Hi Hi
This chapter is longer yah^.^ Which is amazing seeing as I wrote it all late last night in a moment of inspiration. Hehehe I would have posted it when I got done with it but I was tired so I took a few hours nap. ::frowns:: unfortunately that made me miss my first class then I decided I might as well just stay home. Hehehe so I'm going to dedicate the day to catching up with my updates so if you're reading "It has to be you" by any chance I should have something up by tonight tomorrow at the latest.
I don't know why but I have become obsessed with what Psycho Sushi has to say about me u.u I hope you like this chapter it is longer ^.^ if is terrible don't hesitate to tell me hehehe or just blame my sleep deprived mind.
Echoe Shayne^.^
Flowers for her grave
The Battousai looked at the twisted bodies laying in pools of their own blood on the floor. Flicking the dark liquid off his sword he took a step forward. Emptiness looking down at the bodies, he felt nothing, it was just a job. He did what he was supposed to do with cold ruthless precession. He did what was required of him no questions asked. Taking a step back he slid his katana back into its sheath. He needed to get moving there wasn't time to linger here. There was never time to linger. Those that lingered only waited for death. He had to move. He had to keep moving. If there was anyone that death wanted to catch it was him. He could feel it on the edge of the darkness waiting to pull him down. He didn't know what form it could come in, that of another assassin's blade maybe it was already upon him. For all he knew he could already be dead and this was hell.
Maybe that wasn't the case maybe death revered him, someone that had brought so many into its waiting arms. That had to be it, for he himself was death. The manslayer, a title that he was worthy of a title that was to be respected and feared. He was fighting for a change, he had to remind himself that. Thought lately there was doubt. Doubt telling him that it was just mindless slaughter and there would never be a change. They were two sides meeting in a battle of wills. Turning his back on the gory scene he stepped out into the cold night air.
The night, this was where he belonged. He had become part of the night and it was part of him. Slipping into the shadows he walked down the deserted streets. The cold crisp air had the lingering smell of snow. Spring was approaching but winter refused to give up its hold this year. It was hard to believe that in just a few weeks there would be no sign of the frigid nights. He didn't like the winter, he didn't like the cold. There was nothing else for him to do on this night so he wandered, he should find somewhere to sleep. Get in a few hours while he could. That would be the smart thing to do. But that was something that he wouldn't allow himself the comfort of. He wished that he had another job, but he didn't there was only the endless night left for him. Out of habit he slipped further into the shadows where he belonged, part of the darkness.
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His golden eyes looking around the small room that he would be staying in, he made sure that no one was around before sitting down with his back against the wall. Though the room had a futon he wouldn't use it. If he did he might get too comfortable. That was too dangerous. Bowing his head his hand curled automatically around his Katana.
*~*~*~*~
He sat at a table in the middle of the room. Someone was sitting across from them but no matter what he tried their identity eluded him. Slipping further away the more he reached. It confused and angered him at the same time. Why couldn't he see them.? Maybe he didn't know them that would explain why he couldn't see them. He couldn't make up a face for someone that he didn't know. Moving to stand he needed to get out of this room. Part of him wanted the other person sitting at the table to know that he was leaving.
"I'll be leaving then." That was when everything changed he was no longer part of himself, but watching from the corner of the room. He may have thought that he couldn't see their face because he didn't know them. This room though there was no doubt in his mind that he knew this place. Standing there he experienced a strange out of body feeling. He was in the corner of the room but at the same time he was watching a red head that he knew was himself and the figure that lurked in the unseen shadows. This had happened before this was something that he should know everything was annoying familiar. It had played it's self out before but standing here watching it was like the first time that he had seen it.
"It was nice to meet you. I don't know how I will ever repay you for what you have done for me." She paused not able to look at him any longer "I don't even know if I'll ever see you again."
That voice, that sweet honeyed voice. He knew it. Shifting his attention away from his other self to the elusive figure it was like her voice had broken the spell. Pushing back the gloom that had hidden her from his sight. It was a young woman. His breath hitched for a second as he fought the urge to rush across the room and touch her, like child just to see if she was really there.
She was looking at him with those large blue orbs. Everything came rushing back with her face, he remembered this scene. On queue he watched his other self first pull clothes from the basket by the door before turning back to the young lady that was standing across the room. The man crossed the room taking her chin in his hands gently before leaning close.
"When I see you again I'll be a different person." There was a pause and the memory of her smell came rushing back to him. "Close your eyes so you'll always remember me like this." The sound was soft almost like it had never been spoken. Briefly he wondered if he had heard himself speaking or if he had just pulled up the memory of what had been said.
Watching from his place questions plagued him. Was it possible to envy himself? It must be because he did, he wished that it was him standing there next to her. Blinking he took a step forward wanting to take his place in front of her. Suddenly he became aware of his body again and he was no longer this detached being that could only watch. Oh god how he wished that was the case, because no longer was he reminiscing a sweet memory but reliving a nightmare.
Kaoru wasn't standing in front of him rather she was laying crumpled on the ground at his feet. Her prone body resting in a pool of her own blood, while her raven hair formed a half halo around her pale face. His eyes trailed down to his hand but he already knew what he would see. His own blade was held tightly in his hand dripping with her blood. His eyes shifting back to her the same thought ran through his mind. Why?
His body moving of it's own accord, his wrist flicked filling the air with ruby droplets.
Eyes snapping open he looked around the room trying to shake the uneasiness that he felt. It was rare for him to have dreams. So why did he see her? Even when he was awake he could still picture her. The woman with raven hair and the large blue eyes. There was something about her something that he couldn't shrug off. Of all the people that he had met of all the things that he had done. He couldn't get her out of his head even now. It had been a little over a year. Shaking his head he tired to push away the image of her face that was haunting him, trying his best to forget.
Looking down at his hand he saw red even though he had washed them he would never be able to get rid of the blood that stained them. It had seeped in, all the blood that he had shed was soiling his soul. If he even had a soul. Over the years even he had come to doubt that he had such a thing. Raising to his feet he started walking His feet taking him down the darkened empty streets. It didn't matter where he was going in the end everything was the same.
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There was time, time before they found him before they heaped a new assignment on him. Looking down at his sandals as he walked he picked up his pace a little. He was close he could already hear the sounds of people as they bustled around in the early morning. Soon he thought to himself anticipation singing in his body. At the same time dread filled him. He hadn't ever wanted to come back here.
This was place of solace. The light dwelt here and that was something that he did not disserve. His cold dark soul did not disserve to find comfort. That was why for the first time in a year in a half he was finally coming back here. He had other more pressing matters to take care of he shouldn't be going to Tokyo now. Just today he told himself, just today he would allow himself this momentary reprieve. Walking threw the trees that lined the edge of the city he paused this was it.
