Umm… thanks again to those who put some reviews for me. Now I'm really determined to finish this.
By the way, I think I made this chapter a little bit longer than the others… or did I? Well, I thought you'd like more of the dose every chapter so I lengthen it. I hope you won't get bored reading, 'cause you'll be start seeing things from Setsuka's past. Anyway, here's chapter three and I hope you all enjoy…
Chapter 3- "A Revealing Side"
…only left to dream of a tranquil sea…
The dojo was echoing with laughter, it was filled with the scent of good sake. The corridors were empty, the practice room never looked so plain, as all occupants were together in one room. Eating, drinking, filling up their stomachs with air rather than food. The group broke the silent night, and no cold wind could be felt.
Megumi and Tsubame were invited to their house that night. Sano once again introduced Setsuka to more of his considered family in Tokyo. He, yet again, brought up the topic of their fight earlier and sort of the same thing happened one more time, only this time Setsuka pinched Sano on the arm. Everyone was just watching them, entertaining themselves through their fight, moreover, Setsuka didn't talk not even look at Kenshin the whole time.
"Uh! You're so big-headed Sano!" then came the constant pinch.
"All right, all right… I think my arm is getting numb."
"Why not let Megumi-dono take a look at that?" Kenshin said, motioning Sano to go to the pissed-wincing-Megumi. Kenshin figured her discomfort was triggered by Sano's closeness to Setsuka. Sano stood up and walked towards the other side of their circle, just beside Kaoru.
"Oooooohh! Sano's gonna be having a tight schedule. Two women are more than you can handle—oooww!!"
"There are good jokes and there are bad jokes Yahiko!" Kaoru managed to shut him up the rest of the evening… one bowl sure did settle it.
Kenshin just looked over the lively group, with Kaoru beaming at the smirking Yahiko who teased Sano which was having an argument with Megumi and Tsubame pleading for them to calm down, who could not help but smile at the picture? But there is still one more person to consider, Kenshin shifted his gaze to Setsuka. She was stretching her back and at some point, winced at something. She managed to straighten up herself as if nothing happened then sipped her remaining sake.
After a while, the wildy bunch got tired and decided to end all the ruckus. At about midnight, Yahiko escorted Tsubame and Megumi back to their homes and everybody's guess was the clinic would be the first stop. The rest just saw them off. Besides the fact that they are tired and sleepy, Kaoru and Setsuka cleaned up while the two men prepared Setsuka's room. Kenshin and Sano went back to the women after arranging the room, just in time to see them finish up themselves. Setsuka showed another wince as she bent for a towel on the floor.
"Is something wrong Se---" Kenshin didn't have the time to finish.
"I think I'll retire to my room now. Oyasumi minna-san." It was like she was intentionally dodging everything Kenshin says to her. Setsuka headed for the room and closed the door shut behind her. Moments later, Yahiko returned and Kaoru as well walked towards her room.
"You going home now Sano?" asked the rurouni.
"Nah! I think I'll hang here for a while." Yahiko walked pass him while muttering insinuations for Sanosuke to go home, but it doesn't seem to reach him. Ignoring that, Yahiko entered his room and went to bed. Then, Sano slowly approached the porch and leaned by the pole. Kenshin followed him with the thought of extracting information about Setsuka out of Sano.
~~~~~~~~~~
"What is this? It's half past 10 already! I've been lying here for 30 minutes and I still can't sleep…" Setsuka turned around in her futon frustrated. No matter what her position was, she can't find it to be comfortable. She then turned again and faced the ceiling with her arm on settled on her forehead.
"Haaa… All of the others are probably sleeping already… maybe this is about Shinta." Setsuka thought to herself instead, fearing that she might wake up the others or better yet, be heard by someone.
Why, of all places would he be here? The last time I heard, he was wandering across Japan. Royalists, ha! Their samurai spirit would never go away! No matter how much the cover it with words. All I need to know is that Battousai is here and I could be in danger. But it seems that he has changed into a good man. Oh c'mon Setsuka! This is battousai you're talkin' about here! He could be a spy, ready to give your whereabouts to them any time. What should I do?!
"Oh, man!" Setsuka bolted up from her rest. She held her forehead as her head ached in quandary.
"I don't think I should be pondering myself on this now. I'd have plenty of time as long as I lie low." She was about to go back to bed when she heard a door close in the other room.
"Hm? Who was that?… Maybe it was the kid… uh… Yo… Yo… no, no, Ya… Yahiko. Right!" Just then, she thought of checking the boy if he was already asleep, if not then she'd have company. She quietly opened her door and peeped in the hallway.
---No one's there---
She went out and walked towards in front of Yahiko's door. When she managed to reach it, she heard a voice… and another. Setsuka couldn't understand so she moved closer and listened carefully…
"Hey Sano…" Kenshin sat on the porch not far from Sanosuke. "Yeah, Kenshin?" He replied, still leaning and hands in his pocket.
So, Sano and Shinta are still awake…
Setsuka didn't want to listen to whatever they were talking about. In her mind, it was probably about girls, just like any other man would talk about. So she slightly opened Yahiko's door, just enough for her to look inside.
