Memories of the Past, Haunting the Future
Disclaimer: Hmm…where do I start? Oh yeah…I own RK. All you people that have written RK fan fics on this site beware! I'm gonna sue you for all you've got!! Muahahahaha! Now that I've had my little moment in the dream world…I don't own RK. I'm not gonna sue you. Please don't sue me!! You won't get a thing! I'm so poor!!
A/N: Thank you to the people that reviewed. (The few of you.) C'mon…I wanna know if it's actually any good!! Review it please!! Arigato!
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"Kenshin, when you come back we'll all go back to Tokyo together." Kaoru smiled.
He couldn't help but feel proud of her. He, Sano and Saitoh were going to a battle for Japan. A battle in which none of them would come back alive. But she had faith in all of them, in all their abilities however different. She was confident that he would return. That they would all return. That there would finally be peace.
He smiled back at her. "I'd like that."
"Kenshin? Earth to Kenshin…" Sano looked at his friend worriedly. He had hoped that these 'vacant spells' were long past. Ever since Kaoru's death, it was like Kenshin needed a minder, someone who could keep him in the land of the living, a place where he would no longer dwell on the past. Sano wondered if that was why Yahiko had never really pursued a relationship with Tsubame. 'Worry for Kenshin…'
He slammed his cup of sake down on the table and began shaking the red headed man.
"Oro!!" Kenshin flailed wildly, falling over.
"Kenshin!!" Sano yelled, "Snap out of it!!"
Kenshin looked at his friend in confusion. "Oro?"
Sano sighed, "You were of in la-la land again…you've got to snap out of it Kenshin! It's not healthy and-"
"Can you two keep it down?" An irritable Yahiko peered in the doorway, scowling. From his hair, it was obvious that he had been awakened by Sano's yells. "Honestly, as soon as I fall asleep all I hear is Sano yelling. Blah, blah, blah…take it outside!" He yelled not caring that he was now making more noise than Sano. "Or I'll - "
"Or you'll what Yahiko-chan?" Sano jeered mockingly, further incensing the young man. He cracked his knuckles threateningly. "I'll take you down!"
Yahiko narrowed his eyes in fury, launching himself at Sano. "Oh yeah!?" He yelled loudly. He aimed a punch at the streetfighter, who quickly caught it.
"Yeah." Sano said matter-of-factly, flashing a cocky grin before sending the younger man flying in to the far wall. Yahiko picked himself up, scowling in disgust and preparing to attack again. Pretty soon the two of them were going at it tooth and nail. The occasional insult was hurled between the flurry of punches and kicks.
Kenshin sweatdropped. 'Some things will never change.'
"Tousan?" In the doorway stood a sleepy Ayumi. She rubbed her eyes, yawning. "It is time to get up yet?" She asked confused. Her eyes grew wider when she noticed the scene behind her father. Yahiko had managed to get on top of Sano's head and had a firm grip on his leg. He was pulling, hard. Sano was alternating between yelling curses and threats as he tried to squirm out of the younger man's grip.
"Hah! Take that Sano! I can take you down anytime!!" Yahiko cheered victoriously.
Sano weaselled out of Yahiko's grip. "You think so Yahiko-chan? I haven't even gotten started yet!!" He yelled, preparing to attack.
"Iye." Kenshin answered his daughter quietly, barely audible above the noise his two friends were making. He led Ayumi back into her room to put her to bed.
******
The man waited. He had set up a camp in the shadows of the trees surrounding the Kamiya Dojo. Patience was all that was left. He would observe the dojo, and then he would strike. By then he would know Battousai's weakness, how to hurt him the most.
He unsheathed his sword, allowing moonlight to glint off the blade. 'Soon Battousai…soon'
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"Tousan? I can't sleep."
Kenshin looked at his daughter with amusement. "You just got into bed Ayumi-chan." He smiled affectionately down at her.
The little girl sat up, pushing the blanket into disarray. She propped her chin on her hand. "Tell me a story tousan, please?"
Kenshin sat down beside her; gently he tucked her under the covers again. "Okay…but only if you promise to go to sleep straight after." Ayumi nodded sleepily, happy that her father had complied. "What kind of story do you want?"
Ayumi snuggled under the covers, closing her eyes. "Tell me about kasan please." She murmured sleepily.
Kenshin closed his eyes for a moment, caught up in thoughts of Kaoru. 'So many memories, so many stories…which one can I, should I tell?'
"Well…" He began at length. "I'll tell you about the time when I was kidnapped by pirates and how Kaoru, your kasan, Sano and Yahiko came to 'save' me."
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I know it's been awhile. I was meaning to get more of 'Just One Wish' up too. @ . @ I've been busy with school (now that it's started) and the horrendous amount of artwork I need to do. Bear with me okay? Review it please!! ^.^ Arigato!!
© 2000
Smabbi – san