A/N: I promise it will pick up soon, bear with me. ^_^
Megumi studied the diagrams on the wall before writing down several notes in her notebook. Dr. Adlar, the surgeon from Germany, had given a very informative morning lecture on various trauma that affected the limbs of the body. He was a jovial-looking man, with dark brown hair, a thick beard, and bright eyes that shone with enthusiasm for his work. His assistant spoke both German and Japanese, making lectures very easy to understand.
She never noticed how behind Japan seemed to be in medical treatment. The country just recently opened its ports to foreigners. Recent in terms of how old the country was. She sincerely hoped that Japan would soon be able to reach the level of sophisticated medicine that other countries had.
The moderator had announced a lunch break, and Megumi, along with thirty other physicians, moved outside to the university courtyard.
As she sat down to one side, she studied her surroundings. The courtyard was very simple in design. Several trees lined the perimeter while brick buildings loomed in the distance. Her fellow physicians had gathered in a few small groups, conversing with each other. Physicians from all over the world were here, eager to learn about medicine while experiencing Japan's rich culture.
Megumi ate the meal that Aoshi and Kuro had prepared for her, her thoughts wandering back to the morning lecture. Just as she packed her lunch away, she sensed a person next to her.
"Takani Megumi-sensei?"
She looked up to meet a pair of friendly dark eyes. "Yes?"
He bowed slightly. "I am Kitaragi Hiroto."
Megumi returned the gesture. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kitaragi-sensei."
"There is no need to be formal with me," he said pleasantly.
"Very well," she replied. "Then I will extend the same courtesy."
He smiled. "Your family is very well-known, Megumi-san. And your expertise with herbs and chemicals is just as impressive."
"I'm only doing what I can to help my patients, Hiroto-san," Megumi responded.
He nodded. "How is Aizu?"
"Good. My brother and I are doing very well trying to re-establish the Takani legacy," Megumi admitted after a pause.
The man was probably over ten years her senior. But he had such a friendly manner that just drew people's confidence in him.
"I run a clinic here in Kyoto, but I also teach at this university," he explained. "Are you going to be in Kyoto long?"
"I'm not sure," Megumi admitted, wondering where the conversation was leading.
"If you have time, would you be interested in attending one of my lectures? I think it would be very refreshing for the students to see you there," he added. "You don't have to say anything during class unless you wish."
Interesting. "I appreciate the offer...Thank you."
"You're welcome." Then he added as a side note, "Several months ago, a friend of yours came to the university and spoke to all the physician faculty regarding a poison which had been circulating in Aizu. He mentioned that you had found the antidote."
Megumi arched a brow, a hint of a smile on her face. "Oh really?"
Hiroto frowned in thought. "I remember that he runs one of the inns in Kyoto, but I can't recall the name..."
So Aoshi had used the information and given it to other physicians in the area like he said he would. She'd remember to thank him later.
They sat comfortably until the moderator signalled for everyone to come inside for the afternoon lecture. "Hiroto-san, I will definitely speak with you before the seminars are over so I can attend your class."
It was starting to become a habit. After the lunch rush, he would work until sunset. With the Aoiya as busy as it was, he was working later and later. Managing the inn wasn't that difficult, but it could be mentally exhausting. On occasion. Last night, he remembered where his error had taken place. He had forgotten to write down a purchase he had done just days before, which would explain why they were short on money. It was rather embarrassing. Once he had found his error, it hadn't taken him long to make the corrections.
After counting the money, he tied the bills together and placed all of it in a bag, writing on a slip of paper the profit for the day and placing that in the bag as well.
A faint sound entered the air. Aoshi looked up, seeing a white and gray pigeon perch itself outside his window, shifting slightly on its skinny legs. He quickly got up, carefully sliding the window aside so not to startle the animal. Aoshi reached out carefully, removing the note attached to the bird. He unrolled it and quickly read:
AS,
T has left. O and M will return shortly with more information.
MM
He smiled briefly. Apparently, Misao and Omasu's mission in Kansai was finished. Whoever the strangers were, they had left already.
"Aoshi-sama," Okon spoke up from the doorway. "Dinner is ready."
