Family

Enishi waited at the doorway of the Yamanoya. The Okami was kind enough to arrange a room near his sister for him – though the fact that he paid extra for the lodging may have done the trick. He had waited an hour for his sister to come back to the inn after he helped out in the dojo. The dojo was nearly back in place; just a few more furnishing and the dojo would be reconstructed.

He placed his chin under his hands, which were resting on his sword. He counted, that day was the twenty eighth day. He was in Japan for a longer time than he had planned. Everything was according to his plan until the day of Jinchuu when he reunited with his sister. His whole scheme was destroyed and he lost his directions. However, he gained back so much more. His sister returned to him. He was no longer alone. His heart soared; he was given the chance to protect his sister forever.

The sound of footsteps approaching reached his ears and he lifted his head to greet the people walking towards the inn. It was his sister and the man whom he still harbored dislike in.

"Nee chan, you are back," Enishi greeted as he stood up from the doorway.

"Enishi.I am home," Tomoe greeted her brother back with a smile. Enishi smiled back, then his smile disappeared instantly as he turned his head towards Kenshin. He inclined his head coolly and said, "Good evening."

"Good evening, Enishi."

The way the man spoke his name with familiarity irritated Enishi and his eyebrows met as he glared at the red hair man. He was being "nice" to allow Kenshin to accompany his sister for a quiet walk, as he was busy with the reconstruction of the dojo. As Tomoe returned the overcoat to Kenshin, he noticed a slight blush on her face. Enishi twitched his lips, he was jealous that Kenshin was the one there for his sister and that this man could caused such a reaction on his sister. If Kenshin tried anything else he would not forgive him. Never forgive him. The tension between them was like still water, one wrong move would caused disorder.

Kenshin seemed not to notice Enishi's hostility. He knew he was responsible for the way Enishi acted. He accepted the overcoat and said,"This one will take my leave now. Good night, Tomoe. Enishi."

"Good bye. Please take care," Tomoe said politely while Enishi merely nodded his head.

"Yes, I will," Kenshin said before walking away from the inn. He was reluctant to leave the Yamanoya but he consoled himself that Enishi would take care of Tomoe on his behalf. His footsteps lightened at the thought that there were friends waiting for him to return to the dojo for dinner.

After seeing Kenshin off, Tomoe and Enishi went to the dining room. On their way, Tomoe asked her brother about his day.

"So, what have you been doing, Enishi?"

"Not much, just carrying loads here and there," Enishi replied, following his sister's soft footsteps to the dining room.

…

A few days later, the Kamiya Kasshin dojo was back in shape. The floors were polished and the walls newly painted.

"I don't know what to say but thanks anyway for your help, Yukishiro san," Kaoru said with gratitude to the man beside her. They were standing by the doorway, looking at the newly furnished dojo.

"It's nothing. I am sorry for troubling you," Enishi answered, his dark black eyes gazed at the dojo passively. Since the day of Jinchuu, Enishi forgo his sunglasses though he still dressed in Chinese attire, which earned him many curious looks from passerby. Not to mention his glaring white hair.

"Erm…would you like to have tea?" Kaoru asked uneasily. It was so hard to read this young man. He rarely talked and would prefer working alone. Apart from correcting her mistakes in her cooking and discussing with her about the repair of the dojo, she hardly talked to him.

Enishi shook his head, "No. I will take my leave now." He had done his part in restoring the dojo, there was no more reason for him to stay or visit.

"Alright," Kaoru said with a small smile, trying to hide her disappointment. She guessed she might never see Enishi again.

"Great job," a deep voice commented. Both turned around to be greeted by the unexpected visitor- Saitou Hajime aka Fujita Goro.

"Good afternoon," Karou greeted immediately.

Enishi looked at Saitou with tensed shoulder. "What do you want?" Enishi knew that Saitou was a police investigator. He met him at the Jinchu and saw his fight with his comrade. Enishi expected Saitou to arrest him after Jinchuu, but apparently he let him free, giving no explanation. So what purpose would Saito be here?

"I found someone in the fallen village that you might be interested in meeting," Saito said curtly as he crossed his arms, looking back at the young man with his narrow eyes.

"Who?"

"You will know when you meet him."

Him? Enishi frowned and turned to look away. He left Japan ten years ago. There was no one he could think of meeting in Japan, likewise someone from the fallen village. "I am not interested."

"Turn up even if you are not interested."

"When?"

"Meet me at the Hachiko Square later at six," Saitou said as he took out a piece of small note from his pocket and passed it to Enishi. He continued, "You may want to bring Yukishiro Tomoe along."

At the mention of his sister name, Enishi became more confused. Why would this man suggest him bringing his sister along? And how did he know Tomoe? Just who was this man, this Fujita Goro. Enishi was sure this was not the man's real name and he was no ordinary policeman.

"Have we met before?" Enishi asked, his voice rousing with suspicion and curiosity.

"What a question. I am the one chasing after you, Yukishiro Enishi."

