Chapter 12: Wednesday Evening: Part 1

Kara quietly gathered her things, and waved to her group as she stepped through the door. On my way out.

We’re already there. I don’t see your mom yet though.

You probably wouldn’t recognize her car, my muse. She got a new one only a few years ago. Emanuel knows what it looks like.

Yeah. She’s held back behind a few other parents, but she’ll pull up soon.

Kara grinned as she neared the double doors. Oh! I figured that the red car belonged to your dad.

Nope. His is the silver no non-sense one. Kara’s grin widened as she ‘pounced’ on Allison, grabbing her from behind in a huge hug. Both girls gasped as Kara’s nipples rubbed against Allison’s back.

No fair! I didn’t realize you were going to do that.

I’m surprised you didn’t know I was approaching you so quickly. I’m sure Emanuel knew.

Kara watched her mom pull up and wave at them. Really Manny? Did you know Kara was there and not tell me?

Of course I knew. But why should I ruin the surprise? Besides, that just shows how important that one skill is to develop.

Allison slipped free of Kara’s grasp, turned around, and kissed her before quickly jumping into the car. Then I have to work on that it seems. You two coming?

Kara smiled, hopped in next to Allison, and waved to her mom. Is there a reason you didn’t simply turn around and slip out?

As awesome as that could have felt, I didn’t want to risk that motion knocking either of our shields.

“You girls are still wearing your special jewelry? I thought for sure that you’d have enough of them for now.”

“Not at all mom. In fact, we could probably keep wearing them for the rest of the day.”

“Including during Kempo?”

Kara shook her head. “Of course not mom. That would be disrespectful to both Sensei and the art itself. But after it’s over, then we can always put them back in.”

“Time to hop out kids! A duffel with all of your uniforms is in the trunk. I’ll be back at the usual time.”

Kara hopped out after Allison and quietly grabbed the duffel from the trunk. “Ready?”

Allison and Emanuel nodded their heads. Kara opened the main door to the dojo, and turned the women’s changing area. She quietly took off her shoes, reached into the bag, and pulled out their uniforms, passing it to Emanuel. “I have the carry cases for our jewelry” Allison quietly told her.

“Thanks.” Kara sighed sadly as she pulled the shields off and the ben wa balls, and quickly put them away. “Here’s your uniform.” She handed it to Allison, then quickly got dressed. “I’m ready. Are you?”

“I’m still not entirely sure I’m wearing the top right.”

“I’ll fix it for you.” Kara undid the belt, switched which half was on top, and carefully retied it. “If you wear it the way you were, some might assume you’re working for Death.”

“Oh ... I really wouldn’t want to do that. Thank you darling.”

“No problem. Do you remember the appropriate greetings and preparations?”

“I believe so. We wait just after the bead curtain until he welcomes us in, then we sit and quietly begin meditating, right?”

“Right. If you have any questions, you only need ask one of us.”

Kara stepped through the curtain and stood next to Allison and Emanuel. “Enter, Kenshi Kara, Emanuel and Allison.”

They bowed, and found places to sit. “Enter, Kenshi Ken and Paul. Ready your spirits.”

Kara closed her eyes, and began to meditate. She smiled serenely as she found her center, and quietly stood a few moments later when she heard the Sensei call for them to stand. The words for the oath leapt to her lips, falling in sync with Emanuel and Allison. As the last word left her lips, she felt her muscles twitch, waiting for the stretching to begin. Sensei merely nodded his head, and Kara felt her muscles begin to move on their own accord.

Sure. Kara raised her eyes for a moment, and noticed his slight grin quickly give way to a brief look of surprise, then reassert itself. He seemed surprised for a moment, then went back to that ‘I know something’ grin of his. Do you think he has any idea just what’s going on?

I don’t remember telling him about the gift, and if I did it was long before these benefits were added to it. But, I’m sure he has a better idea on his own about what’s going on than we realize.

Do you two suppose he has gifts of his own that you’re not aware of?

Kara ‘laughed’. I have no doubt about that. We’ve both learned a lot from him, but I’m sure what we do know has only begun to scratch the surface of what he actually knows. Anyway, I believe we’re almost done.

Yeah. Ally, do you think you can try putting up a filter like the one I had up earlier? It’ll be easier to focus on the things you need to learn if you’re not being distracted by what we’re being taught.

If I must, I think I can.

I believe that’s a good idea as well, my muse. Some of our current Kata is the foundation you’re learning now directly, but the bulk of it is things that need that foundation to really learn properly.

I probably should learn to crawl first, yeah. Okay, give me a few moments to try. Kara felt a partial wall go up in front of her. Do either of you have a good way to test it?

