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.
Author's Notes: I was lost to the real world until someone decided sent me an email asking me to continue. Normally, it probably wouldn't have affected me but at the time I was a little drunk. For some reason it motivated me to actually do something and here it is. Enjoy.
The Last Battle of the Bakumatsu
Chapter 28
By SDB
Sano awoke but couldn't remember falling asleep. He also didn't remember having such a warm, soft and comfortable pillow. He toyed with the idea of staying as he was but relented and slowly opened his eyes. It took a few moments for his eyes to focus in the fading light. Eventually, he could see Megumi's face looking down on him. She seemed a little happier that he was awake but still there was some apprehension in her eyes. He had been busying examining her that it took him a few seconds to realize his head was resting in her lap.
"How long have I been out?" he murmured, his voice strained by the tightness in his chest.
"You tell me. You've been asleep since I got her and the sun has just started to set." She was still concerned about him, especially since he hadn't woken up while she treated him.
"After the fight, I just came back here and lay down. Guess I drifted off to sleep," he knew the moment he finished that she only half believed him.
"I'm not that really interested in that fight of yours. However, I would like to know how a swordsman like Saito was able to bruise your ribs that badly?" She watched him breathe out and could tell he was struggling to breathe back in again.
"You know when we went to Enishi's island?" She nodded, also remembering that it had been the last time she had treated his broken hand before they went their separate ways. "Well he copied the two handed attack I used on the sand. Didn't think it would hurt me that much but I started to feel it after the fight was over."
"So you came back here and promptly passed out?" Despite the despairing comment, she smiled down at him.
"Something like that," he grumbled as he shifted his head to get into a more comfortable position. "So, how was your day?"
He had his eyes closed, meaning that he missed her annoyance at his actions. "Nothing too interesting, I spent most of the morning making house calls. About lunchtime I was summoned to Fujita Tokio's home to treat her leg and have something to eat. Of course, my duty as a doctor meant that when Saito arrived, I had to treat his wounds." She smiled slyly as he looked up suspiciously at her.
"That sounds just like you," he light heartedly responded before he tried to get back to sleep again.
"Do you plan to use me as a pillow all night?" She spoke with an edge to her voice, warning him that she wasn't happy with the present arrangement.
"I didn't think you'd agree to be my blanket," he smirked still not bothering to move.
"Well, I guess we'll never know since you didn't ask. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get up so that I can make dinner for everybody." Slowly, he sat up, grimacing as he put pressure on his bruised chest. Free to move, she stood up and walked to the door speaking over her shoulder before disappearing from sight. "While you wait, I'm sure Outa can tell you about his latest adventure with Tokio's daughter."
"Huh?" Sano grunted as Outa's face appeared in his doorway. Sano gestured for the reluctant boy to come in while noticing the patch on his cheek. "Okay, lets here it, starting with why you were with Megumi all day?"
"Ah… I hurt my wrist when I stopped Kaoru from hitting Yahiko." Outa started hesitantly, knowing his brother had told him not to step between them. "Since Megumi said I couldn't train, she asked if I wanted to go with her."
"Let me guess, she got you to carry all her stuff?" Sano chuckled as his brother's expression made it clear that the answer was yes.
"It wasn't that bad, she even asked if I wanted to be her apprentice." Outa's mumbling brought a halt to Sano's laughter.
"Are you serious?" Sano watched his brother slowly nod as wondered if it was the right idea to tell him. "Well, if she was being serious, it's your choice. Just remember that it'll take a lot of work and you may not be able to train as much as you want."
"I already know that, Megumi already gave me some books to read. Some of them I don't really understand yet," Outa stopped as Sano started laughing again.
"Just imagine what dad will say when he finds out his son's a doctor. The old man will probably have a heart attack." He continued to laugh, laughing even harder when he added their sister to the equation.
"So you don't mind?" he questioned again as Sano finally got a hold of himself.
"Why should I? If it's what you want to do, go for it." His encouragement brought a broad smile to the boy's face. "Now, let's get back to Mimori. What'd you think of her to start with?"
"She didn't like me," he started but Sano immediately cut in.
"I didn't ask what she thought of you, I asked what you thought of her. I bet you though she was cute." Outa's face went bright red as Sano wondered whether he should continue to press him for information or just start laughing again.
"It's not like that… she didn't like me… she thought I was an idiot… I… I just…" He trailed off as Sano smiled calmly at him.
"It doesn't matter, we can get on with the teasing when Megumi and Misao are here. Let's hear the story," he sat back and listened. Outa slowly got swept away with his own tale, forgetting the inevitable teasing he would get when dinner was served.
Sano watched him, constantly reminded of his family by the boy's mannerisms. Physically, there was a lot of resemblance to his father and himself. However, in terms of personality and attitude, he was very much his mother's son. He could only guess that it was mainly due to Uki since Outa would be too young to remember her himself. As the boy continued more animatedly than before, Sano realised something. With all the people around him, to teach and guide him, he would become a very strong man. In fact, Sano was willing to bet that his little brother would be even stronger than him.
While it was mildly disconcerting that Outa could surpass him, he could only smile at the thought.
