Author's Notes: The flashback scene in this chapter is in italics.

White Rose, Black Rose

by Amberle-chan

Chapter Two

The following week they all stepped off the train in Kyoto, laden down with bags and gifts for the residents of the Aoiya. Megumi sighed as she put her bag down on the station platform and then she stretched, not caring if anyone stared at her because of her strange movements. She had always found traveling by train tiring and constraining. She turned to Kaoru and saw someone who looked and felt worse than she did. Kenji had fussed during the whole trip, obviously finding the noise of the train's engine and occasional tooting horn upsetting to his tiny baby ears. He had not settled down until the last hour of the trip. He now lay quietly in his mother's arms, finally asleep. Kenshin approached his wife, putting a supportive arm around her waist, knowing how tired she was. He had tried to quiet Kenji also, but his son always seemed to find more comfort in his mother's arms.

Yahiko put his own bags down on the platform and began to scan the crowd for Aoshi and Misao, who said that they would meet everyone at the station. He was surprised when he saw Kuro and Omasu approach them.

"Himura-san! Takani-sensei!" Kuro exclaimed as he pushed through the crowd toward them. People parted around him, giving the heavily muscled man a wide berth.

Megumi turned to face him and Omasu and could immediately tell that something was wrong; both of them were wearing very grim expressions.

"Kuro-san, Omasu-dono," Kenshin greeted them, bowing. "We were expecting Aoshi-san and Misao-dono. Is anything wrong?"

"There's been an incident," Kuro said.

"An incident?" Megumi asked, stepping up to stand by Kenshin's side.

"There was a disturbance at the temple this morning," Omasu explained. "We don't know the whole story yet, but someone shot Aoshi-san!"

"What?" Kaoru gasped.

Kuro nodded. "He was taken to the hospital. Okina and Megumi are there now," he turned to Megumi and bowed. "Takani-sensei, we have a carriage waiting. Will you please come?"

Megumi nodded once, quickly picked up her medicine box, and turned to her friends. "I'll see you at the Aoiya, later, ok?" She followed Kuro through the crowd, leaving them with Omasu to take them to the Aoiya.

"Megumi!" Misao cried when she spotted the doctor walking down the hallway toward her and Okina. The young girl ran over to Megumi and hugged her. "I'm so glad you're here. Please, you have to help him!"

Megumi smiled. "Don't worry, Misao-chan, I will," she assured the girl. She nodded at Okina in greeting, who was standing beside a closed door. Okina nodded grimly in reply and opened the door. Megumi stepped into the room. Aoshi was lying on a western-style bed, unconscious, his abdomen wrapped in bandages. A male doctor, only a little older than Megumi, was bent over Aoshi's still form, peering into his eyes. He straightened up as they entered the room.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"This is Takani-sensei," Okina said, "the doctor I told you about. Megumi- san, this is Benjiro Inoue. He's been treating Aoshi since we brought him here."

He smirked as he looked at Megumi with contempt. "You never said she was a woman."

Okina took one step further into the room, his expression angry. "Nevertheless, she is an excellent doctor," the older man said, his voice barely containing his fury. "She is the one doctor I trust to take care of Aoshi-san."

Megumi smiled at the older man in gratitude, but then her face tightened into a frown as she turned back to the other physician. She was used to the gender bias that was usually thrown her way, but it didn't make her any less angry each time it happened. "I've taken bullets out of him before," she stated blandly. "Check his left shoulder, sensei. You'll find a small scar." She couldn't help thinking of the many things that had changed since the time she and Aoshi Shinomori had worked for Kanryu Takeda. She had grown and changed, and she wondered if Aoshi had changed at all as well, or if he was still the same cold, unfeeling person she had known then.

"Takani-sensei!" Hannya called up to her tower room. "The Okashira's been shot! Get down here now!"

Megumi reached for her medicine box, walked over to open the door, and paused. Why should she help the man who kept her a prisoner to be an opium woman for Kanryu Takeda? Then her father's handsome face flashed through her mind, and once more she heard his voice as he taught her the first lessons of medicine. "You must treat everyone, no matter what the circumstances, Megumi-chan. Doctors cannot have prejudices. If someone before you is hurt, you treat them. It is your duty as a doctor."

She began to walk down the stairs; Hannya met her two landings down and led her to Aoshi's room. He was laying on his futon, his skin gray and ashen, bleeding from a wound in his shoulder. She knelt by his side and began to remove the shirt away from his shoulder; he did not say anything or even look at her as he gritted his teeth silently against the agony the slight movement caused.

"I'm going to need some boiled water," she said to the four Oniwanbanshuu standing in the doorway. Beshimi turned and ran down the stairs.

While she waited for Beshimi to return with the water, she opened her medicine box and pulled out a small knife, some white bandages, and a small piece of leather. A few minutes later, Beshimi returned with a full basin of steaming water and some towels. She washed the area around the bullet wound clean of blood and then picked up the small piece of toughened leather.

