Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Memories ( Chapter 8 )

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

Another update, hope you all enjoy it!

There are a few changes, most notably Kenshin does not start off with telling the group Enishi's declaration of war, that will occur at the end of his story as he comes back finally to the present. He also begins the story of his past much earlier than in the first year of the Genji Era. The past flashbacks will happen in linear order and I will attempt to go back and forth some between Kenshin's memories... and Enishi's (joyb5321's idea.)

I will use Japanese Era names for the years in the flashbacks. These names were decided by court officials before the Meiji Period.

Ansei- means tranquil government

Bunkyu- means literate story and was picked because of a belief that the 58th year in the Chinese Astrology cycle always brought about great changes

XXXXXXXX- Denotes flashback sequence beginning

xxxxxxxx- Denotes end of flashback sequence

Word list:

goza- A target made out of tatami mats that are rolled and soaked with water to create more density.

Kiheitai- A volunteer militia

sayabiki- A method of pulling the saya or scabbard with the left hand to bring it around to your hip. This movement facilitates the lightning quick draw and cut of the katana

shamisen- A banjo-like lute that was usually played during Kabuki performances

yokogiri- A side cut with the blade

Chapter 8-Memories

Kaoru rose off the futon, looking around for her kimono, brow furrowing when it was no where to be found. "Um... Kenshin..."

The rurouni kept his back turned to her, listening to the shouting match between Megumi and Sano. "What is it, Kaoru-dono?"

"I don't really... have anything to dress with."

"Oro?" He murmured, forgetting himself as he turned around, his eyes drawn to the lovely shape of her form and his voice died out, a spark of heat in his gaze as he admired the view.

Kaoru's expression morphed into a look of embarrassment as Kenshin turned around to face her. She felt his gaze linger on her body, heat flaring on her cheeks at the intensity of that look and her own body's response. "Kenshin!"

The wanderer snapped out of it at the sound of her voice, whirling around, closing his eyes to calm the desire he had for her in that moment as he quickly apologized. "Sorry! This one forgot, that he did!" He headed towards the shoji door. "I'll... go get you a new kimono!" Reaching out, Kenshin slid the door open and shut behind him and tried to slink quietly down the engawa.

Yahiko caught movement to his left and turned, spying the red head sneaking down the deck and he called out, "Kenshin, you're awake!"

Megumi and Sano both snapped their heads in the swordsman's direction.

The rurouni came to a stop, blinking as the pair headed in his direction.

"Kenshin, help me with this harpy will you?!" Sano shouted, marching over to the engawa. "She won't listen to reason."

"Reason?!" Megumi snapped, stalking over to the deck. "What do you know about reason, bone head?!"

"Will you stop calling me that?!" Sano growled. "What's wrong with telling the truth, huh? I told you, why can't you just admit that you love me and get it over with?!"

Kaoru remained standing in the center of the room, her irritation growing at the noise and the slinking off of Kenshin and she growled, grabbing the sheet near her feet, wrapping it around her as she slid open the shoji door and stomped out onto the engawa. "What is going on out here?!" She roared, her voice booming above everyone else's and the group went silent, four sets of eyes turning to the kendo instructor, who glared back at them.

Megumi saw her escape from the conversation and she slid her zori off, stepping up onto the deck. "Good, you're awake. I need to switch out your poultices anyway." She guided the girl back into the room, sliding the door shut behind her.

Sano glared at the door, grumbling. "Damn fox... always making things difficult..."

Kenshin blinked at the commotion and the quick way the doctor took off with Kaoru in tow, turning his attention back to the fighter when he spoke. "So you told her your feelings, Sano?"

"Yeah, and instead of being happy about it, she yelled at me, like it was a big burden or something." The taller man replied, an angry look on his face.

The swordsman felt a stab of pity for his friend. "Sano... Megumi-dono loves you, too. You must know that..."

Sano's brow furrowed. "Then why does she yell at me all the time? It seems all I ever do is piss her off."

