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://home.netcom.com/~sakka/times/glossary.htm to get information on the Japanese terms and expressions used in this chapter.

Chapter 13 -- Round and Round

"I don't get it," Misao said as she set down her empty teacup. "Jiya told me my grandfather was the only master of Kodachi Nitou Ryuu when he lived. Did he ever teach it to anyone besides you?"

Aoshi shook his head. "He didn't really teach me," he said. "He had barely begun training me in that particular style when he fell ill. I relied on those teachings and memory to train myself later on." He took a sip of tea. "That's not to say he never taught anyone else... I'm just not aware of him having done so."

"My father never learned, I know that," Misao said, her brow furrowed. "He preferred using a single kodachi so he could combine his sword technique with kempo like you used to do. Not that he ever enjoyed swordplay much, to hear Jiya tell it..."

"Sou da na," Aoshi said. "Sorata-san vastly preferred weaponless combat. He said it increased the odds that his opponent would be left alive." His eyes assumed a faraway expression as he murmured --

"He never did like killing much... especially after you were born. He once told me his worst fear would be for you to see him with the blood of another on his hands..."

Aoshi's voice trailed off as he remembered Makimachi Sorata's anguished expression the evening he'd spoken those words...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sorata stared down at his trembling hands, splashed with the blood of the rebel spies he and Aoshi had just cut down without hesitation. Aoshi watched as his leader's wide blue-green eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He whispered --

"My little Misao... she's so innocent of the violent world in which we live... I want her to forever remain that way. I never want her to see me like this..."

As always, Aoshi felt awkward and strange in the face of such an emotional display. Still, Sorata was his leader and a man he admired immensely... though not to the level which the 13-year-old youth worshipped the okashira of the Oniwabanshuu, who was Sorata's father and Aoshi's mentor.

So Aoshi felt he owed it to Sorata to at least try to support him. "She won't, Sorata-san," he said in his calm, clear young voice. "It's not like things are always this way. We only fight when absolutely necessary..."

Sorata closed his eyes. "I know," he murmured. "We're not warriors like the Shinsengumi. We're protectors... informants... not hitokiri. And yet... I can't help but fear that despite all my best efforts to shield her... I won't be able to protect my Misao from the madness in which we all are forced to live. That I won't be able to hide these bloodstained hands from her."

He drew a shaky breath. "And worse... I fear that someday... she, too, will know what it's like to... to... oh, my sweet, beautiful child..."

He cried a little then, the tears silently sliding down his face. Aoshi stood silently, averting his eyes, while a scornful little voice inside him wondered how a grown man -- the okashira's son, no less! -- could allow himself to lose control of his emotions in the presence of one of his own men.

But within thirty seconds Sorata had regained his composure. As they departed for headquarters, Sorata addressed Aoshi in a low voice --

"Aoshi-kun... I have a favor to ask of you."

"Hai, Sorata-san... I won't tell anyone of this."

"Iie. That's not what I meant. I want you to promise me you'll always protect Misao."

"Of course, Sorata-san!" Aoshi replied, a trifle indignantly. "She's the okashira's granddaughter... I would give my life for her, as I would for you or her mother. I owe Akihito-sama at least that much..."

Even though Sorata had put his mask back on, Aoshi could see the smile in his eyes.

"I know you would, Aoshi-kun. And I appreciate that more than I can say." He grew serious. "But what I'm asking of you goes beyond physical protection. I want you to protect Misao's innocence... her complete ignorance of the violent world in which we live... for as long as you can." His eyes burned intensely as he whispered --

"I never want her to have to wash blood from her hands. Never. Can you promise me that, Aoshi-kun?"

Aoshi shrugged slightly. "Hai, Sorata-san," he said. "But I don't guess there's much chance of that, her being a little kid and all."

Sorata barked out a short, humorless laugh. "Children grow up, my foolish young friend," he said. "And Misao is one of the Makimachi clan. My parents are probably planning her training as we speak."

Aoshi was silent for a moment. "Don't worry, Sorata-san," he said solemnly. "I'll help take care of her. And I'll be the one to fight... the one with blood on my hands... so she won't have to be."

Sorata stared at him for a moment, then said softly --

"Arigatou, Aoshi-kun. Shikashi... I hope it never comes to that. With the Buddha's benevolence, the next era will allow us all to live with clean hands."

