***The title has been changed! It is now Balance and Control***
. A-Chan Yuy is co-writing this fic with me so don't forget to give her the credit she deserves in your reviews! Here's the part where I reply to feedback: I have a review! I give up, there's just no convincing you guys. Thank you lorien for reviewing. I love it when people inflate my ego *hint, hint, nudge, nudge*. My writing really slows down without encouragement. I need to know that people are still reading and if there's something in particular that needs work. I'm going to try and avoid excessive angst, drama, and such. Of course as far as I'm concerned unless the fic is an absolute angst fest no angst is necessary. I promise all the little things that I mention now that seem stupid and worthless are important to the ending. Chapter seven should be posted within minutes or hours or possibly days.
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin; it belongs to its respective companies. I am a high school student; you sue me you'll get squat and a bill for your lawyer's time.
Warnings for this Chapter: This will be yaoi/shonen ai, which means male/male relationships, GAY! I will not tolerate flames from people about Kenshin's sexual orientation, it's my fic and he'll be what I damn well please. I've screwed around with ages and such so just ignore any age changes or original story changes; trust me there's a reason I did it.
Do let me know if I go overboard I can get a little lost in my writing at times. Beware the POV changes often and without much warning! As usual story picks up right where it left off unless otherwise noted.
Italics indicate thought when in 3rd person POV
/…. / Indicate thoughts in 1st person POV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Balance and Control: Part 6~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Katsura waited patiently near the Akai-ya, Kenshin was due to arrive soon with questions. Katsura wasn't sure why kept Tomoe's kimono for Kenshin, at the time it just seemed like the right thing to do. Only a dead man would be able to overlook Kenshin's feelings for Tomoe. Yamagata was very insistent on mentioning the government position to Kenshin; it would have to wait until he was finished. As he expected Kenshin appeared silently beside him, waiting for Katsura to speak first and explain. A quick glance to the side informed Katsura of what Kenshin was holding, the note and the box containing the kimono. Katsura chose not to speak in favor of watching the merchants display their wares to the small crowd of early customers. Curiosity aroused Kenshin studied Katsura carefully; trying to discern the reason his presence was required. With mild interest he observed Katsura's appearance, time had favored him with only a few wrinkles and streaks of gray. Turning away Kenshin looked at the item he held in one of his hands, Tomoe's kimono; Katsura's gift. Heaving a mental sigh Katsura faced Kenshin; a person called Sanosuke would show up soon according to Yamagata. Clearing his throat Katsura caught Kenshin's attention and subtly gestured towards the note. Understanding the unspoken cue Kenshin began to speak.
"Katsura-san, why did you give me this?"
"I thought you would like having it back"
"I've tried to put the past out of my mind"
"Lying doesn't suit you Himura"
"No, it doesn't"
"In reality you remember everything don't you? Each attack, each life, it's all in your memory"
"Yes"
"Do you forgive me for ruining your life?"
"How can I forgive you for something you didn't do?"
"Your hands are stained with blood because of me, I did ruin your life"
"It was my decision to kill"
"I could have turned you away"
"I'm glad you didn't"
"I took advantage of your dream to further my own ideals"
"Your ideals were my dream"
"I would feel better if you blamed me.
"Katsura-san we have had this argument to many times in the past"
The argument trailed off as the pair began to silently contemplate their own choices. Katsura tried to imagine what Japan would be like if he had turned Kenshin away, while Kenshin thought about those who had died for him. Both watched the sunrise as it signaled the start of a new day, only to interrupted by Sanosuke's approach. A silent understanding passed between them, Katsura disappeared into the morning crowd leaving Kenshin alone with his thoughts. Looking over to the side Kenshin glanced at the police chief hiding in the alley frantically taking notes, Yamagata was having him followed.
"Oi! Kenshin!"
Yelling my customary greeting I give Kenshin a firm pat on the back. Fortunately he doesn't seem too trouble about his meeting with Katsura, I was worried that he would have to go fight again. Katsura must have just wanted to pay him a social visit; according to Kenshin it's been at least ten years since they've seen each other. Wonder why I haven't heard about a big shot Ishin like him meddling in politics lately?
"How'd the meeting go?"
