Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Harry Potter.
Woo...I'm on a row with this story eh?
Anyway, enjoy!
Hideaki fumed inwardly as the two entered the village. From what the boy had told them upon awakening, his home, Shingetsu Village, had been overtaken by Shishio, and abandoned by the government.
His mind turned over every piece of information they had extracted from the child. Two years ago, Shishio's followers came to our village unannounced and unexpected, the boy had said. They killed all the police stationed here and others too, when they were dispatched to investigate. Slowly, the government stopped sending anyone and more of Shishio's followers arrived. The leader amongst these men, and the one in absolute control of Shingetsu, is called Senkaku. Shishio usually visits the village twice a year, a week long every time. The good news is Shishio has just arrived and will be meeting Senkaku at the inn. Now is the ideal time to save my parents, and to infiltrate the place.
"Well, this certainly looks like a ghost town…" the raven whispered, taking in the run-down buildings and noting the absence of a single soul.
The two moved further into the village and Yoshida felt rage stir within him, an emotion he had not experienced with such ferociousness since the Bakumatsu. For in front of them, hanging by their necks for all to behold, were the corpses of a man and a woman. Blood dripped in a steady pattern from the multiple wounds adorning their bodies, accumulating in a puddle by their lifeless feet.
"These wounds correspond to those on the body of the boy's brother. This is no doubt the work of Senkaku," Kenshin muttered. "Come on, Hideaki-san. We need to locate the inn. According to the young child, Senkaku should be entertaining Shishio there right now. We cannot linger."
Before they could move, a piercing cry of anguish sounded from the forest's edge, courtesy of the boy whom stubbornly followed them here.
"FATHER! MOTHER!"
Hideaki cursed, and mere moments later, the two swordsmen found themselves surrounded by armed black clad men, masks obscuring the lower halves of their faces.
"Hey you," the leader, a hulking man with an iron headband around his forehead, pointed a rod in their direction. "You are outsiders. And all outsiders are to be killed!"
Various weapons were aimed in their direction, but the duo weren't fazed in the slightest. In the ensuing silence, Kenshin spoke, seemingly calm on the outside, but a hint of anger could be detected.
"Why did you kill them?"
"Their sons planned to escape the village. They bore the responsibility and so Senkaku-sama executed them. And we hung them up as a warning," the leader sneered, oblivious the rising ire of the two opponents.
"…As an example…unforgivable…absolutely barbaric…" Green eyes narrowed as a fist clenched.
Even years after retiring from the Shinsengumi, the morals they uphold were engraved into his very being. Shinsengumi were meant to be there to protect the people, to stop evil like this. He would not stand by and do nothing.
"Shishio-sama took this village from the spineless government pigs! Senkaku-sama controls this village, where the privileges of living here are granted by Shishio-sama! As per their wishes, all outsiders are to be eliminated! Prepare yourselves!"
Normally light green eyes turned dark, nearly black as the long-bladed katana was drawn. Before any one could move, the raven was amongst the masked men. "Kage no Nagare…"
Kenshin watched as, true to his companion's declared technique, Hideaki certainly did flow. Nothing was able to even graze him as the former captain evaded and spun, blade flashing with every turn. All the enemies ever saw before they were cut down was a passing shadow and a flash of steel. He was still as deadly with the blade as he was during the Bakumatsu. But true to his words, the raven did not lose himself, did not deal killing blows despite the rage in his eyes.
Turning back to the remaining men, the rurouni spoke quietly, "The ones who should prepare are you."
In a blink of an eye, the sakabato was drawn and the leader of the mob was sent flying into his men behind, blood spraying from his mouth.
"Normally, I would ask for those who do not wish to fight to step aside," the rurouni was halfway gone, and those who met the stare of the Battousai trembled in fear. "However, this time, I will fight until not one of you remain standing!"
Coming back-to-back, Kenshin and Hideaki made quick work of the remaining lackeys. Felling them with cold precision and unchanging expressions. They barely even looked away from their task, not even with the appearance of a familiar ki, Only when the fight (more like a one-sided skirmish) was over did they glance towards the boy and Misao, blinking at the sight of the tall figure approaching.
"Aren't the both of you meant to be on your way to Kyoto?" Saitou said as he kicked the downed bodies out of his path. His amber eyes scanned the area, an eyebrow lifting in mild surprise at his former comrade's bloody sword.
"Hajime-san?"
"Why have you come, Saitou?"
