Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning of the End

Chapter 2: A Reunion in Kyoto

The trip to Kyoto seemed like an eternity for Yahiko, as he stared out the window of the train car, pondering about the current situation. Everything just seemed so unreal; the dead coming back to life, Shishio, taking over hell and attempting to destroy all life, and Kaoru being the 'chosen one'. It was all too much to take in at a time, but there they were, on a train to Kyoto. Everything had happened so fast for Yahiko.

He looked over at Daisuke and Sano to see that the both of them were sleeping peacefully. Yahiko couldn't help but think that they weren't worried like he was. Daisuke was a supernatural being, so that was understandable. Sano, on the other hand, wasn't. However, he was never the type to back down from any fight, no matter how high the possibility of dying was. The man was just plain reckless, but he could back it up. Of course, against a revived Shishio, who happens to be infused with demonic powers, Sano really didn't stand a chance and neither did he. The young samurai sighed as he went back to staring out the window once more.

"I suppose the first place we should go is the Aoiya," he mused. "Hopefully, they won't mind us barging in like this." That was when Yahiko heard on of the train officers announce that they were about to pull into the Kyoto train station.

Daisuke's eye slowly opened halfway. "Are we they yet?" Daisuke moaned with a yawn following after.

Yahiko nodded. "Yeah." He then turned to Sanosuke and flicked his ear with his middle finger, giving the rooster head a start. Before long, Yahiko felt a rough hand grab his kimono.

"I told you never to do that!" Sanosuke screamed in rage, born from irritation.

Yahiko smirked. "That's payback for the times you tried to embarrass me in front of Tsubame. Payback's a bitch, isn't it, Sano?"

Sanosuke released his grip and growled. "Yeah, whatever. Let's get going. I remember Kyoto pretty well, so I'll lead the way."

Yahiko's head snapped into Sano's direction. "Sano, for the love of Buddah, no! I'll lead the way, okay?"

Daisuke nodded in agreement with Yahiko, "Yes, please allow Yahiko to lead us. Besides, it's as I said before, we don't have much time. It would put us in bad shape to get lost."

Sano glared at the pretty boy before him. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?! You tryin' to say that I'll get us lost?!"

Daisuke nodded. "Yes. I happen to know about the last time you took the leadership role and dragged poor Yahiko around Kyoto for half a day."

Yahiko added, "Not to mention blaming me for it."

Sano sighed with defeat, seeing no way to win this argument. "Fine, I don't care."

As the trio left the train, Yahiko began to worry. Not about the task at hand, but what the Oniwaban would think of him just coming by so abruptly with a request to stay overnight. Especially since they haven't been in contact for the past five years. Misao used to write letters to them once a month, but after the fourth month, the letters had stopped coming. Yahiko wrote back many times, but he never got any reply. He assumed that maybe he upset her somehow, which is why he never tried looking into it. However, now, he had to. They had no other place to stay, unless they were to impose on Hiko, but he would most likely not want to be bothered and he only had a small, humble shack of a home. They would need a lot more space.

On their way to the Aoiya, Yahiko was quite surprised that he still remembered his way around Kyoto, even after a couple of years. The place was just as busy and crowded as it was when he visited last. Everyone seemed to be busy with their daily tasks and activities, but didn't seem troubled at all. The trio was surrounded by smiling, happy citizens as they made their way to the Aoiya.

Just then, a small girl with green eyes, long, black hair; wearing a purple kimono bumped into Daisuke from the side and feel backward, to the ground. No even two seconds after the rough landing, her eyes swelled with tears and she began bawling. Yahiko raised an eyebrow and turned to the girl, wondering what happened as Sanosuke muttered something about noisy kids should be kept indoors. Her hands had been badly scraped from the fall.

Daisuke kneeled down to the little girl and smiled while helping her onto her feet. "Please don cry, little one. Here, take my hand."

She looked hesitant at first, but she complied. The burning pain in her hands seemed to vanish as the stranger held her hands. Daisuke released his gentle hold and said, "Please be careful in the future and remember that you'll get nowhere in life by constantly rushing ahead."

