Chapter 11: Mercy for the Stray Child
The streets were crowded that morning. A certain tall gangster ventured off with the young former prostitute at his side, just barely keeping pace with his long strides. She often looked to see her companion's visage filled with discomfort, anger, and mourning all at once. They had left his apartment, fearing that Shishio's men would find her. She hadn't asked where they were going to go. She had thought Sanosuke only had the Sekihoutai.
"Sagara." her voice was meek.
She found if strange how afraid she was to talk to him at that moment. His pace didn't change and his face was still gruff. He obviously had not heard her over the surrounding masses.
"Sagara, where are we going?" she asked clearly that time.
His direction changed and led into an alleyway. Misao's heart sped faster, replaying the scene of her memory over and over in her head.
Misao and her male companion for one of the nights led her out of the fading day light into the darkness of an alleyway. She paused with hesitance, fearing of what was to come. The client's crooked smile accompanied his leering gaze, and she felt an attack of anxiety wash over her. She took a step back, but by then, he had grabbed her arm and viciously yanked her in the opposite direction, deeper into the darkness. She didn't cry nor did she scream, she only whimpered as he threw her to the ground. The humidity rose as her breathing quickened, and he descended upon her. No one heard his throws of ecstasy over come him. No one heard her whimpers of disgust and fear. All she could feel was him and the rushing of the blood in her veins. It was all she could do but cry. It was all she had to prove she was alive.
"Misao."
She looked up to see Sanosuke towering above her. He looked sympathetic as he placed his hand upon her head. Her eyes met his hesitantly, and to her surprise, she found understanding and intentions of kindness.
"Bad memories...?" he inquired.
She could only nod. He smiled one of his lop-sided smiles and patted her head in an attempt to be affectionate.
"I'm sorry. I just couldn't speak in front of people." he said with apparent sincerity.
"It's okay." she said softly.
"Weasel, we have no choice but to go to somewhere I'd never thought I'd ever go. It's safe there, and I'm pretty sure we'll be okay."
"Where are we going, Sagara?"
"All questions will be answered in time. Just bare with me. I just never thought I'd lose my dignity and friends in a matter of two days."
* * * * *
Akira Kiyosato was very tired the next day. His weary heart couldn't take anymore rejection from the beautiful seductress at the teahouse. His attempts to call to her attention didn't work. He tried to arouse laughter within his group of friends to get her to even look over at the table, but his attempts went unnoticed. She seemed to immerse herself in this new customer, a big ox of a man.
"Tired, Kiyosato?" a gruff voice chimed in.
Kiyosato snapped out of his stupor to see Saitou in front of him, his usual cigarette in between his middle and forefinger.
"You have a knack for showing up at the wrong times, don't you?" Kiyosato muttered with a sigh.
"What was that?" Saitou sneered.
"Nothing." the young man replied nonchalantly, "So why are you here this time? Am I not up to par with my information? Do you want to pull me out and return me back to my life?"
"You'd like that, wouldn't you? But no. I came to give you a present."
Saitou handed him a long, object wrapped in brown paper.
"A present? For me?" the young man murmured in disbelief and took the parchment in hand.
He ripped off the paper off the top, revealing the leather bindings around a metal handle. He knew what it was.
"You shouldn't have." Akira deadpanned and looked to Saitou who had a smug smile.
"Be a man, Kiyosato. It's all for the best."
"What are you talking about?" he snapped, his grip on the katana given to him tightened.
"My, my, Kiyosato. I'm only looking out for your best interest. You should know that you tread on dangerous ground, and to tread without a weapon at your side is utterly foolish."
"I'm not even that great with a sword."
"Then learn."
"What's happening that you're not saying to me?"
"Kanryu is seeing betrayal. He has been pondering why the police have been in on his plans. The information you've given us has been beneficial. We have been stopping drug deals left and right, and especially that fight in front of that restaurant, but of course, that leaves you at risk. Be careful with who you speak to, especially that woman of yours."
"What woman?"
Saitou scoffed and took a drag from his cigarette.
"Forgive me. I mean, Kanryu's woman. What's her name? Tomoe?" he said with every smokey puff of air escaping his breath.
Akira fumed within. He had nothing to do with Tomoe now. She wouldn't even speak to him.
