"Oro!"
"How could you let Yahiko do that?" She swung her gaze towards Saitoh who was well on his way to lighting another cigarette. Blue sparks lit from her eyes as she pointed a finger at him. "And you, why didn't you just arrest him, you no-good, golden-eyed, chimney sweep! You're supposed to be doing your job!"
Saitoh tossed the used match aside and brought the cigarette up to his mouth, inhaling it deeply. "Battousai, calm your woman. Her going hysterical isn't helping any."
"Oro?"
Kaoru narrowed her eyes at the calm police officer, contemplating the many ways she could make him squeal in pain. One, she could stuff those cigarettes all in his mouth and light it, preferably with one of Sano's friend's Katsu's bombs ….
"Calm down, Ugly, Saitoh's right. What's done is done." Yahiko turned to head back to the dojo. "I'm going back for some more training."
For once Kaoru overlooked her hated nickname as she stared at her apprentice. He seemed to be conveying utter confidence but who was he kidding? Despite Saitoh's dismissive words, Nori was battle-trained and he wouldn't hesitate to separate the bratty head from the bratty body. "How can you be so calm about this? He's going to – mmph!" She glared at Sano who had clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Listen, Missy, I think it's better to concentrate on how we're going to be helping Yahiko out instead of getting him to change his mind. Besides, he's already gone." He jerked his thumb to show that the youth had disappeared back within the dojo walls.
She fumed at his lack of respect to his teacher but knew what Sano said actually made sense. Uh oh, that wasn't a sign, was it? First, Yahiko taking on a hardened warrior on his own and now Sano making sense …
Kenshin helped Ise up to her feet and she wiped away her tears with one hand, managing a tiny smile. "Thank you, Mr. Himura. I'm all right, now." She took a deep breath and turned to Saitoh, who was still smoking with that annoying smirk on his face. "I assume you'll be here tomorrow as well?"
"I'll be here. He'll be arrested no matter the end of the duel."
Ise took another deep breath and nodded. She knew that she couldn't protect Nori any longer. And after speaking with him tonight, she knew he would not stop on his own. She stepped forward and lightly touched Kaoru on the arm. "Miss Kaoru, I am so sorry for all the trouble I've caused. I wish it could have ended in a different way, but I was still hoping that I could talk sense into my brother." She glanced away, unable to look at the other woman's face and see the condemnation. "If only I hadn't been so confident in my abilities to make him see reason, it wouldn't have come to this."
"It's all right," Kaoru said immediately, and when she thought about it, she knew it was true. She gripped Ise's arm and smiled when their eyes met. "You helped save Yahiko's life the first time and you gave us warning. Everything else … well, it just happened. But Miss Ise, if you could help Yahiko explain what your brother's weaknesses are …"
Ise nodded her understanding. "Of course. I will explain to him what sword style Nori uses, its strength and weaknesses."
Kenshin drifted to the wolf's side as the women talked, keeping his eyes on them. "I noticed you didn't step in and stop this duel, Saitoh."
Saitoh snorted and glanced at the wanderer before tossing aside the used cigarette. "He'll be arrested soon or later. Tomorrow night is as good as any so long as he doesn't kill anymore people between now and then. I'm just surprised you didn't jump in there and protest the duel yourself, Battousai."
"There are few more things important to Yahiko than his samurai pride. I will not be the one to take it away from him, that I will not," the red-head said quietly.
Saitoh snorted again. "The samurai's pride is all well and good, but it's exactly that that is driving Otsuka to be killing as he is. What is to stop the brat from doing the same thing in the future?"
Kenshin glanced up at his adversary and smiled, his violet eyes reflecting the certainty of his words. "His heart." He stifled a sudden yawn with a fist and looked over at the tall rooster head. "Come on, Sano, we should get some rest before tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to be a long day, that I do."
Sano nodded. "Yeah, we'll need to keep a close eye on Yahiko .. it might be the last time we see him."
Kaoru, hearing his words, glared at the tall ex-fighter. "Don't say that!" she exclaimed.
Saitoh watched the four of them leave, allowing him to stand in silence within the woods. He considered the wanderer's words for a long moment then shook his head in disgust. "His heart, che. Every time I see you, Battousai, you get softer and softer." Turning around, Saitoh made his way back to his own home.
Kenshin stared up into the starry night as he sat on the porch. Sleep had eluded him and he was more than content to watch over the occupants while they slept. He kept his senses flared out in case Nori decided to arrive earlier than the appointed time, though the wanderer doubted it. Both he and Yahiko were quite passionate about the samurai's code of honor and would keep to it.
