Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Vengeance ❯ Before Jinchuu ( Chapter 17 )

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

Another update, hope everyone enjoys it!

Chapter 17- Before Jinchuu

“Stay with me.”

An expression of shock bloomed on Kaoru's face at his request, her mind going off on less than pure tangents and she shifted nervously, stammering out, “You... want... me.. to... stay... the night with you?”

Kenshin could see and feel her anxiety and hesitation, knowing the cause and he suppressed a chuckle at her misunderstanding. “I did not mean it in a carnal way, koishii,” He replied, softening his voice when he found the girl's eyes studying him in askance. “It's just that when you are close to me, the shadows that haunt me flee and there is only light... only you, Kaoru...” The rurouni explained as he leaned forward to rest his forehead against hers. “I know you must find it odd, my request, but the truth is I need you close to me, koi. I promise I will never do anything you are not ready for,” He paused, tenderness and reassurance in his tone as he whispered, “This one will wait for you forever, Kaoru. All I need and want is to rest with you. But if you are worried about what others will think and do not wish to stay then I will understand.”

Embarrassed at the assumption of his request, Kaoru lowered her gaze, closing her eyes when she felt his forehead rest against hers. His hands were warm in her own, his voice as gentle as his touch and her heart understood him better. He was afraid to sleep... Afraid to be alone... He wanted the comfort of her presence, because he needed to be close to her to rest. Nothing more than that. How could she deny such a request from the man she loved? “Kenshin... you should know by now that I don't care what other people think.”

“Then you will stay with this one?”

His hopeful tone warmed her heart and she drew back slightly, eyes now open as she favored him with a smile. “Hai, I will stay with you, Kenshin.”

Relief filled the rurouni as he shifted his gaze to study her, a smile lighting up his face. “Kaoru... thank you...”

The way he looked at her made Kaoru's stomach flutter and she cleared her throat, gently letting go of his hands as she rose.

Kenshin blinked as she stood up, watching her in puzzlement.

The kendo instructor noted his confused expression, seeing the worry in his eyes and she spoke in a reassuring tone, “I just need to grab a few things, Kenshin. I'll be right back.”

His features relaxed at her words and he nodded. “Of course... this one will wait for you.”

Kaoru exited the room, creeping back to her own quarters and quickly grabbed her futon, pillow, and blanket. Sneaking down the engawa, she nearly made it back to the samurai's room when Yahiko's voice suddenly reached her ears.

“What the heck are you doing, Kaoru?”

Her mind froze for a second, trying to come up with an answer as she retorted in a stern tone. “Nothing that concerns you, Yahiko. Go back to bed.”

But her student wasn't going to go away that easily. His gaze shifted from his sensei to the nearest room and he connected the dots instantly. “Are you going to Kenshin's room?”

Kaoru sighed, knowing it was futile to lie. “Hai. I'm going to stay with Kenshin tonight.”

“What?!” Yahiko exclaimed, studying his master with widened eyes. “I thought you were going to wait for the wedding before doing that kind of stuff!”

If her hands hadn't been full, the Kasshin master would have slapped him upside the head. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Yahiko,” She growled as she turned to glare at her pupil. “Kenshin's having nightmares and needs me to watch over him while he rests. That's it.”

The boy tilted his head. “So that's the reason Kenshin was calling out for you... cause he was having a nightmare?”

Kaoru frowned. “You heard that?”

“Well, yeah. I mean I wake up really easy, especially at the sound of voices...” He explained as he looked at the bedding in Kaoru's arms. “So you're really going to stay the night in his room then?”

“Hai, I am.”

“And that's all your going to do? Just rest with him?”

Kaoru didn't like the boy's teasing tone, her own becoming tinged with warning as she ordered, “Go back to bed, Yahiko, before I change my mind about teaching you a Kasshin ultimate technique.”

The boy pouted at the threat, his shoulders dropping as he whined out, “I was just kidding, Kaoru... gee...”

“Don't make me have to repeat myself, Yahiko.”

