AN: Here we go the parade into Kanryuu's mansion. I wanted to go into Soujiro's reasons for joining Kanryuu and it appears the story just took on an entirely different twist. I don't even know where that came from. The muse sitting on my shoulder? shrug Out of my butt? I have no clue!
Music of the update: 12 stones
Misao darted through the grounds, the shadows masking her lithe form. Green eyes glowed in the night, the shadows only adding to their beauty and depth. Scampering across the yard she hid, senseing someone's ki.
"Now now Misao san, This is very unlike you" A smooth voice said, katana at her throat.
Green eyes widened as sweat trickled down her forehead.
"Soujiro.." She whispered softly eyes closing for a sec as she panicked. What would he do? She blinked. He hadn't killed her yet. The grass rustled and she heard the familiar sound of the katana sliding against what had to be his sheath.
"Ah, that it is. Just what exactly are you doing here Misao san?" Soujiro asked, sheathing his sword. Green eyes narrowed. Misao sat there. She'd have to plan this precisely. She wasn't about to let the enemy get away, particularily not when he'd snuck up behind her. She could feel the kunai in her gloves. Now! She turned and launched her assault, kunai sailing at him, but all she managed to do was hit the tree as a gust flew from the left, kicking up dirt into her eyes. That gust, one Tenken, had come behind her and effectively pinned her arms.
"Maa, maaa Misao san." Soujiro chided grinning.
"Let go of me!" Misao struggled. The pain seared up her forearms, stopping her struggles as she bit her tongue to silence her scream.
"Why would you throw kunai at me Misao san. Am I not an ally?" Soujiro asked innocently.
"You work for Kanryuu, you traitor!" Misao snarled, wondering why he was bothering to keep up his act.
"Traitor is an awfully nasty word Misao san. Traitor would imply I was on your side in the first place." Soujiro replied politely.
"Then you're a LIAR!" Misao cried. Soujiro released her arms and she stumbled forward glaring menacingly at the smiling boy.
"Ah. But that is not the reason I am here now. Where is Shinomori and Saitou san?" Soujiro asked her, brown eyes errily glowing with an inner light.
Misao said nothing staring at the ground.
"Misao san, I'm afraid I need that information." Soujiro pressed, eyes frowning, as his hand reached for his katana.
Green eyes closed and she bowed her head. She wouldn't tell him. She wouldn't betray them.Her fists clenched. He'd have to kill her first.
"Look at me Misao san." Soujiro beckoned her. Green eyes opened, widening as Soujiro stared deeply into them. Soujiro's stare seemed to penetrate deep within her, to her very soul. Misao was lost in those eyes. Satisfied he broke the strange trance he held her in and sheathed his katana.
"You came alone didn't you Misao san?" Soujiro questioned.
Misao's eyes widened.
"By the look on your face I'll take that as a yes" Soujiro replied. "Very well then. Come with me Misao san."
"W-what?" Misao asked frowning. How had he known she'd come alone? And what the heck had he done to her. She brought her hand up to her forehead. She felt fine….Wait a minute….He wasn't going to kill her?
"Where are you taking me?"
"Inside of course" Soujiro replied politely. "You'll catch a chill outside."
"What are you going to do with me?" Misao asked uncomprehending.
"Take you inside until the others find you." Soujiro shrugged. "Follow me."
Frowning, Misao didn't know what to do. He was being so polite to her! But…but he was the enemy. He'd betrayed them. He'd betrayed them from the beginning playing them all for fools! What was she doing? Following along coyly like some lost naïve child. She was Makimachi Misao. She was the Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu whether they acknowledged her or not. She could not,WOULD not go with him willingly.
"No." Misao replied, standing her ground. Teeth clenched firmly.
"Misao, you know you really aren't in a position to refuse, ne?" Soujiro said softly.
"I will not willingly going with you" Misao said defiantly.
"I admire your bravery Misao san. And I do understand your reasoning. But you will come because Saitou and the others are initiating the attack. Unless you want to be caught in the crossfire of guns, katanas, kunai and various other surprises Kanryuu has in store, you willcome with me. If you stay out here you will most likely suffer. I promise no harm will come of you while with me and you'll be much safer with me inside than fairing on your own." Soujiro told her.
Misao frowned. How did they know when the attack would be planned? The more Soujiro talked, the less at ease Misao felt about their plan. It had been planned so meticulously. Had they read through their every move? Saitou she prayed. Be careful.
