Chapter three
It was late afternoon by the time they arrived in Kyoto. They had travelled through the heat of the day, and it was finally starting to cool pleasantly with the breeze caressing their faces soothingly.
Wild red hair flared around the face of a man who both loved, and despised the streets he led the carriage through. Streets that had the illusion of peace and happiness, when he could still see the red dye beneath the dirt floor and cobles of a decade past. It seemed as if the cold liquid rose up between the stone slabs to greet him, never letting him look anywhere that wasn't filled with a memory of screams, a feeling of familiar hollowness, which filled every part of him even now.
It zapped him of his strength to go through these streets again, even if the destination was a merry one. If he looked carefully enough, he could see the ghostly pale faces of enemies slain, reaching out towards him with translucent limbs. He could still hear their faint, blood gurgled pleas of mercy, which he never gave.
The man with a cross shaped scar on his left cheek, sunken lavender eyes that begged to weep with tears, gripped at the reins of the two horses and tried to ease the lump in his throat before it collided with his Adam's apple.
It tasted unsurprisingly like bile.
"You will lead the way to the Aoiya. I will guard the rear." Shishi jerked Kenshin from his thoughts and pulled back, Tsubame still terrified and still holding onto her waist like instructed.
Kenshin forced a smiling nod at her, and pulled on ahead.
Shishi waited until they were out of sight, before addressing the young girl again. "Tsubame." She yelped, and slowly looked up into her cold amber eyes. "I am going to ask you a question, and I demand a truthful answer. No lies. Understood?" she nodded meekly. "Good. Do I scare you?" she blinked at her with shock, before vigorously shaking her head from side to side. "I told you not to lie!" Shishi whispered harshly at her, her amber eyes turning colder and sharper still. "I don't care if you want to please me, or appease me. I want the truth. Do, I, scare, you?" Very nervously, Tsubame nodded with a shaky movement, before ducking her head for cover.
It was like being struck over the head. But she had asked for the blow, and now had to deal with it. "I…am sorry. I simply wished for your company. For a moment, you reminded me of…" Tsubame looked up at her again, those dark brown eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "…someone. I am not a tender person, but my intention was not to scare you." It was to see if I could be anything but scary. Anything but my father…and it seems I can not. "You are free to go as soon as we arrive at the Aoiya."
And she didn't talk to Tsubame again.
Shishi simply looked ahead, focused, looking all around for any suspicious faces or potential dangers. Her thick sword hilt hung from her left hip, ready for a swift draw when needed.
But they arrived at the Aoiya with no incident, other than that cold realisation she was trapped.
The most naïve of creatures, a young girl, was terrified of her. She had succeeded in creating herself into the female mould of her father. Brunt, brutally honest and wickedly skilled.
But in doing so…had she lost herself?
Never before had she wanted the smile of another, the comfort of another's presence. Someone to confide in and trust they will keep their council.
It was a load of nonsense, a weak desire for the feeble minded. To rely on someone else for their opinion and reassurance is for those uncertain and insecure about themselves.
Weak.
And she was not weak. Her father wasn't weak, he didn't seek for such things, he never needed anyone. So neither would she.
But she realised she was right. He didn't need anyone.
Including me…
Now she was alone, truly. Her mother had stopped being her mother when she was the same age as this girl, 10, when she denounced any other influence but her father. It was at the age of 12 she denounced the influence of anything her father didn't do or approve of, being feminine and social being one of the many things on this list.
He made people feel uncomfortable, so, she made people feel uncomfortable. He scared everyone…so she scared everyone too.
Had she so blindly isolated herself so willingly from the rest of the word?
Why did everyone else feel so cold, so alien, and yet she yearned for contact with them?
The Battōsai had everything he could ever want.
Good friends, a home, a lover…well, maybe not a lover yet. But that can't be too far behind, from what I've observed.
Observed. Yes, that was it!
