AN: Well... this chapter came out longer than I thought. O___O And Ch.6 looks like it's going to take a while too since I have to start over. Stupid me accidentally deleted it when all it needed was another scene to be finished. __
Sins of the Fathers
Ch.5
August 10, Meiji 31 (1901)
"This is Aoi…My wife."
Kumiko tried her very best to smile and not whip her head around while letting her jaw slack open and her blue eyes widen in surprise. He was to introduce her as his cousin, his sister, anything that was separate from him yet not. Nevertheless, he changed the plan without telling anyone and for what reason she honestly couldn't tell. 'What is he doing? Himura Kenji you better have a good reason…' However, a small part of her cheered in loving excitement that Kenji had called her his wife especially in front of her.
Kumiko eyed Shiori conspicuously as she bowed and greeted the other guests. Shiori was rather thin and small, probably only reaching her shoulders if standing side by side. Her skin was pale and she had obsidian colored locks pulled from her sharp face in braids and curls while full pink lips turned upwards into a soft smile. Thick, dark lashes framed her large, honey colored eyes and lit from the bottom the taller woman turned her attention to her rival. Kumiko could admit that she had a pretty face, yet her figure was fuller on the bottom than the top. 'This is really her? This is whom Kenji-sama ignores me for? Baka.' Kumiko remembered briefly the moment she had learned about the petite woman and Kenji's rejection of her feelings. The words he so cruelly spat out at her.
"There is someone else I love, Kumiko—someone more beautiful than you."
Kumiko tried not to glare but she couldn't really help it. The female ninja had imagined someone much more… impressive and was disappointed at this 'beauty' Kenji cared for. The dark haired woman then fixed her gaze on the one man that she hated, Murasaki Naruto.
It was all done out of spite—all her pain, despair, torture, all because of one small, little girl. Kumiko's hard blue gaze drifted back towards Shiori who meet her gaze briefly before turning away. 'What is so special about her?' She practically hissed to herself. Kumiko made herself a promise then. She would find out about this small woman and crush her existence from Kenji's mind.
Shiori tried to remember to breathe, but it was very difficult to when one's heart stopped beating.
"My wife."
The words kept churning in her head entangling themselves within her nerves and veins. They immobilized her, stabbed at her heart, and grasped her thin neck firmly, ready to break it. 'Why? Why is this happening?' Dark blue eyes gazed into her own and Shiori could only look into them briefly. She turned her saddened gaze towards Naruto in hopes that it would be mistaken for a loving glance. But Shiori could not keep from glimpsing the beautiful woman from the corner of her eyes.
Aoi was tall and slender compared to Shiori. The dark blue dress stretched over full breasts and shapely hips all the while bringing out the twin pools framed by thick, dark lashes. Long dark hair was swept up and away from the heart-shaped face as twin red lips smiled serenely against her creamy complexion. Shiori could not compare. Aoi was truly a stunning young woman to behold.
Tears pricked at her honey colored eyes and she batted them away. 'NO! No tears! Not for him! Not for HIM!' Shiori tried to muster the courage to stand tall against all that Kenji had thrown at her. She refused to let him be her downfall. 'I am in charge of my own destiny… I will not cower to YOU!'
Kenji had been coaxed into telling one of his stories and Shiori tried to listen. She tried to not let the closeness of the two bodies before her remind her of all her short-comings. She tried. She really tried.
"Fujita-san?" Derek's voice broke through her negating thoughts. For once she was grateful for the cold tones he spoke in. They felt refreshing within her darkening vision. "Are you feeling well? You seem a little pale."
Any thoughts of ever being nice to the blond German quickly left her mind to be replaced with dark thoughts. 'Just make it more obvious you dimwit!' A part of her relaxed as Shiori realized that she still had not lost herself within the agony of betrayal. All her tormenting thoughts focused solely on him and her eyes flashed gold before she smiled at him kindly. "I do feel a little faint." Kenji's eyes landed on her and she gave him a small smirk hidden beneath a kind smile. "I suppose your stories are too exciting for me, Mr. Hudson."
Kumiko gave the petite woman a smile than bordered on feral. "I see. Such stories are too strong for such a fragile heart." Shiori inwardly bristled at the mocking words.
Naruto did not like the tone of voice the young woman took while speaking the words and glared at her slightly before speaking in Shiori's defense. "Ah yes, my dear, a lady such as yourself should not listen to these stories. Your heart is much too kind and gentle for such things." Kenji snorted softly at the words. Derek merely raised a thin, blond brow as everyone else tried to ignore the veiled insults.
Shiori took a deep breath and gazed at Naruto, softly applying pressure on his arm to get his attention. "Anata," Kenji growled lowly enough for her to hear. "Anata, would you please take me outside for some fresh air? All this excitement is leaving me faint."
Shiori never missed a chance to go to the theatre in Japan nor in her stay in Europe. There was something about the actors that she could relate to. How they always played the parts that were needed though in truth they were someone completely different.
"Of course, darling." Naruto turned to his guests, nodding to them slightly. "If you'll excuse us…" Shiori was quite grateful and was so relieved that she did not notice the same look of relief pass through her fiancé's handsome face.