"I warned you, Kiyosato. Even if you did win her heart, what would come of it? Either you, her, or even both of you will be killed. How would it feel to see her dying in your arms, Kiyosato? To see the last breaths of life escape her because of you? Does that not even affect you?"
Blood stained her pure white, silk kimono. The tear drops stained her cheeks as she felt her knees fail her. In a fan of ebony tresses, she fell to her knees and finally backwards only to fall to the ground. The blood flowed freely. Her limbs were limp. Her face was pure ivory, and her lips were lulled to a light pink. The warmth was escaping through her strangled breaths. Her life was to end. Kiyosato could only watch as Kanryu's cold smile burned in his mind, and the katana in his hand dripped with her crimson blood. Kiyosato fell to his knees to clutch her small form, departing from this world's reach. She looked up at him, her lids feeling heavy. With a smile, her head lulled to the side to rest upon the crook of his arm, and there she went into eternal sleep.
"Tomoe..."
Akira's vision made his breathing unsteady and make him more responsive to his surroundings. He closed his eyes, silent because of Saitou's words and his own pondering. The unfortunate picture could only irk Akira into having a deep chest pain and to feel an enormous guilt over the predicted event.
"She could only hurt you intentionally or unintentionally. So keep your distance, Kiyosato."
"I-."
"Make sure that you are there for one reason tonight, and that is to investigate Kanryu's new partner, Iizuka. We hear he's playing sides on Kanryu and Shishio. He could have a lot of potential useful information, ne?"
* * * * *
I was very unsure of what the day would bring after I left Tomoe's room. I left on an unsettling note with her. I inquired about her father, but she spared little information. I did not push any further because it was probably too painful, and it was disrespectful to pry. But my mind could not put it behind. It was something important that probably had changed her life and bringing up that her father was a drug addict could have meant so much as to why she currently resided there.
"Kaoru."
But, alas, Aoshi's calling snapped me out of the thoughts, and I had entered Kanryu's room. Aoshi was not allowed to accompany me in, and I could see that his expression was that of unsettlement. Something bad was going to happen, and I was too late to stop it. I entered meekly with our last meeting fresh in my mind. He didn't seem too affected by my presence while he walked towards me with his usual superior aura. He came to stand before me and glided his fingers over my lips, only to rest on my cheek. I hated his touch. It made me feel the utmost repulse for letting him even come near me.
"You have a client waiting for you, Kaoru. He has paid for you for the whole day and night." I was shocked and felt myself tense, "So don't disappoint me. Do everything he asks-everything, Kaoru."
He released my face and walked over to the door when he opened it to reveal the man who I had known from the other night. His name was Anji. And the person who I thought to be quite the conservative and kind type, stood before me with a lust-filled expression.
* * * * *
"Sagara! Sagara!" Misao shouted until the tall gangster turned to see his red-faced companion.
She was heaving when he caught sight of her and also noticed that the crowd was starting to notice her, too.
"Misao, calm down..." he said in a hushed voice.
"Don't you 'Misao' me! Where the hell are we going?!"
The crowd gathered around, watching the frustrated girl shout at the top of her lungs. He smiled uneasily to the growing masses and took her hand.
"Come on, honey. We wouldn't want the doctor to wonder about you. You do have to take that examination to see if they'll let you dodge the asylum." he said rather loudly so that the people could hear.
Misao fumed with anger and practically almost jumped him, but Sanosuke intervened and dragged her out of the people's view into a restaurant.
"Welcome! A table for two?" the restaurant hostess inquired in a sweet voice.
"Yes. My little sister's a little hungry." Sanosuke replied with a smile, only to have Misao shoot him a dirty look.
They were seated at a table directly adjacent to the door, and there, the gangster tried to calm the young girl's nerves. The waitress served them tea and after her departure, they were left alone to Misao's uncertainty and Sanosuke's explanations.
"Sagara, you've been dodging me ever since last night especially after you got home! What's wrong with you? What are you not telling me?" Misao huffed with her arms crossed.
"Now, weasel, don't gather any more unwanted attention. I'm in enough trouble as it is."
"And do you have enough money to pay for this meal, you measly gambler?" she inquired, eye twitching in irritation.
"Well, I can see you're in a good mood today, sunshine."
"Cut the chit-chat, Sagara. Yes or no?"
"Yes, but I only have enough to get us by for today. I just hope we reach our destination before nightfall."
