Disclaimer:.....you know that I don't own anyone right? RIGHT?! good..well except for a few people that I will make up in the beginning!
Chapter 7:: Mistakes with the Locals...
.....Meanwhile...back in the PAST......
The air was chilled as it blew across Kyoto's stirring town, making those who were out, reach for their haories. The sun was above the small hills within the distance, still not warm enough to warm those who were caught in its rays.
The slight creaking of wooden beams holding up the peaceful structure was all that was heard that morning, along with the occasional bird song in the air.
Aoshi sat alone within his meditation chamber, which was situated near the temples. His eyes were closed and seemed at peace, but as always, his mind was in turmoil.
He had felt some sort of disturbance earlier in the morning and thought nothing of it. Thinking it was Battousai getting worked up over his laundry or protecting his woman.
But the disturbance was unrelenting, and got his curiosity going.
As he thought more about it, the ki signature was nothing like the Battousai's, maybe a strange alteration of it, but not the same.
What is this strange ki? he thought, brows creasing tightly together.
He knew none that possessed the same blood line as the Battousai. And Battousai sure didn't tell him if there were. Though according to the powerful blasts of ki, Aoshi determined that it was that of a fighter, and a strong one at that. So whoever was at the Kamiya girl's dojo, was going to put up a strong fight.
Aoshi's eyes snapped open. Wait.......if I can feel that person's ki signature here at Kyoto.....then that means this person is much stronger than any other enemy Battousai has gone against. No doubt, when Battousai realizes it, he'll want some help.
The week's events for the former leader of the Oniwaban, were many and stressful. Adding this new threat to the suspicious rumors his spies had picked up around the slums of Kyoto about a rising faction called theTikara Ryu, an underground faction supplying other rebellious groups who oppose the Meiji government with artillery, drugs, and Government information for blackmail, can weigh heavily on one's shoulders. But being in his new state of reform, Aoshi refused to be pulled down with the stress and aggravation.
Finding no solace in his meditation chamber, Aoshi got up and walked back to the Aoiya to discuss future plans.
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Crimson hair blew across a pale face, eyes closed and cross-shaped scar visible to those who wanted to see. The warrior sat upon the rooftop of the Kamiya dojo, ever vigilant, even though the warrior's eyes were closed. The magenta gi swayed gently in the light breeze from the north, on the small yet sturdy form.
Kenshin and Kaoru had left to deliver a letter to the Oniwaban, to gather as much brute force as they could and figure out a strategic plan to bring down the Tikara Ryu. Well, maybe those two wouldn't figure it as brute force as much as an extra pair of eyes, but Urako did.
Urako also wanted to destroy the Kyoto Organization, preventing it from ever destroying her life as well as others. She wanted to get as much information as she could; find their weak points, their strong points, what their schedule was, and where they were located so that she could destroy them. If they were the same Kyoto Organization as hers in the future, then they would always be moving their primary base. Their best route would be to find out where they last were located and send the Oniwaban in groups to search in all directions for at least a one mile radius.
Times were different here, technology hadn't hit Japan as hard as it would in the future, and for Urako that was a bonus. Searking for them wouldn't be quite as hard, but getting information may prove to be a little less successful.
Urako opened her eyes slowly, gathering in her surroundings, letting her eyes readjust themselves to the sunlight. It was at least five hours since her abrupt appearance here in the past. Kenshin reminded her so much of her brother, Shinta, and she wanted to go back to him. Not knowing what happened to him tore at her heart, she didn't want to lose the last of her family. He was the only one left, she didn't want to lose him like she had Tomoe. Urako would have to tell Shinta about Tomoe someday, he'd need to know the truth.
Urako frowned as she thought about Kaoru's journal and all that she had inscribed within it's pages.
If I am correct, her friend and her should prove to be great allies against the Tikara Ryu and the Kyoto Organization. I believe that Kenshin still does not know about her, hmph....... he is so blind. But, there is something inscribed in there that I still don't understand...I think I shall ask her about it, Urako thought absently.
Sighing, Urako stood up and jumped down from her perch on the rooftop. She landed on the ground with the lightness of cat's feet, looked towards the dojo gate. She felt the presence of a group of men outside the dojo, and being the only one there, since Sano and Yahiko went out to go fishing, she was to protect the establishment.
