Title: Days to Remember
Author: Mi-chan
Rating: R
Series: Rurouni Kenshin (AU, Modern-day)
Pairings: Hmmm... read and find out. =D
Part Three: Everyone Wants To Be The Battleship
It was a such a simple game, when you stopped to think about it. You roll the dice, hop around the board, and buy up as much property as you possibly could. It was easy! Yahiko didn't quite understand why Shinomori Aoshi, of all people, would be losing so easily to one half his age. Not that it mattered; Yahiko was winning, and he couldn't complain. And besides, he was the Battleship.
Aoshi frowned. "I wanted to be the Battleship."
Yahiko laughed. "I called it first though. And first always wins over last."
The dark man groaned. "You could have at least let me be the banker."
The teen shook his head. "I called that too. Jeez, Aoshi, haven't you even played Monopoly before?" Yahiko said, scratching his head. Obviously not, seeing as how Aoshi was losing horribly. Yahiko had bought up all four railroads, both Broadway and Board Walk, and was already lining his pockets with all the cash that was flowing in from the various hotels he owned.
"Have you ever played fair before?" Aoshi mused, cocking his head to one side. "I saw how you slipped that $500 into your pile."
Yahiko swallowed hard. Ouch... he noticed. He's not going to... kill me or anything, is he?
"And," Aoshi pointed out, holding out the rule book. "Says here, when I land on Free Parking, I'm supposed to get the money, not you ."
The boy cringed. Aoshi was right, of course. However... "Hey! But I bought Free Parking fair and square! 'Gas, Grass, or Ass, no one rides for free'!"
"You idiot," Aoshi barked, whapping the boy in the back of the head. "This game is stupid anyway. I should have brought my Go board, then I--"
A knock at the door sounded just then, making Yahiko leap ten feet into the air in shock. "Wow... jumpy, are we? Must be your guilty conscience," Aoshi grinned. "It's probably Himura...." the dark man shrugged his shoulders, reaching for the lock. "... Idiot probably forgot his key."
Suddenly, the door came flying off his hinges as an eardrum-shattering explosion rang throughout the apartment. Debris flew everywhere, and luckily for Yahiko, Aoshi sensed the impending danger a split second before it occurred. Shielding the dark-haired boy with his body, Aoshi winced as the roof caved in, bringing the floor above down on top of them.
Yahiko gasped. "Aoshi! Aoshi, are you okay?!" He shouted to the older man atop him, their noses barely touching. Damn him, the teen thought. Kenshin knew something was going to happen... why didn't he stay?! Why did you abandon me, Kenshin?!
Aoshi opened his eyes. "Shh. Stay here--" he growled, lifting them both out of the rubble. "--And don't get in my way."
"My, my... I'd heard you had balls of steel, Shinomori Aoshi," a sly voice said from behind the still lingering smoke. "But to survive the entire top floor landing on top of that pretty head of yours? Must be more than rocks rolling around in there."
Aoshi hissed, "Who the hell are you?"
Tsukiyoka Tsunan kept his back turned from the group, his long black hair draping over his dark face. "Tsunan," he replied, though somewhat muffled. "Tsukiyoka Tsunan. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shinomori."
Aoshi heard a thump behind him, and when he looked back, Yahiko was out cold. "What the hell did you do to him, you bastard?!" Aoshi rumbled low in his throat, pulling forth his trusty Kodachis from his trench coat.
Aoshi smiled his most genuine smile. He loved his Kodachis; there was nothing more thrilling to him than an old-fashioned fight. He hated guns, and never understood why Kenshin insisted on using such as a policeman. And this man didn't look like he was armed, so he felt no remorse in tearing him apart with his Kodachis.
But, before he could take a step forward, Tsunan showed his face--covered with a gas mask. The man started a bit, his eyes going wide as the full reality of the situation settled in. Aoshi had lost from the very beginning. It wasn't smoke that blanketed the atmosphere of the room... it was gas.
Before Aoshi could mutter a curse, he was out cold.
* * *
Midnight. She hated this time of night. Closing the restaurant at one in the morning sometimes really sucked; especially on Thursday nights, since happy hour lasted way too long for Misao's tastes. And the people were less than non-charming--they were downright dirty. She couldn't count the number of times one of those perverted old men grabbed her ass.
