Chapter 3: Five years later…

A/N:

Okay...Well...I'm sorry with the last chapter...I suck at that one, and this chapter isn't really that great...But it's gives the real story.

Also the real story doesn't start until 3 years later, which will be in the next chapter. This chapter just shows how everything starts to come, making more sense.

Author Reviewer Response:

t42n24t2: Sorry if I disappointed you =-='' Hiko has a fever...Even the strongest man can get sick and can't do well...

Himura Gohei does die...He walked sorry into the forest and *plops* he fall downs...Plus he didn't kill Kaoru just to let you know...

Yeah...I would made the children run...but I was running out of time and it would create another conflict I guess?

I'm sorry if this story upset you! I wanted to do the way your opinion did...I was planning to do that

but...Yesterday was my birthday and so I couldn't write for too long. But thxs for speaking out your opinion =]

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, nor will I ever will...Kenshin & Kaoru don't belong to me and etc.

In the middle of the city that never sleeps

I stop walking

And I can't control this

Impulse?

In a large imperial castle, guards were being line up. The royalty people dressed in foreign clothes called gowns and trousers were surrounded behind the guards. A full moon was up in the sky, and moonlight was casting everywhere in the city of Kyoko.

A figure took a step out of the castle, making the crowd silence. The Emperor was wearing traditional Japanese clothing that was blue and black. The emperor also was wearing a new technology that was called glasses. He was wearing it over his eyes.

Then, several figures came up behind him, divided into two lines, and followed the superior ruler. Each of the men had their back straight, all taking powerful steps, and their face filled with no emotions.

The Emperor stopped in his step and raised his hand high. "Welcome people to the Imperial Castle!" He greeted, his voice loud and proud throughout the place. "I have an important announcement to make. Several years ago, you remember about the traitors that have blue-eyes…" The crowd nodded uneasily. Some of them were in confusion; others were wondering why the heck where this announcement was going to.

"Blue-eyes are part of the evil around the world, and we got rid of it in Japan already. But that's not what we are going to talk about. Today, we are going to talk about these people!" The Emperor turned around and motioned the people to walk in the front a little bit more.

"When we finally got the last Blue-Eye person killed, I started searching for people skilled with the swords. I have already gathered them here today, and these people will make up a powerful organization…Choshu organization is what it's called. This organization will eliminate all the evils in Japan. Anyone who disobeys me, a drug dealer, etc. will be search and killed by my organization!"

Several people in the crowd started muttering in fear. Even the little thing that is wrong will get them by his men. They knew just from looking at the men that they were strong, powerful, and terrifying.

"If anyone wants to object now to this organization, please do so…" The Emperor stared at the crowd, his eyes focusing hard on all of them. It made the crowd silence, all of them covered in more fear.

"Well, that is my announcement…Everyone dismiss to the party room please!" The Emperor turned around to look at his organization.

"You guys can go to the party room as well." With that said, he walked back towards the castle. Several ladies fled to him as soon as possible and dragged him even faster inside the castle.

"Pathetic…" A member of the organization said with distaste. "Our Emperor is just a womanizer and only wants power over those people…"

"Saito-san…I don't think those should be the words you say to our ruler…" Another warned.

"I'm only here to serve this man took away my job and threaten to kill my family. You have to understand that Okita…" Saito admitted and started walking towards the same path the Emperor took. The other member soon followed after him silently.

When they arrived at the party room, instrumental music filled the air. It was something foreign as always since their Emperor took interest in how the way American people lived. Most likely people would prefer the same traditional Japanese music, but the music here was catchy as it could be.

A member whistled at a lady that just walked pass by, leaving a scent of lavender hovering at them. "Now that there is a real lady…" The man started to drool but quickly wiped it off consciously.

"Takasugi, I have to agree on you with that…" A man name Iizuka remarked.

"If you want her, go get her…" The whole group turned towards a man who had his hair pulled up in a ponytail.

"Shishio, we all know…" Takasugi groaned and patted him on the back. "Do you have a girl you're into?" The man snickered loudly.

"I'm not into weakling creatures…" He confessed and then realized what he said when the whole group stared at him. All of their eyebrows rose in shock. "I'm not gay, you dim-wits!" The whole group raises their eyebrows even more before they nodded.

"Are we just going to stand here? Today is probably the only day where we get to have fun like this…" Katsura, commander of the group, spoke up. "So let's enjoy ourselves never before then!"

