Hello, everyone! Here is the next installment. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Even if I claimed that I owned Rurouni Kenshin and Cardcaptor Sakura, would anyone believe me? Of course not. And so I don't own any characters within this story.

CHAPTER TWENTY

For the Future!

Syaoran watched the battle between Aoshi and Kenshin unfold before his eyes, completely transfixed. It seemed that in the amount of time they had been separated, Kenshin had changed somehow. Grown stronger, more sure of himself. It was very unexpected sight for Syaoran. When Syaoran and the others caught up Kenshin and Sakura-for Syaoran was sure that they would-Syaoran had expected Kenshin to be depressed and uncertain of himself as he had been before he left Tokyo. We heard what happened to him and Sakura from Misao-san, and nothing seems to be so life changing that he would be this way… so what happened?

"Kenshin nii-chan!"

Shock rooted Syaoran to the spot. As though in a dream, Syaoran turned to behold Sakura in her Cardcaptor outfit, running towards Kenshin with her pink wand in hand. Her short brown hair blew about her. Though she was charging headlong into a bloody fight, no fear or worry marred her features. Instead she was the determined Cardcaptor from the future who faced dangerous Clow Cards every other week, relying on her vast magical power and inner strength to seal the wild cards. The Cardcaptor Sakura that Syaoran had come to admire… and love.

Her entrance was a complete surprise for Syaoran. Because Aoshi had sealed Syaoran's magic with the Clow Book, he hadn't sensed the magic that Sakura within her as she headed towards the battle. Using Sakura's Sword Clow Card, Kenshin won in the duel against Aoshi. Once the danger from Aoshi passed, Syaoran ran towards Sakura with open arms, pure euphoria possessing him.

"Sakura!"

Sakura turned from watching Kenshin to Syaoran. In that instant, all the determination shown on her face melted into the sweetest smile Syaoran had ever seen grace her face.

"Syaoran-kun!"

Sakura ran towards Syaoran and the two hugged each other fiercely upon reaching each other. The rest of the world faded away as they reveled in the joy of their reunion. "Sakura…" Syaoran murmured into her hair. "I found you again, just like I promised I would. I'm sorry that I wasn't there to protect-"

"No." Sakura released her hold on Syaoran slightly to look at Syaoran. "The things that happened to Ken-nii and I on the way here is our fault, not yours or anyone else's. I chose to come along with him. I chose…" Sakura bit her lip and lowered her gaze. She whispered forlornly, "…I chose to leave you behind… I'm sorry for hurting you…"

Though Syaoran couldn't deny that he wasn't upset and angered that Sakura left without him, Syaoran empathized with her. "Sakura, I understand. You told me about your dream in the letter. If I had that dream, I might have gone to Kyoto without you, too."

At Syaoran's mention of her dream, Sakura flinched, tears brimming in her eyes. "Yes… if it comes true like my dream of me standing atop of Tokyo Tower, I… I am happy that you are here and that you are safe, but if it does come true then…" Sakura's words were barely audible, as she whispered, "…maybe you shouldn't have come."

Oh, Sakura… Syaoran smiled slightly, and shook his head. You really don't know, do you? "Sakura, look at me," he ordered gently. She didn't respond. Syaoran tightly gripped Sakura's shoulders. "Sakura," he said more firmly. Sakura's eyes cut up to Syaoran. Now was time to bear open his soul to Sakura. Conviction straight from the heart substantiated Syaoran's words as he stated, "If I cared about what happened to me, would I have searched for you for three months, traveled to the past, and followed you to Kyoto now?"

"S-Syaoran-kun…" Sakura blushed darkly at Syaoran's words. Never had Syaoran's love for Sakura had been so obvious. Syaoran was afraid that his open devotion would frighten her, but Sakura didn't looked away from his gaze. "I… thank you… You mean so much to me."

Syaoran froze. I do?! "Sakura…"

"I… I think I might lo-"

"Yes, it really is the Clow Book! Why I oughta… if that red head hadn't knocked him out, I woulda done it myself, true form or not!"

Sakura and Syaoran jumped at Kero's voice. They turned to see Kero flying over Aoshi's unconscious body. Kero pointed to Aoshi and called, "Sakura, kid, get over here!"

The moment was lost. Sakura gave Syaoran an embarrassed smile and glance before walking over to Kero. Sighing, Syaoran reluctantly trudged over to Aoshi. He had been dreaming of his reunion with Sakura ever since they had been separated and of course it had to have been ruined by Kero. Still… the way Sakura looked at me… the words she said and almost said… is she starting to fall in…? No. I won't think that. It is for Sakura to decide. And I've already decided that I would wait for her. That's all there is to it.

"Syaoran-kun?"

Sakura's voice jarred Syaoran out of his thoughts. "Huh? I mean, I'm listening."

Sakura frowned but she didn't push the issue. She held the Clow Book in her arms as she explained, "Misao-san had mentioned to Kero-chan that they had been the ones guarding the Clow Book in this era."

Syaoran's eyebrows knotted in confusion. Crossing his arms, he addressed Kero, "What? You had to be told where the Clow Book is in Meiji? As the guardian you're the one who is in the Clow Book so wouldn't you know where it was?"

Kero sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, well ya know… Before all the crazy Bakumatsu, everything was so peaceful it was boring. So I went ta sleep for a long, long time… and slept through this entire time period. That's why I don't remember any Cardcaptor coming ta the past and collecting Clow Cards, or anything like that."

