Standard disclaimers: We don't own Ruroken. We wish we did, but unfortunately Watsuki and some big name companies already have this privilege.

Dear readers,

it has been a long time since I updated this story, Morgane and my betas stopped working on RuroKen and I lost my touch with the story. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy reading:

Chapter 9

Feeling a bit relieved, she snuggled into his blanquet. No, she didn't care if it was improper sleeping in one room with a man she wasn't married to - yet. The atmosphere in the room she had shared with Michinori after she had found his diary had been maddening, suffocating, unbearable to take. She would overcome his death, but it was too soon. She had mourened right after his cruel and unnecessary death and felt that her tears had dried, were buried deep down inside her. She would never cry again in her entire life, she knew it. She wanted to contact the living and not the dead and had looked for a good excuse to invade Saitou's room.

She should at last have brought something along for sleeping, but she couldn't stand the idea touching anything she had shared with Michinori. In addition it might have been too eye-catching with her wandering across the floor with sleeping equipment, that would have been improper indeed, informing the whole compound about her intentions. She had had to sort his things in their shared room and she wasn't able to suppress her sobbing completely though she had a perfect control of her emotions in similar situations. The thought of spending the night alone in a room she had shared with Michinori within the last days had felt so awkward to her, that she couldn't stand it. She had felt close to a breakdown, it was too much to take. First her mother and father, then Michinori and she was spared as if keeping her alive was the greater punishment. As she found Michinori's diary, she took it and hid it before Kenichiro would realise it. It would give her some answers later, answers to questions Kenichiro and Michinori had refused to respond to. As curious as she was, she needed more time to start reading, Michinori's handwriting would bring too sad memories to her.

One, two, three,...

Four, five, six,...

Seven, eight, nine,..

LEAVES

Yes, she still remembered how Kenishiro, Michinori and she had sat under a titanic pine, cuddling and singing, counting the falling leaves..

Kenichiro was the next problem. He was bordering, not willing to listen to anyone anymore and surely out to get his hands on the murderer. As their mother had been killed he had been still too small to avenge them and all he had done since that day he had found her painted with her mothers blood was training obsessively. And obsessed he was. In his current state of mind he wouldn't be controlable anymore. It made him strong on the one side and weak on the other. If he continued he would be punished severely for disobeying orders of his superior. If he was lucky, he would be allowed to commit seppuku, but she doubted it.

She glanced sideways at her sleeping 'to-be-husband'. She had to take the initiative after Michinori was killed and Kenichiro on loose. The last thing she wanted was to be dragged back to Osaka and being forced to join the organisation who ruined her family just to get a grip on her when she would be of age. Before she would cooperate she would prefer to kill herself, though they surely would prevent it. No, she wanted to live on for the sake of her parents and Michinori, she had taken the decision long ago and there was a way out of it.

She glanced at Saitou again. The reason for hightailing to Kyoto would surely be found in Michinori's diary, but she was certain that Kenishiro and Michinori had realised that they wouldn't stand a chance against the organisation, they were only two men. Kyoto was far from their influence and as soon as the marriage was consummated she would have some years of peace. They would wait for a daughter born from her, let her raise her, teach her of her abilities - what was necessary not to be run over from impressions - then kill her.

Saitou was a perfect option. He was a well-trained fighter, Kenichiro was only slightly better, and on top Saitou had a whole organisation behind him. They would help out if the situation was pressing, tough they weren't allowed to involve in private fights. But this wasn't only a private matter, this would affect whole Japan. She had to speed up the marriage, and she wouldn't need money for it. She had her own ways to persuate a man. She side-glanced again, he stirred uncomfortable. She could have slept without a futon and blanket, but for what reason? He was a man, he should bear it, if not he wasn't worth another look. He made her feeling so safe and comfortable, it was so.. natural to have him around despite his sometimes infuriating manners.

She felt like dozing away, relaxing her muscles, inhaling deeply the fool, cruel and sticky air Kyoto had at this time of year. On top of it ,she felt the atmosphere of blood everywhere around, there was no way to escape it. The smell grew more intensive, it was impossible denying the metallic though sweet smell, drawing near, closer, suffocating. Her heartbeat fastened. Only for a second she closed her eyes and she opened them, only to be trapped in one of her illusions ones more.

