Nervous strain ran over his stocky body though he tried to hide it. He wasn't scared, exactly, more like anxious to begin and end it as quickly as possible. Yahiko knew death was a very real possibility, but he couldn't let that stop him from doing what he thought was right. If he could defeat Nori Otsuka this night, all the killings would stop and maybe the families of the slain samurai and their sons could find some peace.
He did it for them. And for himself.
A blurred figure appeared from above, having hopped over the gate instead of going through it. Landing gracefully a few feet away from the three males, Nori stood and looked them all over, his expression composed. "It is time. Are you prepared, son of Myojin?"
Yahiko regripped his bamboo sword and scowled at the samurai. "It's Yahiko Myojin and don't you forget it!" He could feel the tension increase in Kenshin and Sano but shook it off; he had other things to worry about than them rushing in to interfere in the duel. Their word was good enough.
Nori inclined his head slightly in a gesture of small respect. "Of course. Let us begin, Yahiko Myojin. There is no need to put this off."
Yahiko nodded and moved away from his friends until he was parallel to the entrance of the dojo. The duel would take place outside, right at the gates where they could move more easily. He heard rather than see Kaoru and Ise appear from the back, huddling together with Kenshin and Sano. They were all there now, no doubt praying and hoping for a miracle.
Yahiko absently wiped his sweaty palms on his hakama and took a deep breath. He shifted into a neutral position that would allow him to shift into attack or defense mode quickly; it was better to be cautious on the first turn.
Ten feet away, Nori stood, watching the boy samurai with cool, dark eyes. Very slowly, he thumbed his katana up and drew the blade in one, smooth motion. The weapon fell into his grip like a comfortable extension of his arm. "Are you certain you wish to use a shinai instead of a real blade?" he called. It was suicide to enter a battle without a metal sword and he was puzzled, to say the least. How could the boy expect to win?
Yahiko nodded once, shortly. "This is the weapon I choose." He didn't bother going into further detail; after all, someone like Nori Otsuka who had killed both in times of battle and in times of peace wouldn't understand.
Behind the young swordsman, Kaoru clutched onto a handful of Kenshin's gi. "I can't watch," she whispered. But she was unable to look away. Sano patted her shoulder gently, for once gentle, and she flashed him a faint, grateful smile. Ise remained silent next to the kendo instructor, fixated on her brother's form with unwavering eyes.
Nori slowly shifted into position, locking eyes with Yahiko. He blanked everything out, even his sister's condemning stare to focus entirely on his opponent. It would be a short match, he thought regretfully. There was something about Myojin that gained his respect. The boy was brave and honorable (not to mention foolish, but time and experience would take care of that), a good marking in a samurai, especially in an era where the warrior spirit was considered obsolete. But his father's wishes could not be ignored and there was no turning back now.
The silence between them stretched, both warriors at ready and waiting for a mutual sign to begin the attack. Tension thrummed in the air as neither dared even so much as to twitch. Yahiko was conscious of sweat beading down the side of his face but he didn't try to wipe it off. Instead, he watched his opponent with narrowed eyes, trying to remember everything Miss Ise told him. Simultaneous attacks, one physical, one supernatural, both equally deadly if he wasn't cautious.
A lonely bird honked to its flight mates, startling the squeezing hold in the air. Instantly, both sprang forward, shifting to attack one another with their respective sword styles with two different goals in mind.
Yahiko could already feel Nori gathering his ki together to attack even as the metal blade flashed in the dying sunlight. He could see it was aimed for his chest and assumed this was the four-prong attack Miss Ise told him about. But where was the ki going to be focused ..?
There! Nori focused it exactly behind his sword attack to give it greater thrusting power. Yahiko skidded to the right to dodge the attack, the tip of the sword barely missing his chin by inches. As Nori moved past him, propelled by his forward movements, Yahiko twisted his body slightly to focus his attack on his opponent's joint where the shoulder and arm met. The bamboo sword hit its target with a solid thunk!
They turned to face each other again, both now more aware of the other's skills. Yahiko frowned as he noticed Nori merely shake off the effects of his attack. Maybe I should have borrowed Kenshin's reverse-blade sword, he thought ruefully, eying the katana that was pointed at his heart. But it's too late now. Besides, I guess if I couldn't win this fight with the Kamiya Kasshin style, I don't deserve to be Ugly's student anymore.
