Chapter 3 - Familiar stranger


  

“Hey,” called one of the many people surrounding a black pot over fire. “you hungry yet?”


The old man who leaned against the wall with Enishi grinned wide-toothed. Dinner was about to be served. The locals in Rakuninmura, learn not to ask Enishi about anything, nor even attempt to converse with him, for he never and would never accept anything of their kind. His three meals were self-dependant on one way or another, he always had more decent food to eat. 


“What is it tonight?” asked the old man, walking to the crowd to take a peek. “boiled rubbish again?”

he said with no offence intended, but they could tell he was also happy about it. After all, who would over a burning pot of stale vegetables with stewed rats and other insects mixed with drain water? Health was always a problem there, and many got sick, especially children. The old man was considered to them as their leader, who always maintained stability there, whether it was fights over living territory, or children needing money to see the physician. They owed plenty to him, but never knew where he got his resources from. He was surely a special insane old angel. 

“I got something special for you all tonight!” he said enthusiastically, dancing around as he talked. The people stopped from their grabbing and snatching and looked up to their benefactor. ‘Continue...’ they signalled. 

“Something special, something special!!” he spinned around, closer to the amused Enishi this time. He wondered again if he was really related to the clown in front of him. But nevertheless, he was the figure of hope and joy in Rakininmura. “Real food.” he looked down at him, then said in a softer tone such that only Enishi could hear. “I suppose I owed you this for a long time ne? Sorry.” 


The mansion was huge, much like ones another disciple of Kaoru - Yutarou, had. Indeed, the groom’s family was wealthy, the reminder cause anxiety to the bride who was trembling in fear then. Kaoru placed a comforting arm around Miko, whilst the rest lit smiles along the way, Sano’s being the intention of ‘I’ll bash them up if they reject you!’. However throughout the journey, Yahiko and Kenshin were silent, both deep in thought. To Yahiko, this was an outing which would bring them to a far place, almost touring round Tokyo. And though he tried to dismiss it, the thought of running into Enishi again would be a dreaded one, now that everyone had settled their lives in peace. Would he want revenge again? Had his skills improved enough to defeat Kenshin, who due to health problems may not performance the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu to it’s best? He looked out the window warily, gaining a more confirmed suggestion to Kenshin that something was amiss. Was Saitoh back? Who did Yahiko saw? Is it a dangerous creature that would threaten their happy lives again? 

‘There must be a reason he’s not sharing this with anyone.’ thought Kenshin to himself.


The chandelier superbly lit the European-styled hall where many danced to westerned classical music. Golden-coloured satin curtains draped from high ceilings that reached to the ground, sprawled on the smooth floor one can see reflection from. It was a lovely sight that proved only the rich could afford. Miko bowed her head lower in worry and embarrassment, she has never been here before and was taken aback by such beyond her wildest dreams. The rest were staring in wonder at everything they seen, heard, and now coming in contact with.

“Yahiko, don’t you dare go near that.” Kaoru pulled his shirt before he came close to risk crashing the large piece of china, at the same time yanking Sano’s bandana not letting him wander off. As for Kenshin, she held on to his hair for company. 

“Let’s go,” she winked at Miko. “I can’t wait to meet the lucky guy!” 

A servant who recognised the bride-to-be led the way to a room across the hall, where they would meet those who’ve been waiting eagerly. “Are you ready?” Miko’s brother asked and squeezed her shivering hand. “Don’t fret, I’m here.” she nodded and took the first step. The crowd graciously made way, some even bowing at the stunning sight that lay before their eyes. She captured attention from the moment she entered, drawing them with humble poise, indirectly gaining more praises. One could only wish the groom would give her all that she should deserve. 

The solid wooden door opened without a creak to a spacious room with a few chairs and tables, perfect for holding a meeting or conference. But this was a important occasion, for seated in two chairs were an old couple, behind the back of a young man suspected to be the groom. He had his eyes on a painting on the wall and seemed not to know anyone entered. That is, until his parents spoke.

“Welcome,” the lady said in a friendly tone. “you must be Miko Nuroshi.”

Miko nodded and smiled in return. Kaoru could tell she was struggling to keep calm, yet she was far from it.

“Come closer and let me have a look at you.” beckoned the mother again. But before she took another step, the one behind spoke in a tone too familiar to Kenshin.

“So we meet again, Mr. Himura.”

He froze and put a hand tightly around the hilt of his sword.