He turned slightly, acknowledging her presence.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the pigeon outside his window.
"Misao and Omasu will be returning to Kyoto," he announced calmly as they exited his office.
"Good," Okon smiled in response. "Even if their trip was short, ten days is a long time for them to be gone..."
"With business doing so well, it is difficult to deal with patrons without their presence," he agreed.
When they reached the dining area, Okina, as usual, was seated at the head of the table, Megumi seated at one side of the table while Shiro and Kuro were watching the restaurant.
Once he and Okon settled down to eat with Okina and Megumi, the old man took it upon himself to inform them of the different guests that had checked in that day. After informing them of the different businessmen and merchants, his eyes took on a speculative gleam.
"A travelling circus of women arrived today," Okina announced.
Okon sighed. "And?"
"I believe there were ten of them. All such beautiful young ladies. Makes me proud to say that they stopped in here...I told them if they required their meals served to their rooms, I would gladly assist them." Okina smiled dreamily. Then he produced several tickets from his pocket. "They gave me several free tickets to see their show."
Okon shook her head. "Okina, why do you-"
"I only charged them the price for four rooms instead of six!" Okina continued gleefully, while waving the paper items in the air. "And because I'm feeling generous..." He extracted three tickets from his bundle, handing one each to Aoshi, Okon, and Megumi. "I already gave Shiro and Kuro tickets."
"That's very considerate, Okina-san," Megumi commented.
"There's a price for this, Okina, I know it," Okon interjected. "What do we do in exchange for this...?"
The old man sniffed disdainfully. "Can I not do something out of the goodness of my heart?"
"No."
Okina sent Aoshi a look. "Of course I can."
"Since when?" Okon interjected.
"Did you two learn nothing? What happened to exercising good manners around guests?" Then he smiled at the lady doctor. "And in regards to that..." he frowned at Aoshi. "Perhaps you could accompany Takani-san to this show as well as give a tour of Kyoto."
"I'm sure Aoshi's busy," Megumi commented smoothly before she arranged her dishes once her meal was completed.
"Aoshi, what kind of host are you?" Okina demanded. "You invite someone to stay at your place of residence and you do not even have the decency to-"
"That's enough," Aoshi interrupted.
"A snake would have better manners than you to-"
"Okina!" Okon chided.
"What?"
Okon let out an exasperated sound, Aoshi kept his expression neutral, and Megumi looked on with amusement.
But the old man wasn't finished. "Just because-"
As Okina went on his tirade, Aoshi sipped his tea thoughtfully. He wasn't accustomed to playing host like Okina. However, as the old man indicated, Megumi was his guest...he did issue the invitation for her to stay at the Aoiya. So perhaps he should...
"What is your schedule tomorrow?" Aoshi asked her.
Megumi blinked in surprise. "I have no plans tomorrow. The next class isn't for another day."
"Tomorrow, then," he declared.
"Good!" Okina spoke up. "Going outdoors will help you...you always seem to be attached to that desk of yours."
At the slight flare in Aoshi's eyes, Okon turned to Okina to dissuade the elder from any more discussion regarding Aoshi's leisure time...or lack there of. "Do you have any extra tickets? Misao-chan and Omasu will be coming home soon."
Okina's eyes sharpened. "They were scheduled to come back in five days. Why are they coming home early?"
"The targets have left," Aoshi responded simply.
"Hmm..." the old man replied speculatively. "Very, very
interesting..."
**
He couldn't help thinking that this was a mistake. He shouldn't have taken the day off. There was so much work to do. He wasn't falling behind, but he needed to keep up. Especially when he spent the mornings assisting in the restaurant with Omasu and Misao gone.
Megumi didn't notice his preoccupation. She was dressed in a pink kimono, her hair left loose and flowing, a violet obi wrapped around her waist. Several other women were in the audience, some wearing Western attire, some kimonos, like her.
They were seated at the front, as indicated by the attraction host who viewed their tickets. The show was held in a large tent, with lights illuminating the center stage. And while the typical circus would smell like sawdust, this particular one had an interesting fragrance in the air. Like incense.
