Author's Note: Here it is folks, the sequel to "As the Future Awaits." And as a sequel, elements of the prior story will carry over into this tale, i.e. Kenshin and Kaoru's new faith and how the Kenshin-gumi reacts to it so if that offends, then don't read this. Also I plan to bring in some surprises with a character I want to hate but can't help admiring, Shura the lady pirate from eps 25-27. Also I will be telling the tale of the conception and birth of Kenji as the manga never really told that, Watsukli-san just ended Jinchuu and then had his epilogue with Kenshin and Kaoru married and with Kenji. So I hope all of you faithful readers and reviewers will enjoy it. As usual, I do not own Rurouni Kenshin it is owned by Jump, Sony Television and created by Watsuki Nobuhiro
Glossary of Japanese words
Hebikuroi-Black Snake
Samekuroi—Black Shark
Jigen-ryu—An aggressive sword technique that consists of one-handed draws/cuts and the use of turning
Koishii—Beloved
Tenshi—Angel
Jijii—Grandfather or old man.
Baka—Idiot
Gaki—Brat
Tori-atama—Roosterhead—Sanosuke's nickname
Tanuki—Raccoon-girl—Kaoru's nickname, used by Megumi
Battousai—Kenshin's name as the assassin of legends
Ohayo—Good morning (casual)
Bai-bai—Bye-bye (I swear this is in my Japanese dictionary)
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Sequel to "As the Future Awaits"
THE MORNING AFTER
The autumn sun rose over the rooftops of the former city of Edo, now Tokyo and sent rays to chase the chill of night away. In the center of the growing metropolis, a stately building in the heart of the Meiji government, the Department of Defense was busy as uniformed members of the Imperial Army and Navy congregated and filed in and out as they reported to duty either to receive or depart to their assignments. In the executive office, Yamagata Aritomo sat before his desk as he began to peruse the report from the police inspector of last night's activity.
The imposing yet amiable man rifled through the documents as Inspector Kawaji stood at attention waiting for his superior's reaction.
"Yamagata-sama, that is the complete report, sent by Lieutenant Fugita concerning the capture and imprisonment of the Akai Ryu. All members are in custody, including Hashmoto Etsuyo and Hana Maita who are charged with kidnapping and assault of Kamiya Kaoru on her wedding day."
"I see." Yamagata intoned as he looked up. "And I see here that the apprehension of the culprits can be attributed to assistance provided by Himura Kenshin, Shinomori Aoshi and his Oniwabanshuu assistant Makimachi Misao, and Zanza the fighter for hire."
Kawaji bristled as he felt slighted. "Kamiya was the bride of Himura so it's natural that he would act upon discovery of her abduction. But Fugita assures me that he had the situation in hand and had both the Kamiya Dojo and the hideout of Akai Ryu under surveillance."
Yamagata grunted, "Understand Saito Hajime has an old score to settle with Himura so I had my doubts. And he can be somewhat distrustful."
"Hai." Kawaji decided to stay silent or bring further disparaging remarks on his department. He waited as Yamagata continued to read the report. After several more minutes, the Lord of the Defense pushed the document aside.
"Good work, Kawaji. Akai Ryu was another of the left over shogunate supporters that just refuse to accept this modern age for Japan." He then reached for another report. "Unfortunately, they are not the last of these stubborn ex-shoguns that feel their beliefs are not a part of the past. Take a look here."
"Huh?" Kawaji said as he took the document in question. He skimmed through it, scowling darkly as he remarked, "So the Hebikuroi are rearing their ugly heads again."
"Hai. And this time they are using pirate tactics as they are attacking merchant ships bound for the West and terrorizing the small fishing villages involved in export trade all along the coast from Shikoku to Yokohama. They call their group "Samekuroi" because they strike mercilessly and with no warning."
Kawaji asked curiously, "Isn't this a job for the Imperial Navy? They are to protect our sovereign waters after all."
Yamagata rose and began to pace as he replied, sighing, "That's the problem. The navy is doing what it can but these cutthroats are as elusive as the wind. They strike so quickly and so deadly that by the time a battleship or destroyer can respond to the SOS, they are gone." He took a deep breath as he added tonelessly, "Their crew is filled with ex-samurai, expert in jigen-ryu and when they board the merchant ships haven't a chance."
Kawaji's onyx eyes widened as he asked, "So what can be done?"
Yamagata said nothing as he sat down at his desk and took his quill pen to a piece of parchment. He began to write and then when finished, folded it and then sealed it with wax and his signet. He handed it to Kawaji.
