Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ The Color of Blood ❯ Twist of Fate ( Chapter 11 )

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

Chapter 11 Twist of fate

When they reached Kyoto they met up with an ex samurai turned police officer, Saitou. With his help and Takara’s tracking skills they were able to track the Shinsengumi to their hideout sooner than expected. Saitou’s superiors wanted to storm the hideout, but the group knew that would be disastrous.

“You can’t!” Saitou yelled at the large man behind the desk. “Yes, I can. We will storm the building tonight just after sunset. You can either help with this operation or you can stay home!”

Saitou stormed out of the office, outside to where the group was waiting. “So?” Takara asked irritated at the wait.

“They’re storming with or with out us.” Saitou said simply lighting a cigarette.

“They can’t do that! It’ll be a massacre!” Sano shouted.

“Don’t you think I know that rooster brains!” Saitou snapped.

Kenshin was silent. His eyes closed in contemplation. “What do we do, Shinta?” Takara asked sincerely. She was lost. She normally worked alone and in stealth this was very different to her.

He looked up at her questioning face. She looked so young. Too young to know what murder felt like. “We tag along and hope we can help, that we do.” With that Kenshin got up and walked away. Takara watched him go. Something deep inside her swelled with pride to call him brother, then she got a bad vibe deep in her stomach. Somehow she knew this raid would not end well.

That night the police stormed the compound. There was no panic; when they reached the room holding Shishio he just sat there drinking calmly. Takara, Kenshin, Saitou, and Sano stood parallel to him with officers all around.

The officers were on edge, all of them, swords drawn, guns pointed. Kenshin’s group stood silent and calm staring down their opponents.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the legendary Battosai the manslayer and his sidekicks.” Shishio commented relaxed. “I’m disappointed in you, battosai. You should no better than to come in here with all these weaklings. I’m offended.”

“Are you going to come quietly Shishio or will I have to take you by force?” Kenshin asked seriously.

Shishio took a long swig of wine and then stared coldly at Kenshin. “I’ve never been much for surrender.” He waved a hand and the members of the Shinsengumi attacked. They began making quick work of the officers. Sano, Saitou, Kenshin, and Takara did their best to defend them.

“Soujuro.” Shishio summoned his right hand man. “Yes mister Shishio.” The smiling assassin answered obediently. “Get the Battosai!” He ordered. “Yes sir mister Shishio.”

The young fighter didn’t hesitate as he flew using his outrageous speed, weapon drawn towards Kenshin. Kenshin sensed the approach, but was occupied with his current opponent. Luckily…Soujuro felt a heavy blow knock the wind from him and he hit his knees.

Shishio watched, stunned in amazement as Soujuro hit the ground and began to gasp for breathe. Soujuro looked up in shock to see his attacker staring down at him. It was a female with flowing green locks and enchanting lavender eyes. She held a wooden sword pointing down at his kneeling form.

Kenshin was finally able to turn around and when he saw Takara facing Soujuro he was astonished. He had in truth never actually seen her fight.

All the fighting seemed to stop as Takara stared down at the winded Soujuro. “T…” Before Kenshin could finish, Takara turned side ways and grinned at him. “No need for thanks bro, but really you should be more careful.”

Shishio abruptly stood. Soujuro struggled to his feet. “Who are you?” Shishio called out.
Takara’s head turned slowly to look at Shishio. She smirked evilly at him. “Name’s Katana.” She spoke casually. All eyes in the room grew large with disbelief.

“The Katana! The justice murderer?” Shishio’s courtesan Yumi asked nervously.

“Ah, I see you’ve heard of me.” She commented spinning the bokken nonchalantly in her hands.

“You’re infamous in the underworld. Everyone is afraid of the Angel of Death.” Shishio commented coolly.

“Ah, you’re such a flatterer!” Takara laughed sarcastically.

Kenshin was becoming increasingly nervous and annoyed at his sister’s uncaring demeanor in such a situation. “You can’t be the real Katana.” One of the Shinsengumi dared to criticize the validity of her identity.

Her eyes immediately turned cold and her face hardened. “Oh...” She whispered. Kenshin was the only one who could see her move as she began to pull the real blade from its wooden casing at lightning speed. Her speed was only matched by his as he stepped in with his reverse blade holding it in warning near her hand. “No!” He ordered in a soft yet demanding tone that only Kenshin could pull off. She glared at him, but held perfectly still.

Shishio’s eyes shifted back and forth between them. He knew there was something between these two. Then he saw their eyes. They were the same alluring lavender; only hers were that of a killer while his were pure and kind. He began to laugh. The two turned their gaze on him. “You’re siblings.” He laughed. “The Battosai’s sister is Katana! I guess your skills are hereditary, right?”

Kenshin glared at Shishio, but Takara stood tall. “Our skills are nothing alike.” Kenshin turned to look at her startled by her retort. “I’m far stronger than he is!” She said stubbornly.

Shishio smirked. “I don’t doubt it. You were fast enough to hit Soujuro and he’s no pushover. You know, I have need of a fighter with your talents.”

“Sorry not interested.” She raised her bokken in silent invitation to fight. Shishio frowned for a moment. Then he had a spark of an idea. He nodded to the Shinsengumi on either side of Sano and Saitou. Then he looked down at Soujuro who immediately understood what to do.

“That’s too bad, but I’m afraid you have no choice.” Shishio said with a casual gesture.

Takara looked quizzically at him. Kenshin pushed her bokken down and shouted to Shishio. “You leave her out of this! This fight is between you and me!” Inside Takara was touched, by her brother standing up for her. Suddenly the Shinsengumi struck, they had snuck up behind Sano and Saitou unsuspecting and now had them captured.

She spun around to see Sano held tightly by a large beast like man. She was enraged and about to charge when she heard the familiar sound of a sword being unsheathed. She turned to see Soujuro holding the tip of his sword to the neck of a surprised Kenshin. Before she could react Shishio laughed cruelly. “As you can see I hold all the cards my friend.” Takara looked around frantically at her tense situation. Her head was pounding. “What’ll it be?” Shishio asked.

Takara stared at the floor as she came to a realization. She looked up slowly and bitterly spoke. “I fold. I’ll work for you; if you let them go.”

Shishio sighed and touched his forehead. “Well, I suppose. After all there will be other chances to kill the Battosai. You’re skills are worth it.” He snapped his fingers and the three of them were dragged away.

Takara didn’t look at them as they tried to fight the clutches of their captors. *I know unrealistic that they would be dragged away, but for the sake of plot movement, work with me!* “No!” Sano shouted.

“You don’t have to do this we can take care of ourselves!” Kenshin called out as her form disappeared from sight.

“Well I hate to be hasty, but if they know where we are we’d better move.” Shishio said. Soujuro turned to Takara and smiled. “Follow me.” With one backwards glance and a frown she ran after the smiling minion.

As she ran, her mind raced. Thoughts of Shinta, Sano, and the others, how she could betray her family’s memory and join the side of evil. ‘What have I done?’ Her tears fell silently behind her in the dark.
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