Standard disclaimers: We don't own Ruroken. We wish we did, but unfortunately Watsuki and some big name companies already have this privilege. Sorry for the delay...completely my (Mara's) fault. =^^= This chapter is going to be a little bit OOC, sorry, but I wasn't able to resist the idea. CHAPTER 6 With a mixture of fascination and scepticism Tokio observed how her brothers dressed in the light brown hakama and the typical haori of the Shinsen-gumi the next morning. Her wrinkled nose indicated that she still did not like the idea of her brothers joining the Miburo, but she obviously had chosen to keep quiet about it for now. Only as she saw Kenichiro placing all their belongings into a wooden transport box, she broke the silence. "What are you doing Keni? Why are you packing our belongings?" Her brother calmly continued his occupation. "We move to the Shinsen-gumi house today", he answered matter-of-factly, but nevertheless avoiding her eyes. "You should better prepare yourself for the removal." "What?!" Alarmed by the sharpness of Tokio´s tone, Michinori started to look concerned between his two siblings. Would he be forced to witness a fight between them that early in the morning or was there the slightest chance that one of them would give in? Attentively he watched Kenichiro sighing before he decided to fill his sister in at last. "What did you think, Tokio? Michi and I will fight with them and you can't stay here alone. We will share one room there till the decision about the marriage is made, meanwhile you can help in the household." Michinori evaded his sister's angry stare pretending that the tatamis had an interesting design at this certain place and Tokio instantly knew that this agreement had been settled longer ago. She tightened her hands in frustration and anger speaking her next words through clenched teeth. "And why didn't you tell me earlier?" With studied unconcern Kenichiro shrugged his shoulders; the last thing he needed now was a discussion with his sister. "Why should I have done so? Come on, Tokio, first you don't stop complaining about dosshouses like this for days and now you don't want to leave?!" She had to admit that he was right; she certainly didn't want to spent one more day than necessary here, but it was just too typical for her brother that he decided and settled everything before asking his siblings. This aspect of his character was so used to her that she didn't even bother to be annoyed. "I haven't said that I don't want to leave, but why didn't you tell earlier?" Once again Michinori stepped between his siblings and tried to clear the situation. "The agreement was settled with Kondou yesterday and when we came home we were occupied with Saitou-san, Takeda-san and you." What reminded Kenichiro of the next important fact. "Would you now have the great generosity to tell me what you have done with those two alone in our room?" Tokio felt her face redden. Her brother couldn't be serious! "I just talked to them! You can't judge like that!" "It was quite obvious how the inn-keeper judged, Tokio. But don't worry, there will be many opportunities in our new accommodation." The sneering and mocking in Kenichiro's voice touched and hurt Tokio deeply which didn't go unnoticed by Michinori. He embraced her and patted her back. "That is enough, Keni. Can't you see that you are hurting her?" Kenichiro sighed deeply. He just wanted to protect his beloved sister and he had already failed so many times in the past. His anger was born out of frustration due to his failures and all three siblings knew this. As he addressed his sister again, his voice was softer and calmer, begging for understanding. "I'm sorry, Tokio. You know that I'm only worried about you, don't you?" His sister's eyes were still flashed with hurt as she glanced over Michinori's shoulder at their older brother, but she knew Kenichiro's clumsy way to express his feelings too well. "Yes, I know." Kenichiro stepped closer and caressed Tokio's hair, placing a kiss on her forehead. "I just see history repeating itself and I don't want this to happen again, Tokio. This might be our last chance." Although being hindered by Michinori, Kenichiro cupped her face and forced her to look into his eyes. She responded to his stare calmly, letting him see her seriousness. "I told you that nothing happened!" "I'll trust you Tokio. But please don't ruin everything again." *** One hour later in the Shinsen-gumi-headquarters Wanting to pick up the new members for training, Okita entered the residential building on the area. He already heard them discussing with each other when he reached the corridor on which their chamber laid. Although he could not quite understand the topic of their dispute, he judged from the tone of their voices that it was nothing serious but merely the usual sibling quarrel that seemed to be so characteristic for this strange trio. A smile formed itself on his lips. A lively family, these Takemotos, indeed... Carefully he opened the door to their room, where Takemoto Kenichiro and his sister were standing in front of each other as if they wanted to begin a fight any moment, while their brother jumped around them, obviously trying to calm them down. "Tokio, for the one hundredth time, you CAN'T demand one more chest