From: "Siew Lee, Wong" Hi everyone... ::Siew Lee waves weakly:: My brain isn't exactly working now because I have been feeling sick over the past week. I have decided to rewrite this thing because somehow, I find some of the details there are rather shaky. ^^; Anyway, I have added stuff into this chapter and please do give comments. Flames will be laughed at anyway. Warnings for this chapter: angst, shota-con Rating: NC-17 All previous chapters are posted on my page: http://hotohori.uhome.net Siew Lee yume@hotohori.uhome.net http://hotohori.uhome.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dreams in the Dark Part 1 : Embracing the Sword (Chapter 3) --------------------------------------------------------------------- He swallowed nervously and cringed a little when a soft gust of the Okashira's shallow breathing grazed across his cheek. "Are you afraid of me?" the Okashira whispered and slid a hand down the boy's chest, feeling his fear through the coarse cloth. Aoshi edged away instinctively, his eyes blinking with a startled look. He peeked fearfully into the old man's eyes, but he was unable to strongly identify the Okashira's thoughts. "Answer me, boy," the Okashira pressed and moved closer to Aoshi until his thin lips were almost touching the boy's right cheek. Stretching out his left hand, he ran his bony fingers through the boy's silky hair, making Aoshi's pulse race. The boy shrunk back a in an involuntary reflex, earning himself a sharp look from the old man. "N... No..." Aoshi lied and gritted his teeth, his limbs growing wobbly and weak from shock and fear he experienced. He shifted uncomfortably and swallowed; the old Okashira was caressing him on his side with a feather-like touch while his warm breath grazed the boy's delicate skin. Aoshi didn't struggle at all, his body already numb, unresponsive to his silent plea to move away from those seeking hands. He sucked in the cool night air and held his breath, trying to hide the alarm which was growing rapidly in him. "You are lying! Didn't your haha-ue taught you your moral values?" the Okashira hissed, making the young boy shudder in fear. He suddenly grabbed the young boy by his shoulders and looked at him straight in the eyes, causing Aoshi to avoid his glare immediately. "I have lived in this world for more than sixty years and I can read your fears." "Yes..." Aoshi stumbled and looked away, not wanting to make contact with those mysterious pools of dark blue in the Okashira's eyes. "If you want to be a successful swordsman, you must conquer your fear. What is your fear?" the old man smiled, stepping back a step, his eyes remaining at the same level as Aoshi's. With those piercing eyes, Aoshi felt very uncomfortable as the old man studied him from head to toe, as if he was seeing very single detail of him. Aoshi blinked a few times and his lower lip quivered slightly, showing his uncertainty. His eyebrows met in a frown, trying to understand the question which was posed to him. He peeked up slowly, only to see those mysterious eyes looking at him intently, waiting for his answer. "I'm scared of blood and rats..." Aoshi replied doubtfully, trying to maintain eye contact with the Okashira without fear. He shifted uneasily as a hand sneaked up to stroke his chest in circular motions. The sensations were not unpleasant, but in fact, it was rather relaxing under the old man's expert touch. Aoshi shifted again, his heart beating faster and faster. "Foolish answer! That is a phobia. You can overcome it easily! Tell me your greatest fear," the old man spat and cuffed his sleeves, the fabric making a rustling sound when he flapped them. "Try again." "The fear of not knowing..." Aoshi whispered softly, his hands clenching into tight balls, his knuckles turning a pale shade under the yellowish dim light from the lamps placed strategically. "Yes," the Okashira nodded and flashed Aoshi a small smile. The young boy swallowed and blinked once. "You learn quickly, ne?" As he said that, the Okashira moved closer to the boy until their faces were only inches apart. Slowly, the old man waved a finger under his nose. "Do you like this scent?" the Okashira asked and smiled slyly. The young boy took a cautious sniff and breathed in a tingling aroma. Slowly, he felt those knotted muscles in his stomach relaxed themselves and his mind was already in a blissful daze. "It's sandalwood, specially imported from China," the old man whispered and drew his lips closer to the boy's until they were nearly touching. Aoshi tried to maintain his consciousness but the harder he tried, the harder it was to stay alert. "Okashira..." Aoshi began slowly and paused for a while. *Haha- ue told me to get help from him... He shouldn't be a bad person right?