He wasn't at all surprised when the shoji doors opened and quiet footsteps shuffled in his direction. Yahiko plunked down next to Kenshin, still fully clothed, and glanced at him. "Are you thinking Nori Otsuka is coming?" he asked quietly.
Kenshin shook his head. "He will wait until dusk to arrive. I was just admiring the stars. They light up the heavens with their brilliance, that they do. I have rarely been given the luxury of seeing them, not since I was a child."
Yahiko nodded and looked up as well, clearly trying to see what the red-head found so fascinating. After all, stars were stars and not very exciting. After a moment of searching, he looked back at the wanderer. "Um, Kenshin?"
"Hmm?"
"I just wanted to say … thanks. You know, for making Kaoru promise to stay out of the duel. It was kind of rash on my part, I guess, but …" Yahiko shook his head. "After the last time, I couldn't stand feeling so helpless again. I've learned a lot from her and you and I – I just wanted to thank you."
Kenshin looked down at the young swordsman sitting next to him and smiled – rather painfully – as he remembered the thuds and smacks accompanying his plea to Kaoru not to interfere with Yahiko's duel. His request had not been taken graciously but the combined forces of both her boarders finally resulted in a disgruntled promise. "You are quite welcome. But you know, Miss Kaoru was just worried about your safety, that she was."
"Yeah, I know." Yahiko kicked his legs out idly, looking at his hakama. "She tends to worry a lot, doesn't she? She'll be a good mother some day, with all that bossing around she does." He paused, and realizing he was complimenting her, snickered and in his usual manner added, "If she can find some blind idiot to marry her first, that is."
Kenshin merely smiled and looked back up at the stars. There was silence between the two for a long moment before the wanderer broke it this time, his voice thoughtful. "Do you have a strategy on how you will defeat Nori in your duel tomorrow?"
"I've thought of a few things, depending on his swordsman style. Miss Ise promised to tell me what she knew about it tomorrow. I kind of figure I have to wait and see what he does first, though. See how he attacks and all."
"I see. That is a good start. You would do well to remember how fast he is, as well."
"Yeah, I know."
Kenshin glanced over at the younger swordsman and smiled to himself as he found the boy's gaze up at the stars, as if searching the great expanse for some answers. "You know, Yahiko, your duel will require you to rest. If you are too tired by dusk, it will not be a true fight between warriors."
Yahiko nodded and climbed to his feet. "Right, thanks Kenshin." He hesitated before turning. "So I guess I'll see you in the morning."
"Indeed. Sleep well, Yahiko." Kenshin watched as the youth slipped back inside and close the shoji door before shifting his gaze to the left. "You can come out now, Miss Kaoru." He smiled as he imagined her blush at being found out as she shuffled out from her hiding place. She sat down in the same place Yahiko had just abandoned to his right. "You are up very late, Miss Kaoru. Shouldn't you be resting as well?"
"I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is Nori cutting Yahiko down."
"You should have more faith in your pupil's abilities, that you should," Kenshin chided gently.
Kaoru frowned at the wanderer. "This has nothing to do with Yahiko's abilities and everything to do with Nori finding no qualms about killing people, especially a boy. Are you really going to let him take Yahiko's life if he wins?"
"Those were the conditions of the duel," Kenshin said noncommittally.
Kaoru opened her mouth to let the idiot red-head know exactly what she thought of those 'conditions' when another thought flitted through her mind. While it did annoy her that Kenshin seemed so calm and collected when she wanted to break something, Kaoru realized he wouldn't allow any harm to come to Yahiko or to any of them. So that must mean he was planning something! Despite herself, relief seeped into her heart and she only half-heartedly punched him on the shoulder. "Kenshin, you jerk," she said wearily, surprising him. He could have at least told her that he had an alternative plan in mind.
But then again, perhaps he thought Kaoru would know he was concocting some sort of rescue. She shook her head to clear it and stifled a yawn behind one hand.
Kenshin, of course, heard and he turned his head to look at her. "You should go to bed as well, Miss Kaoru. I have a feeling Yahiko will need you more than ever tomorrow, that I do."
Kaoru smiled and did something that surprised them both. She took his right arm in her grasp and laid her head on his shoulder. "I will. I just … want to look up at the stars for a little while longer."
Kenshin blinked at the unexpected gesture, staring for a long moment. But as her warmth seeped into him, he finally smiled and laced his fingers with hers as together they gazed up at the twinkling sky.
Morning dawned on the dojo, bringing with it a clear, crisp day. All the occupants inside had risen far earlier than normal, slight tension straining the morning routines. Inside the training hall, Yahiko was already doing another set of katas, sweat dripping down the side of his face. Kaoru stood there, dressed in her kendo uniform, critically watching his form for mistakes. Any slip of attention in battle could mean between life and death.
