DISCLAIMER: I do not own nor will I ever own Rurouni Kenshin. I am making no profit from this and I will remove this if requested to do so for any legitimate reason.
WARNING: This story is rated R for violence, so if you do not like graphic depictions of people dying I suggest you find something else to read.
The Last Battle of the Bakumatsu
Chapter 8
Sanosuke made sure that he dragged himself out of bed quietly. He hadn't had that much fun at a party in a long time but he was careful not to drink himself into oblivion. He might have done before but now he couldn't see himself drinking till he lost control. Control over his mind and body is what had given his fighting skills the greatest boost and today wasn't a day when he needed to lose that. He pulled his gi on and collected his gauntlets and sword. He listened for any sound and focused on sensing if anyone else was awake.
With the coast clear Sano ducked out his door and into the early morning gloom. He quickly strode towards the back gate and hurdled it, barely breaking stride. He slipped his hands into his gauntlets and began to fasten them as he walked. Sano followed the worn path that would lead him out of the trees and onto the road. He wanted to make sure he got to Katsu before he left his place with his Shinsengumi escort. They said they were coming early but Sano would wait all day if he had to.
As the trees thinned Sano began to feel someone's eyes watching him. He concentrated and could tell they were trailing him, which meant it had to be someone from the dojo. He slowed his pace slightly but his follower adjusted so that they stayed far enough away. Sano reached the street, rounded a corner and broke into a run. The person following was only able to catch a brief glimpse of Sano's back as he darted around another corner. Sano ducked into an alley and waited for the follower to rush past trying to catch up. As they did Sano extended his leg and the person tripped falling face first in the dusty street.
"I suppose you think that is funny," Misao growled as she looked up at Sano. He had his hands tucked in his pockets and was leaning casually against a wall with a grin on his face.
"No, I was just admiring the view," Misao frowned in confusion until she realised she was lying on her stomach with her butt in the air. She quickly rolled over and glared up at Sano. He just pushed off the wall and started walking again.
"Just for that I should…" She angrily began to yell at Sano's back but he cut her off.
"Go back to the dojo and mind your own business," Sano glanced back at Misao who was now on her feet and three paces behind him.
"Not until I find out where you are going," Misao defiantly proclaimed.
"I'm not going to see Aoshi, so you'd better just go back to the dojo and wait for him to return." Sano walked on and ignored Misao even though she never shifted from her position behind him.
"You may not be going to see Aoshi but you are going somewhere. You wouldn't just get up early for anything and I'm guessing that you know something that you haven't told Saito." Sano remained silent so Misao moved up so that she was walking alongside him.
"I haven't told Saito because I learned something new yesterday after I saw him. However I still think you should go back to the dojo and stay there," Misao scowled at him.
"I can take care of myself," Misao fiercely whispered but it had no effect on Sano.
"Yeah, that's why Aoshi leaves you behind all the time. It's better that you go away, I don't need Aoshi and Saito on my back." Sano saw the mischievous smile creep across Misao's lips and waited for her to try and bait him.
"You're right, I mean how can a lowly street fighter like you stand up against my Aoshi-sama," Misao teasing voice didn't produce the result she wanted.
"Maybe you're right but he might thank me if I mess up that pretty face of his. That way he may be rid of a little weasel like you," Misao stood still and glowed red with anger. Sano continued to walk away only adding more fuel to the fire.
"You think I would leave Aoshi just because you messed his face up," Misao voice came out as a low menacing growl. Sano allowed himself a small smile of victory as he stood still waiting for the inevitable attack. He didn't have to wait long as Misao charged at him and attacked with a flying kick. Sano easily evaded her attack and didn't bother pulling his hands out of his pockets as Misao continued her offensive. He dodged and weaved out of the way of Misao's kicks and punches, all the time assessing her skill level.
