Disclaimer:  Kaoru, Kenshin, Sano, Yahiko, and all the rest belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki.  I am merely borrowing them.

A Dance Woven Upon The Soul

Chapter Three:  Kama Koru

"You have your own bathroom and TV!?"  Kaoru smiled as Kyoko's incredulous voice streamed through the phone.  It was early in the morning and Kyoko had called to wish her good luck at school. 

"That's awesome!  You're so lucky."  It was quiet for a few moments and Kaoru was wondering what had happened when she heard Kyoko's anguished voice.  "Oh God!  I'm so sorry.  You must be feeling awful about leaving home and everything and here I am just blowing my mouth off!"

"No, it's fine.  Really."  Kaoru laughed a little to try and appease her friend.  Inside, though, she was slightly shocked.  Kyoko's statement hadn't made her feel bad.  She'd been there for two days and she hadn't been feeling very homesick.  In fact, she'd been almost happy.  For some strange reason, she felt incredibly guilty.  Why didn't she feel so sad and homesick?  Shouldn't she feel that way?

She was snapped back to reality by the sound of Kyoko's voice.  "Kaoru-chan?  Hello?"

Kaoru mentally hit herself.  She zoned out like that way too often.  "Sorry, Kyoko-chan.  Listen, I gotta go, but thanks for calling.  I don't know what I'd do without your support."

Kaoru could hear the smile through the phone.  "No prob.  Good luck today!"

"Bye."  Kaoru hung up the phone with a soft click.  As she did so, her stomach resumed the flip-flopping it had been doing all morning.  It was just school, so why should she be so worried?  She would just walk in and act cool and calm…then she would fall flat on her face.  Kaoru groaned.  Did she have to think of every bad thing that could happen?

With a deep breath she headed down the hallway to the entrance of the house.  She had been using the phone by Hiko's office and as she passed it, she heard Kenshin's voice.  She stopped when she realized that he was talking about her.

"Maybe I should go with her to the school."  He sounded concerned and Kaoru felt her curiosity augment.

She heard Hiko sigh and answer, "That'll just raise too many questions.  Besides, I've already got someone to watch over her.  You're just an idiot who worries too much."

It was quiet for a few moments and then Kaoru heard footsteps coming towards the door.  She barely had time to back up before Kenshin opened the door.  He looked tense and he quickly hid something behind his back when he saw it was her.  How had he known that she had been there?  She hadn't made any noise.  She shook her head.  She'd think about it later.  She wasn't about to zone out AGAIN. 

"Kaoru-dono?"  He wanted to know why she was there.  Looking at him, Kaoru wondered if she should ask him what they'd been talking about.  No.  She'd let him tell her on his own.

 "I just got off the phone so now I'm headed off to," She made an involuntary gulp.  "school."       

Kenshin smiled reassuringly at her.  "You'll be fine."

Kaoru strangely felt better when he said that and thanking him, she continued her way down the hall.  Her thoughts turned to what she'd just heard.  'I've already got someone to watch over her.'  What had Hiko meant by that?  He'd told her before that the people who had killed her father could be after her as well.  But who?  She felt annoyed at not knowing and by the fact that Kenshin and Hiko seemed to think she couldn't take care of herself.  She was a fighter!  She wasn't some damsel in distress.

As she opened the door she felt her mood lighten.  It was sunny and bright outside and she could hear the birds chirping away.  She let it all sink in. 

"Miss, it's time to go."  She turned to the owner of the voice and smiled.  It was the same kind driver who had first brought her to the house.  She opened the door and got in.  When the driver did the same, she raised her voice to thank him.  

"Thank you…um…" She frowned when she realized that she hadn't even asked the man his name yet.  Had she been that wrapped up in her own life that she couldn't even get the poor man's name?  He seemed to know what she'd been thinking because he introduced himself.

"You can call me Tomu."  He started driving towards the entrance and Kaoru found herself amazed yet again at how big the grounds actually were.  She bit the edge of her thumb as her stomach grumbled from hunger and nervousness.  She'd been too anxious to eat and she figured she'd be feeling the effects of that decision soon enough.

Tomu glanced at her through the mirror up front.  "Nervous?"

Kaoru stopped biting her thumb and grinned guiltily.  "It shows, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, but try not to be too nervous.  You'll do fine and you don't strike me as someone who'll have a problem making friends."  He stopped at a light and Kaoru saw some people in uniforms crossing.  She looked down at her own uniform and noticed that it was the same.  She clenched her fist to stop herself from biting her thumb.  Those students had been walking and she was going to show up in some fancy car.  Everyone would probably think she was some show off! 

