| *This is my life's work (literally!), my Rurouni Kenshin fanfic. It's called Heart of Sword and is about Kenshin's descendants. I think that about covers it. Please read and enjoy, leave comments if you wish.* CHAPTER ONE: "Once in a Dream" The precocious nine-year-old sat on the sofa kicking her legs back and forth. Awaiting her father’s return was growing tiresome and irritating. She wanted to see him, and she wanted to eat dinner. Her mother entered the room and asked, “Your dad home yet? “No, not yet,” the child replied. “Wonder what’s taking him so long?” The child had a sudden thought. “Maybe he’s bringing home a surprise, like last time.” “Maybe,” said the mother. There was a loud knock at the door, and she was instantly confused. “Knocking? Maybe he’s locked out.” She turned to her daughter. “Go wash up.” The beautiful girl’s blue eyes glittered and her dark ponytails bobbed wildly as she left the room. The mother smiled to herself, thinking that her daughter had the eyes of her husband. Of the two of them, her daughter greatly resembled her husband, and people had often said so. She turned the handle, not even thinking to ask who it was before opening it. Suddenly her eyes went wide with shock, and she turned from the strange man who stood before. The menacing villain charged in, shouting in a raspy voice, “You will not escape my vengeance, Kichi Shinomori!” She called out to her daughter. “Kaiya run! Go hide!” The child had just come out of the bathroom when she saw her mother panicking, and raced into the hallway closet, slamming the door, and hiding behind a wall of coats. Through the slits of the door, she saw her mother grab a glass from the table and throw it at the villain, sending him backwards. Suddenly she heard a gunshot and cringed. The villain grabbed his stomach and collapsed onto the floor. A policeman standing in the door lowered his gun as the other policemen moved in to arrest the crazy man. “Ma’am, are you all right?” the policeman asked. The mother nodded. “Uh-huh.” The policeman pulled a chair for her to sit. “Have a seat please.” She shakily sat as the villain was placed onto a gurney and wheeled away, all under the watchful supervision of police officers. “Your husband…” The child, who had now come out of the closet, stuck her head around the corner, her face wet with tears. The mother extended her arms to her child. “Kaiya-chan…” She ran into her mother’s arms and they both turned to the policeman. “Dr. Shinomori was found murdered…” Mrs. Shinomori's head began to spin as the world she knew had just been shattered. She clenched her arms tightly around her daughter as they both began to sob violently. The policeman’s words echoed. “I’m sorry.” With a jolt, Kaiya Shinomori woke up. That unforgettable day was fast approaching. She reached a hand out to turn off the alarm clock that had caused her to wake. With a groan, she pulled her covers over her head and tried to return to sleep. “Kaiya!” Mrs. Shinomori called. “Kaiya, it’s time to get up. It’s fifteen after six already, and you’re going to be late.” Kaiya hastily threw off her covers and looked at the clock. “What?” she cried in disbelief. She had been sure she had more time, but was apparently mistaken. “Oh, man!” She rolled out of bed and walked into her bathroom, slamming the door behind her. She turned on the shower and let it run as she undressed. She was dreading the tedious day ahead of her – that same routine she was used to. Once she had showered and dressed, she emerged from the bathroom and stood before her mirror. Kaiya picked up her iPod and placed each earpiece in an ear. As The Pillows’ song “CARNIVAL” began to play, she continued getting ready for school by combing her hair. As she prepared for school, she kept thinking about the night of her father’s murder. The anniversary was coming up. It had been eight years since that night, and she hadn’t only lost her father. Some friends of their family – Kisho, Rikako, Ronin, and Suki Himura – had all lost their lives as well. Kisho had been her father’s best friend and Rikako had been her mother’s ever since middle school. Ronin had been Kaiya’s best friend her whole life and Suki had just celebrated her second birthday on that night. The loss of so many people had been rough, but Kaiya had finally recovered. She and her mother had moved away from that tragic neighborhood in Nakano, and gone to live in Setagaya in a nice complex. Her mother had taken a store manager’s job, and Kaiya had continued her education through high school. She walked into the dining room as she tied her school tie with her backpack slung over her shoulder, then turned off her iPod and put it in her backpack. Kichi Shinomori, Kaiya’s mother, was already eating breakfast. The news was on, and Kaiya caught a story about a vigilante before addressing her mother. “Morning Mom,” she greeted. “Morning sweetie,” her mother replied, the sunshine from one of the apartment windows reflecting in her eyes. Her daughter sat to eat, and she studied her. Kaiya had certainly grown into a fine young lady, one that Yusuke Shinomori, if he had been alive to see, would be proud of. Before she even realized, Kaiya had finished breakfast and had her hand on the doorknob. “What’s the rush?” she asked. “Takeshi and Rini are waiting on me,” replied Kaiya. “I gotta go. I’ll see ya later.” She turned the knob and opened the door to see Takeshi Harada standing in front of the apartment door, extending a bouquet of red roses to her. “Happy six month anniversary!” he said, grinning. Six months? Kaiya had nearly forgotten, and smiled. From behind her brother, seven-year-old Rini Harada began jumping up and down. “Six months! Six months! Yay!” Graciously, Kaiya accepted the roses and stepped toward Takeshi. “Six months since you moved here too,” she added. “Give or take a couple days, on both accounts. I just couldn’t wait.” He pushed a piece of Kaiya’s dark hair behind her ear. “Feels like forever.” He kissed her then, softly and sweetly, and then Kaiya pulled back with a chuckle. “Your sister’s here,” she said pointing, an embarrassed look on her face. “Let me run these roses inside. I won’t be long.” She quickly went inside and came out. In between, Takeshi heard an approving gasp from Mrs. Shinomori, then some high-pitched giggling which caused him to laugh to himself. After a few more moments, Kaiya emerged and flipped her hair as she shut the door behind her. “School’s gonna start. Let’s go.” As Kaiya and Takeshi stood in front of Asakura High School, she released Rini’s hand and watched the child cross the street the elementary school joining a group of girls her age, as they all began talking excitedly giggling. Rini turned and waved before entering the building. Kaiya had a suspicion of what the little girls were talking about as she and Takeshi waved back. They then joined hands and continued through the schoolyard to where Kaiya’s friends Miki Izuka and Etsu Watanabe were standing. Kaiya and Takeshi waved back then joined hands and continued through the schoolyard to where Kaiya’s friends Miki Izuka and Etsu Watanabe were standing. “Hey you guys!” she said cheerfully. “Hey Kaiya!” they both said, adding a nearly inaudible, “Hey Takeshi.” Neither one of Kaiya’s friends had really approved new boyfriend Takeshi, the rich snob from another part of town. “So where’s Naomi?” Kaiya asked. Takeshi, finding himself feeling awkward and unwanted around Kaiya’s friends, squeezed her hand before slipping away quietly as the girls talked. Etsu pointed. “Over there putting on lipstick to impress boys.” Etsu was always quick to tease and a gossip. She was the party girl and looked like it: her hair had been dyed purple just a few months ago and she served several detentions for her lack of respect by her choice of such an outrageous hair color. She led the way as Kaiya and Miki followed her to where Naomi Sakaki was sitting on the ground, applying lipstick. “Who is it this week, Naomi?” Kaiya asked. “It’s been the same person for a while, Kaiya,” Naomi replied, somewhat annoyed. “A while, huh?” Etsu said. “Don’t you mean three weeks?” “That’s a while!” Naomi exclaimed. She threw her lipstick into her backpack along with the compact mirror and stood up. The others turned to face the same direction. “Here he comes,” Miki teased, “Yakumo Shishio.” Etsu elbowed Naomi. “Go talk to him already,” she urged. Naomi took a deep breath. “Okay.” She walked over to where Yakumo Shishio was seated talking to some boys. Etsu and Kaiya watched intently. Miki shook her head. “She has no idea what she’s doing at all,” Miki said. Yakumo said something, although they couldn’t tell what, that elicited a loud, high-pitched giggle from Naomi. The three girls all rolled their eyes and groaned in absolute disgust. “Does she ever?” Kaiya reasoned. “But I still don’t understand why she’d waste her time on Yakumo Shishio. He thinks he’s such a player and I can’t stand him.” “That’s right,” said Etsu. “You used to know him. But you have no right to talk! Why you’re dating that jerk I’ll never understand either.” She sighed and added, “He’s such a snob, coming from the other side of town thinking he’s all that.” The school bell rang. The students in the schoolyard began to move inside. Kaiya, Miki, and Etsu began to walk toward the school building. “I’ll give Naomi one thing,” Etsu said. “She’s got guts.” “Yeah,” Miki agreed, as she watched Naomi and Yakumo walk into the school building. It was midday and, as usual, schoolyard delinquent Yakumo Shishio and his friends Shiryu Araki and Ryuichi Nakashima were wandering the halls of the school. It was the usual routine for Ryuichi and Shiryu, but Yakumo had been up to the same tricks for years before he knew the two boys. He was older than them, but neither boy was sure how much older he was. The school day had been boring to them so far and they all wanted a little excitement. In their normal fashion, they skipped fourth period to get into trouble. “Why are we still here, you guys?” Yakumo asked. “Let’s get the hell out of this school!” “Yeah!” Ryuichi agreed eagerly. “Yeah, but where are we gonna go instead?” Shiryu asked. Yakumo, the ringleader, shrugged. “I don’t know, give Principal Edamitsu’s car flat tires…steal food from the cafeteria kitchen…peek in on the girls’ gym class…break into the school’s main office…get some money and get out. Anything but sit in this lame ass building.” Yakumo pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and stuck one in his mouth. Ryuichi also took a cigarette and lit it. “We already deflated Edamitsu’s tires today,” Ryuichi reminded them. “Then we’ll do something else,” said Yakumo, lighting his own cigarette. “All right,” Ryuichi replied. They rounded a corner of the hallway and came face to face with Principal Edamitsu. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite future felons. Going somewhere?” he asked. Shiryu suddenly became nervous. “Yes sir – I mean, no sir – I mean…” “Put those cigarettes out! Smoking is against the honor code here at Asakura,” Principal Edamitsu scolded. “The three of you should be in class! You will never pass high school if you never go to class. You might as well drop out and get jobs.” Yakumo dismissed the lecture by blowing out smoke. “High school’s for pussies.” He tossed his cigarette onto the ground and crushed it beneath his foot. “I don’t even know why the hell I bother anymore. You’d never pass me even if I did go to class.” The principal stared at the boy for his flagrant disrespect of the school building, but did not lose his edge. “I will not tolerate that kind of language here. The three of you will have detention this afternoon with me and you will be fixing the tires of my car. Is that understood?” The last words were so loud they echoed through the hallway. Shiryu cringed at the sound, but Yakumo remained unfazed. His features were like stone as he stared down the authority figure. “Whatever, crazy old man. I have better things to do than fix that busted up piece of shit you call a car.” “I don’t care, Mr. Shishio,” Principal Edamitsu said, his patience growing thinner. “Get to class, now!” “Yes sir,” they all replied in dejected unison. “Get going,” Principal Edamitsu commanded, and with that Ryuichi tossed his cigarette onto the ground and likewise crushed it with his foot. Principal Edamitsu shook his head, and the three boys turned around and walked back toward their classrooms. After rounding a corner, Yakumo stopped and turned back. Puzzled, Shiryu and Ryuichi also stopped. “Your day is coming, old man,” Yakumo said in a low but threatening voice. His black bangs fell across his forehead in such a way that his dark brown eyes seemed all the more sinister. “Payback is a bitch.” He then turned and looked at Ryuichi and Shiryu, who were still confused. Something in Yakumo’s manner now didn’t seem normal. “Come on,” he said, and continued walking. Shiryu and Ryuichi looked at each other then ever so hesitantly followed Yakumo. Lunch had finally arrived, and Kaiya, despite an unusually large breakfast, was starving as she carrying her tray alongside Miki to the table. Etsu and Naomi were already sitting. Takeshi was studying for a test in the library, and didn’t care to join the other girls at lunch anyway. “I hate school,” Etsu said as they sat. “I have so much homework.” “I know me too,” Miki agreed. “Well, I don’t care about the homework,” Naomi said smiling. “Yakumo is going to talk to me at lunch today.” Kaiya looked at Etsu and Miki. “Is she for real? Is Yakumo going to talk to her?” “Yeah, and here he comes,” Naomi said, pointing. She rose to greet the three boys walking toward her. As soon as Yakumo, Ryuichi, and Shiryu had entered the cafeteria, Principal Edamitsu’s voice was heard. “You boys had better come back here, now!” Everyone in the cafeteria looked toward the spectacle as Yakumo, Shiryu, and Ryuichi ran around the room with Principal Edamitsu at their heels. As they passed Naomi, Yakumo lost his balance and toppled into her. She fell onto the ground, only able to put out one hand to help ease the fall. Shiryu and Ryuichi stopped as Yakumo bent down to help her up. “I’m sorry,” Yakumo apologized. “Gomen.” As he pulled Naomi up, Principal Edamitsu finally caught up, winded. “It’s okay,” said Naomi. “You’re not hurt, are you?” Yakumo asked. Naomi showed him the hand she had put out to catch herself. “Just a scratch. I’ll live.” “Are you sure?” Yakumo asked. “I’m fine,” Naomi assured him. “You tried to avoid me but you just couldn’t stop yourself in time.” “Yeah,” Yakumo nodded. “You must have great reflexes,” Naomi went on, relishing the opportunity to speak to the handsome yet troublesome boy. “Yeah,” said Yakumo proudly. “I work out.” “Ooh, really?” “Yeah. I’m a swordsman, just like my ancestors.” Principal Edamitsu had grown tired of the conversation. “Shishio, Nakashima, Araki, in my office – now!” Yakumo leaned in to Naomi and whispered, “Meet me at my apartment tomorrow after school, okay?” Naomi was surprised at the invitation, but nodded as Yakumo, Shiryu, and Ryuichi followed Principal Edamitsu. As Yakumo passed Kaiya, they briefly locked eyes. Kaiya turned back to the girls. “Hey Kaiya,” Etsu said, “remember the song?” Kaiya, Miki, and Etsu began singing teasingly in unison, “Naomi loves Yakumo! Naomi loves Yakumo!” Naomi blushed. “Shut up, you guys!” By afternoon, nearly everyone had forgotten the cafeteria fiasco. In fact, most of the students in second year Japanese History were trying to focus their energy on staying awake. The earlier math test had drained two-thirds of the class, most of which had pulled all-nighters to be prepared. Mr. Urameshi was in front of his class, teaching, and slowly becoming aware of the students’ inattentiveness. It became painfully obvious when a book fell from a sleeping student’s hand, waking half the class. Seizing the opportunity to catch their attention, he discreetly changed topics. “…Japan 1876 – the Tokugawa Dynasty stands upon failing legs…” He glanced around, noting each student that was starting to nod off again. Out of twenty-four, he counted at least ten that were visibly asleep. He had to say something, and finally found it. “But then a so-called invincible samurai stepped in.” This finally caught the students’ attention. They all looked up attentively. Mr. Urameshi continued, pleased to have salvaged the day’s lecture. “His name was Kenshin Himura, and he walked the path of death and destruction as he ushered in the Meiji Era. He was hated and feared by many, and known as hitokiri battōsai, the manslayer. After the Revolution he supposedly took an oath to protect the innocent, and never kill again.” A student raised his hand. Mr. Urameshi called on him, “Yes?” The student stood. “What happened to him?” “No one knows for sure,” said Mr. Urameshi. “No one even really knows if he exists, or if it’s just a myth.” The student sat back down. Mr. Urameshi continued, “It is a pretty interesting story though. All those sword fights for the guys. And there is something for the girls – a love story. According to legend, after his disappearance he fell in love with a strong-willed girl he met in Tokyo. It is said that she was the only woman he ever loved.” Another student raised her hand. Mr. Urameshi called on her, “Yes?” The second student stood. “Did she love him?” Mr. Urameshi smiled. “According to legend, she loved him very much. But it was never said if they got married or anything like that.” The second student sat back down. “I particularly like the story,” said Mr. Urameshi. “I suppose it has an appeal to everyone.” The bell rang. “Remember class,” Mr. Urameshi reminded them, “all your homework is due on Monday, no excuses.” He packed his briefcase and left the room. The students began to chatter excitedly as they packed up their things and began leaving the room, finally free of their daytime prison. “That story would be so cool if it were true!” “It sounds like something out of Shounen Jump.” “No way! It’s way cooler than that.” Amidst it all, Naomi, Etsu, and Miki walked over to Kaiya, who was still sitting at her desk. By the glazed look in her eyes, the girls could tell she wasn’t focused at all on Japanese History or the Tokugawa Dynasty. She was completely in her own world. “Hey Kaiya, are we still going to the library?” Naomi asked. Kaiya was daydreaming of the thought of a handsome samurai warrior fighting on behalf of the woman he loved, taking a vow not to kill. It seemed so romantic. She was in her own world and was somewhat startled by the question, so much so that she jumped slightly from her chair. She collected herself for a moment and looked back at them. “Oh. Yes, of course we are. I asked my mother yesterday and she said okay.” “Okay then,” Miki replied. “Get your head out of the clouds or we’ll miss our train.” Ryuichi sat back in his chair, drumming his fingers on the desk as he looked around their detention classroom. Shiryu was actually doing as he was supposed to; working diligently on his homework. Yakumo was sitting on his desk, facing the back of the room. A few others were either studying or sleeping. Two