Each performer moved hypnotically, gracefully, as if music played in their heads. They demonstrated their dancing skills, acrobatic skills, and flexibility. Several performers were posed on several different platforms, demonstrating the same handstand, backflip, their motions in unison with each other. The background music was meant to entice, its melody washing over the crowd who watched the young women. He had to give credit to the women who did this for a living. They knew exactly how to market their product and enrapture their audience. Glancing towards Megumi, he saw she followed the performers' every movement, from the artful way several moved across the stage to the way they balanced heavy vases on their feet.
He sat back, his mind completely void of work responsibilities.
Wait.
Something...was very wrong. Aoshi straightened in his seat, his sharp eyes surveying the tent. He could detect the angry ki...of several...coming from various parts of the tent.
"Someone is here," he said quietly to his companion.
"What?" Megumi's whisper entered his ears, and he felt something brush the back of his arm.
It was too late.
A sound echoed in the tent, followed by one pole support toppling over into the wooden bleachers. Screams echoed as the tent began to collapse, and spectators panicked, running in all different directions.
Several men hurriedly pushed past Megumi, who was knocked out of her seat. She grabbed the railing in front of them and Aoshi's arm to brace herself. Several more spectators tried to shove past them. Aoshi grabbed her hand and quickly pulled her out of the bleacher area.
They weren't going to get out in time. He needed to do something fast. Objects were flying everywhere, food and glass bottles. From his position at the edge of an angry mob, he saw a glass bottle fly in their direction. With a quick yank, he forced Megumi out of the line of fire, causing her to stumble. A loud creak overpowered the mob's shouts and the tent, with all the bleachers and posts, came down.
Screams and shouts pierced through the air. On the ground, he shielded Megumi's back and head, his eyes stinging as dust swirled around them.
And everything stopped. Carefully, he tilted his head, seeing only canvas above him.
Underneath him, Megumi coughed several times, her body shaking with the movements.
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
She turned to look at him over her shoulder, her brown eyes wide with fear. "I believe so..."
Scuffling sounds and muffled shouts could be heard outside through the canvas. As if...fighting. They crawled several feet before seeing daylight. When they emerged, Megumi's lips parted in shock at the sight of spectators, the female gypsies, and hefty men engaged in an all-out brawl.
People never failed to act irrationally. He expected that. They let their emotions run rampant and took their anger out on those who didn't deserve it.
"We're leaving. Now," Aoshi ordered, pulling her to her feet and propelling her forward.
While he was more than capable of taking care of himself, there was someone else he had to consider. And he wasn't about to let her get injured because of angry spectators.
At that moment, he ducked as someone was thrown in his direction. The assailant came in his direction, unarmed, but ready to attack. He pushed Megumi to run faster, dodging any attacks and projectiles that came their way. For a brief second, he thought of lifting her and sprinting since he had the speed, but he had the feeling the woman would not appreciate that particular gesture.
From the corner of his eye, he spotted another man coming his way, knife in hand. For one such a large size, he was able to move fairly quickly. Aoshi, however, was able to sidestep and kick the man's wrist, dislodging the dagger.
He could hear whistles in the distance. Police would be on the scene shortly. Aoshi had no desire to spend several hours in jail. He hopped forward, grabbing Megumi's arm and pulling her along with him. After running quickly for a block and a half, he pulled them into a small street between several houses so she could catch her breath.
Megumi took in big gulps of air, looking as if she might collapse as she braced herself against the wooden fence.
She brushed back bangs that barely reached her eyes, eyes that were wide with fear and excitement. Her cheeks were flushed pink with exertion, a contrast against her creamy skin. Megumi closed her eyes for several moments.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
She nodded before her lips turned up into a wry smile, fully opening her eyes. "I'm beginning to think being around you is dangerous to my well-being."
His eyes shot to hers immediately. Even after all this time, did she...?
"But at least I wasn't kidnapped this time," she added. She swallowed. "Now what?"
"It is your decision," he offered.
"Well...I did promise Ayu and my brother that I would buy them gifts..."
With that, he directed them to the shopping district.
**
"Aoshi-sama! Tadaima!" a voice echoed in the hallway.
