Golden Bat Cigarettes

He showed up the moment she set foot into her hotel room in Naha that Monday. At first, she thought she was seeing things like she always did.

“Why are you here?’’ he asked, his voice low. He wasn’t angry, at least he didn’t seem angry. She recognized him not as an old man; but as a young adult.

“Why are YOU here?’’ he repeated causing her to stare.

“I’m on a bit of a vacation. What are you doing here?’’ she repeated. He frowned for a second. She smiled at him, hoping to lighten the mood.

“The wars over. It’s been over for a long time.’’ she said carefully.

“I know.’’

“Why the face, then?’’ he didn’t answer, instead he took a long drag from his cigarette.

She started to press him for an answer, but then there was a knock at the door.

“You gonna get that?’’

“Hai!’’ she called walking to the door. She was met by a woman, holding a tea set.

“Konichiwa.’’

“Dozo.’’ she answered ushering the woman in. The young woman, dressed in her pale pink kimono, sat down on the tray before sniffing the air.

“Would you like me to bring you an ashtray?’’

“An ashtray?’’ she repeated, confused.

“This room smells of tobacco.” the woman answered quickly after the woman greeted her with confusion.

“That’s very odd. Do you smoke?’’

“Iie. I don’t smoke.’’ she explained holding her hands up in mock defense.

“I see. Hmm, I must be the last guest here.I’m terribly sorry.’’ the woman apologized.

“No no, don't be sorry. The sea air will clear it out. Um - do you know about the history of this hotel?’’ she asked quickly, right as the woman was about to leave. She asked if she could obtain some information from her over dinner later that night. The woman hesitated, but agreed to tell the old woman who went by the name of Ms.Eiko Tanaka.

“Arigato gozaimasu.’’ she answered, bowing before closing her door. She turned her attention to the man, now lighting a second cigarette. He smiled at her for a second, before taking a drag from his cigarette. She watched him pull out of a worn-out canteen, drinking water.

“Did you stay here?’’

“Nani?’’ he asked, his voice a mix between serious and amused. She exasperatedly sighed.

“Anata ga koko ni itano desu ka? (Did you stay here?)’’ she snapped firmly. Darren stared impressed by her speaking ability, but that was it. 

“I was here for two years. Your dad told you.You should remember that.’’ he said simply avoiding her question. She resisted the urge to groan. She was being led in circles, and he only just arrived at the island.

“I’m going to get something to eat.’’ she finally said as her stomach growled.

“I’ll be here.’’ he said simply, reclining on the tatami lined floor. She grabbed her purse, making her way outside the room. Her brain was buzzing with questions as she walked the hall, out of the hotel and onto the main road leading to the Somen shop she had been recommended to visit. Her brain began to gravitate back to him. She desperately wanted to know why he was here as she descended the hill. She didn’t realize he was following her, until she noticed the cigarette smell once again. She turned to find him in his combat uniform.

“Did I startle you?’’ he asked,noting her conflicting expression.

“No.I’m fine. Unusual cigarette. The scent I mean. Golden Bat cigarettes, right?’’ she commented, causing him to take a deep drag.

“Yes. I heard the bat on it means luck,don’t have a clue why. These were the cheapest to be honest. American brands were always expensive on the black market.’’ he said as he tapped his cigarette, the ashes scattered onto the ground as they continued to walk.

She kept her eyes focused, avoiding his gaze as she continued to think. She immediately wanted to piece together why he was at that particular onsen and looking at him would just make her even more confused. She felt something pull her back, causing her to stare at Darren.

 “You sure you want to go in here?’’ He asked, his left hand gripping his pocket knife. The place looked a little sketchy at that moment. The outside was very old, like something from the 1940 with its vintage weather-worn sign and its mint colored awning. She shrugged it off as she cleaned her glasses while descending the hill. She walked forward towards the entrance and that’s when she noticed the men. That normally didn’t worry her, but she noticed the men were staring at her, totally different from she’d get from others. Usually they were sizing her up rather cautiously, like she often got in Suwa on the train. 

The men immediately intensified their glares as she walked forward. She started at them for some unknown reason, before noticing her own reflection in the mirror causing her to stop. She was dressed in a red swing dress and black kitten heels, instead of her usual red t-shirt and creamy white colored capri pants and sneakers. He nudged her forward, her demeanor relaxing with every step she took to the door. 

The walls were littered with newspaper clippings and photos of famous Japanese actors and actresses. It smelled of sweet soy sauce and beer. A lot of beer. She slid into an empty booth, looking at the menu. He followed behind, sitting closest to the wall. She noted his stance was still one of caution. His head was high, his eyes scanning the area from left to right. He gave off the air of a man who was not to be toyed with.

"Sumimasen?Biru no somen hiyashi onegaishimasu.(Excuse me I would like Beer and Somen Hiyashi.)’’ she told the waitress calmly. She smiled back taking the order,leaving the woman. She pulled out her blue notebook,retrieving a pen immeaditly.

