idea about contracting. I mean I would have, on behalf of my house, prevented the most beautiful contract I’ve ever seen from happening. Now I’m just….confused.” Madame Grimory consoles her.
Riess: “You know there’s a little more to you than just rigs and speed. You’ve got this strange kind of purity after all that. I don’t get it.”
Coalstone: “Raiser says that too. What does that mean?”
Riess: “Well, I mean with all that contracting, you have no spiritual voids to speak of. The capacity’s all there and fully manifesting. How did you manage to do that?”
Coalstone: “Oh. I’ve never contracted a soul for myself. It’s always been on behalf of others. I never considered someone being subservient to me. It would just slow me down wouldn’t it?”
Riess: “I knew someone else that felt that way once. A noble devil who shunned the idea of the soul trade, the houses. He had no use for it. He believed we all should just walk alone.”
Coalstone: “Well that’s not right either. Who wants to be alone all the time? Where’s the fun in that?” Her big, girlish smile has returned once more, as Madame Grimory notes the approach of several devils who seem to search the park in a patrolling manner.
Riess: “You should take down this barrier. Those guys are going to get curious.” Coalstone looks and smiles broadly.
Coalstone “Why do that when we can put it to good use?” She reaches into her collar and pulls a joint from it. She then strikes her fingernails together and a flame appears on her thumb. She lights the joint and takes a big hit, then passes it to Madame Grimory.
Riess: “That’s kind of small isn’t it?”
Coalstone: “There’s a reason. Go ahead. You’ll see.” Madame Grimory hits it hard and nearly blows a lung out.
Riess: “That’s…some pretty good shit. Where’d you get that?”
Coalstone: “I stopped in Mendocino this morning.”
Riess: “Where the hell is that?”
Coalstone: “California. I normally get it on Maui but they’re not in season right now. So I had to go the long trip.”
Riess: “Wow. That’s a hump.”
Coalstone: “Well, I’m fast. Down in Phoenix they call me ‘chronic the hedgehog.'” They both give a giggle as a devil enters the barrier to find Madame Grimory hitting the doob. While holding it in she offers it to the devil. When he passes, she hands it to Coalstone. Who immediately hits it.
Devil: “What are you doing here?” Coalstone says nothing, as she is now holding in a hit of her own. “What’s with the barrier?” Coalstone again says nothing, instead opting to simply point to a pair of foot-patrolling police officers who are walking by on the other side of the barrier to her left. “Oh. I see. Madame Grimory. I was wondering if you’ve seen Madame Setri this evening?” She is red eyed and thoroughly amused at the devil’s audacity.
Riess: “Actually, I did. But then Coalstone and I decided to get high, so she went home. She’s not really a smoker.”
Devil: “I see. Well thank you Madame. Stone I’ll see you back at the house.” He continues looking anxiously through the park.
Riess: “Oh man. We’ve got to work something out because this herb is kick ass.”
Coalstone: “Sure.” She pulls a bag from her pocket. “Here you go. I have more downstairs.”
Riess: “Wow. Thanks a lot. You should come by my house and blow this with me. But you should call first. After last night, my minions could easily get the wrong idea.”
Coalstone: “Yes. I noticed they hit hard too.”
Riess: “Honey I have to go. You give me a call. Any time.”
Coalstone: “I will Madame.”

Madame Setri arises out of a misty pool. She watches as the body of her love floats in the water before her. Her smile is that of a new mother pondering the existence of her first-born. As she looks upon him she is suddenly joined by a portly man wearing only a fez. His skin is as polished gold, and his demeanor is one of diligence. He looks to Madame Setri and bows low, almost touching his face to the water.
Gold man: “In all things I am yours to command.” She loses her smile, and her face becomes as stone.
Setri: “I want him bathed in the way of the greatest kings. You will take no liberties with him in his slumber. He is to remain pure in all ways.”
Gold man: “As you wish, Noble Madame.” He raises his head as she wades away from him. “Well then. You heard her instructions.” Suddenly several other golden people arise in the waters about him. “Gently now. She seems to show little in the way of patience at this hour.”
Gold woman: “Look at him. How does one not take liberties with one so beautiful? Is she trying to torture us?”
Gold man: “He is something to behold. But we must let her trust tip the balance against any heaviness our loins may express on his behalf.”
Gold woman: “Look how his skin shines as he boats the stream from that which is to that which might be.”
Gold man: “Indeed. As the strength of the winded sail belies the fragile nature of the worm from which it comes. So the youth of his visage stands pitifully against it’s stoutness.” Some of the attendants look to Madame Setri now, who sits alone on the rim of the bath, as a pining maiden awaiting the return of a lover. Two women approach her and begin gently washing her feet. She smiles at them gracefully.
Gold woman: “He travels well, though his eyes have not yet opened.”
Other Gold woman: “No doubt a prospective love, for the voice of our mistress is turned inward, but lashes not.”
Gold woman: “I will abide her choices. They have always served her well.”
Setri: “Not always. One learns to steer with the flow over time.”
Other Gold woman: “The grace of a woman’s gait should not be measured against the steadiness of her footfalls.”
Gold woman: “Were it not for the occasional pothole in the road of existence, her stride would never….” Suddenly the two women disappear. All of the others do as well.
Setri: “Why do you cease the bathing?” A male voice now echo’s across the bath from far away.
Voice: “He awakens.” Suddenly, in the water before her, James arises. His hair is braided in straight, even cornrows. His brow seems slightly heavier than before, but in no way overbearing. He opens his eyes, and Setri is pleasantly surprised to see that they have gone from dark brown in color to a golden caramel. He momentarily seems to daydream as he comes to grips with his new existence. Then he turns his face squarely to her own.”
James: “Madame. How may I serve you?” She searches his eyes for any hidden agenda, but can find none. She sees only wonder. She finds herself elated and moves effortlessly toward him in the water.
Setri: “Let me hold you in my arms. Do you mind?”
James: “Well of course not Madame. I would be honored.”
Setri: “You await my first command, do you not?”
James: “Anxiously.”
Setri: “Very well then. I’d like you to look around yourself.” He complies and is fascinated with the mist immediately. “This is our bath. In this place I would prefer you address me as Sona. In this place, we are not noble devil and minion. We are as we are now. Together, and nothing else. Can you do this James?”
James: “Of course….Sona.”
Setri: “Now I’m going to ask you a very difficult question. If it’s too much don’t bother answering.”
James: “Ask me anything you wish and I’ll answer.”
Setri: “Is being together with me in this way something that would appeal to you?” James ponders the question for a moment.
James: “I hadn’t considered this. Well. How could it not appeal to me. You are beautiful to behold, and I feel quite at ease in your arms. I hadn’t considered…these things. My first thought was to simply say that, if it brings you comfort, I’m down with it. But that wasn’t the question you asked was it? No. I could answer simply yes or no, but either would be kind of hasty, casual. Wouldn’t it? I could stay right here in your arms forever, but the water would shrivel us both up like raisins after a while. All I can think to say is that I can’t think of anyone else with whom I’d rather be…in such a way.” His forthright stare is most comforting to Setri.
Setri: “Well I’m honored. That was quite an answer. You didn’t lose any of the natural openness of your heart. I’m really impressed.” He looks about the mist of the bath as though listening to the voices of others.
James: “This mist. Remarkable. It’s seems to be, at least partially, alive. There is definitely a spirit here. It can be playful, a bit mischievous even, but it seems to have an underlying bent toward service.”
Setri: “Yes. Your discernment is still top notch. I’m so glad.”
James: “Thank you, but…how is it that I can determine this so…easily?”
Setri: “During this phase of your existence your powers are revealing themselves to you. Try not to worry about it. It’s normal for you to have supernatural awareness, since you’re now a devil, but that process takes time to really master. It has it’s own learning curve. If you need any kind of help in that regard, don’t ever hesitate to come to me. That’s what I’m here for. If I can’t answer your question outright, we’ll search for the answer together.”
James: “Oh. Cool. I can definitely get with that.”
Setri: “Tell you what. Let’s take a look at the bedroom.”

Issei Returns from the library at dusk. Asia has changed the sheets and made his bed, but he is too exhausted to notice. He takes off his shirt and slams face first into his pillow. Asia comes in and sees him tired. She also notices a pallor to his skin. She looks at the definition of the back muscles and notices that he is simply skin and bone. He seems to pant, as though unable to catch his breath. She lays her hands on his back, and he seems to breathe easier. Madame Grimory appears next to her on the bed.
Riess: “Asia what’s going on with him?
Asia: “I’m not sure. I’d like to have James look at him.”
Riess: “Well I’ll see if he’s…available.” Riess disappears and appears at the front door of house Setri. One of Setri’s minions, Big Tilda, answers and lets Madame Grimory in. Setri hears a knock at the door of her room and answers.
Setri: “Madame?”
Riess: “Listen. I’m sorry to drop in on you like this but I was wondering if James is available. We need him over at Issei’s. Something’s come up and he’s not looking so good.”
Setri: “Oh. Well. Sure ok.” She turns to James whose still looking at the books on the shelves of the room. “James would you come with me for a moment? Something’s come up over at Issei’s and they need you.” James is still pondering things about being a devil, but he agrees immediately. “OK. we’ll meet you there in a moment Madame.”
Riess: “Thanks a lot. I’m sorry I know you guys are still…bonding. Right?” Setri doesn’t answer but gives her a narrow eyed smirk. “Right. Ok. I’m going.” She ports away and reappears next to Asia. “Don’t worry he’ll be here shortly.”
Asia: “It seems like he’s doing better, but I don’t understand the starvation on the back.”
Riess: “Starvation?” Suddenly James and Madame Setri appear before them.”
James: “Hi. Is there something I can help with?” Madame Grimory is speechless and Asia simply stares at him, almost mesmerized.
Asia: “Right. He just had no energy and he passed out. His breathing was labored while he was sleeping, and that’s when I noticed the muscles on his back are all old man like.” James sits down next to him and gazes upon him. It’s as if he’s looking deep into his body and his pupils seem to glow as he does.
James: “What was he doing today?”
Riess: “He rode his bike to the library this morning before any of us could stop him. He stayed a while then rode back home. Riding back is an uphill drive.”
James: “I see. Ok. This is no problem. Asia just direct your flow to the large areas of the back and shoulders, and don’t work too hard. Nice and easy. He’s shriveled up back here because we were working only on the front of him yesterday. You just keep that up and he’ll be fine after a couple hours.
Asia: “But what caused him to nod out like that?”
James: “It’s an acute exhaustion. You see the musculature of the back was missing so he ended up with a net loss of respiration when the body was taxed. The muscles of the back just need to be built up and you won’t have to worry about this again. It probably would have repaired itself if he had just stayed in bed for a day longer.”
Riess: “Thank you James.” She can’t help gawking at him. “Listen Madame why don’t you bring James over to the house in a few hours and we’ll all hang out.”
Setri: (somewhat mystified) “Sure. I suppose. It’s an easy day.” She turns back to James. “I had hoped to go for a walk in the park or something, but I guess we should get home and introduce you to your house.”
James: “Of course Madame. Madame Grimory it’s always a pleasure. Asia, you take it easy now.” He and Setri port away.
Asia: “Did you see that? I mean what kind of magic did Miss Setri put on him to get him to be so…well…like that?”
Riess: “Yes. He makes for quite a devil doesn’t he?”
Asia: “I mean he looked ok before, you know…but now… I mean he looks genuinely…”
Riess: “It’s called fine honey. And yeah, It’s possible there’s some crazy effects in play here. His contract was slightly different from most. There were…complications.”
Asia: “Really? Wow. I didn’t know there was a such thing. Did he like…fight and make it harder or…?
Riess: “Not at all honey. He was every bit the gentleman to the last.  Faced his destiny with his eyes and heart wide open. And then…something happened…between us madames. I will tell you that it was quite a priveledge to watch Madame Setri as she took him. It ended up being quite a thing of beauty.”
Asia: “I notice she seems so calm and confident now.”
Riess: “Yeah. The anticipation isn’t weighing on her so heavily now. But it’s more than that too. I think James isn’t just a big fish to her. It’s more like she’s been waiting patiently, maybe for a few decades even, just for him.”

Upon their return Madame Setri and James continue to tour the sleeping quarters. She introduces him to his library which is comprised of 2 medium sized bookcases which occupy a corner of the room that seems to be set up as a small lounging area. The eastern wall of the corner is occupied by a case which contains books concerning African and Afro-American issues. It is arranged in 3 columns, with one column devoted to African history, another devoted to African American history, and the third devoted to literature involving black authors. The southern wall of the corner is occupied by a case containing Japanese history, culture, and language. At the bottom right corner there sits ‘Japanese for Dummies’ and a copy of ‘Japanese Made Simple’.
Setri: “In the closet you’ll find your school uniforms. There’s 5 of them. I thought you wouldn’t want to be doing a lot of laundry all the time. They fit, perfectly. But I am rather proud of myself for being able to get shoes. It’s not easy to get shoes in your size in Japan.”
James: “I see. Thank you Madame.”
Setri: “You don’t have to thank me. And what happened to Sona?” She says this in a playful way and James acknowledges his error. “It’s my job as your new…boss. Now. I want to show you this. I think it’s important to you. I found it somewhat exciting, but I didn’t have anything to do with…him…per se.”
She shows James the wall over her desk and James finds himself rather shocked to see a black and white photograph of 2 black men having been obviously lynched. He looks upon the face of the man facing toward the foreground for a moment, then turns to notice the knowing smile on his madames face. He is a bit put off at first, as he feels his madame is patronizing him in some way, but then he feels a sudden tug inside as he realizes the true nature of the picture. The photograph is framed in a rather ornate portrait frame, with red, green and black gems embedded along the facing border.
James: “This is amazing.” He takes it in with a more wondrous gaze momentarily, but then a scowl pushes through. “Mothuhfuckas’!”
Setri: “I don’t think he’s presenting himself this way for the purpose of inciting such animosity on your part. I think he’s just introducing himself to you more directly.”
James: “Oh I know. But still, I can’t help but feel for him.”
Setri: “Of course. I can’t help but marvel at the change he’s undergone. I hope he’s comfortable. Do you think he could use more light?”
James: “I’d say he’s good.”
Setri: “To think he can boil down his existence to a photograph like that. I hope it doesn’t constitute some kind of diminishment.”
James: “Actually, he’s not the photograph at all.”
Setri: “Um. What?”
James: “No. He’s actually the frame. He could put any picture there.”
Setri: “Saint Leroy. Welcome to my home. I am most honored.” She bows long and low.
James: “So formal.”
Setri: “You say that now, but after a time you may change your opinion somewhat. From my point of view it’s quite historic that such a soul should abide here in such a way.”
James: “Wow.” James’ smile is slightly prideful. “I don’t know what to say.”
Setri: “Why don’t we go and meet the rest of the house now?”
James: “As you wish…Sona.” They exit the bedroom and walk down a gently winding staircase to the ground floor of the house. The house is spacious but otherwise not haughty in any way. James marvels at it’s open spaces and high ceilings. They pass by a sliding glass door opening into a large wooden deck and a yard. On the deck a young boy, around 10 years of age, seems to be playing intently with a strange toy contraption of some sort. Madame Setri steps toward the glass door and the boys attention suddenly turns to her. She beckons him to come in and he instantly complies as Madame Setri continues on into a large living area. Various teenagers appear on the sofas and chairs. All are clearly taken with James’ height and imposing presence.
Setri: “Everyone. I would like to formally introduce my newest minion. This is James Hicks. He’s from the United States. He is to be my reserve bishop. I would like us all to welcome him…” Suddenly a young man gets up and begins speaking in Japanese.
Young man: “Wait. Miss Setri, I’ve never seen him with his hair like that, but is this THE James Hicks?”
Setri: “If you are referring to the basketball player from Houston, then yes Sachi.” The young man hurries toward James and quickly shakes his hand.
Sachi: “He’s going to be going to school with us also?”
Setri: “Yes.” To this Sachi pumps his fist and giggles maniacally.
Sachi: “This is perfect! We will crush North Honeida Academy now. Who will possibly stand against us?”
James: “He seems rather excited.”
Setri: “He believes you’ll be playing ball for our local high school and he’s projecting great results for our basketball team.”
James: “But, I probably won’t be allowed to play while I’m on probation.”
Setri: “Well he’s somewhat of a dreamer so I’m going to let him dream a while.” She grabs James by the hand and leads him to a tall huskily built young woman of obviously Polynesian lineage. “This is Matilda. She’s my queen.”
James: “Your queen? I didn’t know you swung that way.” Matilda gives a giggle which is echoed about the room.
Setri: “No James. Our position of a noble house is insured by an inter-house competition called the rating game. This game is presented in the format of chess, but the rules are different with regard to turning and piece action. Her role in the context of that game is that of the queen.”
James: “Oh I see. So is Sachi like, the king?” The laughter becomes even louder now.
Setri: “No. That would be me.”
James: “Oh. Oh yeah. That was silly wasn’t it?”
Setri: “No. Not at all.” Matilda sits up.
Matilda: “Hi. They call me Big Tilda.”
James: “My name is James. I’m really glad to meet you.”
Matilda: “This here’s Lady Jin Yi.” From behind her a young Chinese woman emerges, very slender and obviously shy.
James: “Hi. My name is James.” His slight smile but wide open eyes cause her to blush slightly.
Jin Yi: “You are very tall even for westerner.”
James: “Yes. You are Chinese aren’t you?”
Jin Yi: “Yes.” James notices her traditional silks.
James: “Your clothing. it’s very pretty.” To this she gives a shy nod of her head.
Setri: “Jin Yi is my knight, While Sachi is my pawn.” She turns to a small Japanese girl with day-glo green hair and sunglasses on the far sofa. “This is Hiromi. She’s the rook on my side.”
James: “Hello. My name is James.” The girl turns to James with no apparent emotion.
Hiromi: “And?”
James: “Well. I’m glad to meet you.” When James extends his hand she quietly takes it in her own, while drawing a desert eagle from her rear with the other. she puts the gun under his chin.
Hiromi: “How about now?”
James: “OK. Well…that response is different.”
Hiromi: “Still happy to meet me?” James’ eyes narrow a bit but he looks her straight in the eye as he gives his response.”
James: “Yes. I’m still glad to meet you.” She puts the gun away and shakes his hand nodding her approval.
Matilda: “Girl stop it.”
Setri: “And this little guy is Max.” She turns to the little boy and gently strokes his hair. “He is the rook on Matilda’s side.”
James: “Hi. My name is James.” The little boy looks up at James then looks at the jam of the door to the backyard as if measuring it. In his hand he holds a small disc-like device. “Can I ask what kind of toy that is?”
Max: “It’s a robot.”
James: “Really? Is it like the bigger ones they have that clean the floors?”
Max: “Oh. Well um…” He pushes a button and the small disc begins to slowly morph into something bigger. Then it morphs again and increases in size. It continues until it is about the size of Hiromi.
James: “Wow. That is happening! Man I wish I’d have had one of those when I was that age.” Suddenly the eyes of the robot light up and metal spikes appear. It then quickly takes a fighting stance and draws guns of it’s own.”
Setri: “It’s coolness notwithstanding, Max is well aware that we should not be activating these in the house. Yes?” Max touches a button on the back of the robot. It promptly shuts down, but not before preparing to lunge in James’ direction and emitting a somewhat disappointing yelp upon being switched off.
Max: “I thought he might want to see what it does.”
Setri: “Ok. Now listen everyone. Were being summoned tomorrow in the late afternoon. The dress is casual. Let’s try and be ready.” She turns to James again. “Right now James and I are going of to House Grimory for something or another.”
Hiromi: “Oh please, Madame. I mean he just got here and the first order of business is introducing him to that house of perverts?” Setri is amused somewhat.
Setri: “Actually, James and Madame Grimory are already pretty well acquainted.”
Hiromi: “No way. How would he know her? He’s a foreigner. She would have nothing to do with them.”
Setri: “You know there are those who still refer to Madame Grimory as a foreigner.”
James: “And I have to disagree about them being a bunch of perverts over there.” All of Madame Setri’s minions express a kind of surprise at this with the exception of Sachi who gives a slight chuckle. “I found them to be quite polite and discreet at all times.” Setri allows a slight smile to show through. She takes his hand gently in her own and they port away suddenly.
Big Tilda: “Damn. That boy is fine as hell.”
Jin Yi: “But he is not…evil.”
Hiromi: “Yeah. What’s Miss Setri thinking…. making off with… that?”
Sachi: “Ha. Discreet.” He giggles a bit. “He’s gotta be talking about some other folks.”
Max: “Cmon Chu Chu.” He gets up and heads back toward the backyard with his robot.

Konako responds to a knock at the door of House Grimory. She is surprised to see Madame Setri with James in tow. She is licking an ice cream cone but suddenly freezes upon getting an eye full of James who is looking about the neighborhood.
Setri: “I believe your Madame is expecting us.”
Konako: “Of course Setri sempai. Please come in. James follows.
James: “Konako. How are you?”
Konako: “Great. Come in Hicks sama”
James: “How’s the injury there?”
Konako: “LIke it never occurred.”
James: “That’s great. I’m asking because I had to do a little follow up on Issei earlier, so I wanted to make sure I didn’t overlook anything…with anyone else, you know.”
Konako: “Sure.” She finds herself staring at him now. “I’m fine as…this ice cream I think.”
James: “That’s cool.” He walks in and Konako closes the creaky wood door behind him. Konako comes into the living room where Madame Setri is standing against a window frame and looking out at the world. James is sitting on the sofa behind her looking at his new phone, trying to upload the phone book from his old one. Konako quietly slips alongside Madame Setri.
Konako: “Madame.”
Setri: “Yes Konako.”
Konako: “I was just wondering. Did he come across….like that?”
Setri: “Like what?”
Konako: “Well. I mean, he looks…so…. Was there some magic that you applied to make him so…nice looking.”
Setri: “Yes. He came across to me the way you see him now.” She doesn’t turn to face Konako. “And no. I applied no magics to him other than the contract.”
Konako: “I meant no disrespect Setri sempai, but he is quite…
Setri: “Yes. He is. And no. I take no umbrage with your acknowledgement.” Madame Grimory enters in a kimono along with Akeno who is similarly clad. Her attention turns to James almost immediately she quickly moves toward James but acknowledges Setri first.”
Riess: “As always, my house is honored to receive you Miss Setri. How are things?” Setri turns to her to see that her gaze is fixed on James.
Setri: “Thank you Madame. So…?” She stops when she notices Madame Grimory’s fixation with James.
James: “Madame Grimory. How’s Issei?”
Riess: “Resting comfortably like he should have been all day.” Asia comes in now in a bath robe just out of the shower. She is still drying her hair and humming to herself. Upon seeing James on the couch she let’s her towel drop. “Come on James let me have a look at you.” James looks to Setri slightly quizzically then complies by standing up. Asia is simply agape. He is magnificent to behold. “My goodness.” She does not look into his eyes, but rather at his torso as her hand glides gently across his chest. “Look at that capacity.”
James: “Um. Capacity? Madame?” She looks back toward Madame Setri now with a look of awe. Setri smiles warmly at her amazement.
Setri: “Yes. Don’t worry James. We’ll talk about it later. It’s a good thing.” Asia sits down on a stool at the corner of an old desk and simply gawks in James’ direction. Madame Grimory turns back to James with a smile.”
Riess: “You’ve done well. You really have. How do you feel?”
James: “Well, fine I suppose.” In his eyes she makes out a certain ambivalence, as though he is searching for a functional point of reference. But she can find no remorse or bitterness to speak of.
Riess: “The understanding develops over time. About your new existence I mean. You’re going to be just fine, I can tell.”
Akeno: “You can tell this Madame? Hnhh.”
James: “Um. I don’t think we’ve met Miss. My name is James.”
Akeno: “Oh? Haven’t we?”
Konako: “It was sort of like now.” Akeno loosens the lapels around her cleavage as Konako gets up to leave “There was skin involved, but indirectly.”
Akeno: “Funny.” She moves slowly, but effortlessly towards James.
James: “Wait. Now that I think about it. Last Night. Well, it was dark, but I think you were wearing a uniform of some sort. It was elegant, but had a certain stoutness to it.” She continues her advance toward him, the ampleness of her porcelain collection now serving to offset the crassness of it’s placement on the mantle. She leans over toward him.
Riess: “This is Akeno. You weren’t formally introduced but only because of the order of last nights’ events.”
Akeno: “Perhaps, Hicks sama, you would like some tea?”
James: “Good to meet you miss Akeno. Yes please,” Akeno rises and brushes by Madame Grimory on the way to the hutch.
Akeno: “Pardon me madamme.”
Riess: “Oh. Don’t mind me.” Riess eyes seem to be admiring James but they follow Akeno’s motion at the hutch after a time. Akeno quickly pulls down an old mortar and pestle from one of the cabinets and places it on a wooden tray. then proceeds to pull an old earthen bowl down from another. She takes the tray to the coffee table and begins to grind something in the mortar slowly. Her focus, James finds compelling as she empties the powder into the bowl. Madame Setri continues to stare out the window on the far side of the living room, but now, with a look of slight consternation. Again James is thoroughly captivated by Akeno’s fluid movement as she gracefully pours the water into the bowl. She slowly swirls the bowl and sets it before him. She gently lowers her eyes and slightly nods in his direction.
James: “Thank you miss.” James carefully peruses the bowl for a moment, then with his right hand gently turns it a quarter turn. He then gently lifts it, placing the fingers of his left hand carefully beneath it. He gently sips and carefully sets the bowl back down in it’s original position and turns it on the table on quarter turn. Akeno’s pupils are gently fixed upon her edge of the coffee table as she speaks.
Akeno: “Hicks sama. How is your tea?”
James: “Oh it tastes great. Like Earl Grey.” Akeno’s eyes instantly raise wide open, this time fixing upon the bowl before James. The lids flicker a bit, unlike before, as though she is straining against something or another. “Everyone likes Earl Grey.” Madame Setri, still looking out the window, displays a big smile as though some great victory has been suddenly achieved somewhere or another. “It comes in a simple package, but inside are all these teabags in different color packaging. I never understood that because its all the same. Right?” Again Akeno’s eyelids flicker somewhat as it becomes apparent at this point that she is trying to preserve a lovely smile in the face of defeat. She gives an ever so slight rotation of her head and nods in his direction. Her eyes turn upward slightly now to catch a glimpse of Madame Grimory”s own, which seem to meet them in a way which suggests a state of suppressed rage.
Riess: “Absolutely, James.” Her angry eyes are still fixed on Akeno’s now as Akeno let’s hers drift gently back toward the coffee table, still flickering. “No matter what color the bag it just doesn’t get any better does it? But since our darling Akeno is clearly in the tea-totaling mood, I would ask if she might prepare some for myself and or most esteemed guest? But in our case perhaps you might simply put the bag in the goddamn cup and leave the rest to us.”
Akeno: “As you wish Madame.” Madame Grimory now gets up from the sofa and moves toward Madame Setri.”
Riess: “Girl forgive us, but he is so….hot.” She now notices Asia still day dreaming and staring at the back of James head. Her lower half seems to slowly grind against a table leg now. “I mean he’s even got Asia acting a bit…slutty.” Setri takes notice now.
Setri: “Yeah that’s not her. I have to admit though, I’ve been conspiring against him ever since he opened his eyes. That’s not my style either.”
Riess: “I don’t blame you. The alignment must have been perfect.”
Setri: “Well, there’s also Saint Leroy to consider.”
Riess: “Yeah? Give me all the details. How did that turn out?” Akeno brings their tea now. She sets the tray down on a small table next to the large window the Madames are standing at. “Thanks Akeno.” Madame Grimory turns quickly back to Setri. “Did he get mad?”
Setri: “Saint Leroy you mean?” Madame Grimory turns back toward the tea set. “Here. Leave it. Come with me. It’ll still be hot when we get back.”
Riess: “What?”
Setri: “Trust me. you’ll want to see this.” She grabs Madame Grimory’s hand. “James sit tight for a moment. We’ll be right back.” They port away before he can answer. Asia comes and sits down next to James on the sofa.
James: “I suppose they had something…to do.”
Asia: “Oh. Sure. They’re always…you know…plotting something these days.”
James: “So how are you doing Asia? Didn’t burn too much energy again did you?”
Asia: “Oh no. Thanks for asking though.”

Madame Setri and Madame Grimory both arrive in Madame Setri’s bedroom.
Riess: “Wow. I like what you’ve done with the place. Modern look, but just grim enough to where I could believe you live here.”
Setri: “Right.”
Riess: “No really. I mean this is an awful lot of ambient light for you. What gives? And when are you going to tell me about the sacred gear?” Setri leads her to the photograph over the desk. “Oh come on. I can see you wanting to relate with James more, but this is a bit patronizing….” She stops as she notices the pride in Setri’s eyes as she peruses the photograph with her. Then Madame Grimory notices the frame. “Oh my. He’s…the frame.”
Setri: “This is Madame Grimory. She’s a colleague of mine. She asked about your well being and so I brought her before you. She means no harm to either of us.”
Riess: “What did you do? I mean to get him up there. And why did you put that of all pictures in him?”
Setri: “I didn’t do anything. When I got home, there he was. As for the picture that was his choice. He can put anything he wants there. I have no control over him.”
Riess: “Well, why did he choose that picture? I mean…well…the starkness.” Setri doesn’t answer right away. She instead notices that the head of the man hanging in back of the man hanging in the foreground of the picture has turned, just a small amount, in her direction.
Setri: “To introduce himself to James… I thought.”
Riess: “Well, Yeah, that makes sense.”
Setri: “I thought so too. But apparently there’s more to this.” She turns her eyes from the picture toward Madame Grimory. She points to the man in the foreground of the picture. “Riess. Who is this?”
Riess: “It’s Saint Leroy obviously.”
Setri: “Is it really?” She turns back to the picture and notices that the head has turned more. This time the right right eye of the man is barely visible. “Max.” Little Max appears next to her.
Max: “Madame. You called?”
Setri: “Max do you have your cell phone on you?”
Max: “Yes Madame.”
Setri: “Good. Could you take a picture of that picture please?” Max complies. “Thank you. Now I need you to go downstairs and run it through all the search engines and databases you can and come back with a name for those men.”
Max: “Um…a date would help.”
Setri: “The year is 1881. The place is the state of Mississippi in the USA.”
Max: “Um…ok but this could take a little while.”
Setri: “That’s fine. Thank you Max.” Max hurries off.
Riess: “Ok. You want to clue me in on what you’re doing?”
Setri: “You see the man in back?”
Riess: “Barely.”
Setri: “Look at the rope.”
Riess: “Typical hangman’s noose.”
Setri: “Now look at the guy in front.”
Riess: “Oh. Well, the ropes just squared a few times it seems to me.”
Setri: “So if that’s Saint Leroy why wouldn’t they use a hangman’s noose on him? In fact, why would one ever hang a man without a hangman’s noose?”
Riess: “Well, you could be in prison and only have a sheet.”
Setri: “Which they clearly aren’t.”
Riess: “Clearly. I suppose if they didn’t have enough rope for both.”
Setri: “I suppose. But look at all the extra rope slung about the guy in front.”
Riess: “Well, I suppose they didn’t need one for the man in front.”
Setri: “In that case?”
Riess: “Well, either he had hanged himself or….he was already dead.”
Setri: “And what’s the only reason to hang a dead man opposite a live one from the limb of a tree?”
Riess: “To counterbalance the rope.”
Setri: “So then. If you’d just hanged 2 guys, and you wanted a trophy to prove it, why take a picture of the improperly hanged man?”
Riess: “Well that makes no sense at all, unless….well….you were ordered to kill the guy, but he died before you could.”
Setri: “That makes plenty of sense. The truth is Saint Leroy was never the target. The old man was. They probably had no idea of who Saint Leroy was.
Riess: “But that still doesn’t explain why they killed Saint Leroy. I mean the fact that he might have witnessed someone hanging a dead body wouldn’t warrant killing him.” Setri looks back at the picture and again there is a slight alteration to the head of the man in back. She can now clearly make out the right eye.
Setri: “Madame look at him now.” Riess turns back to the picture and is amazed.
Riess: “How’s he doing that?”
Setri: “Maybe one day he’ll tell me. But right now he seems to be looking at the guy in front.” She thinks for a moment. “Of course he is. That’s why they killed him. He new something about that old man.”
Riess: “I don’t get it.”
Setri: “Sure you do. You’ve seen it over here. What did localized acts of terror always end up being driven by?”
Riess: “Greed. Usually land, but sometimes little more than an associated consideration.”
Setri: “Right. Saint Leroy new something about that old man. Something he wants us to know.” She looks again at the picture. The right eye of the man in back now seems to be looking at her. “Alright Saint Leroy. You’ve got me. I’ll get on it immediately.” Max comes in with a piece of paper.
Max: “Madame. It says that the one guy isn’t identified. Probably because you can’t see his face really. But it says the other guy is named Paul Mortimer. I cross-referenced it with known lynchings in the state of Mississippi and it matches one that took place on the Grange County border of Broward County. What is that?”
Setri: “It’s the way a lot of American states mark out their land. Thank you honey.” Max leaves.
Riess: “Looks like our tea’s going to be cold.”
Setri: “We never poured it.”

