The Temple

"I'm not going to the Kimura building any more," said Astra. "We're going to the Temple."

"You gotta be kidding, Astra," said Haruto, "We've been shot at, thrown about like pinballs and I've got a headache coming on. I just wanna get home, take an aspirin and get to bed."

"We're going to the Temple," said Astra grimly. "We need to see the Abbott."

"I don't think the Dai-Osho will want to see you," said Hiroto.

"Oh, he'll see me alright."

Haruto said something to her in Japanese. Astra furrowed her brow and said, "I'm sure he's forgotten about that. It'll be fine."

"It's okay Astra," said Stacy. "We can drop Hiroto off first."

"Don't even bother, Stacy," said Haruto rubbing the sides of his head. "There's nothing you can do when she's like this."

"Maybe it's for the better," said Stacy. "You want a shot-up taxi with a dead driver turning up at you apartment? Think about the police."

"Haruto waved a hand dismissively. "Police? When you're friends with a particular Aquilarian Princess you kind of get used to it."

Astra piloted them down to street level and set down alongside a large building of traditional Japanese design with multi-tiered curly edged roofs. It was in a large courtyard but was dwarfed by the high rise buildings that bordered it.

Stacy followed Astra and Haruto out of the car and looked back at the damage. The taxi was riddled with holes and steam leaked from the bonnet. "You think the taxi company will notice the damage?"

"It'll be fine," said Astra, She slammed the door shut and fell off with a loud clang. "I'm sure it's insured."

"And the dead driver..." said Stacy.

"He'll be avenged," said Astra. "Whoever did this, we'll find them and he will be avenged."

"I've heard that before," said Haruto.

Astra fixed him with a icy glare. "I'm adding them to the list."

They made their way into the temple through a large wooden double door and came into a wide entrance hall with a fine bamboo floor. A path of tatami mats ran along the hallway to the far end where a stone statue of Buddha stood between gold and red pillars. With the heavy doors shut behind them the city noise was kept out and the sense of peace and tranquility was palpable.

A monk dressed in traditional black and white robes approached them soundlessly. Astra bowed and Stacy noticed that she still hadn't bothered to zip her jacket despite wearing nothing underneath.

The monk returned her bow. "Princess Astra," he said. "What brings you to our temple?"

"I need to see the Dai-Osho."

"I am surprised to see you here after what happened last time," said the monk.

Astra looked around the temple. "Looks like you got it fixed up."

"It cost a lot of money," said the monk.

"Money?" said Astra. "There's plenty of money out there. They print more everyday. Focus on the riches of true enlightenment. Only a fool would worry about something as common as money."

Astra held her hands respectfully in front of her but she levelled a steely gaze at the monk. He held eye contact for a few tense seconds, saying nothing, but then turned away. "I will talk to the Dai-Oshi. Please wait here. And try not to break anything."

1. They wait to see the Abbot

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