Chapter 9: Illusions of the Time
Towards the middle of our dinner, Tsunan and I were interrupted with aghast from the customers and employees in the restaurant. News that there was a battle occurring outside scared everyone. People gathered around the doors to see them.
"Tsukioka-san, what's going on?" I asked in deep interest.
"I don't know," he trailed off and grabbed the next guy that ran past us, "Oi! What's going on out there?!"
The man shrugged away from Tsunan's grasp and ran away.
"Kaoru, stay here. I'll go check it out." he commanded and ran off to where all the crowds were.
I watched as many of the people in the restaurant made a run for it through the back exit. At the entrance, many of the people gasped and parted, scattering for the exit that everyone else was going towards. I pursed my lips and decided to disobey Tsunan. I had decided that the date would end there, and I didn't care if he didn't like my presence. He was the only man at the door now. I ran towards him, tugging on his sleeve.
"Kaoru!" Tsunan yelled in worry, but my eyes were already on a combatant out there.
"Aoshi-san!" I exclaimed in shock.
"Aoshi?" he said with equal dismay and ran outside.
Soujirou and Aoshi were fighting, sword to kodachi. I could only place a hand over my mouth, my eyes focused on the scene before me. I had actually seen him fighting, this was the cause of all his scars and injuries. He got into foolish battles for Kanryu. Inside me, at that moment, I felt an urge to protect him from any more harm. I remembered that night I had left Aoshi's room after patching up his wound. I sought out Megumi quickly. I didn't like her, and in the back of my mind, I knew she would taunt me in her presence. But I would rather bare the brunt of her verbal blows then let Aoshi die in his room. So I ran to her and waited patiently after she had taken care of Aoshi. I sat on the steps, waiting for her to return. I was so worried, and out of the shadows of the teahouse halls, she came to me. I looked up at her with an unknown vulnerability.
"He's fine. He just needs time to recuperate. He's pushing his body too much lately. Work has become more strenuous, and he is not in the position to exert himself. I expect you to watch over his actions, Tanuki." she said with an over-accentuated clarity.
"Why me?" I asked in bewilderment.
"You are the one he turns to for help, are you not?"
"Well, I just happen to be there when he's hurt, and I can't turn away."
"Which is why I bestow this task onto you. You can't turn away from him, not now when he needs you most."
"Megumi-san-."
"I will not accept any less. And if he dies, then scorn will be laid upon you, and I shall not be so kind to help you."
I bit my tongue when she spoke. I don't know of any kind of "help" she had given me, but I tried to show gratitude for my short notice call. I bowed my head respectfully as much as it pained me to do so, and she inclined her head to me in confusion.
"Thank you, Megumi-san..."
She simply snorted and climbed up the steps past me. Since then I had taken in her words. In some odd way, that had been her way of helping me. I don't know how, but I took it as a kind gesture and accepted it willingly.
I turned to my date with an apologetic expression.
"Forgive me, Tsukioka-san." I managed to say.
He looked at me with incredulity.
"Forgive you for what?" he asked with a lack of knowledge of what I was to do next.
"I have to help Aoshi. I can't permit him to strain himself like this." I replied earnestly.
"But how?! Kaoru, I won't let you!" he exclaimed as he placed a hand on my wrist, rubbing it gently with his thumb.
I placed my other hand upon his and clutched it tightly, confidently.
"You'll get killed. It's too dangerous." he said softly.
I looked him straight in the eye with conviction and eased his hold upon me.
"No, I won't. I'll be fine. But you need to go. You probably won't want to see me again after tonight, so please forgive your last impression of me." I said with a bow and raised my eyes to meet his, "Goodbye."
His own cobalt blue eyes met mine with this concern and kindness all spoken in one gesture. I appreciated it greatly and tore our hands away from each other's. I ran out into the battle alone, but somehow, it didn't concern me. My heart was thumping wildly, but all my mind could focus on was Aoshi. I had given up my chance to gain profits and keep a constant customer for him. And in my heart, God, I hope he appreciated it.
