Chapter 7: The first battle
They all landed in the dojo. The Templeton and the Jellicles, not being used to traveling between worlds, landed rather heard on the ground. Kanon landed on her feet and looked around. She sensed something the moment she got there. Something wasn't right...it seemed like... "GET DOWN!!!!" she yelled out. She fell to the ground. Misto quickly pulled Kate down. Flaming arrows shot out over head. They all got down dodging them.
"What the.....?" Templeton looked up.
"Sorry!" a voice called out.
"What?" Rumpleteazer looked up as well. Sano came walking out with his bow.
"Sorry.....I thought you were....."
"Sono!" Kanon was furious, she went over and beat him over the head "You idiot!"
"I'm Sorry! Ow!" he wailed.
Kate stood up "Really! You could have killed us!" she yelled.
"You all caught me by surprise!" Then Sano looked at the Jellicles for the first time. MungoJerrie smiled "Yeah I'm sure WE caught ya by surprise....." he said.
"Ahhh!" Sano screamed "What the H*** is that!?!"
Misto and Mungo burst out laughing. "Neva seen eh Jellicle before eh mate?!" Mungo said between laughs.
"Relax, Sono. They're my friends. Everyone, this is Sano....." Everyone waved to him. Sono without warning dropped to the ground. Sue walked over to him.
"Is he ok?" Templeton asked.
"Yes" said Sue "He just fainted."
Kanon laughed.
"Well that was interestin'....." Teazer said.
A guy in a trench coat came walking up to Kanon. It was Aoshi.
"Kanon!" he called.
"Oh no....." Kanon groaned as Aoshi scooped her up into a big hug.
"Who would that be?" Templeton asked.
"This.....is.....Aoshi....." Kanon gasped, finding it hard to breath, Aoshi was holding her so tight. "HELP!!" she mouthed to Kate.
Templeton walked up to them "Um.....excuse me....."
"Oh boy....." Sue groaned. Aoshi ignored them.
"Oh give me the irons!" said Teazer "I'll deal with 'im!"
"Wait a sec!"
"Don't give it to her....."
"Wait!"
Aoshi acted like he couldn't hear them. He grabbed Kanon's hands and just stared at her.
"Hold on there!" Templeton walked straight up to Aoshi and pulled him from behind. "Excuse me! May I cut in?!"
Aoshi gave him a menacing look but Templeton didn't back down, he glared right back. "Does thou have something to say, pal?" he asked him. Aoshi remained silent. Kanon looked to Templeton and silently thanked him. Before Templeton could react, Aoshi pulled out his sword to attack, but luckily, Kanon was quicker and blocked Aoshi's sword with her own. Misto had tossed Templeton a spear.
"Aoshi!" Kanon yelled "We don't have time for that! SHISHIO IS COMING!"
"Indeed" agreed Templeton "Back off sir, the lady is right. We haven't the time."
"And you, Templeton" Kanon turned to him "Save your strength....."
Aoshi looked greatly pained. "Kanon.....why.....?"
Kanon fixed him with an ice cold glare "I am only going to ask you once....." she told him ".....will you help us fight against Shishio?"
Aoshi nodded "I will guard you with my life....."
Kanon placed her hand on his shoulder "Thank you." She turned and walked away from him.
"So.....what now?" Misto asked.
Kanon's bracelet again began to glow. "He's coming....." everybody was immediately on their guard but then Kanon put up her hand "No wait.....it's not him.....not yet. It's somebody else....."
"Do you know who it is?" Kate asked.
Almost as she spoke the doors swung open, revealing an extremely tall man in a blue uniform. Kanon ran to him. The man wheezed in pain. Everyone turned to see what was happening and gasped at the sight. The man collapsed. "Saitoh!" Kanon addressed the man frightened "Saitoh what happened? Who harmed you?!" Saitoh didn't answer but fell out of consciousness. The men all rushed to help.
"We have to get him inside quick!?" Kanon said.
"Where is he hurt?" Asked Sue as they carried him inside. Kanon looked out, it seemed like something was coming, but there was nothing there. "Hurry....." she said, following the group. "Stay with me Saitoh" she whispered "Stay with me....." They all quickly headed inside the dojo. "Where should we put 'im down?" asked Jerrie.
