Author's Notes: Finally done! It's a little shorter than I anticipated, I apologize, but I'll try and make the next chapter longer. Thanks for reviews for the previous two chapters. Thanks especially to Usagi Asia Maxwell, who urged me to continue this and one particular story that I was about to give up on. Thank you very much!

Title: Reality Bites

Chapter 3: Into the time warp

Disclaimer: *sighs* Here we go again...I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon...are ya happy????

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?" Usagi winced, knowing where the high-pitched shriek came from. Her 'small' audience consisting of the other former pilots, her friends, Motoki as well as the other customers, consisting mostly of boys, were staring dumbfounded at the scene that had unraveled before their eyes.

"Mina, keep the decibels lower!" Exclaimed Makoto, hands over her ears. The blonde placed a hand over her mouth, but her eyes were wide with shock. Even Ami was gaping and Rei...was Rei. There was that overprotective stance that Haruka had often used. And Usagi saw clearly through the stormy eyes of the fire senshi.

And then there were the shocked looks on the faces of the former pilots, the look on Wufei's face being the most comical. It looked as if the Chinese never expected that she would prefer to go out with him. No, scratch that, he never expected that she would want to go out with him at all. The expression on Duo's face was the second most comical, with his jaws hanging open and eyes wide with shock. It seemed as if she managed to deflate his ego after all. But the sight of the Perfect Soldier...if they all hadn't been so serious, she would have burst out laughing. Heero was reduced to a wide-eyed, mouth-gaping statue. Not at all the expressionless, emotionless perfect soldier that he claim himself to be.

But of course, let us not forget the other customers, especially the group of guys who looked near tears. It was Usagi's turn to gape as they all bawled in one corner of the arcade. Apparently they all have been secretly pursuing the blonde (what else is new?) and were all gathering courage to ask her out. They must be half the men they seem to be, because they never found the courage to ask her and are now crying like babies to the fact that she had agreed to a date with Wufei.

It would be an understatement to state that everything's a little messed up at the moment.

'Oh hell.' She thought to herself. 'There goes Hota-chan's plan.' So there was only one thing left to do really. Improvise. Now, what would Mamoru-baka do in times of this? Why was she relying on her ex-boyfriend's 'talents' for this? Because the little weasel can always get himself out of the tightest spot. Whether they be arguments or even just confrontations.

"Well, now that I've entertained you all with my answer, I'm afraid that I must leave." She said smoothly, smiling. She was ready to choke herself using one of her 'odango'. Next thing you know, she'd pull out a rose and be dressed up in a tux and top hat.

"Hold on a minute, Usagi!" Rei cried out. But before the priestess could say anything, a gulf of smoke engulfed them all. It was virtually impossible to see a hand in front of your face. And in this commotion, Usagi slipped out of the arcade, thankful that Michiru had decided to go ahead with the plan after all.

But although her ki was undetected by her own senshi, one former pilot managed to track it down. Or rather, sense it move. And in alarm, he too slipped out of the arcade. She walked not too far away, not even two blocks from the arcade in a quiet street. No one was around, the Outer senshi had made sure of that.

Just then, a portal opened before her and from what Wufei's can see, she was sucked into the gaping hole. Eyes widening as the blonde disappeared from sight into the portal, he rushed forward and managed to fall through the portal just as it was about to close.

And two senshi, standing on the rooftops could only watch with amazement at the turn of events. "Well, at least we don't have to worry about the Princess getting bored during her stay there." Saturn said quietly to the older woman. Pluto nodded her head, still amazed that she didn't forsee any of this.

The past, Tokyo, earlier...

"Busu, there's a letter for you!" Exclaimed Yahiko. Kaoru tightened her hold on her bokken, growling under her breath. Damn brat...

"I've told you a thousand times, Yahiko-chan, not to call me that!" She shouted in annoyance. The kid infuriated her. And though he was quickly turning fourteen, in her mind, he's still the kid. A maternal instinct, the sort where you refuse to acknowledge the fact that indeed your child has grown. But Kaoru can never tell him this of course.

The letter was tossed in her direction, despite her protest of not throwing it. In turn she threw the bokken at the boy, hitting his spiky head. He cried out in pain and then cursed at her. That was where the line was drawn of course, name-calling was alright, but a curse wasn't.