She would use her adaptation skills to watch the Battōsai, who had flawlessly reintegrated himself into society after being possibly worse than her father. Surly she would learn his secrets if she watched him long enough. She was already going to stay at the Aoiya with them, thanks to Ms Kamiya's invitation. That was her plan.
And she became focused again, pushing aside her unnerving insecurities and heading forward to the Aoiya.
When they arrived, Shishi dismounted and lowered the girl safely to the ground. She pretended not to care when the girl ran frantically to her chaperone and embraced her with all her might.
"HIYA!" Shishi snapped round on her heels instantly at the sound of running footsteps, instinctively holding onto the hilt of her sword and pushing her feet into her pre-Gatotsu stance. Only to see a young girl, possible in her 16's, bound up to them and give them all individually a hug.
Hugging, that seems to get a positive response.
The young girl had a long slender braid of navy black hair coming below her knees, a dark blue ninja outfit including shorts, and a dark blue triangle short sleeved, long Gi, with light blue cuffs folded over the ends. Her outfit was all held in place around her waist with a thick pink Obi tied into a large bow behind her back. She wore the traditional ninja material shoes which rapped halfway up her shins in dark blue material, matching her arm guards, and Shishi scanned over her until she found a throwing knife pouch tied to her Obi. Yes, a typical Ninja. However, I feel her childish approach is a façade…for something much more. She gave her another look. Like ignorant arrogance. No, this child is not a threat. Shishi released the hilt of her sword, and continued to tend to her horse. Listening carefully all the time. "Kenshin! Sano! Kaoru! Tae! Tsubame! Ms Megumi! Yahiko! Ya little runt! How have you all been?"
"Aw, did you have to say the little runt part?" Yahiko pouted, only to have his head of spiky black hair patted by Kenshin.
"She just wouldn't be Misao if she didn't." he chuckled. His previous feelings of darkness were slowly ebbing away at last now they had arrived. At last. "And where is Aoshi?"
"Oh, he's at the shrine still. We didn't expect you until later, but the rooms are ready and…oh…who's this?" Misao pointed at her rudely, getting a smack over the head by Kaoru.
"Show your respect Misao! This is an officer of the law." Kaoru bowed to her, making the introduction.
"Oh, does she know Saito?" Misao asked, scratching her head. Obviously she still didn't have the actual answer to her question.
"Yes, she's-"
"-an officer beneath him." Shishi cut her off, giving her a look which clearly said there would be pain involved if her father's true connection to her was mentioned again. "I am Officer Shishi Goro, officer 66 of the 6th Kyoto squad."
Goro? Kaoru thought. I thought it was Hajime…oh. Of course. Saito's cover name is Fugita Goro. So obviously she had to take the Goro name too, to keep his cover from being blown. She nodded, happy with her conclusion.
"Goro…I've heard that name." Misao held her chin with one hand, her other fist kneading at her hip. "…definitely heard that name…"
"It is a common name."
"No, no." she closed her eyes, and raised her head up to the sky in thought. "Long black hair…sharp Amber eyes…Goro…" for a moment, her eyes widened, she pointed her finger up to the sky and looked like she had it…but she frowned and shook her head. "No…wrong colour…" she seemed to be looking at her face, but looked away to Kenshin. "I've heard of that name on the underground."
"Underground?" Shishi raised a brow. It wasn't news to her that her name should be uttered in the underground. She spent most of her time there… but the girl wasn't aloud to know. "I'm an officer of the imperialist regime. You must be mistaking me with someone. Goro is a common name, that's all." that girl has ties to the underground? Is she part of a clan? Or an assassin tribe? Shishi looked her over again. No, too underdeveloped for anything like that. But I will make sure to look around and do my own research on the people lodging here…
"So, what's your first name?"
"None of your concern." Shishi said plainly, and pulled her satchel from her bag.
