Author's Note: Here's the first skirmish between the Kairyu and the Samekuroi. The battle is a precursor for the next installment which will be the last chapter before the climax and which will be spread over three chapters and then the epilogue. And Aoshi and Misao will have a very important role coming up. A huge thanks to the readers (2437) and my faithful and encouraging reviewers.
Glossary of Japanese words and terms:
Robu—robe
Yukata--a loose and light kimono worn primarily for sleeping
Hono'o—"Flame" This is because of the flames that claimed most of Shura's crew in episode 27
Obake—"Ghost" this name for the Samekuroi vessel is because it moves with the stealth of a ghost
THE WAR BEGINS
The still of the wee morning hours cloaked the sleeping city of Tokyo in dark and silence, the moon low in the western sky as the faint pink glow heralding the dawn lined the east. Over at the Kamiya Dojo it was just as silent as the inhabitants continued in their slumber, save for one, Himura Kenshin. The former hitokiri now negotiator was in his bedchamber finishing his toilette quietly as his young wife still slumbered, seated on the floor donning his tabi and then rising and slipping into his haori of deep ultramarine over a gi of the same shade. His hakama was beige, completing a more official uniform then his typical magenta gi of his civilian life. The finished ensemble was not the western styled uniforms that the Imperial Army sported but showed an appearance of similarity just the same. He then reached for his sakabatou and slid it in place at his left hip.
As he completed his preparations, Kenshin sensed a slight but malevolent ki and frowning he went to the window to peer out. His keen vision scanned the perimeter of the courtyard, especially in the tree branches above the top of the dojo gate. In the full moonlight still available, his eyes moved from branch to branch and saw nothing but foliage. He took a final look and seeing nothing, turned away from the window, wary.
He was stepping soundlessly to the shoji to let himself out when the soft, sweet soprano of Himura Kaoru sounded as she spoke.
"You are planning to eat something before you go, ne Kenshin?" Kaoru asked yawning as she tried to rise and found her husband's hands grasping hers to give her a much-needed boost to get her on her feet.
"Hai koishii. Forgive me for waking you." He gave her a small kiss on the forehead. "I didn't mean for you to get up."
"It's all right, I couldn't sleep all night anyway." She put a robu on over her yukata and came over to him as he waited.
Kenshin gave her a sly little grin. "Even after all our activity, you couldn't sleep, Kaoru-koishii? You must have energy to burn, that you have."
"Hardly," she retorted. "I've been too worried to sleep."
Kenshin took her hand and said, "Come with me." Stepping softly as not to awaken Yahiko or Sanosuke, he led Kaoru to the shoji leading to the courtyard and slid it open to go out onto the porch. The waning moonlight was still brightly illuminating the yard, with some stray fireflies flickering in intermittent spots of green light.
Kaoru sighed as she commented, "The fireflies are out early this year. Funny, they always seem to be about when you say good-bye to me." She took a step forward, clutching her shoulders chilled in spite of the early season warmth, her back to her husband.
Kenshin wrapped his arms about his spouse, both hands resting on her swollen abdomen where their unborn child rested and he whispered in her ear, "Onegai, don't worry about me. Just remember what I said to you last night. I'll always come back home to you, Himura Kaoru."
She stifled a sob as she turned in his arms and faced him. "Just stay alive. Our baby is waiting to meet his father."
Kenshin kissed the salty rivulets leaking from Kaoru's sapphire eyes. "And I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of our child," he murmured. "So you make sure to stay safe, the both of you."
He cupped Kaoru's ivory visage and their mouths met as the sweet rush of passion flowed between them once more. Neither noticed as the sky lightened or the dojo gate opened to admit Danjuro, who cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"Gomen nasai," he said gruffly. "I didn't knock because I didn't want to wake anybody up."
The sound drew Kenshin's attention as he broke away from his wife with a sigh. "It's all right, Danjuro-san. We were just saying good-bye."
The man nodded sagely. "Understood. I just said farewell to my Tamiko and it was just as difficult. This is the first time we'll be apart since getting married and we've been married nearly three years." He added to Kaoru, "She said to tell you that she'll be by to visit later, Kaoru-san."
Kaoru sniffled as she bravely brushed away her lingering tears. "I'll stay in touch with her too."
