Soujirou woke up slightly disoriented and confused. He wasn't sure where he was exactly, but he instinctively knew it wasn't where he was supposed to be and that he was exposed. Forcing his lethargic limbs to obey he pushed up from the dirt floor and promptly bumped his head. The pain was so mild he didn't even register it at first. Stooping so as not to hit his head again he walked up the incline. So he had stayed in a cave.
Stretching lithely once he emerged into the starry night he looked around noting that he had overslept by several hours. If the position of the moon through the trees was correct, then it was already past midnight. The events of what led him there were curiously hazy, especially considering he had an excellent memory and an eye for detail.
The scent of burnt wood and ashes wafted lightly in the slightly foggy night air and he blinked. Something tugged insistently, telling him that he shouldn't have forgotten it. It was something to do with last night, something he was missing. Only mildly frustrated he smiled widely, as if putting more effort into his expression would hasten whatever was nagging him. Of course, it didn't, and he knew it wouldn't. Whatever it was had lodged deeply and nothing short of time or a catalyst would drag it out.
"So he's awake." A familiar female voice said, sounding in an ill temper. He looked up to see Misao sitting on a low branch eyeing him with reserve. With one quick motion she kicked off the branch and landed next to the werewolf with the human lover. He was smiling lightly, looking pleased.
"See Misao, there's no need for you to be so ruffled. Although he does look slightly confused. Perhaps it is shock." The male werewolf suggested. "How are you feeling? I don't imagine sleeping in a cave would be too comfortable, but we couldn't exactly move you."
"Why are you here?" Soujirou asked, still wondering where here was.
The male werewolf gave him a concerned look and replied, "We were watching over you while you slept. After you burned Shinomori's body I guess you couldn't make it back to the safety of the crypt in time."
Burned? Body? What was the wolf talking about?
"He doesn't remember. I told you he wasn't worth Lord Aoshi's notice." Misao snarled to her male companion. He silenced her and looked towards Soujirou with his brow slightly furrowed, "You don't remember building a funeral pier and burning his body?"
Soujirou's mouth felt dry and there was this feeling of dread digging inside his body, but he wasn't sure why exactly. Slowly he blinked and his ever present smile faltered ever so slightly. His mind was tinged black around the edges, what did that mean? When he tried to recall the previous night's events he couldn't. Dully he noted that whatever he was repressing was unpleasant if his subconscious had placed it deep within the vault. Was Aoshi dead? It didn't seem possible, but there was no reason for the two wolves to lie. Especially not Misao. Aoshi was her life practically.
He knew, when memories were most painful, that he would lock them away, keep them from haunting him. Only in sleep did they escape to cripple and petrify him. Except he wasn't sleeping now. There was no quick exit, no bolting awake covered in a cold sweat that could only be made of terror and tangible fear.
"How…?" Soujirou felt odd speaking to the pair. Normally he wouldn't deal with werewolves at all, even Aoshi's Misao. Not that she ever wanted to speak to him anyway. Even her scathing remarks and quips were forced. No, she avoided him when at all possible.
"The two vampire hunters. Well, one of them anyway. The one with the striking silver hair and watou. He, er, decapitated him." The male explained when Misao refused to. She had regained her footing on the low branch and was sulking.
This was starting to make sense in its own horrible way and his memories of the night before were starting to pull out gently. He wanted to sit, but didn't know if he could trust the two. Instead, he plastered on his biggest smile. The wider the better, nothing could touch him then. It would chase away all that dared to pursue him and make the blackness turn tail.
Misao eyed him warily and whispered in a loud voice, "There he goes with that creepy smile again."
Soujirou decided the best course of action was to ignore her. Perhaps if she received no attention for her rude behavior she would quit it. Unlikely, but worth a shot.
"What is your name? I assume you know mine."
"Okita."