Trying to sound like Kenshin as best she could she asked aloud,"Yes, what is your business?"
The group of burly men who were situated outside of the Kamiya dojo merely grinned stupidly and replied,"We have come to take revenge on our fathers' death, Hitokiri Battousai!"
"Really go back home. I have no time to settle petty indifferences with you," Urako replied nonchalantly though sternly.
"NO! The Battousai must pay for his wrongdoings! He must pay with his blood; with his life!!" The taller one shouted and started to slam his body against the door.
Urako couldn't help but chuckle at their idiocy, though replied cooly,"What do you wish in accomplishing when you go against the mighty Battousai? Have you not heard the tales? The frightening rumors?"
"We will make our father's death honorable when we slay you! If we die, then so be it!" The two behind the first proclaimed enthusiastically, raising their katanas.
"No, you would only make your father's last wishes be in vain. You would have accomplished nothing. Have you been so blind as to not to notice other things in your life besides your need for vengeance?" Urako retorted fiercely.
The group became silent, though the first man clenched his fist in a tight ball at his side, and said,"You know nothing of loss, nothing of pain, and nothing of honor. How can you, when you lived to kill? And for your mere existence, you must die! You are a plague to our peaceful lives!"
Urako almost burst out laughing, though stopped herself and said,"If what you say is true, then your killing me would be mirroring my former self-killing for the sake of taking another's life. How do you know of my life? Have you somehow crept into my brain and seen my life? No, you have no idea. I used to kill, this is a fact, but do you see the blood of others staining the ground? No, I am repenting, and I suggest you do the same. Before one of you does something stupid."
The fourth man of the group burst out in hatred and yelled, "Enough of this crap!! He will die!! Let's get him!"
Upon hearing this, the rest of the group brought down the dojo gate, and ran straight for the unflinching form of Battousai.
Urako knew there was no escaping this fight, and smirked. She would beat these losers without the use of her katana.
She bent her knees and started to move the balls of her feet up and down. When the group was but a few feet away, she kicked one foot up, bringing dust up in their face and a few pebbles as well. Since the North wind kept its steady pace, Urako used it as a sort of propeller to send the particles into the intruder's wake.
The group fell back, fiercely clutching their faces and crying out that their eyes burned. Their eyes were open, wide open to be precise, and the dust made its path to them, and the pebbles found their way to the men's faces.
"Ehhhhh....what is going on here, may I ask?" a red-headed warrior asked.
One of the men snapped his head up at the sudden inquiry, his eyes beheld horror and he stuttered,"T-t-two...H-hitokiri B-battousais!!! Two Hitokiri Battousais!!!"
The rest of the pained group looked up to where one of their men pointed, and they screamed.
"Oh shut-up, you're alive, aren't you?" Urako pointed out, clearly annoyed.
Oh no.....this could cause so much mayhem and fear! We must put these men out for a while, that we must, Kenshin thought as he analyzed the situation.
"Kenshin! What were you-" Kaoru stopped as she looked at the horrified men who kept on glancing back and forth to Kenshin and Urako.
Oh shit..... Urako thought as she realized her and Kenshin's mistake.
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Meanwhile....somewhere in the slums of Kyoto......
"Have you heard?"
"What news, tell me?"
"She's back, she knows."
"What do you mean, she's back?"
"News of her appearance is all over Kyoto, she knows about us."
"I want you to go back to the Aoiya and gather as much information as you can about her."
"What about her-"
"Never mind him, she is more crucial to us now that she has resurfaced."
"Of course sir!"
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Misao was drumming her fingers on the table in the Aoiya, a sure sign that she was bored out of her mind. She sighed for the thousandth time that morning, thinking of something to do. She thought back to last week, and wondering why she seemed so out of it, so detached, like how she was now.
-------------FLASHBACK--------------------------
Last week she awoke from a horrible nightmare full of death, blood, and heart wrenching screams of pain.
What was that about? Why am I dreaming of such death? I am NEVER eating that crap Okina makes for special occasions anymore!
