Kenshin's Story

It was a hot day already in the morning hours. The birds were chirping away, talking about whatever birds talked about. The Shishi-Doshi was doing its usual routine with the bamboo arm smacking the rock once it was full of water. People were up and about doing their morning work around the house, rushing past his open doors.

Kenshin laid on his side, his head propped up by his right hand. Black hair pooled on the floor, long bangs tied back with a blue-green ribbon. His left leg was bent, a yawn escaping his lips while the right hand held the fan that moved back and forth repeatedly. A small table with some paper and ink sat in the corner. Kenshin hadn’t been getting much sleep due to the little white fox. He had been keeping Kenshin quite busy during the nights as of late, and wouldn’t be getting to catch up on sleep today. Today was an important day.

It all started when Kenshin became the new dream walker. Without Yumeki, the previous dream walker to guide him in his dreams, he had only what he was taught to go on. Usually, the person to inherit the position would be trained inside dreams by the Dream Walker. Since Yumeki died before choosing a successor to train with, he has no choice but to pass his powers to Kenshin. It was to be 3 years before he first encountered the fox.

Over the course of a few years, the white fox would appear off and on while he dreamt, pushing Kenshin to practice and learn what he himself is capable of as the Dream Walker. It was exciting as it was intoxicating. Kenshin would spend hours upon hours in the dream world, creating dreams to entertain himself, and even going so far as to hop into other’s dreams, seeing their most private secrets, fears, hopes, and dreams. Dreams spoke on so many levels so long as one paid attention. Kenshin went as far as sleeping for three days and three nights, refusing to wake because of how just intoxicating it was.

One thing Kenshin enjoyed was being able to visit the past. The paths of the past have been set in stone. The choices were made and can not be reversed. The future one could not dream of. There are too many possibilities at any given second. One could chose to go one of many ways, and on that choice, one of many ways, and so on. Even if one could dream of the future, it is not a certain future, but would be one of a vast amount of possibilities, and there fore would not be reliable.

Kenshin also enjoyed toying with Junpei, his little brother, while learning to give other’s dreams, and hearing it upon waking. There were a few times he got caught by revealing himself, but for the most part he stayed hidden. There was this one time Kenshin gave Junpei a dream about the slit mouth woman, and he refused to sleep alone for an entire month.

It had been 6 years since Kenshin had seen the fox. He didn’t have the intention at first to start dream walking, but something urged him too. Closing his eyes, he relaxed himself, and soon drifted off. His surroundings were completely black, himself a transparent projection of his physical form that floated in the blackness. With staff in hand, he lifted it up into the air a foot, a blue ball of energy forming in the center. He went from transparent to a solid physical form.

A green field soon appeared with hills, trees, and bushes. The biggest tree, a Sakura, was beside Kenshin. He turned to sit down, but was knocked off balance and right onto his rear by a white streak flying right at him and an inch past his head. “What the hell?!” Turning his head, the white fox stared at him with intensity before turning it’s back to Kenshin and flying off. He hadn’t been expecting to see his old mentor, and once he ran to catch up, he disappeared and didn’t come back. This happened a few times over the course of a few months. And then that is when Kenshin’s dream started.

His chest heaved, sweat pouring from the top of his brow. He was not expecting him to be so strong. This wasn’t good. He knew it wasn’t good. They all knew it wasn’t good. He could sense the others where having trouble as well. They had fought tough ones before, but there was just something about this particular one. The one with the katana lost his haori coat, blocking a vicious blow. Screams came from one that got shoved forcefully back, flying through the air while dropping their bow, just barely missing the tree trunk and hit the ground, rolling until they stopped. Opening his mouth, he screamed their name.

While the dream was happening, Kenshin knew he had to be dreaming of the past. When the figures spoke, it was muffled, and he couldn’t clearly make out the faces that stood beside him. This dream was different. He had not had a dream like this before, in this way. Unlike the way where he stood and just observed those of the past, it was like he was a part of it, almost like he was reliving something from his own past. It would explain why the point of view was different. Being one’s own memories, one would see it from a first person point of view. If you were an observer, you would see it from an outsider’s view. And the intense feelings that came with it.

The reflection from the tip of the sword blinded him for a moment when it pierced the body of the giant, pushing down to cut it in half. A lighting bolt like arrow pierced its skin, the beast howling madly. A spear deflected its attacks, and a wolf child bit ferociously at its leg trying to tip it over. Blood few everywhere, hitting him in the face and splashing on the clothes. Lifting the staff up high, it made a jingling sound, metal hitting metal as he brought it back down quickly.

While Kenshin was conscious of what was going on, he could not change his actions in the dream. He had his own thoughts, but history played out like it did. The battle continued for what felt like hours, his body weaving, jumping, blocking, chanting. Just before what seemed would be the final blow, a white fox appeared, floating around each individual, freezing each one in place with its trail of white glow as if to tell him ‘These people. Important. Remember.’ Five in total. It was then Kenshin woke from the dream, and would continue to have for weeks. No matter how hard he called to his mentor while he slept, he did not come until a few months later.

Kenshin floated a few feet in the air, his dream taking him to an unknown forest, watching a child no older than 10 run through the thick tree line, branches scratching and cutting his skin. His skin was covered in dirt, his face screaming fatigue, having noticeably been on the run for quite a while now. It was unclear if the child was male or female, but there was something familiar about them. Kenshin knew who it was, but he didn’t know who it was. They had never personally met, but Kenshin felt he knew all about who it was. A dark black mass shadow chased the child, and Kenshin felt his heart speeding up, wishing for his escape. Kenshin knew the child could run, and run fast, and grew anxious when the mass began closing the gap. He could clearly see the trees disappearing into sky, and knew a cliff was next. His heart skipped a beat, a lump in his throat. ‘No..’

The child skidded to a stop just in time, looking back at the shadow with a low growl. Kenshin tried to reach them, but before he did, the child was pushed over the edge by the shadow. Kenshin screamed, racing to the bottom of the cliff, but did not make it in time. The child laid there unconscious, blood running from the wounds received while laying among the bracken and moss. There was also a man there, dressed in very elegant clothing with a crisp white top from the Heian period. A priest? Kenshin thought.

The man gently laid his hand on the child’s back, a soft white glow emanating from his hand. “Soon..” He spoke softly. “Soon you won’t need to run from it.” The man was so occupied with the child that Kenshin knelt down on the opposite side, watching, hoping, and wishing the child wakes. “Oh, It’s you Kenshin.” The man spoke with a smile. Kenshin’s eyes widened, and he stood quickly, taking a few steps back and lifting his staff to prepare to defend himself. “Who are you? How do you know my name and how can you see me?” Kenshin was not showing his physical form. He was in his transparent form, which no one should be able to see.

The man smiled at Kenshin, standing slowly. “Is that anyway to speak to your Mentor?” Kenshin blinked, not grasping what he was trying to say. His mentor was a white fox, not some person dressed up in old priest attire. “Sorry, but you are not my mentor..”

“Oh?” the stranger said, a mischievous smile forming on his face. “Then should I remind you of the time you wet the bed when you were 11, or the time you ate some funky mushrooms and was up all night howling at the moon? Or how about-“

“Alright that is quite enough!” Kenshin said, irritated about the trip down memory lane. “I know you’ve been having the dreams. You had one just now?” Kenshin looked at the stranger like he grew another head. He is the dream walker, so of course he has dreams. The statement wasn’t very convincing of anything. “Right. I am the Dream Walker so of course I have dreams.” He still wasn’t completely sold on him being his old mentor ‘Seishuu’.

“Yes that is true. But those last ones were different, weren’t they? In the dream, instead of observing from the outside, you were observing from their point of view. You’re point of view, or rather your past lives point of view.” Kenshin stood, listening. He knew what the stranger spoke of was true. It was a dream of his past, but why was it so far back? He had never gone so far before. Even this one wasn’t that far back.

“There is a fierce battle coming. The Oni are almost free. We must act quickly and find the other guardians. Kenshin, your help is needed.”

And needed it was. For the next week his mentor, whom was actually Abe no Seimei, and him spent every night searching and looking for the others, sending them a message with a gold embossed chrysanthemum with the Imperial stamp. ‘Meet in Kyoto at the Hana no Gosho on the 7th day of June’

Kenshin rose from his spot on the floor, stretching his arms high into the air to stretch his muscles before letting them fall back down to his sides. “Well It’s about time I head off..” he spoke softly, grabbing his staff from the corner, then making his way from his room to the front gate, passing by the servants and maids while he traveled. They were busy packing up for the trip home, while Kenshin would be staying behind in Kyoto. They had come a few days prior to Kyoto. His brother and his retainers had some dealings with Umehara Clan, who had control over Kyoto and the surrounding region. Kenshin didn’t care for politics, and was thankful he was a Dream Walker at times like these.

“Kenshin-san.”

There it is.. Kenshin stopped a few feet from the gate, turning around to look at Yoko, his brother’s wife. “Are you not coming to Nagasaki with us? It’s the last stop before home” she said softly. He flipped open his fan, bringing it up to cover the bottom half of his face, while giving a small breeze to his face. “No, Yoko-san. I am needed else where.” He bowed in respect, turning to leave.

“How long will you continue to pretend that it didn’t happen?” Yoko hissed, irritation seeping through her teeth. Kenshin turned, walking the few steps until he was side by side with Yoko. Close enough so no one else would hear. “Just because we all grew up together and you have married my brother doesn’t mean you know him. If you value your life you will do the same. Especially now that you are with child, no?”Yoko took a sharp breath in, Kenshin turning around, and this time, taking his leave, closing the gate behind him.

The walk was relatively short, Kenshin pausing at a few stalls to grab a few snacks. He had skipped breakfast, and needed something to fill him until later. The streets were packed with people, making it seem even hotter than it needed to be on an already hot day. The guards looked tired already from the heat as he stopped at the gate. The Hana no Gosho. The Palace of flowers. Kenshin didn’t mind it once he passed through after presenting his chrysanthemum. The gardens were full of all kinds of colors, and everywhere you went in the palace it seemed to smell like flowers. It was relaxing to be able to smell so many different flowers. A servant quickly ran up to Kenshin, escorting him to the meeting room. It seems Kenshin had arrived just on time. They were beginning to gather. Through long corridors and a few sliding doors, the servant opened up the last one, and Kenshin stepped in. One individual was already present, Kenshin taking a glace at the man, and didn’t stop.



Hajime ran after a giant rice ball with plum eyes while laughing. He was surrounded by all his favorites. Soba, Ohagi, Takoyaki, Onigiri, and Grilled Fish on top of many others. They were such big portions that it would take him all day to eat them all. He was in complete heaven as he caught the runaway onigiri. “Gotcha!” he laughed, opening wide and taking a huge chomp.

“ITAI!” a voice screamed. Hajime let go the mouthful he had, looking up. In place of his Onigiri was a tall man with long black hair tied back in a black Kimono with a blue green obi sash. His dark blue eyes reminded Hajime of the deepest blue of the ocean. “Huh? You’re not my Onigiri?”

He heard a light chuckle, and an oddly dressed man came forth from behind the ‘onigiri’, his old-fashioned clothing resembling that of a Shinto priest or exorcist. “No. The Onigiri is Hando Kenshin, the Dream Walker. And I am Abe no Seimei.” He smiled kindly at the boy. Dreams were such fascinating things. Unbeknownst to his conscious mind, his spiritual awareness had made the connection between onigiri and onikiri. Seimei hadn't yet even mentioned this word to his young recruits.

Kenshin freed himself from Hajime’s clutches, rubbing his arm where he was bit. “Are you certain it’s him?” He asked, slightly annoyed. Seimei looked at Kenshin from the side while offering Hajime a dream meat bun, which he gladly took with a happy smile. “You are the one who lead us here, dream walker.” Seimei answered. "Have some more faith in your abilities. Besides, I think you know he is the one we are looking for."

“Hmph.” Kenshin took out his fan held in his obi, flipping it opening and fanning himself. It wasn’t that he didn’t have faith in his powers, it was more that the boy tried to eat Kenshin himself. He wasn’t completely sure the boy was all their upstairs. He could tell already this was going to be one, long, journey.

