Part 6: A Brother's Love
** actually, I made only ONE correction. Soujiro's foot combo the "shukuchi" reduced earth, instead of the "heaven sword" in the last paragraph. As for the locations, I'll made the changes in chapter 7.which is really suuuper delayed as of now. Gomen.
-Somewhere in Osaka-
"It's my entire fault." The girl with violet eyes and long black hair sighed, looking to her fellow schoolmates, "All of you wouldn't be here because of me". They are all held captive in a basement beneath what seems a restaurant-harem. In matter of few days, the captors would shift them and have them sold in Brunei, one of Asia's richest countries.if the demand of the ransom is not met.
"No one blames you, Hotaru." One of the girls replied, "There is nothing you have done wrong, what happened has happened."
"They kidnapped me all because of my otousan," she sighed.
Silence. Everyone knows the dilemma Hotaru is dealing with, she is sent to a private school.home away from home, trying to keep with a low profile.but having a prominent figure as a parent is hard. There are enemies from the past that wouldn't stop, even though at times she earned the respect and can have political connections as "the renowned Battosai's daughter".
"That's the main factor," a cold hard voice spoke, setting the captives to nearly jump from their skins. ".but along while, I had also some business to keep up with, my oh my.it's like killing two birds with one stone." The captor was a man with arresting good-looks with deep brown hair and golden yellow eyes; his charming façade has to do less with his cruel words. If he isn't inherently evil, luring a group of high-school girls pretending to be as a lost tourist and the next, with a group of lackeys hold them for ransom and illegal trade. He is called Takaoshi by his men.
"Do you know you got your Otousan's eyes?" the man teased, tipping Hotaru's chin. "It is said his eye's turns from violet to feral yellow if he goes mad."
Hotaru show a sign of defiance and bites the man's hand, which in turn flew in rage with the pain and slapped her. Everyone gasped, not wanting to interfere.
She looked at him full of despise, and spat "Who ever you are, my father will come and get you!"
"Ah, but my sweet. Don't you know the deal? Your father must give up himself for the sake of everyone else. If he doesn't for a couple of days.it's you and the rest to be sold and to go."
Hotaru raged, "He wouldn't do it alone! My father is not that kind of man that surrenders.aniki, my aniki would be coming along with him and rescue me." after that, she doubled up and start having hard shallow breaths, that her friends rushed to her aid. As always, Hotaru is sickly.but it shows its worse if she gets stressed too much "Don't try so hard, Hotaru.you will hurt yourself."
"Unfortunately, it seems I can't guarantee your father to return you alive." Takaoshi grinned evilly, "That is, if you could manage to last long with the conditions. Even how stubborn you are, you are not that strong..." he cackled softly, calling out some of the lackey's "Men, we leave the next coming night.at the pier by Osaka!" and left the basement.locks the door.
"If we could only figure how to escape from here," one of Hotaru's friends muttered. "Then we could get help."
"We have to wait," Hotaru gasped, regaining his breath. "I trust my otousan; he wouldn't let anything happen to us."
Meanwhile, back in Edo.
Later that afternoon, Soujiro and his family took a train ride home to Edo. He insists that for the better, that Kenshin and Kaoru could possibly stay with them for a week, he told them he got a plan, although he haven't bring the topic yet to his wife.and would do anything to repay the hitokiri for his deeds.
Of course, the "punishment" on the two still is not forgotten ( upon arrival in Edo, Aoshi awaits them with a less pleasant expression upon seeing his two "grand-sons". It's an intensive training for the two by the nearby lake, extended long poles with at least up to 10 ft. in height where all over, they have to balance themselves by trying to practice some moves.for if they stay in one pole steady for at least 20 minutes, the foundations will shake and they will fall into the deep lake water, it will be okay if the lake is not infested with crocodiles.
Shiro muttered something about being unfair, "Aoshi-san! This training is only for Tenshi.this is ninja stuff!" he called from above, trying with few attempts to balance by taking short skips from a pole to another. It's also harder to move, wearing his casual hakamas. His younger brother has it easy, for during practices he changed to clothes that the oniwabanshu ninjas wore. But instead of seemingly gray/white pattern, he wore the similar garb that of Aoshi which is deep purple and black. Maybe it has something to do being the newly designated Oniwabanshu leader. O_O
Aoshi has a more watchful this time, sitting with his legs crossed and as usual meditating as he sits at a near by shade of tree in a short distance. For some time now, Shiro is complaining and it's not yet even an hour yet. ".but STILL it's training, Shiro. You can't choose what kind of punishment you want." And looking up with his blue glare, "and who initiated to break the house rule at the first place?"
Tenshi silently pointed at his brother from behind, "I saw that!" Shiro snarled, and not admitting the fault all that easily.he shoved his brother from the pole. Thus initiating another bickering and a small fight between the two: Tenshi nearly slipped off, but managed to regain balance by leaping to another pole in mid-air. He attempted to give his brother a flying kick, but the latter dodge it with his wooden sword. The next thing Aoshi knows is the two are dueling in jet-speed, most often kicking and hitting each other in mid-air and leaping from poles to poles. Oh great, and there is just only TWO of them, he thought.how he wish that Misao never have more babies again.
"My, Aoshi, it seems you have done a remarkable job to discipline them." Kenshin said who happens to be strolling around the area after some rest. "How did you get them that motivated?"
"I didn't. They just start arguing and they end up going like that." He shrugged, "If they weren't Misao's children, I wouldn't have enough patience to put up with them."
Kenshin sweat dropped, "Do you know the news?" he asked.
"If it's about your daughter, Soujiro told me about it." Aoshi replied, "the punishment by intensive training is a good idea, since I don't know which twin would be doing the task."
"Aside from that, it's about Misao."
Aoshi stood up wearily.the escalating noise at the background is getting him less to comprehend, "If she is not going to have more children, that would be good news." And he noticed the surprised expression at the small hitokiri's face. "No, don't tell me.is it?"
Kenshin nodded,
Aoshi's reaction was like he was about to crumble, Kenshin understood that Aoshi never experienced looking after children ever since he left Misao who is only 9 then. When the twins came they are so much to handle, even with Misao and Soujiro alternating: from getting awake at such ungodly hours, feeding them and changing diapers.teaching them potty training.getting them to eat vegetables, catching them if they go out of control when they play around the house, also balancing time to teach them martial arts and discipline. When they entered adolescence, he thought all those would be over but instead everything even became gradually worse: the boys get can't outgrow their pranks and sometimes caused trouble in the neighborhood.and it's almost at least 3 times a week someone will come to their residence and complain. Sometimes they would get into fights, along side with Himura's son and create a ruckus. And Aoshi is not the type, who will sit down and lecture them "never to do it again." One way or another, one of the twins will attempt to outsmart him.
" I think it's only lately you know about raising a family," Kenshin mentioned. "It's a never ending role that one must assume, it's a great responsibility for anyone."
"I just hope it would be a girl this time," Aoshi said curtly, and left the bickering duo for awhile to take a short walk with Himura by the lake area. "Life seem to be full of surprises. First, I never realized that Misao will find the right one so fast.neither did I know it would be Soujiro, and it's another thing when I learned it's not one but TWO when she gave birth to his children." He pondered, "so.when did you learn about that news?"
"Misao never actually noticed it, but your mukodono does. For since last or so week, she showed the signs: sleeping often during afternoons, irratibility, strange hunger pangs.you name it." Aoshi had queasy feeling with Kenshin's reference to Soujiro as his mukodono (son-in-law) and it's been more than 10 years and he still wasn't used to it.
"Oh," he replied. "I remember later last month, me and the remaining Oniwabanshu's have to bring Master Okina to a nearby hospital then, no one is going to look after the terrible two so they sent them to your residence. That just leaves the two of them ALONE for a couple of weeks."
" Hope it won't be twins?"
Aoshi couldn't agree less, "I do HOPE so."
