The stewardess brought Tim a blanket and a pillow. He slid Steve over and told the boy to lay back. "It's a long flight and the sun is behind us, it will still be morning when we arrive. If you can nap you'll feel better when we get there."

Steve laid his head in Tim's lap and snuggled up, the blanket's warmth made him drowsy and in a few short minutes he was asleep. Brian looked across the wide first class aisle and smiled. "Out already?" He asked.

They had been airborne for two hours, the huge jet riding smoothly at forty some thousand feet over the Pacific. Mark and Steve had slid through the airport and into the first class lounge with ease. Tommy had been there too, watching, waiting. He too would get a vacation after they left, Tim had insisted.

Maybe it was the early morning hour since no fans appeared, and their passage went unrecorded by photographers. Steve appeared fresh and a little more than excited. But Tim could see the sleep in his eyes, and now he would regain the rest his body needed. Mark on the other hand was sitting with an iPod, nodding his head in time to the music in his ears.

The itinerary was a night or two in Tokyo, and then a quiet trip by car to the mountains of central Honshu, the main Japanese island. The place was familiar, Tim had found solace there before but it would be Brian's first exposure to the culture. The little mountain village was a refuge from the outside world and had been for centuries. The people and place seemed timeless, existing in an ancient past.

His Sensei some fifteen years ago had brought Tim there to learn, to absorb the culture from which his martial arts training had sprung. This was a very real place, just one that hadn't followed the rest of the Japanese nation beyond the seventeenth century. One could believe that samurai still walked the tiny streets of the village atop this particular mountain. Isolation, peace, renewal...all that would be found there, and so would love.

Tim closed his eyes after Brian picked up a book, they didn't need to converse. Behind those closed eyelids Tim could feel himself rolling back the years, entering into a memory of the first visit to Koru, the village in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The ever present visage of Mt. Fuji on one side, and the Japanese version of the Alps on the other. This was a secret place, a place the modern world had forgotten, and the residents liked it that way.

Not many foreigners traveled there. A few hikers passed through on the way to climb Fuji, the sacred mountain, but few others. Tim had been welcomed only because he came with Sensei Namuko...Kasuto Namuko, a legend in this tiny corner of the world. A man who openly scoffed at the American fantasy ideal of what samurai ought to be, ancient bullies he called them. There were far better ways to follow a peaceful path, the true way of a warrior.

So now Tim would return to Koru, and Namuko would be there. A little older, always wiser, a man of understanding. What he had begun with Steve would best be viewed in the light of Namuko's wisdom because the man was a great lover of boys.

The stewardess interrupted Tim's thoughts with a question about his lunch preference. Did he wish a Japanese or western meal? He thought about Steve, and ordered two Japanese. The boy had better immerse himself now. She smiled and told him ten minutes, inclining her head subtly towards the sleeping boy.

The Japanese were like that, a subtle people in many ways. With so many people crammed together on four small islands, the culture of personal space had been refined to an art. Privacy was often a matter of illusion, and to the stewardess suggesting he might wake the boy was unthinkably impolite.

Steve had slept about four hours and Tim sent him to the bathroom to wash up before lunch. Would wonders never cease, the boy liked the shrimp tempura and udon noodles the stewardess brought them. The sweet rice cakes and fruit was delightful as well, maybe there was hope for Steve yet.

Mark began asking questions and talking to Steve across the aisle, so Brian switched seats to allow the boys to talk.

"I'm looking forward to this," Brian said. "Roughing it in the Japanese countryside sounds good to me."

Tim chuckled. "Koru is small, but not poor. Kasuto Namuko is a wealthy man, he just lives simply. Of the four major estates up there he has the largest because of the school."

"And more. Some pretty influential parents send their boys to him, he turns them into men. I haven't been there in seven years, but he had a sixteen year old lover at the time, an exquisite looking boy. Kasuto is not living a monastic life, he is surrounded by beauty...much of it the two legged kind."

"So the martial arts and an education for each boy? A formidable venture, he must do well," Brian said.

"They begin at age ten, and by thirteen they are fearsome little warriors. The boys leave after six years, so I don't think you'll see one over sixteen. They learn fine art, cooking, anything that assures their self sufficiency. Nudity is accepted, some try to go that way year round. I once saw a naked boy sitting in the snow, he said it built character."

