Chapter Three

A/N: I'm sorry to all my readers. I had so many essays, exams, pop quizzes, tests, it was just too much to handle. But as thundersister said I shouldn't make excuses but instead I should make improvements! But I truly am sorry and here is the true Chapter 4. Thankfully, school is now OVER and so updates will be a bit more frequent! Also, after reading all of your reviews I realized that there were those who liked the fic the way it was so I decided to keep it the same.

Either love/tolerate/hate this fic, just please review. Also keep on voting for your favorite couple. Depending on your votes, the couple that wins will be whom Kaoru ends up with. The current results are below.

K/K: 1

S.K: 1

So now I present to you, the reader, my longest chapter EVA. I hope you guys enjoy it. ONCE MORE, PLEASE VOTE AND REVIEW!

Disclaimer: Don't own Rurouni Kenshin. Must you pester me with that most saddening fact?


Multiple waves pounded angrily against the hull of the wooden ship, rocking it back and forth mercilessly over the churning waters. The ship groaned in heavy protest as it was reluctantly heaved to the side. Claps of thunder and lightning vibrated furiously in the sky, the eight bells hanging at the top of the masts ringing constantly in the wind.

Its forlorn song unnoticed.

Kaoru's eyes were wide with fright and her face was strikingly pale, all color having drained away as she clung desperately to the railing of the ship. She was down on her knees, gazing fearfully at the furious waters that stretched on to eternity before her. Her ponytail billowed behind her, as so did the ends of her soaked white and blue kimono. Her face contorted in fear but in her mind she wondered angrily if where the crew could be. Could they have already reached safety and left her on the doomed ship or was it that there wasn't even a crew?

The truth of the situation was vague to her. Whether this was merely a dream or reality was but another mystery, another puzzle left for her to solve in this realm. Immediately, she was jolted back to the immediate reality as a lightning bolt streaked through the sky, its deafening roar echoing through the night. The bolt bathed the dreary scene in a golden light for a split second before dimming into darkness once more.

The sails billowed and flapped frantically, straining with all their might to break free of the ropes binding them to the mainmast. A howling wind circled around the ship and Kaoru winced as she heard the sharp snap of breaking rope. Crates and barrels slid on the deck, some falling over the ship and plunging into the ravaged sea.

The bells continued to ring frantically, its call falling on deaf ears as rain pelted heavily on the wooden deck and on Kaoru's form. Her ponytail now clung onto the side of her face and the back of her neck and she was slowly losing her grip on the now wet and slippery railing.

Thunder clapped and rolled like a drum in the sky, shaking the very earth in its wake. Kaoru shuddered violently as she struggled to keep her grip on the moist railing.

The dark black foaming waves jumped and crashed angrily on the ship desperately trying to swallow it whole to satisfy its own greedy hunger. Shadows cast by the lightning danced wildly on the deck, oblivious to the tragedy unfolding right before them. Groaning, Kaoru winced as thunder rolled once more in the sky and a deafening rumbling noise filled the night.

Suddenly the boat creaked and moaned loudly as it was suddenly pushed to the opposite side. The force of the push was too great and Kaoru watched as her grip on the railing faltered. Eyes wide open in alarm, Kaoru let out a surprised shriek as she was instantly lifted off her feet and thrown violently against a nearby mast; a loud cracking noise coming from her back and the back of her skull. She felt no pain, not even a dull ache coming from her wounds.

But blood slowly slithered down her face like a crimson river, bathing her face in a scarlet mask. Even her arm dripped of the scarlet liquid as it slid down her arm and formed a red puddle underneath her agonized form. With a low grunt she ripped off her left sleeve and clumsily wrapped it around her right arm, the torn garment quickly turning crimson.

Weak and shallow gasps escaped Kaoru's pale blue lips, her chest rising up and sharply falling back down. A cry of help bubbled helplessly in the pit of her stomach, yearning to be let loose but fear held back anything she had to say.

An array of waves crashed fiercely on the ship, never wavering on their task. Their anger was evident as the water leapt high into the air and clattered onto the deck. Kaoru shrieked and immediately flung her arms tightly around the mast as the boat was suddenly tugged to the side.

"What's going on…?"

