**Pechan is wondering why anyone would try to sue her for accidentally not
writing a disclaimer for Rurouni Kenshin.
~ A Piano and a Ja Ne ~
After a week, Goro was at his desk, doing police things. (if anybody knows what a Meiji era policeman does, please tell me, because I have absolutely no idea what they do) Suddenly, the door opened. He looked up, and found the police commissioner. "Saito. Did you finish up at Tama yet?"
Saito narrowed his eyes at him, "I'm here, aren't I? It went without a problem, if that's what you wanted to know," he tugged off his gloves, "Of course, that's never the reason though. And...." he smiled up at him, "I'd appreciate if you called me Fujita like everyone is on."
The commissioner closed the door behind him. "Sorry, but it was urgent. Umokubo has another assignment for you."
"Oh? Where to now?"
"Somewhere around Hokkaido, he didn't really give me the specifics," he pulled out a sealed letter from his jacket. Saito stood up, and took it. The commissioner continued, "As far as I know, it looks like some sort of war monger from the Revolution just wants to raise some hell. The problem is, he's already gotten himself a troop of people. His advocates, I suppose."
Saito read the letter. Sure enough, the name sounded kind of familiar. He sighed, "A former Shinsengumi squad member. If I didn't know any better, I'd think this man was Jinei." He folded the paper into his pocket, "But no, this one isn't as crazy. I can't believe some of them are still lurking around." Mongrel dogs....
The commissioner took a step to the door, opening it, "So you'll go?"
"As soon as I can. I'll leave tomorrow morning. Get my transportation ready by then."
The man nodded, then left the room in a hurry. Saito pulled out his gloves, and tugged them back on. That little man always reminded him of a rat. But, he was Umokubo's gopher, so he was a rodent after all...
After a few more hours, he left for home.
"Good evening, Mr. Fujita," bowed a woman and her child.
He bowed as well, smiling, "Good evening, Miss Shura."
"Momma!! I don't wanna go to Tokyo!! I like it here!!"
"Hush, Sakura! Someone'll hear us.."
Shura bowed to him again, and tugged her little girl. No doubt running away from the husband. If it were up to Saito, he'd have killed the slobbering drunk years ago. He's seen those bruises on her arms no one could see. He praised her silently in his head for getting the courage to run away from him./ It was best for the girl, too.
**Tokyo.**
He stopped. Ah, Miss Tokio. He turned, facing the hospital. He shrugged walking to the doors. What the hell, he was leaving tomorrow. Dropping by shouldn't hurt.
He put his hand on the door to open it, when he heard the piano playing. It swelled with rhythm and dynamics. He smirked, well, she decided to live after all.
He opened the door, finding a new crowd around the piano. An old man missing a leg, leaning on a cane bobbed his head to the music. This piece was much slower to her last one that he heard. Gisen was right behind her, sometimes praising her. Tokio's eyes were closed, her rouged lips curving gently into a content smile. The music slowed to the pulse of a dying man, and ended with a low B flat chord.
The audience clapped.
A little boy cheered, "Pretty!! Can you make me a song?"
Tokio looked down at him, "Well, I dunno' if I can make one up, but I can play another." She grinned, and leaned down to him, "Here, you can sit next to me. You'll help!"
He giggled with glee as she lifted him, and placed him next to her lap. She picked up his hand, and let one of his fingers jam a key. It was a single note, and it was very high. But the child was delighted none the less. Tokio smiled, "all you have to do, is push that key every two seconds. Can you do that?"
The song was very simple, and the single repeating note gave the song a heart beat, very life into it. Soon after, Tokio closed her eyes, and sang. She did not sing loud, for the song required only a lulling, woman's voice to east the beat. And it worked, every person in the room felt relaxed. The words grew more and more meaningful. She was quite a signer as well as a pianist.
He smirked, she's an accomplished pianist, singer, and entertainer. She can work any job, as long as it's not degrading, like a prostitute. She had a heavy European influence, and can speak a little bit of it. She claims she learned it form her father. The few clothes she had were rich and fine, and she is always wearing make up to make herself look picture perfect. As if she was not beautiful enough.
... did he just think that? He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. Well, sure, she sounds very nice. But, she was very loud and rude when it came to people like him.