"It went well"
I'm pretty sure he's being honest with me, he's a horrible liar but once in a while he'll surprise you. I wanted to surprise him and give him a good morning kiss since he left before I got up, but that old lech is hanging out the window waiting for a show. Doesn't he understand that kissing is supposed to be a loving and intimate gesture not a free show! Now I have to wait until after work, he seems to know what I'm thinking, now he's laughing at me. Crazy old lech.
"Morning ji-san"
"Good morning Kenshin, Sano"
"Good morning Sorata-dono, how are you today?"
Damn Kenshin and his excessive politeness! I would feel better if he dropped the –dono on that lech's name. The world is not my friend today. At least I haven't been fired yet, Kenshin would be really upset and I wouldn't be able to fulfill the promise I made to myself. Argh! That lech just stole Kenshin to go and discuss the day's specials, I don't even get to talk to him this morning. I really hope Kenshin's enjoying this because I'm not. I hate this stupid uniform; I think that Sorata intentionally gave me a small one. First Katsura and now this! Wait, that reminds me, what did Katsura want anyway? The more I think about it the more I doubt that it was just a quick social type chat. Kenshin starting to stare off into space again, I wish he wouldn't do that, it's creepy seeing him just stand there. Tapping Kenshin on the shoulder lightly only to be rewarded by a sakaba centimeters from my face. He must be worried, you have to really surprise him for him to draw his sword like that. The only other time that's ever happened is when I snuck up at him during Jou-chan's western style party thing. That lech is just merrily laughing his ass off at my misfortune, I'm glad he's having fun. Jerk. He's worse than Jiya, and until now I thought Jiya was the epitome of obnoxiousness. Just a few more weeks of this then I can find a nice well paying job free of crazy old men. Kenshin won't stop apologizing either; I have to shove him into the kitchen to get him to stop. The first customers are already coming in; it's going to be a long, hard day.
I almost hurt Sano again, I'm started to believe I'm cursed. Everyone I love gets hurt or dies because of me. Akane-san, Kasumi-san and Sakura-san, they died to save me from being killed by the bandits. I wanted to protect them but they wouldn't let me. I killed Tomoe twice; first I killed her happiness, then I killed her body. She also died protecting me. Why did they all try to protect me? I should have died long ago when the bandits attacked; Akane-san, Kasumi-san, and Sakura-san should have been living happy lives today with their husbands and children. Tomoe should be married to Kiyosato and have a few wonderful children that would fill her life with laughter and joy. It's my fault none of those futures came to pass; I should have been the one to die. I wish Sano would blame me it was my fault. Is this how Katsura feels when he argues with me? Why is Katsura in Tokyo anyway, I heard that he died a while ago. I should know better than to trust rumors, the ones about me are hardly true. Yamagata-san has also been acting strange lately, I haven't heard from him yet this week; usually he has the chief stop by to check up on things. Now that he's having been followed I'm beginning to suspect something's not right, he's making sure that if I wander off he'll be able to find me. It's almost like being back with the Ishin Shishi, Katsura always had someone follow me, wouldn't want your top Hitokiri wandering off.
The rhythmic sound the knife makes as it hits the wood is surprisingly relaxing. The Akai-ya is very busy today; I'm having trouble keeping up with all the orders. Poor Sano, the lunch rush has barely started and he's already on his last nerve. The last time he passed by he was muttering something about blind drunks who thought he was a girl. Hopefully he begins to hate this job enough that he'll quit and just let me do the work. I enjoy knowing that I'm being helpful instead of hurtful, it's a nice role reversal. If only he wasn't so hardheaded, arguing with him is like arguing with a wall. As to be expected my peace doesn't last long, Sorata-dono wants me go out and fetch more daikon, I told him there wouldn't be enough. Sano looks very disappointed; he knows that they can't possibly spare a waiter to run errands. It is fortunate the vegetable stand is close, the markets very crowded now, it's getting hard to find good ingredients. Huh? What's that? There's something hanging on my legs.
"Ken-nii! Ken-nii!"
"Hello Ayame-chan, Suzame-chan"
"Kenshin"
"Hello Genzai-sensei"
"Play with us Ken-nii!"
"Not now, I have to work"
"Later?"
