Battle Of The Bands!
Chapter 11- The Boys' First Gig
The others immediately came to like Yahiko and his skills with the guitar. It didn't take long for him to adjust to the other boys' way of playing and after only a couple of hours they sounded like a real band. Kenshin and the others stood back and watched as their sons played and sang some of the same songs they had as kids and Aoshi couldn't help but smile, "It's attack of the clones."
"Really, but I'm proud of them, they're doing just fine."
"They are, hey Kenshin, do you think you can get hold of somewhere and find out if they'll let our guys play." Kenji asked, looking at his older brother
"You guys keep an eye on them and I'll do that right now."
Kenshin left the room and went into the back just as the boys finished the song they'd been playing. Katsu wiped his brow and smiled at Yahiko, "Dude, you're good! Who taught you to play?"
"I taught myself, after I finished martial arts I didn't have anything better to do."
"Good enough reason to learn, but I'm glad you did."
Kenshin came back in and had the smile of a cat who'd just swallowed a bird, "Guess what boys?"
"What?"
"You'd better get home and get a quick shower and get ready because you're busy tonight."
"What do you mean, Dad?"
"I mean that you've got your first job."
"Really? You mean we got a gig?"
"You sure do, Hiko doesn't have anyone to play tonight and he said he'd be glad to have you guys."
"Alright!" all the boys gave each other a high-five and cheered before they set down their instruments and got ready to leave.
A couple of hours later the whole gang arrived at Seijiro and Kenshin and his group helped the boys set up backstage, "You guys nervous?"
"A little."
"Just relax, the key is to have fun and not think about what people are going to say about you. There were several occasions when we first started out that people gave us dirty comments."
"And dirty notes."
"No they just gave those to you, Sano."
Hiko came back stage and smiled at the large group, "It's been awhile since you guys have been here. How you doing?"
"The boys are a little nervous."
"Hey Kenshin, why don't you and your band lead off, you know an opening act to loosen everyone up."
"Will that be ok with you boys?" Kenshin asked looking to them.
"Sure, show us how it's done, Dad."
"Alright, you know what to do, Hiko."
"Oh yes."
Hiko went out on stage and tested the microphone, "Welcome to Seijiro, we have two bands playing for us tonight, one is a group we've all listened to for years and we also have a new band who's just starting out. I want you to give them both a warm welcome and make them feel at home. Now here's everyone's favorite band, the Blood Warriors!"
Everyone cheered loudly as Kenshin and the guys came out and quickly set up as they always had as Kenjy and the boys watched from backstage to see what they had to do. Kenshin put on his usual smile and stepped up to the mike, "Thank you everyone, it's been awhile since we've been here and it's good to be back, it's always a pleasure to play here for you. Tonight we have a few of your favorite songs and we're going to start off with some requests, does anyone have something that they're just dying to hear tonight?"
A man out in the audience immediately raised his hand and Kenshin pointed to him, "Yes sir, what would you like to hear?"
"'Prayer' by Disturbed!"
"Well we can certainly play that one for ya, let's go guys. Let's stop talking and let's start praying!"
They started to play and the boys couldn't help but grin as they watched their fathers perform, they really were one of the best groups they'd ever heard, even if they only did sing songs by other groups, "Uncle Ken is awesome!"
"I know, so are the others, I know we can do a good job. Our dads have practiced with us and taught us for years, I think it's time we grow up a little and show our dads how well they've taught us."
"Yeah, let's just have fun and do this for our dads."
They all nodded in agreement and watched as their dads finished off their song. Kenshin smiled and stepped up to the mike, "Thank you. Now that we've warmed you up I'd like to introduce a group of very talented young men, I believe they have what it takes to make it all the way and I know you're gonna love them. Please put your hands together..." Kenshin paused for a brief moment as he tried to think of a suitable name for the boys' band, then suddenly out of nowhere he had the perfect name and smiled brightly as he shouted into the mike, "for the Wandering Samurai!"
The boys looked at one another and smiled, "Ready?"
"Yeah, let's make our dads proud."
The audience cheered as Kenjy and his group came on stage and started to set up. Kenshin walked past him and patted his shoulder, "Good luck, son."
"Thanks."
Once they were ready to begin Kenjy took a deep breath and looked out into the audience, pretending that his family were the only ones out there. He put on a bright smile and shouted into the mike, imitating what he'd seen his father do so many times before, "What's up Seijiro?"
