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 Fourteen
*************
Kaoru lay in the darkened room listening to the rumble outside. The storm had come after all. She could see the blinding flashes of lightening from time to time. Hear the roar of thunder run through the city.
In Roman mythology there were supposed to be many different kami's. She knew Jupiter to be the one who controlled such things as storms. He was in charge of lightening, thunder and such things. A particular loud roar of thunder made her smile. She should have know the Kami to control such an act would be a man. The storm was savage and destructive in it's nature. Though there was also those light showers so gentle you couldn't imagine them being any other way.
Her Kenshin was like that, wild and ferocious. Fierce like the storm yet gentle in it's caress. Her hand continued to play with scarlet locks as she looked out the window. It looked cold out but not in here. She was warm. The storm would calm after sometime. Her hand buried itself in silky strands glad she'd removed the hair tie.
"Go to sleep, koishii."
She looked to where his head rested on her chest. She smiled at him. Feeling like too much air would never be enough, when he left her breathless with a mere glimpse of himself. "I'm not tired." She responded after sometime.
His face moved slowly, he seemed almost reluctant to rouse. He placed a small kiss under her breast where his cheek had laid. He turned his face upwards locking eyes with hers. "Are you done tormenting me?" He asked her, amusement playing at the corners of his mouth.
Her mouth opened not sure what he meant at first. When things clicked and understanding dawned on her she turned her face away. "Kenshin-baka." She chided lovingly.
He kissed the inside of her arm pulling her hand out of his hair and laying a kiss on the palm. "I don't understand your obsession with my hair." He said as he began laying kisses on each of her small fingers.
"The obsession is for all of you not just the hair." She spoke softly as the same hand caressed his cheek.
He closed his eyes and leaned into the caress. He loved her so much that sometimes it went beyond reason. He was over protective of her he knew. But that was something he couldn't help. Even if he could change that about himself he wouldn't. There had been to many mistakes where she was concerned already. He'd had flashes of her in his mind when he thought about certain men he'd fought. With Shishio it had been of her crying in the middle of a dark road. The only light there had been produced by fireflies. The fireflies had a deep meaning for them. He felt it more than remembered it. When he'd thought about Jineh, the image of her crying in the middle of the practice hall had come back to him. She was there, everywhere in his mind. He was glad for the bits and pieces. He remembered the succession technique and had a feeling that it was going to play an important role in this fight.
His eyes opened slowly when he felt her trace the curve of his lower lip. She was looking at him intently. His eyes returned the heated gaze. She set him aflame. He could feel her heartbeat speeding up. She was anticipating the moment he kissed her. Without further hesitation, he moved before she could gasp. He hovered over her lips for less than the fraction of a second before he devoured her inviting lips. He would consume her with the fire she stoked.
*************
Kaoru walked around rubbing her chest. It felt . . . it was hard to say. Sensitive, maybe.
It was Kenshin's turn to patrol and of course she couldn't sleep, she never could when it was his turn. They had found two Mimawari-gumi in the last two weeks. Both men died in the struggle of being apprehended. She was just thankful it happened during Aoshi's watch and not Kenshin's.
Today was the beginning of the third week here in Yokohama. Kenshin had patrol duty the rest for the of week, until Saturday. She looked at the new copy of Roman and Greek Mythology through the Ages. A smile came to her despite the sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. He wouldn't have had to buy her a new one if he hadn't tossed the old one out the window. Maybe if she read a little. She sat back down in the middle of the futon. It had been raining off and on again. She would rather it be freezing cold than for it to rain. He would get soaked if he had to fight in this weather. She had made him dress warmly before he left though. He had protested. A great deal in fact. She'd been forced to threaten him with going after him to make sure he kept well. In the end he'd given in. She knew he would.
She was anxious. She didn't know what it was but she felt something might happen. She really wanted to talk to Misao but she had taken to sleeping in Aoshi's room. She briefly wondered how far they'd gone. Though knowing Aoshi. She sighed again. Poor Misao.
"Kenshin." She called to him though only the pitter patter of the rain answered her calling.
*************
The battoussai paused mid step. He turned his face slightly to the side. It was only the wind but it had sounded like she called for him. He frowned in concern. He hoped she was alright. He turned back and continued his trek. Today they were searching the docks. It had been decided not to patrol the same streets every night like they did the first week. It was a waste of time to do so.
The rain had lightened just a enough, something the others were thankful for. His eyes scanned the area carefully once they reached the docks. He sensed something here. He walked further along and paused. One woman and five men stood in the middle of a platform. They seemed to be waiting. All dressed in black armor, with odd swords on their sides. A small, red symbol stood on their breastplates. The woman was the only one with a cloak. It whirled behind her in the wind. They stood straight almost stiffly, looking straight at him. They were waiting for him.
"Stay back." He commanded the other five men with him. The men eased back until their backs met the wall of one of the warehouses. They watched in apprehension.