Looking down at the strew of leaves he didn't know what he had expected. It was absurd but part of him still expected to see blood mattered on the ground amongst the leaves. The golden rays of the sun were starting to filter in threw the canopy of prolonged darkness that the trees provided. His eyes down cast he focused on the ground, a flash of her body laying there going through his mind before he finally forced himself to turn away. As he approached the clinic the smell of Jasmine hung in the air. He expected to hear the sound of children playing but silence greeted him. Stepping up to the door his hand rose poised above it. He contemplated weather to knock or not. After a few moments of hesitation he brought his has hand down on the wood. the hallow sound echoing back at him mocking him as no one came to the door. He listened but even with his good hearing the house was silent. Walking around to the back he paused.
'Two graves' rapidly closing the distance he sank to his knees looking that the smaller of the two. There was charred sign resting on the mound of soil surrounded by a small patch of fresh flowers. He stared for the longest time his eyes flashing gold as anger and self loathing over came him. His body swaying forward his hands touched the semi compacted dirt. The overwhelming urge to take large handfuls of the grainy substance and throw it over his shoulders pounded on him. He wanted nothing more then to tear everything apart. To prove to himself that she really wasn't there. But he didn't dare because he knew what he would find. There would be nothing in that mound of dirt but a corpse of rotting bones.
He hadn't wanted to see this. He hadn't wanted to face this reality. He knew that his humanity rested in this mound of dirt along side her bones, and that when he left today he would leave behind any shred of it that still clung to him. He would leave it all here with her a mist the dirt and the charred sign. Closing his eyes he could smell the jasmine that hung in the air. Mocking him even the air that he breathed reminded him of her.
Steeling himself he tired to hold back the emotions that tortured him. Why bother? It was only him and this grave. He hadn't brought any flowers and he realized that he had nothing to give her, nothing to offer her. He sought comfort kneeling here next to her place of eternal rest. Even now at a time like this all he did was take, and that fact disgusted him.
Kaoru had given him so many things weather she had realized it or not she had. The only thing that he had ever done was rip things away from her, things that she had been unwilling to give. He tired to pull his stony façade to him. Here in front of her grave it would not come. For how long he had practiced steeling his face and hiding his emotions? Right now even that had abandoned him. There was nothing but the rawness and the pain and it all went with her.
His amber eyes flashing as his balled fist his the ground with a dull thud.
"Damn you."
It was all he could say while he silently berated himself for his weaknesses. 'My weaknesses' he thought with a scoff. He hadn't known that he had any weaknesses for the longest time he had worked to convince himself that he didn't care. He didn't have time for weaknesses. 'you can't allow your self to be weak.' His mind snapped. Even then even eleven years ago he had looked in her blue eyes and something had spoken to him. Now he was leaving it all behind. After today he would have nothing. Part of him wanted to grieve for the humanity that he hadn't even known that still had ________-
"He's late" the man said moving to look out the window, like the person the he was talking about would come into view to prove him wrong. Nothing, no one approached only the vastness of the empty winding road stretched before him. There was the sound of swishing material and he knew that the man behind him had moved. Shifting his eyes he could see the reflection of the other man who that was now standing behind him.
"He's not due back till the day after tomorrow." The man said not understanding the other mans uneasiness over the Battousai's expected absence.
"True but I had expected him back."
"I have heard that he's been working rather hard are you sure that we should be doing this to him. Sooner of later it even he will begin to buckle."
"I know that he will. I knew that it would happen sooner or later." He had lasted longer then he had thought. There was something special about this man this killer that stalked the shadows. He wondered what it was that kept him going. It was inevidliable though the life a manslayer lived, was meant to be short.
"What will you do when it happens?" though he had never thought that they would have this conversation about the Battousai he had always appeared to be impervious to the rules of logic. In retrospect he was the perfect soldier he did what was told of him with ruthless efficacy.
"Then I will dispose of him like the other one." There was no pause. It was something that he wouldn't like to do. But if that was what it came down to then he would do what was required of him with out a moment of hesitation.
He was taken back by that for so many years the Battousai had played and influential part of their organization and here they were talking about just throwing him away once his use was gone. "Can you do that to him?" his cool voice over shadowing the surprise that he felt.
"Once he teeters over that edge then he will be of no use to us."
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Ayame was humming to herself looking down at the flowers that she held in her hands. Her family had been planning to come here tomorrow. They came the graves once every week. She hadn't wanted to wait when she came here with them she felt so suffocated, so she had snuck out of the house. She wanted some time alone, no more like she needed some time alone.
It was going to be warmer later in the day, but right now the air was slightly cold. The cool frigidness of it biting at her lungs and lips as she inhaled. Her small defiance of coming her on her own gave her some satisfaction but didn't help with the bitterness that she felt.
She had become distant from her family though her younger sister appeared to be copping with this rather well she couldn't she couldn't let go of the hate that had formed a cloud around her heart pulling her further away from her family till there was nothing but a gaping chasm.
She hadn't been there she hadn't seen the dead body in clearing. She hadn't had Kaoru to comfort her and tell her the words that she needed to hear. She was alone. Making her way toward the clinic she was consumed with sadness. The sound of her feet hitting the hard ground mingled with the sounds of the bustling town behind her. Concentrating she tried to quite her tread. To her satisfaction her foot falls became whispers as she approached her destination.
Sooner or later they would realize that she was gone and come looking for her. Picking up her pace she rounded the corner freezing in her tracks. There was someone already there. Pausing she stood for a few seconds. 'Bright red hair' The flowers that she held in her hand dropped to the dusty ground.
He must have been out of it. How could someone have gotten so close to him with out him realizing that they were there? His first reaction was to reach for his sword but he didn't he would not draw his blade here at her grave. There was a small intake of breath followed by the sound of something hitting the ground causing his to shift his eyes away from the grave. Threw the locks of red that over hung his face he could see her standing there. 'Ayame' the voice in the back of his head informed him. She looked slightly different then she had the last time he had seen her. More mature no longer did the little girl bound toward him in laugher and innocence. Rather instead she stooped picking put the flowers from where they had been discarded on the ground. She nodded at him making her way toward him pausing first at the grave to his back before moving to his side and dropping to he knees next to him.
"I never expected to see you here?"
"I didn't intend to come here."
"I figured as much. She'd be happy to know that you came though."
"I don't think that she would be." Shifting his attention he looked at the small girl out of the corner of his eye. Her wide eyes were staring at the grave in front of them.
"You know I never saw her smile. Not a real smile anyway. Grandfather he wanted to see her smile too. I heard him talking that day. Even though I shouldn't have been able to hear anything. Even though my sister's sobs filled the air it had been like I could hear everything. Like I had been standing right there in the room with them. Don't cry I want to see you smile before I. a real smile."