"Ah, Fujita!! What brings you here?"
Goro looked up at Gisen. He waved, "Hello!! Come to check up on Tokio, eh?"
He nodded, "Yes, that's right." He walked around the crowd to her, "I was hoping to see if she made the right choice. And it looks like she did."
She smiled, "Yeah, about that...." She got up. The little boy grabbed her sleeve, and Goro could see he had a disgusting rash. "Oooh, Tokio!! I wanna play the piano with you!!"
She patted his head, "Aww, Akira, I'll be back later. Trust me; I just need to talk to the big mean cop now."
Tokio slid the door behind her, when they entered the room alone. Outside, they heard Akira pressing the single note again, and counting to two in between. She chuckled, "Oh, that kid's so sweet. Normally, I can't deal with 'em, but he's so adorable."
Goro nodded. "I am relieved you didn't kill yourself."
She sighed, "Yeah..... I wussed out right before I cut my jugular."
"I'm surprised you know where to cut."
She shrugged, "I read a lot." She looked up at him, "So, what did you want?"
"Nothing. Just wanted to see if you got better. I can't follow up on key suspects?"
She grinned, "Sounds more like you wanna play hookie with me."
He rolled his eyes, "Sure I do." He walked to the door, and patted her shoulder, "You're stronger than you think Tokio. And for the love of God, stop wandering the streets alone."
She shrugged, "Sure thing, I'll just stick with you."
She purposely said that to make him look away, a bit nervous. He sighed, "Well, I'll be gone for a while."
She frowned, "How come?"
"An old friend of mine is falling gravely ill," he smiled, "I'll be there to see him at the end of his days."
She nodded, "Oh, okay. Well, I guess I won't keep you."
As he walked passed her, he felt something latch to his elbow. He turned and found her grasping it. She grinned awkwardly, "thanks for making sure I felt better."
Oddly, given the awkward circumstance, this felt okay with him. He nodded, "Good day, Miss Tokio. I hope to see you again in a month."
"A month?!! I could get killed in a month!! You know me, it's like every full moon, I get smacked or attacked or... or attacked!!"
"Yes, you certainly have a knack for that."
She pulled him back, "Well, don't leave me here!! Once you leave, it'll be Tokio Hunting Season!!"
".............. Tokio Hunting Season," he repeated, incredulously.
She looked at him for a while, eyes big. Then she said in a rush, "I'll go with you!"
"What?"
She went to the hospital bed, and pulled out her slippers that were underneath it. "Here, I'll just run home and get another kimono and yukata."
He sighed, "Tokio, I can't take you with me."
"Why not? I wanna meet your friend."
He nearly laughed at the absurdity of the situation. "He doesn't want to meet you."
She undid her ponytail, and began to braid it, "Nonsense, you'll hardly notice I'm there."
He held up his hands, "No Tokio. You stay here."
"You said so yourself, it' dangerous for me to stay here all alone!" she turned and walked to her bed, and got on her hands and knees. Reaching under her bed, she felt around for her wallet, "Here, I even got money."
Goro wanted to remark 'take your time the view is great from here', but he thought the better of it.
"I can't take you, Tokio."
She sat on her heels, pouting, "why not?"
God, why does he have to pout all the time? Does she have any idea how alluring it.... He shook his head, "Because. It's a business trip."
She bit her lip, "You won't have to feed me."
"No..."
"you won't have talk to me."
He narrowed his eyes, "Why in the world if I want to bring someone I don't have to talk to feed to or care less about?"
Tokio jumped up, "Please?"
He turned, "Good bye, Tokio, I'll see you in a month."
Suddenly, he felt a heavy load on his back, and he nearly fell over. He couldn't' believe she pounced on him! He turned his head, "Tokio!"
She had her legs around her waist, and her elbows around his neck. And it actually was hurting!! He grabbed her harms, prying them apart. She growled, "Not... until.. you say... I ... can.. come!!"
He growled back, "Good, keep this up. This'll really make you want to come with me now."
She tightened her grip, until he finally decided to fall back.
"h-Hey!!" she shouted, when he deliberately fell backward. She hit the floor, her arms loosening, "OOFF!!"
Goro rubbed his head, and stopped. As did she. Goro's head was right on her...
