Chapter Six

"Kindly step away from my cousin." Saitou said, in a deathly cold voice.

Cousin? Great, another reason for him to want my head. If I stayed much longer we would clash, it was inevitable.

Trying to back out, I found Miss Kaoru had taken a tighter hold around my middle. Again, I wasn't entirely sure, but I believe it was more to irritate Saitou and had less to do with me. It seemed Saitou was well loved by the womenfolk.

"This unworthy one was just…" I started to plead my case, but Saitou was already stalking around the room like a wolf with his hackles up. His keen golden eyes were moving methodically around the room picking up details I'm sure.

"So you had a break in Raccoon?"

I was really confused. There were no raccoons here. Were there?

Miss Kaoru, apparently, wasn't so confused. Her face turned bright red and she advanced on the nosy wolf. He didn't so much as flick a glance her way. Foolish, in my opinion. I fully expected a plank to pop up and watch her whale the stuffing out of him.

'Damn, I was hoping to see some entertainment.' Battousai snickered. I shushed him, still on the look out for raccoon. Although they were small; they did carry rabies. One could never be too careful!

"They didn't take anything but my mother's locket." Miss Kaoru snarled, apparently not liking him to be snooping around her home, cousin or not.

"Why should this matter concern me?" Saitou asked, his face blank. I could tell he was being sadistic again. Teasing Miss Kaoru like she was a mindless kitten. I started to step forward to intervene, but she beat me to it.

"Get the hell out of my house! I don't want to see you until you decide to be useful! Honestly, Sanosuke is better! And I'm telling Tokio too." Miss Kaoru raged and even Saitou had the sense of mind to step back. I think he even flinched when she mentioned Missus Tokio.

The wolf beat a hasty retreat, but I knew that he had sensed the same thing I had. Well, shoot, even Sano had. He would be lurking, and I use that term literally, around.

It worried and puzzled me at the same time, but I really should have been paying attention because I got attacked from behind.

A rather soft weight smashed into me from behind and I could feel hot breathe on my earlobe, "Sir Ken, it must have been so awful! Are you hurt?"

Miss Kaoru made a sound. I think it was a growl, but it came out more like some kind of dying animal. She didn't physically assault Miss Megumi however.

'She just likes picking on the weak.' Battousai noted and I scowled. Did he have a sarcastic observation for everything? Could you actually sew your alter ego's mouth shut if you wanted it badly enough?

"Why Sir Ken, you are talking to yourself!" The weight shifted and I clattered to the ground gracelessly. Sometimes playing the klutz hurt. A lot. What kind of wood was this floor made of anyway? "I have just the medication for you! You should come with me to the clinic."

"He's not going anywh-"

"Hey, Foxy…" Sano trailed off and the queerest look crossed his face. Then there was this sinking feeling in my gut. I really was wishing I was gay.

"Yes rooster head?" Miss Megumi asked, disentangling herself from me. I skittered away out of range of the two very hostile forces in the room. Both seemed to be lusting after my blood. Or at least to spill a bit of it. I was really wishing Saitou were back. Nothing killed sexual tension like that man.

"I- er, was just going to say that I put your stuff back for you." He stuttered, suddenly at a loss. He scuffed a foot. Wait, he did something… for free? Out of the goodness of his heart.

"You what?" Miss Megumi's eyes flew wide and she abruptly became a mini-force of nature. I was glad for the space between us. She grabbed Sano's large forearm and dragged him out, berating him. I didn't hear all of it. Thankfully. Just words like 'how could you', 'you couldn't organize a flea circus', and 'idiot rooster head'.

"I think he likes that witch." Miss Kaoru sniffed. I could tell she was still miffed about earlier, although I didn't know why. Didn't she know I wasn't interested in Miss Megumi?

The rest of the day was uneventful. At least it was until Miss Kaoru realized that my money had been stolen. Suddenly, I was up to my elbows in soapy water.

Battousai eyed me from a safe distance, 'Such manly pursuits.' I ignored him and scrubbed harder. Any idiot could wield a gun, it took guts to tangle with dirty clothing.

"Ah, Missy's got you working already."

Speak of the obnoxious. Didn't that man have a job or something? Oh, forgot, it was Sabbath. Wait, did he have a job anyway?

