Disclaimer: I do not own RK. It belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki, SONY etc...
Few words.
World of Images? The sequel to The World Without an Image? Oh, yeah. That. I just uploaded a new chapter.
What? You don't know what I am talking about? Then go and find out! (And leave reviews!)
Loyalty of a Heart
By: Tiian
Chapter 2.
~ Day 2 ~
"Father?" Tsunami stopped toying with her food to look at her father with her puppy look. The man sitting at before her glanced up from his papers to look at his daughter. He was a strong looking man. His eyes were deep brown and his hair black with some white strands in it to remind people that he was already getting old and at the same time bringing dignity to his face. Beard covered his chin and cheeks, but it was well taken care of and looked perfect on him. He was average in high, had strong shoulders and muscles in his body. No one could say that he was handsome, but his strong nose and the look in his eyes got him a reputation as a man to look at with pleasure.
His normally stark look softened always when his daughter was present. Every one knew that more than anything, he loved his daughter. Now when he looked at her beautiful eyes that held a look that could melt any man in the room, his eyes grew soft and tender.
"Yes, my precious?"
He knew that his current wife was jealous of her and the way he always paid more attention to Tsunami and took her side in a fight, but he could not help it. Tsunami was more like him than any other person he had ever met. She was also his only daughter.
Tsunami placed her chopsticks onto her plate and cocked her head. "Has anyone asked of me? He should have by now..." She bit her lower lip gently and looked at his father with expression that had yet to fail in giving her what she wanted.
"Hmm... I don't think so. Anyone special in your pretty little head?" He asked gently already guessing her answer.
Tsunami pursed her pretty lips together. "Aoshi. He has not asked about me?"
Ryoushin shook his head. "Not that I have heard of it. I am sorry." He extended his hand over the table and Tsunami took it smiling sadly. "Well, that means more work for me." She squeezed her father's hand and then withdrew. She stood up. "Thank the cook for me, will you. The food was delicious."
After giving her father one last smile, she turned and walked from her father's room she had been eating at. She had barely escaped mother and her brothers when they had been asking for her to join them for a dinner in town. She loved her brothers and had nothing against mother, but she still preferred eating with her father.
She walked calmly to her room to change her clothes. She was wearing a blue yukata that covered most of her body, but in certain light, everyone could see what was behind it. It was thin and so something she gladly chose to wear during the summer as hot as this was getting. But no matter how much she wanted, she could not go to the town wearing only it. She had to dress herself in a kimono and sweat in it for hours.
It had been two days since she had bumped into Aoshi and since he made no moves, she would. In a game she played, time was always precious. If he would not move, she would.
* * * * * * *
Himura Kenshin walked calmly along the streets to find the address he had been given a little while earlier. Finding Aoiya had not been hard, the hard part had been facing the leader of Oniwabanshu, Shinomori Aoshi. Even though no emotions had crossed his features, Kenshin could tell that he disliked him there.
Older man with a smiling face had welcomed him. He said that his name was Okina, Kashiwazaki Nenji. He had introduced to him Omasu, Okon, Shiro and Kuro who together seemed to form the inn. All were members of Oniwabanshu. Then Aoshi had showed up with his impassive face and they had talked. Okina had been present and Kenshin soon understood that it was Okina that had accepted him there and not the leader. Shinomori Aoshi seemed to measure him with his eyes and words since he arrived. It was kind of hard to stay in that kind of atmosphere, but he would do so for now.
Now the matter at hand. He had to find Arai Seikuu and see if he had the same skill as his father had had. Okina had promised to come with him, but Kenshin had said no. This was a matter he had to solve by himself. Getting a new sakabatou was what he had to do now and he would have to find one before Shishio's men would come after him.
He walked along a quiet and peaceful part of Kyoto and finally arrived at his destination. A middle sized wooden house slightly separated from the town. Smoke was drifting up to the air from the chimney. Kenshin approached it slowly and walked to the part where knives were sold. And what he found surprised him. A small child sitting and a pillow as if he was the seller.
"Babo." The child said smiling widely. Was this Arai Seikuu? This child? If it was, there was no way he could have a new sword from here. He would have to search elsewhere.
"Anfake, anfake!" The child giggled happily and waved his hand in the air to his direction. Kenshin blinked. *Anfake? Hmmm---- Handshake?*
"Oh, a handshake? Okay, okay." Kenshin took a hold of the child's hand and shook it. The child laughed delighted. Then the door opened and a woman stepped out. She was wearing a kimono, which had a flower pattern.
"Don't play with those, Iori." She said and the child yelled mother. Then the woman turned to Kenshin and smiled. "Welcome, sir. Were you looking for something?"
Kenshin smiled and looked at the knives at the table. "Actually, I wanted a kitchen knife. Do you mind if I try this one out?" He asked and pointed at one of the knives. The woman continued smiling. "Not at all. Go ahead."
Kenshin reached for his pocket and pulled out a daikon. He took the knife and sliced the daikon with it, then carefully matched up the halves. No seam could be seen. *This is a good sign.* Kenshin thought.
"Ma'am, could I speak with mister Seikuu? I want him to make a sword for me."
Suddenly the woman looked uncomfortable. "Well... I..."
"Excuse me."
Kenshin turned and saw a man. He was lean and tall with rather short black hair.
