DARK DESIGNS

A Ruroni Kenshin 

Fanfic Crossover

by

Jedi Brother Horace

(WARNING: This chapter contains many spoilers for the end of the Ruroni Kenshin 
manga. So don't read on if don't want to know what happened.)

Disclamer: Ruroni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki and Shueisha. Don't sue me 
cause you won’t get a penny. As for what the other series is. Tough luck, I'm not telling 
anybody yet. 

CHAPTER 6: Strange Occurrences

	He lay down in the grass, similarly motionless to the log he hid under. Idly he bit 
on the cloth in his mouth, keeping his breathing under control. Though his face was the 
picture of calm, his mind was in a whirl and confused.

	Looking out, he watched as the moonlight cast a pale evening glow upon the 
forest. The grass seemingly took a blue luminescence, whilst the trees looked liked dark 
phantoms that stood over the glowing field.

	As he slowly slid back, he bit again sharply on the cloth, as a sudden pain pierced 
his side. Twisting to the side, he looked down his waist and found blood flowing down 
his shirt. Quickly taking it off, he saw much to his irritation the wound had opened once 
more. Though it wasn't fatal, the cut was still deep enough for the blood to seep out the 
makeshift bandage he'd made.

	Frowning, he went to the task of dressing the wound once more, and in a couple 
minutes was able to stop the bleeding. Despite the fact that he did the entire operation 
whilst lying down, he handled it with practiced ease.

	Satisfied that his task was done, he once again looked out the opening. A few 
minutes passed, but nothing amongst the forest even stirred.

	A lesser man would have broke down at the long wait. But he knew better than to 
lose patience, as he remembered what his master once said.

	To lose patience is to be careless. And to be careless is to be dead.

	So rather than give his unseeing enemy a point, Shinomori Aoshi lay still, and 
waited.

***********

	Soujiro woke up despite the late hour. Briefly he sat up and looked about. The 
room was dark, indicating that the candle had long since burned out, but the light of the 
moon peered through the window on the other side of the room. Standing up, he tiptoed 
his way across, careful not to step on his blissfully sleeping companions.

	Arriving at the other end, Soujiro quietly opened the window and look at the 
scene before him. The full moon shone brightly in the sky, casting a pale glow on the 
field below where the innkeeper grew his crops. At that thought, the young man smiled. 
The journey to Tokyo had become tiring, when this inn appeared on the road. Though it 
wasn't much, he thought it a blessing in their favor, as his two companions were not up to 
sleeping in the outdoors. Uki and Outa were more than willing to take advantage of the 
situation. After a hot bath and a nice meal, the two siblings gave in to the inevitable, 
falling into their futons and letting sleep overcome them, Soujiro following suit after 
thanking the innkeeper for his services.

	He sighed to himself as he sat on the windowsill. Though he liked the comforts of 
a bed and everything, whether it be an inn or one's own home, part of him still yearned 
for a life on the road. 

	A life spent moving from one place to another.

	A life spent looking at the stars at night.

	A life he led until recently.

	It had been four years since the fateful day, when the Juppongatana fell on Mount 
Hiei. Shishio Makoto's dream of a Japan under his rule would not come to pass. The era 
favored not him, but that of the Meiji government and their tool for his destruction.

	Himura Kenshin.

	Soujiro smiled, he could have killed Himura-san that time. He was sure that his 
skill with the sword plus the Shiku-ichi technique would have granted him victory over 
the legendary hitokiri. 

	He would have won, had it not been for a lingering doubt that grew within him 
since their duel in the Shingetsu village.

	Protecting the weak. The idea seemed so alien to him at the time. Yet it was an 
ideal that Himura-san followed to the letter. Those words were so contrary to what 
Shishio-san had taught him long ago.

	The strong survive and the weak die.

	Had he really believed in that? He'd never questioned Shishio-san's wisdom 
before, why should he have that time? Those words were what gave him his purpose, his 
direction in life. 

	But deep down, he never did really believe in them.

	Himura-san saw it.

	And he was defeated because of that.

	With that, Soujiro saw his entire life crumble. What was to be done now? Surely 
Himura-san's path was the way to follow? After all, hadn't he proved to be the stronger 
one?

	But no, Himura-san told him that life isn't as simple as that, and that the stronger 
man is not always right. One should find his own path in life, and the answers would 
become clear to him in time.

