Chapter 1: Am I hearing the real truth?
Author: Suzaku no miko
This is my first time writing a Rirouni Kenshin fic, I hope you like it!! Please...R&R!!!!
Disclaimers: Rirouni Kenshin and its characters are not mine...so please don't sue...Sakura is my character.
Now...on with the story!!!
****Chapter 1****
"Onegai! Someone please stop him! He stole my money!" a young lady cried. "Oro?" the samurai warrior asked. "There's a robbery! Let's go, Kenshin!" his partner cried, already starting to run. "Hai!" he agreed, following him.
"Ha! That was easier than I thought!" the thief said to himself, running swiftly through the crowd. Suddenly, just as he began to look in front of him, he crashed into something very hard and fell to the ground with a loud crash! "What the hell?" he exclaimed.
"Hasn't your mother taught you not to take what's not yours?" the voice asked. The young man looked up to find what he had crashed into. "Listen, bitch! If you don't get the hell outta' the way, I'm gonna…" he began. "Where were you brought up, on the streets? First you steal and then you have the nerve to call me that! It's obvious that I am one but I don't want anybody I don't know callin' me that!" she yelled at him as she picked him up by his shirt.
"There's the guy! What the hell is goin' on over there?" Sano asked as they turned around the corner. The girl who caught the bandit got angrier by the minute. In fact, she got so mad, she did a very strong kick between his legs! "Oro? She's even worse than Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin exclaimed, watching the thief fall to the floor, unconscious.
"Do you have some business?" the voice asked, startling both males. "Where did you come from?!" Sano exclaimed when she appeared in front of them. "Do you have a problem? And what's with your friend?" she asked. "Eh?" Sano asked. Suddenly he realized Kenshin had fainted. "And he's supposed to be a samurai? Che. Well, come on, I'll help you two get home." She commented.
Soon, at the dojo
"Are you okay, Kenshin?" a female voice asked. Suddenly, Kenshin opened his violet eyes and looked around. He found his friends and a certain new addition to the group. "That little jackass actually got me! I must be getting slow." "Oi! Stand still! I can't put the bandage on right if you keep moving!" Sano struggled with the female samurai. "Hai, hai." She replied. As Sano continued to wrap the bandage around her arm, Kenshin stared intently at her. He noticed that she had taken her long, red wine-colored hair out of the ponytail she had earlier. He also saw violet streaks mixed in with the red. She had large, violet eyes, much like his own, that shined brightly with courage. Her body was very small and slim, no one would ever think she was a samurai. 'She is a very proud young woman and doesn't look like she would take no for an answer or she would give up on anything.' The young samurai thought to himself.
Kenshin lightly smiled as he continued to stare at her. "Kenshin! I said are you hungry?!" Kaoru suddenly screamed in his ear. "Wai!" he cried, startled. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Yahiko asked. "Does he always scream like that?" asked the mysterious girl. "Unfortunately. Except when he's fighting, he's a totally different person. Sa…what's your name anyway?" Sano stated. "Watashi Sakura. I don't have a last name." She replied as Sano finished wrapping the bandage. "Why not?" Kenshin asked, concerned. "I'm an orphan. I was abandoned when I was about three or four years old." Sakura explained, sadly.
"Who would do such a thing?" Kaoru asked. "But don't worry, this really cool guy took me in. He took very good care of me, taught me everything he knew, and even how to be a fighter!" she explained. "I know how you feel. Do you have anywhere to go? Are you still living with the guy who took care of you?" Sano asked, feeling bad for her. "Not at the moment. And I rather not talk about it." She replied. "Well, if it would make you feel better, you could consider this your home. You won't even have to pay." Kaoru suggested.
"Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you." Sakura said, meekly. "Please, it won't be a bother at all." Sano pleaded, gently. "All of a sudden he got mushy! Is she a witch or somethin'?" Yahiko asked, wondering about the sudden change in the atmosphere.
Later, that night
The wind blew through her long hair as she looked up into the night sky. 'Now I don't feel so alone anymore. But, Kenshin…I feel like I met him somewhere before…' she thought to herself. "The night is beautiful. Don't ya' think?" a voice suddenly asked. "Sano-san!" she exclaimed, startled. "Did I scare you? Gomen." he asked, apologizing. "You couldn't sleep either?" she asked, watching him make his way over to the spot next to her. "You want to know something? You are totally different from earlier today! It's really weird, just like how Kenshin is…as a matter of fact…you look very pretty." He commented, slowly.