"Put him on the bed right there....." They all do what they are told. Kenshin came into the room and was surprised to see them all. "Miss Kanon, wha- Saitoh?! Miss Kanon, what's happened?!"
"I fear that Shishio is closer then we thought....." Kanon sighed.
Kenshin's eyes widened "He's back?"
"Yes.....even the fires of Hell cannot stop him."
A chill went through Kate's bones at hearing Kanon's words. A small child had come running in. A little boy. He ran into the room and held onto to Kenshin's leg yelling "Daddy, Daddy!" Kanon looked at the child in surprise "Kenji? Is that you?" she asked.
"Hi Auntie Kanon!" Kenji smiled and walked over to Kanon. Kanon picked him up and asked Kenshin "Why is he here?"
"He came to visit when he heard you were back." Kenshin replied.
"Kanon?" Kate asked "Who is.....?"
"Oh, this is Kenji, Kenshin's son." Kanon told them. "Kenji these are my friends." Kenji smiled and waved to everyone "Hi!"
Everyone waved back and said hi.
"What's wrong with uncle Saitoh?" Kenshin didn't have the heart to tell his son what had happened. Kenji was still very young. "Go and play with Yahiko, Kenji....." he told his son.
"Ok!" and Kenji ran off to play.
"Cute child." Said Teazer. Nobody in the room noticed but as the boy left Teazer felt a tear make its way down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away before anyone could see. Kanon turned to Kenshin with deep concern in her eyes "He shouldn't be here. Send him to Megumi's place, he'll be safe there." She turned to the others "Megumi is the local medicine woman here."
Kenshin soon left to take his son to Megumi's dojo. Kanon didn't want to waste anymore time. "Now....." she addressed the others, but she was interrupted when she heard a groan coming from the bed. "Saitoh?" Kanon went to him "Can you hear be Saitoh?" Saitoh opened his eyes and saw Kanon leaning over him "I.....I must be in heaven....." he said, his voice sounded hoarse ".....And all the angels look like Kanon....." Kanon smiled at his words, Kate laughed softly. Aoshi of course was jealous, that Saitoh was getting attention from Kanon.
"No you're still alive, thank Buddha.....What happened to you Saitoh?"
"I was on my way here and someone jumped me and took me from behind.....when I woke up, I was cut on my side so I came here to find help." Before he could say another word he passed out again. Kate winced at the site of his wound. Kanon looked on as Saitoh slept "You're safe now, my friend.....rest..."
Sue came closer to look "That gash looks intensely deep...." She said.
"Sue, would you mind tending to him?" Kanon asked.
"Not at all." Sue said kindly.
"There are some bandages and medicines in the next room over."
"Thank you" Sue left to get what she needed. She called from the other room "I'll need some hot water!" Kanon was about to reply when her bracelet started glowing again, it was brighter then ever before. Kanon eyes turned into a glowing yellow color again.
"He's here"
Sue came back and placed all her things down next to the bed.
"'ow close is 'e?" asked Jerrie.
Kanon's entire body began to glow and as it did so she quickly fled out the door, everyone except Sue turned to follow her. They found Kanon standing outside the dojo. Kate looked out to see somebody standing in the courtyard, she didn't have to be told who it was "Oh no....." she whispered.
Shishio seemed very unimpressed about Kanon's glowing eyes. Before anyone could do anything, sparks began to shoot out from Kanon's hand, creating a ravine too far to jump across, even for Jellicles. The ravine separated Kanon from the others.
"Nice trick." said Shishio sounding very bored.
"What is your business here Shishio?" Kanon asked. Her voice echoed through the courtyard.
"To get rid of you, of course....."
"Not" she interrupted ".....if I get you first."
Teazer looked at her mate "Looks like a show down in the making....." she said.
"Kanon be careful....." Kate said.
"You're father couldn't defeat me.....what makes you think that YOU can?" Shishio smiled wickedly.
"Because I have grown stronger since we last met, when you gave me this scar" She pointed to her left eye.
"So have I....." Shishio reached behind his back. Fire collected in his hand. He had hopes of taking Kanon by surprise but she knew better.
"Your parlor tricks won't save you against me....." she said.