"Heh heh, that's a long name." Misao laughed, thinking she was joking. But when her razor sharp amber eyes sliced into her, she sweat dropped and gulped, taking a step backwards. Gods, this woman isn't kidding! SSSCCCCAAAAARRRRYYYYY! I'll have to look into that Goro connection…I swear I've heard of her description before…
waist length, glossy tendrils of wild ebony hair, a parted fringe in short curtains overhanging cold amber eyes, pale geisha skin, and the navy blue imperialist officer uniform of trousers, black shoes, button up the front jacket with the buttons hidden by a red strip up the front from her shoulder to her opposite hip…and a sword that was most definitely not the regulation police sabre…
Oh yes, I'll looking into you alright. Misao hid her agenda from her with a girlie grin. "Well, everyone…and Ms G-" the freezing glare that penetrated her psyche with a bone chilling promise, made her stutter and drown in deep pools of raging amber oceans. She could almost see the sharks swimming in her feral eyes. "-Officer Goro." She nodded to the older woman with vicious eyes, before swiftly looking to her friends. "I'll show you to your rooms. This way everyone!" she bounded off ahead, making sure to whisper instructions to the first Oniwabanshu at the first opportunity she got, before waiting patiently for them.
The entire gang moved together, and Misao sweat dropped when the first one she saw was the she-officer. "Erm, well, this is the first room." She looked to Kenshin.
"I'll have it." Shishi spoke at once. "I like to be closest to he exit." She gave no room for argument, slid the door open, and closed it behind her, ignoring everyone else coldly.
As much as she felt she wanted to be around them, and watch them for important glimpses into the world of social behaviour, right now she just wanted to be alone.
That girl said she heard of me in the underground. Shishi folded her other uniform before her, and took her hat off. The feel of the breeze coming through the open window was bliss, cutting through her wild tendrils of dark hair and soothing her pulsating scalp.
The scent of fresh cedars and perfumes from the market streets caressed her nose, almost lulling her to close her eyes and lay down on the ready rolled out bed. She was so tempted to just let go and take in all the sounds and smells of Kyoto, her home.
It didn't matter which building she was in, just the unique scent and song of this great city, building itself upon the ruin of the revolution, was paradise to her senses.
A true welcoming home.
Strangely enough however, she had never passed this part of the town before, even though it was only 20 minutes away by foot from the main police station. Her patrol route always took her in the other direction, where the underground lurked in the dark shroud of the night…
Yes, that girl knows more than she let's on. Or she soon will. I must protect myself as soon as possible. First, my week's salary is due, and I will need to inform my Junsabucho, who will no doubt be eager to give me another assignment. I am the best in his squadron, after all. She didn't hesitate to feel pride at her accomplishment.
She may still only be a Junsa (nearly) but she was possibly the second most useful member of the force.
Her father being the best.
Bastard. She suddenly threw her bag at her uniform, not wanting to look at it.
She had done this for him after all, become an officer, with the same agenda as he abided.
But it was now her agenda too, and she could not deny that, nor ignore it.
If anything, what she had done in her service was a credit to herself and no one else.
That arsehole never once asked me about my work, or took the time to read my mission reports. If he had, I am sure he would have said something. She seethed, wringing her hat in her hands.
She longed to strike him with it again, and again, and again.
But enough about him. There was no place for him in her life now.
My life…he was my life. What have I left to live for now?
It was like a question of philosophy to her, as confusing as the meaning of life.
Because she had had meaning, and purpose. To prove herself to her father.
But now…
She had no meaning, she had no purpose.
Does this mean I am no longer living, but existing?
More annoying questions that rattled her raging cage of control buzzed in her head, as she stored her belongings, opened her door, and left her room once more.
She almost allowed herself to gasp an intake of breath sharply when a face appeared inches from her own on the other side of the door.
"Hi there." The woman giggled.
