Chapter Sixteen: The Sakura ball
"That's my hair!" yelled Misao, as Kaoru combed her long, braided hair out.
"Sorry, but your hair won't get untangled." said Kaoru apologetically to Misao, then yelling to Megumi. "Megumi, we're going to need to do some major conditioning if we're going to get her ready for tonight," yelled Kaoru, as she sat on her bed and combed out Misao's hair as she sat on the floor; her legs crossed.
Misao glared up at her, as Kaoru tugged on a knot in her hair.
Megumi, Misao, and Kaoru were at Kaoru's apartment and were working on each other's hair before they got into their dresses. It was already noon, and they only had so many hours until the Sakura ball.
There was suddenly a quiet knock at the door.
"Come in. The door isn't locked," yelled Megumi's voice from the bathroom, she had gone in there to do her own hair.
Tae stepped in with a huge suitcase in her hands. She looked at the three and frowned.
The apartment was neat, but the bathroom area and the junk food on the bed said otherwise. Brushes, conditioners, nail polish, and their dresses were all over the place.
"I'm glad Himura told me to come here and help you three out. Now why don't I get started with you Misao, you seem to be having the worse problem," said Tae as she placed her suitcase on the coffee table and opened it.
The other three crowded around and noticed that her suitcase was like a miniature beauty parlor.
Tae took hold of a pair of scissors and began to snip them open and closed and grinned at Misao.
"Oh no! There is no way I'm going to cut my hair," said Misao as she backed away and held her hair in her hands protectively as she glared at Tae.
"Your hair is too long. Just a few inches," said Tae, as she advanced on the other female.
"NO!" yelled Misao, as she raced away.
"I see we'll have to do this the hard way. Kaoru, you go to the left, I'll go to the right. Megumi," began Tae as she looked at the grinning kitsune.
"I'm on it," said Megumi as the three crowded around Misao in a dead end.
Misao stared at them in shock, as Tae came with the snipping scissors.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Do you think white really goes with me?" asked Sano, admiring himself in the mirror, as he and the others waited for Kenshin at the Kirei Blossom Studio. Kamatari was fixing him up with his suit.
Soujiro, Takasugi, and Sanosuke were all waiting outside in the photo area; they're were all laced in their suits and were ready to go pick up their dates.
"Shouldn't you be getting Magdaria. The ball is going to begin in an hour," said Takasugi as he tapped his foot on the tile floor annoyed.
"I'm waiting for you guys," said Sano, as he smoothed his hand over his white new suit.
Soujiro only smiled in his ocean blue suit. His designer said that the color brought out his eyes. He even had black shoes to match. It wasn't exactly his first choice, but he had to admit that the suit did look nice.
Takasugi rolled his eyes, and looked down at his black suit that had just been made the day before. It really did pay to know the right people when you needed something done quickly.
"Are you done yet?" complained Sano in a loud voice
"I'm done! hold on to your shorts," yelled back Kenshin as he walked out in a crisp, new, midnight blue tuxedo.
"Now that you're done, can we go pick up the girls now?" asked Takasugi slightly annoyed at having to wait so long.
"You try going back their with a complaining Kamatari! He's absolutely going crazy over the idea that people won't like his designs on the Sakura ball," said Kenshin as he raised his hands in the air in irritation, as he made his way to the twin red oak doors.
The other three only followed the annoyed red-head back to the gold and white limo waiting outside.
"What about Kamatari? Isn't he coming with us?" asked Soujiro.
"The man has to go there before us, we need to get going to Kaoru's apartment," said Kenshin as his limo driver walked around and opened the door for them to enter.
"Well see you guys later. I got to get Magdaria," said Sano grinning, as he waved at them before getting into a smaller black limo.
"See you at the ball!" said Takasugi as he got into the long limo and the driver closed the door and quickly got into the driver's seat and drove off.
~*~*~*~*~
Megumi twirled around in her new wine colored dress that reached just a few inches under her knees. She had her hair up in a heart shaped bun as her midnight locks fell to her shoulders. Her platforms were a few inches high, and sparkled as she moved around in them.
