(AN: Don't worry, this chapter may seem a bit confusing but keep reading. All will explain itself. Props to the newest authors in the Saitou Misao community. Your fics inspired me to update. Blessings and long life to my beta readers DeadyDiva08 and VampMistress27 for their sheer amazingness. They've truly helped me press on through my many writers blocks. Sorry I haven't updated for a while. My life's been crazy. Enjoy!)
It could always be said of Kanryuu that he was a strategist. He carefully looked at all sides of the puzzle and was able to logically decipher it. It had never been a problem for him. He'd always been excellent at riddles and mind games of that sort. He had loved Haiku's and poetry growing up. He'd always been different for that, but he'd known that it would lead to power in the end. He could break puzzles apart piece by piece, knowing each individual piece and how it fit together in the grand scheme of things. It was only a triffle to apply what he'd realized through years of stumping sensei's and always being one step ahead of the other morons who surrounded him, to the battlefield.
He found that his youthful games of strategy were practically the same as military strategy. He was excellent at battle strategies, and he gained favor among the Shinsengumi, rising among the ranks quickly from his keen intelligence. It used to be said that you could sharpen a sword off of his mind's eye. He'd been proud of that. He won battle by battle with careful observation and diligence. He also made a name of honor for himself. He also insisted on having a hand in the interrogation process. He excelled at this, greatest of all.
However Kanryuu wasn't just a cautious man when it came to strategy. He was extremely intelligent, none could deny him that. He was brilliant, no matter how many sensei's had tried to hold him back and down. They couldn't handle being out shined by their student. However Kanryuu was also a gambling man. He knew that there came a time and a place where you laid everything down on the table. It was by luck that Kanryuu had worked his way into the opium operation, and that too, he excelled at. It wasn't much of a surprise. Lurking underneath those black eyes was a troubled childhood tormented, and in turn, tormenting others. He didn't have a problem with making a profit off of the pain of others, and opium was addictive. His clients begged at his feet, groveled at his mercy, came at his beckoning call. Power was also addictive.
He became a very rich man, handling his affairs with the opium industry, under the guise of the Shinsengumi. They would never know how many shipments he smuggled within the war supplies. Finally Kanryuu found himself at the crossroads. Not necessarily because he was conflicted over his lack of honor (he could make people believe whatever he wanted about him) but by his own logical thinking. He looked at the two things he did, the profit of opium far outweighing the honor and battle glory he would receive in the Shinsengumi. And he choose his path. It was a simple feat to betray them and take over the underworld. Child's play. And he had reveled in their defeat, feeding off his own sense of power and authority.
But then he'd gotten comfortable with luxury. He enjoyed too much the finer things in life. He became used to the slow witted dolts that made up the upperclass. His mind's eye became dull under the company he shared. Worse off, they fed his pride. He'd started believing what everyone told him. His pride began to cloud his judgment. He was a god among insects. He was invincible. And there in lied his weakness. He'd gotten sloppy. He'd foolishly laid everything down without relying on that careful intuition that had saved him time and time before. Although his eyes had been opened, it was too late to save him now.
Never before had he tasted despair, or even the fear of defeat. Now he stood at the very brink of defeat, his death looming malevolently over his shoulder. His heart beat nearly deafened him with its pounding. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, struggling to catch his ragged breath. He had never felt trapped before. Kanryuu had always been the one doing the trapping, forcing his prey to run where he willed, straight into the traps he construed. Now he was the prey being herded more than likely into a trap, being hunted by a most deadly foe. He could feel Saitou's Ki, gaining on him as he pumped his arms faster. Panic rose in him for the first time in many years since his first battle. He had to make it to the bay. If he made it to the bay they couldn't stop him. He cursed himself a thousand times over for trusting that wretch.
Saitou came to a halt as the hallway led back into another house like area. His hands itched for battle. Kanryuu was so close, it made his senses tingle, in anticipation. Retribution was at hand. Saitou let the feeling wash over him, renewing his strength as he leaned against the doorway for support. He took an account of his wounds. Minor for the most part. Some scratches, and some blood. His arms were bound, and nothing was bleeding through… yet. Nothing life threatening if dealt with quickly enough.