The girls head was bent down wisps of dark brown hair falling into her face. Tears trickling from the corners of her unblinking eyes.
"But she didn't smile I could only hear her crying. Then he told her that we were there, before asking her to smile again but this time he hadn't been able to get it all out and she told him that she couldn't."
How had she been able to hear that? Her features were locked in remorse. As much as he told himself that he didn't care, as much as he told himself that sacrifices like this had to be made it still wrenched at something deep inside him.
"I couldn't hear anything after that."
"I will, I'll smile just for you." He said filling in the line. Her head snapped up a surprised look on her delicate features before her expression melted back into nothingness.
"So that was how it ended. Now she'll never be able to smile."
He watched as she bowed her head once more her shoulders shaking with tears that she couldn't hold back. How was he supposed to reacted to this? His life had prepared him to deal with many situations, but not this one. Time strectched on forever and he could do nothing but watch and listen as the sobs grew louder. Finally against his better judgment he reached out pulling the small girl into a lose embrace. Oddly finding that the gesture offered as much comfort to himself as it did to the little girl. Selfish he was selfish how could he come here and expected everything to be ok? How could he allow himself to kneel here like he had every right to be here?
"I can't let go I can't, I hate them I wish they would all just die I wish that I could kill them all." Ayame sobbed the words escaping her in a harsh whisper. Though they had been on her mind she had never said them. She hadn't wanted to worry anyone she hadn't wanted to hurt her sister or pull her mother into the pain that she felt. Right now thought the words tumbled from her lips and she was powerless to stop them.
The sound of her distressed voice floated to his ears. He didn't want to hear someone so young sound like that. He was fighting so that people like her didn't have to be touched with the violence of the word. Now hearing her, it made him wonder. If he was making a difference then why did this eight year old girl have to suffer with this pain this hate? ' Something comforting.' He wanted to say something to comfort her but knew of nothing that would ease her trouble, so instead he said nothing. Just let her cry till there were no tears left and she pulled away from him. Someone like him could never offer comfort, he could only deal pain. Raising to his feet he looked once more at the grave.
"You still remind me of her she wouldn't have known what to say either."
Ayame knew that he was leaving everything told her that when he walked away this would be the last time that she would see him. Not wanting to disturb the memory of this day she couldn't bring herself to look at him only stare down at her own fingers. Through she hadn't heard him walk away, she knew that he was gone.
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"I had expected you before now could it be that you are lacking in your mission did this one actually cause you some trouble?" He looked at the man that hung in the shadows near the door. He had expected the man to answer but there was only silence. "I have another mission for you."
"I had expected as much."
"Nagakura tonight prefecture ten that is all."
Having the orders he turned to leave the room feeling his boss's eyes on his back as he retreated from the room. ' Tonight.'
"The Nagakura are you sure that is wise? It will most likely be seen a direct attack against the Shinsengumi."
"Of course it is I want to flush them out they stand in our way. Their power is rising already I hear that they have a new Captain of their sixth squad."
"To send him like this alone?"
"He can take care of himself I have complete faith in him. "
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Looking at the house he knew that there was numerous people there, the lights where on in almost all the rooms and the sound of people talking filtered out into the frosty air. They hadn't said anything about Survivors so he assumed that there could be as many casualties as needed. His hand moving to the hilt of his Katana he took a step forward. There were three guards posted around the parameter as far as he could tell they would have to be taken care of first.
The man looked up there was a noise in the distance. Looking into the darkness he saw nothing out of the ordinary. There was a flash of red before his vision went black.
How pathetic if they were going to post guards, the least they could do was make sure that they even knew how to take care of themselves. Looking down at the dead body he carried on there wasn't time to waste.
Approaching the house he slid open the door as quietly as he could. The rooms were well lit. So the people that dwelled here were afraid of the darkness, he thought moving silently through the halls. The sound of people talking filtered out into the halls. At least they had been smart about this all the people weren't crowded in one room. No matter how quickly he could dispose of the men in one of the rooms it meant giving away his position. His hand moving to close around the hilt of his sword he opened one of the doors. 'Six men.' Dashing forward with a swing of his sword he took out the first man before he even had a chance to draw his sword. Pivoting he caught the two men that had been standing next to the first catching them both in the chest with one blow sending a spray of blood into the air that coated his face and hands. The other three occupants of the room had finally managed to draw their swords. Not that it would do them any going. Turning toward them he approached. The men rushed at him all at once foolishly thinking that there would be safety in numbers. 'One step' with once step he was in position his blade already meeting the flesh of the first to reach him. The others followed close behind.
The sound of movement claimed his attention. The other residents had heard the noise. The sound of shuffling feet filled the hall some of them were headed his way the other were headed to deeper rooms no doubt going to protect his target. Flicking his blade once he stepped out of the room to meet his new opponents.
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"What do you think he will do?"
"What do you mean what do I think he will do?" the man asked in an annoyed tone looking at the other man that was standing in front of his desk.
"What do you think he will do when he finds out who his target is?"
"He is the Battousai he will do his job."
"But."
"But what? It needs to be done. There are reasons."
He looked at the man sitting behind the desk he knew that he was the boss and being so his orders were to go un questioned but this time he couldn't help it. "Don't you think that this time, maybe it's a little too much?"
"It is never too much."
"But Himura. What if this is too much for him?"
"Then it will be too much for him we all must make sacrifices for the good Japan. Even if it must be him. If I didn't know you as good as I do Captain I would think that you are speaking treason."
"I am just thinking about Himura." He replied in a clipped voice.
"We had this conversation before. I do not care to have it again." His eyes narrowed and he looked back down at the papers strewn about the top of his desk signaling that this conversation was over.
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leaving a path of carnage behind him the Battousai walked through the house. People were scurrying to the door which others were retreating away from him. He hated that he hated when people tired to hide from him. Opening the door there was three men standing there. 'Only three' he thought to himself. They could have sent anyone on this mission. So why had they sent him?
Before the men could blink he was past them not turning to watch their bodies sink to the floor. His eyes narrowing more he became aware that there was only two people left in the room. A middle aged woman and the person that was standing behind her trying to hide in her shadow. That was why he had been sent.
"Nagakura I have come for your life."
"No please." The woman took a step back pulling the child back with her. He could see him now a boy of eight or nine his large eyes peering out from behind his mother. "You can't take away my son he's all that I have."
"You will be joining him." A sickening thud filled the room as her head hit the ground followed a few seconds latter by her body leaving the boy standing there clutching to her hand.