It was how she kept in control. Her power manifested in ways she was still trying to understand. She knew writing down stopped the outside forces trying to cloud her ability. Darren showing up was the first piece of the puzzle. It seemed like a normal case, befitting of her power. She frowned at the fact she hadn't seen him when she had arrived three years earlier. Her power often manifested sooner,especially with family. Why was it just showing up now?

"Eat.You can take more notes later.'' Darren said calmly. She stopped as the food was placed infront of her.

“You're not eating?’’ she asked wiping her mouth, as she noticed he was just sitting. He hadn’t pulled out anything from his pack.

“Lost my appetite.'’ he said staring hard at the old wrinkly man at the counter. The old man was leaning against the bar, chatting about the weather.

“Him?’’ she croaked skeptically.

“He fought me many times. He was surprisingly tall for a Japanese guy.’’ he said as he sipped his beer. She stared at the old man, noticing his graying hair and wrinkled face disappearing in flashes.

“You're seeing it?’’

“If by seeing you mean seeing a young man where an old man is supposed to be, then yes. That's never happened before.’’ she said nervously.

“It’s not the beer.Or the Somen.’’ he said quickly,shutting her down.

She went back to eating, focusing on her somen, slurping it up trying to relax. She wasn’t losing her mind, was she?

“Would you like some more somen?’’ a voice asked in English. She turned and found she was greeted by a young man.

“H-hai. Arigato gozaimasu.’’ she said smiling as calmly as she could, all while trying not to blush.

“Forgive me. I noticed you alone. Would you mind having the company of an old man?’’ he asked calmly. She smiled back.

“Dozo, onegaishimasu.” She said, offering the empty space and smiling back.

“Arigato. So what’s a pretty lady doing here? Not the prettiest of places to be.’’ He asked, sliding into the booth, the old man now smiling at her. His voice switched, soothingly between a withered shrill to a charming melody; her ears adjusting to it as easily as a radio being tuned.

“The front desk told me that this place had the best somen.’’ she said smirking. The now-old man smiled proudly, before flashing back a playful grin.

“Where are you from?’’ he asked,leaning back in the booth.

“America. Texas. Namae wa?’’ she answered firmly. He chuckled, rapidly switching back to a young man.

“Hiroshi Kawanishi. A long way from home. Why visit here?’’

“For vacation. And research. I’m Natalie Weaver.’’ she admitted. She could see Darren’s eye twitch. He knew where she was going with this, and he didn’t like it.Period.

“Research?’’ the young man asked curiously as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes- Seven stars on the carton. He pulled out a lighter, before looking slightly embarrassed. 

“Oh gome- do you mind if I-’’

“Eii,onegai.’’ she said as the man lit a cigarette, taking a long drag. 

“What research?’’ he asked again, his voice now rich with curiosity.

“My grandfather was here. After the war.’’ she said trying to choose her words carefully. If he could, he’d be kicking her under the table. Repeatedly.

“I see. Which group?’’ the man said curiously. He didn’t seem threatened at all; if anything he looked equally pensive; eager even, depending on the look in his eyes that wavered. He was a young man,eagerly awaiting her answer the way a man does at the end of a first date. He leaned forward, a reassuring smile gracing his face.

“The 145th battalion. Army.’’ she said as he blew out a puff of smoke. 

"Your English is very good.’’ she said as he smiled upon seeing his food arrive.

“I learned it as a translator during the war.’’ he admitted, causing her to relax as he effortlessly ate the soba.

“Darren Weaver was my grandfather.’’ she answered quickly. The phrase felt odd coming from her lips. It felt the same way one feels while eating something sour.

“He was tall with a scar that went from his shoulder to his forearm, correct?’’ he asked calmly.

“Yes.’’ she said excitedly, noticing the unknown man visibly clutching his canteen. He had an odd, angry sort of smile gracing his lips. Mr. Kawanishi smiled reassuringly at the woman.

“He was an interesting man. How much do you know about this place?’’ he asked, his eyes slightly serious. He poured a little beer in her half empty glass, before folding his hands. 

“He died of lung cancer. I was ten, so I didn’t get to ask.’’ She explained , filling his empty glass.

“Naru hodo. Sumimasen.’’ he said sympathetically.

“Arigatou gozaimasu.’’ she said accepting his condolences.

“My father told me about his tour. I hadn’t even known he had stayed here.’’ 

“I didn’t tell my grandchildren. Not something you tell impressionable minds.’’ he said simply. Her grandfather nodded in agreement.

“We fought. A lot. However, we had a sort of mutual admiration for each other. ’’ the man said simply. She nodded sipping her beer, before hearing the bell welcoming in new customers.The ringing echoed in her ears, as if to signal the shattering of glass and the sound of men yelling. 

“Don’t fuck with me.’’ Darren growled as he and the other guys stood on the defensive.

“I don’t want to cause any trouble. All we wanted was some beer and to relax.’’ he said in Japanese. She watched as he and three other GI’s sat in a noodle shop. He didn’t blame them, but he just wanted food and some beer. He wasn’t causing any type of trouble. Darren bristled for a second, before he ignored the man and going back to his ramen. He was too tired to deal with this. Way too fucking tired. The man yelled, throwing a punch. Darren dodged and punched the man in the stomach. Hard. Robert, Joe and Louis all stood, anticipating what could be a bar fight. 