Aoshi felt a sudden chill, as if something terrible was behind them, waiting to strike without mercy. He glanced to his rear... and saw nothing there. He shook his head sharply. Strange... I must be more tired than I thought.

"We should be getting back," Sorata said, clapping Aoshi on the shoulder. "If we hurry, I might be able to catch Misao before bedtime. Would you like to join me? She'll beg for you anyway, you know."

"Of course, Sorata-san," Aoshi said. The two melted into the shadows, hurrying toward home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Aoshi closed his eyes, remembering how three weeks later, Makimachi Sorata and his wife Kishiko died while visiting Kishiko's crippled mother... casualties of the fires that swept through Kyoto after the attack on Ikeda Inn. That Misao survived was blind luck -- she had been ill that day and was bedridden at Oniwabanshuu headquarters, where Aoshi and Hanya were able to spirit her away to safety. The news of his son's death drained all of Akihito-sama's strength... soon afterward, he was stricken with with tuberculosis. He died just after Aoshi's 15th birthday.

And then Okina made me okashira... despite my youth... and despite the protests his decision raised...

His eyes snapped open as Misao sighed. "I wish I could picture otou-san more clearly," she said in a soft, regretful voice. "I remember his laugh... the way he said my name... but his face is blurred in my memory. Same with okaa-san."

"You have some of your father's features... and your grandfather's as well," Aoshi said, smiling slightly. "I used to marvel at how alike your eyes were... such an unusual color, yet all three of you had eyes nearly that exact same shade of bluish-green. It was unnerving to see you all together." His own blue-gray eyes twinkled briefly. "Of course, your nature is quite different from your father's..."

"Hai, hai," Misao grumbled. "I have my mother's quick tongue and my grandfather's ferocious temper. Jiya's told me that a thousand times."

"Actually, you resemble your mother more every day," Aoshi said matter-of-factly. "She was considered quite a beauty... the envy of many of your father's comrades."

Misao felt her stomach twist. Aoshi-sama... what are you saying? She took a deep breath and asked in a tremulous voice --

"Did... did you think... she was beautiful?"

Startled, Aoshi met Misao's confused, yearning gaze. Kuso. How thoughtless of me... now I'm getting her hopes up again. I should say something neutral... change the subject...

But one look into her eyes... Sorata-san's eyes... stopped him. Misao... I can't bring myself to hurt you again...

He returned her gaze steadily and told her the truth --

"Aa. I did... and still do..."

He watched her eyes brighten, her mouth curve in the sweetest of smiles... and decided that now would be a good time for them to check out Saitou's report. He rose from his seat. "Let's go to the clinic," he said holding out a hand to her. "I'd like to see this prisoner for myself."

Misao hesitated, then allowed Aoshi to help her to her feet. She was mystified by his words and actions, especially considering the distant way he'd treated her the day before. Why is he being so nice to me now? Damn him... I'd made up my mind to treat him as coldly as he did me... but now...

She shrugged and followed Aoshi out the door. I should know better than to try to figure him out... better to concentrate on trying to find out who else could have possibly mastered Nitou Ryuu without the Oniwabanshuu's knowledge... and is now using its techniques to slaughter people without mercy...

...............

"So that's the new sensei who's taking over Oguni Clinic," Sanosuke said, lounging against the wall as Megumi sat down to complete the morning's paperwork. "Funny... I expected an older guy. You sure he's ready to run a hospital on his own?"

"Tatsuya-san may be young, but he's our best student," Megumi said proudly. "He has been since his arrival last year. He'd already had some medical schooling in America... but it's more than that. He has excellent instincts and tremendous compassion for his patients... not to mention unparalleled surgical skills."

"Sounds like a regular genius," Sano said, rolling his eyes and yawning.

Megumi smiled evilly. "And what have you been doing with yourself these past two years, rooster-head?" she said, her voice sweetly sarcastic. "Apparently, you've managed to stay out of jail... which I suppose for you would count as a great accomplishment. I imagine you've spent all this time perfecting your street-fighting and dice-throwing techniques?"

Sanosuke almost welcomed the blinding flash of rage brought on by Megumi's nasty comments. Man, she still knows exactly where to hit me... even after two years. The smug, self-righteous bitch...

"It so happens that I've been looking after Kenshin and Jou-chan," he hissed through clenched teeth. His eyes gleamed wickedly. "Not to mention their family. They have a son now, did you know? Himura Kintou. He looks a lot like Jou-chan... but he's got Kenshin's sweet disposition. And she's pregnant again... with twins, apparently."

