Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
No harm intended
Thanks to everyone who has read and/or reviewed, especially Susan,
Midori Natari Himura: Yes, definitely more Aoshi
And Firuze Khanume: Well, maybe, we'll just have to see how they get along.
When She Smiles
Chapter 11: Visitors
Kenshin smiled as he approached the Aoiya. The warmth of old friends and anticipation at seeing them had finally replaced the dread of the Bakumatsu when he thought about Kyoto. And it was primarily due to a wild pixie he had met in the woods. Even though she was the same vibrant and emotional person she had always been, she was an adult now, not a girl. He wondered if Aoshi had finally noticed. Well, he would find out soon enough.
As he reached the porch steps, he heard the familiar cry of "Himura!" from inside. Within seconds she had flung herself at him with her arms around his neck in a welcoming hug.
"Don't knock me off the porch, Misao-dono, do you want us to end up in the middle of the street?"
"Wouldn't be the first time, Himura," Misao laughed, "Welcome back. And why didn't you bring Kaoru? I miss her! She shouldn't be letting you traipse all over Japan without her – did you tell her where you were going this time? If not, I expect she will be about an hour behind you in arriving here!"
"She knows. Kaoru-dono knows exactly where I am, Misao-dono, don't worry. She wanted to come, too, but she has two new students now and she did not want to delay their lessons. She will come with me next time, I promise."
Misao could make anyone feel better, thought Kenshin. It was good to be among friends at the Aoiya again. As he went inside to greet Okina and the others, he sensed that Aoshi was not here – probably off meditating. Then he noticed an undercurrent from Misao. She was clearly glad to see him, but there was something on her mind.
Kenshin smiled to himself. With Misao, he wouldn't have to wait long; she would find a way to talk to him about it in short order.
Sure enough, within 10 minutes the other Oniwabanshuu had all disappeared and he found himself sipping tea with Misao in the back garden.
"So what's on your mind, Misao"
She glared at him. "I HATE it when you do that Himura! You're as bad as Aoshi-sama!"
"Tell me, Misao-dono, I know you are worried about something. Let me help you."
Misao bit her lip and seemed to give one last thought to how she would approach a subject that would either be delicate, or painful, Kenshin couldn't decide which.
"Do you remember Oibore, Himura?" Misao asked quietly. Her eyes were worried. It must be a painful subject. Well, he had so many painful subjects; it must be another specter from his bloody past.
"That name doesn't sound familiar, Misao-dono. Can you tell me something more about him?"
"You met him in Rakuninmura, Himura."
Rakuninmura. That was a name Kenshin had not thought about for quite some time. Whom had he met in Rakuninmura? It could only be the old man who sat with him sometimes.
"Vaguely, Misao. The only one I remember is an old man who sat near me while I was there. Is he this Oibore?"
"Yes. Himura, do you remember anything about him? We were under the clear impression that he helped you while you were there."
Kenshin closed his eyes and was surprised at the memory that floated to the surface of his mind. White plums. The scent was overpowering.
He opened his eyes and Misao could see from his expression that he was completely serious now.
"Yes, Misao. I believe he did help me. How is it that you know Oibore?"
Misao related Oibore's visit to the Kamiya dojo and noted Himura's rapt attention. She hesitated to continue. But Himura urged her on with his attentive silence.
"Oibore has recently been reunited with his son and has moved here to Kyoto. He came to see me and we have become rather good friends."
Misao smiled, but Kenshin could tell that she was choosing her words very carefully. He returned her smile, it was only her Okashira talents showing through, but she didn't need to tread so carefully with him.
"Just tell me, Misao. Whatever it is, we can deal with it. Does it concern Kaoru-dono?" As long as this issue didn't touch his family in Tokyo, Kenshin did not believe there could be any real threat.
"No, no, Himura, it has nothing to do with anyone in Tokyo – except you." She paused. Kenshin could sense her reluctance to continue.
"Just tell me, Misao," Kenshin whispered.
"He's Tomoe's father."
"Ah," Kenshin sighed and closed his eyes again. That explains the scent. And the flowers and Kyosato's hair ornament Kaoru and I found at Tomoe's grave.
"He is here, with Enishi?"
Misao studied her friend's face for clues to what he might be thinking. She gave up. Why did she even try with Himura? He and Aoshi-sama were totally unreadable if they choose to conceal their thoughts and feelings. But he was signaling her to continue, so she took a deep breath and told him about her meetings with both Oibore and Enishi.
"I can tell there is something else, Misao. Please, just say it."
"I give up, Himura. I'm surprised you don't just read my mind. Yukishiro asked me to let him know when he should avoid visiting his sister. He doesn't want to risk a chance meeting with you, or worse, with Kaoru."
Kenshin didn't respond. He seemed to be both thinking and frowning. Misao continued, "I was hesitant to do this without consulting you, Himura. I wanted to spare you an unexpected meeting in that place, but letting him know seemed too much like giving him information on just when you would be here at the Aoiya. I wanted to be cautious, Himura. What do you want me to do? You know my first loyalty is to you."
