Author's Note: This is what I call a foundational chapter, one that lays the groundwork for the upcoming twists. Here is where you get to know the couple, Danjuro and Tamiko and the roles they will play in Kenshin and Kaoru's lives and how they will affect the plans for the wedding. And I had to put one of my favorite supporting characters in the story from the RK universe, Katsu—I just love him and would love to do a one-shot with him on the life of a crusading journalist in the Meiji and his changing view of Kenshin, a former Imperialist. He was against him at first in eps 23 & 24 but in the third season, he played a major part, assisting Kenshin and Jinpu in the Feng Shui Arc. And the background information on Christian persecution at that time has been used courtesy of a link on a website about Japan. Thanks to all the readers and especially the reviewers.

Glossary for Japanese words and terms:

Hitokiri--Assassin

Kodachi—A short sword used for combat, shorter than a katana—the weapon of choice for Aoshi

Tanto—A dagger

Hontoo desu ka—Is that so?

Shinsengumi—Actual elite government sanctioned corps of swordsmen who supported the military rule for 250 years

Honto ni--Really

Kenjustu—Swordsmanship

Katsujin-ken—Literally "The sword that protects"—Kaoru's Kamiya Kasshin Ryu is this sword style.

Tatani-- Woven straw mats that are flooring for Japanese homes. Shoes are removed before entering a Japanese home to keep the tatani clean and intact.

A SIP OF LIVING WATER

Later, Kenshin made his pardons to Kaoru as he and Sanosuke headed to the rundown section of Tokyo past the marketplace where several rowhouses were located and Tsukioka Tsunan or Katsu as Sano referred to him lived and published his weekly newspaper. His publication was mostly filled with editorial pieces that came against the Meiji Government. Through the funds earned by his formidable talents as a characture artist Katsu was able to acquire a crude printing press, ink, and paper for his newspaper. The circulation of the tabloid had increased throughout Tokyo and the surrounding villages, even though it was considered an underground news source.

On the way there, Kenshin had told Sanosuke about the Akai Ryu and what he had remembered about them during the Bakumatsu as they strolled toward the rowhouse.

Sano let loose a low whistle. "So they were part of the Shinsengumi, eh? So that creep Saito must know about them."

Kenshin replied, "I don't know if he does or not. The group at the Akabeko may just be a group that took the name but considering the weapons they wore, I doubt it. They had katanas, kodachis, and tantos, concealed but they had them. They had every intention of killing Danjuro-san and his wife, that they did."

Sano was curious. "But why would they want to kill those two? They just seemed like normal folks."

Kenshin did not answer but continued silently on his way, a grim expression on his usually serene visage warning Sano not to push for more.

Kenshin and Sano stepped over to the last unit, which had looked deserted until Sano's knock caused the shoji to slide open and Katsu stood there, his aqua eyes narrowed until he saw Sanosuke.

"Sano, it's good to see ya, idiot!" He clapped his former Seikei Houtai partner in crime heartily on the back as the latter chuckled.

"Hey, you big turd. You remember Kenshin, don't ya?" Sano gestured to the diminutive former hitokiri by his side.

Katsu nodded as his smile faded. "Kenshin, I'm gonna say something I never thought I'd ever say to an Imperialist. I've seen your desire to protect the innocent and your shunning of this sham government we have so I consider you an ally and friend. Welcome." And he stepped back and motioned both men into his room, shutting the shoji.

Kenshin bowed as he said formally, "Thank you, Tsukioka-san."

Katsu grimaced as he said, "Just call me Katsu. As I told you, I consider you a friend." They all took seats on the tatani as he asked, "Now, what can I do for you?"

Sano grinned as he responded, "Well, Kenshin here's about to become a married man." He slapped his best friend on the back as Kenshin chuckled sheepishly, a blush on his face.

Katsu grinned as he said, "Hontoo desu ka? Well, omedeto Kenshin. I take it your bride is the lovely Kaoru-san of the Kamiya Dojo?"

Kenshin nodded, "Hai. We were wondering if you publish wedding announcements in your newspaper, that we did."

Katsu answered, "Are you familiar with my newspaper?"

"Hai. I read it when I can."

Katsu continued, "So you know what I write about and publish. Society fluff is not my cup of tea."

Kenshin snorted, "Kaoru and I are hardly high society, that we are not."