"Where is this place? And why won't you say what place it is? It's very suspicious..."
"Don't worry, weasel. It's a clean place. I just have a very hard time going there."
"And why?"
"Long story."
"Does it look like we're going anywhere?"
"Listen, I'll tell ya when I tell ya."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"Certainly. It's all I am accustomed to saying."
"You can get away with that in an all-male group, but you're dealing with a whole different type of person. You're dealing with a lady."
"A lady?" he said in appall and a teasing smile.
"Yes, a lady, Sagara. I know it's hard for you to get used to that, seeing that you have a definite fondness for men..."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"It means what it means. And that's all I am accustomed to saying."
Sanosuke sat back and looked over his opponent opposite of him with an appreciative smile.
"Don't look at me that way, Sagara, or I might start charging you for our time together."
"Like you have a choice-."
"Oops! I forgot. You're used to being with men-."
"Don't start that again!"
"Forgive me, Sagara-sama!"
Sanosuke started laughing and slapped his thigh. Misao raised an eyebrow at his expense.
"And what is so funny?" she asked irately.
"Well, you sure know how to boil a man's blood in more ways than one, weasel."
"STOP CALLING ME 'WEASEL!'"
Sanosuke leaned back as she started rambling on about his behavior in a harsh whisper meant only for his ears, but he wasn't there with her. His thoughts drifted back to the Sekihoutai and the last he had saw of them. Misao's whispers were lost on his ears, turning into the hissing of the fire and wind that was around him. It was night, and the men were all around, fighting what they had thought to be the last of the shipment's protection. His memory began when he discovered their entrapment.
From the shadows, they emerged, enfolding the gang in their tight circle. Kanryu's men lay at their feet, defeated by the Sekihoutai's hands, and the Sekihoutai were standing above them with their hands tainted. Sanosuke sat on the seat of the carriage, watching the new opponents coming out of every nook and cranny. He was bewildered and yet, he feared. He feared for his gang, and most of all, for his foster father.
He couldn't remember who fell first, all he could remember was the blood splattered onto him and he found one of his peers laying on the ground with a missing arm. That was when one of the men attacked him. Sanosuke jumped from his perch and landed safely on the ground before the man quickly attacked. His sword came down swiftly, and Sanosuke stepped to the side. It only bought him a few seconds before he could miss the brunt of the next attack. He jumped back before the sword had sliced his mid-section. Instead, the cut had just sliced through his skin. He let out a sigh in relief and cracked his knuckles.
"All right, buddy. No holding back now." he spoke with excessive pride, and the man came to attack once more, going for a straight stabbing thrust of his sword.
Sanosuke ran forward, taking a side step to dodge the swords path, and punched the attacker in the stomach. Before he could recover, Sanosuke took the opportunity to punch him in the jaw and took his head in his hands. He ran forward with the guy in hold and with a confident smirk, he banged his head into the side of the carriage.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot up his back from the middle of his spine. Another opponent had jabbed him with a staff, knocking him flat against the carriage. Sanosuke stayed immobile for a second, taking a deep breath, but that one second cost him the one thing that the Sekihoutai had come for. A few of the men came out of the shadows with lit torches and through the fire onto the carriage. Sanosuke's eyes widened and he fell back, watching the flames rise and spread upon the covered carriage. It was then that he felt the strike of the staff once more upon his back. His blood boiled at that instant, and he turned around to meet the eyes of his aggressor.
The man was a bit shocked, but attacked again. The tall gangster caught his staff in mid-assault, and with a firm grip, pried it from his hands, only to break the staff in two to show his power. The man tried to punch him, but his attack was lost on Sanosuke who just scoffed at the mere imprint on his solid abdominal.
"You really should build up some strength before even thinking of fighting me." he boasted with a smirk and grabbed the assailant by the collar of his shirt.
He lifted him up to his height and stared him dead in the face with a fury that matched his current frustration.
"You disgust me."
And with a sardonic smile, he punched him in the stomach and tossed him against the carriage. As he turned, that's when Sanosuke saw it, the carriages cargo. He had never questioned, but now he wish he had. The carriage was open in the back. The only thing covering the cargo was the white sheet tied down around the top. In the fire, one of the sections of the sheet came loose to reveal the cans marked kerosine underneath. He eyed one of the combatants by the carriage and saw one of his comrades battling with a man with a katana. His fellow Sekihoutai member was poor with sword skilled and could only use defense. Obviously, his attacker saw this and slashed down at each side, but the Sekihoutai member was dodging the blows fairly well, that is until the assailant thrust the blade forward through his chest and into one of the cans of kerosine.
