Summary: OC's placed into the peacemaker world and find out things they don't really want to know.
Rated: T-M
Something's you don't want to know
Kondo stood just down the road from the Shinsengumi headquarters and sighed. "I had better get back or Toshi'll start top worry" he muttered. He started walking when he heard someone move to stand behind him.
"Hello Uncle".
Kondo jumped before spinning around, sword in hand.
"Easy Uncle Kondo, it's me, Akemi".
The girl had long mouse-brown hair, dark blue eyes and only reached up to his shoulders. Kondo relaxed and re-sheathed his sword saying
"Hey Akemi, long time no see. So what brought this on?"
Akemi smiled
"Me and my friend would like jobs at the Shinsengumi. Think you can arrange it? Oh and my friend is a Shinobi… a deadly one at that".
Just then a shorter boy jumped down and landed silently next to Akemi muttering "I'm not that deadly".
"Of course not"
Akemi rolled her eyes, as Kondo stared at the boy in disbelief.
The boy had naturally light tanned skin, a slim build, defiant aqua eyes and shoulder length black-blue hair, and around his neck was a scarf that whipped in the wind behind him.
"He doesn't look like much" admitted Kondo to Akemi.
Akemi laughed before replying, "related to Soji".
Which made Kondo step back, a scared look on his face. The boy laughed and then asked "So where is Soji? I do believe I owe him a visit".
An innocent look appearing on his face was almost un-believable due to the dark, mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Athrin, no killing"
Athrin stood staring at Kondo waiting for him to answer. Athrin sighed and replied, "I'm not going to kill him"
As Kondo said "he's at the training hall".
Athrin nodded before literally disappearing on the spot.
"Definitely related to Soji, he's got that defiant and deadly look in his eye but the childish face" said Kondo.
Akemi looked at him as they walked towards the dojo.
"Fine, I guess you can join the Shinsengumi, you tell your friend he's now an official Shinsengumi shinobi and you Akemi are going to be Hijikakta's second page".
"Cool, so does Hijikata look like a small man with horns?" asked Akemi, while thinking she would tell Kondo the truth about Athrin later. Kondo laughed but nodded. Akemi smiled.
"I'm going to go find him, see you at the dojo Uncle", before walking off.
Kondo shook his head and entered the Shinsengumi and went to the training hall. Athrin stood at the entrance, watching before grinning and walking in. Soji stood in the middle of the hall with the other members watching him. He was battling another member but was laughing as he dodged their strikes. "You have to do better than that," said Soji before knocking the wooden sword from his grasp.
The challenger sighed and admitted defeat. Then the room quieted. Soji stopped in shaking the challengers hand and wondered why it was quiet. He couldn't sense anything bad and he couldn't sense…Soji's train of thought disappeared as he noticed his defeated opponent looking over his shoulder with wide eyes that seemed to be popping out of his head. Soji stood still, every fibre of his being tensed waiting to be attacked. The members sitting around quieted as they watched a boy walk in and walk towards Soji. Then he stopped and literally disappeared.
"Master Okida!" called out Shinpachi.
Before the boy appeared again, latching onto Soji's back. Soji stumbled forward as something slammed into his back and a pair of arms wrapped around his neck in a strangle hold. He went to cut at the thing before a "cousin Soji" echoed around the room.
Soji froze at the voice,
'no, it couldn't be' Soji thought as the arms loosened slightly. The thing on his back moved up until it crouched on his shoulders. Soji looked at the foot on his shoulder and realised who it was. Then a face popped into his view. The boy smiled at Soji as another voice said, "leave him alone Athrin". The members turned to see a girl standing in the doorway.
The boy, now known as Athrin, jumped off Soji and stood in front of him. Soji looked at the boy and said "why are you here?"
Athrin grinned and latched onto his arm saying, "we have jobs here and I wanted to see you cousin". The other people gasped, Soji had a cousin…crap did it say it was working here?" Great another Soji by the sounds of it.
"And I have been training in the last three years so I'm stronger than before" stated Athrin, letting go of Soji. The girl walked up to Athrin, hitting him on the head.
"Hey" snapped Athrin, glaring at the girl.
