Chapter 8: Prayers Bound to Despair


"Aoshi-san! You should have told me about this wound! If not for the tanuki, I don't think you would have lived through the night." Megumi berated while she sowed up his cut.

He flinched everytime her needle pierced his skin but showed not a sign of any other emotion, only discomfort. Megumi was crafty with her skills, showing precision and devotion to her reluctant patient. The fox woman truly showed that she was intelligent through her job in the teahouse. She was the doctor as well as seductress and drug producer.

"She said she wouldn't say anything." he muttered angrily.

"It was all in your best interest. I hate to say it, but she did the right thing. You might've not lasted very long if she hadn't cleaned your wound and called me to come here."

"That girl is a pain..."

"And you brought her here." Megumi interjected.

"I pitied her."

"Of course. A down-on-her-luck, despised tomboy would definitely gain my pity as well." she said absently while she tightened up the last stitch, "There. All done."

He exhaled the breath he had been keeping in and regarded his wound with admiration. He fingered the wound to see the wonderful work Megumi had done. As usual, they were done with careful attention. The female doctor sat back and began to put away her tools in her bag.

"Be careful that you don't keep this up. Your body is not as strong as it was when you were a teenager."

"Don't remind me."

"Let's hope everything else is up to par..."

"I'm fine." he snapped.

Megumi smiled slyly and stood up with her bag in hand. She was at the open door when she stopped.

"Make sure to thank the little tomboy when you see her."

The door closed behind her.


* * * * * *


Sometimes, I was very antsy around the teahouse, finding comfort in the nature outside. I remember one particular day, I had asked Tomoe to come out with me for a walk. It was the day after the incident. She was dressed in a navy blue kimono with a red obi sash tied around the middle. Her hair was tied back partially by its usual tie, and her demeanor was just as tranquil as the days before. I was beside her, in a new kimono I had acquired through new funds provided by Tsunan. It was a new yellow kimono. It wasn't especially bright nor was it dull, but in a fine medium. The sash was an interesting light orange bound by a chord that all women had with the attire. Tomoe has commented on it earlier that morning, so I was specifically proud of my achievement. We both wore shawls that morning. It was still chilly, and we weren't ones to freeze to death.

"I saw you give a letter, a box, and some money to a boy. What was that for?"

"I've been away from home for quite some time."

"It has been a while, hasn't it?"

"A couple months." I added and a bit of nostalgia in my tone as I spoke, "I remember my father and haven't stopped thinking about him since I left. Every night, his face haunts my dreams. His words sting my heart with this unknown disappointment I never knew I could feel in myself. I left for Kyoto to become a better woman than I would be in my town."

"So what does that box contain?"

"All the extra money I have attained. He deserves it for raising me, and he needs help financially. It's more than I could have given if I were a poor, unmarried, tomboy shihondai."

"And the money was for the boy's personal services to deliver the box?"

"Yes."

"Did you tell your father where you are?"

"No. He will never know. I will never cause him to feel shame again. I didn't even tell him what I am. I just told him I found a job and shelter here and that I'm fine. That's all he needs to know."

"You've never talked about your father before."

"Neither have you."

We walked along the river in silence. The winter was ending, and chunks of ice floated in the water, melting as it went further down the road. Time had definitely passed, and I had taken many lessons with Tomoe, but never had we passed the line of a professional relationship. In the time I had come to stay with her, I became worried and more curious about her. I wanted to know this beautiful soul. I wanted to know what had caused her to become an empty shell of a woman. The lack of emotion disturbed me, and her attitude seemed as if she had stayed in the teahouse long. I had to find out.

"Why are you here?" I blurted.

She kept walking, staring ahead, her hands clutching her shawl.

"No one heard my cries." she simply said.

There was a brief silence between us until I pointed out the birds coming out more frequently because of the winter thaw. That was the most we brushed on the subject that day. I knew she would tell me in her own time. From then on, life caught up with me, chores and jobs came up. It was the first and last time I would take a walk with her, and since that day, she went walking on her own.


* * * * * *


Jade eyes regarded the tall gangster as he gambled in a circle of friends. Misao had been staying with Sanosuke for a while and found life bearable more than her previous. At least Sanosuke hadn't pawned her off to his friends in exchange for favors or anything else of the sort. He took her everywhere with him, getting into their occasional diatribe, and let her be as he handled his business. It was a comfortable understanding, and she was waiting where Shishio's next move will take her next. Maybe next time, she wouldn't be so fortunate.