"Yes.....but can your friends withstand it??" Shishio threw the fire at the others across the ravine.
"Look out!"
Before anyone could be harmed by the fire, the huge dragon, Draco, flew past them blocking the fire. Shishio was a bit startled when he saw this. When he was distracted, Kanon ran forward with her sword, prepared to attack, but Shishio was quick and blocked with his own sword. Kate tried running to them, not looking at the ravine but Misto held her back.
Kanon somersaulted over Shishio, blocking another strike in mid-air. Templeton watched in amazement. Shishio started slashing at will, and Kanon continued to block him. As the battle wore on, many would appeared on both worriers.
Kanon was struck dangerously close to her neck. Both fighters seem unfazed by the damage they have sustained. The others watched helplessly from the other side of the ravine. "If she looses any more blood....." Misto couldn't finish his sentence.
"She can't loose Misto!"
"Kate, have you ever seen a girl who could.....?"
"You have to have faith.....things can happen....."
Kanon reached her hand up to her neck. She looked to see blood on her fingers. She smiled faintly. Her body's glow faded. Suddenly, little Kenji burst through the door and into the courtyard. He was on Kanon's side of the ravine. Seeing his opportunity, Shishio grabbed the small boy with godlike speed.
"No!"
"Kenji!"
Shishio put his sword to the child's neck. Kanon's eyes turned blood red "Let him go!"
"Only if you surrender....."Shishio saw Kanon's eyes. "Finally.....I finally see Hitokiri Battosai from the old days.....from the war....."
Jerrie, Teazer and Misto raised their spears. "Wait!" Kate shouted "Hold your fire.....you might hit Kenji!" They keep their spears raised but they don't throw. Kanon kept her attention on Shishio.
"You were holding back weren't you?" she said. ".....to bring out the Battosai....."
Shishio smiled "And I succeeded....."
"You son of a-"
"Now, now, none of that....." Shishio held his sword closer to Kenji "Tsk Tsk.....Honestly Kanon, you should know better....."
Kate was confused as were all the others, they didn't know what Kanon was talking about. Shishio suddenly turned to them "Oh.....that's right.....You're probably wondering "what is Hitokiri Battosai" right?" he grinned "Well why don't you ask her yourself?"
Everyone's eyes fell on Kanon. She looked at the ground, not sure what she could do.
"Kanon, what is he talking about?" Kate asked.
Kanon looked up and spoke "Five years ago Japan was at war with itself.....the government was falling apart. The government officials asked me to join them, to kill any rebels who got in their way.....I accepted."
You could have heard a pin drop in the courtyard at that moment. Everyone starred at her in silence. Kanon continued "Because of my skill as a worrier, I was able to cut down hundreds of men as the Hitokiri Battosai. It means "Sword-wielding assassin". When the war was over, I thought I should end my life, seeing as how I killed so many.....But I decided to live, to repent for all of the suffering I have caused but....." she halted.
"But....?"
".....the Battosai is still within me, and when it surfaces, it's almost impossible to control. That is why I wanted all of you to stay out of this, so I wouldn't hurt any of you. But now.....the Battosai is unleashed..."
"Oh Kanon no....." Kate was suddenly feeling very ill.
Kanon looked up and turned her blood red eyes to her enemy "And I will use the Battosai to destroy you, SHISHIO!!!"
"But what can you do when I have the boy, Battosai?" Shishio laughed insanely, he still had Kenji in his grasp.
Kanon smiled "I'll show you.....NOW!!!" suddenly Draco swooped down from the sky and plucked Kenji and carried him across the ravine.
"NO!!!" Shishio shouted in anger. The battle had begun again, Kanon moved so fast that she seemed almost invisible.
Kate took Kenji from Draco and gave him to Teazer to watch over. Kate looked back at Kanon just in time to see Shishio stab her in the shoulder. Kate screamed. Shishio was grinning madly, he drove the sword deeper. Kanon suddenly jump back. Shishio stopped laughing, and fell to his knees. He looked down and saw that he was bleeding heavily through his stomach. He looked up at Kanon in shock "How.....how did you....?"
She stood with difficultly and laughed "I guess that I'm too fast for you....."
Before another word could escape his mouth Shishio fell to the ground.....dead.