Her pupils shrunk and she jumped up. He shook his had, and slowly rose.
She shouted, "Pervert!! You should be locked away!!
"Don't flatter yourself, I fell."
"Yeah, conveniently on my-"
Gisen poked his head in, "Is something wrong? I thought I heard someone fall over!"
Tokio grinned, waving her hand, "Ah he heh heh, no, I was just jumping."
"Jumping? For what?"
"For joy. Who cares?"
Gisen nodded, "Ah I see. Well, don't let me interrupt you."
Goro sighed. Great, he hoped Gisen wasn't a gossip.
Tokio grinned, "See what you did?"
Saito grumbled. He was going to have to kill at least fourteen people single handedly. He didn't need her around to get in the way. "Look, it's getting late, and I'm going to miss my train. I'll see you in a month."
She bit her bottom lip, her face turning sad, "you're really going?"
He smirked, "You speak as if this is the last time we meet," he turned away again, "Besides, you have that little sick boy who wants to play the piano with you."
She gasped, "Oh, Akira! I forgot..."
She opened the door, then turned her head, looking at him, "Fine. I'm letting you off easy this time. But next time, I get to come!!"
As she walked into the hall, he followed her to the exit, "Why would you want to come, anyways?"
She shrugged, "I like to wander."
He smirked, "Life as a wanderer isn't good for the soul."
"You think so? It's a great way to get around, and see places, see everything there is in this world."
She opened the door. He smiled at her, as he ducked under the door jam. "But a wanderer does not belong anywhere. They just drift aimlessly. They wander until the day they die, and when they do, who mourns for them?"
She stared at him, jaw slightly open.
"I don't think you'd want to die alone, would you?"
She smiled, looking away, "Well, when you put it that way, I guess life as a wanderer wouldn't suit me. Although, it's what I've been doing these past four years."
Goro put on his hat, "Do yourself a favor and settle down somewhere. Maybe then you'll stop taking all those idiotic risks."
Tokio growled, "When you get back I'm gonna' be all better and kick the sh!t outta' you!!"
He said nothing, just waved his arm as he walked away. Of course he heard her. He'd always listened to her.
~ A Piano and a Ja Ne ~
After a week, Goro was at his desk, doing police things. (if anybody knows what a Meiji era policeman does, please tell me, because I have absolutely no idea what they do) Suddenly, the door opened. He looked up, and found the police commissioner. "Saito. Did you finish up at Tama yet?"
Saito narrowed his eyes at him, "I'm here, aren't I? It went without a problem, if that's what you wanted to know," he tugged off his gloves, "Of course, that's never the reason though. And...." he smiled up at him, "I'd appreciate if you called me Fujita like everyone is on."
The commissioner closed the door behind him. "Sorry, but it was urgent. Umokubo has another assignment for you."
"Oh? Where to now?"
"Somewhere around Hokkaido, he didn't really give me the specifics," he pulled out a sealed letter from his jacket. Saito stood up, and took it. The commissioner continued, "As far as I know, it looks like some sort of war monger from the Revolution just wants to raise some hell. The problem is, he's already gotten himself a troop of people. His advocates, I suppose."
Saito read the letter. Sure enough, the name sounded kind of familiar. He sighed, "A former Shinsengumi squad member. If I didn't know any better, I'd think this man was Jinei." He folded the paper into his pocket, "But no, this one isn't as crazy. I can't believe some of them are still lurking around." Mongrel dogs....
The commissioner took a step to the door, opening it, "So you'll go?"
"As soon as I can. I'll leave tomorrow morning. Get my transportation ready by then."
The man nodded, then left the room in a hurry. Saito pulled out his gloves, and tugged them back on. That little man always reminded him of a rat. But, he was Umokubo's gopher, so he was a rodent after all...
After a few more hours, he left for home.
"Good evening, Mr. Fujita," bowed a woman and her child.
He bowed as well, smiling, "Good evening, Miss Shura."
"Momma!! I don't wanna go to Tokyo!! I like it here!!"
"Hush, Sakura! Someone'll hear us.."
