Tanuki To Ryuu
Well, time for Chapter 16! I'm trying to draw the scene of Kaoru's
victory from Chapter 14. I'll put it on my website as soon as its
done(which will be a LONNNNG TIME, unless a talented artist wishes to
draw it for me ^_^x). I realized I was wayy ahead of writing than
plotting thus in mid-Chapter 15 I realized I had no plot for the next
storyarc after Marriage in Tanuki to Ryuu! But that's solved and I got
a semblence of another storyarc plotted! The next villian shall be
better than Tonno Akutsa, I PROMISE! Now all I gotta do is finish the
Marriage Arc before I can test it out in the fic!
Chapter 16- Of Kimono and Priests
Kenshin looked at several of the haori available to him. He
saw a stunning haori in pure white with a marvelous dragon crest on it
and knew it was the one he wanted to be married in. With little
hesitation he purchased it from the merchant and had it wrapped.
Kenshin hoped Kaoru had the same luck with her kimono.
"I see you picked a haori," Aoshi stated as he regarded the
package under Kenshin's arm. Aoshi wore a trenchcoat, which hid his
ninja outfit quite well, but even then Kenshin could not see Aoshi's two
kodachi in their usual false nodachi sheath.
"Yeah," Kenshin answered. "You are armed, right? I can sense
it, but you aren't carrying them like usual," Kenshin looked at Aoshi
with a careful eye but could not see where the two kodachi were.
"I'm carrying them in separate sheathes," Aoshi answered. "One
on the right, one on the left. In normal clothes, it is easier to
carry them like this,"
"Ahh," Kenshin responded. "How do you think the girls are
doing?" Aoshi stopped walking and thought for a moment.
"Misao does not like the idea of wearing a kimono," Aoshi
answered. "I remember when she was younger she tried to seriously
injure Omasu over a kimono,"
***
"Well, what do you think, Misao?" Kaoru asked as she observed
her handiwork. After hours of work, Kaoru succeeded in freeing Misao's
hair from her braid and combed it into some semblence of order. Kaoru
also found a kimono small enough for Misao to wear in a dark blue.
"I can barely breathe in this thing!" Misao muttered. "And
where can I hide all my weapons?" Kaoru rolled her eyes.
"Its going to be a WEDDING, not a BATTLE," Kaoru answered.
"How many times do I have to explain it?"
"Well, I'm a ninja," Misao answered. "I'm used to always
carrying my equipment with me. Besides, you and Himura always attract
some form of trouble," Misao smiled innocently. Kaoru narrowed her
eyes slightly. Ayane walked into the house and grinned at the sight of
Misao.
"Well well, what's this?" Ayane said with a catlike grin. "The
ninja girl all dressed up. Ain't that cute?" Misao glared at Ayane.
"If I had my kunai, you'll be a pincushion right now.," Misao
said as she flexed her hand.
"Just try it, sister!" Ayane answered as she waved a fist.
Kaoru sighed and held her hands up.
"Now hold on you two!" Kaoru said. "You WILL learn how to get
along. I don't have to deal with the two of you at eachother's
throats! Now Misao-chan, you look very pretty, but something is
missing," Kaoru pondered Misao's appearance for a second. "Oh, I
know!" Kaoru exclaimed as she brought out a bright white ribbon.
"Now hold still a moment, Misao-chan. This will only take a moment.
There now, take a look, Misao-chan," Kaoru said as she motioned to the
mirror.
What Misao saw looked almost like another girl entirely. Her
long dark hair had a bright white ribbon tied in the top, giving her a
ponytail and her long hair cascaded down to where her knees were. The
kimono itself had a light floral pattern and was a dark blue very much
like her ninja clothes. "This is what I look like? Wow, its like I'm
a totally different person!" Misao said as she walked towards the mirror
and touched it. She frowned slightly as she noticed she had to take
small steps. "But don't count on this being a usual look for me,
Kaoru-san! And stop giggling at me, Ayane!"