Everyone in the group cheered expect for one person. The man, or rather boy, just lean the wall, his head hung down a little low. The red flaming hair was of his was tied back in a high ponytail, and he was wearing a midnight blue hakama. The hakama pants, though, were the color of silver.

"Kenshin…" Katsura called as he approached him. The boy slowly lifted his head up, revealing amber slit eyes. The eyes were filled with anger, but his face clearly didn't show it.

"Loosen up, boy. You are too cold for your age…" Katsura only received a glare from the boy. "Just for today, and then you can be all cold what you want…"

"Katsura got a point, kid…" Takasugi blinked several times when the ice surrounding the amber iris was slowly melting away.

"Fine…" He spoke up and folded his arms against his chest. "It's just for a day…"

"That's good!" The older man patted the young boy in the back and headed straight towards a table filled with many types of food and drinks. He motioned the redhead to follow him, which Kenshin did.

"Want some sake?" Takasugi questioned as he lifted up a bottle.

"I'm too young…" Kenshin answered coldly. His eyes looked at the bottle curiously.

"How old are you kid?"

"Fifteen," the boy looked at the man now.

"Wow…" The man remark in amazement. "You sure are pretty young to drink this stuff and to be in this organization…"

"Hai…I am…"

"You must be really good if you caught Kanryu's attention. Anyway, it would be a good idea just to take a little taste out of the sake bottle." Takasugi handed him a small cup and poured the sake into it.

Kenshin stared at the cup uneasily. He wondered if it was a good idea to take on the man's advice. The man looked suspicious himself, but he also looked like a man you can trust as well.

With a sigh, Kenshin quickly lifted the cup to his mouth as fast as he could. The sweet, fruity taste took over his mouth, causing Kenshin to sigh in relief. A warm feeling lay on his chest now comfortably.

"I see you like the taste of this sake, huh? Well, you aren't getting anymore…" Kenshin's face became red a little, and he quickly looked away. His eyes were closed lightly.

"I don't like it all! I was just glad that I drank it as quickly as I could because I don't want to have another taste of it!" He lifted one of his eyelids and found the whole member group staring at him. "W-What?" The kid stuttered angrily.

"The kid showing emotions!" Akira, another member of the organization, exclaimed. "I would have never thought the kid would show any of them to this day!" Kenshin felt like he wanted to disappear from the spot. It was really embarrassing that people though of him as a robot! He only shut his feelings off ever since…

"Yo kid," Usui, another member, called. "You better want to lift both of those eyes up and start walking because the Emperor is calling for us." Kenshin nodded and got himself back together. The whole group started walking towards to the Emperor, who sat on a very tall, imperial chair that was covered in gold. Gemstones of rubies were all over the arm of the chair, making the Emperor more superior looking.

"I'm glad you guys made your way over here…" The Emperor started, casting everyone a look in approval.

"It's not like we had a choice or anything…" One mumbled under their breath. They were lucky, for the Emperor didn't hear the statement.

"I'm sorry for this, but please I need you guys to do this. The party has just started, but for an assignment will always go first. We need to eliminate all the evil in Japan, so tonight I'll need you guys to do this…" He handed Katsura the card. "Please do not disappoint me with your first task." The Choshu organization bow before their superior and left the room silently.

"One…Two…Three…" A little kid counted as he took his steps for the first time.

"Yahiko…" A girl moaned and went to grab the little kid before he walks too far. The little boy looked up at her and smiled brightly. He spread his arms wide open, and the girl immediately responded to it. She picked him up, and Yahiko wrapped his legs around her waist.

"You are really in the pain in the butt sometimes…" The girl admitted and resumed walking.

"Kaoru-nee-chan…" The little kid said as he snuggled his head on her shoulder. Kaoru was a little surprised by the action, but she patted his hair softly.

"Go to sleep now…" Her voice soft and caring. Yahiko nodded and closed his eyes slowly against the young girl's kimono. When she felt the boy's chi finally resting, she let out a deep sigh and looked up at the sky. Many stars were up, and the moon is finally full today.

'What am I going to do…I don't have enough money to support Yahiko or me…Worse is that finding a job is hard…'

Kaoru stopped at her tracks and blinked several times. She could see cherry blossoms in a distant, petals falling down slowly into a river right next to it. The river was barely making a noise, which Kaoru wanted it to since it will help her concentrate more.