"Tomu-kun?  Can you let me off a little bit away from the school?"  Tomu glanced at her curiously.  Looking at her clenched fist, he smiled a bit.

"Will it help you to be less nervous?"  Kaoru nodded quickly and Tomu chuckled.

He pulled off to the side and Kaoru could see the school a little way in the distance.  Kaoru looked at Tomu's smiling face and was oddly reminded of her father.  She felt a surge of sorrow.  It had been not long ago that her father had been seeing her off to school in the morning.  Both her fists clenched now.  She still didn't know why her father had been murdered or who had done it.  But she swore to herself she'd find out.  She took a deep breath.  She was getting herself upset again.  Not wanting to trouble Tomu, she forced herself to look happy.

"Thanks Tomu.  I like walking so I think I'll walk back to the house after school."  Kaoru didn't mind the exercise and she could get familiar with the surrounding area as well.

Tomu tipped his head to the side and observed her.  "Do you know the way back?" 

Kaoru thought about it.  There were some turns here and there that still confused her.  Tomu seemed to gather from her expression that she didn't know how to get back.  "Do you remember where the park is that we passed?"

Kaoru thought about it and it finally clicked.  There had been cherry trees and some swings that she could recall seeing.  "I remember how to get there."

"Good," The doors unlocked, which sounded ominous to Kaoru.  Time for school.  "because I'll pick you up there.  I want to know all about your day.  Out you go now or you'll be late."

Kaoru complied and grabbing her bag she stepped out.  Tomu drove off giving her one last encouraging smile.  Gripping her bag handle harder that usual, she walked in the direction of the school.  Around her, she saw others heading in the same direction.  Friends ran to one another.  Greeting.  Saying hello.  Her face dropped.  She didn't know anyone…she was alone…

Kyoko.  The thought of her friend brought a smile to her face and with a set expression, she marched on towards the building.  When she got there, she was surprised at the amount of people being dropped off in cars.  Expensive cars.  And was that a limo?!  She hadn't asked Hiko what kind of school she'd been enrolled in.  She'd figured from the uniform that it was a private school but…

Were those bodyguards?!  What kind of a school had Hiko put her in?  She quickened her pace and as she entered the building, she went to the office to get her homeroom number.  At the office, she noticed another woman was there as well.  She was young and her light brown hair was put up in a loose bun.  The woman in the office looked up and frowned in disapproval.  "Shimara!  You've forgotten the room number again?!"

'Shimara', as the woman in the office had put so loudly, bit her lip and looked as though she was about to cry.  "I'm sorry!  I keep getting to a classroom and get cold feet so I have to turn around.  By that time I forget which classroom I was supposed to be in.  You know I've always had trouble remembering things when I'm nervous.  You've known me since I was twelve!"

The woman in the office rubbed her forehead as though a bad headache was forming.  "But you've come back FOUR times, Shimara.  You're a teacher now.  Be more responsible!" 

Shimara was about to respond but a new voice interrupted them.  "Is something wrong?"

Kaoru turned to the sound of the voice and was taken aback by how beautiful its owner was.  Her dark hair was put up and a few strands framed her face delicately.  Her eyes glittered with kindness and a hint of amusement as she looked at Shimara. 

Shimara became more upset and nervous, if that was possible.  "P-Principal Saito!"

Kaoru blinked.  She looked so young to be the principal.  Saito…that sounded familiar somehow.  Shimara was rambling on about the same thing she'd told the office woman.  Kaoru was slightly surprised that when the principal spoke, she didn't sound angry.  In fact she laughed a little and smiled. 

"Don't be so nervous, Shimara-san.  As I told you earlier, you have the energy and ability to thrive here.  You can help many of the students.  One of which," She looked at Kaoru.  "we have right here."

"Kamiya Kaoru, I presume?"  She was smiling at her and Kaoru felt it was contagious.

"Y-Yes."  Principal Saito looked back at Shimara.

"It so happens, Shimara-san, that Kamiya-san is in your homeroom, room 3-A.  You won't be too late if you hurry now."  She led them to the stairway and with an encouraging pat on Shimara's back, she left them.

They walked down the hall and looking into the classrooms, Kaoru could see that most teachers were already present.  Looking at Shimara, Kaoru felt her heart go out to her.  It seemed that they were both new to the school and likewise, both were nervous.  Shimara was biting her lip yet again and Kaoru was worried that it might start to bleed.  "Sensei, I'm glad you're coming with me.  I know how you feel because I'm just starting too.  Knowing someone, it helps me to be less afraid."