"Hi Akemi, you been keeping Athrin in line" smiled Soji. Akemi laughed and nodded.
"Akemi, why are you here?" asked Athrin and Akemi pouted.
"I can't find Hijikata". Athrin sighed and pointed at someone leaning against the wall four metres away from the door.
There stood a man with long black hair and smoking. Akemi snapped "I asked him and he said he hasn't seen a small man with horns".
The others in the room laughed while a tic grew on the man's head. " Akemi, that is Hijikata," said Soji, trying to contain his laughter but was failing rather miserably. Akemi looked at him before saying, "but he isn't small with horns, Uncle Kondo said".
Soji burst out laughing and Athrin collapsed against him, also laughing. Akemi sighed and walked up to Hijikata. Hijikata looked down as she said, "Me and Athrin are working here now. Athrin's a Shinobi and I'm your new page".
Hijikata took in the two kids and said, "No, way in hell. I have no need for such fragile looking people. Leave."
Hijikata turned around and began walking towards the doorway.
Kondo ran after him saying, "Don't worry, I'll talk to him".
Athrin moved to stand in front of Hijikata, a defiant look in his eyes.
"We are not useless. Watch us fight today and then decide," snapped Athrin.
Hijikata tried to go around Athrin but Athrin just moved to block his way. A tic grew on his head as he snapped, "fine, I'll watch".
He stormed back to his pervious spot before sitting down, much to the surprise of the others. No one stood up to Hijikata… until now.
"Soji, prepare for combat!" Called Akemi.
Soji practically ran to the backroom, scrambling to put the armour on. A few minutes later he came back with the full body armour on. The murmurs that had suddenly broke out when he went to the backroom stopped. Soji never wore armour during training, he never had any reason too.
"You don't need that, we're only using wooden and bamboo sticks," said Athrin.
Soji looked at him and said "Yeah, and last time I had bruises on my arms for weeks".
Athrin looked sheepish as others paled and muttered. Athrin sat on the floor next to Kondo who looked at Akemi and said, "You go first" and tossed Akemi a wooden sword.
Akemi caught the sword and stood in the centre of the room with the sword held loosely in her hand. Akemi smiled
"Are you ready yet Soji?"
"No"
"Good…please try to make this entertaining".
Soji circled her and Akemi's eyes following his every movement as Soji went for a side-cut. As soon as it was about to hit Akemi she flicked her wrist so her sword swung up to block it. The crowd gasped as the girl smiled, her eyes lighting up as she swung her legs around. Akemi knocked Soji's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the floor. Akemi swung the sword around and pointed it at Soji's throat.
"Soji, I am disappointed remember the sword isn't my only weapon. My whole body is a weapon. Always be on your guard".
Soji held his hands up in surrender, laughing. Akemi began laughing as well and pulled Soji up. Hijikata's eyes widened and Athrin clapped until it spread through the room. Akemi bowed and walked over to Athrin. Athrin stood up and gave Akemi a high-five. Akemi passed over the sword and Athrin looked at it before whispering to Akemi. Akemi nodded and went into the storage shed and came back with ten-bamboo kunai. Athrin took them and placed them and the sword in her belt before walking towards Soji. Soji watched and his eyes turned serious as he took a defence stance. Athrin smiled at him and waited for him to attack, not bothering to draw the sword. Akemi sat near the door and pulled out the medical box.
"All right Athrin, I've got the medical box, you can begin".
Soji stood still and then rushed at him. Athrin smiled and threw two-bamboo kunai at him. Soji dodged them and continued rushing towards the boy. Athrin growled and grabbed the last eight kunai, his hands moving in a blur before smiling. He held them up and tossed them at Soji. Soji smiled and dodged them while saying "try something new, you can't beat me like that".
Athrin just smiled
"I did"
Athrin crossed his arms and pulled them towards himself. The kunai swung around Soji's body and then everyone could see they were attached to bamboo wire, which in turn connected to Athrin's fingers. They wrapped around Soji's body, causing him to stop and fall forward. Athrin smiled and twirled the sword around before putting in away and head-butting Soji. Soji fell back and the chest plate cracked slightly.
"Surrender" muttered Soji before removing the armour and walking over to Akemi.
