A/N: Well, took me long enough for an edit job. It would have taken me even
longer if I hadn't gone to Anime Expo and gotten the 'Let It Burn'
soundtrack. The music really put me in the mood to start up on this again.
I also got the Kenshin Kaden art book but enough bragging. This is the last
chapter I wrote before giving up on this story so many months ago.
Therefore, updates from now on will most likely be exceedingly slow. I also
tend to use metaphors a lot in my writing so unless I state it very
plainly, don't take everything I write at face value. And for you cannon
sticklers, don't worry, this will be Saitou/Tokio at the end. *laughs
evilly* No one, I mean NO ONE, is going to guess this twist! The pledges
that follow this note were written by my friend, Kynd, and I thought they
were a good laugh. Enjoy!
In dedication of Hiko making his American debut: I pledge allegiance to the sword of the Man: Seijuro Hiko of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, and to the God-ness personified for which he stands, one series, under Hiko, invincible, with kick ass fights and coolness for all.
I pledge Allegiance to the Wolf, Saitou Hajime of the Shinsengumi, and to the badass skills for which he possesses, one man, with his massive skills, that can beat anyone who isn't a main character.
Disclaimer: Expo left me a little wiped out in the dough department. I don't think I'll be buying the rights anytime soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4: Burning Flames
By Kenkaya
Kaoru slumped against the wall. Before her, the Shinsengumi marched lordly. That smile, she would never forget it.
"Why?" she breathed.
Keisuke moved across her sight, adorned in a sea green coat; uniform of the Shinsengumi. He spoke animatedly to a man at his side. Steel swords swung proudly at his hip. Laughter graced his lips.
He was beyond reach now.
His head swerved toward her. Reflexively, she shrank into the crowd.
"What is it, Takahata-san?" she heard a swordsman ask as they passed.
"Nothing, I thought I smelled jasmine, that's all. It's the scent she wore."
"She? You have to grace us with that---"
The voices faded as they moved. She released bated breath.
If you loved me, why did you leave? Why did you fall out of father's favor? Did you think I would just sit and wait for you? You don't know me at all.
The street began to fill again. She ducked for cover.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin leaned into the doorway as the Shinsengumi passed. The street emptied ahead of them, tension clinging in the air where they passed.
"Look at them so high and mighty," Iizuka snorted from behind him. "Think they own the damn city."
Kenshin felt heavy paper slide up his sleeve.
"Tonight," Iizuka whispered before departing.
Kenshin nodded, placing his hands discreetly inside his dark gi to secure the black envelope. He stepped out slowly, acting with an air of indifference.
A black ponytail flashed his side vision. He turned just in time to see her run down an alley. Distress shimmered off her in waves. Without thinking, he followed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gone.
Kaoru ran down the alley. Stumbled. The summer sun hung high. Beating down. She tripped. Fell. Her body slammed across hardened mud.
Keisuke was gone. She could never reach him now. She could never go home.
"Never!" she wailed, clutching her face.
A warm hand on her shoulder. She lifted her sapphire gaze to meet hardened amethyst. The second time he caught her crying.
"S--- sorry," she stuttered, wiping her watery eyes. "I'm so weak."
"No."
She stared, "what a--- are you talking about? I--- I break down so easy. You ne--- never cry."
He glared at her pointedly, "no?"
"No. Y--- you're strong."
He shook his head, "you don't know anything."
"W--- what?!" her temper flared, quickly dispersing the sniffles. "What do you mean by that?!"
His mouth quirked.
"Is something funny?!" she glowered, noticing the movement.
"No. It seems you've stopped crying. I'll be on my way now."
As he turned to leave, Kaoru stood, speechless.
"You did that on purpose!" she called at his retreating back.
"Yes."
"Eh?"
He looked back at her with narrowed eyes, "you're not weak. I don't want to hear you say it ever again."
"It's not like you're going to kill me or something if I do."
He shook his head with a slight smile, "nevermind." He walked away, leaving Kaoru to follow in confusion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I heard things didn't go well at the last meeting."
"No," Katsura shook his head.
"Is it true you struck Miyabe?"
"Iizuka."
"Excuse me, what is it you summoned me for?"
Katsura cleared his throat. He was a charismatic man, leader of the Choshu domain of the Ishin Shishi. His dark hair was pulled back in the usual samurai topknot. In the background, a young geisha played music. A long, purple kimono flared around her petite form.
"I need to know about Himura."
Iizuka sighed, "His sword has dulled recently according to the inspectors, but he still works with fluid efficiency. He hasn't changed one bit from my perspective."
"I see," Katsura nodded, politely sipping his sake. "He's still pure."
"That's good."
"No, he's at conflict with himself. Unless he finds something to shield him from the chaos in his mind, he'll eventually snap.
"Well," Iizuka stood. "I'll leave you to ponder your next meeting with Miyabe. Until then."
"Take care. Tell the others to watch out for Shinsengumi."
The geisha halted her playing and shuffled graceful to open the shoji. Iizuka exited with a nod to the young woman and she slid the shoji shut behind him.
"Done with politics for the night?" she asked with a gentle voice.
"Yes, Ikomatsu."
"Would you like some more sake?"
"No. The drink tastes sour tonight."
Ikomatsu leaned forward, concern in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
Katsura clenched his teeth.
"They want Kyoto aflame."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saitou Hajime, third captain of the Shinsengumi, sat brooding on the inn steps. Brown hair ran down his back with four antenna-like tendrils hanging in his slanted, amber eyes. Stars reflected in the feral, amber pools. The plans had been laid; he hoped the mysterious hitokiri of the Ishin Shishi would be at the Ikedaya Inn tomorrow night. Such a unique sword style coupled with a strong individual would make for a worthwhile fight. He chuckled at the stars in anticipation.