Yahiko suddenly realized Nori was attacking again and barely ducked the swing aimed at his neck. Too late, he realized he should have paid attention; Nori followed up with full frontal ki attack, the enormous power shoving him to the ground and back a good ten feet. The young swordsman slid on the ground and eventually came to a complete stop, groaning at the pain radiating from his ribs and backside. The sheer force knocked the wind out of him and no doubt bruised his bones some.
"What is he doing?" Kaoru whispered to no one in particular, staring at Yahiko in bewilderment. A spurt of anger kicked in at his lack of attention and she scowled. "He's in the middle of a duel and he's daydreaming? When I get my hands on him, he's going to pay for that mistake!" Not noticing the cringing expression on her friend's faces, she hollered, "What are you doing, Yahiko, taking a nap? Get up already and show him what I've taught you so far!"
Yahiko glared in his teacher's direction as he slowly climbed back to his feet. "Keep your shirt on, Ugly, I'm doing the best I can!" he yelled back. He did a quick inventory of himself; besides his hakama being torn from dragging on the ground, he was okay. He hefted his bamboo sword in his hand and stepped back into position, staring his opponent down. "Let's go!"
Nori charged forward, moving his sword for a diagonal slash across the youth's torso starting from the left shoulder, his mouth set in a grim line. His ki flared up, this time to intimidate his adversary, seeking to overcome his confidence.
Yahiko could almost see the tendrils of power creeping towards him, wrapping around to bind him in sudden fear and doubt. I can't let him get to me. I need to focus, he told himself, preparing for the attack. I can't go head-on with a real sword, he'll just end up cutting the bamboo in half and then I'll be in real trouble. Noting Nori's stance as he swung his katana down, Yahiko jerked to the side where his opponent was open to attack. Leaping up in the air, he brought his shinai down on the exact same spot as he hit him before, at the joint on his shoulder. Nori grunted at the contact and attempted to swat him away in a backhand with the flat of his blade in a low, sweeping motion. Yahiko pedaled back out of reach and immediately aimed for the soft, inner part of his opponent's right arm, attacking with both hands on the hilt.
Nori was too experienced to be forced to drop his sword though the contact made his arm ring in pain. Grimacing, he retreated back a few steps, eying the youth with a little more respect. It was nearly inconceivable that a mere child could have hit him three times without Nori himself not landing a blow. Yahiko's small stature was compensated by his exceptional agility, but he was also well trained as if he could almost predict his movements before they happened.
Still, the bamboo sword was … well, a bamboo sword. It wouldn't do any permanent damage and it most certainly wouldn't stop the duel, even if the younger warrior continued to rain down with his attacks. Nori shook his head and resumed an attack stance; it would be better to end it here and now so he wouldn't give the boy hope that he could possibly win this match.
Yahiko watched his enemy's movements closely, looking for signs that his attacks were having any affect. Nori seemed to be moving a little more stiffly on the right arm, thanks to multiple hits, but it wasn't enough to slow the man down. I need to end this as soon as possible. He still has the advantage over me and by now he must know I'll be expecting dual attacks. That's why he changed his tactic with the last attack, trying to overpower me.
Nori suddenly burst forward, shifting his sword to begin his favorite four-prong attack. He directed his ki ahead of him and, with a shout, focused it on Yahiko's sword arm. The boy compensated by not fighting against the power surging towards him, instead turning his whole body with it, as he did earlier when Ise used the same attack. But Nori was upon him within seconds, thrusting his blade in and out with supernatural speed.
Yahiko jerked slightly as it stopped in mid-spin. There was a stillness for a long moment before he fell forward onto the ground, still clutching his shinai in a death grip. A moment later, four puncture wounds appeared on his back and blood began to pour out, staining his yellow gi in an ugly puddle of crimson.
Not fifteen feet away, Kaoru stifled a gasp and was about to step forward but was halted as an arm shot out in front of her. She stared at Kenshin, unable to understand why he stopped her. She opened her mouth to protest when a hand descended on her shoulder. The assistant master looked up at Sanosuke who shook his head and motioned her to look at the wanderer again.
