Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Unexplained Happenings ❯ Shinobi and Tea ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni kenshin, no matter how much I wish it, no matter how many lambs I sacrifice…*sniff*

I wanna give a big special cyber cookie to Ms Zeal, your last review was very inspiring, ^-^x.

And also all the other reviewers who've taken the time to review this humble fanfic, Thank you all soooo much, I'm sure most of you know that reviews really do make the story easier to write. ^-^x

Btw, I'm still looking for a new beta reader if anyone is interested; my email is in my profile. ^-^x.

Chap 5

Kyoto.

The three-day boat ride was over, and the Kenshin, Yahiko, Sano and Kaoru were standing on the dock of the Kyoto harbour with the Saitoh's. It was midafternoon and the beautiful azure sky of the morning, had during the span of the day, given way to great black thunderclouds that promised rain at the very least.

Kenshin tipped his head towards the swirling mass and found himself fervently hoping one of the Oniwabanshuu would arrive to pick them up before the rain came. Kaoru had sent their friends at the Aoiya a letter the day after Kenshin had informed them of their trip, and Misao and the others wouldn't hear of them staying at another hotel. They had argued that given the nature of their trip it would be very useful to have instant access to Kyoto's best intelligence group. The Kenshin-gumi had agreed.

The Saitoh's were headed for the local police station to sign in, they were to be placed in charge of the operations involving the mysterious restaurant massacres. They would also be onsite for professional advice and information simultaneously on any new developments in their case.

As the four members of the Kenshin-gumi's eyes tried to cut through the fog that covered the dusty street, Saitoh Tokio walked demurely over to Kenshin bowing as she held out a thick envelope for him to take.

'Himura-san,' she began, once he'd taken the package and she'd straightened up. 'My husband seemed to feel that these would be useful to you and your friends during your own investigation. So I was asked to make a copy of each for your disposal. If it suits you we will be at the Aoiya early tomorrow morning to take you to the other scenes of crime.' She bowed deeply once more to the group in general and drifted back to her husband's side.

Kenshin turned his attention back to the pages in his hand, and found a copy of the diagram that had been drawn around the stone in the wall of the restaurant, also included was a copy of the drawing Tokio had made and all the notes the police had gathered so far on the mysterious man and the gruesome deaths. Kenshin was quite taken aback by the thoughtfulness of the old Wolf of Mibu, it was unlike him to be so helpful, even though they were working towards the same goal.

His eyes glazed over in thought, he was ashamed to admit it but he had almost forgotten about the gruesome murders in light of the floating mysterious man. Saitoh had approached him during the journey to inform him that he was still awaiting word from the gunpowder specialists, as to how the bodies were so gruesomely mutilated. The ex-assassin couldn't quite suppress a shudder as his mind replayed the scene of the blood dripping off the walls and ceiling. Whoever was behind it had to be stopped at any cost.

He was returned to reality as Misao, who arrived to take the group to the Aoiya where they were staying. He looked over to the other side of the docks as he collected his luggage to see Saitoh and Tokio climbing into the back of a carriage. Saitoh gave him a fleeting glance followed by an almost imperceptible nod as he snapped the door shut, the ex-Imperialist stared after the carriage as the driver forced the horses forwards, thinking what a strange gesture it had been on the older man's part. He was beginning to think that Saitoh was not quite acting himself he was much more amiable and… human… than usual towards his old enemy, even dropping his guard enough to allow minute samples of emotion to show on his face; Kenshin shook his head slightly as he turned back to the road chalking up the Policeman's strange more relaxed behaviour to his wife's presence. Saitoh Tokio seemed to have the ability to made anyone feel more at ease.

***

Shinimori Aoshi was sitting in the peaceful quiet that was the back garden of the Aoiya, meditating. When he sensed a familiar ki coming towards the gate, he opened his eyes and stood up slowly allowing his slightly cramped muscles to stretch, before walking through to the main entrance to greet his guests. As his eyes roved over the newcomers gathered in the hall, they finally rested on Kenshin who was bent over straightening one of the bags. The taller man was almost certain there was something different about the rurouni's demeanour, and when he looked up, shaking his red hair out of his eyes. The old Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu started slightly, his hand reaching instinctively for the place in his belt where his kodachi were usually kept, as Kenshin's amber eyes flicked in his direction.

He allowed himself to relax only when he saw his red-headed ally give a reassuring, friendly smile and a small wave, he nodded his head once in acknowledgement and then gestured almost imperceptibly towards a room off to the side where the two could talk.

Kenshin looked over his shoulder at the others to make sure he wouldn't be missed, Kaoru and Misao were chatting happily with Omasu, while Okon was talking to Sano. Shiro and Kuro (is that right?) were gathering the bags in the hallway to take upstairs to a couple of the guest bedrooms. Yahiko had already disappeared into the kitchen to see if he could scam some extra food from Okina who was sipping green tea and watching the exchange from the doorway a big grin on his face.

Kenshin looked back at Aoshi and nodded quickly before following him towards the room.

***

As Kenshin poured the green tea, Aoshi sat pouring over the contents of the envelope Kenshin had received from Tokio. Finally he sighed and placed the papers on the table.

'I didn't want to say anything if it was not necessary Himura.' He began folding his hands in his lap. 'But in the past two weeks, there have been two massacres such as the one described in your papers, in Kyoto.'

Kenshin's amber eyes widened, as Aoshi continued.