"You are the battoussai?" The woman's voice sounded strong. It carried without the need of the wind. She stood at about the same height as her men. It was obvious she was their leader. Just in the way she stood. Her accent was thick. She was a foreigner. Though not from the west.
The battoussai didn't respond. He regarded them with a cool expression. His eyes had taken notice of their swords. They didn't look of Japanese make. These sword were thick right after the handle and curved towards the end. Scythe like swords.
"I like a man that admires good craftsmanship." She threw her head back and laughed. She was tan with long dark hair, braided down her back. The braid reached all the way to back of her knees. "This." She said removing the sword. "Is a Damuscus swords. It's made of damauscus steel. Made by my ancestors long ago. The handle is the only thing we change when it's passed down to us. My blade is one of the newest ones, made over three years ago." She regarded her blade almost lovingly before she glanced back at the red head. "We are the Black Ajah." She was surprised when he didn't seem frightened. "The most feared army in the Indies, though we originate from Persia." He still didn't seem to flinch though. And it was becoming too much of history lesson for her. "Well beautiful enough chitchat. Let's see what you got." She motion for one of her men to move forward. She watched with great interest as the red head positioned himself into a stance. Her people had training exercises but no definite stance when it came to fighting.
The battoussai watched the sword of the other man. He was a least a foot taller than himself. The man wielded his sword like a sling. He swung it around, his wrist moving in a circular motion.
The man charged at him and the battoussai stopped the thrust with the sharp side of his blade. He then ran the sharp part of his katana along side the other man's sword, sparks flew on contact. The battoussai's katana cut the man across the face, tossing him back.
The woman stared at him, then smiled. She hadn't ever seen anything like that. He did it all in the blink of an eye. This time she signaled for two to go at him.
As soon as the men approached him. The battoussai seemed to blur. He jumped over the first and slashed him from the back, right underneath the neck. The next one he encountered he used the regular battou jutsu. He supported his right hand with his left as he swung the blade in a horizontal slash. Cutting the man almost in half. Blood splattered on the street.
The woman stared at him in awe. "You would do well with the Ajah." She said to him.
He slashed the air in one fast stroke, cleaning of the blood. He sheathed his sword again and looked at her. She was smiling down at him.
"I was sent to read you. But I think I can do more than that. Won't you join us? Money, power, women. Anything you could ever want would be yours. Someone like you could have any pick amongst the captains." She said.
"They're all woman?" He asked her.
Her gave him a toothy grin. "So you're more than good looks, are you? It would be a shame to kill you. Join us." She asked him winking at him in the process.
He shook his head. 'Kaoru would rip her head off if she was to here,' he thought.
"He's married." Yoshimitsu screamed out. "To a beautiful woman."
Both the battoussai and the woman turned around to look at Yoshimitsu.
That comment was disturbing as it was badly timed. No one should be looking at Kaoru like that.
"I see." The woman said looking at Kenshin with a predatory smile. "She must be very beautiful to have captured someone like you." She pointed at her last man. He step forward serving to shield her from the battoussai. "I'll see you around." She said as she leapt away.
The last man left was a burly fellow. Black eyes, black hair and extremely tan. His sword was like hers except the hilt didn't seem as ornate. He tossed it from hand to hand before the battoussai lunged, thrusting his katana from underneath the mans chin right through the skull. He jumped back and cleaned his katana.
The others held back waiting for him to pass them by before they began to follow him. His eyes were glinting like the moon on water. They kept quiet for the rest of the patrol. Yoshimitsu most of all. No reason to draw attention to himself.
The sun was out by the time he got home. He made his way upstairs and opened the door quietly. A small oil lamp lit the room, creating small shadows along the walls. She'd fallen asleep over the blankets with her finger in between the pages of her book. He shook his head in amusement. He closed the door quietly, removing all the clothes she'd forced him to wear. He changed and then walked to were she laid. Her dark lashes were a big contrast to the milky white skin. "Very beautiful indeed." He said caressing her cheek. He lifted her enough to draw the blankets out. He kissed her cheek softly so as to not wake her up and then covered them both with the blanket. An inaudible sigh of relief escaped him as she snuggled into him. He embraced her, holding her close. He wondered how he'd managed the first fifteen years of his life before she came along. A smile tugged at his lips even in sleep.
*************
"I found him." Mahisti said standing stiffly. She'd removed her breastplate and other armor when she got back but facing her commander always caused knots in her back. "He is as they say."
"You engaged him in battle." A woman in fitted black leather rose from her chair. She stood in front of Mahisti briefly before she began circling. "And you lost a fifth of your unit."
Mahisti fisted her hands behind her back. "Yes."
"What did you learn?" The woman said sitting down again while Mahisti remained standing up.
"The Hitokiri Battoussai lives up to his name. He is a master swordsman. He killed my unit without hesitation in quick, precise movements. He has the ability to move beyond normal speed a worthy adversary for anyone." Mahisti felt a little awkward describing the beautiful red head.