She had wore a pair of small, circular matching earrings, and a violet silk scarf around her v-shaped cut dress. The spaghetti straps rested on her shoulders, leaving the rest of her creamy skin exposed
Misao had let her hair fall down and it went to her waist. It had originally went down to her knees, so the other three had to force her down and cut off almost a foot of hair. She didn't looked too pleased.
"Come on Misao. It's only hair. It'll grow back. The point is that you look marvelous," said Tae as she came out of the bathroom in a yellow dress that looked more like a business suit, but was just one layered.
Misao smiled at that, and joined her cousin in dancing around the room.
The two were laughing and enjoying themselves when there was a knock at the door.
"They're here," said Misao as she opened the door and saw Soujiro standing there with a box in hand. She smiled and led him and the others in.
"Kaoru," said Tae.
"Coming," yelled Kaoru from the bathroom.
Kenshin smiled at her when he saw her; making the poor girl blush scarlet under his heated gaze.
Kaoru had on a black dress and had a v-cut in front, black string crisscrossed in back. Thin black straps kept the dress up, as it fell to her ankles with slits running up to her thighs. She had a thin silver belt that ran around her waist that hung down her to her thigh. Her hair was in glossy waves that ran down to her shoulder, and was parted mostly to one side so that it covered one of her eyes.
She smiled at them shyly and tucked the hair behind her ear.
Kaoru wore her new jewelry, an exquisite necklace made from a simple silver chain and an intricate, silver-white pendant resting against her chest, and had a silver bracelet with dolphin, stars, crescent moons, and doves encircling her right hand.
"What do you have there boys?" asked Tae knowingly, as she snapped them out of starring at their flushing escorts.
"Oh yes! It's tradition to give the girl that we go with a Sakura Blossom bracelet," said Soujiro, as the three slowly opened their boxes.
Each flower was a light pink color, with a gem inside the center.
"I got you a sapphire," said Kenshin as he grabbed Kaoru's left hand and placed on the Sakura bracelet around her wrist; he could only smile at her sparkling eyes.
"To you, I give you an emerald," said Soujiro with a smile as Misao blushed when he held her hand to place it on.
"You, my beautiful escort, get an amethyst," said Takasugi with a grin to the pink Megumi.
"Oh, so they get something and I don't," said Tae a bit jokingly.
Kenshin chuckled and produced another box.
"For you, my fair lady, you get an amber sphere," said Kenshin, as he put it on for her.
"You shouldn't have," said Tae with a smile.
"If you don't want it..." teased Kenshin.
"Give me that," said Tae as she snatched it from his hand and put it on herself.
The others all began to laugh.
"The Sakura ball should begin in less than 30 minutes. We better get going," reminded Takasugi.
Soujiro opened the door for them as they all walked out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Do you really want to go, dear? You are over three moths pregnant now," came Akira's concerned voice as he looked at his fiancee, that sat to his left in the white limo.
"Akira, I'm fine," said Tomoe, as she patted her hardening stomach that was hardly visible.
"The child might not be mine, but I care for you both," said Akira sincerely, as he took her hand in his and squeezed on it.
Tomoe only smiled at him as she rubbed her stomach.
She was clad in a white dress that reached the floor. It was made of silk and had more of the traditional look to it as well. Only her thin arms were seen as a fur shoulder cloak covered her shoulders. She had pearl white earrings, bracelet, and necklace. In her left hand was a Sakura Blossom with a precious white moon stone in the center.
Akira smiled when they finally reached the Sakura ball. He helped her out of the limo when the driver came to open the door for them. His black tuxedo blended in well with the clear night sky.
Tomoe smiled as cameras rushed all around them to take pictures. The two only smiled when they reached the crowd and the guards quickly made a path for them in the center.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The ballroom was huge. A crystal diamond shaped chandelier hung over head where the room became a dome and angel paintings were above.
White streamers with traditional red spheres hung along the walls. As the windows were open to let the scenery of the night show and the full moon shine upon them. Peach curtains made of cotton made the border of the windows, as the room over looked all of Tokyo. Tokyo's lights making another display for the audience.
The tile floor was made of fine white marble and was so clear that you could see your reflection in it. Not a single piece of dust touched the floor, and looked enchanting. It seemed like the slightest mistake would crack the wonderful floor.
