Cursed

by lossehelin

For a thousand years the village has known of the beast living in the old palace. A beast said to live on human blood. One father knows the truth, and is now bound by word to return a favor he has ignored for thirteen years.

36. A Requirement of Love

Writing Sano has really messed up my muse. That's my excuse for taking so long anyway. Read on!

Disclaimer: I don't know what else I can say to get this across to you…

Chapter 36: A Requirement of Love

Rage and frustration were a dangerous combination, especially when pride and honor were on the line. For Enishi, who had always been prideful, it was humiliating to be outwitted by a woman and her gutless father. Kaoru should have been his already, but even after six weeks of searching she was still outside of his grasp.

Scowling, he glared at the mountain stream bubbling its way merrily down the uneven slope. The cool stream provided sweet water to drink, but it mocked him with its laughter. It teased him the way Kaoru always had by ignoring his plight and his presence. It eluded him with that type of freedom that was incapable of being caged. No one else in the village had ever understood the strength she possessed. It was her allure, her power, to walk steadily upon the path set before her without wavering under their suspicious and hostile stares. He envied that ability of hers, he wanted it for his own, and he hated her for obtaining it so effortlessly. Whatever he wanted he would have, no matter what her father or anyone else had to say.

"Enishi-chan! Listen! I had the funniest dream last night!" Skipping around him in her training clothes, Kaoru giggled and tugged on his sleeve. At nine they were still the same height and nearly the same build. Frowning, he yanked his arm to dislodge her and continued his practice swings.

"Who cares about your dreams, Kaoru-chan? They're always nonsense." Shrugging, Kaoru just continued to smile as he watched her out of the corner of his eye. Her enthusiasm was never dampened by his harsh talk. A smirk of disdain pulled at his lip. He wanted to kill that self-assurance within her. He wanted to bring her down to his level.

"So? At least they're not boring."

Not boring like everyone else's. Irked, Enishi relaxed his hold on the wooden sword in his hands, and crossed his arms. "Let's hear it then. I'll decide whether it's interesting or not."

Grinning excitedly, Kaoru threw out her arms. "I was in this big city with lots and lots of buildings and they were all full of animals! They talked and acted just like people, though! They cooked and cleaned and even bowed in greeting! They were all really nice and I even got to ride on the back of this really big wolf! Doesn't that sound like fun?"

Taken aback, Enishi blinked at her like she was crazy. Staring back expectantly, her big blue eyes never left his, hoping for a reaction that would encourage her to continue. Abruptly sneering, he snorted. "What kind of crap is that? Of course it doesn't sound fun. It sounds like lunacy. A real wolf would eat a kid your size."

Instantly her face fell. "But he wasn't a wild wolf. He was friendly…"

"You can't tame a wolf, idiot! And there's no such thing as talking animals, either! That kind of dream isn't even normal! No wonder everyone thinks you're a freak!"

"I'm not a freak! And who says there aren't talking animals?" A frown pulled at her features, her sapphire irises glaring at him in defiance.

"Only a freak would be friends with talking animals!"

"Shut up, Enishi-chan! You're so mean!" Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, her fists clenched and shaking at her sides. "I hate you!"

"Like I care." Tossing his bokken aside, Enishi headed towards the door of the training hall. "I'm out of here anyway." Hopping down into the yard, he cast a furtive look over his shoulder. He'd finally hurt her enough to bring her to tears but he didn't feel happy about it. He only felt angrier… because it did not feel as if he had won.

Curling his lip Enishi pushed the memory from his mind. He had made her hate him just to see that fire brought to life. Her spirit was what he wanted, and if he had to kill some other man who thought to claim it then so be it. No man would stand up to him. Not after all the training he had underwent just to overpower her strength. After all this time he would prove he was better and stronger than her and everyone else, and then she would have no choice but to submit to him. Her power would finally belong to him, one way or another.

"Enishi-san." Jade green eyes glanced up at the man approaching him, his silence a signal to proceed. "One of the men you sent to watch the dojo has returned. He says there's still no change. I don't think her father has any intention of visiting her while he suspects he's being watched."

Lip curling in disgust and frustration, Enishi directed his attention back towards the stream, its cheerfulness sounding more and more like sarcastic laughter. "What about the others we sent to the villages on the eastern side of the mountains?"

"A few have returned, but there is still no word of any man named Kenshin living among them with a wife named Kaoru. They did bring back a few strange rumors, but I doubt they are related."

Frowning, Enishi lifted his chin. "What kind of rumors?"

Shrugging in embarrassment, the man looked reluctant and disbelieving as he spoke. "There have apparently been a few strange sightings near the villages. Some of the people were talking about a large bird circling the mountain peaks, a very large bird according to the descriptions. The villages closer to the coastline all think it might be the palace lord or some such nonsense."

Enishi's features paled, and he glanced reflexively in the direction of the palace. Not many people believed in the stories anymore, but he knew better than to think they weren't real. After all, Kaoru had gone missing once, and being kidnapped by the palace lord had never been dismissed as a possibility. He knew better than to say anything like that in front of the men who followed him, however. To show fear was to show weakness. They only followed him because he was stronger than they were, and there were a few that were willing to take that position from him if they thought he was vulnerable.

"What is really strange, though, is the few men who have come back talking about all the odd animal sightings." Green eyes widened, his thoughts abruptly turning back to his memory of Kaoru and her dream.

"What kind of… odd animal sightings?"

"They say they have seen foreign predators out roaming the woods, but not alone and not with other predators of the same species. Some of the animals they don't even know the names to, and the size of the groups are almost like a that of an organized hunting party. Two of the men say they were passing close to the palace and had to make camp, and spotted a large pack of wolves not far from them. The alpha male apparently noticed them and stopped, but he never attacked, just watched them from a distance all night and part of the next day until he disappeared around noon. It all sounds like paranoia to me. Some of the men still think there's something ominous about the palace and it must get to their heads. After all, a wolf pack wouldn't pass up two humans in their territory. They would rip them apart without a second thought."