Nearly nodding off at the bar, something went off inside her head. Something.... loud. As if the whole building was coming down around her. Blinking, she looked around. No, the restaurant was still in one piece... Silently, Misao started to question her own sanity.
Then she blinked again. No... that wasn't some lack of sleep-induced, delirious figment of her imagination... Something really was wrong. Leaping over the bar, she threw the restaurant's keys to her fellow employee, Hannya. "Hannya! I need you to close the place for me tonight!"
The man raised an eyebrow, yet he didn't need to ask what was wrong. He knew Misao all too well. Instead, he took the task without complaint, going back to settling a dispute between two drunks at the pool table.
Misao winced, her head throbbing even more than usual. Oh God, I know something happened to you... please, please, please! Be okay!
Aoshi...!
* * *
Black, cold, and painful. Those were the first words to run through Kenshin's mind as he lay awake in... a bed?!
Sitting up suddenly, and regretting his actions the moment his head began to swell, Kenshin cursed. "Shit! What happened?" Looking around, he had to squint to see in the dark. He could barely make out a figure at the window, sipping away at a beer.
Rubbing his forehead, the memories of tonight raced through his head. "Zanza..." he winced, biting back a gasp of pain as his stomach burned fiercely.
"You're awake," the figure at the window said, setting down his beer with utmost care on the nightstand. "Yeah... you're pretty beat up. Sorry about that."
Kenshin startled as he realized the owner of the voice was none of than Sagara Sanosuke, the same freelancer who had placed him in this condition. His eyes narrowed, and he managed the best fighting stance he could, even being bed ridden as he was now. His fists clenched the sheets, his knuckles turning just as white to match the bedding.
Sanosuke took note of the other's discomfort, and waved his hands defensively through the air. "Whoa, whoa... chill out. I admit it now, I've made a mistake."
Kenshin seemed to relax a bit, but his distrusting eyes watched Sanosuke like a hawk. "I understand why you're angry... hell, I would be too. But... after I started rummaging through your shit, I found your tattoos...."
It just now occurred to Kenshin that he was missing said shirt. He looked down, only to see himself bandaged along the waist. For immobilization, he guessed... he had taken a rather nasty blow to the stomach. He'd probably be pissing blood for a week.
"And what about my tattoos?" Kenshin snapped. He didn't much like talking about this particular topic.
"You only have twenty-five rings on each arm... totaling fifty altogether," he smiled rather smugly, as if being able to add were that big of an accomplishment.
"Yeah? So?"
"Soooooo," the freelancer began, plopping himself down in a rather puffy chair. "When Shishio told me you had killed Sagara-sensei, he said that it was your 51st kill. I may be just some silly old, know-nothing freelancer, but I can put two and two together."
"Ah," Kenshin thought aloud, lowering his eyes to the silken sheets. "You believe me, then, when I say I wasn't the one who killed this Sagara person?"
"Not at all," Sanosuke grunted, massaging a few kinks out of his shoulder. "For all I know, you could have just skipped a tattoo. Miscounted, or something. But whatever. I didn't plan on killing you, anyway. Besides... I think you're kind of cute." Sanosuke winked as he sexily whispered that last part.
Kenshin sweat-dropped, a slight blush creeping up on him. He decided to busy himself with examining the extent of his wounds. "Well, that sure is comforting..." he mused sarcastically.
Sanosuke grinned again. "Look... I realized tonight that something was up. I could see it in your eyes. I knew you weren't lying... I just didn't pay attention until I noticed your tattoos. And besides, I know to take everything Shishio says with a grain of salt."
There's more to this guy then meets the eye, Kenshin pondered. I wonder.... Jumping out of the bed suddenly, and rising a yelp of surprise out of Sanosuke, Kenshin gasped. "Yahiko! Shit, I promised him I'd help him study... I need to go--" he said frantically, looking for his hat.
"Hooooo, no you don't," Sanosuke said, grasping Kenshin by the arm. "It's too late for that. Tsunan's flight left two hours ago. They're already on their way to Japan."
Kenshin gaped. "He... what?!"
* * *
Damn you, Himura! Misao mentally cursed as she took off for Kenshin's apartment. I know damn well you're up to something, you bastard! How dare you bring Aoshi into this! When... when... when you know I care for him so much!
