~*Multi-Chapter Fic*~
Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic
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Rurouni Kenshin & Samurai X Original Japanese Version ©N. Watsuki/Shueisha * Fuji-TV * SME Visual Works Inc. * Sony Pictures Entertainment
All Fanfics created by Chiruken (me) were written for the sole purpose of shared entertainment and not intended for publication or sale.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
New Paths, Old Roads and Unlikely Allies
Fanfic By: Chiruken
Chapter 3
~Winter~
"Hey, you! Stop!" I halt precariously on the top step and look up at the shouted command. "What do you think you're doin'? Don't you know it's illegal to carry a katana in the Meiji Era?"
"Oro?" I stamp down ruthlessly on my fraying temper. This is neither the time nor the place to give in to the rage roiling inside me. "I have come to see Assistant Inspector Fujita, that I have."
"I don't care if you're meetin' with Yamagata-sama himself. Under Meiji law it's illegal for civilians to carry a katana and it's my duty to place you under arrest."
I growl in irritation. "I don't have time for this. Stand aside. You can arrest me later, after I've spoken to Fujita."
"You mock the authority of the Keishichou?! You dare to resist arrest?"
I throw my hands up in exasperation. "What is it with you officers anyway? Stubborn, pig-headed idiots. Out of my way, I'm in a hurry. I'll be in Assistant Inspector Fujita's office if you still want to arrest me later. For now, either you move or I go through you. It's up to you." I don't bother waiting for him to stop spluttering. Using the speed of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu I dash past him, dodging his furious swing of a nasty looking jitte with laughable ease. "Remember, I'll be in Fujita's office." Now, where was Saito's office? Left? Right? I look in both directions not slowing my pace and nod decisively. That way.
"Hey, you! Stop!" Uh-oh. Him again. "Stop him! He's resisting arrest!"
I halt at the door to Saito's office and turn to face what appears to be a small army of police officers. I groan inwardly. I sure hope Saito is here, otherwise I might be in a bit of trouble. I have no desire to hurt anyone---well, maybe ONE person---least of all men upholding the law, but I am NOT about to let them detain me. "Now, now---please be reasonable about this. I'm already having a bad day and I truly don't wish to cause any trouble, that I do not. However, if you insist on aggravating me further---" I narrow my eyes, shifty my grip on my saya, and grasp the hilt of my sakabatou. "I will not be responsible for the consequences. I have given you fair warning, explained my reason for being here, and agreed to place myself in your custody just as soon as I've completed my task."
The door behind me opens abruptly and in the ensuing silence I turn to the side, not relaxing my stance. "What is going on out here?" Saito glares at me. "What do you want, Himura?"
I smile tightly and bow mockingly. "Good morning, Fujita. Lovely day, isn't it? I'm gratified to see you in good health and fine humor."
His eyes narrow suspiciously. "I assume there is a perfectly logical explanation of why you have my men in an uproar." I hold up my sakabatou by way of explanation. His lips twitch with amusement. "I see. The illegal bearing of arms, is it? I told you, Himura, that it would catch up with you." He leans against the doorframe and folds his arms across his chest. "Obviously you weren't paying attention. Is there a good reason why you insisted on entering the headquarters of the Keishichou armed with an illegal weapon?"
I nod emphatically. "Yes, there is. I came to see you."
His eyebrows rise in surprise. Can't say I blame him for being astonished by my unexpected announcement. I'm probably the last person he expected to purposely seek him out. "I assume this isn't a social visit." I shake my head slowly. "Fine. Come in, it's more private than out here." He turns to the glaring officers gathered in the hall. "Himura-san is to be allowed to leave unmolested when he's ready. Dismissed."
"Thank you, Saito." I murmur the words for his ears alone.
He snorts derisively as he shuts the door with a click. "Don't make me regret it later, Battousai. What do you want?"
"I need your help." I mutter it as I stare at the floor.
"What?" It appears he didn't hear me.
"I said, I need your help." I look up and raise my voice slightly.
"That's what I thought you said. What could possibly prompt Hitokiri Battousai to come to me, of all people, for assistance?"
"Desperation, that's what." I grumble crossly.
