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 Thirteen
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"Hirazuki." The form of the Shinsegumi. He'd recognize it anywhere. How he wasn't sure but the fact was that he'd found the flaw in it. In his fight against . . . Saitou. Yes the memory was there. He didn't know how but the memory was there.
"Himura battoussai." The shadow called to him.
Even with the small amount of light in the room Kenshin could see the colors of the Mimawari-gumi.
"I'm here to see if you're as good as I've heard." The shadow was mocking him. The shadow took on the form of the gatotsu.
Kenshin blinked as the shadow's image was replaced by Saitou. He blinked again and there stood the shadow. A feeling of loathing began in the pit of his stomach running through his veins.
The shadow charged with his sword turned in the traditional position. That was his first mistake. The shadow leapt towards Kenshin though not nearly fast enough. Kenshin leapt and advanced on the shadow in a blur, his katana came down cutting the blade and into the man. The force of his attack drove through the bone stopping at the ribs. He pulled the blade out. And drew back. The Hiten Mitsurugi gave the other no time to scream. The battoussai slashed the air, removing the blood and sheathed his sword back. He left the house and started his walk back. He stood at the end of the street. He turned slightly to the left and peered into the darkness, he smelled blood. A couple of more steps proved him to be right. That's why there was no noise down this street. The Mimawari-gumi had killed everyone on this block. He turned and left. He had to get back to Kyoto that's where the rest of the Mimawari-gumi would most likely be.
He dashed down the street and back to the main road. He didn't have to wait long before he saw the fires, though now it looked like a third of the city was on fire. As far as he was he could still tell the Inn was out of danger, since that sector didn't seem affected.
He ran back into the middle of town and stopped. He'd stepped into chaos. Fires burned the whole street on both sides. There was nothing he could do here. He ran south towards the more populated area. If there was police that's where they would have headed. That's where the Mimawari-gumi would have headed as well.
*************
Kaoru ran around the house, making bandages out of what she could. They could all see the fire from here; she could only imagine what was happening. Only three of Kenshin's men had returned and all of them were injured.
Misao took the bandages from Kaoru and began helping Okon bandage Yoshimitsu. Kaoru kept her eyes on the window. "Misao." Kaoru called out.
Misao raised her head. "What is it?"
"Is that Taro making his way here?" Kaoru asked from the window.
Misao ran over to her. "He went with Aoshi-sama; he shouldn't be coming back so soon." Misao turned and ran down the steps followed closely by Kaoru.
"Get back."
Kaoru and Misao stopped where they were.
"But Taro . . ." Misao began.
"That's not Taro." The guard repeated. He glanced behind them and made a gesture with his arm.
Misao and Kaoru turned and looked behind them. The Ishin Shishi were creeping out through hidden doors and over the walls of the gate surrounding the Inn. It was their eyes that drew their gasps. Liquid blue metal shined through their eyes as the once feared Kihei-Tai moved to intercept.
But what?
"Go back, I will come for you if we need to leave." The guard at the door said as he picked up the sword he always held behind the door. "If I don't . . . you can get out through the back. There's a back door in the shack to the left, just push on the second panel." With that the guard took his place behind the door with his back to them.
Kaoru and Misao went back into the house rather reluctantly. They went back and told the rest of the Oniwa-banshuu.
"Okon you keep watch," Omasu said as she changed her clothes into her onmitsu uniform.
"Wait a minute Kaoru and I can keep watch." Misao insisted.
Omasu came out from behind the screen. "I think it will be best if we all change now, before it's too late." She suggested.
"Oh, no." Kaoru said grabbing her forehead.
"What? What's wrong?" Misao asked.
"Our clothes Misao, they were supposed to do the wash today so we could wear them tomorrow."
"So all you have are kimonos?" Misao asked. She watched as Kaoru nodded her head. "All right well you'll wear one of my uniforms."
Kaoru's eyebrow raised almost into her hairline. "I've seen your uniform and I think I'll stick with the kimono."
"No, Kaoru I can't wear what you're thinking of during winter. I have pants."
Kaoru gave her a puzzled look. "Oh come on you'll see," she said as she dragged her behind her.
Kaoru tied the string on her 'pants.' The black outfit must be nice to look at but this was way too small. She was used to hakamas not body fitting pants. Her top was just the same, all she needed was the scarf over her mouth and she'd look like a real onmitsu.
The clang of metal against metal startled her. Kaoru looked at Misao, who had the same expression on her face.
"They're been held off, we're leaving." Yoshimitsu called out to them from the doorway as he ran with his katana in hand. Though how he could run while injured was beyond them.
Kaoru and Misao nodded at each other before running out of their room and heading down stairs. It looked like they were at the end of the line. The four male members left behind by Aoshi were the ones leading the group while the girls came up the rear. Once they made it out the walls of the Inn, they began their walk to point A.
*************
Aoshi followed the trail all the way back to the road leading to the Inn. The trail of blood grew thinner, meaning they had started running. His hand fisted together as he ran towards the Inn. He got close enough to see the heads they'd put on the spears buried deep in the earth. Two of the six bloody heads were Oniwa-banshuu. He ran past them and into the Inn. They were still fighting. He withdrew his kodachi and charged. The demon he carried hidden in his soul broke loose as he ran past the threshold of the Inn. His eyes focused on the uniforms like a bull on the color red. There was going to be nothing fancy about the way he killed them. No one would leave alive to say what technique he used.