* a small voice whispered deep down in his heart, trying to convince himself that those perceptions he received were actually a case of hyper-sensitivity. Slowly but steadily, Aoshi pushed his fear back into a deep corner of his conscious mind. "Yes?" "Do you know what happened to the Matsudaira family?" Aoshi questioned in turn, his blue-gray eyes looking intently into the Okashira's dark blue ones. "My... My family?" "Yes, I do." "Would you help me to find the murderer?" Suddenly, the Okashira stood up and began walking back towards his elevated seat. Aoshi gazed at his retreating form in surprise and alarm. With beads of cold sweat rolling down his forehead, Aoshi asked with a timid voice, "Did I say something wrong?" The old man stopped in his tracks and turned his head sideways to look at Aoshi through the corner of his eye. "No, you didn't. Your question is perfectly understandable, excepting the fact that it's a nonsensical thought from your head," the Okashira breathed out as he heaved a small sigh. He shook his head and resumed his even pacing. The Okashira sat down gingerly on his seat and gazed at Aoshi deeply. "You can't take revenge..." the old man stated firmly and stroked his wispy beard. "The Oniwabanshuu can't take revenge for you because we have honor." Those words hit Aoshi like a brick wall and knocked the air out of him. He blinked a few times in shock. "Why? They murdered my family! They murdered my mother!" Aoshi whimpered helplessly, momentarily losing control of his own emotions. All that he had been striving for had been lost just because that old man said he was not allowed to! "You will understand when you are older..." the Okashira replied simply and closed his eyes, getting ready for a long round of meditation. "Young man, you have to find inner peace before anyone can help you. Understand yourself and you will see through this world more clearly than before. Take my advice." "But..." "You can go now. Okina's waiting outside," interrupted the old man and waved slightly, gesturing Aoshi to go out. "Please advise me! Will the Oniwabanshuu help me in other ways?" The Okashira opened his eyes slowly and gazed at Aoshi deeply. "You will face the four levels in our qualifying test which an outsider has to go through to prove your worthiness to us. Let me remind you, the test is difficult one, even for an adult. It's your choice whether to take up this challenge or not," the old man whispered in a near-inaudible tone. "Remember, you can take control of your own life. You know what you want in the first place. Make your own decision and tell me. Now go and have a good night's rest. I'll give you two years to prepare before I start the first level." "What test? What four levels?" "For the meantime, you are still not a member of the Oniwabanshuu. Ask Okina and he will explain everything to you. Now go." Aoshi was still befuddled with the Okashira's words but seeing the old man's serene expression, he decided against asking for more details. *Besides, I can always ask Okina, right?* Aoshi whispered softly in his heart. Giving a little bow, Aoshi treaded backwards before finally turning around to exit the small chamber. Carefully, determined not to make any abrupt noise, Aoshi pulled the sliding door aside and stepped out. Slowly, the door slid shut again with a soft thud. The Okashira stared at the door for a long time through half- closed eyelids, his mind racing through Aoshi's expressions and determination. It had been a long, long time since he had last seen that type of light in a person's eyes. So wild, so enthusiastic, so full of energy and will power. Aoshi reminded him of someone. The boy reminded him of himself. The old man let out a soft chuckle and leaned against a few cushions placed behind him. *He will be the Okashira of the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu in the future. I can feel it. My own son is not worthy enough.