She wondered hopelessly as her stomach jumped and leapt inside of her abdomen. Her heart pounded mercilessly against her ribcage, the rapid drumming echoing in her ears. How did she even get here? She was alone in this boat, but why? Where was everyone else?

Kenshin…?

Where was he? Didn't he care of what happened to her? Didn't he care…at least a little? She squeezed her eyes shut, as if by doing so the nightmare would end. As if everything would return to normal and she'd be back home, safe and sound. But the thrashing of the waters below still rang in her ears. A disenchanting melody that she wished would just go away. Thunder and lightning still crackled in the sky and she remained helpless on the boat sailing toward doom, far, far away from the place she called home.

The boat heaved heavily to the side and a tingling sensation raced through her throat. It as her voice and now she was presented with an ample chance to speak. She took in a deep breath before bellowing out the first thing that came to her mind.

"KENSHIN!"

No answer.

And the night raged on.


"KENSHIN!"

The cry immediately escaped her lips as Kaoru's eyes snapped wide-open. She jolted straight up, beads of sweat streaming down her face. She gasped sharply, her eyes wide and glazed as she placed a hand over her drumming heart as if this one motion could calm it down. Shuddery breaths fell from her lips as she tried to swallow through her parched and dry throat but the saliva seemed to evaporate before making it through.

She clamped her hands over her mouth and coughed. Kaoru cringed as a stinging pain burst from the gash on her arm and raked through the rest of her body. A low hiss slithered through her clenched teeth; her eyes squeezed shut from the pain. A bright white light flashed before her eyes and she let out a low pained moan.

"Easy now, easy now."

Smooth and fluent Japanese syllables flowed into her ears as a man spoke in the background. The light blinding her eyes slowly began to fade but a sullen fog remained, obscuring the strangers' physical appearance. Suddenly, a pair of strong hands grabbed hold her shoulders, their touch gentle yet at the same time firm, and slowly eased her back onto the futon. Now placed comfortably on her backside, Kaoru blinked once in an attempt to rid of the obscurity. Then twice before witnessing the haze that clouded her vision begin to dissipate, allowing her to take notice of the middle-aged man hovering above her.

Narrow framed glasses were placed idly on the bridge of his short and round nose as he sat beside her. He wore a nice clean white yukata with a light blue obi wrapped securely around his obese waist. He gave her a warm comforting smile, his cheeks round and tinted with a crimson hue as more wrinkles appeared on his elderly face. He looked like Santa Claus, except lacking with the moustache, beard and red costume.

Kaoru gave a small smile in return, attempting to show that she was grateful for him nursing her. He nodded, as if understanding what she meant. Continuing to perform his duty, the man turned to his side and gently picked up a cup filled with a greenish liquid from a silver tray before holding it out to Kaoru.

"Drink this. It'll help soothe the pain in your throat and wounds."

His voice was deep like the low captivating melody of a bass cello, enchanting and tranquil at the same time, not at all rasped or shallow. But it also held a sense of wisdom behind it, gained only by the many years lived and endured and the sights the man possibly had seen through his existence.

Planting her hands against the floor Kaoru slowly lifted herself up into a sitting position. She gazed down at the liquid; her reflection appearing against the soft ripples shattering the surface. Was it wise to trust this stranger, one whom she had just met? She briefly glanced into his eyes before diverting her eyes back to the herbal drink. The genuine sincerity in his eyes instantly drove her toward a decision. This man could be trusted. She gently took the cup from his hands and held it under her nose, taking a quick whiff.

The bitter scent of a variety of natural herbs mashed and dissolved into this watery substance instantly flooded into her nostrils. Automatically, she wrenched it away, scowling as she wrinkled her nose in disgust at the foul smelling drink. The doctor placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder, having seen this reaction many times in his career and knowing exactly on how to handle the situation.

"It may taste bitter, sour too, but I assure you that you'll feel better after you drink it."

His smile and encouraging words comforted her and slowly her repulsion began to ebb away, leaving her with only the choice to drink it. Nodding, she threw her head back and reluctantly glugged down the contents, her face contorted in a look of pure distaste.

