The Joker And The Fool

7. (4) Fools can be kings

7.4

There was no one greater to fear than herself. People say that it is a lonely place at the top of the hill. But to Diana it was a mere underlining of her difference to the world. She was something other than those ants, crawling from their hives to their workspace. Consuming anything they could find. She had mastered a difficult and pristine game. She was good at telling people what to do, she was good at placing pawns wherever she wanted them. As a result of her seclusion and her power something would happen for which she had once warned the Penguin. Diana was never out of line when it came to her business. She followed a rigid and though routine and abode strict rules to make her vision work. She kept her puppets closely and entrusted. But when it came to the safety of herself and her brother, she was somewhat lacking. She did not look over her shoulder anymore, out of the thought that there would be no one as foolish to challenge her, and that if there was, she would punish them greatly.

Every Friday of the week, Diana, Elizabeth, and Tommy would go out to eat at a little Japanese restaurant that was positioned not far from Zero-Thirteen-Bar. They would sit at a very private spot and most of the time, Tommy and his daughter would be there earlier than Diana. Not just because she wanted not to be seen amongst them, but because she was quite busy as well. As was Tommy. Elizabeth was mostly left to her own faith, even though she was but a child.

The owner of the restaurant had become familiar with Diana. It was an old Japanese immigrant, very welcoming and kind to Americans, even more to Japanese people. He had taken a special liking to Diana because he feared her and because she was quite interested in Japanese culture and especially the language, not to mention the fact that she paid a pricy bill every other Friday. He had taught her several Japanese words and easy sentences. He worked with his wife in the restaurant. Their children who were both grown adults were often present in the restaurant as well. They were far from rich; however, they weren't poor either. Not his wife nor his children took her to a liking, yet he had warned them many times to be hospitable to her. He knew very well what she could do to those she liked not.

Upon entering the restaurant late, she would approach the owner in a very friendly way. Almost as if he was a friend that she had long not seen.

"Saku." she called him, for that was his name, as she opened her arms to embrace him.

He seemed more than happy to see her that evening, as he had always done for that was partially an act. He briefly and lightly hugged her, as most hosts would do. He was always kind, yet he did show that he was nervous. He was always nervous when he saw Tommy enter. He did not like Tommy, he was crude to him most of the time. He was smug. He was spoiled, even by Diana. But off course he did not know that Diana was ruining him with that. That was what she wanted to accomplish.

After that she would look down onto him, for he was but slightly shorter than her, and speak proudly: "Konban."

To what he only laughed more nervously: "Ah." he giggled, "Yes, konban."-then continued to feed her with the same hospitality-"O genki desu ka?" (He meant to ask how she was.)

"Genki desu." She returned, "Sorede, anata wa?"

He laughed again; "Oh yes, yes- very good." he spoke with the slightest accent- "Come, come. You can sit with your family."

Saku always did come across as a nervous little gentleman. He had a very round face and a pear-shaped body, his belly seemed almost like a small barrel. He was much smaller than Diana. He always smiled very widely. The only time Diana did not see him smile was when he was speaking to his wife or working in the kitchen. Only then could one see the wrinkles on his fat face. They seemed like smiling-lines. He was a happy man, a kind man as well. He was always very hard working.