He saw Misao getting tired but she continued swinging in an all out attack. Not having much time to waste Sano pulled one hand out of his pocket and hit Misao with an open hand to her stomach. She gagged slightly as the wind was knocked out of her. Momentarily stunned she could do nothing when Sano grabbed a hold of her and pinned her against the wall. She stared wide-eyed at him as he held her against the wall and off the ground.
"That's why you get left behind. It's also the reason I was never able to match Saito, Aoshi or Kenshin. I didn't have the discipline to train both my mind and myself. You lost your temper and you would have lost your life but on the bright side, Kenshin was right. You are stronger, if not smarter," Sano smiled as he placed Misao back on the ground and waited for her to regain her breath and composure.
"How can I get stronger if no one teaches me?" Misao whispered as she struggled to dispel the pain in her stomach.
"I though Aoshi was training you or did he stop?" Sano watched as Misao adjusted her uniform but she didn't look up at him.
"He was until I got into a fight and hurt someone. When Aoshi saw the blood on my hands and the fear in my eyes he decide he'd stop teaching me. He doesn't think I need to be able to fight when there is no one left to fight against. He only lets me go with him when we need to find information. If there is going to be trouble, he leaves me behind," Misao leans back against the wall with both hands over her stomach.
"He's right, you don't need to fight but you should at least know how to. I mean all that Oniwabanshu martial arts history is going to disappear if someone doesn't learn it. So what has he taught you?" Misao looked up with tears threatening to fall.
"He taught me some techniques with one kodachi, he said it would be better to start there than to go straight to two." Misao watched Sano nod and then reach under his gi and pull out his sword.
"You can come but remember that this is a real fight. You can't just fight and try not to hurt anyone. You have to make sure they stay down, preferably with only one hit so you can move onto the next guy quickly. There is going to be blood spilt and people may die, some of them because of you. Can you do that or more importantly, can you live with that?" Sano held the sword out to Misao who carefully considered it.
"I don't know…" Misao mumbled as Sano's patience started to wear thin.
"Look either take the sword or go home," Sano barked startling Misao into action.
"Okay I'll take it, let's go," Misao took the sword but continued to hold it in her hands as they walked.
"Are you sure you are ready for this?" Sano asked as they rounded a corner.
"No but it's something I have to do. I don't want to be left behind. I want to be stronger," Sano looked at Misao as she stared at the sword, gripping it till her knuckles turned white.
"When it starts, don't hesitate. Stay close to me and if you need help, yell. Just remember that they are trying to kill you and you shouldn't feel guilty for defending yourself the same way." Misao stared up at Sano's stone face and then tucked the sword into her sash.
"I don't think Kenshin would agree with you," Misao offered as she tried to focus.
"It doesn't matter what Kenshin thinks. You have to make your own choices and mistakes. If you worry about what Kenshin and Aoshi are going to think you are going to forget what you are supposed to be doing. You let me worry about them," Sano walked steadily not looking down at Misao who was watching him.
"So you are going to take both Aoshi and Kenshin on," Misao smirked as Sano chuckled.
"I might but you should thank me. When Aoshi hears about this he's going to come looking for answers and I doubt that you want to be the one to give them. When we are done here I'll talk to Aoshi and if he won't continue to train you I will." Misao watched Sano curiously as they turned into a dark alley.
"Why and what are you going to teach me?" Misao asked, finding Sano's uncharacteristic behaviour a little suspicious.
"I have a few tricks to teach and if you are looking to get stronger, finding a master isn't always easy. I can't teach you a lot but I can at least make you punches a little more powerful." Sano stopped at the end of the alley, leaning against one of the walls and Misao stood opposite him.
"What are we doing?" Misao whispered as Sano poked his head out of the alley and looked both ways.
"My friend was asked to join the Shinsengumi and he was supposed to be lead to the meeting place this morning. I can see his house from here so we just need to wait till they come," Sano watched as Misao slid down the wall with a sigh.
"I'm not one for patience," she grumbled and Sano smiled down at her.