Everyone cheered briefly before Kenjy started again, "My band and I are more than honored to be here tonight. We're gonna start off with an older song but one that always get's you going, this song is Megadeth's 'Trust.'"
They started playing and surprisingly didn't falter as they got deeper into the song. After they finished everyone cheered and Kenjy smiled as he cleared his throat, "Thank you, this next song is one of my favorites and I hope it's one of yours too, let's just relax and try to 'Remember.'"
The boys started playing 'Remember' by Disturbed and Sanosuke poked Kenji in the arm, "They're doing great!"
"I know, I figured they'd freeze but they're doing excellent."
They continued to smile as the boys continued with the concert. After nearly an hour they finished off their final song and Kenjy wiped some sweat from his brow, "Thank you so much for letting us play here tonight, it was so much fun. Thank you Hiko for inviting us and everyone please give another big round of applause for The Blood Warriors!"
The guys looked around surprised as everyone cheered for them again, one girl yelled at Kenshin that he was cute and he waved at her before Kaoru playfully hit him. Kenjy smiled and continued, "Thanks again everyone, get home safe, goodnight Seijiro!"
The audience cheered loudly as they left the stage and the DJ took his cue and started playing music. Everyone went to the dance floor and the boys came out from backstage and sat at a table beside their parents. The guys got up and went up to their boys, hugging them, "Way to go guys! You were great!"
"Thanks, Uncle Sano." Shinta said as he got a pat on the shoulder
"I'm proud of you guys." Kenshin said resting a hand on Kenjy's head
Kenjy smiled "Thanks Dad, I'm proud of you too."
"For what?"
"For not going after that chick that said you were cute."
"I would've but your mother wouldn't let me."
Kaoru reached over and smacked Kenshin in the back of the head and everyone laughed as he turned pink, "I love you, Kaoru."
"I'm sure you do, Kenshin."
After dancing and signing autographs for a couple of hours they all decided to go home and get some rest. They dropped Yahiko off at his house and headed off, each group going in their own directions as they went home. Kenshin unlocked the door and let Kaoru and Kenjy in before he locked it back, "You did great tonight, Kenjy, you and Kenshin both did."
"Thanks Mom. Dad going first really helped, it felt good to hear him announce our band."
Kenshin smiled and put a hand on Kenjy's shoulder, "I was honored to announce you guys, but next time I think you can do without us."
"We'll try, thanks for being there tonight you guys."
"No problem Kenjy, I love going to watch your father perform and now I can enjoy going to watch you perform as well."
"Thanks Mom. Hey Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"How'd you come up with that name?"
"I don't know, it just came to me, you boys act and look like a bunch of wandering samurai and you love those kinds of movies so I just figured, why not?"
Kenjy smiled, "Well thanks, we all like it."
"I'm glad, you go and get some rest, you've earned it."
"Thanks, goodnight guys, love ya."
"Love you, Kenjy."
Kenshin and Kaoru watched as Kenjy went to his room and shut the door. Kaoru hugged Kenshin and sighed, "Both of you were terrific."
"Thank you, and as for that woman who yelled at me, don't worry, the only woman in my eyes is you, Kaoru, I wouldn't even think of another woman."
"Really?"
"No, you're the love of my life and I cherish every minute I have with you, our arguments and all. You're the only woman for me, now or ever."
Kaoru giggled, "You're just sucking up so you don't have to sleep on the couch."
Kenshin smiled at her, "If it means that you'll be happy with me in the morning I can deal with sleeping on the couch."
Kaoru couldn't help but smile and kiss him on the cheek, "You're such a suck up, but that's why I love you."
Kenshin chuckled and kissed her briefly before he scooped her up in his arms, getting a startled cry from Kaoru as he did so, "What're you doing?"
"Going to bed, and I'm escorting you, milady."
Kaoru giggled, "You're a dork, Kenshin, romantic but a dork."
Kenshin laughed and carried Kaoru to the bedroom, both getting ready for bed before they cuddled up to one another and drifted off to sleep.
Over the next two months the boys did several performances and they were getting to be pretty well known. The guys went to each performance and even did the opening act when the boys asked them to. On Kenjy's eighteenth birthday the boys had a show to do at Seijiro and Kenjy was in his room getting ready to leave when he heard a tap on his door and answered, "Come in."
Kenshin came in and smiled, "Hey, you doing alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, why?"
"No reason, fatherly habit I guess, nice outfit."
Kenjy had on a blood red T-shirt and a pair of black jeans, around his neck he had a gold cross his mother had given him as a birthday gift. He looked down at himself and smiled, "So what do you think, Dad? Chick magnet?"