"That is how she hides her feelings, Sano," Kenshin answered. "Megumi-dono lived a rough... life... before coming here... so she carries scars on her heart. To have feelings for you probably terrifies her. So her yelling at you is a defense mechanism... keeping you at a safe distance from her heart," He paused, voice soft. "Your confession has torn those scars open and she is struggling to deal with the truth she cannot deny."

Sanosuke listened, looking away from the small man back towards the door, features softening. "So... she likes me too... but is afraid of admitting to it?"

"Something like that, yes." Kenshin replied with a nod.

The brawler lifted his hand, rubbing his temples. "I still don't get it. If you love someone, why bother to deny it?"

"Well... women are... complicated."

Sano snorted. "That's an understatement."

"However," Kenshin continued. "This one knows that Megumi-dono does love you and you love her. Where you go from this confession... is up to you. But you two will figure it out, together."

"Hmph, I doubt that," Sano replied. "But... I do... love her.. even if she can't stand me..." He admitted softly, wondering what was going on behind the shoji door.

Inside the room

Kaoru stood still while Megumi switched out the poultices, voice clinical as she spoke. "Your arm is going to be stiff for a while and very sore. The wound will have to be cleansed daily and checked for infection but you should heal quickly."

"So how long before I'm healed enough to return to teaching?" Kaoru asked in a terse tone, still irritated at all the commotion from earlier, watching as Megumi opened up her kit and took out a roll of bandages.

"Given the injury and the necessity of shoulder and arm movement for your classes, it will take two to three weeks at the minimum before you're able to resume regular activity." The doctor answered as she began to wrap up the wound.

"That long!" Kaoru exclaimed. "But my students... I can't abandon them because of a simple injury."

"You were shot with a poisoned arrow that tore through skin and muscle," Megumi countered. "I don't think you realize just how lucky you are that it went through completely," She tightened the bandages as she continued in a stern tone. "So that means no kendo classes, Kaoru. I mean it. You'll only reopen your wound."

A unhappy look marred the younger woman's face, wincing a bit at the tightening but she nodded, covering her annoyance by asking, "So what was all that shouting about a few minutes ago?"

"Oh... just Sano being stupid as usual, yelling about his feelings for me," Megumi answered, with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Probably just said it to upset me even further."

Kaoru tilted her head, studying the lady doctor. "But Megumi, Sano does have feelings for you. He blusters a lot but he's just energetic and easily excited so yelling just comes natural to him."

"You make it sound like he's some big lovable stray that barks to get attention," Megumi grumbled, finishing her work before lowering her hands to the side. "Sano is crude, rough, and ill-mannered. Customs and decorum are completely lost on him," She sighed, staring back at the door. "But he is rather cute... and strong... and protective."

"Those are all good qualities to have." Kaoru replied, studying her friend.

The lady doctor's expression grew grim. "Yet he's unemployed and rather lazy."

"You make more than enough for the both of you," Kaoru said softly. "It is similar to me and Kenshin, isn't? I earn the income and he does the domestic work."

"True..." Megumi conceded then shook her head. "I don't know if it can even work out between us. We're so very different."

"Well, you won't know until you try."

Megumi frowned. "I don't even know how to start."

"Being nice might help." Kaoru offered.

"Being nice to him isn't part of my repertoire," Megumi countered. "He does the stupidest things and I always end up yelling at him about it."

"Sano's a man... he can't help it."

Megumi blinked then let out a laugh.

Kaoru smiled, laughing softly as well, her gaze shifting over to the shoji door as Kenshin's voice called out,

"I have a clean kimono for you, Kaoru-dono."

Megumi walked over, cracking the door open as she poked her head out. "I'll give it to her, Ken-san. We'll be out in just a moment."

The wanderer nodded, handing the doctor the white fabric, stepping back as the door slid closed once more. "This one is going to make some tea." He announced to everyone, walking down the engawa before rounding the corner. He entered the kitchen, his skull throbbing a bit from the injury to his forehead and he reached up, gingerly touching the bandage that covered the wound, the memory of Enishi's rage replaying in his mind over and over again and his guilt grew even more.