"That's one thing you are going to have to learn. I had to," Sano closed his eyes and waited. Misao studied him, as he stood motionless. She believed what he said about helping her, something she couldn't always say about Aoshi. She continually felt the sword at her side and the implications of what she agreed to. With Sano stoically looking out to the street, Misao made herself comfortable and tried to mediate like Aoshi taught her. Sano watched as Misao took a deep, cleansing and tried to clear her mind. It was something that surprised him but he thought it had to be better than her normal energetic personality.
They didn't have to wait long as a small group passed down the street and stopped at Katsu's door. Sano recognised two of them but the rest seemed to be recruits like Katsu. They left as soon as Katsu was out the door and started down the street. Sano prodded Misao to make her aware of the situation and they followed after them. They stayed as far back as they dared with the sun only just starting to rise. The group continued to grow as other people were collected and followed the two leaders through the streets.
Sano was getting a little worried by the number of people being drawn into this group. It wasn't that he couldn't beat them. It was more that there was more chance of being seen. Each person had another pair of eyes that could spot them as they tried to follow unnoticed. The group was also looking increasingly nervous as it grew and the light intensified. Sano was close to shifting their pursuit to the rooftops where there was more cover during the day.
They had drifted into the more affluent section of Tokyo, where less people were joining the group. Without warning, Sano grabbed Misao and dragged her into an alley. She tried to complain but found one of his hands over her mouth. She was about to struggle when a second group came out of a side street right where they would have been. As Misao settled down, Sano released her and moved down the alley where he pulled himself up onto the roof. He helped Misao up and then they travelled along the far side of the roof following the second group.
The group entered a residence that had a large, stone boundary fence. Through the iron gate they could see an open garden that led up to the house. Sano waited until the group was completely out of sight before motioning for Misao to follow. He launched himself forward as he dropped off the roof only to slide to a stop in the centre of the road. He turned with his hands locked together and Misao understood his intentions. He propelled her up towards the wall where she silently landed in time to watch Sano. He sprinted at the wall, jumping before he hit it. Sano couldn't make the jump in one go so he planted his foot halfway up the wall for a second jump. Grabbing onto the top of the wall he pulled himself up to a crouching position.
"Now what?" Misao whispered as they witnessed the last of the recruits entering the house.
"You take out those four at the gate and do it quietly," Misao looked at Sano sceptically. "I want to see how good you are," he added as an after thought. Misao consider it as a challenge and one she was determined to meet. Misao dropped inside the grounds and felt the ground shake as Sano landed. When she turned to face him, he wasn't there and looking around Misao couldn't see him. Realising he was testing her, she forgot about him and headed towards the gate to take out the guards.
They were standing in a rough square when Misao silently burst from the bushes. She hit the first with a right fist to the temple, immediately rendering him unconscious. The second followed soon after with a right-footed sidekick that drove him back into the boundary wall. The two startled guards stood still as Misao continued to attack. She struck the third man in the throat before he could yell and swung her right leg back to kick the fourth man in the face. Her leg then swung back and her right heel collected the third man in the temple. The fourth was then knocked out with a left fist as he tried to get up after being hit the first time.
"Not bad Weasel, only one hit per man would have made it better," Misao's head shot up to Sano who was casually leaning on a tree. Misao decided against yelling at him but only just and followed him as he walked up to the front door.
"Maybe we should knock," Misao joked as Sano tried the handle. It was locked but he leaned on it and there was the sound of wood cracking. Sano took a deep breath before he pushed the door open and was glad to see the hallway empty. They quietly stepped in and as the door closed they could hear the muffled crowd noise. Walking down the hall they both listened to a set of double doors and confirmed that it was the source of the noise. Misao gestured for Sano to step away from the door so they could talk but Sano had other ideas.