"Yes, later"
Genzai-sensei bade me farewell as he collected the girls to go to lunch at the dojo. Megumi had taken it upon herself to make sure the dojo's occupants were fed during my absence. I paid for the daikon and returned to the Akai-ya, I don't have time to be loitering.
Sorata-dono thought that another waiter was needed so he sent me out. I'm glad he isn't making me wear the uniform; I'll admit that it does look absolutely ridiculous. Sano's acting very smug; he must have realized that now I have to do two jobs. Carefully choosing a way to object befitting of the maturity of my 28 years, I stuck my tongue out at him. Sano's only reply was a wink, great, now the customers are laughing at me. Blushing I distributed the dishes I was carrying and raced back into the relative safety of the kitchens. Saitoh is bound to bring this back up; I didn't know he was here until I saw him smirking from a corner table near the kitchen. I wonder why he's not showing Kamatari-dono around, he just joined the police force today. I'll have to ask Kamatari-dono later, I need to finish cooking.
~~~~~~Tokyo Police Department~~~~~~~
Ara! This is so boring! Saitoh's being such an asshole; he dumped all his paper work on me! That jerk, I've already had another officer give me his. The next officer who tries to unload his paperwork on me is going to become intimately acquainted with my Oh Gama. All this ink is getting under my nails and it's making them look bad. Where's that weird police chief disappeared off to? He comes back randomly, writes something, stuffs it in a file, then leaves. I'd rather do whatever he's doing though; at least he's not up to his eyeballs in paperwork. Since when does petty theft require a thick stack of paperwork? I'd hate to see what the paperwork for a murder case is like. I really should have stayed in Europe; all these officers are jerks. I can't believe they won't let me keep my Oh Gama with me; they're making me leave it in a closet. A closet! The list of officers' lives I'm going to make a living hell is getting long; I need to shorten it. Just a few months of this then I'm off the hook, Yamagata said that if I can get myself promoted I don't have to work for the government anymore. This'll be easy, I better than all of these slackers the government has the nerve to call officers. The weird chief's back, he thinks he lost his file. I sort of amusing to see him running around like a headless chicken, I'm going to find out exactly what's in that file. Unconsciously I glance at the drawer I hid the file in, the chief gave up soon after and left leaving his report on the desk. Making sure none of the other officers were around I took out the rather thick file. He has to have at least twenty reports stuffed in this thing. Let's see, this folder is from Meiji eleven, must be when Himura-kun got here. I wish the chair's here were more comfortable; all this westernizing is annoying. Hmm, this report looks interesting, wonder what Himura-kun did.
'We finally found the Battousai today. When we checked the Kamiya dojo a kid and a girl tried to stop us. Who would protect a murderer? The kid managed to warn the manslayer but we caught up to him anyway. I was worried we were going to lose him again; he's very elusive. Fortunately some police swordsman at the marketplace stalled him. He is amazing; by the time we arrived he had already defeated all of the swordsman without killing any of them. Why did he hesitate to kill? He didn't resist arrest either, if could defeat the swordsmen surely a few regular officers wouldn't be a problem. From what I've heard about his skill he wouldn't even have to try to elude us again. His Excellency then asked us to release the Battousai, that's strange he's the one who wanted us to capture the Battousai. The Battousai is a hero? I never thought of it that way, I suppose that he played a key role in bringing down the Tokugawa shogunate. His Excellency even offered the Battousai a coveted government position. The Battousai vowed never to kill again? How could he turn down such a favorable position? The Battousai is not even close to the man I thought he was, he's relatively short and his eyes a strange violet color. His Excellency has instructed me to keep track of the Battousai's movements. What is his Excellency planning?'
It's not a folder of reports, more like a reference journal. I like the chief's job better, he gets to follow Himura-kun around instead of filling out forms. He really believed all those stupid rumors about Himura-kun; that does nothing for my faith in the government. All the other officers think it's a big joke that the alleged Battousai now works at the Akai-ya. They think the real Battousai is a giant with cold amber eyes and hair the color of fire. One for three, that's not a good sign; I hope none of them piss him off any time in the future. Hopefully one day they'll all learn that the mild mannered, violet eyed, short, easygoing Rurouni can kick their asses without breaking a sweat. Finally it's time for my lunch break, I wonder if I could sneak some of this paperwork onto Saitoh's desk? Probably not, that stupid wolf took his lunch break early, he could be back any minute; better not risk it. I threw the file on the floor by the chief's desk so he wouldn't trace it back to me and retrieved my Oh Gama from the closet. According to Saitoh the police have a tab going with the Akai-ya, which means all my meals during work a compliments of the government.