“Fine...” The boy grumbled, pivoting around as he began to walk away from his master, unable to help himself as he tossed over his shoulder. “But try not to be so noisy tonight, will you? I need all the sleep I can get for training...”

“Why you little...” Kaoru growled, glaring at the back of her student's head when he laughed and took off down the engawa towards his room. Brat. Just for that I'll make sure he spends the whole day doing extra katas! Stepping forward, the girl reached out, sliding open the shoji door to enter Kenshin's room.

The rurouni lifted his head at the sound of the door opening, watching as Kaoru stepped into the room and shifted to close the door behind her. He saw her features twist into a wince when she nearly dropped then caught the falling bedding in her arms and the samurai rose up to move quickly to her side. “Let me help you, koishii.”

Normally Kaoru would have protested but the flare of pain in her tender shoulder kept her quiet and she gratefully handed off her bedding to the rurouni, watching him lay the futon onto the floor next to his own. She felt a smile tug at her lips as he fluffed up the small pillow, placing it in a precise spot before spreading the blanket atop the futon.

Kenshin turned to the girl when his work was done, smiling up at her. “All set. Shall we retire for the evening, koi?”

The way he spoke to her was innocent enough but still she blushed. “I... that is... hai... we should... I am rather... tired...”

He tilted his head a bit at the shyness in her voice but didn't tease her about it as he watched her slowly step forward. Kenshin moved to lay down on his futon, remaining completely still as Kaoru shifted to lay down beside him. The rustling of the blanket drew his attention and her turned his gaze to the right, his eyes meeting Kaoru's. “Are you comfortable, koi? Is this too close?”

“This is fine, Kenshin,” She whispered in the dark, surprised at how relaxed she felt being near him. The way the shadows danced upon his features and the concern in his eyes for her only added to the love she held for him in her heart and she reached out to reassure him, surprising them both as she took his hand in hers. “I am more than comfortable to be near you, love.”

The feel of her hand holding his drove the worry in his mind away and Kenshin felt a pang of longing in his heart when she whispered her first term of endearment to him. “Kaoru... this one... loves you... more than anything...”

She could hear the emotion in his voice, feeling it in the slight shaking of his hand and she favored him with a warm smile. “I know you do, Kenshin. And I love you... I will always love you... that's why we both need to rest. We need to recover our strength and begin preparations for Enishi's arrival 10 days from now. We can't let him get away with hurting anyone else,” Her voice grew stronger, more serious as she squeezed his hand. “I won't let him get away with this, Kenshin. I won't lose you to Jinchuu. I refuse to lose you.”

Kenshin features tensed at the mention of Enishi, the conviction in her voice not surprising to him. “Kaoru... you are very strong and very brave. I have always admired that about you. That is why I won't lose to Enishi. I will protect you...” He felt the intensity of her gaze then, knowing he had to tread carefully or else she would become angry with him. And the last thing I want is her becoming distant from me because of my own fear for her safety. “I know you will do your best to protect me as well... So I believe you are right... we must rest to get better... and do our best to make sure everyone is ready to fight when the time comes.”

Kaoru relaxed at his words, happy in the knowledge he wouldn't try and convince her to stay out of the upcoming battle. “Then let's rest together, Kenshin.”

The rurouni watched as the girl closed her eyes. “Hai...” He whispered as he studied her tenderly. “Goodnight, Kaoru.”

“Goodnight, Kenshin.”

The samurai's eyelids grew heavy, fatigue bearing down on him and Kenshin drew comfort in the closeness of his beloved. The gentle touch of her hand chased away the shadows that haunted the halls of his mind and his body relaxed, allowing sleep to claim his wearied form and he fell into the land of dreams where no darkness could reach.

Day 2 before Jinchuu- Kamiya Dojo

Daylight filtered through the door of Kenshin's room, the muted rays of the sun caressing the rurouni's face, drawing him into the realm of waking. His eyelids fluttered open and he blinked slowly to clear his vision. He rolled his head to the side when he felt the warmth of skin against his own, his gaze falling upon the sleeping features of Kaoru. A tender look grabbed hold of his face and he studied her, a swell of emotions reflected in the brown pools of his eyes. Despite her hesitation, the girl had stayed with him throughout the night, the light and closeness of her presence keeping the demons that plagued him at bay. Love seized hold of his heart, guiding his actions as he shifted to the side, reaching out with his free hand to caress her cheek with the back of his fingertips.

