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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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The Last Ronin
1st Story: In Japan, a plain-clothed Logan kneels before Mariko Yashida’s gravestone. While he does, he thinks to himself that in a lotta ways he feels more at home there in Japan than when he was wanderin’ around the Canadian woods after the government got done experimentin’ on him years ago tryin’ to turn him into some kind o’ weapon for their own purposes. But over there, the beast in him found peace in Mariko’s arms. An’ now she’s gone an’ there’s nothin’ he can do about it. Looking up at her grave, he tells Mariko that he loved her, and to rest easy.
Just then, Logan picks up a familiar scent. He knows it ain’t the time or place but… Popping his claws, he leaps towards a plain-clothes Silver Samurai and tells him that if he’s spoilin’ fer a fight, he ain’t gonna find the ol’ canucklehead nappin’. Samurai tells him to wait. He did not come to honor the grave of his half-sister Mariko by bringing bloodshed to it. They have clashed in the past but he’s there not as the leader of the Clan Yashida, but as a brother coming to mourn a departed sibling. Pulling out his sword, Samurai tells Logan not to force a confrontation. His blade, powered by his mutant abilities, is more than a match for his now adamantium-less claws. Let them not dishonor his half-sister’s memory.
Logan angrily tells him not to lecture him, he don’t ever remember them bein’ that cozy anyway. After all, Mariko bought it by tryin’ to bring somethin’ decent to the bunch o’ criminals called Clan Yashida. She was poisoned fer her troubles. An’ now the whole ball o’ wax is his. He then asks what he is doin’ to make it legit. Samurai replies that they, he and Mariko, saw things differently. They must look to the future. The world hates and fears mutantkind more than ever. Not even Charles Xavier, the leader of the outlaw band of mutants, the X-Men, was able to effect true change.
Withdrawing his claws, Logan tells him yeah, but at least Chuck an’ the X-Men were always in there pitchin’, tryin’ to make peaceful coexistence between man and mutant a reality, not whinin’ about it. Or usin’ an outsider status as an excuse to strike back at humanity like a couple o’ guys an’ groups he could name. Samurai informs Logan that they in Japan have watched with great interest the recent… troubles in New York. Logan snarls that he don’t know the half of it. They came as close to the breach as he ever wants to come fightin’ off Onslaught. Lotsa folks didn’t make it either. Samurai states that they may have won the battle, but the war continues. Surely, he knows what this government has done with the adventurer called Sunfire. His interest piqued, Logan asks what about Sunfire…
Elsewhere in Japan, the being known as Bastion gives a presentation to a group of gathered Japanese officials. His goal is a very simple one – end the threat of mutants everywhere. As he sees it, their very existence, with their explosive and often uncontrollable powers, is a mortal danger to every human on earth. He addresses the group of officials and tells them that they are fighting a war, a war for the very safety of the planet. His organization, which is multi-national in scope, requests their government’s cooperation in the neutralization of the mutant threat. He did not come by his beliefs lightly.
With the snap of his fingers, Bastion shows them hard evidence of mutant-caused destruction in America during the recent “Onslaught” debacle. One of the officials asks that this is a hologram image of New York City post-Onslaught – disturbing. Bastion adds that surely no one would wish this upon their homeland. Japan is no stranger to this sort of catastrophe – the days of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the earthquake in Osaka… But what occurred in Manhattan could have been preventable with the full cooperation of their Operation: Zero Tolerance. The recent incident with Sunfire, once the very symbol of Japanese power, is merely the first hint of what they can expect.
One of the officials replies that they handled that problem, as Japan handles all its own problems – without interference from the west. One of the generals states that it was a miracle no one was hurt in that incident but if it were to happen again, there is little that a gaijin could offer to their people that the Japanese government could not provide. He then moves for the meeting to be adjourned. Bastion asks “our people?” There is no longer such a concept, even in so segregated a society as Japan. There is only Homo sapien and Homo superior. And with a little help, they can survive. The general says that they are more than prepared for every eventuality.
Bastion remarks that he is referring to the fact that he has at his disposal a great and powerful weapon – one which in the wrong hands, as they have already learned, is a force of great destruction. Looking up, the general asks him what he is speaking of. Bastion states that he is speaking of the weapon code-named Red Ronin. Smirking, he tells the general that as he can see, their intelligence is very thorough.
At Fujikawa electronics, a global firm headquartered in Japan… Currently, this high security area is a repository for one of the most technologically advanced weapons on the planet. Perched on an elevator, three engineers travel upwards next to a very large robot. One of them states that surely they have not spent all this time and effort merely to have the government assume control of the project. They have been ordered to turn over all material on this construct to officials. Fujikawa must know the immense value of what is in this compound. He cannot believe they will willingly part with it.
Another says that they have been with the company for fifteen years. Never have they seen an executive decision made that ultimately did not benefit Fujikawa. The first one says true, but never has the company been so deeply involved with something of such power. After all, its release could be cause for worldwide panic. The second individual says not if it is carefully controlled. Then, it would be a magnificent awakening, a cause for national celebration. The first one replies that he disagrees. If this object is of no concern to their government, then it must be turned over to them. For what place does mere enterprise have when they speak of such grave matters? They live in Japan and obey her laws. Without them, they are simply savages.
The third says that he is correct, this is no research project. They add that it is interesting. They have been closer than any to this undertaking. And while they toil to create the world’s most advanced artificial intelligence, it is something easy to forget what it is they are reconstructing. Yes, they have their own small, assigned tasks and functions. And he must remind himself they are breathing new life into the mammoth figure of the Red Ronin. The second individual points out that it is a cybernetic construct nearly one hundred meters tall, designed by Dr. Yuriko Takiguchi and built at Stark International in America years ago. The Ronin’s purpose was to safeguard the world against the attacks of a time-lost dinosaur but time and again the robot’s control was usurped by the wrong people.
The third individual says that it was first usurped by Takiguchi’s young grandson Robert. Then Stark International’s own Dr. Earl Cowan, who was mentally unstable, seized control until the Avengers stopped him. The first states that eventually the construct was taken by the U.S. espionage agency, S.H.I.E.L.D. and there, its full potential never realized. But they must not forget that a Ronin is a samurai without a master and that, perhaps a weapon of this magnitude cannot be mastered.
As they talk, unbeknownst to them, Yukio is outside Fujikawa listening in on their conversation. While she does, she says to herself that all that mumbo jumbo isn’t going to mount to anything. Not when there are those who would gladly pay to have this mechanic behemoth appropriated. Leaping away, she adds that she is going to get a cut of that action. Although stealing a hundred foot robot has its difficulties. It probably won’t fit in a purse. Looking out the window, an individual wonders if someone was just spying on them. They reply no matter, for their power base will continue to grow and no one will be able to interfere with that.
That evening, at a major military installation just outside Tokyo, Wolverine and the Silver Samurai are standing outside the barbed wire gate in full uniform. Samurai informs Wolverine that this is where Sunfire has been incarcerated since the accident in which his mutant powers flared so unexpectedly and on such a scale that it was feared they would consume him and endanger others. Wolverine replies that if his powers have really become a danger, he knows a bunch o’ people who specialize in helpin’ mutants control their power. Samurai says “ah yes, Professor Charles Xavier and his X-Men.” The very people who have helped him curb the feral impulses that accompany his mutant powers. He then asks how Xavier is. Wolverine tells him that he doesn’t want to go there, trust him. He says that it’s time to quit yakkin’ an’ get inside before they get spotted. It ain’t like they been invited. With that, Wolverine slices a hole in the fence and they’re in.
Inside… At one time, Sunfire believed himself to be a national hero. A young man who represented all that was noble and proud in the Japanese people. Now, Shiro Yoshida, the mutant known as Sunfire, is a prisoner in a heavily-guarded, heat-resistant cell. His chance of escape seems near zero because of the specially-designed inhibitor collar that prevents him from using his solar-derived powers. Such humiliation, he thinks, because of one incident, one uncontrollable release of his blazing plasma energy. The only theory the scientists could come up with was that it was caused by an outside force. Namely, a massive electromagnetic pulse released by the one-time villain called Magneto. Nobody was hurt, but it was enough to engender fear in those who had once trusted him. Because for a Japanese government that has already seen its people and cities suffer mass destruction the thought of a man with the shattering force of a nuclear bomb boiling within is simply too big a risk.
As Wolverine and the Silver Samurai enter the complex, they encounter a number of guards. When they do, Wolverine greets them and apologizes for droppin’ in unannounced but they ain’t plannin’ on a long visit. He then takes out the pesky little video monitors ‘cause he’s shy about appearin’ on camera. In little time, Wolverine sniffs a nearby vent and tells Samurai this is the place, he has Sunfire’s scent. He then tells Samurai that he’s gonna stand back and watch him make himself useful. It looks like a real chunk o’ titanium steel there. Is he sure he can cut through it? Readying his sword, Samurai asks him if that final comment was meant to, as the westerners say, “get a rise” from him? It has failed.
Wolverine tells him to just make sure he doesn’t and points towards the door. Slicing the door with relative ease, Samurai tells Wolverine even a titanium-reinforced door becomes no more than a veil before the power of the Silver Samurai. As Wolverine rushes in, Samurai warns him to wait – he could be… Wolverine tells him to forget it, the kid’s scared – he can smell it on him. Making his way over to Sunfire, Wolverine tells him that the flamin’ cavalry is there for him. They’re gonna bust him out just like he sprung him once. Just don’t move while he rips off this lousy inhibitor collar they put on him. He’s seen enough of ‘em.
With that, Wolverine slices off the collar from around Sunfire’s neck. Once he does, Sunfire informs him that, according to his keepers, he may be unleashing something that cannot be controlled. Smiling, Wolverine tells him that it wouldn’t be the first time bub. Sunfire asks Harada what foul agenda brings him there. He warns him, if he seeks to involve him in the criminal affairs of Clan Yashida, he will regret it. Powering up, he then asks him if he would like to see the power that once was in the service of their homeland. Once again, he feels the stirring of solar energies; they begin to course through his body, filling him with that radiance that seeks its blinding release like water that bursts a dam. Once again, he is Sunfire!