"I am Arai Seikuu." The man continued. "I overheard your conversation. You need a sword?" He bowed deeply and stayed down. "I'm sorry, but I no longer make swords. I cannot fulfil your request."
Kenshin's eyes widened. "Why not?"
"People who come to me with requests for swords know about my father Shakkuu's quest for the ¨sword that kills.¨ He used to tell me, ¨The swords I make will bring in a new era.¨" Young man paused and straightened up.
"But I didn't accept my father's beliefs. The swords he shaped with those beliefs stole many lives. What does killing have to do with bringing in a new era? I wasn't convinced. During those times of violence there was nothing I could do. But it's the Meiji era now. Finally the age of peace has come. The samurai have thrown away their swords. So I too will throw away the art of sword making. I've decided to earn my living making the tools of everyday life. So..."
Kenshin was silent and then smiled. "I see, Mr Seikuu. I am sorry to have brought you a futile request. Thank you for your time." He bowed, turned and started walking away.
This was unfortunate, but he really could not force him into making a sword. It would be no good if he would do it against his own wishes. It would be a poor work and no use to him. Kenshin sighed. He would have to search for a new sword elsewhere. Slowly he walked back to the crowded Kyoto.
Then being deep in his thoughts he failed to notice the bump in the road and for a moment he lost his balance. It was only momentary, but during that moment his hands automatically searched for something to take a hold of and found it. His hand gripped it tightly and then-
The sound of a fabric ripping gave him a chill as he regained his balance by pulling himself up.
"Aaah! My kimono!" The woman yelled and looked at the rip in it with wide blue eyes. Then they narrowed and she turned to look at Kenshin. He sweatdropped. "Ano..."
"How do you intend to pay for this?" Her eyes looked at Kenshin's clothes and the fixed themselves on his waist. Her eyes narrowed even further at the sight of his sheath and sakabatou's hilt and Kenshin wondered if she actually saw anything anymore since her eyes were almost closed. Then she looked at him again in the eyes. "Well?"
Kenshin waved his hands. "Sessha has no money on me now, but-"
"But what? Do you have any idea just how expensive this was? My favourite." Of course it was a lie. Tsunami didn't have any favourites among kimonos, but she was angry and needed an outlet.
"But, but... Sessha will pay someway." He really had not idea of what to do. He doubted that he would not have enough money to pay to her for the damage if she would insist on getting a new one.
Her kimono seemed to be of high quality, it was rarity to see ones so well done as the one before him now. It had simple pattern of blue cherry petals, which were done to look so real that Kenshin thought that they should fall to the ground. Even though sakura petals were usually pink, in her kimono they were pictured blue as if they would be frozen in the air. The petals were strewed into the ends of the fabric. Onto the sleeves and the hem. Her obi was the same colour as the petals and her black hair was tied into a braid with blue ribbon swirling with the hair. Such hairdo was rare.
"What's your name and where do you live?"
Kenshin blinked and without a second thought he answered, regretting it as soon as it was said. "Sessha wa Himura Kenshin. Sessha lives at the Aoiya at the moment."
At this the woman's eyed widened and then she smiled. "What a coincidence, I was just about to enjoy lunch. You'll treat me at the Aoiya, ne. Let's go. You can pay for this kimono there." She said and pointed at the kimono sleeve Kenshin had ripped. It hung from her shoulder with only few strings still attaching it to the rest of the kimono.
"Demo..." Kenshin whimpered.
Tsunami turned. "Yes?" She smiled angelically. Things would go perfectly. She would go there and have a lunch, which this strange man would offer to her and she might be able see Aoshi as well. After all Aoiya was Oniwabanshu headquarter.
But who was this man? That was a mystery also. Dressed in strange pink clothes, he seemed overly innocent and yet he had a sword on him. Also he moved like a master of arts. She had instantly noticed that. And why was he staying at Aoiya? He really didn't seem to be an oniwabanshu member. So was he just a normal visitor or something else. She would have to find out as soon as possible. This person could very well ruin her game if he appeared in wrong places, she really had not foreseen this.
Then again it was possible that he would leave soon and had nothing to do with Aoshi or other things happening in Kyoto. Things her father knew about but hadn't told her. It was about time that she would ask about it. If there was a possibility that it would mess up her game and endanger her, she would have to get prepared or end this now before she would be in too deep to do anything but continue playing.
She glanced behind her and noticed the man still behind her, watching her with a serious expression on his face. Tsunami looked away quickly but the picture of him was already trapped in her head. He had looked very different from before. Now that he seemed serious he clearly was not someone to underestimate. She would have to check him out.
But now she had other things to think about, things that were more important to her. Her game for example. She would more today towards her goal, Shinomori Aoshi and Oniwabanshu. She would have to be extremely careful with this. Would they find who she really was, she would be in some serious trouble. But she would worry about that later, now she was going to have a hell of a time playing around.
She smiled and walked directly towards Aoiya. She was almost there when the man, Kenshin as she remembered, talked to her. "Miss?"
She turned and cocked her hear. "Yes? Something the matter?"
"Umm... Your name?" Kenshin said pleadingly. He obviously had no idea of what to do with the woman before him.