Wait a minute. Syaoran held his chin as he thought, Kerberos was sleeping this entire time? He doesn't remember anyone capturing Clow Cards in the Meiji? Then that means…

"But none of that is important," dismissed Kero. "I think I just figured out realized something crucial. Misao-san also said that Aoshi disappeared for years but he reappeared at the Aoi-Ya eight months ago. If the onmitsu at the Aoi-Ya were guarding the Aoi-Ya and they didn't say anything about the Clow Book to us when we arrived there…"

Sakura and Syaoran gasped, the both of them coming to the same conclusion at the same time. They chorused, "You mean it was stolen?!"

Kero nodded. Lowering his head, he crossed his tiny arms as his tail swished nervously. "Yes. Now here's my theory. Aoshi had been training ta kill red head fer a long time. He runs into Shishio, who also is after Kenshin's life. But Shishio wants something even more than defeating the red head: more magic. The two strike a deal: Aoshi lets Shishio use da Clow Book fer a little bit and in turn Shishio gives Aoshi information about Kenshin and his location. Of course, since Shishio wants Kenshin dead, Shishio wins either way."

"Shishio?" Syaoran asked. "But why would he want the Clow Book…" Syaoran's voice trailed off as he saw all the color drain from Sakura's face. "Sakura, are you okay?" Syaoran cried, his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Shishio, he…" Sakura's voice trembled. "He used the Clow Book to bring Kero-chan and I to this time."

Syaoran's eyes became as big as saucers. "No… that's impossible." Syaoran whipped his head to Kero. "Isn't it…?" He asked almost fearfully.

Kero was silent for a long time. Then he sighed. "I don't know. Ta be honest, even though I'm the sun guardian, there is still much about Clow Reed and his magic that I don't know. Could it be possible? Well, da Clow Book has the enormous power to preserve itself fer centuries while simultaneously shielding the Clow Cards' magic from detection. Considering all the evidence, if someone were ta tap into the Clow Book's magic and manipulate it…" Kero looked down at Aoshi. "…then I suppose anything is possible. Even… no. Never mind."

"Even going back to the present?" Syaoran finished, his facial features hardening.

Sakura gasped again. With each question she asked, Sakura fear became more hopeful. "What do you mean? Could that really be true? We can go back? Can we? Can we?"

Kero stared down at Syaoran, clearly very displeased at what Syaoran blurted. "Yes." He bit out. "Now that we learned how we came into the past, theoretically the same method should allow us to return there. But I don't know how we will be able to manipulate the magic of the Clow Book to bring us to the future. Right now there are more important things to think about now, like Shishio."

"No," Syaoran retorted, anger brimming under the surface. "Going home is the most important thing of all. Shishio is out to hurt Sakura to become the next Cardcaptor, right? Then the best way for her to be safe is if we go back to the present."

Kero's angry expression rivaled that of a rhino about to charge. "If Sakura as the Cardcaptor were to leave this era, then there would be no one strong enough to oppose Shishio. He will rule Japan. We cannot leave him alone and expect the future as we know it will remain the same."

"But Shishio will never complete his goal if Sakura isn't in even this time period!" Syaoran rejoined, throwing his arm out to the side.

"G-Guys…" Sakura glanced back and forth from Kero to Syaoran. "Please don't fight. The important thing is that we found a way to go home, right? There's nothing to argue about…"

Tension filled the air as the two stared at each other. After several long moments, Kero turned to Kenshin, Kaoru, and Yahiko, and raised his voice. "Everyone, listen up. This is huge."

Syaoran bristled like a cactus, his fury boiling. That stupid plush toy! Does he care about magic more than Sakura's safety?! She's his master for goodness' sake, not to mention friend!

Syaoran didn't listen to Sakura as she explained Kero's reasoning for believing how the Clow Book could be used to transport them home and that Aoshi and that Shishio struck a deal to bring Sakura and Kero to Meiji in the first place. Instead, Syaoran studied their friends. Their expressions ranged from shock and suspicion to joy and to guilt.

Yahiko asked, "Really? A book can make people move through time? That's a little strange but if it works…"

At Sakura's proclamation, Kaoru clapped her hands and beamed. "Oh, Sakura-chan, Li-kun, that's great news! I'm so happy for you!"

However, Kenshin was the only despondent one. He lowered his head and refused to meet anyone's gazes. "So Aoshi gave Shishio the Clow Book because he wanted information about this one? Shishio used the Clow Book to bring you into the past? Then that means… your being here in this time is this one's fault, that it is."

Frowning in empathy, Sakura walked up to Kenshin until she stood directly under him. "But then we never would have met, nii-chan. I never would have known that I had an older brother that lived in the past." Sakura beamed, "And I'm so happy that I met you!"

Sakura's words brought a genuine, albeit sad, smile to Kenshin's face. He brushed Sakura's cheek with the back of his fingers. "Aa. Where would this one be without his adorable, daring little sister?"

Sakura giggled and blushed, grinning ear from ear. However, Syaoran could only stare at Kenshin in astonishment. This is the first time I heard him call Sakura his sister… For some reason, the thought and the sight of Sakura so happy made Syaoran also smile. Well, it's about time. I mean, how long have you kept Sakura waiting? You're really stupid, kidnapper.

