Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Survival of the Spirit ❯ Survival of the Spirit Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Survival of the Spirit Chapter 5

Don't own 'em. No I don't. ^_^

Yahiko grabbed his books and ran out of the building. One piece of paper was hanging out and that was the one thing he couldn't wait to show Kenshin and Kaoru. He had gotten an "A" on his test.

"Hey Yahiko!"

He turned but barely slowed down. Because he didn't he ran into another boy he knew, one of the boys that he'd been with when Kenshin had plucked him off the streets and given him a home.

"What's the hurry?"

"My guardian is waiting for me…"

"That red haired man? Who is he? Your lover?"

Yahiko remembered what Kenshin had told him about bullies and hoped what he'd shown and told him worked.

"Hi Yahiko!!"

They all turned at the sound of Kaoru's voice, the bullies scowling.

"Hi Kaoru," Yahiko said, ducking under the bullies and running over to where she stood. He had never seen Kaoru pissed off and seeing her eyes he stepped to the side of her. Just because her technique was for self defense didn't mean she couldn't handle herself.

"Is there a problem?" she asked her voice like steel.

The bullies slunk away and Yahiko looked up at Kaoru who was watching the boys leave.

"Who are they Yahiko?"

"They live in my old neighborhood. I used to hang out with them at night. Hit on girls, that sort of thing."

"Yahiko, you're ten. You hit on girls?"

"They like to…" his voice trailed off and Kaoru gave him a glare.

"Tell me Yahiko. What did you do?"

"They would do things to me Kaoru," he said, blushing.

"Have you talked to Kenshin about this?"

"He knows Kaoru. Please can we not talk about this?"

"Agreed. What's this paper? Oh my god!! You got an 'A'. Kenshin will be so happy!!!"

She gave Yahiko a hug and planted a kiss on his cheek which he wiped off, embarrassed by her show of affection Kaoru understood and wasn't offended..

"I think we'll go to the restaurant tonight and celebrate. How about that?"

"Sounds good."

They were headed back towards the bus stop when a woman and a man rushed towards them.

"Miss!!! Miss!!!"

Kaoru looked down at Yahiko warning him to let her handle things before flashing a smile at the two people.

"Yes sir? Ma'am?"

"Are you Yahiko's guardian?"

"He lives with me, yes. How can I help you?"

"We sent a note home saying we were going to visit. The Social Services people are here and want to come by now."

"Sure. We're taking the bus…"

"I'll drive," the woman said. "I'm Miss Yamamoto. This is Mr. Sakai."

Kaoru looked at Yahiko who shifted his book bag and fell in step with the administrators. As soon as he and Kaoru saw the woman from social services they knew they were in trouble.

"Miss Mata, this is the boy we spoke about," Mr. Sakai said exchanging a knowing look with the harridan.

"Hello Yahiko. How are you?"

"I'm fine ma'am," he said, pretending he couldn't meet her eyes.

"You look healthy and well fed," she said sharply, looking at Kaoru.

"What is your name?"

"Kamiya Kaoru."

"How do you make a living Miss Kamiya?"

"I own a dojo and a gym."

"I see. There must be lots of noise all day and way into the night."

"They're in two different buildings ma'am. The gym stays open late, but the dojo closes earlier and the sound doesn't travel."

"I'll be the judge of that," the witch said, standing up straight and adjusting her glasses.

"Come. Let's get this over with."

Yahiko and Kaoru sat in the back seat with Miss Yamamoto, who placed herself in between them.

"Are you married Miss Kamiya?"

"No ma'am."

"Who is this man who picks Yahiko up every day?"

"He's someone I took in, who needed help. He does chores around both the gym and the dojo in return for having a place to stay."

Kaoru was hoping Kenshin had either come home and changed into everyday gear or would come later. If they saw him the way he left this morning she'd be in very deep trouble having to explain why he was there. Not too many rurouni's wore imported Italian suits and shoes.

"You trust this man? How can you have him around a young boy?" Miss Mata said in that tone that drove you up the wall.

"He's responsible. He's a man who's seen better days and just needs to get himself together."

That left a lot of options open for Kaoru to adjust her story no matter what Kenshin had on when they got home.

"Yahiko, your mother is very upset about y our not being home."

"I want to stay with Miss Kaoru and Kenshin-sama."

"Sama huh? What's his name?"

"Himura Kenshin," Kaoru said calmly.

"But your mother…."

"Is a whore!!! You know that!! Why do you want me to go back there?" Yahiko screamed.

"But this home, with male boarders and who knows what type of riff raff in and out every day may not be the best for you either. We have to make sure that you are in an environment that will promote your well being."

Of course the teachers knew his work had picked up dramatically over the last week and that his test scores were finally reflecting the potential they all knew he had. Mr. Sakai was almost sorry now that he'd called in the social services people. Whatever was happening in this living arrangement was good for young Mr. Myonjin.

Everyone piled out of the car and Yahiko took Kaoru's hand looking up at her with genuine fear in his eyes. Kaoru had to put on a brave front and managed to do it despite the fact she was so scared Yahiko would be taken away. He was fiery, yes, he was a brat, but he had started to make friends with the boys who came to the dojo, and had been invited to a birthday party this weekend, his first ever she'd been shocked to find out. Obviously his mother didn't have time to find suitable friends for him, sleeping all day and working all night. He'd even begun to fill out a little. They walked into the front of the dojo, and Kaoru thought maybe she could relax.

Haru was teaching a group of school boys and the visitors saw their book bags piled up in the corner while each boy, eyes fixed on sensei, went through his paces. Girls had come for their lesson with Asako, and were beginning to file in, taking seats and watching the boys. Asako was there and was hovering over them like a mother hen, taking time to talk to each girl about her day and how much homework she had. She looked up and waved at Kaoru and gave Yahiko, who'd run over to her, a big hug before going back to her charges. Kaoru saw that Miss Mata could find nothing wrong. They headed down the small hallway that led to the back. Kaoru opened the door with a key and again Miss Mata seemed pleased. They walked into the large room and found nothing to argue about. Megumi, still in her white coat, was just leaving. When she saw the crowd she knew what was happening, and went right into charm mode.

"Kaoru, hi. I made a hot pot for Yahiko to eat before he and Kenshin start his homework," she said with a smile, looking at the two teachers and Miss Mata from social services. Kaoru introduced everyone and offered them food which they politely declined.

"You're a doctor young lady?"

"Yes. I work at the clinic down the street. I help out with Yahiko when he gets home, making sure he has a decent meal. Kenshin usually spends the most time with him doing homework before doing his martial arts prep with him."

"It seems Mr. Myonjin has it made here," Mr. Sakai said nervously, wanting to do something to make up for the obvious mistake he'd made about what was going on in Yahiko's life.

"Does he have his own room?" Miss Mata asked, and Kaoru led her to it, hoping the bed was made and the room at least looked as if someone picked up after the little snot.

Kenshin gave Yahiko a small allowance and he'd bought his first manga's yesterday.

"Manga's? Some of these things are totally unsuitable for children," Miss Mata sniffed, picking up one of the books. It was a Dragon Ball Z and not at all pornographic. Gundam Wing was the other book Yahiko had bought. The room was neat and set up for Yahiko to do his homework. When they got back into the main room Kenshin was sitting at the table with Yahiko eating what was left of the hot pot.

"Ah, the famous red haired man," Miss Mata said.

Kenshin bowed respectfully and smiled.

"Himura Kenshin," he said.

"You're the Rurouni she took in? You look pretty prosperous for a Rurouni."

"I told you he'd seen better days Miss Mata. He was out today looking for a job," Kaoru said brightly giving Kenshin his cue.

"Dressed like that I'd say it was an executive job. You do chores here sir?"

"Yes ma'am. Kaoru was kind enough to take me in and lets me repay her that way. Don't let the suit fool you. It's my only one."

"And where do you stay?"

"I have a room up in the storage area. Nothing fancy."

"I'd like to see it," the maddeningly proper Miss Mata said.