of drawers from them!" The eldest of the group was saying right now. "They will think that you are immodest!" His sister returned his angry stare defiantly, resembling him in her anger even more than usual. "Well, if I don't get some place for my clothing I will have to lay them openly in the room and then they will think of me as untidy. What do you think is worse, Keni?" Michimori smiled desperately as he interfered. "How long will you two still discuss about this? I'm sure we´ll get arranged somehow." The deep dark eyes of his sister began to burn dangerously. "Oh yes? With ONE chest of drawers for three persons?!" She snorted contemptible. "I really begin to wonder if all these Miburo don't have any other suit besides that uniform. If so, it's no wonder they only need one drawer!" At this point Okita cleared his throat loudly. The discussion stopped abruptly as the three siblings noticed his presence and the young captain registered that they needed some time to push their differences aside and focus their attention on him. "Okita-sama", the eldest of the group finally addressed him and bowed politely."We have already arranged ourselves and are ready for your orders." The young captain gave him a cheerful smile having heard the discussion before, inwardly wondering if this severe looking man ever smiled. "Good, then follow me. Saitou-san will come in a few minutes in order to pick your sister up." Obviously the young man in front of him was not very pleased by this prospects, but nevertheless he nodded in agreement. "Behave yourself, Tokio", was the only thing he said before reaching out for his swords. She chose to ignore him and turned towards Okita, an enchanting smile on her delicate lips. "Do you know where he intends to go with me?" she asked using her beautiful, very feminine voice. "I must admit that I´m a bit curious!" "I'm sorry." Okita gave the young woman a little smile. "By the way, I think it would be better to warn you. Saitou-san can be...difficult at times." Michinori chuckled easy-minded. "Then they are two of a kind!" Bewildered the young captain looked from him to his sweet and fragile looking sister, who cast her eyes down at the immodest behaviour of her brother. A second glance to the other of the brothers astonished him even more, for a clearly ironical expression laid in Takemoto Kenichiro's eyes. He glanced back at Tokio, obviously there was more to the girl than her beautiful appearance. Nevertheless he shrugged his arms. "We'll must go now. Good-bye, Takemoto-san and have a nice day." The girl looked up and once again Okita was confronted with the darkest eyes he had ever seen in his life, black and shielding all its owner's secrets very well from the out-world. "Thank you, Okita-san." As the young man left the room together with her two brothers, her eyes still rested on him, seeing the dark aura the others missed, feeling the presence of death, who had already reached out his hands for the young man. A sad little smile formed itself on her lips. Well, one day or the other all had to die. But was it easier for one person if he knew occasion and time of his death? Maybe yes, maybe no. It depended on the person she resumed. She, for herself, would prefer not to know... although, she added sarcastically, it was quite unrealistic to hope so regarding the gift she possessed. "Are you daydreaming, Takemoto?" Cursing her inattentiveness, Tokio turned slowly around. "Good morning to you, too, Saitou-san." The commander of the third unit was standing in the doorway and looking at her, the faint beginning of a smirk on his thin lips. Again she felt the odd attraction he woke up in her when her eyes glided over his stature. She could not quite figure it out, but there was something about this man that drove her inexorable towards him. "Are you ready?" he broke the magic of the moment. Tokio nodded and stood up. "Where are we going?" she demanded. A wicked smile appeared on Saitou's angular face. "You will get to know the most interesting parts of the city, Takemoto." A bit worried Tokio followed him out on the street, puzzled over this cryptic statement. Why didn't he want to tell? As they entered the streets, some young girls crossed their way, giggling and teasing each other like females their age used to, but when they became aware of Saitou's uniform, they stopped their mindless chatter, their eyes suddenly full of fear. Shyly the girls passed them, putting the most possible space between themselves and Tokio and the wolf, their heads lowered to the ground as if they were afraid of meeting Saitou's eyes. Tokio raised an eyebrow, but chose not to comment their strange behaviour. Although being responsible for Kyoto's safety, the Miburo did not seem to be very popular among the local population. Her dark eyes narrowed. With every passing hour, she disliked the idea that her brothers became part of the Shinsen-gumi more. Something about this organisation seemed to be wrong, judging from the reaction of fear and disdain they caused. "Saitou-san?" she asked after a while in a deceitfully sweet voice. "May I ask you a question please?" "I am in no position to hinder you from that", he returned, not even bothering to look directly at her. "What is it?" Fighting her urge to give him a lecture