by glaube
Setting: 1932-33, New York, America & Various Places, Japan. A reviewer was kind enough to notate my, well, apathy towards the timeline, so allow me to explain why I was reluctant to peg the 1920's or 1940's: in the 1920's, America was isolationist, and wouldn't have had much go-between involving Japan. In the 1940's, Japan had a different government. So, for this "type" of era, roughly 1933 is the best year -- America and Japan will still be trading and attempting to keep peace, but Japan's government will be eyeing a lot of expansion; so money and power will, of course, be crucial. Also, America's starting to get the depression under control, because Roosevelt's been elected. Misao and her gang are all gainfully employed by the most successful newspaper, and because the war in Europe is going on, Newspapers are becoming more successful. I hope this clears things up. Better, Aiteane? That should help the settings issues. Thanks.
Summary: AU, 1930's, Aoshi Misao. Misao, a successful reporter in America, hasn't seen Aoshi for five years. But when she starts investigating Kanryuu for the New York Police, she finds herself in the middle of a tangle of power, wealth, and ancient ninja clans in Japan. Will they meet again?
Chapter 5: Getting the Ball Rolling
Hannya had accompanied Misao back to her hotel in Tokyo, the ride uncomfortably silent inside of the beaten Western car that just didn't seem to fit in Japan's beautiful scenery. Behind his mask, it was difficult to tell what the ninja was thinking, but when Misao stepped out of the car, a striped arm reached out to pull her to a halt.
"Makimachi-san."
"What, Hannya?" Misao asked quietly. She felt stretched thin, weak and weary like a sheet of paper pulled from all sides.
"You are a descendent of the Oniwabanshuu. A daughter of great Okashiras. I knew your father -- to give up and cry is uncharacteristic of the entire Makimachi clan. You're all too stubborn for that."
A weak smile lit Misao's face briefly. "You knew my Father."
"Yes." Hannya murmured, nodding. "I did. And he was a noble man. I will be all too happy to see Kanryuu die to avenge his death."
Misao nodded. "Thank you, Hannya-san."
Was that a smile behind the mask? It was hard to tell.
"And one more thing, Makimachi-san."
"Yes?"
"You're like a treasure to Aoshi, kept close to his heart. He loves you. I am sure of it."
And before Misao could ask how he was so sure, the vehicle sped off, Hannya's arm raised in a farewell greeting.
Sanosuke watched the weasel walk back into her hotel room from where he leaned against the wall in the shadows. Suddenly, her eyes narrowed dangerously, and he found a kunai embedded into the wall by his head.
"COME OUT!" She snarled, in a tone that could only mean he was going to get his ass kicked in less than two seconds if he didn't come up for a decent reason to be in her room.
"Relax, Weasel. It's just me."
"Rooster..." growled Misao warningly, but Sano shot the weasel a disarming smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "What's wrong, Sano?"
Damn, but she could read people well. It must be part of the reason why Makimachi was such a great reporter, Sano decided, beginning to understand why the Wolf might have allowed such a tiny woman to come to Japan with such a big task.
"Nothing." Sano lied firmly, smile widening into a lazy grin. "I think I know someone who can fill in all our missing links."
"EH?! Who?!"
"Ah. The fox. My friends tell me her name is Takani Megumi, daughter of a famous doctor."
"So what's she got to do with Kanryuu?"
"I think she might be making his opium. But not by choice." Sano murmured, defending Megumi's personality quickly. "He's got to have something on her that makes her work for him. When she's not busy she runs a little clinic in the bad part of town. I figure you and I can drop in, and maybe your beloved ice-cube can join us."
Misao's temper flared. "AOSHI-SAMA IS NOT AN ICE CUBE!!!"
"Eh? Well what is he, then? Emotionally challenged?"
It was late, and Megumi Takani bravely fought of sleep as she watched over a young woman in her clinic -- a prostitute who'd come up ill and had nowhere else to go. She was surprised to hear the sound of three sets of feet.
"Yes?" Murmured the doctor politely, spinning quickly, and blinking in surprise at what she saw.
"Sano! Get out of here!" Snapped the fox, ignoring the two newcomers whom she didn't know -- the tall, stoic man, and his short, female companion.
"I believe you have things backwards." Sano murmured with a grin. "You mean, Sano! Get me out of here!" The rooster ignored the way Megumi was frantically shaking her head, taking several steps forward before he tilted her chin up, one finger pressed to her lips to silence any protest.
"Once upon a time, I was the gangster Zanza. I work for New York's Wolf. And I've brought the Oniwabanshuu. We're going to get you out of his clutches, Megumi. We're going to bring him down. I don't care if you don't think I should trust you. The question is...are you willing to trust me?"
Aoshi stood stoically watching the exchange, arms crossed impatiently.
"Look, Takani-san. We don't have all day."
A reluctant nod from Megumi, and as they escorted the doctor out of the clinic and into the car, speeding off into the night, Misao realized there was no turning back.
"Where's his next move?" Aoshi asked the pretty doctor calmly.
"New York."
"What's he looking for?"
"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu." Megumi replied, in the quiet, scared, and flat tone of a person terrified that they've just made a mistake that could cost them their life. Much to her surprise, Aoshi began to laugh, and Misao stared over at him in surprise. The weasel hadn't heard Shinomori's laughter in many long years; and it warmed her heart to see his smile.
"I'm sorry, Takani-san. I find that rather amusing. You see...I know the current Master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. And he's worked for the CIA ever since he graduated from high school."
Megumi stared over at the ninja leader, visible relief spreading across her features. Sano squeezed her hand with a grin.
"See, Megitsune? We're going to protect you. I'll take you to the wolf. And nobody messes with him."
"That's because nobody gets along with him." Misao snapped, obviously not pleased at the prospect of seeing Saitou again anytime soon.
"Eh! She'll do just fine. Megitsune's a fox." Sano murmured, and the pretty doctor glared at him.
"I'd watch your words, Rooster."
"You know you like it, Megitsune."
Aoshi and Misao's eyes met in a bemused glance as the ragtag group of heroes returned to Oniwabanshuu headquarters.
OMG...Finals...Killer....weeps.... Reviewers:
Aiteane: Thanks for making me clarify the setting; unfortunately, I'm not sure you've seen the change, but I hope it works for you.
Indigochipmunk: Glad you approve. And uh...I think chipmunks are cool.
Western Ink: wow! A favorite! I hope I can keep things up to par so that you'll continue to enjoy this fic.
amber eyes: Yeah. I was on a ski trip and the only thing on TV was the movie about The Phantom ...made sometime in the 90's...it's not that great of a movie, but somewhat entertaining. This doesn't follow that exact plotline but it has a similar setting.
Kakashi-fan: I'm coming out with the chapters as soon as I can...stupid school. xX Thanks so much for your kind reviews and support! I really appreciate it!
Tenken no Miko: I usually don't have time to review other's works, so I rarely get returned reviews like a lot of people do. Either that or I suxxor. shrugs
spirit demon: don't worry, I thought it would suck too. shrugs
len: typing as fast as school allows. grimace lol
fallen wings: mee tooo! A/M in the hizzle fo shizzle. K/K and S/M are alright, but I HEART Aoshi.
Ochaneko: Another favorite! This makes glaube VERY HAPPY! Thank you so much!
spirit: mucho gracias! Thanks for your kind review.
stroh-brie-21: I gotta ask. What's that alias mean? Anyway, thanks for the review. I really appreciate it.
jade eyed neko: Thanks for your reviews and your support. I really appreciate it.
Until next time, assuming finals don't kill me! -glaube out.