Oh good! He's just about to lie down.
Setsuka knocked on the door although it's already open. Yahiko barely threw his blanket in surprise. Setsuka's mouth curved into a smile at his reaction, she placed a finger on her lips to tell him to be quiet.
"Kuso! You're gonna give me heart problems." Setsuka, still chuckling, manage to say something without being heard.
"I'm sorry. Do you mind if I stay for a while?"
"Well… sure. I don't see why not." She closed the door behind her and started walking towards Yahiko.
"So, what are you doing still up… and, miraculously, in my room?" Yahiko slid a mat just beside his futon for Setsuka to sit on, but Setsuka walked right pass it. Yahiko sort of panicked once he saw that she was gonna settle herself exactly beside him, on his bed!
"Could I sit here instead?" Setsuka asked kindly while wearing a smile. The young man couldn't resist but he knew it wasn't proper. That's why he didn't know what made him nod when he did.
~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, on the two men's part, they heard someone walking inside the dojo. They didn't mind, assuming the person was just going to the bathroom or something.
"Hey Sano…" Kenshin sat on the porch not far from Sanosuke.
"Yeah, Kenshin?" He replied, still leaning and hands in his pocket. They caught a faint sound of a closing door, and yet again, they ignored it.
"I was just wondering, how long have you been friends with Setsuka? It would seem that it was far back in the past or it wouldn't take you that long to mention." Kenshin lowered his voice.
"You're right, it was a long time ago. We've been together since childhood, Tsunan and Setsuka are my only two best friends then. Tsunan and I were about 8 or 9 when we first met her and she was around 6. We were friends till she went away. " Kenshin looked down and thought for a while. He became confused.
"9? I thought both of you were in the Sekihoutai at those times. How could have you met her?"
"Her brother used to go to our camp once in a while and he took her with him. He always have some business with Captain Sagara, we really didn't care what it was as long as they're not harming us." Kenshin wore another bewildered face. "They? Who were they, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Setsuka's brother had a group. He formed it himself. I can't recall what they're name was but I know that they also oppose the government during the revolution, that's why the Shogunate called for them."
"Now I see… so you see Setsuka only when their group is there?" Sano sighed and shifted a bit in his place.
"Yeah, that's the sad part. Their group was always on the move. But despite our very seldom meeting, we didn't have a hard time befriending her. She was kind, fun and energetic. She always talks to anyone in the camp, even if she doesn't know them…" Sano was slowly getting in to telling her story, he even forgot that Kenshin was there. He just went on and on, talking and recalling how things were way back…
"Tsunan! C'mon let's go!" Young Sanosuke tugged his best friend sitting on the ground.
"Hold it you big turd! I gotta eat breakfast you know!" Tsunan was having a hard time handling a bowl of rice with beef. His head violently shook with ever pull of Sano.
"Nevermind breakfast, we'll have lunch anyway! Setsuka's coming! C'mon, I can see them by the river!"
"All right already. Don't get me wrong, I didn't want to go not because I don't care for her… but because I'm so hungry!!! You stole my dinner when I wasn't looking!" Tsunan put down his bowl and stood up quickly.
"Sorry 'bout that. Ok, now ya happy? Let's go!" The two of them excitedly ran towards the riverbank. The two of them were the only children in their camp so they were so happy when they found Setsuka. She was the only person to relate to them even though she's 2 years younger.
When they all reached camp, the three of them separated themselves from the adults and had their lunch together just in the shallow part of the forest. After that, it's fun and games the whole day when they weren't called by the government. That late afternoon, Setsuka asked the boys to escort her back to the camp, since she always gets lost when it's dark. "Tsunan! Sano! Stop that already!" a five-year-old girl shouted at the two boys wrestling on the ground. It was already near sunset and the sky illuminated a different shade of orange. They were laughing their hearts out as they roll over each other and struggle to pin the other one down. They barely understood, out of their commotion, what the little girl said next.
"Hey! Cut it out you two! I have to go home now. My Brother must be looking for me!". Finally, the two youngsters got tired and rested side by side. Tsunan was certain he heard her say something but, he didn't know what it was.
"Did you say something Setsuka?" he asked panting hard.
"I said I have to go home now." Feeling a little irritated, stomped her foot as she said that.
"Then go! We're not trying to stop you." He replied. Sanosuke sat up, still panting as he was, and placed his hands on the grass at his back for support.
"Baka! She can't, remember?! She'll get lost in the forest again if she goes alone!" he said, exasperated. "How forgetful can you get, Tsunan?!"
"Oh! Sorry Zen'no no ichi!! I think you forgot to mention that little detail!" he replied. Sano stood up, not minding what his friend just said, and shook off grass from the back of his shirt and pants. He looked up at the sky and turned to look at Setsuka.
"Come on Setsuka, I'll walk you home. Your older brother would probably kill me by now." He grabbed her hand as he started to walk towards the forest, also passing under rows of trees projecting a long shadow across their pathway by the setting sun.