"Obviously, ahou." I scowl at him but hold a nasty retort in---barely. "What happened?" He perches on the corner of his desk and lights a cigarette. I proceed to give him a detailed explanation of what occurred two days ago up to the present. When I finish, he's staring at me in disbelief. "It seems to me you don't need my help at all, Battousai. If you want my advice---"
"Do I have a choice?" I mutter under my breath.
He ignores my sarcastic comments and continues as if I didn't say anything. "---You'll take the tanuki girl over your knee and give her a much deserved lesson in discipline and then throw this Matsumoto out on his ear."
"Believe me, Saito, the thought has crossed my mind." I state it grimly. "I've had about all I can take, but---" I pause and stare out the window sightlessly.
"You can't bring yourself to raise a hand to Kamiya Kaoru." He joins me at the window. "Then at least get rid of Matsumoto."
I frown down at the street. "Saito---why would someone feel the necessity of concealing a katana in an umbrella of all things?"
"I see. So, that's what's bothering you, is it? This unknown Matsumoto makes the hitokiri in you uneasy." I nod sharply, not bothering to try to deny the truth.
"He's one contradiction after another. Nothing about him makes sense. Who is he? What does he want?" I scrub my face wearily. "Why won't he just LEAVE?"
"Has it occurred to you that perhaps he's after marriage?" I blink up at him uncertainly. "Perhaps he's a suitor intending to court and marry Kaoru-chan." I stare at him too horrified for words. "Breathe, Battousai."
I draw in a breath on a shallow gasp and glare at him. "That isn't amusing, Saito."
"No, I don't suppose it is from your perspective. So, tell me, what do you plan to do about it?"
"I want to know who he is, Saito. I don't particularly care one way or another if he wants to marry Kaoru. It will not happen, not as long as I draw breath." I bite the words out through clenched teeth.
He chuckles, clearly amuse by my display of temper. "This is becoming very interesting, Battousai. This Matsumoto is succeeding where others, myself included, failed. He's drawing the hitokiri up from the depths of your soul. How long do you think it'll be before you just kill him and be done with it?"
"At this rate?" He nods and stubs his cigarette out in an overflowing ashtray. "A day---maybe, if he's lucky." It galls me to admit he's correct in his assessment, but the truth is the truth no matter how I may wish to look at it.
He sobers instantly. "You're serious, aren't you." It isn't a question, so I don't bother answering. "Now that the moment has finally come, I find myself curiously reluctant to see you throw the past twelve years of your life away. Don't kill him, Battousai. It would be a mistake."
"Don't you think I KNOW that?" I throw my hands up in frustration and begin pacing. "But so help me, I can't take another day of his insufferable demands." I stop and level a venomous look in the general direction of the doujou. "I am no one's slave." It comes out in a low, dangerous growl.
"I'll get you the information you want, Battousai, on one condition."
I'm instantly wary. "Such as?" I don't trust Saito, that I do not. He's about as slimy as pond scum and equally pleasant to be around.
"You own me a favor, to be collected at my discretion."
Several moments pass in silence as I fight to not reject his ultimatum out right. "Very well, Saito. I know I'm goin to regret this, but I agree to your terms."
"Good. Think you can manage to not kill him for a couple of days?" I nod glumly, already regretting my decision. "I'll have the information no later than the day after tomorrow. I will go to the Kamiya Doujou in person, so there'll be no need for a repeat performance of today. Until then, Battousai."
"Thank you, Saito." I execute a respectful bow and leave before he remembers himself and begins insulting me.
I return to the doujou, dismayed that it's only mid-afternoon. Still plenty of time for Matsumoto to aggravate me today. I step through the gate and pause in mid-step, eyes narrowed in consideration. I've made the decision already and though this isn't exactly how I intended to go about things, it certainly is an opportune time to begin.
I straighten my back, feeling as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and stride across the yard, a self-satisfied smile slowly forming. Well, won't this be a surprise, hmm? The timid little rurouni actually has the courage to assert himself after all---I mentally rub my hands together with malicious glee. Kaoru just might throw ME out on my ear after today, but at the moment---I don't particularly care. I can still watch over her even if it's from a nearby tree.
"Hey, Kenshin! You're back." Yahiko halts and looks at me closely. "You all right?"
"Of course, Yahiko. Infinitely better than before."
