Taming Lessons - Part II - Ch 1/4
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 11:46 am
Taming Lessons
Part II
~Kenshin and Kaoru~
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters. This is for entertainment purposes only, meaning I am not making a profit off of this work of fiction.
Rating: G/PG
Warnings: Saitou swears...often
AN: This part of the story has the very same format as Part 1. Again, chunks of the story contained within <>*<>*<> this time have taken place in the past. They?ll be centered so they?re easy to spot. Just a warning, since the story overlaps between past and present. However, this time, we will be jumping into the past from more of the guy?s point of view (last time we were mainly following Tokio). So, let the mysteries be revealed!!!
And, of course, thank you to my super kewl beta Waking Dreamer!
Excerpt below from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Little Prince:
The thing that is important
is the thing that is not seen.
If you love a flower that lives on a star,
it is sweet to look at the sky at night.
All the stars are a-bloom with flowers.?
All men have stars,
but they are not the same things for different people.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter One:
Surprises and Stargazing
?They?ve come back!? Kaoru heard Tokio cry from the front gate and couldn?t suppress the smile that formed at the thought of Kenshin returning to her.
?Kaoru! Come quick!? Tokio?s voice now could be recognized as holding some other emotion besides the urgency in her request.
It sounded like?fear!?!
Kaoru immediately turned from the sudsy bucket, where she had been crouched washing dishes, and dropped the just-cleaned dinner plate she was holding in the dirt, at the sight before her.
Saitou, always so easily recognizable by his towering, lean frame, was entering the dojo grounds noticeably hunched over?with a familiar heap of red hair supported against him.
Kaoru managed to use her hands to feel the earth beneath her, as all of her other senses were slipping away, and finally found her feet to jump to a standing position. Running over to the new arrivals, she joined Tokio to tend to the battered warriors and help them to the house.
?What happened!?? Kaoru practically shouted as she reached her drooping rurouni, tears forming in her eyes when she noticed the considerable amount of blood caked on his gi.
Saitou merely grunted in response, refusing to say anything until they had reached the house. Kaoru cried silently, clutching the wounded man to help Saitou bear some of the load, although the infamous warrior was surprisingly rather light. After Kenshin was put in his room, Tokio was sent to fetch Dr. Gensai, and Kaoru ran to get any fresh supplies the doctor might need.
Kaoru shakily returned to the room, which had filled with the pungent scent of sweat and blood, and saw Saitou leaning silently against a shadowed wall. As Kaoru began to assess Kenshin?s injuries, the wolf sunk lower and lower against the smooth wood, until he was sitting hunched over, too tired to stand.
Kaoru had not been tending to Kenshin long when the worried face of Tokio appeared in the doorway, followed by Dr. Gensai. They were all shooed out of the room, Saitou rising wearily to follow the two women after dismissing the doctor?s request to have a look at him later.
Kaoru brought her guests into the dining room, and Tokio helped her make some tea, which Kaoru was more than thankful for. Her mind was worlds away, thinking of Kenshin?s condition from the short time she was able to closely take a look at him. She needed no doctor to tell her he had multiple gunshot wounds and had lost a lot of blood. The only thing that was of some little comfort was that Kenshin had made a small noise at her touch. She was so relieved to know he was still alive?and if he was alive, that meant he would still be fighting, even if his opponent this time was Death.
When the tea was brought into the dining room, Kaoru finally had a chance to examine the man who had essentially carried Kenshin back to her. Saitou?s eyes were focused on the ground, and his face looked not only serious, but somewhat defeated. His arm was wounded, as if a bullet had just brushed past him, and his uniform was slashed in a few other places. He did not flinch as Tokio sat next to him and began to fuss over his wounds, for his greatest wound seemed to be the one that was not easily touched. Yes, his pride looked to be hurt most of all.
?Saitou?? Kaoru found her voice, and she noticed his face wince slightly. She had kept quiet to give the injured warrior some time to collect his thoughts, but Karou could no longer sit in silence. ?Please?can you tell me? Can you tell me what happened to Kenshin??
The wolf let out a small sigh and lifted his head up to look at her. Kaoru was sure she was seeing things, but the girl had almost thought she saw the hint of an apology pass through his golden orbs before Saitou spoke.
?The Battousai had an unfortunate introduction to a gattling gun,? he said plainly.
?But didn?t Kenshin survive an encounter with a gun at Takeda Kanryu?s estate?? Kaoru questioned, frantically thinking of how Kenshin could have arrived in such a state. He was never rendered unconscious very easily, although he often was battered in battles.
?It was a gun, it?s not a human, Raccoon-girl,? Saitou?s tired voice grew aggravated. ?Although the Battousai?s methods are still surprisingly effective against it. I would like to remind you that there were four casualties at the incident at Takeda?s.?
?But, weren?t people out to get you? How did Kenshin end up with the gattling gun??
Saitou sighed. ?Of course it was aimed at me,? he said irritably, ?but then the moron had to jump in front of me like some idiotic superhero. I didn?t ask for his assistance in this matter to be a bodyguard. I?m capable of accepting the consequences of my actions.?
?Do you mean to say that if Mr. Himura hadn?t jumped in front of you, you might not be here right now speaking to us?? Tokio entered into the conversation with interest.
When her husband gave a guilty shrug, Tokio?s green eyes went wide.
