***
Thank you to Daniel-san and Meimi-san for pre-reading this chapter.
***
Author's notes which should be read before hand ^_^
Since a couple of people were asking for it, I have included a fairly lengthy (for what I intended) summary of what has happened. But I am warning people now that I have left out A LOT of the details, including many things which will later (fairly soon) become important. This summary is mainly just what motions the people have been going through. It includes very little of their motivations.
Also I have made a list of the characters who have become involved in this and who they are loyal to. Most people are just minor (I hate not naming people even if they only appear once) but some of them have a larger part to play than the others.
***
Text Conventions
:: :: Non spoken conversation
***
What has gone before...
***
A man named Niijima Akihisa was making inquires into the location of the Hitokiri Battousai. Eventually he locates Himura Kenshin at the Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu Dojo and reveals Kenshin to be a 'Prime.' Then the events of Watsuki Nobuhiro's great manga take place, namely the Kyoto arc and the Jinchuu arc. Although the Jinchuu arc helps to reveal some strong feelings on Niijima's part for Kamiya Kaoru.
After things have settled down somewhat from Jinchuu Niijima makes his move, ordering his minions to kidnap Kamiya Kaoru. In the process Yahiko gets badly beaten up, trying to defend his sensei. Losing Kaoru again completely throws Kenshin over the edge and he becomes the Hitokiri Battousai, which is entirely what Niijima wanted all along. He keeps Kaoru for a week, although during that time she is drugged and so has no memory of where she was and who she was with. She does know that during that time she was not hurt.
After a week the day and place for the confrontation is set. Niijima will give up Kaoru in exchange for something from the Hitokiri Battousai. But things are never that simple and so Akihisa first has to fight and defeat Sanosuke and then he has a fairly even fight with Himura Battousai. It is after Niijima is injured that he uses Kaoru as 'leverage' to get Kenshin to listen to his demands and eventually the deal is set: Kaoru in exchange for Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. After making the exchange Niijima leaves, much to the annoyance of Saitou Hajime.
As Akihisa is returning to his base, he has a run in with Saitou Hajime and leaves him badly injured on the road. He did indeed succeed in acquiring the Battousai's technique. Himura Battousai returned home with Kamiya Kaoru and has continued to be quiet and introspective but has been comforted by the presence of the woman he loves. In the mean time Akihisa has returned to his base and is comforted also by the presence of Kamiya Kaoru. He wasn't as honest as he appeared at the exchange. Hiko Seijuro, Shinomori Aoshi, Makamichi Misao, and Niijima's old master, Segawa Shinichi and his student, Masujiro Ryusaki have made their way to the Kamiya Kasshin Dojo. It was Segawa and Masujiro's intention to stop Niijima's plans but they have encountered the Battousai at the Dojo, when they were expecting the rurouni who had found his home. This was particularly distressing for Hiko.
And that is how things stand.
***
Kokoro
- Heart, Mind and Soul
Part 17
By Jade One
***
"You!"
The word seemed startlingly loud in an otherwise silent room. It was made louder by the demeanor of the person who uttered it. Kaoru looked over with wide eyes at the man who had entered the room. She didn't really know who he was but she did know that she had to stay away from him. This time she'd listen to the little voice that had been screaming at her for the past couple of days. She took a few careful steps backwards, accompanied by the soft hiss of her clothing. The green and gold kimono she was wearing was beautiful but it didn't offer her the best freedom of movement. The last thing she wanted to do now was fall.
The man before her was handsome, there was no denying that. Tall, green eyes and wavy black hair. He was beautiful without being bishonen. He was wearing hakama and a gaijin shirt and Kaoru could see the wink of gold from his ears. And while at the moment his expression was confused there was something about him she couldn't place. And that something was not reassuring.
Akihisa was indeed watching Kaoru with a confused gaze. His eyes were wide and those who knew him would have seen a definite and uncharacteristic pain. This was not the reaction he was expecting from Kaoru-san this morning. She should still have been docile, a child in his presence. At least until he took down his working which was why he was here. Something was not right.
He held his hands up to show her he meant no harm. The gesture was calming but it also served as a focus for him as he reached out with his mind. He only wanted to see what was happening so he could calm her and then remove the barriers he had placed in Tokyo but as his Kouken senses sharpened on her he froze, unbelieving at what he was seeing.
The working... His working that he had so carefully erected in Tokyo to make sure she could not hurt herself was lying in ruins. He had been expecting some damage. After all, he'd checked on her last night but for it to have collapsed so much more in such a short time was not something he would have believed possible.