However, Kenshin's joy was short lived. "Go home, huh? After this one, we just…" Kenshin sighed. "That's good for you, Sakura-chan. It is what this one has wanted from the beginning, that he has..." Despite his claim, even a child could hear Kenshin's reluctance and sadness.

"Hey…" Sakura brought her hand up to Kenshin's and squeezed it. "I don't want to home yet either. I want to be with you and everyone else. Besides, there's Shishio left, too."

Syaoran gasped. "W-What?! Sakura, I know you don't want to leave but we have to go back-"

Sakura turned to face Syaoran, determination in her stance. "Like Kero-chan said, we can't just leave now. I have to face Shishio with Ken-nii."

"But Sakura…" Syaoran exhaled. Though he was very concerned about Sakura's safety, he recognized the logic behind her and Kero's words. Still… I don't like you thinking that you have to fight this Shishio guy by yourself… there's other people here to support you. Lowering his head and slumping his shoulders, Syaoran acquiesced, "Fine. Just…" Just what? Be careful? Syaoran grit his teeth and clenched his fists. No… this time, I'll protect her. I swear it! Glancing down at his clenched fists, Syaoran realized he didn't feel any of his magic. The revelation hit him hard. Or… can I?

Sakura cocked her head to the side, confused, but she didn't question Syaoran when he didn't finish. Kero stared at Syaoran for a while before turning away. Kaoru meanwhile was watching Kenshin, who stared off into the distance.

A silence permeated the air until Yahiko broke it. "Well, should we set up camp or something?"

"Ah, no," Kenshin said with a shake of his head, turning to Yahiko. "We need to go back to Shishō's cabin. It's about a twenty minute walk from here."

"Tch," Yahiko looked down at Aoshi's unconscious form with disgust. "And I guess we'll be bringing him along with us?"

"Yes, of course, Yahiko," Kaoru chided, putting her hands on her hips. "We're not leaving him here to die. Kamiya Kasshin-ryū forbids it."

"Oh right!" Sakura cried, her hand covering her mouth. "I completely forgot!" She dashed to Aoshi's side and held her wand out in front of her. "Return to the form you were meant to be, Clow Card!" Summoned by Sakura's magic, a Clow Card materialized by the end of her wand. Sakura took it, wrote her name on it, and showed the card to everyone. "SHADOW" was written on the bottom. Sakura smiled. "That's another one," she chirped.

"Ah!" Syaoran exclaimed. "Don't forget about Watery."

"Oh, yes! That's right!" Sakura repeated the chant and a Watery Clow Card appeared. It flew to Syaoran, who wrote his name on it. Sakura smiled, "Sorry, that's two cards."

After Sakura sealed the cards, Syaoran called upon the Wood card to create a wooden board to use as a stretcher of sorts for Aoshi. Everyone helped to carry Aoshi's weight as they slowly made their way to Hiko's cabin in the darkness of the night. Once they finally reached the small wooden building, they set Aoshi down on Kenshin's old futon. As Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sakura worked quietly on tending and bandaging Aoshi's wounds, Kenshin went immediately to his master's side. Kero flew over to Kenshin and reassured Kenshin that Hiko would live to another day; Kero's magic told Kero so.

"Still…" Kenshin frowned to himself while he laid his hand on his sleeping master's forehead. "He feels a little warm." Standing up, Kenshin said, "We need more water. This one is going to the stream to get some."

Kaoru glared up at Kenshin as he walked past her, heading towards the exit. "Without someone treating your wounds? You're still bleeding." Sakura, too, looked over at Kenshin with concern.

Kenshin slowed momentarily before leaving like Kaoru hadn't spoken up in the first place. All eyes turned to Kaoru. She bit her lip as she returned her gaze back to Aoshi. Though she tried to shield her emotions, everyone could sense Kaoru's hurt and shame.

Offering empathy to the one who once offered empathy on him, Syaoran comforted, "It's all right, Kaoru-san. I'll watch over him." Syaoran nodded at Kaoru's and Sakura's smiles.

Ducking out of the cabin, Syaoran hurried after Kenshin. He fell into step behind Kenshin. Kenshin paused and then sighed when Syaoran reached him, knowing that he couldn't turn the boy away. As they walked forward the only sound that could be heard was the crickets and the soft crunching of grass underneath their weary feet. Once a few minutes had passed Syaoran broke the near silence. "So did your master really have a fever or could you not face Kaoru-san?"

That made Kenshin stop in his tracks. His fists clenched for a moment before he resumed his trek without acknowledging Syaoran's question. I know I should take it easy on him, but… we've come so far to get to here. Kaoru-san suffered so much after he left. He can't just walk away from her like she doesn't matter. And if he doesn't realize that, then I'll help him. However, Syaoran couldn't think of a way to broach the subject so they continued until the rushing water of the stream greeted them. As he approached, Syaoran stumbled a bit.

"Sit," Kenshin ordered. Though it was a command with no room for argument, Kenshin's tone of voice was soft. A bit surprised, Syaoran didn't complain as he sat on a small stone by the water. Kenshin stooped down to the water bed and filled two buckets with water. He placed the buckets on the ground before sitting down himself, facing Syaoran. Releasing an exhale, Kenshin craned his head back to look at the stars. Again the two were quiet.