Katsu pondered for a moment then he brightened as the idea came clear to him. "You know that's true. You being the former Hitokiri Battousai and Kaoru-san as a young parentless girl living with three unrelated men are not exactly the average engaged couple. It might be just the kind of feature that fits my newspaper. Okay, I'll do it." He reached back for a jug of sake and saucers. "Let's drink to your bride, Kenshin. As fine a lady as they come."

Sano grinned widely as he accepted the poured libation. "I'll drink to that."

Kenshin smiled warmly as he toasted to his koishii. As the drink was tossed down, he set the saucer aside and then addressed Katsu again.

"There's something else I want to ask you, Katsu. Are you familiar with a group known as Akai Ryu?" Kenshin wanted to know.

Katsu sat and mused with his eyes closed, in apparent deep thought. He then replied, "I seem to recall a group like that as an offshoot of the Shinsengumi back during the revolution. Why do you ask?"

Kenshin continued, "They appear to be harassing some folks that belong to a group called Itikaku Mizu."

"Aa, the Hanare Kirisihan group here in Tokyo," Katsu stated. "But that's not all the Akai Ryu are connected with. I have it on good authority that they are bitterly opposed to the Meiji government and are planning something. However, I don't know what their plans are."

Sano and Kenshin exchange glances and Sano inquired, "They aren't just a group of troublemakers?"

Katsu shook his long raven tresses. "It doesn't seem so, Sano. I'm not really all that sure about them but I can ask my contacts to gather some information for you. Come back in about a week and I'll have some information for you," he promised.

Both Kenshin and Sano got up to leave and thanked Katsu as they exited. Both headed back to the dojo, their minds mulling over what happened at the Akabeko and what Katsu had said so they remained silent as they headed home.


The next evening at sunset, Kenshin and Kaoru were heading to where Kamioka Danjuro and his wife Tamiko dwelled. Tamiko had sent a letter with exact directions so they both had taken the turn at the main street that led to a simple house, set away from the road. Tamiko was waiting on the porch to guide them with a lantern to aid the fading light of day.

"I'm so happy you've come. Please enter and welcome." They entered into the house, which was sparsely furnished but inviting with elaborate flower arrangements scattered about. Candles illuminated the inside with a warm light that added to the atmosphere but there was also a sense of peace and security that both Kenshin and Kaoru noticed right away.

Kaoru handed her the bamboo box of rice balls Kenshin had made earlier. "Arigatou. Please accept this as a gift from us. Kenshin made just made them."

"Arigatou." Tamiko took them and raised a slim brow as she inquired, "Honto ni?"

Kenshin nodded as Kaoru replied sheepishly, "I'm afraid I'm not a very good cook. Kenshin, however, has a great gift in preparing food."

He squeezed her hand as he said, "Please don't put yourself down, koishii. Kaoru is the finest sensei of kenjustu in the area and she teaches the art of katsujin-ken, that she does."

Tamiko's hazel eyes grew wide in amazement as she regarded the unusual couple before her. She led them into the parlor and motioned for them to sit.

"Please make yourselves comfortable. I'll get some beverages and my husband shall join you shortly. He's doing his evening devotions, he does them daily at sunset." She waited until Kenshin and Kaoru were seated and then went out of the room.

Kaoru glanced around at the beautiful flowers and remarked. "It's so nice in here, it feels like I'm in an indoor garden."

"Aa. And there's a sense of peace in here that goes beyond mere comfort," Kenshin pointed out. "I can feel the presence of Kami-sama in here, that I can."

Danjuro entered the room and said in response. "We like to believe his presence is everywhere. Tamiko's love of flowers, however truly promotes the feeling further." He sat to Kenshin's right as he said cordially, "I'm so glad you both are here with us this evening."

Kaoru bowed her head as she answered, "We are honored to be here."

Kenshin bowed as well. "Hai, we are happy to be here, that we are."

Tamiko entered carrying a tray bearing a chilled bone pitcher of ginger limeade and four goblets. "I hope you don't mind not having sake before dinner. We don't drink alcohol."

Kaoru smiled as she reassured, "Don't worry about it. We don't drink sake that often."

Kenshin nodded, "That's very true, we usually drink tea."

"We'll have tea with dinner," Tamiko said as she served the beverage. "Since the day is still quite warm, we hope you'll enjoy this."

Kenshin and Kaoru both took sips of the green liquid and were pleased to see that it had a pleasant sensation as it slid down. The flavor was different but pleasing with the twin tang of ginger and lime sweetened with honey and was quite thirst quenching.