	Despite his confusion, Soujiro took Himura-san on those words, and set out on his 
journey. It was hard at first, having no companions, nor any source of income for that 
matter, having severed his ties with any of the Juppongatana or their various resources. 
But the young Ten-Ken wasn’t about to let a little monetary problem get the best of him. 
In fact, he rather liked the simple lifestyle he was leading, though he was no closer to 
finding the answers he sought. Along the way though he found he liked helping people, 
as was Himura-san’s lot in life. Whether it be a small problem such as fixing a travelling 
merchant’s broken down cart, or a confrontation that required his sword skills such as 
fighting off some ruffians who were threatening an innocent bystander. 

	It was the latter that led him to the Higashidani family. Uki and Outa were 
returning from their trip to Tokyo, when a dozen bandits halted their way. Outa had done 
his best to fight off their attacks, but even his limited skill was of no use as he was quite 
overmatched and outnumbered. Fortunately Soujiro happened to set up camp on a stream 
nearby, and had heard Uki’s cries for help. The bandits hadn’t even given Soujiro a 
sparing glance, telling him to run off like a good little boy and not to get involved. That 
was to be their mistake, for no sooner had they dismissed him, the former right hand of 
Shishio Makoto had done in two seconds flat, disappeared from sight, grabbed Outa’s 
shinai, and took down half their number. The bandits were surprised to say the least, and 
quite enraged as well. Four of them even tried their luck, but not half a second passed 
until they too, lay down in pain. The remaining two didn’t need to be convinced, this boy 
was a demon, and decided for their continued health that they should run away and not 
look back. 

	Uki was amazed at the display, Outa even more so. And the two showered him 
with thanks and praise, to which he replied that it was nothing, and that he was glad to 
help. Uki however, didn’t think it enough to just thank him, so she invited him to 
accompany them home, where she hoped he could stay for awhile. 

	Soujiro hadn’t wanted to accept the offer, wanting to leave to head south before 
winter came. But then again he thought it impolite to refuse her offer, and now felt 
responsible for their safety since he did help them. So he accompanied the two and stayed 
with them in their home in Nagano. 

	That had been six months ago, winter came and gone and Soujiro would have left 
long before, had it not been for a little conversation that he had with Uki’s father, not 
long after he arrived.

*	*	*

	“Alright boy. Spill it.”

	Soujiro blinked at the older man before him. “Ara? What do you mean Ojii-san?”

	That was all he got out before a sake bottle smacked him one on the head. Soujiro 
recovered in time just to see the furious look on the older man’s face.

	“Baka yarou!! I’m not that old!!” Higashidani Kamishimoemon said angrily.

	“Ara. Sumanu, Ojii-…I mean, Higashidani-san…” 

	Instantly the old man calmed down, and puffed at his pipe before continuing. 
“Now as I was saying. Just who the hell are you really?!”
Soujiro then spoke with a very innocent smile on his face. “I don’t know what you 
mean, Higashidani-san. I’m just a simple wanderer who-“

	“Don’t give me that bullshit boy,” Kamishimoemon interrupted him. His tone 
indicated that he wasn’t the least bit fooled by Soujiro’s little lie. “My youngins told me 
what you did back there. The way I see it, no bum could have done what you did.”

	“Ara? Bum?” 

	“Now are you gonna tell me what I want to know?” The tone in the older man's 
voice seemed to broker no argument.

	"Ano...there really isn't anything to tell..." Soujiro once again put on his best 
smile. 

	"I see..." Kamishimoemon said finally. Inwardly Soujiro breathed a sigh of relief, 
thinking he would let the matter drop. Had he paid attention he would have noticed that 
the older man had reached across the floor to grab him.

	It should be noted that Soujiro had never been caught in a headlock before, but 
then again, there's a first time for everything.

	"So are you gonna sing for me now, boy?!"

	It should also be noted that Higashidani Kamishimoemon was not one who bathed 
frequently, but hey, nobody's perfect.

	"ACK!!!" Soujiro gasped for breath, as he struggled to free himself from the grip 
around his neck. Damn the old man was strong. 

	And he stunk too.

	Against such odds, the young Ten Ken would relent, and after catching his breath 
related to Kamishimoemon the details of his life. From his first meeting with Shishio to 
his final battle with Himura-san and the fall of the Juppongatana.
It was half an hour later when he had finished. Kamishimoemon had been 
listening to every word until he finally spoke up. "So that's it?"

	“Hai…” Soujiro answered, unsure of what the old man would of him now that 
knew of his past.

	“Hmm…” Kamishimoemon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I have to admit that’s 
a pretty interesting story, son.”

	He nodded in agreement. "Sumimasen, I guess I'll take my leave then.” With that 
young man stood up, but not before another bottle went flying in his face. 

