Authors notes: Hey guys I am back many weeks and many stories latter to continue the adventures of our favorite British soldiers. So I misspelled Yahiko in he last chapter so sue me hope you are all looking forward to the next chapter in this epic. Enjoy and please review, come on is that asking too much.
It had been two weeks since the attack on the British Embassy in Yokohama. Ambassador Norrington stood waiting in the lobby of the Empyreal Palace in Japan. He had prepared a speech to present to the Emperor who he was told could understand English. He was still very shaken up from his experience at Yokohama but was glad to still have an escort of two British soldiers as well as two Japanese soldiers who had been assigned to him by the Emperor. Although he was grateful to the Japanese soldiers and they had been very respectful to him for the past week he could not bring himself to trust them as he did the British Guards. He could tell that there was some suspicion between the four guards; he knew they didn't trust each other. Finally the doors slid open and an usher came out.
"Norrington sama," began the usher with a bow. "The Emperor awaits."
With that the British Ambassador walked forward into the Emperor's chamber, with his four guards at his side. He entered the chamber and came into view of the emperor. He and his escorts bowed and then advanced forward. "My lord," began Norrington. "I come to you with great grievances. As you are aware two weeks ago a band of rebellious Samurai attacked my residence in Yokohama on an attempt on my life," as he said this a silence hushed over the room, as if being told this first hand made it more real than ever. Norrington continued, "As you can see I am alive but many of Her majesty's men are dead."
The emperor's subordinate stepped forwards, "The emperor is sorry for the loss of..." he was cut off in mid sentence by the emperor's hand. The Emperor stood up to look the Ambassador strait in the eye.
"I apologies for the loss of your men," began the Emperor. "These people who attacked you are not the true Japan," he continued. "They refuse to live a life without violence, death and war. You must understand we hold your nation in that of the highest regard," he finished.
"I do accept your apologies my lord," stated Norrington. "But the Queen grows tiresome of losing her men to a country we are on friendly terms with. We were told when this started over a year ago that the Japanese army would take drastic action to bring them to justice. But there has been no captures reported and the number of these rebels only seems to escalate with every attack. Not only on the British but on the Americans, and Russians as well."
"I understand your frustrations," began the emperor. "I have spoken with my military staff on the matter, they believe some of the leaders of the rebels are former leaders of our army that helped win the war against the Shogun. They know our strategies and our movements; there is also a possibility that there is a faction within our ranks who is in league with them," explained the emperor.
"My lord forgive me for speaking frankly, but we cannot simply stand waiting for your army to straiten its ranks out," state a clearly not impressed ambassador. "We are loosing men weekly along with the Americans and Russians and we simply can not wait any longer," explained Norrington. The ambassador hesitated for a moment then continued, "We would like permission to take our own offensive action against these rebels."
The emperor paused for a moment then gave his reply, "Ironically enough I have received that exact same request from the Americans and the Russians earlier today," replied the emperor. "My response to them is the same you shall receive," he said. Norrington doubted that they would be given permission. "You may place together a small detachment of no more than 150 men and have them rally here at my palace where they will be given their assigned duties and treated just as members of my army, they will follow the orders of me and my Generals."
Norrington thought of this deal and decided he could not receive much better with out insulting the emperor. "I accept your offer my lord but I pray you be think well of this for if our men are to be mistreated or coordinated poorly and lead to their deaths I fear our diplomacy might be compromised," he stated sincerely.
"You need not fear for your men," stated the emperor. "I will see that they are well taken care of. They will be lead by two of their own commanders of whom will report directly to my top war council. I assure you they will be granted all privileges as my army," he said.
"Thank you my lord," began Norrington. "I will inform the diplomatic commander immediately and attach a mixed regiment," he said. With a bow he turned and left the room with the four guards at his side. They proceeded out of the Palace to the stagecoach that would take them back to the Embassy. When they reached the road all four soldiers looked around being extra cautious. Suddenly one of the Japanese soldiers jumped towards Norrington.
