Teacher Fish

Today, I am observing the other writers. This is another part of my job. This is another part of my job. It’s simple actually. I just walk around and watch them write. I try not to point out the error they make as they work. Anna calls me an Eagle-fish as a joke. I laugh. (Though I think the eagle would eat the fish. Not a good comparison. Keep trying Anna. You’ll come up with something. I know you will. You’re freaking Anna Price!)

Today started out normal. Then the doors slid open. Everyone looked up. Damon stood tall with a grin. Something has happened. Judging by his grin it’s a positive something. “Everyone!” Damon called out. “I have some new friends for you all.” Then he stepped aside. Two people stood before us. I examined them both. One was a girl. She looked about eighteen or nineteen. Short black hair in a boyish cut, pale-looking, fat lips, dark rings under her eyes, dark and wrinkled clothes. Oh my Kami! It’s Ally from the Breakfast Club!

I turned to the other person. It was a bloke. Not an attractive bloke. I want to feed him. He’s too thin. Short messy red hair, bad teeth, semi-neat clothes. It’s Jeremy from Peep Show. They both needed some cleaning up.

Damon cleared his throat. “These are the new writers of Thomas Crown.” he went on. “Noiz will train Shawn and Saffy will train Alice.” (Wait! Stop the music! I am what? Okay, I have no patience with stupid people! I don’t have time to teach anybody. Well, I’ll try it. If it flies, I’ll smile. If it bombs, heads will roll!)

“Carry on!” Damon called. Then, he went away. The newbies stood where they were. Their faces were expressionless. We all stared at them. “Well come on,” Anna called. “We won’t kill or hunt you!” “Except for Patsy and Tanya!” Tommy called. We all shrieked with laughter. Both wicked witches of the east and west looked pissed. It was wrong. But funny.

Alas, the laughter died down and everyone went back to work. I was reading over Tommy’s work when, I become aware that someone is standing right behind me. I feel their breath on my nape. I tried to ignore it. Clam down. Maybe they’ll get the message and back the freak up! Nope! They are still there. I’m getting tense. I could scream out and make scene. Instead, I slowly turn around. Shawn was staring at me. I didn’t relax just yet. He looked rough close-up. Why is he staring at me?

“Yes?” I managed to fore out of my mouth. “Are you Noiz?” the boy asked. I noticed he was British. “Yes.” I said slowly. The boy smiled. I tried not to look at his awful teeth. “Why?” I asked. He handed me a stack of papers. My eyes bulged as I took them. “It’s my work.” he explained. I was speechless. His work? His work? This is the freaking bible! “Could you review it for me?” he asked. He must be kidding! This will take me weeks to finish!

“All right.” I forced myself to voice. Shawn grinned. “Thanks!” he called. Oh Kami, stop smiling, your teeth are horrible. You parade the stereotype that the Brits have bad teeth!

I sat in my office and read Shawn’s fic. It’s a series about a struggling rock band. As it turns out, this is really good! Shawn’s got talent. He puts work into his details. I was hooked into the series. So hooked that I lost track of time. I didn’t look up until I heard a loud thud. I jerked up my head and looked up. I jerked up my head and looked up. Damon stood between our desks and the open door. He had thrown a dictionary to the wooden floor to get my attention. I looked startled. “Yes san?” I asked. “Eating lunch?” Damon asked. I was confused. “Huh?” I asked. “It’s too early for lunch.” Damon shook his head. “It’s 12:05.” he corrected. My face now looked dumb. “Really?” I asked. I moved my mouse on my desk. The screensaver on my laptop flickered away to normal. Law and behold, it was 12:05. “Holy crap!” I exclaimed. “I was so into Pump that I wasn’t watching the clock!” “It happens.” Damon said gently. I wasn’t listening. I just grabbed my purse and rushed past Damon out the door.

I fled down the hall. I had to catch someone fast. Where did the time go? I slowed down to collect my head. I don’t even know where to eat! I am disorientated today. Okay, think. What to eat? Sushi? Had that yesterday. Udon? Yeah, udon! I knew exactly where to get it!