Their conversation is cut off when one of the oni's came rushing. "Master Aoshi! Master Aoshi!" the oni member gasped, "It's Master Okina! He is throwing one of those convulsions again!! "
Okina is very old, and dying.that Aoshi immediately responded to the call, he had to be there till the old man's last breath, and so is everyone else.
"Me and Himura will be there in a minute," he replied, and then came a loud a spontaneous splashing sound behind.
Both of the twins fell off the poles.
"Ummm.Aoshi, isn't that lake full of crocodiles? I think I saw three over there."
"Oh no, those two again."
But to their astonishment, both twins re-emerged as if nothing happened not minding the danger they're in. They are still bickering and fighting. Aoshi gave Kenshin a look, and the latter nodded understanding what he meant. To get off each other's hair, Kenshin pried off taking hold of Tenshi and Aoshi pulled Shiro away, AND both are still arguing.while the two comrades dragged them all the way from below to the residence.
"You are so lucky just to have ONE son, Himura." He muttered, holding Shiro by the collar which is going to give way any minute. " Even the most paitent man would snap if they spend here at this area for a week looking after these two."
".and they are very lucky to have a patient grandfather." Kenshin smiled, Aoshi seems not to like the idea being called a grandfather. " Well.you are old enough to be their uncle, but you happen to be Misao's adoptive father."
" I think these two are wearing me out," he sighed. " sometimes they don't listen to me anymore. You don't know who's authority they would pay attention to."
" We might be also like that if we are their age,"
Literally, the two have exhausted all Aoshi's strength in strong attempts to yank each twin off the other all the way coming from below the lake area to their home. Soujiro greeted them by the entrance, automatically quieting the twins. They both stop fighting and bowed to their otousan.then accusing each other of starting the fight.
" Well, they do still respect their Otousan's authority." Kenshin remarked,
"What happened to their punishment, Aoshi-san?"
"Don't ask. Intensive training is over." Aoshi shrugged, rubbing his aching back. He walked away to another direction inside the house, grunting that his body is starting to hurt all over. They told the twins to get inside and change for both are dripping wet already. Kenshin starts telling Soujiro that Aoshi is somehow getting tired of looking over the boys and how he nearly melted when he learned Misao is pregnant again, which seems amusing for no one knows that how concerned Aoshi could get ever since the two were born.
"Have you told Misao about it?" "I was about to, but suddenly Okina is into one of his convulsions."
The convulsions they almost forgot, everyone is heading to Okina's room already. The Oniwabanshu's are trying to calm him down, but it seems he is also between hysterics.writhing, screaming and demanding to see other's people presence, Aoshi was called so he could help ease him a little.
"I want to see my little angel!! Where is she?! " he wheezed, Okina seemingly didn't calm even a little bit even with Aoshi's presence. " You!! Don't you stand there.get her!"
"Misao is busy with some matters," Aoshi replied, "I'll get her boys with me,"
"NO!!! I don't need the boys.they don't have to see me like this. I want to see her.with her husband!"
Aoshi sighed, opening the screen door of the room.calling Soujiro in, "he wants to see you and Misao." He said, "he would throw more fits, if you don't come now."
It took a couple of minutes, for both Soujiro and Misao to materialize in his room. and like a man who is drove out of his demons, Okina calmed down considerably, although he is still writhing, and shaking.
" Grandpa, what's wrong?" she voiced out, holding him firmly. "Speak to me grandpa, is this very important? Why did you call all of us?"
"You know what's wrong, I'm dying already Misao.before so grant me a favor, onegai."
"Anything grandpa, just to ease you."
He coughed spontaneously, speaking in between breaths. "Y-you must quit now. Do it for me.d-d-do it for your family. "
Misao paused for awhile, " You are all my known family, Grandpa.I can't quit on everyone else."
The old man showed a look of disappointment in his eyes, and take some amount of energy to just furiously sit up. "I'm talking about your family, Misao! They need you, more than anything else! There is a husband who can look after you and you have two grown sons.what more could you ask?"
" I don't understand."
"Then why did we decide to have Tenshi assigned to be your replacement? Misao, the time is now. There is a moment when have to choose." he coughed, gasped.that one of the oni's gave him a glassful of water. "Is it going to be loyalty to the group, or to the family?"
"It is a difficult choice to make.are you telling me to quit for good? "
"You needed to, Misao. You don't have to worry much on your son, for now you need to rest." Okina paused, "Misao, you are pregnant. It's must have been a week or two already"
It came to her as a slow flood of shock, she recalled having strange sensations to her body recently.but she ignored it for the sake of doing missions. But she also felt like an idiot, she does not know her own body anymore.and the people around her had more chance to notice the changes.
"You always want to have another child, ever since the unfortunate loss.I know that." Okina whispered, noticing the sudden silence that came over Misao's realization. " It's the best for you to retire, it wouldn't worry your husband anymore."
Misao looked at Soujiro, who is right behind her. "You mean, you KNEW all the time?! "
"He told me." Okina croaked, ignoring Soujiro's signals who's shaking his head.as if trying to tell Okina to discontinue. "He told me, because he is the one to notice it first. It would upset you to give up a role you loved so much, so he told me to come up to find a replacement for you.that Tenshi is grown enough to have the role, and I agreed to it for it's the best."
Soujiro can visibly tell that Misao is upset, for two reasons. First, she believed that the word coming from Okina comes from him alone, and not from anybody else. A word from Okina, is a promise not to be broken. Second, being a mother herself.she is reluctant to let any one of her children to just go.
Misao, we didn't teach the children the art of the sword and ninjistu for nothing.
..we must retire together, you promised Okina.
"What all grandpa said last time, came all from YOU?!"
"Misao, he agreed. There is nothing wrong." he starts explaining, as Misao furiously walked out. "Even if I told you, you might not even listen.it leaves me no choice but to tell Okina!"
"Soujiro, I know what I'm doing! I can't just let go what I'm raised to be.I'm an oniwabanshu!!"
"So are your children!!" he called out, catching up with her. " Look, I know you don't want anything to happen to them.but let's face the fact they have grown and learned well what they have to be taught. Believe me, they can't be cooped here forever!"
"It's not good for them, they don't know what it's like Soujiro! I worry for them as a mother," " Just let them try, Misao. You wouldn't know if you don't let them try."
Aoshi closed the screen door when the two finally left and starts arguing by the next room, he looked at Kenshin who is listening by the screen. "There is never been a week that they don't argue on anything, I wonder how those two could be together all these years when they are just total opposites."
"Opposites attract, Aoshi." Yet come another wise statement from Kenshin, " Even me and Kaoru argue a lot, that is a part of being committed."
"I'm glad I'm not committed."
The argument however, still continues.
"Even if I wanted them to, but it's not going to be easy.I don't want to have regrets!"
"Regrets? You wouldn't regret it if something happens to you.now? You do too much, Misao.you don't want it to happen it again don't you? I can't forgive myself is something like that happens again!"
She pretty damned knows what he means with the statement, and he is right. He can't blame Soujiro for worrying. She is starting to ignore herself lately, and in the process something might happen if she continues to be stubborn. Her devotion to the group where she belong, where she was raised.that even her husband respects the idea that he breaks the news slowly thru having it said to Okina. But aside from that, a part of her children troubled her that she couldn't just let them go.
" Hai, I can give up my position, I can let my son take charge. but I don't want any of my sons' to leave. That would be my condition."
" Look, I told you be.."
"You don't understand!" she spat, "Do you know if I let them outside and do what I do? There is a possibility they could kill someone out there!!"
" If it's needed to defend themselves, I agree." Soujiro replied, with a doubtful look. "You don't trust them, don't you?"
"That's not my point," she exclaimed, taking a deep breath "Even if what they do is right, they are always going to be associated with your cursed former reputation, they are and always be going to be associated with you!"
Soujiro stood there in shock, he didn't know wheter he would be angry or not, " P-Pardon me?"
