Hello everyone! Yay! I just finished drafting out Chp 16, so I can happily post Chp 15. I like to have a buffer of one chapter. It makes me feel safe. ?!?
DISCLAIMER: I don't own RK!
*Chapter 15*
A large white tent had been erected by the pool side, and it was cordoned off by low metal railings. Miname puzzled over the numerous large signs that proclaimed, Soul-Suck Free Zone. A placard posted just at the entrance to the tent read All equipment must be Soul-Suck disabled before being brought into this tent. Pls. see expert. Directly below the sign, a black-suited man was seated at a desk with an expresso machine in front of him. A stack of printed labels by his side declared Certified Soul-Suck Disabled. He was surreptitiously brewing himself a cup of coffee.
She glanced sideways at Kenshin and was surprised to see him nodding to himself judiciously, as if this all made sense to him. She was about to ask him to explain when Daisuke pulled aside the tent opening and waved them all inside.
The tent was a hive of activity. People were rushing about importantly in every direction, all talking at once. To the left was a makeshift changing room constructed out of black canvas. A couple of people were riffling frantically through the clothing rails that were clustered haphazardly around it. Someone else was rapidly steaming out a linen suit, whilst three other women were rushing round a dressmakers dummy, making last minute alterations to a sport jacket. Over to the right, a make up counter had been erected. A group of stylists were arguing over the huge variety of products scattered over the table, occasionally pointing to the reference sheets that were tacked all over the mirror. The activity seemed especially intense to the rear, where a knot of people were clustered. Over their heads, Miname could make out the heavy professional lighting equipment that had been set up for the shoot.
an exasperated voice soared out over the crowd, You are not attending to me!!! I wanch you to make-a LURVE to the camera - imagine it iz a bee-yoo-tiful womanh!!
You are still not attending!! Make-a LURVE. You know de lurve? L-O-V...!
This is stupid. How'm I supposed to make love to a camera? It's not shaped right. On the other hand, if you got me a real woman...
Daisuke pushed his way through the crowd. A second later they heard him calling, Let's take a ten minute break! A murmur rippled over the gathered people and the crowd started to disperse. A wiry man with a long grey pony tail hurried by them on his way to the exit. Vise guy, he sniffed, fiddling with the large camera that he held. It bore one of the Soul-suck disabled labels.
The room emptied gradually and they were able to see to the back of the tent, where the thick white canvas had been cut away, giving view to the swimming pool. Panels of gauzy fabric in deep colours had been draped to frame the opening and an array of cane furniture and other decorative items had been artfully arranged on the timber decking to give a casual Balinese-resort feel. Sano was sitting cross-legged on one of the chairs, tucking cheerfully into a chocolate sundae as he flipped through a magazine.
Kenshin and Miname drew nearer. Kenshin called tentatively.
Sano looked around hurriedly, KENSHIN! I FOUND YOU!! He threw aside the magazine with gusto and leapt off the platform, seizing his friend by the shoulder and shaking him happily. His other hand continued to hold the sundae in a vice-like grip.
Sessha is pleased to see you too, but do you mind? Sessha prefers to go back with a full set of teeth de gozaru. Kenshin placed his hand on Sano's arm to steady himself, but he was smiling affectionately.
Go back? Go back where? Daisuke had been observing the two of them from the side with narrowed eyes. You're not a fan, he accused Kenshin.
Of course he's not a fan, can't you see he's a human being? Sano slapped Kenshin heartily on the shoulder. Aoshi, maybe I shouldn't be lecturing you because I have no idea what it's like being a spirit, but - you can't be that disoriented. He elbowed Kenshin, Right, Kenshin?
Kenshin asked faintly.
Sure - Aoshi, Sano said gesturing at Daisuke. He shovelled a large scoopful of ice-cream into his mouth, i knewd id wad hib the bobben I sawb.. he gulped noisily,-him. It's sad that he's dead - we really should make a trip to Kyoto and comfort Misao. Scuse me, he released a delicate burp.
Wait a minute - Miname pushed her way in front of Sano. Did I hear you correctly? You think that Daisuke's the spirit of a dead friend?
Sano waved his index finger at her, I don't just think, I know. He told me so himself.
