Chapter 1
"The others are waiting outside."
Aoshi looked up to see Okina standing in the doorway of his office. Closing his book, Aoshi rose to his feet to exit.
There were times he felt he didn't deserve the Oniwabanshu leadership position, given his past actions...but, Misao had insisted that he was the correct person for the job. She had given him the title back, saying that she would take it up again when she was ready. But she had so much to learn, and she wished to learn from him.
In addition to leading the Oniwabanshu, he also assisted at the Aoiya. When he returned from Aizu more than three months ago, he told Okina that he wanted to participate more on the business end of the Aoiya. He usually ordered supplies from vendors and budgeted the inn's expenses. Twenty-eight years old and he had the life experience of men twice his age. War...killing...death...did that to someone.
He sat down, facing the others: Okon, Omasu, Shiro, Kuro, and Misao. Okina to his right. They appeared puzzled on the outside.
"Sources tell me that foreign settlers have arrived several kilometers east of Kansai," he began without preamble. "Many of them are women who have brought heavy machinery. Someone needs to watch them."
"What seems to be the trouble?" Shiro asked. "Have they brought weapons with them?"
"Not that I'm aware of. As far as I know, the government doesn't even know that they're here."
"Just watch and report?" Okina queried.
Aoshi nodded. "It's best if Okon and Omasu go, so not to draw suspicion."
Okon and Omasu glanced at each other, then nodded.
"You two leave tomorrow afternoon, return in ten days and report everything you've learned."
"Hai, Aoshi-sama."
A knock entered Aoshi's office while he was filing through a record book that listed all the merchants and vendors the Aoiya purchased supplies from.
"Come in," he called out.
"You're working late, Aoshi-sama," Misao called out, a tray of tea balanced on one arm. "So I brought tea..."
She poured the tea as he settled at his desk. After his cup was full, he set his paperwork and books aside, sipping his tea quietly while Misao sat to the side of his desk.
His office was small with simple furnishings, but it served its purpose. His desk had several simple supplies, pens and paper, and the shelf behind him contained books and records. A large window took up most of one side of the room. In the daytime, light filtered through, but at night, a peaceful silence echoed inside.
"Um...Aoshi-sama?" Misao spoke up timidly.
"Yes?"
"About Okon and Omasu's mission tomorrow..."
He set his cup down and gazed at her steadily, waiting for her to continue.
"I...I'd like to go."
He waited for several minutes before saying, "Why is that?"
"I'm Oniwabanshu...It's my duty to go."
He never liked her involvement with the Oniwabanshu, but she was the previous okashira's granddaughter. The Oniwabanshu was her family. He couldn't stop her even if he tried. He had heard that she and the others stopped Shishio's men from setting fires all over Kyoto many months ago. How Misao took it upon herself to become the leader. Misao was a strong girl. She didn't need him. And yet, unconsciously, he was always looking out for her. He had been ever since she was a child. But she wasn't a child anymore. Misao was growing up.
"I see." Aoshi paused before saying, "One of you needs to stay here."
"I'll ask Okon if she can stay," Misao declared. "Besides, you said to just watch them. We aren't going to confront the foreigners, right?"
He was being too protective. The Oniwabanshu meant everything to Misao. Just like it had meant everything to him. Taking care of Misao wasn't about keeping her behind closed doors. He had to let her make her own decisions. "Very well. I expect a full report when you get back."
"Thank you, Aoshi-sama!" She jumped out of her chair, doing a half-celebratory dance.
When she reached the door, he called, "Misao."
She turned around quickly at the sound of his voice. "Yes?"
"Be careful."
Misao's smile widened. "I will."
***
Megumi reviewed her list as she left the university. Kazumi-sensei, one of the lead medical instructors at the university had given her information regarding the medical conference she'd be attending in several days.
Kyoto. She hadn't been there in so long...The last time she stepped foot there was after Ken-san's battle with Shishio. He had looked so helpless...tattered, bruised...barely alive. Ken-san. A wistful smile tilted her lips. She owed him so much...for rescuing her from Kanryu...for making her realize that her skills as a doctor could help others...There was a time long ago when she felt a strong connection to the swordsman. Perhaps because their past lives were filled with sadness. And in spite of that, they tried to live on. Life certainly wasn't easy. But he seemed much happier with his life now, and she was glad to know that he and Kaoru were happy together. She couldn't stop the twinge of envy that simmered deep inside of her.