"Saitou-san?"
Saitou gazed into the face of a dolorous young woman, sitting on the shadowed porch steps near him. A purple shawl hugged her shoulders. His narrow eyes flicked up and down her lithe figure before he responded.
"Who are you, woman?"
The woman nodded bashfully, "please excuse my rudeness. I'm one of the new workers at the inn. My name is Yukishiro Tomoe."
"I see. Why do you disturb me?"
"Forgive me. It is late and I thought I was alone."
"You were mistaken. I find it quite suspicious for a woman to be out alone at night."
"More so than a man?"
"I am a suspicious man."
"How do you know I am not a suspicious woman?"
"I suppose I don't," Saitou replied. It was then he realized she was holding a sheathed dagger close to her chest. He quirked a slender eyebrow and she followed his gaze. Rising quickly, Tomoe bowed submissively and ran into the sanctuary of the inn.
Meanwhile, in another inn across the city, Kenshin walked in late. His blue gi was stained with fresh blood.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru stormed down the hall, grumbling. She was supposed to clean the rooms today. Rooms where men resided. Men were messy.
She slammed the shoji open to another veritable pigpen. Rolling back her lavender sleeves, she dug into the fray, discarding and organizing various items. She leaned into the floor and scrubbed an off-white stain with a rag. She honestly didn't want to know what the substance was.
"Where are you from?" a masculine voice drifted through the rice paper.
"What?" a woman's voice, which Kaoru immediately recognized as Miriko's, answered.
"Where is your family?"
"In Osaka, why?"
"You have to go there."
"What? Why? Is something wrong?"
"Kyoto is not safe. Especially tonight. Just go, don't ask questions. Please."
"I don't understand."
"Trust me."
The voices faded away as Kaoru slid the shoji shut behind her and continued down the hall. The Ishin Shishi were planning something tonight, that much she gained from the snippets of conversation she overheard. Sighing, she opened the shoji to Kenshin's room.
The sight of an immaculate room was always heaven on earth after a hard cleaning session. Kenshin never cluttered his room like the other men. Kaoru attributed this phenomenon to the fact that Kenshin spent a great deal of time out of his room not to mention his lack of personal belongings.
Grabbing the broom, Kaoru stepped inside to rid the room of dust collecting in the forlorn corners.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin walked down the dusty road, a straw hat obscuring his face.
"The meeting's tonight," Iizuka whispered beside him. "Miyabe and Katsura are at odds and to top it off, Miyabe is warning the men to send their women away. He's planning something BIG."
"I see."
"Well?" Iizuka questioned expectedly.
"What?"
"Aren't you going to warn off anybody?"
"Why? I barely see or speak to any of the women."
"Yeah, I'd say that one girl that you seem to get along with, but she's not into men."
"Just because she got the better of you?"
"Ah, you heard about that."
"Yes."
"Well at least you're not laughing. I didn't find it funny. Hurt like HELL! It's nice to finally get some sympathy, but I never though I'd get it from you!"
"There is nothing funny about stupidity," Kenshin responded in a deadpan tone.
"Damn---"
The men reached the inn and separated. Kenshin made a beeline straight to his room. When he opened the shoji, he found Kaoru inside sweeping. The girl turned azure eyes on him.
"Yes, Kenshin?"
He stood there for a moment, pondering Iizuka's words. The men were warned to send their women away because of danger. Should he put Kaoru through that risk? But if he took action, signs would be read.
"Nothing," he replied.
Kaoru nodded and turned back to her sweeping. After a while she paused, as if deep in thought.
"Kenshin?" she finally broke the silence. "Do you have plans tonight at the Gion Festival?"
"No."
"Well, Okami-san gave me the night off. I was wondering--- I was thinking of getting a drink and, well, I'm kind of tired of going alone."
Kenshin stared at the young girl's back as she continued to sweep. She wanted him to accompany her. His first instincts warred between refusal and acceptance. Once again, Iizuka's voice played in his head. An important meeting tonight. And telling the men to warn away their women.
"I will escort you," he answered, not wanting to carelessly place her in anymore danger. Kaoru gave him a side glance and nodded her thanks. He watched her back, silhouetted against the setting sunlight shining through his open window. Her raven hair hung loose today, tied at the nape of her neck with a simple strip of cloth. Her lavender kimono accented the dark length down her back. Her movements were smooth, not graceful, but filled with strength and precision. Almost like a sword dance.
"I did your room last. I'll go get ready now."
Kenshin snapped out of his revere and watched her leave. Somehow, he managed a sniff, "hai" in response.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The bar was less crowded than usual, seeing as so many people flooded the festivities. A few regulars were the only customers besides Kenshin and Kaoru. They shared a bottle of sake, occasionally taking a sip from their cups as they talked, Kaoru taking part in most of the latter.
"Where are you from?"
"That is a vague question," Kenshin replied.
"Alright then, where did you live before you came here?"
"The mountains."
"That is a vague answer," Kaoru parried.
"It's the truth."
"Fine, what were you doing in the mountains?"
"Training."
"Training? You must have had a master of some sort?"
"Yes. He took care of me and taught me the sword. I came here to use that training," Kenshin sipped his sake, effectively breaking his flow of conversation.
"You came here to be a hitokiri?" Kaoru questioned a bit ludicrously.
"Not necessarily. I came here to help the people who suffer because of the government. The sword is all I know so I came to use that."
