AN: We're back we're back. My anonymous friend of anoniminity (not there's a such word) has graciously produced her half of this chapter as I finished it up. Being that she's in college right now and I'm moving, we've not had time to really talk about how things should be going but hopefully our ideas aren't clashing. :D We hope you enjoy this chapter and many thanks for being so patient.

Disclaimer: We do not own Rurouni Kenshin, that we do not.

-

I Am

Chapter 7 :: Searching

-

Midmorning sunlight spilled onto a sleeping Soujiro, playful and blinding. The youth was not at all impressed by this as his face wrinkled slightly in displeasure. Murmuring, he rolled over and out from underneath the bright ray. Curling up, he clutched his pillow and coaxed sleep to return but he was unsuccessful as the rest of his body slowly awoke.

Twilight eyes blinked blearily as he gazed into the field of white he knew to be his bed. Yumi-san has such wonderful taste in blankets. They're soft, warm and thick...so why can't I fall back asleep?

The memories of last night flooded his waking mind and Soujiro groaned aloud, curling up further into a ball in the wide bed. I so do not feel like getting up now, he muttered into his pillow.

But sleep continued to eluded him and finally, with the reluctance of the damned, he rose.

No use avoiding it. If I tried to say here, I'm sure either Yumi or Kamatari would look for me, and I'm not sure if that's a fate any better than facing Misao-san. Oh well, time to get up and die.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Sou-chan!"

Soujiro nodded as he neared his usual table. Kamatari waved wildly, Cho ducking beneath the flailing hand as he tossed her a scowl before grunting to Soujiro in greeting.

"Ohayo gozaimasu," the youth returned politely as he sat down across from the pair.

"You're up kind of late, Kid. I take it you slept a little too well?" Chou asked absently, his gaze once again fixed on the double doors leading into the kitchen. Where the heck is breakfast? I know t's going to be pancakes I can smell it from here…

"Hi, Sou-chan!" Kamatari piped cheerfully then broke into an impish grin. "Sleep well? You could say that, Chou-kun," her wide smirk turned impudent.

"Or maybe not at all?" she added under her breath. Chou was too busy enjoying the aromas of the coming breakfast to listen but Soujiro heard her clearly.

"Yes, I slept fine," he said without the slightest change in his jovial tone. The faint gleam in the once opaque eyes belied his annoyed embarrassment.

"I would imagine," Kamatari agreed without missing a beat and totally unperturbed by the warning in those eyes. "Since you're up later than usual, you must have had some really nice dreams, huh?" she cradled her inquiring face on the palm of her hand as she stared intently at the youth.

"…" Despite his efforts, Soujiro felt his face warm. "Uh..."

"I thought so," Kamatari winked.

"Areh..." Soujiro sighed, refusing to meet her knowing gaze. Chou glanced at the pair of them in puzzlement then shrugged. I don't think I want to know what Kamatari has on her warped mind this time. Besides, I don't want to think at all until after breakfast. Where's the food?

"So..." Soujiro glanced around again, trying to appear casual. "Have either of you seen Misao-san?"

"I haven't seen her," Kamatari told him, waving her hand idly as she looked over to the closed double doors of the kitchen. "And if she doesn't hurry, she'll miss a great breakfast. Sae's made pancakes as you can probably tell."

"Well…she might have decided to sleep in." Good, a few more hours in this world.

"Oh?" Chou tilted his head to the side. "Rough night? I heard the mission was a success. But then again, it usually is when it's given to you, kid." He tapped his chin. "I did hear that you had a welcoming party."

Souijiro nodded. "We did, but they were dealt with."

"Heh," Chou smirked lopsidedly before returning his gaze to the kitchen as they heard the doors swing open. "Finally."

Soujiro only half-listened to his friends as they fell into a conversation about the delights of the coming food. Waiters began to move around the huge cafeteria, wheeling carts full of the hot food.

Where are you, Misao? I really would like to talk to you...and perhaps forestall my untimely demise. Hopefully, this attempt would turn out better than last night's affair.