* * * * * *
Blades clashed in a battle of strength and strategy. Aoshi pushed off his right foot and launched an attack from above. He turned in the air, once again sticking out his kodachis. They hit Soujirou three times this time, half the amount of strikes than the attack he had made before. The blue eyed man backed off as Soujirou gained his breath, ready to attack.
"Kaiten Kenbu, ne? That was your almost-winning blow last time." Soujirou said with an almost admiration-filled tone.
"I use more attacks then just speed, Soujirou."
Soujirou stood up and began to tap his foot. His smile widened.
"But it works, ne?"
And he disappeared.
Aoshi faintly heard in the passing of wind, "Be ready."
From the side, Soujirou came, managing to slash Aoshi's arm and with his other hand, he gave him a left hook to his cheek. Aoshi cringed but threw his kodachi in the direction he predicted Soujirou would go. The smiling assassin couldn't catch himself in time and ended up with the kodachi in his shoulder. With shock, he fell back, but caught himself before he fell. He cursed silently, but the smile was still plastered on his face.
"Ah, Shinomori-san, you've grown accustomed to my moves."
Aoshi spat out the blood in his mouth to the ground and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. Soujirou removed the blade and cast it aside with subtle bitterness. He was ready to attack again whether his shoulder was killing him or not. His eyes locked on his target, but he noticed that Aoshi had froze. From behind him, he heard footsteps and quickly turned, delivering a blow to whoever was behind him. It was one of the men Aoshi had come with.
"Stop it! This is my fight!" he heard Aoshi yell angrily.
Soujirou's men took the attack into accord and began to attack Aoshi. Aoshi turned on his heel and punched the first man who came to attack him. With equally cold reflexes, he thrust his kodachi into the attacker's stomach and pulled it out when he heard him scream in pain. His blade was stained with the vermillion substance of blood. I could only watch in horror as he continued this confident strides and attacks with not one sign of hesitation. It made my blood run cold. But I could see he was helpless, the men were relentless, and he was the only one fighting. His men were elsewhere. They were after Soujirou and Kamatari, the good fighters that would define their true power if they were to be defeated. Don't get me wrong, some of Aoshi's men held back Soujirou's from letting them interfere with hurting their leaders, thus beginning a full-out brawl.
One of Soujirou's men jumped Aoshi, taking him to the ground as another man clubbed my protector. I felt the heat course through my veins once more, and my head pounded, yet I sprung forward. Aoshi had managed to push himself up, but landed back upon the ground when he was given another blow to his back. That's when I entered the battle. I came up from behind Aoshi's attacker and tugged on his shoulder. He turned to me in surprise, and I punched him square in the jaw. As he reacted, I reached for his club and pulled it from his eased hands. I delivered a swift blow to his back, and he fell forward onto Aoshi. Aoshi had managed to push him off while I swung my newly acquired club at his enemies. He stood up from behind me and clutched my shoulder with an almost urgency. I turned to him, and I saw his anger flare in his eyes.
"What are you doing here?!" he questioned vehemently.
Just then he looked up, catching the man who was about to attack us, but his eyes shrunk as Tsunan came, punching him away. I turned to Tsunan, who was rubbing his fist with a sour expression. My eyes lit up, and I smiled with happiness filling me. He had come back. And there he was, charmingly smiling at me.
"I decided to help." he stated.
I had found my senses again and grabbed at one of Aoshi's sheaths, removing it from his belt. He looked at me with ire, but I just simply flashed a smile at him.
"You're looking at the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu shihondai. I won't fail you." I whispered to him.
At that moment, he took me into his arms and dragged me downwind. A man had come behind him with a sword and attempted to attack us with a clean side slash. I rose up from in front of Aoshi and met our attacker's blade. He fell back in awe that I could fight, but I attacked. I shifted my stance and advanced on my fight foot, releasing a slash from the side with the scabbard. It hit him from the side and knocked him to the ground with the energy I delivered in the blow. My battle continued alongside Tsunan and Aoshi, but what we had not considered is how Soujirou was handling Aoshi's temperamental band of hesitant gang members.
* * * * *
"Akira, are you all right?"
