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Just when I left town for a little while the mazoku suddenly attacked the High Temple! Considering the danger, it might have been okay to run away, but Kenshin and the others were trapped inside a pocket universe, and I still wasn’t in the best condition! I had to try a dangerous technique I could barely control!
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Kaoru and her friends could only stare helplessly as Hyoko reeled Prince Okina up in monstrous spider-silk. “We’ll take him if you don’t mind,” Kaiou declared. “If you wish him back, then be prepared not to flee from us!”
“Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu – Ryuu Shou Sen!” Kenshin launched himself toward Kaiou – but his prodigious leap fell short. Kaiou’s laughter echoed in the hollows of the dome.
“Jiiya!” shrieked Misao.
Okina’s tonfa clattered to the floor.
“They disappeared,” Yahiko breathed.
“Uncle Okina,” Soujirou whispered.
“Brother…” murmured Anji. “Just what is going on?”
Kenshin dropped to his knees.
“Kenshin!” cried Kaoru.
He smiled at her. “Daijoubu de gozaru yo.”
“No you are not all right!” Kaoru snapped, helping him to his feet. “We’ve got to get your wounds healed! Misao!”
“Kaoru Kamiya.” Aoshi looked up from tending his own wounds, slight though they were compared to Kenshin’s. “Is what you said earlier true?”
“About me being their real target? I’m pretty sure of it. In spite of what Kaiou says, he sent two mazoku to kill me.”
“You have caused trouble for mazoku in the past de gozaru yo,” Kenshin murmured.
“I don’t think that’s why he’s after me, though,” Kaoru frowned.
“What do you mean?” asked Aoshi.
“I’m not really sure. But Kaiou has an agenda, and somehow I’m a threat to it.”
“We’ll have to take the initiative this time,” Aoshi went on. “With your new technique…”
“Ragna Blade?” Kaoru exclaimed. “Forget it! Even with the amplification, I could only summon it for a second or two, and could hardly control it at all. It was all right against that barrier – but against an enemy that can move and counterattack, I’d never be able to use it.”
“So your abilities still have not returned de gozaru ka?” Kenshin asked.
“Some, but not all. It looks like the only way to completely unseal my techniques is to defeat Hyoko. So we’ll just have to find a way to win using what I can do.”
“Misao-sama!” A breathless maid burst in. “Lord Anji has just made an announcement that he is abdicating his claim to the throne!”
They rushed to the window. Below, in the square, a herald was reading a proclamation stating that Anji renounced his claim to the throne of Seyruun, in order to take responsibility for having brought the mazoku Kaiou and Hyoko to the court.
“Oro?” Kenshin blinked. “Then if anything happens to Okina-dono…?”
“Soujirou still has a claim, but this weakens it,” Misao said, staring at nothing. “And since my sister disappeared, the only other direct heir is…” Her voice trailed off.
“Hey, wait a minute,” Yahiko said. “We thought Anji was doin’this to grab the throne. But if he’s steppin’aside, then…”
“Something else must be going on,” Kaoru whispered.
“Am I being clear?” Anji demanded of the assembled guards and palace servants. “Investigate any place that seems suspicious! We have to find my brother at any cost – and find Kaiou as well!”
“Right after he renounced his claim to the throne he started organizing search parties like he really meant it,” said Misao. “But Soujirou said that Uncle Anji was…”
“We can’t be sure Anji-dono is sincere in his actions de gozaru yo.” Kenshin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Sessha thinks it would be wise to have another talk with Soujirou-dono.”
But the smiling youth was nowhere to be found.
“Soujirou’s gone?” Kaoru asked.
“That’s right,” Misao informed them. “He’s not on the palace grounds, and he’s not at his mansion in town either.”
“Then where could he have gone?” asked Aoshi.
“Maybe he went to his country house. It’s not far outside the walls. We can check there.”
When Kaoru and her friends entered Soujirou’s country house – a cluster of low buildings around a central courtyard, with a tower in one corner that gave it a vaguely monastic air – they found it dark and silent. “Soujirou!” Misao called. The name echoed in the bare entrance hall.
“Come on.” Kaoru led them deeper inside the house.
They found Soujirou in the third building they searched, which had been fitted as an impressively well-appointed dojo. He was practicing sword forms beneath a life-sized statue of Shishio the Red Priest. “Welcome,” he smiled, unsurprised. “I thought you would come here.”
