Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic: These Changing Times
This fanfic series takes place two years after the Revenge Arc ends, in an alternate RuroKen universe. (Only because I started it well before the manga ended ^_^;;) Eighteen-year-old Makimachi Misao comes to Tokyo to stay with Kenshin and Kaoru... and to put her own troubles behind her. A newly attentive Sagara Sanosuke is more than willing to distract her. Then a certain Oniwabanshuu onmitsu turns up in Tokyo to help investigate a wave of vicious armed robberies sweeping the city...
Comments and constructive criticism are always appreciated. But be warned: this fic meddles with what seem to be considered the tried-and-true romantic pairings in RuroKen (in case I didn't already make that clear). So if you read further, please be kind and keep an open mind! ^^;;
Note: for those who are new to the language, go to http://www2.netcom.com/~sakka/times/glossary.htm to get information on the Japanese terms and expressions used in this chapter.
Chapter 9 -- Renewing Old Acquaintances
"So... that's all the information I've been able to gather so far," Saitou said as Aoshi set down the documents he'd been reading. "The Sanjou girl was surprisingly helpful... obviously, whoever has been orchestrating these thefts hasn't gotten to her yet."
"Or else... they don't consider her a threat," Aoshi said.
Saitou smiled slightly. "Their mistake," he said. "She didn't see much, but the few details she was able to provide me were quite useful." He tapped the papers Aoshi had set down. "Now that you've read all this... did you recognize anything about these men or their leader?"
Aoshi leaned forward, planting his elbows on Saitou's desk and clasping his hands. He rested his chin on his hands, his brow furrowed as he pondered. Finally, he said, "No. Nothing."
Saitou's eyes narrowed. "There has to be a connection," he said sharply. "There's no reason for these men to be calling themselves Oniwabanshuu unless at least some of them used to be Oniwabanshuu."
Aoshi's gaze remained steady as he sat up straight again. "I agree," he said, his voice unruffled. "However, while in Kyoto, I spent a considerable amount of time with our Okina reviewing all records on existing former and current Oniwabanshuu. Any renegades that surfaced over the past several years were dealt with. The rest of the Oniwabanshuu still living today are either part of our network, or under constant surveillance by our network. It is highly unlikely that any of them could have escaped our attention long enough to coordinate something like this."
Saitou took a long drag from his cigarette. After exhaling, he said, "I hope you're wrong. Otherwise, it was a waste of my time to summon you here."
The corners of Aoshi's mouth tipped upward almost imperceptibly. It was unusual to see Mibu's Wolf so overtly frustrated. A proud, arrogant man... used to being in total control... it must have taken much for him to request my assistance.
"I have no intention of wasting your time or mine, Saitou," Aoshi said calmly. His blue eyes glinted ominously as he continued, "Whether these thugs are former Oniwabanshuu or not, I intend to see them brought to justice for degrading our name. In this, I'll help you as I can."
Saitou smiled slightly. "I thought you might feel that way," he said. "So, I have an assignment for you tonight, if you're interested."
Aoshi nodded. Saitou proceeded to pull out three files containing records and photographs of three Tokyo police officers. He spread the materials out on the desk. As Aoshi reviewed them, Saitou explained --
"I was recently informed that several weeks ago, an attempted robbery took place at the Akabeko. This robbery attempt was covered up by a man wearing the uniform and carrying the identification of a Tokyo police officer. He gave his name as Lt. Hiroshi Washuu. At first, I thought it may have been an imposter working for the yakuza conducting these robberies... but upon further investigation, I have deduced the man is an actual officer taking bribes to conceal the dealings of these yakuza from the police. I have since narrowed down my search to these three suspects."
Aoshi glanced over the identification papers. "None of these officers has that name," he said.
"That name doesn't exist anywhere in our files," Saitou replied. "Therefore, it must be an alias. All three of these men have official access that would allow them to forge a separate set of identification papers with that name. I need you to select the most likely suspect and follow him until he attempts to meet with his yakuza contact."
"Have you received intelligence suggesting the thieves are about to strike again?"
"They've been quiet since the Akabeko robbery a few nights ago... but I expect them to resurface very soon. Their pattern indicates they will likely attempt another robbery either tonight or tomorrow."
Aoshi nodded again. He then pointed at the center photograph. "This one," he said. "Lt. Umari Shozo."
"That was quick," Saitou said. "Are you sure? Lt. Umari has a fine record with numerous commendations."