The little girl nodded, while staring at her hands in amazement. The scrap marks were gone. It was as if she didn't fall to begin with, as if her pain was nothing more than an illusion. She smiled up at Daisuke who smiled back and nodded to her before walking off into the crowd with Sanosuke and Yahiko. For one split second, she could have sworn she saw a pair of pearl white, feathery wings on his back.

It took them a little less than an hour, but they finally made it. Daisuke, Sano, and Yahiko stood before the front entrance of the Aoiya. Yahiko paused completely. He looked hesitant to go inside. What if they were angry with him? What if they ask about Kenshin or Kaoru? Or do they already know? The last letter he sent, he finally mentioned Kaoru and what happened, but that was the one that he didn't get a reply to.

"Yahiko!" Sano shouted sharply, giving the younger warrior a start.

Yahiko looked up at his buddy, still slowly coming out of his daze. "Huh?"

Sanosuke sighed. "I've been trying to get your attention for the last two minutes. Look, are we going in there or what? We didn't exactly come here to stand around all day, ya know?"

Yahiko nodded. "Yeah, you're right. We should go inside and see who's there."

Suddenly, a feminine voice said from the doorway with a gasp, "Rooster head!"

Sanosuke turned around with a growl, but it faded away upon seeing a beautiful young woman in a dark blue kimono with long, black hair that extended to her lower back and bright, blue eyes. She smiled brightly as she waved to Sanosuke, "Hi, rooster head, long time, no see!"

Sanosuke's eyes went wide with shock, "W-weasel girl?! Is that you?!"

Misao, despite the name calling grinned. "Yup, it's me! Hey, who are those other two guys with you?"

Sano pointed to Daisuke, "This is Daisuke Kanzaki. He's an ang- uh, acquaintance that we met earlier." He then pointed his thumb toward Yahiko, "And I'm sure you remember little Yahiko."

Yahiko glared at Sanosuke, as he still couldn't stand being called little, even if his looks said otherwise.

Misao gasped, "Y-you're Yahiko?! Little Yahiko?! You sure have gotten much bigger. And cuter, too!" She added with a wink.

Yahiko looked to the ground and blush a little as Sanosuke chuckled while nudging Yahiko's arm, "Yeah, he looks like a real ladies' man! Hey, tell her about your girlfriend back in Tokyo!"

Misao giggled. "Wow! A girlfriend, too? You must be a real heartbreaker now, huh, Yahiko?"

Sano answered for him. "You have no idea! This guy's a chick magnet. You should see him in action!"

This earned Sano a whack upside the head by the False Edge which sent him to the ground with a puff of dust. Yahiko placed his weapon back on his belt and walked over to Misao, stepping on Sano's head on the way.

Daisuke kneeled down by Sano and asked, "Sanosuke, you're a glutton for punishment, aren't you?"

Sanosuke sat up and narrowed his eyes at Dai. "Shut up, you."

Daisuke's reply was a big, wide grin.

Later, inside the Aoiya….

Okina, Misao, Aoshi, Omasu, Okon, Shirojo and Kurojo all sat around at table with Yahiko, Sanosuke and Daisuke. After everyone finished exchanging greeting, Daisuke asked, "Five years ago, did Kenshin ever come by here for any reason?"

Aoshi nodded. "As A Matter of fact, Himura did reappear five years ago. However during his stay, he refused to tell us where he was going or his reason."

Yahiko asked, "Would you mind telling us everything that happened then?"

Aoshi nodded. "Sure. I first saw Himura outside of the Aoiya on a rainy night…."

Flashback

"I must find him!" Kenshin dashed madly through the soaked streets of Kyoto, in the rain, searching for his foe. Caring of no consequence, he held an unsheathed sword in his hand. He screamed out, "Show yourself, Shishio!"

A tall, dark figure appeared before Kenshin as a bolt of lightning flashed in the sky. Not able to see the face of his opponent and being driven mad by his anger and hatred, he made a ridiculous accusation. He pointed his sharpened sword, the very same blade he wielded as a ruthless assassin, at the figure. "You die, Shishio."