"Sure."

Later they laughed about how the woman was huffing and puffing by the time she got up the stairs, and could barely catch her breath to look around Kenshin's room. Megumi had stayed to see what was going to happen, and did more snooping than Miss Mata. Thank god the woman didn't look in Kenshin's closet or pay too close attention to his stereo system. Rurouni. Who had come up with that one they asked later, teasing Kaoru unmercifully.

Miss Mata had no choice but to let Yahiko stay, but she added that his mother should be allowed to see him. They agreed to it, knowing it was highly unlikely the woman would ever show up.

Kenshin hung Yahiko's first 'A' on the fridge and said that they would go to the restaurant the next night when Yahiko didn't have to get up and go to school. After the brief celebration they all went back to their duties, and it wasn't until much later, at the restaurant, that Kenshin and Kaoru got to spend some time together.

"How did it go today with Ayame?"

"They took her off my case. Hideki is handling me now."

"Is that good or bad?"

"Bad. They want to reactivate me."

"Kenshin…"

He told her how he'd met his replacement after being taken to his new cubicle. And Hideki was on a mission, pressing him about Kaoru and what the nature of their relationship was.

"What did you tell him?" Kaoru asked, afraid to meet his eyes.

"That it was none of his business."

"Oh."

"It isn't, because I'm not going back on active duty. I put in my retirement papers."

"Kenshin!!"

"I have no choice. At least this way I'll get a pension, and I can stay with you without worrying about being called away to do some job."

"Oh."

"It does mean I'd lose my apartment that you like so much," he said with a smile.

"But it does mean you get to wake up to me every morning."

Kaoru blushed and looked down.

"I'm not a morning person, not after all these years Kaoru, and there are times I lose it, but if you'll have me I'll do my best to make you happy."

Kaoru had no words. He was telling her that she was his woman and he was her man, committing to her before they slept together.

"I'm not a calm person Kenshin. I scream and yell…"

"You're fine the way you are Kaoru."

"I can't cook for shit."

"I know. I can cook, and Megumi helps out. You won't get a chance to kill us off."

"Bastard," she said with a smile.

"There is a chance they won't accept my papers Kaoru."

"But…"

"They can declare me fit, and I'd have to go back to work for them."

"Let's not talk about that tonight. I want tonight to be about us, about what we're about."

Despite the urgency of their emotions they took their time walking back to the dojo, stopping to talk to their friends and neighbors who were out, and picking up something for Yahiko to eat in the morning. Once at the dojo Kaoru went to her room to pick up her sleeping things, telling Kenshin to go ahead to his room. He gave her a funny look but went. In her room Kaoru took out an outfit she'd bought to wear to be with him. It was baby pink, very sheer, with a sarong style skirt and a halter top. She was stacked upstairs and hoped he liked the look. She had thought she would be nervous, but she felt a sense of calm as she headed up the stairs to his room, their room now. He was coming out of the shower when she stepped inside and he looked at her, eyes wide.

"I think I need to shower too Kenshin," Kaoru said nervously, holding the clothing tightly to her chest

"I'm not going anywhere," he said softly. Kaoru blushed and dashed into the bathroom. After her shower she used her favorite scent, jasmine, and put the negligee on.

"Oh my!" she said looking at herself in the mirror. She hadn't realized that so much skin would be showing. It was bad enough she'd never been naked with a man before but this…

"Kaoru, get a grip. He's gonna see all of you in a few minutes, and you'll see all of him. No more fantasies. Besides, people do this every day."

Kenshin had never once thought about postponing what had almost happened that afternoon. That she would be with him soon, that he would hold her to him, make love to her, make her his, threatened to overwhelm his senses, but he felt none of the darkness pressing in. She came back in the room with a sheet draped over her and he laughed.

"What is this?" he asked her, standing up and gently removing the sheet. His eyes took in the vision in front of him, hair loose and shiny clean, scented as she was with jasmine. Her full breasts were draped in a pink material that left nothing to the imagination, the dark tips of her breasts were erect. Her waist was small, her hips much more full than most Japanese women, and the dense thicket of hair between her thighs hid her precious jewel, the one he wanted to claim.

"Do I please you Kenshin?"

"Yes Kaoru. You please me."

He scooped her up and lay her down gently, repeating the actions from earlier in the day, except no Sano would interrupt this time. His lips found hers, and they kissed. She was lying on her left side facing him, and he pulled her to him. Now her fingers traced the scars on his body, scars from when his target wounded him before being killed, and she left the sweetness of his mouth to kiss each one. Kenshin thought he was going to come right then. Her simple gesture showing that she loved him, all of him, all that he had been and all that he could become did more for him than any medication or concoction could ever do.

She had made her way down his torso to where his erection filled his briefs. The feel of her hand on his flesh as she took him in her hand caused him to moan in pleasure.

Kaoru wanted him. Wanted him inside of her. Now. But she took the pulsing blood engorged organ into her hands and began to run her tongue down its length. All doubts in her mind about how he felt about her actions were erased when he grabbed her hair and called out her name. She saw the pearl of sperm sitting on its head and she tasted it, loving its saltiness, his saltiness. His response was to press himself against her lips and Kaoru, still using her tongue, hesitated. His motion became more insistent and she opened her mouth, taking the head of his penis in. He moaned her name and with both hands grabbed the back of her head to control how much of him went into her mouth. After a few false starts Kaoru managed to get about half of him in without gagging, her tongue snaking around the shaft as he moved in and out of her mouth, hands still buried in her hair. He tasted of the sea, and the memory of the kisses they'd shared in Yokohama spurred her on to try and take more of him in. She vowed to herself to get better since he liked this kind of sex.

"Kao, shit, Kao…" he cried out, his motion becoming more urgent.

He pulled out of her mouth and she cried out. His motion in her mouth had stimulated her as well, and she looked at him, wondering why he'd stopped, if she'd done something wrong.

"Kenshin…"

"No. I won't come in your mouth, not your first time. We can do that later," he said softy, his mouth now taking up the assault of her body. He no sooner had taken one nipple in his mouth than she felt a warm gush between her legs. Her body was on fire from his caressing kisses, her head thrashing from side to side uncontrollably, her body now totally in his possession. When he reached her delta he knelt and parted her with his fingers, smiling when he saw her arousal. Her clitoris was erect and he leaned down and gently licked it. Kaoru screamed out in shock, and pleasure as his tongue lapped at the sensitive bud, leaving it to probe inside of her, tasting her essence before coming back to it. Waves of pleasure swept over her as he probed her, his name on her lips as she came. When he knelt again between her thighs and slid the head of his penis over her come slick opening she bucked, arching her back in a plea for relief. This wasn't a dream, this wasn't an itch, it was a need that went to her soul. She was begging him now, pleading with him to take her and he took a minute to look into her lust glazed eyes and give her one final long, sensual kiss. There would be no going back now, he could feel the pressure in his groin, and the way her clitoris was standing at attention he knew she was ready.

"Ahhhhhhhhh," she sighed as the head of his penis slipped into her body. He stopped, letting her get used to it before pushing more deeply into her. She was so tight he wondered if he'd be able to hold his orgasm back for much longer.

"Please Ken….shin. Please…………"

He closed his eyes, pulled partially out and then pushed all the way in, using his mouth to cover her scream of pain as he pushed past her barrier, shredding it in one motion. Her blood had gushed out and now stained the towel underneath them and only willpower enabled him to hold his motion back, giving her time to get used to him. He knew he was large, long and thick, and for her it was painful. But Kaoru wanted to give him release, and she began to move underneath him, movement old as time, instinctual really, and he cried her name before he took over the rhythm, slowing her down and moving in and out of her slowly, knowing the pain she was in but unable to stop now, unable to deny his body the release inside of her he'd wanted from the minute he saw her. She surprised him by wrapping her legs around his waist allowing deeper penetration, ignoring the pain to allow him to possess her. No other man would own her this way ever again she vowed with her last coherent thought before a warmth, an inner bath of fire made its way down her body like an out of control freight train, heading right to where their bodies joined, where red and black hair mixed, where their bodies, now one, drank fully from each other/

"Kenshin….oh Ken….oh…………"

He cried out her name as he exploded into her, the hot liquid, his being, all he was, filling her and combined with hers flowing back out because there was no more room for it inside of her. Her nails, once raking his back, were now dug into his flesh, and she was still riding the wave of her orgasm, her eyes turned up in her head, as he continued to come, continued to flow into her, mix with her, become one with her. God, how long had it been since he'd had pleasure like this?