"So you kill to save people's lives."
"Yes."
"Sometimes I wonder if that's all a sword is good for."
"A sword is a weapon. Kenjiitsu is learning how to kill," Kenshin quoted his former master with ease.
"My father thought differently. He said a sword should be a weapon of peace, of protection, not war. When people realized this, the world would truly be free of suffering. But now, living in the midst of war, I'm beginning to question the philosophies he drilled into me from the cradle. How can a sword save lives when it takes so many?"
"It was a foolish dream."
"Maybe so," Kaoru pondered wistfully. "But it was a nice dream. That's why, no matter how important he is to me, I could never forgive Keisuke. He promised."
"Who is Keisuke?" Kenshin let out a little more sharply then he intended. Kaoru blanched and raised a hand to her mouth in shock.
"Did I--- say that out loud?"
"Yes."
"Well--- I guess I should tell you since I did slip," Kaoru shifted nervously. "Basically, Keisuke was my father's top student. He had family problems so my father practically raised him. A little over a year ago, he packed up, defied my father, and set off to Kyoto to fight. My father was devastated so I came here originally to bash some sense into him and drag him back, against my father's wishes. As you can see, my brilliant plan wasn't my most successful."
Kenshin couldn't help thinking Kaoru was dodging around her feelings on the matter. However, he kept this observation to himself and voiced another opinion instead.
"I wouldn't call that a plan."
"Oh? And just what would you call it?"
"Impulsive action."
"And I'm certain you thought out your own little escapade quite thoroughly."
Kenshin remained silent after this, confirming Kaoru's statement.
"You're nobody to judge," Kaoru snorted at him. "Besides, I try not to dwell on past regrets, too depressing. What we do with our future is more important than that. More important than killing and stupid mistakes."
Kenshin stared at Kaoru, sloshing the liquid in her cup before draining it. He reached to pour her another, which she sipped daintily before abandoning the effort. She swirled the alcohol again, placing her chin in the dip of her palm as she thought.
"Sometimes I wonder what people think when they die. Just what was going through that man's head when he scarred your cheek?"
"If I thought about that, I wouldn't be able to kill them."
"Ah, so that's it," Kaoru exclaimed quietly. "You desensitize yourself because if you saw them as people with lives, if you knew them, you wouldn't have the heart to kill them. The sword isn't killing them because you have the power to hold it back. Perhaps there is some logic in father's fairytale. I'm just not sure anymore."
Before Kenshin could respond, Iizuka burst into the bar and ran to their table, panting.
"Himura! The meeting--- ambush! The Shinsengumi found out and busted up the meeting!"
"Katsura---"
"We're not sure where he is. Miyabe and a few of the others committed suicide to escape enemy hands. Come on, we need you there!" Iizuka urged.
Kenshin nodded and turned to leave when he saw Kaoru rise out of the corner of his eye. He whirled around to face her.
"What are you doing?"
"Coming with you," Kaoru stated casually.
"No."
"What should I do then?"
"Go back to the inn."
"They knew about the Ikedaya, how do you know they don't know about the others?"
"Himura, we don't have time for you to argue this!" Iizuka exasperated.
"Alright," Kenshin sighed. He grabbed Kaoru's hand and followed Iizuka out of the bar. Kaoru jogged behind as he stringed her along, cursing the societal norm which wrapped women in such constricting clothing.
"How many units are there?" Kenshin questioned.
"I'm not entirely sure. Damn, the whole place was overrun! I barely got away myself! At least four, if not more from my judgment."
"Damn," Kenshin muttered.
They slipped through the hoards of festival goers, bumping into countless people. Kaoru could hear the rowdy catcalls, roaring laughter, and endless chatter melting into each other. The whirling colors blurred together in her side vision, giving off a slightly dizzying effect. A hand slapped her behind sharply and she squeaked at the indignity.
"What is it?" Kenshin asked, cocking his head to watch her out of the corner of his eye.
"Some--- someone touched me."
Kaoru felt the pressure on her hand pull her forward until she was practically leaning against his figure. The hand enveloping hers tightened almost possessively. A swaying red ponytail consumed her sight, bringing focus and calm to her mad dash. Kenshin guided her swiftly, never releasing his hold, noticing for the first time that her hands were strangely calloused for a woman. All too soon, the movement stopped and Kaoru bumped into his corded back.
"They're here," Kenshin announced softly.
"I'll run on ahead while you take care of them. We're counting on you, Himura," Iizuka bowed his head before continuing on. Kenshin prepared for a lunge when he felt two small hands clasp his own over the handle of his katana. He looked back into the determined face of Kaoru.
"Please," she whispered. "I want to see a sword kill with my own eyes. Please."
Kenshin nodded in understanding and stepped slowly around the corner. Kaoru's gaze followed every movement. The soldiers, adorned in their sea green coats, turned to face the petite man.
"Who are you?" one of the men, apparently the leader, all but shouted.
"It does not matter. You are in the way," Kenshin declared as he grasped the handle of his sword. The Shinsengumi foot soldiers could only watched horrified as the hitokiri unleashed the blade. One of their comrades plodded to the ground, blood gurgling from his skewered throat. The assassin eyed the survivors, amber gleaming eerily. The others gapped. They had barely seen him move.
"It--- it's him! The hitokiri!"