"I want you to send a courier with this to the Kamiya Dojo. But do not disturb Himura, leave it with Sagara Sanosuke or the boy Yahiko. I'll accept an answer when he returns from his honeymoon." He did not want anything to spoil his good friend's newly wedded joy.
"Hai, sir. I take it you are asking the assistance of the Battousai once again?"
Yamagata nodded as he wearily rubbed his eyes. "He's the only one I can think of that could take Samekuroi on."
Kawaji nodded as he went to do as he was told. He headed to the communications office and asked for a courier and a young man eagerly stepped forward. He was tall and had deep mahogany hair and dancing hazel eyes.
The police inspector addressed the young man brusquely as he looked him up and down. "I've never seen you before."
"Hai, sir. I just transferred here from a regiment in Sapporo and just started today." The young man smiled warmly but Kawaji ignored his fawning manner.
"Whatever. I want you to take this important message to the Kamiya Dojo to Himura Kenshin. If he is not there, give it to Sagara Sanosuke or Myojin Yahiko. Is that clear?"
"Hai, sir." The young soldier gave him a snappy salute and took the missive and left to the side of the offices where an exit was. He opened the door and left.
Once outside, the young man went to the livery stable to acquire a mount. But as he stepped into the stall, another figure in the shadows pulled him aside.
"You have something?" a raspy whisper sounded as the soldier nodded and handed over the message. The man in the shadows laid his hand over the wax and softened it then peeled it back to open the parchment to read. A smile split the face of the man as he refolded the message and resealed it.
"Good work, Souichi. Izuma-sama will be quite pleased to know that his old friend Battousai will be facing him soon. Go and give him the message."
"Hai." The young man saluted and chose a horse to go and deliver the note. . . .
At the Kamiya Dojo, the morning sun was invading the one room that everyone lodged at the dojo dare not disturb, the room that formerly was Himura Kenshin's alone. But on this particular morning, the former hitokiri turned rurouni and then star border was not alone as he shook off the arms of Morpheus and his amethyst eyes greeted the day. They blinked at the light and then remembering the night before, gazed tenderly at the raven black head resting on his shoulder. He closed his eyes and whispered a heartfelt prayer of thanks to Kami-sama for providing the fulfillment of a dream.
This time, it's not a dream Kenshin mused as he moved his hand to caress his bride Kaoru's silky head. My Kaoru is here with me, as my wife, by my side as I dreamed for so long. But I should not wake her that I must not, we had quite an energetic night.
He continued gazing at his koishii, his fingers following his yearning as he ran them through her midnight tresses, soft as black swan down as it had spread out like a carpet and splayed across his arm as it encircled her. Her lean body with its curves fit against him pliant and comforting, like a hand to a fine kid glove. He grinned in spite of himself as he recalled the passionate lovemaking that lasted nearly to dawn. For the life of him, Kenshin could not remember when he had felt so satisfied or at ease after a night of passion. Thinking about that, he felt himself getting aroused all over again and fought the desire to awaken his wife to yet another passionate expression so he decided to awaken her in playful tenderness instead, planting soft kisses on her brow.
Kaoru's breathing was soft as she stretched like a kitten in her husband's arms, responding to his lips as they traced a path down to her cheek and then ear as he nibbled lightly at the lobe. Her sapphire eyes fluttered open and she smiled sleepily at her Kenshin.
"Ohayo, Kenshin-anata," she said with a yawn as she entered wakefulness.
Kenshin replied, "Ohayo to you, my Kaoru-koishii." His tongue darted on her skin at the nape of her neck, sending shivers of pleasure through her. "Did you sleep well?"
" Mmmm," she answered as he continued his tender assault. "I never dreamed it could be so wonderful to be loved by you."
Kenshin chuckled at her innocent awe. "That's why it's called lovemaking, tenshi. It is the most profound way a husband and wife can express their love, that it is. And the best is yet to come, I promise."
Kaoru smiled as she nuzzled his neck. "Then I'm even more eager because I know you never break your promises."
"Aa. And that is a promise I will keep, with gusto." He reached to capture her chin and then her lips for a long kiss as he gently turned her and her arms snaked around his torso as they once again coupled. . . .
In the meantime, the rest of the dojo was coming to life, with Yahiko exiting his room yawning and nearly bumping right into a still groggy and hung over Sanosuke, who was startled into full consciousness.
"Hey punk, watch it willya? I'm still asleep," Sano growled as he grabbed the thin shoulders of the boy samurai.