* --------------------------------------------------------------------- "How is it?" a familiar voice asked. A hand rested on his left shoulder as Aoshi looked down at his feet. Slowly, he shook his head and sighed. "Okina, what are the four levels in the qualifying test?" the young boy asked, the Okashira's words still repeating themselves in his mind endlessly. "He told me to ask you..." Aoshi gazed at Okina intently and waited for him to answer his question. "Four levels? Yes... The test..." Okina mumbled absentmindedly and released his gentle hold on Aoshi's shoulder blades. Aoshi took Okina's hand and looked up at him, his eyes silently pleading for any form of enlightenment from the older man. "What is it about?" Aoshi pressed again, his small hand tightening its grip on Okina's. "Aoshi, you must understand that you are not a member of the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu yet; but there is hope, for Okashira has told you about this trial. Before you can actually learn our secret techniques, you must be initiated into the shogun's service," smiled Okina wryly, his thin lips curving slightly upwards. The boy scratched his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Why?" he asked. "To show us that you are worthy to be one of us," Okina replied simply and began walking through the secluded garden path. "To enter the Onmitsu Oniwanbanshuu clan, one of your parents must be an Oniwan member or else you have to prove yourself worthy to be adopted into our clan." "I'm worthy enough. I'm a Matsudaira." "So what if you are a Matsudaira? The Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu accepts its members based on their capabilities, not by their social status. Worthy enough? No, you are not. At least, not yet," Okina breathed out slowly. Deep in his heart, he knew that Aoshi stood no chance in the four tests. How could a boy outshine his peers by crying everyday and thinking of his dearest haha-ue? *He's too weak physically, too fragile emotionally,* Okina sighed dejectedly. Aoshi was standing in a no-win situation. "Okashira gave me two years to prepare myself for the test..." Aoshi trailed off. He sensed the uncertainty in Okina's voice and his heart was pounding wildly at the mention of a trial. Was he fit enough? Aoshi began fidgeting uneasily and he pulled at the collar of his yukata, suddenly feeling warm as cold sweat broke out. Okina didn't sound very optimistic about the entire procedure and it was giving Aoshi jitters. "It isn't as easy as you think, boy," Okina sighed and stopped walking. Clutching at Aoshi's shoulders, he stooped down in a half- kneeling position and looked at Aoshi intently. "Especially considering the fact that your tears flow too freely..." "Okina, I have promised you I won't cry ever again; and I didn't shed a single tear for the entire day..." Aoshi choked back, the gentle night breeze ruffling his bangs. He looked pleadingly at Okina, his slender fingers clutching the man's bony ones. "I promise... I promise I'll train hard too... I won't be lazy, I won't have afternoon naps... I won't spend my time playing with other children..." "Good then, I'll start training you tomorrow. No days off except for the 1st and 15th of every month. I also can't train you everyday, ne? Both of us will go out for some entertainment," Okina smiled, secretly proud of the young boy's determination. "Really? That means I'll be ready for the four levels in the test?" Aoshi exclaimed, a wide grin immediately lighting up his face. "Yes, boy, but I can't guarantee you can pass all four levels. It all depends on your willpower," Okina replied and flashed the boy a small grin. "Now go to sleep. You'll need a lot of rest for tomorrow," Okina urged and gave Aoshi a mild shove on the back of his neck. Aoshi nodded happily and ran across the silent garden, leaving Okina to stand there by himself. Okina sucked in the cool night air, his eyes following the dark shape of Aoshi's figure through the isolated garden. *That boy... He has the potential.* --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Get up, Aoshi! Boy!" a voice screamed near his head. Aoshi stirred lazily and pulled his blanket over his head. Suddenly, a hand reached up and pulled away his bedclothes roughly, making Aoshi open his eyes at the abrupt burst of daylight. "The sun is already in the middle of the sky and you are still sleeping?! Get up now, young man," the voice growled angrily and proceeded to strip him of his blanket and futon. "Huh? Okina?" Aoshi whimpered softly, his hands trying to shield the piercing sunlight from his still-sensitive eyes. "Listen here, Aoshi. If you don't get yourself dressed in half a stick of incense time, you are going to miss breakfast," Okina warned, sticking his hands by his sides. Aoshi rubbed his right eye with a hand and looked up at Okina, his face still showing pure confusion. "Aoshi, we have our breakfast at the first call of the rooster every morning and everyone's waiting for you! Everyone's there already except you!" Okina continued and tapped his left foot impatiently on the floor planks. Aoshi quickly took off his night yukata and shivered helplessly as the cold air made direct contact with his bare chest. "I was just thinking of letting you sleeping for a short while more yet you are too