"I love you Kenshin….oh I love you…." She was saying over and over as they came for it seemed forever before completely spent she relaxed under him, and he collapsed on her, his mouth seeking hers and finding it. They were looking into each others eyes, she seeing her words reflected in his eyes and he seeing his heart was in safe keeping with her.

"Kaoru…"

"I'll never leave you Kenshin. I'll never leave your side."

There were birds singing outside, the first time he'd heard them here, and he smiled, reaching out for Kaoru. Coming up with air he sat up, panicked. What had happened to her? Had they come and taken her? The sound of the tea kettle ruptured the silence of the dojo and he smiled. She couldn't destroy tea he thought to himself laying back down and letting himself remember the night that had just past. They'd slept wrapped up in each other's arms and even now the scent of jasmine was all over him. He had to be up, as did she, he to take Yahiko to school, and today was her day to review her students' progress or lack thereof. She taught a class today too, so while he had wanted to wake up to her they'd save that pleasure for the weekend. For her to stay with him and make love again would have been irresponsible.

Her night things were stacked neatly in the corner and there was no trace of the blood stained towel from last night. Closing his eyes he turned his thoughts inward. She was alive downstairs, he had not blacked out. He got up and grabbed a towel, heading for the bathroom. He showered, the warm water reviving him, dressed, and got downstairs faster than he ever had. They couldn't linger and make love but he was missing her already. She was in shorts and a tee, her hair back in its usual ponytail, but when she turned to him and ran into his arms to greet him he felt the last of his defenses fall. She had said she was in love with him and meant it. That she was not wearing one stitch of underwear also let him know that sore or not, when he got back she'd be waiting for him.

"I won't let you go out with nothing in your stomach Kenshin. I got some breakfast food for you and Yahiko from Akabeko."

"What time did you get up?" he asked her, again taking her in his arms which had grown lonely for the feel of her body.

"Early enough to make sure you would have something to eat," she said, opening her mouth to his kiss again, and wondering why they were vertical when Yahiko came into the room and sucked his teeth.

"Good grief, go upstairs or something," he said with a grin.

"I don't know what you see in her Kenshin. She's a hag."

Kaoru couldn't even bring herself to get angry she felt so good this morning.

"Yahiko, go get ready," she said with a smile. Yahiko grinned, knowing what had happened, and gave Kenshin a thumbs up before disappearing into the bathroom.

"What was that all about!!?" Kaoru asked, whirling on Kenshin.

"What?" he asked innocently. He'd have to talk to Yahiko about his timing later.

"What was that thumbs up business? Was I part of some bet? Was Sano running a pool? I'll kill him…."

"Kaoru, calm down," he smiled, grabbing her arms and holding them down.

"Yahiko is afraid that if we're not a couple they'll find some way to take him from us. Seeing us this morning…" he said, unable to stop his hands from smoothing her hair, touching her face, pulling her into his embrace, "he knows we're a couple. Do you think I'd be part of something like that when it comes to you?"

They kissed again, and Kaoru couldn't remember why she was down here instead of upstairs in their bed until the sound of Yahiko banging open the door startled them apart.

"I'm coming downstairs. I'm of delicate years. I don't wanna see nothin'!!!"

"Yahiko, get your ass down here and get dressed," Kenshin said after giving Kaoru one last kiss. He opened the breakfast up and began to eat the fish.

"Who cooked that?" Yahiko asked as he walked past.

"Did Kaoru cook it?"

"No."

"I'll be right back."

Kenshin ducked Kaoru's swing and half an hour later he and Yahiko left for school. Kaoru for her part went back upstairs and cleaned up, putting fresh linen on his, their bed and taking the soiled linens down the alley to the laundry. Once back inside she took out the pills Megumi had given her and took them. Asako and Haru would be here soon and she didn't want them to see her dressed for Kenshin the way she was, so she changed, putting on underwear and pulling on jeans and a plain tee shirt. She looked at herself in the mirror, a smile on her lips. She still looked the same. There were no flashing lights announcing the fact that she was now Kenshin's lover, his woman, but the light in her eyes told the tale. Tae from the Akabeko was downstairs and asked how the breakfast was. Tae was a businesswoman just like Kaoru, and they'd been friends a long time.

"How was the food?"

"It went over well. I have to learn to cook, or Kenshin will think I'm defective or something," Kaoru said with a goofy smile. Tae, knowing the look well, smiled. So, they'd finally gotten together Tae thought to herself.

"I'm happy for you Kaoru. He seems like a nice man."

"He is."

"He is older…"

"I know, but it's all right."

"Send Yahiko down for lunch. The clinic is really busy and Megumi won't get here to make his supper."

"Already?"

"You never know. Megumi is so busy there all the time. She should go into private practice and make tons of money like other doctors do."

"You know Megumi. The hard road appeals to her. I'll tell Kenshin about supper."

"Isn't this your teaching day?"

"Yeah, so this'll work out fine. Yahiko got an 'A' on his test, so we're coming Saturday to celebrate. I hope Megumi and Sano can come."

Asako came in with Haru right on her heels, and Tae left, leaving the three of them to sit down and go over each student's progress or lack thereof and seeing what needed to be done. Sano came in just as they were about to start. Today they were reviewing adults and Kaoru, expecting Kenshin to show up at any minute, was watching the clock. Sano had opened the gym on his way over and their meeting broke up just before it was time to open the dojo.

Back upstairs Kaoru changed into her gi and was on her way back downstairs when Kenshin came into the room.

She ran into his arms kissing him, all fears about him vanishing in the strength of his embrace.

"Do we have time Kaoru?"

"Yes," she gasped as he exposed one of her breasts, taking the hard nipple in his fingers.

"You're still sore…"

She stepped back from him and stripped, wondering where the boldness was coming from. Naked, she lay back on the bed and Kenshin, already out of his clothes, mounted her. She loved him on top, loved the way it felt. Despite the lubrication she was sore, much more sore than she'd thought she was, but she wanted him. This would get her through the day.

"Kaoru…"

He was trying to be as gentle as he could but his body wasn't letting him. He wanted her, needed her with a passion he had thought dead inside of him as he plunged deeper in her causing her to cry out in pleasure and a little pain as she came, her essence flowing over him in the first of her orgasms. She was still tight, but now he felt her inner muscles moving over him, sending heat throughout his body and causing him to gasp and push against the opening to her womb. Kaoru wanted him there, wanted his seed to enter her body and plant itself there, begin to grow a child there.

When she came this time, her orgasm literally shook her to her core, beginning in a place she didn't know she had, a place very similar to where her ki was focused. For his part it seemed as if he had never been with a woman before, and that his body, responding to all the months of pent up want, was making more sperm, wanting to ensure he fill her with enough of him so that she would have him inside of her all day.

He heard her talking but it was a few seconds before he could make out what she was saying.

"I have to go my love. I have a class. Sleep. Rest your soul."

Kenshin closed his eyes and for the second time fell into deep, satisfying sleep.

Enishi sat in his room looking out at the street. After all this time, after all the money he'd spent, all the life he'd put off living in pursuit of a man called Battousai had finally borne fruit. He knew where the man was now, knew who he loved, knew the vow he'd made to his sister's spirit, and yet he could feel no glee, no sense of triumph. All he felt was numb. The young woman had looked at him with eyes made old with love for a man she probably could not conceive of being what he was. She wouldn't believe it anyway he thought to himself. He had not believed it, at first.