But almost instantly the liquid began to do its work, rushing down her throat and ridding her of the dry and scratchy sensation. The medicinal herbs sloshed down her throat, its effects quickly rushing through her body. The mild pain emitting from the injury on her arm reduced to but a mere dull sting, now hardly noticeable. Kaoru closed her eyes and slowly craned her head back, enjoying the moment of salvation from the aches and pains. A small content sigh escaped her lips as she gave him a grateful smile and gently placed the cup back on the tray.

"Thank you." She said weakly, her voice still rasped and almost inaudible. The doctor shook his head, his glasses lowering on his nose by his sudden movements.

"Don't thank me." He turned and motioned to the left hand corner of the room. "Thank your friend, he's the one who brought you to me. A few minutes later and there might not have been much I'd be able to do."

Kaoru blinked and turned her head to see whom the doctor was talking about. Instead all she saw were shadows cast on the wall. "I don't see anyone…" She confessed, peering closer into the umbra, trying to make out any shape or form. But she saw nothing.

The doctor merely smiled, puzzling her even more. A heavy silence hung in the room until suddenly a figure emerged from the corner, a wide boyish smile on his lips.

His bluish hair fell in idle locks, ending right above his shoulders. A few locks of hair framed his face, giving him a feminine look. In fact, Kaoru debated mentally whether he truly was a boy. She took a look at his firm, but at the same time, casual frame, lacking the precise curves of a woman. Right then she concluded that he was indeed male, and not a bad looking one either. His previous blood stained clothes were hung outside to dry and so for the moment he wore a simple blue yukata, a plain tan colored obi tied wrapped around his waist kept the clothing secure.

But what truly caught Kaoru's attention was his smile.

It seemed so natural for it to be there, as if it belonged nowhere but on the boys lips. It was like a beacon that shone clearly on his face, enticing Kaoru's sapphire eyes to stare into its infinite depths. And as Kaoru gazed it she too couldn't help but give a small smile in return. But at the same time there was something artificial about the grin, something cold and sorrowful.

The boy let out a soft cough, evidently noticing Kaoru staring at him. Embarrassed, Kaoru wrenched her eyes away from him and looked at the wall instead, as if something otherwise more interesting was engraved on the wooden surface.

Two lamps, one beside the doctor and the other on the opposite side, illuminated the room in a tranquil amber glow. Shadows danced on the walls and ceiling, moving in tune with their silent melody, a beat that only they could hear and understand. The flames lighting the room swayed to the right and then to the left, reminding Kaoru of her previous dream and the constant moving boat.

Kaoru's hair was no longer secured in a ponytail and her bandanna and scarf were folded neatly in a corner of the room. She also noticed that she no longer wore her bloodied clothes but was now dressed in a more comfortable red yukata. Her stained clothes, like the boys, were hung outside in the mid-afternoon sun to dry. Kaoru, slightly pink, tightened the yukata around her form, feeling the gaze of both men burning onto her.

The doctor silently surveyed her for any other injuries or simple wounds. After a minute of coming up with nothing he looked down at her arm, which was bandaged in clean linen cloth, and with expert hands, secured the wrappings before leaning back, satisfied with his work.

"Now miss." His warm face was now replaced with a professional grim look, the smile long gone. No longer did he look like a warm-hearted elder that Kaoru had felt so secure with. Now, she could see the doctor that he truly was, with his many years of expertise evident on his stern elderly face. His golden eyes looked down at Kaoru's, a professional look reflecting off the opaque surface. "The scratch on her your cheek is nothing to worry about and will heal in time but the wound on your arm is rather serious."

Kaoru suddenly stiffened, her lips pursed tightly in a grim straight line. Seeing this, the doctor chuckled, the grandfatherly look returning in his face. "Don't worry, you'll live but I want to caution you to be careful." The doctor picked the tray and set it onto his lap.

"The knife had already cut through the first and second layers of skin and barely had made it to the third, skimming over a few nerves and saving your muscles from acquiring wounds." He stood, tray in one hand as he used the other to push his glasses back to its proper position.

"But I am almost sure that a scar will remain and your arm will be sore for a weeks time. That is why I advise that you reduce any type of stress on it so that the wound can close faster."

