Kairi was more academically qualified than Daiki and Cory put together. She was a linguist and a historian and an expert at restoring antique jade pieces. And Cory always felt surprised that she had agreed to marry Daiki. But love had triumphed all, Daiki and Kairi were happily married for three years now and proud parents of a year old son- Raijin.
When Cory called her, she explained Daiki's slightly aloof behavior. Before she could request her help, Kairi excalimed.
"It is Hakaku- San. He has played his hand well and.. Daiki refuses help." She ended, uncharacteristically distraught.
"Cory, you know about Master Kin? This is his grandson. and he has provoked Daiki into accepting a challenge."
"Right. I know the story of how Daiki's grandfather was forced to install himself as the head of the clan and run his own brother - Master Kin, out of town. Daiki is a very good fighter. Is Hakaku that exceptional?"
"He is a thug, fights for money and runs the gambling house in the jewel district. And he is younger, faster and larger than Daiki. He is known in the illegal betting circles for killing his opponents needlessly."
Cory sat thoughtful; the situation demanded immediate action. Daiki would refuse any help in the ring; it was a matter of self respect and family name. So the only option was to act before the fight.
It was early evening when Cory entered the gambling house. It was already more than half full and bustling with activity- cheers to games won, cursing luck and dice, clinking of liquor bottles and plates of small portions of fried food. She was sure that she would be recognized within minutes of entering, and so was not surprised that along her drink a bouncer made his way to her table.
"The drink is free, compliments of the master."
Cory replied without looking at him. "I don't accept free gifts from creeps."
The man was confused for few moments but managed to reply. "You shouldn't insult the master."
"It is a fact that he is a thug."
The man was making to grab Cory when he noticed the movement. Cory had picked up the chopsticks and twisted towards him, leaning in. Before he could do anything he found the chopsticks painfully up one nostril and had enough control to freeze before the wooden sticks tore into soft cartilage.
"I never thought Hakaku a coward." Cory said, harshly, throwing words at him. she waited for a heartbeat before removing the sheathed knife from his pocket and pushing the bouncer away.
Cory made herself appear relaxed. It took almost ten minutes for Hakaku to make his way to her with a retinue of three bodyguards. He deliberately took his time looking at her and pulling a seat to her side. As soon as he was sitting Cory sprayed his eyes. She had palmed the three inch bottle when she sat down. Hakaku screamed, and the bodyguards moved towards Cory.
A lot happened in the next couple of seconds while Hakaku was screaming "I am blind."
The guard on the right got his eyes sprayed on, the one on the left had a knife in stomach. The third one had waited for his partners to attack and now ducked and launched himself at Cory, closing his eyes to avoid the spray. Only Cory had pushed back and had slid a couple of feet away from the table, still in her seat. The guard crashed into the table and got entangled with Hakaku, who was still screaming and flailing blind.
Cory shouted at him. "Shut up and listen. If you want your eyes!"
Hakaku shut up.
"Withdraw your claim against Daiki Tanaka. Remember I could have easily killed you and I don't much care about traditions, just like you. I will send the antidote tomorrow." Cory stood up ."Your goons would not get in my way, yes. I don't wish for you to die."
Cory walked away from the gambling house fairly sure that Hakaku would do as told. The spray she had used was a diluted scorpion venom. It caused blindness for twenty to thirty hours and was not lethal. In fact if salt water was used to rinse the eyes, the venom's effect could be reduced. But very few people knew this and Cory was sure they were all in Africa.
PICTURE CREDIT: PIXABAY.COM
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