Tables were placed all along the ballroom with punch bowls, appetizers, and wine. A three-foot ice swan was at the very center of the ball. Sakura's were piled in where the body was, as the bird has its wings tucked underneath its body.
Though the one that caught almost everyone's eye, was the mountain of wine glasses that was placed on top of one another to look like a waterfall as the golden wine was poured down from the first cup and spilled to the others. It had to be one of Kamatari's best ideas.
The orchestra was in the back as they played the original masterpieces of the talented composers of the past.
A balcony overlooked to the garden where there was a maze, a huge flower field, and a magnificent angel water fountain in the center. Lights were placed all around the outside, and were all facing the fountain.
There was an alley to the left of the glorious garden and ball so that the waiters and waitresses could take out the trash, and the guests to go take a puff of smoke if they chose.
Not a single item was out of place, and the ballroom was filled with life, noise, laughter, and smiles. It was a day of happiness, and a day that will forever be sketched in the people's minds.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hello Mr. Himura! How are you?" came a familiar sound from behind them.
Kenshin and Kaoru had gotten into the ball the quickest so that their pictures weren't taken. Not wanting to embarrass herself in front of Kaoru, she had asked Kenshin to use his speed to allow them to get in without getting seen.
"Katsura! Who's your escort?" asked Kenshin, as Kaoru smiled to the man in a black suit.
"Well I decided to come alone. Now where is your uncle, son?" asked Katsura with a smile on his face.
"I have no clue whatsoever. He had left before me," said Kenshin as he looked around the ball for a certain tall man.
"Well I'll find him," said Katsura, as he nodded to them and quickly left.
"Remember our little plan?" whispered Kenshin to Kaoru, as she walked beside him.
"What plan?" asked Kaoru in a whisper as she smiled to a few others.
Kenshin only rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"You know what I'm talking about. Our deal on my uncle and Nakamura," said Kenshin as he looked for his uncle.
"Can't we just enjoy ourselves?" asked Kaoru. She really didn't want to interfere.
"We had a deal," said Kenshin as he turned to her.
"Well I say that they're doing just fine," said Kaoru as she looked over his right shoulder.
Confused, the youth turned around and noticed his uncle laughing with a few old friends in a gray suit. Beside him was Nakamura in violet, who was smiling and seemingly to have a good time. Their laughter was heard throughout the ballroom.
"See? Now can we just have fun like we're suppose to?" asked Kaoru.
Sighing, he followed her to go find the others.
"Well well, look at what we've got here? Long time no see Kamiya," came a cold voice from behind them.
Kaoru froze and turned around.
To her dismay, it was her old boss, Takeda Kanryu.
The man was in a white suit, and had on white gloves that had diamonds all around it. In his left hand was a cane that he leaned on; it was made of gold and silver.
His glasses were rimmed with gold, and his shoe sparkles with gems.
"Hello," said Kenshin bitterly, as he shook the man's hand.
"Hello to you too Himura," said Kanryu with a fake phony smile.
The two looked into each other's and began their own glaring contest.
"I'm thirsty. Let's get going Kenshin," said Kaoru, as she intertwined her hand in his and practically pushed him away from Takeda.
"That creep," said Kenshin under his breath as he looked down at his purple hand.
"What happened?" asked Kaoru, as she grabbed hold of his hand; small circular imprints were in them.
"Well you try shaking hands with a man with gloves with one of the hardest substance on Earth, that's trying to squeeze your hand to death," said Kenshin through gritted teeth as he held his right hand with his left.
"You mean he had real diamonds on the front of his gloves?" asked Kaoru as they neared the table.
"Yes. His fingers too," said Kenshin as he looked at his own.
"So how are you doing darling," came the familiar voice of Kamatari. The man was in a light green dress and suit, and was smiling a mile a minute.
"Hey! I take it that you're in a great mood," said Kenshin.
"Of course. This has got to be the best project that I've done so far. Oh! You two just looked splendid together. Did you see Hiko and Nakamura? My designs have made them look absolutely perfect together," said Kamatari gloating, his smile never wavering.