No matter, he thought shrugging off his pain. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered, but ending it, once and for all. Finally, he could avenge the deaths of the Shinsengumi. Saitou redoubled his caution as his spirit rose. No sense in getting careless and being cut down by some lacky. Saitou was disappointed to say the least. It appeared as if all of Kanryuu's lackies had deserted him. Saitou gripped his sword tighter as he walked down the hallway. Kanryuu was behind the door at the end. Saitou took his time. More than likely the others hadn't realized the illusion and were fighting off the hired help.
Saitou's smirk slid across his features, his eyes practically glowing in the fading lighted hallway. He could smell the smoke, knowing he had very little time to end it and make his own escape. He still hadn't found Misao…but he would. However, Kanryuu would pay first. Saitou's hand fell on the door knob, sneering that Kanryuu would save the foreign door for last when the rest of his house was Japanese. Typical arrogant bastard. He'd thrown Saitou enough curveballs for the day. Kanryuu had used up his cheap parlor tricks. It ended. Here. Now. He twisted the handle and opened the door, sword ready. Kanryuu's back was to him. Saitou's sneer slid across his features. Kanryuu had underestimated him for the last time. Saitou prepared to pounce.
"Ah, Hajime, we were wondering when you would show" Kanryuu's beady black eyes greeted him. Saitou memorized the look he had. It would be his last. Saitou flipped his sword preparing himself for the most satisfying Gatotsu he would ever use.
It was then that he noticed the person in Kanryuu's hands. That broke the wolf. A porcelain face streaked with tears, greeted him as he lost his footing for the Gatotsu. Burnt sienna eyes that he had loved so much now haunted him as he looked upon her. His mouth was ajar in shock as he stared at her. Her long silky hair that he had once run his fingers through, had lost it's luster. It was mussed, tangled, as if she'd been in a fight. Her red cherry lips that he had at one point lost himself within, were now a dull red, cracked and parted, trying to say something to him. Her clothing which had always been so refined and proper was also mussed. She had obviously put up a fight getting here. Amber orbs cracked, revealing everything as he stared at her….No…She wasn't supposed to be here. Oh gods, Was he lost in the hallucination again?
Saitou's face went ashen white as he stared upon the form of his wife. She had looked different in the hallucination. That meant this was real… didn't it? The hallucination haunted him. No! It wasn't real. He rubbed his face hoping to awaken as if from some bad dream. He could feel her blood upon him again…He looked at his trembling hand, holding onto his katana for dear life. If he let go of his sword he was finished. The wolf of Mibu sunk to his knees, clutching his head. What was real? Somewhere in the recesses of his mind he knew he had to save them…but what if this was another illusion?
"So pathetic Hajime" Kanryuu told him, holding his katana near Tokio's neck as his fingers slid her kimono lower.
"Saitou!" Misao shouted, trying to get him to snap out of whatever daze he was in.
"You still love her don't you? Even after she whored herself out to a peasant? How sweet! A wolf in love with a porcelain whore" Kanryuu mocked. Tokio stifled a cry.
Saitou flinched. Misao's hope soared. He wouldn't tolerate Kanryuu speaking of Tokio that way. He would run the bastard through. He would save them. He would get up, He…. sat eyes glazed over.
"Hahahaha!" Kanryuu's shrill laughter split the room. Misao herself flinched, his laughter startling her as it scared her.
"You're so predictable Hajime. I knew she would break you. And she doesn't even love you" Kanryuu taunted.
Misao's eyes filled with tears. No! Saitou didn't deserve this. "Stop it!" She cried to Kanryuu.
Kanryuu's beady eyes fixed themselves upon her. "and as for the little spitfire here….How does it feel to have the blood of an innocent on your hands Saitou? Your partner over there truly is pure, if anything in our world is."
"It's a pity she has to die as well. I would've enjoyed tasting her" Kanryuu said with a sigh.
Saitou sat, motionless.
Get up…she prayed….Please…Please…..get up!
Amber eyes looked hollowly into burn't sienna. Her eyes shone with tears that trailed down her cheeks reflecting his broken form. This was real…if anything was real, it was this. His senses reeled, his mind and stomach turned and toiled, but this was reality. He looked to his wife. Could he even refer to her as that? He sought for something, anything from her. Did she truly not love him? He searched deep within her eyes. And then he understood. They held nothing but hatred. She stood with the regalness of an empress. She had accepted her fate long before now.