Shielding his eyes, Samurai pleads with Yoshida that they are aware of his mutant abilities and now is not the time. Is it so difficult to believe his motives are noble? Wolverine then tells Sunfire to take it easy. He ain’t exactly full o’ trust for the Samurai either. They need to just get outta there, he left his suntan oil on the dresser. They’ll question his motives later. In his mind, Wolverine can tell that Sunfire’s changed since they last tangled, maybe not for the better. An’ ever since Magneto pulled the adamantium right out of his body, he ain’t exactly the same lovable ol’ Logan either. As Sunfire powers down, Wolverine asks him why they have him in there. Sunfire replies foolishness and fear and he can think of no reason to be detained any longer.
Momentarily, Sunfire bursts out of the complex with Wolverine and the Silver Samurai in tow. Reaching a clearing, Sunfire lands and states that he would just as soon have stayed and destroyed the compound but he did not want any innocents there hurt by his actions. Logan tells him that he admires his restraint an’ he ain’t fer hurtin’ innocents either. He then tells him not to be naïve an’ think anybody at that lousy compound gives a rat’s whiskers about him.
At that moment, Samurai informs them that Clan Yashida has learned that the Japanese government plans on activating the Red Ronin as a first line of defense against the possibility of a mutant problem arising. Logan asks Samurai since when is he concerned about the welfare of mutants, what’s his angle. Samurai answers that he’s a mutant and he does not wish to be hunted like a dog any more than he does. Besides, such a weapon cannot be allowed to remain in the grasp of Clan Yashida’s enemy. Sunfire proceeds to ask his cousin what he it is he suggests.
Removing his mask, Samurai tells Yoshida that he has a confession to make. Since Logan came to Japan, he has been followed. The meeting between them at Mariko’s grave was not by chance. He needed Wolverine to free him, Sunfire. Japan needs its heroes now more than ever. His informants tell him that a move will be made on the Ronin project this night by the Hand. They must find a way to take possession of the robot or destroy it. Logan informs him that they ain’t doin’ anything. ‘Cause even though that’s a nice yarn he spun, it don’t exactly fill him full a’ confidence. So he’s goin’ to check on this and find out what, if any of it is the truth.
Later, outside the Fujikawa installation, Logan is on the roof by himself. As he searches, he thinks to himself that somethin’ about this whole set-up is startin’ to stink. It’s all been a little too pat up til now. Getting Sunfire out, now they’re supposed to go after the Red Ronin, an’ all on Silver Samurai’s say-so. The head of a big criminal outfit who’s been known to talk outta two sides o’ his mouth. He’s gettin’ to the bottom o’ things before…
Just then, Logan senses a figure moving in the shadows an’ a familiar one at that. When he goes to check it out, the figure in the shadows flips him onto his back with relative ease. Standing above him, Yukio tells him that he should know better than to try and sneak up on her. They’ve gone a few fast falls in the past; she knows his moves as well as anyone. Logan tells her to not go pattin’ herself on the back yet. ‘Cause he had her scent a mile back. Leaning in to him, Yukio says sure he did and then points out that he’s different, she can sense it. The animal in him is closer to the surface, he’s fighting to hold it back, come to terms with it like never before – very sexy.
Logan admits that he’s been goin’ through some personal stuff. He then tells her that she gives great insight like always but all he wants to know is what in blazes she’s doin’ there an’ she better give him a straight answer. Yukio tells him that he knows that’s not his style, lover, and to catch her if he can. With that, Yukio begins to run off. Giving chase, Logan thinks to himself that Yukio is up to somethin’. He then begins to wonder what he was thinkin’ when he left her with the responsibility he did last time they were together. He should o’ had his head ex…
Just then, Logan stops in his tracks when he sees figures in shadow over on a nearby roof – ninjas. Hiding behind some smoke stacks, Yukio whispers to him to be quiet. Those are members of the mystical Japanese sect called the Hand. Her sources told her that they were going to make a move against Fujikawa. The government, the Hand, even Clan Yashida wants the Ronin project. All she’s trying to do is get a piece of the action and keep tabs on the competition.
At that moment, the Hand ninjas leap into the complex to get to the Red Ronin. Down below, the guards see them and alert security. Yukio informs Logan that the Hand is the worst of them. If they get control of the Red Ronin, the whole world will pay. Logan tells her that it sounds a little melodramatic to him. But any excuse fer a good tussle suits him. Leaping down to take on the ninjas, Logan asks them that they are the Hand, nice pajamas they’re wearing.
As Logan engages the ninjas in battle, he thinks to himself that they’re good, real good. All of ‘em descended on him at once, goin’ strictly fer the vital areas. One wrong move an’ he’s a shish kebob. Just then, the Red Ronin begins to stir and make noise. Logan tells Yukio not to look now but he thinks the oversized tinker toy’s startin’ to come to life. Yukio asks but how, the Hand could not possibly have activated him so fast.
Within the mechanical behemoth, circuits hum to cybernetic life. Power units that had lain dormant for months charge with awesome atomic energies. Propulsion systems that had been stilled by inactivity now move metallic limbs the size of ten story buildings and the gargantuan construct steps forward. RED RONIN LIVES!!
The architect of the giant’s sudden sentience is the humble cyberneticist Tsu Fwon, who argued so fervently the government’s case with his fellows. He states that the Ronin is performing admirably. For the first time, it does not require an in-the-cockpit pilot because of the remote interface system he has painstakingly installed over the previous months. It is a unique “learning” chip allowing the Ronin to react to a continually evolving series of computer suggestions.
Just then, General Hirito radios in and asks Fwon for a status report. Fwon informs him that the robot is operational. It has arisen and is leaving the facility under his command. Hirito replies excellent and orders Fwon to proceed as per his instructions. He then tells him that he has done a great service for his government and his country. Those efforts will not go unrewarded. Cutting off the transmission, Hirito thinks to himself that with the power of Ronin, no one will doubt Japan’s commitment and individual right to handle her own affairs.
At that moment, an explosion rocks Fujikawa Industries. Emerging from the smoke strides a robotic monstrosity which in appearance harkens back to an ancient era but whose innards are constructed of the most advanced microprocessors on the planet. As he holds on to the robot’s giant arms, Logan thinks the way stumbo is swingin’ his arms, he’s havin’ trouble holdin’ on, he’s startin’ to slip an’ it’s twenty stories to the street. Logan then calls down to Yukio and asks if she’s all right. Yukio, hanging on via a rope, tells her lover not to worry about her, she’s holding on for dear life.
Just then, Logan loses his grip and begins to plummet to the ground. Before he does, however, he is saved by Sunfire who catches him during his descent. Logan proceeds to tell Sunfire that he sure waited long enough. He was beginnin’ to wonder which team he was on. He then tells him that he’s dealt with enough Sentinels to know ya have to get him up to the Ronin’s control room which should be inside the head. If he can get inside, he can shut this baby down. Flying behind Ronin, Sunfire drops Logan off onto its shoulder. When he lands, Logan sees that he’s gotta be on his toes. Ronin’s head is swivelin’ so it must be aware o’ his movements. Maybe he won’t figure he’s enough of a threat to do anything. He does wish he knew where Sunfire was headin’. Logan then tells Ronin not to give him that look, he’s just another oversized tin can to him.
Using his mutant powers, Sunfire proceeds to blast a hole through the gigantic robot. When he does, he is surprised. He has used his ionic powers to burn a hole clear through Red Ronin from behind yet the giant seems unfazed. It’s circuiting is already re-stitching itself and now it detaches its very arm from its body grabbing him in mid-air and pinning his arms to his sides. He should be able to blast out of its grip. But dare he risk such a generation of his power? If he loses control again, what would happen?
Peering into the hole that was made, Logan mentions that by burnin’ through, Sunfire gave him an openin’, literally. He’s sure the bozo’s got a million failsafe systems but he has a better chance o’ helpin’ Sunfire from inside. Now, before he gets flicked off his chest like a bug, he has to make his way in an’ do some serious damage. Once inside, Logan thinks to himself that he never would o’ realized this oversized doohickey’s got circuitry and hi-tech stuff goin’ up and down forty stories. He then decides that he ain’t gettin’ anywhere admirin’ this junk, time to start pullin’ wires till he rips out the distributor cap. He doesn’t know whose bright idea Ronin was but if they don’t stop him, he’ll cause more harm than any mutant.
When he takes a step, Logan immediately realizes that he tripped somethin’, he can hear it. Just then, Logan gets caught in a laser crossfire. Unfortunately for him, he can’t avoid all of them at once and gets hit. Thanks to his healin’ factor, the wounds begin to cauterize. At that moment, Logan sees a Japanese letter on the large circuit board in front of him. He speaks the language an’ knows that symbol is important. It means the heart. He bets if he knocks it outta commission, maybe Red Ronin’ll start feelin’ it upstairs. Come to think of it, he sees component boxes just like it at about hundred foot intervals. If he can avoid gettin’ zapped an’ take out enough of ‘em, he just might give chrome dome a real bad case o’ indigestion and mix up his signals but good. An’ that’s plenty while he still has enough strength an’ speed left to stay two steps ahead o’ the laser blasts.
Taking out another component box, Logan decides that’s enough before he pushes his luck too far. Now, he needs to get back outside an’ see what kind o’ damage this did an’ if Sunfire’s free.
Outside, Yukio continues to hang from the gigantic robot. She is then shocked to see that Ronin was about to stomp on a bus full of people when its foot halted in mid-air. She wonders what could have stopped it. Stepping out of the robot, Logan says to her that if she hadda ask, then she ain’t been payin’ attention. Upon seeing him, Yukio asks Logan what he did. Logan says to her nothin’ much. He just snipped a couple o’ wires here an’ there. An’ he don’t charge union rates. He then tells her to quit hangin’ around an’ get down from there ‘fore she slips. He’ll find junior, they need to get outta there before the Japanese military gets…
Turning around, Logan sees Sunfire pinned to a nearby building by Ronin’s detached hand. Sunfire states that he can endure the pressure no longer, he’s being crushed. Even at the risk of losing control of his solar energies and appearing the menace they take him for, he must burst free. Using his mutant power, Sunfire blasts himself free from his bonds.