Kaoru only smiled nervously.
"Well I best be off," said Kamatari with a smile to them as he went to talk to another group of people, who smiled and backed up a bit. Kamatari was known to have that effect on people when he was really happy.
Kenshin only shook his head pocketed his right hand in his pocket. It was pulsing from the lack of circulation that Takeda had caused earlier.
"Hey Kenshin!" came the familiar voice of Sano.
Kenshin and Kaoru looked up to see a smiling Sano waving at them.
The two only smiled at him, and nodded to Magdaria who was in a magenta dress that came down to her calves, and had a oval-cut front. She had on see through shoes that showed her manicured toenails. Her hair was held up in a bun with beautiful golden hairpins, around her wrist was a magenta colored sphere inside her Sakura Blossom.
She smiled at them before nodding.
To her left was Shougo in a charcoal colored suit, and Shura was to his left in a blood red dress that went two inches above her knees. She had her hair down as she bowed lightly to them in her three-inch heels that showed her red painted toenails. Around her wrist was a Sakura Blossom with a sapphire in it.
"You look splendid," said Kaoru with a smile, as they joined together.
"Thank you," said Magdaria with a slight blush.
"Let's dance," said Shura as she pulled Shougo along to the center floor.
"Shall we?" asked Kenshin with a smile as he extended Kaoru a hand.
Kaoru giggled at him and locked eye contact with his blue eyes before taking his offered hand and stepping onto the dance floor with him.
"Will you give me the honor of this dance?" asked Sanosuke with a grin and low bow to Magdaria.
Before she could answer, Tae walked over to them.
"Well hello there you two," said Tae with a smile as she looked at them happily.
Magdaria's eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked at the older woman with familiarity.
"Tae! Where's Sae?" asked Magdaria with a smile.
"You two know each other?" asked Sano shocked.
"Of course rooster head. We lived back in Kyoto together. Want to go find my cousin with me?" asked Tae with an inviting smile.
Magdaria looked at Sano, who could only sigh and nod. He wanted to make her happy, and well seeing old friends would definitely make her day. It was better to have her smile after being in the hospital so long for tests. It was a shame that she only got out of the hospital two days ago. He didn't get a chance to really know her.
She smiled apologetically at him before kissing him on the cheek and racing off after Tae.
Sano grinned as he touched his left cheek and made his way over to the punch bowl.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I never knew that you could dance so well," complemented Soujiro, as he and Misao took the floor together.
"I had a few lessons," said Misao with a smile.
Soujiro only chuckled.
"Why doesn't Megumi dance?" asked Soujiro, as he saw Megumi walking toward the punch bowl alone. Where's Takasugi?
"Well Takasugi went to the restroom, and I don't think she'd feel all too comfortable," said Misao with a frown; it was if she read his mind.
He nodded before resuming to follow the flow of the crowd and dance with the beauty before him that he adored for so long.
Suddenly Soujiro bumped into somebody.
"I'm so sorry..." began the two men at once as they turned around to face each other.
"Shougo? Shura?" asked Misao as the four stopped.
"Hey!" said Shura with a smile to them as they all stopped and looked at each other.
"You two look... great," said Misao with what seemed like a forced smile as she looked at them.
"Thank you. You two do too," said Shura politely.
Misao locked eye contact with Shougo, who looked toward Shura to release their battle.
"I'm suddenly thirsty," said Misao uncomfortably, as she bowed before walking toward another table.
She rushed toward an exit to the other side of the garden as quickly as her dress would allow her; picking up her dress she raced out.
Soujiro looked confused before bowing to the other two and following her outside.
Shougo stared after her, but when Shura began to poke at him to continue. He smiled weakly at her and finished the dance.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Out of all the time to go to the restroom. Thought Megumi angrily as she watched the other couples dance to the music. He's been in there for how long? I need a watch.
She slowly walked to the punch bowl as she looked at the waxed tiles on the floor, and not paying too much attention on where she was going.
Megumi took a cup and was about to pour herself a drink when someone bumped into her.
"Sorry," began Megumi as she looked up, but glared when she met brown eyes.
The two locked eyes before the rooster head before her spoke up.