"GET DOWN!" Sanosuke shouted frantically and ducked as the carriage suddenly exploded, engulfing all those around it in flames.
The men around were all shocked, but it only took them a mere second to recover before they battled once more. Sanosuke had barely got off the ground before joining in the bashing. He came in between some of the assailant group members from reaching his fellow Sekihoutai members and punched with a quick left-right.
"Get out of here!" Sanosuke shouted before hastily taking on the recovering batch of assailants.
They came at him, striking from all sides. But he managed to push them all to a distance apart from him before taking hold of one of the men and tossing him onto a pair of attackers on their way, knocking them all to the ground. One man tried to come forward and punch him in the stomach, but Sanosuke caught it by pushing both his fists around his wrist, and exerting pressure from both sides. The man shrieked in dismay and fell back, clutching his injured wrist.
"Don't you know when to give up?!" Sanosuke shouted, mostly out of impatience.
He was looking for the other Sekihoutai, but all he could see were the flames, the blood, the lost limbs, and the bodies of those killed in battle. It frightened him that he couldn't see anyone. And it hit him. Had Shishio really done this intentionally? Was this all a set-up? It couldn't be a coincidence that there were cans upon cans of kerosine in the back. It was not an illegal product nor did it look to be Kanryu's choice of imports or street products. He deduced that he had to find his leader, or all was lost.
They attacked once more, but Sanosuke had no time to mess around anymore. The next guy that came at him, he delivered quite a punch.
"YOU'RE WASTING MY TIME!!!" he shouted angrily and the guy fell back with jaw broken and his nose bleeding heavily.
The next man came, and he only ended up punching him as well before grabbing his head. He twisted it to the side and tossed him carelessly away from him, not caring that his spinal chord was disconnected.
"Come on! Anybody else wanna take me on?! Because I'm a whole lot of pissed, and I'm ready to vent!" he threatened, and still they came.
This time, they came all at one, grabbing the nearest weapon; whether it be sticks, stones, katanas, or ropes. One came behind and placed a rope around his neck, pulling hard on the strains. Another beat him in the stomach with the stick, each blow harder than the last. The next attacker came upon the tall gangster with a huge stone in hands and let it come swiftly down upon his head. For a second, Sanosuke lost his balance and brought the man choking him down to the ground with him. The men snickered in celebration, but Sanosuke would be damned if he let them win the small toss. The strain around his neck didn't cease when he hit the ground but only tightened. He could feel the blood rushing to his head and the pressure building. His hand could barely concentrate on what it was doing before he grabbed some dirt in his sweaty palms and threw it back, into the eyes of his choker. The man loosened his grip on the rope, and Sanosuke turned over to see four men ready to attack him while the fifth was crouched on the ground clutching his eyes.
Sanosuke quickly jumped to his feet, and let them come once more, more confident in strides and defense. The man with a katana slashed at him, but he just dodged to one side and simply punched him in the neck before delivering a blow straight for his face. The man fell back, but another one came from behind, someone he hadn't expected at all. There was a sixth with a whip. He lashed at his back, and Sanosuke fell upon the two men in front of him, whom let him pass through the two. The crack of the whip came once more. Sanosuke emitted a hiss and prepared for the next hit, but it didn't come. Instead, he heard some of the men fall to the ground.
He turned to see Souzou Sagara standing above the six bodies on the ground.
"Sano! You have to get out of here now!" he exclaimed with a desperate expression.
"This is a set-up!" Sanosuke shouted back.
"I know."
"Well, where are the others?!"
"Don't worry about us, Sano. But the girl, they're after her. You need to get her out of your apartment immediately."
"I can't do that! I can't leave you and the Sekihoutai!"
"We'll be fine, Sano! Just leave!" he bellowed.
"But-!"
"NOW, DAMN IT!"
Sanosuke bit his tongue. He knew he had to follow his orders, but his words would be lost as he saw more men coming they're way out from behind the flaming carriage. That's when Souzou took a firm grip on his arm and looked him dead in the eye.