The paper walls shone pink, red, dark red as it reached the paper walls. First drops of blood poured through the walls and soon the blood gathered in little pools on the tatami. She did see nothing but red, was suffocated by the intense smell. She'd never find her peace in this city filled with bloodshed.

A long abandoned love. A male corpse lying crouched on the ground. The fingers buried in agony in the ground. The head... was missing.

Hate if you want to love.

Be insane if you want to be sane.

Leave if you want to stay.

Cry if you want to be happy.

Kill if you want to live.

Despair if you want to hope.

Deception.

The unusual intensity of feelings hitting her, made her shiver as well as the deep masculine voice invading her, being inside her head, the last word painfully aloud, she felt her head almost bursting. She didn't want to witness all this. She wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible. She didn't chose her fate, the choice had been made for her. From now on she wouldn't tolerate it anymore, she'd make her own choices. The future wasn't something that couldn't be influenced, it was a constant current that could be manipulated, nothing was preordained. Yes, from tonight on, she would try to change her destiny! She understood her last vision clearly, even her subconciousness was telling her to go through hell before she could start living again, maybe Michinori's death had been necessary for her to realise it. She had been despaired, but she could hope again. She had hated, but she was capable of loving again. She had cried, her tears had dried. But who would deceive her? It had sounded like a crack of a whip, it had to be very important and it had to be someone she trust - or would trust - blindly.

There were hasty footsteps! Alarmed she sat up, from the corner of her eye she saw Saitou doing the same, first thing he did was assuring that he had his swords handy and took one. So his fighting skills weren't subdued during sleep. Silently he told her with an alarmed look to prepare getting in a safe position as she understood. As the shouji was ripped open, nearly loosing its balance, she realised the reason for her vision as she observed the familiar figure covered with blood, Saitou already on his feet, ready to draw and attack.

The smell of blood lingered in the streets of Kyoto in these days but this time it got so intense that it entered his dreams. This wasn't a good sign, it meant that someone had passed his room with bloody cloths on, he should wake up. Alarmed by his subconsciousness he had percieved the footsteps which made him fully awake, instantly reaching for his swords. He didn't need one second to remember that Tokio was sleeping in his room, a short check assured him that she wouldn't be a problem, she was awake and ready to jump aside. A considerable problem was the alcohol still lingering in his veins. It wasn't much, but it would dull his reflexes. A part of a second could decide between life and death. He prepared to draw as the shouji was ripped open, revealing a breathless, familiar figure covered with blood. Kenichiro Takemoto.

His muscles relaxed though he remained tensed, something had happened. Takemoto wasn't the man to through a tantrum or make theatrical appearances when life wasn't on the line. He was of the material only the best swordsmen were made of. Intelligent, sharp senses, brave, honourable, a gifted fighter. He would make a good captain replacing an unreliable one, if Takemoto wouldn't be too involved in his private interests, he wouldn't put Shinsengumi interests above his own family interests. Since his brother's death he had obviously an authority problem, before the tragedy he had been able to hide it. He surely would have to face consequences if the news he brought weren't useful in anyway. After glaring threatingly at his sister, somehow appreciating her decision not to stay alone inside her room, Takemoto tried to get his raged breathing under control. After being back to regular breathing he shared the news with him. Great, and Tokio standing behind him in her yukata, one futon and one blanket on the floor. He was lucky that Harada was on patrol, otherwise he'd be the gossip of the compound being caught red handed.

"I found the suspect, Saitou-sensei."

Finally this was good news. Before he could react, Tokio stepped in between them.

"I come with you."

"No, I you won't, Tokio and we have no time discussing here."

"But..."