Megumi scowled. "I'm perfectly aware of that," she said in a tone that could have frozen boiling water. "That's part of the reason I'm here. Genzai-sensei said she's been having problems, and he'd rather me look after her than some strange doctor she barely knows."

"I'm sure they'll be grateful for the help," Sano said, his face growing deadly serious. "Shikashi... you'd better be nice to Jou-chan, or you'll answer to me. She doesn't need any of your kitsune bullshit right now."

Megumi sighed and put her pen down. Her shrewish glare faded, replaced by a weary, wistful expression. "Don't be an ass, Sanosuke," she said. "I'm a doctor first and a woman second... especially where a patient is concerned. You of all people should remember that."

Sanosuke felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Megumi rose gracefully from her chair and picked up a small black bag and her medicine chest.

"In fact, I think I'll go see her now," Megumi said. "It will be good to see everyone at the doujou again."

"Especially Kenshin, ne?" Sano said with a deliberate sneer.

Megumi smiled sadly, meeting Sanosuke's eyes fully for the first time that day. He was taken aback by the mix of sorrow and regret he saw there.

"You're wrong, Sanosuke," she said softly. "Of course I'll be happy to see Ken-san again... but it's not what you think. I've accepted things as they are... just as I had when I left Tokyo two years ago."

"But you said..." Sanosuke fell silent, unable to repeat the words which had given him so much pain back then.

"You probably misunderstood me," Megumi said. "As you always have." She shook her head and exited. Sano stared at the empty doorway for a long time... wondering -- for about the thousandth time since he'd known her -- exactly what the hell the kitsune-sensei was talking about.

The day she left for Aizu... she told me she still loved Kenshin... and always would. That he was her ideal... the kind of man she wanted to marry someday. And that she wouldn't settle for anyone less...

He closed his eyes as he completed the thought bitterly --

Including me...

...............

"What's our next step, Aoshi-sama?" Misao asked as they approached the clinic. "I mean, until Jiya responds to your message?"

"We wait," Aoshi said. "There are no other leads to pursue right now. The proprietor of the Kaiko-ya is dead... Sekihara-san insists she remembers nothing of the night she was robbed... and Saitou has already interviewed Sanjou-san. The only thing left to do is examine the prisoner to see if Saitou is correct in his theory."

Misao swallowed, reluctant to bring up the thought that had been gnawing at her since she read Saitou's message. "Ano, Aoshi-sama... Saitou doesn't suspect you, does he?"

Aoshi's face remained impassive. "It would not be surprising if he did," he said. "It would be logical to suspect the only known master of Kodachi Nitou Ryuu... especially if he had sworn to bring to justice those who were dishonoring the Oniwabanshuu name."

"But to attack the man in a jail cell... without his sword... surely Saitou knows you would never do anything so cowardly?" Misao asked indignantly. "You would have released and challenged him, not simply slaughtered him."

"True," Aoshi said, a hint of a smile in his voice. He rested his hand on her head briefly. "Let's hope Saitou agrees with you."

Misao smiled at Aoshi, turned to the clinic door... and saw Sanosuke standing there, glaring at the two of them. Her smile vanished as she realized what he must be thinking. Oh no, Sano... it's not what you think... not at all...

Aoshi nodded at Sano. "Sagara," he said.

Sanosuke nodded curtly in response. "I suppose you're here to see the prisoner," he said gruffly. "You can forget it. The fox-lady says no visitors right now."

"I see," Aoshi said, unruffled by Sano's rude manner. "Then perhaps I can speak with Takani-sensei."

"She's not here," Sano said. "But her assistant is, if you want to talk to him instead. Ja."

He stalked by Misao without a word. She turned to follow him, but Aoshi said sharply --

"Misao. I may need your assistance."

Misao clenched her teeth, forcing down the rebellious impulse to ignore Aoshi and bolt after Sano. "Hai, okashira," she said, following him inside the building.

.....................

"Are you sure that ankle is healed?" Unmei cocked her head, studying Misao with bright, knowing eyes. "You seem to be favoring the other today."

Misao swabbed her face with a towel. "I won't lie... it's a bit sore," she said sheepishly. "But I couldn't stand the thought of putting my training off again. Gomen nasai, sensei."