Misao. Aoshi smiled slightly. Her cheerful voice had always been pleasant to hear. Not just for him, but for the others as well. She always brought joy into the Aoiya, whether at age eight or eighteen. It was her nature. She always tried to remain cheerful, no matter what was going on around her. Misao once told him that that was who she was.
He wasn't at all surprised when she came to his office, a smile on her face paired with a white box in her hand.
"Welcome back, Misao," he responded with a nod.
Her smile widened, and she moved forward, setting the box on his desk, to which he raised a speculative brow.
"I see you did more than just work in Kansai," he murmured.
"I couldn't help it," Misao explained sheepishly. "As soon as I saw this, I thought it would be the perfect gift for you. I already gave everyone else their gifts."
Aoshi lifted the lid of the box, seeing a glass pyramid. He lifted it carefully, noticing that she watched him.
"It was made by hand," Misao explained eagerly. "The material and the shape."
"It's a thoughtful gift," he said, setting the item on his desk.
"Aoshi-sama, Misao-chan, dinner is ready!" Okon called out.
For once, business was slow in the restaurant. Everyone gathered at the table to eat, Okina at the head of the table, Aoshi, Misao, Omasu on one side, Kuro at the end, and Shiro, Okon, and Megumi on the other side.
"I want to know what happened to you and Takani-san two days ago," Okina interjected.
Megumi delicately cleared her throat while Aoshi regarded the old man steadily.
"I assume you're referring to the circus," Aoshi responded before sipping his tea.
"Of course I'm referring to the circus!" Okina exclaimed. "Is there anything else inportant in this town? Don't tell me you're the one responsible for what happened?"
"You and Megumi-san went to the circus?" Misao spoke up.
"For free thanks to my generosity!" Okina interjected.
"I haven't gone yet, how is it?" Kuro asked.
"It closed!" Okina wailed. "A circus of beautiful women closed! There is no justice-"
"Why did it close?" Shiro asked.
"I heard that they were competing with another travelling circus," Okon commented.
"The 'Strongest Men in the World' were what the other circus called themselves," Megumi added. "They sabotaged the Circus of Veils in hopes of attracting more customers."
"Hmph!" Okina scowled. "No one wants to see a circus of men lifting weights and pulling heavy objects around. We want to see-"
"Okina!" Okon chided. Then she turned to Megumi. "I understand that the lead performer in the Strongest Men was the former lover of the lead performer in the Circus of Veils."
Megumi's eyes widened. "I had no idea..."
" 'Strongest Men in the World...' Bah! They do not understand the meaning of real strength," Okina retorted.
"It's true, Takani-san," Okon insisted. "They were lovers but they had a disagreement. Because of that, he has wanted her business to fail."
"That seems too personal," Megumi commented. "Why if-?"
"And he calls himself a strong man!" Okina crowed. "Real strong men do not let broken hearts interfere with business!"
"It must have been so busy while Misao-chan and I were gone..." Omasu mused, not caring if no one heard her comment.
"It sounds like it," Misao agreed. "So what happened at the circus?"
"We were watching the performance and the tent collapsed," Aoshi stated calmly.
"How? Why?"
"Sabotage," Okon interjected.
"There were several muscular men wearing similar clothing during that brawl," Megumi recalled. "Perhaps they were from the other circus..."
"There was a fight?" Misao asked.
"Of course. It started just as the tent fell down," Megumi announced. "Fortunately, Aoshi and I were stuck under the canvas, along with others I'm sure, so we managed to avoid the fight as much as possible." Then she added, "But that didn't stop others from attacking us as we tried to escape."
"I heard it took the police quite a while to apprehend everyone and check damages to the streets," Okon spoke up.
"And I missed this!" Misao groaned.
"And I miss the performing ladies!" Okina whined.
"Okina!" several voices called out.
Aoshi mentally shook his head. This...was his family. They each had their own personalities and idiosyncrasies. It was enough to drive any man crazy. But that was what a family was made of...individuals who made up a whole. They were far from the 'ideal' family. But they were his.
They would have to talk about business soon enough. But that could wait. For now, he'd let them enjoy each other's company.
