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Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls - Act 4

by starshifter ::: 13.Aug.2003

Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls *Act 4.1*

~~Summer of '45~~

He never felt more alone than when he walked in the dark. The paved road that separated his street from the rest of the world stretched before him - and he became starkly aware of the differences between the clan house in which he lived- and the city of Los Angeles. It was a subtle feeling- but somehow it was never lost on him. The clan house was earthy and full of life. Los Angeles was cold - greedy - sprawling. He was sensitive to the balance of nature- and of man - and he would have laughed at himself- if he didn't take it so seriously. But- that wasn't what drew him out tonight. Nor was it- for the feel of a cigarette between his fingers and tobacco pervading his lungs. No, Katsu was just restless - like a spirit that was hovering between life and death. He couldn't ignore the draw- the pull- to be at risk - to know he was alive - and it always led him from the warm confines of the clan home.

Tsunan Katsu was never one to listen to his elders, even if he knew they were right- and he always got himself in trouble or injured by drunken and irreverent locals. Katsu was not afraid of pain or death. The immeasurable powerlessness his clan felt - had seeped into his very soul - and he felt nothing. He felt no destiny- he had no dreams. However - this night was going to change everything for Katsu.

Katsu chose to ignore the obvious hostility radiating from the men gathered around the little store. He never understood the logic of putting a bar so near a gas station. He would have placed it somewhere secluded and quiet - not on a main road. He walked into the store and bought a pack of the cheapest cigs - failing to notice as he exited- how close the men had gotten - the drink pervading and pouring from them in waves. He was hit squarely in the jaw - and sent reeling into the wall of the service station.

"Look at'em - he's *hic* *&%$#!* half breed."

Katsu did not look up or try to deny the claim. He'd been through this so many times -so many times before - drunken locals took a swipe at him- hitting him more or less until his lip cracked and he saw his blood - it was just blood. They were too blind to see it for what it was - that he could bleed just like them- that he was no different. Katsu wasn't trying to stand out - it was his misfortune and his bloodline - that his features made him so obvious for what he was. An Indian. A child of the ~ Tribe. The apathy for his condition did not invade his inner spirit, because Katsu was proud of his heritage- and even though he knew it invited even more hardship -he wore his hair long.

The men kicked him a few times where he lay - (he hadn't made the effort to move from where he had fallen) - but soon grew tired from their efforts and moved on in a drunken stupor. Katsu still continued to sit in the spot where he had landed - he wasn't in a hurry to get up and just sat there - feeling the dull aches and breathing in and out slowly. He was purposely waiting. Ever since he had landed - he had the distinct feeling, he was being watched. He was soon rewarded with the sound of approaching feet- stopping just shy of a foot away from him. He waited. He knew something bad might happen- but he didn't care- he was prepared for injury - pain and death. However, it was the wait - and not knowing exactly what would happen -what he would feel- that scared him shitless. The wait was agonizing - and nothing happened -

Finally, he mustered the courage to look up and met dark fiery brown eyes, a smiling face- and a strong open palm extended towards him.

"Can I help you up?"

* Sano regarded the young Indian in front of him- he had seen the drunken bozos accost him, and was ready to step in and throw a few punches. However, he never got the opportunity- the young man had not fought back. Sano watched amazed - more than amazed - he was impressed, and found he respected the youth. He held out his hand. "Can I help you up?" *

Katsu barely hesitated - he placed his hand into Sanosuke's - and was on his feet in a second.

*

Looking back - Katsu still had a hard time believing that his life - that his entire outlook - could be changed from such a chance meeting.

*

Sanosuke Sagara.

Rebel in Willow Falls *Act 4.2*

Yahiko heard of Sanosuke's enrollment in high school on the way home - minus of course- the details of the brush with Saitoh.

However, that wasn't the most interesting thing he heard that evening. As they were digging into another of Sano's excellent culinary creations- pork chops and green beans - Sano's fork was purposely placed on the side of his plate- and Yahiko was compelled to look up.