Awww, Sano-kun didn't think he'd see me today; I'm hurt. The police department isn't that far away, why would I pass up a free meal? That uniform is so adorable! I didn't really get to see it the other night; it was too dark. Wonderful! Now I have some leverage against him, he'd hate the others to know what his uniform really looks like. I can't wait to take the others here when I get paid! Argh! Damn my luck! That jerk Saitoh, excuse me, Fujita Goro is here. How long does it take him to eat lunch? I can't wait to dump my paperwork onto his desk. He really does have the manners and tact of the wild wolf he claims to be. Oh my, Sano-kun's made poor Himura-kun wait on me, he must still be hung up on the cross-dressing thing. He doesn't have any room to talk though, his uniform's very feminine looking. He must be the cross-dressing aho Saitoh was referring to; I already know that Saitoh calls me an annoying cross-dresser behind my back. The other officers always make jokes about a gangster that managed to piss off Saitoh, his description matches Sano-kun's. I could really see Sano-kun being an ex-gangster; he did beat Anji. Himura-kun looks very busy, he's passed by at least five times carrying plates and such. Another waiter has started attending my table, too bad, I was hoping to talk to Himura-kun. I'll have plenty of opportunities though, I'll most likely eat here everyday. I wonder if the police tab covers dinner, Yahiko-kun said that Karou-chan's cooking was horrible. Megumi-chan's is very good, but she has to attend to a patient tonight so we are on our own as far as dinner is concerned. How bad could it be?
~~~Week Later~~~
Busu's making me clean the entire dojo again, how is cleaning going to help my swordsmanship? I should be practicing now! Since Yutaro's back busu's been paying more attention to him and making me to all the chores. Yutaro's been acting weird lately, he's been avoiding me; maybe he's afraid of my superior skill. Why did Kenshin have to move in with Sano? Now busu's a little depressed and I have to do twice as many chores. As if that isn't enough the weasel girl's coming with Aoshi, that means I have to clean out two more rooms. Stupid weasel girl never shows up at a good time. I hope Misao can cook, with Kenshin gone and Megumi busy all the time I'm stuck eating Karou's toxic cooking. Kamatari is lucky; he gets to eat at a nice restaurant every day and only had to eat Karou's cooking once or twice. Maybe he'll take me with him one day if I beg enough, its not like he has to pay for his meal. Since the Akai-ya opened while we were in Kyoto I don't know much about it, but I heard the food is excellent. Busu's yelling again, now she wants me to help Yutaro. How am I supposed to finish all these chores if she keeps interrupting me?
"How much longer Aoshi-sama?"
"An hour or two"
"You finally answered!"
"…"
"Don't start that again Aoshi-sama!"
"…"
Misao won't leave me in peace, first she dragged me on this trip and now she insists on trying to get me to talk and smile. I still don't know how I got talked into this, I've already kept my promise to Himura and Misao doesn't need protection. Himura can handle any trouble Misao gets into. Misao has too much energy; she's like a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower. She's excited about seeing her friends again; outside of the Aoi-ya she doesn't have many friends in Kyoto. She keeps mentioning a relation of Okina's; the thought makes me cringe mentally. The idea of more people like Okina is faintly disturbing. Has Tokyo changed any since my last visit? From here it appears to be the same, I should be back in Kyoto. At least when we arrive at the Kamiya dojo I can finally find some peace and quiet.
Misao-chan's coming for a visit and she's even managed to bring our wayward okashira along. Jiya must have had something to do with it, he's been trying to play matchmaker for a while now. Aoshi must be very stubborn if he can see through little brother's tricks. It's time for big brother Sorata to have a go; I was always better at this type of thing. I'm been so bored with nothing to do. With Himura and Sano together the only thing I can do is antagonize them, which is fun in its own way. I wish Jiya had told me a little more, I have only the knowledge that Aoshi is not to be allowed near temples and quiet places to go off. Maybe I should put him to work, it would take some of the strain off of poor Himura. I work Himura harder than I should most days. That reminds me, according to Jiya, Himura and Sano are friends of Aoshi's. This will get interesting, Jiya doesn't know what he's going to be missing; he should have come along with Misao-chan. Perhaps he'll come later, we've always had more success working together.
