ito_kashitaro:

I stand on the platform and watch the train disappear into the shower of snow that's been growing heavier since Toshiro and I arrived at daybreak.  I wonder if he'll make it back to San Francisco on schedule of if the weather will prove to be a problem.

I still can't believe he came here after all this time. I t was sad really to have him be so stoic so devoid of spirit or purpose--even when his purpose used to be his intent to vex me with every breath.

He simply showed up at my door a few days ago greeting me with a surly  "You should be happy now. Shu is out of my life. I killed him."

And though I doubted he'd ever admit it to himself it was clear that my son had lost a piece of himself as  well. There wasn't much I could say beyond "You're an Itou. You'll carry on and prosper."

Perhaps that was the reason he'd come. To prove to himself that he'd go on alone as I have since the day Takeda Kanryuusai disappeared from this town and my life.

*sigh*

I pull the wool overcoat tighter around me and step back into the station. I wonder where I could get a decent cup of tea at this time of the morning.

ito_kashitaro:

I feel the warmth of sun on the right side of my face and on the left something cold, sticky. My head is killig me and I reach up to touch the residue of..."Blood?" I whisper moving my hand so I can see my fingertips.

( What happened? )

Well, my I'm so far out of the loop I need to be hit with a BIG cluestick. Hopefully Itou will figure out what's goi on eventually...

sagara_souzou:
The first songs of the birds brings me to an awareness that dawn is about to break or already has. I'm not sure which and the dull throb in my head leaves me doubtful I want to open my eyes to find out. Damn whiskey. I don't have to see anything to know where I've spent the night, however. My body screams its displeasure in aches and pains brought on by sleeping on yet another less-than-accommodating, makeshift bed. The war has made me an old man at the ripe age of thirty-two… thirty-one if I care to adopt the Americans' way of figuring it. Right now, I think I warrant the extra year.

As the fog of sleep lifts from my thinking, I remember the night. I'm not certain of exactly how or all I feel about it. There was nothing wrong with what Eli and I did, at least not to my way of thinking, and it was an experience that will always be a fond memory. But with the dawn of a new day, in the harsh light of reality… I've lived long enough to know what magic the moon and the stars can weave, especially on two lonely souls. And I know much depends on Eli.

The sun must not be up yet. There's a crispness to the air, coolness waiting to be warmed by the life-giving light, and I pull my kimono closer around me, not ready to face whatever may come. Eyes still closed, I snuggle into the softness of the silk, ignoring the painful stiffness in leg and shoulder, wanting nothing more than to release myself to sleep once again.

(OOC: Whether Eli is still there or has gone off is totally up to his player. ^_^ If anyone else wants to intrude & find Souzou, feel free. Just thought I should bring him forward in time.)

hideto_yim:
C'mon, boy. Talk... Or get ready to dance.

The fellow behind jabs me with his revolver and I stumble forward a bit, my jaw hanging open as the other one --the taller, grungier looking fellow with a thick about him-- brandishes his weapon, too. Clearing my throat and licking my lips, I smoothe my shirt while I straighten up.

"I'm not sure who you all are but, ah," I furrow my brow and avoid staring at the bright shine glinting off of the revolver in front of me, "whatever it is you're looking for, I'm certain the sheriff would be more than inclined to help you find it. He--he does rounds a-around the perimeter of Pagoda Springs at dawn each morning. W-with his deputies. M-many deputies." I add, trying to sound as confident as possible.

towns_folk:

"Yep. That's it."

I toss the damn rusted-over lookin' glass to Mitch. "Pagoda Springs."

"'the hell you know?" he says to me, all stupid-like. "It's dark out."

I slap 'im upside the head, and the rest of the gang snickers. "'Cause I ain't blind or stupid, jack-ass." It's right there, straight down the hill and past a bunch of trees, you can see the damn town all lit up by the moonlight. I swear I get the dumbest shitheels this side of Ohio ever since the war ended.

Now the rest of my possee...I give a look over and grin. "Are you boys ready to have some fun tomorrow?"

yamazaki_susumu:

"nee.. Susumu?”
“hmm?”
“Tell me a funny story.”
“…I don’t know any funny stories…. All my stories end with dying.”

Why is it, all I can think about right now, is that conversation with Kano… Back when were really together, in love and we thought we understood everything, and thought nothing bad would happen, even if we both had terribly dangerous jobs. We pretended everything would be ok, and that if anything bad would happen, it would end up ok anyway, because love always wins... even if we didn't say it, or even really believe it. We lived with it.

I can't pin point how or when I forget all of my training, or really, when I fell in love. And too often, I ask myself if it was worth it. And how did I become so reckless with my own heart as to risk it, anyway? Why did I let myself become human?



