Disclaimer: No I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, so leave me alone and let me write my fan fic!

A/N: Okay. I have never written a Kenshin fic before, but I have seen all the episodes and all the Samurai X movies, so bare with me. Thank you so much for even considering reading this and don't forget to review! You should go read my other fics on fictionpress too! Okay enjoy!

Ch. 1

He walked down the midnight alleyway of Kyoto, his blood red hair flowing quietly behind him as he searched for his next victim with piercing amber eyes. He had gotten the black note early that morning. He was to kill another Hitokiri such as himself. No one knew who this person was, they had just gotten word that he was going to kill tonight and that was not to happen to any of their officials. He silently followed the Ishin Shishi official without him knowing it. It was better for them not to know they were being protected, so they would keep their guard up.

Kenshin searched the dark path ahead and sent his ki out to search for any other dangerous ki that might be the assassin. He found nothing worth importance. Only samurai with his caliber could hide their ki and he had yet to find one such as himself other than Hajime Saitoh. There was nothing this late at night.

The official made it to the meeting alive so Kenshin looked around to find the Hitokiri. In an instant he heard a rustle and immediately drew his blade just in time to see his opponent. "I was careless. How could I have missed this one?" Kenshin thought furiously. "This must be the assassin."

Kenshin's opponent was in total black from head to toe. All you could see was piercing blue eyes that shown with death. The assassin fought with such determination, that apparently they didn't know who he was...Battousai the Manslayer. Good. Better they not know who killed them. He would make it a quick and painless death just as he did with the others.

They battle raged outside the building, just outside of earshot. They were in open field with only a few scattered trees here and there. They air smelled clean from a recent rain and all animals had stopped as if to witness the match. They had equal speed and agility. The two hitokiri's fought in silence other than the constant clash of the blades. Both had yet to lay a scratch on the other. They slashed and parried each other's katana, but each never did any harm to one another for their skill was equal and their style was mirrored in each other's attacks. The attacker jumped high to come crashing down upon him, but he too jumped and they clashed in mid-air.

"Enough. Both of you stop." A commanding voice ordered. Immediately Kenshin withdrew, but still stayed in a defensive stance. His amber eyes glowed with fury. The other stopped and withdrew too. Both starred at each other.

"What is the meaning of this Katsura?" Surprisingly both asked in unison. Both of their mouths dropped open and they looked at Katsura questioningly.

"I needed to test Mailia's skills against yours, Kenshin. I have decided to hire on another assassin so you don't have to do all the dirty work. I feel guilty for you."

"This one he had been fighting had been a woman?" he thought to himself. That would account for the speed and agility she had. Most men were bigger than him and he had come to accept that he was a woman's size, though no one dared tease him on it. Kenshin looked at the girl. She had removed the cover over her face. She had long blonde hair that was high in the traditional samurai ponytail and her skin was pale. She had full lips and shining deep blue eyes. He could not tell much more about this one. But he had decided she was too pretty to smell of blood.

"Don't. I understand completely what I am doing. I do it for the sake of the innocent's lives that will be saved from the men I kill. You should not bring this one into it too." Kenshin started to head back

"Wait. Is it because I am a woman? Only moments ago you fought me and I held my ground just fine. Do you think I am not good enough? Tell me Battousai!" She yelled to him. He stopped dead in his tracks and glared at her with amber eyes that glowed with anger, shockingly not at her.

"No. It is not because you are a woman. It is because you are too young and pretty to ever smell of so much blood like I do." With that Kenshin turned back around a continued on his path to the inn.

"What about you? You are as young as I, but yet you are the most feared shadow on earth. Mothers tell stories of you to scare their children from going out at night. You are the Battousai, the demon, the best hitokiri the rebellion has. But you are being eaten alive inside. I can see it in your eyes. Let me help you." Mailia pleaded.

