Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only.
FF can be archived anywhere, just let me know where. Please send no flames, I'm sensitive. For all other comments 0_o you may contact me at kaoru_koishii@yahoo.com
Chapter Eleven
*************
Ono rode his horse down the road until the wee hours of the morning. He arrived in Kawaramachi Sanjo just a bit after sunrise. He slowed his pace from a gallop to a trot. Nearing the back of the house he dismounted. He knew the framework of the property. He left his horse hidden behind some thick trees; no one would spot the horse unless they were looking for it specifically. He peered around the corner before he made his way across. There was no one in the streets. He made his way to the front of the house and waited at the gate. Something that had not been there during the Bakumatsu but was put in after the assassination of the last Ikeda along with several Ishin Shishi members. The door seemed to open on it's own but he knew better. One of Minami's guards was already in place. He heard the gate close behind him as he walked to the door. Another guard opened the door for him. He frowned for a moment didn't Kawamori tell them to not come all at once. He was led to the back where he found a large dinning hall.
"Ono?" Minami looked at him questionably for a moment.
"Minami, Kawamori-san sent me to deliver this to you personally." He removed the envelope from the gi and handed it over to Minami.
Minami frowned as he took it. Opening it in front of him he began to read.
Aoiya,
Our cousin Kihei will be coming from Yokohama in five days. There are certain things he wants to do when he gets there. Take him to your favorite places. Don't leave any out. Make sure everyone meets him. I know mom and left you alone but I'll be there soon. One more thing. Be sure to walk him back. And for fate's sake don't let him anger you. I know how easily he ignites your temper.
Your Onii-chan
"So he's sending Izubuchi to help me slaughter the old members of the Kihei-tai and the Oniwa-banshuu." He said to Ono. I don't see why I have to wait for him, he thought as he looked at the note. And five days? That just seems like too much time. "Will Takanashi be setting the fires?" He said finally looking up.
Ono shook his head. "No, Izubuchi and you are alone on this."
"So let me get this straight. The attack is to be in five days and it should last . . . . " Minami glanced back at the note and counted the amount of sentences. "ten hours."
Ono nodded.
"And all survivors are to head back to Yokohama." Minami asked though it was a rhetorical question.
Again, all Ono did was nod.
"Will you be staying till then?" Minami asked his guest.
"Only till tomorrow. I will leave at sunrise."
Minami nodded. "All right. Breakfast will be served soon. If you want to sleep you can do it after. Second floor last door on the left." He finished as he hailed someone to him.
One of his guards came. He bent low and Minami whispered something to him. The guard left soon after.
Ono left the room along with the guard. He went upstairs to check on his room while the guard left the house.
*************
Aoshi looked out the window. There was something wrong. He could feel it deep down. Maybe he should have people patrolling during the day. A presence at the door made him turn around. He took his seat and a moment later a knock was heard.
"Aoshi-sama breakfast is ready." Misao said poking her head into the room.
He looked at her for a moment. He'd been ready to tell her he wasn't going to join them. But it was different when he had to actually face her. He stood up and walked out with her to join the others. His thoughts trailed back to Misao as they walked down the hall. When she was younger she always found a way to make him do things he normally wouldn't do. She'd been a very mischievous child, though not with him. He sat still as they served breakfast. He tried very hard not to think about the past. There was no point.
He felt her gaze on him as they ate breakfast. She'd been doing that since he could remember. It was just different now that she was older. As soon as they finished he rose and walked off with Okina.
Misao stared after him as he walked away. She had a feeling there was something wrong but she knew him. He'd never confide in her. With a deep sigh she finished gathering the plates from the table and went back to the kitchen.
Aoshi felt her eyes on him till him and Okina turned the corner slipping away from her view. They walked till they stood in the yard.
"What is it Aoshi?" Okina asked concerned.
"We need to start patrolling during the day. We have fourteen members here at the Aoiya. I want them to go in two's. From sunrise to sunset." Aoshi's voice took on a commanding quality that Okina had not heard in a long time. It was different, kind of like before.
"Fifteen? You're not counting Misao." Okina said with a glint in his eye.
"I'm not." He stated. It was true he'd excluded Misao from this. He couldn't say why. He didn't want to know why.
Okina stared at him. "She won't like being excluded. You know how she gets."
Aoshi nodded. She was very temperamental but it was nothing he couldn't handle.
"I'll have the others not tell her." Okina said once he thought it over.
"Shiro and Okon can have the first shift, today." Aoshi responded to Okina who nodded his head and left. Aoshi stood in the yard for a moment, turning to his left he glanced in the direction of the path leading to the temple. He missed meditating there; it was easier to clear his mind there without all the distractions. At the moment he felt he needed to clear his mind of intrusive thoughts. They were becoming a hindrance.
*************
"They are coming and all you can do is sit here and argue." Yamagata shook his head sadly.
"How do you know they're coming? You've been saying that for a while now but none of us is dead yet." Hamasu, a man in his middle forties spoke up.