They all landed in the dojo. The Templeton and the Jellicles, not being used to traveling between worlds, landed rather heard on the ground. Kanon landed on her feet and looked around. She sensed something the moment she got there. Something wasn't right...it seemed like... "GET DOWN!!!!" she yelled out. She fell to the ground. Misto quickly pulled Kate down. Flaming arrows shot out over head. They all got down dodging them.
"What the.....?" Templeton looked up.
"Sorry!" a voice called out.
"What?" Rumpleteazer looked up as well. Sano came walking out with his bow.
"Sorry.....I thought you were....."
"Sono!" Kanon was furious, she went over and beat him over the head "You idiot!"
"I'm Sorry! Ow!" he wailed.
Kate stood up "Really! You could have killed us!" she yelled.
"You all caught me by surprise!" Then Sano looked at the Jellicles for the first time. MungoJerrie smiled "Yeah I'm sure WE caught ya by surprise....." he said.
"Ahhh!" Sano screamed "What the H*** is that!?!"
Misto and Mungo burst out laughing. "Neva seen eh Jellicle before eh mate?!" Mungo said between laughs.
"Relax, Sono. They're my friends. Everyone, this is Sano....." Everyone waved to him. Sono without warning dropped to the ground. Sue walked over to him.
"Is he ok?" Templeton asked.
"Yes" said Sue "He just fainted."
Kanon laughed.
"Well that was interestin'....." Teazer said.
A guy in a trench coat came walking up to Kanon. It was Aoshi.
"Kanon!" he called.
"Oh no....." Kanon groaned as Aoshi scooped her up into a big hug.
"Who would that be?" Templeton asked.
"This.....is.....Aoshi....." Kanon gasped, finding it hard to breath, Aoshi was holding her so tight. "HELP!!" she mouthed to Kate.
Templeton walked up to them "Um.....excuse me....."
"Oh boy....." Sue groaned. Aoshi ignored them.
"Oh give me the irons!" said Teazer "I'll deal with 'im!"
"Wait a sec!"
"Don't give it to her....."
"Wait!"
Aoshi acted like he couldn't hear them. He grabbed Kanon's hands and just stared at her.
"Hold on there!" Templeton walked straight up to Aoshi and pulled him from behind. "Excuse me! May I cut in?!"
Aoshi gave him a menacing look but Templeton didn't back down, he glared right back. "Does thou have something to say, pal?" he asked him. Aoshi remained silent. Kanon looked to Templeton and silently thanked him. Before Templeton could react, Aoshi pulled out his sword to attack, but luckily, Kanon was quicker and blocked Aoshi's sword with her own. Misto had tossed Templeton a spear.
"Aoshi!" Kanon yelled "We don't have time for that! SHISHIO IS COMING!"
"Indeed" agreed Templeton "Back off sir, the lady is right. We haven't the time."
"And you, Templeton" Kanon turned to him "Save your strength....."
Aoshi looked greatly pained. "Kanon.....why.....?"
Kanon fixed him with an ice cold glare "I am only going to ask you once....." she told him ".....will you help us fight against Shishio?"
Aoshi nodded "I will guard you with my life....."
Kanon placed her hand on his shoulder "Thank you." She turned and walked away from him.
"So.....what now?" Misto asked.
Kanon's bracelet again began to glow. "He's coming....." everybody was immediately on their guard but then Kanon put up her hand "No wait.....it's not him.....not yet. It's somebody else....."
"Do you know who it is?" Kate asked.
Almost as she spoke the doors swung open, revealing an extremely tall man in a blue uniform. Kanon ran to him. The man wheezed in pain. Everyone turned to see what was happening and gasped at the sight. The man collapsed. "Saitoh!" Kanon addressed the man frightened "Saitoh what happened? Who harmed you?!" Saitoh didn't answer but fell out of consciousness. The men all rushed to help.
"We have to get him inside quick!?" Kanon said.
"Where is he hurt?" Asked Sue as they carried him inside. Kanon looked out, it seemed like something was coming, but there was nothing there. "Hurry....." she said, following the group. "Stay with me Saitoh" she whispered "Stay with me....." They all quickly headed inside the dojo. "Where should we put 'im down?" asked Jerrie.
