"I'm going to end this," Ronin growled. As Lunar Wolf got back up, Ronin got on its back. The beast howled before leaping up into the air, silhouetted by the moon above. Ronin raised his hand, summoning a shining crystal. Inserting it into his blade, the steel grew to the size of a huge blade with white lines running through it. Both Ronin and Lunar Wolf shone as bright as the moon as they dove back down at the stunned Barbwire Spirit.
"TSUKUYOMI!" Ronin roared as he and Lunar Wolf came down.
The blur hit the ground and raced past the Spirit. Behind them, a large glowing gouge in the ground appeared. The Spirit was still as Ronin and his partner came to a stop. Getting off the animal's back, he turned to the Spirit. At first it seemed he had missed, but soon after a huge white gash in the Spirit appeared. It cried out in pain before exploding in white light before reforming into the kanji for 'seal' before finally fading away.
"Finally," Ronin nodded as his armor and Lunar Wolf vanished. Kaoru turned to see the damage to his apartment before dropping to his knees, the back of his shirt stained red from the gashes. He was panting for breath.
"Kaoru-sama!" Aoi cried as she dashed down the steps, across the ruined ground and to her tired beloved. He helped him up to his feet with one hand on his back. She didn't care about the blood staining her hand, only about him. "Are you alright?"
"Had worse," said Kaoru. He then looked ahead to stare at Miyabi. "I bet you want answers."
Miyabi attempted to recompose herself. She hadn't expected this, nor had she expected to owe Kaoru her life for earlier. Now, she was honor bound to him. Of course, she also had to tell Aoi's parents about what was happening. It was her duty. However, she was torn.
"Yes, I would like some answers," said Miyabi, "But for now we should have your wounds treated."
Things were starting to become more and more difficult.
"Sure," Kaoru nodded. "I hope the bandages survived all the chaos."
Getting helped to his feet by both women, Kaoru was walked back to his apartment. There some questions would be answered and some wounds would be treated, hopefully not in that order. The wounds on his back felt pretty bad. He never got wounded on the back for a while. The only scars there were the ones his tyrant of a grandfather had given him in his efforts to try and erase Kaoru's mother from the Hanabishi home and from Kaoru's life.
Once inside, Aoi had asked Kaoru to remove his shirt. He kept his back facing away from Miyabi. She had no reason to see those scars. As Aoi was treating his wounds, he faced Miyabi seriously. At first, Miyabi had thought he was a dishonorable outcast, but her opinion had dramatically changed.
"So, you want to know about that monster and the armor?" said Kaoru.
"Yes," answered Miyabi.
"Well, it all started 3 months ago," began Kaoru as he told the story he'd told Aoi the night before.
AI YORI AOSHI: KAMEN RIDER RONIN
Miyabi was starting to have second thoughts about Kaoru Hanabishi. She initially thought of him as a dishonorable ronin for abandoning his clan. However, after witnessing him risking his life to protect them and after hearing about what he'd been doing the past 3 months her views of him had changed. She hated being wrong and not only that she also owed him a debt of gratitude for saving her life, twice.
"Miyabi-san, are you alright?" Aoi noticed that Miyabi remained silent even after Kaoru had finished his tale.
"This…is a lot to take in," said Miyabi. She really wished all this was just a bad dream. At least then she could wake up, but this was reality. Kaoru was a warrior, a samurai, who battled against evil Spirits to protect humans.
"How do you think it makes me feel?" questioned Kaoru as he put his shirt back on. Aoi did an excellent job in fixing him up. "Oh, and sorry about your car."
Miyabi shrugged. "I can just call a taxi. Of course, I do wish to ask how you will sleep tonight." She pointed to the ruined window and also the mess outside. "It surprises me that nobody else saw or heard anything, or came out to check."
"I've noticed that too," stated Kaoru. That fight with the Barbwire Spirit had been loud. Of course, it was late, so people were asleep and most wouldn't let such loud noises disturb their slumber. His eyes then went towards Aoi and then Miyabi. "Are you still going to take Aoi-chan with you?"
