Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ White Plum ( Chapter 11 )

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

Another update! Hope everyone enjoys it!

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Chapter 11- White Plum

First Year of the Genji Era May 1864

The darkness of evening pressed down upon Kenshin as he stood in the garden of the Kohagiya, his gaze focused on the surface of the water. He studied his reflection, hating the cold, hard eyes that glared back up at him in accusation and disgust. Killer... murderer... destroyer... He lifted his hands, staring down at the open palms, the skin stained red and he gasped, racing over to the nearby water barrel. He plunged his hands into the water, scrubbing furiously, drawing them back out, studying his palms, no trace of blood to be found on the skin or in the water, though the scent remained and he wondered if he were going mad.

"Ah, Himura, there you are!" I'izuka called out from the side door. "There's someone who's come to see you."

The hitokiri lowered his hands to his side, features a mask of cool indifference as he turned his attention over to the taller man. He gave a nod, sliding off his zori before entering the inn. He followed I'izuka down the hall, standing still as the shoji door opened, revealing the seated form of Kogoro Katsura, leader of the Choushuu faction and Kenshin's eyes widened for a second though he quickly squashed his surprise, giving a bow of his head. "Katsura-san, I am sorry for making you wait." He said in a respectful but low tone, not wanting to show any of his recent mental... peculiarities in front of the man he admired.

Katsura gave a friendly smile, making a slight waving motion with his right hand. "There is no need to apologize, Himura. I know you've been a busy man. But I was wondering if you would sit and talk with me awhile."

"Talk?" Kenshin murmured, moving to sit seiza style opposite his leader.

"Hai... just talk..." Katsura repeated, his eyes going over to the red line that marred the boy's otherwise untouched features. "About things like that scar on your cheek for instance," He said then asked, "Who gave it to you?"

The hitokiri reached up reflexively to touch the healed wound, his mind drawn back to the murder he committed and the cries of the man he'd killed. "A guard. He wasn't... skilled but his will to live was very strong," He paused, lowering his gaze. "He wanted to return to someone... someone who loved him... and I killed him... I destroyed his chance at happiness... did I... did I do the right thing?"

Katsura listened to the boy, brow furrowing at the distant tone in Kenshin's voice. He speaks of this man as if he still haunts him. Junzo was right. Something truly bad happened to Himura. Bad enough to leave scars on the heart and mind... as well as the skin. "Your job, Himura, is a difficult one. One that I do not envy and one I am sorry to have asked of you to do," The leader of the Choushuu faction began, drawing the young man's attention back to him. "That you feel regret and doubt is only natural. But you are doing the right thing by helping in this revolution. Your skill with a blade is unrivaled by anyone on both sides of this war and it is a skill I've come to rely on. That is why I have a new assignment for you."

Kenshin lifted his gaze. "Assignment?"

"Well, more like a request than an assignment," Katsura admitted, lifting the cup of tea to his lips, taking a sip before he continued. "In a few months, the Gion Festival will begin. There will be a very important meeting to decide our next move tomorrow. Toshiwara and Miyabe-san are expected to be there as well."

"Do you need me as a bodyguard?" Kenshin asked.

Katsura blinked. "No... I was hoping you join us in the meeting. I would like input from those who fight for this revolution, not just those who make the decisions."

"Wow, that's a great honor!" I'izuka interjected into the conversation. "Can you imagine it, Himura? Your name would go down in history as..."

Kenshin rose suddenly, cutting the mustached man off. "I must decline," He said, his voice lower than before, wanting no part of the politics or the credit for the revolution that he fought for. "I am a hitokiri. My life is in the shadows... I deserve neither honor nor glory for the work I do," He turned, pausing to add over his shoulder. "Bringing true peace in these troubled times is all I ask for and what I wish above all else. Excuse me..." He gave a slight bow of his head, sliding the door open then closed, leaving Katsura and I'izuka alone.

"Hmm... it's no good... that boy... he's seen too much... killed too many men..." I'izuka murmured, staring at the closed door. "He's been really standoffish ever since the Shigekura assassination... it's like..."