Again, faster than Saitou could react, Takemoto raised his fist and knocked it against Tokio's temple. He'd taken her by surprise, too, judged by her astonished cry before her brother's fist connected and she fell back unconsciously against him. Thanks to his well-trained reflexes he managed to catch her and prevent a hard fall on the tatami. This guy was ruthless indeed, if he handled his own sister who seemed dear to him like that, what did he do with people he didn't care for? He looked up, waiting for an explanation, only to realise that Takemoto was staring down on Tokio and talking with her.

"I am sorry, little one, but it was necessary. You are not meant to witness this one."

With the most serious expression he had ever noticed on Takemoto's face - Saitou hadn't thought he had one more in store -, the man turned towards him, addressing him in his usual rightenous manner.

"Could you please tell her my deepest apologies if I don't come back? It was the best for her."

For now it wasn't his business, he wasn't a member of this family, and Takemoto might know his sister better then anyone. It was a hard, yet fast method to go after the killer without a hinderance through an untrained woman though she surely had had her share of fights with a deadly outcome. And they had to be fast if they wanted to make it in time, not giving their culprit the slightest chance to escape.

"Show me the way."

There was a banging inside her head, persistent, not subsiding, waking her up finally. She felt uncomfortable, lying in an awkward position on a hard underground. Irritated she sat up. Where was she? She started to recall the happenings. She had gone to Saitou's room, had drunken sake with him, had fallen asleep on his futon... only to be awoken by Kenichiro who had entered the room telling them that he had found the whereabouts of Michinori's assassin.

She felt anger boiling and her cheeks reddening in dismay as she remembered what Kenichiro had done to her. How long had she been passed out? Unconsciously she felt for the spot on her temple where Kenichiro's fist had hit her. He had never done this before, hitting her though she sometimes had tried his patience and limits. He had no right to do this! She literally jumped on her feet, who said that she couldn't follow them to the killer's hideout?

The shouji was still opened, all she had to do was follow the call of death, she could perceive already. At least one would die within this fight and it hadn't happened yet. For once her bothering gift did her some service: it guided her through the city.

As she stepped out, another shouji across the floor was opened. Tokio stopped short and frowned. Wasn't everyone supposed to be out on patrol? Only Saitou and his men were supposed to stay back in HQ for emergencies. It was Okita's room, but wasn't his shadow she saw. Too tall to be Okita. The riddle was solved soon, since the person stepped out glancing in the direction of Saitou's room.

"Good evening, Nagakura-sensei."

He didn't bother to greet back.

"What exactly are you doing here? You are supposed to sleep in *your* room."

He was openly hostile what made his previous behaviour towards a facade. She raised her chin, she felt like defending herself against him and that wasn't her liking.

"I spent the evening with my to-be-husband until my brother came to tell us that he found a suspect." She had a bittersweet taste in her mouth as she remembered Kenichiro's act. "They both left to corner him."

Nagakura's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"And why exactly are you still here? You should stay in your room not to create rumours within the compound. Some of the men around haven't seen a woman for a longer time."

"I wanted to wait until they are back."

He stepped closer, laying a hand on his sword, she felt like being trapped herself...

"Good evening, Nagakura-san. Tokio-san?"

With relief she saw Inoue coming upstairs, she had felt frightened, even intimitated by Nagakura's presence.

Nagakura took one step back and his aggressive stance fell off.

"Inoue-san."

It was her chance to get away without being held back again. She lifted her chin even more and passed Inoue.

"Good night. Rest well."

Finally she could follow the call of death she was perceiving for some time already, maybe she could still make it in time. All she wanted was to witness the death of this... insect, silly excuse of a human being.

As Saitou followed Takemoto's guidance through Kyoto's dark and vast streets, he decided to use the time to get some information out of the interesting man.

"How did you find him?"

"I know that you searched for him together with Tokio" Not bothering to answer his question, Takemoto gave him an arrogant glance, telling him that it was no use denying that he used his sister as a bait. "I could have told you that it might be useless, the murderer won't look for Tokio, he would never ever kill her. I used some private sources, it seems he killed a rich widow and took possession of her house afterwards."

Considering Takemotos nature it was useless to dig deeper, he wouldn't tell. What did count was the fact that he found him, his methods didn't matter yet. Well, he'd insist on this point later, for now he'd collect all the information possible.