busy dreaming about other things. Next time, I'll wake you up after I get up in the morning." "Gomen ne... I... I can't seem to wake up in time..." Aoshi stumbled as he began to blindly grope around for his clothes. Okina rolled his eyes and began walking around the tiny room before his sharp eyesight fell on a heap of cotton fabric lying underneath a low table. "Aoshi, are those yours'?" Okina asked, using the tip of his foot to gesture at the pile on the tatami-covered floor. "Thank you!" Aoshi nearly screamed in delight and scrambled quickly with his hands outreached. With deft fingers, he took the top part of his gi and fastened the ties with a simple knot. Okina looked at his naked back and sighed. Aoshi began to tie a red string around his neck and Okina shook his head. *Now, since when did that boy need to have a piece of string hanging there?* He dismissed the thought and folded his arms. Aoshi quickly knotted his white sash around his waist securely and heaved a small sigh of relieve. "Okina, I'm ready," Aoshi declared with a proud smile. "May we go now?" "Yes," Okina answered and strode out of the room. "Next time, be more punctual." --------------------------------------------------------------------- Two dozen pairs of eyes stared at him as he entered the huge room, making Aoshi feel very self-conscious. A long table was set right in the middle and there were more than twenty individuals sitting by the table and their chopsticks were placed neatly by the right side of their food trays. Each of them were kneeling down in the traditional pose and it was basically very quiet in the wide space. "Aoshi, take the nearest seat," Okina urged in a low whisper and gave him an assuring pat on his shoulder. "And, try to eat as fast as you can after Okashira strikes the gong." Aoshi looked at him and nodded. Okina left him alone and strode up to the other end of the long wooden table before taking his seat beside an old man whom Aoshi recognized as the Okashira from the night before. Very self-consciously, Aoshi kneeled down on the unoccupied tatami mat and looked down at his lap. He noticed everyone else seated along the table also sported similar positions, including Okina. *Strange,* he thought with a mental shrug. There was total silence in the room. There was a soft cough from the other end and Aoshi peeked up with profound curiosity. He saw the Okashira stand and pick up a small wooden baton from a serviette as he walked over to a huge brass gong at the side of the room. With a single fluid stroke, he raised his hand and struck the still object. *Dong!* The clear sound of the metal gong being struck rang throughout the entire enclosed space and very soon, the sound dimmed considerably. Just as the gong stopped ringing, everyone picked up their rice bowls instantly and began stuffing food into their mouths with their chopsticks. Aoshi looked in astonishment as he picked up his own bowl. There was so much food laid before him! Aoshi shot a look at a girl about his own age sitting opposite him. She was too, busy eating and stuffing food down her throat. Gradually, she looked up, as if feeling Aoshi's stare. She smiled at him. "Ohayo..." she greeted him politely. "Ohayo..." he greeted, smiling back shyly and looked away. "I'm Omasu... Are you new here? I have never seen you around," the girl answered and flashed him a demure smile. Aoshi stole another look at her. *She has beautiful eyes,* he noted. The girl winked at him and picked up her chopsticks again. "I... ah... I'm new here... I'm Matsudaira Aoshi and Okina brought me here," Aoshi introduced himself and smiled coyly at her. The girl lowered her eyes and giggled softly. Aoshi felt his cheek grow hotter and he quickly looked down, avoiding Omasu's gaze. "C'mon, why are you not eating? We have to be quick because we will have lots of work to finish before midday," the young girl urged with a twinkle in her eyes. Aoshi nodded and picked up his slender pair of chopsticks. "Hai..." the boy answered and began concentrating on the food set before him. He stole another glance at her and the girl looked back at him playfully, bringing another soft blush on Aoshi's cheeks. The young boy smiled weakly and started chewing on a small piece of fish. "Alright everyone. Time to move on," a male voice announced suddenly. Aoshi looked up and nearly dropped his chopsticks in surprise. *So fast?!