about manners, she hurried to his side. "Well, I am just worrying about my brothers. They are under your command so you would definitely be able to tell me a bit more about their new duties." Girlishly, she cast down her eyelids. "Please." Finally he turned towards her, his cold amber eyes studying her figure intensely. For one moment she wondered if he understood her attempt, but then he cleared his throat. "Their first duty will be to care for the safety of the population." Tokio couldn't help but wonder. When they were responsible for the safety, why were they hated and feared? This didn't seem to make sense. Saitou obviously noticed her thoughts diverting from his statements for he snorted shortly before he continued. "This means they will patrol through the city in larger groups to prevent crimes, escort important officials. Of course the protection of Kyoto is the highest aim." On the first look this didn't sound dangerous and was for sure no explanation for the reaction of the population. More important, it was for sure no aim their brothers would care for. While casting down her eyes modestly she continued her subtle questioning. "It really must be a great honour to be part of the Shinsen-gumi, huh? No wonder that my brothers were so eager to join you." He eyed her with a mixture of sarcasm and light amusement. "Takemoto?" "Yes?" "If you want to know why your brother wanted to join our organisation, why don't you simply ask them?" Staring dumbly at him, she suddenly realized that he comprehended her attempt completely from the beginning on. Being manoeuvred into an offensive position like that, she decided to let her mask fall down and met his gaze fearlessly. "They would never tell me and I want an answer to this question!" He raised an eyebrow laconically. "Unfortunately we can't get everything in life what we want." "YOU must know about this!" she returned cruelly. "You already had to discover the impossibility of being a Miburo and being loved by the people." "I don't care much for the people." Defeated, at least for the moment, she gave in and followed him in silence now. Her next attempts to make a little conversation were all futile. The wolf would only reply shortly or not answering at all. As if this was not bad enough, he was not leading her to the temples and shrines she had hoped to visit but to the most off the beaten track houses, ruined streets and quarters she had ever seen in her whole life. As far as she could see, he just walked aimlessly and haphazardly through parts of the city that weren't nice to look at during night, but that were even worse in broad daylight. It would not surprise her if the murderer from yesterday lived in surroundings like this! The first two hours were still bearable, but when he did not stop this mindless wandering after the third hour, she finally decided that it was enough. She would definitely not wasting her time by running after a man who seemed to be more interested in their surroundings than in her! Moreover she heard her stomach grumbling protestingly. If she really wanted to see something she had to take the initiative, but first she would have to satisfy her hunger. She stopped dead in her tracks and Saitou who had walked directly beside her registered it instantly. "What is wrong, Takemoto?" She noticed that he observed their surroundings especially the people in the street closely, but she was too footsore and fatigued to wonder about his cautiousness. "I am hungry, I want to eat something", she told him shortly. If he could be impolite, she for sure could be likewise! "How about stopping here?" He pointed to a wrecked stall directly ahead of them. An old woman with fatty hair that reflected in the sun-light sold some chicken-sticks. Just as Tokio looked in her direction she put some fresh meat on sticks, accompanied by a flock of blue-bottles she had startled. Feeling her face pale and registering the sneering in Saitou's eyes Tokio prevented a nasty comment in the last minute that she hadn't seen ANYTHING yet but dirt, endless rows of houses and narrow streets. At last she deserved a proper lunch now! But she was too tired for discussion and just turned on her heels and headed back. "I'll go to the Aoiya, you can finish your sightseeing tour without me, Saitou." "The Aoiya is in the other direction." Fighting her anger over the sarcastic mockery of his voice, she continued her path. "Well, the surroundings can't become more unwelcoming", she returned sweetly. "Wherever I go, it will be nicer than here." She could hear him murmuring something about women's stupidity, but - a triumphant smile appeared on her delicate lips - he approached her and pointed negligently into another direction. As she changed her course, his amber eyes scanned her intensely. "Do you always get what you want, Takemoto?" A small smile appeared on Tokio's delicate lips. "Of course." They continued their walk in silence before finally entering the street with the Aoiya in it and shocked about the sight Tokio stopped in the middle of the way. There was the man with the blue yukata! He just sheathed his sword, his victim lying in front of him. His victim was a samurai as she could tell from his hair, on his forehead was a kanji engraved: Betrayal. The blood from the wound