"Norrington sama, GET DOWN!" he shouted as he leaped in front of him and pushed him down. Norrington was shocked. Almost instantly after a bullet tore through the soldier's body at the stomach. With a scream of agony he fell to the ground beside the terror stricken ambassador. Several more bullets splintered towards the ambassador and the three remaining soldiers crouching behind the stagecoach. The two British soldiers simultaneously raised their rifles and fired at the building where the shots were coming from. The other Japanese soldier held the dying soldier in his arms till his last breath.
Kenji Yatama was furious he had just lost his best friend to a band of hateful rebels who refused to tolerate foreigners. With nothing but anger in his heart he raised his sword with its bayonet already fixed and dashed towards the building. After dodging a few bullets he made it to the door. He promptly broke it down and rushed in.
Cook and Burke looked shocked at the courageous soldier who had just dodged no less than five bullets to get to the nearby door. Only a bullet zipping past them snapped them out of it. "I say if that man were in our army they'd give him a Victoria Cross," said Cook. Burke nodded and fired his weapon towards the building windows of which he thought were the ones the shoots fired out of. Cook and Burke were growing tiresome of being target practice for ruthless band of renegades. They had lost enough of their friends at Yokohama. Soldiers form the palace came running out to assist them. At least five soldiers came up and crouched beside them under the coach. Cook and Burke decided that their eastern friend could use a hand. "Mr. Ambassador, stay here with these men," ordered Cook. "Come on mate, lets give the old bloke a hand shall we," he said to his friend. Burke nodded. After the Japanese soldiers firing from the towers of the palace fired a volley the two of them charged the door of the building without any trouble and entered the building. They figured the shooters were upstairs. The two of them climbed the stairs slowly and cautiously, expecting close contact with the enemy. When they reached the top they saw Kenji waiting there. Before Burke could say anything Kenji put his finger to his lips telling them to keep quiet. A few moments later he motioned them to get up and follow him. They went further down the hall until they reached a slid door and heard shots on the other side. Kenji motioned to the door. Burke took hold of the door handle ready to slide it open for the other two to charge in. Kenji and Cook readied themselves. Burke counted to three with his fingers. On three Burke pulled open the door and they all charged in screaming. The four gunmen turned but to late the three of them fired their weapons killing three of the gunmen and Kenji quickly ran the other through with his bayonet. Cook looked at Kenji with intrigue, and Kenji returned his gaze. "Quick thinking," he complimented.
"Thank you," responded Kenji. Suddenly they heard on noise form the other room. The sound of two people running down a staircase. They knew instantly that they were trying to escape out the back. They reloaded their breach loading rifles and ran in pursuit. They ran downstairs and found the rear exit from the building. As soon as the exited they saw two men running down the street with guns.
"HALT!" shouted Cook as he fired a warning shot into the air. Normally they would just shoot at him but there we many civilians around who could get caught in the cross fire. But the men did not stop. "After them!" shouted Cook. They had barely taken a step when suddenly with an instantaneous slash the running men fell to the ground at the feet of another man holding a Samurai sword. After a moment of shock Cook and the other two ran up to the swordsman and the fallen shooters.
"That was a bloody good trick mate," complimented Burke as they approached their knew arrival.
"Thank you," the swordsman responded with a bow. The swordsman had red hair and whore the traditional Japanese male civilian clothing. They were a little suspicious of him at first. The enormous X-shaped scare on his face suggested that he was a veteran of the revolution but the expression on his face expressed no faction of hatred.
"But how in heavens name did you do that so quick? It was like a bolt of lighting. It happened within a second!" exclaimed Burke.
Before the swordsman could answer he was cut off by Kenji's rifle pointed in his face. "Kenji have you gone mad?" asked Cook. "This man just helped us capture these men he is no threat to us."
"He carries a sword," stated Kenji. "Swords are forbidden in public. Now drop it," he said. Reluctantly, the swordsman dropped it to the ground. Kenji picked it up and examined it. "What it is a reverse blade sword," stated Kenji in shock. "Then you are Kenshin Himura?" asked Kenji.
"I am Himura Kenshin that I am," stated the swordsman.
"My apologies I did not know," explained Kenji.
