Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: You guessed it! The RK characters aren't mine!

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Fragile Balance

Chapter 12: A new situation

Saitoh looked at the sign proclaiming the shop as Hiko's Wares. Opening the door he slipped inside. Glancing over at the register Yahiko and Okita could be seen helping a customer. Okita's eyes met briefly with Saitoh's before he resumed talking with the elderly woman in front of him. Saitoh walked around the room looking at all the different things. Picking up one of the objects he examined it with disinterest. He looked back to the register and let it slip from his hands. Okita immediately excused himself to help pick up the broken pieces.

"Gomen," Saitoh said bending down as Okita did to pick up the mess.

"No problem. Stuff like this happens all the time," Okita replied slipping an envelope to Saitoh as he cleaned the mess.

"How much is it?" Saitoh said glancing at the You Break It, You Buy It sign.

"Do not worry. Can I help you with anything else?" Okita asked.

"No that will be all."

Okita smiled at Saitoh before taking the broken pieces to throw in the garbage. Yahiko came over complaining about clumsy people. Saitoh glanced back one last time before leaving the store.

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Misao sat huddled in the corner of the cell she was in. The room consisted of a toilet and a bed. She hadn't been surprised when she was thrown into a jail cell. The building area as far as Misao knew was an old abandoned and closed insane asylum. This thought was at the back of her mind though as Misao was numb from the shock of Aoshi's betrayal. She still could not bring herself to believe he had brought her here purposely. That was what her heart told her, but her head whispered that he was using her the whole time, that he did betray her. Misao's head slowly bowed her hair curtaining her tears from the man sitting at a table in the hallway. After being introduced to Shishio, Chou had taken Misao, who still had no clue why they wanted her, to the place she was currently in.

Wiping her tears away she looked at the huge man sitting near her cell. He looked like he was meditating. He reminded her of a monk of some sort. Misao stood up and went to sit on the bed. It was paper thin and horribly uncomfortable, but Misao didn't notice. Again her mind drifted to Aoshi, tormenting her. She felt tears start to burn her eyes again. She did her best to hold them back. It was hard trying to accept the truth. Aoshi didn't feel anything for her. He had used her, all those times. Pulling out the wallet she still had in her possession Misao looked at the pictures they had taken together. She stared at her favorite picture. The one where he was watching her as she looked forward with her head leaning on his shoulder. She scrutinized the expression on his face. His expression to her appeared tender and caring. Was it really a lie? She could feel the rational part of her answer that she was foolish and stupid. Aoshi was obviously a good actor. Stuffing the pictures back into her wallet she leaned her head back to stare at the ceiling.

"I am so stupid," Misao whispered desolately closing her eyes.

A second later she heard someone begin to open her cell. Jumping up she saw the big guy opening the door for Chou.

"What do you want!?" Misao asked fists clenched.

"No questions. Let's go," he said grabbing her arm.

Misao pulled back, but Chou's grip was too strong and he dragged her out easily. He released her arm telling her she better follow. Having no other option she did. After walking down a hallway he turned to the left and opened a door sending her inside. Chou shut the door firmly behind him. Misao looked around the empty room. Chou's friendship had just been for show as well. Did she truly have any friends? Was she so naive? The door opened minutes later. Another man came in. Misao had no idea who he was.

"Gomen Misao, but…" Chou trailed off, "I'll be back. You now what to do. Not too much."

The man nodded. Misao felt dread begin to build up in the pit of her stomach, and she felt her heart begin to race. Chou stepped outside. Misao backed against the wall as the man approached.

"Nothing personal," he said in a deadpan voice.

Misao began to tremble, moving away. With nowhere to go she watched as he came even closer. She knew little self-defense. She had begun to learn with her grandfather before her mother and father cut off ties with him. Misao hadn't seen her grandfather since she was a little girl. She wished desperately to have learned more. The man pulled his hand back with a wide swing, but before he could hit Misao, she rushed forward shoving into him. She fell on top of him as he took to the ground. Jumping off him as quickly as possible she rushed for the door, but he grabbed her ankle causing her to fall face first.