"Miss Kaoru was very gracious in allowing me to work off my debt." I replied, frustrated at the delay. I was never getting out of here!

"Well, do you think she'll let you off your chain long enough to have some fun tonight?" Sano drawled and I turned to look at him. He looked none the worse for wear despite his earlier fight with Miss Megumi. Then again, he could be likened to a tank if one considered it. Did anything stop the man?

'Take him up on his offer. You could use a drink.' Battousai urged. I knew why he wanted me to go. I tended to… get a bit tipsy. He was hoping I'd loosen my self-made prison over him if I did.

"Kenshin, I'm making dinner." Kaoru called out the back door. She had her long hair pulled back with a lovely violet ribbon and a cheery expression of happiness on her face. How can the bringer of indigestion be so beautiful?

"Hey Missy!" Sano bellowed, "Can little Kenshin come out and play tonight?"

Kaoru eyed him before deciding that he had, indeed, besmirched her honor in insinuating such a thing. What that thing was I'm not quite sure. Was Sano saying she liked me? Dang, why was this so hard? I should have run away when I first saw Saitou standing on the platform.

'Yes, curse your stupidity.'

Eat soap bubbles.

"Why are you asking me?" Kaoru snarled, turning her wrath on the unfortunate young man. He shrugged. "Seems like you and Kenshin are getting along well enough. Kind of like a married couple or something. And if that logic follows you're going to limit his fun in every way you can. Just like any other woman."

"Sano, I do not think that Miss Kaoru is very happy with you, that I do not." I warned, too late. Buckshot rang out at us. Sano yelped and tried to hide behind me. Well, that's just ridicules. He's what at least a foot taller than I am and twice as wide.

Seeming to realize this he ditched me as a shield and started retreating across the yard finding cover behind anything and everything. Suddenly, I could see advantages to being small. The last of him flashed out. I think he actually called something over his shoulder, but Miss Kaoru chose that exact moment to shoot, so I'm not quite sure.

"Will he be okay?" I asked Miss Kaoru, wiping off my wet hands and watching her hang the gun back above the door.

"He'll just go limping to Megumi." She growled, "He always does."

So they were together? I'm confused.

'Dimwit.' Speak for yourself, I snarled back.

Dinner was actually decent. Apparently Miss Kaoru was much better with potatoes than eggs. The peels actually made a nice contrast to the lumpy chunks. The peas were overcooked, but that just made me think of home, where everything green was made into mush. A wave of homesickness washed over me… or was it that first bite of steak catching up with me?

"You can go if you want." Miss Kaoru said suddenly putting her fork down. I looked at her quizzically, "Honestly Kenshin, I don't mind a bit."

Mind… what? What in the world was she talking about?

'The bar dumbass.'

Thank you my other half. You're so helpful and generous. He glowered at me and I was tempted to shrink his cage.

"This unworthy one will not go if you do not wish me to." I announced, hoping and pleading that she would take the hint. The thoughts of Sano and the bar together tended to bring of life scarring memories. I shuddered.

Unfortunately, she seemed to be bent on proving the point that she was not my keeper. "So go already! I'll even do the dishes. Enjoy yourself, go!"

Before I could protest I was propelled out the door and it was slammed behind me. I stood dumbly on the porch before realizing that the clicking sound was the bolt being locked behind me. Well, I could sit out on the porch like a kicked dog until she decided to let me back in or I could go to the bar. Choices, choices.

"Hey Kenshin." Yahiko hailed and I cringed. I hoped he assumed I was out watching the stars and thinking or something. He came up and sat besides me, "I heard Ugly made you do the laundry. Tough break, but she's cruel like that." He raised his voice and I heard scuffling noises on the other side of the door, "Anyway, Sano sent me to bring you to the bar. He said, well, a lot of stuff. I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention. Basically, that you needed to loosen up."

'Yes.' My alter ego hissed and I shot him an annoyed look. He was starting to freak me out. One would think he actually wanted to go back where we'd gotten felt up and attacked by those two 'ladies'.

We walked quietly though the mostly silent town, "So how do you know Sano?"

"That dummy is my brother." Yahiko snorted, "He's got issues in case you couldn't tell."