"Sir, the police are here to see you," his secretary had said to him. Police? What did the police want with him he'd asked himself even as he greeted the two detectives?

The next thing he remembered was standing in the morgue looking down at his sister's body, at the gaping hole where her chin and mouth should be. He remembered asking why, who had done this to his sister and being told that it appeared that she had been hit by accident, that she had been chasing something and moved into the line of fire. Another person had been the target, she had been killed by a second shot. The words didn't answer why, and for the last ten years he'd been in pursuit of a legend, a man whose very existence was myth. The Battousai. The Manslayer. A highly paid government assassin whose existence was kept hidden from the world, a man who traveled freely and killed whomever he was told to kill. He had shot his sister for no reason, a rare miss, or had she as the police said, stumbled into something she shouldn't have been involved in. The Battousai made clean kills. Enishi knew this now and yet…

He sighed. Pouring himself a drink he sat down, watching the amber liquid as he moved it around in his glass. His parents had not survived his sister's death, following her to the grave within months. His father had told him that it was up to him to avenge his sister, to make sure the man responsible died. He'd always arrived just after he'd made a hit and had to hunt down clues to who his next victim would be. Then he had disappeared for a while, and Enishi had thought that he'd been killed or given up the game. Until last week when he'd gotten an anonymous tip that he could find the Battousai at a dojo in Tokyo. The woman had told him the exact address and at first he'd thought it was a crank call. But no one knew about the Battousai except people in the spy business, and when the woman called a second time to ask why he hadn't gone to see his prey he'd gone.

He looked at the family shrine, looked at the pictures of his sister in the center flanked by his parents. Someone other than him wanted Himura dead, and if they were willing to help him that was fine with him.

"Soon," he said softly to the assembled ghosts. "Soon."

Shimazu Hideki met his boss's eyes. Yesterday could not have been a worst disaster. Kenshin had not liked the change and from the minute he'd walked into his office they'd been at war. Ayame had told him that Kenshin didn't like change that they should let her tell him what had happened, but the two of them, he and his boss, decided that Ayame should take a back seat now and let them handle Kenshin.

"I want to talk to you about your reasons for leaving your apartment and moving in with this Kamiya woman."

The tape was stopped and Hideki looked at Ayame, who had managed to keep her features neutral.

"You lost control right there. Look at the change in his expression."

"Sir…"

"We can't afford to lose him. Not now. Let's continue."

The tape was restarted, and Kenshin hadn't answered.

"Have you decided that you're in better control of Battousai now, that you can have relationship with someone?"

Again there had been no answer.

"Does she have any idea about what you are? Is it fair to her to ask her to love you when she doesn't know, not really, what you are capable of?"

Kenshin had crossed and uncrossed his legs, the fabric of the suit making not one sound.

"My relationship with Kamiya Kaoru is none of your business you fat fuck. And if you disrespect her again you'll know how much of your business it isn't."

The tape was turned off.

"I don't like making mistakes Hideki. He was coming along, he was going longer periods without psychotic incidents. You did nothing to make him comfortable with you. They want him back Hideki. Make it happen."

Kaoru walked into the clinic and stopped at the desk, asking the way to the G Y N offices. There were two other women there but she avoided their eyes and went to the desk.

"How may I help you?"

"I'd like to get birth control pills," she said softly.

"Have you used the pill before?" the receptionist asked.

"No…"

"Are you aware of other means at your disposal?"

"Yes, but I have a prescription already written out by my doctor."

The receptionist took the paper and read it over.

"Well in that case please wait over there. It'll be a few minutes."

Kaoru sat down, still sore from this morning. She had thought that she wouldn't need to fill the prescription, but after this morning she knew she had better. She had wanted to get pregnant at that moment, wanted the semen flowing into her body to enter her womb and plant a child there. If she felt like that, in pain, and only her second time with him, what would she feel when the pain went away and she could make love with him two or three times a night? And he came, a lot. She wondered what he had thought at that moment. Did he feel the same way she had? Did he want a child with her the way she wanted one with him?

The receptionist called her name and she went up to the counter.

"The doctor will see you now."

The woman in the office was not the usual doctor, and Kaoru smiled nervously as she sat down.

"Good morning Miss Kamiya. I'm Doctor Hattori. Doctor Akechi isn't in today. Your prescription is in order, but we're required to create a file on you and get a little bit of your history."

The first questions were standard, name, address, occupation.

"How long have you been sexually active Miss Kamiya?"

"What's it to you?" Kaoru asked, not wanting to discuss her personal life with a stranger. Doctor Akechi was an old friend and while she would've been embarrassed it would've been like talking to a family friend, an aunt, not someone like this woman. Doctor Hattori came off as cold and distant to her, and her questions offensive.

"Some young women are active for a long time and then decide to get the pill after they're already pregnant. Did this just happen, is it going to happen and you want to be prepared, or what? That's what I need to know."

"I took a morning after pill this morning, but then we had sex again. That's why I'm here."

"Don't forget to take the second dose Miss Kamiya. Is this your first sex partner?"

"Yes I took the second dose, and yes to your second question too.."

"Your first time was…"

"…last night."

It felt wrong to discuss what had happened between her and Kenshin as if it was like taking a piss and Kaoru, not wanting to go completely off, decided not to say anything else.

"Here you are young lady. It was smart of you to come in and take care of yourself. You should make an appointment for a complete check up now too."

"I'll think about it," Kaoru said, standing up and putting the pills in her bag.

Doctor Hattori watched Kaoru leave and stood up, removing the white lab coat and slipping on her shades.

"Did you get that Shimazu?"

"Yes. Now we wait and see what happens. You gave her fake pills correct?"

"Yes. Megumi gave her morning after pills so she has to take the second dose. She'll start the other pills tonight. In a months time she should be pregnant with his baby…"

"And we'll have him right where we want him," Hideki said, looking up at his boss who was smiling broadly.

Megumi almost staggered into the dojo, sitting down at the table and looking over at the stove. Kaoru had not cooked there was a bag from Akabeko on the counter, and she sighed.

"Hey Megumi!" Kaoru said, coming down from upstairs in a fresh gi. She taught two days a week, three times a day, and she was ready to start her second class.

"You look like shit Megumi," Kaoru said, tying her hair back with her signature blue scrunchie.

"Thanks. You're awful fuckin' perky. What happened? You and Kenshin finally get off the pot?"

"As a matter of fact, yes."

"Kaoru…"

"I took the morning after pills and went and filled my prescription for birth control pills so don't bug me. I'm cool. I wish I could've seen Doctor Akechi though."

"This is her day off. We don't have G Y N clinic today."
"It was all right. Doctor Hattori saw me."

"Hattori?"

Megumi was wide awake now, and not wanting to freak Kagome out, asked to see the pills.

"They're birth control pills Megumi. You can't borrow mine…"

"I just want to see them Kaoru."

"Shit, here. I have to run an errand before my next class and I just left my bag here."

Asako stuck her head in and told Kaoru that her students were here.

"Gotta go. See ya later Megumi."

Kaoru ran off and Megumi put the pills in her pocket, walking back to the clinic. There was no Doctor Hattori on staff at the clinic.

Megumi took the pills to the lab and asked that they be analyzed. She had a busy afternoon and didn't get back to her office until three hours later. Remembering the lab work she wanted she called for the results.

"They're placebo's. Where'd you get them?"

"Don't worry. I'll be right there."

Megumi stopped by G Y N and filled her original prescription with real pills, keeping the fake ones in the pocket of her lab coat. Someone wanted Kaoru pregnant, and she had a feeling it wasn't someone who wished her well.

When she walked out into the hallway to head back to the dojo she saw a man leaning against the wall with the coldest eyes she'd ever seen outside of the animal kingdom.

"Hello Doc."

"Who the hell are you?"

"Hajime Saito. I take it the pills they gave Kamiya were fakes?"

"If you know all of that give me the Lotto numbers for next week," Megumi said, way past the point of needing sleep.

"Did you give them to her?" she asked as Saito walked towards her.