"Ah, Mr. Murasaki! Just the man I was looking for!" Naruto turned his head slowly, biting back curses. On his left stood a skinny, little man with balding grey hair and bright blue eyes. Next to the British man stood another foreigner with darkly tanned skin and thin, black eyes. "Do you have a moment? I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Talbot, our foreign ambassador from the Australian Republic."
"How do you do Murasaki-san?" The older man said in near perfect Japanese.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Talbot-san. However, I am—"
"Murasaki-san, if you don't mind I'll escort Fujita-san outside." Kenji strode over to the small group extending his arm out towards Shiori. The small girl, in turn, looked at the out stretched arm as one would look at a poisonous snake.
Naruto's jaw clenched tightly, the muscles in his jaw jumping. "Thank you for your offer, Mr. Hudson. Though I'm sure your wife would feel a little awkward by herself." Naruto's dark eyes dared Kenji to make a move against such a blatant remark.
Kenji just smiled casually and turned towards the blue eyed woman. "Aoi, darling, do you mind if I escorted Ms. Fujita?" His amber colored eyes were focused on her intently.
Internally, Kumiko did mind. However, that was not what the true objective of this whole farce, so she smiled and shook her head softly. "Not at all, anata." She drawled the last part watching as the petite woman's eyes narrowed slightly.
Kenji merely raised a thin brow before turning back towards Naruto. "Well then, now that that's settled. Shall we Fujita-san?" Again he extended his arm and Shiori gazed at it with the most curious expression on her fair face.
'Do not take it, Shiori.' Naruto chanted as he gazed down into her light brown eyes. Shiori gave him an apologetic look before accepting the proffered arm. The two walked towards the outside gardens, leaving an immensely agitated Naruto.
Nothing was said between the two as they walked towards the gardens. Shiori was trying very hard to ignore the warmth of his body next to hers. She tried to ignore just how right it felt to be there beside him, the feeling of his strong arm underneath the soft fabrics, the tears that collected at the corners of her eyes, the sharp pain in her chest, the raw, choking feeling in her throat. Shiori tried to ignore it all.
She didn't understand how her heart could feel so raw and yet numbness had spread through her. It was as if she was twelve all over again and she had to play the game of masks and emotions… never showing how she truly felt inside. A part of her wanted to cry out and show Kenji her pain and suffering, however her pride would not let her break down in front of the redhead.
This charade, the raven haired woman had nearly perfected. It was what had kept her sane when her father ignored her while she was young and now here… when her heart was broken. It seemed her fate was to always carry the two faces of her soul, the wolf and the lamb. Yet, the question was which would win… the darker, malicious side of her that believed in truth and justice… or the lamb that saw harmony and kindness. Shiori herself did not know yet and could only watch as her soul battled within itself trying to comply with the situation at hand.
Kenji gazed down at her as they exited the main ballroom. The young Himura studied her face as he escorted her down to the fountain in the center of the garden. There was such a serious expression carved on her pretty face. Yet he could still see the dark circles under her eyes, the glint of exhaustion within the brown pools. Moonlight stroked her pale cheeks and his heart fluttered slightly as she gazed up at him with those same sad brown eyes of long ago. Kenji wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms and hold her.
"Shiori," He whispered huskily, causing a small blush to form on her cheeks.
"Leave me alone." Shiori hissed angrily, looking away from him and his piercing gaze. Her heart threatened to leave her chest as her stomach flopped around nervously. She cursed at her body's reactions mentally and then proceeded to curse Kenji for making her feel this way.
"Don't be like this." Kenji touched her chin and Shiori jerked away from his electrifying touch. "I just wish to talk to you." He whispered again, his words laced with the softest of concerns.
Shiori huffed, lifting her pointed nose to the night sky. "There is nothing that you can say that I would wish to hear." Again a poisonous acid wrapped around her words, causing Kenji to flinch.
The youngest Himura studied the petite woman briefly, gauging his words. "I just wanted to warn you." Twin pools of gold stared at him before subtly changing to warm browns.
"Warn me? Warn me against what?" Her dark brows knitted together and her full lips turned downwards. Kenji watched all this with interest, memorizing each wrinkle and crease of her pale face.
"Naruto. He is…" Kenji paused looking for a word that would keep Shiori away from the man but not put her in jeopardy. "Dangerous."
Shiori's eyes changed drastically from the dark browns to light gold. The tall redhead found it mesmerizing as he watched them flicker to life with an internal fire. Her lips formed a tight line of displeasure while her jaw clenched tightly, causing the muscles to flutter slightly.
"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, Himura Kenji." Her tone was low but hard and her back stiffly straight. Inwardly Shiori could not believe that this was even happening. First he appears after a year's absence with a wife and now he warns that her husband-to-be was dangerous? 'What are you up to?'
"Do you love him so much that you are blind to him and his ways?" Kenji growled out softly his chest constricting at the thought of her caring so greatly for that beast of a man. The older man searched her eyes for any emotion but found that they were carefully guarded suddenly.
"No!" Shiori spat out, infuriated with the redhead to clearly think of a better answer.
"What?" Hope fluttered within his chest and Kenji suddenly felt light headed. His knees wobbled slightly but he took a step closer to her. It felt as if everything had come down to this one moment and all he wanted to hear was for Shiori to say three, small words that would acclaim to his ownership of her heart.
