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At that moment Kaoru walked in and frowned for the first time revealing her emotions openly toward everyone and said, "...Maho, they did not need to know of my thoughts of this war..."
Oh, my dear Kaoru they need to know of your thoughts...
Kanna's spirit unseen by everybody hugged Kaoru tightly by the waist and smiled softly.
I will never leave you...do not be sad Kaoru...
"Kaoru we must talk about this..." Kenshin said quietly and he looked Kaoru straight in the eyes showing her all of his love.
One day I will return to you in the flesh my dear Kaoru...but by then you will very well not need me.
Chapter 19
The Imperial Army Comes
Kaoru looked down from Kenshin's loving gaze and bit the bottom of her lips. "I know Kenshin. I suppose I should start with a thorough explanation on the war." Kaoru said and took a glance at everyone, hopefully they wouldn't get confused and would follow her all the way through with this explanation that she was about to make.
Taking a deep breath she began, "The Imperial Army, as you all know only interfere with situations that may affect the welfare of the citizens. Or, as a matter-of-fact, interfere when the emperors' 2nds-in-command feel that they should do something about the situation. However, the emperor is not usually the one that calls the shots as many of you have noticed. The government is run by the shadows, by His Highnesses 2nds-in-command, whoever they may be. Crises, like famine and warfare in small villages may not even reach His Highnesses ears, because the shadow run government prevents him from worrying about such small trivialities. The Imperial Army is there, because they are supposed to make sure that nothing gets in the way, with plans that the emperors 2nd-in-commands may have set in motion. So it is highly likely, the Imperial Army has heard about the Daimio Clan's plan.
The Daimio Clan as I have found it, consists of a variety of warriors, look hard enough and you may find a man or two that used to serve in the Imperial Army. Meaning that this clan has men that know the government well, and if that is the case, they know most of His Highness's weak points and His 2nd-in-commands traits. Usually the traits concerning war and such. I. myself, would not know the reason that the Daimio Clan has began war with this small village, or the next, but I have a feeling that this is only to get the Imperial Armies attention, by that itself, get His Highness's 2nds attention. Concluding this, war with the emperor. The era of samurai's or hitokiri's is going down a road where they will never be the same. Western civilization is too strong, however the Daimio Clan will use the no sword rule as a chance to get back at the government. What they don't know or may be forgetting is the chance of the Imperial Army using gun powder."
Taking a breath, Kaoru looked at everyone and noticed that no one was confused by her long explanation on the way she saw the war. Of course, she had no clue the outcome of this war and why it exactly was started, maybe, she thought, it was to go against His Highness all along, and conquer Japan in the process.
Yahiko glanced at Sanosuke, trying to tell him with his eyes that he was going to explain the event, which had happened a couple of years back. Sano caught Yahiko's glance and immediately seemed to understand, as he nodded in agreement. With that, Yahiko coughed slightly to get everyone's attention and began, " A while back, Sano and I were attacked by these two ninja's, Daimio Clan ninja's. We fought them, but lost, however they warned us before the war would start, that we were not in Fallen Sakura's league and with our current skill we would not get her as an ally. I don't know how they knew that we were searching for you, or even wanted you for an ally, it didn't even occur to us that they had known, until later. Putting that aside, they even commented on the fact that they were your enemies and once they succeeded in eliminating you they would..."
He trailed off and Sanosuke picked it up from there, as he said, "Conquer Japan."
Misao nodded fervently at what Sano had said and turned to look at Kaoru who had risen an eyebrow in sudden interest. "You see, while we were looking for you, we had been sent by Yamagata-san to go to police headquarters. That's where he told us to get you to join us in the upcoming war, as an ally." She said and a small smile curved on Kaoru's lips, while she nodded at Misao's statement.
Closing her eyes, Kaoru began to collect her thoughts and the Kenshin-gumi continued to look at her, waiting for what she had to say. Finally she spoke, "What worries me to some degree is that during all that time were they trying to figure something out? Figuring out more information about me for example. If they were, then by that time they probably had a multiple amount of spies located in Tokyo and Kyoto, maybe more cities."
Megumi then inquired, "The Daimio Clan, do you think that their is more to it then you think? People that hold a strong disliking to what this country has become and want to conquer it to make it become better, would usually join a clan such as the Daimio Clan."
"That's true, they could have multiple bases set around Japan. We have to then attack the Main Leader who controls all of these bases in the shadow, so that we eliminate the source of strength for most of these warriors. If they don't have a Leader to tell them when or where to attack, or someone who goes along with the plan to some certain extent then their pride will be diminished and their will be a loss of wanting to battle." Aoshi calmly put in as he closed his eyes.
Nodding at what Aoshi had said, Kaoru stayed silent as if she knew that Kenshin would want to put an input on his own thoughts. "I...I think that their is a likely chance that one of His Highness's 2nds may be behind this." Kenshin finally said and everyone turned to look at him, surprised.