That night, the three of them overheard the conversation between Captain Sagara and Setsuka's brother in one of the Sekihoutai's tents. They only have a single lamp inside so their shadows were clear from outside.
"Sozou, I'm afraid we have to leave tomorrow before the sun is seen by the mountains. We are being recruited to fight other branches of the rebellious Ishin shishis." Setsuna declared calmly.
"But you just got your men here. They won't probably ready yet for another battle after another."
"Don't worry, one nights rest and food is enough for my men. We've been like this for a long time in these cursed revolts. We will be handling the groups in the other side of Kyoto, while your troops will be responsible in Shimosuwa up until Nakasendo. It's government orders Sozou, can't do anything about it." Sozou sighed in disagreement. He stood up and started pacing across the small tent.
"The shogunate is killing us! They didn't even made the effort to send us food and more ammo! Now they're sending weakened troops to battle! I have a feeling they're just using us." Setsuna didn't want their conversation to go further, he wanted to end it with the facts settled in the captain's mind.
"Give it up Sozou. Thinking like that would get you nowhere, or worse, death. The war shall end soon, you'll see. All we need now is strength and faith… It's nearly midnight and we'll be leaving in a few hours. I should get my sleep." With that, Setsuna exited the tent. The three children hid behind the stocked boxes beside the entrance. As soon as Setsuka's brother was out of site and the Captain's lights were of, they crept out to the river. They sat there staring at the flowing shallow river, yet thinking deeply about what might happen to set after they leave.
"What now?" Sano asked, breaking the silence. "I don't want you to leave."
"Me neither Sano, but I just have to." Setsuka's eyes watered almost immediately. She raised her knees up to her chin and cried with low sobs.
"Aww! Don't cry. I'm sure we'll meet again someday. Please dry your eyes…" Tsunan moved closer to her, stoking her back gently. Sano approached as well. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.
"Dry them now Setsuka, I hate to see girls cry. It makes me think that it's my fault. Here… take my hanky."
"Thanks… Sano."
After a few hours, Setsuna's voice could be heard calling for his sister. He opened her little sister's tent and found Tsunan and Sano sleeping right beside her. Sanosuke and Setsuka were facing each other while Tsunan had his arm around her. Her brother smiled at the peaceful site, and it just disappoint him that he had to get Setsuka already.
"Set… Set… Set we have to go now." Her brother shook her gently as not to wake up the two boys.
"O… onisan? I don't want to go yet…" She shifted her hand, ending up holding Sano's hands.
"Set, it's already time. C'mon, I'll carry you… ok?" Sestuka didn't object to her brother's claiming hands. He carefully removed Tsunan's arm around her and then carried her out the tent. It was about half passed 4 in the morning when they set out. Sozou was practically the only one awake in the Sekihoutai to see them off. At sunrise, Sanosuke came out running towards their captain's place.
"Captain! Captain! Setsuka's missing! I can't find her anywhere! She might be lost captain, we have to find her! She might be in th---"
"Sanosuke! Calm down!" Captain Sagara held Sano's shoulder as he talked to him. In their pause, Tsunan burst in to the tent yelling the same thing. He stopped when he saw that Sano was already there.
"Listen, I'm sorry you two. I'm afraid Setsuka is gone with her brother to the end of Kyoto. They were---"
"…assigned there by the government. We know, captain. But why didn't you at least wake us up before they left?!" Sanosuke shouted in anger. The two boys violently took the first few moments after they knew the fact that Setsuka's gone. Eventually, Sozou managed to control them. Tsunan accepted it after sometime but before Sano could did the same, he had the feeling that he didn't want to be friends with women other than Setsuka, if ever they meet again…
"Setsuna was right, the war did end soon. That same year, the whole Sekihoutai was betrayed and killed. And it was also the time when we heard that Setsuna's gang was wiped out as well. I couldn't make myself believe that Setsuka could be gone. As the times not hearing from her lengthen, I somehow gave up hope and convinced myself she was dead. In that way I could move on…" Sanosuke was now sitting beside Kenshin. He didn't realize that he sat down just when he was starting to tell the story. Kenshin was still well awake even though it was already midnight. He looked at Sano with sympathy of what happened to them.
"I didn't know it was like that Sano, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm not… now that I've found her again, I've forgotten all the bad things that happened." Sano stood up then stretched his body. Automatically, Kenshin knew he was going home so Kenshin stood as well.
"Thanks for sharing Sano, I know it's not like me to intrude in someone else's past."
"It's fine Kenshin. I'm glad I got it out."
"Ja, oyasumi. I'll see you in the morning."
"Yeah sure…" Kenshin walked back inside and went straight to bed. Sanosuke waited until Kenshin was out of sight, then he also went back in. He shut the door behind him and noiselessly verged upon the door of Setsuka.
I guess one look at her again before I sleep won't hurt…
~~~~~~~~~~
Right after Setsuka sat by Yahiko's futon, she let Yahiko lie down since that was what he was about to do before she entered. Yahiko told her he's fine sitting down but Setsuka insisted. She tucked him in and brushed the hair off his face. Yahiko was getting nervous, he didn't know why. He didn't have a clue either of why she was doing all this.