Descending upon Sunfire, Logan noticed that the detached arm was crushin’ the kid even after he shut Ronin down. It’s programming must be able to be re-routed, almost like creating separate constructs. What’s important now is stoppin’ Sunfire from goin’ nuclear. From that look on his face, he’s fightin’ a losin’ battle. Even though Logan is burnin’ up from the heat, he tells Sunfire to listen to him. There’s innocent people down there; he needs to power down. The threat o’ Red Ronin’s over. He gave him the openin’ to take him down and they won. But it’s all gonna be fer nothin’ if he can’t get it together now.
Sunfire tells Wolverine to let go and save himself, it’s too late for him Sunfire. Logan replies that it’s never too late. He knows what it’s like to lose control o’ yourself. Ya gotta fight back till ya got it licked. He again tells Sunfire to listen to him and fight back! Using what is left of his strength, Sunfire does it and proceeds to pass out. Holding the unconscious Japanese mutant in his arms, Logan knows that it’s over. He didn’t think they were gonna make it there fer a second but Sunfire got it under control. His eyes got that look in ‘em an’ he knew he’d turned it around in his head. The whole city might o’ been reduced to a cinder if this kid wasn’t made o’ the right stuff. Even so, the way things are, the G-Men are sure to wanna take ‘im in again. An’ the ol’ canucklehead ain’t lettin’ that happen. He’s goin’ to take him away and make it his business to see he’s someplace safe. He’s gotta get another chance.
Later, a Japanese news anchor reports that a full investigation was announced today by the Japanese government as to the entire Ronin affair and the partial responsibility of the Fujikawa Corporation. In his safe-house, the Silver Samurai prays before the altar of the Yashida blade for strength and for guidance. The news anchor continues that the once –honored hero of Japan called Sunfire has apparently left the country in the wake of the second known incident involving his mutant powers.
On a plane, Logan informs Sunfire that he has some friends in Canada, name o’ Heather and James, that can help him out. They’ll get him through this. The news anchor reports that speculation has been raised that once again, as it was in New York, mutants were somehow involved in the damage done to Tokyo. Standing over a now dead Tsu Fwon, General Hirito tells him that he is quite sorry but their mutual benefactor deemed his elimination necessary. This must all soon be forgotten. Nothing will deter the course of his Fujikawa Corporation and nothing must stop their government from taking control of the mutant problem.
2nd Story: I have waited too long to make this pilgrimage. Even though the sun forges diamonds from dew drops to honor my quest, it also brings shadows to life to scold me for wasting precious time.
As the ancient samurai, dressed in full regalia, is surrounded by its enemies, one of them tells the samurai to turn back “Ronin dog.” This land is beyond the light of their province and they will not see the temple while blood feeds their heart. The samurai tells them to leave them in peace and that brutal organ may yet grow fat and corrupt like those of their dark masters. The samurai dispatches two of the warlings without lifting a finger by ducking and having them collide. Their benefactors neglected to teach them discipline or stealth.
Chopping down the throwing discs with its sword, the samurai knows that luckily they were more competently educated by the most revered warrior in Japan – the Golden Samurai. They’ve always been a good student. After taking out the ninjas, one remains. The samurai proceeds to tell them that they would not soil this hallowed ground with their sub-human blood – yield and live. The ninja calls the samurai an imprudent wretch and threatens to flay the skin from their bones. The samurai replies that it’s a pity; it was such a beautiful path.
After killing the ninja, the samurai removes their mask. As they do, they know that someday a flower bed will grow over its remains, a living testament to the skill of Lady Amiko, warrior princess. Removing her white kabuki mask, a young Amiko stands alone near some train tracks holding her wooden sword. She states that it was another honorable battle fought and won. Anyone else who wants to mess with her ‘cause nothing’s gonna stop her from finding the good samurai – nothing! With that, Amiko continues on her quest.
In downtown Tokyo, Yukio asks Mr. and Mrs. Kuan how long Amiko has been missing, her phone message was difficult to understand. Mrs. Kuan replies that ever since she dropped her off last night, Amiko seemed even more restless than usual. She’s had a hard time adjusting since… well, since Yukio took her in. Amiko cares deeply for her but she’s still affected greatly by her mother’s death. Yukio says to her to tell her about it, her school disciplinary file is thicker than her arm – mostly fights.
As a tear begins to fall from her eyes, Mrs. Kuan states that children can be so mean at this age and so distant. Whenever she leaves her with them, when she goes out on “assignment” they’ve tried to get her to open up. When she excuses herself, Mr. Kuan tells Yukio that this is especially difficult for them; they waited so long to have a child. They consider it a privilege to take care of Amiko for a night or two now and then – for this to happen while she was with them…
Yukio tells Mr. Kuan that she understands and asks to take a look at Amiko’s room. There might be a clue as to why she left there. Walking through the house, Yukio is amazed by the size of the house. The place she and Amiko live in could fit in there twice. Why would a kid leave a place like this? Mr. Kuan tells Yukio that this is tearing them apart. His wife and he love Amiko as if she were their own. Yukio tells him that she knows. That’s why she chose them to be her… babysitters, for a lack of a better word.
As she takes a look at Amiko’s drawings, Yukio tells Mr. Kuan that she doesn’t make a mistake where Amiko is concerned. Entering the room, Mrs. Kuan asks Yukio if she has found anything. Yukio replies only that their girl has a penchant for samurais and ninjas – that’s nothing new. Mrs. Kuan informs Yukio that Amiko loves action figures. All of her fantasy stories are about warriors and knights. She told her that a Golden Samurai saved her from a dragon that took her mother – a beautiful story. As she talks, Yukio thinks to herself that she doesn’t know the half of it.
Mrs. Kuan adds that more than once, she’s threatened to leave in search of her “good samurai.” She should have listened. Looking out the window and seeing Logan perched in a tree; Yukio tells Mrs. Kuan that it’s clear to her that none of this is her fault. They’ve both been generous to Amiko and she’s sure that her patron in the states will agree with her. They’ll find her before she gets into any real trouble. Amiko’s benefactor is not without his resources. If anyone can find her, he can.
As she naps, Amiko recalls that every year her mother and she would take a special trip. She would say “to know where you’re going, you should know where you’ve been.” She had never been to the Golden Temple before but when she brought her there, it felt like home. When she asked her mother who lived in it, she simply smiled. She never gave her an answer. Waking up, Amiko witnesses a homeless man with his face covered going through her bag.
He utters dolls, trinkets, baubles, what is he supposed t’ do wit’ this worthless junk? Amiko yells at him and tells him to put her bag down. The man asks her bag? He found it just sittin’ on the grass. There in his house, anythin’ he finds, he owns. Amiko again defiantly tells him to put it down. The man asks her or what, is she gonna cry squirt? Pulling out her wooden sword, Amiko replies not exactly and smacks the man in the shin with it. As she does, she tells the man that she’s gonna make him put it down.
When the man falls to the ground, Amiko points her sword at him and tells him to put all her stuff back in the bag exactly as he found it or she’ll really get rough with him. The man tells her that he was just jokin’, he wasn’t gonna take her stuff, can’t sell the junk anyways. Putting the stuff back in the bag, the man complains about stinkin’ rugrats beatin’ on old beggars with swords, got no respect. He then asks Amiko isn’t she supposed to be in school? Amiko tells him that she quit school. School stinks. She’s on a quest. The beggar asks a quest and states that too much TV has rottin’ her soda-drowned brains.
Taking her bag back from the beggar, Amiko tells him that it isn’t any of his business but she’s looking for a Golden Temple. The beggar says a golden temple, the Golden Temple? As he begins to laugh, he tells her Golden Temple – please child, he’s a sick man. It hurts to laugh. Starting to walk away, Amiko calls him a jerk and tells him he can laugh all he wants but she is going to find the Golden Temple and she’s going to live there forever. The beggar calls out to her that if she’s fixin’ to settle down, she might want to head in the right direction.
Turning around, Amiko asks ‘excuse me?’ The beggar informs her there’s nothin’ that way but a Seven ‘leven with a pagoda roof. If she’s serious about gettin’ to the temple, he can get her there. Amiko says a second ago he was making fun of her, like everyone else. Looking at the necklace around her neck, the beggar says that a second ago, he didn’t notice it and asks if it’s real gold. As they walk off together, the beggar offers that if he gets her from point A t’ point B, perhaps they can make an exchange. Amiko says maybe, they’ll discuss it when she sees the temple. She then tells him to be warned. If he tries to cross Lady Amiko, the penalties will be severe. The beggar says penalties… severe… got it, kid.
They walk along the trail blazed by an ancient dragon (train tracks). The beggar proceeds to ask Amiko if she is gonna tell him why she left home. When Amiko tells him no, the beggar asks what’s in the locket. Amiko tells him no again. Amiko fears her guide may wake the beast, her totally annoying obnoxious guide. When the beggar goes to ask her another question, Amiko tells him “no, no, no!” She’s not telling him anything. She then tells him to stop talking and start walking for real and maybe they’ll get there by…
Just then, a train whistle is heard. The dragon bears down on them. It’s too big to fight, they break for cover. Amiko makes it over the tracks, but the beggar trips and gets his foot stuck in the rails. Amiko is well-hidden when she suddenly realizes he didn’t make it. Rushing back towards the beggar, Amiko knows this isn’t a game anymore. The bullet train from Tokyo travels almost at the speed of sound and it doesn’t stop for anything, least of all some homeless bum. So Amiko thinks of what the good samurai would do and she thinks he tells her to stay back but she doesn’t hear anything but the train and her heartbeat.
At the last second, Amiko is able to free the beggar as the train whizzes by. After the train passes, Amiko can still hear the other (her heartbeat) and she thinks that’s good. The beggar then thanks Amiko for saving him and tells her that she’s one tough customer.
They hardly speak a word until they set up camp. Amiko mentions to the beggar that she doesn’t remember where they are from the last time. The beggar tells her that things change but not to worry. Everything she’s lookin’ for is over the next ridge. First thing, in the morning, she gets her temple an’ he gets that locket like she promised. Tossing it over to the beggar, Amiko tells him to take it, she doesn’t want it anymore.
Picking it up, the beggar asks her if it has something to do with the past she’s runnin’ from. Amiko says that she’s not running from anything, she’s starting a new life. The beggar replies that he knows that story. She wants t’ roam free, a Ronin, go where the wind blows. He knew a guy once, feisty like her. Life handed him a few bum cards an’ he got angry. All he wanted was to run an’ fight his way beyond the pain. He fought his way clear ‘cross the world. But finally, he realized he was runnin’ from the good things in his life too.