Suddenly, Sano heard whimpering. "Oi, what's wrong?! Did I say something wrong?" he asked, startled by her reaction. Sakura quickly ran into his arms and cried into his chest. He looked at her wide-eyed before he took the chance to use one arm to hold her and use the other to brush her hair with his fingers. "He told me to be strong! To never show my weak side to anyone! He was the only other man who has seen me cry! How can I be when I just want to be with everyone I love, to live a normal life, to…" she cried, staring into his dark eyes. All Sano could do was look into her hurt eyes, sadly, before she buried her face into his chest and began to cry again.
"Are you talking about the guy that took care of you?" he asked. "His name was Akira. He was a very well known samurai-bandit many years ago, before the new government took over. He did everything he could to protect those he loved and many other things. But his own friends betrayed and killed him. They went behind his back for money! And what happened? They only ended up getting killed by the New Federation soldiers themselves!" Sakura cried. "Shh…it's okay. It's all over now." Sano tried to console her. "No it's not! I can still see the scene playing over and over again… I can still see Akira-san being ambushed by his own friends. How he tried to protect me and helped me escape." She cried.
"I know exactly how you feel. I was in that situation, too. They murdered my boss after helping me get away. I can still feel the pain just as much as I felt when it first happened." Sano explained, looking out into the water. "How did you overcome it?" Sakura asked, softly. "I couldn't let it bother me anymore. Especially with Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko there to help me out, I can only look towards the future." He replied. "That was beautiful…" she commented.
"Yes, who would ever think there was a soft side to Sano-kun." A voice interrupted. "Nani?" Sano asked, startled. "Aren't you happy to see me, Sakura-chan?" the voice asked. "How do you know our names?!" Sano demanded. "Because I know everything!" it answered. Sakura secretly took out a small dagger and threw it straight ahead, piercing a tree a few feet away from them. "You're improving…just barely." The voice said, a shadow now appearing. "Why don't you go back to hell?!" Sakura cried, watching the shadow.
"Sakura-chan…who is this?" Sano asked. "Just want you to know that I'm still around. Oh, and it's a good idea to watch your back from now on. Ja na!" the shadow said before disappearing.
"What the hell was that?!" asked a very confused Sanosuke. When he turned around, he noticed that Sakura had fallen to the floor. "I should leave…run away. I shouldn't have come here." "What do you mean you shouldn't have come here? Sakura-chan…what's going on?" he asked again, kneeling beside her. "That was Akira-san's second in command… Kage. After the boss of the Shadow Pack, Akira-san, was killed, he took over and became one of the most deadly assassins. No one knows what was the reason for the sudden change." She explained, lowering her gaze to the floor.
"Come on…it's not safe here so late at night. It's time to get some sleep anyway." He said, gently picking her up. As he made his way to his small apartment, he felt Sakura rest her head on his chest, and listened to her content sigh. 'It's gonna' be a long one. But don't worry, ya' got me to protect you.' Sano thought to himself, smiling as he watched her drift off to sleep in his arms.
Next Morning
"Where the hell did she go now?" Sanosuke wondered, noticing the empty bed next to him. He put on fresh new clothes and walked to the dojo where Kenshin and his friends lived. Outside, he looked around. He watched everyone's activities in hopes that he would find Sakura. Megumi had come over to help Kaoru with the house chores, Kenshin was finishing the laundry with the help of Yahiko, and Sakura was practicing with a pair of katanas. "Nani?! What the hell do ya' think you're doing?!" Sano cried.
Sakura stopped, wiping the sweat from her forehead, and watched Sano walk up to her. 'Hmm, he doesn't look too happy…' "What's wrong, Sano-chan?" she smiled sweetly. After hearing that, Sano's face turned a bright red. "Jo-chan…don't call me that…" he said, embarrassed. "What's the problem?" she asked, still not sure why he was really mad. "I thought I told you that you couldn't practice until your arm gets better. So what the hell are ya' doin'?!" he screamed, making everyone stop their activities. "Oops, gomen. I forgot." She suddenly realized.