Meanwhile, Shiori cursed her own stupidity and took a deep shuddering breath while she pouted in annoyance. "I meant I am not blind to him." The harsh tone vanished as if it was a ghost and a new, more serious tone replaced it.
"I know that Naruto has a rather bad temper but he is a good man with a good heart." Shiori just could not believe that same man she knew could be dangerous… besides she had checked his background, as well as her father, and there was nothing serious that he had done to alarm her.
"Everyone has their faults and Naruto is no less… yet that does not make him a dangerous man." Sad, dark eyes swam before her vision and her heart ached. He was merely someone living in another's shadow... very much like Kenji often did. Naruto was misunderstood and alone… so much like Kenji was. Shiori could never escape the redhead's presence, it seemed. 'Oh Kenji… why couldn't it have been you I would marry?'
Kenji's anger flared at her words but his heart stopped at her expression. There was a soft sadness filled with love painted across her face. It was the expression of someone who cared and adored another so very much. Kenji could feel the prickling sensation within the corner of his eyes but he banished them with a blink. The cross scarred redhead roughly grabbed her arm in anger, drawing her closer to him.
"Let me go!" Shiori cried out. Panic swept through her at his sudden change in attitude. She could see how angry he was within his golden eyes. It caused her breath to hitch and her voice to fail. She was brought back to her senses when Kenji tightened his grip on her arm, causing her to wince. "You're hurting me!"
"Do you love him?" He forced out through gritted teeth. He was afraid of the answer but he needed to know; to know straight from her and no one else. "Do you love him?" He repeated, his breath sweeping past her ear.
"I don't have to answer you." Shiori glared, trying to push herself away from the hold he had her in. His breath sent goose bumps down her skin and made her want to kiss him. No, she had to push those thoughts away. She had to get away from him.
"It's a simple question. Surely you can answer that. Do you love him?" Kenji would not relax his grip on her forearm nor would he let her escape the confines of his arms. He wanted so much to smother her in his embrace till she became a part of him.
"Are you mocking me?" The smoldering gaze he sent her made her forget to struggle.
"I'm serious, Shiori. I want to know. Do you or do you not love him?"
"Why should it matter to you? Need I remind you that you are a married man, Mr. Hudson and that my affairs are my own." With that she pulled herself free with a mighty shove, placing a great distance between herself and the object of her body's desire.
"Shiori…" Kenji growled out, frustrated at the honey eyed woman. She had not answered his questions, which only lead to more confusion on his part. If Shiori had loved the man she was to marry she would have said so immediately… wouldn't she?
Shiori sniffed, lifting her chin up, exposing her long white neck, her golden eyes blazing with fury. "If you must know, Naruto is worth every single drop of my love." 'Yet I cannot give it to him… I can never give it to him. Because of you… because you still run through my veins and breathe into my soul. Damn you Kenji. How dare you invade me so!'
Her words angered him. They made his skin crawl with hate and fury. He wanted nothing but to shake her till her breath hitched, till she took back those words. Surely he could do that… however, he could never take that look out of her eyes. Pain, anger, hate… it was all there, directed straight towards him. It was so much that it hurt to look into her eyes.
Kenji bowed his turned head. How badly he wanted to tell her that she was in danger. That he still loved her. But he couldn't bring the words to his lips. How could he tell her when she hated him so?
"If that is all, Mr. Hudson, I shall be taking my leave now." Shiori swiftly turned around, her skirt making a soft swishing sound as she trotted away from him. The small girl stopped her hands shaking slightly. "Congratulations on your marriage." Kenji's head snapped up, his golden eyes leveled on her back. "I hope it is a happy one." With that Shiori disappeared into the ballroom in search of her fiancé, leaving Kenji alone in the silent garden.
Misao briefly wondered if who ever was following her was ever going to attack her. Maybe they had just been told to follow her until a certain time or point. But a question still remained… why? What would they have to gain in just following her around? What were they looking for? Her mind spun with all the questions and the anxious nerves that threatened to consume her whole.
She turned down another alleyway before stepping out into the city street. She looked around at her surroundings, wondering where she was within the city. There were fewer people here mingling and talking with each other. Restaurants lined the stone cobbled street with other various shops and stands, most of them where new. Japan's rush to modernize and become assimilated by the Western businesses ruined old beauties and created even more distractions. Further down the road the tiled roof of a temple rose above the smaller buildings that littered the landscape. It was then that she had realized that she had unconsciously taken the route that lead to Aoshi's favorite temple. The small breath she had been holding came out in a relieved rush.
The small, married ninja never wanted to see Aoshi appear suddenly than she did at that moment. A cold chill filled her heart. What if who they were looking for was Aoshi and they knew to get him through her? Misao's green eyes widened at the thought, as her heart began to beat faster.
"Aoshi…" Her whisper was carried away in the wind as she hesitantly took a step forward. Her heartbeat quickened with every step she took, making her feel light-head and dizzy. 'What if they are after Aoshi? What will you do Misao?'
"Mommy! Mommy!" The small voice of a child distracted her thoughts briefly as she watched a small girl tug on the kimono sleeves of her mother. "What's that?" She pointed to a doll that was dressed in dark cloth completely leaving only a gap where two black eyes peeked through. A silver forehead protector expanding over the girth of the forehead with the symbol of Japan's rising sun imprinted on the metal.