Misao casually observed Sanosuke. He threw the dice with a flick of his hand, and the crowd of gamblers cheered in surprise.

"Stroke of luck!" his friend beside him exclaimed with a wag of his finger.

"Stroke of luck or not, I'm winning!" Sanosuke yelled and tossed the dice once again.

The gangster slapped his thigh in satisfaction. His friend rose up in indignation, and Misao found herself giggling as she watched Sanosuke defend his win with pride. The other members of the gambling circle chided him as he kept on mouthing off to anyone who dared to call him a cheater.

"You sure that dice isn't loaded, Sano?" his friend asked slyly while trying to take the dice from his possession.

"Of course I'm sure. You know me! Shit! I don't pull stuff like that!" Sanosuke retorted, snatching back his dice.

Misao's gaze roamed around the room, catching her former attackers eyeing her with anger. Still, they kept their distance from her, only muttering to each other about her.

"Nobody messes with the Sekihoutai. You're in good hands."

The prostitute snapped out of her reverie to see Souzou seated beside her, sipping his sake calmly. He took a swig of it before placing it down before him.

"Souzou-sama...?"

"And you must be Misao Makimachi."

"I never got to thank you for your kindness."

"Don't even mention it. It's our job." he looked over at Sanosuke and tipped his cup in his direction, "So how's life with Sano?"

"He's an idiot."

"So you two aren't getting along?"

"Well...," she glanced over at Sanosuke, who was obviously dismayed by his bet, "It's not like he's hitting me or anything, so I'm not complaining. He hasn't treated me like all the other men."

"Sanosuke had a rough childhood, but I think he turned out pretty good. He shows not a sign of disrespect for women."

"Bad childhood?"

"Yeah. I took him in off the streets when he was young."

"And into a gang?" she said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, but he was treated like family, might I add. All of the Sekihoutai members are made out of men who were down on their luck, seeking a family, generally orphans, or had no where to go."

"And you?"

"I sought out a family." he said and took a sip from his cup.

"I see. And you found family material in Sanosuke?"

"Sanosuke was a runaway. His father beat his mother and siblings. Sano was always indignant and stood up to his father, so he was often sent to sleep outside, locked out of his own house. His cries were always unheard. The neighbors wouldn't even help him. His mother was too weak to protect him, so one day, he ran away. And one day, I found him lying in the alleyway, cold and hungry."

"Thus his entry into the Sekihoutai."

"Yup. At one point, he did return home though. He found a new man in his father's place, and his mother with child. He heard from a neighbor that his father had went off to war, died as quickly as he was entered. Sano never confronted nor did he contact his mother. He just observed from afar and returned to the Sekihoutai. But the point is, he never returned since then."

She looked at Sanosuke again, who was patting a friend on the back after his own win.

"Sanosuke considered me a leading male figure in his life and asked me to adopt him, thus his last name is Sagara."

"Like you, Souzou Sagara." she said with a smile, "But how did he get the 'bad' on his back?"

Souzou smiled warmly and took a sip of his drink. As the cup parted from his lips, his eyes looked to Misao, and he emitted a chuckle.

"That you'd have to ask him. I, myself, am vague on the story." he put down his cup, and she poured him some more sake, "And you, little miss?"

"What?" she asked as she placed the bottle down, seating herself back down.

"Why are you here today?"

"No one heard my prayers."


* * * * * *


"Soujirou, I need you to go and visit an informant of mine."

Shishio lay upon the cushioned couch with a glass of wine in hand. He let the cool vermouth circle inside the glass, letting the alcohol's smell drift to his nose.

"The insider you have persuaded is finally in Kyoto?" his right hand asked curiously.

"Yes. I told him that I would send someone to meet him at the inn he's staying at. That's where you come in."

"I will do as you request, Shishio-sama." he said with a respectful bow.

Soujirou rose back up with a nod of Shishio's head and headed towards the door when his master's voice halted him from opening the grand oak doors.

"Soujirou."

"Yes, Shishio-sama?"

"Call Yumi to my room. I need my bandages changed."

"Yes, sir."

The henchman opened the door and closed it, so as to not disrupt his master's peace. He walked down the long, red-carpeted hallways, down the grand staircase, only to meet the sight of Yumi and Kamatari in a dispute in the foyer. He hadn't heard the beginning, but he knew exactly what they were fighting about through the rest of it.

"How dare you treat Soujirou like that?! You should be grateful that he let a disgrace like you tag-along on his assignments!" Yumi spat.