"The war is about to begin, Sano. Who's side are you on?" he asked.
"I-."
But the assailants came faster than before, and Souzou charged forward. He looked back at Sanosuke once, and Sanosuke knew it was his cue to leave. He had to do Souzou's last request. And that's when he disappeared into the shadows, away from the burning carriage, away from the battle, away from the last of his family. And the hushed wind in his ears died away, only to be replaced once more by Misao's voice.
"Sagara?"
The brunette gangster looked up to see the ex-prostitute next at his side with her intensive gaze upon him.
"What do you want now, weasel? And what are you doing over here?! Get back to your seat!" he commanded defensively.
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes in an irritated manner, but slowly let her expression fade into a comforting yet sorrowful facial visage as she let her arms encircle him in a loose embrace. He became rigid in her arms and let his eyes drift to the top of her ebony-colored head.
"Misao..."
In a quick second, she separated herself from him and seated herself opposite from him like before. She shot him a glare.
"If you tell anyone about that, I swear I will make it the last time you breathe." she said under her breath with a sour expression, "But don't get me wrong. Under this seductive and cold exterior I have a heart. You just looked so pained to even sit here. I just wanted to say 'thank you' for being here for me, even if you probably didn't want to live through that last battle..."
He looked at her with a profound feeling within him. She had been thankful, and that, he decided, for the moment became his reason to live. To protect this girl who had found him to be her last pillar of strength, to protect her in the place of her brother, to protect her for...well...the sake of protecting.
* * * * *
It was almost evening, and the women of the teahouse were almost ready for the night. Though their top entertainers were also almost prepared, they were up in their respective rooms just letting the time pass away. Tomoe had done her passing of time with her journal, writing every detail of her thoughts onto paper. She paused and contemplated her next choice of words. Her eyes scanned the paper before continuing. She admired the words that were etched onto the paper with every slim and practiced stroke. She remembered how many of the women in the establishment just admired her for her beautiful way with the words and her competent literacy alone. Her thoughts and feelings of the previous night were finished before Megumi came in.
"Tomoe?" she called.
She closed her book with a confident nod and placed it inside her vanity.
"Megumi, what brings you here?" she inquired softly while she placed her brushes onto the set it was a part of.
"I haven't seen you in a while, and I hoped I could have some time with you before the night came."
"Have you had much business?" the soft-spoken seductress inquired.
"Do I ever not have business?" Megumi countered with a smug expression, settling beside her companion.
"True." Tomoe smiled.
"I heard that your little student is going to have her first customer tonight. Are you not nervous?"
"A bit. But I believe she should be feeling more anxiety than I. It is her first time, you know."
"How do you know? How do you know that Aoshi hasn't taken some dirty girl off the streets of a hick village?"
Tomoe looked her firmly in the eye and kept a solemn expression.
"She is too naïve in a world full of corruption. She is innocent and has no idea how to keep a man's interest without my instruction." Tomoe retorted with a bit of anger, "She is not a dirty girl."
"I wouldn't just keep my suspicions off her yet. She seems to have captured a man's attention without you even knowing."
"I haven't heard that Tsunan has come back since the last time he saw her a while ago. And none of the men seem at all attracted to her, with the exception of the man who hired her for tonight."
"Ah, well, you must not be as all-knowing as you think you are."
"Pardon?"
"Let's just say that she has found much companionship in a certain silent bodyguard."
Tomoe froze and stood up from her seat, walking towards the area where her kimono was kept for the night. She stopped before her clothes and turned her head over her shoulder to see Megumi.
"And what of it?" she asked icily.
"You don't find it at all inappropriate?" Megumi inquired with a quirked brow.
"Yes, and no. If Aoshi wants a companion, you know that he is more than likely to have his share in the teahouse, especially the one girl that he brought to Kanryu. I see no harm in them seeking companionship in one another," Tomoe looked back to her clothing and removed her robe from the pole in a delicate manner while speaking softly, "Sometimes, Megumi-san, we forget that when we first came here that we wanted someone to talk to, too."
Megumi's jaw clenched and her fists balled at her sides.
"And even now, both you and I know that we still seek that same companionship."
Megumi merely smiled and took a step backward.
"Good luck tonight, Tomoe-san." she said with a bow and left the room as silently as she came.