?Hajime!? she squatted at him gently with her hand. ?A moron indeed! Mr. Himura saved your life, and you know it!? The wolf?s wife scolded him, and she was answered with a ?hrmph?.
?Saitou, who exactly were you and Kenshin after?? Kaoru questioned, wanting to hear the full story.
The previous light in Saitou?s eyes when bantering with his wife immediately vanished at Kaoru?s words. ?People who had been thinking only of revenge??
<>*<>*<>
?I do hope you know what exactly we are up against, Saitou. I promised Miss Kaoru we?d be back at a reasonable hour tomorrow,? Kenshin informed the brooding man, sitting in the carriage seat across from him.
?That?s the dangerous part, Himura?I think I know, but it?s what we?re going to find out.?
?Oh dear,? the red-head murmured to himself as the carriage came to an abrupt halt on a secluded road just as the sky began to darken with the coming of dusk.
?That wasn?t too long of a ride,? the rurouni noted, peering out the window to the scenery of thick foliage.
?Why walk when you can have a police carriage as an escort?? Saitou looked at him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, and then added, ?We go on foot from here.?
Saitou led Kenshin along the road for a little while as the carriage disappeared out of sight before the wolf quickly cut onto a path leading into the woods. They walked for a time, Kenshin attempting to make small talk while Saitou remained content to ignore him. But soon the far-off lights of an enormous house seemed to rise up like the eyes and fire of a dragon in the distance.
?Ishikawa Ichiro?s estate,? Saitou explained, before dropping the small pack of supplies he had carried with him. ?We wait here until after nightfall. It will be easier to avoid the guards and enter.?
Kenshin nodded his agreement and sat down on a nearby log. They could afford to make a small fire, as the grand mansion was still considerably far away, and so they heated some food rations and enjoyed the warmth the flames offered in the shaded forest in the cool spring twilight.
?I know we didn?t have much time to talk when you met me earlier today,? Kenshin tried to begin some conversation. Hopefully this time, Saitou would actually answer him, given that the rurouni needed to know as much information as possible in order to be prepared to fight against this new enemy. ?If you would be so kind as to explain to me in greater detail who this Ishikawa is and why he wants to harm you and your family. Of course, just this is reason enough for me to help you and fight, but I should like to know the story behind the threat just the same,? Kenshin prodded the wolf to begin.
?Ishikawa- there are actually two of them,? Saitou said after a time. ?In fact, they were originally a family of three brothers, two of whom, Jiro and Saburo joined the Shinsengumi, but Jiro was killed during the revolution. The other, Ichiro, whose mansion we are about to infiltrate, is the moneybags. He was fortunate enough to take over a profitable business at the start of the Meji era and has done quite well for himself. However, I think that is due largely in part because he is under suspicion of selling weapons on the black market.?
?I see.? Kenshin was able to quickly piece together the situation. ?I remember you saying that the actual threat was made by Saburo, who appears to be the brawn of their operation. Ichiro on the other hand, supplies the money to back the army of gangs and group of former Shinsengumi members you mentioned this afternoon to me were banding to attack you.?
?Correct. I would expect you, being somewhat more competent that the entire police squad, to understand the situation, and see the timeliness in which this small army needs to be disbanded. I also want to keep this quiet, which is why I sought to contact you for this little excursion. The two of us should be more than enough to defeat them. The scale of their operation, you see, is supposed to be a secret, but they have underestimated my information networks. At least Shinomori has proved useful in some way.?
?Ah, so Aoshi and the Oniwaban have helped you, have they?? Kenshin was a bit surprised. But then again, he himself would have not expected to so willingly offer to come to Saitou?s aid. Kenshin pondered that perhaps after learning of Miss Tokio, Saitou started to become more of a man trying to protect his family, rather than the ill-tempered enemy of his past.
?It was Shinimori who informed me of the motive for the threat. I knew of Ishikawa Ichiro, but had no idea of his brother, at least not until I learned more about him. The Ishikawa family wasn?t always so well known, or well off. Saburo went by some other name I don?t even remember during the revolution because he was probably embarrassed by his family?s low station and wanted to make a fresh start by joining the Shinsengumi. I myself actually did the same thing, having taken Saitou Hajime?but for a very different reason.?
Kenshin nodded, actually knowing the history of Saitou that many did not. The wolf had actually been born in Edo to a lower-class Samurai, but had to leave his village after he killed a man. Not much was really known about the incident, but the rurouni never dared to ask, and Saitou probably wouldn?t have told him anyway.
?In any case, after Saburo?s brother made a fortune, he immediately changed his name back to gain recognition,? Saitou explained sourly.
?I suppose I couldn?t blame him,? Kenshin piped in.
?But enough about that. You must have known I was responsible for assassinating the corrupt Wolves of Mibu, or people whom our Captain and Vice Captain, Kondou and Hijikata, thought were corrupt,? Saitou continued. ?In fact, I killed Itou Kashitarou, who was once the military advisor of the Shinsengumi and a close personal friend of Saburo. Itou had ideas that were different than Kondou and Hijikata, so he left the group, and fifteen Shinsengumi went with him. Our captains trusted me greatly, so I was sent as a spy to assassinate Ituo while pretending to follow his ideals. I was successful in my mission. My only mistake was not killing the lot of them.?
?Saitou!? Kenshin sighed, exasperated. Did this man have any respect for human life?