Unable to go back to sleep, Misao pulled on her ninja outfit and crept out of her room and through her window. The icy winds nipped and bit at her exposed flesh, but it felt relaxing to her as she let out a contented sigh. She jumped down from the two-story building and onto the dusty road, her braid swinging to and fro in the wind.
She let her eyes become adjusted to the inky blackness of the night, eyes alert for any immediate danger. She slowly walked down the town's path and into the thick forest.
She wasn't aware of where she was walking to or if she just dreamt her little journey, as she kept up her easy pace into the woods.
Misao stopped, not because she felt tired, she just couldn't walk anymore. She didn't know if she lost the will to walk on anymore or what, but she just stopped.
What the hell is going on? First the freaky dreams, now I'm walking out in the middle of nowhere. Why didn't I stop myself before?
She briefly closed her eyes and took in her surroundings, going through her meditation training that she had with Aoshi.
She heard the mating calls of the crickets, the hungry night owl calling, felt the moon's glow on her eyelids, and the slight breeze that danced with the trees. She slowed her breathing so she could barely hear it above everything else, and focused on the sounds of the forest.
Ok...there isn't any present danger so I'm ok there, I guess my little walk for fresh air was successful.
Misao's breath caught short as she stared wide-eyed at the figure in front of her.
I haven't seen him in a long time.....I wonder what he wants now?
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Urako glanced quickly back at Kenshin before glaring at the shaky group who, just moments before, 'bravely' declared Battousai's death.
She had to think of something before these losers start a rumor of there being two Battousais, thus screwing up the future. Even though it was already pretty messed up already with her being here in the first place.
"Use the Hiten-Mitsurugi style Ryu Sou Sen, Kenshin!" Urako said, knowing her own style was only meant for individual attacks and that she couldn't expose Kaoru just yet.
Nodding, Kenshin sprung into the air and delivered the attack, rendering his targets unconscious. Like a graceful deer, he landed safely away from the scene, near Urako.
"I guess we have to get Saito to clean up this mess, that we do," Kenshin observed as he glanced back to where the men lay.
"What was all that about Urako? I mean, why were they here anyway?" Kaoru asked as she walked up to them.
Urako shrugged and replied,"Oh, just the 'Die Battousai!' deal. It was nothing really, just a bunch of guys with nothing better to do with their lives."
Kenshin sighed, his shoulders sagging as he said,"I'm terribly sorry Miss Urako, that I am, for putting that burden on you. I did not mean to, and I should have thought about it before I set out with Kaoru, that I should."
Can I ever enjoy my life without the stains of my bloody past coming back to haunt me around every corner? Kenshin thought dejectedly.
"Kenshin.....I'm going to slap you! You can't know what all the evils are in the world or protect people from all of them!! Mou you are so...so...hard on yourself when you don't freakin' need to be!! If anyone needs to apologize-no....you know what? Screw it..no one needs to apologize, because no one is to blame!" Urako shot back, eyes blazing amber.
Kenshin was in shock, to say the least. And to have his descendent tell him this, when she is the very thing he feared to become again, was shaming. He should have known better, though if he had, would he have gained all the precious memories he has had with his little mistakes? Would he even know of Kaoru's affections for him if he did know all the consequences of his murderous self in the past? Would he even know Kaoru? He needed to know all of these things to get to the state of mind he was at now, he needed to cherish every moment of it, even if it was bad-for it brought out his feelings for Kaoru, for his very existence. This is what finding a meaning to live is...to not say that you will die for someone....but to live for them. To keep them alive in your heart and in your memories. To never forget something but to instead accept it as part of who you are as a person.
Kenshin slowly composed himself, as his whole being digested the words that Urako spoke to him. He smiled at them both and nodded, agreeing that he cannot know everything, but the things he does know he will wholeheartedly thwart fate's plans in taking anything away from him.
Kaoru only nodded in agreement, too happy to form words with her mouth, and hugged him fiercely.
Urako smiled slightly in turn and walked away towards the Police Station, towards Saito.
She too, needed to hear herself say those words as well.
She sighed deeply and continued on, totally ignored by the embracing couple.