James is sitting on the Grimory house sofa with only his shorts on now. His huge wings are spread around Akeno on one side and Asia on the other. Konako Is sitting at his feet fully clothed. Madame Grimory and Madame Setri appear before them. They are asleep and therefore oblivious to the silent chuckle of the 2 madames.
Riess:(whispering) “Maybe you were right. Maybe it’s better that you don’t let him out of the house. I mean he is rather…magnificent.”
Setri: “Please. I’ll never treat him in such a way.” James awakens to the sound of Setri’s voice. He sees that he is unclothed, and sees the minions Akeno and Asia are also unclad up top. He quickly withdraws his wings.
James: “Um…Madame. I know this looks…um.”
Setri: “Don’t bother. I think we had this conversation at home.”
Riess: “I’ll bet.” Madame Grimory moves to have a seat on the long sofa next to Akeno.
James: “I guess we just nodded out there. But as for the clothing thing…” Suddenly Setri’s eyes narrow as James looks about for his shirt. She ports to him from across the room and she is instantly sitting on his lap. With both hands she grabs his head and turns his face to her own so that they are nose to nose.
Setri: “Ok James. Relax and don’t move a muscle.” With the index finger of her left hand she begins to gently wipe the auditory cartilage of James” right ear. With a slow, slightly swirling action she lifts off what looks to be some sort of spider silk strands and wraps them around her finger. Akeno wakes up and begins to protest but Madame Grimory grabs her by the arm and pulls her away. Slowly, Madame Setri pulls what appears to be a striped worm, approximately 10 inches long from James’ ear. He feels no pain, but he seems more awake now. The thin, angel-hair like worm wraps completely around Setri’s finger and seems to squeeze a bit. “Look at what we have here Madame President.” Riess leans forward to see around Akeno’s head.
Riess: “Well look at that. You know I look around here and I can’t see a speck of dust anywhere. The windows are closed. I wonder how something like that even get’s in here, much less ends up in our guest’s ear. I see he left his shoes at the door.” She is looking directly at Akeno as she speaks.
Setri: “Well you know. He’s a foreigner. I’ll bet these parasites take one look at him, say, through your window, and they get all kinds of ideas as to how to get in to such a clean house to get to him.” Setri is now looking at Akeno as well, but with a touch of condemnation.
James: “Parasite? Madame what is that.”
Setri: “Oh it’s nothing really.” Akeno turns to Madame Grimory now.
Akeno: “You are angry with me Madame?”
Riess: “Angry? Not at all. I do find myself somewhat amused though. I mean the pettiness of it I find entertaining if nothing else.” Akeno is conciliatory in her whispers.
Akeno: “It was just a little fun. I would have taken it back.”
Riess: “Don’t worry yourself honey.”
Akeno: “But last night you said…”
Riess: “Yeah I did. But last night he was human. Today he’s not. What he picks up from here is his own affair. Of course, I’m not his Madame so I tend to be a little casual with his health. Miss Setri, on the other hand…” Akeno turns back toward Setri with a look of dread in her eyes as Madame Grimory continues. “Well, she may feel quite differently with regard to such things.” Madame Setri looks into Akeno’s eyes with an unmistakable disdain, reminiscent of the leer that Tetsuo gives the barkeep before killing him. She leans over slightly in Akeno’s direction, then quickly sticks the index finger of her left hand into her own mouth with a slightly sly smile, consuming the worm.
Setri: “You know James, I was wrong. I said it was nothing. But it turned out to be…” She turns her steely gaze back toward Akeno. “…decidedly less than nothing.”
James: “Madame what was that thing?” Setri gives him a soft smile.
Setri: “It’s called a singer.”
James: “A singer?”
Setri: “Yeah. You’ve heard of the stories involving the siren’s songs right?”
James: “Oh yeah. It’s Greek mythology. Sailors would get caught up in it. In fact a lot of people have stories like that. That’s for real?”
Setri: “In a way. But what they don’t tell you is that it was never the women who were doing the singing.” She turns to him again. “You should come with me and Madame Grimory now. We’re going to have a little fun of our own.” She looks over at Madame Grimory now. “How about it Madame?”
Riess: “Well, due to the heroics of last nights festivities I thought I would give my house the weekend off. But your idea sounds so enterprising. I think I will tag along. Still,” She turns to Akeno as Konako and Asia awake. Kiba now exits the shower in a towel and walks across the room quietly. “Akeno has once again honored my house by pointing out the rather slovenly state of the premises. So for this reason I am ordering all of you to start cleaning it immediately. I want it like a Germen operating room when I get back.”
Asia: “May I ask where you’re going this evening?”
Riess: “Sure you can ask. The U.S. James is going to show us around some places.”
James: “I am? But I can’t be there. I can’t even leave…”
Setri: “You don’t worry about such things. Nothing touches you in the absence of my hand.” James is somewhat befuddled.
James: “Well ok. As long as it’s not Houston we’d probably be alright.”
Asia: “Wow. The U.S. I’ve never been there.” She is appropriately wide-eyed at the notion whereas Akeno, Konako, and Kiba express disappointment.
Riess: “So. That having been said, Shall we jet?” Setri, James and herself suddenly disappear together.
Kiba: “And here we are…cleaning the house from top to bottom. How exactly does this happen in such a clean house as ours?”
Konako: “Well, I suppose when one goes beyond the pervert thing, and tries to get all…Elvira with it.”
Akeno: “Funny.”

Setri and company arrive to a moonless midsummers night, just a few miles from the northern edge of bayou country. James checks his new cell phone to see that the time zone has changed automatically to read 12:18 am central time. James looks about to see that, while there are no light sources for some distance, his sight is nonetheless acute and facilitated by an illumination with which he is unfamiliar. It is similar to the renderings he has seen using night vision equipment, but with no loss of stereoscopy or peripheral vision. This strange new sight seems fully and organically integrated, practically seamless. He turns to Setri and smiles as he peruses the landscape.
Setri: “Ah. Yes. This one of the perks of your new existence. What do you think?”
James: “It’s marvelous. I can see everything I could see in the day in the dead of night.” She displays a smile of her own as she notes the wonder in his face. “Your smile for instance. I’ve never seen it in this way. What a smile.”
Setri: “Yeah. There you go again with the charm. Ok. We are currently standing, facing west, on a line which divides the counties of Grange, to your left, and the county of Broward to your right. This line runs east and west the whole way before a new county comes up for about 14 miles. Now I have brought Saint Leroy with us, who I’m now handing to you.” She gives James the picture. “Not that he’s heavy or anything, but he is, after all, your sacred gear. Whatever help he can give us will most likely come through you, and if nothing else, I have reason to believe he’s probably more comfortable in your hands than mine.”
Riess: “Wow. Talk about wide open spaces.”
Setri: “It’s not just a legend is it?”
Riess: “A girl could really sink her teeth into a place like this.”
Setri: “OK, James. What were looking for will be on your right side of this line.” She points to the picture in James hand. “The remnant of this tree. I Think your sacred gear can assist you in this. If you happen upon it don’t approach it.”
James: “So you want me to walk 14 miles down this road, in the middle of the night?” He expresses some dismay at this, as though he is being punished for something or another. Setri is somewhat hurried in her response.
Setri: “I love your enthusiasm. Don’t get discouraged James. We will be walking along with you.” She smirks at his dismay more clearly. “Alright, seriously. Just as you’ve discovered the properties of your vision at night, you also have some others that we need to look at. Your sight is demonically assisted. So now we need to work on your motion. It turns out your movement is assisted as well. We shall call it DAT-step. Demonically Assisted Travel. Ok.” She points to a bush about 10 yards west of him, along their chosen line of travel. ” You see that bush, right? I want you to step to it. like this.” Instantly she seems to simply teleport to the spot. James tries to follow suit by making jerky movements with his shoulders and torso. She steps back to him and marvels at the concentration he displays. “That’s a….hell of a dance you’re doing there. Mind if I join in?” James stops and displays his embarrassment.
Riess: “I was going to get get some music going, but apparently, what they say about you people is true. All that natural rhythm, you can just start it up anywhere.” James gives her a disapproving leer. “It’s just a little stereotypical sarcasm. Don’t take it seriously.”
James: “I don’t understand. What am I doing wrong?”
Setri: “In the purest sense right and wrong don’t apply to what you’re doing. You see, you’ve used the knowledge that you’ve acquired up to this point to color what you perceived about my action. You saw the target and judged that it would take 8 or 9 steps to cover that distance if you were to run there. You then saw my movement, but weren’t able to see the mechanics involved in getting there and back. So you presumed that it must have been an act of sheer will on my part. So you stood here trying to will yourself down the road. So I want you to look at the bush and you can think about all the steps involved if you want. It doesn’t matter, but in your mind you should then compress all that into one step and take it. See? I’ve been making fun because the only thing you failed to do was take the step.” James looks over at the bush and instantly, he is standing before it. He marvels for a second, then looks back at Madame Setri with a big smile. “Now come back to me.” He complies but ends up standing on Madame Setri’s feet. “Ow.”
Riess: “Yeah that’s why I don’t make it a habit to lay down with guys. I mean I’m sure it’s good for them, but then they just can’t help running over a girl.”
James: “Are you ok Madame?” Setri covers his mouth.
Setri: “Fine.”
James: “Did you see that? I can do that?”
Setri: “How could I miss it? And yes.” She smiles and looks down the county line. “Wait here for a moment.” She suddenly disappears and James turns to Madame Grimory with a big smile.
Riess: “Proud of yourself there?”
James: “Yeah.”
Riess: “Listen. I’m gonna have a look around. You know, prowl a bit.” She suddenly begins to morph into some sort of quadruped thing. It seems lion-like, with a bright red mane reminiscent of Madame Grimory’s hair. “See you in a bit.” James practices stepping back and forth to the bush. On his second attempt something pulls him far past the bush. He comes to rest behind his madame.
James: “Madame? Are you alright?”
Setri: “Fine.” She looks up at him proudly. “You’re doing really well. Much better than I’d expected.””
James: “Honestly. I wasn’t trying to step this far but…”
Setri: “That’s right. You stepped all the way to me. You did this because I made a concerted effort to draw you to me.” She opens her shirt and reveals her bare torso to him. “Place the palm of your hand against my body, right in the center.” James complies, placing his open hand in the center between the underside of her breasts and her belly button. As he does he feels someone, or thing, touching him all over. He quickly turns to looks behind him. “Whats wrong James?”
James: “I felt someone behind me, touching me.”
Setri: “It’s just us. I promise.” James turns back to her and touches her again.
James: “There it is again. What is that?”
Setri: “Can you feel the little bump under my skin?”
James: “Um, yeah. Did you injure yourself?”
Setri: “Hardly. No. What you feel against the palm of your hand is the outline of your own soul as it abides in me. Right now I’m protruding it for your benefit, showing it to you. Go ahead move your fingers.” James complies and is engulfed once again by a strange sensation of being touched. “What you feel echoing throughout your body is the touch of your own hand. Let me explain. When your soul was exchanged through the contract it was compressed to fit what I had approximated to be a suitable environment. The inner spatial place that I made for it turned out to be…well…practically flawless. And, what I find equally curious is the size and shape of the space that was left in you as a result of the contract. From what I can see, as I look at that right now, is that this little soy bean sized soul has left a space the size and shape of one of your American footballs . And I don’t mean one of those K-mart rubber things. I mean the full on NFL pigskin with the laces that actually mean something. I’ve never seen a half day old minion come into the game with that kind of capacity. I’m showing this to you as a physical expression of our bond. This bond feels strangely organic, almost natural somehow. That’s not the usual way it feels, because, as I said, the new soul space was approximated. There’s usually a certain amount of drift and soul play inside the space, and over time, the contractor makes adjustments to the space or the soul to compensate. The act of drawing a minion great distances by a devil is not something the minion usually picks up on right away. It takes a day or two to get the attunement right. But once again you’ve impressed me with your ability to pick up new things. You even came to rest precisely where you should have the first time.” Madame Grimory comes trotting by about 12 yards to the right. Setri watches as she wanders over to an old tree and mills about a bit. James notices and smiles as Madame Grimory lays down in the grass by the tree like an old lioness on the savannah. “You like that huh?”
James: “She changed into that thing right in front of me. Is that like a spell of some sort?”
Setri: “Not really. We’ll discuss that another time. Right now we still have to get down this line.” James now notices the tree and quickly looks at his sacred gear.
James: “Um. Madame.” Setri looks at the tree, then back at the picture, and once again at the tree.
Setri: “That’s not good. James wait here please.” She steps to Riess now. Madame Grimory lays alongside an old man who is sleeping under the tree. She gently brushes his hair back from his neck to see a kind of festering ulceration on the skin. “So. What do we have here?”
Riess: “Poor old man. He’s ill.” Setri looks at him for a moment. “I wonder how long he’s been suffering like this?”
Setri: “About 2 days I’d say.”
Riess: “What? That things so huge.” Setri directs Madame Grimory’s eyes to the base of the tree, where the roots gently dive into the soil. There is an ever so faint glow that outlines the roots. “Is that fel?” Suddenly the old man wakens. He first see’s Madame Setri to his left.”
Old man: “What do you want?” He gropes about his small backpack and comes out with a folding knife. He refrains from opening it but brandishes it in a shaking hand nonetheless. “Who are you”
Setri: “There’s nothing to fear. Please. We can help you.”
Old man: “Help?” He chuckles lightly “Ain’t no help for bein’ old and tired.” He hears another chuckle from over his right shoulder. The voice is a bit deeper than Setri’s. He turns to look and gets an eyeful of Madame Grimory. He is at first horrified, and lets the knife slip limply through his hand. But then he gives a resigned sigh. “I see. It’s my time then. I understand. I have sinned. that’s why ya’ll are here. Go on then.”
Riess: “There’s nothing to fear.” Setri picks up the old man’s knife and looks at it.
Setri: “And if there was, it wouldn’t be something you could whittle your way out of.” Again Riess gives a slight chuckle as Setri hands the old man back his knife. He takes it back and puts it away.
Old man: “Thank you miss. I know what you want. I wasn’t the one that done it. But still. This land cries out’. Don’t it?” Setri takes interest now.
Setri: “Cries out? Hardly.”
Riess: “Exhilirating, I find it.” The old man turns to her and sees her suddenly bellow smoke rings through her nostrils.
Old man: “Yeah. I know. My sins are….go on. Be done with it.
Riess: “Old man. You give yourself way too much credit. Everyone sins. What makes you so special?” The old man opens his eyes and looks into Madame Grimory’s. “Put your hand on my shoulder and I’ll stand up with you. If you cannot you can roll your body onto my back and I’ll carry you. If you can’t do that then only 2 more choices remain.”
Old man: “Choices?”
Riess: “Your other choices are as follows then: I can snatch you up into my mouth and carry you or I can do nothing and wait an hour or 2 for you to pass away. At which point I’ll fling your remains out there somewhere and she and I will get back to the business we were concerned with before we happened upon you.” At this point Madame Grimory displays a strange grin. Her eyes reflect little in the way of attitude but the old man cringes when he notices that the grin continues through what should be masseter and buccinators, so that her mouth terminates nearly at her ears, revealing rows of sharp, crocodile-like teeth.
Setri: “Oh come on. Stop scaring him.” she drapes the mans arm around her shoulder. “Come on now.”
Old man: “What?” Setri quickly helps him to his feet.
Setri: “Look at your arm.” The old man rolls up his sleeve to see a large ulceration. “This tree is making you sick.” She looks over at James “That young man over there will take that away, but you have to go with Miss Grimory here. So come on now.” She places his hand on Grimory’s back. The old man shudders as Grimory looks into his eyes, now level with his own.
Riess: “Yes. I am monstrous to behold. Now hold on to the mane.” She slowly walks them both to James who is waiting about 15 yards out from the tree.
Old man: “I saw it. But it wasn’t me that done it.”
Riess: “Of what do you speak?”
Old man: “What they done to the niggra’.” Riess stops and slowly turns to him. “I shouldn’t have seen, but I did. They cut him bad all over, then they hung him. He was alive on the rope still, but he wasn’t kickin’ or nuthin’. He just looked out at the world in front of him. I couldn’t see nuthin’ angry or vindictive in what was left of his face. He looked so…hopeful.” Madame Grimory starts walking again but keeps her eyes upon him. “Then she came.” Grimory stops again.
Riess: “She?”
Old man: “I’d never seen nuthin’ like her. She was the same color as the sky that afternoon.” Grimory’s eyes open wide now. Smoke trickles through her teeth. “Did he call her down to him? Her smile was soft. I couldn’t tell if…she was glad for what was happenin’ to him or if she was savin” him. Hair like the sun.” Grimory picks up the pace now.
Riess: “We should hurry. you’re clearly getting delirious.”
Old man: “Fine then.” He picks up the pace with Grimory slightly leading him. “She was fast too.” Meanwhile, Setri is still examining the tree when a presence suddenly makes itself known to her. She slowly looks up toward the trees’ branches to see a large black man hanging from the large branch immediately in front of her. The man opens his eyes and looks out at the land about him. Suddenly his eyes fix upon Madame Setri, who finds herself most puzzled. The man’s face is badly lacerated, and his hands are badly burned.
Hanging man: “This place is familiar to me, but you are not.”
Setri: “I am from far to the east.”
Hanging man: “Plausible. Your features speak of the more exotic places,” He looks over Setri at the land again. “But your existence speaks of no earthly origin. You are as the other.” His eyes slip back toward Setri. “You seek to obscure this from me. Why?”
Setri: “Not at all good sir.” She takes one step back and bows deeply before him. “Such attempts at deception would not benefit me. I am simply honored to find myself before you on this night.”
Hanging man: “This is most curious. I…Yes. I remember now. Madame Le claire’s bordello, in the alley. You were most curious to me then, but I was time short and in haste to make my way home that evening.”
Setri: “Again you honor me. I had no reason to believe that you might even have noticed me behind you. We people of the east were regarded in a lowly way by those of this place in those days.”
Hanging man: “Most curious. You are clearly as the other who delivered me into the hands of the Corruptor. Yet, you present decidedly little of the fury and vehemence I have come to associate with his kin. Do you seek to subjugate me also?”
Setri: “Not at all. I seek knowledge which rests with you regarding the events of your demise. The other of which you speak, who was it.”
Hanging man: “Her skin was as the twilight sky. Her smile was the evening stars patience upon that sky, and her hair was as the noon’s memory. Her curious demeanor struck me most. Her hand had a slight roughness, as though the field were her truest ally, but her nature reflected nothing of it’s harsher side. Whatever wickedness might mark her trade was left on the dining room table that day, for gaze as I might I could find none. But above all else she was quick. She relieved my pain instantly, and gave no rattle in my ferrying from here. All the while her eye’s seemed to worry for the comfort of my remainder, as a mother looks about her child for wounds after a fathers chastisement.” Madame Grimory slinks by Madame Setri unaware of the heint above her.
Riess: “That old man has to be crazy. He says he saw what happened. He said the one who took him was…” Madame Setri interjects as Madame Grimory notices the image of Saint Leroy hanging from the limb.
Setri: “Coalstone”
Hanging man: “Another of your kind. I seem to be quite the attraction this evening.” Madame Grimory lays down carefully alongside Setri with her head even with Setri’s shoulders. She then gently bows her head before him. “You are different from this one, not subservient to her.”
Riess: “I am most perplexed by your presence. Nonetheless, am I also most honored to sit before you in discourse.” Madame Grimory sits upright again, but reverently straight. She turns to Setri momentarily. “I’ll pick her up.” She turns back to the hanging man. “Please excuse me saint Leroy.” She quickly disappears.
Hanging man: “Curious. She has referred to me as a saint. Why?”
Setri: “Since your death have you been referred to in such a way, by the denizens of hell, and heaven as well.”
Hanging man: “I am most surprised. I would think that such titles would be reserved for those souls which demonstrate a completeness of existence, for I am incomplete and must wonder, therefore, as to the reasoning upon each plane.”
Setri: “Incomplete you say?” She pulls out the picture frame. “I hold in my hands the Mississippi stone. Can you not recognize yourself? According to my knowledge all of it’s components are intact and accounted for, even while transfigured through contract of the stone’s host.”
Saint Leroy: “Ah. The young man. How does his soul abide in your house?”
Setri: “Much better than anticipated. Still, I must question your presence upon this horrid tree, and the fel which has leeched into it? How was this made so?”
Saint Leroy: “You regard my entirety as consistent with the state of that object you hold. To do so is folly for, as I said, I am incomplete. While it is true that what I am could be said to reside there, it is equally true that the artifact you hold, however substantial, is merely a fragment of that which I have become. The corruption of this tree could be said to be a consequence of my…partial dispersion across what we both regard as existence. Part of me still lies below, though I am unable to say where exactly.”
Setri: “So there are other fragments to be recovered?”
Saint Leroy: “Exactly, though I am unclear as of yet as to the number or position of them.” Coalstone appears with Madame Grimory to Setri’s immediate left. “Most curious. We meet again after so many years. Have you come for my remainder?” Coalstone is aghast at the sight of Saint Leroy’s ghostly appearance.”
Coalstone: “What is this? A trick? No, no. That…can’t be there.”
Setri: “Tell me about the contract.” Coalstone leers at Setri suspiciously for a moment.
Coalstone: “With all due respect ladies, what exactly are you trying to pull?” She turns to Saint Leroy again “Hi. Are you comfortable good sir?”
Saint Leroy: “As comfortable as circumstances will permit.”
Coalstone: “You must understand Madame this contract was priority one and therefore confidential, you know. But still, he shouldn’t be there.”
Setri: “Were there any complications on your end?”
Coalstone: “With the contract? No way. Even though the last man was only a couple of yards away when I began, it still went smoothly. I raised a barrier around the tree trunk and then…Oh. I see. But still, how can he be here?”
Riess: “Well it explains the cursed tree.”
Setri: “Now I see. There’s a fragment in the fel below. Saint Leroy we will try to find your remains and return them to you.”
Saint Leroy: ” I am impressed. There have clearly been changes in the workings down below over the years, but such an undertaking would prove futile in the end. I believe. This tree must be destroyed.”
Setri: “We can do this. But for the moment, I would ask that you bear with us as we investigate another issue here.”
Saint Leroy: “I see.”
Setri: “Saint Leroy. We would inquire of the man with whom you were hanged. What do you know of him?”
Saint Leroy: “Ah. You are referring to Mr. Mortimer. He was a very thoughtful and enterprising man who met his end naturally, shortly prior to my own. He was the owner of the parcel on which this tree stands, however unnaturally. This parcel is one of seven parcels which constituted the original plantation which existed here up to the end of the war between the states. This parcel was created and transferred to Mr. Mortimer as a result of agrarian reform just prior to the wars end, but because Paul Mortimer was employed in the Union Army, he was able to acquire a regular deed for the land within one year after the transfer and he was therefore deemed the legitimate owner of the land when Agrarian reform was reversed as a land redistribution policy 2 years later. The deed allowed that Mr. Mortimer’s ownership should withstand repeated challenge by the land’s former owner, and since Paul refused all offers to sell it back to it’s previous owner, the only recourse left to the original owner was to reacquire the land through abandonment provisions or by the payment of delinquent taxes on the part of the new owner.”
Setri: “Who was the original owner?”
Saint Leroy: “Originally this land was part of the Morrison family Plantation. The Morrisons were a prominent cotton exporter and also held other lands further inland in this state. At the time of my contracting, the head of the household was Mark Clay Morrison.”
Setri: “What I am trying to determine is why someone attempted to make Mr. Mortimer’s death appear to be one involving foul play when it wasn’t, and at the same time downplay your own which clearly was an act of foul play.”
Saint Leroy: “Mark Clay Morrison was a truly fascinating man. He had great foresight and a shrewd business sense, but at the same time, he lacked a certain patience, and was given to act impetuously. It was true that he wanted to reacquire the land by any means at his disposal, and so undertook in the end to murder me by proxy and to fake the murder of Mr. Mortimer. He was able, by doing this, to give a sufficient disincentive to Paul’s immediate heirs to attempt to acquire the land through inheritance, thereby insuring that it should become ultimately available through abandonment over time. He was prevented from reacquiring it personally due to a law which passed in the state legislature that disallowed plantation owners from reacquiring lands if there was evidence of foul play on the part of a plantation owner. On its face this action on his part seemed self defeating, but only if one considers the land itself as the object of his desire. It was far from it. The real objective was to obscure an even greater atrocity than that which was committed against me and Mr Mortimer that day. You see, in the winter of 1863, a band of about 12 or 13 natives of eastern Mississippi had squatted on the parcel adjacent to this one to the east. The Morrisons, being engaged in the war effort at the time, could not undertake to drive them off. In the following year, recently liberated blacks on their way to the north and west of the country would stop through the settlement and rest. Some stayed and the settlement grew slightly to include blacks. But in early 1865, facing the loss of the war and probable partitioning of his land, he undertook to destroy the settlement. One night he would lead a small contingent of armed confederate regulars into the makeshift encampment, killing about 20 native American and black men , women, and children as they slept. The contingent then quickly buried the victims on the eastern side of the stream over there to your left, which he imagined would serve as a natural border in any partitioning scheme which should arise afterward. He thought that, as long as he controlled the land on the other side of that stream, then no one would ever learn of the atrocity, and he could never be held to be accountable. But when the land was partitioned, he came to learn that the Union surveyors had included his makeshift burial ground as part of this parcel instead of the other. And so it then became imperative for Morrison to gain control of it.”
Setri: “I understand. But then what was it that lead them to attack you?”
Saint Leroy: “This I do not know. But their anger with me seemed disproportionate to any offense I may have inadvertently caused them. The vehemence in their eyes I would see again in the spirit of the one to whom she delivered me.”
Setri: Yes. Lord Raiser can be quite intimidating.”
Coalstone: “That’s hardly fair.” Her eyes express a seriousness now. “I mean Madame Grimory here walked right by him a few minutes ago. She just walked into Phoenix like she owned the place.”
Riess: “Easy honey.” Setri looks into Coalstone’s face and sees a subtle kind of fear.
Setri: “Ok. Who ordered the contract?”
Riess: “Well we know who ordered it.” Suddenly Coalstone’s face snaps in Madame Grimory’s direction, again, with a fearful look in her eyes. “Don’t we?”
Setri: “No.” She gently turns Coalstone to face her. “It wasn’t Raiser was it?”
Coalstone: “This came from….way down there. There was no price negotiation, no putting it off. I couldn’t possibly find a way to be unavailable. And when I brought this guy to him he took one look at him and…suddenly the heat became…unbearable. Then he noticed me cringing and quickly paid me and shooed me away.” She becomes a bit reticent. “That place…it shatters the senses.”
Saint Leroy: “I must agree.” Setri looks at Madame Grimory now with a look of surprise for a moment.
Riess: “Big brother?” Coalstone quickly turns to Saint Leroy.
Coalstone: “Look, I’m sorry about the tree, but I had to do it.” She turns back to Setri. “He should not be hanging there like that.”
Saint Leroy: “I find myself once again honored by the good lady. I would expect your recounting of those events to be inconsistent with my own. Yet your retelling favors no one and lacks the leavening I have come to associate with the utterances of devils.”
Setri: “Saint Leroy, what happened to the Morrisons?”
Saint Leroy: “As I mentioned before, the Morrisons were prevented from reacquiring this land by a provision in the law. They remedied this when the holdings of this former plantation were transferred to the Greys, who were related by marriage. The Greys patiently resided in the plantation house which sits about 300 yards west of here. The Greys waited for 2 generations, then made their move in the summer of 1959 to reacquire the land, and upon doing so, reunited the plantation. They returned the plantation to the Morrisons in the following generation. But in 2002 they discovered that Paul Mortimer had a legitimate heir. His name is William Mortimer and he can be found in the town to the west of here. He is given to drink heavily, and he can be found in a bar that is owned by Harry Morrison. It is unclear whether Harry Morrison is invested in this land’s legacy in the same way as Mark Clay Morrison, but it is clear that the transfer of this land was designed to sidestep the intent of the original law.”
Setri: “What can my house do to remedy this state of affairs?”
Saint Leroy: “This is a remediable situation in only one respect: The land is currently held by someone other than the rightful owner, albeit legally. Otherwise, the only other remediable situation that remains is the state of this tree. I believe that both situations could, under the right conditions, be remedied all in one stroke. However I am in no condition to undertake this. It is not my intention to attempt to obligate you or your house to such a cause in the name of morality or ethical conflict. I thought it would be a nice thing for young James, so that he could feel integral to something positive about my abidance with him. But I see that I have, by default, come to abide with you and your house also. In this I am somewhat torn. On the one hand I am grateful for your guardianship of young James, for whom I could not provide such guardianship by my own hand. On the other, because of choices made earlier on my part in resolving his difficulties with a local magistrate, he has been contracted by forces below as an unforeseen consequence. This state of affairs, though unnatural, is yet to be tested in terms of it’s value to him, pro or con. To this end, I would propose to you noble Madame, That he should play a role in whatever remedy you and I should agree upon here.”
Setri: “That is agreeable to me, so long as his heart and soul is not unduly hardened by such participation. Such would serve to undermine the promise I did make to you upon his binding.”
Saint Leroy: “Then you should make sure he does not bear witness to my person as we conduct this negotiation.”
Setri: “Done.”
Riess: “Ill dump the old man off somewhere close and take James with me. Don’t worry.”
Setri: “Saint Leroy I would propose that we undertake to make The Morrisons pay for what they’ve done. So far I count a total of 21 murders  And at least 3 cases of fraud involving real property. I brought a big bag of hell for just this sort of thing.”
Saint Leroy: “I was under the impression that we were containing our dialogue to those issues which could be remedied. Was I incorrect in this assumption?” Setri hesitates somewhat.
Setri: “No you were not. ”
Saint Leroy: “It is hardly my intent to counsel you, noble Madame, with regard to the moral implications of whatever we decide here. It simply strikes me as more efficient to proceed in a measured way.”
Setri: “Agreed then.”
Saint Leroy: “I would petition you to undertake to convince the current owner of this parcel to transfer ownership to the living heir of Paul Mortimer. I believe it will serve to set right what can be set right, and it would have an added advantage of curtailing any further degradation of either clan’s legacy.”
Setri: “I see. This will take some doing, I think.”
Saint Leroy: “You would recommend another way?”
Setri: “Normally, yes, given my nature. But I am going to proceed as you say since it may prove more useful to my house to do so.”
Saint Leroy: “This is…most curious. May I ask how and why?”
Setri: “Certainly. As I mentioned…earlier, You have by proxy come to reside in my house. I do not pretend to levy my will over you in the same way as I might over James, and I have no desire to. I do desire that you should continue to serve James however. To this end it strikes me as interesting to address whatever needs of yours that I can. This is not an altruistic act on my part, but given the strange circumstances involving James’ contract,  I find myself somewhat unclear as to the most useful application of craft as well. My knowledge of souls would lead me to view your presence here as a perversion of fate. Yet, am I not also gifted by the direct communication that such a perversion affords us? In this, I must be careful as well, so as not to unduly influence you and your bond to James. And so it strikes me as most useful, insofar as my house should benefit, to attempt to assist you in your efforts, but in a way that suits your nature more than my own.”
Saint Leroy: “Most impressive. If what you say is true, then it is most appropriate to leave the goings on between all parties concerned in your most capable and astute hands. I would ask that you leave the destruction of the tree to Mr. Mortimer. It strikes me as a reasonable exchange for what would otherwise be a mere boon. It also serves to test Mr. Mortimer’s commitment to the land and its healing. If you bring him before me after the transfer, I can instruct him in this.”
Setri: “We are in agreement then. This will take a day or so.”
Saint Leroy: “What meaning does time have to those such as we?”
Setri: “Of course.”
Saint Leroy: “Before we conclude our dealings, I would ask for something else, though you may find it…rather strange.”
Setri: “How may I be of further service?”
Saint Leroy: “I would ask that you hear my thinking regarding my earlier proposal for the purpose of eliciting….your counsel in the matter.” Setri is taken aback by this.
Setri: “I…would be most honored…but will presume to offer no more than a personal opinion. I will humbly leave it to you to value it…as you will.”
Saint Leroy: Thank you. This land is awash with inequity. My natural impulse would be to assign the value of evil to this inequity by virtue of having been victim of acts of evil which these inequities served to nourish here. The true purveyors of these evils were gone long ago, but the inequities have persisted, allowing for an environment that could serve to nourish such evils anew. In the event that Harry Morrison is aware of the atrocity associated with this land and is attempting to keep it hidden in keeping with Mark Clay Morrison’s original plan, then his intent could be said to be evil in nature. But if he is unaware, and believes he is simply reacquiring his family’s land for consolidation purposes, he should not be treated as the usurper’s agent. Still, in either case, the underlying inequity should be addressed. And so, I am proposing that the land be returned not only to address the usurping of it, but to establish a bond which requires each to trust the other. If it is the intent of Harry Morrison to hide his ancestors evil, then his secret must be kept by the one which his family wronged through their action.  And if it is not, then again,  Morrison must trust Mortimer enough to simply abide in this place as a neighbor, with all the rights and privileges that such property ownership should naturally afford. I would ask. What say you with regard to my intent in this proposal?” Setri takes a moment before giving her response.
Setri: “If I consider this in the context of your original intent, that being to remedy those things which can be, then I’m hard-pressed to find a remedy per se for the intents of evil or good. You are, it seems to me, attempting to undermine Morrison’s original intent with his action against you and Mr. Mortimer. This appears remedial in only one sense, that being the apparent dominion over this land, otherwise I can only see it as a test of my commitment to deal forthrightly with James, and yourself as an extension of him. If it were left to me I would undertake scrape this land clean of any memory of the Morrisons, and see to it that James should exult in such action, however passive the role that he played. But I am a foreigner here, and such action on my part would be an act of war, would it not?”
Saint Leroy: “I would ask that you consider the true degree of your offense. It is true that I bear a degree of anger and bitterness toward those who perpetrated violent acts toward me, some overt and some not so much. But this bitterness is my own and should remain with me. It is difficult at times to feel the soul of the young man reverberate through my own and avoid overly influencing the harmonies thereof. His life is not my own, and it is imperative that he not attempt to assimilate into his existence the sensibilities of any apparition, no matter how powerful. Therefore, I would prefer to believe that the best response to the atrocities associated with myself and this land, for all concerned, should be limited to those things which should serve to heal the scars which remain, rather than punish the makers. In this way he can learn the proper application and limits of emotions such as anger, and see the virtues of resisting the natural thirst for vengeance. If I were to make him the instrument of my retaliation, than my aggressors would have triumphed to an even greater degree in their effort to corrupt my spirit, for I would be carrying on their crusade for them. Would I not?”
Setri: “Clearly. In this regard I must agree to withhold my…wrath if you will. I must also confess however, there is a resolution of shame which I must also forego the attraction of, in pursuit of the virtues you mentioned earlier. You have come to reside in my house as an extension of James. The fact that this has been done to a man such as yourself, is insulting enough. The fact that I knew about it for over a century and had no reason to act until it became an issue which involved my house directly, is shameful. A noble Madame does not bear shame sir. She resolves it. However, in the spirit of your will, which clearly has lost none of its luster, I will bear this shame, and  learn from it.”
Saint Leroy: “Your sentiments honor me. Clearly there have been great changes in the focus of Hell’s denizens since my time. No longer is it fair to assign narrowly defined, singular sensibilities to your existences. Evolution’s wonder has not been spared on you Noble Madame. Perhaps I should find myself, however cursed, part of a new and breathtaking age. I am most impressed, and confident in your judgment in this matter. Godspeed Madame.” Saint Leroy suddenly disappears as James steps to Setri:
James: “Madame the O.G. is fine. But Madame Grimory took of with him in her mouth.”
Setri: “That’s good. How are you. It wasn’t too hard was it?”
James: “It was cake. I mean I didn’t even…you know… give nothing.”
Setri: “Right. You’re no longer mortal. You give soul power now.”
James: “I see. So how much do I have? I mean I still don’t feel like there was a loss.”
Setri: “Well talk about that at home. Anyway, its late. Let’s head back. We’ll come back tomorrow evening.” She takes James hand and they fade away.