?Well, that?s the reason he?s now able to threaten me in the first place. And he has gathered together the rest of the Shinsengumi traitors, the weaker members of our once powerful group who have lost their honor long ago. The cowards wish to come after me now because most of the Shinsengumi have bravely died on battlefields,? the angry wolf spat.
Kenshin merely nodded, his mind drifting to think about how Saitou was so lucky to have received such a good job in the police force of the new Meji era, even though he fought against its creation. But then again, the skills of a fighter such as he should not be wasted just because he was on the wrong side of the revolution. As much as he hated to admit it, Kenshin could not deny Saitou was a rarity among the many dishonorable men of the current government. For in these times, there were not many men who chose justice over money or power.
Kenshin then focused back to Saitou?s words as the wolf continued his briefing, ?Saburo?s forces are still gathering together at his brother?s estate. I estimate no more than thirty men. If we can crush them now, even just their spirits, they will no longer be a threat. As you are aware, the former Shinsengumi members should pose the greatest challenge, but of course they weren?t from my squad, so I can?t speak much for their skills. The gang members, on the other hand, probably think of me as a simple assassination assignment. If they understand they have an angry wolf and the former Battousai as their enemies, it will take barely a sword swipe to defeat them,? Saitou reasoned.
?Thirty men, Saitou? For an assassination? You should be flattered they think they need so many,? Kenshin noted.
?Their numbers were the first thing that disturbed me,? the wolf admitted. ?Otherwise I would have never sent Tokio away.?
?She is a very special lady, that she is. I am glad you asked me for assistance. I know Miss Kaoru can defend her if need be,? Kenshin spoke proudly.
?Actually, I?m not worried about the women at all. Tokio is capable of taking care of herself. She took out an Inshin back in the day.?
Kenshin?s eyes went wide. Innocent Miss Tokio? Taking out an Inshin? Saitou had to be joking?
The wolf could see the confusion on Kenshin?s face and almost broke into a laugh?almost. Instead he merely chucked with that unmistakable glint in his eyes that Kenshin only observed when the police chief was talking of his wife. ?Looks can be deceiving. But I should think you know about that already.?
?Pardon me?? Kenshin looked to the wolf quizzically.
?No wonder they say you?re so clueless. If you had any brains at all, you?d know I was talking about your little dojo girl.?
?Oh, Miss Kaoru. Yes, she?s quite the fighter isn?t she? Looks harmless enough though,? Kenshin considered warmly, ?But boy can she pack a punch!?
?I?m sure.? Saitou commented, observing the goofy expression of the daydreaming wanderer with that silly little smile gracing his features. ?If that girl was smart, she should just club the idiot, drag him to a priest and get the whole marriage thing over with already,? he mumbled to himself.
?Ho hum,? Kenshin was still amused by the image in his head of his feisty Kaoru. ?What was that you said, Saitou??
?You really are an idiot, aren?t you?? the wolf merely commented.
Kenshin looked a bit hurt, but knew Saitou?s use of the word ?idiot? was about as reflexive as breathing.
?Why do you say that?? the red-head asked, feeling he had a right to know after a whole afternoon and evening of Saitou?s verbal abuse.
?As much as it disgusts me to speak of such meaningless things, all our pathetic town talks about is your relationship with Raccoon-girl. If I have to hear one more day of gossip, I?m going to force you to find whatever shred of masculinity you have in that girly-haired, pansy-boy body and then make you ask her to marry you. Got it??
Kenshin was completely shocked. Never in his life had he expected Saitou to discuss anything remotely related to relationships. And now the wolf, sitting there rubbing his temples in aggravation, was practically forcing Kenshin to propose to Kaoru!
?Oh my, Saitou, I think you have been misinformed,? Kenshin began, waving his hands in the air as if to brush away the previous comments. ?Miss Kaoru and I are?not what you think?, was all Kenshin could finish lamely, easily flustered by the wolf?s words. Quickly thinking of his battle tactics, Kenshin then tried to focus the attention on Saitou rather than himself. ?But you and Miss Tokio! What a couple you two make! Yes, indeed. And I have been meaning to ask you, how did you ever come to find such a wonderful woman??
Saitou merely rolled his eyes. ?I cannot believe I am having this conversation with you.?
?I believe you started it,? Kenshin noted innocently.
?And I?m ending it now!? Saitou growled, his patience tried enough for one day.
?But Saitou--? the red-head pleaded, causing a fierce look from the easily-irritated man. Boy, Saitou was sure fun to annoy!
?Look, I will tell you this because I have seen that Kamiya is a good woman and deserves better than your clueless stupidity,? the wolf said, finally breaking. ?If you are a man, tell her how you feel. Or you?ll end up in your thirties all alone?oh wait.?
Kenshin narrowed his eyes. So Saitou?s the funny man, now, hm?
But just as quickly as the wolf jested, his face grew serious again. ?I will admit in my youth, I thought I could never give up my freedom, staying out ?til all hours of the night, drinking?? He paused, and looked out to the rising stars above the darkened treetops above them. ?But getting drunk from the jade wine of a woman?s eyes is even better.?
The two sat in silence for a time before Kenshin could contain himself no longer. ?My pardons, Saitou, but that almost sounded poetic.?
?Shut the hell up, Himura.?
?That?s the Saitou I know,? Kenshin said good-humoredly.
