One Night in Osaka

"Thank you, mother. It's just... I made a mistake, but so did he, and he wouldn't stop yelling, and then neither could I. I'm an idiot."

"So there is a boy in all this. If this 'he' hurt you, you know that I will scour this city to find him, love. You *know* that."

"No, it's... it's not like that. But thank you. At least all you'd do is search him out and demand an apology. Papa would likely burn down half of Osaka, if he were here." Alessia chuckled, feeling warmer at the thought of her father.

"...Well, yes. There's that." Penelope Devonshire's voice paused. "Alessia? I'm heading to the elevator now. What would help most? Do you want to tell me more about this boy? Do you want to talk about something else?" Another brief pause, and her mother's voice regained a small bit of its usual smile. "If you like, I could tell you all about how to use these wonderful water-jets on the toilets, a wonderful experience that will change your life."

Alessia let out a loud laugh at that. "Oddly enough, I think I would like that very much, Mother. Do go on. I love you too."

***

FINAL CHAPTER: DONOVAN -- THESE ARE THE DAYS IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS

With a shudder, Donovan was immediately awake. The sun was shining through his open blinds, and half-remembered fragments of a dream fizzled at the edges of his thoughts. He sat up, wiping dried grit from his eyes, and tried to pull his mind together. The dream had definitely been about *her*, he remembered that much. One moment they were replaying their passionate embrace in the alleyway, the next she had thrown him half a mile straight up into a sunlit sky with those red magic strings of hers, where he'd gotten rammed in mid-air by a flying car straight out of some old cartoon. He vaguely remembered the car yelling at him for scuffing its custom paintjob, just before he woke up.

His arms went wide as he indulged a full-body yawn and stretch — and then he froze. He reached for his left shoulder with his right hand... there was no pain, not even a cramp. No matter how he moved or stretched that arm, everything felt completely normal. Alessia's spell had indeed healed his dislocated shoulder overnight, as if the injury had never happened at all.

Half an hour and one hot shower later, he was downstairs in the hotel's breakfast cafe, sipping at a glass of acerola juice and picking at a fruit salad, his smartphone in front of him. So far, his online searches for information about the "Mage Community", as Alessia had called it, had produced nothing. Any searches for "Lady Ebisu" likewise came up empty, finding nothing but stock photos of various women standing on Ebisu Bridge. Either this community kept things very secret, or he wasn't asking the right questions.

He'd deliberately picked a table that nearly every other diner would pass after getting their food from the buffet, and checked the photo on his phone of the "illuminate" sigil he'd drawn on a napkin the previous night. Tracing its shape on his screen, he created a small mage-light to orbit over his plate, set to shift colors every few seconds. He watched people pass him by, checking to see if any of them glanced at his little glimmering spell, which would be invisible to anyone but a fellow Mage or a Sensitive. No one appeared to notice it.

Switching gears, Donovan set Resonance-related thoughts aside, and pulled up his games menu on his phone. Tapping the icon for "MageTower", an old favorite, he chuckled at the strangeness of it — in one evening, he'd gone from pretending to be a spellcaster in various fantasy games, to learning that such powers were all too real. The app greeted him with a message saying that the game had been updated for bug-fixes and gameplay tweaks, and would need a few minutes to download and apply the patch. Checking the game's website, he was glad to see that none of the cards he used in that game's imaginary "deck" had been changed. There'd been times when many people's battle-tested strategies had to be completely thrown out, because the game developers decided that one or two cards had been made too powerful, and removed or heavily altered said cards. He activated the download, and took another sip from his glass.

Looking down at his drink, he pulled up his voice-recording app, quietly whispering into his device's microphone. "Look up 'Acerola' juice when you get home. Lightly sweet, like a cross between an apple and a cherry. Not tart at all."

He took another appreciative taste, and then set it aside to pick up a cup of dark-brothed soup he'd acquired. "Chef said that this was a local traditional breakfast dish, 'NikuSui', which literally translates to 'meat water'," he whispered into the phone. Despite the simple name, the smell coming off it was delicious. Paper-thin strips of beef, small cubes of tofu, scallions, and unless his nose had completely malfunctioned... sugar? He brought the cup to his lips, tasted... and sat back in shock as he tapped the record icon again. "Major discovery. A beef broth that is not only shockingly light, but also just a hint of sweetness to it as well, and it *works*. Wish I'd known about this years ago."