A soft, "Hmm?" was heard from the figure as Kenshin charged in aiming to slash the throat of his opponent in hopes of taking off his head.

Fortunately, for Kenshin's opponent, he was just as experienced as his attacker. Two blades quickly unsheathed, blocking Kenshin's attack. The half mad Kenshin jumped back with a rapid back flip and charged again. This time he leapt above his opponent's head. His amber eyes narrowed as he came down, voice booming through the night.

"Hiten Mitsurugi Style: Ryu Tsui Sen!"

As Kenshin came down upon his opponent, the figure seemed to vanish out of sight as the lightning flashed in the sky once more. Kenshin landed, unsuccessful in landing his special attack. What's more, he couldn't see his opponent. He was off guard, but was too berserk to even care. That's when it happened.

"Double Kodachi: Kaiten Kenbu Rokuren!"

Kenshin was struck down to the ground by the attack. He no longer had the strength to stand, due to him not eating and barely sleeping for the past month. Kenshin's health was below its normal stability. He blacked out slowly as his eyes returned to two seas of blue. He didn't notice, but another pair of sea blue eyes looked down upon his unconscious form.

"Forgive me, Himura" said Aoshi. "But you left me no other alternative."

End Flashback

Yahiko scoffed. "Hmph."

Sano then asked, "So, what happened after that, Aoshi?"

The ninja replied, "Afterward, I brought him to the Aoiya and the others began treating him right away. I lent Himura my room for the night, but he didn't come to until the morning…"

Flashback

Kenshin's eyes slowly opened as he could feel sharp stinging all over his upper body. His eyes quickly gained focus as he looked at his surroundings. He was in a bedroom with the shining sun coming through the window. A sunflower in a vase sat next to his futon as he slowly sat up. Looking down at his pained upper body, he saw bandages wrapped around his wounds. He sighed with slight relief. Taking a second thought of his surroundings, Kenshin found that this place was very familiar.

That was when the door quietly slid open, revealing Aoshi with a rather sympathetic look on his face. "So, we meet again, Himura."

Kenshin lowered his head, not able to look Aoshi in the eye. "Yes. So, we do."

Aoshi walked into the room and sat down by the futon, crossing his legs. He looked toward the window and said, "I would have never imagined meeting you again like this, Himura. Would you mind explaining yourself?"

Kenshin shook his head. "I apologize, Aoshi. I am not ready to speak on this matter, that I'm not. I would like some time before I go into it, if you please."

Aoshi nodded, understanding Kenshin's request. Aoshi had gone through something similar, after he betrayed Okina and nearly killed him. "Very well, Himura. I will leave you be for now. Misao shall be up a momentarily with breakfast for you."

With that, Aoshi stood up and headed to the door.

"Aoshi." Kenshin called out.

The taller warrior stopped and turned back to the redhead.

"Thank you." Kenshin said.

Aoshi nodded slightly and then continued out the door, sliding it closed behind him.

Alone again, Kenshin looked up toward the ceiling as tears slowly leaked from his eyes. He felt like he was dead and began to think he would be better off that way. However, Shishio would die first. Definitely. Makoto Shishio would pay with his second life. Kenshin's fist balled up and tightened until his knuckles turned white. He was angry, no, livid beyond his own comprehension. Not even the death of Tomoe caused such rage. His heart had the burden of loosing two true loves in a single lifetime. Each to a sword wielding beast, himself included.

Of course, Kenshin was never the type to kill for revenge, not even once. He did it to protect others. He killed in the Revolution to protect the innocent, not knowing that the side he chose to fight for was simply the lesser of two evils. His master warned him about the path he chose. He explained that Hiten Mitsurugi was created to protect others as a free sword, not as a simple tool in someone else's war. Kenshin didn't listen. It took him ten years after the revolution to see that mistake he made.

Then, he met Kaoru in Tokyo. The spirited young kendo instructor who didn't care who he used to be or what he had done in the past. She simply welcomed him with open arms.

