The boarding process was similar to his first, albeit all in Japanese. He was thankful for his newfound ability to understand and speak the language fluently, as navigating the airport would likely have been somewhat more frustrating, having to wait for the overhead announcements to be spoken in English. All of the major signage was in Japanese and English, though.
He went through the usual security checks with little hassle, although the simple fact that he was wearing a kilt was apparently novel enough to warrant a secondary security sweep. He smiled at the masked security officer when he requested Markus to step aside for extra checks.
“Many apologies, sir. I must ask you to please step over here for additional checks.” His voice was slightly muffled through the cloth mask, but Markus immediately understood his intent.
“Of course! No trouble at all. May I ask a question instead of assuming something?”
“By all means.” The young man led Markus to a smaller area where another officer waited with a wand.
“Is it mostly due to the kilt? My clothes?” Markus spread his arms wide, allowing the second officer to begin her sweeps.
Markus could see the smile in the man’s eyes. “Yes, sir. We have little experience with this, and would like to make certain our passengers are safe.”
“Then scan away. If it helps, I can show you where you’ll find metal, and its purpose? Remember though, that not all kilts are made just like this one.”
Both officers nodded, and Markus proceeded to display the various buttons and snaps on his kilt, and visibly saw them relax.
“Thank you, sir. This has been informative. You’re cleared to continue on your way.” The officers motioned towards the security exit, and Markus picked up his bag, and continued on to the sky train.
He checked the destination listing and saw that his gate was several stops down the line. Choosing a spot where he could watch the airport scenery, he stood and gripped the small handle descending from the roof of the car.
A few minutes’ ride saw him at the area where his gate was located. He exited and checked the signs, heading down the correct path.
His mind continued to worry at the question of Parvati. Amun had called her the Mother of All, hadn’t he? Was she the being that he reported to? Honestly, it would make some kind of sense. Throughout humanity’s history, Mother Goddesses were primal beings, and created all other deities in their pantheons. Mostly, anyway. There were a few exceptions, as there always were, but for the most part, Mother Goddesses were the originators of All Things.
He let his mind wander down that philosophical pathway as he reached his terminal and sat down to wait. His musings were interrupted by a pleasant voice reaching his ears.
“It seems I’ve found you once more, sweetling.”
Markus’ gaze snapped to where the voice came from, and as his eyes focused once more, he met the laughing, honey-colored eyes of none other than Parvati herself. The attendants began to call out for various seat holders to board.
He pitched his voice low, so as to not disturb other passengers. “Miss Parvati?” His eyes darted around, making sure nobody was watching. “What are you doing here?”
Her musical laugh was quiet. “I go where I please, when I please, sweetling. There exists none who may stop me. I wished to see you before you left Japan, is all.”
Markus swallowed involuntarily. “May I ask why?”
Her smile was radiant. “Of course you may! In fact, that is one of the things I have loved most about humans since their creation. You always want to know more. Few other species in the universe possess that capacity. If you’re lucky -and that’s a mighty big ‘if’- you’ll meet some of them in your time with us.
“As to ‘Why?’ Well, let’s just say that Lucifer doesn’t get many new employees. Add in the debacle with Morrigan and your subsequent employment under my dear Amun? You’re quite the anomaly, sweetling. I may be the Mother, but I do not place my hand into all living things. Not anymore. It’s far too tiring, even for me.” Parvati’s gaze drifted from passenger to passenger, a soft smile on her face. “That you not only were acquired by Lucifer, but Morrigan attempted to steal you? Not terribly uncommon, truth be told. But then you had the sheer audacity to not only show her kindness, but to also broker an agreeable solution to their persistent rivalry? Amazing. Even though it may wind up being temporary, it’s still a hell of a feat. My lovely Amun thought it worthwhile to pull you under his own purview for as long as you can maintain the truce. And that, my sweet man, is why I simply had to see you again. You gained the favor of four of the Pimal Powers. And in doing so, you have gained my favor.” She smiled indulgently at the slack-jawed young man.
“Do close your mouth, sweetling. A fly might mistake it for a new home.” She giggled and laid a hand on his arm.
Markus shut his mouth with a click. He swallowed again. “But… I’m just a simple human, Miss Parvati. I’m nothing special.”
“Correct, Markus. You are a simple human, and there is nothing special about you. Even so, you’ve managed to make some level of pleasant disruption in the Order of Things, and you’ve not even begun to work for us. I am eagerly waiting to see what you’re going to do next.” She sighed then. “You’ll be leaving in a few moments, sweetling. While any of the Powers may visit you anywhere you go, in your Home Region, typically only your Manager will visit you. It’s something of a safe space, and a courtesy.”
Markus nodded, digesting her words. “That means Lucifer and Amun will be able to see me at any time then, won’t they?”
“That is correct.”
“What of you, Miss Parvati? Will you be able to visit me anytime, anywhere?”
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The dark-skinned woman smiled at his question. Oh, how she loved their inquisitiveness! “I can, if you allow it. I may be able to go and do as I please, but I try not to intrude on the homes and lives of Creation. Once I set it in motion, I let it run. However, if you would allow, I will visit when I am able. There will be times and events that I simply cannot interfere in, you know.”
Markus covered her warm hand with his own, and nodded. “Please visit me when you are able, Mother.”
Parvati smiled and kissed his cheek. “Of course, sweetling. Now, your seat will be called in a few moments. Make sure you have everything.”
Markus nodded and did a quick mental check as Parvati stood. Everything he had was there. “One final question?”
