Obaasan : Grandmother, or title used to address an older woman.
Torii - these are the gates that look sort of like upside down "U's".
They're generally used for shrines, and my intent was to describe a similar
style gate.
Rating is going up although I have humorously and kindly provided censor beeps when necessary. ($%(*&$%) Actually, there is nothing much other than a somewhat bawdy old woman in this part, but future chapters may have more than just mild insinuations.
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Traveling the old fashioned way was supposed to be less troublesome. However, as the crowd of large guys drew closer with clubs and other heavy objects in hand, Sano started contemplating the leadership skills of Cho Sawagejo.
As Cho toyed with one guy, Sano knocked out another who had decided to try to sneak up on the swordsman. "Stupid punk," he muttered as he glanced at the laughing police officer who after flinging one man far and wide was now mowing down a few of their other brand-new acquaintances. "You just had to open your mouth and start something didn't you?"
Cho grinned as he used the blunt edge of his sword to knock out some overgrown bully who had advanced with a knife. "They started it by sending that ass to collect money to pass through this road. I didn't really feel like paying it."
"Yeah, but that guy had lots of friends, idiot." Sanosuke snarled as he easily dodged a knife from one of their attackers and brought his hand down on the back of that person, knocking the amateur to the ground . "And Anji warned you of that-"
"Tch." That little sound displayed the utter disregard Cho held for warnings. Cho was too interested in the one guy left standing.
Sano decided that enough was enough. He stepped in and grabbed the poor short little man by the collar. "Your friends are pretty much done for. Why don't you go home and think about how it's not nice to gang up on strangers?"
As he set him down, the man swallowed and then scrambled away as quickly as he could.
Cho was glaring as he saw the short man disappear. "What the hell did you do that for?!"
"I didn't think those odds were very fair," Sano shrugged and walked away, ignoring the man whose face was beginning to turn as red as his own clothing.
"Why you #(*$& roosterhead! Don't turn your ($*& back on me while I'm @#($*&(@ talking to you, you #($&#$*& -- "
Sano easily stepped aside as a fist came in his direction. "We don't have time for this." He looked instead over at a tree in the town center, where Anji stood next to their traveling companion, who was looking a bit ashen as he looked at all the bruised and battered bodies.
Assured that no one had suffered any fatal wounds, Anji was able to help the other man stand . "I assume we can have our cart back?"
"No thanks to you," Cho directed a rather annoyed look at Anji.
"Three against thirty-seven seemed hardly fair." Anji turned his attention to preparing the horses. "Sagara could have easily taken all of them."
Cho jeered, "Yeah, yeah, then why didn't he just take them all on to begin with?"
"Maybe--" Sano felt a familiar edge of annoyance, "I should have. Then we wouldn't have wasted this time fighting with these people. All you had to do was take on their leader and we'd be done with it."
"Whatever," Cho shrugged as he climbed up the cart and took the reins. "You do things your way, and I do things my way. I have plenty enough experience dealing with these kind of riff-raff and don't need you to tell me."
Sanosuke snorted softly as he took his position in the back of the cart before it started moving. The arrogance of that broomhead was nothing short of astounding. And yet, what else could he expect from someone who had spent a considerable time working on and off for one of the most insufferable people he knew? But even Saitou hated to waste time. Surely he wouldn't approve of something like this.
And waste time is what they'd continue to do if in every town they had to stop at for provisions was filled with guys who had a very good memory of the broomhead and his previous companions. Plus, this guy really irritated him.
He decided then he had enough. There was one way to make this trip shorter. "Anji," Sano spoke up suddenly. "Do you think he can handle a train?"
"Taka-san?" Anji turned to look at the man, who was lying down covered. "He is still weak. But it will get us there faster to Kyoto."
Sanosuke briefly wondered when and how Anji had managed to convince the man to tell him his name.
"Wha-?" Cho shot him a glance that could not be mistaken for anything except annoyance. "You know a train isn't the most secure place-"
"Like leaving a mess like what you did back there is any better?" Sano took a look at Taka. "This guy really doesn't take to this sort of excitement. And we seem unable to avoid your friends, broomhead. All we have to do is get this person on the train unnoticed, buy out a first class car and we'll be in Kyoto in less than two days."
"The plan was to stick to the roads." Cho answered darkly. "Besides which, to do what you suggest we'd actually have to have money."
"You idiot," Sanosuke crossed his arms across his chest with a smirk. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think of it already."
"You mean you have it?" Cho forgot to keep his eyes on the road as he turned and gave Sano a shocked look. "Even then," he turned his eyes back to the road. "I'm not going to have Saitou chew me out for listening to you."
"Taka." Sanosuke looked down at the ailing man who was listening with curiosity. "What do you think?"
"-the train," he managed to mumble. "I just want to get where we need to go faster."