The Kihei-Tai stared at the new comer in wonder before they stepped away alarmed at his actions. They had sensed something about him when the battoussai had brought him to the Inn. Now they could see what it was. He was like the battoussai. In the state he was in he might not be able to tell apart, friend and foe. The leader of the Kihei-Tai made a round gesture over his head with his arm, signaling the other to leave, to follow him out. They had done their duty in fending off the Mimawari-gumi for as long as they could but now it was time to follow the statesmen and Yamagata most of all.
Aoshi saw Kihei-Tai leaving as he slashed a man across the chest. They were going after the statesmen. They were skilled he thought as he closed the door to prevent the Mimawari from leaving. His eyes glistened like steel before he performed the Ryu Tsui (no ugoki), the water flow technique had never been tried on more than three men at a time, now he was going to try it on seven.
Seven of twenty-one. That's how many remained. Those seven stood in the middle of the yard, huddled together. Each with their back to the other so their enemy would not take them by surprise. Their eyes had narrowed when they saw him close the gate but now their eyes widened in astonishment. It appeared to be more than one. Many felt their hands tremble as they held their katana's while other growled like caged animal.
Aoshi broke his formation once every cycle and struck out. The flow of his image continued on as if nothing had happened. He repeated the movement seven times. He stopped the flow after the seventh time. With a flick of his wrist the blood splattered off his blade and onto the floor. He'd gotten all of them. He opened the gate door again, leaving it open so the battoussai would know to be wary.
Aoshi walked back to the road and removed Taro and Toyo's head from the spears. They were the most reckless out of the whole group. If they hadn't run after the remaining Mimawari-gumi they'd still be alive. He never imagined the Mimawari-gumi to have such savage tactics. He removed a michiyuki from one of the fallen men and wrapped their heads in it. He would put it with their bodies. Picking up the bloody load he tossed it over his shoulder and began walking towards the Aoiya, he trusted the others to make it to point A. In either case he would be on his way soon enough.
*************
Yamagata didn't like being hurdled around but it was for their safety he knew. Everyone followed in pairs. He didn't know where they were going but he trusted Himura and he was the one who'd made the arrangements. He glanced back and saw Himura's wife along with Shinomori's woman; at least that's what Himura had called her.
Misao and Kaoru walked down the road looking around, expecting to get attacked. The moon reached its peak and was now waning, dawn was approaching.
"Are you still worried?" Misao asked concerned.
"Of course, I don't know if it worked." Kaoru said sounding troubled. It worked the first time, so it should have worked again. I really, really hope it worked." She glanced at Misao. "What did you ask for?"
Misao stared at her for a moment before she answered her. "I spent all day writing it out, so I could get it just right." Misao said and after a moment despite her embarrassment she confessed. "I wished for him to love me beyond reason, beyond his reasons. For him to cross his boundaries and allow himself to be loved by me." More or less that's what she had said. Her exact wish had included certain things she just couldn't bring herself to repeat. The point was that if wishing on the blue moon worked then she'd be married with children in no time.
Kaoru gave her a sympathetic pat on the back. She wondered what would have happened if she had wished for something like that the first time. They continued the down the road quietly.
Smoke filtered the air and their walking slowed until they stopped. Two members from the Oniwa-banshuu went ahead of them to scout the area. The statesmen huddled together. They had been extremely quiet, especially Hamasu and Kumamato whom rarely shut up.
Kaoru and Misao walked towards the front.
"Misao, Kaoru get back here." Okon hissed trying to get them to come back.
The men came back sometime later. They stood at the front of the group singling for them to come. Everyone scrambled to their feet and began to rush after them. The crunching of a twig in the back of them made them pause. Despite the distance of the men in the front, they were the first to hear it. They rushed to the back running on the ground without noise. Everyone held their breaths.
"Koji." Kaoru exclaimed.
Morimoto Koji, the guard on duty when the Inn was attacked looked relieved to see her. Somehow he had the feeling that if she'd been injured the battoussai would have found away to blame it on him like he did the last time when she'd run off. "Himura-san." He said almost smiling. The rest of the Kihei-Tai appeared behind him joining the ranks checking them over and counting the lot of them.
"What happened?" Kaoru asked him once they'd started walking again. Misao walked next to Kaoru, listening intently.
"It was the Mimawari-gumi you saw at the door. They were . . ." He wasn't sure if he should tell them they had peoples head on their spears. "Pretending to be from your group." He said pointing to Misao. The Kihei-Tai stepped outside the gates to fend them off and they were able to for a while but bit by bit they were pushed further and further in until they were with in the walls of the Inn. We were holding them back though we didn't know for how much longer. That's when he came."
Kaoru interrupted him. "Was it Kenshin?"
"No, the other one." He responded.
"Aoshi-sama?" Misao croaked.
"Yeah, he was like a demon. When we saw how easily he disposed of the Mimawari-gumi we left on Maeda's orders." Koji said as they walked through the forest.
"I thought Tokiwa was the leader?" Kaoru asked with a frown.
"No, he's second in command. Maeda is the leader." Koji responded.