"Where'd you go anyway? Kaoru's furious and Matsumoto's gloatin'."
"Really?" I tilt my head to the side and grin at him with a conspiratorial wink. "Good." I ignore his surprise and continue. "I think it's well past time for someone to have an---" I pause and smile. Judging by the way Yahiko recoils it's probably a most unpleasant smile. "Awakening of sorts." I finish with wicked anticipation.
"Um---Kenshin---are you sure you're all right? You're really actin' strange."
"Don't worry about it, Yahiko. Things are about to get---" My smile widens with fiendish eagerness as I contemplate my own personal revolution. "Interesting." I can see Kaoru and Matsumoto sitting on the engawa---presumably drinking tea. I pause and tuck my sakabatou through the ties of my hakama at my side. It has been a while since I carried a katana in this fashion. I stopped doing so because of not wishing to intimidate anyone. Today is a good day to change that attitude.
I draw in a deep breath and hold it, slowly counting to ten. When I exhale, I wish a fond farewell to the rurouni I had been for over a decade. It was fun while it lasted, but I think this is going to be even more fun---for me at least. Somehow, I don't think Matsumoto is going to be very amused---not that I care.
I stalk towards the engawa, my steps the silent and once deadly tread of a hitokiri. It's well past time for someone to be reminded of a fundamental truth in life---one that never changes with time. Appearance changes as do outlooks on life; attitudes can be altered as well as mannerisms. However, as Jinei so kindly pointed out, Saito repeated, and Shishio attempted to prove---once a hitokiri always a hitokiri until the day he dies.
Kaoru and Matsumoto look up, shocked by my apparently sudden arrival. Yes, Kaoru does look furious and Matsumoto certainly does appear to be gloating. I smile coldly and rest my hand on the hilt of my sakabatou. "I'm home." I say the word softly, almost gently---only I'm no longer using my habitual exaggerated polite formality. Kaoru's eyes widen and she studies me closely while Matsumoto smirks.
"Good. Fetch my haori, boy." Kaoru stares at him in open mouthed shock. Oh yes, Kaoru. He speaks this way to me when you aren't within hearing. He must be very sure of his position now, wouldn't you say?
I allow my smile to fade and level a deadly calm look at him. He blinks and scowls at my slowness to obey. I lean closer and lower my voice to the lethal tones I used in Kyoto during the revolution. "No. Get it yourself." With each carefully enunciated syllable, I note with cold amusement that he just doesn't get it yet. He doesn't realize how truly precarious his position is becoming.
"What did you say? How dare you, a mere servant, disobey me!"
I ignore Kaoru's sharp intake of breath. Oh yes, he certainly HAS forgotten the rules of this game. I thumb my sakabatou part way out of its saya. "I believe you have forgotten in which era you are now living, Matsumoto. I will remind you. This is the twelfth year of the Meiji Era. The four classes have been abolished. Slavery no longer exists. Your concealed katana is illegal. Get your own haori."
"Kenshin---" I glance at her and she falls silent, biting her lower lip nervously.
"Why you obnoxious pest!" He grabs his umbrella and stands, reaching to draw the concealed katana.
"Don't. It would be a very unwise decision for you to draw that katana. You do not realize how very uncertain your future is at this moment. I will give you one last warning. If you draw that katana, your death is assured. Do not tempt me further." I see no reason for Matsumoto to know that I don't intend to actually follow through on the threat at the moment.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Despite his belligerent tone, his fear is almost palatable. Good. It may be a petty victory, but maybe he'll take the hint and behave more courteously now.
"Himura Kenshin. You have forgotten honor, Matsumoto, and somehow lost your intelligence in the process." I lean closer and smile coldly into his terrified eyes. "You forgot the basic rule of survival." I lower my voice to a growl. "Never---piss off---an assassin." He squeaks as his eyes roll up in his head and he falls backwards in a dead faint.
**To Be Continued---**
***
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Definitions:
Keishichou: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
Jitte: forked dirk (a short blade used to deflect thrusts with a hook on one side used to catch and break attacking swords; a variant of the two-hooked sai)
Saya: sheath, scabbard
Ahou: moron
Tanuki: raccoon-like animal indigenous to Japan
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Author's Notes:
1.Matsumoto is definitely not the sharpest knife in the drawer---hehehe!
Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rurouni Kenshin & Samurai X Original Japanese Version ©N. Watsuki/Shueisha * Fuji-TV * SME Visual Works Inc. * Sony Pictures Entertainment
All Fanfics created by Chiruken (me) were written for the sole purpose of shared entertainment and not intended for publication or sale.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
New Paths, Old Roads and Unlikely Allies
Fanfic By: Chiruken
Chapter 3
~Winter~
"Hey, you! Stop!" I halt precariously on the top step and look up at the shouted command. "What do you think you're doin'? Don't you know it's illegal to carry a katana in the Meiji Era?"
"Oro?" I stamp down ruthlessly on my fraying temper. This is neither the time nor the place to give in to the rage roiling inside me. "I have come to see Assistant Inspector Fujita, that I have."
"I don't care if you're meetin' with Yamagata-sama himself. Under Meiji law it's illegal for civilians to carry a katana and it's my duty to place you under arrest."
I growl in irritation. "I don't have time for this. Stand aside. You can arrest me later, after I've spoken to Fujita."
"You mock the authority of the Keishichou?! You dare to resist arrest?"
I throw my hands up in exasperation. "What is it with you officers anyway? Stubborn, pig-headed idiots. Out of my way, I'm in a hurry. I'll be in Assistant Inspector Fujita's office if you still want to arrest me later. For now, either you move or I go through you. It's up to you." I don't bother waiting for him to stop spluttering. Using the speed of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu I dash past him, dodging his furious swing of a nasty looking jitte with laughable ease. "Remember, I'll be in Fujita's office." Now, where was Saito's office? Left? Right? I look in both directions not slowing my pace and nod decisively. That way.
"Hey, you! Stop!" Uh-oh. Him again. "Stop him! He's resisting arrest!"
I halt at the door to Saito's office and turn to face what appears to be a small army of police officers. I groan inwardly. I sure hope Saito is here, otherwise I might be in a bit of trouble. I have no desire to hurt anyone---well, maybe ONE person---least of all men upholding the law, but I am NOT about to let them detain me. "Now, now---please be reasonable about this. I'm already having a bad day and I truly don't wish to cause any trouble, that I do not. However, if you insist on aggravating me further---" I narrow my eyes, shifty my grip on my saya, and grasp the hilt of my sakabatou. "I will not be responsible for the consequences. I have given you fair warning, explained my reason for being here, and agreed to place myself in your custody just as soon as I've completed my task."
The door behind me opens abruptly and in the ensuing silence I turn to the side, not relaxing my stance. "What is going on out here?" Saito glares at me. "What do you want, Himura?"
I smile tightly and bow mockingly. "Good morning, Fujita. Lovely day, isn't it? I'm gratified to see you in good health and fine humor."
His eyes narrow suspiciously. "I assume there is a perfectly logical explanation of why you have my men in an uproar." I hold up my sakabatou by way of explanation. His lips twitch with amusement. "I see. The illegal bearing of arms, is it? I told you, Himura, that it would catch up with you." He leans against the doorframe and folds his arms across his chest. "Obviously you weren't paying attention. Is there a good reason why you insisted on entering the headquarters of the Keishichou armed with an illegal weapon?"
I nod emphatically. "Yes, there is. I came to see you."
His eyebrows rise in surprise. Can't say I blame him for being astonished by my unexpected announcement. I'm probably the last person he expected to purposely seek him out. "I assume this isn't a social visit." I shake my head slowly. "Fine. Come in, it's more private than out here." He turns to the glaring officers gathered in the hall. "Himura-san is to be allowed to leave unmolested when he's ready. Dismissed."
"Thank you, Saito." I murmur the words for his ears alone.
He snorts derisively as he shuts the door with a click. "Don't make me regret it later, Battousai. What do you want?"
"I need your help." I mutter it as I stare at the floor.
"What?" It appears he didn't hear me.
"I said, I need your help." I look up and raise my voice slightly.
"That's what I thought you said. What could possibly prompt Hitokiri Battousai to come to me, of all people, for assistance?"
"Desperation, that's what." I grumble crossly.