Sano met his gaze "You wanted to know about the pact with Katsu."

Yahiko quickly chewed and swallowed - nodding at the same time.

Sano breathed a sigh - and seemed to be looking for a place to start. "Those first couple of months in L.A. - I was really hoping on a word from dad, but you know that never happened."

Yahiko nodded.

"Before April - when we got the official word, I was barely hanging on. I thought I'd made the worst possible decision for us - for you specifically. I kept telling myself - that everything would work out. I kept telling myself that even if Dad came home - and disowned me on the spot - I'd have known I'd kept you safe and I'd be happy. I sometimes imagined he'd even forgive me - and take us both back home."

Yahiko looked at his plate - he suddenly wasn't hungry. He didn't want to hear this.

"I was really lost after we got the word, Yahiko. I suddenly realized I had been living in some nightmare and was holding on to the idea of him coming back - like it was a prayer." "I don't know how I managed to live through that year- I don't know how you even could stand being around me."

Yahiko was growing increasingly frustrated. His heart was constricting. He hated seeing Sano - like this. He wasn't old enough to handle Sano's problems.

Sano had grown silent.

Still looking at his plate, Yahiko muttered. "You kept it really hidden- I could only tell at night. Elise noticed too- you never stayed out later than 10 on a weekday. We didn't ask you- because we both somehow knew it was about Dad. Also - you always woke up so cheerful the next day - we didn't have the heart to bring it up."

Sano nodded. "I kept up the façade pretty good. I scared myself countless times- you - Sano paused. You were the only thing keeping me going - there wasn't a day - that I regretted bringing you with me - but I felt selfish. I thought I was putting you through a lot - just because I wanted us to be together."

Yahiko looked up at that, "But, you never made me unhappy Sano - never once did I feel homesick or like I was a burden. Why is it now that we have moved back- that you keep saying you should have left me here?"

"If I had left you here, you would've forgotten about me and grown up pretty happy I am sure."

"Sano. Don't -

"You know that as soon as I could, I enrolled in the machine shop - and the boxing earned me quick money. Also - it was my release - I could forget everything while I was fighting." "But, I've already died twice Yahiko - and even with you around - I couldn't shake the feelings and guilt - I felt like the biggest screw up ever."

"Sano-

"I came close to ending my life countless times, Yahiko." "It seems like my luck still isn't changing either- with the upcoming fight against Shishio - things may just get worse for you and me. I had been planning on coming back here to let you grow up without me."

"SANO!'

Sano's head was now hanging parallel to the table, and his fists were clenched and lying upon it - Yahiko's chair was upturned on the floor- after having fallen backwards when he stood so abruptly and yelled.

A very tense silence had pervaded the room.

Sano's voice came out low and quiet.

"Katsu was the first person I met - who had it worse than me. I wanted to live sometimes - but I felt like the lowest scum and couldn't forgive myself for being alive. On the other hand, meeting Katsu - made me realize that some people give up on life without even trying to live it - and I thought that was even more screwed up."

Sano lifted his eyes to stare into his brother's piercing black ones.

"Our pact is simply this - we're bound by blood. Our pact is with our lives. I have to forgive myself and live every day as if it's my last. As for Katsu, well - Katsu has to do several things. Right now - he's supposed to take an interest in the world around him and be more assertive- for his people and for himself. If I die in this fight with Shishio - then he has to become even more of a man than I am trying to be now. But, that's only IF I die- Katsu is going to the fight for one reason only - to hold me to the pact - that no matter what - I cannot relinquish the will to live."

Sano stood up and carried his plate to the sink.

"Yahiko - this fight could get ugly. Shishio is known for fighting unfairly- he's beaten people within an inch of their lives. I won't recount the rumors to you - because it's not good for your ears. But, know this - once you are asked to fight Shishio, you can't back out. I brought you back here - so you'd have a home to return to - where you will be surrounded by good people."