girls in the back were putting on makeup. When the teacher noticed Ryuichi’s blank stare, he glared at him. “Mr. Nakashima, Mr. Shishio, please do something!” Ryuichi sighed and put his head down. Yakumo, who refused to comply for anyone, slipped his cell phone out of his pocket. “What are you doing?” Ryuichi hissed. “We’re going to get in more trouble if – ” “Relax,” said Yakumo as he finished his text message. He slid his phone shut and placed it back in his pocket. “We won’t be here long enough to get in any more trouble.” Shiryu dropped his pencil, hesitant to get in any more trouble for the day. “Oh man, Yakumo, what are you gonna do now?” A tall brunette who had been sitting in the back of the room slipped into the desk next to Yakumo. He leaned in and whispered something into her ear, slipping his lighter into her hand. The girl rose and addressed the teacher. “Mr. Matsui, may I use the restroom?” “Go on, Usagi.” The teacher motioned for the girl to leave. She smiled at Yakumo as she left the room. Yakumo looked over at the clock that hung on a nail over the windows. Below, people could be seen walking along the sidewalk on their way home from school. “Give her about a minute and a half,” he told his friends. The two other boys sat anxiously watching the clock. Shiryu wondered what Yakumo had up his sleeve, while Ryuichi had a good idea what the plan was. Yakumo hopped off of the desk and sat in the chair facing forward, his shirttails hanging over the back of the seat. All of a sudden the fire alarm began to blare throughout the building. The teacher stood. “All right everyone, that’s a fire alarm. Let’s exit the building quickly.” The students rose and the teacher began ushering the students out of the building. Yakumo led Ryuichi and Shiryu out the back door of the school. “Did you make that happen?” Shiryu finally asked. “I didn’t. Usagi did. Which I guess means I owe her now. Drinks, maybe? I suppose she might want to bring a few friends along. She’s pretty cute for a first year. We are pretty popular among all the girls, after all.” Shiryu was mortified. “Yakumo, you can’t just go around doing whatever you want. The world doesn’t work that way –” Yakumo suddenly lifted the other boy off of the ground by his collar. “It doesn’t? Maybe not for you, but for me it does. Or did you forget who saved your sorry ass when you started high school?” Shiryu swallowed and looked away. “I’m sorry,” he choked. “I didn’t mean it. You’re my friend, I know you are. I just don’t want us to get in a ton of trouble. I want to be a good example for my little brother, y’know.” Yakumo dropped him on his feet. “You will be. You’ll be someone with a lot of power. And people with power are always respected.” With that, he turned and began to walk down the sidewalk. Ryuichi, who had remained silent the entire time, processed what he had just seen. He had known Yakumo a very long time and knew he was a very angry person. Shiryu, on the other hand, was very much a good boy who listened to his parents and maintained decent grades. The two wildly different young men had met a year ago when Shiryu began high school, and Ryuichi just could not figure why Shiryu hung around them. He often wondered why they all got along so well, but pushed thoughts aside as he and Shiryu raced to catch up with Yakumo. It seemed that half of Tokyo’s high school students had the same idea as the girls arrived at the library in Nakano. The front of the library was crowded with students in all kinds of uniforms, from junior high and high school, and even some university students. Kaiya even noticed students wearing uniforms from as far away as Edogawa. She turned back to her friends and said, “I didn’t think it would be this crowded.” “What the hell? It looks like every school in Tokyo is here!” Etsu twisted her lips in annoyance. “I even see kids from Rugafuchi here,” Miki added. “Now that is crazy.” “They read at Rugafuchi?” Etsu asked jokingly. “We should just go home,” Naomi said. “I don’t really need the help that much. I don’t want to wait for space to open up.” “Or we could go to Miki’s house,” Kaiya suggested. “Not really a good idea,” Miki said. “My little sisters have been kind of unruly lately, to put it nicely. And little brother broke the sink, again. So my dad’s fixing it, and being kind of grouchy about it.” Naomi turned to Etsu. “Don’t you live a couple blocks from here?” Etsu grinned. “Remember the last time we tried to study at my house?” “Oh yeah,” Naomi said, “we didn’t. We ran into your hot college neighbors, and – ” “No! We are not going to Etsu’s apartment!” Miki jumped in. “I had to run six blocks into Shinjuku that night and got lost in that weird area with all the clubs. It was scary, and I’m not doing that again. And I don’t feel like getting yelled at.” “This is getting nowhere,” said Kaiya. “Are we going in or not?” “Only one way to find out,” Etsu said, grabbing Miki by the wrist and pulling her. “Let’s go in.” With Etsu in the lead, the four girls pushed their way through the crowd that had gathered in front of the library. The mixing of school colors almost made Kaiya’s head hurt, as the crowds were even worse inside the building. “I see an empty spot!” Etsu hissed quietly, and all four girls took off toward the corner of the library, a blur of blue and green plaid. As they sprinted, Miki collided with a large mass of black and fell backwards onto the floor. She landed with her legs straight out in front of her at a 45-degree angle and quickly put her hands down to hide her immodesty. Only Kaiya turned around, realizing what had happened, and walked over to where Miki landed. The black mass Miki had run into turned around and offered her a hand. “I’m sorry. Are you all right?” Taking the hand and standing, Miki stood awestruck for a moment. Before her stood a tall, handsome young man who wore a black fleece jacket from Tokyo University. He had wavy blonde hair that fell around his face and a strong jaw. Behind him stood another equally handsome classmate, who muttered, “It’s too crowded in here. Let’s head back, Toshiro.” Toshiro paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on a figure behind the stunned high school girl whose hand he was still holding. He dropped the hand and spoke, “Shinomori? Is that you?” Kaiya walked over to Miki, putting her hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Toshiro-kun. It’s been a long time.” “I almost didn’t recognize you,” he said, grinning. “You grew up to be a very pretty young lady.” “Thanks,” Kaiya replied with a smile. “I hate to say it, but you haven’t changed much. First year at Tokyo University, right?” “Yeah,” he replied. “It’s rough. Our library is always like this, so we came out here.” He noticed her uniform and added, “So you ended up at Asakura? I looked for you all the time at Kaisei hoping I’d see you.” “Well, the stress of moving to Setagaya set in around exams. No big deal. Either way would’ve been the same big commute every day.” She smiled up at the boy that she had admired during junior high school. “So you don’t live here in Nakano anymore? That sucks. I was even thinking of walking to your house after this. Glad I didn’t.” Suddenly Kaiya felt a rush of cold air behind her. Etsu stood between her and Miki, her forearms resting on each one’s shoulder. She was the picture of cool flirting as she spoke. “So Kaiya, who’s your friend?” she asked. Kaiya smiled knowingly and answered, “Etsu, this is Toshiro Aikawa. He was a third year when I was a first year in middle school. He saved me from a couple of bullies my first day.” “Oh, so you’re Kaiya’s Superman,” Etsu said with a grin. “I’m Etsu Watanabe. Nice to meet you.” “Same here,” Toshiro said with a nod, understanding the situation. He chuckled and turned to his friend, who was texting on a cell phone. “Well, I think my roommate and I are going to head back to school. But I’ll look for you, okay Kaiya-chan?” “I still have the same e-mail,” Kaiya said. “No, I meant I’ll see you again.” With that, he smiled and walked away with his friend, disappearing into the crowd of people. Etsu turned to Kaiya. “Now that is a guy worth your time. Takeshi, not so much.” “Etsu,” Kaiya said, “that’s not nice. Toshiro-kun is an old friend, and nothing else.” “Who reminds you of Ronin,” Miki whispered, regretting instantly that she had even had the thought. “What Miki?” asked Kaiya. “Nothing. Let’s go study. I really can’t figure out quadratic formulas.” Shiryu was about halfway home when he realized that he had left his math book in the detention room. With a sigh, he proceeded the rest of the way to his apartment complex. The sun was beginning to set, and he became lost in thought. Yakumo and Ryuichi had gone off with Usagi and her friends to a bar, but Shiryu had managed to sneak away. Now he wondered if he had made the right decision. “Big brother!” The little voice, followed by quick footsteps, snapped Shiryu out of his daydream. “Shouta!” He scooped up the seven-year-old and promptly threw him up on his shoulders. “Did you have a good day at school today?” “I sure did!” “So I guess my advice worked, huh?” Shouta nodded, although Shiryu couldn’t see. “I stood up to the bully, and just like you said, he backed down.” “Good. And now he’s leaving you and your friends alone, right?” “Oh yeah. He even got in trouble with the principal. It was awesome!” Shiryu laughed as he lowered his younger brother off his shoulders and onto the top step of the apartment building door. “Come on. Let’s go up together. Did Mom know you left?” “Yeah,” Shouta said as he followed