--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

__________________________________________
Disclaimer!: I didn't create Kenshin and it's characters! This is just
what I do for fun!
__________________________________________

Couch Potatoes part 1
__________________________________________

13 year old Shishi-o and Yumi sit on a couch. It thunders and pours
outside as the couple share some time alone with eachother.


Shishi-o: It's good to be reincarnated.

Yumi: As long as i'm with you, i'd go anywhere.

Shshi-o: And maybe after puberty I'll start my Kuni-tori on Modern day
Japan... *his eyes gleam dangerously*

*Yumi placates him*

Yumi: Umm, before you start that again, could you at least be a dear and
pass me the remote control.

{Shishi-o grumbles as he moves to the metal television set.
The TV just so happens to be positioned near an open window.
He places his sweaty palms atop the metal remote control which just happens
to be situated on top that metal Television. Before he can remove the
object, lighting strikes the antennae sending sparkling currents of
electricity Down the antenna, through the telveision, through the remote
control and through an unfortunate Shishi-o}

Yumi screams.

--30 minutes later--

Yumi places the last of the bandages on a burnt Shishi-o.

Yumi: Why didn't you let me call 911?

Shishi-O: I'm okay. *an electric spark comes out of his uncovered fingertip*

Yumi: Are you sure?

Shishi-o: Yes... *he's unearthly calm*

Yumi tries to lighten the atmosphere.

Yumi: Well you look just like you did in the good old days.

Shishi-o chuckles

Shishi-o: I think this is a sign that I should continue my Kuni Tori...

Yumi: Umm, I wonder if the TV's okay! I hope it's not broken.

Her expression is hopeful as she turns to Shishi-o.

Shishi-o: Why don't *YOU* go check. *still unearthly calm*

Yumi shivers before getting up. She gathers the remote control
and sits back down on the couch.

Yumi: You really have the devil's luck.

She turns on the television and the two nearly facefault at what they
see.

{:Click:}

The room is dark save the single spotlight on Hajime Saitoh.
He sits in a chair while taking a deep puff on his cigartte.

Saitoh: Sure i've tried the patch. *deep inhale*
*exhales a puff of smoke*

{:Click:}

Yumi: Why is *he* here???

Shishi-o: Why are they still alive... and he didn't seem to age much either.

YumI: Could it be the lightening??

Shishi-o: Give me the remote...

The two inhale deeply before Shishi-o presses the "Power" button.

{:Click:}

Kenshin wearing a red apron, holding a dish of Chicken Terriyaki.

Kenshin: If Ken can cook... So can you!

{:Click:}

Yumi + Shishi-o: AHHHHHHH!!

Yumi: This *can't* be happening!!!

Shishi-o: This is a nightmare!!

Yumi drops her head. As her head drops, she notices a shiny magazine.
She studies it suspiciously before slowly getting up.

*shishi-o buries his face in his hands.

Shishi-o: What's the matter with you?

Yumi: Shh!

She picks up a baseball bat.

Shishi-o: Don't you go breaking the television! My parents will kill me!!

Yumi ignores him and touches the bat to the shiny magazine.
She pokes at it until she realizes it's safe. She picks it up
and sits down next to Shishi-o.

Shishi-o: What's that in your hand??

Yumi: Looks like a manual... or a TV guide.

ShishI-o takes it from her.

He begins reading.

[~~You have gained access to the "Celestial Satelite" corporation.~~]

Yumi + Shishi-o: "Celestial Satelite"?

they continue reading.

[~~ Yes, Celestial satelite. We wish to reward you for surviving death
and saving us the cost another meaningless reincarnation. The real
consolation is that we have taken images and people from your past life,
and consructed programs for your viewing pleasure. While some programs are
created, most of them will be live broadcasts from the Meiji Restoration
period!~~]

Yumi + Shishi-o: Oh no...

[~~ Oh yes! The Meiji Restoration! Now you can have the best of your old
world with the click of a button! Before you continue on to the listing
and times of the various programs, We think it's helpful to let you know
that approximately 3 years have passed since you two died.

Programs we highly suggest and have high ratings among our Nearly Departed
are:

"Ken can Cook"
"How to Be a Battousai"
"All my Aoiya's"
"Tea with Tae"
"The Real World"
"Hiko and Pals"

Besides those fabricated programs, You will have the privelidge of
viewing *the* actual 3rd annual "Miss Meiji" pageant!! It is being prepared
for as we speak in your past life. Because of our technology, you will
recieve the live broadcast from Meiji Japan 5 days from today! There will be
5 more showings after this in case you missed it the first time!!