"Yoshigawa Karen." Tsunami smiled. He may or may not recognize the name, it didn't really matter, it was the only name she could give him. The same name that she had given to Aoshi earlier. The look on the man's face revealed that he did not know who she was. She wasn't really so surprised even though it was a little annoying. True, this man did not seem the type who was interested in finances.
"Karen-dono. Tell me where you live and I'll bring you money once I gather enough." Obviously he didn't want Tsunami to walk inside with him.
"I trust that there are women working at the Aoiya?" Tsunami raised her eyebrows and her lips curved into a smile.
"Yes, but--" He started.
"Sooo, -" Tsunami interrupted him. "I really can't move around with a broken kimono, I'll ask one of them to fix it for me." And she speeded to the entrance before Kenshin had time to say anything.
Tsunami could feel her heart bounding in her chest. She just knew that this game would keep her on her toes and continue to entice her. She felt a shiver run down her back as she walked inside. She was now in enemy territory, she would have to be very careful.
"Konnichi wa!"
A woman approached her smiling polite smile. She had some bangs on her face and the rest of her hair was tied into a tight pun. On her she had rather original kimono. No where near the quality Tsunami was used to wear. She had a gentle look in her eyes, but Tsunami was sure that she was an Oniwabanshu member.
"I am Omasu. I'll serve you today." She bowed. Tsunami merely nodded, looking around. It was a nice looking place and not too crowded at the moment. She could come here again even if it clearly was for common people.
"Anoo..."
Tsunami turned and saw Kenshin standing at the door with bewildered expression. She just smirked and turned to the waitress. "We'll eat here. He will be paying."
"Karen-dono. Ano, sessha--"
"Yeah, I know." She waved her hand at his direction. "You are sorry that you broke my kimono and wish to help me. Am I correct? Great." Tsunami had hard time holding back her laughter at his lost look. He looked almost pleadingly at Omasu who understood immediately.
"Well, miss. Maybe we can do something about it. Would you come with me please?" Omasu smiled, also holding back her laughter. The woman Kenshin had called Karen followed her and she led her to her own room. There she took her sewing tools and told the woman to sit down. She nodded and sat elegantly and peacefully down. Like a woman trained to look her best in every situation.
Omasu sat beside her and looked at the part where the sleeve connected with the rest. It seemed that Kenshin had somehow almost ripped the whole sleeve apart.
"Would you please remove the kimono? I can't make it good this way." Omasu said and Karen shook her head. "Just sew it back together loosely. I will have it fixed properly at home."
Carefully Omasu started working while wondering about the woman.
She had a peaceful but nothing expressing face. One you would think you would find from the dead. Apart from this world. Her lips had a little bit colour added to them, but otherwise her face was clean from makeup. It was naturally beautiful. She looked young but the look in her eyes was old. She was incredibly still as she worked and did her very best to fix the damage. The kimono was really soft and beautiful. It made Omasu wish that for once in her life she would be allowed to wear clothes this breathtaking.
"Done. I did all I could." Omasu bowed. It was clear that this woman before her was above her. Her clothes and her manners revealed it all.
Tsunami nodded and stood up. She had no words to say, a 'thank you' was not expected.
Omasu stood up as well and opened the door, making way for Tsunami who stepped into the corridor. Or would have if not for a tall body blocking her path. Tsunami looked up. Had she been so in her own thoughts that she had not noticed someone was there?
As her eyes finally reached the face, she was surprised to find none. The man was wearing a white demon-mask. He had an oniwabanshu uniform on him, Tsunami noticed that immediately.
"I am sorry." The man bowed and walked to give Tsunami room to move forward. His voice was hidden behind the mask and what she heard was just muffled sounds. She bowed her head, but her eyes didn't leave his face, his mask. Behind it... Who was he?
"Hannya."
The voice sent shivers down her back as it caressed her ears with its power and beauty. Shinomori Aoshi.
Tsunami turned to his direction and gloated him over greedily. He was gorgeous. His black bangs that created shadows over his eyes, his tall frame covered with tight black and blue clothes. She could almost see his muscular chest trough the fabric and what she could not see, she could imagine. Her eyes run over him endlessly and she could feel herself getting exited, more and more so.
A storm of emotions run through her, but nothing revealed it. On outside she merely smiled at his direction. There was a moment though when her eyes showed to inside of her, but she covered it quickly. No matter how quick she was, Hannya was quicker and saw a glimpse of what she wanted to hide. He frowned behind his mask.
All Tsunami thought of was how now was her change. Slowly but surely she would bring herself closer to him. Now...
"Ah, so we meet again." She said smiling politely and bowing to Aoshi. This time it was not merely a nod, but she also bent her back. She could still tell that he remembered her already before he opened his mouth and she almost smiled in delight.
"Karen-san." Aoshi nodded to her before turning to Hannya and with a turn of his head showed him to meet him later. Hannya bowed and left the scene quietly. Aoshi turned back to Tsunami who bowed again.
"I hope I have not bothered you." Her risen eyebrow indicated to Aoshi clearly that she wanted an answer. He just shook his head. "Not at all."
"I am glad." She smiled and bowed her head.
"It seems that Himura-san broke her kimono sleeve and brought her here to see something done about it." After giving an explanation to this woman's presence, Omasu walked back to the dining room thus leaving Aoshi with Tsunami to the corridor. Tsunami wouldn't have wanted it in any other way.