Releasing a subdued sigh, he decided to stop thinking about the matter until after breakfast, the plate of steaming pancakes placed in front of him helped decide him.

-

"Well, well, the queen descends among us," Kamatari noted suddenly, a slab of pancake stopping midway to her mouth as she spotted Yumi gliding across the crowded cafeteria towards them. Giving a shrug, she popped the slice into her waiting mouth and chewed.

I wonder why Yumi-san is here? Soujiro mused, setting his knife and fork down neatly on the lower left side of his plate just as the woman nearing them had taught him.

"Yumi-san," Soujiro stood and bowed his head to her when the woman came to a stop at their table.

"Soujiro," Yumi smiled at him then nodded to Kamatari and Chou. "Kamatari, Chou."

"Hey, Yumi," Kamatari simply held up a hand, still chewing.

"What's up, Yumi?" Chou drawled around his mouthful of pancake, grinning at the look of disgust on the woman's elegant face.

"Chou, how many times have I told you...!"

"Oh, ignore him, Yumi, he does that just to piss you off and you know it." Kamatari piped from her seat, her still raised hand waving dismissively. "So, whatcha doing here?"

Yumi huffed and turned back to Soujiro. "I'm just here to let you know, Soujiro, that you are free to do whatever you want for today. Since Shishio-sama has decided that the information acquired yesterday still needs to be analyzed and the proper plans drawn up," She glanced to the pair. "No, neither of you have a free day. Only Soujiro."

"Aww!"

"Slavedriver."

"I see." The youth rubbed his chin. A free day…what do I spend it on?

"Also," Yumi added as she turned to leave. "Misao isn't here so if you were thinking of training her, don't bother to."

That stopped him. "Why? Where did Misao-san go?"

"I really have no idea, Sou," Yumi shrugged helplessly. "Misao asked to be allowed to leave the mansion since there was no mission pending and Shishio-sama allowed her." The woman smiled faintly. "He was hard pressed to say no when Misao started. He wasn't too pleased with the idea, I would imagine, but that young lady has a very good way of convincing people to see things her way."

"Oh." Shishio-san allowed her out? Even though he knows she's being hunted by Enishi's agents? What is Shishio-san thinking? And after all the trouble I went through to keep her safe! Why am I so worried? Misao has shown she can take care of herself just fi—Wait, I'm worried?

"When was this, Yumi-san?" Soujiro asked aloud, easily keeping his roiling thoughts to himself.

Yumi frowned faintly as she considered, half-turning to look at the youth over her shoulder as she did before continuing out of the canteen. "She left about an hour ago." She called over her shoulder.

"Gee, I wonder where Misao-chan went?" Kamatari scratched her head, before turning to the youth. "What do you think, Soujiro?" she started to ask, but only found his empty chair and his half-finished breakfast. "Soujiro? Now where did he go?"

Chou looked at her and held up his hands before snatching Soujiro's abandoned plate. "No idea," he said around a mouthful. "But since he's obviously finished, I'll be more than happy to have the leftovers!"

Kamatari sweatdropped. "What a pig."

"Hey, just because I don't have to watch my figure like you, doesn't mean I'm a pig! Not that you've got much of a figure to start with."

"What did you say?"

-

There's the place.

Misao nodded, only the slight scrunching of her face hinted at the distaste she felt as her gaze fell onto the club. And it hasn't changed a bit.

A bright sun hung overhead but the shadows of this alley stubbornly refused to scatter, cloaking the door in ominous lighting. Nothing like the present, she mused before striding towards the door.

Thumbs were tucked into the pockets of faded jeans, after a slender finger had pushed up the shades hiding her emerald eyes. Coming to the door, Misao nodded curtly to the bouncer, the beefy man returned the nod and pushed the door aside for her.

As she stepped inside, Misao adopted a swagger many of the dive's patrons milling around possessed and blended in perfectly. The moment Misao slipped inside, she held her breath, the smell of cheap booze and barely washed bodies made the stale air thick and oppressive.

