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.

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New Paths, Old Roads, and Unlikely Allies

by Chiruken

Chapter 9

                It only takes a close perusal of the seal to confirm that the letter from Yamagata Aritomo, Lord of the Meiji Army, is, indeed…genuine.  However, I read the contents for good measure.  When I'm finished I look up and regard Kaoru solemnly.  "It appears that Matsumoto is indeed here by Yamagata's request, that he is."

                "So…you'll help to guard him?"  She regards me anxiously as she awaits my reply.

                I sigh in resignation and nod slowly.  "I may not like the aggravating rat, but I'll do what I can to ensure his safety, Kaoru-dono, that I will."  I really did hope this letter would prove him false.  It's rather disappointing to discover Yamagata truly did send him here.

                "Thank you, Kenshin.  I knew I could count on you."  Yeah, real dependable, aren't I?  I keep my thoughts to myself as she picks up her bokken and turns to the shouji.  "Now I can leave without worrying about Matsumoto-san."  She glances over her shoulder with a concerned frown.  "Please try to be nice to him today, all right?"

                I shrug and smile as cheerfully as I can under the circumstances.  "I'll do my best, Kaoru-dono, that I will.  If he behaves himself, I will, too."

                "Somehow that doesn't sound very reassuring at all.  Oh well, I suppose there's no sense in asking you to forgive and forget, is there?"  I don't bother dignifying that with a response.  Forgive and forget, indeed.  "Well, I'll be going then.  See you later, Kenshin."

                "Have a good day, Kaoru-dono."  I watch as she departs through the front gate.  Today should prove very interesting.  I set out in search of my ward.  It's time for that much needed discussion concerning the proper conduct of a man in his position.  I find him sitting stiffly on the engawa, scratching miserably.  I stifle a grin.  Operation Itching Powder and Starched Fundoshi is obviously a success.  I clear my throat, alertinghim to my presence.  This isn't the time to indulge in my devious delight at his fright.  He looks up with a start and I slowly close the distance.  "Good morning, Matsumoto.  I believe it is time for us to have a much needed discussion."

                "I have nothing to say to the likes of you."

                "That would have had more impact if you weren't looking so pathetic at the moment.  A furo should relieve the itching, you know."

                "Hmmph.  After last night's experience, I don't think so."

                "Suit yourself."  I sit beside him and hug my knee to my chest as I survey the deserted yard.  "A man in your position should at least try to show a little gratitude, Matsumoto."

                "Gratitude?  Boy, are you delusional?  Why should I be grateful for the insufferable treatment I've received from you?  Has no one ever informed you that you should treat your…elders…with respect?"  It's clear he intended to say 'betters'.  Lucky for him he changed his mind.

                "Yes and I do.  Perhaps it is you who are delusional, Matsumoto.  You obviously aren't as observant as you'd like to believe.  I'm not as young as you seem to think."  I look at him in careful assessment.  "I'd estimate our ages to be fairly close actually.  However, that isn't important at the moment."

                "I find it difficult to believe you expect me to take you for a man in his thirties."  I grit my teeth at his insulting perusal.

                "Look, Matsumoto, I'm not about to argue the point.  Suffice to say I've spent the past twelve years trying to be a nice man and in less than a week you've succeeded in proving it was a wasted effort.  I tried to be polite and understanding, I held my peace for three days under your insufferable demands, but enough is enough.  Despite what Kaoru-dono may have thought, I can get angry and you managed to do just that.  I lost my temper and though I'm not particularly regretful for scaring the life out of you, I am sorry Kaoru-dono had to see it."

                He pales at the reminder of my actions two days ago and I smile in satisfaction.  Apparently I did leave a lasting impression.  "Where is Kaoru-san anyway?"  He looks around almost desperately and my smile widens into a grin.

                "She isn't here."  He squeaks in obvious alarm and tries to bolt.  I catch his shoulder with a firm grip and pin him with a glare.  "Sit down, Matsumoto, I'm not going to end your miserable life.  If you would have been honest from the start we could have avoided any unpleasantness."

                "Wh-what do you intend to do to me?"  His terror is becoming tedious.

                "I intend to guard your insignificant carcass, you pompous windbag, that's what.  I don't like you, but I promised Kaoru-dono.  If not for Yamagata's endorsement, I would've thrown you out.  I'm still tempted to do just that."

                "G-guard me?"  Yamagata-sama's endorsement?  Do you…know Yamagata Aritomo?"

                "A little slow on the uptake, aren't you?  Yes, I know Yamagata, and lucky for you I do and was able to confirm the seal on that letter was genuine.  I don't take kindly to people placing my friends in danger."  I draw in a deep, calming breath.  "I propose a compromise of sorts, Matsumoto."

                "What do you have in mind, boy?"  He hunches his shoulders and looks anything but happy about my revelations and suggestion.