Dangling his legs, Syaoran prodded, "Hey, kidnapper?" Ten seconds passed without either of them speaking. "Fine then, I'll just talk." Syaoran lifted his head to the sky. "Since you left, I've been doing a lot of thinking. You told me before you went to Kyoto that if I wanted to protect Sakura, I had to grow stronger. And then because you wanted to protect Kaoru-san, you left her behind and went to Kyoto, maybe becoming Battōsai again." Syaoran stared at Kenshin as he asked, "What I want to know is… was that the right thing to do? Did leaving Tokyo make you stronger? Because I don't know.

"The way I see it," Syaoran continued, "…is that you're still selfish. Leaving everyone to worry about you was selfish. And yet… you left because you wanted to save Japan so that wasn't selfish. Your selfishness comes from your selflessness. …You need to work on that."

To Syaoran's surprise, Kenshin actually laughed. "Is it too difficult for you to come up with a solution on your own, Li-kun?"

Syaoran sputtered, "Uh, well, you know… uh…"

"You're right."

What?! Syaoran gasped. Syaoran looked up sharply at Kenshin to see that he was serious.

"This is one is selfish, that he is. This one sees that now. Helping others by sacrificing himself when there are others worried about him… is selfish. Keeping them at an arm's length because he is scared of them discovering the real him… is wrong." Tilting his head to the side, Kenshin smirked slightly. "You were the only one who saw that. From the very beginning you didn't believe that the rurouni persona this one clung to was the real person. That hiding who this one really was when Sakura-chan cared about him was selfish."

Kenshin looked out to the field beside the stream. "In truth, this one had been running from himself… afraid that still deep down that the hitokiri still lived. This one was playing at the idea that redemption could come from sacrificing his life. For the past ten years, this one claimed that he wouldn't take another life when all this time, he had been slowly killing himself." Syaoran sensed the sadness welling up in Kenshin as he breathed, "Yes… it is selfish. And stupid. Very stupid. So, so very stupid."

Kenshin's speech made Syaoran appalled. Killing… himself? And look how much he is beating himself up because of me. Syaoran adamantly shook his head. "Look, back then I said you were selfish because I was a being a pain. Because I didn't like the idea of you being Sakura's older brother, I only saw the bad things in you and not the good." Kenshin faintly smiled at Syaoran. Encouraged, Syaoran continued, "And what about all those things you said when you fought Aoshi? Something about you being a lot more than hitokiri Battōsai…"

Kenshin smiled at Syaoran. "Indeed. This one's Shishō taught him the strength of the will to live. That this one's life matters. But to be honest…" Kenshin lowered his eyes.

Thinking about how Kenshin had called himself stupid, Syaoran finished, "…you still don't like yourself."

A faint, tired smile appeared on Kenshin's face. "No one can change overnight…"

"No…" Syaoran echoed, feeling Kenshin's despair. "No, they can't."

Kenshin pursed his lips and looked at the ground. The hand resting in his lap balled into a fist with such intensity that his entire hand shook. Syaoran reached over and covered Kenshin's hand with his own, stilling the tremors. Kenshin stared at Syaoran in surprise.

"That's why," Syaoran grinned, "I'll be keeping my eye on you. Whenever you do or say something stupid, I'll let you know by calling you stupid kidnapper so that you can stop it. That way you can be a better older brother to Sakura, a better mentor to me and Yahiko, and what was it? Ah, yes. A 'protector' of Kaoru-san," Syaoran smirked.

Tears moistened Kenshin's eyes as he smiled the biggest smile Syaoran had ever seen. He placed his hand on Syaoran's head and stroked it with his thumb. His voice hitched slightly as he whispered, "This one is counting on you, that he is."

He's… counting on me? No one in his life had told Syaoran that they were counting on him. Surely, Sakura and Kero depended on him but they had never voiced the sentiment aloud. And certainly no one in his family had lavished such attention on him, or openly appreciated him like Kenshin was now. Happiness lit up Syaoran from the inside and he couldn't help but smile in return.

"I won't let you down."

Shortly after the sun had risen on a new day, Syaoran found himself sitting outside the cabin with Sakura, Kero, and Yahiko. With Hiko still unconscious, the tension in the air inside the building was quite stuffy. So as soon as they finished the breakfast Syaoran helped to make (Kenshin was recovering from his injuries), the foursome went outside by a silent agreement. Kaoru and Kenshin remained inside, keeping a vigil over the swords master.

After throwing a sidelong glance to Yahiko, who was practicing with his shinai, Sakura sat down besides Syaoran. "Hey," She greeted. Syaoran smiled at her. "Where is Sanosuke-san?"

"He didn't travel to Kyoto by boat. He went on foot. Hopefully he'll get to Kyoto soon." Unless, Syaoran added mentally. He runs into trouble like we did with Watery.

Sakura nodded her understanding. Then she asked, "You and Ken-nii were gone for a long time when you went to get water last night. And then you and Kero-chan went outside when everyone was asleep. What happened?"

Following their conversation by the riverside, Kenshin and Syaoran returned to the cabin, Syaoran carrying the heavy water buckets for Kenshin. After much pleading and coaxing from everyone Kenshin stopped his ministrations over his master and allowed Kaoru to treat his wounds. Once she finished, Kenshin sat by his master, refusing to get some desperately needed sleep. Only after did Kero threaten Kenshin to use some herbs from the forest that contained a sleeping agent on him did Kenshin agree to sleep. As everyone else drifted off to dream land, Syaoran had laid wide awake. Restless, Syaoran headed outside into the night. He jumped when he heard a voice from behind him.