"You don't know how hard it is for me, seeing the boys getting avoided and intimidated by the other children, discriminated by the other people and what more if you sent them to fight out there? You never understand a hardship of being a mother!"
That's what she want to say a long time ago, no matter how much he loves him.he would be and always be associated of.from his identity of the past. People sees it with their sons, and Misao, afraid that her son's will be like in their father's shadow. Aside from the strong physical resemblance, Shiro and Tenshi is increasingly becoming skilled each and everyday.they knew little the responsibility that comes with the talent, and once they have the taste of blood it would.
"And you wouldn't know how hard it is to tell them as their father." He countered, "I never hide anything from my sons, and I trust them not to make the same mistake like I do. If you are going to be ashamed of who I am." he wants to continue, but he was so visibly upset he couldn't speak it out. Soujiro silently paced out of the hall to go to their room, passing through everyone else who were there listening. Misao initially follows silently, knowing that she has spoke too much and have to consider what she have said. If it's a very serious argument the two will have, they usually go to their room so no one, especially so their sons, wouldn't hear.
"What's the racket minna-san?" Shiro popped out his head, having changed clothes and dry, but it looks like he just awoke from sleep. Even Tenshi is rubbing his eyes, trying to adjust it to the room's light.
"You two are supposedly to only change clothes," Aoshi said, eyeing each one with his all-knowing gaze, knowing that two will have to follow his rules. Tenshi bowed lowly in apology, but it didn't affect Shiro though, who just shrugged and scratched his head. "We are dead tired, Aoshi- san.the minute we changed our clothes.the cots are so tempting that it's our initial reflex to drop and sleep."
Aoshi didn't say anything, he grew tired of reprimanding Shiro. Being always the most boisterous and the much more smart-aleck of the two, he sometimes swore that the brothers had all in similarity is the physical resemblance and the talent. He once recalled that they could have named him Akuma instead, the devil, as his brother is Tenshi, an angel.
The twins noticed the disturbing silence in the room, Shiro is the first to speak up. "Did Okaasan and Otousan fight again?" he grumbled, still unaware of Aoshi's distaste of his attitude. ".I woke up because of Okaasan's voice."
"They decided to keep that matter private in their room," Kenshin noted, "They don't want you two to hear them arguing."
"I think it's serious," Aoshi said, looking to the both of them. " It's because, your father, vouched that either one of you has to go rescue Hotaru. He thinks it's the right time, and your mother won't let him."
"WHAT!!"
"Excuse me, Master Aoshi." one of the oni's spoke softly, opening a small crack of the screen door. "But Master Okina would like to talk to the twins, immediately."
Okina is in a much milder state, than the last several minutes Aoshi have seen him in. The old man is at least, no longer having convulsions.but he is still shaking and writhing in his bed. He somehow sensed that Soujiro and Misao have come in much sensitive terms, and decided he will take the action himself. Being the oldest, and wisest of the remaining clan, Okina's spoken word is not to be broken, and he, next to Aoshi, is the much respected authority in the house. He insists that Aoshi stay in the room while he talks with the two, if in any way possible.the two will end up bickering and bantering each other, he shall have to pry them apart.
"Shiro.you will go, you are the one who is going to find Kenji and rescue Hotaru."
"Hai, I promise I will." He said, bowing low in respect to the aged patriach. There is an eager flame and brightness in his eyes. Shiro is always raring for an adventure, Okina thought. The boy had proven himself to have that stubborn streak, and it's the best to prove it by giving him his first assignment. Add to that, he is amused in how Shiro carried his plan that eluded Aoshi just to go to Himura's residence.
"No, aniki! You have to stay!" Tenshi blurted out, much to everyone's surprise. Tenshi usually deferred to his much single-minded brother when it comes to matters like these, but this time he didn't. It is like indignantly protested to an unfairness of a decision.
"Your brother, is suitable for the job, Shiro. He knows of Kenji well, he might trace him to where he has ran off now."
"But I also happen to be a friend of Kenji!" he persisted, "I can also guess where he is right now, and he is not yet in Osaka."
"What's your problem? Can't you just respect Great-grandfather's decision?" Shiro argued, not liking Tenshi's reaction. He didn't want his younger twin to steal the glory from him, again. He is disappointed already when he learned about the heaven sword style. Unless, Tenshi has a very good reason.
"Aniki, I'm sorry.but as I was being placed as the newly assigned leader of the Oniwabanshu, I."
"The fuck being a leader!" Shiro snapped, "Just because you are a favorite doesn't mean you are all good that."
"Demo.Aniki! I know how Okaasan is to be in charge on something like this, but." his voices trails off, he wouldn't tell that Misao is pregnant. He promised his father. ".she has left that post already, it's about time I fill it in. It's my duty."
Even Tenshi's well-spoken explanation is not enough to calm Shiro's disappointment. Okina knows well that, the older twin has short patience dealing with sensitive matters with diplomacy and uses brute force instead. He nearly forgot the brief conversation he had with Soujiro before they argued with Misao.
"Tenshi, Your father have chosen Shiro. It's about time he also have to prove his worth." He noticed that Tenshi have become pale, yet nodded in acceptance. There is no way to avert Soujiro's decision, and they feared and respected him more than the tacit Aoshi. Okina wondered what triggered the young lad's sudden eagerness to replace his brother for the mission, the reason of being the new Oniwabanshu leader is just a factor. It is like, Tenshi is worried that the older brother might do something wrong.
"Otousan's decision is just as fair. I'm the eldest," he retorted acidly, glancing sharply to his twin. He still did not forget about the incident with the heaven sword technique. "And if it comes from him, the decision is final."
With a heavy heart, Tenshi silently made his way out. He knew too well that even with his debating skills, Shiro won't really bother to listen. It is not really what they think it is, he thought. It has nothing to do with being a newly assigned oniwabanshu leader, it has nothing to do which twin is more adept or better.
"He cares gravely for mother.and I.have to settle a score."
Unbeknownst to others, Tenshi have his suspicions of the mysterious person behind Himura's daughter's disappearance. He or she.he happened to know personally. But he won't tell who to anyone. It's a very long story, and a complicated one that if he do tell, no one might even believe him.
As he pondered on how to take his brother's place, Tenshi passed by outside the porch to get some fresh air. From a short distance, he could easily see the screen and their parent's room. He tried to make out some vague shadows, for the doors and windows of the room is closed tight, as if to indicate it is a serious matter: not to be seen or to be heard. He stopped, and observed closely, seeing the shadow of his okaasan and otousan and they seem to be arguing. It seems that Soujiro is trying to say something, but Misao won't listen. He tried to hold her firmly in place, as if forcing an important point in their conversation. Misao shrugged him off, and phased furiously to the bed, as if informally ending the conversation, and blows the candle light off. Soujiro in turn, went out of the room.
They rarely fight, and if they do, it's always about the two of them. This time is much serious however, Misao does not want any of them to fight.she worries for their sake, and be associated with the name.
"I don't get it, we go to class and it's Makamachi Shiro and Tenshi for both of you." He recalled Kenji, saying it during the happier times, when like the most young lads heralding to the Meiji era, is getting decent western education. (Although they retain their way of dressing, and the ambience of the school is still very Japanese). ".it's supposed to be Seta. So what gives?"
Even if he is older by a year, Kenji seems to be less smart than both of them combined. Tenshi sometimes wondered if simple-mindedness is hereditary. "Okaasan said there would be a lot of fuss, if we do so."
He scratched his red longish mane, a shade darker than his father's, "Oh, alright. I get it, people will be like all over a controversy.knowing that your Otousan had a really bad reputation before."
"It is before." Shiro replied sharply, "Besides, it's all in the past.people change."
"People can forgive but they don't forget, my friend." Kenji said lazily, raising both arms and folding them at the back of his head, "Your father, pardon the term.slaughtered mercilessly a lot of lives, enough for everyone to remember. And even as a changed man, when the old folks come and seeing the two of you having an unerring resemblance of him.it's just like seeing the devil himself come back."
