Chapter 4: The Brief Resting Period
When Hiro finally arrived at Kaoru's dojo, he saw no signs of life. He had traveled for a day at least, towards the dojo from that estate. He vaulted the gate, heading toward the main room's door, and knocking on it four times. It was early evening, exactly thirty hours after Hiro had started toward the dojo.
He awaited a reply from his knocks, when he heard movement from behind him. He jumped up onto the roof, still clenching his teeth together, because his ribs were killing him. He turned to look who was coming through the gate, when they opened.
Kenshin walked out, talking to Yahiko in a hushed voice, almost a whisper. Hiro couldn't tell what Kenshin was saying, but he looked back at the gate, seeing Kaoru following Kenshin and Yahiko. Hiro watched her for a moment, then turned back to the gate, seeing two more people entering.
One was the tall form of Sanosuke, in his normal looking stature, but behind him was a woman, almost Sano's height, with long black hair that flowed down to her back. He watched the two enter the dojo, before jumping down silently and knocking on the door again.
After he knocked, he moved over to the side of the door, and heard it open. Hiro knew he was out of sight, but he was waiting for Kenshin to come out. He waited for a moment, then,
"Hello? Is anyone there?" the unmistakable voice of Kenshin came out. This was just what Hiro was waiting for. He stepped out from his hiding position, and turned to face Kenshin.
He looked down at Kenshin, trying to speak. He managed to only get a few words out. "May...I come.." but that was all he could get out. Kenshin nodded, almost sensing that Hiro was hurt, and moved out of the way so that Hiro could come in.
Hiro walked slowly into the room, and turned to face Kenshin. Kenshin nodded and said, "Sit down, Hiro. Tell us what happened."
Hiro turned and saw Kaoru, Sano, Yahiko and the pretty lady who had come in earlier, three of whom were staring at Hiro with stony eyes. The woman, however remained emotionless. Hiro sat down on the chair that Kenshin had motioned to, and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted.
"Tch...not this guy again? Kenshin! Just rough him up like you did before and send h-" but that was all that Yahiko could say, before Kenshin held out a hand to silence him.
"Yahiko," he said. "let the man speak. I fear that he is very hurt right now, that I do." he said, still looking at Hiro.
Hiro began to speak, and he told them everything that had happened last night, about the Diamyo, how they almost managed to kill him and Yoroto. He continued to talk until he couldn't anymore, and closed his mouth.
Kenshin and Kaoru appeared convinced, but Sano and Yahiko both looked away. "Prove that happened." Yahiko said.
Hiro narrowed his eyes. "You brat... I'll give you proof!" he said as he turned his right cheek to Yahiko. "Look at this! I was shot, kid. By a rifle."
Yahiko scoffed again. "You probably cut yourself with your sword." he said, closing his eyes.
Sano leaned closer, and examined the cut. "I actually don't think he's lyin', kid. This wound was made by a rifle, just look at the pattern. It's almost perfectly straight. No one could do this with their own sword, someone else'd have to do it." he said.
Yahiko shrugged. "Well, what about his ribs? Haven't seen those, have we? He could be lying."
Kenshin looked at Yahiko, who fell silent. "He's not faking it, Yahiko. I can tell he is not." he said.
Yahiko scoffed and walked out of the room. "Whatever..." he said.
Kenshin looked back at Hiro. "Let Miss Megumi see your ribs." he said.
Hiro looked over at the new woman, obviously Megumi, because she stepped forth and eyed Hiro for a moment. Hiro took off his haori, feeling his chest and wincing in pain as he did so. He looked at Kenshin, who nodded.
"Goodnight, Hiro." Kenshin said as he touched Hiro's shoulder.
Hiro felt Kenshin's hand there, and immediately fell unconcious.
* * * * * * * * * *
The next morning, Hiro awoke, looking straight into Megumi's eyes. "AGH!!" he yelled, startled slightly.
Megumi gave a laugh, a hearty one for that matter, and smiled down at Hiro. "How're you feeling?" she asked.
Hiro groaned loudly. "Not too good, right now. Where're Kenshin and Kaoru?"
Megumi gave another hearty laugh and set a hand on Hiro's shoulder. "They're alseep right now, sir. It's very early. Go back to sleep..." she said.
Hiro felt her hand on his shoulder. It was comforting. He smiled and went back to sleep, feeling Megumi's hand on his shoulder as he drifted off to sleep once again.
He awoke again, it couldn't have been much later, but he was without Megumi. Hiro sat up and looked around the room he was in, his eyes heavy. He started to get up, but his ribs exploded in protest and pain, and he sat back down.