"Yahiko." The voice was calm, yet stern. It was still friendly, yet not without an air of finality. Kenshin has that effect on people after all. The boy grumbled, but didn't say a word. Kenshin's words were orders and no one dare to defy the former hitokiri battousai.

Kaoru frowned as she glanced at the letter. The writing seemed familiar, somehow, but she couldn't remember. When she opened the parchment, however, her whole face lit up. "It's from Misao." She said, telling both Kenshin and Yahiko. Sano hadn't yet roused from his slumber. It was probably somewhere between twelve and one o'clock, but he would be up in an hour or so.

"What does Misao-dono say?" Kenshin asked. Kaoru sighed softly at the use of the suffix -dono. Old habits die hard she supposed, though she was thankful he never called her 'Kaoru-dono' anymore and instead stuck with 'Kaoru' or even sometimes, 'Kaoru-chan', whereas she uses 'anata' whenever she speaks to him.

Of course, Sano and Megumi always make fun of this exchange of words from the former rurouni and tanuki. But there was no denying the tenderness in Kenshin's eyes when Kaoru says 'anata'. And there's no denying Kaoru's blushing face whenever Kenshin slips and calls her 'itooshii' either.

Kaoru frown suddenly, eyes scanning the pages of the letter. "Kenshin, remember you mentioned about some woman in Kyoto with the name of Serenity?"

Kenshin nodded, looking confused. "Hai, I do. What's the matter, itooshii?" Kaoru promptly blushed at the name, but continued on anyway.

"Well, I sent a message to Misao to check on this person." Explained Kaoru. "And she just sent me something back." The frown never left her lips.

"What does weasel girl have to say?" Asked Yahiko.

"Yahiko, mind your manners." Chided Kaoru, frowning at the boy. "She won't say what it is, but insists that you go to Kyoto to 'check things out', as she put it." Kaoru looked up, worry in her eyes. "I'm not so sure if that's such a good thing." She handed the letter to Kenshin.

He scanned the page quickly, a frown marring his features. When he finished reading, he looked up, pasting his usual rurouni smile. "Maybe I should go to Kyoto, just to make sure what's wrong."

A flash of panic went through Kaoru, which didn't go unnoticed by the former rurouni. After all, the memories of Kyoto were still vivid in her mind. Despite the fact that they've gone there a few times before to visit Misao and Aoshi. But for Kenshin to go there alone?

Yes, she still had fears of being left alone again. After all, Kenshin had left her to go to Kyoto once. It might happen again and this time, he might be gone for good. Luckily, however, that Kenshin noticed the look on her face. He reached out a calloused hand to gently stroke her cheek.

"Don't worry, itooshii, I'll come straight home." He whispered tenderly, drawing a soft smile from her.

"Aa, I know." She whispered back. There is a difference this time, she thought, he's finally acknowledging the Kamiya dojo as his home.

The tender moment was broken, however, at the guttural sound that came distinctively from Yahiko. The younger boy was rolling his eyes and making gagging noises. "It's too early in the morning! Would you stop it with the lovey-dovey stuff already?"

Kaoru raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" She said challengingly. "As opposed to the 'lovey-dovey stuff' you and Tsubame were doing in the early morning yesterday?" All color drained from Yahiko's face, only to be replaced by a deep blush on his cheeks as he stammered a curse with ill effects and met by a smug look from Kaoru and one exclamation from the former-rurouni.

"Oro!" But it was a loud booming voice that caught Yahiko's attention.

"Good going Yahiko-chan! Always knew you had it in you!"

"Looks like rooster head is awake." Muttered Kaoru, rolling her eyes. She took a hold of her bokken and swung it around, narrowly missing Sano's head.

"Oi! Watch it Jou-chan!" Exclaimed Sanosuke. "If I didn't know any better I would have thought that you're upset with me or something."

Kaoru smiled sweetly at Sano's words. "Now what makes you say that Sanosuke? The fact that you woke up past noon? Or maybe the fact that you left a big mess in the dojo yesterday? Or maybe the fact that you came home late last night...again?"

"First of all, you've never complained about my sleeping habits before. Second, Kenshin cleaned the mess and NOT you, so you shouldn't worry your pretty little head. And third, I didn't come home late AGAIN." Sano said, pointing at Kaoru.

"I heard that Megumi closed the practice today. Something about not feeling too well herself." Kaoru said, the implications clear enough for everyone in the room.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Sano said, but Kenshin noticed a faint blush that was slowly covering his cheeks. Or maybe it's just the heat?