Yamagata knew himself to be a patient man but sometimes they really tested his limits. He'd never met such a crowd. Not one full of so many idiots. If they would no longer listen then there was nothing he could do about it.
"I am done trying to explain myself at every meeting. I will no longer have contact with you through out the remaining." Yamagata paused as Himura Kenshin ran out of the room. Everyone in the room looked at each other expectantly. After a long heartbeat they ran to the window to see what was happening. Most caught sight of the hitokiri battoussai leaping of the high wall that surrounded them. They all looked rather uneasy. They looked around the gate to see if there was anyone there, perhaps hiding among the foliage.
The battoussai stood stiffly in front of his opponent. His ki was up high matching the strangers. Golden pools of fire burned in the depths of his eyes while the stranger's eyes harbored nothing more than an intense cold. Deep in color like chips of ice.
"Battoussai." It was the only way to address him because that's who he was.
Kenshin stared at the man in front of him for a long moment before he answered. "Shinomori."
Aoshi stood in front of a man he'd once hated. A man who'd saved his tethered soul. A man he owed a favor to and a man who'd saved Japan at least twice, if not more.
"Why are you here?" Kenshin asked coldly.
"I could ask the same." Aoshi retorted in his usual manner of detachment. "Aren't you out of place?"
Kenshin's hand gripped the hilt of his katana. And Aoshi fisted his hands inside his pockets.
A crash and the screaming of a woman drew Aoshi's eyes from his opponent to behind him. He almost smiled.
"Kenshin." She said breathlessly from a couple of feet away.
The battoussai however did not turn. He kept his challenging gaze on Shinomori Aoshi.
"Go back inside." He commanded her.
Kaoru opened her mouth.
"Go back." He said again, cutting off her ranting before it even began. "Why are you here?" He asked Aoshi again.
"I need a word." Aoshi responded seemingly unnerved.
"Where's Misao?" Kaoru asked looking behind Aoshi.
Aoshi however kept his mannerism schooled. He didn't flinch and he didn't waver. "At the Aoiya." He responded though it had been harder to sound carelessly.
A smile spread over the battoussai's face as he spotted the weakness in the other man. His hand dropped from the hilt of his sword. "Talk?" Though with the battoussai questions never sounded like questions.
Aoshi's eyes narrowed a fraction of a bit. The battoussai considered him weak. Weak. An odd feeling came over him. But he pushed it back down quickly. Aoshi's kodachi left their sheath. A gasp and the sound of metal emitted in the deserted road. Metal against metal, clashed but once as Aoshi's kodachi was stopped from decapitating the battoussai by the battoussai's katana. Normally Kenshin would push his opponent back and kill them with a basic move but not today. He had an odd sense of deja vu.
"Kenshin-baka!" Kaoru said running to him and hugging him from behind. "Don't scare me like that," she whispered in his ear. Looking up she glared at Aoshi. "And you I think you would know better. You just wait till I tell me Misao . . . "
"Koishii go back inside." He said to her though he still didn't turn to face her.
She squeezed him once and let him go. Reluctantly she turned and walked back inside.
Kenshin stared at the other man.
"An informant sent word today. They believe the Mimawari-gumi is in Otsu." Aoshi said having already put his kodachi away.
Kenshin re-sheathed his sword. "A trap?" Kenshin asked.
"Perhaps." Aoshi said nonchalantly.
"You think they're trying to draw us away." Kenshin finished for him. Kenshin thought for a moment. Yamagata's informant had said somewhere in Shiga. The place had started with an 'O.' "I believe we might find them in Otsu." Kenshin said after a while.
"I think we could have." Aoshi said evenly.
The battoussai raised an eyebrow. "Could have?"
"I think they're gone." Aoshi responded.
"But you want me to go have a look." Kenshin said.
"Not specifically. More like the army." Aoshi answered.
Kenshin frowned out right. Tired of the runaround. "You're not going either are you?" He said though it was rhetorical. "You think . . . No, you know something will happen if both our groups are gone. Though you think both groups stand a chance better together than alone."
Aoshi nodded in response.
"I will have Otsu searched. I will tell you what I find." With out even a bow the battoussai turned his back on Shinomori Aoshi and went back into the Inn.
Aoshi's eyes narrowed again. Letting go of the expression he turned around and walked back the same way he came.
*************
Kaoru stood in the hall just behind the door. What was taking him so long? Those two could stay in a room for more than a decade and have a but a few words to say to each other. What in the world was taking him so long? She wanted to glance out the door. She wanted to run out there and drag him back. Instead she kept pacing the hall. When the door slid open she jumped. She ran to him and gave him a bone-crushing hug. She pulled away just as quickly. She checked him over. Pushing up his sleeves and running her hands over his arms. Over his neck and on his face. With a sigh of relief. "You're not injured," she said. Then she whacked him out of the blue. "Don't scare me like that."