Nodding his head, Enishi felt wryly amused. The man was right, his men must be either exhausted or jumpy to imagine strange things like that. Thinking of Kaoru again, he laughed humorlessly. "They didn't happen to hear any strange voices, either, did they?" Not expecting an answer or for the other man to take him seriously, Enishi was surprised by the frown on the man's face.

"Funny you would say that, but yeah, they did. I wasn't going to mention it myself because it seemed too bizarre, but since you brought it up… one of the men did say he thought he heard the animals talking, but he admitted to drinking at the time and wasn't completely sure himself."

"He was probably just drunk." Dismissing the claim, Enishi pushed away from the tree he was leaning against. In the back of his mind, however, he felt strangely uneasy. Such a coincidence was eerie.

"Of course the idiot was. Animals don't talk." Falling in step beside him, the man followed him back to the camp. A variety of noises and smells assaulted them the closer they came: talking; the sound of eating; the smell of food and sweat; the grind of a wet stone on metal. Barely glancing over the forty men he had under his charge, Enishi collected his katana and a small travel pack lying at the base of a tree.

"I'm going to check out that village with all the cherry trees myself. Kaoru's mother was from there. They might try to cover her tracks. Send word to me there if anything is found."

"Yes, sir."

X

"Sanosuke… if you stare any harder you might go blind." Laughing in amusement, Shinta slapped a hand up against the bottom of his friend's chin, snapping his mouth closed. Shaking his head, Sano stepped out of his reach and leaned over the railing to watch the woman who had captured his attention disappear into a pavilion.

"Whatever, man. If I do go blind I'd rather she be the last thing I see and not your ugly mug."

"Damn." Shinta snorted with laughter. "You must have it bad." Clapping him on the back, Shinta leaned up against the railing next to him. "Why don't you just go talk to her?"

"And just what the hell am I going to say to a woman like that? She'd chew me up and spit me out." A small grin tugged at the corner of Sano's mouth, and he looked more amused by the thought than annoyed. "Quicker than your little brother could draw."

"I'm surprised, Sano. You've never been this interested, or hesitant, about a woman before. You really like this one, don't you?"

"What's not to like? She can't even be compared to the others. She has class. She's untouchable. Most of all… she wouldn't waste her time on me."

"Yeah. You're probably right."

"Hey! You could be a little supportive."

"So are you going to try?" Amused by the uncharacteristic reactions being pulled from his friend, Shinta crossed his arms and leaned sideways into one of the posts. "You were right when you said she's not like the others. I don't think your usual methods are going to impress her."

"I know that!" The small muscles in his face curled in frustration and annoyance, his shoulders hunching as he continued to stare across the yard at the door the woman had entered. Only a few seconds later she exited through the same door, a small trail of helpers neatly following her steps on the veranda. Looking very prim and proper in her kimono, her head held high like a noble born lady, the physician's assistant spared a quick glance of cinnamon eyes in his direction. Startled, Sano stood up from his bent position, his gaze locking with hers as she let her attention linger on him, her eyes piercing and intense. A foreign sensation of shame washed over him and he ducked his head to break the connection. He had no business thinking about wanting this woman.

Shinta's atmosphere of teasing disappeared as he watched a small tinge of red darken the ridgeline of Sano's ear and he shook his head instead. Glancing back over to the woman, he watched her peek once more at them before walking resolutely away. There was a question in her slightly more tentative actions, but Sano wasn't paying close enough attention to notice the effect their brief interaction had engendered.

Taking a deep breath, Shinta let it out heavily as if defeated. "Fine, you win, Sanosuke, I'll help."

"Wha..?" Lifting a brow at him in confusion, Sano appeared flabbergasted. "I didn't ask for your help."

Grinning again, Shinta shrugged. "But you need it anyway, and you know it. You don't know how to talk to a real woman. She'd slap you the moment you opened your mouth."

"Hey, that…!" Sano's expression changed from irritation to contemplation to wry acknowledgment in only a few seconds. Snorting, he nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"Then we agree. It's time for a reeducation."

Sighing, relief settled over his warring thoughts, and he knew that with Shinta on his side there was nothing he couldn't do. Shinta had given him purpose, a reason to be a part of the world. Such power would even make it possible for a man like him to catch and hold the attention of a woman like Megumi. Hooking his thumbs into the waist of his pants, he smiled at the planking below his feet. Everything would be fine.

"After all, you really are worthless."

Sano's brow line furrowed deeply as a large amount of disdain tainted the mocking words, the statement unlike anything he had ever heard from Shinta's mouth. Jerking his chin up, his confusion turned quickly into horror and he took a step back away from the man standing beside him. Panic made it hard to breathe as the comforting memory fell away around him, the calm blue sky darkening to a deep shade of red; nearly black. The palace fell quiet, a chill washed over him like deep ocean water, strong and unrelenting, but it wasn't his surroundings that disturbed him… it was the image of the man.

"Shinta… sama?"

"I gave you everything you needed to live comfortably. I trusted you to handle the responsibilities of your position." Tripping over his feet, Sano caught himself on the railing, his eyes trapped by the lifeless gold of his best friend. There was no light left in those eyes staring through him. Nothing of his former self remained but memories and a fierce bitterness towards all living beings wasting that blessing of life. Trembling, he could see the glint of steel in his peripheral vision, the katana that had ended his life buried hilt deep in his back, the blade shining dangerously out of the exit wound. Congealed blood dripped thickly onto the wooden walk, painting his grey skin and matted clothes in a sickeningly vibrant color. It was not a sight Sano had ever wanted to see.

"What have you been doing all this time, Sanosuke? I made everything so easy for you. Why have you strayed from the path I laid at your feet?"