"I can't help it!" Ayane answered with a wide grin. "You had
NO idea what you looked like! I bet that even your stone-faced
boyfriend wouldn't know its you!"
"Aoshi-sama is NOT stonefaced!" Misao shouted back. "But, it
would be interesting to see if he noticed or not," At that moment, the
gates were opened and Kenshin's greeting was heard. "Ohhh, great!
I'll surprise them!" Misao said with a grin as she walked out into the
courtyard.
"Misao-dono, is that you?" Kenshin asked as he saw the young
girl walk out of the house.
"Ohh, darn Himura!" Misao said, "I was hoping Aoshi-sama
wouldn't notice it was me!"
"You look very nice, Misao," Aoshi said as he regarded his
companion. "Very... elegant,"
"REALLY?" Misao said with an enthusiastic smile on her face and
jumped up and down in exitement. Aoshi nodded without expression.
"Oh, thank you Aoshi-sama! Maybe you can take me out to dinner
tonight?"
"It would be best," Aoshi answered. "Afterall, its best if we
do not impose on our gratious hosts. Where would you like to go?"
Misao grinned and hopped some more in happiness.
"How about the Akebeko? I heard many fine things about it from
Sae back in Kyoto!" Misao chirped.
"Very well," Aoshi responded. He then looked at his hosts and
said, "Misao and I will be back later tonight," Misao couldn't believe
it. Her first date with Aoshi.
"See you!" Misao said as she waved out of the gates with Aoshi.
"Will they be alright?" Kaoru asked Kenshin. Kenshin grinned
and nodded.
"They both have an element that the other needs, Kaoru. Kind
of like us," Kenshin said as he looked at Kaoru. Kaoru blushed and
turned her head away in embarassment. "Oro? Did I say something
wrong, Kaoru?"
"No, its not that," Kaoru answered. "Its just that I get
nervous when you look at me like that," Kenshin felt someone staring
at the two of them in interest, as did Kaoru, and they both turned
around and saw Ayane staring at them.
"Oh, don't mind me," Ayane said with a grin. "Just keep
going,"
"Ayane!" Kaoru exclaimed, "Is my lovelife THAT interesting to
you?" Ayane nodded and Kaoru sighed. "Well, I'll give you updates if
you give us privacy, alright?"
"I guess," Ayane muttered, then grinned. "Well, you two can
always use the dojo for privacy. I'll get started on the laundry,"
Ayane walked away from the pair and into the house.
"That reminds me! I didn't get any practice today!" Kaoru
announced. "Kenshin, care to help?"
"Alright, Kaoru," Kenshin answered.
"Good, I'll change!" Kaoru said as she walked back into the
house.
***
The streets of Tokyo were lit with many lamps as Aoshi and Misao
walked back to the Kamiya dojo after dinner at the Akebeko. "They sure
have good food in Tokyo, don't they, Aoshi-sama?" Misao asked with a
smile as she hung off Aoshi's arm.
"It certainly was enjoyable," Aoshi responded with no waver in
his expression. Misao jumped infront of Aoshi and started to twirl
around.
"Maybe I should wear a kimono more. It certainly feels nice to
be elegant," Misao said happily as she skipped ahead. Without warning,
Misao slipped and fell into a small patch of mud. "Ouch!" Misao
muttered, then looked at the mud that covered her kimono and her hair.
"Oh no! Kaoru-san will kill me!" She then looked up and saw Aoshi
had the faintest smile on his face. "Oh, THIS is funny? I tell you
jokes for months and not even a crack but THIS is funny?" Misao
grabbed a handful of mud and threw it at Aoshi. Aoshi side-stepped out
of the path of the mudball and his face regained its composure.