Seimei turned his attention to Hajime, and bent down to his level, resting his arms on the tops of his knees. “We’ve been looking for you for a while. We need your help.In return, we can help you.”

“What with?” Hajime asked with a mouth full of food. “Dark forces are rising once again. You can feel it in the roots of the forest, can you not?” Seimei asked. Hajime nodded. He had been sensing that something was off. Strange disappearances and weird talk of demon sightings. “I can also teach you more about your gift Hajime..” Seimei had his attention now. Hajime had no one except the doctor to talk to about it. For 7 years he kept his power hidden in fear. The kids bullied him, calling him a demon. “Meet us in Kyoto on June 7, when the sun is at it’s highest in the sky.” Seimei looked about him, noting the position of every blade of grass and even the quality of light in the sky. He noted the Sakura trees lining both sides of a path. He recognized it instantly as a part of the outskirts of Kyoto. Seimei laughed to himself, then focused a piercing gaze on Kenshin and beamed. "Under my nose all the time, yet without you, dream walker, I would not have found him."

The dream set everything into motion. It completely changed his life. He finally got to meet someone who was like him. Different. Able to use power like him. Hajime, since then, hasn’t felt so alone. The kids often picked on him because he was different. But now.. could Hajime finally have found friends?

“Hajime..are you awake? It’s time to get up.” an old mans voice came through the door, the door sliding open to reveal Futaki, a very old man with a hump on his back, his skin wrinkled from time. His white hair was thin and balding. Hajime sat up, throwing the covers off of him with a yawn. “Mm.” The old man smiled, reaching behind him, presenting Hajime with brand new set of clothes. The top was a golden yellow, just like the color produced by his healing power, his pants grey. “Today is the big day isn’t it? You’ll be leaving this clinic and making your mark on the world. These were my sons at your age. Please take them.”

Hajime was beyond thrilled, bowing to Futoki in thanks. “Arigatou!” He took the clothes carefully, not wanting to get even a spec of dirt on them. He had told Futoki-sensei about the dream the day after it happened. He didn’t seem too surprised, telling Hajime that ‘He knew he was destined for something great’. It wasn’t long after that a visitor came to the house, and he instantly recognized him as the man from his dream.

“Priest-san!” He yelled, running over to the formally dressed man. He held in his hands a gold-embossed chrysanthemum that he offered to Hajime. Living with Futoki-sensei, Hajime learned that there were some flowers that were edible. Was this one? He took it from the Priest, and stuck one end in his mouth trying to rip it off. Seimei swiftly and efficiently snatched the document back from Hajime with the skill of a pickpocket. "Hajime, this is not for eating," he said with great gravitas, although there was a glint in his eye. He crouched down and tucked the paper with its embossed chrysanthemum into the overlap of Hajime's kimono top and looked him in the eyes. "This is very important. You must keep this safe until you get to the Palace. Do you understand?"
Hajime blinked in surprise, his meal now gone. "Oi!" He snapped, looking at Semei with a murderous intent. No one got between him and his food. A few learned that one the hard way, but when the priest said it was important, and too keep it safe until he reaches the palace, he looked down at his feet. It wasn't food. "Hai~" He said reluctantly, a loud growl coming from his stomach. "I'm hungry..." Hajime mumbled, disappointed he couldn't eat the chrysanthemum.

Seimei pulled out a huge onigiri as if from nowhere, holding it up in front of Hajime's face. "I wouldn't forget a little thing like that," he said, smiling. "Now, I must go. I have some things to check on..." Hajime's eyes grew wide with happiness. "ARIGATOU!" he yelled, snatching the Onigiri from Semei with an added bow. "My favorite!" He took a huge chomp, tasting the plum that was hidden in the center. "Mm. See you later Priest-san!" Hajime said with a mouthful.

After he was done the giant Onigiri, he said his good bye’s to Futoki-sensei, turning down a dirt road lined on both sides by a long trail of Sakura Trees. Hajime remembered that when the doctor and he were out of green tea, they would add Sakura blossoms. It gave it a sweet flavour. Hajime entered Kyoto on the north side, closest to the Hana no Gosho. The streets were packed for this time of day, and Hajime had to duck and weave to fit through. Thank goodness he was small. It wasn’t too long until he reached the gate with the imperial guards. “Hault kid. You can’t pass unless you have an imperial seal.”

Imperial Seal… Imperial Seal… oh right! The chrysanthemum that’s not edible! Hajime dug into his bag, taking out the imperial stamped flower, as well as an Onigiri, handing the flower to the guards. They both seemed surprised that a kid would have such an important document, but knew better than to say otherwise with ‘this’ document. “V-very well.. Straight a head and a servant will take you where you need to go.”

Hajime smiled, thanking the guards, and going where they said, a high-ranking servant taking him to the meeting room. “They’ve begun to gather in the room. Please hurry..” The servant urged. Hajime kept getting distracted by the gardens. There were so many different types of flowers, some that Hajime didn’t even know the names of. He had to keep running to catch up a few times, and the last time he ran to catch up, he ran right smack into the back of someone, making them both tumble forward. “Oi!” Hajime yelled, rubbing his sore butt while looking at the one he ran into, and his eyes went wide. “Onigiri!”

COLLAB POST FOR KIYOYORI, KENSHIN AND HAJIME

Kiyoyori's eyes were drawn away from the pacing tigers towards the door as soon as he heard someone approaching. While the art was impressive, it wasn't exactly something to hold his attention too long with the prospect of meeting one of his fellow guardians. Kiyoyori was dressed in the clothing he had been given -  formal wear to suit this formal room, with starched shoulders, in a rather more subdued shade of blue that he normally preferred, with tiny clan crests picked out on the chest and sleeves in a subtle pale yellow, and his hair was tied back more neatly than it had been in many days from his time on the road. He looked up at the doorway, seeing a tall,willowy figure standing there, with hair that reached almost to his waist, fanning himself in a rather casual fashion. Who wore their hair that long? Was he some kind of courtier? The fact that he had appeared in the room unceremoniously pointed at the answer being no. Maybe he was an actor then. To say he was intrigued was an understatement. There was no way of telling his rank or social position, so Kiyoyori looked him in the eye and gave him a bow as one would to an equal. 
 
There was something odd Kenshin was feeling. Once he laid eyes on the man who sat it was like he knew everything about him, but has never met him. The mans hair was very short, something not uncommon unlike his own. Kenshin took great pride in his hair, and often had the servants brush his hair for an hour straight. Yoko often said it felt like touching silk, and often played with it. Something Kenshin did not mind. The almond eyes of the man looked so dark he thought they were black. He's one of them... but who? Must be the one with the spear. Kenshin thought, fanning himself faster when he felt the room get hotter. Kenshin lowered his fan, and parted his lips to greet the man, but was interrupted once he went down flat on his face. His fan fell near the man who sat, and his staff right beside him.
 
They were both about to give an introduction, when he heard an excited yell "Onigiri!"
Kenshin moved his legs up, and used his arms to push himself onto all fours. His nose stung and throbbed, his cheeks red from the tatami mat. When he heard Onigiri! he knew instantly it was the child. The child that tried to eat Kenshin alive, and now this.      
                          
Something hit the man from behind and he went down face first onto the tatami mats, his fan flying from his hand and skittering across the floor towards Kiyoyori. On top of him was a small boy, looking like nothing so much as a monkey with his cheeky face and grabby hands. These two were his fellow Guardians? Kiyoyori laughed, all pretence of formality evaporated. He didn't know what he had been expecting from his fellow demon slayers, but it  hadn't been a comedy routine! There was always room for being pleasantly surprised. The man's face when he hit the floor was priceless. And “onigiri”? What kind of name was that. 

"Oh come on.." he grumbled, letting out a sigh at the laughter from the stranger. Normally he would be irritated and probably snap telling them to be more respectful to the dream walker, but the stranger didn't know that Hajime tried to eat him. While staying on all fours, he looked directly at Hajime. "Ha-n-do Ke-n-shi-n. Hando Kenshin. Not Onigiri. We told you this only a week ago."
                                
Apparently Onigiri was not his name, which was a little disappointing. “Oh, you two know each other?” he frowned a little. Seimei had refused to tell him anything of the rest of the Guardians, except for trying to force him to remember the legend, with mixed results.  “Did you practise that? There's no need to try to impress me you know.” He was still chuckling, but eventually, to prove he wasn't totally heartless, he picked up the man's – no, Onigiri's – no, Hando Kenshin's – fan, snapped it neatly shut and handed it back to him.
“I hope you're not going to have to sit through this whole evening with mat burns on your face,” he said,without huge amounts of sincerity. 

Hajime shook his head. "He appeared in my dream and ate my Onigiri!" Hajime replied to Kiyoyori. "I didn't think he was real REAL."
"If he ate your onigiri, how does that make him an onigiri?" 
"I caught it and went to eat it but he was there and ate it before I could! Onigiri thief!"
Onigiri thief.. that's a new one, Kenshin thought, choosing to ignore the comment. "And what of Seimei? He was there too." Kenshin said, standing up himself and grabbing his staff, and the fan the man who sat held out. It didn't even really dawn on Kenshin that the stranger handed him his fan until he took it, his fingers brushing the strangers. Kenshin's heart sped up, while Kiyoyori seemed oblivious to the casual contact. He was more interested in the kid's story about seeing Seimei in a dream. I hope not either.. my poor face.. Kenshin thought.

"He's cool. He's my friend."

Kenshin sighed. "Now look here.." Hajime noticed Kenshin's tatami mat burnt face and lifted his hand up, his fingers gently brushing the rough patch. Kenshin didn't move. He could see the soft golden glow come from his finger tips, and Kenshin could feel his face getting hotter. The golden glow was the exact same color of his top. Hajime smiled. "There. All better. Hehee" 
Kenshin blinked, lifting a hand to touch his face. Where there would be pain from the mat burn was nothing. Just plain old face. "Y-you...healed it?"
 
"Mm. I did. So now we are ok. Sorry for making you fall on the floor Onigiri."

Once the two of them had managed to get off the floor and into more socially acceptable positions, Kiyoyori decided to introduce himself. “I am Mori Kiyoyori, son of Mori Tadatsugu, Lord of Ozawa,” he said, offering another small bow. 

Hajime looked at KIyoyori wit his an odd expression. He clearly heard what the man said his name was, and when Hajime tried to move his lips, he couldn't clearly say the name. "Ke..kii..yoyo...ri..no.. ahhh!" Getting frustrated, he rubbed his head with his hands before giving him a name. "That's too hard Yoyo!"

"It's not so hard," he replied to the boy. "Kiyo as in Taira no Kiyomori, Yori as in Minamoto no Yorimitsu" Now he was glad he had brushed up on his historical figures. Here was the opportunity to put the right name into the boy's head, but judging by the way he had named the long-haired man "Onigiri", Kiyoyori might well be stuck being called Yoyo forever.

"Ike.. Yoyo."Hajime retorted in a bratty tone. It was hard enough to pronounce. "I don't know who those people are Yoyo."

"Such a delightful child," said Kiyoyori, contemplating revenge. "Perhaps you can be educated later..."

Just like any brat would, Hajime stuck his tongue out a out at Kiyoyori and pulled down the bottom if his eyelid. "Bleh!" 

"Tell me ... can you heal yourself?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. 


Hajime clearly didn't hear the comment. He bowed a late greeting. "Samaki Hajime. Nice to meet you both." Manners. Furotoki had taught him them but Hajime often forgot, off in his own little world.

"Nice to meet you too," Kiyoyori replied, glad that things had calmed down a little before anyone else entered the room. It seemed that the kid could behave himself, even though he would prefer not to, and he could identify with that.
 
Kenshin on the other hand knew exactly who the man was once he introduced himself. How funny that enemies were now mandatory allies. "Hando Kenshin of the Torizuchi, and The Dreamer of Japan and Dreamer to Torizuchi Kagura."  he did give a small chuckle at the thought of his brother, And The feelings he would have had. He would have been steaming by now, and made a big show of how he didn't need the Mori clan. Junpei had a bad temper, and a huge ego.
 
