Order of the Lost Samurai

Hey everyone!

I'm really sorry it's taken me a while to get back to uploading chapters. Other projects have been getting in the way, which isn't a bad thing, but I totally understand how frustrating it can be when you're eagerly waiting for new stuff. I promise that once I finish my current project, I'll get back to (semi) regular uploads of my existing stories.

After a recent conversation with one of you guys, I realized I never uploaded Chapter 6 of Samurai, even though it was almost done! This upload is to fix that mistake. Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks again for all your support! It really means a lot to me!

Ghost Dream

Chapter Six

"I... have superpowers," Nicky said hesitantly.

Four gorgeous faces shifted from disbelieving shock to outright skepticism. After a few moments of awkward silence, Sakiko finally spoke up.

"Nicky, I don't think now is the time to-- AHHH!" Her sentence ended in a scream as both she and Tamiko stumbled backward, landing on their butts. Nicky had risen in place, hovering about a foot off the floor.

Mr. Nakamura slapped his knees, cackling with laughter. "That's gonna come in handy when I have to change lightbulbs!!"

"ARE YOU FLYING!?" Kasumi screeched.

"YOU CAN FLY!?" Mayumi shrieked.

"How the fuck are you flying?" Sakiko demanded, her voice filled with awestruck wonder.

Tamiko just stared at him, dumbfounded.

"Technically, I'm just hovering," Nicky said with a smile. He landed back on the floor and headed toward the back door. "Come on. Let's go outside, and I'll explain everything."

"I'm coming, too," the old man chimed in. Nicky raised an eyebrow as Mr. Nakamura sprang up from his chair like a gymnast.

"What?" the old man asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"How are you so spry all of a sudden?" Nicky asked, raising his eyebrows suspiciously.

Mr. Nakamura chuckled. "Look, kid, I'm ninety years old. Do you know how hard it is to pretend to be that old when you've got the body of a twenty-year-old?"

"Is that... one of your abilities?" Nicky asked.

"Eh, maybe. But come on, we can talk about that later." He prodded Nicky and the girls out the back door. "Let's get outside so you can show off some of your new abilities! Just don't fly too high yet. We don't want to draw too much attention."

"Got it," Nicky said, jumping off the deck as if he were about to land right in the middle of the sand in the old man's zen garden.

"HEY!" Mr. Nakamura yelled in protest, stepping forward.

Nicky flashed him a mischievous grin, and just before he hit the ground, he rose effortlessly into the air. "Gotcha!"

"Dammit, kid," Mr. Nakamura sighed, shaking his head as the girls burst into laughter.

"Don't worry, sensei," Nicky said with a laugh. "Even if I somehow mess it up, I'm sure I could fix it blindfolded by now."

"Don't be so sure," his mentor grumbled. "And don't get cocky!"

"Ohh," Mayumi teased.

"We don't mind him getting cocky," Kasumi added with a coquettish smile.

"It has been a while for us," Mayumi added.

"Nicky!" Kasumi called to him. "Will you pound my pussy tonight?"

"Yeah!" Mayumi added. "It's been so long mine feels like it's shriveling up from disuse!"

Nicky landed smoothly next to the twins. "Of course," he said, kissing them both. Then, he rose into the air again. "But first--explanations."

"What else can you do?" Sakiko asked as Nicky zoomed by, a big smile on his face. He flew low across the backyard, skillfully weaving through the gazebo to show off his abilities.

"Come over here, and I'll show you!" Nicky called as he lowered himself to land gracefully in the center of the gazebo.

Sakiko joined him, her excitement evident in her smile. She leaned in close, her voice just for him. "That's so hot. I could fuck you right here."

Nicky chuckled, shaking his head playfully. "Now, now. Let's tone down the seduction a few notches. Besides, I think the twins are feeling a little left out."

"Fine," she grumbled, crossing her arms. "So, what did you need my help with?"

"Nothing," Nicky replied with a grin. He reached out to gently caress her cheek, and she felt a sudden jolt of energy shoot through her.

Her eyes widened. "What was that?"

"I just gave you the ability to fly," Nicky said, his grin widening. "Go ahead, try it out."

"How?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Can you feel the power in your body?" Nicky asked. "It might feel like a rushing wind, making laps around your heart."

She paused, then nodded, eyes widening in awe. "Yes."

"Good," Nicky said with a smile. "Now, picture yourself reaching out and grasping that power, like taking hold of the wind. Redirect it toward thoughts of flight. Then, just imagine yourself floating. Start with a hover, like I did in the house."

