Discalimer: I do not own PMK or RK

Chapter 27: Miracles

"Row like you've never rowed before!" Ryouma yelled over the waves.. He steered the small craft as Tetsu pulled at the oars. The wind was brisk. They will need to work hard to catch up to the ferry. Ryouma hopped over to adjust the sails of their craft. Old times, Ryouma smiled as he recalled a similar sailing trip taken with an old friend. Of course, they had been fleeing from some enemies then .

Ichimura-san, the lad takes right after you. Full of spunk. Tetsu felt his muscles pull as the oars chafed his palms. He'll get blisters on top of his sword-calluses. He had been skeptical when Ryouma showed him the flimsy little boat. But it was worth the gamble. Anything to see Saya...he would have swum out if need be.

Just a bit more... The ferry was nearer now. Ryouma fixed the rudder and drew his pistol.

Ukiya the ferry captain was smoking his pipe when a bullet sailed past his face and snapped his pipe stem. He cursed angrily as he saw the sailboat approach. "Sakamoto! You stinking bastard! Were you trying to kill me? I swore I will not hurt your gal!"

"Sorry, Ukiya-kun! Change of plans! Bring her round!" Ryouma yelled over the waves. Tetsu strained to catch a glimpse of Saya amidst the gawking passengers that have been drawn out from below decks by the gunshot. Many were scared, thinking the gunshot was the sign of an impeding pirate attack.

"Bring her round! Lower the sail!" Ukiya ordered his crew. Umeko and Saya were below when they heard a commotion above. They hurried above deck to find the crew busy lowering the sails to slow the vessel. Umeko saw the muscular form of her love in the boat. Ryouma, what is it now? She really ought to slap him sometimes.

Then she saw the redhead youngster with him. She put her hand on Saya's shoulder and steered her to the side. "Look, Saya-chan. He came." The mute girl's eyes were shining with tears.

Tetsu put down the oars and crawled over to the bow. Their eyes met. He held out his hand and opened his mouth, but the words were drowned out by the waves and shouts of the crew. No words were needed. Saya, please come back... Don't go, please...I love you, Saya.

"Shall I get the captain to lower the ladder?" Umeko asked. Go to him, child. Saya nodded. Umeko flashed a thumbs-up sign to Ryouma. Ryouma called out to lower the ladder and moved his vessel closer.

"Watch out!" A freak wave bumped both vessels against each other. The smaller craft pitched dangerously. Ryouma swore as he fought to maintain his balance. Both Saya and Umeko screamed as Tetsu fell over the side with a loud splash. Tetsu-kun, please be alright!

At first, there were only bubbles. Then Tetsu surfaced, coughing and spitting salt water. Ryouma hauled him into the boat. Umeko silently thanked heaven as Ryouma confirmed that Tetsu was alive and flashed a thumbs-up sign.

"Saya?" Tetsu opened his eyes to find Saya smiling down on him. His head was resting on her lap. She was crying. "Saya, please don't cry..." He reached out to brush her tears away. I'm crying because I'm too happy, baka... She took his hand in her smaller ones. She kissed him as he tried to sit up.

"Scenic tour about the harbor?" Ryouma teased as he managed the oars. Must remember to get Sugar-plum out in a boat someday, or night...he smiled.

She was waiting there when Yamanami climbed the steps to the old shrine. Gone were the gaudy silks of a courtesan. Instead, she wore the coarse cloth of a pilgrim. A large straw hat with a veil covered her face, but he recognized her. "Akesato-san?" She nodded slightly.

They stood by the gate without touching, watching the sunset.

"Akesato, why did you disappear without a word? I knew you were still alive somewhere... Please come with me!"

"Sometimes, there are some loyalties that are not that easy to break, Keisuke-kun." Yamanami paused as she spoke. He understood. Akesato was never an ordinary Shimabara courtesan to begin with. Like him, she was bound by certain rules and duties. "I came to say sayonara..."

"Akesato-san, wait! Do you believe in miracles? Tetsu brought her back." Everyone was surprised when Tetsu returned with Saya on Kondo's horse. It caused a little scandal. Pages don't ride their masters' horses when going out with girls. Not that anyone minded. They were all very happy. Even Saitou and Hijitaka were smiling.

"Saya?" Akesato gasped. Yamanami nodded. She fought to regain control of her voice. "Do you believe in fate, Yamanami-san?" The bespectacled man nodded. "Good, I believe fate will let us meet again..."

"Wait!" Yamanami chased her as she darted behind the shrine. He found no one. Somewhere in the shadows, Akesato brushed away a tear. Believe me, I will look for you once all this is over. Her companions will be waiting. She hurried off.

A few days later in the Shinsengumi HQ kitchen, Hotaru stirred the soup. "Saya-chan, please pass me the soy sauce." The new kitchen help passed her the soy sauce. The kitchen was getting crowded. Hotaru smiled secretly. Last year, there was only Okita-san. Now, there were three young men in the kitchen. Tatsu, Susumu and Tetsu.

Enough is enough! Hotaru ordered all three out of the kitchen. You can see us later after we're done with the chores!

"Tetsu! Remove this creature from my room! And the kittens as well!" Hijitaka roared as he faced a hissing Tsuki-hime. The black cat had chosen his closet as a nursery for her offspring. The creature had followed the men back to the HQ after Umeya and stubbornly refused to be evicted.

Only Souji would have liked the idea of kittens in the closet... Hijitaka sighed as Tetsu coaxed both mother and kittens out. The black cat had three snowy-white kittens. He brought them to the kitchen where Hotaru welcomed the new rat-catchers.

Author's notes:

Things are kinda settled now. Leaving the YamanamiAkesato thing hanging.

Yahoo! Thanks for the reviews and suggestions.