"He's tormented... and withdrawn..." Katsura finished for him, a look of concern on his features, guilt welling in the man's mind for the role he'd chosen for Kenshin. "His heart has been broken... his soul has darkened and his mind... is under duress from the stress of killing many and seeing nothing change... I fear he's beginning to suffer from the deterioration of being a hitokiri," He rose, voice firmer. "Keep a close eye on him I'izuka. I don't want him to fall any further into a pit of despair, so no assignments for him at the moment, understood?"

"Of course Katsura-san." I'izuka said, giving a bow of his head as the Choushuu leader exited the room, bodyguard in tow. I'll make sure to keep a real good eye on him from now on. He added silently, wondering if the boy was truly heading off to his usual spot to drink and forget.

An inn some distance from the Kohagiya

Kenshin sat by himself, tossing back a cup of sake, the burn doing nothing to alleviate the bad memories that drove him to drink in the first place. He made a face as the liquid traveled down his throat and into his stomach, the taste as bad as all the others. Blood... all I taste is blood... He lowered the cup down on the table, lifting his gaze to stare out the slotted window, the stars hidden behind low lying clouds, the words of his shishou playing in his mind.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom at night. In summer, the stars alight the sky. In autumn, the full moon casts a glow on the land. In winter, the snow falls, covering the ground in white. These things are always enough for sake to taste delicious. If, through all this, the sake tastes bad, it means that there is something sick inside of you.

Sick. Kenshin thought, lifting his hand to his heart. Is that what this is? Am I truly sick inside? Am I that lost? He wondered, too wrapped up in his depressing thoughts to notice someone take a seat behind him.

The innkeeper however, did, and he came over, giving his new patron a smile as he spoke, "Evening, miss. What can I get for you?"

"Some chilled sake, please," Tomoe answered, trying hard to control the rapid beating of her heart. It had taken a few months for this moment to come, for her chance for revenge, recalling the instructions given to her by the leader of the Yaminobu:

Our informant has given us the exact location of Battosai tonight. I have sent Murakami to shadow him when he leaves the inn. Your mission is to wait and observe. If Murakami fails, the secondary plan will commence. If you manage to survive the encounter, keep careful note of his weaknesses. Earn his trust and when the moment comes to take the final revenge, we will send someone known to you to confirm the location and time of the Battosai's demise.

Observe and gain his trust. She repeated in her mind. Can I really do this? Can I really gain the trust of the man who killed my happiness?

The innkeeper returned with her order and she carefully sipped the cool sake, ignoring the stares and whispers of the nearby men to her left.

"Take a look at that woman over there..." A short and lean man murmured, crooking an elbow to nudge his friend, making a motion with his head in the direction of the lady wearing a simple white kimono. "Haven't seen anyone that beautiful around here before..."

"Let's go ask if she'll drink with us." The taller of the two said and the pair adjusted their katanas, puffing up their chests as they wandered over to her table.

"Hey, woman," The smaller man said with a grin. "Why don't you come and have a drink with us. We promise to give you a good time."

"No thank you." Tomoe murmured, still sipping her sake, keeping her eyes straight ahead, not bothering to look at who was addressing her.

"We fight for the Aizu Ishin Shishi," The taller man growled, glaring down at the woman when she ignored them. "The least you could do is spend time with us and have a drink or two... what do you say, eh?"

"Idiots... Aizu fights for the Bakufu..." One of the other patrons shouted, drawing the the ire of the two men.

"Who said that?!" The pair snarled at the same time, the larger man's hand reaching out to grip the tsuka of his katana. "Say it again, and I'll cut off your head!"

The crowd grew silent, casting their gaze away from the scene.

The sudden noise and distraction in the inn drew the hitokiri out of his thoughts and he turned, watching the scene unfold, irritated at the loudness and lies. These men... impostors... hypocrites... they need to be put in their place. He growled then rose from the table, silent in his movement as he came up behind the two men. He caught the scent of white plum, casting a sideways glance at the young woman sipping on sake, noting her beauty before the gruff sound of the loudmouth's voice drew his attention and he turned his gaze on the pair, watching as the larger one snorted and straightened his frame and gloated over his supposed strength.

"Hmph.." The braggart snorted. "That's what I thought. Keep your trap shut and no harm will come to you."