Yahiko walked to his brother

"You are one of those good people Sano - and you will come back too."

Sano gazed at his brother - the silence between them - needed no other words.

"Alright, if you are finished eating - go do your chores. I'll be out working on the south fence if you need me - I need to fix as much as I can before it gets dark."

Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls *** Act 4.3***

***Author Notes***

I felt compelled to use "Kenshin" instead of "Ken" as I had originally outlined.

Thanks to all of you for all of your wonderful reviews. I am sure I will make ChunkyMunky's day by bringing in some more of the Kenshingumi.

***

Sano was leaning nonchalantly outside the door of Saitoh's office at exactly 8:14. At 8:15 - the last vibrations of the bells faded away- and the door swung open. Saitoh stepped outside -all prim and proper. He barely acknowledged Sano's presence with a nod and said, "Follow me." Sano detached from the wall- and meekly followed the man through the hallways of the school. They stopped in front of a door- and Saitoh knocked before entering. Sano came after - to find himself in a plainly furnished classroom. The teacher - a woman by the name of Ms. Shura had stopped her lecture and was expectantly looking at Saitoh. Sanosuke could feel the eyes of the classroom on him- and never one to back down at a fight- he pointedly turned his head to stare back. There were roughly 20 kids in the room- and he didn't recognize any of them. He caught a bright flash of color - and found strange amethyst eyes underneath red locks. He then caught bad vibes emanating from the back of the third row - and jerked his head in that direction. "Damn." he growled to himself "Aoshi Shinimori".

"-----Sanosuke Sagara----"

He caught his name and realized the two adults were talking about him. Saitoh was introducing him as a transfer student and that this would be his class. The two exchanged a few other words amongst themselves before Saitoh began to leave- but before he went through the door he said, "Sagara, check with me again at the end of the day." With the departure of the imposing man, Sano's attention returned to the teacher -and she struggled under his gaze. "Mister Sagara, please take a seat in the back of row number five." Sano ambled to his seat- feeling all eyes upon him again. The teacher began her lecture and Sano focused his attention on her- he was grateful to be in the back - it would have made him self-conscious to have too many eyes boring into his head.

In front of him - sat a girl with long dark hair and a petite frame, he noticed she was trying to get his attention by shifting in her seat and occasionally flinging her hair out. Sano rolled his eyes and looked across the room. The same red hair caught his attention and he found himself staring at the back of what he now could discern as red haired boy. He was dressed better than the rest of the class - and Sano figured that his family had to have a lot of money. Next to him- very close to him - sat a girl with wavy dark hair.

"Mr. Sagara"

He returned his gaze to the teacher.

"Please tell me about King Louis the 14th."

Sanosuke cleared his throat.

"Stand up please."

Sano gave her a look that said plainly - you are a pain, Ms. Shura- but he stood anyway.

"Louis the Great, King of France, born 1638 and only four when he took the throne. He was an absolute monarch; meaning the king held all political authority. His reign lasted 72 years. He died in 1715."

A hushed silence went through the room- and Sano couldn't tell whether the teacher was trembling out of fear or relief.

"Thank you, Mr. Sagara. You may sit back down."

Sano's day wore on much like this- until his feet brought him once again before Saitoh's office. He didn't even get a chance to knock - the door swung open and Saitoh was walking to sit behind his desk.

"Close it behind you"

Sano did and took a seat in the chair across from him.

"How did you find out about your dad?"

Sano grimaced. He should've known it would be about this - about his father.

He almost stood to leave- but his curiosity drove him to stay.

"My dad's cousin lives in LA. As soon as I got there - I went to the local branch office of the Army and identified myself as kin - I wanted to receive any notices at her address. We wrote sheets and sheets of letters to him. We wrote telling him we had gone to stay with her. I didn't get any word from him or the Army though- at least not until the telegram arrived."