"It is no problem at all, but may I have my sword back please?" asked Kenshin with a goofy smile. Kenji handed him his sword. Burke who had been examining the injured gunmen stood up in shock.
"This is impossible!" he began. "These men haven't even been injured, he cut them down like trees with his blade but I can't find any wounds!"
"Yes, it is my sword," said Kenshin extending his sword for them to see. "As you can see the blade is on the opposite side of the sword. So as long as I attack with the dull side it can not kill anyone."
"Amazing!" said Burke as he examined the sword.
"Hold on a moment," began Cook. "Exactly who is this?" asked Cook who was having trouble taking all this in at once.
Kenji explained, "This is Kenshin Himura, a hero of the revolution. One of the greatest swordsmen in all of Japan. Kenshin blushed as if embarrassed by all the sudden attention.
"You overly praise me," stated Kenshin with a friendly smile. "There are many master swordsmen in Japan," he stated.
"None so great as you Himura sama," responded Kenji.
"Well I believe you have flattered me quite enough," said Kenshin as he sheathed his sword. I'm afraid I must be going that I must. Farewell then," said Kenshin with a bow. The others returned his bow before he turned and left them there.
Moments later empyreal soldiers arrived and took the gunmen into the custody. Cook and the other two returned to the coach where they left the Norrington. They helped the terrified ambassador onto the coach. Before they climbed on Cook and Burke turned to see Kenji staring at the other soldiers body being carried away by soldiers, to be buried no doubt. "You knew him well?" asked Burke. Kenji responded with a nod. "I'm real sorry mate," he said with a pat on Kenji's shoulder. Kenji only nodded his acknowledgement and acceptance of Burke's kindness. It was clear to the Irish soldiers that he had lost a dear friend and was straining greatly to keep a grip on himself least he shame himself. The three of them climbed into the coach. "Well try to think of it this way," began Burke. "Now your friend is in a..." he paused for a moment then continued, "a much better place," he finished sadly. Kenji looked at Burke for a moment.
"Yes," responded Kenji. "A much better place," he finished. With a shout form Cook the driver snapped the reins and in silence the road back to the Embassy where the rest of the Brigade awaited.
It had been two weeks since the attack on the British Embassy in Yokohama. Ambassador Norrington stood waiting in the lobby of the Empyreal Palace in Japan. He had prepared a speech to present to the Emperor who he was told could understand English. He was still very shaken up from his experience at Yokohama but was glad to still have an escort of two British soldiers as well as two Japanese soldiers who had been assigned to him by the Emperor. Although he was grateful to the Japanese soldiers and they had been very respectful to him for the past week he could not bring himself to trust them as he did the British Guards. He could tell that there was some suspicion between the four guards; he knew they didn't trust each other. Finally the doors slid open and an usher came out.
"Norrington sama," began the usher with a bow. "The Emperor awaits."
With that the British Ambassador walked forward into the Emperor's chamber, with his four guards at his side. He entered the chamber and came into view of the emperor. He and his escorts bowed and then advanced forward. "My lord," began Norrington. "I come to you with great grievances. As you are aware two weeks ago a band of rebellious Samurai attacked my residence in Yokohama on an attempt on my life," as he said this a silence hushed over the room, as if being told this first hand made it more real than ever. Norrington continued, "As you can see I am alive but many of Her majesty's men are dead."
The emperor's subordinate stepped forwards, "The emperor is sorry for the loss of..." he was cut off in mid sentence by the emperor's hand. The Emperor stood up to look the Ambassador strait in the eye.
"I apologies for the loss of your men," began the Emperor. "These people who attacked you are not the true Japan," he continued. "They refuse to live a life without violence, death and war. You must understand we hold your nation in that of the highest regard," he finished.
"I do accept your apologies my lord," stated Norrington. "But the Queen grows tiresome of losing her men to a country we are on friendly terms with. We were told when this started over a year ago that the Japanese army would take drastic action to bring them to justice. But there has been no captures reported and the number of these rebels only seems to escalate with every attack. Not only on the British but on the Americans, and Russians as well."