Kaoru nodded dumbly, muttering a quick "thank you" before drifting into silence. Now stamped on her arm was a mark signifying her departure from her old life. A symbol that would forever remain engraved on her flesh, a tattoo of her new way of existence.

"For now try not to think too much of it, just make sure to get enough rest."

The doctor ended, the warm smile back on his face. He took a few steps toward the shoji, one hand grasping the handle and pulling it wide open with a low thud. Rays of sunlight immediately burst through the open door, illuminating the room in the suns natural light and hitting Kaoru's vulnerable eyes. She instinctively whipped her the opposite direction as a sharp pain erupted in her skull. Having grown used to the dim light emitting from the lamps in the room the rays of sunlight was just too much for her sensitive eyes to take at the moment. The doctor seeing this stepped back in and instantly shut the door closed. "Sorry about that, I'll leave when you're asleep."

He sat himself beside Kaoru and set the tray down once more, waiting patiently for Kaoru to fall asleep. Kaoru rubbed at her eyes before turning to look at him and giving a nod. She lowered herself back onto her backside and buried her face in her pillow before taking a brief glance at the silent boy. The boy remained quiet, motionless, smiling. She wondered why he seemed to smile so much. Was it because he was just a happy person, an optimistic? She dug herself deeper into the covers, bringing the end of the sheets to her chin.

Maybe that's what she needed right now; a little bit of optimism. She needed for a few rays of light to break through the dark clouds that hung over her head since the night before. But would optimism really make the bleak situation any better? She was away from home and a few hours after starting her journey she was already in a clinic. She sighed. Was there truly a bright side to any of this, something that she could at least feel enthusiastic about?

Kenshin…

Yes, Kenshin. Now there was a thought. She gazed sadly up at the ceiling, a small frown etched on her face. She wondered what he was doing right then. He probably woke up early in the morning and fixed breakfast for her and the others, oblivious to the fact that she wasn't even there to enjoy the food.

She wondered how he felt about her absence, what he was doing about it at the moment. Probably searching for her even though he didn't have the slightest clue where she was. Maybe he felt upset, confused, or maybe even guilty. She cringed at the thought. She wished that he wouldn't burden himself with so much, that he could understand that what she was doing was for herself (even though he didn't know what it was) and that she wished not to bring harm the others.

Is that selfish?

She didn't know, but as long as everyone remained safe she was content. She would finish her journey to Hokkaido and see what this group of people wanted. After that she would return home.

Home…

She sighed, deciding it was best not to reminisce on memories of what she had left behind. She turned to her side and gazed solemnly at the flame still illuminating in its glass chamber. A few strands of hair hovered over her face as the rest circled around her form like a midnight black halo. Her eyelids slowly began to slide shut as she began to imagine herself back at the dojo, surrounded by all her close friends. A small smile spread across her lips as she slowly drifted to a realm of dreams and fantasies, fatigue overcoming her weak body. And as she slipped farther and farther away from consciousness the image grew more vivid in her mind and her smile grew wider.

And for a moment, everything seemed all right.


The sun slowly crept over the horizon, casting away the remnants of the night and bringing in the arrival of the day. It signaled to all onlookers that the day was approaching. Wisps of sunlight poured through the open window, mercilessly beating on Kenshin's face. A soft groan vibrated in the almost barren room as a hand went up and sleepily rubbed at still closed eyes. A dull ache shot through his back due to sleeping uncomfortably against the corner of the room. But he was used to such aches, during his wandering years comfort was not a daily luxury.

Wandering aimlessly through the roads of Japan, his vow the only thing compelling him to face the day, no matter how bad. Sometimes he would lack in food, sometimes in water. Sometimes in proper shelter to protect him from the climate. Each day was but a struggle for survival but as the years wore on he grew quite accustomed to the aimless life of a rurouni.

But the dojo was a huge contrast from his previous living style. Here at the dojo the warmth of a family surrounded him, it enveloped him in a soft and gentle embrace. Each day was like a gift to him, with surprises waiting for him beyond the next horizon, some good and some bad. Tomorrow truly was all up to fate to decide. Now days, he learned from yesterday rather than hanging onto it and using it as his only reason to move on with life.

He had Kaoru; he had great friends, a roof over his head, a great community of people. Everything was okay.