?It?s late, and I?ve wasted far more words on you than I have ever wished to,? Saitou grunted in disgust. God, he really was getting soft as the years wore on, and he cringed at the thought. ?Look, do whatever you bloody feel like, but do something, because I do not want to hear about your pansy ass love troubles any more. You?re starting to annoy me more than even Rooster-head.?
Kenshin remained silent as he helped Saitou clean up their camp and gather supplies. They moved to the mansion, mentally preparing themselves for what lay ahead...though Kenshin found he couldn?t quite focus with all of the insult-concealed wisdom Saitou had thrown at him.
The rurouni looked to the lights of the mansion, growing ever closer as the two men crept towards the grand estate. Then, noting Saitou had been stargazing earlier, Kenshin looked up towards the night sky. He knew the stars meant many different things to many people. To him, on this night and forever always, he noticed how the stars twinkled like a billion blinks of faraway fireflies. Ah, the fireflies?they were everywhere on the night he had left for Kyoto. He always wanted to tell Kaoru how their haunting light illuminating her face never made her look so beautiful?he almost couldn?t break away.
And so two swordsman ventured on, both comforted by something as constant as the shining stars?one thinking of the fireflies as he embraced his love, one reminded of the sparkle in his wild rose?s expressive eyes.
<>*<>*<>
Saitou stopped his story--of course having breathed nothing of the less than manly conversations that took place during the night--as a tired looking Dr. Gensai entered the room.
The doctor announced Kenshin was now sleeping, all five bullets having been removed. It was a miracle they had not hit any vital spots, but that was probably due to Kenshin?s skill at using his sword to deflect them. He still was not out of danger yet, as he had lost a worrisome amount of blood. Dr. Gensai wished he could attend to him even more, but he had other patients who needed his help, and so Kaoru faithfully vowed to watch Kenshin during the night. The doctor did not escape without an enormous hug from Kaoru, whom was soon after left alone with Tokio and Saitou, who both looked weary from the day?s events.
?We should be getting home, but I can stay with you, if you would like some help,? Tokio offered, but Kaoru shook her head.
?I thank you, but you?ve already helped so much. Both of you,? Kaoru smiled at Saitou, who looked like he was ready to collapse on a nice warm bed any second. ?Please, Tokio, get your husband home and his injuries taken care of. I?ll be fine.?
?As long as you?re sure?? Tokio looked at her with a mother?s worried eyes, but obediently moved towards the door.
?I do not expect you to be in any danger tonight,? Saitou said to Kaoru as he ushered his wife out of the house. ?However,? he spoke quietly before moving out the door, ?If you are still interested in the events that happened, come by my office whenever you can spare some time, and I will speak with you.?
Kaoru looked at him, surprised by the offer, but dared not inquire at his generosity. She merely thanked him and waved good-bye to Tokio, who was already halfway towards the gate.
Kaoru let out a long sigh when Saitou and Tokio finally disappeared in the darkness. The day had already come to an end, and the stars were twinkling brilliantly. She gave one final look out towards the heavens, not seeing the beauty the tiny lights once held for her. The thought of Kenshin?s life in danger made her heart ache. And the stars, which usually seemed to sing, clear and bright, now fell silent as she disappeared into Kenshin?s room to watch over him.
~*~*~
Author?s Notes for Ch. 1:
-For this chapter, I?m still going along with being somewhat historically accurate about Saitou?s past
Facts used:
Itou Kashitarou was indeed once the Shinsengumi?s military advisor, but had disagreements with the Captain of the Shinsengumi, Kondou Isami, and Vice Captain, Hijikata Toshizo. So he left, and did have 15 members follow him, including Saitou. Hijikata had sent Saitou as a spy, though, and after sending messages to his Vice Captain, Saitou slew Itou. (Also, I understand Hijikata, who was pretty cold, was the character model for Aoshi!)
-Saitou was responsible for assassinating corrupt Shinsengumi members, i.e.Takeda Kanryuusai, captain of the 5th troop who betrayed the Shinsengumi to side with Inshin, basically for money (sound like any Takeda Kanryu we know?)
All of this info can be found at the wonderful Shinsengumi page http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/5770/shinhis.htm
-Saitou?s history, which Kenshin explained, is accurate to the best of my knowledge, at least from a few different sources. There are other stories, but this is the one I?m going with. His father was Yamaguchi Yusuke, a lower class samurai, but poor Saitou he had to leave his home (Edo) at 19 because he accidentally killed a man.
-When he was sponsered to enter the Shinsengumi, his name was Yamaguchi Jirou. I?m going to assume that this is the closest to his real name (as the surname is the same as his father). Saitou then changed his name to the one we all know and love during his time in the Shinsengumi?and then later to Fujita Gorou when he joined the police. **whew** Have ya got all that?
(The only thing I don?t know is if Hajime was indeed his real first name or what?he?s changed his name so many times, I just don?t know anymore ^^;;)
The above info taken again from the Shinsengumi page and also from miburo.com
-Ok, so Ishikawa Ichiro, Jiro and Saburo are characters made up by me, although their first names do mean respectively First Son, Second Son, Third Son. (Not very creative, I know. -_-)
Cool Japanese name info at ?Behind the Name? http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/jap.html
And just real quick, school has started...today!! I promised to get out as much as I had by now, so that's why I posted this chapter. Chapter Two should actually be coming out later tonight. Then, I can't really tell when the next two will be finished. I hope to have everything completed in March. Thanks in advance for your patience.
