Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love, Lies and Empire ❯ Battles of the Mind ( Chapter 3 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Summary: Two kingdoms opposed to one another since ancient times, one trying to sustain its identity even as the other seeks to override it completely. Hiko and Shishio are two kings whose heirs Kaoru and Kenshin must find a way to bring peace to a land that has seen too much bloodshed, can they do it? Are they even willing to stop the war? KK, AM, SM.

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin does not belong to me. It is the creation of Watsuki Nobuhiro. I merely borrow his characters to spin stories.

Rating: T for language, drunkenness, and some adult situations in later chapters.

Love, Lies and Empire

Chapter 3: Battles of the Mind

Konan

It was a beautiful day. The kind of day Konan was famous for, the skies a brilliant blue, the sun shining brightly, everything vivid, clear and tranquil. The streets were slowly filled to capacity with people, horses, mule carts, and hawkers, the dust and noise mingled together with the scents of the merchandise. After a really long time, the sun had finally broken free of the hail clouds that blocked his passage. After an unnatural spell of cold, freezing winter right after a temperate fall, a freak event, it seemed as though the sun had found its way back to Konan.

But for the man standing on the terrace outside the Royal chambers, the splendor of the morning meant nothing. He did not feel the lilting breeze, did not see the play of the crystalline water falling in the fountains in the garden, all he could see and feel was a sense of doom and finality. The man had no time to observe the richness of the land he stood upon, instead, he was focused upon only one thing, how to counter the growing threat of Kutoe. Chief among Shishio's advisors, the first to whom the king would turn to in an emergency, Hoji Sadajima was feeling more than a little perplexed and troubled as he ran over what he had to convey to his liege that day.

No man wishes to be the bearer of bad news however, that's all he seemed to be bringing these days. How long could it go on? How long could they repel the might of Hiko Seijuro? Hoji kept running these questions in his mind. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he did not even realize when his king came and stood beside him.

Shishio looked at his Chief Advisor and noticed that the man was staring off into space while periodically wringing his hands behind his back. He was frowning and obviously upset. He wished that Hoji would just lighten up once in a while. There's no problem that can't be solved with a cool and collected mind. He placed a reassuring hand on Hoji's shoulder and barely managed to contain his laughter at the poor man's reaction. Hoji had practically jumped. He hadn't realized he was this tensed. Shishio struggled to keep his laughter at bay and finally succeeded. Hoji in the meantime, was snapping his mouth open and shut, obviously embarrassed by what had just transpired.

Returning to his normal self he spoke, “a thousand pardons, your Majesty, I…I don't know what came over me. I am truly sorry.” He bowed low.

Shishio waved his apologies away. “How long have we known each other Hoji? You can really stop doing that, you know. My principle councillor should hardly be bowing and scraping before me in any case. And it doesn't suit you.” Shishio strolled back inside where a beautiful rosewood dinner table was waiting, laden with food. The walls of the room were paneled with cypress, the low rosewood table resting in one side. Soft cushions were placed around it carefully. Shishio sat down, his swords, a katana and a shorter wakizashi propped by his side. It was an old habit from when he was always off defending one border or the other.

Hoji sighed. “You are my king, my liege lord. We may have known each other forever; however we must not forget that. And do not console me today Shishio. I bring you grave news. I am…”

He was not allowed to finish the sentence as Shishio swiftly raised his hand signaling Hoji to stop. They could make out two voices, mingled together, making their way towards the room. Shishio looked at Hoji, “it's Kaoru. I don't want to worry her Hoji; we will finish this conversation later.”

“But Shishio, this is important!”

“I realize that, but I refuse to let her get drawn into all this. It is an issue we may discuss at length, but now is not the time for it.” He had barely finished when the shoji flew open, and Kaoru appeared. She smiled at her father's councillor and laughed for joy as she saw Shishio seated at the table. She ran into the room, and throwing her arms around his neck, exclaimed, “Da! I'm so happy you're back, I've missed you so badly, oh you have no idea, and how did it go? What did you do? Is everything all right at the frontier? Tell me everything!”

Shishio laughed. Kamatari who had silently come in after Kaoru smiled at the scene unfolding before him. He glanced over at Shishio and felt a tug within his breast. Each time he saw him, he felt it would be easier but it wasn't. It wasn't easy to lie to one self again and again. He was resigned to the situation but that didn't necessarily make things simpler for him. Yes, he was in love with him. He was in love with the husband of his dead sister.