She gazed down at him, her face soft and kind. “Yes?”
Markus stood, shouldering his bag. “What kinds of employees do you have?”
An enigmatic smile formed on the woman’s face. “I have a multitude of employees, Markus. More than can be counted, in fact. I suggest you ask Amun that question. It’ll be far more informative coming from him.” The attendant called for Markus’ group to board, and Parvati looked over to the desk. “It is time to go, sweetling. Know that I love you, and will visit as I can. Farewell, Markus Barton. Do call your managers when you land.” She wrapped Markus up in a tight hug and gently pushed him in the direction of the terminal.
Markus walked woodenly to the terminal and presented his ticket. When he looked back, Parvati was nowhere to be found. Shaking his head, he proceeded to board the plane and take his seat in first class.
Once more, he was the only passenger in the area, and after take-off, he sent Akane a message with a picture of Kyoto from the window of the plane.
Hey! I can see your apartment from here! (ᵔ◡ᵔ)
A moment later, she responded with a picture of a tiny dot in the sky.
I see your plane. I miss you. Call me when you land, no matter the time.
Markus sent an affirmative response and sighed.
“Would you like a blanket, sir?”
Markus turned his head toward the voice. “Sophia? Is that you?”
“Do we know each other, sir?”
Markus smiled. “In passing. You were the flight attendant when I came to Japan a little over a week ago. I was the only passenger in first class then, too.”
“Oh! I remember now. That was odd. We usually have more people in first class. I take it your business went well?”
Markus nodded, smiling. “It did. I have a new job, and managed to make several new friends, including a girlfriend!”
Sophia grinned at him. “That’s wonderful! I’m glad to hear that. What is your new job?”
“I work for a placement agency now. My job is to make certain people go where they belong when they enter our office.”
“That sounds interesting. What all will you be doing?”
“I don’t know yet. My training begins next week, and I’ll learn all about it at that point.”
“Sounds like you have a plan, then. I hope it all turns out well. I must see to the others. Excuse me.”
Markus nodded and picked up his phone, planning on occupying his mind and time with a few games.
****
The flight ended much as his first began; with Sophia gently shaking him awake. “Markus? I need you to sit up and make sure you are buckled. We will be landing soon.”
Markus yawned and looked out the window, seeing the familiar sight of Louisville panning below them. “Okay. Thanks, Sophia.” The young woman nodded and left to buckle herself in as well.
The landing was smooth, and once Markus deplaned and collected his belongings, he left the airport to find his car was still where he had left it. He climbed in, and began his drive home. On the way, he called Akane to let her know that he was home and safe. They spoke for a few minutes, until he remembered he had two other calls to make.
His first call was to Lucifer, and was blessedly short.
“Lucifer? I just got home, and I’m driving to my apartment right now. Just thought you should know.”
“Markus! Thank you for being thoughtful. I am glad you’re safe. Go rest, and I will see you in a week.”
After hanging up the call, he placed another to Amun.
“Amun? Parvati said I should call to let you know I got home safely.”
“Did she now? That woman has always been at least a step ahead of me. Thank you for being thoughtful enough to let me know. Is there something on your mind, Markus?”
“Yes, but it can wait until I’ve rested and had time to sort through a few things.”
“Very well. We will see you in a week’s time.”
The line went silent as Amun ended the call. Markus drove home without incident, unloaded his car, then went to bed.
The next morning, he went to his job, arriving later in the morning.
“Ryan? I need to talk to you.”
“Markus! I didn’t know you were back, yet. Sure. Sit down.”
“Ryan, I quit.”
“Are you fucking with me? You been gone almost a week and a half, come back and quit on us? Come on. What happened?”
Markus sighed. “No, man. I’m not messing around. I got a new job when I went to Japan. One that pays substantially more and has even better benefits than we do here. Don’t bother trying to match it. You simply can’t.”
“Oh, come on. You can’t expect me to believe that we can’t match an offer. What are they paying you? 25? 30?”
Markus shook his head. “No. Higher.”
Ryan sat there, a disbelieving look on his face. “Nuh-uh. You’re lying, dude. I’ve known you for almost twenty years. I know what kind of skills you have. Level with me.”
Markus sighed and did some quick math. “Ryan, they’re paying me about a hundred fifty an hour. I’ll be bringing in about seven grand a week. My training begins next Wednesday. The benefits package is incredibly good, and I can work from nearly anywhere in the world.” Markus pulled up his bank account on his phone, and showed his friend. “They gave me a signing bonus.”
Ryan’s eyes went wide. There was no way this company could match that. “Dude, don’t be stingy. Get me on there, too!”
They shared a laugh, and discussed Markus’ trip, his future plans, and Ryan made certain to get Markus to visit on occasion.
“Don’t be a stranger, dude. Go say goodbye to everyone. I won’t turn this paperwork in until the end of the day. Be safe out there.”
“Yeah, man. You too.”
Once Markus left, Ryan sat there at his desk, staring at the computer. That man had been a staple of life at this company since ’06. Heaving a sigh, he began drafting the request for a replacement.
Markus walked through the plant, saying his goodbyes. He made sure to get phone numbers and contact information for as many of his friends that he could, and then drove home around lunchtime.
He had just sat down on his couch when his phone rang.
“Y’ello?”
“Mr. Barton? It’s Steve over at Park Louisville.”
Markus felt his heart drop. “Y-yes?” he asked breathlessly.
“Markus, I’m sorry, but you need to come see your mother. It’s time.”