Okita woke up to a pair of curious brown eyes. With a growl he shoved Sanosuke away from him. His body felt like it had been dipped in a vat of acid that nibbled away at his muscles. He willed Misao to still be where he had deposited her earlier in the morning, but he knew she needed a lot less sleep than he did.
"So, what happened?" Sano asked curiously. He was sitting a good distance away in case Okita decided to be testy about how he was woken up.
"What time is it?"
"A bit past noon I guess. It's hard to tell in this dungeon anyway. It was about noon when I was in the garden. You'll never guess what I saw though!"
Okita groaned. Trust Sanosuke to go from being completely focused on the grand adventure Okita had supposedly had to his own nosing.
"Well, aside from the fact that Foxy is here in the castle…" That's right, Okita didn't pay much attention at the time, but now that he thought back, the kitsune woman and child hadn't been evident. Although how they ended up in the castle… "Yeah, she and that brat were waiting in the village, it was like they wanted to be taken or something."
"So what did Saitoh say?" Okita winced as he stood up. His legs trembled with fatigue and his stomach growled loudly.
"You okay there buddy?" Sano asked, leaning his sturdy shoulder up for support. With his usual leaps of logic he cut back to the question, "Oh, just to make sure that the two of them got in okay and to hook up the kitsune with the human resistance. I don't know what game he's playing with them. They're so weak I doubt they could do a thing."
"He's covering all the bases."
"Eh, yeah I guess. But you'll never guess what I saw!" He yipped, steering Okita down the hall towards the place where the non-human livestock was kept. He sounds suspiciously eager, never a good thing. He only sounded like that when he was spoiling for a fight, or had some forbidden knowledge. "Kiks isn't werewolf!"
"What in the world are you talking about?" Okita grumbled and rolled his eyes. His nose twitched and his mouth started to water as the scent of goat reached him. He was so hungry he was sure he could eat at least half of one all by himself. "Of course she is. I've seen her in both forms. In fact, I've seen her morph back and forth."
"Yeah, so have I. But she was out in the garden talking with Fox."
"So?"
"As a human? Don't you get it? She should be a wolf right now, like us, but she's not! And she says Saitoh already knows about it. What I can't figure is why he hasn't done anything. She's obviously not one of us." Sano said half excited and half agitated. Okita did have to admit that Kikisha was very aloof, but she didn't seem like the type to deceive. She had always been very blunt and to the point. If she was pretending to be something it was because she had orders. Suddenly Okita wanted to know what exactly was going on.
"Hey, were are you going? I thought you were going to eat!" Sano called after him in confusion. The other werewolf was good hearted and a lot more intelligent than others gave him credit for, but he did have his moments. Those moments sometimes made Okita want to strangle him.
Limping past the stables and barnyard area he realized it was a long walk. Maybe he should have kept Sano around for a bit longer. And he didn't tell his friend to stay away from Misao for the time being. Not that Sano would heed his advice.
"What are you doing here Moron?" Saitoh said from the shadows. The black wolf stepped out with his eyes glittering. "You are supposed to be resting. Don't tell me you find that too difficult."
"No Saitoh." Okita replied as a smile tugged on his lips. He was glad that things were back to normal, even in such little regards as being called a moron.
"I suppose then that you are wandering around aimless for a purpose." The alpha pressed looking down with veiled amusement. Okita grinned up and knew that this was his best chance for straight forward information.
Leaning up against a wall for support he explained, "I was actually looking for Kikisha, I know she usually spends her days with the humans."
Saitoh grunted, "She does, she has a special affinity for them."
"But there's more to it than that, isn't there?" Okita pressed. Saitoh looked down as impassive as ever. It was sometimes like squeezing information out of a stone, but if he found it appropriate he wouldn't lie.
"Some Moron has been too nosey." Saitoh replied before making up his mind, "I suppose you can be trusted with such information. Kikisha is on a mission for me. Don't interfere."
Okita grinned in triumph, but quickly hid it. It would be pushing his luck, but he felt comfortable asking his friend, alpha, and mentor rather than Kikisha.
"She's not full werewolf, is she? And you're working with the human rebellion still, which is why she's always on crypt duty instead of patrols." Okita accused, completely sure of his guesses.
Saitoh looked displeased before a smirk crossed his features, "Don't wait for some applause. I don't need Morons digging in my business. However, I think that you know too much to go unscathed back into the society. You can deal with the Battousai then, I have no patience for the man."
"He will give me answers then?"
"Don't push it. Go." The lean black wolf walked off without a single look over his shoulder to see if Okita was going.
