^o^ Hiya! Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: Kenshin & co sadly does not belong to me!

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

An Alternate Place and Time

Chapter 12: Special surprise for Tsubame and a Betrayal

Kenshin, Kaoru, and Takasugi waited patiently for Katsura to speak.

"The next target is Fujita Gorou. We have obtained information that there is to be an important meeting he will be attending tomorrow night. He is a major supporter of the Shinsengumi," Katsura looked to Kaoru, "Correct?"

"Yes, but I never met the man." Kaoru replied.

"Himura, you are to eliminate him. Kamiya, Takasugi you will back Himura up. His physical description is here as well as where the meeting is held," he said handing Kenshin an envelope, "I expect this to go smoothly. Taking Fujita out will hurt the Shinsengumi. That is all."

Kenshin, Kaoru, and Takasugi stood and left the room.

"This should be easy," Takasugi commented.

Kenshin made no reply. Kaoru just continued walking. It was getting late and Kaoru wanted to get some sleep.

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Mid-afternoon the next day, Kaoru, Tsubame, and Megumi were saying their goodbyes to Dr. Gensai and his two granddaughters. Dr. Gensai was going to bring his granddaughters to a less dangerous place, now that he finally had the time and money to take the trip. Ayame and Suzume were upset about having to leave, but they listened to their ojiisan.

"I'll miss you Kaoru-oneesan! Will you come visit us with Ken-nii and Yahiko-chan?" Suzume asked, "And you have to come too! Tsubame-chan and Megumi-san."

"Of course we will. You better take care of your ojiisan!" Kaoru replied.

"I will," Suzume said.

"I'll miss everyone too," Ayame piped up.

After some hugs and farewells, Kaoru, Megumi, and Tsubame headed back to their room. Tsubame was not working in the kitchen today, and Yahiko and she were going to spend the day together. It had been three years since Tsubame had met Yahiko. Kaoru decided that Tsubame was going to dress up for the occasion. Kaoru wasn't good at such things though, so she asked Megumi's help.

"Ohohohohoho! Of course I will help, Tanuki. You want her to look prettier, ne? If you did it Yahiko would likely run away!"

Kaoru fumed at Megumi's words, but admitted it was true. The only thing she could do with hair was placing it in her usual high ponytail, or in a braid to sleep. Her style of clothing, gi and hakama, really wouldn't fit either. Kaoru couldn't remember the last time she wore a pretty kimono.

Tsubame's hair was shoulder length, but Megumi managed to put it up quite artfully. Earlier that day Megumi went out to buy a kimono at Kaoru's request. A soft green was set off by the intricate black design that traced the bottom of the kimono and the ends of the sleeves. Tsubame looked gorgeous. A light blush stained her cheeks.

"I think you two are making too big of a deal. I mean we aren't going out anywhere. And Yahiko and I are just friends." Tsubame said timidly.

Kaoru gave her a sly smile, "Sure you are."

"Kaoru-san!"

"I am going to find Yahiko. Arigato for all your help Megumi-san."

Megumi waved her hand dismissing the thanks.

"It was fun. Besides it was easy. Tsubame is naturally pretty."

"Megumi-san!"

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Yahiko was dressed his best. Kaoru had to admit he was turning out to be a good-looking young man, although he was still an immature brat sometimes. Kaoru walked up to him and grabbed his ear.

"When are you going to tell her you like her?"

"Let go busu! None of your business!" He shouted angrily pulling away rubbing his ear.

He was about to yell at her some more, but she interrupted him.

"I have to go out tonight, so be careful, kay?"

"Of course Kaoru. Be careful yourself."

"You look cute. Tsubame won't be able to resist you." Kaoru threw in.

Yahiko made no reply. Instead he stuck his tongue out at Kaoru and walked away.

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Kaoru prepared herself for the assignment she was to undertake. It was almost time to leave. Kenshin would lead, since he was doing all the work. He was the only one that knew the location. Kaoru prayed everything went well. Kaoru placed her sakabatou at her side, and said one last goodbye to Yahiko, who had yet to see Tsubame. Kaoru wanted to see his face light up, but she had to go. When she got back she would ask Tsubame about all about it. She could just imagine the girl's red face.

