Chapter 28- Redemption's Road
Takasugi stood out on his balcony, gazing at the breathtaking city view. In it, he still found no beauty. He wondered at the day he would. The dark smoke escaping from his kiseru was continuously swept away by the constant wind. His hand was clutching the sword strapped tightly around his side.
Shinsuke removed the pipe from his lips and took a deep breath. The air at this height was crisp and clean. It helped relax his mind more than tobacco could.
"It's nearly time." he said.
Matako was flexing her hand as he walked up behind her. She blinked profusely at it. The ointment she had put on had worked. It sealed the cut and eliminated the pain. The wound itself was beginning to disappear.
"Talk about fast acting. This stuff really works."
Shinsuke laughed lightly. "The ointment's expensive so I never purchased it for the Kiheitai. I always thought it better they fear death than act carelessly. Cruel though admittedly effective."
"The Kiheitai…" said Matako.
"I've come to a decision. We'll be rescuing them. I can't allow the organization I created to be disposed. They promised their loyalty, so I must honor that pact."
"How do you intend to break them out of jail Shinsuke-sama?"
"We'll restore the Kiheitai without needless bloodshed. We'll think of a way to free them. Perhaps once they're transferred to court. That should be easier than attacking the Shinsengumi's headquarters."
Takasugi went on, "Make no mistake, I don't intend to simply restore it to its former self. I'll restart it as a pacifistic faction. Much like Katsura's."
"Katsura…." he found himself thinking.
"I need to see Gintoki and the others when this is over. I need to apologize. Though to be honest, I don't really feel like it."
Matako said, "I'm sure you'll get your chance."
Shinsuke said, "Let us hope. But rescuing our men is first priority."
"I think we should contact Bansai-senpai first. I'm sure he's worried sick about me."
"Sure. You know where he is right now, right?"
Matako nodded.
She said, "It's a shame they'll have to rot in prison for so long. Ah well, jail might straighten out Takechi-senpai. At least something good will come out of it."
"You miss him."
"Eh?" she asked. Kijima lowered her gaze and said, "Yeah."
Takasugi grabbed Matako by her hands. He said, "We'll get him back Matako. We'll get them all back."
"I know we will."
Matako stepped forward and leaned her head against Shinsuke's. They kissed again and again, each time more passionate than the last. Both began to breathe harder, anticipating what was to follow. Matako threw her arms around Shinsuke. She felt his hardness rub against her womanhood. As they kissed, she rocked up and down, which seemed to arouse him even more. Shinsuke let his hand run up the side of her leg. He continued to until he reached the slit on her skirt. Next, his fingers began to slip into her panties. His fingers teased and prodded, gathering up her juices as they did.
Shinsuke came down on top of her, gently pushing Matako onto her back. She looked up at him and saw his lust-consumed eyes. Her gazed wandered downwards. His yukata had fallen open and his belt had loosened in their love making. Kijima's hands slipped into his robes, feeling around the smoothness of his back. Takasugi leaned down and kissed her again. The kiss deepened as he inserted his tongue into her mouth. As she reciprocated the kiss, he removed her panties. He pulled his tongue away from hers now and moved down to her feet.
Shinsuke said, "I want to hear you scream my name."
Matako was only able to let out a small moan. Takasugi's tongue was at work again. He knew just how to make her body go crazy. He started to move atop her again as Matako slipped off his clothes, having tired of seeing them. Shinsuke entered her not gently, but fast and hard. It was painful for a second, but she enjoyed the roughness of it. Shinsuke wrapped his arms around her back and she did the same. Sharing such intimate pleasure, they couldn't help, but embrace like this. Shinsuke's thrusts became faster and faster.
"Shinsuke-sama! Aagh... kiss me!"
As soon as she had said it, Shinsuke's lips wrapped around hers. Matako blushed deeply; the feeling of being one with him and sharing a kiss at the same time was unrivaled. She felt her mind go blank again, all things forgotten in the moment.
Matako was readjusting her belt when Takasugi said, "Our time has been so little, but... I've grown fond of being with you."
He said, "I don't want it to end."
His face was emotionless. The room was silent for a moment. Matako wondered if she should say something. Before she could decide, Takasugi walked a few feet away to his dresser. He pulled out a silver cellphone and began to dial.
"I'm calling up our driver now. You should start packing up."
"U-Understood." said Matako.
"Shinsuke-sama, may I borrow one of your cloaks?"
"It's fine with me." he said.
Matako returned a minute later with her belt and placeholders. Both were hidden under a black garb typically worn over a kimono. It wasn't the type of clothing she would traditionally wear. However walking around with firearms exposed was practically suicidal.
"I'm all ready Shinsuke-sama."
Takasugi ignored her. She waited a moment until he placed the cellphone into his pocket. Still he did not reply.
"Shinsuke-sama? Is something wrong?"
Matako could tell Shinsuke was deep in thought. It was best to wait until he had mentally solved whatever situation had come up.
"We have to leave… now." said Takasugi.
Matako nodded obediently and followed Takasugi hurriedly out the door. Takasugi's eyes wandered back and forth at the other hotel clients.
"Have we been compromised?" wondered Matako.
Takasugi said, "I'll explain everything. Our driver agreed to meet us as usual. Something was off though. It felt as if every word of his was being monitored. That man knew our location. It was only two days ago since we lost the Kiheitai. I was keeping him close on hand for evacuations. I see now that was a mistake."
Shinsuke carefully watched the doorways. He said, "Even now, the wolves are descending on us."
Shinsuke and Matako smoothly slipped out the exit. They hurriedly walked through the alleyways, constantly keeping out of sight. Takasugi began to reach for his blade. Matako instinctively gripped a magnum.
"So we cross paths this early…" said Takasugi. He looked up ahead as numerous swordsmen made their approach. Others began to appear from behind.
Matako scowled and pulled out both her pistols. She aimed for the closest foes. One seemed quite formidable. He was an eel-like Amanto carrying a sheathed katana across his back.
This is bad. Shinsuke-sama, are we to fight them? After everything we planned to accomplish, are we gonna kill even more people?
Takasugi seemed to easily read her worries. He turned to her and said, "Run."
Matako said, "W-What? What are you saying?!"
Shinsuke said, "Please listen to me. These aren't any ordinary opponents we're facing. It's better to spread out and if possible, avoid fighting entirely."
"And what about you?" she asked.
"Please don't concern yourself with me."
"Shinsuke-sama… do you really plan to fight them?"
"I do."
"I see. If that's how things are, then let me stay. I want to protect you, not run away. I thought we were going to face the world together?"
"Don't mistake me. I'm asking you to split up. I have no intention of either us dying."
Takasugi turned to her and gazed at her lovingly. He smiled confidently and said, "Meet me again when this is all over."
"Where should I look for you?"
"At the river. You know where."
"Yes" she said.
Takasugi suddenly swung out his blade. The electric pole beside him was separated cleanly in two. It crashed into the wall, sending smoke and rubble throughout the entire street. Matako took the instant to escape.
"Get her!" said a red-headed man. A swordsman responsively began to tail her. Matako peeked over her shoulder and saw him. She fired a round of her pistol and blew a hole into his leg.
"Keizo, deal with her yourself." said the red-haired man. The eel hissed and dashed after her.
The leader slowly drew out his katana. His men circled closely around Takasugi. Each one held their katana with the proper stance. They were well trained as Shinsuke had classified. Dealing with them all at once would be difficult enough. Beating them without killing them would be far more difficult.
Author's Note: The story is nearing the conclusion. Thank you again for the reviews!