Shura bowed to him again, and tugged her little girl. No doubt running away from the husband. If it were up to Saito, he'd have killed the slobbering drunk years ago. He's seen those bruises on her arms no one could see. He praised her silently in his head for getting the courage to run away from him./ It was best for the girl, too.
**Tokyo.**
He stopped. Ah, Miss Tokio. He turned, facing the hospital. He shrugged walking to the doors. What the hell, he was leaving tomorrow. Dropping by shouldn't hurt.
He put his hand on the door to open it, when he heard the piano playing. It swelled with rhythm and dynamics. He smirked, well, she decided to live after all.
He opened the door, finding a new crowd around the piano. An old man missing a leg, leaning on a cane bobbed his head to the music. This piece was much slower to her last one that he heard. Gisen was right behind her, sometimes praising her. Tokio's eyes were closed, her rouged lips curving gently into a content smile. The music slowed to the pulse of a dying man, and ended with a low B flat chord.
The audience clapped.
A little boy cheered, "Pretty!! Can you make me a song?"
Tokio looked down at him, "Well, I dunno' if I can make one up, but I can play another." She grinned, and leaned down to him, "Here, you can sit next to me. You'll help!"
He giggled with glee as she lifted him, and placed him next to her lap. She picked up his hand, and let one of his fingers jam a key. It was a single note, and it was very high. But the child was delighted none the less. Tokio smiled, "all you have to do, is push that key every two seconds. Can you do that?"
The song was very simple, and the single repeating note gave the song a heart beat, very life into it. Soon after, Tokio closed her eyes, and sang. She did not sing loud, for the song required only a lulling, woman's voice to east the beat. And it worked, every person in the room felt relaxed. The words grew more and more meaningful. She was quite a signer as well as a pianist.
He smirked, she's an accomplished pianist, singer, and entertainer. She can work any job, as long as it's not degrading, like a prostitute. She had a heavy European influence, and can speak a little bit of it. She claims she learned it form her father. The few clothes she had were rich and fine, and she is always wearing make up to make herself look picture perfect. As if she was not beautiful enough.
... did he just think that? He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. Well, sure, she sounds very nice. But, she was very loud and rude when it came to people like him.
"Ah, Fujita!! What brings you here?"
Goro looked up at Gisen. He waved, "Hello!! Come to check up on Tokio, eh?"
He nodded, "Yes, that's right." He walked around the crowd to her, "I was hoping to see if she made the right choice. And it looks like she did."
She smiled, "Yeah, about that...." She got up. The little boy grabbed her sleeve, and Goro could see he had a disgusting rash. "Oooh, Tokio!! I wanna play the piano with you!!"
She patted his head, "Aww, Akira, I'll be back later. Trust me; I just need to talk to the big mean cop now."
Tokio slid the door behind her, when they entered the room alone. Outside, they heard Akira pressing the single note again, and counting to two in between. She chuckled, "Oh, that kid's so sweet. Normally, I can't deal with 'em, but he's so adorable."
Goro nodded. "I am relieved you didn't kill yourself."
She sighed, "Yeah..... I wussed out right before I cut my jugular."
"I'm surprised you know where to cut."
She shrugged, "I read a lot." She looked up at him, "So, what did you want?"
"Nothing. Just wanted to see if you got better. I can't follow up on key suspects?"
She grinned, "Sounds more like you wanna play hookie with me."
He rolled his eyes, "Sure I do." He walked to the door, and patted her shoulder, "You're stronger than you think Tokio. And for the love of God, stop wandering the streets alone."
She shrugged, "Sure thing, I'll just stick with you."
She purposely said that to make him look away, a bit nervous. He sighed, "Well, I'll be gone for a while."
She frowned, "How come?"
"An old friend of mine is falling gravely ill," he smiled, "I'll be there to see him at the end of his days."
She nodded, "Oh, okay. Well, I guess I won't keep you."
As he walked passed her, he felt something latch to his elbow. He turned and found her grasping it. She grinned awkwardly, "thanks for making sure I felt better."
Oddly, given the awkward circumstance, this felt okay with him. He nodded, "Good day, Miss Tokio. I hope to see you again in a month."
"A month?!! I could get killed in a month!! You know me, it's like every full moon, I get smacked or attacked or... or attacked!!"
"Yes, you certainly have a knack for that."