"Not anymore, you have no intention of arresting me at all."

"Do not speak of what you do not know," Saito replied gravely, he turned to walk away and lifted on hand to wave goodbye. "See you later then."

…

"Hachiko Square at six. Don't be late," Tomoe read the small note out loud. "Enishi, who are you meeting?"

Enishi shrugged his shoulder and replied, "Apparently, someone we…I know."

He had a funny feeling building up in his chest. And his brain was whacking at him, showing him blurry images of the only person he could be meeting whenever he closed his eyes. Cropped black hair, dark black eyes, thin, with a kind smile. He wanted to deny it. For ten years, he lost contact with his family. He never knew where the old man went. He never cared. His mind was filled with rage and hatred for the man who took away his sister from him. On the other hand, there was a small possibility that he got the answer wrong. This may be a trap. The policeman may be lying to him after all.

"We?" Tomoe mouthed, she noticed the slip of his tongue.

Enishi formed an image of banging his head on the wall. How could he make such a mistake? Now he had to explain to his sister everything. He just could not hide anything form her, could he? Even now.

"I am not so sure but Fujita said it is alright for you to come along, that is if you want," Enishi said.

"Well, why not?" Tomoe answered chirpily. She was eager to meet new people, especially if they were friends of Enishi. Moreover, Fujita was the one who arranged this meeting. She trusted Fujita. He had helped the Yamanoya and the town in so many ways. This person must be special.

"But nee chan….," Enishi tried to raise a weak protest but he could think of no excuses.

"I will make preparations. Please wait for me," Tomoe said.

….

The Geezer had just come down to Rakuninmura when he met a man dressed in the typical Meiji policeman uniform with spidery hair. He did not expect a policeman to show up in this place and walked over in his usual manner. He greeted the policeman joyfully, just as he greeted anyone else, "Good afternoon, sir."

When he got no response, the Geezer said, "Well, good bye to you. Have a nice day." He hopped and was prepared to leave when he was stopped by an outstretched arm. He glanced at the glove hand and then to the face of the policeman. For a moment, neither spoke.

"Hmm, is it just me or have we met somewhere before?" The Geezer said, laughing nervously. Sure he was questioned by police before but not one did he recognise before.

"Yukishiro Toshiro, aged 54. Retired as a gokenin when the Bakufu fell and became a wanderer," the policeman said with a low tone as he looked at the Geezer with his narrow eyes.

The Geezer was surprised and stunned by the information. No one knew his name in this region. No one used his name after the war. He was always known as the Geezer. The kind old man who sang cheerfully, wandering from village to village in a carefree manner. No one remembered him as the vassal who served the Tokugawa government. He was a forgotten man.

"Hmm, this is interesting. You know, that name sure sounds right on me," the Geezer replied, smiling.

"It took me a long time to locate you, Yukishiro sama."

The Geeze gazed more closely at the police. Looks are deceiving, he mentally thought, noticing the stern look on the policeman in contrast to the politeness in his words. He knew this policeman meant no harm. "And may I know who are you, sir? This one would gladly like to know who remembers me," the Geezer enquired gently, slightly pleased at the respect he received form this younger man. "I am afraid I could not remember you," the Geezer continued.

"I have many names, though if you must know, you may address me as Fujita Goro."

The Geezer exclaimed, "Dear me, the name sure sounds unfamiliar, Fujita san." The name did not match the look of the policeman at all.

Saitou looked away from the Geezer and said, "Perhaps the name Yamaguchi would serve well for you to remember something, though I would appreciate you to refrain from addressing me that name."

At the mention of the family name, the Geezer was jumping with joy and excitement. The Yamaguchi were close friends with the Yukishiro. He could never forget his close friends. After the war, he refused the help of his close friends and began to wander, losing contact with them. Who would remember a samurai in this Meiji era? He looked at the younger man and noticed the slight resemblance of the face of this Fujita to his old friend. He noted this must be one of the sons of the Yamaguchi, though he could not identify which one. He never thought his old friend's son would grow up to serve the Meiji government. Well, everyone changed. It had been so long ago.

"Why, it had been ages since I last visited the Yamaguchi. Is your family well?"

"Yes, they are," Saitou answered curtly, he shifted his body and his face showed discomfort in discussing his private matters.

The Geezer took notice of this and changed the subject, returning to the main point. "So, why are you here, young man?" The Geezer asked eagerly. He doubted his old friend had sent one of his sons to look for him.

"I have news of your children."

"My children? You know my daughter and son?" The Geezer asked. His spirit soared. It was a long time since he talked about his children to anyone. He lost his daughter during the war, and then his son was missing. He blamed the war and he blamed himself for being such a weak father.

"There is much to discuss. Would you like to come to my house then, Yukishiro sama? It is just a few streets away from here."

The Geezer could not help but gladly accepted the invitation. It had been over ten years since he spoken of his family. There was so much to anticipate, so much to talk about. Could his son be still alive? How much had he grown? And his daughter, how he missed her, what could the man have of the news of his children?