He looked up to see a man in his early thirties standing there, wearing a nicely professional suit bearing the logo of the hotel on the chest pocket, clearly a manager of some sort. "Sir, I noticed that you seemed to enjoy the soup a great deal. Would you like my staff to bring you another bowl?"

Donovan dipped his head in a quick bow, wondering if the use of his phone had made him look like a professional food critic, in order to warrant such attention. "That would be lovely, yes — but would it be at all possible to get the recipe for this soup?" Donovan gestured to the cup in his hand, a large smile on his face. "I've never had NikuSui before, and I'd like to learn how to make it for myself, after I return home."

"I'll be glad to inquire with the kitchen, thank you sir."

When a waiter brought by the promised bowl and a printout of the recipe a couple of minutes later, Donovan allowed himself a smile, giving silent thanks for the translation gift that Lady Ebisu had granted him. It certainly made things easier.

You're quite welcome, Mister Donovan.

Donovan nearly dropped his fresh bowl in surprise, and focused his thoughts in response. Lady Ebisu? My apologies, I didn't mean to call or disturb you.

It's not a disturbance, but if you didn't intend to call out to me, it sounds as if your mind is somewhat unfocused. Does this have anything to do with the rather powerful array of spells I sensed Alessia firing off last night while she was still in Dotonbori? Lashing out with enough brute force to knock out an ox, and then several hurried healing spells after. Very curious, that. It had several other nearby spirits and Mages I know all a-flutter with curiosity.

He rubbed at his eyes, covering his building stomach cramp with another taste of the amazing NikuSui. You could say that, he replied. We were accosted, and she accidentally shot me while defending us. I was a paranoid idiot about it, but she healed my injuries anyway. What should've been a wonderful evening ended on a very, very, bitter note, I'm afraid.

He could feel the warmth of Lady Ebisu's concern for him through their link, almost like a sort of remote hug. I'm very sorry it didn't work out, I know you two were quite charmed by each other from the moment you first met. Would you like me to speak to her about it, apologize on your behalf, perhaps?

Donovan shook his head, before remembering that the powerful spirit wasn't there in person to see such gestures. No, I need to do this. It wouldn't be right otherwise. But thank you for offering.

"You're welcome again, young man."

Turning in surprise, Donovan saw that Lady Ebisu was sitting right next to him, and he nearly dropped his soup again. "My apologies for startling you, Mister Donovan. I thought it best to see you in person for this." She gestured around. "While you travel through this island that is my home, I can be by your side in an instant, if I so choose, so long as there is water nearby for me to swim through." She playfully tapped the rim of the glass of water on his table. "Such is our connection through our Pact."

Glancing around, Donovan lowered his voice. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

The diminutive spirit snorted in amusement. "Please, Mister Donovan. None of that formal silliness. We are friends, and as your friend, I wanted to make sure you were alright." Her eyes took on a glow, much as they had last night. "And I wanted to see things with my own eyes." Her gaze dimmed, and she patted his shoulder. Yes, I think I understand what happened now. Both in the wrong, both in the right — but nothing that two patient mortals can't fix for themselves."

"Not that I'll ever see her again. But I'll do what I can." Lady Ebisu gave him a small shrug, and he continued. "I could use your advice on something else, though. I have nothing planned for today, and I have no idea how to spend my time. I'm open to suggestions, especially something to take my mind off last night."

"To quiet one's mind, there are few better things than a walk through a Japanese garden. I'm led to understand that people can ask their devices for directions on where to go to find things," she said as she pointed to his smartphone. "So ask it for a garden. There are several to be found near here."

Donovan took another long sip from his soup. "Thank you. Lady Ebisu... I have one more question, if I may."

"Ask, please."

He set down the cup, and scratched at his chin. "You saw into my past just now. So you know what happened last night. ALL of it."

She shrugged without apology. "I do. But that's not a question. You want me to tell you what you did wrong." He turned in his seat to face her, but she held up a hand before he could speak. "That's not for me to answer. If you don't find that for yourself, you won't have learned the lesson. BUT. I will give you a hint." She smiled, and grabbed a piece of pineapple from his plate, taking a moment to chew it before continuing.

"Mister Donovan, let me tell you a story, of two warlords of Ancient China, Zhuge Liang, and Sima Yi. This was during the War of the Three Kingdoms, nearly two thousand years ago."