"His profile fits," Aoshi replied. "I should know for sure if he's the one by morning. If so, I'll bring him in for questioning."
"All right," Saitou said. His eyes gleamed wickedly. "Will you be needing any assistance from your people, Shinomori? Your young onmitsu, Makimachi Misao, has been staying at Kamiya Doujou. I'm sure she would be glad to help you in any way she can."
Aoshi didn't so much as twitch at the mention of Misao's name. "Misao's assistance won't be necessary," he replied, his voice even.
"Maybe so. But you may not have much of a choice in the matter... since she's taken it upon herself to investigate the Akabeko robbery with Sagara Sanosuke."
"Sagara Sanosuke?" Aoshi's face remained blank, but his tone indicated puzzlement. "What does he have to do with this? Is he working for you, too?"
Saitou let out a harsh bark of laughter. "Hardly," he snorted, taking another leisurely drag. "I'm not that desperate. He's the one who found the Sanjou girl the night of the robbery... and he's the one who broke up the first Akabeko robbery attempt. He's very protective of that place... it's the only restaurant in Tokyo that allows him to run an eternal tab."
Aoshi ignored Saitou's last statement. "And you say Misao is now checking into this with him," he said. "How do you know that if they're not working for you?"
"I know because she tried to ask me about the robberies a few days ago. Sagara was with her then, so I assumed the ahou put her up to it." Saitou paused, then went on thoughtfully, "You know, I've seen them around together quite a bit in recent weeks. You may want to tell her to choose her friends more carefully..."
Aoshi didn't respond. Instead, he stood abruptly, picking up the information on Umari. "If you'll excuse me, Saitou... I should be getting started," he said flatly. "I'll be in touch later tonight."
"Of course." Saitou couldn't help smirking as he observed the clearly distracted onmitsu. That shot definitely hit its mark... I'll wager he'll be paying Sagara a visit before the night is through. That should be revenge enough for now... ahou ga.
As Aoshi walked away from the police building, his thoughts drifted away from the task at hand... and back to the last time he'd been with Misao. He closed his eyes, picturing her face as he had last seen it... pale and stricken... streaked with tears... again because of him. He could almost hear her anguished plea as she reached out to him...
... Aoshi-sama... why? Why can't you at least try? I don't understand...
Remembering his harsh reply still made him cringe inside --
... I know, Misao... so I'll make it plain -- there's nothing between us... and there never will be...
... Sayonara...
His eyes snapped open. Enough. I have a job to do... and no time for regrets. I made my choice... and it was the right thing to do. It's for the best...
With that thought firmly in place, Aoshi disappeared into the darkening evening.
...............
"Delivery for you, ojou-san!" Sano called cheerfully as he entered the kitchen. Kenshin had handed the tofu tub to Sano as soon as they were inside the doujou gate so he could run off to check on Kaoru. Not that Sano minded playing delivery-boy... it gave him a chance to be alone with Misao, if only for a minute or two.
"Arigatou, Sano... just put it over there," Misao said, gesturing toward the counter.
Sano set the tub of tofu down, watching Misao's slender hands as they chopped a carrot into perfect matchstick-sized pieces. She had barely glanced at him since he came in, but he had seen her cheeks flush slightly and heard her breath quicken as he passed behind her. A sly smile crossed his face. Hmm... wonder what she would do if I...
He moved to stand behind her, putting his hands on her hips as he bent down and pressed an open-mouthed kiss against the back of her neck. She stiffened, the knife slowing to a halt as he grazed her skin with his teeth, then leaned over to whisper directly into her ear --
"So... what's for dinner, pretty lady?"
Misao marveled at how a kiss that wasn't even on her mouth could do such amazing things to her insides. She tried to keep chopping, but when Sano began nibbling her earlobe, she gave up and leaned back into him, sighing as she set her knife down. "There won't be anything for dinner," she said, striving for a scolding tone, "if you keep distracting me --"
Sano tipped her head around and kissed her mid-sentence. Misao forgot the vegetables and turned slowly to face him, returning his kiss as eagerly as she had earlier that day in the field. He tightened his hold on her hips, pulling her closer, humming in approval. They deepened the kiss simultaneously, each tasting the other fully, their tongues tangling greedily. Misao stood on tiptoe, sliding her arms up around Sano's neck, twining one hand in his unruly brown hair. Mmm... it's softer than I expected... yet... a little coarse, a little wild... just like him...
