::crawls from the unknown depths of life:: I LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!! I beat you all thought I died didn't you? Well... I didn't. I can't even begin to explain everything that has happened that has kept me away from this story... that would take about 5 hrs. So let's skip me and go right to the good stuff ne? ^.~
Sins of the Fathers
Ch.4
August 3, Meiji 30 (1900)
Kenji watched the small port city slowly disappear from view as the tiny ship sailed away from the Korean shoreline. He could barely contain his excitement at coming back home and into the waiting arms of a small, petite woman with hair darker than midnight and eyes that shone like finely spun gold. A smile tugged at his lips as he remembered how those honey colored eyes would flash in anger or soften in concern. 'Four years… I wonder how much she has changed, if at all. What will I say when I meet her? Will I be speechless? Or will I sputter around my tongue earning a laugh from her?'
Kenji sighed as he imagined the one hundred and one scenarios that could possibly happen once he saw her again. He gave a slight prayer towards the heavens that her father wouldn't make too much of a fuss over Kenji's changes and let the two marry without trouble. However, somewhere inside him he knew it was not going to be that easy.
The young red head frowned slightly. He was jittery and nervous his senses taut, searching the surrounding area for danger. Kenji could not explain the feeling of dread that suddenly bubbled up from his stomach, but he labeled it as nerves and nothing more.
The past four years had been arduous on the youth, as he had to endure things that normal people didn't quite comprehend. Mastering four sword styles was neither an easy task nor quickly done, yet Kenji had managed to overcome each obstacle and learn the methods at a pace that left his teachers speechless. The youngest Himura had the ability to learn different techniques just by listening to them. This had helped him in many areas of his life… well almost, for as much as the young man watched his father he never learned not to be so reclusive with information… or what to do about the fairer sex.
"Kenji-sama!"
"Kenji-kun!"
"O-oro?" Kenji blinked twice at the two females that stood before him, their pink lips pouting in irritation as their cheeks flushed red with anger. The wind caused by the moving ship moved the ruffled girls' black hair before their burning eyes and Kenji visibly swallowed.
"Mou! Don't ignore us!" They both exclaimed loudly before glaring at each other and bickering again. Touma laughed at the two females as they called each other names like small children, while Kenji just watched them nervously.
"How dare you not have the proper respect for Kenji-sama?!" Kumiko fumed, her fists clenching and unclenching rhythmically with her pounding heart.
"Oh? You are just jealous of our close relationship!" Tomoyo laughed haughtily behind a tanned hand, her teal eyes shining brightly.
"Relationship? What relationship?! You are merely cousins!" Kumiko yelled waving her fists in the air. Her twin braids moved in rhythm to her swaying form as her lips curled into a snarl.
Tomoyo's left brow twitched in annoyance yet she smiled, placing a hand on one of her shapely hips. "Yes, but that is more than you shall ever be!" The dark haired, half-Chinese woman latched onto Kenji's arm tightly, causing the poor boy to wince in pain, her brightly colored bows bobbing in the air.
"Oh, no you don't! Kenji-sama would never parade around with a girl like you!" Kumiko retorted, grabbing his other arm just as tightly.
"Kenji-kun would much prefer a woman of high class and taste, like me, over some clumsy little girl!" Tomoyo pulled Kenji towards her, snuggling his arm when he was in her reach.
Seeing this, Kumiko pulled the blushing redhead back towards her. "Oh you poor dear! I never knew you suffered from such insanity! Kenji-sama has much higher taste than you!"
Tomoyo glared and pulled the young male towards her roughly, her full lips set into a thin line. Kumiko responded with the same maneuver, her dark blue eyes becoming like electric fire. Kenji gave another loud 'Oro' before the two young women used him in their tug of war. Touma was laughing so hard by now that he had to lean down and use the railing as support.
Kenji tried desperately to pry himself from the two feuding women with little success. An image of Shiori turning her sad brown eyes filtered through his head and for the first time since he meet the two girls, he panicked. What would Shiori say if she saw him like this? Would it be a repeat of that day she saw him hold Chizuru at the Akabeko? Would she smile and pretend it didn't bother her? Or would she walk away from him again? Up until that point it had never occurred to Kenji to tell anyone about his promise to Shiori.
"Kenji-kun and I shall have ten children! Ohohohoho!" Tomoyo laughed again, her teal eyes glittering. The two green bows on either side of her head bowed slightly as a gust of wind blew over the four on the main deck.
Kumiko gave a small shriek of annoyance and pointed a perfectly slim finger towards the other girl. "Kenji-sama will never marry someone as old as you!"
Tomoyo's smile faltered on her face before she launched into an attack, momentarily forgetting about Kenji. Kumiko also decided that it was best to settle their dispute with action rather than words. Kenji was just grateful that they stopped pulling on him, unfortunately he was still caught in the middle of their scuffle.
"Maa, maa… Why don't we just calm down-"
"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!" The two girls cried, simultaneously sending an upper cut punch towards his jaw. He tried to move back but the two punches came straight towards him, hitting him on the underside of his jaw. The combined attack caused him to fly backwards a bit and collide with a big burly man who was leaning against the railing, his back to the group.