"You should bite down on this," she instructed Aoshi, placing the leather between his teeth," She then turned to Hannya and Shikijo, who were still standing in the doorway. "You'll have to hold him down."

Both men knelt at their leader's head and feet and held onto his arms and legs. Megumi spent the next two hours taking out the bullet from Aoshi's shoulder and stitching up the wound. He remained conscious throughout the entire procedure, barely even moving and not even crying out behind the leather in his mouth, as she cut into his flesh. Yet, despite his stoicism, she could tell that he was in agony by the way his blue eyes widened and occasionally deepened to a blue-green color. When she finished bandaging his shoulder, she removed the leather from his mouth. Aoshi did not say anything to her, but just stared at her with shadowed eyes, as she placed her instruments and the remaining bandages back into her box and stood up.

"You're welcome," she said sarcastically as she turned and left the room.

Megumi spent the next several days checking her patient's wound for infection. After more than a week had gone by, she returned to his room once more and removed the stitches. Once more, the Okashira did not speak to her as she worked. When the last stitch was removed, she closed her medicine box, stood up, and strode to door.

"Takani-sensei," Aoshi's voice spoke from behind her. Her back stiffened but she did not turn around. He spoke once more. "Thank you."

Dr. Inoue pulled the sleeping yukata gently away from Aoshi's shoulder; there was a small, but well-healed scar there. He pursued his lips and stepped away from the bed, indicating that he was willing to let her examine Aoshi.

Megumi first checked Aoshi's pulse and then she pulled back his eyelids to examine his eyes. She then gently unwrapped the bandages around Aoshi's abdomen. She could tell that the bullet was still in his body and had not gone through his back. The wound had been properly cleaned and appeared to have stopped bleeding, but that did not mean that Aoshi was not bleeding internally.

"How long ago did this happen, Okina?" Megumi asked.

It was Misao who answered. "Only a little more than two hours ago, Megumi." The girl was wringing her hands, her jade eyes wide and frightened. "I went to the temple to fetch Aoshi-sama before we were going to meet you and the Himuras at the train station. There was a man attacking a woman just outside the temple grounds. Aoshi-sama went to go stop him, but before I could help, the man pulled out a gun and shot him. He just shot him!"

Okina lovingly put one arm around Misao's shoulders as she began to cry. Megumi tried to reassure her once more. "Don't worry, Misao, I'm sure that Aoshi-san will be fine once we get the bullet out of him. Inoue-sensei is a good doctor, too. He knew that Aoshi had to be stable before attempting surgery in the abdomen." Benjiro Inoue's eyebrows rose in surprise at the compliment from a woman he had just insulted. "And Aoshi-san does appear to be stable, Inoue-sensei. Were you preparing for surgery when I came in?"

The man's brown eyes were still startled as he nodded. "Hai, I was just examining him one last time."

"Then let's get started," Megumi said.

Several hours later, Megumi stepped out of the small surgical room where she and Dr. Inoue had operated on Aoshi. She was tired, but very satisfied. After removing the bullet, she and Dr. Inoue had discovered that it had nicked Aoshi's liver, but the damage was easily repaired. She headed down to the small area where she knew everyone would be anxiously waiting for her good news.

She wasn't surprised to see that practically the whole staff of the Aoiya was there, either sitting on the floor or leaning against the walls. She wasn't even startled that the Himuras were there as well. However, she was surprised by the presence of a short, handsome young man who had Misao's head pillowed against his shoulder.

Every single person there stood up or straightened their backs as she entered the room. She beamed at them. "Aoshi-san is going to be just fine. He'll need to rest and recover for the next few weeks, but he'll be just fine."

There was a collective sigh around the room as Okina approached her and bowed deeply. "We are once again deeply in your debt, Megumi-san."

Megumi bowed in reply. "I was happy to help, Okina-san. However, Dr. Inoue also did an excellent job of taking care of Aoshi before I even arrived."

"Then I will have to thank him also," the older man said.

The young man holding Misao kissed her temple as she sagged against him in relief. "See, Misao? I told you Aoshi-san would be fine."

Megumi's eyebrows rose in surprise at the endearment. Okina noticed her expression and explained. "That's right, you haven't met Misao's intended yet, have you?" he said. "This is Seta Soujiro."

The young man, who she had heard of before, but never met, bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Takani-sensei," he said.

Megumi was even more startled. How had anyone who had once worked for Makoto Shishio become involved with Misao? He must have changed very much over the five years since that incident if he could have stolen Misao's heart away from Aoshi. "Intended?" she asked.

"That's what the surprise was," Misao answered, her eyes pouting for just a moment. "Soujiro and I were planning to have our yui-no later on this week." "So we'll wait, Misao," Soujiro said, "until Aoshi-san is better. I don't mind."