Somewhere in the swirl of arousal engulfing Misao, a still-rational part of her mind noted that this kiss was different -- hungrier, bolder. It gave her the feeling of being caught in a current, rushing toward some inevitable precipice... but strangely, she didn't feel helpless or fearful. She knew that should she say the word, she could step outside the current and stop the rush... or with a different word, a different touch, speed their journey along. Such was the power Sano had wordlessly granted her from the moment of their first kiss.
He makes the first move, but always holds back... making sure I want this, too. And... I do... I do... She shuddered with pleasure, stroking the back of his neck lightly with her fingertips, smiling against his mouth as he shivered in response.
As their kiss grew more heated, one thought kept tumbling over and over in Sano's barely conscious mind. She wants me... hard to believe... but I know it's true... He could see the desire in her eyes... feel it in her body... taste it in her kisses. His patient, persistent overtures were paying off. He pressed closer to her, reveling in the feel of her soft curves against him, noting with satisfaction that she was wearing very little padding beneath her kimono. He was glad -- he hated that sexless, perfectly cylindrical look most women in kimono tried to achieve. He idly wondered what else he would find underneath her outer garments if he --
Baka-yarou! We're in the middle of the kitchen, for crying out loud... anyone could walk in and see us. He flinched as he imagined the endless lectures Kenshin and Jou-chan would give him if they caught him messing with Misao again. At that same moment, Misao tentatively ran her hands over his bare chest, sending delicious tingles throughout his body.
Ahh... yes... no, wait... we'd better stop. And since Misao seems to have forgotten herself, I guess it's up to me. He grinned inwardly. This should be fun...
Sano broke the kiss, reaching down to squeeze Misao's shapely rear. She jerked and gasped, her eyes as round as dinner plates as he purred in her ear --
"How about I skip dinner and have you instead?"
Misao shoved Sano away, reaching inside her obi. "Hentai!" she growled, her face flaming. "You went too far this time!"
"Did I?" he laughed, easily dodging her kunai. "You certainly weren't complaining before. Did I pinch you too hard, Misao-chan? Some tough warrior..."
"Ko~no... !" Forgetting her kimono, Misao attempted a Kecho Geri, only to end up sprawled on the kitchen floor, her kimono parted nearly to her waist. Sano leered and whistled appreciately... until a sweeping side-kick from Misao brought him down as well.
"What the heck are you two doing in here?" Yutarou peered into the kitchen, flanked by Ayame-chan and Suzume-chan. "Fighting again?"
"Mind your own business, rich boy," Sano said roughly as he and Misao rose to their feet, brushing themselves off.
"Sano-nii!" Ayame-chan scolded. "Don't be so mean to Yutarou-nii! He only asked you a question."
Misao couldn't help giggling at that. "She's right, Sano-nii," she said playfully. "You should be more polite to people... if you want them to be nice to you."
Sano smiled broadly as Misao punctuated her statement with fluttering lashes and a coy smile. "I'll remember that," he replied, winking at her. He then solemnly addressed Ayame-chan as he made his way toward the door --
"Gomen, Ayame-chan. I promise I won't tease your rich boyfriend anymore."
"Sano!" Misao groaned, shaking her head as she watched Sanosuke allow himself to be yanked outside and pummeled by the two embarrassed, furious children. Suzume-chan stood apart from the chaos, squealing with laughter. "Honto! Honto! Ayame-chan loves Yutarou-nii!" she shrieked delightedly.
"Suzume-chan!" Ayame-chan wailed. "You promised not to tell... !" She gasped, clasping her hands over her mouth in a vain attempt to take the words back. Yutarou stopped chewing on Sano's leg and stared at the mortified girl, his own face assuming the hue of Sano's headband. The grinning fighter was about to start harassing Yutarou again... but one look at Ayame-chan's brimming brown eyes killed the urge.
Before anyone had a chance to say anything else, Yutarou got up and walked over to the girl. "Don't cry, Ayame-chan," he said gently, pulling a handkerchief out of his shirt sleeve and holding it out to her. Ayame-chan looked at the ground, then back at Yutarou... then took the small square of fabric from him.
"Arigatou," she said in a barely audible voice, dabbing her eyes.
Misao smiled at the scene from her vantage point just inside the kitchen door. Such a little gentleman... I can't blame Ayame-chan for having a crush on him. She glowered at Sano as he re-entered the room. "You should be ashamed of yourself," she said. "Making a poor little girl cry."