Yep, definitely not an iota of change...though, I think some of the people have stopped bathing, period. Misao's face fell into a scowl as she strode towards the old bar; the sickly lighting seemed to be only a leech sucking wearily on the dying lifeblood of the ancient electrical post outside. The flickering of the bulbs undeniable warning of impending death.

"Well well, Itachi-chan. It has been a while, I haven't seen you here in ages."

Misao smiled, and the bartender's broken-toothed grin faded abruptly as the soft click of a cocking gun right under his nose made him take back his snide petname. "Your usual, Makimachi-san?" he added hastily.

"Yeah," Misao's smile became lazy and her armed hand swayed with a sinuous grace of a languid viper. "I'm interested to know some things."

"Ri...ight, I'll go get the boss..."

"Don't bother, it would take too long and I'm kind of pressed for time so I'll just go straight to the top," Misao snorted, and waved her hand, also holstering her gun in the same movement. "Don't bother going with me, I know the way. Good to know he's still here."

The bartender could only nod, finally remembering to swallow as the slender girl disappeared into the back.

-

Slowly, Makimachi...I hope he didn't add new surprises to this place, Misao touched her gun for comfort and crept noiselessly down the deserted corridor; the narrow hallway was short, barely thee small doors on either side. Misao ignored them all and kept going, only stopping when she came to the end and met the far wall. Glancing behind her, she checked to make sure no one was in the hall with her...then pressed a hand to a spot on the stained wall.

With a short creak, the wall swung open like a door. Hmm, he really doesn't like listening to me, Misao rolled her eyes and shook her head. I keep telling him to oil the bloody thing.

Stepping into the darkness, Misao pulled out both of her guns. Shall we get started?

A soft click answered her voiceless challenge.

Feeble light switched on to reveal a narrow spiral stairwell, zigzagging down into the darkness. Dots of muted light marking the way down.

"Bastard hasn't changed, fine, I'll play..." Misao holstered her guns then leapt off the railing, falling several flights before she snagged an out-hanging bit of metal, swung around and flipped off, taking the tedious descent in seconds.

Landing at the bottom, Misao continued to slink down damp and smelly tunnels. Gah...I hate the sewer...

Time seemed to lose its grip and Misao doggedly made her way into the shadowed crevices of Tokyo's underground.

This is going to be a long trip...

-

Kaoru sighed irritably at the stack of paper work in front of her. Somehow, her title has bodyguard had gotten her into the role of secretary. Rubbing her temples, she only turned her attention away from her work when Enishi strolled in, a piece of fabric in his hands. "Saa, Kamiya… I have the perfect dress for you at the part later this week. It will look simply ravishing on you. Would you mind trying it on for me to make sure it fits?"

Kaoru's left brow twitched as she forced a half smile. "Can it wait until I'm done?"

Enishi chuckled, shaking his head. "Iie, I would like to have this out of the way soon so I can focus on the less pretty, but more important matters."

Kaoru sighed, standing up and nearly ripping the dress from his hands as she stormed out of her office to change. Returning minutes later, she walked in, huffing irritably. "It fits. Happy?"

"Oh, come on, darling. Turn around. Let me get a good look." Enishi purred, waving a hand. Kaoru set her jaw but obliged, twirling a few times until she got his approval. As soon as Enishi had said "perfect" the woman had walked out to change back into her own clothes.

Oh yes, this party will definitely be fabulous…

-

A couple of hours of seemingly endless walking, Misao finally came to a stop. Now this is new. She eyed the bars on a tunnel she knew she had to take. I wonder when this came in? But that is okay, I've got the key right here!

Moving back, Misao glanced at the padlock and shrugged, leveled her gun, and shot the bolt open.

"Simple as that," she announced, returning her gun to her side. Smirking widely, Misao pushed the bars aside, strode through and turned right on the corner.

"You still need to keep a leash on that temper, Itachi."

"And you're still the bastard you were before, Alpha."

Alpha grinned. "Good to know you still got spunk, brat."

"And you've still got teeth, Old Wolf."