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Misao was still daydreaming of her past when Aoshi walked past her, she didn't even get all hyped up and start doing things for him like she would normally do. She just sat there, eyes focused on nothing though clearly concentrating on something.
Aoshi stopped and looked at the young woman in slight confusion.
I wonder what Misao is thinking? Aoshi thought with a slight frown.
"Misao? The Oniwaban need to meet in the main hall to discuss this new threat," Aoshi said lightly, snapping Misao back to reality.
Misao blushed slightly and nodded before following the former Okashira.
Geez that was totally dumb of me!! Now I wonder what Lord Aoshi thinks of me.... Misao thought as she followed Aoshi down the wooden corridor that lead to the main hall of the Aoiya.
Misao saw the others all seated and ready and she did the same, kneeling down on the offered tatami mats.
Aoshi sat as well, next to Misao, across from Okon and Omasu, and near Okina and few other members.
Aoshi cleared his throat before he began, "As you well know, there is a rising faction in the underground. The government has selected us once again to take down this new threat, though they have surely contacted the Battousai. As a whole we must all agree to this action. Do you, the Oniwaban, take up this mission?"
Misao's face brightened as she and the others all said, "HAI! We will!"
Aoshi merely nodded and continued, "This rising organization, the Tikara Ryu, has been spotted with other yakuzas, providing them with the necessary equipment needed to take down the Meiji Government. However, they have never been seen in the same spot twice, so I believe, from our spies, and my gut, that this organization moves-giving the government and the police a hard time of tracking them down. We must be on our guard and not get caught."
"Their lasting spotting was near the docks-where the trading ships are located. I believe that they get their supplies from overseas, so they must restock once in a while. When that happens, they will be at those docks," Okon said sternly.
"Keep track on when those restocking days occur, that is our only open time frame in getting these pests," Okina added, his eyes closed.
"Misao and I will patrol downtown Kyoto to see if there is any disturbance or unusual excitement in any of the brothels or hotels," said Aoshi as he closed his eyes and sipped his tea.
"Okon and Omasu, you take the docking area. Ask around but don't be too suspicious when inquiring on who was there a few days ago. Okina, you take the others and ask around here, if you can get any information from these people," Aoshi added as he got up.
Misao's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets when she heard that Aoshi and her would be patrolling together. Usually, he'd never let her go, saying that she still needed more training.
Oh my goodness! I finally get to be with my Lord Aoshi!! Misao thought as she became more giddy with each passing second.
"And one more thing," Aoshi said, as he turned around facing the group," Misao and myself will be visiting the Battousai to gather any more information on this. So come nightfall, you will be at your posts and we will be in Tokyo."
Aoshi left the room, and Misao could have sworn she had died and gone to heaven.
Lord Aoshi.....we......go.....to...Tokyo? Together? Just us? To see Miss Kaoru and Himura? Oh yeah!!!!! Misao thought, temporarily in shock.
"Misao? Misao? Hey, Omasu I think she's in shock....she isn't responding," Okon said as she started to poke Misao in the sides.
"Hmmmm she has a severe case of Lord Aoshi-obessiveness-dreams-coming-true-syndrome," Omasu smiled and chuckled heartily with her Oniwaban partner.
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A/N-So...how was it? I know...I leave cliffies.....I was taught well dodges balls made out of hot glue ouch that stings
Anyway--this chappie is dedicated to those who are reveiwing my fic! I love you all thank you so very much!---And, if you did not read last ch.'s dedication, you seriously have something wrong with you and you should be rushed to the hospital---no j/k ...if you haven't then do so b/c my best friend LGS is a great person and is my inspiration whenever we RP--it's pretty damn fun, you guys should try it sometime
and yes..if you who are reading likes Inuyasha fics..my other friend who goes to the same HS I do, refers to me as Shoru her pen name is Orion Kohaishu and one of her fics is Are These Stars Shining Over You?..or something and the other one is What We Could Have Been
So yea ...have fun with those b/c they're cool and funny as hell-well the ANs are
as well as LGS's Inuyasha fic..which is Demonic Desires I believe I love it!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU GUYS!!! YOU ROCK!!!! (note: that was to all reading and to all who love to write fanfics about their fav. animes)
-Fanni-dono