Kyaa Kyaff here again!

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin & characters aren't mine. *sigh*

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

An Illusion of a Peaceful Time

Chapter 2: Yahiko arrives

It was the middle of the night. Kaoru had woken from a contented sleep with Kenshin by her side. She had no idea why she woke though. One second she was sleeping the next she was wide-awake. She listened thinking maybe Kenji had made some noise from inside his room. She was greeted by the sounds of night. Kaoru slipped from Kenshin's arms and stood up. Looking back at him in the darkened room she smiled. It really wasn't a dream. His red hair spilled around his face as he continued to breath gently in sleep. He was still the same handsome person she had fallen in love with as a child. They had gone through so much to get to this point. None of it mattered now. She was surprised he didn't wake up when she had moved. He must be exhausted from his traveling. Kaoru went to her door and slid it open stepping out and closing it quietly behind her.

A soft breeze caught her hair causing some of it to drift across her face. She brought her hand up hooking it back behind her ear. She went to Kenji's door and peeked inside. He was curled up with one fist near his mouth. Kaoru sighed happily closing the door. She looked around the yard before sitting on the porch. Her hands folded in her lap she closed her eyes to better sense all that was around here. She heard soft footsteps behind her and smiled as a pair of arms wrapped around her.

"What are you doing out here?" Kenshin asked tickling her ear with his warm breath.

"I woke up suddenly, and it's so lovely out here. I do this a lot actually."

Kenshin took a seat behind her pulling her into his arms, "You scared me. I woke up and you weren't there. I thought I had dreamed seeing you again for a moment."

Kaoru heard the underlying sorrow in his words. She snuggled closer leaning against him.

"Gomen ne."

Kenshin laughed softly, "No need to apologize."

Kaoru laced her fingers through his bringing his hand to her lips. Kenshin gave her a soft squeeze with his other hand. Both sat there in comfortable silence. Suddenly the silence was interrupted.

"Did you hear that?" Kaoru asked.

Kenshin nodded. Kaoru stood Kenshin following. Someone was here, and Kaoru was going to find out whom. Before she could step forward a figure appeared by the wall.

"Still as observant as ever busu," the man said stepping forward.

Kaoru's mouth dropped open.

'Is it really…?'

The man put a hand on his hip. He had long brown hair falling around his face instead of the short spiky hair. He was taller then her and his voice though not deep was more mature then she remembered. She noticed the sword at his side, but it didn't concern her. Kaoru tried to say something but couldn't.

"Kaoru…?" Kenshin said uncertainly.

Kaoru smiled giving Kenshin a reassuring nod before stepping forward.

"Myojin Yahiko! Where have you been!? And after all this time you call me busu! You haven't matured one bit!" Kaoru exclaimed.

Yahiko relaxed worried Kaoru wasn't going to recognize him, "I called you busu, cause you are as ugly as ever."

Kaoru rushed forward throwing her arms around him happily. Yahiko hugged her close amazed at how short Kaoru really was. She had never been tall, but she had always been taller then him. He laughed at her tears as she pulled away.

"That night I…"

"Shh. It's okay. I'm happy to see you are all right. I never gave up hope though. After all Kaoru, you have survived worse."

"Who's this okaasan?" Kenji asked having been woken by all the noise.

Seeing Kenshin he walked over to him rubbing his eyes in a tired fashion before holding his arms up in a gesture to be held. Kenshin picked him up easily reveling in the fact that his son accepted him so quickly. That his son wanted to be held by him.

"You have a son?" Yahiko asked surprised.

Kaoru nodded leading him over there "This is Uncle Yahiko."

"Ya…iko," Kenji frowned at the name before saying it again, "Yahiko."

Kenji smiled with triumph.

"What's your name?" Yahiko asked the boy.

"Kenji! This is my otousan!" Kenji said pointing to Kenshin proudly.

Yahiko smiled at the boy, turning to Kaoru he spoke in a serious tone, "I must speak with you."

Kaoru looked at him in concern, "Okay. Kenji aren't you supposed to be asleep."

Kenji shook his head, "No."

"I think you are," she said taking the wriggling boy from Kenshin's arms.

Kenji yawned trying to cover it up, "No, I'm not."

Kaoru slid open his door, "If you go to sleep, I might take you to get candy tomorrow."