Megumi studied the diagrams on the wall before writing down several notes in her notebook. Dr. Adlar, the surgeon from Germany, had given a very informative morning lecture on various trauma that affected the limbs of the body. He was a jovial-looking man, with dark brown hair, a thick beard, and bright eyes that shone with enthusiasm for his work. His assistant spoke both German and Japanese, making lectures very easy to understand.
She never noticed how behind Japan seemed to be in medical treatment. The country just recently opened its ports to foreigners. Recent in terms of how old the country was. She sincerely hoped that Japan would soon be able to reach the level of sophisticated medicine that other countries had.
The moderator had announced a lunch break, and Megumi, along with thirty other physicians, moved outside to the university courtyard.
As she sat down to one side, she studied her surroundings. The courtyard was very simple in design. Several trees lined the perimeter while brick buildings loomed in the distance. Her fellow physicians had gathered in a few small groups, conversing with each other. Physicians from all over the world were here, eager to learn about medicine while experiencing Japan's rich culture.
Megumi ate the meal that Aoshi and Kuro had prepared for her, her thoughts wandering back to the morning lecture. Just as she packed her lunch away, she sensed a person next to her.
"Takani Megumi-sensei?"
She looked up to meet a pair of friendly dark eyes. "Yes?"
He bowed slightly. "I am Kitaragi Hiroto."
Megumi returned the gesture. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kitaragi-sensei."
"There is no need to be formal with me," he said pleasantly.
"Very well," she replied. "Then I will extend the same courtesy."
He smiled. "Your family is very well-known, Megumi-san. And your expertise with herbs and chemicals is just as impressive."
"I'm only doing what I can to help my patients, Hiroto-san," Megumi responded.
He nodded. "How is Aizu?"
"Good. My brother and I are doing very well trying to re-establish the Takani legacy," Megumi admitted after a pause.
The man was probably over ten years her senior. But he had such a friendly manner that just drew people's confidence in him.
"I run a clinic here in Kyoto, but I also teach at this university," he explained. "Are you going to be in Kyoto long?"
"I'm not sure," Megumi admitted, wondering where the conversation was leading.
"If you have time, would you be interested in attending one of my lectures? I think it would be very refreshing for the students to see you there," he added. "You don't have to say anything during class unless you wish."
Interesting. "I appreciate the offer...Thank you."
"You're welcome." Then he added as a side note, "Several months ago, a friend of yours came to the university and spoke to all the physician faculty regarding a poison which had been circulating in Aizu. He mentioned that you had found the antidote."
Megumi arched a brow, a hint of a smile on her face. "Oh really?"
Hiroto frowned in thought. "I remember that he runs one of the inns in Kyoto, but I can't recall the name..."
So Aoshi had used the information and given it to other physicians in the area like he said he would. She'd remember to thank him later.
They sat comfortably until the moderator signalled for everyone to come inside for the afternoon lecture. "Hiroto-san, I will definitely speak with you before the seminars are over so I can attend your class."
It was starting to become a habit. After the lunch rush, he would work until sunset. With the Aoiya as busy as it was, he was working later and later. Managing the inn wasn't that difficult, but it could be mentally exhausting. On occasion. Last night, he remembered where his error had taken place. He had forgotten to write down a purchase he had done just days before, which would explain why they were short on money. It was rather embarrassing. Once he had found his error, it hadn't taken him long to make the corrections.
After counting the money, he tied the bills together and placed all of it in a bag, writing on a slip of paper the profit for the day and placing that in the bag as well.
A faint sound entered the air. Aoshi looked up, seeing a white and gray pigeon perch itself outside his window, shifting slightly on its skinny legs. He quickly got up, carefully sliding the window aside so not to startle the animal. Aoshi reached out carefully, removing the note attached to the bird. He unrolled it and quickly read:
AS,
T has left. O and M will return shortly with more information.
MM
He smiled briefly. Apparently, Misao and Omasu's mission in Kansai was finished. Whoever the strangers were, they had left already.
"Aoshi-sama," Okon spoke up from the doorway. "Dinner is ready."