'"Most people would call Kouken impossible, Niijima-kun but it is not. So remember the impossible is always possible."' Akihisa shook the voice of the old lesson away. The impossible may always be possible but it was unexpected when it happened. Niijima looked back at her. Kaoru had stopped backing up and was glaring at him from across the room. She almost seemed unsure at his silence. "Kaoru-dono," he began. His voice as always smooth and soothing but for now he took particular care to keep any surprise or agitation from his tone. It would not do for her to see him unsure. "What is the matter?" He looked directly at her so she knew he was expecting an answer. As he spoke he was examining the remains of his barriers on her. He took another step towards her.
Kaoru's eyes widened as she saw the mans eyes change from emerald to black but she wasn't as surprised as she though she would have been. I've seen this happen before except the color was different. That's not important! He's getting closer! "Iya! Stay away!" She spat the words, perhaps with more force than she needed but at the moment nothing was making sense and she wasn't going to let anything happen to her that would worry... Huh? Worry..? Worry who? Worry what? That was another thing that didn't make sense. There was something, someone important and she just couldn't remember. ::You will soon. I'm working on it,:: the voice had given up telling her to run and seemed preoccupied at something. ::You'll be you again shortly,:: it continued. Now that was odd. If she wasn't herself, who was she? The thought didn't bother her for long because the man took another step forward and spoke again in his soothing voice.
"Kaoru-dono, please! You must tell me what is wrong." He sounded genuinely confused at her response and radiated a willingness to help her.
The barriers were a mess. They were collapsing in on themselves but enough remained at the moment to support the rest. It was a precarious situation and one that was worsening by the second. Even as Akihisa was watching more of the shielding collapsed. Although it wasn't a physical structure he would have likened it to the collapse of an abandoned building. It didn't go all at once, rather sections collapsed, starting a chain reaction until the structure was stable again... until something else broke. Eventually what remained could not support that which lay in ruins and the whole thing disintegrated. That's what was happening here and he judged the whole thing to be about halfway down.
But Akihisa could see the cause of the damage. Could see it flitting around what remained of his working, slashing at the barrier with wicked mental claws. The shielding had been made specifically to control this, to comfort, to embrace, to entrance this. That section of Kaoru-san's psyche which would drive her to escape at any cost. That told her to remain free. That bit of her which had attached itself to the Hitokiri Battousai and was determined to remain with him, even if it meant going through injury or death. And since Niijima was not prepared to allow that, he had contained it and placidated it as best he could. Given enough time, he could erase it but in Tokyo, as now, time was not something he had. And there was also the thought that if he changed Kaoru-san, she would no longer be perfection and her song would no longer resonate so clearly. After all, perfection did not need to be modified.
Niijima narrowed his eyes. Through what remained of his rapidly collapsing work, he could see the brilliance of her true being shining. Her presence was beautiful and powerful. However, the shielding he had placed on himself was holding, and for the moment, despite her power, he was not in danger of being lost, of losing himself within her. I must remove it, he thought, reaching out again, this time with purpose. He traveled over his work, brushing against it gently, seeking the best point to grasp so that he could pull it from her. If he did this right she may even thank him for 'removing' the voice that had no doubt been plaguing her, in between it's efforts to destroy the only thing that kept her from hurting herself. With the barrier gone, the separate part that was fighting it should merge back into the whole and be lost. If she remained difficult...
No! There is no reason for her to hate me. I have never hurt her. I would never hurt her. So deep in his mind that even he did not hear it was the thought that humans really did need constant supervision since, if left to their own devices, they only caused themselves harm.
Kaoru looked back at him. He'd moved closer to her and though he had spoken his attention seemed elsewhere. But that wasn't the point. She'd told him to 'stay away.' Shouldn't a lady be taken at her word? But at the same time he hadn't threatened her and he did seem concerned for her. She owed him a response. "I... I don't know what's wrong!" True enough. "But stay away!" Yes, that was important. She couldn't let anyone take her. Because if they took her they'd use her against him and she'd rather die before she let that happen again. "Dekakenasai," she growled the word at him, her voice insistent and firm despite the confusion she felt. She glanced around. There... On the side table in rather easy reach was a pitcher. It wouldn't make the best weapon but if he continued she wasn't going to make it easy for him. She wouldn't go down without a fight. If he took one step closer he'd get that pitcher and anything else she could fling, coming straight for him. She'd warned him and until she knew who she could trust and she remembered who she knew, it was better that she be alone. "I don't know... EARGH!!!"