Kenshin's blank expression hadn't changed, but his eyes were no longer the wide violet. Instead, specks of deep gold swirled within his pupils as if fighting for dominance. His left arm that was held out to stop Kaoru slowly dropped to the reverse-blade sword resting on his hip, hovering over the sheath. He stood there, fighting against the urge to snatch his sword up and render swift justice in Yahiko's name.
Ise closed her eyes as guilt, anger, and shame swelled up within her chest. She knew Yahiko couldn't have won the duel, but there had been a slight hope, especially after his initial success. She hadn't been able to keep her brother from killing again. Motonobu, I've failed you again. I am so sorry.
Nori stared down at the body of his opponent, strangely bereft as if he erred in some way. But how could this be? He was carrying out his father's last wishes, just as Motonobu expected him to do. He had rid the world of another samurai who could in the future disrupt the peace of this era. Yet, there was no satisfaction, as there had been before. Instead, he felt a gut-wrenching emotion that shook him to the core. Guilt.
Nori looked back at the four people standing there. True to the boy's word, none of them interfered with the duel. Even now, he could feel anger and sorrow radiating from the group. The taller of the two men was clenching and unclenching his fists but stayed put. The shorter one stared at him unerringly, gold-flecked eyes gleaming with promised retribution.
His friends. Yahiko Myojin's friends.
For the first time in his life, Nori wondered if he was actually doing the right thing. It had seemed so clear before, when his father spoke of the horrors of war and how the Otsuka family had to prevent something so bloody from ever happening again. It was their duty as loyal citizens of Japan. Peace had to be preserved at all costs. And to him, that meant even at the expense of individual lives.
Yet his sister's words sprang to mind, unbidden. 'At least I had the chance to live my life. That boy you are so determined to kill still has many years left before he can choose what he will make his life out to be.'
He had dismissed Ise's words, thinking her a mere woman and unable to understand the burden upon his shoulders. But Nori couldn't do it alone. Myojin, from what he could tell, had the makings of a fine samurai. Could the young swordsman, given the chance, have chosen to preserve the peace as well?
A soft groan from the body had Nori swinging his gaze back to his opponent. He could only stare as Yahiko twitched before slowly opening his eyes. He was alive?
Yahiko felt the burning sensation on his back and winced from the pain. No wonder people died from the four-prong attack. It was impressive. Not as impressive as the Hiten Mitsurugi, but still good enough to deliver a fatal blow had the blade gone in farther. Luckily, Ise's earlier warning and his own quick instincts to step away from his enemy before the attack saved him from any critical injuries.
But his back still burned. The wounds didn't go deep but they weren't exactly shallow, either. He had a feeling the recovery wasn't going to be fun at all.
Yahiko finally made a motion to get up, absently hearing Kaoru's cry of relief. Making a mental note to tease her about her unlady-like bellow at a later date, he got to his knees, rested for a moment, then climbed up to his feet and turned around to face his opponent once more.
Nori was staring at him in disbelief, having moved back a little to give him room. "But … how did you survive that attack? No one has ever gotten up from my special four-prong thrust!"
Yahiko strove for a confident, dismissive stance, bringing his bamboo sword up to rest against his right shoulder. Unfortunately, that was spoiled by a grimace as he moved, straining his back muscles. He had to remember to be more careful. "Just before you attacked, I stepped away to distance myself from you. Your thrusts hit, but it didn't go in as far as it would normally go."
"Hey, Yahiko! Quit flapping your jaw and finish your match already before you pass out from lack of blood!" Sano called out.
Nori glanced back before returning his gaze onto the youth in front of him. "Do you wish to continue?"
Yahiko scowled at the older man. "We're far from being done. I'm not giving up until I defeat you!"
What could have been a smile hovered over Nori's lips as he shifted into his attack stance once more. "Very well then, Yahiko Myojin. Let us continue." He sprang forward without warning, the katana descending rapidly on a frontal assault. Yahiko tried to side-step but realized his body wasn't going to cooperate as easily as it had before. He was forced to block with his bamboo sword, darting inward to meet the swing. The two weapons met in a jarring blow but Nori blinked. Instead of cutting through the bamboo sword and then onto its wielder, he had somehow been stopped.
Yahiko gritted his teeth as the attack nearly shook his entire body. Luckily, he had the foresight to step in and deflect the blow near the hilt of the katana where the blade was duller. His shinai had broken upon contact, but the bamboo splinters stopped the metal sword from descending any further.