Misao grasped Soujiro's hand tightly and smiled, a smile just for him. "Thank you, Sou." She turned toward Megumi. "Can we see him, Megumi?"

Megumi shook her head. "He'll be asleep for several hours yet, and he really does need to rest," she stated. "Why don't you all go back to the Aoiya and one or two of you can visit tomorrow. I don't want to overtax Aoshi-san with visitors."

"You also need to rest, Megumi," Kaoru spoke up. "We spent hours on that train and now you've been taking care of Aoshi-san as well."

"Kaoru is right," Kenshin agreed.

"It's okay," Megumi replied. "I should really stay here to keep a watch on Aoshi-san. I'm sure they can find a place for me to sleep tonight. Go back to the Aoiya." She smiled her sly fox grin at the whole group of worried friends. "Doctor's orders."

There were one or two more protests, but soon everyone began to leave, except for Okina, who went in search of Dr. Inoue. Okun turned back to her before she followed Kuro out the door. "I'll have someone bring some food for you later, Megumi-san."

"That would be deeply appreciated, Okun-san," Megumi said, bowing slightly. A moment later, the small waiting area was empty.

Megumi managed to find an unused bed in a room just across the hall from Aoshi's room. She checked his condition one last time and was grateful to see that he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Before she retreated to the bed and the sleep she was desperately beginning to crave, she asked a nurse to wake her if Aoshi's condition changed or if he awakened. She then changed into the sleeping yukata that Kaoru had thoughtfully handed her along with another kimono and smock just before she left the hospital with Kenshin. She wasn't surprised that Kaoru had known she would remain at the hospital. She wrapped herself in the blankets and was asleep in moments.

She felt like she had only been asleep a few minutes when she was awoken by the nurse.

"Shinomori-san is awake, sensei," the young woman informed her. Megumi instantly rose, and ignoring the fact that she was only wearing a sleeping yukata and the disapproving glare of the nurse, rushed across the hall to Aoshi's room. Dr. Inoue was already there, trying to prevent Aoshi from rising from the bed. Aoshi's blue eyes glittered when he recognized her.

"Who is this person, Takani-san?" Aoshi demanded, his voice a harsh rasp.

"This is your other doctor, Inoue-sensei," Megumi replied dryly as she gently pressed his shoulders back against the bed. "You needed two of us to put you back together this time."

Aoshi did not reply but ceased his struggling and cooperated. Megumi could tell that he was in a great deal of pain because he did not protest any further. She reached down to touch his forehead with two fingers and nodded in satisfaction. He did not have a fever, so the chance that he may have had an infection was slim.

"I'm forever stitching you back together, Shinomori-san," she commented as she checked his pulse. "Why is that?"

Aoshi narrowed his eyes in reply. Megumi was surprised by her own boldness as no doubt Aoshi was also, but he felt too weak to retort. Five years before she never would have dared to ask Aoshi Shinomori such a question.

"Where am I?"

"In Kyoto Hospital," Megumi replied. "Do you remember what happened?"

Aoshi closed his eyes. "There was a man attacking a woman outside the temple gates. He had a gun." He moved his hand to touch the bandages covering his stomach. "I did not expect it." He opened his eyes, an anxious expression crossing his face. "Is Misao ok?"

"Yes, she's fine. She'll come later to visit, if you feel up to it."

Megumi was surprised. Aoshi must have changed somewhat since she had last seen him if he could now admit his mistakes. "Inoue-sensei and I removed the bullet yesterday afternoon. It damaged your liver, but we were able to repair it," she explained. "If you do not move around for the next day two days, I will permit you to walk around the following day. If you obey both Inoue-sensei and me, you can return to the Aoiya next week."

Aoshi arched an eyebrow at her. "You will permit...?" he said, sarcasm saturating each word.

"We are not in Tokyo any longer, Shinomori-san," she replied just as sarcastically. "You are in a hospital, where Inoue-sensei and I are in charge of your health." She grinned wickedly as she leaned down over him, hands on her hips. "You are not Okashira here." Aoshi's eyebrow rose once more but he did not say anything.

Dr. Inoue's countenance was surprised at her use of the Oniwabanshuu term. He cleared his throat and spoke for the first time since she had come into the room. "Actually, Takani-sensei is correct, Shinomori-san. If you follow our advice, you will be able to go home next week," he stated. "If you move around too much now and overstrain yourself, you will only prolong your stay here."

Aoshi glared at Megumi but his answer was for Dr. Inoue. "I will follow your advice, Inoue-sensei," he said expressionlessly.

"Good," Megumi said. "You should sleep some more now before Misao and Okina come to visit. I or Inoue-sensei will check on you later." She blushed slightly, finally realizing she was only wearing a sleeping yukata. "If you will excuse me, Inoue-sensei," she murmured as she left the room and ran across the hall back to her room to get changed.