"T-they… stripped me of my position. They took away the purpose you gave me."

Sharp cracks accompanied the tilting of Shinta's head to one side, causing Sano to wince and twitch. "What a horrible excuse for a human you are. You cannot even protect your own purpose. It is no wonder you were turned into a dog. A cowardly, filthy creature that can do nothing more than beg for scraps off the master's table and tuck his tail between his legs as he runs away."

"Your father did this to me! What did you expect me to do against your father?"

"You cannot even take responsibility for your own life. You would rather blame others for your troubles than admit that you were the one at fault all along. Father took the position from you, but then… what did you ever do to earn it anyway. I gave you that title, and you threw it away as soon as I turned my back."

"You were dead! You are dead! You weren't ever coming back."

"I put a lot of faith in you, Sanosuke, and you let me down. I'm disappointed that all my efforts and beliefs were wasted. You've had so much time to correct the mistakes you've made and instead you've chosen to do nothing. You're pathetic. You've thought of no one but yourself. Other's relied on you. Other's believed in you. How could you let them down so thoroughly?"

"There is no one else. They all have their purpose. They don't care for me. They've left me behind. I'm worthless, just as you said."

"You are worthless because you do not understand!" Anger blackened every inch of Shinta's face, twisting his visage into something cruel and unrelenting. "I died protecting what I value in my life, and you chose to dishonor that sacrifice I made by letting your life became meaningless and devoid of purpose! You chose to fall off that path you yourself asked me to give you! I fought to help my friend! What have you done to honor my efforts? You let one man knock you down! One man, Sanosuke! There was more than just one willing to help you back up!"

"To what end? The master would have never given my position back to me! I am alive only because your brother vouched for me!"

"Then you should have swore your loyalty to him! He did not turn away from your plight! He offered you a helping hand and you let go as soon as your life was spared! You should have let him lead you! You should have walked behind him! You should have let him give you a new purpose!" Sano's eyes widened, unaware and uncaring of the dead hand fisted in his shirt, pushing and pulling him to and away from the floor.

"That is all you needed, is it not? Without an unquestionable show of worth you do not feel justified in living or having desires. Without a purpose you feel unworthy of your friends, your home, your lover. Ever since your purpose was taken away you have shut yourself off from everything. You interact with others, but you do not take anything away from it. You think your presence is a stain upon their lives. You think you have nothing to offer, but they have everything to lose. You have no sense of self-worth, you even let the only woman you have ever loved walk away from you without a fight to keep her by your side. You've let everything slip away from you, and you've done nothing to stop it. If you had only pledged yourself to my brother, none of this would have happened."

Releasing him with a shove to the floor, Shinta's pale and rotting corpse stood tall over the top of him, his dead golden eyes lit by a strange glow. "But that is beyond you now. You have already given up on this life, or else I would not be here to collect you."

Startled out of his stunned reverie, Sano blinked, his mouth hanging slack. "C-collect me?"

"That's right, Sanosuke. I am the form you have chosen to be your reaper." Arm bending at an impossible angle, Shinta jerked the katana out of his back, the blade stained and rusting from where it was sheathed inside him. "I am here to take you with me."

"Wait." Struggling to get away from him, Sano scrambled to get off his back. "Wait! I'm not ready!"

"I'm afraid it's too late now." Lifting his arm, Shinta brought the katana down in a strong horizontal slash.

"No!" Futilely raising an arm to block, he tensed and pleaded again.

"NO!"

As if placed there just to add physical pain to the mental attacks on his heart, Sano hit the sharp rock with his ribs and wheezed as all the air left his lungs from the impact. Yelping, he rolled weakly to his other side, then lay on the ground panting, his eyes closed to focus on all the aches his tumble had left him with. Around noon he had decided on a short nap, the cool shade of the awnings relaxing in the summer heat. To now be on the ground instead of the veranda where he had started meant his slumbering body had been quite active.

"Sano-san?" An anxious voice flooded his mind, interrupting his dazed thoughts, and he blinked his eyes open. "Sano-san! Are you alright?" Tilting his head back, his brows furrowed and he looked up at the veranda's edge and into clear blue eyes. Kneeling on the planking and steadying herself on the ledge was the lady; the master's lady. "Are you hurt? Do you need me to help you?"

There was worry clearly etched onto her face for him, and he stared, dumbstruck, as one arm outstretched, offering her hand. Eyes widening, the dream crashed back down around him, and he was suddenly frantic, anxious to do everything in his power to keep from ever experiencing it again. I denied the help that I needed… if I deny any more… I might never have another chance. Grasping at her selfless act like a man drowning, Sano didn't give himself enough time to argue his way out. Her hand is not the one that I need… but perhaps she can help me to it.

"Sano-san?"

"Lady Kaoru." Sitting up too quickly he winced and had to bite back a whimper. Ignoring her concern, he jumped up onto the walkway next to her. "I really need your help."

"Yes, yes okay. Do you need me to get Megumi-sensei?" Speaking quickly, she mistook his request, thinking only of any injuries his tumble might have given him.

"What? No. Well, not yet anyway. I mean… I will eventually, but that I can accomplish on my own at least." He was rambling, his words jumping upon one another and confusing her. Frowning, she lifted a brow.

"Then what is it that you need, Sano-san?"

"Just an audience with the master. As soon as he has time to see me."

"Is that all?" Smiling, Kaoru stood. "I was heading to see him right now. I think he is busy at the moment handling the problem in the mines, but he should be free late this afternoon. I'll speak with him and send someone to let you know."

"Thanks, missy. You're helping me out a lot."

X

Misao was one hard weasel to track down. If Sano had thought about it before parting with the lady he would have just asked her where her personal handmaiden was, but he hadn't. Instead, he was left with the irritating job of pinning down her location, which was about as easy as catching a hummingbird. While the lady was with the master during his audiences, Misao was left free to accomplish the other duties that came with the territory. To Sano's surprise, this was a lot more than he would have ever imagined. After racing back and forth across the palace four times just following her movements, Sano was more than aware now.

