Dreams I Dreamt Instead

By Fujifunmum

Chapter 16: Safe Landing

"Is Kunisawa a skilled fighter; a match for Aoshi?" Megumi risked her safety to ask in a halting whisper.

"Yes. I fear he is," Goro replied and signaled that further discussion was too dangerous.

They crouched silently in the darkness while the minutes dragged as they waited until the train made it's heralded arrival. Finally they saw the headlight approaching in the darkness. Goro pulled her down even lower as they cowered and hid themselves until they heard the noise of the brakes squealing. He sneaked a look up to assess the number of cars, watching as the brakeman jumped from the engine to the tender to turn the brakewheel. Then he jumped to the next car, a freight car, and turned its brakewheel. There was one more freight car and then the passenger car. Goro reached over and tore the side seam of her kimono that was nearest him in time with the brakeman's turn of the second freight car's brakewheel so the squeal would completely mask the sound. She followed his lead, tearing the other side as the brakeman turned the wheel on the passenger car, the last car on the train. If she needed to run, she'd be ready. The michiyuki, her over kimono, was three quarter length, allowing her legs the freedom to flee. She tied the shawl more tightly around her head and shoulders so it would not reveal her if she had to run, and nodded her head to Goro. She was as ready as she'd ever be.

The light had now passed over them, and they could carefully begin their approach. The brakes had announced the arrival to the few passengers huddled in the small station that serviced the quiet community. Now time was moving too fast. There was no freight to be loaded, so the conductor assisted the few passengers with their scant luggage onto the end platform of the passenger car and into the coach. The Fireman hopped out of the engine and made his routine inspection of the outside, giving the engine a careful look with his practiced eye as he oiled around the engine. Then he leaped back into the engine and Goro knew he would be stoking the fire, tending it and getting ready to go.

As he urged Megumi up a little and they began their crouched crossing of the side yard, still in total darkness, they heard the conductor give the last call for passengers and Goro saw him raise his arm to signal the engine crew that it was time to go. The brakeman was on the move again, this time starting with the passenger car brakewheel and working his way up to the tender. His actions alerted Goro that it was almost time to run. He intended to get them on the front-end platform of the passenger car, after the brakeman had left, and after the car had pulled past the small station. He wanted there to be no light to show them and no one to see their desperate leap to escape.

Timing was critical. The brakeman had now released the freight cars and was at the tender, releasing the last brake. Goro heard the rods on the engine wheels clanking and knew the draincocks on the cylinders were open. If they were going to hide in the steam, they had to move now.

Goro grabbed her arm hard enough to leave bruises and broke into a dead run. They were still in the total darkness on their side of the train when the engineer inched the throttle forward, urging the engine to move. They had to approach the train after the headlight had passed them but before they lost the opportunity to hide in the huge clouds of steam that would billow out from the condensed water that had accumulated in the cylinders while the train was in the station. Time was of the essence, it would only take a minute or less to clear the cylinders, a minute which would give them steam to hide their movements just in case prying eyes were watching, or innocent ones saw something that might cost them their life later, when the Yakuza were certain to be asking questions. The steam would hide them from the crew and other passengers until they were on the train. It would hide them from the conductor and anyone left in the station. It would hide them from anyone on the platform, anyone on the street behind the station, and even from anyone on the other side of the tracks.

The slow movement of the train began to climb and Goro heard the engagement of the valve gear when they ran past the engine, being careful not to be close enough for anyone to even hear their footfalls. They ran in the billow of steam while the train slowly gained speed going in the opposite direction. Goro controlled their speed and timing to keep them hidden for as long as possible. They reached the tender and then waited in the steam until the second freight car was nearly passed. They were as far away from the station and the platform as they could risk and still hope to get on the passenger car.

Megumi's heart was pounding in her chest as she fought down her panic in an attempt to keep her wits about her. She had to be a willing partner for this plan to succeed, not a dead weight for Goro to carry. Goro jumped first and then reached back to pull her up on the forward platform of the passenger car.