She was content with her life. She had her brother, her own clinic, and loyal patients. What more could anyone ask for?
"Megumi-sensei."
She looked up, her features softening in a smile. "Jiro-san..."
The older man cleared his throat. Megumi noticed that he held a long wooden stick in one hand. The man always seemed apologetic around her. She supposed that was normal, considering what had happened.
"You look well," she spoke up.
He nodded. "Thanks to you and Kei-sensei's help..."
Considering what he had done, the police would have put him in jail. But Kei, after much convincing on her part, spoke to his connections, and Jiro was pardoned. He was now part of the slowly growing martial art staff at the university.
"It's in the past," Megumi reassured. Then she continued to speak, "The Oniwabanshu send their regards. Why won't you contact them?"
Jiro sighed, looking away. "It isn't that simple..."
"They're kind people," Megumi insisted. "They want to hear from you..."
"Are you sure?"
"Well...Aoshi himself hasn't written it in so many words...but they would like to hear from you personally. As much as I don't mind being the middle person...they're your friends as well..."
Jiro sighed. "Aoshi's far too understanding..."
"Maybe because he knows what kind of desperation you had," Megumi said quietly.
The old man stared at her for several moments before saying, "I'll consider it..." He glanced at his pocketwatch. "I have a class to teach soon..."
Megumi nodded. "Of course. I'll be going to Kyoto soon for a medical conference...while I'm there, I'll give them your regards."
"Thank you, Megumi-sensei..."
***
"Misao and Omasu had no difficulty leaving?" Aoshi asked at dinner.
"No," Okina assured him. Then his eyes took on a crafty look. "Now with two females gone...perhaps I should share my plans for the Aoiya while they're gone..."
Aoshi glanced at Shiro and Kuro, who each looked confused.
"We could open our inn doors for young ladies interested in touring Kyoto. We'll give them a special rate if they decide to stay here at the inn if they participate in this tour..." Okina continued. "It will be the perfect opportunity to-"
"Is there a purpose for this?" Aoshi cut in. "I just finished calculations this morning...The Aoiya is doing fine. We don't need any special promotions right now..."
Okina glared at Kuro and Shiro who snickered.
"I am merely expanding our business..." Okina huffed. "Young ladies who wish to be guided around Kyoto and then to be waited on by the Aoiya's four residents. It's-"
"You just want to be around the young ladies," Shiro spoke up, grinning.
"Does Okon know this?" Aoshi asked.
"Of course not!"
The woman in question was currently dealing with a few restaurant customers.
"Women like receiving attention," Okina continued on. "So it-"
"I don't think this is a good idea," Aoshi spoke up. "I-"
"I've been running the Aoiya longer than you have and you know nothing about women," Okina interrupted.
Aoshi blinked. As if his former mentor knew any better. Two decades hadn't changed Okina's attitude towards women. Aoshi remembered how he used to chase young women in the marketplace. Back then, Aoshi was only a child. Okina's failed attempts always amused him. while Okina could be a fierce and determined warrior if circumstances called for it, he could be a carefree old man with a penchant for chasing young woman.
"So as I was saying-"
"I think this idea is odd," Kuro spoke up. "What are we supposed to do?"
"Well...I could give them a grand tour," Okina spoke up. "Kuro and Shiro could provide the meals...and if they need to go shopping, Aoshi can carry their belongings."
The three younger men stared at him.
"What?" Okina looked around.
"No."
"But-"
"No."
"But-"
"No," Aoshi said firmly.
"But-"
"Okina," Aoshi spoke up. "This is unnecessary." Something glinted in his eyes, and he continued, "If you insist on finding young ladies to amuse you while Misao and Omasu are gone, we won't stop you. But don't use the Aoiya for that."
Any further arguments were dissolved as Okon entered the dining area, a tray containing a fresh pot of tea grasped within her hands.
"The customers have left," she announced once she had poured everyone a cup of tea.
"Okina just finished telling us about a program he wishes to use to attract more business," Shiro spoke up.
Okon's eyes narrowed slightly. "What does it involve?"
Aoshi watched with amusement as Okon's wary, yet curious expression turned to revulsion as Kuro and Shiro explained.
"You will never change, Okina," Okon admonished. Then her expression turned serious before she asked, "Do we really need that much business?"
"No," Aoshi assured her.
Okon breathed a sigh of relief.
"Isn't the university holding several conferences next week? Won't that attract business?" Kuro spoke up.