Trying to catch his breath, Sano stood in front of Misao's impatient form, her features clearly annoyed. "Spit it out quickly, mutt. Unlike some people around here, I actually have a job to do."

"Yeah… gotcha there…" Wheezing between words, Sano's head hung down between his shaking front legs. "I didn't know… it was so… demanding… keeping track of a… lady."

"Oh? Perhaps it would seem that way to someone so out-of-shape and unorganized."

"Oh shut up." Slumping down onto the veranda, Sano eyed the weasel wearily. "And stop acting disdainful. I'm here to apologize."

Misao's angrily pouting features disappeared in three quick blinks. "Really?" She brightened up so fast it was almost unnatural.

"Well, it only seemed right after catching the master staking claim on his lady. He seemed a little bit too knowledgeable for it to be something new."

"Oooh, must've been heated. You're lucky. Nobody's caught them sharing anything more than a chaste kiss."

"Lucky? What the hell…?" Eyes flying skyward in exasperation, Sano shook his head and sat up. "Look, the point is you won the bet and I'm here to pay up. So what'll it be? Your slave for a day? What?"

"What the hell happened to you? You're way too eager." Suspicious, Misao narrowed her eyes and looked him up and down. "You didn't eat any bad mushrooms did you?"

"I'm trying to be serious here, you damn weasel." Growling, Sano braced himself on all fours. "If you're not interested, then we'll just call it even."

"Oh no, you're not getting out of it that easily. If you're willing, I'm willing." Excited all over again, Misao grinned. "But I warn you, it's not going to be as simple as being my slave. I have something special all planned out for you."

"Would you just spit it out already? I actually have something important to take care of today."

"Yeah, whatever, mutt. Like I'll ever believe that." Sano grumbled, but didn't protest. After all, he really hadn't given anyone much reason to believe otherwise. "Anyway, I'm a bit conflicted about it now, though. I really think I need to force you to make up with Megumi-sensei since whatever fight you two had this time seems to be serious. What the hell did you do to her? I've never seen her act this way."

Looking away, Sano frowned. "That's none of your business, so you can just forget about trying to make me do anything when it comes to that fox."

"Don't you care at all?" Incredulous, Misao's voice rose.

"I'll apologize, but it sure as hell won't be now. She'd have no reason to believe me… or forgive me, for that matter." Sano's volume trailed off, his eyes focusing on something Misao couldn't see. Seconds later his attention returned to her, his appearance almost challenging. "You've done enough meddling in the master's relationship. I don't need any help with mine, so you can forget it."

Misao's aquamarine irises were serious for a change as she stared back at him, but she huffed shortly a moment later and agreed. "Fine. Katsu said he was more worried about you anyway."

"What?"

"You know, I really wanted to make you do whatever I said for a week, but Katsu's idea is a bit more productive. Especially since you're such a lazy ass. He figured you wouldn't do anything on your own without someone bullying you, and I think he's right. You've got no self-confidence, idiot. It's just sad." Shaking her head as if it was such a bother having to look out for him, Misao sighed.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Katsu was more than sure you were going to pay up on this debt between us. Which shows he's got a lot more faith in you than I do. So anyway, he wanted me to tell you when you showed up that you can find your own purpose… whatever that means. Oh yeah, and stop whining like some mature old man when you still act like a child." Misao's voice was matter-of-fact as she stared upwards and recited the secondhand words from her memory. "Also, you're a hypocrite, and a bum, and an idiot, oh and completely selfish. You really smell, and you need to take a bath. Aaaannnd… oh, how can you say you've experienced all there is when you've ignored everything that has happened around you? Yeah. I think that sums it up." The weasel nodded, and then jerked excitedly. "Wait. He also said Shinta-sama would be greatly disappointed."

"Ok! Damn, I get it!" Surprised by the outburst, and yet somehow glad for the words, Sano shook his head in wry amusement. To know that Katsu had said all these things was shocking, and in a way it made him feel like the one that needed taken care of. Ever since they were small, Sano and Shinta had looked out for Katsu. It was almost ironic for the role to be reversed now. "So what does all this have to do with my payment?"

"Alright, sooo… what you've got to do is politely ask the master for your job back. Easy, right?"

What the hell is going on today? It was easy enough, since that was exactly what he had in mind already, except… "I can't do that. Do you realize how insolent that is? Do you want the master pissed off at me?"

Misao just blinked as if confused or uncaring what it sounded like. "Not that it's going to matter, since this is what I want you to do, but what makes you think it will upset the master?"

"Think about it, weasel, I'm the laziest person here. Have been since before the old master died. What the hell reasoning would he have to just hand me my old position back, no questions asked? I've done nothing to deserve it. Hell, I'm not quite sure I did anything to deserve it in the first place. I'll ask him for a job, but not that job. Anything's fine, right?"

"Nope." Looking as if she were fighting off a grin, Misao nonchalantly disagreed. "You are going to do just as I said, because that's the deal. You lost the bet. I won. That means you are going to do exactly what I say, when I say it. Unless, you want to spend a week serving Kamatari."

"Shit! Fine, I'll ask the master for my old job back." Glaring, Sano stood to leave. "That was really low."

Misao just shrugged. "Good luck!" Taking off to continue her duties, she shouted the encouragement as she dashed around a corner, leaving him to walk away shaking his head.

Luck was not going to cover what she wanted him to do. It was going to take a miracle, but Sano was a bit more aware of the situation than both Misao and Katsu. More than anything he wanted to stand before the master and ask for a new purpose, anything as long as he was useful once again. Before that, however, there was something that they needed to discuss. Sano could not pledge himself to a new master without completely putting the old to rest. It was this new information that he feared would cause the master to never offer his hand again.