Jahangir, looked up from her folded hands to look at Mahisti. "You asked him to join." There was surprise in the statement. "He is that good." Jahangir looked thoughtful for a moment. "Why did he not come?"
"He does not know us." Mahisti paused remembering what one of the men had yelled. "Also, he is married to a beautiful woman."
"You saw her?"
"No, one of the other men there shouted it out." Mahisti said in quick words.
"Were the others like him?"
"No their power was limited. Very weak auras. The battoussai was the strongest amongst them." Mihisti said knowing that's what her commander wanted to hear.
"All right. Give his description to the others and tell them they are not to engage him in battle. Our agreement with the Mimawari-gumi does not include him." Jahangir finished her statement rather dismissively.
Mahisti left the room quickly, her long braid swinging along with her every movement. She hadn't thought it was going to be that easy. It was a good thing she'd kept his looks out of it or Jahangir would have gone after him herself. It was hard finding a warrior husband. Especially one with all his qualities. Her predatory smile came back as she made her way to the hall. She might just try again before they headed back to the Indies.
*************
"What?" Kaoru stared at Koji disbelieving.
His faced paled. He turned around slowly to look at Kaoru. He tried desperately to say something anything but his mouth didn't want to work.
"She asked him to join her." Kaoru said repeating Koji's words.
Maiku took one look at Kaoru and ran off. He didn't want to hear the story that badly. She was a topic deeply discussed by the Kihei-Tai. One of the things known to everyone was her temper. He scurried away faster when she began to raise her voice.
"Tell me what she said word for word." Kaoru had him by the front of the gi and was starting to shake him. "Better yet tell me the whole story and don't leave anything out. I can tell when you lie."
Koji knew there was no other way. She would not leave him alone if he didn't spill his guts. He wished he hadn't heard the story.
"Koji!"
That snapped him out of it. "There was a woman and five men waiting for him at the docks. They were all dressed in black armor. They were waiting for him. They wanted to fight him. The woman said she was there to read him."
"Stop right there. What did she say exactly?" Kaoru said leaning her face to his. His left eye twitched when he lied. She peered at him close. "Tell me."
"She asked him if he was the battoussai but he didn't respond. I guess he was looking at their swords because she said, I like a man that admires good craftsmanship. Then she laughed."
"What did she look like?" Kaoru could barely able to suppress the rage she felt building inside her.
"She was a tall woman taller than Himura. She was tan with dark hair and dark eyes. Shapely" She was making him afraid with the withering look. "Yoshimitsu say's your twice as beautiful though." That seemed to do the trick she eased off on her hold of his gi allowing him room to breath. "Go on." She said.
"She explained stuff about her sword an where it came from. She told him she was from the Black Ajah but Himura still didn't make any movements or give any response. So she said, Well beautiful enough chitchat. Let's see what you got. Then she motioned for one of her men to move forward. Himura defeated him easily." Koji looked at her impassive face and wondered what she would do once she knew what the other woman had said.
"When she saw how easily he defeated the first man she sent two more. Himura defeated those as well. She stared at him in awe before she said. You would do well with the Ajah but Himura still didn't respond. That's when she said, I was sent to read you. But I think I can do more than that. Won't you join us? Money, power, women. Anything you could ever want would be yours. Someone like you could have any pick amongst the captains.
Kaoru's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Someone so small should not be as strong as she was. There was no point in struggling anymore. Though he still tried desperately to look away. "That's when he first spoke. He asked her if they were all women. Though we think he meant are all the leaders, women. Anyways, She smiled at him and then said, "So you're more than good looks, are you? It would be a shame to kill you. Join us." She winked at him while doing it too."
Kaoru began to tremble.
Koji had to finish before she bashed him on the head for taking too long. "Yoshimitsu yelled, He's married to beautiful woman. Both of them turned to look at him. and then the woman said, I see she must be very beautiful to have captured someone like you. Then she pointed at her last man and left while they fought. Though she did yell, I'll see you around, before she leapt away."
Kaoru let him go and Koji didn't wait another second. He ran and ran fast.
Kaoru walked back upstairs towards the common room where they were having a meeting.
It's been four days since Himura encountered the Black Ajah and . . . .
The bang of the door sliding open made everyone turn. Her face was deadly pale and her eyes glistened wildly. Her lips were a deep cherry from having bitten them as she walked up the stair. "Kenshin, a word." Her tone was commanding, showing authority over the man.
He looked at her rather confused. "This is a meeting." He responded but for some reason she became angrier. He could feel it. Her hands were hidden underneath the long sleeves of her kimono though he knew they were fisted.
She licked her dry lips. She didn't want a confrontation in here. But he was making things impossible. "Kenshin." She bit her tongue to keep herself from saying, now before I come and get you.
Kenshin rose from his place at the table and walked outside. Closing the door behind him so that no one would hear. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards the window as soon as he closed the door. "What is it?"