I hate you… her dying voice rose from the back of his mind the thought of the hallucination making him grow pale. To save one he had to sacrifice the other. If he hesitated now, he knew that he would loose both. That would kill him.
He had entered in cool and collected. Now he was a pathetic wretch, broken and numb on the floor. Misao desperately tried to get Saitou to look at her. He couldn't see her, wouldn't see her. His eyes focused on Kanryuu…and then he saw his wife. Misao's heart broke and shattered to a thousand pieces for the wolf. She watched him sink to the floor and her anger burned at Kanryuu. He had to pay!
"I've had you pegged from the very beginning Hajime. You're so predictable! Aku Zoku Zan. I pray you, tell me where your precious honor code in now!" Kanryuu snarled as he grabbed Tokio harshly. She cried out in pain. The wolf sat, unmoving while Kanryuu rough handled his wife.
"Pathetic. That's what you've become Saitou. You're weak!" Kanryuu taunted as he brought Tokio closer, smelling her hair. Tokio tried to fight him off, but couldn't succeed.
"Nothing to say Hajime? No witty come back? No last retort?" Kanryuu asked him.
Saitou sat, motionless in his own thoughts.
"For once you've learned to hold your tongue. Smart of you. " Kanryuu quipped, staring at the motionless ex captain. Kanryuu's laughter filled the room again, causing tears to drip down Misao's eyes.
"Alas I tire of this game. I was hoping for more of a fight from you Hajime. For what it's worth you were amusing, but how did you ever in a million years dream to defeat me?" Kanryuu told him, sword on Tokio's throat in one hand. His other hand reached for a pistol.
"HAJIME!" Misao cried out, fighting Soujiro's hold on her. She had to snap him out of it! She had to help him. Soujiro restricted her movements by his sword, and she felt tears stream down her cheeks with frustration. His sword cut her throat and she cried out again.
Amber eyes lifted, as his name split the air. It was the same scream from his nightmare. Misao…
Saitou stirred into action, ducked the shot aimed for his head. The bullet sunk deep into his shoulder, burning and exploding with pain. Blood poured down his shoulder and Saitou snarled, awakened from his stuppor. His eyes looked at the room as if for the first time. And then his face marred, a look of hatred twisting through him. His eyes burned with malevolence, turning molten gold. Saitou's grip on his sword tightened, knuckles white, as he rose to his feet, flipping his sword. Kanryuu would die, consequences be damned.
Kanryuu's laughter died when he realized the bastard had dodged his shot. The look Saitou gave him made the drug lord flinch. He needed to kill the girls now and make his escape, crippling the wolf before he could attack. Kanryuu was gambling his fate... This was the moment. Kanryuu would lay all of his cards on the table.
"Soujiro!" Kanryuu ordered.
"Don't do it Sou kun" Misao said softly. Green eyes stared at him brightly as crystallized tears fell down her face. Her sorrow made him want to weep. "Don't let him dirty your hands. Break away from him"
"Kill her NOW Soujiro!" Kanryuu barked, sword on Tokio tightening as she murmured with pain.
"Why are you doing this Soujiro? Don't let him make a slave of you" Misao whispered.
Soujiro's eyes widened. His grip on his sword faltered. Break away….Slave….
Soujiro's control was slipping away. Why had he followed Kanryuu in the first place? The places where Kanryuu's hands had been upon him burned. They had beat him…they had treated him like a dog. He had served them willingly and they had beaten him and tried to kill him. He had suffered more under Kanryuu's hands than he had at theirs! Grey eyes narrowed, crystallized mirrors reflecting their hatred. Would he let himself be controlled again? The Strong live…the weak die…Soujiro clutched his head as the mantra sang in his thoughts. Shishio sama…how had he mistaken this poor thin lich for his master?
"Whatever happens Soujiro, remember your promise" Misao whispered closing her eyes as she felt the sword bite into her neck.
A scream like a wounded animal split the room. Saitou was in motion following after Kanryuu as herbody fell limply to the floor. He ran past her, ignoring her cry, only knowing that Kanryuu was getting away. Her hands reached out to him trying to touch him. Saitou sprinted as Kanryuu made his exit behind the curtain. Soujiro's sword dropped to the floor. Her blood sprayed everywhere, dampening the floors.