Even touched by anxiety, though, Sano felt strangely resolute. Losing everything important in his life, knowing exactly what it feels like to be alone and desolate had frightened him. So much so that it had haunted his dreams with images of his failings, and in that dream a fighting part of his consciousness had made itself known. Vicious and unrelenting it had pointed out his mistakes and the weaknesses in his arguments. It had goaded him into action, bringing to light just what he needed to do. To think, all this time the answer had been right in front of him, and yet he was too blind or too stupid to see it.

It was even funnier that Katsu had seen it before him. Amusing that he would be lectured by a man he had always protected. He needed to take responsibility for his own purpose, and even if it was taken from him, he could have at least fought to keep it. At the time he had lost all hope, thinking his only link to a world where he was needed was the master he had pledged his loyalty to. Instead of giving up, he should have found a way. Everyone else had struggled to find a way to be useful to their new master. It was about time Sano found his own. A way that would no longer be a burden on the many friends he had worried.

It was a couple hours later when he was approached by a small hedgehog and informed that the master was available to see him. Nerves steadily increasing as the day progressed, Sano followed the spiky animal to the master's office pavilion and waited outside while he was being announced. Hardening his resolve, he knew there was no backing out now. He couldn't go back to the way things were, and to move forward this was what needed to be done.

Entering the inner room, Sano glanced apprehensively at Kaoru who was seated next to the master. She smiled pleasantly at him, and he tried to return the gesture, but her presence was not one he had counted on. The little lady was someone everyone at the palace held in high respect. He did not want to admit to anything remotely demeaning with her there to hear it.

"Kaoru-dono has informed me you wished to speak with me." The master instigated the audience, startling Sano's eyes away from the lady and to him.

"Yeah. I mean, yes, milord." Ducking his head, his etiquette rusty after so long of disuse, Sano cleared his throat. "Actually, I have a couple things, but…" Darting his eyes back to the lady, he looked slightly ashamed. "it is a personal matter…"

Deep sapphire eyes blinked at him, and then her smile became softer. "Of course." Automatically bracing a hand on Kenshin's shoulder, Kaoru stood, turning her smile on the man seated beside her. "I have a few things I wish to take care of before evening anyway. I'll see you at supper, okay Kenshin?"

Nodding his agreement, one of the master's hands came up to wrap around the one just slipping off his shoulder, squeezing it gently. "I shall look forward to seeing you then, my lady." As the lady blushed, her smile turning compassionate and loving, Sano decided that Katsu's observation about the two over a month ago had not been completely accurate. While falling in love did seem to be agreeing with the master, Sano thought it was also agreeing nicely with the lady as well. A young lady she had been upon first arriving there at the beginning of winter. Now she was maturing nicely into a true lady in more than just name.

The shoji slid shut behind her as she stepped down into the hallway, and the quiet shuffle of her footsteps could be heard as she headed to the outer door. The soft sound of the tsumado clacking shut announced her complete departure, and Sano was left fully alone with the master looking expectantly at him. It was only then that Sano noticed the change in his appearance, the hint that Misao had spoken of before about his eyes showing the difference in his demeanor. It was startling at first, slightly surreal, but the master wore the look naturally; comfortably.

Dark amethyst eyes blinked, his brow line lifting in question, and Sano cleared his throat to distract from his curious interlude. "Right. I'll make this quick then, and you can decide what to do with me after that."

"What to do with you? Will you do anything other than what you've always done?" The question wasn't teasing, but had a testing air about it, as if his answer would decided how serious the master was going to be.

Taking a deep breath, Sano chose the words to his reply carefully, hoping to get a point across without actually giving away what he was there for. "I will do exactly what my master asks of me."

"Is that so?" A smile tugged at his lips as if he were amused, and he waved a hand to encourage him to continue. "Go on."

Having already decided that he would not use any lame excuses or pleas to save him from the master's anger, Sano readied himself and spoke what was on his mind before he could talk himself out of it. It was not going to be an easy thing he was saying before his master, but it was a necessary confession. The guilt of it had always laid heavily in the back of his conscious, and he knew now it was the main reason why he had been unable to accept Kenshin as his new master. To pretend ignorance and accept a new life and purpose from his hand would have been cowardice. Even if the only respect Sano had felt towards Kenshin back then had been the love Kenshin felt for his older brother. The respect was still there, and now it was greater than ever. To show respect, one must be honest.

"Shinta-sama was aware of the threat to his life." The smile disappeared from the master's lips, and his violet eyes seemed to lighten nearly to blue. "He didn't know who exactly, but he knew something was going on. He was trying to dig up the conspirators, but he was still unsure when he went off to battle that day. He didn't tell you because of your mother's health, he knew you would have let her die alone if he had told you."

"But he told you."

The coldness in the statement set the fur on Sano's back standing straight up. "Yes. I was helping him gather info. I tried to convince him to take you with him that day, regardless of what was happening with your mother. I know that sounds heartless, but I thought Shinta's safety was more important. I even threatened to go to you with what I knew, but he ordered me not to. It was the only order he had ever given me." Sano paused for a reaction, but Kenshin merely nodded slowly, his features stern.

"I see."

The next part of the tale hurt enough even now to force his eyes away from his master's gaze in shame. "Tenshi approached me that same day." The hands resting in his master's lap shook just barely, but did not move from their lax position. "He told me he was aware of the situation and wished to help protect Shinta-sama. He told me he had his suspicions of General Tsukayama, that he believed he was the main suspect behind the threat. I was leery, but I was also worried for Shinta-sama's safety without you there to protect him. I informed Shinta-sama of what I had heard and… urged him to stay close to his brothers. It seems he… did as I asked."

There was a long pause.

"Is that all?"

Sano's shoulders hunched. "Yes, milord."

"Why did you not tell me all of this immediately after learning of his death?"