"Well...this limits my mobility." he said to himself. "I guess I won't be doing anything anytime soon." he said again, rubbing his ribs gingerly.
It was just then that he realized how hungry he was. He stood up, opening the door slowly and looking out. He saw no one in the room ahead of him, so he quietly walked out.
"What do you think you're doing?" a voice said.
Hiro spun around and came face to face with Sanosuke. Hiro smiled weakly.
"So? You sneaking off again?" Sano asked.
Hiro shook his head, speaking quietly because it hurt to put any pressure on his ribs. "No, Sanosuke. I was only getting up to get some food. That's all, really." he said, backing away from Sanosuke.
Sanosuke nodded unbelievingly. "Right. So, you want some food?" he then asked.
Hiro only nodded weakly, and was knocked back into the room as Sano shoved a plate of riceballs into his arms. "Eat up." Sano said before closing the door.
Hiro muttered to himself grumpily as he looked down at the pitiful riceballs. He shrugged, as it was the best he had to eat for now. He then ate only three before laying his head against the pillow, trying to get some more sleep.
* * * * * * * *
It was sunrise, and Hiro hadn't slept the rest of the night. He walked out of the room to see Sano asleep at the door. Apparently, he had stayed there all night to make sure that Hiro didn't wander off again. Hiro laughed silently and went on, seeing Yahiko mumbling in his sleep, turning slightly as well.
He shook his head and walked back into his room and waited for the others to rise. He waited for a while until Megumi and Kaoru both walked into the room. Kaoru sat at Hiro's side, and Megumi stood behind her.
"How are you today, Hiro?" Kaoru asked, considerably warmer than she had been yesterday.
Hiro smiled wearily and shook his head. "Not too bad, actually, Kaoru." he said as he started to get up.
Kaoru put out a hand to stop him. "No...I don't think we're going to start this again. You are going to stay in this bed until you recover." she said, forcing him back down.
Hiro allowed himself to lay back down, but he tried to protest. "But Kaoru...I'll get out of my fighting shape if I have to stay here all day for however many weeks it takes to heal. I'm quite a fast healer." he said.
Megumi laughed and shook her head. "I'm afraid you won't be doing anything strenuous for a while now, Mr. Hiro." she said, setting a hand on his shoulder to calm him. "Now, stay down, Sir Ken will be in in a moment." with that, she left the room.
Hiro grumbled as Megumi and Kaoru left the room and closed the door. He looked up at the wooden ceiling before hearing a gentle knock on the door. Kenshin opened the door and walked in anyway. "Good morning, Hiro- san. How are you feeling this morning?" he asked, a smile in place.
Hiro shook his head. "I've been better, but I've also been worse. Why is everyone asking me that question, eh?"
Kenshin smiled. "It's because everyone is worried about you. You seemed very hurt last night." he said as he walked over to Hiro.
Hiro got out of bed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I guess I'm a bit hungry, Kenshin. Any chance of some food?" he asked, turning to face Kenshin.
Kenshin turned to leave. "I'll bring you some food in a while, that I shall. Please, get comfortable while I get it." he said before leaving the room.
Hiro stood up and put on his yukuta. He stretched, but winced in pain as he did so. He then started walking to the door. As soon as he reached it, it slid open. Kenshin was standing there.
Kenshin stared at Hiro for a few seconds before smiling awkwardly and setting a plate down. "I believe I told you to stay seated while I got you food. What are you doing up?"
Hiro scratched his head. "Well, Ken-sama...I was only trying to hasten my recovery. The sooner my wounds heal, the sooner I'll be out of Kaoru's way." he said as he backed up to the bed.
Kenshin picked the plate up again and set it back down. It contained a single fish, and some rice. "Enjoy!" Kenshin said as he left the room.
Hiro looked down at the food, and tasted the fish. It had been a while since he had meat, and the light, juicy fish tasted quite good. When he finished that, he turned to the rice and tasted it. He immediately spat it back out again.
"Yuck...who made this rice?" he asked himself, when the answer walked right into the room. Kaoru had another plate of rice in her hands.
"Well, Mr. Hiro. I thought you might want some more rice than Kenshin gave you, am I right?" she asked kindly as she set the platter on the edge of the bed.
Hiro quickly scarfed down the rest of the rice, trying not to let it come back up again, and smiled slightly. "No thanks, Kaoru. I'm quite full for now." he said. hoping to mask his obvious disgust with the grin.