."Athrin, you gave him splinters…again" said Akemi, pulling out the ten centimetre wood shafts.
Soji winced and Akemi removed the last splinter.
"Athrin, good job. Thanks Akemi for fixing me up again…maybe you should consider putting away your blade and become a doctor".
"Haha haha! Very funny Soji"
"Please excuse me", Soji walked out the room and everyone went silent.
Hijikata was staring at the boy and girl. He still couldn't believe that they had beaten Soji despite seeing it with his eyes... they defeated him with such ease.
"Who are they related to again?" whispered Hijikata to Kondo. Kondo smiled as he said, "Akemi is related to me, I'm her uncle and Soji is Athrin's cousin".
Hijikata nodded and thought 'that would explain a lot' before saying "fine, they can join". Hijikata got up and left the dojo. Kondo smiled before yelling, "Welcome to the Shinsengumi Akemi and Athrin".
The room cheered and Athrin called out "Akemi, chuck me the salve, I'll go rub it into Soji's back".
Akemi chucked Athrin the salve and Athrin ran to Soji's room. Athrin walked to Soji's room and entered to find Soji lying on his stomach on his bed. "Cousin Soji, I brought some salve for your back and I'm truly sorry" muttered Athrin, kneeling next to Soji.
Soji sighed and sat up. "It's okay Athrin, you have improved. Of course I forgive you" said Soji before adding "please rub in that salve, my back is killing me".
Athrin laughed as Soji removed the upper half of his robe and Athrin dipped his hands into the slave before massaging it into Soji's back.
"Cousin Soji, do you think they figured out I'm a girl yet?" asked Athrin, looking at Soji.
Soji laughed and said "probably not but I bet Akemi is telling them about now".
Meanwhile, Akemi decided to check on Athrin and Soji and went to go out. As she did she heard Shinpachi said "That boy was amazing, I'm going to challenge him tomorrow".
Akemi stepped back into the room and laughed. The room silenced as she stepped in and Shinpachi said, "what are you laughing at?"
Akemi chuckled and said while holding back laughter "Athrin's a girl, not a boy. That's what's so funny".
Shinpachi stared as the room erupted into laughter. "That is what I call a tomboy" muttered Shinpachi. Akemi also laughed and asked, "You still want that challenge? She'll gladly fight you". Shinpachi nodded and Akemi left.
Akemi went to Soji's room and listened, it was quiet. Akemi opened the door and looked in. Then she smiled as she saw Soji asleep on his bed and Athrin curled up in his arms also asleep. Akemi chuckled and left and walked to Kondo's room. As she walked she ran into someone.
Akemi stepped back as someone said, "watch it", Akemi snarled "why don't you watch it buster?" before looking up into two black eyes.
The man stepped back; he had shortish black hair that spiked up at the top and one long ponytail at the back of his head. His skin was pale and that contrasted nicely with his black eyes. "Who are you?" he said, looking down at her.
Akemi smiled and said, "No, you can introduce yourself first".
A tic started on his head as he replied, "fine, I am Susumu Yamazaki, Spy of the Shinsengumi". Akemi whistled, her smile growing bigger.
"I'm Akemi, Hijikakta's second page and…" Akemi said.
"And I'm Athrin, Shinobi Spy of the Shinsengumi" said Athrin as she appeared next to Akemi. Susumu didn't look happy. He marched up to the boy and pinned him to the ground in anger. "Get off me buster or I'm gonna kick your ass" the girl snarled. "
"What is a little boy like you going to do to a big guy like me?" said Susumu. The 'boy' started laughing and then bucked up.
Susumu was flung from his back and then Susumu found himself pinned under the 'boy' with his arms tight behind his back. The 'boy' leaned down and whispered "that is what I'm going to do to you, and I'm a girl just so you know".
Susumu went still as he realised that a girl had just kicked his ass. Athrin got off Susumu and then went over to Akemi. Susumu stood up and he looked pissed and then he stormed off.
Athrin and Akemi looked at each other before laughing and began walking to Kondo's room. As they reached it they saw a sign on the door saying 'on holiday, all yours Akemi and don't follow me. Love your Uncle Kondo'.