"Leave. You are not needed." Kenshin replied, never stopping to look at her, though her words struck his heart deeply. He returned to the inn and went to his room. In it he found not one futon, but two were there. He asked the head woman about it and she told him that Katsura had hired a new person on and they didn't have anywhere to put them so Katsura told them to put the new one with you, though they had yet to actually see this new person. Kenshin groaned and just walked out to the garden and there he fell asleep against the willow tree. He sat with his back against the old tree and his sword resting on his shoulder.

After Kenshin had walked off, Katsura led Mailia back to the inn. He showed her to the room she was to stay in, she knew she was staying in Kenshin's room, but he was not present. She undressed and put on her yukata and laid out the futon and then she too fell asleep with her sword by her side.

Kenshin awoke hours later and returned to his room. He was too tired to notice the sleeping girl on the floor, but rather he walked to the window and sat down and fell back asleep with his sword resting on his shoulder resting against some books.

Mailia woke when the sun hit her face; she groaned and slowly picked herself up out of bed. She was about to get dressed when she become aware of Kenshin's presence in the room. Quickly she retied her yukata and looked at the amber eyes that now stared at her, "What are you doing in here, when a lady is trying to get dressed?" Mailia yelled. Kenshin calmly replied, "You woke me. It is my room, so if you want to get dressed find somewhere else to do it." Mailia glared at him and retorted, "Fine. I need to take a bath anyways. The fight last night left me sweaty, so if you will excuse me." She grabbed her clothing and left for the bath house. Kenshin just chuckled to himself at her storming out of the room. He liked her fire. He got up and went to the dining hall to eat breakfast. She showed up just as he was getting his food and sat down next to him as that was the only spot left open to her where one of the ugly brutes wouldn't hit on her. It was better if she didn't have to harm one of her own men.

Besides she felt comfortable next to Kenshin. She fit in about as well as he did. He was small for a man and had blood colored hair, while she was a woman and had golden hair. Her mother had been killed when she was small, but she knew that was where she got her coloring from. Her mother had been from the west and her father had been Japanese. He trained her in the art of Hiten Mitsrugi. Kenshin used Mitsrugi too, from where she had no clue.

He completely ignored her presence. He ate his food in silence and then got up to leave. A man said a rude comment to her, but Kenshin heard. He turned around and looked at the man with gleaming amber eyes and the man turned pale and immediately apologized to Mailia. Mailia accepted the apology and left the room after Kenshin.

Quickly she caught up to him and asked, "Why did you do that?"

He replied, "It is rude to talk to a lady in that manner."

"Still," she replied, "you didn't have to do that for me. I know you don't want me here, but I can see that you need someone to give you relief. I am that relief. If you are worried about death staining my hands, it is already done. I thank you for your kindness though."

Kenshin said nothing. He just returned to his room and proceeded to fall asleep. Mailia went and talked to the head of the inn to ask that a small partition be put in their room to give each other a little more privacy. The old woman nodded and called for one of her workers to go complete the task. When returning to the room a man introduced to her as Izuka slipped her a black envelope. She knew what was in that envelope; death to a man, grieving to his family, and relief to the people of Japan. Quick and painless death to the man, honor to his family that he died in battle, and relief to herself that she had taken one more man's life that threatened the innocent. She returned to her room in silence and took a quick nap before she had to go to work.

She woke later to find the partition up. Barely, she could hear the steady rhythm of Kenshin's breathing. Quietly she picked her katana and wakizashi up and shoved them in her sash. She replaced the mask over her face and silently padded out of the room. Unfortunately Kenshin sensed her departure, got up and followed her out.

She moved with grace and control down the dark streets of Kyoto. No one was out, everyone in bed, except her target. As she came to the designated point she slowed and hid herself in the shadows. She waited about an hour and was ready to leave when her man approached. Quickly she ran out with god-like speed, dispatched him, and left all with one fluid motion. Suddenly she heard behind her,

"That was good. He felt nothing. Look at his face, he still has a smile." Kenshin stated.

"I prefer not to linger on my victims. I kill and leave. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you needed my help, but I was wrong."