Once again Kenshin apologized for hitting someone in the head with his sword's sheath. The Akai-ya was very crowded and it was hard to walk anywhere without bumping into anyone. The way the seating arrangements were Kenshin found it difficult to turn around without hitting anyone who was sitting down. Today had been particularly taxing on Kenshin since Saitoh decided to irritate Sanosuke. It took Kenshin everything he had to restrain Sanosuke from trying to ruin Saitoh's kakesoba. Kenshin knew Saitoh well enough to know that any one who interfered with his meal was a dead man, or in this era a severely injured man. Kenshin also had some troubles of his own, the ladies in the restaurant being one of them. They were quite impressed with Kenshin's knowledge of domestic chores; he was beginning to wish he never gave them that laundry tip. Sorata had also conveniently disappeared when Kenshin and Sano went to discuss their hours. As to be expected Kenshin's thoughts wandered back to the dojo and its occupants. Was Karou all right? Was the laundry done? Was Yahiko getting enough to eat? Kenshin felt a little guilty about leaving the dojo, he had planned to leave eventually but Karou was determined not to let him go. The dojo should be safer from his enemies now, but this also made Sano a better target. He was almost certain those that wished to kill him were killed or defeat but there was always a chance. The noisy atmosphere of the restaurant never let him drift off for long though, he was brought back to reality by the yells of his co-workers
"Himura!"
"Oro!"
"Move it, the orders are ready"
"Hai, hai"
The Akai-ya has gotten even busier; a few groups from Kyoto and Hokkaido have just arrived. I don't think that there's a festival or holiday anything soon, so why are they here? It must just be a coincidence that they all stopped here. All the groups appear to be made up of wealthy and prominent members of society, possibly politicians. I wish they'd stop teasing Sano though; he hates it when people make fun of him. I hope they don't expect me to bring all the food out at once, I think I may be able to manage five bowls of miso soup at a time. Interesting, they must be politicians; I've heard Katsura's and Yamagata's name come up a few times in their discussion. It's been about a week since I've talked with Katsura; is he planning something? I have to leave the groups to retrieve a few more orders; good I can hear them from here. One the groups out of Kyoto's conversation has just gotten a bit more interesting, I feel stupid creeping around and trying to listen in while pouring tea.
"I heard Katsura's finally tracked down his pet Hitokiri"
"The devil's still alive"
"Alive and in good shape"
"That would explain the party"
"Katsura wants to parade his pet around, perhaps to intimidate us"
"I heard he turned down a government job and hasn't killed since the Bakumatsu"
"Interesting"
"I also heard he's been cleaning up the governments messes"
*Crash*
"Gomen Nasai! Let me clean that up!"
I didn't mean to draw attention to myself, the teapot just slipped. How did they know so much about my activities and Katsura? At least I didn't spill tea on anyone, I want to be able to stay and find out more about this party. How come Katsura didn't tell me about it? It sounds like he could be in danger; I should be there to protect him. He probably was going to tell me the day before so I couldn't back out. Why does he insist on treating me like he did in Kyoto? If he truly wanted me to attend the party I would have gone without any protest; I really couldn't refuse any logical request from him. Katsura knows that, I'm not the same person I used to be. The party's not for a couple weeks, but there are numerous smaller gatherings beforehand. Katsura and Yamagata need to stop plotting behind my back; I don't want to be involved anymore. I've finally found my happiness and I don't want any harm coming to Sanosuke or the others. I'm too involved in this already, I would have been anyway I suppose. At least I'll be there to watch over Katsura, these groups do not look favorably upon him.
~~~Kamiya Dojo, Next Morning~~~
I wish Kenshin was here, without him all the household chores seem to triple. Yahiko is almost hopeless with the laundry so I have to do that on top of all the cooking. How did Kenshin ever manage to keep everything running to smoothly? Misao-chan and Aoshi didn't arrive until after Kenshin and Sano left so I couldn't convince him to stay awhile and help out. Misao-chan and Aoshi's visit is going to be a surprise for Kenshin, I suspect that during Aoshi's last visit they became good friends. The only good thing is that Tae will be too busy with Misao-chan and Aoshi to bother with my lack of a relationship with Kenshin. I really do need Kenshin; I can't keep up the dojo with all the extra people here. His boss better give him a week off so he can help out around here, Sano will just have to work double.