It was that racoon woman, dressed in her plum and peach kimono, the dress peach and the obi plum, with blossoms flowering in several floral explosions over her entire ensemble, the largest being over her left bosom. She had obviously changed and freshened herself up after the hard journey. "I know it isn't morning anymore, but we haven't had the midday meal yet, and we were all going to go out to eat. I wondered if you wanted to join us." She looked to Shishi with wide blue eyes, a soft warm smile that made her think she was the most forgiving woman alive, and felt her kindness peel ever so slightly at her resolve. The word yes started to echo in her mind.
But Shishi being Shishi, stomped the futile suggestive voice in an instant, and raised a dark brow at the older woman.
"No." she said simply. "I have other arrangements, which require my attention."
"Oh…" Kaoru was disappointed. She was hoping this might be an opportunity to let Shishi see them all smiling and laughing and show her there was more to life than her damn father. And perhaps, as a bonus, lift her spirits. She seemed ever so distant… "Well if you change your mind or want to pop in later, we'll be at the Shirobeko. Tae's sister runs it, and they wanted to catch up while we eat out and have fun! Are you sure you-"
"No. I have other obligations. End of discussion." She dismissed her, and began walking away when…
"Daddy, I-"
"Never call me that. It is pathetic, childish. Call me father or Saito."
"Yes father."
"Now what do you want? I am leaving in 5 minutes."
"Oh…I wondered if you would eat with me and mommy before-"
"No."
"But!"
"No. I have a mission to complete. End of discussion."
It chilled her that she had so easily echoed the same words that left her father's lips. The words that brushed her off as a child… "I may drop in if I pass by. But don't hold your breath." Kaoru clapped her hands together and beamed.
"I'll make sure to save you a seat, this is great! I'll see you later!"
"I said don't hold your…breath…" but Kaoru had already padding along the rough wood flooring, and on the next door. Shishi turned her back to leave, but couldn't help herself when she heard a certain voice in the next room.
"Oh, hello Ms Kaoru. I'm nearly ready, that I am." Came a very franticly surprised voice, of no doubt Kenshin. The clumsiness to the masculine voice was as distinguishable as the undertone of knowledge, and experience.
And pain. "I'm just looking for my…erm…"
"Your what Kenshin? Your sword!" Kaoru yanked the door in and flooded in. "I'll help you find it Kenshin, I...thought…oh my!" Shishi deliberately walked the wrong way, peering into the room with a façade of innocent passing interest.
Kenshin was fisting a bathing towel around his hips, loosing the fight to cover his 'pride', his upper body was completely exposed, as were his countless battle scars and the rippling muscles that helped him survive them.
His face matched the colour of his hair, red, and he was mumbling a flood of apologies to Kaoru.
Kaoru however, had her back to him, and her hands firmly covering her eyes.
"-I didn't know you were going to come in and help me Ms Kaoru, I swear! I was just looking for my loin cloth, I should have been dressed by now I know, but Sano and Yahiko locked me out of the bath room as a practical joke to make me late! They took so long, I thought they had been bewitched into women!"
"And what is wrong with being a woman?" Shishi asked with a smirk on her face, very worthy of her father. Kenshin had gone almost completely white now, his hands trembling to keep himself covered up.
"M, m, Ms Hijime!" suddenly, Kenshin leapt behind a screen, and hid behind it. "I am so sorry! I didn't see you standing there! Oh!" He chuckled. "That's where I put it."
"I'll just leave you two alone." Shishi closed the door, and used an old police trick to pull splinters from the wood of the slid doors, and lodge them sufficiently, wedging the door shut. "Perhaps things would come along quicker if you were to help Kenshin with his loin cloth, Ms Kamiya. It seems to have the Battōsai baffled. Maybe your knowing touch can assist him?" Shishi smirked wickedly as Kaoru yelped, banging her fists on the door. She ignored the woman's demands, and distantly heard the frenzied ruffle of Hakame trousers. She snickered, and simple walked off, leaving them alone. That should gain them some ground.