In the engine, the Engineer was notching up the valve gear, coaxing the train to gain speed as it left the station behind. There was a slight lurch and Goro lost hold of her arm, Megumi steeled herself and leapt. Goro caught her in his arms and slammed them against the side of the car. They couldn't risk anyone seeing their outlined figures if the train passed a light on their side of the car before it made up enough speed to get them safely away. They had to try to keep their leaving secret and silent for at least the time it took to arrive at the next brief stop. There would be many stops between here and Tokyo. Each one at a small platform like the one they had just left, and some even smaller. But if anyone had seen them depart, they could be in danger at each and every stop. The Omitsu weren't the only ones in Japan with excellent methods of communication.

At last, the train seemed to reach full speed. It should have been cold, clinging to the outside of the passenger car in the dead of night. But Megumi felt a warmth from within that she couldn't identify at first. She and Goro risked a brief shared smile, even as he kept her pressed against the wall. It was just possible they had made it out unnoticed.

It was nearing midnight, and the sake carafe had been emptied long ago. Kenshin and Sanosuke were still on the back porch of the Crane, talking. It would take many long and easy nights such as this one for them to catch up on the years Sano had been gone. Their conversation was not of travel and places, however, it was of people. Sano spoke of the people he had gotten to know in his travels, sharing the similarities and differences he had noticed with Kenshin. Kenshin, for his part, did not speak of the everyday life at the dojo. Sano knew that rhythm of life in his soul. Instead, Kenshin spoke of their new students and the other dojos in town. He spoke of the steady downward spiral of swordsmanship in Japan and he spoke of it without rancor.

They spoke at length of Outa, Sano's brother who had still not returned from Shinshuu. It was a little odd for Sano to listen to Kenshin telling him all about his own brother, a brother he hadn't seen in years and had only known briefly before that. The more he listened, the less it bothered him. He had made his choice on that aspect of his life long ago, first when he did not return to Shinshuu after Captain Sagara's death, and finally when he had beaten up Tani's thugs and Tani just before Jinchuu ended. There was no sense in worrying about Outa. He had grown up with the Higashidani name and in his father's care, with Uki's overprotective influence. Now he had Kaoru, Kenshin and Yahiko with him every day at the Kamiya dojo. What more could Sano have wanted for his only brother?

Finally, their conversation dwindled and both Sano and Kenshin felt the night coming to a close. They sat for a few minutes in comfortable silence before Sanosuke broke it by raising the tender subject of Misao.

"I'd better get in there and check on Misao. Don't want her to get too lonely without me."

Kenshin turned to look at his friend, giving him a warm smile and was just about to speak when he jumped off the porch in alarm. "Someone's coming Sano," he whispered just loud enough for Sanosuke to leap to his feet and prepare. They stood back to back so they could survey all available approaches to the back of the Crane, Sano with his fists at the ready, Kenshin with his hand on the hilt of the sakabatou.

"There are two of them, coming from my side." Kenshin hissed, and Sanosuke jumped around so they were both ready to face them down. They heard the rustle of bushes near the back of the yard, and Kenshin suddenly relaxed. "One is a very familiar ki, Sano, I don't think there's any danger, but be ready."

Suddenly, two figures burst through the bushes and into the yard. One, a woman appeared to be stumbling and the other, an Omitsu, was half dragging her to the porch.

Sanosuke reached them first; acknowledging the clansman and catching the woman as she nearly fell. He steadied her and tried to see who she was, her face was nearly completely hidden by her shawl. Goro stopped him with a very well known hand signal, it signaled extreme danger, and he followed that by pointing to the back door of the Inn. Sanosuke picked up the woman and they sped into the Crane, closing the door and locking it behind them.

There was no light in the dining room at this late hour, and Goro roughly whispered, "No Lights!" That stayed Kenshin's hand as he was about to light a lantern. Sanosuke deposited the woman in a chair at the table and she immediately put her head down on her arms, silently weeping. Goro fell into the one next to it.