Kenshin smiled as he said, "Well, I suppose we should be off--," but his words were cut off by the sound of two pairs of legs running and the shoji slammed open, admitting Yahiko and Sanosuke to the gathering in the courtyard.
"Hey Kenshin! You better not be thinkin' about leavin' me behind! Even if you are working for the filthy government pigs, I want in on what looks to be a real fun fight." Sano cracked his knuckles and flexed his biceps.
Yahiko snorted, "Yeah right. I'm gonna go too, Kenshin. After all, I'm the one that was teaching the Kairyu the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. I can fight even better then any of them."
"Well if that's the case then I should go too," Kaoru stated her arms akimbo. "After all, I'm the master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu." Danjuro's eyes widened but Kenshin's reaction surprised all.
"Absolutely not!" he roared, his eyes icy blue slits. All eyes were trained on the Battousai in cowed silence, the gentle rurouni gone. "Nobody here is going with me and that's final!" He regarded the stunned trio sternly as he ordered, "Sano, Yahiko you're both to stay here and guard Kaoru with your lives."
"Hai Kenshin," both said obediently and in unison.
He then cast his eyes on his wife. "And you Kaoru need concern yourself with one thing, and one thing only and that is making sure our child arrives here safely." When she opened her mouth to add a comment he laid a finger on her lips. "You need to be strong for us, koishii, we're depending on you, that we are," he said gently as he placed his other hand on her abdomen, his meaning clear.
"Hai, anata," Kaoru said demurely, deferring to her husband's wishes.
Kenshin then flashed everyone a rurouni smile as he declared, "We'd best be off then, Danjuro-san. Shura-dono is waiting as is the sword squad Yamagata-sama has assigned to me. When he sent the message to me last night he informed them about the situation and so they are all at the dock." He reached and cradled Kaoru's face for one last kiss.
"Sayonara, koishii. Be good." Kenshin murmured as he released her.
Her eyes were sparkling as she responded, "Just come back safe."
"I will so wait for me." Kenshin waved and then he and Danjuro turned and exited through the gate, leaving Kaoru, Sano and Yahiko all watching as they left.
Yahiko broke the silence as he said, "Well, there goes Kenshin."
Sano nodded, "Aa." He gestured to Kaoru. "So Jou-chan how about making some breakfast, eh?"
"Hai," she said as she followed both youths inside, still looking at the closed gate where her husband disappeared heading into the uncertainty of yet another battle. . . .
Unknown to her, in the shadows of the far side of the dojo a figure crouched among the thick brush near the gate and heard the entire exchange, then slithered off in the early morning light over to where the traitor Souichi stood waiting with his horse.
"Battousai has left to join Shura. His wife is alone, save for the brat and Zanza. He is no longer a fighter for hire but still is a formidable force." The man known as Kagesu relayed as Souichi rubbed his hands in satisfaction.
"Subarashi, Izumo-sama will be very pleased. Continue surveillance on the dojo."
"Hai."
Souichi leapt on his mount and raced over to the dock where the Obake and Izumo were preparing for their encounter with Battousai and the Kairyu. He made it over to the dock in virtually no time and halted right at the ship, where the members of Samekuroi were gathered and making last minute weapon adjustments as Izumo supervised the operation.
Souichi dismounted and sprinted over to inform him breathlessly, "Battousai has left for the Hono'o, Izumo-sama."
Izumo nodded as he said, "We are nearly ready for battle. Is Kagesu still at the dojo?"
"Hai. Just say the word."
"Not yet," Izumo stated. "That is our next move. First we will confront the Kairyu and the Battousai and if necessary, we will resort to that. You will watch for the fire signal, which we will send up from the ship. When you see that in the sky, then you will act."
Souichi saluted, "Hai, Izumo-sama."
Meanwhile, Kenshin and Danjuro arrived by carriage with the squad of swordsmen to where the vessel of the Kairyu was docked and they disembarked to head to the Hono'o, where Shura and her crew were loading provisions. They boarded the craft and approached the female captain who was on deck directing the storing of crates and barrels below.
Kenshin approached her and spoke, "We are ready, Shura-dono." He looked into the now sunlit morning sky and apologized, "Gomen nasai for being tardy."
Shura regarded the titian haired swordsman with gratitude. "Don't worry about it, Himura. The Kairyu is glad to have you here with us." She glanced at the small squadron of swordsmen, dressed in traditional samurai garb complete with top knot and remarked, "By the way you all are dressed, if you hadn't told me that you and your men are from the government I never would have known."