"Maa, maa, Sanosuke...Kaoru-itooshii. I think that we have other matters to talk about." As always, saved by the rurouni. Kaoru resisted the urge to sigh. No matter what happens, Kenshin will still be Kenshin. And thank the Gods for that.

"About the letter Jou-chan got from weasel girl, ne?"

"You were eavesdropping again." It wasn't even a question, as Kaoru sent an accusing glare at Sano.

"Hey, I was going to come in, but the weather is too good."

"So you figured listening in to our conversation was alright."

"Yup!"

"I'm not even going to start." Kaoru said, sighing this time.

Later on that day...

Taking a carriage was definitely much faster than walking. And knowing Kaoru's anxiety with him traveling just about anywhere, Kenshin decided that perhaps it would be best if he takes the shortest route and fastest mode of transport. Besides, he would be meeting Misao and Aoshi halfway.

Misao didn't mention any of it in the letter, but knowing Aoshi, there must be something up. Kenshin had sent the word by a pigeon messenger just yesterday and the local post office already received a reply? It was unusual.

His train of thoughts was broken when he noticed that the carriage was slowing down. His hand was ready at the hilt of his sword when he heard light footsteps on top of the carriage. But instead, he got a slight shock when the blinds of the carriage were thrown open and a smiling Misao Makimachi peered inside.

"Himura!" She exclaimed, lunging at the former hitokiri with full force.

"Oro oro oro!"

"Three 'oro' at once? Yes! Beat my last record!" The weasel girl announced excitedly.

"Misao-dono?"

"Aoshi-sama figured that you'd take this route, so we waited for you." Explained Misao, motioning to the figure just a few feet away. As Kenshin peeked over Misao's shoulder, he could make out the outline of the swordsman.

"And guess what? We've got someone you might know along with us too!" Misao dragged the half-confused Kenshin out of the carriage. Throwing apologetic looks at the frightened driver of the carriage, Kenshin allowed himself to be dragged by the younger girl.

And found his eyes widening at the person he came face-to-face with. He was facing the ever-smiling swordsman prodigy, Seta Soujirou. Soujirou waved at him, despite being just inches away from Kenshin's face, the smile he never fails to wear tight in its place.

"Soujirou!"

"Himura-san, pleased to meet you again!" Through his eyes, however, Kenshin could see the change in the young man since their duel long ago. Yes, his 'mission' to Kyoto to be rid of Makoto Shishio seemed so long.

"I've heard from Cho that you've been wandering around Japan." Kenshin said.

"Hai! I am! But Aoshi-san and Misao-san made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

Kenshin turned to look at Aoshi, who was still in the same position Kenshin had seen him earlier, leaning against a tree. "Does this have to do with what you had Misao write in her letter, Aoshi?"

"Quite."

"We'll tell you on our way, Himura." Misao said, dragging Kenshin along the way.

"Nani? But where are we going?"

"You'll see!" Chirped Misao, leading the pact of three swordsmen, whistling a happy tune. But as she leads on, both she and Soujirou missed the smile that passed on Aoshi's lips as he watched the cheerful girl. Kenshin, being dragged by the back of the collar of his gi, was the only witness to this miracle.

About the same time, in the outskirts ...

Usagi tumbled out of the portal, falling flat on her back. She cursed under her breath and picked herself off the ground. "Why can't Pluto fix that stupid thing? I always end up landing on either my back or my butt!" She exclaimed to no one in particular.

And just as she picked through her things, thrown into the portal seconds before she went in herself, her eyes widened as another form burst out of the portal. Their bodies impacted against each other. She groaned, body aching all over and heard another groan...a MALE voice!

Her eyes flew open and she found herself looking into an endless abyss of onyx orbs, which blinked down at her. It was then that the voice and the face clicked together to form a name.

Wufei.

They scrambled off of each other, blushing madly as they struggled to their feet. Usagi's reply to Heero's question might have come out as nonchalant in the arcade, but in truth, Usagi was ready to sink into the ground and die when Heero asked the straightforward question. Ah well, what can you expect from the Perfect Soldier?

Which brings us to...how the HELL did he get here????

"W-what are you doing here?" Stammered Usagi. Wufei, who had been dusting off his black pants, stopped and raised an eyebrow.

"I saw you fall into that portal and-" He paused, looking around frantically for something.

"What?"