"Orororo…" Kenji muttered out, eyes swirling on his pale face.
"Hey, watch it you little brat!" The large man snarled, grabbing a fist full of the front of Kenji's blue Chinese shirt. Eep!
"Go-gomen nasai… orororo…" The young redhead managed to spill out before dizziness once again overtook his senses. If he had ever thought that those two could never throw a grown man to the floor, he certainly believed it now. His jaw stung and he could swear that it felt slightly out of place.
"Yeah, well, sorry ain't going to cut it, kid!" The large man raised his meaty hand in the air, fully intending to bring it down on the young man. Kenji's eyes narrowed in a snap as the fist flew down towards him. He could feel the dignified presence of Touma behind him, ready to step in if the youth needed him. The youngest Himura grabbed onto the fist that was holding him up, the elbow it was connected to, and shifted his feet, ready to over throw the man before the hit could connect. However…
"That is enough, Shuu." It was a voice that would have made the wind stop and the mountains bow if they could. Yet only time seemed to stop at the rich voice.
The fist that was intending to smash Kenji's face in, stopped in mid air at the commanding tone. And the auburn haired youth waited, his muscles coiled tightly in anticipation for the moment the fist continued on its path. He could not see the figure that had ordered the much larger man, but he could feel his presence and like his voice, it commanded attention.
"But boss!" The beefy man cried out in annoyance.
"I said that is enough. Put him down." Beady black eyes narrowed in anger but did as the voice said, stepping out of the way to reveal Kenji's savior. He looked to be a little older than himself and had a tall, lean frame covered in western clothing. However, the best assets the man had were his smooth black hair and eyes darker than indigo set in his pale face. Now Kenji was not one to go around admiring other males, but this man was handsome! He heard the two girls behind him gasp in appreciation.
"Are you alright, sir?" The rich velvety voice snapped the red haired youth back to the present, blushing slightly in embarrassment. He had been staring at another man and now he was blushing! Kenji willed the ship to swallow him whole.
"Er… yes, thank you." The young redhead coughed out, mortified.
He smiled again, charmingly. "That is good to hear. I am Murasaki Naruto and these are my bodyguards." The dark haired gentleman waved to the three large men surrounding him, while giving the guard that attacked Kenji a glare. "They tend to jump to conclusions when it concerns my safety." Naruto once again faced the Kenji-gumi giving them a dazzling smile that had the girls swooning all over again.
Touma was the first to speak to the handsome man. "It's quite understandable, sir." Touma smiled kindly at the group of nervously protective men. "With the rebellion in China, things are not as peaceful as they once were."
The young man looked surprised at first but then nodded. "You are quite right, my friend. It is the reason that I am returning to my homeland." Naruto sighed, heavy heartedly leaning on the rail of the ship. "Things are just not as they once were. There are so many countries right now trying to prove that they have power. It is only a matter of time before more wars break out."
Once again, Touma nodded his agreement. "That is what my father says. He fears that the Russians will be the first to make their move."
Naruto looked over the young man with spiky chestnut brown hair. "They do seem to like to push the world around. But enough of this depressing talk." The older male waved his hand towards the two ladies that had gotten bored with the topic of conversation and resumed their impossible task of becoming a limb to a blushing Kenji. "Won't you join me in my cabin for lunch? A way for me to apologize for my guard's behavior." Kenji, a man much like his mother, opened his mouth to decline the offer, but the indigo-eyed man held up his hand. "That is merely out of politeness. However," Naruto gazed intently at Kenji, something clearly unreadable in the dark eyes. "My true intentions are rather selfish, I'm afraid." The young man smiled disarmingly. "It's a long trip back to Japan and a rather lonely one."
Kenji didn't necessarily know how to take that comment. The nerves that had resided into the corners in the back of his mind renewed themselves with an unmatched vigor. There was something very suspicious about the way the older man phrased his sentence. However, the two girls never noticed the dark tone that lined the words, for they jumped up in approval, giving Naruto their maternal attention.
Touma looked over his shoulder at Kenji's cautious face and felt very wary of the older man. 'I'll keep an eye out too.' The male twin forced his thought into his gaze and Kenji nodded, accepting his assurance. He then turned towards Naruto giving him a forced smile. "Thank you for your offer, Murasaki-san. We gladly accept."
Naruto smiled in happiness and proceeded to lead them to the spacious cabin he was staying in. The floor was covered with rich red carpeting leading into a closed room where the bedroom lay. European paintings lined several of the walls as a large window with thin white lace curtains looked out into the wide horizon of the sea. A quaint round table resided in the center, covered abundantly with food and flowers. A Western tea set lay on a silver cart, steam flowing out of the mouth of the ceramic pot in the middle. All four were in slight awe of the beauty and riches of the room.
"This looks like daddy's study doesn't it, Touma-kun?" Tomoyo whispered to her mirror-like brother. Touma merely nodded and followed Naruto to the table, where he began to pour tea into five cups.