* "Oh, I forgot to tell you something." It was Omasu again. Aoshi raised an eyebrow to look at her, his dark eyes full of questions. The young girl held back a small giggled again and watched him blush. "We, as members of the honorable Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu, really treasure the time we have everyday. Breakfast's already over and you will have to wait until noon to get your next meal," the girl laughed and got up from her kneeling position. Aoshi stared at his own tray of untouched food, his face showing shock. A pair of feminine fingers began tapping on his shoulder just as he was about to lifted up a ball of steamed rice to his mouth. "Time's up, young man," the woman ordered with a stern look on her face. "Either you get out now or you do the rest of the housekeeping today and that includes washing all the dirty clothes and sweeping the entire Aoiya." "Gomen..." mumbled Aoshi and got up from his seat, his stomach rumbling loudly. "He's new here so he doesn't know the rules, Kasuga. Aoshi, let's go to the courtyard where you'll meet with other young fellow members," a voice interrupted behind him and Aoshi looked behind in pure surprise. "Okina..." "Let's go," Okina urged and took the boy's hand, walking out of the huge dining chamber. "Demo... De..." Aoshi started but quickly silenced himself after a warning look from the middle-age man. While trying to keep up with Okina, he kept rubbing his empty stomach, as if trying to ease the hunger itself. With quickened steps, he strove to keep up with Okina's speed. "Aoshi," Okina said suddenly as he came to a halt as the duo stood under a shady tree. Turning around to face the boy, he asked, "Did you manage to eat anything just now?" "... Yes..." the boy replied after a pregnant silence and felt his stomach clench pitifully. *Okina already has so much work on his hands... I shouldn't bother him right?* Aoshi whispered secretly in his heart and looked down at the pavement leading to the courtyard unhappily. Okina heaved a heavy sigh. "I know you didn't get to eat anything just now judging by your red face... I could even see it from the end of the table," the man blurted out and shook his head slowly. "You were too busy talking with that girl... Beautiful and cute girl, ne? She is the daughter of one of our Onmitsu warriors," Okina grinned and reached into the inner folds of his robe. Extracting a small package, he shoved it towards Aoshi's bare hands. Aoshi looked up at him with questioning eyes as his fingers wrapped themselves around the cloth-wrapped bundle. "Open it..." Carefully, Aoshi began to unwrap the package with Okina smiling at him. "Okina, this is..." Aoshi began as a large single steamed rice ball peeked out from within the folds of the coarse fabric. He looked at the food quizzically before turning his attention to Okina. "This..." "This is for you. I knew you would be too distracted to eat anything with that brat of Hyobe's sitting nearby," Okina answered and gave the boy a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Now, eat this up quickly before anyone sees us." "Hai!" Aoshi agreed with newfound joy immediately and started stuffing the food down his throat. Okina looked at him with amusement, his heart experiencing a warm feeling. He hadn't experienced such emotions for a long time now... Since... since Ichiro died. With his eyes gluing themselves to the Aoshi face, he began reminiscing the past. *His* past. Faces of beautiful women and their seductive voices flooded his mind endlessly, like the water in a river which never stopped flowing. With days of pleasure and nights of passions, he had lived to enjoy such luxuries. Okina sighed softly and folded his arms. He had been very wild and carefree when he was younger and he too had his fair share of broken hearts, but now... he was concerned about the future of the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu. His body ached for a simple touch from a geisha too often, that he was still visiting teahouses and pleasure houses a few years back then. But he wasn't in the mood to go to such red light districts anymore. Things were getting difficult nowadays. The Ishin-shishi were winning battle after battle, the defense of the military regime was already starting to crumble. As for the Okashira, Okina knew that he was already too old to handle any missions. The leader never trusted anyone, including him. The Oniwabanshuu needed new blood. They needed a young leader, someone who could lead them effectively. *Ishin-shishi...