"Genes"

Guardian Angels

Episode 36: "Genes"

Saipia busied herself with packing the last few items she'd need on her flight while Gjai watched from the edge of Saipia's bed. In the distance, there were sounds of Eric packing, as well. "You know, you and I have been in this exact position before," Gjai commented.

"This is true," the younger wolf said with a smile. "And if I remember correctly, it was right about this moment when I gave you a kiss." And Saipia did just that and gave her old friend a kiss on the lips.

"Hey, Sai, I thought we both agreed we weren't going to date again," Gjai protested after the kiss was broken.

"We're not. I just wanted to do that old time's sake. And our little discussion last month made me remember some other things that I haven't thought about in a while. And what do you know, it's your birthday, today, huh?" Sai remarked.

"Oh, so you did remember, huh?" Gjai commented.

"Are you kidding me? You've been my best friend for well over seventy years. Nearly my whole life. And I dated you the longest out of anyone. You honestly think I'm going to forget your birthday?" Saipia said as she pulled out two presents from her top drawer.

Gjai quickly opened the smaller of the two and pulled out a set of very old keys. "Are these the keys to your old Mustang?" the older wolf asked.

Saipia nodded. "Yeah. I completely forgot that things was still in storage. Don't worry, it still runs. I had someone go by once a month to run it and perform some maintenance. You used to love that car. And since I had completely forgot about it, I figure you have it."

"Well, thanks, Sai. I'll be sure to take good care of it," said Gjai who proceeded to open the other present. Inside that box was pair of wedding bands that had been converted into earrings. "Wait, are these what I think they are?"

"I had a long time to think while I was in Osaka, last time. It had been my intent to propose the morning after you and I made love. But you found my breast cancer and promptly dumped me. So, I had those made to remind you of what you missed and that I have always loved you," replied Saipia.

Gjai giggled and gave Saipia kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Sai. I'll treasure these gifts more than you know. Just don't go getting yourself killed in Japan."

"It's Osaka. I have absolutely zero enemies over there and when I'm there I mainly stick to the dojo unless Sensei sends me on an errand. I'd have to be a complete idiot to get into enough trouble to get killed," said Saipia.

"Right. But didn't you send Gene there?" Gjai asked.

"For training. Gene's not that stupid. Besides, Eric will be with me," replied the younger of the two.

Gjai sighed and gave Saipia a worried look. "I promise to come back, Gjai. And, if you're that worried, you could always come with me. And it's not like I can get breast cancer again," said Sai.

"If I could spare the time off, I would come with you. And I suppose you're right. I just don't have very fond memories of you going to Japan," Gjai commented.

Saipia smiled and embraced her friend. "I know you don't and me heading there again has got you almost literally trembling with fear. But, I assure, you, nothing is going to happen."

"You can assure me all you want. I won't be happy until you're back here. Don't worry, I'll watch over Layta and Emily. Just, hurry back," Gjai remarked.

"I will. And if you need anything, just call me," Saipia said.

* * *

As the two boarded the airplane, Eric quickly realized they were the only one's on board. "Wait, don't tell me you own your own Airbus."

"It was a gift," said the wolf as she put her things in a compartment in first class.

"Let me guess: from the same person who gave you the boat? What exactly did do that caused her to be so generous?" questioned Eric.

"I saved the life of her daughter. Her only child actually. And I didn't just save her. She was being harassed and tormented by a stalker. By the time I caught up to him, he was about to rape the poor girl. I pointed my gun at him and demanded him to stop. The idiot pulled a knife on me and got me pretty good before I put a bullet in his brain. The girl's mother is the CEO of a company that manufacturers planes and cruise liners. I was given one of each as a very special gift. Both have been specially equipped. You've seen my boat. On this plane, the only first class looks normal. The back is a bit more homey as this is my private plane," explained Saipia.

Eric gave Saipia an odd look before making his way towards the curtain that separated first class from coach. Where coach was supposed to be was essentially a small mansion. There were a few leather couches, three large TVs, and even a library packed full with manga. "Impressive. But, I'm guessing there's only anime and manga on this plane."

Saipia shook her head. "I have video games, too. I even got your favorites just for this flight."

"Awesome. Is this all that's here?" asked the leopard.

"This is just the living room. First class becomes a bedroom. There's a restaurant in the back and a nice, full bathroom with a wonderful bathtub. At least, that's how it usually is. Because airliners ware out, Miss Zyanna gives me a new one every five years or so. It's usually the latest model and usually built to the same specifications with some minor upgrades," said Saipia.

"A restaurant? Good, I'm freaking starving," commented Eric.