"No, the boy did...it was his choice. Some learn and engage while others just take the lessons and leave. Kasuto has been doing this for thirty years and some of his former boys are titans in Japanese business now."

The boys watched a movie on the seat back television screen, and they napped once again. By the time dinner was served it was only an hour from landing. In Tokyo it would be almost noon, their internal clocks would be slightly askew.

The jet came in low over the Japanese mainland since Narita International Airport was inland, about 60 kilometers from Tokyo proper. But they saw the coastline gleaming in the morning sunlight as they flew over the Chiba Peninsula and left Tokyo Bay behind. The touchdown was smooth, and as expected in a computer controlled aircraft, there was hardly a bump.

Tim led them down the ramp into the international arrivals section, and there was a man holding a sign that said Real. Tim smiled and the young Japanese man gave him a slight bow and then shook hands with each of them.

"I am Hedeko Matsumoto. The Master sent me to be your guide. This way to customs, please."

With that the man led them across the lobby and down a corridor. Through a white door they entered a lounge and took a seat. After a few minutes another man entered, a uniformed official this time and Matsumoto left.

"Welcome to Japan, Mr. Real. I am Inspector Nakamura. Do you have anything to declare?"

"That will be fine. Your luggage will be loaded in the car shortly. Mr. Matsumoto will see to this. There is tea on the counter, water if you wish. Please have a pleasant stay in Japan."

"My father is well known here, this is what he calls the political lounge. Dignitaries enter the country this way, all hush, hush you know. Film stars, and even new television stars sneak in past the public this way."

"The American television audience has nothing over the Japanese viewer, they soak up our shows like sponges, and yes, they will know you on sight," Tim said.

Tim smiled. "No, baby...we have Japanese eyes guarding us now. Mr. Matsumoto is one of Kasuto's men I'm sure. We'll be well protected from your adoring public."

They were soon escorted into an underground garage where a dark limo awaited. Matsumoto opened doors and then slid in with them for the ride as another man was behind the wheel. The boys watched the view as the car sped the kilometers into Tokyo, the largest metropolitan area in the world. The countryside gave way to the clutter of buildings and houses off the highway and the suburbs seemed to press in on them. Thirty million people made it feel like that.

The driver stayed on the freeways into the city and slid off an exit into streets lined with large office buildings.

"The Imperial Hotel is a favored location for viewing the city," Matsumoto said. "One of our finest and most ancient hotel locations. The building was replaced some years after the war. You gentlemen may wish to visit the Hibiya Park near the hotel, or view the Imperial Palace where the Emperor lives. The Ginza is also close by, a very popular tourist destination if you wish to shop."

Hedeko nodded. "Master Namuko will arrive tomorrow as he wishes to escort you himself because of these gentlemen."

"Your faces are known here, this is why you must have protection. Japanese fans are very excitable when they view a film or television personality, you must forgive them. But please, do not fear to walk in the city streets, we will be watching closely."

"Since the age of ten." He then looked at Tim and smiled. "You do not remember me?"

"I was a child then, the 'chan' no longer applies. I was but sixteen in those days, ready to approach the world thanks to the Master. He sent me to university where I learned much and came back to him." Hedeko looked at Mark and Steve. "I know only the famous personalities of these young men. May I ask, will they seek a different path as well?"

Tim nodded. "I brought them for an introduction to Kasuto's world. They will find it most uplifting and a source of strength."

Hedeko nodded. "As did you I recall, this is a good thing. For youth is only caught up in the living, the Master gives it a sense of purpose." He turned to Brian. "And you sir, what do you seek?"

"I have learned skill from Tim. I need to find the strength to use it wisely, and to pass along that wisdom to Mark," Brian said.

Hedeko nodded once again. "An open mind is the first step." He sighed. "I still have great love for the Master, he returns it tenfold. He seeks comfort from others now, it is the way of things, but I am not lost because of that. I have something from him that guides my life, I have his respect, and nothing pleases me more."

The hotel suddenly appeared in the clutter of buildings and a man opened the doors of the car for them. Hedeko stepped out first and then nodded for them to exit the car. This is the way it would be, their security dictated that.