'In both instances blood has been excessive, the corpses almost unrecognisable. Also in both occasions this strange diagram,' he waved his hand at the copy in front of them. 'Has been present, the scenes have been left almost entirely untouched as a specialist was due to arrive from Tokyo. Judging by your information I would say that Saitoh is our specialist.' He paused to take a drink from his teacup, and Kenshin sat motionless hanging on his every word.

'I myself have witnessed one of the scenes, as it is only a few streets from the Aoiya. Needless to say it was quite disturbing, but I was curious as to how so much damage could be done to a human body, I used the best resources of the Oniwabanshuu to find the weapon in question. I also looked through various texts to find the origin of the diagram.'

'And?' Kenshin asked unable to hide his anticipation. 'Did you discover anything?'

'Finding the weapon used was no mean feat and we have so far narrowed it down to two separate but equally unlikely…' he paused trying to find the right term. 'Techniques… I suppose. The first is of the Torakiri, style of swordsmanship, it is an ancient and powerful style, said to be unequalled in strength because its practitioners throughout history have all used some degree of sorcery. The Torakiri were known to have been especially adept at water and fire manipulation. The first of my theories is that the murderer manipulated the water that was present in the victims' bodies causing them to explode, seemingly spontaneously. However that does not explain why those people in particular were the ones targeted, and I have heard that the Torakiri were all wiped out during the 400 years ago during the Uwasa wars.'

He stopped for a moment to pour himself another cup of green tea, Kenshin's sat before him still untouched.

"My other theory,' he went on when his throat had been lubricated. 'Is that, Methylcrass a very rare and expensive form of explosive somehow found its way into the dishes. The way Methylcrass works is…'

'Once it reaches the stomach acids it reacts to explode with the force of a large bomb.' Kenshin finished for him. 'The only way to detect it is by the very faint metallic smell it gives off.'

Aoshi raised one questioning eyebrow at the man seated across from him.

'You forget Aoshi, I used to be an assassin.' Kenshin reminded him. 'Methylcrass was quite popular during the Bakumatsu, I never had to use it myself, but that doesn't mean I've never encountered it.' He gave a wan, humourless smile. 'Back then it was especially wise to watch what you ate.'

Aoshi nodded once in understanding. Kenshin finally drank some of his tea, to find it had become cold, he made a small face of disgust and Aoshi poured him a new cup without a word, Kenshin smiled sheepishly as he took the steaming liquid from the ninja, and nodded his thanks. He took a sip, allowing the hot liquid to run down his throat. He sighed placed his cup down and turned back to the matter at hand.

'You mentioned the diagrams?' Kenshin asked. 'Did you manage to gather any information on that yet?'

Aoshi shook his head slightly in frustration. 'That has proved to be very difficult indeed to place. I have looked through all my texts and have used all my sources to try and find a clue as to its meaning. I have managed only to find its origin.' He finished a slight bitterness in his voice showing his disgust.

Kenshin's head shot up, as he stared incredulously at the man before him. 'You actually found its origin?'

'Yes.' Aoshi confirmed. 'As I was looking through my texts I came across the diagram,' he shook his head slightly. 'No, not quite this diagram but it was very close in pattern and appearance, so there is no doubt in my mind that they originate from the same area.' He paused a small sweatdrop appearing on the side of his head. 'Himura, they originate from Ireland.'

Kenshin just stared. 'Ai…rando?' He asked, his amber eyes narrowed slightly as the unfamiliar word failed to register the significance.

Aoshi sighed. 'Yes, it's a relatively small, Western country near England.' He told the redhead before him.

Kenshin's eyes widened as realization struck home. 'A…are you sure?!' he stammered.

'Absolutely,' Aoshi said, nodding his head firmly. 'Ireland is known for its Celtic heritage, which dates back hundreds of years. The Celts were very well known for their abilities with the Occult. This symbol in particular,' he said tapping the diagram with one finger. 'Is from the North, or the Goidelic group.'

Kenshin's head was spinning as he tried to keep up with the man who was acclaimed as a genius when he was a boy. 'What does this all mean?' He asked. 'Why would an ancient Celtic symbol appear on a wall in Japan?'

'As to that, I am unsure.' Aoshi stated. 'I will continue with my research, but that is all I was able to gather in the time I've had.'

Kenshin sighed in defeat sitting back on his heels; he looked up again as Aoshi picked up his teacup. 'I would like to have a look at the book you found this information in, if it's alright with you?'

Aoshi looked up a little surprised. 'Certainly, although I must warn you the text is in English.' (I know, I know they didn't use English, consider it poetic licence, ne? ^-^x)

'Oh, that wont be a problem.' Kenshin said waving one hand. 'Katsura-san taught me English when he hired me, he said for a job like mine English was absolutely vital.' He was right too, the ex-assassin thought as Aoshi departed to retrieve the book from his library. The amount of times an enemy would congregate during the revolution, speaking English so they wouldn't be overheard… It's saved my life many times.

A/N: Ok minna, I know it's been a bit boring for the last couple of chapters, but it should start getting better now I have a bit of a base to work from. Without this chapter the story wouldn't make any sense. Also I'm sorry its taken so long for an update but its been very busy here at the moment.

Also, I've been told again that some of my words are spelt funny so I thought I'd address that little problem in this chapter, I live in Australia and over here we spell some of our words differently to you folks in other countries like America, for example colour, and Mum. All of these are not meant to intentionally confuse you but that's how I was taught and even if I wanted to change it I probably couldn't. So sorry for anyone who was confused or thought I couldn't spell. ^-^x

Well that should be it, review me if you think the story is worth continuing.

Ja, ne. ^-^x