He blinked at her confused for the briefest of moments. She had a way of distracting him first before she actually hit him. His eyes, which had been an eerie blue a moment before sparked to life again. Specks of gold reappeared in the depths as he looked at her. His face no longer showed surprise. Shaking his head he tried to step around her.
Kaoru grabbed him by the arm suddenly. She had a tendency to loose her temper she didn't mean it. "I was just worried." She said coming closer to him.
"Koishii." He said trying to not fall into the usual pattern. Her temper usually sparked amusement, which led to other things. Things that could distract him for hours. He blinked back enforcing his restrains, on his need. "I have to talk to Yamagata."
She stood in front of him holding his arm. "Will I see you before you leave tonight?"
He looked at her, caught in the dark pools of blue reflecting his image. Maybe just one kiss. One kiss couldn't do any harm and he really did have a lot of self control. He could stop after just the one. He grabbed her suddenly bring her close to him and kissed her. Her eyes had widened before they closed contently. She hardly put up a resistance he noticed. He tilted her head back, squeezing her waist a little harder.
He stopped abruptly when he noticed he'd leaned her against the wall. Licking his lips he stepped back. Her eyes were just opening. She gave him a lazy look. "Later." He said before he turned around and walked to Yamagata's room. He passed by the open door of the dining hall. He didn't have to glance in to know they were still in there. All but Yamagata.
He knocked on the door. "We need to talk."
The door opened and Yamagata allowed him entrance. "Who was it?" Yamagata asked once they were seated inside.
"Shinomori Aoshi."
Yamagata opened his mouth and frowned. He didn't get it. He looked at his old friend for clarification.
"He received word today. The Mimawari-gumi is in Otsu." Kenshin said.
"Oh so they were in Shiga." Yamagata said then frowned again. "There's something else."
Kenshin nodded. "He believes they're gone, now. I need for you to have an outside group check on this."
Yamagata nodded. "We can go send word right now. With any luck I can get the police to start searching tonight."
Yamagata and Kenshin got to their feet and both walked out of the room. Taking long strides down the hall, they made their way out. Others who'd just finished eating stared after them curiously.
*************
Minami sat in the middle of the dinning hall with all his men. He was glad he'd sent for them since the last batch saw a couple patrolling. During the day, which was odd in itself. Oniwa-banshuu would be his guess since it seemed that Yamagata only let his guards out at night.
Night had set in. After tonight there would be but four days. The countdown had begun and he was glad. After loosing some of his men . . . . He really needed to show Kawamori that he wasn't a failure. That he could live up to his name. Perhaps never to the greatness of his father. But enough to maybe make Kawamori proud.
He hated been forced to lay low. He wondered what Takanashi was doing. Why didn't Kawamori send him instead of Izubuchi? Kawamori was very aware of how much hate existed between them. With any luck Izubuchi wouldn't get here till the fourth day was nearly over. Drinking the last bit of his tea, he turned his cup down. 'Time for sleep,' he thought warily.
*************
Tanaka watched as the cigarette was lit. After a moment a puff of smoke wafted in the air. The sun had come out much later today that it usually did. The morning air was chilling. Yet the worst of the winter was yet to come.
"We all have to wait." Tanaka said after a moment.
Saitou only nodded. He'd been hoping that he could get away. To head ahead of them. And usually he would have but things were different. After the near massacre some weeks ago old ranks had been reestablished as well as new captains. More Shinsegumi member had appeared in the last weeks and now they would all travel together to Shiga. Taking a long drag of his cigarette he waited.
"Not much longer," Tanaka said after about an hour.
By now though his inpatients had grow into bitter annoyance. Why couldn't the battoussai go and check on this. Was he not closer? Having exhausted four cigarettes in the last hour. He dropped the bud of the fifth on the floor and stomped it out viciously. As soon as this was over. His thoughts trailed back to their last meeting, to the last time their swords had crossed paths. 'He uses a katana again,' he thought as he leaned against a wall. It wasn't that he was hoping to get slashed and run though with the battoussai's katana but the blood always did make the battle more exciting.
"Saitou-san we're ready." Tanaka said before taking his place in the back of the line. Saitou nodded and took his place in the long line. His group would set off first. Closely followed by the others with only an hour in difference. That way if someone was waiting for them they'd get a nasty surprise when their reinforcement showed up. That was the reason the strongest group was going in first, they could hold off any number of men for at least twice the time the second group of Shinsegumi needed.
People wouldn't think it was so odd for a group of policemen to walk down the road. What they did find odd was the fact they were walking in formation. These men were disciplined. People eyed the swords warily. After the incident a few weeks ago shouldn't there be police coming into Osaka instead of leaving. Some people tilted their heads in confusion. They'd never seen the police walk into town yet they were all leaving.
'Wait hadn't the policemen been killed.'
Saitou's face broke off into a small grin. So the people around these parts weren't so stupid after all. No matter the disguise had not been meant for them but for whom they meant to encounter in Shiga.