Whoa! Busu's on the warpath again. What's bothering her this time? Well if she's gone I can get a decent breakfast, unlike Karou, Misao can actually cook recognizable food. I think she went out to get Kenshin to play maid for her for a while; doesn't she remember that he has a job now? His job actually comes with a real paycheck instead of bad cooking and beatings. I feel sorry for Kenshin, when Karou's mad there's no stopping her. If Karou did go to get Kenshin it saves me a trip, that police chief came by with a letter for Kenshin earlier. He knows that Kenshin moved out, but the jerk keeps bringing the letters here and making me deliver them. Sano's place isn't that much farther out of his way. Hey, if Kenshin comes back to cook and clean I can start practicing with Yutaro again. Karou should just ask that bum Kamatari to help out, earn his keep and all. Maybe since Kamatari's also got a real job he'll treat us all to dinner sometime. I heard that the restaurant that Kenshin and Sano are working at is really good.
For most the day would pass uneventfully, for some it would be a semi-traumatic experience. An angry Karou can ruin anyone's day it a blink of an eye, especially if they happened to be near the Akai-ya at the time. Bravely Kenshin stepped out of the Akai-ya tried to calm her without any significant property damage, but his efforts were in vain as in a way distinctly her own, Karou brought her bokken down on the poor rurouni's head while she ranted about the injustice of being left alone to take care of all the chores. Her ranting had attracted a small crowd of curious onlookers, puzzled as to why an armed man would take such abuse without complaint. Sorata followed soon after concerned for the welfare of his best employee, he soon learned why Kenshin just stood there. Reluctantly he gave Kenshin the rest of the workweek off and offered to send Sano by to help later. Unfortunately for him it set Karou off on another round of ranting about ungrateful lazy freeloaders. At this point all of the onlookers had taken a step back and were questioning the intelligence of staying in the area. Giving up on trying to convince Karou she'd be fine without Kenshin, Sorata turned back towards the Akai-ya and prayed for Kenshin's safety.
"Karou-dono, I should be back at work"
"You have the week off, get busy! The laundry's waiting for you in the back"
"Y-Y-Yes Karou-dono"
"Himura!"
"Misao-dono?"
"Surprise! Aoshi-sama and I are visiting!"
"Aoshi's here?"
"Misao-chan managed to convince him to come"
"I will have to welcome him later"
Karou-dono got me off work to do the laundry? I suppose she's been busy with all the visitors and her classes. With all the new students her afternoons are mostly full and she doesn't have much skill with cooking or the laundry. I hope she doesn't plan on doing this everything she gets visitors; I really need to work. Yahiko said that Murakai-dono dropped by earlier with a letter. It's from Katsura about the party, I was wrong; he wasn't going to tell me the day before. He asked that I bring Sano, but inform him if I plan on bringing anyone else. Karou-dono will want to come and if she comes then the others will come too. I have two weeks to figure this out, the party's not till the 25th, and hopefully I can convince Karou not to come before then. She's already read the letter and is asking about Katsura. Yahiko's surprisingly sensitive to the moods of others; he distracts Karou and leaves giving me a thumbs up sign so I can do the laundry in peace. Must be some western gesture he learned from Yutaro. Karou probably also wants me to take over the cooking while I'm here, what to make. At least I only have a week of this until I can return to the Akai-ya. Karou's first class of beginners has arrived; they looked surprised to see Misao-dono, Aoshi, and I. Predictably Aoshi vacates the practice room in search of silence and solitude. Perhaps Misao-dono will take him sightseeing or have him help Karou with her class. I have a good hour to finish the laundry before Karou's advanced class arrives; I haven't helped Karou since I moved out. I'll make it up to her and the students today, perhaps I'll teach part of the class; Karou's style was fairly easy to pick up. Her advanced class is mostly her older students, lured back by the promise of a true sword master and tales of battle. How they ever found out about the sword master bit is beyond me, but Karou would have gotten them back anyway with her tales of Kyoto or Raijuta. She is a very good storyteller; most of my battles last year are now popular stories among he students. Karou has been forced to turn away students due to the sudden rise of interest in kenjitsu. I no longer worry about kenjitsu's future; it will survive the Meiji era. Leaving the laundry to dry I pass by the practice room to