Author's Notes–Aya!! *bows* I'm so sorry that I've taken forever to get this chapter out. It should have come sooner, I know! *ack* And I even uploaded a whole different fic in the time I could have updated this.. but it's here now! That's what counts, ne?
03.11.04–Huge edit! Kenshin carries AN UMBRELLA, NOT THE SAKABATOU. And I edited some of the mechanics.
Disclaimer–Yea, I don't own any of this stuff. I'm broke and I don't copyright. Such is the fun of being a 15-year-old fic author.
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Kenshin looked around him. The dissenters were screaming chants against the government. Their bloodlust was also resounding in his ears. They were out for revenge.. or at least to put some damage in the small portion of government that still controlled Satsuma. Had the town really disintegrated this far? "People of the city! There is really no need for a rebellion!" A small brick landed near him.
A nearby protestor stared at Kenshin in shock. "How can you say that? You carry a battle presence, surely you are of the samurai class? These people entirely ruined a world that flourished for almost three hundred years! You're supporting these pro-government goons?!"
Kenshin nodded. "This new Meiji government may have its problems, but none that cannot be fixed by peace!" He stood between the crowd, the police, and a small building. He knew not what was in that building.. but whatever it was, he could sense, the crowd wanted it badly..
"And what would you know about it?!" A random girl yelled.
Kenshin looked angrily at the crowd. "But there is still no need to resort to the violence that you are seeking? What exactly is it that you are seeking?"
"The man inside has oppressed the public here for years.. Udo Hibiki.. the mayor!"
Kenshin's eyes twitched. Udo. He was familiar with the surname–belonging to a rogue Shinsengumi assassin that now worked for hire. Were the two in related? If so, this could get very messy. "That is still no reason to use such instruments of death–swords?"
"Again, who are you to talk? Your umbrella could be wielded as well!" Another rioter erupted.
"But.." before the words could exit his mouth, a man nearest him and drawn his katana. Several others near him followed suit. They began to close in around him.. his breaths came quick and short. They needed to see someone dead for their purpose.. he could feel it. Indeed, he had felt such bloodlust before.. with the slashings of the days gone past. Kenshin drew his umbrella.
"That's more like it! Fight like a real man."
"I do not wish to fight. This is but an umbrella!" Kenshin said, indicating the object in his hands. The rioters seem disappointed. "Such is the instrument to carry in this time of peace!"
"You know not of what you speak!" A man nearby ran at Kenshin and, in a swift silver arc, was upon Kenshin in seconds. It was just like old times. Dissenters that needed to be taken care of.. the last days of the Bafuku. It rang clear in his memory now. Slashing. The man was soon on the ground, his pupils slightly dilated and his consciousness slowly slipping from him.
"This man isn't human! Stupid government super-power!" Another man nearby screamed and charged. It was merely a minute before half the crowd was on the ground, clutching various body parts or finding themselves unconscious. Kenshin had missed battles like these.. testing the true strength of the Hiten Mitsuurugi Ryu, pitting one against many. "But still, there's no need for violence," he called.
"You obviously aren't from here! That red hair, that cross-shaped scar.. those.. amber eyes!" Called the girl from before. "Do not concern yourself with this demonstration!"
Kenshin's eyes roved about the crowd. All that were left were women and a few cowardly men. Were his eyes really amber once more? That was the marking of his Battousai side.. but he was in control of that now. Wasn't he?
"There's no need to cross him. He's not from here, he will be gone in a few days' time anyway." An elderly woman nonchalantly scoffed. At these words, the crowd began the slow trek to dispersing. The random felled men started to stir and were leaving the scene. The police were even abandoning the post.
Kenshin stood there for what felt like hours, staring at his hands. He had almost risen to that crowd. Almost turned his umbrella into a blade. That was a fate he had turned from many years ago and he did not want to rise a hitokiri again.
A person stood in the shadows, staring at the former assassin staring at his hands. What had this great and powerful Battousai fallen to over these past years. There was still something to be said for those amber eyes that were slowly returning to their previous purple state–but they still seemed fierce, intimidating. The man in dark stared ominously at the broken manslayer. But truly, he thought, he had fallen. Using a sakabatou. Thirteen years ago, he would have just as easily killed them all. Such was the life of a patriot. A hitokiri. Him.
