Chapter 2: A Plea for the Wolf
"What place is this?" Tomoe asked her eyes running after the lodge keeper who just handed the amber eyed wolf the keys.
The wolf closed the door behind them and looked out the solitary window, soon the afternoon will end and night will begin. He will get his answers of course with whatever means necessary.
"If you are going to keep me here... At the very least you should tell me where we are." She kept her voice steady. There was nothing to be done but move forward with this man. However she never did like being kept in the dark, just like that first week when her family kept the news of Kiyosato's death from her. Of course this was very different, still she's changed in a way. She was no longer the lovestruck child who did not question things around her and held on to nothing but hope. In a few weeks time after her tears bled her dry, she emerged with conviction. A person who knew that in order to move on she needed peace and there was only one way to get it... To take the life of the man who killed Kiyosato.
He noticed her face become taut in only a matter of a few seconds. Her furrowed brows, told the wolf that the woman before him had something heavy on her mind. "A guilty conscience perhaps?" He asked himself. But it all came down to one thing, that he will not let her interfere with their work for a foolish whim, whatever it was.
"You're now in the heart of Shimabara." He leaned by the wall crossing his arms, a confident smirk grazing his lips. "Careful if you do decide to go out, this place is riddled with leeches like myself."
A waft of wind caught his nostrils and with it came the smell of tobacco and he frowned. Someone from the other room was clearly smoking and he wanted one for himself. Too bad it was too inconvenient to carry a pipe around and that the tobacco in this area was usually mixed with opium or pot... Something that he as a samurai found deplorable because it impeded his ability to think clearly. He grinned though at the irony of the tobacco to alcohol... And finally decided sake at least kept him warm during the cold days and hot during battle.
That's when he noticed Tomoe herself reaching for the bottle of sake he bought earlier.
"Do you drink?" He asked. Women of course in his opinion were not supposed to drink sake, a double standard in society of course but he was a conventional man unlike what some people thought.
"Lately I have." She answered thinking of the few times she'd stolen from her father's tansu. She needed the sake to sleep at night so that she wouldn't dream. It was always the same dream... A glorious day in late spring that Kiyosato visited and a promise to earn her from her family, refusing to take her as his bride until he found himself worthy enough. A smile as he turned to leave her and a kiss that lingered on her cheek until at that perfect moment when day turned into night and she sees a silhouette of another man burying his katana on her beloved's stomach and finally his back. The blood oozes out like it was water from a fountain and everytime that happened she felt herself being strangled by very strong hands. Waking up sweating and sometimes her brother Enishi right beside her stroking her hair. "It's alright onee-chan. I'm here...", the young man would whisper.
She looked across the room to the still -unnamed- man. If only they could get this over with. She had decided already she will do what it takes if it at all will get her closer to the fulfillment of her obligations. Still her mouth would not open to ask him if he would rather bed her now. She just couldn't because she knew inside she was still a woman who respected herself. So instead she sat down and played with the bottle rolling the neck between her fingers.
To his surprise Tomoe was not panicking at all. When she asked where they were and he had hinted at what type of establishment this is, he expected her to beg him to set her free. Inside he felt a tinge of disappointment; cruel as it sounded he did take pleasure in being above someone. The power imbalance of course was something he'd have hoped to use to his advantage and yet she just stood there. Now the wolf was left wondering if the woman lost hope so easily.
"I won't ask if you're hungry, you just ate after all." Again he crossed his arms. His eyes took in the sight of her. From the white kimono that she was wearing accentuated by the black obi to the crook of her neck and the smoothness of her face. She was after all a desirable woman, he chastised himself for a moment for thinking of such things. He of course could get away with it. It -was- something to consider, if she was willing. "I'm going to take a bath downstairs, so get ready."