"Torizuchi, eh?" Well, there was some dramatic irony, and clearly Hando Kenshin felt it too as Kiyoyori heard him chuckle. "No wonder Seimei didn't tell me anything about you, nor you about me, it seems." He smiled. If any other member of his family were put into this situation, he had no doubt there would be if not outright fighting, then extreme tension. Kiyoyori didn't personally mind working with someone of the Torizuchi, in fact, the thought that it would drive his father mad if he knew, made him want to do it all the more. The only thing was ... well ... it was probably best not to bring it up, but Kiyoyori could well have killed members of Kenshin's family, or his close friends. That might give even the most mild mannered person cause to be upset with him. Discretion was definitely the better part of valour here. "So, what does it mean to be a 'Dreamer of Japan'?" It was quite a lofty sounding title but not one he'd ever heard of. 

 
It was odd to Kenshin that someone didn't know who he was. The child was a different story but someone who seemed to know who the Torizuchi was should know who Kenshin was. It caught him off guard that he stumbled over the first few words. "The-We.." Kenshin flipped open his fan and cleared his throat. "The Dreamer of Japan has the ability to enter dreams and also give people pleasant dreams if plagued by nightmares. Lord Torizuchi is often plagued by Nightmares so I often give them chase for a while. I also frequently go out and give the people gifts of dreams, and help them interpret what they have been dreaming so that they may find themselves on a better path."

Hajime was also listening. It explained why Kenshin and Seimei were in his dream. It sounded cool, being able to see other peoples dreams, and Hajime was able to relax for the first time around others other than Futoki-sensei. He was finally around people like him. Different. Special. He was so overcome with joy that he had to tilt his head down slightly, clentching his fists tight so he didn't start bawling his eyes out in pure joy. He wasn't sure if asked, he would be able to explain to them fully how much it ment, even just these few moments already.
 
"Hmm..." This was the first he had heard of anything like a Dreamer of Japan, or maybe it wasn't the first time and he just hadn't been paying attention. He felt as though he'd remember something like that though. It was certainly interesting. Lord Torizuchi had nightmares, that was understandable, having had his parents killed at a young age, and more than likely other claimants to his title trying to kill him. Lucky for him he had the Dream Advisor on hand. Most children just had to put up and shut up. Would having your nightmares quelled and never facing your fears make you weak? Probably, he thought, putting this information away and turning to more current topics. "So, did you give Hajime-kun a dream about an onigiri, and then steal it from him?" he asked, obviously the most pressing question. 
 
Kenshin let his head fall forward in a defeated manner. Not you too, he thought. "Just entered at the wrong time, in the wrong place. Seimei's fault for being impatient." He decided to pass the blame, and hopefully end the dreadful 'Onigiri' dream. "Where's is that cunning fox anyways?" Kenshin asked.

COLLAB POST FOR KIYOYORI, KENSHIN AND HAJIME

Just then, the same woman who had shown Kiyoyori into the room earlier appeared at the door, and gave a deep bow to the three who had assembled. “Excuse me, my lords,” she said with infinite politeness and a silky-smooth voice, “Lord Abe sends his deepest apologies. He has been delayed along with the fourth noble guardian, and requests that my lords please begin the meal without him.”

Kiyoyori turned to the woman and accepted her apologies with a small bow of his own, Kenshin and Hajime following his lead. “Thank you.” She shuffled into the room, her long gown swishing over the tatami mats, followed by three further servants, all young women, bringing in trays of food and drink for the assembled guests. Kiyoyori couldn’t help but notice that they were all quite attractive and couldn’t help but smile at the one who placed food in front of him. When he was offered sake by her he accepted it graciously.

Hajime stared at the women like a hungry vulture. Sure, he had his snacks for the road, and almost ate Futoki-sensei out of house and home this morning, but smelling the food as it came in with the servants made his mouth water, and his stomach grumble. Kenshin heard the grumble from the child’s stomach, and took this time to finally sit, and he took the seat next to Kiyoyori, putting him in the middle, and closer to Hajime, laying his staff down beside him, and in between him and Kiyoyori. Kenshin did not want a repeat of being eaten. Perhaps he was unconsciously afraid of Hajime from his indirect cannibalism. It wasn't the kids fault for dreaming what he did, Kenshin knew that better than anyone. It might take some time to get over though.

They set their dinner trays in front of everyone present. One by one they distributed their food. First was the rice. The girl who had a small nose and a round face set Kenshins bowl down with a blush, and he nodded a thanks with a half grin. She gave him a nervous smile, and set a sake glass on his table with the intention of filling. As soon as she set the glass down and lifted the sake, he put his hand over his cup, blocking her path. "No sake. I don't drink, but tea would be wonderful." The girl nodded, slightly confused, but complied, getting up from her spot beside Kenshin to go fetch some tea. It was highly unusual for someone to not drink, especially at social gatherings. Kenshin preferred it this way.

If Kiyoyori thought it was strange that Kenshin wasn't drinking, he had the good grace not to mention it. Privately though he hoped it wasn't a sign that he was one of those ascetic types who thought themselves too holy for what the world had to offer. That would get boring pretty quick. However, Kenshin didn't exactly seem like the overly religious type. In fact, Kiyoyori wasn't really sure what to make of him at all, but he certainly had his attention. "Well, that answers the question as to where Master Seimei is. Or rather, where he isn’t.” He looked at the fourth seat, which remained empty, wondering who it’s occupant might be, then turned back to Kenshin and Hajime. “So, you have the ability to enter people’s dreams, and you’re a healer. Those are pretty unique gifts,” he said, impressed with what he had found out about them already. “I’m afraid I’ve only got one talent – shooting people,” he laughed, as though he found the idea particularly hilarious. “It’s not such an uncommon thing. I guess I’m not bad at it though.”

Kenshin raised a brow. "Well you can bet you're not bad at it, especially if Seimei is involved, and the conditions we are meeting here under." He noted that in the small time he had met Kiyoyori, that he wasn't sure if he was a go-with-the-flow type, or never took anything seriously type. Kenshin wasn't sure, but knew that by observing him over the course of the next few days, he would come to better understand. If there was one thing Kenshin didn't do, it was make quick judgements based off of first impressions. Hajime was another matter entirely all together for Kenshin.

In reality, it was a little bit of both. "That's true," he smiled. "Well, if Master Seimei can find a good use for me I'm happy. It's a great honour to be here, maybe too great...." Kiyoyori felt like he was being carried along by a wave of unexpected good fortune, and that he hadn't done anything to deserve it. Fate could turn once again very easily, so there was no point questioning such good luck.

Hajime couldn't believe his eyes at the amount of food they were bringing. Is it always like this in the palace? He thought, watching them serve the rice. There was grilled fish and meat, umeboshi, desserts, soup, and more that Hajime couldn't see, beginning to place food in front of him. He liked his lips, his stomach releasing another growl. Just as soon as the lady put the bowl of rice in front of him, he clapped his hands together. "Itadakimasu!" and down the bowl went in what seemed like 3 huge gulps, "Wow this is really good!" he said, with a mouth full. Hajime extended his hand out to the servant with his empty bowl. "More please!"


Kiyoyori also started tucking into the food set before them. There was a lot of it, and it looked good too. He couldn't help but think about the destruction of the city - how people in the area were barely scraping a living, and the fields unplanted and ruined outside, and how even the interior of the palace looked as though it had seen better days. They surely didn't eat this well here all the time, which meant that someone was pulling out all the stops just for them. He felt more than a bit guilty that they were being feasted so lavishly when none of them - as far as he knew - had really done anything to deserve it, aside from some accident of rebirth. Still, it would be rude to question it, and he wasn't going to turn down the hospitality of the Shogun of all people. He ate a few mouthfuls, which tasted as good as they looked, then looked up sharply at Hajime who had already put away an entire bowl of rice and who knew what else. "Someone has a healthy appetite," he commented, surprised and impressed at how much and how quickly the boy could put it away.

The maid servant looked at Hajime, taken back not only by his inhaling of the food, but at his appetite. "H-Hai." She responded, taking his bowl and filling it once more, before putting the scoop down and pouring Hajime some sake. "Eh? What's this? Something tasty?" He looked at it, setting his bowl down to pick up the cup, which disappeared just as quickly. Kenshin had reached over Kiyoyori, and snatched it. "Not for kids." Kenshin simply said, setting the full glass down on Kiyoyori's tray, giving a small apologetic bow with just his head for reaching over him. It was a momentary distraction before Hajime realized his rice bowl was once again empty. "More please!" He asked.

Kiyoyori laughed at the quickness of Kenshin's reaction as he reached over just when Kiyoyori was about to pick up a mouthful of food and almost stabbed Kenshin's hand with his chopsticks. That really was a very serious expression on Kenshin's face. Was he opposed to sake drinking in general? Or was he an overprotective parent type? "Excuse me Kenshin-san, what's the harm in letting him have some if he wants to try it?" asked Kiyoyori, with feigned innocence. He was aware that he was stirring the pot, yet felt unable to help himself. "How old are you?" he asked Hajime. "I think you could have one cup just for the taste..." he took the sake cup from his tray where Kenshin had deposited it and put it back in front of Hajime.

"Very well.." Kenshin replied to Kiyoyori, refusing to reach over and grab the Sake glass again. Instead, he snapped his fan closed, and tucked into his obi sash with half sticking out of the top, and picked up the bowl of soup, then his chop sticks, using his middle finger of the hand holding the bowl to help in aiding his other hand to grasp them. He used the ends to start picking out the ingredients, one by one, and eating them in an elegant manner much like a woman would. Small amounts. He was probably putting on a feminine performance, but truth be told he was raised by his mother, and often looked up at how well mannered, and strong she was. A little bit of a mama's boy. Perhaps he was slightly protective without realizing it, but more so he didn't want to be the person to care for the drunken child.

Hajime turned to Kiyoyori with a mouthful of rice and fish, deciding to finish chewing and swallow before replying "12.. I think. My parents never really told me, but Futoki-sensei believes 12." He set his bowl down, and lifted the Sake glass, taking a good hard look a the clear liquid before downing it in one gulp. It was bitter, and Hajime wasn't sure if he liked it, even making a face. It wasn't long before he started to feel funny, his cheeks turning a shade of red. “Twelve is definitely old enough for sake," Kiyoyori stated with absolutely no evidence to back it up or reason to think so. "So, do you two know which of the Guardians you’re the reincarnation of?"

"I am not sure.." Kenshin began. "All Seimei told me is that I needed to help.. Although.." He paused, thinking about the dream he had of his own past, the intense feelings that came with it, and the sounds of metal hitting metal on a staff. "I do have a guess. As for Hajime.." Kenshin stopped, looking over at Hajime stuff his face. "I have a pretty good idea." He paused, taking a few bites from his bowl, then looked over at Kiyoyori. "It seems we are waiting for the leader and another." Kenshin had assumed that because there was four males and one female from his past dream, that they would inhabit the same gender bodies.

Kiyoyori made a non-commital noise in reply. Somehow he didn't feel ready to announce that he was supposed to be their leader. If he did, he'd have to start taking on the responsibility. That could wait until later, surely? "Oh, so who is Hajime-kun? If I had to make a guess ... I'd say you were..." he glanced over at Kenshin, wondering if he should continue, or if Kenshin would get offended.

The servant girl returned quickly with Kenshin's tea, kneeling in front of him and setting it down on his tray. He nodded a thanks, setting down his bowl and chop sticks to lift the cup up. Blowing a few times on the top of the hot liquid, he took a few small sips. "Hmmm?" He asked, curious over his answer. Kenshin didn't bother to remember the names that Seimei gave him. History wasn't his strong suit. In Kenshin's mind, why should he have to remember when he can just 'go' there. It was no lie he was curious about his past life. His own past, he never ventured back into, but his past lives past.. now that was an intoxicating though on its own.

"Well," Kiyoyori looked down before raising his eyes back to Kenshin's, "You don't believe in drinking sake and prefer tea, you have a mysterious spiritual power, and you didn't get angry when I laughed at you earlier - sorry that was rude of me, even though it was very funny you have to admit - so my guess would be you're the monk. Urabe."

"Hajime..." He began, looking over at the child wolfing down the food. "The wolf child no doubt. Perhaps that's where he gets his ferocious appetite." He added, taking a few more sips of the hot liquid, enjoying the small burning sensation that came when he swallowed it. There was also a similar appearance between the two from Hajime's present life compared to his past life.