Anji coughed politely. "Cho-san. If Taka follows Sagara-san, then will you not have to follow him as well? You were told to keep an eye on the man by your chief."
They were answered with a rather peeved grumble. The grumbling continued as Cho brought the cart to a stop. "I should just get off and walk back to Tokyo and let you guys do whatever the hell you want. Leave you to Saitou's wrath and watch him dice you to pieces."
"After which, he'll kill you too," Sano answered somewhat cheerily.
Anji sighed, understanding his role as mediator and guide. He stepped over to the driver's seat of the cart and calmly took the reins from Cho while Cho slunk to the place formerly occupied by the monk. "If we move quickly, without any more stops, we can be at a small station in the morning."
"Good," Sano nodded, ignoring the waves of frustration emanating from Cho. "The sooner we get to Kyoto the better."
Anji gave him a wise smile. "There are important things in Kyoto for Sagara."
Cho's head snapped up suddenly at Anji's words. "So that's it, isn't it?" At that he started chuckling.
Sano felt the advantage he had gained just moments before slipping slightly. "What's so funny?"
Cho sniggered. "That lady friend of yours - well , I guess she's not the type to wait around much for a guy eh? Damn Saitou. He probably foresaw all of this, including you tagging along." He leaned back against the side of the cart and closed both of his eyes with satisfaction. "Now I don't feel so bad. If you want to run the show- you won't have any further arguing from me until we get to Kyoto."
"She's none of your business." Sano narrowed his eyes slightly. Cho's tone of voice was both smug and rude. As for what he said about the doctor, what did the man mean?
"Maaah." The way Cho reopened one of his eyes, bothered him. "Of course not. She's not my business at all."
But as he said that, Sano saw a hint of a smirk on his lips and it made him wonder exactly what the broomhead knew.
~ ~ ~
Once their carriage had left Tokyo, she began to understand better the route by which they traveled.
Mount Fuji would occasionally come into view whenever the clouds opened slightly and chance had them moving in the right direction, at the right time. The few times they'd stop to allow Aoshi and Shoji to confer silently amongst themselves, she would turn and walk a few steps toward it as if to try to see it better.
She had never passed this way before. Born in the more northern reaches of Japan, she had only lived as far south as Tokyo and occasionally ventured to other cities, but always by boat or train. Aoshi had stated he intended for them to make the journey to Kyoto over land, but she saw that he would likely adhere to the older roads that had been in use during the Edo period and even before.
Whatever path they took, it seemed fitting somehow that on this journey she should be able to see this great wonder for herself. She would gaze out the window as much as she could, to look at the impressive beauty of the mountain and consider the legends that only added to its allure. They were unhappy legends for the most part. The legends of the goddesses Konohana Sakuyahime and Kaguyahime did not end well in most accounts.
While Aoshi sat across from her in silence -- his mind surely on the journey - Megumi's mind had moved further beyond it. She trusted him to get him to Kyoto - that much was certain - but his words earlier seemed to betray that he thought only up to the point of their arrival and a possible enemy drawing closer. Madame Kata had told her to think beyond, perhaps to reassure her. But the ceremony had started her thinking about other things. There was a sense of unease in her mind to as she realized beyond Kyoto she could see nothing into her future.
As travelers drew closer to the lower lands near the lakes that surrounded the mountain, it was said that Fuji would disappear back into hiding. It was normal for the fog to come and as it did it oddly suited her mood. So too did the cold air that came with it and which she felt through the carriage. The silk of her white kimono could not protect her against it. Her kimono was not made for warmth, just as it was not made to last more beyond a wedding.
It reminded her that today they pretended to be married for convenience and reason. Tonight she would remove the kimono and the remainder of the makeup that marked her as a bride. And tomorrow, she would return all of it to one of the bags Madame Kata had stowed somewhere on the carriage.
As the fog grew thick, the carriage slowed. She waited as Aoshi opened the door to the carriage and stepped out.
She heard Shoji's voice speak quietly and with something of concern. "With this fog, perhaps it's best to stop here. The Muromachi's inn is nearby."
"They are a reputable family." Aoshi's voice answered calmly. "We will go there."
Shoji's voice sounded tired. "I'll bring the things by shortly. . . after I tend to certain matters."
When the door reopened, she took the hand Aoshi extended to her to help her off the carriage. She looked around briefly and saw that they were at a crossroads. They stood on the larger road, which met a much smaller one much too narrow for the passage of a carriage.
Shoji flicked the reins and continued to move down the street. Aoshi did not give her time to watch Shoji disappear. She felt him lead her firmly down the narrow street.
As they passed under a large torii-styled gate that often stood at the entrance to the Muromachi estate, he let go of her hand and walked ahead. She bit her lip as she remembered her supposed role and place.
As an older woman came out and politely welcomed them to the 'humble inn' of the Muromachi family, Megumi bowed her head and waited as they discussed the road and the fog. Aoshi and the Muromachi matron were, in their own polite way, discussing the situation that had brought them here and negotiating the terms of stay.