The hotel was luxurious and from their adjoining suites they could look out the windows on the ancient moat and towering walls of the Imperial Palace. Hedeko slid up behind the boys and explained.

"The Imperial Palace has stood for centuries, the home of the Emperor of Japan. For a very long time the person who was Emperor was considered divine, a living god. The war here changed much of that over sixty years ago. His Highness, Emperor Akihito now sits on the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne only as a figurehead, much as the Queen of England does."

"Yes, this Emperor never was. His Highness is a cultured and well educated man, knowledgeable in the ways of the world, it is necessary. For many centuries Japan isolated itself, afraid to change its ways, and that was a serious error in judgment. For in doing so we became a land of feudal lords and self serving brutes who did what they wished and oppressed the people. Isolation is never the answer. Strength comes from embracing the unknown."

Hedeko smiled. "Some think so, but this is not true. I seek truth and wisdom through strength; this should always be the way you think as well. Understanding overcomes all obstacles, truth always wins in battle. Will you bathe now? I would like to show you my city."

Brian and Tim had been amused at Hedeko's lesson to the boys. They would learn a lot in just a few short weeks. The boys showered and then the men, it wasn't time to fool around. When they were done Hedeko handed each of the boys a baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses.

"The disguise is thin, but it may give you a better opportunity to see without being seen," He said.

He handed cell phones to both Tim and Brian. "I am one, my backup is two," Was all he said, the speed dial was pre-programmed.

"Who are the Tokyo Giants?" Mark asked, looking at the logo on his cap. They rode down the elevator talking about baseball in Japan. The afternoon streets around them were filled with cars, but they crossed the stopped traffic and entered the park. Hibiya Park was an enclosed area filled with ponds, trees and flowering plants.

"This is very much a western style park," Hedeko said. "Land is scarce in this city and it took years for this area to be developed."

"We do, but many of them are located around great religious temples, and even...even cemeteries."

Hedeko nodded. "The Japanese view of the dead is different than in your culture. Here they are venerable ancestors and people often go to speak to their relatives. The first bit of wisdom you must learn is the understanding of that which you find strange and different."

Hedeko smiled. "Yes, I am like you in that regard. I loved his understanding, his wisdom and his compassion, he cared for me. At your age those feelings are not easily understood. He gave me a most important lesson in life and the skill I needed to become a strong man."

"Yes we are," Hedeko replied. "But a strong man makes his own luck as well, something you will discover in time."

By this time Brian had spotted their guard detail. Casually dressed young men of Hedeko's age, three of them. He mentioned this to Tim who nodded.

"Yeah, I picked up on that too. I think the six of us ought to be enough for anything."

"No, we'll walk out of this isolated place and hit the downtown in a while to eat. It's Friday night here, there ought to be crowds. Someone will recognize our boys."

They walked along a section of the water-filled moat around the Palace, not much to see, the grounds were off limits to the public. It was almost six by the time they strode the Ginza shopping district, Hedeko was taking them to a 'nice place to eat.'

A couple of young Japanese girls stared at the boys, and then turned away. Hedeko lead them up a side street, and then another before turning into what could only be described as a tiny alley. Now their escort was apparent as the three men closed off the way behind them. The alley led them to a quiet street, cut off from downtown and yet very much a part of it. Then there was a tall wooden gate where Hedeko pulled on a chain hanging down from the lintel and rang the bell inside.

"Konichi wa," An elderly man said, opening the door in the heavy gate and bowing to them. Mark followed Steve through the gate and they stepped into a different world from the bustle and clamor of the city. The man hurried ahead and Hedeko stood still.

"This is an old Geisha house, it's now a restaurant," He explained. "We are very early, before the many other guests arrive, but you may be tired by the time we are done and wish to return to the hotel. Here you will experience the ancient beauty of my country. I bid you welcome."

They were shown to the polished wooden floor surrounding the entrance, and they removed their shoes. A tiny young woman knelt before the boys and slipped black tight fitting foot covers on their feet. "Tabi, an indoor foot covering. It is necessary on the tatami mats made of straw and keeps the house clean," Hedeko explained.