She jerked her arm free and stepped forward. "You didn't tell me that . . . woman asked you to go away with her."
"What?" He wasn't too sure where this was going now.
"You know who I mean. Why didn't you tell me? Is there a reason you hid that nights events from me?" She finished in one breath but he caught all the words.
Someone had told her. His eyes flashed in rage. When he found out who'd told her . . . .
"Are you listening?"
Her voice made him turn back. She looked really angry.
"Now is not the time. We will talk about this later." His voice was as cold. If he showed the least bit of a guilt she would jump on it like a lioness on her prey. He turned on his heel and left to go back inside.
She stood there, radiating outrage. Her attention snapped back to reality when the door closed behind him. She strode down the hall purposely, walking to her room. She slammed the door open. She hated feeling jealousy. But the problem was she couldn't help it. She loved him dearly. She'd felt protective over him since the very beginning. He was very attractive after all. She took some money and left. There was no way she was going to stay here and wait till he was ready to explain. He should have told her when he got home that night.
She left the inn without any hindrance. There were no guards.
The cold air slammed into her nearly knocking her over. She shivered drawing her kimono closer to her. It was lined with wool but still she could feel the air, sharp as knife.
She ran to keep warm. She could see her breath, the air was so cold. She ran down the street looking for the Tetsuya's. The owner of where she'd bought her Mythology book had recommended the other book store.
A ringing of small bells announced her entrance. She entered the small store cautiously. It was a warm little store. Antiquities filled the middle of the store while books lined the entire back wall from floor to ceiling. A smile spread on her lips, there were so many books. A young woman welcomed her and Kaoru returned a polite greeting. She walked past several antiques before she reached the wall lined with books.
There were so many tittles:
The Legend of Selene.
Women in Ancient times.
Ancient Prophecies.
The Monkey King.
Lost in the Shadows volume I.
Battle Amongst the Shadows volume II.
The Impious Empress.
Dark Times: Blood Bonds.
Kaoru's hand paused over the last book. There was something about that book.
"I don't think you'd like that one."
Kaoru turned at the sound of the voice.
A tall man with jet black hair looked at her. His gray eyes looked at her with interest. He picked up The Impious Empress and handed it to her. "You'll find this one much more interesting," he said.
"What's wrong with the other one?" She asked looking from the book he'd handed her.
"It's too tragic, too much war." He said looking down at her.
"There's nothing wrong with a book that's realistic." Kaoru said turning her gaze back to him.
He gave her an intent look for a moment making her blush in the process. "I've never met a woman that thought so before." He gave her a charming smile. Kaoru blushed a deeper shade in response. "No, I suppose there isn't." he looked at the book he held. Kawamori had read to him from this book, it's why he wanted it.
"What is that one about?" Kaoru asked after a moment, looking at the book he held.
"It's a long story. It all starts with the emperor being killed in front of his daughter. The head-guard, of the emperors' army grabbed the girl and ran off to safety. Those had been the emperors orders but she was still angry with him. She asked him to take her to her other family, distant cousins I think it was. Anyways he told her he couldn't do that, he would remain with her for the rest of her life. Those were his orders. She didn't like it at first but in the end she fell in love with him." He paused for a moment. His eyes had been looking at the book intently.
"He'd gathered an army hoping to retake her kingdom, she would be empress. He'd see to it, he was a great warrior after all but fate was against him. They got him in the end. The same man that killed her father killed her husband. She became driven then. Even though she bore his child a couple of months after his death. All she could think off was her dead husband, all she lived for was vengeance." He shook his head trying to clear his mind. This was too close to his past. He looked at Kaoru again. Giving her a sad smile. "This one isn't for you. But I think you will enjoy that one very much."
Kaoru could see the book meant a lot to him. So even though he'd sparked interest, she would let him have it. "What's this one about?" She said changing topics.
He gave her a roguish smile. "That one," he said touching the cover. "Is about a very bad empress. Well maybe not bad more like wicked." Naughty is the word he'd wanted to use but there were some words you just didn't say in polite company. "The story has a bit of a dark theme. But it's a love story. It's a really hard book to find as well."
Kaoru looked at the book with new interest. A dark theme, a bad empress and a love story, there wasn't much more she could hope for in a book.
The doors jingled and both Kaoru and her new friend turned to the door.
"Kazuki." An tall man maybe a decade older than Kazuki stood at the door. "I've been waiting for you to return I should have known this is where you were."
"Kawamori-san, I forgot you were with me." Kazuki blushed a bit looking down at the floor.
Kaoru had thought the other man was Kazuki's father but he'd called him Kawamori-san. She felt her book taken out of her hands.
"I'll pay for these," Kazuki said putting them down on the desk.
"No you don't have to." Kaoru said trying to get her book. She blushed a scarlet red. "Really you don't."
"I took the book you really wanted I think the least I could do is buy you the replacement."