"To do my job. I received a report from one of my men saying that Shishio is here. I decided to come on foot as I had some time before the subjugation forces reached Kyoto," his eyes roamed over the abandoned village. "However, he does not appear to be present right now."
"One of your men in this village, Hajime-san? Does that mean the boy's brother was a spy?"
"Boy?" Saitou glanced over to the child by Misao's side. "Ah, him. Mishima Eiichirou was originally a Shingetsu resident. I sent him here as he could infiltrate the area without arousing suspicion. He was most likely discovered and tried to protect his family. Stupid boy. He should have waited for my arrival."
As one of the few who were able to read the stoic captain, Hideaki's heart went out to his friend. Saitou was just as upset over the boy and his parents' deaths as they were. He caught the other man's eyes and gave a comforting smile.
"Hey, you! Don't show such blatant disrespect for the dead!" Misao snapped, still wrapping an arm around the small shoulders of the recent orphan.
An eyebrow arched, and the two swordsmen shared a slightly amused look. They knew what was coming.
"Eh? A weasel girl?"
"DIE YOU BASTARD!" An enraged onmitsu made to charge towards the smug looking officer.
"Mou, mou, Misao-dono, that's how Saitou is. If you continue to be riled up by him, the nickname will never leave."
"More importantly," the forbidding tone of Yoshida's voice brought their attention back to the matter at hand. "We should take those bodies down and mourn for them."
"That's right," Kenshin nodded and the two moved.
"Stop right there!" An old voice called out.
The five turned to stare at the old man hobbling into the village's centre, the residents of said village gathering behind him.
"You cannot cut them down," the elderly stated calmly. "If you do, you will bring the wrath of Senkaku down upon us. We cannot hope to escape it. We will leave them as they are until we receive his permission to do otherwise."
"What are you talking about?" the teenager exclaimed, taken back by what she'd just heard. "They are people of your village! Shouldn't that overrule whatever this Senkaku guy says? Are you just going to obey him out of fear?"
However, the villagers were not moved, "Obeying Senkaku means life, girl. To defy him means death. In order not to make things worse for our village, you, your friends and the Mishima orphan boy should leave at once."
"You – "
A firm hand on her head stopped Misao short.
"Save your breath. In this era, few are willing to stand and fight for what they believe in. Preferring to live as livestock and living in fear. They have no need for pride or respect from others," Disgust filled eyes bored into the mass, who shuffled uneasily under the gaze.
"Hajime-san's right, Makimachi-san," Hideaki narrowed his eyes at the group opposite. "For the people of Japan to fall this far in such a short time…sometimes I wonder if the future is anything to look forward to."
"And what does a stranger know of our lives?" One villager demanded.
"That's right. It was all because the police were weak and helpless!"
"You cannot comprehend what we go through every day in order to ensure our continued existence!"
"Anyway, we cannot permit you to take down those bodies. Leave this village at once," the old man commanded, but went unheeded.
Kenshin strolled up to the gallows, and with a swing of his sword, severed the ropes, which strung the corpses up by. Sheathing his own weapon, the former Shinsengumi went over to haul one of the bodies up, setting it down gently on the earth.
The tall officer recited a brief mantra over the two deceased villagers before murmuring, low enough so only the three of them could hear, "The fate of this village will be the fate of Japan should Shishio ever win. Everyone will be controlled out of fear and violence. They will be reduced to animals, seeking only survival and sacrificing all dignity and morals."
"Hajime-san, did the government really abandon this village?"
"Yoshida, this is not the only one. A total of ten villages have fallen into Shishio's hands. You and I both know how quickly that man operates."
"Ah, so his forces had already settled here even before backup could arrive. That's why the government left them to their fate."
Misao frowned, "Then why not simply mobilise the army?"
"Idiot weasel. It's only been half a year since the southwest war. If the army were to mobilise, it would reveal weakness to foreign countries," amber eyes darkened. "Besides, we would not receive permission to use the army in the first place. No one else wishes to meet an end like Okubo's."
"The government, the police, the people. All are helpless before Shishio and his men. That is why the future of Japan rests on the shoulders of men like us," Saitou continued. "We've identified the location of the inn Shishio is currently in. Will both of you go there with me before continuing your journey to Kyoto?"
A cold smile curled Yoshida's lips, "Do you even need to ask, Hajime-san?"
"I'm going too!" The girl announced.