She smiled as she kindly as she could, stretching muscles she didn't normally need. "I hope you haven't been trying to walk over too many women lately." She allowed little playfulness to enter her voice so that he would understand that she was kidding.
Aoshi remained silent, but Tsunami could almost swear that she had seen a twitch in his lips, but when he answered his face was uncaring and cold. "No, I have not." He didn't seem to have anything to add and so Tsunami continued.
"This is my first time in this restaurant-inn. Are you a customer? Or maybe the owner?" She smiled, trying to angle all information she could. When he didn't answer, but merely looked at her with disinterested look, she bowed and her turned her smile to apologizing one.
"I am sorry. I shouldn't have asked, it was rude. Forgive me my lack of manners. I am sure you have other matters to attend to, but could you please guide me back to the dining part? I am afraid, I would get lost walking here alone." She simpered, attempting to look as helpless as she could. That was how most men wanted women to be. But in many ways Shinomori Aoshi was not like other men. What kind of woman he wanted?
Aoshi only nodded and Tsunami turned to follow him. She remembered the route back very well and would have been able to walk back any time. After living for years in her father's house, one inn was a piece of cake. For her.
They reached the dining room too quickly for her liking, she would have wanted to spent a little more time with him and get to know a little bit more. The information they had was not flawless.
Tsunami nodded to Aoshi as a thank you as they reached the door through which she had entered just a while ago. Aoshi left quietly, leaving her alone. She looked around and soon found the same redhead she had met earlier. Now it was time to torture him some more. How much would she ask as compensation for the kimono?
* * * * * * *
Aoshi walked calmly to his room where he knew Hannya was waiting. He couldn't help thinking about the woman he had just met again. Now like before he had felt strange around her. There was something about her that attracted him, but he simply couldn't pinpoint what. She acted calmly and politely as a woman should, she wore fine clothes and she was beautiful. Her face was still young and innocent. Maybe to him who had seen and been much that innocent was what he found captivating.
He reached door and as he opened it, he saw Hannya standing in the shadow. Aoshi walked inside, he was anxious to hear what Hannya had to tell him. He had been on this mission for couple of days.
"Give me your report." Aoshi said walking to his table to sit down.
Hannya nodded and started. "Shishio is gathering people and his right hand Seta Soujirou is out of town and nowhere to be found. It may be that Shishio will be ready to move sooner than we expected. Also he has sent messengers to Osaka and other towns close to us. There have been whispers of something big, but no one knows anything. I have heard everything from a huge amount of soldiers killing everyone to the burning of Kyoto. Yakuza has been really silent, too silent. They are probably either working with Shishio or too afraid to do anything. It is really hard to gather information since the entrance to their hideout is heavily guarded and we know no other way in."
Aoshi nodded and closed his eyes. He was getting angry again. How could one man avoid all of efforts so easily? He needed something else to think about.
"Okashira."
Hannya's voice was a mere whisper, but Aoshi heard it very well. He looked at Hannya. "I have told you multiple times not to call me that. Makimachi is the okashira, not I."
Hannya bowed slightly. "I know that, but to me you are the okashira and the one my loyalty belongs to. Would Makimachi truly rise to command again, I would call him okashira. But now, to me and many others, you are the okashira." He looked straight into Aoshi's eyes.
After a moment of silence, Aoshi sighed. "So what was it?"
"Who was that woman?"
Aoshi was surprised to hear Hannya asking such a thing. "I met her the other day. She said her name is Yoshigawa Karen. What of her?"
Hannya was silent before speaking again. "Yoshigawa? Isn't that the surname of that famous merchant? I have heard he has got a daughter."
Now Aoshi frowned. He remembered the name now also, but what Hannya didn't know, he did. "Yes, he has got a daughter named Karen. That explains her expensive kimono and good manners."
"Are you sure? That this woman was she?" Hannya asked.
Aoshi almost blinked. Hannya rarely questioned him in any way. "Yes, I am pretty sure. Why?"
Hannya was silent and he grossed his hands over his chest before speaking again. "I can not guarantee this, but in the hallway I saw something. She wears a mask, Aoshi-sama. For a moment it slipped and I saw her emotions. They were strong and ...raw. Almost like... an animal's. A beast's. She hid it soon very carefully with her normal look, but I am quite... No, I am sure I saw eyes that don't usually belong to a woman of the status she is."
Were Aoshi any other man he would have laughed. Were Hannya any other man and he would not be believed. But now Aoshi frowned. He had learned to trust in Hannya and his capabilities. He would not say this lightly.
A beast? That woman? She smiled like an angel and was she painted, the painting could be named innocence. Yet... Who was she?
He had other more important things to worry about and here he was thinking about her. He wanted to know if Hannya was correct and after this ordeal with Shishio would be over, he would solve her puzzle and strip her of her mask if she had one.
"Hannya. Don't push the matter, but keep your eyes open. One day I might want to know who she is."
* * * * * *
So, this chapter is over.
I like this fic and at the moment I have a huge inspiration with this. Starting chapters is the only thing hard in writing this.
I want to clear few things. That's in the next chapter until I'll have chapter 3 written. Then I'll change the content.
So I took the Seikuu-scene directly from the series and proved to myself that I really am one lazy person. I copy-pasted their talk (almost) directly from Maigo-chan's RK translations. So all credit for those to her!