"No," Saito responded. He was standing practically on top of her but Megumi, running on fumes, wasn't about to move.

"But you know who did don't you?"

Saito didn't answer and Megumi turned to walk away.

"Do you know what Kenshin is?" Saito asked her. She stopped and turned around.

"I suspect he's not the easy going man he pretends to be," Megumi said cautiously.

"Actually that's the real him," Saito said. Megumi walked back to Saito and stood as close to him as he had been to her.

"Look, I know Kenshin has issues, we all do, and we worry about how his relationship with Kaoru is gonna go. Which is why I have to put these back before she realizes I've changed them."

"She's in danger, and not just from the Battousai. This is just the first shot in a war over him. Make sure you tell Kenshin what happened. He's the only one who can protect her."

Saito turned and walked away and Megumi stood staring after him for a few minutes before turning and heading back to the dojo.

Sano had a light day today and he was in the gym working out on the treadmill. He had his headphones on and eyes closed, listening to the latest underground rock band that was making waves in Japan so he didn't see the man come in. Kaoru allowed staff to use the gym if there were few customers and they were not on a full schedule. Each one of them, Haru, Asako and himself, had one day a week that almost belonged to them which allowed them to do personal business, relax or work out. Megumi had called late to say she was stuck and wouldn't be home until this afternoon. He knew that all she'd do was crash so there'd be no fun for him at home. This way if he worked out he'd be too tired to miss being with her.

He sensed someone standing near him and opened his eyes.

"Katsu!!" He cried, taking off his headphones and turning the player off.

How long have you been standing there man?"

"A while. How are you doing?"

"Sweating like a pig but otherwise I'm cool. What brings you here?"

"Got time for some chow? My treat."

Sano couldn't resist those terms and his friend waited while he showered and changed, slipping on tight jeans, a tee, and a light leather jacket. Spring was not fully here yet, and it was chilly today.

"How's things political?" Sano asked, looking at his childhood friend. Their father's had been close, and they'd been steeped in radical politics all of their youth. Both of them had joined radical groups which most people considered nothing more than gangs, and both of them had gotten themselves into trouble with the law. Sano had decided it was time to get away from that and had quietly begun to train in kendo. His gamble had paid off when the last job he and his cohorts pulled off had gone bad and he'd been given a choice. That was when he found out about the Kamiya Dojo, a very old and respected place that taught a non lethal form of kendo which made it easy for young people and those who wanted to protect themselves without knowing how to kill people. The fact that he and Kaoru had known each other all their lives helped a lot.

"Same shit."

"I take it you didn't come to see me about politics Katsu."

"No. Does the name Battousai ring any bells?"

Sano shrugged.

"I remember the name from when we were out there. Everyone was afraid he'd be sent after them. Why?"

"Rumors are he's staying around here."

"Why would a guy like him stay around here?" Sano asked, hoping his nervousness didn't show.

"They say he's with your old friend Kaoru."

"Kaoru is seein' some scrawny red haired guy but every red head ain't the Battousai. I think you people flatter yourselves."

"The Yakuza is very interested. I saw Fujii the other night and he asked me about it."

That Fujii was asking questions was no joke, and both men sat quietly on the park bench.

"There's a guy, Enishi, who's also lookin' for this Battousai person. Personal grudge from what I can tell. Fujii just wants to make him an offer he can't refuse, if it's true he ain't workin' for the government anymore."

"Well, if the top assassin in Japan comes lookin' for me I'll give him your message."

"That's all I can ask. And tell Kaoru to be careful. This is not a game."

Alone in the park like this Kenshin had the luxury of not being Kenshin. He actually preferred to think of himself as Shinta. If he did that he kept the Battousai locked up and far away. He'd never told anyone that he did that because they had to think Shinta was gone forever. If they thought he was still there…

He sighed and looked out over the river, wondering if Kaoru would like the view. The cherry blossoms would bloom soon and he wanted to spend a day with her just walking in the parks and enjoying all the things the earth provided for free. Despite the appearance of spring flowers there was a chill in the wind and he shuddered as it felt like a knife going into his gut. Something was in the air, somehow this peace would not be his to enjoy. Kaoru was the best thing that had ever happened to him and when good things happened to him…

He shook his head and looked up as a bird burst into song.

"Enjoy nature," he said to himself and he lay back on the ground, his hands his pillow, and looked up at the sky. No doubt, he'd bring Kaoru here and they'd eat here. Tae could make a basket for them and he'd buy a bottle of sake and they could sit here, secluded from view from the road, seemingly away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Kaoru. Even now he could see her eyes, that strange shade of blue, and hear her voice telling him that she loved him. Who did she love? What did she love? Him? Who the hell was he? A murderer, a man who killed because he'd been trained to. They'd done a number on him, building on his knowledge of martial arts until the next logical progression had been to learn to kill. And learn to kill he had. And he'd learned to do it well. She had kissed all his wounds last night, every last one of them, in acceptance of what he was? He closed his eyes and sighed. Right now he wanted her touch, to feel her next to him, but at what risk? What if too much closeness was what did it? What if that had been what had happened with Shura? The wall had not come down last night, the wall that Shinta had created to stay alive and Battousai under control. Shinta had made love to Kaoru last night, and he wanted to again, as often as he could, wherever he could. She completed the man that was Shinta, the one who had finally made Battousai see what he was and run screaming into the night. He glanced at his watch, something he'd just started wearing again because of Yahiko. It was almost noon, and he should be heading back to the dojo or Kaoru would start to worry. She never said anything about his disappearances as long as he was there to take her to lunch. Kenshin was his proper name now. He was no longer fully Shinta, and Shinta was going to have to find a way to live with Battousai or else Battousai, in a rage, would break out and destroy everything and everyone Shinta loved.

Kaoru and Kenshin sat side by side in the corner of the restaurant, hands linked between their bodies.

"How were your classes this morning?" he asked, sipping at his tea. She noticed he never drank coffee.

"Good. Things went very well. Miho is finally getting the hang of it," she said with a smile.

"And I went to the clinic," she continued brightly.

"What for?" he asked, hoping he hadn't found her only to lose her.

"Birth control pills."

"Oh," he said relief obvious on his face.

"What did you think?"

"I expect the worst all the time Kaoru. Being what I am I guess it's normal. I had stopped and bought some condoms on the way back. I should've worn one last night but…"

"It's okay. Megumi gave me morning after pills so I'll be okay. I just…I want us to be free to make love whenever and wherever we want."

He squeezed her hand tightly and she moved closer to him.

"We are going dancing this weekend right?"

"Yes. Megumi is working late, she pulled a double last night, so I hope she can come. We always have such fun."

"I'm looking forward to it. I'm not a great dancer but I hope that won't hold you back."

"Me? I'm a dancing fool," she said with a laugh and he joined her.

"I'm really looking forward to it Kaoru."

"So am I. but if one of us can't come Plan B is always to crash and watch baseball or some dumb movie on television."

"Where?"

"Usually Megumi's."

"But…"

"She can sleep through World War Three, trust me. Haru and Asako come with their significant others and we make a night of it."

"Sounds like fun," Kenshin said sincerely.

"Then of course Sano has his gambling buddies, but they don't come to the dojo, he goes to them."

"You two are good friends."

"Yeah. I think once when I was ten I wanted to be his girlfriend but I got over it fast. He's got that wild streak in him."

"But Megumi…"

"Megumi is, well, she's got a story too. Her family is into some super illegal shit and wanted her involved. She said no to them, finished her degree and works here with us regular people. Since she's come to the clinic things have been better for us."

On the way back to the dojo Kenshin asked Kaoru if she wanted to go see a movie and she agreed. Sano could close down for her tonight and it would give her a chance to be out with Kenshin on a real date. Kenshin was holding the door for her when she saw his features change.

"Kenshin?"

"Kill her!"

Kenshin shook his head and Kaoru looked at him.

"Kenshin…"

"Go inside Kaoru. Just go!!"