Saitoh was in deep. Much deeper than Okita had ever imagined and far deeper than Katsu ever hinted about, Okita mused. He just wondered how much of that extended over the pack. He was sure Tokio knew everything, and he had a suspicion that Kikisha not only knew the plans, but helped to direct them. There was something unsettling about her, but he wasn't one to judge. Maybe it was just because she wasn't full werewolf.
"Where are you going?" A cool voice stopped him in his tracks. With a genuine smile he turned around and eyed Kikisha. She was in wolf form with the fox woman in tow. The woman glared at him, but offered no comment.
"Ah, I was looking for Himura actually." Okita grinned. He couldn't see how this could get better. He always loved puzzles, and he felt this one was close to being solved. At least on one layer. If there were more layers it was all the better.
"Sir Ken is gone for the day." The woman informed him haughtily and Kikisha nodded in agreement. She didn't seem perturbed in the slightest that the woman had just understood wolf speech.
Okita, however, jumped in shock. She couldn't do that before! Either that or she was an excellent actress.
Kikisha shrugged, "Why are you looking for him anyway? Shouldn't you be resting? Considering the state you and Misao came back in. Unless someone woke you up." That last part was accompanied with a shrewd, displeased look.
Rather than tell on his friend, Okita sidestepped the insinuation entirely. "Saitoh sent me to deal with the half-breed actually."
"Then you might as well come with us. I didn't think Saitoh was going to involve anyone else and I don't know what you did to convince him, but stay out of the way as best you can. You've just jumped into a broiling pit of intrigues, rebellion, and death. I suppose since Katsuhiro is dead there is no one to shield you. A pity."
Okita was stunned at such a blunt statement. And he stood there stunned until he realized that the human and wolf had already walked a good way down the hall.
Katsu had kept him out of it? On purpose! He would have helped if he had known, but it was purposefully kept from him. To protect him he supposed, but it was still wrong. He should have been the one to make that choice. Obviously Saitoh had faith in his abilities and morals. Did Katsu not trust him? The thought stung and he snarled softly.
Before he had too much time to mull and pick that thought apart they reached a niche in the wall. Kikisha looked up at the woman and said, "Megumi, please pull that brick."
The half-human did as she was told and looked startled when a whole panel slid away. She cast an eye towards Okita and asked in a low voice, "And you trust that he's telling the truth? He could be a spy."
"Hardly. If Saitoh trusts him enough to send him to speak to Himura and I trust him enough to let him near this place it's quite fine. Besides, his former lover is hanging up at the entrance. I'm not sure if you got a good look, but Okita has no reason to love Shishio."
Apparently that bit of logic didn't thoroughly convince the woman because he gaze was still suspicious.
Kikisha looked towards her and added, "Besides, who's to say you're not who you say you are? We have your word. And unlike you, I've know Okita for years."
There was a silence and Okita thought to himself, she's certainly not going out of her way to make friends. She was blunter than even Saitoh and had little tolerance for things she found time wasting. As far back as he could remember she had always been serious. And smart. Not the kind of smart you admired and wished for. More like a hidden genius coiled waiting to strike the first victim in range.
Once they reached a junction Kikisha stood considering. With a nod to herself she led them down the left tunnel. It was dark, even for wolf eyes, and he heard the human repeatedly stumble. Eventually he brushed against her legs offering support. She gratefully latched onto his long guard hairs.
Then suddenly there were outside. The bright sunshine poured down and a small spring gurgled. Kenshin was sitting peacefully by it with a fishing line set out. He didn't put the pole down, even though Okita was sure the man knew they were there.
"Yes Miss Kikisha?"
"Megumi, translate for me please. Not everyone had the inherent talent to understand canine." The woman looked confused, and annoyed at the bright light, but she nodded.
"Himura, I have to go out and deliver the information as discussed. Okita will be accompanying me on my mission, although I doubt he will be needed to back me up. Saitoh seems to think that this is appropriate. I know you don't like my alpha, but you have no choice but to trust him. I'm leaving Megumi with you. I expect her to be here when I get back."
The half-vampire, rather than flaring up at such treatment nodded. He drew the fox woman aside and Kikisha turned to Okita.
"Keep up please. I know you must be exhausted, however, I'm not here to coddle. In case we get separated, the destination is the human slayers' camp. I'm assuming you're a adequately aware of where it is located."
He nodded, still wanting answers, but almost afraid to ask the questions. She didn't seem to be in a very tolerant mood at the moment.