check on Karou-dono, Misao-dono somehow got Aoshi to help out. She even has him demonstrating his water flow technique, I'm glad he's only demonstrating, some of Karou-dono's students like to try and sneak up on me. Closing the door I continue to the kitchen where Ayame-chan and Suzame-chan are waiting, they help make some nigirimeshi while I bake sweet potatoes. When I help teach I always like to have a treat ready, Shishou always had something to eat after practice. I can see some of the members of the advance class making their way towards the kitchen, probably trying to steal a sweet potato before class. Setting the potatoes in their usual basket I go outside to join the students. When I step into the practice room I'm greeted by a chorus of voices yelling, "Konnichiwa Himura-sensei!"; they still won't stop referring to me as their teacher. Karou-dono begins the day's lesson, which is my cue to start going around and quietly correct stances and grips. As usual I spend more time with one of the students than the others, as much as I try not to play favorites I often pick Shinji. I pick him because he reminds me of myself before my hands became stained with blood and Shishou was still instructing me on the ways of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. That was when I was a loud, outspoken teenager who naively believed he could change the world. I had never killed, I didn't know what the consequences of my actions would be or what lay ahead; I only saw my goal. Shishou knew though, he tried to tell me but I refused to listen. In the end he just let me walk the path I chose, the hardest path I could take. When I left I thought I knew the meaning of Hiten's motto and that Shishou was a hypocrite. I was wrong, I was always wrong when I argued with Shishou. But because I was wrong Shinji or any of Karou-dono's other students will ever have to make the choice I made. They can live their lives without staining their hands with blood, if it was still the Bakumatsu the non-killing teachings of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu would most likely not exist.
"Himura-sensei, that's not the days lesson"
"Oro? Gomen nasai Shinji"
During my reminiscing I had unconsciously started practicing Hiten. Shinji looks very concerned; it's unusual for me to drift off like that. All the recent events have sent my mind wandering to the past. Correcting my stance I complete the day's lesson, the other boys are excited now. Because of the infrequency of my distraction, they rarely are able to see any of my style. Their eyes have acquired a pleading look, I understand their feelings completely. I enjoyed watching Shishou practice when I wasn't on the receiving end of his blows. To me Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu looks like a deadly dance of infinite grace, a silent siren. A small demonstration couldn't hurt; I would hate to disappoint them. I lead them outside where I know there is a good-sized rock the Karou-dono wanted to get rid of. It makes a perfect target for a well-aimed Dou Ryu Sen. I should have warmed up more first, I can feel my muscles protesting the sudden action; I must be getting soft. After they finish staring the students go and help themselves to the sweet potatoes, they are joined soon after by Yahiko and Yutaro, drawn by the promise of food and friends. Karou-dono should let them practice with the class more often; they could both use the experience of fighting with many different people. Everyone moves and attacks a bit differently even if they both use the same style. I can't help but smile as the students say their goodbyes and hurry off to the market place to hang out. Your baka deshi made the right choice Shishou; did you know that when I left? You could have stopped me if you wanted to.
Is this format easier for everyone to read? I'm gotten some complaints on the dialogue with some of my other stuff. Wow, that was a longer chapter. Umm if I stole someone's name for the chief I apologize, I was trying to remember if he had a name other than "chief-dono" and Murakai popped up. I know that there are no hummingbirds in Japan; for the sake of comparison Aoshi knows what one is. Same deal with Kenshin and the siren comment. Don't know, too lazy to research. According to my translator nigirimeshi is a rice ball; I am most likely incorrect. Please leave any nice/nasty comments in review form and please direct your flames to crazy_miko@gundamwing.net where they will be properly read and replied to. They will later be laughed at then placed at the end of the next chapter with the email address so everyone can have a good hearty belly laugh at your expense. Like the new teaser? Title? Please let me know. Once again I thank A-chan for all her help so give her the credit she deserves. Please leave a review. Ja ne minna!