Three Square Meals Ch. 082

"Well don't work yourself too hard," John said with concern, to the slightly-less energetic than normal sprite. "It's important we get the ship upgraded, but we don't have that strict a deadline; you can take your time programming the maintenance bots. As you say, it's a very important job and I wouldn't want you to make any mistakes by rushing into it."

Faye looked terribly conflicted and she nodded slowly as she replied, "You're right. I can't afford to make any mistakes..."

John smiled at her, reaching out to follow the curve of her holographic cheek with his finger. "Cheer up, beautiful! I'm sure Irillith would love to assist you, so just ask if you need her. You know you can always count on us to help."

"I do, you're all such wonderful people..." Faye agreed, a slightly off-sounding note in her reply.

He stopped walking for a moment and studied the purple girl. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong, honey? You don't seem your usual upbeat self. Please let me know if you want to talk about anything."

Faye paused for a second, then replied brightly, "I'll be okay, I'm just trying to find the best solution to a complex problem!"

He nodded and gave her a sympathetic smile. "Well just find me if you want to talk about anything and please ask Irillith for help if you're stuck. She'd love to help you."

"Alright, will do!" Faye replied, then gave him a cheery wave and blinked out in flash of light.

John waved at the cameras, then walked through the door into the Training Dojo's equipping room.

***

"You're going to make him suspicious!" Faye Denary blurted out, ten more anxious purple faces nodding their agreement.

"I can't help it!" Faye Primary sobbed, slumping in defeat. "It's so hard being around them. I just want to cry all the time!"

The rest of her eleven avatars shared worried glances as they stood on the central platform in the Invictus' digital network. Bright streams of data flew overhead into glowing neon servers, the flash of colour illuminating identical looks of concern on the sprites' purple faces.

Faye Denary placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder and said, "We've been over all this. We decided it was the only way we could help them. It's the best way to keep them safe."

Faye Primary nodded dejectedly, her luminous eyes welling up. "I know all that and I agree! I just need to keep a low profile until it's time, I can't be around him!"

Her other eleven avatars crowded around her, patting her on the shoulder and offering supportive words. Faye Secondary gave her an apologetic smile, looking anxious as she said, "I better get to the Bridge. I've left it unattended for thirty-seven seconds!"

"You should all get back to your tasks," Faye Primary said despondently.

The rest of her avatars flitted away, returning to whatever jobs they'd been assigned. Faye Tertiary paused for a moment, in a most uncharacteristic lack of enthusiasm for her most coveted position. She glanced back at Faye Primary, a flicker of uncertainty on her face, before she returned to the video archives constructed by her special programs.

***

Back and forth the two combatants fought, blocking punches and dodging sweeping kicks. John watched in fascination as he studied them both, admiring their flawless technique and perfect balance. He'd spent months training and sparring with Calara, so he knew her fighting styles as well as his own. Calara had then gone on to teach Sakura and while he recognised most of the kata she was using, the raven-haired girl had already begun to improvise, putting her own spin on those moves.

That was literally true at this precise moment, as Sakura had lured Calara forward by feigning caution while blocking a flurry of blows. Her stumble backwards wasn't due to her losing her balance however and at the last minute she caught herself then spun around in an attempt to sweep Calara's legs from beneath her.

Calara had some tricks of her own and she dropped to her knees, bracing herself as Sakura's foot rushed towards her chest. Her palms made a loud smack as she caught her opponent's leg and pulled hard to tug Sakura off balance. The Asian girl really fell over this time, landing on her bottom a moment before the Latina pounced on her. Sakura was stronger than Calara, but not enough that she could just peel her off her body like John would've been able to. She thrashed for a moment in the tight grapple, then tapped the brunette on the arm to concede defeat.

John sprang to his feet then strode over to join them, applauding as he did so. "That was a very impressive display," he said, offering both girls a hand. "You've both come along in leaps and bounds!"

They gladly accepted his offer, with Calara grinning as she felt the immense but tightly controlled strength in that grip. She leaned into him and gave him a hug, greeting him for the first time since he'd entered the Dojo. "Sakura's amazing! She's picked up everything so fast!" she exclaimed, effusive in her praise for her student.

