Disclaimer: I still don't own RK.
A year has passed since the ending of 'The World without an Image'. If you have not read it, then I suggest you do before starting to read this.
This fic is dedicated to all those who have read and reviewed A World without an Image, but especially to Susan, Mariana-chan and blue eyes (aka Sad angel). And to mystasia who hoped for a happy ending for Misao. I also think that she deserves it and that is what this fic is for.
A World of Images
Chapter 1. First impressions
He was wearing rugs. There was no way around it. He was one hell of a dirty and probably poor boy, but somehow he seemed to have an air of confidence around him that most poor people lacked. Kaoru just couldn't understand this person. Well, she was going to keep this "visitor" away from her children. No one knew what he could do. Luckily, Kenshin was with the kids visiting Sano and Megumi. That way the kids were not in any kind of danger and Kaoru was more than sure that she and Yahiko could handle this boy without Kenshin's help.
And there he just stood. In the doorway saying nothing. He was maybe slightly shorter or same high as Kaoru and he was wearing... rugs. No getting over it. Brown, yellow, black and every other colour of the rainbow. He had a weird hood draw over his head that created a shadow that covered his face, but Kaoru could see few black strands. He held some kind of sack in his left hand. Full of stolen goods probably. Well, he wouldn't get more from here, that was for sure (mostly since they didn't have anything worth stealing). On his right hand he had a wooden cane.
Kaoru stepped closer gripping her bokken tightly, but not yet rising it. Well if this ...rat before her was going to try and steal her little boys and girl to sell them to abroad, he was going to get a hell of a beating. She was about twenty foots away when the stranger cleared his throat and spoke with a strangely feminine voice. "Umm...Does Myojin Yahiko live here?"
His voice only added more fuel to fire that was suspicions. What kind of man had so feminine voice? And how did he know of Yahiko? Was this boy after him? Kaoru frowned. She still couldn't see his whole face, only his mouth. And the dirt that covered his chin. "Yes, he lives here. Why?" She asked.
The stranger smiled a ironic smile and Kaoru didn't like it at all. "I would like to see or rather talk with him. Could you take me to him?" His voice seemed to challenge her and gritting her teeth Kaoru told him to follow her.
She walked inside the dojo where Yahiko was training. Or rather keeping up his skills. When he had returned from Kyoto a year ago they had soon noticed how much better he was. He had been good when he had left, but now he seemed more ready to face any enemy. He had told them very little about some woman called Takahashi Mei who had taught him and trained him. There had always been this strangely sad look on his face when he had spoken of her so they had allowed the matter drop.
She watched him for a moment. He had a good form indeed. Then she remembered the boy that was with her. "Yahiko. There is someone here to see you."
Yahiko stopped an looked at the door. Kaoru was there. With someone in rugs. A boy? The stranger walked in. *No! That's--!*
"Mei!" He threw the shinai from his hand and rushed to the woman. She removed her hood and revealed her scarred face. But it didn't stop Yahiko from hugging her and then taking a hold of her waist, picking her up and swirling around and around. "You're back!"
She laughed happily, the sadness was gone. He almost cried. She had succeeded. He placed her back to her feet. "Yes, I am back. For real this time just as I promised." She smiled. Yahiko let go of her and laughed. "I am so glad." And they both smiled.
Kaoru stood in the doorway, mortified. The stranger wasn't a boy, but a woman. The same woman that had taught Yahiko. She looked at her again and almost winced at the sight of her scars. She didn't have eyes, only scars that run over her face. But she looked happy and smiled widely. Both of them seemed happy and Kaoru had a feeling that behind their few words had been hidden another meaning. She just couldn't understand what.
Kaoru cleared her throat getting their attention. She smiled. "Could you introduce us to each other Yahiko?"
Yahiko's smile disappeared. He looked at the woman unsure and as if sensing his discomfort the woman spoke. "Atashi was Takahashi Mei desu." And she bowed deeply. As she rose she had a small smile on her face and when she turned to Yahiko, she held one of her fingers before her mouth to indicate him to stay silent. Yahiko seemed surprised, but nodded.
"I am Himura Kaoru. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mei-san. Yahiko has told us a lot about you." Kaoru smiled, choosing to ignore what ever it was that happened between those two. She would find out sooner or later.
"Oh, he has? That sure is interesting." Mei answered and smiled at Yahiko raising her eyebrows. Yahiko seemed really uncomfortable.