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't been yourself as of lately. Tonight, you're giving us empty smiles and not even enjoying the sake."
"Sorry." he said, flashing another smile.
His eyes drifted for just a second over to the next table over where he had caught Tomoe entertaining the men. She didn't smile nor acknowledge his presence that night, even though he had passed her many times. It seemed that something was bothering her, and it bothered him with this new turnabout of emotions conveyed. He decided he shouldn't even care that she was ignoring him. He was supposed to stay away from her. It was wrong to get involved with the enemy's mistress, and yet, the way she spoke to him animatedly, the way she conveyed such sadness in her eyes, it intrigued him to no ends. And unfortunately, he had been anticipating seeing her ever since he had last seen her. But how would she feel when Kanryu's men don't come home tonight after what he had done?
He checked the old grandfather clock-imported from Europe by one of Kanryu's cohorts-that was in the corner of the room. It was getting late, and he should be leaving to meet up with Saitou. He stood up from the table and all the men looked to their friend.
"Akira, where are you going?"
"Ah, I'm not feeling very well, but maybe I'll be back later. I have some business to attend to." he said with a rather sheepish grin.
"Late tonight?" his friend beside him asked with a skeptical tone.
"Yes. Forgive me, but I think I'm all ready late."
Akira bid goodbye to all his friends before ushering himself out the door while Tomoe's eyes followed him until he was out of sight.
* * * * *
Kamatari was busy handling a majority of the men that came his way. They saw him as a woman, thinking he would be vulnerable. Boy, did he show them the opposite of what that word meant. With his ball-chain-scythe combination weapon, he countered and attacked, taking care of the offensive and defensive they thought he surely couldn't handle. They came at him with amazing force and maneuvering. He swung his scythe at one man who came forward, and the attacker managed to drop down, dodging the blade's meeting. What he didn't see was that Kamatari had changed his direction. The scythe swung back around, down-wind, with a change of Kamatari's wrists. The man fell to the ground, a pool of blood forming beneath him.
His next target came from the side. A useless attack as he swung his ball towards the man and knocked him against the restaurant wall. In this brief break of attacks, Kamatari glanced over at Soujirou, battling faithfully with all the men around him.
I must be strong if I want Shishio-sama to notice me. I will not become any weaker. I want to be as strong as Sou-chan.
Soujirou dodged a side slash by taking a step back and quickly moved forward to stab him as the man was found defenseless, using all his energy in one stroke. Changing his footing, he managed to speed up and attack everyone in front of him so that they were thrown off by his after-images. They couldn't keep up with his lithe body springing about with his blade stained with the proof of their wounds right in front of their eyes. Meanwhile, Kamatari ensued with his own battles, taking on the group of men that suddenly ambushed him from the shadows. He was distracted with the onslaught of men that he didn't realize more were coming from behind him. It was useless as Kamatari wildly swung his scythe around and let the ball go around him. He was ambushed, and the men grabbed him, dragging him to the dark alleyway nearby. He could feel the panic overcome, his heart rapidly beating in fear. His weapon was taken from him, tossed carelessly aside while a man grabbed at his shirt.
He tried to scream but his mouth came up dry and silent. He could only gasp as he took the beatings. They punched him in the face, kicked him in the stomach, hit him in the back with a wooden stick, and pushed him against the wall. He could feel their breaths all around him and his sweat trickle down his bare chest. That's when the beatings stopped. The men were all horrified.
"You're not a broad!" one yelled angrily.
"You're one of those freaks! Those he-shes!" another chorused.
The beatings commenced once more, but harder and more violent then before. They started to bash his head in, striking him again and again with the stick. He could feel the pain throb on his temple and the blood come out of the scrapes on his head.
"It's a disgrace, I must say." a cheerful-sounding voice cut in, "Just a shame."
The men turned around and through one eye that Kamatari opened, he could see Soujirou in the moonlight, his blade dripping with the blood of all the slain.
"If you are weak, you die. If you are strong, you live. Simple words told to me by a complex man. It's easy to see who are the weak here. It takes six men to take on one man. How pitiful, I must say."