She bolted off into the woods and he quickly gained his bearings. He hadn't even known of that tunnel, but now that they were on familiar ground he was almost keeping pace. He knew that despite what she had just said she choose the easiest terrain. It was flat and expansive with very few inclines. It would have been faster to simply cut across, but that meant rocks and hills.
"What are you?" He called up. That question had been burning at the back of his mind ever since Sano had blabbered. It wasn't going to leave him alone until he knew.
"Half human." She replied, "And I see I have a certain idiot to skin when I get back. I warned him, but he couldn't keep his mouth shut obviously. You're intelligent. I suppose you clicked some puzzle pieces together and presented Saitoh with your findings. He had no choice but to accept your aid, or let you loose with knowledge that never should have been revealed. I would have been better if you people weren't so nosey."
Okita once again was stunned. Was she always such a… well, he wasn't one to use derogatory terms, but really! She could show a bit of tact and compassion.
"How long have you…"
"Since I was eight, satisfied, or do you have any more personal questions? I can answer them all since you're in the loop. How long has Saitoh been planning this coup? Before I came twelve years ago. Why did Katsuhiro wish to protect you? Because he was a compassionate man who would do anything, risk anything to keep you safe. Don't like that I bet. Me telling you about your relationship. I know much more, but are you sure you want to hear it?"
Okita forced back a growl. She could have just said no.
They loped in silence the rest of the way. He noted the faint scent of ash that drifted on the wind, but if Kikisha noticed she gave no sign.
Hiko, the big man, was up and waiting for them. His hulking form showed little damage from the fight, but his spirit seemed to sag. When he spotted Kikisha walking purposefully toward him his demeanor hardened.
"What do you want. Are you bring an ultimatum from that pathetic excuse of a vampire king?"
His eyes flickered to Okita and his face grew even harder. Apparently nothing was forgotten and certainly not forgiven. He equated Okita in league with Soujirou because the two were there that night. As well as the times he had visited with Sanosuke before. He was not a popular face at the moment.
Kikisha gave an overly polite bow with a blank face. She pulled out what looked like a cloth and the silver haired man looked up from sharpening his watou. The sword glistened, enjoying the attention from the blunt stone being rubbed along its edges. He put the blade aside and stood up stiffly. His bandages had been changed and he seemed to in better health than the previous evening.
"That's Megumi's." He remarked, taking it delicately from the wolf's jaws. "You had better explain. If she had come to harm…"
Kikisha shook her head slowly and sat awaiting questions.
"Are you helping her?"
Nod.
"Why. There is no reason." The silver haired man growled, not pleased.
Kikisha pulled out a sheet of rice paper. There were slight indents from where her teeth held it in place, but when she had been running it was tucked against her body by the cloth. With respect she held it out patiently. She seemed to do better when her mouth was shut.
He took the proffered paper and read silently, his keen eyes flicking across the page. With a smirk he crumpled it into a ball and tossed it backwards into the dying fire. A tentative tongue of flame crept out the lick at the offering. Within a few seconds the note was ash.
"We don't deal in treaties, although we thank you for the information."
Kikisha looked on stoic at his display, but Okita could see this going up in flames just as easily as the rice paper. He made a step forward and Kikisha growled at him.
"Well? Go away, I've given my answer." Hiko didn't say anything, letting his partner do the talking.
"Why don't you just turn human?" Okita hissed in confusion. They weren't going to get anywhere like this! He wasn't sure what had been in the note, but a treaty sounded dangerous. Laying it on the table must have been risky enough. Was she just going to let this fall through?
She fixated him with a pale glare, "Personal reasons."
What was that suppose to mean? Okita was wishing he had stayed with Himura. At least the half-vampire was pleasant to be around.
Hiko looked up suddenly, his eyes sharp and focused, "What did the note say? Just the gist, I can decipher the rest."
His silver haired companion sat back down and continued to sharpen his sword. Okita found it rude and disconcerting that neither of the two was in the least bit worried to have two large predators in their camp. After having witnessed how the big one fought, however, he knew enough that pushing an attack was suicidal. He was probably the best fighter in his pack, in human form anyway, but he wasn't sure he could actually do much against the two. Especially not like he was.
"Basically, the werewolves and human slaves want an alliance. Or so the note said. However, I don't see how we can be assured of that. Besides, it's none of our business." The silver haired man spat, grinding the stone so hard a spark sprung from the steel and extinguished on the ground beside him.
At this Hiko seemed to take interest. He walked over and stared down at the pair.