"No, stay here," Kenshin instructed. "Stay with Eiji."
Misao hesitated, eventually giving her consent, holding the orphan close to her side as they watched the three warriors leave.
All three were silent on their walk to the destination, a mutual determination and calmness surrounding them with every step.
"Himura Kenshin, the Hitokiri Battousai, Saitou Hajime, Shinsengumi third squad captain and Yoshida Hideaki, Shinsengumi fourth squad captain. Am I right?" a young male voice called cheerfully from the front door.
The flash of blue cloth had Yoshida on high alert, "Careful. This is the one who assassinated Okubo-san."
"Ma, ma, you have nothing to worry right now. I am unarmed, see?" the boy presented his weaponless hands as the trio came to a halt.
At first glance, the fourth squad captain was momentarily taken back by the boy's appearance. For a few seconds, his surrogate brother's face overlapped the youth's, causing a dull ache in his heart. The he blinked and the vision was gone. Mentally smacking himself, the raven-haired man took a good long analysis of the one before him. Slowly but surely, miniscule differences registered. Unlike Okita, this one has absolutely no darkness in his eyes, his stance conveying absolutely no threat. Not even the slightest killing intent emitted from the youth. And in Hideaki's eyes, that just made him all the more dangerous. The Okita look-alike was skilled with the sword, as seen from his successful assassination. This swordsman was not going to take his eyes off the boy. It pays to be observant, after all.
In his peripheral vision, he noted the calculating stares Kenshin and Hajime were giving the youth, who cheerfully stepped aside for the unannounced guests.
"I'm just a guide today. Shishio-san is waiting inside. Please come in," the boy invited, carefree smile still in place.
"We wouldn't be able to get anything done by being overly cautious," Saitou smirked darkly, and took the first step forward. "Let's go."
Exchanging a quick nod, the shorter swordsmen followed their guide into the inn's interior. As they walked, Yoshida absently started to map the building's structure; taking note of weak points in the house and possible escape routes. Few minutes later had beautifully decorated shoji doors open, revealing a bare, spacious, but well-lit room. However, green eyes did not linger over the area. Instead, they were drawn to the man seated on the far end of the room on some cushions, heavily bandaged from head to toe, a sword lying within his reach as he puffed away on a pipe. Crimson eyes stood out from the stark whiteness of his figure, a fierce, fiery ki emitting from his person. A beautiful female sat to his right, seemingly uninterested at the sudden arrival of three unannounced guests.
Hideaki frowned as a sense of familiarity washed over him. The same feeling he got every time he came into contact with this man. A sense he wanted to discover the meaning behind. But right now, this wasn't the time to ponder on the strange instinct he had when facing his adversary.
"So, you are Shishio Makoto," Kenshin stated flatly from between his two companions.
"Please, at least call me Shishio-kun…my rude predecessor," a deep, dry voice replied.
"What a thing to say, Shishio. The feeling is mutual on both sides," the raven muttered darkly.
"Should you really be standing there so casually?" Saitou asked the complacent youth beside him lightly. "Battousai and Yoshida could take a swing and kill Shishio, you know."
"Oh, I know they could," the youth grinned knowingly. "But unlike you, Himura has his honour and Yoshida still sticks to his morals. They will not resolve to using dirty tricks, no matter how much they may dislike Shishio-san."
The officer huffed in irritation at being read so easily, and turned his attention back to the main threat.
"Why did you target this place?" Kenshin frowned. "Your goal is the whole of Japan. Taking over measly villages is not going to help you."
The bandaged man took a long drag of the pipe before replying, "For the onsen. They soothe my burnt skin, but I didn't want the other bathers to see me, so I made them my own."
The rurouni felt his indignation raise at the statement, "You…for that alone, you terrorised this whole village?!"
A chuckle escaped Shishio, "Ah, I'm joking, I'm joking. Really, no need to get so worked up over it. Learn to take a joke, will you?"
Before any other retorts could be flung at the arrogant man, Saitou planted his fist not-so-gently on an irritated Kenshin's head, "Temper, you take jokes as well as the weasel girl does."
"Well, the real reason is because this village is a strategic military base for dominating the Toukai region. Although the onsen is an added bonus," the crimson-eyed man explained, waving away the growls coming from Kenshin and Yoshida's pointed glares.
"So, with this stronghold you intend to take revenge on the Meji government for the bandages they force you to wear, boy?" Hajime taunted, smirk not diminishing the slightest through the entire exchange.