Shiro stopped at his tracks, this is not a good one. "Well then look, who's talking! Ain't you the son of the former battosai the slasher?" he made it loud enough for everyone to hear, and true enough, people gave strange looks at the sight of Kenji. Tenshi, always the neutral one, made a wistful insight before anyone of them would start a fight. "Look, we are on the same boat in here. Our Otousans have gone through pains to change themselves, and settle down.it's a dishonor if we keep on arguing which one used to be meaner!"
"Or bloodthirsty." "Cut that out."
"Or faster," "Aniki, Kenji-san."
"Or much better,"
"Oh but he was better, than your Otousan who is only faster. He could be better and be faster, but according to my Otousan, he is only faster but could not be that better because of." Kenji finds himself confused enough to get him cross-eyed, and Shiro followed it with a whoop and let out a laugh. The latter followed, and next thing you know they are friends again. Tenshi smiled, as he recalled that in memory.
He wondered where Kenji is up to now, it has been days that he ran away to look after his younger sister. Hope nothing bad happens to him, Tenshi prayed, and he find himself walking to the practicing area. Shiro might be up late, preparing things.and showing up to the room might only send some chaos. Better to stroll around, and he starts to ponder on Kenji's tactless course of action. He is by means, have inherited his father's shrewdness and also some of the talent.but unlike him, he acts before he thinks, and never having Kenshin's sense of calm disposition. He might conjure up a plan how to lure the kidnappers, but he does not know WHERE they held her yet. Maybe that's why he and Shiro are the closest, it's because they have the passion to do battle.yet not knowing where is the war. They act on impulse and by emotion, and Kenshin and Soujiro being considerate to both of them it's because they understood it's a part of a normal growing teenage boy. So when Tenshi showed that he has the mind capability that both has little use of, they pride on that gift and urged him to nurture it. Shiro, like most of sibling rivalry goes, harbors resentment and jealousy for the younger twin, mistaking Tenshi as a "favorite."
He then noticed that someone put small candle lights in the practice area. Someone training in this time of the night? It couldn't be Shiro for he is still at the other side and packing, he thought. Taking small cautious steps, Tenshi tiptoed to take a closer look, peeking at the small crack in the screen door. He gasped when he saw who it was.
"Otousan!"
Tenshi stared in awe, for it's the first time he saw his father hold a real samurai sword in years. His otousan, Soujiro, took out of the sheath, is the still stainless immaculate Nihontou, in its naked glory. He recalled, when Great-grandpa Okina would tell them stories, about a fairy-tale like romance that how their father, a ronin and their mother, a young ninja; and being both former formidable enemies, met and become lovers. The Nihontou, is a gift of their mother to him at their wedding night, and tells him to use it for her to protect his loved ones. It is so far, the only thing in the Oniwabanshu's household that is not have been touched and broken by the terrible two.
He never saw it brought out, the shimmer of the metal making a clear impression and reflection to those who hold it in its grasp. Tenshi quickly took a closer glimpse, and his Otousan's expression is darkly serious, holding the Nihontou in a offensive pose. He watched in astonishment, as he made fluid quick moves, as if trying to recall each and every reflex and technique that once flowed to his system, before retiring for nearly 10 years. Soujiro still holds the passionate and lethal grace of the sword, making some complex maneuvers and stance, yet releasing each with wonderful simplistic execution, and Tenshi can now imagine what made his father a once feared swordsman.
Soujiro stopped short, as if the first session is only a warm up. He bent down to tighten the straps to his sandals. He is going to perform the Shukuchi, the "reduced earth" Tenshi thought. His Otousan have thought it to him before, and he knew the ritual before doing it. It involves a lot of foot work, and one must have nimble yet strong feet, a tighter and much closed foot support is needed. Speed is the advantage of this crucial technique, its called like so because the lesser steps that is taken will give the illusion of teleportation. With bated breath, Tenshi anticipated as his Otousan finally made the move. Soujiro disappeared, lightning quick, then made the quick staccato steps to the wooden floor. It leaves deep tracks, and the steps continued in an irregular frantic beat.there is when he sensed something is not right. The steps seems to sound less contained, and louder.
In all of a sudden, Soujiro sprang out to the view, losing control and tripping with the right ankle, he crashes down the floor, and Tenshi can't help but rush in and reveal himself. But he knew too better, for Soujiro managed to stab the Nihontou to the floor in a nick of time and avoiding further much injury to the whole body.
"What are you doing so up late?" he reprimanded, upon seeing Tenshi come out to the view. "You must go and sleep, if Aoshi-san learns you are dallying this time of the night."
"But Otousan, you are injured.that fall," his eyes wandered to Soujiro's right foot. Soujiro smiled smugly, and tried to prop himself up with both feet. "Nothing is wrong, son.nothing that I can." and a burning pain seared to his right ankle, Soujiro fell to his knee. Tenshi quickly tried to help him, but he refused. Not liking it when his Otousan says it's okay, and he would smile.it's an old habit of him into telling, "I don't want to let you know".
"Tsk, has been more than 10 years when I have my last serious practice." Soujiro sighed, "I'm not getting any younger, Tenshi. I think it's hard to make your mother understand."
Okaasan.he does not want anyone of us to fight, is this why Otousan is doing this? He is going out there to fight?
Soujiro knows that his very perceptive son have got the idea, and replied to it. "I know it's a good chance for Shiro to prove himself, but I'm preparing for what could possibly happen.if your mother changed her mind."
"Place me instead." Tenshi blurted out, "I can do it."
"I'm afraid not Tenshi, of the two, you are closest to your dear mother. Letting you go would even made it worse, believe me."
"No! I must save Hotaru.I think I know." know what? That he knew the one who possibly did this? The one who did it is doing this out of revenge, for the loss of something precious.a mistake that anyone couldn't imagine him doing? "I-It's an accident." he murmured,
Soujiro made a closer look, ".is there anything you are not telling me Tenshi?"
Tenshi shook his head, "It's nothing, forgive me for my rudeness, Otousan." And he bowed down curtly, making his leave as soon as possible.
That night, Tenshi waited for everyone to sleep. He must take this mission, he have many reasons in doing so, for himself and for the benefit of others. Things he can't explain for now, but he had an idea how and what he would be doing. First, is to track down Kenji.he might be somewhere near Osaka. Then, from there he could find and rescue Hotaru. For who might have been holding her, he strongly sensed it happen to be an old acquaintance of his. "Takaoshi." he muttered, but he wouldn't just let him know that he is going to be in his trail. The only person capable of that would be his much older and daring twin, Shiro. Then he got an idea, Takaoshi feared Shiro for quite a bit, being the much fiercer one.
"Forgive me everyone, but I must do it." He stepped out quietly, with a bottle of ether he withdrew from his pocket. Putting a light mask to his face, he made to each room, spraying the content of the ether to lull everyone to deep sleep. All except the family guest room, which he shall make the preparation for his departure. There stood among them is the memorabilia's and in display is a small sacred corner is his father's sword. He took off his ponytail, and set lose of his hair and slowly unsheathed the nihontou. Placing it underneath, and a little above his ears, he shuts his eyes tightly as he let his hand guide the blade.cutting to it neat and swift. Then he packed and donned some of his brother's clothes, also grabbing a few items and weapons for the journey. "I hope he wouldn't mind if I borrowed his wooden sword," he whispered, finally slacking it off to the side. He is complete, and ready to go off.and the cold night air greeted him as he meekly opened one of the exits. In last few minutes, he managed to get a glimpse of his image at one of the mirror's in other adjacent empty rooms.
He just look every inch like his brother, and that is the plan. He tried to make out a sly smile to his lips.a smile Shiro would make, when something comes up in his mind. It was perfect.
"Gomen nasai minna-san, from now on I'm going to be Shiro."