Soujirou's words cut close to Kamatari. Somehow, those words sounded very dear to Soujirou. In the next second, Kamatari could not see anything but blood, crimson and rich with the foul scene filling his senses. Soujirou tapped his foot repeatedly and then sprang into action, letting his sword swing through the air. Flesh ripped apart at the cold blade's contact. He slashed to the side, killing one with his wound in his stomach. He jumped into the air and let his blade rip a man in half, the blood spraying onto Kamatari's face. It was then that two men took Kamatari while Soujirou battled another. Kamatari received a blade into his shoulder, pinning him to the ground. He felt his hips being lifted off the ground and could hear the undoing of a sash of the man behind him. His accomplice laughed in spite of Kamatari. And Kamatari could only scream as he was utterly violated.
"SOU-CHAN!"
Soujirou heard the hiss of pain behind him and ran towards Kamatari's attacker. His blade came and decapitated the man. His head rolled off to the side next to Kamatari, who was weak with fear. The other man by him found his end by Kamatari. The accomplice of Kamatari's attacker pulled out his blade and attacked Soujirou. The cheerful-looking assassin managed to step aside but felt his flesh of his leg tear, and the pain rush into his lower limbs. He was wounded because his emotion took over his fight. While the man pulled his blade out, Kamatari pulled out the hidden dagger in his belt and threw it. It hit him in the middle of his neck. He fell forward, gasping for air yet only receiving blood, and rested on the ground in a scarlet heap.
"Kamatari..."
"Sou-chan, you're hurt! We have to get out of here!" he said as he pulled up his hakama, securing it with a firm tug on the sash.
"But Shishio-sama-."
"I know when I've lost, so please accept that this mission is a failure."
Soujirou was about to protest when Kamatari grabbed his shoulders and placed his arm over his shoulder. His heart beat was stronger as he felt the heat radiating from Kamatari. He trusted him and felt relieved that for once, Kamatari wasn't thinking of Shishio's priorities.
"You're right, let's go." he relented.
And in the shadows, they disappeared while Aoshi, Tsunan, and I ensued in our battle with their men. It was around their departure that the police arrived. It was Aoshi who had first sensed the new incoming combatants.
"The police are here." he informed us.
"Then we have to get out of here, Aoshi-san." I shouted as I pushed off one of the men off of me.
They came from all sides, and the only way to escape was through the back streets. Tsunan pursed his lips as he caught the last of the men trying to run off. I looked to Aoshi who was clutching his shoulder in pain.
"Were you stabbed again?" I asked as I placed my hand over his wound.
He gritted his teeth and pulled away.
"No." he muttered, "I was just punched there. I'll be fine."
"You're all battered up, Aoshi. We're leaving. And look, your opponent's all ready long gone." Tsunan pointed out.
He looked from under his ebony bangs to see that Soujirou had indeed left the scene. He sighed in resignation.
"Let's go." he subsided.
We managed to get lost in the crowd of fighting men and found ourselves groping our way through the darkness to escape. It was just in that time that the police began to join in, attacking both sides. Saitou arrived right behind them, casually observing all the cops arresting the gangs. He took a cigarette out of his pocket and put it to his lips. Kiyosato came up from behind him and handed him a match.
"You did good, Kiyosato. Thanks for the tip." Saitou said as he lit his cigarette.
"There's so much blood on this street, Saitou. Is it all worth it?"
He exhaled a breath of smoke and a grin took its place on his lips. He looked to the young man with a certain pride.
"Oh yes. It's all worth it."
* * * * * *
The streets were filled with cops, and it was quite a task for me and Tsunan to drag Aoshi back to the teahouse. My kimono was ruined, soaked in Aoshi's blood. I could smell his musky scent mix with the dried blood that caked to his skin. It was all too real for me. I glanced over at Aoshi, who seemed to be pretty somber, appropriate for the mood of the moment. When we reached Kanryu's celebrated establishment, Megumi was waiting at the side entrance.
"The police are all over. I was worried that maybe they had gotten to you." she said sternly as she grabbed Aoshi from Tsunan and I.