	Soujiro recovered enough to hear the old man’s voice say, “Sit down!”

	Wordlessly the young man obeyed, while the old man continued. “Did you think I 
was just gonna let you stroll on out of here on your own two feet?!"
Soujiro blinked at those words.

	"The way I see it, you've done me a great service, helping my children and all. So 
the least I can do is offer you a place to stay."

	"H-Higashidani-san!" Soujiro protested in disbelief.

	"Sorry son, but that's my decision," Kamishimoemon said firmly as he poured 
himself another cup.

	"B-but Higashidani-san?! Aren't you concerned?! After everything I've told you 
about my past?!"

	The old man raised an eyebrow at that. "Bakayarou. Does it matter? So what if 
you've done some bad things? I'm not exactly innocent either, you know. I've done stuff 
in my day that would make you look like a monk!"

	Soujiro had nothing to say to that.

	Kamishimoemon puffed again before continuing. "But if there's one thing I've 
learned from those days, is that you have to give people a chance. Wakaru ka?"

	"B-but-" Soujiro continued to protest.

	"My mind's made up son," the old man said in his most authoritarian voice. 
"Unless you need a bit more convincing?" At that, he started cracking his knuckles.

	Not wanting to undergo another round of physical torture, or of catching a whiff 
of Ode de Armpit, Soujiro meekly nodded.

*	*	*

	I don't think I can thank Higashidani-san enough for that.... The young man 
thought with a smile. 

	In truth, he was glad he stayed. For the first time in his life, Soujiro felt as if he 
belonged, not as a slave to relatives who treated him like dirt, nor as a soldier to 
madman's cause, but as a part of a family who accepted him openly. He enjoyed Uki and 
Outa’s company. Both of whom becoming the brother and sister he never had. Though 
once in awhile he thought Uki had more than friendship in mind. But he put aside the 
thought. It was silly to think that Uki-san would even be interested in him. 

	Besides, he had bigger things to worry about now.

	Such was the case currently, as he was now accompanying the two Higashidani 
children to Tokyo, where Outa-san would continue his budo training at the Kamiya 
Kasshin Ryu dojo.

	At the mention of the name, memories started flooding back.

	The Kamiya dojo. He hadn't seen it in four years. The last time he'd been there it 
had been under Shishio-san's orders. When he was assigned to keep watch on Himura 
Kenshin's every move. Now though, he was heading there for different reasons 
altogether. Though he looked forward to seeing Himura-san again, the thought of it made 
him more than a bit nervous.

	What if Himura-san isn't pleased at seeing me? What will I do? Maybe I could-
"Soujiro-san?"

	At that, the young man blinked, and broke his train of thought to find a sleepy 
eyed Uki looking at him with concern. "Ara? Uki-san? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

	The young woman lightly bopped him on the head in response. "Baka. I wake up 
in the middle of the night too you know."

	"Ah..." Soujiro rubbed his head in embarrassment, by the fact that he'd been so 
preoccupied that he hadn't even sensed her presence.

	Uki frowned at him for a moment before her lips settled in a smile. "So what are 
you doing up so late?"

	"Oh, nothing really," he replied as he turned back to watching the window. "I was 
just admiring the view, that's all."

	"Mm Hmm. It's beautiful isn't it?" 

	For a moment, an air of silence lay between them, when Uki suddenly spoke.

	"Ano...Soujiro-san." she spoke slowly, as if trying to find the words

	"Hai?" Soujiro asked, wondering what she was going to say.

	"Would you...mind? If I... sat down with you?" she finished this with a slight 
blush on her cheeks.

	Though it was dark, Uki could swear she saw a smile on the young man's as he 
answered. "Hai. Please do."

	She then complied and sat herself beside the young Ten-Ken.

***********

	Aoshi was unsure of how much time had passed since he hid himself. It could 
have been an hour or more for all he knew. Night made determining the time a difficult 
task.

	But of one thing he was sure, he had to keep moving. If he remained where he 
was, they would have found him and sooner or later, and in his weakened state to fight 
was a precursor to death.

	Have to risk it. He thought to himself as he slipped from under the log. Only hope 
is to reach a human settlement before dawn.

	Ordinarily, a wounded man would not normally consider running, as the loss of 
blood may lead to exhaustion. Yet Aoshi was far from ordinary, he was Oniwanbanshuu. 
And one of the things they taught him was to run long distances. As messengers to the 
Bakufu, the onmitsu were trained to travel for miles, without rest or even food.

