Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Aftermath ( Chapter 7 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Another update! Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 7-Aftermath

Kenshin stared out beyond the bridge, too shocked to chase after Enishi, his mind consumed with troubling thoughts. I've tried so hard to atone for the suffering I caused during the revolution. I tried hard to put the past behind me and live in the present with Kaoru and my friends. But now, Enishi has declared a reckoning for the sins I committed as a hitokiri. The red head clenched his fists. If I can't figure out a way to stop this Jinchuu, I will lose my friends... I will lose my home... and I... I will lose Kaoru... to this madness... His heart broke at the last thought, dropping his head in dismay.

“Kenshin?”

Kaoru's voice called out to him and he felt her slump against his back and he frowned, turning around in concern, reaching out to catch her as the girl's legs gave way. “Kaoru-dono!” He gasped, wrapping his arms around as he pulled her against him, offering her the support of his body.

The dojo instructor gripped the front of his kimono, panting a bit as the poison continued to ignite a fire in her veins, the heat nearly unbearable, skin slick with sweat as she battled the wave of dizziness threatening to draw her into unconsciousness. But I have to know... I have to know the truth... “Why... Why didn't you tell me?” She croaked out, lifting her gaze to look up at him. Her brow furrowed at the sight of blood pooling down the side of his face from Enishi's earlier attack, but it was the anguish and the remorse in the rurouni's eyes that drew her attention most and her heart broke for him. “Were you afraid I would judge you?”

The swordsman lowered his head, ashamed of himself and his actions. “I was afraid... to talk of my past... because it was... horrible... it was a life filled with war, blood, and death. So many lives this one took under the guise of a new age. I didn't want to relive those days, Kaoru-dono. I didn't want to frighten you with the knowledge of just how lethal I was as Battosai. I want to live in the present, with you, Kaoru-dono. I want a future with you. That is what this one wants more than anything. Your love and your acceptance mean everything to me.” His features twisted into a wounded look, his voice softening and threatening to break. “Without it... I would be a penniless wanderer... alone in this world... unloved... and unwanted...”

He was hurting and frightened, Kaoru could see it on his face and she longed to ease that pain even as her body screamed for rest and relief from the agony that roared through her veins. I want to help him... I want to ease that fear he clings to that I will hate him for his past. She leaned heavily into him, using his body to support her own as she reached up, cupping his face gently, voice very soft and loving. “Kenshin... Look at me...”

The swordsman was shocked to feel her body against his and her hands on his face and at first he tried to hide, unable to bring himself to meet her gaze. But her voice called to him and he lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers, fear giving way to relief at finding only love and forgiveness in those deep brown pools.

Kaoru saw the emotions roll across the rurouni's handsome face and she rested her forehead gently against his, ignoring the blood as she whispered, “I love you... and I accept you as you are. Your past is your past. I did not press you on it because I knew you were not ready to tell me. Learning the little bit I do know now... Is confusing... and I confess I am shocked and surprised to know you were married before. But I want to listen to your story, Kenshin. I want to know what happened to you because you are the one I chose to be with. Your burdens are also mine to bear. So you don't have to be afraid any more to share your pain with me.”

He felt tears forming in his eyes at her words, her unconditional love overwhelming his heart, body trembling as he croaked out, “Kaoru-dono... this one... this one loves you... loves you more than anything in this world. I am sorry for not telling you the truth... but I want to tell you, Kaoru-dono... and I will tell you... I promise... you deserve to know what happened... those many years ago. But first... we need to go home... you need to have Megumi-dono tend to you.”

Kaoru pulled back from him, studying his wounded body, seeing the multiple cuts and bruises, the wound above his left eye still bleeding and her lovely features morphed into a look of concern. “You need... help too, Kenshin... You are in pain... and wounded... and I worry about you.”

Kenshin shook his head slightly. “I don't care about my injuries, Kaoru-dono. Your health is what matters to me.”

“Kaoru! Kenshin! I got help!” A familiar voice called out and the rurouni shifted his gaze, Kaoru turning sideways, their eyes falling on a group of about 20 police officers rushing towards them, Yahiko leading the charge.