"Do you think he will be in Shiga?" Tanaka asked when he saw Saitou smile.
"No." Saitou responded sobering up. Though he wished he were. He'd been practicing ever since he found out the battoussai was back.
"So he's still in Kyoto then." Tanaka said loudly enough for only Saitou to hear. There were many Shinsegumi who feared the battoussai. "Did you know he was attacked a while back?"
Saitou turned his head and gave Tanaka a look.
Tanaka smiled. So he didn't know. "Well it was four men. One attacked him in Kawaramachi Sanjo a few streets from the Old Ikeda house. You remember that house right?" Tanaka said smiling again. "Yes well, he left shortly after he killed the man. He was smart though I will tell you this. He figured he was being followed because he led them to the outskirts of town. Killed the other three right by the river. No hesitation." Tanaka paused in his story then and after a moment he spoke again. " I'd liked to fight him jus once."
Saitou looked at Tanaka like he was crazy. "He'd kill you."
Tanaka smiled. 'Saitou-san was a weird man,' he thought. It was dangerous to go up against the battoussai yet Saitou was more than willing. He was eager. Turning his eyes back to the road he wondered if Saitou would let him watch his fight against the battoussai. Some of the other members spoke about the hate they felt for each other. It's one of the reasons why some of the Shinsegumi thought they were being kept away from Kyoto. The battoussai hated them and since Yamagata was in charge. An Ishin Shishi, of course he'd take the battoussai's advice and keep them away.
Saitou wondered what Tanaka was thinking. Sometimes he reminded him of that freaky kid they'd met, 'Soujiro.' Two days. That's about how long it would take for them to get there. Fisting his hands he walked down the road occasionally answering one of Tanaka's questions. His mind revolved around the on single thought. What would it be like this time around?
*************
Today was his last day patrolling for the week. He would be glad to finally be able to spend some time with his wife. The air had chilled and it looked like it would begin to snow one of these days. Being in Kyoto he wondered if his shishou knew he was here. He'd been angry when they'd departed. He sighed into the night as he walked down the empty streets. No word had come back from Shiga yet. He'd hoped that Yamagata had called in an army and not the Shinsegumi though he had a feeling. He didn't want to question Yamagata but . . . . He shook his head and paused in his step. He stepped closer to the shadows of the building and waited.
"No there's trouble all over the place."
"My cousin send word from Osaka and he said my uncle had nearly fainted when he saw the Shinsegumi coming into town."
"Isn't your uncle a pretty big guy?"
"Yep, he is."
"Hmm, next thing you know the hitokiri battoussai will come into this."
The voices trailed off as they past the battoussai. Hidden by the darkness neither man noticed the stillness in the air as they walked by. The battoussai stepped away after sometime and continued his walk down the now empty street. He could still here faint laughter as he walked away. He briefly wondered if he should have revealed himself to them. That would have really frightened them, kept them at home for several days. He shook his head to clear the thought. He didn't remember having a sick sense of humor. All though there had always been stuff he'd wanted to do. Half the people who met him seemed to want to jump away once they found out his name. It annoyed him. It really did make him want to give them a reason to be frightened off him.
He walked around the rest of the night aimlessly. Down the same familiar streets. For someone who's supposed to kill a lot he hadn't killed anyone in several days. He didn't know if that was a good or bad.
Wouldn't it mean they were regrouping? Plotting. He rather have them coming at him every night then for them to suddenly disappear for several days and then attack. Only innocent people could get hurt in what they were planning. The assassinations had also stopped. That made him uneasy as well.
Kenshin had made it back to the Inn after having encountered no trouble. Though he'd though he'd sensed something in Kawamarachi Sanjo again. He'd lingered there for several minutes but nothing had turned up. Still he'd walked out of that particular street extra carefully. His hand never left the hilt of his sword as he made his exit. He made his way to his room and slid the door open. He changed his clothing and got under the covers with her. He didn't feel sleepy tonight. There was something nagging at him. Something he didn't quite understand. A warning. Like something was coming. He lay on his back with her head on his chest. He undid the braid and ran his fingers though the long silky hair. She'd bathed before bed. It was just a bit damp right at the neck. He could smell her. Her smell was always strongest after she took a bath. Jasmine.
"Kenshin?"
He looked down to see her face lifting. Her eyes tried to blink the sleep away. She yawned before she spoke again. "Is there something wrong? Did something happen?"
"No." He responded still running his hand through the hair. "Nothing."
"Does that bother you?" She asked crossing her arms over his chest and resting her head so she could look at him.
His hand drifted away from the hair sliding to her shoulder. "It's just odd." He said moving the material of the yukata to the side exposing a shoulder.
"Odd how?"
His hand massaged the bare shoulder moving the yukata back bit by bit. He had half a mind to tell her this didn't concern her. Or that it wasn't any of her business. Still tonight was different. "They're planning something."