"Do nothing, Misao. I will handle this in my own way. As to Enishi's offer to assist you, you are the Okashira. Do as you think best."
Now it was Misao's turn to be surprised. She had not expected this response. And now he was trying to change the subject.
"Will Shinomori be joining us later, Misao-dono?" Ah, the discussion of Yukishiro was now closed. Himura's statement made it clear that he had said all he would on that topic.
"Aoshi-sama is off on some mysterious private business, Himura. I have a great idea! Why don't you help me figure out what he's doing while you are here? He tells Okina he's not certain when he will return and disappears at odd hours. Okina won't let me assign anyone to follow him and Okashira business keeps me from doing it myself, but you could do it for me! Come on, Himura, it would probably only take you one day to figure it out. Can't you help me out on this?"
"Misao-dono, sessha has far too many errands for Kaoru-dono to be able to follow Shinomori. I'm sure he is fine and will tell you what he is doing when he wants you to know."
Misao nearly smacked Himura with the teapot when he started with his sessha stuff. But he ducked at the last minute and gave her one of his really stupid smiles as the teapot hit a tree behind him. Now she was really pissed off.
"Himura! You never help me with Aoshi-sama! What good are you anyway? You know Kaoru would want you to help me. What if he's in trouble? Himura get back here!"
But she was shouting at his back by now, as Kenshin disappeared into the Aoiya – and she could hear him laughing at her, too. Well, that was nothing new, either. She'd figure out a way to find out what Aoshi was doing without him.
Okina was barely able to hide his laughter when he came out to tell her that she was needed on Okashira matters. She looked twelve again as she stood there fuming with her fists clenched at her sides, all determination and no patience. But she reminded him again that she was eighteen, not twelve, as she collected herself and confidently strode off to the meeting.
Misao couldn't help but smile when she heard Okina chuckling behind her. "I see you enjoyed your tea with Himura," he called after her as he cleaned up the crockery.
Chapter 12: Unlikely Relations
Kenshin approached the Yukishiro dojo early the next morning. The front gate allowed a narrow view of the front yard and the sight within was unexpected. Although Kenshin had practiced the martial arts virtually all of his life, the slow deliberate movements Enishi and Oibore were performing were not of any style he had ever seen before. He watched, fascinated, as Enishi led and Oibore followed. He took the opportunity to feel Enishi's ki to gauge his former opponent's current state. He knew that Enishi would reciprocate and be fully aware of his presence.
Once their routine was complete, Kenshin knocked on the gate. Oibore moved to respond, but Enishi stopped him and came in his stead.
"Please come in, Himura. My father and I have just finished our morning Tai Chi exercises. It is used to foster strength and calmness in both body and mind."
Kenshin bowed to Oibore. "I am very pleased to see you again." Turning to Enishi, Kenshin continued, "I would like to speak with you privately."
Oibore was visibly shaken at the prospect of Himura and his son alone. Was Enishi emotionally stable enough to meet with Himura? Both men sensed his anxiety. Enishi took his arm and softly assured him, "It will be all right, father, perhaps you could make some tea and refreshments for our guest? Himura and I could speak out here, on the porch."
Kenshin added, "Oibore-san, would you do me the great service of holding this for me while I am a guest in your home?"
It was hard to decide which generation of the Yukishiro family was more shocked as Himura Battousai gave his sakabatou into Oibore's keeping. It was a gesture beyond measure between the two former enemies, and set Oibore's mind at rest.
Oibore placed Kenshin's sword in the dojo with Enishi's, and went to the kitchen.
Kenshin and Enishi sat on the porch
"I understand from the Okashira that you wish to spare me from any chance meeting at Tomoe's grave. I wish to assure you that such consideration, while thoughtful on your part, is unnecessary. My visits to Tomoe's grave are no longer the painful ordeal they once were, and are infrequent. I try to come annually, but that is not always possible. I certainly understand that her beloved father and brother should wish to visit more often and would not be surprised or disturbed to find you there."
"Did the Okashira share with you the other points of our discussion?"
"She did, but I would prefer to hear them from you personally, Enishi."
Enishi nodded his agreement and gave Kenshin a brief overview of his arrangement with the Meiji government and Saitou, his new business with Oibore, and his general plans for making amends. He concluded by asking, "I have offered my services to the Oniwabanshuu to make amends for their losses at my hands, but what is it I can offer you and your friends in Edo? I was unsure I would ever have the opportunity to ask you."
"Only this, Enishi, please make an effort to avoid Karou-dono when your business takes you to Tokyo. There may come a time when this will not be necessary, but for now, your presence would upset her. Also, I understand from the monks at the shrine that you still have Tomoe's journal. May I inquire where it is currently kept?"
Enishi was visibly unnerved by this question. "It is here, in our home, in a place of honor. We consider it a family treasure and wished to have it close to us."
Kenshin's quiet response did nothing to alleviate Enishi's discomfort. "I consider it my family treasure as well.
"One last question, Enishi, please tell me of your plans for your talents with a sword."