"One moment, ladies. We're about to take off. That's what the first class seats are for," said one of the stewardesses.

"And of course, you picked out your own crew. Why do you always pick out, sexy women?" Eric accused.

"My pilot's an old human guy," defended Saipia as the two buckled in for take-off. "And...I guess...I don't know."

Eric smirked. "You're still in love with Gjai aren't you?"

"My feelings for Dr. Jones have absolutely nothing my hiring younger women," Saipia said with a little blush rising to her cheeks.

"Yeah, right. Then why does every woman you hire have white fur and Gjai's measurements?" questioned the male leopard.

"I love all my previous dates. I never wanted to break up with any of them," defended the wolf.

"What about Isan? Didn't you break up with her?" interrogated Eric.

"Yes. But, I broke up with her because I saw that it wasn't really best for her. I felt like I was holding her back. And, within six months of us breaking up, she met Richard. It broke my heart to break up with her. I mean, she was my girlfriend since high school and my first lesbian relationship," Saipia explained.

"Whatever. You're still in love with Gjai. But, my question is, are you in love with her because Jack is dead, or are you in love with her because she's the only one of your exes that's still dateable," said Eric.

"Eric, she broke up with me, not the other way around. I never stopped loving her. Even when I was dating Jack, I was still in love with Gjai. Now, let's please drop the subject. Gjai isn't all that happy about me going to Japan, and thinking about that, is making me nervous," Saipia retorted.

Then leopard shook his head as he smirked. That was the last time during that trip Eric brought up Gjai. He didn't like the idea of a nervous Saipia.

* * *

As the two stepped off the plane in Osaka, Eric finally asked a question that had been on her mind the entire trip. "So, if you had this thing this whole time, why didn't we use it to fly to DC?"

"Because that was business. This is a vacation and I try to reserve my plane for vacations or personal matters. And before you ask your next question, we took the boat to Hawaii 'cause it had been a while since I'd even seen my own ship, let alone ride on it," said Saipia as one of the stewardesses brought them a cart with their bags as a old 1951 Studebaker limo pulled up.

"So this is what happened to my limo. I was curious about that. I remember auctioning it off and there was an internet bidder who ended up winning it. I never would have guessed you'd buy it. Then again, you are a Studebaker fan," Eric remarked.

"Yup. This was one of the first cars I bought from you. And the first cars I bought at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction. Speaking of, I was thinking about going again this year and was wondering if you and Layta want to join me. If you do, I will buy you two a car as a wedding present," said Saipia as the driver of the limo got out and opened the back door for them.

"I'll have to talk that over with Layta," said Eric.

Waiting for Saipia and Eric in the car was Gene dressed in a very elegant dress. "What are you dressed up for? A hot date?" asked Eric.

"No. She heard we were coming and decided to dress up to meet us. It's a sign she's changed and a symbol of good faith," said Saipia.

"Well, that and when I saw the limo you were sending for yourself, it just didn't seem appropriate for me to ware anything less than this," replied Gene.

"Right. So, how has Osaka been?" questioned the canine as the limo finally began to pull away from the plane.

"It's been good, actually. I feel better than I have in a long time. I've even got a job at the naval base and my own house. And the best part is that no one here has even heard of your mother. Freedom really does feel wonderful," said the rodent.

Eric and Saipia smiled at that. "I'm glad you're doing well. And you seem to be much more friendly than when we last met. I suppose having you as and ally is a bit more pleasant than having you for an enemy," remarked Saipia.

Gene held up a hand. "I am not on anyone's side. My previous life and occupation are behind me. I'm even taken a new name. This place has given me a new life and a new start. Here, I am just another citizen and I do not desire to ruin such a life. If someone comes here looking for you, I will deny that I know you. I am you're friend, Sai. But, I will not help you in your battles."

"That's understandable. I will respect that. In fact, when I get back to the precinct, I will close your case files and list Gene as dead, as I have too much to deal with at the moment. Closing your file will lift a weight off my shoulders. However, I suggest that, in the future, when I come to Japan, that you pretend you don't know me," agreed Saipia.

"Oh, I have been doing that. Sensei still sent me to greet you. I think he knows you sent me," commented Gene. "By the way, I love you're idea of a dojo. But, I now understand how it helps with anger management."

Eric scoffed at that. "I was wondering about that myself, but I knew that I'd find out when I got there."

"And so you shall," said Saipia.

* * *

"A spa?" questioned Eric as they stepped out of the car. "You trained at a spa?"