Soujirou frowned. That was his last name, he was sure of it. Usually the werewolves went by their first names, since so many of them were related. He was either not being very trusting, or actually went by his last name. It was an odd thought. Soujirou couldn't even remember his. He had shed it with his humanity so many years ago and had no wish to retrieve it. No one ever asked for it or called him by it. He had almost forgotten he had one once upon a time.
He needed to make some decisions. He knew Master Shishio most likely wouldn't require his services, but his presence would be missed. It was well known he ventured topside only when it was required of him, never at any other time. His sensible side encouraged him to go back. At the very least he could get Kamatari to cover for him, he was sure she would do it. One the other hand, this Okita seemed well informed and at least neutral in his standing. Perhaps he could tell Soujirou where these hunters were.
Soujirou wasn't sure why he felt the need to see them. Did he just want to make sure that they were mere humans, no threat? Well, they obviously were a threat. Especially if one of them defeated Aoshi single-handed. He was sure Lord Shishio would not approve of him acting without orders, that he would prefer to send out another one of the Ten Swords to gauge the two's strength.
"Where are these hunters? I would see them for myself."
Something tickled at the back of his mind in warning. Hadn't Kamatari warned him that he had a powerful enemy? One of those hunters, he was sure now. He hoped it wasn't the injured one because he wanted a challenge.
Okita paused and gave a tentative smile, thinking about it. Before he could decide Misao jumped in with a wild gleam in her eyes. She flashed metal around lightly and asked in anticipation, "You'll get vengeance for Lord Aoshi's death then?"
The thought of revenge hadn't even crossed Soujirou's mind. Should it have? He was more concerned for the future. These two men needed to be dealt with, that was practicality. But wouldn't it also sate and appease his lover's death to have life for life in retribution? Perhaps.
So instead of answering, he nodded once. The male Okita sprang up, but Misao, now energized, beat him to it. She bounded off through the woods with surprising ease, slipping in and out of the shadows or dodging harrowing tree trunks nimbly. Okita was not quite as agile, tending to keep more to Soujirou's left backside. The vampire, for all his superior attributes, wasn't used to the wooded area. His night vision was superb, but his feet tended to stumble on upraised roots or small shrubs.
"Shh," Okita whispered lowly from behind him as Misao flashed out of sight. Even Soujirou couldn't hear nor see her once she circled around the other side of the firelight that ringed the clearing. "The big one sneaks around like a cat, so be wary."
Soujirou stared down at the camp, not bothering to crouch down. If he was spotted then that was one less thing he had to deal with. It would most certainly end in a challenge and then he wouldn't have to explain himself to Lord Shishio. It would simply be that he was spying, was spotted, and challenged. Although an excellent fighter and assassin, he had to admit to himself that striking from the shadows didn't suite him well.
The silver haired man was near the fire. He was stubbornly doing slow practice swings, most likely keeping his muscle toned and retraining them to do his bidding. Dark patches of crimson blood stained the white bandages, testifying that he had been at it for far longer than his body would have liked. The firelight flickered across his lean, topless form and Soujirou could almost picture him as a feral cat. With one lithe movement he sheathed his ornate blade. Soujirou detected on a slight hitch in his liquid movements. He would have never guessed that the man was heavily injured if he hadn't known better.
"Hiko, your curs have returned." The silver haired man said glancing off into the darkness. He sank gently to a log that seemed to serve as a bench and proceeded to make himself some tea.
"You think my superior senses have yet to pick them up? They brought company as well." A loud, deep voice replied and Soujirou could practically see the smirk. "Come out, we know you're there. What do you want?"
Soujirou took that as the challenge he sought, and stepped into the yellowish light that cast outward. His pale skin was tinged brightly and his dark hair and eyes seemed to light with something supernatural. He was carrying his sword of course. He never went anywhere without it. Master Shishio would be most displeased if he did.
The other man melted out of the shadows looking grumpy and vaguely displeased. His sharp ebony eyes flitted over the vampire and he looked to his companion questioningly.