"Obviously, ahou." I scowl at him but hold a nasty retort in---barely. "What happened?" He perches on the corner of his desk and lights a cigarette. I proceed to give him a detailed explanation of what occurred two days ago up to the present. When I finish, he's staring at me in disbelief. "It seems to me you don't need my help at all, Battousai. If you want my advice---"
"Do I have a choice?" I mutter under my breath.
He ignores my sarcastic comments and continues as if I didn't say anything. "---You'll take the tanuki girl over your knee and give her a much deserved lesson in discipline and then throw this Matsumoto out on his ear."
"Believe me, Saito, the thought has crossed my mind." I state it grimly. "I've had about all I can take, but---" I pause and stare out the window sightlessly.
"You can't bring yourself to raise a hand to Kamiya Kaoru." He joins me at the window. "Then at least get rid of Matsumoto."
I frown down at the street. "Saito---why would someone feel the necessity of concealing a katana in an umbrella of all things?"
"I see. So, that's what's bothering you, is it? This unknown Matsumoto makes the hitokiri in you uneasy." I nod sharply, not bothering to try to deny the truth.
"He's one contradiction after another. Nothing about him makes sense. Who is he? What does he want?" I scrub my face wearily. "Why won't he just LEAVE?"
"Has it occurred to you that perhaps he's after marriage?" I blink up at him uncertainly. "Perhaps he's a suitor intending to court and marry Kaoru-chan." I stare at him too horrified for words. "Breathe, Battousai."
I draw in a breath on a shallow gasp and glare at him. "That isn't amusing, Saito."
"No, I don't suppose it is from your perspective. So, tell me, what do you plan to do about it?"
"I want to know who he is, Saito. I don't particularly care one way or another if he wants to marry Kaoru. It will not happen, not as long as I draw breath." I bite the words out through clenched teeth.
He chuckles, clearly amuse by my display of temper. "This is becoming very interesting, Battousai. This Matsumoto is succeeding where others, myself included, failed. He's drawing the hitokiri up from the depths of your soul. How long do you think it'll be before you just kill him and be done with it?"
"At this rate?" He nods and stubs his cigarette out in an overflowing ashtray. "A day---maybe, if he's lucky." It galls me to admit he's correct in his assessment, but the truth is the truth no matter how I may wish to look at it.
He sobers instantly. "You're serious, aren't you." It isn't a question, so I don't bother answering. "Now that the moment has finally come, I find myself curiously reluctant to see you throw the past twelve years of your life away. Don't kill him, Battousai. It would be a mistake."
"Don't you think I KNOW that?" I throw my hands up in frustration and begin pacing. "But so help me, I can't take another day of his insufferable demands." I stop and level a venomous look in the general direction of the doujou. "I am no one's slave." It comes out in a low, dangerous growl.
"I'll get you the information you want, Battousai, on one condition."
I'm instantly wary. "Such as?" I don't trust Saito, that I do not. He's about as slimy as pond scum and equally pleasant to be around.
"You own me a favor, to be collected at my discretion."
Several moments pass in silence as I fight to not reject his ultimatum out right. "Very well, Saito. I know I'm goin to regret this, but I agree to your terms."
"Good. Think you can manage to not kill him for a couple of days?" I nod glumly, already regretting my decision. "I'll have the information no later than the day after tomorrow. I will go to the Kamiya Doujou in person, so there'll be no need for a repeat performance of today. Until then, Battousai."
"Thank you, Saito." I execute a respectful bow and leave before he remembers himself and begins insulting me.
I return to the doujou, dismayed that it's only mid-afternoon. Still plenty of time for Matsumoto to aggravate me today. I step through the gate and pause in mid-step, eyes narrowed in consideration. I've made the decision already and though this isn't exactly how I intended to go about things, it certainly is an opportune time to begin.
I straighten my back, feeling as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and stride across the yard, a self-satisfied smile slowly forming. Well, won't this be a surprise, hmm? The timid little rurouni actually has the courage to assert himself after all---I mentally rub my hands together with malicious glee. Kaoru just might throw ME out on my ear after today, but at the moment---I don't particularly care. I can still watch over her even if it's from a nearby tree.
"Hey, Kenshin! You're back." Yahiko halts and looks at me closely. "You all right?"
"Of course, Yahiko. Infinitely better than before."
"Where'd you go anyway? Kaoru's furious and Matsumoto's gloatin'."