* Okina's lips twisted into a wry smile. Perhaps it might be a good change, but his loyalty towards the Tokugawa shogun was already craved in his soul. Japan must accept new changes to meet the challenges of the modern world, but the shogun was too obsessed with beautiful women and kabuki actors to run the country properly. Treacherous subjects flooded the shogunate, each wanting to squeeze more money and power thus making the governmental structure weaker and weaker as days pass by. Deep inside his heart, Okina knew the Tokugawa shogunate was nearing its final days. The man quickly blinked away tears as thoughts of seeing the Edo castle being torched and pulled down by strangers crossed his mind. This also meant the Oniwabanshuu were heading for a very difficult period of time without financial support from the Shogun. The restaurant which Aoiya was currently running had already proved itself to be a poor source of income, only capable of supporting twenty men per month. Without the shogun's financial aid, their supply of food was getting considerably less and many of their servants and members had decided to seek new lives, instead of dying with the Oniwabanshuu. They chose to leave the Shogun's service. Okina spat angrily. Such men were useless. No honor, no loyalty. Okina knew he would never leave the Onmitsu to fend for itself. He had responsibility to make sure that this clan would continue to exist in the future. He had sold his life to the Shogun and to the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu clan and he would remain loyal to them until his last breathing second in this world. To show his loyalty, he had sacrificed many lives. Too many, in fact. *Including your own family,* a voice whispered in his head. Sometimes, Okina doubted it was worthwhile, but it was already a fact that he had no-one with whom to share his bed. Okina leaned somberly against the tree trunk behind him. Twenty years ago, he had a family, a very happy family. He was a proud father of a five year old, the proud father of Kashiwazaki Ichiro. He was a good husband to his wife, someone whom she could rely on. In short, he was a good man. But he failed them. He failed them just because he was too loyal. He looked at Aoshi again, watching the boy chewing on the last piece of the rice ball. He felt responsibility for the boy. Maybe he could act as a father to the poor orphan. Okina smiled wryly at that thought. *Ichiro-chan would be happy to have a new brother...* a soft voice hinted deep in his heart. He smiled to the empty air again as he stroked his short goatee, grinning happily. He saw the potential in the young boy. Aoshi was so energetic and he had a high level of intelligence for a child his age; but what Okina really wanted in a person was the willpower one possessed. Aoshi had a strong willpower to succeed. "Okina..." a child's voice called but the man remained still, his face sporting an idiotic smile as he delved deeper into his thoughts. Aoshi narrowed his eyes and shoved the older man softly. Still no response. "Okina..." Aoshi called again and he began tugging at the lower panel of Okina's haori. Okina broke out of his simple trance and looked at Aoshi with narrowed eyes. "What is it?" "Aren't we heading for the courtyard? I thought you promised to train me starting today..." Aoshi began and released his grip on Okina's clothes. "Yes, yes... Let's go," Okina grinned and gave the boy a gentle push before walking with the young boy along the garden path. --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ohayo Okina!" a loud voice greeted enthusiastically, causing Aoshi to look up in shock. In the distance, there was a well-built young man in his early twenties waving frantically at them. After seeing the man, Aoshi turned his head to gaze at Okina. The older man only responded with a slight nod of his head and continued walking. "Who is he?" Aoshi asked curiously. "Oh, he is our Okashira's only son," Okina answered curtly and smirked. "He is getting married soon." "Really?" "Yes. Don't ask so many questions," Okina sighed and began walking towards the far end of the wide courtyard. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Okina," another voice greeted politely. This time, it was a female voice and through Aoshi's eyes, he saw a tall woman with striking features handling a halberd as she greeted Okina politely. "Ohayo, pretty girl," Okina teased playfully and winked at her. The woman blushed and turned her head around as she began practicing some elaborate moves with her long weapon. Grinning widely, Okina proceeded to a deserted corner of the yard. Through his young eyes, Aoshi saw the interaction between Okina and the woman. *Strange...