Shogun’s was a mini sushi bar. They had the best udon in south Tokyo. They had great prices too. Not very crowded either. Shogun’s was ideal for a business lunch. I had my udon in a flash. I sat near the big glass window. Pump was on my mind. When did he find the time to write it? He’s like me. Real dedicated. Shawn should get an award for his commitment. Damn, when’s lunch over? I want to get back to Pump!

I made it back in a huff. I was determined to get back. I wanted to finish Pump. (Or at least try to.) To my lovely surprise, no one bothered me. In fact, nobody was in sight. The only people I saw were Alice and Saffy. I wondered how Saffy was holding up. Was Alice any good? I decided to see.

I causally walked over to the pair. “Hi Saffy!” I called. She and Alice looked up. Saffy waved at me. I made it to the ladies. “Hi Noiz.” Saffy said. “Hey.” I said. Alice kept silent. “Hi Alice.” I said. She said nothing. She just waved. “She doesn’t talk much.” Saffy whispered. “Oh, I see.” I said softly. “Care to walk with me for a minute?” “Uh, sure.” Saffy said. Then we headed outside.

We made it to the garden. (It’s not a real garden. It’s too small. My own has made me a snob.) The trees were our shade. “So tell me Saff,” I addressed. “How is Alice?” Saffy shuffled a bit. “She wants to be called ‘KT’,” she began. “KT is Scottish and her skills are great. She doesn’t talk much and she’s a loner.” “I see.” I said. “Shawn’s good. His fic is long but great. He needs to do something about his teeth. Shawn’s British.” “Ah.” Saffy said. “That’s all.” I said. “Okay.” Saffy replied. Then we headed back inside.

I found Shawn waiting for me in my office. I was startled by him. “Uh, hi…” I said uneasily. “Hey.” he said. I felt nervous. (Okay, now you’re being creepy. Are you stalking me? What is up with you? Don’t you have anything else to do? How long have you been waiting for me here?)

“Read my fic yet?” Shawn asked. “Oh,” I said is passive defense. “Yes.” Shawn grinned. Kami, he needs a dentist! “What do you think?” he asked. I paused for a moment. I smiled. “I’m not finished,” I admitted. “But I love it. Can I get a copy of Pump?” Shawn grinned. “Sure!” he perked up. “I’m writing volume two now.” I became joyous. “Excellent!” I replied. “Thanks.” Shawn spoke. Then he left. I headed into my office.

I spent the rest of the day reading. Pump was getting better and better. It was just that good.

I didn’t get any work done today. In fact, when I was done reading, the workday was over. Damon had to drop the dictionary again to get my attention. “Yes?” I asked once I calmed down. “Time to go, it’s 7:00.” he replied. I looked at the time on my laptop. “So it is.” I said. “See ya.” he replied. Then we parted ways.

I played the Fray’s “Cable Car (Over My Head)” all the way home. (Ha-ha! Thought I was going to play something retro! I do contemporary stuff too! So there! *Raspberry*)

I didn’t feel like going home yet. The road screamed ‘Drive me’! So I did. I didn’t care about a destination. I just drove. Soon, I was bored of music. I cut off my mp3 player and put it away. I didn’t drive into the city as I normally would. Instead, I went towards the holy shrines. In contrast, the woods seemed dead. I cut off Mooney and opened my glove compartment. I found my black flashlight and cut it on. Then a notion flowed into me. I drew my mp3 player back out again and cut it on. I changed to “Riders on the Storm” by the Doors and I was all set. I gout out of the jeep and headed into the woods.

Jim Morrison added to the mood. However, I stayed on my guard. Pervs could be lurking around to kidnap young girls and women for their own randy entertainment. I was a perfect target. That’s why I have my switchblade knife in my sleeve and a handgun in my handbag. Yeah, I am armed.

Halfway on the first trail my flashlight batteries died. I didn’t worry. I held up my hands and began chanting. Three lights formed and fused together to form one big one. I grinned. “Perfect!” I thought. Then I headed on with my new light in front of me.