The tiny woman bowed and led the way inside. They were taken to a large room surrounded by paper shoji screens. The floor was a broad sweep of tatami mats upon which they were seated at a low lacquered table inset with a dark slate top. Several other women appeared and brought them cushions to sit upon and they settled in. Only then did the show begin.

Mark and Steve sat side by side, Hedeko, Brian and Tim occupying the other three sides. The screened wall slid open and a wonderfully dressed woman appeared, a Geisha. She knelt some distance from the table and bowed, Hedeko nodded in return.

"Konichi wa," She said. "I am Kiko. I will be your hostess." Her English was accented, but she obviously took great care in pronouncing the words exactly. "May I show you the garden?"

"Yes, please," Brian said, assuming they would all rise and be given a tour. But Kiko rose and walked to the long wall. She placed a hand on the sliding door and pushed. First one door folded back into another and still another. She returned and did the same on the other side, revealing a twenty foot wide opening, and the gardens beyond.

The garden was lit with small paper lanterns on poles, illuminating a waterfall, and ponds amidst the small bushes and plantings. And then over the night air came the sound of music, strange and slightly discordant.

"That is Michiko playing her samisen," Kiko explained. "I will play the koto and dance for you later if you wish. May we serve you refreshment?"

Hedeko ordered something in Japanese and then looked at the boys. "Do you drink beer?"

Hedeko smiled and said something else to Kiko who covered her mouth before she smiled. "I will do so," She said.

She rose to her feet and shuffled in an affected manner towards the door. She knelt once more and slid it open, nodding to someone else on the other side and speaking quietly.

"In ancient times, all the way back to our mutual relationship with China, women were prized for their tiny feet. Many girls had their feet bound with cloth so as they grew it would keep them small. It was a cruel practice and was stopped a long time ago. But the movements of Geisha are those of the willow tree swaying in the breeze, an artistic touch, and yet a subtle reminder that women who bound their feet could hardly walk at all.

"Japan is a male dominated society, as is much of Asia. A woman's place is to serve, or I should say that is how it used to be. So the act of protesting the culture of men was not done with obvious means, the subtle served just as well. Geisha have always served men in private hidden places like this, and despite what you might think that means, they were not bedroom slaves."

"They're entertainers, singers and musicians," Mark said. "I read about that. I didn't know they still existed."

Kiko returned with small porcelain jars and tiny cups for the men, she also set two large bottles of beer on the table and placed a glass in front of each boy. Of course Mark and Steve grinned, they were about to drink beer. Kiko went around the table pouring a cup for each of the men and a half glass of the foamy brew for the boys.

Hedeko raised his cup of sake. "Welcome to Japan," He said. The boys each took large sips of the beer and gasped.

"Beer is the product of fermentation. That is root beer, same process but no alcohol...you would call it sarsaparilla in the States," Hedeko laughed.

"No, but drinking alcohol is not good for your young bodies. I would not give you anything that harms the process of growth," Hedeko said.

Their dinner was eventually served in a stream of never ending courses, and soon the table was covered in dishes. Hedeko carefully explained each dish and the boys sampled everything. Kiko entertained, dancing while accompanied by another lady who played a strange looking small guitar with a triangular box on the end. Steve was told it was called a samisen when he asked.

But then Kiko opened a sliding door and slid a long flat stringed instrument into the room, a koto. The sound it made as she gently tuned it was strange, but the music she played was hauntingly beautiful. Brian felt the effects of the sake creeping up, but the music and the garden view all blended together into a wonderful environment.

They thanked Kiko for her concert and Hedeko saw Mark yawn behind his hand. "We should depart, you will need rest after such a long flight," He said.

Brian staggered a bit and Tim gave him a hand as they slipped their shoes on. Outside on the porch there were a dozen staff members waiting. They bowed low with calls of 'return soon,' a final thank you for coming.

"Not so," Hedeko said, and when the elderly man opened the door and bowed his farewell they saw the limo waiting outside to whisk them back to the hotel. Hedeko excused himself when they reached the lobby. "Call me when you are ready in the morning." And then he rode away.

Brian had to help Mark undress, the boy was dead on his feet. Not that the sake made it any easier for him, but they managed to brush their teeth and then slid under the covers. He kissed the boy and felt Mark kiss back. It was the last thing either of them remembered until morning.

