Raya's Deceptive Looks
Chapter Six: Operation- Commence!
DISCLAIMER: The Kenshin Characters are all property of Nobuhiro Watsuki, Jump Comics, and all that. The new made-up characters are mine. This is just a fanfic written by yours truly for fun and enjoyment, no money is involved! I hope you enjoy it!
They ran through the forest like a blur, jumped the 40-foot sheer wall, and continued in that fashion. Soujirou glanced back to the wall; Neko read his thoughts.
"It is to keep unwanted intruders out… and wanted intruders, in. Only our skilled warrior ninja can jump a wall that high. Because you are able to do it, you qualify."
They stopped in front of the same neatly kept dojo that Yahiko had seen the previous night. Neko led the way into the courtyard and through the fragrance garden. Soujirou noticed a breathtakingly beautiful girl tending the fragrant flowers there.
"That is Hera." Neko said with a twinge of resentment. Soujirou could guess that Neko was jealous of the long, black haired beauty. "Hera loves flowers and fragrances, she mixes them together to create her most deadly weapons… don't get to close to her, or breath in her fragrance for more than 5 seconds; you'll be in for trouble."
They walked into the dojo and made a sharp right turn into the luxurious sitting room. Nashida sat on his couch. There were no menacing shadows, but his face continued to seem to be veiled in black. There was something menacing, and very ominous about him. Soujirou didn't let on that he felt that way, but he was beginning to regret that he'd even decided to come.
"Thank you, Neko-san." Soujirou bowed at the girl, who bowed in return and left the room.
"Welcome to my headquarters, Seta Soujirou." Nashida said with an open smile. Soujirou blinked. The dark, veiling presence that he'd foreseen at first was gone. The man seemed to be like any other ordinary man… had he just imagined that presence?
"Nashida-san." Soujirou bowed to him with a smile. "What is the reason you asked for me here?"
There was a slight twinge of anger in Nashida's eyes as Soujirou addressed him like he'd addressed everyone. But he quickly doused the anger and returned the boy's smile.
"Please, take a seat my boy."
Soujirou did.
"Now," Nashida began to drum his fingers together. "I have heard a great deal about you, you were the right hand to Shishio Makoto… am I correct?"
"Hai-"
"You are skilled in the Shuku-Chi--- your nickname, TenKen?"
"Hai-"
"You were defeated by Battousai, shortly before he defeated Shishio?"
Soujirou thought he heard an edge in Nashida's voice as he pronounced the word "Battousai."
"H-Hai…" Soujirou finally affirmed.
"What-are your feelings towards the Battousai?"
Soujirou could have told him the Battousai, Himura Kenshin, was the very man that he owed his new life to. He, Soujirou had taken up the reverse bladed Sakaba, and had been journeying to find his own truths, and a new philosophy that he could believe in, all because of him. Kenshin was truly Soujirou's mentor, and his hero.
But-His thoughts continued to flash through his mind. "What did this man have in store for the Battousai? It seemed that Nashida couldn't help but say his name with an edge of resentment or anger, he certainly hated the Battousai. Soujirou could tell that this new enemy would be a difficult one to beat. He was impossible to read-one moment dark and menacing, the next he seemed innocent as a baby… what was going on in this mans mind?"
"I live to destroy the Battousai, Nashida-san." Soujirou said, he stood up, wearing his usual smile. Nashida raised an eyebrow at the smile, and then smirked.
"We are under an operation here, to destroy the happiness of Himura Battousai. We already have captured his brat, next, Kai should be coming back with the foxy doctor…lastly, we'll take Battousai's beloved woman, Kamiya Kaoru--"
Soujirou smiled and nodded. It was easy for him to hide what he felt inside.
"The bastard! I cannot let him do this!" He thought. "But-what should I do?" The thought suddenly struck him-he'd act as a spy for Himura-his hero… he would be the one to save Himura-san from unhappiness!
Soujirou knelt down on one knee. "Nashida-sama…" He said. "Please, allow me to join your band in helping to destroy the Battousai."
Nashida sat silently for a long time. Soujirou hoped that he could not read what he was thinking… not even Himura-san was able to do that… but this man was very sly-like the devil; A true king of lies and deception.
"Very well…" He nodded. "I shall send Neko to fetch you when I have need of you. Let me consider your role in our little game carefully." He was not going to tell Soujirou about Hotaru yet. Well, it seemed the girl would be getting her wish after all. "Stay in the Tokyo area… do you need anything? Money? Food?"
"No-Nashida-sama, I couldn't ask you for anything." Soujirou stood and bowed. "I will be in the Tokyo area, as you request."
Neko appeared in the doorway and escorted Soujirou out. Nashida put his head back and laughed.
"That boy is lying to you…" Kai stepped from a nearby room to him."
"I know perfectly well, he's lying to me." Nashida grinned evilly. "But-he will be the perfect messenger for the Battousai… he will be rushing to warn him at his dojo, but by then, it will be too late. Kyosuke should be taking our beautiful Kamiya Kaoru right now. He'll arrive too late, and tell the Battousai of our plan and us. But-he will not be able to find the way back here…"
"You are very clever Nashida-sama… I did not even think of that." Kai said with a grin.
