Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Tale Of Two Gumis ❯ Finally Here ( Chapter 11 )

 

11th year Meiji on a path outside of Tokyo

 

Leader looked around as she materialized into a time most could only read about, recognizing the spot she and Helios had deemed suitable for her entrance into the Meiji Era. The path was heavily wooded and little used.

 

She had decided that it would be best if she studied the situation a bit before approaching the Princess and her Guardians. She had a feeling that the group they were with would be significant in the upcoming battle. But first she needed to establish herself in Tokyo and then she could begin her observation of the others.

 

As she thought about this she started on the path down into Tokyo. She had to make sure she had her purse and that her outfit was suitable for the role she was to play. It had been decided that her exotic looks and stiff poise would make her perfect for running the newly established inn, which was to cater to those who wished to have taste of Western culture without leaving Japan. It had so happened that there was an opening at the new Tokyo branch. It was called the Jade Rose and seemed to be a fairly decent place from what she had heard. She had the papers certifying that she was the proper replacement for the current keeper, the one they had asked for. Granted, her papers had been forged and the real letter requesting a replacement for the Jade Rose and never reached its destination; Kyoto. The sister Inn Sapphire Rose would only receive a letter telling them of the change in leadership in the Jade Rose and no one would suspect a thing.

 

Nevertheless, Leader was just a little frustrated. She now stood at the outskirts of Tokyo, but didn't recognize anything. The streets were long and busy and it had been millennia since she had walked on any paths other then those of the mind. She knew that if she was to find the Jade Rose she'd need directions.

 

But who to ask? she wondered fitfully and looked around. Her gaze fell on a tall gentlemen with a lean face a few paces ahead of her. He seemed to be patrolling the area and it was only when he turned around and she was able to study him more intently that she realized he was a police officer. One who carried a katana.

 

Strange, oh well.

 

“Excuse me, sir?” she called as she hurried over to him.

 

The officer turned to look at her and Leader found herself staring at him in surprise. His hair was black and slicked back, except for a few long strands that served as a very strange set of bangs. His face was narrow and devoid of emotion. But his eyes . . . They were hungry and staring, like the wolf. He was a man of deep secrets and many dangers.

 

“Gomen nasai if I trouble you,” Leader said respectfully as she bowed to him, her feigned disdain barely perceptible in her movements. “Demo, I require assistance.”

 

The officer raised an eyebrow at her in an almost disinterested manner, but he continued to hold her gaze and nodded his head, prompting her to continue.

 

A man of few words indeed, Leader mused in irritation.

 

“I am looking for an Inn called the Jade Rose. Might you be able to direct me in the right direction?”

 

The officer's eyebrows rose even higher this time, but he seemed to grant her an appraising stare as he looked her up and down.

 

Sizing me up, are you? Are the others of that place so different?

 

“Of course, miss . . .?”

 

Now it was Leader's turn to quirk an eyebrow at the sound of his voice. “Forgive my rudeness, I am the new keeper Murasakiiro,” she said with a small dip of her head. “And you are…?”

 

“Inspector Fujita Goro at your service,” the officer introduced himself. “If you would follow me I'll lead you there,” he continued as he turned slightly, presumably in the direction they were to take.

 

“I thank you for your kind offer, but please merely point me in the correct direction?” Leader said once again not quite trusting this man.

 

“Please allow me, for you have no proper escort, and Tokyo can be confusing. I would not like for the new Keeper of the Jade Rose to get lost.” He said and smiled at her.

 

Doesn't he realize that smile of his is somewhat creepy? And why is he taking such interest in me? I know I'm going to be in charge of the Okiya but why should a mere police officer be interested in an Okiya? Leader thought and followed after Saito. It came as no surprise to her that the people on the streets stood aside with bows of respect to let him pass. She made a mental note of this, but kept her face expressionless as was proper. Hmm it seems almost as though people fear him having a sword more then they do the man himself, why would that be? He would be just as dangerous unarmed as armed. Wait! The sword prohibition! He must be one of those granted the right to carry a sword and if I remember correctly some of those took advantage of their positions and were very abusive.

______________________________________________________________ _

 

Author's Notes

 

I know I changed it deal with it. I still stole Leader's false name from Seraphimgrace's Assassin and a White Geisha fic series which I adore!

 

Thanks to all those who review. It lets me know you enjoy my writing. Heh anyone recognize our Inspector with the sword? And now a note from beta readers and editors extraordinaire Shauntell (helps with the Kenshin gumi and corrects all my tenses) and Solana (Japanese editor).

 

Greetings Minna san! This is Shauntell speaking! Many thanks go out to those who have read and sent comments - even mild flames. ^_^ It's kind of fun doing this! Kenshin's my fave! Keep reading, Onegai!! ^_^

 

Konnichiwa Minna! Domo Arigato for reading the fanfic. I hope you are all enjoying it thus far, and will continue to read and review. Reviews are a good thing. Really! No, I'm serious. REVIEW NOW!! J/K. Anyhoo, nicely put flames are a good thing too…maybe. The Kenshin-Gumi rules. Ja Ne.

-Solana