Yahiko wrenched himself free as he glared at the ex-streetfighter. "You watch it, tori-atama. I was just going to see what Kenshin was making for breakfast."
Sano shook his head. "Baka, you think Kenshin's up to make us breakfast? You're such a gaki, the man just got married and last night was his wedding night. We'll be lucky to see him and Jou-chan at all today before noon, believe me."
Yahiko nodded in understanding. "Aa I guess you're right. So who can we get to cook breakfast?"
"Beats me. Nobody else is up, everybody had a great time at the reception after Kenshin and Jou-chan went to bed so I guess they're all sleepin' it off."
"Hmph!" Yahiko said crossly. "So I guess we go hungry."
"No we won't," a soft voice spoke as Omasu came from the kitchen area, carrying a tray bearing steaming bowls of miso soup, rice, and vegetables to the dining room. "Come, or it will get cold."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Yahiko said eagerly, his mouth watering as Sano followed suit.
In the dining room, the remnants of last night's nuptials were evident as flower arrangements were strewn about, with the extra cushions and low tables borrowed from the Akabeko were still there. The Oniwabanshuu was gathered as Omasu laid the main table, placing the bowls of rice down as Yahiko and Sano joined the waiting group, reaching for the bowls in their usual frenzied way, grabbing at the sustenance as if neither had a meal in weeks. Misao watched in growing disgust as they began to stuff themselves.
"You guys are worse than swine at a pig trough," she sniffed as Ochika and of all people Hiko came to the dining room with the rest of the breakfast. Both set the trays of additional rice and vegetables down as well as tea. Hiko was carrying his usual sake jug as he sat down and viewed the proceedings with some amusement.
Okina took the role as host as he proffered a bowl to the Hiten Mitsurgi swordmaster. "Here Hiko-san. Before they disappear."
Hiko grunted and nodded. "Arigatou. I'd like to try some of the food I had a hand in preparing."
"Arigatou for your help, Hiko-san," Ochika said shyly as she handed vegetables to him.
Hiko favored her with a rare smile. "It was nothing, Ochika-san." She blushed in pleasure as she lowered her head demurely.
Misao asked Okina, "Where did Aoshi-sama go to, jijii?"
"To the nearest temple for morning devotions I imagine," the old man stated as he took a sip of tea. "You know he doesn't do anything else until he does that."
Misao nodded and said sighing, "I know. But I was hoping to see him at breakfast, he didn't stay at the reception after Himura and Kaoru-chan left, he went to bed." She sighed again as she stared of at the front door wistfully.
A knock sounded and Misao leapt to her feet in joy. "I know that's Aoshi-sama, I'll go get it!" Before anyone could respond, the petite shinobi maid scampered to the main hall and slid open the shoji.
"Ohayo Aoshi-sama. We just sat down to breakfast," Misao began cheerfully before she finally noticed the visitor was not her Aoshi-sama. "Oh, excuse me."
"My apologies," the young soldier courier said bowing. "But would Himura-san be available? I have an important message for him from Yamagata-sama." He held up the folded parchment with the Defense Minister's seal.
"He's unavailable at the moment," Misao informed him. "May I have it, I'll be sure that he gets it."
"I'm afraid I have strict orders to deliver it only to Himura-san. If he is not available, I'm to give it only to Sagara-san or Myojin-kun.
Misao was a bit put off but she let him in anyway. "C'mon with me, they're in the dining room." She led him to the room where breakfast was one step shy of a melee as Sano and Yahiko fought over the last bit of vegetables as Okina, Shiro and Kuro tried to keep the peace.
"Maa, maa. Stop fighting and share what's left," Okina said sternly but to no avail as the bickering continued.
"Let go of the bowl ya freeloader," Yahiko spat as he tried to wrestle the bowl from Sanosuke's grasp.
"Nothing doing. You had four helpings!" Sano pointed out.
"Yeah but I'm a growing boy," Yahiko protested as Misao and the courier entered the room. All commotion halted as everyone saw the visitor with Misao.
"Okay you two, knock it off!" she snapped as she stepped forward with the soldier behind her. "This is a special messenger with a message from Yamagata-sama to see Himura but he said he'll leave it with either of you two characters." She turned and apologized to the man. "Forgive us our rudeness, these two are Sagara Sanosuke and Myojin Yahiko."
The soldier bowed as he handed the message to Sanosuke. "Please make sure Himura-san gets this. Arigatou." He turned and left.
Sano was staring at the missive when Yahiko made to snatch it so he held it out of reach. "Gimme that, I'll give it to Kenshin when he wakes up."