He transferred his weight upon the female doctor, and she took his arm to wrap around her neck.
"You are hopeless..." she muttered to the injured bodyguard.
He let his head sag in defeat while she began to drag him away. I then turned to Tsunan, who was watching me from his spot in the shadows. I realized how much of a mess I looked. I was covered in blood. And Tomoe had just given me the rule that applied to it that very same day.
The fifth rule of seduction: Be presentable in a man's presence, never be sloppy, she stated clearly.
"Forgive me. Tonight wasn't very fun." I said in a voice almost above a whisper.
"On the contrary. I haven't had a brawl in a while. It was the highlight of my week." he said with a smile that tried to alleviate my disappointment in the events of the evening.
"Tsukioka-san-."
"Please don't call me that." he said in a stern tone and stepped closer to me, "We know each other a lot better than that."
He edged closer to me and stopped, so that we were close enough to see each other in the dark. At that moment, I felt his fingertip glide up to my face and trace my jaw.
"Call me Tsunan." he said softly.
I knew he was waiting for me to make a move. I placed a hand upon his chest and lifted my head. Our lips met in my attempt to bestow a kiss upon him. He embraced me as passionately as our first and held me in the darkness. Little did we know, Aoshi and Megumi were still watching us.
* * * * *
"Sagara! You need to learn how to clean up this dump! Do I look like a housewife to you?! For God's sake, I'm your captive! I didn't see anything in the rules that said I had to clean! I remember some rules that may apply like binds and house arrest, but never cleaning!" Misao shouted as she threw a rag across the room at Sanosuke's face, "You don't take hostages very often, do you?!"
"Obviously, I'm not as experienced as you." Sanosuke muttered as he lounged in the corner of the room, "But I never asked you to clean. Just because you can't tolerate my lifestyle, doesn't mean you can bitch at me for it."
"What's wrong with you lately?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've been acting very strange."
"I'm not acting strange."
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not."
Misao threw a fit as she saw his smug expression and sulked on the opposite corner of the room.
"Am I interrupting?" a deep voice inquired and both of the youths looked to the doorway to see Souzou standing with a smile on his face.
"Souzou-sama!" Sanosuke yelped in surprise and shot a glance over at Misao, "It's nothing. The broad's just throwing a hissy fit over the way I live."
"Broad?!" she cried in outrage and her hands curled into fists.
"Cute." Souzou commented and turned to Sanosuke, "Well, if you are done with your fight, I have to inform you of an assignment Shishio gave us personally."
"Shishio came to you?"
"Yeah. I need you to meet us at the far end of town tomorrow around dusk."
"Why? What's going down?"
"Shishio wants to intercept a shipment of goods for Kanryu."
"We're doing his damn dirty work again, right?"
"Sorry, Sano, but business is business. Shishio has never tried to hurt us before."
"Right..."
"If I may ask, why are you getting involved in a personal grudge between Shishio and Kanryu?" Misao asked.
Souzou looked to the small girl in the corner with her eyes set firmly on him. Her question had this hint of concern, which he seemed to follow.
"We have no other options. It's either do as he says or be killed. You don't think others have tried? Look what happened to your clan? Were they not destroyed by Kanryu? Kanryu is no different than Shishio, if not-more cruel." Souzou replied with a firmness in his tone, one of finality.
"I see..."
Her voice became lower in volume, and from then on, she could only mutely watch as Souzou informed Sanosuke of their mission. They were to meet the next night, ready for a fight to capture the goods. And to Misao's dismay, Sanosuke accepted it without explanation nor did he speak of it after Souzou left. It was if it were average, and Misao realized that maybe it was acceptable for him to act as such. Maybe this was 'average' for him.
* * * * *
Tomoe took her walk the next day, enjoying the break from the stuffy teahouse. Spring was early that year, and the cherry blossoms were blooming. It was truly an adoring sight to see the petals fall in abundance only to land at her feet or in the river. She was easily taken by the laughter of the children, the warmth of the sun, the light breeze, and the contemporary couples walking around her. It made her think of her own age. She was getting old, and she knew Kanryu wouldn't agree to marriage when he had so many women at his beckon call. Yet she had no doubt in her mind that he prided in having her at his side. Time was passing, and she wasn't a child anymore.