** actually, I made only ONE correction. Soujiro's foot combo the "shukuchi" reduced earth, instead of the "heaven sword" in the last paragraph. As for the locations, I'll made the changes in chapter 7.which is really suuuper delayed as of now. Gomen.
-Somewhere in Osaka-
"It's my entire fault." The girl with violet eyes and long black hair sighed, looking to her fellow schoolmates, "All of you wouldn't be here because of me". They are all held captive in a basement beneath what seems a restaurant-harem. In matter of few days, the captors would shift them and have them sold in Brunei, one of Asia's richest countries.if the demand of the ransom is not met.
"No one blames you, Hotaru." One of the girls replied, "There is nothing you have done wrong, what happened has happened."
"They kidnapped me all because of my otousan," she sighed.
Silence. Everyone knows the dilemma Hotaru is dealing with, she is sent to a private school.home away from home, trying to keep with a low profile.but having a prominent figure as a parent is hard. There are enemies from the past that wouldn't stop, even though at times she earned the respect and can have political connections as "the renowned Battosai's daughter".
"That's the main factor," a cold hard voice spoke, setting the captives to nearly jump from their skins. ".but along while, I had also some business to keep up with, my oh my.it's like killing two birds with one stone." The captor was a man with arresting good-looks with deep brown hair and golden yellow eyes; his charming façade has to do less with his cruel words. If he isn't inherently evil, luring a group of high-school girls pretending to be as a lost tourist and the next, with a group of lackeys hold them for ransom and illegal trade. He is called Takaoshi by his men.
"Do you know you got your Otousan's eyes?" the man teased, tipping Hotaru's chin. "It is said his eye's turns from violet to feral yellow if he goes mad."
Hotaru show a sign of defiance and bites the man's hand, which in turn flew in rage with the pain and slapped her. Everyone gasped, not wanting to interfere.
She looked at him full of despise, and spat "Who ever you are, my father will come and get you!"
"Ah, but my sweet. Don't you know the deal? Your father must give up himself for the sake of everyone else. If he doesn't for a couple of days.it's you and the rest to be sold and to go."
Hotaru raged, "He wouldn't do it alone! My father is not that kind of man that surrenders.aniki, my aniki would be coming along with him and rescue me." after that, she doubled up and start having hard shallow breaths, that her friends rushed to her aid. As always, Hotaru is sickly.but it shows its worse if she gets stressed too much "Don't try so hard, Hotaru.you will hurt yourself."
"Unfortunately, it seems I can't guarantee your father to return you alive." Takaoshi grinned evilly, "That is, if you could manage to last long with the conditions. Even how stubborn you are, you are not that strong..." he cackled softly, calling out some of the lackey's "Men, we leave the next coming night.at the pier by Osaka!" and left the basement.locks the door.
"If we could only figure how to escape from here," one of Hotaru's friends muttered. "Then we could get help."
"We have to wait," Hotaru gasped, regaining his breath. "I trust my otousan; he wouldn't let anything happen to us."
Meanwhile, back in Edo.
Later that afternoon, Soujiro and his family took a train ride home to Edo. He insists that for the better, that Kenshin and Kaoru could possibly stay with them for a week, he told them he got a plan, although he haven't bring the topic yet to his wife.and would do anything to repay the hitokiri for his deeds.
Of course, the "punishment" on the two still is not forgotten ( upon arrival in Edo, Aoshi awaits them with a less pleasant expression upon seeing his two "grand-sons". It's an intensive training for the two by the nearby lake, extended long poles with at least up to 10 ft. in height where all over, they have to balance themselves by trying to practice some moves.for if they stay in one pole steady for at least 20 minutes, the foundations will shake and they will fall into the deep lake water, it will be okay if the lake is not infested with crocodiles.
Shiro muttered something about being unfair, "Aoshi-san! This training is only for Tenshi.this is ninja stuff!" he called from above, trying with few attempts to balance by taking short skips from a pole to another. It's also harder to move, wearing his casual hakamas. His younger brother has it easy, for during practices he changed to clothes that the oniwabanshu ninjas wore. But instead of seemingly gray/white pattern, he wore the similar garb that of Aoshi which is deep purple and black. Maybe it has something to do being the newly designated Oniwabanshu leader. O_O
Aoshi has a more watchful this time, sitting with his legs crossed and as usual meditating as he sits at a near by shade of tree in a short distance. For some time now, Shiro is complaining and it's not yet even an hour yet. ".but STILL it's training, Shiro. You can't choose what kind of punishment you want." And looking up with his blue glare, "and who initiated to break the house rule at the first place?"
Tenshi silently pointed at his brother from behind, "I saw that!" Shiro snarled, and not admitting the fault all that easily.he shoved his brother from the pole. Thus initiating another bickering and a small fight between the two: Tenshi nearly slipped off, but managed to regain balance by leaping to another pole in mid-air. He attempted to give his brother a flying kick, but the latter dodge it with his wooden sword. The next thing Aoshi knows is the two are dueling in jet-speed, most often kicking and hitting each other in mid-air and leaping from poles to poles. Oh great, and there is just only TWO of them, he thought.how he wish that Misao never have more babies again.
"My, Aoshi, it seems you have done a remarkable job to discipline them." Kenshin said who happens to be strolling around the area after some rest. "How did you get them that motivated?"
"I didn't. They just start arguing and they end up going like that." He shrugged, "If they weren't Misao's children, I wouldn't have enough patience to put up with them."
Kenshin sweat dropped, "Do you know the news?" he asked.
"If it's about your daughter, Soujiro told me about it." Aoshi replied, "the punishment by intensive training is a good idea, since I don't know which twin would be doing the task."
"Aside from that, it's about Misao."
Aoshi stood up wearily.the escalating noise at the background is getting him less to comprehend, "If she is not going to have more children, that would be good news." And he noticed the surprised expression at the small hitokiri's face. "No, don't tell me.is it?"
Kenshin nodded,
Aoshi's reaction was like he was about to crumble, Kenshin understood that Aoshi never experienced looking after children ever since he left Misao who is only 9 then. When the twins came they are so much to handle, even with Misao and Soujiro alternating: from getting awake at such ungodly hours, feeding them and changing diapers.teaching them potty training.getting them to eat vegetables, catching them if they go out of control when they play around the house, also balancing time to teach them martial arts and discipline. When they entered adolescence, he thought all those would be over but instead everything even became gradually worse: the boys get can't outgrow their pranks and sometimes caused trouble in the neighborhood.and it's almost at least 3 times a week someone will come to their residence and complain. Sometimes they would get into fights, along side with Himura's son and create a ruckus. And Aoshi is not the type, who will sit down and lecture them "never to do it again." One way or another, one of the twins will attempt to outsmart him.
" I think it's only lately you know about raising a family," Kenshin mentioned. "It's a never ending role that one must assume, it's a great responsibility for anyone."
"I just hope it would be a girl this time," Aoshi said curtly, and left the bickering duo for awhile to take a short walk with Himura by the lake area. "Life seem to be full of surprises. First, I never realized that Misao will find the right one so fast.neither did I know it would be Soujiro, and it's another thing when I learned it's not one but TWO when she gave birth to his children." He pondered, "so.when did you learn about that news?"
"Misao never actually noticed it, but your mukodono does. For since last or so week, she showed the signs: sleeping often during afternoons, irratibility, strange hunger pangs.you name it." Aoshi had queasy feeling with Kenshin's reference to Soujiro as his mukodono (son-in-law) and it's been more than 10 years and he still wasn't used to it.
"Oh," he replied. "I remember later last month, me and the remaining Oniwabanshu's have to bring Master Okina to a nearby hospital then, no one is going to look after the terrible two so they sent them to your residence. That just leaves the two of them ALONE for a couple of weeks."
" Hope it won't be twins?"
Aoshi couldn't agree less, "I do HOPE so."