"Hey gaki, the guy gave it to me to give to Kenshin," Sano said hotly as Yahiko again tried to get the note. Another barrage threatened to start until two figures came into view.
"Yahiko, Sanosuke what is going on?" Kenshin inquired as he and Kaoru stepped into the dining room, both fully dressed.
"Ohayo, Kenshin, Kaoru. How are you both this morning?" Okina asked jovially.
"Hai, we didn't expect you to make an appearance until at least noon." Sanosuke insinuated with a wink. Kenshin shot him a look as Kaoru blushed.
"If you must know it was the noise that woke us. The commotion in here sounded like another war," Kaoru added as she glared at the two in question. "What's that you're fighting over, anyway?" she asked as she reached and took hold of the folded document. She noticed Kenshin's name on it and Yamagata's seal so she handed it to her husband.
"Here anata, I take it this just arrived for you. That's what they're fighting over."
Kenshin took the missive and opened it. He skimmed the contents, then refolded it and stuck it in his gi. He took his wife's elbow and walked over to the table with his serene rurouni smile in place as everyone stared at him expectantly.
"Well?" Misao demanded, arms akimbo. "What does Yamagata-sama want?"
Kaoru eyed her husband as he placidly poured some tea and took a sip. Kenshin put the cup down and said vaguely, "Nothing at all. Is there any more rice and miso soup, sessha is hungry this morning, that I am."
Ochika rose and said, "I saved some for you both. Please wait and I'll bring it to you." She headed for the kitchen as the thirteenth master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu took a drought of sake as he sniffed in disapproval.
Hiko remarked flatly, "You should come to breakfast when everybody else does, Kenshin. It's quite rude to come as the meal is practically over."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed as he opened his mouth to deliver a stinging retort when Kaoru spoke up, "Forgive us, Hiko-san. It's my fault, I kept Kenshin uh…rather busy."
Everyone exchanged knowing glances and a few snickers as Hiko smiled at Kaoru. "Of course. My apologies, Kaoru-chan. I didn't mean to be indelicate but my baka deshi can be rather inconsiderate at times."
Kaoru smiled and Kenshin sighed resignedly and he realized as usual to debate the issue with his shishou was a losing cause as Ochika brought the newlyweds' breakfast out and set it before them. And as had become their regular routine, they both bowed their heads and prayed before they began to eat, as the rest of the group in the room observed them curiously. Everyone was aware that Kenshin and Kaoru had become believers in the western Christ recently and although they viewed their new beliefs with some reserve, they all held their opinions to themselves.
As they began to eat, Misao broke the uncomfortable silence and asked, "So aren't you both headed out on your wedding trip?"
Kaoru nodded as she took a swallow of rice. "Uh-huh. We have a train to catch at half the noon hour. Our bags are packed and ready to go to the station as soon as we finish eating."
"Where are you guys headed?" Yahiko asked.
Kenshin swallowed some soup then replied, "I've made arrangements for us to stay at that inn in Hakone we all stayed at last year. Do you remember it?"
"Do I? Oh boy, can I go with you guys?" the youth asked, his coffee eyes wide.
Kenshin and Kaoru exchanged glances as Sanosuke scoffed, "No baka, you can't go with them. It's their time to be alone together, their honeymoon."
Yahiko looked at him blankly. "Why do they have to go away for that?"
Sanosuke rolled his eyes as he said, "Let me explain it to you another time, okay?"
Everyone tittered as Kaoru glanced up at the clock on the wall. She jumped up in alarm as she said, "Mou, Kenshin it's almost noon! We have to go or we'll miss our train."
Kenshin finished his tea in a hurry and rose to his feet. "Hai, koishii. Just go ahead and get ready and I'll meet you by the door." He grabbed Sano by the arm. "Sano, I need to talk to you privately, come with me."
Both men went out the shoji to the breezeway where they were alone. Curious, Sanosuke asked, "What's up?"
Kenshin reached in his gi and drew out the message he received from Yamagata. "Yamagata has requested my assistance with another fringe element of the old shogunate. This time it's piracy of trade ships that he needs help with."
Sano read the missive and let out a low whistle. "Sheesh, Kenshin can't they cut you some slack? I mean you just helped to get rid of Akai Ryu, now it's another group of crackpot ex-samurai trying to rattle the Meiji. I've no love lost if they succeed but Yamagata seems to be a fair guy and he is trying his best."