Shimara looked at her and nearly burst into tears.  Kaoru was starting to panic.  She'd meant to help the woman not make her more upset!  Her new teacher sniffed a few times.  "I-I'm sorry.  I just get so nervous.  Here you are acting so brave and I'm just blubbering like a baby!"

Kaoru could sympathize.  She'd been more nervous during the past couple of days than she could ever remember.  "Don't worry.  I'll be rooting for you and it seems like even the principal is."

Shimara smiled shakily and donned a resolute expression.  "Alright then, let's go…um.."

"Kamiya Kaoru."  Shimara nodded her head and turned towards a classroom.  Looking at the room number, Kaoru fought down a laugh.  That would only worsen her teacher's anxieties.  "Sensei, that's 3-B.  Our room number is 3-A"

"What?"  She looked up at the number and reddened.  She turned to go into the right room.  "Oh dear.  Forgetting again.  Well, here we are.  I'll just get the class settled down and then have you come in."

She was about to open the door but stopped.  "Thank you for helping me."

She opened the door and Kaoru got the feeling that the thanks had been for more than just helping her remember the room.  Kaoru smiled.  At least she liked her new teacher.  That was one good thing so far for her first day at the school.  She wondered how the rest of it would go…

She heard Shimara calling for her and she slid open the door.  She could tell that most of the faces in the room were gazing at her, but she tried not to focus on that.  Shimara had her hands together in a tight grip.  "This is our new student, Kama Koru."

Kaoru tripped but regained her balance quickly.  Kama Koru?!  Where had that come from?  She heard some people giggle and she smiled shyly.  She was about to open her mouth to correct her teacher but stopped.  Looking at Shimara's clenched hands, she didn't have the heart to do it.  The poor woman was nervous enough and had probably forgotten yet again.  She wasn't going to embarrass her in front of the entire class.  As she took an empty seat in the back of the class, she figured she'd clear it up later.

Class started and Kaoru was happy when she noticed that throughout the morning, Shimara was steadily growing more confident and at ease with the class.  She glanced briefly around her, but didn't look directly at anyone.  She didn't want to appear rude by staring.  However, she couldn't help but notice that the girl beside her didn't seem to have any qualms about staring at HER.  It felt like she was being scrutinized.  From the corner of her eye she could see that the girl had her hair in a braid and she seemed to be frowning.  Kaoru rubbed her cheek.  Did she have something on her face?  She put her hand down and decided to just focus on the lesson. 

It seemed forever for lunch to come and Kaoru sighed in relief when the bell finally rung.  Now she could eat and get some fresh air.  She moved to rise but froze as she heard the conversation two boys were having at the desks ahead of her.

"Have you heard about the new girl, Kama Koru?"  The one talking was tall, muscular and seemed too old to still be in high school.

The boy he was talking to was short and had glasses.  He seemed uncomfortable for some reason.  "W-What about?"

"Well," The first boy continued, with a nasty smile.  "she beat up some other girl this morning.  Even used a sword.  Kamiya Kaoru was her name I think.  I saw the whole thing."

Kaoru bristled.  He was obviously lying.  Otherwise he had seen Kaoru beating up herself.  The first boy looked directly at her and his eyes danced maliciously.  He KNEW.  Somehow he knew her real name and was making it all up.  But why?  She'd never met him before. 

The second boy responded and for some reason, he seemed almost nervous.  "W-Why did they fight?"

"Well," The first boy continued on somewhat loudly.  "she said it was because she felt like seeing blood.  Kamiya's in the hospital I think.  Broken arm from what I could tell.  She called a surrender but that didn't stop Kama.  This new girl accepts any challenge.  Maybe I'll fight her.  I-"

Kaoru didn't bother to listen to anymore of his garbage.  She headed quickly towards the door.  She suddenly didn't feel hungry anymore.  She needed air.  The roof.  That would be a good place to get some peace and enjoy the view.  And as she rushed to get out, she didn't notice as the eyes that had been observing her throughout the morning narrowed threateningly. 

*  *  *

School came to an end to what 'Koru' thought had been too long a day. Walking through the school gates, Kaoru massaged her temples.  She still had to decide what clubs to join (she'd had many people pestering her about it) and on top of that, horrible rumors would probably be starting about her.  Some people had actually challenged her.  She'd cleared it up with them quickly, but she expected to be getting more challenges for 'Kama Koru.'