"I understand your frustrations," began the emperor. "I have spoken with my military staff on the matter, they believe some of the leaders of the rebels are former leaders of our army that helped win the war against the Shogun. They know our strategies and our movements; there is also a possibility that there is a faction within our ranks who is in league with them," explained the emperor.
"My lord forgive me for speaking frankly, but we cannot simply stand waiting for your army to straiten its ranks out," state a clearly not impressed ambassador. "We are loosing men weekly along with the Americans and Russians and we simply can not wait any longer," explained Norrington. The ambassador hesitated for a moment then continued, "We would like permission to take our own offensive action against these rebels."
The emperor paused for a moment then gave his reply, "Ironically enough I have received that exact same request from the Americans and the Russians earlier today," replied the emperor. "My response to them is the same you shall receive," he said. Norrington doubted that they would be given permission. "You may place together a small detachment of no more than 150 men and have them rally here at my palace where they will be given their assigned duties and treated just as members of my army, they will follow the orders of me and my Generals."
Norrington thought of this deal and decided he could not receive much better with out insulting the emperor. "I accept your offer my lord but I pray you be think well of this for if our men are to be mistreated or coordinated poorly and lead to their deaths I fear our diplomacy might be compromised," he stated sincerely.
"You need not fear for your men," stated the emperor. "I will see that they are well taken care of. They will be lead by two of their own commanders of whom will report directly to my top war council. I assure you they will be granted all privileges as my army," he said.
"Thank you my lord," began Norrington. "I will inform the diplomatic commander immediately and attach a mixed regiment," he said. With a bow he turned and left the room with the four guards at his side. They proceeded out of the Palace to the stagecoach that would take them back to the Embassy. When they reached the road all four soldiers looked around being extra cautious. Suddenly one of the Japanese soldiers jumped towards Norrington.
"Norrington sama, GET DOWN!" he shouted as he leaped in front of him and pushed him down. Norrington was shocked. Almost instantly after a bullet tore through the soldier's body at the stomach. With a scream of agony he fell to the ground beside the terror stricken ambassador. Several more bullets splintered towards the ambassador and the three remaining soldiers crouching behind the stagecoach. The two British soldiers simultaneously raised their rifles and fired at the building where the shots were coming from. The other Japanese soldier held the dying soldier in his arms till his last breath.
Kenji Yatama was furious he had just lost his best friend to a band of hateful rebels who refused to tolerate foreigners. With nothing but anger in his heart he raised his sword with its bayonet already fixed and dashed towards the building. After dodging a few bullets he made it to the door. He promptly broke it down and rushed in.
Cook and Burke looked shocked at the courageous soldier who had just dodged no less than five bullets to get to the nearby door. Only a bullet zipping past them snapped them out of it. "I say if that man were in our army they'd give him a Victoria Cross," said Cook. Burke nodded and fired his weapon towards the building windows of which he thought were the ones the shoots fired out of. Cook and Burke were growing tiresome of being target practice for ruthless band of renegades. They had lost enough of their friends at Yokohama. Soldiers form the palace came running out to assist them. At least five soldiers came up and crouched beside them under the coach. Cook and Burke decided that their eastern friend could use a hand. "Mr. Ambassador, stay here with these men," ordered Cook. "Come on mate, lets give the old bloke a hand shall we," he said to his friend. Burke nodded. After the Japanese soldiers firing from the towers of the palace fired a volley the two of them charged the door of the building without any trouble and entered the building. They figured the shooters were upstairs. The two of them climbed the stairs slowly and cautiously, expecting close contact with the enemy. When they reached the top they saw Kenji waiting there. Before Burke could say anything Kenji put his finger to his lips telling them to keep quiet. A few moments later he motioned them to get up and follow him. They went further down the hall until they reached a slid door and heard shots on the other side. Kenji motioned to the door. Burke took hold of the door handle ready to slide it open for the other two to charge in. Kenji and Cook readied themselves. Burke counted to three with his fingers. On three Burke pulled open the door and they all charged in screaming. The four gunmen turned but to late the three of them fired their weapons killing three of the gunmen and Kenji quickly ran the other through with his bayonet. Cook looked at Kenji with intrigue, and Kenji returned his gaze. "Quick thinking," he complimented.