Opening up the locket and seeing a picture of Amiko and her mother, the beggar proceeds to tell Amiko that she’s got to face up to the hurt so the healin’ can follow. The joy an’ the pain’s what makes them human an’ what makes life worth livin’. Amiko asks how she can face it when it hurts so bad.
Just then, a group of thugs arrive. One of them says awww, isn’t this a Kodak moment. They then tell the duo that it’s the wrong night to get close to nature. They then tell the beggar to give them whatever they got and maybe they won’t hurt the girl. The beggar tells Amiko to be easy, these guys are serious. The beggar tells the thugs that if they don’t want their face to get any uglier, step away and leave them alone. Amiko pulls out her sword and stands defiantly. She didn’t come all this way to get robbed by a bunch of chumps. Brandishing a knife, one of the thugs asks chumps? He then tells Amiko that if she’s looking for adventure, they got plenty to spare. He says to forget what he said about not hurting the girl, he changed his mind.
Amiko tells the beggar to run, she’ll try to hold them off. The beggar thinks to himself that the kid’s got the chops to stand up to this trash no prob. Sometimes though, that ain’t enough. ‘Course, that’s a lesson for another time. With that, the beggar (in actuality Logan) pops the claws on his right hand unbeknownst to Amiko. After seeing the claws, the thugs run off into the night. As they do, Amiko calls out to them that’s right. Run for the hills ‘cause next time they meet Lady Amiko, she won’t let them off so easy. Logan thinks to himself that tonight is about believin’ in yourself and findin’ out you were right in doin’ so.
Turning her attention to the beggar, Amiko tells him that they won’t be back, he has her word. The beggar replies that he reckons he does Lady Amiko. Amiko then tells the beggar to rest up for tomorrow they finish this. The beggar says one way or another, she’ll find what she seeks.
The next morning, Amiko rushes off in the direction of the temple, the sun beating a path to her memories as if a light has been cast on her dreams. The beggar calls out to her to wait but Amiko tells him there is no time for slow-pokes, the temple is on the other side of the hill. The beggar asks her why the temple is so special to her. Amiko tells her that the Golden Temple is the home of…
Seeing the dilapidated temple, Amiko is disappointed. Her dream turns it a nightmare in an instant. Entering the temple, the beggar asks Amiko that it’s not quite the place she remembers, is it. Amiko says no, it’s not, it doesn’t make any sense. The beggar asks her why not, paint flakes, wood rots, things die. As a tear begins to roll down her face, Amiko exclaims not here. Her mother told her that this was the most special place in the world. He has to live there. Removing his jacket, the beggar asks who? Amiko tells him the good samurai and turns around. Upon seeing Logan, Amiko is shocked and asks that it was him.
Logan informs her that he couldn’t tell her sooner. She had to make it there on her own an’ know she’s starin’ one of life’s toughest lessons in the face. He tells her that life means change and sometimes it’s for the worse. Question is, do you run from the bad stuff or master it. A decrepit building becomes a Golden Temple ‘cause you can make it so. The ol’ canucklehead becomes a noble samurai because you let him be. Giving her locket back to her, Logan continues that her mother can still be with her because she has the courage to keep her memory alive.
Amiko says but nothing’s right anymore, nothing’s the same. How can she go on like this? Logan tells her to take the pain the world throws her and face it. Stand up to the hurt and make it something beautiful. He’s seen her do it on this trip, seen her courage, seen her honor. He could learn a thing or two from her about taking control of his life, hands down. Giving her a hug, Logan tells her that she may come there looking for her samurai but she found herself. Amiko thanks her samurai and tells him that she understands. She feels her mother inside her, alive. She’s with her as long as she keeps her close and so is he. Taking Logan’s hand as they walk out of the temple, Amiko tells him that she’s ready to go home now. Logan replies that he thinks they both are.


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[Assistant]
Once Upon a Time in Little Tokyo
Tokyo. Obligation time. Some obligations are strictly social, weddin’s o’ business associates, the neighbor’s birthday and then ya got the obligations o’ the heart.
Logan is about to knock on Yukio’s door to fulfill one o’ those obligations and usin’ an image inducer, at least he can do it without scarin’ Amiko but somethin’ ain’t quite right. Unbeknownst to him, a food vendor outside radios that the subject is inside and he’s alone. Their subject is also carrying lots of packages that could be weapons and advises caution. Inside the high-rise, Logan stands in front of Yukio’s door carrying a bike and a bunch of neatly wrapped presents.
Just then, he catches a scent and realizes that ain’t the familiar scent o’ Yukio and lil’ Amiko. He recognizes two heartbeats and controlled breathin’ through a mask and the sharp stink o’ clove oil. Bursting into the apartment, he exclaims that it smells like ninja spirit. Once inside, he sees two members of the Hand, ransacking the room. Logan says to them that he has a feelin’ they ain’t got the good karma to attain nirvana. He then asks them where Yukio and the kid are and what ninjas of the Hand are doin’ ransackin’ their flat. When the ninjas unsheathe their swords, Logan tells them wrong answer and asks if they are sure they wanna do this.
Without a sound, the ninjas attack. As Logan blocks their sword strikes, he tells them that facing him is gonna hurt. In short time, he slashes both of them and they disintegrate. When they do, Logan laments that one o’ these days, he’s gotta find out how they do this spontaneous combustion trick. Just then, a third ninja attacks Logan. This one tells him that the ways of death for the Hand ninjas are not for gaijin dogs to know. Gathering himself, Logan replies that the ninja said a mouthful and that bein’ dead is somethin’ he’d rather him knew more about than him and proceeds to stab the ninja through the chest. Before disintegrating, the ninja speaks into his communicator that it’s him and that he is in Yukio’s apartment.
Just then, Logan hears a voice booming from outside addressing him as “mutant” and ordering him to surrender immediately. Out on the street, a member of a military unit, flanked by military like tanks, calls out to Logan that he is surrounded and that escape is impossible. They know through confidential informants that he is a dangerous mutant and they have the means and the will to neutralize him. They wish to question him about the disappearance and possible murder of the woman and child who occupied that apartment.
Inside the apartment, Logan recognizes that the Hand, an ancient order of ninjas with a long-standing grudge against him set him up. They’ve got Yukio and Amiko stashed somewhere for insurance. Big mistake. Yukio’s a ronin, a ninja without a master, and an old friend of his. The kid, Amiko, is an orphan that Yukio took in as her own. They’re family and you just don’t mess with that. They just want him on ice. If they wanted him dead, they’d have tried to do him the old-fashioned way – with a sword. He gave Silver Samurai the Honor Sword of the Yashida Clan in return for his promise to keep an eye on Yukio and Amiko. Looks like he has a refund comin’.
From a nearby rooftop, a sniper informs his boss that he has an infrared image and a chance for a good headshot but he may get substantial bullet deflection from the window glass and blinds. His boss informs him that he, Logan, had his chance for surrender and that he has his firing order. With that, the sniper takes a shot which hits Logan in the shoulder. When he does, a hail of gunfire rains down on Logan and the military unit storms the complex, heading to the second floor where he is at. Logan runs down his options and determines that there’s no fire escape and no back door but at least the walls are thin.
Using his claws, he cuts through the wall and offers a thousand pardons to the shocked young couple on the other side. Seeing their motorcycle, he asks if he can borrow it. The young man replies sure to which his girlfriend says that he lends his bike to some strange crazy gaijin but he don’t even let her drive it. The man tells her that she doesn’t have claws and rip down walls and now, here he thought it was safer in the apartment than parked on the street. Seeing the military unit bearing down on him, Logan tells them that he’ll try his best to bring it back if he lives that long. As they open up fire towards him, Logan drives out the window, lands on top of a tank, and then the street below. Seeing him drive away, the commander tries to direct the tank fire towards him but it’s too late, he’s getting away. He gives the command to cease fire for they are going to hit civilians or even worse, damage private property.
Meanwhile, the military has problems of their own. A giant winged dragon has attacked and is burning everything to the ground. From one of the tanks, a troop calls out that even the tri-lithium hyper-energy projectiles have no effect on Kojiro, Tokyo is doomed! Another exclaims that they were fools to have continued dumping chemical wastes in the China sea where fossilized dinosaur eggs were known to have been found.
Just then, somebody yells out cut. The director proceeds to tell Akatora, the man wearing the dragon costume, that he was brilliant as always, such subtle text, such inner meaning. Removing the costume’s head, Akatora replies that the soulless creations of computer can never replace a true artist. In no time, Akatora is surrounded by beautiful women offering him his chivas on the rocks, his hand-rolled Havana cigar, and his cell phone. Talking on his phone, he is shocked to learned that he, Logan, escaped the trap. He then asks that he didn’t find out where they have the woman and the brat stashed, did he. When he learns that Logan didn’t, his response is to thank Kwannon for small mercies. He says don’t worry, he can’t get far… where can a gaijin go to ground in Tokyo?
Driving his new found bike through Tokyo, Logan recalls that some o’ the Yakuza gamblin’ dens in the Shinjuku district are traditional, with players kneelin’ on mats but a few fancy themselves to be in a class with the sleaze palaces of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. As he drives the bike inside one of those “classier” places, one of the patrons calls out that an intruder has entered and that they’re being raided. When a bunch of guards brandishing swords and guns surround him, Logan tells them to ease up, he’s no cop, nor is he a raider from another Clan. One of the men tell him then he is a crazy gaijin trespasser and he will be shot like a dog.
Getting off the bike, Logan holds up his hands and tells them that he’s an outlaw and as such, he seeks sanctuary from the Yakuza Clan that runs the gambling hall. He is informed that sanctuary applies only to brother Yakuza, not to foreign born barbarians. The order is then given to cut him down. No sooner as do the members of the clan attack Logan, he easily kills them with his claws. After killing to of them, he tells them that he’s got no mercy for lowlifes who would cut down a man they think is unarmed. He then asks if anybody there wants to try him now. The response – they’ve no time to waste with high-talking trash. Gun him down.