"Worried about that magic seal that Aoshi put on ya?"

Whirling around, Syaoran saw Kero flying some distance behind him. Syaoran stated, "If you knew how to undo the seal yourself or with the Clow Book, you would have told me already."

Kero hung his head and sighed. After a moment he flew by Syaoran's side and looked up to the sky. "Yer right. I would have. Sealing magic is complicated stuff, ya know. Sealing magic is meant to act like a shield, blocking magic from outside detection from other magicians. But it can also be used as a magical suppressor, making it difficult to use the magic of whatever has been sealed. In yer case, it's the latter scenario. The only way ya can overcome the magic of Aoshi's curse is to overpower it, to make yer magic stronger than the magic that is suppressing yer own. Fortunately, or unfortunately however ya view it, since Shishio used the Clow Book to bring Sakura and I to this time period, the magic of the Clow Book is at an all-time low. If I were to use the magic from the Clow Book to overcome yer curse, I fear that I will break the seal on the Clow Cards within it. But the good news is-"

"Wait, hold on," Syaoran interrupted, raising his hands. "So the Clow Cards that Sakura has been capturing are from our time in the present and not the Clow Cards of Meiji."

Again Kero paused. "Yes," he whispered.

Syaoran frowned as he puzzled over this new piece of information. But the Clow Cards from our time were changed into Sakura Cards… so why are they Clow Cards now? What changed them back? Why can't Sakura change them into Sakura Cards? Her wand was changed too…

"I suppose ya won't tell me what caused you to travel back in time?"

Syaoran crossed his arms. "I'll tell you when you tell us how to use the Clow Book to go back home."

Kero dipped his head. "Fair enough. But like I said earlier, now isn't the time. Even if we decided ta go home instead of chasing Shishio, figuring out how ta use da Clow Book to get us back to the future would take time. With Shishio after us, that is time we don't have.

"But anyways, as I was saying. The good thing is that while the magic of the Clow Book being so weak that I can't use the book to break the spell, it means that the Clow Book's magic was weak when Aoshi placed the seal on you. That makes it easier for you yourself to break it."

"What?" Syaoran exclaimed, baffled. "You just said that with the seal I can't use my magic. So how can I train my magic to make it stronger than the sealing magic on me and break the curse? I can just barely summon my sword and change my clothes to the magical combat outfit as it is!"

"Tell me what magic is."

Rattling off the textbook definition his mother had taught him, Syaoran immediately answered, "Magic is the use of the body, mind, and soul to manipulate the elements of the environment to produce effects that do not naturally occur in nature."

"Of course, ya understand what that means," Kero said. Syaoran nodded. "What if I told ya that it is possible to use magic to manipulate the elements within yourself to create effects only within your body and not the outside world?"

Syaoran gaped at Kero. "Is that possible?" He whispered.

"It is," Kero nodded. He crossed his arms and his tail flicked like it did when he was nervous. "However it is a level of magic that is so technical that even Sakura knows nothing about it. It is extremely difficult. Essentially, your goal is to manipulate the elements within your body by using the power of your soul to overcome the curse placing on you. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't even be telling ya about this kind of magic under ya were several years older. It is one of the most difficult magics out there, but if there is a willing and strong soul it can be done at any age."

Syaoran shook his head venomously. He clenched his fists and held them out in front of him. "No, I can't wait that long. Shishio is after Sakura right now. I can't… I won't fail in protecting Sakura again!"

Kero paused, staring deep into Syaoran's eyes. After a moment, Kero closed his own eyes. Under his breath, Kero muttered, "Maybe you really are the best for Sakura. But still, you have yet to realize that you can't always be there for Sakura."

Missing what Kero said, Syaoran asked, "What was that?"

Instead of answering, Kero straightened and pointed to the air. "Well then!" Kero cried, "Let's get started, shall we?"

"On what?"

"On yer magical training of manipulation of the bodily magical elements!" Kero cheered, "Fer the future!"

Syaoran blinked. Then he grinned, determination rushing through him. "Yes. For the future."

As Syaoran sat beside Sakura, he couldn't meet Sakura's eyes. Instead he looked down at his hand as he made a fist. Last night I went out to practice my magic to overcome the curse Aoshi placed on me. But even after a night's worth of training I couldn't do anything with my magic sealed… if I can't become a stronger magician and break the seal Aoshi placed on me, then I won't be able to use any magic. I'll be useless in the fight against Shishio and I won't be able to protect Sakura. If it comes to that… can I trust the kidnapper to protect Sakura? Can I protect Sakura if she isn't even by my side?

"Syaoran-kun?"

Syaoran shook his head to remove his doubts. "I'm fine, Sakura." Answering her question, Syaoran said, "The kidnapper and I took a long time at the stream because we were talking, that's all."

"I see…" Sakura turned away from Syaoran. Her eyes darting back to Syaoran she asked hopefully, "Like my father always says, did you work out your differences?"

Syaoran smirked, amused. "Something like that." Without looking, Syaoran knew that a big smile appeared on Sakura's face. He could feel her happiness at Syaoran's acceptance of her older brother.