She nodded her head without hesitation and the wolf inside felt something in him stir. He had insinuated and implied of course of what -is- to happen, his plan to teach her a lesson. He wanted to play a game but he's always known that duty comes first, after all he was going to make a name for himself in Aizu and have it plastered all over the Daimyo's head. Taking a bathrobe from the low table to his side, he looked once at her. He may of course never see her again, but all things considered she could've run away from him hours ago. There was no reason for her to escape -now- and that look in her dark eyes only assured the wolf of her determination.
Finally left alone Tomoe went by the window, watching the streets below. She saw men already lining up in the teahouses and a few being escorted on a leisurely walk through the clean but narrow streets. This was of course what they call hell on Earth, where carnal desires were overflowing. "No wonder..." she said to herself and finally turned away from the window and settled beside the table where another white robe laid.
Slowly she ran her fingers over the cloth, noting how "thin" it has gotten from use. She wondered for a moment who they were that wore this and if they still walked the Earth. Perhaps just like her they were no longer part of this world... But only, unlike her they probably found peace elsewhere. It's then that an old custom invaded her mind and she narrowed her eyes. A white robe... Men who followed the code of Bushidou, when it is their time to take their own life, whether it has come from dishonor or just unfavorable circumstances, if events allowed they would dress in white. A white color that would be tainted in red as they gut their own stomach to regain that honor once again. A last act of self-preservation and salvation to their souls... Reaching into her obi she procured the tanto that kept her company. Unsheathing it she watched the blade as if it was a mirror that showed her soul. Who did she see there? Who was that woman staring back at her? She was simply lost without him... She had thought that to support Kiyosato she would wait for his return in silence but perhaps she did not do what was honorable... Perhaps she too should've followed him here to Kyoto to support him fully. In that respect she had failed she thought sadly. Taking the tanto out from the laquer sheath she gripped it until her knuckles turned white. She should take her life now and vindicate herself for failing Kiyosato. Indeed it was not uncommon back in the day that when a samurai killed himself or died in battle, his other half will follow suit. Willingly leaving this world for they were one, and one cannot survive with the other. Desperately she wanted to thrust the sharp edge to her throat but she shook her head, knowing fully well that if she left this world with things left undone... How will she and Kiyosato find peace in the netherworld?
Slowly she replaced the tanto back to it's sheath and she sat there staring at the robe as if it wasn't there. For how long she's done this, it didn't matter since time had already lost it's meaning for her. Unfortunately for Tomoe, the third troop Captain was right beside the door and saw her whole ordeal. He stood there worried that he might have a dead woman to report under his watch and he simply would not know exactly what to say other than the fact that she had lost her mind.
He dragged his feet as he entered to let her know he was back. It was a quick bath of course for he was anxious to see if she would try to leave without his knowing.
"Are you ready? Or would you like to take a bath first?"
She looked back at him. His hair was slightly pulled back, held by the dampness. His bangs where nowhere to be seen and again the golden hue of his eyes caught her attention. At how smoldering his gaze was and all she could attribute it to was for the same reasons the men from across the street were lining up by the entrance of the teahouse.
"I shall clean up first." Standing up she took the robe and the wolf watched her glide past him. His eyes taking in the look of her arched back as she disappeared into the hallway. Stifling a groan he turned and closed the door. He takes a cup that was prepared for them and the salted eel he had ordered earlier to go with the sake. How wonderful the situation he found himself in. He should be back at the compound and perhaps instructing some nitwit at the dojo. Narrowing his eyes, he took a swig at the sake. This time his eyebrow furrowed even deeper. Since when did the sake taste so different? He's always bought the same bottle from the same vendor. And then it struck him, that perhaps Souji was right this time... But no he was not that type of man.
"I told you the Fukuchou would be looking for Saitou-san!" Harada bellowed and smacked the First Captain on his back. "Now he's making me take over Saitou's men to patrol later if he doesn't come back in time!"
The shorter captain just smiled. He had heard Harada had plans that night which easily explained why he was so pissed off. The panting breath and the red face almost made Souji laugh.