Kenshin nodded frowning, "Aa. But I can understand why some samurai are so loath to let go of the past. For three hundred years they held positions of prestige in Japan and their defeat has been a hard thing to accept, that it is. The samurai is a man of fierce honor and to be shoved into the role of beggar is the supreme loss of face. It's no wonder that some have become renegade bands against the government."
Sano nodded as he agreed. "So what do you plan to do?"
Kenshin sighed deeply. "I don't know yet. But I do know one thing, I do not want Kaoru to know about this development. I will not cause her to worry and spoil our honeymoon." He gazed up into the sky and saw that the sun had slightly moved from its zenith so he added, "We have to be going."
As if in answer, Kaoru's voice sounded from the dojo. "Kenshin? Where are you, we have to get to the rail station or we'll miss our train." The shoji slid open and she stood there, impatience etched on her delicate features.
Kenshin smiled at his wife's summons. "I'm coming, Kaoru. I had to talk to Sanosuke about something but I'm finished so we can go." He stepped up and joined her at the doorway.
She glanced between the two men and inquired, "So what was so important that you had to come out here to discuss it?"
Kenshin flashed a sweet smile at his bride and kissed her on the forehead. "Nothing for you to be worried about, my Kaoru. Let's get our luggage and head to the station." He took her elbow and headed in to retrieve their belongings. . . .
At the main rail station the place was teeming with travelers as they got ready to depart or arrived from places around Tokyo like Yokohama and Shizuoka and far places like Osaka and Kyoto. The train was still a modern marvel to the citizenry as the Meiji was trying to bring Japan into the nineteenth century and traveling by locomotive was the trendy way to travel.
Kenshin and Kaoru exited the small depot, tickets in hand as their entourage followed to wish the departing newlyweds well for their trip. The Oniwabanshuu represented by Okina, Misao, and Aoshi were present as well as Sano, Yahiko, Megumi, and Danjuro and Tamiko.
Tamiko embraced Kaoru as she said excitedly, "Have a wonderful honeymoon, Kaoru-chan. You and Ken-san deserve it."
"Arigatou Tamiko-chan," Kaoru said with a smile as Misao was next.
"Have fun Kaoru-chan, and be good," the ninja girl said with a wink that elicited a blush from the bride.
"Misao-chan!" she admonished as Megumi pushed the bubbly teenager aside. The elegant lady physician stood before Himura Kaoru, her sherry eyes both happy and sad.
She embraced Kaoru. "Take care, tanuki. And don't worry about the dojo, Dr. Genzai and I will look after things. You just take care of Ken-san."
Kaoru assured her, "I will, Megumi-san. Arigatou for everything."
Danjuro addressed the couple. "I want to say a prayer to Kami-sama for your safety and to have a wonderful time alone together. Tamiko, please," he called to his wife.
"Hai anata." They both laid hands on Kenshin and Kaoru as the others watched.
Danjuro began, "Oh heavenly Father, we come today to ask you blessings on Kenshin and Kaoru as they embark not only on their wedding trip but on their lives together. And we ask for your protection to shield them and your joy to consume them. Bless their time of discovery as they learn of each other and honor each other as they are no longer two but joined as one. In the name of Iesu-sama I pray, amen."
Kenshin and Kaoru both said in unison, "Amen."
A whistle sounded as the locomotive approached, puffing vast clouds of black smoke into the blue as it labored and slowed, pulling up to the waiting passengers. It shuddered to a stop with a hiss of steam and Sanosuke shivered as he eyed the behemoth warily.
"Sheesh, Kenshin why are you taking this deathtrap? You just got married and you're putting your and Jou-chan's lives in danger by taking this thing to Hakone."
Yahiko rolled his eyes as he scoffed, "Some brave fighter. You're such a wimp, Sanosuke."
The tori-atama bristled as he huffed, "Why you," as everybody else chuckled and Megumi smirked.
Kaoru shook her head as Kenshin grinned. "It's perfectly safe, Sano. You have nothing to worry about, that you don't."
"That's right. Yahiko, stop teasing Sano, I don't want to have to worry that you'll kill each other while we're gone," she stated as she frowned at the quarreling duo.
Kenshin agreed as he added, "We'll write and let you know when to expect us back. Be good now."
He handed the luggage to the porter waiting to board them and then took his wife's arm to assist her up the stairs to the back of the last car. Once there, he and Kaoru both waved to their friends as the train whistle sounded and the locomotive came to life.
"Bai-bai!" Kaoru called as everyone waved and the train lurched off. The group all watched as the train disappeared and unknown to them, a figure concealed by brush near the tracks watched with interest as well.
NEXT—HONEYMOON IN HAKONE