That's brotherly love for you.

We entered the bar. I was hit with the light, sounds, and smells. Well, mostly the smells. Unwashed male bodies covered with sweat, drink, and mine dust, among other things. Raw alcohol hung heavy in the air and I almost gagged. The smell of whisky tended to make me think of my Master.

Someone was happily banging away on the piano while Kamatari and Yumi fought over the stage. Mostly that consisted of shoving and yelling. I really, really hoped they wouldn't see me.

Yahiko spotted Sano deeply immersed in a shady looking poker game. Why wasn't I surprised? Before I could retreat to the actual bar Sano beckoned me over. I took a brief glance at his hand and winced. That was sad. I didn't know much about poker, but I was fairly sure that he was going to lose.

"Hey Kenshin," He looked up then ruffled Yahiko's spiky hair good-natured. The kid squirmed, got loose, and promptly started chewing on his old brother's head. I skirted around that and gingerly sat in what I thought was a safe chair. The back of my Levis say otherwise. I just hoped it would dry before I went back to Miss Kaoru's. "Could you spot me some cash?

'Don't.'

"This unworthy one is sorry, but he does not have any money on him, that he does not." I said in a neutral tone. Mentally I was thanking my lucky stars. I was a sucker about lending money. Battousai called me Mr. Banker for awhile while we traveled with a small wagon train over a mountain pass.

"Katsu?" Sano pleaded and the young man, whom I recognized to be our stagecoach driver, shook his head with a loose smile. "Damn it! Well, I fold then. Let's get some drinks!"

Why did that scare me?

"Hey, you still owe some money, so pay up!" One of the poker men growled dangerously. He was easily three times my size and even larger than Sano. He stood up and towered over us menousingly. Sano wasn't intimidated in the slightest. A rakish grin crossed his features and he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

"Now buddy…" Katsu started, but before he could convince Sano to back off, a figure went flying through the air crashing down on the table. The players scattered back upsetting other tables as they went.

Within seconds the place was in a total uproar with fists flying and chairs breaking. The bartender had sought shelter behind the long wooden bar. I was tempted to go back there myself.

Kamatari, the flying body that started the whole thing, shook his head and growled, "That wasn't very nice Yumi. One would almost think you were a man with that kind of strength!"

Yumi, however, had disappeared the moment the brawl began. Someone took a swing at me and I slid to the side. Battousai howled like a banshee, wait, could guys be banshees? Anyway, he was nosy and wanting out. Even if it was a lowly bar brawl. Sano and Katsu had taken to busting heads, namely those belong to their former poker buddies.

It wasn't until Miss Misao popped up in the middle of it that I felt the need to get involved. Unfortunately, so did Battousai.

My hands wrapped around the cold, iron bars in disbelief. He'd tricked me again! Do you know how embaressing it is to be tricked by your murderous alter ego? Oh, bad Battousai, bad! He was going to get it. Why, I'd lock him up so… Wait, what was he doing to those poor men?

Our hands shot out and grabbed the original poker guy by his long, uncut hair. He tangled our fingers in the greasy locks and heaved. The man let out a growl tumbling backwards toward the floor. A nail head stuck out of the floor. Swiftly Battousai wrapped the locks around the protruding metal so the man couldn't get up without scalping himself, before moving to his next target. I could tell he was having too much fun now if he wasn't killing.

Someone came in from behind thinking they would get a hit in with a broken chair leg. With one swift, fluid motion the chair leg had changed hands, and Battousai had slammed it through the man's foot.

"You stay and be good now." He growled, pleased. He gave a kick to the man's side for good measure.

A light form bumped into us and he almost knocked Miss Misao unconscious. He diverted his swing at the last moment brilliantly taking out the man behind her. She blinked before jumping back into the middle of the brutal mass swinging what looked like throwing knives.

One stupid guy made a grab for our hidden gun. Within seconds there was a neat hole in his hand. Battousai smirked, "Guns aren't for children. Shouldn't a little boy like you be in bed? I bet your mommy's worried."

Oh yes, he was certainly enjoying this.

The battle had been pitched and was full blown when a darken shadow descended.