Kenshin finally re-strapped his umbrella. This day really had taken its toll on him. He had seen his former leader again after so many years had passed. He had almost become his manslaying side again. Satsuma. This city was full of memories, though it was the first time he had ever been in this town. Perhaps his memories returned because of the people.. not the places.. around him. Each person he encountered seemed to remind him of someone from days long passed. In the crowd, he had not seen the dissenters, but his different targets. Even her. And her fiancé. Blood from ten, eleven years gone had overwhelmed his senses. He began to walk around the city, noting the figure following him in the shadows of the buildings around him.
-~-~-~-~-~-
Kenshin wandered into a restaurant. He sat down in a corner by himself, noting when the small, cloaked figure walked in a few moments later. He could not see past their hooded eyes, but something of that person put him on edge. A waitress came by and took his order of green tea. The whole time they were conversing, Kenshin never took his eyes off of the figure of what seemed no more than a wanderer. But this wanderer had a very demanding presence. Besides, Kenshin knew what secrets a wanderer could have in their past. And Kenshin could not properly make out (his? her? its?!) eyes. And just why in the hells was he being followed?
The figure didn't seem to divert their eyes from Kenshin either. It was a staring contest that neither was sure that they could win. On the one hand, the man knew that he was trying to stare down probably the most feared man in Satsuma at this moment. On the other, Kenshin didn't know what it was that he was facing. Much time passed until the two were the only ones left in the shop.. still staring at each other and occasionally looking down to sip of green tea or sake.
Kenshin left, paying his bill on the way out. Sure enough, the figure followed a moment later. As soon as they were outside, the figure spoke in a soft voice. "Himura Kenshin.. Hitokiri Battousai.. Chosuu's most secret assassin."
"So, you know me. Who are you?" Kenshin asked readily. His right hand rested uneasily on his umbrella's handle.
"Aye. That is a very good question." The figure said distantly, smirking. Umbrella against katana.. It hardly seemed fair. "One that you will not need to know the answer for. In an instant, he was locked in katana and umbrella with the former manslayer.
Kenshin smirked. His opponent's moves were readable. Very readable. Kenshin was not putting forth effort and the cloaked figure would swing left, he would block. The second attack would come from the right, and Kenshin blocked again.
"You're toying with me, Battousai." The figure said. "Much as I am toying with you. It's killing you. You would wish for nothing more than to know who I am and who I am working for. Or if I am working for anyone at all? Do I hold a grudge against you? Or is this along with the rest of the rebellion?"
Kenshin couldn't deny this, he'd been questioning all of this and more since he had taken a seat in the restaurant. "Will you grant a humble rurouni the honor of knowledge?"
"No." The figure replied sharply. "You didn't grant your victims knowledge. Just that you were delivering them. I am delivering you! The time has come for a new rebellion! Return the shogun!" They were locked in battle once more, this time the figure seemed to fight with more skill, but Kenshin still easily dodged each advance.
After ten minutes of intense dueling, another figure showed himself upon the fight. It was Takasugi, alone. "Himura. It's Katsura."
Kenshin unknelt from his battle position and looked behind him to the man. The figure before him laughed. "Ahh, Kido Takayoshi. Ol' Katsura, then leader of the Chosuu clan. He's your employer is he not? He's dying, is he not?"
Takasugi just stared at the figure. "Mind your own business, you stupid rebel!"
"How can you say such things when, only nine years ago, the rebels were you?"
Takasugi stopped. He was at a loss for words. He merely stared at the figure in front of him. It slowly began to rain. Kenshin looked at his opponent again. "I'm afraid I must adjourn from our.. skirmish at this time. Good night." With a bow, Takasugi and Kenshin turned on their heels and left the slowly-soaking figure standing open-mouthed at the patriots.
-~-~-~-~-~-
When they were out of earshot, Takasugi updated Kenshin on the latest developments. Katsura had taken a turn for the worse, the doctors expected him to live no longer than through the night. It was a shame, Kenshin thought, that such a brilliant man may be taken so early.
They walked through the streets of Satsuma and once more, Kenshin found himself staring at the door of Katsura's estate. "Be especially careful around Ikumatsu, she's very fragile right now." Takasugi reminded him.. Kenshin merely nodded.