Kenji's eyes widened, "Really!?"

"Maybe," Kaoru said pulling his blanket up as she settled him down.

Kenji already turned over closing his eyes. Kaoru leaned forward giving him a small kiss. She then stepped out seeing Kenshin and Yahiko waiting for her.

"Come on, why don't I make some tea."

"I'll pass," Yahiko said remembering the last time he had tea made by Kaoru.

Kaoru's face fell, "Yahiko, I can make good tea now."

Yahiko looked skeptical.

"Since when do you use a sword," Kenshin asked as Kaoru disappeared into the kitchen.

"Since four years ago," Yahiko replied steadily.

It didn't take long for Kaoru to come back. Once everyone was settled Yahiko began to speak.

"Tomorrow this town is going to be attacked."

"What!?" Kaoru exclaimed.

"No one will be hurt as long as they cooperate. No harm done. So, I have come to warn you to hide somewhere tomorrow before night falls just in case."

"What are you talking about? Yahiko…" Kaoru trailed off as Yahiko held his hand up.

"It's a long story. I just wanted you to know. That's all Kaoru. I don't expect to see you again after this."

Kaoru stood up as Yahiko did. Kenshin continued his silent observation of Yahiko.

"Yahiko…"

"I'm a different person now. Gomen ne. I just wanted to see you and warn you," Yahiko interrupted turning away and sliding open the door.

Kaoru went around the table grabbing his arm to stop him, "Why? Does this have to do with that man? They were there that night killing people mercilessly. Yahiko!"

Yahiko pulled his arm from her grip, "Things are not the same anymore. They never will be."

Yahiko looked directly at Kaoru, "Thank you Kaoru for always making me know I was important as a person. Thank you for protecting me."

With that he dashed out of the room leaving Kaoru stunned. Kenshin came up behind her placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I won't accept that as goodbye," Kaoru stated firmly as she stared into the darkness that had engulfed Yahiko's form.

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Yahiko made his way all the way back to where the group was camped. Slipping silently passed the sleeping forms on the ground; he made his way to his tent. Being the son of the leader had its privileges. Pushing the flap back he stepped inside seeing a candle burning softly. Yahiko smiled.

"What are you still doing awake?" Yahiko asked.

Tsubame was lying on their futon, "Waiting for you to come back obviously."

Yahiko blew out the candle before lying next to Tsubame, placing a hand against her stomach.

Tsubame giggled softly, "It's too early to feel anything. Give it as least another month."

Yahiko kissed the back of her neck, "I'm too impatient."

"You're too impatient. I'm the one that has to carry our child. All you have to do is sit and watch."

Yahiko pulled her closer to him.

"Is something the matter?" Tsubame asked knowing there was something bothering him.

Tsubame had the uncanny ability of always knowing how Yahiko was feeling no matter what face he put up. She said his eyes, his voice, everything gave it away. If he was upset, everyone else would think he was in the best of moods. Not Tsubame though.

"Nothing, I'm just tired."

"Gomen ne, Yahiko," Tsubame said softly.

"What are you talking about?"

"The only reason you are doing this? It's because of me," Tsubame said watching the tent wall with a sorrowful expression.

"No, it's not your fault. Stop. We've been through this already," Yahiko said evenly.

Tsubame made no reply.

"Koishii…" Yahiko started.

"Shh…it's pretty late. We should both get some sleep."

Yahiko wanted to say more, but decided against it. Instead he just held her close as he drifted off to sleep praying Kaoru would take his advice.

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It was early morning as Enishi finished practicing with his sword. Stepping out of the training room he took a deep breath, smelling the wonderful aroma of Tomoe's cooking. He then heard Megumi's scary laugh. Enishi didn't want to know what she was saying. He found the woman almost insufferable. She did help with money matters though. After Kenshin had brought her to where Tomoe and Enishi now lived, she had quickly established herself as a reliable doctor. She was flirtatious and annoying, but Enishi glimpsed a haunted look in her eyes when she thought no one was around.

Kenshin hadn't mentioned what had happened, and Enishi didn't bother to ask. As he stepped into the kitchen Megumi turned to him.

"So you two didn't 'do' anything last night?"

Enishi resisted his urge to strangle her. Megumi would never understand Enishi's feelings for Tomoe. He loved her and had nothing wrong with saying so. However, the love he felt was brotherly love. Megumi tried to make more of it than there was.