"Well, come on. Let's go get some breakfast." Sano said, removing the katanas from her hands. "Ne, Kaoru-san… do you think something is going on between those two?" Megumi whispered. "It is a different view of Sanosuke. I've never seen him this gentle before. I think it's time for a couple of matchmakers…" Kaoru replied, smiling devilishly. "Oro?" Kenshin asked, overhearing the conversation. "Oh boy…here comes trouble." Yahiko sighed.
After Breakfast
"I didn't know that you could cook so well, Sano-san." Sakura complimented him, making him blush slightly as they walked out of the house. "Yes, especially after the way Kaoru teases him about how he doesn't do anything around the house." A voice added. "Kage! Why don't you stop being a coward and show yourself!" Sakura cried, taking out her katanas. Just as she finished her sentence, Kage appeared before them.
Sanosuke stared down at him with deep hatred, looking at him, and watching his motion. He noticed that no one could really tell what he looked like. He wore a samurai outfit but with the mask of a monster head! It was ghastly white, with blood coming from the mouth of the mask. Its mouth was wide open, revealing fangs. And the eyes were dark, empty, and seemed endless.
"Why don't you take off your mask and let's see what you really look like!" Sano taunted him, getting into a fighting stance. "Sano-san…please stop. I shouldn't have involved you in the beginning. I have been running too long…I need to fight my own fights." Sakura stopped him, stepping in his way. "Jo-chan…" he whispered. "I don't want any of my new friends getting hurt. Onegai…let me do this." She continued. "Enough of the talking! Let's get going already!" Kage yelled, lunging at her. "Sakura!"
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"Please, sensei! Let me go! I could really help people that way! I have learned all that you could teach me and I feel I'm ready to put it to good use!" the small boy cried, pleading with the older man. "Fine. Let the disciple no baka do whatever he wants." His teacher finally agreed. "Are you sure that you really want to do this?" the man's female disciple asked the boy.
"Of course. I want to help everyone. I want to…niichan." The small, red-haired boy answered. "Demo…Kenshin-chan…aneki…" "Daijobou…I'll be fine. You just take care of yourself." He replied, kissing her sweetly on her soft cheek. And with that…he left. "Sakura! Come inside! Time to continue your training!" Hiko yelled from inside the small house.
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"What's wrong, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked, breaking him out of his daze. "Nothing. Just thinking…about the past." He replied, shaking his head. Suddenly… "Sanosuke! What happened?!" Yahiko yelled. "What's happening out there?" Megumi asked, looking up from peeling the potatoes. "Let's go!" Kenshin cried, picking up his sakaba sword.
Outside
"Sakura-chan was in a fight and nearly lost! She's hurt pretty badly!" Sano cried, carrying a very bloody Sakura. "Get her into the medical room!" Megumi commanded.
When they got there, a very concerned Kenshin looked on as Megumi did her best to help Sakura. "What happened, Sano?" "Sakura-chan was telling me about her past when all of a sudden, this guy called Kage appeared outta' nowhere and they fought. It was a long fight and both got pretty fucked up. But I think she kicked his ass!" Sano explained, putting Sakura's katanas on the floor beside him.
"Did you find out anything?" Yahiko asked. "The only thing she told me really was that she had a brother. They were separated just after the Meiji era began. He left to fight, leaving her with their sensei." Sano began to explain. "Did she tell you any names?" Kenshin asked, turning his gaze to Sano. "Not really. Just some boy she remembered when she lived with her sensei…Shinta, I think she said." He continued.
'Shinta?' Kenshin thought to himself as Sanosuke said the name. "I wonder who it was. Do you think it was her brother?" Yahiko asked, still somewhat confused. "Was there anything else?" Kenshin asked, his gaze becoming more serious. "Nope…after that, that stupid boge attacked us." Sano replied sadly.
All three males turned around when they felt a new presence. "How is she?!" Sano cried, running towards the figure. "Daijobou…she'll be fine. You can go see her now but she's resting so you'll all have to be quiet." Kaoru said, happily. "Go in and see her. We'll go visit her later." Kenshin said, smiling. "Right." Sano replied, smiling back as he ran out of the room. "Is everything okay?" Kaoru asked, watching Kenshin's smile turn into a slight frown.
In the medical room
"I'll leave you two alone." Megumi whispered as she walked out of the room. Sano stepped lightly across the room, making his way over to the sleeping Sakura. He kneeled on the floor next to her and watched her intently. He watched as she breathed slowly, listening to her breathing. He reached for her hand and held it in his larger one. "I don't know if you can hear me…I just hope that you'll be alright. You really scared me when you collapsed. Just want you to know that if you ever need help…you can always count on me." he whispered, gently.