Tomoe... I failed you... and I failed your brother. I should have searched for him. I should have tried to help him. But I was too broken from your loss, I couldn't care for anyone, not even myself, at the time. Now Enishi wants vengeance for your death by hurting the people I care about. I can't let him do that, Tomoe. I must stop him. No matter what happened in the past, between us, I cannot allow him to hurt anyone else.

"Kenshin? Are you okay?"

The rurouni lowered his hand to the side, turning around, his gaze falling on the curious form of Yahiko who stood in the upper level of the room. "Hai, Yahiko, just a bit tired is all."

The boy studied the red head, brow furrowed. "You don't look tired. You look... well, a bit nervous and scared. What all happened today?"

He is rather persistent and observant, that he is. "Many things happened today, Yahiko. Things that I will explain to everyone once the tea is made," Kenshin answered, setting to work making the tea. "Please make sure Kaoru-dono is comfortable, will you? I don't want her to reopen her wound."

"Hai, I will, since you promised to tell us what happened and all." The boy replied, resting his bokken up and onto his right shoulder, walking out the way he came, leaving the swordsman alone to his task.

Once the tea was made, Kenshin poured it into five cups, setting them on the tray before heading out and onto the engawa, finding everyone either standing near or sitting on the shikidai near the main entrance. He stepped down, handing out the cups before laying the tray onto the deck, settling to the left of Kaoru, who eyed him expectantly. Clearing his throat, the red head spoke. "This one knows everyone was hurt in one way or another today and for that, I apologize," He began, drawing in a breath before letting it out slowly. "It is my fault that you were all attacked today."

"Your fault?" Sano murmured. "You weren't the one to attack us. It was the Inui bastard that blew up Megumi's clinic."

"That man is involved in all this, yes... but only one of five men working for the mastermind behind our attacks," Kenshin replied, looking down at the cup in his hand. "Enishi Yukishiro is the leader of this group. He is... my brother..."

Gasps erupted from everyone save Kaoru, who already knew.

"Your brother? You never mentioned that before..." Sano said, studying his friend in shock.

"Actually, Enishi is... or was... my brother-in-law," Kenshin corrected himself. "His sister, Tomoe, was my wife... and the one I killed with my own two hands," He paused, steeling his will as he felt the weight of their stares and the stunned silence that now lingered in the night air. I must explain myself. Only then will they truly understand why all this happened... and why I cannot let them be hurt. "Everything that has led up to now... began before...and during the Bakumatsu." He murmured, closing his eyes, memories flooding his mind, drawn back to his past and the path that led him to this moment.

XXXXXXXX

Third year of the Ansei Era 1856

The boy walked at a steady clip, surrounded by three young women who kept watch over his progress. Night dominated the sky, the moon hidden by darkened clouds and he was drawn to the sound of crickets in the small, grassy hills that surrounded them. He felt nervous, not sure of where they were all headed. But my home is gone... and my family... is no more.

A battle cry erupted suddenly in the air, meshing with the screams of those behind them and the boy whirled around, eyes widening as men and women were struck down, blood spurting from the lethal flashes of metal that bit into their tender flesh. This is wrong! Stop this! His mind cried and he looked down for something, anything to protect those still alive, eyes falling on a nearby sword and he raced towards it, scooping it up off the ground, blade outstretched as he watched the men approach. I won't let you hurt them, I won't! He growled, dropping his sword as a pair of arms wrapped around his small frame, pulling him back and away.

"Don't look, Shinta. Don't look," The girl's voice whispered, holding him tight to her, even as the screams grew and the makers of death inched closer. "You have to survive, Shinta. You're only a child so you haven't had a chance to choose how to walk your own path. Until that day comes, you have to stay alive."

His eyes widened as the women were cut down, shocked and horrified at the gruesome and heartless display of cruelty. He remained seated, gaze focused on the slain bodies around him, unresponsive as he felt something nudge his back.