Kaoru smiled and turned to leave. "If you want any more later, it's right there." she said before closing the door behind her.
Hiro stared down at the plate before standing up again, and picking it up. He looked at how much rice was piled up on it. Hiro started towards the door, opening it quietly as he stepped outside into the sunlight.
When he got outside, he immediately saw three people to his left. Kenshin was sitting down, and two young girls were playing around him. Hiro shook his head, and turned to the right. He saw Kaoru and Yahiko training, and Sano was just lazing around like normal.
Hiro took one more step, to see if he could find Megumi, but Kenshin looked up at the second Hiro had taken a step.
"It's not very surprising to see you here, you know. I figured that we couldn't keep you cramped in that small room for long." he said as he turned back to the little girls.
Hiro walked over to Kenshin and shoved the plate of rice into his arms. "Here. I can't eat anymore of it." he said.
Kenshin stood and looked down at the girls, then back to Hiro. "Hiro- san, would you mind watching Ayame and Suzume for a moment? I have a few chores to do still."
Hiro shrugged. "I'm not good with children, Kenshin. You should know that just by what I was." he said as he stared at the girls, who stared back up at Hiro.
Kenshin smiled. "Well then, I guess I'll just get Sano to, then." He turned to the girls. "Ayame, Suzume, I'd like you to meet Mr. Hiro. He will be staying here at the dojo for a while, that he will."
The girls smiled up at Hiro as Kenshin said this. Hiro reluctantly smiled back and turned to watch Kaoru training Yahiko.
Sano ambled over, bushing past Hiro. Kenshin walked over to Hiro and said, "He's just got to get used to it, that's all, Hiro."
Hiro shrugged and kept his eyes fixed on Yahiko and Kaoru. He knew every move to the Kamiya Kasshien Stlye, as he knew just about every fighting style there was to know. He saw one flaw in what Kaoru was teaching, and walked up.
"Ehm, Miss Kaoru? Yahiko?" he said meekly.
Yahiko looked up and closed his eyes, looking away. "Ohh. It's just you. What do you want??"
"Well, Kaoru...I was just telling you a flaw in what you just showed Yahiko." he said as he took a step backwards, waiting for Yahiko's wrath.
Instead, Yahiko looked interested. "You know the Kamiya Kasshien?" he asked as he stared at Hiro.
Hiro merely nodded and looked at Kaoru. "I suppose you are wondering how I know the technique as well?"
Kaoru rolled her eyes, and leaned on her sword. "What was the mistake, Hiro?" she asked.
Hiro pulled out one of his swords. "Yahiko, can you get in the stance you were just learning? Just start from your third swordstroke, and I'll tell you when to stop." he said.
Yahiko started with his moves, until Hiro told him to freeze. Yahiko immediately stopped in the pose he was in.
Hiro took the tip of his sword and pointed to an open spot at Yahiko's shoulder. "There." he said. "If you were fighting someone that was either very fast, or very well-adapted to the Kamiya Kasshien, you would be easily hit. To fix this, just bring your right hand down, and your left hand up."
Yahiko did as he was told, and the open spot was covered. Hiro nodded and sheathed his sword. "Well, I guess you and Kaoru can go on about your training now, Yahiko." he said as he turned to walk back to his spot he was at earlier.
Kaoru nodded, but Yahiko moved in front of Hiro. "Hey, I have a question." he said as Hiro stopped. "Can you teach me to swordfight?" he asked. Kaoru looked murderous.
Hiro shook his head. "No, no. That is for your teacher. Kaoru makes a wonderful teacher, I can tell. She is very good, and you should listen to her." he said, trying not to get Kaoru angry with him.
Yahiko looked down. "Yeah, that's what Kenshin said."
Hiro put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Learn from Miss Kaoru until you are old enough. Then I will consider teaching you." he said as he walked back to the wall. Yahiko and Kaoru resumed their excercises.
Hiro looked around, and saw Kenshin walking out of the dojo. He walked up to Kaoru, and they talked for some time before Kenshin headed over to the gate, where Hiro sat. Hiro looked up at Kenshin, and said, "Kenshin, what's for dinner, huh?"
"Well, I must go to town to buy some supplies. Tofu, to be exact." he said.
Hiro stood up. "If you would rather stay here, I could go to town, instead. I need some time to get out, anyway."
Kenshin frowned slightly, but agreed. "Okay, but try not to draw too much attention to yourself. Leave three of your swords here."
Hiro nodded, took a list from Kenshin, and removed all but one of his swords and opened the gate. He headed off towards town.