Sakiko closed her eyes and mentally reached for the energy. She didn't know how she was going to take hold of it, but soon realized that, though it was seemingly made of air, it was also mentally tangible. It swirled around her heart like the rings around Saturn. With mental fingers, she probed the energy. She visibly jolted when her mind grasped the mass of power. Her eyes flew open, and she looked down at Nicky in confusion, wondering why she was looking down at him. She glanced at her feet and noticed she was hovering forty-five centimeters in the air!!

"Holy shit!!" she exclaimed as she lost her mental control over the ring around her heart and fell back to the ground.

Nicky pulled her into an embrace, both to steady her and to enjoy the way her body felt against his. They heard squeals of excitement from the direction of the house.

"HOLY SHIT, YOU CAN FLY, TOO!?" Kasumi exclaimed.

"I WANNA FLY, TOO!!" Mayumi begged.

Nicky laughed. "I can only enable flight to one person at a time," he said. "Come on." He took Sakiko's hand. "Let's hover over to the others, and I'll explain everything I know so far."

As they glided back over to the others, Sakiko thought back to the only other time in her life when she had felt exceptionally happy: when her father had finally agreed to teach her to fight. She remembered being so happy she couldn't stop smiling, no matter how bad her day was. Today was one of those times as well; her grin was permanently plastered on her face. As they landed in front of the twins, Nicky pulled her in for another embrace and kissed her.

"That's a good look on you," he observed after breaking the kiss.

"What look?" she asked.

"Happiness," he replied. "I hope to see it much more often from now on."

She blushed and looked away. He gently tilted her chin with the crook of his index finger, guiding her gaze back to his so he could look meaningfully into her eyes.

"I mean it," Nicky said softly and leaned in to kiss her again. However, a hand darting between their lips stopped the intimate contact. Nicky looked over at a pair of scowling faces.

"She's had enough kisses," Kasumi pouted.

"It's our turn for kisses," Mayumi whined.

Nicky laughed and pulled Kasumi in for a kiss, dipping her as he did so. His tongue darted into her mouth to dance with hers. She moaned happily, then sighed in contentment as he straightened and released her before doing the same with Mayumi. She giggled as he dipped her, her hands lovingly gripping his neck while his tongue ignited her passion. As Nicky released her, the twins stood next to each other, panting with desire.

Then, they parted to reveal Tamiko. Her eyes widened as they darted between the two girls, and for a moment, she looked like a trapped animal. She glanced up at Nicky, finding his welcoming smile. The twins pushed her toward him, and she shuffled awkwardly to stand in front of him. Nicky's heart hammered in his chest, and he knew he was blushing slightly--though not as much as Tamiko. She looked up at him with her warm, inviting eyes.

"Your eyes are beautiful," he commented.

"Thank you, husband," Tamiko said, her cheeks flushing fiercely.

"First kiss?" he asked, lovingly tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, careful not to presume but knowing she wanted to.

"Yes, please," she replied in a voice so soft that he barely heard her, her arms wrapping tentatively around his waist.

He leaned down as she tilted her head up, their lips caressing each other in a timid first contact. Tamiko stepped closer, deepening the kiss as she pressed her body against his, her hands trailing up his back and pulling him closer. Nicky obliged, licking her lips to ask for permission before slipping his tongue inside her warm, waiting mouth. She moaned huskily as he caressed her tongue with his. Her nails dug into his back, igniting her desire. Rising slightly on her tiptoes, she attempted to grind her hips against him.

Her groin had just made contact with him when someone cleared their voice loudly and deliberately. The two broke apart reluctantly, both panting with need. Tamiko's eyes were heavily dilated, her eyelids hooded, revealing her hunger for him.

"As much as I know you two want this right now," Mr. Nakamura grumbled, "I'd rather you didn't start rutting like two dogs in heat on my back porch."

Tamiko squeaked in embarrassment as she backed away from Nicky. "Way to kill the mood, old man," Nicky grumbled.

"Yeah, well, you can fuck her senseless later," his mentor replied. "Right now, I believe some explanations are in order."

Tamiko's face reddened further, and her eyes began to water from embarrassment. In an instant, Nicky wrapped her in his arms, the twins and Sakiko joining their embrace. "Shh," he soothed the distraught girl, kissing the top of her head. "It's okay. You're okay." He shot the old man a withering glare and added, "I'm sure Mr. Nakamura didn't mean it quite the way it came out."