"Hey, brat, living on from all this is going to be pretty rough," A male's voice spoke from behind, words laced with disdain and dark amusement. "So I'm going to do you a favor and end your short and miserable life."

New screams were heard and the leader whirled around, growling. "Who the hell are you?"

"It's pointless to give my name to one who will be dead soon." The stranger replied, drawing out a sword.

"Bastard!" The leader of the bandits snarled, rushing forward, his war cry silenced as he was cut into ribbons by the stranger's blade.

The clouds parted, the light of the full moon casting light on the grisly scene and the boy turned around, looking up at the brown cloaked figure, watching as the large man wiped the blood off his sword.

"Looks like you've had a rough time of things, boy," The stranger said in a deep voice, looking down to study the child. "Luckily for you I happened to be passing by and took care of your revenge for those you've lost."

Silence met the man's ears as the child's gaze returned to the fallen woman closest to him, and the swordsman's brow furrowed.Is this little one too shocked to come to gripes with the reality around him? "Boy, you must not linger with the dead. No matter how much you care about those who have died, you cannot bring them back with wishes and tears. They would want you to return to the living, free from the guilt of their deaths," Sheathing his katana, the dark haired man turned around, calling out over his shoulder. "There is a village nearby. You should go there and ask for help. I'm sure someone will take you in." He cast one last glance at the child, shaking his head as the boy remained still. I've done what I could, I only hope that will be enough for him.

Shinta remained as he was for the longest time, the words of the stranger running through his mind. The dead may wish for me to return to the land of the living but I cannot leave them like this. The boy rose, looking around for something to dig with and he grabbed the sword from before, determination on his face as he marched forward, slamming the blade into the ground again and again and again, slowly but surely digging a hole, stopping only to toss out the various rocks that lay in his way upon the hillside. He continued on, burying body after body, even as the sun rose and set, then rose again.

That was how the swordsman found the red head, surprised at the sight of him still digging. "Boy, why didn't you go to the village and ask for help?" He called out, climbing closer to the child as he looked around at the mass of graves. Most of the bodies had been buried already, including the ones who caused the massacre. He reached out, pulling the katana from the nearest grave, studying it, recognizing it as one of the blades the bandits had carried. Could it be that he... The man focused his attention back on the young one as he tossed the katana aside. "Where are the bandits I killed?"

Shinta heard his question, rising from the pit of the grave as he pointed out with his bloodied right hand some distance ahead.

The swordsman followed the direction of his point, quirking an eyebrow as he turned his head back towards the boy. "You even buried the bandits and the slave traders?"

Shinta reached out, dragging one of the corpses towards the grave he'd made. "Bandits or slaves, they're all victims when they're dead." He replied in a tired voice, body racked with fatigue as he struggled to pull the body along the rocky ground.

The man tilted his head, impressed with his answer as he studied the boy more intently. He saw the bloodied hands, the smudged dirt on his face, the splits in the skin of his feet and the torn fabric of his clothing. This little one's mind and will has overcome the weakness of the body. And his actions speak of a kindness that is rare in this world. He would make an excellent student for the Hiten Mitsurugi Style. He moved closer, reaching out to grab the back of the boy's kimono, forcing him to stop and he crouched down, staring into his eyes, seeing great strength there as he asked, "Boy, what is your name?"

The boy looked up at the swordsman, feeling nervous as he answered. "Shinta."

"That is too soft a name," The man replied, feeling in his heart this was the right choice to make. "Not fit for a swordsman," He let go of the boy's collar, rising, drawing out his blade, pointing it down as he spoke. "From now on, your name will be Kenshin."

The boy looked down, partly in fear and worry.

The man frowned and placed the mune of the blade under the boy's chin. "Do not look down in fear and shame, Kenshin. Look up to your shishou, Hiko Seijuro, with pride and a brave heart."

Shinta, now Kenshin, obeyed, looking up at Hiko with puzzled eyes. "Hai, shishou." He whispered, hoping that was the right answer.