Misao stayed quietly. He'd come back to check on them. She should have stayed. Then she could have seen him or left with him. Kaoru grabbed Misao by the arm. Everyone had stopped. Nine men stood in their way. One, in specific they recognized.
"Izubuchi." Kaoru and Misao gasped at the same time.
"Fancy meeting you out here." Izubuchi remarked with a smirk that could see even from the back of the line.
The statesmen drew back and the Kihei-tai drew in among them so that the statesmen were in the middle surrounded by the Ishin Shishi.
Izubuchi looked on in amusement. Kaoru, Misao and Koji had remained outside the circle. They looked on too surprised too move.
Izubuchi drew his sword out pointing it at Koji. "I do believe there is a western saying . . . how does that go . . . Oh yes, ladies first." He barked a laugh that made them cringe. "You ladies won't be the first tonight but you'll be the first of this group."
He signaled for his men to advance. They did as they'd been told. They attacked the Kihei-Tai while Izubuchi advanced on the three outside the circle. Koji pulled out his words and stepped out in front of the two girls.
Izubuchi's sword swung down with a crackling sound. The air chilled and the wind picked up. The sound had made everyone stop. Koji lay on the floor with a frozen expression.
The Hitokiri Battoussai stood in the place Koji had a moment ago. He'd pushed him down and now stood face to face with Izubuchi.
His mouth opened in surprise, moving around soundlessly. He gazed at the battoussai with panic before he replaced it with defiance. A sneer spread on his lips. "Battoussai." He snarled.
The hitokiri battoussai looked on with an expressionless face. His eyes glittered with a burning fire. He'd been running around town killing the Mimawari-gumi who were attacking innocent people. "Izubuchi." He stated darkly.
Izubuchi looked surprised for a moment. How did he know his name? His mind let the thought go and proceeded to process what had just happened. He tore his eyes away from the battoussai to look behind him. He glanced at the women and was surprised when a low growl came from the battoussai.
Despite the orders given, everyone just stood there while the hitokiri battoussai faced off against the Mimawari-gumi's fifth captain. Their eyes took in every aspect of the battle that was about to take place.
The battoussai walked back a couple of feet and crouched down just slightly. With the hand on the hilt of his katana, he commanded in a cold voice. "Come."
Izubuchi looked at him with apprehension before the look was replaced by hate. The battoussai was an Ishin Shishi and as such he deserved death. "If I said it once, I've said it a hundred times. No fucking Ishin Shishi can beat me. Not even you, the legendary battoussai will stand against my sword."
The battoussai didn't look the least bit ruffled. Instead he ran at Izubuchi catching him on the nose with the blunt side of the katana. He heard the crunch and was satisfied at the sight of blood. The move was something he'd used on Jineh. 'Jineh,' the thought of him brought back a murderous rage. He'd threatened Kaoru, he knew that much. He remembered the fight though things before and after were very hazy. His katana was already back in its sheath.
"Mother fucker." Izubuchi yelled with disdain. His eyes had teared up and he was trying desperately to stay afoot. Without further word he hurled himself at the battoussai. His momentum made his slash incise.
The battoussai merely sidestepped the attack; his face showed a slight trace of amusement. "Legendary, huh?" He stated almost mockingly.
Izubuchi took his stance and launched himself at the battoussai again. He leapt, coming down on the hitokiri with a quick movement. The battoussai moved faster and leapt higher. When Izubuchi struck the ground with his sword the battoussai was in the air.
He flipped and struck Izubuchi on the back. The slash ran deep across his back, blood dripped from the wound forming a puddle around Izubuchi's feet. The cut was deep but it didn't kill him. The battoussai's katana was already back in its sheath. He rose from the crouched position he'd landed in and turned to inspect Izubuchi. He could have killed him, sliced him in half but he would not kill in front of Kaoru.
Izubuchi breathed hard. He stood up and took the stance of the Jigen Ryu succession technique. "I will kill you, here and now. I'll rip your head and run it through my spear." He spat.
"I could kill you where you stand but I won't, you will be going to jail." The battoussai's tone was deep; it resonated in the forest as he spoke to Izubuchi.
"I'll make sure I give the girl extra attention," He said point behind the battoussai. "Once I've killed you." That made the battoussai take a step forward.
"Kenshin."
The distress in her tone made him stop though the urge to rip the man's throat out was strong. The battoussai fisted his hands together and stepped away. There was no way Izubuchi could attack him as he was. "Return to the Aoiya." The battoussai said to the Kihei-Tai. "It's safe there." He needed for them to leave so he could finish this.
A loud bang, followed by a blinding flash blinded everyone who stood. The force of the blow tossed everyone back as the ground shuddered. The battoussai reached his wife in one leap taking her with him as they rolled far across the cold ground. A shaky breath escaped Kaoru's lips as she looked at Kenshin. He laid over her, protecting her from the debris coming down on them. She could hear the shouting from behind them. She felt herself roughly picked up and propped against a tree. The blur running across the clearing was her husband as he took chase. She looked around, taking notice of the clearing. The Mimawari-gumi were gone. The Kihei-Tai were dusting themselves off as the statesmen rose slowly to their feet. She moved her eyes further pausing on Misao, who was propped up against a tree herself, looking bewildered. Kaoru crawled over; feeling like her knees would give out if she tried to stand. "What happened?" Kaoru asked as she studied Misao.