'I need a job…And no one is going to stop me! Grrr! If only I hadn't pick up this kid by accident, I wouldn't have to be so busy trying to find a job! Wait…Never mind…I do since I have to feed myself. More importantly, I have to get a new hat! This hat is really starting to drive me crazy, and it's not going to protect my eyes any longer!'

Kaoru lowered her head down. Memories from her childhood swam in her head, but she quickly shook her head to get rid of them. It was almost painful just to think about the two most important people in her life. Now they were gone from her life in a snap, but now she has someone important back in her life now.

'Little Yahiko…Sooner or Later I'll have to abandon you since you can't be by Blue-eye people. It's only going to break my heart if you die because of me…'

Suddenly she felt a shock wave near her, and Kaoru quickly spun around in alarm. There was no one there to be seen, yet she felt someone's chi. it wasn't a strong chi, but it wasn't weak either. However, it was best not to put your guards down.

"Yahiko…" She whispered and shook the boy's back. The little boy slowly lifted his head and yawn loudly. "What is it, Kaoru-nee-chan?"

"I need you to get off of me right now!" She snapped and without any warning, Yahiko was already on the floor. He stared at the older girl curiously, wondering what was going on. He barely remembers getting on the floor that fast.

The next thing that registered in his mind was that Kaoru pulled something out of her obi, revealing a long wooden sheath. She popped the sheath out, and a long curved blade that was a katana appeared.

"Kou!" Kaoru demanded furiously and directly went into a stance. "If you don't want appear, then I will come after you!" There was silence for a few seconds until minor footsteps could be heard, and a lady appeared. She was wearing a yellow kimono that tied with a red obi. The lady also appears to be around her thirties as well.

The reaction on her face seemed to be startle upon seeing a thirteen year old girl standing in the middle of the streets, armed. "I'm sorry little girl. I didn't mean to scare you and your brother!" The lady admitted, taking steps closer to the girl.

"I thought it was just those thugs…" She added and suddenly grabbed Kaoru's hands. "However, you are much stronger than those people…" The lady examined the calluses on her hands. "This even shows how long you've been holding a sword…"

Kaoru felt sweat drops clinging onto her face. What did this lady want from her? Whatever it is, she just wanted her come forward with it. The girl would never want to admit this, but she felt the butterflies in her stomach that must have returned from…that time…

"Um…Miss? I'm sorry, but I don't like being touch by strang-" The lady unexpectedly cupped her face between her hands.

"Blue-eye…" The lady's eye rose up in shock. "You are a Blue-eye?"

Kaoru bit her lips nervously. Was this lady going to report her to the Emperor? Or was this lady going to kill her on spot?

"Come with me, and bring that boy along as well!" Kaoru blinked several times in confusion. "Hurry!" The lady crossed her arms over her chest impatiently. The girl blinked one last time at her before she reached and grabbed Yahiko.

The lady pulled Kaoru to an alley immediately. After several curves and turns, she started thinking when they would actually reach where the lady wanted to go. It seemed like thirty minutes actually passed by, even though it was only twenty.

'If we don't reach there by now, I'm going to die! And how can I be so stupid! I let myself be revealed, all thanks to my hat and her curiosity!'

She turned to looked at Yahiko, who was holding onto her hand tightly, trying to catch up with her speed. He looked over to her and smiled as brightly as he could for this situation. Sometimes it ache her a lot when she sees the little boy trying to be strong, even though he was only five years old. It really was sad to see him like this. The last time he was trying to smile was when they ran into a couple of thugs, and the thugs captured Yahiko.

'No more going to dig in the past memories, okay? You already looked at them too much, so don't focus on it!'

Slam! Kaoru finally focused on her surroundings. "Where are we?" She let out in amazement. It was her first time in being in an actual building! She inhaled the smell of juicy beef deeply.

"We are at the Akabeko, a restaurant that I own. However, it isn't just a restaurant, but only certain people know that." Kaoru cocked her head and raised a perfect eyebrow up.

"Oh how rude of me!" The lady gasped. "I didn't introduce myself! I'm Sekihara Tae, and I'm the owner- just like said! What's your name?" Tae stared at Kaoru and Yahiko, her eyes filled with determination, which makes Kaoru even more uneasy.

"I'm Kamiya Kaoru, and this is Yahiko…He doesn't have a last name, but I'm adopting him as my brother…" Tae nodded and gave a friendly smile to the two kids.