We’ll pay attention when Sensei starts the lesson proper. If either of us can feel your movements, we’ll let you know.

And I should do the same, right Manny?

If you want to, sure.

Kara brought her feet back to a resting position. Actually, I think it might be wiser if you don’t, my muse. Emanuel’s had plenty of practice in differentiating his movements from other peoples. Neither you or I have.

Then, shouldn’t it be safer for you to focus on yourself as well?

I should be okay. I know anything you’ll be doing practically by muscle memory by now. The things we need to learn are sufficiently different that I can tell right away if I feel something that isn’t meant for me ... Also, I’m perhaps the weakest of the three of us at this sort of thing.

For now, darling. I’m sure you’ll catch up to us quickly enough.

Kara stepped over to the area Sensei had gestured to, and quietly faced Emanuel. You’re good Ally. I’m getting the slightest hint of your movements, but only if I really pay attention to them.

Kara glanced at Sensei, who nodded, and then turned back to Emanuel. Kara focused herself on what they’d done the day before, and reacted as Emanuel started the first move. One move flowed into the next, and when Kara briefly glanced at the clock, realized ten minutes had passed. “Good. Now, pay attention to Melissa and myself as we guide you through the first part of the Kata.”

“Yes Sensei” they spoke in unison. Kara lost track of time as they broke down the Kata into its individual pieces. When she glanced up at the clock, she gasped in surprise. An hour? That didn’t feel like an hour.

“Kenshi, you may all leave now if you wish” Sensei started “that is, except for Kenshi Emanuel, Kara, and Allison.”

Kara watched the room slowly empty. As Melissa stepped through the bead curtain, Sensei gestured them forward. “You must know I have my suspicions of why, but I’d like to hear it directly from you: what caused the synchronization I saw during the warm up?”

I’ll answer this, okay? Emanuel ‘asked’.

Sure Manny.

Okay.

“I may not have told you about this part of it yet, but something unusual happened when Allison and I started dating. We can hear each other’s thoughts. Over the course of last week, that gift deepened and added more things we can share, including feelings. Then, on Sunday, we welcomed Kara into our relationship on a ‘let’s see how this works’ sort of level.” He paused, breathing deeply for a moment. “Then Monday happened. I’m sure you heard the local news.”

“About your father’s actions? Certainly. They speak volumes to where his head and heart are at. However, that does not reflect on you in any way, nor was there anything you could have done to stop him. The choice was always his.”

“I think I’ve internalized that now. But, I couldn’t have done it alone.” Kara smiled as he gently took her and Allison’s hands. “It’s because of them that I was able to accept that, and I was able to escape from a very rapidly deepening depression. I know it’s every teacher’s hope that their lessons can be learned with as little pain as possible, but lessons like this...”

“Often require experienced proof to see the value in them. It is unfortunate, but that seems to be a core part of our human nature.”

“Yes, it is. What I haven’t mentioned yet, Sensei, is how my loves helped pull me out from that hole. They led me through that grounding meditation you taught me years ago, and lent me the energy I needed to vent a lot of the grief and pain that I’d been storing over the years. Only...”

Sensei smiled. “Some of their energy remained behind in you, and some of yours in them. Do you remember the one thing I told you to be careful about with that technique?”

“Yes Sensei. I must have forgotten to tell Allison or Kara about it; I think I never really thought that situation might come up.”

“There was a piece of that information that may not have been clear. When I said there was a chance that you could leave a part of yourself with the other person, I had meant that the chance for it being permanent was somewhat low. Whenever it has happened in my experience, it has been among people who were already bound by the red string.”

“Can you see that string too Sensei?” Kara asked.

“Yes. That’s why I was surprised when Emanuel mentioned bringing a friend to one of the next classes; because I could see a second string on him. That is very...” he paused “unusual to see.” Kara watched him turn back to Emanuel. “Continue, please.”

“It’s as you guessed. We took a little time to process what happened, realized we’d done one of the most intimate things we could have done, and realized that it felt ... right. We probably would have left it at that, but Kara’s mom gave us these rings” he pointed at the ring on his finger “made us an offer we would have been crazy to refuse, and a little while later we were bound for a year and a day.”

“There is something you left out; I’m sure of that.”

Emanuel blushed a deep red. “Oh, right. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up in a respectful way to you Sensei.”

“Contrary to what you young people might think, I do have knowledge of that area of living, and am not ashamed to talk about it. Bragging about it is another matter.”

Wow, I wasn’t expecting that answer from him.

Me neither partner. “Part way through Monday, Kara became connected to us the way we had been for most of the previous week. And like our relationship grew in an unexpected way, so too did our gift. Kara brought with her the ability to share our physical feelings with each other. So far it only seems to work on things we’re focusing very intently on” he paused uncertainly for a moment “like activities that fall in that area of life. I don’t think any of us were expecting that sharing to extend into the warm up today.”