"Yumi-san..." Soujirou murmured as he watched her with an intense emotion in her turquoise eyes.

"To think that you want to replace Soujirou just shows how insecure you are about your own role in Shishio-sama's organization!"

"Stop!"

Yumi and Kamatari turned to see Soujirou walking up towards them. He came to stand between them with a smile residing on his face.

"Come, Kamatari-san." Soujirou commanded lightly and walked towards the door, "We have to go visit a friend of Shishio-sama's."

"Boy..." Yumi murmured in disbelief, but he turned to her with a smile, kind and grateful.

"Don't worry about me, Yumi-san. In the meantime, Shishio-sama wishes your presence in his quarters."

"Of course."

Quickly, Yumi ascended the stairs and walked off, leaving Kamatari and Soujirou alone.

"Sou-chan, I-."

"Let's go, Kamatari-san."

Kamatari could only nod in response and follow Soujirou as he walked on off the estate. Their trek took them through the streets of Tokyo until they came upon a small inn. During their walk, Soujirou could feel Kamatari's eyes on him, and the tension lying between them. His guilt was evident, but the right hand man knew that the hired assassin knew nothing of the circumstance in which he and Shishio met.

If you are strong, you live. If you are weak, you die.

They were words he was taught and lived by. Obviously, Kamatari knew not of that and how ever since then, Soujirou had been at Shishio's side since then. He always prevailed, but only second to Shishio. Kamatari could not beat the always cheerful-looking henchman, he knew that. Therefore, Kamatari had never earned that position next to Shishio.

His thoughts stopped when they reached the teahouse.

"This is very..." Kamatari was interrupted as Soujirou opened the door to see men taking advantage of the waitresses, "swarthy."

Soujirou disregarded his companion's comment and entered into the inn with Kamatari not far behind. The residents taunted the women working at the inn, grabbing them inappropriately and giving cat-calls to anything that looked of the opposite gender. Kamatari, dressed in a kimono, was very attractive to the men inside. They called to him, eyeing her the way they had with all the other women. Soujirou heard his companion whimper, but it sounded restrained.

At that moment, a woman, presumably the hostess, stopped in front of them with a smile on her face.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"I'm looking for a man named Iizuka." Soujirou replied.

Her smile melted into a frown, and her tone became uneasy.

"He's upstairs, second door on your left." she informed and the two walked on ahead.

Kamatari gave a polite bow to the hostess.

"Domo arigatou." he said quickly and caught up with Soujirou.

They climbed the staircase, staying close to the wall as men came down from the floor with giggling mistresses in tow. Kamatari frowned at the men in the inn. It wasn't exactly his cup of tea, and when they had finally arrived at the man's room, he found himself relieved.

"It seems like this Iizuka character is a likable character..." Kamatari commented.

"We're not here to like him. He's a paid informant." Soujirou added and knocked on the man's door frame.

"Who's there?" a gruff voice inquired.

"Soujirou Seta."

"Kamatari Honjou."

"Come in." the voice yelled.

The door slid open to reveal a man, who looked to be ranging from his thirties to his forties. His black hair was short, a bit greasy probably from a day of not bathing. He looked to the two with a smirk, revealing his pearly white teeth to them, only to be marred by the vision of smoke emitted from his mouth. In hand, he held a pipe, lit and ready for the next inhale. His brown eyes scanned the two and finally, he stepped aside. The two henchmen made their way in, after which the man, Iizuka, promptly shut the door behind them.

"I assume Shishio's keeping an eye on me." he said with a withdrawal of smoke.

"He just wished for me to ask about your status. How is Kanryu?" Soujirou asked.

"Subdued. He has been keeping a low-down since the incident with Hiruma."

"Hiruma?!" Kamatari exclaimed in disbelief.

Iizuka looked at him with a smirk and took a hit off his pipe.

"You didn't know, little miss? Kihei was killed not too long ago. They haven't found his body yet, but the blood shed was evident of his demise." the informant said with an all-knowing tone.

Soujirou chuckled, and Iizuka shot him a look.

"What's so funny, boy?" he asked in disbelief.

"You thought Kamatari was a-."

Of course, Kamatari hadn't given Soujirou a chance to correct Iizuka. Instead, he elbowed the cheerful young man beside him and straightened his kimono. Iizuka disregarded the exchange and put down his pipe.

"The time will come soon to strike. Kanryu's getting weaker and more open for his own destruction. We just have to wait. Tell Shishio that I will inform him everything I know, but the attack is soon. He just has to wait for my signal."