A blinding pain shot through her skull. Her knees buckled under its sudden force and she staggered with the pain. She managed to raise her hand to here head but it didn't do much good. The pain started behind her eyes and was almost a band encircling her head.
Nan da? Akihisa jerked back, physically and mentally. He had heard Kaoru-san's response and it tore his heart, especially when he saw her significant glance at the side table. But at least she trusted him enough to try to give him some explanation. From the state she was in the words she had managed were probably the best explanation she could provide. And while she was talking, she wasn't paying attention to what else he was doing. He'd picked a point on his working and had gently grasped it. He'd intended to fling it into the void that existed between all minds and there let that part of his work dissipate into nothing but as he had exerted his will, pulling it away from her there had been a sudden force binding it back to her. But what was worse was that she had felt it and it had not been gentle. From the way she trembled, her eyes wide and one hand raised to her head, what he did had not been gentle. Her other hand was on the side table supporting her body as she stood, stooped over it. He could hear her breathing, now hoarse and smell the sudden sharp tang of sweat that covered her body. Even her hair appeared lank.
He took a step forward, his hands raised to give comfort, "Kaoru-do…"
"Iya! Stay away." She released the table holding up one small white hand in warning. Despite the pain, her eyes flashed at him. "Stay away," she growled. Akihisa could see and feel that that part of her which had been destroying his work was in control now. "You… You did this to me! Stay away from me… You aren't going to use me against Kenshin! I won't let you."
At that last Akihisa jerked back once again but he knew, despite the pain her accusations caused he had to respond or else all she had said would be confirmed. "Kaoru-dono," he began, standing straight again and keeping his voice soft and reasonable. Control. He was the very vision of control, unthreatening control and the offer of comfort. "You are distraught at the moment. I assure you though I have 'done' nothing to you." He raised one eyebrow in an elegant display of questioning confusion. "If you think about it, you will see that there is nothing I could have done to you." Akihisa allowed a soft smile to cross his lips. "You are distressed and confused. You are not yourself at the moment Kaoru-dono. But you soon will be. However, I do not wish to cause you further distress so for the moment I will withdraw. I will return," he caught her eyes, allowing his now emerald gaze to lock with her blue. "I will return and you will see how silly this is. If you need anything, Kita-chan will attend you. So for the moment, Kaoru-dono, I bid you good day."
With that Niijima, bowed towards her and left her alone.
***
The door closed behind him with a soft click, but by that time Niijima was already striding down the corridor as Katsunan and Sedra scurried after him. His face was set in a grim mask that the two of them knew well. While they were not friends but rivals in Niijima-sama's service, they had shared a grim, knowing glance before they turned after him. His meeting with the woman had not gone well and he would want to take it out on something. Them, if they weren't around to attend him.
Niijima was already reaching out with his mind. If the woman wasn't going to listen to him, he would become perfect and *make* her listen. And that required Tamashii Hitokken's Murakami Seir. But failing that, the school's master, Yasutake Ryuichi. His location was unknown but Seir was running in a southeasterly direction, heading towards Tokyo and what little protection it may be able to provide. He swept over the forest with grim purpose.
There. A little bit further than he had expected the forest resonated with the serenity he associated with the Tamashii adept. Although at the moment the serenity was disturbed by a desperate need. Akihisa moved closer, he could see that the man was struggling through the forest. He was laboriously pulling himself over a log, completely oblivious to the game trail that ran in his direction about three metres to his right. His progress would be significantly faster if he was on that. The irony caused a brief flicker of amusement.
Seir's position for the moment secured, Niijima turned back towards his searchers. He would relay the information and then they could collect Seir and drag him back. After that he would take the technique and then he would have them all. Then *his* technique would be perfect. Then she would have no choice but to listen to him, to sing for him. ::Listen to me!:: he made the call general to everyone in the searching area. ::Murakami is located a half day a head of you. Search thoroughly because he is not on any trail and will not come to you willingly. Find him and bring him back here. You have permission to enter Tokyo if required but do not cause any confrontations!:: He broke the contact. Since his move of ordering conveyed his feelings on the matter he held not doubts that they would know how serious he was.
As Niijima reached his own chambers he paused to look back at Sedra and Katsunan. "Leave! I do not wish you to attend me now. Although," the anger in his eyes softened, "Send Bairei to me this afternoon." With that he stepped through the door and closed it on them.
***
Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu Dojo
***
"Kisama!"
The word barely registered with Masujiro before the two men took action. After that everything happened with a startling, frightening clarity he would remember for the rest of his days.
