A/N: This is probably my favorite chapter so far. Here Toshiki and
Battousai's love begins to blossom. Hope you like it.
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Chapter 5 – Cherry Blossoms
The night was cold and frightening, the moon glowing red in a foreboding ambience. Shadows danced in the midnight air, leaping through the mansion, those sleeping, dead within moments. The smell of blood permeated through the hallways and stained the perfumed walls. Shouts of terror and anguish echoed into the latticework and trickled off the dew-covered bonsai. Fear overflowed in her like water in a rain-filled cistern, overpowering sense and will. The menacing silhouettes, gleaming silver daggers ready, approached with the stealth of wolves. Their eyes glowed scarlet with the moonlight as the bloodstained steel rose higher and higher, like a comet racing across the sky. Silently struck the fatal blow, a river of scarlet life pouring out onto the floor, and the shadows vanished. Fading crimson moonlight mixed in with the dark pools of blood surrounding her. 'Akai...' she whispered. 'Where are you?' There was no reply, only darkness and silence that deafened and tormented her soul. Loneliness wrung every ounce of life out of her until there was nothing left but the sound of fire crackling across the walls, the final screams of those being cut off from the flower of life and the aura of hatred that spread across the land. 'Is this war? Is this what it will be like?' But her questions went unanswered as the doors of demise closed in around her, confining her within the dark boundaries of eternal sleep.
Toshiki slowly awoke from her nightmare, cold and alone, the wind whipping through the cherry trees outside. Her heart throbbed loudly in her ears, thick salty tears flowing freely from her emerald eyes. Though her dreams were but the spawn of her own doubts and fears she could not help but feel that what she imagined might be real someday. Falling by the edge of a sword, unable to fight against the terrible things closing in upon everything she ever cared for. How could she stand by and idly watch as her world crumbled into dust? Yet, fear clutched tightly about her heart, as to the pleasure of her father and those around her if they knew of her revelation. Once they discovered the source of this knowledge that had come upon her, surely the scarlet swordsman, whom she called Akai, would vanish forever into the depths of battle and never be seen again. This was something she could not afford and so with laden heart sustained with an amber dream, Toshiki dressed and attended the morning meal.
~
Akoro Matsu, serenely dining before a black lacquered table, addressed his daughter who had been silent as the bamboo on a windless night. "My flower, I have not seen your face for a full two nights. Is there something troubling you?"
Toshiki trembled slightly, making a few plump grains of rice fall onto her lap. She raised her eyes slowly and said, "It's nothing, Otousan. My mind has merely been plagued by one of Yamagata-sensei's silly riddles. Gomenasai, if my absence has displeased you."
"Nonsense, my dear girl," Akoro-sama motioned for his daughter to sit by him. "You have not displeased me, only worried me slightly. I was concerned for your safety."
Toshiki nestled down into her father's great embrace and replied, "My safety?"
"Yes. Unbeknownst to you, my daughter, there was an attack on the estate two nights ago by Kokkaido's men. You need not worry though, for I have hired a skilled swordsman to protect us. However, I must ask this of you. Do not try one your little schemes on him, my girl, for he is a mysterious one. He does his job well, but I will not have you mingle with a possible ruffian. Am I clear, little hana?"
"Hai, Otousan," Toshiki smiled, shivering internally as the scenes of darkness, silver steel and blood that raced through her mind and the endearing amber eyes of the mysterious swordsman. It was too much to bear up. She left her father's embrace and rose to leave. "I'm late for my lesson with Master Kaurousuke. Excuse me." Toshiki flinched within at her lie, but could not bear to live another day knowing her father was so naïve. Eager for relief from the self-inflicted curse of anguished fear, she marched down the hallway toward the stateroom. Her plans were halted however by a voice from behind her, that of the scarlet ronin, Akai.
"Still eager to pry are you?" he asked softly, a bitter smile etched into his every word.
Toshiki did not reply right away for fear the servants, or her nurse, would hear her speaking to him. She turned toward him but remained silent in the glowing hallway, glancing only slightly into his eyes.
"What? Now you find the sense to remain silent? You had me believing you possessed so much stubbornness that you would go so far as to risk your life to speak to someone forbidden to view or converse with. Yet, here you are, standing before me as a tree, silent as the wind."
"You mock me, Akai," Toshiki frowned. "Please don't, for I have every intention of being that stubborn girl you take me for."
"Do you now? And what good will that bring you?" his voice grew harsh. "I do not see why you keep pursuing danger like this. What is it that you want?"
Toshiki, fearful of their voices carrying, grasped his hand and pulled him into the stateroom. Once inside she gazed at him bravely and replied, "What I want cannot be said. What I wish cannot be explained. All I know is that I simply cannot go on walking down a path of darkness. Tell me what I wish to know. Tell me. Is war really as terrible as one can dream it to be? Is it truly full of hatred and bloodshed? Tell me, is that what you've seen? Is that what you see everyday and face every night? Please, do not hide the truth from me."