"Mom.?" Shaking his hand he looked down at the bloody mass that had once been his mother "Mom" falling to his knees his small fingers reached for her body shaking her a few times before reaching out and taking her severed head into his arms and clutching it close to his body. Tears mixing with the blood that covered his face. Anger, pain looking up he saw the man standing there and he knew his own end was near.
The Battousai stood watching the little boy. He would end everything quickly. In one swift movement he swung his blade. The tip piecing the boys skin and penetrating his heart. The brown eyes looked up at him, recognition shining in them a brief second before their color became dull and lifeless. Drawing back his hand preformed the movement that it had so many times before his writs flicking before returning the blade to it's rightful home. The boy's body sagged to the floor looking at home among the blood and gore.
Bowing his head he turned from the scene. Pausing he could hear it, the sound of muffled crying. Turning he saw a vision of a young girl kneeling there crying her shoulders shaking with sobs. Her face was obstructed by raven bangs, but he knew that her eyes were blue. Shaking his head he forced away the image, but he could not force away the sound of her heart wrenching sobs that drifted to his ears. He hated the sound, because he knew that the mournful cries were not only for the lives that he had ended on this night but also for him.
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"Sir urgent news." The man said entering the room as a small group of men clad in blue looked up at his arrival their predatory eyes glaring at him. If he hadn't known them all he would have been frightened even now their presence unnerved him.
"I thought I had informed you that we were not to be disturbed."
"Tell us. What is so urgent that it could not wait?" Commander Kondou said his eyes trained on the younger man that had disturbed their meeting. He never liked hearing about urgent news for it was rarely ever good.
"News just arrived from the tenth prefecture Sir."
Nagakura focused on the man dread filling him with his words. He knew like the rest of the men in the room that Urgent new was almost never good. Only in his case he could feel a vice clenching around his heart as he waited for the man to continue.
"Nagakura, I am truly sorry to be the one to have to bring you this news."
Nagakura Sinpachi Captain of the second squad took a step away from others almost forgetting that they were even in the room. "What news do you have?" he asked his voice hitching in his throat. He had to be sure.
"Your wife and son are no longer with us they were among the casualties."
"I see." All hope drained away from him with those words. He had been hoping that he had been jumping to conclusions. Looking down he tired to hide his pain he did not want to appear weak here. "I must go to them." he whispered under his breath though he knew that everyone in the room had heard him.
"you know the rules." Hijikata Toshizo the second in command said looking at the Nagakura .
Nagakura looked down at the worn wooden planks of the floor listening to the second in command reprimand him. Of course he knew the rules they were etched into his soul. He knew what it was against the rules to go to his family. ""Even in a fight where the death toll is high, it is not allowed to retrieve the bodies of the dead, except the corpse of the leader of the unit" he spat the bitter words out not bothering to look at the men in the room.
Commander Kondou looked at the man he looked so crest fallen even though he tried to hide it the men in the room could see the pain etched into his features. "Nagakura we are not completely heatless men." Kondou said his voice commanding the attention of the other men in the room. Turning to face his second in command, with a frown etched upon his face. "To take care of your family does not deviate from the path of a man. To not care about your wife and only son's death would be to truly sway from the path of a proper man."
Nagakura lifted his head to look at his Captain. He had taken a step away from the group his usually cold eyes filled with compassion. "Leave the rest of the bodies, but honor your family in the manor that they disserve. I shall expect your return. "
"Thank you Commander Kondou I will leave immediately." With that he turned exiting the room.
Kondou shifted his attention to the man standing at the door. He looked out of place among the group. "Come tell us what other news came from the tenth prefecture."
"The man that came with the message was one of our spies he had orders to join up with the party and when he arrived the damage had already been done and the perpetrator was no longer there."
"Leave us now." He said to the messenger, his attention shifting back to the men in the room. "This was a direct attack to lure us out into the open. I will not allow this blatant threat to go unnoticed. I want the first and third group sent to tonight. The fourth, fifth and sixth will be sent out in the morning. For every one of those men killed we will claim five of their men. Kyoto is our city and filth like them must not be allowed here."
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"Is it done?"
The Battousai stared at the man in front of him a few seconds before answering in a detached tone. "Yes."
"I knew that we could count on you. They will have no way to ignore this. I want them gone the Shinsengumi have stood in our way for too long. They must be eliminated for the good of Japan. They oppose change. "
Saying nothing he nodded. He didn't know what he had expected that night. Maybe he had expected to see Captain Nagakura. Not his wife and child, sacrifices were needed. It was for the better that they had done this. He was right the Shinsengumi stood in the way of the revolution and they needed to be eliminated.
"They have a new sixth captain."
"It is to be expected after Inoue's death."
"Yes but to compensate so soon. I want the new Captain dealt with, and when they replace him I want that one dealt with too then the next if need be."
"The shinsengumi are proud no matter how many are killed a new one will be appointed." The Battousai said in a cold detached tone.
"I understand that. I am just saying that I want people to think twice before they think that it is an honor. I want them to start thinking that being appointed a Captain is not an honor but a death sentence."
"I understand." With a nod he turned leaving the room.
Stepping into the darkness he looked down at his hands they were still covered with dried blood and for a moment he thought that maybe he should just leave it there after all more would just take its place. They would be coming for him. He had crossed the line and this time he would pay for what he had done.
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The next night he did as he did most nights, silently stalking the streets. Something was going to happen tonight. Tension filled the air as the pressure mounted. Running someone was running. More foot steps these one in pursuit of the first ones. Two men came into view. One was half dragging other who already appeared to be unconscious.
"There they are." Various voices shouted as they rounded to corner and came into view.
The man that was supporting the other stopped his hand going to the katana at his side. Seeing that he was going to try and fight them while still supporting the other man he spoke up.
"I will take care of this."
"Thank you." The man said getting a better grip on his live cargo before he began walking again.
With predatory grace he stepped forward blocking the path. Increasing his speed he un tucked his hands from his sleeves as he drew his sword taking out the men closest to him. The second one stepped forward his sword already on it's downward decent. Knocking the other mans blade from it's path, he took a second swing his own blade slashing across the mans chest. The next two were taken out with just as much ease. The fifth in the line seemed to freeze at his approach taking the opportunity he rushed forward his katana connecting with the man's skull leaving nothing but a bloody mass as the mans strangled cry caught in his throat.
There was only one person left in the shadows moving forward, careful to keep himself cloaked in the darkness. He was ready to put an end to this fight then the person stepped into the light. His sword dropping to his side he could do nothing but stare.
"Kaoru."
Well that's all for now.