Tamiko shivered as she fought to compose herself, finding comfort in the warmth of the love surrounding her. "I... know," she replied in a choked whisper.

The old man sighed. "He's right, Tamiko Tanaka. I'm sorry," he said. "Sometimes I let my impatience get the better of me and open my mouth before my brain can catch up."

"It's... okay," Tamiko replied from the middle of the group, trying to bury her face further into Nicky's chest. "You're not wrong. I just... I'm not used to such language directed toward me."

"Be that as it may, I could have used a bit more tact before speaking," he replied. "Again, I apologize."

"Apology accepted, Mr. Nakamura," Tamiko said, her voice muffled by Nicky's shirt. Nicky felt their bond rise again by thirty-three percent, bringing it to eighty-one. "And I also apologize for almost getting carried away with my emotions in your home."

The old man chuckled. "There's no need to apologize for that. As far as I'm concerned, this is Nicky's home now, too, for the foreseeable future."

"What? Why?" Nicky asked, puzzled.

"You're my responsibility now, kid," the old man replied with a shrug. "As a member of the Order of the Lost Samurai, it's my job to teach you how to become a capable fighter and a benevolent human."

"Order of the Lost Samurai," Nicky echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Is that really what they're called?"

"Nope," the old man said with a grin. "Just made it up."

"So what are they called?" Tamiko asked, extricating herself from the embrace of the others. They all turned to face the old man, eager for his answer.

"We never had a name until today," he replied. "Having a name for a group or sect like ours draws too much attention to our activities. We preferred to remain anonymous, always working from the shadows."

"Then how did you contact others of your order?" Sakiko asked.

"We didn't," came a voice from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Kai stepping out into the backyard.

"Kai??" Nicky exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"He wasn't just teaching me english, my friend," Kai replied, gesturing toward Mr. Nakamura.

"Well, fuck," Nicky said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Who else in my life is gonna turn out to be part of some secret political organization? Next you'll be telling me my ma was in on it all along."

Kai chuckled softly. "No, Nick. Just me and Mr. Nakamura."

Sakiko leaned in, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Do you have abilities, Kiyoshi?"

Kai shook his head. "No," he replied. "I haven't begun my pilgrimage yet."

"Is that where you've been every day since you got home?" Nicky asked, raising an eyebrow at his friend.

"Yes, and no," Kai answered vaguely.

Mr. Nakamura chuckled, stepping forward. "He's been with me every day," he clarified. "What did you think we were doing while you were out here, staring at my backyard? I've been preparing him for the journey to Mt. Fuji to pray."

"Mt. Fuji?" Nicky asked, still processing everything.

"Kiyoshi, why don't you fire up that grill and put some burgers on," Mr. Nakamura suggested, shifting the mood.

"Yes, Mr. Nakamura," Kai replied as the twins squealed with glee. "How many?"

The old man eyed Nicky with a speculative glance before letting out a sigh. "Better make the rest of them. That boy's not gonna have a problem polishing them off. And if any of his women are actively bonded, they'll be hungrier than usual, too."

"Actively... what?" Sakiko asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"I'll explain later," Nicky replied with a quick kiss to her cheek, trying to keep the mood light. "So, Mt. Fuji?"

Mr. Nakamura gestured toward the house. "Come on back inside, but this is the last bit of information I'm sharing until after you've explained everything to your girls."

"Deal," Nicky agreed with a grin, as everyone but Kai, who stayed behind to grill, made their way inside.

As they all got settled again, with the girls resuming their comfortable spots around Nicky, Mr. Nakamura continued with a chuckle.

"On top of Mt. Fuji, there's an entrance to a hidden temple dedicated to Inari, the fox goddess. Acolytes of the order go there to pray and receive blessings from the goddess. Because the trail to the summit is crowded during the day, they have to make the journey at night. Now, all the security guards who man the entrance to that trail? They're order members."

He paused, watching their reactions. "I know it sounds too obvious, but you'd be amazed how many people blend in under your nose when you're not looking for them. The legends about the order faded long ago, so no one suspects a thing. People don't care anymore, they don't believe, so it makes it easier to operate in the shadows."

Nicky and the girls leaned forward, listening intently as Mr. Nakamura continued.

"Acolytes like Kiyoshi are granted access to the summit by using a special phrase known only to members of the order. Once they reach the peak, they'll find the entrance to the temple. But again, they can only pass through by using another specified phrase. These phrases have been passed down for centuries, known only to those trusted within the order."