Akai sighed heavily and said, "You bring this upon yourself. Why do you seek out something you can never understand? If you were meant to know all of this I believe your father would have already told you!"
"My father is a coward and a fool! Don't you think I have already tried to gain knowledge of the outside world from everyone under the roof of this mansion? No one will tell me! No one will relieve me of this pain I feel of not knowing what is happening. The only one I have left is you, Akai! I have no where else to turn."
Enraged at her idiocy, Akai glared at her and hissed, "You truly are a fool. Trusting in a man who carries a sword is stupidity in its highest form, especially for a woman like yourself, the daughter of a daimyo and heir to an entire estate. You are being selfish and arrogant in your endeavors! How can you be so blind to the truth? There is too much danger in what you are trying to do! You could end up killed!"
Toshiki replied coldly, "By your hand?"
The swordsman, struck silent by her words, was unable to reply.
Toshiki took this as a good time to retreat from his company, leaving him saying, "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to. However I will say this, I do not believe what you say of yourself is true, that you have no compassion or kindness. And you can rest assured that I will continue to follow in your shadow until my belief is proven."
Akai watched as Toshiki left the room and floated down the hallway until she vanished from sight.
~
Four days had passed and still Toshiki waited for an answer. Akai had not said a word to her since that day, but merely remained at his post, silent and still. Toshiki dare not speak to him until he found it was all right to reveal himself to her. She feared, however, that he would be gone long before that day ever came.
To suppress her disappointment, Toshiki went out into the garden to visit the blossoming cherry trees and watch the blossoms fall. Like tiny dancers upon the wind they swirled about her, their fragrance soothing all her worries. She had always loved the spring time when the sakura would fill the whole mansion with pink and white glory, spreading the joy of the new year into the hearts of all. She took from her sleeve, a tiny flute and played a song of the sakura, melody spawn from her very soul, which echoed across the garden and into the ears of the ronin. Through the corner of her eye she glanced at him and smiled internally as she saw his eyes soften as the melody calmed his spirit. She wondered how often he was blessed with hearing the sweet sound of music, the laughter of children, or the delightful bliss of love. As she played she eyed him from head to toe and found herself more drawn to him that ever before. No longer did she see the danger, no longer the hatred and rage, only a man with a good heart and a love for all things.
Toshiki could not deny it. She had fallen in love with a hitokiri. She could not ignore the fluttering of her heart each time her eyes met his fierce gaze, her pupils trailing the silken river of scarlet pouring from his head. Flushed, she ceased her music and imagined his strong hands enveloping her and madly pulling her toward him. There was no power within her to resist, and yet it seemed it was all a dream. He caught her gaze from afar only to turn away. Toshiki was saddened by his isolation. His soul was shut up so deep within a stone heart; it seemed as unbreakable as the barriers against the sea. No matter how hard the waves of kindness crashed over him, nothing would soften it. However strong his resolve to ignore her was, she could not be deterred. For her entire life she was given everything, but now, she sought something she was forced to earn, the heart of a callous manslayer. She was not dispirited by it for just as a seawall is eroded over time, so his heart would melt with kindness.
Toshiki smiled softly and approached him from behind. The scent of sakura blossoms tinged her presence and she came to stand beside him overlooking the Koi pond and the bamboo. Her eyes lifted up to the heavens and she watched a hawk fly over the mansion. Its wings outspread with a glorious presence, soaring upon the wind, free from worry or dread. She looked to see that Akai had spotted the graceful bird and was too basking in its splendor. His eyes softened as he turned away from the heights and looked at her. For a moment the amber light dimmed to a lulled amethyst, a kind expression flooding his face. Toshiki marveled at this, honored to finally see a glimpse into the man within him, only to see it fade as he turned away from her and disappeared into the house. Toshiki, though saddened by his continuing avoidance, was pleased to see that, slowly but surely, the walls were coming down.
~
Twilight settled upon the Matsu estate and a fog crept in and laid low upon the city. Toshiki watched from her window as the night clouds surrounded the house, creating a dreary heaven around her. She wrapped a long quilted kimono about her shoulders to shield her from the cold. Thinking of the swordsman, she worried that the chilly air might plague him and so brought out a long shawl from her closet. Quietly she tiptoed down the hallway to the stateroom. Hoping he had not gone out to his post, Toshiki slid open the doors and peered inside. There, leaning upon the sill of the window, was Akai, resting peacefully in the cool night air, his long locks released from their dark binding, his delicate shoulder exposed from the shroud of his kimono. She approached him slowly, careful not to wake him, and went to drape the shawl over his graceful form. As the silk brushed against his smooth neck, he suddenly awoke with a start and drew the sword that had been resting beside him. The cold metal came so close to her throat that she could feel its razor edge caress her skin. His eyes were full of hatred, a killer's spirit, the hitokiri awakened from the depths of the underworld to slay her at that moment. Her eyes wide with terror she waited for the final blow to strike but it never came. Toshiki heard his breathing shallow and his body broke out in a cold sweat, trying to compose himself, struggling to keep the madness at bay.