Kaoru's mouth opened, forming a small 'oh.' "So you thing they're laying low so they can attack us by surprise?"
He took a chance and glanced at her angelic face. "Something like that." He said as his hand went back into her hair. She smiled at him and leaned into the caress. "Would you leave here if I asked?" He asked suddenly and her eyes flew open.
"Are you worried Kenshin?" She paused biting her lip. "I won't run in after you if that's what you're afraid off." She said though maybe with a bit of panic in her voice.
His hand left her hair and went to the other shoulder. Moving the yukata back little by little. "I guess that's a no." He said as he exposed that shoulder too.
She was surprised by the tone. It was almost like he was amused. "Kenshin I'd like to send word to Tokyo." She said as she felt his hand running over the back of her yukata.
His hands moved over her back, stopping at the waist. He liked her waist. A smile played on his lips. To be honest he liked all her parts. He looked at her noting she watched him expectantly. "Would you like to go to the Aoiya tomorrow?"
Her mouth fell open. She didn't expect that. "Yes, that would be nice." She said sounding shocked. "Will you be taking me?"
"Yes." He answered as he moved his hands away from her lower back and to the front of her waist. Kaoru felt him tugging at the sash holding her yukata in place. "Kenshin." She said warningly.
"Yes koishii." He said having worked the sash free. She felt one last tug as he slipped it out of place and tossed it to the side away from them. A smile tugged at her lips though she didn't want to encourage him. She moved her arms out of the way and bent her head back to his chest. She could hear the beating of his heart. She felt him extending her arms over him raised over her head so that the palms rested on the futon right on the side of his face. With another quick tug she felt her yukata pulled off. She gasped in surprise lifting her head to look at him. Her eyes narrowed even as she bent her head low so he could see her chest. "Kenshin." She said and this time there was anger behind those words. It wasn't a threat anymore she was willing to pummel him. What kind of manhandling . . . . Her eyes focused on his smile. "Do I amuse you?"
'Yes,' he thought. But he'd learned better than to voice out such thoughts. She was a vindictive little thing. He kept quiet instead running his hand over the smoothness of her back. She shivered and his smile slowly slipped away. The color of his eyes transitioned from one shade into another. Running his hands slower this time stopping when he reached the curve of her lower back. He gripped her by the waist maybe a little too roughly and pulled her up his body until she was aligned with him. Her shallow breath wafted over him. She was only a breath away.
She looked into his eyes. Eyes she'd once been afraid of but now she didn't know if she could live without them. Her eyes left his momentarily darting to his lips . . . waiting . . . expecting . . .
He watched her but made no other move. Even when she licked her lips, an invitation in it's own right. He didn't move.
She watched him a bit longer before she lowered her mouth to his slowly. Kissing him softly.
He however had waited long enough and changed the kiss from soft to something more . . . .
*************
Kaoru yawned even as she walked down the busy streets of Kyoto. Kenshin smirked as he walked along her side. She was still too sleepy to notice. He walked close to her just incase. They walked slowly more for her benefit than his. He stopped in front of the Aoiya and looked for Kaoru who'd kept on going. "Koishii." He said grabbing her by the arm. She blinked at him in surprise. He led her to the front. And she frowned. She hadn't noticed they were there yet.
"Misao." Kaoru called out running to her friend who'd just as she'd stepped out.
"Kaoru." She called back in the same tone. "I was coming out here to help them out. I was bored but you're here now and we can go and talk . . . ." Misao's words trailed off.
Kaoru knew she'd spotted Kenshin. Kaoru extended her hand behind her so he would come. He came to her and stood by her side. His face betraying nothing.
Misao had looked from his hair to his gi to his eyes. "So this is what the battoussai looks like. He's almost as beautiful as Aoshi-sama."
Kaoru opened her mouth to berate her but Kenshin nudged her. She glanced behind Misao and a smile spread over her lips. Misao was still to busy admiring the new Himura Kenshin to notice.
" . . . . . almost as beautiful as Aoshi-sama." Aoshi stood where he was, having the feeling he'd walked into something.
Himura and his wife stood in front of Misao. Both looked amused. Kaoru said something he could not hear. "I can see why you think that but I'll stick with my Aoshi-sama."
His eyebrow raised despite his schooled manner.
"Misao-chan." Her head turned to Jiya though she never quite saw him. Her eyes focused on the tall figure standing in front of the door.
"Aoshi-sama." She felt the color drain out of her face before it returned. A deep crimson color came over her features.
"Aoshi I though you were coming to get her?" Jiya said pushing Aoshi to the side to he could squeeze through. "Oh, Kaoru-san . . . Himura" He said as he spotted the girl and then her . . . . husband.
"Misao why don't you take them in for some tea." Jiya said to Misao whom he noticed looked at the floor trying to hide her blush. He looked at Aoshi who still stood there looking at her. That was odd in itself. He had a tendency for running away.