"Is that so. I assume you want my help because you can think of no better…" Kikisha gave a silent snort and tried not to roll her eyes. Okita wondered if the man's ego could get any bigger. "And unlike my partner, I know of a way to assure your complete cooperation. Honor is a concrete pillar of your lives I know this well. That is why you chafe under your masters' control. They don't know the meaning of the word. Just like that boy last night!" His face tightened and his grip was white knuckled on the hilt of his katana. "I have little love of Shishio, however, he is not the one who slaughtered my family. Since I doubt that little coward will return here, I will have to go to him. If you think you can get me and my partner inside, and on your spoken honor can give your word that this is not a vampire trap, I will trust you."
Kikisha stood up and Okita realized she had been waiting for Hiko. She never had any intention of dealing with the other vampire hunter. Again, he was stunned at her insight. He could easily see why she was in the middle of the rebellion. Her ability to read and manipulation people to an end was incredible. Which didn't make it any less vexing when it was used on him.
Kikisha nodded and scratched on the dirt 'agreed'.
She turned to Okita, not even looking smug at her accomplishment and said blandly, "I will stay until sunset, but then I'm leaving you to baby sit. It shouldn't be too hard. You've seen them in action, or at least one. And I can tell you that the other is almost as good, maybe equally so. Don't morph in front of them, not that I expected that you would, but just as a precaution. Give them your word, Saitoh trusts you and I doubt he will have any problems with that. If they are ready and willing lead them to the crypt. If not, stay with them until they are. I don't have to tell you how important this is or not to mess it up. You have a perfectly good head on your shoulders, and unlike Sanosuke you seem to use it."
"But- which way should I take them?" Okita still wasn't sure he completely trusted her to be giving orders. After all, Saitoh hadn't acknowledged her as anything special. Okita sighed, suspicion certainly was a hard emotion to deal with. "And why do I have to stay? If this is so important why aren't you doing it?"
"I told you, personal reasons. Otherwise I would gladly do this. In fact, your timing was perfect in that regard because it means I don't have to do this." She said, lying down parallel to the silver haired man, her pale eyes never leaving him. It was obvious which one of the pair she didn't trust.
Okita felt frustrated. He wasn't going to get anything out of her that she wasn't willing to give him, that much was entirely too obvious. If he knew what she was able to tell rather than striking around in the dark it might have been better.
"What about the vampires?" He asked lightly.
"Of no concern. They are so wrapped up in their own affairs they wouldn't see a mutiny if it was right under their noses. The only ones to watch for are Soujirou and Usui. The former isn't really a threat, for he's not clever or subtle about his actions. Like a toddler, he pushes buttons just to see what will happen." Before Okita could contradict her she shook her head, "I'm not saying he isn't intelligent. That's incorrect. Cleverness and intelligence are not necessarily the same thing. As for the latter, he's playing his own game. Shishio's not stupid either. He knows it. The term keeping your enemies close is very apt at describing the situation. For that matter, I don't trust the oni either."
"Then do something about it." Okita grinned, feeling almost like Sanosuke.
"We would, if it wouldn't cause suspicion." She growled and the silver haired man looked up sharply. He sheathed his blade and was brewing tea. Okita noticed he hadn't put powder in his drink this time.
"You two are certainly chatty." He commented, blowing lightly on the surface of the liquid, "Plan all you'd like. Hiko may trust you curs, but I don't. Get in my way and I'll bisect you."
"Such a nice man." Kikisha said sarcastically, unimpressed. "He should put his mind to the task of getting his revenge rather than seeing threats in shadows."
True to her word, Kikisha disappeared just before sunset, but not before spending the whole day bringing Okita up to speed. She was short when she felt he wasn't keeping up and did nothing to help him when he struggled. Bare bones about her was that she was incredibly formal, blunt, and to the point. He was glad Sanosuke or Misao weren't under her tutorage that would end in disaster. Although he hadn't seen her fight he got the feeling that she wouldn't back down if a challenge were issued.
"Where are you going?" The silver haired man lashed as Okita started to leave to transform. He couldn't answer with his wolf jaws and if he waited to long it would be too late. He gave what he hoped was a reassuring look and tried to go out. Within a flash there was a blade pressed to his nose.
"He's going to transform. You can't expect him to do it here. I know you think they're nothing but dumb animals, but they're not." Hiko said making no move to remove his partner's steel from Okita's nose.
Slowly the blade was withdrawn.
Okita didn't wait; he rushed to the place where Aoshi's funeral pier had been. He felt that it was the safest place to be all things considered. Hiko would never go there again, and it was too far for the other one to reach.
Once there he was in for a nasty surprise. A pair of clean clothing was sitting on a stump along with a katana. How Kikisha knew where it was let alone that he would go there was a mystery.