Misao peered at Kaoru for a moment. "Aoshi-sama. He was here. The explosion tossed me back but I never hit the ground or a tree or anything like that. He caught me and sat me down against the tree. Then he was gone, just disappeared like he'd never been here." Misao looked confused.
Kaoru and Misao turned their heads together and in the light of the burning forest one could see the deep concerned that marred their features, as they looked at the direction the battoussai had run to.
*************
Kaoru's group made their way out of the forest and back to the road. The sun was rising, soon it would be morning and they still had quite a bit to go before they reached the Aoiya. The Kihei-tai looked alert and ready to engage in a fight. They walked around the group like guard dogs never moving too far.
They walked down the road quietly and as they reached to outskirts of town they began to see charred buildings. The further into town they got the worse the scene became. People sat on the doorsteps of their homes with smudges of soot on their face and ash in their hair. The feeling of gloom swept the city. The closer they got to the center of town the more horrific the scene. Bodies lay on the street. Mostly men in police uniform others dressed in civilian clothes. Once or twice a woman's body appeared. Most of the bodies had not yet being covered.
One in particular made several of the statesmen nauseous. The man had being slaughter, there was no other word to describe what had been done to him. His entrails laid on the side, his intestine attached only by the smallest strings of muscles. Blood matted the alleys and several houses. The stench of blood was strong.
Despite the smell and the blood on the street in front of the Aoiya, the restaurant itself was intact. Misao looked around for any signs of struggle within the house but there were none. The women strode into the kitchen and quickly began preparing cups of tea and sake for the men.
Everyone sat around holding their cup contemplating on the events of the night. Morning had come but only the Kihei-Tai had noticed. They were the only ones who still remembered the smell of blood. What they once had to do to stop groups like the Mimawari-gumi.
Okina entered the Aoiya with a glum look on his face. He watched the men turn and stare at him. It was obvious they were waiting for instructions. He sat in front of them and began to recite what Aoshi had told him. "The number of casualties in last night's attack is disconcerting. There were twenty-seven deaths in Kawamarachi Sanjo and Eighty-eight here. Forty-seven of those were policemen the others were just people who tried to stop them. Or witnessed the slaughter of others before being killed themselves." He really wished he didn't have to do this in front of the girls, well maybe not all of them just not Misao and Kaoru. "Himura says you are to eat and rest. You are to join him on the six o'clock train to Yokohama." Okina said to the Kihei-Tai.
"As for the statesmen, the danger has passed and Kyoto is safe once again. The Inn is being 'cleaned' and will be ready by tonight. If you want to leave that's fine, just don't head towards Yokohama and don't use the road." He said glancing at them sternly.
"What about us?" Misao and Kaoru spoke simultaneously.
"The Oniwa-banshuu will join the fight in Yokohama." He said to the men of the Oniwa-banshuu. "As for you girls . . ." He said looking at Misao and Kaoru. "I was told to persuade you to go to Tokyo but should I fail to persuade you." Okina grinned. "Then you may join us."
"Was it Kenshin who said I should stay behind?" Kaoru asked as anger began to rise out of the fear and sadness she'd felt just a moment ago.
"It was actually Aoshi's idea to leave you two behind." He was amused by their reaction.
"He doesn't think we can fight." Misao stated in an annoyed tone. "Thinks we can't defend ourselves, does he." She finished.
"No. He didn't want you to get hurt." Okina paused thoughtfully. "There's a difference."
Kaoru made a face but didn't say anything else. She'd have her chance later on today. 'Kenshin-baka,' she thought. This was a topic she'd address once they were alone. "Misao, do you mind if I get some sleep?" She asked turning to look at Misao.
"Go ahead, you now where my room is." Misao as she glanced at Kaoru. There were still questions she wanted to ask Okina.
"You should rest too, Misao-chan or you're going to be too tired to lecture Aoshi-sama."
Misao made a face at Okon's remark. She was about to say something but the gleam in the old man's eye stopped her. She huffed her chest out in anger and got up with out another word. She made her way to her room where Kaoru waited; maybe she could explain some things.
Okina watched them go before he turned and continued his story. "All right, The number of casualties on their side stands at fifty-one, one captain with a small militia of fifty men. From the reports that came in this morning, we have learned that there were two captains but it seems the other one and his men got away."
"Was it Izubuchi?"
Okina looked at one of the Kihei-Tai. "Yes, Himura followed them during the commotion of the explosion. He killed the captain and the eight men he was with. Our Okashira killed the men who set of the explosives." He paused.
"Yokohama is expected to take a bitter blow in the oncoming days. We expect a coordinated attack of three maybe four captains of the Mimawari-gumi and at least one hundred and fifty men. They are leaving us very little choice in this now. We have to defend Yokohama." Okina looked lost in thought for a moment. "A sword that protects even bathed in blood does so that the innocent will remain just that. There is no alternative. They have killed too many innocent people to allow them to continue on like this." He shook his head sadly. "Be sure to rest, we don't know when we'll get the chance again." He rose to his feet, leaving the room with the same glum expression he'd come in with. He sighed as he left the room. He needed rest himself.