"That's good. In da upcoming fight we must all work together to defeat the disaster that is befalling da land."

Syaoran and Sakura looked up to see Kero flying over their heads. Syaoran jutted his head in the air and huffed, "Well, he's still a stupid kidnapper." Despite his growing respect for Kenshin, Syaoran still felt the lingering strands of animosity and bitterness towards Kenshin, making Syaoran reluctant to drop his façade of his dislike for the red head.

"Hey, guys." Yahiko waved at the trio as he walked towards them. "Wanna practice together?"

"Practice?" blinked Sakura.

"Yeah, you know." Yahiko put his hands on his hips as he stood in front of them. "That thing you and I did a long time ago. We should do it. I think it's a good exercise for kendo training."

"I'm sorry…" Sakura's voice faltered. "But I still don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't you remember? You had your wand and you twirled it in the air and did some magic chants or something. It had a name…" Yahiko cocked his head to the side, frowning as he crossed his arms. "It was… cheer? Yeah, cheer something."

"You mean cheerleading?!" Syaoran and Kero chorused at the same time, their confusion turning into bafflement.

Yahiko grinned. He snapped his fingers at Syaoran and Kero and cried, "Yeah, that's it! Come on, let's do it, guys! It'll be great!" At the same time, Syaoran and Kero burst out into uproarious laughter. "Hey, what the matter?" Yahiko asked, confused. When he turned to Sakura, she refused to meet Yahiko's gaze.

Syaoran's face turned red and tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes. Needless to say Syaoran was too busy laughing at Yahiko to bother answering his question.

"Hey!" Yahiko exclaimed, growing upset. "What's so funny?!" When still when no one answered him, Yahiko shook Syaoran's shoulder. "Hey, I'm talking to you!"

Batting Yahiko's hand away, Syaoran stood up and said into Yahiko's face, "Because cheerleading is for girls, stupid!"

At Syaoran's declaration, Yahiko's face blanched. Then it turned as red as a tomato. Balling his hands up, Yahiko growled, "Are you calling me a girl?"

Syaoran shrugged, "Well you're the one who said it was good training…"

"Why you-!" Yahiko snarled. He swung his shinai at Syaoran.

Startled only for a moment, Syaoran summoned his sword and blocked the strike. His own anger flaring, Syaoran hissed, "Did you just try to hit me?"

"That's right, stupid!"

"Girl!"

Spurred on by their anger, they both of them were sent into a tizzy, slinging names and swings of their weapons at each other. Exasperated, Sakura held out her hands in a placating gesture much like Kenshin would. "Maa, maa… Guys, don't fight…"

Kero, however, was having the time of his life. He hooted, "What's next? Dressing up like a girl and having female role in plays?"

Growing, both Syaoran and Yahiko shouted, "Shut up!"

"I'll wipe that smug grin off your face!"

"Bring it, shorty!"

Sakura frowned, knowing that it was just short of impossible of them stopping now. Seeing Sakura's expression, Kero grinned, "Hey, think of it this way, at least they're getting good exercise."

Sakura sighed.

Suddenly nervous, Kaoru risked a glance at Kenshin. He was sitting beside her with an impassive, almost empty expression on his face as he gazed upon the sleeping form of his master laid before him. Kaoru looked down at the red seeping through Kenshin's dirty hakama. Does he not realize that by sitting like that for so long he's reopened an injury on his leg? Kaoru saddened as a metaphorical thought struck her. Kenshin, are you so used to feeling pain in your life that you don't notice when you bleed?

When Kenshin still didn't move, Kaoru stood up and retrieved some more bandages and ointment. Kenshin didn't even look up at her. After she finished gathering the supplies, Kaoru sat back down, this time facing Kenshin. She paused. She took a deep breath. "K-Kenshin… your leg… it's bleeding. Let me look at it." Gods, can't I even speak in his presence after what I've done?

After a moment, Kenshin looked down at his leg. A barely audible sigh escaped his lips. Shifting his position, Kenshin brought out his legs from underneath him and lying them before him. Kaoru bent over to examine his right leg when Kenshin held out a hand to stop her.

"Thank you, but let this one."

"No," Kaoru said firmly. She pulled up Kenshin's hakama pleat up to a little past his knee to reveal the cut. "You are far more injured than I. Let me do this for you." Kenshin remained silent. Silence filled the cabin as Kaoru mopped the blood away and cleaned the wound.

In a voice as soft as the falling snow, Kenshin breathed, "Because of Sakura-chan's Clow Card fortune, this one thought… this one thought he would never see you again, Kaoru-dono." Surprised, Kaoru looked up at Kenshin, but his eyes were watching Kaoru treat his leg. Kenshin's features grew troubled as he said, "…This one didn't know if he should have been..."

…Been what? Kaoru wondered. After thinking about it for a moment, Kaoru deduced what he was going to say. He didn't know if never seeing me again meant that he should have been happy or not. Happy that I would be safe from Shishio or upset because… he wanted to see me again… Despite herself, a small smile appeared on Kaoru's face. "I was afraid of never seeing you again, too."

His eyes widening, Kenshin asked, "Really?"

Her happiness morphed into anger in an instant. "Who do you think I am? Some heartless monster? I couldn't live without-!" I couldn't live without you. Kaoru gasped as she realized what she was about to say. She broke eye contact with Kenshin, blushing furiously. Kenshin, too, lowered his gaze quickly. An awkward silence hung in the air.

