Disclaimer: Not mine…never mine…I never get to have anything, it's not fair!
Damn it…I don't know what the heck is wrong, but I've been really sick again lately, so this chapter is later than I intended. Being away from it, I kinda lost the flow of the story and had to go back through the chapter and figure out what to do with it. It changed a bit from what I first intended. Ack! There was too much angst! Poor Hiko needs a break… therefore: Hiko and Katsura bonding over sake…heh… A wonderful opportunity to embarrass poor Kenshin :) The thing with the artist was just an odd thought, and I was actually thinking of turning into a different story (maybe I can turn it into a side story or something?), but I decided to incorporate into this fic to lighten the mood. I've got too many people crying over this story so far…I'm so sorry!
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Lot of reviewers for last chapter!
Sailor-Earth13: Glad you didn't mind the twist in the plot! Thank you!
Night-Owl123: I'm glad you liked the ghost part! Don't worry, I have no intention of turning the whole ordeal into a dream at the end. I hate stories that end like that.
Terry-McElrath: Thank you so much! I'm kind of drawing on my own experience for the emotions involved. I've been trying to show that no matter how alone or alienated people feel, there are people out there who care, even if they may not always show it; and that suicide affects not only the victim, but everyone around them as well.
Rabid Turtle: I'm really touched by your response for last chapter. I'm glad my writing had that kind of effect; I wasn't really trying to be depressing! And I'm glad you liked Kenshin's observing Hiko's feelings…He really needed to see how much his master really cared about him.
lilmatchgirl007: Thanks for reviewing! Heh…teaching a ghost the succession technique would be pretty amusing, but probably not possible. There's a little humor in this chapter, so I hope that'll cheer you up!
SiriusFan13: I'm so relieved that I might actually be able to pull this off! I'll try not to disappoint you. Thank you for your comments on the chapter; I'll try to watch out for too modern speech in the future, and I probably won't be using much harsh language again in other chapters. They were just there for emotional effect really. Although I might use the "F" word just one more time in the next chapter. Hiko's fun to write when he gets mad…
xZig-zagx: I'm so happy you approve! Yeah, it is really creepy to think about…I don't think I'd be too happy to see my own body either! Ugh…
Ellie: Well…I have no idea what it would be like to wake up dead, so the hangover thing seemed to be a good idea at the time. There is a purpose to Kenshin's staying behind, but that will be revealed in an upcoming chapter.
crimsonsun-rk37: Thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you like the story!
Justice Stryfe: I don't usually like suicide fics either, generally because they just end it at the death, and don't go into the aftermath. I'm trying to go into detail as to why it's not a good idea to kill yourself. I'm really happy you enjoy this story so far, and I'm looking forward to your next chapter too!
Hikari Tsuki Chi: Thanks for reviewing, and I totally agree! I just kind of had to get into his head for something like this. I mean, how could I not? :)
a.k.a. Arashi: Wow! Thank you! I'm flattered that you think I have talent, and coming from an English teacher, that's a real compliment! I got the idea from wondering how own family and friends would react if I ever killed myself (one main reason why I never did). Yeah, I do have some amusing scenes planned for the two of them when they do finally meet.
Ayumi Ikari: Thank you! Hmm…haunting the Shinsengumi…I never really thought of that, but it does have possibilities. I'm glad I wrote that correctly; it's been a while since I've used any German, and I was never really all that good at it anyway.
moeru himura: Thanks for reviewing! I had fully intended having him come back as a ghost, even before I started writing the story. I really needed him to be able to see how his reckless decision affected everyone, especially Hiko. I'm glad you like the story even with your feelings on the ghost issue!
skenshingumi: Thanks for your review! I hope you feel better from your injury soon! I haven't really decided if I'm going to bring him back or leave him dead at this time.
omasuoniwabanshi: I'm really glad you're still enjoying my story! No, he definitely won't be reunited with his body (no YuYu Hakusho escape for him!); he's getting cremated in the next chapter. I might bring him back some other way, but I'm still not sure yet. If I do, it will be pretty far in the future.
Sakura Kamitsu: Thanks! Glad you liked it!
camillian: Don't worry, Kenshin's a major part of this chapter! Hiko might not really be able to do anything to a ghost, but Kenshin's fear of his master's wrath was kind of a deeply rooted reaction from his childhood ;) Thanks for reviewing!
