Thank you everyone for your lovely reviews!! And finally a new chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, if I did…hehehe…never mind.

SANO'S PAST

Last time

"I just hope that she wont get too violent. It would be a shame if Sano would not survive to marry Kaoru."

Remember the sudden chill that you would get on a nice hot summer day? Or the feeling that something more was about to happen, and it was not necessarily a good thing?

Well, both Sano and Kaoru have been having those feelings a little too often. It had been two days since their last encounter with the twins, and the declaration of Aoshi being Yahiko's father. And something was definitely going on. Why would Yoru and Yara who have been so animate in the past, be hesitant, almost afraid to visit? Kaoru knew that they were still in town for she often spotted them in the market, but they looked nervous, a little too nervous.

Yara started wearing fancier cloths, a little too fancy.

Yoru had been standing up straighter, a little too straight.

Most importantly when they would talk briefly with her they were being polite, a little too polite.

Kaoru shook her head. She was obviously over reacting and being paranoid, yet spending most of her life in the Kamiya Kashin Ryu, she learned how to read people, and instincts told her that something was coming.

Sano was in a similar predicament. Every time that he would converse with Megumi he was on alert. A cold chill would come down his spine when he talked to the lady doctor, as if he was just digging a bigger grave for himself, a grave that would soon be filled. Everyone else in the dojo seemed unaware that anything was wrong and acted normal, well, as normal as they can with their own problems.

Kenshin started to flirt more with Kaoru. A subtle touch here and there, a few glanced and of course showing off his physique as he washed the laundry. Unfortunately, Kaoru was not paying him as much attention as she did in the past (to busy being paranoid and all), and Kenshin was finding it frustrating. He wondered if it had to do with him not telling Kaoru what Saito's punishment for him was. But, she didn't make mentioned to it these past couple of days. Kenshin was also aware of the twins' lack of visitation. If his plan to make Sano suffer...ahem…learn his lesson was to succeed, then they needed to be there. So with determination set in his heart, and a bit of vengeance, a grudge, and mischief, Kenshin would find the twins and make sure that they visited more often. But first, he would need some help, a coconspirator. Aoshi made it clear that he would not help, that man was frustrating and had no since of humor. Megumi could help, but he didn't really want to drive Sano insane. So the only one left would be Yahiko. Nodding, he was determined to find the boy (who would do almost anything for his idol) and find the twins.

Aoshi watched quietly, as he drank his tea. It appeared Kenshin was talking to himself again. He had been doing that a lot lately. Aoshi watched as Kenshin stood up with great speed, eyes turned slightly amber, and one of his fist clenched tightly, obviously forgetting that he was doing laundry, and spilled the water on himself from the sudden movement. Oblivious to Aoshi, Kenshin would pace and pause, taking up a dramatic pose (like raising his fist in the air and shake it), which would be spoiled due to the soap in his hand and his soggy pants. Which, apparently, Saito never found the right size for Kenshin, Aoshi mused. If he wasn't careful, Kenshin would loose his pants due to the water weighing them down.

Oops, too late.

Aoshi listened as a string of curses left Kenshin's mouth. The great Battousai tugged up his pants hoping that no one was witness to his embarrassment. Finding none but Aoshi, who just kept sipping his tea, Kenshin let out a sigh of relief. Aoshi had no humor to hold this over his head, besides, he was still wearing his shirt which was low enough to cover the important things. Kaoru was with Sano because the two of them were being their over reacting, paranoid selves. He would just die if Kaoru saw, and if Sano did…well, no more getting even with Sano. Remembering his earlier thoughts, Kenshin yelled out for Yahiko. The boy came running, taking only a pause to notice Kenshin trying to keep his pants up.

"Yahiko, I have a mission for you. We need to find Yoru and Yara-san. Immediately."

"Okay, but Kenshin…what about your clothes?"

"Huh?" Kenshin paused and looked down. He was obviously getting old for forgetting about his cold, soaking, wet, pants. But then again, love and vengeance makes you forget many things, so maybe he wasn't getting old after all, he sighed in relief. "Just wait a moment while I change."

Yahiko only had to wait a few minutes as Kenshin came out of his room, wearing another pair of pants. The duo almost made it out of the dojo gates when Aoshi started to speak.