"Why would you think that, Himura?" Misao questioned and he quickly answered, "Well, look at it this way Misao-dono, if there are a couple of used to be Imperial army fighters in the Daimio Clan, then wouldn't it be highly likely that they didn't get out of the Imperial Army because they wanted too. Maybe it was because they were ordered to become part of this group to see how far it exactly got."
Realization dawned on each of them and Sanosuke leapt up from his seated position and exclaimed, "You're right! Damn, those suckers. They got us good. To think the 2nds may be behind this, just so they can see if they can overthrow the emperor. I got to admit it was a pretty good plan; I mean with sending some of their own and seeing how far this small yet growing clan of warriors could get."
Maho looked at each of the young people in her home and knew when she wasn't exactly needed and this conversation that was being held wasn't something that she knew the content about. Silently, she put down the knife she held, on the counter and walked down the hallway into the room where Kanna's corpse lay. She was going to clean the corpse up so that she would look at least decent when they had to bury her. The thought of burying her, made Maho shed tears of sadness as she looked down at the young girl who's face seemed at peace when the rest of her young body was not.
Crouching down, Maho wiped her tears and grabbed a couple of rags that laid nearby and began her cleaning.
"Yeah, it was a well thought out plan. Well, I guess that's what you call a strategy." Misao drawled out and shifted her position slightly as she put her elbow on the table.
"The Imperial Army is probably heading this way as we speak." Kaoru said, sighing.
Kenshin looked at her curiously until he noticed that Maho wasn't in the room. "Where is Maho-dono?" He asked and looked toward the small kitchen, noticing the food unattended.
Kaoru shrugged without interest and answered back, "Probably cleaning Kanna up before we bury her."
The words Kanna and bury caught the Kenshin-gumi's ears and all them glanced at each other, unsure of what to say, the room having an awkward silence. Quickly enough, Kaoru commented, "No need to feel tense. We are having her burial later, if you want you can join us."
Everyone sighed in relief, they didn't know if the topic of Kanna was going to make Kaoru snap, but seemingly it didn't. The silence, once again came back, although it wasn't the awkward silence from before, it was one that made you feel at peace. It had been a long time since everyone had been together like this, especially with Kaoru in the room. Noticing, the peaceful silence in the room, Kaoru couldn't help but smile nostalgically.
Faintly, one could hear the rumbling of someone's stomach and immediately the Kenshin-gumi turned to look at Sanosuke, who was rubbing the back of his head in an embarrassed manner. "Err, well, uh, hah, I'm hungry." He finished bluntly and everyone fell over. Immediately getting up, Misao began to yell to Sano about 'Guys and Food!' She had begun to whack him across the head, her eyes slanted with anger but a small hint of relief that he was the one to break the peace, for, unnoticed it had brought memories.
Standing up, Kaoru, looked toward the kitchen and said, "Well, their is food in the kitchen as you can all see. How many of you are hungry?" Megumi slowly rose her hand, followed by Yahiko and a calmed Misao. Kenshin couldn't help that his stomach had grumbled, as well, although it was much more on the quiet side. Aoshi didn't budge from his spot until he turned and bowed slightly muttering a quiet "Please."
She couldn't help but smile at all of them, but Kaoru couldn't forget what she had done and her gaze went to the hardwood floor. Murmuring something under her breath, she nodded and began to get some plates and gathered anything plate looking she could find and used it to put the fish and rice. Putting the herbs away so that she could use them for later use, Kaoru set the plates full with foods on the counter and said, "Get whichever plate you want."
The Kenshin-gumi by then had begun to stand and all went for the steaming rice and fish that was on the plates with eagerness they didn't want to exactly show. Counting out, Sano and Yahiko, the rest of the Kenshin-gumi ate calmly, an attempt they tried to us at least. How long was it that they had, had a proper meal?
Looking at the people around the table or seating near the wall, Kaoru nodded to herself and walked inside the hallway toward Kanna's room. Without her noticing it, Kenshin had been watching from the corner of his eyes and had gotten up instinctively. Everyone was talking amongst themselves and didn't notice that Kenshin had gotten up and gone toward the hallway, following Kaoru.
"How is the cleaning going, Maho-san?" Kaoru asked and leaned against the wall looking at Maho with clear eyes that seemed to take everything in.
"All's going well, my dear. You have nothing to worry about with the cleaning I'm doing she'll..." Maho trailed off as Kaoru looked at Kanna's corpse with pensive eyes. "You know--" Maho had began to speak until she noticed that the young woman turned to look at a new visitor. Kenshin.
"Kenshin..." Kaoru said and blinked, surprised. The crimson haired man looked at Maho who smiled warmly enough. "Hello, Himura-san." She said and bowed her head out of curtsy.
"Did you need something, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked.
Kenshin caught her stare and answered, "May I have a moment alone with you, Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru tilted her head sideways in question, however nodded and excused herself from Maho's presence. Leading the way to a back door that led to the back of the house. They stood together in silence. "So what is it that you wanted to ask me?" Kaoru asked and her gaze lowered once again. A habit that she had recently gotten, whenever she was in the presence of the people from her past. The people that she continued to love, even if she herself doubted it.