Sano looked out of the window and into the night sky. The moon shone brightly and the stars were like diamonds in the sky. "Che…look at me. Pouring out my heart to someone that might not even care. At least you're not listening to me act like a fool." He said, sadly. "I don't think you're a fool." A voice answered him. "Nani?" asked a startled Sano.
"I think you're a great guy. I'm really glad that I have someone to protect me. And don't worry…I'll get back on my feet and we'll kick Kage's ass." She laughed. "Jo-chan…" Sanosuke whispered, his eyes filling up with tears. Sakura slid her arms up his broad shoulders and gently moved his head lower. As they closed their eyes, they moved closer until their lips embraced into a passionate kiss.
* * *
Next morning
"What do you want?" Kenshin demanded, clutching the handle of his sword. Kaoru, still startled by his sudden appearance, went behind Kenshin. "Well, if it isn't the Hitokiri Battousai…or should I say…Shinta?" Kage said, sarcastically. "Nani?" "Ah, I see you still remember your formal self. And I'm sure you remember your dear baby sister, the one you left behind. As a matter of fact, she's living with you this very moment. Is she not?" Kage continued.
Kaoru's eyes widened, listening to Kage. "What was her name again? Sakura, wasn't it?" "If you don't leave here now…" Kenshin threatened him. "What the hell are ya' doin' here?! I thought I told you to leave her alone!" Sanosuke yelled, suddenly appearing behind Kage. The shadow warrior turned around, only to get a fist full of fingers in his face. He was instantly knocked out and fell to the ground. "Nothin' to it!" Sanosuke said, smashing his fists together.
"Let's find out who he really is…" Yahiko suggested, suddenly appearing. "Ii-ya! Don't touch his mask!" Sakura cried, stumbling out of the house. "Jo-chan! What are ya' doin' out of bed?!" Sanosuke cried, running up to her. She stumbled, but Sanosuke was not about to let her hit the ground. He caught her in his broad arms and gently cradled her close to his body. "Whatever you do…don't take off his…mask." She panted, very weakly.
End of Chapter 1
Author: Suzaku no miko
This is my first time writing a Rirouni Kenshin fic, I hope you like it!! Please...R&R!!!!
Disclaimers: Rirouni Kenshin and its characters are not mine...so please don't sue...Sakura is my character.
Now...on with the story!!!
****Chapter 1****
"Onegai! Someone please stop him! He stole my money!" a young lady cried. "Oro?" the samurai warrior asked. "There's a robbery! Let's go, Kenshin!" his partner cried, already starting to run. "Hai!" he agreed, following him.
"Ha! That was easier than I thought!" the thief said to himself, running swiftly through the crowd. Suddenly, just as he began to look in front of him, he crashed into something very hard and fell to the ground with a loud crash! "What the hell?" he exclaimed.
"Hasn't your mother taught you not to take what's not yours?" the voice asked. The young man looked up to find what he had crashed into. "Listen, bitch! If you don't get the hell outta' the way, I'm gonna…" he began. "Where were you brought up, on the streets? First you steal and then you have the nerve to call me that! It's obvious that I am one but I don't want anybody I don't know callin' me that!" she yelled at him as she picked him up by his shirt.
"There's the guy! What the hell is goin' on over there?" Sano asked as they turned around the corner. The girl who caught the bandit got angrier by the minute. In fact, she got so mad, she did a very strong kick between his legs! "Oro? She's even worse than Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin exclaimed, watching the thief fall to the floor, unconscious.
"Do you have some business?" the voice asked, startling both males. "Where did you come from?!" Sano exclaimed when she appeared in front of them. "Do you have a problem? And what's with your friend?" she asked. "Eh?" Sano asked. Suddenly he realized Kenshin had fainted. "And he's supposed to be a samurai? Che. Well, come on, I'll help you two get home." She commented.