"Ah, well... you're done for the day, so no use lecturing you about it," Unmei said, patting Misao's hand. "But see that you soak it for at least half an hour tonight, and wrap it well tomorrow. Now, Misao-chan... I have some good news for you. My information network may have turned up something on those thieves you're looking for."

"Honto ni?" Misao asked, eyes bright with hopeful excitement. "That's wonderful! Arigatou gozaimasu! I'll be sure to pass the information on to my okashira... he's helping the police with the investigation."

"Is that so?" Unmei smiled politely, her eyes glittering briefly. "That would be Shinomori Aoshi, ne? The young prodigy who became okashira at 15..."

"Hai," Misao confirmed proudly. "Wow, you really do know a lot about us!"

Unmei's smile widened. "Everyone knows that story, child... at least in my circle. I would very much like to meet him. Do you think you can arrange it?"

"Of course! I was hoping he'd get the chance," Misao said, bouncing on her heels. "Would you like us to come by tonight?"

"I'd rather wait until I get a complete report from my informants," Unmei said. "It may take a day or two. I'll let you know as soon as it comes in."

"Wakatta wa! Mata ashita, Unmei-sensei," Misao said, bowing respectfully before dashing out the gate.

Unmei's smile grew tight and cold as her eyes darkened with sinister anticipation. "Soon," she muttered. "Soon you will be avenged, my dear Taki..."

..................

"It was so kind of you to invite me to stay for dinner," Megumi said to Kenshin, Kaoru and Misao.

"Not at all," Misao said cheerfully. "We had plenty of food, so it was no trouble." Yeah... we had plenty of food because that baka-yarou Sano didn't show up! Kuso... where the hell could he be? "I only hope our company isn't too lively," Kenshin said with a smile as he tried to keep Kintou from throwing rice at their guest. Yahiko and Yutarou were bickering over some sort of bet, and Ayame and Suzume were giggling as they watched the two boys argue.

"Oh, no," Megumi said with a fond smile. "I usually eat with my brother's family, and they're far noisier. This actually helps me miss them less."

Kaoru chuckled. "And you had the added advantage of having Misao cook for you instead of me," she said good-naturedly.

Megumi gave a sly grin. "I have to admit, I may not have accepted your invitation otherwise," she said teasingly, eliciting laughter from the trio.

"Mou!" Kaoru mock-pouted. "I guess I know when I'm not wanted. Kenshin, can you help me to bed?"

"Of course, Kaoru," her husband replied, handing Kintou to Misao as she rose to follow them.

"Oyasumi, minna!" Kaoru said, smiling at Megumi as the others called out good-night. "It's so good to have you back, Megumi-san... I mean that as both doctor and friend."

"Arigatou, Kaoru-san," Megumi said warmly. "I'll come by to check on you tomorrow morning. Sleep well."

Megumi watched wistfully as Kenshin slowly escorted Kaoru toward their room, followed by Misao, who was singing a soft lullaby to Kintou. Megumi could see the baby's face peering over Misao's shoulder, his eyes growing heavier as they walked away.

Such a wonderful family... so like my brother's. Being around them makes it hard to be patient...

Megumi deliberately turned her attention to the arguing children, silently admonishing herself for indulging in self-pity. Yahiko was insisting that Yutarou owed him dinner at the Akabeko as soon as it reopened.

"You'll have to prove it to me first," Yutarou said, crossing his arms.

"I already did, baka-yarou!" Yahiko shouted. "You just don't want to admit I was right!"

"You're not," Yutarou said with a superior smile. "That story you told doesn't prove anything. Now, if you'd seem them kissing, I might believe you."

The mention of kissing made Ayame and Suzume laugh and squeal with embarrassed delight. Megumi cocked an eyebrow and interrupted --

"Now I'm curious... who are you talking about, Yutarou-kun?" she asked with a friendly smile.

Ignoring Yahiko's frantic waving and shushing, Yutarou answered casually --

"Yahiko and I have a bet about Sanosuke and Misao. Yahiko says they're in love... and I say they're just friends." He made a face. "Misao may be kinda tomboyish, but she's still too smart to go out with that big dumb jerk rooster-head."

"You're so stupid," Yahiko said, his desire to be tactful giving way to his need to top Yutarou. "I'm telling you, I saw them together at the clinic. Friends don't hold hands and look at each other like they did..."

The two boys took up their argument once again, but Megumi wasn't listening anymore. She was staring into the distance, her mind spinning.

Sanosuke and Misao... together? How can that be possible? What about Shinomori Aoshi?