The long silence continued for a while, and glancing from the corner of her eyes, she caught Kenshin's head tilted up, as if looking at the sky above them. Although his eyes were covered with his long bangs, Kaoru could almost feel the intense look he must be giving the sky. Maybe, he wanted his feelings to dissipate before he spoke to her. His feelings of anger.
Kaoru's eyes darkened and then lightened again as he began to speak. "Kaoru, when you were younger, I felt that I was unworthy for you. With my hands stained in blood I felt that I could never be with you, because of the fear that I would taint you. Taint...your innocence. It was unclear to me at first what you wanted. When you told me that you wanted to be stronger, I didn't know why all of a sudden you wanted the strength. To me you were already strong and willful, back then I wanted nothing more in the world then to see you happy.
However, this strength that you spoke of, it confused me. A sword that could protect the lives of people, which is what you taught with Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu. Without harming the person that is your opponent you could change them for the better. I felt that it could actually be done, and that is what I found in your strength, your power. I never thought that this is the kind of strong you wanted. If I had been more knowledgeable about what you wanted, maybe I could have stopped you...from making the biggest mistake in your life." Kenshin's voice cracked as he turned to look at Kaoru who's eyes had widened.
"Ken---shin..." She murmured and now looking straight into the eyes of the former battousai, memories washed into her mind, her jaw tightened and the amber eyes, which glowed profusely never stopped looking at her, burning a hole into her. Making her feel naked in front of him, as if he could read her very thoughts.
Roughly, Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's shoulder and pulled her toward him. Slamming Kaoru's body into his own, he tightly locked her into a crushing hug. "Kaoru, please, let me have this moment. Let me have this one thing." He whispered harshly, and she looked up at him, a tremor of something she had no comprehension of went through her body while Kenshin looked down at her.
Her lips parted to say something, however Kenshin leaned down before she could say anything and put his lips unto Kaoru's own, kissing her gently. His words, which he had whispered lingered in Kaoru's mind.
Kaoru, please, let me have this moment. Let me have this one thing.
There the words continued to linger, as she slowly closed her eyes and returned his kiss, tears brimming on the edges of her eyes as she thought, "Forgive me...for the pain I have brought you." Letting her arms escape his grasp she brought her hands to his lower back and hugged him tightly.
Time seemed to stop as Kenshin leaned back, his eyes becoming a mixture of lavender and amber. "Kaoru, I've wanted to tell you for so long, to forgive me." He said.
"...Idiot." Kaoru whispered back and she faintly heard an "Oro" from Kenshin. A sad smile forming on her lips as the tears began to stream down her cheeks. "It is I, who should be saying those words." She answered to his faint "Oro" and brought her slender hand toward his scarred left cheek and caressed it.
"You've already been forgiven." Kenshin answered. Kaoru looked at his searching eyes and her smile seemed forced as she said, "I don't even think I have forgiven myself."
"Commander Hiroki, we have location on the village that the notorious Fallen Sakura is at. What are your orders?" Asked a young man, who's beige military pants were covered with dirt from the location they were currently at. He had his hands straight at his side and stood straight looking at the tall, and lean man with narrowed black eyes. "We head out. The Daimio Clan will be out soon, with the war that is beginning we can't afford to lose time." He said calmly and looked ahead.
"Yes, sir!" He said and bowed lowly before leaving the Commanders presence.
"The Minister of War is sure anticipating a long war isn't he? Heh, well if we at least get this war to be longer then a year, I'm sure he'll at least be happy." Hiroki thought and a smirk formed on his lips and the thought of a great war with much bloodshed made him eager all the more to find the notorious Fallen Sakura, the hitokiri who has been in most contact with the Daimio Clan. If she even existed.
Hiroki shrugged and moved forward a whole battalion of men following him, his brown horse making steady pace.
TBC...
The Imperial Army and what they do in this story is completely fiction and from my imagination. Although their was an Imperial Japanese Army, they were completely different from this Imperial Army in my story.
I hope that you all of you enjoyed this chapter and here is a preview for the next!--
Kaoru looked at the men with wary eyes, and noticed that the Commander was looking at her attire. Rolling her eyes, Kaoru snapped, "What do you think of my gi and hakama, Commander Hiroki? Isn't it what proper Japanese Hitokiri's use? Unlike you, I have not lost my nationality of what true Japanese Hitokiri wear."
Raising an eyebrow, Hiroki looked amused and answered, "Well haven't you already lost your femininity?"
Her eyes flashed in anger, while her hand immediately went to the hilt of her katana. Unbeknownst, Hiroki's hand had already went to his silver gun that was hidden away in his back pocket. His cape hiding it.
Forgive me all for my long absence on not updating this story for a LONG time. However, I promise you guys that the next chapter will be up sooner. It is summer break after all! Sorceress of Darkness will be updated just as soon, but as you have all been, please be patient. Thank you so much you guys for the support on this story! Love to everyone and have a happy Father's Day. Please lots of review, maybe with all the reviews I'll update even sooner. xD Aya45.