"Dammit! Who threw mud in my face?" an irate voice yelled from
behind Aoshi. Misao quickly stood up and tried to wipe as much mud as
possible off her clothes. The poor victim of Misao's mudball was a
well-built man with a shrewd face and carried a cane-sword in his left
hand. "You going to apologize, little lady? Or should I slice you
right now?" the man said as he drew his blade. "Better yet, how about
a night together, huh?" Misao's eyes were wide as she realized that
she was at a great disadvantage without her kunai and mobility. The
man stopped short when Aoshi grabbed him on the shoulder.
"I suggest you put that blade back in its sheath and leave Misao
alone," Aoshi said, his voice with an edge of hostility and the air got
colder.
"Listen buddy," the rude man continued, "That girl threw mud at
me! I demand compensation!"
"You will get it, but not in that way," Aoshi responded. "Now
put the blade away and perhaps I can pay for your clothes," The man
ignored Aoshi's offer and tried to make a swing at the ninja in the
trenchcoat. Aoshi swiftly punched the man in the face with enough
force to push the limp body against a building. "Its best if we
leave," Aoshi said as he held out a hand to Misao.
"Right. Thanks Aoshi-sama!" Misao chirped as she gave Aoshi a
small peck on the cheek. A small blush appeared on Aoshi's face and
the two of them hurried back to the dojo.
***
"Try harder, Kaoru!" Kenshin said as he blocked another of
Kaoru's swings with a shinai. "You almost have it!" Kaoru remained
silent and made another swing at Kenshin. He blocked again and walked
around her slowly.
"Alright, I think that's enough practice for today," Kaoru said
as she held up a hand. "Thanks Kenshin for the session!" Kaoru
grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off her forehead and neck. "I'll
be in the bath for a little bit,"
"Wait," Kenshin said. "How are you feeling?"
Kaoru shrugged, "A little tired, but its been a long day, why?"
"There's something I wish to ask you, Kaoru," Kenshin said
nervously as he sat in the center of the dojo. "What about me do you
like?"
"Well," Kaoru said as she walked towards Kenshin and sat down
infront of him, "When I first met you, I met the Rurouni. He was kind,
gentle, and courteous. Even though sometimes he doesn't kno when to
stop talking," Kaoru said as she gave Kenshin one of her 'looks'.
"Then I met Battousai. He was a fierce, feral, no-nonsense swordsman
with a protective streak. I liked both, but... I like both of you
together as one," Kaoru said with a smile.
"I'm glad," Kenshin responded as his head moved in towards Kaoru
and he lightly kissed her lips. Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise and
Kenshin pulled back. "Oro? Did I do something wrong, Kaoru?" Kenshin
asked as he sensed Kaoru's fear.
"Its not you, Kenshin. You surprised me, that's all," Kaoru
answered, "Here, try again,"
"Oro! But the mood is gone, Kaoru," Kenshin replied. Kaoru's
eyes narrowed.
"C'mon, Kenshin, KISS ME!" Kaoru shouted.
"Oro? Kaoru, but the mood is past!" Kenshin answered again as
he stood up and started to inch towards the door.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru shouted as she grabbed her shinai, "I said KISS
ME!" Kenshin ran out of the door and Kaoru followed. "I want you to
kiss me so come back here!"
The gates opened and Misao and Aoshi stepped in the courtyard
and were greeting by the sight of Kaoru chasing Kenshin around the
house, waving her shinai.
"Kenshin, you come back here and kiss me!" Kaoru shouted again.
Kenshin vanished from sight and Kaoru was surprised when he reappeared
right in front of her.
"Like this?" Kenshin said as he gave Kaoru a quick peck on the
lips. Kaoru blushed and let go of her shinai.
"Yeah," Kaoru replied. "Like that." Kaoru looked at the gate
and saw Misao covered in mud. "Misao-chan! How could you mess up the
kimono I got for you?"
"Its not my fault, Kaoru-san!" Misao replied. "I couldn't see
the mud in the dark and I fell in. Can I please use the bath?"
"Oh, alright," Kaoru said. "But you better wash that kimono
out too!"