Okon's eyes widened. "That's right...I nearly forgot...Takani Megumi, Himura-san and Kaoru-san's doctor friend, sent a letter to us...she said that she'll be arriving in two days..."
"Is she staying here?" Shiro asked.
Okon nodded. "I think so..."
"Anything else?" Aoshi asked. At Okon's shake of the head, he nodded.
A vocal call from the restaurant indicated customers were waiting. Kuro excused himself and at the sight of the patrons waiting in the doorway, prompted Okon and Shiro to assist him.
"It was generous of you to allow her to stay here," Okina continued.
"She and her brother were hospitable to me during my stay in Aizu," Aoshi pointed out.
"True." Okina sipped his tea.
He could only imagine how unusual the situation was. From what he had first heard about Takani Megumi, she had been terrified of the Oniwabanshu. And with good reason, given the circumstances on how they had met. And when she had arrived at the Aoiya to care for the injured, she was wary around Aoshi. Again, with good reason. But her duty as a physician overrode her personal feelings.
Aoshi hadn't said much about the lady doctor when he returned from Aizu. Okina wasn't sure what exactly happened between the two...but they apparently had settled any differences they would have had. Aoshi's new friendship with Takani Megumi was like his friendship with Himura Kenshin...Aoshi never had much to say about either, but he had respect for them both.
Okina studied him for several moments before saying, "While she's here, why don't you give her a tour of the city?"
Aoshi raised his eyes. "Isn't that usually your job?"
"There will be other clients to assist," Okina shrugged.
"Perhaps you're right..." Aoshi took a small drink from his teacup. "You might be tempted by some young lady and lose our guest..."
"Are you trying to be funny?" Okina asked.
A hint of a smile crossed the younger man's features. "No."
"I'm not that inconsiderate," Okina retorted.
"I seem to recall a certain old man nearly abandoned a twelve-year-old during a mission because he wanted to spend time with a daimyo's sister..."
"You were twelve," Okina pointed out. "And completely capable of taking care of yourself. You learned to take care of yourself when you were five years old." In spite of himself, he couldn't help but smile.
A/N: Darn muse! Couldn't help myself again. This fic doesn't seem as dramatic as its predecessor, ne? ^_^
"The others are waiting outside."
Aoshi looked up to see Okina standing in the doorway of his office. Closing his book, Aoshi rose to his feet to exit.
There were times he felt he didn't deserve the Oniwabanshu leadership position, given his past actions...but, Misao had insisted that he was the correct person for the job. She had given him the title back, saying that she would take it up again when she was ready. But she had so much to learn, and she wished to learn from him.
In addition to leading the Oniwabanshu, he also assisted at the Aoiya. When he returned from Aizu more than three months ago, he told Okina that he wanted to participate more on the business end of the Aoiya. He usually ordered supplies from vendors and budgeted the inn's expenses. Twenty-eight years old and he had the life experience of men twice his age. War...killing...death...did that to someone.
He sat down, facing the others: Okon, Omasu, Shiro, Kuro, and Misao. Okina to his right. They appeared puzzled on the outside.
"Sources tell me that foreign settlers have arrived several kilometers east of Kansai," he began without preamble. "Many of them are women who have brought heavy machinery. Someone needs to watch them."
"What seems to be the trouble?" Shiro asked. "Have they brought weapons with them?"
"Not that I'm aware of. As far as I know, the government doesn't even know that they're here."
"Just watch and report?" Okina queried.
Aoshi nodded. "It's best if Okon and Omasu go, so not to draw suspicion."
Okon and Omasu glanced at each other, then nodded.
"You two leave tomorrow afternoon, return in ten days and report everything you've learned."
"Hai, Aoshi-sama."
A knock entered Aoshi's office while he was filing through a record book that listed all the merchants and vendors the Aoiya purchased supplies from.
"Come in," he called out.
"You're working late, Aoshi-sama," Misao called out, a tray of tea balanced on one arm. "So I brought tea..."
She poured the tea as he settled at his desk. After his cup was full, he set his paperwork and books aside, sipping his tea quietly while Misao sat to the side of his desk.
His office was small with simple furnishings, but it served its purpose. His desk had several simple supplies, pens and paper, and the shelf behind him contained books and records. A large window took up most of one side of the room. In the daytime, light filtered through, but at night, a peaceful silence echoed inside.
"Um...Aoshi-sama?" Misao spoke up timidly.