“Yahiko...” Kaoru murmured as she leaned heavily into the wanderer, watching as her student approached.

“You guys look beat up, what happened?!” The boy asked in concern as he came to a stop before the pair.

“It's a long story, Yahiko,” Kenshin replied, wrapping his right arm around Kaoru's waist, his left hand reaching up to gently sling the girl's left arm over his neck, giving her support as he began to walk forward. “And one I will share with everyone once we see Megumi-dono.”

A young officer approached, coming to stand beside Yahiko and Kaoru recognized him. “Officer Hakata-san...”

“Hai, Kamiya-san,” the policeman replied with a bow of his head. “I was delivering orders from the government to the various police stations when Yahiko-kun came rushing into the central station asking for help. I knew who he was and believed that his friends were in danger so I gathered what forces I could and we headed south,” His light brown eyes took in the injuries to the two people before him, brow furrowing. “And it looks like we were a bit late to offer any assistance.”

“Hakata-san, did you happen to come across Sanosuke and Megumi-dono on your way here?” Kenshin asked.

“I did,” The officer replied. “Your friend Sagara-san was injured but the lady doctor was unharmed. At her request, we carried your friend back to the Kamiya Dojo and went off in search of you,” He assessed their visible injuries, seeing the fatigue in their eyes. “Would you like us to take you back to the dojo, Himura-san?”

Kenshin nodded, voice and features thankful. “Hai, Hakata-san, your offer is welcomed, that it is.”

The officer returned the nod then turned, lifting his arm, making a forward gesture as he called out, “Bring the cart!”

The group of police parted, a pair of men pulling a wooden cart, coming to a stop just beyond the rurouni and the dojo instructor. Kenshin guided Kaoru over to the back, sweeping her into his arms to lift her up and onto the cart, gently lowering her down before he slid on to the girl's left. Yahiko followed, jumping up, coming to sit behind the two adults. Kenshin reached out, wrapping his right arm around Kaoru's waist, his left hand gripping the cart to keep them both from falling over as it took off up and over the bridge, heading towards the dojo at a steady clip.

Kaoru leaned heavily into the red head, eyelids growing heavy as the fatigue and the shock of everything that happened pressed down on her senses and she passed out, body slumping against Kenshin and he turned to study her, concern etched on his face as he whispered,

“Kaoru-dono?”

When she didn't respond his concern grew to anxiety. “Kaoru-dono?” He repeated reaching out to gently touch her face, frowning at how hot her skin was to the touch. Her breathing was labored and panic welled inside him. She's burning up and having trouble breathing. She won't wake up and I don't know what to do. She could be dying. The thought of losing the one most precious to him caused him to react and he shouted out to the two officers, “Please increase your speed! We need to get to the dojo quickly before Kaoru-dono dies!” Please, Kami-sama, please! Don't take her from me. I couldn't bear the loss!

The officers nodded at the rurouni's request, increasing their speed, nearly flying through the empty streets as they neared the dojo.

“Kenshin, you don't think Kaoru's really dying do you?” Yahiko asked, breaking his silence as he shifted his gaze over to Kaoru, studying her with troubled brown orbs.

“I don't know, Yahiko,” Kenshin answered softly, tightening his hold on the girl. “But this one knows that if we don't get Kaoru-dono help soon, she very well may die.”

Several moments later, the cart came to a stop at the foot of the steps that led up to the dojo entrance and Kenshin slid off, pulling Kaoru into his arms. He gave quick thanks to the men who had delivered them home before racing up the steps, Yahiko right behind him, as he burst through the door, voice exploding in the courtyard, “Megumi-dono?! Kaoru-dono needs your help right away!”

The lady doctor rose up from beside the unconscious Sanosuke, racing out onto the engawa, eyes widening at the sight of the red head carrying the unconscious dojo instructor. “Bring her up here quickly, Ken-san!”

Kenshin did as instructed, shaking off his zori as he stepped up onto the deck, carrying Kaoru to the next closest room... his own.