closely behind his hero. “I told her. She was saying that you were taking longer and longer to come home every day. The older boy sighed. “I know. A lot has been going on lately.” He reached for his keys and unlocked the door, allowing his brother in first. “I’m home, Mom.” “You’re awfully late.” Mrs. Araki did not seem pleased as she began to set the table for dinner. “What have you been doing all this time?” Shiryu shrugged his shoulders. “I was just hanging out with my friends. Nothing to worry about.” Mrs. Araki turned from setting the table as Shouta left the room. “Shiryu, you know I want you to be happy and have friends. But you need to focus on school, and start improving on your grades. Entrance exams aren’t too far away. And I’m not sure that Shishio boy is a good influence.” “Mom, I’m fine. I’ll study, okay?” He looked into his mother’s eyes until she returned to preparing dinner. After all, she had never spent quality time with her oldest son. She had always ignored the fact that he had been bullied since grade school, but obsessed over his above average grades instead. When he had tried to plead with her, she refused to acknowledge a problem. He never knew her reasoning, but didn’t bother to ask. He was timid all his life, partly because of her treatment. Even now, Shiryu felt his mother barely knew him. “I’ll even go to a cram school if you want.” “I’ll look into that.” Mrs. Araki continued with preparing the meal. Shiryu decided to retreat to his room. He thought to himself that maybe cram school would be a good idea. It would keep him busy, and put him in a new environment with new people. Even better, it would get him away from domineering Yakumo, something he longed for. With a sigh, he pulled his textbook from his backpack and began reading the next chapter in his history book. |
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| Were the 4 replies lost when MAL had problems? I said something about how I thought this was awesome and now it's gone? :( |
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Kohikki said: Were the 4 replies lost when MAL had problems? I said something about how I thought this was awesome and now it's gone? :( I'm thinking so... FAIL. MAL has issues like whoa... Lemme ummm, redo this... |
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| CHAPTER TWO: "Out of the Shadows" By the time Kaiya, Etsu, Miki, and Naomi left the library, it was already dark. The crowds were now reduced to a few students packing up to head home, as they were. Streetlights were coming on, and the sky was a beautiful dark orange. The pedestrian traffic had increased, and it was evident as the girls made their way to the train station. Crowds were easier to maneuver through than they had been earlier in the afternoon, but it was still a common occurrence to bump into someone. “Thanks for helping me with my math, Kaiya,” Miki said once they had reached an empty space where they could walk next to each other. “You’re the smartest person I know.” Kaiya had always remained modest. Despite being near if not at the top of the class, any mention of her academic achievement made her blush. “I’m not a genius, Miki. I just study a little harder.” “You mean you study too hard,” Etsu reprimanded. “You haven’t made any time to look for a new boyfriend. Takeshi doesn’t cut it, and that Toshiro was pretty cute…” “I’m very content with Takeshi, Etsu,” Kaiya replied, annoyed at the third mention of it that day. If Etsu didn’t mention Takeshi again, she would consider herself lucky. “And who asked you? It’s not like any of you have a boyfriend.” Naomi shrugged. “At least we’re looking.” “And if you’re not looking at Toshiro-kun, you should help me out,” added Etsu. “He is gorgeous!” “What is he studying, Kaiya?” Miki asked. “He’s pre-law. That’s been his dream since middle school. He’s always helped the weak and oppressed.” Kaiya sighed. “Like me in middle school. I had it rough without you all.” “It was just junior high, Kaiya,” Naomi said. “No big deal.” Miki and Etsu both stopped walking. Kaiya turned to look at them. “It’s all right. Ronin’s death used to bother me a lot. It doesn’t anymore. Toshiro-kun helped me through that, and now I’m fine. Let’s just drop it.” The four continued in silence through the streets to the train station. Kaiya, Miki, Etsu, and Naomi arrived at the train station and got out their train passes. As they stood waiting for their individual trains, Miki caught sight of a clock that read 9:15pm. “It’s awfully late,” Miki said. “I should’ve watched the time better. I feel bad leaving you alone on the train, Kaiya.” “I’ll be fine,” Kaiya assured her. Etsu added, “Don’t you remember, Miki? Kaiya knows some of that martial arts stuff.” “Not martial arts,” Kaiya corrected her, “a sword style.” She recalled the moments of her childhood, when her father, Yusuke, had tried to teach her about kodachi, and she had been somewhat skilled at it. Her father had often said she possessed a natural skill, but now it seemed to be useless. “I’m not very good, and I don’t carry a sword with me.” “Like I said before,” Miki repeated, “I feel bad leaving you alone on the train.” “It’s not my fault we all live on the opposite side of town as her,” Naomi said. “Don’t blame me.” Kaiya’s train arrived at its platform. “That’s my train, you guys. I’ll see you tomorrow at school. We’re still going shopping, right?” “Of course!” exclaimed Etsu. “Bye Kaiya!” Miki called to her. “I’ll call you later!” “See you tomorrow!” Naomi called. Kaiya turned back and waved as she boarded the train. Her thoughts drifted back to her father, who had passed away long ago. She could see his face in her mind, and remember things he had told her. As a small child, she had heard the legend Mr. Urameshi had mentioned that day several times from Ronin’s father. In Japan 1876, Kenshin Himura, a master swordsman, helped usher in the Meiji Era. After he murdered so many, he took an oath to protect the innocent and never kill again. She had heard the stories of what had happened after, brave heroics of how he saved the country from another bloody revolution, but they were just clever tales of created to entertain. When her father and best friend were murdered, the stories faded away. It seemed unfair to have had her life shattered, but continue on as if nothing had ever happened. Tears came to her eyes as she sat on the train. Maybe she still was not at peace with herself. She could remember every morning she went to school crying, and every night that she would sob herself into nightmares of hiding in the downstairs closet. But still, she could hear her father’s voice, whispering epic tales of the rurouni as she drifted off to sleep. The story had once been so imaginative, but that day, it would become more real than she had ever wanted it to be. In her mind, it was only a legend. She had no idea that she had, in reality, been living in a dream. This was not the first time Kaiya had been late, so the quickly sinking sun did nothing to make her nervous. Instead her mind was on tomorrow, calculating the time she would have to get her chores done so that she could go shopping with her friends later in the day. Looking out the window, she stared into the starless night feeling familiar pains in her heart. Looking out the window, she could see that the sky was now a navy blue, almost pitch-black in color. The sky was void of stars and the memories of her father and friends made it seem as if the sky was starless in her world as well. She picked up a tendril of her dark brown, nearly black hair and began twisting around her finger. It was a habit she had developed since entering high school. For the majority of her education, she had always ridden back on the train with someone. However, moving to an apartment had made that difficult, and going to Asakura High, that was quite a distance away, made that impossible. When she had attended Iwamano Junior High with Miki, she had still lived in the house. It was when Mrs. Shinomori had discovered that Kaiya’s high school tuition would put a dent in their finances that they decided to move into an apartment. They made the transition very easily. When the train slowed to her stop her mind slowly shifted back to the present. She disembarked and stepped through the crowd noting the people who got off with her, recognizing one of them as a person from her complex. She was relieved to at least have someone to walk home with her. As she left the station she popped her iPod into her ears and let L’Arc en Ciel drown out her thoughts. A few blocks later Kaiya realized she was alone, sending chills down her spine. She quickly turned off her iPod and looked around. Realizing that there was really no cause for fear of being alone in the dark, she dismissed the alarm as simply the fears of a child, trying to convince herself that nothing was wrong at all. She sped up suddenly, just trying to get home, when a voice stopped her. “Give me your money, and you'll live to see tomorrow.” She stopped immediately, frightened. Her senses went into overdrive. “Who said that?” She scanned the area, searching for a figure, unsure what she would do if she found it. A sudden movement caught her eye and she spun to face it. Seeing a large man, Kaiya turned to run, only realizing it was too late. Her eyes frantically darted for a way out, any exit, but before she knew it they had circled her and closed her in. In the Shinomori apartment, Mrs. Shinomori stood cooking dinner. The phone rang and she paused from her cooking to answer it. “Hello?” “Hi Mrs. Shinomori, it’s