The names I used for the Shinsengumi Captains in this chapter are real names and the codes that I used are real codes that I found while cruising the internet last night or should I say early this morning. U.u
Please click that button ^.^
This chapter is longer yah^.^ Which is amazing seeing as I wrote it all late last night in a moment of inspiration. Hehehe I would have posted it when I got done with it but I was tired so I took a few hours nap. ::frowns:: unfortunately that made me miss my first class then I decided I might as well just stay home. Hehehe so I'm going to dedicate the day to catching up with my updates so if you're reading "It has to be you" by any chance I should have something up by tonight tomorrow at the latest.
I don't know why but I have become obsessed with what Psycho Sushi has to say about me u.u I hope you like this chapter it is longer ^.^ if is terrible don't hesitate to tell me hehehe or just blame my sleep deprived mind.
Echoe Shayne^.^
Flowers for her grave
The Battousai looked at the twisted bodies laying in pools of their own blood on the floor. Flicking the dark liquid off his sword he took a step forward. Emptiness looking down at the bodies, he felt nothing, it was just a job. He did what he was supposed to do with cold ruthless precession. He did what was required of him no questions asked. Taking a step back he slid his katana back into its sheath. He needed to get moving there wasn't time to linger here. There was never time to linger. Those that lingered only waited for death. He had to move. He had to keep moving. If there was anyone that death wanted to catch it was him. He could feel it on the edge of the darkness waiting to pull him down. He didn't know what form it could come in, that of another assassin's blade maybe it was already upon him. For all he knew he could already be dead and this was hell.
Maybe that wasn't the case maybe death revered him, someone that had brought so many into its waiting arms. That had to be it, for he himself was death. The manslayer, a title that he was worthy of a title that was to be respected and feared. He was fighting for a change, he had to remind himself that. Thought lately there was doubt. Doubt telling him that it was just mindless slaughter and there would never be a change. They were two sides meeting in a battle of wills. Turning his back on the gory scene he stepped out into the cold night air.
The night, this was where he belonged. He had become part of the night and it was part of him. Slipping into the shadows he walked down the deserted streets. The cold crisp air had the lingering smell of snow. Spring was approaching but winter refused to give up its hold this year. It was hard to believe that in just a few weeks there would be no sign of the frigid nights. He didn't like the winter, he didn't like the cold. There was nothing else for him to do on this night so he wandered, he should find somewhere to sleep. Get in a few hours while he could. That would be the smart thing to do. But that was something that he wouldn't allow himself the comfort of. He wished that he had another job, but he didn't there was only the endless night left for him. Out of habit he slipped further into the shadows where he belonged, part of the darkness.
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His golden eyes looking around the small room that he would be staying in, he made sure that no one was around before sitting down with his back against the wall. Though the room had a futon he wouldn't use it. If he did he might get too comfortable. That was too dangerous. Bowing his head his hand curled automatically around his Katana.
*~*~*~*~
He sat at a table in the middle of the room. Someone was sitting across from them but no matter what he tried their identity eluded him. Slipping further away the more he reached. It confused and angered him at the same time. Why couldn't he see them.? Maybe he didn't know them that would explain why he couldn't see them. He couldn't make up a face for someone that he didn't know. Moving to stand he needed to get out of this room. Part of him wanted the other person sitting at the table to know that he was leaving.
"I'll be leaving then." That was when everything changed he was no longer part of himself, but watching from the corner of the room. He may have thought that he couldn't see their face because he didn't know them. This room though there was no doubt in his mind that he knew this place. Standing there he experienced a strange out of body feeling. He was in the corner of the room but at the same time he was watching a red head that he knew was himself and the figure that lurked in the unseen shadows. This had happened before this was something that he should know everything was annoying familiar. It had played it's self out before but standing here watching it was like the first time that he had seen it.
"It was nice to meet you. I don't know how I will ever repay you for what you have done for me." She paused not able to look at him any longer "I don't even know if I'll ever see you again."
That voice, that sweet honeyed voice. He knew it. Shifting his attention away from his other self to the elusive figure it was like her voice had broken the spell. Pushing back the gloom that had hidden her from his sight. It was a young woman. His breath hitched for a second as he fought the urge to rush across the room and touch her, like child just to see if she was really there.
She was looking at him with those large blue orbs. Everything came rushing back with her face, he remembered this scene. On queue he watched his other self first pull clothes from the basket by the door before turning back to the young lady that was standing across the room. The man crossed the room taking her chin in his hands gently before leaning close.
"When I see you again I'll be a different person." There was a pause and the memory of her smell came rushing back to him. "Close your eyes so you'll always remember me like this." The sound was soft almost like it had never been spoken. Briefly he wondered if he had heard himself speaking or if he had just pulled up the memory of what had been said.
Watching from his place questions plagued him. Was it possible to envy himself? It must be because he did, he wished that it was him standing there next to her. Blinking he took a step forward wanting to take his place in front of her. Suddenly he became aware of his body again and he was no longer this detached being that could only watch. Oh god how he wished that was the case, because no longer was he reminiscing a sweet memory but reliving a nightmare.
Kaoru wasn't standing in front of him rather she was laying crumpled on the ground at his feet. Her prone body resting in a pool of her own blood, while her raven hair formed a half halo around her pale face. His eyes trailed down to his hand but he already knew what he would see. His own blade was held tightly in his hand dripping with her blood. His eyes shifting back to her the same thought ran through his mind. Why?
His body moving of it's own accord, his wrist flicked filling the air with ruby droplets.
Eyes snapping open he looked around the room trying to shake the uneasiness that he felt. It was rare for him to have dreams. So why did he see her? Even when he was awake he could still picture her. The woman with raven hair and the large blue eyes. There was something about her something that he couldn't shrug off. Of all the people that he had met of all the things that he had done. He couldn't get her out of his head even now. It had been a little over a year. Shaking his head he tired to push away the image of her face that was haunting him, trying his best to forget.
Looking down at his hand he saw red even though he had washed them he would never be able to get rid of the blood that stained them. It had seeped in, all the blood that he had shed was soiling his soul. If he even had a soul. Over the years even he had come to doubt that he had such a thing. Raising to his feet he started walking His feet taking him down the darkened empty streets. It didn't matter where he was going in the end everything was the same.
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There was time, time before they found him before they heaped a new assignment on him. Looking down at his sandals as he walked he picked up his pace a little. He was close he could already hear the sounds of people as they bustled around in the early morning. Soon he thought to himself anticipation singing in his body. At the same time dread filled him. He hadn't ever wanted to come back here.
This was place of solace. The light dwelt here and that was something that he did not disserve. His cold dark soul did not disserve to find comfort. That was why for the first time in a year in a half he was finally coming back here. He had other more pressing matters to take care of he shouldn't be going to Tokyo now. Just today he told himself, just today he would allow himself this momentary reprieve. Walking threw the trees that lined the edge of the city he paused this was it.
