(Thank you again to everyone who's beenreading and commenting. We're glad you like our odd little view of Rurouni Kenshin and PeaceMaker Kurogane. You know the disclaimer drill we don't own the shows or characters and can't profit from this--if we could we'd be in Japan right not trying to channel the spirits of the great Hijikata and Saitou and maybe Shinpachi for comic relief)
Anj–the fluffy white ball thing is part of the rope thing they wore with their uniform to hold their sleeves back–or just be a cool fashion statement–whatever.
Badgerturtle–Great minds think alike-- I already had a plan for Susumu and the shinobi babes.
Lynna–well, no Red might not act that way but its funny that he does in this fic
In Local News
This week the Kyoto Town Council passed a new budget with a substantial increase in the allotment assigned to the Public Works Department. This increase in the department's budget will allow administrators to hire an additonal 200 employees for its street cleaning/maintenance division.
All interested parties are asked to apply in person at the office of the Council Chairman. Those with experience in mortuary science and grave digging will be placed at the top of the list.
In related news the Town Council would like to issue an alert to the person or persons who have been stealing those little pink flowers from the public gardens, crushing them then scattering their petals to the wind.
You have been seen. You will be caught.
# # # # # # # # #Dear Ayu-nee: It's Red again. Do you remember that girl I wrote about awhile ago? Well it took a bit of time but we really hit it off to the point that I was falling in love with her. Unfortunately I found out that she was just using me. She's gone now. Permanently and I just don't know what to do. I feel so alone... ---Red
Dear Red:
You poor thing. I'm so sorry this didn't work out but please don't shut yourself off from the rest of the world! There wil be other girls, girls more suited to you and who won't betray your trust.
I believe you mentioned a job of some sort? Why don't you concentrate on that for now. Put your entire self into your work and I'm sure you'll be feelign better in no time.
The one good thing about scars across the heart is that in time they heal and unlike physical scars they aren't visible to remind us of our mistakes and failings.
You take care and keep in touch.
# # # # # # # #Personal Ad
We're two hot, young, fun-loving gals looking for a few good Choshu men to spend time with. Hungry for more? Stop by the Aoiya and ask for Okon or Omasu, we have some juicy lunch specials you're sure to die for.
# # # # # # #Notice from Saitou Hajime Captain Shinsengumi 3rd Unit
The pet Captain Okita was given as a replacement for the somewhat lamented dead cat Buttons is named Saizou. That's S-a-i-Z-o-u, NOT Saitou and if I hear anyone else calling that slimy pink beast by my name you will wish you had never been born..
# # # # # # # #Official Notice:
After much consideration and intense private negotiation the ban on pets inside the barracks has been repealed after it was proven that, barring the single incident with my futon, pigs are infinitely cleaner than people in general and Captain Harada in particular. ---Hijikata
# # # # # # # #Personal Ad:
Words cannot describe the bliss we shared the other night and though I know it's difficult that we cannot be as open as you'd like, please know that you mean the world to me and have since that fateful day back in Bushu, my sweet So-chan. ----H.T.
# # # # # # # # #Serial Killer Still on the Loose?
Half of the Shinsengumi's Seventh Unit was decimated in a surprise attack last night while on patrol down near the river. Witnesses assert that the assailant was a lone young woman of average height, slim build, with long auburn hair. She was dressed in men's attire but wore a long blue silk scarf around her neck.
Though it is not known if this is a related incident, the bodies of a three men known only as visitors from the Choshu area were found with multiple stab wounds (possibly from a kunai or shuriken) about four blocks from the initial attack.
# # # # # # #Reminder
Dr. Ito Takani will be here the remainder of the week to administer the required physicals to every Shinsengumi member. If you haven't yet done so please stop by the quarters of former Vice-Chief Yamanami to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Takani would also like to remind you that with the onset of colder weather it is imperative for you to safeguard your health no matter how healthy and in shape you appear to be.
Even something as simple as a mild yet persistent cough can signal something serious. And should you experience any intermittent symptoms such as odd tastes in the mouth (example copper) or smelling substances that are not anywhere near you (example blood) please, please don't discount this as "nothing".