It is dawn in Mississippi and the old man awakes in the cooling air. He reaches into his back pack and pulls a hooded sweat shirt. He puts it on slowly, and when he pulls it over his head, a turns it to the right to see Madame Grimory sitting next to him, watching the sun rise. Once again the old man quietly pulls a folding knife from the bag. When turns to her he sees that she has a pistol draped over her leg while she watches the sun rise.
Riess: “Did you sleep well old man?”
Old man: “I suppose.” Madame Grimory tucks the pistol away as the old mans starts putting the knife away. “Strangest dreams though.”
Riess: “How uneventful life would be without those. Yes?”
Old Man: “If you don’t mind me askin, what’s a beautiful woman like you doin way out here?”
Riess: “I can see your charm was not lost during the night. I am doing the same thing you are: Waking to a new day, watching the sun rise.” She turns to look him in the eye. “So tell me about those dreams.”
Old Man: “No point in that. Pretty young girl like you shouldn’t be concernin yourself with the nightmares of some old man. I earned whatever nightmares I got. Aint puttin em on nobody.” He looks wondrously upon her now. “So pretty. How lucky I am.”
Riess: “Yes. Morning light can show us the fortune of our lives. It can also make a face decidedly less monstrous in appearance. Would you not agree?”
Old man: “Monstrous? Who would say such things about you?”
Riess: “Interesting. That’s not what you said last night.” Her smile is soft, but the old man suddenly realizes his error.
Old Man: “Oh my. It wasn’t no dream.”
Riess: “Does it bother you so, that I am still the monstrous thing that carried you here in my mouth? It does not occur to you still that you would be dead had I not done so? Come now. Have I offended you?”
Old Man: “I knew I’d be made to pay for my sins. But…so pretty. Is that how it works? The fruits are made as tempting as whatever we sewed?”
Riess: “Still you cannot turn from the pool. You Americans. Is it so difficult to imagine that we had business with that terrible tree, and that you were simply in the way? Very well. If it simply must be about you, then I will demand that you stay away from that tree. It will harm you as it has already. It will be gone soon, but in the mean time you can make good on your past transgressions by staying clear of it.”
Old Man: “Very well then. That young man from last night. He was real too?”
Riess: “Yes. Why?’
Old Man: “He was a big man. But he had a gentle hand to him. How did he come to be….mixed up in this?”
Riess: “He was sent…to hell…by his peers.”
Old man: “Someone killed him? A boy like that? He got caught up in somethin’. That’s how it always goes with kids that age. ”
Riess: “Oh he’s quite alive. But he was entrusted to the care of devils.”
Old Man: “No. That’s not right. That’s a good kid.”
Riess: “You can appreciate the notion that the light of the sun over there falls upon everyone. I will say simply that fate does as well. Live well old man.” She fades away before him.
Old Man: “I will.”

It is Sunday morning at Issei’s house.  Issei is studying and listening to music again. Asia comes in to his room, as the door is wide open, not in keeping with his usual M.O. She looks about the room to see that it is orderly, and that his stash of porn mags has not been touched. She then looks over his shoulder to see that he is studying music theory. He keeps switching the music back on his ipod as he does and Asia finds this curious.
Asia:(Japanese) “Ohai.”
Issei: “Ohai Asia.”
Asia: “Am I bothering you?”
Issei: “No, no. Not at all. I could stand to stop for a while.”
Asia: “I’ve never seen you study so hard. May I ask what you’re preparing for?”
Issei: “Well it’s not a test per se. It’s that, since I’ve been taking piano, I found myself becoming somewhat interested in composition. So I’m trying to get the jump on it by studying theory and harmony.”
Asia: “Really? Wow that sounds hard.”
Issei: “I would have thought so too, but I actually find it pretty easy. I mean certain relationships between melody and harmony are fairly direct from what I’ve been able to determine. But when to apply certain inversions and suspensions, harmonically speaking, that’s where the game really is. But at the same time rhythm is key. It’s funny. I could come up with a numerical balance sheet to describe the relationship of melody, harmony, and rhythm and use it as a guide for creating music. I don’t imagine it would be very good, but… well…”
Asia: ” You know when I was at seminary I sang in the choir.”
Issei: “Really? Were you good?”
Asia: “Well, we had to sing a lot of European things. I wasn’t familiar enough with them I don’t think, even in situations where I was asked to sing the lead or solo. But I sang alto for a year and a half.”
Issei: “Really?  Wow. I didn’t know that about you. I’ll bet you were really good.” He thinks for a moment. “I bet you still are.”
Asia: “No, no. You give me way to much credit I think. There’s a lot more to singing than just solfeggio and remembering accents and registers.”
Issei: “I’ll bet that, if I’m careful, I can put together something that you could sing. In fact, since you speak and read English, I could get kind of modern with it.”
Asia: “Well. I don’t know. It’s been a couple years now. You’re really serious about this stuff aren’t you?”
Issei: “Well I think I can do it. It might be nice I think.”
Asia: “Well, I’ll help in any way I can. But I’m not going to sing or act…you know. Nothing dirty.”
Issei: “What? No. In fact, I was thinking just the opposite.”

Madame Setri awakens to find James has already gone. She listens for a moment but hears nothing in the bath. She gets up and goes downstairs in her silk robe. She looks around and is about to inquire of Jin Yi as to James whereabouts when he suddenly appears in a bathrobe, coming out of the downstairs shower. He smiles and hurries by.
James: “Morning Madame.” Setri appears a bit surprised at James energy level.
Setri: “Good Morning James. Whats going on?”
James: “Gotta get ready.”
Setri: “Ready?” She looks around at the others in the room. “Is there some event I need to be aware of?” Her other minions nod negatively but suspiciously so. She follows James upstairs.
Hiromi: “What’s the deal? He’s a foreigner and she’s sleeping with him?”
Sachi: Well, you must admit. He’s not a typical minion. That guy is like all-pro.”
Hiromi: “So’s Jin yi.”
Jin Yi: “Yes but in a different way. And I’m a foreigner also.”
Hiromi: “Still. She should not be sleeping with him. How is he supposed to learn our way if she coddles him like a dog?”
Tilda: “He’s nice. And he ain’t tryin to high side cuz she servin him at night.”
Hiromi: “Still. Max is nice. But he’s a hell of a lot more useful than him.”
Tilda: “Girl you need to chill. I noticed he had good things to say to everyone here. I think that’s just him.”
Hiromi: “So?”
Tilda: “So what’s wrong with Sona liking that a little bit? Every girl likes to hear nice things in the morning.” Setri arrives upstairs to find James dressing himself in a suit.
Setri: “Wow. You’re getting rather spiffy there. Is there something going on?”
James: “Well, Hiromi told me about a little church up on the hill just to the east.” Setri sees a certain brightness in his eyes as he continues “She says its non denominational, and the service is held in Japanese so I probably wont understand much. Anyway I thought I’d get my requests in. I gotta go see the man tomorrow so you…you know.”
Setri: “You’re saying that you’re going to church?”
James: “Yeah. Wanna go? She says its mainly old people you know. We got the same problem at home.”
Setri: “Problem?”
James: “Yeah. You know. The inability to attract a younger crowd. Kids just ain’t into it as much.”
Setri: “I see. Well, to answer your question: No I wouldn’t like to go and I don’t think you should either.” He chuckles.
James: “But it’s Sunday. I mean I can use all the help I can get.” Setri glances at Saint Leroy on the wall.
Setri: “You know the church doesn’t like us much.” James thinks for a moment.
James: “Oh. Yeah, well that probably needs to change too.”
Setri: “I could order you not to go. But I won’t. I will recommend that you don’t go.”
James: “I don’t understand. Who am I hurting be going?”
Setri: “Well, my concern was for your well being.”
James: “Yeah, me too. I gotta ask for a lot of forgiveness behind this weekend. But he’s good like that.” Setri smiles.
Setri: “Is he? Well now. I tell you what. You go and…raise the praises. Umm. But if you have any problems you know you can just call me.”
James: “Oh yeah. I got my new phone.” He looks down at Setri with a hopeful gleam in his eye.
Setri: “No,no. Honey, when I told you to call my name, that wasn’t some temporary fix because you were still human. That was part of the contract. That still applies. Now if you find that you need me,…you call my name. I’ll be right there.”
James: “Wow.” He looks at her with a more sublime eye now. “That’s…really…nice. But what could possibly go wrong at church on Sunday?” He leaves hurriedly. Setri sits down on the bed, somewhat put off. She leers at the picture.
Setri: “Any suggestions?”

Adonia sits behind a desk in the foyer of the old church. Middle aged people stroll in and she bows dutifully to each. She suddenly drops a pen which rolls under her desk as others enter. James comes in as she is still reaching for her pen and she does not see him. He stands at the entrance of the sanctuary and takes it in, trying his best to follow the liturgy which is in Japanese. Adonia sits back up straight now and is suddenly gripped by a strange sensation of a foul presence. She slowly turns her head, as if following a scent of some kind or another, and sees James attempting to follow. Suddenly the people in the congregation bow their heads in unison and James follows suit. Adonia is aghast. He sees a tall, dark haired woman rise and step to the podium. She opens a book and begins reciting a passage. James smiles broadly at this. Women can now preach. this is a wonderful improvement. Suddenly, as Adonia approaches him from behind, he finds his head wracked with pain. With each word that the dark haired woman speaks the pain increases until he is practically disabled. As he is about to collapse, Adonia grabs him from behind and hurries him back out of the church threshold. He drops to his knees in pain and Adonia is moved to offer him comfort.
Adonia: “It’s alright. It will get easier.” As she is speaking Japanese James fumbles around in his jacket pocket and withdraws an English to Japanese dictionary. “It’s alright. I speak English.”
James: “What happened…? How come it hurts…like this?”
Adonia: Well, umm…I suppose these things aren’t for everyone.” James has still not seen her face at this point.
James: “Things? What things are those? I thought it was just…Sunday service.”
Adonia: “Yes. It is.”
James: “I’ve heard of fiery sermons and stuff, but its not suppose to…What’s wrong with me?” Adonia hesitates but then lowers her voice and continues.
Adonia: “I can see that there is definitely…magic at play…and it involves…an agreement.”
James: “What?”
Adonia: “A contract.” James opens his eyes now.
James: “So…Sona.” Behind them Madame Setri appears suddenly, wearing a kimono and slippers.
Adonia: “I’m sorry but… did you just say …Sona?’ Her eyes reflect a realization that suddenly enters the realm of dread when she hears the answer to her query.
Setri: “He certainly did.” Adonia is struck numb for a moment, but quickly recovers her wits.”
Adonia: “Sir. If I may ask. Is this lady known to you?”
James: “Yes…Miss Setri. What’s happening to me?”
Setri: “It’s alright James. Just take my hand.”
Adonia: “In that case….I’ll leave you two to…”
Setri: “Don’t you fuckin’ move!”
James: No, no. She was helping…” James looks at Adonia for the first time as Setri approaches him quickly from behind. She keeps her wary eyes on Adonia as she embraces him gently. “What the…? You!”
Adonia: “Me? What about me?”
James: “You’re the one!”
Setri: “James. Look at me now.” James hesitates but complies after a second or two. “Take my hand honey.”
James: “She was the one who hurt Issei!” Adonia is aghast. She looks about as if to hide her actions.
Setri: “I know, but right now just take my hand.” He complies and is instantly stepped away from the still squatting Adonia. Setri steps quickly between James and Adonia. “James please don’t move from that spot. Did she touch you?”
James: “Well yes but… well I don’t think it was…” Setri quickly steps back to him and looks deeply into his eyes. She turns back to Adonia with an angry leer.
Setri “You must stay here.” She steps toward Adonia who immediately sits upon her knees. Setri looks upon her with an otherworldly disdain but Adonia offers no resistance to her.
Adonia: “Clearly he is new to this…lot. He does not grasp…”
Setri: “Clearly. Mind telling me what you are doing here?”
Adonia: “Our normal Sunday service. Nothing more.” Setri is curious suddenly.
Setri: “You seem to know of me, at least casually. How is this?”
Adonia: “We have never formally met Ma….Miss. But I assure you he and I have no quarrel. We’ve never met either”
Setri: “I’m sure you’re correct about having never met him. But regarding that quarrel thing, I can’t be so sure about that. In fact, it turns out you two have quite a quarrel to resolve.” Adonia whispers now.
Adonia: “I assure you I bear him no ill will. What could I have possibly done to…”
Setri: “This church was shut down 2 years ago. What are you doing in here?”
Adonia: “I work here. I answer the phone, help elderly worshippers to their seats and cars, prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean of course.”
Setri: “Oh come on. Don’t make this hard. What the hell’s going on in there?”
Adonia: “Sunday…services.” Setri simply stares at her for a moment
Setri: “Max.” Little Max appears behind her and Adonia is moved almost to the point of tears. “I need you to set up a bot. No weapons, plenty of stealth and surveillance. Now please.”
Max: “Yes madame.” He begins to set up a laptop and a tiny bug-like robot. In a moment the robot takes off and disappears.”
Setri: “So what do we have honey?” She does not take her eyes off Adonia as she speaks.
Max: “It’s about half full of old people. No magic. But… there’s definitely a fallen angel in there.”
Setri: “Imagine that. Whats she doing?”
Max: “Um. Speaking. Loudly. Shes standing at a podium like schoolteachers do. Now everyone is standing…bowing their heads…The people are starting to leave. Some of them are talking to one another.”
Setri: “Any other fallen angels around.”
Max: “No Madame. I don’t understand it. There’s no extra terran phenomena of any kind. This one either. Should we kill em?” Again Adonia expresses a strange kind of dismay as she watches little Max. Setri notes this.
Setri: “No. No you pick up your toys and go back home now. And lets keep this to ourselves this time. Ok?”
Max: “Of course Madame.” He retrieves his devices and disappears. Adonia gives a dejected sigh.
Setri: “Don’t worry yourself. He’s fine. In good hands.
Adonia: “Of course Mad….Miss.”
Setri: “You guys cant set up a coven here.”
Adonia: “Coven? No. I took a job. That’s all.”
Setri: “Why the need for a job?”
Adonia: “I was…hungry. She gives meals.” Setri thinks for a moment.
Setri: “I’m gonna do you a favor, but you’ve got to do one for me also. I’m going to keep this under my hat. But in exchange I don’t want to hear about any bodies turning up here. No light weapons, nothing, or I will be back with the cavalry. Do I make myself clear.”
Adonia: “As a bell Setri sempai. There’ll be no incidents, no bodies, human, devil, or otherwise.”
Setri: “Good. In that case, try to umm, take care of yourself.” She turns back to James.
Adonia: “Um. Miss. He’s in some pain. I can relieve it.” Setri turns back to her with a scowl.
Setri: “He is my servant.”
Adonia: “Of course. I meant no disrespect…Miss Setri.” She bows to her.
Setri: “James.” Though still in intense pain, James steps to her immediately, appearing just behind her in an instant.
James: “Yes Madame.”
Setri: “Come on take my hand. Let’s go home now.”
James: “Madame. We shouldn’t leave her here. Not after what she’s….”
Setri: “You feel offended. I understand. But you must recognize that what has offended you is actually the business of House Grimory, not ours.”
James: “Madame. With all do respect. She could…hurt somebody else.”
Setri: “I see. And your concerned about that?”
James: “Well,..yeah.”
Setri: “Alright. In that case the full weight of my house will be brought to bear to such ends.” James looks at her and she returns a reassuring smirk, she then turns to Adonia and fixes her gaze upon her. “So. What did you have in mind?”
Adonia: “Sir. I don’t know what you might have heard regarding me but…”
James: “Heard? I saw everything.” To This Adonia immediately begins to shake her head as if in denial. “Oh yes. I saw everything you did. I saw the skills you showed him. I even listened to the Ipod you gave him. Did you put all that music on there too?”
Adonia: “With all due respect sir, I don’t understand how…”
James: “Don’t try that . I saw you open him up.” He makes the sign of the cross in the air before him with his index finger. “Like that.” Adonia is aghast, staring at him in the way of a caught criminal. “Why? Even now the only thing he wants is that you should find yourself in…the arms of the everlasting…heavenly father.” Instantly James is once again wracked with pain. Madame Setri drops a containment spell upon Adonia as she simply stares at James agape, her eyes welling up.
Setri: “James.” Setri helps James to his feet. “We want to stay focused here. Now we have her bound and its broad daylight in front a working church.” She turns her gaze back toward Adonia. “Not the most discrete setting. And if its youre intent to eliminate her, there’s going to be even more effects coming down. Should I mobilize the rest of the house?”
James: “Mobilize? Why?”
Setr: “She’s a fallen angel. She’s not going to go quietly.” Adonia slowly begins to smile at Madame Setri. Not a smirk, but more of a knowing smile. “But I see. You think we can handle her then? Ok. So, what should we do next?” James hesitates for a moment. “James?”
James: “Well, umm….I mean….”
Setri: “Come on now. She’s all lined up, waiting for service. What should we bring down?”
James: “Well, cant we just do something that keeps her from…you know…doing that…” He makes a cross sign in the air again. “…thing she does?”
Setri: “That’s an idea. But you know, that particular field of magic we don’t really have access to. But its ok. I mean I’m sure we can get rid of her through those things we can do. We could blow her up, melt her down. We could drown her in Jell-O if you want. So you just tell me and ill just raise my hand and she’ll…do a disappearance…thing.” James continues to stare dumbfounded, unable to decide. “Just say it and we’ll make it happen.” Again Adonia gives a knowing smile
James: “Um…Well…I’m not sure… I mean…”
Setri: “Well, honey we ‘ve got her all dressed up out here in the middle of..”
James: “I know, but… well couldn’t we just….” Setri looks to him now and sees the reticence in his eyes.
Setri: “I see. Well, its ok. You know, I understand. Sometimes we feel strongly about things but we aren’t sure what to do. How to proceed upon those feelings. But you have challenged her right to exist here, and personally I think you have a point. I mean you’re right. She could pose a threat to others if she were to….”
James: “Yeah, but…. Killing her? I mean…” Setri, still looking into the eyes of Adonia, now reflects back her smile.”Please. I don’t think…”
Setri: “Well, again I understand. Something must be done, but right now its not so clear. Maybe you are right. Killing someone in broad daylight, even with barriers and spells, might be a little much. Still we need to be sure she poses no threat to anyone while we are in the process of deciding what should be done….however long that takes. Perhaps we could obtain some assurance from her that such actions should not, under any circumstances be undertaken by her in the interim.” She looks at Adonia in a way which suggests a question being posed.
James: “Yeah. Right. That would…”
Setri: “Would that be okay?”
James: “Yeah. Definitely. How can we…Um…?”
Setri: ” Go about it? Well, I think she’d have to agree.” Setri removes The magical restraints from Adonia.
Adonia: “Sir. I will declare before all concerned, on all planes of existence, that I will under no circumstance, undertake such actions as you have described, ever again. I make this declaration freely, under no duress, and with full knowledge aforethought. Furthermore, if such action should ever result by my hand on any plane, let my existence on all planes be immediately erased.”
Setri:” What do you say James? Will that do it?”
James: “Yeah. I can…”
Setri: “It sounds good doesn’t it? Ok well we should be taking off now.” As Setri says this, Lara peaks her head out the door of the church as if looking for Adonia. Upon spying them together about 20 yards out from the church, she begins to trot toward them. Adonia reaches out and quickly waves her hand at the feet of Madame Setri. Setri notices the aura beneath her feet disappear and she turns here eyes back to Adonia with a leer that sits between suspicion and repressed fear. Adonia then stands up quickly and bows formally.
Adonia: “It has been an honor miss Setri to have met you. And to have met you also sir.” Setri hurriedly bows though not nearly as low, while James, somewhat confused and vertiguous, follows suit and is immediately led away by Madame Setri, their pace of exit consistent with that of a normal couples, even though she is supporting James somewhat. Upon her arrival to the position of the group, Lara reaches toward James’ sleeve, but her hand is immediately grabbed by Adonia. “He was having some difficulty earlier, probably something of a chronic nature. But he did express some satisfaction with our services nonetheless.”
Lara: “Is he alright? He seemed as though he was into it at first, but then he seemed to be overtaken by…something…” She suddenly begins to sniff at the air , as though something foul has made its presence known. She looks at the ground momentarily but then seems to give an expression of discounting the possibility of something or another.
Adonia: “He appears to be fine. I just wanted to make sure.”
Lara: “I’m so glad I happened upon you. You really are doing a bang up job. Hungry?” They both return toward the church
Adonia: “Actually, I think I could eat.” Behind them Madame Setri and James both continue their exit.
Setri: “Just a little further now.” As Adonia and Lara disappear into the church, Setri grabs James hand tightly and they both disappear. They materialize in the misty bath with Setri holding James from behind and gently sitting down with him in the waters. Almost immediately, the same gold people seem to spring from the water about them, but this time Setri angrily waves her hand and they disperse instantly back into the mist. “Dammit James! What were you thinking?”
James: “What?” He struggles to get his bearings somewhat. “What’s happening to me?”
Setri: “Youre recovering from a kind of self-mutilation. You can’t just let yourself be pounded like that. And why didn’t you call me like talked about?”
James: “Well I thought it was just some momentary pain. I mean…that’s not supposed to happen.” He turns to Madame Setri with a slight desperation to his gaze. “Madame I’ve been going to church forever and I’ve never had that happen. Is there something I overlooked? Is church in Japan so very…different?” Setri smi;les slightly.
Setri: “Well if there is a difference it must be pretty heavy. I mean you go to church looking for the heavenly experience and look what happens. You get home and the first thing that happens is I go back to being Madame again.”
James: “Oh shit. Sorry. But Sona…”
Setri: “No. No James. I’m making humor because it helps. I’m not trying to punish you. Now I need to explain what’s happened. There’s been a change, a fundamental change in your existence.”
James: “What? What changed?”
Setri: You’re a devil now.” Upon hearing this James face reflects a dismay she has never seen from him. She holds him closer, turning him to face her, but gently as he speaks.
James: “No wait. I mean…I didn’t know…. Oh. What have I done?”
Setri: “James. No you didn’t do anything.”
James: “I must have. I mean…..I know. I didn’t fight like I was supposed to.”
Setri: “Don’t do this to yourself.” James leer becomes suspicious suddenly, and then gives way to a kind of pleading. “I see it plain as day. I tricked you in some way. I beguiled you, right?”
James: “I thought…I mean I didn’t…”
Setri: You didn’t what? Say it honey.”
James: “I never turned my back on the Father.” He is instantly wracked with pain again. He fights to gather himself. “But I see. I should have fought back win or lose. That’s what he was looking for. It was…”
Setri: “A test of faith? James look at me. There was no test. You never had a say in what happened to you. Remember? But let’s say you’re correct. Knowing what you know now, would it have made a difference? The net result would be the same.”
James: “I couldn’t see it. I thought if I didn’t hurt anyone, didn’t lie to people….”
Setri: “Didn’t sin?”
James: “Well, I don’t think…I mean….”
Setri: “No James you never sinned. But now you must listen to me. Let me tell you what has actually happened. The pain you are experiencing isn’t some sort of spitefull migraine. It goes beyond that doesn’t it? You feel sick inside, queasy even.”
James: “Yeah. Is this what it was like? When he fell? You know the…”
Setri: “Separation from God? No. It’s not even close. In fact, in your case it’s more akin to the opposite.”
James: “What?”
Setri: “Listen now. This isn’t going to be easy to grasp. You come from the west and so it’s going to naturally clash with what you’ve come to believe. But I promise you, what I’m going to say is the truth. Honey you are no longer human. The pain you’ve experienced is a function of the contract. This is not a consequence of some sort of failure on your part. The truth is you are actually closer to the old man now than you were before the contract.”
James: “Come on Sona…”
Setri: “I know it goes against some things, but it’s true. James The pathway to engagement with the heavens, the one involving churches, bibles, preachers, human voices in concert, this is reserved for humans. You have, by virtue of my contract, cheated death. You are no longer mortal. The appropriate pathways for you are many more and much more effective. You now have access to planes of existence that humans, no matter how enlightened, can never access by virtue of their mortality. You can realize absolute values. Humans cannot. They can’t even bear witness to them. You are now immortal, so when you open your mouth to the heavens, they are much more inclined to listen. But the pathway you use has to reflect this change and accommodate its implications more effectively. That’s all.”
James: “Mad…” Setri closes her eyes in dismay and looks away. “Sona come on now. The hurt…I mean…I’ve never encountered such dissonance…”
Setri: “That’s right. But what”s causing it is simply a reverberant echo within the soul space. The soul that occupied it served as a vibration damper before, but it resonated in such a way as to never cause pain. Right? Now the space is much larger, and the walls of it are asymmetrical and more jagged, giving the effect of an echo chamber if you will.”
James: “You mean I cant listen to music either?”
Setri: “Hardly James. The resonant property of words affects you on a much higher level. Holy words will cause pain, not because you’re now an unholy thing, but because they are being brought by the wrong voice. For you the voice of a human is no longer adequate to convey such words safely. A fallen angel’s mouth is probably the worst of them all. A devils mouth is less painful upon hearing but not much. No, the only mouth that can utter such words to your ears safely is a heavenly one, and it had better be in good standing with the old man. The likelihood is low but it’s been known to happen.”
James: “I’m a devil. They wont talk to me.”
Setri: “Maybe not, but that’s not the point. James my point is that there’s nothing wrong with you. I know it’s hard to imagine that all that inspiration and comfort you derived from churchgoing in your life up to now could be explained in fairly straightforward, mechanical terms, but I promise you James….what you experienced today comes down to that.” She moves to face him now “But James I’m a bit disappointed in you.”
James: “Yeah. I guess that going to church is….”
Setri: “No. That was necessary.”
James: “I’m not getting it.”
Setri: “Clearly. You were dead set on it. I cant just say not to, and if I tried to explain it to you it wouldn’t have made sense. No, you had to experience it first hand to get the point. But dammit James! To have all that delivered by a fallen angel? James why didn’t you call out to me?” Her gaze is one of intense befuddlement.
James: “Well…I mean. It was my fault.”
Setri: “Fault? What?”
James: “Look, you didn’t say I shouldn’t go, but yeah. I could see you didn’t exactly approve.”
Setri: “So?”
James: “So. I got myself into it. Why should I drag you…?”
Setri: “James! Oh you…Americans!”
James: “Madame?”
Setri: “Don’t hand me that Madame shit! You Americans are like these…oversized teddy bears with brass basketballs swinging down to your knees.” James gives a confused look. “I could walk up to any one of you and put a bullet in your shoulder and you’d look at it and say ow. But Your first thought would be something akin to ‘I must have hurt her boyfriends feelings’, or, ‘I probably should have called her back in high school. Yeah, that’ll do it.’ But now, let another one of you be standing there with any kind of memory of the guy I’m shooting. They could remember changing his tire a year ago or be a substitute mail carrier who was working a holiday weekend in his neighborhood. They don’t know his name and have no desire to, but if there was anything between them on any level, that could form the basis of the most casual sentimental attachment, I get blindsided every time because they’re fucking coming! They’re empty handed, have no plan whatsoever, and the look in their eyes is always the same: not rage, not hatred, not anger, but this sentimental craziness that makes clear that no earthly force will stop the person. There’s no perspective, no sense of proportion, just all the strength the person can muster, and the most purposeful half grin that says that their frantic search is over, and they’ve found their sword to fall on. You people do this so whimsically, it’s like some sort of adorable spectator sport for the misunderstood. You’ll leave a widow sitting there with a house full of kids just so the anchorman on the 6:00 news will tell some heartwarming story regarding your face roll, while in fact, you were little more than the western version of a jihadist. Well things are very different now James. You’re a devil. a minion in a Japanese noble house. There are obligations here, and there’s no blaze of glory you can give yourself over to when life gets too boring or the cards don’t fall your way. But with you guys if that sentimental something special’s lacking at the moment, the first thing to go is the name of your mistress, like she was never anything to you, like your house was just room and board in the end. You sit on the edge of existence every second. The abyss writhes to your left, and to your immediate right the open mouth of a pit lord. The razor’s edge that supports you under such circumstances is literally our bond. It’s the cohesiveness of your house. James do you understand the first order of business as my servant?”
James: “Yeah you tell me what you want and I do it.”
Setri: “No James. You’re describing something else. The first order of business is the realization that, no matter the state of our bond, at no time could I be said to own you. Your will is your own. That didn’t change. You’re experiencing a desire to serve me. I didn’t fabricate that. It’s a natural consequence of our contract and completely organic. But you must understand that your service to my house is a privilege not a right. I’m not entitled to your service. Now inside that privilege there is an entitlement. It says that at any time I retain the right to place you in harms way pursuant to the interests of my house. This is also just as organic as your desire to serve me. It is secured by our bond. It is so natural to you, you’ll do it without thinking. But when I told you to call my name if you get in any trouble, that wasn’t some sentimental line I put out there. You do not ever sit there and take sledgehammer shots to the head like that because you think I might be proud of you. You call me and I take those shots for you, not because I think you’re so handsome and dreamy, but because it’s my obligation as your Madame. Do you understand that your house took that damage with you? I had little Max pulling out all manner of electronic monstrosity and desperately pleading with me to send him to you so he could unleash that stuff on whatever was doing this to you? There was nothing useful to my house in what you allowed to happen to yourself. James you have an amazing learning capacity and a crazy amount of resilience as well, but honey I’m like 6 or 7 of you right now. I can take it. You cant. I cannot fail to defend you at such times, because if I do and you decide to walk away from my house, I lose you. If whatever you are facing that’s hurting you in such a way kills you, again, I lose you. If you are injured for days or weeks at a time I lose your service to my house. I told you James this isn’t about whips and chains and…slave ships! Please don’t take shots like that because you think ill love you more. The risk is just…. And what did you think you were doing stepping to a fallen angel like that?
James: “I’m not apologizing for that! I’m still not thrilled about leaving her there. But after what she did to Issei…”
Setri: “See? That’s the kind of sentimental crap that get’s good devils smashed.”
James: “Damn that! I lost everything behind that bitch!” Setri is startled by the expression of anger from him. She seems to be measuring its dimensions. There is a flash of light in James’ eyes that betrays a vehemence almost.
Setri: “There it is. Now were getting to it.”
James: “Wait. Sona, I don’t mean it like that…”
Setri: “Don’t do that. Let it flow. You meant it like you said it. You lost something precious to you. Didn’t you?”
James: “Goddamn right!”
Setri: “And it was behind the actions of ‘that bitch’, as I believe you chose to put it.”
James: “Yes.”
Setri: “And, as I recall, You were quite clear about the dimensions of that loss. Weren’t you?” James hesitates just a little.
James: “Yeah, but I don’t mean she took…anything from me per se…”
Setri: “Who took what from whom isn’t the issue here. We are talking about a loss that you’ve incurred, the nature and dimensions of that loss, and again, you were quite clear regarding both. You have lost everything. Haven’t you?”
James: “I get the point. The word everything might have been a bit much.”
Setri: “Maybe, but whatever you lost must have been terribly precious for you to measure it in those terms. You may actually feel this way about it. If this is so then I am honor and duty bound to address this loss forthwith.”
James: “Oh come on now…”
Setri: “As your mistress I am obligated to compensate any and all losses associated with the contract. I can’t fail to do this, even if the loss is intangible in nature. So let’s talk about that sense of loss. You’ve lost you’re soul. It’s gone away from you. Right?” James becomes sullen, and then a strange kind of sadness fills his eyes as his chin gently rests upon Setris right shoulder in their embrace.
James: “I thought…I mean I didn’t realize…”
Setri: “I told you everything there was to tell. I didn’t leave anything out. But as for the loss, that one’s difficult to compensate out of hand, especially considering that you are holding it in your arms right now…along with me.” James raises his head for a moment. “It hasn’t been lost James it’s right here…in me. How does it feel to you? Is it tortured? Is it restless?” James gives a dumbfounded stare. “You’re only a couple days out of the box so I’m going to ask you the same thing a year from now.” James looks into her face as if there’s a point of reference he has missed somewhere. “You’ve never had reason in life to relate to the soul as some sort of sensory organ, nor have you ever heard of it described in such a way until now. You’re going to find out that it’s in everyone’s interest to relate to it in that way more often than not. You’ve lost the ability to play basketball on the high school or division one level.”
James: “Whoa. D.1.? No. I’ve never played…”
Setri: “Were it not for the circumstances which put you here in my custody, there would be a mad scramble going on right now in the United States regarding the division one roster which you would find yourself on one year from now. Let’s say you were here but not prevented from playing. The fight would be even wilder and we don’t really give a shit about basketball. Still, you can bet your ass there’s at least a handful of high school coaches in this country who would trade their wives for the opportunity to coach someone like you. And for what? A year and a half maybe? The universities? There’d be casualties. The truth is you still have all the talent and abilities that you had 2 days ago. But the competitive loss I can only compensate in one way. You’ve lost your team. I’m giving you a new one. Same number of players. The games are different but you will come to lead that team wherever it needs to go. They’ll follow you, begrudgingly at first, but then, without hesitation. Failure? That word will still exist, but only as part of the opponents vocabulary.”
James: “Damn.”
Setri: “But in order to experience this you’ll have to trust me, and give this house a chance. You’ll have to be diligent in your training, just like you were at home, and your training has already started by the way. You’re learning at a ridiculous rate, even by the standards of a noble devil. Just hang in there. You’re going to be off the bench a lot sooner than you think. But for the sake of everybody concerned, I’m not starting you until you’re ready.”
James: “I understand.”
Setri: “You’ve lost contact with the heavens. There’s now a reason for you to question your standing with the old man upstairs. We have to talk about this, right here, right now, because I have to be able to compensate this. Right here and right now. But to do that, I need to get a precise measure of that loss, it’s nature, it’s meaning to you. There can be no excess, no defect. So let’s see. You’re a Calvinist aren’t you?”
James: “I’m actually a Baptist”
Setri: “That’s a Calvinist James. They follow the tenets of John Calvin generally speaking. So let’s see. You start out every Sunday like you did today. You get up and bathe yourself, cleaning every last crevice, till someone could eat well off the soles of your feet. Then you anoint yourself with oils, oil your hair, until you smell like a rose garden. Right? You dress yourself in the season colors, and if sharpness had a name, it would be James Hicks. You get there and the people slowly file in. The sanctuary is prepared, clean, dusted. Even if the pews are old, they are made to shine by someone or another. Who is it James?”
James: “Oh. Well, I couldn’t really say. I never…”
Setri: “I think it’s the same as everywhere else in the west. Old ladies, so quietly devout that no one bothers to think of them anymore. The ushers walk around with a plate. They figure to get the bad news out of the way, and while you put your two cents in, the preacher makes an announcement regarding church business. Recent deaths, funerals, mortgage payments, special events, and other things that no one really thinks about. And all the while , an organist lays a set of airy chords out there. You look about, and see the last of the stragglers. The men are polished, stately in their gait. they move with a grace absent of swagger. The flawless lines of their suits dictate the limitations of their stride. And the women, for the first time it seems, are home at last. Their apparel is fearless, perfect, and tight. Somehow the many pairs of hips that struck a man as used and worn just 24 hours ago, could turn the head of every fashion critic in the country. Their children fidget about and they hurry to settle them in before the music stops. When it does the pastor says a prayer over the offering. Then he opens the book. He reads a certain passage from a certain book. No one cares really. It’s one of many hundreds of anecdotes, passages, and examples that everyone’s heard before, and will no doubt hear again in the future from the same guy. Why don’t your remember? Because he’s not conveying to the people the mechanism for accessing it’s many secrets. He never tells them what any of that Elizabethan gibberish means. It’s esoteric foundations they don’t really need to know. Do they? In the end it’s better to do what he’s is trained to do. It’s better to hit the men over the head with it, and use it to gently massage the bellies of the women.”
James: “No, no. The Pastor just reads the word…”
Setri: “Word? You mean god’s word, as you’ve come to refer to it? The word of God is unspoken. He never opens his mouth. The word is already in play with every waking breath, every sleeping sigh. You have no idea of the word, James. Neither does the pastor in front of you. It’s dimensions are too far reaching, it’s meanings, too many to count. But no matter. The traditions on which his eel skinned shod feet stand upon will more than suffice at this hour. Then he closes the book and sits in his high backed chair. That’s when your transformation begins doesn’t it? That’s when the choir stands up. The organist doesn’t hesitate. He launches into a vamp that let’s everyone know, however they’ve come to feel about their lives up to this point, it”s meaningless because now they’re in God’s house, and it’s on and crackin’ at his table. The choir starts in with an anthem in perfect harmony, you’ve heard it dozens of times. It never seems to get old though. They always emphasize the right things in the riff. How do they know to do that? Even the young ones know. So natural, it seems to you, yet you also know that if you were called upon to make the same ‘natural’ sounds, somehow they wouldn’t exit your mouth nearly as well. Why is this? You wonder while you slowly drift away, your eyes wandering about the room. You see the young women clutching their children, keeping them still, the men leaning back in the pews like kings. But then, a single voice begins to soar over all others, and the whole scene changes. This young woman’s voice causes this shift in you. Suddenly you notice the older women. Their expressions becoming more serious now, as if a dark secret they’d been holding onto for years has just been revealed for all to see. Then you notice the young women. These same ladies that were chiding their children for their natural nervousness, are now finding it difficult to keep from moving around in those pews. Aren’t they? They keep adjusting their seated position until they seem to find a sweet spot of some sort. But the look on their faces slowly changes with the timbre of the lead voice, the grinding pulse of the organ, and the guidance of that choir. Perfectly made up young faces, which just a few moments ago reflected the gentle beams and shadows of a beautiful summer day, now slide toward a distant place, some forgotten realm where aspirations and desires must give way to contemplation of a different sort. The men now notice them as they never have. You look to them, but it’s not the shapeliness of their hips, the buxom racks they carry that attracts you. Is it? Nothing so carnal in this house. It’s their shoulders isn’t it? They begin to sway. Almost unaware of it, each one seems to follow a meter all their own, as if the basic rhythm expresses some higher mathematics than we’d been led to believe. Their eyes are so far away, and the pride of the brow has given way to a meditative gaze. But it’s that sway that captures your imagination isn’t it? These ladies are informing you at this moment where the old man is reclining, and they’re leading the way, laying out the path to him. You men, dressed to the nines, with a swagger that would stop traffic in Tokyo, are now becoming keenly aware of the ring that the ladies have placed in your noses. That soloist now begins to demonstrate her range and taste between the choruses, and you find your head rocking ever so gently. Don’t you?” James says nothing as he listens intently to the indictment of his mistress, waiting patiently for her to begin to blaspheme at length as devils are known to do. “Thank goodness you’re seated, for the singers behind the altar are threatening to carry everyone away like lemmings. Aren’t they? The men, they feel it now. The women have given themselves to this strange exile, because they have come within a couple more choruses of their goal, and it turns out it had nothing to do with the old man. It’s the same goal it always has been. Ecstasy. Soon they’ll be in the throes of it, and if you don’t get control of yourself soon, you will be too. But you are men. For you to be spiritually, or psychologically manipulated by anyone, for any reason, is the sign of a weak spirited male. So you quickly formulate a plan of action. You get a firm grip on the pew and gently, effortlessly, cross your legs. All the men do it. Don’t they? They’re choice in fabrics was brilliant, for the cut of they’re pants serve to obscure the strain of their leg muscles, the tightness in the trunk, as they defiantly resist the effect of what? Sounds? Words? Music? You look about for a reference point in this cauldron, anything to keep your head above the waves of this now rapidly bubbling brew that your worship has become. The women are on their feet now, no longer able to contain the emotion. You find yourself pitying them don’t you? They can’t see the reality before them. The men see it clearly. The men see that, at this moment, The people in the congregation are locked in combat with the people on the other side of the altar. What’s at stake in Gods house? Why, the will of the people, of course. But the men are not fools. They have seen the way, and it becomes apparent. They’re eyes seem to lower toward the floor out front, and their faces, otherwise, appear as stone. But the choir is not without resources. There is still some maneuvering room on the field. And just as victory comes within your grasp, what do they do? They kick everything up a notch or two. Don’t they?” James gives an ever so slight snicker as if conceding the point as quietly as possible. “But Just like you do on the court, you’re going to find, one way or another, a way to win. The women shake in place. The older women, some of them demonstrating a newfound youth in their steps, have learned long ago not to fight the overrunning of their senses at this point in the campaign. Those who do not dance, stomp their feet and clap their hands, until the whole building seems to shake. Then you notice a strange coincidence. The preacher, through all this commotion, is as still as a pool of stagnant water. What manner of man should be unaffected, while himself sitting in the immediate front of his own charging army, by anything other than his own thoughts? He sits there, jotting something or another on a piece of paper, in complete comfort. He glances out into the congregation during the orgy’s climax, and he waits patiently. Of course. All things in moderation, right? Lean not into temptation, abandon worldly cares. Isn’t that what they say every time? These women just want to see you drawn and quartered, laid open before the world and waiting for death at their feet. Why? Probably so that, just once you could feel as they do when they go to the market in search of their children’s needs, and must endure the subtle whispers of ‘failure’, ‘whore’, and ‘welfare mother’. Or maybe there’s some other reason that strikes them as just somehow. But not today. Today you will triumph, for the pastor has shown you the way. Still he waits for the appointed time, and then he stands up. One final chorus, ritarded appropriately, signals the ladies return to the world. The room slowly quiets down as the ladies gather themselves. The men keep their focus, give a nice amen in acknowledgement of the ladies’ unsuccessful gambit. The ladies fan themselves nervously, in pursuit of the calm they had abandoned for the sake of indicting the warrior’s spirit. Their faces are anything but disappointed. They have made the men to cower in the wood of the pews rather than face their own shortcomings, and they turn their attention to the only worthy male society will give them. The net result? When that preacher ascends the podium all eyes in the room are fixed upon him. In the air about him hangs the cowardice and pride of the men, the disappointment and animus of the ladies, and the room cries out for something that will clear away all the willful discord the congregation has mustered this day. All that is needed is the word of one worthy and righteous man. It’s not too much to ask is it? A little relief from the products and by-products of life that should accumulate from week to week. The grudges, the lowered and unfulfilled expectations, the relentless toll of life’s travails upon spirits kept just clean enough so as to walk upright through it all from one day to the next. But the herald of the almighty will far exceed their expectations. He will not bring something so paltry as relief, when what is needed is justice. He begins with a restatement of that little passage he read earlier, the one no one remembers. Who cares. After all, what about that little passage should provide the vindication the women seek and the moral sanctuary sought by the men? He then proceeds to systematically apply that little passage to all sorts of contingencies, one’s which no doubt should occur in the normal lives of everyone there. Every analogue seems to apply directly to you. Doesn’t it? It’s as if he has spent the week walking in your shoes instead of you, and the situational accuracy is uncanny. He says you were brilliant in defense of your will earlier, but in doing so, you have only revealed the wickedness the ladies would accuse you of, for you would forsake the kingdom of heaven simply to avoid a little embarrassment for having to do unfair things in an unfair world. He then proceeds to remind the ladies that they have once again chosen bliss over enlightenment, preferring to gorge themselves on the crumbs at the foot of heavens table rather than holding fast to the virtues that guarantee a seat and a full plate. All the while, he eloquently weaves that little passage into his diatribe thematically, to such effect that it seems that the effacement of the entire congregation wasn’t just the choice of the preacher, but cosmically directed. How could it not be? Now all that luggage and ill will that was choking the life out of the people just a little while ago seems to have been cleared away by an invisible hand, and the congregation sits there, laid open once again before the world. You look about and see for yourself exactly what Christ says: that all have sinned and fallen short, and you take heart in this, for clearly, there was nothing to fear from opening your heart and mind to these people. Right? The men find themselves contemplating, just as the women were earlier, as the depth of their sacrifices sink in now, each having paid his own tolls at life’s crossroads. The women now sink into the pews, as their granted wish starts breeding it’s own emotions, which etch themselves on the faces of their baby’s daddies and potential suitors. They can see the men looking back at the triumphs and losses along the way, and like the lions they are, they take it full in the chest. Don’t they? What could I possibly have been thinking? The casualties? Those were good men. I’ll never have friends and lovers like that again. There must be something wrong with me. The women find themselves in a strange place now, as the men demonstrate the grace they had always heard about but rarely witnessed themselves. And over all that the voice of the preacher seems to soar, just as the singer’s had, deftly winding that little passage into every analog and metaphor. He brings, for all in the room, the sense of justice they’ve longed for, in the form of an unexpected moment of catharsis. You would argue that the ends justify the means where clarity is the goal. You would call what is exiting the preacher’s mouth the inspired word of God, but we devils would have a different name for it. We would call it psychological torture through targeted sensory overload. But I digress. This isn’t what’s important to you is it James? Oh you participate in this mass assassination of character, subjecting yourself to all the subtle tricks of the preacher’s trade, and surrendering to the spiritual alignment of his choice, not yours. Why? Because you’re the biggest lion of them all. You are one of the men in the room who still has his innocence, but you still stand with all those men, whose lives could be said, at the very least, to be quite different than your own in most ways. Because it’s what follows immediately after the service that a young man like you lives for. Isn’t it? You come trotting out of the sanctuary as though you have no need of the ground beneath your feet, and so do the other men, their shame left to fade away on the church floor. They look at you standing there all aglow, your heart wide open, fearing nothing. You find the same sentiment upon their faces as well, so you do the only thing left to you at such times. You embrace each other in celebration of whatever this thing is called life. For just a moment you can look to each other with open arms and hearts and fear nothing, in complete defiance of the way that the world would demand you address each other. For you this is more than enough, worth all the false accusations the preacher would bring down upon your head for his own aggrandisement. The kinship, the comraderie, it’s way better than anything a ballgame would offer. And it had better be. Because beginning Monday morning, first thing, the world comes directly to you in search of the pound of flesh to which it feels entitled, and it has clerics of its own to lubricate the trade. You step gingerly around the many pitfalls your, well…country has laid out for you. As soon as you close your door it begins. Around every corner, there’s an overseer, waiting to collect a toll. Across every street, there’s a poacher, waiting to add you to his catch of the day. And in every Denny’s and doughnut shop parking lot, there’s a slave ship, with its moorings tied just loosely enough to slip quickly out of port once it has you. But you are hardly old enough and jaded enough to be offended by this. Are you? No, for you this is just a little twist in the game, and you’re so good at games. But there is something that does bother you. It’s just annoying in the beginning of the week, but by Friday, it’s a major source of heartbreak you can’t seem to overlook. Those same magnificent men, in whose arms you found such kinship and understanding just 16 hours earlier, well they’d cut you down before you could step one foot off the curb when the light changes. And, to keep you thinking the right thoughts, from Monday till Saturday, you’re being hit over the head with the bible. Only this bible varies from moment to moment, as needed by the world in it’s pursuit of what is Caesar’s. The TV, the radio, the internet, cellphones, billboards, they unload all manner of eye and ear candy with a voice that stuns in fidelity and, most importantly, drowns out all others. Just like that choir, all the accents, the emphasis, everything is made with your sensibilities in mind. How could they know? Not only did they never ask, but you certainly didn’t tell them. Did you?” James looks straight forward now as if to acknowledge Setri’s accusation.
James: “It’s not that way everywhere…”
Setri:”Don’t bother trying to convince me of the virtues of your home honey. What would you try to say to me? Something akin to ‘Master doesn’t mean to be brutal, it’s just that things get difficult for him and he can’t help himself.'”
James: “Hell no. White folks are crazy, but this is more…Look, I just won’t go to church from now on.” He is beginning to express indignation with Setri’s line.
Setri:”No James. I can’t quietly back off of this guy. That spirit you long for on the steps of that church, it’s not just an expression of manhood. We have it too. In our shrines, certain tea houses, restaurants, and in the old days, mainly, certain gardens.”
James: “Taverns and brothels? Come on…”
Setri: “That spirit is essential for a people. It builds continuity of class, and a sense of home. But that hyena of a human that runs that country of yours would work to twist that spirit, and that preacher, no matter how enlightened or eloquent, is collaborating in your destruction. He’s one of the usurpers favorite tools. But I am your mistress, and for as long as I am, your spirit will never be the subject of perversion. It will be strengthened, it’s virtues extolled.” She presses her hand into the small of his back and in an instant they are transported away from the bath leaving a giant splash as though a missile has been launched in the water. James suddenly finds himself in a strange place. He stands before a gently flowing stream about 5 yards wide, and all about him are all manner of animal and bird. It is midday, but the overhanging trees give the land an eerie shading. “Your compensation is at hand.”
James: “What is this place?” He looks at Setri who, normally shorter by more than a foot, now seems to stand equal in height. He then notices that she is levitating next to him as she gives a slight smirk.
Setri: “We are standing in the southeastern corner of Sierra Leone. Let’s hop across the river.” She floats across gently, and when she is on the opposite bank, James steps over to her. They then stand before a dense thicket scantily clad, and James expresses some reluctance to proceed through, no doubt preferring that his legs remain unscratched. “Wait here. I’ll find a way through and then pull you to me.” She floats into the thicket and fades away in a moment, leaving James standing there dumbfounded. A young African boy happens along and says something to James with a big grin. James returns his smile but says nothing, instead he looks at the stream as though he sees something floating in it. The boy looks into the water and sees nothing. He turns back to see that James has suddenly disappeared. James suddenly finds himself in a beautiful glade like clearing with all sorts of life everywhere. The plant life seems much more lush than along the river bank, with many more varieties of plant and animal than before. He then begins to notice all sorts of spirits. Some seem to float about lazily while others seem to swim in the air. Still others seem to stand about as though holding a conversation of some sort. Further into the clearing he notices a large floating spirit. It seems to float about 1 meter from the ground and it appears long and tubular. It’s movement is snakelike and it’s glow reflects all the co9lors of the spectrum. He turns back to his mistress and, once again she is floating next to him. He looks into her eyes as if he is glad to look her straight in the eye for a change. She smiles and wipes his brow. “This is as far as I can go.”
James: “Why? It’s beautiful here.” He looks to his left and sees what appears to be an angel swoop down and land ahead of him in the clearing. it seems to ignore the two devils and walks toward the center of the glade. “Is there going to be some sort of trouble with that guy?”
Setri: “No. Not at all. He’s probably here for the same reason you are. You have to know that this is holy ground. But the rule is that whatever steps past this point has to have it’s feet firmly on the ground. I corrupt the ground so I shouldn’t go past here, but you can go on. You don’t corrupt the ground like me, and I happen to know that what you are looking for is all right there.”
James: “Oh. Well ok. Be right back then.” He ventures into the clearing wearing only his shorts. As he moves toward the center where the large glowing spirit floats in a semi-circular pattern, some of the smaller spirits seem to bump and bounce off him. He smiles at them as they whiz about as ethereal busy-bodies in an otherwise tranquil garden. He passes by a group of spirits standing around and speaking to each other, and is immediately referred to by one of the conversants, as if James should exemplify some point or another that the spirit is making to the others in the group. James takes a strange kind of pride in this as Setri watches from the edge of the glade with a prideful smile of her own. He watches the large spirit in the center, keeping his distance as the spirit is wrapped loosely around the angel that had flown down earlier. Suddenly the angel turns toward him and begins to approach him. James expresses some suspicion as he looks about to see that the activities of the other spirits have not changed to any degree. When he turns his head back, the angel is face to face with him. James is pleasantly surprised to see the angel bow it’s head before him and returns the salutation. The angel then continues on his way. James turns back to the central spirit and simply watches. He feels drawn to the spirit but maintains his position. The spirit gently undulates and closes distance with James. It slowly wraps itself around him, in a set of loosely weaving coils, as if quietly probing him rather than attempting to contain him in any way. James eyes begin to glow in an other worldly way, and when Setri sees this, she smiles approvingly. They remain in this state for a minute or so, then the spirit gently uncoils itself and James returns to his mistress. His smile is distant but serene, and Setri finds herself rather impressed.
Setri: “Well. That was certainly a surprise. Yes?”
James: “This place is….well it’s not anything like you find in my neighborhood.”
Setri: “You were quite the celebrity out there.”
James: “Really?”
Setri: “Well everyone seemed to like you I’d say.”
James: “Oh. Yeah, there are a lot of cool spirits here. But the big Guy is….well he’s on a different level.”
Setri: “Really?” She notices a mark between James’ shoulder blades as he points toward the central spirit. “Oh my.” James turns back to face her with a wonderous look in his eyes.
James: “I saw so many things while I was with it. The universe is so…integrated. I mean you hear the physicists talking about it, but to see all those ideas come together so… smooth like that. I mean….”
Setri: “It must have really liked you.”
James: “Why do you say that? It doesn’t…feel it’s way around…I don’t think.”
Setri: ” It made it a point to mark you.”
James: “What? Mark? What mark?”
Setri: “It’s a bright purple, in the shape of a tree with a water symbol just below it.” James notices a look of awe in his Madame’s eyes.
James: “Well, what does it mean? Is it bad?”
Setri: “I don’t know. This isn’t exactly my area of expertise. I do know that the last time that spirit gave such a mark…well….I mean it’s been some time.”
James: “Well what happened? Who was it?”
Setri: “As I recall…it was Saint Leroy.” James seems pleased with the idea of being likened to Saint Leroy and gives Setri a broad smile.”
James: “Can we come back here Madame? I mean I really like the whole scene here.”
Setri: “Well, this isn’t my usual scene. I mean, I tend to look to a different set of…principles….generally speaking. I am more of a foreigner, you know, and umm… I tend to respond to different spiritual stimuli, I suppose. But you can come here when you want. I mean it’s clearly more in line with your cultural principles than mine. Right?
James: “Well, I definitely feel comfortable here.” Setri expresses some confusion at this point.
Setri: “Comfortable? I don’t understand.”
James: “Well, I mean I think it’s all the more enjoyable with you here.”
Setri: “Well I’m flattered. Thank you. But right now I think we should be getting back. I’m being summoned within the hour.”