He had fallen for Shishio the moment he set his eyes on him. Standing like a grim statue on the outer parapet of the perimeter wall in their castle, he had waited to watch the man who had come forth to seek Yumi's hand. He remembered Yumi standing beside him, trying to get him to speak to her. Since he'd found that she was to be married, Kamatari had thrown a fit. She was his prized sister, how dare their parents send her off with just anyone! He would see this Shishio Makoto before letting her get married to him. He wanted to see the idiot who presumed he was good enough for Yumi. No one was good enough for her, no one!

It was funny how one moment changed all that. The wind was blowing wildly that day; Shishio's hair was tied back in a high ponytail, in the fashion of a warrior. As a stray strand of hair whipped around his face, he shrugged his shoulder and tossed his head up to look straight at Kamatari. He had needed just one glance and he was lost. The royal contingent passed through the gates in the wall, yet Kamatari remained rooted to the spot. He never spoke a word all the while that Shishio was there, not even when he came to him to formally ask him if he had any objection to his suit.

He never told anyone about his feelings; they wouldn't understand and why should they? A man falling in love with another man was rare enough, and this was his brother-in-law for crying out loud. In order to stay away from Shishio, he demanded assignments that took him to the frontiers for months. In fact, during the years that Yumi was married to Shishio, Kamatari never once ventured to the Imperial City. He came only when Yumi was on her deathbed, to promise that he would stand by Shishio, he would not let him drown in sorrow and that he would take care of her daughter. He had been twenty-one then, and Kaoru had been seven.

And he had still not spoken a word of his true feelings to anyone, let alone Shishio. But he had become a pillar of support for him, Shishio trusted him with Kaoru, and that was the biggest proof of trust and affection he could have given him. They had a strange relationship, him and Kaoru. He was her brother, her guardian angel, her worst enemy, her best friend and uncle. He had taught her the basics of sword fighting before she deserted him and took up Kamiya Kasshin Ryu, he had watched over her with Shishio when she ran fevers, and he had been the one Kaoru came to first, if and when she had problems.

He had taught Kaoru her first pranks; they used to take great pleasure in making Hoji's life miserable. It all seemed so long ago now. He sometimes felt as if the beautiful young woman that Kaoru had grown up to be was not the little monster he had chased around the palace. Yet, at other times, it felt as if time stood still as they would be in each other's presence and out of nowhere start giggling over some long forgotten memory.

Shishio noticed Kamatari standing there watching them with a faraway expression on his face. He nudged Kaoru and raised his eyebrows, tilting his head elegantly towards Kamatari.

“What's happened to your partner-in-crime, Kaoru?”

“I don't think Kamatari intends to eat today Da. Maybe he's trying to lose weight.” Kaoru mischievously whispered in Shishio's ear. Shishio snorted. Shishio looked at Kamatari and saw that the man was still lost in his own thoughts. He glanced at Kaoru and winked. Gently untangling himself from his daughter's embrace, he shifted a bit so that his hand reached across the table. He waved his hand theatrically in front of his face, but it evoked no reaction. Shishio looked back at Kaoru, wearing a puzzled expression. He swiftly clicked his fingers in front of Kamatari's face and accosted him when he jerked back into focus. “What were you thinking of, that's so engrossing Kamatari? Or is this some disease that's slowly spreading amongst all my men?”

Kamatari looked startled. He brushed off an imaginary piece of lint from his sleeves and looked up smiling. “Oh I was merely thinking about a very lovely chat I had with your daughter this morning. Perhaps she would like to tell you about it, ne Kaoru?”

Shishio turned to look at Kaoru just in time to see a rosy blush spread over her features. Kaoru…blushing, Hoji looking like his cat died, Kamatari lost with his head in the clouds…what the hell had happened while he was away! Why was everyone in his household acting so strange? He looked pointedly at Kamatari, when Kaoru positively refused to meet his eyes, “what the blazes is going on Kamatari? I've never seen you two act like this. If this is another prank you're trying to pull, I…”

“No, nothing of that sort. Really Shishio, I'm hurt. Is that what you think of me. Would I ever trick you”, Shishio raised his eyebrow, “now don't start thinking of that incident with horse three years ago, that was a mistake I tell you! Anyhow, we were talking about birthday presents how this year Kaoru would much rather prefer a….”