Their conversation is cut off when one of the oni's came rushing. "Master Aoshi! Master Aoshi!" the oni member gasped, "It's Master Okina! He is throwing one of those convulsions again!! "
Okina is very old, and dying.that Aoshi immediately responded to the call, he had to be there till the old man's last breath, and so is everyone else.
"Me and Himura will be there in a minute," he replied, and then came a loud a spontaneous splashing sound behind.
Both of the twins fell off the poles.
"Ummm.Aoshi, isn't that lake full of crocodiles? I think I saw three over there."
"Oh no, those two again."
But to their astonishment, both twins re-emerged as if nothing happened not minding the danger they're in. They are still bickering and fighting. Aoshi gave Kenshin a look, and the latter nodded understanding what he meant. To get off each other's hair, Kenshin pried off taking hold of Tenshi and Aoshi pulled Shiro away, AND both are still arguing.while the two comrades dragged them all the way from below to the residence.
"You are so lucky just to have ONE son, Himura." He muttered, holding Shiro by the collar which is going to give way any minute. " Even the most paitent man would snap if they spend here at this area for a week looking after these two."
".and they are very lucky to have a patient grandfather." Kenshin smiled, Aoshi seems not to like the idea being called a grandfather. " Well.you are old enough to be their uncle, but you happen to be Misao's adoptive father."
" I think these two are wearing me out," he sighed. " sometimes they don't listen to me anymore. You don't know who's authority they would pay attention to."
" We might be also like that if we are their age,"
Literally, the two have exhausted all Aoshi's strength in strong attempts to yank each twin off the other all the way coming from below the lake area to their home. Soujiro greeted them by the entrance, automatically quieting the twins. They both stop fighting and bowed to their otousan.then accusing each other of starting the fight.
" Well, they do still respect their Otousan's authority." Kenshin remarked,
"What happened to their punishment, Aoshi-san?"
"Don't ask. Intensive training is over." Aoshi shrugged, rubbing his aching back. He walked away to another direction inside the house, grunting that his body is starting to hurt all over. They told the twins to get inside and change for both are dripping wet already. Kenshin starts telling Soujiro that Aoshi is somehow getting tired of looking over the boys and how he nearly melted when he learned Misao is pregnant again, which seems amusing for no one knows that how concerned Aoshi could get ever since the two were born.
"Have you told Misao about it?" "I was about to, but suddenly Okina is into one of his convulsions."
The convulsions they almost forgot, everyone is heading to Okina's room already. The Oniwabanshu's are trying to calm him down, but it seems he is also between hysterics.writhing, screaming and demanding to see other's people presence, Aoshi was called so he could help ease him a little.
"I want to see my little angel!! Where is she?! " he wheezed, Okina seemingly didn't calm even a little bit even with Aoshi's presence. " You!! Don't you stand there.get her!"
"Misao is busy with some matters," Aoshi replied, "I'll get her boys with me,"
"NO!!! I don't need the boys.they don't have to see me like this. I want to see her.with her husband!"
Aoshi sighed, opening the screen door of the room.calling Soujiro in, "he wants to see you and Misao." He said, "he would throw more fits, if you don't come now."
It took a couple of minutes, for both Soujiro and Misao to materialize in his room. and like a man who is drove out of his demons, Okina calmed down considerably, although he is still writhing, and shaking.
" Grandpa, what's wrong?" she voiced out, holding him firmly. "Speak to me grandpa, is this very important? Why did you call all of us?"
"You know what's wrong, I'm dying already Misao.before so grant me a favor, onegai."
"Anything grandpa, just to ease you."
He coughed spontaneously, speaking in between breaths. "Y-you must quit now. Do it for me.d-d-do it for your family. "
Misao paused for awhile, " You are all my known family, Grandpa.I can't quit on everyone else."
The old man showed a look of disappointment in his eyes, and take some amount of energy to just furiously sit up. "I'm talking about your family, Misao! They need you, more than anything else! There is a husband who can look after you and you have two grown sons.what more could you ask?"
" I don't understand."
"Then why did we decide to have Tenshi assigned to be your replacement? Misao, the time is now. There is a moment when have to choose." he coughed, gasped.that one of the oni's gave him a glassful of water. "Is it going to be loyalty to the group, or to the family?"
"It is a difficult choice to make.are you telling me to quit for good? "
"You needed to, Misao. You don't have to worry much on your son, for now you need to rest." Okina paused, "Misao, you are pregnant. It's must have been a week or two already"
It came to her as a slow flood of shock, she recalled having strange sensations to her body recently.but she ignored it for the sake of doing missions. But she also felt like an idiot, she does not know her own body anymore.and the people around her had more chance to notice the changes.
"You always want to have another child, ever since the unfortunate loss.I know that." Okina whispered, noticing the sudden silence that came over Misao's realization. " It's the best for you to retire, it wouldn't worry your husband anymore."
Misao looked at Soujiro, who is right behind her. "You mean, you KNEW all the time?! "
"He told me." Okina croaked, ignoring Soujiro's signals who's shaking his head.as if trying to tell Okina to discontinue. "He told me, because he is the one to notice it first. It would upset you to give up a role you loved so much, so he told me to come up to find a replacement for you.that Tenshi is grown enough to have the role, and I agreed to it for it's the best."
Soujiro can visibly tell that Misao is upset, for two reasons. First, she believed that the word coming from Okina comes from him alone, and not from anybody else. A word from Okina, is a promise not to be broken. Second, being a mother herself.she is reluctant to let any one of her children to just go.
Misao, we didn't teach the children the art of the sword and ninjistu for nothing.
..we must retire together, you promised Okina.
"What all grandpa said last time, came all from YOU?!"
"Misao, he agreed. There is nothing wrong." he starts explaining, as Misao furiously walked out. "Even if I told you, you might not even listen.it leaves me no choice but to tell Okina!"
"Soujiro, I know what I'm doing! I can't just let go what I'm raised to be.I'm an oniwabanshu!!"
"So are your children!!" he called out, catching up with her. " Look, I know you don't want anything to happen to them.but let's face the fact they have grown and learned well what they have to be taught. Believe me, they can't be cooped here forever!"
"It's not good for them, they don't know what it's like Soujiro! I worry for them as a mother," " Just let them try, Misao. You wouldn't know if you don't let them try."
Aoshi closed the screen door when the two finally left and starts arguing by the next room, he looked at Kenshin who is listening by the screen. "There is never been a week that they don't argue on anything, I wonder how those two could be together all these years when they are just total opposites."
"Opposites attract, Aoshi." Yet come another wise statement from Kenshin, " Even me and Kaoru argue a lot, that is a part of being committed."
"I'm glad I'm not committed."
The argument however, still continues.
"Even if I wanted them to, but it's not going to be easy.I don't want to have regrets!"
"Regrets? You wouldn't regret it if something happens to you.now? You do too much, Misao.you don't want it to happen it again don't you? I can't forgive myself is something like that happens again!"
She pretty damned knows what he means with the statement, and he is right. He can't blame Soujiro for worrying. She is starting to ignore herself lately, and in the process something might happen if she continues to be stubborn. Her devotion to the group where she belong, where she was raised.that even her husband respects the idea that he breaks the news slowly thru having it said to Okina. But aside from that, a part of her children troubled her that she couldn't just let them go.
" Hai, I can give up my position, I can let my son take charge. but I don't want any of my sons' to leave. That would be my condition."
" Look, I told you be.."
"You don't understand!" she spat, "Do you know if I let them outside and do what I do? There is a possibility they could kill someone out there!!"
" If it's needed to defend themselves, I agree." Soujiro replied, with a doubtful look. "You don't trust them, don't you?"
"That's not my point," she exclaimed, taking a deep breath "Even if what they do is right, they are always going to be associated with your cursed former reputation, they are and always be going to be associated with you!"
Soujiro stood there in shock, he didn't know wheter he would be angry or not, " P-Pardon me?"