Soon, at the dojo
"Are you okay, Kenshin?" a female voice asked. Suddenly, Kenshin opened his violet eyes and looked around. He found his friends and a certain new addition to the group. "That little jackass actually got me! I must be getting slow." "Oi! Stand still! I can't put the bandage on right if you keep moving!" Sano struggled with the female samurai. "Hai, hai." She replied. As Sano continued to wrap the bandage around her arm, Kenshin stared intently at her. He noticed that she had taken her long, red wine-colored hair out of the ponytail she had earlier. He also saw violet streaks mixed in with the red. She had large, violet eyes, much like his own, that shined brightly with courage. Her body was very small and slim, no one would ever think she was a samurai. 'She is a very proud young woman and doesn't look like she would take no for an answer or she would give up on anything.' The young samurai thought to himself.
Kenshin lightly smiled as he continued to stare at her. "Kenshin! I said are you hungry?!" Kaoru suddenly screamed in his ear. "Wai!" he cried, startled. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Yahiko asked. "Does he always scream like that?" asked the mysterious girl. "Unfortunately. Except when he's fighting, he's a totally different person. Sa…what's your name anyway?" Sano stated. "Watashi Sakura. I don't have a last name." She replied as Sano finished wrapping the bandage. "Why not?" Kenshin asked, concerned. "I'm an orphan. I was abandoned when I was about three or four years old." Sakura explained, sadly.
"Who would do such a thing?" Kaoru asked. "But don't worry, this really cool guy took me in. He took very good care of me, taught me everything he knew, and even how to be a fighter!" she explained. "I know how you feel. Do you have anywhere to go? Are you still living with the guy who took care of you?" Sano asked, feeling bad for her. "Not at the moment. And I rather not talk about it." She replied. "Well, if it would make you feel better, you could consider this your home. You won't even have to pay." Kaoru suggested.
"Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you." Sakura said, meekly. "Please, it won't be a bother at all." Sano pleaded, gently. "All of a sudden he got mushy! Is she a witch or somethin'?" Yahiko asked, wondering about the sudden change in the atmosphere.
Later, that night
The wind blew through her long hair as she looked up into the night sky. 'Now I don't feel so alone anymore. But, Kenshin…I feel like I met him somewhere before…' she thought to herself. "The night is beautiful. Don't ya' think?" a voice suddenly asked. "Sano-san!" she exclaimed, startled. "Did I scare you? Gomen." he asked, apologizing. "You couldn't sleep either?" she asked, watching him make his way over to the spot next to her. "You want to know something? You are totally different from earlier today! It's really weird, just like how Kenshin is…as a matter of fact…you look very pretty." He commented, slowly.
Suddenly, Sano heard whimpering. "Oi, what's wrong?! Did I say something wrong?" he asked, startled by her reaction. Sakura quickly ran into his arms and cried into his chest. He looked at her wide-eyed before he took the chance to use one arm to hold her and use the other to brush her hair with his fingers. "He told me to be strong! To never show my weak side to anyone! He was the only other man who has seen me cry! How can I be when I just want to be with everyone I love, to live a normal life, to…" she cried, staring into his dark eyes. All Sano could do was look into her hurt eyes, sadly, before she buried her face into his chest and began to cry again.
"Are you talking about the guy that took care of you?" he asked. "His name was Akira. He was a very well known samurai-bandit many years ago, before the new government took over. He did everything he could to protect those he loved and many other things. But his own friends betrayed and killed him. They went behind his back for money! And what happened? They only ended up getting killed by the New Federation soldiers themselves!" Sakura cried. "Shh…it's okay. It's all over now." Sano tried to console her. "No it's not! I can still see the scene playing over and over again… I can still see Akira-san being ambushed by his own friends. How he tried to protect me and helped me escape." She cried.
"I know exactly how you feel. I was in that situation, too. They murdered my boss after helping me get away. I can still feel the pain just as much as I felt when it first happened." Sano explained, looking out into the water. "How did you overcome it?" Sakura asked, softly. "I couldn't let it bother me anymore. Especially with Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko there to help me out, I can only look towards the future." He replied. "That was beautiful…" she commented.
"Yes, who would ever think there was a soft side to Sano-kun." A voice interrupted. "Nani?" Sano asked, startled. "Aren't you happy to see me, Sakura-chan?" the voice asked. "How do you know our names?!" Sano demanded. "Because I know everything!" it answered. Sakura secretly took out a small dagger and threw it straight ahead, piercing a tree a few feet away from them. "You're improving…just barely." The voice said, a shadow now appearing. "Why don't you go back to hell?!" Sakura cried, watching the shadow.
"Sakura-chan…who is this?" Sano asked. "Just want you to know that I'm still around. Oh, and it's a good idea to watch your back from now on. Ja na!" the shadow said before disappearing.