He came to love her without even noticing. He just woke up one morning and realized that he loved Kaoru. Promising to protect her no matter what and always going out of his way to make her happy were always assumed to be acts of kindness and appreciation of her own. It was the morning before he left Kyoto that he realized he was in love. He wanted to leave without seeing the sad faces of the people he cared about. He didn't think he could take it without deciding to stay. If he did stay, Shishio would have eventually begun another revolution, another hell for Kenshin to live through. What scared him more was that his friends, no, his family would have to live through it. Most of all, Kaoru would have to live through it. He knew that she couldn't survive in a world where she would have to kill or be killed. It wouldn't be fair for her to be forced into making such a choice. So, he left, unsure of the results that would follow. However, in the end, his friends showed up at his side and they won together. They had stopped the Juppangatana. It was over. Shishio had died, due to his own obsession with carnage.

But, who could predict something like this happening? Who would have thought, Shishio would cheat death simply to fight Kenshin once more? It was so unreal that Kenshin expected to wake up anytime. He was more than ready to wake up now. He wanted to get out of his futon in Tokyo and cook Kaoru the best breakfast of her life and confess his feelings. He couldn't wait to wake up. He would even kiss her for good measure. Right after he woke up from this nightmare.

He never did.

He waited and waited, but the nightmare continued on. Then, he finally accepted it. Kaoru Kamiya was really gone and she wasn't coming back. He really did become the Battousai again last night, and Shishio was, in fact, back from the dead. He remembered casting away the reverse blade sword and unsealing his katana and wakasashi, the very same used by him as the Battousai. Part of him couldn't believe that he broke his vow never to kill again and was already regretful and ashamed. Another part of him didn't care as long as he tore Shishio asunder. The remaining part of him wished that Shishio had finished him off. Death was favorable over this feeling. Living was nothing more than just a burden on Kenshin, at this point. However, he could not die and leave this world to Shishio. That was the plan. Kill Shishio, kill the Battousai. No more Battousai, no more Kenshin, and no more Shinta.

He felt guilt from all three segments of his life. Each segment, he let someone close to him die. As Shinta, his surrogate sisters were slain for his sake. He tried to fight off their attacker with a discarded sword that belonged to a warrior that had previously been slain, but instead they shielded him with their own bodies.

If only I were stronger…

As the Battousai, there was his 'wife', Tomoe, who also tried to save him at the last moment. With the power of Hiten Mitsurugi, he brought down the blade, slicing both his enemy and his love, killing the both of them at once.

If only I were smarter…

And finally, as Kenshin Himura, the wandering samurai with a vow never to take away life, he let Kaoru Kamiya, the girl who saw through his mask of cheerful friendliness and into the depths of his loneliness, die. She had believed in him. He had promised to always protect her. He let her down. He could picture only vague images at that moment. He could see warm, crimson blood flowing onto the wooden floor. A thin, yet muscular form covered in burned bandages, wearing a smirk. Then, streams of tears running down soft, pale cheeks as those light pink lips he only dreamed of kissing someday uttered at a barely audible tone.

"Kenshin."

If I were only faster…

Kenshin slowly fell into deep sleep with his regretful thoughts haunting him through his dreams. He dreamt of the past all over. All his life, he had been fighting and losing people close to him. It hurt. It hurt so bad that he wanted to scream and let all of his tears fall freely. He couldn't. He had to pretend everything was okay so that people wouldn't worry. He wanted to make sure that people didn't have to worry. He wanted everyone to be happy no matter what, but it was always at his own expense. Was it worth it? Worth loosing his sisters, Tomoe, and Kaoru?

He questioned himself as he sat in a dark void, on an invisible surface. A cold wind blew by him, send chills all over his body. Alone in the darkness, with no one around to worry, Kenshin, no, Shinta cried. His days as Kenshin Himura were coming to a close. Being a swordsman was simply too painful to bear anymore. Shinta's cries echoed through the darkness for only Shinta, himself, to hear.

"Live for me, Shinta."

"Please forgive me sister. I just can't do it anymore."

------------------

Awake again. His left eye held a single tear, which he wiped away quickly before turning over to see Misao staring down at him with those bright and youthful eyes of hers.

"So, Himura, what happened to you?" A curious Misao asked as she poured steaming tea into Kenshin's cup.