"I have a small room for your other companion," the old woman considered the matter. "And I will put you and your new wife in a more private setting. You'll have a quiet room in the back of our grounds."
She looked up suddenly in alarm as the woman's words sunk in. She regretted at that moment that there had not been time for her to change before they left the temple. With her clothing . . . of course any innkeeper would naturally place them in the same room, with the expectation that they would of course share it. She blushed wondering if Aoshi had known that all along as did Shoji. And if those two had known, then perhaps Okina did as well. The train of thought from there was too horrifying to consider further.
As Aoshi began to follow the old lady around one of the buildings, Megumi realized that at least one of them seemed to be perfectly fine with this arrangement. Without any other ideas to offer at the moment as an alternative to this arrangement, she could only move to catch up.
Her eyes widened a fraction as she realized that the lady Muromachi had been overly modest in describing their home. As she looked down the small path which was carefully maintained and bordered with plants and trees, she realized that it ran quite a ways back.
"Young lady," Muromachi smiled at her as they approached the porch that ran outside a much larger room than she had anticipated. "I know this was not planned, but I hope you will find this place acceptable to your situation. It can not substitute for home, but I hope you will enjoy what we have to offer"
"Thank you." Megumi bowed politely, somewhat relieved as she looked into the room that she was to share with her 'husband.' It was certainly spacious. "It is lovely," she answered, meaning not only to include her praise for the room, but the grounds around them.
They both stepped aside as Shoji magically appeared out of nowhere with several bags and allowed him to enter the room. As he exited, Aoshi followed and the two walked away to look at something.
Muromachi turned to her and patted her hand affectionately, in a way most older people did when they met her. "Such a pretty bride you are. Your husband must be pleased. But your hands are like ice." She dropped her voice to a whisper, which even then was still not quiet enough for Megumi's tastes. "I was nervous too when I first married. No one told me what to expect what occurred after the wedding day. After the wedding night, I couldn't look at my husband for days."
"Is that so?" Megumi felt the color rise in her face. Megumi hoped that neither of the two men were paying attention as the elder women decided it was her duty to prepare her for what was to come. "Obaasan," she smiled weakly hoping to be spared the knowledge which the woman seemed about to share with her, "I'm certain I will be fine."
"I'm sure you will be. Young women these days always seem more confident. As do young men. The Meiji era-it brings such change! But all the same- " Muromachi-san winked, "I'm sure both of you will be very pleased."
Megumi coughed politely and pretended to not understand the woman's insinuations. Perhaps she could distract her. "Obaasan. I would very much like water."
"Oh!" The woman clucked to herself. "I've been so negligent!! You must be wanting to take off that paint. Of course, of course."
Megumi sighed her relief as the woman started to point in the direction of the bathing facilities and hot springs.
"Very relaxing and good for you," the woman was a bit caught up still on selling the merits of their inn. "Our springs are the reason why we continue to have guests year round. My daughter-in-law is already there. I'll be happy to show you--"
"Thank you," Megumi shook her head. "But I can find it myself."
"Of course. Of course." As she turned to leave, the woman frowned at her. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Hmm?" Megumi blinked.
"Your husband," the woman shook her head, as if she thought Megumi to be just another young thing without any sense of manners. "You should ask his leave."
Megumi gritted her teeth as she realized that the woman was correct. A dutiful wife would inform her husband of her whereabouts. And despite her temptation to just announce her intention from this very spot, she also knew that a dutiful wife would also not shout at her husband. Aware that Muromachi-san was still watching her with somewhat of a critical eye, she tried to walk over as quietly and properly as she could to the two men so she could 'properly' inform her husband of her whereabouts. But from the strange look Shoji was giving her, she suspected it looked like more like a march.
Megumi's irritation rose as she waited for Aoshi to acknowledge her first. He turned around to look at her, somewhat puzzled by her presence in their conversation.
It took a slight cough from Shoji to remind Aoshi to speak. Apparently, Aoshi had just assumed she would speak her mind.
"Yes?"
"Muromachi-san has suggested that I visit the hot springs. Of course," her voice sounded a little cool, "that is if it will not worry my husband."
His forehead creased slightly at both her tone of voice and the look on her face. She wondered dimly if he perhaps had only realized her mood now.
"It has been a long day." Shoji spoke up quietly. "And it will ease the aches of traveling. There is no need to be concerned. Muromachi-san's family take good care of their guests."
"Of course," Aoshi answered, his eyes turned away. "Do as you wish, wife."
.
.
After she had been helped out of her clothing, she had washed and then sat in the springs, submerged all the way up to her chin in the mineral waters for at least an hour.
Muromachi's daughter-in-law had to coax her out at that point by informing her that her husband was waiting for her. Several times.