Kaoru blushed and his smile widened. "How about your name in exchange for the book." he said once they were wrapped up.
"Kaoru." She said taking her book.
"Well Kaoru it was nice to meet you." He bowed formally making grand gestures that earned him a giggle.
Kaoru returned the formal bow though without the grandeur of the other. "It was very nice to meet you too Kazuki-san."
His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer. "Maybe I'll see you around sometime." He said from the door.
Kaoru only nodded.
He gave her a crooked smile before he left with the other man. It was odd Kazuki hadn't introduced her to the other man, most people would have. She left the warmth of the bookstore and began her walk back to the Inn. If it got any colder it would start to snow. She tucked the book into her kimono before she began to run.
"Kaoru-san!"
An alarming greeting was the first thing she heard as soon as she stepped through the doors of the inn.
"What's wrong Yoshimitsu?" Kaoru asked frightened at his expression.
"The meeting finished about half an hour ago and Himura has been looking for you." He said as he looked over her shoulder.
"I went to go buy a book." She said looking around. Where the hall had been empty when she left, it was now full of men. "I think I'll go upstairs." She said moving past him and continuing on. Shouts from the floor below made her fasten her pace urging her to reach her floor that much faster.
"Kaoru." He called to her in a steel voice. He was trying to control his anger. He stood at the top of the stairs watching her.
She didn't bother to turn she knew who it was. She opened the door and went inside, leaving the door open knowing he would walk inside. She sat down on the floor and waited.
The door closed with a loud snap. "Where have you been?"
"I believe we've had this conversation before," She responded coolly.
He looked at her with real anger in his eyes. The color had yet to turn amber though they were close. It made her rethink her answer. "I was with Misao."
"I saw her earlier." He said not coming any closer.
Her head titled to the side as she studied him. "When where you going to tell me about that woman?"
His mouth was pressed into a thin line. He still hadn't found out who told her. "There was nothing to say."
"You mean aside from the fact that she wanted you to run off with her." Kaoru cut in.
"Are you going to tell me where you were?" He asked her darkly.
Kaoru didn't like his tone. "Out but it's alright I was with someone." She saw his face pale and his eyes became a shade of yellow she hadn't seen before.
"What?" He had to be hearing wrong.
She gulped down her fear. Licking her lips she realized making him jealous was not the best of ideas. "Did you consider going with her?" She asked stubbornly.
He realized that's what all of this was about. She was trying to provoke the same reaction out of him. She wanted him to feel jealous because that's what she felt. He wanted to call her an idiot and a million times the fool but he just couldn't say it. "Of course not."
Her mouth formed a small pout. "Why didn't you tell me then?"
"There was nothing to say. And there still isn't anything worth mentioning." He said moving to the window. She loved driving him crazy.
"Hmm." Was all she said.
He turned giving her a penetrating look. A look she returned.
"Where did you go?" He asked her again. She often changed topics trying to throw him off what he really wanted to know but he never forgot a question specially when she tried to avoid it.
She just looked at him. Her face was blank of expression for a moment. She was still angry that someone had been bold enough to flirt with him but the anger seemed to have taken a slight twist. "Out." She responded.
"Kaoru." He warned.
"Come here." She called him to her side thought she didn't stretch her hands and made no further movements towards him. When he didn't obey she stood and began walking towards the door.
He stopped her mid step. His arms held her like steel bands, holding her in a hug. His hands took rest over her stomach as he leaned his face into the crook of her neck. "Why do you like to make me angry?"
She stiffened on contact, remaining silent for a second. "I could say the same, ne Kenshin?" She sighed deeply. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
He remained still not sure how to answer her question. "No, I don't suppose you do." She said looking straight ahead at the wall. "When you left me to go fight Shishio, I thought. No danger would be too great just to see you again. To be with you just a little longer." She smiled at the distant memory. "When I got to your Shishou's house I asked you if you were angry with me for following you."
"What did I say?"
"You said you were half angry and half relieved. Then you walked away from me." Her head bowed for a moment. Some memories no matter how distant still hurt.
"To get my training. I left you for a while to finish my training. I remember that, somewhat." He said close to her ear.
She tried to turn in the embrace. "Kenshin?" She tried again and he let her. "You . . . you remember?"
"Some." He said looking down at her.
She pressed herself against him in a crushing hug. If he remembered she had nothing to worry about. Her wish. He had all his skill back, so now even if he met up with Saitou . . . . He could win. "Kenshin, I'm so glad." She murmured into his chest. "So glad." He tried to lift her face but she refused. "Not yet." She whispered to him. "No just yet." So he held her close to him and rubbed her back soothingly. She confused him sometimes.
He squeezed her just before the nock on the door. He had to go. Her face turned up toward his slowly. Her eyes conveyed need, she needed comforting. "I have to go, koishii." He brought his face down so their cheeks touched. "Koishii." He marveled at the softness of her face. He pulled his face back and tipped her chin. He kissed her slowly letting his love for her linger between them. He didn't want to leave her, giving her another quick kiss he drew back and made his way out. At the door he paused, "Don't wait up for me Koishii you'll make yourself sick."