The doctor reached out, unfurling the red futon. “Lay her down here, Ken-san, so that I can examine her.”

Kenshin crouched down, laying Kaoru carefully onto her back, reluctant to let go as he withdrew his arms, sitting seiza style as he looked down with panic stricken eyes at his beloved.

“Yahiko, go get my medic kit from the next door room will you?” Megumi requested as she eyed the red stain on Kaoru's cream colored kimono.

“H... hai!”

The doctor tilted her head and leaned down, ear close to the girl's mouth as she listened to her labored breathing. Frowning, Megumi pulled back and reached out, pressing two fingers against the younger female's jugular. “Her pulse is erratic,” She shifted her hand, pressing the back of it against Kaoru's forehead, brow furrowing. “Skin is hot to the touch, indicating a high fever,” Megumi withdrew her hand, reaching up to gently pry open each of the girl's eyelids, leaning for a close look. “Pupils are dilated,” She looked up to study the rurouni. “It appears she's been poisoned.”

“Hai.... she was...” Kenshin murmured.

“What happened, Ken-san?”

“This one found her leaning against a wall and she collapsed,” Kenshin answered, eyes focused on the flushed features of Kaoru. “An small arrow had pierced through her shoulder and when she told me it was poisoned, this one pulled it out of her and tried to bring her back here... but I was... delayed... by our enemy... and she passed out... and would not respond to my voice.”

Megumi heard the fear and the guilt in the rurouni's tone. He's terrified Kaoru is going to die. A determined look seized hold of the lady doctor's features. Well, I won't let her die, Ken-san. I will find an antidote for this poison and heal Kaoru!

Yahiko came back into the room, handing Megumi her kit and the doctor nodded her thanks, setting the kit aside. “I need to remove this kimono to assess the injury and identify the poison.”

Kenshin felt heat on his cheeks at the thought of seeing Kaoru naked. “You... You want to strip Kaoru-dono?”

The reversal of the same situation that had occurred months prior amused the doctor, despite the seriousness of the situation. These two are so shy around each other's bodies that their first physical encounter will probably take forever to occur. “Well, I can't treat her injury through her clothing, Ken-san. If it bothers you so much you can turn around but I have to do this and quickly.” Megumi reached out, tugging the obi, yanking the kimono out of Kaoru's hakama pants, parting the fabric, suppressing a chuckle as Kenshin whirled around as fast as he could in his seated position, Yahiko doing the same from his standing position near the open shoji door.

Megumi saw the bandages that covered Kaoru's chest from the top of her breasts down to her waist and the doctor shook her head. Of course she would be covered. Kaoru was prepared for practice today... and would have been safe from strikes... that is before we were all attacked. The lady doctor had many questions to ask of Kenshin. But that will have to wait until I've treated everyone. “It's alright, you two, you can turn around now.”

The rurouni peeked carefully over his shoulder, relieved to find Kaoru was wrapped up in bandages. Of course. She was going to the Maekawa Dojo for practice and would have prepared to keep her vital areas more protected. He turned around nodding as Megumi asked,

“Help me move her, will you, Ken-san?”

Kenshin reached out, gently tugging the kimono off Kaoru's left shoulder, trying to ignore the appealing sight of her shapely arm and the way her skin felt against his fingertips as he pulled the fabric from under the dojo instructor's back, allowing Megumi to remove the other sleeve.

With Kaoru free of the kimono, Megumi could inspect the injury and she leaned in, frowning at the little tendrils of red that spread around the circumference of the small and open wound near her right shoulder. Infection is setting in already. I have to work quickly. Megumi lowered her head, sniffing the injury, identifying the poison by scent. Thank Kami-sama, this one is easy enough to counter act.

“Is... Kaoru-dono going to die?” Kenshin asked, worry on his features as he watched the doctor tend to Kaoru.

“No, Ken-san. This poison is common enough. It won't kill her but the infection will if I don't clean and treat the wound.” Megumi replied, pulling back to her sitting position.

Hope spread along Kenshin's face. “You... You have an antidote for the poison then?”