"No, I haven't told them much about you, really. I would never break my promise." Yahiko complained.
Again Kaoru had a feeling that something was happening she knew nothing about.
"I know you wouldn't. It was not my intention to dishonour you in any way, Yahiko-chan." Mei said rather seriously, but Kaoru was sure that she heard laughter in her voice.
Yahiko sighed. "You still intend call me with chan, right."
Mei giggled. "Until you beat me fair and square, yes."
Kaoru found her giggles somehow familiar, but no matter how much she thought about, she could not find a match for it. Mei and Yahiko really seemed close. They spoke to each other with ease and laughed at same things. There were obviously some things Kaoru did not know and those things were the ones that made those two laugh together, cry together and live together. Kaoru felt little like an outsider.
Suddenly Mei gave a little yell. "Ah! By the way, I just met Himiko-san a little while ago."
Yahiko blinked. "You mean the one I met also in Kyoto? Your friend?"
Mei snorted. "Of course her. Who else? She had just had her baby."
"Was it a girl?"
Mei nodded and smiled. "Yes. And she was named Mei, after me."
Yahiko smiled. "So a memory of you will live on."
Mei cocked her head and then smiled. "You are right. But Himiko-san told me to ask you if you want to visit them sometime in the future."
"I would love to. They were nice people." Yahiko smiled. He had really grown fond of them during that one evening he had spent with them.
"That's a promise!" Mei clapped her hands and smiled. She had missed Yahiko and others and now finally she would be with them again. Really together, that was after they would realize who she was.
For her coming here was a test. Yahiko knew who she really was of course, but the others didn't. Here and now she would find out if she had regained herself. If they would see who she was despite the name she used, that would be proof enough for her that she once again was herself. The people here would be her judge.
She would have to tell this to Yahiko and explain her reasons behind it, but she couldn't do it before Kaoru. "I hope you have been well and that I didn't waste time teaching you."
Yahiko snorted. "I am better than ever! I am sure I could beat you easily."
"My, my. Aren't you cocky. Want me to prove you wrong here and now with that woman watching?"
Kaoru almost fell over before voicing her complaints with a loud and clear voice. "That woman? I do have a name!" This woman may be good fighter and all that, but Kaoru sure wasn't going to let her insult her.
Mei turned to her. "Sorry, but I forgot it already. And I am not deaf, just blind." Then she turned back to Yahiko leaving Kaoru to boil in her frustration. "So, Yahiko-chan, want to show me what you have got?"
As she spoke she took of her hood and threw it to the ground. She was still wearing strange clothes, but at least they were clean. Brown pants and black shirt with patches of different colours. Her shirt had long sleeves and a dark blue belt held its loose hem tight. Her face was deadly serious.
Kaoru watched her as she relaxed herself and took a battle stance. Kenpo probably since she had no weapons on her. Or weapons she could see. Misao had once taught to her just how many kunais she had on her and the amount had surprised Kaoru. She could still clearly remember the amount Misao had thrown at Kamatari. She had later asked just how many kunais she had thrown and Misao had calmly answered that 30. How she had hidden all of them into her clothing, Kaoru didn't quite understand.
Kaoru watched them cautiously. She knew nothing of how this woman was going to fight, but she knew Yahiko. He was already known all around Tokyo and eastern Japan. He had mastered Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu already years ago and his skills were excellent. And still it appeared that this blind woman would be better, or that was the impression they had gotten from Yahiko.
They were standing silently, but Kaoru could feel the tension in the air. Both were prepared to launch at each other any time now. Kaoru had a feeling that despite their words, neither one of them wanted to be fighting each other.
They needed a trigger and she would be the one. She had a clear memory of doing this before on Yahiko's 15th birthday when Kenshin and Yahiko had that one hit fight. She raised her hand and brought it down. "Start!"
They both moved immediately. Yahiko aiming to attack her with his shinai and she dodged. Kaoru was amazed. The woman bent her body and moved it like a snake. Once there and then gone. Yahiko went after her and she moved behind him hitting his side. Yahiko grunted, but didn't flinch. He seemed cautious, worried about something.
Now it was her time to attack and then Kaoru understood what had alarmed Yahiko. She saw something glimmer in her hand and with a flick of her wrist she had opened her fan. Kaoru had no idea where she had hidden it, but now she parried Yahiko's attack with it and attacked with another that suddenly appeared to her hand. Yahiko jumped away just in time.