Misao turned the corner sharply, using a lamppost to propel herself in a perfect ninety degree angle down the street to Kenshin's apartment. She paused suddenly, taken by surprise as she took note of the large cloud of smoke coming from the building. She could hear the distant wail of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.
Shit... shit... shit! Her eyes welded with tears. "I knew it... Himura, you idiot!"
Fighting her way past spectators, she took off inside the building.
"Miss! Miss, don't go in there, the building's about ready to--" an onlooker called out to her, but his cried fell on deaf ears. Only one thing was on Misao's mind: FIND AOSHI.
She leapt over the fire blocking the stairs, taking off for Kenshin's floor. "Aoshi's here," she murmured. "I just know he's here...!"
By the time she reached the room, which was now in shambles, she was so out of breath and dizzy from the smoke that she gagged. The demolished ceiling allowed the midnight drizzle to rain down on the rubble. Panicking, Misao sifted through the debris, her heart racing.
He's here... he's here! Her search became more frantic. Stumbling over something cold and wet laying on the floor, Misao cursed herself. Hearing a low grunt from the pile of unrecognizable clothing, Misao sighed in relief. "Aoshi! Aoshi, are you okay? Can you hear me?"
Turning the dark man over on his back, he winced. Whatever that gas was... he couldn't move. He could barely keep his eyes open. "Mi... Misao..."
"You--" Misao stammered, tears in her eyes. "--You asshole! Don't you ever do that to me again!"
"Misao..." He choked, cringing his nose as he strained to move a hand to cup Misao's flushed face. "I didn't want you... involved. You need to go home... right now!"
The girl narrowed her eyes and glared. "You... idiot! Aoshi, don't you get it? I-I care for you too much to let you do this shit by yourself. You need to stop--"
Aoshi gently hushed her with a finger to the mouth. "Shh. Misao... My... my work is dirty. Do you think I want to see you end up like me?"
Cradling the man's head to her chest, she held him tight, letting her long-held back tears flow freely onto his face. "I don't care... I don't care.... I don't care," she whispered. "You need to stop... Aoshi, this needs to stop...."
Utilizing the last of his strength, Aoshi lifted his arms, which felt like giant slabs of steel, to wrap around her trembling form. He held her tight, rubbing his chin across the top of her head. "Misao...."
The firefighters could barely rescue the two from the burning blaze before the building collapsed on itself.
* * *
Outside, Aoshi fought off the paramedics, stating that he'd throw himself off the Brooklyn Bridge before he'd let them tend to his wounds. Silently, as Misao and Aoshi watched the firefighters attempt to put out the smoldering blaze from where they sat on the street corner, the girl reached a hand out for Aoshi's.
Usually, Aoshi would go cold fish and turn away whenever Misao would physically express her concern. He really didn't want the girl involved... Looking into her eyes, he sighed. Maybe he would give his life of fighting up. Yes... he could try to, at least.
For Misao, he would try.
* * *
Kaoru Kamiya cursed bad enough to make a sailor blush. "Who the hell--" she began, reaching for the ringing phone. Breathing a disgruntled "Hello" into the receiver, she was surprised to hear the frantic words of her friend on the other line.
"Kaoru! Oh, Kaoru, sorry to wake you--" Takani Megumi began, her voice strong yet threatening to break. "There's been an explosion at Ken's apartment. You need to head down there immediately!"
Kaoru turned as pale as a ghost. "What... did you say?"
"Hurry, just head down there! The police said Ken wasn't home at the time, but Shinomori Aoshi was there and filled them all in--But there's more to it than just that!"
"What is it?!" Kaoru leapt out of bed, throwing on a pair of jeans and a loose sweatshirt
Megumi voice went dark. "Someone kidnapped Yahiko."
Kaoru nearly dropped the phone, tripping over the phone cord in the process. "What?!" she squealed, her hands beginning to shake. Panic raced through every bone and vein in her body.
"What about you, Megumi?"
"I was on call tonight," Megumi said, her breathing returning to normal once more. "And I got called in after the explosion. But don't worry about me right now. I know Ken's alright... but you need to make sure!"
"But Megumi--"
"You stupid girl!" Megumi shouted through the receiver. "Go now , and find your brother!"
