A Lifetime Forgiven

Chapter Fourteen: Another Ally Found

The two arrived back at camp near midday.  Because of the manslayer's injury, they had to move much slower then Arami would have liked, but it was not a complete waste of time.  In the meantime, Arami was able to catch a few things Kenshin or this Ri would like for their midday meal.

"You spared me… why?" Asked the manslayer calling himself Ri.

"Killing you was unnecessary." Said Arami with a careless air.

"Spies could be watching…"

"I highly doubt there could be any of Shishio's spies near me without my sensing them."

"Word is, he is a sorcerer…"

"And I know magic centuries older then me.  Considering my age, I don't believe Shishio could outsmart me in that factor."

"How do you know I'm not a spy for Shishio?"

"I don't know if you're a spy for him, nor do I care.  The answer is simple though.  If you are a spy, I'll simply kill you before any important information can be delivered.  Now be silent, we're entering camp.  Awake my companion, and I can guarantee your life won't last as long as it would have had you not disturbed him.  Try to escape, and your safety will no longer matter." Arami paused in her path and allowed the manslayer to pass her.  She waited until he'd sat down before throwing down the game she'd caught from the walk back and turned.

"Where are you going?" Asked Ri with a nervous glance over his shoulder at the sleeping Kenshin.

"To fetch you new clothing and some water." Said Arami and vanished.

Half an hour later she came back carrying a red yukata as well as a bowl of fresh water.  She threw down the yukata at Ri's feet, and then set the bowl of water at his side.  Lastly she took some torn fabric from inside her kimono and put them next to the bowl.

"Bandage your wound." With that command she walked over to her game and easily tore the skin and fur away from the lifeless animal bodies. 

While the meal was cooking over the campfire Arami relaxed under the shade of a large tree and closed her eyes.  During her rest she listened to the uncomfortable grunts of Ri, who seemed to be having trouble with the nursing of his wound.  After about ten minutes, she grew tired of his struggle and moved over to his side.  A fearful eye was turned to her, but she paid no attention. 

Without a word to the injured manslayer, Arami took the half-filled bowl of water from him, most of the contents having spilled on the dirt ground.  Wetting a strip of the torn fabric, she began cleaning his wound expertly.

"First you injure me, now you're helping me?"   Ri asked, his bright green eyes surveying Arami's every move.

"I wounded Gahnite because he threatened my and my companion's lives.  Then I nursed his injuries, just as I am doing with you."  She told him quietly as she began wrapping his shoulder in the domestic bandages. 

"What did I do to deserve my injury?" Asked Ri, his deep voice sounding angry.

"You murdered that man, husband and father to his family."  At the mention of the man she paled slightly, remembering the sloppily killed victim.  The remorse in her voice alone, was enough to make Ri think a little of what he'd done.

"So?  I'm positive you've murdered before." It wasn't a question to be answered, but rather an accusation meant to scorn.

"Yes, I've killed countless times.  But that's in my past, and I've been regretful ever since."  For another moment she fell silent.  In that moment she continued to wet bandages before wrapping them around his injured shoulder.  "A word to the wise, do not bite the hand that helps you."

With that she finished and went to rotate the meat roasting over the campfire.  After her lecture, Ri fell silent as he drifted deeper into his thoughts.  He couldn't have helped but notice the wonderful job she'd done nursing his injury.  Obviously she'd known exactly what she was doing.

His dirty blonde hair that was cut neatly to his shoulders swayed lightly in the afternoon breeze, his green eyes shadowed all through the rhythmic waves.  As if it were on cue, Kenshin awoke to the scene of the tranquil man he recognized as the murderer from two days prior. At once he was on his feet in a battle stance, his sword drawn and ready.

"Put it down." Came Arami's voice from Kenshin's left.  He lent a bemused gaze there to see Arami bent low over a fire, a feast roasting over the licking flames.  "Shishio has sent us a message.  If Ri doesn't return to him, Shishio will know my message was true."

"Ri?" Asked Kenshin in a confused voice.

"Yes." This time was Ri's turn to speak.  He looked up momentarily from his place and gazed at the infamous Himura the Battousai, then frowned.  "My name is Ri.  But she was supposed to kill me."

"Which can be still being arranged." Growled Arami as she stood and tossed either former Battousais' their meals.  Both caught them easily and stared down at their cooked rabbits.  "Two each."  Said Arami before turning and walking into the surrounding forest.

"Where are you going, Arami?" Called Kenshin as he sat back down.  "Won't you be eating with us?"

"I'm going to bathe."  She called back.  Kenshin only nodded while Ri looked up and after where she'd disappeared to.

Author's note: Oh look!  I'm sort of out of my depressive rut!  Yay for me!  Too bad I know I'm going right back into one after the next chapter… *sighs* … well I better finish this up.  I think four more chapters should finish this fan fiction up.

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin™ I don't own, but my characters and most of this plot I do!