"Again you offer your help, why?"

"I don't know."

"Perhaps it is because you and I, we are not so different. Both are looking to save the innocent, neither finding much happiness in the process."

"Perhaps."

"Let's go home."

They both walked home in silence. Once they got in the room Kenshin broke the silence,

"What is the partition for?"

"I thought you wanted privacy. I know I certainly don't like being watched while I sleep." Mailia whispered.

"Sorry. You just seem so peaceful, it gives me peace, even if for a short while."

"Well then I am sorry for even bringing it up. On a different note, I need somewhere to get dressed."

"I can leave the room."

"Oh now you can leave! What about this morning?"

"I was angry."

"So I am to get dressed in the bathhouse every time you're mad at me?"

"No I suppose not."

"Well it is settled then. It is only a temporary one. It can be moved during the day if you like."

"Sure."

"Kenshin, go to bed." She laughed.

"You too!" he retorted back.

Mailia went on her side of the rice paper partition and lit the little candle, while Kenshin blew his out and sat down beside the widow. He could see her shadow dance upon the partition as she changed into her yukata and rolled out her futon. She blew out her candle and lay down.

Moments later he heard, "Good night Kenshin."

"Good night Mailia." He whispered back.

Thoughts of the golden assassin played through his mind. He could hear her soft breathing, but he couldn't see her. He decided to move to the where he could see her and sat down once more. Once he had her in his sight, he was able to fall asleep quickly.

About an hour later he was awoken once more. She was whimpering in her sleep. Suddenly she cried out in pain. She was in a cold sweat and was tossing and turning on her futon. Kenshin grabbed her hand and smoothed her hair back until she calmed and fell back into a peaceful sleep. Soon he fell asleep again too.

Morning came and when Kenshin woke Mailia was gone, her bed was rolled back up and her yukata was neatly folded in a pile, and the partition was pushed back to the wall. On the window sill there was a small note and it read:

Kenshin,

Thank you for your kindness yet again last night. You know, if you keep being nice to me, people might think you are getting soft!

~Mailia

Kenshin chuckled to himself, but he couldn't help thinking, why did he help this girl? Is that even the proper term for her, woman would be more accurate. There was something in him telling him to protect her and always be with her, even though he knew very well that she could protect herself. He longed to touch the golden cascade that fell down her back, but he refrained. He pushed such thoughts to the back of his mind and headed towards the dining hall to eat. Mailia was already there eating. The men were silent as he walked in the room. One man in particular favored his right arm. Kenshin found it odd, but he said nothing and continued to his seat next to Mailia.

Mailia looked as if she were trying very hard not to laugh, so he questioned her about it. She explained to him that the man cradling his arm had attempted to grope her and she decided to make it so he could not do so for a while in hoped of teaching everyone a lesson. She could hold it back no longer and she just laughed, Kenshin joined her. The man glared at her and left the room. Everyone else was silent. They finished their breakfast and went for a walk in the garden. The grass was lush and green, the flowers smelled sweet, the sun was shining, and they talked and laughed about several things. Katsura soon approached them.

"I hear the men are still getting accustomed to your presence Mailia." He chortled. After everyone stopped laughing he began again, "Kenshin, Mailia, I want you two to go on a team assignment. It will be the same as always, but you will go together and there will be more people. Do you both understand?"

"Yes Katsura-san." They both replied.

"Good. It is nice to see you two have settled your differences. How are you both?"

"Yes. I am fine Katsura-san, why do you ask?" Mailia questioned.

"He means how we are mentally. Most people cannot handle the type of work we do Mailia." Kenshin said.

"Oh, well I am still fine. I feel no regret for the loss of evil men. Innocent lives are being spared and that is all that matters." Mailia stated simply.

"Good. Well then I will leave you both alone. Expect an assignment in a couple weeks." Katsura said and then left. They talked for a little while longer and then returned to their room when the day became too hot.

"Kenshin, do you ever get a weird feeling about Izuka?"