ran down his face, disfiguring his features, they were unrecognisable. Tokio's eyes wandered down to his haori, to his family-crest.... it was her crest! The Takemoto-crest! Her look traced back to his face, it seemed familiar to her. Could it be... "Takemoto! I thought you were hungry." Distracted Tokio shook her head and the men were gone. The place where the victim had been lying was clean as if nobody had ever laid there. These visions were getting worse she resumed and shuddering she entered the Aoiya following Saitou. "Tokio!" Instantly Tokio was ambushed by Misao who had jumped up from her recess and ran towards her, hugging her. Tokio bend over to pick the little girl up and settled her hips. "Hello Misao!" Due to her good hearing she understood Saitou's grumbling. "Great. Lunch with a naughty woman and a brat." Tokio had to stifle a laugh, that was only fair after he had dragged her through half of Kyoto without showing anything interesting. They settled down in one recess and ordered their lunch, Misao on Tokio's lap suspiciously eyeing the guy who accompanied her. "Tokio?" "What is it Misao-chan?" Misao threw a furtive glance at the scary man and leaned forward to her friend's ear. "What are you doing this day?" Smiling Tokio recalled the morning she had spend running after Saitou and her smiled deepened. This was a good chance for a revenge. She observed how he hastily slurped his noodles and answered while keeping an eye on him. "I'll go shopping." He must have heard her but continued his meal impassive, he couldn't have one clue of the evil idea that formed inside her. "My brothers and Saitou-san" She nodded her head in his direction "are in desperate need of new clothes." Now he obviously had heard her because he paused a second before he concentrated back on inhaling his noodles. Thrilled Misao clapped her hands and enthusiastically she shared her knowledge. "Oh, I know a very famous dress-maker in Kyoto! Grandpa always buys his clothing there!" The thought of revenge still occupied Tokio's thoughts. "Really, kitten? This is great! Maybe you can show us the store?" Over-exited Misao jumped up "YIAHH! I'll ask Aoshi-sama." The last syllable wasn't died away and she had already vanished to the backyard. Slowly Saitou laid his chop-sticks aside. "We have no time for a shopping tour and for sure we have no need for this over-energetic girl in our company." Tokio put on her most winning smile, already knowing that it didn't work well with this wolf, but she didn't want to give in so fast. "NO TIME? For heaven's sake! We walked around for three hours, I have seen nothing except the maybe most wrecked houses and most dirty streets I have seen in my entire life." "You should spend more time in reality and less time reading romantic novels, Takemoto." This seemed to be the right time for one of her speeches and already knowing where to start she opened her mouth. "Tokio! Tokio!" Yelling Misao charged towards the young woman. "I can come with you." Sighing Tokio changed her plans and hugged Misao "Wonderful, cutie." From the corner of her eye she noticed Aoshi following Misao in his usual sedate way and exchanging an acknowledging nod with Saitou. Tokio felt even more suspicious by now; something was wrong about his place she could feel it and it had nothing to do with her gift. But then Aoshi turned towards her, capturing her with his icy gaze. "I don't see any reason to hinder Misao from going with you but she needs to be back in two hours", he explained in his deep silken voice. "It would be nice when you return her then." Tokio, like always enchanted by the young man's politeness, nodded in approval and took out her money to pay, she was instantly stopped by Aoshi. "You don't have to pay, don't worry about it." Nodding her consent, the young woman stood up. "Well, come on, honey, we'll must hurry so that you will be back in time." As she picked up Misao and settled her on her back, she realised once more the short, knowing glances Saitou and Aoshi exchanged. She lifted her chin challenging. Sooner or later she would discover the secret they shared and then she would definitely use her knowledge. As she stepped out into the broad light of the mid-days-sun, she had to narrow her eyes at the light. "This way, Tokio!" As Misao began to explain the way with visible cheerfulness, she cast a glance at the grumbling Saitou who passed her after a few steps, obviously not liking the idea of being guided by a child. An evil smile formed itself on her lips. Well, that would just be the beginning. The revenge was hers. Ignoring Saitou completely, she chatted easy-minded with the young girl on her back until she stopped in front of a small stall. "Here!" Misao exclaimed and clapped her hands. "That's it!" Casting a skilled glance over the displaced garments, Tokio instantly recognised their exquisite quality. "Thank you very much for being our guide", she thanked the girl while already letting her hand wander over one clothing, feeling the unique quality of the fabric. Misao moved excitedly on her back, while Saitou kept his impassive face and posture beside her. "See, Tokio? Over there! This is the one grandpa has!" Tokio stepped over and examined the very fine-stripped black-gray hakamas, Misao had pointed