"Um… Setsuka-san, not that I don't like you here, but I was just wondering why would you come to me this late at night? You probably need your beauty sleep… not that you're not beautiful… I mean you are---"
"Sshhh… Yahiko. Could you keep a secret?" Setsuka placed a finger his lips, then lied down beside him.
"Yeah, I could keep 'em pretty girl, err… pretty good." Yahiko couldn't believe he said that to her. Aww! So embarrassing! Setsuka just smiled at it though.
"All right then… you see, there's someone I miss so much. When I saw you, you reminded me of him." Yahiko was flattered, thinking that her special someone was his boyfriend. Now he assumes that she liked him.
Forget it Yahiko! You 2 are ages apart!
So he tried to put it out of his mind by doing something else.
"Here, have my blanket. You might be cold." He reached out his blanket to her and she accepted it right away. Yahiko was about to get up and get another one when she pulled him down with her. Setsuka held the blanket over them.
"You're just so much like my brother. Kind and caring just like he was." Setsuka felt a tear run down from her eyes. Even she was surprised when she felt it. She looked away from him, thinking it was a bad time to cry. But she couldn't help it.
"Oh.. don't cry. It doesn't suit you. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't have any brother nor sister my whole life. You're lucky you did." Yahiko understood it now, yet still not everything. He figured that her brother might be away or, sad to say, dead. He didn't conclude anything yet but it was definitely one of those reasons.
"I can tell you were very close."
"Huh?" Setsuka looked up puzzled. She didn't quite understood what he said meant.
"I mean your brother… you were very close." She nodded to confirm.
"We had a big difference in our age but it never became a cause for us to be distant to each other. He took care of me after our parents were killed, I was a year old and he was sixteen. He was still very young but he took the responsibility of taking care of me. Unfortunately, I can do little for him right now, so I thought that he'd be my inspiration to take care and help kids like you. Just like the way he took care of me… I'll protect you Yahiko, I swear." With that, Setsuka gathered the small figure in her arms and embraced him. Yahiko didn't move, actually he wouldn't want to move. He felt comfort he never felt before. Setsuka placed her head above his then Yahiko leaned on her. He could hear her heart beating. After a while, Setsuka looked down on him making their foreheads meet. She loosened up her hold for Yahiko to shift into a more comfortable position, but surprisingly, he didn't move. She saw he's eyes were shut so she thought he was already asleep, then finally she closed her eyes to sleep.
After 10 minutes, Yahiko opened his eyes and saw her face barely in front of him. He stared at her angelic face, so calm and beautiful. He suddenly had the urge to kiss her.
This is your chance stupid! Go kiss her!… No! I'm just a kid, I shouldn't be thinking of that! But you already are. Shut up! What?! You're still male aren't ya?…
Yahiko couldn't fight off that persistent voice. Eventually he gave in. He slowly moved closer until he felt his lips brush hers, then he moved back. Setsuka moved but her eyes were still closed. She removed her hand behind Yahiko's back and she crept it until it reached his mouth. That was the only time she opened her eyes. He was dumbfounded with a tinge of mixed fright, nervousness and unease.
"That was sweet of you…"
"Oh my… you're awake! Oh sh--! Sorry! I'm so sorry! Gomen nasai! I… I… just…"
"Don't worry. It's okay… it's all right. You're a young man Yahiko, I understand." Setsuka once again hugged him. Even then, she could hear him muffling apologies on her yukata. Yahiko stopped as soon as Setsuka started stroking his head. She was putting him to sleep and he knew that. But before anything else, Yahiko wanted to clarify his thoughts.
"You could consider me as another brother if you like. I'd be happy to have you as a sister. I know I couldn't replace your real onisan but at least I could fill up an empty space in you…"
"You're so thoughtful Yahiko, thank you so much!" She tighten her hold then Yahiko placed his arm around her as well.
"Anything for my sis…"
~~~~~~~~~~
Sanosuke quietly opened Setsuka's door, careful not to wake her up. He poked his head inside and observed the place..
--She's not there!!—
Sano became nervous, he was afraid that she might have gone off somewhere. But that can't be, her things were still in there. He closed the door then transferred his attention on the next room. He leaned his ear on Yahiko's door and…… heard nothing. Moreover, he had the feeling that she was in there. Sano slid open the fusuma and saw Setsuka lying down with her back facing him, and an arm resting around Setsuka's waste. He didn't see the other person but he knew it was Yahiko. Sanosuke fumed at the sight.
Yahiko… go ahead and enjoy your night 'cause you sure are not gonna have a good morning…
--------End of Chapter 3---------
Author's note: Did I make Yahiko act like a little older? Sorry bout that. I couldn't think of any other way to describe the scene. It just sort of flew in my head one night before I fell asleep. For some of the Japanese words in any chapter that you didn't understand, just ask me. And about Sano's story, tell me if you have any questions or it wasn't clear enough. I really tried, please bear with me…
Please send some reviews about this… I have a feeling I have to do something about something. Did you get that? I didn't… anyway, thanks for reading.