"I must. As her guardian it is my duty to ensure her safety. As much as I owe you a debt of gratitude for protecting Aoi-sama and I and for saving our lives, I must take her away with me." Aoi gasped.
"Miyabi-san, you can't!" Aoi protested.
"Aoi-sama, it's not safe for you to be here!" Miyabi argued.
"I have Kaoru-sama to protect me!" countered Aoi.
"Aoi-chan, you should go home," said Kaoru. The blue-haired young woman looked at him in shock.
"But…"
"Aoi-chan, that Spirit came after me and you nearly got hurt. I have to think about your safety too in all this," he rationalized.
"But…who will take care of you? Who will cook your meals and…" Aoi began.
"I've been doing pretty well myself, Aoi-chan," said Kaoru, keeping his eyes to the floor. "Please, for your own sake, can you go home…?"
"But…"
"Please…"
Aoi's heart was breaking. She thought that maybe she could live with Kaoru. However, an unmarried man and woman living together would be scandalous. Her parents would not allow it. She didn't care, really. All she wanted was to be with Kaoru-sama. She understood that he needed to protect her and that his work was dangerous, but as his future wife she would be able to endure all the danger as long as she could remain by her side.
"But what about the window? You'll catch a cold," said Aoi.
Kaoru raised his dagger and said, "Leave that to me." He went over to the shattered window and 'wrote' in the air using the dagger. The Kanji for 'restore' appeared and the glass shards soon flew off the floor and bonded together to become the window. It looked brand new, as if nothing had broken it. Even the railing outside had been repaired.
Miyabi and Aoi were stunned by the mystical power contained in the dagger. Miyabi knew where Kaoru had gotten it but she wanted to know more. "Kaoru-dono," began Miyabi. "May I examine the dagger?"
Kaoru had no reason to decline and handed the weapon to Aoi's guardian. She looked it over and her eyes widened briefly in recognition. This was going to change a lot of things if this dagger proved authentic. She needed to speak with Aoi's parents about this. "Thank you, Kaoru-dono." She handed it back to him. "Now, we must take our leave."
Kaoru watched as the taxi drove off and waved as Aoi looked back at him. He turned away, not wanting to look at her heartbroken expression any longer. He looked up at his apartment and said, "Alone again…"
"I came here prepared to properly scold you and remind you of how worried both of your parents were," Miyabi sighed as the pair talked in the back of the cab. "However, after what I have seen in that young man, I can probably understand your reasoning in wishing to stay near him. He's brave, honorable, and very responsible."
"Yes, and so much more," Aoi nodded sadly.
"I will have to tell your parents about what happened. Although…if what I saw on that dagger was true, if it was truly passed to him…" Miyabi frowned.
"His dagger?" asked Aoi. "Does it hold some significance beyond what allows Kaoru-sama to do?"
"Assuming it is real and was given to him lawfully, then it will hold an extreme significance," Miyabi answered. She wished she could tell her charge more, but there was no sense in getting her hopes up.
Kaoru was beginning to miss Aoi's presence, even if it's only been for a short time. He'd already gotten used to eating alone but when she was here he'd been happy. When he woke up to see she wasn't there he could only think of how empty the room felt without her. Waking up to see her had brightened his day.
He ate his usual breakfast, something simple, before getting himself ready for class. He then walked out of his apartment to get to the university.
In the train he looked out the window neutrally. 'Looks like it's back to being alone…' He was used to it already, but being with Aoi, even for a short time, was starting to mess with his head and heart. 'Damn it…'
In class he barely paid attention to the lectures and when the day was done he returned home. He opened the door and greeted, "Tadai…" before catching himself. Why was he announcing that he'd returned home? He was alone again. There was no Aoi to greet him back.
"Okaeri nasai, Kaoru-sama," he heard and his eyes widened as he looked up to see Aoi smiling back at him. He dropped his backpack in shock.
"Aoi-chan?" Was this a dream? "Why are you here?"
"I've come home," she answered. Kaoru then ran towards her and pulled her into a hug.