"Hey. There's a dojo here, too. It's just not the main reason people come here. But, don't let the looks deceive you, Eric. I trained my ass off every day while I was here. The spa is really the only reason why I didn't leave here earlier," Saipia defended.

"It would also be the reason why you got breast cancer. Apparently, they used to use some products that caused cancer. And you used them without even knowing it for ten years straight. It's rather impressive you didn't die before you got back to Hollywood," said Gene.

"Well, I had to see my girlfriend. Although, now I kinda wish I had died here," said Saipia as several attendants poured from the spa to get Saipia and Eric's bags. "Madam Saipia, Sensei would like to see you immediately. And, as you know, she does not like to be kept waiting."

"She?" Eric asked.

"Oh yeah. That's the other thing that took me by surprise. Ten years away from Gjai being taught by a very attractive young lady. I mean, I knew you liked to play with fire, but damn," Gene remarked.

"First of all, my Sensei isn't that young. She was a good ten years older than me when I was first here. So, she's in her eighties now. Second of all, I did NOT sleep with her...more than once. And I still have no real idea how that happened," Saipia commented.

"And that would be why you've never told Gjai that your Sensei is a woman," Eric remarked.

"It's not like you told me you had a girlfriend, Sai," said a she-wolf who's once silver fur had become dull and gray.

"You did not give me the chance. Didn't even ask. And, when you found out, you didn't apologize, either," defended Sai.

The Sensei smiled at that. "Tess, you're off for the rest of the day. You can enjoy the facilities here, or go home. I don't care," she told Gene. "You two, I want to see in my office while my employees get your rooms ready."

Gene gave a quick nod to the old canine and slipped passed her, heading for the hot springs. Saipia and Eric wordlessly followed the owner of the facility to her office. As soon as they were in the office and the door was closed, the gray wolf turned towards Eric. "By the way, I'm Myomi Hygorashi. Or at least that's my Japanese name. As you can tell, I'm not originally from here. But, that is a long way in the past. And only a few choice people know my real name."

Eric shook Myomi's hand with a pleasant and knowing smile. "And I suppose Saipia's one of those people. And I'm not."

"You're staying here for two weeks. Saipia stayed here for ten years and I slept with her. She's a very good friend and an even better ally. I figured keeping secrets from her could be dangerous.

"Now, let's get down to business. Saipia, you're here to simply brush up and to relax a little. So, I expect you to join me in the dojo every day at about nine. Eric, Saipia tells me you've been having some issues with your fiancee and could use some stress relief. That is what my spa is for," explained Myomi.

"So, I have to work my ass off again, and he gets to relax?" asked Saipia.

"Your training sessions will only be an hour, Sai. You'll be doing a lot of relaxing, too. Saipia, you know my rules, but for Eric, there will be no cussing, swearing, yelling, shouting or anything of the like. And if you have sex, please try to keep it quiet. Also, if you want to go into town, there's buses or you can have Saipia take you in one of her limos. But, curfew here is nine pm at night. If you're not here by then, you are not getting in until the following day," explained the canine.

"She's dead serious on that point. Trust me. I've had to spend a few nights in Osaka because I couldn't get in here. One night, I spent the night in the woods around the spa," Saipia remarked.

"That reminds me, I believe you're still grounded, Sai. I can't have you going out and getting high and literally howling at the moon again," said Myomi.

"That was thirty years ago. I have a grandkid and I'm a very successful cop. I'm not going to go out and get high," Saipia defended.

"I do not care. I don't want you getting into trouble. I'm sure your daughter wouldn't be too pleased if you went back all beat up. And, I miss you and want to see more of you, and I know if you go back all beaten and half dead, Gjai won't let you come back here," said Myomi.

"She's got a point there, Sai," Eric replied. "Anyways, I'm eager to get to the hot springs."

"Right, Mai will take both of you to your room and from there, you can feel free to enjoy the facilities," said Myomi

* * *

It was a couple days later before the three friends met up with each other again. Gene was already relaxing in one of the hot springs when Eric slipped into the hot water. "Congratulations on the baby, by the way. I wasn't aware you could get anyone pregnant."

"Yeah, it kinda came as a surprise to everyone. But, I'm happy to be a father," said Eric.

"And despite her whining, Layta is happy to be a mother," remarked Saipia as she exited the changing rooms with a cell phone in hand. "Take a look at what Gjai sent me."

On the phone was a picture of Layta fast asleep with her baby in her arms. The image made Eric smile. "Apparently, the entire time we've been gone, Layta's been a loving mother, completely ignoring the sex of the baby. It turns out she's rather fond of Emily."

"That's good. That means we can go through with the marriage. Speaking of, Layta wants you to give her away, Saipia," Eric said.

