Wow, are we on a roll or what? Here is a series that has been floating around in my head for a while. It is another of my weird takes on things, not to mention a crossover. It is Ruroni Kenshin and...Zatoichi, as protrayed and directed by Takeshi Kitano or (Beat Takeshi) as he is sometimes referred to. I hope you all like it and as always never be shy to tell me what you think.

Collide

A lush backdrop of rushing water could be heard accompanied by the sound of the crisp spring wind flowing through the newly awakened leaves. Small birds fluttered about singing for the sheer joy of being in the suns light. A lone butterfly landed on a dew covered petal inspiring the deep, doe-brown eyes that took in the tranquil scene. "You're late… Turd," Sensual lips curved up in a mischievous smile reminiscent of the child he had once been.

"What's up Katsu?" Sanosuke asked his childhood friend. With surprising grace for one his size, Sanosuke dropped onto the soft grass beside Katsushiro. "Wow, that is really a great piece." Sanosuke looked over the pad at the charcoal sketch his friend held. He stared down at the graceful lines that depicted the flower using it's petals to seduce a butterfly into landing. Sanosuke wondered why Katsushiro had shown the flower reaching for the butterfly, but not landing. It seemed as if the flower was reaching for something that would forever be out of reach. Silent, enjoying the sound of the wind, Katsushiro reached over and dropped a hand written note into Sanosuke lap.

Sanosuke picked up the note in barely legible script and began to read; "Tsunan, it has been a while I know. Ordinarily I would not bother you, but I am in a town near Izu. I have recently defeated a yakuza syndicate that wanted the area. I do not require aid, but I am old, and it would be nice to see you again… Zato." Sanosuke finished reading and looked up. "Who is he?"

Katsushiro felt a sigh tear into his body as he continued to mark his picture. Soon the drawing was set aside. Sanosuke watched as long fingers were cleaned of the smudges. "After the Seikihou-Tai was disbanded I nearly starved. I was homeless then one day I tried to steal some food from an old samurai. After he caught me, he fed me and took me with him. I learned a lot from him."

"Are you going to back and see him, or rather, let him see you?" Sanosuke asked going over the odd phrasing in the note.

Sanosuke was startled when Katsushiro released a short laugh. "I'm going to help him." Katsushiro affirmed getting to his feet.

Sanosuke looked up at his friend his eyes narrowed as he tried to figure out the odd relationship with the samurai. "But he just said he wanted to see you."

Again Katsushiro's body was shaken by laughter. "Zatoichi does not see much of anything, let alone me." Katsushiro said handing Sanosuke the drawing as a gift. " Zatoichi is blind."

Chapter 1

(Between Here, Now, and Yesterday)

Pristine Linen hung in the bright sunshine hampering the view of the tiny redhead diligently scrubbing the small tub. Sanosuke stood for a while and had a hard time reconciling the image before him with the terrifying legend of the manslayer. As the tub was emptied, Kenshin stood to his feet stretching out his thin limbs. "Thanks for the help Sano." Kenshin said without looking around to see his young friend. Large violet eyed turned to Sano filled with childish delight.

"Glad to be of help." Sano answered a large smile spreading across his features.

Kenshin laughed releasing the string that held his sleeves in place while he cleaned. "What brings you here?"

"Yeah?" Yahiko was heard as he stepped out of the dojo carrying his wooden sword. "You already missed lunch."

"Put a cork in it brat, I need to speak to Kenshin." Sanosuke's gruff words were softened with a boyish grin. Yahiko frowned before leaving to two men alone. He was quiet as he hid behind the door. By the slight quirking of his head, Yahiko knew that Kenshin was aware of his presence. "So…uh… Kenshin, been busy lately." Sanosuke tried to sound casual as he watched Kenshin dry his hands. They were such small, delicate hands. They did not seem suited to the harsh boiling water of laundry let alone the sword that he was even now strapping this his waist.

"Not busy… No," Kenshin's calm words belied his curiosity. He went to sit on the porch where Kouru had left tea for them. "Something is on your mind, that it is."

"Katsushiro," Sanosuke began as he sat beside Kenshin. "He is going to a little village near Izu."

"A normal journey this is not." Kenshin sipped his tea and sighed. It seemed even tea was beyond Kouru's abilities. "Tell me."

"He is going to help an old, blind swordsman against multiple Yakuza syndicates." Sanosuke blurted the words waiting for Kenshin's response.

As typical of the experienced samurai, Kenshin's eyes remained fixed on his tea. He was just thinking of what he could do to improve the taste when Sanosuke grabbed the collar of his yukata shaking him firmly. Kenshin's eyes lolled about in his head. "Oro," Kenshin grumbled allowing himself to be manhandled.

"Kenshin, what did you think?" Sanosuke asked letting go long enough for Kenshin to straiten his attire.

"What are you worried about?" Kenshin wondered aloud watching as Sanosuke stood glaring at him. "Are you asking me to go aid him?"

"I don't know," Sanosuke dropped onto his bottom his shoulders hunched in worried confusion.

"Easy to understand wanting to protect your friend, that it is." Kenshin nodded, we can leave here and..."

"KENSHIN!!!" Kaouru stormed across the field her finger pointing at Kenshin moments before she grabbed his ponytail and pulled. "I thought, after all that... I mean," Kaoru deflated staring at Kenshin angry tears that she refused to shed burning her eyes. "You said no more wandering."

"This is a dangerous situation, that it is. Sano would not have asked for my help otherwise." Kenshin pried her fingers loose of his hair. Kaoru relaxed when he held her hand even after he had freed himself. Kenshin had been more open with his feelings lately and she basked in the glow of his rare affection.

"You know," Yahiko mumbled around a mouthful of a rice ball. "You may as well save us the trouble of following you later and just take us with you now."

Kenshin looked into the determined faces of his friends. He knew, from vast experience, that if he wandered off, Kaoru and Yahiko would not be too far behind. All he needed now was for Misao to show up. "Alright, Sano, we will leave in the morning, is that enough time for you?" Sanosuke nodded glad to have such good friends.

To Be Continued