Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin belongs to Watsuki-sama and certain large Japanese networks. This fic is rated SP4; it contains some spoilers for the Divine Medicine story arc of RK. C&C is most welcome. --- A Sonata for the Sanada A Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic By Kagami --- For a gaijin to approach the realm of the Sanada ninja clan was to surely invite death, yet the footsteps of the blond swordsman never faltered as he made his unhurried way up the narrow mountain path. His quick eyes caught the flashing shadows passing by in the gathering darkness, but he spoke not, nor did he slow his pace. Only when a gleaming blade buried itself into the soft earth in front of him, did he halt. "I have a wish to speak with the Sanada. Please convey my greetings to your O-kashira." His voice echoed serenely among the trees, but for a long time, silence was his only reply. The swordsman showed neither concern nor haste, merely waiting patiently where he had stopped. "Return to the city if you value your life, stranger. Continue, and you shall perish." The sibilant whisper commanded in tones that promised death to any who chose otherwise. The swordsman returned a cheerful laugh. It was a merry sound, neither mocking nor nervous. The clear peals momentarily brightened the shadows about him, sending them fleeing from the foreign sound. The moment he halted, they gathered again, drawing strength from the limitless night, and darkened the road once more. "Only one person in the world may command my heart to stop beating, and you are not she," he said calmly to the night. "I do not wish to fight, but if that is the only way to pass, then I shall." He touched the hilt of the sword sheathed by his side. It was a curious weapon, unlike all others in Japan. Though of a length equal to any katana, it was straight-bladed and double-edged, ending in a pointed tip that permitted both cutting blows and piercing thrusts. "That will not be necessary. Withdraw, all of you." A familiar voice called from the shadows. "Ah, is that you, Kaita-san?" the swordsman asked, seemingly pleased. He was answered by the figure of Kaita emerging from the surrounding darkness. "It is good to see you again." "Follow me," Kaita said in response. As they continued their way up the mountainside, it seemed that the Sanada ninja would not speak further. Then the faintest of whispers reached his ears. "And you as well." The swordsman's keen eye tracked the fluttering of black wings in the night air, but he said nothing. Instead, he brushed back his blond hair and hid a small smile as he carefully followed in step with his guide. --- "Only one person in the world may command my heart to stop beating, and you are not she..." Misanagi Sanada stood on wooden palisade of the fort, cocking her head to listen to the night air. She smiled as she contemplated the path leading up to the Sanada Clan's mountain retreat. "I only remember one man who could turn a phrase like so." Ever since the reports of her agents in the capital had arrived concerning a certain blond knight from the West, it had been hard to regain her equilibrium. Her heart kept wanting to sing her joy to the world, and that did not benefit the leader of a shinobi clan. But he had come, he was here, he was, he was.... It was impossible to keep the joy hidden, and she confessed to herself that she no longer wished to do so. A smile formed as she turned and spoke to the figure awaiting her command. Black bats silently flapped around the crouching man, bearers of the glad tidings. "Baku, send someone to escort the gentleman to my study when he and Kaita arrive." --- The shoji door slid shut behind the blond swordsman, but he hardly noticed. He only had eyes for the figure that stood before him in the candle-lit room. His breath caught as she turned her head towards him. The five years that had passed had merely allowed her beauty to blossom. For long moments, he stared, drinking in her delicate features. Then he knelt and bowed his head. "Misanagi-san, I have returned." "And why have you done so?" she asked, amusement evident in her tone. "Oh, I understand the Sanada are looking for new recruits, and I believe there were some shinobi lessons that were promised me a while back," he answered. "There were?" She sounded surprised. Had she forgotten? He raised his head to lock gazes, and the laughter dancing in her eyes told him she had not. "I believe so, my lady. Though I am not very experienced, and so I must ask you to be gentle with me." That sally drew a burst of laughter from her lips. She shook her head slightly. "I can't promise you that, but I can promise that you won't find the lessons uninteresting." "In that case, I place myself into your hands," he intoned solemnly. Her grin grew wicked. "Oh? Is that right? Are you certain you will not regret it?" "Never, Misanagi-san." She drew near, and lowered her head towards his. Warm breath brushed against his lips, and a wet droplet splashed upon his cheek. "Schneider, I've missed you." And the night touched the darkness, and was redeemed. --- Author's Notes: The Divine Medicine arc in RK irritated me no end. The portrayal of Misanagi was especially a sore point to me. The producers seemed to have switched steps between one episode and the next, conveniently forgetting certain past actions by the Sanada O-kashira which had seemed unforgivable. I kept wanting to shake the TV and shout, "Either keep her as evil personified or dump the initial aspects which made her so!" The half-and-half treatment was inexcusable to my eyes. Nevertheless, one aspect that seemed interesting was the blossoming romance between Misanagi and Schneider. Of course, it was left completely unresolved and open-ended at the end of the arc. This was utterly unsatisfactory, so I decided to try a resolution of my own. It's pure WAFF, but I can't see the story ending any other way, especially in RK.