The two couples enjoyed the drinks while they chatted and then Tamiko rose to get the meal. Kaoru rose to offer her help, leaving the men to themselves to talk.

Danjuro took another drought of the beverage as he began, "So am I correct in assuming that you and Kaoru-san have become believers in Christ recently?"

Kenshin nodded as he sipped his drink. "Hai. I was intrigued by the faith when we were in Shimabara last year and became even more so when we were there recently. I found this on the way." He held out the slim black book that he had been reading since finding it on the ship to Nagasaki.

Danjuro took it and thumbed through the pages. "Hmmm, this is a hand translated version of the New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. They are rare but there have been a few around since the edict was lifted. You are very fortunate to have found it." He handed the tome back to Kenshin who replaced it in his pocket.

Kenshin took another sip as he said, "I have found many things in there that gave me the peace that has eluded me so for ten years. Prior to finding it, an incident occurred that brought me to the brink of being a manslayer again."

"Oh?"

Kenshin lowered his head as he continued, "Kaoru and I were traveling and we were spending the night in a clearing in the wilderness. She had gone to bathe and when she did not return I went to see if she was all right. I heard her scream and some vagabonds that intended to harm her were attacking her. I rushed forth and attacked them with my sword and I was filled with a bloodlust that rivaled the likes of the type I had experienced during the Bakumatsu. I yearned to spill their blood."

Danjuro studied the remorse that was painted on the visage that had once been the nightmare of men in the revolution. He saw the turmoil that still bubbled beneath the benign surface of the meek rurouni. It was apparent that Kenshin's peace was fleeting and still a sought after commodity and Danjuro said a silent prayer for the tormented man before him.

"Kenshin-san, you must allow yourself to heal. The Battousai is something that you cannot readily turn your back on any more than any of us who killed during the chaos in Kyoto can. I still have nightmares and there are times the faces of those I slew float before my eyes as they fill with tears, begging for forgiveness. But true atonement and forgiveness came to us through the shedding of blood on Calvary's tree. And that sacrificial shedding of his own blood can wash away the guilt of the river of blood that we caused with our own hands."

Kenshin closed his eyes as he felt the sting of tears at Danjuro's words. He felt a warmth enter in his heart that chased away the chill that the dark memories always brought, the warmth of forgiveness and unconditional love. He took a deep breath as he composed himself.

"Forgive me, Danjuro-san. It still amazes me that I can feel total forgiveness for all the countless sins I committed. It is a concept I have a hard time grasping at times."

Danjuro moved closer as he stated, "You carry a heavy cross, the one signified by the cross shaped scar on your cheek. But the true cross, the one born willingly by the Savior, has the power to lighten the burden you bear, if you let it."

Tamiko then peeked into the parlor and announced, "Dinner is ready now."

At the summons, both men rose to join the women, the words spoken between them weighing on each man individually. . . .

After the meal, both couples retired back to the parlor as the easy conversation that flowed between them during dinner continued. The talk then drifted to the recent conversion of Kenshin and Kaoru as Kenshin relayed how they both accepted Christ.

Tamiko eyes shone with joy for them as she responded, "It's so wonderful that you'll begin your lives together in the fellowship of the Savior. We were almost the same, eh anata?" She gazed lovingly at Danjuro who reached and squeezed her hand.

"Hai, koishii," her husband replied. "I was first to accept Him after the Bakumatsu and then when we began to formally court, I began to realize that Tamiko's family were one of the families that were under the persecution that took place in Urakami. Her mother and father both perished, leaving her alone. A family that survived the fourth persecution took her in and raised her to adulthood. I met her at a secret prayer meeting that I had discovered while in Nagasaki and fell in love with her instantly." He smiled at his wife gently as Kenshin and Kaoru both watched with smiles lighting their faces.

"What a story," Kaoru said in awe.

"And the persecution," Kenshin added. "I had heard stories in my travels but the details were sketchy. What was it like?"

Tamiko closed her almond eyes as she replied, "It was brutal. We were gathered like cattle and confined in dingy dark cells. The beatings were horrible but death came when we were subject to exposure to the cold of winter. But we all trusted in the promises of our Savior."

Kaoru commented, "When Kenshin and I were in Shimabara recently, we visited a field on a cliff filled with crosses. It was quite a sight to behold."

Danjuro nodded, "One can never truly forget a visit to 'Martyr's Hill'. Twenty six Christians lost their lives for their faith by being crucified, like our Savior."