"Thank you, Iizuka-san. But remember, Shishio-sama wants you in Kanryu's circle of confidants. You must visit his teahouse as soon as possible."

"As he wishes."


* * * * * *


Tomoe went on her walks, usually by the river. I, not knowing why she found these walks a much needed leisure, didn't accompany her anymore. She had told me once that in such a short time, that the stroll provided, she had found freedom and peace within herself. She had said that before I had asked her to walk with me, the only time she would go out was for customers. She had always stayed within the walls. I found the establishment stuffy and a bit over-bearing when forced to live and function in such an odd housing.

Still, she walked, and I spent time with chores. But on one particular day, Tomoe had been hurt-not physically but emotionally. She was strolling along the river. Her steps had taken her to great lengths where she came upon a bridge. As she stood there, the wind had picked up, chilling her to the bone. She shivered, clutching her shawl closer to herself, seeking warmth from her own body. That's when she looked up. It was brief. Her heart beat raced with her pulse, and her head became light. Perhaps then, it was when Tomoe had realized that Kiyosato meant a lot more to her than she had wanted him to.

He was walking with an older woman, probably a business associate or a family friend. He was on the opposite side of the river that Tomoe had come from. The wind picked up again, and he lifted his eyes only to be met by obsidian orbs. And it was there, for a brief second, acknowledgment of each other's presence. But it was only brief, and Kiyosato did not wave nor openly acknowledge that she was on the bridge. A deep pain was throbbing in her chest. Had he been too ashamed to even confess that he knew her? Or had he thought less of her, seeing her weakness in that one helpless night? So she was tainted, and his hands clean. She had felt vulnerable and judged. Maybe he truly had thought less of her, thought her weak, thought of her as empty and cold. She didn't like the feeling and swore he'd never let her feel as such again. She felt, at that moment, that nothing would change. Kiyosato knew his place in the world, as did she.


* * * * * *


"Oi, weasel, where's the food?!"

"Could you be patient, you idiot! I'm trying to cook!" Misao snapped as she threw a bowl at Sanosuke.

The tall gangster caught the bowl with ease and put it down beside him. Misao was seated outside before a small fire, cooking a few fish for their dinner. The rice was in a large bowl on the low table before him, calling to him to be eaten. His stomach ached and growled in defeat as he knew he'd have to wait for Misao's food to come to him. She would not bow down to him even in arguments. He should've known better.

"Oi, weasel!"

"Stop calling me that confounded name!" she retorted as she stood up.

He looked around her to see that her fire was out, and she had a platter in hand of two well-done fish. She set it before him and watched as he grabbed a chunk immediately. He began to chow down before she could even settle herself, and she found herself eating more solemnly than she wanted to. She couldn't help it. It had been a long time since she had cooked, and when she did cook, it reminded her of her family from her past.

"Where'd you learn to cook? I mean, when you become a prostitute, cooking isn't exactly a requirement..."

Sanosuke's words interrupted her thoughts, and she decided to tell him. It didn't matter anymore. She would be spending time with him until the day Shishio says otherwise. She could tell him. She placed down her chopsticks, and set her bowl down beside it. Sanosuke stopped eating to see that she looked rather joyous when she thought upon what she was about to say.

"I learned from my uncle, Okina. He used to own a restaurant. Before I came under Kanryu's possession, I had a peaceful life. My parents died of disease in our little town, that's when Uncle Okina and Aoshi-sama took me to Kyoto."

"Aoshi-sama? You've mentioned him before."

"Yes. Aoshi-sama was my uncle's right hand man. He taught him everything he knew and when my uncle stepped down from his position as head of the gang called the Oniwabanshu, Aoshi-sama took over."

"Do you care for this Aoshi-sama?"

"Of course. When I was ill, he took care of me. He was like my parent, or an older brother. I care for him more deeply than anyone I've known."

"So you want to see him?"

"I miss him. I haven't seen him since I was young. I was torn from him and made into this shameful whore. I had hoped though that he would find me."

"Find you?"

"I remember before Kanryu attacked the Oniwabanshu, I had made Aoshi-sama a paper crane for his birthday. It was then that he made a promise to always protect me. After that, everyone was killed including Okina in his old age. Only Aoshi and I were spared, but because he had use for us. Since then, I have thought of his promise everyday..."

"What a romantic ideal..." Sanosuke murmured sarcastically.

Misao pouted her lips in a disgruntled manner.

