(Beyond Cosmos) Angel in Our Midst
By CrystalBlueSeraph
Sailormoon/Rurouni Kenshin Crossover
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailormoon or Rurouni Kenshin.
Part 3
His sudden change in demeanor, the subtle shift of his aura, did not go unnoticed by the adults whose entire focus was solely on him.
Kaoru and Sanoske, both warriors of their own right with varying capabilities whom possessed strong fighting spirits, felt it as sure as a cold relentless rain pouring from the skies, drenching them thoroughly, causing the fine hairs they possessed to stand on end coupled with a tingling sensation of unease, chilling them, and bringing forth feelings of both fear, apprehension, and anticipation, and other contradicting emotions that were only too familiar to them with regard to the past events that would have been foreign to them if not for their association with Kenshin.
Usagi on the other hand, still a stranger to them as they were to her, for never in their conversations and interactions did they breech any information of their pasts, could only watch in awe as she tried to comprehend the stormy and radical changes in Kenshin's overwhelming aura that not only could she feel but see as well.
She was also quite amazed when she caught the sudden change in his eye color, which coincided with the shift of his aura, aura of pure undiluted bloodlust, metallic in taste, cold, but strangely devoid of malice or hatred, barely leashed by an unrelenting self-control and unequaled determination.
He was no ordinary man.
Seeing his struggle, his confusion, motivated her to reach out, to soothe, and with her calming aura, managed to settle down the stormy waves of his chaotic ambiance.
Kaoru, Sanoske, and Yahiko, silent spectators tinged with concern and trepidation, did not go untouched, calmed by a gentle wave they could not see, slowly decreasing the rapid beatings of their hearts, lessening the adrenaline coursing through their veins, leaving them faintly dazed in phenomenal serenity, and later on, after a thoughtful analysis of their comprehended perception of peace... confusion.
Kenshin's stoic face slowly marred with surprise and confusion, for his struggle to keep his darker side within firm control, eased. Of course he never had a problem with controlling his most primal instinct to kill as proven by the countless opponents in the past, all craving spilled blood and cold grave, all of whom crossed swords with him with the intent of killing or be killed, just to pass away or loose in disappointment because they were unable to break Kenshin's solemn oath not to end their life by his sword but be defeated nonetheless.
The radical change in the atmosphere within the room had Kenshin on alert. Instinct had him perform a rapid sweep of his surrounding, assimilating every detail and mentally scrutinizing any elements that were against the norm.
His quick investigation had him viewing Usagi through narrowed eyes, eyes both filled with wonder and slight suspicion, an act that did not go unnoticed by Usagi's awareness.
They locked eyes for what seemed like an eternity, although it was only for a moment, with Kenshin's silent demand of future enlightenment on what had transpired, together with the inquiry of her identity that till now would not have made any difference, known or not , until recent events suggested otherwise. Usagi's silent acquiesce, fortified with a slight nod to further show her understanding, was her reply.
They would talk, but in the meantime, the need to discuss the recent events occurred was their priority.
Kenshin, having recovered from his emotional and mental disposition although still filled with colossal questions which remained unanswered, slid the piece of parchment across the wooden floor, and left it resting in front of Sanoske, who dutifully reached for it, and read what was written.
Sanoske tensed a little bit, eyes narrow and shoulders rigid.
"What does it say, Sano?" Asked Kaoru who had noticed Sanoske's reaction to the message, breaking the silence that had permeated the room, further dispelling the puzzling serenity they had undergone in a short period of time. She decided to ponder that small phenomenon in the quiet of her room when everybody retired for the night, focusing on the matter at hand.
"Governor Ryu Ishida. Noon. A ghost from the past...That's what it says." Sanoske replied, his right hand clenching the offending piece of parchment.
Kaoru gasped, recalling the conversation she had with Kenshin and Sanoske on their way home. Its significance connecting to the puzzle they had been trying to solve since the spread of news of the assassinations of government officials in a way familiar to them, having first hand experience of the same occurrence in the past.
"So... what's the deal?" Yahiko asked irritated. He didn't like the idea of being left in the dark. He still could not fathom what got everyone so tense with a mere mention of a name and time.
Kaoru's demeanor became pensive, and in a hush voice answered Yahiko's question. "Govermor Ryu Ishida was murdered this noon. Kenshin and Sanoske were also informed of other assassinations with the same pattern. Concerning parties, the police and the government officials involved, received the same message before the murder."
Silence once again followed Kaoru's speech, everyone pondering the possibilities of past enemies coming back from the grave, everyone with the exception of Usagi due to her lack of knowledge. She remained a silent spectator, quietly acquiring information from their conversations and observing their ever changing behaviors.
Yahiko's eyes suddenly rounded with shock and disbelief. "Udo Jin-E..." He muttered through the stillness and tenseness of their surrounding.
"But that's just not possible... He died, didn't he?" Sanoske voiced through gritted teeth, meaningfully gazing at Kenshin.