Also Dr. Takani would like to remind you all that even though a reputable oiran is highly more expensive than an ordinary woman of pleasure it is worth it in the long run when one takes into account the increased chance of contracting embarrassing and painful skin lesions.
And Captain Harada your prescription has been refilled. Please stop by the former Vice-chief's quarters to retrieve it.
## # # # # # #Local News
The public flower garden on the west side of Mibu was vandalized this week. Anyone having information concerning the uprooting of the entire poppy bed is encouraged to come forward.
# # # # # # #Personal Ad
To the tall, attractive, stern looking gentleman who came upon a questionable scene in the corner booth of Kamatari's Sake Shack two nights ago--- What you thought you saw is not what you actually saw. I am in fact a certified medic and was merely checking my companion's seppuku scar as he'd been complaining of severe lower abdominal discomfort.
While I can understand how easy it might have been to misconstrue the sound of him calling "Yessss Shinpachi, yesss, oh yessss. " I can assure you that it was merely to confirm that I had located the precise source of the inflammation and substantial swelling in his lower regions.
And while we were in uniform we were in fact on our officially sanctioned dinner break.
# # # # # # # #Official Notice: Addendum to Internal Regulations
Effective Immediatelyd
A "Don't ask Don't Tell" policy is now part of this organization's code of
conduct. ---HijikataP.S. Captain Nagakura when you read this report to me immediately--- If I am not in my office check my private quarters----use the rear entrance.
# # # # # # # # #Response to Personal ad deposited anonymously in subscribers mail slot
"To Captain S.H.—Far be it from me to intrude when I'm not asked fo radvice but you appear to be rather tense and out of sorts lately especially when word comes to the compound of the activities of this alleged Battousai person. Perhaos you need a little stress relief on your off duty hours. Perhaps you should try attending one of Captain Okita's massage therapy sessions."
Are you out of your mind??? Do you have ANY idea what goes ON in those sessions???!!!!! Just thinking about it is enough to make a man go back to smoking.
# # # # # # # #Personal Ad
Young widower, attractive, demanding career, seeks gentle companionship and/or a date for next Friday's karaoke night and Teriyaki Buffet at the Ikeda-ya.
# # # # # # # # #Personal Ad
Young woman ---very attractive, well educated from a upper middle class family has just been informed that she is to have an arranged marriage to the "son" of one of her father's political cronies.
I may have to marry a loser but I'm gonna have some fun first!
Who wants to party till they drop????? Bad boy Samurai of any persuasion and Han affiliation encouraged to respond!
—Krazy 'Kio
# # # # # # # #Dear Ayu-nee:
It is with great interest that I read the letter form one Mr. Hiko concerning the trouble with his wayward adoptive son. I, too have a "son" I'm concerned about but my son is quite the opposite of the potential delinquent Hiko has raised.
My son, let's call him Oshi, has never given me any trouble , he has been the model student, eager to learn various kenjutsu styles and martial arts as well as general military strategies. He has advanced rapidly in the ranks of our paramilitary organization and was recently appointed to head the organization–and all at the tender age of fifteen!
He has even taken it upon himself to volunteer to be appointed guardian of our former leader's young granddaughter.
My problem? I fear that by being such an overachiever and having so much responsibility as such a young age might prove detrimental to Oshi's well being later in life. I have a nagging feeling that in the future if something should happen to upset his well ordered existence that Oshi will not react in a sensible way....
Am I overreacting? Should I just let the boy do what he does best and lead?
—concerned "dad" (and satisfied customer of the Aoiya Restaurant and Inn)Dear Dad:
I think most parents adoptive or natural have a tendency to worry needlessly about their children. As long as "Oshi" is happy and comfortable in his current situation I advise you to just let him be. It sounds as though you have a close relationship and I'm sure that nothing will ever change that.
# # # # # # # #Personal Ad
You are a food service manager for a local law enforcement agency. I am the quiet, unassuming fellow in the payroll and petty cash department. I've been fascinated with you since I started this job but am too overwhelmed by your beauty to speak to you during non-working hours when those burly samurai hold court at your feet.
Does a "nice guy" stand a chance?
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