If she could she would have rather stayed in the springs until morning. The information that he was waiting for her in that room was exactly what she was worried about.
The yukata she had been provided was not warm enough to ward off the chill in the air. Despite her reluctance to do so, she found herself moving quickly back to her room. As she came up the path, she saw that he was standing in the doorframe, waiting. She thought perhaps she would get scolded for making him wait, but instead he stepped aside to let her pass through. As he drew the door closed behind them, she realized that the strange look she had seen in his eyes earlier was still there.
"I didn't mean to take so long," she had ended up at the far end of the room. "I lost track of time."
"Is that so?" He leaned against the wall, with his arms crossed over his chest. "Muromachi-san sent her daughter-in-law in to you several times."
"How did you-"
"She did so at my request. I was concerned."
"It was perfectly safe. There were other women around for the most part-"
"I was not concerned about your safety. Rather, your state of mind. Shoji- san had expressed his concerns."
"I'm fine," she shook her head and looked away. "I'm not going to go run off or anything like that."
He seemed to evaluate her words carefully. "I see. Then you are angry with me."
The tone of his voice surprised her. "I'm not angry at you."
"But your manner suggests that something is bothering you."
Actually a number of things were bothering her at the moment, but she didn't know where to start. It hardly seemed appropriate to burden him at this time with her thoughts about the future. But she saw he would not leave her alone until he had a satisfactory explanation for what was bothering her now. She looked away. "I don't like pretending to be married."
"And yet you had no problems with it before, when we went to find your brother."
She bit her lip. "But then it was different. We did not end up someplace sharing a room."
"It is simply a variation of the same theme."
"I know that." She looked down.. "And despite this not being the first time we've had to pretend something for the sake of appearances -- this time it feels different. I feel ashamed-"
"Ashamed?"
She saw the flash of angry pride in his face. Mortified at her unfortunate choice of words, she started to reach out to him.
But it was too late. He had turned away from her to pick up his coat and place it over his own yukata. "I understand your words. If you had any misapprehensions as to my intentions or my feelings, I take back those words and offer my apologies. I will vouch for your honor in whatever situation arises."
He opened the screen door.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Outside."
She had known that as soon as he put on his coat. As he began to put on his boots, she found her voice. "Don't be silly. It's cold outside. You'll be sick again-"
His voice dropped back to its neutral, bland tone. "I am Oniwaban. We are well-trained for anything."
"Aoshi-"
"I can not change what I have done and what I am." He did not look at her. Instead, he faced the path and looked forward. "But I can ensure you that your honor will remain intact."
With those words, he drew the door firmly shut in her face.
She stood frozen for a moment, startled by the coldness of his words. He had misunderstood her. The shame that she had referred to would have been her shame with any man in this place. But still, she should have chosen her words more carefully. She was not ashamed of him, nor of anything he had ever said to her or done to her or for her.
Her hands were unsteady as she struggled to reopen the door. As it slid open, she called out his name.
But he could not hear her.
He was already gone.
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a/n: -_- Alas, the puppetmaster pokes fun at the "share a room, share a blanket" scenario in a cruel way by having it backfire in a rather angsty way. My apologies to the readers who emailed me after the last part and who I enticed with info that Megumi and Aoshi would share a room. I actually changed my plan while writing this last night by turning a small discomfort into a huge problem. Speaking of which, I bet some of you will not like Aoshi's sudden coldness. My Vulcan side defends him by stating that emotions make people irrational and that the puppetmaster did sharply poke at one of Aoshi's weaknesses in his character -- Aoshi's pride.
The goddesses of Fuji legend. There are many - as volcanoes are thought to be female in origin. (Isn't that cool!) Anyways, Sengen is the other name for Konohansakuyahime. Kaguyahime is another deity who Inuyasha fans who saw movie 2 or 3 recall.
I started classes and work again, so at most I can do one update a week. Let's hope I make the next one next weekend. Some minor tinkering might occur as it did with the last chapter. Normally I like to post new parts with part of the next one started, but that outline got screwed.
Eevee: I expect a fallen Father Aoshi any day now!
Leila: No hug here either. Stats as of now show Sano with 1 hug, 2 kisses and Aoshi with 1 dance, 0 hugs. 0 kisses.
MiJ, Jieli and mirune: Thanks. I hope my internet and book research wasn't too off. I don't want to claim authenticity since we know how *accurate * the internet is ^_^. I'm not Japanese, btw but have a more than passing familiarity with things Asian.
Shimizu Hitomi: Mild hints maybe, but nothing too conclusive. I might forget to do much here as I have kind of shunted off exploring that pairing onto the other fic.
Southpaw: I think you could look at it that way, but those few encounters in the manga and in the first two seasons of the anime (which are largely in continuity with Watsuki's manga) are very telling. Megumi definitely holds her own and understands Aoshi's intentions sometimes even without him having to state it. They are intellectual equals. . Sano and Meg's tension lies in their emotional contrasts. I think Sano also reads her emotions better.