Part II
~Kenshin and Kaoru~
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters. This is for entertainment purposes only, meaning I am not making a profit off of this work of fiction.
Rating: G/PG
Warnings: Saitou swears...often
AN: This part of the story has the very same format as Part 1. Again, chunks of the story contained within <>*<>*<> this time have taken place in the past. They?ll be centered so they?re easy to spot. Just a warning, since the story overlaps between past and present. However, this time, we will be jumping into the past from more of the guy?s point of view (last time we were mainly following Tokio). So, let the mysteries be revealed!!!
And, of course, thank you to my super kewl beta Waking Dreamer!
Excerpt below from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Little Prince:
The thing that is important
is the thing that is not seen.
If you love a flower that lives on a star,
it is sweet to look at the sky at night.
All the stars are a-bloom with flowers.?
All men have stars,
but they are not the same things for different people.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter One:
Surprises and Stargazing
?They?ve come back!? Kaoru heard Tokio cry from the front gate and couldn?t suppress the smile that formed at the thought of Kenshin returning to her.
?Kaoru! Come quick!? Tokio?s voice now could be recognized as holding some other emotion besides the urgency in her request.
It sounded like?fear!?!
Kaoru immediately turned from the sudsy bucket, where she had been crouched washing dishes, and dropped the just-cleaned dinner plate she was holding in the dirt, at the sight before her.
Saitou, always so easily recognizable by his towering, lean frame, was entering the dojo grounds noticeably hunched over?with a familiar heap of red hair supported against him.
Kaoru managed to use her hands to feel the earth beneath her, as all of her other senses were slipping away, and finally found her feet to jump to a standing position. Running over to the new arrivals, she joined Tokio to tend to the battered warriors and help them to the house.
?What happened!?? Kaoru practically shouted as she reached her drooping rurouni, tears forming in her eyes when she noticed the considerable amount of blood caked on his gi.
Saitou merely grunted in response, refusing to say anything until they had reached the house. Kaoru cried silently, clutching the wounded man to help Saitou bear some of the load, although the infamous warrior was surprisingly rather light. After Kenshin was put in his room, Tokio was sent to fetch Dr. Gensai, and Kaoru ran to get any fresh supplies the doctor might need.
Kaoru shakily returned to the room, which had filled with the pungent scent of sweat and blood, and saw Saitou leaning silently against a shadowed wall. As Kaoru began to assess Kenshin?s injuries, the wolf sunk lower and lower against the smooth wood, until he was sitting hunched over, too tired to stand.
Kaoru had not been tending to Kenshin long when the worried face of Tokio appeared in the doorway, followed by Dr. Gensai. They were all shooed out of the room, Saitou rising wearily to follow the two women after dismissing the doctor?s request to have a look at him later.
Kaoru brought her guests into the dining room, and Tokio helped her make some tea, which Kaoru was more than thankful for. Her mind was worlds away, thinking of Kenshin?s condition from the short time she was able to closely take a look at him. She needed no doctor to tell her he had multiple gunshot wounds and had lost a lot of blood. The only thing that was of some little comfort was that Kenshin had made a small noise at her touch. She was so relieved to know he was still alive?and if he was alive, that meant he would still be fighting, even if his opponent this time was Death.
When the tea was brought into the dining room, Kaoru finally had a chance to examine the man who had essentially carried Kenshin back to her. Saitou?s eyes were focused on the ground, and his face looked not only serious, but somewhat defeated. His arm was wounded, as if a bullet had just brushed past him, and his uniform was slashed in a few other places. He did not flinch as Tokio sat next to him and began to fuss over his wounds, for his greatest wound seemed to be the one that was not easily touched. Yes, his pride looked to be hurt most of all.
?Saitou?? Kaoru found her voice, and she noticed his face wince slightly. She had kept quiet to give the injured warrior some time to collect his thoughts, but Karou could no longer sit in silence. ?Please?can you tell me? Can you tell me what happened to Kenshin??
The wolf let out a small sigh and lifted his head up to look at her. Kaoru was sure she was seeing things, but the girl had almost thought she saw the hint of an apology pass through his golden orbs before Saitou spoke.
?The Battousai had an unfortunate introduction to a gattling gun,? he said plainly.
?But didn?t Kenshin survive an encounter with a gun at Takeda Kanryu?s estate?? Kaoru questioned, frantically thinking of how Kenshin could have arrived in such a state. He was never rendered unconscious very easily, although he often was battered in battles.
?It was a gun, it?s not a human, Raccoon-girl,? Saitou?s tired voice grew aggravated. ?Although the Battousai?s methods are still surprisingly effective against it. I would like to remind you that there were four casualties at the incident at Takeda?s.?
?But, weren?t people out to get you? How did Kenshin end up with the gattling gun??
Saitou sighed. ?Of course it was aimed at me,? he said irritably, ?but then the moron had to jump in front of me like some idiotic superhero. I didn?t ask for his assistance in this matter to be a bodyguard. I?m capable of accepting the consequences of my actions.?
?Do you mean to say that if Mr. Himura hadn?t jumped in front of you, you might not be here right now speaking to us?? Tokio entered into the conversation with interest.
When her husband gave a guilty shrug, Tokio?s green eyes went wide.
?Hajime!? she squatted at him gently with her hand. ?A moron indeed! Mr. Himura saved your life, and you know it!? The wolf?s wife scolded him, and she was answered with a ?hrmph?.