He turned slightly, acknowledging her presence.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the pigeon outside his window.
"Misao and Omasu will be returning to Kyoto," he announced calmly as they exited his office.
"Good," Okon smiled in response. "Even if their trip was short, ten days is a long time for them to be gone..."
"With business doing so well, it is difficult to deal with patrons without their presence," he agreed.
When they reached the dining area, Okina, as usual, was seated at the head of the table, Megumi seated at one side of the table while Shiro and Kuro were watching the restaurant.
Once he and Okon settled down to eat with Okina and Megumi, the old man took it upon himself to inform them of the different guests that had checked in that day. After informing them of the different businessmen and merchants, his eyes took on a speculative gleam.
"A travelling circus of women arrived today," Okina announced.
Okon sighed. "And?"
"I believe there were ten of them. All such beautiful young ladies. Makes me proud to say that they stopped in here...I told them if they required their meals served to their rooms, I would gladly assist them." Okina smiled dreamily. Then he produced several tickets from his pocket. "They gave me several free tickets to see their show."
Okon shook her head. "Okina, why do you-"
"I only charged them the price for four rooms instead of six!" Okina continued gleefully, while waving the paper items in the air. "And because I'm feeling generous..." He extracted three tickets from his bundle, handing one each to Aoshi, Okon, and Megumi. "I already gave Shiro and Kuro tickets."
"That's very considerate, Okina-san," Megumi commented.
"There's a price for this, Okina, I know it," Okon interjected. "What do we do in exchange for this...?"
The old man sniffed disdainfully. "Can I not do something out of the goodness of my heart?"
"No."
Okina sent Aoshi a look. "Of course I can."
"Since when?" Okon interjected.
"Did you two learn nothing? What happened to exercising good manners around guests?" Then he smiled at the lady doctor. "And in regards to that..." he frowned at Aoshi. "Perhaps you could accompany Takani-san to this show as well as give a tour of Kyoto."
"I'm sure Aoshi's busy," Megumi commented smoothly before she arranged her dishes once her meal was completed.
"Aoshi, what kind of host are you?" Okina demanded. "You invite someone to stay at your place of residence and you do not even have the decency to-"
"That's enough," Aoshi interrupted.
"A snake would have better manners than you to-"
"Okina!" Okon chided.
"What?"
Okon let out an exasperated sound, Aoshi kept his expression neutral, and Megumi looked on with amusement.
But the old man wasn't finished. "Just because-"
As Okina went on his tirade, Aoshi sipped his tea thoughtfully. He wasn't accustomed to playing host like Okina. However, as the old man indicated, Megumi was his guest...he did issue the invitation for her to stay at the Aoiya. So perhaps he should...
"What is your schedule tomorrow?" Aoshi asked her.
Megumi blinked in surprise. "I have no plans tomorrow. The next class isn't for another day."
"Tomorrow, then," he declared.
"Good!" Okina spoke up. "Going outdoors will help you...you always seem to be attached to that desk of yours."
At the slight flare in Aoshi's eyes, Okon turned to Okina to dissuade the elder from any more discussion regarding Aoshi's leisure time...or lack there of. "Do you have any extra tickets? Misao-chan and Omasu will be coming home soon."
Okina's eyes sharpened. "They were scheduled to come back in five days. Why are they coming home early?"
"The targets have left," Aoshi responded simply.
"Hmm..." the old man replied speculatively. "Very, very
interesting..."
**
He couldn't help thinking that this was a mistake. He shouldn't have taken the day off. There was so much work to do. He wasn't falling behind, but he needed to keep up. Especially when he spent the mornings assisting in the restaurant with Omasu and Misao gone.
Megumi didn't notice his preoccupation. She was dressed in a pink kimono, her hair left loose and flowing, a violet obi wrapped around her waist. Several other women were in the audience, some wearing Western attire, some kimonos, like her.
They were seated at the front, as indicated by the attraction host who viewed their tickets. The show was held in a large tent, with lights illuminating the center stage. And while the typical circus would smell like sawdust, this particular one had an interesting fragrance in the air. Like incense.