	So, heedless of the pain, Shinomori Aoshi departed with haste from where he 
stood unheeding of the danger following close by.

***********

	For a few minutes, Soujiro and Uki sat beside each other in a nervous silence. 

	That is, until Uki broke the ice. "Soujiro-san?"

	The young Ten-Ken again turned to her. "Nani? Uki-san?"

	"Umm...I was just wondering...." She spoke tentatively, as if unsure on how to 
continue.

	"Yes?" Soujiro looked blanked as to what she was asking of him.

	"Umm...well...I was just wondering...Is something...bothering you?"

	"Ara? Bothering me?" He looked most surprised by her statement.

	"Yes, you." She emphasized her point with a nod of her head. Uki then continued 
with a more direct tone. "I don't know, but you've looked so preoccupied ever since we 
left home."

	"Ara? Is that all?" The young Ten-Ken responded laughingly as he rubbed the 
back of his head, not realizing that Uki was starting to fume at the gesture. "Uki-san, you 
don't have to trouble yourself over m-"

	"BAKA!" Uki exclaimed a little too loudly than she would have wished, as she 
didn't want to wake Outa from his sleep. Soujiro meanwhile, looked surprised at her 
sudden outburst, but said nothing as he waited for her to continue.

	"Soujiro-san. Please. Tell me what's wrong. I don't know if I can be of help or 
anything. But please...tell me."

	His only response was to look away from her, the expression on his face was that 
of panic and of deep thought.

	If I tell Uki-san about my problem with Himura-san, then she'll also want to know 
of my past. But how can I tell her? Only Kamishimoemon-san knows right now. How can 
I-

	His thoughts however, were cut off as he felt a warm hand take his own.

	"Soujiro-san," Uki said softly, holding his hand gently. "I know we haven't known 
each other for very long. But in that time I've come to consider you more than a just a 
wanderer we met out of the blue."

	Soujiro still looked ready to flinch away at a moment's notice, yet sat in place as 
Uki continued to speak.

	"I've come to consider you a friend...no...more like family, Soujiro-san. Our 
family." Uki then paused to give his hand an affectionate squeeze. "And families talk to 
each other when something's wrong." She paused once again to look at the solemn 
expression on his face. "But if you don't want to, that's fine. I'll promise not to bother you 
anymore about it."

	Uki then closed her eyes, waiting for a reply, but when none came, she slowly 
loosened her grip. "I see. Well, I'll just see you in the morning then."

	Before she could stand up however, a soft voice spoke up. "Wait."

	Uki turned back to find Soujiro with his bowed over and his hand curled into a 
tight fist. Surprised, Uki moved to sit closer beside him and put a reassuring arm around 
his shoulders. As she inched her face close to his, she was shocked to find tears in his 
eyes.
	
***********

	Despite the unreadable expression on his face, Aoshi could not help but grunt in 
exertion as he ran. He'd been running for only five minutes yet already signs of fatigue 
were appearing. And his wound had not helped matters either. 
His lips however curved into a small smile as he saw something that reassured 
him.

	Just beyond those hills there should be a village. With luck I should be able to 
find someone who can help treat this wound.
	
***********

	"Soujiro-san?"

	"Ara. Gomen, Uki-san, it's just..." He paused, as if struggling with what to say.

	Gently she reached to wipe the tears gently off his face, and said in a clear voice. 
"Just tell me."

	Though it was small, the smile that appeared on Seta Soujiro's face was not one 
which masked emotion, but one of genuine feeling.

***********

	Just a bit more. Aoshi thought, as he followed the path of the river towards the 
hills. I can reach them in just...

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	Aoshi froze in his tracks. 

	NO...

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	"Eh?!" 

	"Ara?!"

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	DAMN IT! NO! NOT AGAIN! Aoshi cursed in his thoughts as he began to run frantically.

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	"What in the world is that?" Uki exclaimed in surprise.

	"I...I don't know Uki-san," Soujiro replied. "It almost sounds like...drums?"

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	In the corner of his eye, Aoshi caught a flash, and jumped away as several 
shuriken hit the ground where he would have been had he continued his advance. Rolling 
over to the side, he settled himself on a tree when his senses again warned him. Aoshi 
needed no more convincing and leaped up, just as a huge metal ball smashed the tree in 
two. 

	DAMN IT! HAVE TO GET AWAY- 

	Before he could finish the thought, Aoshi's senses screamed once more in 
warning, as something flashed in the corner of his eye. Quick and taught reflexes once 
again exploded into motion, as a stream of flame shot out to engulf him. 