A tiny voice in that rebellious, illogical corner of her mind added insistently --

What about me?

..................

Misao trudged wearily up to the last of the gambling houses. She'd looked everywhere for Sanosuke, but he wasn't at any of his usual haunts. Finally, when she was about to give up, she ran into his friend Kouji, who told her where he'd seen Sano last.

Misao took a deep breath, adjusted her uniform so that it was as modest as possible, and reached for the sliding door.

At that same moment, the door flew open, revealing a very drunk Sanosuke. He blinked several times.

"Misao?" His eyes hardened. "Th'hell 'r you doin' here?"

"Looking for you," she said, sniffing. "Gods, Sano, you smell like a sake storehouse! How much have you had to drink?"

"Nonerya damn bizness," he slurred, lurching into the street. "Now go 'way, weasel girl."

She scrambled around him to block his path. "No," she said. "Not until I'm sure you're okay. When you didn't show up at the doujou for dinner, I got worried about you."

Sano stared blearily at Misao. "Why?" he asked. "Why do you care?"

Misao took his hand. "Because you're my friend," she said softly. "And I know you're hurting. After all you've done for me all the times you've comforted me now it's my turn. Tell me what happened with Megumi-san."

Sano looked away. "There's nothin' to tell," he mumbled, shaking Misao's hand off. "We had a tumble or two. She left for Aizu. End of story."

Misao ignored the ache his blunt confession set off in her chest. "Is that so?" she said. "If that's all there is to tell why does she still upset you enough to send you to the sake bottle for comfort?"

"Who says she's the reason I'm out tonight?" he snarled. "Just felt like gettin' drunk hangin' out with m'friends 'sthere a law against that?"

"Of course not," Misao snapped, her patience stretched to the breaking point. "Datte, Sano"

"Aw, go home to bed, Misao-chan," he slurred, waving his hands at her in a shooing motion. "'Spast your bedtime yer okashira-sama'd be pissed if he knew you were hangin' out with a loser drunk like me this late at night."

Misao suppressed the flash of temper his comments evoked. "Who says you're a loser drunk? And who says I give a damn what my okashira thinks?" she said firmly, her hands planted on her hips.

"You seemed to care this afternoon," Sano said with a sneer, his voice suddenly clear and whip-sharp. "Listen, Misao, I know how it is, okay? Why don't you just go home and dream about your precious Aoshi-sama and leave me alone? I don't need --"

Misao grabbed Sano's jacket in both hands, pulled him down toward her and cut him off with a bold kiss. Momentarily startled out of his rage, he wrapped her in his arms, his mouth yielding easily to hers. He reveled in the sweetness of their kiss for a full minute, then shoved Misao away.

"Now tell me you know how it is," she said, panting slightly.

"Chikusho, Misao..." he growled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "You're playing with the wrong man. Go the hell home. Now. And stay away from me, if you know what's good for you."

Misao remained motionless, glaring at him. "You won't get rid of me that easily, tori-atama," she said fiercely. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm just as stubborn as you are. And I'm not gonna let you lump me in the same category as that kitsune-onna."

"Who says I am?" he retorted.

"I do," Misao said, her voice softening a bit. "Boy, Sano... she must've really messed you up bad when she left. And I'd love to hear about it... another time, when you aren't so shit-faced and surly."

Sano snorted. "Feh. Don' need yer pity don' wanna talk anymore 'bout th' damn kits'ne-sensei," he mumbled, turning away from her. "I'm goin' home."

Misao mentally threw up her hands, knowing there was no use arguing with him further. "That's the best idea you've had all night," she said. "Will you be okay?"

"Heiki," he said, waving her away. "I've gotten myself home lots of times like this. Mata ne, itachi-chan."

"Ja, baka tori," she said, watching as he wobbled down the street, aching with frustrated sympathy. Damn you, Sano... I'll get you to open up to me yet... to see that you can trust me. That I won't hurt you like she did...

But just then, she remembered the gentle way Aoshi had looked at her that afternoon... the kindness in his voice as he told her about her mother... the way her heart had pounded when he admitted he found her beautiful. She closed her eyes tightly, her throat thickening with remorse.

Sano... I have no right to make such promises. Not when I still see his face in my dreams. Not when the smallest compliment from him starts fresh hope blossoming in my heart.

She gritted her teeth against the threatening tears.

Damn you, Aoshi-sama!

-- End of Chapter 13 --