"Please, sit down." Naruto motioned to the table. "Pick what you like."
Kenji was still on edge, his senses begging him to run out of the room, yet he willed his feet to take him in. The two of the four bodyguards had stayed outside of the room and even if something were to happen, the four martial artists would be able to defend themselves. So why was he so nervous?
"-don't you think Kenji-sama?" Kumiko smiled, sipping delicately from the bone white teacup.
Kenji blinked back into reality, noticing that there was a cup full of warm tea before him and that Kumiko had just asked him something that he was not quite sure about. Yet the young Himura knew that with either of the girls, it was not safe to simply answer a 'yes' or 'no' to anything they asked. Kenji took a quick sip of his tea, letting the warm liquid slide down his throat while his mind worked at finding a suitable subject to change into. It had a strange after taste and tickled his throat as it went down. Still the flavor was rather tangy and sweet.
The red haired youth looked down at his cup and back at Naruto. "Where is this tea from, Murasaki-san?" He let his purple gaze settle onto the older man who smiled at him, his dark eyes glittering dangerously. Suddenly Kenji's breath hitched and his heart pounded in his chest.
"It's from a very special flower found only in India. It's called the 'Sleeping Killer' because it renders the drinker helpless to others' attacks." There were two sounds of bodies meeting the floor and Kenji knew that the girls had been the first to meet the tea's fate.
"You bastard." Touma managed to spit out before also falling prey to the flower's effects.
Kenji wished he could jump up and attack the smiling young man, but his limbs felt lifeless and drained. His vision blurred and he knew he had said something, though it slurred as it left his lips before darkness overtook all other senses.
Kenji awoke to darkness and he briefly wondered if it was because of the disappearance of the sun or of the surrounding area. From what he could tell, he was either still on the same ship, most likely the hull, for there were no windows in the small metal room, or another ship. Whatever light was being used, it was scarcely enough to fill the room and cast shadows on the dark walls.
He felt his hands and feet were bound and noiselessly tested them. They were tight but not tight enough. The skills he learned from the Oniwabanshuu were going to help him soon. The room was damp and humid, clinging to his skin in a sheer blanket of water. The cold floor seeped into his skin causing him to shiver, his muscles attempting to create warmth in the act. There was a soft sound of movement and he tried to still his cold muscles but failed slightly.
"Hn. Looks like he's awake." Kenji bit back a cry as one of the thugs grabbed a fistful of his long hair and pulled his head back roughly. "Come on, pretty boy. The boss wants to have a chat with you."
The thug roughly dragged him by his hair and Kenji had to concentrate on something else other than the pain that radiated from his scalp. Soon another of the large guards helped to pull him up into a kneeling position before once again pulling his head back, causing the young man to cringe. Another took the chance to punch him in his stomach, making him cough loudly and double over, however the grip on his hair never loosened, making such an act impossible. Kenji took a sharp intake of air hoping to regain his breath before freeing himself and seriously kicking some a-
"Good evening, Himura-san." Naruto smiled down cruelly at the young man at his feet. "Did you like the tea?"
Kenji growled. "Not as much as I am going to enjoy breaking your neck."
The taller man kicked him under his chin, causing him to bite hard on his tongue. Kenji gave a cry of anguish as blood seeped out of his mouth. Naruto sank down, sitting on his knees while clucking his tongue at the younger man. "Let us not forget who has who captive here."
Naruto pulled out a sharp knife that glistened even in the darkness of the room. "Hold him." He commanded of the men. The grip on his hair was loosened as they clutched his head tightly between their thick hands. Kenji panicked slightly as his left cheek was displayed before the dark man.
The dark eyed Naruto dragged the knife deep into the young man's perfect skin from his chin to under his eye. Kenji hissed in pain as he felt more blood quickly escape from the fresh wound, before the cold feel of the blade once again touched his warm skin. Once again the dagger was dragged across his cheek to his jaw line, intersecting with the first mark. Kenji knew what the mark was even though he didn't look into a mirror. It was a mark he had seen countless of times before... a mark that he had touched wondering about the secrets behind it… a mark that was a clue to finding an ancient killer… the cross shaped scar of Hitikori Battousai.
"There." The man chuckled darkly. "It is only proper that you carry Battousai's scar. After all, you resemble him so much." His handsome face twisted into something vile and ugly. He nodded to the two guards that held him tightly and they released their hold on Kenji's face, but not before one of them landed a good blow on his new wound.
"Why?" Kenji breathed out, trying to force back the tears and focus on his new enemy.
Naruto smiled and straightened. Kenji shivered under the intense gaze of the indigo eyes. "Not too long ago, I met an interesting young lady on one of my visits to England." Blue violet eyes widened in horror as Kenji's heart froze. An image of the one girl he promised himself to passing through his mind's eye.
"I had fallen in love with her at first sight, she was a breath of fresh air to my world. However, she told me that she could not reciprocate my feelings because she was promised to another. Yet, I just could not let her go to another…"
Kenji was breathing heavily as Naruto told his story. Panic filled him as he waited for more, praying that Shiori was safe and away from the mad man.