The Battousai turned and crouched slightly. He leant forward facing Hiko, his left hand moving to grasp the saya of his sword while his right moved to grip the hilt. A battou jitsu… A fitting move for one so named. But what Masujiro noted the most was the mans eyes. They were glowing a feral intense amber. He'd never seen a man's eyes glow before. They were narrowed and sharp and while they contained some specks of black, the pupils were mere dots. He showed no fear, instead, he was the one to be feared.
Except Hiko wasn't intimidated. He had jumped at him, his boots digging into the soft dirt, sending up a spray. Hiko too was reaching for his sword but his left hand had grasped the hem of his manto and with one fluid motion he had thrown it off high into the air. It flapped loudly and looked like a huge white butterfly accented with red. His face was intense, his usually deceptive open eyes narrowed and a snarl on his lips. He didn't so much as utter a battle cry but a low guttural snarl. His intent was obvious. Kill. No Hiko-san, not him! Niijima is the enemy…
The woman had looked up from the washing, her face twisted with horror. She may not have known of their arrival but she did sense the hostility and she knew what it meant. Her eyes, Masujiro noted almost irrationally were blue and wide with fear. Her hands flew to her mouth as she shrieked a name. "Kenshin!"
The child had scrambled back dropping the broom. He would have moved faster but his face contorted in pain and he moved one hand to his side, presumably to grip at his injuries. The other man spun but Masujiro could only see this from the corner of his eye. The fabric the man had been hanging wrapped around his body but by then Hiko and the Battousai had met.
Hiko had attacked head on. Both hands gripped his sword and his arms were a blur. His whole being was focused on his opponent. Masujiro couldn't even see his sword. The Battousai was simply watching Hiko's approach with a soft smile on his face.
And then it was over. The broom clattered on the cobbles and Hiko's manto crashed into the ground, sending up puffs of dust. In the centre of the yard, the two combatants stood extended. Masujiro wasn't sure he wanted to see but with some trepidation he looked over at the scene. As he watched, the blur that was Hiko's arms and sword resolved itself into one set of arms. Hiko's sword materialised held on a slightly downward angle, the tip of it hidden in a fold of fabric directly over the Battousai's heart.
But while Hiko was open, the other man was similarly extended. His left hand was still on his saya but his sword was fully drawn, his right arm bent at an odd angle, his blade crossing Hiko's body. Their eyes were locked together as if they could stare each other down.
Masujiro blinked, as both men held themselves completely motionless for what seemed like hours. The whole thing rested on the smaller man. His eyes were yellow. With deliberate precision his eyelids closed slowly covering his glowing irises. Masujiro could almost hear the clang of a cell door as they silently shut. From the tremor that passed through Shinichi it was evident that he felt the same way.
Slowly, ever so slowly the man opened his eyes again and with a calm intake of breath stepped back from Hiko, carefully re-sheathing his sword. Masujiro suppressed a gasp. He could no longer feel the intense and somewhat frightening presence of the Battousai. He hadn't been able to for the last few moments. What is this?
"Kenshin!" The woman cried breaking into everyone's reverie.
The man who was the Battousai gave her a quick nod before he looked at Hiko and in a soft voice, devoid of any coldness asked, "Shishou, what brings you to Tokyo?" His voice was quiet and calm. It was as if nothing had happened.
Is this how the Battousai did it? A killer hiding within an innocent? No... Hiko would not allow that so who was the man I just saw and what was wrought in that attack?
For his part, Hiko too had resheathed his sword but as he walked past Kenshin to retrieve his cloak he gave him a cuff on the back of his head. Masujiro cringed, expecting a sudden violent flare up from the man. "Baka! 'What brings me to Tokyo?' You bring me to Tokyo. You and your inability to solve your own problems!"
The expected flare up did not come from the short, red haired man but instead came from everyone else. The tall man's objections were made comical by the sheet he had tangled himself in. It was the woman, girl woman, Masujiro corrected himself when he got a good look at her, was the most out spoken. She stormed over from the wash tub and rather possessively took the arm of the man she'd identified as Kenshin. Once that had been accomplished and he hadn't jerked back, she had begun to lead him to the side of the house to a point where he could sit down. But as she moved, she turned to glare at Hiko with determined and affronted eyes. "Hiko Seijuro," she drawled his name before pausing significantly to allow her tone and words to fully register with him. "I trust you have a very good reason for coming, uninvited into my home and then launching an attack on your student. Someone I do recall you saying you didn't want to see again. Well?"
