a/n: I'm so so sorry for the late update. As an excuse, I had a true life-rollercoaster of my life. I moved almost to the other side of the country, had some family problems, changed job three times and went to a small war with my alma mater:P All in all, I managed to straighten most of those issues and finally got time to actually sit back to writing. Funny thing, I had about 90% of the chapter already written, so I guess it's even more embarrasing. Oh and one last thing- because all of this, I really didn't have time to work on my language and only lately realised just how much I've forgotten. So please forgive any spelling errors etc. I WILL be working on it. As well as on sooner updates.

That said, I give you the next chapter of Majiwari.

Enjoy;))

XxX


Chapter 2: Because life is so full of surprises.

Previously…

'I will repeat it as many times as you want! IT IS FICTION! An you are sick in the head!' She exclaimed.

'Well, I guess it doesn't matter anymore, since we're on collision course.' Shi snorted.

'We're…what?' Mei spun on the heel only to be faced with a blue uniform jacket.

…...

She slowly looked up the navy blue material and was met with a totally impassive face. She quirked an eyebrow. It's not like the man meant any harm, but she was having a discussion here, not to mention she was irked enough and her patience flew away some time ago. His blank stare was seriously getting on her nerves, as was the cigarette dangling leisurely from his mouth. Having half of the family smoking made her hate the thing wholeheartedly.

She took him in once again. He was quite tall, around six feet perhaps, and pretty well built as far as she could tell. He had a handsome manly face and she hated to admit, but the emotionless look he wore suited him. He was a man she could name instantly- a warrior. He had that aura of strength and decisiveness around him. And intransigence. Hardly anyone would dare to defy this man. Which annoyed her even more. She hated being ordered around, at least not by people who hadn't earned her respect. And this guy here surely hadn't.

'Are you done staring?'He put the cigarette out his mouth and puffed a cloud of smoke, that would have settled around her face least she was a feet taller, and graced her with something akin to a glare.

'I did ask you a question, girl.' He was openly playing with her. That made it.

'WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!' She got some curious looks from passer-byes but she honestly didn't care. Enough was enough. She was starting to hyperventilate. Suddenly she saw yellow in front of her.

'Okay, now, there's no need to be rude, Mei. The guy didn't mean harm, he's just…' Shi was trying to calm down her enraged friend. It's not like she was afraid of Saito, though she had to admit it would have been foolish to present her back to him unless they were on a crowded street. More importantly, she couldn't miss the chance because of Mei's short temper. She just got a one and only chance to meet some of her favorite characters, scratch that- people, and she would do anything not to let it slip. Even stand up to her friend in the state she was now.

'Shi, move.' Okay, now that was getting creepy.

'Mei…' Yuki grabbed Mei's forearm in an attempt to make her move away.

'Are you both deaf? I am not backing away from an emotionless and glaring jerk who seeks trouble. If he wants me to move he has to do it himself.' She glared at said man. She knew she was being childish, but hey, everyone has their weaker moments.

There was a sudden movement from the man and she found herself on her knees, his right knee resting on the small of her back and his left arm holding her respective one behind her and effectively pinning her to the ground. She could have easily counter his move. On condition that she could have seen him move in the first place.

'You should have listened to your friends. When you're new in a place, you should at least try to behave, not to mention have a shred of respect to your elders' He pushed her to the ground with such force, she hardly managed to steady herself with her free arm. She glared back at the man standing now a few feet away from her.

'Respect must be earned first. Otherwise it's just pretense.' She spat back and stood firmly flipping the dust from her clothes.

'I have no intention of earning your respect, girl. However, I can teach you some if you like.'

'Saito, that is enough.' Kenshin finally decided to cut in and Yuki exhaled a breath of relief.

Saito tossed the cigarette to the ground and put it out with his heel.

'I had nothing to add anyhow.' He simply stated.

In the meantime Sano was trying to assess the situation. It was unusual for the Mibu Wolf to loose patience like that. Any other day he would've just glare at the girl and went his way. Plus the whole 'problem' he was speaking a while ago. Something definitely was up.

'Mei-dono, are you feeling all right?'

'I'm fine, thank you.' Mei was stunned with the given honorific. She then glared at her attacker for the last time. Of course, she would have preferred not having a close acquaintance with the ground, but frankly speaking, she had pretty much earned it. Had she been faster (and less bitchy) she would have been able to stood up to him. She then exhaled, turning back to the red head. His features were almost feminine, not really her type and though he had kind smiling eyes, they looked so much put up, she could almost call it fake. She couldn't decide who she disliked more- the gloomy unemotional officer or the over-friendly shonen. She'd probably settle with the latter.