"I've missed you," he said. Aoi blushed but returned the embrace as she closed her eyes to enjoy his warmth. He then realized what he was doing before backing away. "Sorry! I don't know what came over me." He then realized something and asked, "Aoi-chan, did you get permission?"
"Actually…I snuck out," said Aoi. Kaoru blinked. "I don't care if our engagement is broken. I just…wanted to see you again."
Kaoru wanted to see her too, badly. However, fate was against them. He was a ronin and she was from the Sakuraba Clan. It wouldn't work out. However, he didn't care for that. No matter what he would definitely fight to be with Aoi. She was his childhood friend and if she was right she would be his future wife.
"Me too…" he said. "I…missed you." She hadn't been gone long but he already missed her.
"Me too."
They were like that for several moments before…
"Ahem!"
The pair jumped apart and looked towards the door to see Miyabi and an elderly woman in a deep green kimono. Aoi gasped, "Okaa-sama!"
Kaoru's eyes widened. Aoi's mother? He gulped. Things were definitely going to become difficult for them.
"Here's your tea," said Kaoru as he offered the cup to both Miyabi and Aoi's mother. Aoi was seated by his side as she deemed where she belonged, sitting across from her guardian and her mother. She wanted to face this with Kaoru no matter what. Her father was unable to come due to a business trip so that left his wife to handle things while he was away. She was a respectable woman with an aura that demanded respect and she'd earned it. The Sakuraba name was not something to scoff at.
"Hanabishi-san," spoke Aoi's mother. "By now you must know of the status of your engagement. It has been voided."
"I know that," Kaoru nodded.
"Then why do you persist in being with her like this?" Mrs. Sakuraba asked sternly. "Why not send her away and end this?"
"Despite the engagement, I truly do care for Aoi-chan," Kaoru answered as calmly as he could. He was extremely nervous though. "Seeing her again, spending time with her, just knowing that there were feelings between us, I couldn't let that go so easily. I saw nothing truly wrong since she was not promised to anyone else as to my knowledge."
"That is true, although my husband is considering trying again," Mrs. Sakuraba nodded. "However, you do know that by abandoning your clan and the status with it, you sacrificed any hope of being with my daughter."
Kaoru bit his tongue to keep from talking. He desperately wanted to say why he left, but he couldn't disrespect his grandfather like that. For all he knew, Aoi's family could still be on speaking terms with him. The head of the Hanabishi family was not a patient man and not known for keeping his temper.
Both Mrs. Sakuraba and Miyabi took notice of his desire to speak, but reluctance to do so. They could ask him about later if he wished.
"However, Miyabi-san has told me about a rather fantastic event that transpired here before she managed to recover my daughter. Normally I would disregard it as a fantasy, but something struck me as familiar," Mrs. Sakuraba continued.
"What would that be, Sakuraba-dono?" asked Kaoru curiously.
"Do you or do you not have in your possession an ornate silver dagger?" the elder woman asked simply. "If you do, would you please let me examine it?"
"Hai," Kaoru nodded as he retrieved the item in question. Placing the dagger in the centre of the table, he saw Mrs. Sakuraba's eyes widen in shock. She reached to it and gently ran her fingers across the designs.
"Incredible…it is genuine," she gasped. "If what I have been told is true about how you received it…oh Kami his poor family."
"Huh?" Kaoru blinked in shock. "Sakuraba-dono, do you now where the silver warrior came from?"
"I have a suspicion," Mrs. Sakuraba answered. "However, I still have more questions of my own. I was told that you saved not only my daughter, but Miyabi-san as well by taking a strike to your back. May I ask to see those wounds?"
Kaoru hand instantly went up to clutch his shoulder. "I apologize, but I must decline your request." He had taken a hit in the back, but there were numerous scars there that he didn't want to share with anyone. They were scars from a past he'd rather not remember but those scars reminded him of those events. They were private and he didn't want to show them to anyone. Only Aoi had seen them recently and Kaoru wasn't feeling too excited about showing them to anyone else.
Mrs. Sakuraba noted the dire expression on Kaoru's face and chose to let it go. If it was something private then she didn't have the right to pry. Still, she wanted to confirm a few things, mostly regarding the Ronin Dagger and its fabled/famed capabilities.