We hope you are as excited as we are!! Have fun thumbing through our
listings and we hope you enjoy!~~]

Yumi stared in disbelief. She didn't even notice Shishi-o's menacial
laughter.

Shishi-o: I'm a genius. Because of my genius, we have contact with them
*is suddenly calm* We can see them... but they can't see us.

Yumi: I think i'm going home.

######### Back in Meiji Japan #########

Kenshin and Megumi pace nervously in front of the paper sliding doors of
a grand house.

"Kenhsin" Megumi touches his shoulder as she speaks.
"Maybe we should wait until we get home. This is hardly the place."

Kenshin stopped pacing and turned to Megumi. He rakes his fingers through
the loosened ends of hair.

"I know, but I don't want to see her have her hopes up for long.
Once Kaoru sets her mind to something--"

His words are stopped as Saitoh suddenly appears.
"What are you doing here?" Kenshin asks, his voice as nervous as his
mannerisms.

"You are a judge as well I presume?" He takes a long drag of his cigarette
as he speaks.

Kenshin's eyes widen.
"Don't tell me you are a judge too?!"

Saitoh exahles as he removes his white gloves. They still smell like
Tokio's lemony scented soap.

"Himura Kenshin, Hajime Saitoh, Shinomori Aoshi, Seijiro Hiko, and
Seta Soujiro."

Kenshin narrowed his eyes.

Megumi spoke.
"Why are the judges all fine swordsmans?"

Saitoh closed his eyes.
"Battousai, I suggest you pull your woman form this contest. Tommorow
the preliminaries will be held at the old court house..."
Saitoh hands Kenshin an emvelope.
"Maybe you can do some friendly persuasion."

With that he left, leaving a startled Kenshin and Megumi.

---Kyoto, same time---

Misao walked nervously between Okon and Omasu.

She felt worse than she should have. Tommorow would be the preliminaries.
She glanced at Omasu in her beautiful red Kimono. She then glanced at her
own silk, blue kimono as they turned the corner.

::I have to lighten the atmosphere...::

"Okon!"
Misao exclaimed.

"What is it?"
Questioned the startled woman.

"I-uh... I was wondering if you could umm... hmm..."

It fell silent again as the three women made it back the fully restored
Aoiya.

They barely made it through the door when Jiya rushed towards them.

"How'd it go?"

Misao smiled a pained smile just before Aoshi walked into the entrance hall.

"Aoshi-sama..." Misao tralied off as she plunged into her own thoughts.

Jiya began to shake her shoulders.
"How'd it go??"

Misao snapped out of her trance.
"Huh? Well.. uh."

"Oh, don't be shy 'Miss Kyoto'."
Okon finished.

Jiya gave Misao a back breaking hug as a small smile crept across
Aoshi's face. He almost immediately regained composure and walked towards
Omasu.

"And you?" he questioned.

"There's only one 'Miss Kyoto', and Misao is it."

Omasu winked at Misao, eliciting a teary-eyed smile from the girl.
It was strange being choosen over someone she had idolized for practically
her whole life. It made it muh easier to go forward with that support.

Aoshi then turned to Misao. His expression was blank an unreadable.
"Congratulations Misao... but I think you'd find it in your best interest
to resign your title and leave the contest."

######### 2 days later in Shishi-o's Living room in the real world #########

Yumi sits comfortably on the couch.

Yumi: A girl could get used to this.
*She reaches for the remote control and clicks the Power button.*


{:Click:}

Voice: What if we told you you'd only pay $9.95 a month?

Aoshi sits emotionless

Voice: What if we told you that long distance calls are free on weekends?

Aoshi sits emotionless.

{:Click:}

Yumi: Here it is!

--Television--

Kamatari walking down Broadway with hairy legs and pink pumps.

Kamatari: Find out what happens--

Sano in leather braced against a pole.

Sano: When people stop being polite--

Magdaria at church

Magdaria: And start getting Real.

Soujiro: The real world, New York.


TO BE CONTINUED...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTES:

1. Yes, there is a plot!

E-mail me here
with questions or comments!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Onto Part 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

__________________________________________
Disclaimer!: I didn't create Kenshin and it's characters! This is just
what I do for fun!
__________________________________________

Couch Potatoes part 2
__________________________________________

######### Shishi-o's Couch 1 day Later #########

{:Click:}

White background, Kaoru sits on an oversized red couch.