"That is the one you want." The silver haired man assured him, staring with flat turquoise eyes. He dipped something that looked like honey in his tea, as well as poured a small amount of white powder. Medication, most likely painkillers, Soujirou guessed. He wondered what it would be like to feel such pain as mortals did. Vampires felt it also, but in a much different way, to an entirely different degree. If he could tap into his memories then perhaps the answer would be yielded, but he wasn't that curious.
"So, you're Soujirou Seta, the vampire that slew my whole family. My wife and four children." The larger man, Hiko, growled like a large, threatening dog. His large, calloused hand rested firmly on the hilt of his sword and he had taken up a more threatening position.
Soujirou smiled, appraising him cautiously, "I did? I am most sorry but I do not recall."
If anything this seemed to anger the big man even more. His white knuckled grasp on the hilt of his nihoutou tightened, then relaxed. His dark eyes flashed.
"I suppose you are infinitely proud of such a feat. Slaughtering children and women is such a brave, honorable task." The man shifted his grip and proceeded to clap in a slow, patronizing way, "I applaud you."
Soujirou smiled, feeling confused. He could practically feel the cold sarcasm dripping off the human's low voice and hostility rolled off him in waves, but he didn't seem furious. Perhaps he was a true swordsman. One who could lock away his emotions and fight with his head. Despite himself his smile widened immeasurably. For once in a great long while he was finally anticipating a fight.
For the first time he wondered who this man was exactly, but it was of no matter now. The challenge had been issued silently and accepted in a similar manner. There would be no backing out.
"Don't kill him too quickly." The silver hair man advised with a sadistic cast to his tone. His eyes lidded and hid behind the yellow lens.
Soujirou readied his katana with ease associated with long practice. He held the steel sword loosely in front of him unsure what the human would do. The man didn't seem inclined to give out his name or those of his wronged family members, but a clear smirk played on his lips. So he thought highly of himself then.
Rather than assume a stance the big man stood, watching and waiting.
Soujirou was still slightly puzzled. He would have expected the man to at least go on guard in anticipation. Instead he was standing there with his matching ebony eyes and hair with a loose guard. The vampire couldn't imagine that he was so stupid as to simply not bring up his guard in expectation. He couldn't possibly know the vampire's technique; it wasn't something that would be available to the general public. Then again, this man had obviously gone to great lengths to get this far.
Soujirou idly started tapping in preparation. He rarely fought outside, preferring the smoother surfaces of a man-made dwelling. He would have to be careful where he placed his foot. One misstep could do some serious damage.
"Are you going to stand there all night, because I have more things to do than simply do the world a favor and get rid of you." The big man said cocking an eyebrow. His companion was silent. Okita and Misao were lurking around the edges, afraid to come out in the open. Years of servitude had rendered their wills and courage weak.
Soujirou suddenly took off at blinding speed. He hadn't chosen to go full out just yet. He wanted to do some testing first, to make the fight more enjoyable before the end. It wouldn't do for the fight to last all of two minutes.
It was almost uncanny how the man simply closed his eyes and did an easy swing in the Tekken's direction. It was intentional with liquid grace, but no specifically backed up with power or focus.
Soujirou's smile widened until it threatened to split his face. He had underestimated the man and it was annoying the other to no end. His proclamation was testament to that.
Soujirou stopped his blurring trip and gave a slight inclination of respect, "I have taken you too lightly. I apologize."
"You'll see the error of your ways soon enough."
Soujirou shrugged. He had heard boasts before little good they did the dead. Master Shishio, while lacking the inherent ability to perform Soujirou's style, was still able to teach it. After that it was up to the young vampire to use his natural talent and turn it into skill. It really wasn't a style per se, however, he had perfected the whole process and could perform flawlessly.
Tapping the ground while keeping an eye on both the man and the surrounding terrain he stopped playing. With a twist to launch the pent up kinetic energy he practically disappeared. But the man wasn't using his sight, or his ki reading abilities, Soujirou could tell. Instead he had his eyes closed again and was listening.