"The wolf child?" Kiyoyori wondered what Kenshin meant for a moment, but there was no doubt that "wolf child" seemed a suitable epithet for Hajime. "Oh, you must mean Sakata no Kintoki." If he hadn't had Master Seimei's insistent tutorial on their journey towards the capital, most of this would have passed him by. He felt like the lessons were being put to good use and that it was just what Master Seimei had expected.

There was no doubt that Kiyoyori was smart. Smarter than he looked for sure. It was the same guess as his own. The sake however. It wasn’t that he was against it. It was more.. a story left for another time. "Good guess." He also enjoyed how he was honest. Not many were honest with Kenshin due to his position.

"I suppose we won't know how good until either you remember or Master Seimei spills the beans," replied Kiyoyori, casually drinking from his sake cup as he wondered why the onmyouji had told him who he was in a past life, but not the others. In order to impress Lord Tadatsugu enough to let Kiyoyori leave, probably. He was still half uncovinced by the whole thing, and it was only Master Seimei's word on it that lent it any kind of credence.

Kenshin let out a small laugh, setting his tea down. "You'd be surprised at how right you are. I've seen some, and experienced some." He felt it was safe to let Kiyoyori know. "I've had dreams of the past, and not my own doing. Though the faces were not overly clear."

"What kind of things did you see in your dreams?" Kiyoyori asked, intrigued. Kenshin thought back to the reoccurring dream he had. He replied to Kiyoyori while staring straight ahead, speaking while it played out in his head. "Fighting. Blood. Lightening bolt arrows. A girl with very long hair. Four males. The wolf child. A spear. Haori coat and katana. I held a metal staff... Could feel what my past self felt. It was like I was living it, like I was physically there. It was nothing like the dreams people have or the dreams I give them. I've never experienced anything like it in almost 20 years as the dream walker."

COLLAB POST FOR KIYOYORI, KENSHIN AND HAJIME

By the time Kenshin was done explaining to Kiyoyori what he saw, Hajime had finished off just over half a container of rice. He still left some for the others that had yet to arrive, but not if they wanted third servings. Hajime also listened to what Kenshin said. And just like any innocent kid, he just had to say it. "Almost 20 years? How old are you?" Hajime asked, taking a moment to think about how old Kenshin would actually be. if one had to train before becoming a dream walker, he had to be old. "30? 40? No way Futoki-sensei is just over 50. You have to be 30.. Or maybe 35?" Hajime was probably pushing the numbers. He clearly wasn't judging based on looks.

Kiyoyori glanced at Kenshin too, wanting to know the answer as much as Hajime, although it became less and less likely that Kenshin wasn't going to answer the more numbers Hajime threw around. "He's older than you anyway," he said to Hajime, "You should call him Onii-sama."

It was clear to Kenshin that Hajime was pushing his buttons at how far he could go before he decided to strangle the child. Children had such innocence that made one want to protect them. At the same time, it also made one frustrated because of this innocence. Kenshin hadn’t been around young kids. He really didn’t know the first thing about kids. How to raise them, how to talk to them, how to discipline them. It was going to be a challenge to get through not only supper and the meeting, but the journey as well.

Kiyoyori watched a vein bulge in Kenshin's forehead and his jaw slightly clench. Hajime was doing such a good job at annoying him, and Kenshin, rather boringly was doing a very good job of trying to ignore it. "But Kenshin-san, twenty years is a long time. You must be very skilled at what you do," he said .Kenshin didn't look like he could be more than thirty... there was as certain maturity and dignity about him, but absolutely no signs of age. Kiyoyori didn't feel like he could imagine what it would be like to have twenty years experience in doing something - that was his whole life time.

"I am 24 Hajime-san." Kenshin replied, the vein popping more with Hajime's response. "Wow that's old Onigiri!" Hajime laughed, not letting Kenshin answer, not that he would have anyways. With red cheeks, he turned to Kiyoyori. “So.. What do you think about all of this? Past lives and Oni?” Hajime asked, genuinely interested at what he had to say. Just like any young boy, Hajime often thought of being a hero like in the stories he was told. Great samurai’s defeating evil lords, great swordsmen and Miko's defeating Oni beings. He could only imagine. But now, he was actually a part of it. The power he was born with now has a use. On a side note, he was happy to ‘stick it’ to those that called him a demon. He wished he could run home and stick his tongue out at them and say that he was a part of the team that fought the oni. He was apart of the team that would save, and have saved Japan.

"What do I think? To be honest Hajime-kun,if anyone other than Master Seimei had mentioned this to me I would have laughed and called them mad. I only half believe it even having met the two of you. I don't see why a legendary hero like Raiko-sama would choose to be born in my body," he chuckled, "but I accept that it's so and I'm glad I can do something useful with my life. I'm looking forward to meeting these Oni and shooting a few of them." It was far better to meet Oni face to face where they would be able to meet them in combat, rather than the usual underhanded tactics used by supernatural creatures. Hajime happily agreed. “Me too! We’re like the real-life heroes of the stories! Unbelievable!”

Kenshin picked up his tea, finishing off the liquid inside that had went from hot to warm. When Kiyoyori said he was Raiko’s incarnation, he inhaled the tea in shock. His lungs made a desperate move to expel the liquid by making him cough loudly. Kenshin had to even go so far as to pound on his chest with his fist. “S-Sorry..”Kenshin brushed it off once he got some air back into his lungs. There is no way that’s possible.. not the same gender bodies? Setting the glass down on his tray, he picked up his chopsticks, grabbing a few pieces of the vegetables off of the plate.While he ate, he thought about Urabe no Suetake, Raiko, and the rest of them. He couldn’t explain how it worked, or why it happened. What kind of person was Urabe? Kenshin wondered, chewing slowly on the veg. He only had the one dream of his past life, so it wasn’t much to go in in terms of personality and behavior. He was a monk.. so he probably did a lot of things that I don’t do, and vice versa.. Well I have my own life as Kenshin, and nothing will stop me from being Kenshin..

While Kenshin was deep in thought, Hajime took this time to use his chopsticks to grab a piece carrot off Kenshin's plate, popping it into his mouth. That was the last straw for Kenshin. He turned towards Hajime with a stern look on his face, then began to crawl over Kiyoyori’s lap to get to Hajime, not even caring about manners and that he is in fact, crawling over someone to get to Hajime. “Oi! Don’t you think you’ve had enough already! Carrots are my favorite you know!” Kenshin hissed. He wasn’t mad, just over the line of irritated. “Give it back!”

“I can’t help it!” Hajime cried. “I’m so hungry I could eat the tray!”

“Hungry?” Kenshin questioned, half way over Kiyoyori. He almost practically sat in his lap. It was like Kiyoyori sitting there didn’t even register to Kenshin.“You’ve had seven bowls of rice, three servings of grilled fish, four servings of vegetables, two servings of umeboshi, three servings of miso soup, eight servings of tofu, and god knows how much more and you’re still hungry?!” While speaking, Kenshin ended up pushing Kiyoyori over. Kiyoyori was now flat on his back under Kenshin, and Kenshin was on top, climbing closer to Hajime who just laughed and stuck his tongue out. “Are you drunk perhaps?” Kenshin asked, reaching for Hajime. Kenshin was utterly irritatingly surprised. Hajime could pack away that much food and still be hungry? It had to do with either his power, or his past life. Kenshin had never met anyone, even a child, who can put away as much as Hajime did. One thing was for sure though. Whether Kenshin knew it or not, his past life was showing more than he knew.

Ikari headed up to the Shogun’s Palace. She walked at her full height, catching eyes as she was used to from her white hair and large frame. She’d learned long ago that the only way to have people accept her difference was just to ride it out with complete confidence. It was hardly what she felt inside though, as she passed her paper to the guard with only a minimal bow. The surprise on his face washed over her, she was used to it. “Please, this way,” he said, and she was led into the palace. It was a more opulent building than she had ever seen, never mind been inside. A servant led her somewhere to get changed. “Shimoto-sama, your fellow Imperial Guardians are already gathered. Please join them when you are ready,” the lady said, and bowed out, lower than anyone ever usually bowed, leaving her alone to get cleaned up, changed and deposit her dual katanas. She had been left a beautiful sage green kimono with embroidered water lilies along the hem, and picked it up, surprised to find that this garment looked like it might fit her properly, when almost all ladies’ clothes were too small for her. They must have had it made specially.

Ikari was awed. It was like stepping into another world. Her life, she realised now, would be completely different. From travelling at random around the country righting wrongs and protecting the innocent, a lowly ronin of no rank and station, she was about to become an Imperial Retainer that would answer to none but the Guardians’ leader and the Emperor himself. A young maid helped her tie her obi, a rich emerald silk, and then left her so that she could make her way to meet her new comrades. Hopefully her manners and appearance wouldn’t seem too coarse and vulgar to them. Taking a deep breath, she slid open the door to the meeting room to be met by an unexpected sight.

A young man was crawling across another one to grab a bowl of food out of the hands of a scruffy boy, who was holding it just out of reach of his flailing hand. “Kenshin-san! You’re not setting a good example!” the man on the floor laughed and grabbed the back of Kenshin’s obi, to try and pull him back away from the boy. “And I thought you were some kind of Zen master!” The trays of food looked in danger of tipping over. The young boy’s contained about a dozen empty bowls… “Um…” she began, “Excuse me, I think I have the wrong room.”

“Ken-“ Kiyoyori, mid protest, suddenly went silent, and his smile faded. His eyes were drawn to the woman in the doorway, transfixed. Hers were staring back at him, a small frown between her brows. She was an impressive figure, and beautiful though, that wasn’t the reason he couldn’t take his eyes off her. A strange feeling welled up in his chest, and he found his eyes becoming wet as though he were about to cry. He recognised her. Though he knew he’d never seen her before as Kiyoyori, deep in his soul he remembered her, and he wasn’t sure if those tears were of sadness or of joy. He found his voice, which emerged hoarsely and rather quiet, “No… no, you’re in the right place,” Kiyoyori said, grabbing hold of Kenshin and rather roughly tipping him off his lap, back towards his place, so that Kiyoyori could sit up. Still, though he kept his eyes upon the woman. “Please, come in. I’m sorry for these idiots.”

Ikari stepped forward with a small bow, cautiously. “Pleased to meet you all,” she said, trying out formal language that she never usually used or needed. “My name is Shimoto Ikari, but I was formerly known as Watanabe no Tsuna.”

COLLAB POST FOR KIYOYORI, KENSHIN, HAJIME AND IKARI

Hajime laughed while moving the bowl out of Kenshin’s reach every time Kenshin just about got the bowl. Hajime knew he was teasing Kenshin, especially when he got mad over his carrots. Hajime was thrilled. He was having a blast, like a younger brother teasing his older brother. Kenshin’s fingers would just brush the bowl, and Hajime would move it to the other side, laughing when Kenshin got more frustrated.

Kenshin was different from usual. Perhaps it was from hanging around old, but new friends. The familiarity that came with them made him drop his guard down unexpectedly. Crawling over someone to get to a bratty child was not something Kenshin normally did, if ever. And now, another person had to hold Kenshin back, who was clearly not making a good impression, just as Kiyoyori stated. "Who cares? The little brat needs a lesson in manners!" Kenshin hissed, grabbing hold of Hajime's shirt and pulling him forward. The bowl spilt its contents onto the floor, and Hajime was now nose to nose with a glaring Kenshin. Hajime laughed nervously, placing both hands on Kenshin's balled up fist.

"I think I have the wrong room.." A female voice said.
Kenshin and Hajime both froze, Kenshin still over Kiyoyori who tugged on his Obi to pull him back, and Hajime who tried to pry himself free from Kenshin's grip. Kenshin let Hajime's shirt go, a weird feeling welling up inside. Annoyance, and slight anger towards the white haired girl. He didn't understand why. Obviously, she was one of the fellow guardians, and one present from his past life, but why the anger? There was also an overwhelming sense of trust, like with the others.