Hiko didn't seem surprised or flustered by her sudden and loud questioning. The smile Masujiro could see hovering in his aura didn't transfer itself to his face but he was definitely anticipating a spirited battle. Does she act like this all the time? Masujiro questioned himself at her very unfeminine outburst.
"Ano... Kaoru-san," Misao spoke up timidly. "We did knock but since you are all here, I don't think you heard us, so we decided to come and look for you."
"We?" Hiko questioned.
"Alright, Hiko-san!" Misao snapped with her usual vigor before she looked back to Kaoru. "It was me," - she glanced at Hiko, her expression clearly 'Are you happy now?' - "who opened the gate to come in. But Kaoru-san," tears welled up in her eyes and whatever had been holding her back disappeared and she ran over to the other woman, wrapping her arms around her. "I was so worried about you!"
The other woman, Kaoru-san, looked down at Misao with some surprise before her expression softened. Gently she moved her hands to the girls shoulders and pushed her back so that she could see her. "Daijoubu, Misao-chan, daijoubu." The tension that had been gathering had eased at Misao's outburst but it now dissipated entirely at Kaoru's soft murmurings. "Everything's alright now. I'm alright now."
"You are? You mean it?"
"Hai, I mean it and I won't go running off anywhere." Her eyes sparkled. "And if anyone else wants to kidnap me, I'll make sure they schedule it correctly. "
"You do that!" Misao agreed, stepping back and releasing Kaoru. "I don't want to make anymore unscheduled trips from Kyoto!"
"Hey Weasel-girl!" The boy spoke up, gingerly bending down to pick up the broom. "Who are your companions?"
Misao spun, stomping one foot with her hands clenched by her sides and her arms stiff. "*Don't* call me that, Yahiko-chan. As for who they are, they wanted to see Himura-san, and I wanted to rescue Kaoru so we traveled together."
Shinichi chuckled at Misao's explanation. "That's an accurate description of the situation, Makamichi-kun but why don't you allow us to introduce ourselves? It's much more polite."
"Hai, Segawa-san."
"Oh, where are my manners?" Kaoru turned towards the small group that had entered her yard.
"You've got manners?" Sano had finally freed himself from the cloth and was brushing himself off.
Kaoru's eyes flashed and she turned to Sanosuke. She almost looked like she was going to hit his roguish features. Apparently from nowhere a bokken appeared and she brandished it at him. As she opened her mouth to respond, before she brought her bokken to play, Yahiko spoke with a grin. "Yeah! She'd got as much manners as you've got co-ordination!"
Yahiko was suddenly confronted by two infernos of anger directed at him. He "Eeped" and quailed under their gazes.
"Mare mare," Kenshin stepped between them with a gentle smile. "Why don't we all go inside and have some tea so we can get properly acquainted?"
Kaoru calmed down but before she lead everyone inside she gave Yahiko a look that clearly stated, 'You haven't heard the end of this.' The boy gulped but followed everyone in, as Kenshin went to the kitchen to quickly brew some tea.
***
Nine cups sat in two haphazard arrangements, four on one side of the table, five clustered together on the other, as the two groups regarded each other. The small talk usually associated with tea had long since been dispensed with and now an uncomfortable silence had fallen over the room. The silence was heavy with both anticipation and tension. This conversation, once started would have implications which could not be brushed away. It would change the actions of the future and thus the silence was also filled with the unspoken desire for things to remain the same, even if that desire was transitory.
Finally after several uncomfortable stirrings Shinichi and Masujiro moved, bowing as best they could over the table. It was Shinichi who spoke quietly in a voice that held both regret and remorse. "Please forgive us for not acting sooner to stop Niijima Akihisa's assault upon your lives."
The quiet fighting of the groups stopped and for a moment absolute silence reigned. Even the birds outside were silent before Kenshin spoke softly. "Perhaps you should start from the beginning," he invited seriously. Slowly and so gently the action was not noted as he moved one hand from his lap and across to take Kaoru's.
"That would be best but it is neither a short nor pleasant tale," Shinichi nodded his agreement. He took a deep breath before starting again. "I am Segawa Shinichi..."
"The Twenty Third, Niijima Akihisa's Shishou."
Silence once again reigned although this time it had spread to both sides of the table.
"Himura!"
"Kenshin!"
"Battousai!"
There were several exclamations of surprise. "How could you possibly know that?" The question was eventually asked.
"He showed me," Kenshin responded quietly almost as if he were unaware as to what was wrong.