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After a good meal and a healthy dose of teasing Outa, Sano moved outside into the cool air. The drop in temperature seemed to help his sore ribs. He took a few deep breaths, relieved that the pain had diminished. Sitting down on the porch, he could hear Megumi and Misao chatting way back in the kitchen. He couldn't quite make out what they were saying but guessed Megumi was asking about his fight with Saito. It was the only topic that hadn't been mentioned over dinner that night. Not that he minded since he didn't consider it a note worthy fight. They put in all that effort and still hadn't resolved a thing.
"So this is where you disappeared to," Megumi commented as she exited the house with her bag. She noticed him look at it and then back up at her. "I was just about to go back to the dojo."
"I though you might prefer staying around. The way the weather's going, I might need an extra blanket." She appeared mildly amused but it was evident that she was never going to stay.
"Are you afraid of the cold or maybe just the dark?" She sarcastically remarked, hoping in vain to discourage him.
"Would it help change you mind if I said yes?" There was a silent pause, both of them unsure of what they should do next.
"I should be leaving?" She announced as she walked to the front gate.
"I'll go with you," he added as he stood up front the porch.
"You don't have to." She didn't turn as she spoke, hoping he would stay away from her.
"I want to, unless you're suddenly ashamed to be seen with me." He paused, halfway between her and the house.
"It's not that," she mumbled still trying to force herself to escape through the gate.
"So it's the fact I'm going to see Saito tomorrow." He opened the gate for her and she silently walked out. She didn't wait for him but she didn't hurry. She kept her normal pace and wasn't surprised when he easily caught up to her. They walked side by side and she held her bag with both hands in front of her body. Her step faltered when he reached for the bag and took it in his left hand. With her on his right, he slipped his free hand around her waist holding her closer but not stopping.
She tensed up but relented, resting her head on his shoulder. However, no matter how comfortable she felt, there was always the doubt plaguing her mind. "It's happening soon then?"
"Can't go on forever," he calmly responded even though he knew she was anything but calm.
"You'll be leaving soon?" she hesitantly continued after a few moments.
"I don't think he invited me to his office for tea," the humour of his words was lost in the dead tone of his voice.
"There's nothing I can say that'll make you reconsider?" She watched the dojo gate slowly appear out of the darkness.
"We've been through this," he sighed realising that the closer he got to leaving, the more she resisted.
They stopped outside the gate and she reclaimed her bag. "I don't think I have anything left to say."
"Maybe I do," he cupped her chin and tilted her face up so that he could look at her eyes. "I may have to leave soon but nothing is going to stop me coming back to you. When this is over, I'll be right back here for you." He leaned forward to kiss her but she spoke in a quiet, frightened voice that was unnatural of her.
"What happens if you can't come back? What happens if you… what will I do if you…" Although she couldn't say one word, he knew exactly what she was saying. She could see in face the changes that had occurred in the last five years. The brash, inexperienced teenager that she overlooked as a man had been tempered by a hard life on the road. His youthful exuberance that made him believe he was close to invisible had been washed away. He knew that he chance for survival wasn't good but he was going anyway. That's what scared her and that's why she turned and fled into the dojo.
Left alone outside, Sano turned toward home, kicking a stone as he went. He hated what he had just done to her but he couldn't turn back now. He only hoped that he could fix the problem before he left. At least, he hoped she would still be there if he was able come back. Facing overwhelming odds or losing her, he couldn't decide which scared him more.
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The officer at the front desk at police headquarters couldn't claim to have had an easy couple of weeks. In fact, he had been besieged by information, inquires and taunts in relation to the result resurgence of the Shinsengumi. The truth was more like a city of paranoid people filling his desk with useless information. One woman even claimed that the Shinsengumi was responsible for her missing dog. Either way, the officer wanted at least one quiet day. He believed his chances had disappeared the moment a shadow fell over him.
"Can I help you or have you just decided to turn yourselves in?" He tiredly asked the two men, thinking them harmless despite their suspicious appearance.
"Sagara and Tsukioka to see Inspector Fujita," the mention of Saito's alias snapped the officer from his lethargic mood. He looked at them cautiously, aware of the variety of different men who had come searching for his superior.
"Just a moment," the officer hesitantly spoke, getting out of his chair. Before he could check if they were expected, another voice took care of it for him.
"I didn't expect a rooster like you to be early." Cho looked at them suspiciously, remembering he still had a score to settle. However, if he wanted to keep his job, and more importantly his life, he had to follow Saito's instructions. One of those orders being to wait until after the current crisis to settle his differences with Sano.
"If we stand around here all day we won't be. Of course, that is unless you're required elsewhere to sweep the floor with that head of yours." Sano looked back at him, daring him to try something. He saw the blonde haired man's hand twitch as he thought about drawing his sword.
"Just follow me," he grunted through gritted teeth. He knew the consequences of taking such action and Saito wasn't in a very forgiving mood lately. The trio walked up two flights of stairs before turning down a hallway. Cho didn't seem interested in what was around him, coming close to knocking over a couple of officers that they passed. He reached a door, entering without bothering to knock first. Sano and Katsu were cautious but followed him silently into the room.