Oh, did he. Miname turned to face Daisuke with a glint in her eye. Daisuke's ears turned red.
Sano, that's not Aoshi's spirit de gozaran Kenshin was also looking sternly at Daisuke. And we're not in the Meiji - we've actually travelled into the future.
Sano tilted his head back and poured the dregs of the sundae down his throat. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He thought for a few seconds.
he slammed the glass down on a table, glaring at Daisuke, That means you lied!!!
Daisuke shook his head in disbelief. Travelled into the future? Are you telling me the two of you are from the past? The Meiji era? He crossed his arms as he addressed Kenshin, I'm sorry, that's just not possible. Sano is obviously mentally disturbed, and I guess you must be too. Miname, you don't believe them do you?
Miname sighed in frustration. Do you remember the day in the woods? When you tried to take my pendant? She lifted the pendant up, Didn't you see and hear something strange - a loud noise, the bright light? I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but when I grabbed this, it brought Kenshin into the present. Everything he said is true - I believe it. I believe them. Kenshin shot her a grateful look.
Daisuke was still shaking his head. I don't care about the small red one, (Kenshin: ) but Sano's important to my company. I'll suspend my beliefs and accept that the red one's from the past. But that doesn't explain how Sano got here...
It was a voodoo ritual! Sano had his hands on his hips. Come on, Aoshi ... or whoever you are, I told you that already.
You're mentally unsound! Daisuke snapped. They seemed to have reached an impasse and were silent for awhile.
Finally, Daisuke lifted his head and announced, I've thought of something. He whipped out his cellphone and speed dialled. Bring my history text book here, will you? Thanks. The book was delivered shortly by yet another black-suited man.
Here's the test, Daisuke gestured for them all to be seated on the platform. We've been studying the Meiji era in school. He waved the textbook in front of their eyes. If Sano is able to answer some questions about the era, it'll prove he's not mentally unsound. If that's the case, then I'll take it on faith that you guys aren't lying to me and that he really is from the past. What year did you think you're from again?
1881, Meiji 13, sighed Kenshin wearily. He was recalling his own interrogation at Natsumi's hands.
Daisuke nodded and opened his book. He turned to face Sano. Right. Who's the first emperor? I mean, not his assumed title. His real name.
supplied Sano confidently. Oh, heck, no, that's the guy with the fancy pants from the army. Um...
Kenshin buried his face in his hands.
Daisuke bulldozed ahead. Next question: When was the Tosa Memorial written? What was it about?
Sano wiped the sweat beading on his forehead. The Tosa Memorial was written by...a guy from Tosa? Uh.. .it was about ... government things. Meiji stuff.
Daisuke shut the book with a fed-up expression on his face.
No, come on!! Sano was getting agitated, How d'you expect me to know all that stuff? I know other stuff... okay, how's this - the white guy, Perry and the ships in Tokyo bay. That was in umm... about 20 years ago... And do you want to hear about Sagara taicho, and the Sekihoutai?... Okubo Toshimichi? - he was assassinated two years ago and Kenshin took out the scumbag who was behind it!!!
A light bulb went off in Miname's head. She slammed her fist into her palm. The hushed up rebellion! she exclaimed, recalling the work she had done for her essay on Kenshin. 1879! Two years before 1881. Daisuke, that proves it...
Okubo.. Toshimichi... Daisuke thumbed through the indexes in his textbook. Page 275. He looked up before turning to it. This is it, he warned, I'm not wasting anymore time on this if you're wrong. He flipped the pages and studied what was written there. He looked up again. He shut his book and tossed it aside. Oh all right, you're not mentally unsound, he grumbled.
Then you believe us? Miname jumped up joyfully.
Daisuke frowned. I gave you my word right? I said that if I decided Sano wasn't mentally unsound, that I'd take it on faith that you're not lying to me and that they really are from the past?
I know... Miname's eyes travelled around the elaborate set up in the tent and wandered at the cost. But your marketing campaign was going so well and I know that you needed Sano to turn the company around. If you believe us, he'll be leaving this place, and that would be the end of it...
Daisuke had stuffed both his hands into his pockets and was also considering the set. Oh well - maybe it's not as bad as I think it is, he admitted. We've been working so hard over the past two weeks - I think we've got enough material for this season's campaign.