Rating is going up although I have humorously and kindly provided censor beeps when necessary. ($%(*&$%) Actually, there is nothing much other than a somewhat bawdy old woman in this part, but future chapters may have more than just mild insinuations.
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Traveling the old fashioned way was supposed to be less troublesome. However, as the crowd of large guys drew closer with clubs and other heavy objects in hand, Sano started contemplating the leadership skills of Cho Sawagejo.
As Cho toyed with one guy, Sano knocked out another who had decided to try to sneak up on the swordsman. "Stupid punk," he muttered as he glanced at the laughing police officer who after flinging one man far and wide was now mowing down a few of their other brand-new acquaintances. "You just had to open your mouth and start something didn't you?"
Cho grinned as he used the blunt edge of his sword to knock out some overgrown bully who had advanced with a knife. "They started it by sending that ass to collect money to pass through this road. I didn't really feel like paying it."
"Yeah, but that guy had lots of friends, idiot." Sanosuke snarled as he easily dodged a knife from one of their attackers and brought his hand down on the back of that person, knocking the amateur to the ground . "And Anji warned you of that-"
"Tch." That little sound displayed the utter disregard Cho held for warnings. Cho was too interested in the one guy left standing.
Sano decided that enough was enough. He stepped in and grabbed the poor short little man by the collar. "Your friends are pretty much done for. Why don't you go home and think about how it's not nice to gang up on strangers?"
As he set him down, the man swallowed and then scrambled away as quickly as he could.
Cho was glaring as he saw the short man disappear. "What the hell did you do that for?!"
"I didn't think those odds were very fair," Sano shrugged and walked away, ignoring the man whose face was beginning to turn as red as his own clothing.
"Why you #(*$& roosterhead! Don't turn your ($*& back on me while I'm @#($*&(@ talking to you, you #($&#$*& -- "
Sano easily stepped aside as a fist came in his direction. "We don't have time for this." He looked instead over at a tree in the town center, where Anji stood next to their traveling companion, who was looking a bit ashen as he looked at all the bruised and battered bodies.
Assured that no one had suffered any fatal wounds, Anji was able to help the other man stand . "I assume we can have our cart back?"
"No thanks to you," Cho directed a rather annoyed look at Anji.
"Three against thirty-seven seemed hardly fair." Anji turned his attention to preparing the horses. "Sagara could have easily taken all of them."
Cho jeered, "Yeah, yeah, then why didn't he just take them all on to begin with?"
"Maybe--" Sano felt a familiar edge of annoyance, "I should have. Then we wouldn't have wasted this time fighting with these people. All you had to do was take on their leader and we'd be done with it."
"Whatever," Cho shrugged as he climbed up the cart and took the reins. "You do things your way, and I do things my way. I have plenty enough experience dealing with these kind of riff-raff and don't need you to tell me."
Sanosuke snorted softly as he took his position in the back of the cart before it started moving. The arrogance of that broomhead was nothing short of astounding. And yet, what else could he expect from someone who had spent a considerable time working on and off for one of the most insufferable people he knew? But even Saitou hated to waste time. Surely he wouldn't approve of something like this.
And waste time is what they'd continue to do if in every town they had to stop at for provisions was filled with guys who had a very good memory of the broomhead and his previous companions. Plus, this guy really irritated him.
He decided then he had enough. There was one way to make this trip shorter. "Anji," Sano spoke up suddenly. "Do you think he can handle a train?"
"Taka-san?" Anji turned to look at the man, who was lying down covered. "He is still weak. But it will get us there faster to Kyoto."
Sanosuke briefly wondered when and how Anji had managed to convince the man to tell him his name.
"Wha-?" Cho shot him a glance that could not be mistaken for anything except annoyance. "You know a train isn't the most secure place-"
"Like leaving a mess like what you did back there is any better?" Sano took a look at Taka. "This guy really doesn't take to this sort of excitement. And we seem unable to avoid your friends, broomhead. All we have to do is get this person on the train unnoticed, buy out a first class car and we'll be in Kyoto in less than two days."
"The plan was to stick to the roads." Cho answered darkly. "Besides which, to do what you suggest we'd actually have to have money."
"You idiot," Sanosuke crossed his arms across his chest with a smirk. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think of it already."
"You mean you have it?" Cho forgot to keep his eyes on the road as he turned and gave Sano a shocked look. "Even then," he turned his eyes back to the road. "I'm not going to have Saitou chew me out for listening to you."
"Taka." Sanosuke looked down at the ailing man who was listening with curiosity. "What do you think?"
"-the train," he managed to mumble. "I just want to get where we need to go faster."
Anji coughed politely. "Cho-san. If Taka follows Sagara-san, then will you not have to follow him as well? You were told to keep an eye on the man by your chief."