“Kaoru.” He whispered reverently, his heart jumping at the whisper of his name falling from her parted lips when she leaned into his touch but did not wake. My koi, I do love you so. He longed to remain at her side and sleep into the afternoon but desire gave way to concern, the words spoken between them last night running in his head and he withdrew his hand. I must prepare for Enishi. I can not allow him to destroy my family... and my home... I will stop him... no matter what it takes, I will stop Enishi and end this cycle of violence.

With great reluctance, the samurai gently pried the girl's hand from his, tucking the blanket over her shoulder before slowly tossing off his own blanket. He rose to his feet, folding his bedding before putting them in the proper place. He did his morning business then changed quickly into his red kimono and white hakama pants. Snatching up his sakabato, Kenshin cast one last glance at Kaoru, the thought of losing her to the madness of Jinchuu guiding him and he quietly slipped out of his room, heading straight for the dojo.

He walked down the length of the engawa, bowing at the entrance to the Kamiya dojo. A faint cloud of mist hovered before the redhead only to slink away as the dawning light consumed the room, warming the chilly air and Kenshin stepped with precise grace into the dojo, stopping before the written tenet of the Kasshin Ryu. He lifted his gaze, smiling at the memories it invoked... memories of a kendo instructor with a stubborn will and a brave heart. The passion of Kaoru's voice and conviction in the principle of a living sword had intrigued him, answering the call that still remained in the idealistic parts of his heart. To become a sword that was meant to protect... not to kill. This was his way of atonement, to protect the living... to protect those that he loved and those that needed saving. I will protect everyone here. I will not fail in my promise to Tomoe. I must not fail.

Stuffing the saya of his sakabato underneath his obi, Kenshin drew out his sword, his features hardening as he visualized Enishi and began a series of katas, the pain of his body forgotten as he slashed in precise movements, moving forward and retreating as he fought with his imaginary opponent. An hour of training passed before he felt a set of eyes on him and he lowered his blade, turning to face the interloper, his features more relaxed as he called out softly, “Good morning, Kaoru. Did you sleep well?”

The girl blinked in surprise at being caught, inwardly pouting at her lack of sneaking skills. She had awoken alone in the rurouni's room and in a bit of panic she had bolted up and left in search for her beloved only to find him practicing his katas in her dojo. Of course he'd be there, baka, where else did you think he would go? She berated herself, keeping silent as she had watched him move. There was great beauty in the deadly techniques of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu and Kenshin was masterful. Every move was precise and controlled, the fluidity as he had changed from one stance to the next was breathtaking to watch. She marveled at his strength of conviction and his will to go on, despite all the tragedy that plagued him. There was darkness there, she could see it, but it paled to the light of his soul and his heart. Such light could only grow brighter with love. And she loved him with all her heart. Despite a small part of her wishing he had not stopped training in front of her, Kaoru's mind was rational and knew that was impossible now. Besides, I have training of my own to attend to after breakfast. “Hai, I slept very well, Kenshin,” She bit her lip, hesitating for a few seconds before asking in a shy tone, “Did... did you?”

Kenshin found her shyness rather adorable and he favored her with a gentle smile as he sheathed his sakabato. “Hai, I feel revived and well rested. I thank you, Kaoru, for staying with me through the night. I would be lost without your presence.”

Kaoru blushed, fidgeting at how he was making her feel. “Well... I wasn't going to let you suffer alone, Kenshin.. I want to help you... If that means that I rest at your side every night, I am willing to do so.”

The samurai walked over to her, reaching out to cup her cheek and leaned in to nuzzle his nose against hers as he whispered tenderly, “Kaoru... having your love has helped me more than you could possibly know. That you are willing to stay and rest with me is a testament to how much you care. It makes me love you even more than I already do.”