Kenshin's eyes became gold tinted as he responded, "Twenty six innocent people died just because they chose to follow Christ." His hands on his knees clenched tight in indignation as his inherent desire to protect the innocent rose in him.

Danjuro saw the conflict on the former hitokiri's face and said, "It is the path we choose to trod. In the scripture it says: 'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain'."

Kenshin remarked, "From the book of Philippians."

Danjuro smiled, "You know the scripture, Battousai."

Kenshin again withdrew the slim black tome from his gi and showed it to Danjuro. "I've been reading it daily since."

"May I see it again?"

Kenshin nodded and handed the book to his new friend. Danjuro perused through it as his eyes widened. "Where exactly did you find this?"

"On the ship to Nagasaki. It was in a corner in my cabin, discarded."

Danjuro motioned to his wife and she too looked through it, astonished. He stated, "This is a very good hand done translation of the New Testament. There are very few around, you are blessed to have found it." He handed the book back to Kenshin who took it and replaced it in his pocket with great care.

Danjuro said softly, "I too, have a translation but that one is quite remarkable. Most times when zealots of the former regime discover one, it is promptly destroyed. They are quite precious and very rare." He and Tamiko got to their feet and motioned to their guests.

"Come, we want to show you something," he said lighting a rice paper lantern and motioning to the rear exit.

They headed out to the courtyard and a building in back that appeared like a storehouse, similar to the one at the dojo where Kaoru had banished Kenshin after the unfortunate bathhouse incident his first day with her. They all climbed the few stairs and then stepped inside, holding the lantern up to send a dim illumination into the interior.

The inside was set up with a wooden lectern and rows of benches, like a meeting house. But the thing that was most noticeable was that the few windows were covered with slatted shutters, allowing for no outside light. Kaoru took note and curious, ventured a question.

"Why have the windows been shuttered? You have them completely blocked off."

Tamiko replied, "Because we are a Hanare Kirishitan group, it is important that nobody knows of our existence. We have our meetings at night so any glow from our lanterns or candles would show to the outside so we built shutters to close them."

Danjuro nodded as he added, "Hai, that is why we have built this building away from the road and far back. Our members know where we are and they come through the main house to get back here." He regarded Kenshin and Kaoru with a smile. "You both are welcome to come to our next meeting, the evening after tomorrow."

Kenshin smiled as he replied, "We just may do that, that we will." Kaoru nodded and smiled as he accepted. . . .

Soon after, Kenshin and Kaoru bid their gracious hosts good night and headed toward the dojo. They were nearly to the front gate as Kenshin took note that Kaoru was especially pensive and worried about the absence of her chatter, he stopped her and made an inquiry.

" You're very quiet, tenshi. Is there something wrong?" he asked, his lavender eyes soft in the lantern light as he gazed at his love.

Kaoru sighed as she replied, "I was just thinking how it must feel to be hated and hunted so that you have to hide. What a life!"

Kenshin nodded, frowning as his mind filled with memories of his own ten-year sojourn to find repentance. He remembered how the people in some towns and villages, as soon as word got out that the Hitokiri Battousai was in their midst, would avoid him as their eyes bore into him, branding him as the murderer he was. It pained his heart to be so shunned but immersed deep in his own well of self-loathing, he felt he deserved that and more.

"I understand that all too well, " he said ruefully as he stared off, his mind on another time, another place.

Kaoru gasped as she realized that of anyone, Himura Kenshin should be well acquainted with those very feelings. Her heart constricted for her future husband, feeling his pain as she wrapped her arms about him, pressing her petite form to him and kissed his scarred cheek.

"Forgive me, Kenshin, anata. I should've been more sensitive to you. Of course you would know, who better than you, ne?"

Shaken out of his painful reverie, he placed the lantern on the ground and gently took her shoulders in his hands as he drew back to look into her ocean eyes, the eyes where he had found his serenity, his joy. "Koishii," he murmured huskily as he cupped her ivory visage in his callused hands and drew her mouth to his, bathed in the flicker of the lantern light and surrounded by fireflies.

Closing Note: The beverage is actually a recipe I found when I wanted to find a drink that was non alcoholic and not too sweet—since Danjuro and Tamiko are Christians and don't drink sake, I used the ginger limeade as a before dinner drink. And "Martyrs' Hill" is actually a cliff near Shimabara where in 1597 twenty six Christians were crucified by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

NEXT---MIGHTY RUSHING WINDS OF CHANGE