And it was all thanks to that little conversation after the lunch bell had rung.  That kid seemed to have had a pretty nasty personality.  He'd looked as though he was enjoying talking like that about her.  But WHY had he made up that rubbish in the first place? 

Kaoru sighed and looked around her briefly at the other students walking towards their homes.  And again the question of what kind of school she was in popped into her head.  A lot of the people she'd seen today looked like fighters.  The students' stances. Their looks.  Their movements.  It was all uncanny.  She readjusted her hold on her bag.  Maybe she was just being paranoid because of Hiko and Kenshin's conversation she'd overheard.  But still…

"Kama Koru!"  Kaoru didn't respond to the call at first until she remembered that many of her classmates knew her by that name.  She turned around to see the braided haired girl that had been looking at her that morning.  And she looked, in a word, pissed.  "I, Makimachi Misao, challenge you!"

Kaoru sighed in annoyance and opened her mouth to clear up whatever this girl had heard and realized that something small, sharp and shiny was coming at her.  She jumped to the side and felt one of them graze her arm.  She winced and held up her bag, her only protection.  She looked at the ground and saw that the 'small, sharp, and shiny thing' seemed to be some sort of dagger.  A kunai.  Kaoru looked at the girl, Misao, somewhat astonished.  She was SERIOUS.  "Listen, I don't-"

"Shut up!"  Misao yelled.  Kaoru flinched.  What was she so mad about?  "You didn't listen to Kamiya Kaoru when she surrendered, did you?  Now draw your sword.  I'm not without honor, unlike you!"

Misao seemed to be waiting for her to 'draw her sword' and Kaoru thought it was a good time to get her point across.  ""You've made a mistake!  I'm Kamiya Kaoru."

Misao's eyes widened slightly and then swept over her suspiciously.  "What proof do you have?"

Kaoru thought for a minute.  Of course!  She rummaged through the front pocket of her bag, all the while keeping guard in case Misao decided to make a move.  She emerged with the student ID she'd gotten just before she'd left.  "Here."

Misao moved forward cautiously and took it from her.  Kaoru saw her scan it and then look at Kaoru.  Her face looked shocked and appalled and she suddenly started smacking her forehead. 

"Damn it!  Damn it! Damn it!  Stupid Gohei!  Gramps always said I was too trusting and now I've gone and blotched up my first real assignment!  Aaaaaaah!!  Stupid!  Stupid!  Stupid!  Stupid!…"

Kaoru didn't know whether to laugh or be worried for the girl as she continued to pound herself verbally and physically.  'I've already got someone to watch over her.'  Hiko's words popped into her mind and Kaoru froze.  Was this the person he'd meant?  Kaoru grabbed Misao's shoulders and shook her a bit.  Misao stopped her stream of 'Stupid!' and stared at Kaoru with a surprised look. 

"You're the one that was supposed to watch over me, aren't you!"  Misao blinked and opened her mouth to respond but stopped and looked around her.  Kaoru did the same and realized abruptly that the previous scene had drawn a crowd.

Misao looked back at her and spoke in a hushed voice.  "Let's talk somewhere else."

Kaoru nodded and followed Misao away from all the staring faces.  Misao led her in the direction she had originally been going in and Kaoru silently thanked her.  At least she'd be able to find the park where she was supposed to meet Tomu.  Kaoru bit her lip at the thought of him.  She hoped he wouldn't grow too worried.  But she needed some answers.  People seemed to be keeping a lot of things from her lately! 

Kaoru nearly crashed into Misao as she abruptly stopped.  Kaoru looked up and realized that they'd stopped in front of a restaurant.  The Akabeko.  They walked in and got a seat fairly quickly.  They ordered drinks and Kaoru looked at Misao expectantly although warily.  She wasn't sure if she could trust the girl yet.  She was surprised at the deep look of sorrow and regret the girl had on her face. 

"I'm sorry."  Kaoru hadn't been expecting an outright apology.  Misao looked at Kaoru's injured arm.  "I really am sorry."

She felt any anger or annoyance she'd previously had seep out of her.  Misao somehow looked…defeated.  "It's really alright.  You didn't know it was me and I'm not that badly hurt."

Misao's expression only got worse.  "It's not alright!  I-I shouldn't have lost my temper like that.  Believing stupid rumors.  I should know better!  And it was my job to…umm…"

Kaoru leaned in a little as Misao bit her lip.  It was looking like her hunch had been right.  "…protect me?"