Kenshin's eyelids fluttered open, revealing soft violet eyes. Bits of fatigue shone in the amethyst orbs accompanied with sorrow swimming somewhere deep inside. The sakabatou held tightly in his arms was switched to his right hand as he lifted himself from the ground. He stretched out his limbs in order to rid of the last ounces of fatigue before straightening himself and dusting off his clothes.

Kenshin Himura now stood wide-awake.

A smile lit on his face as he stepped away from his corner and tucked his sakabatou in its proper place. With a soft swish he opened the shoji and stepped into the hallway.

Across the hall was Kaoru's room and his smile fell as he gazed at the door. He remembered vividly the images of last night. Kaoru with tears pouring down her face and her wretched sobs reverberating in the stormy night. To see Kaoru even the least bit upset was enough to make his heart churn and twist inside out. Whenever he witnessed her in pain, whatever type it may be, he too felt hurt.

A nagging sensation tugged at his heartstrings, summoning for him to open the door and check to make sure she was all right. Something deep inside compelled him to do so and almost unknowingly, he took a step closer to the door. His hand lifted in the air, hovering above the handle. Seconds faded and culminated into minutes as he stood there, contemplating in which was the right choice of action.

Suddenly, he stepped away, turned on his heel and continued on his way. He decided that if he checked on her she might wake up. Allowing her a few more minutes of sleep would be all right, at least until breakfast was ready so that she could wake up and find a nice hot meal ready for her.

His smile returned as he walked outside, his socks silent against the wood as he walked down each step before making it to the dusty ground. He pulled up the sleeves of his magenta gi and put on a pair of sandals before beginning to prepare breakfast. Quickly, he gathered firewood from beside the bathhouse and set it down within a circle of stones before striking a match and throwing it into the mass of firewood. The flame flickered and slowly began to spread. A few more seconds passed and the flames leaped higher into the air, bringing to life a newborn fire. Kenshin nodded in approval before continuing with his work, drawing water from the well and pouring it into a clean pan before setting it above the flame for it to boil.

Kenshin straightened himself and dusted his hakama before turning around and walking toward the shed where they kept the vegetables and all other types of food products. He had dropped the newly acquired food yesterday while running toward the dojo so the vegetable supply was prone to be quite low. His brows knitted together, the gears in his head turning as he contemplated on his next course of action.

He could use any left over vegetables to make miso soup. There wasn't enough rice so for now he would have to be content with just the soup even though he wasn't sure how happy the others would be with such a simple dish.

He grabbed the handle of the shed and opened the door wide open before leaning inside and grabbing a few carrots, a couple mushroom, a sharp clean knife, a cup of salt and a bucket before heading back toward his boiling pot. He squatted beside it, threw the mushrooms into the bucket and set down the cup of salt before taking hold of the carrot in his left and the knife in his right. He held the vegetable over the pot and began to cut into nice, small and delectable pieces and dropping them into the hot water. He grabbed the mushrooms and did the same with them before taking a bit of salt in his fingers and seasoning the stew with it. Satisfied, he smiled and leaned back, sure that his friends would take notice of the scent and come rushing outside.

And almost on cue he could hear a loud reverberating crash in the background and the gruff yell of someone very close and familiar to him.

"Oi! Watch where you're going Yahiko-CHAN!"

"YOU watch where you're going you TORI ATAMA! And don't call me Yahiko-chan!"

There was a second crash and Kenshin turned his head around only to witness an irritable Sano exit the house and make his way toward him with an angry Yahiko gnawing vigorously at his head.

"Ohayo Kenshin." Was his gruff greeting as he grabbed the boy by the scruff of the neck, pulled him off and effortlessly held him in the air. Yahiko growled, and began to blindly kick and punch in a variety of directions, hoping that at least one blow would land on the rooster head.

Kenshin waved his hands in the air, trying, but in vain, to calm the two down. "Mai mai you two, Kaoru-dono's still sleeping de gozaru yo…"

His words fell on deaf ears.

"Let me go tori atama! Let me go!" Yahiko demanded, flailing his arms and legs wildly in his grip.

Kenshin sighed but a smile remained on his face.

