Yay, chapter ten! So this chapter is otherwise known as Kaoru finds out what is really going on, but not everything because at this point even Kenshin doesn't know all of it. Read on to find out what happens! Same as every other chapter, standard disclaimer applies!

Mia21

Having found an old ink painting by her grandfather while she was cleaning the day before, Kaoru decided that she would head into town to sell it. After obtaining what she thought was a fair price for the painting, Kaoru slowly made her way back through Oyama, stopping to look over the crafts one booth was selling.

"What do you think of the news?" A woman asked from the other side of the stall.

"You'll have to tell me it first." The stall owner said.

"Apparently, Ryo Shibata saw the werewolf last night, leaving his father's house." The woman told the stall owner excitedly.

The stall owner seemed to share Kaoru's opinion on how exciting that was. "So?"

"His father was dead, and missing an entire chest of money. Whoever the werewolf really is killed Katsuo and stole from him." The woman said.

The stall owner nodded. "We always knew that werewolf was trouble. Maybe now we can actually get help in getting rid of him."

Turning away from the conversation, Kaoru hurried home.

'I just can't believe Kenshin killed Katsuo and robbed him,' Kaoru thought. 'But is that only because I think I know him?'

Arriving back at the dojo, Kaoru found that Kenshin was there again this morning.

'I'll find out one way or another.'

Approaching Kenshin, who was today doing laundry for her, Kaoru saw him stop and yawn.

"Good Morning Kaoru." He said.

"Kenshin. Tired again today?"

Kenshin nodded. "I was up late trying to get to sleep." He told her.

"Hmm, or are you tired because you were robbing and killing Katsuo Shibata last night?" Kaoru clipped.

"What?" Kenshin asked, confused and somewhat shocked.

"People in town today are all talking of Katsuo Shibata's robbery and death. His son, Ryo, claims to have seen the werewolf fleeing his father's house. Please tell me this isn't true, Kenshin." Kaoru lamented.

Avoiding her eyes, Kenshin whispered, "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" Kaoru queried.

"The last thing I remember yesterday is heading home after Masaki Ito and I finished painting his restaurant. The rest is blank."

Nodding, Kaoru said, "Okay then. You're going to stay here tonight so you can't be forced to do anymore robbing or killing."

"Thank you, Kaoru." Kenshin said, grateful she was willing to look after him.

Across town, Makoto was learning all about who was due in town that night, a particularly wealthy couple. Yoichi and Keiko Erikawa. He was told that rather than carrying a lot of Yen, they preferred writing promises that they called cheques. He was told, however, that Keiko liked to wear diamonds everywhere. Diamond earrings, bracelets, necklaces, she traveled with it all. He rubbed his hands together under the table in anticipation of owning that many diamonds.

After Kenshin and Kaoru had finished eating dinner that evening, Kaoru led him out to her storage building.

"I'm sorry, but it's safer this way." Kaoru told him.

"Don't worry, it's alright." Kenshin said, heading inside with her extra futon.

Taking a deep breath, Kaoru left him alone, making sure to close the door and secure it with a wooden beam, knowing he would at least be safe inside.

Kaoru slept badly that night, continually waking up and wondering if Kenshin was alright. When morning came, she put on her robe and walked from the dojo to the storage building. Knocking, Kaoru called, "Kenshin? Are you alright?"

"Yes, Kaoru, I'm fine!" He called back.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Kaoru unbarred the door and threw it open, allowing let her to get a good glimpse of the inside of the door which was scraped and chewed up. Kaoru gasped, her eyes traveling to Kenshin as he approached her.

"Apparently, I wasn't very happy to be stuck in here last night." Kenshin shrugged.

"Well, at least it worked." Kaoru said.

Kenshin nodded. "Yes. Thank you again."

"You're welcome."

"Breakfast?" Kenshin asked.

"Only if you cook it." Kaoru laughed.

"Agreed."

Kenshin was just finishing his breakfast when Kaoru, who kept glancing at him, looking for any ill effects from last night, saw him raise his head and listen carefully, as though someone was talking to him. He stood up then, walking to the dojo's side door and outside, which put him just a scant twenty feet from Aokigahara.

"Kenshin?" She called and saw him raise his hand.

"There's just something I need to do." He told her.

Scrambling, Kaoru slipped on her shoes and followed him, making sure to stay well back. When Kenshin entered a meadow, Kaoru slipped behind a tree, watching.

So what do you guys think Kenshin is doing and what is Kaoru going to find out now? If you leave me reviews I will update more quickly, plus you're showing me your love! Stayed tuned for chapter eleven!

Mia21