out. After a short glance at the man running the stall she picked the clothing up and unfolded it, deciding that it was exactly what she had wanted for her brothers. But the characteristic miserliness of all Osaka-inhabitants let her hesitate. With questioning eyes, she held the hakama out in front of Saitou. "What do you think?" Disparaging his lips twisted, he crossed his arms in front of his chest. "This is not my business." Casting a deadly glare at him for his uninterested behaviour, Tokio turned to the owner of the stall. "Do you have more of this quality?" Hastily he bowed and for the first time she noticed his unusual pale face, his trembling nervous hands and his incredible polite manners. "Of course." he bowed once more, busily searching through his boxes, only interrupted by more bowing and excuses. "Just one moment, Mylady." "Please, only one more second." Tokio raised her eyebrow at his manners. This poor soul was obviously short before a panic or a heart attack. But for what reason? When he finally found what he was looking for, his face was dark-red and he sounded breathless as he handed her some more hakamas, head bowed deep, he never lifted it to meet her eyes. "Here, Mylady." "How much are they?" "20 Yen each." Now the man's hands trembled even more, and Tokio swallowed. Kyoto seemed to prefer the expensive way of life, it seemed way different from Osaka. The owner must have felt her discomfort, for he quickly assured her "But for Mylady only 10 Yen." Yen signs appeared in Tokio's eyes "Deal. I'll take three." "THREE?" The owner and Saitou asked unbelieving unison. Innocently Tokio nodded. "Yes, three." She blinked at the astonished man behind the stall and sighed. "You have now idea how urgently we need them." Busily he took the money. "Maybe I could offer you something for your daughter, too?" He casted an unsure, insecure glance in Saitou's direction who stiffened at the comment. Tokio scarcely suppressed a laughter, the scales fell from her eyes. So he was the reason for the man's discomfort! Suddenly an idea popped into her head. If the vendors thought that she was the feared Miburo´s wife, she could definitely make the shopping of her life today! Quickly, before Saitou could clear the error, Tokio answered. "This would be fine, thank you." Misao giggled delightened on her back and visibly relieved the stall-owner picked up a pink yukata for small girls. Tokio smiled softly. "Do you like it, darling?" Excitedly Misao clapped in her hands. "Yeah!" The seller couldn't hide his smile as he wrapped the yukata and the hakamas into paper and handed it to Tokio, obviously thinking that this Miburo´s little daughter was just too cute. Tokio's smile widened. That was going better than she had thought. Turning around she spotted the next stall which attracted her attention: a sandal shop. This time she could clearly fell the stall-owners discomfort when she approached him, a grumbling Saitou behind her and an enthusiastic Misao on her back. "Good afternoon, please have a look, feel free to test what you want." The man offered his goods, his insecurity reflecting itself in his trembling voice. But Tokio had already made up her mind and picked up one pair of very elegant and most probably expensive sandals. "I would like to buy this pair, please." "They cost five yen." A triumphant light began to shine in her eyes. Like she had planned, the vendor had clearly went down in the price because of Saitou's presence. Oh that would be magnificent! Of course it was suspicious how much the Miburos were disliked and feared in this city, but, well, as long as it served her purposes... Giving the vendor an encouraging smile she paid him, but he still avoided her eyes and was only able to give her the package with trembling hands. Seeing a small fan on the package, Tokio´s smile made place for surprise. "For your daughter, Mylady", he explained quickly. "I hope she will like it." Again Misao giggled delighted, obviously pleased by being considered the daughter of pretty friend. Although Saitou stiffened beside her again, Tokio accepted the offer politely. What a great day! After nodding her good-bye to the man, she handed Misao the fan and the sandals. "Could you carry this, kitten? It is getting too much for me otherwise." "Of course." Seriously Misao grabbed the package and held the fan into the autumn breeze, giggling as it moved in the wind. "Are you done at last, Takemoto?" Saitou demanded to know, already walking in front of her back to the Aoiya. Tokio wrinkled her nose. First of all she was not in a mood to stop this thrilling shopping tour on which the vendors made everything so very cheap for her and secondly she really wanted to eat some grilled fish this evening. She doubted that the one she wanted to prepare was in store in the Shinsen-gumi headquarters. Arduously she kept pace with Saitou in front of her. "I still need to buy some fish." "I know where!" Misao interfered from behind. "I'm not taking the long way back to your home." Saitou growled threatening at the little girl, but she wasn't frightened by him anymore and she giggled at his serious features. "It is on the way back." She assured him, an innocent smile on her lips. Tokio smiled at the interaction of the two. They really resembled father