?Saitou, who exactly were you and Kenshin after?? Kaoru questioned, wanting to hear the full story.
The previous light in Saitou?s eyes when bantering with his wife immediately vanished at Kaoru?s words. ?People who had been thinking only of revenge??
<>*<>*<>
?I do hope you know what exactly we are up against, Saitou. I promised Miss Kaoru we?d be back at a reasonable hour tomorrow,? Kenshin informed the brooding man, sitting in the carriage seat across from him.
?That?s the dangerous part, Himura?I think I know, but it?s what we?re going to find out.?
?Oh dear,? the red-head murmured to himself as the carriage came to an abrupt halt on a secluded road just as the sky began to darken with the coming of dusk.
?That wasn?t too long of a ride,? the rurouni noted, peering out the window to the scenery of thick foliage.
?Why walk when you can have a police carriage as an escort?? Saitou looked at him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, and then added, ?We go on foot from here.?
Saitou led Kenshin along the road for a little while as the carriage disappeared out of sight before the wolf quickly cut onto a path leading into the woods. They walked for a time, Kenshin attempting to make small talk while Saitou remained content to ignore him. But soon the far-off lights of an enormous house seemed to rise up like the eyes and fire of a dragon in the distance.
?Ishikawa Ichiro?s estate,? Saitou explained, before dropping the small pack of supplies he had carried with him. ?We wait here until after nightfall. It will be easier to avoid the guards and enter.?
Kenshin nodded his agreement and sat down on a nearby log. They could afford to make a small fire, as the grand mansion was still considerably far away, and so they heated some food rations and enjoyed the warmth the flames offered in the shaded forest in the cool spring twilight.
?I know we didn?t have much time to talk when you met me earlier today,? Kenshin tried to begin some conversation. Hopefully this time, Saitou would actually answer him, given that the rurouni needed to know as much information as possible in order to be prepared to fight against this new enemy. ?If you would be so kind as to explain to me in greater detail who this Ishikawa is and why he wants to harm you and your family. Of course, just this is reason enough for me to help you and fight, but I should like to know the story behind the threat just the same,? Kenshin prodded the wolf to begin.
?Ishikawa- there are actually two of them,? Saitou said after a time. ?In fact, they were originally a family of three brothers, two of whom, Jiro and Saburo joined the Shinsengumi, but Jiro was killed during the revolution. The other, Ichiro, whose mansion we are about to infiltrate, is the moneybags. He was fortunate enough to take over a profitable business at the start of the Meji era and has done quite well for himself. However, I think that is due largely in part because he is under suspicion of selling weapons on the black market.?
?I see.? Kenshin was able to quickly piece together the situation. ?I remember you saying that the actual threat was made by Saburo, who appears to be the brawn of their operation. Ichiro on the other hand, supplies the money to back the army of gangs and group of former Shinsengumi members you mentioned this afternoon to me were banding to attack you.?
?Correct. I would expect you, being somewhat more competent that the entire police squad, to understand the situation, and see the timeliness in which this small army needs to be disbanded. I also want to keep this quiet, which is why I sought to contact you for this little excursion. The two of us should be more than enough to defeat them. The scale of their operation, you see, is supposed to be a secret, but they have underestimated my information networks. At least Shinomori has proved useful in some way.?
?Ah, so Aoshi and the Oniwaban have helped you, have they?? Kenshin was a bit surprised. But then again, he himself would have not expected to so willingly offer to come to Saitou?s aid. Kenshin pondered that perhaps after learning of Miss Tokio, Saitou started to become more of a man trying to protect his family, rather than the ill-tempered enemy of his past.
?It was Shinimori who informed me of the motive for the threat. I knew of Ishikawa Ichiro, but had no idea of his brother, at least not until I learned more about him. The Ishikawa family wasn?t always so well known, or well off. Saburo went by some other name I don?t even remember during the revolution because he was probably embarrassed by his family?s low station and wanted to make a fresh start by joining the Shinsengumi. I myself actually did the same thing, having taken Saitou Hajime?but for a very different reason.?
Kenshin nodded, actually knowing the history of Saitou that many did not. The wolf had actually been born in Edo to a lower-class Samurai, but had to leave his village after he killed a man. Not much was really known about the incident, but the rurouni never dared to ask, and Saitou probably wouldn?t have told him anyway.
?In any case, after Saburo?s brother made a fortune, he immediately changed his name back to gain recognition,? Saitou explained sourly.
?I suppose I couldn?t blame him,? Kenshin piped in.
?But enough about that. You must have known I was responsible for assassinating the corrupt Wolves of Mibu, or people whom our Captain and Vice Captain, Kondou and Hijikata, thought were corrupt,? Saitou continued. ?In fact, I killed Itou Kashitarou, who was once the military advisor of the Shinsengumi and a close personal friend of Saburo. Itou had ideas that were different than Kondou and Hijikata, so he left the group, and fifteen Shinsengumi went with him. Our captains trusted me greatly, so I was sent as a spy to assassinate Ituo while pretending to follow his ideals. I was successful in my mission. My only mistake was not killing the lot of them.?
?Saitou!? Kenshin sighed, exasperated. Did this man have any respect for human life?