"Where are you taking my son? And most importantly why, Himura-san?" They froze, did they just hear right? Aoshi called Yahiko his son?

Kaoru bit nervously on her fingernails. She knew that it was a bad habit, and it did not happen often. However, the current situations called for it. Being so wrapped up in her own thoughts, she missed ogling Kenshin for the past two days, as he did the laundry. Kaoru let out a heart filled sigh, she had no idea how much longer the twins would stay, or how longer Sano could keep his sanity. Once this was all over Kenshin would be back to wearing his usual gi and hakama. Don't get her wrong, she loved the way the gi opened up in front to show off his chiseled chest and firm stomach, but there was just something about a man in uniform. The way that it seemed to sharpen his features, it made him seem more his age, which was just fine with Kaoru. Snapped out of her Kenshin mode she turned to glance at Sano, wondering what he was thinking about. Meeting earlier, Sano and Kaoru agreed that they needed to find the twins. So, the two of them walked for what seemed like hours, aimlessly in the market. No twins spotted.

Sano would glance periodically at his partner in crime, albeit a reluctant partner. He had to admit that he was thankful his friends decided to help him in this time of need. Although, one of them seemed to take a personal grudge against him, and do his best to put early grey hairs on Sano's head. At least Megumi was taking all-of this well. After that first introduction with the twins, Sano had to stand and listen to a long and loud lecture from the good doctor. That and a few well placed pressure points that only doctors, assassins, and sadist knew, proving her point in her displeasure with him. But on the up side, their relationship did seem to get better. They actually talked instead of a constant argument. He smiled at this. Hopefully, when this was all over, he and Megumi could spend more time together, and out in public without fear.

"Sano, I don't think that we will ever find them. It seems that they are purposefully avoiding us."

"You're right Jou-chan. I guess we should head back. I know this great way through the forest." Kaoru gave him a, are-you-crazy-look, but the street fighter paid no attention to it.

Being so wrapped up in their own minds, they failed to see a shadow on the dirt road, turn off and follow them.

Aoshi raised his eyebrow at the dumb-struck looks on Kenshin's and Yahiko's faces. He understood their confusion, but he also knew what Kenshin was planing. The Battousai was so blinded on revenge that he could not see the harm that furthering this lie could do, so he did the only thing he could do since he could not beat Himura.

He played the parent.

"Wha..?" asked Yahiko.

"You heard me. I asked Himura where he was taking my son…you."

"To the market that I am."

Aoshi narrowed his eyes. Since his stay here, three days ago, he had not once heard Himura speak like the Rurouni. He was acting innocent, a little too innocent. Obviously he was planning something.

"For what purpose?"

Kenshin gritted his teeth. "To buy tofu."

"I am not sure that I believe you Officer Himura. Could it be that you are planning to use my son for a devious act? Like, let us say getting ride of a certain tori-atama so that you could have Kamiya-san to yourself."

Yahiko was confused. He wasn't sure where this conversation was going, or for that matter, why. He just knew that Kenshin was starting to grind his teeth, and quite loudly.

"If I am?"

"Then I cannot allow it. After all, Kamiya-san is my Cousin."

"Fine, I am taking him on patrol with me." Kenshin grunted out.

"The way trouble seems to find you Officer Himura, I do not think it wise." Yahiko watched on as Kenshin's aura raised. The two adults were trying to out smart each other, similar to a battle. Testing who would be the winner. So far, Aoshi had a come-back for everything that Kenshin had said.

"Oh, but he would be safe with me. Besides, are you, doubting your beloved cousin's ability to teach your son? If you are, then what was you purpose in letting him stay here?" Kenshin had a smug smile on his face, his arms folded in front of him.

Aoshi took in a claming breath. Himura was right on that point but… " I believe that you are taking this all too seriously Officer Himura. If my cousin was hurt in any way because of your jealousy, I feel that she would not be properly protected. I do believe that reassignment would be in order. I do not see her father, Saito-san, arguing with me at all on the matter."

Looking into his eyes, Kenshin knew that Aoshi would follow through with his threat. Worst yet, he knew that Saito would not hesitate in relocating him, till the twin's leave. Hence, ending Sano's torment all too soon. But, he would not be steered away from his plan either.