The sign made them start laughing all over again. When Athrin regathered her composure, she went back to Soji's room. She looked inside and then closed the door again. Athrin walked out to the yard before swinging up onto the roof. She lay down on the roof and stared at the sky. Meanwhile Akemi entered her Uncle's her room, grabbed a blanket from the floor and curled up in the corner.
The next morning Akemi went to Hijikata's room with cups of tea.
"Ready to start sir" said Akemi just as Athrin walked in wearing black pants and a tight dark blue top.
"Ready whenever you are" said Athrin.
Hijikata looked up at them as Athrin asked, "Where is the other spy? We need to talk about last night".
Hijikata pointed to a roof on the far side of the compound and Athrin disappeared out the door.
"The pile over there needs to be stamped and posted," said Hijikata, pointing to a pile of paperwork in the corner. Akemi saluted and went to work.
"And then clean the compound, it needs a good dusting and a good mopping. Also the laundry needs to be washed and dusted" added Hijikata before doing his work.
Meanwhile Athrin found Susumu on the roof above his room, staring at the sky. Grinning Athrin made a noise on the roof. Susumu looked up and Athrin acted as if she had been caught.
"Get lost runt" muttered Susumu.
Susumu glanced back a few seconds later and saw she wasn't there anymore.
"Annoying brat" muttered Susumu before someone whispered, "you're not that good are you?"
Susumu started and then lost his balance as he fell forwards, tumbling off the roof. Susumu yelped and tried to grab something as he fell but he couldn't find anything to grab onto. Then he was yanked to a stop, leaving him dangling about a fifty centimetres from the ground. He looked up to see Athrin grinning over the edge of the roof and she had a firm grip on his ankle.
"Thank you for wearing pants is all I'll say," said Athrin and Susumu blushed lightly.
Athrin pulled Susumu up until he was back on the roof.
Susumu sighed and then gasped as a kunai buried itself in front of him. He looked up and Athrin glared at him saying "I'm better than you, admit it".
Susumu stared wide-eyes at her and then ran, disappearing over the edge of the roof and then running into the building.
"Susumu, get back here" yelled Athrin, going after him. Akemi looked up as Athrin ran in, an angry expression on her face. Akemi stood up and said, "What's wrong?" as Hijikata looked up, annoyance written over his face. Athrin just pulled out a shuriken and flung it through the door to the spy's entrance.
"Susumu, come out or next time it'll be your head" called Athrin, holding up another shuriken but put it away once Susumu came out.
Holding the shuriken and his shirt together. He stood up and flung the shuriken at Athrin saying, "Leave me alone". Athrin caught the shuriken in her hand and said "okay, I have annoyed you enough…for now".
Then she left Akemi, Hijikata and Susumu standing there looking after her. Susumu sighed and ran after her. Akemi heard a "get back here" and then Athrin laughing kept on running.
Akemi sighed and shook her head. Then she smiled; her face paling and then she swayed. "Finished Sir" Akemi said, before collapsing.
Athrin appeared next to her and caught her before she hit the ground.
"Damn, Hijikata, you overworked her and on the first day too!" snapped Athrin, picking up Akemi.
Just then Susumu stumbled in and stopped once he spotted Athrin. "How the hell did you get here? You were on the other side of the village just two seconds ago, literally" he asked. Athrin smiled and said "secret".
Athrin carried Akemi to her and Kondo's room and then went back to Hijikata.
"I'll fill in for the week so she can rest" said Athrin and then carried the fainted Susumu to his room.
As she put him on the bed his arm caught her top and Athrin fell forward onto Susumu's stomach. Susumu mumbled in his sleep before he rolled over and tightened his arm. Athrin grumbled and tried to get up but found she couldn't, Susumu was surprisingly strong in his sleep. Athrin grumbled and then decided to go to sleep, as embarrassing as this was. Athrin sighed and then stiffened as Susumu pulled her closer and placed his head against her neck.
Athrin whispered, "you get any closer and you will be limping by tomorrow".
Susumu obviously didn't hear her because he pulled her even closer and Athrin snapped. She twisted in Susumu's arms and kneed him in the balls. Susumu's eyes flew open as he yelled out.