"Kuso! The portal's gone!" He exclaimed. Usagi frowned and cocked her head to the side, as if asking herself whether or not he's lost his sanity.

"Well, it can't exactly be open the whole time you know." Usagi said simply. For a second, Usagi thought the Chinese was about to explode. But instead, he stared at her with mouth slightly open and a dazed expression on his face.

'He looks cute.' Usagi thought. And that was about as far as she went with that thought before Wufei blew up.

"WHAT????" He shouted. "How the hell can you stand there and be calm?"

"Easy, I practice the art of B-R-E-A-T-H-I-N-G."

Wufei was in panic mode. Mobile dolls he can handle, any OZ prototype, any OZ soldier...Hell, anyone that can be considered dangerous! But magic portals? He's never even given magic a thought, let alone think of whether or not portals are good or bad. Why the hell did he jump through anyway?

'I remember.' He thought silently, finding some sanity in remembrance of his last minute action. He was there to save her. Well, some rescue party this was going to be. 'Baka onna.' He thought to himself, but there was nothing menacing about the thought. For some reason, the 'onna' could even be regarded as a nickname from the way Wufei was thinking about it.

"Are you alright, Wufei?" Usagi asked, waving a hand in front of his face. His scowl was back on.

"Of course not! Where the hell are we?" He demanded. Usagi flinched slightly, mostly because of the question, but Wufei misinterpreted the wince, thinking it was because of his tone. "Ah, gomen." He muttered.

Usagi blinked and blinked again.

"Did you just apologize, Wufei?" She asked, peering carefully at him.

"I'm not repeating myself!" He snapped, and then cursed silently. 'Idiot! Great way to win her over, snapping at her all the time, even when you're trying to apologize.' But to his surprise, the girl smiled brilliantly back.

"Ne, Fei-kun, I know I have a lot to explain...but why not have some lunch first, OK?" She suggested, pulling a bento box seemingly out of nowhere. It was Wufei's turn to blink, but he nodded.

"So...we're in the past?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Usagi cringe in mid-bite of her sushi.

'Great, now he must think I'm insane or something.' She thought miserably, as Wufei regarded his surrounding. He was picking up some strange ki around the place, like something's out of place. How could he not believe her? He could sense that she was telling the truth and besides, he had just tumbled through a magic portal. There was nothing that he didn't believe anymore. Oh...and she did provide him food for his starving stomach.

"How far in the past?" Wufei asked, getting up. He walked slowly to the hill, overlooking the bustling of Edo below. "From the looks of things down there...I'll guess, pre-Meiji?" He paused, sharp eyes making out the streets and even catching the uniform of a local police. "Ah, post-Meiji Restoration." He corrected himself.

"Y-you believe me?" Stammered Usagi. Wufei turned around to raise an eyebrow at her.

"What's not to believe? Besides, I know my history and there's no way there could be a town looking like that anywhere in Japan." Wufei said. "Do you have a place to stay here though?"

Usagi grinned. "Hai. I know some people here." She stopped for a moment, frowning. "Although I'm not sure what Kaoru-chan will think if I brought a stranger along with me though." Wufei snorted.

"Just say that I'm a distant cousin."

"A distant Chinese cousin?" Usagi pointed out. Wufei rolled his eyes, and then paused. An idea was forming in his head.

Oh hell, he couldn't possibly...could he? He looked at Usagi for a moment, trying to hold back a blush. "Maybe, you could say..."

"NANI???????????????????" The people of Edo looked up at the shrill cry, but life went on as usual. Must be some woman screaming at her husband...

I've added Soujirou into the group! Yup, yup! Why is Soujirou-kun here? Well, I never got the chance to ever finish Kyoto arc in Rurouni Kenshin and just two days ago, I finally did. (Actually, I own the entire series now. *grins*) Was anyone as sad as I was about the outcome? I mean, I felt *so* sorry about Yumi. And Soujirou too, that's probably what made me promote him to my fave character. I have this thing with guys with messed up past. Though I usually go for the guys most people overlook (eg. Wufei from Gundam Wing [definitely not as popular as Heero or Duo], Ken from Weiss Kreuz, Soujirou from Rurouni Kenshin and Yuuhi from Ayashi no Ceres [definitely not as popular as Tooya])

Now, what do you suppose Wu-chan said to Usa? *grins* Please, please, please review! *pouts* Make Aya-chan happy! Review!