He never finished the sentence. Kaoru broke in hurriedly, “Da! Don't listen to him! It's not like what he's saying. I really do want a husband; really, I'm not interested in women, no matter what he says!!”

“…a horse. But, I suppose she's changed her mind again.” Kamatari smirked, a victorious smile gracing his features. “Yes, you better go fetch her a husband now Shishio”. Kaoru looked at him in a wounded manner before getting angry and glaring at him. She slowly straightened up and began to eat. For the remainder of the meal, none of her table companions could elicit a word out of her. She quickly finished and excused herself, poking her tongue out at Kamatari as she left.

Shishio waited till she was out of the room before he demanded an explanation from Kamatari. “Kamatari, what's going on?”

“Nothing, like I told you. Relax will you, I was just teasing her and she fell for it. Nothing to worry yourself about.” He sighed as Shishio kept looking at him inquisitively. “I was pestering her about men, she said she wasn't interested in them so I countered saying I'll talk to you about finding her a woman instead, there! Now you know it all - satisfied?”

It was Shishio's turn to smirk and look victorious. “Yes Kamatari, I'm satisfied. And now”, he turned to Hoji who looked as though he was going to burst if he didn't speak now, “what do have to tell me?”

“Our spies have returned. Hiko isn't moving his armies, he's not evacuating villages at the borders, and he's doing nothing! There's been no aggression, no cockiness on the part of the border guards from Kutoe, no infiltration, absolutely nothing! For all thought and purposes, our frontier is well-sealed, and there appears to be nothing wrong!” Hoji ended his rant. He was waving his hands, and looked flustered. Kamatari and Shishio quickly exchanged glances. Kamatari idly traced patterns on the tabletop before speaking, “then what's the problem?”

“What's the problem? What's the problem! You mean to tell me you don't realize! He's testing our patience! He's toying with us…three weeks of intense surveillance yet still, nothing! Not a trace, not a whiff of what his plans are for Kutoe, not a single peasant in the street, not a noble from a palace has any idea what is going to happen…he isn't going to leave us but knowing nothing makes our task almost impossible to bear!!”

Shishio silently listened, his arms folded across his chest. Beside him, Kamatari spoke in a grave tone, “calm down Hoji. If Hiko wants to make this a test of patience, then we will wait for him. And when he finally comes, he will not find the fight easy.”

“Your Majesty?” Hoji waited for his king to speak. Kamatari's words had soothed him, no doubt about that. He knew that Shishio kept him in high regard, but he needed to hear the same from his king. Only Shishio's word would assure him that Konan would be all right. That his people would remain as free as he been since the day this kingdom was established. Shishio looked up and smiled. “Good work Hoji. At least now we know what to be wary of. Take some rest. You must be tired.”

Hoji bowed and made his way out of the room. Shishio turned to Kamatari, “well, what do you make of this? It's not like him to get so flustered.” Kamatari swirled the water in his cup and set it down before speaking.

“He's scared. It's natural to be scared of something you can't see. The unseen foe is always more deadly than the seen enemy, precisely because he is not visible to you, you cannot predict his next move. We are fighting an enemy that is guarded and hidden from our vision. We need to be alert. Hiko will use any advantage he can, that man is ruthless. He needs to be.”

“I don't know so much about how ruthless he needs to be, but you're right, our enemy is unseen so all the more worrisome for us.”

A long silence stretched between the two men, yet strangely it accentuated their closeness, not any distance. Kamatari waited or Shishio to speak again. Shishio turned away from the window finally, and beckoned him to closer. Clasping his shoulder, Shishio whispered in Kamatari's ear, “Send for him. Tell him I want them both in the palace by this week's end. There is no more time to spare.”

Kamatari's eyes widened as he looked into Shishio's eyes, sudden comprehension dawning in them. “You mean….”

“Yes, I need him here, this war won't end easily, in fact I don't even know whether it will end with my death or not, and in the event that I die, I will need him here to take care…of you and of Kaoru.”

Kamatari furiously shoved Shishio away. “What the fuck! I can take care of myself, Shishio! I'm the best goddamn general you have! And Kaoru is my responsibility and I will be dead before someone tries to take her from me!”

