Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Standard disclaimers apply.

By: Shinomori Aoshi

Shadows of the Oniwabanshuu

Shadows ran across Aoshi’s troubled memories. In the corner of his mind’s eye, he could see the dark memories which kept haunting him. His four warriors, Hanya, Beshimi, Hyottoko, and the fat man. That dark night almost a year ago . . .

They all died protecting me. They didn’t deserve it. Yet if it weren’t for them, I would not be sitting here now. Because of them I had a chance to see my Misao grow up. But on the other hand, I would have also told Takeda Kanryu to spare them and take my life instead. Life is confusing. But I can’t change the past. I already have what I want but only one thing is missing. If only I knew that that bastard Takeda would turn against me, Aoshi thought to himself.

Just then, Misao came in. "Hi, Aoshi-sama. How about we go fishing?" Misao suggested, grabbing Aoshi’s arm and pulling him out to the lake.

Look at her, Aoshi thought to himself. Hanya and the others have passed away yet she still retains her energetic personality. I guess I just don’t understand when people say that life doesn’t end even though somebody dies. I wish I could be more like Misao.

"Aoshi-sama, I got a big one," said Misao cheerfully. In her mind she still treasured the memories of the Oniwabanshuu, yet she had managed to put them behind.

"Misao," Aoshi said to her softly.

"What is it?" asked Misao.

"Nothing," said Aoshi, "Let’s go."

Misao noticed Aoshi’s emotions even though he hid them deep inside. She knew just how Aoshi felt, no matter how hard he tried to keep them hidden. She only wished he would open up to her and tell her what was on his mind. She hated seeing him so unhappy.

Elswhere, in jail, Takeda Kanryu was planning his escape. But more importantly, planning his revenge on Aoshi. He tackled the guard and took the key. Then he broke out of his cell. He proceeded to the armory and took his machine gun and ran out of jail. He was going to kill Aoshi and the other Oniwabanshuu ninjas like he killed Hanya and the others. He wanted Aoshi to re-experience the pain from the death of his loyal warriors.

"First I will kill all that you love, and then I will destroy you," he muttered.

Aoshi then started to remember again that fateful day, Kanryu machine gunned his four warriors, even with an ice cold heart like Aoshi’s, that was the day he shed tears for his loyal warriors who risked their lives to protect Aoshi. At least they had proven themselves dedicated to protecting Aoshi to the death.

Just then, the members of the Oniwabanshuu stepped in. "We heard you were going through something. We’re sorry Aoshi, but Hanya and the others are dead and we can’t change what has already happened," said Misao, comforting Aoshi.

"If only I could have done something, they would be here with us right now," said Aoshi, a drop of water fell from his eyes.

Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice. It said, "No, Aoshi, you can’t change anything. I’m going to kill you now, once and for all!" Then Takeda Kanryu barged in and pointed his machine gun at Misao.

Aoshi stood up and faced Kanryu with the murderous look in his eyes. "What do you want?" Aoshi demanded, clutching his kodachis.

"I will finally have my revenge, Aoshi," sneered Takeda.

"Revenge?!" Aoshi exclaimed. "You started all of this!"

Kanryu grinned. "Of course I did." Then he began to laugh.

Without a word, Aoshi began to laugh with murder in his eyes. Then he performed his Kaiten Kenbu.

"I wouldn’t do that," Kanryu sneered. "One wrong move and I shoot Misao!"

Aoshi laughed. "I could care less what would happen to Misao." Then Aoshi ran his sword through Kanryu several times, and then, slowly, Takeda Kanryu collapsed dead.

"Aoshi!" Misao ran to Aoshi and slapped him hard. "Do you have any idea what you just did?"

"I’m sorry you had to see that, Misao, but he deserved it. Let’s go home," said Aoshi, returning to his normal self.

On the way home, Misao asked Aoshi, "Back with Takeda, did you really mean what you said, that you could care less of me?"

Aoshi smiled at her. "Of course not, Misao. No matter what happens, I don’t know what I would do without you."

Started and ended: 08/04/99

First Fanfiction ever completed.

Edited: 08/04/99

Edited by: Angela B. Serrano