Kaoru: That's why I use Tampax... Period.

{:Click:}

Shishi-o: I know way too much about her.

{:Click:}

Shishi-o: It's on!

-Television-

Voice: Welcome to Hiko and Pals!

Hiko walks out with his "Baka deshi dummy"

Hiko: Say hello dummy.

(Baka Deshi Dummy) Kenshin: I'm not the dummy, you're the dummy.

Hiko: No you're the dummy!

Shishi-o: he he. *his laugh is in pure amusement*

Yumi knocks on the door. He fumbles and quickly changes the channel.

Shishi-o: Come in.

Yumi: Hey! What are you watching?

Shishi-o: Nothing much.

######### Tokyo #########

Kenshin tucked the envelope into his gi. A few moments later, Kaoru
walked into the room with a blank expression.

Megumi spoke.
"What's wrong Kaoru?"

Kaoru clenched her fists even more tightly as her eyes remained cast down.

Kenshin gazed upon her with warm, violet eyes. He reached his hand to touch
her shoulder.

Kaoru raised her head abruptly.
"Let's go home."

Kenshin wacthed her with worry amd sympathy.
He noded slowly as he placed his arm around her shoulder.
"Uh... let's."

---Kyoto, same time---

Jiya turned to the Okashira.
"Aoshi... What are you saying?"

Aoshi seemed to ignore him.
"What do you think Misao?"

Misao recomposed herself. Her eyes were bright and determined as she look
at her Okashira... the man she loved.

"And I think it would be in my best interest for you not to be involved
in such frivolities as my involvement in a beauty pageant. Now,
will you excuse me?"

Everyone watched her as she gracefully made her way up the stairs, blue
Kimono sparkling brightly in the midday sun.

Aoshi sighed deeply.

"Aoshi, what was that all about?"

"Jiya, may I speak to you privately?"

---In the Kamiya Dojo---


Yahiko was doubled over in laughter.

"I can't believe you busu! You still keep going to those beauty
pageant things"

Yahiko continued laughing.
"That dog Sano brought home has better chance than you."

Yahiko stopped laughing as Kaoru walked past him silently.
She went into her room and slid the door shut.

Megumi grabbed Yahiko by the collar of his neck.
She began to shake him like a ragdoll as she spoke.

"You little idiot! This is not the time! Later you *will* apollogize
to her."

Megumi dropped him onto the ground as she and Kenshin made their way
into the kitchen.

It wasn't long before Sano came whistling in with what looked like
enough food for a picnic.

"Yo kenshin! Tae sent this for Jou-chan. Where is she anyway?"

"In her room. I don't think she'll be out any time soon... things
didn't seem to go to well..."

Sano whistled a low, missle-like whistle.

"I guess we all can't be Miss Meiji like Megumi. How does it feel to
have your crown taken away."

"It's not being taken away..." Megumi's tone was defensive "It's being
passed on."

"Let's eat!"

Everyone traced the voice until their eyes made contact with the woman...
It was Kaoru wearing a sash that spelled out
"Miss Tokyo"

"Way to go Jou-chan!" Sano yelled, his fishbone falling out of his mouth.

"You did it Kaoru!" Yahiko exclaimed.

Kenshin felt relieved.

---Kyoto---

"EH???"

Jiya shouted.

"You're a judge!"
Tears began to stream down his face.
"That means Misao will win for sure!!"

"The other judges are, Seta Soujiro, Seijiro Hiko, Hajime Saitoh, and
the HItokiri Batousai."

Jiya became solemn.
"What's going on?"

Aoshi blew before taking a sip from his piping hot cup.

"We suspect a sabatoge from a group of renegades. Kamatari has regrouped
and formed something of a shin-juppongatana. The event could turn into
the site of a mass assasination, as practically all of the current Meiji
officials will be there. The original panel of judges were notified.
The new panel was assembled to defend these officials from potential
danger. Having Misao involved would only put her in harms way.
Besides... the last thing I need is added distraction."

Jiya nodded.
"But perhaps it would be helpful?"

Aoshi finished the last of his tea.
"How could it be?"

Okina began to stroke his beard.
"Perhaps the entire Onibanshuu could assist. Having a fighter like Misao
involved in the contest could be beneficial and safer for the other
women involved."