Tomoe froze as she held the kimono to her chest. Her words rang true, and she knew it. And for a brief second, one would think that she let a tear drop fall onto the deep indigo material of her silk kimono.
* * * * *
Aoshi brooded that night. Something wasn't right, and he didn't know what. He chided himself on worrying too much about every little thing, but it was just too apparent. He got bad vibes when the day started, and it didn't get better from there. He felt them even when he encountered Kaoru's customer, and to make matters worse, he had seen Tsunan come in that night, looking around the room. He knew who he was looking for, and he prayed that he wouldn't ask. He knew he couldn't give a straight answer. It wasn't his business to know what Kaoru did. It was strictly professional and confidential. But something deep down told him that he would do the same thing in Tsunan's shoes.
While Aoshi was busying himself with his usual duties, across the room, Akira was seated once more at a table and Tomoe was at another. He had to get to her tonight, he just had to. There weren't any exceptions. The night passed quickly for others and slow for Akira, but his persistence got him the time he needed. Later that night, Tomoe had exited the room with fatigue taking over her. The night brought an uneventful somber mood for her, and she found herself looking forward to the futon awaiting her in her room. As usual, when she made her way to the top floor, she could hear the women's quarters filled with customers. It was very hard for her to sleep some nights, especially when there were loud customers. But fortunately, all was a bit on the down low that night, and with a thankful sigh, she made her way to her room. At the top floor, Megumi was not up there. She was downstairs, still entertaining to the dismay of the other women whom she stole the attention from.
That's how they differed. Tomoe was more for herself than Megumi, who did things to please Kanryu. Why, she had not known, but she knew that she was tired. With a resigned sigh, she opened her door and as usual lit the candle on her vanity. She looked to the corner of the room and there was her futon, rolled up and ready to be undone.
Yet another sleepless night, she thought.
She wished for sleep, but she knew her body would not grant the request.
I might as well try, she thought again and began to remove her sash.
It was then that she heard rustling. She froze. And she looked back only to see Kiyosato Akira staring back at her.
* * * * *
"You heard Shishio-sama's orders! Destroy all houses or establishments affiliated with the Sekihoutai! Make sure none of them survive for their betrayal!" Soujirou shouted.
Shishio's henchmen rampaged through the streets, torching every small dank apartment and even the bar that they used to go everyday. Every trace was destroyed. And if one could only see that Shishio smiled through the flames. He watched from his carriage as he rode through Kyoto with Yumi by his side. They both watched as his men took all the valuables possessed and left their shacks a mess before being burnt to ash. This was their payment, their debt to him. They would rot in hell with him, and to that he raised his glass of wine.
"Shishio-sama is not merciful." Kamatari commented as she watched yet another house slowly decay in the fire.
"That's what happens to those who betray him."
"Betray him?" the effeminate man inquired with a tilt of his head.
"Only the weak die, Kamatari-san. But Souzou-san should have known what he was doing before he thought of escaping."
"What are you talking about?"
"Souzou-san wanted to run from Shishio-sama. Word got around that he was planning to take the gang away from Kyoto. He wanted to start fresh and cut all ties with Shishio-sama. But you know that he hates the weak. If they couldn't stick with him, then they would die. No one should live after such insubordination."
Soujirou heard one of the wooden beams crash within the burning household and jumped back, but it only seemed to irritate his injury on his upper leg. He cringed at the pain in his old wound, and Kamatari placed a hand upon his arm in attempts to comfort him. He looked up to his comrade who gave him a comforting smile.
"I hope I will never have to do this to you, Kamatari-san." he said, the words escaping his lips without any will to hold them back.
Kamatari could only nod with a sadness in his eyes.
"I hope so, too." he finally uttered, but it was lost in the hissing of the fire around them.
* * * * *
"Kiyo...sato..." she murmured with shock and appall, "What are you...? Why...?"
"Hi, Tomoe-san." he said sheepishly as he scratched his head nervously.
She stood still. She didn't know how to react or how to deal with him. This had never happened before, especially after she had obviously rejected his advances.
"Aren't you supposed to be at that private party that Kanryu is holding tonight? All his associates are there. You should be, too." she said softly.
The smile still stayed with him as he looked her in the eyes, albeit was faint, he still couldn't resist her eyes.
"I have a friend that I haven't spent time with in a while, and I miss her."