“Hai, I can make a charcoal poultice that will draw out the poison infecting her body,” Megumi answered with a nod. “Kaoru will live, Ken-san. So you do not have to worry.”

“This one loves her, Megumi-dono,” Kenshin replied in a soft tone. “I cannot help but to worry over Kaoru-dono,” His shoulders dropped, a pained look in his eyes as he studied his betrothed. “It was my fault that she was attacked in the first place.”

“We were all attacked today,” Megumi murmured, lifting her gaze to study the red head. “My clinic was destroyed and Sano was attacked by an old enemy that worked for Kanryu... a man by the name of Banjin Inui.”

Kenshin frowned, shifting his focus to the doctor. “The one that fought Sano before?”

“The very same man,” Megumi answered. “He blames me for the loss of his work and Sano for defeating him.... and you for destroying Kanryu's business.”

“He must be one... one of the five mentioned...” Kenshin whispered, features turning thoughtful.

“Five? What five are you talking about?” Megumi asked, confusion on her face.

The red head turned his attention back to the doctor. “I cannot tell you fully, Megumi-dono, until Kaoru-dono wakes up. She deserves to hear the truth more than anyone.”

The lady doctor wasn't pleased with his answer but did not press the rurouni on it. Turning her attention to Yahiko she spoke, “Yahiko, could you grab the clean bowl of water I have near Sano and bring it to me?”

The boy nodded, wanting to help in any way he could, returning shortly with the bowl and clean cloth.

Megumi took it, setting it down beside her, dipping then wringing the cloth tightly before unfolding it, using gentle wiping motions to removed the dried and wet blood around the small entrance wound. “Could you turn Kaoru onto her side for me, Ken-san?”

Kenshin reached out gently, rolling the girl onto her left side per the doctor's instructions.

Megumi looked down at the exit wound, a puzzled expression on her features. That doesn't seem right.

The rurouni saw the strange expression on the lady doctor's face and he frowned, asking in concern. “What is it, Megumi-dono?”

The doctor began to wipe around the jagged exit wound, voice low and troubled. “The exit wound should be slightly larger than the entrance when shot with an arrow but this... is too wide to be from a single strike. It's like... it was shoved forcibly out by a hand or a foot, causing more damage to the skin and muscle.”

Kenshin lowered his gaze to Kaoru's sleeping features, a new wave of guilt filling him. I should have been there to protect here. I should have stopped this man, Hyouko, from hurting her. But I failed her yet again.

Megumi looked up from the wound to the rurouni, shaking her head. He gets rattled so easily when it comes to Kaoru. “Ken-san, Kaoru will be alright. There is no foreign material left in the wound, so she will heal and quickly. She just needs to rest and recover her strength,” She poured some antiseptic in each side of the wound, wiping the excess away and drying the skin. Rising, she left the room for a moment, returning later with what appeared to be two very thin cloths, made into a square shape and she bent down, asking the rurouni to turn the girl on her side. Megumi placed one cloth on the entrance wound and one on the exit wound, quickly and expertly bandaging the girl's shoulder. When she'd finished, the doctor leaned back. “There.... the worst of it is over... I need to look at your injuries now Ken-san.”

Kenshin carefully lay Kaoru onto her back once more, keeping his gaze focused on the girl's features as he whispered in answer, “This one is fine and needs no help.”

“Ken-san, you are not fine,” Megumi countered. “You're cut up and bleeding. You need help, too. You don't want Kaoru upset at seeing you suffering do you?”

The red head shook his head, voice small and child-like. “No... this one does not want Kaoru-dono upset over me.”

“Then let me help you.” Megumi replied in a soft tone.

Kenshin nodded after a few seconds and the lady doctor tended to his injuries, cleaning then bandaging up what she could before she rose and spoke. “You will need to rest and recover your strength as well, Ken-san..”

“I won't leave, Kaoru-dono.”

Megumi studied the red head, voice soft. “You don't have to leave her, Ken-san. Just rest and let me take care of the rest.”

Kenshin said nothing until the doctor headed towards the shoji door, “Megumi-dono?”