Misao nodded and followed Soujiro, realizing that nothing good would come of her death.As much as honor was important, if she was going to throw her life away the cause had to be worthy. They walked to the front door as the sounds of gunshots could be heard in the distance. Misao winced. Was that what her friends had heard as they bleed to death? They finally reached the door after staying on the outskirts of the brush. Soujiro opened it.
"After you Misao san" Soujiro offered politely.
Misao walked in. The room wasn't lighted. Her eyes flickered as they adjusted themselves to the dark. And suddenly all the lights came on bright and flaring.
"Ahhg.." Misao replied covering her eyes.
"Oh! Gomen nasai Misao san. Kanryuu designed these lights to go off this way. He's very ….dramatic" Soujiro replied.
Her eyes adjusted to the light and Misao looked around. The entire house was furnished with dark mahogany. Huge persian rugs covered the floor, each so intricately designed and woven that it made ones eyes hurt to look at it. The floors were a crisp light wood, firm and yet soft beneath her feet. Misao looked up. The lights were a crystal chandeliers, covered with candles. The curtains covering several windows were lined with velvetly curtains and the furnishings were all very uniquely shaped. Misao had never seen anything like it in her whole life. The focus however was on a double railed stair case with blood red velvetty carpet and gold intricately molded with in the rail and stairs itself. It was breath taking. Briefly Misao wondered how he kept it clean. Along the wall leading up those stairs was a portrait of Kanryuu. Misao's eyes narrowed.
That was the man who had caused all of this? A skinny, tall, creepy looking man? Misao had never actually seen Kanryuu. Now that she had a glimpse of him she couldn't help but release her fury. Kunai out she let one fly right into the portraits forehead.
"Now Now Misao san. That wasn't very nice of you. You've just hit the portrait of our host"
"And if I ever find him within this maze of a house, I will greet him the same, in person." Misao snapped.
"Such Hostility, Misao san. Anger isn't healthy you know." Soujiro replied.
"Why do you work for him Soujiro? Why would you choose such an evil twisted man to serve?" Misao cried.
"Misao san calm yourself please. For me to make you understand we have to look at the very nature of evil. What do you think evil is Misao san.?"
"Killing people…" Misao replied, realizing her words.
"Killing people is evil? Then we all are murderors. Even Himura san killed people. Is he evil?"
"No! that's completely different… He's vowed to never kill again."
"But you're saying he once was evil ne? What changed him?"
"He vowed never to kill again, and he has turned from his old life"
"But Saitou kills people all the time in his line of duty. Is he evil?"
"You leave him out of this!" Misao snapped.
"And what about Shinomori san? In his line of work he is sometimes and often paid to kill innocent people in order to keep the government in line. Is he evil?"
"Stop it!" Misao shouted.
"I think you need to take a closer look at what evil really is Misao san. We all are evil. We all have evil tendencies. You just labelled Himura evil under your own judgment. The men Himura fought unde the revolution found him evil, a demon infact. The same with Shishio sama, Saitou, as well as Aoshi's part in it. I bet the men Himura fought he also saw them as evil. It's a way of the justification of ones belief. Make the enemy a monster, so you can sleep at night, knowing their death was needed"
"What are you saying Soujiro?" Misao asked horrified by his thoughts.
"I'm saying you need to take a wider look at the evil you claim so many are. Evil is in the eye of the beholder Misao san. Everyone is guilty of wrong. Is everyone evil? The revolution was a time where people needed justification. Needed a reason to slay people. I bet you didn't know this but Takeda also had a hand to play in the revolution."
"What?" Misao asked. "Takeda was in the revolution?" Misao asked eyes widening.
"Ah. Takeda Kanryuu is an extremly intelligent and calculating man. Its an honor to be able to serve under one such as he. Unlike Shishio sama, he is not blinded by his own goals and ambitions. He has failed and taken failures with victories.He is goal driven, strong willed and believes in himself."
"You're sick Soujiro. Admiring a murderer! He sells opium all over the world! He's the biggest crime lord in Japan at this moment. He's killed thousands of people, by murdering, pillaging, selling his drugs. Why would you choose him over being a rurouni?"
"I need not argue or explain my actions to you Misao san. I don't expect you to understand what it's like to loose a goal. Being a rurouni is neither fulfilling nor satisfying. Have you ever wandered before? Just picked up and left?" Soujiro questioned her.
Silence answered him. Soujiro continued.