“Kamatari, try to understand, I'm not denying…”

“Not denying what Shishio! I'm not a child! I haven't been one for ten years! Ten years! Ever since Yumi died, I've been here, with you, for you, can't you see that? Don't you get it! My whole life has been here! With you! When will you wake up and…” He stopped. He was shaking. Damnation, he had almost told him. He had come this close to telling him and ruining everything. He turned away, trembling with fear and fury. How dare he presume, how dare he!

Shishio stared at him. He was stunned to say the least. Was this really the carefree Kamatari he knew? Kamatari never got angry, never lost his cool. He had never seen the younger man get upset like this. He could understand where it was coming from though, Kamatari was very protective with regards to Kaoru but still, he needed to understand. He was just trying to keep his family safe. What was so wrong in that? They were his responsibility and he would never forgive himself if he could have done something to protect them better and he didn't.

What on earth was wrong with the lad? He possessed sass enough for the entire kingdom on most days and yet today...He would never understand him. Kamatari, or Taro as Yumi, and now Kaoru called him, had been a stranger to Shishio for most of his married life. He never came to visit them; he was always patrolling the borders, involved in defending against northern hostilities. Yumi had once told him that Taro had a death wish, he didn't want to live which is why he gambled so heavily on his life.

But Yumi's death changed all that.

Shishio had not sent him word; he had not known where to send it. But Taro had found out on his own and so one day when Shishio was looking out towards the city, a rider entered the palace, galloping at full speed. Shishio immediately came down to the gates, hoping against hope that everything was all right. He would not, he could not leave Yumi today but his heart stopped when he saw who the rider was. Kamatari strode towards him, and without preamble, asked, “Where is she, Shishio? Where's my sister?”

He remembered taking him to her. An hour later when he emerged, his face was deathly pale, and his hands were cold. “She wants to see you and…Kaoru” Shishio started, only to be held back by Kamatari who looked into his eyes and spoke, “she has very little time now, I'm sorry.” Shishio jerked his arm away and rushed inside. Leaving behind Kaoru, who immediately cornered the stranger. She looked up at him with her bright eyes and asked, “Who are you?”

Kamatari knelt down and looked at her. “I am your uncle.”

“My uncle?”

“Yes”

“How come I've never seen you before?”

“I've been away, far away.”

“Why? Didn't you miss us?”

“Aye, little minxlette I did. That's why I've come back”

“Are you going to leave again?”

Kamatari studied the little girl standing in front of him; he could make out small similarities to Yumi in her face. This was his niece.

“No, I'm not going to leave.”

“Ever?” The child asked breathlessly.

“Ever. I will never leave you…Kaoru. This I promise you.” Kaoru smiled and gently hugged him. “I'm glad. I like you, and you're just like Mama said you would be…Taro.”

Kamatari still refused to look at him, facing away; Shishio moved forward and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, only to be shaken off angrily by him. He whirled around to face him.

“Very well Your Majesty. I shall call for him immediately. However, Kaoru remains under my guardianship. This is a right my sister gave me, and no one, not you, nor your prized warrior is taking that away from me.” He gave a curt nod to Shishio and stormed out of the room. A few corners and a couple of hallways later, he stopped. He covered his eyes with his hand as he leaned against the wall, and slid down to the floor. That bastard! Wasn't it enough that he was in love with him that he also had to act as if he was his mother! Couldn't he see how hard it was to see him everyday, to smile, and laugh as if it didn't matter that his heart broke into a thousand pieces each time that bastard smiled. To stand with him, spar with him occasionally, to be held in an embrace that meant nothing but a filial affection, even as his blood coursed with the thrill of being held by Shishio. But it never happened. That recognition never came. Shishio never saw the love, the need in his eyes, never heard the lament in his voice…never. Kamatari sobbed violently, his despair was pouring out and he didn't care to stem it in.

Kutoe

Hiko turned on his heel and walked away. He had no time to deal with Kenshin's infantile rage and his juvenile infatuation with Tomoe Yukishiro. He had enough on his plate without bothering over the kind of women his bakadeshi took delight in. Honestly! You would think the little brat would be grateful for his advice. What did he know about women anyway? It was frustratingly annoying to watch him squander away precious time on a woman who sought for nothing but to swallow him whole. He had known enough women of Tomoe's ilk to understand her completely. Tomoe was the sort of person who wanted to own the very soul of the man she was with. Nothing less than everything would do. She would wait and bide her time, giving into your demands, but holding herself in. She would never show her true face to the man she thought herself to be in love with but would expect him to surrender everything to her.