Looking down at the strew of leaves he didn't know what he had expected. It was absurd but part of him still expected to see blood mattered on the ground amongst the leaves. The golden rays of the sun were starting to filter in threw the canopy of prolonged darkness that the trees provided. His eyes down cast he focused on the ground, a flash of her body laying there going through his mind before he finally forced himself to turn away. As he approached the clinic the smell of Jasmine hung in the air. He expected to hear the sound of children playing but silence greeted him. Stepping up to the door his hand rose poised above it. He contemplated weather to knock or not. After a few moments of hesitation he brought his has hand down on the wood. the hallow sound echoing back at him mocking him as no one came to the door. He listened but even with his good hearing the house was silent. Walking around to the back he paused.
'Two graves' rapidly closing the distance he sank to his knees looking that the smaller of the two. There was charred sign resting on the mound of soil surrounded by a small patch of fresh flowers. He stared for the longest time his eyes flashing gold as anger and self loathing over came him. His body swaying forward his hands touched the semi compacted dirt. The overwhelming urge to take large handfuls of the grainy substance and throw it over his shoulders pounded on him. He wanted nothing more then to tear everything apart. To prove to himself that she really wasn't there. But he didn't dare because he knew what he would find. There would be nothing in that mound of dirt but a corpse of rotting bones.
He hadn't wanted to see this. He hadn't wanted to face this reality. He knew that his humanity rested in this mound of dirt along side her bones, and that when he left today he would leave behind any shred of it that still clung to him. He would leave it all here with her a mist the dirt and the charred sign. Closing his eyes he could smell the jasmine that hung in the air. Mocking him even the air that he breathed reminded him of her.
Steeling himself he tired to hold back the emotions that tortured him. Why bother? It was only him and this grave. He hadn't brought any flowers and he realized that he had nothing to give her, nothing to offer her. He sought comfort kneeling here next to her place of eternal rest. Even now at a time like this all he did was take, and that fact disgusted him.
Kaoru had given him so many things weather she had realized it or not she had. The only thing that he had ever done was rip things away from her, things that she had been unwilling to give. He tired to pull his stony façade to him. Here in front of her grave it would not come. For how long he had practiced steeling his face and hiding his emotions? Right now even that had abandoned him. There was nothing but the rawness and the pain and it all went with her.
His amber eyes flashing as his balled fist his the ground with a dull thud.
"Damn you."
It was all he could say while he silently berated himself for his weaknesses. 'My weaknesses' he thought with a scoff. He hadn't known that he had any weaknesses for the longest time he had worked to convince himself that he didn't care. He didn't have time for weaknesses. 'you can't allow your self to be weak.' His mind snapped. Even then even eleven years ago he had looked in her blue eyes and something had spoken to him. Now he was leaving it all behind. After today he would have nothing. Part of him wanted to grieve for the humanity that he hadn't even known that still had ________-
"He's late" the man said moving to look out the window, like the person the he was talking about would come into view to prove him wrong. Nothing, no one approached only the vastness of the empty winding road stretched before him. There was the sound of swishing material and he knew that the man behind him had moved. Shifting his eyes he could see the reflection of the other man who that was now standing behind him.
"He's not due back till the day after tomorrow." The man said not understanding the other mans uneasiness over the Battousai's expected absence.
"True but I had expected him back."
"I have heard that he's been working rather hard are you sure that we should be doing this to him. Sooner of later it even he will begin to buckle."
"I know that he will. I knew that it would happen sooner or later." He had lasted longer then he had thought. There was something special about this man this killer that stalked the shadows. He wondered what it was that kept him going. It was inevidliable though the life a manslayer lived, was meant to be short.
"What will you do when it happens?" though he had never thought that they would have this conversation about the Battousai he had always appeared to be impervious to the rules of logic. In retrospect he was the perfect soldier he did what was told of him with ruthless efficacy.
"Then I will dispose of him like the other one." There was no pause. It was something that he wouldn't like to do. But if that was what it came down to then he would do what was required of him with out a moment of hesitation.
He was taken back by that for so many years the Battousai had played and influential part of their organization and here they were talking about just throwing him away once his use was gone. "Can you do that to him?" his cool voice over shadowing the surprise that he felt.
"Once he teeters over that edge then he will be of no use to us."
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Ayame was humming to herself looking down at the flowers that she held in her hands. Her family had been planning to come here tomorrow. They came the graves once every week. She hadn't wanted to wait when she came here with them she felt so suffocated, so she had snuck out of the house. She wanted some time alone, no more like she needed some time alone.
It was going to be warmer later in the day, but right now the air was slightly cold. The cool frigidness of it biting at her lungs and lips as she inhaled. Her small defiance of coming her on her own gave her some satisfaction but didn't help with the bitterness that she felt.
She had become distant from her family though her younger sister appeared to be copping with this rather well she couldn't she couldn't let go of the hate that had formed a cloud around her heart pulling her further away from her family till there was nothing but a gaping chasm.
She hadn't been there she hadn't seen the dead body in clearing. She hadn't had Kaoru to comfort her and tell her the words that she needed to hear. She was alone. Making her way toward the clinic she was consumed with sadness. The sound of her feet hitting the hard ground mingled with the sounds of the bustling town behind her. Concentrating she tried to quite her tread. To her satisfaction her foot falls became whispers as she approached her destination.
Sooner or later they would realize that she was gone and come looking for her. Picking up her pace she rounded the corner freezing in her tracks. There was someone already there. Pausing she stood for a few seconds. 'Bright red hair' The flowers that she held in her hand dropped to the dusty ground.
He must have been out of it. How could someone have gotten so close to him with out him realizing that they were there? His first reaction was to reach for his sword but he didn't he would not draw his blade here at her grave. There was a small intake of breath followed by the sound of something hitting the ground causing his to shift his eyes away from the grave. Threw the locks of red that over hung his face he could see her standing there. 'Ayame' the voice in the back of his head informed him. She looked slightly different then she had the last time he had seen her. More mature no longer did the little girl bound toward him in laugher and innocence. Rather instead she stooped picking put the flowers from where they had been discarded on the ground. She nodded at him making her way toward him pausing first at the grave to his back before moving to his side and dropping to he knees next to him.
"I never expected to see you here?"
"I didn't intend to come here."
"I figured as much. She'd be happy to know that you came though."
"I don't think that she would be." Shifting his attention he looked at the small girl out of the corner of his eye. Her wide eyes were staring at the grave in front of them.
"You know I never saw her smile. Not a real smile anyway. Grandfather he wanted to see her smile too. I heard him talking that day. Even though I shouldn't have been able to hear anything. Even though my sister's sobs filled the air it had been like I could hear everything. Like I had been standing right there in the room with them. Don't cry I want to see you smile before I. a real smile."