"Not just yet, but I think I have something that can help."
"What's that?"
Kenshin pulled something from behind his back and handed it to Kenjy, "What is it?"
"Open it."
Kenjy took off the wrapping and smiled when he saw what it was, "It's your jacket! Dad, why are you giving me your jacket?"
"Because, you've earned it, Hiko gave it to me when I first started performing and it became my sense of security, I didn't feel nervous when I wore it and it was also how I met your mother, so I guess it's kind of a good luck charm too."
"Dad... I... I can't take this, it means too much to you and Mom."
"Nonsense, I want you to have it, put it on."
Kenjy reluctantly put on the jacket and Kenshin helped him fix the collar to where it stood up and looked cool. Kenshin smiled and set a hand on his shoulder, "Now you're a chick magnet. The jacket's yours now, happy birthday son."
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Yes, it brought me luck and now I hope it brings the same to you."
Kenjy smiled and hugged his father, "Thanks Dad."
"You're welcome, you'd better get going before you're late. I'm sorry I can't go."
"It's alright, Mom comes first, she needs you more than I do tonight, I promise I'll do a good job."
"I know you will, good luck."
"Thanks."
Kenjy started out the door and paused, "Hey Dad?"
"Yeah?"
Kenjy looked around as if to see if anyone was around then he suddenly went up to Kenshin and kissed his cheek, "Love you, Dad."
Kenshin smiled and kissed Kenjy's forehead, "I love you, Kenjy, now get your ass out of here."
Kenjy smiled and left the house, heading off to Seijiro, a happy smile on his face as he drove down the road, feeling confident in his new jacket.
Kenshin waited until Kenjy got out of the driveway before he got a glass of water and went to his room, sitting behind Kaoru and rubbing her back affectionately. She turned around and smiled at him, "Hey Kenshin."
"Hey, you feeling better?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry I haven't been up and about today."
"It's alright, I enjoy taking care of you, besides when you're sick you can't hit me."
Without warning Kaoru swung back and hit Kenshin in the arm, getting him to laugh, "I stand corrected."
Kaoru chuckled and started coughing before Kenshin laid next to her and pulled her into his arms, rubbing her chest with one hand to calm her coughing while running his other hand soothingly through her hair, "I love you, my sweet Kaoru."
"I love you, my dear Kenshin."
Later that night Kenjy came home and hung up his jacket before he quietly went to his parents' room and peaked in. Kenshin and Kaoru were sound asleep, cuddled up closely to one another as they slept. Kenjy smiled and quietly went up to the bed and covered up his sleeping parents, kissing them both on the forehead, "Love you guys."
Kenjy left and went to bed, not noticing the happy smile his father was giving him, "I love you, kiddo."
The next year came and went so fast that nobody really noticed that any time had gone by at all. Kenshin was watching some kind of talk show on TV when he suddenly felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise up, telling him someone was behind him, "Hey Kenjy."
"I hate it when you do that. Here ya go, man." Kenjy put his arms around Kenshin's shoulders and handed him something before he set his hands on his shoulders. Kenshin looked at the package and smiled, "What's this?"
"Open it."
Kenshin opened the gift Kenjy had given him and smiled when he saw a silver necklace with a charm in the shape of the kanji 'Protector.' Kenshin held the necklace thoughtfully in his hands and turned around to face his son, "What's this? Why 'protector?'"
"Because I that's what you are, I know you regret some things in your past, I don't know exactly what they are but I've heard you and Mom talk about it all my life and I've heard you say that you were a demon when you were younger. I've never seen you that way, you remember when I used to have nightmares as a kid?"
"Yes, you'd cry and cry until one of us came in and got you."
"And it was always you who came and got me, I don't know if it was because you were faster than mom or you told her you'd take care of it. But each time I woke up from a bad dream there you were by my side, ruffling my hair, then you'd pick me up and rock me back and forth and tell me that nothing was wrong and that you'd protect me no matter what. I always felt safe when you held me and I still feel that way, I don't think you're a demon, to me you're just Dad, even if you have done some horrible things in the past I believe you've more than made up for them by being the best dad in the world."
Kenshin couldn't help but let a single tear fall from his bright gold eyes as he hugged Kenjy, "Thank you, son, you don't know what that means to me."
"You're welcome... Battousai."
Kenshin looked at him with surprise for a moment before he smiled, "Who told you?"