Misao looked up Kaoru who smiled gently at her. "Let's go Misao she said softly. It had really been mean of her to do that. But she shouldn't have said Aoshi was better looking than her husband was. Kenshin was by far the better looking of the two what with his beautiful hair and his eyes. Always so alluring.
"Koishii," He said nudging her again. That seemed to get her out of her thoughts. She looked at him and her face began to burn as well. He eyed her suspiciously. "What were you thinking about?" He asked her as they walked into the Aoiya.
"Nothing." She muttered. She could see Misao straining to hear, not to mention Aoshi had come inside with them.
They sat down sat down and not a second later Omasu came in with some tea and snacks for them. Setting the tray down she knew Misao would be the one to serve them. Kaoru put out the cups as Misao put out the plates. Kaoru served the treats as Misao served the tea. She handed the cup to her Aoshi-sama first then to Himura. She tipped the teapot over when Kuro came running in. "Aoshi-sama."
Aoshi set his cup and rose followed by Kenshin.
Misao and Kaoru exchanged looks before they crept closer to where Kuro had lead the other two.
". . . . were attacked by one of the Mimawari-gumi just outside of Shiga. They were waiting. Yatsume said it was a blood bath. It's hard to tell how many died from each side. The oddest thing though is both groups were dressed like cops." Kuro finished shaking his head.
Kaoru and Misao exchanged looks before they tried to crawl closer so they could see their expressions.
"I need to tell Yamagata." Kenshin said to Aoshi. "You stay here with Misao koishii; I'll be back for you." Kenshin said knowing she was nearby.
Kenshin turned to Aoshi. "Let's go," he said before they ran out.
Misao and Kaoru stood with their mouths slightly open. "Do you think Aoshi-sama knew I was here too?" Misao asked.
"I think so Misao." Kaoru said as she rose of her stomach. "They pretty much have the same ability, which reminds me he came over the other day. Scared the entire inn half to death. Kenshin just ran out to face him."
"Oh no." Misao said though a little excitedly. "What happened?"
"Aoshi just pulled out his kodachi for no reason. If Kenshin hadn't pulled out his sword." Kaoru shook her heading clearing her mind. "Anyways I threatened to tell you."
"That didn't do much good did it?" Misao said shaking her own head in sad amusement.
"Well it's not so much what he said. It was more like this look he got." Kaoru said as she took her seat back by the table again. "It clouded his eyes for less than a heartbeat but it was there."
Misao stared at Kaoru not wanting to get her hopes up. She simply nodded.
Kaoru drank her tea and only picked at her snack much like Misao was doing. Misao looked back at Kaoru. "You know," she began. Kaoru shook her head not wanting to listen. "I was only going to ask about the rooster and the kid?"
Kaoru's mouth opened, 'that's right she'd completely forgotten about them.' She looked at Misao a little guiltily. "I need to send them word."
Misao's eyes lit up. "Let's go then."
They rose quickly and then rushed off. Kaoru stopped at the entrance when she saw three male figures standing watch. Misao frowned, grabbing Kaoru's hand in the process. Kaoru looked upset for a moment before she tugged on Misao's hand bringing her along.
"Himura-san. Your husband sent us to protect you and your friend." Yasuo, a tall man with deep black hair maybe in his early forties addressed Kaoru.
Kaoru looked at the man completely bewildered. "There's no danger here." She said looking at them strangely. The men exchanged looks.
"I don't think the battoss . . . I mean Himura would sent us if he didn't think there was danger." Yasuo insisted.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. "He's over protective." Turning away from the men she tugged on Misao's hand. "Come on, I want to go and send word to Tae and Yahiko."
The men exchanged glances and smiled at each other. "She's a handful I hear." One whispered to the others. They followed her at a close distance. Aside from the women who worked at the Inn, Himura Kaoru was the only other woman staying there. She was by far the youngest and the prettiest.
Kaoru paused in front of a vendor. Misao looked down to see what had caught her eye. Both girls looked at the item perplexed.
"Ah, you girls are interested in the lure." A plump elderly woman said to them after seeing them approach the table.
"The what?" Kaoru asked.
"The LURE." She said smiling broadly. "It's a special kind of rubbing oil." She said while leaning in. Talking to them almost secretively.
Kaoru and Misao exchanged looks.
"What do you mean?" Kaoru asked her.
The woman looked at their innocent faces for a moment. For a moment she was unsure whether she should continue or not but a sale was a sale. Even if that meant corrupting some young girls. "Why don't I show you what I mean by special." She said taking out a bit out of one of the bottles and pouring it into her palm. Not a lot just three drops. "One of you needs to pull back her sleeve."
Kaoru looked at Misao. She'd asked the questions so she nodded her head at Misao. Misao though shook her head. Kaoru glared at Misao for a bit but she rolled her sleeve up nonetheless.
The woman smiled reassuringly when Kaoru's smooth arm was exposed. She rubbed the oil on to the skin of the inner part of her arm quickly. But she didn't let her go. She held Kaoru by the wrist for a moment.