By the way, I think I made this chapter a little bit longer than the others… or did I? Well, I thought you'd like more of the dose every chapter so I lengthen it. I hope you won't get bored reading, 'cause you'll be start seeing things from Setsuka's past. Anyway, here's chapter three and I hope you all enjoy…
Chapter 3- "A Revealing Side"
…only left to dream of a tranquil sea…
The dojo was echoing with laughter, it was filled with the scent of good sake. The corridors were empty, the practice room never looked so plain, as all occupants were together in one room. Eating, drinking, filling up their stomachs with air rather than food. The group broke the silent night, and no cold wind could be felt.
Megumi and Tsubame were invited to their house that night. Sano once again introduced Setsuka to more of his considered family in Tokyo. He, yet again, brought up the topic of their fight earlier and sort of the same thing happened one more time, only this time Setsuka pinched Sano on the arm. Everyone was just watching them, entertaining themselves through their fight, moreover, Setsuka didn't talk not even look at Kenshin the whole time.
"Uh! You're so big-headed Sano!" then came the constant pinch.
"All right, all right… I think my arm is getting numb."
"Why not let Megumi-dono take a look at that?" Kenshin said, motioning Sano to go to the pissed-wincing-Megumi. Kenshin figured her discomfort was triggered by Sano's closeness to Setsuka. Sano stood up and walked towards the other side of their circle, just beside Kaoru.
"Oooooohh! Sano's gonna be having a tight schedule. Two women are more than you can handle—oooww!!"
"There are good jokes and there are bad jokes Yahiko!" Kaoru managed to shut him up the rest of the evening… one bowl sure did settle it.
Kenshin just looked over the lively group, with Kaoru beaming at the smirking Yahiko who teased Sano which was having an argument with Megumi and Tsubame pleading for them to calm down, who could not help but smile at the picture? But there is still one more person to consider, Kenshin shifted his gaze to Setsuka. She was stretching her back and at some point, winced at something. She managed to straighten up herself as if nothing happened then sipped her remaining sake.
After a while, the wildy bunch got tired and decided to end all the ruckus. At about midnight, Yahiko escorted Tsubame and Megumi back to their homes and everybody's guess was the clinic would be the first stop. The rest just saw them off. Besides the fact that they are tired and sleepy, Kaoru and Setsuka cleaned up while the two men prepared Setsuka's room. Kenshin and Sano went back to the women after arranging the room, just in time to see them finish up themselves. Setsuka showed another wince as she bent for a towel on the floor.
"Is something wrong Se---" Kenshin didn't have the time to finish.
"I think I'll retire to my room now. Oyasumi minna-san." It was like she was intentionally dodging everything Kenshin says to her. Setsuka headed for the room and closed the door shut behind her. Moments later, Yahiko returned and Kaoru as well walked towards her room.
"You going home now Sano?" asked the rurouni.
"Nah! I think I'll hang here for a while." Yahiko walked pass him while muttering insinuations for Sanosuke to go home, but it doesn't seem to reach him. Ignoring that, Yahiko entered his room and went to bed. Then, Sano slowly approached the porch and leaned by the pole. Kenshin followed him with the thought of extracting information about Setsuka out of Sano.
~~~~~~~~~~
"What is this? It's half past 10 already! I've been lying here for 30 minutes and I still can't sleep…" Setsuka turned around in her futon frustrated. No matter what her position was, she can't find it to be comfortable. She then turned again and faced the ceiling with her arm on settled on her forehead.
"Haaa… All of the others are probably sleeping already… maybe this is about Shinta." Setsuka thought to herself instead, fearing that she might wake up the others or better yet, be heard by someone.
Why, of all places would he be here? The last time I heard, he was wandering across Japan. Royalists, ha! Their samurai spirit would never go away! No matter how much the cover it with words. All I need to know is that Battousai is here and I could be in danger. But it seems that he has changed into a good man. Oh c'mon Setsuka! This is battousai you're talkin' about here! He could be a spy, ready to give your whereabouts to them any time. What should I do?!
"Oh, man!" Setsuka bolted up from her rest. She held her forehead as her head ached in quandary.
"I don't think I should be pondering myself on this now. I'd have plenty of time as long as I lie low." She was about to go back to bed when she heard a door close in the other room.
"Hm? Who was that?… Maybe it was the kid… uh… Yo… Yo… no, no, Ya… Yahiko. Right!" Just then, she thought of checking the boy if he was already asleep, if not then she'd have company. She quietly opened her door and peeped in the hallway.
---No one's there---
She went out and walked towards in front of Yahiko's door. When she managed to reach it, she heard a voice… and another. Setsuka couldn't understand so she moved closer and listened carefully…
"Hey Sano…" Kenshin sat on the porch not far from Sanosuke. "Yeah, Kenshin?" He replied, still leaning and hands in his pocket.
So, Sano and Shinta are still awake…
Setsuka didn't want to listen to whatever they were talking about. In her mind, it was probably about girls, just like any other man would talk about. So she slightly opened Yahiko's door, just enough for her to look inside.