"Why are you so sure that he wouldn't kill her?"

"First he is a hitman. He won't kill unless he has order too. Second, he is a sadist, killing preferably women just for fun." For a split of a second Takemoto's sight got lost in the surroundings, memorising his past for sure. "But he has to spare Tokio since the organisation he works for needs her alive. He killed our mother, back then they couldn't control him properly. Our Father tried to find him, but there wasn't a trace left. Later he left for Edo following the killers tracks only to end here in Kyoto." Bitterness filled his voice "Back then, when our mother was killed, the organisation held only a few members, but it seems that it spread over the whole country meanwhile."

"What is the purpose of this so-called *organisation* and who are their members?"

"I have no names I can give you, the ones we could catch, killed themselves or have been killed before they could tell us anything. The point is, that our estate is on what they call 'holy-grounds'. They believe that drinking the water from our font will keep you young and that you receive supernatural powers being born on this land, like talking with the dead, taking over their spirit, seeing the future. Moreover the estate - according to their believe - is filled with spirits supporting them with power. They want us to leave this land to them as well as hand over Tokio who is in their believe their oracle."

All in all, complete nutcases believing in superstition, religious fanatics. The most explosive and dangerous mixture possible. Unpredictable and because of that uncontrolable.

"What is their goal?"

"Their superior aim is to dispose Tokugawa, take over Japan and rule it. They preach ascetisimn, meaning they would prohibit owning anything but claiming it for their own. The leaders would enslave the population."

A perfect timing. When the country was in utter defence from a foreign threat they tried to take over from the inside, whoever was behind this was patient and had a gift attracting and gathering people around him.

"And you know nothing about the manipulator."

Negatively Takemoto waved his hand.

"I followed my father's tracks to Edo, there is some lead that someone very high in rank is involved, maybe even form the inner circle of Tokugawa. Many think secretly that the system is rotten and that there has to be a change, getting rid of Tokugawa. I talked with him, he said he uses his best and most loyal spies to investigate the matter and that our father had informed him already. Afterwards my father went to Kyoto and since we had to attend the marriage meeting in Kyoto we left Edo soon."

Was Takemoto underestimating him?

"So the marriage you proposed was only a cover?"

The uncaring man shrugged.

"Part of it yes, part of it no. If the sect has the alarming proportions we assume, it was stupid to presume that I could defend our estate and Tokio alone. As you know Michinori wasn't a great supply here. Our late father would have wanted her to marry and have a *normal* life so I looked for a fitting candidate. With my deepest respect" Takemoto bowed low "you seem to fit and Kondo suggested you."

For such a beautiful and rich sister, Takemoto could have made a better match then him, owning nothing besides what he was wearing and what was stored in his room.

"Kondo suggested me?"

"Yes, father came to Kyoto to avenge our murdered mother. Michinori, Tokio and I took care of our estate meanwhile until I got notice from Kondo-sama that our father had been killed on duty. We knew that he joined the Shinsengumi and assumed that there might be link to the sect and the murderer here. Kondo was trustworthy since our father knew him from childhood on and I trust his judgement to choose you as a candidate. I prefer a honourable man over one corrupted by the system."

Considering that Takemoto barely spoke he was buttering up just now. This guy surely was a goldmine for information, but why didn't he talk and act earlier? That could have prevented some deaths among the Shinsengumi. Once, after this affair was over, he needed to have a serious word with him. For now he could use him.

"What about this killer you found?"

"His name is Miwa, he was hired by the sect as a hitman long ago."Disdainfully Takemoto spit out. "This guy surely is the bottom of mankind. He was born as a burakumin, but just doesn't know his limits. He even picked a surname, later he began to train with a sword, what he lacked from ancestry he filled with obsession, blood-lust and sadism, he just doesn't know where his limits are. He killed so many of us already that he is feeling superior and untouchable. I have to admit that he is unusually talented, even if he was born Samurai, I'd say so. He is a dangerous opponent, even father couldn't kill him. We have to be careful."