***
Heri Gai, a shinto priest, stood infront of the dojo the next
morning with his good friend Hiko Sejiro. "So your pupil can't find a
priest that'll marry him to his gal?" Gai asked Hiko as he passed the
larger man a jug of sake. Hiko took the jug and a small sip.
"That about sums it. Now him and his girl would probably want
you sober for the ceremony, so lay off until the reception," Hiko said.
"You're one to talk, buddy!" Gai responded as he slapped Hiko on
the shoulder and laughed annoyingly. "Remember that bet we had on who
could down the most jugs?"
"The one where you puked all over the couple you were supposed
to marry that day?" Hiko pointed out, then chuckled himself. The gates
opened and Gai was greeted by Kenshin and Kaoru.
"Hello, Master!" Kenshin said with a bow. "Is this the priest?
He doesn't look as bad as I figured,"
"Kenshin!" Kaoru said as she slapped him on the arm. "Welcome
to my dojo," Kaoru said as she greeted the priest.
"Ah, good good, thanks," The priest said as he walked into the
courtyard. He looked around for a few minutes, then spoke again.
"First off, my payment will be seven, no wait, eight jugs of sake, not
counting whatever I consume as I stay here and perform the ceremony. I
also need a set of fresh robes and five meals a day,"
"Eh?" Kaoru said in confusion. Hiko chuckled and shrugged.
"Kenshin, may I talk to you in the dojo?" Kaoru asked as she grabbed
Kenshin's arm and dragged him into the dojo.
"What's wrong, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked.
"That priest's nuts!" Kaoru replied. "I knew it! Anyone that
can stand a long relationship with your master must have a mental
defect!" Kaoru saw a slightly hurt look in Kenshin's eyes. "Well, not
YOU Kenshin, just that priest,"
"He's the only one that will perform the ceremony on such short
notice," Kenshin pointed out, "Or at all,"
"Fine, but one false move and he's out!" Kaoru said as she made
her point final.
***
Well, time for Chapter 16! I'm trying to draw the scene of Kaoru's
victory from Chapter 14. I'll put it on my website as soon as its
done(which will be a LONNNNG TIME, unless a talented artist wishes to
draw it for me ^_^x). I realized I was wayy ahead of writing than
plotting thus in mid-Chapter 15 I realized I had no plot for the next
storyarc after Marriage in Tanuki to Ryuu! But that's solved and I got
a semblence of another storyarc plotted! The next villian shall be
better than Tonno Akutsa, I PROMISE! Now all I gotta do is finish the
Marriage Arc before I can test it out in the fic!
Chapter 16- Of Kimono and Priests
Kenshin looked at several of the haori available to him. He
saw a stunning haori in pure white with a marvelous dragon crest on it
and knew it was the one he wanted to be married in. With little
hesitation he purchased it from the merchant and had it wrapped.
Kenshin hoped Kaoru had the same luck with her kimono.
"I see you picked a haori," Aoshi stated as he regarded the
package under Kenshin's arm. Aoshi wore a trenchcoat, which hid his
ninja outfit quite well, but even then Kenshin could not see Aoshi's two
kodachi in their usual false nodachi sheath.
"Yeah," Kenshin answered. "You are armed, right? I can sense
it, but you aren't carrying them like usual," Kenshin looked at Aoshi
with a careful eye but could not see where the two kodachi were.
"I'm carrying them in separate sheathes," Aoshi answered. "One
on the right, one on the left. In normal clothes, it is easier to
carry them like this,"
"Ahh," Kenshin responded. "How do you think the girls are
doing?" Aoshi stopped walking and thought for a moment.
"Misao does not like the idea of wearing a kimono," Aoshi
answered. "I remember when she was younger she tried to seriously
injure Omasu over a kimono,"
***
"Well, what do you think, Misao?" Kaoru asked as she observed
her handiwork. After hours of work, Kaoru succeeded in freeing Misao's
hair from her braid and combed it into some semblence of order. Kaoru
also found a kimono small enough for Misao to wear in a dark blue.