Battousai surged forward in a flash of cold steel. Spin, back step, lunge, thrust. Metal clashed in a cruel dance. Slashed throat, impaled chest, run through his shoulder, slice the vein; everything was almost mechanical. That was the only way she could describe the battle as she watched with watery blue eyes. Mechanical. Battousai sprinted forward and the soldier swung down. Grating metal rung through her ears. Battousai twisted his blade, dislodging the other, flicking his wrist expertly to convert the movement into a smooth upward swing. Screams filled the darkness as the man clutched the bloody stump of his arm.
Kaoru couldn't help herself, sick fascination overwhelmed her better senses. She stepped out of the shadows to stand in the middle of the deserted road. She stared in rapture as scarlet blossomed on sea green while the man cradled his mutilated limb. His echoed cries became hollow as she watched his pain, reflections of human pain. The pain of her heart, the pain of Keisuke's departure, the pain of her father's loss, the pain of Kenshin's duty, the suffering of everyday toil, the agony of knowing you, like every human being, were destined to die. To suffer in some inexplicable way. Kenshin did not give the man much time to ponder the pain, a quick thrust pinned him to the wall by the throat. A low pitched crack was heard as the man's spine severed. He released the body to slide down to its brethren. Kaoru's eyes followed, unable to break the contact. Blood poured out of his vacant gaze, staining him and the ground where he fell.
Kenshin turned to find Kaoru in a daze, eyes riveted to the corpse at his feet. The expression on her face came deathly close to frightening him, a warped mixture of horror and joy. That face belonged to him, not her.
"Kaoru."
The girl broke the trance, looking up at him with doleful eyes. Kenshin's eyes were no longer amber but a hard edged blue. He teetered on the border of the violet eyed boy and the hardened killer. Kaoru allowed her gaze to slip from him to the bodies littering the ground. She paused for a moment on each one. That man had a wife who would never hold him again. That one had a child would have only faded memories of a father's face. And that one with the tussled black hair, he was her Keisuke. She looked up at the young man who inflicted this damage. A young man who wouldn't let himself see the people beyond the cooling flesh. A young man who killed more of himself everyday to uphold this futile charade. Kaoru shed a single tear. Kenshin's eyes fastened on the crystalline drop as it tracked down her cheek.
"Don't cry," he said softly.
"I'm mourning."
"What are you mourning?" Kenshin whispered.
"You," Kaoru whispered just as softly.
Kenshin blinked in confusion and shook his head. He didn't have time to ponder Kaoru's actions. He continued his trek to the Ikedaya, Kaoru jogging behind him. He stopped at a corner when he heard voices. Kaoru bumped lightly against him and gasped. A group of seven Shinsengumi were huddled, speaking hurriedly in low voices. At the fore was a tall man with brown hair and slanted amber eyes. Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's arm to pull them out of sight.
"Keisuke."
The breathless word left Kenshin frozen. His feet stopped working and narrowed eyes darted to the group. As if on instinct, a young green-eyed boy with black hair turned toward them. Kenshin found himself pushed against the shadowed wall before he could react. Kaoru pressed herself against him, her black head nuzzled into his chest.
"Takahata."
"Sorry, Saitou-san, I thought I heard something. I must be really homesick because I thought I saw Kao-chan for a moment."
Kenshin felt Kaoru wince at the nickname.
"Your woman?"
"Yes."
"In that case, I suggest you get your mind off petty affairs and back on the subject at hand."
"Hai, Saitou-san."
Kenshin knew Kaoru was shaking. Her body was rigid and she curdled into him almost desperately. In the shadows, sandwiched between a wall and a woman, only one thought crossed his mind: she didn't want him to see her. At the back of his thoughts, one voice still parroted his duty without reprieve. Not giving a second thought, he reached for the katana at his side. For the second time that night, two slender hands covered his own. When he looked into her pleading eyes, he knew she would not let go. He couldn't refuse those eyes. Nodding his ascent, he switched the position of their hands and led her away. Saitou looked up to catch two indistinct figures fading into the night.
"Saitou-san?"
"Nothing," Saitou grumbled and brought his attention back to their discussion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katsura sat under a bridge in the burning city of Kyoto. A straw hat obscured his face and a worn cloak disguised his features. Beside him stood a short red-haired swordsman accompanied by a shorter black-haired woman wearing a torn kimono. Their expressions were grim.
"Our bases are being flushed out, the city's in chaos--- all our hard work---"
"What do we do?" the redhead questioned.
"We need to hide out, replenish our resources. I have a small house in Otsu where you'll be safe, Himura. A married couple will be less suspicious than a single man. Kaoru, stay with him. I have an insider in a small shrine along the way. He can marry you two to keep questions at bay and when this ordeal is over, I'll have him destroy the records and no one will be any the wiser."
Kenshin and Kaoru stood speechless at this request.
"What will you do?" Kenshin asked, cutting the tension.
"I have to hide out as well. I'll send an informant to keep you updated about our position. Here," Katsura handed Kenshin a folded a piece of paper. "These are directions to the shrine and house as well as a written note to the priest who will marry you. Burn it as soon as you reach Otsu. I hope you fare well." Kenshin watched Katsura's retreating back before he turned to Kaoru.
"What should we do? Should we go to Otsu?"
Kaoru looked at him with a small smile. The distant flames reflected in her sapphire eyes.
"As husband and wife?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saitou stormed into camp. He was grimy, sweaty, and throbbed in pain from a shoulder wound where a stray blade had managed to stab him. The heady after effects of battle were still with him. He grinned. Perhaps he shouldn't have drunken all that sake before hand. Alcohol always got his blood running.