*************
Kaoru gave the crowd a disgruntle look. She'd gone back to the Inn to get her clothes but it had been hard to get out of the Aoiya. Then the whole Kihei-Tai just had to come along. Everyone kept looking at her like she was something odd. Or special either way the looks they were giving her made her uneasy.
She pushed passed people trying to get on the train. It looked as if everyone was trying to leave Kyoto. She sighed in exasperation. She shoved the last man out of her way and took her step onto the train. She'd been ready to start tossing people left and right. With a final sigh she straightened up and smoothed the deep crimson kimono she was wearing. She ran her hand through her hair before she began to walk. She was wearing a bit of make-up today. She smoothed her hair again, a nervous gesture she'd picked up somewhere. Maybe she shouldn't have worn make-up. The landlady had said she looked gorgeous but she'd become a friend to her and friends do lie to make you feel better. She was about to bite her lip but the taste of the lip balm stopped her.
She felt the air leave her chest in one sudden breath. Kenshin sat motionless in his seat, dressed in a deep cobalt gi with his hair in the high ponytail he favored so much. He looked beautiful. His eyes drifted up slowly locking on to hers. Her heartbeat began to pace twice as fast, making up for the sudden pause.
"Koishii." His voice was deep and silky. His eyes drifted back down taking notice of her attire. "Sit." He gestured to her while his eyes remained on her body.
She sat down on his left. She always sat between the window and him. His arm tightened around her waist once she was sitting. The color of his eyes changed, slowly drawing her in as they began their slow seduction of her.
Suddenly she caught sight of white. Her eyes darted away from her husband to the person sitting in front of them. Shinomori Aoshi. His eyes were closed but she had a feeling he could still see them.
She tugged on his arm trying to get him to loosen his hold on her. Her eyes narrowed when he didn't. She threw him a look that would have scared the rurouni but the battoussai seemed amused by it. She grounded her teeth getting ready to bash him. Her mouth opened. "Misao." She said surprised.
Kenshin and Aoshi turned their heads to the new person joining them.
"Please sit." Kaoru said pointing to the seat next to Aoshi.
Misao nodded and sat. "I waited at the Aoiya but you didn't come back."
"Yeah, I'm sorry I had to go back and get our things." Kaoru said apologetically.
"It's all right. We're all here, right?" She said with a forced smile on her face.
Kaoru nodded. "Where are the others?"
"They're further back." She said pointing backwards with her thumb.
Kaoru yawned as she nodded her head in response. The train hitched forward before it began to slowly move out of the station. Another yawn escaped her mouth. She hadn't felt that tired but now it was like her lids couldn't stay open. She felt the warm comforting embrace of her husband circling her body. She leaned into the warmth, resting her head on his chest. 'Maybe a little nap wouldn't hurt,' she thought as she dozed off.
Misao watched a little enviously as Himura rested his chin on Kaoru's head. He closed his eyes and appeared to fall sleep himself. She glanced sideways and was caught of guard.
Aoshi watched her. A number of emotions played on her face as she stared at the two in front of them. Shock appeared on her face as she noticed he'd been looking. Usually he diverted his attention else where, right before she turned. But not today, there was something different about today. Her large eyes stared at him in confusion. They conveyed something to him, he didn't quite understand. The urge to touch her passed through him in fleeting moment, not sure if he'd even felt it at all. He turned back in his seat, closed his eyes and tried to rest. He felt her stay still, just watching him before she leaned back into her seat as well. He felt her scoot closer after a moment. He almost smiled at her forwardness. He moved his arm and draped it over her shoulder. Her head would surely have shot up but all she would still see would be his closed eyes. He felt her smile more than saw it. He really didn't know what was wrong with him today. His thoughts began to slowly fade as sleep encompassed him.
*************
Minami and his men walked down the road somewhat briskly. He and all his men were alive. All of them. The job had been completed according to plan. Izubuchi and his men were dead while he and all his men were alive. He couldn't have asked for a better day.
The sun felt warm even in the winter breeze. They were careful to avoid the patrols. The Ishin Shishi safeguards most likely. It would take them two days to get back to Shiga, they would just have to avoid them till then. Once there they'd get their horses and head off for Yokohama. He smiled at the empty road. He would have loved to be the one to killed Izubuchi but having the battoussai do it was just as well.
Their arrival in Yokohama might be troublesome. They still had to find the others but knowing Kawamori, he'd already have someone waiting for them. At least he hoped so. People would get suspicious at seeing too many of them just wondering around.
*************
Night had set in. It was cold and the best clothes still made you shiver in place. It hardly ever snowed in Yokohama and even when it did the snow never lasted for too long. Winter was at its peak though and the air had grown thin.
Kaoru rubbed her hands trying to get some feeling back into her fingers. She was so cold. Finally giving up she tucked her hands back into her sleeves. She wished everyone would hurry up and get off the damn train. She was wearing Kenshin's michiyuki, she had protested but in the end she had just given in. The man was stubborn. She moved closer to him, holding his arm with her long sleeve. He spared her a glance and she gave him a weak smile.
"Asheu."
The sound of her sneezing made his mask fall. Worry crossed his features. He held her close and put the back of his hand against her forehead. She was warm despite the weather. "Maybe I should take you on ahead." He said as he examined her face. She didn't look flushed.
She shook her head, no. Her hand tightened through the sleeve, keeping him still. "I worry when you leave me." She told him.