Brandishing a sword from one of his fallen foes, Logan introduces himself and tells them that he was formally adopted into the Yashida Clan, former betrothed of Mariko Yashida, and former custodian of the Honor Sword. He then apologizes for his rude entrance and again requests sanctuary according to the law of the Yakuza.
At that moment, a very attractive young lady emerges and applauds Logan and tells him in English that was well spoken. In Japanese, she introduces herself as Shirohana, the pale flower and oyabun of the Double Jade Clan, controller of all gambling in the district. She cannot offer him sanctuary until his credentials are verified, but she can declare a truce until that matter is cleared up. She then tells him that, in the meantime, there’s no reason to be hungry or thirsty and leads him over to the dining area. As they make their way over there, Logan asks her that she speaks English. Shirohana replies almost as well as he speaks Japanese.
Meanwhile, in the middle of Tokyo Bay, Akatora kneels by a chained up Yukio while his female associate, toting a rifle, watches on. Akatora informs Yukio that her friend Logan has escaped their trap but there is more than one way to skin a Wolverine. Perhaps they can turn those who love him against him. Yukio responds by spitting in Akatora’s face. When she does, Akatora’s female associate smacks Yukio with the butt of her rifle and calls her an insolent she-dog. Wiping his face clean, Akatora tells Yukio that was a futile gesture. They know they can never turn her around, but the little one, she is another story. Realizing what he means, Yukio yells at him that if he harms Amiko, she swears she’ll…
As he goes to leave, Akatora says harm her, they are not barbarians. At the top of the steps, he drops through a trap door and asks two more of his female associates how their little princess is today. They tell him that they are just having more and more fun with every passing moment. Riding on a carousel horse and eating ice cream, Amiko is having a blast. She asks if she can watch “Sailor Moon” now. She is told that she can do whatever she pleases. Heading to where the television is, Akatora asks Amiko isn’t this much better that the ratty little room she used to live in. Amiko replies much nicer and calls him uncle Akatora. Upon hearing that, Akatora tells one of his associates to step up the subliminal indoctrination as of this afternoon.
Leaving Amiko and his associates, Akatora and his gun toting female associate enter a secret location. Akatora tells her, Miho, to make sure the blast door is double-locked. Miho confirms that it will be double-locked and keyed to the security system. She then asks him if he wants his hourly report. Holding the cell phone to his ear, he is informed that the spies have been busy. They have tracked the gaijin Logan to the gambling hall of Shirohana, the Pale Flower. Should they dispatch a ninja wet team. Akatora informs them that will not be necessary, simply drop a yen on the noodle vendor.
At the hall of the Double Jade Clan, Logan and Shirohana sit down to eat. Shirohana proceeds to ask Logan how is it that he came to be a fugitive. Logan informs her that it all started with a dragon, another one o’ them giant critters that smash up Tokyo every now and then. Amikos’ mom was part o’ the ‘collateral damage’ and he promised her he’d watch after her kid before she died in her arms. Continuing to eat and drink, he adds that he had arranged for an old friend, Yukio, to assume guardianship o’ the kid. But both o’ them have gone missing and it looks like the Hand are behind it. He tells her that he bets the Hand set him up with the government special tac forces, because that’s who showed up and rained on his parade. Shirohana tells him that she must admit, she finds much about him to be quite admirable. However, there are obligations to be met.
She asks if he remembers a yakuza chief in Osaka named Dai-Kumo. It was a certain Mr. Patch, aka Logan, along with a renegade assassin named Reiko who brought about the downfall of Dai-Kumo’s entire clan. Dai-Kumo’s daughter was forced to leave Osaka and start from scratch in Tokyo, as the Pale Flower. She then says to Logan that she hopes he’s enjoying his fish, it is blowfish and there is no antidote for the toxin.
At that moment, Logan gets a frightened look on his face and lurches backwards onto the floor, saying that he is dying. Once Shirohana and her associates circle around him, Logan pops up and asks what’s for desert. Pointing their weapons at him, one of the men shout impossible, he consumed enough toxin to kill twenty men. Logan replies twenty men without a healing factor.
At that moment, a large armored military vehicle crashes into the gambling hall. It is followed by a military commander, who states that the noodle vendor’s tip was accurate as usual as there is the mutant dog himself. They can do the community a service by eliminating the gangster scum while they’re at it. Firing back at the military, Shirohana says to Logan that again, he’s brought ruination down on her house. Taking a swig off a bottle, Logan tells her what goes around, comes around.


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[Assistant]
Untitled
In downtown Tokyo, a couple of cyber-ninjas hold their weapons to an unarmed and obviously scared noodle vendor. Just then, they turn when they hear a sound coming from his cart. Logan just stands there and prepares himself a bowl of noodles. He tells the ninjas not to mind him and to just go about their business. He’ll just help himself and leave the money on the cart.
Dismissing him, one of the ninjas replies that they will deal with him later. However, the assassin is unaware the man’s name is Logan, or that most folks know him better as Wolverine. He came to Japan to check on a couple o’ friends o’ his. Yukio and Amiko. Instead, he’s found himself in a whole mess o’ trouble.
Logan informs the ninjas to take their time, he’s not going anywhere. One of the ninjas says that the noodle vendor, on the other hand, is going directly to that special hell reserved for informers and traitors. With that, he opens up fire upon the noodle vendor but misses. Watching the vendor avoid contact, Logan tells him that is some mighty good duckin’ and weavin’ but he had better take the offensive before they get down to serious slicin’ and dicin’. Just then, the noodle vendor kicks over his cart and knocks it over onto one of the ninjas. Logan mentions that was a good one, parboil him with the noodle vendor.
As the other ninja goes to deliver the killing blow with his sword, the vendor blocks it with a pan and simultaneously stabs him with a long sharp knife, killing him. Logan tells him not bad; he swings a mean sauce pan for a stool pigeon. The noodle vendor peers at him and asks the mutant that he wants information from him as well. Wouldn’t it have behooved him to keep him alive? Logan replies that he was savin’ himself for the main event. The noodle vendor begins to ask what but before he can get it out a crew of cyber-ninjas appear out of nowhere. Logan says to him that he didn’t think the Hand would send only two guys with no backup, did he?
Brandishing a meat cleaver and knife, the noodle vendor calls out, “help me mutant.” Logan, still eating his noodles, tells him that he knows his name; he’s been finkin’ on him to everybody and his uncle. The noodle vendor calls out “help me Logan.” Logan proceeds to stick his bowl of noodles in the face of one of the ninjas and tells the noodle vendor that’s Logan-san to him. When the noodle vendor exclaims Logan-san, Logan tells him that’s better and takes out the ninja in front of him. He then pops his bone claws and says that it’s time to turn up the thrash-o-meter and go to throw-down city.
After a few short moments, all of the cyber-ninjas have been disposed of. With his back turned to the noodle vendor, he tells him that he knows what he’s thinkin’ and it’s a mistake and retracts his claws. With Pale Flower and Yohei holding the noodle vendor at bay, Logan tells him that he didn’t think he’d walk into this without a backup, did he. He then tells him to start spillin’ the beans on why this bad karma is comin’ down on him and where his ward Amiko is being held.
On Akatora’s island in the middle of Tokyo bay, where a child’s game masks a vile purpose and where the love of an innocent will find its harshest challenge. As Amiko, Emi, and Sumi ride the carousel, Emi asks Amiko if she is having a good time. Amiko replies oh yes. Emi then points out the little bear riding a tricycle and his hat. Doesn’t he have a wonderful hat? Staring at the hat, Amiko’s eyes start to droop. Emi asks her if she is getting sleepy and if her eyelids are getting heavy. She adds that the music playing is so soothing.
Sumi asks her if she remembers that day walking with her mother in Tokyo and suddenly a big shadow fell over her. Amiko starts to cry and says it was a dragon. Sumi asks if she remembers how her and her mother ran and ran. Amiko replies that they couldn’t run fast enough. Sumi asks if she remembers the dragon changing. Amiko asks that it did?? Sumi says oh yes. Maybe it changed into Wolverine while she wasn’t looking and then, it killed her mother. Amiko says no, the dragon killed her mother. Logan-san saved her, he… he… Sumi tells her that’s what he made her think. But now, they know the truth.
As Amiko begins to cry, she says that Logan was laughing after he… he… Wiping the tears from her eyes, the bear says to her that they know how badly she must be hurting inside. It is so painful to find out that someone you trusted and loved was really the murderer of your mother. But they know how to make the pain go away, yes they do. As they offer the smaller, toy bear to Amiko, Amiko says that she doesn’t want a silly toy, she wants… Pulling the head off of the toy bear, the larger bear reveals a dagger in the body of it. The bear tells her this is what she wants. The blade is dipped in deadly blowfish toxin. Yes, she knows what she must do. But she must bide her time and she must wait and learn how to use the blade and many other things that will help her in her revenge. Oh yes, indeed.
Halfway across the bay, on a boat, Logan says to Pale Flower that they’re fixin’ to raid this Akatora’s private island and it is supposedly a movie studio with sound stages and sets. Pale Flower, dressed as a kabuki performer, replies that Akatora is a famous auteur. He is the creator of the long-running hit series of films about a sympathetic fire-breathing prehistoric monster named Kojiro. But that is all just a front for the many criminal activities he oversees. It is also said he has connections to the ancient order of the Hand. Logan tells her that he knows all about that bunch an’ they know plenty about him.
From the bow of the boat, the noodle vendor points off in the distance and says out there is the island. Many of the actors, stage-hands, cameramen and grips on that rock are ninjas of the Hand. They are all remorseless killers. Turning around, he tells them that now he’s told all he knows, to please turn the ferry around and leave him on the shore. Logan informs him this is a one-way excursion. He can take a dip like he’s gonna do or he can have Yohei rustle him up some hardware to fend off cyber-ninjas with. With that, Logan leaps off the ferry into the water below.
On the island itself, five of the actors sit around drinking hot beverages and smoking cigarettes. One is dressed as a gorilla, while another is dressed as a spider. Three others are dressed as alien like creatures. The one dressed as a gorilla complains that this is no life for a ninja and that they are getting soft. They should be assassinating enemies of the Hand, not indulging the stupidity of a wielding. The one dressed as a spider says that they must be prepared to confront the one called Logan, even if it means doing so by unconventional means. Their brothers who were sent after the noodle vendor did not come back after all. The gorilla points out that they were cyber ninjas of the Death Touch Cult too.