Opening the gate, they found many people standing the courtyard, mostly those from before and a few Kenshin didn't know. Takasugi explained that they were local officials, including Udo Hibiki. The shoji to Katsura's room was closed. Almost as soon as they arrived, Ikeda Akane walked out crying. She walked over to Kenshin and looked him squarely in the eyes. "He would like to talk to you."
Again, merely nodding, Kenshin removed his shoes and stepped up onto the porch. He looked at the shoji for a moment, confused by what he was about to see. What could Katsura possibly have to say to him now? Was he going to offer Kenshin a job in the government? Was he going to give Kenshin something? This was so confusing. With all the courage that he could muster, Kenshin slid open the shoji in front of him and walked into the still-messy room. He slid the shoji shut behind him.
Katsura lay in the middle of the floor, a cool washcloth on his head, his eyebrows knotted together in pain. "Kenshin...?" He asked uncharacteristically quietly.
"Hai.." Kenshin answered, trying to match Katsura's volume.
"I am asking for your forgiveness." Katsura stated. Kenshin was about to interrupt with the humblest of 'oh, no.. this isn't your doing', until Katsura continued, "I drove you into the horrible place that a child should not have been. A murderer. You're already on your way to repentance. But I have a final task for you.. a quest. This is your final mission from me. Your final right of Passage."
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Oi! So, what did you think? It took me a long while to write this one, I suffered from through the worst writer's block (many thanks to Lady Nomad-san for the fresh beginning idea).. *ack* And it's only going to have about two more chapters. ^^* This is one challenging fic to write.. so many things that you have to hit on historically. Sorry for the cliffhanger again!
To the reviewers--
koe760-san–well, get to dancing, here's another! ^^*
Wistful-Eyes-san–I just had to use something to show Kenshin's remembering. Slashing was showing that he was replaying these memories over and over in his mind. You see now why I needed him to remember those things. TT* Upon serious re-examination of Trust and Betrayal, I didn't see Takasugi die.. just imprisoned. Does he die in the Jinchuu Arc? I haven't had a chance to read all of that yet. Yea–I need to go back and proofread that chapter again. Will get after it after I'm entirely finished with this story O.o
Lost Samurai-san–now you do.. And you're in suspense for the next one! ^^*
THANK YOU! To everyone who has taken the time to read this, you have my many, many thanks. Review, too. ^^*
Chapter 5 – The Final Passage. (A good bit into now..) ^^*
03.11.04–Huge edit! Kenshin carries AN UMBRELLA, NOT THE SAKABATOU. And I edited some of the mechanics.
Disclaimer–Yea, I don't own any of this stuff. I'm broke and I don't copyright. Such is the fun of being a 15-year-old fic author.
----------------------------------
Kenshin looked around him. The dissenters were screaming chants against the government. Their bloodlust was also resounding in his ears. They were out for revenge.. or at least to put some damage in the small portion of government that still controlled Satsuma. Had the town really disintegrated this far? "People of the city! There is really no need for a rebellion!" A small brick landed near him.
A nearby protestor stared at Kenshin in shock. "How can you say that? You carry a battle presence, surely you are of the samurai class? These people entirely ruined a world that flourished for almost three hundred years! You're supporting these pro-government goons?!"
Kenshin nodded. "This new Meiji government may have its problems, but none that cannot be fixed by peace!" He stood between the crowd, the police, and a small building. He knew not what was in that building.. but whatever it was, he could sense, the crowd wanted it badly..
"And what would you know about it?!" A random girl yelled.
Kenshin looked angrily at the crowd. "But there is still no need to resort to the violence that you are seeking? What exactly is it that you are seeking?"
"The man inside has oppressed the public here for years.. Udo Hibiki.. the mayor!"
Kenshin's eyes twitched. Udo. He was familiar with the surname–belonging to a rogue Shinsengumi assassin that now worked for hire. Were the two in related? If so, this could get very messy. "That is still no reason to use such instruments of death–swords?"
"Again, who are you to talk? Your umbrella could be wielded as well!" Another rioter erupted.
"But.." before the words could exit his mouth, a man nearest him and drawn his katana. Several others near him followed suit. They began to close in around him.. his breaths came quick and short. They needed to see someone dead for their purpose.. he could feel it. Indeed, he had felt such bloodlust before.. with the slashings of the days gone past. Kenshin drew his umbrella.
"That's more like it! Fight like a real man."