Kenshin's god like speed cut through brush and grass as he sped on to Takani Megumi's house. His mind teetered in a million directions, concerned for the safety of his family and his friends. Kaoru was safe. The relief that washed over him helped calm his thoughts. Sanosuke, Aoshi, and Misao had already infiltrated Kanryuu's base. Kenshin could see the smoke rising from the obvious fire at his mansion. He worried for their safety, particularly Misao dono's. Kenshin's thoughts darkened as he thought of Saitou. He had left all of his dearest friends in his hands. What if something had happened to them? Kenshin's fist clenched. He doubted Saitou would stoop so low as joining forces with Kanryuu, but Kenshin wouldn't put it past him. Saitou would pay if a single hair was missing from them.
Kenshin's eyes were a stormy purple. His ki rose as he thought of the ex Shinsengumi captain. Eventually they would have to finish what they started with their duel. It would have to end. Kenshin blinked, looking at his surroundings. His thoughts had drifted. Where was he? Kenshin took a look around him. He was nearby Megumi's clinic but he didn't sense them inside. Odd. His senses prickled. He sensed their ki. What were they doing outside of her house?
"Megumi san?" He called.
"Ken san?" Megumi's voice answered, as she came out of the brush, dagger in hand.
"Aa" Kenshin replied. "This one is glad to see that you are safe"
Ayame and Suzume rushed out of the brush to Kenshin, crying and hugging him.
"Oro!" Kenshin exclaimed as the girls hailed him.
"Ken NIi san!" they both cried.
"Daijoubu!" He told them with a trademark smile. "No tears this night, we're all safe now, that we are" Kenshin's eyes met Megumi's in an unspoken question. Where was the doctor? Her eyes dimmed momentarily. The girls threatened tears as they felt the tension in the air.
Megumi winked. "Ah, Ken san is right you two. No tears tonight! Were safe! This is a time for a celebration"
"Hurray!" Ayame cried.
"Shh…" Kenshin said, picking up the girls. "Hold on tight alright?" Kenshin told them.
"Hai!" They replied.
"Ken san…maybe I should hold the girls…" Megumi began. In case there's more fighting …
Kenshin smiled knowingly. "There's no one within the vicinity near us. Me and Yahiko will double back after we drop you off with the police at the bay"
Megumi came close to him grabbing his shoulder.
"We need to talk Ken san" Megumi whispered giving an affectionate squeeze.
Kenshin turned, amethyst eyes fixed on the fox knowingly. He nodded. "That we do"
Aoshi forced himself to jog, ignoring his hissing wounds as they threatened to spill over. The bleeding had stopped for the moment. He had to save Misao. He had to. After nearly passing out three times he forced himself onward coughing. He would not give up. His redemption was at stake. Kanryuu had to die. Honor had to be restored. He had to save Misao. He stumbled down the hallway, leaning heavily on the walls as he made his way towards her. He was so close…He reached the door as her cry hit his ears. He turned the handle stumbling into the room as he fought his dizziness.
"Help me Aoshi sama…Please …" Misao's lips quivered. Her face was ghastly pale. Her entire body shook and trembled. She was covered in blood…Aoshi bit back the bile creeping up his throat and fought the wave of dizziness. It was a sight Aoshi never wanted to see again. Aoshi bit back a cry as he trembled. He took off his trench coat, ripping it quickly as he came nearer. The woman Misao held in her arms was nearly dead, throat ripped open by a katana. Aoshi blanched. She was already so pale. At least a galloon of blood had seeped from her body judging from the precious life fluid on the floor.
"Help me!" She pleaded, hands clinging to his shirt, fingers wringing the material in her desperation. Her hands were bloody, soaking his shirt. Aoshi's stomach turned. He pried her hands from him.
"There is nothing that can be done" He whispered to her. Azure eyes looked upon blue green with pity as he watched the woman's life blood continue to spread across the floor. Her body twitched, particularly her fingers, as the blood spread. Misao sniffled, tears falling down her cheeks as she clenched her fists.
"There HAS TO BE!" She cried, rising to her feet and whirling on him. He took her in his arms feeling tears rise to his own eyes at her pain.