The girls head was bent down wisps of dark brown hair falling into her face. Tears trickling from the corners of her unblinking eyes.
"But she didn't smile I could only hear her crying. Then he told her that we were there, before asking her to smile again but this time he hadn't been able to get it all out and she told him that she couldn't."
How had she been able to hear that? Her features were locked in remorse. As much as he told himself that he didn't care, as much as he told himself that sacrifices like this had to be made it still wrenched at something deep inside him.
"I couldn't hear anything after that."
"I will, I'll smile just for you." He said filling in the line. Her head snapped up a surprised look on her delicate features before her expression melted back into nothingness.
"So that was how it ended. Now she'll never be able to smile."
He watched as she bowed her head once more her shoulders shaking with tears that she couldn't hold back. How was he supposed to reacted to this? His life had prepared him to deal with many situations, but not this one. Time strectched on forever and he could do nothing but watch and listen as the sobs grew louder. Finally against his better judgment he reached out pulling the small girl into a lose embrace. Oddly finding that the gesture offered as much comfort to himself as it did to the little girl. Selfish he was selfish how could he come here and expected everything to be ok? How could he allow himself to kneel here like he had every right to be here?
"I can't let go I can't, I hate them I wish they would all just die I wish that I could kill them all." Ayame sobbed the words escaping her in a harsh whisper. Though they had been on her mind she had never said them. She hadn't wanted to worry anyone she hadn't wanted to hurt her sister or pull her mother into the pain that she felt. Right now thought the words tumbled from her lips and she was powerless to stop them.
The sound of her distressed voice floated to his ears. He didn't want to hear someone so young sound like that. He was fighting so that people like her didn't have to be touched with the violence of the word. Now hearing her, it made him wonder. If he was making a difference then why did this eight year old girl have to suffer with this pain this hate? ' Something comforting.' He wanted to say something to comfort her but knew of nothing that would ease her trouble, so instead he said nothing. Just let her cry till there were no tears left and she pulled away from him. Someone like him could never offer comfort, he could only deal pain. Raising to his feet he looked once more at the grave.
"You still remind me of her she wouldn't have known what to say either."
Ayame knew that he was leaving everything told her that when he walked away this would be the last time that she would see him. Not wanting to disturb the memory of this day she couldn't bring herself to look at him only stare down at her own fingers. Through she hadn't heard him walk away, she knew that he was gone.
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"I had expected you before now could it be that you are lacking in your mission did this one actually cause you some trouble?" He looked at the man that hung in the shadows near the door. He had expected the man to answer but there was only silence. "I have another mission for you."
"I had expected as much."
"Nagakura tonight prefecture ten that is all."
Having the orders he turned to leave the room feeling his boss's eyes on his back as he retreated from the room. ' Tonight.'
"The Nagakura are you sure that is wise? It will most likely be seen a direct attack against the Shinsengumi."
"Of course it is I want to flush them out they stand in our way. Their power is rising already I hear that they have a new Captain of their sixth squad."
"To send him like this alone?"
"He can take care of himself I have complete faith in him. "
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Looking at the house he knew that there was numerous people there, the lights where on in almost all the rooms and the sound of people talking filtered out into the frosty air. They hadn't said anything about Survivors so he assumed that there could be as many casualties as needed. His hand moving to the hilt of his Katana he took a step forward. There were three guards posted around the parameter as far as he could tell they would have to be taken care of first.
The man looked up there was a noise in the distance. Looking into the darkness he saw nothing out of the ordinary. There was a flash of red before his vision went black.
How pathetic if they were going to post guards, the least they could do was make sure that they even knew how to take care of themselves. Looking down at the dead body he carried on there wasn't time to waste.
Approaching the house he slid open the door as quietly as he could. The rooms were well lit. So the people that dwelled here were afraid of the darkness, he thought moving silently through the halls. The sound of people talking filtered out into the halls. At least they had been smart about this all the people weren't crowded in one room. No matter how quickly he could dispose of the men in one of the rooms it meant giving away his position. His hand moving to close around the hilt of his sword he opened one of the doors. 'Six men.' Dashing forward with a swing of his sword he took out the first man before he even had a chance to draw his sword. Pivoting he caught the two men that had been standing next to the first catching them both in the chest with one blow sending a spray of blood into the air that coated his face and hands. The other three occupants of the room had finally managed to draw their swords. Not that it would do them any going. Turning toward them he approached. The men rushed at him all at once foolishly thinking that there would be safety in numbers. 'One step' with once step he was in position his blade already meeting the flesh of the first to reach him. The others followed close behind.
The sound of movement claimed his attention. The other residents had heard the noise. The sound of shuffling feet filled the hall some of them were headed his way the other were headed to deeper rooms no doubt going to protect his target. Flicking his blade once he stepped out of the room to meet his new opponents.
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"What do you think he will do?"
"What do you mean what do I think he will do?" the man asked in an annoyed tone looking at the other man that was standing in front of his desk.
"What do you think he will do when he finds out who his target is?"
"He is the Battousai he will do his job."
"But."
"But what? It needs to be done. There are reasons."
He looked at the man sitting behind the desk he knew that he was the boss and being so his orders were to go un questioned but this time he couldn't help it. "Don't you think that this time, maybe it's a little too much?"
"It is never too much."
"But Himura. What if this is too much for him?"
"Then it will be too much for him we all must make sacrifices for the good Japan. Even if it must be him. If I didn't know you as good as I do Captain I would think that you are speaking treason."
"I am just thinking about Himura." He replied in a clipped voice.
"We had this conversation before. I do not care to have it again." His eyes narrowed and he looked back down at the papers strewn about the top of his desk signaling that this conversation was over.
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leaving a path of carnage behind him the Battousai walked through the house. People were scurrying to the door which others were retreating away from him. He hated that he hated when people tired to hide from him. Opening the door there was three men standing there. 'Only three' he thought to himself. They could have sent anyone on this mission. So why had they sent him?
Before the men could blink he was past them not turning to watch their bodies sink to the floor. His eyes narrowing more he became aware that there was only two people left in the room. A middle aged woman and the person that was standing behind her trying to hide in her shadow. That was why he had been sent.
"Nagakura I have come for your life."
"No please." The woman took a step back pulling the child back with her. He could see him now a boy of eight or nine his large eyes peering out from behind his mother. "You can't take away my son he's all that I have."
"You will be joining him." A sickening thud filled the room as her head hit the ground followed a few seconds latter by her body leaving the boy standing there clutching to her hand.