Naruto smiled, knowing what his captive was thinking. "Oh, she is safe and at home in Japan, most likely awaiting your arrival." The younger man visibly relaxed. "I do hate to see her cry. Nonetheless, I cannot have you coming back and marrying her. You, my friend, are on your way to America. Are you not excited? You will be taken very good care of. I hear there are many women and men interested in young blood from the Far East."
Kenji knew what those words meant and it sickened him. Sold away to a whorehouse was not on his to-do list. He needed to get back to Shiori before this man could harm her, if she did not concur to his advances. 'I need a plan! Something! Anything! Shiori…'
"I do hope there are no hard feelings between us, Himura." Naruto continued, watching as the young man bowed his head. "I just always get who and what I want." Naruto smirked, his dark eyes lightless in the dim glow of the room. Kenji's face twisted into snarl as fear clutched his heart tightly with icy, cold fingers. Naruto bent his face lower, grabbing hold of Kenji's square jaw. "And what I want is a beautiful, golden eyed Shiori."
Naruto raised the pistol, pointing it at the spot between the young redhead's eyes. Death was encroaching upon him and though every instinct within him screamed to fight and live… Kenji knew he was outdone, he had lost too much blood and his limbs felt lax. If it were not for the two burly men holding him up, he would be sprawled out on the floor. He just simply could not fight back, anger filling him.
"Any last words Himura?" Naruto asked him, a smug smile painted across his fair face.
Kenji looked up at the man holding his life within his hands. All his anger, every frustration of that moment was focused directly into the heated gaze of the dark eyed man. Kenji didn't care about the blood that ran down his cheek, didn't care about the pain in his side or arms, everything was just anger… anger and hatred.
Naruto unconsciously took a step back away from the furious young man with golden eyes like a wild animal. A shiver of fear slithered up his spine and locked his feet into place. He could not tear his eyes away from such spiteful eyes, for they filled him with fear…but also with fascination.
"I won't let you have her." The words were confident. They were strong. But most of all, they were terrifying.
Naruto snarled at his impudence and pulled the trigger…
And then it all went black…
August 10, Meiji 31 (1901)
Musabi Mariana was Russian by birth and Japanese only by marriage. Therefore, she was ostracized by the Japanese society, however well off her husband was. The pretty woman with striking emerald eyes and peppered brown hair had once found herself in a bind. Her carriage had been over taken by bandits threatening to do her harm and forcing her husband to pay a handsome sum for her return, though not safely. She had been frightened out of her wits, but before even one man was able to lay a finger on her, one very small woman had saved her.
The plump woman remembered that night clearly… the full moon had shone on the silver pistol, the gleam only reflecting in the mad eyes of the stranger pointing it towards her. He remarked that if she did not comply quietly, the bullet would pierce her heart. As she nodded frighteningly, the moon disappeared behind the moving clouds above and a shadow whisked by, quickly snatching the gun from the brute. The fight that ensued was over in a matter of seconds and the shadow was the only one standing.
Mariana had held her breath as the moon reappeared and bathed the petite figure as she turned around. Pale yellow eyes locked onto her dark ones as her savior's skin glowed white in the darkness. She asked if the Russian woman was okay, never moving from her post. Only one thought had crossed her mind at that moment. An angel had come to save her.
Fujita Shiori had waltzed back into her life the next day, as her husband introduced his partner's fiancée. The older woman had smiled and commented on how delighted she was that Naruto had found such a woman to marry. Shiori had merely smiled, knowing that Mariana would never say a word on who had saved her the night before.
The little angel that had walked into her life that night now sat before her vanity as Mariana brushed the silken locks away from her pale face. This wedding party was a gift of thanks to the young woman, though it was outlined as something else entirely, but only she and Shiori needed to know that.
Mrs. Musabi glanced into the mirror and noticed that the dark haired woman's shoulders were rigid in the beautiful red European dress. The older woman began her complicated hairstyle while she prodded for the sudden nervousness. "What's wrong, darling? You are so tense."
Her thickly accented voice washed over Shiori and honey colored eyes gazed back at her through the mirror. "I'm afraid." She said simply.
"Of embarrassing yourself?"
Shiori mutely nodded. It was not a lie per se, however that was not what terrified the small woman. 'Can I forget you, Kenji?' Tears welled up again in her eyes and she blinked, making them disappear. 'Can I really love someone else other than you?'
"Good." Shiori looked at the woman again, confusion evident in her eyes. The older woman laughed, her voice sounding like old church bells, lovingly worn. "Fear is an indication of good sense, my dear. It shows maturity, especially to admit it." Shiori had never though of it that way. Her father hated fear and cowardice. Mariana continued on breaking Shiori's thoughts. "However, you must not let fear control you, because once it does, it becomes cowardice. And you, darling, are anything but a coward." Mariana pinned the ornate braid to the back of her head with a golden comb and pulled away from the fascinated girl. "There, all done."