Then they were closed again and gone from her hands. She attacked and managed to kick the shinai from Yahiko's hands. He looked a little surprised and blocked her new kick with his hands. He was not known as the master of thousand shirahadori for nothing. A kick was not the same as a sword, but all that had to be changed was the form, not the idea. He pushed her back and she flung herself to a crouching position.
She was good, Kaoru had to admit, but not stronger than Yahiko. It was her style that gave her the advantage over him. This was a good practise for him.
Mei relaxed and so did Yahiko. Both bowed deeply. Then the black haired woman smiled. "Beating me is easy? Then how come I am still standing?"
"Of course because I went easy on you." Yahiko grinned, knowing that he was playing with fire and he enjoyed it immensely. Kaoru was always so busy with things that they hardly ever sparred anymore. He often missed those days when he had insulted her and then she had run after him angrily.
"Oh, is that so? So you intentionally allowed me to kick your weapon from your hands?" She asked, placing a hand on her hip. She was also grinning widely.
"Of course." He was almost laughing now.
Then to Kaoru's surprise he stepped forward and hugged Mei. "It's good to have you back." He spoke so quietly that Kaoru had hard time hearing him.
"Don't go soft on me now." She answered but hugged him tightly. Then they just smiled before Mei continued. "You have grown taller during this year."
Yahiko almost blinked. "I have?"
Mei laughed. "Yes. Didn't you even notice?"
Yahiko rubbed the back of his head laughing. Mei shook her head. "You are impossible. Now then, do you think I could get a cup of tea? It has been some time since I have had decent one."
"Of course. Follow me." Yahiko turned and walked to Kaoru. "Would you make some tea? We'll be in my room."
Kaoru nodded and Yahiko walked by her. With Mei behind him. She took her things from the floor and Kaoru noticed that she had to use her legs to find them. For some time she had already forgotten her... condition.
She took her things and as she reached Kaoru, she spoke quietly. "Don't waste time pitying me." Kaoru almost gasped. Mei turned to her direction and Kaoru could see her scars closer than she wanted to, but she refused to turn away. "That's better." Then Mei smiled lightly and walked away. Kaoru watched her until she disappeared behind a corner, then shook her head.
Yahiko understood that the little match they had had was just to make it easier for him to adjust to her being here. It had been such a surprise that he had not known how to react until she had solved the problem for him.
He had not understood just how much he had missed her until she had been there before him. She was his friend, someone who had taken time to speak with him, train with him and simply to be with him.
"How long are you going to stay here?" He asked, trying to sound casual. It was no use. Mei reached for him and stopped him. He turned to look at her. "This is just a small stop in your road, right?"
His eyes widened as she shook her head and smiled at him. "We have things we need to talk about. In private. So lead me to your room."
Yahiko opened his mouth, but closed it again after realizing that he had nothing to say. He nodded and walked father down the corridor. "I am still living at Sanosuke's place. Well, I guess it is really mine now that he lives with Megumi. But I still have a room here at the dojo. I stay here sometimes."
Mei just nodded and walked after him. There was no other sound in the corridor save the sound of their feet hitting the floor.
Yahiko opened the door to his room and Mei walked carefully inside. Yahiko followed her. "Wait for a moment. I'll get us something to sit on." And with that said he left. Mei walked further in, holding her cane before her making sure that the path was free of obstacles. She could feel a fresh wind blowing in the room and walked to its source. There was a open window. She smiled.
Steps echoed in the hallway as a person approaching the room. The sounds stopped at the door. "Huh, I thought... Oh, hi again." A gentle and feminine voice spoke. Mei turned out of politeness. She could not see Kaoru so basically there was no need for her to turn. "Hi." She had recognized her by her ki already before she had opened her mouth.
"I brought the tea. Where is Yahiko?" Kaoru asked as she walked inside.
"He went to get us something to sit on. And thank you for the tea. Just place it on the floor." Mei spoke calmly and smiled. "I was just thinking. Could I stay here for a while? I could work in exchange or something."
Kaoru stared at the woman surprised before smiling. "Sure. You are Yahiko's friend so why not. And we have enough work for one more pair of hands."
Mei smiled and bowed deeply. "Thank you. I'll work hard." At that moment Yahiko came in with two pillows for them to sit on.