"Do not make me angry, or I will do more then mess you up a bit."

Misao cried out using her other foot to try and hit his face. He blocked her attempt with his other arm. Releasing her foot he watched her scramble to stand up with smug arrogance. He thought she was easy prey and approached her once again. She swung a punch at him, but he caught it before striking her sharply in the stomach. She bent over in pain. He didn't give her any time to recover. Grabbing her by the hair he brought his other fist around punching her viciously in the face. Misao was stunned. She had never been physically harmed by anyone. She had gotten her number of bumps and bruises, but no one had ever tried to physically harm her. Smacking her he grabbed her arm before she could fall only to throw her down to the ground giving her a good kick to the side. Misao wanted to cry out in pain, but stopped herself. She had seen the man's eyes gleam in pleasure the first time she had yelled in pain. She refused to cry and become this man's amusement. Grabbing her by her hair again he lifted her up. Misao tried her best to stand as she felt her hair being almost violently ripped from her scalp. Blood dribbled down her forehead and over her eye.

The guy laughed with perverse pleasure. Misao was pissed. She had never felt so vulnerable and hated it. She couldn't go down without a fight. Makimachi Misao was stronger than this, and she wouldn't let him get away without a few bumps and bruises of his own. Slumping slightly forward she listened to the man's arrogant laugh. Misao with all the agility and strength she possessed grabbed his shoulders kneeing him sharply. He bent over coughing in pain pouring out curse after curse. Slowly he straightened to stare at her. Fire blazed fiercely in her eyes as she raised her fists up ready to defend herself ignoring the pain that lanced through her body.

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Kaoru let the hot water wash over her as her mind drifted away. After she had called Sano, Kenshin had to leave to go to work. Akemi had ignored Kaoru the whole time. Akemi seemed quieter and more subdued. Kaoru wasn't used to this considering from the very first Akemi had been fiery and insulting. Kaoru had spent the day not doing much at all as Akemi watched her like a hawk. Kaoru didn't see Kenshin that night either. Akemi said he was on one of his assignments, and told Kaoru not to wait up for him. Kaoru understood why she shouldn't remembering the night before.

'It's like he has another personality. What if… Did he adopt another personality to deal with…?'

The water turned cold suddenly making Kaoru jump back. Playing with the shower knob in frustration she couldn't get the water warm again. Kaoru finished her shower quickly getting out frozen. She must have used all the hot water. Kaoru entered her room and got dressed eagerly wanting very badly to see Kenshin. She opened the door to the wonderful sight of Akemi's glowering face.

Kaoru looked at her surprised, "Yes…?"

"I'm going to work today."

"…And?" Kaoru asked confused.

"You better not try anything. Kenshin will be watching you. If you dare try and take advantage of him…"

"Do you really think I would? What is your problem anyway? Kenshin isn't a baby. Stop acting like his mother," Kaoru said feeling satisfied at the stunned expression on Akemi's face.

Akemi's face slowly fell anger smoldering in her eyes, "I have to go now. Understand one thing. I would do anything to protect Kenshin…anything." Akemi said the threat implicit in her voice.

Kaoru smiled, "Have a good day at work."

Akemi glared at her before turning sharply and leaving. Kaoru sighed with relief and started to follow Akemi downstairs. Reaching the bottom step she saw Akemi talking with Kenshin. Not wishing to interrupt she crept into the kitchen for a snack as her stomach growled. Kaoru opened one of the cabinets; it was filled with plates not food. Shutting it she rummaged around some more before hearing the front door open and shut. Closing the fridge door, she saw Kenshin standing there. An awkward silence ensued.

Kenshin looked around the kitchen, "Would you like me to make some breakfast, Kaoru-dono?"

"You don't mind, do you? Cause I can't cook."

Kenshin smiled, "Sessha doesn't mind at all."

"Sounds good then. I'd like to help if I can!"