Full of sorrow at his state, Toshiki tore the blade from his hand and embraced him. His heart beat loudly in her ears, his body trembling, but she held him closer.
Voice full of disbelief, he whispered, "Why do you embrace me?"
Toshiki sobbed into his chest and said, "I am not afraid of you. I know you are not like this. I can feel it within my very soul. I will never fear your blade no matter how many times it may come against me. Your heart is poisoned with the sight of blood; it is no wonder that you warned me of such danger. Please believe me that even though I know of the hatred inside your heart, do not turn me away. You need a sheath to suppress that blade of hatred. That is why I shall stick by you, no matter what happens."
Akai shook his head and replied softly, "You are a blind and silly girl. Even if you were to try and stay by me, I will not remain here forever. There are forces beyond your comprehension that will call me away. Besides, if you father were to discover this-"
"I do not care what my father thinks!" Toshiki stated bluntly, drawing herself away to gaze into his softened eyes. "He believes I do not know what is happening even under my own roof. He will never discover it and if he does...what does it matter?"
Laughing softly, the scarlet swordsman leaned toward her and asked, "You would do this for a hitokiri?"
"No," Toshiki smiled back, her eyes warm and inviting. "I would do it...for you."
~
Akai's heart softened as he realized that behind the blindness there was so much bravery and determination and kindness in her heart that not even his own sword could stop her. He smiled at the thought of being beaten, not by a cold-blooded man with a gleaming blade but by a foolish young woman with a determined heart. He resigned the battle and said, "In that case, I will tell you what you wish to know."
In the golden lamplight, Akai told Toshiki of the world outside the walls of the estate. He began with the good things he had seen, the different towns with markets and people of all different backgrounds. The fishing docks full of boats and dried-up old fishermen still standing for love of the sea. He told her of little children that danced and played in the streets, and the loving families, both rich and poor. Old women making baskets and rain-caps, fishing nets and tempura, the sweet smell of beef pots and warm sake and all of the smiling faces. He spoke of the mountains rising high into the azure and white atmosphere, the flying birds and the creeping things. All things that seemed peaceful until the tensions rose and war broke out. He warned her of the thieving traitors and murderers that crept through the midnight alleyways, the plotting government officials scheming trades of weapons, huge black steel boats loaded with thundering canons, and deadly self-inflicted ailments. Warnings of the west and its influences of ruinous wars, and the horrid nights in Kyoto, the main focus of all of these happenings, a city only a breath away from Osaka.
It was nearly midnight when he finished his tales of difficult and wondrous times. Toshiki gaped in wonder and dread of all the things he had seen. She seemed overwhelmed at the amount of experience yet still; in her eyes was a longing to know more, to see it for herself and to have her own tales to tell. Akai now began to realize that in her foolishness, she was merely trying to learn what had been withheld from her. Everyone had a right to know what the world was like, at least the world they put there hopes it. Now was not a good time to place any hope in the world. It seemed like everything he did only worsened things and made everything appear futile. This, however, was different, this place of solitude and unawareness. He began to regret telling her of the war that was coming, the terror of battle and the threat of inhumanity. Her eyes told him, though, that she knew no fear and wished to learn more. He shook his head and told her, "I should not tell you any more than this, tonight. The hour is late and they will be looking for you."
Toshiki nodded, and rose to exit into the darkened hallway. Akai reached out and grasped her by her kimono sleeve. He held out the silk shawl she had given him but she put up her hand and said, "Keep it. The night is cold and I don't want you to fall ill."
Akai smiled at her, tenderness coursing through his soft eyes. Quietly, he rose up and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her body tremble as he stroked her silken locks, pulling a few stray strands from her face and gazed tenderly into her eyes. Slowly he leaned down to her, his smooth lips hovering by her ear, and whispered, "You are very kind, Miss Toshiki."
Her gentle hands join into his embrace, his heart melting as he relished in the newfound feelings this girl had revealed to him. No longer did he have the urge to kill, no longer did he feel suffering and the guilt-ridden sorrow of being a manslayer. As long as he had the power of kindness, compassion and love with him, there was nothing that would deter the happiness he felt. As long as he had Toshiki, this silly little girl that had chipped away at his stone cold heart and revealed a light inside that had been hidden for many years. It was Toshiki who had reminded him of what he was truly fighting for: a new era filled with peace and prosperity, where no one would have to live in fear or dread or suffer under the cruel hilt of a twisted government. Now, with renewed strength of spirit, Akai had no fear of the truth, and was willing to finally come out of the shadows. As these thoughts came forth from his very heart, he saw the moonlight come out from the clearing fog and basked in its glory as he prepared to disclose his past to the one soul he had finally come to trust.
"My name is...Battousai."
~
Out from the fog, a shadow, silent as a phantom, leaped over the far wall. Cloaked in shrouds of black, he came, creeping across the garden and through the outer hallways. Listening for voices, looked to the upper chamber, the only room alive by lamplight. He crawled up the wall, like a wicked insect, to investigate their endeavor. The voices became words as the shadow hovered beneath the window.