Misao seemed to be scrutinizing her again before she sighed.  "How did you know?"

So she had been right.  "I heard Hiko and Kenshin talking.  I suppose you know them.  Did Hiko hire you?"

Misao tipped her head to the side and seemed to be pondering something.  "What do you know so far?"

Kaoru considered the question.  What did it mean?  She supposed she didn't know ANYTHING.  Maybe she could pretend to and… no.  Kaoru stopped that train of thought and scowled.  Lying wasn't right and it wasn't the way she worked.  She'd just have to tell Misao the truth.  "All I know is that someone responsible for my father's death could be after my life as well.  What I knew about you I only overheard."

Misao nodded her head and Kaoru felt her shoulders slump.  It seemed like she wouldn't be learning anything from Misao.  She was quite surprised when Misao answered her. 

"I WAS sent to protect you.  Although, I wasn't exactly hired.  I'm a member of the Oniwa Banshu.  We're kinda like a group of ninjas that protects this city.  You could say that we work alongside of Hiko.  I can't really say much more than that.  It's up to Hiko to tell you any more.  But in my opinion," Misao smiled and it brightened up her whole face.  "I think you're someone that can be trusted."

Kaoru was taken aback by the compliment.  Misao had seemed to have given her as much information as she could.  Kaoru felt grateful to her although she still wished she knew more.  Misao was twiddling her thumbs and looked as though she wanted to say something.  Kaoru looked at her and suddenly had an idea. 

"Listen, I was wondering if maybe we could start over."  Misao looked a bit confused, but Kaoru continued on.  "I don't need a protector.  What I'd like is a friend."

Misao eyes widened slightly and then she grinned.  "I'm Makimachi Misao."

"Kamiya Kaoru."  They both talked a little about themselves until they remembered that they still hadn't ordered anything.  The talk then turned to Misao and her bad experiences with food.  Once she'd somehow mistaken a hot chili pepper for a tomato.  As Kaoru felt herself smiling and laughing more and more, she began thinking that perhaps being attacked hadn't been such a bad thing. It seemed she'd gained a friend.

*  *  *

Tomu was humming to himself on the drive back to the house and Kaoru felt herself smile fondly.  He'd been worried when she'd finally shown up at the park.  But once Kaoru had explained that she'd been with a friend, he'd become happy that she'd made some.  He'd called the house on a cell phone as well and told her that if she wanted to go out in the future, to just tell him ahead of time.  She'd agreed and was just happy that he wasn't upset. 

Kaoru was still confused, though.  And aggravated.  Misao had told her that she worked alongside Hiko.  But what did that mean?  What exactly was 'work?'  And what was it that Misao couldn't tell her?  She had said that it was up to Hiko to tell her.  But WHAT?!  And WHY?!

Kaoru just put those thoughts aside yet again as Tomu stopped in front of the house.  She said goodnight to him and walked into the house.  It was around dinnertime but Kaoru headed straight to her room.  She'd already eaten anyway and she felt exhausted for some reason.  She fell on the bed immediately and sleep over took her.

It was about two hours later that she heard a soft knock on the door.  She blinked a few times as she tried to get rid of the sight of everything appearing bleary.  Someone knocked again and she sat up when she heard the voice of its owner.

"Kaoru-dono?"  Kaoru quickly got up and opened the door.  Kenshin looked back at her somewhat concerned.  "I was wondering if you were OK.  You weren't at dinner."

Kaoru looked down feeling guilty.  She hadn't even said 'hello' to anyone.  "I'm sorry.  I ate with a friend and I just felt really tired when I got back."

"Don't worry about it.  Although," Kenshin grinned and Kaoru couldn't help but think that he looked too hot for his own good when he did that.  "we had peas with the dinner and Yahiko seemed disappointed you weren't there for him to fling some at you."

Kaoru laughed.  She always seemed to be in a good mood around Kenshin.  'If you need anything, all you need to do is ask.'  Kenshin's previous statement popped into her head and Kaoru looked at him.  Should she ask him about what she'd overheard this morning?  The thought of keeping the fact that she'd overheard him for some reason irked Kaoru.  She didn't like the feeling of keeping something hidden from him for some reason.

"I overheard you this morning."  Kenshin looked at her surprised and confused.  Kaoru mentally hit herself.  Wonderful!  She'd just blurted out what was on her mind without thinking.  She supposed she'd just have to see it through now.  "When Hiko said he'd gotten someone to watch over me.  I know who it was he 'got.' And I think I've gained a friend from her but…why didn't you tell me about it when you caught me out in the hall?"