"What are you talking about?" He asked while placing the pillows on the floor. Mei was the one to answer. "I'll tell you soon." She smiled to Kaoru and she understood that they wanted some time alone.
"I'll go now. I have things to do before Kenshin returns." She blinked and turned to Mei. "Kenshin is my husband." She explained. Then after giving one more look to Yahiko, she turned and left.
Yahiko walked to Mei and took her hand. Without a word he guided her to her pillow and once she was comfortable, he handed her tea. He then made himself also comfortable and sipped his tea. Tea was one of the only things that Kaoru could make so that it actually tasted good.
They sat in silence. Yahiko spending his time watching Mei and trying figure if she was in any way different from before. Then the silence became uncomfortable and he decided to break it.
"So still Mei, huh. When I saw you I thought..." He sighed. "I thought that you were back. That you would... be you again. Misao." The cup was hot in his hands. He stared at the green liquid refusing to look at her. He heard little sounds and then suddenly a hand was laid on his shoulder. He started and looked up. Misao was grouching before him with serious expression.
"Yahiko. I am here to see if I have succeeded." Misao spoke calmly. So like Takahashi Mei Yahiko had learned to know at the Aoiya and so unlike Makimachi Misao.
"I have changed, for better I hope. Some... things will remain the same. I can't return to be the same person anymore, but what I have done is what I left to do. I have found myself and I am much like in the past, or so I think. These people, Kaoru-san, Himura, Sano and even you, are to be my judge."
Misao stood up and this time Yahiko's eyes followed. "I want to see if they recognize me for who I am and once were. If they do, -" She smiled. "- Then I'll know that I am back. Not before."
Misao retuned to her formed place and laughed. "I left to find myself only to find out that in the end, I can only do so with my friends, with my family. Not alone, but with others. That is the other reason for me being here. It is really hard to explain this so that you would understand."
She pursed her lips and thought. "How would I explain it simply..."
"You don't have to-" Yahiko cut in, but Misao continued.
"Yes I do. Hmmm... As simply as I can. After I left I started searching myself and accomplished that. But not all can be done alone. Some parts are still missing and finally I understood that those parts are here and at the Aoiya. Those part I can regain only by being close to those dear to me. And when they'll understand the truth, that means that I have been able to complete my mission and then I'll know that I am back. Truly, really." She smiled.
And after hard thinking Yahiko smiled also. He didn't understand it all, but maybe with time he would and since Misao was sure that this was the right way for her, he would just support her all the way.
Then suddenly Misao's smile turned sour. "So what happened after I left?" She asked almost fearing the answer. "Do they know? At the Aoiya?"
Yahiko shook his head. "They know the tragic events that has happened to Mei, but only Aoshi knows that Mei is the same as Misao. You. He found out himself and told me he knew about it when others weren't near. I said he was correct. Did I do wrongly?"
Misao shook her head and smiled. "No you didn't. You know I made a bet with myself. I knew that it would be either you or Aoshi that would see behind the mask of Takahashi Mei. Or both."
She stretched her back throwing her hands into the air. "When I left I knew that Aoshi knew. I made one huge mistake. In confusion I called him Aoshi-sama. And you I had told about it already earlier."
Then she became serious. "What about the war? ...Shimabara?" She said the name gritting her teeth.
"He is dead. Aoshi led the attack and faced Shimabara. After he was defeated, no one stood against us. I never really found out why they had followed him even for a moment, but Aoshi spoke with Okina and from what I heard, they knew."
Misao nodded. "I see."
After a moment of silence, Yahiko couldn't help asking. "Aren't you---happy? That Shimabara is dead, I mean."
Shaking her head Misao spoke. "No, I am not. Maybe in the beginning it would have made me glad, but not now. All I am happy about is that he isn't going to hurt anyone anymore. I have never found any happiness in death since there is none."
She sipped her tea. "I hated him for what he did to me, but just like I told you before, I never wanted to face him anymore. 'To look into the future, you must leave past behind you'."
Suddenly she grinned. "So what have you been doing? What's going on in your life? Girls?"
Yahiko blushed and was actually happy Misao could not see him do so. "Well..."
End of chapter 1.
To be continued in chapter 2.
Hope you all enjoyed this! The truth to be told, I just wanted this damn chapter done already. So it'll take me some time before I'll continue this fic. Be warned.