* Aoshi thought and continued walking. "Aoshi, sit down," Okina ordered when they came to a halt. There were two pieces of granite with flat surfaces embedded on the ground, one was slightly elevated while the other was considerably lower. Nodding once, Aoshi took his seat on the lower rock, shivering a little when the cool surface of the stone made contact with his body. Okina smiled and sat in a meditating pose on the higher stone. "Today, we are not going do any physical training. As I have always believed, the learning of theories behind a stance is the most important. Do you understand this point, boy?" Okina spoke and placed his hands in his lap. "Why is that so?" Aoshi asked, his blue-gray eyes showing genuine interest. "There is no power in throwing a punch when you don't know where your opponent's weak point is. There is no strength in kicking an enemy when you can't break through its defense. Last of all, you will get injured when your judgment isn't accurate," Okina answered, secretly laughing when he saw the confused look on Aoshi's face. "I..." "Don't understand, ne? You will, when we delve deeper into the circle of martial arts," Okina said and breathed in deeply. "Now, tell me your purpose in coming to the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu." "To seek revenge," came Aoshi's curt and sharp reply. "No, you are not here for revenge. No man would take revenge with considering about his own honor, and also the honor of the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu. You are here to learn about the ways of becoming a samurai. You are also here to understand the ways of life and also, to serve our shogun," the man voiced out evenly and he sucked in more air before exhaling slowly. "To learn about the ways of becoming a samurai," Aoshi repeated softly. Suddenly, memories of himself learning bushido flashed past his young mind. *A samurai...* Sometimes, Aoshi wished he wasn't born in a daimyo family. He was forced to learn and memorize the ten basic honor code of a true samurai, leaving him exposed to all the blood and gore. Closing his eyes, the young boy recalled those times when his father labeled him useless after his small hands didn't manage to lift a sword. It was different now. He was now learning bushido for his survival. Okina was kind to him and that made lessons a lot more enjoyable. Slowly, Aoshi began to concentrate on Okina's words once again. "To be a respectable samurai, you must master at least five budo and understand the ten concepts of bushido," Okina started, this time breaking out of the short trance which he induced himself into. "What are the five budo?" asked the boy, eager to learn more about the ancient military arts of Japan. "No, you have the wrong idea about five budo. A budo is a way of martial art. You must know that mastering one isn't easy. There are many budo available for you to learn, but it is impossible to master above ten of them. I, myself, only managed to master seven of them. As for Okashira, he had achieved the highest level for nine budo," Okina explained slowly as he stroked his short goatee. "What about the four tests? Are they connected to all this?" the young boy asked persistently. "Yes; in a way, yes. The four level test is important in our clan, each of them will drive you to the very extreme in your intellectuality, physical strength, judgment power and also, your endurance. To pass such a level is never easy, as passing each level is tougher than the one preceding it. At least, for the first three ones." "What are the four levels actually?" "The first level will be an in-depth test of your accuracy and judgment in very obscure cases. You must understand that the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu works for the shogun especially in the field of espionage. The ability to dissect and solve a problem is very important to all of us." Okina paused for a moment before continuing. "The second is on your ability to fight with your bare hands and also, your physical movements. Most of the Onmitsu Oniwabanshuu clan members are experts in kenpo, including me. As I have mentioned before, our main job is to gather information from the shogun's enemies and to sneak into a heavily guarded castle isn't easy. To walk on roofs noiselessly and to climb walls without ropes are special abilities we need to possess. Besides, we are responsible for the shogun's safety because we do act as bodyguards to him." "That means, the Oniwabanshuu is a ninja clan?" "No, we are not a ninja clan, although we do the same type of work basically. We don't sell our services to anyone except the shogun. We have pride in our jobs, instead of those hinin who would die for just ten copper coins!" Okina barked and glared at Aoshi sharply. "We are a samurai clan. In short, we are servants to the shogun. Our Okashira is in fact, a high-ranking samurai." "Gomen..." Aoshi mumbled, his eyes downcast. "Alright Aoshi, try not to apologize so often. Have confidence in yourself because