Bowing down at a slight fifteen-degree angle, Kenshin spoke. "I apologize Aoshi-san. Your words are true. I will merely take Yahiko out with me to extend an invitation to the twins. It is better coming from Yahiko, a resident of the dojo and family member, rather than I, a lone officer."

Aoshi knew he had no choice but to agree. They way Kenshin stressed officer, warned Aoshi that if this verbal dispute continued, then pain would surly follow. Nodding his head, Aoshi turned and let the confused boy leave with the scheming ex-man slayer.

Kenshin had every intention to do what he told Aoshi he would do, however, the way that he would do it…a grin came to hid face.

Oddly enough, it did not take long for the two of them to find the twins. Both Yoru and Yara, had a strange expression on their face, it almost looked like dread. Yet, that dread disappeared when Kenshin and Yahiko walked up to them.

"Yoru-san, Yara-san. I am here to extend a personal invitation to the two of you. Please come to the dojo for dinner this evening."

A slight jab to his side from Kenshin made Yahiko speak up, though he did not sound too excited about it. "Yeah…come on over." Yahiko thought that he was going to play a big part in whatever plan Kenshin had. But, so far, he hardly said a word and was bored out of his mind.

The twins were hesitant, and looked at each other.

"Will Sano and Kamiya-san be there?" asked Yoru.

"Yes, of course." Kenshin still saw the reluctance, so he did what any man would do to convince them to come.

He would charm the socks off of Yara.

Stepping closer to the female twin, he looked intently into her eyes, causing her to blush. "Please come. It would mean a lot to me." Kenshin spoke in a voice not that much different than his Battousai tone. The deep almost growl tone, made her blush deepen as she turned her eyes from him in shyness.

The twins were confused. They thought that Kenshin and Kaoru had feelings for each other, as did Megumi and Sanosuke. But apparently, Kenshin did not feel that way, they miss understood everything, therefore…

"Oh Himura-san! If only we knew, then we would not have sent for our Grandmother. Please, Sano is in much danger. We thought that you and Kaoru…oh no!" frantically spoke Yara.

Yahiko and Kenshin both could only think of one thing to say.

"Huh?"

Kaoru stomped after Sano, glaring evilly behind his back.

Men

She let out a slight snort. They were so clueless, always making things more difficult then what they needed to be. Such as, asking for directions. She knew where they were, but apparently Sano didn't and he still refused her help every time she offered.

Opening her mouth once again to speak, Kaoru found that her breath was knocked out of her as ropes suddenly tied around her, and harshly pulled her back into a tree. She let out a slight 'oomph' as her body made contact with the said tree. Struggling, she found that it was impossible to break free.

Sano turned hearing Kaoru's 'oomph', only to see her fifteen yards behind him and tied to a tree. They gave each other a startled look. Sano began to walk towards her, when a figure, shorter than Kaoru stood in his way.

"You see Himura-san, we told our Grandmother why I was yet married to Sano, and the complications that we have witnessed."

"Such as, Kaoru ogling you, Sano flirting with that female doctor. Being a woman of honor, and descendent of warriors she decided to step in to solve the problem." Yoru finished for his sister.

"Okay, what does that have to do with Sano getting hurt?" asked Yahiko.

"Well, there is no doubt that she will challenge him. If he looses then he must marry either Kaoru or myself. If he wins, then he may choose whom to marry. Grandmother believes that if he loves Megumi-san, then he would do anything to win. If not, that would mean that he was destined for Kaoru or I." Yara replied.

"Huh?"

"Let us tell it you this way. Honors demands that if Sano is beaten, he must marry one of his intended. If he wins, then he may choose whoever, whenever."

"Well, that's not too bad, Sano can beat any old woman. Right Kenshin?"

As Yahiko looked up at Kenshin, he noticed that the ex-man slayer was deep in a troubled thought.

"No. Sanosuke would not win." Kenshin spoke gravely.

"Who are you, and why did you do that to Kaoru?!" Sano demanded to the figure.

In response, the said figure laughed.

Then turning serious it said as it stepped into a fighting stance, "Your day has come Sagara Sanosuke! Defend yourself!" Removing it's clock, an elderly woman with long silver hair tied up into a bun, wearing a gi and hakama (not much different to what Kaoru would wear when training) was revealed. Her green eyes focused onto Sano.

"Who are you?" Sano asked surprised.