I dug into my mind for path to the shrines. Through the shady groves, cross the foggy stream, into the vines, and brush. That’s about right. I proceeded onward. First was the shady grove. This is the hardest part. I cut my mp3 player off again and put it back into my bag. I drew in a deep breath and walked in.

Now the trick is to walk hard and fast. Otherwise, you’ll slip and fall flat on your butt on the slick mud. Trust me, I know from experience. It also helps to grab onto the branches above for a safety precaution. I came out soaked but unharmed. Being drenched is a small price for crossing. But it’s worth it.

Next was the foggy stream. This was easy but your ankles get soaked. I stepped into the water. Boy, the water feels good! I shut my eyes and walked in it slowly. That feels good.

I opened my eyes when my foot touched dry land. I climbed out quickly. I took my socks off and headed on.

Nos for the last part. The brush and vines. It’s fairly simple; you just have to be careful. These branches could slap you without warning. That’s happened to me many times. Push and dodge. And look out.

After tedious minutes of pushing a path clear, I made it. I stood before Tengoku Shrine. My haven. This is where I disappear to time after time. I walked to the stairs and lied down. I could just sleep here. I was about to do so.

Then, the door slid open. I yanked myself from sleep and looked up. A woman stood over me. She looked new and pretty. Her cheeks were rosy. Her lips were plump. She was dressed like a Shinto priestess. I had never seen her before. Was she new?

“Excuse me,” the woman addressed. “Are you Noizchild?” “Yes…” I said uneasily. “Why?” The woman smiled. “I’ve been expecting you.” she greeted.

The priestess walked me inside. She began lighting candles. I just began admiring the altar. I had a few questions to ask. Where’s Plover, the shrine’s original priestess? Who was this woman? And what did she want with me?

“Plover was sick today,” the woman explained. “I was sent in her place to care for the shrine.” I didn’t turn just yet. It was typical for some humans to heard thoughts. “Yes, I know her very well.” the woman said. Only then did I turn to her. “Really?” I asked. She nodded gracefully.

“As for who I am,” the woman went on. “Just call me Yuriko. That’s all I can tell you right now.” I suddenly developed a cold feeling of distrust. Yuriko just smiled. “Trust me, I have no malice intentions for you.” she replied. I kept quiet. “I wanted to show you something.” Yuriko picked up again. I eyed her sharply. “What is it?” I asked. I had my knife ready. Yuriko kept smiling. “Noiz,” she announced. “Put your knife away. I have no malice for you.” Now I felt hits of fear. How did she know I was armed? Was she going to kill me? Who was this demon woman?

“Don’t worry, descendant of Helen,” the demon spoke again. “Just follow me outside.” Clearly, this wasn’t a normal priestess! Nobody knows about my heritage. Not even my seir, Tami! Who is this succubus? In a panic, I just nodded and let go of my knife. Yuriko just kept smiling. “Good,” she said. “Just follow me.” Then she headed out to the back. Not wanting to know what she could do to me, I complied in silence.

We came to a willow tree outside. Underneath it was a small pond. I walked over to it. The water was shimmering in the crescent moonlight. My eyes glowed in delight with it. “This is the Tsuki-ai pond.” Yuriko spoke up. “Those who make a pure-hearted wish on it will have their desire granted. If it is a selfish wish, it will be denied.” I kept silent. “Well go on,” she urged. “Make a wish.” I tried not to laugh. “What’s so funny?” Yuriko asked. I didn’t turn to her. “I don’t believe in childish myths like that.” I replied. “How do you know if you don’t try it?” the woman asked. I thought for a minute. Then said, “All right, I’ll try it.” “Good girl.” Yuriko said. I just shut my eyes and made a quick wish.

[From behind, Yuriko held out her hand. “Make whatever she wishes for come true.” she murmured.]

I opened my eyes and looked up. I turned to Yuriko in silence. “Well,” I said. ”Good night.” Yuriko just smiled. “Good night.” she echoed back. Then we bowed and I left the shrine.

As I was leaving, I felt a light breeze pass over. I didn’t think much about it. I just made a dumb little wish that won’t come true. Little did I know, that would soon change. I would be blown into a world of chaos and lustful passion. All because of my little wish….

One Little Wish