Aoshi's expression turned thoughtful.

"If there was someone with some fighting skills involved in the actual
contest, they would have acess backstage most of the time and
they would have to keep in close proximity with the girls that were
there. If the sabateours made a play for the women at least
someone on our side would know."

Aoshi stroked his chin.
"You may be right..."

Jiya regarded Aoshi with respect.
"I think you should go see Misao."

Aoshi nodded.

*********

Misao siezed the pillow on her futon and began to strangle
it.

"I can't believe him!!"

She stood up and began to jeer Aoshi.
"I think it would be in your best interest.. Grr!"

She began to strangle the pillow some more.

::Knock knock::

Misao stood up again.

"Misao?" a familiar voice called from behind the door.

Misao froze.

"Can I come in?"

"Um-- yes."

The slid open revealing her Okashira.

A lot has changed in 3 years...

They sit across from eachother as Misao clutches her folded "Miss Koto" sash.

They both begin to speak.
"About what I said earlier--"

They open their eyes in shock.

"Can I speak first?"
Misao asked.

Aoshi nodded, his eyes a bit wider than usual.

"I didn't mean to be so harsh... Being that you're the okashira, I should've
kept in mind that there must have been a reason you suggested such a thing.
Gomen for being so selfish... I was just caught off gaurd."

Misao smiled at Aoshi. He almost gasped at her understanding.
He began to gingerly rub the back of his neck. A lot has changed in
3 years.

When he realized what he was doing, he stopped almost immediately and cleared
his throat.
"Well, I realize that I worded things incorrectly. The least I could
have done was give you an explanation instead of expecting you to follow
blindly. In any case, I've changed my mind."

Misao's expression brightened.
"Really!"

"Yes."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"Aoshi-sama are you kidding?"

"No."

::I've beat him this time!!::

"I think you'll be of service to me."

Misao's expression became solemn. Aoshi continued.

"Well, do you remeber Kamatari?"

---Same time, in Tokyo---

"Yes, I remember."
Kaoru eyed Kenshin warily.

"Well, she-- he has basically reformed the Juppongatana. Saitoh
suspects that they will strike at the pageant and assasinate the
officials that attend."

Kaoru nodded.
"But it should be a good thing i'm in the contest."

"Oro?"

"Yes Kenshin, while the fine swordsmen sit in the audience judging,
will there be any backstage protecting the women?"

Keshin expression became thoughtful.

"If no one is protecting the girls wouldn't it be a good thing If i'm there.
How many women in that beauty pageant do you think practice Kamiya Kasshin
Ryu?"

Kenshin laughed.

"That's true... but there's another problem... I'm one of the judges."

---Same time Kyoto---

"Aoshi-sama! You're a judge!!"

Aoshi blushed slightly.
"If you win, they might think it is because you are Oniwabanshuu."

Misao laughed.
"But Aoshi, there's nothing specail going on between us. If anything,
i'd probably lose points because of you..."
Misao's voice trailed off as she thought about what she just said.

Aoshi thought about it as well.

---Same time Tokyo---

Kenshin and Kaoru fell silent.

After all these years, nothing had happened between them.

"Well I guess it's alright." said a dazed Kenshin.

--- Same time Kyoto---

"I wouldn't--"
Aoshi stopped what he was saying.

"So we leave tonight... yes?"

Misao nodded.
"yes. I should really change. I don't want to soil this Kimono."

Aoshi regarded her. It would be a shame if it was destroyed.

"You do that..." Escaped out of Aoshi's mouth "And Misao." he continued.

"Eh?"
She felt herself blush as she looked up.

"Ganbatte."

"Sure thing."


######### 2 days later in Shishi-o's Living room in the real world #########

{:Click:}

Omasu supports Hiko as he staggers out of what apparantly seems like a
party.

Omasu: Give me the keys.
*Scene freezes*
Voice: Friends don't let friends--

{:Click:}

Yumi: Ah! Right on time!
*she sits back and rests the remote*
Shishi-o, hurry with the popcorn!!

Shishi-o: But i'm still changing my bandages!

Yumi: It's about to start!! Come on!! I'll dress your burns during the
commercial break!

Shishi-o: Fine.

Across the Tv screen in fancy yellow cursive is "3rd Annual Miss Meiji"
pageant.

Voice: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Miss Meiji Pageant.

TO BE CONTINUED...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTES:

None!

E-mail me here
with questions or comments!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home!