"The two were equally brilliant, crafty, clever, and served their respective kingdoms well as chief strategists. But at one point in the war, Sima Yi held the advantage, and had Zhuge Liang pinned down at Xicheng. If Zhuge Liang tried to charge, his vastly outnumbered army would be killed where they stood. If he tried to retreat, they would be overrun. But he remained clever and controlled.... and threw open the gates to his fortress, while his tiny army gathered their supplies and prepared to make a run for it, hiding as best they could."

"But Zhuge Liang himself did not hide. He sat at his pavilion, gently strumming at his zither while servants quietly swept the floor around him. When Sima Yi and his massive army rode into the fortress to see this strange sight, his hated rival sitting unconcerned in the face of annihilation, Sima Yi became seized with worry. 'TURN BACK! RETREAT!', he shouted to his men! 'IT IS ANOTHER CUNNING TRICK BY ZHUGE LIANG! SURELY, HE HAS SOME DASTARDLY PLAN THAT WILL DESTROY US ALL SHOULD WE ADVANCE FORWARD!'"

Lady Ebisu plucked a slice of honeydew melon next, gesturing with it as she continued. "And so Sima Yi withdrew far back and waited, biding his time to see what new master plan Zhuge Liang had prepared. But when nothing happened for many hours, Sima Yi sent scouts back into the fortress of XiCheng, where they found... nothing. The instant that Sima Yi had drawn back, Zhuge Liang and his few remaining men beat a hasty retreat in the confusion, and had made it to safety and the bosom of their larger armies by the time Sima Yi had realized what had happened."

"If Sima Yi had trusted his senses and intellect, rather than given in to his fears regarding Zhuge Liang's reputation and past accomplishments, he could have destroyed Liang utterly that day. His rival truly was exposed, undefended, and would have died instantly, had Sima Yi given a simple order to attack. But instead, Zhuge Liang held strong in his heart, and in doing so, prevailed."

She bit into the melon, and chewed it with great satisfaction for a few moments. "I'm not being too oblique, I hope?"

Donovan sat quietly, turning her words over and around in his thoughts, as if inspecting a freshly made ceramic plate. He looked back to the glowing spirit, his chin resting on his palm as he leaned against the table. "I can't decide if there's layers upon layers of meaning to unravel here, or some clear and simple truth that answers everything. Which is it?"

Lady Ebisu grinned. "And that is exactly the question that Sima Yi faced, inside that empty fort, as he gazed upon Zhuge Liang. He had to answer that for himself... and so do you." She gobbled down the last of the melon, and took a moment to savor it before continuing. "But while you ponder that, let me impart one other lesson to you." She gestured to the dining room. "You're not the only one here who feels ill at ease, Mister Donovan. Everyone in this room, in this city, in this world, including me... all struggle with old wounds. No one is ever truly whole, not even one who's been around for centuries as I have. Age and experience brings some wisdom, certainly, but not perfection. Never perfection. So fight your battles where you can, Mister Donovan. Push forward to what feels right, and just. You're not broken, young man. You're just... alive." She gestured to the restaurant's large window, where the sun was shining down on a beautiful morning. "So live, and do as best you can with the time you have. That's the most important thing." She patted the back of his hand. "You'll do fine, I have a very good feeling about you." Donovan blinked, and suddenly she wasn't there anymore, his glass of water rippling on the table in front of him.

Thank you, and until next time, he sent her way. He picked up his phone, and began a new search.

Several hours later, Donovan was walking briskly towards his hotel room, having just returned from the nearby "Goku Raku Jodo" gardens. Lady Ebisu had been right -- a short walk through the array of beautiful scenery, especially one area full of swaying lotus blossoms, had done him some real good. The aches of last night's events were finally fading, and he was ready to get on with his vacation, when his phone rang. Slipping a headset over one ear, Donovan rushed into his room, moving with purpose. "This is Donovan..."

"Hey, big bro! I'm just getting stuff together for my next semester, and I thought I'd, ah, check in, see how Japan's treating you so far."

Donovan smiled as he quickly gathered up his toiletries from the bathroom. "Hey, Felix. I can only talk a minute; lost track of time, and the tour bus will be arriving downstairs pretty soon. What's up?" Taking one quick look around, he grabbed the toothbrush he'd almost missed, and walked back to where his suitcase sat on the bed.

His younger brother's voice hesitated. "Well... um. Looking forward to the tour?"

Donovan's eyebrow rose as he grabbed the clothes scattered around the room, stuffing them in the suitcase as well. "Well, YEAH. All expenses paid, three weeks across Japan? I still can't believe you got the parents to cough up for that."