She did as she was told, and Kenshin backed up into the wall, gasping for breath. No, not now. Not when he'd worked so hard…

"It would be easy. She trusts you. She loves you. Can you see the look on her face when you kill her …"

"Get out of my head," he said softly. "Get out of my head."

He staggered down the street and inside the old man's house. He was doing a consultation but one look at Kenshin and he politely asked the woman to wait, getting up and taking him into a part of the house Kenshin hadn't seen before.

"Kenshin!! Look at me!!!"

The amethyst eyes managed to turn to him, and he nodded.

"Battousai…"

"I know Kenshin. Listen to me. Listen. Stay here. In this room. I'll be right back."

The swish of the lock closing sounded like a gunshot in his head and he rocked back and forth.

"Go away!!! Fuckin' go away!!!"

But the whisper got louder and just when Kenshin felt himself slip, felt Battousai begin to take control the old man came back.

"Drink this."

Kenshin's hands shook as he reached for the bowl and he fought the urge to throw it at the old man, who was standing stock still, chanting. He downed the liquid in one gulp and felt as if someone had pulled a plug inside of him. Anger and all fear was draining out of his body and being replaced by the words the old man was chanting.

He was a boy again, fishing with his father in the stream that ran past their house.

"Shinta, you are better at feeding us than I am," his father had smiled, mussing his hair.

"I want to be just like you father. I want a wife, and kids…"

"You will have all of that, but you must go to school and learn. And continue your martial arts. We may be poor descendants of Samurai, but you still have that spirit, and I think you will bring glory to our family."

Glory. The word echoed in his brain. Glory to the family. If his father could see him now…

Someone was talking to him, asking him about killing.

"I don't want to kill," he heard himself say.

"Why not Shinta? You know the secrets of every martial art school in Japan. You can paralyze a man with your hands. One day someone will come after you to kill you. You have to know how to defend yourself against this."

"I do know sensei…"

Someone came in, his face somber.

"Sensei…"

Both men turned and looked at him, and he knew something bad had happened…

The scene shifted again and he stood over a man's broken twisted body.

"He was a prisoner. No one you should worry about," Sensei said calmly.

"He was the one who killed my parents," Shinta said, wondering why sensei stepped back from his eyes.

"Yes, he was. Do you feel satisfied?"

"No. I want to…"

"You like that feeling of power, the feeling of their souls in y our hands before you deal the death blow. I knew you had it inside of you Shinta. Don't feel bad about it. It's part of you, part of what makes you what you are. Therefore you are no longer Shinta, the peasant boy. You will be known as Kenshin. HimuraKenshin."

Someone was placing something cool on his forehead and he opened his eyes.

"Kaoru," he said softly, his hand reaching for hers.

The old man's face appeared about her left shoulder and she looked up at him.

"He's back."
"It would appear so. How do you feel Himura?"

"Fine. A little off. What…"
He closed his eyes, remembering.

"Battousai…"

"Yes, Battousai. Almost. Not quite. You came right to me and I gave you something to make you rest."

"I dreamed…about me. About Shinta."

"Shinta?"

"My given name. My real given name."

He sat up, still woozy, and looked at Kaoru.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No. You shoved me into the dojo and came here. I followed you but he told me to stay away from you. Once you were out I sat next to you, keeping you cool."

"How long was I out?"

"It's ten at night."

"Kaoru I told you…"

"We can deal with this. I love you…"

"I can kill you at any time. I caught it this time but next time…"

"Your face changed. You looked so mean, so…I was afraid."

"I left my apartment and came here because they had decided that it was best to kill me, that I couldn't control Battousai anymore. And I don't want to die, not now, not when…not when I've found you. But in the end, if he takes control you may have to kill me Kaoru. And realize that it isn't me."

"Kenshin, I don't believe…"

"Then let Sano do it Kaoru!!! Someone will have to kill me if I don't get here in time, if I can't make him go away."

He closed his eyes and Kaoru sat down next to him, holding him to her and feeling his arms, tentatively at first, enclose her in what became an iron grip as his mouth sought hers. The old man stepped out but left the door unlocked, looking at Sano and Megumi..

"I heard," Sano said quietly, holding onto Megumi's hand. She was deathly pale.

"He's fine for now, he's trained himself to recognize and fight the other personality."

"But for how long? He doesn't trust whoever these people are that first wanted to kill him and now want him alive…"

"Megumi you don't know anyone who could help him? I don't wanna kill him. I don't want his blood on my hands."

"There are rumors of someone in Kyoto who deals with this sort of thing but I don't know him…"

"The good news is he protected Kaoru."

"The bad news is the next time he may not."

Kenshin woke up with Kaoru at his side, his hands on her breasts, her butt against his erection. She was fully clothed, but having her there was enough to steady him. She had no idea how close he'd come…maybe it was a good thing he could remember this time, not like with Shura…

It felt like it was time to take Yahiko to school, and he sat up, all traces of the medicinal tea gone from his system. He would make up for not taking her to the movies soon.

"Kao? Wake up."

"Wha…Kenshin? Are you…"

"It's me and me alone. I have to take Yahiko to school. Come."

Megumi had made breakfast and they all ate, Yahiko talking about the party he was invited to on Saturday. Kaoru couldn't leave the dojo or the gym on Saturday and Kenshin agreed to take him. Megumi told them she couldn't go dancing either because of her work, so they decided to get together at her house and see if they could catch the Yankee's and see Matsui Hideki play.

"Can I come?" Yahiko asked.

"I don't think there's any choice Kaoru," Megumi said with a smile.

"Yeah, but he goes to bed at eleven. Period."

"Awww…"

"You heard what she said Yahiko," Kenshin said.

"Yes sir," Yahiko said glumly.

"Let's go or you'll be late."

Kenshin pulled his hair back into the low ponytail he usually wore and pulled on his leather jacket. Kaoru got up and walked to the corner with them.

"I'll be waiting for you Kenshin," she said, kissing him deeply. He smiled at her and turned to go with Yahiko. It was time he got cell phones for them.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Kenshin asked, noting that Yahiko was quieter than usual.

"I was scared for you and Miss Kaoru. She thought you were dead and…"

"She thought I was dead?"

"The old man wouldn't let her in to see you and she thought the worse. She really loves you Kenshin."

"And I love her," he said, staring straight ahead.

"She was fighting Sano, Haru, everybody. They had to knock her out. Megumi gave her a shot."

"Oh."

"I was scared too Kenshin. You're the first guy who's been like a dad to me."

Kenshin smiled down at him.

"I kinda like that distinction," he said.

"Then fight this thing Kenshin!! We're all here for you, and we want you and Kaoru to be happy."

"I made a vow in Kyoto, at the shrine, that I wouldn't kill again, ever. I want to be happy with Kaoru, I really do, and if we have a son named Yahiko already, that's a good thing too."

The mood had lightened when they got to the school and Kenshin walked him up to the door, watching as he walked to classes. Who had done his homework with him last night he wondered? Megumi looked like death walking this morning which meant she'd worked all night. He turned to walk away and saw Hideki standing at the curb. Kenshin turned and went into the building, deciding that it was probably constructed like all Japanese schools and that by the time Hideki figured out which exit he'd used he'd be gone. No one challenged him and he ducked through the basement, coming out near the volleyball court and walking quickly, he was back on the street and headed for the dojo. Hideki had been stopped at the door and told he had to have an appointment to talk to any student.

When he got back to the alley Kaoru was outside waiting for him. He had a chance to study her before she saw him and he saw the worry etched deep on her face and not he smile she usually wore for him. Yahiko's words came back to him and he forced himself to concentrate on making Kaoru happy, on showing her how much he loved her.

"Hey."

"Kenshin!"

She flew into his arms and he held her close, inhaling her scent.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah."

"Want something? Food?"

"No, water will be fine thank you."

He took a bottle out of the fridge and sat down on the floor, looking at her.

"Yahiko told me what happened with you last night, that you thought I was dead."

"I did. I thought…I was so afraid!!"