“And when it appeared you fell out of sync?”

Allison nodded at Emanuel, then stepped forward. “At their suggestion to me, I tried putting a filter up to stop myself from getting any motions from them, and my motions from going to them. I mostly succeeded.”

“Show me the difference. I assume the filter is still up?”

“Yes Sensei” Allison replied.

“Then do the first part of the end of class cool down.”

I don’t remember that very well.

That’s the point, my muse. He’ll probably have us do the second part with the filter off to judge the difference.

Okay.

“Yes Sensei!” they replied.

Kara slipped into the familiar stretches, and watched as Allison followed along about two seconds behind. As they finished the last stretch, he nodded and turned to Allison. “Now, remove the filter, and proceed to the remaining parts.” Kara breathed in and out a few times, and noted quietly that both Emanuel and Allison were breathing in perfect synchronization. They made their way through the rest of the motions, never falling more than a fraction of a second apart.

“Good” she heard as her foot touched the ground for the last step and they stood at attention. He turned to her and Emanuel. “That is a valuable teaching skill you have there. And, I suspect, an even more valuable connection tool. If you would accept a piece of advice, I have one I would like to give.”

“Of course Sensei” they replied.

He smiled softly. “As tempting as it might be to always remain connected at that depth, never forget the value of having your own experiences from time to time. Your lives together may be extremely harmonious if you neglect those experiences, but they will also be far less rich if there is nothing that sets each of you apart from the others.”

And, there is nothing that states that we can’t share some of those experiences later. But, we still need to be our own people.

Agreed, my pillar. I’m sure there is bound to be something either Allison or I enjoy that you don’t.

“You three are very fortunate that your parents have the wisdom to not interfere with the workings of destiny.” Kara shared a skeptical look with Allison. “Your fathers have never fostered the skills they would need to be in tune with anything besides themselves. If they wished to, I have no doubt their home life would become much more harmonious.”

“You know our dads?” Allison asked.

“I have met Kara’s, and I’ve heard of his more foolish compatriot. That, and I’ve had several good conversations with Kara’s mother.” He glanced up at the clock. “Before I let you go, I have one more thing to say.” He paused, and looked carefully at each of them. “May you find great harmony and joy in your lives together, and may the gods of fortune often brighten your door.”

Wait, did we just...

Yes, darling, we did. Were you two not expecting a blessing from him?

I wasn’t sure if he would wait for the ‘official’ wedding to do that. But, it makes perfect sense that he’d give that part of the blessing now. We should all thank him, and then be on our way home.

Right. Kara smiled, and in unison with the others replied “Thank you Sensei”. Now, we bow on our way out, and we’re all set. She bowed, and headed toward the women’s showers. We should probably freshen up here before we go.

Yeah. We save the fun stuff for later, right?

Yes. Even though Sensei acknowledged that aspect of our relationship, this still isn’t the appropriate place for it. She quietly took off her uniform and laid it on the bench in front of her. Question, my pillar.

Go ahead.

There’s supposed to be more to that blessing than what he said, isn’t there?

Yes. But, I know why he left out what he did.

Kara turned on the water, and stepped under it. Go ahead.

Kara stepped out of the water, turned the faucet off, and reached for the nearby towel. Kind of. I still want kids someday, but not straight out of college. I want to have some time to build a career first. Preferably no more than two.

Same here on the number of kids, although I’m willing to have them sooner than you I think. My career goals allow for kids a lot more easily than yours do darling.

True. Kara quickly put her uniform away, then slipped on her socks and shoes. I maybe should have brought a skirt with me.

Your mom packed one for you; I think she thought you might want one after class. Allison handed Kara a plaid skirt. Would it be inappropriate to put the shields back on now?

Kara shook her head and slipped on the skirt. Not quite the full answer. It was, no doubt, her dying unexpectedly even though she could have told him about the cancer. Then, at least, he could have prepared for it. What we can definitely promise is that you’ll know if something serious like that comes up with either of us. That’s not a secret that is right to keep from those who you love, and who love you back.

Kara watched as his hands opened. Wait, what do you mean?

She sighed and gently took the shields from them. He chose to try to bury his grief and sadness with the alcohol he drank. Now, I’m not saying I don’t believe the severity of his feelings. Rather, I’m saying he had other choices. He could have asked our moms for help, or tried to find professional help elsewhere. You have the same choices, and more even if you need help. To truly become like him, you’d need to give up on all of those options.

You’re right, and I know it. But, there’s a voice in my head, so to speak, that is babbling on about those fears and won’t shut up.