The swordsman smirked and nodded, sheathing his katana. "Let us finish burying the dead and then we will travel back to begin your training."

Once the task was done, Hiko dusted off his hands, turning to find the boy staring at three large stones. Curious, the swordsman walked over, asking, "Who are these graves for, Kenshin?"

"I buried Sakura-san, Kasume-san, and Akane-san here," Kenshin answered. "I only knew them for a day but they died trying to protect me," His voice grew sad as he lowered his head. "I wanted to give them pretty headstones but these ugly rocks were all I could find."

Hiko listened, looking down at the boy for a moment then drew out a small bottle of sake from under his cape. "No one should have to die without knowing the taste of good sake," He said in a low but respectful tone as he poured the clear liquid over each stone. "This is my tribute to their sacrifice," He put the stopper back on the jug, tucking it under his cape once more. "You will always carry the memory of them in your mind and heart, Kenshin. Let that be your guide and honor their lives by living on and learning from me, so that you will never again be unable to protect those you care about," He rested his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Come. It's time to head to your new home."

Kenshin nodded, turning to follow Hiko as he led them away. He looked behind his shoulder once more before running to catch up to his master.

Hiten Mitsurugi master Hiko Seijuro's home

Upon returning the isolated property that was his own, Hiko began to instruct the boy on the truth of his ryu and philosophy.

"Hiten Mitsurugi is an old style, developed to combat many opponents at once but it also was created to help those in need of protection. Practitioners of this ryu are free blades, they cannot be controlled or else the wielder will lose his way and deliver death to those who may not deserve it. Do you understand these concepts, Kenshin?"

The boy listened to his master, absorbing the information into his heart and his mind. If I can learn this art, I will become stronger, so that I can help those who cry out for justice and protection. "Hai, shishou."

"Good," Hiko replied, reaching out to grab a bokken, tossing it over to the boy who caught it. "Now we will begin."

Hiko trained the boy relentlessly, pushing him to his limits day after day, year after year, marveling at his will as the child endured the blows of sticks and bokken, rising up again and again, never giving up and never surrendering, snarling out a battle cry no matter how many times he was knocked down. Hiko silently approved of his tenacity and will. Each day this boy grows stronger, his mind sharper in technique though he still remains a petulant child in thought and his heart... his heart is still as gentle as the day I met him. That will either aid him... or destroy him someday, though I hope I will have instilled in him the fortitude to follow the right path for the right reasons.

Second year of the Bunkyu Era 1862

Hiko watched Kenshin progress through his katas, the ghost of a paternal smile on his lips. The swordsman was quite proud of Kenshin, despite the boy's idealistic and childish tendencies, impressed at the rate of growth in his skill. He's taken everything I've thrown at him and emerged stronger because of it. Someday he will surpass me. His smile fell as he recalled the harshness of training the boy, disliking how distant he had to be. But I have no choice. If he is to master the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, he must be strong enough to endure the final test.

The sky darkened, the distant rumble of thunder signaling the coming of a storm and the master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Style lifted his head, studying the clouds as the winds picked up. This is a bad omen. If lightning strikes too close, the boy could be hurt and I can't allow that to happen. Lowering his gaze, Hiko shouted out gruffly to hide the concern he had for the boy. "That's enough, Kenshin. We are going inside."

Kenshin lowered his katana, brow furrowed at the stern tone in his master's voice. Do you have to always be so grouchy, shishou? The boy thought as he sheathed his blade and followed Hiko inside. I bet if he had a wife, he'd mellow out some. A look of amusement crossed the boy's face at the image of his shishou married and he snickered.

"Care to share what's so funny?" Hiko asked, poking at the fire in the center of the room, a pot of stew brewing above the flames.

The boy slid the saya out of his obi, laying it down beside him as he came to rest on the step nearby, hesitant to speak on his thoughts. "It is nothing, shishou."

Hiko quirked an eyebrow. "If it is nothing you wouldn't be laughing about it now would you? So come on, spit it out. Did some pretty girl flirt with you while you were in town today?"