"You wander aimlessly for months, helping some people, and then at other times getting involved in other peoples conflicts. Those people decide to blame you for their problems There is no motivation for being a rurouni. You wander. You have no where you belong. Nothing that you can return to. It's empty and hollow, and lonely. Why do you think Himura was so happy to have found Kaoru san? He wandered for 10 years. Do you know how much despair he must have felt? Some rurouni's never find what they were looking for. They waste away and die for lack of a goal, a dream, an ambition. I was sick of wandering. Kanryuu took me in and offered me something priceless. He offered me a dream to be a part of."
Misao frowned as she listened. All she felt like doing was hugging and shaking the poor boy. He'd been through so much pain. So much torment. And then to have to wander, and only to return right back where he started. Suddenly the connection was made and Misao's heart broke. He had never been appreciated, cared for. He was so used to being used that when he wasn't being used he felt helpless. Uncared for.
"Soujiro" She whispered, feeling a deep web of sympathy for the boy.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I didn't ask for your pity" Soujiro whispered turning up the flight of stairs.
Against her better judgement Misao reached out and hugged him. The boy stood, shocked, and tense against her hug. Misao felt the tears, and held them at bay. He was so lost. Misao couldn't help but stroke his hair, maternal instincts rising within her as she gripped him tighter.
"M-misao san" Soujiro asked startled by her.
"You've never been loved have you Soujiro san?" Misao asked him, hugging him tighter, not letting go.
To say Soujiro was shocked that she was hugging him was an afterstatement. He'd never really been hugged before, didn't know what to do. Was this the way a mother treated her son? Was this what he'd been missing? She was so warm against him. Soujiro trembled wondering what these feelings were that passed through him. Hugs were nice he concluded, but his heart ached. He felt his throat tighten and his eyes burned. Feeling the weakness at her question, Soujiro did something he'd never done before. He opened up
"I've never felt love if that's what your asking. My family hated me. Shishio sama was the only one who took me in.Trained me. Showed me that strength was the key." Soujiro whispered in reply softly. Why was he telling her this? What was she doing to him?
"Soujiro….it's not the strength of the person. But their weaknesses that make a person who they are. If you cannot be weak with someone, let down your guard, then you cannot love." Misao told him softly in reply. It was such an odd thing to be talking to him, the enemy about love, in the weirdest setting, in the weirdest situation. She bit her lip but continued on. Screw weird. He needed to hear this. He was a person after all. Even if he was evil, everyone deserved love.
"If we make it alive from here, promise me you will go out and find love." Misao said softly, green eyes looking deep within his.
"Misao san?" Soujiro frowned. One minute she was angry with him, the next she was so…so serious. How could she live so passionately between the two?
"Promise it. That's your goal and aim if you ever make it from this place" Misao said swifty, green eyes bearing down on him. He found he could not look away from those eyes. The promise came, knowing he couldn't turn her down. The effect she must have on men….this mere slip of a girl. No wonder Saitou offered her a job. No wonder his anger with Shinomori had been so intense. He, such as many other admiring men, probably thrived on having her near him. She was so passionate and emotional, and yet soft and pliable. The extremes of both spectrums this girl made for a very interesting combination.
"I promise Misao." He replied, sealing it.
"Good. Lets go then" Misao released him almost as quickly as it had come, leaving Soujiro confused. This girl…she was dangerous. Dangerous in a way that left Soujiro completely exposed. He wouldn't, couldn't afford to let her out of his sights.
Saitou scowled.
"What the HELL would've motivated her to do something as stupid as this?" Saitou demanded.
Aoshi frowned. The two of them screaming at each other would've been enough to drive her off. Once again Aoshi was pushing her away. Sighing he unsheathed his kodachi.
"Ikimasu" He ordered, azure eyes narrowed. He would find her.
Yellow eyes glanced sharply at Shinomori. He was right. Misao had gone ahead and neither could let any time waste. If Itachi was hurt….there would be hell to pay.
"Agreed then" Saitou replied, taking his japanese sword out. Aoshi led the way, followed closely by Saitou.
"And the others?" Aoshi asked, glacing at the wolf.
Yellow eyes were narrowed and gleamed with the background of the full moon. Truly he was a wolf, a predator of the night.
"They have their orders. They will attack without me needing to be there. We'll just have to fight out way through the gates and lose the element of surprise." Saitou snarled, yellow eyes gleaming wickedly.