?Well, that?s the reason he?s now able to threaten me in the first place. And he has gathered together the rest of the Shinsengumi traitors, the weaker members of our once powerful group who have lost their honor long ago. The cowards wish to come after me now because most of the Shinsengumi have bravely died on battlefields,? the angry wolf spat.
Kenshin merely nodded, his mind drifting to think about how Saitou was so lucky to have received such a good job in the police force of the new Meji era, even though he fought against its creation. But then again, the skills of a fighter such as he should not be wasted just because he was on the wrong side of the revolution. As much as he hated to admit it, Kenshin could not deny Saitou was a rarity among the many dishonorable men of the current government. For in these times, there were not many men who chose justice over money or power.
Kenshin then focused back to Saitou?s words as the wolf continued his briefing, ?Saburo?s forces are still gathering together at his brother?s estate. I estimate no more than thirty men. If we can crush them now, even just their spirits, they will no longer be a threat. As you are aware, the former Shinsengumi members should pose the greatest challenge, but of course they weren?t from my squad, so I can?t speak much for their skills. The gang members, on the other hand, probably think of me as a simple assassination assignment. If they understand they have an angry wolf and the former Battousai as their enemies, it will take barely a sword swipe to defeat them,? Saitou reasoned.
?Thirty men, Saitou? For an assassination? You should be flattered they think they need so many,? Kenshin noted.
?Their numbers were the first thing that disturbed me,? the wolf admitted. ?Otherwise I would have never sent Tokio away.?
?She is a very special lady, that she is. I am glad you asked me for assistance. I know Miss Kaoru can defend her if need be,? Kenshin spoke proudly.
?Actually, I?m not worried about the women at all. Tokio is capable of taking care of herself. She took out an Inshin back in the day.?
Kenshin?s eyes went wide. Innocent Miss Tokio? Taking out an Inshin? Saitou had to be joking?
The wolf could see the confusion on Kenshin?s face and almost broke into a laugh?almost. Instead he merely chucked with that unmistakable glint in his eyes that Kenshin only observed when the police chief was talking of his wife. ?Looks can be deceiving. But I should think you know about that already.?
?Pardon me?? Kenshin looked to the wolf quizzically.
?No wonder they say you?re so clueless. If you had any brains at all, you?d know I was talking about your little dojo girl.?
?Oh, Miss Kaoru. Yes, she?s quite the fighter isn?t she? Looks harmless enough though,? Kenshin considered warmly, ?But boy can she pack a punch!?
?I?m sure.? Saitou commented, observing the goofy expression of the daydreaming wanderer with that silly little smile gracing his features. ?If that girl was smart, she should just club the idiot, drag him to a priest and get the whole marriage thing over with already,? he mumbled to himself.
?Ho hum,? Kenshin was still amused by the image in his head of his feisty Kaoru. ?What was that you said, Saitou??
?You really are an idiot, aren?t you?? the wolf merely commented.
Kenshin looked a bit hurt, but knew Saitou?s use of the word ?idiot? was about as reflexive as breathing.
?Why do you say that?? the red-head asked, feeling he had a right to know after a whole afternoon and evening of Saitou?s verbal abuse.
?As much as it disgusts me to speak of such meaningless things, all our pathetic town talks about is your relationship with Raccoon-girl. If I have to hear one more day of gossip, I?m going to force you to find whatever shred of masculinity you have in that girly-haired, pansy-boy body and then make you ask her to marry you. Got it??
Kenshin was completely shocked. Never in his life had he expected Saitou to discuss anything remotely related to relationships. And now the wolf, sitting there rubbing his temples in aggravation, was practically forcing Kenshin to propose to Kaoru!
?Oh my, Saitou, I think you have been misinformed,? Kenshin began, waving his hands in the air as if to brush away the previous comments. ?Miss Kaoru and I are?not what you think?, was all Kenshin could finish lamely, easily flustered by the wolf?s words. Quickly thinking of his battle tactics, Kenshin then tried to focus the attention on Saitou rather than himself. ?But you and Miss Tokio! What a couple you two make! Yes, indeed. And I have been meaning to ask you, how did you ever come to find such a wonderful woman??
Saitou merely rolled his eyes. ?I cannot believe I am having this conversation with you.?
?I believe you started it,? Kenshin noted innocently.
?And I?m ending it now!? Saitou growled, his patience tried enough for one day.
?But Saitou--? the red-head pleaded, causing a fierce look from the easily-irritated man. Boy, Saitou was sure fun to annoy!
?Look, I will tell you this because I have seen that Kamiya is a good woman and deserves better than your clueless stupidity,? the wolf said, finally breaking. ?If you are a man, tell her how you feel. Or you?ll end up in your thirties all alone?oh wait.?
Kenshin narrowed his eyes. So Saitou?s the funny man, now, hm?
But just as quickly as the wolf jested, his face grew serious again. ?I will admit in my youth, I thought I could never give up my freedom, staying out ?til all hours of the night, drinking?? He paused, and looked out to the rising stars above the darkened treetops above them. ?But getting drunk from the jade wine of a woman?s eyes is even better.?
The two sat in silence for a time before Kenshin could contain himself no longer. ?My pardons, Saitou, but that almost sounded poetic.?
?Shut the hell up, Himura.?
?That?s the Saitou I know,? Kenshin said good-humoredly.