“Meaning you’ve heard that your father has renounced his claim to the throne,” Kaoru stated.
“Of course.” The smile grew even brighter.
“So what’s going on?” Kaoru demanded. “According to what you told us, if Anji was the one behind the plots against Okina, he wouldn’t have abdicated!”
“Exactly.” Soujirou turned to place his shinai in the rack. “My father can be quite frustrating sometimes. Here I’ve practically handed him the throne, and he refuses it with no thought of anyone else’s feelings in the matter.”
“What?” Misao jumped to her feet. “What are you talking about?”
“He’s the one behind it,” Kaoru announced. “He came up with the whole plot in order to take the throne for himself.”
Soujirou beamed. “That’s right.”
“I never quite believed that Anji was the plotter, but after those attacks you staged on yourself I never suspected you.” Kaoru nodded.
“Why de gozaru ka?” Kenshin wondered. “You study the way of the sword – you must know that real power comes from discipline and training. Yet you plotted to murder your uncle and discredit your father. Why is power so important to you?”
“I think I can guess,” muttered Yahiko, staring at the statue of the Red Priest.
“It’s the duty of the weak to submit to the strong,” Soujirou replied with a bright smile. “And the strong deserve to rule over the weak. My father would have continued Uncle Okina’s conciliatory policies toward our neighbors – even aggressive ones like Furinkan. But once I’m in charge, Seyruun shall become an even more powerful kingdom, and we will bring peace to the world in the only way possible. Through strength!”
“You just want power for your own selfish ambitions!” snapped Misao. “That’s unforgivable!”
“What else is there?” Soujirou asked. “The strong rule and the weak submit. Anyone who doesn’t understand that is a naïve fool.”
“The greatest strength is not found in violence or domination,” Kenshin told him. “The strongest ruler is one who creates an era where ordinary people can live their lives in peace.”
“Feh,” jeered Yahiko. “This guy ain’t strong. Not if he needs a couple of mazoku to do his dirty work. Just like his precious Red Priest, can’t do anything on his own. Betcha couldn’t survive a week without servants and bodyguards and henchmen.”
In an eyeblink, Soujirou had snatched a blade from the rack and crossed the room. He struck Yahiko with the sheathed sword and sent him flying into the wall. “Don’t underestimate me!”
“Yahiko!” cried Kaoru.
“I’m okay.” The boy picked himself up. “Che, how’d he move that fast?”
“Shukuchi.” Kenshin stepped forward.
“Huh?” Yahiko blinked.
“Speed that surpasses divine speed,” Kenshin explained. “It springs from initial to top speed and penetrates your opponent’s range in an instant. To someone who isn’t a swordsman, it looks as though the distance between the two fighters had suddenly shrunk.”
“Oh, you know it?” Soujirou asked with a happy smile. “Even among swordsmen, not many do.” He blurred into motion again.
Kenshin sprang into the air and whipped his blade around. There was a clang of steel, and both men came to rest on the wooden floor. Kenshin was breathing hard. His kimono was slashed across the back, and blood stained the worn pink fabric a deeper red.
But it was Soujirou who seemed upset. “That’s strange,” he murmured. “I thought I had you.” For the first time, he wasn’t smiling.
“You can’t even kill someone who won’t kill people?” Kaiou and Hyoko appeared, floating gracefully down from the ceiling.
“Kaiou!” Soujirou cried.
“What did you two do with Jiiya?” yelled Misao.
“Ah, Prince Okina.” Kaiou smirked. “Prince Soujirou ordered us to kill him. However, we of the mazoku have our own purposes.”
“Your own purposes?” Soujirou repeated. “I couldn’t care less about your purposes! By the terms of our contract, you’re sworn to obey me!”
“Yes I am,” Kaiou acknowledged with a bow. “Therefore, I have no choice.”
Hyoko stepped forward and extended a hand. Energy whipped from his outstretched fingers. Soujirou leaped backward, but the bolt caught him across the chest. He flew across the room, smashed into the wall, and slid to the floor in a slowly-spreading pool of blood.
“Soujirou!” Misao ran to her cousin’s side.
“What’s up with that?” Yahiko blinked. “I thought mazoku had to obey their contracts!”
“We do,” Hyoko explained. “But Soujirou’s contract was with Kaiou, not with me. We planned from the beginning to betray him. You don’t think mazoku would swear allegiance to someone like him, do you?”