"Really?" I tilt my head to the side and grin at him with a conspiratorial wink. "Good." I ignore his surprise and continue. "I think it's well past time for someone to have an---" I pause and smile. Judging by the way Yahiko recoils it's probably a most unpleasant smile. "Awakening of sorts." I finish with wicked anticipation.
"Um---Kenshin---are you sure you're all right? You're really actin' strange."
"Don't worry about it, Yahiko. Things are about to get---" My smile widens with fiendish eagerness as I contemplate my own personal revolution. "Interesting." I can see Kaoru and Matsumoto sitting on the engawa---presumably drinking tea. I pause and tuck my sakabatou through the ties of my hakama at my side. It has been a while since I carried a katana in this fashion. I stopped doing so because of not wishing to intimidate anyone. Today is a good day to change that attitude.
I draw in a deep breath and hold it, slowly counting to ten. When I exhale, I wish a fond farewell to the rurouni I had been for over a decade. It was fun while it lasted, but I think this is going to be even more fun---for me at least. Somehow, I don't think Matsumoto is going to be very amused---not that I care.
I stalk towards the engawa, my steps the silent and once deadly tread of a hitokiri. It's well past time for someone to be reminded of a fundamental truth in life---one that never changes with time. Appearance changes as do outlooks on life; attitudes can be altered as well as mannerisms. However, as Jinei so kindly pointed out, Saito repeated, and Shishio attempted to prove---once a hitokiri always a hitokiri until the day he dies.
Kaoru and Matsumoto look up, shocked by my apparently sudden arrival. Yes, Kaoru does look furious and Matsumoto certainly does appear to be gloating. I smile coldly and rest my hand on the hilt of my sakabatou. "I'm home." I say the word softly, almost gently---only I'm no longer using my habitual exaggerated polite formality. Kaoru's eyes widen and she studies me closely while Matsumoto smirks.
"Good. Fetch my haori, boy." Kaoru stares at him in open mouthed shock. Oh yes, Kaoru. He speaks this way to me when you aren't within hearing. He must be very sure of his position now, wouldn't you say?
I allow my smile to fade and level a deadly calm look at him. He blinks and scowls at my slowness to obey. I lean closer and lower my voice to the lethal tones I used in Kyoto during the revolution. "No. Get it yourself." With each carefully enunciated syllable, I note with cold amusement that he just doesn't get it yet. He doesn't realize how truly precarious his position is becoming.
"What did you say? How dare you, a mere servant, disobey me!"
I ignore Kaoru's sharp intake of breath. Oh yes, he certainly HAS forgotten the rules of this game. I thumb my sakabatou part way out of its saya. "I believe you have forgotten in which era you are now living, Matsumoto. I will remind you. This is the twelfth year of the Meiji Era. The four classes have been abolished. Slavery no longer exists. Your concealed katana is illegal. Get your own haori."
"Kenshin---" I glance at her and she falls silent, biting her lower lip nervously.
"Why you obnoxious pest!" He grabs his umbrella and stands, reaching to draw the concealed katana.
"Don't. It would be a very unwise decision for you to draw that katana. You do not realize how very uncertain your future is at this moment. I will give you one last warning. If you draw that katana, your death is assured. Do not tempt me further." I see no reason for Matsumoto to know that I don't intend to actually follow through on the threat at the moment.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Despite his belligerent tone, his fear is almost palatable. Good. It may be a petty victory, but maybe he'll take the hint and behave more courteously now.
"Himura Kenshin. You have forgotten honor, Matsumoto, and somehow lost your intelligence in the process." I lean closer and smile coldly into his terrified eyes. "You forgot the basic rule of survival." I lower my voice to a growl. "Never---piss off---an assassin." He squeaks as his eyes roll up in his head and he falls backwards in a dead faint.
**To Be Continued---**
***
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Definitions:
Keishichou: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
Jitte: forked dirk (a short blade used to deflect thrusts with a hook on one side used to catch and break attacking swords; a variant of the two-hooked sai)
Saya: sheath, scabbard
Ahou: moron
Tanuki: raccoon-like animal indigenous to Japan
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author's Notes:
1.Matsumoto is definitely not the sharpest knife in the drawer---hehehe!