"Maa maa, Saitou-san, Misao-chan, not here?" a sweet voice soothed. Misao couldn't help but smile warmly at the youth who appeared behind her. In his slender hands was the shot lock. "I've finished fixing our door. Shall we head home?"

"Okita," Misao caught him in a hug as he passed her, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Great to see you."

"You, too, Misao-chan," Okita smiled benignly, but a touch of chiding laced his voice. "You haven't visited in a while."

Misao looked sheepish. "Gomen..." she looked cutely contrite. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Okita's smile brightened and he finally returned her embrace, kissing the top of her head. "Your presence alone is enough. Demo…" he winked. "I'll hold you to that promise. I haven't had one of your 'special' dinners in months."

Misao grinned, took his hand and shook hard. "Deal. Just give me a couple of days' warning and I'll make you a really special dinner. I have this know recipe..."

The moment was broken by a loud and rude cough. The pair turned to see Saitou, a look of distaste on his angular face, pulling a cigarette stick from a pack. "Fine, pup, let's go. Take your weasel with you. You know I don't like staying down here."

The fond look on Misao's face vanished as she calmly flipped out her gun, aimed and shot the cigarette Saitou had been about to light.

Okita cringed. "Misao-chan..."

Unperturbed, Saitou glanced at the destroyed stick in his hand. "You're still good with your gun, I see..." he dropped the ruined cigarette then pulled the box from his breast pocket again and casually took out another one. He lit this stick quickly and took a drag. "But your temper has gotten worse. Plus, you're still a runt."

"TEME!"

-

"I really wish you'd pick another back door, Okita-kun," Misao complained half-heartedly as Okita tucked her into the huge armchair in the cozy living room of his home. She had just taken a quick shower and was now clad in an outfit of loose black slacks, boots and matching jacket, a dark purple sleeveless blouse finished her ensemble.

"That's the main reason, Itachi. Who'd want to use it?"

"I wasn't talking to you!" Misao snapped, glaring at Saitou as the tall man appeared, now black-gloved hands moving for her guns again but were intercepted by Okita who placed a mug of hot chocolate in them. Misao tried glaring at the benignly smiling youth but couldn't keep the glower up.

"..."

"Na, Misao-chan," Okita plopped down beside her. "What brings you here?"

"Info, most likely," Saitou answered for her as he took the armchair across from her. Okita sprawled out on the sofa between them

Misao shot him a scowl then smiled at Okita. "Yes..."

"About the Juppongatana?" Okita smiled back as he took a sip from his cup.

Misao raised an eyebrow. "Damn, you guys are good."

"Who the hell do you think gives Shishio his info?" Saitou grunted. "Fortunetellers Inc?"

Misao popped a little vein. "Saitou..."

The tall man waved it away. "You're worried that Shishio is leading you on," he killed the stub in an ashtray.

Misao nodded. "Is he?"

"No, he's clean. He's really trying to take down Yukishiro."

"Any ideas why?"

Lighting another cigarette, Saitou frowned in thought. "He's pretty much a patriot, like the legendary Battousai. He and the Battousai were the most pre-eminent leaders of the Juppongatana. They'd decided given the lack of real law enforcement, they'd do the job the police were botching. But since the Battousai disappeared, Shishio's has to take over the organization. He's done a pretty good job but Battousai was much better at it."

Misao's eyes narrowed. "You're trying to say that Shishio's going on because of a fallen comrade?"

Saitou smirked. "You've both got one thing in common, na?"

Misao's eyes burned. "Saitou... Watch that mouth of yours or I'm going to shoot it off one of these days," she growled warningly.

The man was impervious to her threats. "Whatever. Still, the guy is obsessed. Especially given what he did to get the best of the best."

"What do you mean?" Misao's anger fought with her curiosity and lost.

"Shishio's determined to bring Yukishiro down because he strongly feels Yukishiro had something to do with the death of the Battousai," Saitou shrugged nonchalantly. "Those two were a bit like brothers."