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Only the Beginning
Written by lolo popoki
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(("Baka…" he whispered bleakly. "You could have just come home; I would have taken you back, you know…"))
Chapter 7: The Anonymous Artist
Hiko walked over to the window and stared silently out into the night. He felt exhausted…both physically and emotionally drained by the day's events.
This has got to be the worst possible day I've ever had. Not even when I learned the ougi and killed my own master, did I feel quite this bad. And to think, just this morning I was complaining of being bored… I would happily take boredom over this any day…
The swordsman sighed wearily, and turned to face the door, having sensed that Katsura was approaching.
There was a light tap and then: "Hiko-san, may I come in?"
"Aa," Hiko replied listlessly. He couldn't even summon up the energy to put his defensive mask back on. He found that he just didn't care anymore.
Katsura stepped inside and then paused, taking in the sight of the disheartened swords-master with some concern.
"Um…I just finished discussing the arrangements for the funeral. It's best to have it done as soon as possible, so the service will be midmorning tomorrow. It will be a simple service, as you requested…I know Himura would have preferred it that way." He hesitated for a moment and then continued. "Will you be staying up with him tonight? If not, I can see if one of the servants will prepare a room for you to sleep in."
"I'll stay with him," the swordsman said quietly, going back to staring out the window.
Uncertain of how he could comfort the bereaved man, Katsura walked over to Hiko and stood silently behind him.
"You probably wouldn't like to stick around for the wake this evening, so would you care to join me for some sake…while the men pay their respects?" he asked, suddenly feeling inspired.
Hiko perked up slightly at the mention of sake. "Lead on. I definitely could use a drink about now…"
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As the two men left the room, Kenshin was still standing in the corner, frozen in shock from his master's earlier whispered statement.
He…he would have taken me back…? All these years I thought he hated me, and I could have just gone…home?
Groaning miserably, the ghost sank back down to the floor and stared at the closed door where his master and employer had disappeared.
"I just can't do anything right…" he muttered in disgust.
His glum thoughts were cut short by the arrival of a small group of his compatriots as they entered his room. Kneeling respectfully in front of the occupied futon, they began quietly praying. One of the men, who Kenshin recognized as Kichiro - a young soldier he had rescued from a Shinsengumi attack recently, lit up a stick of incense and placed it carefully in front of the body before he too began to pray.
Kenshin grew uncomfortable as more and more of his comrades arrived to pay their respects.
What is this? Most of these men never even said more than a few words to me when I was alive. Are they that disturbed by my death?
Even as he thought this, he was struck by a sudden revelation. All of these men, he had helped in some way over the years… Over there by the window was Adachi Rokuro, a member of a convoy he had helped to protect from an ambush. He recognized Erizawa Susumu, one of Katsura's bodyguards, who had almost been killed by a Shogunate hitokiri before Kenshin had leapt in front of him. Takumi, over by the shoji, he had carried to a doctor after the man had been shot in the leg by a foreign rifle. He had fought side by side with Haru and Tsukahara Kanaye against the Mimiwarigumi. And still more others…
Kenshin recognized them all.
Suddenly feeling sick, the ghost lurched to his feet and staggered towards the door. He couldn't handle it anymore…all these people…it was just tearing him up inside.
Too much…too much…I have to get out!
He steeled himself to push past a soldier blocking the doorway, and ended up walking through the man. Pausing in surprise, the spirit glanced back at the similarly startled soldier.
Shivering slightly, the rebel looked around in confusion. "Damn…it got cold in here all of a sudden."
One of his friends whacked him on the back. "You must be coming down with something Aki; it's too hot in here with all these people…"
Shaken, Kenshin started to turn away, and then paused as his sharp hearing caught a quiet conversation among a group in the hall.
"Oi, who was that big guy that came back with Katsura-san this evening? He's huge!"
"I don't know, but he must be pretty important… Katsura's having a meeting with him in his room right now."
"I heard from Tsuji, that he's Battousai's old teacher!"
The soldiers broke off into excited chatter at this announcement, as Kenshin shook his head in fond amusement.
Shishou…already causing quite a stir among the men…
The ghost turned and hurried away down the hall toward Katsura's room.
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The two men sat quietly across from each other, kneeling on the floor. They had already quickly finished off two bottle of sake in complete silence, and were now halfway through a third. Hiko's expression was still lifeless, his eyes vacant, as he stared into his cup.