"Of course I'm clever, I'm your leader after all-how is the foxy doctor?"
"She gave me a little bit of a run around-but all in all-the plan was successful."
"Good… she's in another secure room?"
"Next to the brat's, yes…"
Nashida let out a wicked laugh. "Himura's good friend, Sanosuke will be missing his wife-Even his friends will suffer to see their loved ones die… just because they are Himura's friends…"
"You think a great deal like Enishi did…"
"Enishi-is my role model." Nashida said with a gleam in his eye. "But, he did not have such unbeatable warriors as I have-all but one blessed with the Shuku-chi. All are TenKen--- all…
"… unbeatable." Kai finished his sentence with a smile.
Kenshin and Sano looked around the outside of the clinic. A few patients were waiting on the steps.
"She said that she'd see me today." Said an old man with a shrug. "I wonder what's keeping her.
"This is too weird." Kenshin muttered to Sano. They walked around the other side of the building where no one could see them, and Kenshin easily jumped up to the top of fence. Sano followed after him and the two landed in the courtyard.
Kenshin looked around suspiciously. "It's way to quiet, something doesn't feel right."
"Let's check her room first, I hope she's not ill herself, or fell and got hurt." Sano muttered. They both walked into the building and stopped dead as they entered the examination room.
"God damn…" Sano breathed out as he scanned the room. Tables and chairs were knocked over. Books lay on the ground. Megumi's medical instruments were scattered all over the floor.
Kenshin went straight to the far wall and plucked something that was sticking out of the wood, he held it up to Sano.
"A poison dart?" Sano asked.
"Looks like it." His eyes went narrow. "Megumi's been kidnapped…"
Sano stood motionless, eyes downcast. Kenshin looked at him nervously and saw his fist was clenched tight, he shook all over with anger.
"Megumi…" he whispered dangerously low. He punched his fist through the wall. Kenshin took a step back.
"Get a hold of yourself Sano!" Kenshin pleaded. "We'll find Megumi!"
Kenshin spotted something else lying on the examination table. He picked up a folded note and read it out loud.
Himura Battousai-
Soon, you'll learn what it feels like to be alone.
"What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?!" Sano asked exasperated.
Kenshin crumbled the note, his eyes narrow. Sano punched another hole in the wall out of anger.
"DAMN! NOT A FUCKING CLUE WHERE SHE IS EVEN!"
Kenshin said the key phrase again quietly.
"Soon, you'll know what it feels like to be alone." His eyes suddenly widened and he dropped the letter. "KAORU-DONO!"
"Oh shit-don't tell me they're going after Jo-chan next!?!?" Sano said a few choice curses as they ran from the room.
Kaoru finished the dishes and sat on the porch enjoying the day. Hotaru came and sat next to her with a cup of tea.
"I made some tea for you." She said as she sat next to Kaoru. Kaoru took the tea and smiled at her warmly.
"Thank you." She said. She noticed that Hotaru was shaking slightly.
"Are you ok Hotaru-san? Kaoru asked her concerned.
"Oh? I'm fine." Hotaru gave her a slight smile, her hands were clenched tightly. "You've been so kind to me Kaoru-san. I wish I could repay you better."
Kaoru shook her head and took a sip of the tea. "Hotaru-san, I know it's really none of my business… but, if you need someone to talk to, or if you're in trouble. I'll be here for you." Kaoru put her hand on Hotaru's shoulder and then froze. A single tear had penetrated the girl's eyes and it ran down her cheek.
"What?" She realized it and wiped it away." Heh-There was something in my eye." She looked away. Kaoru finished the tea and looked at Hotaru concerned.
"How long have you known Himura-san?" Hotaru finally said. Her hands clenched.
"Kenshin? About three years now."
"Do you love him?"
Kaoru blinked back, surprised at the sudden question, and then nodded.
Hotaru took a deep breath, "And, even though he's a wanderer, he decided to put that all aside for you? You're really a lucky girl." There was silence, Kaoru didn't now what to say, what was Hotaru getting at?
Hotaru's mouth quivered, she bit her lip and began to pour out her heart.
"I mentioned before that I couldn't go home, I told Himura-san it was because my father disowned me... it is a long story, but for some reason, I feel like it needs to be told…"
"Your father disowned you?" Kaoru looked at her concerned. Hotaru nodded and closed her eyes.
"I opposed the marriage that my father had set up for me because I'd fallen in love with someone who did not meet up to his expectations. That someone, in order to protect me, left me…"
"He left you in order to protect you?" Kaoru remembered the time Kenshin had said goodbye to her.
"He felt it was better for me to marry that other man and thus stay in my father's good graces. This man that I loved believed he wasn't worthy of me."
"But, why were you disowned?"
"Even after he left, I opposed the marriage, and ran away from my home in order to find the man that I loved.
"You've been searching for him?" Kaoru asked. Hotaru nodded.
"For two years now, I've been searching for him all over Japan."
"Is there anything that I can do to help?" Kaoru asked. "Can I help you find him. What does he look like?"