The house of Setri is preparing for transport as Madame Setri enters the living room. They surround a large blue circle that seems to be enameled into the hardwood floor as though it had been built in rather than applied later. James ties his sneakers and stands up. He is dressed in knee length baggies and a tank top, both black. His flaming red Oakley shades and red bordered black nikes provide the only accents to his gear. Setri approaches him in what amounts to a long, sheer summer dress and crocs. She approaches James coolly enough, but her smile reflects a certain seriousness also.
Setri: “Great. Everyone looks ready. Look at you James. You look like a nike commercial waiting to happen.”
James: “Really? Damn. I wasn’t exactly shooting for that.”
Setri: “I’m just kidding honey. You look fine. Anyway, this is your first summoning so I have some special instructions for you. This should go fairly routinely in that I’ve dealt with the priest before and he’s always been reliable. So,” She slowly runs her fingers down to his crotch. “…for this activity, I want you to place this beautiful ear of corn in my butt cheeks and keep it there. If it stiffens during this event, all the better.”
James: “You’re serious?” Her gaze becomes more serious now.
Setri: “I want to feel it back there. See to it I do.” James gives her a befuddled ‘ok’. “You are to stay behind me. If I move forward, keep you position and don’t move. If something jumps off, if things get crazy all of the sudden, I want you to look for big Tilda. Then, you will proceed to place this gently in against her butt cheeks and keep it there. Go ahead look over at her if you want.” James complies and Tilda winks casually at him. “Make sure she feels it back there. From there, if you get the urge to spread a little love around, you can do that as much as you want. Just make sure that King Richard here is reclining where he should be.”
James: “With all due respect Madame, do you have to put it that way?” She turns her head towards the circle, as if her head was suddenly pulled in that direction by someone else, and gazes deeply into the circle.
Setri: “We’ll talk about that afterward.” Suddenly she and all her minions fade from sight.

A priest sits meditating on the living room floor before a circular set of runes laid out as a sigil. As he chants quietly a man argues with his wife on the couch. The argument, all in Japanese, becomes somewhat heated as the priest pours some water on the sigil. The runes of the sigil begin to glow, and the woman”s voice slows to a crawl until she finally stops, her body sitting frozen on the couch with a half scowl on her face. Before the priest, Madame Setri appears on one bended knee, as a track runner in the mark position. She gazes intently at the runes of the sigil which surround her as she speaks.
Setri: “Human. You are most foolish and audacious to have summoned me here. What manner of service would you seek from the house of Setri this day?” The priest quietly raises his hand toward the man. Setri does not look his way. She instead takes note of the wife frozen in time. She then takes note of several bowls at the mans feet. In one, a mixture of canned crab parts, in another frozen fish, and in the third, a portion of ramen appropriately hot. The man says nothing to her, preferring instead to gawk in wonder at James who seems to tower over everything in the room. Setri then stands up slowly to face the man and he then notices her. Her fingers seem strangely elongated, with webbing between them, but otherwise she seems like a normal young woman to him. She shoots the priest a disdaining leer as she turns her attention to the man. She does not look him directly in the eye, but looks in his general direction now. “Well?”
Man: “I am most grateful that you have come. Your presence honors this house noble Madame.” Setri turns her attention back to the wife before responding, giving a slight look of sympathy on her behalf.
Setri: “What is it that you would demand of me?”
Man: “Madame. I would demand nothing…for myself. It’s my wife.” Setri raises her eyes only slightly in the mans direction. She opts to say nothing, looking out the adjacent sliding glass door to the left to see 3 children, ages approximately 4 to 7, playing outside in the back yard. She keeps her gaze fixed upon them as he continues. “She has not been herself as of late.”
Setri:”Your wife has need of the services of my house?” The man hesitates in his response somewhat and Setri allows her eyes to drift back toward the priest who expresses a look of disappointment. To this she appears to momentarily empathize, but then turns her eyes back toward the man with a look of slight disgust.
Man: “Yes. Clearly.”
Setri: “Strange. She did not feel such a need as to risk the safety of her whole family by summoning a devil in her home. You, on the other hand, seem to have little problem with this notion.” The man now looks disconcertedly at the priest.
Man: “Is that some kind of veiled threat?” The Priest gives a slightly strained exhale with his answer. Setri notices this immediately.
Priest: “No. It is a simple attempt to establish clearly who is, in fact, the client.”
Setri: “Old man. Are you feeling alright today?” The priest gives a slight smile.
Priest: “Quite well Madame. Thank you for asking.” Setri is not convinced.
Setri: “James?” James leans forward to whisper in Setri’s ear.
James: “He’s lying. The left heart is definitely enlarged, causing the pericardium to rub against the left lung and sternum. He’s experiencing some pain and difficulty breathing.”
Setri: “Can you help him from where you are standing?”
James: “No. I need to touch him.”
Setri: “Then I’m going to have to hurry. This guys an idiot. The priest is not but he’s old school. He’ll never let you touch him and he will not allow me to leave this circle.”
Man: “Look at her.” The man seems to plead with Madame Setri. But Setri does not turn her head, continuing instead to look at the floor before the feet of the client. “This is what it’s like all the time. It has been years since I came home after a busy day at the office and, well, she hasn’t been like that…”
Setri: “I see.” She raises her eyes toward the children again. “Those are your little ones?”
Man: “Yes.”
Setri: “I can’t help but notice that your house is quite clean, and when I consider their ages, I must assume that you are a rather strict disciplinarian. Is this so?”
Man: “I wouldn’t say that. They are good children. well behaved a lot of the time.”
Setri: “They seem rather healthy, you must be quite the cook. Their clothing is so clean even though they are playing as hard as any child at that age. Most impressive. How do you manage this?”
Man: “I work 12 or 13 hours a day as a securities analyst. It affords us a good living, but insofar as the day to day operations of this house, well, I leave that to her.”
Setri: “I see then. Lady Jin Yi. Could you be so kind as to place a table and a chair before the gentleman?”
Jin Yi: “Yes Madame.” Instantly, as the man is eyeing the beautiful Jin Yi, a table and chair appear before him. Upon noticing the rather ornate table and chair before him, he nervously inquires of the priest.
Man: “What is the meaning of this?”
Priest: “This is simply a courtesy. Your service cannot be completed without some…negotiation at least.”
Man: “Then why are there not 2 chairs?”
Priest: “With all due respect to everyone here. As things stand currently, she is unable to leave the circle. Is it your intent sir to free her from the binding of the circle? If so I must advise you rather strongly against this.”
Man: “I see. Very well then. It just seems somewhat unfair….to the madame I mean.”
Setri: “You needn’t worry old man. I am much more comfortable within the confines of this circle than I could possibly be at the table with this man.” The priest says nothing but gives an ever so slight smile.
Man: “I don’t understand. I try to be accommodating out of respect and she insults me.”
Setri: “I care little for your notion of respect. How can a rat respect the properties of a properly baited trap, or the fish respect the anemone? How can the hyena ever respect the lion? Likewise, how can the lion ever afford the hyena the respect to which he feels entitled. I care only for the good faith of those who would transact with my house. Yours has already been attested to. You have proposed that you would seek nothing for yourself but are concerned for the wellbeing of your wife, who sits bound and gagged, unable to do anything but await the outcome of the pending transaction to which she is subject. It occurs to me that you are dissatisfied with your wife and are attempting to make changes to her existence regardless of her will. To this end you have likewise bound me to serve you regardless of my own will. This a sensible way to accomplish such a thing. I have no reason, therefore, to sit next to you since only your will seems to matter in this house. If you care to take a seat, we can proceed to the business of serving your needs.” The man thinks for a moment and agrees, slowly taking a seat behind the table, in the way of a child being chastised by its parent. He notices Jin Yi standing next to him with a fan, quietly fanning herself and smiling graciously. “So, since it is clear that your wife does not find the favor in your eyes that she may once have. I must first commend you for choosing my house to serve you. It was a wise choice as you will soon see. Let me begin by demonstrating the more popular line of our services. We see that she has begun to show some signs of maturity, facially speaking. We can take away the early crows feet that are appearing at the corner of each eye.” The man watches as the change occurs instantly, but because he hadn’t noticed the difference, doesn’t pick up on the change right away. As Madame Setri speaks his wife seems to morph before his eyes. “We can emphasize the edge of the brow and soften the cheekbones a small amount. We can take away the fat that has accumulated under the chin and tighten the skin about the neck a bit. We can also return a certain suppleness to the skin throughout the body. For this there is a payment. Lady Jin Yi can assist you in this.” The man hears a small mid-pitched thud, and feels a small vibration as though the table has been struck. He turns to look at Jin Yi to see that while her position and facial expression hasn’t changed, there now appears some sort of bright red spot or stain on her fan. Ignoring this he turns back to Madame Setri.
Man: “I can assure you Madame that I have the resources to make any payment which you might…” As he speaks he gives a slight wave of his right hand to emphasize his point, but finds himself suddenly aghast when he notices that the pinky finger has been removed from it. He then looks back up at Jin Yi with a more terrified look as Madame Setri continues. “There is some forward curling of the shoulders and lowering of the bust line consistent with pregnancy and motherhood. We can take this away, straightening the back somewhat, and promoting more attractive weight distribution upon the trunk. We can tone the muscles of the chest and abdomen, and remove some of the fat here as well. We can close the bones of the hips and take away some of the normal fat accumulation in the haunches. Of course for this there is also a payment.” Before he can respond or protest, he once again hears a tap upon the table. He then looks down to see that his ring and middle fingers have been removed. He then looks, horrified, up at Jin Yi to see that there are now 2 more ruby red stains on her fan’s edge. Still, Jin Yi gives a serene smile. “We can reduce the fat that’s built up in the legs and take away the varicose veining around the back of the knees and ankles. As an added treat, we can reverse some of the tearing that occurred during childbirth and increase the muscularity of the buttocks and pelvic floor. She will gain a few centimeters in height as a result of these changes overall. The total cost is as follows.”
Man: “No! Please…!” But before he can protest he raises hand and stares in horror as the forefinger and thumb are now gone.
Setri: “You are not satisfied with our efforts?” The man stares grimacing at his hand. “Is she not more beautiful than before?” The man looks at his wife again.
Man: “That….that is not my wife.” Setri raises her eye’s somewhat but still does not look him in the eye.
Setri: “I see. This will not do then. Let us start again.” To this the man expresses fear now.
Man: “But…” He stops short as, after raising his hand once more in disgust, he notices that his fingers have all returned and that that is hand is functioning normally. He looks up to Jin Yi again to see her in the same position, with the same smile, but this time her fan is clean.
Setri: “As I said in the beginning, you were wise for choosing my house to serve your needs. But I must ask you. If your wife could be said to have failed you, in what regard would she have done so?”
Man: “I just would like her…to be happy to see me when I come home. She has become as you see her. So angry all the time. Her smile is lovely to behold, but it has been years since…”
Setri: “Yes. I see the problem now. Again you have come to the right house. It turns out we have two approaches for addressing the problem which plagues you. I will begin with the obviously more economical one to prevent any undue distress to you. We think you will find the payment surprisingly affordable…,well…from where I sit, it certainly seems that way. But, then again, you may not agree. The first approach requires that I simply raise my hand. I will then lower it, and from that moment forward, your happiness will be her only reason to exist. There will be no time in her life where the sight of you does not bring her exquisite joy. She will pursue all her wifely duties with all the cheerful diligence that a hardworking father could possibly expect, and her desire for the virtues of your hand will never waiver. The payment for this is quite paltry, you will see. Lady Jin Yi.” Immediately Jin Yi lowers the mans zipper and reaches inside. She then, with her other hand, lowers her fan and snaps it open in such a way that it seems to make a sharp popping sound. “I will be needing the lower hanging one, if you would be so kind.” To this the man gives Jin Yi a pleading look and gives a whiny yelp. “Would it be more attractive a price if I told you that I intend to use it as a reagent for the magic required to accomplish your ends?” The man quickly gives a fearful nod to the negative. “I see. Hnh. Well it appears that my demonic sense of economy may not jibe with your own. Very well. For this reason I have devised a second means of accomplishing the same outcome, one which has a much different means of remittance.” He suddenly feels his pants zipped up, but pats himself down anyway to be sure all is in its correct place. “Max.”
Max: “Yes Madame?”
Setri: “Would you be so kind as to hand the client the blue portfolio please.” Max complies and sets a blue folder on the table before the man. He then promptly disappears. The man looks to Jin Yi who now wears a somewhat disappointed face. “I would ask how your wife gets around town?”
Man: “She walks mainly. For shopping downtown she takes the bus, and the train otherwise.”
Setri: “I notice you have a new Mercedes outside in the driveway, does she drive that on occasion?”
Man: “Actually, she does not drive.”
Setri: “She is prevented from driving by something which precludes her being issued a license?”
Man: “Not that I’m aware of. I think she just never learned.”
Setri: “I see. Then we should begin immediately then. Would you be so kind sir as to open the folder and tell me its contents?” The man once again looks up at Jin Yi who still seems a bit disappointed about something.
Man: “Ok. On top there is a brochure for a car, a Honda Oddessy.”
Setri: “Yes. You will present this to her at the end of our meeting. She will no doubt be angry with you still. If such a gift were presented in the right way, it seems to me, it should serve to offset her indignation.”
Man: “But this is very expensive. And she cant even drive.”
Setri: “If you look outside you will see it parked next to your own car and appropriately giftwrapped.” The man gets up and goes over to the living room window to see the car sitting next to his own. He stares aghast for a moment and comes back to the table. “You are correct. The car is rather expensive, especially when the payment schedule for your own car is considered. For this reason my house will absorb the cost of the car. She may feel free to return it for one in the color of her choice.”
Man: “But she cannot drive.”
Setri: “Silence! In that time is becoming an issue here, I will ask that you continue with the contents of the folder.”
Man: “Right. Ok. The next item is…an appointment for driving instruction at the local Nokunagi Driving School starting tomorrow. But I play golf tomorrow who will watch the children?”
Setri: “Please continue.”
Man: “Very well. There are 6 business cards for local baby sitters in the area. Beneath that there are…dinner reservations at several local restaurants totaling 10. There are 8 pairs of tickets to the local theaters and concerts. We have 2 health club membership at a local gym. There are 8 shopping vouchers for local clothing stores specializing in ladies apparel. There are 7 vouchers for beauty treatments at local salons. There are 4 passes to the closest hot springs for 2. And at the bottom a brochure for a trip to Bali.”
Setri: “You will undertake all of the activities listed here which will accommodate the service of both of you. You will undertake this at the rate of 2 to 3 a week until the list is completed. My minions will be checking them off each week for a period of 3 months to be sure. Those activities which she can accomplish by herself, she is free to undertake at her own convenience. You will hire a babysitter whenever she has need of one. We recommend you develop a relationship with more than one to avoid scheduling conflicts. Your payment to my house will comprise your absorbance of the cost for all these considerations within a period of 4 months, at the end of which, the trip to Bali will be yours for the taking at your convenience, also compliments of my house. Since you and Lady Jin Yi have developed a good rapport from what I can see, if you choose this option, I will leave it to her to see to it that you keep to the schedule.” The man looks to her again and sees the same look of slight disappointment in her eyes. “Failure to keep to the schedule which has been agreed upon will result in the first option being enforced. The necessary spell will immediately resolve, and, of course, the payment will be rendered as well.” The man looks back to Jin Yi, who, once again, is smiling gleefully. “I will now leave it to you to make your choice between the 2 options.” Jin Yi now looks greedily at him. When he notices this, he quickly decides.
Man: “Yes. I’ll take this one.” He glances quickly back at Jin Yi, in time to see her display her pouty face once again.
Setri: “With your permission then I would like to incorporate a failsafe to prevent any misunderstanding between our houses. Please close the folder.” The man complies “Now open it if you would.” The man complies again. This time he sees a group of children’s books before him.
Man: “These are children’s books. I do not understand.”
Setri: “It is my observation that, from time to time in any home, situations require sudden scheduling changes, and what would have been a normal routine can be interrupted unexpectedly. For this reason, and some others which you may not understand completely, I would consider it a personal favor to my house that you should find a means of adjusting your work schedule so as to make it home each night in time to read these to your children before bed. I would recommend the four and five year olds since they would both be likely to enjoy the same materials simultaneously. We believe the seven year old would be better served by the mother at this point since they have developed a strong working bond. If you can do this, it would serve to mitigate any unavoidable failure to keep to the agreed upon schedule of service, preventing the agreement from defaulting to the first arrangement. May I assume that my house can rely on you for this consideration of your time?” He thinks for a moment. Then glances in Jin Yi’s direction to see that she is giving him , once again, a slightly greedy look.
Man: “Um. Yes. I think I can manage this.”
Setri: “My house finds your acceptance of these terms a bit strange but nonetheless agreeable. Let this stand, before the heavens and all that is unholy as well, as a covenant between my house and your own for the duration of the term agreed. It occurs to me, most foolish and audacious human, that your needs have been met this day. But I could be wrong. Is there something more which you would demand of the House of Setri?”
Man: “Um No. Thank you for coming.”
Setri: “In that case I must bid you fare well.” Immediately the fish, shrimp and ramen disappear from the bowls before the old man. “Old man. I must propose that you allow my servant to examine you more closely. You are clearly in need of service yourself.”
Priest: “On the contrary Madame. I am simply old, and paying a necessary price to the heavens for having been much younger and a bit more foolish at one time.” Setri displays a dejected brow at his retort and immediately gives a gentle but evenly flowing exhale. In the two bowls which had previously held the fish and shrimp there appear only little piles of bones and shells, exquisitely cleaned and dried.
Setri: “Very well. I will simply say this then. Your offering to me has never served as a worthy exchange for my service, nor did it ever serve to sate whatever hunger I may have felt whenever you summoned me. But still, I always found it somewhat enjoyable.” She instantly disappears and the spoon now rattles around in the third bowl still steaming. The wife of the man continues her rant as the man stares quietly at her and contemplates her state. Their conversation continues in Japanese.
Wife: “…and now you have an old priest sitting here, conjuring spirits in our house? How can you do this? What could you be thinking?”
Man: “Clearly, I was not.”
Wife: “I know it does not seem like it to you, but I work hard to keep this house nice.”
Man: “Of course you do. You do a wonderful job. Without you doing such a wonderful job, I don’t think I could do as well at my own.” His look is strangely genuine to her.
Wife: “You’re just trying to put on the sweet talk to shut me up.”
Man: “Not at all. Come. Let me show you something.” He beckons his wife toward the front room window. “I got something for you. I should have done it before but I was silly and bought that ridiculous car instead. So I got this one for you.” He shows her the van.
Wife: “Two cars? I understand that your job pays well, but why do you need…”
Man: “No. This one is for you. So you can get around better, more efficiently, comfortably.”
Wife: “But I can’t drive…”
Man: It’s no problem. Starting tomorrow you can start taking lessons at Nuonagi. It’s all set. We just need to hire a babysitter while you learn. I’ll take care of it.” His wife is suddenly speechless.”
Wife: “If you think you can buy me something and get out of talking about our problems, you are mistaken. But…” She looks back at the car and then to him. “…It certainly doesn’t hurt…at all.” They laugh together for the first time in a while.