She pulled him back, "Well, don't leave me here!! Once you leave, it'll be Tokio Hunting Season!!"
".............. Tokio Hunting Season," he repeated, incredulously.
She looked at him for a while, eyes big. Then she said in a rush, "I'll go with you!"
"What?"
She went to the hospital bed, and pulled out her slippers that were underneath it. "Here, I'll just run home and get another kimono and yukata."
He sighed, "Tokio, I can't take you with me."
"Why not? I wanna meet your friend."
He nearly laughed at the absurdity of the situation. "He doesn't want to meet you."
She undid her ponytail, and began to braid it, "Nonsense, you'll hardly notice I'm there."
He held up his hands, "No Tokio. You stay here."
"You said so yourself, it' dangerous for me to stay here all alone!" she turned and walked to her bed, and got on her hands and knees. Reaching under her bed, she felt around for her wallet, "Here, I even got money."
Goro wanted to remark 'take your time the view is great from here', but he thought the better of it.
"I can't take you, Tokio."
She sat on her heels, pouting, "why not?"
God, why does he have to pout all the time? Does she have any idea how alluring it.... He shook his head, "Because. It's a business trip."
She bit her lip, "You won't have to feed me."
"No..."
"you won't have talk to me."
He narrowed his eyes, "Why in the world if I want to bring someone I don't have to talk to feed to or care less about?"
Tokio jumped up, "Please?"
He turned, "Good bye, Tokio, I'll see you in a month."
Suddenly, he felt a heavy load on his back, and he nearly fell over. He couldn't' believe she pounced on him! He turned his head, "Tokio!"
She had her legs around her waist, and her elbows around his neck. And it actually was hurting!! He grabbed her harms, prying them apart. She growled, "Not... until.. you say... I ... can.. come!!"
He growled back, "Good, keep this up. This'll really make you want to come with me now."
She tightened her grip, until he finally decided to fall back.
"h-Hey!!" she shouted, when he deliberately fell backward. She hit the floor, her arms loosening, "OOFF!!"
Goro rubbed his head, and stopped. As did she. Goro's head was right on her...
Her pupils shrunk and she jumped up. He shook his had, and slowly rose.
She shouted, "Pervert!! You should be locked away!!
"Don't flatter yourself, I fell."
"Yeah, conveniently on my-"
Gisen poked his head in, "Is something wrong? I thought I heard someone fall over!"
Tokio grinned, waving her hand, "Ah he heh heh, no, I was just jumping."
"Jumping? For what?"
"For joy. Who cares?"
Gisen nodded, "Ah I see. Well, don't let me interrupt you."
Goro sighed. Great, he hoped Gisen wasn't a gossip.
Tokio grinned, "See what you did?"
Saito grumbled. He was going to have to kill at least fourteen people single handedly. He didn't need her around to get in the way. "Look, it's getting late, and I'm going to miss my train. I'll see you in a month."
She bit her bottom lip, her face turning sad, "you're really going?"
He smirked, "You speak as if this is the last time we meet," he turned away again, "Besides, you have that little sick boy who wants to play the piano with you."
She gasped, "Oh, Akira! I forgot..."
She opened the door, then turned her head, looking at him, "Fine. I'm letting you off easy this time. But next time, I get to come!!"
As she walked into the hall, he followed her to the exit, "Why would you want to come, anyways?"
She shrugged, "I like to wander."
He smirked, "Life as a wanderer isn't good for the soul."
"You think so? It's a great way to get around, and see places, see everything there is in this world."
She opened the door. He smiled at her, as he ducked under the door jam. "But a wanderer does not belong anywhere. They just drift aimlessly. They wander until the day they die, and when they do, who mourns for them?"
She stared at him, jaw slightly open.
"I don't think you'd want to die alone, would you?"
She smiled, looking away, "Well, when you put it that way, I guess life as a wanderer wouldn't suit me. Although, it's what I've been doing these past four years."
Goro put on his hat, "Do yourself a favor and settle down somewhere. Maybe then you'll stop taking all those idiotic risks."
Tokio growled, "When you get back I'm gonna' be all better and kick the sh!t outta' you!!"
He said nothing, just waved his arm as he walked away. Of course he heard her. He'd always listened to her.