"No!" Kenshin protested, an indignant look on his face. "It is just..." He paused, sighing as he whispered, "I was laughing at the idea of you being married, that's all."

Hiko snorted, shifting his focus to the stew as he rose, stirring the contents with a wooden spoon. "That is rather amusing, I'll give you that."

Kenshin felt relief. At least he won't punish me with extra katas for that. He studied his master, feeling bold enough to ask, "But have you ever thought about it, shishou?"

"Marriage?" Hiko replied, looking over at his student. "No, the thought never crossed my mind."

Kenshin's brow furrowed. "Do you not like women, shishou?"

"On the contrary, I liked them a little too much when I was younger," Hiko answered, voice softening a bit. " But I could never... find a woman worthy enough to settle down and have a family with," He paused, returning his attention to the stew. "Besides, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu is a demanding and jealous mistress, taking up all my time and dedication."

"Mistress?" Kenshin murmured. "Hiten Mitsurugi is a woman?"

Hiko sighed. "Baka deshi... it's a metaphor... not to be taken literally."

Kenshin lowered his head. "Oh..." He whispered. "So... when I master Hiten Mitsurugi will I have to live alone and isolated from the world, too?

The swordsman continued to stir the stew. "You'll know when that time comes, Kenshin. But remember this if nothing else. If you do manage to find a woman worthy enough to share a life with, make sure she is strong of heart, mind, and body because she'll need all three to deal with you."

Kenshin looked up, his expression morphing into a scowl. Must he always insult me? Despite his master's insufferable gruffness and stern teaching, the boy looked up to Hiko and thought of him much like a father, even if he was kind of a jerk most of the time. "Shishou, when I was in town today, there was talk of open rebellion against the shogunate. Many people are living miserably in this era. Shouldn't we use our skill to help free them from their suffering?"

Hiko's features hardened, dropping the spoon to look over at his pupil. "This talk again? How many times do I have to tell you, Kenshin? The outside world has little influence on your teaching here. You need focus only on learning the principles of the Hiten Mitsurugi. Once you've mastered that, what you do with your own life will be yours to decide. Until then, I am still your master and I will not allow you to be used as a tool to do harm to those who may not deserve death. Is that understood?"

Kenshin lowered his head to hide the anger he felt, wanting to argue his point though he knew it would fall on deaf ears. "Yes, shishou."

"Good. Now then, go fetch two bowls and we will have some stew as we wait out the storm."

Kenshin did as he was told, the two males eating silently even as the heavens were unleashed and the outside grew alive with flashes of light and the roar of nature's fury.

Third year of the Bunkyu Era February 1863

Kenshin stood outside his master's home, his dark tabi socks soaked from the snow around him but he paid no mind to the stinging cold, his young brow furrowed in vexation as he tried to make his master understand his desire to aid those too weak to defend themselves. "Shishou we cannot ignore what is going on in the world anymore! People are suffering and crying out for justice! We must help them!"

Hiko studied his student with a level stare, unyielding in his words. "Be silent!" He growled sharply. "You are not capable yet to help those people with the limited knowledge you have acquired from me."

Kenshin glared at his master but kept silent as the taller man continued.

"You must listen to me, Kenshin. If you go off and join in this feudal conflict, you will become a tool, used to kill those who may or may not deserve death," Inside, Hiko was afraid for his student whom he considered to be like a son to him. If he goes off and fights in this war, I could lose him and I... I don't want him to die. "I did not teach you the principles of Hiten Mitsurugi so that you could become a pawn to those in power. The world will always be in turmoil, destined to go to war over and over again. You will be able to change nothing."

"So I'm supposed to just walk away and become deaf to the cries of those who are suffering?!" Kenshin countered angrily. "What good are the principles of Hiten Mitsurugi if I can't even use them to protect people?!" The boy clutched his saya tightly, scowling at his master. "I refuse to ignore the pain of those in need of saving!"