Oh good! He's just about to lie down.
Setsuka knocked on the door although it's already open. Yahiko barely threw his blanket in surprise. Setsuka's mouth curved into a smile at his reaction, she placed a finger on her lips to tell him to be quiet.
"Kuso! You're gonna give me heart problems." Setsuka, still chuckling, manage to say something without being heard.
"I'm sorry. Do you mind if I stay for a while?"
"Well… sure. I don't see why not." She closed the door behind her and started walking towards Yahiko.
"So, what are you doing still up… and, miraculously, in my room?" Yahiko slid a mat just beside his futon for Setsuka to sit on, but Setsuka walked right pass it. Yahiko sort of panicked once he saw that she was gonna settle herself exactly beside him, on his bed!
"Could I sit here instead?" Setsuka asked kindly while wearing a smile. The young man couldn't resist but he knew it wasn't proper. That's why he didn't know what made him nod when he did.
~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, on the two men's part, they heard someone walking inside the dojo. They didn't mind, assuming the person was just going to the bathroom or something.
"Hey Sano…" Kenshin sat on the porch not far from Sanosuke.
"Yeah, Kenshin?" He replied, still leaning and hands in his pocket. They caught a faint sound of a closing door, and yet again, they ignored it.
"I was just wondering, how long have you been friends with Setsuka? It would seem that it was far back in the past or it wouldn't take you that long to mention." Kenshin lowered his voice.
"You're right, it was a long time ago. We've been together since childhood, Tsunan and Setsuka are my only two best friends then. Tsunan and I were about 8 or 9 when we first met her and she was around 6. We were friends till she went away. " Kenshin looked down and thought for a while. He became confused.
"9? I thought both of you were in the Sekihoutai at those times. How could have you met her?"
"Her brother used to go to our camp once in a while and he took her with him. He always have some business with Captain Sagara, we really didn't care what it was as long as they're not harming us." Kenshin wore another bewildered face. "They? Who were they, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Setsuka's brother had a group. He formed it himself. I can't recall what they're name was but I know that they also oppose the government during the revolution, that's why the Shogunate called for them."
"Now I see… so you see Setsuka only when their group is there?" Sano sighed and shifted a bit in his place.
"Yeah, that's the sad part. Their group was always on the move. But despite our very seldom meeting, we didn't have a hard time befriending her. She was kind, fun and energetic. She always talks to anyone in the camp, even if she doesn't know them…" Sano was slowly getting in to telling her story, he even forgot that Kenshin was there. He just went on and on, talking and recalling how things were way back…
"Tsunan! C'mon let's go!" Young Sanosuke tugged his best friend sitting on the ground.
"Hold it you big turd! I gotta eat breakfast you know!" Tsunan was having a hard time handling a bowl of rice with beef. His head violently shook with ever pull of Sano.
"Nevermind breakfast, we'll have lunch anyway! Setsuka's coming! C'mon, I can see them by the river!"
"All right already. Don't get me wrong, I didn't want to go not because I don't care for her… but because I'm so hungry!!! You stole my dinner when I wasn't looking!" Tsunan put down his bowl and stood up quickly.
"Sorry 'bout that. Ok, now ya happy? Let's go!" The two of them excitedly ran towards the riverbank. The two of them were the only children in their camp so they were so happy when they found Setsuka. She was the only person to relate to them even though she's 2 years younger.
When they all reached camp, the three of them separated themselves from the adults and had their lunch together just in the shallow part of the forest. After that, it's fun and games the whole day when they weren't called by the government. That late afternoon, Setsuka asked the boys to escort her back to the camp, since she always gets lost when it's dark. "Tsunan! Sano! Stop that already!" a five-year-old girl shouted at the two boys wrestling on the ground. It was already near sunset and the sky illuminated a different shade of orange. They were laughing their hearts out as they roll over each other and struggle to pin the other one down. They barely understood, out of their commotion, what the little girl said next.
"Hey! Cut it out you two! I have to go home now. My Brother must be looking for me!". Finally, the two youngsters got tired and rested side by side. Tsunan was certain he heard her say something but, he didn't know what it was.
"Did you say something Setsuka?" he asked panting hard.
"I said I have to go home now." Feeling a little irritated, stomped her foot as she said that.
"Then go! We're not trying to stop you." He replied. Sanosuke sat up, still panting as he was, and placed his hands on the grass at his back for support.
"Baka! She can't, remember?! She'll get lost in the forest again if she goes alone!" he said, exasperated. "How forgetful can you get, Tsunan?!"
"Oh! Sorry Zen'no no ichi!! I think you forgot to mention that little detail!" he replied. Sano stood up, not minding what his friend just said, and shook off grass from the back of his shirt and pants. He looked up at the sky and turned to look at Setsuka.
"Come on Setsuka, I'll walk you home. Your older brother would probably kill me by now." He grabbed her hand as he started to walk towards the forest, also passing under rows of trees projecting a long shadow across their pathway by the setting sun.