"Put him on the bed right there....." They all do what they are told. Kenshin came into the room and was surprised to see them all. "Miss Kanon, wha- Saitoh?! Miss Kanon, what's happened?!"
"I fear that Shishio is closer then we thought....." Kanon sighed.
Kenshin's eyes widened "He's back?"
"Yes.....even the fires of Hell cannot stop him."
A chill went through Kate's bones at hearing Kanon's words. A small child had come running in. A little boy. He ran into the room and held onto to Kenshin's leg yelling "Daddy, Daddy!" Kanon looked at the child in surprise "Kenji? Is that you?" she asked.
"Hi Auntie Kanon!" Kenji smiled and walked over to Kanon. Kanon picked him up and asked Kenshin "Why is he here?"
"He came to visit when he heard you were back." Kenshin replied.
"Kanon?" Kate asked "Who is.....?"
"Oh, this is Kenji, Kenshin's son." Kanon told them. "Kenji these are my friends." Kenji smiled and waved to everyone "Hi!"
Everyone waved back and said hi.
"What's wrong with uncle Saitoh?" Kenshin didn't have the heart to tell his son what had happened. Kenji was still very young. "Go and play with Yahiko, Kenji....." he told his son.
"Ok!" and Kenji ran off to play.
"Cute child." Said Teazer. Nobody in the room noticed but as the boy left Teazer felt a tear make its way down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away before anyone could see. Kanon turned to Kenshin with deep concern in her eyes "He shouldn't be here. Send him to Megumi's place, he'll be safe there." She turned to the others "Megumi is the local medicine woman here."
Kenshin soon left to take his son to Megumi's dojo. Kanon didn't want to waste anymore time. "Now....." she addressed the others, but she was interrupted when she heard a groan coming from the bed. "Saitoh?" Kanon went to him "Can you hear be Saitoh?" Saitoh opened his eyes and saw Kanon leaning over him "I.....I must be in heaven....." he said, his voice sounded hoarse ".....And all the angels look like Kanon....." Kanon smiled at his words, Kate laughed softly. Aoshi of course was jealous, that Saitoh was getting attention from Kanon.
"No you're still alive, thank Buddha.....What happened to you Saitoh?"
"I was on my way here and someone jumped me and took me from behind.....when I woke up, I was cut on my side so I came here to find help." Before he could say another word he passed out again. Kate winced at the site of his wound. Kanon looked on as Saitoh slept "You're safe now, my friend.....rest..."
Sue came closer to look "That gash looks intensely deep...." She said.
"Sue, would you mind tending to him?" Kanon asked.
"Not at all." Sue said kindly.
"There are some bandages and medicines in the next room over."
"Thank you" Sue left to get what she needed. She called from the other room "I'll need some hot water!" Kanon was about to reply when her bracelet started glowing again, it was brighter then ever before. Kanon eyes turned into a glowing yellow color again.
"He's here"
Sue came back and placed all her things down next to the bed.
"'ow close is 'e?" asked Jerrie.
Kanon's entire body began to glow and as it did so she quickly fled out the door, everyone except Sue turned to follow her. They found Kanon standing outside the dojo. Kate looked out to see somebody standing in the courtyard, she didn't have to be told who it was "Oh no....." she whispered.
Shishio seemed very unimpressed about Kanon's glowing eyes. Before anyone could do anything, sparks began to shoot out from Kanon's hand, creating a ravine too far to jump across, even for Jellicles. The ravine separated Kanon from the others.
"Nice trick." said Shishio sounding very bored.
"What is your business here Shishio?" Kanon asked. Her voice echoed through the courtyard.
"To get rid of you, of course....."
"Not" she interrupted ".....if I get you first."
Teazer looked at her mate "Looks like a show down in the making....." she said.
"Kanon be careful....." Kate said.
"You're father couldn't defeat me.....what makes you think that YOU can?" Shishio smiled wickedly.
"Because I have grown stronger since we last met, when you gave me this scar" She pointed to her left eye.
"So have I....." Shishio reached behind his back. Fire collected in his hand. He had hopes of taking Kanon by surprise but she knew better.
"Your parlor tricks won't save you against me....." she said.