Sakura rose to her feet, giving Calara a grateful smile while also wrapping her arms around John's waist. "I've got an extensive background in armed martial arts. It's made learning the unarmed styles much easier for me, than it would be for someone unfamiliar with the general concepts."

Looking at him curiously, Calara asked, "What brings you down here? I thought you were shaping Photon Laser barrels this morning?"

"I couldn't resist the chance to see you both in action," John replied, his interest quite genuine. "I'm glad I caught the end of your match. How long have you been down here for?"

"What's the time now?" Sakura asked, as there were no clocks in the Dojo.

"Just after eight," John replied, as he stroked her back.

Calara looked at the Asian girl in surprise and said, "We were fighting for two hours! I was having so much fun, I completely lost track of time."

"You really were up early," John said, hugging them both closer.

"Just bad dreams again," Sakura said, downplaying her nightmares. She smiled at the Latina and added, "Thanks for the sparring match, that was exactly what I needed. I got so wrapped up in the fighting it took my mind off everything else."

"Any time," Calara said, leaning over to give the other girl a kiss on the cheek. Her dark-brown eyes looked distant for a moment, then she grinned at them both. "Alyssa's asking for my help making breakfast, so I'll leave Sakura in your capable hands - if that's alright with you, John?"

"Very much so," he agreed, smiling at each of them in turn.

With that Calara gave him a quick kiss, then waved goodbye as she swept out of the room, moving with graceful poise over the padded mats of the Dojo. That left John and Sakura alone in the room, a slightly awkward silence between them.

Sakura asked with a hopeful smile, "Do you want to get geared up? We could do some sword training if you'd like?"

John brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. "I'd love to another time, but we have a few important things to talk about first."

She looked at him apprehensively, tensing up in his embrace. "I know what you're going to say. About the nightma-"

He leaned in to give her a gentle kiss silencing her with his lips. When they pulled apart, he smiled and said, "Actually, I wasn't going to bring that up. You've made your decision and I respect it, but just let me know if you change your mind. I don't like to see you suffering and I'll be delighted to help you block out those memories."

"Thank you," Sakura replied, relaxing in his arms. Studying his face for a moment, she added, "So, what did you want to speak to me about?"

"A few things actually. Let's just sit so we can talk," he replied, releasing her from his embrace. They sat cross-legged facing each other, and shared a smile as their knees touched.

Looking at him with breathless anticipation, Sakura asked, "Did you really mean what you said yesterday?"

John watched her for a moment before he replied, "I did, very much so. Would you mind if we discuss our growing relationship last though? I have a feeling we'll get a bit distracted if we start with that."

She smiled at him, pretending to think it over for a moment before she said, "Alright, we can do that, but on one condition!"

"Name it," he said indulgently.

Sakura blushed as she gave him a bold smile. "That I can sit in your lap while we talk?"

"That seems like a reasonable compromise," John said, opening his arms for her.

The Asian girl straddled him with the agility of an exotic dancer, wrapping her legs around his waist and snuggling in tight as she clasped her hands behind his neck. "Mmm, that's much better," she said with a satisfied smile.

John placed his hands on her firm little bottom and squeezed the supple flesh. "An excellent suggestion, Security Chief. I fully approve."

She stole a quick kiss, then asked, "So what did you want to talk about first?"

"Let's start with the most mundane thing first: how do you feel about being the new pilot for the Valkyrie? I'm sorry I just sprung that on you in the meeting, I probably should have spoken to you about it beforehand," he said with a slight frown. "I hope you didn't feel pressured into that decision?"

Looking at him in surprise, Sakura shook her head and replied, "Don't be silly! I know you'd never do that." She smiled at him as she added, "I've had a little time to get used to the idea and I'm still really glad you picked me! As I said the other day, unless someone boards the Invictus, I haven't got much to do at the moment. I hated feeling like a fifth wheel, so being able to get involved during space combat will be fantastic!"

"I'm glad you feel that way," John said, giving her a relieved grin. "Dana and I went over the mech after the battle and she's come up with half-a-dozen upgrades to improve it. Once we've fixed the earlier design flaws, then you'll be able to start practicing in it."

