Disclaimer: All the characters of the Kenshin series and manga are no mine!
Kenshin and Saito are going after Keiko, though they don't know who it is. What will happen?
Enjoy!
Keiko got up that night, picking up Winter Moon.
Tonight we train at the shrine.
She nodded and headed out.
Just moments after, Kenshin got up and dressed, then headed for the place by the river that he'd fought Sano the first time. He found Saito waiting for him, but as they looked over the area, there was no one to be found.
"Saito, are you sure that they're going to be here tonight?" the redhead asked dubiously.
"He's been coming here for almost the past month. Why would he suddenly change locations?" Saito answered with another question.
"Maybe because they sensed your chi hanging around here for too long and they decided to move so they could have more privacy, this one thinks."
"But where else secluded would he go, Battosai?"
"Perhaps the shrine. That is a peaceful place, especially at night, that it is."
"Hmmm. Let's head there and see if your suggestion is right."
Keiko trained for a little while, before going into the shrine and kneeling at the back, meditating, since meditation helped her regain her strength a little faster. This time she wore a gi and hakama, so she could move a little easier, but keeping the waist tie a little looser because of her pregnant tummy. Koi, I think our baby will be strong, just like you.
She lowered her head and sighed. I just hope that Kenshin-nii doesn't find out about this. He's already concerned for my mental health, but he would flip his lid if he found out I was risking my physical health with this training, as well. I could hear him now: "You shouldn't be risking your child's life just because of a voice in your head, Keiko-ne!" I sometimes wish he wouldn't be so overprotective, but that's the way he is. He has to protect those he loves around him, and that includes me and my unborn child, as well.
Her eyes opened as she felt a familiar chi. Kenshin-nii…and someone else I don't recognize. They're getting closer. I have to get away, hide, or reveal myself. I'm not done resting, so I'll have to suppress my chi and hide myself.
She hid behind the statue of the Buddha, calming her chi to nothingness, as the way she'd been taught. I just hope they don't find me back here.
Kenshin and Saito reached the shrine and looked around.
"There's damage from all sorts of Hiten Mitsurugi moves, and an attempt at the Kuzu Ryu Sen. It seems that they're training, but who would be training, and who is the master training them?"
"We should look inside the shrine, he could be in there still, Battosai."
"This one agrees. If this sword is being corrupted, then this one will do anything to stop them."
They stepped up to the shrine and opened the doors. Kenshin felt for any chi, but couldn't find any in the room.
"Saito, this one can't sense anyone here."
"Fool, he could be hiding himself somewhere, lying in wait so he can attack us."
They traveled further into the room, searching every nook and cranny for clues.
Keiko, who was still frozen behind the statue, knew that Kenshin's companion was smarter than the normal person, who would find no one here and leave. She knew that she couldn't fight anyone with what she learned, she wasn't in the correct shape to do that. But if her brother found her, she was charred toast and would be questioned as to how she learned the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu.
What do I do now?! It's only a matter of time before they find me, and I can't let that happen. Maybe I should use a burst of speed to get out of their sight, though I'm in no condition for a long chase, though they are. I'll have to get back to the dojo and do it without them finding out it's me or where I've gone.
At the last possible second, she leaped over their heads and started to run for the door.
Kenshin and Saito tensed, expecting an attack, then Saito yelled, "He's escaping! After him!"
She threw the doors open and used her godlike speed to get some distance between her and her pursuers. Her sandals, which were the only ones she owned worn out enough for this, weren't flat straw ones meant for running, but her geta that made a clopping sound with each step she made.
Kenshin heard the sound and exclaimed, "Women's sandals?!"
Eeek. First mistake I made. I should've borrowed some of Kaoru's sandals. I usually don't practice any type of martial arts at all, so I don't wear them.
"Because of those, his speed is cut in half!" the police officer shouted in triumph. "He's mine!"
"Saito! You promised you would leave them to this one unless they proved violent!"
"We need to catch him first! Use your godlike speed to snare him, or I'll capture him myself!"
They think I'm a criminal! I knew that sneaking around at night like this wasn't good! Now I'm a criminal! What am I gonna do if I'm caught?! I can't get caught, because then I'd have to admit to Kenshin-nii that I lied to him! I don't want to do that to him!
"Do it now, Battosai!"
Just as Kenshin rushed at her, she jumped, landing on the arch to the shrine. The crescent moon shone down on her and revealed the blue flower on the back of her white gi. She didn't turn, for fear she'd be recognized. The light was dim, so her features couldn't be made out.
"Tell this one what your intentions are, and who is teaching you the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu," Kenshin demanded.
She shook her head. I can't, Kenshin-nii.
"Answer the question, or I'll consider that a declaration of defiance and arrest you. But if you resist arrest, I'll have to kill you," Saito drawled, as if this was a casual thing.
That made her wince, but she kept her silence. I can't, but I don't want to get arrested or killed. If I'm arrested, then my identity will be revealed and the rough treatment might cause me to miscarry. I have to run again, and faster this time.
She jumped out of her shoes and into the trees, landing like a feather on her feet. Without her shoes, she was as silent as a shadow, but also her feet couldn't stand the friction and pressure of running so fast, but she couldn't stop until she lost her pursuers. She winced as she felt blood welling up on the bottoms of her feet from the many cuts that were caused by sharp rocks and sticks.
She found a small hole behind some bushes and jumped into it, covering her mouth to silence her heavy breathing. Please, just pass by and not notice me…please.
She heard two pairs of footsteps pass by her, she knew that the chase wasn't over, but saved for another night. I hope that it never continues, or I'll be tried for ignoring the authority of the police. I don't want to be arrested, and also for Kenshin-nii to find out that I've gained this new power. He might consider it a threat to me and try to stop me from my nightly wanderings. I'm sorry Kenshin-nii, but I can't let you catch up to me again.
Can't say that this wasn't good for pushing the storyline along, but alas, no clues as to who is training Keiko, though I'm all open for guesses.
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