"You don't know how hard it is for me, seeing the boys getting avoided and intimidated by the other children, discriminated by the other people and what more if you sent them to fight out there? You never understand a hardship of being a mother!"
That's what she want to say a long time ago, no matter how much he loves him.he would be and always be associated of.from his identity of the past. People sees it with their sons, and Misao, afraid that her son's will be like in their father's shadow. Aside from the strong physical resemblance, Shiro and Tenshi is increasingly becoming skilled each and everyday.they knew little the responsibility that comes with the talent, and once they have the taste of blood it would.
"And you wouldn't know how hard it is to tell them as their father." He countered, "I never hide anything from my sons, and I trust them not to make the same mistake like I do. If you are going to be ashamed of who I am." he wants to continue, but he was so visibly upset he couldn't speak it out. Soujiro silently paced out of the hall to go to their room, passing through everyone else who were there listening. Misao initially follows silently, knowing that she has spoke too much and have to consider what she have said. If it's a very serious argument the two will have, they usually go to their room so no one, especially so their sons, wouldn't hear.
"What's the racket minna-san?" Shiro popped out his head, having changed clothes and dry, but it looks like he just awoke from sleep. Even Tenshi is rubbing his eyes, trying to adjust it to the room's light.
"You two are supposedly to only change clothes," Aoshi said, eyeing each one with his all-knowing gaze, knowing that two will have to follow his rules. Tenshi bowed lowly in apology, but it didn't affect Shiro though, who just shrugged and scratched his head. "We are dead tired, Aoshi- san.the minute we changed our clothes.the cots are so tempting that it's our initial reflex to drop and sleep."
Aoshi didn't say anything, he grew tired of reprimanding Shiro. Being always the most boisterous and the much more smart-aleck of the two, he sometimes swore that the brothers had all in similarity is the physical resemblance and the talent. He once recalled that they could have named him Akuma instead, the devil, as his brother is Tenshi, an angel.
The twins noticed the disturbing silence in the room, Shiro is the first to speak up. "Did Okaasan and Otousan fight again?" he grumbled, still unaware of Aoshi's distaste of his attitude. ".I woke up because of Okaasan's voice."
"They decided to keep that matter private in their room," Kenshin noted, "They don't want you two to hear them arguing."
"I think it's serious," Aoshi said, looking to the both of them. " It's because, your father, vouched that either one of you has to go rescue Hotaru. He thinks it's the right time, and your mother won't let him."
"WHAT!!"
"Excuse me, Master Aoshi." one of the oni's spoke softly, opening a small crack of the screen door. "But Master Okina would like to talk to the twins, immediately."
Okina is in a much milder state, than the last several minutes Aoshi have seen him in. The old man is at least, no longer having convulsions.but he is still shaking and writhing in his bed. He somehow sensed that Soujiro and Misao have come in much sensitive terms, and decided he will take the action himself. Being the oldest, and wisest of the remaining clan, Okina's spoken word is not to be broken, and he, next to Aoshi, is the much respected authority in the house. He insists that Aoshi stay in the room while he talks with the two, if in any way possible.the two will end up bickering and bantering each other, he shall have to pry them apart.
"Shiro.you will go, you are the one who is going to find Kenji and rescue Hotaru."
"Hai, I promise I will." He said, bowing low in respect to the aged patriach. There is an eager flame and brightness in his eyes. Shiro is always raring for an adventure, Okina thought. The boy had proven himself to have that stubborn streak, and it's the best to prove it by giving him his first assignment. Add to that, he is amused in how Shiro carried his plan that eluded Aoshi just to go to Himura's residence.
"No, aniki! You have to stay!" Tenshi blurted out, much to everyone's surprise. Tenshi usually deferred to his much single-minded brother when it comes to matters like these, but this time he didn't. It is like indignantly protested to an unfairness of a decision.
"Your brother, is suitable for the job, Shiro. He knows of Kenji well, he might trace him to where he has ran off now."
"But I also happen to be a friend of Kenji!" he persisted, "I can also guess where he is right now, and he is not yet in Osaka."
"What's your problem? Can't you just respect Great-grandfather's decision?" Shiro argued, not liking Tenshi's reaction. He didn't want his younger twin to steal the glory from him, again. He is disappointed already when he learned about the heaven sword style. Unless, Tenshi has a very good reason.
"Aniki, I'm sorry.but as I was being placed as the newly assigned leader of the Oniwabanshu, I."
"The fuck being a leader!" Shiro snapped, "Just because you are a favorite doesn't mean you are all good that."
"Demo.Aniki! I know how Okaasan is to be in charge on something like this, but." his voices trails off, he wouldn't tell that Misao is pregnant. He promised his father. ".she has left that post already, it's about time I fill it in. It's my duty."
Even Tenshi's well-spoken explanation is not enough to calm Shiro's disappointment. Okina knows well that, the older twin has short patience dealing with sensitive matters with diplomacy and uses brute force instead. He nearly forgot the brief conversation he had with Soujiro before they argued with Misao.
"Tenshi, Your father have chosen Shiro. It's about time he also have to prove his worth." He noticed that Tenshi have become pale, yet nodded in acceptance. There is no way to avert Soujiro's decision, and they feared and respected him more than the tacit Aoshi. Okina wondered what triggered the young lad's sudden eagerness to replace his brother for the mission, the reason of being the new Oniwabanshu leader is just a factor. It is like, Tenshi is worried that the older brother might do something wrong.
"Otousan's decision is just as fair. I'm the eldest," he retorted acidly, glancing sharply to his twin. He still did not forget about the incident with the heaven sword technique. "And if it comes from him, the decision is final."
With a heavy heart, Tenshi silently made his way out. He knew too well that even with his debating skills, Shiro won't really bother to listen. It is not really what they think it is, he thought. It has nothing to do with being a newly assigned oniwabanshu leader, it has nothing to do which twin is more adept or better.
"He cares gravely for mother.and I.have to settle a score."
Unbeknownst to others, Tenshi have his suspicions of the mysterious person behind Himura's daughter's disappearance. He or she.he happened to know personally. But he won't tell who to anyone. It's a very long story, and a complicated one that if he do tell, no one might even believe him.
As he pondered on how to take his brother's place, Tenshi passed by outside the porch to get some fresh air. From a short distance, he could easily see the screen and their parent's room. He tried to make out some vague shadows, for the doors and windows of the room is closed tight, as if to indicate it is a serious matter: not to be seen or to be heard. He stopped, and observed closely, seeing the shadow of his okaasan and otousan and they seem to be arguing. It seems that Soujiro is trying to say something, but Misao won't listen. He tried to hold her firmly in place, as if forcing an important point in their conversation. Misao shrugged him off, and phased furiously to the bed, as if informally ending the conversation, and blows the candle light off. Soujiro in turn, went out of the room.
They rarely fight, and if they do, it's always about the two of them. This time is much serious however, Misao does not want any of them to fight.she worries for their sake, and be associated with the name.
"I don't get it, we go to class and it's Makamachi Shiro and Tenshi for both of you." He recalled Kenji, saying it during the happier times, when like the most young lads heralding to the Meiji era, is getting decent western education. (Although they retain their way of dressing, and the ambience of the school is still very Japanese). ".it's supposed to be Seta. So what gives?"
Even if he is older by a year, Kenji seems to be less smart than both of them combined. Tenshi sometimes wondered if simple-mindedness is hereditary. "Okaasan said there would be a lot of fuss, if we do so."
He scratched his red longish mane, a shade darker than his father's, "Oh, alright. I get it, people will be like all over a controversy.knowing that your Otousan had a really bad reputation before."
"It is before." Shiro replied sharply, "Besides, it's all in the past.people change."
"People can forgive but they don't forget, my friend." Kenji said lazily, raising both arms and folding them at the back of his head, "Your father, pardon the term.slaughtered mercilessly a lot of lives, enough for everyone to remember. And even as a changed man, when the old folks come and seeing the two of you having an unerring resemblance of him.it's just like seeing the devil himself come back."