"Very well," Mrs. Sakuraba nodded. "My next question is, does this dagger give you the capability of doing extraordinary things such as donning silver armor, calling a large wolf, and even turning itself into a katana?"
"Hai," Kaoru nodded. "The dagger has done all that. I even learned that I could repair broken things with it just by writing in the air."
"I see," Mrs. Sakuraba nodded. On the inside though, she was growing excited. The fables she had been told about the dagger were indeed true. Miyabi never lied and this young man was upholding her story, even mentioning things that she didn't hint that Miyabi had told her. If these tales were proving to be true, then certain other tales she had the fortune of learning about were most likely true as well.
"I believe that I may be able to assist," Mrs. Sakuraba finally spoke. "It may take a day or two to confirm a few things. However, I see no harm in Aoi indulging herself during that time."
"Sakuraba-dono!" Miyabi gasped. "Although Kaoru-dono has proven himself a good man, he is still just a boy!"
"Then you will have no complaints about checking in on them from time to time," Mrs. Sakuraba retorted. "You are Aoi's guardian when myself or my husband are unable to be with her after all."
"…hai, Sakuraba-dono," Miyabi nodded as she retook her still and silent pose.
"So, Okaa-sama, you will allow Kaoru-sama and I to be together?" Aoi asked hopefully.
"If you wish, but what about you, Hanabishi-san?" Mrs. Sakuraba asked.
Kaoru looked to Aoi and she smiled at him. It was then that he found his answer. He clasped her hand and their fingers intertwined.
"Yes, I want to be with Aoi-chan as well," said Kaoru.
Mrs. Sakuraba smiled and then said, "Very well. Since you have proven yourself to be a capable young man I don't see why not my daughter cannot be with you." She became serious and rigid again, "However, my main concern is about your statis as a ronin. This will not be received well by the rest of the Sakuraba Clan. They will protest and this will surely lead to a scandal."
"I will take full responsibility for it if that were to happen," said Kaoru firmly.
"Yes, but what about my daughter, Aoi? Is she prepared to face the same hardships?" She asked her daughter, "Are you?"
"I am," said Aoi firmly. Mrs. Sakuraba could see the confidence in her daughter's eyes and couldn't be more proud to have raised a strong-willed daughter. Still, her defiance was something that would not bode well for her husband. However, if what she suspected about the dagger was true, this entire event may turn into a blessing in disguise for everyone involved.
Kaoru waited at the train station for Aoi to return. She just needed to pack some things for a few days while her mother got her business finished. What it was, Mrs. Sakuraba wasn't saying. Even Miyabi was tight lipped about it, but that was to be expected. Rather than worrying about it, Kaoru decided to focus on the fact that Aoi was going to remain a part of his life. Now that was something worth smiling over.
"Kaoru-sama!"
Kaoru looked up and saw Aoi walking towards him with a bright smile. She had a pink suitcase with her with enough clothes to last a few days. She was looking forward to sharing a home with Kaoru again. It would be just like it was before, even better now that she had her mother's approval.
"Aoi-chan," Kaoru smiled. "I hope you have everything you need."
"Yes, I think so," Aoi nodded as she gripped her suitcase.
"Okay then," Kaoru smiled. "Let's go home."
"Hai!" Aoi smiled brightly.
He took her hand and walked with her back to the apartment. This was a beginning of a new life for them.
Kaoru had to admit to himself that he was a little afraid of this change but it wasn't unwelcomed. It was a pleasant change. For a long time he'd woken up alone and come back to an empty house. Now, with Aoi, he wouldn't be alone.
When Kaoru opened the door to his apartment he got the biggest shock of his life. His entire place was EMPTY! All his furniture was gone.
"I'VE BEEN ROBBED!!!" Kaoru shouted, beginning to panic.
"Wait, Kaoru-sama, there's a note here," said Aoi, pointing to the door where a note had been stuck upon it. Kaoru grabbed the note and ripped it off the door before scanning its contents.