The aging woman looked at it briefly before turning her adoring gaze back to her child. "It's a ninja doll." She replied simply. The small child grew excited at the words, however, and admiring, looked back at the rather simple toy.
"When I grow up I want to be a ninja, too!" She exclaimed, causing the stand owner and her mother to chuckle.
'Kunoichi…female ninja…' Misao inwardly said those words as the mother promised her daughter that she would be a fine female ninja one day. The petite green eyed woman nodded to herself. 'Kunoichi… I am a ninja… I, too, can fight!' In that instant, Misao decided what her next course would be… she would confront her enemy. Her mind turned as she thought of various ways she could take the foreigner by surprise and what ninjitsus to use against her pursuer. A small smile spread against her pink lips as she hastened towards the temple building.
Aoshi arrived at the vegetable stall Misao had been to moments before with a look of calm anxiousness. A few minutes ago, a messenger had arrived with Misao's message as well the one that caused him to appear before the old woman. The taller man had left the others to deal with the assassination attempt that was to occur later tonight and then fled the compounds in hopes that his wife was smart enough to stay within visible sight.
The old woman smiled in recognition and grabbed his large hand, patting it affectionately. "Take to the alleys and be quick." There was no hidden meaning in her words just directions that caused his heart to quicken. Only when there was a dire strait were the ninjas allowed to speak so clearly, everything else was to be said in code… always.
"Thank you." Aoshi turned on his heel and inwardly cursed Misao for doing something so brash while praying that she was safe.
Misao hurried in through the gates and glanced at the empty courtyard. Usually there was a monk or two walking through, greeting any and all guests but there were none today. 'Is there something important today?' She briefly thought as she headed towards the praying alter. Jade eyes flashed left and right as her sandaled feet nosily clattered against the stone walkway. Women were not allowed within the temple building but allowed to loiter around the courtyard.
Part of her was relieved that there was no one around, yet, another part of her was terrified of the prospect. However, Misao steeled her resolve and moved forward. Her packaged hands loosened slightly as she effortlessly pulled her kunai free from her inner sleeves without drawing attention to her weapons. Her ears strained to listen to the heavy footsteps of her follower around the roaring of the blood in her ears. The petite ninja breathed in deeply and slowly attempted to calm her racing heart before stopping at the alter.
'Please watch over me Beshin, Hyotttoko, Shikijou, Hannya… Let me make you proud, Aoshi.'
Misao rang the bell once…
She concentrated on where the man following her was…
The bell rang twice…
Misao dropped her bags without care and spun around, sending her kunai flying. It startled the man that was ten feet away from her and he jumped away from the sharply pointed metal. The small female then jumped behind the alter, cursing the inventor of kimonos and they're ancestors. Drawing another handful of kunai, she peeked over the edge of the wooden alter and sent them towards the red haired man.
There was a string of curses followed by two shots and her scream. It seemed the man was carrying pistols in his long leather jacket. Another bullet grazed the top of her head as she tried to throw another set of weapons before ducking behind the safety of the alter.
Misao's mind raced as she loosened her obi and opened her kimono slightly to allow better leg movement. She felt movement above her and jumped out from behind the alter as the bells came crashing down on top of her. Never losing sight of her target, she ran as fast as she could throw her next set of arsenal at her assailant.
Four more shots rang out with her barely dodging them. Her foot then caught on the hem of her kimono as she tried to twist around to hide behind a thick tree. Misao sent out two thin, needle-like knives before crashing down to the ground with a yelp. She tried to stand back up quickly, but the strawberry blond was already upon her pointing a silver pistol between her eyes as his other hand bled softly from the wound caused by her needle projectiles.
'This is it…I'm sorry Aoshi… I guess I'm just not good enough.' She closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the final moment but it never came. There had been the sound of a shot that whizzed by her ear, embedding itself within the rough bark followed by a loud crash of bodies and grunts. Opening her jade colored eyes, Misao watched with shock as Aoshi and the foreigner wrestled with each other on the ground fighting for the upper hand. There were several punches and kicks sent towards the other but finally Aoshi rolled on top.
Shinomori Aoshi was furious. Not only had Misao nearly lost her life at the hands of this gaki, but she had almost died in the same manner as his other teammates. Aoshi sent a punch towards the young man beneath him that crushed his nose. Blood spurted from the wound as he cried out in pain. It was then followed by another and then another as rage consumed the usually stoic man.
"Aoshi!" Misao cried as she tried to hold the enraged man back. "Please stop! Aoshi!" By this time, many had gathered to see what the commotion was all about. The monks that knew Aoshi well were shocked by his primal behavior.
Aoshi didn't care if he killed the man. He tried to kill his wife and that was unforgivable in his book. The young man's face was starting to resemble a bloody mass of flesh as the blue eyed ninja continued his rein of powerful blows.
"Aoshi! Please STOP!" Misao threw herself onto her husband's back, gripping his waist tightly and burying her face between his shoulder blades. Aoshi froze at her actions and panted, trying to regain his sanity and breath. Blood covered his fists and he was aware of the bruise forming under his left eye.