"Yes?"
"About Okon and Omasu's mission tomorrow..."
He set his cup down and gazed at her steadily, waiting for her to continue.
"I...I'd like to go."
He waited for several minutes before saying, "Why is that?"
"I'm Oniwabanshu...It's my duty to go."
He never liked her involvement with the Oniwabanshu, but she was the previous okashira's granddaughter. The Oniwabanshu was her family. He couldn't stop her even if he tried. He had heard that she and the others stopped Shishio's men from setting fires all over Kyoto many months ago. How Misao took it upon herself to become the leader. Misao was a strong girl. She didn't need him. And yet, unconsciously, he was always looking out for her. He had been ever since she was a child. But she wasn't a child anymore. Misao was growing up.
"I see." Aoshi paused before saying, "One of you needs to stay here."
"I'll ask Okon if she can stay," Misao declared. "Besides, you said to just watch them. We aren't going to confront the foreigners, right?"
He was being too protective. The Oniwabanshu meant everything to Misao. Just like it had meant everything to him. Taking care of Misao wasn't about keeping her behind closed doors. He had to let her make her own decisions. "Very well. I expect a full report when you get back."
"Thank you, Aoshi-sama!" She jumped out of her chair, doing a half-celebratory dance.
When she reached the door, he called, "Misao."
She turned around quickly at the sound of his voice. "Yes?"
"Be careful."
Misao's smile widened. "I will."
***
Megumi reviewed her list as she left the university. Kazumi-sensei, one of the lead medical instructors at the university had given her information regarding the medical conference she'd be attending in several days.
Kyoto. She hadn't been there in so long...The last time she stepped foot there was after Ken-san's battle with Shishio. He had looked so helpless...tattered, bruised...barely alive. Ken-san. A wistful smile tilted her lips. She owed him so much...for rescuing her from Kanryu...for making her realize that her skills as a doctor could help others...There was a time long ago when she felt a strong connection to the swordsman. Perhaps because their past lives were filled with sadness. And in spite of that, they tried to live on. Life certainly wasn't easy. But he seemed much happier with his life now, and she was glad to know that he and Kaoru were happy together. She couldn't stop the twinge of envy that simmered deep inside of her.
She was content with her life. She had her brother, her own clinic, and loyal patients. What more could anyone ask for?
"Megumi-sensei."
She looked up, her features softening in a smile. "Jiro-san..."
The older man cleared his throat. Megumi noticed that he held a long wooden stick in one hand. The man always seemed apologetic around her. She supposed that was normal, considering what had happened.
"You look well," she spoke up.
He nodded. "Thanks to you and Kei-sensei's help..."
Considering what he had done, the police would have put him in jail. But Kei, after much convincing on her part, spoke to his connections, and Jiro was pardoned. He was now part of the slowly growing martial art staff at the university.
"It's in the past," Megumi reassured. Then she continued to speak, "The Oniwabanshu send their regards. Why won't you contact them?"
Jiro sighed, looking away. "It isn't that simple..."
"They're kind people," Megumi insisted. "They want to hear from you..."
"Are you sure?"
"Well...Aoshi himself hasn't written it in so many words...but they would like to hear from you personally. As much as I don't mind being the middle person...they're your friends as well..."
Jiro sighed. "Aoshi's far too understanding..."
"Maybe because he knows what kind of desperation you had," Megumi said quietly.
The old man stared at her for several moments before saying, "I'll consider it..." He glanced at his pocketwatch. "I have a class to teach soon..."
Megumi nodded. "Of course. I'll be going to Kyoto soon for a medical conference...while I'm there, I'll give them your regards."
"Thank you, Megumi-sensei..."
***
"Misao and Omasu had no difficulty leaving?" Aoshi asked at dinner.
"No," Okina assured him. Then his eyes took on a crafty look. "Now with two females gone...perhaps I should share my plans for the Aoiya while they're gone..."
Aoshi glanced at Shiro and Kuro, who each looked confused.
"We could open our inn doors for young ladies interested in touring Kyoto. We'll give them a special rate if they decide to stay here at the inn if they participate in this tour..." Okina continued. "It will be the perfect opportunity to-"
"Is there a purpose for this?" Aoshi cut in. "I just finished calculations this morning...The Aoiya is doing fine. We don't need any special promotions right now..."
Okina glared at Kuro and Shiro who snickered.