Tiian
A year has passed since the ending of 'The World without an Image'. If you have not read it, then I suggest you do before starting to read this.
This fic is dedicated to all those who have read and reviewed A World without an Image, but especially to Susan, Mariana-chan and blue eyes (aka Sad angel). And to mystasia who hoped for a happy ending for Misao. I also think that she deserves it and that is what this fic is for.
A World of Images
Chapter 1. First impressions
He was wearing rugs. There was no way around it. He was one hell of a dirty and probably poor boy, but somehow he seemed to have an air of confidence around him that most poor people lacked. Kaoru just couldn't understand this person. Well, she was going to keep this "visitor" away from her children. No one knew what he could do. Luckily, Kenshin was with the kids visiting Sano and Megumi. That way the kids were not in any kind of danger and Kaoru was more than sure that she and Yahiko could handle this boy without Kenshin's help.
And there he just stood. In the doorway saying nothing. He was maybe slightly shorter or same high as Kaoru and he was wearing... rugs. No getting over it. Brown, yellow, black and every other colour of the rainbow. He had a weird hood draw over his head that created a shadow that covered his face, but Kaoru could see few black strands. He held some kind of sack in his left hand. Full of stolen goods probably. Well, he wouldn't get more from here, that was for sure (mostly since they didn't have anything worth stealing). On his right hand he had a wooden cane.
Kaoru stepped closer gripping her bokken tightly, but not yet rising it. Well if this ...rat before her was going to try and steal her little boys and girl to sell them to abroad, he was going to get a hell of a beating. She was about twenty foots away when the stranger cleared his throat and spoke with a strangely feminine voice. "Umm...Does Myojin Yahiko live here?"
His voice only added more fuel to fire that was suspicions. What kind of man had so feminine voice? And how did he know of Yahiko? Was this boy after him? Kaoru frowned. She still couldn't see his whole face, only his mouth. And the dirt that covered his chin. "Yes, he lives here. Why?" She asked.
The stranger smiled a ironic smile and Kaoru didn't like it at all. "I would like to see or rather talk with him. Could you take me to him?" His voice seemed to challenge her and gritting her teeth Kaoru told him to follow her.
She walked inside the dojo where Yahiko was training. Or rather keeping up his skills. When he had returned from Kyoto a year ago they had soon noticed how much better he was. He had been good when he had left, but now he seemed more ready to face any enemy. He had told them very little about some woman called Takahashi Mei who had taught him and trained him. There had always been this strangely sad look on his face when he had spoken of her so they had allowed the matter drop.
She watched him for a moment. He had a good form indeed. Then she remembered the boy that was with her. "Yahiko. There is someone here to see you."
Yahiko stopped an looked at the door. Kaoru was there. With someone in rugs. A boy? The stranger walked in. *No! That's--!*
"Mei!" He threw the shinai from his hand and rushed to the woman. She removed her hood and revealed her scarred face. But it didn't stop Yahiko from hugging her and then taking a hold of her waist, picking her up and swirling around and around. "You're back!"
She laughed happily, the sadness was gone. He almost cried. She had succeeded. He placed her back to her feet. "Yes, I am back. For real this time just as I promised." She smiled. Yahiko let go of her and laughed. "I am so glad." And they both smiled.
Kaoru stood in the doorway, mortified. The stranger wasn't a boy, but a woman. The same woman that had taught Yahiko. She looked at her again and almost winced at the sight of her scars. She didn't have eyes, only scars that run over her face. But she looked happy and smiled widely. Both of them seemed happy and Kaoru had a feeling that behind their few words had been hidden another meaning. She just couldn't understand what.
Kaoru cleared her throat getting their attention. She smiled. "Could you introduce us to each other Yahiko?"
Yahiko's smile disappeared. He looked at the woman unsure and as if sensing his discomfort the woman spoke. "Atashi was Takahashi Mei desu." And she bowed deeply. As she rose she had a small smile on her face and when she turned to Yahiko, she held one of her fingers before her mouth to indicate him to stay silent. Yahiko seemed surprised, but nodded.
"I am Himura Kaoru. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mei-san. Yahiko has told us a lot about you." Kaoru smiled, choosing to ignore what ever it was that happened between those two. She would find out sooner or later.
"Oh, he has? That sure is interesting." Mei answered and smiled at Yahiko raising her eyebrows. Yahiko seemed really uncomfortable.