?It?s late, and I?ve wasted far more words on you than I have ever wished to,? Saitou grunted in disgust. God, he really was getting soft as the years wore on, and he cringed at the thought. ?Look, do whatever you bloody feel like, but do something, because I do not want to hear about your pansy ass love troubles any more. You?re starting to annoy me more than even Rooster-head.?
Kenshin remained silent as he helped Saitou clean up their camp and gather supplies. They moved to the mansion, mentally preparing themselves for what lay ahead...though Kenshin found he couldn?t quite focus with all of the insult-concealed wisdom Saitou had thrown at him.
The rurouni looked to the lights of the mansion, growing ever closer as the two men crept towards the grand estate. Then, noting Saitou had been stargazing earlier, Kenshin looked up towards the night sky. He knew the stars meant many different things to many people. To him, on this night and forever always, he noticed how the stars twinkled like a billion blinks of faraway fireflies. Ah, the fireflies?they were everywhere on the night he had left for Kyoto. He always wanted to tell Kaoru how their haunting light illuminating her face never made her look so beautiful?he almost couldn?t break away.
And so two swordsman ventured on, both comforted by something as constant as the shining stars?one thinking of the fireflies as he embraced his love, one reminded of the sparkle in his wild rose?s expressive eyes.
<>*<>*<>
Saitou stopped his story--of course having breathed nothing of the less than manly conversations that took place during the night--as a tired looking Dr. Gensai entered the room.
The doctor announced Kenshin was now sleeping, all five bullets having been removed. It was a miracle they had not hit any vital spots, but that was probably due to Kenshin?s skill at using his sword to deflect them. He still was not out of danger yet, as he had lost a worrisome amount of blood. Dr. Gensai wished he could attend to him even more, but he had other patients who needed his help, and so Kaoru faithfully vowed to watch Kenshin during the night. The doctor did not escape without an enormous hug from Kaoru, whom was soon after left alone with Tokio and Saitou, who both looked weary from the day?s events.
?We should be getting home, but I can stay with you, if you would like some help,? Tokio offered, but Kaoru shook her head.
?I thank you, but you?ve already helped so much. Both of you,? Kaoru smiled at Saitou, who looked like he was ready to collapse on a nice warm bed any second. ?Please, Tokio, get your husband home and his injuries taken care of. I?ll be fine.?
?As long as you?re sure?? Tokio looked at her with a mother?s worried eyes, but obediently moved towards the door.
?I do not expect you to be in any danger tonight,? Saitou said to Kaoru as he ushered his wife out of the house. ?However,? he spoke quietly before moving out the door, ?If you are still interested in the events that happened, come by my office whenever you can spare some time, and I will speak with you.?
Kaoru looked at him, surprised by the offer, but dared not inquire at his generosity. She merely thanked him and waved good-bye to Tokio, who was already halfway towards the gate.
Kaoru let out a long sigh when Saitou and Tokio finally disappeared in the darkness. The day had already come to an end, and the stars were twinkling brilliantly. She gave one final look out towards the heavens, not seeing the beauty the tiny lights once held for her. The thought of Kenshin?s life in danger made her heart ache. And the stars, which usually seemed to sing, clear and bright, now fell silent as she disappeared into Kenshin?s room to watch over him.
~*~*~
Author?s Notes for Ch. 1:
-For this chapter, I?m still going along with being somewhat historically accurate about Saitou?s past
Facts used:
Itou Kashitarou was indeed once the Shinsengumi?s military advisor, but had disagreements with the Captain of the Shinsengumi, Kondou Isami, and Vice Captain, Hijikata Toshizo. So he left, and did have 15 members follow him, including Saitou. Hijikata had sent Saitou as a spy, though, and after sending messages to his Vice Captain, Saitou slew Itou. (Also, I understand Hijikata, who was pretty cold, was the character model for Aoshi!)
-Saitou was responsible for assassinating corrupt Shinsengumi members, i.e.Takeda Kanryuusai, captain of the 5th troop who betrayed the Shinsengumi to side with Inshin, basically for money (sound like any Takeda Kanryu we know?)
All of this info can be found at the wonderful Shinsengumi page http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/5770/shinhis.htm
-Saitou?s history, which Kenshin explained, is accurate to the best of my knowledge, at least from a few different sources. There are other stories, but this is the one I?m going with. His father was Yamaguchi Yusuke, a lower class samurai, but poor Saitou he had to leave his home (Edo) at 19 because he accidentally killed a man.
-When he was sponsered to enter the Shinsengumi, his name was Yamaguchi Jirou. I?m going to assume that this is the closest to his real name (as the surname is the same as his father). Saitou then changed his name to the one we all know and love during his time in the Shinsengumi?and then later to Fujita Gorou when he joined the police. **whew** Have ya got all that?
(The only thing I don?t know is if Hajime was indeed his real first name or what?he?s changed his name so many times, I just don?t know anymore ^^;;)The above info taken again from the Shinsengumi page and also from miburo.com
-Ok, so Ishikawa Ichiro, Jiro and Saburo are characters made up by me, although their first names do mean respectively First Son, Second Son, Third Son. (Not very creative, I know. -_-)
Cool Japanese name info at ?Behind the Name? http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/jap.html
And just real quick, school has started...today!! I promised to get out as much as I had by now, so that's why I posted this chapter. Chapter Two should actually be coming out later tonight. Then, I can't really tell when the next two will be finished. I hope to have everything completed in March. Thanks in advance for your patience.
Elyn Yuy