"I suppose I was too much of a coward, or I was ashamed of myself for trusting someone who had no right to be trusted. Either way, I have no great excuse to make up for my lapse in judgment. Call it simple human stupidity."

It was silent for a long time, but Sano could not look up, afraid of the resentment he was sure to discover. "Sanosuke… do you understand why my father accused you of being a part of the plot on Shinta's life?" Frowning, Sano shook his head. "It is because you were seen speaking with Tenshi the day they left for battle. Tenshi accused you of trying to recruit him into the scheme."

Sano's frown deepened and he finally looked up. To his surprise the master's eyes were still a violet color and not the amber he was used to seeing when he was angry. "If that is what you were told, then why did you vouch for me? Without any proof they would have thought you too were in on the conspiracy."

"My brother trusted you, so I trusted you as well." Shrugging, Kenshin's seriousness lightened just briefly. "Also I was informed by Saitou of the hand that had taken Shinta's life. Tenshi was a liar, always was and always would have been. Nothing he ever said could be trusted, and if he was trying to pin the blame on someone, he could have chosen a more suspicious character. For as long as I have known you, Sanosuke, you have had an honest disposition."

Sano snorted rudely. "I've clearly proven you wrong there."

"I said honest, Sanosuke. I did not say you have never lied." The amusement in his voice was back and it forced a frown of confusion on Sano's features.

"Aren't you mad?"

"Undoubtedly." Sano ducked in preparation. "But there is nothing that can be done about it now, and you have obviously done more harm to yourself with this information than I could by reprimanding you. I understand what it means to blame yourself." Amethyst eyes looked away for a moment, remembering a pain similar to Sano's. When his attention returned his demeanor was once more calm. "I hope by finally sharing this burden you feel somewhat relieved."

It took a second for Sano to recognize the expectance in the master's claim, and his eyebrows shot up. "Uh… maybe… To be truthful I am relieved, but mainly because I had expected a… different reaction."

"Ah." Kenshin's features became serious once more. "If you will give me a moment, I can try to be more obliging."

Mahogany eyes widening, Sano shook his head quickly. "I'll pass!"

"No, no. I would hate for you to find this meeting disappointing, so I will do my best."

"No seriously, don't put yourself out just for me! I'll live!"

Kenshin sighed despondently. "Very well. Then I shall simply have to be twice as hard on you from now one to make up for my poor performance."

"What the…?" Completely dumbfounded, Sano stared slack-jawed at the master and found what he would have never expected. Sanosuke was being teased, by his best friend's younger brother of all things. "For crying out loud! What is this? Everyone pick on the stupid mutt day?"

Seeing that he had finally caught on, Kenshin no longer tried to hide his mirth, his laughter much more carefree and open than Sano had ever heard before. It was astounding to think the master would ever react this way to anyone, let alone towards one of his subjects. It's amazing what that woman has done to him. I don't even see the sullen, angry boy he used to be anymore.

"Forgive me, Sanosuke. I did not mean to make light of the situation." Still chuckling, Kenshin held up a hand. "What you told me is a serious matter, but I have suspected much of it for a very long time. What happened to Shinta-sama is no one person's fault. You cannot feel as if you are completely responsible, just as I cannot. A man must take responsibility for himself. Shinta-sama was as much to blame as anyone."

You must take responsibility for yourself. Is that not similar to what I heard in my dream?

"In truth, Sanosuke, I was never angry at you for what happened. You and Katsuhiro were the only two people who were in a situation similar to my own. You were my older brother's greatest friends. After Shinta-sama was killed I had no one left to look up to anymore. I was… unable to let neither you nor Katsuhiro be removed from the palace. You two were the only connections I had left to him."

He shielded us. Surprised by the revelation, Sano blinked vacantly. The kid we were supposed to be watching out for was protecting us!

And neither of you were able to recognize this.

Shit! You really are a stupid, cowardly dog!

It was clear to Sano now just what Shinta had meant by looking out for his little brother. Not just by watching over him and making sure he stayed alive and healthy. He had wanted them to be friendly, just like he had always been friendly towards the scrawny Himura boy who had learned too much about hardship too fast. Shinta had meant for them to keep him from withdrawing entirely.

"He always spoke really highly of his little brother. He swore you had the potential to be a more capable master than him." Nodding thoughtfully, Sano quirked a grin. "I don't think that man was ever wrong about anything."

The poised and calm master façade sitting before him wavered for only an instance, and Sano could see the young boy his amethyst eyes reflected a bit more clearly. Gratefully, greedily, he accepted the praise he had been missing from a source that was long since gone from their lives. The boy had been starved for that approval he was frequently denied, and Sano understood all over again why Shinta had tried to pamper him.

"Yeah." The dignified veneer was back, and he was once again the master. "It was kind of annoying at times, wasn't it?"

"Hell yeah!" Answering without thought, Sano laughed. "He had a horrible habit of rubbing it in, too."

"Hmm." Agreeing in amusement, Kenshin smiled. "But he always offered help in fixing the mistake."

"True, and he always seemed to know exactly what to say." Thinking of his dream again, Sano's smile turned wry. Even after he was dead he was still helping him out.

A soft rap on the door grabbed their attention, and the master acknowledge the new presence, his voice still relaxed. Musashino quickly reminded him of his next appointment, and Kenshin thanked him, jerking Sano out of the friendly atmosphere. He still hadn't accomplished everything he had set out to do, and now time was running short.

"It seems we will need to wrap this up quickly. Was there anything else you wished to say?"

"Right." Misao's annoying voice popped into his head and he grimaced. After getting past his main concern in a strangely amiable way, Sano was loathe to push his luck by asking something as presumptuous as what that weasel had in mind. Grinding his teeth, he reluctantly bit out the question she expected of him as payment. "I was wondering if you were willing to… give me my old position back."