“…and then the samurai found the body of the boy, on the edges of the monster’s forest. They’d indeed let him leave the forest. But only after killing him, because that was his curse. If he ever left, he would die. So, because the Samurai realized he couldn’t live without the boy… he killed himself too.”

“That’s a horrible story, Susumu.”

“Well, how do you think it should have ended?”

“Obviously, the boy escaped from the monster’s forest, and he met the Samurai and they had lots of hot sex.”

“...That ruins the story, Kano…”

Kano, for all essential purposes... died the next day.

Some stories are left open, never-ending... they go on forever. And there are some that you just can't change, no matter how much you want to. There are some stories that shouldn't change, ever. My story is like that. The whole point is to have lived and loved tragically. And it's cheapened... if you give it a happy ending. There are some stories that you can never, ever change.

I’d give anything for a stupid, happy ending.

But that would ruin the story, wouldn’t it? And that's the worse thing of all. There's nothing more sad, than a broken ending.

It hurts, almost too much, and my vision goes spotty. I force myself, arm wrapping around the wound and hugging the blanket to me. It doesn't help, but.. In my head, I pretend it does.

"...We need to prepare for Shu." I manage, taking a small step away from the table and towards the door, and ignoring the greyness of the world.

sheriff_taylor:
There's some dampness in the air, like it might want to rain.

Doesn't matter to me if it does or doesn't. I just can't do this anymore. I've tried bein' sheriff of this town twice and both times I've been a failure. Glancin' down the road, I see the hotel and the Shady Lady, two buildings that are always goin' to remind me of that.

There's footsteps behind me, and I see Souzou followin'. "Go back to Itou and Ayumi," I call back at him. "They need you now."

eleanor_taylor:

"It's exactly like I said four times ago," I brush a strand of hair away from my pretty face and smirk a li'l more. Not that I EVER mind repeating myself. The pudgy old woman in the seat in front of me is gawkin' and I'll be damned if I'm not lovin' the attention. "I was mindin' my own business, lookin' t'take my brother some corn muffins since he was gonna be workin' late on account of that yellow fella --that killer from earlier today."

( An' after practically treatin' her like a *sister*... )

toshiro_itou:

A bunch of voices outside wakes me up--I don't even rememerb fallig asleep but I see Dao stretched out on the seat across the way. Shit, but I'm thirsty. I reach up and rummage in the little liquor cabinet set into the paneling of the train car and pull out a bottle of wine. I pry the cork out with my knife then take a long swig before going over ot lift the thick window curtain a bit.

( Eavesdropping little wretch )

yamazaki_susumu:

I don't really notice going from the ground to being in the clinic. I'm aware of it, but only in a painfilled haze sort of way.

Once in the clinic however, once I'm laying still again, I see Sagara and wonder how long he's been here. He'd been down at the river, hadn't he? He had. I think. I asked him to explain to Yim, so he doesn't seem so mad at me... But Yim still looks a little pissed off. Or Hurt. Even on a good day it's a little hard to tell with some people.

It's vague and fuzzy and hurts when I try to think, so I don't.

"Sagara..." I say, coughing a bit. "Don't tell Itou or Kano or Ayu I got shot. I don't want them to worry. Or yell at me. Getting shot is enough punishment."

It makes perfect sense to me, that this is something that can be easily concealed...

"Oh. And don't tell Heisuke either.. He'll be really mad..."

yamazaki_susumu:

Fuck.
I'm bleeding.

...A lot. A lot more than I'd like. I can't believe how stupid I was... How I dragged Yim into it, too.. Fuck. At least when I die from the blood loss, he'll forgive me. He's a softie like that... Although he's a little mad I 'lied' to him. About who I am. I'd be mad at me too...

Fucking hell, I wish I had the strenght to tell Ellie to shut the fuck up about how I'm really a man.. "I'm still prettier than you..." I hiss back at her, before I slump back against Yim, closing my eyes. Still prettier. Even caked in my own blood and dirt.

Two hours Earlier

"Nee... Yim-senseii..." I murmur, glancing over at him, from where I'm mixing the herbs McCoy-senseii asked me to. I'm such a terrible person... manipulating him like this.

"I have a favour to ask."

I offer a little smile, one which mirrored my earlier smile, when I showed up, dressed in an older Kimono, hems darkened with dust, and announced, to his surprise, that I would be working here as McCoy's nurse and assistant.

ikumatsu:
continued from HERE

Why is it so dark? Why can't I open my eyes? Why does that voice seem so far away?

They caught him...They caught the man who did this to you...

Man? No, no I don't think it was a man...it was an oni

yamazaki_susumu:

I hate this.