"I have. I haven't put much thought into it though. Why?"

"I don't know. He just gives me a bad feeling. Keep an eye on him and I will too."

"I shall. Do you think we should mention something to Katsura?

"Not yet, but if we see anything suspicious then immediately tell him. They say an assassin's instinct is never wrong."

"Correct."

"Kenshin!"

"Oro?"

"You always answer in short sentences when you are tired! Go to bed!" She yelled as she smiled. He only smiled back and went over to the window and sat down with his back resting on the piles of books and his sword at his shoulder. His fiery bangs hid his eyes and he began to fall asleep when he heard,

"Kenshin. Have you read all those books?"

"No. They are comfortable to sleep against."

"Really? I would have thought the way you sleep is rather uncomfortable. I like my futon just fine."

"That's nice." He said as he drifted off to sleep. She watched him sleep for a little while before going to sleep herself with the warm sun on her face. Her sword lay close by.

Once Kenshin was sure she was asleep he got up and left the room. He needed a little quite time to himself so he went to the garden again and sat under the willow tree. He liked this girl's fire and her companionship made him feel not so alone in the world, but he was afraid she would get hurt. He knew she would not get hurt physically, but mentally and emotionally she would die just as he was. Though there was something about her that brought him back to life; to look forward to another day to see her shining face in this dark world. She was still innocent. Already the death she causes plagues her dreams. He was so confused. He wanted her to go, but to stay; to help him, but to not. He contradicted himself constantly when it came to her. Constantly she surprised him and made him laugh, when he didn't really want to. He tried to stay icy towards her but she only broke through it with her warm personality. Too much thinking late at night always made him tired the next day so he decided to return to his room and get some sleep for the remaining few hours. He crept back into the room and fell asleep under the window in his usual position.

It seemed only moments later the sun woke him, its warmth shining on his face. He sleepily got up and straightened his clothing. He needed to go bathe so he grabbed a towel from one of the maids and headed towards the bathhouse. It seemed there was already hot water in the bath so he stepped opened the door. Only then did he realize his mistake. There she was; her pale skin gleaming from the moisture and her golden hair steaming down her back to her mid-thigh, standing there yelling at him about something he was oblivious too. She quickly grabbed a towel and picked up the bucket near by and promptly threw it at him. It struck home, straight on his head. He fell over and stayed there for a few minutes trying to reorient himself in the world. He could already feel a large bump forming on his head. He groaned and gingerly touched the bump. Only then did she come running over asking if he was okay.

"Kenshin! I'm sorry! But you shouldn't barge in when a lady is bathing! Maybe you will learn your lesson! Here let me get you some ice. Turn around so I can get dressed."

"Oro? Mailia-dono you sure threw that a little hard, no?" He said as he slowly got up and stumbled around. She quickly threw on her uniform of a black gi, threw her hair up of her neck in a high ponytail, and helped Kenshin to the kitchen to get a bag of ice and return to their room. He lay there with his head in her lap while she held the bag to his head and smoothed back his bangs. He fell asleep after a while and she followed suit shortly. He woke several hours later when the sun was high and went to the dining room to get something to eat, but before that he threw a blanket around Mailia's shoulders and made sure she was comfortable. Unfortunately she woke before he could leave, so she went with him to the hall to eat.

When they entered everyone started to laugh at Kenshin, Mailia quickly silenced them with a quick glare to all who dared to defy her. They each ordered their dish and sat down and waited to be served. Izuka whispered to Kenshin,

"How'd she taste, eh? Was she good? Come on tell me the details."

Kenshin appalled at the behavior of the men of late, raised his sword, grabbed Mailia's hand, ordered their food to be sent to the garden, and left.

"Kenshin. What's wrong?" Mailia asked as she was lead out of the room.

"You cannot stay here. You risk your honor to be seen with me around these men." He replied once they sat in the garden under the willow near the pond.

"I don't need you to protect me Kenshin. I can take care of myself." She said honestly.