He nodded and held her close to his side. His eyes focused on the group he'd brought with him. When his eyes caught sight of the last one descending the steps of the train he turned with her by his side and made his way down the street. Maboroshi, is where they would be staying. The group made their way inside the large Inn. It was bigger than most Inns, built mainly for the foreigners.
The owners. An elderly couple stood at the desk as their son in a law a British man in his middle twenties filled out paper work in the background. The elderly lady saw them coming and her face brightened, it was a large group after all. She bowed deeply welcoming them to their Inn.
Kenshin led Kaoru to the fireplace and sat her down by the warming flames while he took care of business. Kaoru put her hands by the fire; finally she could feel her fingers again. "Asheu." She sneezed again. She really didn't want to get sick. Sleeping on a train isn't the same as sleeping on a futon. Her back hurt from having fallen asleep in a sitting position. She could only imagine how Kenshin was feeling.
"How long do you think we'll be here?"
Kaoru glanced at Misao. "I'm not sure Misao." Her eyes turned to where Kenshin and Aoshi stood speaking with the old woman. A nodding of heads marked their agreement. The men began walking up the stairs while Kenshin and Aoshi remained by the desk. With a long sigh, she nudged Misao on the ribs. "Com on let's go." Kaoru said to her as she rose of her chair and made her way to Kenshin.
His eyes had settled on a deep bluish-purple. They looked soft and inviting kind of the way they did after he got his sight back after his battle with Amakusa Shougo. She stood in front of him as he looked down on her. "We're all having a late dinner on second floor common room." He said as he extended his hand and took hold of hers. They began their walk up the stairs.
Misao and Aoshi followed them up in a companionable silence walking side by side but never really touching. Their midnight dinner was eaten in a pleasant atmosphere. They laughed, told stories and even sang a little before they went to bed. The happy mood seemed to throw a veil over the past few days.
Kaoru laid the futon down getting things ready while Kenshin looked out the window. Their room over looked a large garden behind the Inn. If there was trouble, he could grab her and jump. They could make their way out the back.
"Kenshin."
He stopped his reverie and turned to look at her. It'd felt like years since he'd last caressed her curves, touched her face or possessed her being. His eyes widen as she began to undress in front of him. She was usually more reserved. His eyes swept over her entire body before settling on her face. Her mouth was still tainted a ruby red. He walked closer gripping her by the waist once he was close enough. He looked down into her eyes. This is usually were he lost his wits. He leaned his face down and kissed her. Slow at first melding her form into his. His thoughts were becoming incoherent. "When this is over. We can go back to your dojo." He said as he caressed her cheek. "I can become . . . "
She didn't let him finish. She understood. He was willing to bury the hitokiri battoussai again and live in the Meiji as the rurouni. He was willing to do it for her. She nuzzled his neck before laying kisses on his throat, suckling on a little spot right below his earlobe. He sighed contently. She kissed his chin and he leaned in further into her. She kissed his cheeks and lids before she kissed the side of his mouth. Holding his face in her hands she couldn't help but notice how vulnerable he was. She held the reins on his being, whether it was his heart or his mind. She possessed him completely. She let go of his face so she could wrap her arms around his neck. "I love you." She whispered before she kissed him lovingly.
*************
"This is going to get us no where." Kawamori shook his head. "Three weeks," He muttered under his breath. He had been hoping to strike soon after Minami had arrived but now there was another delay in the plans. This was a bad omen. He should wait, really he should but he wanted to strike; now while the Ishin were weakened. It had to be during winter. It had to. "I want you to gather everyone. There will be a meeting to night." Kawamori turned and went back to his desk.
"Yes, sir." Takanashi fourth captain of the Mimawari-gumi said as he bowed. Without a second glance at his commander he left to fetch the others.
Kawamori looked down at his papers, just stared at them for a long time. The battoussai was alive and a fifth of his army was gone. Takahashi had gone on and attacked the Shinsegumi in an ambush that had cost him almost half his men. Perhaps he should have built a bigger army. One that stood at five hundred or at a thousand. That would have been smart. The smarter thing to do. But he had the best swordsmen in the land. The only men who could stand between him and the government were the Shinsegumi and the battoussai. He would have to resort to the alternative plan. Three weeks was more than enough time for them to get here. A knock on the door broke his line of thought. "What is it?" He called out from his seat.
"We're all ready Kawamori-san." Ono's voice sounded nervous from the other side of the door.
Kawamori turned to look at the clock in his office, a western commodity he valued. Time was precious after all. "I'm coming." He hadn't noticed just how long he'd been sitting there thinking. He gathered his thoughts as he left his office. He strode in to the front of the hall heading to the front of the room.
He stood there looking at them a moment before he began. "How many times must we meet this way before our revenge is complete? How many times must we be the ones counting our losses? How many times before they kneel?" He breathed through his nose, gathering his thoughts.
"We've had our share of loss but nothing compared to the loss of the Ishin Shishi. While we have lost only a fifth of our forces, they have lost three times our number. We've taken but a minor setback. Nothing we can't overcome as the Mimawari-gumi." He paused looking down at them.