Miki.” Mrs. Shinomori shifted the phone to her shoulder as she resumed cooking. “Oh, hello Miki.” “May I speak with Kaiya please?” She suddenly stopped cooking. “She’s not here yet.” “What?” Miki could not hide the alarm in her voice. “She left before any of us; it was just after nine.” Mrs. Shinomori grew concerned. “She left at what time?” “Just after nine,” she repeated. Suddenly thoughts of every bad thing that could be happening to her daughter crossed her mind, distracting her attention from Miki and the now overflowing pot on the stove. “Miki, I’ll call you back.” Quickly hitting the switch to close the line, Mrs. Shinomori dialed the police department. The three large men quickly closed in on Kaiya. Sneering with their knives drawn, the leader turned to one of the others. “Well well, look what we found, a pretty high school girl.” “Stay back!” Kaiya yelled defensively. “That’s not very friendly of you,” the leader said. He turned to the others. “Is that friendly of her, Ryu?” “Not at all boss,” the one called Ryu said. “What do you think, Shin?” “I think we should show her how to be polite,” the one called Shin said. He grabbed Kaiya’s arm, but she kicked him in the knee and ran down the train station hallway. “Get back here!” the leader yelled. Kaiya looked back for only a fateful moment, then tripped and fell. Her knees scraped against the pavement. The three men caught up and circled around her. “We’re done being nice to you, little girl,” Ryu said belligerently. As the men laughed evilly, Kaiya began to hyperventilate. What would happen to her? Would somebody find her in time? A voice from the shadows saved her. “Is picking on a defenseless girl funny? Then for me fighting you three pansies should be hilarious.” “Who the hell are you?” Ryu demanded. “This ain’t none of your business.” Suddenly a light-haired young man emerged from the shadows. “I’m only a wanderer.” The leader laughed. “This is too easy. He looks more defenseless than her!” He took a punch at the stranger, missing as the wanderer sidestepped his attack and just as easily pushed the leader to the ground. The other two circled him as their leader rose to his feet, and then attacked. It was then that the wanderer unsheathed his sakabato, reverse-blade sword. In a flash of light, blood splattered onto the ground. Stunned, the men ran off, praying to every deity they knew of for mercy. The wanderer sheathed his sword. He started back in the direction Kaiya came. Kaiya rose, still processing what had just happened, and ran to catch up to him. “Don’t I get to say ‘thank you’?” she asked. “No need to,” he said simply. “Well, aren’t you going to tell me your name?” she demanded. “I’m nothing more than a wandering swordsman,” he replied. “So you don’t have a name?” She was frustrated by this mystery, this savior from the shadows. “Then aren’t you going to ask for my name?” “Is there a need for me to know?” “Because-because you saved me. And I have to do something to repay you.” “You can tell me your name if you want, it’s not necessary though.” “It’s Kaiya. Kaiya Shinomori.” He only nodded. They turned the corner and Kaiya was back on her path home, realizing for the first time how late it actually was. The familiar-looking wanderer turned away and began walking down another sidewalk. Kaiya thought about how worried her mother must be, but turned and ran after him, determined to find out who this strange one was. “So where do you live?” she asked. “On the street,” he replied. “On the street?” she said. “Why?” He stopped and turned to her suddenly. His dark blue, troubling eyes fixed in on her. “I saved your life,” he said harshly. “What more do you want from me?” The outburst took Kaiya aback, yet something seemed vaguely familiar. “All I wanted to know was who you are. You’ve been on the news, y’know.” She sighed deeply. His eyes seemed to cut into her very soul and she felt like she wanted to cry. But she couldn’t leave. She wouldn’t leave. “I know I’ve been on the news. I saw it in a store window just today.” His toned had softened a bit. He walked into an alley and Kaiya followed. “They have two different opinions of me – a vigilante or a murderer.” “Why do you carry a sword?” Kaiya said quietly. “To scare off nosey little girls.” He grinned at her for a moment, something that seemed out of character for him. Realizing he was joking, Kaiya giggled a bit. He sighed and added, “I can’t tell you that.” “Why not?” “For the same reason I can’t tell you my name.” He stopped and looked into her eyes again – beautiful blue eyes – and spoke harshly again. “Anyone who gets involved with me will die. Do you want that?” “Who is after you? Can’t you get help?” “Help from whom? The police think I'm a criminal and with all the deaths going on around here it would be so easy to blame the guy openly carrying a sword. They’d probably lock me up a few years before they’d execute me. Is that the kind of ‘help’ you suggest I get?” He looked at her frightened face, and finally finished the thought. “Go home, Kaiya-chan. Go home while you’re still breathing.” The use of her name in such a familiar way struck the night air like a slap in the face. She looked at him carefully. He was tall, lean, and muscular, much like Takeshi – or more like Toshiro, but his eyes were like the color of the ocean and the hood hid his hair. He was handsome, and all of it ruined by his expression: a pained one. It all seemed like something she had experienced long ago in some daydream, but it couldn’t be possible. What was really going on? Kaiya made an instant decision that would alter her life completely. “Even if you don’t want me to, I’ll find you again.” “I pray you won’t.” He turned and disappeared down an alley. Kaiya stood perfectly still for a moment. She knew it was late, and decided not to follow any further. She also realized she was close to her apartment building and headed home. As she approached the building, she spotted Takeshi with a flashlight in his hand. He then saw her and ran toward her, calling, “Kaiya! Kaiya! I’m so glad you’re all right.” He picked up her and spun her around. Once her feet were on the ground, she pulled back. “I’m fine. Really,” she said, and they began the ascent to their floor. As she pulled out her keys, she turned to Takeshi. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Make sure you wear that nice tie I like so much.” Takeshi grinned. “Of course.” He kissed her forehead and said, “See you tomorrow.” Takeshi then went into his apartment and closed the door. She stuck her keys into the lock of the door, then turned for a moment, thinking of the mysterious rurouni, wanderer. She walked inside the apartment, where a panicked Mrs. Shinomori was on the phone. “No, no, it’s all right. It’s not your fault, Miki, really. I called the police, I’m just worried, I – ” Kaiya walked in, closed the door, and locked it. Mrs. Shinomori jumped up. “Never mind, Miki. She’s here. Call the police and tell them. Thank you.” She immediately hung up the phone and rushed over to Kaiya, hugging her. “Oh Kaiya, we’ve been so worried about you!” “It’s okay, Mom,” Kaiya assured her. Mrs. Shinomori pulled back. “What happened?” “Three guys tried to rob me, that’s all.” “Oh sweetie! Are you hurt?” “No, I’m okay. A bruised knee, maybe.” A twinge of pain reminded her of the scratches just above her knee socks. Her daughter’s calm worried her. “How on earth did you get rid of them?” Kaiya’s eyes widened. “It was so weird. I thought they were going to hurt me, and then this wanderer came and saved me. I tried to get his name, but he wouldn’t tell me.” Mrs. Shinomori stroked Kaiya’s hair. “Oh, my poor baby’s been traumatized!” “I’m not making this up!” she cried adamantly. “I’m serious!” Her mother was skeptical. “Uh huh. And this wanderer, what was his name?” “I told you, he wouldn’t tell me.” “Sweetheart,” Mrs. Shinomori replied, patting her daughter’s head, “I think you need to lay off of Shounen Jump before bed, okay?” “There aren’t any stories like that in Shounen Jump.” “Well then those American comics – that sounds a lot like Batguy or one of those superheroes.” Kaiya tried to rationalize. “Batman and he doesn’t carry a sword.” She soon realized her mother was trying to get off the subject. “Mom, it was real! You gotta believe me!” Mrs. Shinomori wouldn’t argue. “Well, honey, it’s late. I think you should get to bed. Now I’ll let you go shopping tomorrow, but from now on watch the clock. I don’t want to go through this again.” She left the room. Kaiya sighed resolutely and went to bed. Early that morning, Kaiya awoke and hastily dressed. She brought herself carefully down to the floor in front of the hallway closet and began looking through boxes. She winced a little when she bumped her knee, and decided to reposition herself. Kaiya smoothed out her wrinkled uniform skirt as she continued to search the bottom of the closet. Mrs. Shinomori stood behind her in her robe. “Do you realize what time it is?” Kaiya did not look up. “Yes.” “Very early, on a Thursday. There is school today, y’know.” “I know.” “And breakfast hasn’t been prepared yet,” Mrs. Shinomori added. “Not hungry yet,” Kaiya replied. “And it’s the day after three guys almost robbed you on the way home,” Mrs. Shinomori said, somewhat upset as she tried to process her daughter’s motives for being up and around. “You should be resting. I don’t even think you should go to school today.” “I feel fine.” “What about your knee?” “Bandaged it myself. Didn’t take long.” “Do you want me to look at it?” “You don’t need to. It’s fine.” “Are you