Sano's face went dark. "Why?"

Saitoh was silent.

"He never got your letters."

"Yeah, I figured." Sano frowned "So? Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"

Sano stood when Saitoh didn't reply and started to head out the door.

"He never intended for you to be alone Sano."

Sano came to a stop, and hung his head - "Neither did I"

With that, he left the office.

*

Sano rounded the building a little too fast and nearly collided with someone -he blinked a few times - not believing his luck was so bad- it was Aoshi.

The two just looked at each other in silence.

"You don't belong here." Aoshi said it slowly, quietly.

"I belong here as much as you do," responded Sano.

"You'll give the school and town a bad reputation."

"I don't think so- you have no idea what you are talking about."

The two boys glared at each other.

"I don't like you."

"The feeling is mutual."

Silence and then-

"Aoshi, give the guy a break."

Sano noticed two of his classmates standing near them - the red headed guy and the brunette. He had no idea when they had arrived.

"Don't interfere." ordered Aoshi

"Don't talk to Kenshin like that!"

"It goes for you too."

"Well I never!"

The girl stuck her nose in the air and stamped her foot.

Sanosuke had to suppress a smile.

"Look at me when I am talking to you, what is your name anyway- Sano- is it?"

Sano's head turned slowly to face Aoshi again.

"It's Sanosuke Sagara."

"Yeah, that's it- and you have a reputation in this town already, right?

Sano noticed the apprehension starting to cloud the girl's features- it was too soon to bring his past into the open. It was too soon.

Sano sighed. "I don't know and don't care what you are thinking- but whatever it is - you are wrong."

Aoshi growled.

"I knew it - you're some kind of criminal or something."

"Hardly."

"They wouldn't be spreading rumors about you if you were some angel."

Sano's fists suddenly clenched and his eyes glittered.

Kenshin and the girl immediately jumped back- Aoshi shuffled slightly.

"No, I am a devil all right - and I suggest you leave it alone. I suggest you leave me alone."

Sanosuke turned and started to head away from the group- this wasn't exactly how he thought his first meeting with his classmates would go - but this was how his luck usually ran. He needed to go to work anyway. He'd think through it all later.

"Stop! Please stop, I want to talk to you - please ignore Aoshi!" - now someone else wanted to join the party.

"Megumi" Kenshin said quietly.

Sano turned and regarded the girl. It was the girl who had been flinging her hair into his face. This would prove interesting.

"Sorry to interfere like this, but I was really hoping to talk to you - give you a nice welcome to our town- but I guess Aoshi already took care of that."

Aoshi and the girl glared at each other.

Yep, interesting.

"Sorry, I didn't catch your name." said Sano

"It's Megumi - and this couple over here is Kenshin and Kaoru."

Kaoru blushed as red as an apple. Kenshin looked indifferent.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise - don't let Aoshi's attitude run you off."

"Oh, it didn't." Sano scratched his head - and they all watched -amazed- as his body uncurled and went loose- almost as if he had been a snake ready to strike.

"I have to go pick up my brother and then I gotta be at work."

"Oh, I see."

No one even seemed to be paying attention to Aoshi anymore- and he just stood there - silently fuming.

There was an awkward silence.

Sano shifted where he stood and gave a grin. Kenshin, Kaoru and Megumi melted.

"It was great meeting you -but I've really got to go - I'll see you tomorrow!" Sano gave them a wave and was gone.

Aoshi growled at Megumi "Why'd you do that?"

Megumi flung her hair again. "Because you were being insufferably rude."

"You don't want to know a guy like him."

"Why not?"

"I heard from my dad that he was involved in something underhanded- that's why he had to leave town."

Kenshin stepped forward. Kaoru stood behind him. "Now, Aoshi - you only know what your dad said- you can't just judge him on that."

Kaoru looked worried "But, what if he killed or hurt someone? He looks really strong!"