“Anybody else want to try me?’’ he barked loudly in Japanese. He and his buddies loomed over the man and his comrades. He was not in the mood for a damn bar fight.

“Oy,Yamete.No fighting inside.You wanna fight, take it outside,wakeru?’’ The woman said manning the bar, holding up a cleaver. She glared at Darren for a split second, before relaxing once the crowd got the message.

“Wakarimasu.’’ Darren answered,causing the woman to nod, acknowledging him.

They backed off. The camaraderie of the bar turned into a hushed loud whisper as the men sat back down.

“Another beer, onegaishimasu.’’

“Sumimasen. Didn’t mean to start any trouble.’’ He had earnestly meant that. 

“Eii. It’s alright. The name is Yukiko Tanahashi.’’ the woman said smiling to the men.

“I’m Darren Weaver. That’s Robert, Joe and Louis.’’ he said motioning to the men who smiled.

Darren relaxed before drinking with his buddies. He took a swig of his beer, feeling eyes on him. He slowly turned, coming face to face with a tall Japanese man, his eyes hard. Both sized each other up, before the Japanese man walked past him, clicking his tongue in disapproval.

“Daijobu(Are you ok)?’’ the young man asked.

“Hmm? Oh yes. I’m fine. Sumimasen.’’ she said snapping out of her thoughts, her cheeks flushing.

“Yokatta(I’m glad).’’ he said smiling as he poured more beer into the young woman’s glass. She felt tired, if you could call it that.

“The jetlag must be catching up.’’ she said simply.

“Be sure to rest before doing your research.’’

“Mochiron(Of course).’’ she said as she clicked her glass against his.She smiled at the man, noticing a dark shadow encircling the man as she sipped her beer. It was a grayish, reddish mass, appearing and fading like wisps of cigarette smoke. It was the color of rust. The air in the room felt almost painfully hot the longer she took notice of the unusual entity. 

“Urusai.Urusai!Urusai!’’ a voice hissed, angrily. She resisted the urge to turn towards the sound. The shadow encased her from every direction as the area began taking on a kaleidoscopic appearance. The bottles on the wall swayed, melting into the posters. Her vision felt as if she were underwater for some odd reason. This was the first time her superpower attracted negative auras. Usually it was being able to repel them with ease. She was used to seeing spirits,but this was new.

Mr. Kawanishi smiled at her, it however felt insincere for some reason. He was smiling just a bit too hard. His grayish teeth appeared to belong to a man who was trying to exercise the last grains of patience and decorum. He sipped his beer with such meticulous detail, his clean nails clinking against the glass, veins popping out, barely visible below his age-spot covered hands. That didn’t bother her. It should have, but it didn’t. What bothered her were his eyes. The warmth flickered out, hiding behind the shine of his spectacles. He didn’t look like an old man reminiscing about the bygone days with a sad bittersweet sort of longing- why would it? It was a painful time for him, she had to assume as was the case for everyone in the country. Still, it wasn’t normal. Then again her being able to see previous memories of the dead is never normal.

“Mr. Kawanishi, thank you. I enjoyed the somen, but I must be going. Gochisousama.’’ she belted out, overly cheerful as she slid out of the booth.

“Wakeru. Please feel free to stop by during your stay.’’ Mr.Kawanishi replied, causing the woman to smile out of habit. She nodded, trying to regain control of her body.

“Ja Ne.’’ She answered, walking out as calmly as she could. Darren slid out of the booth, staring at the old man for a moment, before following behind her. She couldn’t read Darren either and that bothered her. They walked, the sun feeling oddly cooling compared to what she had felt before. They were halfway up the hill when Darren finally spoke,breaking the irritating silence.

“You do realize you shouldn’t be advertising the fact I was here.’’ he asked,his voice laced with an angry sort of vexation. She slowed to a crawl, before stopping completely.

“But-’’

“Things aren’t different.’’ he snapped, rubbing his eyelids.

“The war is over. It ended in ‘45.’’ she said firmly. He tightened his glare, causing her to stiffen.

“The war isn’t over. Not for the remaining people here who remember.’’ he countered seriously as he sped up.

“You mean Mr.Kawanishi?’’ she asked slightly peeved. He stopped, turning back to her.

“Especially Mr.Kawanishi.’’ he replied adamantly, tightening his jaw.

“What was that thing that I-’’ she asked irritatedly. She felt this hot shiver run down her back as she remembered the feeling. Her irritation disappeared, replaced by nervousness.

“It’s better if you don’t pry. Curiosity kills.’’ he said, cutting her off.

“Wait-MATE!’’ She yelled, causing him to stop. Darren turned, adjusting his pack, his hand now holding a rifle. She opened her mouth to ask what he meant, but opted to remain silent.

“I suggest you heed my advice. Don’t try to pry. People don’t take too kindly to it.’’ She stood there in silence, searching his eyes that had suddenly grown dark. She watched him as he walked forward, unable to fully grasp what was going on. Her "superpower" always started like this: Foggy and disjointed. She blew out an angry breath, before continuing behind. She was going to get to the bottom of this.