"Sanosuke… are you seriously asking me to give you such a high-ranking position after you've done nothing but loaf for the last thousand years?"

"Yeah I figured you'd say something like that. Look, the weasel made me promise I'd ask, but I understand where you're coming from. I don't really expect anything grand, but if you could give me anything I'd be happy. Hell, at this point I'd settle for cleaning up the training hall after drills."

"You do realize, Sanosuke, that after a thousand years there really are no juniors or seniors among the men. They share those jobs now." Sano blinked and Kenshin waved his hand dismissively. "In any case, if you are only asking for that position because someone else has forced you to, then I can assume you do not truly want it back for yourself. Is that correct?"

"No… I just don't feel like I deserve to have it back after loafing around for the last thousand years. I haven't earned it, and I haven't exactly proven that I'm capable of holding it. You really don't have any reasons for giving it to me, and I know my place. Besides, I'm not even sure if it is a position that suits me."

"You did not enjoy holding the position when you were doing so for my brother?"

Deep creases, made even more so by the fur and loose skin around his dog eyes, formed on Sano's brow. He didn't understand why it was so important to be this specific. "Well, yeah I did, but…"

"Was it only for his benefit that you worked so hard?"

"No, there were others who relied on me."

"Then why do you not feel the position is suited to you?" Kenshin searched his expression. "Perhaps you do not feel you are suited for the position." Sano just shrugged and the master sighed impatiently. "Forgive me, but I am running behind schedule now and I have neither the time nor the patience to handle this delicately. Especially when you are not someone I think who requires it.

"I do have my reasons to believe you would do well in that position, and my proof is simple. You believe you have done nothing while I have been master except nap and get in the way. For the most part this it true, but when my lady was in danger you did not think twice about protecting her, from Saitou's needless threat and Takeda's rabble. Similarly, you put forth all your efforts when Tae-san was missing. You have not forgotten how to be a man of that position, and I do not see a reason why you think yourself incapable of handling it. The only problem I have in giving it to you, Sanosuke, is if you are truly unwilling to take its responsibilities seriously. If you do not want the position because it is something you cannot take pride in then I will not hand it over. There are too many people within this palace that depend on the guard for protection."

Sano was stunned. "You would give it to me?"

"It was always my intention. If you were willing to ask sincerely."

Mind made up in a snap, Sano flattened himself to the floor without preamble. "If the master is still willing, I would beg for my old job back please."

"Granted." The master's voice was pleased, and Sano was just amazed. He had never imagined in his wildest dreams everything would be handed back to him so easily. He had a long way to go to rehabilitate, but this made things much simpler. "You know, I told the same thing to Katsuhiro when I saw him a couple weeks ago."

"What? Which part?"

"He was concerned that you were heading in a direction that was unhealthy and was hoping I would help by forcing your old job back on you. I informed him that I was not interested in giving you a job you had no interest in doing."

"Huh. That sneaky little lemur. He convinced Misao to make me ask as payment for our bet. He had this planned all along." Indignant but impressed, Sano grinned crookedly. "That idiot's really going to get it when I see him next."

"You should be proud you have such a friend looking out for you. Just like all the others. You have more friends then you realize, I think, Sanosuke, but you are an easy man to befriend."

Snorting, Sano looked unconvinced. "What makes you say that?"

The answer was offhand, Kenshin's attention already moving on to the papers piled near him. "You have many good traits that others find agreeable. Such as your honest personality and your fierce loyalty. Really, it is no surprise to see you in the form of a dog."

"Is that right?" Voice low, Sano felt relief at the compliment. He'd never thought of himself that way. Is that how everyone else saw him?

"Out of curiosity, what is this about losing a bet?"

Face falling, Sano's eyes went wide in horror. The last thing he needed right now was for the master to find out that he had made a bet about his love life. "Uh, it wasn't anything big, just a petty gamble." Incredibly nervous, he knew the master could tell.

Looking him over speculatively, Kenshin nodded slowly. "I see. Well, I'm afraid you are going to have to lay off the gambling and drinking as of now. Do you think you can do that?"

"Yes, sir." Agreeing quickly, Sano prayed he wouldn't press the matter.

"Good. Now if that is all you need of me, Sanosuke, then you need to hurry and report to Katsura-san. I'll send a message informing him of the situation and you can start right away."

"Yes, sir." Accepting the orders gladly, Sano jerked his head in acknowledgement and turned to hop out the door.

"Oh, but before that, Sanosuke… take a bath. That's an order."

Abashed, Sano grimaced. "Yes, sir."

X

Kaoru smiled and waved cheerfully at the servants she passed on her way down the veranda. It was a beautiful day, perhaps a little hot, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining happily down on them. A light breeze blew off the ocean and up the mountain side, relieving the fierce rays of sunshine and keeping them from overly high temperatures. So happy she felt she could burst, Kaoru giggled. Everything was going so wonderfully, and she could hardly contain her joy.

It had been a month since their first kiss in the cherry grove, and Kaoru was firmly situated on cloud nine. Everything just kept getting sweeter between them, every touch and look softer, containing more feeling, more love. It was overwhelming, unbelievable, and completely blissful. Unexpectedly their relationship was also very playful. Hiding their intimate exchanges from the servants had turned into a sort of game for them, and it was all the more amusing and fun knowing it was killing the others because they couldn't catch them in the act.

Of course they had slipped up a couple of times, but those moments were innocent enough that Kaoru didn't think it was too big of a deal. Kenshin got irritated, but then, he was mister propriety. He wanted to keep his private life just that; private. Kaoru did agree, but sometimes it was nice getting to see her friends look so happy for them. Although, they had startled Tae so much that she dropped the tray of food she was bringing in for lunch. That was embarrassing all around.