"You may not think this is such a wonderful story, Sagara. You'd probably prefer me to tell you about one of the nights I spent with a customer."

"Well, not really. If you ever did, I'd try to imagine a different woman than you in the main role-a hotter one."

"Oh, Sagara, you're hopeless!" she exclaimed and punched his arm before retreating outside.

"What?"


* * * * * *


Kanryu stood by his window, watching the men come into the teahouse. The night breeze chilled the air, running through his slicked hair, and letting the aroma of his wine fill his senses.

"You called?"

It was Aoshi, weak from the previous battle, yet seeming strong for his master's benefit.

"Ah, Aoshi, what of the threat we received today?" Kanryu asked before taking a sip of his wine.

"Shishio plans to knock off one of the highly publicized restaurant tonight of your associates. I have gathered some men to defend it tonight. We will hold them off."

"Excellent. I know I can always count on you, Aoshi."

"Thank you, sir."

The entrepreneur's eyes roamed over the crowds of men, but one caught his eye. Among them, Iizuka stood, smoking a cigarette casually.

"Make sure you take good care of it. I have some business to attend to. I don't wish to be bothered."

"Your associate is in town?"

"Yes. And he carries news of Tokyo."

"Tokyo seems to be quiet lately. Am I wrong?"

"Yes, you are. In fact, I've heard that there are many buyers of opium in the area. I believe my associate may carry with him many new clients, don't you think, Aoshi?"

"Do what you will, and I will do as you ask."

Kanryu smirked, flashing a pearly sharp tooth. But by then, Aoshi had seemed to had already deserted the room as silently as he had entered.


* * * * * *


That night, when blood ran cold in the streets, I was unaware of what was to go down. I was hired to go on another date with Tsunan. He took me out to dinner, but this time, it was just the two of us. There weren't any social events or friends with him, it was just him and I. I wore a kimono he had sent to me the night before. It was an ivory white with blue butterflies, he said to match my eyes. He claimed that when he saw the fabric's color, he thought of me. I was flattered, and it caused me to become quite flushed in my cheeks. I wasn't used to so much flattery, so sometimes, I would think of him as a liar and feel bad about them.

We entered the restaurant, and were given a table near the entrance. He sat across from me, watching me admiringly. I fidgeted as I found the attention to make me uneasy.

"Tsukioka-san, I am surprised that we don't have anyone with us." I said to him we settled.

"I got tired of politics." he replied.

"Politics?"

"Don't you know? Katsura is a politician, and like most politicians, his troubles are all about the people of Japan. He devotes himself entirely to his work, but he just doesn't get it. He can only do so little."

"Katsura-san has a noble sentiment for what he does. But I don't think he understands that everything he does can not change things ultimately. He doesn't understand that people hate, lie, or kill. It is by their own hands that things can be changed."

Tsunan looked at me blankly, and I paled. I had spoken too much. It was not something I was supposed to do. I felt so foolish that I had disregarded Tomoe's suggestions. I lowered my hand and looked at my hands and felt Tsunan's eyes upon me.

"Why, Kaoru, you've finally spoken." he said with a cheerful glint in his eyes, "I've been waiting for that spirit of yours to come bursting out since I had first encountered you. It always seemed that you were so restrained around me."

I felt the heat rush up to my face when he spoke. And inside, it brought out a certain happiness I didn't know I could feel about such a trivial thing as restraint.

"Forgive me."

"No!" he shouted.

I tensed up and froze. My eyes shot up to meet his, and I found a serious expression plastered on his face. Was he angry with me? Had I messed it up?

"Don't ever feel you have to hide that luminous spirit of yours."

I frowned.

"You won't always feel that way, Tsukioka-san. My 'spirit' could only anger you or contradict you in the future. Please, don't allow me to bring that forth."

"You speak of it as if it were a monster and not a unique trait."

"The tanuki isn't an attractive side to anyone."

"The tanuki?" he said with a hint of query and a raise of an eyebrow.

He chuckled as my face grew flush in embarrassment.

"It's my nickname..." I muttered through clenched teeth.

He laughed with a hand on his stomach, but calmed himself at my apparent discomfort.

"Well, Kaoru, as much as I enjoy the creative nickname, I love your name. It's more beautiful." he gestured for the waitress to come serve us, "Shall we order?"


* * * * * *


"Aoshi, what's going on?"

"Quiet. They're on their way."