"Thank you," responded Kenji. Suddenly they heard on noise form the other room. The sound of two people running down a staircase. They knew instantly that they were trying to escape out the back. They reloaded their breach loading rifles and ran in pursuit. They ran downstairs and found the rear exit from the building. As soon as the exited they saw two men running down the street with guns.
"HALT!" shouted Cook as he fired a warning shot into the air. Normally they would just shoot at him but there we many civilians around who could get caught in the cross fire. But the men did not stop. "After them!" shouted Cook. They had barely taken a step when suddenly with an instantaneous slash the running men fell to the ground at the feet of another man holding a Samurai sword. After a moment of shock Cook and the other two ran up to the swordsman and the fallen shooters.
"That was a bloody good trick mate," complimented Burke as they approached their knew arrival.
"Thank you," the swordsman responded with a bow. The swordsman had red hair and whore the traditional Japanese male civilian clothing. They were a little suspicious of him at first. The enormous X-shaped scare on his face suggested that he was a veteran of the revolution but the expression on his face expressed no faction of hatred.
"But how in heavens name did you do that so quick? It was like a bolt of lighting. It happened within a second!" exclaimed Burke.
Before the swordsman could answer he was cut off by Kenji's rifle pointed in his face. "Kenji have you gone mad?" asked Cook. "This man just helped us capture these men he is no threat to us."
"He carries a sword," stated Kenji. "Swords are forbidden in public. Now drop it," he said. Reluctantly, the swordsman dropped it to the ground. Kenji picked it up and examined it. "What it is a reverse blade sword," stated Kenji in shock. "Then you are Kenshin Himura?" asked Kenji.
"I am Himura Kenshin that I am," stated the swordsman.
"My apologies I did not know," explained Kenji.
"It is no problem at all, but may I have my sword back please?" asked Kenshin with a goofy smile. Kenji handed him his sword. Burke who had been examining the injured gunmen stood up in shock.
"This is impossible!" he began. "These men haven't even been injured, he cut them down like trees with his blade but I can't find any wounds!"
"Yes, it is my sword," said Kenshin extending his sword for them to see. "As you can see the blade is on the opposite side of the sword. So as long as I attack with the dull side it can not kill anyone."
"Amazing!" said Burke as he examined the sword.
"Hold on a moment," began Cook. "Exactly who is this?" asked Cook who was having trouble taking all this in at once.
Kenji explained, "This is Kenshin Himura, a hero of the revolution. One of the greatest swordsmen in all of Japan. Kenshin blushed as if embarrassed by all the sudden attention.
"You overly praise me," stated Kenshin with a friendly smile. "There are many master swordsmen in Japan," he stated.
"None so great as you Himura sama," responded Kenji.
"Well I believe you have flattered me quite enough," said Kenshin as he sheathed his sword. I'm afraid I must be going that I must. Farewell then," said Kenshin with a bow. The others returned his bow before he turned and left them there.
Moments later empyreal soldiers arrived and took the gunmen into the custody. Cook and the other two returned to the coach where they left the Norrington. They helped the terrified ambassador onto the coach. Before they climbed on Cook and Burke turned to see Kenji staring at the other soldiers body being carried away by soldiers, to be buried no doubt. "You knew him well?" asked Burke. Kenji responded with a nod. "I'm real sorry mate," he said with a pat on Kenji's shoulder. Kenji only nodded his acknowledgement and acceptance of Burke's kindness. It was clear to the Irish soldiers that he had lost a dear friend and was straining greatly to keep a grip on himself least he shame himself. The three of them climbed into the coach. "Well try to think of it this way," began Burke. "Now your friend is in a..." he paused for a moment then continued, "a much better place," he finished sadly. Kenji looked at Burke for a moment.
"Yes," responded Kenji. "A much better place," he finished. With a shout form Cook the driver snapped the reins and in silence the road back to the Embassy where the rest of the Brigade awaited.