James and his Madame are strolling in downtown Honeida. It is early evening and the street lights a lighting up. Setri stops to admire a piece of clothing in a window.
Setri: “So James. What did you think about your first summoning?”
James: “Well I can certainly see why you don’t like it much.”
Setri: “That’s a rather mild way to put it. What did you think about what occurred? Any thoughts on the outcome?”
James: “Well, I didn’t like you being bound to a circle like that. I found myself kind of, well, insulted. As for the guy, well, with him you seemed rather kind. I wouldn’t have been so kind I don’t think.”
Setri: “Kind?” In what way?”
James: “You only demanded one. I would have taken them both.” To this, Setri’s head snaps quickly in James direction, as if suddenly troubled by James candor.”
Setri: “Why?”
James: “If you were to do as you said and just wave your hand, he would never again have any reason to be concerned with his wife’s wellbeing. He would never have reason to please her in any way. So what would be the point?” Setri thinks for a moment, then allows a prideful smile to show again.
Setri: “I see. You know, there’s talk in the house, among my other minions. Some of them believe it is foolish for us to sleep together each night. They think I’m coddling you, like a pet. You will continue to sleep with me James, not because your so good looking. It’s true that I desire you physically speaking, but that’s not the reason. I sleep with you because of the assessment you just made. My minions are strong, courageous, would do anything I asked. But they will never be able to do what you just did. It would be too much to expect it from them. That you could look through a situation to see the truth of things, that is why I sleep with you at night. I need that close to me. That mentality. It’s not something I’ve had in my house before, and I’m not going to relate to it casually.”
James: “I appreciate this Madame, but I’m willing to go through the probation period like everyone else. From the point of view of team cohesion and execution, I’m willing to give the effort. They may have a point there.”
Setri: “And ordinarily you’d be right. But no. Not this time. You’re staying with me. I need you close to me. Your presence helps me on levels they cannot begin to address. Trust me. It’s for the best.” She looks excitedly at another item in the same window. “Everything’s so pretty here. I should stop in before this sale ends.”
James: “Madame, if I may, when am I gonna be out of the dick in the butt cheeks phase?” Setri gives a rye chuckle to this.
Setri: “In all fairness, probably within a ritual or two.” She turns back to the store window and her face seems more serious. “Please bear with me on that. Understand honey. Humans are quite unpredictable. Things can instantly go from routine to ruinous. It’s not just them. We can be the bad guys sometimes too. They think that they’ve had us brought to bey, neatly out of harms reach. They think they have all the power. Yet, in no time at all they are revealing their deepest secrets and desires to us. There isn’t one of us who hasn’t taken liberties with that knowledge at some time or another. But taking liberties isn’t required for them to lose their heads. After a while they realize the weight of what they’ve revealed, even if we were nothing but compliant with them. Then they start taking liberties of their own. I’ve had to scrape my house up off of their floors on more than one occasion.”
James: “Madame. I have to ask…”
Setri: “It’s just us James.”
James: “Sona. What was the worst you ever saw?” She displays a wistful smile and looks toward a bench behind her. She then grabs hold of James arm and pulls him to the bench. They sit down.
Setri: “Try to understand. It was just after the end of the war. There were so many people. And there was nothing. Our country was destroyed. Some time in 1946 I found myself summoned to an abandoned factory. What was once an office had been converted to a makeshift living space. I was expecting some old officer of the armed forces who pined for the glory days. But instead, I found myself standing before a seven year old boy. He was respectful, his sigil marks, perfect. His offering was made of every scrap of food that he could save. He even managed to acquire a fresh fish. I looked about this place in which he lived. It was an old industrial district. He was surrounded on all sides by burned out factory buildings. Not another child for quite a few kilometers. The previous day was his birthday, and his father had acquired a model of a plane made by Kawasaki called a shiden kai. He had always liked that plane. But the model was too complicated for him to assemble, and he wanted to make his father proud of him. James, no priest would have possibly summoned me on his behalf. But his mother had priests on her side of the family. And so, to keep him occupied while she looked for any kind of work she could find, she gave him books on magic. You see his mother was from a district where I still have shrines, and one of these books was from a shrine of mine where his mother had lived as a child. It had instructions on how to summon me. This child was quite a good study, it turned out. He had no monetary considerations or wealth of any kind. But he was determined that his father should be proud of him. And so he offered me his feet if I could just help him with the hard parts of the model. I had to think fast, and carefully, before giving him my answer. I told him that those feet of his were much to small to fill such shoes as mine. Then I managed to convince him to free me from the circle. I convinced him that it was better if I withheld the payment portion of the ritual for a time, long enough to find a more suitable payment. So I quickly helped him put it together. Little boys are so attentive to things when we help them. I sent Hiromi and Jin Yi every day to play with him and keep him company while I tracked down his parents. The father worked in construction during the day and then as a bartender at one of the American clubs at night. When I talked to him, he didn’t have time to see me. But the look in his eyes said everything I needed to know. He was so hopeful. He loved his son, but what else could he do that he wasn’t doing already? The mother, did laundry for anyone who would pay her in the day. At night she also worked in the dance clubs. Sailors can be so innocent in their brutality in those places you know. James, there were no fail safes. Not like today with government daycare and child service sections. There was so little. I couldn’t reveal myself to his parents in a way that would help the situation, and the payment had to be made. It was looming higher every day I staved it off. It became clear that nothing would change any time soon for that little boy. His loneliness would continue for quite some time as far as anyone could see. And so I did the only thing I thought made sense. I contracted him. I almost lost him too. Certain…elements didn’t take kindly to this use of the privilege. But I couldn’t leave him like that. I was foolish, weak. I should have taken his feet painlessly, maybe returned them later in life. But why should a child have to make an exchange like that and live by it?”
James: “Sona….I’m sorry that happened.”
Setri: “He stayed with us in my house, and he always had a big smile whenever I came home. He grew for the next couple of years. Then in 1949, around ten years old, he…stopped.”
James: “Stopped? Stopped what?”
Setri: “Growing.” James is suddenly aghast.
James: “That’s too bad.”
Setri: “James. Do me a favor honey.” She gently strokes his arm and looks lovingly into his eyes.
James: “Sure. Anything.”
Setri: “Well, If you see Max spending too much time alone, just take some time to play with him.” She sees the realization in James eyes now. “He can teach you things about magic and the use of constructs as vehicles for those magics.” He sees the pleading way in which she says this and hurriedly agrees.

Madame Grimory stretches out once again over the moist ground of bayou country. Happening upon a boar, which roots around in the darkness, her face expresses a hunger that’s followed by a smile of her gaping, beastly maw. She then trots up alongside Setri  and James with a bloody mess of a face and a satisfied smile. All three are standing on a thin, dark, two-lane country road.

Setri: “Ok James. About a mile down this road you should come to a small town. When you get there I want you to ask around about a man named William Mortimer. If you find him call me.”
James: “Ok Madame.”
Riess: “I’m going to go on ahead and survey the place before he goes stepping in there.”
Setri: “Why? We can do this ourselves.”
Riess: “He’s on probation. I just want to make sure there’s no surprises.”
Setri: “Oh go hunt something up.” Madame Grimory takes off down the road and leaves Setri standing alone in the Mississippi night.

An old man sits quietly in a bar nursing a beer. He then begins speaking to a middle aged man to his left.
Old Man: “Strangest things one sees down on them flats. I seen some crazy things from long ago. Over round your place.”
Patron: “What kinda things you talkin’ about old timer?”
Old Man: “I seen the ground give sickness. I seen a great beast heal that illness as though it was just a cold. It had a maw that could swallow a man whole, but just spoke of the warm mysteries. Never seen nothin’ like that. In the mornin’ that same beast was the most beautiful woman I ever seen, but still spoke of the same things like it was still a hellish beast inside.”
Patron: “That’s what you get for being sober at night. Everybody knows, if you’re going to lay down out there at night you wanna be drunk so the mosquitoes stay clear.” The patron gets up with a chuckle and goes behind the bar for a time, leaving the old man staring into space. He sips his beer mutters something to himself as someone comes and takes the patron’s seat to his left.
Old man: “You wouldn’t say that if you seen like I did.”
Riess: “Of course he wouldn’t.” The old man turns to see Madame Grimory arrayed as a typical party girl. He is at first shaken but then is once again reassured by her calm demeanor and warm smile. “You look better today. How are you getting along?” He hesitates a bit in his response, being once again enthralled with the vision of Madame Grimory in such a familiar setting.
Old Man: “I’m fine. Better, thank you.”
Riess: “That’s good.”
Old Man: “Here I am sinnin’ again.”
Riess: “Is that what that is? Well I’ve always had a taste for a bottle or two, and, unlike your friend there, I’ve never known it to cause anyone to bear false witness. They might hallucinate, become delirious, even lie a bit. But never do they bear false witness as a result. I don’t recall a ‘thou shalt not drink of the fermented grape or grain’ anywhere. How about you?” The old man grins at this.
Old Man: “No ma’am. Your right. I don’t recall that anywhere. Well…except by an occasional judge’s order every now and then.”
Riess: “Well…into each life…right?”
Old Man: “If you don’t mind me askin’, are you here for me again? Did I get in the way again?”
Riess: “Not this time old man.” She looks over his shoulder at an older black man passed out at the end of the bar. The old man turns to look.
Old Man: “Billy Mortimer? What’s he done?”
Riess: “You tell me old man?”
Old Man: “Well, he just keeps to himself. Back in high school though, he was something to see. You see old man Morrison there?” He nods toward the bartender.
Riess: “Morrison did you say?” She looks in his general direction but not directly at him.
Old Man: “He owns this place. Well back in the day they went to high school together. He was a quarterback, and Billy there was his favorite receiver. To watch them play, you’d swear they were born in the same house, at the same time. They won two state championships together. He kinda let’s him have his way in here I think because of that. Look at him, all drunk and passed out. Morrison don’t allow that normally.”
Riess: “I see.” James comes in and sits down next to the black man who’s passed out at the end of the bar. He orders some Pellegrino, and as the bartender turns to get it he lays his left hand on the passed out man, instantly waking him up. Madame Grimory then gets up and hands James a card-key, making it appear she is attempting to seduce him. She casually strokes his face and walks out.
Mortimer: “Oh.” He holds his head in his hands as if he has the worst migraine possible. “I must have passed out.” James lays his hand on his arm and his headache disappears. The barkeep returns with James’ drink.
James: “Thank you.”
Morrison: “Billy you alright there?”
Mortimer: “Yeah. Yeah. Sorry about that. I must have been tired.”
Morrison: “Oh yeah. You could put it that way.” Mortimer turns to James.
Mortimer: “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
James: “My name is James. It’s good to meet you.” He extends his hand and Mortimer hesitates in taking it. James moves close to him while still holding his hand. “I just thought you should know that you need to use the bathroom. You might want to head that way before things get…” Mortimer has a sudden urge to relieve himself and James gives a slight smile as he scurries toward the bathroom. Billy Mortimer slowly returns to his seat at the bar when he’s finished to find james still nursing his water.
Mortimer: “Young man, I don’t know how you did all that but…well who are you, and what do you want?”
James: “I’m here on behalf of a lady who wishes to meet with you to discuss some outstanding business.”
Mortimer: “Now look here, I sent my payment in on my credit card. You folks got no cause to come harassing me.”
James: “No sir. We are here on something different. Mr. Mortimer, our concern is for a piece of land that you own.”
Mortimer: “What? I don’t know where you’re gettin’ your information, but I aint never owned no land.”
James: “It turns out you do, but it’s…complicated.”
Mortimer: “Aw yeah. I smell a con already. I need a drink.” He turns to Morrison. James once again touches him on the arm, at which point Mortimer rethinks his desire. “Hey Harry can I have some water please?” Morrison abides his request.
Morrison: “That has to be a first. Ain’t seen you ask for that since high school.”
Mortimer: “Yeah, right.” He quickly turns his attention to James. “What the hell?”
James: “Forgive me sir, but its important that you’re clear headed for a while.”
Mortimer: “How are you doin’ all this stuff?”
James: “Come on.” He taps Mortimer on the shoulder. “We’ll walk across the street and meet this lady and I promise I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