"Damn. So, he's gonna be gone for an entire year?" Nicky asked.

"A bit longer, actually. But yes, if the goddess accepts him, she'll grant him abilities to aid you on your journey," Mr. Nakamura replied.

"Wait, what?" Nicky blinked. "Help me?"

The old man chuckled. "What, you thought I'd be traveling the world to protect you myself?"

"Travel... what?" Nicky asked, thoroughly confused. "What the hell are you talking about? Why would I need to travel the world?" He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the old man. "What aren't you telling me?"

"All in due time, kid," his mentor replied. "For now, just know that Kiyoshi will be leaving soon to embark on his own journey. While you're here training, learning to hone your abilities, he'll be up on the mountain praying and seeking guidance--to keep you from getting killed while you're out there saving the world, so to speak."

Nicky sighed, realizing he wasn't going to get any more information out of the dodgy old codger. "So, when does he leave?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!?" Nicky exclaimed.

"Yes, tomorrow. So you'd sort out all your bromance issues out today while he's still here."

"Bromance issues?" Nicky asked with a smirk.

"Specifically," Kai said as he stepped through the back door. "I want to hear about your new abilities and how you got them, as well as those of your women."

"We get abilities, too!?" the twins exclaimed in unison.

Nicky chuckled. "Yes, you get abilities, too."

"Oooh, what kind of abilities?" Tamiko chimed in, her excitement matching that of the twins.

"I'm not sure--" Nicky began, but Sakiko cut him off.

"When do we find out?" his punk-rock girlfriend asked.

Nicky held up his hands to placate the women clamoring for information. "Okay, okay," he said. "Tell you what: Let me start at the beginning. I'll explain everything with no interruptions, and I'll answer all your questions until I'm blue in the face. Agreed?"

"Aww," Mayumi whined.

"But I wanna know now," Kasumi complained. Even the ever-stoic Sakiko seemed put-out.

"I know," Nicky said as he kissed the twins on their cheeks. "But most of your questions will likely be answered with my story anyway."

That seemed to placate them somewhat. "Fine," Sakiko grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Are you pouting?" Nicky asked with a teasing smile.

"Maybe," she replied, rolling her eyes. "But you better hurry up and tell your story before you get skewered by the twins."

Nicky looked between the two sisters, noting their growing impatience with his stalling tactics. "Okay, fine," he laughed.

Mr. Nakamura got up from his chair. "I'll go cook the burgers so Kai can hear this."

"What about you?" Nicky asked.

"Speak up," the old man replied with a grin.

"Or you could just open a window," Nicky suggested. "You shouldn't have any trouble hearing me in your old age if a window is open."

"I've got my fuckin' work cut out for me," the old man grumbled as he disappeared outside. Kai moved to open a window behind the couch as Nicky settled in to tell his story.

"So," he began mysteriously. "It all began on a dark, stormy night."

The girls groaned while Kai grinned. "Be serious!" Tamiko said, swatting his leg. When Nicky raised an eyebrow of surprise, she blushed and looked away. "Husband."

Nicky laughed. "Okay, fine. So, you all know how, after I won the fight, I was suddenly able to understand you when you spoke Japanese, even though I know very little of the language? Yeah, so I guess you could say that's the first of my new abilities. From what I gather, I can understand and communicate in any language my bonded speak, as well as variations of that language. I'll get to that in a minute, Yumi," Nicky said, noticing Mayumi was about to say something.

"Your primary language is Japanese, while mine is English. The crazy thing is, whatever you say in Japanese, I hear it in perfect English. Am I assuming correctly that whatever I say, you hear in perfect Japanese?" The girls nodded.

"I wondered why you suddenly spoke perfect Japanese," Sakiko said.

"I don't," Kai replied. "I hear English."

"Probably because that's what you're used to hearing from me," Nicky speculated.

"Or maybe because I speak English as a second language?" Kai suggested.

"Then why wouldn't we hear English?" Kasumi asked.

"Yeah, we speak English, too." Mayumi added.

"Maybe because you're not fluent in the English language?" Nicky wondered aloud. "That's a decent possibility. Anyway, I also understand Vietnamese and Mongolian. They're derivatives of Japanese, aren't they?"

"So essentially you can understand and communicate in all the Asian-based languages, no matter how different they are from Japanese?" Kai asked.

"I think so," Nicky replied. "Dr. Nguyen spoke Japanese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian, and I could hear perfect English every time he spoke. But when he spoke Hindi, I got nothing."