“In the end, all he did was play into our hands,” Kaiou went on.
“You’re despicable!” Aoshi snarled.
Misao held her hands over her cousin’s body, directing healing energy into the gaping slash in his chest.
He placed his hand on hers. “Don’t bother,” he whispered.
“Sou…”
“I’d only be… executed. This way… is better.”
“No…” Misao whispered. But he was right. She knew it. There was no way Soujirou’s treason could go unpunished.
The ghost of his old smile touched Soujirou’s lips. “Maybe… Himura-san is right… about true strength. You… create that era… ordinary people… living their lives…” His eyes closed and his hand dropped to the floor.
“Soujirou!!”
“Just what are you up to?” Kaoru demanded. “Wasn’t your plan to rule Seyruun from behind the scenes?”
“True,” Replied Hyoko. “Our original plan was to put Soujirou on the throne and then secretly rule Seyruun.”
“However, Kaoru Kamiya,” Kaiou added, “that was only until you and the Battousai arrived!”
Hyoko’s eyes suddenly glowed white, and the whole house began to shake.
“Is it an earthquake?” Misao wondered.
“No, they’re doing it!” Aoshi declared.
Slowly, the mansion and its grounds rose into the air.
“This is the simplest way to keep you from running away,” Kaoru stated. “You have two choices now. Join us – or die.”
“Don’t do it, Kaoru-san!” cried Misao.
“What are you thinking!?” Kaoru exploded.
“The day you arrived in Seyruun, my master, Amakusa the Demon Dragon King, gave me orders to kill you,” Kaiou explained.
Kaoru took a step back. “Amakusa… the Demon Dragon King?” she squeaked.
“Who?” Yahiko rubbed the back of his head. “Never heard of him.”
Kaiou and Hyoko both facefaulted.
“Amakusa is one of the five servants of the Dark Lord Shabranigdo,” Kaoru explained. “He’s the one who gives his power to the Amakusa Flare… but why me?”
“In the beginning we tried to follow his orders and kill you,” Kaiou went on. “But we changed our minds when we saw that technique of yours.”
Kaoru blinked. “The Ragna Blade?”
“If we use such a technique we will become even more powerful.”
Kaoru gave him her cutest smile. “Sorry, but I don’t intend to join up with any mazoku!”
“Way to go, Kaoru!” cheered Yahiko.
“Don’t sell your soul to evil!” begged Misao.
“I see,” Kaiou murmured. “Well, how about this in exchange?” He gestured – and the figure of Prince Okina hung in the air, unconscious and wrapped in spider-silk, ready to be devoured.
“Jiiya!” Misao screamed.
“That was why you kidnapped Okina?” Aoshi took a step forward. As usual, no emotion showed on his white marble face – except in the fire of his ice-blue eyes.
“All we’re after is more power,” agreed Kaiou.
“I see,” Kaoru murmured. “So that’s why you’re not only trying to take control of Seyruun, but the Sorcerers Guild in Atlas City too? What are you two really after?”
“It appears I’ve said too much already,” Kaiou replied. “So, Kaoru Kamiya. Will you swear allegiance to my master? Or will you abandon this man to his fate?”
What should I do? Kaoru asked herself. I can’t let Okina die, but…
“You haven’t made up your mind yet?” demanded Kaiou. “In that case, why don’t I make things more uncomfortable for him?” He gestured, and a bolt of blue fire shot toward the unconscious prince.
“Jiiya!” screamed Misao.
But Kaiou’s attack never reached its target. A tall, gaunt figure in a police uniform materialized in front of Okina and deflected the bolt with his sheathed katana.
“What the…?” Kaoru blinked.
“Fujita!” Aoshi exclaimed.
“You…” Hyoko swore.
“Ahou,” Fujita growled. “Mazoku should have more pride than to take hostages.”
“What did you say?” Kaiou hissed.
“What are you doing here?” demanded Hyoko.
“That’s a secret, ahou,” Fujita snapped. “I’ll take care of Prince Okina. The rest of you… should do as you like.” He smiled, a wolf’s grin that did not reach his eyes.
“In that case, we won’t hold back!” Kaoru replied.
“Right!” agreed Misao.
Damu Bras!
She made her own exit from the mansion. Kaiou and Hyoko fled through it – with Kaoru and her friends in pursuit.