"I am merely expanding our business..." Okina huffed. "Young ladies who wish to be guided around Kyoto and then to be waited on by the Aoiya's four residents. It's-"
"You just want to be around the young ladies," Shiro spoke up, grinning.
"Does Okon know this?" Aoshi asked.
"Of course not!"
The woman in question was currently dealing with a few restaurant customers.
"Women like receiving attention," Okina continued on. "So it-"
"I don't think this is a good idea," Aoshi spoke up. "I-"
"I've been running the Aoiya longer than you have and you know nothing about women," Okina interrupted.
Aoshi blinked. As if his former mentor knew any better. Two decades hadn't changed Okina's attitude towards women. Aoshi remembered how he used to chase young women in the marketplace. Back then, Aoshi was only a child. Okina's failed attempts always amused him. while Okina could be a fierce and determined warrior if circumstances called for it, he could be a carefree old man with a penchant for chasing young woman.
"So as I was saying-"
"I think this idea is odd," Kuro spoke up. "What are we supposed to do?"
"Well...I could give them a grand tour," Okina spoke up. "Kuro and Shiro could provide the meals...and if they need to go shopping, Aoshi can carry their belongings."
The three younger men stared at him.
"What?" Okina looked around.
"No."
"But-"
"No."
"But-"
"No," Aoshi said firmly.
"But-"
"Okina," Aoshi spoke up. "This is unnecessary." Something glinted in his eyes, and he continued, "If you insist on finding young ladies to amuse you while Misao and Omasu are gone, we won't stop you. But don't use the Aoiya for that."
Any further arguments were dissolved as Okon entered the dining area, a tray containing a fresh pot of tea grasped within her hands.
"The customers have left," she announced once she had poured everyone a cup of tea.
"Okina just finished telling us about a program he wishes to use to attract more business," Shiro spoke up.
Okon's eyes narrowed slightly. "What does it involve?"
Aoshi watched with amusement as Okon's wary, yet curious expression turned to revulsion as Kuro and Shiro explained.
"You will never change, Okina," Okon admonished. Then her expression turned serious before she asked, "Do we really need that much business?"
"No," Aoshi assured her.
Okon breathed a sigh of relief.
"Isn't the university holding several conferences next week? Won't that attract business?" Kuro spoke up.
Okon's eyes widened. "That's right...I nearly forgot...Takani Megumi, Himura-san and Kaoru-san's doctor friend, sent a letter to us...she said that she'll be arriving in two days..."
"Is she staying here?" Shiro asked.
Okon nodded. "I think so..."
"Anything else?" Aoshi asked. At Okon's shake of the head, he nodded.
A vocal call from the restaurant indicated customers were waiting. Kuro excused himself and at the sight of the patrons waiting in the doorway, prompted Okon and Shiro to assist him.
"It was generous of you to allow her to stay here," Okina continued.
"She and her brother were hospitable to me during my stay in Aizu," Aoshi pointed out.
"True." Okina sipped his tea.
He could only imagine how unusual the situation was. From what he had first heard about Takani Megumi, she had been terrified of the Oniwabanshu. And with good reason, given the circumstances on how they had met. And when she had arrived at the Aoiya to care for the injured, she was wary around Aoshi. Again, with good reason. But her duty as a physician overrode her personal feelings.
Aoshi hadn't said much about the lady doctor when he returned from Aizu. Okina wasn't sure what exactly happened between the two...but they apparently had settled any differences they would have had. Aoshi's new friendship with Takani Megumi was like his friendship with Himura Kenshin...Aoshi never had much to say about either, but he had respect for them both.
Okina studied him for several moments before saying, "While she's here, why don't you give her a tour of the city?"
Aoshi raised his eyes. "Isn't that usually your job?"
"There will be other clients to assist," Okina shrugged.
"Perhaps you're right..." Aoshi took a small drink from his teacup. "You might be tempted by some young lady and lose our guest..."
"Are you trying to be funny?" Okina asked.
A hint of a smile crossed the younger man's features. "No."
"I'm not that inconsiderate," Okina retorted.
"I seem to recall a certain old man nearly abandoned a twelve-year-old during a mission because he wanted to spend time with a daimyo's sister..."
"You were twelve," Okina pointed out. "And completely capable of taking care of yourself. You learned to take care of yourself when you were five years old." In spite of himself, he couldn't help but smile.
A/N: Darn muse! Couldn't help myself again. This fic doesn't seem as dramatic as its predecessor, ne? ^_^