Just then, one of the cameramen calls out to the other to look at the new monster who just appeared. He asks the oversized teddy bear who he is, Winnie-the-Zilla. The man wearing the teddy bear outfit removes his mask to reveal himself as Akatora. He then tells them all that they shall do as he asks. As a trio of ladies assists him in changing into his real costume, that of the dragon Kojiro, he tells his workers to get into place; they are at the top of scene 36. Heroic Kojiro stands amid the ruins of Tokyo as the evil monsters from beyond the Pacific Rim emerge from the surf to do battle with him. Out in the surf, the ninjas wearing the spider, gorilla and alien insect costumes stand ready. Affixing his mask, Akatora yells out quiet on the set and directs the camera to start rolling.
As the cameraman starts to record the scene, the director tells him to be sure he gets all three monsters coming out of the water into frame. The cameraman says “three?” There are four of them out there. The director states there’s only supposed to be… hey, who’s that one with the claws? Emerging out of the water, Logan, wearing a red mask that covers the top half of his head, asks which one of the geeks is Akatora. He’s gonna rip him out a new nostril in a novel place after he tells him where he stashed Amiko. The alien insect leaps towards the new assailant and tells his fellow ninjas this is the reason for the strange modifications on his suit. The beast who walks like a man will find them quite formidable.
Within seconds, the arms of his costume change into barrel guns and he begins to fire upon Logan. When he does, he says to his fellow ninjas that they have all been cybernetically enhanced. Logan, however, ignores the gunfire and jams his claws into the ninja’s costume and tells him that it’s too bad he’s getting’ all this enlightenment just when he’s about to get dead. Hearing his fellow ninja yell out in pain, the spider leaps to join the fray and tells Toshi to hold on, he’s on his way. When the spider makes his way over to help his friend, Logan tells him that he’s got a set of claws he’s been savin’ just for him. When he jams it into the spider’s costume, both of the ninjas extract steel tentacles that trap Logan’s left and right hand, much to Logan’s surprise.
The gorilla approaches them firing his semi-automatic rifles at Logan and tells him that this has all been planned and rehearsed. They never knew who this scenario was meant for, but they have been prepared for this moment for years. Dragging his two captors along, Logan calls them sorry losers and tells them that it’s too bad they rehearsed the scene with the victim bein’ docile and complacent instead o’ counter-chargin’ the attack. The gorilla tells his companions to hold him. It is the last thing he says as Logan gets close enough to kick his head clean off. When the head of the gorilla flies off, Logan mentions to them that they gave up their humanity a long time ago, didn’t they. Seeing one of his ninjas killed, Akatora calls out to his fellow ninjas to cut him down!!
As soon as all the ninjas begin to charge Logan, the ferry arrives and Pale Flower and the noodle vendor open up fire upon them. Firing his weapon, the noodle vendor exclaims this is not his fight and asks what he is doing there. Pale Flower tells him that every Hand ninja he blows away there is one less to track him down. Their order was assassinating kings long before he was born so he’d best give this fight everything he has.
On the island, Logan yells out to Akatora that it’s down to them and his two friends o’ his who got kinda stuck on him. He then challenges Akatora to get down to it. Akatora replies yes, dispense with formalities and proceed to dying. At that, he opens up fire and unloads his rifle in Logan’s direction. Once he is out of ammo, Logan points out to him that he is as such and also that his pals got shredded in the crossfire. Akatora leaps at him with his sword and tells him that he’ll shred him.
Just then, the ferry crashes into Akatora’s citadel. When it does, Pale Flower, the noodle vendor, and Yohei rush headfirst into a horde of ninjas, guns blazing, so that they may locate the little girl, Amiko.
With his first strike, Akatora tells Logan that they will see how witty his repartee is after he plunges his sword through his chest. Logan takes the strike and says, “Okay, let’s see how snappy yer comebacks are after he gouges three furrows across his mug.” When Logan slashes him across the face with his claws, Akatora drops to the ground and yelps out in pain. Pulling the sword from his chest, Logan tells him that seein’ as he’s got a mutant healin’ factor and he don’t, he has a feelin’ he’ll be makin’ with the quips way before he stops howlin’. He then asks him if he’s gonna hand over his little ward or does he really go ta town on him.
From behind them, Pale Flower calls out that they found Amiko and Yukio as well. Yohei says that resistance was fierce, but brief. Akatora tells him that he has lost. One of the three over there belongs to him, a longtime sleeper and a devoted ninja of the Hand. In a matter of moments his beloved ward will die an agonizing death, done in by a poison dagger. Logan turns and exclaims that only he knows which one is the traitor. With that, he tosses the sword until it finds its mark – Yohei. After he disintegrates into nothingness, Pale Flower asks Logan how he knew it was him. Logan tells her that he could say he figured it out because he was too skilled to be a yakuza thug and he knew too much but what really did it was the combination o’ clove oil and blowfish toxin he smelled on his dagger when the wind changed. Just then, the noodle vendor calls out look – Akatora is gone.
Deep under the island, Emi and Sumi assist the injured Akatora. Laughing, he says that not even he is privy to the master plan of the Hand but he has carried out his part to the letter. They were only pawns, catspaws and decoys whose only purpose was to insinuate the real assassin into close proximity with Logan. Maybe if his little killer succeeds, the master of the Hand will tell him why they want Logan dead in the first place.
As Logan, Pale Flower, the noodle vendor, Yukio and Amiko pile into the life raft they salvaged from the ferry, Logan tells Yukio and Amiko that he hasn’t had a lot o’ time to be spendin’ with two o’ them lately. Now he’s gotta go deal with somethin’ else that needs takin’ care of. But he promises that he will return to Japan to see them all, they just gotta be patient. With a gleam in her eye, Amiko replies that she can’t wait, and that she has much to learn in the meantime.


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Restoration
Salem Center – approximately forty minutes outside Manhattan. This quiet, cloistered campus is home to a rather unique group of young people. Outcasts all, they have come there to learn about the incredible gifts that fate has bestowed upon them and how, as the X-Men, to use those gifts for mankind’s betterment. Unfortunately, the human race at large fears mutants – and so the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning must appear to be no more than an elite academy for blue bloods. Not all its inhabitants, however, fit this illusion.
As Logan exits the cab, the driver tells him that maybe it ain’t his business, but he doesn’t look like a student or a teacher. Logan says he’s right, it ain’t his business. Speeding off, the driver tells him to have a nice day anyway, jerk! Walking up to the mansion with his bag and sword in tow, he thinks to himself that Thomas Wolfe said “you can’t go back home again.” But every time, he traipse backs to this little patch o’ Salem Center, he puts the lie to that statement. There’s more than mere memories to this place. This is where he saw the first glimmer of his true worth. Ain’t no treasure in the world can hold a candle to a glimpse o’ truth.
As he walks up to the mansion, he senses that somethin’ ain’t right. The whole wing was in ruins when he left. Walking through the “wall,” he is greeted by Jean Grey, Bishop, Scott Summers and Hank McCoy. Rushing over towards him, Jean gives him a hug and welcomes him home. She asks him how his trip was to Japan and how his visit with his ward Amiko was. Logan tells her it was interestin’ but it sure is good to be back. He then asks what’s with the part o’ the mansion that exists but not really. Beast points up to a holographic projector and says that it’s taking longer for repairs than they thought and they have to keep up appearances. You never know when interested parties are watching.
Scott asks Logan if he can give them a hand moving the table. Grabbing an end of it, Logan asks where it’s going. Scott informs him into the library, they’re having a little going-away thing for Bobby. Entering the library, Beast announces to Storm and Cannonball to look what the cat dragged in. Ororo exclaims that Logan found his way home again. Hugging her, Logan replies that he’s only been gone a couple o’ weeks, this ain’t exactly the prodigal son returning. Ororo tells him that he was never the wayward son. Hard-headed and brash perhaps, but his heart is always true.
Shaking Sam’s hand, Logan asks him how it’s going and if he’s been takin’ good care o’ his scoot. Sam tells him that he’s been startin’ her up every mornin’, like he said. Logan then asks Jean that Iceman’s really takin’ a leave o’ absence. Jean asks can he blame him. After his experiences undercover in Graydon Creed’s presidential campaign and after what Creed did to his father, he wants to be there for both of his parents in their time of need.
Upstairs, Bobby Drake is packing up his stuff. Recently, his father was gravely injured when he spoke out for mutant rights and it’s caused him to reconsider his relationship with a man he barely knows. Logan arrives at Bobby’s room and asks him if he’s leavin’ the nest. Putting a framed picture of his mom and dad in a box, Bobby replies that it’s funny he should put it that way. Most of them grew up in this place, or at least spent more of their formative years there. He had a whole other life before he even heard of Salem Center.
Looking at a picture of the first X-Men, Logan says to him that he was one o’ the first and that he was already doin’ other things by the time he got there and when he came back, he Logan wasn’t around much. He guesses they never got to really know each other and now he’s leavin’. Bobby takes the picture from him and says that it’s kind of late to start being pals. Logan responds that he guesses so but for what it’s worth, he wanted him to know that he respects him and if there’s ever anythin’ he can do for him and his, he’s there for him. With that, he takes his leave.
Down at the party, Logan stands alone and sips on his beverage. His encounter with Bobby kinda put the damper on the festivities for him. Never was one for partyin’ anyway but that comes with not bein’ properly socialized. Just then, Jean comes up to him with a FedEx package and tells him it just arrived for him from Landau, Luckman and Lake. She adds that he’s never thoroughly explained his relationship with them and, from her experience with them, she doesn’t think they’re overly concerned with his best interests. Logan replies no doubt about it; it’s an outfit you don’t exactly want to know too much about.
Pulling a device out of the package, he mentions that it looks like his contact there, Zoe Culloden, sent along a holographic recordin’ with the papers. When he pushes a button, a holographic version of Zoe appears before him. She apologizes for the holo-image, but they’ve got other concerns at the moment that demand her personal attention. She tells him she’ll be brief and asks that he remove the other object from the package. She is entrusting him with the artifact. Its nature and origin are not necessary for him to know at the present time but she knows it will be safe with him. Zoe then warns him that a dark time is coming. Evil forces are at work and all the continuums are in danger. She tells him that he must have a care. The strings are converging toward him, and he may soon be the nexus of malevolent energies. Zoe then tells him that it is imperative that the object be kept safe, and be kept from falling into the wrong hands.