you will need it when you get to the third level. In fact, I would say this level is the toughest of all. You will be placed in a make-believe mission to steal a concealed scroll in the Okashira's quarters. In fact, I don't think anyone has managed to pass this level in our one century of history. Either they come out dead, or they decided not to continue with it," Okina said and smiled a little, his heart feeling pity and sympathy for Aoshi's condition. "I'll be the first one to pass it," Aoshi declared in a determined tone and looked at Okina seriously. "I'll beat the odds." "We'll see, child. The fourth level would be the final one, the level which you have to demonstrate your skill in handling a weapon of your choice. Although it's better to train with a pre-determined weapon from the start, I'd recommend that you try out every single type before deciding on one. See my point, boy?" Okina asked, raising a brow in anticipation for Aoshi's answer. "Yes, to find one which I would be the most comfortable with," Aoshi replied and nodded. "I'm not very sure how Okashira is going to grade you in this level but I promise I'll do my best to help you, ne?" "Doumo, Okina," Aoshi smiled and gave the man a slight bow. "Alright, I'll show you your new friends than and I'll take you to our weapon department tomorrow," Okina suggested and stood up, with Aoshi following him. As Aoshi walked behind Okina, he could sense a rush of adrenaline pulsing through his veins. *Yes, finally a chance to take a sword with my own hands...* Aoshi whispered deep in his heart, his mind toying with the thought of gripping the smooth ebony sheath of a sword before drawing it with a single flowing movement. He grinned happily; his dream of becoming a successful swordsman was already materializing. But there was never an easy path to achieve one's hopes. Little did he know he was heading to a place where death was the only way out. Little did he know he would be forced to grow up too soon. Little did he know he would grow up to be a man who would never let his feelings show. He would be a man wearing a mask hiding his true self. An invisible mask. He entered this world of hatred and revenge with a child's footsteps, but exited with a man's strides. He had finally begun to embrace the sword. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's notes: 1. During the Tokugawa reign, a person cannot simply be invited into a clan. Clans are made up of: a) members by birth right b) outsiders who are adopted by male members The 'outsiders' stated here may be from another branch of the same clan or total strangers. In the pre-meiji era, even adults are 'adopted' freely. ^^; It wasn't until the Meiji Restoration when this practice was stopped. As for the four members who Aoshi recruited later, that is a different story. Aoshi has since then stopped the practice other than the fact that I'm going to kill that insane Okashira later. (source: some Japanese secondary school social science textbook... ^^; Gotta ask Kaguya for the title) 2. The way of keeping time in ancient Japan is rather strange and complex. Each day is divided into 12 periods, each period 2 hours. As for minutes and seconds, I have no idea. As for the scene where Okina instructed Aoshi to get dressed in 'half a stick of incense time', I got that idea from some samurai film I saw years back. ^^; Joss sticks (or incense) are made into thin long rods and were lit at one end. I'm not sure not about their other usages though. Maybe for some type of perfume in houses? 3. A teahouses is a disguise for a pleasure house *sometimes*. Prostitutes do live there and clients can pick them through a *menu*. =) (source: Susan) 4. I'm really, really sorry... I promised you guys about having more action in this chapter but it seems that my redrafting has went out of control. I have to push all those fighting/angst parts into the next chapter. Sorry! Vocabulary: doumo: informal form of 'thank you' haha-ue: mother (pre-meiji era) haori: a type of tradition Japanese costume. Something like a lab coat but without collars. hinin: Non-human. In the pre-meiji era, there are many castes and the lowest of all is the hinin group. Ninjas are considered to be hinin. tatami: a type of Japanese straw mat Copyright reserved 1999 W. Siew Lee All standard Rurouni Kenshin disclaimers apply to this fanfic. E-mail: Siew Lee [yume@hotohori.uhome.net] URL: http://hotohori.uhome.net UIN: #14025577 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- GRAB THE GATOR! FREE SOFTWARE DOES ALL THE TYPING FOR YOU! Tired of filling out forms and remembering passwords? 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