"That must mean your Arai and Miyuki's daughter." Kaoru didn't look at her. "I'm here to help you, Kaoru…" She then finally looked up.

"Why do you want to help me?"

"Because you are my friend's daughter. Plus…you are a Blue-eye…"

"So…? You are only going to get in trouble for keeping us here…" Kaoru glanced over to the side, feeling the tears coming out a little. She didn't want to get anyone in trouble. It hurts to see someone innocent to be torture because of her…Just like last time…

"I agree, but the Emperor can never catch you or the other Blue-eye people I hid them from!" The lady exclaimed excitedly.

"Huh?" Kaoru asked, her eyebrows arched. A smile curled on the lady's lip.

"Misao, Aoshi!" Tae called out, revealing two kids trotting from the back, ages were probably around the same as Kaoru. One boy and one girl. "I would like you to meet Kamiya Kaoru and Yahiko!" She introduced.

Kaoru blushed slightly when the girl had a wide smile. "H-Hi…" She stuttered nervously.

"Hi!" Kaoru slightly yelped at the outburst. "I'm Misao! Nice to meet you, Kaoru!" She grabbed her hand all the sudden and shook it with energy.

"Hi…" The boy said behind Misao. "I'm Aoshi…Nice to meet you…"

"Hai…" Kaoru could only say. "Your eyes are red…" She bluntly said as she examined the eyes. They were color of blood, but much brighter as if it was fresh new cut.

"Mhm…," Tae interject, "they are Blue-eye people too…" Kaoru grimaced and glanced at the lady, eyes narrowed.

"Their eyes aren't blue…" She wanted to add stupid after that, but she decided to keep her mouth shut.

"Yes that's because of this," Tae started. She pulled something from her sleeves that was a miniature box case. When she lifted the lid, there were two circles that were transparent. It was almost like a glass, except it was softer looking.

"What's that…?" Yahiko asked, jumping up and down to see the object.

"Theses are contact lens…I went over to America a few years ago and found these. I also learned how to make contact lens as well…However the contact lens I make have colors in them, and you place them over your eyes." Tae explained and handed the box towards Kaoru.

"Nobody know about theses expect for a few people, but anyway, Kaoru keep them."

"Wait, why?" Tae blinked several times, probably wondering was this girl not smart enough? Kaoru would have answer yes on that because apparently its night and she can't think straight.

"To help disguise you. People won't notice that you are a Blue-eye."

"Why are you helping me though? Do you know what would hap-?"

"Yes I know what would happen. The Emperor himself is not the ruler that should be ruling over Japan. The whole Blue-eye incident is just a mess, and it was unnecessary to kill them because of something like that!" Tae exclaimed angrily, her hand clenching into a fist.

"I'm creating an organization that will oppose to the Emperor. When I have enough people to make the organization, we will strike and protect the civilians. The Emperor only wants power to rule over people. He wants to show everyone they can't go against him. But my organization will! He will no longer torture the low just because he's the Emperor! And he will no longer have power over us. This is why the organization is going to be created, and our goal will come true!" Kaoru's eyes went large, admiring her passion and determination.

"Other than that, I just want to help the people out…" Tae added. "Now, let me show you how to put them in!" She grabbed the box from Kaoru's hand and tapped her finger on the lens. "Keep your eyes wide open, okay?" In a flash, Kaoru felt something forcing again her eyes thickly. It stings a lot, making Kaoru wanting to cry, but she forced the tears away from the surface. "Sorry if it burns, but it will take time to get use to it." The older lady apologized.

"Thank you…"

"You can also live in this place as well under one condition! You'll have to help around the place!"

"Okay!" Kaoru immediately agree, jumping up and down excitedly. "Thank you some much, Tae-san!" She went down on her knees and bow. "I'm really grateful you are helping me!"

"Mhm…However, you are going to be doing chores all over the house every hour…"

"I'll do it still!" Kaoru exclaimed. "I really need this job, so I can help Yahiko, you, and myself!"

Tae blinked several times, startled at the girl's remark. She would have expected the little girl to be throwing fits and snapping at her. And somehow, she felt disappointed a little.

"Okay, I'm going to find a guest room for you and your brother, so stay here and play with Misao-chan and Aoshi-kun." With that said, she left the room in silence.

"SO!" Misao yelled excitedly right away. "How did you get away from the Emperor?" She received a slap on the arm, which was hissing on her skin. "Aoshi!" The girl moaned angrily at the boy. The boy looked away, having a mischievous grin flickered on his face.