Now she could cry, now she could let the tears she'd been too afraid to shed last night show.

"It's progress that I felt it Kaoru and knew I needed to get help right away. The last time...well, it didn't happen that way. I woke up in chains in my own shit and piss on a concrete floor with no idea what I'd done."

"You say I…"
"It is me, a part of me that was cultivated and taken care of. He loves that apartment, he loves the cars and being fawned over and feared. He gets off on that, which means part of me wants that."

"And what does Shinta want?"

He had never talked about the real him to anyone since he'd become the assassin he was, and it wasn't easy to begin now. He closed his eyes and listened to the sounds from the dojo, of young people working with Asako to tone their minds and bodies just like he'd done at that age.

"This morning in the dream, or hallucination, or whatever it was, I was fishing with my dad. It wasn't for sport either it was for food for the family. It was the only time I got to spend alone with him and talk you know? My aunt, my grandmother, all lived with us and they were elderly. I was a late child and their only child."

He drank the water, his eyes distant.

"Where are they now?
"Dead."

"Dead?"

"Car accident on their way to see me in an exhibition. Burned to death."

"Kenshin…"

"That was the beginning of Battousai although I didn't know it then. I was about twelve or thirteen."

He looked over at her, his eyes sharp.

"I meant what I said this morning Kaoru."

"You're gonna be better Kenshin."
"No. I understand I have to find a way for Shinta and Battousai to share my mind, for Battousai to stay dormant unless you, or Yahiko, or any of our friends are in danger. Once I can do that…"

"You will be fully reinstated to your job."

Kaoru was squatting in front of him so she had to stand to turn around. The man would've been handsome if he wasn't so twisted Kaoru said to herself.

"What're you doing here Hideki?"

"I came to see you. See how you and Battousai were getting along. From what I overheard he was around yesterday?"

"Go away."

"Did you harm anyone?"

"No."

"You seem to have some control over him. That's new."

"Contrary to what you think Ayame was helping me a lot."

"She came here and you were quite upset with her. I thought it was time we switched roles."

"The patient is usually consulted Hideki."

Sano drifted into the room having heard a voice he didn't recognize and took up position on the wall next to where Kenshin sat on the floor.

"I see you've gone back to your roots Himura. You can take the boy out of the country, out of poverty, but the country and poverty are always still in the boy aren't they?"

"Do you get off when you say shit like that or what?" Sano asked, standing up straight and making as if to step towards Hideki.

"He's not worth it Sano," Kenshin said softly. Sano looked down at Kenshin before backing down.

"I wanted to tell you your resignation has not been accepted. You will continue your psychiatric sessions and also begin retraining for field work."

Kaoru felt her heart sink to her feet at the last part and looked over at Kenshin, who was staring at Hideki with a blank expression on his face. The two men glared at each other for a few seconds before Hideki broke eye contact.

"Good day Himura, people."

"What a fuckin' slug," Sano said with disgust, and Kenshin got up.

"I need to sleep. See you later."

With that he walked upstairs and Kaoru knew not to follow him.

"I was wrong about him Kaoru. He loves you. You can see it in his eyes when he looks at you."

"But one day he'll go and he won't come back to me. And I'll be left here with memories…"

"Sometimes that's all we have Kao."

Kaoru ran her hands over her hair.

"I, uh, I have bills to pay. I'll see you later."

Kenshin was not asleep. He'd begun to do his kata's inside and today, after yesterday, he knew he needed to pull himself together, center himself. He loosened his hair, letting the red mass of it fall loose around his face and down his back. Shaking it he closed his eyes and began the slow rhythmic breathing that would make the outside world, the world of illusion, vanish, leaving just his qi and the natural energy of the world. He was standing in the center of the room, their bed to his right, his stereo equipment at his left, and he took another deep centering breath. His arms rose of their own accord and following them he began the dance.

Haru was in the kitchen and felt the sudden rise of energy. Someone very powerful was working. He stood up feeling the residual power run up his spine and felt his hair stand on end. Who the hell was able to raise that level of energy?

The old man looked up sharply, feeling the power around him like an oncoming storm, and he got up, heading for the dojo. He should've shielded himself he thought to himself, hoping the force he raised could be contained in his body.

His breathing was almost undetectable, and he stood, feeling the power swirl around his body like a typhoon, gathering force and looking for a place to go. He felt it probing at his mind, and he steeled himself, letting the barrier relax just enough to let it rush in. A little more, a little more and he could almost hear it, a whoosh as it roared into his being. If anyone had been looking they would've seen his body glowing while a smile crossed his face. He'd done it. Refreshed and boosted his qi without letting Battousai take control. He could feel him, probing the walls he'd just erected, roaring his displeasure at being further confined.

The old man rushed into the room, frantically looking around.

"Where is he?"

"Who?" Haru asked, the pressure against his psyche almost unbearable.

"Kenshin you asshole. Who else could do this?"

"Kenshin? No way…"

Kenshin's eyes snapped open, and he stood, back in the world of sensation. He and Kaoru filled this room, their feelings infused everything in it. Slowly his breathing went back to normal, and he began to look around, to reorient himself. Bonelessly he sank to the ground and assuming the Lotus position, began to try and assimilate the images that were now rising unbidden to assail him.

He had wanted to pulverize Hideki but with his mind still fragile he didn't even want to try and use his skills. One false move and he'd be back in the same place he'd almost gone into yesterday. As he let his consciousness sink he found a lot of Kaoru, a lot of new memories, good memories, of how she made him feel, of the place she'd assumed in his life. He wanted to keep those memories and he dwelled on them for a while, wanting the feeling of euphoria to last at least a little while before he got to what his mind was seeing as a swirling black cloud. With a mental kiss he took leave of Kaoru and plunged into the cloud. His mind screamed for relief but he had to do it, had to at least get started to dig at it. The old man would probably yell at him for doing this alone, but he had to try. He was not helpless, could not let himself become helpless and dependent on anyone. And most of all he had to be the one to get control, to make it so that he would never even think of harming Kaoru again.

Faces came at him out of the mist, faces of dead people, people he'd killed. The swirled about him, some coming closer than others, some seeming to recoil in horror from him. One came closer than the others, anger and hate on her face, and he forced his mind to stillness, forced himself to look at her. He didn't know her. She rushed at him now and he screamed, his eyes popping open, his breath coming in short gasps. It took a few minutes for him to get his heart rate back to normal and he unfolded his legs, stretching them out and doing some bends to get the kinks out. Who was the woman and why did she hate him so? He glanced at the clock and figured he had three hours to get to the library and then pick up Yahiko.

He stood up and tied his hair back before getting dressed and heading downstairs.

Haru backed up when he saw him, and the old man stepped forward.

"Are you out of your mind Kenshin? How could you attempt to do something like that alone and unshielded?!"

"It worked sensei."

"Did it?"

"I think so. I can…"

Both men turned and looked at Haru, who was still staring wide eyed at Kensin.

"Who are you?"

Kenshin slipped his shades on and looked at Haru.

"No one."

"You're a master aren't you?"

"You say I am. I'm no one."

"You almost sucked up all the qi in this area and then some. What is your school?"

"I have none in particular, and all of them."

"Impossible. You have one you prefer," Haru insisted, speaking through his fear. Kenshin looked at him for what seemed an eternity, his usually pleasant expression replaced by one that hinted at a darker, more dangerous man than he appeared to be.

"I have an errand to run. We can talk later," Kenshin said, a smile now back on his face and the darker expression gone.

With that Kenshin left and Haru looked at Asako as she came to stand next to him.

"I wonder who he really is," she said softly. She had never seen Haru shaken, and put her hand on his arm to calm him.

"So do I," Haru said, watching as Kenshin made his way down the alley, stopping to talk to some kids before he moved on.

"Maybe we'll find out Saturday. You bringing Michiko?" he asked Asako.

"Yeah. How's Meiko?"

"Good."

"Do you think Kaoru is making a mistake?" Asako asked. "I mean what does she know about this guy, and that look on his face today…he was really scary."