Tiian
Few words.
World of Images? The sequel to The World Without an Image? Oh, yeah. That. I just uploaded a new chapter.
What? You don't know what I am talking about? Then go and find out! (And leave reviews!)
Loyalty of a Heart
By: Tiian
Chapter 2.
~ Day 2 ~
"Father?" Tsunami stopped toying with her food to look at her father with her puppy look. The man sitting at before her glanced up from his papers to look at his daughter. He was a strong looking man. His eyes were deep brown and his hair black with some white strands in it to remind people that he was already getting old and at the same time bringing dignity to his face. Beard covered his chin and cheeks, but it was well taken care of and looked perfect on him. He was average in high, had strong shoulders and muscles in his body. No one could say that he was handsome, but his strong nose and the look in his eyes got him a reputation as a man to look at with pleasure.
His normally stark look softened always when his daughter was present. Every one knew that more than anything, he loved his daughter. Now when he looked at her beautiful eyes that held a look that could melt any man in the room, his eyes grew soft and tender.
"Yes, my precious?"
He knew that his current wife was jealous of her and the way he always paid more attention to Tsunami and took her side in a fight, but he could not help it. Tsunami was more like him than any other person he had ever met. She was also his only daughter.
Tsunami placed her chopsticks onto her plate and cocked her head. "Has anyone asked of me? He should have by now..." She bit her lower lip gently and looked at his father with expression that had yet to fail in giving her what she wanted.
"Hmm... I don't think so. Anyone special in your pretty little head?" He asked gently already guessing her answer.
Tsunami pursed her pretty lips together. "Aoshi. He has not asked about me?"
Ryoushin shook his head. "Not that I have heard of it. I am sorry." He extended his hand over the table and Tsunami took it smiling sadly. "Well, that means more work for me." She squeezed her father's hand and then withdrew. She stood up. "Thank the cook for me, will you. The food was delicious."
After giving her father one last smile, she turned and walked from her father's room she had been eating at. She had barely escaped mother and her brothers when they had been asking for her to join them for a dinner in town. She loved her brothers and had nothing against mother, but she still preferred eating with her father.
She walked calmly to her room to change her clothes. She was wearing a blue yukata that covered most of her body, but in certain light, everyone could see what was behind it. It was thin and so something she gladly chose to wear during the summer as hot as this was getting. But no matter how much she wanted, she could not go to the town wearing only it. She had to dress herself in a kimono and sweat in it for hours.
It had been two days since she had bumped into Aoshi and since he made no moves, she would. In a game she played, time was always precious. If he would not move, she would.
* * * * * * *
Himura Kenshin walked calmly along the streets to find the address he had been given a little while earlier. Finding Aoiya had not been hard, the hard part had been facing the leader of Oniwabanshu, Shinomori Aoshi. Even though no emotions had crossed his features, Kenshin could tell that he disliked him there.
Older man with a smiling face had welcomed him. He said that his name was Okina, Kashiwazaki Nenji. He had introduced to him Omasu, Okon, Shiro and Kuro who together seemed to form the inn. All were members of Oniwabanshu. Then Aoshi had showed up with his impassive face and they had talked. Okina had been present and Kenshin soon understood that it was Okina that had accepted him there and not the leader. Shinomori Aoshi seemed to measure him with his eyes and words since he arrived. It was kind of hard to stay in that kind of atmosphere, but he would do so for now.
Now the matter at hand. He had to find Arai Seikuu and see if he had the same skill as his father had had. Okina had promised to come with him, but Kenshin had said no. This was a matter he had to solve by himself. Getting a new sakabatou was what he had to do now and he would have to find one before Shishio's men would come after him.
He walked along a quiet and peaceful part of Kyoto and finally arrived at his destination. A middle sized wooden house slightly separated from the town. Smoke was drifting up to the air from the chimney. Kenshin approached it slowly and walked to the part where knives were sold. And what he found surprised him. A small child sitting and a pillow as if he was the seller.
"Babo." The child said smiling widely. Was this Arai Seikuu? This child? If it was, there was no way he could have a new sword from here. He would have to search elsewhere.
"Anfake, anfake!" The child giggled happily and waved his hand in the air to his direction. Kenshin blinked. *Anfake? Hmmm---- Handshake?*
"Oh, a handshake? Okay, okay." Kenshin took a hold of the child's hand and shook it. The child laughed delighted. Then the door opened and a woman stepped out. She was wearing a kimono, which had a flower pattern.
"Don't play with those, Iori." She said and the child yelled mother. Then the woman turned to Kenshin and smiled. "Welcome, sir. Were you looking for something?"
Kenshin smiled and looked at the knives at the table. "Actually, I wanted a kitchen knife. Do you mind if I try this one out?" He asked and pointed at one of the knives. The woman continued smiling. "Not at all. Go ahead."
Kenshin reached for his pocket and pulled out a daikon. He took the knife and sliced the daikon with it, then carefully matched up the halves. No seam could be seen. *This is a good sign.* Kenshin thought.
"Ma'am, could I speak with mister Seikuu? I want him to make a sword for me."
Suddenly the woman looked uncomfortable. "Well... I..."
"Excuse me."
Kenshin turned and saw a man. He was lean and tall with rather short black hair.