Battousai uttered a low, primal growl and I slapped my face in a hopeless gesture. Could it get any worse than this?

Saitou and Lobo stood in the just beyond the swinging doors with an identical look of distaste, lurking in golden eyes and sharp faces. The giant gray wolf moved first knocking a random man clean off his feet. He moved through the surprised fighters like a gray whirlwind dishing out blows from his teeth and claws. Saitou was no less effective. The two paused as if suddenly realizing that they were, indeed, working together as a team.

In that split second Battousai managed to finger his gun with revenge in mind. Luckily for Lobo, Sano happened to stumble back. Battousai flash out of the way and efficiently knocked the young drunk silly with clenched fists.

Before he could recover cold steel was pressed against the back of our neck. Saitou practically radiated smugness. Battousai, seeing the sticky situation, did the only thing he could do. Evict me from the cage and took up residency leaving me, once again, to clean up his mess. How childish.

"Causing trouble?" Saitou sneered, cocking his gun, and I gulped. He directed me against the wall leaving Lobo to "watch" me as he rounded up the rest of the "trouble makers". The wolf eyed me blankly and I wondered why he was listening to Saitou. Hadn't the man remarked that Missus Tokio's creatures only obeyed her?

'Not your problem.' Battousai remarked, and I rattled his cage reminding him that Lobo helped capture us.

What is Miss Kaoru going to think? I despaired and Battousai rolled his eyes perfectly happy with the mess he left me.

Random Facts

- Opium was introduced in the 1870s with all the chinese immigrants (who picked up the practice of smoking it from the British, while they were messing around with India). It was also used for medicenal purposes. Cocaine also was introduced around that time, running a similar course. (ever wonder where the 'coke' in coca-cola came from? *grin*).

-The church would have frowned on the bar (for obvious reasons; alcohol and prostitution).

-Beer was brought over from England and became a staple part of the early American diet. In the last 1800s they even tried to promote it's use for economic and social reasons. It wasn't until later that people started to oppose alcohol.

-In the early 1870s poker made history, becoming a game played in a world championship.

-Timber Wolf/Grey Wolf (Canis lupus): Males can weight up to 175 lbs and their jaw strength is 1,500 pounds of pressure per square inch (say good bye to your femur *thigh bone* baby if Lobo decides to crunch you ;) ). They also can move at 25-35 mph for short bursts.

Reviewers:

The Weird One2: I'm sure Aoshi will forgive you your sins, and you are helping me, reviews give me encouragement and confidence! I'm glad. There, unfortunately, is stupidity everywhere (I get sick of it), but it's a lot more fun to pretend. Medicene was completely evil back then, but I figured you all wanted the contents of your stomachs. And I couldn't make Meg so brutal ^^;;

MissBehavin: She really couldn't do anything about internal injuries, they didn't have the technology. You got painkillers and you either got better, or died. Oh yes, you'll find out soon enough. But it may not be who you think. *smacks self* I'll be quiet now.

Wistful-Eyes: I had to have a real insentive for her to keep Kenshin around (because she obviously already has Saitou, Sano, and Yahiko; she's not ostrized from the people of the town). Glad you liked that part. I'm so mean to poor Kenshin. And Sano too, but mostly Kenshin.

Fyyrrose: I always pick on him. He bounces back so easily, ready for more abuse. That image was distrubing O.O You're off the drink, remember? Well, I hope she was in character. She's so hard to do sometimes *sigh*. I think I'd give you a bone saw the day I'd give Katsu a modern bomb. Yes well, Kaoru is now in a sense my character so she's safe from me. My personal rule is that I can't like/dislike any character more than the other. So I can beat and torture them all equally *smirk*. I bit people too O.o;; And now it's like 'ewww'. I put my mouth on their skin? How 'bout Aoshi with a ponytail? Hehe. FKB is too easy to pick on too. You know what? I realized I've not been nice to him in any of my fics O__O;;

Nigihayami Haruko: I think I managed pretty much everybody. It took some plot- er planning. People like Meg and Saitou were easy: doctor and sherriff. Aoshi was hard, thank fyyrrose for his placement. There are only a couple more characters left to introduce. How could I leave out Kaoru's violent tendencies? They make the girl ^__^ Thank you for such high praise!