She turned to look back at the rurouni. “Hai?”

“This one thanks you for all your help, that he does.”

Megumi smiled, hearing the change in speech. “You're welcome, Ken-san.” She replied softly, looking over at Yahiko as she spoke, “Come help me with Sanosuke will you, Yahiko? He's rather heavy to move around.”

The boy looked away from his unconscious master to the red head, seeing the distant and worried look in the wanderer's eyes, catching the meaning in the doctor's tone and he nodded. “Okay.” He murmured, exiting with Megumi, sliding the shoji door quietly behind him.

Kenshin reached out, pulling his sakabato from his obi, laying it on the floor as he rose up slowly, walking over to the small open storage box, drawing out another rolled futon. Returning to the girl's side he unfurled it then lay down, turning his head to gaze at Kaoru. You were hurt today because of me. A mistake I will not have repeated again. Reaching out, he gently clasped the girl's hand in his own. I will keep you safe from Enishi, Kaoru, I promise. He vowed, keeping his focus on her until his eyelids grew heavy and he fell into a deep sleep, drawn into the dark where the nightmares roamed but could not reach.

Yokohama

Enishi entered the mansion, heading up the stairs that led to the third floor sitting room. He slung the elongated brown bag off his left shoulder, leaning it against the wall near the large window, shuffling back to the chair as he sunk down and crossed his legs. He stared out into the daylight, his outward appearance calm and calculating, though inside he was a whirlwind of emotion. Nee-san... this will not be as easy as I thought... the girl... is young... and lovely... as you were... the Battosai made a foolish choice, falling in love again. He grit his teeth, the vein in the center of his forehead popping out in sudden anger. I will make him regret replacing you by ripping his heart out and stomping on it!

“ How did you declaration of war go, Enishi?”

The white haired man relaxed his jaw at the sound of Gein's voice, willing himself to calm down as he replied gruffly, “Better than I imagined, Gein. You and the others did well in hunting down Battosai and his friends. I saw the panic in his eyes and smelled his fear. It was breathtaking to witness,” He paused, pushing his glasses back up his nose. “But I ran into an unexpected... problem.”

Gein quirked an eyebrow. “What kind of problem?”

“The kind that is young and beautiful,” Enishi replied. “My original plan must be altered.”

Understanding dawned on the ninja and he smiled. “I see... time for plan B is it?”

“Hai,” Enishi said softly. “I gave Battosai 10 days. That should be enough for you to complete what I need done, correct?”

Gein smirked. “It will. The work of art will be beyond anything you've seen before. I just need a picture and some information from Hyouko and I'll be set to begin. Though the others might be a bit upset to wait so long for the second phase of the plan.”

“Second phase of what plan?”

Enishi turned his attention to the open doorway, finding Hyouko entering, the rest of the group behind, noting that the assassin walked with a slight limp and he smirked inwardly. So the girl hurt you, did she? Seems Kaoru Kamiya can defend herself quite well, despite the circumstances. This is good news indeed. “The part of the plan that takes the longest to prepare for,” He answered. “I gave Battosai 10 days before we swoop in and destroy his home and everything he loves.”

“10 days?! Why do we have to wait so long?! We should go after them all now while their beaten and weakened!” Hyouko snapped.

Enishi sighed, containing his irritation as he spoke in an even tone. “If we go after them now, the Jinchuu will be incomplete. I don't want him to die just yet. I want him to suffer. And what better way to make him suffer than to let him know we are coming for him and there's not a damn thing he can do to stop us.”

“But they could run away before the time comes!” Hyouko countered. “Or ask the police to track us down!”

“Are you scared of the Battosai, Hyouko?” Enishi asked, tilting his head as he studied the effeminate man. “After all, you hurt his woman. I'm sure he's rather pissed off about that.”

Hyouko paled but growled. “I'm not scared, I'm being a realist! If we don't attack them now, while they are hurting and disorganized, we will be defeated!”