"I am Arai Seikuu." The man continued. "I overheard your conversation. You need a sword?" He bowed deeply and stayed down. "I'm sorry, but I no longer make swords. I cannot fulfil your request."
Kenshin's eyes widened. "Why not?"
"People who come to me with requests for swords know about my father Shakkuu's quest for the ¨sword that kills.¨ He used to tell me, ¨The swords I make will bring in a new era.¨" Young man paused and straightened up.
"But I didn't accept my father's beliefs. The swords he shaped with those beliefs stole many lives. What does killing have to do with bringing in a new era? I wasn't convinced. During those times of violence there was nothing I could do. But it's the Meiji era now. Finally the age of peace has come. The samurai have thrown away their swords. So I too will throw away the art of sword making. I've decided to earn my living making the tools of everyday life. So..."
Kenshin was silent and then smiled. "I see, Mr Seikuu. I am sorry to have brought you a futile request. Thank you for your time." He bowed, turned and started walking away.
This was unfortunate, but he really could not force him into making a sword. It would be no good if he would do it against his own wishes. It would be a poor work and no use to him. Kenshin sighed. He would have to search for a new sword elsewhere. Slowly he walked back to the crowded Kyoto.
Then being deep in his thoughts he failed to notice the bump in the road and for a moment he lost his balance. It was only momentary, but during that moment his hands automatically searched for something to take a hold of and found it. His hand gripped it tightly and then-
The sound of a fabric ripping gave him a chill as he regained his balance by pulling himself up.
"Aaah! My kimono!" The woman yelled and looked at the rip in it with wide blue eyes. Then they narrowed and she turned to look at Kenshin. He sweatdropped. "Ano..."
"How do you intend to pay for this?" Her eyes looked at Kenshin's clothes and the fixed themselves on his waist. Her eyes narrowed even further at the sight of his sheath and sakabatou's hilt and Kenshin wondered if she actually saw anything anymore since her eyes were almost closed. Then she looked at him again in the eyes. "Well?"
Kenshin waved his hands. "Sessha has no money on me now, but-"
"But what? Do you have any idea just how expensive this was? My favourite." Of course it was a lie. Tsunami didn't have any favourites among kimonos, but she was angry and needed an outlet.
"But, but... Sessha will pay someway." He really had not idea of what to do. He doubted that he would not have enough money to pay to her for the damage if she would insist on getting a new one.
Her kimono seemed to be of high quality, it was rarity to see ones so well done as the one before him now. It had simple pattern of blue cherry petals, which were done to look so real that Kenshin thought that they should fall to the ground. Even though sakura petals were usually pink, in her kimono they were pictured blue as if they would be frozen in the air. The petals were strewed into the ends of the fabric. Onto the sleeves and the hem. Her obi was the same colour as the petals and her black hair was tied into a braid with blue ribbon swirling with the hair. Such hairdo was rare.
"What's your name and where do you live?"
Kenshin blinked and without a second thought he answered, regretting it as soon as it was said. "Sessha wa Himura Kenshin. Sessha lives at the Aoiya at the moment."
At this the woman's eyed widened and then she smiled. "What a coincidence, I was just about to enjoy lunch. You'll treat me at the Aoiya, ne. Let's go. You can pay for this kimono there." She said and pointed at the kimono sleeve Kenshin had ripped. It hung from her shoulder with only few strings still attaching it to the rest of the kimono.
"Demo..." Kenshin whimpered.
Tsunami turned. "Yes?" She smiled angelically. Things would go perfectly. She would go there and have a lunch, which this strange man would offer to her and she might be able see Aoshi as well. After all Aoiya was Oniwabanshu headquarter.
But who was this man? That was a mystery also. Dressed in strange pink clothes, he seemed overly innocent and yet he had a sword on him. Also he moved like a master of arts. She had instantly noticed that. And why was he staying at Aoiya? He really didn't seem to be an oniwabanshu member. So was he just a normal visitor or something else. She would have to find out as soon as possible. This person could very well ruin her game if he appeared in wrong places, she really had not foreseen this.
Then again it was possible that he would leave soon and had nothing to do with Aoshi or other things happening in Kyoto. Things her father knew about but hadn't told her. It was about time that she would ask about it. If there was a possibility that it would mess up her game and endanger her, she would have to get prepared or end this now before she would be in too deep to do anything but continue playing.
She glanced behind her and noticed the man still behind her, watching her with a serious expression on his face. Tsunami looked away quickly but the picture of him was already trapped in her head. He had looked very different from before. Now that he seemed serious he clearly was not someone to underestimate. She would have to check him out.
But now she had other things to think about, things that were more important to her. Her game for example. She would more today towards her goal, Shinomori Aoshi and Oniwabanshu. She would have to be extremely careful with this. Would they find who she really was, she would be in some serious trouble. But she would worry about that later, now she was going to have a hell of a time playing around.
She smiled and walked directly towards Aoiya. She was almost there when the man, Kenshin as she remembered, talked to her. "Miss?"
She turned and cocked her hear. "Yes? Something the matter?"
"Umm... Your name?" Kenshin said pleadingly. He obviously had no idea of what to do with the woman before him.
"Yoshigawa Karen." Tsunami smiled. He may or may not recognize the name, it didn't really matter, it was the only name she could give him. The same name that she had given to Aoshi earlier. The look on the man's face revealed that he did not know who she was. She wasn't really so surprised even though it was a little annoying. True, this man did not seem the type who was interested in finances.