Dear Kaoru-dono,
As you can see all your furniture is gone. There is a very good reason for that. Please, follow the directions written here to find the address. I've already spoken to your landlord so you won't need to see him about your living arrangements.
Signed: Miyabi Kagurazaki
Kaoru's eye twitched. He'd been hoping to be staying with Aoi but now he had to leave his apartment for a new place.
"Kaoru-sama?" Aoi asked worriedly.
"Looks like I'm moving out," said Kaoru.
The pair later stood outside a mansion which was a few stories tall and looked to be of western architecture. Aoi, being used to seeing such buildings growing up, was just fine with it. Kaoru on the other hand was practically gaping at the sight of the large building.
"This is the Sakuraba summer home," Miyabi explained as she met the couple at the door. "Sakuraba-dono saw it fit to let the two of you stay here. However, there is something I must stress to you both!"
The pair looked to the older woman with rapt attention.
"Until further notice, no one can find out your connection to each other," Miyabi explained. "And I mean NO ONE. The scandal would prove incredible and damage the reputation of the Sakuraba family incredible. I'm sure you can understand what that would mean."
Aoi looked stricken and Kaoru held his peace. It made sense. He was ronin who abandoned his clan and Aoi was a member of one of the most prestigious families in Japan. The Sakuraba Department Store chain was a huge business with many competitors and rivals could take advantage of any weakness they could find within the family. If word got out that the daughter of the Head of the Sakuraba Clan was engaged to a ronin, the damage would be too great and they would loose credibility.
"Yes, I do," said Kaoru. "And I understand."
"Kaoru-sama…" said Aoi.
"It's alright. I'm fine with it. As long as I'm with you I'm satisfied," said Kaoru.
"That is why until further notice you will live there, in the refurbished servants' quarters," said Miyabi, pointing to a wooden cabin that wasn't very fair from the main house. It was small, but it looked cozy enough for him. It wasn't any different from Kaoru's old apartment.
"Now, there are some ground rules that you must know," said Miyabi and Kaoru paid attention as Miyabi listed each and every one of them.
Luckily, all of Kaoru's stuff had been moved to his new room. The only thing he needed to do was unpack everything and make the room more like home. As he was starting to unpack, he heard a tapping sound against his door. He went over and slid it open to reveal Aoi.
"Aoi-chan, what are you doing here?" Kaoru asked.
"I just thought maybe you would like some help unpacking," said Aoi as she barely hid her blush.
"Sure, come in," said Kaoru as he allowed her inside.
Meals would be served at a set time. Aoi would be the one to cook and Kaoru was looking forward to what she would be making. He sat at the dining table, waiting with Miyabi, before he stood up. Miyabi asked curiously, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to see if Aoi-chan needs help with anything," said Kaoru.
Miyabi knew this was an excuse. He probably wanted to see Aoi. "Fine, but no funny business."
Kaoru blushed before heading to the kitchen.
From within the darkness it emerged. Its feet clanked against the ground. It was vaguely humanoid, standing at 7 feet tall. The Spirit, like many others, had dark skin and appeared to be made of iron. The iron mask which was its face had a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth. Instead of fingers, it possessed curves sickle blades which scraped along the ground as it marched through the night. It was looking for fresh victims.
A car stopped in front of the Sickle Spirit. The driver, unaware what he'd nearly hit was inhuman, stepped out of his vehicle, yelling angrily. Moments later, when he got a clear view of the Spirit his eyes widened in horror as his skin paled. He let out a scream which was silenced when the Spirit's sickle claws came down.
As Kaoru was enjoying his dinner with Aoi and Miyabi, the throbbing sensation in his head caused him to groan. The two women looked to him in concern, but Miyabi's look was also laced with some curiosity.
"A Spirit?"Aoi asked.
"Hai," Kaoru answered as he got up from his chair. "I need to go." He then ran out of the dining room and towards the front door.
The Sickle Spirit licked the blood off its claws. The human had been delicious but yet its hunger was not yet satisfied. It needed to feed on more human flesh until it was full. The growling of an engine caught its attention and it looked ahead to see another human riding a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle stopped and its rider dismounted before removing his helmet.