James and Mortimer stand outside of a hotel room door as James slides the cardkey through the lock.
Mortimer: “I’ve never stayed here. It’s kind of fancy for me.”
James: “I find the room rather small, but comfortable.” He opens the door to reveal a motel room with abnormally large dimensions, ones which contradict the dimensions of the building. Mortimer takes note immediately. The decor reflects the tastes associated with four-star hotels in big cities.
Mortimer: “What the hell…?”
James: “Do come in.” Mortimer enters the room to see a small woman sitting at an ornate desk. the desk sits against a wall about six feet from a pit styled lounging area, complete with sofa, love seat, and coffee table. Please have a seat. Make yourself at home.” He beckons Mortimer toward the sofa.
Mortimer: “Never seen a motel like this. They got four star motels now?”
James: “Madame. Our guest has arrived.” Setri doesn’t look up from the desk at first.
Setri: “Thank you James. Could you get him a drink please.”
James: “Certainly Madame.”
Mortimer: “Uh. This time could you make it a shot of Henessey? I’m sure I’m gonna need it before this nights out.”
James: “Would a glass of Remi Martin be satisfactory? We don’t have Henessey.”
Mortimer: “Oh. Yeah sure.” James gives a warm smile and goes over to a hutch to Mortimer’s left. He then turns his attention to Setri, who is still working at the desk on something or another. He seems put off by her lack of willingness to face him personally. He turns back to James. “So who am here to talk to anyway.”
Setri: “You are here at my behest.” Mortimer’s head snaps back around to see Madame Setri sitting on the love seat directly in front of him now. Her look is warm, but at the same time conveys an intensity to which Mortimer finds himself unaccustomed in such casual settings. He is more enthralled by the fact that she has so quickly traveled from the desk to the love seat before him, and his face is slightly fearful as a result. “My name is Sona Setri and I’ve asked that you come here so I can tell you a story.”
Mortimer: “A story. I think the story is the way rooms like this appear in motels.”
Setri: “They don’t. I had to apply some ampli-dimensional effects for this to be so. Do you find the space comfortable?”
Mortimer: “Uh, yeah. Uh what kind of effects did you say?”
James: “It means that it was done through the application of what you’ve come to relate to as magic.” To this, Mortimer presents a rather ridiculing grin as James sets a drink before both himself and Setri. Setri remains appropriately serious in her demeanor. He suddenly hears the door being unlocked with a card key.
Setri: “Seems we have more company.” The door closes and Mortimer turns around to look, but sees no one.”
Mortimer: “Let me guess. More magic my man?” Mortimer chuckles as he swings back around merrily. When he does, he is nearly knocked over by the sight of Madame Grimory loping towards Madame Setri.
Setri: “Madame Grimory. It’s always a pleasure to see you, though a call beforehand might have been on the tactful side.”
Riess: “Sorry Madame but this couldn’t wait.” She turns toward Mortimer who immediately draws a folding knife from his back pocket. “People here sure have a taste for folding knives. You should put that away.”
Setri: “I agree. But it’s more likely to happen if you stop scaring him and have a seat.” Mortimer turns toward James now.
Mortimer: “Get back. Get back nigga!” He moves toward an open spot closer to the door. “I don’t know what’s goin on with ya’ll crazy mother….” He is suddenly mesmerized by the vision of Madame Grimory. “What the…?” She has returned to her more human form and sits on the love seat next to Setri. “What the hell are you?”
Riess: “My name is Madame Grimory and I’m pleased to meet…”
Mortimer: “Yyyeahh…My ass!” He thinks for a second, then brandishes the knife at James. “You put something in my drink didn’t you?”
James: “What? No. All I did was…”
Mortimer: “Yeah nigga. What?”
James: “All I did was sober you up.”
Mortimer: “Then I got to be a crazy ass nigga, cause whatever you used got me seein’ shit.” Setri quickly steps to him and disarms him. He expresses great pain suddenly, and drops the knife.
Setri: “Shut your mouth.” Mortimer complies albeit agonizingly so. “Now, I want you to look at your belly.” He complies again to see that Setri’s left arm is buried halfway to the elbow in his abdomen. He expresses despair now. “My only hope is that I’ve managed to connect with you in a serious way, because if I haven’t, I’m going to have to start moving my fingers around in there until I do.” He gives a desperate, negative nod of the head. “So now. You’re going to have to remain still while I withdraw my hand. Then James here will close the wound. Do you understand?” He struggles to give a positive nod now. “Good then. Here we go.” James gets into position and Madame Grimory grabs hold of him from behind.
Grimory: “Go ahead. I got him.” Instantly, Setri withdraws her hand, and James closes the wound. Mortimer once again expresses pain, at first, but before he can make a sound, the pain subsides. “Ok. Let’s just sit down here.” Madame Grimory gently guides him down to the couch. She then sits with him. “Now please. Just try to relax.” She tries to console him but Mortimer expresses serious fear. “It’s ok I’m not going to…. You know I’ll just sit over here with miss Setri. How about that?” She gets up and walks to Setri’s love seat. Mortimer holds his belly and arches his back. Then, he looks at Madame Grimory on the love seat.
Mortimer: “I ain’t mean no offense….ma’am.”
Riess: “No. No. It’s my own fault. I should have known better than to come strolling in here like that. In that form, I must have been difficult to behold. I’m sorry.” Setri now chides her.
Setri: “Yesss. Perhaps the good Madame might choose to illuminate a girl on what couldn’t wait?”
Riess: “Oh yeah. Well, I thought you’d be interested to know that the relationship of Mr. Mortimer here and the…other guy…could be said to be anything but adversarial in nature.”
Setri: “Yeah. Well they’re both from the same place. I’d say it’s not unreasonable to expect that they should…”
Riess. “No. No. My understanding is they’re a lot closer than you would expect.” To this Setri gives a sly smile.
Setri: “You mean they’re lovers?”
Riess: “No. Nothing so sordid. No. It’s just that, well, they would probably say that they go back quite a ways.”
Setri: “It’s meaningless. He’s being cultivated by this guy. Coddled in his indulgence and effectively killed with kindness.”
Riess: “I know it looks that way, but I have it on pretty good authority that it’s not like that at all. You see they…”
Mortimer: “Oh I see it now. You tryin’ to use me to get to my man Morrison.” Setri thinks for a moment. “Well it ain’t gonna work. I’m not gonna help you take anything from him. What do want? His land? Where do ya’ll get off thinkin’ some shit like that?” Setri is momentarily befuddled.
Setri: “You’re kidding right?”
Riess: “No. I’d say he’s quite serious.”
Setri: “It’s nonsense.”
Riess: “No it’s not. Look. When they were boys they played on the same football team.”
Setri: “So?”
Riess: “This team, it won two national championships. Um. He was Morrison’s favorite… catcher, and Morrison was the…pitcher.”
Mortimer: “No that’s baseball.”
James “And it was state championships.” He turns to Mortimer “It’s good to meet you man. Damn. Twin states? I got to bow down.”
Mortimer: “Yeah nigga, they had to recognize in a big way.” Setri suddenly becomes livid.
Setri: “How dare you?!”
Riess: “What? No wait…”
James: “Madame…” She instantly gets nose to nose with Mortimer.
Setri: “If you ever refer to James that way again I’ll shred you where you….”
Riess: “No wait…”
James: “No that’s not what…”
Mortimer: “Why you gettin’ upset all the sudden?”
Setri: “James is anything but ignorant. I will not stand for anyone to call…”
Mortimer: “Oh. Ok. I understand.” He gives a small giggle. “No I wasn’t sayin’ it the way…”
James: “Yeah. He’s not sayin anything like…”
Riess: “Setri.” She instantly steps to Setri and gently grabs hold of her left hand. “He didn’t say or intend anything of that sort.”
Setri: “I heard him clear as day.” She turns back to Mortimer with an evil leer. “He called James ‘nigger’.”
Riess: “No. He didn’t. He called him…’nigguh’.” To this she gives a quizzical leer. “It’s different.”
Setri: “James is there a meaning to this word I’m unfamiliar with?”
James: “Well,…no. But Madame Grimory’s right.”
Mortimer: “Yeah. I didn’t say ‘niggER’. I said ‘niggUH’.” To this she gives him a sinister smirk.
Setri: “I tell you what. I’m going to take your word at this. I mean I am a foreigner here. I could easily be…mistaken. Right?” She gives a kind of alluring edge to her voice implying distrust.
Mortimer: “Sure. What country ya’ll from anyway?” Her smile grows more sinister.
Setri: “Well, sir. It’s interesting you should ask. I happen to have come here from…quite a ways to the east and …down a bit.”
Mortimer: “Oh. you mean Australia. Yeah, down under.”
Setri: “Quite a few more nautical miles down under than that actually.”
James: “Uh. Madame?”
Riess: “Setri!” She quickly tightens her grip on Madame Setri.”
Setri: “What?!” She turns to face Grimory now.
Riess: “Just listen. I can explain. But I just ask that you lower that left hand and hear my explanation before you start going all vulgar with it.” Setri relents but retains her smirk. She leers back at Mortimer.
Setri: “I’ll agree to this. Well?”
Riess: “Ok. Now, to understand this you have to understand that the word was created with the idea of delineating one form of humanity from another. They needed a word that would imply a difference that covered race, caste, and class, in that order. It was always negatively applied so as to have the effect of denoting a lower form of humanity, one that was easily regarded as sub-human even. Well, black people found it offensive of course, but they didn’t begin to have the power to force it’s removal from the parlance of the day. So blacks had to be clever. They recognized that it reinforced an attempt to unmake their humanity, spiritually speaking, and , if you think about it, that makes it a bit demonic in a way. So, with that in mind, they took an equally demonic approach to the word. Demons like unmaking the things created, and where they lack the power to do that, they’ll often be satisfied to pervert them. So with a small change to the word’s suffix, and a slight change in phonetic emphasis, they were able to cause it to speak to the spirit in such a way as to denote a kind of similarity rather than a difference. A kind of kinship, if you will, and in doing so, they effectively perverted it to reflect a different intent entirely.” Setri reflects on this for a moment as she looks at Mortimer in less suspicious way. She then turns to James.
Setri: “James. What do you say about this?”
James: “Well. I can’t really speak on…the demonic thing, but I think she’s pretty much right. We figured if they were going to be putting this on us we may as well figure out how to make it work for us rather than against us.”
Mortimer: “Right.” Setri backs away from Mortimer slowly. She seems to hold her left hand behind her. “Like a kinda double reverse. You give a little up front…”
James: “Yeah, but when it comes together the defense is all scattered on the wrong side of the play.” They smile and high five. To this Setri looks quizzically at Grimory.
Setri: “I see. Well I suppose I should apologize for my outburst Mr. Mortimer. I am most embarrassed.”
Mortimer: “No problem lady. But the boy got a little size on him. I’m sure if he figured I was out of line he’d set a nigga’ straight.” He notices her hiding her left hand. “You alright there?” Madame Grimory quickly interjects since he still has not seen the monstrous claw that Setri obscures from him.
Riess: “Oh she’s fine. I just wanted to make sure she didn’t start getting too…profane with the hand…you know.” Mortimer giggles at the thought.
Mortimer: “You mean like a deaf guy might cuss me out. In sign language.”
James: “Uh. Yeah, but not quite in the way that you’re thinking.” Mortimer now rethinks his joke and rubs the spot on his belly where her hand had been recently withdrawn. “Ok. Fine. Who and, just as important, what are you…folks?” He once again looks at Grimory in a fearful way. Setri thinks for a moment but lays a more sympathetic eye in Mortimer’s direction this time.
Setri: “That’s a fair question given everything that’s happened.” She shoots a disgusted look toward Madame Grimory who quietly acknowledges her disappointment. “Very well then. My Name is Sona Setri. I am the head of the noble house Setri”
Mortimer: “Noble house? So you’re like some kind of royalty or something?”
Setri: “At one time I might have tried to convince myself of such things. The noble house Setri is one of the last 3 noble houses of…hell.”
Riess: “Oh jeez. You know I would have been satisfied to list Japan as my country of origin.”
Setri: “Which might have been a viable option before you decided to come trotting in here wearing Elsa’s birthday clothes…Madame.”
Mortimer: “Ok. In case you didn’t know, it’s Sunday. Folks around here don’t find nothing funny about folks from hell.” He looks at James matter of factly. “Man what she talkin’ about hell?”
James: “Well, Madame Setri is a…a noble…devil.” Madame Setri sits back down on the love seat with as upright a pose as she is able to strike. Mortimer is appropriately aghast. Madame Grimory extends her hand as graciously as she is able.
Riess: “I’m Riess Grimory. I’m from Japan. And it just happens that…I run a little house…called Grimory.” Mortimer is anything but amused.
Mortimer: “Yeah. Young man I thought I was clear that…this shit isn’t funny.”
James: “You were…quite clear. And you’re right. It’s not.”
Mortimer: “But you stayin’ with this shit?”
James: “Yes sir.” James looks upon his Madame and then toward Mortimer in as conciliatory and humble a way as he can.
Mortimer: “Ok. I understand. I probably got this comin’.” He turns to James, then suspiciously back toward the Madames. “But you can turn away from this. I can tell. You’ve got a chance.” Setri expresses just a hair of indignation but opts to suppress it as smoothly as she can. “It’s too late for me. You go on and git’.” He stands up before them. “In the name of the Lord, I rebuke you devil. I stand cleansed by the blood of my lord and savior Jesus Christ and demand ya’ll return from…whence ya’ll came.” Setri is stoically put off, while Madame Grimory takes a more conciliatory approach.
Riess: “Oh. Ok then…Um…” She gracefully kneels down on the floor and strikes a pose that a classical painter might employ when depicting the fallen soul attempting to shield their eyes from the light of some angelic figure. James smiles at this, but his madame is clearly not amused.
Setri: “What the hell is that about?”
Riess: “Oh just play along.”
Setri: “What? No.”
Riess: “Oh come on. It’s not like we haven’t heard the same words from a lot holier guys over the last few…centuries. Really, it’s not so…”
Setri: “It’s nonsense. Come on, get up.”
James: “With all due respect Madame,” His tone is solemn and his gaze is equally so. “I would say that it’s not.” Madame Setri finds herself a bit dismayed by her minion’s apparent betrayal, but not at all to the point of rage.
Setri: “James…”
James: “As a God fearing man he is doing what he’s got to do.”
Setri: “I see. So I should go along with Madame Grimory then, and humor him? I should patronize him?” Madame Grimory lowers her hands somewhat disappointedly.
Riess: “I guess offending his sensibilities is the approach of the day.”
Mortimer: “You should go while they’re busy going at each other. I got this.”
Setri: “Yes, James. It’s alright. He’s found his sword to fall on.”
James: “Mr. Mortimer. Could I tell you something about…Miss Setri?”
Mortimer: “Yeah I suppose.”
James: “Well, I thought you should know that she made it a point to go to church this morning.” To this, Madame Grimory almost coughs up a lung laughing. But upon seeing the look in Setri’s eyes, she finds herself drop-jawed.”
Riess: “You’re joking. James…you’ve got to be…”
Mortimer: “For show, man. They’ll do anything.”
James: “Maybe. But all I saw was Miss Setri respect everyone in kind. Just as she would want to be respected. The other thing I wanted to tell you is this: I have never failed to go to church on Sunday.” Mortimer turns to face him now. “I love the Lord. I always have.” Again, Setri let’s a spot of disappointment peak through. “But I can’t think of anything, in this world or any other, that would cause me to step back from my Madame.” James’ eyes seem to be pleading with Mortimer to understand, and Mortimer finds himself, strangely, abiding him. Setri is almost in tears upon hearing this and Madame Grimory takes her hand in her own as she expresses a strange pride in James declaration.
Setri: “Mr. Mortimer. I’d like us to just…all go to our respective corners, and have a seat. I think it’s fair to say at this point that we’ve all been as up front and out there with what we’re about as it’s going to get. I can then get about the business of doing what my house was petitioned to do. That is to convey certain information to you, information which it is clear that you presently lack, and which it is believed you are entitled to. I want to point out that you are under no obligation to act upon it in any way upon hearing it. I am simply charged with it’s delivery. Nothing more. But it has now also become clear to me that…you are in fact not obliged to hear it either, given that you are a man-a God fearing one as you would say-and given that I am…who and what I am. And so I will attempt to appeal to that part of you that might be willing to consider taking the chance that I’ve eaten my fill, and am therefore not about the pastime of snapping up loose souls at this hour.” Mortimer looks at James who stands along side him but faces his Madame.
Mortimer: “And all you want from me is to listen?”
Setri: “That’s all.”
Mortimer: “Alright. But let the young man go. He don’t need to be part of whatever you…”
Setri: “Well now.” She gives a slight smirk and Madame Grimory follows suit. “You realize that you’ve attempted to offer me something in exchange for something else. Some would say that constitutes some sort of a…deal. Fortunately, I’m of the opinion that, not only is that not too much to ask, but you should also know that I had already decided that very thing beforehand. James would you be so kind as to go to the vending machines and get some refreshment for yourself?”
James: “Of course Madame” He stands up quietly and leaves. Mortimer turns and faces the 2 Madames. Madame Setri is withdrawing some papers and lining them up neatly on the coffee table before her. Madame Grimory looks intently, then notices that Mortimer stands somewhat fearfully away from them. She warmly beckons him to the sofa before them. He abides her, but as he does this, He quietly draws a knife from his pocket. Madame Grimory speaks first, while Setri never looks up from the group of papers.
Riess: “You know Mr. Mortimer, being a foreigner I find myself taken aback by certain customs that people have here. Here for instance. We are sitting in a kind of nice room, and I feel like we’re all dressed fairly well, and civil. But there’s this one, strange, thing that happens every time. Well it’s just…strange.”
Mortimer: “Yeah? What’s that?”
Setri: “She’s probably interested to know why the men seem to have a penchant for relying on knives when confronting fairly able women…one’s with no interest in harming them whatsoever.” She never looks up from the pages as she says this. He gives a cookie jar look and displays it. He seems to ponder it a moment with a slight smile. He looks up to see Madame Setri’s face practically nose to nose with his own. Her body, however, is still shuffling papers ahead of him in that it appears she has elongated her neck to stretch across the room. “Well?”
Mortimer: “I figured you’re getting the contracts all lined up in row. I thought I’d give you something for the blood.” Grimory gives a chuckles and Setri smiles at him in an almost motherly way. Her arm extends to him.
Setri: “May I hold it please?” He slowly hands it to her outstretched hand. “Wow. That’s got a little weight, and its quite sharp. Tell me does it help you to find comfort or courage at times like…” She notices he has closed his eyes, as if resigned to something or another. “…this? Mr. Mortimer?”
Mortimer: “Go ahead. Handle you’re business. I know what you want.”
Riess: “I’m impressed Mr. Mortimer.” She’s still giggling slightly. “That’s very astute. The use of a blade for drawing blood. There is in fact a soul binding ritual which involves the use of knives and blood. We stopped using it quite a long time ago, because it’s very general and primal in nature. There’s a huge risk that the soul will retain very few, if any, of it’s human qualities. We use much more modern, trait specific means now. We prefer the forging of agreements with the more elastic parts of the soul.” Mortimer says nothing, still focused on Setri’s demonically elongated neck.
Setri: “Mr. Mortimer would you like to know why we’re called ‘noble’ devils?”
Mortimer: “Sure. Why not?”
Setri: “Well. We have the privilege of operating on the surface of this world, right out there with everyone else. But with privileges come responsibilities. Do you know what the most important responsibility is?”
Mortimer: “I don’t know but I’m willing to bet it has something to do with souls.”
Setri: “You’d lose.” He looks at Grimory to see that she is giggling incessantly at this. “Our primary responsibility is to see to it that humans don’t become so pissed off with us that they should undertake to drive us back down into that…shit hole we came from. Now here’s the truly ridiculous part about that…primary responsibility. We were created with the idea and the express mission of carving a swath of death and corruption across this rock we’re standing on, and to bring hell with us wherever we should tread. You see how that naturally serves to undermine that…primary responsibility thing? Why it’s just plain…idiotic isn’t it?”
Mortimer: “I…suppose. Is that why she’s laughing like that?”
Grimory: “I’m sorry Mr. Mortimer. I’m just thinking of all the others. There were about twenty five noble devils at one time. Now there’s only three. It’s so sad I have to laugh to avoid crying all the time. It took centuries, but they died because they couldn’t reconcile that contradiction. We warred among ourselves constantly. Cleverness of design my ass.”
Setri: “Here you sit in fear of being contracted by me. That fear is preventing me from conveying this information. So you leave me no choice. I have to make a concerted effort, now , to switch all that off. I have to tell you something that serves to effectively eliminate that fear. The first thing I want to tell you is that Madame Grimory is also a contractor, a rather notorious one. She’s actually the more predatory one, where that sort of thing is concerned.” He looks to Madame Grimory who once again begins to giggle. “Now I can’t speak for Madame Grimory, so I’m going to now relate the extent of my interest in that soul right there.” She points at his torso. “I can think of no possible set of circumstances which should cause so small, and paltry a thing to interest someone like me.” To this, Mortimer looks into her face for the first time to see a look of genuine apathy toward the notion. He then looks toward Madame Grimory.
Riess: “Setri. That’s just plain mean.”
Mortimer: “You mean it was her all the while?”
Riess: “What? Mr. Mortimer don’t be silly. This is a Setri house action. I just came along for the ride.”
Mortimer: “Of course. The big, pretty one. I get it.”
Riess: “Please sir. Don’t do this to yourself.” Her gaze turns to one of pity.
Mortimer: “Yeah. Right. You can play it off if you want. You’re just layin’ in the cut, waitin’ for you’re chance.” He sees a kind of dismay come over her as she turns her face away from his own.”
Setri: “You still can’t see it.”
Mortimer: “Why’s she acting like that? Is she waiting to turn into that…thing?” Instantly, Madame Grimory appears on top of him, before he can utter another word. She has instantly transformed into the beast and laid him down under her massive paws.
Riess: “This thing?” Mortimer cringes beneath her. She steps off of him and lays down next to him. “This ‘thing’ is indeed a fearsome form to behold for any living thing. It is designed for hunting, and killing, anything that walks or crawls on this world. I use it for the acquisition of meat. It’s versatile, and with it I can do many things which I could not in a more human form. But there is one thing I cannot do in this form. I cannot contract a soul this way.” She opens her massive maw suddenly and closes it around his torso. He attempts to scream, but before he can he finds himself upright, in Madame Grimory’s arms, supportavely so, and eye to eye with her. “No Mr. Mortimer. My house is not interested in a soul here. But you should know that I’m not interested for a different reason than Miss Setri. I don’t think your soul is lacking anything or…paltry, as she chose to put it.” She slides closer to him and whispers in his ear. “You rebuked me. It doesn’t do anything. It doesn’t hurt me, or make me go away, or make me any less powerful. But really, what girl wants to hear something like that?” She turns to walk back to her seat.
Mortimer: “Well,..Hey I…”
Setri: “What will it take to get you to see the harm you are causing yourself?”
Mortimer: “Harm? What the hell you….”
Setri: “You sit in a room full of devils, ones who can snap the soul from anything in an instant. But right now the only notion that echoes in your mind is the notion that, for some reason or another, you should be regarded as unworthy.” He thinks for a moment. “Now what’s driving this fixation is something called pride. But not the kind one might associate with team spirit. This is the kind that goeth before the fall.” Morrison reflects on this and he suddenly smiles.
Morrison: “Oh. Yeah that’s pretty stupid isn’t it? Damn.” Setri renders a knowing smile and Madame Grimory follows suit. “Ok let’s get a look at what youre talking about.” Mortimer moves to sit down on the sofa again. When he does Madame Setri elongates her arms again. This time she grabs the bottom of the sofa and pulls it closer to the coffee table. She then leans over the coffee table and begins.
Setri: “I think we should start with this.” She turns over a sheet of paper. “This a map of this area. This is from 1827, 10 years after Mississippi became a state. In the upper right it lists the counties and in the lower left, you can make out the Mississippi state seal. If you notice the egg-like area here, it’s listed under the heading of M.S. This stands for the Morrison Stead. Now we look at this map from 1860, We see the Mississippi state seal has been changed to reflect that it is now part of the confederacy. You can clearly see the counties marked out and this large area is listed as the Morrison Plantation. Now at the time, The plantation was owned by a man named Mark Clay Morrison. Morrison was a colonel in the Confederate Army and he commanded a large group of state militia besides Confederate regulars. Now he made his money on cotton, and inside the plantation, you can make out the original Morrison Stead by that dotted line there. Now I’m going to show you a map from 1865. At this time The land is marked out in what you would call parcels. This was favored by the Union which occupied the area at the time. As you can see each parcel has a number, and they vary in size from 10, 20, and 40 acres in size. Now I’d like you to note these two parcels here and their corresponding numbers.”
Mortimer: “Ok.”
Setri: “This is a deed that was issued also in 1865, 6 weeks before the shooting of Abraham Lincoln. As you can see, the lot numbers match these two parcels here.”
Mortimer: “Yeah.”
Setri: “And can you see the name on the deed?”
Mortimer: “Oh um, Paul…Mortimer. Who is that?”
Setri: “Paul Mortimer was your great, great grandfather.” Mortimer is taken aback.
Mortimer: “What? I mean…well I never heard of him. No one in my family ever mentioned him. You sure you got the right guy?”
Setri: “We only found it out recently. But we did cross reference several times to make sure. At the same time, we are also aware that you had very little way of knowing, and it will become clear as to why. Now I’m going to leave these maps where they are because to really understand the state of things, you will want to refer to different ones of these later. Now the first thing you want to be aware of is that Paul Mortimer, while he was a recently freed slave, had never been one on the Morrison Plantation. He was freed by General Sherman’s forces in 1863 during his march through Georgia. He was immediately conscripted into the Union Army and served with the 14th Cavalry for the remaining 2 years of the war. Now, as Sherman pushed south he had Mortimer’s unit push west to prevent Stonewall Jackson, who was still operating in the Appalachians at the time, from being resupplied or escaping back down into Florida. This is how he made his way here to Mississippi.” She smiles for a moment and looks up at Mortimer who is looking intently at the maps. He notices her and inquires.
Mortimer: “What’s wrong? I’m payin’ attention.”
Setri: “Oh I know. It’s just that, well I’m Japanese and…well we would never have reason to say a word like this. Mississippi. Sounds kind of Japanese doesn’t it? I just kind of like hearing myself say it.” To this Morrison gives a chuckle and Setri continues. “Ok. At this point we have to talk about the means by which Mr Mortimer acquired the land, because it turns out that this is central to our position here. At the time that William Mortimer was conscripted into the Union army General Sherman also gave a general order which said that former slaves would be handed over lands confiscated from plantation owners who had helped supply the war effort. This General order would later become the starting point of a Union-wide policy which was instituted by Lincoln called Agrarian Reform. I should point out that President Lincoln originally made clear that all blacks should be returned to Africa, but at some point I think someone in his cabinet probably convinced him that such a policy would have the effect of breaking the will of the south to fight. It was under agrarian reform that William Mortimer was able to acquire the land, but there was a rule which said that the ownership of the land would be unassailable if and only if the new owner could acquire a normal deed from the state the land was in. The States were obligated to provide this deed for a standard fee of I think 10 dollars, which seems fair all things considered. But for recently freed slaves in the deep south this could be a hefty sum. Because he was in the Army, Mortimer was able to save the ten dollars. So, shortly after being given a limited license to the land by the Federal Government, he immediately applied to the State for a deed. Two months later he received it. Now I need you to notice the map from 1865 again. You see the two parcels in question here?”
Mortimer: “Yeah.”
Setri: “Well as you can plainly see, they are not just part of the Morrison plantation, but if you notice, once again we have this dotted line which indicates that these two parcels were part of the original Morrison Stead. Now this is important because of what ensued after Mortimer was granted the deed. You see, Mark Clay Morrison was in a difficult position. He had to scramble to hold as much of the plantation together as possible in that the money had collapsed, and when it got down to it, the extended lands of the plantation he had simply laid claim to as they were needed for his business. Over time, the State had simply come to accept that these were his lands since there were no other claims against them. But he knew that his ability to hold these lands was dependent on the retention of the Morrison Stead, which was the only claim of his that he could show the state truly recognized. In his mind, if he were to lose control of this then he could lose everything he’d claimed based on it. Consequently, in the closing days of the war, he made arrangements to clear an adjacent parcel of squatters, but when he realized that he had lost these two parcels to agrarian reform, he immediately began an effort to lobby in Jackson for re-certification of the stead based on it’s age. The State agreed but took no action to overturn the Union’s parceling since they were still under occupation. With the death of Lincoln, the first act of new President Johnson was to put forth a bill before Congress to repeal Agrarian Reform. It passed unanimously, with very little in the way of debate. Consequently, starting in 1866, many blacks who had acquired properties through Agrarian Reform, had them confiscated, and found themselves evicted from those lands by Union soldiers no less. But because Paul Mortimer had a deed for his land, he got to keep it. So Morrison found himself in a difficult situation. The only approach left to him was re-acquisition through abandonment, and even this would take some time. We know he made several attempts to reacquire it through purchase, but Mortimer wouldn’t sell.”
Mortimer: “Ladies. I appreciate all this, but my grandmother never mentioned any of this stuff to me when I was a kid. She said we was from around here, but that we had left due to some kind of ugliness. She says her mother was probably caught up with guys, you know, jealousy, that sort of thing.” Madame Grimory once again displays a sad face.
Riess: “Ugliness?”
Mortimer: “She said her momma never liked it down here no how. A lot of blacks moved from here back then. I came here from Cleveland…..That’s Ohio. You know how far from here that is?” Now Setri is somewhat pensive and down in the mouth. She looks at Madame Grimory in a befuddled way.
Riess: “I understand. From your point of view it’s difficult to wrap your head around the idea that you could come from all that way just to sort of return home.” She slides closer to him but not in a forward way. “You know, I’ll bet that your great grandmother was a really good looking woman. I’ll bet she was tall like you are. A bit statuesque even.”
Mortimer: “I suppose. What’s that got to do with this here?”
Riess: “Well, you know I sometimes find myself in situations like your grandmother described. And yes, there’s an ugliness on the part of, well, men that we have to find ways to…manage. You’re right a woman would definitely come up with creative solutions and avenues of escape if things became…ugly. You know what’s really interesting about all this? The key to understanding all this lies in that very word: ugliness. You see we women are really good at certain things that men are not so much. One of those things is what you might call pain management. I mean, we have the babies right? You should try putting on a happy face while taking an eight pound dump one of these days. But there are other types of pain that we learn to manage too, one’s which can be rather terrible. Like being jilted by a lover you really care about. Like rape, child-burdened abandonment, and also, certain other types of loss. Now it’s in this loss area that we tend to really shine the most because, more often than not, a woman teaches herself to wear a face that doesn’t reflect such things. Not just for reasons of vanity mind you, but as a means of preventing a really deep loss from begetting more loss and hurt. You see? Now, I know this is difficult to hear from some foreigner, whose methodologies you don’t exactly agree with, philosophically, ethically, morally speaking, but the ugliness your great grandmother described had nothing to do with quarreling suitors, or lovers, or anything like that. The word ‘ugliness’ is being used here to a slightly different effect. You tend to see this use of it by European women more often than not. It is a neat way, once again, to institute a kind of damage control in their lives.”
Mortimer: “European? I don’t know what you’re getting at Miss…”
Riess: “European women, especially those from central European countries which have been targets of invasion a lot, have learned to speak of these things in such ways. There are three things in war which they would use this term to describe: those being the events that should result from disease, starvation, and atrocities. It’s that atrocities thing which tends to elicit it the most. You see, over the last 3000 years or so women in Europe figured out ways to limit their emotional investment in such events, again, not for reasons of vanity so much as damage control. Atrocities tend to breed a kind of bitterness that becomes pathological almost, and they figured out that, if they were to cultivate it in the form of repressed rage and anger, then there would be the risk of their children taking on this bitterness as their own. So they would use little words like ‘ugliness’ to describe the events without conveying too much in the way of emotional involvement. This served to keep things vague enough so that children would not be interested in details, allowing that it should be quietly forgotten rather than carried on generation to generation, a-la- Arab and Israeli style. Now the term as your great grandmother described it is being used to describe an atrocity which occurred here; one associated with the outcome of the war.” Mortimer gives her a befuddled look.
Mortimer: “Ladies. Look, nobody mentioned nothing about no war.” Setri stares at the table for a moment then looks at him.”
Setri: “James.” James instantly appears beside her with a slightly triumphant smirk.
James: “Yes Madame.”
Setri: “May I borrow the…uh…photo please?”
James: “Of course.” He hands Setri the portrait of Saint Leroy.”
Setri: “Thank you James. We’ll just be a short while longer.” James instantly disappears and Mortimer is aghast. “Mr. Mortimer is something wrong?” Mortimer gives her a look which at first reflects a kind of outrage, but then gives way to what appears to be pity.
Mortimer: “No. I guess it ain’t no point now.” She sees the sympathy in his eyes for James and is moved to smile in the way that a mother might do so the first time her toddler successfully relieves itself on it’s own.
Setri: “Mr. Mortimer. You want to say something to me. What is it?”
Mortimer: “Well I was just wondering what a young man like that could possibly do to find himself…..?”
Setri: “In hell? The servant of a devil?”
Riess: “Mr. Mortimer. Would it be enough to say that the old man up there is not the only one who likes a good, clean, innocent, young soul? Do you think we like to find ourselves hip-deep, and conjoined no less, in a house full of brigands and malcontents all the time?” She displays a humorous smile but Mortimer is anything but amused.
Mortimer: “That’s not the way it’s supposed to…”
Setri: “Mr. Mortimer we can have that conversation, but for reasons of convenience I’m going to ask that we stay on the subject at hand. Now, I’m going to show you something I had tried not to up to now. But it can’t be helped. First let me tell you about your great grandmother. She was named Anne Lee Mortimer. In the summer of 1867 Paul Mortimer met and married Willa Mae Denton. She was about 14 and a half, and 1 year later Anne Lee was born. In the spring of 1869 Willa Mae Mortimer died, we think of influenza, leaving Paul Mortimer to care for his daughter. They lived on his land until she was about 13 and a half, and in July of 1881, Paul Mortimer died. We know that he died of natural causes. He was 54. Now this is where the problem occurs.”
Mortimer: “Problem?”
Riess: “The ugliness.”
Setri: “I have to now ask that you look at these two photographs of the same event. I have to prove to you that what I just said to you is true. It’s not enough that I simply tell you these things because you have no reason to believe us. Not because we’re devils mind you, but because, as you can plainly see,” She turns over a photo reproduction of a newspaper. “The record shows something completely different.” Mortimer sees the picture and is horrified. He leers suspiciously at Madame Setri, scowling a bit as he does.
Mortimer: “Oh. Okay now. Now you goin’ way too far out there with it. You tryin to fuck whit me and I ain’t havin’ it. Ain’t nobody in my family ever mentioned no kinda’ shit like this. What you people trying to…?”
Setri: “Can you see it?” Mortimer becomes more agitated.
Mortimer: “See what? What could be worth lookin at? A lynched nigga’ hangin on a tree? Why you doin this shit? What did I do to you people?” Setri looks away somewhat frustratedly for a moment, then quietly calls James to her side.
James: “Madame?”
Setri: “Honey I need you to take care of him. He’s getting way too upset.” James looks at the materials on the table. He then gives Setri a befuddled look.
James: “Um, sir. You want to calm down. You’re blood pressure’s gettin’ kind of…”
Mortimer: “No man. Look at this shit they pullin’. Tryin’ to get me all riled up over this kinda’ shit. Well, I ain’t goin’ for it. Harry Morrison didn’t have nothin’ to do with, with…whatever that’s about.” Setri is becoming somewhat impatient at this point.
Setri: “Just touch him up so we can continue.”
James: “It’s not like that Madame.”
Setri: “Why?”
James: “Look if I was sittin’ there, believing what he believes, I’d be sayin’ the same thing. But I don’t even have to consider all that because… I cant take anything…out.”
Riess: “Mr Mortimer.” She holds him close to her suddenly as if snatching him up. “Yes it’s offensive in the worst possible way. But we’re asking you to find the truth anyway.  We’re devils, and therefore really good at offending others. But we didn’t come all this way to simply offend someone. We could have done this in any Tokyo mini mall.” She leans him forward over the table now. “Let’s try and see if there’s anything in this picture that’s odd or out of the ordinary. Once you see it you’ll realize the point of all this, and see that we’re not trying to hurt you.” He seems, at first, to relent to Grimory’s pleadings. But after a more thorough perusing of the print, he becomes less bellicose.
Mortimer: “That…that’s not….”
Riess: “What’s wrong Mr Mortimer?”
Mortimer: “That tree.” He looks at both photos again. “It hasn’t changed at all? That’s not possible.”
Setri: “That’s right. I’m going to explain that, but I would like you to notice the two men. Notice that the rope around the man in the back is tied in a hangman’s noose.”
Mortimer: “Right.”
Setri: “While the man in front is secured differently. They have placed one strand of rope under his chin but otherwise the rope is simply strewn over his chest. The reason has to do with the fact that they wanted him posed for the camera. You see, if they used a hangman’s noose on a dead body, there was a better than average chance that the neck would break in the wrong way, thereby placing the head in the wrong position for the portrait. So they hung the body from the upper torso and simply propped the head up with the single strand of rope in the process.”
Mortimer: “Yeah that’s…crazy. Ok so why go through all that?”
Setri: “It was done for the purpose of scaring away your ancestors—his heirs, so that they would abandon the land. It was a favorite practice of reconstruction brigands and usurpers.”
Mortimer: “I see it. But still, I can’t accept that I’m supposed to be hatin’ on Harry. You tellin’ me he had anything to do wit dis shit?”
Setri: “Well…, no. There’s no evidence at this point that he as any knowledge of any of this. We know that he currently is recognized, legally speaking, as the lands controller. We know that his father died immediately after being granted that control for assessment remittance. Consequently he never applied for a new deed in the absence of lawful transference. We know that, in the years since his father’s passing, Harry Morrison has made no attempt at application either.”
Mortimer: “Uhm hmm. Well then I’m not gonna try and bully him out of it.”
Setri: “I understand. In that case I will proceed with that spirit in mind.” To this, Madame Gimory’s head snaps toward Madame Setri as if flabbergasted.
Mortimer: “Yeah. Umm…what does that mean?”
Setri: “As I mentioned earlier, we have been commissioned by a fourth party. This party has demanded that the land be returned to it’s rightful owner. This requires no action on your part.”
Mortimer: “So I’m supposed to shut the fuck up while you bully him and just go along wit it. No way.” Setri thinks for a moment.
Setri: “You make a valid point Mr. Mortimer, and so…I’m going to proceed in the way I’ve described. With only the intent of making your friend aware of the fraud, and not with any effort to indict him, if you will, as a co-conspirator.”
Riess: “About that. Well…The Morrison family holds land rightfully belonging to the Mortimer family. The Morrisons clearly defrauded the Mortimers in obtaining it. Why the kid gloves here?”
Setri: “Well…James what do you think?”
James: “I think your idea is correct Madame.”
Riess: “That’s not fair. She’s your Madame.”
James: “I didn’t say whatever she says works for me, or that her wish was my command. I said I think her way is best.”
Riess: “But honey…”
James: “If Mr. Mortimer is correct about Morrison, we wont have to twist his arm to get him to return the land. He’ll gladly do it on his own.”
Riess: “Really? And on what planet does this occur?”
James: “Well Madame, I would say any planet where a mans friend sits drinking everyday in his bar. I can’t imagine a friend that could look a friend in the face everyday knowing he was keeping his friend’s land from him.” To this, Madame Grimory says nothing as she notes the prideful half smile upon Setri’s face.
Setri: “Well. That’s it then. My job here is completed. I’d like to thank you for your patience and let you know that we’ll be contacting you again in a day or so. By the way the room is paid for. You are free to use it as you wish.” She lays a card key before him.
Mortimer: “Oh know ma’am. I stay out behind ricky’s service station down the way. It’s nice and cool at night.”
Setri: “Oh. I see. Well, I suppose…” She looks to James who gently shakes his head negatively. “What is it?”
James: “What he’s talking about is a space in the back parking area.” She snaps her head back at Mortimer.
Setri: “Wait. You don’t have a place of your own?”
Mortimer: “Well, no. But you know, things change all the time. Don’t you worry bout me.” Setri looks into his face with a strange intensity, but one absent of anger of any kind.
Setri: “Wait right here and don’t move.” Before he can say anything she disappears before him. He looks at Madame Grimory who smiles gently at his response.
Mortimer: “She certainly knows how to leave the building like Michael Jackson.” Suddenly Setri appears before him again. She takes his hand and places the card key in it, along with several hundred dollar bills.
Setri: “This room is now good for a month. Use it. The spacial magic will remain, except when room service or housekeeping comes in. They will only see a normal room. The bar is full, If you get hungry just order in if you want.”
Mortimer: “Ma’am…”
Setri: “This is not a wager against your soul. You’re not being leveraged here. I want you to have this because it will help to prepare you adequately. You owe my house nothing. Please do me the honor of excepting this token of my appreciation for your time if nothing else.” He gives a humble smile.
Mortimer: “Thank you ma’am.”
Setri: “No need to be so formal. Setri is fine.” Grimory and James step outside and Setri follows, but stops short at the door. “Oh by the way. You wanted to know why James is a member of my house earlier. You heard what he said regarding what I should do. That is why he stays with me. There is nothing evil or underhanded about him. It’s not in his nature.”
Mortimer: “Yeah, I don’t understand how…”
Setri: “There were circumstances Mr. Mortimer, circumstances which required me to act in the way that I did. His natural goodness serves me in that I can be assured of an honest alternative voice in my house. I can’t give you the details since all contract terms are confidential. But suffice it to say that if you were aware of the circumstances you would no doubt thank me, and wish us good abidance”
Mortimer: “Oh. Ok well, as long as he’s cool I guess.”
Setri: “Goodnight Mr. Mortimer.” He watches the door close behind her then turns toward the room with a befuddled smile.
Mortimer: “Goodnight ya’ll.”

James awakes to morning beams and stretches. He gives a yawn as he notices Madame Setri sitting partially  dressed at her old wooden desk. Her back is to the bed so he is somewhat surprised when she, without turning around, greets him appropriately.
Setri: “Good morning James.”
James: “Sona.” He gets up and stretches again, then notices Madame Setri as she uses an old calligraphy brush to write some kanji on a small, ornately bordered slip of paper.. “What is that you doing?” She gently blows on the paper to dry the ink.
Setri: “Making something special for your first day of school.” She points to the corner bookshelf with her right hand. “Your Uniform is over there. I’m looking at it and I want to kiss my own cheek for being able to get shoes in your size, much less, a uniform that fits you perfectly.” She smiles in the way of an over-achieving geekette.
James: “Well thank you Sona. ” He heads into the shower and begins washing his face. Sona turns back to the desk and continues to paint.
Madame Grimory knocks gently on the door of Issei’s house. After a few seconds, Issei and Asia emerge from the house wearing their uniforms. Along with his valise, Issei carries a small backpack on his back, and Grimory notices it’s rather loaded for a Monday morning.
Riess: “Looks like someone was busy this weekend”
Issei: “Yeah. After cleaning the house I had some studying to do.”
Riess: “House cleaning?”
Issei: “I woke up and everyone was busy cleaning the club room so I thought I’d help. They said something about Akeno leaving a window open or something.”
Riess: “I see. I take it no one told that you weren’t required to help since you weren’t in the…event to begin with.”
Asia: “Oh. I told him, but he said he wanted to help anyway.” To this Riess gives a proud smile.

James steps out of the shower and puts on the trousers to his school uniform. He then notices Madame Setri attaching what looks to be an ornate label with kanji onto a package. The package is the size and shape of a large bento box that seems to be rapped in rice paper. He sits down on the bed and begins putting on his socks. She comes over and sits next to him with a girlish grin.
Setri: “Ok. I’ve got something for you to eat.” She holds up what appears to be a small, spherical, black pill. He looks at it quizzically for a moment, then reaches for it nonchalantly. She promptly pulls it away. “No. not like that.” She manipulates the pill between thumb and index finger of her empty hand, causing the pill to expand to the size and appearance of an eight-ball. “Ok. Here you go.”
James: “Um. It seemed more convenient as a pill.”
Setri: “Yes, but its less likely to upset your stomach this way. Now I want you to take little bites. This is very important because this thing has a way of expanding under duress. I need you to eat the whole thing. You can’t leave anything.”
James: “My I ask what I am supposed to be eating here?”
Setri: “Oh. Of course. Go ahead try it.” To this, James immediately takes a small bite. He expresses true delight and opens his mouth wider for the next bite. “No, no. Remember. Small bites.”
James: “Mmm. Whatever this is, it tastes good. Junjo make this?”
Setri: “Oh No,no. I mean he’s good, don’t get me wrong, but he couldn’t possibly have made this.”
James: “It just seems to get tastier…mmmh…the further you go.”
Setri: “Right. But you want to take your time with it still. Of course it’s delicious honey. Because you’re a devil…” She lays her arms across his shoulders and smiles. “…and that’s a soul.” Upon hearing this, James seems to choke down his most recent bite, then turns to Setri with a yuck face.
James: “Sona. You’ve got me eating peoples souls now?” She gives a slight chuckle, but quickly catches the uneaten portion as it falls from James’ hand. “Actually no.” She places it up to is mouth again. “Come on. You have to eat it all.” James continues to protest. “Come on. This is one of those things in life where its important to complete an endeavor.” As he is about to protest again she shoves the soul into it. “This is not a human soul. It’s an arquete soul. I’m not serving you this to corrupt you, or make you evil, or make you any more compliant with my wishes than you are now.” James continues eating but leers suspiciously at his mistress while doing so. “The consumption of the soul is designed to help you deal with inner spacial resonance better. Remember when we talked about the soul space? Well this improves resonance within the soul space by reducing the jaggedness of the walls. Now in order to get this benefit, it requires that the complete soul be consumed since an incomplete soul doesn’t fill a space in the correct way.” As James finishes the soul, He notices a kind of serenity overtake him, while Setri notices a powerful glow in his eyes. “There you go. You feel that. The central capacity of the soul’s space is adjusting to a net increase in area. Even though your total soul capacity lies unchanged per se, it feels more energetic because the soul space has been configured more efficiently. You see?” James is still rather suspicious at this point.
James: “So how often are you gonna make me do this?”
Setri: “You just need to do it once, which you have.” She gets up from the bed and gets the package off the desk. “Now I’ll demonstrate what it does for you. I have this present for you James. Would you like it?”
James: “A present? Sure.”
Setri: “Very well then. Enjoy.” With a gleeful grin she instantly slams the package into his head. There is the sound of a small munition going off, and suddenly smoke bellows from James nostrils and ears. He expresses no pain, but is once again confused.
James: “So…just so I’m clear. How exactly have I offended you?”
Setri: “Oh you haven’t. I carefully prepared that little package for you, and when it was opportune, I did the right thing and went upside your head with it.”
James: “That I couldn’t help but notice. I can’t help but wonder: A. the point of doing so, and B.where it went.” At this point their conversation continues in Japanese.
Setri: “Well. I’m Japanese James. The idea of going upside someones head occurs to everyone in the world at some time or another. But the language of Japanese doesn’t accommodate such an idea. You westerners, especially black people, you have these sayings that are so…soulful. I’ve waited about a hundred years to be able to say that to someone and have it actually mean something.” She displays a prideful grin. “Anyway, You now have a complete linguistic library, grade 1 through 6 of hiragana, katakana, kanji, and vocabulary. That was the point of going upside your head with Genki Desu volumes 1 through 5.”
James: “Wow. Look at that. You even managed to say it in Japanese.” To this James gives a smile and Setri gives a hearty chuckle.
Setri: “Now this is enough for you to do what you need to in Japan from day to day. But you are in high school now, and there are much deeper and more sophisticated applications and ideas in the language of Japanese. You are going to have to learn these things the old fashion way: Through hard work and study. Believe me. You don’t want me hitting you over the head with that stuff.”
James: “Well…Thank you. Is this gonna be how it is from now on when you want me to learn something new?”
Setri: “Absolutely not. It’s just that you can’t get behind in your studies due to a problem with the language. Not only that, but just navigation throughout Japan is no longer a problem. Speaking of which…” She takes 15000 yen out of the desk drawer. “At around 4:00 you have to go down and see your probation officer. the officer’s going to demand money. This should be enough but…well, you never know. If it’s not enough let me know.” She finally takes a look at James fully dressed. “Man. I’m tempted to ditch and just spend the day….nevermind.” She hands him a black backpack. “Everything you need is in here. Let’s get going.” He and Sachi and Max step into a magic circle, while Setri, Hiromi, Big Tilda, and Jin Yi crowd into one of there own across the room. After a second or two both parties fade away.