"Niijima showed you?" Masujiro would have asked more but after that his mouth moved but no sounds came out.
Shinichi was more composed. He hadn't been expecting this but he was more adept at hiding his surprise. "When did he show you, Himura-san?"
"When we made our deal," Kenshin responded in the same neutral emotionless voice. It was almost as if he was fighting for control but he remained seated calmly and neither Hiko nor Aoshi could sense anything amiss. His words though, had focused the attention of those around him. Kenshin had not spoken of, and they had not asked about what exactly had transpired between Niijima and himself. Of all the people here only Kaoru had witnessed the incident and it appeared even she was not privy to all the details.
"I suppose it is possible," Shinichi murmured speculatively. "It's not something he was probably aware of though, because it is information I'm sure he did not wish to share." Shinichi shook his head slightly. "That is not the point at the moment though. We will have to discuss that incident in more detail later, Himura-san. Suffice to say that I do know exactly what he asked you for in exchange for Kamiya-san and unlike you I know why. And that is part of the reason I am here." Shinichi closed his eyes and a slight almost mocking smile creased his lips. He took another deep breath before he looked back at Kenshin. "Let me begin again."
"My name is Segawa Shinichi the 23rd. As you so accurately pointed out I have the dubious distinction of being Niijima Akihisa's Shishou. It was I who trained him in the art of Kouken Sokuuchi Ryuu but it was also I who expelled him midway through his training when it became apparent that he was not worthy to continue the school."
"You mean to say that bastard Niijima's only half trained?"
"Unfortunately, no. I can not say that."
"Then what do you mean!" Sanosuke brought his fist down on the table, wincing slightly as he jarred his bones.
"What I mean, Sagara-kun, is that while I only half trained him and while I was at the time the only master of Kouken Sokuuchi, Niijima has developed the basics I taught him into his own style which might just as well be Kouken. About the only Kouken technique that I am fairly sure he cannot do is the Ougi since I never taught him anything even remotely like it."
"So how many 'masters' of Kouken are there?"
"Sano! That's uncalled for!" The rebuke came from Kaoru.
"Kamiya-san, it is alright. It is a fair question," Shinichi waved one hand at Masujiro who had been on the verge of attacking before he turned to Sanosuke. "Sagara-kun, since you asked, if you include Niijima, there are three masters of Kouken today; Niijima, myself and Masujiro." Segawa turned back to Kenshin. "I don't seem to be getting very far... Initially we intended to contact your master, Hiko Seijuro and then come here to help you against him but in this we well and truly left our move too late," Shinichi got back to his story. "Now though, since the situation has changed I would request your help in stopping him, by killing him if necessary but before I ask that I should explain why he attacked."
"I will not kill," Kenshin's voice was like ice.
"I'm not asking you to Himura-san," Shinichi responded. "If it comes to it, I will do it since it is my fault."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed but he said nothing. Masujiro looked like he wanted to say something but in the end he gave up his attempts to speak. Both Hiko and Aoshi could have been carved from stone from the amount of reaction they were showing, while Misao and Yahiko squirmed uncomfortably. Kaoru was looking worriedly at Kenshin, her eyes shimmering. Sano was cradling his hand but he too was worried at the turn the conversation had taken.
"Before you make any decisions and before I ask you, and even if I wasn't going to, you still deserve an explanation for his actions."
"This should be good," Yahiko murmured to himself.
"Oh, I assure you, Myoujin-kun," the stress on the suffix was quite deliberate. Shinichi did not wish to offend those he was addressing now. It was important they listen. "There is an explanation but whether you choose to believe it is up to you." Shinichi scratched lightly at his head. "Hmm... How to explain this?" He closed his eyes briefly and nodded to himself, apparently reaching some conclusion. "Ah... I think that would be best. All of you feel free to ask questions or for a better explanation if you don't understand, and Masujiro, if you know a better way to explain this, then please tell me now... No? Oh well, I was hoping...
"You are probably all aware that existence combines three distinct and separate elements into one which is what we call an individual." Shinichi's voice was suddenly very serious and matter of fact. There was no trace of the slight humor which had echoed in his tone when he had instructed them to ask questions. "The three elements are commonly referred to as mind, body and soul which are in turn composed of the earthly elements of water, fire, air and earth. But that's not at question here. Developing a technique usually involves harmony and co-ordination between mind, body and soul but each technique develops these in a different way. For example, Hiko-san's technique, Hiten Mitsurugi, while it does develop the mind and spirit it focuses predominantly on developing physical skills. It is truely the most formidable technique in this world.