They were answered with a rather peeved grumble. The grumbling continued as Cho brought the cart to a stop. "I should just get off and walk back to Tokyo and let you guys do whatever the hell you want. Leave you to Saitou's wrath and watch him dice you to pieces."
"After which, he'll kill you too," Sano answered somewhat cheerily.
Anji sighed, understanding his role as mediator and guide. He stepped over to the driver's seat of the cart and calmly took the reins from Cho while Cho slunk to the place formerly occupied by the monk. "If we move quickly, without any more stops, we can be at a small station in the morning."
"Good," Sano nodded, ignoring the waves of frustration emanating from Cho. "The sooner we get to Kyoto the better."
Anji gave him a wise smile. "There are important things in Kyoto for Sagara."
Cho's head snapped up suddenly at Anji's words. "So that's it, isn't it?" At that he started chuckling.
Sano felt the advantage he had gained just moments before slipping slightly. "What's so funny?"
Cho sniggered. "That lady friend of yours - well , I guess she's not the type to wait around much for a guy eh? Damn Saitou. He probably foresaw all of this, including you tagging along." He leaned back against the side of the cart and closed both of his eyes with satisfaction. "Now I don't feel so bad. If you want to run the show- you won't have any further arguing from me until we get to Kyoto."
"She's none of your business." Sano narrowed his eyes slightly. Cho's tone of voice was both smug and rude. As for what he said about the doctor, what did the man mean?
"Maaah." The way Cho reopened one of his eyes, bothered him. "Of course not. She's not my business at all."
But as he said that, Sano saw a hint of a smirk on his lips and it made him wonder exactly what the broomhead knew.
~ ~ ~
Once their carriage had left Tokyo, she began to understand better the route by which they traveled.
Mount Fuji would occasionally come into view whenever the clouds opened slightly and chance had them moving in the right direction, at the right time. The few times they'd stop to allow Aoshi and Shoji to confer silently amongst themselves, she would turn and walk a few steps toward it as if to try to see it better.
She had never passed this way before. Born in the more northern reaches of Japan, she had only lived as far south as Tokyo and occasionally ventured to other cities, but always by boat or train. Aoshi had stated he intended for them to make the journey to Kyoto over land, but she saw that he would likely adhere to the older roads that had been in use during the Edo period and even before.
Whatever path they took, it seemed fitting somehow that on this journey she should be able to see this great wonder for herself. She would gaze out the window as much as she could, to look at the impressive beauty of the mountain and consider the legends that only added to its allure. They were unhappy legends for the most part. The legends of the goddesses Konohana Sakuyahime and Kaguyahime did not end well in most accounts.
While Aoshi sat across from her in silence -- his mind surely on the journey - Megumi's mind had moved further beyond it. She trusted him to get him to Kyoto - that much was certain - but his words earlier seemed to betray that he thought only up to the point of their arrival and a possible enemy drawing closer. Madame Kata had told her to think beyond, perhaps to reassure her. But the ceremony had started her thinking about other things. There was a sense of unease in her mind to as she realized beyond Kyoto she could see nothing into her future.
As travelers drew closer to the lower lands near the lakes that surrounded the mountain, it was said that Fuji would disappear back into hiding. It was normal for the fog to come and as it did it oddly suited her mood. So too did the cold air that came with it and which she felt through the carriage. The silk of her white kimono could not protect her against it. Her kimono was not made for warmth, just as it was not made to last more beyond a wedding.
It reminded her that today they pretended to be married for convenience and reason. Tonight she would remove the kimono and the remainder of the makeup that marked her as a bride. And tomorrow, she would return all of it to one of the bags Madame Kata had stowed somewhere on the carriage.
As the fog grew thick, the carriage slowed. She waited as Aoshi opened the door to the carriage and stepped out.
She heard Shoji's voice speak quietly and with something of concern. "With this fog, perhaps it's best to stop here. The Muromachi's inn is nearby."
"They are a reputable family." Aoshi's voice answered calmly. "We will go there."
Shoji's voice sounded tired. "I'll bring the things by shortly. . . after I tend to certain matters."
When the door reopened, she took the hand Aoshi extended to her to help her off the carriage. She looked around briefly and saw that they were at a crossroads. They stood on the larger road, which met a much smaller one much too narrow for the passage of a carriage.
Shoji flicked the reins and continued to move down the street. Aoshi did not give her time to watch Shoji disappear. She felt him lead her firmly down the narrow street.
As they passed under a large torii-styled gate that often stood at the entrance to the Muromachi estate, he let go of her hand and walked ahead. She bit her lip as she remembered her supposed role and place.
As an older woman came out and politely welcomed them to the 'humble inn' of the Muromachi family, Megumi bowed her head and waited as they discussed the road and the fog. Aoshi and the Muromachi matron were, in their own polite way, discussing the situation that had brought them here and negotiating the terms of stay.