"SAVE HER, AOSHI SAMA!" Misao cried, beating her fists against his chest. "Don't you SEE? I'm no use to him unless I save her! He NEEDS her! HE…needs…her…." She broke, sobs wracking through her body. Aoshi cradled her against him, kissing her hair.
"I'm so sorry, dear one" He whispered, stroking her back.
"It's not fairAoshi sama!" She sobbed into his shirt.
"I know" Aoshi said looking longingly at the door that lay ajar behind the ripped up curtain. "I know…" He whispered softly stroking her hair.
Saitou pursued Kanryuu down the tunnel, entering into the rocky caverns leading out to the bay. Saitou's smirk never left him as he chased after Kanryuu. He had a 30-40 yard head start but Saitou could out distance the worm. He knew Kanryuu was trying to make it to the bay. What Kanryuu didn't know was that no matter what way he went he was trapped. The wolf had him cornered. When Kanryuu exited the tunnel he'd run smack dab into the officers, and Saitou would run him through. The spider himself had been caught in a web.
Saitou said a prayer silently to the dead, asking their forgiveness for taking so long to avenge their deaths. Between his marriage, his job, and trying to hold together the unraveling threads of the Meiji together, he'd had little time to pursue his own means. Well now you won't have to worry about marriage His mind taunted. Saitou winced, the emotional blow almost as painful as a physical one. He shook it off. Now wasn't the time to focus on that. It was another reason to push on. Kanryuu had her death to answer for.
"What was all this talk about me being PATHETIC, TAKEDA? If you're so superior then WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?" Saitou said laughing as he gained on the skinny little worm.
Kanryuu's breath was getting heavier. Saitou could hear it. He could taste his fear, and smell the sweat pouring off him. And the wolf in him howled triumphantly as he gained on his prey. Saitou followed after him spirit rising as he knew the kill was at hand. Retribution was here, now!
Kanryuu gasped as his lungs burned. He was drenched in sweat. His white American styled shirt was ruined. The state of his shirt however was the least of his problems as the master tactician formulated his plan. The wolf was upon him and slowly closing the distance. He was so close to the tunnels end he could taste the salt water…or was that his own perspiration falling down his face in waves? No matter. He would escape and return to his glory. He'd have to sacrifice his main opium house, but he'd made himself from nothing before. He'd do it again. He could feel the air from the ocean. So Close.
And then he was sent flying, hurtling through the air as rocks connected with his body. He was hurled to the ground beaten into it as rocks fell in a clatter upon him. He could taste the dirt in his mouth as well as his blood. He groaned, shifting his body, knowing that he was still being pursued and time was wasting. He got shakily to his feet and realized that what he'd experienced was indeed an explosion. Kanryuu stood face to face with a cave in.
"No" Kanryuu said hollowly.
"NO! NO! NO!" He cried launching himself at the pile.
" NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!" He screamed in fury, fingers bleeding as he tried to dig through the rubble. And then he felt it. The cold shiver down his spine, tingling his senses with his rage. And at this Kanryuu laughed. His shrill laughter echoed off the caves as he turned to face the Mibu Wolf.
Saitou was surprised to see the explosion as he rounded the corner. Worse off he felt the explosion as several rocks crashed on his already stinging shoulder. He snarled, dodging to the side, expecting that the roof of the cave might give on him. Not before I kill him…Saitou thought, gritting his teeth against the wall. The dust settled and Saitou made his way towards the pathetic wretch. Kanryuu cried out again and again as he fought to attempt to dig his way out of the tunnel. The wretch was trapped, his escape blocked. The only way he had to go was back through the way he came.
Not the grand and glorious plot Saitou had thought it would be, but he'd settle for this ending. He was a flexible man, and he'd been fantasizing about this moment for a long time.
"You have a lot to answer for Takeda" Saitou told him.
Kanryuu spit, a combination of blood and dirt and perhaps a few teeth.
"You've killed more men with your opium then you did in the war time. That alone is enough to justify your death. However you've far exceeded the expectations of anyone"
"That's because you all were idiots! All of you!" Takeda said, wiping the blood running down his chin on his dirtied sleeve.