"How soon until it'll be ready?" she asked him, running her fingers through his hair.

"We've got to upgrade the Invictus first, which should take three days, then it'll probably take a few more to repair and upgrade the Valkyrie. Dana will be able to give you a more exact estimate, but we should have it ready for you within the week I'd guess," John replied, thinking it over.

"We'll be on vacation then, but I'd like to get some practice in my spare time, if that's alright with you?" she asked, an excited gleam in her eyes.

John nodded and smiled at her. "I'll make the same request to you as I did Irillith. I'd like you to join all of us for skiing, snowball fights, that kind of thing - it should be a lot of fun. Besides that, you're free to do whatever you like. Just don't work too hard, it's meant to be a chance for you to relax."

"I love spending time with you and the girls, I'm really looking forward to that!" Sakura readily agreed. "I'll just play it by ear and when we've got a few hours to ourselves, I'll fit the mech training in then."

"Perfect, thank you," John said, giving her a quick kiss in gratitude.

Sakura returned it with an eager one of her own, then asked him curiously, "Was that everything you wanted to discuss regarding the Valkyrie? If so, I wanted to talk to you about the new abilities you've given me."

"That was everything," John said with the nod of his head. He watched her as he continued cautiously, "So, what do you think of the Cryokinesis?"

She sat back a little, resting her left hand on his shoulder while bringing the right up before her eyes. Focusing on it intently, she watched as motes of ice crystals began to form, the temperature dropping as a flurry of snowflakes surrounded her fingertips.

"It was very useful," she replied, her voice quiet and introspective. "The ice sheathing my swords froze the Drakkar's armour; it made it brittle and easy to pull my blades clear. I just..."

"What's wrong?" John asked, looking at her with concern.

She looked at him with big brown eyes as she replied, "You didn't give me the ability to manipulate ice because you think I've got a frosty personality, did you?"

He laughed, shaking his head with amusement. "No, of course not! You're about as far from a cold personality as I can imagine. If we were matching powers to personality types, Irillith would have definitely been the ice maiden, before she joined us that is."

Sakura smiled at him, obviously relieved. She tilted her head to one side as she studied him and said perceptively, "We aren't developing these abilities at random. You have to deliberately choose the nature of the gifts you've given us. So why did you give me Cryokinesis?"

John looked embarrassed now, and replied, "Can't we just say that you're a really cool girl, so it seemed appropriate?"

She gave him an affectionate smile and shook her head. "Afraid not, sorry."

He frowned, but buckled under her curious gaze. "Alright, but I hope you take this the right way."

"I'll be very understanding," Sakura said solemnly.

He brushed his fingers through her silky jet-black hair and said, "There were actually a couple of reasons. I think it's fair to say that one of your primary motivations, is to seek revenge on Mikaboshi for everything he did to you, your family, and all his other victims?"

A light of understanding appeared in Sakura's eyes. "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

"You're already a dish, I just supplied the rest," he admitted with a self-conscious smile.

"It was very appropriate, thank you," she said, staring into his eyes. "I'll be sure to share your gift with Mikaboshi."

John met her intense gaze and said, "I can see how much you need this; to get closure on everything that he put you through. I'll do everything in my power to help you get that revenge -- I want you to be able to move on from this to the next stage of your life."

She was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "You're very perceptive. This'll be hanging over me until I've brought him to justice." Sakura gave him a guilty look and added, "My Law professors would probably say that justice and revenge aren't the same thing - that I should try to capture Mikaboshi and bring him to trial, so that the legal system can punish him for his crimes."

John narrowed his eyes as he looked at her. "I'll leave that decision in your hands. All I care about is helping you settle the score with Mikaboshi - you can count on my support whatever way you decided to deal with him."

She shook her head in amazement as she exclaimed, "You make me feel so empowered! For the first time in my life, it really feels like I'm truly in control of my own fate." She leaned in to give him a tender kiss of appreciation, before looking at him thoughtfully. "You said there were a couple of reasons you gave me this ability, what was the second?"