* * *
"Are you sure about this?" Sanosuke stopped at the security check. The airport was surprisingly busy this time of night. Sanosuke handed the attendant his suitcase, and gave Kenshin a questioning look. "You're going to have to face a lot more than just Shishio when we get over there."
"I know, Sanosuke. I'm all too well aware of that, that I am..." Kenshin sighed deeply... he wouldn't be able to carry any of his weapons onto the flight. So, he was defenseless. He was shocked there was even room left for the both of them on this flight. Sanosuke would have left earlier, he said, but he knew Kenshin would have followed anyway once he discovered Yahiko missing. He just hoped no one else decided to follow. So much was riding on this... and there were still so many questions...
Aboard the plane, Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "Why the hell are you helping me, anyway?"
"Hey," Sanosuke spat, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just don't like being lied to by bastards like Shishio. And don't think of it as a favor. If you like, think of it as payback for beating you shitless."
Kenshin sweat-dropped. "Yes, yes... but just remember. I don't trust you. And until I have Yahiko back in one piece, I'm going to be watching you like a hen guarding her eggs."
Sanosuke grumbled at that statement. "You aren't going to start making chicken jokes about my hair now like everyone else, are you?"
Kenshin sweat-dropped again, his eyes smiling. "Oro?"
"Nevermind."
* * *
"No, I'm fine," the dashingly handsome man said to the flight attendant as she tried to force a drink on him. He ran slender fingers through his midnight, wispy mop of hair, appearing relaxed. But to the trained eye, he was as alert as a watch dog.
Searching rather casually through the occupants of the plane, the Waka-gashira gasped, his eyes widening as he spotted a certain scarred redhead. Oh... I see Zanza was incapable of killing him, after all...
Soujiro rested his chin in his hand. Heh... Shishio-oyabun will be pleased.
to be continued...
Notes for part three:
The Clan-Yakuza operates as a hierarchy, and there are different names given to each of it's members depending on status. I'll give you just a few:
Oyabun=Father (this would be Shishio, the head of the Shishio Clan)
Waka-gashira=Children of the leader (the middleman, the one who sees that the Oyabun's orders have been followed--basically his right-hand man. This would be Smiley--eer, Soujiro, of course. ^_^)
Author: Mi-chan
Rating: R
Series: Rurouni Kenshin (AU, Modern-day)
Pairings: Hmmm... read and find out. =D
Part Three: Everyone Wants To Be The Battleship
It was a such a simple game, when you stopped to think about it. You roll the dice, hop around the board, and buy up as much property as you possibly could. It was easy! Yahiko didn't quite understand why Shinomori Aoshi, of all people, would be losing so easily to one half his age. Not that it mattered; Yahiko was winning, and he couldn't complain. And besides, he was the Battleship.
Aoshi frowned. "I wanted to be the Battleship."
Yahiko laughed. "I called it first though. And first always wins over last."
The dark man groaned. "You could have at least let me be the banker."
The teen shook his head. "I called that too. Jeez, Aoshi, haven't you even played Monopoly before?" Yahiko said, scratching his head. Obviously not, seeing as how Aoshi was losing horribly. Yahiko had bought up all four railroads, both Broadway and Board Walk, and was already lining his pockets with all the cash that was flowing in from the various hotels he owned.
"Have you ever played fair before?" Aoshi mused, cocking his head to one side. "I saw how you slipped that $500 into your pile."
Yahiko swallowed hard. Ouch... he noticed. He's not going to... kill me or anything, is he?
"And," Aoshi pointed out, holding out the rule book. "Says here, when I land on Free Parking, I'm supposed to get the money, not you ."
The boy cringed. Aoshi was right, of course. However... "Hey! But I bought Free Parking fair and square! 'Gas, Grass, or Ass, no one rides for free'!"
"You idiot," Aoshi barked, whapping the boy in the back of the head. "This game is stupid anyway. I should have brought my Go board, then I--"
A knock at the door sounded just then, making Yahiko leap ten feet into the air in shock. "Wow... jumpy, are we? Must be your guilty conscience," Aoshi grinned. "It's probably Himura...." the dark man shrugged his shoulders, reaching for the lock. "... Idiot probably forgot his key."