"We should wait for Okita, he is the best swordsman among us."

"Tokio said he would end with blood. We can't risk losing him."

Great. So Takemoto thought of the option calling Okita already. And just when Saitou had thought that this man was reasonable, he proved that he believed in this superstition stuff as well. Where would Japan end, if nobody stopped this facade. He should discuss it later, now they had a fight to win.

"Do you know Miwa's style?"

Again Takemoto waved his hand negatively.

"I know that it is based on counter-attack, but he is very variable, changing a lot over the years. The last time I saw him was, when our mother had been killed."

Nothing concrete form this side then, Saitou hated to be uninformed and count on luck, but it couldn't be helped. Otherwise the culprit might be able to escape.

"This is it."

Finally Kenichiro stopped across a house in nothing different then the others in the rich surroundings. He could slap himself for his stupidity. For days he had dragged a reluctant Tokio through the come down parts of Kyoto and the murderer of his followers had hid in the most exclusive area possible. They stayed hidden within the shadows observing the movements within the house closely.

"I observed the house for several hours, but I saw no one entering or leaving, he is alone."

Takemoto murmured scarcely understandable.

Saitou narrowed his eyes, the house was dark and silent for almost one hour now. He surely was in one of the rooms at the backyard, but one could never be sure. If he considered that they were two, Takemoto a swordsman at his level, with knowledge of their opponent, with the surprise effect on their side, they should attack. They could try to sneak in, but if their opponent was as good as presumed, there was no use in sneaking inside. He felt his blood starting to boil being able to avenge the death of some of his best underlinings himself. One look at Takemoto told him that he was feeling the same but kept his emotions under control. With an assuring nod towards Takemoto he ran forward, drawing his swords in the progress, Takemoto closely behind as he could tell from his footsteps. From the neighbouring houses he perceived muffled cries of surprise in his subconscious and the lights being switched out.

He reached the door and didn't bother shoving it open. With two stroked of his sword it remained dangling in its angles and they rushed inside. It took him only a second to notice the light upstairs, it was still silent, so silent that is was unlikely that there was another person inside besides the man they were looking for. With a confirming nod they dashed upstairs only to tear down the nearest shouji and leap into the lightened room. The sight made him stop short, Takemoto luckily had enough self-control not to bump into him but stop short besides him.

A man with dominating red-shining eyes - that had to be the red walls and the lit candles being arranged in the Takemoto family-crest - was sitting in the farest corner, his hands resting on the hilt of his sword, the chin resting on his hands. His wide mouth twisted derogatory upon taxing them, his whole behaviour telltale that he didn't take them seriously. Takemoto didn't move, but Saitou felt his muscles tensing, the man had to be a threat if he could allow himself to behave in such a provocant way and Kenichiro not attacking at once. Indeed, the impressive eyes of their opponent never left then, not for the part of a second, he knew he could afford his behaviour. He should wait a little with his attack, this could be worth it.

Leisurely the man stood up, his blade reflecting in the candlelight, his eyes reflecting his murderous intent, his mouth reflecting his sadistic nature. Tokio had been right, the blade was untended, rusty and rough it had just the intention to torture his victim. The intense smell within the room had irritated Saitou, the walls were covered with blood, it was plainly disgusting as well as the man himself.

"Takemoto, long time no see."

His voice was deep, trembling with excitement, sure of victory. This man wasn't used to loosing nor retreating. If he entered a fight he won by killing in the end.

"Miwa."

Saitou could hear Takemoto grinding his teeth. So they knew each other, Takemoto knew Miwa's fighting style, but that could be said vice versa. The surprise effect wouldn't count, the only trump card was he. Miwa hadn't seen his style yet. Or did he? He was too sure of himself. High fall low.

Miwa's lips twisted.

"I see you brought interesting company along. Was that the reason you didn't attack the last time you have been here? Did you have to bring one of Matsudaira's lapdogs along first?"

Takemoto didn't respond directly, but his grip on his hilt tightened. It would be a dangerous situation if Takemoto was this careful and didn't attack.

"Nice decoration."