…..

Hachiko Square. Six o'clock.

Cleaning shaved and wearing a new pair of dark blue kimono, the Geezer was gone, replaced by a refined samurai. Yukishiro Toshiro shifted uncomfortably and glanced anxiously at the shoji door which lead to the corridor of the inn. If words could describe his feelings, he would gladly grab a brush and ink and pen it down. He was sweating with anticipation. His daughter was alive after all. And his son was well. Most of all, they were all back in Edo. He held on to his daughter's hairpin. How long had he been alone, walking up and down the streets, never really having any direction or a home to return to? He could not remember. Rather, he lost count.

And now, he was going to reunite with his children, his family. He could die a happy man.

"Excuse me, I have a reservation with Fujita Goro sama," Tomoe said as she was greeted by the Okami of the inn in the Hachiko Square. Apparently, Saito had booked a private meeting room for the meeting. How formal, she thought.

"This way please," the Okami said politely and laid them down to the corridor to a six matted room. The Okami gently tapped on the shoji door before sliding it open and greeted, "Good evening, your guests have arrived."

When their eyes met, time seemed to stop. No one moved, no one breathed. No one seemed to notice the Okami silently left the room with a polite bow.

"Otou-san?" the deep voice of Enishi pierced through the silent. Those deep black eyes and the kind smile, it was so familiar. This man was their father. Even in his old age, he moved with the mastery and grace of a samurai.

"Enishi, my child… Tomoe…" Yukishiro sama uttered as tears welled up in his eyes. It had been so long since he saw his children. Enishi had grown up so much; on first glance he could not recognize this fine-looking young man to be his son. But his eyes and the way he greeted him gave himself away. And the young lady standing beside his son, she was his daughter. She looked so alive before his eyes that he could hardly believe it.

Tomoe was speechless. Otou-san? This man was her father? The man who Enishi was supposed to meet was their father? She could not help but stare at this older man, taking in his expression and figure. She felt so helpless that she could not remember anything about this old man. Yet she felt as if she had known him for a long time.

"Why…are you here, Otou san?" Enishi managed to ask. They moved to sit on the cushion opposite their father's seat.

"I was told to meet you here with the help of Fujita san."

At the mention of the policeman, the two knew about the situation.

"I am sorry…," Tomoe spoke suddenly.

The father turned his attention to his beloved daughter, giving her his full attention.

Tomoe continued, her hands clasping nervously, "I can't remember you. I'm…sorry."

Though the father was informed about the situation of Tomoe, he still felt hurt and remorseful about the fact that his child was unable to remember him.

"Aye, it's alright. Tomoe chan," the father reassured with a gentle smile. His heart soared at the fact that his child would apologize for such things. But that was how Tomoe was.

A wealth of emotions surged through Tomoe suddenly at her father's gentle words that her hands shook uncontrollably as she tried to compose herself.

"It's a pleasure to meet you…father," Tomoe greeted, glad that she was able to keep her tone calm.

The father smiled, "There's no need for formalities, Tomoe chan. I am your family."

Family? Tomoe looked at the older man opposite her and Enishi sitting beside her. Shortly after less than a month reuniting with her brother, she met her father. She never really felt so complete in her life. Sure, the Okami san and her family were good to her. They treated her like their own daughter. And now, she met another family member. Yes, her family.

Tomoe smiled, "Yes."

"Alright. This is a time to celebrate. Let's enjoy dinner," the father said, lighting up the atmosphere with his usual joyful laughter.

At the sound of his father's laughter and the sight of his sister's smile, Enishi beamed.

That's right, it was a time to celebrate.

Unknown to them, a figure stood on the rooftop, watching the threesome reunited.

It was a pleasant feeling, to see their smiles radiated on their faces.

Thank you, Saitou san.

….

Later the night, when the Yukishiro returned to the Yamanoya inn, they were greeted by a highly amused Okami san.

Okami stared at the newcomer and exclaimed, "Dear me, who is this man?"

"Our father," Enishi replied.

Toshiro immediately introduced himself, "I am Yukishiro Toshiro. It is my pleasure to meet you, Okami sama."

"Oh dear. Why didn't you inform me earlier, Tomoe? I did not expect so many people. Pray tell if there will be more coming." The Okami's head was spinning with images of Yukishiro's family. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, nephews and nieces. She could imagine the whole Yamanoya inn filled with the Yukishiro family. She wondered who it would be the next time. Of course, Okami was not complaining. She was happy and jumping with joy for Tomoe.

Feeling embarrassed and having to trouble the Okami san again, Tomoe apologized sheepishly,"I am sorry to bother you, Okami san."

….

Tada¬! Hope you like this chapter. It took me quite a while to decide how to name the third captain of Shinsengumi. (Saito Hajime? Yamaguchi? Fujita Goro?) lol

Thank you for all your wonderful support.