Hajime's eyes widened, having never seen anyone with white hair before. At least, not someone so young. "Wow!" Hajime exclaimed, jumping up from his spot to run over to the woman. "Your hair is so white it's like snow!" Hajime laughed, reaching out to touch it, wondering if it was as cold as snow as well. "Yuki! Onigiri, Yoyo, and Yuki!" Hajime laughed. Now everyone had new names.

"Hajime!" Kiyoyori's voice called out in a low and commanding tone that seemed to come from a very different place to the way he normally spoke. Now Kiyoyori was taking issue with his behaviour too, and he stalked over to Hajime, grabbing hold of the back of his collar as he reached up to play with Ikari's hair (which fortunately was out of his reach.) "It's polite to give your own name to a stranger, not to give them a new one, piglet," he frowned, pulling Hajime back to the direction of his seat. Hajime puffed his cheeks out. "Che. Stingy." Deep down, Hajime knew Kiyoyori was right. Hajime was probably pushing the limits, but he was acting on the sense of familiarity. Ikari had a look of stunned bemusement, and found her hand unconsciously going to her hair. She wouldn't have a problem if the boy wanted to touch it.... but this was the Shogun's palace, and while it seemed that sprawling around in a heap grabbing at each other's clothing was OK, apparently touching people's hair wasn't. "I don't mind it," she said.

Kiyoyori gave a short bow, and said, "I am Mori Kiyoyori from the Mori clan of Ozawa, this is Hando Kenshin of the Torizuchi, and the piglet's name is Hajime though I have no idea where he comes from." It seemed strange to be introducing himself formally to her, when his urge was to take her into his arms and tearfully berate her for not having been present in his life until now. The feeling was so overwhelming he couldn't bring himself to say anything more than, "Please, take a seat." Ikari went to sit down, kneeling opposite to the three places that had already been set out. Her eyes ran over the three of them. Kenshin who looked if not angry then at least annoyed, Kiyoyori who had sat back down and was avoiding eye contact, and Hajime the wild child. What strange people. She sighed, as though finally relaxing. All her life she had been treated as strange and different, yet these people made her feel oddly part of something, even if it was a shared weirdness. After all, she supposed, they were her comrades from long ago, or some part of them anyway.

The maids came back into the room to clear away the mess that Hajime and Kenshin's tussle had created, and to serve Ikari, who accepted both food and sake.

Kenshin cleared his throat, sitting back down in his seat properly, his teeth clenched. That could have been bad if that was the Shogun himself.... he thought, mentally giving himself a talk over the way he acted with Hajime. But that didn't stop him from whacking the boy on the top of his head with his fan when Hajime grabbed his chopsticks, and made a move to get to Ikari's food. Kenshin flipped open his fan, and held it down near his waist, and fanned towards his other hand that was open, letting the wind hit his face in a different manner that helped one cool down much, much faster.

The group were left to finish their meal. Kiyoyori pretended to be intent on his food, as the presence of Ikari made him feel all manner of things he didn’t understand, forcing down each mouthful, and occasionally looking up in Ikari’s direction when he thought she wasn’t looking, only to then knock back a cup of sake to bolster his nerves. There had been women in his life before, he was no innocent, but he had never felt anything close to how he did now about Ikari. On glancing at her, she was a stunning woman, not pretty as such, but handsome on a way, but by no means the type that Kiyoyori normally found himself attracted to, those graceful, small girls with long, dark, infinitely soft hair, and smiles full of flirtatious mischief. Was it love? But why would love feel so uncomfortable, wasn’t it supposed to make you happy? He looked sideways at Kenshin. Maybe he would know more about these things, but Kiyoyori didn’t want to ask. Not now at any rate, with Ikari and Hajime here, and that dark look on Kenshin’s face, as though he had remembered someone who owed him money.

Ikari ate in silence, trying to be ladylike as she lifted her bowl of rice and took small bites from her chopsticks. The atmosphere, so welcoming at first, had grown a little tense. She hoped that it wasn’t her presence that had caused it – the three had been having fun before she arrived, now that seemed a little stilted. She caught Kiyoyori glancing at her once or twice, but after he looked away when she caught his gaze the first time, she decided to ignore it. I suppose the situation is a little strange,[i] she thought. [i]No one knows what to make of it.

Shortly, the maids returned, and cleared away all the dinner plates and trays, regardless of who had and hadn’t finished eating and drinking. Everything that had been spilled was tidied away, and the room was left looking spotless. The maids retreated through the door they had entered through, and not a moment later, a male voice called out from somewhere outside the opposite side of the room, in a pompous voice, “His excellency the Shogun, supreme general of his Imperial Majesty, Ashikaga Yoshiharu!” At the sound of that name Ikari and Kiyoyori both bowed to the ground, facing the dais, and the others would be expected to do the same. If Hajime was unsure what to do, Kiyoyori made sure to manhandle him into a position of obeisance. The sliding door opened, to the side of the dais with its tiger paintings, and a middle aged man in fine silk court clothing, a small moustache and receding hair topped by a small black hat strode in, followed by a page. He went to the dais, and sat down atop a cushion in the centre, facing the room. Abe no Seimei followed the page in, and took a seat on the dais to the Shogun’s right. A choice bodyguard of armed retainers sat behind and to the side.

The Shogun’s gaze passed over the four of them, and the conspicuously empty fifth place on the floor. “I have had a little difficulty locating the last member, Your Excellency,” came the quiet whispered voice of Seimei, a touch of exasperation present in his voice as he explained the situation to Yoshiharu. Yoshiharu nodded. “I see. Guardians, please raise your heads,” the Shogun commanded them. “I thank you for accepting my hospitality, it is a great honour.” The Shogun bowed to them solemnly, leaving Kiyoyori wide-eyed. “You four, and one other, are the Five Legendary Guardians. You need not think of me as your lord, but only as your host. I am receiving you on behalf of his Imperial Majesty, but you will answer only to the Emperor, and to Lord Seimei as his intimate advisor.” Seimei bowed to the room too, although a little fox-like smile was on his face, and the bow seemed perhaps a little sardonic. “I welcome you formally to the Capital, guardians of Kyoto, and members of the new Imperial Guard, bound to destroy those enemies of the Emperor and the people, the demons and monstrous creatures who seek us harm, but which cannot be slain by normal means and ordinary men. Minamoto no Raiko-sama, Watanabe no Tsuna-sama, Sakata no Kintoki-sama, Urabe no Suetake-sama. I would like to present you with these items, that have lain in the Imperial Vault for just such an occasion as this. Think of them not as gifts, for they are yours. They have been kept for you for just such an occasion by His Majesty, and now I return them to your custody.”

Four samurai entered the room each carrying a wrapped bundle. The Shogun called the first one in. “Mori no Kiyoyori, Minamoto no Raiko-sama,” he addressed Kiyoyori, who approached right to the foot of the dais and bowed again. “A shame you weren’t here for my archery contest. It may have turned out differently,” said the Shogun to Kiyoyori, “You would have been too young, I suppose.” Yoshiharu had a particular liking of archery and the contest he referred to had taken place twenty years ago, when all manner of great archers from across the country came to Kyoto to compete, and was still talked about today. “Yes, my lord, thank you,” said Kiyoyori, rather quieted by the presence of the great man and the compliment he was offering him. The samurai unwrapped the bundle, revealing a longbow of dark wood, banded with golden rattan, a simple looking but beautiful instrument. The Shogun took it from him and handed it out to Kiyoyori in the manner of bestowing a valuable gift. Such a beautiful bow, and well kept, though it had the patina of age about it. Undoubtedly it was ancient. Kiyoyori’s eyes rose and he held out both hands to receive the bow. The Shogun placed it there, and he bowed once again, feeling his fingers curl over the smooth, cool lacquer. There was life in it, he could sense it, and more, he recognised it, it fitted into his hands exactly and completely. He felt as though a part of him he hadn’t realised was missing had just locked back into place. He could remember drawing it, the exact sensation in his muscles of holding back the string, and the release as the arrow would fly towards his enemy. The Shogun returned his bow, and he retreated back to his place.

Next, the Shogun called Ikari, using both her current name and the name by which she had been known in her past life. She was presented with two swords, a matched pair, with old fashioned tachi-style mounts, the scabbards bronze-laquered, with dark vermillion cords, and the sheaths covered in bearskin, as swords used to be ancient times. The curve of the blade was deeper than the katanas she was used to, and the swords heavier. Ikari knew these two swords, she had held them in dreams, and it did not surprise her to have them in her hands once again. Ikari bowed and returned to her place.

The Shogun next called Urabe no Suetake, then Sakata no Kintoki, to receive their weapons too.

Tsume followed Seimei and the Shogun as they filed in after the pageboy into the room where her travel companions for the next few weeks were waiting. She felt the fabric of the dark blue kimono her master had lent her itch a little on her human skin, but resisted the urge to scratch it, fearing the action would come across too feline. Instead,she just knelt next to Seimei and folded her hands neatly on her lap. Although her head was bowed, she was carefully watching the four.

Although all four of them were sitting perfectly calm, the one with black hair tied up, the emperor had called him "Kiyoyori",seemed to be the most at ease, like he was familiar with this sort of scenario. As he rose to collect his weapon, a bow, she could see he walked with the grace and control of a trained fighter. "Serious,focused and respectful... he doesn't seem too bad." she thought to herself, silently judging them. On the contrary, the one sat next to him,the child, was struggling to stay still as it was. She could practically feel his uncontrolled energy and curiosity rolling off him in waves. She cringed at the thought of spending the next few weeks with him. Human children were the worst, loud, irritating and inexperienced,and she couldn't even relate because human adults are so overprotective if their young! If he were a kitten, she'd be able to teach him how to behave properly with a well timed and well deserved thump.

The white haired woman, who rose to the name"Ikari" felt standoffish. There was something about her that put heart an instant distaste in Tsume's opinion. She wasn't even sure where it came from, and was even a little surprised that someone could rub her up the wrong way just with their presence. As she stepped closer to receive her weapons, two swords, Tsume was sure that if she had hackles in this form, they would be raised.

Last in her judging was the other black haired male with enchanting eyes, that she could tell saw more than what was of simply this world. From his appearance,even though it was as fine as Kiyoyori's, she deduced that he was more finicky about his appearance. This, she admired. Far too often, humans were just happy to prance about however they happened to wake up that day. Any cat would hold themselves with more pride in spirit and appearance than most humans, although she bet this "Kenshin" could give even her a run for her money in that department. He carried himself with confidence and Tsume decided that he would be tolerable company. Then she sensed a layer of uncertainty,or unhappiness under his outer shell of emotions as he got closer to receive his weapon, a staff, and vaguely wondered what it was he was unhappy with.

All in all, she mentally concluded, she was going to spending the next few weeks with a two humans just about worthy of her company, a little brat and some woman who managed to raise her hackles every time she saw her. Although resigned to her fate, as her Master had ordered it, she made her mind up to get this quest over and done with as soon as possible so she could go back to her nice, soft abode and never have to take this itchy human form again. At least til Seimei summoned her again.

HAJIME AND KENSHIN

A servant had sat tea down in front of Kenshin once the new comer Ikari had been given her portion of the food that Hajime was forced to leave behind. Honestly, he had never met anyone who could pack away so much food, and it hasn’t stopped surprising him since they first met just an hour prior. Ikari was not hard on the eyes. Ikari was more ‘rougher’ looking that the girls usually found around here, and with Kenshin, just due to her physical state. But it also made her more noticeable. She had her good points, and Kenshin made note.

Hajime was engaging in small talk with one of the servants that filled his glass with sake, his cheeks red. It didn’t taste good, and it made him feel strange and loopy, but in a good way. Just as quickly as Hajime was getting drunk, the servants came and cleared everything away, tidying up any remaining mess from the spectacle Kenshin and himself had put on. “Eh?” Hajime said, slightly confused, until the announcement of the Shogun.

“His excellency the Shogun, supreme general of his Imperial Majesty, Ashikaga Yoshiharu!”

Hajime’s heart pounded loudly in his chest, his nerves on edge. For a few moments, he had forgotten that he was here to see -the- Shogun. He gulped loudly, following Kiyoyori, Ikari, and Kenshin who snapped his fan closed and gave a calm, fluid bow, in giving a bow of his own. Even for a 12-year-old boy, he was scared at the presence the Shogun brought once he entered the room.