In the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of white. He turned his head to see Tomoe sitting on the ground. She was holding her dagger again, staring intently into the metallic depths as if searching for an answer. Or a question. Saitou barely had time to wonder why a woman was sitting in the middle of an army camp when she glanced over her shoulder, catching his amber eyes with her ebony. She sheathed the small blade, rose, and placed the dagger discreetly in the square tie of her obi. She bowed politely in his direction and floated away. Saitou's face remained impassive as he shook his head slightly in awe. The woman was indeed suspicious. He was intrigued.
In dedication of Hiko making his American debut: I pledge allegiance to the sword of the Man: Seijuro Hiko of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, and to the God-ness personified for which he stands, one series, under Hiko, invincible, with kick ass fights and coolness for all.
I pledge Allegiance to the Wolf, Saitou Hajime of the Shinsengumi, and to the badass skills for which he possesses, one man, with his massive skills, that can beat anyone who isn't a main character.
Disclaimer: Expo left me a little wiped out in the dough department. I don't think I'll be buying the rights anytime soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4: Burning Flames
By Kenkaya
Kaoru slumped against the wall. Before her, the Shinsengumi marched lordly. That smile, she would never forget it.
"Why?" she breathed.
Keisuke moved across her sight, adorned in a sea green coat; uniform of the Shinsengumi. He spoke animatedly to a man at his side. Steel swords swung proudly at his hip. Laughter graced his lips.
He was beyond reach now.
His head swerved toward her. Reflexively, she shrank into the crowd.
"What is it, Takahata-san?" she heard a swordsman ask as they passed.
"Nothing, I thought I smelled jasmine, that's all. It's the scent she wore."
"She? You have to grace us with that---"
The voices faded as they moved. She released bated breath.
If you loved me, why did you leave? Why did you fall out of father's favor? Did you think I would just sit and wait for you? You don't know me at all.
The street began to fill again. She ducked for cover.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin leaned into the doorway as the Shinsengumi passed. The street emptied ahead of them, tension clinging in the air where they passed.
"Look at them so high and mighty," Iizuka snorted from behind him. "Think they own the damn city."
Kenshin felt heavy paper slide up his sleeve.
"Tonight," Iizuka whispered before departing.
Kenshin nodded, placing his hands discreetly inside his dark gi to secure the black envelope. He stepped out slowly, acting with an air of indifference.
A black ponytail flashed his side vision. He turned just in time to see her run down an alley. Distress shimmered off her in waves. Without thinking, he followed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gone.
Kaoru ran down the alley. Stumbled. The summer sun hung high. Beating down. She tripped. Fell. Her body slammed across hardened mud.
Keisuke was gone. She could never reach him now. She could never go home.
"Never!" she wailed, clutching her face.
A warm hand on her shoulder. She lifted her sapphire gaze to meet hardened amethyst. The second time he caught her crying.
"S--- sorry," she stuttered, wiping her watery eyes. "I'm so weak."
"No."
She stared, "what a--- are you talking about? I--- I break down so easy. You ne--- never cry."
He glared at her pointedly, "no?"
"No. Y--- you're strong."
He shook his head, "you don't know anything."
"W--- what?!" her temper flared, quickly dispersing the sniffles. "What do you mean by that?!"
His mouth quirked.
"Is something funny?!" she glowered, noticing the movement.
"No. It seems you've stopped crying. I'll be on my way now."
As he turned to leave, Kaoru stood, speechless.
"You did that on purpose!" she called at his retreating back.
"Yes."
"Eh?"
He looked back at her with narrowed eyes, "you're not weak. I don't want to hear you say it ever again."
"It's not like you're going to kill me or something if I do."
He shook his head with a slight smile, "nevermind." He walked away, leaving Kaoru to follow in confusion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I heard things didn't go well at the last meeting."
"No," Katsura shook his head.
"Is it true you struck Miyabe?"
"Iizuka."
"Excuse me, what is it you summoned me for?"
Katsura cleared his throat. He was a charismatic man, leader of the Choshu domain of the Ishin Shishi. His dark hair was pulled back in the usual samurai topknot. In the background, a young geisha played music. A long, purple kimono flared around her petite form.
"I need to know about Himura."
Iizuka sighed, "His sword has dulled recently according to the inspectors, but he still works with fluid efficiency. He hasn't changed one bit from my perspective."
"I see," Katsura nodded, politely sipping his sake. "He's still pure."
"That's good."
"No, he's at conflict with himself. Unless he finds something to shield him from the chaos in his mind, he'll eventually snap.
"Well," Iizuka stood. "I'll leave you to ponder your next meeting with Miyabe. Until then."
"Take care. Tell the others to watch out for Shinsengumi."
The geisha halted her playing and shuffled graceful to open the shoji. Iizuka exited with a nod to the young woman and she slid the shoji shut behind him.
"Done with politics for the night?" she asked with a gentle voice.
"Yes, Ikomatsu."
"Would you like some more sake?"
"No. The drink tastes sour tonight."
Ikomatsu leaned forward, concern in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
Katsura clenched his teeth.
"They want Kyoto aflame."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saitou Hajime, third captain of the Shinsengumi, sat brooding on the inn steps. Brown hair ran down his back with four antenna-like tendrils hanging in his slanted, amber eyes. Stars reflected in the feral, amber pools. The plans had been laid; he hoped the mysterious hitokiri of the Ishin Shishi would be at the Ikedaya Inn tomorrow night. Such a unique sword style coupled with a strong individual would make for a worthwhile fight. He chuckled at the stars in anticipation.
"Saitou-san?"
Saitou gazed into the face of a dolorous young woman, sitting on the shadowed porch steps near him. A purple shawl hugged her shoulders. His narrow eyes flicked up and down her lithe figure before he responded.