Then she noticed and angry scar around the younger man face. Strange, she thought. It was so symmetric it almost looked like someone purposefully carved in this pretty face. She must have made her stare obvious, cause the man resettled himself, so that she was seeing his other profile now. She felt ashamed of herself. She wasn't one to judge people by their appearances, but the ugly scar contrasted so much with the otherwise unmarred face. Again, his voice interrupted her trail of thoughts.

'So, are you and your friends having a good time in Tokyo, Mei-dono?' He asked.

'Actually, we just got here and are looking for a job.' It was Yuki who answered. Always good to have a practical person around. 'Do you, by any chance know where a restaurant called Akabeko is?'

Kaoru and Tale looked at each other, then Tae replied.

'Well good for you, I am practically the owner of Akabeko. What kind of job are you interested in then? I won't deny we could use some help, especially in the kitchen. Though I probably won't be able to employ all of you.' She added with a little concern. Despite the girls strange looks she could tell they were good kids.

'I guess I'm not that bad at cooking, but I don't really know many of your traditional recipes. I can however do the basics and maybe you could teach me some easier dishes.' Mei answered.

'I was a waitress in our town's main club so I'm sure I can handle that. By the way, I'm Yuki.' She smiled brightly and gave a short wave.

'That's settled then. I'm sure we'll get along very well.' Tae replied. Then everyone looked at the last girl. She was the one who spotted them and stood oddly quiet during the whole ordeal, save her calming attempt at the very beginning. She shrugged and smiled weakly.

'Well, you'd better not employ me unless you want to have all your bowls shattered. I'm pretty clumsy.' She gave a sheepish smile.

'Oh, don't worry, we'll figure something out. I'll ask about the town for a job that won't require exquisite grace.' Tae winked at her.

'Do you have anywhere to stay? Because I would be more than happy to welcome you at my place. I could seriously use some girl presence there.' Kaoru laughed shortly. Yuki and Shi exchanged looks. This couldn't have turned out better.

'Are you sure? We wouldn't want to cause trouble.' Mei was reluctant.

'Oh, believe me, you won't. Plus, it's not like you actually have a place to crash, right?' The trio smiled apologetically.

"That's settled then.' Tae clasped her hands happily. 'We were just going to Akabeko for lunch so I guess you wouldn't mind joining?' Arashi's stomach grumbled loudly. 'I take it as a yes. Now, come on, we've been standing here long enough.' Tae finished and rushed forward, followed by both her old and new friends.


'So, whadda'ya doin' in Japan?' Sano asked after taking a huge bite of rice.

They were enjoying their meal together, while Tae and Tsubame got themselves busy in the kitchen and popped up only rarely to exchange a few words (well, Tae, at least). They ordered a huge beef-pot, save the gloomy officer (Fujita Goro, was it, Mei recalled) who took plain soba. Shi of course asked for Mitarashi Dango.

'Let's say, we were bored and decided to travel the world!' Yuki laughed.

'Yeah, right, and you're luggage got lost on the way?' Sano inquired, grating the glowing girl a playful look.

'Actually, we didn't quite have anything to say in that matter.' Mei corrected. She liked the honest guy, despite his obvious prying in their past.

'Huh?'

'We didn't have a choice. Though as much as I'd rather be in my hometown now, I've got to admit, It could've turned out far worse. So I guess I'm somehow glad we wound up here in Tokyo with you guys.' She smiled briefly. That was the most truth she was able to tell. At least now.

'So, you're kinda fugitives, ha?' Yahiko inquired.

'Yahiko! It's rude to pry into other peoples' lives! And by the way, slow down with the food, will you? I tell you, one of this days, you're going to choke to death.' Kaoru scolded him.

'Blahhh!' The young samurai stock out his tongue. 'I was just curious.' He pouted.

'Kaoru-dono is right, Yahiko. Now, let's enjoy our meal.' Said Kenshin, effectively ending the topic. Those girls didn't look like danger and he was sure he'll be able to figure out their past given a little time. There was nothing to get turned on.


'Aa, Tae-chan, thank you for the delicious meal.' Yuki bowed to the owner. 'So, when can we start here?'

'I guess we can handle one more evening on our own.' Tae smiled. 'Settle down at the dojo and come tomorrow at six.' Yuki groaned quietly. 'Oh, don't worry, we're not usually open before ten, but there's quite a big delivery tomorrow and I have to show you your way around before the guests come.'

'Thank you again for your kindness, Tae-san. We will try our best.' Mei assured.

'I trust you will. I'll be going now, bye and don't be late.' Tae winked towards Yuki, which earned her another resigned look.

They moved toward the exit and into now a little less busy street.

'The Kamiya Dojo is just around the corner.' Kaoru stated after about a twenty minutes walk. They've been taking in the new surrounding and having a small talk in the meantime.