Each performer moved hypnotically, gracefully, as if music played in their heads. They demonstrated their dancing skills, acrobatic skills, and flexibility. Several performers were posed on several different platforms, demonstrating the same handstand, backflip, their motions in unison with each other. The background music was meant to entice, its melody washing over the crowd who watched the young women. He had to give credit to the women who did this for a living. They knew exactly how to market their product and enrapture their audience. Glancing towards Megumi, he saw she followed the performers' every movement, from the artful way several moved across the stage to the way they balanced heavy vases on their feet.
He sat back, his mind completely void of work responsibilities.
Wait.
Something...was very wrong. Aoshi straightened in his seat, his sharp eyes surveying the tent. He could detect the angry ki...of several...coming from various parts of the tent.
"Someone is here," he said quietly to his companion.
"What?" Megumi's whisper entered his ears, and he felt something brush the back of his arm.
It was too late.
A sound echoed in the tent, followed by one pole support toppling over into the wooden bleachers. Screams echoed as the tent began to collapse, and spectators panicked, running in all different directions.
Several men hurriedly pushed past Megumi, who was knocked out of her seat. She grabbed the railing in front of them and Aoshi's arm to brace herself. Several more spectators tried to shove past them. Aoshi grabbed her hand and quickly pulled her out of the bleacher area.
They weren't going to get out in time. He needed to do something fast. Objects were flying everywhere, food and glass bottles. From his position at the edge of an angry mob, he saw a glass bottle fly in their direction. With a quick yank, he forced Megumi out of the line of fire, causing her to stumble. A loud creak overpowered the mob's shouts and the tent, with all the bleachers and posts, came down.
Screams and shouts pierced through the air. On the ground, he shielded Megumi's back and head, his eyes stinging as dust swirled around them.
And everything stopped. Carefully, he tilted his head, seeing only canvas above him.
Underneath him, Megumi coughed several times, her body shaking with the movements.
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
She turned to look at him over her shoulder, her brown eyes wide with fear. "I believe so..."
Scuffling sounds and muffled shouts could be heard outside through the canvas. As if...fighting. They crawled several feet before seeing daylight. When they emerged, Megumi's lips parted in shock at the sight of spectators, the female gypsies, and hefty men engaged in an all-out brawl.
People never failed to act irrationally. He expected that. They let their emotions run rampant and took their anger out on those who didn't deserve it.
"We're leaving. Now," Aoshi ordered, pulling her to her feet and propelling her forward.
While he was more than capable of taking care of himself, there was someone else he had to consider. And he wasn't about to let her get injured because of angry spectators.
At that moment, he ducked as someone was thrown in his direction. The assailant came in his direction, unarmed, but ready to attack. He pushed Megumi to run faster, dodging any attacks and projectiles that came their way. For a brief second, he thought of lifting her and sprinting since he had the speed, but he had the feeling the woman would not appreciate that particular gesture.
From the corner of his eye, he spotted another man coming his way, knife in hand. For one such a large size, he was able to move fairly quickly. Aoshi, however, was able to sidestep and kick the man's wrist, dislodging the dagger.
He could hear whistles in the distance. Police would be on the scene shortly. Aoshi had no desire to spend several hours in jail. He hopped forward, grabbing Megumi's arm and pulling her along with him. After running quickly for a block and a half, he pulled them into a small street between several houses so she could catch her breath.
Megumi took in big gulps of air, looking as if she might collapse as she braced herself against the wooden fence.
She brushed back bangs that barely reached her eyes, eyes that were wide with fear and excitement. Her cheeks were flushed pink with exertion, a contrast against her creamy skin. Megumi closed her eyes for several moments.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
She nodded before her lips turned up into a wry smile, fully opening her eyes. "I'm beginning to think being around you is dangerous to my well-being."
His eyes shot to hers immediately. Even after all this time, did she...?
"But at least I wasn't kidnapped this time," she added. She swallowed. "Now what?"
"It is your decision," he offered.
"Well...I did promise Ayu and my brother that I would buy them gifts..."
With that, he directed them to the shopping district.
**
"Aoshi-sama! Tadaima!" a voice echoed in the hallway.