Just as Soujirou was planning to dart in and draw first blood the man brought up his wood hilted katana and slammed the sharp blade into the hard ground with enough force to shatter the crust. Rubble and debris flew up into Soujirou's face, which he ignored. Such a small deterrent, he had expected better.
"Watch out!" The male werewolf howled from the sidelines.
Soujirou wasn't sure whom he was addressing, but he checked himself and realized that the man had created a shallow trench between them. It wasn't enough to stop such a charge, but if Soujirou didn't slow he would most likely trip and break something. He could fight with broken bones, but it wasn't pleasant. Besides, he wasn't planning to fall for such a simple trick.
"So, your super speed doesn't translate into invincibility. Good to know." The man sneered, finally getting serious. He brought his sword up on guard and opened his eyes. They flickered rapidly around, assessing, before settling on where Soujirou had slowed.
The boy vampire wondered if he was always so sarcastic about things. With a shrug he decided it didn't matter. He would simply have to finish this, then he would report back to Master Shishio before it grew too late.
Avoiding the trap of the disturbed earth and rubble, he kicked it up a notch, almost to a full display of the Shikuchi. Not that anyone could actually track it with their eyes. Not even another vampire.
He twisted around the control swing wielded by his opponent that was quite obviously aimed at severing his head from his neck. The only thing was that the man hadn't gotten a very good measure of his height before he had started. The human could only guess at where his head was in comparison to the man's large, tall body. Unless he tightened his swings then Soujirou didn't have even the slightest chance at danger. The style used by the human seemed to rely on hitting the vital points around the neck and head rather than the chest or limbs. While it had a certain target in mind, the swings were versatile and Soujirou could tell if the man knew exactly where he was, he might have had some trouble.
"Give up, you can't win." The man advised. There was a light sheen of sweat on his brow, but his breathing was slow and even. He wasn't winded or overworked despite the fact that the two had been skirmishing for over fifteen minutes. "You may have the speed, but I have every other advantage."
"I am so sorry, but I am afraid I simply cannot do that." Soujirou replied, stopping to give his most infuriating, wide smile.
"Then maybe you should stop playing around and we can both use one powerful attack to end this. I wish for dinner and you are delaying it."
Soujirou's smile broke in annoyance, but only for a second. How did the human know that he wasn't using his technique to its full capacity? He couldn't see it. The man was much better than the vampire gave him credit for and if his companion was as good then Soujirou could see how Aoshi was defeated.
"You are right, how silly of me."
The human made a sound somewhere between a cynical snort and a cough.
He noted from the corner of his eye that Misao had tried to sneak up on the other man. She had a maniacal gleam in her eyes and one of Aoshi's kodachi in her hand. Her attempt was short lived, however, when the male werewolf yanked her braid sending her tumbling back. The silver hair man had his hand on the sword beside him, but was still sipping his tea.
"Eyes front and center boy. I want to you to see the death you cheated. See what you have done to others."
With the most activity the man had shown throughout the whole battle, he shot forward with speed that one would have difficulty imagining if they had not just seen Soujirou's.
The boy vampire was momentarily caught off guard at such a blatantly offensive move, especially considering the human had given no hint of possessing such extreme power and speed before. His large body barreled forward in an oddly graceful way that screamed danger.
The man's katana flashed as he rapidly closed the distance between the two. His face might have been cast it stone: it was cold, harsh.
Soujirou tried to keep track of the blade arcing towards him, but he lost count as the steel probed and quested. It sought his nine vital points, yet missed them all, if only by mere centimeters.
Soujirou waited for the last strike to descend before flipping around to the man's back, intending to end this farce. The man may have power, but for all the good it did him against the vampire's speed, it was worthless.
He cut around sharply, careful not the trip on the upraised ground or any stray rocks. Just as he was about to strike horizontally across the human's back his blade struck steel. Although slightly slower, the man had managed to turn and block the blow.