Kanryu's tall right hand stood in the shadows by the restaurant with a group of men behind him. They were one of the various gangs affiliated with Kanryu, meaning Aoshi didn't know them very well. They were a shady bunch of delinquents and not trustworthy to boot. If Aoshi hadn't told them that the order was directly from Kanryu, they wouldn't have come. And yet, they came hesitantly.

"Aoshi, look! There they are!"

Indeed, blue eyes were regarding the enemy ahead. Soujirou came with Kamatari beside him and behind them, a gang of their own came along. Soujirou had one hand resting upon his sword. Kamatari had a strange weapon - a cross between a scythe and a ball and chain. Both their eyes rested upon Aoshi who stood before them, his hands casually in his pockets.

"Shinomori-san, we meet again. I believe the last time we saw each other was in the battle by a fisherman's home a year back." Soujirou said with a smile.

"Soujirou Seta." Aoshi acknowledged and looked at Kamatari.

"Get out of our way, Shinomori. I've heard much about you, but I doubt that your skills can take all of us on." Kamatari voiced with confidence and smiled, "So please step out of the way."

"This restaurant is not of your jurisdiction, it's ours. So if you plan to harm it in anyway, then you will have to answer to me." the tall former oniwabanshu leader threatened, drawing out his kodachi from its sheath.

"Forgive me, Shinomori-san."

He bowed politely, and before Aoshi's eye could catch it, he drew out his sword. It scraped across the ground, sparks igniting from the tip and a sound of the blade cutting through air. He was testing its durability before letting it rest in his hand at his side.

"Get ready." Soujirou warned.

His foot bounced steadily on its toe against the dirt and seemed to keep a synchronized time with his heart beat. Aoshi eyed him carefully, letting his heart beat against his rib cage.

Shun Ten Satsu..., Aoshi thought decisively, knowing the technique he had seen before.

The last time they met, he wasn't very fortunate. He was lucky to get out alive. Both he and Soujirou had come out wounded severely, matching speed and wits. Since then, it had been delayed. A year later, the fight ensued. And at the end of that thought, Soujirou stroke.

His movements were quick, not giving Aoshi any time to see where he was going. He was too quick for his eyes, but his senses had saved him along with his quick reflexes. Soujirou could be heard making a final step behind him, and grabbing his other kodachi at his side, he took it out. His sword swung all the way around, only to throw off the direction of Soujirou's blade. The last thing Aoshi saw when he turned was his smile as he disappeared again into his speed. Aoshi's eyes wandered, trying to track the joyous-seeming assassin's movements, but again, at the last moment, he caught him. He dodged once again, but the force of Soujirou's blow threw him off. He fell back, but quickly jumped back to his feet. And that's when he saw his feet tactically moving around him, so Aoshi just thrust his kodachi forward, swinging it around him. Soujirou caught his attack and jumped up in the air to avoid his blade. That's when Aoshi slashed upward.

"Sou-chan!"

The battle began with Kamatari's cry, and both groups of men tore at each other while the two right hand men of both entrepreneurs sustained their battle. Soujirou had blocked Aoshi's attack by just hitting it away from him, landing on the ground unscathed. Ice blue eyes shot towards the still-smiling assassin when he ran forward. Soujirou prepared himself in stance, ready for his attack with his sword. In mid-run, Aoshi pushed off the ground and with both swords, spun around. His swords came down quickly, six times in rapid succession. Soujirou managed to block off most of the attacks, but almost lost his bearings when the last blow came heavy. Steel ground against each other and managed to go off to the side, burning Soujirou's hand when it scraped across it.

"Shinomori-san, you haven't changed." Soujirou said with a smile, "That's good."

Soujirou let the tip of his blade touch the ground and slashed upwards.

"I'm ready again. Please continue." he said with a smile still on his face.

Aoshi was nowhere to be seen though, and to Soujirou's expectancy, he came from behind. He attempted to cut off his neck, but Soujirou's sword came to meet his. Soujirou ducked as he heard the second kodachi come from the opposite end and his sword slipped through the kodachis easily. His sword and arm came to extend to the side as Aoshi jumped away. Soujirou charged next. He swung confidently, hoping it would be able to slash his chest, but Aoshi caught it, blocking it off with a simple meeting of their blades. Soujirou jumped away and came back once again, but faster. He kept striking from different points while Aoshi struggled to find the next attack.

On the last strike from Soujirou, Aoshi decided to take the offensive position. When Shishio's henchman came at him with another swift blow, he turned the defensive onto Soujirou. He blocked the attack, but with his other kodachi he brought it down upon Soujirou's sword, catching it between his two blades. With a flick of his wrists, he managed to loosen Soujirou's grip, throwing the sword aside.