Both Hajime and Kenshin lifted their heads once allowed to. Hajime was shocked when the Shogun bowed to them, and had a momentary reality check. The Guardians were -that- important. Hajime did understand and knew it was real when Seimei came by, and when they appeared in his dreams. But to have the Shogun himself bow, just solidified how serious this was.

Kenshin just stayed still, and showed little emotion on his face in the Shogun’s presence, giving a gracious bow at the shoguns own. Once the weapons were brought forth, Kenshin was able to tell exactly who was who just based on their weapons. The Bow, just as the shogun said, was Raiko. The twin swords were Tsuna, and now the staff.

Kenshin stood, leaving his dream walker staff behind. Kenshin had every intention of refusing the staff, but to do so would make him look ungrateful for the generosity of the Shogun, and the Emperor for guarding his past lives weapon. Urabe no Suetake’s weapon. He recognized it immediately when the samurai removed the fine silk cloth over top. The metal rings that hung on either side jangled once Kenshin lifted the staff from his hands. A familiar sound that he heard many times. The Staff was taller than him by only a few inches, and the small designs within the middle ring were worn from age. But the Dream Walker needed the Dream Walker staff. There was no other staff that would allow him to walk through dreams. He would have to send the staff back to Nagasaki to his home, but he would do so once they set off the next morning.

“Hando Kenshin, Urabe no Suetake-sama, your staff. May it protect you now, just as it did then.” The Shogun said, adding “Your dream walking has surpassed even that of your predecessor, Yumeki. May you walk for me one night after this battle is all over.” Kenshin gave Seimei a quick millisecond glance while clenching his teeth together, and proceeded to give the Shogun a grateful, low bow. “Arigatou Ashikaga-tono.” Returning to his seat, he placed the staff beside him carefully, right beside the Dream Walker staff.

Hajime was called next, and he was eager to find out what his weapon was. Standing, he made his way to the next samurai who unwrapped an axe from the gold silk cloth. “Sakataa no Kintoki-sama. Samaki Hajime. This may not be a weapon befitting of a healer, but I hope it will protect you on your journey. Futoki-sensei spoke quite highly of you and your potential. I’ll have you know that just a little over 20 years ago, Futoki-sensei tended to me when I fought a battle. I barely survived, and would have perished if it wasn’t for him. The Guardians couldn’t be in more safer hands than yours young one.”

The axe had two skulls on either side with the blade of the ax coming from the mouth of one of them. A Metal point off the tip, and a red jewel at the bottom that seemed slightly dirty. The skulls looked identical. Twin skulls? They look like they could devour my size in 3 bites, maybe 4. Hajime thought. Giving a smile to the Shogun, and gave an honest bow. He was forever grateful for the story he told, and for the kind words he gave. It gave him courage, but it also oddly gave him stomach flip flops. “Thank you!” Returning to his seat, he continued to examine the axe.

Kiyoyori watched the others receive their weapons, each one giving him a small flash of recognition as they were put into the hands of his companions. His and Kenshin’s guesses were confirmed as the Shogun revealed their identities to each other and in some cases, to themselves. Holding the bow in his hands somehow anchored him to the reality of their position, a physical link to the past life he had been so sceptical of. Ah, so I really have to lead them to battle, he thought to himself as he passed his gaze over the group of guardians and the one empty seat that was yet to be filled. Lucky them.

Ikari’s vision blurred and a new scene overlaid itself on to the one in front of her eyes. Where the Shogun Yoshiharu sat, another figure took form. An old man, in court robes, his hair grey, his beard and moustache pointed, which added to the gravitas of his features, looking like nothing moreso than a civilised wolf, dressed in clothing too large for him. Sleeves draped over the hands, as was the style for nobles in those days. A tall black hat sat upon his head. The Minister of the Right, Fujiwara no Morotada, Tsuna recognised him, and though she tried to follow the words she saw forming on his lips, she couldn’t hear him. The others, Ikari saw clearly now, as they retrieved their weapons. Urabe, the shaven-headed monk, superimposed over the long-haired Kenshin, the wild boy Sakata almost exactly mirrored his counterpart in Hajime, as he took hold of the skull-bedecked axe. As for Kiyoyori, she saw Raiko’s form only vaguely – so feint as to be like smoke, the large-eyed yet determined looking girl warrior dressed as a man. While the pages and assistants seemed to fade into the background, Seimei stood out as much as any of them, the ghostly image of himself was exactly the same as the man she saw before her. In five hundred years he hasn’t changed.He seemed to smile knowingly at her as though he realised what she was seeing. Some other time when the guardians had been gathered, briefed, taking their orders from Morotada, on behalf of the Emperor, while Seimei subtly nudged him in the right direction. This Shogun was specifically not giving them orders, and Tsuna understood that Seimei had managed to find a way to cut out the middle man this time. Good, she thought, although she felt this came from Tsuna rather than herself, Fewer politicians, fewer lies.

The Shogun had one last item he needed to bestow, and summoned Kiyoyori once more. “There is one more artefact that belonged to you in your former life, Raiko-sama,” said Yoshiharu, and with a small gesture summoned forth one of his samurai who passed a long black lacquer box to Kiyoyori. Inside was a brocade bag with Minamoto crests woven into it in gold. He loosened the ancient drawstring and gave an audible sharp intake of breath as he took out the item inside. A bamboo flute, a komabue, wrapped in cherry bark and lacquered in black with the subtlest of gold bands at both ends and between the mouth and finger holes. Once again, he felt close to tears, a strange pulling at his heart, as he had when he laid eyes upon Ikari. An expression of deep gratitude crossed his face that the Shogun nodded to, and Seimei smiled at softly, and he bowed once again to the floor and said in a voice thick with emotion, “thank you.” He stayed for a few moments with his face on the floor, not daring to move until he had mastered himself. Kiyoyori had never played the flute, nor had any aptitude or particular interest in music, but then … he had never held this flute.

Seimei took the opportunity to quietly whisper, “It would be proper for you to address your companions.” Eventually he sat back up, and turned to face his companions. “I realise perhaps I’m not what you expected or wanted in a leader. Maybe to some of you, I’m even an enemy. I hadn’t thought I’d be capable of such a thing, it’s rather big boots to fill. Maybe I won’t even come close to doing this well – that’s what I thought until just now. But I know, I can feel, the spirit of Raiko-sama is with me, and that her wisdom will guide me, even though it will have to fight all the way against my foolishness. I am not your lord, and you aren’t my vassals. I have no right to expect you to follow me or do my bidding. But I hope you’ll accept me as your leader, and will be my valued comrades and brothers in arms. Will you all join me?”

The evening inevitably wound down, and the Guardians were taken to their sleeping quarters to spend the night. Their rooms were in a small building which was to be theirs alone for the time they would stay here, separated from the main palace by a covered walkway. The building looked out one way onto a small courtyard, and to the other onto a large open area used for training in martial arts and archery. While Kenshin, Hajime and Kiyoyori were to sleep together in one room, Ikari was surprised to learn that she would be sharing a room with Seimei’s page, the black haired girl who had sat beside him and looked over them all with great intensity during their meeting with Yoshiharu. She attempted to ask the girl a few friendly questions about herself, but ended up falling asleep rather quickly. It had been an extremely eventful day.

During the night, the summer rains started in earnest, and in the morning sheets of water poured from the grey sky as though the gods were throwing out their bath water. The air was humid and sticky. The Guardians were all made sure to be properly equipped, with the Shogun’s men providing them with armour and clothing, all with a special crest for their new unit. Five tomoe that circled clockwise, in a gold colour. Abe no Seimei strode across the walkway from the main house at mid-morning, carrying an umbrella, and asking the Guardians if they liked the new crest, explaining that he had designed it especially for them, with a rather self-satisfied and knowing smile. By midday the rains still hadn’t stopped and Kiyoyori sat on the veranda, looking over at the practice field at the archery targets wistfully as he waited. Even if he didn’t mind getting soaked, there was no way to keep a bowstring dry in this weather. From time to time he pulled the flute out from the inside of his kimono and turned it over in his fingers, before putting it bak again. Ikari came out and sat down, dressed in impressive set of armour, silver grey plates and lacing, with the cloth sleeves and trousers in dark red with silver figured dragons. She gave Kiyoyori a nod, still not really sure what to make of him, and Kiyoyori acknowledged her greeting. Then they sat in silence, the rain making more than enough noise as it turned the practice field into a muddy lake. Kiyoyori had many things he wanted to ask her, he needed to talk to her, but found that he couldn’t. Instead Ikari could feel him staring at her from time to time. She tried to ignore it but eventually she turned around to glare at him, and snapped roughly, “What is it?”

It was unusual for him to feel tongue tied around anyone, but even when she confronted him, he had no idea what to say. “Um, Ikari-san, do you – I mean –“ his expression took on a sort of intensity as he turned towards her to meet her gaze, his black eyes searching hers, as her expression turned from a frown of annoyance to one of mere confusion. “Do you remember –? “

Whatever his question was, it was cut off by the voice of Seimei, as the onmyouji poked his head around the door frame. “Anyone would think you two didn’t want to receive your first mission! Aren’t you coming?” he said, disappearing mysteriously and expecting them to follow. The rain continued to clatter down on the roof as the group were assembled in one of the small rooms. “First I should introduce you to Tsume. She will be your scout. Her eyes and ears are very sharp, her claws too. She is my servant, which means no using her for odd jobs, fetching you new sandals or making tea. She will be able to help you sniff out the Oni, and find information you need.”

“As for this mission,” he said, folding his long sleeves into his lap, and taking on a rather more serious demeanour. “The summer rains often bring sickness to the city, but this year it has begun in earnest more quickly than usual. It makes me suspect, more than suspect for I am almost certain of it, that this illness is not of a natural origin, and that Oni are responsible. Some nobles in the palace have already fallen gravely ill, and I suspect his Majesty the Emperor is the true target. I am doing all I can with my magic to protect him, but the source must be removed. This is where you come in, Guardians.”

Tsume wanted to fidget. She had an itch right by her ear, and another on her side, and was beggining to think that seimei asked Kiyoyori to adress his new comrades just to test her patience.
Having decided that she had judged the group sufficiently, she specifically made a point to let her mind wander to her next meal. She sniffed haughtily- Fish scraps indeed! No, she would dine in luxury. Fish itself could be rather slimy and had a very pungent and overbearing taste, but if it was prepared in some well prepared garnish by a seasoned cook, it could be delicious. Pork, lamb, beef; a little chewy and plain if unaccompanied by something else but delicious when roasted. But Chicken! That was the meat she was made to eat. So perfectly textured, could be enjoyed hot or cold.
She hoped that Seimei hadn't spotted her licking her lips.

At last, the meeting and greeting came to an end, and Tsume couldn't wait to dissapear, get out of this body and go find a warm, shadowed corner to spend the night, but her master, as quick as ever, struck her with a look that she knew that wouldn't be happeneing. She sighed inwardly, as she dutifuly followed Seimei, as a human page would.
The building she and the group were led to by some castle servants was a comfortable distance from the noise of the main palace. There was room for weapon practice and when Tsume found she would be sharing a room with the white haired girl, she decided that one of the well kept trees she saw on the way here would make for a comfy bed, with her black fur to keep her warm. As if he could read her mind, Seimei shot her a look.
Fine. Futons and night clothes it was then.

Much to her annoyance, the feeling of hate towards Ikari didn't decrease one bit, and Tsume sat and sulked till she stopped making sounds with her vocal chords and started breathing deeply and evenly. After checking Ikari was truly sleeping, Tsume stepped to the window, light as a feather and shivered a sigh of relief as she turn back to her feline form. She sat on the window ledge, looking up at the currently clear skies, admiring the way the moonlight shone on her silky black fur. Grateful for her keen vision, she navigated her way to ground level down the outside of the building.

The following morning, Tsume sourly regretted her choice to sleep outside under the stars in the safe cradle of an Ume tree, as she woke in the pre-dawn grey light to rainfall. She jumped down from her temporary bed and streaked across the courtyard, back up to her room through the window, where she shook off the loose droplets and crawled beneath her discarded blankets to warm up and dry off.