* * * * * * * * *
When Hiro arrived in town, it seemed that he attracted the stares from almost everyone. He trodded through the center of town, listening to various conversations, until one caught his ear. There was a man, holding a sack of groceries, talking to a man who ran the food kiosk. The man who had the groceries spoke in a low voice. "Hey, you know that pirate group? The Kairyu? The one that's been attacking ships that carry goods out across the sea?" he asked the vender.
Hiro leaned in closer, trying to catch every word.
"Yes? What about them?" the curious kiosk owner asked.
"Well, I hear that their captain, Shura, is some kind of demon. He is said to kill everyone that tries to stop him and his crew." the man said.
Hiro shook his head and continued walking, keeping the pirate captain and the crew on his mind until he reached another food kiosk. Hiro got what he was sent for, and turned to leave. As he was going, he saw a few people pushing around a young girl. He was just about to go back to his business until he saw that one of them had a kodachi.
Hiro ran up to the closest man and tapped him on the shoulder. The man merely said, "We're busy. Go away."
Hiro then grabbed the man by the neck and flung him backwards, and into a wall. "You men, what are you doing to this girl?" he asked calmly.
The other men turned to Hiro, and the one with the kodachi stepped forward to Hiro, waving it threateningly. "What are you going to do, eh? Call the police?" he taunted.
In an instant, Hiro had taken the kodachi from the man and held it out toward the man's throat. "Would you like to die first, or shall I kill your friends with my bare hands?" he asked.
The men took off, all except for one. The man cracked his knuckles. "I don't care who you are. If you get into my business, I'm gonna k-" but that was all he could say. Hiro grabbed him by the neck and threw him bodily across the street, into the man he had previously thrown. Both were in a heap.
"Now, if you'd like to further attack me, go ahead." he said. "I'm waiting."
The men staggered to their feet and took off.
Hiro turned to the girl, who was about twelve. "Are you all right?" he asked kindly.
The girl merely nodded, bowed deeply to Hiro and thanked him, and took off running. Hiro smiled to himself and set off toward the dojo, keeping the tofu under his arm the whole time.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hiro arrived at the dojo in the late evening, to a hungry Sanosuke. As soon as Sano spotted Hiro, he ran up to him. "What d'ya think you're doin, comin' back so late, huh?" he half yelled. "Get that food to the kitchen before I have to hurt you!"
Hiro gave an awkward grin and ran into the dojo's kitchen. He handed Kenshin the food and strolled out. He came face to face with Yahiko. "What took you so long?" the boy asked, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Hiro gave a short nervous laugh, and explained about the men pushing the girl around. When he was finished, Yahiko appeared to have accepted it as truth.
Hiro ran back outside, stopping at a tree and sitting against it. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It felt good to have a place to live for once. Even though he was still unsure whether he would be staying long, he smiled to himself and waited for dinner to be ready.
* * * * * *
"Dinner's ready! Kenshin, Sano, Yahiko, Hiro! Come and eat!!"
Hiro heard Kaoru call out from the dojo's front room. Hiro stood up, from his sitting position at a tree outside. He stretched and headed up to the dojo. As he walked, he saw the other occupants he would be eating with later. Kenshin smiled and waved at him, but Yahiko and Sano didn't make any notion to greet him. Hiro really didn't care, either way was fine with him.
He arrived at the dojo kitchen, almost expecting a great meal. Instead, he found another Kaoru meal. Hiro stared at the meal disdainfully before he sat down at the table and ate with the rest. He tried as hard as he could to eat it and talk at the same time. Kenshin was striking up small conversations every now and then, but Hiro didn't try too hard to talk.
He finally spoke to Kenshin near the end of the meal, when Sano and Yahiko were finished.
"Hey, Kenshin. How do you manage to eat this stuff?" He asked, trying to keep his voice down so as to not let Kaoru overhear them.
Kenshin smiled slightly and thought it over, almost ignoring Kaoru's furious growling noise. "Well.it sure has gotten a lot better than when I first met her, that it has. At least you don't need to force it down anymore." He said cheerfully.
Kaoru looked slightly happier at Kenshin's statement, but she kept shooting dark glares across the table at Hiro.
At long last, Hiro finished his meal, and left Kenshin and Kaoru to their private meal together. He walked out into the courtyard, and sat down against a tree. The cool night air ruffled the loose corners of his haori, and also his hair. He looked up to the stars, looking at all the constellations before he had fallen into a deep sleep, his shoulders easing, and his back sliding down the tree.