'If you are weak, you die. If you are strong, you live...' Those were his words. I must not be weak. I want to live. Soujirou thought as he jumped to get his sword.

As he picked it up, Aoshi came at him while Soujirou was crouched on the ground. Both kodachi's came at opposite ends. Aoshi's arms were in an 'X' position. Soujirou had to take action quickly before Aoshi performed his Gokou Juuji attack. A dagger was taken out of a hidden holster on his calf and he used it to just barely catch one blade while his sword got the other. Soujirou gasped in surprise and gritted his teeth as he tried his best to prevent the swords from meeting with his flesh. Both his sword and dagger came in on him. Soujirou was beginning to panic slightly, but if he was, he had shown not a sign of his struggle. With as much energy as he could muster, he gave the kodachis a violent shove in their directions and rolled forward out of danger before getting greeted with another slash from Aoshi.

"Shinomori-san, it seems that you are not one for mercy." Soujirou commented with a smile.

"Neither are you. Only the strong survive, Soujirou, and you know that. Come at me full strength."


* * * * * *


Sanosuke sat up in his futon. He had not been able to sleep. His thoughts lingered on the name Misao had spoken of that night. It was so vague, yet so familiar. He knew he had heard of Aoshi before. He was certain of it. He looked over at Misao. She was on the other side of the small apartment, asleep on her own futon that he had provided for her. Her breathing was light, barely audible in the night, and in a strange way, just hearing that soothed him. With a sigh, he got up and let his covers fall of his body. He needed to talk to his friends, and maybe have some sake. He softly made his way out and closed the door behind him, making sure that he had not disturbed her slumber.

Sanosuke walked, past all the small apartments and bustling businesses, arriving at the bar. There, he saw his gang was still very much awake, drinking, womanizing, and gambling. Once inside, making his way to the other side of the room, he took his seat beside his adopted mentor.

"And what brings you here, Sano? Was there trouble with our captive?" Souzou inquired.

"No, she's sleeping." Sanosuke replied.

"Aa." he said and took a sip of his sake.

Souzou noticed Sanosuke's odd behavior and put down his cup.

"Is something wrong, Sano? You don't seem to be yourself."

"When I first met Misao, I had noticed that she always murmured a name when she cried. I didn't care to ask you because I thought maybe it was some silly whim she had. But tonight, she finally spoke about him as being this gang leader. The thing is I haven't heard of this group."

"What's the name?" Souzou asked as he raised his cup to his lips.

"Aoshi."

Souzou froze at the name and put his cup down. Sanosuke looked towards his mentor in confusion of his actions.

"What's wrong?" Sanosuke asked as he poured himself a cup.

"What was the name of his gang?"

"The oniwabanshu." Sanosuke said as he gulped the cup's contents down and poured himself more liquor.

"Sano, the reason why you haven't heard of this gang is because they were all murdered a long time ago by Kanryu's orders. They refused to join up with him, and in doing so, they were destroyed. Only two survivors came out of the murders as the rumors go. One was the former gang leader's niece. But her life was thereafter owned by Kanryu."

"Yes, Misao told me of this. She was that guy's niece."

"And the other, who lived, came under Kanryu's command. His name is Aoshi Shinomori, the right hand of Kanryu Takeda."

Sanosuke's cup slipped from his hands and crashed upon the table, breaking into tiny porcelain pieces upon the mahogany table.



Author's Note: I hope you liked the Soujirou-Aoshi fight! I tried to finally show some action in here. Sorry it took me yet another long time to update. I went to my boss' wedding and saw her off. I cried when they began their first dance as a couple! ^.^* I also had a great birthday! I got cards from my family overseas and I spent time with a bunch of friends plus met some new people. And I saw all the movies I wanted to see! Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! I saw Finding Nemo (Cutest movie of the summer! I cried at the beginning, in the middle, and the end. Don't laugh), Hollywood Homicide (Funny and yummy), 2 Fast 2 Furious (love the cars), and the Italian Job (also want the cars). But I've had some stressed out times these past few weeks. My department boss quit and so the head boss is giving me all the dept. responsibilities. Then I got a girl who just started asking me why I get better hours and crap! GRR!! It's been such a tough time and that's why I haven't had any time to type. Anyway, I hope y'all like the chapter I wrote. Sano finally found out about Misao's lineage and affiliations. And the friction between Kanryu and Shishio are getting more dangerous! *NO DIRTY THOUGHTS!* I hope you guys like it, tell me what you think! I'd just like to thank you all for reviewing. It makes me happy to come home to an inbox with reviews and opinions. Peace out!