When Tsume woke again, she yawned and stretched, feeling warm and satisfied. Grey daylight lit the room, with a background chorus of rainfall on tiles, and thankfully, no white haired females to bother her. There was, however, some new clothes, folded neatly at the foot of her futon, <i>human</i> clothes. Sighing, she understood Seimei's message and guessed she should be grateful he let her sleep in till whatever time it was.
Changing back into her human form, Tsume quickly donned the new clothes, noting the new gold crest that was emblazoned on the cloth. Once dressed, she scented the air for food, thankfully her feline sense of smell carried over to her human form.
Following her nose, she found her way to the kitchen, where she politely requested for some dried meats and fruit. A few minuets later, she was happily walking back to her room holding a plate of brunch. She heard Kiyoyori and Ikari's voices float up through the window but chose to ignore what was being said in favor of munching happily. Though humble in choice, the quality of food was certainly fit for the emperor. What Obaasama would have done if she could taste this...
Before she could loose herself in memories of a time long gone, Seimei knocked politely before entereing. Tsume nodded at him and lowered her eyes respectfully. "Follow me, we have important things to discuss with the Guardians".
Tsume nodded and quickly stuffed the last morsel in her mouth and followed Seimei out the room. After a brief walk, they entered one of the small rooms and Tsume dutifully took a seat to the side of Seimei.

The meeting started once Seimei had collected the two outside. Even Tsume had to admit they looked quite orderly in matching armour. He started by introducing her as his servant and their scout. She pulled a sly feral grin when he mentioned her claws, and noted a small look of disappointment on Kenshin's face when her master said she wasn't for petty tasks. She didn't say anything but she felt eyes on her as Seimei continued.
Her eyes narrowed sightly at the mention of Oni, particularly sickness and rain ones. They were always tricky, as their scent would be everywhere, in every rain cloud, every sick persons cough. She usually avoided both if possible; being soaked was not fun, but this time, she guessed she's be tracking one, or more, down.

The clouds were overhead before Midori reached the outer parts of the Hana no Gosho. This part seemed almost abandoned with the limited activity that went on within the walls. Perhaps it was reserved for only those of extreme high importance, leaving it rarely used if ever. This place was where the voice screamed from the loudest, and Midori was exhausted from pushing herself to the limits with the screamer and the eyes.

Midori found herself drawn by the faint smell of food. Climbing over the wall with the help of a tree, she used her hearing to pin point where people were so she could maneuver through the halls undetected. What seemed like an hour, Midori found herself just outside the kitchens were some servants were bringing back trays of finished food, and what appeared to be a tray of food that was spilled. It smelt good. Really good. It had been a long time since Midori had anything but the food she hunted, or occasionally stole to pass the winter months.

“Those two were really going at it, pulling at each other’s collars.”
“That long haired guy is pretty handsome huh?”
“Yeah and that guy with the black looking eyes. He looks especially fun!”

While the girls continued to discuss which of the men they believed were the most handsome, and the boy who clearly liked to cause a scene, they made their way out of the kitchen and onto their next duties, leaving the food to sit out for the servants dinner. Midori slipped through the door, and grabbed a basin of rice, filling it up with left overs before slipping right back out, sliding under the floors and in the dirt outside to stay hidden so she could eat to her fill.

Once her stomach was full, Midori found that she had drifted off to sleep. It wasn’t clear how much time passed, but she was awakened by voices extremely close by. They were headed the way Midori came into the Hana no Gosho. Servants, and those that were in a secret meeting with the Shogun. Those that were called for. The reborn guardians. It peaked Midori’s interest, so she listened, and waited. When the familiar voice from before spoke, she kept her ears tuned into the voices location, while moving swiftly through the halls, using the roof, and even hiding to not be seen. Once the voice holder was on his own, Midori rolled off the roof, hung on with her right hand, and using all her weight to swing towards the inside of the Gosho, letting go and landing right in front of Seimei himself, who seemed a little surprised. The rain had drenched her, her hair stuck to her face in all sorts of weird patterns, the rain running clean streaks down her skin through the caked on dirt, her worn and torn kimono stuck to her skin. “Seimei Loud. Too Loud.” Midori narrowed her eyes at him. “No more screaming. Hurts.” Midori pointed to her ears when she said ‘hurts’.

Seimei was indeed surprised, and more than a little. He wasn't sure if he was irked by this or pleased, since he liked to think he was on top of things at all times. His eyes narrowed as a fox-like grin spread over his face. "Oh," he raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps I am too loud, or perhaps it is you who is too quiet. How did you get in without my noticing? Please, why don't you sit," he said lowering his voice to a whisper and pointing with a closed fan at the tatami mat directly facing him. Through the mud and dirt it was hard to see what the woman looked like ... if anything she looked more like a vengeful ghost than a living human, but Seimei could sense what she really was, and she was no more a ghost than he was. "Are you hungry? Thirsty?" he asked her, tipping his head a little to the side.

Withthe way he responded, Midori guessed that Seimei was his name. What identified him. How did I know that? The thought was only a mere moment, shaking her head back and forth to say no when he asked about food and drink. She had eaten only a few hours prior. She didn’t take his offer to sit. “What want?”Midori asked, using a hand to flip the wet strands of hair back behind her head. “You been screaming since Hokkaido. Why have you been looking for Midori?What is special about Midori and Usui no Sadamitsu?” She outright asked,throwing caution to the wind. Midori made sure to keep a bit of a distance between Seimei and herself. Just enough so that she could react if he came at her.

"Ah, Sadamitsu. Did you know I've been trying to track you down for months, if not years, then you turn up here, just late enough to be a nuisance, but early enough that you're still technically on time. You really have more in common with your former incarnation than you're probably aware." Seimei asked her to sit down again, and explained to her about the Guardians and their special role whether she did or not. "If you heard me all this time, then why didn't you respond?" he asked.

“Che.” Midori clicked her tongue in a displeased manner. “Seimei forget I arrive on time. Always.” Midori spoke, but it was like Usui was speaking. Subconsciously, Midori knew things she shouldn’t. Knew things about the past but didn’t understand. This time, she took his offer to sit, but stillkept a bit of distance. Midori knew who Seimei was, but didn’t. This frightened her. She enjoyed being in a familiar presence, but it was not one thatshe knew. It was one that Usui knew. “Many came for Midori.” She began, “People,Samurai, and Oni. Midori used power to survive. Midori fled into the Hokkaido Forest. One was very annoying. The voice was soft at first, then louder and louder. More that Midori went south, the louder it got. Midori hear this voice before.Then eyes came. Looked for Midori at night. Midori stayed up, running from the eyes that looked for her.”

Seimei listened. "The auguries were imprecise," he said, with a small frown. What was the point in learning such arts a reading the future and mapping the transmigration of souls if such obvious information went awry. He liked to have his net cast wide and to know everything - impossible as this was even for him - and it vexed him when there were blind spots. "I sent shikigami after you. They did not return. I expect you destroyed them." He leaned closer. "Who's eyes were these? Were they mine? The dreamwalkers? Or an Oni's?" He sat back. "Midori, please tell me about what happened, and how much you remember of your former life."
Midori nodded, finally taking a seat directly in front of Seimei, but keeping a small amount of distance between the two. Lightening lit up the night sky, the thunder booming life into the sky, the rains falling harder. “Midori did.” She said in reply. Midori instinctively leaned back when he leaned closer asking about the eyes. When he mentioned dream walker, Midori nodded. “Makes sense.Midori hear you talking to him..K-Ke-nn-tin? Ki-n-she?..” Midori tilted her head in thought at her own words, unsure of the actual name.
Midori shrugged her shoulders at his next question about her former life. “Don’t know. Midori never seen Seimei before, but knew his name when Midori hear it.”Then she added, “Midori want to smack you for being loud.” She narrowed her eyes at him. It was hard to sleep when she could when he screamed so loud inher ears for months. Now, it was quiet, except for the faint sounds of servants in the distance helping, and cleaning up after a boy who kept getting sick from too much sake.





During Kiyoyori’s speech, Kenshin just gave a bow with a tilt of his head to the leader of the mission. Of course Kenshin would stand together with Kiyoyori, because it was expected of him. Of course Kenshin would stand together with Kiyoyori, because it was what was needed. He knew the threat of the Oni was real, and not fake. There wasn’t much that a dream gazer couldn’t do aside of dream of the future if he wanted to know what was going on in Japan. Kenshin was privy to all sorts of information. Hajime, with much vigor and eagerness nodded his head up and down multiple times and so fast, Kenshin thought his head would pop off. “I’m with Yoyo! Hic!” The hiccup was loud, and Kenshin knew what was going to come next. After all, the boy did down almost an entire bottle of sake.

Once Kenshin and Hajime were able to leave the room, Hajime ran as fast as he could to the outer door, sliding it open in haste and letting his supper go. The nerves from the Shogun meeting, and the sake didn’t mix well with Hajime, his body letting him know this. Kenshin gave a clear ‘I knew that would happen,’ laugh, making his way past the boy without a single thought. He had the dream walker staff in one hand, and Suetake’s staff in the other. Once he had both in hand, both hands got extremely warm. Kenshin chalked it up to nothing more than coincidence, before giving orders to the servants to draw him a bath, and to have another brush out his hair during, and after. Tonight, he would not try to find the other missing guardian. Tonight, he wanted sleep. Once Kenshin and Hajime were shown to the room they would share with Kiyoyori, Kenshin placed both staffs in the same corner of the room, leaning up against the wooden post.

The bath was relaxing for Kenshin, and it was even more relaxing to have his hair taken care of. It was embarrassing for him to be present in front of the others with small remnants of food caught in his hair, and his robes wrinkled. Honestly that boy was going to try his patience at every turn.

Hajime, after emptying his supper he fought so hard to eat, was scrubbed down by a few servants in his own bath, and put right to bed ahead of everyone else. At least the evening would be peaceful. Once Kenshins hair was done, his night time kimono on, Kenshin settled down into the futon, falling asleep rather fast.

The rain continued into the morning, and it seemed like the rainy season was going to start. Hajime was up before the others, and down in the kitchen where he was eating his fill with his ax straped to his back. He wore a red top with the crest sewn into the left sleeve. The servants had learned after last night to make the boy a five course meal. Kenshin was the last to wake up, his eyes blurry and clouded over. A figure loomed over him, which he assumed was Hajime. “Go bother Kiyoyori. I’m not done sleeping yet.”

“Eyes looking. You.” A female voice said. Kenshin didn’t recognize the voice, and sat up a little startled using a hand to rub the sleepiness from his eyes so he could get a better picture on who was speaking to him. Kenshin knew of every one of his actions last night, so he would have remembered bringing a woman into the bed with him. A small womans face became clear with green eyes, and long black hair that seemed to shine in the morning rays. “And? You are?” Kenshin asked, surprised that he was being glared at by someone who he didn’t even know. Midori lifted her hand, and used her middle finger to flick Kenshin square between the eyes. “Fly annoying.” Kenshin landed right back laying down, a red mark beginning to make its appearance where he was flicked. “Itai! What the hell was that for?!”

“So you two finally met? Good. Kenshin, this is Midori, Usui no Sadamitsu’s current vassal.” Seimei’s voice came through the open shobi door. “Hurry up and get dressed. At mid-day we have our first meeting, and it’s well past dawn already.”

“Che..” Kenshin gave a sound of disproval, rubbing the sore spot between his eyes. “Damn woman..” He muttered very low so no one could hear, only to have that woman throw his staff at him. “Hear you I can.” Kenshin stretched out his arm, catching the staff before it could belt him in the face. Kenshin was going to yell back at the woman, until the look of the staff came into view. The Dream Walker Staff was a simple staff with a hole between the wood, separating the colors where the blue circle would appear if he was walking in dreams. Urabe no Suetake’s staff was clearly a monk’s staff with three rings on either side each, and either shrines or bosatsu figures inside. This staff was completely different. The brown and black of his old staff seemed to have wrapped around Suetake’s staff like an outer layer, merging and melting and reshaping the look of both staffs into one. Is this because I am the dream walker in this life? Kenshin thought, trying to figure out why the staffs merged. The golden brown twisted around the staff until to came up to the top where it merged and completely made a new staff head. The blue jewel in the center of the staff head pulsed the blue color like it would, recognizing it’s owner. Gone were the three rings, and it’s its place a circular pattern wrapping around the single ring while holding the blue jewel in place. Along the inner part of the circular pattern was dream walker symbols. The staff in height was the exact same as Suetake’s staff was.