"You must be Sagara," said Goro. "Is the Okashira here, too?" He kept his voice just above a whisper, encouraging them to do the same. Sano just nodded to indicate Misao was here, and Goro continued, "Shinomori sent us, we must hide her from the Yakuza."

That certainly got their attention. Both Sano and Kenshin were wide-awake and alert now, wondering who had brought this trouble to their door. The answer came quickly.

"Ken-san, I'm sorry you are here. I didn't want you or Kaoru to know I was in Tokyo." Megumi lifted her tear-stained face and drew back her shawl to reveal her strained and exhausted features.

"Fox lady!" Sano exclaimed, and was immediately shushed by all.

"I'll get us some tea." Misao stood in the doorway, grasping the serious nature of the scene at once.

Sano and Kenshin helped Megumi disentangle herself from the shawl and remove her torn and stained over kimono. The torn and mud stained kimono underneath revealed the speed of their flight, and she managed a weak smile as she watched their serious faces react to her very unusual appearance in the middle of the night.

"This is Goro. He and Aoshi have saved my life tonight. No one must know that either of us is in Tokyo. Aoshi sent me here so I wouldn't put the dojo in danger, Kenshin. The Yakuza are bound to look for me there as soon as they discover I am gone. If we were very lucky tonight they will not know I have fled Aizu yet. Goro did his very best to be sure we were not seen. Not in Aizu and not here, but we cannot be certain." Her eyes traveled beyond the violet and brown ones closest to her and lighted on the blue ones behind them. "May I stay here Okashira?"

Misao put down the tea and hastily poured two cups for Megumi and Goro, placing food between them and glaring at Sano to indicate it was not for him. "You are welcome, Megumi. You are under my protection and the protection of my clan. Where is Shinomori?"

"He's in Aizu. He knows the Yakuza are after me, I don't know what he intends to do."

"Aoshi is well able to take care of himself, let us worry about you tonight. Drink your tea while I arrange for your rooms. I'll have food and more tea sent to you as soon as we get you settled safely away from prying eyes. Others will know of your presence," Misao reached over to take Megumi's hand when she started at this statement, "but only other clan members. I only mention it because you do not know them yet, just as you did not know Goro. I will introduce you in the morning." Turning to Goro, she took one of his hands in both of hers. "Thank you Goro, for your excellent service in guiding our friend Takani Megumi to the Crane. Your obedience to Shinomori is greatly appreciated in this."

"I live to serve, Okashira," was Goro's only reply.

In the tension of the moment and the darkness of the room, the deep exchange of serious glances between Kenshin and Sano went unnoticed by the women, but not Goro, who Kenshin gently tapped on the shoulder to gain his attention. Goro looked up at a man he had only heard about, but never actually seen. But he was not surprised, he had heard that the Hitokiri Battousai was living in Tokyo and a friend of the Oniwabanshuu in Kyoto.

Misao left to get a room for Megumi, one near to the family quarters and not subject to the prying eyes of strangers. She returned directly and helped Megumi out of the room, indicating that Sano should do the same for Goro. He readily agreed, but as soon as the women were gone, Goro shared the same whispered information he had given to Shinomori with Battousai and Sagara.

After filling them in on the details of their escape from Aizu, he concluded that no one had seen them leave. They had arrived so late in Tokyo that there were few to notice their passing here. They had taken care to approach the Crane from behind, taking a very indirect route to dissuade anyone who might be following without them knowing. Goro was certain he would have known if they had been followed, but with the Yakuza one took no chances.

Kenshin and Sano exchanged yet another serious look, and Goro broke it by saying, "You won't be going back alone. I'll take you there as soon as you're ready, tonight, if need be."

"There are no trains until morning, and no hired carriage would get us there any faster," Kenshin added, when he could see that Sanosuke was ready to tear out of the Crane now. "Let's start early tomorrow, that will give me a chance to explain to Kaoru. I believe you will have some explaining to do yourself, Sano." Kenshin gave him a wry smile and Sano shook his head.