The night air played around his bare body though and he could hardly walk around as he was. Donning the clothing quickly he noted that it was a little big. That cheered him up a bit. That she obviously didn't know everything.
He hefted the blade and slid it out of the leather casings. Casting the sheath aside he did a few practice movements. The sword was well made, incredibly so. It made Okita wonder of its origins. He knew the art of the sword of course. However, Shishio hardly permitted him to carry one around, as he did his vampires.
The blade was much heavier than the practice swords he usually worked with, but he was sure he could adjust in a short time. His muscles were stiff, for it had been quite awhile since Shishio had allowed him a true blade, since the self-proclaimed king had descended his throne.
With a pleased smile he recovered the sheath noting that the leather was worn and well used. This had been someone's sword at once point. The hilt, although in excellent condition showed signs of use, ones that only could be put there by flesh and sweat against leather. He wondered if the katana had been blooded yet.
"See? I told you. He's back." Hiko grunted as Okita reentered the clearing. "You have something to say then."
Okita hid a smile; this wasn't the time to show his enjoyment, "Yes sir. I, Souji Okita, give my solemn word on behalf of my alphas Hajime Saitoh and Tokio Takagi that you, nor your companion, will receive any information or treatment that is false or harmful. On my honor, you will be guided safety to your destination with minimum fuss or distractions. I, nor my kin, will harm you in anyway once you are past the gates unless provoked or with similar justification."
Hiko grunted, "Good enough. That enough for you Enishi?"
"As long as he can lead me to Shishio." The silver haired man's turquoise eyes gleamed manically. His gaze traveled down Okita's side, "You have a katana. Can you use it?"
Okita smiled, recognizing a challenge being issued. He nodded and dropped into a ready stance.
"Don't overdo it." Hiko cautioned, turning to watch with cool eyes.
"I won't." Enishi replied arrogantly.
The two drew up and did several well-placed drills. Strike and parry. Thrust.
"Not bad." Enishi said blocking a low sweep. He flung the shorter katana back lightly and pressed the offensive.
Okita smiled with good nature. He hadn't had anyone this good to spar with in a long time. And he knew his not bad meant that he was making a good impression. His skill was largely due to natural talent. He was excellent at adapting even if he preferred his technique. The Tennenrishinryu was a three-point strike that aimed at the neck and each shoulder.
"I think that you should stop." Okita suggested when he noticed the slight stain that was seeping through. Enishi looked down and grimaced. Hiko gave a look that said I warned you but you were too stupid to listen, but didn't say anything.
When they were seated he looked at them and asked keeping in mind Kikisha's instructions, "Should we start in the morning, or do you two need more time?"
"What a foolish question."
A/N: Mwahaha, starting to wrap it all up. Believe it or not I almost have it plotted out to the end X__X Now if I would just write it.
Reviwers:
Fyyrrose: That's it. Sorry. I'm zapped. As for three days, I lived for 18 years without talking to you. Amazing ne? And no, you can't. I will never shut up! -__- I'm done... too much work. As far as I can tell I'm nothing like T. *is humming Cat's in the Kettle* Look what you've done! Now I have that nasty song... that's why I don't eat Chinese. I was tired when I did them, and you got to remember I do replies to Strays also. It's an energy issue. I didn't forget I don't think. I just keep forgetting how to spell it maybe? And yes, that was totally you. I'm not that twisted... okay, yes I am but now when I can shove it off on someone else. School is starting to pick up. Spring Break is in two weeks and the teachers are dumping on the work. Paper, exam, exam review, take home test, little homework, read chapter six (fucking 40 pages)... You can make fun of the French, just like I can make fun of the South. Nuh-uh, he'd kill FK. That someone has other obligations. FK doing that wouldn't have an effect, or at least not the one he was looking for.
Mary-Ann: Yep, just lining up the players. I feel like an unholy mixture between Naraku (InuYasha) and Robert Jordan, or like I'm setting up dominos so I can knock them down. I exploit lots of things, but I need Enishi up and running baby!
MissBehavin: LOL, yes, don't worry. Soujirou's not done with poor, poor Hiko. As for the plan, that matter has been resolved. I never thought I'd be grateful to a stubborn, anti-social man, but he bailed me out of that one ^__^ I write myself into corners all the time X__X but you'd never know it. Always leave a loophole!
Wistful-Eyes: Oh yes, just pushing some buttons there. Soujirou does think of them a bit like toys, but the boy is disturbed, we already knew that. Hiko having a wife... that's scary. She has a name and she'll come in later maybe.