The steel rang and groaned as the two were locked together for the moment before Soujirou disentangled himself. He regained the proper distance and looked the man over.
"Not bad." The man grunted. A thin scarlet line traced his shoulder blade and a thin coat of sweat covered his brow in a golden sheen. He immediately went into a semblance of defense, "But I refuse to accept a draw!"
"Yes, it is unacceptable." Soujirou agreed, "However, I fail to see how we can end this…?"
"I'm not giving you my name. Your tongue and lips aren't worthy to form it, just as you shouldn't still be standing in my presence."
Soujirou, unaffected by such cruel words shrugged politely, "We could settle it in another fashion I suppose."
There was a grunt for a reply and the vampire took that as a yes. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Sifting through the spirits as they called to him he had to focus. The wraiths near transparent and moaning for the release of the Underworld eagerly heeded his call. They clawed and shoved amongst themselves to be the ones chosen. If they were picked that was, but they didn't consider that possibility. Any chance of relief from a monotone state of limbo was a welcome change from the timeless prison they festered in. For them there was no peace, they had died unfairly and until released by some means they wandered, unseen and unheard. In a hell of their own making.
He deftly sorted through the spirits as they pawed at him, begging. Their cries fell on deaf ears. He was seeking the only ones that could aid in his fight. Master Shishio had been very through in his education of his young charge. To Soujirou, the term fighting fair held no meaning. Means do justify and end because the winner is the one who survives. No one else.
"What… what's he doing?"
"I don't know, but say back Misao."
"Looks like your fight just got far more interesting Hiko. I trust you won't be swayed." The last voice was laced with pity and arrogance.
After shoving the desperate souls away, Soujirou focused on two children. Both were gory shadows of their living selves. Blood, washed out and holding a coppery look, smattered their torn clothing. The female sported a wide gash that was strung across her small throat. Washed out gray skin hung loosely and fluttered with her breathing. Except it really wasn't. Spirits didn't require air, but knowing nothing of how to be dead and only about living, they made the motions anyway.
"Come." He whispered to the pair, hoping his memory had served him well. If not, well, then he would have to try again.
He willed the two to have life again, even if it was simply temporary measures to allow a taste of fruit forbidden to the dead. There was a gasping sound as the female, her throat healed and nothing but a scar, breathed true air for the first time in over a decade.
As disquieting as it was, Soujirou had put the effort into bringing them back as perfectly as possible. The cloth was bright and new, no blood or shreds. The children's black hair shone in the firelight and their ebony eyes gleamed. The flesh was whole, with only a few long scars to show the fatal wounds.
There was a muted gasp and the clatter of steel striking the ground. Rather than open his empty eyes, Soujirou enjoyed using his ears. The whisper of the cloth as it rubbed together with the unsteady sway of their little steps and the small sounds as they rediscovered all that was living. It was a shame he had to take it away too soon, but perhaps they would enjoy it.
"Seiko… Leiko…"
"Then I guessed correctly." Soujirou said pleasantly and opened his eyes. He observed the stricken look on the man's features and the hardness of his eyes. There was a war going on under the surface of those ebony orbs. A ferocious war between the heart and mind. The heart screamed for joy that the impossible had happened; the lost loved ones returned where they belonged. The mind was seized by anger that such a thing could trick and how flippantly the vampire could use his power. "Perhaps you would like the woman and youngest child to join your reunion? I would happily accommodate."
"You…" The man ground out, the mind winning the war. He took up his nihontou and swept through the first child with tears running down his cheeks. The blade passed through the little body easily and it dissipated, no longer held by Soujirou's will.
"That was not very nice. I went to all that effort to make her perfect for you. Did I do it incorrectly? Forget a small detail?"
By then the man had almost swept through the older boy, but his steel hesitated. With a growl he plunged in to the boy's chest. There was pain, although the boy felt none since his body was composed entirely of will power, and betrayal etched on the child's face. His beloved father was taking away what he wanted most in the world.