The dark haired man took a shaky breath before standing abruptly. Misao started to let go of him only to be crushed within his embrace. Tears welled up in her dark eyes as he breathed words into her hair. Guilt built in her as she returned his embrace. How could she have ever doubted his love for her?
"He's still breathing, brother." A monk informed another, who nodded slightly, looking at the two lovers embracing.
"We must inform the proper authorities." Another monk agreed and left with his brethren to find a police officer. Other passersby had also left in search of some sort of authority to help out with the situation.
Aoshi and Misao finally broke apart after what seemed like an eternity. They stared into each others' eyes full of love and relief. Aoshi caressed her flushed cheek in his calloused hand, enjoying the softness of it.
"I'm sorry, Aoshi. I-I should never have gone on my own." Misao whispered softly, casting her green eyes downward.
"No. It is—" Aoshi never finished his sentence as a gun shot filled the air followed by several screams. The downed gunman smiled cruelly before passing out, his small derringer clattering on the cobbled ground.
"AOSHI!!" Misao cried, as blood splattered onto her fair face. The body of her husband crumpled as it fell forward like the heaviest of weights. The smaller woman immediately put her hands out to catch him. She let out a small gasp as Aoshi's muscular build threatened to crush her tiny body under its power.
"HELP!! Somebody help him!" Misao cried as people just stared at her struggling figure. "A Doctor! Get a doctor!" That statement shook a few people as they ran to help her lay the heavier man on the cold floor of the temple grounds. Others ran towards the nearest doctor in hopes of reaching them in time to save this life. However, in the end, it would be a useless effort.
"Aoshi! Open your eyes! Please!" The younger woman pillowed his dark head in her lap, silently praying. Dark blue eyes opened slowly to watch tear-filled jade eyes. A trembling smile filled her face as green eyes darkened. "Aoshi… anata… onegai…" Misao watched in fascination as blood bloomed from the wound in his chest and rapidly soaked the dark shirt he wore. There was so much blood…
It never occurred to Misao that this would be the last time she would speak to him again. She did not usually think she would ever see him die. She had too much hope in life for that. Even when Aoshi had disappeared for several years, there was that small hope that she'd see him again. That he would always prevail over any situation. Yet, where was that hope that she always held? Where had it hidden itself?
"Misao." Aoshi struggled to focus on the sad green eyes that hovered above him hazily.
"Shh! Don't talk Aoshi! Save your strength!" Misao pleaded while he gazed at her, a soft, lazy smile painted across his pale face. It was a smile she had seen on rare occasions, a smile that was meant merely for her. A lump formed its way into her throat blocking anything from entering or leaving. A sob struggled against it as tears flowed freely from the dark pools.
"Misao…" The dark blue eyes lightened considerably, showing the true depth of the emotions within the stoic man. It drowned her, swallowed her whole, leaving her breathless and dizzy. His lips parted, moving seamlessly, the words were so soft that she had to strain her ears to hear them.
"I love you."
Misao remembered when she had first heard those words. She had finally turned twenty and could be denied a woman no longer. The day had been beautiful… the sky was clear and the bluest of blues while white clouds lazily swam by. It had snowed the day before, leaving the world in a blanket of white. Children leapt and danced in and out of the snow banks as the adults watched them with nostalgic faces.
Misao watched it all with a childish delight. She loved the snow. There was something so wonderful about the white blanket that she could not fully describe. Wonderful memories of her childhood were embedded within each snowflake that littered the ground. She closed her eyes, watching each memory pass by as a cool breeze brushed past her cheeks, causing them to flush. The dark haired woman was so absorbed within her recollections that she did not hear the sound of snow being crushed underneath heavy boots.
Aoshi just watched her for a while, admiring her beauty and the soft smile carved onto her pink lips. It was his favorite pastime. As much as tea and mediating calmed him, nothing brought him closer to peace than by just looking at her. Flashes of her doing household chores and just admiring the scenery around her raced behind Aoshi's clear eyes.
However, the memory that lingered the most was of her turning towards him slightly, calling out his name… Misao's full lips had formed his name around the cheerful smile painted across her fair features. Dark green eyes held an emotion so strong that it still took his breath away. He cherished that memory, held it close to his heart and watched it every second he closed his eyes.
"Misao…" The words just tumbled from his mouth unconsciously, drawing the woman's attention.
Misao smiled up at the taller man, her green eyes holding that same warm, gentle look… for him… only for him. "Yes, Aoshi-sama?"
"I love you."
Aoshi was never one for many words or too much preamble. He merely stated what he felt or saw with a bluntness that was oftentimes sharp. Misao said nothing as she stared at him with wide green eyes. The blue eyed man had expected a bit more than just… silence… a lot of hugging, squealing, and shouting of reciprocation, yes… silence—no. A sudden thought ran by his mind causing his heart to stop… 'Maybe… Maybe she got tired of waiting.'
Dark hair swept across Misao's pale face as she watched the dark blue eyes swirl with hesitation, confusion, fear, and… love. A part of her wished that he had built up the mood before just blurting out those words… however… it just would not be Aoshi.
Misao chuckled lightly before smiling gently towards him as she grabbed his cold hands in her warms ones. She said nothing as she threaded her thin fingers with his, nor when she leaned against his broad frame.
"I know."