Hiko shook his head. He could not help Kenshin unless he wanted his help. He stopped and looked down into the courtyard below him, and saw Sano, Aoshi and his bakadeshi talking. Well, ok, Sano was talking and the twin masks of Disinterest and Disapproval, that were Kenshin and Aoshi, were listening. Sano was animatedly making gestures and by the looks of it trying to convince the other two into something. He wasn't succeeding if the scene was anything to go by, Kenshin was straying glances at Enishi whenever he could and Aoshi had escaped inside his shell, looking stony faced. Hiko smirked. So, they were up to something were they? He chuckled. Maybe it was time to have some fun, after all he had been working so hard, ordering Aoshi around, making training miserable for Kenshin, scaring the living daylights out of Katsura and the rest of his Council, he deserved some entertainment. Hiko drummed his fingers on the wooden fencing of the balcony.

Now…what could he do? Hiko was still contemplating possible ways to pass his time when Kenshin moved and the sheath of his katana, black ebony engraved with a pattern of bamboo leaves and twigs in silver, shone suddenly, catching the sunlight on the silver. Hiko smirked. It had been nearly a week since he had last sparred with Kenshin. He had been too busy and the baka had gotten off easy by fighting the captains in his army. All of them impressive swordsmen, but devoid of any challenge to Kenshin. Perhaps it was time to remind him, that his competition was with him, Hiko Seijuro, the Lighting Emperor of the North, not some puny soldier in the infantry. He glanced at a guard standing to his left, and ordered him to send the three young men to the Jade Dojo immediately. The guard stammered some submissive reply and ran off to fetch the Heir Apparent, and his two companions to the dojo.

Hiko's smile grew wider as he saw their respective reactions to his summons. Aoshi hung his head in resignation, Sano peppered off a colorful retort but Kenshin…a smile that mirrored the smile on his own face spread across his features. He swung to the side and purposefully strode to the stairs, leading to the East Wing where the Jade Dojo was situated, he took the steps two at a time, leaving Aoshi and Sano behind. The two had no intention of getting there soon. Hiko calling them to the dojo could mean only one thing. That he was bored and wanted to spar. Hiko disinterested and preoccupied was bad enough, but Hiko bored and focused upon them for his recreation was simply terrible. He would rip them apart and they really didn't want to face that right now.

Sano kept muttering curses under his breath, Aoshi hadn't even heard of some of them. Each they met, it seemed as though he not only learnt new curses but also invented them. By the time they reached the dojo, Kenshin was standing in the middle of the floor, his black haori abandoned at the entrance. He was dressed in a midnight blue gi and black hakama. He looked up as his cousin and friend ambled in, raising his eyebrows at the expressions on their face.

“What's with the long faces? Who died?”

Sano snorted and Aoshi simply rolled his eyes. They wanted to be anywhere but here. Sano walked past Kenshin and sat down on a cushion on the other side of the room. He dragged a hand through his hair and sighed. “Damn it! I knew we shouldn't have been standing around for everyone to see. I told you to clear out of the palace while we had the chance but nooooooo….you guys just had to stand around and chitchat while His Horrific Highness was prowling around. Oh don't even dare give me that look Kenshin! You were too busy looking around looked for that moony broad of yours and now we're stuck here! “

“Aw just shut it, Sano! What's the big deal anyway? Shishou wants to spar, and I, being the ideal deshi that I am,” Kenshin smirked, “cannot refuse him. Don't worry; we'll leave after a while, alright?”

Sano stared at him incredulously, slowly a smile inched across his face and he laughed, “Bullshit! Who the hell do you think you're tripping Kenshin? This is Hiko we're talking about. Not one of those infantry idiots you cut into smithereens.”

“So? So what if it's Hiko? I can handle him.”

“Oh you can handle him. Riiiiiiight. Look pal! You'll handle Hiko Seijuro the day I enter a monastery!”