Madame Grimory, Issei, and Asia walk into the front gate of the high school practically abreast. After walking about 30 meters toward the front door of the school They are met on the steps by Konako nad Akeno, while at the top of the stairs they are again met by Kiba, at which point they seem to enter the schools main hall as a tight knit mob. Riess leads the way with somewhat of a strut. As students file quickly through the second floor hall, the doors to the second floor bathrooms open and house Setri emerges from them. Setri leads the way with a calm gaze. Their uniforms are tight. Their hair perfectly combed, reflecting none of the ‘wildness’ of house Grimory. They could not be said to be in lockstep, but, at the same time, they could also be said to be not too far off the mark. James has to tilt his head to avoid hitting it on the top of the jam, and as he exits and takes his place alongside Setri, the hall seems to fall silent. The young ladies and gentlemen all struggle not to gawk at the towering form of James as he adjusts his stride. After a time, at the far end of the hall, house Grimory appears. As the two houses appear to pass each other in slow motion, the two madams give a slightly nonchalant head nod to the other, while expressing slightly prideful smiles. Issei, having little use for subtlety, raises his hand as he passes James, who slaps him some skin, then catches him down low on the way by. To this the girls hide their faces behind ring binders, while the boys all start pulling out cell phones and texting at once.

It is mid-morning and the students are cleaning the school, each in pursuit of their assigned chores. James is cleaning the tops of lockers with a damp cloth as, again, the girls seem to be measuring him as he stretches out. On the roof of the building Setri and Grimory lean over a railing in the sun.
Riess: “I’ve got a sneaking suspicion James is on the hotseat right now.”
Setri: “Why?”
Riess: “Who knows. Probably because he’s a foreigner.”
Setri: “I notice the class president made sure to give him the tall, stretchy jobs.”
Riess: “Yeah, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Anyway, are you staying for the full day or…?”
Setri: “No. And neither are you.” (Riess gives a quizzical leer at this for just a moment) “I have to get back to Mississippi this evening, and I’m going to need you this time.” To this Riess gives a slightly hungry look. “I found that document. It was in a safe in an old law office in the county adjacent to Broward. Smart.”
Riess: “Yeah.”
Setri: “Now we just have to determine how Morrison rolls with this thing.”
Riess: “Either way it’s another nice pig for me.”

It is the afternoon. and James comes by Madame Setri in the cafeteria. She is alone, having already been abandoned by Jin Yi and Big Tilda earlier and James sits in front of her.
James: “You looked all alone over here. I thought you could use some company.”
Setri: “Of course. Don’t be silly. Come. eat.” He appears a bit confused about a multi-layered bento for a moment, then Setri gently unpacks it and spreads it out.
James: “Wow. There was a little more here than it seemed.”
Setri: “So how do you like your first day so far?”
James: “Sou kokuiidesu, Setri-sama.”
Setri: “Sorry about the job mid-day. I’ll have to talk to your class representative about…”
James: “No. No. I mean, I get tall jobs all the time. Even back home. It’s cool. Reminds me to stretch before a work out.” Setri gives a slight smile to this and is about to respond when Madame Grimory comes by.
Riess: “Hi Sona. James hows things going.”
James: “Grimory-sama. Watashi wha totemo genkidesu.” James stands and gives a slight bow.
Riess: “Thats great. But keep it light honey. I mean my banker isn’t that polite these days. Anyway, I was hoping I could borrow miss Setri for a moment or two.”
Setri: “Oh?”
Riess: “I think you need to see this. It’ll only take a minute.”
Setri: “Sit tight James. I’ll be right back.” She and Riess hurry off toward the main hall. Upon entry to the main hall, they behold a moderate sized gathering of students around a bulletin board. A headline of the board reads: Club petitions and applications. Setri is someone put off at first, but then she notices a crowd of students, mainly girls, surrounding a particularly colorful petition adorned with various anime drawings of a tall black male, in rather revealing and sentimental poses. Setri moves closer to see the heading of the petition. It reads: The James Hicks fan and fortune club. “What the hell?”
Riess: “Wait, wait. I dont think this is a coincidence.” Setri is confused.
Setri: “Coincidental to what?”
Riess: “Be honest now. James is attractive. Really attractive.”
Setri: “And?”
Riess: “I think that that attractiveness maybe the result of a random enchantment.”
Setri: “What? Stop it.”
Riess: “I’m not just looking at this. Think about everything thats happened since friday. It makes sense if you think about it.” She whispers now. “It was an end of summer contract. There were…you know. Circumstances.” Setri is anything but convinced and begins to protest, but then notices the innocent gleam in the eye of some of the younger girls as they sign it. Behind her, James suddenly appears.
James: “Hey. What’s going on?” He then notices the petition. “Ummm. What’s this about? No. Wait. I don’t know what this is but…” Quickly Setri pulls him away from the board and down toward the classroom. “I didn’t…I mean….”
Setri: “I know. Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of this. Right now you want to get to your next class. Just leave that to me.”
James: “Nice drawings though. Wow.” Once again Setri is not amused. She turns back to Riess as James disappears into a classroom.
Setri: “I think you may have something with that…”
Riess: “Enchantment thing?”
Setri: “If what you’re saying is true. What can be done about it?”
Riess: “Oh come on. I’ve been asking that question for years. You know, with Issei and the pantie popping thing. There’s nothing to be done per se. You just work with it as best you can.” She strolls off with a smile as Setri stands plotting to herself.

It is an hour past midnight in Broward county once again. Madame Setri stands alongside the road near the fel infested tree and sets up a table. She begins setting out folders as Madame Grimory strolls by. She withdraws a handkerchief from her purse and wipes a moderate amount of blood from her face, then carefully returns it to the purse as Setri inquires of her.
Setri: “Suppertime is it?”
Riess: “The local fauna never fails to impress. And it fights hard too.” Setri gives a slight smile as she continues laying out items upon the table. She begins to light 3 small candles as Grimory looks to the moon. “So what’s the plan?” Setri hesitates slightly.
Setri: “I’m working on that. Morrison’s in that house over there. Right now I’m considering floating him here in the current dream state. It’s expensive, but it insures he’s not too offended. The other choice is to scare the hell out of him.”
Riess: “And you call me heavy handed. Akeno.” Akeno instantly appears at her side. She looks about and seems befuddled.
Akeno: “Madame. I am unfamiliar…”
Riess: “We are in the American state of Mississippi. And as you can see, it’s very early in the morning.”
Setri: “Grimory. What are you doing?”
Riess: “Oh, quiet. What were you planning to do? Scrooge him? I’m helping you out. You want to let me handle this.” Setri snarls at her, but Madame Grimory turns to Akeno and continues. “Akeno. In that house is an Old man named Harry Morrison. He should be alone and sleeping, but he may have company of some sort or another. I need him brought here before Madame Setri. I need him unharmed, as comfortable as possible, and awake. No funny business. If he has company, they must be untouched, and unaware.” Akeno thinks for just a second or two.
Akeno: “Is this all?” Madame Grimory finds herself somewhat put off by her nonchalant tone.
Riess: “Yes.” Akeno disrobes down to a thong and spreads her wings slightly.
Akeno: “Very well, Madame.” With this she instantly disappears.”
Setri: “Wait. What the fuck is she…?”
Riess: “Sona. I know it’s different, but try to remember that she does have a feathered wing.”
Setri: “We’re foreigners here. You think this hick’s gonna be able to carry on a conversation once Akeno gets through with him? Much less, be anything but insulted, violated.”
Riess: “Typical Setri. Always trying to control everything. I’ve been to his bar. I’ve talked to him. Not only can he handle this, but you should stop preparing for Akeno to bring you an idiot. The guy’s anything but stupid.” Setri allows an other worldly hiss to preface her response.
Setri: “All the more reason to…” She stops short when suddenly Akeno appears before them along with an old man in bed clothes. They both appear with their feet about 2 inches above the ground, alongside each other. The old man has Akeno’s mandala wrapped around his waist several times, and she holds it in her left hand. Immediately after their appearance, Akeno takes a careful step, as though steeping down from a stair. The old man mirrors this action almost in concert, and they are both standing on the ground before Madame Grimory.
Riess: “Thank you Akeno. Now could you unwrap him to one strand please?” Akeno complies, and as she does the old man gradually comes to his wits.
Morrison: “What is this? How did I get here?”
Setri: “Please excuse the imposition sir, but we had to speak with you.” Morrison looks upon Madame Setri but raises his hand toward Madame Grimory.
Morrison: “I know you. From the bar? It’s cold out here. You should put something on. You’re not from around here. You’re from far away.” He points to Madame Setri now. “You are too, but we haven’t met.”
Setri: “My name is Sona Setri. This lady is Riess Grimory. We’ve come from Japan to discuss the current state of this land.”
Morrison: “Land?” He looks around momentarily. “This is my land, but its so far from… What’s the meaning of this?”
Setri: “Please sit down and we’ll be happy to explain.” Morrison reluctantly complies and Setri begins to lay out her case.

Issei walks along the sidewalk in the shopping district of Honeida. He turns right along a side street and as he does, he notices a help wanted sign. It is an old style noodle house with a bamboo awning. He goes inside and, after a little while, comes out in an apron, and begins sweeping the sidewalk.

James and Mr Mortimer sit on the couch watching a basketball game. They cheer their teams appropriately and James, just for a moment feels like an everyday guy again. He tips back a can of red bull and swallows quickly when Kevin Durant takes off from the free throw line for a lay up.
James:”K.D.!”
Mortimer: “What happened to these guys? They used to be so tight. He used to be like…could take over a game.”
James: “They probably wanted a little more on the defensive side of things. It’s happened before. Where you ask a player to develop new skills. It takes time to make certain adjustments…to one’s overall game. You know.”
Mortimer: “That’s true. I saw a few players do that. They stats suffered for a season or two. But afterward they tore ass.”
James: “Right.” Mortimer ponders the young man’s face as he watches intently. Mortimer: “Honestly now. What could you have done to…You know?” James thinks for a second or two, then turns to him with a wide eyed gaze, as if searching for something himself.
James: “I don’t know…what to say really. All I remember is…doing what people asked. Nothing wrong, you know, I wasn’t bangin’ or slangin’. I kept my grades up. I practiced hard, trained hard. I just…wasn’t good enough maybe.” Mortimer says nothing and turns back to the T.V. with a somber stare.

Morrison sits silently staring at the papers before him. Madame Setri displays a diabolical smile across from him in the darkness. Her grin gives way when she hears the first word from his mouth.
Morrison: “Billy.” He sames to lament the name rather than simply recall it, and this causes Madame Setri to look upon him with a more inquiring leer. “This is quite a story you’ve put together here, and your evidence is quite substantial. But I have to be sure. I know some things about Billy. His folks were from Cleveland. When he came down here, he moved in with Auntie Mabel Lee. She was old. But She took good care of him. He was always clean, pressed.” He seems to be slightly confused and Setri notes this as he turns to look over his shoulder. “I need to get something from the house. Ya’ll wait here….It’s not there.” He looks down the road to his right. “Is that it? It’s so far away…”
Riess: “Now Mr. Morrison. You wouldn’t be having one of those crazy thoughts about running us away with some sort of fowling piece would you?”
Morrison: “What?” He looks down at Setri. “I need something…from down there…you see?” Setri hesitates as Grimory giggles with Akeno then she decides.
Setri: “Let’s take him home.” She turns emphatically to Akeno. “Gently.”
Riess: “You heard her. And keep the crap off of him.”
Akeno: “Fine Madame.” Akeno’s mandala wraps around the waste of Morrison, and the both seem to take a concertized slow motion step in the direction of the house, then disappear mid-stride.

Issei sits behind the piano in the school auditorium. There are some girls sitting in the audience, eating lunch, but unconcerned with anything happening onstage. He begins to play a Schubert impromptu opus 142, Number 2. His attack is gentle, childlike at first. He then appropriately ritards the note before the measure and begins the rubato portion with the same brand of attack, gradually strengthening it throughout. The girls slowly find themselves mesmerized. As he begins the restatement, one of the girls turns to a friend and whispers in her ear.
Girl {Nihongo}: “Da fuq? That’s the biggest pervert in school?” The other girl simply shrugs her shoulders, with her own expression of disbelief. Issei continues through to the end, and upon conclusion he simply sits contemplating the keys. Then he notices the applause from the lunching kids and stands up and bows. He walks away slowly as if contemplating something far from the thoughts of the audience members, and the girls are once again befuddled.
Girl {Nihongo}: “I don’t know that guy.”

The two madams sit, silently contemplating something or another, each as though the presence of the other is inconsequential. Suddenly, Akeno returns with Morrison in tow, and their heads snap up toward them. The old man carries a medium sized, dusty, cloth bound book in his hand, and upon release from Akeno’s mandala, turns toward Madame Setri, his eyes fixed upon the table before her, but his stare reflects a gravity she had not seen before. He shuffles toward the table, his gait unsteady almost to the point of vertiguity.
Setri: “Mr. Morrison.” Upon hearing her, his eyes snap toward her, as though he has been caught in some sort of felonious act of perversion. “Are you alright?” She quickly moves toward him as she sees his eyes welling up and his gaze become a despairing one. He remains silent for a moment and she turns suspiciously toward Akeno, who barely notices her, and who’s face reflects little more than the usual indifference. But before Setri can inquire of her, Morrison musters an answer.
Morrison: “Alright? Hardly. But I’m well. I mean…well…” Madame Grimory immediately steps to Akeno and grabs her by the arm.
Riess: “What happened down there?” Akeno seems befuddled by Grimory’s suspicion.
Akeno: “Nothing. I did what you asked. He went to the uppermost room of the house, then came back and sat down in the middle area for a time. He seemed to be reading something or another. Then he got up, and slowly came back outside, at which point, I brought him back here.”
Morrison: “Bi…Billy…” Setri gently beckons him to his seat.
Setri: “Mr. Morrison. What’s got you so upset?” He brings the book to the table and opens it. Madame Setri sits down next to him as he looks for a particular page.
Morrison: “It’s right there.” He hands her the book, with an almost reverent hand. She takes it, carefully as she notes the condition, then looks at the cover and blows off the dust. It reads: Mark Clay Morrison: Memoirs. She turns back to the page and reads. Slowly, her own eyes begin to reflect a sadness of their own. As she reads, Mortimer begins to search himself, patting down his pajamas in the places where, if he was normally dressed, he would have pockets.
Morrison: “I forgot.” He continues patting himself down. “I thought I brought it with me.”
Setri: “Brought what?”
Morrison: “A phone. I need a cellphone.” Setri hesitates just for a moment as she closes the book. She then hands him an I-phone. He reaches for it quickly but then becomes dismayed. “I…I don’t know how to use this kind.” Setri takes it from him gently, and smiles.
Setri: “It’s alright. What’s the number?” Morrison gives it to her and she dials it for him. Then hands it back.
Morrison: “Thank you.” Madame Grimory gives Setri a dirty look, as though Setri has committed a party foul of some sort. “Uh, Hello Lawrence? This is Harry Morrison. Yes, I’m aware of the time, but somethings come up and I need your help. Now, that land that my daddy acquired before he died. I need to know, if I was to transfer that land in a sale would I have to have 2 separate transfer orders and bills of sale, since there are 2 parcel numbers involved? I see. In that case I’m going to have to ask you to draw up 2 transfer orders and 2 bills of sale and have them ready and out here in the morning. Oh. The name one each one is William Mortimer. Yes. And the price is one dollar for each.” Now Madame Grimory gives Setri a look that is completely different. As if some reasonable explanation can be found in one of their faces. Setri continues to stare at the table in front of her with a sad visage. “Well, Lawrence. I know that if you feel that I’m unfit or lackin’ my wits you are obligated to act accordingly in the interest of the estate. But right now I need you to do this for me. Yes. Please have those documents out here at around 10:30 tomorrow. Oh, and Lawrence. There’s just one more thing. This may seem a little difficult. In fact, I expect it’s almost impossible, but I have to ask anyhow, just in case. Um….I need a mule.” Grimory slinks over to Setri and quietly inquires of her.
Riess: “I didn’t see you put anything on him. How’d you get him to…?”
Setri: “I didn’t do anything.” Grimory immediately turns her leer toward Akeno with what appears to be murderous intent. “No. She didn’t do anything either.”
Riess: “I don’t understand. What would lead him to do such a thing?” Setri opens the book to the appropriate page and hands it to Madame Grimory. “Let’s see. July 17, 1881: The breezes of providence can be pleasant rather than punitive. It seems the old nigger Mortimer has suddenly rendered the proper payment for my post-bellum losses at the hands of his yankee overlords. With swift seizure upon this opportunity, my holdings shall once again be whole and, most importantly, purified of the yankee stain that further infests our way of life every day.”
Morrison: “Oh. I see. Well, I’ve got some mechanical mules at the house. I could give him one or two. Look. I want to thank you Lawrence, and I’ll meet you in the morning.” He hands the phone back to Madame Setri and once again pats himself down. He reaches in to the pocket of his robe and finds some money. “This here’s two dollars. Make sure he has it on him. It’s the law. I can’t get around that. He has to be witnessed handin’ it to me. Otherwise it ain’t legal.” Setri looks up at him with a sad face.
Setri: “It’s alright Mr. Morrison. He has what he needs. But I have to, as a matter of the record, inform you that you’re legally under no obligation to do this.”
Morrison: “Oh, I know.”
Riess: “Well, with all due respect, what would lead you to simply let it all go like this?”
Morrison: “Billy Mortimer…has always been my right hand.” Setri and Grimory look at each other in a quizzical way, as though there is something in the documentation they’ve missed. “You see, I was a southpaw. I was always small for a QB. I had an excellent arm, but there were so many times when I just couldn’t see anything on the other side of the line. I’d just try and put the ball where the play said it should go. But I was throwing blind more often than not. But Billy had a way of being there every time. His hands were like…golden. Double, even triple coverage sometimes. He’d pull down the ball. We won the state twice. Both played division 1. But Billy had an NFL career. Injuries cut it short. When he come back, it was just like old times. There was no talk about life bein’ unfair or some player cutting his career short. He was just glad to be back home. Yeah, most people just see a drunk sittin’ at my bar, but me, all I see is glory. Now I find out that he’s got next to nothing while I’m sitting on his land? If it was my daddy’s intent to follow through with my great great grand daddy’s intent in stealing that land, well, he’s gonna’ find himself disappointed. There ain’t no way I’m gonna leave Billy with nothing. There’s just no chance of that.”
Setri: “Madame. I would petition your house that this man be returned to his bed, gently, and that above all else…he should sleep well. Very well.”
Riess: “Petition is granted without prejudice. Akeno. Did you get that?”
Akeno: “There’s nothing else.” Grimory responds matter of factly.
Riess: “No.”
Akeno: “Very well Mistress.” She steps away with Morrison.
Riess: “I’m going by the motel to check on Mortimer.”
Setri: “I’ll be along shortly. I’ve got to take care of this stuff.” Madame Grimory disappears and Setri slowly shifts the papers on the table.

James and Mortimer are cheering their teams as Madame Grimory enters the room. James stands up first and greets her before Mortimer notices. She sits down next to him and smiles warmly.
Mortimer: “Oh. Hey Miss Grimory.” He seems nervous but she quickly reassures him.
Riess: “Don’t worry. I’m still not hungry. What are you watching?”
James: “The NBA championship game three.”
Mortimer: “Yeah the Oakland boys are about to go up 3 zip.” She then watches Stephen Curry launch a three pointer as Madame Setri enters the room. No one seems to acknowledge her, as everyone is cheering. James finally acknowledges her, but keeps his eyes glued to the TV.
Riess: “Talk about a longshot.”
Mortimer: “Yeah somebody’s gotta go out there.”
James: “Trust me. There aren’t too many coaches that will give field goals at 55 percent per to take away a 33 percent shot. Not at this point in the game.” Setri looks at all three of them while standing on the side of the TV in a quizzical way.
Mortimer: “You let him steal the ball?!” Again Curry hits a long ball. “Oh man! Well that’ll do it!”
James: “Timeout. I don’t know what it does for them but…”
Riess: “Wait. He just made 2 in a row. How can that be a 33 percent shot?”
Mortimer: “Well, statistically, it’s a 33 percent shot, like he says. But these players are the best in the game, and sometimes guys get hot and get to rollin with it.”
James: “Oh yeah. I think Larry Bird made like 8 in a row back in the day.”
Mortimer: “Oh yeah! And in them days the line was further away.”
Riess: “Oh jeez. They cut to commercial.” Setri begins to show a touch of indignation at this point and turns off the TV. “Oh. Well…”
Mortimer: “Oh damn. What you doin’ girl?”
James: “Madame.” Setri turns to him with a stern look.
Setri: “Yes?”
James: “That’s the NBA championship.” He seems to plead somewhat.
Riess: “Hmmm. Game three.”
Setri: “Yes. And from what you said earlier, you already know the outcome. Right?”
Mortimer: “Well yeah but…”
Setri: “Mr. Mortimer, it is very important that you get some sleep at this point. Tomorrow morning you have an appointment that you want to be prepared for.”
Mortimer: “Okay, okay. Could you just turn on the TV please?”
James: “Yeah.” Again Setri finds herself rather put off by the response of her servant.
Setri: “Alright James, but I demand that someone in here answer a question first.”
James: “Gladly Madame.”
Setri: “Very well. Would you be so kind as to tell me what this thing is with you guys and sports?!”
James: “Umm…” He looks quizzically at Mortimer, then Grimory. “Excuse me?”
Riess: “I would think it was obvious. They’re both pretty good athletes.”
Setri: “So. If they weren’t athletic themselves, they would have little if any interest then?”
James: “No. I’d be interested for sure.”
Setri: “Yes, I believe you. I can see clearly that, even though you are once again in the process of making history as no one has, you’d rather concern yourself with the last 30 seconds of a basketball game!” Mortimer leans over to James’ ear.
Mortimer: “Is she sayin’ what I think she’s sayin’?”
James: “I don’t think she means it that way.”
Setri: “I meant it as I said it!”
Riess: “Setri!”
Setri: “What!?”
Mortimer: “Damn. I can’t call you nigga’ but she can say some shit like this?”
Setri: “What?”
James: “Well, Madame. What exactly do you mean when you say ‘you guys’?
Setri: “I mean…boys! Your mother tells you: Don’t play in the street, because you’re so small, and those cars are so big. They might not see you out there, and if something were to happen to you, it would just kill me. You see the look on her face and you hear the pleading in her voice, and you swear every time that you’ll never do something like that. But let there be some kind of contact sport going on out there, and you forget all that. You forget what season it is, what clothes you’re wearing. You forget you can pee standing up!” Suddenly the room becomes decidedly more relaxed, as all three give their answers as if in concert.
Mortimer: “Oh, yeah, yeah. That’s true.”
James: “That…yeah. I gotta admit.”
Riess: “But honey…I mean they’re kind of…built that way.” Setri is befuddled now.
Setri: “Ok. So why did you all dance around it before?”
Mortimer: “Well I thought you was tryin’ to say something else.”
James: “Right. It did kinda sound like…”
Riess: “Yeah.”
Setri: “Well what did you think I was asking?” Setri displays the look of a child, genuinely puzzled by the movement of a caterpillar.
Mortimer: “Oh. Nevermind.”
James: “It wasn’t important”
Mortimer: “Yeah. Don’t worry about it.”
James: “It was nothing.” She looks slightly perplexed, at Grimory, who simply shakes her head in agreement with the others and looks away. Setri then turns the TV back on to see that the game has ended and that post game analysis has commenced, much to the chagrin of the others in the room. Setri gives a consoling, albeit slightly sly smile.
Setri: “Sorry about that. Now Mr. Mortimer…” She hesitates, pretending to notice something in his hair for the first time. “Oh. Umm. You’ve got something there, let me just…” She quickly steps over to him and pretends to lift some kind of fuzz gently from his hair. “There.” Grimory gets up and gets a pillow as Mortimer quickly nods off. James gets a blanket and puts it on him.
James: “I guess he won’t be too upset about the end of the game.”
Riess: “It was a good game.”
Setri: “I’m confident all three of you will be well compensated.” She pulls a wad of cash out of her pocket. “James this is 25000 yen. Keep on it on you.”
James: “Um. Ok. You want me to pick you up something?”
Setri: “Yes. A receipt.”
James: “A receipt?”
Setri: “In about a half an hour you’re going to meet your probation officer. The officers fee shouldn’t be more than that. I need you to bring me back the unused portion along with a receipt.”
James: “Oh. Ok. But why do I have to…”
Setri: “It’s a local custom. The idea is that you are paying the officer for their time and management of your case. It is important that you remember to be polite. The person is a public official, no matter how lowly and bureaucratic the position.”
James: “Yes Madame.”
Setri: “And don’t spend the remainder. Never spend this money privately. If you need spending cash I’ll give you all that you can stand.”
James: “I don’t understand. I mean this looks like…money.”
Riess: “Oh yeah. It is….for a time.” James looks at Madame Grimory quizzically. “Then it disappears”
Setri: “These bills are set for about 2 weeks.”
James: “That’s counterfeit.”
Setri: “You could look at it that way. I would say it would be true if it was printed with disappearing ink on something other than currency stock. In this case none of that is true. What disappears here is the celluloid compounds in the paper and any alloys or organic fibers. The ink is as real as it gets.”
James: “But Madame. If you got it like that, as far as finances go, then why go through all this?” Setri hesitates a second or 2.
Setri: “It’s complicated.”
James: “But handing fake money to a probation officer is not?”
Riess: “Oh. Wait. Let me get a seat here.” She sits down on the arm of the sofa with a grin. Setri gives her a somewhat evil eye. “Hey this is entertaining as it gets. Don’t look at me like he’s my servant.”
Setri: “Alright. Fine. I might tell most minions to shut the fuck up and do as I say, but I have no problem…explaining the idea here. You must understand that in making this payment, I am agreeing to the idea that my house is…wanting in the way of honor. This is not to say that it lacks honor completely, but that it has taken on your reputed dishonor as a consequence of your residency. This reputation, having been acquired in a foreign land, and under what appear to be somewhat nefarious, but nonetheless legally acceptable conditions, I must now accept as a stain, however minor in effect, to the honor of my house. But I will never pay those fuckers, either in my country or your own, for the privilege of mitigating what amounts to an administrative fabrication against both you and my house. I’m willing to indulge their need to have some feeling of dominion over you, but only because that feeling is illusionary at best. In truth, you answer to me and no one else. And If you don’t understand anything about me, understand this: The civic and residential relationship of my house to the country of Japan can never be sullied in such ways. I will never stand for it! You can consider this an almost pathological need, culturally speaking, never to lose face in the eyes of my neighbors if you must. I will not apologize for it, but neither will I reward the state for it’s enterprise!”
James: “Ok. Ok. Please, calm down.” Setri catches her breath for a moment. “I mean is it really all that?”
Setri: “Yes! Yes. I know it makes me appear somewhat petty in your eyes, but around the world, for as long as human governments have existed, this has been a hallmark of theirs. They inflict the smallest of wounds in the lives and livelihoods of their people with needles, always with the promise of greater service to a nation. They leave the needle dripping, so slowly, but ever flowing nonetheless, and after a while they just rinse and repeat. They give it lofty names like insurance, welfare funding, infrastructural bonds, and after a few centuries of this, the people believe that it is their duty to bleed to death from a thousand cuts. They justify this with even loftier terms like prosperity, tradition, and national good will.”
Riess: “You know Setri, I agree with you in principle. I mean I’m Japanese too. But I couldn’t help noticing a striking similarity between the substance of your little diatribe here and the passage I just read in the book the old man dug up.” Setri stops cold upon hearing this, then snarls in her direction, eyes ablaze. “Oh come on honey. You have to admit, it’s got a…kind of confederate ring to it.”
James: “Confederate? What?” Setri angrily raises her hand and changes James attire into a school uniform.
Setri: “Just be sure to bring me whatever’s left and a receipt. My house has no quarrel with local vendors.”
James: “Of course Madame.” He disappears. Setri turns back to Madame Grimory with a look of concern, as though considering something she had missed.
Riess: “Madame?”
Setri: “I’m angry.”
Riess: “With me?”
Setri: “Sort of…well…yes.”
Riess: “Oh? Why so?”
Setri: “Because…you’re right.”

James walks into the probation office in town and sits in the waiting area. He is the only one wearing a school uniform. Out of one of the offices, a conservatively dressed, older woman emerges. She looks at a folder, then looks around the waiting area. She calls James name and he follows her into her office. She is immediately struck by his height and maturity and she opens his file to be sure he is 17. Their conversation proceeds in Japanese at this point.
P.O: “Hello. I’m Ms. Takianagi and I’ll be discharging your probation while you are here in our prefecture. Your’s is a rare case. A student visa was granted just before the adjudication of your case in the U.S., and the foreign ministry granted your country’s appeal for special consideration. This is quite rare.” (she turns the page) “If I may ask, it says here that you plead guilty to accessory to strong arm robbery.”
James: “Yes. This is true Miss.”
Ms. Takianagi: “Did you have trouble in school? Perhaps gang affiliations?”
James: “No Miss. Never.”
Ms. Takianagi: “Your record indicates this, and your grades as well. So how does a promising young student find himself at the mercy of a court?”
James: “I did nothing.”
Ms. Takianagi: “Interesting. For such a young man, you have given the same answer as some of the older, more recidivist parolees.” She smirks confidently, but not in too much of a condescending way. James chuckles as well.
James: “Forgive me. I should have been more clear. I did nothing. By this I mean, I failed to do something, where doing something might have served me more.” She eyes him somewhat suspiciously, then looks again at his file.
Ms. Takianagi: “You are saying you are innocent of wrongdoing? Then why plead guilty?”
James: “It is true that, at the time, I had no knowledge that the other guy was in the act of committing a crime, nor that he had intended to do so. However, I did benefit from the fact that he had done so after the fact, so I don’t think I could exactly call myself innocent either.” She listens intently to James’ explanation, then thinks momentarily.
Ms. Takianagi: “Now that is a very unusual explanation.” She closes the file. “Very well. We are left nonetheless with the resulting state of affairs. You are currently residing at a motel. You will be expected to acquire a more permanent residence within a reasonable time. This can be difficult for a foreigner. I know of some boarding houses close by. I will prepare a list for you when you come in next week if you still have not found anything. You are expected to get a job. I will waive this requirement in that you are still a high school student and a foreigner. I will ask that you keep your grades up. I think I understand what the judge may have been trying to do for you, and I must say this is a very creative approach to juvenile sentencing. Above all else you must be law abiding. If you are arrested for any reason it can result in your probation being revoked.If your address changes you must inform me immediately. Your payment to this office will be 15000 yen.” James pulls out 15000 yen.
James: “Thank you in advance. If it’s not too much to ask, I’ll need a receipt.”
Ms. Takianagi: “Of course.” She withdraws a receipt book and begins writing. “I must say. For a student who just arrived a week ago, your Japanese is very good.”
James: “Thank you Ma’am.”
Ms. Takianagi: “How did you learn?”
James: “Well. I learned some words in the states. But as soon as you get off the plane, everything is so much more real and necessary for everything. The country has a way of just…hitting you in the head with it…like…hard.” She smiles warmly as she hands him his receipt.
Ms. Takianagi: “Let me make a copy of your gaijin card and you can go.” He withdraws it and quickly hands it to her. “Remember to keep this on you at all times and present it when asked by police. You will be asked, probably more than most foreigners. Do not think of this as an insult.”
James: “Of course, Miss.”

On the roof of the school, Madame Setri sits eating her lunch against the wall of a service shack. Madame Grimory enters to see Madame Setri, who beckons her to sit down alongside her. Grimory sits back to back with her.
Riess: “So How’s the asphalt?”
Setri: “James and I are heading back to close out the Mortimer thing. You coming?”
Riess: “Sure. But I may have to leave midway through. House stuff…You know.”
Setri: “Of course.” Setri takes a bite of a sandwich. “So…I signed up for that lame fan club.”
Riess: “Really? Why?”
Setri: “For the entertainment. Why else?”
Riess: “Well hammer, try not to hurt em too much.”
Setri: “I think I’ll bring James along.”
Riess: “Subtle.”
Setri: “Well. Something tells me that the thrills of listening to a bunch of closeted teenage perverts may not entertain for the full hour.”
Riess: “And at the point that boredom sets in, who can resist the virtues of a permanently slamming door, or inciting a cat fight. Eh?”
Setri: “I think it might be good for James too. Once they realize how normal a kid he is, their fascination might deflate on it’s own.” Madame snickers in a ridiculing way.
Riess: “Now I’m amused. I mean, a fool is amusing on it’s own, but a twelve hundred year old fool is just not to be missed.”
Setri: “Oh. You would do it differently then?”
Riess: “Rhetorical, but I’ll answer anyway. James is adorable. The only reason they’re not crawling all over him now is because he hasn’t had reason to open his mouth very much. You’re talking about putting him in a room full of circus goers and asking him to be himself in the face of their questions, as though his answers should bring enlightenment and cause them to stop objectifying the beautiful creature which stands upright before them. I think you’ve once again vastly underestimated the hollowness of the average high school girl’s skull, and the capacity for fantasy that such 24 hour parking lots afford. No. You just want to hurry up and get to the cat fighting.”
Setri: “You’re overlooking something. James is a westerner. One of the hardest things to teach a westerner is the practical use of tattemai in conversation. This way he will be more able to see it’s virtues, rather than simply regard it as a device of deception and obscurity of intent as westerners are prone to do.”
Riess: “I see. You are hoping he can diffuse the situation in the right way, and recognize when a more honne approach would fail to do so. That might be a bit much to ask of any high school kid, even a Japanese one. But if this is truly your desire, as you say, then there is only one way to be sure it’s realized.”
Setri: “Oh?”
Riess: “Mmmm. You’ll have to forego the potential of the cat fight resulting, and offer proper guidance during any missteps on his part. In other words you’ll have to actually teach him rather than train or condition him.” This, Setri seems to ponder for a moment or two.
Setri: “Hnnh. You’re probably right. This is a good way to approach it. Thank you Madame.” Grimory is suddenly a tad put off.
Riess: “Wait. You’re actually considering doing this?”
Setri: “Sure. Why not.” Grimory now hesitates in her response.
Riess: “Look. I don’t intend to start counseling you as to how you should treat your servants. It’s just that….I mean…We’re devils. Teaching…Well that isn’t exactly our…forte.” Setri smiles at this.
Setri: “I know. But I’m going to have a go at it anyway.”
Riess: “Oh. Well, in that case, I would just ask that you remember this about good teaching.” Setri leers suspiciously at her now, but doesn’t turn around. “A teacher, who teaches well, is not invested in the student in the same way that a Madame is invested in a slave. The teacher looks for certain performance on the part of the student, that performance reflecting nothing more than the correct application of the information conveyed, and otherwise, the proper context in which the student chooses to apply it. The Mistress or master has a whole range of agendae when training a minion, but the only performance objectives which matter are the ones which will serve the master’s ends, whatever they may be. The idea of the minion having any kind of understanding, per se, is irrelevant.” Setri says nothing to this, and slowly returns her gaze to it’s original course.