They half expected what they saw, but it was still quite a view. The whole town was built mostly of wood (they've passed only a few bricked buildings) and methodically. It will stay that way even in the far future, Mei thought. The streets kept vertical and horizontal order, Mei wondered briefly if the suburbs too had such layout. It was a little bit unnerving. Everything in here seemed so clean. The air, the sandy paths, even the fences. No graffiti, no litter, no filthy beggars sitting openly in the streets. It was obvious they were in better part of town, but still. She felt like they wound up in a different time and place…oh, wait, they did.

Mei frowned slightly. She needed to know what's going on, it was all just too convenient. The sword, the space-time shift, the supposedly fictional characters known by her two friends taking them in, it was about how many 'coincidences' one could handle. She was pulled out of her thoughts by a low masculine voice.

'Battosai, you obviously enjoy making people wait for you.' The young black-haired man popped himself from the wooden door that probably led to the dojo. He was almost the height of the impassive inspector and as wide in shoulders. In their world, he could have easily do modeling with his oblong face and fine sculptured body under dark clothing. He was quite a catch.

Then it clicked.

Kawakami Gensai was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period. A highly skilled swordsman, he was one of the four most notable assasins of the Bakumatsu period, though only one assassination was actually proven to him. Gensai's high-speed sword discipline was in the Shiranui-ryu and it was supposed to kill before even being registered by the victim.

Mei remembered telling this and so much more about the Bakumatsu period to her two friends regarding their anime obsession and no other than the infamous Battosai, whose character was loosely based on Kawakami Gensai's life and sword technique. She carefully glanced towards the redhead going by the name of Himura Kenshin. If he was the Battosai and if he had half Kawakami's abilities- he was lethal. But he didn't look like an assassin. For crying out loud, he looked like a sweet little boy (save the scar), one teenage girls would have a huge crush on, not a cold-blooded killer. Then again, he was carrying a sword. Mei pinched the bridge of her nose. She was so going to have a migraine. She needed to question Shi and Yuki, and fast. Otherwise, her skull was going to crack open.

The man in question was already out of his surprised-to-the-core mode.

'Aoshi, Misao-dono, what brings you two here?' Only then she noticed a girl, head bowed, slumped beside the fence. From the look of it she could have been around fourteen, maybe fifteen. That is, until she raised her head- this girl might be young, but her eyes spoke volumes. She clearly haven't had it easy lately. And it was her, who spoke.

'Okina is dead.' She stated plainly, her voice void of any emotion. Almost any- there was such emptiness in her voice, such grief that's left when there's no more tears to cry, no strength left to blame everyone and everything, no hope to cling to. The only thing left is numbness- and a hollow place in the chest.

Oh, how Mei knew this feeling. Her beloved grandfather passed away only two years ago. God, the man practically raised her, when her mother was too busy trying to make a living for both of them. He was her whole world- and now he was gone.

'Misao-dono, please accept my condolences.' That was the first time since their meeting, that Mei felt the redhead was speaking his mind. Kaoru tried to hug the girl but was met with noting. Stupid girl. Misao didn't need her pity. Sanosuke was just shaking his head. Kaoru finally untangled herself from the smaller girl.

'Himura, we need to talk.' Aoshi, was it? He shot a glance towards the three girls. Mei didn't miss the switch from the man's assassin's title.

'Don't mind them.' Another lazy puff of smoke from the officer's mouth. 'Battosai, get us a place to talk in private.' The girls suddenly felt completely in the way. It was Shi's time to catch up.

'Kaoru-chan, would you show us around? We're kind of tired.' She smiled apologetically.

'And I could use some hot steamy bath.' Yuki stretched herself, and gave a small wink. Kaoru seemed to recovered from her stupor.

'Oh, I'm so sorry, of course you're tired! Come on, I'll show you around and Yahiko will prepare a bath for you.' The boy's weak protests were put out by her glare and the five of them went towards the house, followed slowly by Misao.


In the meantime…

Kenshin led the three man to the back of the house, near the shed.

'I believe your visit concerns another matter, besides the death of the Okashira.' He stated.

'How rude of you to be so insensitive to the old man's death.' Kenshin ignored Saito's teasing, instead looked expectantly at Aoshi. The latter sighed inaudibly.

'You are probably not aware, Himura, but they've been people asking out for you in Kyoto lately.' Kenshin didn't answer. They were a lot of people that would like to know his whereabouts, it wasn't something unusual. And they usually started with Kyoto because of his history. But such simple thing wouldn't have made Aoshi leave his hometown, especially with the former Okashira dead. So he waited.