"My own technique, Kouken Sokuuchi develops the mind. Many call it a technique of deception because of the ability to make people believe things which are just not true."
"Illusion?"
"Yes, Sagara-san. That is possible."
"So that's how he did it."
"Ah... I gather Niijima used something which could be described as being like a ninja's power of projection? He made himself appear where he was not?"
"Something like that."
"He is fond of illusion. But it simply goes to show that each technique develops in different ways. Now, let's look at the three elements separately. Imagine if one technique could develop one element so much so that it could be called superior. You are already familiar with one. Hiten Mitsurugi is a technique that has developed the body to the point where, physically at least, it is almost invincible. And while I do not like to brag, Kouken Sokuuchi has done something similar with the mind." Shinichi gave a small sad smile. "There is a third technique that has done the same for the spirit. Each of these techniques within their own element is near invincible, the ultimate technique if you will. If two users of such techniques fought each other the battle could last a very long time unless something was done to tip the scales." Shinichi held up one hand, forestalling questions.
"Though it pains me to say this so bluntly, that is what Kamiya-san was to Niijima. Leverage. The person to tip the balance in his favor. But that leads to the question of why he wanted her in the first place. There is one thing that is strictly forbidden to those of the Kouken School. It is forbidden to all other schools as well but perhaps not as strictly because they do not know how and most often don't even realise that it can be done."
"What is forbidden?"
"The taking of the other ultimate techniques. Kouken Sokuuchi has the ability to adsorb other techniques, to make them available to ourselves."
Kenshin nodded. "Niijima did show something of that ability. Sorry Sano," he added, turning towards his friend. "He shattered a rock just like you can."
"He took Sagara's technique?" Masujiro questioned. "That's unexpected."
"No matter. It's an ability we don't like to use that much. It's very disconcerting and it is an ability we are forbidden to use on the other ultimate techniques."
"But that's what he wanted."
"Yes, that is what he wants, even though he knows it is forbidden. He is trying to create a technique that is truely invincible, by merging all three of the ultimate techniques. I do not know why but I do know that he must be stopped. The merging of all three techniques is something that we're strictly forbidden to attempt. The warning is very explicit but it is unclear as to exactly what the consequences are. All I know is that they are fairly extreme and that is why I am so desperate to stop him."
"But why did he use me? Why couldn't he have gone after Shishou?"
"Because I would have kicked his arse."
Shinichi sighed. "This is where my explanation will get technical."
"Technical?"
"There are reasons, apart from your Shishou's explanations as to why Niijima had to come to you."
"Well?" Kenshin seemed interested.
"It has to do with generational concerns. Hiko Seijuro the 13th is of the same generation I am. It is easier for him to come to you than to take it from your master. Just as it would be easier for Masujiro to come to you. The other important thing is, you had to be willing. You didn't have to be happy with the decision but you did have to freely give your technique to him. Again, that is why he targeted Kamiya-san. He could have kidnapped you and used other means but that would likely take a longer time than he was willing to spend. And you would be very resistant to other forms of persuasion. Every other technique can be forced or tricked, especially if the user is not aware but the other ultimate techniques must in some form be 'given.'"
"How nice to know that I couldn't be forced," Kenshin said, uncharacteristic irony dripping from his voice.
"It is not much comfort, I know, Himura-san," Shinichi said patiently. "But you might want to also consider the fact that he would never have hurt Kamiya-san. While it is truely distressing and unforgivable that he had Myoujin-kun beaten he would never have ordered death. Never. Because if anything permanent had happened to your friends then you would have never been even slightly willing. Am I right?"
Kenshin nodded tersely. "It was a close call as it was."
"I'm sure it was." Shinichi sighed again. "You have had a stressful couple of days Himura-san, and these past few hours have not been easy. I will not ask you now for your help with, what is after all, my problem. Rather I will ask you later. I would suggest you think about what I have said over the next few days and then I will ask you. A few days will not make a difference either way now. Niijima will need the time to get used to Hiten Mitsurugi. Regardless of your decision we will leave then. Niijima must be dealt with." Shinichi looked towards Kaoru. "For now, I was wondering if we could impose upon Kamiya-san's hospitality?"
"I'll consider it," Kaoru looked mildly offended at the presumption before her upbringing, manners and compassionate personality exerted itself. "It will be a little crowded but my house is yours."
"Doomo arigatou gozimasu, Kamiya-san. We will not be lazy house guests, I assure you," Masujiro spoke up with a smile.