"Master Soujirou…" The male werewolf intruded hesitantly. He still had a firm grasp on Misao and a slightly shocked face, but he didn't seem too perturbed by this new twist in the fight. Instead he jerked his head to the East, "It may not seems like it, but you two have been battling for hours now. If you wish to return back before sunrise then you had best hurry it up."
Soujirou sighed. Normally the sun's daily pattern failed to bother him. As a child he had been awake just as much at night as during the day. When he changed over it became habit, nothing more. Now he was just wishing that he had woken up earlier and the pre-battle hadn't taken so long.
Never one for lingering regret, Soujirou nodded and said politely, "Perhaps we shall finish this at another, more appropriate time? As thrilling as this battle has become I fear if I do not return soon that my Master would be most displeased. I could bring back tidings of your names and missions so that he can properly prepare for such excellent fighters."
A smirk tugged at the silver haired man and he rose. He had been for the most part a silent observer, but now his low voice rung across the clearing, "No names for your Master, but a purpose? I can certainly provide that. Revenge. For what he had done to my sister and to the people of this land!"
"And you?" Soujirou asked the man. He had a blank look on his handsome face and his massive body was stiff. He looked up from under heavy brows and rumbled, "I thought I made that perfectly clear. I will rid the world of you!"
"If you can." Soujirou replied sharply, feeling slightly peeved at the arrogant attitude. After all, he had done the man a favor, granting him a chance to see his lost loved ones. If he knew which was the other child and wife he would have brought them out too. As it was, the fight had been nowhere near satisfactory. He was sure that the man, however, would now have the proper drive to meet him in the crypt. "I have a message to deliver, so if you two gentleman will excuse myself and these two, we will take our leave. I look forward to seeing you again."
He turned his back very deliberately and walked out. Yes, he was certain that the big man would now want to get into the crypt. Although, oddly enough, it was the smaller one that was after Master Shishio. No matter, the pair would have to go through the Ten Swords before they even graced his master's presence.
It was interesting how the man reacted. Generally when Soujirou found it worth his effort to use his necromancer abilities, the opponent didn't go chopping up their loved ones. His reaction was unique and therefore it held Soujirou's curiosity.
Did he not love them the same as the others? Did they not mean as much? Or perhaps he was so well disciplined that he put his motives above his emotions. That seemed the most logical, but as Soujirou knew, humans were far from rational or logical when it came to the things they loved.
"You didn't get revenge for Lord Aoshi!" Misao hissed from behind them. She was still wearing his kodachi, the mate to the blade long lost to the river.
"Misao! You don't speak like that to a vampire." Okita said, appalled.
"I just did. And you're just as bad! I could have finished off that human if you hadn't held me back. Did you see the injuries Lord Aoshi gave him?"
"Misao, even as banged up as he was, that man was way out of your league!" Okita protested.
"But not yours."
"I didn't have a katana with me at the time." Okita pointed out, "And you don't know that. Besides, it's vampire business."
"He is right. You should leave this to us. They do not seem to hold anything against werewolves, therefore it is not your fight." Soujirou corrected, siding with Okita.
Misao gave a small growl of frustration and snarled at him accusingly, "Tell that to me when you slaughter that filthy human. A life for a life!"
"You drive will get you killed. You need to move on." Okita suggested. He shifted slightly, still flanking Soujirou in the same manner as he had on their prior trip. It was a position that had been trained into him. "Someone won't always be there to hold you back."
"What do you know about lose?" Misao snarled and Soujirou observed the hurt look on the male's face. He quickly shuttered it before the female even took note and gave a sad smile, "Quite a bit, but I'm not going to kill myself over it. Katsu wouldn't want that."
