Author's Notes: KENshinJI here, back from the dead. I know I've been inconsistent with my previous stories, but I think I just haven't found anything to my liking yet that I've written. Plus...they were pretty bad. So here is my new one, and I really hope it doesn't flop:sweatdrop:

A little background: This is, what I guess we would call an AU, eh? This particular story starts with a prologue in which a young Kenshin meets up the young versions of people that will grow up to the be dojo members we have come to know. All are about 6-7 years old, except of course Dr. Gensai. Kaoru's father is still alive, but her mother has recently passed away.

With that said, please enjoy!

Seijuro Hiko stared at the heavily breathing boy on the ground. He extended a foot considering of nudging him in the side but thought better of it.

'His ribs could be broken. Surely if I hadn't been here, this boy would be dead.' He smirked slightly at this feeling of heroism but quickly let his expression get calm, the smirk simply sliding off his face.

'This boy is in no condition to be my pupil.' He looked him over again. 'Besides, he's scrawny.' His thoughts seemed to be highly amusing for he let out a chuckle. 'On the other hand, he has great potential. He wants to fight for what he believes in. That's good.'

"Boy," his normally booming voice was brought down to a slightly less intimidating level. "What's your name boy?"

The small child didn't answer only peeled his eyes open and gave a shuddering sigh. He glanced to the side and saw that his efforts, along with this strangers hadn't been enough to save the three women he was trying to save. He grimaced and stared at their lifeless bodies. They had once been the only barrier between him and their murderers.

"Don't look at them," he heard again. He blinked and finally tore his gaze away to stare at the man looming above him. "Your name?" he persisted.

"Shi-Shinta," he managed to get out.

'Too soft,' he thought to himself. "Too soft," he echoed out loud. "That name is not fit for a swordsman, which is what you will become by training with me." He thought for a moment and finally nodded his head. "You will now be called Kenshin. Yes, that suits you good."

The boy tried the name out silently on his lips. "Ken...shin...Shin...ta," he finally murmured.

"We start later on, once you are healed. Come, let's find someplace that can fix you up." When the boy didn't make much of an effort to move and follow he turned around and caused the child to flinch. Again, he chuckled. "Can you walk, Kenshin?"

He didn't quite like the sound of that name, but didn't try and answer the gruff looking man. Without a word he was crouched down beside him. In a swift motion he was scooped up and suddenly in the arms that was to be his master. He didn't say a word, and soon the motion of his swaying walk put him to sleep.

Hiko looked occasionally down at the small child he carried in his arms. He was surprising gentle, knowing the boys fragile ribs could well be broken. He had also suffered a rather nasty cut to the side that would leave a scar someone his age should definitely not have.

'His hair is most peculiar,' he only noted to himself. All other assessments of the boy would have to be made later.

-

The next time he woke he found himself on a flat futon. His side was bandaged and it hurt to move. Deep breathing also caused him great pain, and he began to worry that something was terribly wrong with him. In a near panicked state he tried to sit up, but dropped back down again with a soft cry. Just then, the shoji door slid open.

"Ah, you are awake," came the voice of an elderly man. He sounded cheery and joyed at seeing the boy's eyes open. "I'm Dr. Gensai. Hiko-san tells me you are Kenshin?"

He supposed he was now and gave a slight nod of his head to indicate that was correct. He had almost hoped that was a dream.

"Are you feeling okay? A little sore perhaps?"

Another nod. This earned a chuckle from the grey-haired man.

"The good news is you don't have any broken ribs, just some bruises which is what's hurting you a bit. That cut in your side will be okay as long as he keep it from getting infected." He gave a reassuring smile, but it didn't seem to help. "You know, the owner of his dojo, a good friend of mine has a few nice children hanging around here all the time. Perhaps sometime you could play with them. His daughter Kaoru is sort of the leader of the bunch," he added in for extra information. "Then there's her friends Sanosuke, Megumi, and my grand-daughter's Ayame and Suzume, but they're a bit young."

Kenshin had been paying attention but didn't really imagine himself actually playing with the children he mentioned. Just then the shoji slid open again.