"I don't know where he is, he could be anywhere, he's a Rurouni as well… I begged him to stay with me. But, I don't understand!" Kaoru jumped at the sudden outburst of emotion. Hotaru's eyes filled with tears.
"HE'S A RUROUNI TOO! WHY DID HE NOT STAY WITH ME AS HIMURA-SAN DID WITH YOU?!"
Kaoru sat speechless, unable to comprehend what was going through her mind. Hotaru put her hands to her eyes.
"Why… Why do you have to be so lucky!? My Soujirou is no different than your Kenshin!"
"Soujirou?" Kaoru muttered, the name, that familiar name…then it hit her. "SOUJIROU!" Kaoru jumped to her feet. The Rurouni that she'd met, was this girl's…
Hotaru's gaze shot up at her, "Wha--? Do you know him?"
"Yes! He's…" Kaoru suddenly felt a wave of dizziness come over her.
Hotaru's eyes widened. "No…what have I done!?" she said in agony.
Kaoru put a hand to her head and grabbed onto the wooden railing for support.
"I'm, sorry Kaoru-san…" Hotaru tried to support her.
"What are you… I just felt a little faint, that's all-" Kaoru shook her head, her vision was beginning to blur. "Maybe it's just heat stroke…" Kaoru suddenly felt another presence in the dojo watching her. She saw a slight rustle in the trees and dove onto the ground just as a dart shot towards her, barely missing her shoulder.
"I'm sorry!" Hotaru said again.
"Damn it!" Kaoru cursed under her breath as she looked at Hotaru.
"This is my fault…I never should have gotten involved… but, to find my Soujirou, I would do anything." Hotaru wrung her hands, tears streaming from her eyes. "Please, forgive me…"
"Your Soujirou-" Kaoru said quietly, trying with all her might to stay standing… "In… Tokyo…"
Hotaru's eyes widened. "What?"
Another sudden dart went whizzing through the air, Hotaru pushed Kaoru out of the way and allowed herself to be hit in the back with it. She fell to the ground.
"Hotaru!" Kaoru grabbed onto her and began dragging her towards the dojo-training hall. The next dart came and didn't miss its target. Kaoru felt a tiny prick in her right shoulder and she staggered a moment before entering the practice room.
"I feel--- so weak.." She shook her head and tried to regain her balance. She slammed the door of the dojo and propped Hotaru up against the wall. The girl had much less stamina then she did. Kaoru grabbed a wooden sword off the wall and held it ready, facing the doorway.
"Why did you?" Kaoru asked her. "Who is the person throwing the darts?"
"All of it is my fault, because of my selfishness…" Hotaru said, barely keeping her eyes open. "That is Kyosuke, one of Nashida's most skilled Warrior Ninja."
"I don't understand." Kaoru shook her head and concentrated on the door. She heard footsteps approaching.
"COME ON AND FIGHT!" she yelled. " I'M NOT GOING SO EASILY!"
A tall dark figure opened the door, she could tell by the lean physique that it was a man. He had a mask over his mouth, and the black suit of a ninja.
"You're very good." He said with a low voice. "But, I don't really have time to play around. I've been waiting around all day for you to be alone here with our little Hotaru-san. Your friends should be all the way over at the doctors by now. They won't know what happened until it's too late." He laughed and exposed between his fingers three more darts, which he hurled at Kaoru with amazing force. Kaoru barely had time to move, one grazed her cheek, and she felt the warm trickle of blood and knew she was in trouble. "Now, why don't you come quietly. We had a hell of a time with that doctor. Don't give me the same trouble."
"Megumi-san… you-" Kaoru squinted her eyes, trying desperately to hold onto her vision. She saw Hotaru had stood up and was staggering towards the man.
"You don't need to throw those darts!" She said. " I've already drugged her!"
"Out of my way!" He said angrily as he picked Hotaru up and threw her across the room. "You've served your purpose well enough…"
"But, what about my Soujirou-san!!" Hotaru said in anguish.
"Ha! You really believed that bullshit story about us helping you find him? I could care less about the guy! We have no idea where he is!"
Hotaru looked at him horrified.
"This is all complete bullshit…" Kaoru muttered. "WHAT DO YOU WANT HERE!?"
"Just for you to come with me." The man said with a short laugh, he held out his hand. "Now, come quietly and I won't be forced to hurt you."
Kaoru bit her lip. It was no good, she couldn't last much longer, she had to defeat him before she went completely unconscious.
"HAAA!!" She screamed and ran towards him, ignoring the heaviness, which was pulling at her bones and muscles. The man easily sidestepped her attack, Kaoru's reflexes weren't responding and she ran straight out into the courtyard. She dropped her wooden sword, her hands no longer would hold it.
&Nbsp; "Ha ha! Is that the best you can do? I admire your courage, even drugged, you can show quite a struggle. Not like that spiky haired kid. He allowed himself to be caught easily. " The man said.
Kaoru staggered towards the dojo's entrance, horror filled her eyes.
"Y-Yahiko…" she muttered, she could hardly even talk. "Help…Ken…shin…."
Using the last of her strength, she pulled loose the ribbon from her hair and let it flutter to the ground. Then, like the ribbon, she collapsed into a heap about ten feet from the doorway.
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