She parted her lips to say something, but her throat was dry. She couldn't say anything that associated with him. She had to get him to leave. He was getting to close.
I love you.
The words blared in her mind between her heart beats. Those words from so long ago from a man so far gone.
It's a lie, she thought, you're a liar!
She shook her head from the thoughts. She had to stop thinking about the past. About her youth, about her brother, about her mother, about her father...
"Kiyosato-san, you shouldn't be here. This is my quarters." she said firmly.
"I just thought-."
"Well, you thought wrong. Please leave." she said with a volume she knew she didn't have; it was strong, commanding, and loud enough to get the point across.
His smile faded, but his eyes didn't dull in luster. Why were they so innocent? She despised him at that moment, and she didn't know why. He stepped forward boldly with the smile back on his face.
"Let me stay." he said unshakably.
"Kiyosato, we shouldn't even be seeing each other this frequently. Seductresses don't have male companions."
"But you have me, whether you like it or not." he sighed in frustration and balled a fist at his side, "There's something wrong with you, and you won't tell me what. I'm not leaving until I find out why everytime I get close to you, you panic."
He walked up to her until they were only inches apart. She backed up on impulse.
"Stay away from me." she muttered through her teeth.
"Let's make a deal." he said taking a step forward for the one that she took back.
"And what's that?"
She took a step back.
"You answer one question truthfully, and I will take a step back until I am out the door."
He advanced one step.
"Promise?"
"I promise." he said earnestly, but this time, his expression was solemn.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Okay." he said with a smile, but she held up a finger in front of his face.
"Take a step back." she commanded.
"Why?"
"I answered a question."
"I-." he opened his mouth to protest, but she didn't give him ample time.
"You promised."
He rolled his eyes and took a step back.
"What's wrong with you?" he inquired.
"You."
He took a step back.
"Why?" Akira asked curiously.
"Because you're too kind."
He took another step back.
"And that bothers you?"
"Yes."
"That doesn't make sense."
"Well, you wouldn't understand."
"What's there to understand?"
She hesitated and paused to consider her choice of words. Akira eyed her with irritation, and her eyes locked with his, never losing contact.
"I've had a hard childhood."
He took another step back, but unconsciously, his hands were fiddling with his sleeves. He was almost by the door, just another few steps, and he would leave.
"Does it have anything to do with your father?" he asked with concern.
"How did you-?"
"You told me I had hands just like your father. I just thought-."
"Well, don't!
He took a step forward.
"Hey! You're cheating!" she shouted angrily.
"I answered a question for you, so I get to take a step forward."
"That's not the game. You said I would answer questions and you would go back!"
"Well, the game applies to both of us now, doesn't it? Now, I'll ask another question and let's see if you can get me to the door then." he cleared his throat as she glared at him and then he continued, "What do you have against your father?"
"He brought me here." she replied bitterly.
He took a step back, but he was in total shock.
"What? He brought you here?"
"Yes. His stupid debts to Kanryu cost me my eternal servitude, and my brother's ultimate demise."
He took a step back and he was just in the doorway. He looked down and turned his back to her.
"I guess I should leave now." he said softly, "Goodnight, Tomoe-san."
He started walking, but he felt something tugging at his sleeve. He turned around to see Tomoe clutching it, but her face looked unsure.
"Tomoe-san...?"
"And the truth right now is that I don't think I want you to leave."
He turned to her, and as usual, he flashed her a brilliant smile – the ones she felt that were reserved for only her. She released his sleeve with a feeling of foolishness filling her, but all of it dissolved. His arms slowly came to wrap around her, and she let her head rest on his chest. She could feel the warmth she had long abandoned to ever feel again, and she could hear his heart. This is what she treasured. This is what she wanted. She had found a companion in Kiyosato.
They stayed that way for a while, in each other's arms, while the city of Kyoto burned all that was proof of the Sekihoutai.