"It wasn't all bad you know," Katsura remarked finally, trying to cheer up the depressed swordsman. "Himura had something of an admirer in the company."
After a moment, his words seemed to penetrate the mental fog. Hiko glanced up at Katsura, faintly puzzled. "Admirer?"
Encouraged by the response, the commander resumed his account. "Well, actually more like an obsessed fan…he used to leave little 'presents' lying around for Himura to find. He started around the time Himura turned sixteen, and kept it up for about a year. The man seemed to have the stealth of a ninja, so we never did find out who he was."
The corner of Hiko's mouth twitched slightly, as he felt a flicker of amused curiosity. "What kind of presents?"
Katsura chuckled softly. "All kinds of things really. Fine sake, pastries, even flowers occasionally…all neatly wrapped, with Himura's name on them. Also, about once a month, he would leave a small scroll painting in Himura's room. The admirer was apparently something of an artist, and was fond of using the boy as a model for his artwork. Himura was horribly embarrassed by it all." He shook his head, smiling. "I thought it was quite entertaining."
The swords-master's numb apathy had begun to fade away during the other man's amused recollection. Mentally, he shook his head wryly. It seemed that Katsura was very adept at putting people at ease. It made sense that the man had become a politician. Of course, the sake was definitely helping as well.
Damn, he's good… Heh, Kenshin as a model; I wish I could have seen the look on my student's face…that would have been priceless!
His innate good humor somewhat restored, Hiko smirked slightly. "So my baka deshi became an artist's inspiration… Did he keep the portraits?"
Katsura, relieved to see Hiko's improved mood, nodded. "I was kind of surprised, but yes, he actually did keep them." The Choshu leader suddenly blushed. "Especially surprising when you consider the subject matter. Some of the paintings were rather…uh…erotic."
Taking a drink from his cup, the swords-master abruptly choked on his sake, and began coughing violently. "Erotic?" he finally managed to gasp out. "You mean like pornographic?"
I'll kill that perverted bastard, if I ever find out who he is! How dare he?
"No, no!" Katsura hastily assured the irate swordsman. "Nothing really explicit! Just…a bit suggestive in nature."
"Ah, I see," Hiko muttered, calming down somewhat, but still not pleased. His eyes narrowed contemplatively. "And Kenshin actually showed these paintings to you?"
"Only a few of them. And I only first learned of them by accident. After that, he decided to confide his concerns to me." Katsura chuckled. "A hardened killer Himura might have been, but he was still something of a naïve teenager. He was embarrassed and confused, and had a lot of questions and fears about the whole matter. Okami-san and I are the only two he ever really confided in at all, but there was no way he was going to go to Okami-san about something so awkward."
Hiko snorted. "I imagine not," he muttered dryly.
"And besides, as I said, only some of the paintings were a little risqué. The others were more artistic, and a few were even rather cute." Katsura smiled in remembrance. "There was one in particular, with Battousai holding a kitten, that I thought was absolutely adorable."
Hiko found himself interested by Katsura's descriptions. "You said he kept them, right? Do you know where they are?"
The Ishin Shishi commander nodded, and then rose to his feet smoothly. "He had me put them into storage for him…I'll be right back."
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As Kenshin approached Katsura's room, he saw his commander slide open the shoji and move silently in the opposite direction.
Hmm…I wonder where Katsura-san is going?
Relieved to see that the man had left the door open (he really didn't think he wanted to try walking through walls yet…people were disturbing enough), he slipped inside and settled in the corner, unnoticed by the room's single occupant.
Shishou…
His master had taken a sip from his cup, and was gazing thoughtfully into space, an odd half-smile on his face.
Well, I'm glad to see he's in a better mood now …although I still don't think he's ready to talk to me just yet
Katsura stepped back in the room, carrying a tied off box under his arm. He slid the door shut, and sat back across from Hiko. Kenshin felt an uneasy sensation as he took notice of the package.
Wait a minute… that box looks oddly familiar…
Suddenly recognizing the box for what it was, the spirit slapped his hands over his mouth to muffle his outraged yelp.
Katsura! You traitor! How could you…
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"Do you have a problem with mice in the inn?"
Katsura blinked, baffled by the non sequitur. "Mice? No, why do you ask?"
Hiko glanced around suspiciously and then shook his head. "Never mind, I just thought I heard a squeak just now."