Saito didn't acknowledge them as they entered. He was too busy smoking a cigarette while he looked out the window. Aoshi stood against a wall to the left side of Saito's desk. Cho immediately went to the large two person seat next to Aoshi. There were two chairs in front of the desk for the two Sekihoutai members. Sano glanced at Katsu but he seemed perfectly comfortable standing by the door. Sano guess he was probably fingering a couple of mini bombs in his hidden hands. With no other place to go, Sano sat in the right chair, making sure he put as much distance between himself and Cho as possible.
"There is only one rule," Saito began as he stubbed out his cigarette. "If you don't do as I say, endanger the mission or just do something that displeases me, I will kill you. If you don't believe you can live with that then leave now." Saito looked at the two impassive men. Sano had heard this before when he was first roped into this job. Katsu was just following Sano's lead. He ignored his reservations about saving the politicians who betrayed their captain. Saito took their silence as a yes and leaned forward to unroll a map on his desk.
"The last sighting of the hostages was here," Saito pointed to a small town on the edge of Shimosuwa forest. Sano had to stand up to see it but Katsu remained where he was. "They killed the village leaders and left a small brigade of men. They were to guard their carriages and keep the villagers silent. We recaptured the village two days ago and there has been no contact with any other rebels."
"It's most likely that they have all the supplies they need. They aren't raiding villages so as they can avoid attracting attention. Our best guess is that they are hiding somewhere in these mountains." Aoshi stepped forward and pointed out the mountain range he had been referring to. "Since the Sekihoutai was known to inhabit this area, any extra information you have would be beneficial."
"Where is the volcanic activity around here?" Sano asked as he scanned the map for details that corresponded to landmarks he knew. Aoshi pointed to a small area and Sano started to follow the mountain ranges until the markings matched his memory. "Fire, water and wind canyons," he murmured as he found what he was looking for.
"You believe they are in one of those three canyons?" Aoshi inquired while Saito examined the map where Sano was pointing.
"We called it fire canyon because there is a lot of volcanic activity there. It's also where Katsu and I collected sulphur for gunpowder. Wind canyon is fairly open and you get a cold gale blowing through there in the winter. Water canyon is in the middle, it's the only one with fresh water running through it. The high rock walls give good protection and your lookouts can see for miles." Sano leaned away from the map as Aoshi edged closer to examine it for himself.
"Water canyon is where the Sekihoutai built a small base. It was our last retreat, where we would go to disappear and recuperate. The old buildings that we built are probably still there," Katsu watched on suspiciously as Saito turned his attention to him.
"How many buildings?" he asked coolly, appearing to look right through the former artist.
"Two," he replied succinctly, "A supply building and a barracks. The barracks would be the only place big enough to hold all the hostages."
"Considering how well prepared they are, they could have built more." Aoshi surmised as the task seemed more difficult than before.
"So what's the plan?" Sano asked looking at the two men standing over the map.
Saito pulled out another cigarette and lit it before speaking. "Groups of men from Tokyo and Kyoto will rendezvous in the small village near Shimosuwa forest. From there Shinomori will lead a small scout party to clear our path. Once we encounter them, we will attack as soon as possible. Rescuing the hostages is the primary objective. Once they are in our care, a group of about a dozen will escort them back to the village. The rest will remain to contain the rebels until reinforcements arrive…"
"Or we kill them all," Sano added, knowing exactly what Saito was thinking.
"Whichever comes first," Saito continued showing no reaction to Sano's interjection.
"There's no point deciding on any other details until we have a complete understanding of the situation. Under the circumstances, we can no longer afford to delay our efforts. That is why we'll also need explosives and smoke bombs. That is why we call you here," Aoshi looked directly at Katsu who stared back at him. "We'll need a variety of custom designed bombs for various possibilities. We should have enough supplies for you to work with."
"Just what sort of bombs are we talking about?" Katsu asked knowing he could make just about anything they could think of.
"It would be in our favour to cloak our assault in smoke. Also, there may be a need to use explosives on infantry, building and weapons. We may even need to cause the canyon to collapse in places. Since we don't know how they are deployed, how many there are or what they are equipped with, we'll need some multipurpose weapons. We can discuss this while you are working." Aoshi stepped back from the desk, picking up his weapons and preparing to leave.
"Wait a minute, what about Yahiko and Misao? Are they in this as well or not?" Sano glared at Saito, wondering how he would react to the idea of their presence.
"That decision is up to them. The group will be made up of swordsmen who fought in the Bakumatsu, their successors and some other talented fighters. Those who aren't proven in battle or we believe aren't up to the task will escort the hostages back to the village. If your friends come, that will be their job." Saito blew out a cloud of smoke, never blinking as Sano continued to stare at him.
"I guess that Eiji's in that group as well. After all, he has no battle experience," Saito didn't respond to that. Truthfully, he didn't know what to do with Eiji. However, considering he wanted someone to make sure Tokio and Mimori were taken care of, Sano was probably right. "So just when is all this supposed to happen?"
As Saito stubbed out his cigarette, he could only smirk at the question.