The boy's stubbornness and idealistic nonsense angered Hiko even further but he kept it in check, trying to make the child see reason. "Kenshin, when you have finished your training, you will be the strongest swordsman in existence and your mind will be equally strong to carry the burdens of the world. But if you leave your training incomplete, you will not be able to handle the guilt that will consume you."

"The peasants dying under the oppressive government of the Bakufu do not have the luxury of waiting for me to complete my training. Your words are nothing to them!" Kenshin shouted with an angry swipe of his right hand.

So you won't listen to reason then? Fine, have it your way. "Go then, join the cause and become labeled a murderer."

Kenshin gasped. Murderer? Is that what he thinks I'll become?

"Murder is the only practice a swordsman can engage in," Hiko continued. "No matter how pretty the words may be to describe it, kenjutsu is the art of killing and if you go, you will become a killer. Is that what you want to do? Murdering legions of soldiers all so a few may live?" He paused, closing his eyes. "I've killed many men before you were even born. Yes, they were evil but they were still human beings. To take a life is a great burden to bear. I want to spare you that burden, Kenshin. The world you desire to reshape will be unable to treat you correctly. You will travel down a dark path, your humanity stripped until you become nothing more than a murderer."

"If I can save people who have lived without hope, then I will gladly stain my hands with the blood of tyrants." Kenshin replied, unyielding in his resolve to leave.

The swordsman heard the determination and stubbornness in his student's voice and anger fled, replaced with regret. I see. You're so bound and determined to disobey me for a lost cause that you refuse to see the larger picture. Very well. Hiko opened his eyes, turning his back to his student as he headed towards the entrance to his home, his brown cloak fluttering in the wind.

Kenshin sensed his teacher closing his mind to him and he tried desperately one more time to change his thinking, "Shishou, please listen!"

But Hiko had given up. "I cannot listen to one who will not listen to me. Go then, Kenshin, if that is what you wish."

The boy grew quiet, surprised at his permission as he bowed deeply. "Thank you, shishou."

The swordsman's heart was breaking even as he remained stoic, not bothering to look back as he heard his student's zori crunch through the snow, heading into town and far from the safety of his teaching. Kenshin... my pupil... you have chosen your fate. Your mind and heart will be torn asunder by the foul deeds those men in power will demand of you. You may seek to ease the suffering of those under the yoke of the current government but your own suffering will be far greater than theirs could ever be. So my only hope is that you manage to survive the cruelty of the world you seek to change. Goodbye... my son.

Third year of the Bunkyu late February 1863 Choushuu Region

Kenshin stood in the crowd of grown men, feeling a bit out of place, though his features remained impassive, recalling the teachings of his shishou to maintain discipline in displaying emotion. It was a lesson the boy was never very good at. Hot headed. That's what shishou would call me. Foolish, hot headed... and idealistic. Truth be told, Kenshin missed the gruff attitude of Hiko Seijuro the thirteenth and the strength of his presence. Kenshin suddenly felt truly alone and he regretted now some of the things he'd said to the one who had been such as steady influence in his short life. But I had to do this, master. Too many people are suffering and in need of my strength to stop the oppressive government that controls their lives.

"You there, boy!"

Kenshin blinked at the intrusion into his thoughts, turning his head in the direction of the voice, finding two men staring down at him from the nearby hill, the one with the short hair and a shamisen resting against his right shoulder the owner of the voice yelling as he continued,

"Why don't you show us what you can do with that sword of yours! If you can cut through that goza target to your left, I'll let you join my Kiheitai!"

Snickering was heard around him but the young swordsman ignored it, walking over to the target, performing a sayabiki, his right hand wrapping around the tsuba as he drew out his katana in a lightning fast motion, executing a yokogiri, the goza target sliced through in one strike, the saya following, smashing into the cut section, the force sending the remnants flying some distance to the right.

Laughter turned to gasps of awe at the sight of such speed and power, watching as the boy remained in his stance, voice light but firm. "Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, Sou Ryu Sen."