Kaoru's hands shook slightly as she applied some ointment on Kenshin's wounded leg. But after hearing that Kenshin wanted to see her again, to be with her, a question formed in her mind. A question that had to be answered. She had to know. Kaoru swallowed, her hands growing sweaty. After summoning a bit of courage, Kaoru murmured, "When I asked you if you were angry with me for following to Kyoto against your wishes, you said that half of you was angry. I understand why you're angry, but that's not what I'm asking…"

In a surprisingly gentle voice, Kenshin inquired, "Then what are you asking?"

Kaoru bit her lip, fighting against the butterflies in her stomach. "…I want to know if… if your anger with me will prevent our… our…" Kaoru fumbled, unsure of her words. Our what? Friendship? That's a joke. The more I'm with him, the more I'm feeling something more… and Kenshin seems to feel the same. Or is that the truth? Even if he did, I may just ruined our chance. The memory of Kenshin letting go Kaoru's ribbon before he left came to mind. That's why I have to ask. Her hands retreated from their work and settled in her lap. They gripped her hakama pleats tightly as Kaoru pleaded, "I know you'll probably still be angry with me for a long time, but please, tell me. Is there some way I can make it up to you? Some way you can forgive me?"

"Kaoru-dono…" The softness in Kenshin's voice caused Kaoru to look up at him. A gentle, but sad, smile was on his face. "Who is this one to withhold forgiveness?"

Slowly a smile grew on Kaoru's face.

"Besides…" Kenshin continued, averting his eyes from Kaoru. "Because this one was hitokiri Battōsai, he is the reason why we were in that situation in the first place. If there is anyone in need of forgiveness, it is this one."

"Kenshin no baka," Kaoru chided gently, shaking her head. "While I'm still upset with you for leaving Tokyo, I've already forgiven you for being hitokiri Battōsai the moment you stepped into my dojo and saved my life. All that's left… is to move on and leave your past behind."

Kenshin smiled at Kaoru, but it seemed to pain him. "Perhaps. But h-?" Kenshin broke his words off with a shake of his head. "That is for this one alone-No, never mind."

He's cutting himself off from me again. Kaoru thought with a frown. But I don't blame him. I mean, getting over his bloody past isn't as easy as I'm making it out to be. So how…? Closing her eyes, Kaoru analyzed the big picture. Part of the reason Kenshin didn't want to go to Kyoto was because he was afraid he was of becoming hitokiri Battōsai again. When Kenshin told me goodbye, he called himself a rurouni. A rurouni is better than Battōsai, but will he really move on from his past and begin to live by wandering? He needs to be something else… not Battōsai, not rurouni, but what?

When Kaoru said nothing, Kenshin finished rewrapping his wound with his bandage. "Forget that this one said anything." The pain and loneliness Kaoru witnessed in the depth of his violet eyes cut Kaoru to the quick. Kenshin began to rise, about to effectually end the conversation.

"No." Kaoru's hand shot out and grabbed Kenshin's wrist tightly. Kenshin stared down at Kaoru in shock. Kaoru stared right back at him. "I don't know how you can let go of your past and move on, but I want to help you however possible. That's the entire reason why I want to grow stronger, why I came here, why I wanted to see you so badly."

Kenshin was floored. He gaped at her. "Wh… Why? Why do you care about this one so much?"

Kaoru's heart hammered against her chest, her cheeks aflame. She wet her lips with a sweep of her tongue before murmuring, "Because… Because I…"

"Well, well, well. Looks like I was right. It was a lover's quarrel after all."

Kaoru and Kenshin jumped out of their skin, absolutely terrified. A turn of their heads to the side revealed Hiko sitting up in his futon with the smuggest smirk on his face. "And while you may appreciate kissing and making up and making out with your lover, I'd rather vomit. Take it off my mountain, baka deshi, before I kick you off."

Kenshin's face became as red as his hair. "O-Oro!"

Oh my gods was he listening to all that?! Kaoru wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

"Of course…" Hiko crossed his arms and lowered his head as though in deep thought. His voice became serious. "…considering that you told me you were so easily influenced by your emotions that you had a child outside of marriage with that woman there, I suppose it's only natural that you would engage in such activity without regard of the consequences."

Kenshin stared at Hiko in abject horror. Only noises squeaked past his throat.

Blinking very slowly, Kaoru tried to digest this very interesting piece of information. She turned her head to Kenshin, genuinely curious. "What did he just say?" she asked, her tone of voice deadly calm.

Sweat poured down Kenshin's face. He laughed sheepishly. Raising his hands he mollified, "Maa... it's just a big misunderstanding, that it is. There's a reason, this one assures you-"

Like boiling hot lava bursting from a volcano, Kaoru snapped. Her fist smashed into Kenshin's face, sending him slamming into the wall. She screamed, "You damn well better be a reason, you pervert! Because it seems to me that you spent all your time here entertaining yourself by making up deluded fantasies that would only ever be fulfilled in your head, you disgusting pig! The audacity blows my mind!" Kaoru grabbed the front of Kenshin's gi, pulled him up towards her face, and shook him. "I will most certainly NOT be forgiving you of this. Do you hear me? Never!"

"T-This one can explain! Please!"