Megumi sniffed and looked at her scathingly "If he did that - he wouldn't be here - He'd be in jail or in some Juvenile center."

"Oh, Yeah." - But Kaoru still looked worried.

Aoshi grunted. "Believe what you want - I don't like him - and he doesn't belong here."

"Aoshi."

Aoshi just ignored Kenshin and started walking away.

Kenshin sighed and looked at Kaoru "Ready to go home?"

Kaoru nodded and started walking away with Kenshin, but they stopped and looked back at Megumi - she hadn't moved, "Megumi?"

She looked at them and smiled "No, you guys go on ahead, I just remembered an errand I need to run."

After dropping Kaoru off at her front door and politely declining an invitation to stay for dinner--Kenshin drove home.

He thought slightly about Sanosuke - but he also thought about having to face his father - and what he could possibly offer as an excuse to leave the house after dinner. He was immersed in his thoughts this way when he pulled into the driveway. He still had not thought of an acceptable excuse and berated himself for being so weak.

He walked into the big house -

Kenshin Himura had always lived in a big house - the rooms were big and cold. The building was hollow- Kenshin could hear his footsteps echoing off the walls. His father - Hiko appeared in the doorway of his office and Kenshin stopped.

"Why are you fifteen minutes late?"

"I just stayed after school a bit longer - then I dropped off Kaoru."

"Why did you stay at school longer?"

"I was talking to some friends."

"You couldn't have done that at another time?"

Kenshin was quiet - he wanted to retort that it didn't hurt to talk with your friends for ten minutes after school.

"Do you plan on being this late tomorrow?"

Kenshin shook his head - there was no point in asking if he could leave the house after dinner now.

"Very well - go on to your room - I will see you at dinner."

Kenshin shuffled his feet and walked up the stair case -

Kenshin's life had always been controlled by his father. His father's family was incredibly wealthy - and Kenshin had grown up in the lap of luxury. Nevertheless, Kenshin was lonely- and that was why he secretly loved school so much- even though people treated him with kid gloves- because of his family's wealthy status. He liked Kaoru - because she was simple and overlooked everything -she treated him as if he was normal. Megumi was always there too- always competing with him - and that made him feel strangely alive- because he knew, Megumi was watching him - trying to find out what made him tick.

He slouched in his chair - and continued to think -he hated that his father protected him - monitored his every move. If he was as much as five minutes late home after school, he got the third degree. He sighed. He was looking forward to going to college after he graduated. He knew somewhere in the back of his mind - that his father's hold on him was tenuous and he would not be able to watch him as strictly as he could under this roof. Kenshin wanted freedom.

At exactly six o' clock, he joined his father for the evening meal. His father was already eating and flipping through a portfolio beside him on the table between bites. Kenshin was halfway through eating his own food when his father spoke to him.

"Kenshin, I am in the middle of preparing for a board meeting tomorrow- I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

"Sure."

"I had Eric drive the Cadillac to the garage this afternoon- they called about half an hour ago." "I understand they have a night clerk on duty now- would you mind walking there and picking it up?"

Kenshin started in his chair - he couldn't believe his luck. He didn't care what he was doing, as long as it meant he was out of the house.

"Yeah, I'd be happy to."

"Thanks, son." Hiko got up from his chair. "I'll be in the office - check with me when you leave and return."

"Yes, father."

Kenshin finished his meal quickly and went to change into clothes suitable for a walk. When he was ready to leave - he poked his head into his dad's office and said goodbye. The night was clear and Kenshin stargazed- his thoughts kept him busy, and he arrived at the as station sooner than he expected. He looked around the front of the shop- and found no indication that it was still open. Taking a chance - he walked around the side and found a door ajar. He stuck his head inside but saw no one- and just as he was about to call out- he heard a sound drifting from the back of the shop. It sounded like - he shook his head to make sure- it didn't just sound like it was - it was singing!

He stepped inside and walked closer to the sound.