"I could say the same for you," Kenshin replied, making his presence known finally, his hand quick as lightning as he pressed his open palm against the end of the larger man's hilt, stopping the katana from being drawn. He looked up, eyeing the man with disdain, his voice low and cold. "Now leave this place. If you want to live, you'll head back to the countryside or where ever you came from. Kyoto is no place for liars and weaklings."

There was something in the red head's gaze and tone that made the much larger man shiver in fear and he looked over to his friend then around as the patrons shouted,

"Yeah, you frauds! Get lost!"

"Let's get out of here." He murmured nervously, his will to fight forgotten as he walked quickly towards the door, sliding it open, his friend right behind as he slammed it shut, making their escape from the humiliation and ridicule of their lies.

Kenshin's body was still tense as he watched them go, drawing out a coin for the innkeeper. "Sorry for the trouble." He said distractedly, placing the coin in the man's hand before shuffling over to the door. The hitokiri reached out, sliding the door open and he stepped into the street, tilting his head back to study the darkened clouds that hovered low, not even flinching as raindrops splashed against his skin, the air heavy as the sky began to weep.

Tomoe watched him go, surprised at how young he looked. That man is the Battosai? He's little more than a boy. How did he... how did he manage to kill Akira? She wondered as she sat still, finishing her sake, knowing she would have to wait a few minutes before following, remembering her instructions, biding her time to allow for Murakami to do his job.

Outside the inn, Kenshin began to walk slowly, his clothing becoming soaked by the continuous rain, his body shivering a bit but he paid no mind, caring little for his own comfort or well being. His mind wandered, upset with himself for his own actions. I used to be able to block out most everything... but now the darkness is growing stronger in me. His brow furrowed as he turned a corner, the streets empty and dark as he continued towards his home. I get upset at the littlest things now and I don't like it... I hate this sickness inside... driving me mad... making everything taste like blood.

His ears picked up the sound of metal whirling through the air and the hitokiri snapped his head up, jumping back, dodging the flying katana that slammed into the ground near his feet. His left hand reached down, grabbing the saya of his katana, growling out, "Show yourself!"

A figure emerged from shadow, his features partly hidden, his voice low and gravely as he answered, "You are the Battosai, are you not?"

Kenshin glared at the larger man, body tense, ready to fight as he asked, "What do you want with me?"

"Your life!" Murakami snarled, yanking up his chained katanas, swinging them into the air then lashing out, the sword from his right hand hurtling straight towards Kenshin.

This man is an assassin, like me. Kenshin's mind commented, even as his body reacted instinctively. His right hand snaked out, wrapping around the hilt of his katana and he drew out the sword in a battojutsu move, knocking the chained sword safely away.

The blade sunk into the ground but the assassin was undeterred as he charged forward with a battle yell, grinning beneath his half mask. You're fast... but not fast enough! The ninja hurled the second chained katana forward, the metal wrapping around the Battosai's small body, effectively binding him, and Murakami flipped onto the nearby rooftop. He tightened the grip around the chains, squeezing as he yanked up with all his strength. Got you now, you bastard! The ninja roared in his mind as he leapt off the roof, katana outstretched, ready to take off the Battosai's head.

Kenshin grit his teeth, unable to use his sword to defend himself. But I don't need it to take care of this scum! He snarled, his left hand able to move and he yanked at the chain of the buried katana. The blade sprung free and the red head grabbed the hilt and slashed upward, the blade sinking deeply into the flesh of his attacker, using the ninja's own momentum against him. The hitokiri poured all the force he could muster into the blade, slicing through the screaming man, cutting him in two, the body parts crashing to the ground in a sickening plop. Blood splattered in all directions and Kenshin caught sight of a pair of zori, the faint scent of white plums mingling with the rain, shock on his features as he lifted his gaze, finding a young woman standing there... the same woman from the inn... What is she doing here?!

Tomoe stood with the umbrella over her head, her pale features tainted by a splash of blood, her once white kimono stained red and she found herself unable to move, her eyes fixed on the hitokiri, her expression impassive even as her mind was horrified at the scene of gore and death.

Kenshin remained where he was, his hand gripped tightly on the hilt of his blade. I can't have witnesses... I can't let anyone know my true identity. But I.. I can't... I can't...