"I have a small room for your other companion," the old woman considered the matter. "And I will put you and your new wife in a more private setting. You'll have a quiet room in the back of our grounds."
She looked up suddenly in alarm as the woman's words sunk in. She regretted at that moment that there had not been time for her to change before they left the temple. With her clothing . . . of course any innkeeper would naturally place them in the same room, with the expectation that they would of course share it. She blushed wondering if Aoshi had known that all along as did Shoji. And if those two had known, then perhaps Okina did as well. The train of thought from there was too horrifying to consider further.
As Aoshi began to follow the old lady around one of the buildings, Megumi realized that at least one of them seemed to be perfectly fine with this arrangement. Without any other ideas to offer at the moment as an alternative to this arrangement, she could only move to catch up.
Her eyes widened a fraction as she realized that the lady Muromachi had been overly modest in describing their home. As she looked down the small path which was carefully maintained and bordered with plants and trees, she realized that it ran quite a ways back.
"Young lady," Muromachi smiled at her as they approached the porch that ran outside a much larger room than she had anticipated. "I know this was not planned, but I hope you will find this place acceptable to your situation. It can not substitute for home, but I hope you will enjoy what we have to offer"
"Thank you." Megumi bowed politely, somewhat relieved as she looked into the room that she was to share with her 'husband.' It was certainly spacious. "It is lovely," she answered, meaning not only to include her praise for the room, but the grounds around them.
They both stepped aside as Shoji magically appeared out of nowhere with several bags and allowed him to enter the room. As he exited, Aoshi followed and the two walked away to look at something.
Muromachi turned to her and patted her hand affectionately, in a way most older people did when they met her. "Such a pretty bride you are. Your husband must be pleased. But your hands are like ice." She dropped her voice to a whisper, which even then was still not quiet enough for Megumi's tastes. "I was nervous too when I first married. No one told me what to expect what occurred after the wedding day. After the wedding night, I couldn't look at my husband for days."
"Is that so?" Megumi felt the color rise in her face. Megumi hoped that neither of the two men were paying attention as the elder women decided it was her duty to prepare her for what was to come. "Obaasan," she smiled weakly hoping to be spared the knowledge which the woman seemed about to share with her, "I'm certain I will be fine."
"I'm sure you will be. Young women these days always seem more confident. As do young men. The Meiji era-it brings such change! But all the same- " Muromachi-san winked, "I'm sure both of you will be very pleased."
Megumi coughed politely and pretended to not understand the woman's insinuations. Perhaps she could distract her. "Obaasan. I would very much like water."
"Oh!" The woman clucked to herself. "I've been so negligent!! You must be wanting to take off that paint. Of course, of course."
Megumi sighed her relief as the woman started to point in the direction of the bathing facilities and hot springs.
"Very relaxing and good for you," the woman was a bit caught up still on selling the merits of their inn. "Our springs are the reason why we continue to have guests year round. My daughter-in-law is already there. I'll be happy to show you--"
"Thank you," Megumi shook her head. "But I can find it myself."
"Of course. Of course." As she turned to leave, the woman frowned at her. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Hmm?" Megumi blinked.
"Your husband," the woman shook her head, as if she thought Megumi to be just another young thing without any sense of manners. "You should ask his leave."
Megumi gritted her teeth as she realized that the woman was correct. A dutiful wife would inform her husband of her whereabouts. And despite her temptation to just announce her intention from this very spot, she also knew that a dutiful wife would also not shout at her husband. Aware that Muromachi-san was still watching her with somewhat of a critical eye, she tried to walk over as quietly and properly as she could to the two men so she could 'properly' inform her husband of her whereabouts. But from the strange look Shoji was giving her, she suspected it looked like more like a march.
Megumi's irritation rose as she waited for Aoshi to acknowledge her first. He turned around to look at her, somewhat puzzled by her presence in their conversation.
It took a slight cough from Shoji to remind Aoshi to speak. Apparently, Aoshi had just assumed she would speak her mind.
"Yes?"
"Muromachi-san has suggested that I visit the hot springs. Of course," her voice sounded a little cool, "that is if it will not worry my husband."
His forehead creased slightly at both her tone of voice and the look on her face. She wondered dimly if he perhaps had only realized her mood now.
"It has been a long day." Shoji spoke up quietly. "And it will ease the aches of traveling. There is no need to be concerned. Muromachi-san's family take good care of their guests."
"Of course," Aoshi answered, his eyes turned away. "Do as you wish, wife."
.
.
After she had been helped out of her clothing, she had washed and then sat in the springs, submerged all the way up to her chin in the mineral waters for at least an hour.
Muromachi's daughter-in-law had to coax her out at that point by informing her that her husband was waiting for her. Several times.
If she could she would have rather stayed in the springs until morning. The information that he was waiting for her in that room was exactly what she was worried about.