Giggling, Kaoru covered her mouth and skipped down a set of steps into the yard, feeling exceptionally light. Without a doubt she could confidently say that Kenshin was happy, and it wasn't just because of the change in his eyes. They were a big indicator that he was finally breaking free of his insecurities, but they were only a bridge leading to the happiness on the other side of that freedom. Now there, Kenshin was so much more relaxed, his humor was more prominent, and his love was growing purer and gentler by the day. He loved her, and she had no reason to ever doubt otherwise.

There was one last shadow still haunting him, however, and Kaoru was still working with him to dispel his anxiety. It was only a dream, a simple recurring nightmare he had experienced at random over the last month. At first, Kaoru had only known something was bothering him by his actions. Unaware of the dream yet, she would guess at his fear when she would wake up to find herself in his arms, either while he was still walking or already seated on the veranda at different locations around the palace. He would deny being upset and claim only that he wished to hold her, trying to turn his actions into a simple act of love. For awhile this diversion had appeased her, but it didn't take long for her to notice something else was eating at his mind. It was especially easy to figure out what that something was when she had to continually convince him that she loved him and that love would never change no matter what.

Only within the last week had he confessed that it was a nightmare forcing him to feel the same old doubts. He wouldn't give her any details about what was done or said, or even truly what it was about, but Kaoru could imagine some of the details. It had to do with her and him, and it had to do with her not loving him because of who he was. After a small argument he had admitted that in his heart he knew she loved him, but he couldn't help himself from needing her comfort after those dreams. Something about them took hold and would not let go, and they lingered far longer than any normal dream should in his heart and mind. Just her presence gave him enough reassurance to fight the eerie feelings away, it wasn't as if he didn't believe her.

Sapphire eyes softening, Kaoru clasped her hands in front of her. They would get around this obstacle as well. She didn't care what it took, she was going to convince him once and for all that he had nothing to fear. She wasn't going anywhere, and neither was her love for him.

"Right. Enough of this, it's time for the next stage of the plan." Standing in front of the shrine now, Kaoru grinned and hurried up the steps to the door. After a few sparse visits to the shrine, and a few detailed conversations with Tomoe, everything was panning out great. It seemed that Tomoe herself had kept watch as much as she could, which would explain the few times the door had been open when they had walked by. Although it embarrassed Kaoru to know the sorceress had been spying on their private moments, she understood it was probably better to have an outside opinion on the matter. After all, Kaoru was just trying to go off of a vague mission objective, not to mention she was a little close to the situation. What she thought was happy might not be true happiness. Although, she was pretty well sure that Kenshin was not going to get much happier at this point.

Knocking politely on the door, she grinned, her eyes squeezing shut when Tomoe opened the shoji and greeted her. "Good-afternoon, Kaoru-chan. You look simply radiant today." Smiling, she took her by the hand and led her inside, shutting the door behind them. "I suppose I don't need to ask how you are doing." Settling down on the cushions, Tomoe touched a cold finger to Kaoru's warm, blushing cheek. "You are a woman in love. Your life won't get any better than this, ne?"

Kaoru shook her head gleefully. "It doesn't feel like I can get any happier."

"I know, young one."

Biting her lip as a touch of sadness entered Tomoe's voice, Kaoru's aura dimmed just slightly, and she glanced sideways at the tree. It looked sad and bare, the branches blackening as if in death, and just an arms length away from her a single forlorn petal hung on for life. It was paling already, just a bare touch of pink coloring its surface. It wouldn't be much longer before it fell too, and then Tomoe would be gone. It would be a pleasant reunion for her with the loved ones she had waiting, but Tomoe had already admitted she wouldn't be able to greet them without shame if they couldn't break the curse before then. It was time to get serious.

"It's time, isn't it?"

"Yes, young one. You have done extremely well in your task. Lord Himura is now fully alive and in love and happy with his life. This next stage must be handled just as delicately, however, even though our time is much shorter. Do you think you are ready and willing to do everything you must to set the man you love free from this curse?"

"Yes." Nodding resolutely, Kaoru squared her shoulders. Whatever it was, she had no doubt that she would pull it off for him. To free him and everyone from the curse, perhaps then he would no longer have his doubts about her love.

A painful, tight smile quivered on Tomoe's lips and Kaoru's determination wavered in concern and wariness. Clasping Kaoru's hand in both of her own, Tomoe petted her skin softly. "Then if you are sure, I must tell you and hope that you will forgive me and think of me favorably after it is all over."

"Tomoe-dono?" A touch of fear tugged at Kaoru's heart, and she searched the black eyes staring back at her but found only sorrow. "What is it? What do I have to do?"

"Oh sweet girl… you have to leave."

X

A/N: Don't hate me! Well, it's ok if you do, but this is what has to happen, so… Sorry, but I do what I want. XP Alrighty, so I got just a hint of what's going on with Enishi at the beginning, and maybe you'll start to get a bit more of his personality from it and why he's going through so much trouble for Kaoru. Maybe. I didn't explain much so I won't expect much.

Sano's story was hard to put together, and I'm still not satisfied that I pulled off his personality correctly, but I had to kind of mold him into a being that is at once subservient to his master and then cocky and outspoken, too. I'm afraid I pretty much made up my own character, but I'll let you guys be the judge of that. Please let me know honestly how I did. What I wanted the most out of this side story was the ending result. Not just with Sano, but with Kenshin. I hope you all caught on. Kenshin wants to be friends! Squee! Ok, I'm over it. Anyway, I didn't resolve anything between him and the fox, but I hope you understood why I couldn't yet. He's trying to be a good man and get himself straightened out before going back to her. Who would have thought? lol

And now finally the ending arc has arrived. I've actually gone through the entire ending story plot with my grandma, it was fun getting to see all the reactions I wanted so… I'm looking forward to all of your reactions as well! Lay them on me I can take it! Wohoo! So in the next chapter, Tomoe will explain in depth, and Kaoru will have to learn a trait ill-suited to her personality. Please review and I hope to see you soon!