The heart is a simple and fragile thing... mere words can break it... a small glance can stop it... yet isn't it amazing how it can breed life with each beat?
How she wished her heart would stop beating. How it would stop giving her life at that very moment. How she wished the earth would suddenly open up and swallow her completely.
The smile that was met only for her was still on his calm face. It was as if he was sleeping. His face free from the pressures of the world, from the emotional burden he carried. So young and smooth… Tears fell from her face, landing heavily on Aoshi's now motionless one, before sliding down his cheek. It made it seem as if he was crying with her.
Misao passed her hand lovingly across his face as her tears continued on. Her lips parted softly as she brought them down on his. 'Still warm.' She thought as she raised herself up slightly, her eyes were dead…seeing nothing but the soft smiling face of her husband, darkness fading everything else out. 'Aoshi… you were…you were the only one for me.' Misao's thin fingers coiled tightly around his hand. They were warm… so very warm.
Fainting over his prone form…Misao held onto her beloved for the last time.
The axe swung down and Kenshin could barely move out of its intended path. He closed his eyes, waiting the impending moment of his death. 'Kenji… I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you.' The next few seconds were all a blur to the older Himura. The sound of metal meeting against metal filled his ears and his violet eyes flew open to see this new predicament.
Standing above him with a smile plastered to his boyish features was Seta Soujiro and in his hands was what appeared to be a metal bokken.
"I'm sorry I'm so late, Himura-san." The young man looked down briefly at the astonished redhead. "I got lost on my way here." Seta returned his attention to the large man before him swathed in dark blue cloth, holding a rather large axe. If it was at all possible, Soujiro's smile got wider which in turn, frightened his attacker. The brown haired man shifted all his weight onto the sword in his hand, pushing the man back and giving the younger man some distance.
The burly man growled in annoyance and charged, swinging his axe with one hand. Soujiro bent down, quickly grabbing Kenshin around his waist and jumping with him towards the porch where a wide-eyed Tsubame sat with an unconscious Kaoru.
Yahiko had already fled to fight the other attackers, his bokken cracking through the air and making loud sounds as it hit bones and muscle. He rushed towards the man that was threatening his son with inhuman speed. Sending his ki into his feet, he jumped up briefly flying. Yahiko then shifted the ki to go around the wooden sword bringing it down hard against the skull of the attacker with a satisfying crack. The tall tanned man landed on the ground with one foot and quickly pivoted on it so that he was facing the next group.
Once again he gathered his ki into his feet letting him speed by each one, the wooden sword arching and slicing through the air, connecting solidly on each and everyone of them. Noses, elbows, knees… anything that could and would stop them, Yahiko aimed for. Adrenaline rushed through his blood, the heat of battle filling his head with a rush. This is what his spirit called for, this is what he studied so hard for, what he fought to learn for… to protect those who meant something to him!
Shin'Ya was amazed. He had never seen his father move like that! It was awe-inspiring and just plain cool! Kenshin was also amazed. Yahiko was moving faster than he was before, partly due to the situation but also to the blood pumping in his veins. Yahiko was and would forever be the Tokyo Samurai.
Enishi watched the younger man out of the corner of his eye. 'So this is what he is capable of…' He mused slightly. He recalled the reports he had received years ago of the young child that had fought against his men. It had seemed rather impossible that such a small child could do something like that. Yet watching him now, Enishi realized just how foolish he had been. Myojin Yahiko was amazing to say the least.
'Well time to show them that he's not the only one with talent in his blood.' Enishi smirked, his teal eyes glittering with life as his gaze landed on more of the offending foes. His attacker was brandishing a large double-edged sword with a plain handle. He, too, was clothed in the same dark blue ensemble as the others. Enishi shifted his feet so that he could spin to the right, releasing the pressure against the sword of his attacker. As the man stumbled from his momentum Enishi continued his bokken's path, connecting with the man's lower back sending him sprawling on the ground. Enishi flew towards the fallen man with a mighty roar and brought the wooden sword down between the man's neck and shoulder, rendering him unconscious.
That done, he faced three more men swathed in blue and chuckled gleefully. He couldn't believe how much fun he was having. Sure, there was the possibility of getting struck dead with one of the swords but that did not matter to Enishi. He wasn't going to die—he was going to win!
Enishi ducked low as one of them swung their sword intending to cut him in half. From there, the white haired man pushed up from his feet, knocking his shoulder into his attacker's solar-plexus, earning a gasp of surprise and a loud crash as the body feel towards the floor. The other two attacked as one, trying to catch Enishi off guard. However, Enishi was much too fast for them, sidestepping the attack and flipping over one of them. As soon as he landed, he sent all his ki into his hips as he pivoted. The tanned man spun so fast that it seemed like a small tornado was encroaching upon the stunned enemy. One… two… twenty times Enishi's bokken struck against the blue covered man each in a different place but with the same power as a raging hurricane.
Enishi stopped, grinning wildly at the man still left standing. The enemy was visibly shaking. Apparently they had no idea what they were going to encounter when they attacked the Himura household. The smirk that was currently on the tanned face stretched out further. His opponent dropped his weapon and ran as fast as he could. However, he was not faster than Enishi. Enishi gained upon the running enemy and jumped high into the air, spinning once to extend his left leg. It landed with a resounding crunch on the man's collarbone.