Shiori rose and looked at herself fully in the mirror. Slightly reddened, honey colored eyes stared back at her pale face, while pink lips sighed. "Thank you, Musabi-san. It looks beautiful."
Marina smiled and pulled the girl with her. "Come. It is time to show them what a beautiful girl you are and how lucky Naruto-kun is to have you."
Before the petite woman was dragged away, she looked at herself once more. 'Kenji, I will forget you tonight. I'll replace that painful memory with this new one… and I will move on.'
Upon her immediate arrival, the bride-to-be was swarmed with congratulations and suggestions on what to do and what not to do. Some things that were suggested just made the girl blush scarlet while Naruto, who literally had to swim his way over to her, chuckled while he gave her a reassuring smile. More than anything, Shiori was nervous, not because of all the officials and high society that insisted to speak with her, it was that she was the center of all their attention. Under their scrutiny, the petite girl could not hide, something she very much disliked.
Naruto had been watching her with hawk-like eyes, giving all who came to give their regards only cursory glances. Shiori felt his gaze on her and turned, giving him a happy smile. His insides melted at the act and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Naruto loved her with all that he was. She was his light in the overwhelming darkness that threatened to consume him. She was his anchor when he felt as though his sanity would just sail away. She was his everything and he would do anything for her.
His heart wrenched as the thought swam by. He had caused her pain beforehand when he had taken away the man she was promised to and would cause her more pain once more, as he took away the last man she cared for. However, it was a small price to pay for the Naruto would make it up to her. He would be the man she loved more than anything and he would make it up to Shiori for the rest of her life.
The older man unconsciously squeezed the small hand in his once more, causing the owner to look at him curiously. "Naruto?" She asked, worry evident in her beautiful eyes.
Naruto looked apologetically at the three women gathered before his promised bride. "I'm sorry ladies, but I must steal my fiancée away for a romantic moment." The older ladies giggled behind their fans and Shiori blushed. Naruto pulled her away, leading her straight to the balcony overlooking a European garden below. A full moon spilled its silver glow onto the closed flowers and trees. Spring was far away and the flowers would not bloom into their full glory until much later, still there was a beauty held within the sleeping garden that had the couple in soft awe.
"It's beautiful." Shiori whispered, almost afraid her voice alone would awaken the dormant garden. Naruto murmured his agreement, though he had long turned from the garden's splendor to watch something much more lovely. Shiori caught his dark gaze and blushed slightly before smiling and shaking her head. "Baka." She commented offhandedly.
The comment had the older man chuckling as he pulled the smaller girl into his embrace, burying his nose within the crown of her dark hair. She let him, though he felt her resist slightly. It was something small that suddenly made Naruto realize a very important detail. He smiled, letting her free to dance away from his grasp. Shiori swirled around to look at him directly, her eyes darting to the glass doors that barely kept them separated from the others waltzing away to the music. It was a constant game they played. She'd let him get away with as much as she wanted him to and there was nothing he could do about it.
It had been that way for a long time, more so after the disappearance of Himura Kenji. Before she would never let him flirt with her too long, always denying him anything more than friendship. After her acceptance to marriage the raven-haired girl let him hold her hand often, hug her occasionally, yet never let him kiss her. The one time he had attempted it, she had turned her face, "letting" his lips land on her cheek. For days afterwards, Shiori kept a safe distance from him, letting him know she did not appreciate his loving gesture. She knew why she did it. He knew why she did it.
"I am a fool." Naruto commented, watching her full lips turn down into a reprimanding frown. 'I'm a fool for thinking that you'd just forget about him. A fool for hurting someone like you but one day you'll understand. You'll understand why I did what I've done, what I'll do for you to love me and only me. You are mine Fujita Shiori. No one else can have you. No one.'
Shiori hated it when he became self-inflicting. She knew of his hard life, the love he never knew, the loneliness that he endured for so long. It was what made her want to coddle him, what drew her towards those haunting blue eyes. There was something so painfully hidden there that it hurt to look at him directly. Hurt to watch his eyes turn black with self-loathing. Shiori only wished he'd tell her what he hated so much about himself so that she could help him. She wanted to help him. Wanted to…
Shiori's thoughts died in her head as the face before her changed into a young redhead with the same saddened eyes. The dark haired woman turned around exposing her silk covered back to the man she had befriended but yet to love. 'Damn you Kenji! You've stained me with your blood!' The familiar prickling of tears was shoved down roughly as she took a steady breath. "Please don't say such things, Naruto. Don't belittle yourself so much." She smiled over her shoulder at the handsome young man and he smiled back, his dark eyes lighting with something she didn't understand. "Come dear, I think it's time we returned from this 'romantic' interlude. People with gossip."
Naruto chuckled. "Let them. It is much more interesting to be here with you than with those silly ladies offering their 'advice'." Shiori pouted, a pink blush covering her fine cheeks. The older man laughed out loud at her childish expression, letting the weight fall off his shoulders with each sound. Tonight he would forget about the events to come. Tonight he would enjoy her smiles and bright eyes. Tonight he would make sure she was happy.