When Hiro finally arrived at Kaoru's dojo, he saw no signs of life. He had traveled for a day at least, towards the dojo from that estate. He vaulted the gate, heading toward the main room's door, and knocking on it four times. It was early evening, exactly thirty hours after Hiro had started toward the dojo.
He awaited a reply from his knocks, when he heard movement from behind him. He jumped up onto the roof, still clenching his teeth together, because his ribs were killing him. He turned to look who was coming through the gate, when they opened.
Kenshin walked out, talking to Yahiko in a hushed voice, almost a whisper. Hiro couldn't tell what Kenshin was saying, but he looked back at the gate, seeing Kaoru following Kenshin and Yahiko. Hiro watched her for a moment, then turned back to the gate, seeing two more people entering.
One was the tall form of Sanosuke, in his normal looking stature, but behind him was a woman, almost Sano's height, with long black hair that flowed down to her back. He watched the two enter the dojo, before jumping down silently and knocking on the door again.
After he knocked, he moved over to the side of the door, and heard it open. Hiro knew he was out of sight, but he was waiting for Kenshin to come out. He waited for a moment, then,
"Hello? Is anyone there?" the unmistakable voice of Kenshin came out. This was just what Hiro was waiting for. He stepped out from his hiding position, and turned to face Kenshin.
He looked down at Kenshin, trying to speak. He managed to only get a few words out. "May...I come.." but that was all he could get out. Kenshin nodded, almost sensing that Hiro was hurt, and moved out of the way so that Hiro could come in.
Hiro walked slowly into the room, and turned to face Kenshin. Kenshin nodded and said, "Sit down, Hiro. Tell us what happened."
Hiro turned and saw Kaoru, Sano, Yahiko and the pretty lady who had come in earlier, three of whom were staring at Hiro with stony eyes. The woman, however remained emotionless. Hiro sat down on the chair that Kenshin had motioned to, and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted.
"Tch...not this guy again? Kenshin! Just rough him up like you did before and send h-" but that was all that Yahiko could say, before Kenshin held out a hand to silence him.
"Yahiko," he said. "let the man speak. I fear that he is very hurt right now, that I do." he said, still looking at Hiro.
Hiro began to speak, and he told them everything that had happened last night, about the Diamyo, how they almost managed to kill him and Yoroto. He continued to talk until he couldn't anymore, and closed his mouth.
Kenshin and Kaoru appeared convinced, but Sano and Yahiko both looked away. "Prove that happened." Yahiko said.
Hiro narrowed his eyes. "You brat... I'll give you proof!" he said as he turned his right cheek to Yahiko. "Look at this! I was shot, kid. By a rifle."
Yahiko scoffed again. "You probably cut yourself with your sword." he said, closing his eyes.
Sano leaned closer, and examined the cut. "I actually don't think he's lyin', kid. This wound was made by a rifle, just look at the pattern. It's almost perfectly straight. No one could do this with their own sword, someone else'd have to do it." he said.
Yahiko shrugged. "Well, what about his ribs? Haven't seen those, have we? He could be lying."
Kenshin looked at Yahiko, who fell silent. "He's not faking it, Yahiko. I can tell he is not." he said.
Yahiko scoffed and walked out of the room. "Whatever..." he said.
Kenshin looked back at Hiro. "Let Miss Megumi see your ribs." he said.
Hiro looked over at the new woman, obviously Megumi, because she stepped forth and eyed Hiro for a moment. Hiro took off his haori, feeling his chest and wincing in pain as he did so. He looked at Kenshin, who nodded.
"Goodnight, Hiro." Kenshin said as he touched Hiro's shoulder.
Hiro felt Kenshin's hand there, and immediately fell unconcious.
* * * * * * * * * *
The next morning, Hiro awoke, looking straight into Megumi's eyes. "AGH!!" he yelled, startled slightly.
Megumi gave a laugh, a hearty one for that matter, and smiled down at Hiro. "How're you feeling?" she asked.
Hiro groaned loudly. "Not too good, right now. Where're Kenshin and Kaoru?"
Megumi gave another hearty laugh and set a hand on Hiro's shoulder. "They're alseep right now, sir. It's very early. Go back to sleep..." she said.
Hiro felt her hand on his shoulder. It was comforting. He smiled and went back to sleep, feeling Megumi's hand on his shoulder as he drifted off to sleep once again.
He awoke again, it couldn't have been much later, but he was without Megumi. Hiro sat up and looked around the room he was in, his eyes heavy. He started to get up, but his ribs exploded in protest and pain, and he sat back down.