"Who are you, woman?"
The woman nodded bashfully, "please excuse my rudeness. I'm one of the new workers at the inn. My name is Yukishiro Tomoe."
"I see. Why do you disturb me?"
"Forgive me. It is late and I thought I was alone."
"You were mistaken. I find it quite suspicious for a woman to be out alone at night."
"More so than a man?"
"I am a suspicious man."
"How do you know I am not a suspicious woman?"
"I suppose I don't," Saitou replied. It was then he realized she was holding a sheathed dagger close to her chest. He quirked a slender eyebrow and she followed his gaze. Rising quickly, Tomoe bowed submissively and ran into the sanctuary of the inn.
Meanwhile, in another inn across the city, Kenshin walked in late. His blue gi was stained with fresh blood.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru stormed down the hall, grumbling. She was supposed to clean the rooms today. Rooms where men resided. Men were messy.
She slammed the shoji open to another veritable pigpen. Rolling back her lavender sleeves, she dug into the fray, discarding and organizing various items. She leaned into the floor and scrubbed an off-white stain with a rag. She honestly didn't want to know what the substance was.
"Where are you from?" a masculine voice drifted through the rice paper.
"What?" a woman's voice, which Kaoru immediately recognized as Miriko's, answered.
"Where is your family?"
"In Osaka, why?"
"You have to go there."
"What? Why? Is something wrong?"
"Kyoto is not safe. Especially tonight. Just go, don't ask questions. Please."
"I don't understand."
"Trust me."
The voices faded away as Kaoru slid the shoji shut behind her and continued down the hall. The Ishin Shishi were planning something tonight, that much she gained from the snippets of conversation she overheard. Sighing, she opened the shoji to Kenshin's room.
The sight of an immaculate room was always heaven on earth after a hard cleaning session. Kenshin never cluttered his room like the other men. Kaoru attributed this phenomenon to the fact that Kenshin spent a great deal of time out of his room not to mention his lack of personal belongings.
Grabbing the broom, Kaoru stepped inside to rid the room of dust collecting in the forlorn corners.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin walked down the dusty road, a straw hat obscuring his face.
"The meeting's tonight," Iizuka whispered beside him. "Miyabe and Katsura are at odds and to top it off, Miyabe is warning the men to send their women away. He's planning something BIG."
"I see."
"Well?" Iizuka questioned expectedly.
"What?"
"Aren't you going to warn off anybody?"
"Why? I barely see or speak to any of the women."
"Yeah, I'd say that one girl that you seem to get along with, but she's not into men."
"Just because she got the better of you?"
"Ah, you heard about that."
"Yes."
"Well at least you're not laughing. I didn't find it funny. Hurt like HELL! It's nice to finally get some sympathy, but I never though I'd get it from you!"
"There is nothing funny about stupidity," Kenshin responded in a deadpan tone.
"Damn---"
The men reached the inn and separated. Kenshin made a beeline straight to his room. When he opened the shoji, he found Kaoru inside sweeping. The girl turned azure eyes on him.
"Yes, Kenshin?"
He stood there for a moment, pondering Iizuka's words. The men were warned to send their women away because of danger. Should he put Kaoru through that risk? But if he took action, signs would be read.
"Nothing," he replied.
Kaoru nodded and turned back to her sweeping. After a while she paused, as if deep in thought.
"Kenshin?" she finally broke the silence. "Do you have plans tonight at the Gion Festival?"
"No."
"Well, Okami-san gave me the night off. I was wondering--- I was thinking of getting a drink and, well, I'm kind of tired of going alone."
Kenshin stared at the young girl's back as she continued to sweep. She wanted him to accompany her. His first instincts warred between refusal and acceptance. Once again, Iizuka's voice played in his head. An important meeting tonight. And telling the men to warn away their women.
"I will escort you," he answered, not wanting to carelessly place her in anymore danger. Kaoru gave him a side glance and nodded her thanks. He watched her back, silhouetted against the setting sunlight shining through his open window. Her raven hair hung loose today, tied at the nape of her neck with a simple strip of cloth. Her lavender kimono accented the dark length down her back. Her movements were smooth, not graceful, but filled with strength and precision. Almost like a sword dance.
"I did your room last. I'll go get ready now."
Kenshin snapped out of his revere and watched her leave. Somehow, he managed a sniff, "hai" in response.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The bar was less crowded than usual, seeing as so many people flooded the festivities. A few regulars were the only customers besides Kenshin and Kaoru. They shared a bottle of sake, occasionally taking a sip from their cups as they talked, Kaoru taking part in most of the latter.
"Where are you from?"
"That is a vague question," Kenshin replied.
"Alright then, where did you live before you came here?"
"The mountains."
"That is a vague answer," Kaoru parried.
"It's the truth."
"Fine, what were you doing in the mountains?"
"Training."
"Training? You must have had a master of some sort?"
"Yes. He took care of me and taught me the sword. I came here to use that training," Kenshin sipped his sake, effectively breaking his flow of conversation.
"You came here to be a hitokiri?" Kaoru questioned a bit ludicrously.
"Not necessarily. I came here to help the people who suffer because of the government. The sword is all I know so I came to use that."
"So you kill to save people's lives."
"Yes."
"Sometimes I wonder if that's all a sword is good for."
"A sword is a weapon. Kenjiitsu is learning how to kill," Kenshin quoted his former master with ease.
