Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin

Hiya folks ^_^. I got this idea being bored to death at a party… so R&R

~*~*~*~DEVOTION~*~*~*~




Kenshin silently did his laundry at the Kamiya dojo. It was 15 yrs since he first arrived here; and many things have changed.
" father?" said a curious voice from inside the dojo. A young man entered. He was a mirror image of Kenshin, but his eyes greatly resembled Kaoru's.
Kenshin stopped what he was doing and turned towards the boy with a smile.
" yes Kenji, what is it?" asked Kenshin ((author's note: Kenji actually IS Kaoru & Kenshin's son. sorry for those who didn't know if i ruined it for you ^_^))
" have you seen mom?"
A worried expression flickered across his face. His son, Kenji Himura, was almost always worried about his mom. He was almost as protective of her as Kenshin was; that is why he insisted on learning Hiten Mitserugi ryu. He was already 15, a reckless age. And although a rookie swordsman, he is tremendously skilled. His speed almost matched Kenshins' along with his ability to predict an opponents move.
Kenshin raked through his memory to remember where Kaoru had gone.
" she went with Miss Megumi and Miss Misao, that she did. Stop worrying so much."
Kenji sighed with relief, then snapped back.
" i don't worry at all about mother. She can take care of herself." Kenji stated.
But a more relaxed approach told him otherwise.
Hours past. Kenshin sat on the front steps of the dojo waiting for his Kaoru-dono to come home. The night sky was glittering with stars and a chilly breeze was blowing.
Rapid footsteps approached. Kenshin stood up and instinctively reached for his sword. Misao came running through the dojo doors.
"Kenshin!" panted Misao as she struggled to catch her breath.
" hello Misao... where's Kaoru? Didn't she leave with you and Miss Megumi?" said Kenshin.
Kenji heard the commotion from outside. When he saw Misao without his mother, he immediately ran outside to join his father.
"Father.. What's going on?" he asked.
But Kenshin did not answer. He turned slowly towards Kenji. A frightening look was on Kenshin's face. His murderous amber eyes gleamed in the sparkling moonlight. Kenji was told about this look and was instantly afraid.
"Do...not...follow" growled Kenshin. Kenji backed up. He had never seen his father like this; and it scared him. Kenshin ran out the dojo doors. The instant he was gone, Kenji turned towards Misao.
"What's going on?" demanded Kenji. To see his father like that, needed an explanation.
" revenge... it takes control of people" said Misao slowly.
" i don't understand..." said Kenji
" your mother...was...is..." but she didn't need to finish her sentence.
Kenji had already left, sakabato in hand.
When Kaoru set out that morning, it was a clear winter day. With a warm jacket wrapped around her, and a goodbye kiss from Kenshin, she left with Miss Megumi and Miss Misao.
" so what are we gunna go shopping for today?" asked Megumi.
Kaoru smiled," who knows... i just want some fresh air."
Misao's face then lit up. " I know!" she exclaimed
Kaoru and Megumi turned and looked at her.
"Lets go get something to eat!"
All of them laughed.
"Sure. Why not." said Kaoru as they headed into town.
When they reached the town, it was as busy as ever. But they soon made their way to the Acabeco for something to eat.
"Hello Miss Kaoru." said tae as she greeted them at the door," and you to Miss Megumi and Miss Misao. How are you today?"
"hungry" said Misao.
Tae laughed at her answer.
" i hope so, i think i can seat you ladies right over here." tae said leading them to a table a little ways from the door.
"Thanks" they said as they were seated.
No sooner had they sat down then three men entered the Acabeco.
"Good morning sirs," said Tsunami," how many will be seated with you?"
The men just stared at her then one rudely said," I'm looking for someone. Do you know where a woman who goes by the name Kaoru is?"
Tsunami shot a glance at Kaoru.
"No." she said bravely," i don't know anybody who goes by that name."
The man grabbed Tsunami by the neck.
" i know she's here."
He began to squeeze her neck. It was then Kaoru reacted.
"Ow." said the man after Kaoru hit him with her teacup. He instantly let go of Tsunami's neck. Tsunami then cowered to the rest of the waitresses.
" you leave her alone!" said Kaoru sternly. The men turned towards her.
"How dare you.... You tramp." the three guys surrounded Kaoru. Misao then jumped in.
"HYA!" she cried as she kicked one guy knocking him unconscious.
But before she had the chance to boast, one of the guys grabbed Misao and put a sword to her neck.
" well, well, well." said the man Kaoru had hit," it seems the tables have turned. And you must be," said the man turning towards Kaoru," miss Himura, are you not?"
"Humph" grunted Kaoru
" of course." said the man, " the Battousai couldn't have any ordinary women. I see he made a fine choice." he said looking her up and down.
" what do you want!" yelled Kaoru.
" what else would we want you for? We want you for bait of course."
Kaoru glared at him," and what makes you think I'll go?"
The man nodded towards the man with the sword to Misao's neck.
" you'll come if you want the girl alive."
Kaoru went through her chances. She was outnumbered, with no weapon. She had no other choice.
" Kenshin will come after me," she said as she was blindfolded and bound.
the men smiled," perfect..."
and they left the Acabeco leading Kaoru away at sword point.
Misao then ran towards the door.
" where do you think your going?" asked Megumi
" to tell Kenshin of course! " Shouted Misao. And she was out the door.

Review PlEz!!!!