"Nothing happened last night," Tomoe replied calmly.

Enishi sighed going to the table and kneeling down. Last night Tomoe had woken up from a horrible dream. Enishi had gone to comfort her from her nightmares upon hearing her crying. Sometimes she had the most awful dreams from her past. He had spent the night in her room comforting her. That was how Megumi had found them. She had begun jumping to conclusions right away. Just as Tomoe finished breakfast Enishi sensed someone at the gate.

"I'll be right back," Enishi said getting up.

Tomoe looked at him quizzically, but he waved away her concern.

Going outside he saw a tall man standing by the front. Enishi thought he might have seen him somewhere, but he couldn't remember. The man was unkempt looking. The fact that he hadn't shaved in a few days was evident. He was dirty and disheveled and looked like he had been traveling without break.

"Yes?" Enishi asked.

"Does Takani Megumi live here?" the man asked urgently.

"Who are you?"

"Sano…?" Megumi said coming out to see whom Enishi was talking to.

"Megitsune!" Sano said his eyes lighting up.

Enishi finally remembered the man. He had met him very briefly before, really remembering the name more than anything. Sano ran passed Enishi and gathered Megumi into his arms as if he was drowning, and she was his only support. He then kissed her firmly on the lips. Enishi watched as Megumi's eyes widened before shoving Sano away.

"What the hell do you think you are doing, tori-atama?" Megumi yelled.

Sano grinned at her, "I missed you."

"You smell. Ugh! I just bathed! Now I have to go bathe again to get this disgusting smell off of me!"

"I'll help," Sano offered taking in the sight of her.

Megumi turned red before she started yelling at him. Sano continued to grin as he watched Megumi with a serene demeanor. Enishi felt a small smile creep across his face. He had a feeling this man would become a resident. Megumi's flushed face made Enishi want to laugh. He was happy. Megumi wouldn't have time to bother him now.

By noon Sano had been provided a room and was able to take a nice long bath. He was beyond happy. He had finally found Megumi, and she was safe. Tomoe was making lunch as Sano sauntered in.

"You don't mind me staying for a little while?" Sano asked.

"Yes, we do," Megumi said.

"It is no problem," Tomoe replied at the same time.

Sano gave Megumi, "I know you're excited, Megitsune. Try not to sneak into my room at night though."

She sent him a glare before leaving the room and walking outside right into Enishi.

"Watch where you're going? Or are you too busy daydreaming about Sano?" Enishi asked unable to stop himself.

He felt the need to get her back for all the things she had said to him. She glared at him shoving passed.

"Lunch will be ready soon," Enishi called after her.

She made no reply as she went toward her room. Once inside she let a soft smile grace her face, touching a hand to her lips as she remembered how Sano had held her earlier that day. Megumi was overjoyed to see him after so long. When she had stepped out of the house, she had to look twice before actually believing Sano was there. As he had kissed her, she felt she could stay like that forever, but then her normal reaction whenever he was around kicked in.

Megumi couldn't help it, but she knew from the smile Sano sent her that he wasn't buying her act. Why did she put one up anyway? She was afraid. Sano made her feel uncertain, when she was always so sure of herself around everyone else. She didn't like how she lost control of her emotions at the sight of him. Maybe that's why she continual pushed him away, doing as much good as trying to light a fire with water. Megumi didn't want to admit it, but…she loved him. A shock had run through her system as he had held her. Even after so many years, she realized how much she had wanted to see him, had wanted to hear him, had wanted him to hold her.

There had been plenty of men interested in her. It took one second for her sharp tongue to drive them away. They didn't laugh and wave away her insult. They didn't call her Megitsune. They didn't stand there self-assured and cocky. Only Sano did, and she had pushed every man away, no matter how kind and wonderful, secretly hoping to see Sano again. Someone tapped lightly on her door.

"Yes?"

"Lunch is ready," Sano said.

"I'll be there in a second," she replied.

Megumi listened as he walked away. Next time…next time he held her…she wouldn't push him away.