"My father thought differently. He said a sword should be a weapon of peace, of protection, not war. When people realized this, the world would truly be free of suffering. But now, living in the midst of war, I'm beginning to question the philosophies he drilled into me from the cradle. How can a sword save lives when it takes so many?"
"It was a foolish dream."
"Maybe so," Kaoru pondered wistfully. "But it was a nice dream. That's why, no matter how important he is to me, I could never forgive Keisuke. He promised."
"Who is Keisuke?" Kenshin let out a little more sharply then he intended. Kaoru blanched and raised a hand to her mouth in shock.
"Did I--- say that out loud?"
"Yes."
"Well--- I guess I should tell you since I did slip," Kaoru shifted nervously. "Basically, Keisuke was my father's top student. He had family problems so my father practically raised him. A little over a year ago, he packed up, defied my father, and set off to Kyoto to fight. My father was devastated so I came here originally to bash some sense into him and drag him back, against my father's wishes. As you can see, my brilliant plan wasn't my most successful."
Kenshin couldn't help thinking Kaoru was dodging around her feelings on the matter. However, he kept this observation to himself and voiced another opinion instead.
"I wouldn't call that a plan."
"Oh? And just what would you call it?"
"Impulsive action."
"And I'm certain you thought out your own little escapade quite thoroughly."
Kenshin remained silent after this, confirming Kaoru's statement.
"You're nobody to judge," Kaoru snorted at him. "Besides, I try not to dwell on past regrets, too depressing. What we do with our future is more important than that. More important than killing and stupid mistakes."
Kenshin stared at Kaoru, sloshing the liquid in her cup before draining it. He reached to pour her another, which she sipped daintily before abandoning the effort. She swirled the alcohol again, placing her chin in the dip of her palm as she thought.
"Sometimes I wonder what people think when they die. Just what was going through that man's head when he scarred your cheek?"
"If I thought about that, I wouldn't be able to kill them."
"Ah, so that's it," Kaoru exclaimed quietly. "You desensitize yourself because if you saw them as people with lives, if you knew them, you wouldn't have the heart to kill them. The sword isn't killing them because you have the power to hold it back. Perhaps there is some logic in father's fairytale. I'm just not sure anymore."
Before Kenshin could respond, Iizuka burst into the bar and ran to their table, panting.
"Himura! The meeting--- ambush! The Shinsengumi found out and busted up the meeting!"
"Katsura---"
"We're not sure where he is. Miyabe and a few of the others committed suicide to escape enemy hands. Come on, we need you there!" Iizuka urged.
Kenshin nodded and turned to leave when he saw Kaoru rise out of the corner of his eye. He whirled around to face her.
"What are you doing?"
"Coming with you," Kaoru stated casually.
"No."
"What should I do then?"
"Go back to the inn."
"They knew about the Ikedaya, how do you know they don't know about the others?"
"Himura, we don't have time for you to argue this!" Iizuka exasperated.
"Alright," Kenshin sighed. He grabbed Kaoru's hand and followed Iizuka out of the bar. Kaoru jogged behind as he stringed her along, cursing the societal norm which wrapped women in such constricting clothing.
"How many units are there?" Kenshin questioned.
"I'm not entirely sure. Damn, the whole place was overrun! I barely got away myself! At least four, if not more from my judgment."
"Damn," Kenshin muttered.
They slipped through the hoards of festival goers, bumping into countless people. Kaoru could hear the rowdy catcalls, roaring laughter, and endless chatter melting into each other. The whirling colors blurred together in her side vision, giving off a slightly dizzying effect. A hand slapped her behind sharply and she squeaked at the indignity.
"What is it?" Kenshin asked, cocking his head to watch her out of the corner of his eye.
"Some--- someone touched me."
Kaoru felt the pressure on her hand pull her forward until she was practically leaning against his figure. The hand enveloping hers tightened almost possessively. A swaying red ponytail consumed her sight, bringing focus and calm to her mad dash. Kenshin guided her swiftly, never releasing his hold, noticing for the first time that her hands were strangely calloused for a woman. All too soon, the movement stopped and Kaoru bumped into his corded back.
"They're here," Kenshin announced softly.
"I'll run on ahead while you take care of them. We're counting on you, Himura," Iizuka bowed his head before continuing on. Kenshin prepared for a lunge when he felt two small hands clasp his own over the handle of his katana. He looked back into the determined face of Kaoru.
"Please," she whispered. "I want to see a sword kill with my own eyes. Please."
Kenshin nodded in understanding and stepped slowly around the corner. Kaoru's gaze followed every movement. The soldiers, adorned in their sea green coats, turned to face the petite man.
"Who are you?" one of the men, apparently the leader, all but shouted.
"It does not matter. You are in the way," Kenshin declared as he grasped the handle of his sword. The Shinsengumi foot soldiers could only watched horrified as the hitokiri unleashed the blade. One of their comrades plodded to the ground, blood gurgling from his skewered throat. The assassin eyed the survivors, amber gleaming eerily. The others gapped. They had barely seen him move.
"It--- it's him! The hitokiri!"
Battousai surged forward in a flash of cold steel. Spin, back step, lunge, thrust. Metal clashed in a cruel dance. Slashed throat, impaled chest, run through his shoulder, slice the vein; everything was almost mechanical. That was the only way she could describe the battle as she watched with watery blue eyes. Mechanical. Battousai sprinted forward and the soldier swung down. Grating metal rung through her ears. Battousai twisted his blade, dislodging the other, flicking his wrist expertly to convert the movement into a smooth upward swing. Screams filled the darkness as the man clutched the bloody stump of his arm.