He knew she could take care of herself, she proved it with the efficiency she killed and he had a bump to prove it as well, but still, "I know. It angers me to see them treat you with such disgrace. I've never seen them act as so."

"Why do you care what they think? I don't. You and I know what is true and what is not. That is all that I care about." She said as she realized they still held hands. She said nothing, but instead continued, "Kenshin. They are men who have not seen a decent woman since they left home however long ago that was, so of course they are not going to act with the same honor you do. Katsura is very cordial to me and you are too. You and I share a room, yet you have not once tried to force yourself upon me, either with words or physically. That is true honor."

"Yes, I suppose you are right once again. Though, I think that those who even tried would end up dead or worse. I just don't like to see you shamed like that. It makes me feel...angry, that they would even think like that about one of their own ranks, woman or not."

"My skills are beside the point, Kenshin! You are still alive and in good health. Are we jealous Kenshin?" She giggled.

"Oro! N...n...no! Why would I be jealous? It is not like you are mine. You are your own. That is for sure!" He stumbled out.

"I don't know, Kenshin, I would be willing to be yours, if you could be mine." Mailia said quietly. Kenshin looked at her questioningly then his eyes, now a tender amethyst with flecks of amber looked at her with deep compassion and he replied, "Yes, Mailia, I will be yours and you will be mine." With that he gently held her hand to his lips and kissed the velvety skin. They held each other for a while and ate their food in sweet silence.

They got up to go for a walk about Kyoto hand in hand. They looked at all the shops and talked joyfully with one another. Mailia pointed at a beautiful kimono that she liked with bright eyes. Kenshin had collected quite a bit of money and had nothing to spend it on, so he bought her the kimono along with a few new hair ribbons to match. Come nightfall they decided to go to a restaurant and share some sake.

"Mailia."

"Hmm?"

"There was something about you that caught my attention, the first time I actually saw you. I was impressed with your skills before I knew who you were, but after Katsura introduced you to me I really felt something for you. I was scared of those feelings and I was afraid for you. Our profession is not one of the easiest and it takes its toll upon ones self after a while, I know. After I found out that you had only been reassigned to this part of Japan, I relaxed a little. There was a fire about you that intrigued me and it lightened my spirits. You gave me something to look forward to, something that made me feel needed other than for the slaughter of high-ranking officials in the Tokugawa government. I felt that I needed to protect you. That it is my true job to protect you from harm of any kind. I love you Mailia."

"You know when they told I was to be reassigned I was ecstatic. But when they told me I was to go up against their best assassin to prove my worth and skill, I was terrified I was unworthy and that that would be the last night I breathed the sweet air. I did a little research on you and found out that you were the Battousai. That helped things no more, let me tell you. I threw up several times hours before I was to meet you and challenge you. Finally as I saw you moving through the streets I resigned my self to do my best. If I failed then it proves that you really were the best and if you failed then it proved that someone else could have beaten you sooner or later and that to have one of their own kill you rather than the enemy was much better. I fought with all my heart and determination. I was not going to fail. When Katsura stepped in I was so grateful for I found something in you that called out for help and a gentle hand. I am here to help you through anything Kenshin. I love you."

The sat in silence for a while and quietly sipped their sake, contemplating each others words. As if they had read each others mind they got up and returned home. Kenshin actually rolled out his futon next to Mailia's and slept next to her. Early the next morning they awoke together and set out to find Katsura. Kenshin had said he wanted to show her something, but that it would take a couple days. Finally they found Katsura and he agreed to let them have a week off together. So they prepared to leave for this trip Kenshin was taking them on. Mailia changed into her new kimono and tied one of her new ribbons in her hair, but still kept it in the traditional samurai ponytail. She wore her sword at her side as did Kenshin because to be caught without a weapon in these times meant death. They set out and arrived in the same day to their destination. Kenshin had led them back to his true home. Atop a tall mountain sat a small house. The yard was green with grass and had a small creek running through it. A few logs lay about the yard and around a small fire pit. Not far away were a river and a waterfall. Next to the waterfall was a high cliff that had no grass from constant use apparently. Kenshin led them inside and started a fire. He set their things down and led them back outside.