	"GAAAH!!" Aoshi yelled out in pain, barely escaping from the inferno and 
landing	on the ground unceremoniously. Immediately he began rolling so as to douse the 
remaining flames.

	Despite the pain from the burns, Aoshi's focus never wavered, as he immediately 
caught on to a shadowy figure rushing at him. The former okashira barely had a moment 
to raise his kodachi in defense, as sharp claws attacked him from each side. Aoshi 
successfully deflected them, but having been so disoriented from his last encounter, he 
never saw the follow up, a sharp kick to his still bleeding wound. 

	The shock and pain finally got to him, and could raise no defense as the figure 
began hitting with an assault of fists and feet, ending with a sharp blow that sent the 
onmitsu flying ten feet across the now bloody grassy plain.

	Aoshi lay in the grass moment, moaning softly as he began to feel the weight the 
injuries on his person. Slowly, he began to rise on his knees, trying desperately not to 
black out despite the painful sensation that coursed through him. As he threw up the 
blood from his mouth, five figures slowly stepped out from the shadows. Aoshi then sat 
up painfully, and found that the five had now surrounded him, each of them standing just 
couple of meters from where he lay. 

	Silence prevailed over the plain for a moment, but that silence was broken when 
the figure standingin front of Aoshi spoke up.

	"Doushita?" he spoke in a low voice that seemed to come from a deep well, as he 
slowly walked forward. "We didn't hunt you down for you to fold so easily as this…" 

	Aoshi didn't reply, as the figure became more visible under the light of the moon. 
Wearing long silk pants and a dark blue tunic, his arms were wrapped in what looked to 
be red and black striped sleeves. On his hands were black leather gloves with three claws 
protruding from each. 

	His face however, was hidden, as he wore a mask.

	The mask of an Oni.

	"After all, it was you who trained us…Okashira…"

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	"S-Soujiro-san?"

	"Daijobu, Uki-san," Soujiro said reassuringly. "I'm sure there's a very good 
explanation for all-"

	Soujiro didn't finish, as he felt suddenly felt Uki grab on to his gi very tightly. 
Turning he saw the young woman holding her mouth as if she was going to throw up. His 
eyes widened as he saw that her skin had suddenly paled in color. 

	"Uki-san?! Doushita?!!" Instinctively Soujiro took her in his arms to see what was 
wrong.

	"I<KAFF>…I don't know," Uki coughed out. "Suddenly<KAFF>…feel…sick…"

	Soujiro was ready to drag her to bed when without warning, her lithe form went 
limp and fell over to the floor, unconscious. 

	"UKI-SAN?! UKI-SAN?!!" Soujiro was in a panic now, as he tried desperately to 
wake the young woman he swore to protect. In that moment however, the sound of 
another coughing fit caught his attention. He then turned to find Outa, coughing and 
vomiting much like his sister.

	"Outa-san?! Daijo-" But Soujiro's  question went unheard, as Outa suddenly 
became silent. Soujiro immediately rushed to his side, and found much to his horror the 
same pale complexion on the young man's face.

	Thank God! Soujiro thought in relief as he could feel a pulse from Outa. He then 
moved to Uki and found that life still beat within her as well. At least they're alive. But 
what happened to them?…Damn. No time for questions now. I'd better find some help 
quickly. 

	Stepping out of the room, Soujiro rushed down the stairs and headed straight for 
the landlord's quarters. Once there, he banged on the door loudly to get their attention. 
"Ooya-san! Wake up! Please! I need your help!"

	There was no response. Moments passed and not even a whisper of a sound came 
through the door. Soujiro once again banged on the door, yelling louder this time. Yet 
again his attempt was met with no answer. For a moment Soujiro became indecisive, but 
only for a moment, and so steeling himself he opened the door. 

	He was shocked by what he had found. 

	The room was empty. There was no futon, a desk, or even a small indication that 
it was occupied. Just a small candle that stood in the middle of the room, alight much like 
a beacon on a dark sea.

	But more importantly, the landlord was nowhere to be found.

	Entering, he quickly searched the room for any clues of the landlord's 
whereabouts. Yet after a few moments he found nothing. In the same manner he searched 
the quarters of the inn's helpers. 

	Again he found nothing. 

	The landlord gone, even the servants. What's going on here? Soujiro wondered. 
Something was amiss. 

	Then realization struck him.

	The sound of those drums, Uki and Outa's sudden sickness, and the disappearance 
of their hosts. 

	It was a trap.

	And he was its victim.