Tim was in about the same position, except that Steve was able to do his nightly routine by himself. They crawled in bed and snuggled up close.

He felt Steve's body relax into his, the boy was out and he would soon follow. He hoped Kasuto would approve of his choice. That meant he would look beyond the beauty on the surface and probe the boy's character. Steve would fare well, he had the strength. And Tim slept.

Brian awoke to the feeling of Mark's lips on his left nipple. The boy giggled when he knew Brian was awake.

"Oh, you hungry already?" Brian asked with a grin "You won't get any milk out of that."

There was a similar scene taking place in the next bedroom, Steve was on a mission. He was beginning to enjoy doing things for Tim and reaping the reward for himself later. Sex with someone else was still something new and Steve was trying to fathom the responses he could elicit from Tim's body. The results might be the same...he was just looking for new ways to get there.

Tim finally put his ear to the door after they dressed and heard the television in Brian's room so he knocked.

"I'm down in the restaurant reading the Times. I'll order you coffee," Hedeko said, and then hung up.

"Oh, goodie, they have bacon and eggs," Steve said. "What do the Japanese eat for breakfast?"

Hedeko smiled. "Let's see, dried fish and rice usually, sometimes with an egg on the side."

Hedeko patted Steve's hand. "The master runs a very large estate; there are many animals and crops grown there. He has two cooks, and one of them is a fine chef. So I imagine you may eat what you wish, but the Japanese traditional food will taste better."

"Oh yes, I ate them a lot when I was in college. Very unhealthy, but I virtually lived at Burger King."

So as they waited for breakfast the boys, including Hedeko, swapped stories about the perfect hamburger. His age of twenty-three aside, Hedeko was still a big kid when it came to memories of his time in America. It drew Mark and Steve closer to the man.

They ate the eggs and bacon, ordering extra toast twice. Hedeko said they would need to go shopping if the boys didn't have the right hiking gear. Brian hadn't thought about that either. He had perfectly good climbing boots at home in the closet. But Mark and Steve had nothing for the long walks ahead; they would need to be outfitted.

Hedeko led them out to the parking garage and they boarded the limo, a black sedan followed close behind. The Shibuya shopping district they entered was one of the largest in Tokyo and even at this early hour the streets were packed with people. Hedeko assured them they would find everything they needed in the eight story mall, including a lot of American franchise businesses. The car stopped on a side street away from the main thoroughfare since there was no sense in attracting attention right away, and the little sedan pulled in behind them.

Hedeko led them in a side entrance to a huge building and they rode the escalator up two floors. Young ladies looked at Mark and Steve, probably because no one else was wearing sun glasses indoors. They approached a place called Expedition Outfitters, the name in both English and Japanese. Their three shadows remained outside the store.

Hedeko had the attention of all four clerks as he started issuing orders, and they fairly ran to fetch and carry. Steve was amused by all this, Mark just grinned. They sat in chairs and piles of outdoor boots appeared, Mark chose the Timberland styles, Steve went along with that.

Jackets and hoodies for the cool nights in the mountains, extra thick socks for the boots, and they were about done. Hedeko led them to a rack of back packs and they each chose one, adding an emergency kit and canteens as well. Hedeko issued a final string of orders and the clerks bowed as they made their way towards the door.

There were at least twenty girls clustered in the mall and they shrieked as the boys walked out, they were nailed. "Adam-san...is this you?" One girl asked. And Mark nodded. More shrieks and the girls gathered around, cell phone cameras pointed while still others called their friends about the sighting. "Steve-san...you so handsome," One girl said in excellent and very clear English. "Why do you come to Tokyo?"

And Hedeko smiled as boys began to talk, "We finished the first season, did you watch?" Mark asked. The girls all nodded. "You are so funny, we laugh and laugh," A girl said.

The average Japanese student takes several years of English so they could all understand him quite well. Mark talked about the season, and the things they hoped to do in the future. Steve was complimented about his basketball skills, and they were both pressed for autographs.

"Why do you come to Tokyo?" The question was asked again. Mark smiled and blew the girls a kiss. "We came to see you," He yelled. There were fifty girls now and boys as well, they all screamed at that. The shoppers watched and smiled, and then mall security arrived.