"Well...this limits my mobility." he said to himself. "I guess I won't be doing anything anytime soon." he said again, rubbing his ribs gingerly.
It was just then that he realized how hungry he was. He stood up, opening the door slowly and looking out. He saw no one in the room ahead of him, so he quietly walked out.
"What do you think you're doing?" a voice said.
Hiro spun around and came face to face with Sanosuke. Hiro smiled weakly.
"So? You sneaking off again?" Sano asked.
Hiro shook his head, speaking quietly because it hurt to put any pressure on his ribs. "No, Sanosuke. I was only getting up to get some food. That's all, really." he said, backing away from Sanosuke.
Sanosuke nodded unbelievingly. "Right. So, you want some food?" he then asked.
Hiro only nodded weakly, and was knocked back into the room as Sano shoved a plate of riceballs into his arms. "Eat up." Sano said before closing the door.
Hiro muttered to himself grumpily as he looked down at the pitiful riceballs. He shrugged, as it was the best he had to eat for now. He then ate only three before laying his head against the pillow, trying to get some more sleep.
* * * * * * * *
It was sunrise, and Hiro hadn't slept the rest of the night. He walked out of the room to see Sano asleep at the door. Apparently, he had stayed there all night to make sure that Hiro didn't wander off again. Hiro laughed silently and went on, seeing Yahiko mumbling in his sleep, turning slightly as well.
He shook his head and walked back into his room and waited for the others to rise. He waited for a while until Megumi and Kaoru both walked into the room. Kaoru sat at Hiro's side, and Megumi stood behind her.
"How are you today, Hiro?" Kaoru asked, considerably warmer than she had been yesterday.
Hiro smiled wearily and shook his head. "Not too bad, actually, Kaoru." he said as he started to get up.
Kaoru put out a hand to stop him. "No...I don't think we're going to start this again. You are going to stay in this bed until you recover." she said, forcing him back down.
Hiro allowed himself to lay back down, but he tried to protest. "But Kaoru...I'll get out of my fighting shape if I have to stay here all day for however many weeks it takes to heal. I'm quite a fast healer." he said.
Megumi laughed and shook her head. "I'm afraid you won't be doing anything strenuous for a while now, Mr. Hiro." she said, setting a hand on his shoulder to calm him. "Now, stay down, Sir Ken will be in in a moment." with that, she left the room.
Hiro grumbled as Megumi and Kaoru left the room and closed the door. He looked up at the wooden ceiling before hearing a gentle knock on the door. Kenshin opened the door and walked in anyway. "Good morning, Hiro- san. How are you feeling this morning?" he asked, a smile in place.
Hiro shook his head. "I've been better, but I've also been worse. Why is everyone asking me that question, eh?"
Kenshin smiled. "It's because everyone is worried about you. You seemed very hurt last night." he said as he walked over to Hiro.
Hiro got out of bed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I guess I'm a bit hungry, Kenshin. Any chance of some food?" he asked, turning to face Kenshin.
Kenshin turned to leave. "I'll bring you some food in a while, that I shall. Please, get comfortable while I get it." he said before leaving the room.
Hiro stood up and put on his yukuta. He stretched, but winced in pain as he did so. He then started walking to the door. As soon as he reached it, it slid open. Kenshin was standing there.
Kenshin stared at Hiro for a few seconds before smiling awkwardly and setting a plate down. "I believe I told you to stay seated while I got you food. What are you doing up?"
Hiro scratched his head. "Well, Ken-sama...I was only trying to hasten my recovery. The sooner my wounds heal, the sooner I'll be out of Kaoru's way." he said as he backed up to the bed.
Kenshin picked the plate up again and set it back down. It contained a single fish, and some rice. "Enjoy!" Kenshin said as he left the room.
Hiro looked down at the food, and tasted the fish. It had been a while since he had meat, and the light, juicy fish tasted quite good. When he finished that, he turned to the rice and tasted it. He immediately spat it back out again.
"Yuck...who made this rice?" he asked himself, when the answer walked right into the room. Kaoru had another plate of rice in her hands.
"Well, Mr. Hiro. I thought you might want some more rice than Kenshin gave you, am I right?" she asked kindly as she set the platter on the edge of the bed.
Hiro quickly scarfed down the rest of the rice, trying not to let it come back up again, and smiled slightly. "No thanks, Kaoru. I'm quite full for now." he said. hoping to mask his obvious disgust with the grin.