Misao. Aoshi smiled slightly. Her cheerful voice had always been pleasant to hear. Not just for him, but for the others as well. She always brought joy into the Aoiya, whether at age eight or eighteen. It was her nature. She always tried to remain cheerful, no matter what was going on around her. Misao once told him that that was who she was.
He wasn't at all surprised when she came to his office, a smile on her face paired with a white box in her hand.
"Welcome back, Misao," he responded with a nod.
Her smile widened, and she moved forward, setting the box on his desk, to which he raised a speculative brow.
"I see you did more than just work in Kansai," he murmured.
"I couldn't help it," Misao explained sheepishly. "As soon as I saw this, I thought it would be the perfect gift for you. I already gave everyone else their gifts."
Aoshi lifted the lid of the box, seeing a glass pyramid. He lifted it carefully, noticing that she watched him.
"It was made by hand," Misao explained eagerly. "The material and the shape."
"It's a thoughtful gift," he said, setting the item on his desk.
"Aoshi-sama, Misao-chan, dinner is ready!" Okon called out.
For once, business was slow in the restaurant. Everyone gathered at the table to eat, Okina at the head of the table, Aoshi, Misao, Omasu on one side, Kuro at the end, and Shiro, Okon, and Megumi on the other side.
"I want to know what happened to you and Takani-san two days ago," Okina interjected.
Megumi delicately cleared her throat while Aoshi regarded the old man steadily.
"I assume you're referring to the circus," Aoshi responded before sipping his tea.
"Of course I'm referring to the circus!" Okina exclaimed. "Is there anything else inportant in this town? Don't tell me you're the one responsible for what happened?"
"You and Megumi-san went to the circus?" Misao spoke up.
"For free thanks to my generosity!" Okina interjected.
"I haven't gone yet, how is it?" Kuro asked.
"It closed!" Okina wailed. "A circus of beautiful women closed! There is no justice-"
"Why did it close?" Shiro asked.
"I heard that they were competing with another travelling circus," Okon commented.
"The 'Strongest Men in the World' were what the other circus called themselves," Megumi added. "They sabotaged the Circus of Veils in hopes of attracting more customers."
"Hmph!" Okina scowled. "No one wants to see a circus of men lifting weights and pulling heavy objects around. We want to see-"
"Okina!" Okon chided. Then she turned to Megumi. "I understand that the lead performer in the Strongest Men was the former lover of the lead performer in the Circus of Veils."
Megumi's eyes widened. "I had no idea..."
" 'Strongest Men in the World...' Bah! They do not understand the meaning of real strength," Okina retorted.
"It's true, Takani-san," Okon insisted. "They were lovers but they had a disagreement. Because of that, he has wanted her business to fail."
"That seems too personal," Megumi commented. "Why if-?"
"And he calls himself a strong man!" Okina crowed. "Real strong men do not let broken hearts interfere with business!"
"It must have been so busy while Misao-chan and I were gone..." Omasu mused, not caring if no one heard her comment.
"It sounds like it," Misao agreed. "So what happened at the circus?"
"We were watching the performance and the tent collapsed," Aoshi stated calmly.
"How? Why?"
"Sabotage," Okon interjected.
"There were several muscular men wearing similar clothing during that brawl," Megumi recalled. "Perhaps they were from the other circus..."
"There was a fight?" Misao asked.
"Of course. It started just as the tent fell down," Megumi announced. "Fortunately, Aoshi and I were stuck under the canvas, along with others I'm sure, so we managed to avoid the fight as much as possible." Then she added, "But that didn't stop others from attacking us as we tried to escape."
"I heard it took the police quite a while to apprehend everyone and check damages to the streets," Okon spoke up.
"And I missed this!" Misao groaned.
"And I miss the performing ladies!" Okina whined.
"Okina!" several voices called out.
Aoshi mentally shook his head. This...was his family. They each had their own personalities and idiosyncrasies. It was enough to drive any man crazy. But that was what a family was made of...individuals who made up a whole. They were far from the 'ideal' family. But they were his.
They would have to talk about business soon enough. But that could wait. For now, he'd let them enjoy each other's company.