"Let's go," Hedeko suggested and they pushed their way towards a back hallway as a security elevator opened to admit them. The screams faded away as they dropped two floors and slid out a side door once again.

Hedeko nodded. "They love you. The biggest bunch of star struck fans in the world live here. If you went public we'd have to rent a stadium for the crowd."

"They were polite at least," Steve said. They rounded a corner and saw a bunch of girls gathered in front of the mall. They shrieked when they saw the boys and came running. The limo pulled up and they piled in, shutting the doors about two seconds before the girls arrived. The security team pressed the girls back as the car pulled slowly away.

Hedeko laughed. "By tonight the world will know you are here, your faces will be all over the internet. Then the girls will stake out the city looking for you, and so will the photographers. I think it's time Master Namuko took you away from here."

"He's right," Tim said. "I know you love the attention, fans are a real ego boost. But we can't control the crowds, and there are thirty million Japanese out there in this city, not good odds."

"It will reach the hotel within the hour by messenger, I just hope he isn't followed," Hedeko said.

They drove back under the hotel and the boys climbed out, then Hedeko smiled. "You stay in the room for a bit, I'll be back and we'll have some lunch."

The small sedan parked and the three men got out as the limo took Hedeko away. Tim led them back up to the rooms where the boys promptly got into a television program. Brian sat with Tim in the other room.

"You see what he's done for Hedeko, he's a wonderful teacher. The culture of competition is so intense here. Students commit suicide rather than tell their parents they flunked out of college, that's severe. But Kasuto alters their mindset. He makes the boys smart and teaches them about life. It isn't about sleeping with them, he never asks for that, but those who do end up like Hedeko, a made man."

Tim shook his head. "Bad as anywhere else, he'd be crucified. But thirty years of silence, the boys don't want anyone to know."

"So you admired him for all these years, and knew what he was into," Brian said. "Why did it take you so long to come around?"

Tim nodded. "Fair question, I was scared. I have a lot to lose, and besides, I didn't know anyone this young until I met Steve. He's perfect for me and it's all new to us both."

"Yeah, he is exceptional," Brian agreed. "You make it sound like Namuko will pass judgment on Steve somehow, why exactly do you want his blessing?"

"He is the most perceptive man I ever met, he can look right into your head and see what you're thinking, I swear. I just want to know what he thinks of Steve before...before I make it a lifetime commitment. I love the boy, no doubt about that. But he's young, what if, huh? What if he finds someone like Mark and blows me off?"

"He's not going to do that. Sure there are any number of boys that learn what they want from a man and say good-bye. But look what you have to offer, and I don't mean in dollars."

"No, Steve has a father, not a strong one but he's there," Brian said. "Steve wants a Sensei. He wants you to be a lifetime guide and teacher. I get that, young gay boys are insecure, you override that fear. Mark is my partner, I never felt better about being equals with a boy. He's all that to me and then some."

Brian smiled as they kissed and then looked up at Mark who had followed behind. He walked across the carpet and sat on Brian's lap. "Someone start a love fest and forget to tell me?" Mark asked. Brian kissed him and they turned to watch Tim kissing Steve.

Steve was shaking and pulled away from Tim's mouth, laughing hysterically. "Oh shut up," He groaned.

"I think they want some private time," Brian said, and then there was a knock on the door. "That must be Hedeko."

Steve adjusted the huge erection in his pants. A futile gesture, there was no place for it to go. Brian went to the door and let Hedeko in, and he held out two large shopping bags with the Burger King logo on them. "I brought lunch." He said.

Mark looked at Brian, who didn't approve of such food...well, maybe this one time. The boys lay on the bed while the three men sat around the table as they ate.

"The Master called, he will be here within an hour," Hedeko said. "He will be happy to see you."

The bedside phone rang and Hedeko got up to answer it, spoke a few words and nodded, then hung up. "The clothing is here. They will bring it up" And then his cell phone rang and he looked at the text message on his screen.

"Clothing and fans I'm afraid, they have found you. My security detail is watching them out front. We shall use the garage to exit this afternoon."

They cleaned up the lunch debris and Steve gave Hedeko a hug. "Thank you, that hit the spot," He said.

"See, and we both profit from the transaction, how nice. But it is also bad food, so in all likelihood we shall not do it again."