The yukata she had been provided was not warm enough to ward off the chill in the air. Despite her reluctance to do so, she found herself moving quickly back to her room. As she came up the path, she saw that he was standing in the doorframe, waiting. She thought perhaps she would get scolded for making him wait, but instead he stepped aside to let her pass through. As he drew the door closed behind them, she realized that the strange look she had seen in his eyes earlier was still there.
"I didn't mean to take so long," she had ended up at the far end of the room. "I lost track of time."
"Is that so?" He leaned against the wall, with his arms crossed over his chest. "Muromachi-san sent her daughter-in-law in to you several times."
"How did you-"
"She did so at my request. I was concerned."
"It was perfectly safe. There were other women around for the most part-"
"I was not concerned about your safety. Rather, your state of mind. Shoji- san had expressed his concerns."
"I'm fine," she shook her head and looked away. "I'm not going to go run off or anything like that."
He seemed to evaluate her words carefully. "I see. Then you are angry with me."
The tone of his voice surprised her. "I'm not angry at you."
"But your manner suggests that something is bothering you."
Actually a number of things were bothering her at the moment, but she didn't know where to start. It hardly seemed appropriate to burden him at this time with her thoughts about the future. But she saw he would not leave her alone until he had a satisfactory explanation for what was bothering her now. She looked away. "I don't like pretending to be married."
"And yet you had no problems with it before, when we went to find your brother."
She bit her lip. "But then it was different. We did not end up someplace sharing a room."
"It is simply a variation of the same theme."
"I know that." She looked down.. "And despite this not being the first time we've had to pretend something for the sake of appearances -- this time it feels different. I feel ashamed-"
"Ashamed?"
She saw the flash of angry pride in his face. Mortified at her unfortunate choice of words, she started to reach out to him.
But it was too late. He had turned away from her to pick up his coat and place it over his own yukata. "I understand your words. If you had any misapprehensions as to my intentions or my feelings, I take back those words and offer my apologies. I will vouch for your honor in whatever situation arises."
He opened the screen door.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Outside."
She had known that as soon as he put on his coat. As he began to put on his boots, she found her voice. "Don't be silly. It's cold outside. You'll be sick again-"
His voice dropped back to its neutral, bland tone. "I am Oniwaban. We are well-trained for anything."
"Aoshi-"
"I can not change what I have done and what I am." He did not look at her. Instead, he faced the path and looked forward. "But I can ensure you that your honor will remain intact."
With those words, he drew the door firmly shut in her face.
She stood frozen for a moment, startled by the coldness of his words. He had misunderstood her. The shame that she had referred to would have been her shame with any man in this place. But still, she should have chosen her words more carefully. She was not ashamed of him, nor of anything he had ever said to her or done to her or for her.
Her hands were unsteady as she struggled to reopen the door. As it slid open, she called out his name.
But he could not hear her.
He was already gone.
= = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = == = = = = == = = = = == = = = = =
a/n: -_- Alas, the puppetmaster pokes fun at the "share a room, share a blanket" scenario in a cruel way by having it backfire in a rather angsty way. My apologies to the readers who emailed me after the last part and who I enticed with info that Megumi and Aoshi would share a room. I actually changed my plan while writing this last night by turning a small discomfort into a huge problem. Speaking of which, I bet some of you will not like Aoshi's sudden coldness. My Vulcan side defends him by stating that emotions make people irrational and that the puppetmaster did sharply poke at one of Aoshi's weaknesses in his character -- Aoshi's pride.
The goddesses of Fuji legend. There are many - as volcanoes are thought to be female in origin. (Isn't that cool!) Anyways, Sengen is the other name for Konohansakuyahime. Kaguyahime is another deity who Inuyasha fans who saw movie 2 or 3 recall.
I started classes and work again, so at most I can do one update a week. Let's hope I make the next one next weekend. Some minor tinkering might occur as it did with the last chapter. Normally I like to post new parts with part of the next one started, but that outline got screwed.
Eevee: I expect a fallen Father Aoshi any day now!
Leila: No hug here either. Stats as of now show Sano with 1 hug, 2 kisses and Aoshi with 1 dance, 0 hugs. 0 kisses.
MiJ, Jieli and mirune: Thanks. I hope my internet and book research wasn't too off. I don't want to claim authenticity since we know how *accurate * the internet is ^_^. I'm not Japanese, btw but have a more than passing familiarity with things Asian.
Shimizu Hitomi: Mild hints maybe, but nothing too conclusive. I might forget to do much here as I have kind of shunted off exploring that pairing onto the other fic.
Southpaw: I think you could look at it that way, but those few encounters in the manga and in the first two seasons of the anime (which are largely in continuity with Watsuki's manga) are very telling. Megumi definitely holds her own and understands Aoshi's intentions sometimes even without him having to state it. They are intellectual equals. . Sano and Meg's tension lies in their emotional contrasts. I think Sano also reads her emotions better.
