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Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls - Act 6

by starshifter ::: 10.Nov.2003

Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls *Act 6.1*

Aoshi's drive to be the best was rooted in the fact that his father was a stern taskmaster and his mother a dedicated and religious housewife. Aoshi's father also had status as the local sheriff and Aoshi felt both the pressure to serve as an example and to break away from his restrictive environment. Aoshi kept this conflict well hidden underneath his cool exterior. Truthfully, Aoshi wasn't as cold and harsh as the front he showed. He was often shy about expressing his own desires, and always berated himself for blindly going along with the crowd or what was "expected of him". He had to maintain the front, he had to look and act the part, but more than anything, he wanted to have the courage to break away and find himself. Few understood this aspect of his personality, and the only one who did and could touch him was Megumi, a long time family friend, who he was even more determined to keep at bay, lest she prove to be another weakness.

He doubted that Sanosuke remembered having met him before he left Willow Falls. It had been a chance and uneventful meeting, because Aoshi had sought out the group of ruffians to which Sano belonged, hoping that he would be allowed to join. The only reason that Aoshi notice Sano, was the bright red bandana he wore to keep his spiky, unruly brown hair under control. Sano had remained at a distance, leaning against a wall, and did not lift his eyes or look at Aoshi even once. Aoshi had remembered looking at him as he talked and argued with other members to let him join. But, Aoshi had been refused, much to his humiliation. He burned over that for awhile, but felt slightly better for going back to his "good boy" act, after hearing his father complain about the most recent act of villainy the gang had committed. But, now, Aoshi burned with envy. He envied Sano his freedom, that he left for a big city with his younger brother in tow at such a young age and he admired him for having the balls to come back. Aoshi didn't so much dislike Sano, as he wanted the other teen to acknowledge him. Secretly, Aoshi wanted to be challenged, after being confident in putting on an act for so long, he wanted to taste a true fight and know where he stood compared to this man who had seen so much of the world. Aoshi sought validation of himself.

He was unaware of Sano's past beyond what he had overheard, and it never would have occurred to him to ask or visit the library as Megumi had done. He used what knowledge he had gleaned however, to specifically goad the other teen into a fight. He very nearly had what he wanted, but at the last moment, Kenshin and Megumi appeared, and further dampened his ambition by quickly befriending the lanky, spiky haired freak. Aoshi felt his momentum fading away; would Sano grant him his most earnest wish? Aoshi couldn't afford to wait. He was aware that everyone was gathering at the Gensai's, and even so, he didn't want the moment to pass him by. He watched the trio depart after the game, and followed.

Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls *Act 6.2*

Sano and Yahiko were waiting on the Gensai's porch as Kenshin and the two girls arrived. Kenshin's gaze quickly came to rest on the lanky, messy haired kid sitting next to Sano. He noticed the remarkable similarities between the two brothers, and absently mused what it would have been like if he had happened to have a sibling. The introductions were quick and sweet, and Kaoru immediately latched on to Yahiko. It was all the boy could do to fend her off, and unfortunately for him, Tsubame soon arrived, with her cousins in tow. These little girls alternately latched onto Kenshin and Yahiko as their attention wandered. Kenshin was enjoying himself thoroughly; it had been a long time since he had as much interaction with anyone, his father's strict monopoly of his time making it impossible.

He was suddenly very glad of having Sanosuke around him; it was like a breath of fresh air in his stuffy world

"Hey! Hey, Kenshin!"

Kenshin blinked. He didn't realize he'd been letting his mind wander. Yahiko was beaming up into his face, and Kenshin looked at Sano who grinned back.

"Yahiko just challenged you to a duel, Kenshin, you can't let his costume and fighting skills go to waste."

Kenshin looked back at Yahiko, noticing for the first time that Yahiko was dressed in the garb of a pirate, and holding a wooden but very decorative sword.

"Is it real?"

"No, they're movie props, I had some friends in the theatre, they had to be sturdy and look nice for performances."

Kenshin raised an eyebrow, and Sano laughed as he tossed a twin sword in Kenshin's direction.

"We had to get two of them, Yahiko was in a sword fighting phase before we left, and before that he was into horror films. I can't tell you how glad I am to have someone else mock play with him for a change."

"Hey! That's because you are no good at handling swords Sano."

"It's a stick, that's why."

"There is a method to fighting with swords Sano."

"With swords, perhaps, but that's just a pretty stick."

"Sano!"

"Yahiko, give it a rest already and go fight Kenshin."

The boy stuck out his tongue and walked to where Kenshin had moved, testing and turning the play sword in his hands. It was light, but very sturdy.

"How do you happen to have friends in the theatre Sano?" Kaoru asked as she sat down on the porch.

Sano shrugged. "Tio and Riko have lived next to my father's sister for a long while. I took Tio on a few dates, but she was always busy in performances for the city theatre group. That didn't keep us from being close friends however, and now I'm really curious about how she's getting along because a few months before we left, she started auditioning at some studios."