"Between your lies and manipulations, and the contacts you made to start your opium ring, you're a class 1 convict. Do you know what that means Takeda?"
"That you're going to kill me. Spare me the dramatics and cut the shit already" Kanryuu snapped.
"Very Good Kanryuu" Saitou replied with a smirk. "It means that I'd have the right to kill you, if you were fleeing from being apprehended. What's more is that you injured me in trying to arrest you, which means this can go down as self defense and pursuit of suspect."
"The right to kill me? You arrogant son of a bitch!" Kanryuu snarled.
"But it's not just the right to kill you Kanryuu that really gets me going. It's that it's an honor to end the life of soul sucking scum like you. It's the privilege of ending the life of a coward a cheat and a murderer all in one person."
"Hah, it only took you how many years to find me? You dishonor them by your lack of commitment Hajime" Kanryuu said, spitting near his foot.
"Only one thing stirs my emotions Kanryuu. Aku Zoku Zan. For the sake of my justice alone" Saitou said, flipping his sword and preparing for the Gatotsu.
Kanryuu smiled, a few teeth missing, mouth bloodied, his glasses broken as he stared at the Mibu Wolf through his fragmented spectacles.
"Come and get me Hajime" Kanryuu taunted.
Saitou launched into the Gatotsu. Kanryuu countered with a fistful of dirt and rocks flying into the Wolf's face. Saitou cursed, as he heard Kanryuu draw his sword, but the wolf couldn't be stopped by simple dust. He thrust his sword deep into Takeda's shoulder, before bouncing back from the delayed strike. Kanryuu howled in pain, blood running freely down his arm. Saitou needed to deal with the fact that his eyes were watering and he could barely see, so he retreated a few steps back. Kanryuu had a katana, this much Saitou now knew. Good. Seppuku was too good for worms anyways.
"You know what your problem is Hajime? You have always underestimated ME!" Kanryuu cried launching himself at Saitou.
His sword rang, and Saitou brought up his to block the thrusts Kanryuu offered. Normally Saitou would've killed him in an instant, but the wolf was starting to tire, a result of his several injuries and the fatigue of fighting so many foes before him. Saitou gave ground as Kanryuu continued, and the wolf fought to regain the majority of his eyesight. Let Kanryuu tire himself out with his costly thrusts. His eyes burned and watered and made Saitou wonder if Kanryuu had some sort of poison or herb along with the dirt. He wouldn't put it past him.
Saitou came hard, body to body against Kanryuu's sword, and sent the smaller man tumbling. Kanryuu, unfortunately still held his sword, but groaned from the effort. He got to his feet and Saitou rubbed his eyes in his spare seconds. The tears were at least gone from his face although his eyes still burned.
"In what world did you ever think to defeat me in a sword fight Kanryuu? You can't cheat your way out of skill" Saitou said laughing at the wretch of a man in front of him.
"Stop IT. Stop laughing at ME!" Kanryuu shrieked black eyes alight in fury. Kanryuu flipped his sword, mirroring a Gatotsu.
Saitou's eyes narrowed. "You dare to dishonor the Gatotsu by attempting it?"
"What do you say Saitou? My Gatotsu verses yours? All or nothing?" Kanryuu asked him, grinning, despite his blood spilling onto the dirt.
"I won't dirty my technique to fight you. I don't need it against someone as pathetic as you" Saitou said, crossing his arm as he leaned against the wall.
Kanryuu's eyes widened, his face turning red in his fury at the insult.
Saitou gave him his trademark smirk, laughing at him.
"For someone as confident as you seem, you weren't expecting the dust were you?" Kanryuu said, stalling for something.
"If the best you can do to met is throw some dust, then you're in a lot more trouble than you know Takeda" Saitou said, advancing upon him. Kanryuu stepped back, giving the wolf his ground.
"Ah but that's the trick Hajime is that you missed your mark by that dust" Kanryuu said, bending down to retrieve a rock.
Saitou laughed, allowing Kanryuu to pick it up, wondering if he was stupid enough to think that the stone would actually help him. Saitou's laughter bounced and echoed off the walls of the cave, startling the rich opium dealer.
"And whatever gave you the impression that I missed?" Saitou said, taking a few steps closer.
Kanryuu's face went ashen.