"Saitou Hajime, Shinsengumi Third Squad captain, you are more like me than the Battousai or your comrade is, therefore, I thought that you would understand better, but it looks like I was wrong. I have absolutely no intention of seeking revenge from those that forced me into these bandages. Rather, I think I should thank them, for they burnt important lessons into this body of mine. 'If you trust, you will be betrayed', 'If you let down your guard, you will die', 'Kill or be killed'. Truly, this is not the first time I've experienced this. Also…women will come to real men no matter their looks," by his side, the graceful female ran light fingers across the bandaged cheek as Shishio leaned back smugly.
"If that's the case, shouldn't you be more content?" Yoshida crossed his arms, seemingly relaxed in his posture as his eyes pinned his enemy in place.
"He's right, you know," Saito quipped. "I am tired of running around the country chasing you."
A sign of irritation came from Shishio, "Why can't you understand my feelings? We four survived the Bakumatsu against all odds. That was the first era of chaos after a peaceful thirty-year reign. A period of time when everyone took up arms and fought for what they believed in. A man who is born and who lived through these times is one who will try and rule the world."
At this, the infuriating smirk on Saitou's face fell, causing Yoshida to go on high alert. Things did not bode well when the smirk disappeared.
The disfigured man twirled the delicate pipe between his fingers as he continued, seemingly oblivious to the slight shift in the atmosphere, "But by the time my wounds healed and I could function properly once more, the Meiji Era had already started. They brought an end to the violence and peace descended once more. Now the very same government who is trying to capture me is too afraid to mobilise more men to kill this half-alive warlord. Instead hiding behind the skirts of other hardened killers of the Bakumatsu period."
The pipe snapped and all three involuntarily tensed, even as the crimson-eyed one spoke, "This weak government…I refuse to leave this country to weak people like them! I'll make this country strong once more, I'll awaken the need for violence again! I will gain control. This is the justice I will bring to this country."
"And more blood will flow for this justice you so proclaim," Hideaki growled. "During the Bakumatsu, many bleed for the peace others are living in now. A peace which you will shatter for your twisted ambition."
It was hard to keep his tone even, to keep his emotions calm. All he could think about was what will happen should the monster in front of him succeed. Families would be torn apart, much like Eiji's was. Not to mention the lives many brave souls sacrificed during the revolution in hopes of their country becoming peaceful once more. Many of them were his comrades, his friends who now lie buried in the earth, who he had no hope of seeing once more.
"It is survival of the fittest, but I do not expect you to understand," a hand was waved dismissively, the owner not even blinking when Kenshin's sakabatou was drawn.
"I will not allow you to shed more blood in the name of your justice," the rurouni declared firmly.
"I will stop you with everything I have. I will not allow you to belittle the sacrifices of my comrades and brothers," Hideaki added a second later.
"And what about you, Saitou-san?" the cheery voice asked.
"I am not to make pretty speeches, but it seems my fate is to side the one whose intentions are to bring Shishio down."
"It does not matter if we fight right now or not," Kenshin's successor said flippantly. "I had hope to do it in Kyoto, the city of flowers. It would make such a fitting backdrop. But I guess if you really want to fight…"
All three leaped back as huge knuckle blades erupted from beneath the floorboards, an immense, muscular man following its path upwards.
"…Then Senkaku, the ruler of Shingetsu, will be your opponent!"
"You know, Hajime-san, right now I wish Sanjurou-san was here. He would have nagged this guy dead for his sense of fashion," Despite their current situation, Yoshida couldn't help but snicker at the skin-tight shirt and shorts Senkaku was wearing. To his right, Hajime snorted in amusement at his remark.
"So you are Senkaku, the one who killed Eiji's parents and brother…"
With a wordless roar, the behemoth charged and smashed a blade through the floor, forcing the trio apart as they avoided the blow.
He's quick despite his size, the raven thought, eyes widening a fraction as the kaiken filled his vision, smashing into his side and sending him crashing into the opposite wall.
"Oh my, seems like the years of isolation made the feared Denko Hebi weak," the youth laughed, unfazed by the carnage around him.
"Hideaki-san," the redhead gasped, only to stop as he noticed Saitou's calm expression.
"This weakling is no match for me!" Senkaku laughed, but froze as a cold voice spoke from where his right fist was.
"I made a promise to Eiji-kun and his brother. I accepted his last wish of saving his family. But since you made sure it was impossible, I will settle with taking you down!"