Shiro stopped at his tracks, this is not a good one. "Well then look, who's talking! Ain't you the son of the former battosai the slasher?" he made it loud enough for everyone to hear, and true enough, people gave strange looks at the sight of Kenji. Tenshi, always the neutral one, made a wistful insight before anyone of them would start a fight. "Look, we are on the same boat in here. Our Otousans have gone through pains to change themselves, and settle down.it's a dishonor if we keep on arguing which one used to be meaner!"
"Or bloodthirsty." "Cut that out."
"Or faster," "Aniki, Kenji-san."
"Or much better,"
"Oh but he was better, than your Otousan who is only faster. He could be better and be faster, but according to my Otousan, he is only faster but could not be that better because of." Kenji finds himself confused enough to get him cross-eyed, and Shiro followed it with a whoop and let out a laugh. The latter followed, and next thing you know they are friends again. Tenshi smiled, as he recalled that in memory.
He wondered where Kenji is up to now, it has been days that he ran away to look after his younger sister. Hope nothing bad happens to him, Tenshi prayed, and he find himself walking to the practicing area. Shiro might be up late, preparing things.and showing up to the room might only send some chaos. Better to stroll around, and he starts to ponder on Kenji's tactless course of action. He is by means, have inherited his father's shrewdness and also some of the talent.but unlike him, he acts before he thinks, and never having Kenshin's sense of calm disposition. He might conjure up a plan how to lure the kidnappers, but he does not know WHERE they held her yet. Maybe that's why he and Shiro are the closest, it's because they have the passion to do battle.yet not knowing where is the war. They act on impulse and by emotion, and Kenshin and Soujiro being considerate to both of them it's because they understood it's a part of a normal growing teenage boy. So when Tenshi showed that he has the mind capability that both has little use of, they pride on that gift and urged him to nurture it. Shiro, like most of sibling rivalry goes, harbors resentment and jealousy for the younger twin, mistaking Tenshi as a "favorite."
He then noticed that someone put small candle lights in the practice area. Someone training in this time of the night? It couldn't be Shiro for he is still at the other side and packing, he thought. Taking small cautious steps, Tenshi tiptoed to take a closer look, peeking at the small crack in the screen door. He gasped when he saw who it was.
"Otousan!"
Tenshi stared in awe, for it's the first time he saw his father hold a real samurai sword in years. His otousan, Soujiro, took out of the sheath, is the still stainless immaculate Nihontou, in its naked glory. He recalled, when Great-grandpa Okina would tell them stories, about a fairy-tale like romance that how their father, a ronin and their mother, a young ninja; and being both former formidable enemies, met and become lovers. The Nihontou, is a gift of their mother to him at their wedding night, and tells him to use it for her to protect his loved ones. It is so far, the only thing in the Oniwabanshu's household that is not have been touched and broken by the terrible two.
He never saw it brought out, the shimmer of the metal making a clear impression and reflection to those who hold it in its grasp. Tenshi quickly took a closer glimpse, and his Otousan's expression is darkly serious, holding the Nihontou in a offensive pose. He watched in astonishment, as he made fluid quick moves, as if trying to recall each and every reflex and technique that once flowed to his system, before retiring for nearly 10 years. Soujiro still holds the passionate and lethal grace of the sword, making some complex maneuvers and stance, yet releasing each with wonderful simplistic execution, and Tenshi can now imagine what made his father a once feared swordsman.
Soujiro stopped short, as if the first session is only a warm up. He bent down to tighten the straps to his sandals. He is going to perform the Shukuchi, the "reduced earth" Tenshi thought. His Otousan have thought it to him before, and he knew the ritual before doing it. It involves a lot of foot work, and one must have nimble yet strong feet, a tighter and much closed foot support is needed. Speed is the advantage of this crucial technique, its called like so because the lesser steps that is taken will give the illusion of teleportation. With bated breath, Tenshi anticipated as his Otousan finally made the move. Soujiro disappeared, lightning quick, then made the quick staccato steps to the wooden floor. It leaves deep tracks, and the steps continued in an irregular frantic beat.there is when he sensed something is not right. The steps seems to sound less contained, and louder.
In all of a sudden, Soujiro sprang out to the view, losing control and tripping with the right ankle, he crashes down the floor, and Tenshi can't help but rush in and reveal himself. But he knew too better, for Soujiro managed to stab the Nihontou to the floor in a nick of time and avoiding further much injury to the whole body.
"What are you doing so up late?" he reprimanded, upon seeing Tenshi come out to the view. "You must go and sleep, if Aoshi-san learns you are dallying this time of the night."
"But Otousan, you are injured.that fall," his eyes wandered to Soujiro's right foot. Soujiro smiled smugly, and tried to prop himself up with both feet. "Nothing is wrong, son.nothing that I can." and a burning pain seared to his right ankle, Soujiro fell to his knee. Tenshi quickly tried to help him, but he refused. Not liking it when his Otousan says it's okay, and he would smile.it's an old habit of him into telling, "I don't want to let you know".
"Tsk, has been more than 10 years when I have my last serious practice." Soujiro sighed, "I'm not getting any younger, Tenshi. I think it's hard to make your mother understand."
Okaasan.he does not want anyone of us to fight, is this why Otousan is doing this? He is going out there to fight?
Soujiro knows that his very perceptive son have got the idea, and replied to it. "I know it's a good chance for Shiro to prove himself, but I'm preparing for what could possibly happen.if your mother changed her mind."
"Place me instead." Tenshi blurted out, "I can do it."
"I'm afraid not Tenshi, of the two, you are closest to your dear mother. Letting you go would even made it worse, believe me."
"No! I must save Hotaru.I think I know." know what? That he knew the one who possibly did this? The one who did it is doing this out of revenge, for the loss of something precious.a mistake that anyone couldn't imagine him doing? "I-It's an accident." he murmured,
Soujiro made a closer look, ".is there anything you are not telling me Tenshi?"
Tenshi shook his head, "It's nothing, forgive me for my rudeness, Otousan." And he bowed down curtly, making his leave as soon as possible.
That night, Tenshi waited for everyone to sleep. He must take this mission, he have many reasons in doing so, for himself and for the benefit of others. Things he can't explain for now, but he had an idea how and what he would be doing. First, is to track down Kenji.he might be somewhere near Osaka. Then, from there he could find and rescue Hotaru. For who might have been holding her, he strongly sensed it happen to be an old acquaintance of his. "Takaoshi." he muttered, but he wouldn't just let him know that he is going to be in his trail. The only person capable of that would be his much older and daring twin, Shiro. Then he got an idea, Takaoshi feared Shiro for quite a bit, being the much fiercer one.
"Forgive me everyone, but I must do it." He stepped out quietly, with a bottle of ether he withdrew from his pocket. Putting a light mask to his face, he made to each room, spraying the content of the ether to lull everyone to deep sleep. All except the family guest room, which he shall make the preparation for his departure. There stood among them is the memorabilia's and in display is a small sacred corner is his father's sword. He took off his ponytail, and set lose of his hair and slowly unsheathed the nihontou. Placing it underneath, and a little above his ears, he shuts his eyes tightly as he let his hand guide the blade.cutting to it neat and swift. Then he packed and donned some of his brother's clothes, also grabbing a few items and weapons for the journey. "I hope he wouldn't mind if I borrowed his wooden sword," he whispered, finally slacking it off to the side. He is complete, and ready to go off.and the cold night air greeted him as he meekly opened one of the exits. In last few minutes, he managed to get a glimpse of his image at one of the mirror's in other adjacent empty rooms.
He just look every inch like his brother, and that is the plan. He tried to make out a sly smile to his lips.a smile Shiro would make, when something comes up in his mind. It was perfect.
"Gomen nasai minna-san, from now on I'm going to be Shiro."