That night, the three of them overheard the conversation between Captain Sagara and Setsuka's brother in one of the Sekihoutai's tents. They only have a single lamp inside so their shadows were clear from outside.
"Sozou, I'm afraid we have to leave tomorrow before the sun is seen by the mountains. We are being recruited to fight other branches of the rebellious Ishin shishis." Setsuna declared calmly.
"But you just got your men here. They won't probably ready yet for another battle after another."
"Don't worry, one nights rest and food is enough for my men. We've been like this for a long time in these cursed revolts. We will be handling the groups in the other side of Kyoto, while your troops will be responsible in Shimosuwa up until Nakasendo. It's government orders Sozou, can't do anything about it." Sozou sighed in disagreement. He stood up and started pacing across the small tent.
"The shogunate is killing us! They didn't even made the effort to send us food and more ammo! Now they're sending weakened troops to battle! I have a feeling they're just using us." Setsuna didn't want their conversation to go further, he wanted to end it with the facts settled in the captain's mind.
"Give it up Sozou. Thinking like that would get you nowhere, or worse, death. The war shall end soon, you'll see. All we need now is strength and faith… It's nearly midnight and we'll be leaving in a few hours. I should get my sleep." With that, Setsuna exited the tent. The three children hid behind the stocked boxes beside the entrance. As soon as Setsuka's brother was out of site and the Captain's lights were of, they crept out to the river. They sat there staring at the flowing shallow river, yet thinking deeply about what might happen to set after they leave.
"What now?" Sano asked, breaking the silence. "I don't want you to leave."
"Me neither Sano, but I just have to." Setsuka's eyes watered almost immediately. She raised her knees up to her chin and cried with low sobs.
"Aww! Don't cry. I'm sure we'll meet again someday. Please dry your eyes…" Tsunan moved closer to her, stoking her back gently. Sano approached as well. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.
"Dry them now Setsuka, I hate to see girls cry. It makes me think that it's my fault. Here… take my hanky."
"Thanks… Sano."
After a few hours, Setsuna's voice could be heard calling for his sister. He opened her little sister's tent and found Tsunan and Sano sleeping right beside her. Sanosuke and Setsuka were facing each other while Tsunan had his arm around her. Her brother smiled at the peaceful site, and it just disappoint him that he had to get Setsuka already.
"Set… Set… Set we have to go now." Her brother shook her gently as not to wake up the two boys.
"O… onisan? I don't want to go yet…" She shifted her hand, ending up holding Sano's hands.
"Set, it's already time. C'mon, I'll carry you… ok?" Sestuka didn't object to her brother's claiming hands. He carefully removed Tsunan's arm around her and then carried her out the tent. It was about half passed 4 in the morning when they set out. Sozou was practically the only one awake in the Sekihoutai to see them off. At sunrise, Sanosuke came out running towards their captain's place.
"Captain! Captain! Setsuka's missing! I can't find her anywhere! She might be lost captain, we have to find her! She might be in th---"
"Sanosuke! Calm down!" Captain Sagara held Sano's shoulder as he talked to him. In their pause, Tsunan burst in to the tent yelling the same thing. He stopped when he saw that Sano was already there.
"Listen, I'm sorry you two. I'm afraid Setsuka is gone with her brother to the end of Kyoto. They were---"
"…assigned there by the government. We know, captain. But why didn't you at least wake us up before they left?!" Sanosuke shouted in anger. The two boys violently took the first few moments after they knew the fact that Setsuka's gone. Eventually, Sozou managed to control them. Tsunan accepted it after sometime but before Sano could did the same, he had the feeling that he didn't want to be friends with women other than Setsuka, if ever they meet again…
"Setsuna was right, the war did end soon. That same year, the whole Sekihoutai was betrayed and killed. And it was also the time when we heard that Setsuna's gang was wiped out as well. I couldn't make myself believe that Setsuka could be gone. As the times not hearing from her lengthen, I somehow gave up hope and convinced myself she was dead. In that way I could move on…" Sanosuke was now sitting beside Kenshin. He didn't realize that he sat down just when he was starting to tell the story. Kenshin was still well awake even though it was already midnight. He looked at Sano with sympathy of what happened to them.
"I didn't know it was like that Sano, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm not… now that I've found her again, I've forgotten all the bad things that happened." Sano stood up then stretched his body. Automatically, Kenshin knew he was going home so Kenshin stood as well.
"Thanks for sharing Sano, I know it's not like me to intrude in someone else's past."
"It's fine Kenshin. I'm glad I got it out."
"Ja, oyasumi. I'll see you in the morning."
"Yeah sure…" Kenshin walked back inside and went straight to bed. Sanosuke waited until Kenshin was out of sight, then he also went back in. He shut the door behind him and noiselessly verged upon the door of Setsuka.
I guess one look at her again before I sleep won't hurt…
~~~~~~~~~~
Right after Setsuka sat by Yahiko's futon, she let Yahiko lie down since that was what he was about to do before she entered. Yahiko told her he's fine sitting down but Setsuka insisted. She tucked him in and brushed the hair off his face. Yahiko was getting nervous, he didn't know why. He didn't have a clue either of why she was doing all this.