Tsubame watched the older man with large brown eyes. She was in shock… she was in awe… she was very much confused how someone as old as him could move like… like… like a young tiger. It was as if watching a dancer move across a stage. Each movement was like liquid moving solidly. A faint pink blush rose to her cheeks as she watched each muscle stretch and contract. "Su…sugoi…" She whispered, causing Kenshin to chuckle.
Soujiro was immensely impressed with the two fighters but thought that he should at least finish what he had started. He smiled again at the challenger with the large axe. With a nod, the young man was off. Soujiro was a white and blue blur as he moved towards the enemy. His attacker swung the heavy axe down and Soujiro dodged to the side, however the impact of the axe on the ground was enough to cause the ground to shake.
"Eh?" He grunted out briefly as he tried to maintain his balance on the small earthquake. It was so strange! It felt as though there was raw power shaking the very ground beneath his feet! The man before him laughed at the confused expression painted across Soujiro's fair face.
"Well boy? Still think you can go against me?" The deep throaty voice taunted. Soujiro noticed that though this man was also dressed in a dark blue ninjitsu uniform, he had a strange noh mask. It was painted a bone white and resembled a growling oni. Red outlined the dark black eyes and made circular symbols across the chin, cheeks, and forehead. A black hair hung from the chin creating a beard, but there were also the thick, overwhelming eyebrows.
Soujiro smiled brightly. "What an interesting noh mask you have, sir!" The gleeful voice that came from the thin lips caused even Kenshin to wonder about the boy. "But, why would you wear such a thing?" Soujiro's blue eyes suddenly widened as a thought occurred to him. "Could it be that you have some sort of facial deformity?"
Enishi nearly tripped over his own feet as he heard the seriousness in the young man's voice. 'Who the hell is this kid?!'
Kenshin watched from his position the events as they unfolded. He didn't understand… who were these people? Why were they attacking him? What was Soujiro doing here?
"Why, you little punk!" The much larger man was about to swing his axe again when Soujiro disappeared. The large man faltered for the briefest of seconds, becoming his most grave mistake.
The smaller blue eyed man had already circled around him in speeds that were hard to see and the moment the masked man hesitated was when he attacked. He swung his metal bokken, letting it collide with the base of the man's skull, effectively knocking him out. The boyish samurai pouted. "Well, that went by fast…"
Enishi just sighed and slinked over towards Soujiro and the large enemy. He stopped suddenly as the sound of two weapons slicing through the air caught his attention. He jumped back in time as an arrow landed where he had been previously standing. The other arrow landed near Soujiro. More arrows showered down, forcing the two warriors to back away from the fallen body.
As soon as they were far enough, the attacker appeared instantly beside his comrade, dressed similarly, only this time with a raven's mask hiding away his face. He said nothing but merely cocked another arrow, pointing it towards Enishi and Soujiro. However, he swung it quickly towards Tsubame and sent the arrow flying. There was no one around her to save her in time as it flew straight towards her heart. She let out a startled grasp and Yahiko cried out her name. Soujiro cursed and rushed towards the woman using all his speed but he knew he'd never make it in time. Meanwhile, Enishi lunged at the new threat as he readied another arrow.
Time seemed to stretch into an eternity as everyone moved in what seemed to be slow paces. Another slicing sound was heard, followed by two simultaneous 'thunks'. Enishi hesitated for one moment, glancing towards his side as the previously stunned group stared in shock. Yet it was enough to let the smaller of the two shoot his arrow to place distance between himself and Enishi, grab his fallen partner, and disappear in a rustle of leaves.
Enishi jumped back as the arrow once again grazed by him and looked over towards the group, muttering curses under his breath. However, the sight that greeted him was one he was neither expecting nor believed. Yukishiro Touma stood near Tsubame, a small smile on his handsome face while fingering a shuriken that was similar to the one currently trapping an arrow on the ground. The white haired man felt his knees wobble slightly before giving out on him completely.
"Hello, father… It seems there is much we need to talk about."
The fighter grinned down at him before picking up the fallen sword, holding it above Saitou, ready to strike downwards through flesh and bones. Saitou mildly acknowledged the threat and tried to ignore the pain so that he could at least dodge the blow but his limbs froze and his muscles refused to work. One word coursed through his mind, the one thing he knew he needed to live for. 'Shiori…' And then the world went black for the wolf as warm blood rained down on him.
The sounds of bones and flesh tearing filled the night air before abruptly stopping. Dark brown eyes stared down at the fallen wolf through the shaggy tendrils of his long dark hair.
"Why did you stop?"
He had never liked that voice particularly. It was disturbing to say the least. Childish innocence laced with darker tones of bloodlust and killer intent. Brown eyes flickered over the speaker briefly before moving back to the body, still clinging to the sword. He had sent it swinging down at an angle, breaking through the collarbone and tearing through a lung… yet he had stopped before reaching where he knew the heart was.
"Well? Aren't you going to finish it?"
He grunted in response, drawing the sword out with a sickening, wet slurp. The body fell ungracefully, landing with a solid crack as Saitou's head collided with the cobbled ground.