"Very well" Aoshi replied, grip tightening on his kodachi. They rushed on, as the brush thinned. The gate was visible and open. Both heard the gunshots before sight and separated in a v, tumbling for cover. Shots echoed through the night, hitting trees brush and nearly Aoshi. He slid the kunai from his wrist, resting for a moment. The shooter was sitting beyond the gate, searching the darkness for them. Aoshi pulled out a few special supplies he'd saved for this. While Sanosuke had his own friends in the explosive industry, Aoshi preferred the older more traditional ways. He had his own connections through Kyoto.Chucking one over the gate it exploded on impact setting fire to the place and the grass around.
Saitou scowled. The lawn started to burn, and half of the brick wall was gone. Subordinates were yelling.Damn him! They had already lost the element of surprise. Now Now the entire regiment of Kanryuu's forces knew they were charging and they didn't even have the reinforcements for back up. Getting up from his place in the brush he cleared the concrete wall. Aoshi followed after.
"You and your damned theatrics, we'll have to come in from a window on the side now that they know we're here. If that doesn't get my men into action I don't know what will" Saitou scowled, as the two ran through the brush.
"There" Aoshi pointed to a window. It's location seemed clear enough.
"I'm not picky" Saitou shrugged charging the window, shoulder first.
CRASH the window fell through and Saitou turned midair, avoiding a very painful landing on glass, choosing instead for a wall. He hit it groaning, bruised, but not bloody. Wearily, getting to his feet he saw Shinomori smirking at him.
"What?" He snapped irritated, and cracked his neck.
"And you say I'm flashy. Did you not notice there was a wall there?" Aoshi merely replied, a grin sliding across his features.
"We've blown our surprise. They might as well expect us. And I figured you didn't want to get your hands dirty shinomori, so I did." Saitou replied, chunks of the window falling off of him as he stood.
"I must say I'm impressed for a man of your…charisma and vitatlity to have crashed through a window."
"Another old crack at me and this swords going up your-"
"MOVE!" Shinomori cried tackling the older cop as gun shots and kunai flew at them. They slid across the wooden floors, realizing they'd made their way into the kitchen. Shinomori lay on top of Saitou, breath racing.
"Get. Off. ME." Saitou demanded, irritated to no end.
Shinomori more than willingly complied. "No thanks for saving your life?"
"We don't have time for this" Saitou snapped, eyes searching, as his felt for the man's ki.
"You're right, we have to find Misao. You take care of the intruder and I'll scout out ahead." Aoshi replied simply.
"Not a chance in hell" Saitou snapped. "This is MY operation if you've forgotten and I'LL be making the calls here"
"Not when Misao's life is in danger" Aoshi replied, eyes narrowing.
"And WHOSE fault is that exactly?" Saitou reminded him harshly. "LAST time I checked it was YOURS"
Aoshi was about to answer, but an explosion of gunshots forced Shinomori to duck over the counter behind the cabinets and sink. Saitou to leap through the doorway narrowly escaping danger.
"Handle it Shinomori!" He cried, sprinting past the door.
Shinomori glowered at the doorway. Damn him! Pulling out two more explosives he lofted them over the counter. The explosion rocked the kitchen, effectively silencing the gunshots for good. Shinomori peeked over. The house was on fire but they were heading below it. Now where would Kanryuu have hidden his entrance way? Kanryuu's flair for the dramatic was obvious. The smoke was starting to enter through the rooms. Aoshi courghed and covered his mouth within his trenchcoat. It was mingled with the scent on her.
Distracted, Aoshi's eyes wandered the room. Gods let her be safe, Aoshi prayed. Azure eyesscanned the room. This had to be the room it was in. It was darker than the others. Aoshi eyed the room looking for something that could be a door way. The smoke was getting thicker. His eyes fell on the huge clock. That had to be it. Cracking the case Aoshi pushed and pulled. Something clicked. A doorway opened, reveiling a long narrow hallway. Aoshi smirked. Closing the clock behind him Aoshi made his way through the hallway. Misao…wait for me
Saitou proceeded through the house, and heard the grenades explode, ducking behind a couch he avoided the assailing debris. Coughing Saitou cursed the ex okashira with all of his being. Ears pricked, as he felt the Ki of another. If he couldn't find a doorway he'd do things the hardway. Sneaking up on the assailant Saitou had him pinned throat against his sword.
"You will take me to Kanryuu" He ordered, voice taut, katana tightening on the mans throat.
Sano sprinted through the lines of men fighting in the midst of Kanryuu's courtyard staring at the burning house. How DARE they leave him behind! Sano was convinced they had started early just to try and leave him out of this. There would be hell to pay once he found Saitou. Armed with his Futae no kimiwami Sano would give the cop a beating he'd never forget. Punching a man in the way, Sano vaulted his way over a group tustling, and burst through the doors. He sprinted through, following the path of debris and mess. Saitou and Aoshi had definetly been through here.