"I followed you to thank you for what you did... back at the inn.." Tomoe spoke in a soft tone, finding her voice at last and she kept her focus on the scar that marked the killer of her beloved Akira. "They say that a rain of blood always falls during tragic events... but you really... made it rain blood... didn't you?"

Kenshin's eyes widened at her words, unable to move, dropping the dead ninja's bloody katana, his own sword lowered to his side. He gasped as the girl fainted, reaching out with his left hand to catch her, stopping her fall. She's passed out from the sight of the blood... only natural for someone who's never been in battle. He frowned. What kind of shadow killer am I? Allowing a witness to live... even one as beautiful as this girl... He shook his head at his own indecisiveness. Doesn't matter now... I can't leave her here and Kyoto is not safe for a woman alone. A thought came to him then and he sighed, sheathing his blade. Guess I have no choice. He shifted the girl sideways, lifting her up into his arms, holding her close as he made his way back to the Kohagiya, hoping he'd made the right choice in sparing her.

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"And that was the introduction between me and Tomoe." Kenshin said as he took a sip of tea, feeling the eyes of everyone on him. "We met in a rain of blood, both of us wounded souls, lost in our own pain and grief. Though at the time, I had no idea as to who she was nor her connection to me," He paused, reaching up to caress his scar. "I was 15 years old, barely a man. I'd never... spent a long time around women and I found her... beautiful and captivating, even if I was... leery of her presence."

"Leery?" Yahiko asked. "Why would you be leery of a girl?"

"Yahiko..." Kaoru replied in a warning tone. "Are you saying you don't think a girl could be just as devious or as lethal as a man?"

"Well... no... but, she passed out... she wasn't a threat... why even think of killing her?"

"Because she witnessed the murder... she could identify who I was to the shogunate," Kenshin answered, looking over at the boy. "But I couldn't... do it... instead... I took Tomoe back with me... to keep watch over her... until I could figure out what to do with her... and during that time.. I..." He started then stopped, brow furrowed, unable to voice his thoughts.

"You fell in love with her..." Kaoru finished for him.

Kenshin lifted his head, looking over at the Kasshin master, voice and features apologetic. "Yes... but it was very gradual... and I wasn't even aware of it for the longest time... and I don't want to bore everyone with those events..."

"It's alright, Kenshin," Kaoru interjected, knowing he was trying to protect her from hearing the truth of his first love. And part of her was hesitant to listen, feeling a tad upset knowing someone had captured Kenshin's heart before her. But this Tomoe was very important to Kenshin's life and I want to know what happened to her... and to him... back then. Pushing down her own feelings, Kaoru reached out, resting her hand over Kenshin's, voice reassuring as she whispered. "I told you before, I want to share the burdens of your past... that includes the matters of your heart... not just your actions... You are loved by me... and your friends love you too... there is no reason to hold back in concern for hurt feelings. I trust and believe in you... so share with us what happened, please."

The rurouni looked down at her hand over his, slowly lifting his gaze to study her with tender eyes, relieved to know she would not shy away from the more personal matters of his past. "Kaoru-dono... you make this one smile... and my heart sing... if you wish me to share, then so I shall." He replied in a loving tone, clasping her hand in his as he continued once more.

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The Kohagiya

Kenshin reached his destination, trying to sneak inside and up into his room, coming to a dead stop at the sound of the owner's voice.

"Himura-san. Out drinking late again I see..." Okami greeted the young man, quirking an eyebrow at the sight of an unconscious girl in the red head's arms. "Picked up someone for the night, eh?"

The hitokiri blinked then frowned. "No... there was a fight... and she fainted..."

The woman sighed. "Himura-san. I run a respectable inn, not a whorehouse... but... just this once... I'll let it slide," She paused. "Leave her here and I'll fetch her some clean clothing."

"Thank you." Kenshin said with a bow of his head as he lay her down gently. Turning around as Okami tended to the girl then scooped her back into his arms, carrying her up to his room.

The innkeeper followed, unrolling a futon, voice soft but firm. "She needs to rest so best let her do that, Himura-san." She paused, holding out two things, a small book and a black sheathed tanto. "These were also on her person and I'm sure she'll be wanting them so keep them safe for her until she wakes up."