"So you know an actress?"

Sano nodded. "Actually, Tio and Riko are twins, and Riko has done some stage work too."

They watched as Kenshin and Yahiko shuffled and dodged each other's blows. Kenshin seemed to have a natural talent for handling swords, his moves where effortless and smooth. Yahiko soon was tapped on the shoulder, indicating that he had lost the match and everyone clapped and laughed. They began again, this time Yahiko was impatient and more careless. He tried talking to Kenshin to distract him, but Kenshin did not falter. The blows were exchanged forcefully, the wooden swords vibrating with each hit, until with one swift movement; Kenshin skillfully dislodged the stick from Yahiko's hands and sent it flying. It landed hilt up, with the blade firmly implanted in the ground. Everyone stood still and silent in awe and then a roar of clapping broke out again. The swords were soon abandoned to other activities such as bobbing for apples (which also proved Kenshin's dexterity, as he was the only one who succeeded in not getting wet). Yahiko clung to Kenshin the rest of the evening, and as they sat down to eat pie, he grilled Kenshin about school, sword fighting, and just being rich in general. He didn't see Kaoru's eye twitching until it was too late, and in an instant, Kenshin's attention was diverted back to the girl and Yahiko sat rubbing a knot on top of his head.

The jovial mood slowly dissipated into a comfortable and easy silence. Sano stood to stretch and then froze, staring into the darkness. Everyone looked in the same direction, and gasps of surprise went around as Aoshi stepped forward into the light. Sano watched the other teen, his eyes glittering. He understood the desire reflected in his opponent's eyes, because he had seen it there earlier, and he had seen it in the eyes of other fighters in the ring. The group was silent beside him, but Sano grinned to himself, today was going to end on a good note.

"Let's start where we left off" said Aoshi quietly.

Sano gave a nod and took a step forward. But he didn't get any further because Miyako appeared between the both of them saying, "Not in my yard"

Sano looked at her and smiled. "Yeah, of course." He then looked at Aoshi

"The corn field south of here - ten minutes."

Aoshi only turned around and was swallowed by the darkness. Sano pulled out his keys as he walked to the car. He instructed Yahiko to stay at the house but it fell on deaf ears, he was already joining his brother in the front seat of the car. Sano looked at him, but his face and his eyes remained stoic.

The group woke as the car doors slammed shut; it was happening way too fast.

"What's going on?" exclaimed Kaoru as she wrung her hands on the porch. Beside her, Megumi was pensive and silent, and Miyako ran to the car door in a futile attempt to get Yahiko to stay behind.

In the midst of it all, Kenshin quietly slipped into his own car and was ready to follow the instant Sano's car backed out of the driveway and sped away.

Sagara: Rebel in Willow Falls *Act 6.3*

The car headlights were the only thing illuminating the night as Sano and Yahiko traveled the dirt road. Both of the boys were silent, they were aware that Kenshin was close behind, but what was behind them was hardly the issue. Sano parked the car next to Aoshi but at a slight angle so the lights streamed out on the small patch of dirt and grass at the edge of the field. Aoshi was standing there already, waiting. Kenshin soon arrived and parked behind them. He got out and walked to stand beside Yahiko's car door. Yahiko looked up at Kenshin's pensive face as he watched Sano walk up to Aoshi.

"Get in Kenshin"

"Huh?" Kenshin snapped out of his reverie and looked at Yahiko

"Sano and Aoshi don't really need us in the middle of their fight, we're just spectators."

Kenshin's face fell. "So they're really going to fight?"

"Yeah, and Sano better not disappoint me."

Kenshin looked shocked. "What do you mean?"

Yahiko leaned on the dashboard. "Aoshi's just fighting to prove something to himself, and Sano should be above all that, he should able to fight and win like he was in the ring,"

"Ring?"

"Yeah, Sano didn't tell you?" "He's a professional boxer."

Kenshin's eyes widened.

"Sano, a boxer?"

Yahiko nodded. "Yeah, and after this, I am getting on his case again about training." "The way he's going Shishio will cream him for sure."

The two boys watched as Aoshi and Sano squared off and the fists flew. Sano shuffled and danced, stirring the dust around him into a fine cloud. Although Aoshi wasn't a professional fighter, he was not inept at fighting, and the punches between them landed with force and accuracy. Every punch that Sano landed squarely in Aoshi's face was reciprocated eventually with an equally forceful hit in his chest or gut. The two seemed equally matched for a good while, but soon Kenshin became aware of Aoshi's flagging endurance. Sano wasn't breathing hard, and more of his hits connected. Aoshi continued on admirably, but it was finally a slight difference in his guard that provided an opening for Sano, who sent him into the cornfield with a dynamic and strategic blow to the face. Aoshi staggered and fell into the darkness with Sano close behind.