"I can barely breathe in this thing!" Misao muttered. "And
where can I hide all my weapons?" Kaoru rolled her eyes.
"Its going to be a WEDDING, not a BATTLE," Kaoru answered.
"How many times do I have to explain it?"
"Well, I'm a ninja," Misao answered. "I'm used to always
carrying my equipment with me. Besides, you and Himura always attract
some form of trouble," Misao smiled innocently. Kaoru narrowed her
eyes slightly. Ayane walked into the house and grinned at the sight of
Misao.
"Well well, what's this?" Ayane said with a catlike grin. "The
ninja girl all dressed up. Ain't that cute?" Misao glared at Ayane.
"If I had my kunai, you'll be a pincushion right now.," Misao
said as she flexed her hand.
"Just try it, sister!" Ayane answered as she waved a fist.
Kaoru sighed and held her hands up.
"Now hold on you two!" Kaoru said. "You WILL learn how to get
along. I don't have to deal with the two of you at eachother's
throats! Now Misao-chan, you look very pretty, but something is
missing," Kaoru pondered Misao's appearance for a second. "Oh, I
know!" Kaoru exclaimed as she brought out a bright white ribbon.
"Now hold still a moment, Misao-chan. This will only take a moment.
There now, take a look, Misao-chan," Kaoru said as she motioned to the
mirror.
What Misao saw looked almost like another girl entirely. Her
long dark hair had a bright white ribbon tied in the top, giving her a
ponytail and her long hair cascaded down to where her knees were. The
kimono itself had a light floral pattern and was a dark blue very much
like her ninja clothes. "This is what I look like? Wow, its like I'm
a totally different person!" Misao said as she walked towards the mirror
and touched it. She frowned slightly as she noticed she had to take
small steps. "But don't count on this being a usual look for me,
Kaoru-san! And stop giggling at me, Ayane!"
"I can't help it!" Ayane answered with a wide grin. "You had
NO idea what you looked like! I bet that even your stone-faced
boyfriend wouldn't know its you!"
"Aoshi-sama is NOT stonefaced!" Misao shouted back. "But, it
would be interesting to see if he noticed or not," At that moment, the
gates were opened and Kenshin's greeting was heard. "Ohhh, great!
I'll surprise them!" Misao said with a grin as she walked out into the
courtyard.
"Misao-dono, is that you?" Kenshin asked as he saw the young
girl walk out of the house.
"Ohh, darn Himura!" Misao said, "I was hoping Aoshi-sama
wouldn't notice it was me!"
"You look very nice, Misao," Aoshi said as he regarded his
companion. "Very... elegant,"
"REALLY?" Misao said with an enthusiastic smile on her face and
jumped up and down in exitement. Aoshi nodded without expression.
"Oh, thank you Aoshi-sama! Maybe you can take me out to dinner
tonight?"
"It would be best," Aoshi answered. "Afterall, its best if we
do not impose on our gratious hosts. Where would you like to go?"
Misao grinned and hopped some more in happiness.
"How about the Akebeko? I heard many fine things about it from
Sae back in Kyoto!" Misao chirped.
"Very well," Aoshi responded. He then looked at his hosts and
said, "Misao and I will be back later tonight," Misao couldn't believe
it. Her first date with Aoshi.
"See you!" Misao said as she waved out of the gates with Aoshi.
"Will they be alright?" Kaoru asked Kenshin. Kenshin grinned
and nodded.
"They both have an element that the other needs, Kaoru. Kind
of like us," Kenshin said as he looked at Kaoru. Kaoru blushed and
turned her head away in embarassment. "Oro? Did I say something
wrong, Kaoru?"
"No, its not that," Kaoru answered. "Its just that I get
nervous when you look at me like that," Kenshin felt someone staring
at the two of them in interest, as did Kaoru, and they both turned
around and saw Ayane staring at them.