Aoshi heard Hiko's footfalls outside. He quickly gestured for the two to be quiet. Hiko strode in with a flourish. There was a spring in his step and a smirk on his face. He tossed his large, white cloak to Aoshi as he walked past, making his way to the centre where Kenshin already stood. His sword was resting on his shoulder, as he looked at each of them in turn.

“Sano! Come forward!”

“Me! Why should go first! I didn't even wanna be here in the first place!”

Kenshin frowned irritably and moved off the wooden floor to join Aoshi by the door. As Sano's muttering continued, both the swordsmen rolled their eyes and wished he would shut up and fight and not risk getting them in any more trouble than they already were in.

Sano evidently heard the silent plea of his friends because he took his stance and focused completely on Hiko. His breathing grew steady as he forced himself into a battle ready position. He was not a swordsman, but Hiko knew that and wouldn't fight him with a sword…or would he? That was the entire trouble, you could never tell with Hiko. What that man thought, he kept to himself. Always. He knew he'd have to make the first move; he really had no delusions about that. Hiko could stand as still as a statue for hours and not be bothered, if he waited for him to make a move, they'd be here all week.

Sano lunged forward shooting his fist out in an impressive move…had it connected with its target perhaps it would have achieved something but Hiko simply stepped aside and pushed Sano from behind. Combined with the momentum he had already generated, Hiko's push sent Sano flying into the opposite wall. Aoshi winced as Sano slammed into the wall, cracking the boarding. Sano picked himself up and returned with a fiery air about him. Again and again he lunged at Hiko, each time defeated by Hiko, who nimbly danced around him, never once making contact except to thrash him.

And so it continued, till Hiko tired of his little game and sent Sano away. He next called on Aoshi. The tall ninja silently stepped on to the floor and positioned himself for attack, his twin kodachi in his hands. Aoshi waited for a full minute before launching his attack, running full speed at Hiko, he suddenly jumped and somersaulted over Hiko's head, twirling around and swinging his twin swords back when he landed. Hiko was surprised by the unconventional attack but he realized Aoshi's plan, and swung quickly around to block the attack. He then thrust his sword forward towards Aoshi's chest but was blocked when Aoshi trapped his katana between the kodachi. Hiko smiled and jerked the katana out. Both men drew back a couple of paces; Aoshi narrowed his eyes and struck again and again, each time being deflected by Hiko's katana.

Kenshin watched rapt with attention from the sidelines. Aoshi was good. He had never seen anyone, apart from himself; give such trouble to his master. Kenshin felt a keen sense of kinship with Aoshi. They should spar more often. It wasn't often that he met swordsmen of this caliber. Now they matching blow for blow but Aoshi was leaving his left side wide open, it was only a matter of time before Shishou noticed and…too late. Hiko had rammed the tsuka of his katana into Aoshi's side forcing him to buckle and lose his balance for a moment, which was all that Hiko needed to swing his sword and bring it to rest a centimeter away from Aoshi's neck.

Aoshi looked up at Hiko, panting slightly. Hiko withdrew his blade and sheathed it. He then offered a hand to Aoshi, pulling him to his feet before locking eyes with Kenshin and beckoning him forward. Aoshi walked back to the edge of the dojo, he calmly took his cloak back from a gaping Sanosuke and sat down.

Kenshin faced his master and made a very correct bow. Hiko could be a stickler for proper conduct at times, interestingly; those times most often sprang up where Kenshin was concerned. Kenshin straightened and looked at the form of his emperor. His emperor. Hiko was and had always been his emperor first, his master second. Their relationship was the strained relationship born of necessity between a liege lord and his best fighter. Neither could do without the other but neither could they remain in each other's presence without the atmosphere turning bitter in a small amount of time.

If there had ever been a time when Hiko had been affectionate towards him, he did not remember it. His first memory of him was from his childhood. He had been born in an obscure far-flung province; apparently his father had been severely out of favour with the Lightning Emperor. But when he was killed in a skirmish with rebels on the southern borders, Hiko had sent for him. The caravan he was with had scarcely left the limits of the province when bandits attacked them. Kenshin saw his guards hacked down in front of him. The bandits who stood leering at him surrounded him, some mocking the strange color of his hair, others staring at him with hungry eyes; he had after all always been a striking, beautiful child. The fear of some unknown danger from these bandits forced him into action, he picked up the sword of one of his fallen guards and stood, facing them. The bandits laughed, the chief among them started walking towards him, when a blur of white and red streamed across, and the man was dead. As the others ran towards him, swords drawn out, the blur returned and he knew no more. When he came to, he was lying on a luxurious seat inside a plush carriage and in front of him sat the biggest man he had ever seen…wearing a cloak of white and red.