The Kasshin master was still shy at such a display of affection, simple though it was, yet she returned it and she leaned into him when he drew her into a hug. The warmth of his body against hers was as pleasing as it was comforting and she closed her eyes as he held her, slowly wrapping her arms around his waist, relaxing against him as they drew strength in each other. “Kenshin, I love you, too. More than you could ever know.”

Kenshin shifted his head to the side, resting it against hers, content in the moment only to furrow his brow at the intrusive voice of his best friend.

“Isn't it a bit early for the lovey dovey stuff, you two?” Sano asked as he stood out in the small courtyard stretching.

Kaoru slowly moved out of Kenshin's embrace, turning to face the street fighter, glaring at the unwelcome interruption, about to tell him off when Kenshin spoke,

“There's nothing wrong with a bit of affection in the morning, Sano...” The samurai paused, his tone becoming more teasing as he added, “Though I understand why you'd be jealous.”

Sano frowned. “Jealous? Of affection?” He snorted. “I don't need that stuff...”

“That's too bad...” The rurouni replied. “I'm sure Megumi-dono wouldn't object to a hug from you now and then...”

“No thanks...” Sano retorted. “I'm bruised enough already. Getting kneed in my....” He started then stopped, catching himself at the sudden flash of a warning look from the rurouni. “...side... isn't in my plans for today.”

“And what are your plans for today?” Kaoru asked sharply. “To loaf around and eat up all my food?”

“I thought I'd go take a walk around town after breakfast actually,” Sano replied, nonplussed by the kendo instructor's obvious irritation. “Speaking of which...” He paused, casting his gaze over to the red head as he asked “What is for breakfast, Kenshin?”

If looks could kill, Kaoru would have obliterated the street fighter. “Why you...”

Kenshin sensed his betrothed's anger rising and spoke in a soft tone, hoping to appease her and get Sano off his back. “There's some onigiri I prepared last night in the juubako. You're welcome to have some, if you'd like.”

“Hmm... I guess that's okay... but aren't you guys hungry too?”

“Hai,” Kenshin said quickly before Kaoru could hurl insults at the street fighter. “Why don't you head to the kitchen, Sano, and see if the others are awake yet. If so, let them know we'll be with them in a few moments.”

“Sure thing, Kenshin.”

The rurouni watched as the brawler turned and left, leaving the him alone with Kaoru.

“I can't understand Sano, sometimes...” Kaoru began, drawing the redhead's attention to her. “After all that's happened the last thing he should be thinking about is his stomach.”

“True,” Kenshin conceded. “But that's just how Sano is. Food first, fight later... He's very... simple in that respect...”

“Simpleton is more like it...” The girl murmured, still miffed at the brawler.

Kenshin began to walk forward, the girl following beside him. “Hai... He isn't the most... eloquent or wise of men, but Sano is worried about everyone and expresses it in his own way.”

Kaoru shot a look at the redhead. “By eating me out of house and home?”

He held back a chuckle at her continued irritation with the street fighter. “No, koishii. Eating is how Sano prepares himself before a fight. He probably suspects trouble and wants to have the... energy to face what may come. Eating before battle is just Sano's way.”

Kaoru thought over Kenshin's words then sighed. “I suppose you're right. But he can't go through life simply eating and fighting. If he doesn't clean up his act, Megumi will never be able to live with him. They would be more likely to kill than kiss each other.”

As if on cue, Sano's cry of pain drew the pair's attention and they moved quickly down the engawa, coming to a stop at the entrance to the upper level of the kitchen, puzzled then amused looks crossing their features at the sight that met their gaze. There, seated on the floor, was a squirming Sanosuke and behind him, a rather pissed off Megumi tugging violently at a length of gauze, rolling her eyes as her patient hissed,

“Dammit that hurts!”

“Stop being a baby and hold still!”

“If you weren't trying to kill me, maybe I would!” Sano snapped, howling again as Megumi wrapped another round of bandages around the brawler's torso and pulled.