"Oh, don't mind me," Ayane said with a grin. "Just keep
going,"
"Ayane!" Kaoru exclaimed, "Is my lovelife THAT interesting to
you?" Ayane nodded and Kaoru sighed. "Well, I'll give you updates if
you give us privacy, alright?"
"I guess," Ayane muttered, then grinned. "Well, you two can
always use the dojo for privacy. I'll get started on the laundry,"
Ayane walked away from the pair and into the house.
"That reminds me! I didn't get any practice today!" Kaoru
announced. "Kenshin, care to help?"
"Alright, Kaoru," Kenshin answered.
"Good, I'll change!" Kaoru said as she walked back into the
house.
***
The streets of Tokyo were lit with many lamps as Aoshi and Misao
walked back to the Kamiya dojo after dinner at the Akebeko. "They sure
have good food in Tokyo, don't they, Aoshi-sama?" Misao asked with a
smile as she hung off Aoshi's arm.
"It certainly was enjoyable," Aoshi responded with no waver in
his expression. Misao jumped infront of Aoshi and started to twirl
around.
"Maybe I should wear a kimono more. It certainly feels nice to
be elegant," Misao said happily as she skipped ahead. Without warning,
Misao slipped and fell into a small patch of mud. "Ouch!" Misao
muttered, then looked at the mud that covered her kimono and her hair.
"Oh no! Kaoru-san will kill me!" She then looked up and saw Aoshi
had the faintest smile on his face. "Oh, THIS is funny? I tell you
jokes for months and not even a crack but THIS is funny?" Misao
grabbed a handful of mud and threw it at Aoshi. Aoshi side-stepped out
of the path of the mudball and his face regained its composure.
"Dammit! Who threw mud in my face?" an irate voice yelled from
behind Aoshi. Misao quickly stood up and tried to wipe as much mud as
possible off her clothes. The poor victim of Misao's mudball was a
well-built man with a shrewd face and carried a cane-sword in his left
hand. "You going to apologize, little lady? Or should I slice you
right now?" the man said as he drew his blade. "Better yet, how about
a night together, huh?" Misao's eyes were wide as she realized that
she was at a great disadvantage without her kunai and mobility. The
man stopped short when Aoshi grabbed him on the shoulder.
"I suggest you put that blade back in its sheath and leave Misao
alone," Aoshi said, his voice with an edge of hostility and the air got
colder.
"Listen buddy," the rude man continued, "That girl threw mud at
me! I demand compensation!"
"You will get it, but not in that way," Aoshi responded. "Now
put the blade away and perhaps I can pay for your clothes," The man
ignored Aoshi's offer and tried to make a swing at the ninja in the
trenchcoat. Aoshi swiftly punched the man in the face with enough
force to push the limp body against a building. "Its best if we
leave," Aoshi said as he held out a hand to Misao.
"Right. Thanks Aoshi-sama!" Misao chirped as she gave Aoshi a
small peck on the cheek. A small blush appeared on Aoshi's face and
the two of them hurried back to the dojo.
***
"Try harder, Kaoru!" Kenshin said as he blocked another of
Kaoru's swings with a shinai. "You almost have it!" Kaoru remained
silent and made another swing at Kenshin. He blocked again and walked
around her slowly.
"Alright, I think that's enough practice for today," Kaoru said
as she held up a hand. "Thanks Kenshin for the session!" Kaoru
grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off her forehead and neck. "I'll
be in the bath for a little bit,"
"Wait," Kenshin said. "How are you feeling?"
Kaoru shrugged, "A little tired, but its been a long day, why?"
"There's something I wish to ask you, Kaoru," Kenshin said
nervously as he sat in the center of the dojo. "What about me do you
like?"