Opening the tiny box and looking into it, Logan sees a bright light emanating from it. Jean asks him what is in the box, to which Logan replies he’s not sure.
Just then, Ororo interrupts and invites Logan to join Robert and her in the green-house. Once there, Ororo hands Bobby a flower and tells him that she gave one of them to Logan once and, now, she is giving one to him to remember her by. It is a very special hybrid, a mutation actually. Bobby thanks her and says it’s not like he could ever forget her. And he’s not going away forever. If they ever need Iceman, he’ll come running. Ororo tells him that the flower is a hothouse flower and as such, it cannot survive for long outside the special environment. Some would say it’s a bit like them. Well, a bit like some of them. As Storm speaks, she looks over in Logan’s direction.
Later, the X-Men decide to head to Harry’s Hideaway, a local bar. As the male X-Men pile into a car, Logan tells them that Sam can catch a ride with him on his bike. Before he gets on, Sam tells Logan that he’s had a problem gettin’ it to kick over the last few mornin’s. He figured it was the cold. Logan tells him let’s see what she does. When it starts up, Logan points out all of the black smoke and says that’s carbon buildup. A Harley don’t take to bein’ driven like it was goin’ to a Sunday meeting. Ya gotta take it out and let it scream once in a while. With that, Logan and Sam take off in a cloud of dust.
Harry’s Hideaway is a nice enough place if ya like bad pub food served in a place where the “quaintness” is mostly made of plastic. It’s been a Xavier school hangout forever, but it begins to grate on Logan after about ten minutes. Seems like these days, he has too much to say to the more experienced X-Men and not enough to say to the younger ones. Good ol’ Logan. Nice to have him back but he’s still the odd man out. It’s times like these that he misses Kitty, Kurt and Jubilee. Finishing his beer, Logan starts to walk out the door. As he does, he tells Sam that he’s gonna have to find another ride back. He has to talk to some ghosts.
Eventually, Logan makes his way over to the Auger Inn. He likes it there. It may be a ratty ol’ biker bar, but it’s got a good jukebox with what ya might call an eclectic selection. Otis Redding, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Patsy Cline, Glenn Miller, Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Richie Valens, Lynard Skynard, and Ricky Nelson. They might still be around if they’d taken the bus instead of the plane. A whole lot o’ folks he knows never made it to the bus stop. They might still be around too if they hadn’t crossed path’s with the ol’ canucklehead.
Looking into the mirror behind the bar, he sees Rosie, Archie Corrigan, O’Donnell, and Silver Fox looking back at him, toasting him. Logan replies in kind until the bartender tells him that it’s four a.m. and time to go home. Logan finishes his drink and replies home, oh yeah, that place where he hangs his hat.
Back at the mansion, Logan sits in Professor Charles Xavier’s office. It’s empty these days, bein’ that he turned himself over to the United States government a few weeks back but he still feels like he can talk to him when he’s in there. Talking to himself, Logan asks Charlie what he’s gonna do. He never even knew he needed help until he met him. He thought he could handle anything. He thought he didn’t need nothin’ from nobody. He thought he belonged up in Alpha Flight but he couldn’t cut it there. Then, he came there and, somehow, he fit in and he was understood. The place ain’t the same without him. He was always the guy who had the answers. Answer him this, what do you do when you look down the corridor and all you see is dark. After some time, the sunlight begins to shine through the window. Seeing it, Logan says that Charlie would tell him that the sun comes up every mornin’, and it sure does.
Decked out in his yellow and blue uniform, Logan thinks to himself that it’s funny how they always forget that the demons o’ the wee hours fade away in the light o’ the new day. It’s a new day, time to go to work. Or should he say workout. The Danger Room computer is preset to call him up some battle-bots for a round or two o’ slash and bash just to keep him sharp. After pressing the control button, the backdrop of the room changes to ruins. Logan is surprised; he’s never seen this environment before. Maybe McCoy has been tinkerin’ with the program.
Just then, a voice tells him that the computer is no longer in control there, he is. Logan turns to see a demonic like man, dressed in all red with a cape and wielding an energy sword. Upon seeing him, Logan pops his claws and asks him that he’s the head honcho o’ this nightmare. Too bad for him, he has a problem with authority. Logan then leaps towards him and slashes off one of the demon’s horns and cracks through his armor. The demon falls back slightly and tells him that he would do better to submit to him and that he shall have him in the end, if not in the plane of the living, then in the realm of shadows. Just as he possesses one who was dear to him in the material world.
At that moment, a body arises out of the ground and grabs hold of Logan’s leg. Logan looks down and notices it to be Mariko, much to his dismay. The demon informs Logan that he can bring her back for him. The one person he loved most, long since departed from this world. Full-fleshed with the flush of life on her cheeks and the old fire in her eyes. There is a new power arising, wonders and glories beyond imagining. There are rewards that reach past the grave for those who will be a part of the new order of things. All this, he promises him and all he asks in return is one insignificant favor. Logan tells him that the only favor he’ll get from him is a dose o’ his claws and his own sword in his guts.
Simultaneously, Logan grabs the demon’s sword, and jams his claws into the demon’s arm. After then stabbing the demon in the chest, the demon tells him that he is ever the master of the unpredictable parry and the inexorable thrust. He, more than any other, knows this. As the demon stumbles away it informs Logan that his victory is but a shallow thing and will avail him naught as the skein of his destiny unravels. Even now, she who loves him from beyond the veil of tears reaches out for his embrace. She is possessed of the desperation the dead have for the living. Will he deny her, will he?
With the demon gone, Logan looks down at Mariko and starts to talk to her. Before he can, Stick appears, grabs Mariko’s arm and tells her to let him go. He’s one o’ the live ones, he ain’t fer the likes o’ her, let him go. Pushing her down into the ground with his staff, Stick tells her that she’s tired and her grave’s waitin’ patient for her. Lie quiet. Eternity’s fer sleepin’, fer peach, let it go. Stick then turns his attention to Logan and informs him that the one with the sword is a bad one. He means ta draw him from the path, but he can’t let him do it. There’s too much at stake. He’s the reason he had Elektra pull him back from the brink. Logan asks who he is and what he meant that there is a new power rising. What does he want from him? Stick replies that he’s the enemy. He knows him from a long time ago and his destiny is all tangled up in his. He has to be thinkin’ about what all this means but whatever he decides, he has to stay on the patch. An’ sometimes, that path leads him away from those places that protect him an’ those people who love him. But the alternative is worse. Far worse, does he hear him? As Stick disappears, Logan responds that he hears him.
Later that day, Logan and Sam go for a ride on the motorcycle. As they do, Sam asks why they’re goin’ into Salem Center. Logan replies that they’re goin’ to buy a new scoot. Sam says that he guesses he didn’t take care of his bike good enough. Logan tells him that he did just fine. He was just bein’ too careful and sometimes that can be a fault. At the motorcycle shop, the owner wheels the new soft tail bike out. Logan adds to Sam that the truth is his old scoot is comin’ close to retirement. Just when they get all worn in and comfortable, they get worn out. Trouble is, it takes a good long time to break in a new one. Handing the new keys over to Sam, Logan tells him that he’s gotta promise him he’s gonna ride it hard and get out all the kinks.
Sam is shocked and asks Logan why he can’t do it. Just then, the shop owner tosses Logan his bag and sword. Logan informs Sam that he can’t do it himself because he ain’t gonna be around the mansion fer a while. As he revs up the bike he tells Sam to tell Jean that he’ll call her as soon as he has a number where he can be reached an’ that he’ll be good and ready for their little trip to the fare east. One more thing, tell Storm that the ol’ canucklehead ain’t no hothouse flower for sure.


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The Light at the End of the Day
The East Village in lower Manhattan. A real meltin’ pot o’ cultures, life-styles, perversions and aesthetic sensibilities – my kind o’ place.
As a young lady pushes her equally young blind male friend in a wheelchair down the street, two thugs approach her. The skinnier one notices the guitar on her back, puts his arm around her and asks her if she plays that thing. He also asks what she has in there – a fender, dat a strat, pre-cbs? He then tells her to hand it over and maybe his buddy Drang don’t do somethin’ bad to her boyfriend, the doorstop. The man in the wheelchair calls the thug weasel-breath and for him to take his hands off of his friend. His lady friend tells him, Clive, not to pay them any mind. Drang pounds his fist into his hand and tells Clive dat’s not nice what he called his boy Sturm. He’s gonna haveta pound him till he’s completely useless.
At that moment, a voice calls out and tells him, gorilla-brains, to tell his trainer to lay off and make tracks. Turning around, all Drang sees is a mime and asks who said that. Logan informs him that he did and to beat it. Seeing the short man standing before him, Drang begins to laugh hysterically. Just then, Logan grabs his tongue and pulls him to his knees. As he does so, he tells him if he wags that fat tongue o’ his around like that he’s bound to get it caught in a ringer. Logan then challenges Sturm and asks if he wants some o’ the action too. Sturm replies no way, he was just leavin’. Logan tells him to don’t let him keep him and to take the big slice o’ ugliness with him. With that, Sturm and Drang run off.
With the thugs gone, Clive tells Logan that they didn’t ask him to employ violence in their behalf. Logan replies that he can respect that. As Logan gets back on his motorcycle, the young lady tells him that Clive doesn’t mean to be rude, he’s… what she means to say is thanks. Logan tells her to forget it. The young lady introduces herself as Kristin and asks if he is on the road and if he’s coming or going. Logan replies that he just left a place where he’s been hangin’ his hat for a long time. Left temporarily anyway, ‘might say, he’s lookin’ for a change. Kristin smiles and says this might sound hasty, coming from a complete stranger, but the apartment next to theirs is vacant. She’s the super there when she’s not waiting tables at the Third Eye or helping Clive publish his poetry. What does he say about her putting in a word with the landlord? Thinking for a second, Logan informs her that he’ll take a look at it.