"It's over" remarked Yahiko digging into the car's large glove compartment.

"What are you doing?" Kenshin asked curiously.

"That last blow should've knocked Aoshi out; it'll be easier to treat his shiner before he wakes up."

Kenshin scooted out of the vehicle, Yahiko sliding after him, and they ran towards Sanosuke, who was now dragging the motionless Aoshi into the glow of the car's headlights. Kenshin could see very clearly, the large red welt, and a thin cut under his eye that was starting to bleed.

"Is it going to cause a scar Sano?" Yahiko asked as he handed his brother a clean gauze cloth and medicine.

Sano dabbed the cut, and calmly replied, "I don't see why it should, and did you bring any of that salve with you?"

"Um, Yeah"

Sano dabbed a little on the wound and stood.

"He's going to be out for a bit Kenshin; you may as well get back to the girls. Yahiko and I will see that he's able to make it home. We'll join you back at the Gensai's as soon as we can."

Kenshin hesitated. "I'd rather stay and go back with you."

"Don't trust me Kenshin?"

"No, it's not that."

Sano grinned.

"Suit yourself"

With that Sano walked to the back of the car, out of the glare of the headlights. He leaned there and stared at the sky. Kenshin soon joined him, and followed the other's gaze to the moon. What Yahiko had said earlier was on his mind.

"Sano?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you want to do with your life?"

"I've never really thought about it, to tell you the truth, I didn't think past moving here to Willow Falls." "But, I guess, if I get the chance, I'd travel around and see the world."

"Oh, you wouldn't go to college?"

"Nah, I don't have any reason to do that Kenshin." "What about you?"

"Father wants me to be a financier like him."

"Is that what you want?"

"I don't know. I just know I want to please him."

"Yeah."

They were silent for a time until Kenshin stated, "I wish he didn't treat me the way he does."

Sano's eyes narrowed.

"You mean the curfews and always watching you."

Kenshin nodded. "I didn't mind so much before, but it's been weighing on me a lot now."

"What about your mother?"

"She died when I was really young, about three I think. I don't remember a lot about it."

"I am sorry."

"It's okay, I don't remember much about her, Sano."

"You must've been lonely growing up."

"Sometimes." Kenshin admitted quietly

"Has your father remarried?"

"No." Kenshin looked at him quizzically.

"Why?"

Sano shook his head.

"No reason, but Kenshin, have you tried talking to him? About the way you feel"?

"No, he's always busy, and in his study, I don't want to bother him."

"That just sounds like an excuse to me, Kenshin."

Sano turned to look at Kenshin and for a moment and Kenshin thought he saw some immeasurable sadness in those murky depths.

"Kenshin, do me a favor and tell him how you feel."

"But, Sano, it's really not that-

"It's important Kenshin, you may regret not doing it later."

Sano's voice cracked at the very end and Kenshin caught it.

"You'll do it, right, Kenshin?"

Kenshin gave a thoughtful nod, and Sano smiled.

"Good."

Kenshin wanted to say something, but he didn't know just what, and by the time he had abandoned his thoughts, Sano was walking to the front of the vehicle.

"Yahiko! Is sleeping beauty awake yet?"

"Nope"

"Then get the water, I am getting tired of looking at this corn."

"Right!" came back the cheerful reply.

"Uh, Sano is that wise?" Kenshin asked.

Sano nodded. "We need to get going, and he needs to get home and find something to bring down the swelling, I don't know about you, but I am tired, and I am sure his own bed would suit him better than the ground."

Soon Aoshi was sputtering and drenched. He looked sheepishly at Kenshin and Sano, "Sorry I spoiled your evening."

Sano shrugged and helped Aoshi to stand up, handing him a towel that Yahiko had retrieved from the car. "I don't mind taking the time for a good fight, but Kenshin here has some people he needs to get back to."

Aoshi nodded and stepped towards his car, "Yeah, I better get home too, I'll see you guys later."

"You'll be fine driving?" Kenshin called after him.

"Piece of cake" was the reply, and Aoshi waved as he sped away into the night.

"Moron" said Sano good naturedly as he got into his car, hauling Yahiko in with him by the scruff of his neck.

"See you at the Gensai's, Kenshin?" he called out to the car behind them.

The red head nodded and waved back before pulling away.

When they arrived at the Gensai's, it was obvious that the party was over, the little girls had already gone to bed and the lateness of the evening was getting to them all. Kenshin drove the girls' home and walked through the door of his house. His breath caught. On the stair landing was his father; Kenshin suddenly realized he had stayed much later than he had arranged. It hadn't even occurred to him as he was apologizing to Kaoru's parents for keeping her out so late. He followed his father into the study and as he was subjected to the usual questions, remembered his promise to Sano. When his father was done, Kenshin drew in a deep breath and began to talk.