"Well," Kaoru said as she walked towards Kenshin and sat down
infront of him, "When I first met you, I met the Rurouni. He was kind,
gentle, and courteous. Even though sometimes he doesn't kno when to
stop talking," Kaoru said as she gave Kenshin one of her 'looks'.
"Then I met Battousai. He was a fierce, feral, no-nonsense swordsman
with a protective streak. I liked both, but... I like both of you
together as one," Kaoru said with a smile.
"I'm glad," Kenshin responded as his head moved in towards Kaoru
and he lightly kissed her lips. Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise and
Kenshin pulled back. "Oro? Did I do something wrong, Kaoru?" Kenshin
asked as he sensed Kaoru's fear.
"Its not you, Kenshin. You surprised me, that's all," Kaoru
answered, "Here, try again,"
"Oro! But the mood is gone, Kaoru," Kenshin replied. Kaoru's
eyes narrowed.
"C'mon, Kenshin, KISS ME!" Kaoru shouted.
"Oro? Kaoru, but the mood is past!" Kenshin answered again as
he stood up and started to inch towards the door.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru shouted as she grabbed her shinai, "I said KISS
ME!" Kenshin ran out of the door and Kaoru followed. "I want you to
kiss me so come back here!"
The gates opened and Misao and Aoshi stepped in the courtyard
and were greeting by the sight of Kaoru chasing Kenshin around the
house, waving her shinai.
"Kenshin, you come back here and kiss me!" Kaoru shouted again.
Kenshin vanished from sight and Kaoru was surprised when he reappeared
right in front of her.
"Like this?" Kenshin said as he gave Kaoru a quick peck on the
lips. Kaoru blushed and let go of her shinai.
"Yeah," Kaoru replied. "Like that." Kaoru looked at the gate
and saw Misao covered in mud. "Misao-chan! How could you mess up the
kimono I got for you?"
"Its not my fault, Kaoru-san!" Misao replied. "I couldn't see
the mud in the dark and I fell in. Can I please use the bath?"
"Oh, alright," Kaoru said. "But you better wash that kimono
out too!"
***
Heri Gai, a shinto priest, stood infront of the dojo the next
morning with his good friend Hiko Sejiro. "So your pupil can't find a
priest that'll marry him to his gal?" Gai asked Hiko as he passed the
larger man a jug of sake. Hiko took the jug and a small sip.
"That about sums it. Now him and his girl would probably want
you sober for the ceremony, so lay off until the reception," Hiko said.
"You're one to talk, buddy!" Gai responded as he slapped Hiko on
the shoulder and laughed annoyingly. "Remember that bet we had on who
could down the most jugs?"
"The one where you puked all over the couple you were supposed
to marry that day?" Hiko pointed out, then chuckled himself. The gates
opened and Gai was greeted by Kenshin and Kaoru.
"Hello, Master!" Kenshin said with a bow. "Is this the priest?
He doesn't look as bad as I figured,"
"Kenshin!" Kaoru said as she slapped him on the arm. "Welcome
to my dojo," Kaoru said as she greeted the priest.
"Ah, good good, thanks," The priest said as he walked into the
courtyard. He looked around for a few minutes, then spoke again.
"First off, my payment will be seven, no wait, eight jugs of sake, not
counting whatever I consume as I stay here and perform the ceremony. I
also need a set of fresh robes and five meals a day,"
"Eh?" Kaoru said in confusion. Hiko chuckled and shrugged.
"Kenshin, may I talk to you in the dojo?" Kaoru asked as she grabbed
Kenshin's arm and dragged him into the dojo.
"What's wrong, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked.
"That priest's nuts!" Kaoru replied. "I knew it! Anyone that
can stand a long relationship with your master must have a mental
defect!" Kaoru saw a slightly hurt look in Kenshin's eyes. "Well, not
YOU Kenshin, just that priest,"
"He's the only one that will perform the ceremony on such short
notice," Kenshin pointed out, "Or at all,"
"Fine, but one false move and he's out!" Kaoru said as she made
her point final.
***