"Kenshin," she said turning slowly to look at him just as he left. He worried too much sometimes.
*************
They ran.
Ran as fast as they could. They jumped over walls and leapt onto rooftops. They had to get away. They'd been warned not to get too close. They ran faster, almost slipping off one house whose roof was too slippery. The night sky was full of clouds. The night was dark enough, they could hide in the shadows if only they could out run him.
"He saw us."
"I told you we shouldn't have gone."
"It's too late to lay the blame, run faster you idiot."
They jumped down behind a building, wheezing and panting for a second before they made their way out of the alley. They were close enough to the Yomi no Kuni if only they could get there, they'd outnumber the Ishin Shishi. They stepped around the corner and paused mid-step. Five men stood of to the side while one lone figure stood in the middle of the street, waiting.
Hige let a shallow breath escape. "I told you he saw us."
Kiba stood frozen. He looked caught.
"All of this because you wanted to kill those cops."
The accusation went right over his head. There was nothing he could do. Kiba unsheathed his sword. He held the hilt with both hands since it shook too much when he held it with just one. "Mimawari-gumi sergeant Kujiranami." He stated.
The men behind him unsheathed their swords. Afraid as they were they could still die with some honor.
"What's going on here?"
Hige turned back to see eight fellow members of the Mimawari-gumi making their way down the street. He was so happy, he almost wept.
The Ishin Shishi stepped off the side and onto the street, standing in front of the battoussai. They would all fight together.
*************
"Are all of them here?"
"Yes everyone who survived the Shiga ambush is here." Tanaka responded in his usual tone. He was smiling at his surroundings. "It looks like it will snow don't you think?" He said turning to his old friend.
The light of a match illuminated the face for a moment. Long bangs fell oddly over the man's face. They seemed to accentuate the mans' eyes. Wolfs eyes.
"We should have no problem finding the battoussai." Tanaka said as he peered at the dawning light of the sun.
"Gather everyone we need to leave." Saitou glanced around the train station. Something smelled funny to him.
"Where are we staying at?" Tanaka asked as he walked along side Saitou.
"Haji."
"Is that short for Hajikata?" Tanaka asked. Saitou glanced at him confirming the name. "So it's named after the creator of the Hirazuki." Tanaka stated his face turning slightly towards a group of women. "They don't look like they're from here." Tanaka stated.
Saitou took very little notice of them. It had taken them longer than expected. They're been forced to search Shiga and then they were forced into Kyoto where he looked through piles of bodies. He was able to discern between Shinomori's work to that of the battoussai's. Both had almost had the same amount of killings. 'Battoussai.'
He continued walking though he felt the rise in Ki's when he passed the women. They had felt his out when he was thinking about the battoussai. His eyes narrowed as he walked to the Shinsegumi Inn. They wouldn't follow them there.
Mahisti looked at the men walking past her. Over the last couple of days many large groups had arrived. All groups seemed to stay together. These were part of the Shinsegumi. Captains of the Black Ajah, had been forced to find out the name of all reinforcements coming to aid the battoussai.
Today would be the day. She looked up at the dark sky, it was morning yet it was so dark you'd think it was late afternoon. A good day for battle. She was eager to have another look at battoussai.
*************
Kazuki looked out the window snow flakes had begun to dance their way down from the heavens. The day was cold. Colder then yesterday. His thoughts trailed back to the girl he'd met yesterday. Dark hair and deep sapphire eyes. He never thought he'd meet someone who fit the description of the empress. It was fate. Two characters written in stories at least a hundred years apart. Same description and with the same first name. When he was younger he'd always thought that The Impious Empress continued Dark Times: Blood Bonds. As he'd grown older he realized that couldn't have been so but now . . . . now he wasn't so sure.
She was very beautiful and so easy to talk to. She seemed very trusting. He sighed and looked out the window again. Surely she was married. He should have asked. Her eyes had a hunting quality to them. He could see them every time he closed his eyes. The thought of the guard the empress loved so much . . . . somehow it didn't seem to bother him. Even though he knew the description fit someone else he already knew.
It was only hours till the attack on Yokohama started but maybe he could step out for a bit. He walked down the stairs and out of the house. If he hurried he'd be back before Kawamori-san began looking for him. Perhaps he'd run into her again.
*************
Misao looked out the window wondering why she wasn't allowed to go outside. Kaoru and her had been told they could not leave the Inn and to make matters worse there had been guards posted around the Inn to insure it remained so.
Misao looked across the room to where Kaoru sat sewing something into a knot. She was very angry. "Baka." She mumbled to herself. "That's what he is." She mumbled as she yanked the thread.