~~You must remember this~~ ~~A kiss is still a kiss~~~ ~~A sigh is just a sigh~~ ~~The fundamental things apply as time goes by~~

Kenshin found himself walking towards a car that was resting on jacks.

~~And when two lovers woo~~ ~~They still say "I love you"~~ ~~On that you can rely~~ ~~No matter what the future brings, as time goes by~~

The singing was coming from underneath the car.

~~Moonlight and love songs never out of date~~ ~~Hearts full of passion, jealousy, and hate~~ ~~Woman needs man, and man must have his mate~~ ~~That no one can deny~~

Kenshin stopped.

~~It's still the same old story~~ ~~A fight for love and glory~~ ~~A case of do or die~~ ~~The world will always welcome lovers as time goes by~~

"Hello" said Kenshin

"Hello?" said the voice that had been singing.

Nothing else happened.

Kenshin repeated again.

"Hello?"

There was silence- then Kenshin heard an "Oh!" and a body rolled out from underneath the car.

Kenshin blinked in disbelief.

It was Sanosuke.

A little greasy and in overalls - but it was the new kid- Sanosuke Sagara.

"Hey!" Sanosuke was pointing at him with a surprised look on his face.

Kenshin blinked again.

Sano withdrew his hand and scratched his head. He grinned sheepishly and continued looking up at Kenshin.

There was silence for a time - and then Sanosuke asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I-" Kenshin stuttered - confused and without a coherent thought in his head.

Sano rolled out completely from under the car, stood up, and stretched.

He waited, looking right into Kenshin's face.

Kenshin struggled for composure, "I was supposed to pick up a car."

"Oh, right." "You're the caddy?

Kenshin nodded dumbly.

"This way."

Sano walked to a little office and grabbed some keys off a rack. He walked Kenshin out a door and to the car lot. Kenshin saw the caddy parked there with several other cars.

Kenshin was suddenly hesitant to leave- but he saw Sano's outstretched hand holding the keys. He took them.

"Thanks" he murmured

"No problem." Sano grinned and turned to walk back into the building.

Kenshin stood there dumbly for a moment, then -with his mind made up - he walked back into the building after Sanosuke.

He didn't see him at first - then he saw light and a shadow streaming from the office-and walked towards it.

Sano looked up as he entered the doorway.

"Something else?"

"I'd like to talk to you."

"Your name is Kenshin, right?"

Kenshin nodded.

Sano grinned. "I am glad I remembered - sorry I had to run out on you guys earlier."

"You had to pick up your brother."

"Yeah."

"You work here?"

"Yeah, but I didn't fix the caddy - if that's what you are wondering."

"Not at all- I wasn't thinking that at all."

"Oh."

"About Aoshi--"

"He's a smart ass isn't he?" Sano grinned.

"Yeah" Kenshin almost giggled.

"Don't worry about me- I've met bigger bullies."

Kenshin looked worried.

"What he was accusing you of---what he was saying--?"

Sano shrugged.

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to bring that up, it's personal." I hope you understand. I assure you - I don't plan on causing trouble for anyone here."

"I believe you" Kenshin was serious.

Sano laughed and slapped Kenshin on the back, "I like you - I can tell we'll be great friends."

Kenshin smiled and then noticed the clock on the wall. He was going to be very late! His father!

Sano looked also.

"It's getting late- I'll be closing up in about fifteen minutes." "I gotta pick up my bro from the Gensai's and tuck him into his own bed."

Kenshin nodded. "I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

Sano laughed, "Of course - if I don't show - Saitoh will come after me personally."

Kenshin's eyebrow rose at this - but Sanosuke just started chuckling again. "Forget it - I'll be there."

Kenshin stepped outside the door and looked back inside - Sano waved at him.

He walked to the car and got inside. He sighed and smiled happily.

He'd made a new friend. Sano could sing and fixed cars- Kenshin was beside himself.