~
"Battousai?"
"Yes," the swordsman replied. "I am a hitokiri for the Ishinshishi, a group of warriors set against the Tokugawa shogunate. I have remained in the shadows as a secret weapon used for the purpose of doing away with cruel government officials trying to eradicate the dream of a new era. As an Imperialist, I am fighting to bring peace into this world and to bring forth a new regime where people will no longer have to live in fear or suffer beneath oppression. Your father only received word of my swordsmanship skills because my identity cannot be discovered. If this were to happen, many may die because of it. I have slain so many men during the past three years that I cannot rid the smell of blood and the desire to kill from my mind. Many fear my name and the sword that I carry. That is why I wished to avoid you...I didn't want to have innocent people involved. However, your bravery has revealed to me an inner fighting spirit, one I cannot ignore. I now know that I can trust you, Toshiki. The happiness that you experience is the reason why I am fighting. You've helped me rekindle my beliefs, and for that I owe you my life."
Battousai paused and let the words sink in. Her hands trembled at the sudden revelation. He knew this was a lot for her to swallow but her eyes told her she wished to know even more.
"If this is so, why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Kyoto where the real threat resides?"
"I have been sent here to gain information about a certain Shogunate supporter and opposing force against the Imperialists: Yamouda Kokkaido. He has been trying to gain this estate in order to secure a more powerful standing and thus be in a better position to fight for the shogunate. I was sent here to learn of his whereabouts, since he has proven elusive to the other Ishinshishi members. In order for me to execute justice I must learn where Kokkaido is residing and eliminate him."
"Oh, Akai! By doing this you will save my family! I will tell you everything I know about Kokkaido. His estate resides in the small district of Amagasaki, just beyond the borders of Osaka. Although I must warn you, the estate is heavily guarded and none of my father's samurai could come against him. All fell by the sword or were tricked by his bandits. He is a very powerful man and very dangerous. You must be careful, if you go against him," Toshiki gasped as s thought came to her. "Wait. How can you even think of going against Kokkaido alone? His men will surely kill you at first sight!"
"I am not known as the strongest of the Imperialists for nothing," Battousai smiled.
Suddenly, his warm eyes turned amber and he stood tall upon the tatami, his body glowing in the lamplight. He took his katana blade from its stand, crossed the room and leaned next to the window. Everything was quiet outside but his instincts told him otherwise.
"What is it?" Toshiki wondered fearfully.
Battousai pulled open the curtain and gazed out into the garden, eyes aglow with the moonlight. He eyed the premises, but saw no one, for the shadow had already disappeared. Deciding it had probably been his imagination he replied, "Nothing," and departed from the sill, letting the curtain fall into the night air.
~
Morning came. Toshiki rose, dressed in her schooling uniform and went to the stateroom to wake the Battousai. She smiled as she saw him sleeping soundly. The late night had made them both exhausted but Toshiki was too livened up to sleep. After rousing him from the futon, she dragged him out to the far side of the house where there was a horse stable, housing the steeds of Matsu's servants, messengers and samurai. The barn smelled of fresh hay and oats and echoed with the sound of mouths munching grain. The building was vacant, save for a mute stable boy present, so Toshiki had no fear of anyone finding out of her being with the swordsman.
"What is it you wanted to show me?" Battousai asked, yawning slightly.
"Something wonderful." She grasped his hand and brought him to the end of the stable where inside was a rare sight. Out came the head of a regal horse, white as fresh show upon Mount Fuji. His eyes were as blue as the frothing sea, his long stormy mane pouring over his brow like a waterfall. Pink nostrils flared, he snorted wildly and nickered at Toshiki who held out her hand to stroke his face. Toshiki turned to Battousai and said, "This is my father's pride and joy, the great warhorse Shiro Tsuki. My father says he came from the northern islands as a gift to a warlord. During a great battle years ago, the warlord perished and his horse ran off into the mountains. One of my father's samurai found him and brought him here, where he has been in my care ever since. Isn't he magnificent?"
Battousai gazed into the eyes of the great horse and saw a clever fire burning within. A warrior's spirit emanated from those pools of surging ocean water and the swordsman nodded in approval. "I have never seen the like of him." Battousai reached out to touch the great white horse. Shiro Tsuki stared into his amber eyes and at once lowered his muzzle into his hand. Eyes of man and horse locked into a fierce glare. Suddenly the wind picked up and a storm of leaves swirled though the barn. An eerie thunderous echo of galloping horses sounded across the walls vanishing with the flurry of the wind. Toshiki straightened her locks as the breeze subsided and, puzzled, looked at the swordsman who was still locked with the warhorse's gaze. His hand fell and Shiro Tsuki returned to his meal.
"What was that?" Toshiki pried.
"A clash of spirits," Battousai smiled, turned, and walked out of the barn. "I must return to my post now, Toshiki."
After she watched him disappear into the garden, Toshiki leaned against the stall door and said, "I think he likes you."