"I just kind of guessed, you really are Battousai, aren't you?"
"Yes, son, I am, I hope you're not too disappointed in me."
"I'm not at all disappointed in you, why didn't you just tell me?"
"I didn't want you to hate me or be afraid of me, plus I figured you'd be picked on in school if the kids knew that your dad used to be an assassin."
"I'm not ashamed of you and I'm not afraid of you, I feel safer in fact."
"Oh, how so?"
"Because I now understand how strong you really are, Dad. You pulled yourself out of a horrible situation and instead of doing something worse than killing you turned your life around and made people happy with your music, it takes a lot of strength to live with the guilt you have and I don't blame you for trying to hide it from me. But the only thing I ask of you is that you don't regret anymore, you've repented, you have nothing more to feel guilty about."
Kenshin smiled and patted Kenjy's cheek, "Thank you, Kenjy, I'll try to do that."
"You'd better or I'll tell Sano that you've got a crush on him."
Kenshin pretended to look afraid, "How'd you know I like Sano?"
Kenjy rolled his eyes and went along with the joke, "It's so obvious."
They both laughed and Kenjy checked his watch, "I gotta go, the guys are waiting for me, will you be ok?"
"I'll be fine, you go and have fun."
"I will, love ya Dad. Happy birthday Battousai." Kenjy kissed him on the temple, grabbing his jacket before left.
Kenshin shook his head and slipped the necklace on over his head, smiling lovingly at it. He got up and went to the kitchen where Kaoru was and hugged her, "Hey beautiful."
"Hey."
She turned around and looked at his necklace, "Where'd you get this?"
"It's Kenjy's birthday present to me."
"It's nice, but I have something for you too."
"Really? What is it?"
"Well, it can't be wrapped up if that's what you mean."
"I think I can wrap you up if I have to."
Kaoru laughed and kissed him. She pulled away and groaned, his bangs had been covering his cheek for the past week, it was as if he'd glued them there and it was bugging her. She reached up and started to move the hair out of his face, "Your bangs have been in your face for the past week, did you..."
She broke off into a gasp and Kenshin looked at her with concern, "Kaoru, what's wrong?"
"Your... your scar..."
"What about it? Is it bleeding?"
"No, look in the mirror, Kenshin."
Kenshin looked in the mirror on the wall and gasped as well, instead of seeing his cross-shaped scar on his left cheek he saw nothing! The scar had completely vanished and it looked as if he'd never had one at all. Kenshin smiled and touched the place his scar used to be, "My scar... it's gone... it's finally gone, do you know what this means, Kaoru?"
"What?"
Kenshin went over and picked her up, spinning her around before setting her back down, "I've finally been forgiven, I've finally repented for my sins, I don't have to be ashamed anymore."
"Yes," Kaoru reached up and placed hand on his left cheek, smiling lovingly at her husband, "It's finally finished my love."
"Yes, it is."
Kenshin leaned down and pressed his lips to hers in a loving kiss, a single tear of joy going down his face as he realized that it was finally over.
MEANWHILE
Kenjy and the boys had just finished their performance and Kenjy was taking a sip of his drink when Hiko came by, "That was a great performance, Kenjy."
"Thanks, I think I'm gonna head home, though, Mom and Dad will start worrying about me and I know none of us want my dad to come looking for me."
"That's certainly true, my former student has never been known for his patience when it comes to his loved ones."
Kenjy chuckled and chugged the rest of his drink before waving to Hiko, "See ya man, have fun."
"See ya, Kenjy, tell Kenshin and Kaoru I said hi."
"I will."
Kenjy headed for the door and accidentally bumped into someone as he went, "I'm sorry."
"It's alright."
The man he ran into turned around and gave him an evil smile, "Well, well, you look familiar, are you a Himura?"
"Yes, I'm Kenjy Himura."
"Really? I thought you'd be older by now, apparently you're like your brother and just never grew up, right?"
"What are you talking about, man? I don't have a brother."
"You are the drummer for the Blood Warriors aren't you?"
"No, he's my uncle."
"Your uncle? That must mean that you're Kenshin's boy, right?"
"Yeah and you are?"
"Saito Haijime, I never expected Himura to reproduce, but I guess even he has to have something to do now that he's not performing."
"My dad still performs, but only when he wants to and besides what my father is doing with his life is none of your business!"
"Just like your father, a little smart-ass. So what's a little punk like you doing here any ways?"
"My band and I were playing earlier, what're you doing here, annoying people to death?"