sure?” “Uh-huh.” “Positive?” “Yup.” Mrs. Shinomori suddenly became curious. “What are you looking for anyway?” “The family history book,” Kaiya said. “What family history book?” Mrs. Shinomori asked. “The one Dad read all the time. You know, where he got all his stories from.” “Kaiya, we don’t have a book like that.” She finally looked up at her mother. “We don’t?” “No. Those stories were passed down, never written.” Kaiya sighed disgustedly. “Then how am I supposed to prove the wanderer exists?” “Well, he doesn’t,” Mrs. Shinomori said matter-of-factly. “But if you’re adamant about this, something might help.” She reached into a box and pulled out a folder. “Your father updated it just before he…” Her voice trailed off and she sighed. “It’s our family tree. Maybe it has some of the answers you’re looking for.” With that, she left the room. Kaiya opened the folder and traced her finger over the first two names on the worn, milk-colored paper. “Misao Makimachi…Aoshi Shinomori…” She smiled to herself, remembering her father mentioning these names often in his stories. She tried recalling them, trying to remember what the stories were about, but try as she might she couldn’t. Still, Kaiya was content with a start. “I know I shouldn’t feel guilty,” Etsu said, “but I do.” “I do too.” Miki had just finished telling Etsu about Kaiya’s ordeal the previous night, and sighed. “It’s just a long way to Setagaya then back to Nakano.” “Although neither one of us would’ve been much help. Kaiya knows that sword style. I just know how to punch. And that probably wouldn’t have done anything, as much as I hate to admit it.” Miki sighed. “We won’t study that late anymore. It’s not safe for any of us.” “Yeah…” Etsu’s attention was distracted by a blonde young man moving through the crowd in front of the school. She recognized him immediately and called, “Hey, Aikawa-sama!” At the mention of his last name, Toshiro looked up and saw Kaiya’s friends. He walked toward them, shifting his backpack onto his left shoulder. “No need to be so formal, Etsu-chan. Where’s Kaiya? I came by to say hi and get her new address.” “Kaiya’s not here,” Miki said. She thought carefully about her words before she spoke again. “She almost got robbed last night and she’s probably staying home.” “She what?” Toshiro’s eyes widened, but somehow he never seemed unruffled. “Is she okay?” “She’s fine,” Etsu said, scribbling on a page in her notebook. “Here’s her address if you want to find her.” She tore out the page and handed it to the college freshman. He grinned at her and bowed slightly. “Thanks Etsu-chan, Miki-chan. I owe you both.” Toshiro then started off at a jog in the direction of the train station. “He’s too cute,” Etsu said with a sigh. Miki nodded. “My mouth went totally dry.” “Who was that? You two know someone from Tokyo University?” Both girls looked over to see Takeshi standing by them. He slipped off a strap of his backpack as he waited for an answer. Seizing such a wonderful opportunity, Etsu smiled at him. “That’s Kaiya’s other boyfriend.” Miki elbowed her. “What are you doing?” she hissed. “Her what?” Takeshi twisted his mouth as he looked from Etsu to Miki, then back to Etsu. One girl looked defiant, while the other seemed troubled. “You’re lying, aren’t you?” “No way that you can find out,” Etsu replied. “Unless you ask Kaiya, but then she’ll start to doubt you.” “What’s your problem?” Takeshi asked. “If you’re Kaiya’s friend, why can’t you just accept me and move on?” “I don’t have to answer you,” she snapped back. “You don’t have any reason not to answer. Tell me,” he pleaded. “Just because.” “That’s not a reason, Miyazaki. Why?” “Because you’re not him.” Immediately Miki’s eyes lowered, and her books tumbled from her hand. Takeshi glanced over at the sound of the quieter girl’s voice. Her lips were quivering as she mouthed someone’s name. Etsu swallowed hard. Suddenly Miki burst into tears as she scooped up her books and ran into the school building. After watching her go, Takeshi turned back to the purple-haired rebel. In a softer tone, he asked, “Who did she mean, Etsu?” “It doesn’t matter.” Etsu’s voice was soft and clear, unlike he had ever heard before. “Even if we told you, or Kaiya told you, you could never understand. No one will ever understand.” The school bell rang and Etsu began walking toward the building, leaving Takeshi more confused than when he first approached them. Kaiya was lost in her thoughts as she made her way through the crowded train station. It had not even occurred to her that she had been attacked for doing the same thing the day before. Her mind took her back to the face of the young man she had seen the night before. He reminded her of someone, though she wasn’t sure whom, and she poured through her memories trying to match the face. Suddenly, another face came into her field of vision, calling to her. “Kaiya-chan! Is that you?” “Toshiro.” Her voice was barely a whisper as the blonde boy swept her up into his arms in an embrace. She blushed slightly as he lightly set her on her feet. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “I went to Asakura to find you, and your friends told me you were staying home because of some robbery.” He took her face in his hands as he had often done in junior high, and embraced her again. “I’m so glad you’re all right.” She smiled as he released her. “Sorry for worrying you.” “Just promise me you’ll be more careful.” He placed his hand on the small of Kaiya’s back and moved her in the direction of her high school. “I’m not as close as I used to be to take care of you.” Kaiya was silent for a moment as they left the train station. Deciding to clue him in, she glanced up at Toshiro. “Listen, I want to tell you about something that happened last night.” “Sure,” he said, giving her his attention as he kept pace, “what was it?” “A young guy with a sword saved me last night.” Toshiro stopped in his tracks. “Are you all right?” Kaiya asked. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but – ” He looked at her, his expression even. “No, it’s not. Not at all.” “Well then, what is it?” “I don’t know how to put this – well maybe I do – I just don’t want to shock you.” He smiled slightly as he started walking again and she fell into step beside him. “I’ve always thought that the swordsmen of our history were on to something: true justice. I want to be like them; someone who put aside political affiliations and ulterior motives and only fight for was I believe in.” He smiled again as they stopped in front of Asakura High School. The schoolyard that was so busy earlier was now completely empty and classes had begun. “For me,” he began, tucking a piece of hair behind Kaiya’s ear, “my only fight would be for you.” Kaiya felt her jaw drop slightly. “Toshiro, I – ” He swept the side of her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’ll be watching for you, Kaiya. Just like before, I’ll protect you.” With that, he turned on his heel and left the dazed high schooler with her mouth still hanging open. That very afternoon at the Harada apartment, Mrs. Harada and Rini prepared to go shopping. The child loved her mother very much, and loved spending time with her. If it meant she would have to walk around a grocery store for a long time, she would do it just to be with the mother she adored. “You all ready to go, Rini-chan?” Mrs. Harada asked. Rini looked up at her. “Yup.” Mrs. Harada smiled. “Okay then.” She took Rini’s hand and they left the apartment. On the street, Mrs. Harada and Rini had to wait to cross a busy street. Rush hour traffic was rushing by quite quickly. They stood in front of the electronics store, listening to the news report. “…And there have been reports from all over the Tokyo area of – get this – a young guy, in about his early twenties, who has been stepping in and stopping crimes against other citizens,” the news anchor was saying. “Here’s the unbelievable part: this ‘vigilante’ has been described as carrying a sword. A sword, of all things! Some are even saying he might be a descendant of the legendary battousai the manslayer, but no one knows if even the battousai legend is true. We can’t be sure about this guy until we know about the battousai, if there ever was such a man.” The news anchor chuckled. “I tell ya…in other news the…” Suddenly, Rini tripped over the curb, loosing grip of her mother’s hand and slipping onto the road. From out of nowhere, someone swooped in, grabbed Rini’s arm, and pulled her up onto the curb. Mrs. Harada quickly moved from horror to amazement as she stared into the face of a blue-eyed boy. He smiled down at Rini as she looked up. “Be careful now. You must watch your step or you’ll fall face first into traffic and get run over, okay?” “Yes sir,” Rini replied. Mrs. Harada glanced at the oncoming traffic for a moment, and then turned. “Thank – ” It was too late, and the light-haired wanderer had disappeared. Mrs. Harada looked around, and then looked down at Rini, who was smiling. Mrs. Harada sighed in amazement. “Mommy,” Rini said, “it was him. It was that rurouni, the one from the news.” “But there’s no way…” Mrs. Harada tried to fathom the possibilities, but to do so would take all day. “Come along,” she said, and safely crossed the street with her daughter. |