Kara grabbed him, and pulled him in for a strong hug. “Do your best to ignore that voice. That’s the part of you that still believes you need to do everything on your own. Just like I can still hear that little voice in mine shouting about something. It doesn’t matter what its shouting about; that’s my anger, and until we get home and can do the ritual, I need to not listen to it. Trust us; we’re here to help you if you need it.”

“You’re right.” Now, while it would be fun to put those on yourselves...

Yes please Manny! Right darling?

Right! Your choice who you want to do first.

She stepped back, and gasped softly as his hands reached forward to lightly play with their left nipples for a few moments. How about both of you at once?

You can do that!?

I can try precious. Kara watched intently as he took one of her shields in his left hand, and one of Allison’s in his right, then slid them over their left nipples. See?

I need more ‘proof’. Right darling?

Kara laughed and nodded. Well?

Emanuel grinned, reached for their right nipples, and quietly slid the shields on a few moments later. Kara gasped again softly, this time in unison with Allison. “I think he succeeded.”

“It would appear so. I suppose we owe him a reward for that.” She winked at Kara, who smiled and nodded.

“I agree.” Kara leaned forward as Allison did, each planting a soft kiss on one of his cheeks. “Thank you, my love.”

“Of course. We shouldn’t keep your mom waiting though.”

Kara laughed again. “She tends to show up just as I’m leaving the dojo. I’m not sure how her timing is so impeccable.”

“Maybe usually, but this time we took longer to leave than usual. She might already be waiting for us.”

Kara opened the door, stepped outside, and grinned. See what I mean?

But ... how?

Simple, my pillar. She just knows. That’s the only answer that makes any real sense. If you really want to know, I’m sure she’d be happy to answer if you asked nicely.

Her mom pulled up, and Kara quietly jumped into the back. “Uhm, Mrs. Foster, I have a question that I hope you won’t mind answering.”

“You can call me Mom or Clara if you wish. And I think I know what the question is. I’ve seen some of the things that man has taught the two of you, and so I was sure that he’d have some questions for the three of you. Even if you hadn’t worn the rings, I’m sure he still would have noticed that something had changed.”

“But, how do you get the timing so...” he paused “precise?”

“Just a gift I suppose. A sense of when I need to leave to arrive somewhere when I need to.”

Do you suppose she’s... Emanuel started.

Maybe a little. Considering her other gift, I wouldn’t be too surprised. But, I get the sense it would only apply to her, not everyone around her.

“Were you able to answer his questions?”

Is that actually a simple question?

No, my muse. Like your mom, that’s fishing for more than what she’s physically asking. What she’s really asking is ‘how did he take it?’. “Better than I thought. He didn’t question the validity of what we have, nor did he say anything to suggest that he thinks poly relationships like ours are wrong. Although, if I read that one look right...”

“I think you did partner. There was a small amount of personal discomfort in it.”

“Not everyone is built for relationships like yours, kids. I’ve always suspected that he’s strictly monogamous.” The car slowed to a stop at the red light, and she turned to Kara briefly. “Oh, and your father is working late tonight, so we’ll be having dinner kind of late tonight. Will you three be okay, or do I need to prepare something small when we get home?”

“For now we’re okay. But we have something important to take care of when we get home, and I’m sure that’ll work up something of an appetite. By the way, has dad finished moving his things into the basement yet?”

“He hasn’t started yet. Your special space down there is untouched, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Yeah. We’ll need it for some amount of time tonight. I’m not sure how long though.”

“I thought I could sense some of those colors in each of you. It’s ready and waiting, don’t worry. Besides, he’s spending every moment he can in your apartment to be while he still can.”

“I’ll give him tonight. But, starting tomorrow, he needs to get serious about that part of it; there’s far too much preparation to get done to just start Friday night. And if he gives me any trouble about it...”

“Mom, are you able to recognize where he’s probably coming from? You’ll probably get better cooperation from him if you can show him you acknowledge how he feels about the situation.”

Her mom sighed deeply. “That’s fair. But, I’ll expect the same from him. It’s not fair for me to need to do all of the emotional work here.” She paused for a moment, and breathed in slowly. “We were skeptical about letting you go to his dojo at first. It didn’t feel like what I thought a karate school should feel like, and I wasn’t sure you’d be able to get anything out of it if you couldn’t be assured rank increases. But...” she paused as the light changed to red “I’m glad I didn’t try to stop you. That man has had a profound impact on your life; in a way I could have never imagined.”

“I knew Sensei’s school was going to be different. I’ve always trusted Emanuel’s sense of things” well, almost always... “and that decision felt ... right. I’m grateful that you trusted Emanuel enough to let me join. I don’t know where I’d be now if I hadn’t.”