Sano shrugged indifferently and let go, watching as the boy landed in a pained heap on the ground, rear sticking in the air and face buried in the dirt. "You told me to let go." Sano stated snidely and with an amused grin on his face. He planted his foot on the boys' rear—much to Yahiko's angry protests—before looking up at the ex-swordsmen. "So Kenshin, whatcha making there?"

This truly was the place he belonged. All of these arguments proved that the two cared for each other, just like everyone else did here. He of course tried to calm the two down but nothing seemed capable of extinguishing their fond and fiery brawls. But truthfully he liked it better that way.

"Some miso soup." Kenshin responded, taking a quick glance at his food. "It should be ready soon de gozaru yo."

Sano cocked an eyebrow, ignoring the sound of Yahiko's complaints. "That's all? Didn't you go to the market just yesterday?"

Kenshin smiled sheepishly, letting out a soft chuckle. "I did but sessha accidentally dropped all of the newly bought food last night." Sano frowned, stepping away from Yahiko and standing beside Kenshin. "I guess its all right, long as you go back and get more food for lunch. A guy can't live off of miso soup alone."

Yahiko growled, lifted himself and angrily dusted off his clothes, giving Sano a heated glare. Sano smirked but paid no mind to his glower as if it were but a mere fly. "So Kenshin, tell me…what happened last night?"

His smile reversed its field as he turned around to stir his soup. A few seconds passed and he didn't say anything, just continued stirring. Suddenly, he stopped and set the stirring spoon down before answering.

"Sessha doesn't truly know what happened last night…"

In his mind the memory played once more. Like a broken record, playing and then restarting, playing and then restarting, never stopping.

He saw Kaoru. Her mud stained training clothes, her tear streaked face, her sobs. Sorrowful and grief stricken sobs that still echoed solemnly in his ears. Her pale cheeks and the falling rain, beating mercilessly on her form.

"Sessha returned home and found Kaoru, lying in the mud crying. I don't know why, she said it was just the thunder that had scared her but…"

"You don't believe her." Sano finished for him, eyes locked on the pot of bubbling stew. Kenshin nodded his ponytail bobbing up and down as he stirred the stew once more before standing up. "Even so, sessha won't pry into her business. She'll tell sessha when she's ready de gozaru yo for now I can simply give her a nice warm breakfast." His smile returned as he turned to go back to the dining room and set the plates on the table. "Yahiko, can you go wake up Kaoru-done and tell her that breakfast is ready?"

Automatically, Yahiko's head shot up at the request and he leapt to his feet, eager to complete the task. "Yeah, I'll go wake the old hag up." He remarked before sniggering and dashing toward Kaoru's room. Sano casually strode Kenshin, hands stuffed in his pockets as he watched Kenshin set the table.

"So you're not going to do anything?"

The plates clanked together as Kenshin placed them one by one. "There's nothing sessha can do until Kaoru-dono wishes to tell sessha."

Sano sighed, combing his fingers through his unruly dark black hair. "I guess you're right…I just wish that there was something we could do to help jou-chan. At least to figure out if she's in any real danger."

Kenshin stopped in his tracks. What if she truly was in real danger and they didn't find out until it was too late? What would he do then?

He continued placing the plates in their correct position. He simply would have to wait for her to tell him if she was in any real trouble. If he saw anything suspicious, aside from last night, then he would bring the subject up and ask her about it.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the thudding of approaching footsteps echoed in his ears and shook the very floorboards. Suddenly, Yahiko skidded to a halt in front of the dining hall. "Kenshin, it's Kaoru!"

His eyes widened and he immediately halted in setting the plates. "What about Kaoru-dono?" Sano looked down at the panting Yahiko. "Yeah, is jou-chan all right?"

Yahiko shook his head, his messy black locks swaying his movements. "That's the problem, she's not here!"

All was silent as the ex-gangster and ex-swordsmen exchanged similar glances and then gazed down at the boy. Sano coughed and cocked an eyebrow. "Is that all?"

"Whaddya mean is that all! Busu isn't here!"

Kenshin smiled taking a step forward and laying a comforting hand on Yahiko's head. "Yahiko, if Kaoru-dono isn't here then I'm sure she might've left for some early errands." He turned to look at Sano. "But it wouldn't hurt to look for her."