The clothes arrived shortly thereafter, and so did Namuko. His presence was announced by a single knock on the door, Hedeko went to answer. He bowed as the man entered the room, and they embraced as a familiar greeting. Brian was impressed by the man's presence, but he looked like a Japanese peasant farmer.

Namuko wore traditional Japanese garb, loose billowing trousers tied below the knees and a long sleeve jacket wrapped with a sash. His face commanded attention, and so did the guards he brought along. Two boys, perhaps twelve years of age, stood back behind their master, dressed alike and looking like him except for the mask of fierce determination on their faces.

"Tim," The man said, and they embraced as well. "How well you've grown," Namuko said, and then he turned to Brian. As if sensing the strength he faced, Namuko gave a slight bow.

Brian returned the small bow and smiled. "Thank you, Sensei. It's good to finally meet you."

Namuko gestured right and left. "This is Kenji and Edward, my students. Oh, and I suppose they now fancy themselves my guardians as well."

The boys both bowed low and Brian and Tim both returned the gesture. Then Namuko turned to gaze at Mark and Steve. The boys stood uneasily, not sure what they should do in the way of greeting.

Namuko looked over at Brian. "This is your young friend, yes?" Brian nodded. "He understands the moment well," Namuko said.

He turned back to Steve. "And you must be the young man Tim has spoken about." Namuko held out his arms and paused. "Do you know what I wish?" He asked, and Steve nodded but didn't move. Namuko smiled. "He who hesitates is lost, young one." And Steve stepped forward into the embrace.

He finally held Steve back at arms length. "Such beauty do my eyes behold." He reached over and squeezed Mark's arm. "The both of you are fine young men. It warms an old man's heart to see you. Welcome to you both, we will have such fun together."

Kenji smiled and Namuko looked his way. "You find something amusing, my young pigeon?"

"No Master, they do not yet understand the meaning of our fun, this makes me smile."

"Kenji has learned English from his father since the age of five, he speaks quite well. Edward knows three languages already, they earned the right to travel with me here," Namuko said. "Now I suppose we had best leave before the young ladies in front of the hotel get bolder, we shall need to use the back door."

Kenji and Edward carried the bags of clothing while Mark and Steve rolled their suitcases along with Brian and Tim bringing up the rear. Hedeko ordered the elevator to the basement garage and they saw Namuko's car, a Ford Expedition. He saw the look. "What did you expect, a rickshaw? We are going to the mountains, gentlemen."

Hedeko went for the driver's door and Namuko raised his eyebrows. "You wish to drive? So be it, no one trusts the old man anymore."

The bags went in back, and the men crawled in. Mark squeezed between Kenji and Edward in the back seat, Steve between Brian and Tim, Namuko took the passenger seat. Hedeko pulled out of the garage and sped through the streets and onto the freeway heading west out of the city.

"Once we drive beyond the smoke and dust of the city you will see Fuji-san," Namuko said. "It is worshiped by many, the name thought to mean 'immortal,' but no one really knows. It has lain quiet for over three hundred years."

"It's a volcano, and it can spit fire and ash when it gets hot, but there are sufficient prayers said to keep it quiet for now." Namuko chuckled. "I still look at the mountain every time the earth shakes."

Namuko turned to look at the boy. "Fear is like a sponge, my young friend; it soaks up your strength. The ground I live upon shakes the least in the country, the mountains hold it down. The tectonic plates along the coast are always shifting and the pressure builds up until it lets go, then we have an earthquake in Tokyo, but not in Koru."

The city slowly fell away and the vision of Mt. Fuji rose through the front windshield. Kenji was busy explaining to Mark how he had hiked the mountain last year, calling it a spiritual journey. Mark liked the boy already and he was willing to talk.

Edward was the quiet one, but Mark didn't see that as a weakness, the boy contemplated everything. Finally the boy spoke. "The Master says you are on an American television program, what does that mean?"

"There are no such things in Koru, we don't need them," Edward said. "What does it do?"

"Um, it shows pictures broadcast in the air from a station...I don't now what to say?"

"Then say nothing," Edward said, obviously not disappointed. Mark wondered what they had wandered into here.