“You do not know the Battosai as I do,” Enishi countered, looking back out the window. “He will not inform the police of his situation. His stubborn and protective nature prevents him from asking for help. Besides, he thinks it's his duty to deal with me. He will not involve the authorities in a private matter,” The white haired man paused, smirking as he added, “And with his comrades injured, his strength diminishes even more. They will not recover in time to deal with us.”

Hyouko crossed his arms. “Fine, I will go along with this but I want another crack at the Kamiya girl.”

“Take care, Hyouko,” Enishi replied in a soft but warning tone. “I do not want the girl killed, is that understood?”

The assassin felt a wave of anger slamming into him and he backed away in reflex, hiding his unease by nodding, “I understand.”

“Good,” Enishi replied sharply before his voice softened a bit. “Now then, everyone should tend to their wounds and rest. After dinner, I will explain my plan in further detail.”

The group nodded and departed for their rooms, leaving Enishi alone. He continued to stare out into the sky, the vision of his sister appearing and he smiled. Soon, nee-san, my revenge will swoop down on Battosai and he'll have no one to blame but himself when everything he loves is taken from him.

Kamiya Dojo

Kaoru was drawn into the light by the sound of someone's light and steady breathing, her eyelids fluttering open and she blinked, trying to clear her vision, feeling the warmth of someone's hand around hers and she turned her gaze to the left, staring in open surprise at the sight of a sleeping Kenshin beside her and she blushed, slowly sitting up, wincing a bit at the stiffness in her right shoulder. The blanket fell, exposing her wrapped chest and waist and she gasped, dropping onto her back, clumsily trying to grab at the sheet with her right hand, frowning at her inability to move it and she looked over to the rurouni, reluctantly drawing her left hand out of his hold, reaching down to tug the thin sheet back up to her chin.

“No... don't go... Kaoru...”

The assistant master's eyes widened at the sound of Kenshin's voice, the lack of an honorific not lost on her and she turned to study him, brow furrowing at the pained look on his sleeping features. Is he... having a nightmare? She wondered, feeling a pang in her heart as she saw his hand patting around, searching for her own and she reached out, letting him take her hand in his once more, surprised at how quickly the red head's features relaxed and shifted into a peaceful look, his body going still and his breathing back to normal. “I won't go, Kenshin,” She whispered tenderly. “I'll stay right here with you... it's alright.”

“Kaoru...” He whispered in a low but loving tone, his smile warm and tender.

The girl felt her insides flutter at the way he spoke her name, her eyes studying his lips, longing to kiss them and she frowned. What is wrong with me?! I shouldn't be thinking about such things right now! He's hurt and I'm injured and we are all in danger! Disgusted with herself, Kaoru settled back down, turning her gaze up to the ceiling. Still, I can't help how I feel. I love Kenshin. It's not unnatural to want to kiss him, is it?

In the nearby room Sanosuke awoke to a pounding headache, groaning as he sat up, clutching the side of his head, frowning when he felt fabric against his fingertips. What the hell happened? The fighter wondered as he lowered his hand, looking around, recognizing his surroundings. I'm at the dojo but is... Megumi, okay? He jumped up, ignoring the storm raging in his skull, used to pain, as he marched out onto the engawa, “Oi, Megumi?! Where are you?!”

The doctor heard Sanosuke's loud voice and she sighed, exiting the kitchen, rounding the corner as she made a shut up gesture with her hand then waved him to come closer.

Sano was relieved to see the doctor was okay and he grinned, walking down the deck and into the kitchen, standing in the upper room, watching as Megumi ground something in a bowl.

“How do you feel?” She asked in a clinical voice keeping her eyes cast down to hide the worry in her heart.

“Honestly? I feel like shit.”

Megumi sighed. “Do you always have to be so crude?”

He tilted his head at her irritated tone. “Yeah, it's how I am. Not like I get after you for your high cultured talk and stuff, even when it makes me uncomfortable,so why do you have to get on my case all the time?”

“Because I know you're better than that.” Megumi replied.

Sano snorted. “Better than what? I'm a fighter, not a doctor or a politician. I don't give a damn about rules and manners.”

“Well, you should,” The woman countered, part of her tempted to throw something at him in her annoyance. “People care about you and want to see you alive and doing well.”