Kenshin nodded and started getting out things to cook. Kaoru got what he told her to. Kenshin said he would make his special omelet for her. Kaoru watched him as he cooked. His whole demeanor changed. He had always appeared a little withdrawn and sad even when smiling, but now he seemed to fully enjoy what he was doing without any cares. His sleeves were rolled up and his hair was pulled back in the usual style. Kaoru just continued to watch him.

'Who are you Kenshin? Will you let me find out?'

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Chou began to laugh hardily at the man now standing in front of him, "And I thought you could fight!"

The man glared at him with one eye the other one being swollen shut. He seemed to have gotten a good number of hits.

Wiping his bloody lip the man spoke, "I got her back."

Chou frowned, "You remembered not to kill her right? Otherwise you're dead."

"She's alive," the man said disgusted.

"You may leave," Chou replied entering the room.

Misao lie facedown in the middle of the room. She was breathing shallowly. Bloody handprints and splattered blood drops now decorated the white walls of the room. Walking over he picked Misao up bringing her back to the cell. He felt a twinge of guilt but suppressed it. He didn't care; she wasn't his problem. Her face was really messed up; cuts and scratches along with awful bruises lashed her face. Blood was smeared all over her. Her clothes were torn and her hair was haphazardly sticking everywhere. Chou dropped her onto the bed in the cell once Anji opened the door.

"Was that necessary?" Anji asked.

"Shishio's orders. He wants to scare that old man real bad." Chou replied.

Anji averted his face from the sight. Chou leaned over and smacked Misao's face sharply.

"Wake up."

Again he smacked her. Getting some water provided by Anji he poured it on her face smacking her once again. Sputtering her eyelids fluttering open, Misao tried to concentrate on something besides all the pain lacing through her body. Chou's voice told her to sit up. Trying her best, she ended up collapsed on the bed. Chou slapped her. Not wishing to feel the stinging pain on her already sore flesh Misao managed to sit up in a daze. Chou then dragged her up to her feet supporting most of her weight.

"I need your help Anji," She vaguely acknowledged Chou saying.

She heard some noise and next thing she knew her hands were lifted above her head and shackled to the wall. Then the chain was shortened forcing her to stand on the tips of her toes to relieve the pressure on her wrists. Misao started to pass out again, but the sharp pain in her wrist caused her to try and straighten up as she watched groggily as Chou left. Trying her best she opened her left eye gazing at the man, who watched her sympathetically before looking the other way. Flashes suddenly blinded Misao. Focusing her gaze from where the flashes were coming from she saw Chou. Pictures…he was taking pictures. Misao wondered why. After he finished she was left in silence, trying her best to hold herself up on legs that were beyond worn and weak. Her wrists began to tingle from all the pressure, and she felt the cold metal biting and bruising her skin.

Misao had no idea how long she hung there half conscious. Images of Aoshi haunted her. At one point she thought he was there, but it was her mind playing cruel tricks on her. The rest of her mind revolved around the pain she was feeling, a numbing incessant pain that made her incoherent.

"Open the door." A voice said softly.

"I don't think…"

"I said open it," the voice said with a firmer tone.

Misao heard the man jingle the keys before opening the door. A calming presence came rushing over to her. Misao felt relieved by the presence of whomever the voice belonged to. It was familiar and safe, but in her state of mind Misao could not place it.

"Help me lower her to the ground."

"Seta-san…"

"Do as I say," Soujiro said with absolute authority.

Anji complied, helping him unshackle the girl. Soujiro scooped her up placing her on the bed.

"Sou-chan…?" Misao asked slurring her words horribly.

Her throat felt clogged and it was hard to speak. Her wrists that she had long lost any sensation in began to stick and stab her with pain as the blood rushed back to them. They were bloody and bruised now from the chains causing Soujiro to wince at the very sight of them.

"Shh…I will take care of you Misao-chan. Just rest."

"Sou-chan…I can…always…depend on…you…" Misao forced out of her aching throat hoarsely.