Sano nodded. "Sure. You guys search for her here, I'll go check for her in town."

Kenshin smiled and with Yahiko trailing behind him the two began their search for Kaoru, leaving Sano to his part of the job.

They searched in the house. Not a part of her in sight. They surveyed the training hall. There was no sight or sound of her practicing. The two even scanned the small sheds. Not even her essence was found in there.

"See!" Yahiko argued exasperatedly, flinging his arms out as the two walked toward the bathhouse. "I told you she wasn't here!" Kenshin gave a warm smile and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Mai mai, if she's not taking a bath then sessha is sure Sano found her in town. At the Akabeko or maybe even at Dr.Genzai's clinic."

If he was trying to convince anyone it was himself. Now, even he was starting to have trouble disagreeing with Yahiko.

But why would she just up and leave…?

That single question plagued his mind as they stopped in front of the bathhouse and gave a hard and firm knock. There was no answer and so the two cautiously opened the door and poked their heads inside. "Kaoru-dono? Are you in here?"

If she was then he sure was in for a pummeling! However, as long as he knew she was safe then it was worth.

But a heavy silence was their only answer and both Kenshin and Yahiko closed the door and walked away. It just didn't make sense. Why would Kaoru leave without telling them? She should've known that they (most especially him) would've been worried. Maybe it was just some urgent errand to take care of and she, being the sweet and selfless girl that she was, didn't want to wake anyone up.

Even so…I would've noticed the change in Kaoru's ki. I should've at least been capable of telling whether or not she left.

Something wasn't right here. Try as he might he couldn't bring his mind to pinpoint her ki. It was as if a black cloth now shrouded that part of his brain, leaving him blank and incapable of sensing her ki.

"Oi! Kenshin, come ere!" Sano's adamant yell immediately captivated his attention and instantly both Yahiko and Kenshin increased their pace into a run, dashing around the house and meeting with Sano near the gate. The two skidded to a stop. "Sano, did you find her?" Kenshin inquired, running his hands through his fiery red mane.

His voice was calm and revealed not a single hint of what he felt inside. Inside was hidden desperation to find her, to have her in his scope once more. Just so that he could tell that she was safe and get rid of the anxiousness churning and twisting in his stomach. The two faced Sano's back, facing the black kanji for "bad" scrawled on his jacket.

"No…" Sano finally answered, turning around to face them both. "But I found this…"

He held up his right hand, a piece of paper captured between his fingers.

Kenshin blinked and took the slip of paper in his hand, his amethyst eyes quickly scanning over the contents.

Violet eyes widened as Yahiko tried to take a peek at what it said.

No…that…that…can't be right…

He read it again, his mind failing to process what it said, his heart denying its meaning. And so he read it again, again, and again, simply to convince himself that what it said was real and it wasn't a jest. His eyes widened and his lungs tightened, restricting the air from entering.

A burning sensation filled his eyes and his vision blurred, the only clear thing being the kanji held before him.

Sayonara…

His mind was numb as his knees buckled and he collapsed on his knees, eyes still locked on the words. "K-Kaoru…" His light was now gone, the night slowly drifting back into his scope as the day faded away. Kaoru was gone; she wasn't there.

Why…Kaoru?

He shook his head, trying to deny that all of this was real. That everything was just one of his nightmares and he would soon wake up, only to find Kaoru sleeping peacefully in her room.

But the pain throbbing in his heart was real, everything was. His eyes were blank as his hands slowly let go of the paper. It fluttered to the ground and Yahiko leaned forward, surprise evident on his face when he finished reading. The three were silent from shock before Yahiko was the first to exclaim.

"That busu! Busu, busu, busu, busu, busu!" And he continued chanting the insult, shaking his head as he tried to stand strong, to show that he was unaffected. The chants went unnoticed to Kenshin as he remained on his knees, his mind numbed from shock and disbelief.

Kaoru-dono, Kaoru, his Kaoru was gone.

It was so simple, such a simple fact. It was nothing hard to understand yet it was if the whole situation was some complex mathematics formula. The message was clear, goodbye, but it seemed so cryptic, too much to fathom, just too much. Kenshin lowered his head, fiery red bangs obscuring his face.