"I am Takawa Akane. Grandmother to Yoru, and one of your betrothed, Yara. Be prepared to be judged and sentenced!" With that warning, Akane attacked the confused Sano.

"What do you mean Kenshin?"

Kenshin looked down at the young boy, and gave him a sad smile. His violet eyes full of concern.

"Sano is fighting something that he has never done before. Not knowing how to respond, Sano will loose."

"Not just that, Grandmother is very skilled in the arts! One of her advantages is that people always seem to misjudge her because of her age." Yoru responded.

"That alone, caused many to die." Yara spoke silently.

Kaoru watched in surprise as Akane's punch made contact with Sano's face. The old woman was fast, agile, and by the looks of it very strong. Kaoru struggled against her restraints as Sano took a step back and wiped the blood that formed on his lip.

Ouch! That really hurt!

Sano was not sure what to do. He watched as the old woman attacked him again. He tried dogging, which worked only for awhile, but Takawa-san seemed to be reading his movements and adapted to his defense. He winced as another solid punch made contact with his side. The woman knew exactly where to punch and how. His thought process was interrupted with a solid kick, aimed at his ribs. Sano hunched over in pain. Okay, she also knew how to kick.

"Sano!" Kaoru was worried. A very skilled woman was beating up Sano and he wasn't doing anything to stop her! "Tori atama, at least fight back!!"

Sano glanced at Kaoru, she struggled desperately but futile against her restraints. He thought about what she told him. Him, fight back? He looked to the woman who just hit him again, causing him to almost collapse to his knees. But she was old, and a woman! Sano didn't have many rules when it came to a fight, except two. Never hit an elderly person, because it was so easy to kill them, and never hit a woman full strength, specially, if she was young like Kaoru or elderly like Akane. But he could defend.

Which he did just in time, but did that ever hurt! What was that woman's arms made out of? Steal? Sano blocked another attack, a kick that once again was aimed towards his ribs. He knew that his body couldn't take much more of this, soon something was going to break.

Akane forced Sano back with each attack. She could careless that he would not fight back. This was his choice and the judgment must continue, till one was unconscious or dead.

Kaoru was close to panicking. Sano blocked an attack, but missed the second one as the woman jumped and spin, landing a kick to his face. She winced as she witnessed a welt forming over his right eye. Because of it, some of his vision was blurry and he failed to defend against a kick to his ribs. That is when she heard the definite snapping sound of bone breaking. Kaoru felt helpless, and she hated it. She cried out for the woman to stop and for Sano to fight back, but neither would listen.

Sano found it hard to breath, yet it was not the first time a rib or two…okay make that three…were broken. He tried compensating by turning his weaker side away from Akane. At least this way it would be harder for her to make contact with a vital area, such as his broken ribs. He grunted as he defended another on-slaughter of attacks. Each one focused as much as the last. The woman wasted no time, and hardly held anything back from her attacks. He saw his vision blur all the more as black and white spots flashed in his eyes. He knew that he was close to loosing. Kaoru wanted him to fight back, he wanted to fight back, but he was so unsure about it. What if he killed this woman, then Yoru and Yara would never leave him alone. Then there would be the police…oomph…an upset punch (named for a reason) hit him in his solar-plex causing him to cough. He felt like he wanted to throw-up, as spittle exited his mouth and dripped from his chin. He could hear Kaoru screaming, what, he wasn't sure.

Staggering on his feet, he felt punch after punch and kick after kick. He didn't know what would happen to Jou-chan if he lost, but there wasn't much that he could do. For some reason, he did not panic as everything started to blacken and the voice of a concern Kaoru dimmed from his hearing. He even had a smile on his face, as the pain started to disappear. Then, Sano finally fell to the ground totally relaxed, with the smile still on his face, not making any movements at all.

The old woman approached the weeping Kaoru placing her cloak back over her shoulder. Akane whispered something to Kaoru, and took out a knife, setting the young woman free. She left as Kaoru ran to the fallen Sano's side.

Kenshin and Yahiko ran as fast as they could, trying to find Sano and Kaoru. Hoping that they were not too late.

T.B.C.

What did Akane tell Kaoru, and what is Sano's fate?

Stay tune to the next chapter. I hope that you all liked this one.

Any misspellings or suggestions please tell ^_^

Oh, near the beginning when I wrote it was too blah…blah…blah…I got that from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Ja'ne.