"Quiet now," Soujiro said with sorrowful eyes.

Misao sighed as she felt a cool cloth pressed gently to her forehead. It hurt but brought relief at the same time. Misao slowly drifted off as Soujiro cleaned her up and bandaged the wounds he was able to. After finishing, Soujiro softly brushed Misao's hair from her face.

"Gomen nasai, Misao-chan. This is the only thing I can do for you right now."

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"Breakfast was great!" Kaoru exclaimed satisfied.

Kenshin smiled picking up the dishes. Kaoru jumped up to help.

"Sessha will take care of it Kaoru-dono."

"No way! You made breakfast, the least I can do is help you wash them," Kaoru picking up her plate and following Kenshin to the kitchen.

"I will wash them. You dry them," Kaoru ordered in a mock authoritative tone.

"Kaoru-dono…"

"No, Don't give me that. You have no say," Kaoru said wagging her finger in his direction.

Going to the sink Kaoru turned on the water and set to work. She washed all the dishes as Kenshin dried them. Finishing up Kaoru smiled mischievously. She had always wanted to do this.

"Kenshin?"

"Yes, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin said turning to look at Kaoru.

She let out a stream of water straight at him. His mouth dropped open with surprise at his now soaking wet shirt, not to mention the floor. It took him several minutes to respond. A smile crept across his face as he started to move toward Kaoru. She pointed the nozzle of the sprayer at him.

"Stay back!"

Faster then Kaoru could blink Kenshin had one hand on the sprayer and one arm around her waist. Kaoru quickly recovered from her shock to struggle to keep her grip on the sprayer. Kenshin easily plucked it from her hands holding her firmly to him to prevent her from escaping.

Kaoru gave him an innocent expression, "Heh! heh! It was an accident. I swear…"

Kaoru was cut off as Kenshin sprayed her. Kaoru cried out as the cold water soaked through her shirt. Turning in his arms to try and get him back, Kaoru stopped her face beginning to heat up at how close she was to Kenshin. He went to release her immediately, but she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Kaoru-dono…"

"Kenshin," Kaoru looked into his eyes.

"Yes."

"Hug me," Kaoru said simply.

Kenshin's eyes widened, but he did as she asked. It amazed him how she acted this way toward him. She had seen his violent side, knew he was Battousai, and yet she didn't run away.

*I do not deserve her. I can only cause her more pain. *

Kaoru snuggled closer to him, her head now resting near his shoulder. Kaoru was filled with a feeling of content to be able to hold him and have him hold her like this.

'Why am I so attracted to you? Kenshin, I know there is more to you. You are a kind gentle person. I know it.'

Kenshin bowed his head resting it in the angle between Kaoru's neck and shoulder. Kaoru smiled just wanting to remember this moment. She took in the warmth of his body, the strong but gentle hold of his arms, and his breath as it tickled her shoulder. Kaoru's eyes closed as she enjoyed a moment of peace.

'I love you, and I will help you.'

*I love you, but I cannot be with you. *

Kaoru felt Kenshin begin to pull away from their embrace. She didn't let him go though and pulled him back into her embrace.

"Please just stay here like this with me a little longer," Kaoru asked watching his expression.

Kenshin gazed at Kaoru's face. His expression was unreadable, but he did as she asked bringing his arms around her. Her hair tickled his face as he held her. He didn't want to let her go. He didn't want to lose her.

"Kaoru-dono?"

Kaoru lifted her face up to look at him. Kenshin took the opportunity to kiss her lips with all the gentle tenderness he could convey to her. His right hand came up to cup her cheek. Kaoru sighed against his lips feeling cherished and important.

'I want to be with you.'

*Take her. She wants you. Possess her. Make her yours. *

Kenshin visibly stiffened letting go of Kaoru and backing up with a alarmed expression.

"…" Kaoru was unable to say anything for several seconds still dazed from his soft kiss.