Kaoru smiled and turned to leave. "If you want any more later, it's right there." she said before closing the door behind her.
Hiro stared down at the plate before standing up again, and picking it up. He looked at how much rice was piled up on it. Hiro started towards the door, opening it quietly as he stepped outside into the sunlight.
When he got outside, he immediately saw three people to his left. Kenshin was sitting down, and two young girls were playing around him. Hiro shook his head, and turned to the right. He saw Kaoru and Yahiko training, and Sano was just lazing around like normal.
Hiro took one more step, to see if he could find Megumi, but Kenshin looked up at the second Hiro had taken a step.
"It's not very surprising to see you here, you know. I figured that we couldn't keep you cramped in that small room for long." he said as he turned back to the little girls.
Hiro walked over to Kenshin and shoved the plate of rice into his arms. "Here. I can't eat anymore of it." he said.
Kenshin stood and looked down at the girls, then back to Hiro. "Hiro- san, would you mind watching Ayame and Suzume for a moment? I have a few chores to do still."
Hiro shrugged. "I'm not good with children, Kenshin. You should know that just by what I was." he said as he stared at the girls, who stared back up at Hiro.
Kenshin smiled. "Well then, I guess I'll just get Sano to, then." He turned to the girls. "Ayame, Suzume, I'd like you to meet Mr. Hiro. He will be staying here at the dojo for a while, that he will."
The girls smiled up at Hiro as Kenshin said this. Hiro reluctantly smiled back and turned to watch Kaoru training Yahiko.
Sano ambled over, bushing past Hiro. Kenshin walked over to Hiro and said, "He's just got to get used to it, that's all, Hiro."
Hiro shrugged and kept his eyes fixed on Yahiko and Kaoru. He knew every move to the Kamiya Kasshien Stlye, as he knew just about every fighting style there was to know. He saw one flaw in what Kaoru was teaching, and walked up.
"Ehm, Miss Kaoru? Yahiko?" he said meekly.
Yahiko looked up and closed his eyes, looking away. "Ohh. It's just you. What do you want??"
"Well, Kaoru...I was just telling you a flaw in what you just showed Yahiko." he said as he took a step backwards, waiting for Yahiko's wrath.
Instead, Yahiko looked interested. "You know the Kamiya Kasshien?" he asked as he stared at Hiro.
Hiro merely nodded and looked at Kaoru. "I suppose you are wondering how I know the technique as well?"
Kaoru rolled her eyes, and leaned on her sword. "What was the mistake, Hiro?" she asked.
Hiro pulled out one of his swords. "Yahiko, can you get in the stance you were just learning? Just start from your third swordstroke, and I'll tell you when to stop." he said.
Yahiko started with his moves, until Hiro told him to freeze. Yahiko immediately stopped in the pose he was in.
Hiro took the tip of his sword and pointed to an open spot at Yahiko's shoulder. "There." he said. "If you were fighting someone that was either very fast, or very well-adapted to the Kamiya Kasshien, you would be easily hit. To fix this, just bring your right hand down, and your left hand up."
Yahiko did as he was told, and the open spot was covered. Hiro nodded and sheathed his sword. "Well, I guess you and Kaoru can go on about your training now, Yahiko." he said as he turned to walk back to his spot he was at earlier.
Kaoru nodded, but Yahiko moved in front of Hiro. "Hey, I have a question." he said as Hiro stopped. "Can you teach me to swordfight?" he asked. Kaoru looked murderous.
Hiro shook his head. "No, no. That is for your teacher. Kaoru makes a wonderful teacher, I can tell. She is very good, and you should listen to her." he said, trying not to get Kaoru angry with him.
Yahiko looked down. "Yeah, that's what Kenshin said."
Hiro put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Learn from Miss Kaoru until you are old enough. Then I will consider teaching you." he said as he walked back to the wall. Yahiko and Kaoru resumed their excercises.
Hiro looked around, and saw Kenshin walking out of the dojo. He walked up to Kaoru, and they talked for some time before Kenshin headed over to the gate, where Hiro sat. Hiro looked up at Kenshin, and said, "Kenshin, what's for dinner, huh?"
"Well, I must go to town to buy some supplies. Tofu, to be exact." he said.
Hiro stood up. "If you would rather stay here, I could go to town, instead. I need some time to get out, anyway."
Kenshin frowned slightly, but agreed. "Okay, but try not to draw too much attention to yourself. Leave three of your swords here."
Hiro nodded, took a list from Kenshin, and removed all but one of his swords and opened the gate. He headed off towards town.