"Karen-dono. Tell me where you live and I'll bring you money once I gather enough." Obviously he didn't want Tsunami to walk inside with him.
"I trust that there are women working at the Aoiya?" Tsunami raised her eyebrows and her lips curved into a smile.
"Yes, but--" He started.
"Sooo, -" Tsunami interrupted him. "I really can't move around with a broken kimono, I'll ask one of them to fix it for me." And she speeded to the entrance before Kenshin had time to say anything.
Tsunami could feel her heart bounding in her chest. She just knew that this game would keep her on her toes and continue to entice her. She felt a shiver run down her back as she walked inside. She was now in enemy territory, she would have to be very careful.
"Konnichi wa!"
A woman approached her smiling polite smile. She had some bangs on her face and the rest of her hair was tied into a tight pun. On her she had rather original kimono. No where near the quality Tsunami was used to wear. She had a gentle look in her eyes, but Tsunami was sure that she was an Oniwabanshu member.
"I am Omasu. I'll serve you today." She bowed. Tsunami merely nodded, looking around. It was a nice looking place and not too crowded at the moment. She could come here again even if it clearly was for common people.
"Anoo..."
Tsunami turned and saw Kenshin standing at the door with bewildered expression. She just smirked and turned to the waitress. "We'll eat here. He will be paying."
"Karen-dono. Ano, sessha--"
"Yeah, I know." She waved her hand at his direction. "You are sorry that you broke my kimono and wish to help me. Am I correct? Great." Tsunami had hard time holding back her laughter at his lost look. He looked almost pleadingly at Omasu who understood immediately.
"Well, miss. Maybe we can do something about it. Would you come with me please?" Omasu smiled, also holding back her laughter. The woman Kenshin had called Karen followed her and she led her to her own room. There she took her sewing tools and told the woman to sit down. She nodded and sat elegantly and peacefully down. Like a woman trained to look her best in every situation.
Omasu sat beside her and looked at the part where the sleeve connected with the rest. It seemed that Kenshin had somehow almost ripped the whole sleeve apart.
"Would you please remove the kimono? I can't make it good this way." Omasu said and Karen shook her head. "Just sew it back together loosely. I will have it fixed properly at home."
Carefully Omasu started working while wondering about the woman.
She had a peaceful but nothing expressing face. One you would think you would find from the dead. Apart from this world. Her lips had a little bit colour added to them, but otherwise her face was clean from makeup. It was naturally beautiful. She looked young but the look in her eyes was old. She was incredibly still as she worked and did her very best to fix the damage. The kimono was really soft and beautiful. It made Omasu wish that for once in her life she would be allowed to wear clothes this breathtaking.
"Done. I did all I could." Omasu bowed. It was clear that this woman before her was above her. Her clothes and her manners revealed it all.
Tsunami nodded and stood up. She had no words to say, a 'thank you' was not expected.
Omasu stood up as well and opened the door, making way for Tsunami who stepped into the corridor. Or would have if not for a tall body blocking her path. Tsunami looked up. Had she been so in her own thoughts that she had not noticed someone was there?
As her eyes finally reached the face, she was surprised to find none. The man was wearing a white demon-mask. He had an oniwabanshu uniform on him, Tsunami noticed that immediately.
"I am sorry." The man bowed and walked to give Tsunami room to move forward. His voice was hidden behind the mask and what she heard was just muffled sounds. She bowed her head, but her eyes didn't leave his face, his mask. Behind it... Who was he?
"Hannya."
The voice sent shivers down her back as it caressed her ears with its power and beauty. Shinomori Aoshi.
Tsunami turned to his direction and gloated him over greedily. He was gorgeous. His black bangs that created shadows over his eyes, his tall frame covered with tight black and blue clothes. She could almost see his muscular chest trough the fabric and what she could not see, she could imagine. Her eyes run over him endlessly and she could feel herself getting exited, more and more so.
A storm of emotions run through her, but nothing revealed it. On outside she merely smiled at his direction. There was a moment though when her eyes showed to inside of her, but she covered it quickly. No matter how quick she was, Hannya was quicker and saw a glimpse of what she wanted to hide. He frowned behind his mask.
All Tsunami thought of was how now was her change. Slowly but surely she would bring herself closer to him. Now...
"Ah, so we meet again." She said smiling politely and bowing to Aoshi. This time it was not merely a nod, but she also bent her back. She could still tell that he remembered her already before he opened his mouth and she almost smiled in delight.
"Karen-san." Aoshi nodded to her before turning to Hannya and with a turn of his head showed him to meet him later. Hannya bowed and left the scene quietly. Aoshi turned back to Tsunami who bowed again.
"I hope I have not bothered you." Her risen eyebrow indicated to Aoshi clearly that she wanted an answer. He just shook his head. "Not at all."
"I am glad." She smiled and bowed her head.
"It seems that Himura-san broke her kimono sleeve and brought her here to see something done about it." After giving an explanation to this woman's presence, Omasu walked back to the dining room thus leaving Aoshi with Tsunami to the corridor. Tsunami wouldn't have wanted it in any other way.