"Good. I was going to bring that up myself. And, speaking of weddings, I have decided to take Layta's last name," said Sai.

"Saipia Scott, huh? At least it'll make the invitations easier. Would you mind sending me that pic? I want to have it as my wallpaper. Something to remind me of how much I love her," Eric commented.

"You'd have to love her quite a bit to have Saipia for a mother. I'm still impressed she managed to have three people want to marry her," Gene remarked.

"Very funny, Gene. But, I'll have you know, I've been proposed..." started the white wolf.

"Hey, Sai, just so you know, that body of yours is only water resistant. Don't stay in that hot water too long or you'll fry your systems," came a voice over Saipia's comm channel.

"What do you mean it's not waterproof? All the things I paid a lot of money to have put into this body and it's not waterproof?" asked the canine.

"Sorry, I didn't think you'd be crossing rivers and things and adding such a feature would have cost you a lot extra 'cause it'd be hard to implement with all the other things you have integrated. However, you should be fine. Just don't stay in there for more than a couple hours. I'll monitor things from this end and let you know if you need to get out sooner," said Kammy.

Saipia sighed. "Fine. Just try not to ruin my vacation."

"What vacation? You're training for three hours a day, and you can't go into town for snacks and things," said Eric.

"Yeah, don't remind me. I thought you said my training is going to be only for an hour," Saipia said to Myomi.

"It was until I saw how much training you actually needed. You can't let your mother and all your other enemies get to you, Sai," remarked Myomi.

There was another deep sigh from Saipia as Myomi slid into the hot water next to her student. "You say it like it's the easiest thing in the world. And it's not just my enemies that have me frustrated."

"Right. Having a grandchild and your daughter arguing with her fiance probably don't help things. And your best friend is slowly dying. And several other things. I've never known you to have an easy life, Saipia. That's why I want you to come back here more often. At least do the exercises I give you. Fighting the evil of this world distracted as you are isn't only going to get you and a lot of other people killed," said Myomi.

"Well, having a garndkid should actually help. I remember when Layta was born, it calmed me right down. Up until hat point, even with all my training, I was still cussin' and running around angry all the time," replied the old canine.

"That's good to hear. Nice to know Layta and I have a babysitter if we need one," Eric remarked.

"Yup. I'd be more than willing to watch Emily for you guys. But...we need to get rid of anyone who would be willing to harm her. And that, unfortunately, means going after my mother, eventually," Saipia agreed.

Eric nodded and placed a friendly hand on Saipia's shoulder. "Yeah. But, just remember that you have a lot of friends who will back you up and help you accomplish that goal. I want to protect Emily as much as you do. Probably more so. But, I can't do it without you and the rest of the Angels. Now, however, is time to relax and take your mind off the battles to come."

Saipia smiled at that and moved out to the middle of the hot springs. "You're absolutely right, Eric." With that she slipped beneath the water for a moment. "Woo! No offense to Kammy, but my fur still gets filthy and the solution at home sucks. Nothing beats a nice hot water."

"That solution should get your fur more than clean. But, bathing isn't something you should neglect. I agree with that," Kammy said and sighed. "You, my friend, are very high maintenance. I go above and beyond what anyone else would for you."

"Kammy, exactly how often do I complain about your work?" Saipia asked.

"Not often, but that's not the point. You ware me out. Every week I have to run your diagnostics and you just sit there and bark orders and you're always doing things regardless of their effects on your systems. I mean, do you realize how much work I had to do to make sure you could eat your stupid bones without them frying your system," replied Kammy.

"Well, I'm sorry, Kams. I wasn't intending to be so irritating. I was just trying to provide you with important information. Maybe you should take a vacation yourself. I could find someone who'd be more than capable of filling in for you," said Saipia.

"Yeah. I was thinking more about retiring. My son could work on you just fine and I know of several others that could do it. I mean, I'm not getting any younger and Isan's heat attack has been making me think," said the lioness.

"Kammy, if you feel the need to retire, go ahead. You know I'm easy. Hell, if I could, I'd probably retire happily and help raise Emily. So, I can understand your position. After all, the majority of the fifteen are retired. After you, there would be only four of us left working," commented Saipia with a relaxed smile.

"I don't see you ever retiring, Saipia. And, yet, I welcome the day when you can," replied Eric.

"Agreed," Gene and Myomi said in unison.

Next Time:

A final confrontation with the Jones' Brothers

A confrontation which could either emd

In the death of the Angels,

Or the Brothers...that is

If someone else has nothing to say about it.

Episode 37: "What a Grandmother Knows"