Kenshin rubbed the back of his head.  It seemed he was nervous.  "I'm sorry.  I just didn't want you to be worried."

Kaoru tipped her head.  He always worried about others but did he ever take time to worry about his own needs?  "I know someone may be after my life and that does worry me but-"

"I won't let anyone hurt you."  Kenshin said it so strongly that Kaoru was taken a back for a moment.  It was only for a moment but, Kenshin eyes had somehow looked dangerous.  She studied him for a moment.  How strong was he?  Was he a martial artist?  She shook herself.  She'd probably only imagined it.  Besides, Kenshin was looking a little embarrassed which was most likely due to his sudden outburst and to the fact that Kaoru hadn't responded yet.

"I believe you wouldn't."  For some reason, Kaoru knew it was true.  "But I can take care of myself."

"Sometimes we all need help."  Kaoru opened her mouth to respond but stopped.  Kenshin was right.  She remembered the hallway in her old home and how she'd cried in his arms.  She suddenly felt immensely grateful that Kenshin was there to give her help.  And she wondered if anyone had ever been there for him when he needed it.  Had anyone ever been there to dry his tears? 

"You're right.  But I don't want to be protected and shielded all the time."  Kaoru sighed.  "Just try not to keep things secret anymore." 

Kenshin looked uncomfortable and Kaoru smiled ruefully.  "I know there's something you and Hiko aren't telling me.  Sano and Yahiko probably know whatever it is too.  Everyone has one or two secrets but…if you ever want to tell me…I want you to know that you can trust me."

Kenshin was quiet for a moment and then he smiled.  It was another smile that washed away the sadness that he always seemed to be carrying.  "I know." 

Kaoru felt her lips curve upward.  He would smile like that more often!  She would see to it!  It was quiet for a few more moments before Kenshin spoke.  "So, how was your day?"

Kaoru grinned.  "My new name is Kama Koru."

Kaoru laughed at Kenshin's bewildered look and proceeded to tell him about the day's events. 

*  *  *

"So you failed in killing one little girl?"

He slammed his thumb on the table and watched as the bug squirmed for release.  He applied just enough pressure and it ceased its squirming.  They were all bugs.  Everyone that opposed him.  Everyone that failed him.  And they would all die like bugs. 

"S-Sir, someone intervened.  She would have been crushed by the pipes if she hadn't been saved.  It was Himura."

Himura.  Hiko's boy.  He scowled.  First Kamiya, now Hiko.  He hadn't thought his old 'friends' would become so much of a bother.  No matter.  Kamiya was taken care of.  Now Hiko and his brats would have to go.  And he couldn't forget the little Kamiya girl.  He didn't like loose ends.  They were all bugs…

He smiled cruelly at the assassin and walked over to him.  The assassin flinched with every step he took.  He smiled.  The fear was one of the best parts right before…

He swung his sword in an instant.  The assassin barely had time to scream before he drew his last breath.  He inhaled.  The smell of death always invigorated him.  He looked at the red stained walls in distaste.  This bug had caused a mess.

The door opened to reveal one of his top 'scientists.'  The scientists disregarded the surroundings and spoke directly to him.  "Sir, he's almost ready.  Its just a matter of weeks now."

He grinned.  His project was almost ready.  It had taken years.  He couldn't wait for the chaos to begin.  Himura would do well as the first target.

"And we've also learned something else."  He looked expectantly at the scientist.  "The Oniwa Banshu has joined the Hiko Clan."

He smiled cruelly yet again.  My project is going to be even more interesting now, he thought sadistically, isn't it, Shinomori Aoshi…

Author's notes:  Thanks for reading the third chapter!!  And thanks to all my reviewers:  Iron Mouse, Namiko the anime wizard, Luna Angel, Kouri, teddy grahms, Sango, LittleDragon5, Leigh, Starry Night, and SamuraiGirl.  You're my inspiration.  ^_^ 

Something IMPORTANT you all should know is that I won't be able to update next week because I'm going on vacation and there's no computer (How will I survive????).  But never fear!  I'll be updating the week after!!

I wasn't too sure if Oniwa Banshu was right.  I've seen Oniwabashu, Oniwabanshu, Oniwa Banchu, Oniwaban Group, and, of course, Oniwa Banshu.  If you really don't like the one I chose, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.  ^_^ 

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"I won't let anyone hurt you."

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Next Chapter:  Kaoru learns about Yahiko's past and it could have dangerous results for the both of them…