"What the hell was that?!" asked a very confused Sanosuke. When he turned around, he noticed that Sakura had fallen to the floor. "I should leave…run away. I shouldn't have come here." "What do you mean you shouldn't have come here? Sakura-chan…what's going on?" he asked again, kneeling beside her. "That was Akira-san's second in command… Kage. After the boss of the Shadow Pack, Akira-san, was killed, he took over and became one of the most deadly assassins. No one knows what was the reason for the sudden change." She explained, lowering her gaze to the floor.
"Come on…it's not safe here so late at night. It's time to get some sleep anyway." He said, gently picking her up. As he made his way to his small apartment, he felt Sakura rest her head on his chest, and listened to her content sigh. 'It's gonna' be a long one. But don't worry, ya' got me to protect you.' Sano thought to himself, smiling as he watched her drift off to sleep in his arms.
Next Morning
"Where the hell did she go now?" Sanosuke wondered, noticing the empty bed next to him. He put on fresh new clothes and walked to the dojo where Kenshin and his friends lived. Outside, he looked around. He watched everyone's activities in hopes that he would find Sakura. Megumi had come over to help Kaoru with the house chores, Kenshin was finishing the laundry with the help of Yahiko, and Sakura was practicing with a pair of katanas. "Nani?! What the hell do ya' think you're doing?!" Sano cried.
Sakura stopped, wiping the sweat from her forehead, and watched Sano walk up to her. 'Hmm, he doesn't look too happy…' "What's wrong, Sano-chan?" she smiled sweetly. After hearing that, Sano's face turned a bright red. "Jo-chan…don't call me that…" he said, embarrassed. "What's the problem?" she asked, still not sure why he was really mad. "I thought I told you that you couldn't practice until your arm gets better. So what the hell are ya' doin'?!" he screamed, making everyone stop their activities. "Oops, gomen. I forgot." She suddenly realized.
"Well, come on. Let's go get some breakfast." Sano said, removing the katanas from her hands. "Ne, Kaoru-san… do you think something is going on between those two?" Megumi whispered. "It is a different view of Sanosuke. I've never seen him this gentle before. I think it's time for a couple of matchmakers…" Kaoru replied, smiling devilishly. "Oro?" Kenshin asked, overhearing the conversation. "Oh boy…here comes trouble." Yahiko sighed.
After Breakfast
"I didn't know that you could cook so well, Sano-san." Sakura complimented him, making him blush slightly as they walked out of the house. "Yes, especially after the way Kaoru teases him about how he doesn't do anything around the house." A voice added. "Kage! Why don't you stop being a coward and show yourself!" Sakura cried, taking out her katanas. Just as she finished her sentence, Kage appeared before them.
Sanosuke stared down at him with deep hatred, looking at him, and watching his motion. He noticed that no one could really tell what he looked like. He wore a samurai outfit but with the mask of a monster head! It was ghastly white, with blood coming from the mouth of the mask. Its mouth was wide open, revealing fangs. And the eyes were dark, empty, and seemed endless.
"Why don't you take off your mask and let's see what you really look like!" Sano taunted him, getting into a fighting stance. "Sano-san…please stop. I shouldn't have involved you in the beginning. I have been running too long…I need to fight my own fights." Sakura stopped him, stepping in his way. "Jo-chan…" he whispered. "I don't want any of my new friends getting hurt. Onegai…let me do this." She continued. "Enough of the talking! Let's get going already!" Kage yelled, lunging at her. "Sakura!"
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"Please, sensei! Let me go! I could really help people that way! I have learned all that you could teach me and I feel I'm ready to put it to good use!" the small boy cried, pleading with the older man. "Fine. Let the disciple no baka do whatever he wants." His teacher finally agreed. "Are you sure that you really want to do this?" the man's female disciple asked the boy.
"Of course. I want to help everyone. I want to…niichan." The small, red-haired boy answered. "Demo…Kenshin-chan…aneki…" "Daijobou…I'll be fine. You just take care of yourself." He replied, kissing her sweetly on her soft cheek. And with that…he left. "Sakura! Come inside! Time to continue your training!" Hiko yelled from inside the small house.