A few feet away from them, Ise watched the youth perform his drills without complaint, his face a mask of concentration as Kaoru rapped out orders to him in a continuous stream. Despite her worry, she was impressed with his stamina and strength. Still, it couldn't be enough. A boy with a bamboo sword was no match for a man who had seen countless battles and fought with a real weapon.
"Miss Kaoru! Miss Ise! Yahiko! Breakfast is ready!" Kenshin's faint voice floated towards the open training hall doors.
"Fifty more, Yahiko, then you can rest," Kaoru called. She flashed a smile at Ise. "Why don't you go ahead of us, Miss Ise? Please tell Kenshin we won't be long."
Ise returned the smile. "You are a very hard teacher, Miss Kaoru. Very well, I'll tell Mr. Himura that you two are on your way." She headed out of the room and followed the worn trail between the dojo and the house. She was surprised to see that two people were already seated on around the table. One was the tall, brown-haired man she recognized from yesterday. The other was a very pretty woman with long, dark hair, rose red lips, and a delicate complexion.
Kenshin glanced over his shoulder and smiled. "Good morning, Miss Ise. I don't think you were introduced to Sano yesterday. And this is Miss Megumi."
Sano, already eying the hot dishes, merely lifted a hand in a distracted wave. The woman next to him rolled her eyes at his lack of manners before smiling at Ise. "Any friend of Sir Ken's is a friend of mine."
"Miss Megumi is a doctor. She was afraid that she may not be able to come in time for the duel tonight so she was kind enough to drop off some medical supplies before she began her rounds," Kenshin explained.
"Sanosuke stopped by last night to tell me what had happened. I can't believe our little Yahiko actually challenged a fully trained samurai into a duel!"
Ise came up and took a seat at the table. "Yes, it was quite a .. surprise," she said softly. Yahiko may have offered the challenge but her brother had accepted, which was much worse.
Megumi seemed to sense the other woman's guilt and offered an encouraging smile. "Don't worry about it, With Sir Ken here, I'm sure everything will turn out all right." She hesitated before adding, "And the raccoon girl is a pretty good teacher, I suppose."
Ise furrowed her brow in puzzlement. "Are you referring to Miss Kaoru? Why on earth would you call her the 'raccoon girl'?"
Sano chuckled. "Cause she is one, of course. Speaking of the Missy and Yahiko, why aren't they here yet?"
"I'm sure they'll be along shortly," Kenshin said as he poured everyone some tea. "We can start eating once they arrive."
In a moment, a sweaty Yahiko and Kaoru trotted around the corner and flopped into their usual places. Ise had to smile as she once again heard arguments from the young swordsman and Sano about who deserved the bigger portion. It seemed as though that a life-and-death duel would not deter those two from quarreling over the usual things.
Breakfast was pleasant but quiet once the spat was over. Yahiko gulped down his food and hopped up, announcing that he was going to return to his training. Kaoru sighed and followed him a short time later, leaving Kenshin to clear the table. Megumi bid everyone farewell with the promise that she would hurry back here as soon as she was done with her rounds and Sano escorted her out. Ise sighed deeply and, after being gently forbidden from helping him with dishes, wandered back out to the training hall.
Yahiko was once again running through his drills as Kaoru watched him but he stopped as soon as Ise stepped into the dojo. "Miss Ise! I'm ready to hear all about what sword style your family uses."
Ise smiled faintly at his determined tone. "I'll do better, Yahiko. I'll spar with you."
Both teacher and student gaped at her. "You know how to use the sword?" Yahiko asked, his eyes shifting into skeptical respect.
Ise shrugged uneasily. "I've never really had formal training, no. But I've watched my stepfather and brother train all the time and was involved in other practices as well, such as the ki healing Inspector Saitoh told you about. I may not be very good and strong with a wooden sword, but I should be able to give you different aspects on how he'll attack. And then Miss Kaoru can take over since I'm certain she'll catch onto it."
Kaoru, still bemused by Ise's offer, nodded. "Let me get you some training clothes to wear; luckily, you seem about my size. You can't really move in that kimono." She moved off to the house to fetch her spare clothes.
"So will your brother emphasize offence or defense?" Yahiko asked, going back to his drills as they waited.
"Most likely it will be attacking. He has perfected a four-prong attack that targets the chest area in very tight clusters. This usually enables a killing blow within minutes since either the lungs or heart is punctured. Sometimes, his sword will not be able to go in too deeply because the opponent jumps back or turns enough. If that is the case, they can be saved with immediate medical treatment."