She stood still watching Kenshin, trying to comprehend the sudden change as Kenshin backed away further from her.

"Kenshin…?"

"I…sessha…Kaoru…want…Kaoru-dono…can't…" Kenshin refused to look at Kaoru as he stuttered.

Kaoru went to say something when the phone rang, cutting her off. Kenshin started with surprise and used the interruption to his advantage. Kaoru watched him as he went.

'What happened?'

Kaoru's hand unconsciously rose to her heart as it slowed to a normal pace. She heard Kenshin say Akemi's name. It would figure she would be calling. Kenshin said a couple more things before hanging up. Coming back into the kitchen he glanced at her before resting his gaze elsewhere.

"Shishou wants to meet you," Kenshin said.

"Okay. Let me go change first."

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Aoshi pulled up to the building. Getting out of his car he walked up to the door giving it a knock. A man opened the door looking out. He looked like he had been beaten up. Probably didn't follow Shishio's orders.

"Yeah," the man said watching him with his good eye.

"I came to see Shishio. Tell Hoji, Shinomori is here as I said I would be."

The man shut the door. Aoshi looked at the gray dirty walls. Not much to look at. The place was abandoned and far as everyone else knew it still was. Those that had the unfortunate experience of exploring the area were never seen again. Not alive anyway. While waiting Aoshi began to wonder if Misao was alright. He had no idea why Shishio wanted her. He did as he was told without asking questions. Shaking his head to dispel the thoughts he was having, Aoshi leaned against the wall. He didn't care. It didn't bother him. He had done this before for Shishio and had left without a guilty conscious. Misao was no different. The door finally opened. Hoji stood there smiling.

"Shinomori, it's so nice to see you."

"Skip the formalities," Aoshi said.

"Always to the point, Shinomori," Hoji said with the same slimy smile.

"I want to see her."

"Of course." Hoji said allowing Aoshi to enter.

Aoshi followed him silently. Taking him into a nice room Hoji informed Aoshi to wait there. It didn't take long before the door was flung open with enthusiasm. Running with all her speed, a little girl of ten launched herself into Aoshi's arms.

"Uncle Aoshi!" she exclaimed happily.

"Saori," Aoshi said picking the young girl up.

Her ice blue eyes danced with merriment, "It's been so long since you visited."

"I have been very busy," Aoshi said his gaze resting on Hoji, who stood by the door.

"That's okay! I forgive you! Did you bring me a gift?" Saori gushed out.

Aoshi couldn't help but notice how much his niece and Misao were alike. Both were full of energy and prone to blurting out whatever was on their mind.

"Uncle Aoshi?"

"Not this time. Next time," he said placing her back on her feet.

Saori frowned for a second before lighting up, "I'll hold you to that! It's just so nice to see you!"

Saori twirled around her long black hair fanning out. Anyone could see the strong resemblance between the uncle and niece.

"Do you like my dress? It's new!"

"You look beautiful." Aoshi replied honestly.

"Uncle Aoshi, were you too busy with a girlfriend? Cause Yahiko-chan said he was busy cause he needed to spend time with his girlfriend."

Aoshi couldn't reply as images of Misao haunted his vision.

"Uncle Aoshi, you okay?"

Aoshi closed his eyes slowly opening them, "I'm fine."

"That's good!"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's time for Saori's lessons," Hoji stated.

"Can't I stay a little longer Hoji-san? Please!" Saori pleaded with an angelic face.

"Saori," Hoji said warningly.

Pouting Saori said, "Fine."

Saori jumped up to hug Aoshi.

"You will come visit again!? Sooner then before."

"I will try," Aoshi replied.

"I'll be waiting!" Saori shouted cheerfully as she went with Hoji out the door.

Aoshi waited for Hoji's return. It didn't take long for Hoji to come back into the room.

"I want to speak with Shishio," Aoshi said.

"That isn't possible right now. He isn't available."

"Where is he?" Aoshi replied.

"Away on business. He will be back in a week," Hoji answered.