"No, I haven't told them much about you, really. I would never break my promise." Yahiko complained.
Again Kaoru had a feeling that something was happening she knew nothing about.
"I know you wouldn't. It was not my intention to dishonour you in any way, Yahiko-chan." Mei said rather seriously, but Kaoru was sure that she heard laughter in her voice.
Yahiko sighed. "You still intend call me with chan, right."
Mei giggled. "Until you beat me fair and square, yes."
Kaoru found her giggles somehow familiar, but no matter how much she thought about, she could not find a match for it. Mei and Yahiko really seemed close. They spoke to each other with ease and laughed at same things. There were obviously some things Kaoru did not know and those things were the ones that made those two laugh together, cry together and live together. Kaoru felt little like an outsider.
Suddenly Mei gave a little yell. "Ah! By the way, I just met Himiko-san a little while ago."
Yahiko blinked. "You mean the one I met also in Kyoto? Your friend?"
Mei snorted. "Of course her. Who else? She had just had her baby."
"Was it a girl?"
Mei nodded and smiled. "Yes. And she was named Mei, after me."
Yahiko smiled. "So a memory of you will live on."
Mei cocked her head and then smiled. "You are right. But Himiko-san told me to ask you if you want to visit them sometime in the future."
"I would love to. They were nice people." Yahiko smiled. He had really grown fond of them during that one evening he had spent with them.
"That's a promise!" Mei clapped her hands and smiled. She had missed Yahiko and others and now finally she would be with them again. Really together, that was after they would realize who she was.
For her coming here was a test. Yahiko knew who she really was of course, but the others didn't. Here and now she would find out if she had regained herself. If they would see who she was despite the name she used, that would be proof enough for her that she once again was herself. The people here would be her judge.
She would have to tell this to Yahiko and explain her reasons behind it, but she couldn't do it before Kaoru. "I hope you have been well and that I didn't waste time teaching you."
Yahiko snorted. "I am better than ever! I am sure I could beat you easily."
"My, my. Aren't you cocky. Want me to prove you wrong here and now with that woman watching?"
Kaoru almost fell over before voicing her complaints with a loud and clear voice. "That woman? I do have a name!" This woman may be good fighter and all that, but Kaoru sure wasn't going to let her insult her.
Mei turned to her. "Sorry, but I forgot it already. And I am not deaf, just blind." Then she turned back to Yahiko leaving Kaoru to boil in her frustration. "So, Yahiko-chan, want to show me what you have got?"
As she spoke she took of her hood and threw it to the ground. She was still wearing strange clothes, but at least they were clean. Brown pants and black shirt with patches of different colours. Her shirt had long sleeves and a dark blue belt held its loose hem tight. Her face was deadly serious.
Kaoru watched her as she relaxed herself and took a battle stance. Kenpo probably since she had no weapons on her. Or weapons she could see. Misao had once taught to her just how many kunais she had on her and the amount had surprised Kaoru. She could still clearly remember the amount Misao had thrown at Kamatari. She had later asked just how many kunais she had thrown and Misao had calmly answered that 30. How she had hidden all of them into her clothing, Kaoru didn't quite understand.
Kaoru watched them cautiously. She knew nothing of how this woman was going to fight, but she knew Yahiko. He was already known all around Tokyo and eastern Japan. He had mastered Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu already years ago and his skills were excellent. And still it appeared that this blind woman would be better, or that was the impression they had gotten from Yahiko.
They were standing silently, but Kaoru could feel the tension in the air. Both were prepared to launch at each other any time now. Kaoru had a feeling that despite their words, neither one of them wanted to be fighting each other.
They needed a trigger and she would be the one. She had a clear memory of doing this before on Yahiko's 15th birthday when Kenshin and Yahiko had that one hit fight. She raised her hand and brought it down. "Start!"
They both moved immediately. Yahiko aiming to attack her with his shinai and she dodged. Kaoru was amazed. The woman bent her body and moved it like a snake. Once there and then gone. Yahiko went after her and she moved behind him hitting his side. Yahiko grunted, but didn't flinch. He seemed cautious, worried about something.
Now it was her time to attack and then Kaoru understood what had alarmed Yahiko. She saw something glimmer in her hand and with a flick of her wrist she had opened her fan. Kaoru had no idea where she had hidden it, but now she parried Yahiko's attack with it and attacked with another that suddenly appeared to her hand. Yahiko jumped away just in time.