"Hiko-san," Dr. Gensai greeted warmly. "As you can see, he's awake now."

The tall man nodded and looked at the boy once more. Some of the color had returned to his face and he looked much less pale now.

"Oi, Nan-sai desu ka?"

Kenshin blinked and stared up at him with his wide amethyst eyes. "Six."

Hiko nodded apparently satisfied. "Tell me, were your parents Japanese?"

"Hai," he answered. It bothered him slightly that this man doubted his heritage, but he seemed to leave it at that at the boy's answer.

"We can't leave yet, can we," he asked Dr. Gensai.

"Afraid not, at least if you want to keep your new student. I don't want to risk an infection."

Kenshin's eyes widened considerably. Dr. Gensai smiled broadly.

"Not to worry Kenshin-chan, we'll fix you up!"

Hiko, taking all of this into consideration finally placed his hand on the door again. "Very well, I'll be back in a month's time. He should be healed completely by then."

"Oh I doubt it will take so long Hiko-san."

"I want to be sure. I live alone, and a trip to the doctor would be a bit out of my way."

Dr. Gensai nodded his head in agreement. "I'm sure Kamiya-san won't mind another little boy in the dojo. I'll speak with him."

"Arigatou," came Hiko's terse reply.

-

It was only a week before Kenshin was out of the small room and walking around the dojo. He explored mostly the outside where the other children played, and he had only wanted to watch. The young girl though, Kaoru was her name had a different idea.

"Kenshin, come play!"

He shook his head softly, but she persisted by walked over and grabbing hold of his wrists. She was as tall as he was, and she succeeded in dragging him over to where the tall boy named Sanosuke stood. He had complied because his side was still a bit sore, and her tugging would have hurt more if he resisted. Thus, Kenshin became involved in exciting games of tag and catch. He soon learned all he needed to know about the games, which were taught to him patiently by Kaoru. Sometimes the little girls, who were two and three would play along too. Kenshin even enjoyed their company.

Finally a month went past, and Hiko showed up promptly. Just as last time, he carried a large jug of liquid in one hand, and his sword in the rather. The huge cape that would swallow Kenshin was draped across his shoulders and swayed back and forth when he strode evenly across the yard.

Kenshin stayed outside to keep playing while he spoke with Kaoru's father and Dr. Gensai. He even graciously shared his sake with them in gratitude for helping the boy and allowing him to stay there. Hiko wasn't completely lacking in manners, he just usually chose to ignore the urge to use them. Now was one of those rare occurrences where he would show his gratitude politely.

On their way out, he stood still just watching the small red-head play. When he ran, his strides were perfectly even, and he could turn on a dime. He had natural abilities, and even though he would never admit, Hiko was looking forward to passing his technique on to this boy. It was best to start as soon as possible, and he wasn't ready to waste any time. He finally stepped down from the dojo steps and strode ever to Kenshin grabbing a hold of his shoulder.

"Ready?"

Again, Kenshin blinked at him, but finally nodded his head. Hiko nodded his own head in approval and released his shoulder to walk ahead and toward the gate. Kenshin glanced apologetically at Kaoru and Sanosuke before offering a slight wave.

"Sayonara," he said softly and he turned to follow the huge man.

Kaoru sniffled, childish tears finding their way down her rosy cheeks. She ran after Kenshin and enveloped him in a tight hug.

"Sayonara, Kenshin," she said back quickly. She finally let go and he smiled before running ahead to catch up with Hiko. He didn't scold him for falling behind, and the two headed out of the city to Hiko's cabin that was all alone in the woods; but not before he refilled his jug of sake.

Author's Notes: Okay...I know it was weird, but it will make more sense later on if it didn't already! It's not too hard to follow, I promise! Just ignore the storyline you've come to know and lovein the series.O.o I know, it's hard for me too! Keep in mind this was only the prologue, and the chapters ahead should be longer.

Anyway, please leave any feedback you want, as long as it's gentle. :sweatdrop: I tend to take reviews sort of personal, but please tell me what I should improve or what I did good on! That's always nice too! Oh, typos in this chapter might be running a bit high because I wrote it late and I'm super tired! Long day! Arigatou!

-KENshinJI