"How the hell am I gonna keep that woman here in Tokyo while we go to Aizu?"

"I'm sure you'll manage it. Seems like you have been very persuasive with her so far." Kenshin stood up to leave, chuckling a little when he heard Goro adding behind him.

"No shit, Sagara, you should see the haiku I got yesterday."

Misao got Megumi settled, bringing her more tea and food on a tray. She stayed with her, trying to reassure her of her safety and security here at the Crane. "This room is right in the middle of the family rooms, I was saving it for Okina who will be coming to visit soon. Akoto and Makiko and their kids are next door, you'll meet them tomorrow. And Sano and I are across the hall, so if anything happens we are only a shout away." She had gestured to each of the rooms and when her eyes came back to Megumi's face, she started. Megumi's face was taking on her signature look of wit coupled with disdain. Her mouth formed a smirk and even her tired eyes took on a bit of mirth.

She raised an eyebrow and said, "You and Sano? Right across the hall?"

Misao blushed and half expected Megumi to break into her Fox Lady laugh, but then she remembered the past a little more clearly and her face softened and she took Megumi's hand in concern. "You aren't upset, are you? I never really knew what your relationship with Sano was; I was too concerned with Shinomori to notice anyone else. I hope it won't be uncomfortable for you to see us, um, together."

"Not at all, Misao. Sano and I were never 'together' as you say. I'm very happy for both of you. He seems very pleased and you look like this has been a good change for you, too. Aoshi told me in Aizu, otherwise I would have been surprised. Surprised, but still pleased." She squeezed Misao's hand and let the weariness she couldn't hide show in her features.

"I'll get you a yukata and some fresh clothes, Megumi. You should get some rest."

Megumi's hand stayed her from getting up. "What I'd dearly love is a warm bath, would that be possible?"

Misao considered. It would be dangerous. But if Goro had gotten them here safely, it would be safer tonight than in the future, when they could expect prying eyes to be searching in Tokyo. "OK. We'll have to be quick and careful, but I'll bring my kunai and join you. I think we can risk it. Wait here, I'll be right back for you."

She returned shortly with her own bathing articles, extras for Megumi and yukatas for both of them. They crept back downstairs and fled to the bathhouse unseen. Misao stood guard, kunai at the ready while Megumi prepared the bath. She cleansed herself of the dirt of her journey and sank into the soothing warm water.

Sano nearly took a kunai in the gut when he surprised Misao at the bathhouse entrance. She barely restrained her throw as she recognized her lover at the last minute. "I nearly killed you Sano!"

"You won't have the chance, woman. I'm here to kill you for this recklessness. What kind of idiot are you to bring Megumi down here?"

"She's hurting Sano, and all I have to offer her are the simple things. Feeling clean after her dangerous flight is one of them. How could I refuse her? Besides, it should be safer tonight, when we hope no one is looking for her yet than tomorrow, when we KNOW they will be."

"All right, I suppose. Since you're already here." Misao reached up to give him a quick hug. "Why don't you join Megumi? You two can bathe; I'll guard you and then see you back upstairs safely. I'll come back and close up down here before I join you. But be quick!"

Misao gave him a quick squeeze before she released him to go into the bathhouse. Sano watched her go with loving eyes before he turned his complete attention to making sure that no one was about, or watching the bathhouse.

Megumi heard Misao come in and started to reluctantly climb out of its warmth. Misao stopped her. She came closer and whispered, "Stay a little bit, I'll wash up and have a quick soak while you dry off and dress. Sanosuke's here, angry that I risked your safety for this 'luxury'. After I'm finished he'll see both of us back upstairs." The two women rolled their eyes in unison and together mouthed the same sentiment. "Men!"

Misao scrubbed up quickly and rinsed off while Megumi relinquished the warm water to her. She only took a minute to warm herself while Megumi dried off, leaving the warm water to quickly dry off and dress in her yukata so they could return to their rooms.