Yahiko eyed her from the corner of his eye. "Is that how you were able to save some of those people he attacked?"
Ise nodded. "Some of them. You must also understand, Yahiko, that along with his physical attacks, Nori will also use his ki to intimidate you or even overpower your self-confidence. My family has taught that the sword and ki go hand-in-hand in battle; you must be on your guard and trust in your abilities. Also, do not let him lull you into thinking that the duel will go easily if he is wounded. Like me, he knows how to change his ki in order to trick you into thinking he has all but given up."
Yahiko nodded thoughtfully as Kaoru bustled back in. "I left the change of clothes in your room, Miss Ise, along with some padding. I'll have Yahiko warm up until you return."
Ise nodded her thanks and headed back to the house. Finding the training clothes exactly where Kaoru said she left it, she changed quickly and headed back to the dojo, shifting uneasily in the new clothes. It also didn't help to wear the padding Kaoru provided which would give some protection around her mid-section. She wasn't sure what caused her to offer sparring with the youth, but if it helped in any way, she couldn't complain.
Inside, they squared off ten feet away from each other with Kaoru officiating. When she dropped her arm to begin the round, Yahiko immediately launched into an attack, choosing a straightforward frontal slash. Ise gripped her wooden sword tightly, held her defensive position, and waited until the last moment. When he was almost upon her, she flared her ki up and swung the bokken just like she saw Nori do when he had sparred with others. Yahiko, eyes widening at the sudden power channeling towards him, faltered and was immediately tossed aside by Ise's block. He slammed into the dojo wall and slid to the floor.
Kaoru covered her eyes with her hands.
Kenshin popped his head inside at the thumping noise, making a soft "Oro!" when he saw what had happened.
Ise dropped her bokken and ran to help him but was stopped by Kaoru.
"Back to your position," the assistant master barked. "This isn't the time to coddle him. Yahiko, get up and resume your position!"
He stirred with a loud, heartfelt groan as he felt his body ringing not only from meeting the wall so harshly, but at the sheer amount of ki thrown at him. "I see … what you mean now, Miss Ise." He climbed to his feet and reclaimed the bamboo sword that had slid from his grasp. Stumbling back to his original position, he resumed his stance and nodded. "It was a hard lesson, but I'm ready now."
Ise took a deep breath and returned the nod. "I hope so, Yahiko."
Kaoru made sure both fighters were ready before she dropped her arm. "Begin!"
This time, Ise approached him with lightning steps, her wooden sword aimed at his head. She concentrated her ki on pushing Yahiko's sword arm away from her, making sure to attack simultaneously. To her surprise, instead of fighting against the power focused on his arm, Yahiko ducked under her swing to the head and actually went with the force of ki, causing him to turn. Instead of stopping, however, he continued to spin around in a full circle, his shinai out and catching her in the ribs with full impact.
Ise gasped and fell back, her sword falling from her hands, forgotten. It took her a long moment to remember how to breathe and she gulped in the air gratefully.
Yahiko cringed as he stood up. "I'm so sorry," he began but was stopped when she raised her hand.
"That is exactly … what you need … to do to win," she said between breaths. "Do not let Nori distract you with his dual attack. He will try all sorts of combinations and moves, but he is consistent in that he will use both sword and ki." She offered him a painful smile and accepted his help back to her feet. "Now that I've done all I can in that department, I believe I'll let Miss Kaoru take over the spar from here," she said rather ruefully.
Kenshin helped Ise over to the wall while Kaoru took her place in the middle. "All right, Yahiko, let's see what you've got," the assistant master said with an evil gleam in her eyes. The young swordsman visibly swallowed and cast Kenshin a pleading glance. When the wanderer merely smiled and shrugged, he turned back to his teacher, resigning himself to acquiring a few more bruises before dusk ever arrived.
The rest of the morning sped by, interrupted by lunch which Yahiko wolfed down quickly. He stood to resume his training but Kaoru stopped him.
"Go take a nap."
"A what?"
"A nap. And a bath. You stink." She helped Kenshin carry the dishes into the kitchen and returned a moment later. Kaoru raised her eyebrows when she saw Yahiko still standing there, a scowl on his face.
"What do you mean a nap and a bath? I've got to start training again!"
Kaoru sighed, deciding she had to spell it out for her student since he obviously didn't understand. "Look, Yahiko, training is important and everything, but there's really nothing else you can do that will help you at such a short time anyway. Besides, with all those extra falls you took this morning, your body is bound to get sore soon. The worst that can happen is that your muscles tighten up and you lose your edge in speed."