Nori disengaged his blade and retreated back a step, his respect for the younger swordsman rising. "Very clever. But it is still too late. Your weapon is broken and your body has weakened. There is nothing left you can do."
Yahiko glanced at his weapon, noting only the hilt remained intact. "I'm not done just yet, Otsuka. The fight is still on!" Without waiting for an answer, he charged forward, ignoring the multiple twinges of pain in his back. Nori blinked at what could be described as a suicide attack, but raised his katana, fully intent on finishing this match. But Yahiko suddenly turned to his side and slid down, going between his opponent's legs to end up on the other side. Twisting around, he rammed the end of the hilt into the underside of Nori's right knee, causing the bigger man to fall. Without pausing, Yahiko leaped up and turned the end of the shinai so that the broken part was aiming down. As he descended, he jammed the broken weapon into Nori's right shoulder as hard as he could.
Yahiko landed in a heap, his body unable to hold him up from all the stress he was putting on his injured back. In a way, the young swordsman was glad. He had given all he could and now he could rest. The rest was up to fate.
Nori was stunned yet again. The pain in his shoulder was excruciating but still bearable. But once again, Myojin had taken him off-guard and managed to land another blow on him. Father, I see what you meant about this family being so strong. The boy has much potential in him to become one of the finest swordsman Japan has ever seen.
He turned, ignoring the way his right leg almost gave out underneath him. Nori saw the crumpled form on the ground, darker blood streaming from his wounds. He knew the fight was over. Myojin had nothing else to give. It was time to end it.
Nori tried to raise his right arm for the killing blow, but for some reason, it wouldn't cooperate. He frowned in consternation, mentally ordering his arm to move. But it hung loosely at his side. That was when he noticed crimson streaks dripping down his hand and sword. But it wasn't Myojin's, it was his. He looked at his right shoulder and blanched at the sight of the bamboo sword digging into him. His arm was useless.
As if to prove the point, the katana in his grip suddenly slid onto the ground where it clattered and lay still. Nori stared at the weapon, unable to comprehend what had just happened. He had just dropped his sword, a death sentence to a samurai in the middle of battle.
"The duel is over."
Nori tore his eyes away from the fallen blade to look at the red-head who approached them. He must have looked dazed because the short man repeated his words again.
"The duel is over. It is a draw. Neither opponent can attack. Acknowledge it as such and we will tend to the injuries."
Nori looked at his sword again, then at Myojin. The boy was panting slightly but otherwise unmoving. His eyes were focused on him, no trace of fear within the dark pupils. "A draw," Nori heard himself say.
The red-head nodded, his violet eyes approving. He then turned to the boy samurai, kneeling down next to him. "Yahiko," he said softly.
It took a moment for Yahiko to respond, shifting his gaze back to the red-head. "Kenshin," he whispered. "I did the best that I could."
Kaoru came running up with Sano at her heels, arms filled with medical supplies. She dropped everything to the ground and began to fuss over Yahiko and his wounds despite his weak protest. She brushed the tears from her cheeks impatiently, catching the last rays of daylight as she examined his back.
The salty streams suddenly reminded Nori when he had brought Motonobu back home, injured during battle. Ise had greeted them in much the same way, upset and anxious but determined to help. Always before, she had been there for them both, a wellspring of infinite gentleness, patience, and wisdom. He didn't know why he was surprised that she would be right about the error his self-proclaimed mission. She had always been right before.
Nori stood there until a small hand touched his left arm and jerked him out of his thoughts. Looking down, he met the wide gaze of his sister.
"Let me see your injury," Ise said quietly. "Kneel down so I can take out the bamboo sword." Her hand moved to his good shoulder to press him down until he finally complied. Her expression paled at the ugly wound but she took a firm grip on the protruding hilt, working it out.
Nori hissed at the pain, staring at his sister's determined gaze. He bit back a curse as the sword was finally yanked free, blood running down his arm in large rivulets. He watched as Ise closed her eyes, put her hand inches away from the bleeding shoulder, and began to concentrate. A few moments later, the soothing ki that could only be Ise's swirled around him in a healing force, reducing the pain. When she could do no more, Ise stopped and opened her eyes.