Itou is still talking with Sagara, the crowd is still shouting, and giving us all dirty looks... But at least the Sherrif and McCoy-Sensei are getting things under control.
I stand up from where I'd been sitting in the wagon. I need to do something. I despretly need to do something to keep from going mad from sitting here.

It occurs to me then, that I do have a job now. McCoy-Sensei hired me to help out around the clinic.
Maybe there's something to do there.

Although these clothes are clean, I should stop over at the house and unpack a bit. I have a book Matsumoto sensei gave me before the shinsengumi headed north. He might find something interesting in it. Or be able to explain some of the things in the last few chapters we didn't get to study together...

I look over at Ayu and tilt my head a touch. I don't know how I feel about how she's looking at me.

"I'm going to run home and grab some things.. and then head to work..." I glance down and scuff the toe of my boot along the wood. It's a horrible nervous habit, and I can hear my voice turning into a mumble. "Maybe.. if you're not busy.. we can... have tea or something?"

mr_shu:
The dull but persistant sound of someone hammering in the distance pulls me from a dream I'm already beginning to forget. Whatever it was left my heart pounding in my chest, my body on edge, and a name on my lips...

( Who's??? )

hideto_yim:
There are enough people gathering outside in the street that I think I quickly make my way out of the saloon unnoticed. It take a bit longer to wipe the goofy expression off my face that I get when Miss Bennett says goodbye. It seems that they've caught someone and are getting ready for a trial of some sort, but I don't stick around long enough to find out much more beyond that.

Nipping my vest and rumpled coat from the clinic (why I didn't have them with me, I don't know!), and head to the Hotel for a bit of tea to clear my thoughts. Miss Mary Sue Bennett? The Saloon??? I slink into a seat off in a corner and bury my face behind a menu while I swirl several lumps of sugar into my glass.

towns_folk:

I don't really like this woman walking next to me.

She's not really trustworthy and I don't think her skill as an assassin is what the Elder's believe it is. And its because of her and her worthless son that Ren is walking through this town, unprotected.

Once we're out of site from the crowd and well on our way towards the train station, I take my hand off her shoulder. "Are you really concerned for your son, or are you just trying to stall for more time on your job?"

doctormccoy:
The fella shouts an' points past my head. "The Hell??" I comment, as I squint t'get a better look. Looks more like a spectacle than anything else! There, in the middle of the square is someone I can only imagine is the Mayor an' he's sittin' on top of a burro holdin' the end of a rope that's looped several times round a chinese fella.

"That's our hero?" I ask turnin' back around an' pointin' my finger over my shoulder. Ain't none too sure if I was able t'keep the skepticism from my voice.

yamazaki_susumu:

Itou finishes his bath, and we dress quietly. I hope some of what I did was helpful. Or that the calming effect of the pressure-points being stimulated will help keep his head clear...

I dress in the skirt and blouse I had left in the room, ignoring the irony of it. I'd left the dress and the clothes here because i wanted to prove I didn't need Itou.. that I couldn't be bought and I wasn't just a doll he could dress up... I'm trying to keep my mind on killing Shu so I don't think how it's becomes exactly those things.

Ayu is waiting in the kitchen with tea, and I give her an appreciative look as she pours out a cup for Itou. I can't read the expression she's giving me tho. At some point I'm going to have to come clean on the nature of our relationship... I only wish I could predict how it's going to go...

tsukioka_katsu:
Sano's such a bum. Sometimes I wonder HOW he could be Taichou's blood. I'm stuck sitting out front of Sunday-san's while he lags behind finishing his chores. Just how LONG does it take to groom a horse?

I don't remember anything past last night's party at Itou-san's. I sort of expected to wake up there, so it was strange to open my eyes to a familiar room. Too bad. I'd really like the chance to explore Itou-san's house. I'd bet he's got a lot to see. And Taichou said he had ART books too. I'd LOVE to see those.

I was also kinda hoping to see that actor again, too. He was strange, but... he must have AMAZING things to talk about. I suppose he and others have all gone by now 'cause all I see is the usual folk going about their business. The only thing unusual is seeing that new doctor not able to get into Ikumatsu-dono's store. She was at the party, so I guess she's sleeping in like the others. Taichou, too, but I'm getting used to not seeing him much any more.

There's no sign of Sano as I look back to the busted front doors. Turning back to face the street, I rest my bored head in my hands. I wonder where Madeleine-dono is right now...

tang_boys:

I'm tired. I carried Miss Ikumatsu back to her house, and she's been unconsious and weak all night. I've been so scared that she would die... I didn't dare leave the side of her bed, or let go of her hand.
I know I need to check in with Hsu... but... I can't just leave her. Not after she was attacked. If Shu comes back to finish her off.. I don't stand a chance, but I would try.