He couldn't tell Misao the truth. The last thing Kenshin wanted was to make her sad, especially since this was his first visit after a while. Aoshi even went through the trouble of lying about how they met the night before. He, too, didn't want to cause Misao any discomfort. Her eyes shone with happiness as she gazed at him, eager to hear his story. How could he tell the truth about Kaoru's death, the return of the manslayer within him, or even about the return of Makoto Shishio? No. He couldn't.

He smiled, masking his depression, "I just came for a visit, that I did."

Misao nodded slowly. "Oh, I see. How did you get those cuts, though? Not many people could do that...except for my Great Lord Aoshi, of course!"

Kenshin became a bit nervous as he scanned his thoughts for another lie. "I was sparring with my master, that I was. I didn't think the cuts would take toll in such a way. Fortunately, I found Aoshi while wandering last night, that I did!" Kenshin chuckled halfheartedly.

Misao smiled. "Oh, okay, then! Well, Himura, make sure you eat up and get your strength back." She then looked down at the food to see it was already eaten. She looked back to Kenshin in surprise and thought to herself, "Himura eats like a pig!"

She smiled nervously and exited the room quickly, "Um, I'll see you later! Bye, Himura!" She slid the door shut behind her. From the other side of the door a loud burp echoed. Misao frowned. "That was the second grossest thing I've ever heard!"

Aoshi, who leaned against the wall beside her asked, "What was the first?"

"Gramps in his room at night." Misao said bitterly.

"Ah." Aoshi shuddered at the thought.

A muffled sneeze sounded from Okina's room.

End Flashback

Sano sighed. "Yup, that sounds like typical Kenshin. Always tryin' to take on the eight of the world all by himself."

Okina looked thoughtful as he stroked his beard. "Himura was also in a hurry to get where he was going. He seemed determined to do something, but not in a positive way. There was something dark about it a dangerous look in his eyes told me that he wasn't out to save a life. I tried to stop him and as he left, but he handed me a letter."

Flashback

As Okina excepted the letter into his hand, Kenshin said blankly, "I want you to keep this. If I do not return and Sanosuke or Yahiko come by looking for me, give them this letter. Please do not open it until one of them arrives."

Okina nodded. "I will honor you request, but please, Himura. Tell me what is happening. I know that something is wrong and I would want nothing more than to help you. You've helped us in the past and I wish to do the same for you."

Kenshin smiled slightly. "By honoring my request, you are doing just that. There is no need to worry. I apologize for the trouble."

"So, you really are leaving, huh?" Misao stepped out from behind the old man.

Kenshin turned away, not wanting to see her sad expression. "Yes."

Misao frowned. "Why? Why won't you let us help you? The way you've been acting, it's obvious that whatever this is about worries you! Lord Aoshi even said himself that you act with great doubt! I want to hear it, Himura! The truth! What are you hiding?"

Kenshin turned his back to the duo. "Nothing. I apologize, but I must go now. Okina, please do not forget. Goodbye."

As Kenshin began to walk away, he found himself being block by Aoshi who stood in his way. Aoshi looked down at him, not as a friend of rival, by like a parent would do a child. "Who is it that you are going to fight with, Battousai?"

Kenshin stopped dead in his tracks. Aoshi had just called him Battousai. It shook him to be called that again by someone who he considered a friend. Kenshin sighed. Aoshi was right, though. He was now the Battousai again and was willing to die baring that name. Kenshin didn't want to say who he was fighting, however. If he did, then he'd definitely drag his friends into it since they would end up following him.

"An opponent from the past." Kenshin stated bluntly.

Aoshi then said, "Although, I don't approve of this, I have no right to prevent you from leaving. Go, if you must."

Kenshin nodded. "Thank you again, Aoshi. I wish you all well. Please take care, all of you." With that, Kenshin walked off into the distance.

End Flashback

Okina sighed, "And that was the last we ever saw of Himura. We assumed that whoever he went to with defeated him. Of course, there still is the question of what it was all about."

Misao snapped her fingers. "Wait a sec! We can open that letter of his and see. Yahiko and Sano are here, so now we can read it!"