Review Responses:


Rhysati - Katsuhito Sage is a great fiction writer for Aoshi/Kaoru. Personally, I like the story, "What I Don't Understand About You". Sailor Panda did "Ephemeral Winds". Those are ones I know. But if you want to see some, just click on the character buttons on the RK fanfiction page and put in Aoshi and Kaoru for that. Anyway, I hope the chapter answered your question about the appearances of Misao and the Sekihoutai. I thank you for your encouragement.

Aeris - Thank you! I'm glad you like A/K! People think that this K/T coupling is good, and I'm happy that I presented it to readers. It might encourage you all, right?

Cleoclaudia - Kaoru and Aoshi are a possible couple, but nothing is certain that I reveal to you. You just have to read on. ^.^ I tried to update as soon as possible, but it ended up taking a lot longer...

Svelte Rose - I don't like overly-mushy stories, but I was trying my hand at a romantic story. I've never really done a multi-part story on romance before. My other story was romantic, but this one has a strong sense of a romantic feel. I want it to be about the war between Shishio and Kanryu, but I also wanted to show who it affected. I'm so happy that you appreciate the scenes, like I've voiced before. I can't tell you how happy I am to have your input. I hear you, though.

Sailor Panda - I noticed that, too! In the manga and anime, Kaoru and Aoshi rarely had any interaction. I'll try to keep the interest in my story.

Jen - Thank you! I love you, my loyal reviewer! I love A/K, too!

Kaoru - I'm glad you love it! Yay!

Furygrrl - I hope you like the action part. There will be things to come from this. Thank you! I got some rest these few weeks, but some more stress. I updated, so there ya go!

Relena Maxwell - Happy birthday to you, too! I hope you have a great fourteenth year of life. You have lots of fun! I know I did. Well, party hardy!

Vash-chan AKA Makoto Almasy – I love that book! Kaoru, I guess, can be described as an ode to Sayuri! Anyway, I like that everybody is agreeing with the Tsunan/Kaoru coupling. I wanted to go for a coupling nobody has really wrote about and tried to convey it through this story. He's the mysterious artist who's congenial and a part of the social elite with his interest in the rookie seductress. A simple story. Kaoru is a tomboy, though I've restrained her from it in this story because I wanted her to feel she has to restrain it in a world of elegance. Thanks for the kudos! But yes, Aoshi and Tomoe are not siblings. Aoshi is just the bodyguard to the women in the teahouse, most of all Tomoe. Aoshi's sibling, I hoped that my hints would convey, is Misao. He considers her a sister and therefore she is. She's the one that Kanryu has kept away from him. I hope you like the next chapter because Sano does some bashing around just for his fans! By the way, I personally typed the whole story of Tomoe-Kiyosato-Kenshin, which was the Memory arc, but if you don't like spoilers and wish to see it for yourself, you don't have to read it. *SPOILERS FOR MEMORY ARC AND JINCHUU ARC* Tomoe and Kiyosato were childhood friends and were engaged. Kiyosato believed that Tomoe didn't love him, so he went to prove himself in Kyoto as a bodyguard for some official. In Kyoto, Kenshin aka Battousai was out to get the guy Kiyosato was protecting. Unfortunately, Kiyosato was not a match for Kenshin but managed to give him a scar on his cheek before dying. He wanted to live for Tomoe, but died instead. A while later, Tomoe comes to Kyoto, joining the Yaminobu ninja clan to destroy Kenshin. She meets up with Kenshin (and I'm too lazy to write how they met, read on-line!) and one thing leads to another, so she becomes his cover when the enemy is looking for him. They pose as a married couple and move to Otsu where she falls in love with him, making him her new happiness. One day, she decides to cut things off with the Yaminobu clan because she doesn't want to hurt Kenshin. Kenshin goes after her (there are two different ways depending on if you watch the OVA or read the manga) and faces the whole ninja clan. Finally, he battles the last ninja and Tomoe goes to protect him, getting sliced by Kenshin's blade in the process. Her dagger creates the second scar on his cheek (again depending on the OVA or manga, there are two different ways), and that's how Kenshin got his scar. So Tomoe and Akira did not do anything behind Kenshin's back. Tomoe and Akira were in love before Kenshin ever came along. Just like Tomoe and Kenshin were in love before Kaoru ever came along. Hope that gave you some better insight!