"As we are, we cannot stand against the army guarding Yokohama. If we are to be victorious, if indeed we want to win, we will need help. Therefore we will resort to the alternate plan I mentioned in the beginning. The Black Ajah stands at two hundred. I know many of you hate them. They have no honor or morale. But they do understand money. And money they will obey. I will send word tomorrow. They will come in three weeks time." His eyes turned to Kazuki and Masashiko. Two of the children he'd helped raised and though Masashiko had remained with his mother he'd always helped her out with money. Kazuki on the other hand. He'd taken him in, raised him as his own. Maybe that's why he favored Kazuki.
"Our plan stays the same. We will disperse and attack government officials while the Black Ajah creates our diversion. In the meantime you are to kill all members of the police. I know the Battoussai and sooner or later he will come to Yokohama if he isn't already here. Be wary of him. He is their key player. If we kill him there won't be much to stand against us." He tone took on a harsher note at what he said next. "That however does not give you the go ahead to go looking for him. If you find him he will kill you. It would take at least ten of you to scratch him."
Shaking his head slightly he continued. "The firearms will be here in the next two weeks. Masashiko you will still get your turn at the army. Takanashi and Minami you will patrol the outskirts of town. No one can come to their rescue. Kazuki you will come with me. Well set the fires to town before we burn the docks. This is our last stand, men." He looked around the room. "We either win or we die trying. There is no in between. There is no surrender. We are the Mimawari-gumi. Our dictum has always been, Fight with honor, die with honor. We fight to the last man." Kawamori's words trailed off as the sound of applause broke into the room. His thoughts had trailed off to Kisho, his sister's fiancée. He had always said that at the end of his speeches. It was how he encouraged them to fight. He stirred their sense of honor.
Kawamori raised his hand, silencing them. "Our attack will commence at sundown three weeks from today. You must keep low until then. Don't go beyond the slums. I have made arrangements at the Yomi no Kuni, the tavern will see to your needs. Assignments will be handed before dinner. Only those off duty are allowed to go to Yomi's." Glancing at them one last time he let them go. "You are dismissed."
They all left room quietly. As soon as the door closed behind them though their excited chatter and laughter began to fill the hallway as they made their way to the dinning room. The Yomi no Kuni was a well know brothel, famous for the scantly clad women.
*************
The patrol came home empty handed again. It had been a week since they'd arrived in Yokohama and still there was no sign of the Mimawari-gumi. Though policemen had started to show up dead, sometimes one, sometimes three at a time. They were definitely here. Hiding somewhere, just bidding their time.
Shinomori Aoshi arrived from the night's patrol just before daybreak. He made his way back to his room silently. Another night wasted. They'd been here one week and still no sign. He felt frustration grasping at him, trying to take hold. The morning patrols were starting tomorrow though he didn't trust the police to take care of a situation that involved the Mimawari-gumi. Six men left every night this week and six men returned with no news. Nothing.
It was the police themselves who found their fellow officers sometime the next morning. Usually in the water. He opened his door not surprised by the lit candle in his room. He removed his coat and sat down on the futon that had been laid out for him.
"You're home early tonight." Misao said as she poured him some tea. She handed him the cup brushing her fingers over his as she did. A small blush crept into her cheeks. She began fixing his plate, adding only a few snacks. Too much food might give him nightmares. She placed the food in front of him and waited for him to begin eating. She loved him so much. She would do anything for him. All he had to do was ask. She lowered her eyes when she realized she'd been starring at him. She had a tendency to do that. But who could blame her, he was beautiful. Midnight night colored hair and blue-green eyes. Eyes that had enchanted her since their first meeting. The time she spent with him was never enough. She always wished for more. She was a selfless person, she liked to think but when it came to him she became greedy, wanting to keep him for herself. The cling of his cup made her look up. He was done eating. So soon, it was always too soon. She gathered her things putting them on the tray. She felt his eyes on her as she did. She picked up her tray carefully. He made her nervous when he looked at her intently.
His larger hand covered hers completely as he placed his hand over hers. The act made her stop and her head shot up as she looked at him. He helped her ease the tray back down and took her hands in his when she was done.
"Aoshi-sama." Misao couldn't help but be a little hopeful. She had wished for him after all. She'd wished for dominance over him.
He brought her closer to him not sure what he wanted to do with her. She loved him and as hard as he'd fought it, he felt . . . he felt like maybe he could return the feelings. She had been after him for many years now and he'd always thought that it would be something she would grow out off. But she'd only become more persistent. He'd tried to avoid her when he saw where things might be headed but she had refused him that. She'd sought him out and forced her company on him. He'd been confused at the time and he'd spent all his time meditating.
Aoshi traced the contours of her face. A face he'd known for so long. She'd grown into beautiful you woman. He admitted it. Maybe it was time.
He eased her down to the futon. He moved his hand from her cheek to her throat. He could feel her heart racing. He wasn't sure what to do. There were too many emotions at the moment fighting for dominance. He didn't want to do anything rash and yet he did. Deciding the best course of action would be to sleep on it. He lay down beside her. He spooned himself against her and held her close to him. She sighed contently and he realized that this was enough. For now, all he needed was just to hold her. Sleep slipped into his conscious soon after, though not before a last thought drifted in. What was he going to do when holding her wasn't enough?
*************
Kaoru gripped Kenshin wrist forcefully. So much that her knuckles were white. "Please, just let it go." She pleaded. She regretted having left the Inn. All these trouble just because she had wanted to go shopping.