Kurojo nodded. "I'll go get it!" He stood up and went upstairs to retrieve the letter.

Okon sighed. "Let's hope we get to see what the big fuss was about. I'm pretty sure Miss Kaoru's pretty angry with Kenshin. That why she decided not to come, right?"

Misao chuckled. "I bet she'd probably beat Himura to a pulp if she saw him again!"

Omasu giggled as Shirojo, and Okina had a good laugh. Sanosuke, Daisuke and Yahiko were completely quite. The laughter quickly died down upon them noticing the trio wasn't even smiling.

Misao asked, "Hey, guys, what's wrong? You look like somebody died or something."

Yahiko turned away, fighting back his tears. Sano simply looked at the floor grimly as Daisuke silently lowered his head.

Misao's eyes grew wide. "Wait a minute. Guys, this isn't funny! Don't joke around! Kaoru can't be-!"

"I'm sorry, Miss Misao," said Daisuke, "Miss Kaoru….was murdered."

A choir of gasps from the Oniwaban filled the room, just as an oblivious Kurojo returned with the letter from Kenshin, waving it about wildly. "Hey! I got the letter! Let's open this sucker up and see what's inside! Uh, what's with all the gloom?"

Misao exclaimed with tears in her eyes, "Miss Kaoru…she…she….somebody killed her!"

Yahiko put his arm around Misao to comfort her. "Don't worry, Misao. We're going to make the one who did this pay."

As she cried harder she threw her arms around the young samurai, causing him to blush slightly. He blushed even more when he felt her now ample bust pressing against him. He hoped no one noticed this, but then he could see Sanosuke grinning at him and Daisuke smiling his way. Daisuke then stood up and walked over to Kurojo.

"Excuse me, may I see the letter, please?" Daisuke smiled brightly.

Kurojo shook his head. "Sorry, but it's only fair that this letter is seen by the eyes it was meant for first."

That's when Sanosuke stood up and pushed Daisuke away, causing him to land, face first, onto the floor. "That's right, me first, so outta my way!" He then picked the letter from Kurojo, tore the envelop open and began reading aloud.

Dear friends,

I sincerely apologize for my absence without informing you. No doubt, you already know about Miss Kaoru, so I will not linger on that subject. In this letter, I will explain all. For starters, I left because I couldn't handle life as it is anymore. All I wanted was peace, but it seems that no matter how hard I try, or how hard any of you try to make thing easier, something always comes along to disturb the peace that we try so hard to keep. I hate having to fight, so by the time you read this I will no longer be a swordsman, for my next battle will be my last, win or lose.

Secondly, Kaoru's murderer. You may not believe it, but it was Makoto Shishio. I saw him with my very eyes. Before he left the dojo, he challenged me to a death match in Kyoto. Against my better judgment, I accepted. If I haven't returned over a long period of time, then that means I have lost against him.

Yahiko, Megumi and Sano, all of you, I can understand if you are angry with me for leaving without you. However, you have to understand that this is something that I'd rather not drag anyone else into. I've already lost Miss Kaoru and I don't want to lose you or anyone else, as well.

I hope that one day you all can forgive me.

Kenshin.

Yahiko frowned with anger before standing up and walking outside. "Excuse me, I need some fresh air." Yahiko said darkly.

The members of the Oniwaban looked to each other, and then all eyes were on Daisuke and Sano. Daisuke, recovering from Sano's shove, shrugged, "I suppose, I should explain everything now?"

Aoshi replied, "I believe that would be the best option."

Daisuke nodded. "Okay, but I warn you, it may sound a bit unbelievable."

5 minutes later….

"I don't believe you." Misao spat with an agitated frown. "Besides, if any of that were true, I'd think we would notice something by now, since we live in Kyoto! Rooster head, how could you and Yahiko be so gullible?! This guy's just yanking your chain to get something out of you!"

Daisuke blinked twice. "But, it's the truth."

Misao shouted while pointing an accusing finger in his face, "Prove it!"