As the trio walk down the street, Clive tells Logan don’t mind him, he’s still what you might call a little bitter. Logan says oh, he got somethin’ to be bitter about. Clive laughs and says a fellow of infinite jest; he likes that. He then asks Logan that his name’s not Yorick, is it. Logan replies no, just Logan.
At that same time, a mime wheels down the street riding his unicycle and juggling his miniature bats. When he passes by one of the stores, a chain suddenly emerges from the entrance to the basement below. The mime is surprised and dismounts his unicycle. He calls down “neat trick.” That must take a lot of practice. He then asks how they did that anyway. A voice tells him come down there and he’ll show him. The mime says sure and then says that he’s not supposed to talk at all when he’s in character but he sure would like to know how to do that chain trick. Descending the stairs, the mime asks where the person who is talking to him is at. The voice replies over here in the shadows. Seeing the glowing eyes, the mime utters, “Oh my Lord.”
The next day, Logan calls the Xavier Institute and talks to Jean Grey. She asks him how he’s doing and where he’s staying. Logan informs her that he think he might’ve found a decent place to stay for a spell. Don’t know how it’s gonna work out but something Bobby said before he left really stuck with him. He said that he had a life, been out in the world, a long time before he joined the X-Men. It got him to thinkin’ about Charlie an’ what he wants for them. He thinks after all that’s happened to him, to all the X-Men recently, this is a test. To see if he’s still part o’ the world, to see if he can still walk among men instead o’ huntin’ deer on the grounds of the Xavier Estate.
Jean tells him that she doesn’t think he has anything to prove, not anything he hasn’t proven time and again. Logan replies only to himself. Jean then asks him if he’s set up with the rest of the team for their rendezvous in Scotland. Logan informs her that he’ll be there till the end and that, if she needs to get a hold o’ him, she can leave a message at the Third Eye Café. Jean tells him to do what he has to do and remember that there are people up there who care about him. Logan replies that he ain’t about to forget that and hangs up the phone.
Walking the streets, Logan thinks to himself that he has plenty to do all right. Like broadenin’ his intellectual horizons with theological dialogues with other lost souls. As he sits on a park bench, a man preaches about reincarnation and that it’s gotta take more that one lifetime to get this messed up. In a café, Logan also experiences exotic cuisines. There, the owner asks if he wants red cabbage wit’ his pierogies or pickled beets. Walking down the street, he also participates in the vibrant social life o’ the East Village.
From behind him, a lady tells her boyfriend to slow down. They don’t want to get too close to the creepoid up ahead. He looks like he belongs in a cage. Another man asks him if he wants to be his friend. When Logan doesn’t answer him, the man calls him a creep. When Logan wants to be alone with his own thoughts, there’s the privacy and comfort o’ his new digs. It’s a chic address, none o’ them impersonal elevators, just genuine hardwood stairs.
At night, he has so much to do that he drops off to slumberland like a rock every night to sleep the untrammeled sleep o’ the innocent. Yeah, right. He lies there sweatin’ bullets. It’s like every mistake he ever made in his life is loaded on a freight train that rolls through his head with the throttle wide open and the whistle wailin’. Ain’t no escapin’ the deep blues at four in the mornin’ in a lonely bed with no plans for tomorrow. Can’t stop thinkin’ about Professor X, Charlie, how it’s on account o’ his animal rage that the man he respects most in the world got himself into so much pain. Nothin’ to do but tire himself out.
Even when he knows that exhaustin’ his body won’t shut down his brain. It’s like havin’ a TV tuned to a bad station and there’s no “off” switch. He does pull-ups until his arms go completely numb. When the numbness wears off, the pain kicks in. Then, his mutant healin’ factor takes over and it’s like he’s been wastin’ his time and workin’ up a sweat for nothin’. Except now, he’s hungry and there’s nothin’ in the fridge but half a six-pack and a deck o’ individually wrapped processed cheese food slices. At least it’s two o’ the major food groups.
Down on the street, there’re two winos arguin’ the pros and cons o’ the Taft-Hartley Act at the top o’ their lungs. A garbage truck is grindin’ and gruntin’ on the next block. An ambulance siren dopplers away in the distance and something vaguely familiar comes peddlin’ down the sidewalk. It’s the jugglin’ mime, the same one who rolled by while he was helpin’ out Kristin and Clive. But he sure ain’t jugglin’ Indian clubs this time, its knives and cleavers. His neutral, blank mask has taken on what ya might call a “studied air o’ malevolence.” As he passes, he doesn’t make any noise at all but he could swear he was whistlin’ “In the hall o’ the mountain king,” from Peer Gynt. Logan then determines that he don’t need this weirdness, he needs to get his head straight.
The next morning, Logan makes his way to the Third Eye Café. Kristin mentions to him that he finally decided to drag himself around. Logan tells her that he’s been busy and asks for a cuppa java – black, no sugar. Kristin then recommends to him that he should get a job. Logan quips what is she, a social worker. Perturbed by that comment, Kristin walks away and says no; she thought she was his friend. Seeing his mistake, Logan calls out to her and says that he didn’t mean that and asks if she has any hot prospects.
Several blocks away, Logan is on top of a construction site. There he meets Helen Bach. She informs him that there’s not much she can do for him, work is scarce these days. Logan asks if there is anything available on this site. Helen tells him this isn’t a job, it’s a co-op. All the folks signed on to work on this burnt-out shell of a building and restore it to useable living space. In return for their labor, they get a reduced price on buying their own apartment. All the units are already allotted. The Onslaught crisis wasted a lot of housing and there was a shortage to begin with. These folks are looking to reclaim something there.
Logan looks down to the street level and sees all of the workers. He informs Helen that he can see that; she has no shirkers there. Logan then says that he’s not interested in a paycheck and he’s not interested in homin’ in on an apartment. He’s just lookin’ for some honest work with some good people for a few weeks. Helen asks that he wants to work for free, is he independently wealthy or something? Logan says no, but he’s got enough salted away to live on. Let’s just call it “independently lower middle-class.” He’s been doin’ a bit too much lookin’ inside o’ himself concentratin’ his attention in the wrong direction, so to speak. You might say he’s lookin’ to reclaim somethin’ himself.
Getting ready to leave, he tells Helen that he’s sorry he wasted her time. Helen informs him that it’s not up to her. She’s not the straw boss there. The foundation that helps fund this project hired her to be the on-the-job trainer and the font of practical information. This is their building and their decision. One of the ladies on the ground calls out that they let Jimmy Carter work on these projects, she guesses they can’t be too picky. The other workers agree, let the man work. Tossing Logan a hammer, Helen tells him that he can start right in on the cross-braces. She adds that she expects him to wear a hard-hat on site at all times to which Logan complies.
Much later, the end of the day has come and Logan walks down the street with Helen. Helen tells him that she’s very impressed with him. He is one hard worker, but she still doesn’t think she swallows his story. He doesn’t give off the vibes of somebody who’s running away from something. Logan tells her that he ain’t runnin’ from anythin’ as much as he’s tryin’ to find somethin’. Like he said before, he’s been gazin’ at his own navel too long. Lookin’ for everything inside yourself can’t but lead to becomin’ self-centered and that ain’t no way to be a part o’ the world. Then he remembered that old saying: no man is an island.
Helen says a drifter-biker-construction worker who quotes John Donne; he is an odd duck. Logan looks at her and says that he’s dinin’ al fresco tonight. “Une saucisse allemagne pour vous, mademoiselle?” Stopping at a hot-dog cart, Helen replies a “chien chaud,” all the way Mr. Logan. Logan tells her just plain Logan. He had a, he guesses you would call him a teacher. But there really ain’t no word for it in English. He studied martial arts with him in Japan. He quoted Donne all the time. He taught him two very simple but important things. That the only logical reason for mastering a martial art is to get so good at it that you never have to use it again and that it don’t do any good to develop the body if ya don’t work on the mind.
Helen says that he sounds like a very wise man. Did the knowledge bring him happiness? Logan tells her no, you might say he was seduced by his dark side. He’s dead now, so it don’t matter. Helen then tells Logan that Kristin told her about how he met her and Clive. She won’t tolerate any rough stuff on her site. Logan says she got it, no rough stuff.
As they turn the next corner, the duo witnesses Sturm and Drang trashing a motorcycle. Helen says that’s disgraceful. Look at what those hooligans are doing to that motorcycle. Logan exclaims that it’s his Harley! With glowing red eyes, Sturm tells him it used to be a Harley. Drang adds that, now, it’s just junk. He then challenges Logan to mosey over there and let them do da same to his face. Before Logan can make his way over there, Helen grabs his arm and tells him to call the police and not get into a confrontation over this. Drang goes to grab her by the neck and tells her to stay outta this girlie.
At that moment, Helen smacks him in the face with her metal lunch-pail and follows that up with a kick to his crotch. She tells him that nobody calls her girlie, not her friends, not her enemies, and certainly not some low-life street punk. Pulling out a gun, Sturm tells her that she’s dead meat. Instinctively, Logan leaps at him and pops the claws on his left hand. It’s pure reflex more than anythin’ else at this point. An’ animal reflex to lash out with extended claws. But it’s the thinkin’ human in him who retracts the claws at the last second before he punches the punk in the face. Luckily, it seems it all happened so quick that Helen never even saw the claws.
Laid out on the ground, Drang asks Sturm how come they tangled with the little sucker again and where’d they get them bowlin’ pins. Sturm tells him they’re called Indian clubs and all he remembers is they wuz watchin’ that stupid mime guy and all of a sudden, there they were. Once they leave, Helen notices that the back of Logan’s hand is bleeding. Logan tells her that he broke the skin when he clipped the little guy. Covering up his wound, he mentions to Helen that was some display of hand-to-hand and asks where she learned to… Helen cuts him off and says that she doesn’t want to talk about it. Walking off, she tells Logan that she will see him on the site at seven a.m. Logan calls out to her, but Helen tells him that is the end of the conversation.
Alone, Logan looks at his damaged bike on the street and determines that he can’t leave it on the street like this and that he should bring it up to his apartment. Once he gets there, he sees the mime in his apartment. The mime tells him that he’s been waitin’ for him, he’s been waitin’ for him for a looong time. Logan recalls that he’s seen this yahoo out on the street but he’s different somehow and his voice is a blast from his past, but he can’t place it!