"Tomoe-san!"
She snapped out of her reverie, seeing Kiyosato approach her from behind in the reflection of the river. He looked a bit tired, and his hair a little disheveled. She took notice, but ignored him, continuing on her stroll. Yet still, he called her name ceaselessly, awaiting her reply. She didn't reply and noticed he was making more of a scene than she wished. He finally grabbed her wrist, and she stopped abruptly with her eyes wide. Her facial expression turned cold, and she turned on her heel to see his surprise.
"Hi." he said with a smile.
But it was foreign to her now, and she tugged her arm away. He had noticed her distance before, but he didn't think she would be so cold.
"I saw you last night, but you didn't talk to me." he said softly.
His reply was lost as she walked away, in attempt to leave him behind, but he tried to catch up to her.
"Why won't you talk to me?" he demanded.
She stopped, but did not turn to him. She refused to meet eyes with one who didn't think her worthy of it.
"You know your place, and I know mine. Let's just leave it at that." she murmured coldly before taking her leave once again.
"What are you talking about?" he asked in confusion.
"I know about you."
He stiffened in shock. Had she known that he was a spy? And what of Kanryu?
"How do you know?" he asked nervously.
She stopped yet again.
"I'm not a fool, Kiyosato-san. I know when a man feels embarrassment or unease. I sense it when husbands see me when they're with their wives or when they come in for the first time to be with a girl."
He eased up but was really confused as to what she was speaking of. It was so strange that she spoke so ill-mannered of herself, if that was what she was referring to.
"I still don't understand. Is it something I did?" he inquired with true concern.
"Admit it. You're ashamed to know me. I don't care. You weren't even a good friend anyway. I-."
She was silenced as she felt a warmth envelope her hand.
"Kiyosato...what are you doing?" she whispered in shock.
He smiled freely and came to stand before her.
"I am not ashamed to know you. For you to get such ideas, it is my fault. That woman was speaking of her daughter. She is a friend of my mother's, and she's trying to arrange a marriage between us. Forgive me, but she thinks ill of me if I even look at another woman." he said firmly in a volume loud enough for her to hear, but low enough so that it was intimately between them.
A flood of relief came within her, yet her heart would not stop beating so loudly. Somehow, she wished that she could hold him, but it would be wantonly to do so in public. She only wished that this closeness could last until they could find another way to be closer. But her heart froze as she felt a sense of deja vu at the mere warmth of their hands touching.
I love you...
The words so lost in her memories, clouded by the screams and the wails of a small child filtered in. It was more than she could take. The mood she was feeling shelved her desire to stay with Kiyosato. Her past was haunting her in every second of the day. It was too much to bare.
"Are you okay?" he asked, interrupting her rushing memories, and her lips began to tremble, "Are you cold?"
She shook her head slowly and looked at their linked hands.
"My father had such nice hands like you..." she said in almost above a whisper, "I haven't had my hands touched with this kind of warmth since I was a child."
He looked to her with a gentle expression, expecting to hear more, but she tore her hands away from his. All he could do was watch as she ran away back in the direction of the teahouse.
"Why is it that I'm getting used to seeing your back?"
He sighed.
* * * * *
The day after the fight between Aoshi and Soujirou, I was up early. I couldn't sleep a wink, and just decided to get an early start on the day's chores. By the time I had made my way down the stairs, I had noticed that Aoshi was also up early. Then again, it might've been that he always woke up early, and I woke up late. He clutched his side while emitting a deep hiss. My concern got the best of me and mixed with my curiosity. Where was he going early in the morning in his condition?