The debris cleared and everyone could see the fourth captain standing, unharmed as his still sheathed katana blocked the fatal blow. What caused everyone to gape in disbelief was the damage the sheathed weapon did to the giant's blade. Down the middle, where both weapons met, a big chip marred the otherwise perfectly curved edge. Small cracks ran from it, but the opponent took no notice.
To the side, the redhead was impressed by the sheer sturdiness of his friend's weapon, "How did it stay intact? Any other sheaths I know of would have been smashed to smithereens."
"His sword is unique. I have seen it take more damage than this and still come out with only a scratch. I don't know here he got it from, save that it has been by his side from the first moment I met him," the third squad captain shrugged, amber eyes fixed intensely on the duelling pair. "Now keep quiet, it's a rare occasion to see that one fight. I want to enjoy the show."
"Take me down?" Senkaku mocked. "I'd like to see you try, midget!"
The big man threw punches left and right, forcing the raven to leap backwards to avoid being beheaded.
"I, Senkaku, who have killed ninety-nine people before you, will make you the hundredth!"
Snorting as he continued dodging, Hideaki goaded, "Ninety-nine? That's nothing to be proud of. Even the lowliest member of the Shinsengumi has a tally higher than that!"
Blocking the damaged kaiken once more with his sheathed sword, the ex-captain added, "Besides, I sincerely doubt you will be able to kill me. You haven't even succeeded in making me draw my sword."
With that, the swordsman increased his speed, moving behind the hulking opponent in an instant, drawing his katana in the process.
"You are fast, Denko Hebi, but when comparing speed, I am faster!"
Senkaku spun to the left, swinging his knuckle blade in an arc, a shark-like grin on his face as the short male did not move out of the way. Instead, the second before the blade hit, the raven twisted, pushing his body upwards at the same moment. The momentum propelled him so his clothes brushed against the flat side of the opponent's weapon and he struck. The long katana sliced through the steel protection around Senkaku's wrist, tearing through the muscles of the behemoth's left forearm. Reversing the grip on his sword, he inflicted another deep gash on his opponent's other forearm, cutting through nerves and veins, successfully restricting the movement of both limbs.
"A true Hebi indeed, aiming for vital points," Senkaku sneered. "But these wounds are nothing! My speed is not the slightest bit affected!"
"Well, we'll have to remedy that, won't we?"
Without further ado, the Shinsengumi struck twice more, aiming for the lower half of the man's body. After all, with no legs to stand on, speed means nothing. Both blows were successfully warded off, and Yoshida clicked his tongue in mild annoyance.
The two kaiken came sweeping down in a cross, and that was when he saw an opening. Making use of his petite build, he narrowly avoided being sliced in half, instead flipping overhead at the last instant and tucking his sword close to his side. As Senkaku's eyes followed his movement, Yoshida disappeared.
"Hah, I told you using speed against me would not work! I know you are above – "
Two curved blades struck the air inches above the raven's head, who was nonchalantly getting rid of blood from his blade.
"What – when – "
Before anything else could be said, multiple crisscrossed wounds appeared on the big man's thighs, crimson blood flowing in a steady stream from the deep cuts. There was a grunt as the giant wobbled, crashing down to one knee. Senkaku gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand, only to go back to square one the moment his was on his feet.
Snarling, he yelled, "Even without my legs, I can still fight! My kaiken are still here, so come at me, Denko Hebi!"
There was a rush of wind before Hideaki appeared in front of his opponent, sword pointed upwards.
Cold green eyes narrowed, "Wrong, Senkaku. Not even your kaiken remains."
As soon as he said it, the curved blades cracked and crumpled right in front of the behemoth's disbelieving stare.
"Speed and strength are great weapons to have, but they are not infallible. Your offensive is excellent, I'll give you that, but your defence is your weakness. Anyone who's able to keep calm and exploit those would be able to take you down without breaking a sweat," the swordsman lectured as he swung his katana to rid the blood on it. "Everyone you have fought up til now were intimidated by your strength, speed and size. They did not keep a cool head with fear clouding their minds."
"The weapon of choice was fitting for Senkaku, but against a weapon with a longer reach in the hands of a skilled swordsman, it is of no match. Especially when one's defence has as many holes as his did," Kenshin observed.