"I see, you are not in talkative mood today. Do you miss your brother so much? Or your father? They surely make a nice room decoration, but it will only be perfect after I add yours and your little sisters blood."

"You won't add mine and my sisters blood. We are going to kill you."

Spiteful the man laughed out loud.

"As if you could." he let the sound linger in the room, he was VERY sure. What made him like that and why was Takemoto not attacking? Did he have something in his upper sleeve? "Killing your mother was enjoyable enough but waiting for Tokio to grow up was nearly unbearable to take. On top of it.." he cast a glance at Saitou "... Kizusho wasn't able to finish the crest on her shoulder. You did come too early and interfered. For that you will pay dearly today as well as your sister alter." Meaningful he licked his lips. "I don't need to kill her to retrieve her blood and enjoy her."

Kizusho? Saitou made a mental note while Takemoto answered taking an offensive stance.

"I will pay for nothing. You are the one whose life ends here."

Bemused Miwa raised his sword in an offensive stance as well.

"Isn't this her going to be husband you brought along? I do hope you did choose well, otherwise this isn't to be fun."

"This isn't of your business anymore."

"It is, Takemoto. First I am going to take your head. Afterwards... " pretending to consider a thought he had already made up his mind about, Miwa hesitated "... I think I let him alive. He can still be of use, Tokio isn't fully awaken yet. It was a wise move to look for a husband for her now."

Now Saitou felt his blood boiling to an extent he could barely control. Who did he think he was? Insulting them openly in an obvious attempt to enrage them... and it was working he had to admit. He took the first stance.

"Stop babbling and fight like a man."

"Come and attack me if you have enough courage."

Takemoto took an aggressive stance as well and spit on the ground.

"Your tactic isn't working with me, Miwa. You can't provoke me this easily."

Miwa pointed with the tip of his sword towards Takemoto then towards Saitou as if considering.

"Who wants to be the first?"

Saitou snorted disdainfully.

"Didn't you just say you'd spare me? Did you change your mind?"

Miwa's eyes began to gleam, Saitou noticed Takemoto holding his sword tighter and his muscles tensing. The moment of attack was near and Miwa roared with laughter.

"No I didn't. And it won't take long Takemoto, you surely won't beg for your poor life." He looked almost demonic now, red-gleaming eyes, the canines in his wide grinning mouth dominant. "My first attack will be your last defence."

Without further warning he dashed forward, he was fast! Saitou prepared to hit him while he was attacking Takemoto, trying to get a scratch on him, but all he hit was thin air. He hadn't even been able to analyse, never before he had seen someone attacking so fast with such a force? Where was he? There, back in the corner he attacked from, grinning superior, sure of victory. How could he get back so fast? He had to pass him in order to get back, he had to focus, next time he would pay more attention, the need to fight and to survive had erased the last evidence of alcohol in his veins. How was Takemoto? He side-glanced, Takemoto was kneeling on the ground, blood dripping from the leading arm, just now he was standing up, his eyes gleaming equally - but from spirit - changing the sword in his other arm.

"You had been wrong on one thing, Miwa. Your first attack didn't finish me."

Negligent Miwa shrugged.

"One can't always be right. You improved."

Furtive footsteps came closer, someone was behind them! Miwa laughed manically as Saitou indicated Takemoto to fight Miwa and he would secure their backs.

"Just the right timing, Takemoto."

The last thing Saitou saw as he turned backwards was Miwa dashing forward again, he heard a hard fall only short after. Who was awaiting him?

There was a figure, the features not visible in the dark entrance against the brighter background of the street - lit by moonlight. Now the person took a step forward, a second, familiar figure appeared, raising a hand holding a dagger, stabbing the first person directly in the heart, for he collapsed immediately without a sound... that couldn't be.

"Tokio-san?"

She was still holding the dagger standing over a crouched man, keeping an unsheathed sword within his hand. He had never seen this man before. The woman stopped short, answering questioning carefully.

"Saitou-san?"

"Yes!"

He made sure that his undertone left no doubt that he wanted an explanation.

"There was one still downstairs you missed him. Where is Kenishiro?"