"Watch where you're going kitsune," said Sano.
Megumi's blood began to boil. The nerve of some people these days.
"Me? You watch where you're going rooster head," snapped back Megumi angrily as she clenched her fists to her side. She wasn't having a good day. The fact that she was just let out of the hospital today after tests and waiting, only made the day seem longer. All she wanted to do was sleep, but Misao and Kaoru had to drag her along.
I'm going to get those two. Thought Megumi bitterly.
The two glared at each other.
Megumi looked away first annoyed, before going back to looking around the ballroom.
"Hey! What time is it?" asked Megumi suddenly.
Sano looked at her confused. Weren't we just arguing?
"8:30, why?" asked Sano curiously, after he put the Rolex to his side on his right hand.
"I was just wondering. Two more hours and thirty minutes to go," said Megumi more to herself as she sighed and walked away, with the red punch and cup in her hands.
Sano cocked an eyebrow after her as he watched her leave. Shrugging, he walked toward the back door and into the alley.
The night air felt cool and refreshing against his warm skin, as he stepped outside. Stars twinkled at him as if in greeting.
He took in a deep breath of the night air, and smiled.
Tapping the case of his cigarettes, he opened a new pack and took out a single white stick before taking a lighter out of his back pocket and lighting it. He slowly took in a deep breath before letting it go.
Just two more hours and a half. Thought Sano as he let go of his breath. A cloud of smoke formed as a white star glistened from above.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I can't believe I actually didn't trip once during the whole dance," said Kaoru with a smile, as she led the way out into the garden.
She twirled around as she redid her steps in the dance before sitting down with a smile upon her face.
This was like a dream come true. First the gown, then the ride, the dance, now all she needed was a prince charming and the fairy tale was complete. (Battousai: ^_^ That's me! I wonder where I can get a white stallion?)
"Well I am a great teacher," said Kenshin with an arrogant grin, as they walked over to a marble bench by the fountain and sat down.
The water seemed to sparkle under the moon's rays, as the water sometimes sprinkled onto them as they watched the water flow downward upon them.
"I don't think I've ever had that much fun," said Kaoru with a huge smile on her face, her eyes twinkling like a two-year-old after tasting candy for the first time.
Kenshin couldn't help but smile at her innocence. If only he could gain his again. How wonderful that would be.
"Thank you," said Kaoru suddenly.
"What for?" asked Kenshin as he moved one leg under him so that he faced her.
"For showing me a good time," said Kaoru as she looked at her hands.
"I should be thanking you," said Kenshin.
"Why?" asked Kaoru as her sapphire orbs moved to look into his amethyst ones.
"For allowing me the honor to be with you tonight," said Kenshin with a grin.
Kaoru blushed and then looked at him angrily before smiling.
"You're so wonderful. A perfect doll in a perfect frame," said Kenshin as he tucked the hair that had fallen over her left eye behind her ear.
Blushing furiously, she looked away.
Kenshin held her chin to him with his thumb and forefinger so that she looked into his eyes. Her pale skin looked magically as the moon reflected behind her form. Kaoru's long ebony locks falling down her shoulders like a silky liquid. How he wanted to rush his hands through her hair.
Kaoru closed her eyes and bent closer to him.
She gasped when she felt his breath teasingly brushing against her red lips.
Kenshin leaned in for the kiss...
*BAM*
The sound was deafening and sent a horrid chill down the couple's spine.
Kaoru's head jerked up and Kenshin stared wide-eyed at the alleyway where the noise had come from. Exchanging glances the two quickly got up and raced to the noise.
Why is it when I come so close, I never get to get what I want? Thought Kenshin bitterly as he raced ahead toward the sound.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Misao! Wait up," cried Soujiro after her when she ran into the maze out in the garden. He had no clue why she ran off like that, they were having such a wonderful time until Shougo showed up. His hands clenched together as he moved faster.
She suddenly froze when she reached the middle, she closed her eyes and clenched her fists to her side. Tears threatened to fall, but she wouldn't allow them. Why am I crying? I'm stronger than this damn it. Why do I still feel for him.?
"What's wrong?" asked Soujiro concerned as he looked at her in the face, his own confused.