"A pity really, it seems the bear was taken down by a mere snake. You may have killed ninety-nine people, but the hundredth was yourself," Saitou scoffed from the sidelines. "Hey, Yoshida, you took too long."
"Eh? But Hajime-san, didn't you say you wanted to enjoy the show?"
Turning back to the fallen man, Yoshida allowed his earlier displeasure to show. His eyes darkened and turned unforgiving, not a single trace of mercy in his stance, a sight that sent shivers down Senkaku's spine. In addition to his rising fear, Saitou and Kenshin's expressions were similar to that of the raven.
"W-wait!" he stammered and began to sweat. "I-I did not r-really kill that many people! Ni-ninety-nine was just a-a figure of speech!"
"That it may be," the fourth squad captain murmured as he took slow, deliberate steps forward, sword lifting into the air. "But it still does not change the fact that you killed Eiji's family."
"Senkaku," Shishio's disdainful voice caught everyone's attention. "I never expected you to win, but if you lose without showing me even one of my rival's major techniques…then I will take your life, with my own hands…"
Hideaki tilted his head at Shishio, a mock pout on his lips, "The Konton no Kiba technique I so generously showed was not enough for you, Shishio? Truly, you are a greedy man."
Facing Senkaku, who had forced himself to his feet at the threat to his life and readied himself for a final charge, the raven shook his head, "I will not show anything else, unfortunately…"
Blocking the combined swing of both arms with his sheath, Hideaki brought the giant back down to his knees with one slash to the hips, "…the only mercy I am willing to show you is ending your life swiftly by my hands."
The gleaming blade rose and fell, the lifeless body landing with a loud thump as it collapsed onto the partially destroyed floor. A stilted silence followed before the bloody sword was levelled at the bandaged man.
"Anyone else you want to send? If that is all, then get your sword, Shishio Makoto. It's time to settle the score between us."
The heavy atmosphere weighed upon everyone as green met crimson, and no one dared move. Until Saitou reached out and slid the shoji open, causing Misao and Eiji to tumble into the room.
"Stop hiding and come out."
"Makimachi-san? Eiji-kun?" Inwardly, Yoshida was cursing.
How long were they there for? Judging from the way both pair of eyes widened when he met them, the two children were watching when he cut Senkaku down. Taking a deep breath, he turned away. This was reality, and if Misao intended to follow them, this was a taste of what she has to get over when the situation is inevitable.
"Stay close to us, Misao-dono, Eiji-kun," Kenshin instructed after recovering from his initial shock.
"As brutal as ever when the situation calls for it, eh, Yoshida Hideaki?" Shishio whistled. "It's too bad I did not get to see one of your mojor techniques. This is boring, I don't want to fight."
Grabbing hold of the sword by his side, the burnt man threw it over to the smiling youth, "Play with them a little, Soujirou. In fact, pick another to test. Show them my Tenken in return for seeing one of Denko Hebi's favourite minor techniques Konton no Kiba."
"Are you sure?" The boy, Soujirou, asked. "That's an unequal exchange."
"I am sure, after all, the Shinsengumi fourth squad captain would not make it one of his signature moves if it was as easily countered as it looks. Am I right, Yoshida Hideaki? Or should I say…Fallen Saviour?"
A hidden panel slipped open, revealing a flight of stairs leading downwards as both Shishio and his woman descended.
"W-what did you just say?" Green eyes widened in shock.
However, the warlock simply shot him a superior smirk and vanished from his sight. Finally pushing the sudden numbness away, Hideaki lunged forward as the hatch began to close.
"COME BACK, SHISHIO YOU BASTARD! HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT?! WHO TOLD YOU?! COME BACK YOU – "
Soujirou blocked his path, and the raven snarled, "Get out of my way, brat, or I'll kill you where you stand."
The four spectators could only stare in shock as the youth continued smiling at the enraged swordsman, not the least bit affected by the waves of murderous ki emitting from him.
"That's too bad, Denko Hebi. Shishio-san has already left."
Hearing the faint hoof beats grow even more distant, Hideaki gave another wordless snarl and closed his eyes, searching for a single rational and calm piece inside him to help reign in his raging emotions. He was beginning to think coming out of self-isolation wasn't such a good idea after all. It has been a long while since he had snapped. Hell, the first and last time Hajime had seen him like this was two years into the Bakumatsu.
Opening his eyes when he felt peaceful enough, the former captain stalked back over to his companions, replying the rurouni's concerned gaze with a distracted nod.