“Oi Onigiri hurry it up!” Hajime’s voice came from behind the closed door. “Hai Hai!” Kenshin replied in an annoyed tone. He knew better than to keep Seimei waiting for long. He signaled the servants to begin his morning routine of hair being brushed and well dressed. Kenshin was offered a grey kimono in place of his black one, the grey one having the special crest sewn onto the sleeve. His obi sash was the same as before as was his hair tie. After about 30 minutes, Kenshin made his way to the designated meeting place, running into Hajime and Midori outside. “Where’d you get the new staff Onigiri?” Hajime asked curiously. Kenshin sighed, not really knowing the answer himself. “That…I can’t say..”

“On..i..giri..” Midori repeated slowly, tilting her head to the side with a confused look at Hajime. “Hai! Onigiri!” Hajime said, beginning to tell Midori the story.

Hajime and Midori met in the early morning hours while he was stuffing his face. Hajime’s head pulsed loudly but that didn’t stop him from feeding his hunger. Seimei had come in and introduced them, leaving Hajime and Midori alone in the kitchen for breakfast. Midori didn’t say much but a few words, and it was hard to understand what she was saying when it was backwards, but the subject was there. Midori had on a colorful Kimono of greens and blues and pinks with a long green haori coat. The crest was sewn into the back side instead of the sleeve. It clashed with her kimono look, but Midori liked the look of it, and she could curl up inside with her small body. Very useful for when it’s cold.

Kenshin and Hajime gave nodded greetings to the others as they entered the room and took their seats, while Midori just strode right on it and took the seat beside Ikari, ignoring the whispers of servants on her manners. She placed the Naginata she received from Seimei just this morning down behind her with a low, but vibrating thud on the tatami mat. It definitely had some weight to it. Midori looked over at Kiyoyori and Ikari, blinked a few times, then looked back straight ahead at Seimei and the young Tsume. Midori had yet to meet these two.

“First I should introduce you to Tsume. She will be your scout. Her eyes and ears are very sharp, her claws too. She is my servant, which means no using her for odd jobs, fetching you new sandals or making tea. She will be able to help you sniff out the Oni, and find information you need.”

Kenshin snapped open his fan, giving a small throat hmph when Seimei looked directly at him when he spoke his sentence of Tsume. There goes his fun, and someone to permanently look after his hair. Perhaps he could talk one of the other members into it.

What Seimei was saying about the rain was true. It had started much sooner than expected. And for an Oni to be behind it, well that just made matters worse. Hajime didn’t like what he was hearing one bit. People often got sick when the weather turned colder. The elderly and young children were at the highest risk from his experience at Futoki-sensei’s clinic. “Where do we start Seimei?”

(OOC NOTE – For Naginata picture, omit the brown string part hanging from the blade.)

Tsume sniffed as a new scent entered the room, accompanied by a new girl. From Seimei's lack of alarm, she deduced that this new girl was meant to be here, and was probably the final guardian that he mentioned was absent at the initial meeting in the shoguns palace. She looked presentable enough, but Tsume could sense something feral, untamed, inside. She decided that this new person could be tolerated.


Kiyoyori entered the room along with Ikari, both having taken the opportunity to follow Seimei without hesitation, glad to have the awkward moment bewteen them ended. Like Ikari, he was dressed in new armour bearing the five tomoe crest, but unlike the full suit that made Ikari's entrance to the room most impressive, Kiyorori's was more similar to an ashigaru's in style, though of the same high quality, discarding any“unnecessary” pieces and stripped down to just a cuirass, armoured sleeves and leg guards. The plates were lacquered black, and the lacing was blue and pale wheat yellow. The cloth parts dark and light blue figured with a carp pattern in gold. He took a seat next to Kenshin. So, Seimei's page was coming with them. Obviously she was more than she seemed, which wasn't unusual for something connected toSeimei. On hearing the little “hmph” from Kenshin on Seimei's forbidding the group to use her as a servant, Kiyoyori smirked and suppressed a laugh. “Looks like you'll have to train Hajime for that,” he said, his eyes narrowing mischievously as he passed a glance to Kenshin.

Kenshin flipped open his fan, fanning himself rather quickly as he pondered the thought. Hajime was annoying and a brat, ignorant and ill mannered, but Kiyoyori had a point. Kenshin could bribe Hajime with food, and the kid would most likely do it. But would it be worth the complaints Hajime would say, while doing it? Kenshin was weighing the pros and cons.

Kiyoyori smirked, watching Kenshin actually taking his suggestion seriously. The thought that people might be taking him more seriously than usual, now he was the leader of the Guardians, never really occurred to him. “So, that accountsfor the one new face here,” Kiyoyori spoke up to Seimei. “Butwhat about this person -” he nodded towards Midori, who frankly looked like she had been dredged up from a swamp. “Or are you goingto introduce yourself? At a guess I'd say … Sadamitsu.”

Midori glanced to Kiyoyori with a blank expression, tilting her head to the side at his guess. “Introduce? Why? You know already who Midori is.” She stated the obvious from his guess. After all, she was the last to arrive.

"Not necessarily. You could be another of Seimei's assistants," he replied."But if you are Sadamitsu, you have a lot to catch up on even just from last night. You missed some truly great entertainment." He passed a sidelong look at Kenshin and Hajime.

Ikari was a little astonished at the new woman who took a seat beside her. Trying not to look too hard at her, she couldn't help but wonder at her story, and how she came to be here. Hoping they would get a moment to talk later, Ikari greeted her quietly. “I'm Shimoto Ikari, how do you do.” Although Ikari had spent a lot of time among men, and could handle them well enough, she was glad of another female face in the group, and one that was potential less hostile than Tsume. Ikari didn't understand why the girl had taken a dislike to her, despite her trying to to befriend her, and she felt a little hurt by it despite herself.

Midori turned her attention to Ikari, and finally noticed the girls hair for the first time. Amazed at it, Midori probably stared at it longer than Ikari was comfortable with. “White.” She stated the complete obvious. Kenshin resisted slapping his forehead with his palm. “Are you sure it’s her?” he muttered under his breath,glancing over at Seimei. It was the exact same thing he said when they first saw Hajime. And just like then, Kenshin already knew the answer. Midori shot Kenshin a glare, and muttered something under her breath. Using her power, she enhanced it so only Kenshin could hear, but with Tsume here, might have picked up on it.Kenshin cleared his throat.

Humans didn't like others speaking over them, and since no-one else was speaking, Tsume assumed it wouldn't be rude if she started now. "Rain and sickness onis... I have... encountered these before. They can be tricky as every breeze, every squall and cough carreis their scent, but we can try and use this to our advantage. Even though the chance of them being in the city itself is low, their scent will be all over it, and once I have that, I can try to track it to where it is the densest. You can just follow and do the actual fighting though, when I find them. That's your job right?" She raised an eyebrow, challenging anyone to deny it. She was clothed in the comfortable fabrics Seimei had managed to secure for her, matt black in colour, and made from a thick, but breathable material. He had even taken into account her general disliking for being unable to feel the air and floor, as her attire consisted of a tight mid wrap with folded fabric over her shoulders for modesty. Her legs were covered up to her knees, first by practical tight shorts, then a shorter wrap skirt, for appearances. Her calfs, forearms and ankles were similarly wrapped in the fabric, and the bridge of her human feet were wrapped, but not the important toes or heels. The design Seimei had been so proud of was sat neatly in the centre of the chest wrap but other than that, they were plain black, with a prestigious white gold trim.

Kiyoyori's expression had seemed to darken as Seimei spoke of the sickness that had begun to take an insidious grip on the city. “I have too,” he spoke up after Tsume said she had encountered them before. He exchanged a quick glance with Seimei. “If you can track them down, I'll be gladto meet them face to face. The very nature of them is that they don't like to show themselves, if they did, they'd fight properly not like this … cowardice.”

Ikari nodded. She had been through many towns and villages where a sickness had taken hold and ravaged the people, always feeling powerless to help, as well as fear of infection herself. “Indeed, it's difficult to protect a city from illness normally, but if there's an oni causing it, at least that makes it possible.”

Kenshin snapped his fan closed, looking directly at Tsume. “You won’t be much help on this one will you? With the rain everywhere, are you sure you can pickup the scent?” He challenged, slightly irritated at the events that were unfolding that were out of his control, something he didn’t run into very often. “I propose that we should lure the oni out of hiding by using Hajime’s healing powers. If he is an evil oni, seeing his powers have no effect may drive him out.”

Hajime nodded. The idea in it self didn’t sound to bad. “We could try it that way.Actually,” Hajime began. “Either way I want- no, I need to go out there and help them heal. It will take a long time, and if he go that route, we will need to bring a huge supply of food with us.”

Andjust when I thought he was maturing through his speech, he went right back to being a glutton. Kenshin thought. He wasn’t aware of the real reason Hajime needed all that food.

"From my experience, an oni won't give up so easily," said Kiyoyori. "But if Hajime uses his healing powers on someone afflicted, maybe he can fnd out something about the Oni that did it. And perhaps Kenshin ... could go and look at that person's dreams. Sometimes in a fever you see the demons that cause the illness. It might give us some clues anyway."

Tsume narrowed her eyes at Kenshin. To think she might have been able to tolerate this one. "With the rain everywhere, how could I not pick up the scent? It's just a case of finding where it is strongest. You can do your healing things anyway, while I do the real tracking down."

A little disgruntled at having her skills put down, she turned back into a cat there and then. Her human clothes fell to the seat and nestled around her feline form. She curled up and closed her eyes, giving the appearance of ignoring everyone and going to sleep. She was still listening sharply to the discussion though.

Ikari suddenly stood up and pointed at Tsume. "A cat!" she exclaimed rather stating the obvious. "She's a bakeneko, or a nekomata, or some kind of Oni, right here among us." Tsume being some kind of Oni made sense given how hostile the girl had been. "It seems you have been decieved, Master Seimei!" She looked to Seimei as if to get his go ahead to draw her sword and kill it.

Seimei sighed, waved his hand at Ikari. "No, no, no. You can sit down. Please. Shimoto-san." All he asked was that Tsume acted like a human in human form, a cat in cat form, and didn't switch between the two in public. Three simple rules, but of course a cat had no concern for such things. He found himself a little irritated, and Ikari, sitting back down, blushed a little, thinking that irritation was aimed at her. "Yes, Tsume is a cat. But she is not any more an Oni than I am. There is no evil in her, though there is more of quantity of willfull selfishness. Still, she will assist you all, in her own way."

“Dream walking is an option.” Kenshin replied to Kiyoyori.“But depending on the type of sickness inflicted I could..affect the brain.”Kenshin had paused momentarily, almost like he didn’t want to admit that his power had limits. “This could affect what I see. It may take longer to sortthrough all the images and scenarios.” Kenshin let go of a deep breath. That was too easy.. he thought on Tsume’s easy back down. When Tsume turned backinto a cat, Kenshin was entertained. The squeaks that came from Ikari were amusing, while Hajime was talking about wanting to keep Tsume as a pet was predictable.

Midori on the other hand, readied her weapon. An oni was present. It rubbed herthe wrong way. She had been running from Oni now for 2 years, and Seimei expected her to work along side one? Midori was fuming. How dare he do this toher of all people. But something inside was pushing her to go despite thebetrayal, like a mental pull in a different direction. Despite her anger, her arm lowered her weapon as if ordered to do so, and Midori sat back down slowly,a free hand moving up to rub her temples.

Tsume cracked open one of her bright green eyes, half hidden by her tail as it was curled round her front. Seimei expected her to work with these closed minded fools... The hostility from the two girls was slightly amusing, but the wary confusion mixed with a burst of victorious amusement from the dream walker was even more so. Were she in human form, she would have cracked a crooked smile that promised nothing but suggested everything.

Half of her was tempted to ignite her tail, just to mess with the girls who were still jumpy despite her Master's assurances, but she decided that she didn't feel like dodging blades and let the mood settle into an uneasy mist that clouded the room.