He looked out over the swimming pool, Besides, I've heard that the sales in our stores have picked up strongly ever since we released the initial ads. I think the quality of our products will keep the customers coming in after this initial hook. He turned to look at her and grinned a little foolishly, Also, my dad was pretty impressed with my work this round. He says he'll take my inputs seriously from now, and that's all I really wanted to achieve. I'm sure I'll be able to come up with another successful marketing strategy for the label - one that won't need Sano.
Miname found herself smiling back at Daisuke. She tossed her head quickly and looked at her feet. Well, thanks, she said awkwardly. I guess you're not such a jerk after all. Ack, open mouth, insert foot, she thought, kicking herself mentally.
He shrugged again, I guess I can live with having you in our class, he mumbled. He coughed then stuck out his hand.
Oh, I know what you're supposed to do, Sano piped up knowingly, I saw it on that box in my room last night. You have to spit on his hand and wring it,
They both ignored him, Yeah, I guess, Miname took his hand and shook it, pleased.
*****
Don't you think we're a little conspicuous? Image-conscious Daisuke grumbled as he glanced around him several times.
You don't have to be here if you don't want to, Miname glared at him. Anyway, who's looking at you?
They were in the park surrounding Edo-jo, Kenshin and Sano in their own clothes, ready to use the pendant. Natsumi had also come to see them off on her way to yet another cram class, her bicycle leaned against the side of a tree. They had decided to use the grounds at the Edo-jo as they had both been past it countless times in the past. The dojo would have been a more definite location, but Kenshin was reluctant to subject Kazuo to more scares than were necessary.
He was also thrilled to have been reunited with his sakabatou at last.
Sano gnawed happily on a blade of grass, I guess we're about ready to go.
Daisuke grunted. Are you sure you want to go back? I could make you into a huge star. He spread his hands in the sky, I had it all planned - I'd find another three good looking guys, make a boy band out of you... Think of the spin-offs! Commercials, TV serials, movies, concerts, CDs... he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. And you'd wear only ... You'd be rich and have women falling at your feet.
Sano spat out the chewed up blade and searched through the grasses for another. he smirked, popping a replacement into his mouth, I came here to find Kenshin and now I've done it - Kenshin shook his head in resignation, - I just want to go home.
Kenshin turned towards Miname. Miname-dono, thank you for the pendant. I'm sorry we won't be able to return it to you. And - thank you very much for your help - , he bowed, then straightened smiling warmly. Without you...
Oh shut up and go back already, Miname waved him away hurriedly, pleased inspite of herself. You're such a pain. Don't worry about the pendant. And - she turned a deep pink, arigatou. For... she thought of all the things that had changed since his arrival and couldn't begin to think of words to express them, - stuff.
And Natsumi-dono...
No need to thank me, Himura-san. Although... Natsumi looked appraisingly at the pendant Kenshin was holding in his hand. She turned to Miname and her voice took on a wheedling tone. You know, before they go back... she said, do you think I could use it? I mean, we could bring Katsura-sama here - just for ten minutes....It would be so - educational.
Er... Sessha thinks we should go back right now de gozaru, Kenshin wasn't sure how we would handle facing his ex-boss in the present. There are people expecting us, and we've kept them waiting long enough...'
*****
Notes: Wow - that went on longer than I thought it would. So I've split my chapter in two...
Ryulabird: Welll... I've tried to make Sano come off as both looking good AND also being tortured in this chapter ^_^
jay & Bob the Almighty: Here's the next chapter at last - hope you enjoy this too ^_^
faerie-chan: Argh - don't get me started on his abs again...(scrubs thought out of mind)
NightRain: Poor Miname ^_^ - but she really does have a big mouth... Daisuke's not so bad I think...
kyanos: In a pure looks only contest - would you go for Kenshin over Sano? I dunno myself... but I went with my very first reaction ^_^. When I saw a vcd with Kenshin & Kaoru on the cover, my first thought was, Ew, I'm not watching an anime about two cross-dressing girls... (I've also apologised to my pc, and it decided to forgive me)
Akaikitsune: Heehee! Definately !!!