"Well, since Shishio-san asked me to pick one of the other two, I guess it's your turn, ne, Himura-san?"
"This one does not wish to engage in meaningless battles," Kenshin answered, violet eyes trained on the boy.
"Is that so? Too bad. I guess I'll have to attack one of the children to get you willing to fight. I have been asked to show you my Tenken, but without an opponent, how am I supposed to do that?"
"I don't think there's a need for it," the raven swordsman said evenly, expression calm once more, a far cry from how he was minutes before. "Without the presence of all other emotions save amusement, you have no ki to be read by your opponents. In addition to your seemingly natural talent at kenjutsu, you are impossible to read. Hence the name Tenken."
"Ma, you may know the theory, but I have to show you, as commanded by Shishio-san. I don't like going against orders, you know."
"Then show it to me, Soujirou-san," Yoshida stepped forward. "After all, it was I who showed my technique. I suppose it's only fair. What do you say?"
"Nope, that won't do," the boy shook is head, grinning cheerfully. "Shishio-san said to pick one of the other…well actually, he wanted to test Himura-san, but you were the one who Senkaku stupidly aimed for instead. So now, I will have to test Himura-san myself. No one else."
Grey eyes turned on the two children in the room, and the other three stiffened. Eventually, Kenshin placed a hand on the shoulder of the green-eyed man and gently nudged him back.
"If that's the case, then this one will accept your challenge."
"Ok, but we should make this quick. If I don't hurry, I won't be able to catch up to Shishio-san."
Without another word, Kenshin slid into a battoujutsu stance, which Soujirou mirrored. One his side, the redhead let out his ki, focusing it solely on the youth in front. The tableau held for few seconds before both struck with lightning fast moves. There was a sound of breaking steel and all eyes were on the piece of sakabatou which flipped several times in the air before burying itself in the wooden floor, still quivering with the amount of force behind it.
"Match point, isn't it?" the youth commented gleefully.
The former third squad captain smirked, "Yes…the match ended in a draw, as both weapons are in no condition to continue."
And in front of their eyes, the blade in Soujirou's hand broke as well, thousands of tiny cracks running along its entire length.
"Woah…" Misao and Eiji breathed in astonishment.
"Oh, it's beyond repair," the boy smiled, slipping it back into its sheath. "Oh well, that was a good quick little spar. I hope we can meet once more, Himura-san. Although, it would be better to acquire a better sword and look for us again when you have gotten rid of your rurouni self. Even Yoshida-san do not supress his Shinsengumi self as much as you do."
With that, the almost-emotionless youth disappeared.
"Kenshin-san…are you alright?" the raven asked, slightly concerned.
"Ah, I'm fine."
"So…where will he find a new sakabatou?" Misao mused aloud.
"I'm more concerned about Shishio and his gang getting away," Hajime muttered, earning a kick from the female omnitsu.
"Well, we can always make a new sword and find Shishio again," Kenshin murmured, a slightly strained smile on his face. "For now, at least Shishio's men have pulled out from the vicinity. Of that, I am glad."
"Well I am not!" Although soft, the hatred filled voice stopped all conversations, drawing all eyes to the glaring form of Eiji.
Everyone parted as the child stalked towards a slightly bewildered Yoshida. The kid pulled back a small fist, and slammed it with all his might into the raven's gut. The green-eyed man kneeled over, more out of shock than from actual pain.
"You! You took my revenge away from me! You killed Senkaku when it should have been me! You killed him! Now it's impossible to obtain revenge with my own hands! How will I ever face my family's grave! I should have been the one to kill him! I cannot obtain my revenge now…" Eiji pounded his fists against the swordsman's chest, screaming strongly despite the tears rolling down his face. "I cannot kill him now…"
"Good."
The firm, one-worded reply caused eyebrows to rise, and a teary-eyed boy to glare holes at the ground. A hand landed on the boy's soft dark locks and gently tilted his head up to meet intense green eyes.
"It's good," Hideaki repeated. "To stain a pure hand such as yours with blood is not something your parents and brother would have wanted. The dead do not desire revenge, but the happiness of those living. In time, these unstained hands of yours will grow big. You will be an adult, a man who won't be oppressed by those of greater strength like Shishio. You will be a man not powerless, not downtrodden and frightened like those men of your village. You will be a man like your brother, protecting and caring for those around you til the end. And you will be happy, because you have experienced the darkest part of life and still come out pure. And I will be glad to stain my hands once more if it means you will become that man. For unlike you, I am already unredeemable."