"Che... that 'poor little girl' kicks almost as well as you do," Sano said ruefully, rubbing his shin. "You may want to consider her for the Oniwabanshuu when she gets older."
"I'm glad she got at least one good shot at you. You deserved it," Misao said firmly. "Now... as further punishment, you'll have to help me finish chopping all this stuff. Thanks to your mischief, dinner will be late enough as it is."
"Hai, hai," Sano grumbled, picking up a knife and allowing Misao to steer him to the counter.
...............
Crouched in the shadows on a nearby rooftop, Aoshi waited patiently for his target to emerge from the police building. Lt. Umari was scheduled to begin making his rounds soon... and part of those rounds included the same business district where the Akabeko was located. Even though the other two officers Saitou named also worked that area, the assignment coupled with Umari's glowing record had triggered Aoshi's suspicions. One of the first things he'd learned as an onmitsu was that people who seemed too good to be true... usually were.
Aoshi tensed as several officers left the police building. Umari was the last to emerge. After exchanging a few pleasantries with the others, the lieutenant headed down the street toward Aoshi. He allowed the officer to get about a building and a half away before following him, soundlessly leaping from one rooftop to the next, never losing sight of his quarry.
...............
"Oyasumi nasai, Misao-nee, Sano-nii!" Suzume-chan called as she and her older sister headed inside the clinic.
"Oyasumi, Suzume-chan... Ayame-chan," Misao replied, waving. Ayame-chan smiled and returned the wave before closing the door.
Misao sighed, absently smoothing the front of her kimono as she and Sano turned back toward the doujou. "I'm glad Ayame-chan isn't mad at you anymore," Misao said. "Of course, Yutarou may never speak to you again... not that that's a bad thing, since all you two do is fight, anyway..."
Sano didn't seem to hear her. "Ah.. chotto, Misao..." he began, clearing his throat.
"Nani?" She watched him through half-closed eyes, smiling slightly as he scratched the back of his head in that nervous, endearing way of his.
Sano stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jacket and scuffed the ground with the heel of his foot. Why the hell am I so jittery all of a sudden? Chikusho...
"I know it's late... but... would you like to take a walk with me?" he said in a rush.
His boyish uncertainty made Misao's heart melt. It was all she could do to keep from throwing her arms around him and shrieking, "Kawaii!" I doubt he'd appreciate that...
Instead, she gave him her most dazzling smile. "I'd love to," she said warmly.
Sano beamed as he took her arm, and together they headed in the direction of the Akabeko.
...............
Aoshi was beginning to wonder if he had chosen the right suspect. He had been following Umari for at least three hours, and the man had done nothing to indicate he was anything but a respectable police officer. He had broken up two street fights, chatted with a few shopkeepers lingering after-hours and reported in to his commander. None of the people he'd met with were in the least bit suspicious.
I should be patient... it's still early yet. He may make his move later on, when the streets have cleared out.
Aoshi slowly breathed the tension out of his body as he continued to shadow the lieutenant. His blue eyes narrowed as the officer suddenly froze in his tracks... then ducked into the nearest alley. This could be it... though he's behaving strangely... almost as if he's hiding rather than meeting someone.
The onmitsu slowly moved further up the roof so as to get a better view of both the street and the alley. He could see two figures moving down the street in his direction. As they came closer, Aoshi began analyzing them. A man and a woman... they appear to be a couple... could these two be the yakuza contacts? Or... perhaps it's just the man... and he's with a prostitute... it's certainly common enough among their kind --
Aoshi's thought processes came to an abrupt halt as he recognized the approaching pair. These were no yakuza... and the woman certainly was no prostitute. The man was Sagara Sanosuke... and the woman whose arm was tucked comfortably in his was...
Misao...
It had been a few months since he had seen her, but Aoshi felt as if it may as well have been years. Can she have grown that tall in a few months? It doesn't seem possible... and her clothes... they're so... feminine. Her kimono was perfectly appointed, its vivid blue sprinkled liberally with a delicate pattern of autumn leaves, and her obi echoed the red and gold of those leaves. Her hair was still braided, but the braid had been wound into a tidy bun held in place by a gold-and-enamel comb in the shape of a maple leaf.
She's become a woman... and a beauty at that. The thought made him feel... old.
Her bubbly laughter brought Aoshi out of his reverie. He watched as Misao spoke to Sagara, her radiant face tilted toward his. Aoshi couldn't make out the words, but whatever she said made both of them laugh. Sagara gave Misao's arm a squeeze, smiling as he said something to her in return. Aoshi's eyes narrowed to slits as he watched the ex-gangster gaze admiringly at Misao. Even at this distance, he could clearly read Sagara's strong feelings for her.