Suddenly, the door came flying off his hinges as an eardrum-shattering explosion rang throughout the apartment. Debris flew everywhere, and luckily for Yahiko, Aoshi sensed the impending danger a split second before it occurred. Shielding the dark-haired boy with his body, Aoshi winced as the roof caved in, bringing the floor above down on top of them.
Yahiko gasped. "Aoshi! Aoshi, are you okay?!" He shouted to the older man atop him, their noses barely touching. Damn him, the teen thought. Kenshin knew something was going to happen... why didn't he stay?! Why did you abandon me, Kenshin?!
Aoshi opened his eyes. "Shh. Stay here--" he growled, lifting them both out of the rubble. "--And don't get in my way."
"My, my... I'd heard you had balls of steel, Shinomori Aoshi," a sly voice said from behind the still lingering smoke. "But to survive the entire top floor landing on top of that pretty head of yours? Must be more than rocks rolling around in there."
Aoshi hissed, "Who the hell are you?"
Tsukiyoka Tsunan kept his back turned from the group, his long black hair draping over his dark face. "Tsunan," he replied, though somewhat muffled. "Tsukiyoka Tsunan. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shinomori."
Aoshi heard a thump behind him, and when he looked back, Yahiko was out cold. "What the hell did you do to him, you bastard?!" Aoshi rumbled low in his throat, pulling forth his trusty Kodachis from his trench coat.
Aoshi smiled his most genuine smile. He loved his Kodachis; there was nothing more thrilling to him than an old-fashioned fight. He hated guns, and never understood why Kenshin insisted on using such as a policeman. And this man didn't look like he was armed, so he felt no remorse in tearing him apart with his Kodachis.
But, before he could take a step forward, Tsunan showed his face--covered with a gas mask. The man started a bit, his eyes going wide as the full reality of the situation settled in. Aoshi had lost from the very beginning. It wasn't smoke that blanketed the atmosphere of the room... it was gas.
Before Aoshi could mutter a curse, he was out cold.
* * *
Midnight. She hated this time of night. Closing the restaurant at one in the morning sometimes really sucked; especially on Thursday nights, since happy hour lasted way too long for Misao's tastes. And the people were less than non-charming--they were downright dirty. She couldn't count the number of times one of those perverted old men grabbed her ass.
Nearly nodding off at the bar, something went off inside her head. Something.... loud. As if the whole building was coming down around her. Blinking, she looked around. No, the restaurant was still in one piece... Silently, Misao started to question her own sanity.
Then she blinked again. No... that wasn't some lack of sleep-induced, delirious figment of her imagination... Something really was wrong. Leaping over the bar, she threw the restaurant's keys to her fellow employee, Hannya. "Hannya! I need you to close the place for me tonight!"
The man raised an eyebrow, yet he didn't need to ask what was wrong. He knew Misao all too well. Instead, he took the task without complaint, going back to settling a dispute between two drunks at the pool table.
Misao winced, her head throbbing even more than usual. Oh God, I know something happened to you... please, please, please! Be okay!
Aoshi...!
* * *
Black, cold, and painful. Those were the first words to run through Kenshin's mind as he lay awake in... a bed?!
Sitting up suddenly, and regretting his actions the moment his head began to swell, Kenshin cursed. "Shit! What happened?" Looking around, he had to squint to see in the dark. He could barely make out a figure at the window, sipping away at a beer.
Rubbing his forehead, the memories of tonight raced through his head. "Zanza..." he winced, biting back a gasp of pain as his stomach burned fiercely.
"You're awake," the figure at the window said, setting down his beer with utmost care on the nightstand. "Yeah... you're pretty beat up. Sorry about that."
Kenshin startled as he realized the owner of the voice was none of than Sagara Sanosuke, the same freelancer who had placed him in this condition. His eyes narrowed, and he managed the best fighting stance he could, even being bed ridden as he was now. His fists clenched the sheets, his knuckles turning just as white to match the bedding.
Sanosuke took note of the other's discomfort, and waved his hands defensively through the air. "Whoa, whoa... chill out. I admit it now, I've made a mistake."
Kenshin seemed to relax a bit, but his distrusting eyes watched Sanosuke like a hawk. "I understand why you're angry... hell, I would be too. But... after I started rummaging through your shit, I found your tattoos...."
It just now occurred to Kenshin that he was missing said shirt. He looked down, only to see himself bandaged along the waist. For immobilization, he guessed... he had taken a rather nasty blow to the stomach. He'd probably be pissing blood for a week.