and daughter somehow... *** The woman behind the fish counter sighed deeply. It had been a good day for her, nearly all her goods were sold and since the day was not over yet, she would sell the remains as well with a little luck. She just served the last customer when she noticed something light blue from the corner of her eye and quickly pretended not to notice him. It was one of those damned Miburo, who scared half Kyoto with their ruthlessness. Her nose wrinkled, these arrogant, self- confident men were the last ones she needed right now. But much to her surprise she noticed a young, graceful woman behind him, who was carrying a little girl on her back. This had to be a fata morgana, she shook her head to get rid of it. Who of these men would walk openly with his wife and his daughter by his side through the streets? But obviously her eyes hadn't fooled her, for as she looked once more into the direction they were still there, even worse, they were directly approaching her! Deciding to make the best of her misery, she put on a small welcoming smile "Welcome! May I help you?" The young woman gave her a charming smile that even underlined the exquisite beauty of her delicate features as she explained her wish to inspect the displaced fish and the older one relaxed. Visibly this wolf´s wife was a delicate, modest woman and her cute little daughter resembled her features astonishing well. Surely, the Miburo wouldn't harm her while his family was around, and she didn't have the impression this dark-eyed beautiful flower in front of her would appreciate bad manners. "I'll take ten of these." Interrupted in her train of thought, the fish-lady turned her attention back on business. "A very good choice, Mylady! You are lucky, normally I don't have much of them." A warm smile spread over the beautiful features. "Oh, thank you. It seems that I'm experiencing very much luck today." Quickly the fish was wrapped and exchanged with the money. When it passed the counter the fish-lady realised the longing glance the young girl casted at the small, dried fish she sold to nibble.This might be a good opportunity to be good friends with the Shinsen-gumi and so she picked up a small package, offering it to the child. "Here, cutie, for you!" Exited the girl took the fish and thanked her, her huge blue-green eyes shining with joy. The fish-lady barely suppressed a smile. What a cute little girl; she obviously came after her mother. She cast a last glance at the man standing beside them; he didn't make one movement, seemed to be completely impassive. As his wife turned towards him and said something, he barely raised an eyebrow and did not return her loving smile. Inwardly she shrugged her shoulders. Well, how did it come that this cold man had such a wonderful, warm wife? *** "Oh, that has been a wonderful day!" Tokio exclaimed enthusiastically. "Never in my whole life before I was treated like this on the market. Splendid!" "And so many gifts!" Misao agreed excited. "When will we go to the market the next time?" Saitou flicked her a slightly contemptuous glance. "Most probably never. You don't actually think that I will go through this charade a second time, do you?" Totally unimpressed by his cold tone, Misao giggled delightfully. "But everybody thought that I was your daughter! Wasn´t that funny?" "Your taste of humour isn't quite compatible with mine, brat", the wolf returned dryly. When he noticed Tokio's amused expression, he raised an eyebrow. "What is so funny?" Tokio´s smile widened. "To be quite honest: You." An idea suddenly popped into her head. "I think you would be a wonderful father, Saitou!" He obviously considered this statement too stupid to deserve an answer for he continued to walk on in silence. Suddenly he stopped. "I think they are already waiting for you, Misao, so hurry up." Tokio followed his stare and discovered Okon and Omasu waiting right in front of the Aoiya. "Oh, Saitou´s right, Misao-chan. We better hurry up." Misao laughed. "Okay!" Climbing down from Tokio's back, she gave her keepers a last bright smile. "Thank you for everything! You two are soooo nice!" After returning the girl to the two women, Saitou and Tokio went home in agreeable silence. "Saitou?" Tokio suddenly asked. "Misao-chan had been right. I think it was a splendid day!" After all, she had had her revenge, so she could as well be generous. The wolf at her side just shrugged his shoulders. "Well, it beats boredom anyway." Suppressing a smile, Tokio nodded her goodbye and entered the Shinsen-gumi house gracefully. The day would come when she would force him to express his feelings for once, and if she had to die in order to achieve this! When she returned to her room, her brothers were already waiting for her, thanks Gods too tired and too hungry to ask her about her day. After preparing and eating the fish, they instantly went to bed and fell into sleep like stone. Only Tokio was not able to sleep. Her black eyes, matching the darkness of the night easily, stared at the ceilings. Making Saitou Hajime expressing his feelings. Certainly a quest! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To be continued... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- started: May 5th 2002 finished: May 17th 2002 posted: May 21th 2002