Kenshin gave a nod, taking the outstretched items, watching as Okami opened then shut the door behind her as she left his room. He sat the book and the dagger on the low lying table near his stack of books, then grabbed his sheathed katana, pulling it out from under his obi as he sunk down to the floor next to the window. His gaze focused on the sleeping form of the girl, keeping watch over her as he rested his sword against his small frame. Who are you? The hitokiri wondered. And how do I handle this situation without getting into too much trouble?

Kenshin's remained still for a solid hour before his eyelids grew heavy and his body relaxed, lulled into sleep by the comforting sounds of the rain that pinged against the window and upon the rooftop. And he dreamed... terrible dreams... nightmares... He saw himself, creeping into a room. Was it his room? His hand going to the hilt of his katana, slowly drawing the lethal blade out, footsteps silent as he came to a stop near the woman. She was so close now... close... and asleep... no challenge at all and he lifted the blade, even as the little voice inside him told him to stop... But he did not stop... his body had a mind of it's own and would not listen, poised to strike... ready to kill the witness... all it would take would be one blow and it would be over. He plunged the sword down, aiming for the heart and the quick kill, even as his own heart screamed,

"No!" Kenshin cried, bolting awake, eyes darting about, the light of day filtering through the window, panting as he reached up to clutch the fabric above his racing heart, trying to calm himself down. What is wrong with me?! He shouted silently. She's a civilian, not some soldier in this war! Even if he was beginning to go mad, the red head was an assassin, not someone who killed at random. My targets are armed Bakufu officials, not civilians... never civilians... I will find a way to deal with her without bloodshed... I have to... she's not involved in our fight... I know she's not.

His gaze fell on the spot where the girl had been sleeping, eyes widening at the sight of the blankets folded neatly and he jumped to his feet. Where did she go?! He raced down the stairs, nearly tripping at the bottom, rounding the corner, in too much of a hurry to stop his momentum and he crashed straight into someone, reflexively reaching out to stop the person from falling, blinking as he found himself holding onto the girl from last night. "Are you alright?" He asked as he helped her upright.

Tomoe bounced off the small but solid form of the Battosai, surprised at the strength she could feel in his arms as he stopped her fall and helped her right herself. Her eyes met his and she was struck again by how young he was. "Yes, I'm alright..." She replied. "I'm still a bit... disorientated from last night... is all..."

Kenshin relaxed his hold, moving back to give her space. "I'm sorry for running into you... It's just... I didn't know where you were... and wanted to make sure you were okay..."

"I am fine," Tomoe assured him before she shuffled slowly down the hall and away from the red head. "Please excuse me, Okami-san has graciously offered me work in her kitchen and I don't want to keep the guests waiting."

The hitokiri was surprised at her words. Does that mean, she's staying here? Here of all places?! Kenshin turned, calling out in a tone more desperate than he intended. "W... wait!"

The dark haired woman stopped, pivoting to face him. "What is it?" She asked in a gentle tone that belied the irritation brewing underneath her calm facade.

"Your... Your name... Can you tell me your name please?"

"Tomoe," She answered and turned, heading into the kitchen to gather the trays for the guests, leaving the young man standing alone in the hallway.

Conflicted thoughts and feelings brewed in Kenshin's mind. On the one hand, her being here allowed him to keep an eye on her but on the other hand, it wasn't really safe for her to remain at the inn. There are men here... men who might hurt her... or think... think bad things of her... His brow furrowed. What the hell do I care about that?! He growled, upset with himself and his silly thoughts. She needs to go home... back to her family... whoever that might be. Determination seized control of his expression and he marched forward, intent on talking her out of working for the inn, coming to a stop as the girl opened the door of the main room, surprise and irritation filling him at the sight of several pairs of male eyes ogling Tomoe as she greeted and introduced herself,before gracefully sitting their breakfast down.

"Oh hoh, is that Himura's girl?" One of the men asked, nudging his friend who grinned and nearly whistled, looking over at the Battosai as he entered the room.

"An older woman to boot... Himura you charmer you. How do you do it?" Another of his compatriots asked, grinning at the red head.

The hitokiri glared at the man, frowning when I'isuka walked towards him, a smirk on his face as he leaned in and whispered to the boy,

"So, how was she, hmm?"

A dark look crossed Kenshin's features, angered at the insinuation, his left hand reaching down to his katana, flicking the thumb against the guard, a flash of steel sparking and the mustached man's features paled.