Athrin stood up and looked down at him saying "next time learn to keep your hands to yourself" before leaving a very confused and sore Susumu behind.
Athrin went to her room but stopped outside the door before jumping onto the roof and lay there, staring at the sky. Athrin went to Hijikata's office the next day and started work. By the end of the week, Hijikata was annoyed, frustrated and anger as hell. His office was stacked with paperwork, the compound was dirty and piles of dirty clothes stood outside. Akemi stood in the doorway as Athrin walked in next to her.
"Athrin, is everything like this?" Akemi asked, looking at the one centimetre dust that seemed to be covering the entire compound.
Athrin shook her head and replied, "No, I did clean the training hall, and some of the rooms". Hijikata snapped out "you said you would fill in".
Athrin laughed and smirked at him. "Indeed I did but I didn't say what I would and wouldn't do. I followed my word. But here is a tip, you can only sometimes trust a Shinobi's word unless they swear on something" said Athrin before running out.
Akemi sighed and went to work, cleaning the entire compound. An hour later Akemi re-entered the room again, with Athrin following. "Done," said Akemi and Athrin grumbled. Akemi turned on her and snapped "don't you grumble at me girl! You are banned from buying candy for two days".
Athrin's mouth fell open and tears welled in her eyes.
"Akemi-Chan! That's cruel!!" cried Athrin before running out crying out "Soji!" Akemi sighed, she knew Athrin would find a loophole even if she made sure that there wasn't.
Athrin always found a loophole; it was either one of her skills, or instinct. Meanwhile Soji looked up as Athrin barrelled into him and clung to his waist.
"Athrin?" asked Soji, wrapping his arms around her and looking down. Athrin looked up at him and Soji saw the tears in her eyes.
Then she said "Meanie Akemi said I Can't buy lollies for two days".
As soon as she said that the tears dried up and she smiled saying "but you can buy them for me". Soji looked at her before laughing.
He let Athrin go and nodded as Athrin gave him money for two bags, one each. Then he left.
Meanwhile Akemi, stood in Hijikata's office scowling at the teapot in front of her…her money was gone and she had three guesses on who took it. Athrin.
The next day Akemi looked outside and saw Athrin eating candy.
"Athrin!" called Akemi, marching over to Athrin.
She looked down and then stopped, Athrin was smiling up at her. "I didn't buy them Akemi, Soji did. You said I couldn't buy them, not that I couldn't get someone else to buy them for me" said Athrin before poking her tongue out and running away.
"I expect to get my money back one way or another Athrin!"
Akemi shook her head and smiled, as she thought, Athrin had found a loophole. Akemi returned to Hijikata's room and finished off the paperwork. "Your Uncle Kondo is coming back tonight, care to join us?" asked Hijikata and Akemi nodded. Kondo returned that night and Akemi smiled at him, as did Athrin, which made him worry.
Akemi and Athrin walked out of Hijikata's office, wearing identical smirks. It appeared Uncle Kondo was coming back.
"Akemi perhaps we should give him a proper welcoming"
Akemi turned her head sideways, her smirk turning into a full-fledged grin.
"I think we should"
That night Akemi sat with Kondo and Hijikata as they talked. Athrin stood on the roof, listening in without Hijikata and Kondo knowing and Susumu tied and gagged behind her after trying to stop her. Athrin listened as they talked as Akemi served some tea before just listening.
"Akemi, can you leave for a few minutes" asked Kondo.
Akemi gave him a funny look but nodded and left. Athrin helped her up onto the roof and they listened in, wondering why Akemi was sent away.
"Toshi, we should tell her and I have to tell you. Akemi is betrothed and the person she is betrothed to is…." Started Kondo.
"Ahhh!"
Kondo and Hijikata looked at the window just in time to see Akemi fall from the roof.
Hijikata turned to look at the door while Kondo was glancing wildly around the room hoping that he could find someway to escape. Wincing when at the sound of Akemi's voice.
"I'M WHAT!
Akemi burst through the doorway, kneeling at Kondo's feet, looking up at him, horror in her eyes. Athrin followed behind, placing her hand on Akemi's shoulder, glaring at Kondo.