"No shit, Sherlock. I figured that much out. What I want to know is why Shishio's done some things to bring up a few eyebrows."

"Misao-chan," Okita murmured finally. "The line between good and evil has never very clear. Especially in this city."

Misao's jade eyes flashed. "So you're saying that Shishio's done things on the level of Yukishiro?"

Okita and Saitou exchanged looks. Saitou spoke first. "When did you get so cynical? I used to remember a brat who didn't think anything could go wrong in the world."

"That 'brat' died a long time ago, when her parents were killed by the Yakuza and she was left on the streets to fend for herself."

"Hmph," Saitou took a long considering drag from his cigarette.

"Never something that amoral..." Okita said finally and patted her hand. "But you're partially right; Shishio has done some things that would make him on par with Yukishiro. Smuggling, illegal transactions...running an organization requires large funding after all…" he trailed off. "You see, Misao. Shishio has lost all fate in our government, so as far as he believes the laws set down by the government are not worth upholding and therefore he is not doing anything wrong."

"That's a twisted way of thinking," Misao noted, sipping her drink. "And yes, that does make him sound like Yukishiro... but he's not entirely like the bastard, is he?"

"No," Okita nodded. "Shishio follows his own strict code of ethics, if you will. Yukishiro has proven that he has no scruples as long as he gets what he wants. And up until now, despite what we have seen and know, I'm not entirely sure that the motives behind Enishi's actions."

"The only bad thing about Shishio is his disregard of the law and the government. But then again, that's anarchy in the making," Saitou scowled. "So, sometimes, that man is much worse than Yukishiro can ever hope to be."

"But Shishio's got a point, who still has fate in them? Not even you guys!" Misao pointed out bluntly.

"Not all departments, Misao-chan," Okita corrected gently. "We have some belief left in certain quarters of our government."

The girl only crossed her arms and snorted. "You were always the optimist of the group, Okita." She drained the last of her choco.

"Why thank you, Misao-chan," Smiling widely, the youth turned around and refilled her cup.

Saitou grunted. "If you were able to get rid of Yukirshiro, are you still going to be associated with Shishio's group?"

"Who knows, I like to think of the present, namely, Yukshiro's still around," Misao only shrugged. "Still, so what? If Shishio takes the Yukishiro out...it's a lesser evil."

Okita winced and gave Misao a sad, almost pained smile. "Yes..." He looked away, hands tightening around his cup. You've changed so much, Little Angel. I wish I could have stopped it...was it Aoshi's death that triggered all of these changes? Or was it something else entirely?

"I guess, but still to allow an experiment with a boy..." Saitou growled darkly. "I'm not sure Yukishiro would stoop that low."

Misao glanced to him. "An experiment with a child?" her hackles raised. Children were one thing where she drew the line. To her, they were the very embodiment of innocence in this world and to harm one...

"Okay, it wasn't an experiment really. Just a lot of really bad circumstances."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Saitou eyed her for a long moment. "I'll tell you another time, Itachi." he nodded over his shoulder to a window. "Your...ride is here and has been waiting for a good twenty minutes, I think that's long enough."

"My what...?" Setting her mug on the table, Misao slunk over to the window, pushing the curtains aside cautiously and peeked outside. Across the street was a sleek black motorcycle and, atop it, a lounging Soujiro.

"What the hell?" Misao stuttered, shoving the curtain closed and whirling to give Okita and Saitou a look of stunned bewilderment. "I didn't tell anyone where I was going? I even took the long way just to shake off any shadows!"

Okita only smiled, turning away and moving towards the coffee table. Taking a napkin, he spread the square of cloth out on his palm and placed a small heap of cookies inside then folded and knotted the four corners together. "That's the Tenken for you," he murmured as he worked. "Very little if nothing at all passes him."

"With the sole exception being feelings," Misao grumbled. "He's about as receptive as a dead log." Okay, that isn't entirely true... her mind protested, flashing memories of last night. Misao firmly ordered her mind and her imagination to stop. Okita wondered idly about the faint flush that suddenly stained Misao's pale cheeks.