Kenshin relaxed his body, sheathing his blade, blinking at the clapping that erupted back on that hill and he turned his focus towards to the two men, his gaze falling on the long haired man who called out, "Come up here and join us, boy!"

He walked up the hill, joining them at their suggestion. The long haired man introducing himself first. "My name is Kogoro Katsura, the leader of the Choushou faction and this is my second in command, Shinsaku Takasugi."

"Nice to meet ya!" Shinsaku said with a grin.

Kenshin gave a light bow to both men.

Katsura studied the boy, quirking an eyebrow. This one isn't much for talking is he? "What is your name, if I may ask?"

"Kenshin." The boy answered as he remained still, keeping his features calm and even though inside he did feel rather nervous. These men are the leaders of this faction. I must take care to not show weakness.

"Well, Kenshin-san, why don't you follow me and we can discuss your role further in our army."

"Hai." Kenshin replied softly, walking beside Kastura as they headed to a nearby home. He sat down seiza style opposite the older male, drinking tea as the other drank sake.

"So you are a practitioner of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu? I confess I didn't believe such a legendary style was still in existence. Your master must be proud of you."

Kenshin lowered his gaze to the tea cup, his bangs hiding the sadness in his eyes as he spoke. "He taught me well." Was all he offered in answer.

This boy is a tough nut to crack. Is he truly a distant person or is it all for show? "Tell me, Kenshin-san, have you ever killed a man using the Hiten Mitsurugi Style before?"

The red head brought his gaze back up to Katsura. "No."

"But if I asked you to, would you?"

Kenshin lowered his cup onto the tray in front of him, features hardening, eyes reflecting his resolve. "If, by taking the lives of others, I can bring about peace in this era of oppression and pain, then I will bloody my blade in the name of justice."

Katsura studied the boy in surprise. Well now, he expresses himself rather eloquently when it's something he cares about. Interesting. "Very well. Why don't you take a room upstairs and get some rest. We will leave for Kyoto in the morning."

Kenshin nodded, grabbing his katana as he rose, giving a bow before silently climbing up the stairs, picking the closest room. He reached out, sliding open the shoji door, closing it quietly behind him and he walked over to the unrolled futon, laying down as he willed himself into a light sleep, excited and nervous about what this new life of his would bring.

xxxxxxxx

"And that's how I came to be part of the Ishin Shishi." Kenshin said softly, sipping tea from his cup as he took a break from his story.

"Man, Kenshin, you must have been very strong as a kid to have impressed Kastura-san," Yahiko said as he studied the red head in awe, knowing the history of the Bakumatsu. "If you were that powerful, your master must have been unstoppable."

Kenshin nodded as he lowered his cup back down. "Hiko Seijuro the thirteenth is a true master of the Hiten Mitsurugi. From him I learned much, even if I am forever his baka deshi. I still respect and honor him for his teaching and for taking care of me for so many years," The rurouni's brow furrowed. "I left without completing my training because of my hotheadedness, as he called it. I was too stubborn and idealistic to realize just how right shishou was about the war... and my place in it." Kenshin lifted his gaze, studying the stars. Then again, if I had stayed, I wouldn't have met you, Tomoe...

Yokohama

"Tomoe..." Enishi whispered as he tilted his head back, studying the clusters of white that lined the clear night sky. "Do you remember when we would sit outside in the summer to look at the stars? You always said night was your favorite time of the day. Quiet, contemplative, and beautiful. Just like you were, nee-san," He paused, features tightening. "I remember your joy at Akira's proposal. I remember how puzzled he was at your quiet manner. He knew you all his life but he still couldn't understand you... not like I did... Do you remember all that nee-san?" Enishi murmured, as his mind traveled back to happiness of his past, before death came to destroy all that he loved.

Another chapter completed. The next chapter will begin with the last bit of this chapter as we will get to see Enishi's past and the past of Tomoe before the death of Akira. I will try to go back and forth when I can between the two men as this was joyb5321's suggestion and idea. Hopefully this was enjoyable enough for everyone, if not, I do apologize.