Chapter 32

I called Yoshi and Jen to my room once we were all settled.

They both looked like children called to the principal's office, quite guilty looking. I asked them what they were hiding from me.

They looked at each other and then at me and asked what I meant.

I shook my head and spoke to them in Japanese – telling them that I understood what they were talking about but did not hear the entire conversation. I asked them politely to tell me everything.

They both knelt down and said "HAI"

Yoshi spoke first explaining that there was an old 'VERY OLD' story of 'mystical warrior guardians'

The legend told of a powerful Shogun's daughter who was always spending time with the village people to their dismay working with them in the fields and playing with the other children. When a rival attacked the village people protected the daughter so savagely that the rival's army lost more than 1/3 of their forces to the villagers. Although they killed the Shogun and all of his men his daughter survived. The legend continues that she fled with the remaining villagers and they began a systematic revenge against every Shogun who was responsible for her fathers' death either by assisting or by not stopping it. Later the legend tells of how villages were protected from rogue bandits and Ronins. Through the years this legend has continued even through World War II. These Mystic Warriors that Guard the weak and helpless.

I asked if they thought these Mystic Warriors were responsible for stopping the attack on us. They both say that they are not sure but it might be a possibility.

A month later we are at the ranch for the first time since the attack at the restaurant. We had been here less than an hour and are notified that there are three SUVs driving toward the ranch house. Dee still has difficulty breathing if she over-exerts herself. Bee has just stopped using a cane to walk but still moves slow. Dove has a hearing aid in her left ear, but is still improving. Rich has recovered from his concussion and I have another fading scar added to all the others. Who is bothering us now?

We all are armed with automatic pistols and the security force provided by Mr. Black would be able to stop a company of soldiers with ease.

The middle SUVs rear passenger door opens and a single man in a grey suit gets out holding a white handkerchief. I signal him to come ahead. When he reaches the front door two of the security guys check him for weapons. After they give me the ok I wave him inside.

Daisuke Takumi introduces himself and apologizes for bothering us, then explains that he is here on behalf of his Master Takehiko Shiro. Jen is startled by the name. I ask her who he is. Daisuke answers 'her overlord' Jen nods affirming his statement. I ask what he wants with her. Daisuke says "she has dishonored our house and must be dealt with" I stand and tell Daisuke that she is under my protection and if Takehiko wishes to deal with her he must first deal with me. Jen shouts "NO!" and Daisuke says to her in Japanese 'be silent' I tell Daisuke in Japanese 'Do not give orders in my house'.

Daisuke take out his cell phone and makes a call. He is speaking too soft and very fast for me to understand what he says in Japanese. Once he is finished with the call he puts the phone back in his pocket and says Takehiko is coming. I hear from my security force that all three SUVs are opening doors and eight men are getting out. I tell Daisuke to go to Takehiko and tell him I will be out shortly. "HAI" and Daisuke leaves. I turn to Jen and ask her to explain. She kneels and asks me to let her go out to them. I ask her what the deal is. She looks at me as says that Takehiko Shiro was the first student or best in her group when she was training. As such he is responsible for their group to ensure none dishonored their training. I ask how she dishonored their training. She held up her wrists. I asked what he would do. She said remove them or kill her maybe both. I laughed and said over my dead body. Jen said he would kill me too then and she begged me not to interfere. I turned and walked out the front door.

Takehiko Shiro looked about 3 inches shorter than me and maybe 30 pounds lighter. But he also looked deadly. He was wearing a dark grey almost charcoal suit the other seven were in black suits. He starts talking in broken English saying this is not my concern and to stay out of matters before I get hurt or even killed. Before I can answer a helicopter comes sweeping in hovering into a landing that blows dirt up everywhere. My security is moving to intercept and just a quick Takehiko's men are holding sub-machineguns aimed at the intruder.

Three men and a women get out the only man in a suit is Mr. Takidi Yoshi's dad. The other two men and woman are in traditional Japanese clothing. As they get closer I see the men are armed with Daisho and the woman appears to be Geisha.

All nine of the men kneel and bow to the older Japanese gentleman who waves them to their feet, their weapons gone just as fast as they appeared. Mr. Takidi has hurried to my side and begins explaining to me – Tatsujin Ryuu is the Sensi of the Dragon Clan to whom Takehiko Jen Yoshi and Mr. Takidi are all members. Mr. Takidi continues to explain that as a member of the Dragon Clan Jen distinguished herself as an elite warrior and when she was captured and not killed she lost face and dishonored the Dragon Clan. Takehiko as the first student in their group is honor bound to regain the clan's honor. I ask how their honor would be restored. Seppuku he answered. Like hell I state.