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| CHAPTER THREE: "Burden of Proof" Kaiya, Etsu, Naomi, and Miki sat in a McDonald’s, eating dinner. A few shopping bags sat on the floor next to them, most of them Etsu’s. The trip seemed awkward to Kaiya following the events of the last few days. The other girls could sense that in her, and didn’t know what to say. For the most part, they had shopped silently, and jokes were in short supply, even for the usually chatty Etsu. Now all four girls could only hear the sounds of chewing as they sat, exhausted and uncertain. Kaiya did not look up at all, hoping that no one would mention anything about the attack. Her friends fidgeted nervously for a while. Miki decided to break the silence with a groan. “Okay, I have to say something. It’s been nagging me since the Daikanyama district – or since yesterday morning, rather.” “What?” Kaiya asked, finally looking up. “I feel so bad about leaving you alone on the train,” Miki confessed. “I knew something bad was going to happen!” “It’s okay,” Kaiya assured her, a bit annoyed. “The wanderer guy protected me. It’s all good.” “Are you still with that story about the wanderer?” asked Naomi. “Don’t you believe me?” Kaiya asked, sadness being to well up inside her at her friends’ disbelief. “I’d like to Kaiya, really I would,” Naomi said. “I’m having trouble with the fact that a young guy walks around with a sword protecting people.” “How young was he?” Naomi asked. “Maybe his early twenties,” Kaiya said, trying to picture his face. “He had bright blue eyes, I remember that.” “The young guy thing makes me not wanna believe you,” said Naomi. “I’m not making this up!” Kaiya exclaimed. “My mom’s probably thinking of taking me to a psychologist because she thinks I’m making it up.” “Was he cute?” Etsu said with a smile. “I don’t know. I wasn’t paying attention. I guess so. I don’t pay attention to that so much.” “See Kaiya,” Etsu scolded, “you need to lay off the studying and look more at the boys. Then you would’ve known. And Takeshi’s not all that for you to stop looking at other boys anyway...” “I don’t know,” Kaiya said, shaking her head. “I’m starting not to believe it myself. But it felt so real!” Having finished their meal, Kaiya, Naomi, Etsu, and Miki got up, picked up their shopping bags, and left the restaurant. They walked outside on the sidewalk. “Maybe you just saw what you think you saw because of that story Mr. Urameshi told us,” said Miki. Naomi agreed, “Yeah, that whole Kenshin Himura story.” “It can’t be that,” Kaiya dismissed. “My father used to tell me that same legend. It’s part of our family too, you know. According to the legend, Himura spared the life of one of my ancestors – Aoshi Shinomori. Kenshin Himura had made a promise to a young girl named Misao Makimachi that he would bring Aoshi back, and he did.” She was proud of herself for finally recalling the story, but then she stopped walking. Naomi, Etsu, and Miki stopped alongside her. “Besides, it couldn’t have been a Himura descendant. They were all killed the same night my father was.” Kaiya remained solemnly silent. The rant had pushed all memory of that terrible night to the forefront of her mind. The other three girls began choosing their words carefully. “Maybe this guy’s heard the same legend,” Miki reasoned. “No, it can’t be that,” Kaiya said. “The only people who know the legend that in-depth are family.” Suddenly she remembered that that wasn’t true. Someone else did indeed know the whole story. Etsu grew suspicious. “Just what are you getting at, Kaiya?” “I don’t know. Maybe he’s just a big fan of samurai. I can find out more about our family history somehow, see if any other families are descended from swordsman.” Kaiya had become determined to discover all she could about her enigmatic hero. Finally, in the clear of the daytime, it felt as though there were pieces that could be put together somehow. “Takeshi’s pretty good at that sort of thing. Maybe he can help.” “More time with Takeshi,” Naomi said, rolling her eyes. “Are you still having your anniversary dinner tonight?” “Yeah, he was upset that I got attacked on the way home from helping you all.” “That’s Takeshi for ya – couldn’t give a rat’s ass about us,” Etsu replied. Then she added lightly, “Do you think Mr. Urameshi would give us extra credit for finding out about that wanderer?” Miki chuckled as she shifted her shopping bag from one hand to the other. “Maybe.” Naomi looked at Miki, and then at Kaiya. “I have to go. After all this with Kaiya, I don’t want to get caught after dark.” Kaiya pulled up her jacket sleeve to look at her watch. “It’s not that late.” “Well, you know how my sister gets when I’m not home on time,” Naomi replied. “Since when does she care?” asked Miki. “Since that whole ‘Kaiya-train thing’!” Naomi sighed. “I’ll see you guys in school.” She started walking in the direction from which they came. Kaiya, Etsu, and Miki watched her as she disappeared into the crowds of people. When they lost sight of her, they started walking again. The streets were becoming even busier with people rushing to get home. The girls walked single file for quite a ways before they could cluster close enough to talk. Finally, Etsu asked, “What’s with Naomi?” “I don’t know,” Kaiya answered. “I’m still pretty freaked out about the whole train thing too. But that’s unlike her.” “She’s been acting funny like that since we left school yesterday,” Miki reasoned. “Maybe she got a bad grade or something,” Etsu guessed. “It’s not like her not to tell us,” Miki said. “That’s true.” Kaiya agreed. “Usually she loves to rant about that sort of thing.” Miki shrugged. “We’ll find out later.” “Yeah,” Kaiya replied, relieved for the break in conversation. “I have to go get ready.” “Okay Kaiya,” said Etsu. “Just try to stay in after dark.” “I’m fine.” Kaiya smiled and she started off. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow! Promise!” Takeshi sat across from his gorgeous girlfriend at a table in one of the most expensive restaurants in Tokyo, but he felt like they were miles apart. They were talking, but Kaiya seemed highly distracted. “So how are you feeling?” she asked. She wore a beautiful lavender halter dress and her hair hung as it always did, but seemed more elegant. “Your mom and Rini said that you almost didn’t make it to school today.” “Just a little tired,” he replied, adjusting his tie. “I think the better question is how are you feeling?” He had been waiting for the right moment anxiously, hoping to find out the real story. “You know, about your little train incident last night.” “I think everyone in the building knows. And half the people at school.” “So what happened exactly?” Kaiya sat back in her chair and adjusted one strap on her dress. “There were these three guys who were trying to steal my money when I got off at the train station. It was pretty late and the train station was unusually dark.” “And?” “And what?” “You don’t expect me to believe you beat all three of them up. One, maybe, but not all three.” He smiled, and Kaiya was lost in her thoughts for a moment until he continued. “Who stepped in?” “You won’t believe me,” she said. “No one else does.” “Why?” he asked. “Because according to what everyone’s been saying, it sounds like something out of Shounen Jump.” Takeshi sat up straighter. “Okay, now I’m interested. What happened, Kaiya?” She sighed deeply. “There was this wanderer, and he jumped out of nowhere and fought them off with a reverse-blade sword.” “A wanderer?” “That’s what he told me to call him,” she replied, the frustration of that night returning to her. “He never told me his name.” “Hmm…a wanderer,” Takeshi said, thinking. “And he fought with a reverse-blade sword?” “Yeah,” Kaiya nodded. “That’s what they’re called, right, sakabato? The blade was on the wrong side.” Takeshi was suddenly strangely suspicious. “He didn’t happen to mention what sword style he used, did he?” Kaiya thought for a moment. “I don’t remember. But if I do, I’ll tell you, okay? I know you’re big on all that sword stuff.” “Yeah,” he nodded. “I’d appreciate it.” “And I don’t really want to talk about it anymore, okay? I just want to get past it and move on with my life.” “The girls have been riding you about it, haven’t they?” he asked. “Well they are my friends, and I suppose they would be concerned.” “I really don’t think helping out girls who can’t study on their own is worth getting killed over.” She was offended by his remark and replied, “They’re my friends. If I can help them in any way, I should.” “Why? It’s their own fault if they fail, not yours.” Kaiya suddenly recalled the conversations she had had with him when he first arrived in their apartment building. Full of arrogance, Takeshi Harada was forced to attend Asakura, the second best school in the country, when his exam scores didn’t get him into the best school, Kaisei. He retained some of his pride, and for that reason, she still hadn’t become as close to him as she wanted. “I don’t want to get up to the top of the class and look down and see all the people I could’ve helped but didn’t,” she finally responded. “Whatever,” he said, trying to avoid an argument. “Just try to be careful, okay?” “I will,” she promised. “One more question though.” “Sure, Takeshi,” she said with a slight smile. “What is it?” “There was a blonde boy who came to the school today and talked to Etsu. He had a Tokyo University jacket on. Etsu said – ” “What did she say?” Kaiya suddenly demanded. He paused for a moment, trying to gauge the reason for her change in tone. “She said he was your other boyfriend. But of course I don’t believe her.” Kaiya’s face became extraordinarily angry. “Why would she say that? And why would you even ask me? You know I am not like that!” Takeshi put up his hand to stop her. “I know, I’m sorry. I just wanted to – ” “To make sure?” she finished. “Honestly? You really don’t