Tsuki replied with a snort and Toshiki left him to engage her Master in swordplay.
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Chapter 5 – Cherry Blossoms
The night was cold and frightening, the moon glowing red in a foreboding ambience. Shadows danced in the midnight air, leaping through the mansion, those sleeping, dead within moments. The smell of blood permeated through the hallways and stained the perfumed walls. Shouts of terror and anguish echoed into the latticework and trickled off the dew-covered bonsai. Fear overflowed in her like water in a rain-filled cistern, overpowering sense and will. The menacing silhouettes, gleaming silver daggers ready, approached with the stealth of wolves. Their eyes glowed scarlet with the moonlight as the bloodstained steel rose higher and higher, like a comet racing across the sky. Silently struck the fatal blow, a river of scarlet life pouring out onto the floor, and the shadows vanished. Fading crimson moonlight mixed in with the dark pools of blood surrounding her. 'Akai...' she whispered. 'Where are you?' There was no reply, only darkness and silence that deafened and tormented her soul. Loneliness wrung every ounce of life out of her until there was nothing left but the sound of fire crackling across the walls, the final screams of those being cut off from the flower of life and the aura of hatred that spread across the land. 'Is this war? Is this what it will be like?' But her questions went unanswered as the doors of demise closed in around her, confining her within the dark boundaries of eternal sleep.
Toshiki slowly awoke from her nightmare, cold and alone, the wind whipping through the cherry trees outside. Her heart throbbed loudly in her ears, thick salty tears flowing freely from her emerald eyes. Though her dreams were but the spawn of her own doubts and fears she could not help but feel that what she imagined might be real someday. Falling by the edge of a sword, unable to fight against the terrible things closing in upon everything she ever cared for. How could she stand by and idly watch as her world crumbled into dust? Yet, fear clutched tightly about her heart, as to the pleasure of her father and those around her if they knew of her revelation. Once they discovered the source of this knowledge that had come upon her, surely the scarlet swordsman, whom she called Akai, would vanish forever into the depths of battle and never be seen again. This was something she could not afford and so with laden heart sustained with an amber dream, Toshiki dressed and attended the morning meal.
~
Akoro Matsu, serenely dining before a black lacquered table, addressed his daughter who had been silent as the bamboo on a windless night. "My flower, I have not seen your face for a full two nights. Is there something troubling you?"
Toshiki trembled slightly, making a few plump grains of rice fall onto her lap. She raised her eyes slowly and said, "It's nothing, Otousan. My mind has merely been plagued by one of Yamagata-sensei's silly riddles. Gomenasai, if my absence has displeased you."
"Nonsense, my dear girl," Akoro-sama motioned for his daughter to sit by him. "You have not displeased me, only worried me slightly. I was concerned for your safety."
Toshiki nestled down into her father's great embrace and replied, "My safety?"
"Yes. Unbeknownst to you, my daughter, there was an attack on the estate two nights ago by Kokkaido's men. You need not worry though, for I have hired a skilled swordsman to protect us. However, I must ask this of you. Do not try one your little schemes on him, my girl, for he is a mysterious one. He does his job well, but I will not have you mingle with a possible ruffian. Am I clear, little hana?"
"Hai, Otousan," Toshiki smiled, shivering internally as the scenes of darkness, silver steel and blood that raced through her mind and the endearing amber eyes of the mysterious swordsman. It was too much to bear up. She left her father's embrace and rose to leave. "I'm late for my lesson with Master Kaurousuke. Excuse me." Toshiki flinched within at her lie, but could not bear to live another day knowing her father was so naïve. Eager for relief from the self-inflicted curse of anguished fear, she marched down the hallway toward the stateroom. Her plans were halted however by a voice from behind her, that of the scarlet ronin, Akai.
"Still eager to pry are you?" he asked softly, a bitter smile etched into his every word.
Toshiki did not reply right away for fear the servants, or her nurse, would hear her speaking to him. She turned toward him but remained silent in the glowing hallway, glancing only slightly into his eyes.
"What? Now you find the sense to remain silent? You had me believing you possessed so much stubbornness that you would go so far as to risk your life to speak to someone forbidden to view or converse with. Yet, here you are, standing before me as a tree, silent as the wind."
"You mock me, Akai," Toshiki frowned. "Please don't, for I have every intention of being that stubborn girl you take me for."
"Do you now? And what good will that bring you?" his voice grew harsh. "I do not see why you keep pursuing danger like this. What is it that you want?"
Toshiki, fearful of their voices carrying, grasped his hand and pulled him into the stateroom. Once inside she gazed at him bravely and replied, "What I want cannot be said. What I wish cannot be explained. All I know is that I simply cannot go on walking down a path of darkness. Tell me what I wish to know. Tell me. Is war really as terrible as one can dream it to be? Is it truly full of hatred and bloodshed? Tell me, is that what you've seen? Is that what you see everyday and face every night? Please, do not hide the truth from me."
Akai sighed heavily and said, "You bring this upon yourself. Why do you seek out something you can never understand? If you were meant to know all of this I believe your father would have already told you!"