In that moment of sheer vulnerability, he gnashed his teeth and bared it. His demeanor changed, and he stood erect once more. I was in awe of how even when no one was around, he still didn't want to seem weak at all. Remembering Megumi's words, I decided to follow him. I trailed him through the sparsely occupied streets until I found him almost so far from the teahouse, I didn't know if I could find my way back without being discovered. We arrived towards the residential area of Kyoto where some places were abandoned. There, I noticed that a dojo, rutty and small, lie in between two old flats. That's where he trained all day. I went back home after the morning had all been spent. He was meditating all day, and after not eating breakfast, I decided to come back to the teahouse. I remembered the route back and was welcomed to a good scolding from Megumi. After doing her laundry for her, she sent me to Tomoe where I had another lesson. The next day, he went off once again, but this time, I was ready. I had asked a local boy to retrieve a gi and hakama for me, which in turn, I gave him some kind of fee for his services. In a little bundle, I put my kimono inside, so that I wouldn't be scolded when I got back for inappropriate attire, and I followed Aoshi to the abandoned dojo. It was at the dojo, once he went inside, that he had confronted me when we were at the gate. He stopped, but didn't turn to look at me. He just froze.
"You've been following me." he stated.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I just wanted to get to know you better and see where you go everyday. Can I watch?"
There was a silence between us, and at one point, I think I heard him mutter something under his breath.
"Do what you want." he simply uttered and proceeded inside.
I followed him in and sat in the corner of the room. There was only a rack of two shinais, probably only for a pair of combatants. He grabbed one and immediately began his katas*. I watched him as he moved effortlessly with a warrior's grace and aura. He had probably been doing it a long time. I started to feel uncomfortable with the icy silence always given in his presence, so I decided to opt for conversation.
"So are you ever going to tell me about the girl you live for?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?" he inquired gruffly.
He slashed to the side as I continued on.
"I heard a rumor that you have someone very precious to you out in Kyoto. Why don't you find her?"
"Because only Kanryu knows where she is."
Another stroke of his shinai slashed through the air.
"Why don't you ask Kanryu where she is?"
"Why do you ask so many questions?"
"I'm curious." I said innocently.
I paused in my thoughts to actually go through them to give a question I had always intended to ask.
"You always seem to be on guard. Why is that?"
"Why do you open yourself to everyone?" he countered.
"Don't ask me a question when I asked you one!"
He looked to me with a glint in his eyes and a light expression. His eyes seemed to drop to the wooden weapon in his hand. He moved it through the air, letting the fluid-like motions ease through the space. He looked almost nostalgic.
"It's an illusion of the times, Kaoru. The true strength lies in yourself, not the bonds you form."
"I partially agree." I responded.
He turned to me with a raised eyebrow.
"Partially?"
"I find strength in myself when I need it, but sometimes people come along and give you the strength you didn't know you even had. Therefore, sometimes the strength does lie in the bonds you form."
He smiled wanly and slashed his shinai into the air. I watched the beige arc transpire and watched the intensity in his eyes.
"You ask me to let you come to Kyoto with me. You take an interest in my well-being. You protect me from harm even when I refuse it. And you follow me here to this dojo. What do you hope to accomplish with me, Kaoru?"
"I hope that we can be friends without you feeling a lack of trust or doubt. I want you to have at least one person you can rely on. You were there for me and took me away from pain. I only wish to reciprocate."
I watched him with interest in the beam of light. I had rarely seen him in nothing but his black attire or the trench coat. Yet even in just a plain white gi and hakama, he still looked to be an extraordinary man. He turned to me, only revealing his profile with this placid facial expression. I smiled to him as I have always tried to before. He needed to see at least one person smile for him. I wanted to be that person for him.
"Come and spar with me, Kaoru." he said softly.
I nodded my head in agreement.
"Okay, Aoshi-san." I replied.