"K-Kaoru…"

Tomorrow held new surprises for him. Sometimes good and other times bad. It was all up to fate.

And at the moment all Kenshin could think of was how cruel fate was to him.


The youngseventeen year oldwomansighed, her blue eyes witnessing as the trees that girded the plains rolled lethargically by, their branches waving in the breeze as if in a silent greeting. Her lips were pursed in an indifferent frown as the train continued to chug down the railway, steam emitting from a pipe and climbing slowly in the air.

She let out a soft yawn, lying back against the soft cushion of the seat, chin propped warily atop her palm. A sharp shrill whistle pierced through the air and the young woman immediately leapt up, grateful that her train ride was finally over. She stretched her arms in the air before stepping into the alleyway, watching as other passengers began to prepare to exit the train.

Another sharp whistle resounded through the air and soon the train station was in sight. The pace of the train began to slowly falter until it reached a complete stop, its doors wide open as it waited for its passengers to file out. The woman eagerly strode through the doorway and into the station running her slim fingers through her short silky black hair. Couples and families embraced, more then happy to be united with their loved ones again. Those that were solo solemnly made there out of the station, suitcase (if they had any) in hand. The woman grinned and briskly made her way out of the station. She stopped and paused, sucking in the rich Tokyo air before exhaling. A wide triumphant grin spread across her face. She had finally made it, now she could complete her task.

And without warning the woman broke into a run, bulleting toward the Kamiya dojo with sheer determination and diligence to finish her job fueling her as she raced toward the unsuspecting residents of the Kamiya dojo.


A/N: Well there ya have it. Finally, after several months I bring to you…chapter four. I hope you guys weren't disappointed. Now, I have begun with chapter five, which might I say will be out MUCH sooner! Thank you to all who were patient! I didn't spend much time revising this. I looked it over once and thought it was okay so here ya have it, mildly hot off the press work. Also, I thank all the reviewers! Responses are below. And the girl is NOT Kaoru, its a girl heading for the dojo at the same time period.

"Oro" object: Thanks! Its good to know someone thinks of this fanfic as nice.

Smiley: Sadly, I wasn't able to comply to your wish until months later but chapter updates will be more frequent now as I said in the last authors notes. Anyway, thanks for the review!

thundersister: I dunno why but it was your reviews that served as the most inspiration for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved all of my other reviews, I reall did but once I read your last review I was suddenly compelled to finish this! I truly didn't think that it would affect others and I thought I could take as long as I want, so long as I finish my exams. But once I read your review I realized I was being selfish AND unfair. But its great to know that there's someone who cares and wishes to see this fanfic updated more often. Thanks for your review and encouragement!

chibster: Thank you! I don't mean to sound arrogant but I have to admit that I think I write decently. Heh-heh, sorry for the cliffhanger, I hope that this chapter was enough to satisfy your desires. Thanks for the review!

Ebil Critic: Yeah, of course I'll credit you again. Give me something to credit you for first though. Heh-heh XD. Anyway, thanks for the review! Peace!

Yume: Thank you and I like the fact you enjoyed how Soujiro showed up. I personally liked that part as well but the whole thug battle thing was my favorite. XD (is rambling)

animefantic36: Oh, I'm sorry for the lack of fluff. Heh-heh, but I assure you the fluff factor shall elevate in later chapters. Thanks for the review!

The Bologna: Heh-heh, sorry about that. Thank yew for the review.

Loise: Thank you! At first I thought that the characters were a bit OOC but I guess they weren't. Heh. Anyway, thank you and I hope this chapter was just as mind captivating.

m: Thanks, I had always wondered about that.

blooded wyngs: Yeah, it just took me FOREVER to think of what to do with Kenshin and the others and what would happen. But thanks for the advice and I'll keep it in mind. And thank you, I already got one back and I, surprisingly and thankfully, aced it! (dances happily)

D-chan3: Thank yew for the vote and review!

Wow, that was a LOT more than I had expected but I am still very much grateful to all your reviews. Thank you to all the readers and reviewers, you ALL made my day and compelled me to continue with this story! KEEP ON VOTING AND REVIEWING! (flashes peace sign)