Kaoru could see the blood on the ground and the car that looked to have been ripped apart by the Spirit's claws. The victim must've tried to escape but had his car ruined before being dragged out and eaten. Kaoru grimaced and then stared at the Sickle Spirit hatefully.
"Henshin!" Kaoru cried as he stabbed the dagger into the slot on his belt. He then charged at the Spirit as his armor was forming. Once the suit was fully formed he withdrew his dagger, which was now a katana, before attacking.
Ronin slashed at the Spirit who was using its claws to parry the blows. Spars flew as their weapons connected and clashed. The Spirit tried to slash at Ronin but he managed to evade the strike before stabbing his sword into its stomach. The Spirit grinned wickedly before slashing at Ronin.
Ronin let out a scream as he was slashed and then he as sent flying by a vicious blow in the chest. He tumbled along the ground before landing face up on the ground. He rolled over and picked himself back up as he glared at the Spirit. His sword was still embedded in the Spirit's gut so there was no way for him to get it without getting himself hurt.
"Lunar Wolf!" he called with a whistle and instantly the bike transformed into his familiar, the armoured beast known as Lunar Wolf. It let out a howl and lunged at the Spirit. The Spirit simply batted it away and it slammed against the wall. Now Ronin knew he was in trouble. This Spirit was way stronger than anything he'd come across before and it was coming right for him.
As the Sickle Spirit attacked savagely, Ronin had no choice but to dodge. It was too risky trying to get his sword again but he needed it to finish this Spirit off. It was his primary weapon and finished.
The Spirit suddenly wailed as Lunar Wolf jumped up and dug its claws into its back and bit down upon its shoulder. The Sickle Spirit thrashed wildly as it tried to get the wolf off but the wolf was determined to subdue it and tightened its grip as its claws dug deeper into its hide.
As Ronin was about to try and retrieve his sword, the full moon was revealed through the clouds. Its silver light shone down on the silver fighter. As it did, his armor began to shine brightly. He felt a rush race down his spine and the energy from the armor pooled down his body and began to pool into his right foot. Looking at where the power was pooled, Ronin gasped to see his right boot glowing brightly. Looking at the still pinned Sickle Spirit, Ronin decided to give it a charge.
Racing forward, Ronin took a flying leap into the air. His right foot was extended, aimed at the Spirit. He was silhouetted by the moon. As he came closer, the boot began to shine.
"Silver Crash!" Ronin's foot collided against the Spirit, making a shockwave of silver energy. The Lunar Wolf released the Spirit as Ronin collided with it. The Spirit roared in pain as the force of the attack sent it several feet backwards and skidding across the ground. Screeching, the monster struggled for a moment before finally exploding. The released energy reformed into a silver kanji for 'Seal' before finally fading away.
Ronin landed on the ground, gasping for breath. That was a new attack he didn't even know he had. It would certainly come in handy if he lost his sword again. Speaking of which, he picked up his sword and then went over to pet his partner on the head. It responded in kind before changing into his bike. His armor vanished in a flash of light before he put his riding helmet on and he got on the bike before racing back towards the Sakuraba Mansion.
He had been looking for Kaoru and when he thought he'd managed to track the young man down he found out that he'd moved out of his apartment. At first he was frustrated but he did manage to find out Kaoru's new address and followed it to where he was now.
"So, this is where he lives?" the man said as he looked at the Sakuraba Mansion. He sensed movement and looked through the corner of his eye. It was a Spirit coming at him. "Cheh, damned Spirits."
Suddenly, the Spirit froze. All the while, the man had his hand on his sword's hilt. It didn't look like he'd moved. With a click, it was fully sheathed. The Spirit was suddenly cut in half and collapsed before it faded away, making a golden symbol of 'Seal' before vanishing completely.
"Kaoru Hanabishi…"
ZK Chromedragozoid: OK, so Kaoru is now living with Aoi but there are still some new challenges he must face. Also, who was this guy looking for him? Answers will come in the next chapter.