"I-I don't know. I really don't. I'm so sorry. It's just that..." Began Misao but she bit her lower lip and looked up into the sky as if wishing for them to tell her what she meant herself.
"It's because of Shougo, isn't it?" asked Soujiro with his head bent, his bangs covering his sapphire orbs.
"Soujiro," said Misao, as she looked at him. She felt terrible, she didn't even understand what she was feeling. But she knew that he felt hurt, it was just too clear in his voice.
"It really doesn't matter," said Soujiro as he looked up at her with a smile, but his eyes told differently. They were hurt and filled with pain.
Misao took a step toward him, feeling even worse by the second.
"It's not him. It's not you. I'm just really confused right now. I don't understand what my heart is saying. It's just... I just need time. The wise once said, that time heals wounds, but not scars. Just give me time please," said Misao with a weak smile, as she place a hand on his shoulder.
Soujiro looked up and stared into her shining jade eyes with newfound hope.
Misao smiled and reached up to peck him on the cheek before bending her head to try and conceive her blush.
Soujiro blushed lightly, but quickly tried to cover it up; he was failing miserable.
"I-I... Misao... There's something that I-I've been wanting to tell you," said Soujiro stuttering for the first time.
"Anything," said Misao with a sincere smile.
"We've know each other for a while, right?"
"Right."
"Well when we were small, I use to... I mean... I really..." began Soujiro but became tongue-tied. He wasn't sure what to tell her.
"Yes?" Asked Misao expectedly.
Soujiro closed his eyes and took in a deep breath before continuing.
"I've always, and still ..." began Soujiro, but a piercing sound was heard. *BAM*
Misao looked utterly shocked, as the two looked toward where the noise came from.
"What happened?" asked Soujiro in shock. Just when I was about to tell her my feelings.
Something twisted in Misao's stomach. That noise was just too familiar.
"I think that it was gunshot. Let's go," said Misao, as she dragged him toward the sound.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin and Kaoru froze at the sight that they saw before them.
Kaoru stepped back, and shook her head as she saw the red liquid ooze its way toward them.
Tomoe suddenly came from around the corner with Takeda to her right and chatting to her.
She screamed and raced toward the frozen body that lied on the ground of the alley. The pregnant woman began to cry as she realized that the body belonged to Akira.
Blood was oozing out of his stomach from a stab in his gut, and his head seemed to have been blown by a gun as parts of his skull remained on the floor.
Kaoru was having trouble breathing as she backed away and shook her head. This isn't happening. This isn't happening. Oh god, not again. Please someone tell me this isn't happening. She kept repeating the words in her head, and shook her head furiously as if to get the vision out of her head.
"Kaoru," said Kenshin as he held her to his chest, she was shaking her head as tears fell onto his shoulder.
Kenshin turned his head from the scene, and to the shocked man that was on the floor.
"Sano, what happened?" demanded Kenshin as a crowd formed.
The man just sat there his eyes wide. He had a dagger in his hand, as he backed up into a wall and tried to stand up.
"What the hell happened?" asked Aoshi's cold voice as he came to the front of the scene in a blue suit. His eyes went wide as he whipped out his cell phone and called the police.
"We heard a booming sound," said Soujiro as he rushed to the front, but froze at the sight.
Misao was right behind Soujiro, but turned around and vomited on the spot in the back of the crowd as she saw the scene. She was one of those people that couldn't stand to see blood. Let alone a body that was practically oozing out organs.
Suddenly sirens were heard and a cop came to the front.
"You have the right to remain silent. You have a right to an attorney. All words said can and will be used against you," said the police as he looked at Sano and the blade in his hand.
Out of shock, Sano dropped the blade into the puddle of Akira's blood and dropped to his knees in shock. He began to shake his head violently as he closed his eyes.
Sirens became louder as paramedics came to take away the body.
"AKIRA!" yelled Tomoe as tears streamed down her face.
The scene became to get dark as the voices began to fade around Kaoru. She was confused as her vision went blurry, and everything seemed to spin.
"Kaoru," yelled Kenshin, as he shook her.
Everything went dark.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: That's the end of this chapter!