Mr. Mortimer, James, and Madame Setri stand alongside a late model Honda sedan, which lies parked just off the roadway, on a fair weathered morning. Two small utility vehicles soon appear and park alongside them in the dirt. From one utility vehicle, a fully suited man in his forties emerges, carrying a folder. William Morrison exits the other, slowly, while Madame Grimory exits the rear seat of the sedan. Morrison approaches Billy with a warm smile and an extended hand. Billy takes it and pulls Morrison close to whisper in his ear.
Mortimer: “Listen Harry, I ain’t with all this talk about takin’ yo land.”
Morrison: “No,no,no. Now that’s not what’s happening here.”
Mortimer: “But they told me you gone’ transfer you property to me on the strength of some shit that went down way back in the day. Now, I ain’t playin’ along with this kinda shit.”
Morrison: “Listen now Billy. I ain’t no fool. And I know you wouldn’t be party to nothing funny, and ain’t never coveted my things. But I checked and checked again. Everything these ladies have claimed here is absolutely true.”
Mortimer: “Yeah? I don’t care. People come from way over there, you know they got to be up to something crooked.”
Morrison: “Yeah, they’re from way out yonder, but I can’t tell how happy I am that they came here. Billy, they’re not asking for nothing here. All they did was tell a god-awful story, and otherwise lay out their case. I thought it was bullshit too at first. But I was wrong, and if they hadn’t come like they did, I would have never known. Billy. We ain’t young no more. I can’t imagine going to my grave with this. Thinking I’m some kind of blessed soul looking over land that, not only isn’t mine, but my family stole from yours. Your Great, great granddaddy wasn’t no slave on our plantation. He was a union soldier, and otherwise a free U.S. citizen and a citizen of this state in good standing. Did you know that, for as long as he held this land, he never missed a tax payment, a mortgage payment? When he died he had no outstanding debts, and owned his land free and clear. He had every right to bequeath it to his family, a right that my Great, great granddaddy, plotted to take away. He committed high crimes against your family, as well as the state and federal governments to do so. Hell, when your great, great granddaddy owned this land it was lush, rich, bountiful. I’m ashamed I’m returning it to you like this. Look at it. Ain’t nothing grown here since your folks owned it. Now what kind of stewardship is that? But I promise you, I had no idea about this until now. I’m pretty sure if I had, I would have returned it to you right away. Well…” Morrison becomes somewhat deeply pensive….” at least…I think I would. Oh my.”
Mortimer: “What? What’s wrong?” Morrison expresses some concern as he looks out at the land.
Morrison: “Well. I’m thinking about what might have happened if I’d have found out about this way back when we was young men. Times have changed so much, and I wasn’t nearly as wise. I shudder to think that I could have easily made the wrong…choices. You and I have never been about such things as that old racist shit. But when I was young…well…certain things never occurred to me I guess.”
Mortimer: “Damn. So that shit really happened.”
Morrison: “Yes. There’s no doubt about it. This land is rightly and legally yours, and if you accept it from me in this way, you’ll be doing me a great service… It’s an honor, really…For me I mean.”
Mortimer: “Well, you know I didn’t come all the way out here with this sort of thing in mind…but…you put it that way…sure thing. Maybe we can put a little grill spot out here. You know, just for us on holidays.”
Morrison: “I could run a line out here so we can watch the game.”
Mortimer: “Now you throwin’ em! I gotta get the money together, but I can do it, you’ll see.” Morrison pulls Mortimer close to him.
Morrison: “Listen now. You see that crick over there. We used to fish that back in the day. Now, your Great great granddaddy was a very smart man. You see, your land includes that crick, and that means that this land comes with water rights. We’ve been selling water to the people all around here for decades. Now Your great, great granddaddy would pump water out of there, and he let others do it too. My great, great granddaddy was one of em. Your great, great granddaddy never charged anybody for it. Over the years, decades, we built all kinds of pipes, and on the other side of my property, that water feeds into a water tower. I’m going to turn over all that to you, the accounts as well. I’m gonna debit the billing account for 273,000 dollars for my families infrastructural improvements. But the rest? It’s all yours free and clear.”
Mortimer: “Now they got you giving away your money? Come on!”
Morrison: “No. I’m not giving away anything. I never had a legal right to collect it. This is your money. It always was. There’s about 3 and a half million left in there after that. So I don’t think you’re gonna’ have a problem with money.” They walk jovially toward a table that Grimory has brought from the car. Madame Setri has laid an ornate silk tapestry upon it in the way of a tablecloth. When Mortimer and Morrison approach the table, Morrison is immediately struck by it’s beauty.
Morrison: “Will you look at that. That’s gorgeous right there. Looks like it was…all done by hand.”
Riess: “You like it?”
Mortimer: “Yeah, it sure is pretty.”
Riess: “Well. Thank you gentlemen. I thought so too. Miss Setri and I are interlopers here, but the occasion struck me as rather historic, so I borrowed this from an abbot at one of the shrines in my country. This depicts the signing of an agreement of cessation of hostilities between two warring clans centuries ago, during feudal times. It was brokered by the little man in the middle there. These to men here were the heads of their houses and had been going at it for about 20 years or so. He was a priest at a local shrine which served the people in the lands of both clans.”
Morrison: “Really? He looks at it some more, and then looks apprehensively at his own hands. He then reaches into a bag in the bed of one of the utility vehicles and pulls a bottle of water from it. He begins to wash his hands.
Mortimer: “The little guy is holding a knife, while that guy there, wearing the armor seems to…crying.”
Riess: “Well, The priest is preparing to commit seppuku. You see, he had offered his life in exchange for the lord, who is signing there on the right, to simply come to the table and hear his proposal. The lord on the left asked that the priest be ordered not to commit seppuku, but the lord on the right insisted that he would sign the document, but only if the priest followed through with his promise upon completion of the agreement.”
Mortimer: “Well that’s, terrible. This guy is just an asshole.” Madame Grimory offers a humble smile to Mr. Mortimer.
Riess: “Yes. Well, one could easily come to that conclusion. But you might want to note that, during the time immediately prior to the signing of the agreement, The man on the right had sustained heavy losses at the hands of the man on the left. You know, in battle. The man on the right had attended the meeting with no intention of signing anything. But when he noticed the great regard that the man on the left had for the priest, he immediately offered to sign it, but only if the ordered seppuku proceeded. Upon signature by the man on the left, the priest promptly committed seppuku.” She notices a bit of sadness in Mortimer’s face at this point. “I should also point out that the two houses never again had occasion to take up arms against each other. In fact, during the time of the shogunate, the two houses were known to participate in a number of joint ventures on the shogun’s behalf.” Morrison walks up behind Mortimer with a bottle of water and gives it to him.
Morrison: “Here.”
Mortimer: “what’s this for?”
Morrison: “That table cloth is really nice, so I figured I’d wash my hands.”
Mortimer: “Oh. Sure is.” He steps back and washes his hands, while Morrison and his attorney lay various papers upon the table. James stands next to his Madame, who withdraws a smartphone from her pocket.
Setri: “James would you help with a selfie please?” James complies and they turn around, arm in arm, and Setri positions the phone.
James: “Well. Umm. you’ve cut half our faces off there.”
Setri: “I know but this is perfect.” James doesn’t notice that she has captured the three men at the table as they are signing papers. “See? I got the importance of the occasion I think. I mean, you’ve once again found yourself, at ground zero so to speak, of history in the making. I thought I’d capture it.”
James: “History?”
Setri: “Well, of course. I thought you’d notice it right off.” She zooms in the selfie to the table. “The white man is compensating the black man in the photo to the tune of exactly 40 acres and 1 mule.” James expresses pleasure at this notion. “And since the idea for this was yours…and…St. Leroy’s of course, I thought I’d get a little shot.”
James: “Cool.” James walks toward a field on the seaside of the road. As he does, Setri looks at him quizzically.
Setri: “Cool? You’ve gotta be kidding me.” She whispers this as she walks toward Mortimer, who is vigorously shaking hands with Morrison at this point. Her look is rather stern, in the way of a harbinger rather than good tidings’ herald. The two men embrace jovially, and Madame Grimory notes the seriousness upon Setri’s face as she approaches.
Riess: “Mr. Morrison. You know there is an interesting story to this cloth if you’re interested.”
Morrison: “Oh, of course Miss. I’ve always got time for a story from a beautiful lady like yourself. You know, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I think I might have dreamed about you last night.”
Riess: “Well, imagine that. Anyway, this depicts an agreement that was struck between two feuding lords back in the…really old days…” Mortimer is about to say something but stops short when Setri grabs his wrist and pulls him toward the tree.
Setri: “Come with me, Mr. Mortimer.”
Mortimer: “Sure.” He complies, but apprehensively so. He then notices the unchanging deliberation on her face and struggles somewhat. But before he can protest, she transports him to the base of the tree. “Oh. I see. Time to pay. Right?”
Setri: “In a sense you’re correct. I mean, I think you’re aware that nothing comes to one without loss on someone’s part.” She sees a kind of fearful realization come over him. “But I see you’re still fixating on my taste for souls. What I just said to you is not a declaration of ill intent. It’s not evil or nasty in any way. It’s just life. No. There is no payment per se. But there is a built in responsibility that comes with this land. It’s more like the risk of pregnancy that comes with recreational sex. It’s not enough that you merely hold on to this land, as a product of unnaturally great fortune, in what would otherwise be an ordinary, everyday transaction between two parties. As I told you earlier, there is a fourth party involved. This party isn’t concerned with the virtues and shortcomings of you or your soul. This party cares little about such things as morality or righteousness. This party is concerned for the state of this land, it’s vitality, it’s voice. This party is not simply granting you this gift out of generosity or whim, for it cannot be a mere boon for you to take pride in. The party in question, and my house as well, is relying upon you to heal this land. You see, the land you stand on, right now, is sick. The only concern of this fourth party, was remedy.”
Mortimer: “I,..I don’t quite understand how…”
Setri: “Well, we’re going to start with this excercise. It turns out that the single biggest asset that you can bring to bear in this undertaking is courage. So…I’m going to ask that you look at this tree, and regardless of what you happen to see, I want to ask that you find the courage to remain standing before it. If you do, You’ll understand.”
Mortimer: “Look at this tree. And that’s all you want?” Mortimer faces the tree defiantly
Setri: “No. In the event that your knees should give way while doing so, I want you to remember that I am standing here with you, and will not leave your side.” He stares intently at the tree for a bit as Setri looks away.
Mortimer: “Ok so, what am I looking for?”
Setri: “You’re not looking for anything really.” He turns momentarily in her direction. “You don’t have to solemnly stare at it. But If you happen to find yourself to be kind of…scared, just keep me in mind.”
Mortimer: “You said you wanted me to look at this tree.” As he speaks, St. Leroy suddenly appears once again. “I mean I don’t wanna miss….” He turns back to the tree momentarily and is shaking in his shoes. Upon beholding the hanging figure, he tries to take a step back but feels resistance in the small of his back. “What? What the…?” Setri squeezes his arm in her hand until his face turns back to her’s.
Setri: “Courage, Mr. Mortimer.”
Mortimer: “Who is this guy?” St Leroy’s eyes suddenly open, looking out upon the land. He then directs his gaze toward Mortimer, who finds himself suddenly terrified.
St.Leroy: “The ground beneath us whispers in jubilation. Your return here has been long awaited, sir.”
Mortimer: “Who are you, mister?”
St Leroy: “I am but a consequence of the many strange choices made upon this land. My name is not only unimportant, but is better discarded and forgotten, that it should never serve to remind us of such choices again. Your presence here, assures me that the noble madame was successful in her venture, and your upright stance tells me she was quite restrained in her efforts on my behalf. I will assume that you have chosen to embrace your birthright in coming here, and am quite elated accordingly. Please do not fear the charge that I must now place upon you, for it is a necessary one, to be sure. This land is diseased, it’s malady made all the more incurable by the presence of this tree. In order for the land to thrive once more in the way that it did in your great, great ancestors hands, this tree must be removed. It is appropriate, moreover, that this be done by the offspring of it’s original claimant. And so this land lays this task upon you, as a means of providing evidence of your stewardship, and as a condition of it’s renewal. I must once again impose upon the hospitality of the house of Setri and ask that it’s madame should provide you proper instruction for the removal of the cursed thing which keeps me here.”
Setri: “Gladly sir. I have great confidence in Mr. Mortimer’s diligence in this matter.” Mortimer looks in her direction.
Mortimer: “You do?”
Setri: “Of course.” Her smile is reassuring as she keeps her gaze fixed upon St. Leroy. Mortimer seems to take heart in this.
St. Leroy: “Then I will leave everything to you Madame. As for you, young man, I think any further answers to questions you may have can be found on the other side of this accursed tree. With this, I bid you adieu, and fortune in all things.” He disappears instantly. But just as instantly, a hanging figure now appears on the opposite side of the same tree limb. It’s back is to him, so Madame Setri gives Mortimer a slight tug and they walk around to the other side. He sees an old figure, head upright, eyes closed. Suddenly they open.
Hanging man: “You are familiar…to me.” Mortimer hesitates somewhat.
Mortimer: “I am William…sir.”
Hanging Man: “Is Annie Lee…doing well?
Mortimer: “Oh. Well, she passed some 50 years ago. But my understanding is she lived a good long time. Well into her 90’s, and well.”
Hanging Man: “Blessed be then.” he pauses shortly. “This land is our true friend…in this place…in which we must dwell. We hear only it’s demands…and we meet what ones we can. For a mere fraction of it’s desires,…it attends to all of ours. We frolic about…upon its face,…with no regard for it’s comfort. We wound it with our whims,…and it is forever scarred with our remedies. Our petulance…is it’s rallying cry,…and it bends it’s body to us…to comfort our fears…We remember not it’s name…as we pass through it’s embrace… yet, it dutifully records our passage,… as our teetering steps carry us across its fertile belly…unaware of it’s…pain. Be now…a loving child in her arms…that you might hear her song at night,…and feel her warm hand upon you…in the morning.” He disappears leaving Mortimer agape. Setri looks intently in Grimory’s direction, as if pondering something about her.
Mortimer: “Well….How…is that possible? I mean…” Setri is still looking at Grimory, who seems to be thoroughly entertaining Morrison at this point.
Setri: “This horrid manifestation is made possible by the continued existence of this tree, and the curse upon it.” She turns back to him. “Listen closely to me now. I want you to attach a harness to it and then attach the harness to a bulldozer. You will then pull it out with as much of the root intact as possible. Soak the tree in kerosene and set it ablaze. Pour kerosene in the hole and set that off as well. Then let both of them burn out at their own pace. Once the tree is reduced to a pile of ashes, scoop them up and place them in the hole. Then shovel the ashes into the hole and get some soil from the side of the creek over there Pour it in until you’ve got about a three foot mound. Let it settle for a few months. After this you should see a change in the land. Try to handle the tree and its limbs as little as possible during this possible.”
Mortimer: “Yeah. Ok. I’ll do that. First thing tomorrow.”
Setri: “Good. And finally. You must heed his words regarding the land on the other side of the creek. Whatever you decide to do here, that land must remain undisturbed. Just let it grow wild.”
Mortimer: “I promise. I won’t touch nothing over there.”
Setri: “Fine then. With that, I think it’s time Miss Grimory and I took our leave and returned home. Live well Mr. Mortimer.” She extends her hand to him.
Mortimer: “Wait.” He holds on to her hand. “You came all the way here from Japan? Why would you do all this for somebody…like me?”
Setri: Well, now. There were quite a few lives that passed through this parcel in the last 150 years or so. While that is certainly significant to anyone in this world, it means not nearly as much to me. That people should live and die upon this or any other land, is as ordinary as the air we breathe. But suffice it to say that when I took note of all the souls that changed hands so that you could have this land, such an enterprise struck me as worthy of the attention of my house.” Mortimer, upon considering her response is clearly moved.
Mortimer: “Oh. You come back in a few months. I’ll show you…what this land can do. You’ll see.” He then looks over at James shaking hands with Morrison as Grimory makes her way toward Setri. “Um. Ma’am. Just one last thing. Please…I mean, I have some things now. You know, money. What can I do so that young man can just…go his way. Just tell me. Please.” Setri looks upon him gently, warmly, as madame Grimory gives a ridiculing snicker.
Setri: “Well. Here’s something you can do. I want to look at my hand, and not take your eyes off it.” She raises her left hand before him and reveals a webbed, demonic, razor taloned claw. He cringes at the sight of it. “Don’t be afraid, just look at it.” Grimory gives a disapproving leer toward Setri, but Mortimer steadies his gaze and watches as her hand slowly fades away from view. Setri: “What do you see?”
Mortimer: “It…it’s gone.” She redirects her gaze toward his chest
Setri: “Now. Look at me Mr. Mortimer.” He looks up at her as she directs the stump of her arm into his chest slowly. He gasps suddenly, though not a gasp reflecting pain, as much as surprise. His eyes open wide and his gaze slowly rises, reflecting an undefined focus, as though staring far into the distance in search of something or another. Grimory’s leer changes in tandem, reflecting a deeply suspicious, almost fearful sensibility, as though she is being condemned by someone. Mortimers eyes exhibit an other worldly glow, made barely distinguishable by the shade of the tree. She slowly withdraws her hand and the glow fades from his eyes. “So, Mr. Mortimer. What did you see?” He is still somewhat far away at this point. “Mr. Mortimer?”
Mortimer: “I was in motion…But not running or nothing…and the world was moving with me. It touched me…and I could touch…all of it.”
Setri: “What you have just experienced is James’ abidance. This is what James feels as he abides in me. This is what it feels like for me as well.” Mortimer seems to ponder this.
Mortimer: “I see. Please take care of that boy. He will do anything…for you.”
Setri: “You have my word Mr. Mortimer.” She turns and walks away and Madame Grimory quickly says her farewell and follows. She quickly catches up to Setri, and stops her.
Riess: “Hey, hold it a moment.” Setri turns to her with a look that says she may have forgotten something. “What? You think you’re just going to mosey off into the sunset like the western heroes do?” Setri is now thoroughly befuddled.
Setri: “Hmm?”
Riess: “What? I was just supposed to casually ignore what you just did? Are you kidding me? I don’t think they even have a name for that. Now you just feel free to name your price, but you have to agree to teach me that, that…whatever that was.” Setri acknowledges Grimory’s assertion but says nothing as if searching for some kind of explanation herself. “Come on now. Was it a spell?”
Setri: “No. No, not at all.” Grimory expresses utmost surprise? “I simply attuned my hand to the same planar properties as the soul space, and of course, once it reached that frequency, it disappeared from this one.”
Riess: “Yes, but I saw you wrap your fingers around it and literally move it.”
Setri: “Um. No, that’s not exactly…”
Riess: “There was no alteration, no residual. You manually manipulated a soul. I mean, I can’t get my head around that. How did you get your focus on the soul to prevent injury to it?”
Setri: “I never focused on the soul.” To this, Grimory’s leer becomes once again suspicious, but in a hungry, almost greedy way. “I only focused on my hand.”
Riess: “What?”
Setri: “I had to work to keep the palmar surface soft, gel like. I had to work to keep it’s surface attuned, but non-adhesive, slippery at the same time.”
Riess: “But how could your hand wrap around it if you didn’t focus on it’s position.”
Setri: “I just gently moved my hand around until I felt it resisting. Then I slowly enveloped it.”
Riess: “What alteration did you really make? I mean, I couldn’t see one, but…”
Setri: “I never sought to change it, or add or remove anything.” I just wanted to……caress it.” Grimory is once again aghast. “All I can tell you is you want as soft a hand as possible. Otherwise, I was just…winging it.” Grimory let’s out a hiss as she scowls at Setri.
Riess: “Alright. I don’t know the meaning of most of what you’re talking about. Fine. But you will show me…teach… I have to know of this. You just name your price Setri.” Her look is almost desperate now.
Setri: “And I would be happy to tell you if I could be sure that I knew. I’ve already told you everything that I know.” Grimory now expresses a moment of infinite disappointment. She lets a growl slip from her grimacing lips.
Grimory: “Soft hands. I should have known it would be something like that. So unfair.” Setri wraps her arm around Grimory’s waist and they walk off into the afternoon sunshine.

Setri appears in her room before Saint Leroy. She finds a cloth and gently dusts off the photograph and frame. She looks pensively about the room for a moment, then back toward the portrait.
Setri: “It is…difficult. Your presence here I mean. I lack any kind of footing for reasonable discourse with you, yet I find myself strangely…wanting in this regard. This enterprise in your homeland, so strange to me. Remedy is not the hallmark of my house, and if left to me, The name Morrison would have no meaning as to the state of that land or any other. He would be a non…thing. His soul would be a study in pain. His memory, little more than the ash of time. But I am…at a loss for words here. How could you, a long dead and dis-incorporated thing have known… that this was the best…possible outcome. I mean it wasn’t simply a satisfactory result, or the better of two evils. To proceed in any other fashion would have results not nearly as…meaningful? How is this? You must understand that my manifestation in this realm is as a force catabolic in nature. I am a bringer of death, and it is through death that imbalances are compensated, wrongs righted, changes offset. Wherever humans summon me, this will be the agenda. But here, having not been summoned, in pursuit of little more than capricious enterprise, I have stumbled somehow. The result? Something of an anabolic, healing and constructive nature. How is this?” As she says this she turns back toward the picture frame to see that the photograph Saint Leroy is gone. In it’s place is a well known Portrait of Frederick Douglass, probably in his late thirties. She stares in wonderment for a few seconds. “I see….Did you know him? Were you friends? Did you ever have occasion to discuss things with him? Perhaps you read his work or, or heard him speak…” James walks in from the other side of the wall upon which St. Leroy hangs, and Madame Setri turns to greet him with a girlish, summery smile. James takes note of her gaze upon him and stops.
James: “Sona. Is everything alright?”
Setri: “Of course James. You’re home a little early.”
James: “Yeah, well. I haven’t selected a club activity yet, and I haven’t selected a p.e. extra activity either. I’m trying to avoid the team sports, you know. Right now I’m considering japanese archery, or kendo.”
Setri: “I see.” Again, she seems to beam at him.”
James: “Anyway, you seem to be having a good day.”
Setri: “Oh. Well, actually I was thinking the same thing about St. Leroy.” She beckons James to look at the image in the frame, and he quickly complies.
James: “Oh. Look at that. He changed the photograph. I like it.” James continues his march past Setri, on the way to change his clothes on the bed.
Setri: “Me too. Oh yeah…The prime of his life, his career. His presence. I mean, how many photographs can convey the voice of a subject?”
James: “Voice? I don’t really…” She looks at him and notices that he is expressing no interest whatsoever in the photograph, and is simply focused on his clothing.
Setri: “James. Come here for a second.” He pulls his shorts up and complies. She whispers in James ear at this point. “You know, he’s your sacred gear. I mean he doesn’t talk to me…per se. But one thing I’ve come to realize, since his…change, is that if he puts a picture there, it probably means something. And the fact that he chose this one, of all the portraits available of this guy, well…” She notices once again a kind of vacancy in James gaze, and becomes clearly concerned. “So I thought you could help me here.”
James: “Of course Sona. Just tell me.”
Setri: “Well, umm. You know, I’m Japanese James, I mean, I thought you could tell me something about this guy.”
James: “Oh, well. I think he was a guy that went around making speeches about stuff in the south, back in the day.” He notices Setri’s gaze move up slowly toward his own, as if searching for something. “You know, after blacks were freed, uh, during this period they call reconstruction.” Her look becomes clearly more sullen now, as if she is suppressing outrage.
Setri: “Reconstruction?”
James: “Yeah. You know. After the civil war. The south was kind of tore up, so they had to rebuild…you know. Anyway, people liked his speeches a lot.”
Setri: “Really? Well, what kind of things did he talk about?”
James: “Well, I can’t tell you, like, any specific one. But it was probably stuff having to do with voting rights, jobs, you know. Stuff that was important back then.”
Setri: “Ok. I tell you what, your probably busy with something around the house, or homework, or something like that, so you just tell me the guy’s name, and I’ll just look him up myself. Ok?”
James: “Oh, um. Damn.” He goes to the bed and picks up his cellphone. “Let me see.” She puts her hand over the phone, and gives him an expectant look. “Well, I don’t remember right off. I mean it was so long ago. I’ll just take a picture of the pic…”
Setri: “Come on honey. Think now. What’s his name?” James tries to remember but can’t.
James: “I know.” He turns toward the bookshelves in the corner of the room. “His picture’s in all sorts of books. I’ll bet I can…”
Setri: “Don’t you fucking move!!” He is startled at her sudden mood swing.
James: “Sona. Why are you getting…”
Setri: “Shut up! Now you give me the name that goes with that face.” Her look is one that expresses anger as she searches his eyes frantically now. As she listens to his response, the anger slowly gives way to a kind of dismay. It seems to settle down after a bit into a kind of rage, which, she clearly strains to suppress.”
James: “Look. I don’t know. I mean there were a lot of guys doing the same stuff back then. Who remembers all that stuff?”
Setri: “Okay…Okay. Just…don’t move. Don’t do anything.” She takes his cellphone from him. “Just stay right there.” She puts the cellphone on the bed. “I’m going to just…step outside for a minute.” She opens the door to the bedroom. “You just wait there, where you are, till I get back. Okay?”
James: “Sure. Fine.” Setri is, at this point, straining to keep something or another in check as far as James can see, and she manages to slide her taut body out of the door quietly. Once on the other side, she stares blankly out into the dark staircase for a moment. Then her eyes blaze, and her mouth opens, releasing an otherworldly scream that echoes throughout the house.

Madame Grimory sits in class during a lecture on world history, staring out the window as though preoccupied. Suddenly, she acknowledges a scream echoing from a direction on the other side of the class. She immediately gets up and heads out of class.
Teacher: “Miss Grimory. Class is still…”
Riess: “Sorry, I have to use the toilet.” She doesn’t bother to hear the teacher’s response.

Madame Setri catches her breath on the stairs leading to her bedroom. She finds herself standing before all of her minions, minus James, who are armed and ready for combat. They are looking around in the staircase for an adversary which is clearly not there. Setri quickly gathers herself and attempts to allay the fears of her minions.
Setri: “Forgive me everyone. There’s no…problem. I was just blowing off a little…steam.” She notices Max hiding behind Big Tilda’s leg, but holding his toy robot aloft in a sort of defensive way. “Max?” He hesitates to expose his head to her at this point.
Max: “Umm…Yes Madame?”
Setri: “It’s Ok honey. Come on out. I’m not upset…it’s really Ok.” He peers out at her from behind Tilda. “Max is your computer connected?”
Max: “Yes. Do you want me to turn it off?”
Setri: “No. I’d like you to look up something for me.”
Max: “Umm…OK.” The doorbell rings and Jin Yi steps quietly away as Setri continues talking.”
Setri: “I’d like you to print out the high school class record of one James Hicks, from the period of 2015-2017. The city is Houston. The state is Texas. In the U.S.A. Can you do that for me?” Max quickly nods to the affirmative and hurries away. As she is about to re-enter the bedroom, Jin Yi appears behind her.
Jin Yi: “Madame. Madame Grimory is at the door.”
Setri: “Now? What the hell does that hag want?” Jin Yi shrinks away from Setri.
Jin Yi: “I can send her away if it is…”
Setri: “No. I’ll see her. Let her in.” Setri comes down in a kimono, and waits at the foot of the stairs. Madame Grimory looks about at all the minions and seems to notice the ‘hear no evil, see no evil attitude on their parts. Setri’s nonchalant gaze makes clear that she is otherwise busy and in no mood for chit chat. “Madame Grimory. It’s always a pleasure.”
Riess: “Madame Setri. Quite a…mood you’ve got going here.”
Setri: “What is it my house can do for you Riess?” Madame Grimory notices her indifference and steps quickly next to Setri’s right ear to give her response.
Riess: “You’ll excuse the intrusion Madame, but I thought you might be in need of something of me. I mean, since I could hear your ass all the way in my classroom.”
Setri: “Fine. Upstairs.” She turns and heads up. “Come on. You don’t want to miss this.” Madame Grimory leers at her quizzically and follows. They arrive to find James standing in the center of the bedroom.
Setri: “This.” Grimory notices the photograph and is elated.
Riess: “Oh my. Look at that. He must have got a kick out of how things worked out in Mississippi. That has to be from the mid 60’s. What a time for him.”
Setri: “Uh huh. Now for the punchline.” Grimory turns to her. “Ask James who that is.” Grimory Is thoroughly aghast at the notion.
Riess: “Oh come on. Of course he does. There’s no way that…” She suddenly stops her giggling when she notices the same indifferent gaze she had seen earlier. “You can’t be serious.” Again she notices Setri’s complete lack of humor, and turns awkwardly to James. “Umm. James I’m sure that she’s just…upset…for some reason or another. But I was wondering…about this photograph…”
James: “As I was explaining to my Madame earlier, I know that he was a famous…like…speaker back in the…1800’s. But I don’t remember his name.”
Grimory takes a step back toward Setri as she now looks upon James as though looking for some sort of parasite or eldritch effect that has been laid on him from without.
Riess: “He’s kidding, right?”
Setri: “I really hope so.”
James: “Oh come on. There were a lot of people throughout history that did pretty much…the same thing.” There’s a knock at the door and Setri goes to answer. “You can’t possibly expect that I should know the difference between all these guys…way back then. I mean, it was a long time ago.” Setri thanks Max for the print out. She begins reading it as she returns alongside Grimory.
Riess: “You know, that random enchantment thing…well there me be some other random effects…involving his brain, maybe…”
James: “What?!”
Setri: “He’s fine.” She looks up at James quizzically. “James. It says here that you took Afro American history for 2 semesters, and received grades of B and A respectively.” Riess’ head snaps toward the paper.
James: “Umm…Okay.” Setri is aghast.
Setri: “Okay? No, no. How do you not know this guy’s name?”
Riess: “Yeah. That’s just not possible.”
James: “Let me see that.” Setri hands him the paper. He peruses it and sees his his salvation. “Oh. It’s right there. This is fifth period.” Setri and Grimory give him a quizzical look. “Fifth and sixth period. You don’t go to those classes. You practice. You run drills. You go to away games. You prepare the gym for home games. You know…” Setri and Grimory look at each other with just a touch of consternation.
Riess: “I can’t…I mean…” She looks up at the photo again. “This is just…” Setri looks at James with a gaze that says she’s about to curse him, while Grimory is still trying to wrap her head around what he has just told her.
James: “Well it’s right there. Come on. why are you guys looking at me like that?”
Setri: “James. I’m not going to be…mad…umm. But this shit stops right here!”
James: “Madame. What shit? I mean, it’s just the way…”
Setri: “This idea,” Her eyes flare up now. “that you can sit here in my house with a lack of anything even remotely resembling…consciousness!”
James: “What?..? She covers James’ mouth with her hand.
Setri: “The U.S. might be content with your level of scholastic achievement up to this point, but I am…” She works to control her emotional investment. “…not. You will not walk around this house like an automaton. If I wanted that I would have contracted a rat. You have no idea what those people have done to you in the name of…athletic promotion, but dammit you will! You will know the meaning of that man and what his passage through life has done for every black man or woman who ever had the misfortune of being brought to that shit hole!”
James: “Madame. Come on!”
Riess: “My goodness. This is really…happening.”
Setri: “On the shelf behind you, I would like for you to find a book called Frederick Douglass: Essays, Speeches, Writings, Letters.
James: “Frederick Douglass. That’s it. Frederick Doug…”
Setri: “Shut your mouth!!” James finds himself somewhat shaken by a fury he has never seen in his madame. “You have yet to earn the right to say his name!”
James: “Okay.” He complies with her request for the book.
Riess: “Oh, and James. While you,re over there. I thought you might look for a biography, an autobiography, any book which refers to his life and times. Umm, with your madame’s permission, of course.”
Setri: “Granted.”
James: “Honestly, it’s not all that silly that I should forget that.”
Setri: “Really?”
James: “It’s rather reasonable actually.” Setri bristles at the idea immediately, so Madame Grimory attempts to diffuse the situation.
Grimory: “Reasonable? How so?”
James: “Well, the name itself. It’s got to be one of the most common in the country. I mean there has to be a couple million Fred Douglasses at least. Now if the guy had a name like Romaine, Lavelle, DeShaun, well who can forget that?” Setri now moves toward him, eyes once again ablaze, slowly raising her hands as though seeking to choke the life out of him. Grimory grabs her, and beckons her back out the door as gently as possible. She raises her index finger as if to say that they’ll be right back. “What?!”