"My father is a coward and a fool! Don't you think I have already tried to gain knowledge of the outside world from everyone under the roof of this mansion? No one will tell me! No one will relieve me of this pain I feel of not knowing what is happening. The only one I have left is you, Akai! I have no where else to turn."
Enraged at her idiocy, Akai glared at her and hissed, "You truly are a fool. Trusting in a man who carries a sword is stupidity in its highest form, especially for a woman like yourself, the daughter of a daimyo and heir to an entire estate. You are being selfish and arrogant in your endeavors! How can you be so blind to the truth? There is too much danger in what you are trying to do! You could end up killed!"
Toshiki replied coldly, "By your hand?"
The swordsman, struck silent by her words, was unable to reply.
Toshiki took this as a good time to retreat from his company, leaving him saying, "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to. However I will say this, I do not believe what you say of yourself is true, that you have no compassion or kindness. And you can rest assured that I will continue to follow in your shadow until my belief is proven."
Akai watched as Toshiki left the room and floated down the hallway until she vanished from sight.
~
Four days had passed and still Toshiki waited for an answer. Akai had not said a word to her since that day, but merely remained at his post, silent and still. Toshiki dare not speak to him until he found it was all right to reveal himself to her. She feared, however, that he would be gone long before that day ever came.
To suppress her disappointment, Toshiki went out into the garden to visit the blossoming cherry trees and watch the blossoms fall. Like tiny dancers upon the wind they swirled about her, their fragrance soothing all her worries. She had always loved the spring time when the sakura would fill the whole mansion with pink and white glory, spreading the joy of the new year into the hearts of all. She took from her sleeve, a tiny flute and played a song of the sakura, melody spawn from her very soul, which echoed across the garden and into the ears of the ronin. Through the corner of her eye she glanced at him and smiled internally as she saw his eyes soften as the melody calmed his spirit. She wondered how often he was blessed with hearing the sweet sound of music, the laughter of children, or the delightful bliss of love. As she played she eyed him from head to toe and found herself more drawn to him that ever before. No longer did she see the danger, no longer the hatred and rage, only a man with a good heart and a love for all things.
Toshiki could not deny it. She had fallen in love with a hitokiri. She could not ignore the fluttering of her heart each time her eyes met his fierce gaze, her pupils trailing the silken river of scarlet pouring from his head. Flushed, she ceased her music and imagined his strong hands enveloping her and madly pulling her toward him. There was no power within her to resist, and yet it seemed it was all a dream. He caught her gaze from afar only to turn away. Toshiki was saddened by his isolation. His soul was shut up so deep within a stone heart; it seemed as unbreakable as the barriers against the sea. No matter how hard the waves of kindness crashed over him, nothing would soften it. However strong his resolve to ignore her was, she could not be deterred. For her entire life she was given everything, but now, she sought something she was forced to earn, the heart of a callous manslayer. She was not dispirited by it for just as a seawall is eroded over time, so his heart would melt with kindness.
Toshiki smiled softly and approached him from behind. The scent of sakura blossoms tinged her presence and she came to stand beside him overlooking the Koi pond and the bamboo. Her eyes lifted up to the heavens and she watched a hawk fly over the mansion. Its wings outspread with a glorious presence, soaring upon the wind, free from worry or dread. She looked to see that Akai had spotted the graceful bird and was too basking in its splendor. His eyes softened as he turned away from the heights and looked at her. For a moment the amber light dimmed to a lulled amethyst, a kind expression flooding his face. Toshiki marveled at this, honored to finally see a glimpse into the man within him, only to see it fade as he turned away from her and disappeared into the house. Toshiki, though saddened by his continuing avoidance, was pleased to see that, slowly but surely, the walls were coming down.
~
Twilight settled upon the Matsu estate and a fog crept in and laid low upon the city. Toshiki watched from her window as the night clouds surrounded the house, creating a dreary heaven around her. She wrapped a long quilted kimono about her shoulders to shield her from the cold. Thinking of the swordsman, she worried that the chilly air might plague him and so brought out a long shawl from her closet. Quietly she tiptoed down the hallway to the stateroom. Hoping he had not gone out to his post, Toshiki slid open the doors and peered inside. There, leaning upon the sill of the window, was Akai, resting peacefully in the cool night air, his long locks released from their dark binding, his delicate shoulder exposed from the shroud of his kimono. She approached him slowly, careful not to wake him, and went to drape the shawl over his graceful form. As the silk brushed against his smooth neck, he suddenly awoke with a start and drew the sword that had been resting beside him. The cold metal came so close to her throat that she could feel its razor edge caress her skin. His eyes were full of hatred, a killer's spirit, the hitokiri awakened from the depths of the underworld to slay her at that moment. Her eyes wide with terror she waited for the final blow to strike but it never came. Toshiki heard his breathing shallow and his body broke out in a cold sweat, trying to compose himself, struggling to keep the madness at bay.