"Shiori, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine." Naruto pulled on her arm gently, gaining her attention before directing it to a tall blond man around his age. "Derek von Schneider." Derek was… imposing. He was a good foot taller than Shiori and had golden spun hair that outlined his pale, square face. Cold blue eyes, framed by thick dark lashes, were set into finely chiseled face. Everything about the older man screamed stoic seriousness even from her height below Shiori felt belittled and under severe scrutiny.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Miss Fujita." Derek gave a small bow from his waist, which Shiori returned stiffly. His voice was smooth as silk but brushed against her as sharply as a sword. It froze her heart and sent goosebumps down her spine. The petite woman could not understand her dislike of him however every sense was on alert and her nerves tingled dangerously. This was not a man to be trusted.
"The honor is mine, Mr. Schneider." The younger woman smoothly replied, not letting his unsettling presence be known. Derek's eyes narrowed ever so slightly but nevertheless turned to his friend. Naruto was either oblivious to the short interaction between the two or choose to ignore it as he continued on.
"These are some of my business partners." Honey colored eyes flickered briefly on the faces of the men gathered. She recognized one as Musabi-san, Mariana's husband and Naruto's main business partner, while the others were a mix of foreigners she did not know. Naruto directed his gaze to a plump, elderly man in his late sixties with peppered brown hair and a thick, dark mustache against a pudgy, red face. "Mr. Nikolai Kruseher.
"Mr. Kruseher is in the railway business, my dear." Once again Shiori felt her face flush slightly at the endearment used in front of so many people. Naruto chuckled at her embarrassment, finding it rather pleasant. "He was helping with the Trans-Siberian railway."
Kruseher seemed to puff out his broad chest and huff in annoyance. And Shiori noticed, much to her own amusement that his mustache twitched when he spoke. "A pleasure, I'm sure." He did not bow nor give any other customary sign of greeting and the way his gruff voice greeted her made it seem as if he was bothered by her presence. Shiori, however, bowed in respect to the older man, murmuring out another modest greeting, desperately trying to ignore his rudeness.
Kruseher, Shiori would notice much later, was constantly in a sour mood and drunk. He was a Russian with much to say about the Japanese and their treatment against Russians. He had much to say about the Russians in general. Apparently he was very fond of his mother country and was quite adamant to share this with everyone. Mariana would also later comment that he was just a pompous old coot who had too much to drink that night and not enough sense for anything other than bragging about his 'Mother Russia.'
Naruto patted his companion's hand in apology and appraisal. She had handled herself so well under the beady gaze and harsh words. He barreled on before Mr. Kruseher could insult her any more. Quickly addressing the American in the group he brought the young woman's attention on the scrawny man with a kind face and mousy brown hair. "This is Mr. William Smith. He is the vice president of a segment of the Standard Oil Company."
Mr. Smith smiled warmly at Shiori. "We like to just call it 'Chevron'." (This is a joke… laugh people.)*
There was something about this man, like the others, that struck Shiori. It was an odd, yet not foreboding, sense. It was as if the forty-year-old man knew something that she did not. However, Naruto did not stop speaking.
"He has quite a few of ranches as well. Don't you, Mr. Smith?"
The fairly tall man nodded in agreement as he faced Shiori. "I have a few cattle ranches and one horse ranch that is becoming greatly outdated."
"My apologies, Mr. Smith." Her eyes narrowed just a fraction as she stared into his steel, gray eyes. "Though I do believe that it will continue to prosper in this new age." She gave him a bright smile that spoke of never ending hope. It caused him to frown slightly.
"Yes, I do believe so, Ms. Fujita." There was a small pause as if he was contemplating his next few words. "I've recently taken up a new partner, a bright young man named Ken Hudson."
Musabi's dark colored eyes widened tremendously at the name. "You don't quite mean THE Ken Hudson?" Shiori looked up bewildered at Naruto, hoping for some explanation but was greatly surprised at his equally confused expression.
Fortunately the thin Japanese continued on rather enthusiastically. "They say he defeated fifty bandits with just one bullet!" After briefly considering his sanity, all the heads in the small group turned to Mr. Smith.
The thin man smiled sheepishly. "Well he is quite a talented youth. He also stopped some thieving bandits on our way here tonight." Shiori could almost see the sweat drop that slid down the side of the man's head.
Derek gave a soft 'hmm' that had everyone's attention. "Didn't he also suggest that your metal works company help in building the Trans-Siberian railway? And suggest that Standard go to Australia?"
"Preposterous! An American suggest such a thing?!" Mr. Kruseher didn't hear the collected group sigh, it didn't seem to bother the American businessman standing next the flustered Russian.
"Actually Mr. Hudson did. Which is why I asked if you'd like to build a car company down there, Mr. Schneider." Mr. Smith smiled some more at the statuesque German.
Naruto chuckled at his companions. "I see. So we owe Mr. Hudson a great deal of thanks for not only improving our businesses but also helping my Uncle with political peace."
