Disclaimer: I don't own anyone! O.K? Sheesh….except the plot and some characters that aren't native to the actual Anime Series. Thanks for reading—now snap to it! …erm…Enjoy
Chapter 22: The Truth Lies Within One
Hiko linked his hands behind his back and sighed. The gray light from his six-foot tall window engulfed him, casting an imposing shadow behind his form.
Darkness was cast in his heart, too, and Hiko immediately knew what it was. He had failed in protecting the One. He should have realized his mistake when he went back in time to take the baby. He had thought that since she'd be under his care and protection, that everything would be for the better. That the fate of mankind would still live on and not perish at the hands of the Demons once more. However, by his hasty decision, he had delivered Man to the Demons on a silver platter. It was only a matter of time now before they rose again, this time without opposition.
Hiko had ignored all the prophecies once he had his hands on the baby. Ones made by religions that told that the end of the world was near, or that Hell would open up and devour all of Mankind. He had never thought that he would be the one to turn the tide in this War for the worse.
He had entrusted the secret of Urako's true identity to her foster parents, and only them. They had hastily agreed, believing that the Prophecy of a Savior would rise up and destroy all evil within the world, sealing up Hell itself. They believed the baby Hiko had stolen was that Savior, and so protected her heavily.
However, Hiko had learned that rumors of a prophetic babe of power were leaking around the Underground Factions. Somehow, the secret of Urako's power was unleashed to those whom he was trying to protect her from. Once Makoto Shishio learned of this child, he dug up as much information as he could on her prophecy, curious as to how he could use this power for himself.
Fearing for Urako's life, Hiko had taught her how to protect herself, teaching her the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. As Urako grew older, she became very protective over her siblings, defending them in whatever way she knew. Hiko thought that if he could teach her siblings the same style, she wouldn't have to worry or put her life on the line for them. However, one of her siblings, Tomoe, was brutally murdered by Shishio's men. Urako had gone insane with bloodlust at that moment and killed them all. Hiko wasn't present to see this; Urako had explained it to him the next day in his office.
That unfortunate event had unleashed something inside of Urako that was just waiting to spring forth. Hiko had believed that certain something that Urako unleashed was just a piece of her true power. He could feel it tingle his chi whenever she was in the room.
And now all he could feel of her chi was its memory; only a dark shade of dwindling flames.
Hiko was jolted out of his reverie by the loud ringing of his office phone. He knew who it was without looking at the caller i.d. Sighing, he turned and walked towards his desk, his hand gliding towards the gray cordless phone.
"Hello?" Hiko grunted into the receiver.
"Hiko! Oh, Hiko! S-something has happened!" a female voice choked.
"What has happened, Omasu?" Hiko asked.
"U-Urako…she's been... She's been killed!" Omasu yelled, sadness engulfing her voice.
Hiko paused somewhat before going on, "…How is everyone else? Does Shishio know of this?"
"…I- I don't know, sir. This type of assassination has his name written all over it, though," Omasu's voice quivered.
Hiko's jaw tightened at the mention of Shishio's involvement with Urako's death. He should've known, though, that Shishio would be the one to bring forth the darkness upon the world.
"Bring everyone to Mud Row, and we'll discuss our plans there," Hiko ordered, his fist tightening at his side.
Omasu sniffled loudly before replying, "Alright, sir."
Hiko hung up the phone and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Dammnit."
"He wants to meet us at Mud Row," Omasu announced, hanging up the phone.
Everyone was still quiet, looking elsewhere to deal with his or her own pain.
Urako's body had been placed in a waterproof body bag, Saito carefully watching over her. He stood in the corner of the compound, watching what everyone else was doing.
How can you ever forgive me, Urako? Saito thought dismally to himself. He searched his pockets for a cigarette and shoved it in his awaiting mouth, lighting it shortly after. He exhaled slowly, as if placing cool water on a burning wound.
Aoshi leaned against the white walls of the Aoiya's storage room, keeping a sharp eye on Cho who was bound in a cage. He kept his grip on his kodachies tight, rubbing his calloused fingers against the worn leather to relieve some stress.
Misao was beside him, a worried look on her face as she watched everyone in the room. Her bright sea-green eyes looked up to him, searching for any sign of hope. He knew that she needed something to fight for, and if that precious thing was destroyed then what would she fight for? He was positive that she would fight for either herself or him or her friends. Perhaps all three.
"Never give up Hope, Misao," Aoshi spoke lightly, bringing his hand up to cup her cheek. "No matter what happens."
Misao smiled, a tear shining in the corner of her eye. She buried her head in his chest and mumbled, "Thank you, Aoshi."
Omasu sighed and looked at Kaoru, who was fidgeting beside Shinta. She looked so pathetically hopeless just sitting there, the sparkle gone out of her eyes. Omasu watched them for a moment, spying Kaoru's hand gingerly moving to hold Shinta's balled up fist.
"Hey!" a chirpy voice yelled, breaking the tribulate silence. "I know this is all hard for you guys, but would Urako sit around and mope? NO! She'd mourn but get back to work! She'd help everyone else! So let's make her dreams come true and continue protecting the world!"
Omasu smiled and nodded, winking at Misao as they looked at each other.
"I agree," Megumi stood up, "We should honor Urako's memory by continuing her work."
Kaoru looked up and smiled, feeling energy return to her. She turned to face Shinta, whose fist was still tight. Kaoru moved to sit on her knees in front of him, taking his hand in both of hers.
"Shinta…" Kaoru whispered, gliding her fingers along his skin. Her plea was met with silence, however, Kaoru kept it up.
"Hey Himura-!" Misao's voice was cut off by Megumi's restraining hand.
"Shh, weasel-girl, let Kaoru do her job," Megumi whispered to Misao. Misao nodded and watched.
Thick crimson bangs hung heavily over Shinta's face, shadowing his eyes from the world. A gentle caress drifted over his hand and he heard a soft voice call out to him. Was that Urako's voice? No. No, that can't be her voice… Kaoru? M-Miss Kaoru? Is that you?
"Shinta… please…Come back…" Kaoru's voice pleaded.
Kaoru tried to search Shinta's shadowy face for any sign of life. A slow trickling tear made its way slowly down his scarred face. Kaoru gasped and with a sad smile embraced the slouched figure in the wheelchair.
"Oh Shinta, I know that Urako is still proud of you. She still depends on you the most to carry out her will," Kaoru whispered near his ear.
"K-Kaoru…" he breathed lightly.
Urako...please give your brother strength… Kaoru thought, tightening the embrace.
"Urako…is not my sister," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the floor. Kaoru instantly pulled back, confusion flooding her eyes.
"What-what do you mean…Urako isn't your sister?" Kaoru reiterated, staring into Shinta's eyes.
"Hiko told me that Urako Himura wasn't my sister at all,"
"Wha-what?" Kaoru questioned, sliding down to the floor.
"What are you talking about Himura? Urako looks exactly like you, except for the hair and the cross-shaped scar on her left cheek," Misao shouted.
"We're seeing Mr. Hiko in a little bit anyway, perhaps he can answer those questions," Omasu replied.
Kaoru shakily looked around the room to everyone's worried face, and nodded in affirmation.
"Let's go everyone," she announced.
AN OK ok ok—nothing really coming about in this one…..heheh—well, perhaps some information that you only thought until now? Hahaha! If that makes sense. I wanted to get this chappie out b/c it's been far too long and stuff… GHA! Haha—anywaysI hope you enjoyed yourselves:Huggles:
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