Kenshin was worried. He had brought Mailia up here to introduce her to his Master, but he was nowhere to be found. Mailia thought nothing of it; she just thought he had brought her to a small cabin he used to live in, nothing out of the ordinary. Eventually he went to the river and caught a few fish for them to cook and eat. He found a few cups and plates and retrieved fresh water for them to drink. He knew better than to take any of the many bottles of sake. His Master would flip. They ate their dinner and prepared for bed after Kenshin showed her around some. They laid out their bedrolls and fell asleep. In the morning Kenshin woke to an icy splash of water on his face and Master Hiko standing above him.

"Kenshin, you moron! Your guest has woke without you and eaten. You always were a late sleeper. I can see my stupid apprentice hasn't changed since I last saw him." Hiko yelled. Mailia just sat giggling while Kenshin took his shirt off and rung it out. Hiko had been telling her stories of his 'stupid apprentice' as he called him, since she woke and ate the breakfast he had prepared. Kenshin glared at Hiko and acted like he was annoyed with him, but you could see that they were like father and son. They really loved each other. You could tell by the way Hiko spoke of him, (even if he was telling some embarrassing things) and Kenshin by the (not so) hidden relief that his Master was alive and well.

"Well, Mailia tells me you two work together, is that right?" Hiko asked.

"It is Master." Kenshin said.

"And what is it you two do?" Hiko continued.

"You know very well what we do Master." Kenshin replied.

"Ah yes. You are right. I do know. Mailia told me already." Hiko said as Kenshin looked at Mailia shocked.

"Do not worry Kenshin. I am over it. What you do is up to you just as what I do is up to me." Hiko said as Kenshin looked at him questioningly.

"What do you mean by that Master Hiko?"

"Not know Kenshin, how about you introduce me to this fine young woman properly." Hiko said calmly.

"Master this is Mailia, Mailia this is Master Hiko." Kenshin said flatly.

"I am sorry for my stupid apprentice's behavior Mailia. He has always been a little slow in the manners department." Hiko said as Kenshin looked like he was about to kill his master.

"Not at all, Master Hiko. He has been a perfect gentleman to me while back in town." Mailia said trying to sooth Kenshin's anger.

"I see. Well then maybe my stupid apprentice has learned something after all." Hiko said grinning. Mailia walked over to Kenshin and wrapped her arms around him. His skin was scarred from training with Hiko apparently. Hiko was a big man. He stood about three heads taller than Kenshin, was extremely well-built, and wore his long black hair in a ponytail at the base of his neck. He also wore a huge white cape with red lining about his shoulders and carried a bottle of sake as well as his katana at his waist. All in all he was rather dashing actually, which made Mailia feel a little awkward, but it was true, though Kenshin was handsome as well. He was actually kind of short but he had a strong jaw and gentle eyes when he was not killing or angry. He was well built also, which came naturally with swordsmanship. He had blood red hair that was in a high samurai ponytail with a navy blue gi and white pants that were a little tattered at the edges. She would need to get him a new pair so he didn't look so worn. Kenshin was a gentle person with great strength, which is what attracted her in the first place.

"How about we spar a little Mailia, so I can see how you compare to my stupid apprentice." Hiko stated rather than asked.

"Sure, just let me change into something a little more suitable. She ran in and changed into her black gi and shoved her Katana and Wakizashi into her sash. While she was inside Hiko asked Kenshin a few questions about her.

"How good is she Kenshin?"

"She fared well against me. We were at an equal match as far as I could tell."

"I see. You say she knows Hiten Mitsurugi?"

"Yes Master, though I don't know how other than she says she learned it from her father."

"Indeed. Then I believe she has been taught well. I know her father. He trained with me. We were good friends until he left for the West. I have not heard of him since."