Okina sat and watched silently. He was smart enough to stay out of Misao's way when she got worked up. The other member of the Oniwaban followed his lead, including Aoshi. Sanosuke wasn't going to say anything to cause the fireball known as Misao to burn him as well. He also stood down.

Daisuke shook his head, "Sorry, I can't do that. I only displayed my powers to Mr. Sagara and Yahiko because they are directly involved. Also, I am not allowed to flaunt my powers just to receive approval from a twenty one year old girl. My apologies, but I have to do what I must to protect this world, no matter what."

Sanosuke sighed. "Look, Misao. Me and Yahiko saw what this guy could do. He's for real. There's no way anyone fake the stuff he did. Also, if there's a chance that Karou can be brought back to life, I'm willing to risk my life, if I have to. She wasn't supposed to die, and on top of that, she was murdered on her own birthday. The same day Kenshin was gonna tell her how he really felt about her. If this works, everything can go back to the way it was."

Okina grinned widely. "Indeed! The power of friendship that transcends through the darkness of death and the brilliance of life! The love of Kenshin Himura and Kaoru Kamiya will shine like the morning star and rise above the wickedness of hell itself to defeat the ultimate evil! Beware, Makoto Shishio! Soon, you shall taste the power of our friendship which will serve you utter defeat on a shining, golden platter! Muwahahahahaha! Huh?" Okina looked around to see everyone well on their way out the door.

The group walked to the Shirobeko with Okina lagging behind them. They took this time to do some catching up, which surprisingly didn't take too long. Misao and Aoshi were saving up to get married and buy a house together. Apparently, Aoshi was the one who made the first move and admitted his feeling to Misao when she was seventeen. They've been dating ever since. As for Okon, she and Kurojo had a short relationship. Kuro apparently always tried to come to her aide for the smallest of things. She got frustrated and broke the whole thing off. They remain the best of friends, however. Shirojo hit on Omasu once, while dead drunk. He got slapped. He woke up with a hangover and a massive bruise on his cheek the very next day. Needless to say, he will never get that drunk again. After trading stories, a momentary silence followed before someone spoke again.

"Man," said Sano, "it's been a while since I've been at the Shirobeko. I wonder if they'll let us eat for free."

Misao giggled, "Yup, same ol' rooster head. I heard about your infamous tab back at the Akebeko in Tokyo."

Sano froze up. "Yikes! Hey, would you mind not mentioning that when we get there?"

Omasu laughed. "Sure, and besides, they already know. Just who else would Tae mail a letter to about freeloaders? Tae has to look out for her twin sister, you know?"

Okon shrugged. "Well, I guess Mr. Sagara may not be eating today. I only have enough for myself."

Aoshi replied, "I could lend you money, Sagara."

Sano's face lit up. "Really? You could?"

Aoshi nodded. "Yes. However, you tab suggests that I should not expect reimbursement, which means I would really be giving money away. That is not good for me, since I do have particular investments that must be made."

Sano expression flattened. "What great friends you are." Sano said with obvious sarcasm. "Hey, Kuro, Shiro, can ya help a guy out?"

Shirojo and Kurojo exchanged glances, and then looked back at Sanosuke and replied in unison, "No way."

Sanosuke sighed in defeat and shook his head. "I can't believe you guys would let me starve! No only that, you're planning to eat in front of me!" That was when he received a tap on his shoulder. He turned his head to the side to see Daisuke.

Daisuke smiled, as usual. "Hey, I could spot you some cash, but you'll have to owe me a favor and you can't go back on your word."

Sano quickly stood up straight and then smirked. "No problem. Sanosuke Sagara never goes back on his word!"

"Unless it involves returning borrowed money…" Yahiko muttered.

"HEY!" Sano glared at Yahiko. "I heard that!"

At that moment, laughter exploded from the group, minus Sanosuke as they came to the front of the Shirobeko. It had been a long time since Yahiko and Sano had been to the place, but it was certain that they would be greeted warmly by Tae's twin sister, Sae. Daisuke, on the other hand, suddenly had a distant expression. He looked as if he were truly worried about something.