Fuji-san remained in sight as they continued west, and now the distant mountains came closer, they were headed uphill. In all, the trip on the freeway took two hours; the trip off the highway took two hours more. They passed through numerous farm villages and small towns, many clinging to the sides of the hills. And then they turned off the narrow highway.

The track was covered by trees as they wound around the side of one hill after another, going higher each time and then finally they came to a clearing and a large gravel covered parking lot where a dozen cars sat. Hedeko pulled into a spot by a long low shed and stopped.

The low shed, the trees and the sky...there was nothing else. "And where might here be?" Mark asked.

Hedeko laughed at their astonishment. "Come, let us find each of you a bicycle."

The shed was filled with bikes, some with wheeled carts attached to carry their luggage. And once everyone was outfitted they took off in single file towards the trees. The bike trail was smooth and flat, big enough for a small car and yet Hedeko had said they were forbidden in the town.

Once under the trees they followed the path and rode for maybe fifteen minutes until the sky was once again above them and the village lay in their path. There were shops selling groceries and sundry items, a bakery and several small places to eat. The buildings all looked ancient, as did the people.

Those who walked stood aside as they approached and when they saw Namuko they bowed and he nodded in return. They made quite a procession through the town and then they were on the outskirts once again. Here they could see the glory of the mountains surrounding this high peak and in the near distance Fuji-san loomed.

Namuko led them onwards and turned left at the crossroads. They wheeled under an ornate and ancient Tori gate, passing through a formidable set of newer looking security gates, and onto a gravel roadway. Buildings appeared tucked into the trees, large structures and small, but beyond that stood what could only be described as a castle.

A bell rang somewhere near the large stone structure and boys appeared. From every direction they came running, all towards the head of the path where they fell in line. Brian was fascinated, there had to be at least thirty boys. They ranged in ages from ten to sixteen, and Brian laughed, a few of them were quite naked while the rest wore white Gi, the dojo uniforms.

Namuko stopped his bike and got off, laying it on the ground. "Hai," an older boy yelled, and they all bowed as one. Namuko strode the length of the line and smiled before he returned the bow. The boys broke ranks and mobbed him, the smaller ones reaching for a hug while the others patted his arms and back.

Their little caravan had stopped to watch and Brian found himself beside Hedeko.

"They welcome him home, it is like this every time he leaves, they love him so," Hedeko said.

"The original watchtower was built five hundred years ago, it has since been expanded. The buildings over there are the boy's quarters, divided by age of course. The dojo is there, the playing fields behind the house and the school is over there. Teachers live in the town and come here every day, four of them.

"The gates are closed every night and no one is allowed in or out. The boys eat in the kitchen building behind the tower where the cooks also teach them about cooking. We eat with them as a sign of solidarity, its great fun. The boys put on entertainments of many kinds. Kenji will perform tonight to meet the Master's wishes."

Hedeko smiled. "In many ways it is, the discipline of the arts is tough, but the hand of the Master is kind and fair. All who come here will leave with understanding. This will be so for you and your boys."

"Expect nothing, embrace all. Give yourself over to the thoughts this place evokes and you will be a changed man, a better man. We have our fun to balance the hard work, sometimes the boys run wild, and it is allowed for their sake. You see the naked ones; there is no dress code here except in the dojo. Feel free to do as you please, the Master will guide your steps."

"In the tower, it has the best view on the whole mountain. You will see what I mean at dawn."

A group of older boys helped them carry the bags inside and up the stone staircase. Here it became apparent where the new and the old came together. This was a feudal castle surrounded by a house, a fortress on the mountain. The bedroom assigned to Mark and Brian was half the width of the tower, a long room with a curved wall. Brian imagined Tim's room looked much like this as well. A door led to their bathroom, large and comfortable, both a shower and a tub, modern plumbing at least.

The bed looked fit for a king, and yet there was no mattress. Futons piled high on a tatami base, a completely Japanese bed. Mark looked around and then walked to the doors which opened out onto a balcony.

Mt. Fuji filled the opening and they had a spectacular view. They stepped out and saw the other buildings below and noticed their balcony adjoined Tim's.

"This is the land of the rising sun, and we're standing in paradise," Brian said.

"Only because you're here," Mark said. "This place is full of surprises, I wonder what comes next?"

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Adam Conquers Earth

By Chris James

Chapter Ten