She was still grinning to herself when she emerged from her room a few minutes later now properly dressed. She had surprised herself in her reactions to Aoshi. She had never acted toward that way toward him in the past, had always been the submissive woman in his presence. She was also equally surprised by his reaction toward her sarcasm, by the fact that he had even let it slide by without replying. Perhaps they had both changed in the years since they had seen each other last, but then again Aoshi Shinomori was in a weakened state and may have not been up to the task of putting her back in her place.

Dr. Inoue was waiting for her at the end of the hallway. He bowed slightly and smiled at her. "I did not realize that you knew Shinomori-san so well, Takani-sensei," he commented.

"We've known each other for several years now," Megumi replied. "We met in Tokyo."

The doctor glanced at her. "Oniwabanshuu?" he asked.

Megumi shrugged her shoulders uncomfortably. He was being too curious. "I was their doctor some time ago," she supplied, her voice flat.

He sensed her unease. "I'm sorry, Takani-sensei," he apologized. "I did not mean to pry. However, do you mind if I ask one more question? I promise not to ask about Shinomori-san again." After a moment, she nodded. "I was surprised that you chose to compliment my skills yesterday, after I had insulted you. I apologize for the insult, because I was obviously wrong, and I also thank you for the compliment, but I was wondering why."

She smiled genuinely at him for the first time. "Because I have great respect for doctors who obviously know what they are doing and take proper care of their patients, Inoue-sensei," she said. "By not operating on Shinomori-san immediately, you showed me that you are capable of that. As for the insult, I am a woman doctor. I've gotten used to such reactions to my gender over the years."

"And I have now learned that I should not think ill of women doctors ever again," Inoue said, bowing slightly to her. He smiled. "We have a small commissary here, Takani-sensei. I would be honored if you will join me for breakfast."

"Thank you," she replied. "I will."

Megumi was surprised at the western influences she observed throughout the hospital that were also surrounded by traditional Japanese inspirations. They seemed to blend together seamlessly. The commissary that Inoue led her to was small and comfortable, filled with western-style chairs and tables and yet decorated with Japanese art.

They were just sitting down at a table near an open window that was letting in a pleasant summer breeze when they were joined by an older man who was about 60 years old. He was slightly taller than Inoue, with a graying hair and the same brown eyes as the young male doctor. Inoue rose from his seat at his approach.

"This is my father, Hideo Inoue," he said, introducing them to each other. "Father, this is Megumi Takani."

Megumi stood up and bowed. "It is an honor, Inoue-sensei."

"No, I'm not a doctor," he corrected her gently, indicating that they should sit back down. "I'm just one of the administrators of the hospital." He sat down next to his son. "So you are the famous Takani-sensei. Benjiro praised your physician's skills highly. My son is very impressed with you."

"Father...," his son said, embarrassed.

His father waved him to silence. "He also mentioned that you humbled him and taught him a lesson," the elder Inoue said. The younger Inoue rolled his eyes once in defeat and hung his head. "That's what I find impressive."

Megumi's eyebrows shot up in surprise, at a loss as to what to say. The older man smiled at her discomfiture. "Would you be interested in teaching the other doctors here the same lesson, Takani-sensei?"

"I...beg your pardon?" Megumi choked out.

"Kyoto Hospital is always searching for good doctors for its staff, Takani- sensei," he replied. "And despite the fact that I'm embarrassing my poor son right now, I do know he knows a very good doctor when he sees one."

"But...you don't even know me...."

"You live in Tokyo? Do you work in your own clinic?"

"No, I work as an assistant to Hikaru Takei."

"Never heard of him," the older man stated. "I can offer you a position on our staff, Takani-sensei, one in which you could teach the residents."

Megumi was becoming more shocked at every moment of this conversation, which she had no doubt was evident on her face. She turned to look at the younger Inoue, who was grinning at her. His father stood up. "Think about it, Takani-sensei. Come, Benjiro."

The younger Inoue rose to follow his father when Megumi stopped him. "Inoue- san, I thought your father said he was 'just one of the administrators.' How can he offer me a position here just like that?"

"Well, actually, Father owns the hospital, so he can pretty much do as he pleases, Takani-san," he explained. "He has never been adverse to new ideas, unlike his idiot son, and he has never been afraid to act on those ideas immediately. He thinks that having a woman doctor on our staff is a good idea, and after watching you work yesterday, I am inclined to agree with him."

"So you asked him to do this?"

"Well, actually, no," he replied, as he rubbed one finger along his jaw. "He probably only thought of it when I introduced you. If you will excuse me, Takani-sensei?" He walked out of the room, following the path his father had taken.

Megumi stared at the cold tea in her cup, her startled expression reflected back at her. "And all I did was agree to come to breakfast," she muttered to herself.