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Kaoru returned from Gensai's place after telling him what had happened last night. He had thanked her kindly, but told her he couldn't possibly leave knowing this. If anyone was hurt…that was how Kaoru had come to have Ayame, Suzume, and Eiji. She had no plans on leaving, but she had to protect these children if what Yahiko said was true. Yutarou was already in the training room practicing by himself. Kaoru saw Kenshin doing the laundry while Kenji mimicked Yutarou's swings with the small shinai he had. Daisuke hadn't come back since yesterday. Kaoru realized he would come back when he was ready, all of his things still in his room.

Kenji waved excitedly before running over to say hi to everyone. Kaoru walked over to where Kenshin was still doing laundry.

"What are you doing?"

"The laundry," Kenshin replied.

Kaoru cleared her throat, "Yes, I know that. Why?"

"I stayed with Shishou for a little while. He thought I should pick up the habit again."

Kaoru laughed remembering the arrogant man she had met once. Kenshin shot her a playful glare.

"I spoke with Gensai-sensei. He decided to stay. I visited Uki and Outa, two more students of mine. They are coming over later."

"Where will they all hide?" Kenshin asked.

"The training dojo. I discovered a place that must have been built for such a purpose. It will fit all of them, and it is not so easily discovered. Gensai-sensei said he would speak to some people, his word is much more valuable than me."

Kenshin nodded taking this all in, "For now, let's enjoy the day then."

Kenji shouted as he ran full speed for Eiji, who jumped out of the way. Ayame laughed as Kenji came after her next. Kaoru smiled as Kenji chased everyone trying to get them. Yutarou, who kept practicing as diligently as ever, became Kenji's next target.

"You're the bad man now!" Kenji shouted before running away.

Yutarou looked at the others before deciding to play along.

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"Yahiko, what is wrong? You can tell me?" Tsubame said seeing Yahiko's agitation.

"It's nothing Tsubame. We will be leaving soon. I just hope they took my advice."

"Who?" Tsubame asked.

Damn, he hadn't meant to say that last part out loud. Yahiko turned to Tsubame, who was giving him a look that said you better tell me.

"Kenshin and Kaoru."

Tsubame's eyes widened, "Is that where you were last night? Why didn't you tell me? Yahiko!"

Yahiko put a hand to her cheek caressing it softly, "Gomen, I didn't want to worry you. I warned them though, and even though I told you, we can't see them again after this. He wouldn't allow it."

Tsubame looked around quickly before settling her gaze back on him, "They can help us."

Yahiko shook his head, "No, I don't want them involved."

Tsubame began to become angry, "I don't want to raise a child with these people. I stay because I have to. I know they use me to keep you here. Why do you think they spared my life that night?"

Yahiko looked down. Tsubame merely lifted his chin back up.

"Yahiko," Tsubame began gently, "He may be your father, but he is not a good person. You are not him. You will not become him."

"The only reason his men no longer kill is because of me. It's the only thing I can do to keep people safe. Tsubame if I can get you out of here I will, but I cannot stay with you."

"I will follow you wherever you go," Tsubame held his arm tight as he turned away, "The only way to keep people safe is by stopping them completely."

"Impossible," Yahiko muttered.

Tsubame went to say something, but was cut off as Keiichi, Yahiko's best friend, called to him, "Come on man."

"Be there in a sec," Yahiko called back.

He hugged Tsubame briefly before releasing her, "Please stay put."

Tsubame did not reply as he kissed her goodbye. She watched him walk away already feeling another pair of eyes watching her to make sure she didn't try and leave.

"Things can't continue like this," Tsubame whispered softly to herself.

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And there is chapter 2! Hope you like it! Again I will explain what happened to everyone in due time! Wondering where Daisuke is…he'll be back.

Thanks goes out to Nikki-chan, Val, lizzie, Shunu no Miko, ewunia, Blue Moon, Saki, Kamimura Kaoru, KanbiAme, Chiki, Kriska, Shizuka, me me me and only me, Kaede Shirakawa, Gypsy-chan, Apple, Joey, Crescentstar, rEdpiLL, hosi-ni-onegai, moonblossom, Ann-dono, Chu, and sTrAwBeRrY, Lina, Bek, tiggergirl, dfourthhorseman, Hitokiri X, Battousai, and Jim for your wonderful reviews!

Hmm…next chapter I'll give you guys an individual thanks cause I love to, but I don't have the time right now! Hope to hear from you again!

Kyaa Kyaff saying love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!