"And what about my tattoos?" Kenshin snapped. He didn't much like talking about this particular topic.
"You only have twenty-five rings on each arm... totaling fifty altogether," he smiled rather smugly, as if being able to add were that big of an accomplishment.
"Yeah? So?"
"Soooooo," the freelancer began, plopping himself down in a rather puffy chair. "When Shishio told me you had killed Sagara-sensei, he said that it was your 51st kill. I may be just some silly old, know-nothing freelancer, but I can put two and two together."
"Ah," Kenshin thought aloud, lowering his eyes to the silken sheets. "You believe me, then, when I say I wasn't the one who killed this Sagara person?"
"Not at all," Sanosuke grunted, massaging a few kinks out of his shoulder. "For all I know, you could have just skipped a tattoo. Miscounted, or something. But whatever. I didn't plan on killing you, anyway. Besides... I think you're kind of cute." Sanosuke winked as he sexily whispered that last part.
Kenshin sweat-dropped, a slight blush creeping up on him. He decided to busy himself with examining the extent of his wounds. "Well, that sure is comforting..." he mused sarcastically.
Sanosuke grinned again. "Look... I realized tonight that something was up. I could see it in your eyes. I knew you weren't lying... I just didn't pay attention until I noticed your tattoos. And besides, I know to take everything Shishio says with a grain of salt."
There's more to this guy then meets the eye, Kenshin pondered. I wonder.... Jumping out of the bed suddenly, and rising a yelp of surprise out of Sanosuke, Kenshin gasped. "Yahiko! Shit, I promised him I'd help him study... I need to go--" he said frantically, looking for his hat.
"Hooooo, no you don't," Sanosuke said, grasping Kenshin by the arm. "It's too late for that. Tsunan's flight left two hours ago. They're already on their way to Japan."
Kenshin gaped. "He... what?!"
* * *
Damn you, Himura! Misao mentally cursed as she took off for Kenshin's apartment. I know damn well you're up to something, you bastard! How dare you bring Aoshi into this! When... when... when you know I care for him so much!
Misao turned the corner sharply, using a lamppost to propel herself in a perfect ninety degree angle down the street to Kenshin's apartment. She paused suddenly, taken by surprise as she took note of the large cloud of smoke coming from the building. She could hear the distant wail of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.
Shit... shit... shit! Her eyes welded with tears. "I knew it... Himura, you idiot!"
Fighting her way past spectators, she took off inside the building.
"Miss! Miss, don't go in there, the building's about ready to--" an onlooker called out to her, but his cried fell on deaf ears. Only one thing was on Misao's mind: FIND AOSHI.
She leapt over the fire blocking the stairs, taking off for Kenshin's floor. "Aoshi's here," she murmured. "I just know he's here...!"
By the time she reached the room, which was now in shambles, she was so out of breath and dizzy from the smoke that she gagged. The demolished ceiling allowed the midnight drizzle to rain down on the rubble. Panicking, Misao sifted through the debris, her heart racing.
He's here... he's here! Her search became more frantic. Stumbling over something cold and wet laying on the floor, Misao cursed herself. Hearing a low grunt from the pile of unrecognizable clothing, Misao sighed in relief. "Aoshi! Aoshi, are you okay? Can you hear me?"
Turning the dark man over on his back, he winced. Whatever that gas was... he couldn't move. He could barely keep his eyes open. "Mi... Misao..."
"You--" Misao stammered, tears in her eyes. "--You asshole! Don't you ever do that to me again!"
"Misao..." He choked, cringing his nose as he strained to move a hand to cup Misao's flushed face. "I didn't want you... involved. You need to go home... right now!"
The girl narrowed her eyes and glared. "You... idiot! Aoshi, don't you get it? I-I care for you too much to let you do this shit by yourself. You need to stop--"
Aoshi gently hushed her with a finger to the mouth. "Shh. Misao... My... my work is dirty. Do you think I want to see you end up like me?"
Cradling the man's head to her chest, she held him tight, letting her long-held back tears flow freely onto his face. "I don't care... I don't care.... I don't care," she whispered. "You need to stop... Aoshi, this needs to stop...."