His eyes blazed with rage. If the man had said something he might have been able to let it go. But he didn't just say something. "He touched you." His voice held a rage she hardly recognized.
"Please." She really didn't know what to do. People had quickly dispersed when he'd drawn the katana out of its sheath. Her mouth trembled some from the cold but mainly from fear. She did the only thing she could think off. She became limp. Her hand lost its grip on his wrist as she started to fall backwards.
He caught her easily turning all his attention on her. "Koishii?" He said alarmingly. He touched her cold face. They'd been standing in the cold for too long. But his alarm became joy when he saw her eyes fluttering open. He exhaled a great sigh of relief. He helped her back to her feet.
She glanced around and was glad the man had been smart enough to run away. The only time his mind would loose focus on a fight was if harm came to her. She pulled on his hand and dragged him away from the street.
"You scared me."
Those were the first words he'd said to her in the last hour. The fact that they were home now had done nothing to lighten his mood. She looked at him feeling guilty. "I'm sorry." She apologized. She realized only too late that her face must have shown guilt. He grabbed her wrists tightly bringing her close to him for examination. "You lied." He said it like it was the worst thing he had ever seen. "to me." The under current of his voice made her shiver.
A light rumble in the background drew her attention away. If she didn't look at him she'd be all right. "You were behaving stupidly. What did you want me to do?" Her voice took on an edge of self-righteousness.
"He touched you."
"Again with that. You did enough; you scared him half to death." She said cutting him off.
"No, koishii not nearly enough. You are mine and I alone can touch you." He forced her face too look at him.
She tried to wriggle out of his hold. She hit him with the book she'd been reading only to have it yanked out of her hand and tossed out the window.
"You son-of . . ." Her hands fisted in anger. She'd bought that today. "You act as If I let him." She said calmingly though her face had paled in fury.
"You were defending him."
"And what does that mean. That I liked it and that's why I didn't let you kill him." She pushed on his shoulder trying to get free. "You're insane. Let me go." She commanded.
Thunder rumbled in the background, it seemed the weather agreed with his mood. "It means you should have let me punish him."
"That's not what you wanted to do and you know it." She said as she tried to kick him.
A murderous look passed through his features. "I love you, insanely so." He said though gritted teeth. "I would die for you and I would kill for you if I had to!" He said harshly before he kissed her.
The fact that it was the first time he'd said the words escaped her notice as he kissed her urgently. He devoured her lips even as laid her on the futon.
Well you guys I'm sorry it took me so long in finish this chapter. I got half way writing this when I became frustrated. The lack of interaction between them on an intimate level was getting to me. Which is why I started writing Irresistible. I like that story and it's not just cause I wrote. I feel greater freedom when I write them out of character. Let's get a move on though shall we.
Small Note:
All right as you can see at the beginning of the chapter it becomes obvious that Kaoru's wish is granted, again. He is able to remember previous fights. It's why he defeated the shadowed man in Kawamarachi Sanjo so easily.
Now there are certain things you might find interesting in this chapter I just hope I catch them all.
The Kihei-Tai. They are the Ishin Shishi (samurai). This is something I thought I should clear up before the emails start coming. I have mentioned it before but I felt the need to reiterate since some of you might have forgotten already.
Why did they think Taro was coming to the Inn?
His head had cut off and stuck on a spear. One of the Mimawari-gumi was carrying it in front of him so that from far it looked like Taro was walking towards them.
Aoshi's loss of control during the fight in the Inn.
If you've watched the Anime or read the manga you should know that he was really touchy about harm falling to those under his watch. Now Taro and Toyo were killed because they ran off after the remaining Mimawari. Aoshi and his men had been fighting on the street in front of the Aoiya remember.
Misao's wish.
That I think should be self-explanatory. She wished for Aoshi to fall madly in love with her.
The Hitokiri Battoussai Vs Izubuchi
I think the fight was pretty easy to follow. Izubuchi's anger clouded his mind making him sloppy and careless. The name of his technique was the Jigen Ryu, a very unusual and powerful technique. This technique is seen in the anime, episode three. His threat on Kaoru is what ultimately got him killed. Though Izubuchi didn't know which of the girls was the battoussai's woman. He was just guessing. Tough luck, huh? In the end I decided I was getting too gory in my description of his death so I deleted the scene. Sorry.
The train ride.
I can hear you guys already. Aoshi wouldn't act like that. I know, I know. But you should be able to guess why. I mean Misao did wish it pretty hard. The act of putting his arm around her shoulder is the beginning of what's in store for her. And she knows it.
Yokohama
Maboroshi is the name of the Inn where Kenshin's group is staying. According to the dictionary the word is supposed to means Illusion. As in a dream or illusion constructed by someone; figuratively it means "mystic" or "mystical".
Yomi no Kuni the name of the brothel where the Mimawari can go drink and mess around with women. The word Yomi (no Kuni) is supposed to translate to: the mythological Japanese underworld
You know if this had been Lost in the Madness, this would have had a lemony scene. My fingers were itching to write it. But alas it is not. Those of you who are reading Irresistible I will be putting up the next chapter tonight also. So if you don't see it tonight then check early in the morning.
I would like to thank all of you for reading. Please remember to review.