So... Saitou wasn't exaggerating. Sagara and Misao have become... close.
Despite the distraction the couple presented, Aoshi continued to keep an eye on Umari. The officer had flattened himself against the wall of the building across from Aoshi, remaining close enough to the street to be able to peer around the corner and observe the two in the street. Aoshi allowed himself a small, triumphant smile as he made the connection.
Naruhodo... the lieutenant is hiding from Sagara. He knows Sagara will recognize him as the officer from the first Akabeko robbery...
Aoshi began working his way toward the alley. All he needed now was a positive identification from Sagara and his first mission would be complete. And I'll be one step closer to locating those scum daring to call themselves Oniwabanshuu...
Before he could drop into the alley behind Umari, the man quickly darted back into the street. Aoshi looked over at Sagara, who had his back turned to Umari as he cupped Misao's chin in his hand. Kuso... fine time for him to stop for a kiss... now Umari is getting away!
Aoshi was halfway across the second building's roof before the thought caught up with him.
... fine time for him to stop for a kiss... with... Misao...
Gritting his teeth, Aoshi stepped up his pursuit of Umari, who had just started sprinting down the street.
...............
Just as Sano was about to kiss her, Misao heard a shuffling sound coming from about 20 feet away. I was right... someone was watching us... how creepy! She pulled back slightly from Sano, glancing over his shoulder at the figure that had just scurried out of a nearby alley.
"Doushita, Misao?" Sano asked.
"That guy... he was watching..." she said, pointing over his shoulder.
Sano's face darkened as he whirled around. "Oi!" he yelled. "You got a problem, yarou?"
The fleeing man glanced reflexively over his shoulder... just long enough for Sanosuke to recognize his face. Masaka... it's that bastard... what's his name.. Hiroshi! The one who played me for a fool!
"Teme!" Sano roared, taking off after the officer. Misao called after him --
"Matte, Sano! It's not that important..." She sighed as he faded from view. Great... he's going to get into a fight now... and with a police officer, no less. Saitou will love this...
She blinked, slowly fitting the pieces together. Chotto... a police officer... Sano got so angry when he saw him... could it be that guy from the Akabeko?
She kicked off her wooden sandals, picked them up and ran down the street as fast as her kimono would allow.
...............
Aoshi and Sanosuke both raced after Umari... Aoshi's silent, secret chase contrasting with Sano's loud curses and shouted threats. Sano quickly overtook the smaller man... but before the fighter could grab Umari, he abruptly skidded to a halt and drew his sword. Aoshi stopped and crouched down, watching as Sagara knocked his fists together in response to Umari's wordless challenge.
"You want a fight? I'll be happy to oblige you," Sanosuke snarled. "Hiroshi... or whatever the hell your name is... hope you're ready to get your ass kicked!"
Umari raised his sword. "Do you really think it's a good idea to attack me with your bare hands?" he said coldly. "Why don't you do us both a favor and get lost?"
With a furious yell, Sano charged the officer, who responded by dropping into a stance vaguely reminiscent of Saitou's Gatotsu. Aoshi swiftly drew his kodachi and prepared to leap to the ground... when his attention was distracted by a familiar battle cry --
"Kantatsu Tobi Kunai!"
Four small knives sailed through the air. One whistled past Sano's ear and embedded itself in the wall of a nearby building. Another just missed Umari's leg and skittered across the ground. The last two hit their targets... one slashing Umari's shoulder, the other splintering his wooden sword hilt right above where his hand gripped it. Umari cried out in pain, dropping his sword and clutching his injured shoulder.
"Now, Sano!" Misao shouted.
"Ooo~raaa!" Sanosuke roared, nailing Umari with a vicious uppercut. The blow lifted the officer off his feet and slammed him backward onto the ground, where he lay motionless.
Panting, Misao limped up to Sano. "Nicely done," she said with a tired grin.
"I agree," a cool voice observed.
Startled, Sano and Misao turned to face the source of the voice... a tall, dark-haired man dressed in a blue-black uniform similar to the one Misao often wore. Sanosuke glanced anxiously at Misao, whose mouth hung open as she stared at her okashira... the man whose face still haunted her dreams... and whom she thought she might never see again.
Aoshi... sama...
-- End of Chapter 9 --