"Only you and Saitou seem to have any interest in them. My father bought this dojo knowing I would wish to practice. He is totally unaware of my level of expertise. There will be no reason for him to learn of it unless we are threatened. I only intend to practice my techniques in self-defense, or defense of my family. There has not been any threat to date – although I fear my father may have initially misinterpreted your visit here today."
"I have come to Kyoto to attend to several personal matters. All of which concern you. I have visited Tome, and I wanted to see and hear about the new life you are building from you, not others. I'm sure you can sense my approval, just as I can feel your sincerity. For us, there is no substitute for ki, ne?" And Kenshin smiled at Enishi.
"Shall we join Oibore-san? I do not plan to stay long."
The three men took tea and breakfast together with minimal pleasantries. Kenshin inquired as to their import items. Enishi asked after the health of Kenshin's friends in Edo. Oibore watched them both in silence, fearing the consequences of an ill-chosen word.
Kenshin directed his attention to Oibore, but indicated that he included Enishi, as he stated: "I do not have any family of my own, Oibore-san. I wish to support your efforts to make amends and begin anew. That is really what I came to say. We all loved her. We all lost her. And, we must all get on with our lives. This is what connects us, what makes us family."
With that, Kenshin rose and made to leave. Oibore retrieved his sakabatou and returned it. Kenshin said, "Oibore-san, at some point I would like to speak with you of your kindness to me in Rakuninmura. My memories of it are sketchy, but I know I owe you a debt of thanks."
"That debt has been overwhelmingly repaid today, Himura," Oibore replied, bidding him farewell.
Enishi walked with Kenshin to the gate. "I must thank you for your support of my dealings with Saitou. I know he would not have helped me if you did not approve it. Would you like to see Tomoe's journal before you leave?"
"No, it is enough to know it is secure. Enishi, please allow me make one more suggestion to you. Do not spend too much time visiting Tomoe or reading her words of the past. She would not wish it. Nor do I. The feel of your ki is proof enough of your good intentions. Do not risk it with too much sorrow. Find a way to smile."
With that, their unexpected visitor was gone, leaving Enishi and Oibore to begin their day in a way they never could have imagined.
"I believe our discussion of Battousai is now complete, father. I am satisfied with it, are you?"
"Indeed, Enishi, indeed."
Kenshin, however was not finished with his personal business, not just yet.
As he closed the gate behind him, he turned around and said, "Shinomori, he feels your presence, as do I. You hear only what he allows you to hear. If you insist on coming here, I suggest you practice Tai Chi with them. You could use the calmness in body and mind they say it brings."
Aoshi Shinomori appeared, as if from out of nowhere.
"Himura, I would like to ask you one question about your discussion with Enishi. Did he have anything to say about Misao? How does she figure into his plans?"
Kenshin's eyes widened. "Walk with me Aoshi, I am headed in the same direction as the Aoiya."
They walked together for a few minutes and Kenshin began to speak. "Kaoru-dono and Misao-dono are similar in some respects, ne? They are both full of life and fun. They are light hearted. They can be silly, even ridiculous, but they are always beautiful, strong and capable."
"What does that have to do with Enishi, Himura?"
"We enjoy their company more because they seem to personify the innocence we lack. We see them through eyes that have seen too much pain to ever share their perspective.
"Enishi saw the Bakumatsu, but not as a soldier. He is younger than we are in many ways. What do you suppose Enishi sees when he looks at Misao? I suggest that instead of watching Enishi with your eyes, you look at Misao through his."
"Perhaps," said Aoshi, noncommittal as always, and he left Kenshin to enter the Aoiya.
Kenshin then continued on his way to his next surprise visit, to the Kyoto police.
He found Saitou's office easily. And Saitou did not seem at all surprised to see him.
"What's your problem now, Battousai? I believe I have been generous with my talents for your benefit several times already. What more could you ask?"
"I am pleased to see you, too, Saitou. Ironic that the Wolf of Mibu should return here to Kyoto."
"Surprising to me as well, but my business in Tokyo was finished."
"And that is the matter I wish to speak about, Saitou. When you refused my offer to complete our unfinished business from the Bakumatsu, I felt honored. I come here today to be certain that by laying our battle to rest, you were not intending to seek out my brother in my stead. "
"Such a suspicious nature, Battousai. I have no use for either of you at present."
"That is exactly the attitude I wish to caution you against. Enishi has agreed to report to you regarding foreign intrigue. That was a condition of his repatriation and an appropriate one. Enishi's formidable talents as a swordsman were not part of your exchange. I would not have agreed to it if they were. I wish to be certain you understand the consequences of using him as you have attempted to use me as Battousai in the past. If you do, he will lose his hard won sanity. Neither Oibore nor anyone else alive would be able to bring him back a second time. You have felt his ki. No more should be necessary."
"So you have forgiven him for Earthly Justice and involving the Kamiya girl?"
"As he has forgiven me my part in his sister's death."
"And is he your family, now, Battousai, that you seek to protect him?"
"Yes. He is now, just as he was then. He will make his amends, but he will not be a tool for you as a swordsman. I will not permit it."
"Then stop taking up space in my office."
Kenshin turned to leave, but smiled as Saitou murmured behind him, "Farewell, Battousai."