Soujirou considered their interaction. They were looking out for each other as near as he could tell, but not in the same way as mates. He had seen this behavior before, especially in the wolves. When he had asked Aoshi about it, the older vampire had explained about the bonds of friendship. Soujirou didn't completely understand the logic behind such a thing, but he understood the mechanics. He wasn't sure if he wanted a friend, but then, he hadn't been sure he wanted a lover either.
"So are you going to take me as your pet?" Misao spat and Soujirou eyed her wondering if he even wanted to. Her blatant dislike for him hadn't diminished in the slightest nor had Aoshi's death done anything besides fire her up for revenge. An issue Soujirou would have to consider some more before he bought into it. After all, neither Shishio or Aoshi had ever explained it to him or dealt with it.
"If you would like to be with me I would not be adverse." Soujirou said carefully, feeling his smile creep wider. Although she was annoying she was also vastly entertaining, and if she stayed with him he could make sure she was well taken care of. Aoshi would have liked that. "However, if you need… time to heal, then feel free to take it."
"What do you know?" She pouted rudely, "If I stay with you will you get revenge for Lord Aoshi?"
"Misao!"
"Will you?"
Soujirou gave her an honest answer, "Both of those humans seem like competent fighters. I'm sure at least one of them will make it to me. Then I will finish them."
"I guess that's okay." Misao said with a yawn as the first signs of dawn were lightening the night's sky.
A/N: This chapter was impossible to write. I hope it turned out all right anyhow. As you can see, Soujirou has a fun little power that involves raising the dead ^^;
Reviewers:
Mary-Ann: I knew that there were those questions that needed to be answered and Megumi's in a good position to do that (consequently this chapter was slightly slow). Crap, I don't know how to answer that, but since I don't think it's giving anything away... Kenshin can sense what she is but Kaoru thinks she's human. Characterisation is the most important thing for me *sweatdrop*. Even after a plot. So you're not so keen on Kenshin or Kaoru, well, neither I'm I. They'll serve their roles for a bit anyway. I'm past that part and stuck on a new one LOL.
Strife3: Why thank you ^^ Not a very nice world, but yes, new roles (but hopefully fitting ones). Megumi is a hard character to do, I think because she really doesn't get a lot of developement in the anime. Most people have trouble with her. I don't so much, she's one of my fav. POV to write from. Yes, Fox Lady.
MissBehavin: And there's Kaoru's 15 mins. of fame. Yes, I used her as a prop, a factor -__-' Kenshin's role will definately come into play next time around. Baka Sano has a nose for trouble. As for Kikisha I'm using her too, but she's under Saitoh's command as you guessed. Yes, what could be the plan with the collars O__O Maybe I better go think that up...
eriesalia: I decided to try and write at the level I read. Purely for my own enjoyment. The others I've watered down to a level where the mass of FF readers could get it. We-ll, "Drifter" was intended as humorous anyway. Megumi and Kaoru aren't two people that work well together. Kaoru doesn't take teasing easy and Megumi won't lay off if she senses some fun. Meg will get there, I promise ^^
Wistful-Eyes: *whistles innocently* what ever gave you that idea? To be honest, I'm not a fan of Sano/Meg or Sano/Kenshin either. Or Aoshi/Misao. But you have to admit that Sano/Misao makes a scary amount of sense. Kaoru is just too easy, I'd love to have someone around like her to tease 24/7... oh wait, I do ^___^ Life is good.
Fyyrrose: Since I can't get into this I'll start with you! And that wasn't a rant. I'll show you a real rant sometime... wait, I think I have before O.o Remember, pet names? Lover's embrace, WTF were you smoking? As for giving up Kenshin NEVER. I just wanted to see what it would take for you to sacrifice Sou. Lord knows I'm not that attached to my fav. character O__O Hiding...me? Lots! I must have been a philosopher in my last life. I'll leave for now. Maybe next time. Too much going on right now to write a ten page torture scene. And as for Sano: All I have to say is he's one lucky SOB! He came very close to a premature death yesterday LMAO!