He just opened the doors wide and stepped inside. No one inside seemed to notice and Misao stayed close to Sano as the extent of the task became apparent. The room was a large open ballroom and the floor was filled with over a hundred men. They were grouped in smaller clumps, discussing amongst themselves the six men in Shinsengumi uniforms. They were standing at the top of the stairs opposite the door Sano had just entered. The grey haired leader stood at the front and looked as if he was about to speak.
"What… You?" the bewildered comment came from one of the two Shinsengumi who had been guarding the door. The other turned at his companion's comments but couldn't say a thing. Sano grinned as he swung his arms backward hitting the two men in the face. They flew back into the wall on either side of the door and hit the floor unconscious. The action had the desired effect of drawing the attention of every man in the room.
"We should have killed you before we left," snarled the old Shinsengumi foot soldier. The rest of the room was in disarray at the new arrival, except for Katsu who stood at the centre of the group.
"It's Zanza!" one of the men cried in fear as Sano glowered in the doorway.
"You're right, I'm Zanza and I was looking for a fight. Did I come to the right place?" The room was filled with the sound of weapons being drawn. In amongst it, two small black orbs dropped from Katsu's sleeves, pausing at his fingers where they were lit. Then they fell onto his feet and headed in opposite directions.
"Kill him!" declared the old man. He didn't care that everyone was going to do that whether he told them to or not. One of them hesitated as he felt something bump into his foot. Looking down he noticed a small, smoking ball had stopped directly under him. The explosion that was produced by Katsu's bomb quickly muffled his scream and it heralded the beginning of the battle.
As confusion reigned in the room, one man made it to a door and looked back at the scene he was about to leave. There were unconscious bodies lying amongst the destruction of the bombs that had been lobbed around the room. He had clearly seen Sano enter and seemed to be one of only a few who had noticed the woman standing behind him. He had also stayed to identify the origin of the bombs. Once he had done that his mission could be called complete. Although he doubted that Saito would be happy with the new developments. A last glance at the shadows battling in the smoke and he was gone to make his report.
Sano threw the last man into the three others that were trying to flee and all four crashed through a door. He was out of breath but thoroughly enjoying himself. He saw Katsu knock down two men and he made sure they stayed down with one of his bombs. To his side he could see Misao doubled over with blood on her clothes and body.
"Hey, you okay Misao?" Sano's concerned voice made Misao stand up straight. She held her left forearm, trying to stop it from bleeding but the majority of the blood wasn't hers.
"I'm fine, apart from this, specially since you called me by name" she responded, sounding a little shaken. Her eyes were also a little wider and held some fear in them.
"I brought these for the idiot but I guess you can use them," Katsu tossed a bandage to Sano who started work on her arm.
"Katsu this is Misao but feel free to call her Weasel," Misao scowled and kicked Sano in the shin. It was half hearted but it brought a little relief to the scene.
"I guess those Shinsengumi have gone by now, so this was a bit of a waste," Katsu looked around at what had been intended as soldiers for a rebellion.
"I doubt it, they are Shinsengumi and they don't know how to retreat," Sano stated as he finished bandaging Misao's arm. She balled her hand into a fist to make the bandage wasn't too constrictive. Satisfied she reached down and picked up the sword, which had fallen by her side. Her eyes became fixated on the blood that covered the blade.
"Is she going to be okay?" Katsu asked Sano but his voice brought Misao back to reality.
"I'll be fine," Misao asserted as she flicked the blood from the blade and sheathed it.
"Are you sure? This is where it gets serious," Sano watched Misao's eyes. They were still fearful but a fiery determination was beginning to drive it out.
"Absolutely no regrets," Misao declared confidently. Sano glanced at Katsu who shrugged his shoulders leaving the final decision to him.
"Okay then let's go but stay close Weasel," Misao nodded to Sano before he turned. The trio headed up the stairs leaving the destruction behind them for a fresh battle with their real enemies.
Author's Notes: Review if you like but if you don't it's fine since I'm enjoying writing this fic. Constructive criticism is always best by review or email.