"I don't know. He hasn't even looked at anyone since he's been here, and now that she's moved into his room I guess things are going well with them."

"I hope so. She's been so happy since he's been here."

Asako had to go teach a class and left Haru in the kitchen with the old man, who turned to leave.

"Old man. You felt it didn't you? Felt what power he has."

The geezer shrugged, not willing to discuss Kenshin with this young man who had powerful qi of his own. Yawning, he left and Haru cursed under his breath, deciding it was time to find out more about Himura Kenshin.

"Yes sir?"

The librarian looked Kenshin up and down as if trying to decide whether to call the police or not.

"I need newspapers going back five years."

"Sir…"

"Now. I have to pick my kid up in two hours."

"Yes sir."

Something in his manner told her it would be best to do as he asked and after he showed her his identification she handed him the fiche.

Kenshin took the fiche and sat down in a corner. He wasn't even sure what he was looking for. He wasn't like some assassins who followed their exploits in the papers, he never had, so this was not easy to do. He had no idea when the woman had died.

"Fuck. Who are you???" he said under his breath. He looked up at the clock. The time had flown by and he had to leave in half an hour and who knew when he'd get back here?

Changing his search tactics he concentrated on obituaries, and found who he was looking for. A stray bullet had shot her. Tomoe. Her name was Tomoe. She'd been going to meet her fiancé and running because she'd run late…

He sat back, remembering it now, remembering how the girl had stepped in front of a bullet meant for the woman standing in front of her on the street corner. His second shot had been true, his intended target had not run but turned to see what had happened, giving him his opportunity, and he'd never given the person hit by his first shot a second thought. He finished reading the obit and turned off the fiche, handing it back in and heading out, flagging a taxi. He sat back closing his eyes. What could he do about the anger of a dead woman, a woman he hadn't meant to kill. He had her name. It would be a simple matter to find out where she was buried.

Tsubame ran to catch up with Yahiko, calling his name. He stopped and when he saw it was her calling him gave her a smile.

"Hi. Are you coming Saturday?"

"You bet. I can't wait."

He felt embarrassed that this would be his first real party, so he tried to appear blasé to her.

"Masaharu has everything, so I'm glad we don't have to bring gifts. I hear he's going to have ponies, clowns, martial arts demonstrations, all kinds of fun."

"No dancing?"

She laughed. "Plenty of dancing." As they walked some boys walked by talking about the new outfits they'd gotten to wear to the party, and Yahiko felt panic take root. He hadn't thought one second about clothes.

"My guardian is taking me shopping," he lied, praying that Kenshin wouldn't embarrass him and pull that stupid adult thing and ask when he'd agreed to do that. Tsubame's mother was waiting for her and she waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow Yahiko," she smiled.

"And who is that?" Kenshin asked, walking up behind Yahiko.

"Man, don't do that. Kenshin, I need new clothes. All the guys are gonna have on the latest sh…I mean stuff, and…"

Kenshin looked at his watch.

"If we shop, no work out, just homework and right to bed."

"Fine. Kenshin, thank you."

Kenshin had a better idea of what young men were wearing than of women's fashions and he bought Yahiko two pairs of baggy jeans, a Seattle Mariner's official jersey with Ichiro's name and number, an obscenely expensive pair of sneakers, and some plain tees, a jacket and a baseball cap. When they got home Sano insisted on inspecting every article of clothing and giving it his seal of approval. Kaoru stood watching as they talked, her eyes on Kenshin. He had mentioned in passing that they needed to have cell phones and after today she agreed with him. She'd been sick with worry about him and Yahiko, wondering what had happened. When he'd turned the corner she'd been outside watching for him, and when she saw the boxes and bags they were carrying she felt her anger melt away.

Yahiko was hungry and he ate Kaoru's food without complaint, gabbing on and on about how great it was to go shopping, and all the things he wanted.

"You keep doing well in school and you'll get some of them," Kenshin said from his place sitting against the wall.

"You need one CD player. That's it."

"But Playstation 2…"

"I think I'm speaking clearly Yahiko."

"Yes sir," Yahiko said, visibly deflated.

"Now, let's go do your homework."

Kaoru went back to her office to turn off the lights and go to the gym. Her feelings for Kenshin scared her. When she was with him it seemed time flew by. When he was away from her it was as if he'd been gone forever. Was this normal she asked herself? Should she miss him so? She heard the door open and turned to say she didn't feel like company when a pair of soft amethyst eyes met hers and she felt wet between her legs.

"Hey," he smiled, closing the door behind him and walked over to where she was standing.

"Do you always stand in the dark in here? I always pictured you with ink on your fingers…" He lifted her hair and kissed her under her ear, his tongue darting out to give little lick as he turned her so that she was facing him.

"Kenshin…"

His kiss let her know how much he'd missed her, and she fell into it, her arms snaking around his waist as he pushed her back on her desk.

"Kenshin…"

"Please Kaoru…"

She yielded, opening her legs and letting him slip his hand into her panties, his fingers flicking her clitoris and causing her to cry out. He was pressing firmly against her, moving only enough to slip her panties down. She in turn undid his jeans and pulled his briefs down in one motion, freeing him. He was hard as a rock and she gasped as he plunged into her, mounting her while she lay on the desk, his thrusts deep and strong, and causing her to come all over him and her desk.

"Ken…shin…oh Ken…."

She was matching him stroke for stroke, the feel of him filling her, making her tremble and weak from pleasure causing her eyes to roll back into her head and her nails to dig into the flesh of his butt.

"Kenshin!!!"

He covered her mouth with his as his seed exploded into her, causing him to tear his mouth from hers and call her name over and over until he was spent, for now.

They together on top of the desk, all her papers and things scattered on the floor, limp from pleasure and yet unable to part. When he pulled out completely she cried out in protest, and he kissed her on her ear before seizing her mouth for one more drink of honey. He held out his hands to her and she let him pull her up.

"I need to sleep."

"Not now Kao. It's early."

She got a towel from the cabinet and gently cleaned him off.

"Yahiko probably thinks you got lost," she said softly as she put him back in order, her hand action beginning to arouse him again.

"Yahiko is wiser than you think he is," Kenshin said with a smile.

"If you keep doing this I'm going to expect it all the time," Kaoru said as she leaned into him and kissed him.

"You should."

He left and Kaoru finished cleaning herself up, her hair veiling her face. She loved him, loved him so badly it hurt, loved him so deeply his leaving her made her feel as if she was going to die. She had never had the chance to love she'd had duty as her lover. Now she had Kenshin in her life, Himura Shita, Shita, the man she loved, the man she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. In her heart she would always call him Shita. And she would help him in his fight to stay Shita no matter how long it took or how hard the road was.

Kenshin found Yahiko modeling his new clothes for Asako, and he leaned against the wall watching. He remembered when he was a child and always wanting things and being content with getting a new shirt or a pair of pants. He thought of Yahiko as a son, but he wondered if it would be wise for he and Kaoru to have children. They both had warrior spirits and a child of theirs could really be hard to handle. And who knew if his mental condition could be passed down? He had never wanted a child with anyone else he'd slept with, not even Shura, and the mere fact that since their first night together the thought had never been too far from his mind bothered him. He knew she was on the pill, but it didn't stop him from asking himself what if? What if she did get pregnant and he had a psychotic episode? What would happen? Would Kaoru be able to stop Battousai in a killing rage? He knew the answer and pushed it out of his mind. He would kill her and the child without a second thought.

"I look good right Kenshin?"

Yahiko's bright eyes and loud laughter brought him back to the present and he watched the boy as he paraded around the room.

"You got it goin' on," Kenshin said with a smile. Asako watched him as he and Yahiko staged a play fight, noticing that Kenshin's form was fluid that he was not using anything that could be tied to a school or style. Kaoru had come in and she was watching the scene, a smile on her face as she watched her man interact with Yahiko. It was good to hear lightness and laughter in the dojo for a change.