Kaoru smiled at the thought as she made her way to meet up with Kenshin and Takasugi.

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Yahiko felt a nervous knot in his stomach. He had everything in place. Walking to Tsubame's room, he knocked on the door. Megumi's face greeted him with a huge smile.

"Tsubame, Yahiko is here." Megumi said.

Stepping out from behind Megumi, Tsubame smiled shyly at Yahiko. His eyes widened. She looked… she looked absolutely stunning.

"Yahiko! Stop staring and take Tsubame out already."

Yahiko started at Megumi's words. He held his hand out to Tsubame and walked down the hall toward the courtyard.

"You look beautiful Tsubame," Yahiko said mustering up the courage to say so.

"You look very nice today, too."

Yahiko led her out to the courtyard and started to walk toward the little cluster of trees that screened the little clearing. He stopped outside of it.

"Close your eyes." Yahiko said.

Tsubame looked at him questioningly, but did as he said. He led her into the little clearing with the koi pond. It was their favorite place to go.

"Now open them."

Tsubame opened her eyes to see beside the koi pond a table set with delicious looking food. Numerous little lights lit up the area surrounding them. It seemed like a little world of their own.

"Yahiko," Tsubame said amazed at his thoughtfulness.

"Come on, let's eat. I helped prepare the food."

Tsubame smiled at him. He pulled her seat out for her before taking a seat of his own. They ate while quietly talking. Yahiko couldn't help admiring Tsubame in the soft light. Soft curls of her hair were framing her face. Once they were finished eating, Yahiko stood walking over to Tsubame. He held out his hand to her, she took it standing up. Yahiko gave a little cough, and a melodic music started to drift into the clearing making the little enclosure seem more mystical in the darkening of the day.

"Who…?" Tsubame asked.

Yahiko smiled putting a finger to her lips.

"The ladies at the kitchen said they would help me out."

"Yahiko…" Tsubame was at a loss of words.

"Will you dance with me?" Yahiko asked feeling more sure of himself by the moment.

Tsubame nodded her head. She stepped up to him, and they started to dance slowly and awkwardly. After a few moments they became more comfortable with each other and moved closer, following the slow and peaceful music. The music came to an end too soon for Yahiko.

"I have one more thing for you," Yahiko said reaching into his gi.

He pulled out a small gift wrapped up with paper. He handed it to Tsubame.

"I bought this for you before this whole mess started. I meant to give it to you sooner, but it didn't seem like the right time."

Tsubame opened the package to see an elegant little necklace. On the chain was a small heart with a green little gem in the middle.

"Yahiko… how did you…" Tsubame again was at a loss for words.

"Well you know, all the work I was doing for the Shinsengumi, they had to compensate me somehow, especially since Kaoru demanded it."

"Yahiko it is beautiful. Will you help me put it on?"

Yahiko nodded, overjoyed at her response to his gift. He took the delicate chain and fumbled a little while trying to open it. Stepping forward he reached around her to clasp it together. He felt her breath on his face, as he clasped it together. He pulled back slightly and looked into Tsubame's eyes.

"Tsubame, … I like you a lot. I have liked you for a very long time." Yahiko declared in a rush.

"I like you too, Yahiko." Tsubame said gently.

Yahiko smiled at her. Tsubame leaned forward suddenly and Yahiko found himself kissing her, or more like being kissed by her. It didn't take him long to react. Ending the kiss they stared at each other for a few moments. Tsubame smiled shyly at Yahiko, her eyes lighting up. Yahiko was about to kiss her again when a shout of alarm rose.

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Kenshin was approaching the chosen destination. Something was wrong though. He became more cautious paying meticulous attention to his surroundings. Kaoru and Takasugi were a short distance away. As Kenshin advanced toward the building, he was attacked. He expected the move and was already out of the way as the dart hit the ground. Following the initial attack, men began coming from the building. Kenshin glanced behind him to see they were surrounded. Kaoru and Takasugi were several feet away from Kenshin now.