Kaoru felt her arm tingle a bit but that was all. She looked at the woman again not sure what it was so supposed to do. Kaoru was about to open her mouth when the woman leaned forward again and flew on her arm. Kaoru jerked her arm away as a strong shiver ran up her back. The sensation lasted a moment but it had made Kaoru remember Kenshin's touch. Kaoru looked at the woman who smiled in return.
"For your boyfriend?" She said slyly.
Kaoru licked her lips. She was very unsure. So she leaned over and whispered in Misao's ear. Misao who'd looked confused. Frowned as Kaoru said something. Understanding came to Misao after a moment accompanied by a deep blush.
"I'll take one." Misao said and Kaoru's mouth fell open.
"I guess I'll take one too." Kaoru said a bit more hesitantly than Misao.
The woman nodded and began wrapping the bottles. No need for others to know what they bought.
The girls took their bottles and began walking down the street again.
Tetsu, Tomoyuki and Yasuo, the guards Kenshin had sent to protect Kaoru smiled at each other knowingly. They didn't realize she was so naive.
Kaoru yawned as she finally stepped into the mailing shop. She took some parchment set up by the wall and began to write.
Tae-chan,
I'm sorry I haven't written before but things have gotten kind of complicated. There is trouble here in Kyoto and so Kenshin has stayed to help. How are you and the others? Fine I hope. There is much I have to tell you though and I rather it was face to face rather than in a letter. How is Yahiko? I'm writing to him as well but I'm afraid he might not be as honest as I would like. Is he eating, do you know? Sleeping all right?
I hope this letter finds you all well. Please give my regards to every one. I apologize for making it so short. I will try harder to keep in touch. I'm not sure when we'll be back but I'm hoping for sometime next month. Until the next time take care.
- Himura Kaoru
"Are you sure you want to sign it like that Kaoru?" Misao said as she peered at it over her shoulder.
"What's wrong with it?" Kaoru asked as she turned to look at Misao.
"Well you know how they are. Don't you think you signing it like that will have them running over here to see what's going on." Misao said thoughtfully.
Kaoru looked over the note and then added.
You keep my last name to yourself. When I left they were mad at Kenshin and I don't want any trouble. Please Tae.
"That better?" Kaoru said putting the letter to the side.
"Much," Misao said sitting down next to Kaoru.
Yahiko-chan,
How are you? More importantly, how's my dojo? I hope you've kept up with the cleaning other wise when I get home you'll be sure to clean it all by yourself. There's a lot going on here in Kyoto. I hope you're not staying out late. It's dangerous out at night. Don't stuff your face at Tae's or you're going to be too fat to train. Don't neglect your exercises you hear me. Don't stick your tongue at me Yahiko-CHAN. And DON'T call me a hag!!!!
Be good Yahiko. It will be about a month before I get back. If you need money tell me and I will send you some. I will write to you soon. Take care.
- Kamiya Kaoru
"That one's good." Misao commented with a big smile.
Kaoru smiled. "Yeah I think so too."
She put her letters into envelopes and handed them to the man at the desk. She handed him some money and left with Misao.
"It'll be days before they get them but at least they'll get them." Kaoru said a bit sadly.
"You want to go to Shukou's?" Misao asked suddenly.
Kaoru looked at her somewhat puzzled.
"Misao gave her a disbelieving look. You've been here for than a week and you haven't gone there?" Misao exclaimed.
Kaoru shook her head, no.
"Kaoru it's only the best place to shop. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. They carry all sorts of things. They specially cater to women. Plus they carry a lot of foreign things. Come on lets go." Misao grabbed her by the arm and led her off.
"Exactly where is this place?" Kaoru asked after they'd been walking for sometimes without stopping.
"The outskirts of town?" Misao responded.
Kaoru made a face but kept on walking. She wasn't sure Kenshin would like this, I mean if the men told him. She half glanced back and sure enough there they were.
Tomoyuki even had the nerve to wave at her.
Kaoru paused mid step.
"What's wrong Kaoru?" Misao asked looking in the same direction she was.
"I saw something move," she said in somewhat of a whisper. "Over there." She said pointing to far off to the right. "In the woods."
Misao stared until she saw something move. She exchanged looks with Kaoru before they stared in that direction.
"Himura-san." Yasuo called to her in sort of a hiss as they walked further into the woods.
Kaoru half glanced at them as they crept closer to the movement. Misao pushed her down before they made it to a clearing. "Look over there." She whispered.
Kaoru obeyed and looked into the clearing. She heard the guards creeping closer too. "Who do you think they are?" Kaoru whispered to Misao as she kept her eyes on the five men in the clearing. "They look like they're waiting for someone. Don't you think?" Kaoru said to Misao again.
"Mimawari-gumi."
Kaoru's eyes turned to Yasuo. Why? A twig broke and all of them turned to look at Tetsu.
'Sorry.' he mouth but it was too late.