Kenshin grinned as he responded, "I asked that we not wear the western styled uniform of the Imperial Army for a reason. I wanted us to be as inconspicuous as possible."
Shura nodded as she appraised Danjuro. "And you too are a part of Himura's group?"
He nodded and said, "Hai. I once fought in the Ishin Shishi as well."
Kenshin added, "Danjuro-san is a worthy swordsman, that he is."
"I see," Shura commented. She then turned and addressed her crew aboard the ship. "Avast men! We're ready to shove off, way anchor!" To the mast men she called, "Hoist the mizenmast, we've a brisk north wind to head homeward!"
"Hai!" And they all did as they were bidden.
The morning was sunny and a stiff, steady breeze had blown up to fill the sails of the Hono'o as she headed south and out of Tokyo Bay, and then southwest toward the tiny island O'shima where the Kairyu called home. The spirits on the vessel was heavy, for Shura and her crew had no idea what awaited them when they arrived. The voyage would take about a day, shorter if the wind was with them and all the crew was subdued with foreboding as the Hono'o cut through the waves.
Kenshin could not help but feel sorry for Shura as she stood on the upper deck, her figure swathed in her cape and her mask in place as she oversaw the trip. The feisty female pirate captain hid her emotions as she hid the rest of herself, keeping away from everyone as her presence was silent and stoic. He watched her, feeling her sorrow in spite of her tough-as-nails façade.
Danjuro's voice sounded in his ear. "Ken-san."
"Huh?" Kenshin turned his amethyst gaze on his comrade.
"Shura-san is keeping to herself. It appears she is grieving," Danjuro stated.
"Hai. One cannot fault her, she has lost all her neighbors and friends at the hands of the Samekuroi. She feels responsible is deeply saddened, that she is."
"Aa," Danjuro responded then watching his friend closely he stated, "You care about her."
"Hai. She comes off as quite formidable, is surrounded by a faithful crew, and is a fierce fighter but beneath, Shura-dono is a very lonely woman." His eyes became faraway as he reminisced, "When I first met her, she reminded me of Kaoru and I had found myself wishing that I had met her under different circumstances."
"You fell in love with her?" Danjuro was direct and his gaze was unwavering.
Kenshin shook his head. "Iie. By the time I met Shura-dono and was captured by the Kairyu my heart already belonged to Kaoru. I just felt an affinity with Shura-dono because of her solitary journey. It was very much like my own."
"I see."
Kenshin nodded as he said, "She is still very lonely, that she is. It reminds me of my own attitude until I met Kaoru." He sighed as he turned away but Danjuro followed him.
"I know I don't have to say this, Ken-san but be careful that your sympathy does not become something else," he cautioned.
Kenshin glanced at him sharply and demanded, "What are you implying?" His eyes were a glacial blue.
Danjuro answered calmly, "The heart is easily swayed and can become wayward if you allow it to. I'm merely offering counsel for you to beware."
"Danjuro-san, my heart belongs solely and completely to my wife. There is no other woman that can ever take the place of my Kaoru," Kenshin insisted, his eyes broadcasting his intent with a gold sheen. "I am here to assist Shura-dono at order of the government."
"Understood. Then we need not bring this up again." Danjuro turned and left while Kenshin gazed at his friend thoughtfully. . . .
Back in Tokyo, the express train from Kyoto hissed into the main station and came to a stop to allow its passengers to disembark, a stream of humanity that stepped onto the wooden platform. The last to jettison was a tall, trim man with icy turquoise eyes and a sullen expression on his classically sculptured visage and a petite young woman with a youthful exuberance that gave her delicate beauty a whimsical quality. Her long braid danced about as she exited the car.
Makimachi Misao tugged her companion's arm. "Come on Aoshi-sama, we need to go through the main marketplace to cross the river to get to the Kamiya Dojo." She was eager to reach their destination.
Shinomori Aoshi replied in his deadpan baritone, "I'm aware of where the dojo is, Misao. And you needn't refer to me in that fashion any longer, just Aoshi will be fine."