Kenshin nodded his agreement as he stepped out from the kitchen. "Miss Kaoru is right, that she is. You would be better off resting for your match and soaking your aching body in hot water than pushing yourself harder. I can get the water heated up for a bath after I do the dishes."
Yahiko still held onto the scowl but nodded his assent, marching off to his room. He could argue with Kaoru all he wanted, but if Kenshin agreed with her, it was best to just listen to them.
Ise insisted on doing the dishes, pointing out that heating the bath water would take quite some time and effort. After she was done, she went over to the training hall to meditate. Her nerves were beginning to get jittery so she could only imagine what Yahiko and the others were going through. But she knew in order to give all the help she could, she needed to calm herself. Besides, her ribs were aching, a rueful reminder that she shouldn't be so rash to offer herself as a target next time.
Ise sat down and relaxed in one corner of the dojo, allowing her mind to empty of all thoughts. She floated along quietly, allowing her senses to flare out and see what was happening in her surroundings. She could feel Yahiko's restless ki fidgeting in the bath as he tried to obey the order to rest; Ise smiled faintly at his difficulty. She moved on to find Kaoru scrubbing the floor of the wrap-around porch of the house intently as if there was a stain that wouldn't go away. Kenshin she couldn't feel at all; he must be skilled in hiding his ki as well, she realized, musing at that thought. He must be a good warrior but really, she couldn't imagine a more gentle man. Besides, what true swordsman said 'oro'?
Ise had to chuckle at direction her thoughts were going. She truly enjoyed the people here. They were alive and affectionate (sometimes) but still so loyal to one another. They were the kind of family she once had but lost. She still had Nori, but her brother's world revolved around Motonobu. Once that connection was gone, it was as if their family had broken apart at the seams.
Ise sighed deep in her soul. Nori, wherever you are, I hope you realize that I know you feel alone after your father's death. But I'll always be your family, no matter what.
When Ise awoke from her nap with a light blanket draped over her, she realized that the sun was preparing to set over the western horizon. Alarmed that she had allowed herself to zone out for so long, she folded up the blanket and hurried out of the dojo, feeling around for Kaoru and Yahiko. She found them outside in the backyard and cursed herself for taking over the training hall so they couldn't use it. Instead of waking her, they probably moved whatever practicing left to do outside.
Ise drifted closer, not hearing Yahiko shout out numbers as he practiced his drills. Instead, she found teacher and pupil sitting down with their legs crossed and eyes closed in meditation. Kaoru spoke to Yahiko softly, reminding him of the principles of the Kamiya Kasshin style.
"The sword that gives life is the one that protects. It was created to protect those closest to you and thus does not focus on swift attacks that will kill your opponent. Instead, you must use your skills and your desire to protect, channeling it to disarm and disable your opponent. Nori Otsuka is a samurai who has been trained to kill. But you, Yahiko Myojin, are a warrior trained to save the very lives he wants to take.
"It doesn't matter that he is bigger or stronger or faster or even carries a sharper weapon than you. All that matters is that you truly know in your heart who you are and why you are doing what you are doing. If those reasons are not clear, then the Kamiya Kasshin style is of no use to you. But if you know deep inside of you the reasons why you are here today – to protect those in need of your protection – then you will not fail."
Ise hovered nearby, struck by those words. She had been raised in a samurai home where the sword ruled, but she had never heard of such a thing before. It was an interesting concept and she wished Nori and even her stepfather would have heard of it all those years ago.
"Failure is not an option." Yahiko opened his eyes and looked skyward at the streaking heavens now plied with pastel colors. "That's what Kenshin said a long time ago about the sword that protects. He said that if I was going to walk this path, I couldn't fail. It would mean I failed those who were depending on me." He turned to Kaoru who had opened her own eyes, his expression unusually fierce. "I won't lose, Kaoru. Not just because it's my life, but I know there are people out there who need me. I've got a lot of other things to do before I even consider dying."
Kaoru nodded as her eyes glittered with sudden tears. "That's right, Yahiko. And I won't forgive you either if you do. After all, I spent all this time training you. If you die on me now, I'll have to start all over again." She turned aside to dash her tears away in private before they fell.
Yahiko, for once sensitive to her feelings, pretended not to notice. Instead, he climbed to his feet and picked up his trusty bamboo sword to heft it onto his right shoulder. "Well, I guess we had better wait for Nori at the gate." He trotted off while his teacher scrambled to her feet.
Ise stepped forward, feeling her brother's uncensored ki approaching quickly. "Miss Kaoru? We should go, too." She sent a quick prayer up to the deities for luck and took a deep breath.
"Nori's here."