Author's Note: Sorry about the late update! I have been busy with research papers and analysis papers. I'm turning in a research paper on the 25th and my teacher just told me that "Hey! We're starting another research paper the day you turn yours in!" Fun stuff! I was laughing like a maniac in a straight jacket in a padded room in front of my friends. Plus, I've just had a very bad few weeks with my job, and I wasn't getting' my dues. So anyway, let's get down to business. I was so shocked at the reviews! I thought at least a couple people would kind of talk about Tomoe's little leak about her father. But I seem to have a bigger audience for Kaoru. This chapter wasn't really about her, so I'm sorry to disappoint a lot of people, but it's meant for the next chapter. Plus, this isn't really her story. She's just the narrator talking about the teahouse and all the "complicated" relationships. On the other hand, I also had a hard time writing Sano's part, and I absolutely hated to give Sano such a bad dilemma. It hurt me writing it! *tear* Well, I hope I get some response on my latest update! As always, R & R! ^.^
Reviewers Responses:
Angie – THANK YOU! I'm on a favorite's list! I never thought I'd get there. *Blushes Profusely*
Bonessasan – Sorry about the ending joke. You see, I accidentally typed the wrong letters making "virgin" to "Virgo" and my brother pointed it out after laughing at me. I thought it was actually quite hilarious, so I wanted to share it. I thought I'd be wrapping up the story about now, but I didn't want to rush anything. Like you said, I really get irritated when people just have this automatic thing and start getting into a relationship. It seems too good to be true when in real life, people sometimes need time to start feeling anything more than just an acquaintance.
Silky3 – I'm surprised I haven't had a lot of k/k interaction either! I'm such a strong supporter (if you look at my favorites list, you'd know...).
Vash-chan aka Makoto Almasy – I love when readers get reactions! It's what I want to happen. Sanosuke had a lot in this chapter. I hope you liked it. And as for Kamatari, he's just a big ol' softy! ^.^ He is very sympathetic, especially when it comes to his Sou-chan! By the way, I totally agree with Kaoru and Misao taking on Sailor Moon! It could sooooo happen! I mean, even Melvin (or Umino-I think his name was) could take her on.
Furygrrl – Wow! Don't hold your breath! But I know how you feel. Sometimes, when I read stories, I do the same thing. LOL! I'm sure she'll come around to Aoshi in one way or another, but I'm a little bit preoccupied on trying to get Misao reunited with Aoshi. I am trying to update as soon as possible.
Xen003 – Hee hee... thanks!
Catrina3 – I can't tell you the pairing. It's how you perceive it. Sorry about the confusion.
Chibilover2000 – Kenshin is a dojo owner and is not corrupt enough to be involved with the teahouse.
Svelte Rose – Thank you! That's such a wonderful comment to hear from anyone! It's okay that you didn't read. I can't believe I didn't catch "Broken Pieces" the first day (And you know what I'm talking about)! I was so upset! Anyway, I'm so glad to hear about a lot of the feedback I'm getting on Aoshi/Kaoru's close encounter moment. And Kanryu did violate Kaoru in some way, but he didn't have sex with her. He just did something else very bad that I'm afraid you'd think I was some kind of pervert. He was giving her a "check-up", if you've read Memoirs of a Geisha, you'd know what kind of "check-up" I'm talking about.
Agent Iz – I was just trying to clarify what I put on the summary. There is a possibility for anyone to have a relationship in this fic. I'm glad this story gave you-and anyone-a reaction to my story!
May strom – I love Aoshi stories, too! But there aren't very many without him with Misao. It's not that I'm not a fan of Aoshi/Misao, it's just that I see too much of it, and they're kind of iffy for me. And yes, Kaoru is still a virgin *many people gasp and hold their mouths in disbelief*. And I will try to read and review your story. I know how it feels to be looking for reviews to hear what people think. ^.^
Nikka4 – I'm sorry about that! But, if it's any benefit, Tsunan was mentioned in the chapter! And he was looking for Kaoru, so cheer up! I know that a lot of people aren't really cheering for Soujirou/Kamatari, but I hope that someone will find a little place in their heart for the poor guys. They have a rough storyline. And Tomoe had a right to be angry with Kiyosato because she was hurt. She is human, too. I hope you enjoyed her human side in this chapter, too. I just love her character on RK and feel absolutely horrid whenever somebody disses her. I'm glad you even acknowledged something about her past that I mentioned. She is a major character in here, but it turned out that since Kaoru is the narrator, she got more air time.
Orchidaceae – I'm glad you're enthusiastic about the K/A goodness! ^.^ It was very rudely interrupted, but who said it was a kiss...? *lifts pinky to corner of mouth* All I can say is that I can only write what I planned in the beginning. My lips are sealed. ^.^
