Disclaimer: Shame on you. You all should know this by now. Tsk, tsk. -.-

Author: Yes, I know. I haven't been on in a long time. But my computer wasn't able to do anything. When my mom finally took the computer to the repair shop so now I'm here typing my oh-so-long forgotten fanfic.

When Wolves Cry

Setting: Kyoto

Chapter 1: Gravity

It was quiet. The smoke from the incense slithered around the figures that gathered around the grave.

Today was the anniversary of Tomoe's death. Everybody remained silent as Kenshin prayed. Even Yahiko stopped bickering with Kaoru on this special day.

That afternoon

Kaoru sat in the middle of the guest room of Okina's house, staring blankly at the window.

"I'll never live up to Tomoe," she whispered to herself," Maybe I should give up…"

In the Aoiya downstairs

The restaurant was busy today. Misao, Okina, and everybody else were walking back and forth, serving the hungry customers. Even Kenshin and the gang were helping with the catering.

Okina noticed that everybody was there except for Kaoru.

"Hey, Misao," he whispered," Where's Kaoru? Last time I saw her, she was in a bad mood. Could you go check on her?"

Misao silently nodded and headed upstairs. "Sure, gramps. I'll get her."

With Kaoru

Kaoru was still having her staring contest with the window. So far, she won… 4 times.

Misao slammed the door open, breaking Kaoru from her daze.

Kaoru blinked. "Huh? Did I miss something?"

"Kaoru!" Misao exclaimed worriedly as she put her hands upon her hips," what's wrong with you? You've been depressed since this morning. You're always so happy. Come on. Tell me. I'm your friend and it's my duty as your friend to keep you happy,"

Kaoru monotonously replied," You broke my concentration. I lost my staring contest with the window. You ruined my winning streak."

"Sorry," Misao answered sarcastically. A moment of silence went between them. Then, Misao got an idea. "I know what'll cheer you up. Let's go to the marketplace. I know of this new shop there. It's not very popular, but it has the greatest things!" Kaoru didn't reply. "Let's go! A little fresh air will be good for you! Come on!" Misao pulled on Kaoru's arm and dragged her to the marketplace.

Misao and Kaoru arrived at Kyoto's marketplace. "Yay! We're here!" Misao exclaimed.

Everything was so bright and cheerful while the hut was black. Everybody seemed to ignore it. And, when they did past by it, they had a nervous look on their faces.

Kaoru felt uneasy. "I don't like the looks of that place. It gives off this weird vibe."

Misao replied," Don't worry. It just does that. But you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, now would you?" Before Kaoru could protest, Misao pushed in the darkness that is the hut.

They entered. Everything was dark. Only a few candles lit the small amount of space. In front of the girls was a door. It was simple, made of dark oak, with metal handles.

"Go on. Open the door. We're only at the entrance," Misao urged.

Kaoru reluctantly went to the door. "You're so pushy…" she mumbled under her breath. And so she opened it.

Kaoru gasped.

Author's Note: Yeah. I think I'm going to end this here. :looks at readers as they glare at her: But I'm so lazy!!!! . Don't worry. I'm on winter vacation. So I have lots of free time. I'll be working on the rest of this don't worry… (But I really plan on sleeping, eating, and chatting on the net for the rest of the break though… ;;)