Musabi blinked once. "What do you mean?"
Naruto gave him a watery smile that Shiori knew too well. More often than not Naruto's uncle would use his business as a mean to help in his political gains. This happened more when Naruto had inherited his parent's metal works factory at too early an age. Now that he was old enough to make his own decisions about his business, Naruto tried to stay away from political affairs as much as he could. Yet his uncle always found ways to use Naruto. Not even something as sacred as his nephew's marriage was out of his political reach.
"Ah nothing. Do not worry about it Musabi-san." Naruto patted Shiori's hand again as she squeezed his arm in soft comfort before turning back to the vice president. "Now tell us truthfully, Mr. Smith. I doubt all those tales are true. How can one man stop fifty bandits with just a single bullet?"
"Ah well. I'd much rather prefer if he were to tell you the story Mr. Murasaki." Smith smiled benignly. "I do hope you don't mind. I invited him to accompany me on this trip."
"How wonderful." Shiori smiled unsure of the sudden queasy feeling that filled the pit of her stomach. "I would very much like to meet him and invite him to our wedding. Don't you agree, Naruto?" She looked up demurely a small smile tugging at her soft lips.
Naruto nodded smiling. "Aa. He can then regale us with his tales of adventure." The men laughed as Smith nodded.
"Well then," The attention was turned back to the wiry man. "I shall go fetch the young lad and bring him here." The man bowed slightly and departed to another part of the large ballroom in search for the mysterious Ken Hudson. The group continued their conversation as Mariana and her friend, Elena Kruseher, joined the group. Shiori spoke with the women, slightly surprised that anyone had married the uncouth Russian. But even as the conversations dwindled to gossip and politics, Shiori could feel the cool gaze of the German businessman. She did not know why Derek found it much more interesting to glare at her backside, or face whichever she was facing at the time, but it did not help to ease the sense of apprehension that increased every second.
"I hear the Chinese Rebellion has died down a bit." Naruto asked, looking directly at Kruseher. The Russian didn't meet his gaze instead he was focused on the newest member of the small group, a British politician by the name of Arthur Phillips, good friend to British Prime minister Lord Salisbury.
"Ah, but I'm quite sure those crafty Chinks are just waiting for a perfect moment to strike." The British man nodded, ignoring the Russian completely. Naruto was very tempted to roll his eyes at the childishness in the two grown men. Parties like these were very much common in such times as these. Usually the main groups that were currently arguing, threatening, or warring stayed away from each other, spreading rumors and gossip to the other party attendants or becoming like a wall of pleasantries towards each other, after which they would continue the hate and resentment.
"Quite true. Though I doubt the Americans will let them." Musabi added in.
"I agree. They showed how serious they were by sending in so many troops." Derek tried to interject, sensing his friend's distress on the delicate relationships currently gathered in.
"Humph! Those Americans don't quite give a damn about anyone but themselves!" Kruseher struck again and this time the British politician couldn't have agreed more.
Naruto gave a small moan. "At least the French are not here." He muttered softly, earning a giggle from his young bride. He smiled then, the tension of the evening leaving at her tinkling voice. Derek frowned, letting his gaze land once again on the young woman who seemed to be partially listening to both conversations.
"Oh come now. Surely we are not all that bad." Smith had returned and the group shuffled ever so slightly to see his most awaited companion. "Am I correct, Mr. Hudson?"
"Of course my friend."
Shiori's heart stopped just as the conversation with the two Russian women came to an abrupt end. She knew that voice. It haunted her frequently in her dreams. She dared not breath as she turned around to face what she feared. To Shiori the world came to a halt. It dimmed away until there was nothing but darkness. Sounds abruptly disappeared, leaving her in the despairing void alone. Her heart stopped beating and breathing became non-existent within the eternal silence. She then blinked. The world spun around her again faster, brighter, and louder than before, as if making up for the lost time. Her heart hammered in her chest, threatening to burst free from its confines as her lungs struggled to inhale the solid-like air. Unseen pressures seemed to be determined to crush her very soul. And she blinked again.
The world stilled once more, regaining its previous speed and noise, leaving the small girl in shock, numb to her surroundings but mostly to herself. Her throat dried and her knees refused to hold up her sudden weight so she leaned more on Naruto praying that this was all some very bad dream.
"Mr. Ken Hudson, I presume?" Naruto said softly, not at all at ease with the smiling young redhead before him. He felt Shiori's nails sink deeper into his arms and the slight sway she had, before turning to face the glittering amber eyes of her former lover.
Kenji felt the small hairs on his neck stand on end as Shiori casually leaned further onto her fiancé. His blood boiled in anger and he ached to just twist her arm until she cried for mercy. But not before he disposed of the fool that wished to take her from him. Shiori was his, would always be his until the day she drew her last breath.
"I am." He replied just as stiffly and a bit more coolly. A soft tug on his arm reminded him that not only was he not alone but that he should remain calm in this situation. Slowly he turned his finely defined face to his female companion, swathed in the bluest of blues. "This is Aoi." Kenji paused letting his golden eyes flicker towards a pair of dull brown ones. "My wife."