"You were supposed to behead him." His partner walked over softly, revealing himself to be a small boy of about twelve or so. Dark clothing hung off his extremely thin body, swishing together as he walked. Sandy blond hair was cut perfectly and even bangs felt before his clear apple green eyes. "Look at all the blood…" He commented off-handedly with a childish glee, as if talking about a new toy.
"Hn. I was never really good with a sword." The fighter commented, throwing down the katana blade, the metal clattering loudly against the silent streets.
"He's still alive you know." The young boy looked up at the much taller man. He looked almost imposing at his height with muscles barely concealed by dark fabric.
"So what?" He grunted out, an unknown feeling stirring in his chest. He hadn't known why he stopped… but he did. Again dark eyes roamed over the sharply defined face, asking for answers to questions he didn't know. 'Why does he seem so familiar?' The fighter asked himself before quickly looking away.
"We're supposed to kill him." The boy cheerfully intoned, causing the older man to look down at him from his long nose.
"You do it then." He suddenly didn't want to kill Saitou and knew the little boy would never finish the job. "He's out of commission, that's what they said. Ain't like he's going to get up and fight anyone in that condition. Besides he'll probably bleed to death or som'in'." The fighter then sauntered away from the scene a long thin pony tail swinging idly behind him in rhythm to his swaggering walk. However it did little to hide the imposing red kanji bleeding from the dark blue cloth. Aku… Evil.
---- tsudzuku ----
Arrigato Mina-sama!
JML- Ororororo... @___@;; Gomen ne!! *passes out*
Shiori: Um... Due to... certain events, Ro-Chan is unavailable. Kenji and I shall be taking over the feedback. Ne, Kenji-san?
Kenji: Why are you going back to the -san thing?
Shiori: *glare* Must I really explain?
Kenji: O___O;; No ma'am!
LadyShiin- Kenji: No, I didn't lose my memory. I have my reasons for calling Kumiko my wife.
Shiori: Though whatever they are they better be good or so help me... *glare*
Kenji: O___O;; Uh... Thank you! Ro-Chan reads your stories as well... though she doesn't comment the lazy ingrate. I'll make sure to tell her to or something.
kira- Shiori: *plotting Kenji's demise* Thank you. The prequel was nice and you're right Sins is much better. ^__^ Though Ro-Chan has a bad habit of making everyone suffer... and she's even has a horrible ending set up I just know it! ;___;
Kenji: Hey! Wait a minute! What's wrong with being incredibly strong?!?
Shiori: Don't worry though. Though it seems, at this point, Kenji is really strong it only means that his opponents have leveled up too. Besides Kenji is an idiot. ^__^
Kenji: HEY!
naixil- Kenji: Ro-Chan doesn't seem to understand the meaning of 'romance' or her version of it is twisted or something... ¬__¬
Shiori: Aww! You're so sweet! ^__^ I'll make sure to pass on your hug when she wakes up until then I send you a *HUG*
Kenji: *whines* Why can't I get a hug?!?
Andrea- Shiori: ^__^ I'm sure if Ro-Chan was awake she'd be blushing bright red about now! Hee hee... She learning Japanese too though so she couldn't help you with it. ^__^;;
JadeGoddess- Kenji: Why is everyone hooked on this marriage thing?
Shiori: *glares* Maybe because it was a BAD thing! Ahou...
Tanuki-dono- Shiori: TAN-CHAN!! *HUGS* I love you!! You're so nice to me... sometimes...
Kenji: Yeah! Why can't I kiss Shiori?!? That's not fair. *pout*
Shiori: Not like I'd let you anyway... *evil grin* I can't wait till father finds you in CDRS!
Kenji: *whines* Not again! I don't want to be at the end of that man's sword!
jbramx2- Shiori: *HUGS* I love you too! ^___^ Hee hee! I know isn't Kenji's American name just silly?
Kenji: *frowns* Hey I liked it. Besides it's easy to remember. Oh... I see... you're a YST fan too huh? Humph... I can take those guys on any day! Mystical armor or not!
Shiori: Whoa there! Pull that testosterone back in!
Kenji: *simmers* I'll take on Naruto too... jerk... stealing my girl... grrr.
Queen Kagom- Shiori: He better not! JERK!! And no you didn't miss anything. This moron has his own agenda!
Kenji: What did I do?!?
Dawn- Shiori: Once again if Ro-Chan were awake right now she'd be blushing! ^__^ Yes, Ro-Chan's life is pretty hectic. She's in her last semester of College right now so her classes have gotten harder and the work load worse.
Kenji: And she deletes her story from time to time because she's an idiot like that.
Shiori: ^__^;; Still she tries her very best to get them out quickly. Just remember to review! It reminds her that she still has wonderful readers to feed! ^__^
Kyaukii- Kenji: Thanks. Yeah, Ro-Chan better finish this story and give me a happy ending! *stomps foot*
Lin- Shiori: Hee hee! Don't worry Ro-Chan will finish this story too! She's made it her goal so it's bound to happen! Just hope it's in this year. ^__^;;
Fire Wings- Kenji: Ah... Ro-Chan has been taking forever lately to get her chapters out but she plans to finish it from what I've heard. So thank you and keep reading and reviewing!
Shiori: Well that's everyone! Thank you all for reading and leaving your comments!
Kenji: Yeah! See you next chapter!
Shiori: That was so corny.