Then they were closed again and gone from her hands. She attacked and managed to kick the shinai from Yahiko's hands. He looked a little surprised and blocked her new kick with his hands. He was not known as the master of thousand shirahadori for nothing. A kick was not the same as a sword, but all that had to be changed was the form, not the idea. He pushed her back and she flung herself to a crouching position.
She was good, Kaoru had to admit, but not stronger than Yahiko. It was her style that gave her the advantage over him. This was a good practise for him.
Mei relaxed and so did Yahiko. Both bowed deeply. Then the black haired woman smiled. "Beating me is easy? Then how come I am still standing?"
"Of course because I went easy on you." Yahiko grinned, knowing that he was playing with fire and he enjoyed it immensely. Kaoru was always so busy with things that they hardly ever sparred anymore. He often missed those days when he had insulted her and then she had run after him angrily.
"Oh, is that so? So you intentionally allowed me to kick your weapon from your hands?" She asked, placing a hand on her hip. She was also grinning widely.
"Of course." He was almost laughing now.
Then to Kaoru's surprise he stepped forward and hugged Mei. "It's good to have you back." He spoke so quietly that Kaoru had hard time hearing him.
"Don't go soft on me now." She answered but hugged him tightly. Then they just smiled before Mei continued. "You have grown taller during this year."
Yahiko almost blinked. "I have?"
Mei laughed. "Yes. Didn't you even notice?"
Yahiko rubbed the back of his head laughing. Mei shook her head. "You are impossible. Now then, do you think I could get a cup of tea? It has been some time since I have had decent one."
"Of course. Follow me." Yahiko turned and walked to Kaoru. "Would you make some tea? We'll be in my room."
Kaoru nodded and Yahiko walked by her. With Mei behind him. She took her things from the floor and Kaoru noticed that she had to use her legs to find them. For some time she had already forgotten her... condition.
She took her things and as she reached Kaoru, she spoke quietly. "Don't waste time pitying me." Kaoru almost gasped. Mei turned to her direction and Kaoru could see her scars closer than she wanted to, but she refused to turn away. "That's better." Then Mei smiled lightly and walked away. Kaoru watched her until she disappeared behind a corner, then shook her head.
Yahiko understood that the little match they had had was just to make it easier for him to adjust to her being here. It had been such a surprise that he had not known how to react until she had solved the problem for him.
He had not understood just how much he had missed her until she had been there before him. She was his friend, someone who had taken time to speak with him, train with him and simply to be with him.
"How long are you going to stay here?" He asked, trying to sound casual. It was no use. Mei reached for him and stopped him. He turned to look at her. "This is just a small stop in your road, right?"
His eyes widened as she shook her head and smiled at him. "We have things we need to talk about. In private. So lead me to your room."
Yahiko opened his mouth, but closed it again after realizing that he had nothing to say. He nodded and walked father down the corridor. "I am still living at Sanosuke's place. Well, I guess it is really mine now that he lives with Megumi. But I still have a room here at the dojo. I stay here sometimes."
Mei just nodded and walked after him. There was no other sound in the corridor save the sound of their feet hitting the floor.
Yahiko opened the door to his room and Mei walked carefully inside. Yahiko followed her. "Wait for a moment. I'll get us something to sit on." And with that said he left. Mei walked further in, holding her cane before her making sure that the path was free of obstacles. She could feel a fresh wind blowing in the room and walked to its source. There was a open window. She smiled.
Steps echoed in the hallway as a person approaching the room. The sounds stopped at the door. "Huh, I thought... Oh, hi again." A gentle and feminine voice spoke. Mei turned out of politeness. She could not see Kaoru so basically there was no need for her to turn. "Hi." She had recognized her by her ki already before she had opened her mouth.
"I brought the tea. Where is Yahiko?" Kaoru asked as she walked inside.
"He went to get us something to sit on. And thank you for the tea. Just place it on the floor." Mei spoke calmly and smiled. "I was just thinking. Could I stay here for a while? I could work in exchange or something."
Kaoru stared at the woman surprised before smiling. "Sure. You are Yahiko's friend so why not. And we have enough work for one more pair of hands."
Mei smiled and bowed deeply. "Thank you. I'll work hard." At that moment Yahiko came in with two pillows for them to sit on.