Full of sorrow at his state, Toshiki tore the blade from his hand and embraced him. His heart beat loudly in her ears, his body trembling, but she held him closer.
Voice full of disbelief, he whispered, "Why do you embrace me?"
Toshiki sobbed into his chest and said, "I am not afraid of you. I know you are not like this. I can feel it within my very soul. I will never fear your blade no matter how many times it may come against me. Your heart is poisoned with the sight of blood; it is no wonder that you warned me of such danger. Please believe me that even though I know of the hatred inside your heart, do not turn me away. You need a sheath to suppress that blade of hatred. That is why I shall stick by you, no matter what happens."
Akai shook his head and replied softly, "You are a blind and silly girl. Even if you were to try and stay by me, I will not remain here forever. There are forces beyond your comprehension that will call me away. Besides, if you father were to discover this-"
"I do not care what my father thinks!" Toshiki stated bluntly, drawing herself away to gaze into his softened eyes. "He believes I do not know what is happening even under my own roof. He will never discover it and if he does...what does it matter?"
Laughing softly, the scarlet swordsman leaned toward her and asked, "You would do this for a hitokiri?"
"No," Toshiki smiled back, her eyes warm and inviting. "I would do it...for you."
~
Akai's heart softened as he realized that behind the blindness there was so much bravery and determination and kindness in her heart that not even his own sword could stop her. He smiled at the thought of being beaten, not by a cold-blooded man with a gleaming blade but by a foolish young woman with a determined heart. He resigned the battle and said, "In that case, I will tell you what you wish to know."
In the golden lamplight, Akai told Toshiki of the world outside the walls of the estate. He began with the good things he had seen, the different towns with markets and people of all different backgrounds. The fishing docks full of boats and dried-up old fishermen still standing for love of the sea. He told her of little children that danced and played in the streets, and the loving families, both rich and poor. Old women making baskets and rain-caps, fishing nets and tempura, the sweet smell of beef pots and warm sake and all of the smiling faces. He spoke of the mountains rising high into the azure and white atmosphere, the flying birds and the creeping things. All things that seemed peaceful until the tensions rose and war broke out. He warned her of the thieving traitors and murderers that crept through the midnight alleyways, the plotting government officials scheming trades of weapons, huge black steel boats loaded with thundering canons, and deadly self-inflicted ailments. Warnings of the west and its influences of ruinous wars, and the horrid nights in Kyoto, the main focus of all of these happenings, a city only a breath away from Osaka.
It was nearly midnight when he finished his tales of difficult and wondrous times. Toshiki gaped in wonder and dread of all the things he had seen. She seemed overwhelmed at the amount of experience yet still; in her eyes was a longing to know more, to see it for herself and to have her own tales to tell. Akai now began to realize that in her foolishness, she was merely trying to learn what had been withheld from her. Everyone had a right to know what the world was like, at least the world they put there hopes it. Now was not a good time to place any hope in the world. It seemed like everything he did only worsened things and made everything appear futile. This, however, was different, this place of solitude and unawareness. He began to regret telling her of the war that was coming, the terror of battle and the threat of inhumanity. Her eyes told him, though, that she knew no fear and wished to learn more. He shook his head and told her, "I should not tell you any more than this, tonight. The hour is late and they will be looking for you."
Toshiki nodded, and rose to exit into the darkened hallway. Akai reached out and grasped her by her kimono sleeve. He held out the silk shawl she had given him but she put up her hand and said, "Keep it. The night is cold and I don't want you to fall ill."
Akai smiled at her, tenderness coursing through his soft eyes. Quietly, he rose up and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her body tremble as he stroked her silken locks, pulling a few stray strands from her face and gazed tenderly into her eyes. Slowly he leaned down to her, his smooth lips hovering by her ear, and whispered, "You are very kind, Miss Toshiki."
Her gentle hands join into his embrace, his heart melting as he relished in the newfound feelings this girl had revealed to him. No longer did he have the urge to kill, no longer did he feel suffering and the guilt-ridden sorrow of being a manslayer. As long as he had the power of kindness, compassion and love with him, there was nothing that would deter the happiness he felt. As long as he had Toshiki, this silly little girl that had chipped away at his stone cold heart and revealed a light inside that had been hidden for many years. It was Toshiki who had reminded him of what he was truly fighting for: a new era filled with peace and prosperity, where no one would have to live in fear or dread or suffer under the cruel hilt of a twisted government. Now, with renewed strength of spirit, Akai had no fear of the truth, and was willing to finally come out of the shadows. As these thoughts came forth from his very heart, he saw the moonlight come out from the clearing fog and basked in its glory as he prepared to disclose his past to the one soul he had finally come to trust.
"My name is...Battousai."
~
Out from the fog, a shadow, silent as a phantom, leaped over the far wall. Cloaked in shrouds of black, he came, creeping across the garden and through the outer hallways. Listening for voices, looked to the upper chamber, the only room alive by lamplight. He crawled up the wall, like a wicked insect, to investigate their endeavor. The voices became words as the shadow hovered beneath the window.