“Like who? You?”

Megumi stopped her work, voice and features softening. “Yes, like me.”

Sano was stunned at her answer, listening as the woman continued,

“I was scared for you today,” She admitted. “You always go charging straight into danger. What if... what if something happened to you? Do you ever stop and think how it feels to watch you run off, not sure whether you'll come back alive or not?”

The fighter studied her in guarded hope. “What are you trying to say?”

She looked at him then turned around, grumbling. “Nothing... forget I said anything.”

But Sano couldn't be shaken off so easily. “So, you were worried I'd die today or something?”

“Of course I was worried! You're my friend! Friends worry about each other!” She snapped, trying to distance herself from her feelings.

“Yeah, but it's more than that... you don't get like this when Kenshin goes off and fights... You think I can't handle myself, is that it?”

She growled, whirling back around to face him, “It's because I care about you! Why can't you get it through that thick head of yours?!”

Sano smirked at her outburst. “It must really hurt for you to admit to that, fox...”

“You better wipe that smirk off your face this instant, buster, or I will do it for you, injured or not!”

His smirk only widened. “You're in love with me, aren't you, Megumi? Admit it.”

She turned away from him again, snorting. “Hah, why would I be in love with a dimwit, too stupid to realize that... that...” She started then stopped, unable to say what her heart felt.

“That what? That you have feelings for me? Is that so bad, huh?” He asked, his own feelings hurt at her insult. “And so what if I'm stupid? At least I can admit that I care about you and like you too!”

Megumi's eyes widened in shock as she murmured, “What?”

“Yeah, that's right,” Sano continued. “I like you, Megumi Takani. This stupid jerk that you constantly insult has feelings for you! I find you strong and intelligent and intimidating, but I am drawn to you anyway! And if you don't feel the same then it's your loss!” He growled, stalking out of the room, coming to a stop as Yahiko entered the courtyard.

“What's going on? Is the enemy attacking us again?” He asked, bokken firmly gripped in his hand.

Sano studied the boy and the wooden sword. “You doing the rounds or something, Yahiko?”

“That's right,” The boy said with a nod. “With Kaoru injured, protecting the dojo and the people in it becomes my responsibility.”

“Sano, get back here!” Megumi growled, marching on the engawa, ignoring the surprised look of Yahiko as she continued. “You don't just proclaim you have feelings for someone and go running off! It's in poor taste!”

“Well, according to you, I don't have any taste, so what's the big deal?!” Sano snarled in return, glaring at the doctor.

The commotion outside was heard by Kaoru who stared at the shoji door in concern. What is going on out there? She wondered.

“Sano and Megumi sure are noisy, aren't they?”

The girl turned her head in the direction of the voice, finding Kenshin's gaze on hers. “Kenshin?”

Her surprise was cute and found the warmth of her hand pleasing so he kept his hold, stroking the top of her hand with his thumb as he murmured, “Hmm?”

She tried to ignore the pleasing sensation of his gentle touch on her skin as she replied, “Shouldn't we go see what's going on?”

“Are you well enough for that, Kaoru-dono?” He asked, his tone more serious now. “I don't want you to push yourself too quickly and reopen your wound.”

Part of her longed to just lay there, staring into Kenshin's eyes and enjoying his touch, but the more practical part gave voice instead. “Hai, I'm okay. I want to know what's going on. Besides... you promised to tell me what happened to you... after I was tended to... and I want to know, Kenshin. I want to know the full truth.”

The red head nodded, reluctantly loosening his hold of her hand as he sat up. “This one made a promise, that I did,” Scooping his sakabato up, the rurouni slid it into the left side of his obi, clearing his throat as he turned around, giving her a bit of privacy as he spoke in a soft but distant tone. “After you are dressed, I'll tell you the story of my past,” He paused, idly caressing the burning skin on his left cheek. “And how this scar of mine came to be.”

Another chapter completed. Not a very exciting one but the first battle is over. Next chapter I will begin the remembrance arc and hopefully I won't disappoint too badly.