Once they were outside the mansion, the shaking they had felt earlier was explained. The entire grounds of Soujirou’s country estate had been torn away from the earth and now floated high above the holy city.
“We’ve come too far to let you stop us now,” Kaiou told them.
“You haven’t forgotten the beating we gave you before, have you?” purred Hyoko. “Besides, do you think you can defeat me while your abilities are still sealed away?” He shifted into spider-demon form. Kaiou also shifted shape, into something grotesquely long arms, still dressed in a parody of a priest-mage’s robes.
“They’ve taken their true forms!” Yahiko blurted.
“Don’t assume we’ve shown you our true strength.” Aoshi drew his kodachi.
“Now that we know what you’re really up to!’added Kaoru.
“Justice will triumph in the end!” exclaimed Misao.
Kenshin drew the Sword of Light. “We shall fight you seriously de gozaru yo.”
“You’re pathetic!” snapped Hyoko, and threw a sphere of purple energy at them. They leaped out of the way.
In spite of what we say, taking on two mazoku can be pretty tricky! thought Kaoru. First of all, take them down one at a time! Go! She charged at Hyoko, bokken raised.
“Nothing but talk!” Hyoko grabbed the bokken and flung Kaoru away from him.
“Kaoru-dono!” cried Kenshin. “You must be careful de gozaru yo!”
Elmekia Lance!
Kaiou dematerialized a split second before Misao’s attack struck him. Quick as thought, he tossed another of the destructive purple spheres at the princess.
Astral Vine!
Aoshi’s twin kodachi were there, deflecting the purple sphere back to its source. The blades pulsed with dull crimson light.
Kaiou blinked. “Enchanted swords?”
Flare Arrow!
Kaoru didn’t really expect her attack to damage Hyoko. The spider-monster could and did dematerialize before the blazing sphere reached it – but just as Kaoru intended, Hyoko rematerialized within reach of Kenshin’s sword. Unfortunately, its reflexes were quick enough to avoid the strike.
“Get angry!” Hyoko cheered. “Anger – fear – aggression – these are the sources of a mazoku’s power! Become the Battousai for me!”
“Even with the Sword of Light, sessha…” gasped Kenshin.
“My most powerful techniques are still sealed!” Kaoru replied. Aoshi and Misao have their hands full with Kaiou… I don’t know how long we can last!
Kenshin deflected a barrage of small energy bolts. “Daijoubu de gozaru yo.”
“What have we got to lose?” Kaoru grinned. “Let’s go!”
Fireball!
The blazing orb curved wide of its mark, then hung spinning for a moment in front of Hyoko’s face. Kaoru raced forward, bokken raised. Then, at the last possible moment, Kenshin leaped up from behind her.
“Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu – Ryuu Tsui Sen!” Kenshin dropped like a stone out of the sky.
“Fool!” Hyoko swatted him aside. The sword flew from his hand.
“Sou de gozaru yo.” Kenshin picked himself up, and retrieved… Kaoru’s bokken.
“What?” Hyoko blinked. “That’s not the Sword of Light!”
Fire...
The mazoku spun around to deal with what he thought was a point-blank magical attack… just in time for a bar of blue-white radiance to skewer him through the chest.
“My special techniques may be sealed, but I can still use the Sword of Light!” Kaoru grinned.
With a final disbelieving, despairing cry, Hyoko’s body collapsed into a pile of dust.
“Impossible,” whispered Kaiou, staring at his partner’s destruction.
“Kaoru-san!” cried Misao.
Kaoru handed Kenshin back his blade. “Even though we didn’t set it up ahead of time, you could tell what I was thinking, right?”
“Sessha has been traveling with Kaoru-dono for a while now,” Kenshin admitted, rubbing the back of his head.
“That’s so cool!” Misao enthused. “You two must have isshin-denshin!”
“Isshin-denshin?” Kaoru recoiled, making a gesture to ward off ill fortune.
“Oro?”
“You two?” hooted Yahiko.
Kaiou blinked. “Ano…”
Kaoru turned to him. “All right, Kaiou. Now it’s your turn.”
NOTES, EXPLANATIONS ETC.
It seems like I’ve been stuck on this chapter forever! But I finally figured out what to do with the Soujirou-Kenshin fight. Anyway, don’t mourn for Sou-chan, you’ll find out next chapter what happened to him.
One more chapter of pretty serious stuff, then we’re off into the realm of silly again for a while.