~
"Battousai?"
"Yes," the swordsman replied. "I am a hitokiri for the Ishinshishi, a group of warriors set against the Tokugawa shogunate. I have remained in the shadows as a secret weapon used for the purpose of doing away with cruel government officials trying to eradicate the dream of a new era. As an Imperialist, I am fighting to bring peace into this world and to bring forth a new regime where people will no longer have to live in fear or suffer beneath oppression. Your father only received word of my swordsmanship skills because my identity cannot be discovered. If this were to happen, many may die because of it. I have slain so many men during the past three years that I cannot rid the smell of blood and the desire to kill from my mind. Many fear my name and the sword that I carry. That is why I wished to avoid you...I didn't want to have innocent people involved. However, your bravery has revealed to me an inner fighting spirit, one I cannot ignore. I now know that I can trust you, Toshiki. The happiness that you experience is the reason why I am fighting. You've helped me rekindle my beliefs, and for that I owe you my life."
Battousai paused and let the words sink in. Her hands trembled at the sudden revelation. He knew this was a lot for her to swallow but her eyes told her she wished to know even more.
"If this is so, why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Kyoto where the real threat resides?"
"I have been sent here to gain information about a certain Shogunate supporter and opposing force against the Imperialists: Yamouda Kokkaido. He has been trying to gain this estate in order to secure a more powerful standing and thus be in a better position to fight for the shogunate. I was sent here to learn of his whereabouts, since he has proven elusive to the other Ishinshishi members. In order for me to execute justice I must learn where Kokkaido is residing and eliminate him."
"Oh, Akai! By doing this you will save my family! I will tell you everything I know about Kokkaido. His estate resides in the small district of Amagasaki, just beyond the borders of Osaka. Although I must warn you, the estate is heavily guarded and none of my father's samurai could come against him. All fell by the sword or were tricked by his bandits. He is a very powerful man and very dangerous. You must be careful, if you go against him," Toshiki gasped as s thought came to her. "Wait. How can you even think of going against Kokkaido alone? His men will surely kill you at first sight!"
"I am not known as the strongest of the Imperialists for nothing," Battousai smiled.
Suddenly, his warm eyes turned amber and he stood tall upon the tatami, his body glowing in the lamplight. He took his katana blade from its stand, crossed the room and leaned next to the window. Everything was quiet outside but his instincts told him otherwise.
"What is it?" Toshiki wondered fearfully.
Battousai pulled open the curtain and gazed out into the garden, eyes aglow with the moonlight. He eyed the premises, but saw no one, for the shadow had already disappeared. Deciding it had probably been his imagination he replied, "Nothing," and departed from the sill, letting the curtain fall into the night air.
~
Morning came. Toshiki rose, dressed in her schooling uniform and went to the stateroom to wake the Battousai. She smiled as she saw him sleeping soundly. The late night had made them both exhausted but Toshiki was too livened up to sleep. After rousing him from the futon, she dragged him out to the far side of the house where there was a horse stable, housing the steeds of Matsu's servants, messengers and samurai. The barn smelled of fresh hay and oats and echoed with the sound of mouths munching grain. The building was vacant, save for a mute stable boy present, so Toshiki had no fear of anyone finding out of her being with the swordsman.
"What is it you wanted to show me?" Battousai asked, yawning slightly.
"Something wonderful." She grasped his hand and brought him to the end of the stable where inside was a rare sight. Out came the head of a regal horse, white as fresh show upon Mount Fuji. His eyes were as blue as the frothing sea, his long stormy mane pouring over his brow like a waterfall. Pink nostrils flared, he snorted wildly and nickered at Toshiki who held out her hand to stroke his face. Toshiki turned to Battousai and said, "This is my father's pride and joy, the great warhorse Shiro Tsuki. My father says he came from the northern islands as a gift to a warlord. During a great battle years ago, the warlord perished and his horse ran off into the mountains. One of my father's samurai found him and brought him here, where he has been in my care ever since. Isn't he magnificent?"
Battousai gazed into the eyes of the great horse and saw a clever fire burning within. A warrior's spirit emanated from those pools of surging ocean water and the swordsman nodded in approval. "I have never seen the like of him." Battousai reached out to touch the great white horse. Shiro Tsuki stared into his amber eyes and at once lowered his muzzle into his hand. Eyes of man and horse locked into a fierce glare. Suddenly the wind picked up and a storm of leaves swirled though the barn. An eerie thunderous echo of galloping horses sounded across the walls vanishing with the flurry of the wind. Toshiki straightened her locks as the breeze subsided and, puzzled, looked at the swordsman who was still locked with the warhorse's gaze. His hand fell and Shiro Tsuki returned to his meal.
"What was that?" Toshiki pried.
"A clash of spirits," Battousai smiled, turned, and walked out of the barn. "I must return to my post now, Toshiki."
After she watched him disappear into the garden, Toshiki leaned against the stall door and said, "I think he likes you."
Tsuki replied with a snort and Toshiki left him to engage her Master in swordplay.