"I do not wish to fight. This is but an umbrella!" Kenshin said, indicating the object in his hands. The rioters seem disappointed. "Such is the instrument to carry in this time of peace!"
"You know not of what you speak!" A man nearby ran at Kenshin and, in a swift silver arc, was upon Kenshin in seconds. It was just like old times. Dissenters that needed to be taken care of.. the last days of the Bafuku. It rang clear in his memory now. Slashing. The man was soon on the ground, his pupils slightly dilated and his consciousness slowly slipping from him.
"This man isn't human! Stupid government super-power!" Another man nearby screamed and charged. It was merely a minute before half the crowd was on the ground, clutching various body parts or finding themselves unconscious. Kenshin had missed battles like these.. testing the true strength of the Hiten Mitsuurugi Ryu, pitting one against many. "But still, there's no need for violence," he called.
"You obviously aren't from here! That red hair, that cross-shaped scar.. those.. amber eyes!" Called the girl from before. "Do not concern yourself with this demonstration!"
Kenshin's eyes roved about the crowd. All that were left were women and a few cowardly men. Were his eyes really amber once more? That was the marking of his Battousai side.. but he was in control of that now. Wasn't he?
"There's no need to cross him. He's not from here, he will be gone in a few days' time anyway." An elderly woman nonchalantly scoffed. At these words, the crowd began the slow trek to dispersing. The random felled men started to stir and were leaving the scene. The police were even abandoning the post.
Kenshin stood there for what felt like hours, staring at his hands. He had almost risen to that crowd. Almost turned his umbrella into a blade. That was a fate he had turned from many years ago and he did not want to rise a hitokiri again.
A person stood in the shadows, staring at the former assassin staring at his hands. What had this great and powerful Battousai fallen to over these past years. There was still something to be said for those amber eyes that were slowly returning to their previous purple state–but they still seemed fierce, intimidating. The man in dark stared ominously at the broken manslayer. But truly, he thought, he had fallen. Using a sakabatou. Thirteen years ago, he would have just as easily killed them all. Such was the life of a patriot. A hitokiri. Him.
Kenshin finally re-strapped his umbrella. This day really had taken its toll on him. He had seen his former leader again after so many years had passed. He had almost become his manslaying side again. Satsuma. This city was full of memories, though it was the first time he had ever been in this town. Perhaps his memories returned because of the people.. not the places.. around him. Each person he encountered seemed to remind him of someone from days long passed. In the crowd, he had not seen the dissenters, but his different targets. Even her. And her fiancé. Blood from ten, eleven years gone had overwhelmed his senses. He began to walk around the city, noting the figure following him in the shadows of the buildings around him.
-~-~-~-~-~-
Kenshin wandered into a restaurant. He sat down in a corner by himself, noting when the small, cloaked figure walked in a few moments later. He could not see past their hooded eyes, but something of that person put him on edge. A waitress came by and took his order of green tea. The whole time they were conversing, Kenshin never took his eyes off of the figure of what seemed no more than a wanderer. But this wanderer had a very demanding presence. Besides, Kenshin knew what secrets a wanderer could have in their past. And Kenshin could not properly make out (his? her? its?!) eyes. And just why in the hells was he being followed?
The figure didn't seem to divert their eyes from Kenshin either. It was a staring contest that neither was sure that they could win. On the one hand, the man knew that he was trying to stare down probably the most feared man in Satsuma at this moment. On the other, Kenshin didn't know what it was that he was facing. Much time passed until the two were the only ones left in the shop.. still staring at each other and occasionally looking down to sip of green tea or sake.
Kenshin left, paying his bill on the way out. Sure enough, the figure followed a moment later. As soon as they were outside, the figure spoke in a soft voice. "Himura Kenshin.. Hitokiri Battousai.. Chosuu's most secret assassin."
"So, you know me. Who are you?" Kenshin asked readily. His right hand rested uneasily on his umbrella's handle.
"Aye. That is a very good question." The figure said distantly, smirking. Umbrella against katana.. It hardly seemed fair. "One that you will not need to know the answer for. In an instant, he was locked in katana and umbrella with the former manslayer.
Kenshin smirked. His opponent's moves were readable. Very readable. Kenshin was not putting forth effort and the cloaked figure would swing left, he would block. The second attack would come from the right, and Kenshin blocked again.