"Weren't you interested in that serving girl?" Souji gave a satisfied grin. "You wouldn't want her thinking you go to Shimabara for... you know."
Grabbing Souji's neck by his arms, Sanosuke feigned an arm strangle hold. "Baka yarou! If you breathe one word to O-masu-chan about this you are dead!"
"Hai hai!" Soujichoked a bit and pulled out of Harada's grip. How strong that man was always outstanded him.
"At least find Saitou-san Souji." Harada scowled, "I don't want to be subject to Kishin just because Hijikata-san is in a foul mood." Tapping his spear on the ground a bright idea came to him and he smiled. "Hmmm... Maybe if I had company I wouldn't mind being in Kishin after all. It would be fun to snicker at the Fukuchou's poems secretly..."
Souji's eyes widened like that of a child. "How utterly brilliant.", he muttered under his breath and frowned.
"What did you say Souji?" Harada already knew he got the young man cornered. Souji was after all still the most innocent and amiable amongst all of them. They had all killed yes, but everyone especially the Kyokuchou was careful that he did not become jaded like some of them.
"Geez... Fine I'll look for Saitou-san. Tell the others I'll be back tonight, I want to stop by this manju place first and then maybe..." He looked up and simpered, "I want to play with the children by the clinic."
"Instead of playing... Why don't you just go see the doctor?" It was no secret... At least to the Captains and certainly there were rumors going around of Okita's condition.
Souji rolled his eyes, "No. I'll go when it's time but for now I'd rather feel alive. You should do it sometime, children can be quite refreshing." He finally smiled. He knew perhaps that just like Nagakura, Harada was thinking of settling down himself. It wouldn't surprise him if tomorrow the Captain of the tenth troop would announce that he was due to be wed. It comes in every man's life of course Souji thought. He though knew it was not something meant for him, even if he did have his eye on the only daughter of the Yagi's. Either the war will take him first or his condition. It was a fate he already accepted but by Kami he will make sure it was the former rather than the latter.
"I'll see you later Harada-san. Do bring back some grass cake for me will you?" He winked and went on his way before Harada could even answer.
Saitou did not bother to change into something more formal. The less clothes he had on the better he could move and much better for his purposes. Quite a while passed already and he had started to fret that perhaps Tomoe changed her mind and slid out from under his nose, but he pushed that thought away because it simply would not make sense. He tapped his finger on the window sill and contemplated how he would approach the matter such that he will get the results that he wanted. Frowning for a moment when he remembered that she had a knife with her. He mulled over what she could possibly do with it. Perhaps kill someone from the Kyoto Shoshidai… Or maybe it was only for protection. His brows furrowed.
No… If it was she would've used it on me earlier…
A creaking sound broke his thoughts and he turned to see Tomoe in her robe, her long dark hair still a bit wet. The wolf fought a groan.
"Took you long enough." He frowned, "It's dark out already. I thought you drowned."
"And if I had, would it make a difference?" She replied in spite but in a low voice.
He smirked and stood up, going behind her and smelling her hair. He buried his face on the crook of her neck and shoulder, stupefied at the softness he found there. He's been with women before of course, but never did he bed one without consent. Inside he fought the urges that plague every man and forced his mind to remember why he –was- here.
"Relax." He whispered to her ear, "I won't hurt you if you –cooperate-."
She stiffened at his breath that touched her ear and slowly moved away half expecting to be pulled back. To her surprise he didn't but the damnable smirk was there. The wolf poured a cup of sake for her and for himself.
"It'll help you loosen up." He nodded, urging her to drink. She obliged thinking that it was probably the best thing to do. She did not want to be conscious when it does happen.
Sitting by the corner and leaning his back on the wooden board, he watched her like predator watches his prey. His eyes intent on her every movement, particularly near her waist where he knew the tanto was hidden. But it did not escape Tomoe's attention, that leering look in those amber eyes only made her drink more.
This will be over soon... She tried to convince herself.