"No Takeda, I never miss my aim. I will make you suffer cut by cut until all of your blood runs from your body, and even in your dying breath I will not end the pain. I will suck every scream and cry out of you for all the people you've made suffer. You will beg me to end your life and I will make you suffer even more for it" Saitou said, eyes molten as they stared at Kanryuu like an executioner from the depths of hell itself.
"I guess I have no choice but to cast my stone where it LIES!" Kanryuu cried, throwing his stone high. Saitou realized his plan and rolled to the side, as the rocks came crashing down on the place where he had been. Kanryuu's sword rang, as Saitou dodged again, Kanryuu's sword striking the wall and creating sparks. Saitou's eyes lit up in fury and ecstasy as he blocked Kanryuu's blows. Yes, let him fight to the end. He would make him suffer. Saitou lived for the battle. He slashed the other shoulder as Kanryuu cried out and stumbled back.
"Your strength is fading Kanryuu. You're tired and you're feeling the effects of your age and your health. You always were a sickly man" Saitou said, managing a cut to his thigh and dashing to the side, out of the strategist's swords way.
"I can practically taste your fear. You've run out of options." Saitou said.
"What do you intend to do to me?" Kanryuu asked his voice shaking.
"Your insides will be your outsides when I'm through with you. I won't stop slicing you until your cuts stop bleeding. Your screams will only receive deeper cuts. I'll start with your fingers, then make my way down to your wrist, then I work on your face, cut your nose off and take your eyes….and then maybe go down to your toes until I have all of those too. After that it'll depend on how you struggle."
Kanryuu's face was ashen with fear. But his eyes glared and burned defiance.
"Then allow me to take your final victory from you!" Kanryuu snarled, turning his sword upon himself.
Saitou's eyes widened and he rushed forward attempting to stop the blow. It was too late. Kanryuu had effectively sliced through his own neck. Blood pooled and was absorbed by the dirt beneath his still twitching body, but Kanryuu was dead before he'd hit the floor. Saitou sighed. It certainly wasn't seppuku….the coward. Saitou spit on the corpse and leaned against the wall, scrounging for a cigarette within his pockets. He found one and lit the match, taking a relieving drag as he stared at the corpse.
"You were always a coward, unable to face up to what you dished out. The gods couldn't save you in the place you reside now" Saitou told the corpse.
Tokio was dead. Her body was white, lacking in color. It no longer twitched or leaked blood, if there was any still in the body to leak. Her burn't sienna eyes stared lifelessly at her. Misao sat kneeled a ways away from the body, staring at her bloodied hands.
"We must leave Misao" Aoshi said, getting to his feet. They had rested long enough. They needed to escape before something un planned happened and ether of them got hurt.
"No." She said numbly.
"There is nothing you can do for her now" Aoshi said, hand gripping her shoulder in sympathy. She had the biggest heart of anyone he'd ever known. It hurt him to see her in such pain.
"We are not leaving without the body" Misao said simply.
"Misao we do not have time-" Aoshi snapped, irritated that she was being so childish at a time like this.
"She deserves a proper funeral" Misao interrupted simply. Her green eyes shone clearly. He would have to knock her out to get her out of the room without Tokio's body. He couldn't afford to lose her trust.
Aoshi glowered at the body and wrung his hands in defeat. She refused to leave without it and there was no way he could force her to leave with him. He made his way to the curtain slicing a huge portion of it with his kodachi.
"We will bind her in that, after we have the body bound we will-"
"I'm not going with you" Misao replied.
"This is ridiculous Misao"
"I won't leave without him either" She replied.
"You will do as you're told. I have made more than enough amends to your grief. He can take care of himself. Right now we might not make it out alive if we do not leave now. Neither of us will make it very far if we don't leave now. You may veil your fatigue but I can sense it. We must find Sanosuke and regroup. And what of Kaoru and Megumi? We have a responsibility to them as well" Aoshi ordered.
Misao didn't have the strength to argue. Aoshi and Misao moved the body from the puddle of blood. They draped the curtain over her body. Misao retrieved the gold cords decorating the curtains to bind her body, making sure the cloth was tight and secure. Aoshi threw the bound corpse over his shoulder and grabbed Misao's hand. They made their way back down the hallway, moving quickly.