Kaoru sighed and looked at the design on the cloth. She was surprised it actually looked like the picture. The white dragon was a big contrast to the blue cloth. She picked up the purpled thread and began sewing the eyes. A dragon with purple eyes who'd heard of such things. Kaoru glanced up to see Misao staring out the window.
"Are you almost done with yours Misao?" Kaoru asked.
Misao looked down at her pattern, "No I'm half way." She extended the white cloth and turned it so Kaoru could see the green water serpent.
"Is it a snake or a dragon?" Kaoru asked squinting at the pattern.
"It's a Tatsu." Misao said looking at the instructions with the picture. "It says that it's a Japanese dragon, with three claws on each foot. They live in lakes and springs. They represent the Mikado, imperial power, and spiritual power. Tatsu are based on an early type of Chinese dragon." Misao finished quoting.
"Hmm," Kaoru said looking from her cloth to Misao's. The drawings looked completely different yet they were both dragons.
A nock on the door made them look up.
Koji stood at the door a little uneasily. "Something just arrived for you." He said from the door.
Kaoru looked confused, "For me?" She said getting up.
Koji handed the package to her and turned to leave.
"Wait, who's it from?" She asked him.
"I don't know, a messenger brought it. We asked who hired him but he said he didn't know." He paused to tell her.
Kaoru's mouth made a little sound when she opened the package. "A western coat." She breathed.
Misao picked up the note that fell as Kaoru pulled the coat straight.
I was walking home yesterday when I saw this. It's a black silk hand quilted coat. European made. It seemed too call out your name and I was unable to resist such a temptation. Please don't think me too forward for sending it. It's just that you were so kind, you have no idea what that book meant to me. I thought perhaps if you aren't married you'd risk the chance to get to know me. I hope that you would at least think about it. Either way keep the coat as a token of your own kindness.
"Oh, Kaoru what have you gotten yourself into?" Misao said after she finished reading the note. Koji stared wide eyed at Kaoru after reading the note over Misao's shoulder.
Kaoru had stopped twirling with the coat to look at Misao. "What do you mean?" She said walking to Misao to take the note. "Kazuki," She said after reading the note.
"I went to the bookstore yesterday, there was this guy there. He took the book I wanted and gave me that one instead." Kaoru said pointing to the book in the corner. "He seemed to have some attachment to it so I just let him have it. He was nice but . . . . I didn't encourage him in anyway." Kaoru said slipping the coat off.
"You can keep the coat but I would burn the letter." Koji suggested. Misao nodded her head in agreement.
Kaoru put the letter and the coat down. If Kenshin saw either . . . . It really was a nice coat.
"I would suggest you burn the letter before the meeting lets out. They're not happy about having encountered such a large group of Mimawari-gumi last night." Koji said glancing towards the door.
"Is that the reason we can't leave?" Misao asked him.
"I talked to Kenshin last night. He didn't mentioned anything about this. He said everyone came home." Kaoru stated.
"Ah. They did but three of the six came home injured. Nothing serious but that's because Himura got involved." Koji kept glancing towards the door.
"All right, burn it." Kaoru said handing over the note.
Koji took it and left. "Sorry." He said bowing to Aoshi on his way out.
"Aoshi." Misao said running to his side. Kaoru's eyebrow raised to her hairline. Since when was it Aoshi? She watched both of them leave without a second thought to her. Wait, if Aoshi was here. The meeting was over. She picked up the petticoat, giving it a semi-decent fold. She placed it underneath a lot of blankets and stepped away quickly. She had just enough time to sit back down and pick up her book.
"Koishii." Kenshin said coming into the room. He closed the door quietly and made his way to where she sat. She quickly put her book down when she saw his serious expression.
"What's wrong?" She asked anxiously.
He grabbed her small hands in his. "We think we've found them. We'll be leaving within the hour." He watched her eyes widen then her lip quivered.
"Kenshin." She began.
"I'll be careful. I know you worry." He said giving her a small smile.
She nodded. "All right as long as you remember." She gripped his hands drawing him closer. "You promised." She said resting her chin on his shoulder. "Please don't let them hurt you." She hugged him a little tighter. "You promised to come back. You said we'd go back to the dojo."
"Himura we're leaving." Yoshimitsu yelled from outside.
"Koishii."
"No, it's too soon. It's not enough time." She said gripping his gi.
"I have to go Koishii." Her hands were like claws. "Don't be afraid." He gripped her wrists applying pressure until she let go.
"Kenshin."
"I'll be back in the morning like I always am." He kissed her lids. She was really afraid. She sensed them just like he could, that was odd enough. He looked at her distraught face one last time "Stay here Koishii. We might not find them but if they find this place . . . I have guards posted around the Inn they know what to do. Be careful though." He had paused long enough to finish and then he left.
Kaoru remained on her cushion trembling. She hadn't had enough time to say good-bye. Not like last time when she'd held him and sung to him. She'd found comfort in his presence and in his warmth. This time she'd had none of that. "Kenshin." She whispered.