I gently squeeze some water in her mouth, and pray silently in my head. I touch her face and smooth her hair for what seems like the hundreth time.

God, I really hope she'll be ok.

sagara_souzou:
I hate waking from a dreamless sleep. It's like being temporarily dead and cast in some kind of limbo until awareness finally makes itself known again.

Slowly, the one eye my hair doesn't constantly get in the way of peels open and looks around. I guess I'm alive. A jolt of pain in my lower back tells me I'm definitely alive and I shift. Falling asleep in a hard wood gaijin chair is always a mistake and the old, healed-over wounds hurt more than usual. At the very least, it's more peaceful in the jailhouse than it would be at the hotel right about now judging by the quality of sunlight coming through the windows.

A slight groan slips from me as I straighten in the chair and stretch my arms high above my head. It's followed by another as I immediately remember last night and wonder where that overs exed, overly loud ahou got to. Kami, I hope he didn't head for the hotel...

yamazakiayunee:
I shake my head a little when I see Susumu as he was when I went down to the kitchen--sitting outside Itou-san's door as if on guard back with the Shinsengumi. I go the rest of the way up the stairs not bothering to be too quiet. I'm sure he'll hear the tea things clattering together on the tray.

And if he doesn't then I'll have to teach him the dangers of "sleeping on the job".

^_^

hideto_yim:
There's a dull murmuring in the back of my head, and it takes a bit for me to realize it's the chattering of people... somewhere. Groggily, I notice warm light hitting part of my face, and I mumble while rolling over onto my side to avoid it.

( Read more... )

ume_itou:

A ray of sun wakes me from my light sleep and I jump, takig na moment to get my bearings. Ookura's parlor. Two of the Kabuki actors are sprawled in chairs across the room but no one else is here. I assume Ookura is upstairs with that fiancee of his or perhaps the otehr actor who was hanging all over him last night. Bitches
( Read more... )

hsu_li:
(Continued from HERE.)


The girl can barely stay on her feet as we move through the dark alleys behind the main street. I pick her up in arms and carry her without effort---she's so light and delicate. I round a corner and the saloon is just ahead. The lights downstairs are off, but Lok will be keeping an eye for me.

But it's Liu who opens the front door when I get there. He explains Lok went off to look for Ikumatsu and then starts asking me too many questions about the girl. I tell him to make some tea as I carry her upstairs and into one of the rooms Mary Sue set aside for us.

"This will help you feel better," I offer the girl a cup of the hot drink as soon as Liu brings it up.

doctormccoy:
On my way back from the saloon, I tuck a modest bit of earnin's away from a round of poker. I stop by the clinic to check up on Hideto... Kid's probably up doin' his research.

"Hideto?" I call out when I get to the entrance. It's been left open, but the only light on seems to be a dim littl lamp towards the back of the clinic. I walk in and look around for some matches to light another lamp. "The Hell's goin' on here," I mutter...

ikumatsu:
"No, No Itou-san I'll be quite allright. I survived the streets of Kyoto I'm certain I can make the walk to my home safely enough. Besides I imagine I'll catch up to Sagara-san and the Sheriff on the way."

My, but it's awfully quiet out here. I pull the thin silk shawl tighter around my shoulders and quicken my pace as much as my kimono and geta allow. A chill hits me as the lights of the house fade in the distance behind me....

kabuki_boys:

Continued from HERE

I look at the loud man with the wild blood and smile as I finish the drink in my hand. "Leaving so soon? Maybe you'd like some company on the walk back to town?"

xue_mei_wong:

It's really late, or really early, and all the wine has made me a little bit sleepy. Sano and his brother have passed out on the couch, and Itou is chatting off with his pretty fiancee, her sister and some other people. It's probably time I get back to the hotel. I need to sleep, if I'm going kill Bai Hui to finish my brother's job... and more importantly kill Shu.

I get up from where I'd been watching the groups mingling and walk over to where Itou is and touch his arm, excusing myself to those around him.

"I think I'm going to head back to the hotel now. It's late." I say, giving him a smile. "But I wanted to thank you for the hospitality..."

sagara_souzou:
I suppose I can consider it a quiet evening. At least no one is laying dead and bleeding on the floor of Ookura's refurbished parlor, although anything could still happen with this menagerie of wild personalities. And with Shu unaccounted for... it doesn't matter the time or place for him.

Pulling my katana from the hakama ties,I sit on the stairs leading up to the second floor and set what's left of my drink beside me on the step. There's comfort in the feel of all that steel at my disposal as it rests against my shoulder. It's been over two years since it's known the taste and feel of blood and I would just as soon keep it weaned, but I will never hesitate to use it.

( Read more... )