His life had effectively turned upside down since then. He was brought to the Imperial Palace, and for the next ten years would never set foot outside it. His days were divided between lessons and training. Life would have been miserable indeed if Sano and Aoshi hadn't burst into it. When Hiko took him as his heir he had been perplexed. Why would he choose him when he obviously cared nothing about him? For all the years he had spent in the palace, he had never been close to Hiko. Hiko did not allow anyone to come close to him. Kenshin had simply stopped trying; he was defeated by Hiko's lack of understanding and apathy. The surveillance had begun little after he was named Heir Apparent, Aoshi and Sano were sent away to be trained. Those years of loneliness and solitude taught him one important thing, to be emperor meant to be alone, to be cold and calculating. For that was what Hiko was - alone. He had spent his entire life making people dance to his tune, forcing them to accept his terms or the might of his sword. In return he gained respect, fear, awe, and hatred.

Kenshin shut his eyes. Hiko Seijuro the Thirteenth. His Master. His Nemesis. He was ready. Hiko slipped into a battle ready position. Kenshin opened his eyes and noted the stance, so, Shishou would attack first. He quickly moved his feet, ready. The two men stared at each for what felt like a lifetime to Sanosuke. He was getting fidgety. Then, without a warning, what looked like two blurs, one white and one blue-black raced towards each other. The clash of metal against metal, the glint of the blades and the two blurs that were Kenshin and Hiko was all that they could see. They attacked again and again, Hiko throwing Kenshin off if he got too close and Kenshin battling with every reflex awake to counter.

Kenshin shoved the flat of his blade against Hiko's chest pushing him away then back flipped into the air when Hiko swung on one foot and brought his blade too close for comfort. Several paces away from Hiko, Kenshin looked at him and exclaimed, “So, now you're resorting to cheating, that's not allowed and you know it.”

“Bakadeshi! Are you going to stop in the midst of battle and whine like an imbecile? Fight like warrior and if you can't, join Katsura and become a pencil pushing bureaucrat!” Kenshin gave a roar of rage and almost flew towards Hiko, his sword cutting an arc that Hiko stopped just in time. Sano and Aoshi glanced at each other worriedly. This didn't seem like sparring anymore. It was as if they were trying to kill each other. Suddenly, everything stopped. Aoshi blinked. Kenshin lay on the ground looking stunned. Hiko was kneeling over him, gently brushing strands of hair out of his eyes.

He shook his shoulder vigorously,”Kenshin, hey baka are you going to lie there all day?”

“No. No Shishou. What move was that? I've never seen it before”

“That's because I haven't taught it to you yet, baka! I would if you start taking training seriously. The next time I catch you skipping practice to run after some kimono, I won't be so gentle”, having said that, Hiko glided over to Sano who was holding his cloak, shrugging it on, he turned towards the three, “that was pathetic. I don't know where you two are gaining such a deadly reputation. It sure doesn't convince me. You obviously haven't been spending enough time training”. He walked to the door and paused when he got there, glancing back he looked around the dojo, “I want this mess cleaned up before you leave, got that?”

“Hai”. Aoshi quipped. Sano rolled his eyes, “that was gentle, if that was gentle I wonder what screwed would be. Well, what are you two waiting for, let's go now before he comes and decides to beat the crap out of us all over again.”

“Sano! Wait, where are you going? Sano!” Aoshi yelled as loudly as he could. Sano was swaying to the tune of a song only he could ear as he zigzagged across the narrow lane. Aoshi sighed and turned towards Kenshin who had suddenly found something very interesting in an empty mule cart and stood there trying to draw it into conversation. Aoshi clutched his head. What had he gotten into? They had found some servants to clear up the mess in the dojo and skipped out to a place Sano knew. The place ended up being one of the dozens of obscure drinking dens of the city that served extremely potent sake. He had stopped after three cups but Kenshin and Sano drank like there was no tomorrow. Sano dared Kenshin to drink more than he, and Kenshin recently put down by Hiko, and assured by Aoshi's presence went ahead and accepted. Now he was saddled with two very drunk, very stubborn idiots who seemed hell bent on turning this situation into a nightmare.