He saw the outlines of Aoshi, touching…. a clock? the ex Okashira disappeared as a whole section of the wall opened and closed.
"AO-" Sano called, but it reset itself "Shi…"He finished lamely. DAMN it! He was not going to be left out of this one. The door way to the study toppled in front of him, fire spreading, forcing Sano to retreat from the ash and debris as the house shook and shuddered. Coughing he looked at the doorway. The debris was covering well over half the doorway, flames licking at the edges of it.
Sano glared up to the heavens. "This sure as hell won't STOP ME!" Sano cried, jumping prone through the tiny opening, wincing at the fire hit his bandages. Toppling to the floor, he ripped the bandages off.
"God damn that was hot." Sano complained wipping his sweat on his wrist. "Now then" Sanosuke said looking at the clock.
"How did he do it?" Sano asked, puzzled, Glancing around the room. Chucking items off the desk as the smoke filled the room he glanced around. What the hell had Shinomori done? Irritated beyond belief Sano did the one thing he was good at. He Futae no Kimiwami-ed the holy hell out of the clock. Busted and broken, he heard a click. The door opened.
Grinning ear to ear Sano cracked his knuckles and made his way inside.
"Now as to where he went…"Sano eyed the dark hallway. The door hadn't closed yet. Breaking a chair leg off of one of the arm chairs in the study, Sano lit it on fire. There. It'd last for a little bit. Walking down the hallway Sano kept close watch for an anbush.
Aoshi wandered down the dark halls, grimacing as he smelt the sulphur. Burrowing his face in the sleeve of his trenchcoat he pressed on, kodachi unsheathed and ready. Inhaling deeply, he inhaled her. A vision of her descended upon him. Her blue green eyes, her beautiful smile, those coral lips…Aoshi shook his head. He couldn't be distracted. He had to find her.
Grimacing as he felt droplets Aoshi looked up. The cave's roof became wider and taller. Moisture that collected within the caves dripped from rather dangerous looking protruding rocks that hung from the ceiling. How old was this cave? Aoshi couldn't guess. The rock was old that was for certain. He pressed on, refiguring the map Saitou had showed them within his mind. Sooner or later he should be reaching either Kanryuu or atleast the three hallways that would divide them. And what would he do then?
Would he press on unknowing of which hallway she was down? Or would he find Kanryuu and end it all? He was torn. If he went after Kanryuu there was no guarantee that Misao would be safe. More than likely Misao was being taken….what if she was being taken to Kanryuu? What would that bastard do to her? Kanryuu had never taken to women well. He kept a few whores around but those were more for his men on guard then anyone else. Aoshi had never seen Kanryuu take a women to his bed. Would Kanryuu touch her?
Aoshi picked up his pace. He wasn't about to let- and then he felt it. Someone was following him. Slinking to the shadows of a rock formation just beyond the dangerous cavern, Aoshi readied himself. Whoever it was was particularily loud. Aoshi waited for him to come in. Hearing the cursings and watching the man stumble Aoshi threw the explosives towards the roof. It exploded, causing the spiked ceiling to cave. Whoever it looked up and cursed. The spikes from the cave fell, littering the ground and cracking. The man dodged them, tumbling to the entrance like a buffon. Aoshi was there, kodachi at his throat.
"Ahhck…Whoever you are you're gonna regret meddlin with- Ice block?" Sano asked puzzled.
Aoshi dropped his kodachi in annoyance. He should've been able to guess who it had been. The legitimately nicknamed rooster head, Sanosuke Sagara, lay on the floor beneath him. Sano flashed a grin.
"Yo." He said smiling. "Mind helping me up?"
Aoshi sighed irritably. He didn't have time for this. Taking the ex street fighter's hand, Aoshi pulled him up and let go, sending the fighter off balance. Sagara stumbled.
"Hey" He complained. Aoshi ignored him pressing on.
"Ice cold bastard…" Sano muttered following after him.
"Please refrain from speaking. I'm concentrating" Aoshi said coldly, honeing in on someone's ki. Aoshi concentrated. It was two people. Soujiro's ki. Aoshi grimaced. He and the brat had a score to settle. The other ki, was none other than his Misao's. Aoshi concentrated further.He wasn't far from here. Aoshi broke into a run, knowing that Misao would be with him. He was probably taking her to Kanryuu.