* katas – training exercises that are in a sequence (almost like a dance routine or warm-up, I guess)
Author's Note: I hope y'all liked this chapter. It was a chapter of WAFF amidst all the bloodshed and danger that lies ahead. I thought it was nice, and I hope you did, too. I especially thought Soujirou and Aoshi's battles were a nice change of pace because I had to at least show how Aoshi got hurt. You can't always see him come home with a bunch of wounds. There had to be a reason. But, geez, it was tough to write about fighting, especially Kamatari's! I confess, I've actually never seen his fight with Kaoru and Misao. And also, I had to show that Akira was actually being useful to Saitou. He is an informant for the government of Japan, after all, he has to produce some results. I can't wait to hear your reactions to the chapter! ^.^
Response to the Reviewers:
Furygrrl - Well, sometimes, I don't like reading stories where they focus too much on what's going on around them then at the main event. Or other stories just go on and on about how they feel about this situation when they should just do it. Sometimes, in animes, I wonder why doesn't an enemy every attack while they're thinking? BTW, did you ever watch Sailor Moon? Did you every wonder why nobody attacked them while they were transforming or making an attack in like 5 fricken' minutes?! Anyway, I'm glad you liked the Soujirou-Aoshi interaction. They were hard to write, and I had to keep reminding myself "Soujirou's not like that". He seems kind in facade, but he's actually a skilled fighter. Thank you for your review, and I hope you like what this chapter has to offer.
Blue Jeans - It's been a while since I updated. But I'm so worried about another story of mine... I should get going on those... But this story calls to my attention more than the others. I agree that I will not stop writing this until I'm done.
Vash-chan AKA Makoto Almasy - I'm sorry about the long response, I just was hoping I could help you if you needed it. ^.^* The OVAs are great! I only have parts 3 & 4 though. Grrr... Anyway, *calms herself down from self-destroying anger* Kaoru and Tomoe met on different circumstances in this story. Actually, they actually MET in this story, which kind of puts you in a confusion because they're not fighting over Kenshin, who Tomoe hasn't even met in this storyline and Kaoru doesn't really pay attention to him because he's just an acquaintance. They're just two women trying to survive in the world, whether it be under a tyrant's rule or the confines of the expectations one puts upon themselves. I am one of those fans who think that Tomoe was good for Kenshin at that time when all he knew was bloodshed and later, Kaoru fulfilled the role he needed in a time of healing. Plus, I think most people overlook that if Akira was still alive, Tomoe wouldn't have a reason to meet Kenshin or find new happiness, so people need to respect the couple of Akira and Tomoe, too.
Aeris - Yes! I updated! Kaoru and Tsunan seemed to be a strong couple in this story, the one everyone wants... It seems that this chapter is a good medium between K/T and K/A, right?
Svelte Rose - Believe me! This sword fighting thing is hard to write! I have some idea of what to write because of watching battles on animes or action movies. *blushes profusely* But on a personal level, I have not been an actual combatant. I like pacifism! But I would love to take up kendo one day. I was hoping somebody would like the sword fighting scene. Obviously, Aoshi and Soujirou couldn't win against each other because of the ambush on both of them. And yes, Aoshi is hot. I love him a lot. But not as much as Kenshin. Still, I wouldn't mind having him as a side lover... J/K!
Jen - Thank you. You stopped doing school to read?! Good God, get your butt back in gear! But I do hope you find time to read my story. Thanks for being so loyal to reading it. Just don't ruin yourself.
Sailor Panda - Yeah, I tried to show that nobody was oblivious that Kaoru cared for Aoshi on some level. Sano's reaction is sure to let you know that he's not happy with the information he was just told. Misao has become a companion to him, and to find out that he's dealing with a dangerous man's little sister, it's a little scary, right?
Kegoin - Hello, new reader! You've also joined the Kaoru-Tsunan wagon, too?! Wow! I'm glad you like the story. And as for Kaoru, it's obvious with money, you get things. And she needs to look good when she's out with Tsunan. Can't look like a bum. I'm sorry about Kenshin though! He does have a very important role in the end! I just can't reveal that right now! Just be patient! He'll be there when you're not looking. Ain't that right, Kenshin? *Oro?*
Bonessasan – I don't think I have a big vocabulary... *blushes again profusely* Sorry I took a long time to update. BTW, I live around your area, too, and God! It is hot this year! Not as bad as the previous years though. Hope you're enduring the summer as much as I am!
Angie – Well, in that time period, it is kind of protocol for women to be respectful to men, and some may say they are weaker-but truthfully, some of the hardships they had to suffer make them very strong. Much like Kaoru having to endure not seeing Kenshin, supporting his decisions and taking on some of his pain in Seisouhen.