"I won't tolerate these games much longer."

"What games?" Hoji asked innocently.

Aoshi made no reply passing Hoji to get to the door.

"Let me escort you," Hoji said.

"I know my own way out," Aoshi replied coldly.

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"Do you have to go to work? Can't you just stay here with me?"

"Unlike some people, I work to earn my money," Megumi said grabbing her work uniform from Sano.

"Oi! I work," Sano replied.

"Gambling with your buddies doesn't count."

"I do other things too," Sano said.

"I mean something stable," Megumi countered.

Sano sighed, "I just have a bad feeling. Just today. Call in sick. I am sure they won't mind."

"That's enough. I'll be back for dinner. So why don't you work on that."

Sano cupped Megumi's face in his hands, "Fine, just be careful, okay."

"Nothing's going to happen, tori-atama."

Sano laughed and kissed her. Megumi then escaped from his arms to go change. Sano sat down o the couch unable to shake the bad feeling he had. Coming out of the bathroom Megumi went in search of her purse. After retrieving it Sano walked her out to her car.

"See you tonight," Sano said kissing Megumi soundly.

"Try and stay out of trouble," Megumi replied getting into her car.

"I love you, Megitsune."

Megumi flashed him a dazzling smile, "I love you too, tori-atama."

"Oi!"

Megumi laughed as she rolled her window up. Waving goodbye before he could say anymore she started the car. It didn't take long to get to the Akabeko. It wasn't that far away. Pulling into the parking lot she got out. She hurried inside, so she could have enough time to put her purse in her locker in the back. She needed to change her shoes as well.

"Megumi…have you seen Misao?" Tsubame asked seeing Megumi going by.

"No," Megumi called as she rushed passed.

Going into the back she opened her locker up. Hearing a noise she looked up, but no one was around. Megumi rolled her eyes as she took her shoes off. Just as she reached to get her work shoes a hand clamped over her mouth.

At his apartment Sano felt a chill go up is spine. Ignoring his uneasy feeling he went back to watching the television. He was watching a show about a rurouni, who wondered Japan, in an effort to atone for his past sins. There were two more episodes after that, so for the next hour that was what Sano spent his time doing. A knock on the door made Sano drop the remote. Grumbling as he walked over to the door, he opened it to see the kid from across the hall standing there.

"Yeah?"

"Some guy wanted me to give you this," the boy said handing Sano a paper.

"Thanks," Sano replied shutting the door in the kid's face.

Unfolding the paper, the sense of dread Sano was feeling magnified.

Sagara, I know you know the whereabouts of Kaoru. I need that information. I have your woman to help in making your decision to tell me easier. Megumi isn't it. You want her back unharmed then you will cooperate. Don't try anything, or she will pay for your stupidity. I will call you tonight to discuss things further.

Enishi

Sano's face paled as he let the words on the paper sink in. The paper drifted to the floor as Sano stood there speechless. He would never help Enishi, besides the fact that he couldn't, since Sano had no idea where Kaoru was either. He continued to stand there his thoughts racing as he felt an overbearing panic clutch at his heart.

"Megumi."

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Hiya! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!!!! On to the individual thanks!

Fabi-chan- I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!!! *hands Fabi-chan a tissue* Misao has it a little rough right now…but it was nice hearing from you! Can't wait to see what you thought of the chapter!

Chiki- I'm a sucker for waff too, so I just had to add some. Hoped you enjoyed that scene too! Yep, I couldn't resist the shower scene. I know it's been done before, but they are the best! Kenshin naked and wet…well off that subject *face turns red* I'll be waiting to hear from you again!

Val- Nope Kenshin can't control his personality changes too well. And no Kenshin didn't know at first cause killing her father was just another assignment he had. Thanks for reviewing!

Mary- It's great hearing from you! I'm glad you liked the Christmas party. That was tough to write and keep straight what everyone wanted but it was fun! I'll be looking forward to hearing from you again!

t.anjel- Unfortunately Aoshi did, but don't worry, the baka will come to his senses! Great hearing from you!!!