Misao's feet padded down the hall and into Kaoru's room. "Kaoru." She said running over to her.
"He left Misao."
"I know, Aoshi's gone as well." Misao said looking at the open door. She'd barely had enough time to kiss him good-bye. "He told me to be careful."
Kaoru raised her head. "Kenshin said that too. I have a bad feeling Misao."
Misao looked at Kaoru uneasily for a moment, before they exchanged worried glances.
*************
Dark skies and crisp air settled over the city of Yokohama. The sun peeked under large ominous clouds as it set. Sundown had finally come.
Kawamori took one last look at his men. He could see the Black Ajah from the corner of his eye. He didn't really see why they needed to be here. He glanced back at his men and finished the last of his statement. "Go and may the fates keep you safe." His men departed in large groups.
"Payment is our bond Jahangir." Kawamori stated as he handed over the money to her. He turned on his heel and left without a second glance to the leader of the Ajah. Kazuki followed after him in the same manner, back straight and with an expressionless face.
Jahangir watched the last two men leave, caught in thought for the briefest of moments. She might have taken Kawamori himself as payment had he had no other means to pay. She grinned at the thought. No more wasting time. She turned back to her army. "Go!" She commanded. She'd given them directions before they came to this . . . . rally. There was no need to repeat herself.
The black dressed warriors spurred out of the house and into the streets like a shadowy mist. They'd used the entire night before setting out the equipment. They were more than ready to begin their attack.
*************
Kenshin and Aoshi walked down the street at a fast pace, each followed by ten men. The slumps is one place they'd stepped into but not one they'd searched as carefully as they should have. But the fight from last night confirmed their location was close enough. They reached the alley where the battoussai had fought the night before. They glanced around carefully before they separated. Aoshi took the Oniwa-banshuu through the streets leading towards the middle of the sector. The battoussai's men watched the Oniwa-banshuu disappear in the mist at the end of the street. It seemed to swallow them whole.
The temperature had dropped considerably since they'd stepped out of the Inn. The battoussai glanced up and down the street. The leader of the Mimawari-gumi would surely have a house here. He wouldn't have put up so many men at an Inn. He felt the wind pick up, something was stirring. There was something wrong. He took off towards the section where the larger houses stood. He was followed closely behind the Kihei-Tai though not as fast.
************
A body fell on the floor while a sword dripped with blood. A group dressed in black moved through the street. Their job was to kill the policemen but if others happen to get in the way, well that wasn't really their problem.
The scream of a woman broke the silent atmosphere. Jahangir turned back to look at the soldier that had killed the woman. "Next time you do that I'll cut off something more precious than your arm." She said glancing down at his lower region. The man stepped back at the threat. She turned back in time to see twelve policemen running out off the station. She jumped back and out of the way at the first glance off the fire arms. In the next seconds the street became filled with sound of gunfire. Screams filled the night followed by the stench of blood.
Jahangir didn't have to look around to know she was the only survivor. She should have brought more than just five men with her. Useless pigs. She turned her head to the left and noticed the first of the fires had been set. Soon the whole city would be in flames.
She stepped over the bodies of the fallen men. Police and Ajah, they no longer mattered.
She had enough men to lay waste to the entire city but that's not what she was being paid to do. She would complete her job with some satisfaction. Even so . . . . she would not leave this place empty handed. A crazed gleam shone off her eyes as she walked further into the city. It had been sometime since she'd taken men hostage. And the long boat ride did tend to be boring when there was nothing better to do. She threw back her head and laughed at the sound of an explosion. It was the first tonight. It was the first of many things tonight.
All, right. I am very, very, very sorry I hadn't posted this earlier. I kept going back to page 20 and 31. I rewrote those sections about three times each until I was happy. Problem is when I go back and read, I want to change it. I'm too critical of myself. ::: sigh:::
Small Note:
First thing to come up. The Black Ajah. I hadn't realized where I heard the name till I finished reading my book, The Eye of the World. So if anyone wonders why it sounds so familiar there you go . . . . .
Anyhow, The Black Ajah are mercenaries. They kill for money. Their leader and all of the captains are women.
The woman from the Black Ajah, the one Kenshin met was Mahisti. She was sent to evaluate his style and ability. Though once she saw him she propositioned him.
As you guys can probably tell these women (The Black Ajah) are like some of the old pirates. They do rape, pillage and steal. They have men but they only marry those who are worthy. Strong warrior men. They like to keep the blood strong.
The Mimawari-gumi are housed in the poor part of Yokohama, the slumps. In the middle of the slumps stands the Yomi no Kuni. Yomi no Kuni is the name of the brothel where the Mimawari-gumi can go drink and mess around with women.
The Shinsegumi have also made it to Yokohama. They arrived sometime after dawn on Friday. The attack on Yokohama will take place the same day but at sundown.
Thanks for reading. Please remember to review.