A slight blush stained Misao's cheeks as she lowered her head demurely. "H-hai, Aoshi-sa—Aoshi." It was difficult to assume the familiarity of dropping the customary honorific when speaking to him, she was too used to referring to him as her guardian and affording him the respect of that position.
Aoshi continued, "We should stop in the marketplace and purchase a gift for the Battousai and Kaoru-san."
Misao nodded as she agreed, "Hai." She pointed to a fruit vendor. "Let's bring some citrus fruit to them. It's especially good for Kaoru-san now that she's expecting."
Aoshi nodded and took her elbow to lead her to the kiosk. The transaction completed, the two Oniwabanshuu members headed to the bridge to cross the river. . . .
At the Kamiya Dojo, it was business as usual as Yahiko was engaged in his daily katas and hikitate-geiko, as Kaoru looked on and gave instruction. Both hearts were heavy with the knowledge of Kenshin's departure and they were worried, but they made a concentrated effort to get their minds and bodies otherwise occupied.
"Your form is a bit lax today, Yahiko. You need to straighten up and make your swings less wild and more focused," Kaoru pointed out.
The spike haired youth reached to brush the sweat from his brow as he retorted, "I am making my swings focused, busu. You must be losing your vision."
Kaoru bristled as she snapped, "My vision is just fine, gaki. You're just lazy today."
Yahiko sighed as he said, "I'm just not in the mood to practice with Kenshin gone. I miss him already and he's only been gone since this morning."
Kaoru sighed as she comforted the disconcerted youth. "I do too, Yahiko. But you know our Kenshin, he always has to do what he can to defeat those who prey on the innocent."
"Yeah, but these guys are pirates he's helping," Yahiko stated. "Not what I consider helpless. Besides, he's working for the government, a government that is full of corruption." He frowned as he contemplated the present situation in which his idol was now being tarnished.
Kaoru nodded and then she rose slowly as her rounded abdomen made her ungainly. She headed over and stroked the boy's inky head in a sisterly manner.
"Yahiko, I know that you can't see it but Kenshin is still as noble in his aspirations as he ever was. The Samekuroi need to be stopped or their actions will continue to cause hardships for those they attack and if they are allowed to go on attacking trade ships, they will lead us into possible war with the powerful western countries like England, France and America."
Yahiko nodded grudgingly as he folded his arms across his chest. "I know. But why does he always have to be the one that saves Japan, Kaoru? I mean, what about the Imperial Army, don't they use rifles and Gattling guns now?"
Kaoru replied sagely, "True, but the Samekuroi are former samurai. They adhere firmly to the old ways, which is why they are at odds with the government." She continued, "They need to be fought the same way."
But Yahiko was still unconvinced. "I still think that—," but his statement was interrupted as the shoji slid open and Sanosuke, Megumi, Ayame, and Susume entered the practice hall.
"Yo Jou-chan, tadaima," Sano announced cheerfully. "Hope you don't mind I brought the kids and the kitsune with me." The girls rushed to Yahiko with a squeal as Megumi elbowed the street tough.
"Kitsune, eh? Suppose I take my kitsune claws and rip out those nice, new bandages I just put on your hands?" the lady doctor sniffed.
Sanosuke's umber eyes widened then narrowed. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me," Megumi purred with a vulpine smile. She then dismissed him and turned to Kaoru pulling her aside and asking, "Daijabou, Kaoru-chan?"
The mother-to-be smiled weakly, her hand on her belly. "The baby has been quite active today, moving about."
"Hontoo desu ka?" Megumi said as she placed her hands on Kaoru's abdomen. She ran her hands about the area and nodded. "Just as I thought. Kaoru, the baby has moved to the birthing position."
Kaoru's eyes became sapphire pools as she said in awe, "Already? Isn't it a bit early?"
Megumi shook her head. "You're in the middle of your ninth month. It can happen any time."
Himura Kaoru bit her lip as she digested the news. "So the baby is ready to be born?"
Megumi nodded as she directed, "You should deliver soon, so watch what you do. Get enough rest and don't do anything overly strenuous."
Kaoru nodded as she became lost in thought and she put her hand on her stomach Well, little one I guess you're ready to come out to join the world. I just pray that your father comes back before you decide to come out. She then bowed her head and said a prayer to her Savior for both Kenshin and the baby. . . .
On the Hono'o, the sun was heading toward the horizon as the day was drawing to a close, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold as the white ball of gases dipped down. On the vessel, the crew was busy, manning the masts of the sails as the breeze shifted so they could continue homeward.