* * * * * * * * *
When Hiro arrived in town, it seemed that he attracted the stares from almost everyone. He trodded through the center of town, listening to various conversations, until one caught his ear. There was a man, holding a sack of groceries, talking to a man who ran the food kiosk. The man who had the groceries spoke in a low voice. "Hey, you know that pirate group? The Kairyu? The one that's been attacking ships that carry goods out across the sea?" he asked the vender.
Hiro leaned in closer, trying to catch every word.
"Yes? What about them?" the curious kiosk owner asked.
"Well, I hear that their captain, Shura, is some kind of demon. He is said to kill everyone that tries to stop him and his crew." the man said.
Hiro shook his head and continued walking, keeping the pirate captain and the crew on his mind until he reached another food kiosk. Hiro got what he was sent for, and turned to leave. As he was going, he saw a few people pushing around a young girl. He was just about to go back to his business until he saw that one of them had a kodachi.
Hiro ran up to the closest man and tapped him on the shoulder. The man merely said, "We're busy. Go away."
Hiro then grabbed the man by the neck and flung him backwards, and into a wall. "You men, what are you doing to this girl?" he asked calmly.
The other men turned to Hiro, and the one with the kodachi stepped forward to Hiro, waving it threateningly. "What are you going to do, eh? Call the police?" he taunted.
In an instant, Hiro had taken the kodachi from the man and held it out toward the man's throat. "Would you like to die first, or shall I kill your friends with my bare hands?" he asked.
The men took off, all except for one. The man cracked his knuckles. "I don't care who you are. If you get into my business, I'm gonna k-" but that was all he could say. Hiro grabbed him by the neck and threw him bodily across the street, into the man he had previously thrown. Both were in a heap.
"Now, if you'd like to further attack me, go ahead." he said. "I'm waiting."
The men staggered to their feet and took off.
Hiro turned to the girl, who was about twelve. "Are you all right?" he asked kindly.
The girl merely nodded, bowed deeply to Hiro and thanked him, and took off running. Hiro smiled to himself and set off toward the dojo, keeping the tofu under his arm the whole time.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hiro arrived at the dojo in the late evening, to a hungry Sanosuke. As soon as Sano spotted Hiro, he ran up to him. "What d'ya think you're doin, comin' back so late, huh?" he half yelled. "Get that food to the kitchen before I have to hurt you!"
Hiro gave an awkward grin and ran into the dojo's kitchen. He handed Kenshin the food and strolled out. He came face to face with Yahiko. "What took you so long?" the boy asked, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Hiro gave a short nervous laugh, and explained about the men pushing the girl around. When he was finished, Yahiko appeared to have accepted it as truth.
Hiro ran back outside, stopping at a tree and sitting against it. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It felt good to have a place to live for once. Even though he was still unsure whether he would be staying long, he smiled to himself and waited for dinner to be ready.
* * * * * *
"Dinner's ready! Kenshin, Sano, Yahiko, Hiro! Come and eat!!"
Hiro heard Kaoru call out from the dojo's front room. Hiro stood up, from his sitting position at a tree outside. He stretched and headed up to the dojo. As he walked, he saw the other occupants he would be eating with later. Kenshin smiled and waved at him, but Yahiko and Sano didn't make any notion to greet him. Hiro really didn't care, either way was fine with him.
He arrived at the dojo kitchen, almost expecting a great meal. Instead, he found another Kaoru meal. Hiro stared at the meal disdainfully before he sat down at the table and ate with the rest. He tried as hard as he could to eat it and talk at the same time. Kenshin was striking up small conversations every now and then, but Hiro didn't try too hard to talk.
He finally spoke to Kenshin near the end of the meal, when Sano and Yahiko were finished.
"Hey, Kenshin. How do you manage to eat this stuff?" He asked, trying to keep his voice down so as to not let Kaoru overhear them.
Kenshin smiled slightly and thought it over, almost ignoring Kaoru's furious growling noise. "Well.it sure has gotten a lot better than when I first met her, that it has. At least you don't need to force it down anymore." He said cheerfully.
Kaoru looked slightly happier at Kenshin's statement, but she kept shooting dark glares across the table at Hiro.
At long last, Hiro finished his meal, and left Kenshin and Kaoru to their private meal together. He walked out into the courtyard, and sat down against a tree. The cool night air ruffled the loose corners of his haori, and also his hair. He looked up to the stars, looking at all the constellations before he had fallen into a deep sleep, his shoulders easing, and his back sliding down the tree.