"Hey, kid, relax..." He said quickly, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm just teasing you."

"I'm not amused." Kenshin replied in an icy tone, watching as the girl bowed and exited the room, closing the door behind her. He made to follow, wanting to talk to her, to convince her of her folly and send her far away, only to stop at the sound of Katsura's voice.

"Himura, come and join us."

Kenshin turned and complied, shifting to sit opposite of the leader of the Choushuu, voice soft as he spoke. "Forgive me Katsura-san. I didn't mean to bring the girl here last night, but I... I didn't know what else to do with her."

Katsura took a sip of tea. "Himura, your love life is your own business. Why would I begrudge you finding a bit of happiness even now? After all I have Ikumatsu and I understand a man's need for companionship, even in trying times such as these."

The hitokiri blushed and stammered. "I... it's not like that... She passed out... when I was attacked... and I couldn't leave her there lying in the street... a witness to what I did... and what she saw..."

The older man quirked an eyebrow at the boy's blush, a smile on his lips as he chuckled inwardly. Well now, I've never seen this side of Kenshin before. Interesting. His smile fell at the hitokiri's next words and he lowered his tea, voice more serious. "Tell me what happened, Himura?"

Kenshin informed his leader of what occurred in his usual manner and Katsura listened, studying his greatest warrior with troubled eyes.

"So the Shogunate has discovered the secret of Battosai and sent an assassin to eliminate you," He began, features turning dark. "That means that information is being leaked out somewhere from Choushuu."

"Yes," Kenshin confirmed with a nod. "There is a traitor in our midst. He must be found and dealt with quickly."

"Leave that to me," Katsura replied. "For now I want you to keep a low profile," He paused, looking around the room before adding, "Your attack isn't the only bad news, Himura."

"What else has happened?" Kenshin asked.

Katsura sighed. "Furudaka was supposed to attend the meeting tonight but was arrested yesterday by the Shinsengumi. I fear more arrests will follow if the information keeps leaking out like this so we must all remain vigilant. One slip up and our goal for a peaceful era could come crashing down."

"I will do as you suggest, Katsura-san," Kenshin replied. "May I go?"

"Of course. We will speak again soon, Himura."

Kenshin rose, giving a bow of his head before pivoting around and exiting the room. He headed upstairs and into his room, sitting on the window sill, contemplating what to tell the girl when he next spoke to her. A few hours passed before Tomoe returned to his room, carrying a tray of food.

"Are you hungry? I've brought some food."

Kenshin lifted his head, brow furrowed. "No... thank you..." He stammered out, watching as the girl placed the tray on the floor then grabbed a zabuton, sitting down seiza style before reaching out to clasp a pair of chopsticks.

"Then you do not mind if I eat this food?"

"Go ahead..." He murmured.

Tomoe gave a slight bow of her head and began to eat, voice soft. "You seemed troubled. Is something wrong?"

Kenshin blinked, opening his mouth then closing it. She's rather perceptive for a female. Not that I have much experience with women. He thought, steeling his will as he nodded. "Yes... I want to talk to you about last night."

"What about last night?" She asked, trying her best to sound unaffected by the worry and fear crawling up her spine.

Kenshin drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Here goes nothing. "I want you to promise that you will forget what happened in the rain last night and leave this place."

He's worried about me being here. Is it because he suspects something? Or because he is genuinely concerned about my well being? Tomoe didn't know what to think about the last possibility. This man, who murdered her betrothed, didn't act like a killer at all. I must not show weakness. I must remain here, even if I have to keep up the charade. Even if... I do not want to be too close to this man, I must follow through with my mission. No matter what. "Do you not wish to have me around?" She asked as she lowered the chopsticks onto the tray. "Okami-san seems to like me and appreciates my help around the inn."

Kenshin frowned. "Well... it isn't that I don't... like your presence... it's just... you should return to your family. They must miss you terribly."

"If I had family to return to, I wouldn't be out drinking by myself now would I?" She retorted with a bit more emotion than she intended. Calm down... don't push too much, he might react badly to it and become violent. She told herself, lowering her gaze in an appearance to be more demure.

The hitokiri however was more confused than upset. Why is this so difficult to do? He wondered, voice and features more firm. "Whatever your circumstances may be, no one here is in a position to look after you."