"They owed you. More than you know. Guilt tripping them for you was the least I could do."

Donovan checked the nightstand, just in case. "Well, I appreciate it. You've always had my back, and I won't ever forget that." He bent down to zip up the suitcase.

"Look, Donovan... there's no way to sugar-coat this. Did, ah... did something happen to you a few hours ago?"

Donovan stood up, and saw his brow furrowing in his reflection on the hotel-wall mirror. "You could say that. Define 'something'."

Felix took a deep breath. "You finally claimed your birthright, and thank goodness for that. A mutual friend at Ebisu bridge filled me in."

"WHAT THE HELL? Felix, are you talking about Lady Ebisu? Are..." Donovan felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. "Are you a mage, Felix?"

"Fuck, this was not how I was expecting this would go. Short answer: yes, I am. So are the parents. Long answer: I didn't know if you were actually latent or just a complete mundane zero, and I WASN'T ALLOWED TO TELL YOU ANYTHING. Trust me, I would have if I could have, but now that you're activated, those old oaths -- under duress, I assure you -- don't mean a damn thing anymore. Look, I have to go, and so do you, but for god's sake, do NOT talk to our parents until you and I have had a chance to talk later, okay? Please promise me, Donovan. Please trust me."

Donovan sat down hard on the edge of the bed, blinking in confusion. "...You're just about the only person back home I *do* trust, Felix. But I don't know what the hell is going on anymore, and you've got a lot of explaining to do. Call me back soon, okay?"

"I promise. I just need to get out of the house, call in some favors I've been stockpiling, and get somewhere... safer. Quieter. We'll talk more TODAY, I swear. I have to run." His younger brother's voice cut off abruptly, and Donovan numbly dropped the phone's headset into a pocket of his shoulder bag.

"What. The. FUCK." Gathering everything up, Donovan towed his suitcase behind him and slipped on his shoulder bag as he made his way back downstairs and checked out at the front desk. Just as he finished that process, he saw a tour bus with a logo just like the one in his paperwork pull up outside the front door, and he headed for it like a magnet.

The tour guide, a friendly man who identified himself as "Kawasaki", helped Donovan stow his suitcase underneath the bus, and explained that everyone else on the tour had already been picked up from other nearby hotels. "I need to make some arrangements with this hotel and then call my boss, so why don't you climb onboard and meet the rest of the tour? I'll be back in just a few."

Donovan nodded, only half paying attention, and climbed inside. He looked up... and sitting in the front row of the bus was a Japanese man with distinguished middle-aged features, wearing a light t-shirt and shorts -- a far cry from the elaborate bellhop garb he'd been wearing just last night. It was Shibata. Donovan blinked his eyes, but nothing changed -- it was definitely him. Why was the bellhop in this bus acting like a tourist?

Shibata stood up, and grabbed Donovan's hand in a companionable grip. "Hey, you must be our last compadre! My name's Charlie Tanaka, here to get back in touch with my roots, all the way from Oakland!" Donovan felt something be pressed into his hand -- he glanced down at it, and it was a note that simply read, "WE NEED TO TALK IN PRIVATE LATER".

"And let me introduce you to my daughter, Megan!"

Donovan looked up -- and sitting right next to 'Charlie' was a pretty Japanese woman with a short utilitarian haircut, who just last night had made Donovan a bowl of 'koi-koi ramen', with extra pork and one free extra dumpling. Megumi gave Donovan a shy wave. "Nice to meet you! Kawasaki said we'd be going to Osaka Castle from here, I heard it's really special!" Unlike last night, her English was now completely flawless.

Donovan grabbed at one of the other nearby chairs for support, feeling more than a little dizzy. "Uh, yeah. Pleased to meet you both as well." He gave them both a hard look. "It's always nice to meet... new people." He glanced down again at the note he'd been handed, and managed to give Shibata a slow nod.

Donovan's head shot up as he suddenly felt a sigil being cast, only a few feet. "WHAT THE HELL ARE *YOU* DOING HERE?" It was her voice, echoing in his ears through a Whisper spell. A voice he never expected to hear again. His eyes focused down the aisle, where he'd felt the sigil being cast -- and there she stood at the back of the bus. Daphne Alessia Astin Devonshire, clad in a thin white blouse and staring at him with mouth agape. As beautiful as ever, even with the look of utter shock on her face.