"Has she completed her training then?"

"No. Otherwise you would be dead. For some reason she did not."

At that time Mailia came out prepared to go. She got into her fighting stance as did Hiko. In the flash of a second Hiko came at her. She blocked with grace and skill and switched to the offensive and came at Hiko. He too parried her blow and once again came at her. This time she was not so quick and so she received a small cut on her left cheek. She completely ignored it and renewed her fury and attacked Hiko once more. This time her speed had doubled unexpectedly, so he was hard pressed to block her. She was quick, but like Kenshin lacked the strength Hiko had. She managed this time to put a small cut on Hiko. It didn't even faze him. He just kept going. Finally she decided to use the Kuzu Ryuu Sen. It hit all the nine vital points of the body in a single movement when done right. She prepared and executed the attack. Hiko blocked it and came down on her with the back of his sword. She lay there in shock and starred at Hiko. He just laughed and decided to explain,

"Mailia. If you thought your attack was the ultimate attack of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu then you were mistaken for the attack I used was the ultimate attack extremely watered down so as not to hurt you too bad. Stand up and you try it. Hiko prepared to use the Kuzu Ryuu Sen. She thought about what he had done. He had drawn his sword after she had hers, yet he blocked it so it must use greater speed. Plus he then stepped forward with his left foot instead of his right to use more power. Normally you didn't use your left foot because you could slice it off, but it seems he did it just right so as not to. She sheathed her sword and prepared to attempt this ultimate attack. He came at her like lightning and before she even knew it she had done it. She had preformed the ultimate attack, though for fear of hurting him she had turned the blade. He lay on the ground as if dead. She carefully walked over to him and saw the damage she had done. A huge indent in his broad chest was where her sword had hit. He turned towards her and smiled. Weakly he said,

"You did it. You have now mastered the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu by using the final technique, Ama Kakeru Ryuu no Hirameki. Use it wisely, I trust you. Now help me in the house."

"Yes Master." She said. She was almost in tears as she helped him stand up. She hadn't meant to hurt him so bad. Kenshin rushed over to his master and helped Mailia carry him into the house. Luckily Hiko healed fully within a few days, but in the meantime Kenshin was stressing unbelievably. He ran about the yard going this way and that until finally Mailia made him go fetch some water from the river. After he got back and handed the water to Mailia she immediately dumped it over his head and told him to go get some more. Kenshin, stunned, nodded and turned back again to the river. After Hiko was well again Kenshin approached him.

"Master."

"Yes, my stupid apprentice. You are wondering why I taught her the last techniques to master it aren't you."

"Yes Master."

"Because, she has need to protect you. I only gave her the means to do so. To master the technique is to learn the true secret of the Mitsurugi style."

"How did you know she had learned it?"

"I saw it in her. It is not necessarily something you can teach, it is something they must learn for themselves."

"Can you see it in me Master?"

"No. You do not take life seriously."

"What do you mean Master? I take it very seriously."

"You do not take your own life seriously. You are willing to die at any time because you feel an immeasurable guilt for the lives you take. Until you can come to terms with the warring factions inside you, you will not learn the succession techniques."

"Master, I do not understand?"

"You will in time come to understand what it means, but until then I will not teach you."

"Yes Master."

"Isn't it about time you left?"

"Yes Master."

"Then go. I am sure Mailia doesn't want to take the repercussions for your lax behavior."

"Goodbye Master. I will see you again, once I figure out the riddle."

"There is no riddle, but as you wish."

Mailia walked outside looking for Kenshin. He told them they were leaving so she went back inside to pack what little belongings they brought then she returned outside to say goodbye to Hiko. He hugged her warmly as a father would a daughter and waved them off. They headed off with the warm sun on their faces.

Katsura greeted them at the entrance of the inn and welcomed them back. He let them settle back in a day before handing them their first cooperative assignment. There was rumor of a small group of Shinsengumi were going to attack an important meeting that Katsura was to attend, they were to stop them.