Curiosity got the better of her and she ignored her own earlier advice when she asked, "So... will you now kill me like you killed the man you fought last night?"

Kenshin's features hardened, voice lowering. "Think what you will, but I don't kill people indiscriminately, only armed members of the Bakufu. What I do for the Ishin Shishi, I do to bring peace to this era of misery."

Tomoe shivered a bit at the change in his demeanor though she didn't shrink away from the intensity of his gaze and she studied the boy closely, seeing the fire of conviction in his eyes and something she did not expect... pain. Such emotion seemed unfitting for the cold hearted Battosai that had slain Akira. But is it possible he... hurts from killing people? She wondered, feeling brave enough to ask, "So... if I had been carrying a sword that night... would you have killed me?"

The hitokiri gaped at her in stunned silence, finding himself unable to respond to her question.

Tomoe rose when he could not answer, lifting up the tray as she turned and headed towards the door. "When you have an answer for me, let me know, will you?"

Kenshin watched her leave, hand outstretched as he finally found his voice, "Wa... Wait.. you're going to just walk away before I can answer?!" He called out, dropping his shoulders as the door shut and the girl disappeared. What the hell is wrong with me?! He growled inwardly, clutching his head with his left hand. I should have answered her question right away! But.. I... would I really have killed her if she were armed last night? The hitokiri lowered his hand back down to his side, a troubled expression on his face. The possibility that he would even have harmed her bothered him more than he cared to admit. Maybe I really am sick inside... and this is just the beginning of my madness. Kenshin remained as he was, his mind taking a depressing turn and so he remained sitting, lost in thought until evening came and he decided to rest.

Tomoe returned in the late evening, finding the red head asleep in a seated position, his sheathed weapon resting against his chest and she remained still for a few moments as she studied him. He looks... childlike... resting like this... The boy murmured in his sleep, his once peaceful expression shifting, becoming pained and he whimpered, trembling as if he were reliving some terrifying memory. The girl frowned, upset that such a display was affecting her. No... I cannot feel sorry for this man... he killed Akira... he must pay... I cannot forgive him for what happened...

She crept to the low table near a stack of books, sitting the candle down in the corner and she carefully drew out her new diary from her kimono, laying it on the wooden surface before grabbing the nearby ink and quill. Tomoe opened the book and began to write down her thoughts and feelings of the most recent events:

The mission so far has been successful. I have managed to gain entrance into Battosai's circle, taking a job as a serving girl for the Kohagiya. Many members of the Ishin Shishi reside here which is surprising but they seem easily swayed by a pretty face. No one has even bothered to ask me where I'm from or who I am. Rather odd... but the... other one... is here as well... Despite his help in this matter, I do not like the man. He seems... sleazy... and untrustworthy... but then betraying others for gold would necessitate having a lack of morals. Despite our alliance, the less I have to do with him, the better.

As to the Battosai... I found out his name... Kenshin Himura. The last name is fitting, given his red hair. But I didn't expect him to be so... young. He's little more than a boy. But his skill as a killer was frightening to witness. Akira must have been terrified to face such an opponent. I can only imagine the pain and the agony he went through as Battosai cut him down without pity or remorse.

"Help... shishou..."

Tomoe snapped her head up at the sound of the hitokiri's voice, shutting the diary with a quick flick of her hand, blowing out the candle as she went still, on edge to see if the boy was awake... wondering if he would strike her down... but the red head never moved from his spot. Silence filled the room once more and Tomoe let out the breath she'd been holding. Rising, she tucked her diary back into her kimono before quietly walking over to the folded blankets and futon. She prepared her bedding for the night then settled down, laying on her side as she face Kenshin, willing herself to sleep even as her mind wondered about this killer of men who cried out for help like a lost little child.

Another chapter completed. Not very exciting but the introductions are out of the way. Next time we will dive into the Gion Festival and the aftermath... Kenshin's growing feelings for Tomoe and Tomoe's reaction... and her own growing feelings as well... as they become a married couple... both as a front... and eventually for real. If there are things people want to see happen, do let me know... is always nice to hear people's thoughts. And if people enjoy this work of mine, please leave a few lines in that little box on the bottom of this page.