In actuality, Daisuke was afraid. He hadn't told them the entire story and wasn't sure if he should do so. The look on his face seemed to throw off the people around him. Yahiko asked him what was wrong, but Daisuke assured him that it was simply the cause of hunger. Yahiko accepted with a shrug as they entered the restaurant.

However, Misao knew better. She new this guy was hiding something and could see it written all over his face. Daisuke avoided eye contact with her, full knowing of the icy glare she had been shooting at him every since the left the Aoiya. Everyone else, even Aoshi continued on normally as they were seated in a booth by one of the other waitresses. Misao took a seat directly in front of Daisuke and continued to stare him down, causing the angel to become extremely uncomfortable.

Dai chuckled nervously. "Is there something wrong, Miss Misao?"

Misao replied with a frown, "Yup."

Dai then asked, "Well, would you mind telling me what it is?"

Misao scoffed. "You know what it is, so why don't you tell me?"

Daisuke sighed. "Listen, I've already explained everything I know about this, there is nothing more that I can tell you."

Misao sneered. "Oh, really? Then tell me why you've been acting so nervous lately. Your left hand trembles every time the subject comes up and right now, you're sweating despite the low temperature."

Daisuke smiled. "You're imagining things. I just have extremely healthy sweat glands in my human form. As for my hand I-"

"Bullshit!" Misao snapped and stood up abruptly, causing all eyes to rest on her fuming form.

Aoshi put his hand on her shoulder and spoke softly, "Misao, please calm down. You shouldn't get worked up so quickly."

Yahiko sighed. "Man, can't we at least get along until after we eat?"

Sano nodded in agreement. "Yeah! Dai's gonna lend me the cash, so save the fighting until afterwards!"

Okon scoffed. "You would say something like that you freeloader.."

Sanosuke protested, "Hey! I'm not a freeloader! I'm a friend in need!"

Osamu nodded, "Yes, he's a friend in need….of a real job."

Kurojo and Shirojo laughed heartily at Sanosuke's expense. Soon, everyone at the table except Daisuke, Sano and Misao joined in the laugher.

Sano simply put his head on the table and muttered, "Ah, screw you guys."

Misao continued to stare at Daisuke until finally she stood up and said, "Follow me." She then walked away from the table and back out the front door. Daisuke reluctantly followed, knowing that Misao would not give up until she got what she wanted. Since, he had a feeling this wouldn't be a quick conversation, he left Sano the money to pay for his food before leaving.

Mere moments later, Misao and Daisuke were outside of the Shirobeko. However, she continued to walk ever further as Daisuke followed. He had to admit that she was pretty quick, even though she was walking. He almost had to jog in order to keep up with her. It seemed as if an hour went by before she finally stopped. They were now standing before what looked like a gravesite. Misao stood before the site and motioned for Daisuke to stand next to her and without fuss, he complied.

Daisuke asked, "Why are you showing me this? What is the point?"

Misao sighed. "Just shut up and listen, okay? This is where the older members of the Oniwaban are buried. Shikijo, Beshimi, Hyottoko, and Hanya. They were all like a family to me. The day that I learned about their deaths, I made a promise. I promised them that I would keep on living and protect those precious to me no matter what the cost. As a ninja, it is my duty to be aware of everything that goes on around my territory. This brings me to my point. Daisuke, I don't know if you mean well or not, but I won't let you leave here without telling me everything."

Daisuke sighed and turned away. "Are you saying that you will kill me otherwise?"

Misao nodded. "I am a ninja, after all. I don't like the idea, mind you, but right now, I see you as a threat to me and my friends. Unless you prove otherwise, I'll have no other choice."

Daisuke smiled. "You are quite admirable, Miss Misao. I know that no matter how much I tell you I am no threat, you will not believe me."

Misao smirked. "At least we can agree on one thing."

Daisuke nodded in reply and then continued, "However, I can't allow you to stop me from my mission and also, I cannot reveal anymore information than I already have. You see, the details I left out are not for your ears. Only Mr. Himura and Ms. Kamiya may hear these things. I'm sorry."

Misao's expression softened into slight sadness as she pulled out two of her kunai and got into her kempo fighting stance.

"So am I."