Sanosuke couldn't believe the women had risked coming outside tonight, no matter what the inducement. And for warm water? It was unbelievable. But when the two of them opened the door and joined him on the porch so he could escort them back to their rooms, he couldn't help but notice that Megumi looked much more herself than she had in the dining room. She had been so tired and scared then. Now she was still tired, but she looked calm and her usual serenity had returned. Misao always looked good to him, but her skin was slightly pink from the warm water, and her eyes shone brightly when she smiled her thanks up at him.

They returned to the family's quarters and said goodnight to Megumi. Sano opened their door for Misao, taking her arm and leaning down to whisper in her ear, "Don't fall asleep just yet, Misao. I'll be right back."

She returned his ardor with her eyes and whispered, "The water's still warm, Sano, I'll wait for you." Then she kissed him on the cheek and went into their room, trailing her fingertips over his arm as she passed him.

Sano smiled as he went back to the bathhouse. "Omitsu women…"

Kaoru knew something was up the minute Kenshin entered their bedroom. She had been asleep, but before he even entered their room she had awakened with a start, feeling sure there was something amiss. Kenshin was completely silent, assuming she was asleep, and he moved without sound. She watched him alertly, she was ever amazed by his stealth abilities and he displayed them so rarely. Finally, as he settled beside her, she reached for him, letting him know she was awake.

"I'm sorry I woke you. I was trying to be quiet."

"You were. I was already awake. Tell me what's wrong."

Kenshin just sighed, Kaoru couldn't sense ki, but she could sense him in a way that no one else could. He hugged her close and whispered to her of the sad events of the end of the evening at the Crane.

"Is Megumi all right?"

"Physically, yes. I didn't have a chance to speak with her. And before you ask, you can't go see her. The Yakuza will be watching the dojo starting tomorrow, so don't get any reckless ideas about visiting the Crane. We were just there tonight, it would look unusual to go again tomorrow."

"Right. Like you'll be here to go to the Crane with me."

"Oro?"

"Don't oro me Kenshin! I know you and Sanosuke have every intention of leaving for Aizu. My only question is when. And don't tell me tomorrow 'cause I don't want to hear it. If the Yakuza are coming, I want you here where I can see you."


Kenshin just suppressed a chuckle and nuzzled at her neck and ear. She was so cute when she knew he was leaving. She hated it and fought against it, but he knew that by tomorrow morning she'd be packing him inedible treats for the trip. He just concentrated on the curve of her shoulder, the nape of her neck, the warmth of her body rubbing up next to him.

"OK. I suppose if the Yakuza are coming and we need to carry on as if we don't know about it, that Yahiko and I can take care of things here at the dojo. I'll hang out the wash just as you do to cover your absence and make excuses for you when their operatives inquire. But I don't have to like it. And are you sure you need to leave so soon?"

Kenshin just hugged her closer and sampled her skin with his fingers and his lips. He would miss this. And return as soon as possible.

"If you're not back in three days I'm coming after you. Megumi is my friend, too, you know. You might need my help."

Kenshin moved her long dark tresses aside to kiss the back of her neck.

"OK. A week. But that's it. If you and Sano aren't back in one week I'm coming after you, and I'm bringing Misao with me. Don't think you're the only one who's noticed the change in that relationship. I'm not convinced she'll let Sanosuke go without her."

Kenshin wrapped both arms around her and buried his face in her hair.

"Yeah, you're right. He'll convince her just like this, won't he? You didn't tell him, did you? You might at least let him figure it out on his own, give her a fighting chance."

Kenshin couldn't keep from chuckling at that.

"OK, so a hint was fair. Maybe he'll be too dense to get it right away."

Kenshin broke into a full laugh.

"You're incorrigible! Remember, ten days and I'm coming after you!"

Author's Note:  Thanks for reading and reviewing:

Firuze Khanume, AutumnFire, Gochan, kongykun, dRagon of shadows, BladeRy, lizzie, K-Chan, Leila Winters, MightyMightyMunson, Cherie Dee, DarkHorse, Conspirator, Eternitys End, Shadowfox