"What are you talking about?" He asked while placing the pillows on the floor. Mei was the one to answer. "I'll tell you soon." She smiled to Kaoru and she understood that they wanted some time alone.
"I'll go now. I have things to do before Kenshin returns." She blinked and turned to Mei. "Kenshin is my husband." She explained. Then after giving one more look to Yahiko, she turned and left.
Yahiko walked to Mei and took her hand. Without a word he guided her to her pillow and once she was comfortable, he handed her tea. He then made himself also comfortable and sipped his tea. Tea was one of the only things that Kaoru could make so that it actually tasted good.
They sat in silence. Yahiko spending his time watching Mei and trying figure if she was in any way different from before. Then the silence became uncomfortable and he decided to break it.
"So still Mei, huh. When I saw you I thought..." He sighed. "I thought that you were back. That you would... be you again. Misao." The cup was hot in his hands. He stared at the green liquid refusing to look at her. He heard little sounds and then suddenly a hand was laid on his shoulder. He started and looked up. Misao was grouching before him with serious expression.
"Yahiko. I am here to see if I have succeeded." Misao spoke calmly. So like Takahashi Mei Yahiko had learned to know at the Aoiya and so unlike Makimachi Misao.
"I have changed, for better I hope. Some... things will remain the same. I can't return to be the same person anymore, but what I have done is what I left to do. I have found myself and I am much like in the past, or so I think. These people, Kaoru-san, Himura, Sano and even you, are to be my judge."
Misao stood up and this time Yahiko's eyes followed. "I want to see if they recognize me for who I am and once were. If they do, -" She smiled. "- Then I'll know that I am back. Not before."
Misao retuned to her formed place and laughed. "I left to find myself only to find out that in the end, I can only do so with my friends, with my family. Not alone, but with others. That is the other reason for me being here. It is really hard to explain this so that you would understand."
She pursed her lips and thought. "How would I explain it simply..."
"You don't have to-" Yahiko cut in, but Misao continued.
"Yes I do. Hmmm... As simply as I can. After I left I started searching myself and accomplished that. But not all can be done alone. Some parts are still missing and finally I understood that those parts are here and at the Aoiya. Those part I can regain only by being close to those dear to me. And when they'll understand the truth, that means that I have been able to complete my mission and then I'll know that I am back. Truly, really." She smiled.
And after hard thinking Yahiko smiled also. He didn't understand it all, but maybe with time he would and since Misao was sure that this was the right way for her, he would just support her all the way.
Then suddenly Misao's smile turned sour. "So what happened after I left?" She asked almost fearing the answer. "Do they know? At the Aoiya?"
Yahiko shook his head. "They know the tragic events that has happened to Mei, but only Aoshi knows that Mei is the same as Misao. You. He found out himself and told me he knew about it when others weren't near. I said he was correct. Did I do wrongly?"
Misao shook her head and smiled. "No you didn't. You know I made a bet with myself. I knew that it would be either you or Aoshi that would see behind the mask of Takahashi Mei. Or both."
She stretched her back throwing her hands into the air. "When I left I knew that Aoshi knew. I made one huge mistake. In confusion I called him Aoshi-sama. And you I had told about it already earlier."
Then she became serious. "What about the war? ...Shimabara?" She said the name gritting her teeth.
"He is dead. Aoshi led the attack and faced Shimabara. After he was defeated, no one stood against us. I never really found out why they had followed him even for a moment, but Aoshi spoke with Okina and from what I heard, they knew."
Misao nodded. "I see."
After a moment of silence, Yahiko couldn't help asking. "Aren't you---happy? That Shimabara is dead, I mean."
Shaking her head Misao spoke. "No, I am not. Maybe in the beginning it would have made me glad, but not now. All I am happy about is that he isn't going to hurt anyone anymore. I have never found any happiness in death since there is none."
She sipped her tea. "I hated him for what he did to me, but just like I told you before, I never wanted to face him anymore. 'To look into the future, you must leave past behind you'."
Suddenly she grinned. "So what have you been doing? What's going on in your life? Girls?"
Yahiko blushed and was actually happy Misao could not see him do so. "Well..."
End of chapter 1.
To be continued in chapter 2.
Hope you all enjoyed this! The truth to be told, I just wanted this damn chapter done already. So it'll take me some time before I'll continue this fic. Be warned.
Tiian