---- tsudzuku ----
*Standard Oil Company was, I think, either owned by Rockefeller or bought by him. After the law of monopolizing took effect the oil company was divided into smaller ones one of which was called Chevron. Hence the stupid joke. ^^;;
Arrigato Gozaimasu!
JadeGoddess- So far Saitou is not dead and neither is Kenshin. ^-^ Sorry if I get really confusing since I jump from one year to the next in almost every chapter! Usually look at the heading dates they are the indicators to let you know which year I am talking about. Gomen for being so confusing! Thank you so much for reviewing!
darktenshi- Hee hee! I love Souzo too. I feel so bad for him too... He's so much like a big brother to Shiori that she can't reciprocate his feelings... that she wants to anyway... Er... Well judging by the ending I don't think them meeting is a very good thing at this point. Kenji just doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut! Thank you for reviewing!
Sabbie- LOL! Well hopefully that explained a little about his year off and er... missing! LOL! ^-^
Leila Winters- HUGS!! ^-^ Sorry about all the trouble... and the long wait! ^^;;
Andrea- Hee hee... Thanks for reviewing!
Tanuki-dono- HUGS!!! UPDATE CDRS!!! ::shakes fist:: We're both so slow... wahh! ;_; but it's all worth it in the end... well your story is worth waiting around for! ^-^
naixil- Aww!! Thank you for reading my RK stories! I'm glad you liked Heart as well! Eh heh... Kenji and Shiori's encounter is, as you can see, less than speticaular... ^^;; But will they work out? Ah... that is the mystery, ne? Thank you for reviewing!! ^-^
purplechan7- I'm so happy you like my story! ^-^ I'm going as fast as I can that I am! ^^;; Unfortunately this last muse just about killed me! HOWEVER! I will continue writing and pick up my snail pace that I seem to be going at right now. Enjoy this chapter and as for the rest of your questions.... you'll just have to wait and see, ne? ^.~
Firuze Khanume- BIG HUGE HUG!! Thank you so much for commenting and telling me not to give up! I don't think Saitou ever had a daughter. It was more of an idea that popped into my head one day while watching Kenshin and him argue/fight. But you're right maybe I should just make a note but I really don't think that should have to especially since this is taking over after the manga ended. If there are some historical inaccuracies it is because I can't avoid them. There is a RK-esque plot here that I'm trying to make interesting and sometimes history just has to bend a little ne? Anyway, I'm over that review. I just want to make a fun story that has love, action, and the Kenshin-gumi in it! lol! Besides this is Fan FICTION I should be able to write whatever I want ne? *sigh* People... ANYWAY! I'm glad you still like this story! And I will be going into Enishi's past and why he has kids, etc... I hope it will pass you're approval! ^^;; Thank you again for reviewing!
Ladymercury1- O_O In one sitting?!? ::amazed blush:: Su-sugoi!! HUGS!! I'm so glad you like my stories! You don't know how happy that makes me! Thank you so much for reviewing and letting me know! ^-^
meant2Bmatched- Ah! I'm sorry that I took so long but Kenji and Shiori are being so difficult with me! ;_; Thank you so much for reviewing!
Ruki Lee/Rika Wong- Ah!! No, no Mary Sues! I'm trying to keep the people that like her to a bare minimum and only for character development reasons or to push the story further. As far as her looks go... I'm just trying to push for the fact that Saitou's wife was very beautiful which is a joke in of its self. ^^;; My humor is rather odd... But thank you for reminding me!! ^^;; The last thing I want is for her to turn into a Mary Sue! I actually like this OC! So I'll keep my eye out and make sure that only those three that are in love with her! ^-^ Thanks for reviewing! ^-^
Little swordfighter- YAY!! Welcome back! ::returns hug just as tightly:: Thanks for reviewing the end of Heart too! ^-^ Yeah Kenshin is still alive. ::blush::
Bio-Nic- Yeah, this story is far from what Heart was. What do you mean by "Your rather abrupt with the details in the story, it could use a little more detail..." Do you mean as in the characters? Or the backgrounds? Or the stage setting? Emotional details? Nani? Nani? I would really like to know so I can improve! ::pumps fist in the air:: Thank you so much for pointing that out though! I'll make sure to keep my eyes open for areas that lack better description of what happened and what not! ^-^
QueenKagom- ::blush:: More than My Life? ::faints:: Nervous breakdown? Oh brother you don't know the half of it! LOL! Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like my story that much! ^-^
jbramx2- HUGS!! You draw so beautifully!!! I saw your work at DeviantArt but I never commented! ;_; I'll do that soon!! LOL!! Shiori attracts older men because of her personality... she's so serious! Yes! The ending to all the events is coming soon! Now that this chapter is finished it is just going to start going backwards! And yes they are all on the same day/evening which is really confusing but I couldn't think of writing it any other way! Thanks for reviewing twice! I can't wait to see more of your artwork!! \ ^0^ / Yatta!