Up in the crow's nest, the lookout peered through his spyglass, and called down, "Land ho! O'shima in sight off the port stern!"
"Hai!" Shura called out. To the navigator she said, "Head southeast and follow the wind."
"Hai Shura-sama."
She nodded and then taking a rope, swung down to land neatly on the deck where Kenshin and Danjuro stood. She addressed both men matter-of-factly.
"We should be docking at the home port in about a few hours if this wind holds up." She sighed as she added wryly, "I wonder what's waiting for us there."
Kenshin glanced at Danjuro as he offered reassurance. "Whatever awaits you, my men and I will be sure to do everything we can to assist you. So please don't worry."
Shura managed a wan half smile in gratitude and opened her mouth to speak when the lookout shouted from above, "Shura-sama! The Obake sighted about 20 leagues off the starboard bow!"
"Nani?" Shura gasped as she whirled and spotted the ominous shadow of the Samekuroi's vessel, against the fading blue of the northern sky. An orange starburst appeared from its side and something landed by the Hono'o with a splash.
"They're firing from their cannon!" the first mate cried. "What'll we do?"
Shura paled visibly but she remained calm. "Everyone get into battle stations. They won't sink us, their aim is to engage us into battle by boarding us, then fighting us with swords." Sure enough, the Obake was swiftly approaching, their sails full as the Samekuroi were brandishing their katana and falchion, preparing to board as soon as she drew up to the Hono'o.
Kenshin called to his swordsmen, "Get ready to defend the Hono'o!"
Almost as soon as his words were uttered, the dark craft pulled even with the Kairyu's ship, and the members of Samekuroi swarmed on the deck and using ropes, swung over to board, brandishing their katana as they filled the air with war cries. The leader of the Samekuroi stood sentinel over the scene with a smug smile.
Izumo called over from his upper deck. "Surrender Shura, or face your demise!"
She railed back, "Come and try to get us! You'll see who faces the afterlife first!"
Izumo threw his head back and laughed. "My pleasure. I never turn down an invitation from a lady." To his crew he ordered, "Attack and take no prisoners!"
The Kairyu all drew their weapons and braced for the onslaught as Kenshin, Danjuro and the sword squad all drew their blades and got into the fight, the deck of the Hono'o becoming littered with fallen bodies. Blood flowed from the wounds of slain men, making the surface slick, but unbelievingly, no men lost their lives.
Kenshin came forward with his sakabatou drawn and proceeded through the throng with his tsui ryu sen, scattering Samekuroi warriors as they flew back and over the rail. His narrowed eyes bore a hitokiri glare as his blade flashed in blinding speed. Danjuro and the other swordsmen were not as fast but just as effective, felling the former samurai in comparable numbers.
Shura joined the fray, wielding her nanchuks with precision, sending the intruders either to the deck unconscious or overboard, causing numerous splashes as the bodies of the vanquished hit the surf.
Over on the Obake, Izumo watched the melee with a detached interest until he saw that his men were being soundly defeated and his eyes narrowed as he realized the mice he had so easily beaten before had gained incredible strength and skill. Staring directly into the maw of crushing defeat, he made a high pitched whistle and those of the Samekuroi warriors still standing, climbed their ropes and abandoned the battle, gathering their wounded and leaving. Once onboard the ship again, Izumo gave a coldly furious parting shot.
"Shura, you may count this skirmish as one of your few victories against us. But don't you think for one minute that we are finished! And that goes for you as well, Himura Battousai!"
Shura opened her mouth to rail a response but Kenshin put a hand on her shoulder as he replied sharply, "Izumo you may rest assured that we shall be ready for whatever you are planning, that we will!"
Izumo gave a short mocking laugh. "Then be prepared, Battousai. For the worst is yet to come!" He barked the order to sail and the Obake's sails opened up to the breeze and she swiftly pulled away, making a turn back toward Tokyo Bay slashing through the waves. Once far enough away, Izumo observed the tableau of fallen and bleeding crew and addressed the first mate.
"Head back to the home port. Once we are there, send up the fire signal."
"Hai, Izuma-sama."
Izumo smiled evilly as he watched the moon rise over the waves, lighting their way home.
NEXT----A LINE IS DRAWN