Finished, he came over to the fuming girl, and placed the makeshift pouch in her hand. "Here's something to eat on the way back for the both of you. Now, Misao-chan, you'd best get going. I'm sure you don't want to keep him waiting."

"Oh? Gee, what gave you that idea?" Misao grumbled, even as she was guided to the front door. "I didn't even know he was here..."

"Hai hai, say hello to him for me, and tell him not to drive too fast," Okita continued blithely, opening the door, he ushered Misao outside. "Now, Misao-chan..." he looked as though he wished something said but only shook his head. "If you ever need us, you know where to go." "Hai," Misao nodded, breaking into a smile as the youth bent and kissed the top of her head in farewell.

"Remember," he murmured into her ear. "I'll give you a call one of these days for that dinner you owe us."

"No problem, I'll be waiting," Misao assured him, darting forward and planting a quick kiss of her own on his cheek and an affectionate hug. "See you some time, and try to keep Alpha bearable, for the rest of our sakes."

Chuckling, Okita winked. "My lot in life."

"I pity you if it is," Misao smirked. She gave Okita a final wave before turning and striding across the street towards the waiting motorcycle. As she neared, she nodded her head. "Soujiro-san."

"Misao-san," the youth smiled politely.

Crossing her arms, Misao started tapping her foot. "Mind telling me what you're doing here?"

"I thought perhaps you would like a ride back? This is a purely residential quarter of Tokyo, getting a ride out of here would be difficult," he said innocently.

That guy has his lines down pat, Misao had to admit. "Sou ka, how thoughtful of you."

He beamed. "Merely doing what any other partner would do...I am supposed to watch out for you, na?"

"Sure, right," Misao said. "I take it then we should get going..."

"Hai, of course."

Misao tucked the pouch inside her jacket, careful so as not to crush the cookies before getting behind Soujiro. "Arigato," she said, accepting the helmet he offered her and placing it on her head.

Soujiro waited for her to be well and securely settled behind him, suppressing a shiver as her arms wound about his waist. "Ikemasho," he murmured before revving the engine.

The motorcycle leapt across the pavement and disappeared down the road with a roar.

-

Still wearing his bright smile, Okita continued to wave until all that remained of the couple was a trail of flying dust and leaves. The wide smile abruptly vanished to be replaced by a serious mien that did not suit such a childish face. Slipping back inside of the house, Okita headed into the living room where Saitou stood by the curtains.

"Not too happy about this sudden turn of events, Pup?" Saito smirked, drawing the drapes shut.

"Iya," Okita said curtly. "I do not know what Aoshi was thinking when he requested Shishio to 'watch out' for Misao-chan."

"He probably thought that it was for the best."

"I wonder whose definition he was going by."

"It doesn't matter, if matters do not improve, we'll just step in, as we usually do."

"Hai."

-

"Hey, this isn't the way back to HQ."

"...no, it isn't."

"Are you going to tell me why we aren't headed back? Or am I going to have to wring the answer out of you?"

Soujiro sweatdropped. "...no need to, Misao-san. We don't have to be back at the mansion, as we have no assigned tasks."

I thought the reason you were there was because Shishio suddenly has a mission assigned to us."

"...no, he doesn't."

"..." Misao pursed her lips. "In that case, I'd like to be dropped off at the mall; I'm still on leave then."

Soujiro shook his head slowly. "I would like to talk with you, Misao-san. It's about... what occurred last night."

"I figured as much."

"So, can we finish our... conversation?"

"Sure, sure, just watch yourself, buddy. But I'm telling you now, if I have a repeat of last night's event at that bar, you won't get off so easily this time."

"Hai! Arigato, Misao-san!" he looked back at her and beamed like a child who had just been granted a long denied treat. "I know just the place we can talk!"

To be continued…

-

AN: Hope you liked the new additional characters being thrown in. We just love Okita, ne? Yup yup!

Reviews are appreciated. Review responses will come later when we aren't so rushed.

Thanks!

::Ignore the grammar, I do::

Phoe-chan.