The swordsman took another drink of his sake, as he watched Katsura deftly untie the string around the box and remove the lid, revealing almost a dozen rolled up paintings.
Hiko took one of the scrolls and carefully unrolled it. He stared for a second and then burst into helpless laughter. "You're right…that's just too adorable!" he gasped finally.
He had picked Katsura's favorite on the first try. The painting depicted Battousai sitting peacefully on the engawa of the inn, gently petting a tiny kitten on his lap, a rather sheepish expression on his face as he gazed out at the viewer. The artist had a surprisingly detailed, more realistic style that was unlike the more stylized works popular among traditional Japanese painters, and had done an excellent job in capturing the subtle emotion of the scene.
Very nice…maybe I won't kill the bastard after all. He's definitely quite talented…
He unrolled another painting and then flushed in embarrassment.
Or maybe I'll still kill him…
"Katsura! I thought you said he didn't do anything explicit!"
"What do you mean?"
The swords-master handed the scroll over to the puzzled patriot.
"Um…oh my," the Choshu leader stammered, blushing furiously. "Himura never told me about that one…" He hesitated for a second. "At least he's facing away, so it doesn't show anything indecent," he said soothingly, as he handed the painting back.
Hiko muttered something obscene under his breath in reply. Grudgingly, he had to admit that the painting, despite his feelings on the subject, was truly a beautiful piece of work:
Kenshin, completely nude, was kneeling on the floor, his body facing away from the viewer with one hand lightly resting on the katana lying on the floor next to him. His unbound, waist-length hair fell in a bloody cascade down his bare back, and his head was turned to the left side to show his profile, revealing the cross shaped scar and a decidedly predatory gleam in his eye.
The mortified ghost decided it was about time to return to his room. This was just too embarrassing to watch anymore.
I knew those damn things would come back to haunt me some day, but I never thought he would be the one to see them! It's not like he doesn't already know enough of my humiliations…
Irritated, he walked out through the closed door, ignoring the strange sensation of passing through a solid object, and stalked off down the hall.
Sighing, Hiko rolled the painting back up and placed it in the box with the others. He smirked slightly, as he thought about what his deshi's face must have looked like when he received that particular piece.
"Why would Kenshin keep something like that if he disliked the content?" he wondered aloud.
Katsura absently responded as he put the lid back on the box and began retying the string.
"I asked him that myself, and he said that even though he disapproved of the subject matter, it would be disgraceful to destroy something that was obviously created by a master of his craft. The artist put a lot of time and effort into each piece, and to simply discard the paintings like so much trash, would dishonor the man's artistic spirit." The commander shrugged slightly. "I'm not sure why, but Himura seemed to have a profound respect for artists in general."
Hiko grinned with smug satisfaction.
Well, well…I guess an appreciation for the arts is something else that he picked up from his time with me... Heh, I must have made quite an impression on him
"It's getting late," Katsura murmured. "We should get some rest; tomorrow is going to be a rough day."
The two of them stood up and faced each other. Katsura paused awkwardly and then handed the box to Hiko. He bowed respectfully.
"You may keep the paintings if you like. Oyasumi nasai, Hiko-san."
Hiko hesitated before accepting the package. For the first time that day, he bowed back.
"Oyasumi nasai, Katsura-san. Arigatou."
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I know…the artist thing was a bit lengthy, and not really involved in the main plot, but I hope you all found it somewhat amusing anyway. Hopefully, none of you minded if I wandered a little off topic for this chapter, but as I said, I just needed to lighten the mood a little. It was just something amusing that popped in my head after I finished reading a fic by neuroticsquirrel, which was a humorous rewrite of episode 78, only with Kenshin as the artist's love interest instead of Kaoru. I actually have mental images for all the paintings Kenshin received, so I plan on describing some of them as Hiko looks at them later, but I can skip it if no one's interested. (Sigh) I wish I could really paint them, but I'm not that good of an artist.
Glossary of terms:
ougi – succession technique, the most secret and powerful move of a particular style. For Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, that would be the Ama Kakeru Ryu No Hirameki, (wow, what a mouthful!) and the passing down of this technique is fatal to the master.
Shinsengumi – a special police force on the Shogunate's side, that patrolled the streets of Kyoto and tried to keep the peace.
Mimiwarigumi – translated in the anime as the "Kyoto patrol group," they were similar to the Shinsengumi, but not as popular.
engawa – porch
Oyasumi nasai – good night