This was as untimely as it could be, he had a fight to win, he heard a second hard fall upstairs and turned high on his heels. Tokio tried to pass him, he couldn't let this happen. Rather roughly he pushed her back, she hit the opposite wall hard.

"Stay behind." and rushed upstaris.

"NO!"

He heard footsteps closely behind, he couldn't afford to have her around, but was there a way he stop her?

Saitou stopped short entering the room, Tokio bumping into him, nearly sending him off-balance, he felt her fingers digging into his Haori. Takemoto was lying crouched on the ground, a large wound on his chest and the lower part of his body as well as severe cuts on his legs and arms. Somehow he was still alive but couldn't move. Their opponent was back in his corner as if it was his sacrifice, still grinning, a superior composure.

"Oh, I see you brought tempting company along, SAITOU-*SENSEI*."

He threw his head back and licked his lips ambiguously.

"I am eager to taste your blood as well."

"Kenichiro!"

Judging from her voice, Tokio seemed to keep her composure, hopefully she wasn't a hindrance.

"My dear Tokio! It seems we always meet under misfortune circumstances. My deepest condolences to the loss of another brother."

Tokio didn't listen to him, just rushed to her brother, taking him into her arms. Somehow this seemed to bother Miwa since part of his superiour behaviour dropped, he seemed ready to attack for the final blow. Saitou installed himself in front of the siblings.

"You'll have to pass me first."

Miwa was getting nervous, he could clearly see it. What was going on? Takemoto started talking despite his weakened state.

"Miwa, tell Kizusho his cheap tricks like a candlelight show in a cursed room don't work on me." He coughed from the noise Saitou could tell he was spitting blood. He didn't have much time left, his voice was rushed, hoarse as he continued barely discernible. "Saitou-sensei, protect her. Tokio, avenge me. Here, take it."

Miwa was loosing his composure completely, looking for a chance to pass him, he wouldn't let it happen. Why wasn't he attacking? Did he have the order not to kill him too? Had it to do with his talking that *Tokio wasn't still fully awoken yet?*

Saitou heard Tokio gasping in surprise, shortly after a rustling as she might lay her late brother on the ground. But what was that? He heard the typical clicking of a katana, its habaki and tsuba. Did Tokio pick up her brother's sword?

Miwa was indeed nervous, his eyes restless and he allowed himself to take a few steps back. Tokio was standing upright, indeed holding her brother's sword. The air seemed to crackle around her, the seriousness of her glare matching her older brothers. She was holding the sword as if she had trained it for years and certainly seemed determined to attack, seeming a perfect copy of her older brother. What was going on?

All of a sudden the room was filled with black smoke, blinding him, filling his lungs, making him cough, he heard Tokio coughing beside him. MOVE. In this obscure smoke, he was the perfect target. He jumped aside, reaching out for Tokio, taking her with him. He had jumped to far, on the stairs, loosing his balance. All he could do was dropping his sword in order not to hurt himself and Tokio as they were falling down the stairs. If they were lucky Tokio had enough brains to do the same.

On the ground floor he checked coughing if he was hurt, he wasn't.

"Tokio?"

Besides hard coughing she seemed allright, now she looked up, her features in a complete different expression as normal.

"I am Kenichiro Takemoto."

She murmured before she closed her eyes and fell on the ground. He couldn't say that this happens often, but he was too surprised to move and prevent her falling on the floor.

Miwa!

He literally jumped on his feet, running upstairs, picking up his sword in the progress, noticing Takemoto's as well upstairs. The smoke had lessened and as expected the room was empty. MIwa had used the bomb as a distraction to hightail in the meantime. Mysteriously he had been afraid of him and Tokio together. Picking up Kenichiro's swords - they belonged Tokio now - he went downstairs, he would some men to pick up Takemoto later as well he would search the house for traces himself later.

He arranged Takemoto's two swords in his hakama together with his own two swords and picked up Tokio to carry her home to the Shinsengumi headquarters. She felt oddly light in his arms, but it was a long way ahead and with the time he'd surely feel the weight.