Shifting uncomfortably as he felt every pair of eyes on him, Hideaki rubbed the back of his neck and forced a strained laugh. However, before he could take a step back, Eiji's arms came around his waist as he bawled, finally letting go of all anger, bitterness and hatred harboured within.
From atop the hill, all five watched as Senkaku's corpse was wheeled away, the villagers rejoicing with relish.
"Now Shingetsu village can return to normal," Kenshin muttered as they watched several police officers made their way into the damaged inn.
"All those gutless guys who wouldn't stand up for themselves look pretty content…that leaves me unsatisfied," Misao mumbled.
"In this terrible matter, the ugliness in the villagers' hearts is brought to light. Things will be unsettled for a while, I believe," the dark smirk was still in place as Saitou's eyes gleamed disturbingly.
"I'll never understand the thoughts of this guy," the teenager shot an uneasy glance at the tall officer.
"Ah, don't worry, Makimachi-san. It took me years just to have an inkling of what goes on in that man's mind," Yoshida said absently.
"Well, I should get back," Saitou announced suddenly.
"Then what about Eiji-kun?"
"I will take him home with me. Tokio will take care of him until he cools off and considers what he wants to do in the future," Hajime replied.
"Tokio? Who is it?" Kenshin questioned.
"My wife."
Misao and Kenshin chocked as they absorbed the startling piece of information.
"Oh, Tokio-san!" Hideaki's eyes brightened. "How is she doing? Please give her my well wishes, Hajime-san!"
"Feh, be prepared to spend at least a week at the house when she catches you, Yoshida," that said, amber eyes turned on the redhead. "Don't worry about us. Go on straight to Kyoto and Himura…go back to being the Hitokiri Battousai. As seen in the fight, taking on Shishio as a rurouni is foolish. You could not even overcome that boy. I think it's a good thing that sakabatou broke. Now you can finally make up your mind. Please make the more preferable decision."
That said, the amber-eyed man left, Eiji close by his side.
Glancing over to the other two he was left with, Hideaki couldn't help but sigh at the apprehensive look the girl was giving him. Blanking his features, the raven asked bluntly, "Are you really that evasive to killing?"
"No…" she said slowly, "…But the way you did it...Senkaku may have been an enemy, but you cut him down without batting an eye!"
"Makimachi-san, you seem to forget that I have killed many time the same way in my past. Besides, he would have been killed by Shishio in a much more brutal way. I am not sugar coating my actions. I may kill without remorse, but I ended his life swiftly."
"Misao-dono," Kenshin cut in before the girl could argue. "This is the reality you will face if you plan on following us. Truly, Hideaki-san did kill Senkaku, but he at least showed his opponent mercy by doing so. Shishio would have tortured him for days before granting his death."
Misao visibly struggled for a few moments, before she turned away and said softly, "I know, but I'm not all that used to seeing people die in front of me, that's all."
Tension abiding, the rurouni gave a genuine smile, "Well, we've wasted enough time here. Let's hurry. Shishio's men will most likely attack in Kyoto, so we will take the Toukai way."
Will I really have to return to the way of the Hitokiri Battousai? Himura questioned himself as he ran a finger along the hilt of his broken sakabatou. I have vowed not to take another life ever again. Will I be forced to break my oath? He casted a quick look at his friend, who looked similarly lost in thought. Hideaki-san did not lose himself to the darkness, despite the rage Shishio's departing words caused him…although, unlike me, he is still able to take a life without qualms. He is still essentially a Shinsengumi captain at heart. Maybe…maybe if I were to embrace both parts of myself, I will not lose the rurouni side I hold so dearly?
On his side, Hideaki was moving on autopilot as his mind pondered all possibilities of Shishio's knowledge of his past. Fallen Saviour…that was what everyone called me after the Ministry pronounced me guilty. But this is an entirely different world. No one should have any knowledge of my past, seeing as I have never revealed anything to anyone, not even to Souji-nii. So, the only possible explanation is…it can't be…can it?
Kage no Nagare - Literally means 'Shadow Flow', can be interpreted as 'Flow of the Shadows'.
Denko Hebi - Lightning Serpent
Konton no Kiba - 'Chaos Fang', can be interpreted as 'Fangs of Chaos'.
Tenken - Heavenly Sword
And the plot thickens...
Later!
Kagetsuki-taicho