"We were set up," Kenshin said.

"And now you die," A man in the shadows replied.

Kenshin, Kaoru, and Takasugi quickly drew their swords as several men began to attack. They were no match for Kaoru or Kenshin. They weren't considered one of the strongest for nothing. Kenshin moved quickly slicing through one man then another. He wasn't worried about Kaoru; she could take care of herself. Kenshin sliced one man's throat ducked low and disemboweled another one. Kaoru's sharp cry had him turning in surprise.

"That is enough Himura," Takasugi said holding Kaoru against him, his sword to her throat.

Kenshin felt a sharp pain. Looking down he saw a dart had struck into his leg. The momentary distraction had been enough for them to catch him unaware.

He looked sharply at Takasugi.

"What are you doing?"

"What do you think Himura? Stop fighting or I kill the woman."

"So you are Battousai, I never expected to see you again, Shinta. Let me introduce myself," the man in the shadows said stepping forward, " My name is Fujita Gorou."

Kenshin's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Saitoh," he growled.

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^o^ Hiya! I hope you liked the chapter!

Saitoh appears! Ahhh! Uh oh! Don't worry I will update fast! I haven't failed you guys yet! Course your reviews motivate me to write more, so if you can, I would love to hear what you think! Ummm and another thing Yahiko is 14 now, and Tsubame is 15. I said they were around the same age before so to let you know she's 15.

Well I would like to individually thank my reviewers

Crystal- Yeah I know another cliffhanger! *gazes tentatively at Crystal* ^_^ I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!

Shizuka- I am sooooo happy you love my fic! Yay! Thanks for the review!

Ayumi- *huggles Ayumi back* You think I am a great writer *blushes* thank you. I am glad you reviewed last time. It really motivates me!

Chiki- I like Saitoh too! But he volunteered to play the bad guy so… But thank you for the review. I always appreciate them so much! I hope this chapter was good to. I tried to make it a little lighter for this one!

Saicho-18- You didn't get the e-mail. Gomen. Maybe I put the wrong address??? Well anyway, I had Kaoru cry at those points cause I thought it was a very emotional moment. But don't worry she is no crybaby! Don't want her seen in that light either so! Please keep reading and reviewing I appreciate it!

Marstanuki- *big smile* thank you for all your reviews, I hope you liked this chapter as well!

Joey- Well Saitoh has arrived. Might not find out his motives right away though! I am glad you enjoyed the scene! Yay! Can't wait to hear from you again.

Kawaii sakura-chan- Tomoe did not deserve it! No way! But it is part of my story! Don't worry I hold no hate for Tomoe! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!

Aizel- Arigato Aizel for not turning Battousai on me! I will say one thing, I plan on incorporating Akira into the story eventually!

Rhapsody- All twelve chapters in one shot! *big smiles* I am so happy you enjoyed it! All of you motivate me to write more with your reviews! Can't wait to hear from you again!

Lizzie- I am glad you think I displayed everything realistically. I was going for that and trying my best so I am happy you told me I did it! Yay! Loved your review, hope to hear from you again!

Vesca- Oh, but I love doing individual responses! Everyone motivates me to write more and faster! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!

Isis 13- Yep, Kenshin still carries around the comb and kaoru is definitely going to see it again! Please keep reading and reviewing, love hearing from you!

Bunny- here's the next chapter. I know not a lot of action and all but I hoped you enjoyed this chapter too!

Gypsy-chan- *hugs Gypsy-chan* Thank you so much for that wonderful review. I am trying to keep Kaoru in character and am glad you think I am. I always love your reviews. Definite motivator for me! Can't wait to hear from you again.

Mango- I will definitely have to try and find that movie! It sounds like it is good! You are a great writer too! I really like your story Eternal Darkness! I will be waiting for the next chapter! ^_^

Omochi- thanks so much for your constant reviews. Hope you liked his chapter too!

Apple- Awwww! I always love getting a review from you! They are so great *big hugs for Apple* I am happy you think I can actually write and all. Thank you so much! Your review definitely motivates me more! Can't wait to hear from you again!