                "First, I do have a name.  Use it."  He presses his lips together obstinately but nods in reluctant agreement.  "Second, I am not your personal slave, Matsumoto.  I you need or want something, ask nicely.  A 'please' and 'thank you' would go far to keeping my temper under control."  He gives me a venomous look but nods sharply.  Good…we're getting somewhere.  "And lastly, for kami-sama's sake stay inside the doujou during the day."  At his questioning look I sigh in frustration.  "You make an absurdly easy target for assassins when you wander around in plain sight, Matsumoto.  You're lucky no one has taken advantage of that yet."

                He swallows audibly and regards me with suspicious intensity.  Uh oh…here comes some very awkward questions.  I brace myself for what will probably prove to be a very uncomfortable interrogation.  "Assassins…aren't you an assassin yourself, Himura?"

                I look up into the cloudless sky and search for the best way to answer that.  I can't just say no…not after my words two days ago.  "That is difficult to answer, that it is."

                "Either you are or you aren't."  He folds his arms over his chest and waits with obvious impatience for my reply.

                "Well…during the revolution I was…" I pause, choosing my words with care.  I can't tell him I was a hitokiri…that would reveal too much.  Assassin will do I suppose.  "An assassin for a time, but I ended that life long ago."  I smile at him with my usual rurouni cheerfulness.  "Now I'm a rurouni who tries to help those in need, that I am.  I carry a sakabatou in place of a katana and I don't kill anymore, that I do not."

                He regards me curiously with a faint smile.  "I get the impression that you aren't being completely honest about this.  Somehow I don't think I want to know more.  I assume Kaoru-san knows about your…um…shaded past."  I nod reluctantly.  "Under different circumstances I'd find it fascinating to learn how someone who appears so young and …um…delicate…" I scowl at his choice of words.  Was than an insult?  "Could have led such a life as you so obviously did."

                "Appearances can be deceiving, that they can."  I shrug and stand with a mocking smile as he tries to scratch discretely.  "Matsumoto, scratching won't relieve the itching.  I'm afraid you'll have to brave the furo again.  That's the only way to counter the effects of itching powder, that it is."

                He glares at me furiously.  "Itching powder.  I should have known.  Any other surprises, Himura?"

                I shrug with a chuckle.  "Perhaps one or two, but nothing too serious."

                He stands stiffly with a grimace of discomfort.  "Right.  Do me a favor, Himura…don't help with the furo this time.  Being scalded again isn't high on my list of enjoyable experiences."

                "No, I don't suppose it would be at that.  I'll prepare breakfast then."  He looks anxious at that announcement.  "Oro?"

                "Um…no ginger or pepper…please."

                I laugh with delight.  "No, Matsumoto, I won't soak your dishes in ginger juice or pepper your napkin this time.  Go and have your furo and rest assured I'll behave myself…for the time being."

                "I head for the kitchen with a light step, ignoring his grumbles.  I don't think he's very reassured, but I do intend to stay true to my word.  I believe he understands now just how much he has to depend on me at the moment.  After all, it wouldn't be very wise of him to annoy me when there isn't anyone else around to protect him from his enemies.

                I wonder when Saito will show up.  He did say he'd have the information for me by today.  I may have the basic answers to my questions already, but it doesn't hurt to know more details.

                After finishing my preparations for breakfast I set the pots to the side of the fire to stay warm.  Matsumoto is taking an unusual amount of time with his furo…maybe I should investigate.  I cross the yard to the bathhouse and knock on the door.  "Matsumoto…is everything all right?"

                "What did you do to my clothes, Himura?"  I grin at his suspicious tone.  "They're all stiff and scratch horribly."

                "I starched them, Matsumoto, that I did."  I cover my mouth in an effort to hold in my amusement.

                "Even my fundoshi?"  I can't stifle my laughter at his indignant yelp.

                "And your tabi, don't forget.  Hurry up before your breakfast gets cold."

                "The door opens and he steps out, a thunderous expression firmly in place.  "What other juvenile pranks did you pull?"  He snaps the furious inquiry out through clenched teeth.

                "That should be about it, that it should."  I answer with malicious glee and an exaggerated cheerful smile.

                "I certainly hope so."  He scowls down at me.  "You're getting fiendish enjoyment out of my discomfort, aren't you?"

                "Most assuredly."  I grin up at him and turn back to the doujou.  "Breakfast is waiting, Matsumoto…"  I glance back at him.  "San."  I add with a smirk.

                "Please, spare me your childish attempts at humor."

                "Childish?"  I repeat with a frown.  "I don't believe I've ever been accused of that before.  I have to admit I am having fun at your expense, but I promise to behave myself for a while."  I wonder just how long Kaoru will be gone today.  He follows me across the yard in sullen silence, wincing with each step.  I have a feeling she'll be hearing about his treatment at my less than gentle hands before this day is done.

***

**To Be Continued…**