Kaoru nervously twiddled with her the tendril of her hair. "Um…Where do I start…" The girl muttered softly. "Well, it was Christmas day I believe and these two-" Silence filled the room uncomfortably when tears started coming out of her eyes. She quickly swallowed and continued. "These two people save me and took me in…" It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole thing story as well.

"Oh…" Worry touched the other girl's eyes. "I'm sorry if it was painful…You didn't have to tell me you know…"

Aoshi, behind her, snickered loudly. "This is why I told you not to be a noisy person, Misao." He received a growl, but he ignored her completely. Another mischievous smile was gain, curling on his face. "I see you dealt with some hard stuff. Well, I hope we all get along very well."

"Just one more year and Okina will establish the organization. And then you are going to be the leader as well…" Aoshi just shook his head, not seeming to care about it. However, in the eyes, it showed how honor he felt.

"That organization Tae-san was talking about?" Yahiko questioned and walked over to Misao, who stared at him, surprised. She took noticed of his chubby cheeks and the pink blush across his face, giving him a childish, but innocent characteristic looks.

"Hai…" Misao smiled helplessly. "I'm in the Oniwabanshu group, which is the organization…duh!" She added excitedly. "We are going to oppose to the Emperor because we believe that-" Aoshi quickly cupped her mouth, not wanting to hear her rambling on and on with admiration.

"I think they get the point, Misao…Why? Because Tae-san already explained it you dim-wit!" Misao's eyes went large, and she quickly jerked herself away from him.

"You…." Misao started but was interrupted when Tae-san entered the room.

"You room is ready Kaoru-chan, Yahiko-chan!" She announced and lead them way to their room. Aoshi and Misao had nothing else to do so they curiously followed them as well.

"Your room is right here," the older lady said as she reached a stop.

"My room is across from here, and Aoshi's room is besides mine!" Misao informed loudly as she hug Kaoru tightly randomly.

"We are going to be best friends for ever!" She sang in a tune and twirled around like a butterfly. "This is the best day ever!" Without any warning, Misao slide the shoji door roughly and tossed Kaoru in there, along with Yahiko of course.

"Get some good rest," Aoshi said as he went to his room.

"Yeah! Good night guys!" Misao raced into the room and pulled out futons from the closet. Tae nodded in approval and then left to go to her own room.

"Wait, you're sleeping here?" Kaoru asked as she helped Misao set out the futon.

"Mhm…" Misao hummed as she pulled out yukatas from the closet as well.

"Here!" She shoved them to Yahiko and Kaoru. "Sleep in theses, and don't worry they should most likely fit your size!"

"Okay…Thanks Misao-chan!" Kaoru finally smiled brightly at her, causing Misao to blush.

"You have a pretty smile…" She commented under her breath and placed the yukata on her, not bothering to change. Kaoru nodded in thanks and pulled Yahiko closer to her.

"Come on, Yahiko. Let me put this yukata on you, then you can sleep!" The little boy groaned in frustration, but he followed her instructions. His arms were straight open, allowing Kaoru to put the yukata over him. "There you go," she said as she patted his stomach. "Let's go to sleep."

A/N:

Okay...Before some of you guys starts asking questions and probably yelling, I'm going to answer the possible questions you guys might ask!

"Why is Kenshin in the Emperor's organization?" Well...He wants to help the people around and eliminate the "evil" in Japan.

"Doesn't he know or at least think that it was all the Emperor's fault that his 'little sister' was killed (a.k.a. Kaoru)?" Um...Kind of hard to explain, but yes. Ever since Kaoru was "killed", he just forgets about her completely, only just moving on. So now he's on this logic saying where, "he has to kill all the evil" and such and such

"Are contacts even invented around the 1800s?" Yes, they were...

Well that all I can think of right now, so don't bite me!

So the ages right now for them is:

Kenshin-15 years old [Chapter two= 10 years old obviously]

Kaoru-13 years old [Chapter two= Close to eight years old]

Yahiko-5 years old

Misao-12 years old

Aoshi- 14 years old

Kanryu- Around the 30-40 years old range

Tae- Around 30 years old...Possibly 40

Hiko- 35 years old in all the chapters until now, which is 40

Also thank you guys for the review! Continue to write more! It'll inspire me to write this fanfiction! (: Hope you like this!

Translation:

None this time...I'm kind of lazy...