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"What's wrong, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked, breaking him out of his daze. "Nothing. Just thinking…about the past." He replied, shaking his head. Suddenly… "Sanosuke! What happened?!" Yahiko yelled. "What's happening out there?" Megumi asked, looking up from peeling the potatoes. "Let's go!" Kenshin cried, picking up his sakaba sword.
Outside
"Sakura-chan was in a fight and nearly lost! She's hurt pretty badly!" Sano cried, carrying a very bloody Sakura. "Get her into the medical room!" Megumi commanded.
When they got there, a very concerned Kenshin looked on as Megumi did her best to help Sakura. "What happened, Sano?" "Sakura-chan was telling me about her past when all of a sudden, this guy called Kage appeared outta' nowhere and they fought. It was a long fight and both got pretty fucked up. But I think she kicked his ass!" Sano explained, putting Sakura's katanas on the floor beside him.
"Did you find out anything?" Yahiko asked. "The only thing she told me really was that she had a brother. They were separated just after the Meiji era began. He left to fight, leaving her with their sensei." Sano began to explain. "Did she tell you any names?" Kenshin asked, turning his gaze to Sano. "Not really. Just some boy she remembered when she lived with her sensei…Shinta, I think she said." He continued.
'Shinta?' Kenshin thought to himself as Sanosuke said the name. "I wonder who it was. Do you think it was her brother?" Yahiko asked, still somewhat confused. "Was there anything else?" Kenshin asked, his gaze becoming more serious. "Nope…after that, that stupid boge attacked us." Sano replied sadly.
All three males turned around when they felt a new presence. "How is she?!" Sano cried, running towards the figure. "Daijobou…she'll be fine. You can go see her now but she's resting so you'll all have to be quiet." Kaoru said, happily. "Go in and see her. We'll go visit her later." Kenshin said, smiling. "Right." Sano replied, smiling back as he ran out of the room. "Is everything okay?" Kaoru asked, watching Kenshin's smile turn into a slight frown.
In the medical room
"I'll leave you two alone." Megumi whispered as she walked out of the room. Sano stepped lightly across the room, making his way over to the sleeping Sakura. He kneeled on the floor next to her and watched her intently. He watched as she breathed slowly, listening to her breathing. He reached for her hand and held it in his larger one. "I don't know if you can hear me…I just hope that you'll be alright. You really scared me when you collapsed. Just want you to know that if you ever need help…you can always count on me." he whispered, gently.
Sano looked out of the window and into the night sky. The moon shone brightly and the stars were like diamonds in the sky. "Che…look at me. Pouring out my heart to someone that might not even care. At least you're not listening to me act like a fool." He said, sadly. "I don't think you're a fool." A voice answered him. "Nani?" asked a startled Sano.
"I think you're a great guy. I'm really glad that I have someone to protect me. And don't worry…I'll get back on my feet and we'll kick Kage's ass." She laughed. "Jo-chan…" Sanosuke whispered, his eyes filling up with tears. Sakura slid her arms up his broad shoulders and gently moved his head lower. As they closed their eyes, they moved closer until their lips embraced into a passionate kiss.
* * *
Next morning
"What do you want?" Kenshin demanded, clutching the handle of his sword. Kaoru, still startled by his sudden appearance, went behind Kenshin. "Well, if it isn't the Hitokiri Battousai…or should I say…Shinta?" Kage said, sarcastically. "Nani?" "Ah, I see you still remember your formal self. And I'm sure you remember your dear baby sister, the one you left behind. As a matter of fact, she's living with you this very moment. Is she not?" Kage continued.
Kaoru's eyes widened, listening to Kage. "What was her name again? Sakura, wasn't it?" "If you don't leave here now…" Kenshin threatened him. "What the hell are ya' doin' here?! I thought I told you to leave her alone!" Sanosuke yelled, suddenly appearing behind Kage. The shadow warrior turned around, only to get a fist full of fingers in his face. He was instantly knocked out and fell to the ground. "Nothin' to it!" Sanosuke said, smashing his fists together.
"Let's find out who he really is…" Yahiko suggested, suddenly appearing. "Ii-ya! Don't touch his mask!" Sakura cried, stumbling out of the house. "Jo-chan! What are ya' doin' out of bed?!" Sanosuke cried, running up to her. She stumbled, but Sanosuke was not about to let her hit the ground. He caught her in his broad arms and gently cradled her close to his body. "Whatever you do…don't take off his…mask." She panted, very weakly.
End of Chapter 1