Utilizing the last of his strength, Aoshi lifted his arms, which felt like giant slabs of steel, to wrap around her trembling form. He held her tight, rubbing his chin across the top of her head. "Misao...."
The firefighters could barely rescue the two from the burning blaze before the building collapsed on itself.
* * *
Outside, Aoshi fought off the paramedics, stating that he'd throw himself off the Brooklyn Bridge before he'd let them tend to his wounds. Silently, as Misao and Aoshi watched the firefighters attempt to put out the smoldering blaze from where they sat on the street corner, the girl reached a hand out for Aoshi's.
Usually, Aoshi would go cold fish and turn away whenever Misao would physically express her concern. He really didn't want the girl involved... Looking into her eyes, he sighed. Maybe he would give his life of fighting up. Yes... he could try to, at least.
For Misao, he would try.
* * *
Kaoru Kamiya cursed bad enough to make a sailor blush. "Who the hell--" she began, reaching for the ringing phone. Breathing a disgruntled "Hello" into the receiver, she was surprised to hear the frantic words of her friend on the other line.
"Kaoru! Oh, Kaoru, sorry to wake you--" Takani Megumi began, her voice strong yet threatening to break. "There's been an explosion at Ken's apartment. You need to head down there immediately!"
Kaoru turned as pale as a ghost. "What... did you say?"
"Hurry, just head down there! The police said Ken wasn't home at the time, but Shinomori Aoshi was there and filled them all in--But there's more to it than just that!"
"What is it?!" Kaoru leapt out of bed, throwing on a pair of jeans and a loose sweatshirt
Megumi voice went dark. "Someone kidnapped Yahiko."
Kaoru nearly dropped the phone, tripping over the phone cord in the process. "What?!" she squealed, her hands beginning to shake. Panic raced through every bone and vein in her body.
"What about you, Megumi?"
"I was on call tonight," Megumi said, her breathing returning to normal once more. "And I got called in after the explosion. But don't worry about me right now. I know Ken's alright... but you need to make sure!"
"But Megumi--"
"You stupid girl!" Megumi shouted through the receiver. "Go now , and find your brother!"
* * *
"Are you sure about this?" Sanosuke stopped at the security check. The airport was surprisingly busy this time of night. Sanosuke handed the attendant his suitcase, and gave Kenshin a questioning look. "You're going to have to face a lot more than just Shishio when we get over there."
"I know, Sanosuke. I'm all too well aware of that, that I am..." Kenshin sighed deeply... he wouldn't be able to carry any of his weapons onto the flight. So, he was defenseless. He was shocked there was even room left for the both of them on this flight. Sanosuke would have left earlier, he said, but he knew Kenshin would have followed anyway once he discovered Yahiko missing. He just hoped no one else decided to follow. So much was riding on this... and there were still so many questions...
Aboard the plane, Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "Why the hell are you helping me, anyway?"
"Hey," Sanosuke spat, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just don't like being lied to by bastards like Shishio. And don't think of it as a favor. If you like, think of it as payback for beating you shitless."
Kenshin sweat-dropped. "Yes, yes... but just remember. I don't trust you. And until I have Yahiko back in one piece, I'm going to be watching you like a hen guarding her eggs."
Sanosuke grumbled at that statement. "You aren't going to start making chicken jokes about my hair now like everyone else, are you?"
Kenshin sweat-dropped again, his eyes smiling. "Oro?"
"Nevermind."
* * *
"No, I'm fine," the dashingly handsome man said to the flight attendant as she tried to force a drink on him. He ran slender fingers through his midnight, wispy mop of hair, appearing relaxed. But to the trained eye, he was as alert as a watch dog.
Searching rather casually through the occupants of the plane, the Waka-gashira gasped, his eyes widening as he spotted a certain scarred redhead. Oh... I see Zanza was incapable of killing him, after all...
Soujiro rested his chin in his hand. Heh... Shishio-oyabun will be pleased.
to be continued...
Notes for part three:
The Clan-Yakuza operates as a hierarchy, and there are different names given to each of it's members depending on status. I'll give you just a few:
Oyabun=Father (this would be Shishio, the head of the Shishio Clan)
Waka-gashira=Children of the leader (the middleman, the one who sees that the Oyabun's orders have been followed--basically his right-hand man. This would be Smiley--eer, Soujiro, of course. ^_^)