“I'm not trying to kill you, you big oaf. I'm trying to stabilize your ribs!”

“If that's what you're doing then why does it hurt so much?!”

“Because they're broken, stupid!” Megumi snapped, yanking hard against the bindings.

Sano grit his teeth, tone accusing. “You're just making it worse....”

“Who's the doctor here?” Megumi countered as she wrapped another set of gauze around her patient.

Kenshin and Kaoru continued to watch and listen to the verbal sparring between their friends only to blink at the sudden sound of Yahiko's voice,

“Man, those two really need to just make out already.”

Kaoru snapped her head to the side, studying her pupil with disapproving eyes. “Yahiko!” She chided, swatting his left shoulder with the back of her hand. “You don't just blurt out that kind of stuff, it's inappropriate,” She crossed her arms, adding with a huff, “I swear I don't know where you come up with this kind of stuff.”

The boy winced at his sensei's physical reprimand, rubbing his shoulder as he grumbled, “I'm not some little kid you know... I've heard things about what men and women do...”

The Kasshin master quirked an eyebrow. “From whom?”

“Some of the boys at the Maekawa Dojo,” He confessed under the intense glare of his master. “The older ones like to talk about girls.”

“That's not the same thing at all, Yahiko,” Kaoru replied. “Boys like to make up stuff about how much they know all the time...”

“Well, the ones who went to a brothel seemed to know an awful lot about...”

Kaoru blanched, holding up her hand to stop him from going into detail. “That's enough... I don't want to hear anymore about it.”

Yahiko shrugged. “Well, you did ask.”

“And I'm sorry I did.”

Kenshin smiled at the interaction between Yahiko and Kaoru, turning his attention back into the room when Sano called out,

“How long have you guys been standing out there?”

“Long enough to hear your bellyaching.” Yahiko teased, earning a glare from the older male.

The street fighter grabbed his happi coat then rose, sliding his arms into the white sleeves before adjusting the front. “Hey, it's not fault this vicious harpy is so mean,” Sano protested, motioning over towards Megumi when she walked past him. “I swear she was trying to kill me.”

Megumi crouched down, rifling through her medical box. “ Trust me, if I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead,” She deadpanned then turned her attention over to Kaoru, addressing her in a softer manner. “How is your shoulder feeling today?”

“A bit stiff,” The younger woman admitted. “But I got a lot of rest last night, so I don't feel too bad.”

“That is good to hear, but I still want you to take it easy for the next week, Kaoru. It's going to take time for that wound of yours to heal.”

Yahiko frowned at the doctor's words. “But... Kaoru was supposed to teach me one of the Kasshin ultimate techniques...”

“And I still will,” Kaoru confirmed, explaining herself at the doctor's stern look. “You're going to have to practice a single move for several days before I can even attempt to show you the full technique. By the end of the week, I should be well enough to teach you the complete move.”

The boy beamed up at his master. “Really?”

“Hai, really... I promised you didn't I?”

This was the best news Yahiko had heard in a while. I'm finally going to learn something that could help me fight when Enishi comes! “When do we start?!”

His child-like enthusiasm warmed Kaoru's heart, his previous behavior forgotten. “After breakfast, I'll show you what you need to practice.”

“Alright!” Yahiko exclaimed. “Let eat then!”

Kenshin couldn't help but smile at the more friendly dynamic between master and student, his mind traveling back to his own past and the trials and tribulations his master, Hiko, had given him. Despite the harshness of training in the Hiten Mitsurugi Style, the rurouni still admired and loved his shishou like a son would his father. Perhaps after taking care of Enishi, the group could return to Kyoto and pay his master a visit. Besides, he rather wanted to introduce Kaoru to Hiko, the only parental-like figure he had left in this world. Sensing everyone's eyes on him drew Kenshin back to the present and he flashed an apologetic look. “Let me make some eggs to go with the onigiri then we can eat.”

After the food was prepared, the group ate breakfast together, Sano the most vocal as he patted his stomach.

“That was really good, Kenshin. I feel revived and ready to take on anyone now.”