"Go back." Yasuo said to Kaoru and Misao as he stood up.
"What are you doing?" Kaoru hissed trying to grab his arm.
Every one else turned to look back at the clearing but the men were gone.
Tetsu and Tomoyuki looked at each other before crawling closer. Kaoru and Misao looked at each other in bewilderment. "Come back, here." Misao hissed.
'Go back,' Tetsu mouthed to them.
"Kaoru I think maybe we should go back. I mean these guys belonged to the Kihei-tai once right. And they've lived this long I'm sure they'll make it back." Misao spoke strongly though her voice lacked conviction.
Kaoru looked hesitant but nodded in the end. They started to crawl back when they heard the sound of metal. They both gasped and turned back to see Tetsu's head flying to the ground. Their eyes widen simultaneously.
"Filthy bastard!" Yasuo snarled as he launched himself at the man who'd decapitated his friend.
Kaoru watched apprehensively as Yasuo exchanged blows with the other man neither gaining ground over the other. After a moment though the man pushed Yasuo back with his sword. "You are no match me. Why don't you run back to you're people." He said turning his back to Yasuo.
Yasuo yelled in anger before launching himself again. "Mimawari trash is no better than a dead dog."
The other man turned back then. "I'm the fifth captain of the Mimawari-gumi." He said thrusting his sword into Yasuo before pulling it out. "No fucking Ishin Shishi can beat me. Not even your legendary battoussai will stand against my sword." He said as Yasuo struck out in blind anger,
"The battoussai will kill you mark my words you son-of a bitch." Yasuo stumbled back after being slashed in the chest.
Kaoru tried to rise but Tomoyuki pushed her down. "Go back and warn them. They are here. Do you understand? They are here." With that Tomoyuki ran into the clearing in time to stop the strangers blade from killing Yasuo.
"Izubuchi-san." another called out.
"Don't Mori. I can handle this."
Well you guys I finally finished another chapter and it's much longer than the others. Originally I had and outline for the chapters 1-7 and later on I made one for 11-15 but I didn't have anything for in between. Anyhow for those who love the fights, things will start to get dark soon enough.
Small Notes: Ok, I will begin with the Kihei-tai. That was the name of Katsura's forces during the Bakumatsu. It was made up of men who surpassed regular samurai in skill.
There are certain things I hope you guys picked up on as you've been reading.
1) Minami didn't get punished like a normal soldrier beacuse his father once saved Kawamori's life.
2) Minami hated Izubuchi and vise versa.
3) We have finally reach the fourth day when Izubuchi made his appearence.
I mentioned Soujiro though he won't play a part in this fic. But for those who don't know him . . . .
Seta Soujiro's story is without a doubt one of the most tragic. Probably second only to Kenshin's. He was the product of adultery (father conceived him with a prostitute) but in order to save face, the family just adopted him as their son. The family owned a rice distribution company which is sort of key in the whole thing. After Soujiro's real father passed away, he was abused something horrid by his family members. They were often drunk and beat him for the smallest things. Through these experiences, Soujiro began to hide/surpress his emotions because when he smiled, the beatings would stop.
One evening while taking rice back to the storage shed, Soujiro witnesses a swordsman wrapped in numerous bandages killing a police officer. When the swordsman's attention is drawn to the young boy, he says that he has to kill him. At this, Soujiro smiles. The swordsman (if you haven't figured it out by now, it's ShiShio) asks for food and clean bandages in return for his life, and Soujiro scampers off.
Soujiro continues to bring ShiShio food and bandages for a short period of time. During these visits, ShiShio talks to him, filling him with his own philosophies (only the strong survive, the weak have to die). During one of the visits, ShiShio gives Soujiro his sword and more or less tells him to go kill his family. Soujiro can't bring himself to do it so he hides the sword away.
Of course, reports of a bandaged killer have been spreading all over the neighborhood. Finally, someone notices that all the bandages in the house are gone and knowing that Soujiro has been using them, they all go after him. The poor kid runs to where the sword was hidden and ends up killing every last member of his adoptive family (it's either him or them, right?). After murdering them all, he stands in the rain, smiling; but the rain hides his tears.
Ok, maybe I mentioned more than I should have but at least you have an Idea. All I should have said was that for a while there he was deadly competition. (During the Kyoto Arch.) Something Kenshin eventually overcame though.
Now in the first part of the chapter I mentioned that the Shinsegumi were waiting around in Osaka. When their group was complete they headed off for Shiga which is next to Kyoto by the way. From what Kuro reports to Aoshi and Kenshin, you can see that the Shinsegumi were ambushed sometime before they made it to Shiga. So far though you can't tell how many died and from what side. Both sides were wearing policemen uniforms.
I hope you guys are ready for the next chapter. I feel like we're finally going to get to the good stuff. I was tired of waiting around myself. I want to thank all those who reviewed. I really appreciate it since inspiration is hard to find sometimes.
Please continue to read and don't forget to review.