'They've been asking not only about you, but also about Shishio Makoto and probable issues with Feng Shui masters.' Aoshi continued. Now that was alarming. Not many people knew about his fight with Shishio and even less about his part in Wind-Water Clan war. But it was what Aoshi said next that left him speechless, eyes wide open.

'And since little people knew and would talk, they started to ask about your son.'

'My…what?'

'For heaven's sake, don't act like a child, Battosai.' Saito spat. 'They were asking about a boy named Kenji, who's supposed to be your son and since I've been observing you for a while now I can safely say, it's plain impossible.'

'Wait, you're saying Kenshin has a child?' Sano finally processed what was being told.

'No!' The redhead exclaimed.

'Baka, I was saying, they were asking about his son, not that he had one. Just shut up since your mind obviously can't grasp simple logic.'

'Oi…'

'The point here is - how did they gain such information? They clearly have been misled since I too don't believe in you abandoning your own child, but it is almost impossible for them to know the rest. They spent about a month questioning people and then left Kyoto. It was five days ago. In the meantime, Okashira died and I assumed they would be heading here, so we followed.' Aoshi finished.

'To make it clear, it was a man in mid-thirties and a woman a few years younger. None of those brats.' Saito cleared.

'I was about to ask - Himura, who are those three girls, do you know them? They sure look strange.'

'They just arrived to Japan and are quite confused. I suspect they may be political fugitives, they don't really talk much about themselves.' Kenshin shrudged.

'Watch out, Himura. They seem completely out of place.'

'Ahh…' Kenshin smiled sheepishly. 'By the way, Aoshi, I would ask you and Misao-dono to stay here, but with those girls around, I'm afraid there's no room. Do you have any place to…'

'We will be staying in our branch here in Tokyo, do not worry yourself with it.' Aoshi inclined his head. 'More importantly, could you ask Kaoru-san and Megumi to…hang out with Misao? She is crumbling down at fast pace and I'm helpless.' He spread his arms. 'I thought I would be able to help her manage this situation, but it's just like my words wouldn't reach her.' Aoshi shook his head.

'It's a great loss for Misao-dono, that it is. And of course I will ask Kaoru-dono and Megumi-dono to spend some time with her. Though I don't think it would be of much help. She has to cope with it on her own. Speaking of which – how are you doing, Aoshi?' The dark-haired man just shook his head dismissively.

'All right, stop with this heartbreaking stories already. The bottom line is – we have two individuals knowing too much, asking for Battosai plus three slutty girls out of thin air.' Saito reached for another cigarette and lit it. 'However, it is not what I wanted to talk to you about.' Kenshin and Sano looked at him curiously.

'There has been a disease spreading lately in the countryland near Kyoto. According to my knowledge, it might have reached the suburbs a few days ago. People have been dropping like flies. A rumour says it's the foreigners- they poison the food and water to take over the country.' Saito flicked the ash from his cigarette.

'But this is insane! Who would've even made up something like that?' Sano exclaimed.

'True enough. But it is causing disturbances. The disease itself was enough to set people off, but with such claims they are getting violent. They were two cases of attacks on foreigners and there's still so much we don't know about. Not to mention the masses blame the present government and its open attitude. You realize what this can lead to, Himura?' Aoshi concluded.

'I've been getting this news from both my and police sources, not to mention Shinomori himself. Somehow I can't shake off the feeling those two matters are related.' The former Shinsengumi stated cynically.

Kenshin frowned. 'I see. But what do you suggest we do now?'

'I was planning to get Megumi to find out what's killing those people. And then maybe come up with a cure. Our doctors are working on it, but before I left, they knew nothing.'

'Megumi-dono is a fine doctor, that she is. I'm sure if you tell her the same you told us, she'll go with you to Kyoto, Aoshi.'

'So that's settled then. Keep an eye on those brats, Battosai. I'll try to look for the intriguing duo.' With that, Saito left.

'We should be going, too. Kaoru-dono will be worried we are taking so long.' Kenshin briefly touched the hilt of his sakabato. 'Aoshi, Sano- I would like you didin't tell anybody about this supposedly son of mine.' He sighed. Who in their right mind would even come up with something like that? Not to mention Kaoru-dono would be very sad if she heard such rumours.

'Sure thing, Kenshin.' Sano said while Aoshi inclined his head.

Straightening themselves, they started walking towards the main house.


XxX

Now, I know I write mostly from Mei's point of view, but there's a reason to this madness- she is the only one among the girls who has almost no clue about RK. She's not a fan, all she knows is what she heard from her friends. So it's pratically all knew to her. I will present a respective amount of viewpoints soon:)) As for Shi and her fangirlism- I know it looks pretty lame, but put yourselves in her position- I'm sure most of you would positively freak out, especially at first.

Hope to get your opinions on this piece.

LBH II- -