“Well, you would, considering you ate almost all the eggs.” Yahiko grumbled, lifting a green tea cup to his lips.

“Eggs are good for you, squirt. Especially raw.”

“Eww... no thanks,” The boy replied, lowering the cup. “I'll stick to the rice.”

Sano shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He turned his gaze over to Kenshin, noting the rurouni had hardly touched his food. I wonder what's up with him?

The samurai stared down at his food, lost in thought about what was to come. There were nine days before Enishi attacked the dojo. Nine days of uncertainty and worry over the people he cared about. Nine days before his former brother-in-law would come to punish Kenshin for the death of his precious sister. Tomoe... I am sorry that it has come to this. If only I had been stronger... If only I had tried to find him myself... I could have helped him... I could have saved him from the madness that's tore apart his heart and mind.

“Kenshin?”

The red head lifted his gaze, turning his head to the left to find Kaoru studying him in concern.

“Are you alright? You've hardly touched your food.”

He gave her a confident nod that he did not feel. “Hai... This one is merely pondering how things came to this,” He said softly. “If only I could have talked him out of fighting, no one else would have to suffer.”

“I think we're well beyond the talking stage, Ken-san,” Megumi chimed in, taking a sip of tea before adding, “The only voice that could possibility reach Enishi and stop him from his vendetta against you would be from his dead sister, Tomoe-san.”

Kaoru perked up at Megumi's suggestion. Tomoe-san's voice... it was true the lady was dead but her voice... her voice was still very much alive. I know! I know what will stop Enishi! “Kenshin! Where is Tomoe-san's diary? If we could show Enishi his sister's own thoughts... that she truly loved you, then we could stop his Jinchuu!”

Kenshin lowered his gaze. “After the war... when I left Kyoto, I entrusted the diary to the temple where Tomoe was buried.”

The girl's features fell. Kyoto? Even if I went, there's no guarantee I could return in time and I won't leave Kenshin's side. Besides, this is my home and I can't abandon it now. But that was the same for everyone else as well. They would want to stay and fight. So what do I do? A thought came to her then and she made a fist, slapping it into the open palm of her other hand. “I've got it! I'll write a letter to Misao, she should be able to retrieve the diary and bring it here before Enishi attacks the dojo!”

“Hai, that's an excellent idea, Kaoru,” Kenshin said, beaming at his beloved. “We should send it out as soon as possible.”

“But what about my training?” Yahiko protested. “You said you'd teach me after breakfast.”

Kaoru looked over at her student. “I'll show you what you need to do before I leave to send off the letter, okay?”

“Alright. Why don't you show it now before you write the letter. The sooner I begin training, the sooner I can learn the attack.”

“Very well,” Kaoru said, rising to her feet. “Let's go to the dojo and I'll show you.”

Sano and Kenshin watched the two leave, turning their heads as Megumi rose and moved to retrieve her medic kit.

“Where are you going?” The brawler asked, studying the doctor with troubled eyes.

“Not that it's any of your business, but I need to make a few house calls,” Megumi answered sharply. “I may have lost my clinic but I still have patients that need tending to.”

The street fighter rose to his feet. “I'll go with you.”

“I'll be fine.” Megumi said quickly, moving to leave the room.

But Sano was insistent. “You think I'll just let you go out there all alone? What if some of those goons try to attack you?”

Megumi whirled around, her lovely features twisted onto a look of warning and irritation. “You can stop right there,” She growled. “We're not married, you don't own me and I'll go where ever I damn well please without your interference.”

Sano backed up at the venom in her voice. Gee, what brought this on? “So my concern about your well being doesn't count, huh? You think I like the thought of you being hurt by those bastards?”

“Don't be stupid,” The doctor said with a dismissive wave of her hand, turning away from Sano to hide the conflicted emotions swirling in her expression. “Enishi's men won't attack until he attacks, which in case you forgot, is nine days from now. So you worrying about my physical well being, while charming, is hardly necessary in this case.”

The brawler frowned then shrugged. “Fine... go... see if I care...”