"You'll still need further medical attention for that shoulder. There are also some splinters that will need to be removed. Doctor Takani should be able to do those things once she arrives."
"That will have to be done at the police station, I'm afraid," a smooth voice said next to them. A puff of cigarette smoke drifted their way. "After all, Nori Otsuka is under arrest for the murder and attempted murder of fifteen people."
Ise sighed, not having realized that Saitoh had joined the group. One of these days, she would have to ask him his secret on arriving unnoticed. "He should be taken care of at once," she began to argue, but was cut off by Nori.
"Let it be, Ise." Nori stood and looked down at the police officer. "You are alone?"
Saitoh inhaled his cigarette deeply before answering. "Should I not be?" His posture was relaxed, but that didn't fool the larger man. Hajime Saitoh was a warrior through and through and he would be prepared for anything.
"I suppose it doesn't matter," Nori admitted. He glanced at Myojin who was still being fussed over before looking at his sister. "I'm sorry for causing you so much grief, Ise. Please don't worry about me any longer."
Her dark eyes filled with tears at his words. "I'm always going to worry about you, Nori. You're my brother." She turned to Saitoh. "I'm going with him," she said firmly.
Saitoh barely managed to suppress rolling his eyes. "What a surprise. Come along, then." He turned and headed out, fully expecting the Otsukas to follow after him - which they did. As the police officer passed by, he acknowledged the remaining others only by a curt nod.
Kaoru stopped her fussing long enough to watch them leave, silently wishing Ise the best of luck. But everything else would have to wait; Yahiko had to be taken care of. She instructed Sano to hoist the youth up and carry him to his futon for further treatment, nipping at the ex-fighter's heels as they marched to the house.
Kenshin made move to follow but hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the gate where Saitoh had disappeared to. A small smile crept across his face as he quietly acknowledged the fact that the wolf had waited until the duel was over to fulfill his duty as a police officer. Thank you, Saitoh, for allowing Yahiko to keep his samurai's pride, the pride I know you know about very well. The wanderer then turned and headed inside.
A month passed and things returned back to normal at the dojo. Yahiko had recovered from his injuries, though he was still limited on his practice time for at least another two weeks. Still, it was better than lying on his stomach, unable to do anything, which he had been forced to do. Megumi had patched him up with her considerable skill, but she ordered plenty of rest, which meant boredom aplenty.
A note from Ise arrived at the dojo which Kaoru decided to read out loud while Kenshin was busy with the laundry and Yahiko was working on his swings outside. Sitting down on the porch, Kaoru opened the letter, eager to find out what had transpired during the past month while they were focused on Yahiko's recovery. "It says here that Nori is supposed to go to trial in a few days for his crimes. She thinks he'll be sentenced to death but the Otsuka family is trying to change it to imprisonment. She also said that Nori seemed to have come to his senses and is remorseful for all those killings." Kaoru looked up, her brow furrowed. "He sends his deepest apologies to us and to you, Yahiko, for putting you through this."
Yahiko wiped the sweat from his brow and stopped his drills, walking over to squat down next to his teacher. "Anything else?"
Kaoru slanted a look at the youth, surprised at the aplomb he displayed. "Um … Ise wanted to thank you for helping her bring the true Nori back. She's regrets involving us in what she calls her 'brother's sin'. He'll accept whatever punishment the government sees as fair." Reading the last few lines of the letter, a small smile curves the corners of her lips upward. "And they both agree: the future of Japan will be safe under the protection of one Yahiko Myojin."
Yahiko looked thoughtful for a long while before he nodded. "Good. I'm going to go practice in the training hall. Call me when it's time for lunch." And the future of Japan trotted off, bamboo sword resting against his shoulder.
Author's Note: I apologize if the fight scene wasn't as descriptive or as clear as it could be. I've wrestled with it and tweaked it until I finally realized if I changed it anymore, I'd have to rewrite it and the first time was hard enough!
I'd also like to thank my faithful reviewer Sir Gawain for her continual comments and enthusiasm. This was my first fanfic and she was the one who inspired me to continue writing despite the very few reviews I received. I refuse to beg, but I do realize how helpful reviews are and how it can get the creative juices flowing. So thank you to Sir Gawain of Camelot and Yahiko-chan! I hope you guys enjoyed the story – and if not, let me know! You can only get better if people tell you what's lacking.