"Yes. He died. I know because I checked." Kenshin replied succinctly in a monotone voice.
"Umm... W-who is Udo Jin-E?" Usagi asked, successfully ending her quiet observation and getting everyone's attention. Aside from Kenshin, everybody else had forgotten her presence.
"Oh... sorry." Kaoru muttered breathily, her cheeks tinted with slight blush. What a poor hostess she had been for forgetting their guest when she was right in front of her. And as retribution, offered to answer the question.
"Udo Jin-E, otherwise known as Kurogasa, was once a man-slayer, an assassin, fighting in the revolution with the Shinsen Gumi. He derives pleasure from staining his sword with the blood of both the corrupt and the innocent alike. After the revolution, Kurogasa slue many officials of the Meiji government, announcing his targets first before killing them." Kaoru paused, gauging the reaction of those listening, and seeing none but their undivided attention, cleared her throat that had gone dry and continued...
"An official was targeted before, and due to fear, hired many swordsmen in addition to the police officers stationed for his protection. Kenshin and Sanoske were among the swordsmen hired. That night, they met Kurogasa who then recognized Kenshin as the former Battosai, the man slayer. Knowing Kenshin's identity, Kurogasa announced that he would not kill anymore Meiji Government officials, but would kill Kenshin when he turned into Battosai once more. To accomplish this... h-he... captured me, hoping Kenshin would get angry enough to cross-over and turn into his former self."
Kaoru looked over at Kenshin, knowing that she imparted too much information regarding his personal life, something that he should decide himself whether it should be shared to the new member of their little dojo who, even after months of stay, still remained a stranger to them.
Kenshin noticed her hesitation but remained stoic and quiet nonetheless, allowing none to see the emotion raging inside his being, conjured by the memories held in Kaoru's speech.
Kaoru, seeing no protest from Kenshin, just an unemotional mask set on his stiff posture, continued her speech, submerging herself to one of the most frightful memories she ever had.
"He, Kurogasa, used the Shin-no-ippou style on me. I was frozen, unable to move, unable to speak, unable to breath, and could only watch, watch as Kenshin tried to save me and fight for his life at the same time, all the while fighting his conflict within, fight against the taunts inflicted on him, fight against a colossal urge to breach his solemn oath not to end a life by his sword."
Rivulets of tears run across Kaoru's cheeks, unable to hide the emotional turmoil she felt rushing at her as she recalled the event that changed her life. After a while, she gave a wavering smile.
"He did not succeed though. In the end, he killed himself. Kenshin's oath still remains unsullied." Kaoru concluded, resolved to keep the details of what happened in that small clearing remain only between her and Kenshin... only between the two of them.
The others did not have to know that in a short period of time, Kenshin did change, altered into Battosai the man slayer, resolute in ending his oath. If not for her, he would have done it, he would have returned to the way of life he wanted to atone, return to a life of bloodshed and death.
She gazed at Usagi who, during her tale, could not hold the sorrow she felt as well. Crystalline tears ran down her flawless cheeks, eyes filled with so much sympathy, drowning with overflowing compassion.
Kaoru had the sudden urge to close the gap between them and hug her, to spill all the emotions she felt, to share all her problems, all her fears, but decided to go against it.
Usagi felt her sorrow, her fear, and could not help but shed her own tears. She knew there was more to the story and understood why it couldn't be shared.
"So...it would seem that somehow...somebody is following on his footsteps...or...is it possible that he didn't die at all?" Usagi asked. She knew of Kenshin's conviction, of his belief that the evil man was dead, and she knew that Kenshin was not one to state dubious facts.
A possibility unfurled within her mind, a possibility that the rest would render unfeasible... a possibility involving supernatural elements that to them might be unthinkable, as she recalled the spike of familiar sinister aura during the vile attack that happened that day.
Inwardly, she processed and studied the little memory of its feel, its substance, its taste...its essence, noting its precise detail, and comparing its similarities to all the auras she encountered within her lifetime for its familiarity.
And then, after a moment, recognition flooded her, leaving her cold and still.
Blanching visibly, eyes dazed, she unconsciously withdrew from those around her, letting instinct take over the functions of her body.
"Chaos..." She muttered breathily, voice too low for those of normal hearing to pick up.
Kenshin heard it though, having a very good sense of hearing that aided him tremendously during his fights, one of the distinguished skills he possessed that made him a very good swordsman.
His anticipation on having the talk with Usagi increased, for more questions were formed.
Time was of the essence.
The mystery must be solved.
Delays should there be none.
Innocents be spared,
Peace restored.
To Be Continued...............
Author's Note
THIS WHOLE CHAPTER PERTAINS TO THE PAST!!!
Thanks for all who reviewed and once again, I apologize for not ending this story this time . . . again.
Sorry!
I've been so busy lately...seeking employment and all.
So, I hope you won't loose interest in this work because I do plan on ending it soon.
Thanks again.
CrystalBlueSeraph
PS: Do not forget to REVIEW.