"Mom.?" Shaking his hand he looked down at the bloody mass that had once been his mother "Mom" falling to his knees his small fingers reached for her body shaking her a few times before reaching out and taking her severed head into his arms and clutching it close to his body. Tears mixing with the blood that covered his face. Anger, pain looking up he saw the man standing there and he knew his own end was near.
The Battousai stood watching the little boy. He would end everything quickly. In one swift movement he swung his blade. The tip piecing the boys skin and penetrating his heart. The brown eyes looked up at him, recognition shining in them a brief second before their color became dull and lifeless. Drawing back his hand preformed the movement that it had so many times before his writs flicking before returning the blade to it's rightful home. The boy's body sagged to the floor looking at home among the blood and gore.
Bowing his head he turned from the scene. Pausing he could hear it, the sound of muffled crying. Turning he saw a vision of a young girl kneeling there crying her shoulders shaking with sobs. Her face was obstructed by raven bangs, but he knew that her eyes were blue. Shaking his head he forced away the image, but he could not force away the sound of her heart wrenching sobs that drifted to his ears. He hated the sound, because he knew that the mournful cries were not only for the lives that he had ended on this night but also for him.
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"Sir urgent news." The man said entering the room as a small group of men clad in blue looked up at his arrival their predatory eyes glaring at him. If he hadn't known them all he would have been frightened even now their presence unnerved him.
"I thought I had informed you that we were not to be disturbed."
"Tell us. What is so urgent that it could not wait?" Commander Kondou said his eyes trained on the younger man that had disturbed their meeting. He never liked hearing about urgent news for it was rarely ever good.
"News just arrived from the tenth prefecture Sir."
Nagakura focused on the man dread filling him with his words. He knew like the rest of the men in the room that Urgent new was almost never good. Only in his case he could feel a vice clenching around his heart as he waited for the man to continue.
"Nagakura, I am truly sorry to be the one to have to bring you this news."
Nagakura Sinpachi Captain of the second squad took a step away from others almost forgetting that they were even in the room. "What news do you have?" he asked his voice hitching in his throat. He had to be sure.
"Your wife and son are no longer with us they were among the casualties."
"I see." All hope drained away from him with those words. He had been hoping that he had been jumping to conclusions. Looking down he tired to hide his pain he did not want to appear weak here. "I must go to them." he whispered under his breath though he knew that everyone in the room had heard him.
"you know the rules." Hijikata Toshizo the second in command said looking at the Nagakura .
Nagakura looked down at the worn wooden planks of the floor listening to the second in command reprimand him. Of course he knew the rules they were etched into his soul. He knew what it was against the rules to go to his family. ""Even in a fight where the death toll is high, it is not allowed to retrieve the bodies of the dead, except the corpse of the leader of the unit" he spat the bitter words out not bothering to look at the men in the room.
Commander Kondou looked at the man he looked so crest fallen even though he tried to hide it the men in the room could see the pain etched into his features. "Nagakura we are not completely heatless men." Kondou said his voice commanding the attention of the other men in the room. Turning to face his second in command, with a frown etched upon his face. "To take care of your family does not deviate from the path of a man. To not care about your wife and only son's death would be to truly sway from the path of a proper man."
Nagakura lifted his head to look at his Captain. He had taken a step away from the group his usually cold eyes filled with compassion. "Leave the rest of the bodies, but honor your family in the manor that they disserve. I shall expect your return. "
"Thank you Commander Kondou I will leave immediately." With that he turned exiting the room.
Kondou shifted his attention to the man standing at the door. He looked out of place among the group. "Come tell us what other news came from the tenth prefecture."
"The man that came with the message was one of our spies he had orders to join up with the party and when he arrived the damage had already been done and the perpetrator was no longer there."
"Leave us now." He said to the messenger, his attention shifting back to the men in the room. "This was a direct attack to lure us out into the open. I will not allow this blatant threat to go unnoticed. I want the first and third group sent to tonight. The fourth, fifth and sixth will be sent out in the morning. For every one of those men killed we will claim five of their men. Kyoto is our city and filth like them must not be allowed here."
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"Is it done?"
The Battousai stared at the man in front of him a few seconds before answering in a detached tone. "Yes."
"I knew that we could count on you. They will have no way to ignore this. I want them gone the Shinsengumi have stood in our way for too long. They must be eliminated for the good of Japan. They oppose change. "
Saying nothing he nodded. He didn't know what he had expected that night. Maybe he had expected to see Captain Nagakura. Not his wife and child, sacrifices were needed. It was for the better that they had done this. He was right the Shinsengumi stood in the way of the revolution and they needed to be eliminated.
"They have a new sixth captain."
"It is to be expected after Inoue's death."
"Yes but to compensate so soon. I want the new Captain dealt with, and when they replace him I want that one dealt with too then the next if need be."
"The shinsengumi are proud no matter how many are killed a new one will be appointed." The Battousai said in a cold detached tone.
"I understand that. I am just saying that I want people to think twice before they think that it is an honor. I want them to start thinking that being appointed a Captain is not an honor but a death sentence."
"I understand." With a nod he turned leaving the room.
Stepping into the darkness he looked down at his hands they were still covered with dried blood and for a moment he thought that maybe he should just leave it there after all more would just take its place. They would be coming for him. He had crossed the line and this time he would pay for what he had done.
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The next night he did as he did most nights, silently stalking the streets. Something was going to happen tonight. Tension filled the air as the pressure mounted. Running someone was running. More foot steps these one in pursuit of the first ones. Two men came into view. One was half dragging other who already appeared to be unconscious.
"There they are." Various voices shouted as they rounded to corner and came into view.
The man that was supporting the other stopped his hand going to the katana at his side. Seeing that he was going to try and fight them while still supporting the other man he spoke up.
"I will take care of this."
"Thank you." The man said getting a better grip on his live cargo before he began walking again.
With predatory grace he stepped forward blocking the path. Increasing his speed he un tucked his hands from his sleeves as he drew his sword taking out the men closest to him. The second one stepped forward his sword already on it's downward decent. Knocking the other mans blade from it's path, he took a second swing his own blade slashing across the mans chest. The next two were taken out with just as much ease. The fifth in the line seemed to freeze at his approach taking the opportunity he rushed forward his katana connecting with the man's skull leaving nothing but a bloody mass as the mans strangled cry caught in his throat.
There was only one person left in the shadows moving forward, careful to keep himself cloaked in the darkness. He was ready to put an end to this fight then the person stepped into the light. His sword dropping to his side he could do nothing but stare.
"Kaoru."
Well that's all for now.
The names I used for the Shinsengumi Captains in this chapter are real names and the codes that I used are real codes that I found while cruising the internet last night or should I say early this morning. U.u
Please click that button ^.^