"Funny, but no, I'm here watching my son perform, he's on stage right now."
Kenjy looked to the stage and saw a young version of Saito singing to an older song from a band he didn't recognize. Kenjy smiled sourly, "Good for you."
"What's going on, Saito?"
A man covered in bandages came up to them and smiled at Kenjy, "Well hello Battousai, long time no see."
"It's not Battousai, Shishio, it's his kid."
"His kid? So Battousai decided to have children, I feel sorry for you, kid."
"Don't, my father's a good man, better than either of you and I suggest you just go off somewhere and play with yourselves because I don't want to hear your comments about my father. Goodnight!"
Kenjy started to walk off but Saito caught his arm and pulled him back, smiling wickedly, "Where you going, boy? No one insults us and lives."
Kenjy pulled his arm away and saw Saito reach into his jacket, he got into a defensive stance and prepared to fight when suddenly a man stepped in front of him, "Knock it off, Saito, the boy has nothing to do with our fights with Kenshin. Go do what you came here to do and watch your son and let the boy leave."
"You've turned soft, Enishi. We'll finish this another time, tell your father we said hello." Saito laughed and walked off.
Shishio patted him on the head and chuckled, "Tell Battousai we're ready for another battle, only this time we'll win."
Kenjy shot a glare at Shishio's back as he left and he turned to the man in front of him, "Thanks um..."
"Enishi Yukishiro, I'm an old friend of your father's, so you're Kenjy too, huh?"
"Yeah, I'm named after my uncle."
"You're a fine young man, your father was just like you at your age."
"Thank you."
"I gotta go, tell Kenshin I said hello and if he needs anything he knows where to find me."
"I'll do that, Mr. Yukishiro."
"Enishi, I'm not a Mr. anything, I'm just Enishi."
Kenjy smiled, "I'll tell him... Enishi, and thanks again."
"Anytime kiddo, take care of yourself, and by the way, great performance."
Enishi walked off and Kenjy smiled, he'd heard his mom and dad talk about a man named Enishi but he never knew who he was until now, but he was glad he showed up when he did. Kenjy looked to the stage and caught eyes with Saito's son and they smirked at one another before he left the bar.
Kenjy went outside and took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh night air. He went to his car and unlocked it but just as he was about to get in he heard a scream and ran off in the direction it came. He rounded a corner and saw a large man trying to rip off a young girl's shirt. Anger filled him and he ran up to the man, "Hey, let her go!"
The man turned around and swung at Kenjy but he ducked down and picked up a stick that was nearby and jammed it into the man's stomach, causing his eyes to roll into the back of his head as he fell to the ground unconscious. Kenjy dropped the stick and knelt next to the crying girl, he touched her shoulder and she immediately started fighting him. Kenjy caught her face between his hands and made her look at him, "It's ok!"
The girl stopped struggling once she realized Kenjy wasn't her attacker and he moved some hair out of her eyes, trying to comfort her, "You ok?"
"Y...y...yes...thank you..."
"No need to thank me."
Kenjy took that time to get a good look at the girl and saw that she was actually quite beautiful. She had waist length black hair and piercing violet eyes, Kenjy helped her up and she smiled, "I owe you one."
"You don't owe me anything, your smile is enough thanks for me. Do you want me to take you to a doctor?"
"No, I'm fine, really, thank you. You were the singer in the club weren't you?"
"Yeah, I got bored and decided to go home then I heard you scream as I was getting in my car."
"I'm glad you did, I can't thank you enough."
She shivered as the cool night air wafted over her exposed skin and Kenjy shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders (sound familiar), "Here, this will keep you warm until I can get you home."
"Actually... I'd like to get to know you...if... if that's ok."
"That's fine by me, but you're sure you're ok?"
"I'm fine, my name's Sayuri Tanoka, you are?"
"I'm Kenjy, Kenjy Himura."
THE END!
That's the end, there's nothing else in my sick little mind at the moment. So what did you think? Is it bad? Let me know what you think and drop me any story ideas you'd like me to try out. Thanks so much for all the support, I really appreciate, I couldn't have done it without you guys. Bye now.
P.S. I told you it would be longer than Kenshin Rock! lol.
P.P.S. In Chapter 7, Kenshin said he didn't remember having sex with a girl because "I was stoned, man, leave me alone!" Well he wasn't really stoned, he just didn't care to remember, must've been pretty bad, huh. But what rock star hasn't got stoned at least once in his career right? Any ways, that's all for now, hope you liked it.