Kaoru released an exhale between her lips in a vain attempt to calm herself down. She jabbed her finger in his chest with every word she spoke. "Two. Seconds. Explain," growled Kaoru.

"Kero!" Kenshin cried desperately. "It was Kero! This one didn't say anythi-"

"That monster! I should have known," Kaoru whispered to herself. She dropped Kenshin to the ground with a crash, utterly heedless of Kenshin's injuries. Whirling to the entrance, Kaoru shouted at the top of her lungs, "HOTARU! I'm coming for you!" Kaoru ran out the cabin, guns blazing.

Behind her, Hiko burst out laughing so hard he struggled to breathe. Despite his laughter, Kenshin shouted, "Shishō! That was completely uncalled for."

"You…" Hiko wheezed, "…were more terrified of her… than of me. I thought you were going to crap yourself. I can't believe… Don't let her go. She's the best kind of woman for the ginormous idiot you are."

"Shishō…" Kenshin muttered, miserable.

When Kaoru entered the outside world, she found Syaoran and Yahiko at each other's throats with their shinai, Sakura trying to push herself in between the dueling pair. Kero flew above their heads, laughing so hard he was rubbing his eyes. However, upon seeing Kaoru, they all stared at her in shock.

Kaoru stamped her feet as she marched over to Kero. "Mangy pest…"

"Hm? What do you peoples think I did now?" blinked Kero. He studied Kaoru's angry expression, her heavy breathing, and the balled shaking fists by her side. Then he grinned. "Ya mean me telling Sakura ta say that she's yer and Kenshin's daughter? Aw, come on. Where's yer sense of fun? Just a harmless joke, is all."

"I'LL SHOW YOU HARMLESS WHEN I WRING YOUR SORRY NECK!"

Screaming in fear, Kero backpedaled before turned around and fleeing for his life. Yahiko blinked and found his shinai gone from his hands, taken by Kaoru who was swinging it and shouting like a banshee as she dashed after Kero. She ignored the pleading cries of Syaoran, Yahiko, and Sakura as they chased her.

Here Kaoru was chasing done Kero for another prank, Yahiko and Syaoran had been bickering over some small and inconsequential detail again, Sakura trying and failing to be mediator like normal, and Kenshin being the clueless idiot he always was. But underneath the fury, fear, annoyance, frustration, and embarrassment, no one could deny the swell of happiness within them.

Team Kenshin was finally reunited.

Japanese and RK/CCS Terms Dictionary:

Aa-An informal yes

Baka deshi-Idiot apprentice, stupid pupil, etc.

Futon-Japanese mattress that is put on the floor and used as a bed.

Gi-Japanese shirt that samurai wore. Kenshin, Yahiko, and Kaoru (when teaching at the dojo) all wear it. It generally has billowing loose long sleeves and has a large "v neck" of sorts in the front. Because of this collar some people wear something underneath the gi to cover the chest.

Hakama-Japanese loose pants that samurai wore. Kenshin, Yahiko, and Kaoru (when teaching at the dojo) all wear it. Hakama have ties at the waist that are tied and act like a modern belt. To the sides there are large triangle shaped holes that show the gi underneath.

Hotaru-Firefly; Kenshin calls Kero this when Kero annoys Kenshin. It's intended as an insult, but Kero doesn't really care all that much.

Kenshin no baka-Kenshin, you're an idiot; Kenshin, you idiot, etc.

Maa, maa-Now, now; used to calm people down (In Kenshin's case usually unsuccessfully :) )

Onmitsu-Ninja; see Shinobi

Shinai-wooden stick that students use in dojos; very similar to bokken

Shishō-Master; the manga stated that it is used in specific situations when a student addresses their swords master (and implies the sword style of study in question is made up of only one student and master), but today it is used more broadly.

Watery-One of the Clow Cards. It is one of the four elemental Clow Cards, Windy, Watery, Fiery, and Earthy. Watery is aggressive water female spirit that can control water.

Yeah, I apologize for the horrible ending there. The problem is that I am considering removing or cutting a big chunk of the goodbye scene between Hiko and everyone at the beginning of the next chapter. If I can shorten it a lot, then maybe I can put a scene from the beginning of the next chapter after that, but I'm not sure if that's best or not… so yeah, this is the result.

And guess what is coming up! No, I'm not talking about Halloween, but midterms. I have upcoming midterms to study for so unfortunately, next chapter will be posted two weeks from now. Still, I hope you stick with me!

Hello, Halley Vanaria! I'm sorry if it was a bit confusing. If I had more time I would have gone over it more… but maybe I can clarify some things for you. The most confusing thing was Aoshi and Kenshin using their secret techniques at the end of the fight, right? What happened was Aoshi used the Shadow Card to "teleport" so he could attack Kenshin from the front, back, and the sides. Kenshin used the first six attacks of the Kuzuryūsen to block the six strikes from Aoshi's Six Successive Strikes technique. Then Kenshin attacked with the last remaining three attacks of the Kuzuryūsen and then unleashed the battōjutsu Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū secret afterwards. Does that make a bit more sense? Maybe I'll go back and fix it… Thanks for reviewing despite me confusing you!

Next Chapter: After saying goodbye to Hiko and leaving the mountain, everyone returns to the Aoi-Ya, where two reunions with old friends occur. Meanwhile Sano makes his grand reappearance!