"That's something some people should take note of!" Yahiko drawled looking pointedly at Sanosuke.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean? I help out!" Sano protested.
"Yeah! You help out eating," Misao clarified his position.
"Oi! itachi musume!"
"What did you say?" Several daggers appeared in Misao's hands and she brandished them at Sano.
"I said 'i-ta-chi mu-su-me!'"
"Argh!"
::Remember what I said, Masujiro-kun?::
::About what exactly, Shishou?::
Shinichi flashed a mental smile at the proceedings around him. ::I said that this was a good establishment. Despite their words there is no malice.::
::I see what you mean,:: Masujiro responded after a brief pause. ::Demo...::
::Demo..?::
::Do you think Himura-san will help us?:: Masujiro indicated towards Kenshin. He had remained seated quietly and unlike Hiko and Aoshi had not moved to follow the fights progress. Kaoru was still beside him, one hand holding his, although she was following the fight and occasionally yelling at the combatants. For her it was a necessity to make an effort to keep the damage down.
::I believe he will think about it for a little while. He will undoubtedly talk to his Shishou and question us further. But he does believe us. Whatever he and Niijima shared at the moment of exchange has left its mark. What we must do now is convince him that it is still important to stop Niijima before he forces compliance from the Tamashii adept.::
::Iie... What we have to do now is pray that the Tamashii adept is strong enough to hold out for that long. Himura-san will help us.:: Masujiro came to the conclusion. ::There is a part of him that accepts that Niijima is gone and will not be back. That part would let the matter rest.:: Masujiro glanced at the protective hand Kenshin had placed casually on Kaoru's shoulder. ::But there is also a part that made no assurances to Niijima and will hunt him down for touching Kamiya-san. That part would put the matter to its final rest. Himura-san will help us. I do not think he will kill but I think this might be one time when he will not stand in the way.::
::It looks like it's all resting on the Tamashii adept.::
::It is Shishou. The one technique we don't know much about and it is coming down to them!::
***
Elsewhere
***
"Nearly there, nearly there."
'Course, he'd been repeating that mantra to himself for the last three days now. He giggled. There was more than a trace of insanity in that laugh. But each time he said it, he raised his foot, drawing one step closer to his goal and if he said it enough, and moved close enough at some point it had to be true, didn't it? And then after that it would fade into falsehood because he would no longer be nearly there but he would be there.
"Nearly there, nearly there." Oh yes, it had become his mantra but thinking it and saying it were far more preferable than thinking about anything else, especially about someone else.
He'd *felt* him, his broad sweeping presence and he knew he'd been found but he managed to avoid pursuers who'd swarmed into the area. He'd doubled back and then travelled hard, swinging around them before resuming his run, well stumble towards Tokyo.
Alone. He travelled alone. He hardly dared stop in the villages he passed because with his appearance he'd attract attention, and that was the last thing he wanted.
The last. He was also the last. The last thing that stood between Niijima and his goals. Am I the last? After what has happened, what he tried and failed to do to me, can I really be sure that I am the last?
He shook his head. "Dame da!" His harsh and final warning to himself broke his litany. It didn't matter that he was alone. All that meant was that no one else would get hurt. And it didn't matter if he wasn't the last, if was just one more stepping block. It didn't matter. He couldn't allow that step to be taken because even if he wasn't the last, he had to be pretty close to it.
"Nearly there, nearly there." Tokyo got closer with each repetition.
To Be Continued.
Definitions
Bishonen - pretty boy
Nan da - what the?
Iya, Iie - no
Kisama - You but a very bad way of saying it
Dekakenasai - Leave
Daijoubu – it's alright
Hai – yes
Baka – idiot/stupid
Shishou - Master
Doomo arigatou gozimasu - Thank you very much (Polite)
Itachi musume - weasel girl
Demo - but
Saya – sword sheath
Tamashii Hitokken Ryuu - Yasutake Ryuichi's and Murakami Seir's technique
Tamashii - Soul
Hitokken - One Sword
Kouken Sokuuchi Ryuu - Niijima Akihisa, Segawa Shinichi, and Ryusaki
Masujiro's technique
Kou - Thought
Ken - Sword
Soku - Swift
Uchi - Strike
Fairly simple ne?
HUGE Thank you to Tatsuko for helping to create the names of some fighting
schools.
Any other names that appear in this fic, eg names of people, while I'm sure they mean something, I did not pick them because of any meaning they may have. I picked them because I liked them when I was choosing names. Some I stole from other manga's and animes and one or two I made up myself.
Just a reminder to tell you that you can Email me!