She smiled as she kindly as she could, stretching muscles she didn't normally need. "I hope you haven't been trying to walk over too many women lately." She allowed little playfulness to enter her voice so that he would understand that she was kidding.
Aoshi remained silent, but Tsunami could almost swear that she had seen a twitch in his lips, but when he answered his face was uncaring and cold. "No, I have not." He didn't seem to have anything to add and so Tsunami continued.
"This is my first time in this restaurant-inn. Are you a customer? Or maybe the owner?" She smiled, trying to angle all information she could. When he didn't answer, but merely looked at her with disinterested look, she bowed and her turned her smile to apologizing one.
"I am sorry. I shouldn't have asked, it was rude. Forgive me my lack of manners. I am sure you have other matters to attend to, but could you please guide me back to the dining part? I am afraid, I would get lost walking here alone." She simpered, attempting to look as helpless as she could. That was how most men wanted women to be. But in many ways Shinomori Aoshi was not like other men. What kind of woman he wanted?
Aoshi only nodded and Tsunami turned to follow him. She remembered the route back very well and would have been able to walk back any time. After living for years in her father's house, one inn was a piece of cake. For her.
They reached the dining room too quickly for her liking, she would have wanted to spent a little more time with him and get to know a little bit more. The information they had was not flawless.
Tsunami nodded to Aoshi as a thank you as they reached the door through which she had entered just a while ago. Aoshi left quietly, leaving her alone. She looked around and soon found the same redhead she had met earlier. Now it was time to torture him some more. How much would she ask as compensation for the kimono?
* * * * * * *
Aoshi walked calmly to his room where he knew Hannya was waiting. He couldn't help thinking about the woman he had just met again. Now like before he had felt strange around her. There was something about her that attracted him, but he simply couldn't pinpoint what. She acted calmly and politely as a woman should, she wore fine clothes and she was beautiful. Her face was still young and innocent. Maybe to him who had seen and been much that innocent was what he found captivating.
He reached door and as he opened it, he saw Hannya standing in the shadow. Aoshi walked inside, he was anxious to hear what Hannya had to tell him. He had been on this mission for couple of days.
"Give me your report." Aoshi said walking to his table to sit down.
Hannya nodded and started. "Shishio is gathering people and his right hand Seta Soujirou is out of town and nowhere to be found. It may be that Shishio will be ready to move sooner than we expected. Also he has sent messengers to Osaka and other towns close to us. There have been whispers of something big, but no one knows anything. I have heard everything from a huge amount of soldiers killing everyone to the burning of Kyoto. Yakuza has been really silent, too silent. They are probably either working with Shishio or too afraid to do anything. It is really hard to gather information since the entrance to their hideout is heavily guarded and we know no other way in."
Aoshi nodded and closed his eyes. He was getting angry again. How could one man avoid all of efforts so easily? He needed something else to think about.
"Okashira."
Hannya's voice was a mere whisper, but Aoshi heard it very well. He looked at Hannya. "I have told you multiple times not to call me that. Makimachi is the okashira, not I."
Hannya bowed slightly. "I know that, but to me you are the okashira and the one my loyalty belongs to. Would Makimachi truly rise to command again, I would call him okashira. But now, to me and many others, you are the okashira." He looked straight into Aoshi's eyes.
After a moment of silence, Aoshi sighed. "So what was it?"
"Who was that woman?"
Aoshi was surprised to hear Hannya asking such a thing. "I met her the other day. She said her name is Yoshigawa Karen. What of her?"
Hannya was silent before speaking again. "Yoshigawa? Isn't that the surname of that famous merchant? I have heard he has got a daughter."
Now Aoshi frowned. He remembered the name now also, but what Hannya didn't know, he did. "Yes, he has got a daughter named Karen. That explains her expensive kimono and good manners."
"Are you sure? That this woman was she?" Hannya asked.
Aoshi almost blinked. Hannya rarely questioned him in any way. "Yes, I am pretty sure. Why?"
Hannya was silent and he grossed his hands over his chest before speaking again. "I can not guarantee this, but in the hallway I saw something. She wears a mask, Aoshi-sama. For a moment it slipped and I saw her emotions. They were strong and ...raw. Almost like... an animal's. A beast's. She hid it soon very carefully with her normal look, but I am quite... No, I am sure I saw eyes that don't usually belong to a woman of the status she is."
Were Aoshi any other man he would have laughed. Were Hannya any other man and he would not be believed. But now Aoshi frowned. He had learned to trust in Hannya and his capabilities. He would not say this lightly.
A beast? That woman? She smiled like an angel and was she painted, the painting could be named innocence. Yet... Who was she?
He had other more important things to worry about and here he was thinking about her. He wanted to know if Hannya was correct and after this ordeal with Shishio would be over, he would solve her puzzle and strip her of her mask if she had one.
"Hannya. Don't push the matter, but keep your eyes open. One day I might want to know who she is."
* * * * * *
So, this chapter is over.
I like this fic and at the moment I have a huge inspiration with this. Starting chapters is the only thing hard in writing this.
I want to clear few things. That's in the next chapter until I'll have chapter 3 written. Then I'll change the content.
So I took the Seikuu-scene directly from the series and proved to myself that I really am one lazy person. I copy-pasted their talk (almost) directly from Maigo-chan's RK translations. So all credit for those to her!
Tiian