know me at all then!” She rose from the table, realizing that all eyes were on her as she stood. With a huff, she left the table. Takeshi was immediately at her heels, grabbing her forearm from behind as she neared the door. “I’m sorry Kaiya. Don’t leave. We’re both stressed out by school and all that’s going on. I shouldn’t have even asked.” Kaiya sighed and turned to face him. “Here we are, at one of the best restaurants in Tokyo, arguing. Gomen, I didn’t mean to ruin the night with all my crazy wanderer stories.” He took her hands in his. “It’s all right. Hey, what do you say we get out of here and I’ll take you someplace special, all right?” A bit bewildered, Kaiya followed his suggestion. Takeshi called for the check and paid it, and by the time she knew it he was taking her hand. “Where are we going?” she asked. “You’ll see when we get there.” Mrs. Shinomori and Mrs. Harada sat conversing in the Harada apartment. It was a common custom for the two friends to get together and talk over a cup of tea since the Harada family had moved there. However, the nature of the conversation today was not the usual, light-hearted topics but a more pressing issue. The pair sat in the kitchen talking in hushed tones while young Rini played in the next room. “I’m not trying to undermine your authority, really,” Mrs. Harada said. “I just think it’s time Kaiya knew the truth.” “No, she’s not ready for this,” said Mrs. Shinomori. “She’s seventeen; she’s old enough to handle this responsibly,” reasoned Mrs. Harada. “Besides, after everything she’s been through yesterday, I think she deserves to know. If you don’t tell her directly, she’ll find out somehow. And then how will you feel?” “I didn’t understand it then, and I still don’t understand it all. This is so…stupid!” Mrs. Shinomori sighed, frustrated. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her nurse’s scrubs, hoping not to dirty them before her night shift. “Everything would just become more difficult, I know,” Mrs. Harada said, trying to comfort her. “Jiro and I were talking about it this morning. I’ll admit, the whole school thing is a risk, but you’re going to have to take it. I mean, maybe it isn’t the same boy, and it’s just coincidence. Just think about it, okay?” “I’ll try,” she said half-heartedly. “I’m fairly certain that he’s the same boy. I almost lost it at that school fair last year when he walked past. Every nightmare I had ever had since that night came flooding back to me when he looked at my face. And when he walked up to Kaiya, I couldn’t even breathe.” “I remember,” Mrs. Harada recalled. “You came back here and just about broke down crying in the doorway of the building.” “The worry never stops,” Mrs. Shinomori confessed. “I just hope nothing else happens to Kaiya on the train.” A frown crossed her face as she thought of her daughter getting attacked – or worse – again. “Perhaps one of us could – ” “She shouldn’t have to know,” Mrs. Shinomori said, stress showing on her pretty face. “Not all of a sudden like this. She went through so much yesterday…” Mrs. Harada replied soothingly, “We’re here for you; always remembering that.” “But what if she slips up and says something? Then that psychopath – ” Mrs. Shinomori fell silent as Rini came into the room carrying the teapot. She stood in front of Mrs. Shinomori. “Would you like more tea, Mrs. Shinomori?” She smiled. “Yes, Rini, thank you.” She held up her teacup as Rini poured the tea. The child smiled, bowed, and left. Mrs. Shinomori sipped the tea, as Mrs. Harada looked on, concerned. With a deep sigh, Mrs. Harada tried once again. “There’s no guarantee that this boy is anything like his father anyway, Kichi. He might not even remember it that well. I know that it’s hard for you. I can’t imagine how you feel.” “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” Mrs. Shinomori stood and set the teacup down. “Well, I’m off to work. Make sure to check in on Kaiya for me.” “I will.” Mrs. Shinomori left the apartment. Mrs. Harada sighed heavily, wondering what she should do. She loved Kaiya dearly, but knowing the truth of her father’s death would destroy everything she knew. The truth could not be hidden much longer, and so Mrs. Harada became determined to persuade her friend to change her mind. In the dark living room of his apartment, Yakumo Shishio sat in front of his television, smoking a cigarette. The news was on, and he didn’t like what he heard: “…And yet another report of the mysterious young man with a reverse-blade sword, this time seen at a train station in Setagaya. No one seems to have seen any heroics, however. Those who believe this young man is out there don’t doubt for a second that he prevented some type of crime on the trains last night.” The news anchor chuckled. “I hope I get to see this guy someday so – ” Yakumo angrily shut the television off with the remote and stood. He took a puff of his cigarette and thought aloud, “I wonder…” A knock at the door temporarily deterred his frustrated musings. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray, got up, and opened the door. Naomi Sakaki stood before him in the hallway, taken aback by his angry expression. “Gomen nasai,” Naomi apologized. “I had to run errands for my sister so I’m late. If you don’t want me over anymore I’ll leave, okay?” As she turned to leave, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Naomi turned to face Yakumo. “No, don’t leave,” he said quietly. “I’d like you to stay. I invited you over because I’d like to get to know you better. I’ve seen you around school, but we’ve never really talked.” He removed his hand from Naomi’s shoulder and she followed him inside. He closed the door and smiled to himself. Naomi stood in the dimly light apartment, unsure of what to interpret from the darkness. “So, do you live here by yourself?” she asked. Yakumo shrugged. “For now.” “Are your parents away on business or something?” Naomi pressed. “I don’t have parents.” He had no remorse when he spoke, but Naomi began apologizing profusely. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I – ” “It’s all right. Who needs parents, anyway? I’m doing just fine on my own.” She couldn’t conceal her surprise over his quick forgiveness of her questions. She could, however, relate well with his situation. “Yeah. I don’t have parents either. My mom died a little while after I was born, and my dad died of cancer when I was about four. I live with my older sister now.” “Does she care how late you stay out?” Her older sister was definitely no parent, so Naomi shook her head. “Not really.” Yakumo motioned to her. “Then sit down. Stay as long as you like.” He watched the slim blonde take a seat on the sofa, and gently seated himself beside her. Her provocative clothes gave her away as being definitely interested in him. She was beautiful enough and curvy, though she certainly was not the girl Yakumo had in mind. Hopefully that girl would soon be his. If he waited, if he played it cool she would come to him. He would have the right girl all to himself, granted that there was no interference from the momentary distractions. “Keep ‘em closed,” Takeshi said, leading Kaiya along, one hand over her eyes and the other guiding her. “Okay,” he said, stopping and releasing her, “open ‘em.” Kaiya opened her eyes and gasped. They were at the beach, and the sky was full with dozens of stars, clear and visible. The full moon lit the sky perfectly. “Takeshi!” she exclaimed. “It’s so beautiful.” “Might want to take off your shoes,” he suggested as he slipped his own shoes off. Kaiya took his advice and slipped out of the tall high heels. He took them from her, and then took her hand and they walked along the beach. “Sometimes when I can’t sleep I come here to think.” “Yeah?” she said. “About what?” “Lots of stuff,” he said. “It’s so beautiful out here I only end up thinking of one thing: you.” Kaiya blushed. “You sure know how to sweet talk a girl, don’t you?” He chuckled, then put his arm around her and pulled her close as they continued to walk. “Is it working?” She laughed loudly, feeling the grains of sand sliding against her bare feet. “Of course.” They walked on in silence, soaking up the scene, and then she spoke again. “Do you ever miss your old life, Takeshi-kun?” “Sometimes,” he admitted. “I still have kendo, I still play sports, I still have top marks in class, but back then I didn’t have you. And I’d rather have you than any of that.” “I know the feeling.” There was something about the melancholy tone in her voice that made him stop walking. She stopped as well, the wind blowing through her hair as she turned to look at him. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Just thinking about my old life,” she answered. “My dad and my friends.” “And you miss that?” “Of course I do!” He released her, then walked toward the ocean and stopped. “Gomen nasai. I didn’t mean it to sound the way it sounded. You lost a lot more than I did, but you’ve made it through your life all right.” Kaiya walked over to him and slipped her arms around him. “I understand. That’s the great thing about us – we understand each other, but no one else seems to understand us.” Takeshi moved around to hold Kaiya in his arms and look into her face. “Daisuki.” She blushed, then smiled, still somewhat shocked by the word. “I really like you too, Takeshi-kun.” He leaned in and kissed her and for a moment the world melted away around them. Only they existed in their own world. |
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| Okay, fixed! |
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