Forgotten Future
Illustrious Sorrow

Note: Thanks for your reviews! Sorry for the wait.

Authors Note: Sorry this chapter is so short. I wanted to post and didn't have much time.

Chapter 3: Trust

"There's an intruder." Kenshin said, standing up, forgetting his injuries. (A/n Enter the new Evil baddie!) "Kenshin, you have to rest!" Kenshin ignored her and strode into the yard where a young looking man was sitting, with a knife at a young boy's neck. Kaoru ran up behind him, "Yahiko!"

"Put the boy down." Said Kenshin, his voice like ice. The intruder looked up, "Ah, Battosai, that was quick. From what I've heard you've gotten slow." "I'm afraid the rumors are wrong." Kenshin replied, though he had no idea what the man was talking about.

"But you're injured, and that wouldn't be fun. I'll just have to wait I think. I will kill you Battosai, as you so ruthlessly murdered my family, even though they were on the same side. "Who was your family?" Kenshin demanded, slightly surprised that this boy knew that he was the killer. "I am Yotura Yakumo. My father was Yotura Myjin." Kenshin nodded, "Yes, I killed your father. And you mother as well."

"And now it's your turn to die, I will avenge their deaths." "Your parents were spies for the Bakufu soliders. They deserved to die for betraying their comrades and their cause." "You lie!" "I don't like you, why should I lie?"

The boy, Yakumo, stood up, dragging Yahiko with him. "My parents were honorable and proud. I won't let their killer change my view of them, and until I kill you, I'll hold on to this boy." He strode out of the dojo, dragging Yahiko with him.

Kenshin ran after him. Nobody kidnapped a friend to get at him. He would kill Yotura Yakumo. Unfortunately, with his injuries, Kenshin couldn't run very fast and was unable to find Yakumo. He slowly made his way back to the dojo where he had woken up, leaning heavily on his Sakabotou. He would have to tell the woman, Kaoru-dono, that he was unable to retrieve the boy.

During the long walk, Kenshin began to think about his lost memories. It was obvious that he was missing time, and likely that he loved the Kaoru woman, he thought he could feel something for her even now, while the memory of his wife's death was still fresh. What had made him take up the Sakabotou? Such a strange weapon, yet his body was obviously used to the weapon, he could feel that he must have been using this sword for many years to become so accustomed to it.

Tomoe. He thought of her too. It must have been her death that caused the life of wandering to begin. When his wife jumped in front of the blade, Kenshin thought that he would die with her. He was even now wondering if he should taste the end of his sword, but that wasn't right. He had already made the decision to live, twelve years ago, when Tomoe died. It was confusing. What he remembered as yesterday, had really already been in the past for so long. He had gotten over Tomoe's death, but was now feeling it like for the first time.

His musings were cut short when he reached the dojo and was greeted by a worried Kaoru. "Kenshin! Where's Yahiko?" "I was unable to get him. The injuries slowed me down." "Ken-san, you shouldn't be up at all, much less attempting to fight, you'll die."

"I cannot let anyone else be involved in my fights." His answer was stiff. "Yahiko is strong, he will be fine until you heal and can fight to bring him back. You yourself told him that he had great pride and that he was an adult. All that will happen is that he won't be able to practice and then I'll have to teach him all over again." Kaoru looked more annoyed then concerned, which struck Kenshin as strange. "Kaoru-dono? May I ask why you are unworried?" "Kenshin, we have been in trouble so many times. You are always there for us, why should we worry? We trust you and have faith in you." (a/n gag. I didn't know I was capable of writing such soppiness.)

This made Kenshin frown in thought. He sat down in the dirt with a light thud, sword automatically leaning on his shoulder. These people trusted him. Him, the Hitokri Battosai. It was unthinkable, yet.it was a great feeling. To have people that loved and trusted him this much. At the same time, he could not let his guard down. You never know when somebody will try to betray you. Besides that, he had to be on the lookout for this Yotura Yakumo. He could strike at anytime, despite his so called desire for a chance to kill the Hitokiri Battosai in his prime.

Kenshin fell into an uneasy sleep, thinking about these strange people who trusted him so much. TO BE CONTINUED.

Thanks to my 2 reviewers!

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