	Damn! I'm such an idiot! The young Ten Ken cursed as he rushed up the stairs. 
Shishio-san would have scolded me for being so careless! I'd better get Uki-san and 
Outa-san away from here before-

	His thoughts were interrupted, when a crash was heard from downstairs. This was 
accompanied by the sound of broken wood and ceramic vases cracking. Soujiro narrowed 
his eyes, as it was obvious that his would be captors were making their move. Taking a 
moment to consider his options, he decided on the best course. Though he disliked the 
idea of it, Soujiro found he had no choice. If he carried the two Higashidani on his 
person, he would have no chance of fighting off these unknown assailants. Better he 
thought, to fight them off until he could find a safe avenue for escape. When such a 
chance came, he'd take the two children with him and flee for safety. 

	As he took Outa's shinai in his hands, the sounds of the chaos from downstairs 
ceased. Soujiro then stepped out onto the hallway and listened, waiting for any sign that 
would spur him to action.	

	Though it was very slight, the creaking noise from under his feet caught his ear. 
Soujiro needed no convincing as he jumped away, just as something tore through the 
section of the wooden floor where he stood. As he landed just few feet away, another 
dark shape tore through the wooden tile. Soujiro once more moved away, and soon found 
himself keeping on his toes as more and more of these dark shapes tore through the wood 
like it was nothing but paper. After a few moments, the Ten Ken found himself trapped, 
as the narrowed space of the walkway offered no more room to run. As he stood there, 
Soujiro could see that these things were in fact, human hands. No sooner had he come to 
that realization however, the wooden floor tore up once more. It was too late for him to 
react however, as he felt himself taken by the ankles. The momentum of his attempt to 
jump away threw him off balance, and he found himself falling on the floor, right into a 
proverbial sea of clutching fingers. 

	Soujiro struggled, trying to free himself. But the hands gripped onto him tightly, 
dragging him down. The weight of such a display proved too much for the old wooden 
boards, which suddenly gave way. The young Ten Ken fell, his body landing roughly on 
the lower level. As soon as he landed however, he felt unseen fingers touching his person. 
That was all it took, and in a flurry of motion, Soujiro quickly rolled to his feet, and spun 
around in a whirlwind. Grinning to himself as he felt the shinai connect with his unseen 
opponents, he increased the tempo of his attack. The blows were delivered with such 
speed and force that some of them flew out of the room and broke through the wall. 
The light from the moon poured into the room, just as Soujiro steadied himself to 
catch his breath. The shock from his fall had begun to wear off, which gave way for the 
pain. He ignored it, now was not the time lose focus. Inwardly he thanked Shishio for 
having taught him that whirlwind maneuver. 

	Looking about, he found the recipients of his attack lying around, a number of 
them also lay outside. Suddenly, much to his surprise, they began to move.

	Impossible! They should have been knocked out after that! He eyes widened as 
the figures stood up, and slowly walked towards him.

	"Stay where you are!" he shouted with as much authority as he could muster, 
steeling himself for another attack, the shinai ready in his hands. "I don't know who you 
are or what you want, but take one step closer and I'll not hold back!"

	"Little brat…"

	The grip on his Shinai loosened, as his eyes widened in horror.

	"How dare you speak to us in such a manner…"

	Soujiro took a step back, not wanting to believe what he just heard.

	"We took you in when no one else would…"

	The fear and horror had now completely overcome him, as he dropped the shinai 
from his hand.

	"And this is how you repay us?…"
Soujiro continued to stumble back, then jumped as he felt a hand take his wrist.

	"Soujiro…We'll kill you!"

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********


	Aoshi glared at the figure that took the appearance of Hannya. And watched as 
the rest of the shadowy figures stepped forward to reveal themselves.

	Houko. Beshimi. Sakijo.

	All of them looking exactly alike as he remembered them.

	The air was then filled with the scent.

	The scent of dead corpses.

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

	Soujiro screamed, as he clearly saw the faces of these figures surrounding him.

	The faces of his family.

	His real family.

	The family he killed long ago.

	And the air began to fill with the scent.

	The scent of dead corpses.

***********

DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM
DUM DUM DUM DUM	DUM DUM DUM DUM

***********

End Chapter 6

Once again I ask for forgiveness. I should have finished this long ago. But I succumbed 
to an ailment that has plagued me for quite some time.

Laziness.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter. And big thanks to Sakka-chan for pre-reading this. 
I'll pay her back one day, hopefully.

Til then. England Prevails.

-With Thanks

Jedi Brother Horace