"Who is she betrothed to?" asked Athrin. Kondo sighed and said "Toshi Hijikata". Athrin, Akemi and Hijikata's jaws dropped and Akemi and Hijikata yelled at the same time "since when?".
Akemi looked at Hijikata and asked "you didn't know either?", Hijikata shook his head, frowning at Kondo.
Then Akemi let out a screech and Kondo found himself on the floor with Akemi on his stomach, glaring at him with yellow ringed eyes. Athrin pulled Akemi back, keeping her still. "Since when?" asked Akemi again.
Kondo sighed and pulled out a marriage scroll, and at the bottom were two childish signatures, Akemi's and Hijikata's.
"I remember you now, you always pulled my hair and teased me everyday" said Akemi, looking at Hijikata as he glared at her and said "and you pushed me into the mud and cut my clothes and pulled pranks on me".
Athrin looked between them thinking 'they will be a great couple'. Then she stopped smiling and looked at Kondo.
"Am I betrothed to anyone?" asked Athrin, her eyes widening.
Kondo shrugged his shoulders and said, "You'll have to ask Soji, and he is your cousin after all".
Athrin stood up and ran out yelling "Soji!".
Soji looked up as Athrin ran into his room and took in her worried expression. Soji opened his arms and Athrin ran into them, sitting in his lap.
"What's wrong?" asked Soji as Athrin buried her head into his shoulder but stayed silent. "Am I betrothed?" murmured Athrin.
Soji looked down and brushed the hair from her eyes. Athrin looked into Soji's sad expression as he nodded. Athrin paled and asked "to who?". Soji paled and looked away but said, "it was organized by our grandmother. You know him well and you guys played together every day. Since you were both training at the same time. You guys were inseparable".
Soji stopped and then said, "You are betrothed to Susumu Yamazaki".
Athrin remained silent before pulling back. Athrin stood up and Soji asked "Athrin?" as he looked up at her and then gasped.
Athrin looked at him and smiled, her eyes were ringed with silver and she looked absolutely pissed.
"I'm going to kill her if I see her again but first I need to see Susumu" said Athrin quietly before leaving.
Soji looked after her as she disappeared into the night and sighed. She didn't know Grandma Shimizu was already dead. Soji went back to his bed and started reading. Trying so hard not laugh…at least he wasn't engaged and you never know Susumu might just be what his cousin needed. Meanwhile Athrin ran to Susumu's room and opened the door. Susumu sat up as she walked in, thinking she was about to attack. He went into a defensive pose before stopping when he spotted the light tears in her eyes.
"You're prick, I've just learnt we've been betrothed since we've been kids" said Athrin quietly, looking at him.
Susumu looked at her, his eyes widening.
"Ah quick question if you don't mind. Are you planning on killing me?"
"No you moron!"
Meanwhile, Akemi was sitting still as a stone, pale and unmoving.
"Akemi?" asked Hijikata and touched Akemi's shoulder.
"Betrothed…of all things…betrothed"
Akemi looked up at him before collapsing.
Kondo picked her up and said, "Obviously it was too soon to tell you guys, she's in shock" before carrying her to bed.
In Susumu's room, he was shocked. "But I'm betrothed to Clotho Athria Kousetsu" said Susumu. Athrin laughed and sat in front of him.
"I'm the girl who trained in martial arts with you, your friend and sparring partner" said Athrin, "and Athrin is my nick name, Akemi started calling me. I am Clotho Athria Kousetsu".
Then she fell forward against Susumu, collapsing. Her breathing deepened, but not in a sleeping way, it was too deep and slow for that. Susumu looked at her before sighing and picking her up.
He carried her to Soji's room and then spotted Soji standing on the veranda outside his room. Soji looked up as he approached and sighed.
"I'll tell her and don't worry, she'll be fine. Go get some rest" said Soji, taking Athrin from Susumu.
Susumu nodded and left. Soji looked down at Athrin and whispered, "When will you wake up this time? Last time it was half a year when you went into this state".
He placed her on her bed and covered her up before going to sleep himself.
To be continued…
This is by two authors who have asked me to post this up for them.
Enjoy and plz R&R for them and me.
Cya Toshi