After the fifth cup, he took the bottle away from her. "I don't want you that drunk." He said and sat down beside her. Slowly he ran his finger through her hair. "See now you're sweating."
She couldn't answer as he wiped the beads of sweat off her forehead. Every movement he made kept chipping away at her constitution and she went stiff each time his hand touched her face. The wolf saw this and it gave him satisfaction.
"What are you waiting for?" She said angrily, "Let's get this over with."
"Yes I agree."
He turned her face towards his. Trapping her chin in between his thumb and the palm of his hand, a momentary panic flashed through Tomoe's eyes and she breathed heavily and Saitou's lips came close to hers, just a hair away. She closed her eyes, she did not want to see the face of a complete stranger who would defile her tonight, when she had saved herself for Kiyosato. She felt his hand roaming her waist pulling her closer to him and she shivered slightly both in fear and in what can only be called animal instinct. It's then that she felt his hand grab into her robe and the tanto's handle brushing roughly at her stomach as the wolf pulled it from her side.
"I want answers Tomoe and I want them now." He scowled at her as he pushed her tightly against the wall. Her eyes flew open suddenly confused, a hand kept her neck pinned to the wall and she fought for air. Desperately she flailed her arms reaching for the tanto but the wolf held it out of reach.
"Who are you? And why are you here in Kyoto looking for the Shoshidai?" He tightened his hold. "Are you a spy of the Choshuu? An assassin! Speak or this will be the end for you."
His eye burned with intensity that she almost cowered in fear of them. But there was no time to because if she did, she would collapse that very instant and who knows what would happen next.
Panting and gasping she barely managed to say, "I told you the truth… I am Yukishiro Tomoe."
Knowing he had her cornered, slowly he let her go. He needed her to spill after all and that won't happen if he accidentally killed her first.
Taking out the blade from it's sheath he held it up for Tomoe to see. "This is quite a sharp blade. Aside from killing yourself, who else did you intend it for?"
Tomoe looked away. Her head spinning from the lack of air earlier and visions of her beloved bathed in cold blood. Saitou slammed his knuckles towards the wall beside her and she jolted back to reality.
"You are a suspicious person! Who among the Mimawarigumi are you after to kill?"
She shook her head slowly. She felt at that moment weak, the same feeling she had a few weeks ago when all she could do was sleep, cry and think.
"Damn it! Answer me! OR I WILL PUT YOU UNDER ARREST!" He scowled and planted both his hands on her shoulder shaking her vigorously.
"They…" She croaked, "killed him. –He- killed Kiyosato…"
He let her go slowly and she slumped back to the wall. He's heard of an ambush a few weeks earlier where Yagyu Jubei had died. The Kyokuchou had argued with Sasaki about who should escort the statesman that night and of course being closer and actually sanctioned by the court, the Mimawarigumi were chosen to do the job. Saitou scoffed slightly thinking back. Sasaki though as he had heard was an idiot to choose only a few men that night. Sasaki the Chief of the Mimawarigumi became a laughing stock. Rivalries ran deep between the two Shoshidai factions and Saitou knew that.
"You are after retribution?" He asked of the now forlorn woman.
"Yes."
"Do you know who he is?" He asked of course. None of the Shinsengumi knew the name of the assassin –yet-. It was kept from them by the higher intelligence, but it wouldn't surprise him if Sasaki's group knew already. It was a reality he had to face as a Shinsengumi member, the inequality which he hated deep down his core ever since he found out that his father was a moot of a samurai.
"No." She looked up to meet his eyes and he flinched when both her hands caught his arm. "Please help me…"
(Notes: This fic will be a companion to the OVA, so you'll see lines and similarities etc. etc. Again I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, the owners are Sony Corp and the writer Watsuki Sensei. No profit was made, I'm just a fan who likes to imagine things. Questions/Comments etc will be answered in my livejournal account: hajimenokizu
Kyokuchou – Chief
Fukuchou – Vice Chief
Sentences in italics are "thoughts")