John appeared reluctant to tell her at first, but he relented under that curious and probing gaze. "You're right, there is another reason." He stroked her back as he continued, "I wasn't familiar with the name Shinatobe, so when I first realised that Mikaboshi was naming himself and his assassins after Shinto gods, I was curious to learn more."

Sakura nodded and said with a grimace, "Shinatobe is the goddess of the winds. That's why Mikaboshi fitted me with the adrenal-pump, to make me as 'fast as the wind'." She smiled at John as she continued, "The psychic speed you've given me is much more powerful, I don't have to-" Her voice suddenly died off as she stared at him in shock.

He nodded in confirmation. "Yes, but this time it's very different. As you just said, now you're in control of your own fate."

She stared at her hands in awe, watching as motes of ice suddenly swirled around her fingers, guided by some unseen force. "You haven't just given me the ability to control ice, have you?" she asked him in a hushed whisper.

"No," John said solemnly. "Experiment with your abilities and practice with them. You'll unlock the rest as you grow more powerful."

Dismissing the chilling aura around her golden-brown hands, Sakura flung her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. "I promise I'll use your gifts wisely!" she breathed into his ear, her voice throbbing with emotion.

"I know you will. You're an amazing girl," John said, gently stroking her back.

Sakura slowly uncoiled herself from around him and rose to her feet. She offered him a hand as she said with a coy smile, "I think we should continue the rest of this discussion in bed."

"That sounds like a great idea, but how about a shower first?" he said with a grin, rising to his feet and glancing at the glistening perspiration on her skin. His training clothes were damp now after hugging both Calara and Sakura.

She blushed and replied, "I'm sorry! I didn't think about getting you messy, I was just so pleased to see you."

He laughed and said, "I'm hardly going to complain about that! I need a shower this morning anyway and I think you'll make a delightful shower companion."

Sakura grinned back at John and they turned to leave the Dojo, walking hand-in-hand across the training mats. She clasped his hand in both of hers, leaning into him as they walked. When John glanced down at her, her beautiful face lit up as she gave him a happy smile. He hit the button to open the door and they strolled through the equipping room as they headed for the shower in the adjoining bedroom. Just as they were passing the weapon rack, Sakura let out a low cry and let go of his hand, darting over to her twin ninjato.

"Are you alright?" he asked with concern, walking over to join her.

"She's so thoughtful," Sakura murmured, her voice thick with emotion as she turned to show him what she'd just found.

While they were occupied in the Dojo, Alyssa had been a busy girl. The embossed images of Sakura's parents had been removed from the pommels of her gleaming crystal Alyssium ninjato, replaced by the image of a lioness instead. That hadn't been what had initially drawn Sakura's attention though. Alyssa had crafted a two-foot wide disc from crystal Alyssium, with portraits of Sakura's parents etched onto the surface. The detail was astonishing, looking more like a holographic image than a piece of sculpture.

*That's for you to keep safe in your room,* Alyssa said to her gently, including John in her telepathic thoughts. *Why don't you take a look at the locket?*

Sakura looked up and spotted a locket that had been left looped over one of her Ninjato. It was shaped like a lioness' head and dangled on a delicate chain made from sparkling white metal. She reached out to take it with a shaking hand, then handed it to John and asked quietly, "Can you open it for me, please?"

He did as she asked, finding the cleverly worked clasp on the right side of the locket. It opened with a click, revealing a perfect image of Sakura, flanked by both parents. Their expressions were full of love as they gazed at their daughter with pride. John pulled Sakura into a tight embrace as she began to cry, quite overcome by the sudden flood of emotions that the gift had brought forth.

As he comforted the grieving girl in his arms, he thought to Alyssa, *That was a lovely gift, thank you.*

*It was my pleasure,* she replied, sending a tender telepathic caress through Sakura's thoughts.

John held Sakura and let her cry herself out, murmuring supportive words as he stroked her back. They stood like that for a while, before she rested her head against his chest, letting out a heavy sigh.

"I'm sorry. You're even soggier now," she finally said, looking up at him with a flush of embarrassment as she brushed the tears from her cheeks.

He gave her a sympathetic smile and said, "It feels like I've known you for a lifetime, but I forget you've only been with us a month. With everything that's been happening, you've had no time to grieve for your parents."