“I will.” Megumi shot over her shoulder before exiting the room.

“Man, what a grouch,” The fighter grumbled then sighed. “I don't what it's going to take to soften that heart of hers.”

“I am sure Megumi-dono does care about you and how you feel for her, Sano.” Kenshin offered as he began to pick up the trays then rose, carrying them into the kitchen.

“She sure has a funny way of showing it.” Sano murmured, following the smaller man into the kitchen.

“Hai... women are complicated... that they are...” The rurouni commented as he began to wash the cups. “Just give her some space and time to deal with her feelings and eventually she'll come to you and talk about... things...”

Sano studied his best friend in confusion. “She'll talk to me about things? Like what?”

Kenshin sighed. “Matters of the heart, Sano. She'll either tell you she wants to be with you... or she'll tell you she doesn't. Either way, make sure you behave in a manner that won't make her hate you forever.”

“She already hates me as it is...” Sano grumbled then sighed. “But I think you're right... I should back off for a while... don't want to scare her off or anything.”

Kenshin was surprised. “You... You think I'm right about it?”

“Yeah,” Sano replied with a nod. “I know you guys think I'm stupid and maybe I am at times... but I'm not stupid enough to keep screwing this up. If Megumi needs space and time to think about... love... then I'll give it to her. After I check out some things in town.”

“Oro?” Kenshin murmured, watching as his friend pivoted around and made to leave the room. “You're not going to go after her are you, Sano?”

“No... but I do want to check out the places that Enishi's men attacked yesterday.... maybe find some information that could help in the upcoming battle,” Sanosuke paused, turning to look back at his friend. “Maybe you should come along, too.”

Part of Kenshin wanted to follow his friend but the stronger will of staying close to Kaoru won out and he shook his head. “I thank you but my place is with Kaoru right now.”

“I hear ya...” Sano said with a nod. “I'll catch you guys later.” The street fighter exited the room, leaving Kenshin alone to his tasks.

Once finished, the redhead walked down the engawa, heading towards the dojo then entered, leaning against the far wall as he watched Kaoru instruct Yahiko.

“Alright, Yahiko, I want you to pay close attention to what I am about to do.”

The boy stood at attention, eager to learn. “I'm ready.”

The kendo instructor brought her arms up over her head in one quick and fluid move, crisscrossing her enclosed hands at the wrist.

Yahiko watched, frowning in confusion. “That's it? That's what you want me to practice?”

Kaoru lowered her arms, wincing a bit at the flare of pain that exploded in her shoulder. “Before you learn the attack, you must first practice and understand the core of what I am going to teach you. I want you to practice this move for the next several days. When I feel you're ready, we'll proceed with the next step.”

“This seems kind of lame... are you sure this is worth it?”

The girl glared at her student. “Do you want to master the technique or not?”

Yahiko thought about it. I need to get stronger... even if this seems like a dumb move, Kaoru wouldn't show it to me without a reason. “I do.”

“Then get to it.” Kaoru ordered, using her teaching tone to move the boy into action.

“Hai!” Yahiko shouted, lifting his arms as his sensei had demonstrated, counting out as he did so.

Kaoru turned, finding Kenshin leaning against the wall and she walked slowly over to him. “That should keep him occupied for the rest of the week.”

“Hai... it's good for him to practice. Is it a defensive technique you wish to show him?” The rurouni asked, genuinely curious as to the nature of the Kasshin style.

“It is and it also has a counter built into the technique that he will need to learn as well. But I have to start him off with the basics... as you well know in your years as a swordsman.”

“I do...” Kenshin replied, his gaze shifting from the girl over to the boy, approving of the intensity and focus gripping his youthful features. “You've done well in training Yahiko, Kaoru. I know he'll become a great master of the Kasshin Ryu...” He paused, turning back to look at his beloved. “Just as his sensei before him.”

Kaoru met his gaze, blushing at the praise, a proud smile lighting up her face as she cast a look over to her student. “Yahiko has come a long way since he began studying the principles of Kasshin Ryu. It is my hope that he one day will take over the training for this dojo when I am no longer able to teach,” She motioned Kenshin to follow as she exited out onto the engawa. The pair walked side by side until they reached her room and she turned to address him. “I'll write that letter then we can go into town together.”