"Yes.....but can your friends withstand it??" Shishio threw the fire at the others across the ravine.
"Look out!"
Before anyone could be harmed by the fire, the huge dragon, Draco, flew past them blocking the fire. Shishio was a bit startled when he saw this. When he was distracted, Kanon ran forward with her sword, prepared to attack, but Shishio was quick and blocked with his own sword. Kate tried running to them, not looking at the ravine but Misto held her back.
Kanon somersaulted over Shishio, blocking another strike in mid-air. Templeton watched in amazement. Shishio started slashing at will, and Kanon continued to block him. As the battle wore on, many would appeared on both worriers.
Kanon was struck dangerously close to her neck. Both fighters seem unfazed by the damage they have sustained. The others watched helplessly from the other side of the ravine. "If she looses any more blood....." Misto couldn't finish his sentence.
"She can't loose Misto!"
"Kate, have you ever seen a girl who could.....?"
"You have to have faith.....things can happen....."
Kanon reached her hand up to her neck. She looked to see blood on her fingers. She smiled faintly. Her body's glow faded. Suddenly, little Kenji burst through the door and into the courtyard. He was on Kanon's side of the ravine. Seeing his opportunity, Shishio grabbed the small boy with godlike speed.
"No!"
"Kenji!"
Shishio put his sword to the child's neck. Kanon's eyes turned blood red "Let him go!"
"Only if you surrender....."Shishio saw Kanon's eyes. "Finally.....I finally see Hitokiri Battosai from the old days.....from the war....."
Jerrie, Teazer and Misto raised their spears. "Wait!" Kate shouted "Hold your fire.....you might hit Kenji!" They keep their spears raised but they don't throw. Kanon kept her attention on Shishio.
"You were holding back weren't you?" she said. ".....to bring out the Battosai....."
Shishio smiled "And I succeeded....."
"You son of a-"
"Now, now, none of that....." Shishio held his sword closer to Kenji "Tsk Tsk.....Honestly Kanon, you should know better....."
Kate was confused as were all the others, they didn't know what Kanon was talking about. Shishio suddenly turned to them "Oh.....that's right.....You're probably wondering "what is Hitokiri Battosai" right?" he grinned "Well why don't you ask her yourself?"
Everyone's eyes fell on Kanon. She looked at the ground, not sure what she could do.
"Kanon, what is he talking about?" Kate asked.
Kanon looked up and spoke "Five years ago Japan was at war with itself.....the government was falling apart. The government officials asked me to join them, to kill any rebels who got in their way.....I accepted."
You could have heard a pin drop in the courtyard at that moment. Everyone starred at her in silence. Kanon continued "Because of my skill as a worrier, I was able to cut down hundreds of men as the Hitokiri Battosai. It means "Sword-wielding assassin". When the war was over, I thought I should end my life, seeing as how I killed so many.....But I decided to live, to repent for all of the suffering I have caused but....." she halted.
"But....?"
".....the Battosai is still within me, and when it surfaces, it's almost impossible to control. That is why I wanted all of you to stay out of this, so I wouldn't hurt any of you. But now.....the Battosai is unleashed..."
"Oh Kanon no....." Kate was suddenly feeling very ill.
Kanon looked up and turned her blood red eyes to her enemy "And I will use the Battosai to destroy you, SHISHIO!!!"
"But what can you do when I have the boy, Battosai?" Shishio laughed insanely, he still had Kenji in his grasp.
Kanon smiled "I'll show you.....NOW!!!" suddenly Draco swooped down from the sky and plucked Kenji and carried him across the ravine.
"NO!!!" Shishio shouted in anger. The battle had begun again, Kanon moved so fast that she seemed almost invisible.
Kate took Kenji from Draco and gave him to Teazer to watch over. Kate looked back at Kanon just in time to see Shishio stab her in the shoulder. Kate screamed. Shishio was grinning madly, he drove the sword deeper. Kanon suddenly jump back. Shishio stopped laughing, and fell to his knees. He looked down and saw that he was bleeding heavily through his stomach. He looked up at Kanon in shock "How.....how did you....?"
She stood with difficultly and laughed "I guess that I'm too fast for you....."
Before another word could escape his mouth Shishio fell to the ground.....dead.