AVENGEMENT
Disclaimer: I do not own. You may not sue. That said; here is new chapter.
A/N: You guys must want to rip out my throat for taking so long to update. I've been real busy these days, so much stress . . . school, cadet, my brother just had a daughter *sharp intake of oxygen* and I could go on forever but then if I did, what am I writing this fic for? *wide smile* here is the long awaited chapter four:
-Chapter Four-
~*~*~*~*~
Whispers broke out among Shinsengumi spectators.
Saitou spat out his cigarette butt. He caught the shinai that a crestfallen Takeda tossed to him.
He walked up to the mat and glared at her. They both bowed to Okita and faced each other.
~*~*~*~*~
Once again, the sharp screech of Okita's whistle sounded through the now-silent room
All eyes were on the mat
This match would determine if the legendary Shadow of Death would be the newest member of the Shinsengumi. Who could afford to miss this?
A fierce battle aura encircled the two opponents. Just as in the previous fight with Takeda, she crouched, observing Saitou.
Icy, blue eyes narrowed in silent scrutiny . . .
Carefully . . .
Swiftly . . .
His yellow eyes swept over her stance, a slight smirk formed at his lips.
With a rapid burst of energy, Saitou charged towards her, the tip of his shinai pointed at his throat. Kaoru swung her bamboo sword to block it. The echo of wood on wood reverberated through the room. With a rage, he made a comeback so swift, only three people knew what was going on, Saitou, Okita and Kaoru.
Suddenly, a man dressed in black, bounded and bleeding badly was shoved through the shoji.
All eyes were now on the bloody man.
"What is the meaning of this? Who are you?" said a low voice; a voice belonging to none other than Serizawa Kamo.
His dark, beady eyes swept over the man before him.
"Serizawa-san, before you decide my fate, please," whimpered the man, "Let me explain"
Serizawa's cold, calculating eyes flashed menacingly. The leader of the Shinsengumi turned his face away from him and looked off into the distance. His fingers ran over the smooth, cold, sharp blades of his fan.
'Serizawa-san eh? Feh . . . this punk looks so pathetic. I should throw this fan straight through his throat'
"Give me one good reason why I should let you live"
"If you let me live, the Shinsengumi can overpower the Ishin Shishi"
"What's that punk? How can someone as weak and puny as you possibly help Bakufu's Shinsengumi reign over the Ishin's Choshu?" said a now-interested Serizawa.
Note: In real history, Yamazaki Susumu was the head of the spies within the Shinsengumi. I decided that the Shinsengumi would really need spies so I'm like 'what the hey,' toss Yamazaki in the plot
"I know how Choshu works"
Serizawa quirked one thick, black eyebrow at this
"How would you know?"
"I am an ex-Choshu spy . . . the Ishin attempted to assassinate me because they thought that I wasn't telling them all I knew about you. They used one of their inferior assassins, he thought I was dead with the first stab but I am skilled in dragon breathing. Choshu has lost their best spy and I must take revenge"
Note: Dragon breathing is the skill of holding one's breath for an abnormally long time. It is attained by constant practice, which strengthens the lungs. It is very helpful, especially when one desires to live and has to pretend to be dead. It slows down the pulse rate as well since the oxygen must not go to waste. However, if it is done for too long, it results in death or serious coma.
"Spy . . . tell me your name," said Serizawa, running his fingers over the dull edges of his fan.
"Yamazaki Susumu, ex-Choshu spy"
"Welcome to the Bakufu's Shinsengumi"
The ex-Choshu spy did a short bow
"What are you waiting for? Get him some bandages! Clean up those wounds! Shinsengumi will reign over Choshu, we have ourselves the Shin no Kage and the best spy!" yelled an infuriated Serizawa to the medical practitioners.
At this, a mad scramble of Shinsengumi warriors rushed to get Yamazaki to get medical attention before they could face the wrath of Serizawa. No Shinsengumi fighter . . . or person for the matter liked Serizawa in the first place, much less his anger.
"Saitou! Forget the match! We don't need to test the Shadow of Death"
Saitou ground his teeth and mentally cursed Serizawa.
"Well then, Kamiya-san, let me show you to your new quarters," said an ever-smiling Okita.
Kaoru merely picked up her katana and wakizachi, nodded and followed him.
A/N: NOOO! DON'T KILL ME!! I know it's late, please forgive me for the overly late update, and I'm so sorry about the length of it too. All that waiting for a mere three pages, don't worry – when I do get time, I will give you long, nice, interesting chapters. The thing is, when do I get time?