Aku-chan- Grrr! I know! How could Aoshi do that? …well I do know cause I wrote it…*scratches head as a sweat drop appears above her it* but anyway can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter.

Chibi-hime- No Battousai just yet! Don't worry there will be KxB! Heh! Heh! Battousai is yummy! I must agree with you! *sigh*

Jason M. Lee- Aoshi no ahou!!! Yes I totally agree the jerk! Course I wrote him like that. *frowns* but anyway hope you liked the chapter!

Phoe-chan- *Soujiro stands there swirly-eyed from the glomping he received, Kyaa pokes him. * hmmm… I think he's still out. Shishio's reasons…what could they be…? Guess you'll have to keep reading to find out!

Nikki-chan- Yay! You liked the shower scene. I thought I would add that little tidbit even though it has been overly done in everything, stories, movies, etc! nothing wrong with another one though! Tell me what you thought of this chapter too!

Lina- thanks for the encouragement!

Yuki Arashi- *Aoshi rubs where he was kicked frowning* Aoshi is just being a dense guy! He'll realize the truth the baka! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the chapter!

Kame Hime- did you like the scenes with Kenshin and Kaoru? Hope so! Just ad to add a bit of waff! Well motivate me some more by telling me what you thought!

Chitchat- *hands chitchat a tissue* don't cry!!! Please!!! Okay, yep Shishio is here and his intentions…guess you'll have to keep reading to find out!

Red- Love hearing from you! Hope to hear from you some more!

Omochi- Yeah, Misao's pretty broken up! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Motivate me some more and tell me what you thought!

Meryl lynn- Yay! I try to be a little unpredictable sometimes. I'm glad it works! Nice hearing from you!

Faerie-chan- thanks for the congrats! Love to hear from you! Can't wait to hear what you have to say about this chapter!

Mistress of All Worlds- Don't worry about reviewing!!! I'll wait patiently to hear from you! Nice hearing from you this time! I hope you liked this chapter too!

Shizuka- Two conflicts…and now I have added a third. Hoping you don't mind! Great hearing from you!!!

Kamimura Kaoru- *Hands Kamimura a kodachi* here this is for you!!! It's always nice hearing from you! *Aoshi glares at Kamimura rubbing the two bumps on his head* Well, I'm happy to see you anyway! Can't wait to hear from you again!

Kriska- What does Shishio want from Misao…well he wants her because…can't tell you at the moment! Yeah, Akemi is overbearing and Kenshin allows her to be…but anyway thanks for the nice review!

Me me me and only me- I'm sure he does to! *Aoshi walks over* You know you're writing this! *Kyaa glares at Aoshi and shoves him off the screen* anyway I'll be waiting to hear your thoughts on the chapter!

EK- Great hearing from you again! It's okay if you missed a few chapters! Just makes it all the better cause when you're reading there's more to read! Well anyway! Like I said it's great hearing from you!

Tiggergirl- Akemi gets on my nerves too. Course I made her like that so I shouldn't complain…Nice hearing from you!

Gypsy-chan- *Kenshin was standing there completely naked. Gypsy-chan was horrified with herself as her eyes, as if they had a will of their own, trailed from Kenshin's feet, stopping briefly at one point, before traveling to look at his face. Gypsy-chan began to grin and swung the door shut. Kyaa stood in the bedroom looking at the closed bathroom door* I better not interrupt. *Kyaa walks off the screen*

Jim- Take your time reading! No problem! Hope to hear from you again!

Misanagi- Yay! I'm so happy to hear from you! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

Isis13- it is quite obvious! The baka! But anyway! Thanks for your continual encouragement!

Apple- Shishio has his reasons, and I don't think I could control my eyes if Kenshin was…never mind. Thanks for the great compliment! *hugs Apple* You motivate me lots!

Okay! That's it for today! I hope everyone liked the chapter!

Kyaa Kyaff saying see you later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!