"Um… Setsuka-san, not that I don't like you here, but I was just wondering why would you come to me this late at night? You probably need your beauty sleep… not that you're not beautiful… I mean you are---"
"Sshhh… Yahiko. Could you keep a secret?" Setsuka placed a finger his lips, then lied down beside him.
"Yeah, I could keep 'em pretty girl, err… pretty good." Yahiko couldn't believe he said that to her. Aww! So embarrassing! Setsuka just smiled at it though.
"All right then… you see, there's someone I miss so much. When I saw you, you reminded me of him." Yahiko was flattered, thinking that her special someone was his boyfriend. Now he assumes that she liked him.
Forget it Yahiko! You 2 are ages apart!
So he tried to put it out of his mind by doing something else.
"Here, have my blanket. You might be cold." He reached out his blanket to her and she accepted it right away. Yahiko was about to get up and get another one when she pulled him down with her. Setsuka held the blanket over them.
"You're just so much like my brother. Kind and caring just like he was." Setsuka felt a tear run down from her eyes. Even she was surprised when she felt it. She looked away from him, thinking it was a bad time to cry. But she couldn't help it.
"Oh.. don't cry. It doesn't suit you. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't have any brother nor sister my whole life. You're lucky you did." Yahiko understood it now, yet still not everything. He figured that her brother might be away or, sad to say, dead. He didn't conclude anything yet but it was definitely one of those reasons.
"I can tell you were very close."
"Huh?" Setsuka looked up puzzled. She didn't quite understood what he said meant.
"I mean your brother… you were very close." She nodded to confirm.
"We had a big difference in our age but it never became a cause for us to be distant to each other. He took care of me after our parents were killed, I was a year old and he was sixteen. He was still very young but he took the responsibility of taking care of me. Unfortunately, I can do little for him right now, so I thought that he'd be my inspiration to take care and help kids like you. Just like the way he took care of me… I'll protect you Yahiko, I swear." With that, Setsuka gathered the small figure in her arms and embraced him. Yahiko didn't move, actually he wouldn't want to move. He felt comfort he never felt before. Setsuka placed her head above his then Yahiko leaned on her. He could hear her heart beating. After a while, Setsuka looked down on him making their foreheads meet. She loosened up her hold for Yahiko to shift into a more comfortable position, but surprisingly, he didn't move. She saw he's eyes were shut so she thought he was already asleep, then finally she closed her eyes to sleep.
After 10 minutes, Yahiko opened his eyes and saw her face barely in front of him. He stared at her angelic face, so calm and beautiful. He suddenly had the urge to kiss her.
This is your chance stupid! Go kiss her!… No! I'm just a kid, I shouldn't be thinking of that! But you already are. Shut up! What?! You're still male aren't ya?…
Yahiko couldn't fight off that persistent voice. Eventually he gave in. He slowly moved closer until he felt his lips brush hers, then he moved back. Setsuka moved but her eyes were still closed. She removed her hand behind Yahiko's back and she crept it until it reached his mouth. That was the only time she opened her eyes. He was dumbfounded with a tinge of mixed fright, nervousness and unease.
"That was sweet of you…"
"Oh my… you're awake! Oh sh--! Sorry! I'm so sorry! Gomen nasai! I… I… just…"
"Don't worry. It's okay… it's all right. You're a young man Yahiko, I understand." Setsuka once again hugged him. Even then, she could hear him muffling apologies on her yukata. Yahiko stopped as soon as Setsuka started stroking his head. She was putting him to sleep and he knew that. But before anything else, Yahiko wanted to clarify his thoughts.
"You could consider me as another brother if you like. I'd be happy to have you as a sister. I know I couldn't replace your real onisan but at least I could fill up an empty space in you…"
"You're so thoughtful Yahiko, thank you so much!" She tighten her hold then Yahiko placed his arm around her as well.
"Anything for my sis…"
~~~~~~~~~~
Sanosuke quietly opened Setsuka's door, careful not to wake her up. He poked his head inside and observed the place..
--She's not there!!—
Sano became nervous, he was afraid that she might have gone off somewhere. But that can't be, her things were still in there. He closed the door then transferred his attention on the next room. He leaned his ear on Yahiko's door and…… heard nothing. Moreover, he had the feeling that she was in there. Sano slid open the fusuma and saw Setsuka lying down with her back facing him, and an arm resting around Setsuka's waste. He didn't see the other person but he knew it was Yahiko. Sanosuke fumed at the sight.
Yahiko… go ahead and enjoy your night 'cause you sure are not gonna have a good morning…
--------End of Chapter 3---------
Author's note: Did I make Yahiko act like a little older? Sorry bout that. I couldn't think of any other way to describe the scene. It just sort of flew in my head one night before I fell asleep. For some of the Japanese words in any chapter that you didn't understand, just ask me. And about Sano's story, tell me if you have any questions or it wasn't clear enough. I really tried, please bear with me…
Please send some reviews about this… I have a feeling I have to do something about something. Did you get that? I didn't… anyway, thanks for reading.