"You're toying with me, Battousai." The figure said. "Much as I am toying with you. It's killing you. You would wish for nothing more than to know who I am and who I am working for. Or if I am working for anyone at all? Do I hold a grudge against you? Or is this along with the rest of the rebellion?"
Kenshin couldn't deny this, he'd been questioning all of this and more since he had taken a seat in the restaurant. "Will you grant a humble rurouni the honor of knowledge?"
"No." The figure replied sharply. "You didn't grant your victims knowledge. Just that you were delivering them. I am delivering you! The time has come for a new rebellion! Return the shogun!" They were locked in battle once more, this time the figure seemed to fight with more skill, but Kenshin still easily dodged each advance.
After ten minutes of intense dueling, another figure showed himself upon the fight. It was Takasugi, alone. "Himura. It's Katsura."
Kenshin unknelt from his battle position and looked behind him to the man. The figure before him laughed. "Ahh, Kido Takayoshi. Ol' Katsura, then leader of the Chosuu clan. He's your employer is he not? He's dying, is he not?"
Takasugi just stared at the figure. "Mind your own business, you stupid rebel!"
"How can you say such things when, only nine years ago, the rebels were you?"
Takasugi stopped. He was at a loss for words. He merely stared at the figure in front of him. It slowly began to rain. Kenshin looked at his opponent again. "I'm afraid I must adjourn from our.. skirmish at this time. Good night." With a bow, Takasugi and Kenshin turned on their heels and left the slowly-soaking figure standing open-mouthed at the patriots.
-~-~-~-~-~-
When they were out of earshot, Takasugi updated Kenshin on the latest developments. Katsura had taken a turn for the worse, the doctors expected him to live no longer than through the night. It was a shame, Kenshin thought, that such a brilliant man may be taken so early.
They walked through the streets of Satsuma and once more, Kenshin found himself staring at the door of Katsura's estate. "Be especially careful around Ikumatsu, she's very fragile right now." Takasugi reminded him.. Kenshin merely nodded.
Opening the gate, they found many people standing the courtyard, mostly those from before and a few Kenshin didn't know. Takasugi explained that they were local officials, including Udo Hibiki. The shoji to Katsura's room was closed. Almost as soon as they arrived, Ikeda Akane walked out crying. She walked over to Kenshin and looked him squarely in the eyes. "He would like to talk to you."
Again, merely nodding, Kenshin removed his shoes and stepped up onto the porch. He looked at the shoji for a moment, confused by what he was about to see. What could Katsura possibly have to say to him now? Was he going to offer Kenshin a job in the government? Was he going to give Kenshin something? This was so confusing. With all the courage that he could muster, Kenshin slid open the shoji in front of him and walked into the still-messy room. He slid the shoji shut behind him.
Katsura lay in the middle of the floor, a cool washcloth on his head, his eyebrows knotted together in pain. "Kenshin...?" He asked uncharacteristically quietly.
"Hai.." Kenshin answered, trying to match Katsura's volume.
"I am asking for your forgiveness." Katsura stated. Kenshin was about to interrupt with the humblest of 'oh, no.. this isn't your doing', until Katsura continued, "I drove you into the horrible place that a child should not have been. A murderer. You're already on your way to repentance. But I have a final task for you.. a quest. This is your final mission from me. Your final right of Passage."
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Oi! So, what did you think? It took me a long while to write this one, I suffered from through the worst writer's block (many thanks to Lady Nomad-san for the fresh beginning idea).. *ack* And it's only going to have about two more chapters. ^^* This is one challenging fic to write.. so many things that you have to hit on historically. Sorry for the cliffhanger again!
To the reviewers--
koe760-san–well, get to dancing, here's another! ^^*
Wistful-Eyes-san–I just had to use something to show Kenshin's remembering. Slashing was showing that he was replaying these memories over and over in his mind. You see now why I needed him to remember those things. TT* Upon serious re-examination of Trust and Betrayal, I didn't see Takasugi die.. just imprisoned. Does he die in the Jinchuu Arc? I haven't had a chance to read all of that yet. Yea–I need to go back and proofread that chapter again. Will get after it after I'm entirely finished with this story O.o
Lost Samurai-san–now you do.. And you're in suspense for the next one! ^^*
THANK YOU! To everyone who has taken the time to read this, you have my many, many thanks. Review, too. ^^*
Chapter 5 – The Final Passage. (A good bit into now..) ^^*