Kaoru couldn't help herself, sick fascination overwhelmed her better senses. She stepped out of the shadows to stand in the middle of the deserted road. She stared in rapture as scarlet blossomed on sea green while the man cradled his mutilated limb. His echoed cries became hollow as she watched his pain, reflections of human pain. The pain of her heart, the pain of Keisuke's departure, the pain of her father's loss, the pain of Kenshin's duty, the suffering of everyday toil, the agony of knowing you, like every human being, were destined to die. To suffer in some inexplicable way. Kenshin did not give the man much time to ponder the pain, a quick thrust pinned him to the wall by the throat. A low pitched crack was heard as the man's spine severed. He released the body to slide down to its brethren. Kaoru's eyes followed, unable to break the contact. Blood poured out of his vacant gaze, staining him and the ground where he fell.
Kenshin turned to find Kaoru in a daze, eyes riveted to the corpse at his feet. The expression on her face came deathly close to frightening him, a warped mixture of horror and joy. That face belonged to him, not her.
"Kaoru."
The girl broke the trance, looking up at him with doleful eyes. Kenshin's eyes were no longer amber but a hard edged blue. He teetered on the border of the violet eyed boy and the hardened killer. Kaoru allowed her gaze to slip from him to the bodies littering the ground. She paused for a moment on each one. That man had a wife who would never hold him again. That one had a child would have only faded memories of a father's face. And that one with the tussled black hair, he was her Keisuke. She looked up at the young man who inflicted this damage. A young man who wouldn't let himself see the people beyond the cooling flesh. A young man who killed more of himself everyday to uphold this futile charade. Kaoru shed a single tear. Kenshin's eyes fastened on the crystalline drop as it tracked down her cheek.
"Don't cry," he said softly.
"I'm mourning."
"What are you mourning?" Kenshin whispered.
"You," Kaoru whispered just as softly.
Kenshin blinked in confusion and shook his head. He didn't have time to ponder Kaoru's actions. He continued his trek to the Ikedaya, Kaoru jogging behind him. He stopped at a corner when he heard voices. Kaoru bumped lightly against him and gasped. A group of seven Shinsengumi were huddled, speaking hurriedly in low voices. At the fore was a tall man with brown hair and slanted amber eyes. Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's arm to pull them out of sight.
"Keisuke."
The breathless word left Kenshin frozen. His feet stopped working and narrowed eyes darted to the group. As if on instinct, a young green-eyed boy with black hair turned toward them. Kenshin found himself pushed against the shadowed wall before he could react. Kaoru pressed herself against him, her black head nuzzled into his chest.
"Takahata."
"Sorry, Saitou-san, I thought I heard something. I must be really homesick because I thought I saw Kao-chan for a moment."
Kenshin felt Kaoru wince at the nickname.
"Your woman?"
"Yes."
"In that case, I suggest you get your mind off petty affairs and back on the subject at hand."
"Hai, Saitou-san."
Kenshin knew Kaoru was shaking. Her body was rigid and she curdled into him almost desperately. In the shadows, sandwiched between a wall and a woman, only one thought crossed his mind: she didn't want him to see her. At the back of his thoughts, one voice still parroted his duty without reprieve. Not giving a second thought, he reached for the katana at his side. For the second time that night, two slender hands covered his own. When he looked into her pleading eyes, he knew she would not let go. He couldn't refuse those eyes. Nodding his ascent, he switched the position of their hands and led her away. Saitou looked up to catch two indistinct figures fading into the night.
"Saitou-san?"
"Nothing," Saitou grumbled and brought his attention back to their discussion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katsura sat under a bridge in the burning city of Kyoto. A straw hat obscured his face and a worn cloak disguised his features. Beside him stood a short red-haired swordsman accompanied by a shorter black-haired woman wearing a torn kimono. Their expressions were grim.
"Our bases are being flushed out, the city's in chaos--- all our hard work---"
"What do we do?" the redhead questioned.
"We need to hide out, replenish our resources. I have a small house in Otsu where you'll be safe, Himura. A married couple will be less suspicious than a single man. Kaoru, stay with him. I have an insider in a small shrine along the way. He can marry you two to keep questions at bay and when this ordeal is over, I'll have him destroy the records and no one will be any the wiser."
Kenshin and Kaoru stood speechless at this request.
"What will you do?" Kenshin asked, cutting the tension.
"I have to hide out as well. I'll send an informant to keep you updated about our position. Here," Katsura handed Kenshin a folded a piece of paper. "These are directions to the shrine and house as well as a written note to the priest who will marry you. Burn it as soon as you reach Otsu. I hope you fare well." Kenshin watched Katsura's retreating back before he turned to Kaoru.
"What should we do? Should we go to Otsu?"
Kaoru looked at him with a small smile. The distant flames reflected in her sapphire eyes.
"As husband and wife?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saitou stormed into camp. He was grimy, sweaty, and throbbed in pain from a shoulder wound where a stray blade had managed to stab him. The heady after effects of battle were still with him. He grinned. Perhaps he shouldn't have drunken all that sake before hand. Alcohol always got his blood running.
In the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of white. He turned his head to see Tomoe sitting on the ground. She was holding her dagger again, staring intently into the metallic depths as if searching for an answer. Or a question. Saitou barely had time to wonder why a woman was sitting in the middle of an army camp when she glanced over her shoulder, catching his amber eyes with her ebony. She sheathed the small blade, rose, and placed the dagger discreetly in the square tie of her obi. She bowed politely in his direction and floated away. Saitou's face remained impassive as he shook his head slightly in awe. The woman was indeed suspicious. He was intrigued.