Kenshin giggled. Aoshi whipped around, incredulous. He walked up to him and firmly shook him by the shoulders, “this isn't funny Kenshin! Snap out of it! Look here, it's late, we have to get back to the palace and find Sano before that, you got that?”

Kenshin opened his eyes wide and then nodded enthusiastically, “yes, find Sano! The bastard took off with my sake!”

“No, no, that's not what I meant, no more sake! You're drunk, you moron, you both are!”

“No more sake? What are you talking? I want sake!”

“There is no more sake, the sake is all gone.”

“Gone? Where's the sake gone? Why is it gone? I want sake!” Kenshin screamed into Aoshi's ear. Aoshi ducked trying to save his eardrum from splitting. Kenshin wriggled out of his grasp and started running down the lane in the direction that Sano had taken. Aoshi gasped. And promptly started running after him. He found them both a few minutes later. They were perched high up on a wall, fighting over the last bottle of sake. Aoshi cursed. He dragged himself to the wall, bit out the words, “You two, get down here, now!”

Kenshin and Sano looked at each other as if they didn't understand and looked back at Aoshi expectantly. Sano asked timidly, “But why, Aoshi?”

“Why!!! Do you have brains or sand in that thick skull of yours, I said come down here! NOW!” Not used to Aoshi bellowing, the two quickly scrambled off and stood before him. Aoshi shoved them apart, and then stood between them himself; he linked his arms with theirs and set them off at a brisk pace towards the palace. Sano leaned against him and Kenshin started poking his arm with one finger. Aoshi groaned. But the worst was yet to come. As they turned the last corner they found themselves in an abandoned square where a bunch of straggly musicians were tuning their instruments. Sano let out a shout and ran towards them dragging Aoshi and Kenshin along.

Once he reached them, he brought the musicians together in a huddle and the whole lot of them whispered amongst themselves while Aoshi and Kenshin stood awkwardly away from the charmed circle. Sano presently came back and caught Kenshin by the lapel of his gi, “Say Kenshin, didn't you mention Megumi was here as well?”

“Yeah, sure did, why?” Kenshin mumbled into the air. Sano leapt in the air and gathered the bedraggled band about him again. A few gesticulations and a lot of coin transferring later, the band set off, led by Sano in a single file. Aoshi almost gagged, “Sano you good for nothing piece of shit! Where do you think you're going now?”

“Awww, you'll see”

“Sano, no! No, I will not stand for this, Sano! We are not doing this! Fuck man! Aren't you tired yet?”

“Errr…. NO! C'mon men! Step it up, one two three one two three! Oi Kenshin, buck up!” Aoshi watched them get in line and march off god knows where with a sinking feeling. Something told him they were going to be in deep trouble tonight, very deep. Cursing Sano, Kenshin and sake in that order, he joined the line and followed.

After what seemed a kilometer of maze like streets and city squares they entered, rather sneaked into an area adjoining the palace. Aoshi recognized this place as many of the nobles kept houses in this street. The sinking feeling grew, and kept growing till he realized what exactly Sano intended to do. Aoshi cursed, remembering every last new curse Sano had muttered that day. The freaking idiot was stationed bang in front of Genzai's house. He was a healer and also, more importantly, Megumi Takani's legal guardian. Aoshi cringed with the fear of what would happen next as he saw Sano and the musicians ready themselves and then…without warning Sano began to sing a love ballad in the most god-awful voice he had ever heard. The drunken slurring of the words and his too-loud voice ruined whatever last shred of hope Aoshi had of reaching the palace safe and sound.

Aoshi sank to the sidewalk to find Kenshin sitting beside him, watching Sano incredulously as he sat cross-legged with his chin propped in his hand. Yes, it was going to be a long night, a very long night.

End of Chapter 3

Author's Notes: Liked it? Hated it? Please review and let me know, if there is some aspect of the story you want elaborated, please tell me!

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Japanese translations

Haori - outer coat worn over gi.

Gi - upper garment worn by men.

Hakama - samurai pants. Worn by other classes as well, Kaoru wears one to practice.

Tsuka - the hilt of the sword.