“I will wait for you right here, koishii.”

Kaoru reveled in the sweetness in his voice, her heart fluttering at each term of endearment he whispered to her and she smiled tenderly before reaching out to slide open the shoji door, disappearing into the room as she shut the door behind her.

The samurai waited patiently for Kaoru, smiling when she exited her room several minutes later. Now ready, the pair headed into town on their errand, just as Megumi and Sano had done before them.

Southern Tokyo, near the remnants of Megumi's clinic

Sano weaved through the morning crowd, heading for the site of yesterday's attack on Megumi's clinic, hoping to find the lady doctor sifting through the debris to find whatever medical supplies were salvageable. Despite Kenshin's advice and Sano's own council on the matter, the brawler's intent while in town was to keep Megumi safe, whether she wanted him to or not. If I have to watch over her from a distance, so be it. At last he reached his destination, curious eyes falling on the many uniformed officers guarding ground zero of the blast site but it was the blond man dressed in a lightly colored long coat that drew Sano's attention and he crept forward for a closer look.

Twin katanas were strapped to his back, his unusual hair kept off his forehead by a black headband and he appeared to be wearing some kind of leather harness around his torso. This man was no policeman... and yet... he was conversing with the officers as if he had the authority to do so. And with him openly wearing such swords while around law enforcement, he had to be tied to the police somehow. But why was he poking around Megumi's clinic?

The blond stranger nodded after his finishing his conversation with the uniformed officer then headed off and Sano found himself following, curiosity getting the better of him. He kept his distance, easily able to track the wiry man due to his usual outfit and lightly colored hair. The crowd grew denser and Sano was forced to stop when a vendor rushed in front of him with his cart and the brawler growled as he lost sight of the blond man. Racing forward, the dark haired man skidded to a stop at the sign that read Shimbashi Station in Kanji. People flocked to ride the train that traveled from Tokyo to Yokohama then back again. Today was no different and Sano pushed through the throng of people, coming to a stop in the center of the station. His eyes scanned the crowd as he pivoted around, looking for some sign of the mystery man and he jumped at the sudden whistle from the train as it began to move. He whirled to face the locomotive and he move forward until he was near the platform. He peered intently at the windows as the cars moved past, eyes widening when the blond man suddenly appeared in his line of vision. Shock turned to anger as the stranger turned his head to stare directly down at him then winked, amusement on his handsome face as he barked out a silent laugh.

Asshole. Sano snarled inwardly, glaring at the train as it sped off down the railway. The bastard must of known he was following him the whole time and purposely sat at a window seat to mock him for his failure. Who the hell are you? He wondered as he stared at the fading sight of the locomotive. And why were you so interested in Megumi's destroyed clinic?

On the train heading toward Yokohama

Cho Sawagejo looked out his window as the landscape changed, buildings giving way to trees, still chuckling at the fun little game of cat and mouse he'd played with the Battosai's friend. In the few months since his defeat at Himura's hand and his subsequent... deal... to get out of jail, the blond had been anxious to do something worth his time and effort. This covert mission was right up his alley and he had dived in with relish, eager to find out more on all the targets. He reached into his long coat, withdrawing a notebook and he opened it, shifting his gaze to look down at the photograph of an elaborate mansion. So this is where you're hiding out, eh? The train began to slow, signaling their approach of the Yokohama station and Cho tucked the book back into his coat and rose when the locomotive came to a stop, exiting at the conductor's instruction, grinning as he left the platform and headed off in search of his target.

And another chapter is completed. Kind of all over the place but I wanted to give some time to as many of the characters as I could. Next time we'll get to Cho's mission and things will shift to Kyoto where Misao receives the note and Aoishi receives a visit from the wolf of Mibu in regards to a certain ex-onmitsu and his unique... talents... before I shift back to Tokyo and how the Kenshingumi deal with the time before Jinchuu.