After getting the young boy up to eat Kenshin left for clues but found none and

comes back. How can they leave no trace to follow it just doesn't make sense? Densely

not paying attention his feet get tangled in a up growth root flinging forward reaction

was not quick enough landing hard on poor defenseless Kaoru.

Eyes the shape of golf balls when she saw Kenshin flying towards her trying to

brace herself not helping when the impact sent her flying back with him. Crashing in the

dirt, dust flying around them as they skid to a stop.

"Mommy! Daddy!!!" Keiko bawled as she ran to them. Big pearl shaped tears

soaked her chubby rosy cheeks biting her tiny fingers she stared at them.

Kaoru looked at Kenshin after catching her breath looked at Keiko and her teary

face then Kenshin again. Kenshin looked utterly embarrassed his face as red as any

cherry she's seen in her life. Laughter built up quickly in her gut then traveled up to the

vocals ringing in the still air. Tears of laughter layered her eyelashes then down the sides

of her face.

Kenshin couldn't clearly understand why she was laughing as she pointed directly

at him inches from his face. "You're blushing!!!" She laughed again Kenshin gritted his

teeth she was laughing at him! Pushing off from her he pointed down at her. "Cut that

childish laughter before my blade does!" Kenshin's tempter flared in her direction Kaoru

seized her so called childish laughter wiping at her tears.

"Oh! What a tempter...why so effensive I thought it was adorable. That color

was just right it showed your inner child. Don't be so held back to show it anymore..."

Kaoru got to her feet dusting off her back she smiled. "It always goes far in impressing the ladies."

"There is no reason to impress cause all so called ladies are weaklings anything

works on them! Now forget what you saw tend to the boy and leave me the hell alone!"

Kenshin barked in her face.

Kaoru huffed at his remark and stood her ground. "Not all women are such as

you think! Plus I never bothered you! You fell on me! You don't blame me for you

clumsiness' you inconsiderate JERK!" Kaoru spat in return swiftly turning she ran into

the trees leaving Keiko wailing loudly and chasing after. The young boy seemed to have

fallin back to sleep not even stirring after all that racket.

Kenshin thought not to follow when he realized he just let his captive flee from

him. Grumbling he took pursuit after the two girls. Coming swiftly upon the two who

sat on the soiled ground fear etched clearly on there faces but where's the threat? Quietly

watching and listening.

"Keiko its ok...ssshhh calm down..." Kaoru hushed keiko rocking her back and

forth against her chest. "What do you want?" Kaoru asked.

"The girl and the boy you hold with you also!" Scratchy and deep the voice

answered her leaving chills down her spine. The voice was so close as if by her ear. To

afraid to make a glance behind her she gulped loudly.

"Why?"

"Cause they are dangerous. Now give them here!" Violent wind sliced the air

Kaoru winced looking at her arm the sleeve cut clean to her skin. Other cuts were

dispersed about her body as she cover Keiko from the harm.

"There just children! They have not the will to harm a soul." Kaoru looked

around finally with great force she was flung against a tree losing her grip on Keiko but

Keiko clung on for dear life to her. One eye closed concentrating on the pain she was a

afflicted with. "You coward that hides in the shadows! I will not let you take her or the

boy they are mine to care for...so...leave..." Bright lights flashed a yell was heard

resignating from two bodies. Kenshin came from the shadows his blade raised crashing

with the light.

"You who hides...show yourself at once!" The voice laughed with pleasure.

"Battousai! What a honor it is to meet you at last...but I have no time for you!

Those brats are mine and I'm going to have them!" Wind bellowed around them but not

harming this time and was gone.

"He's gone!" Kenshin put away his blade standing up straight half turned to the girls. "You two ok?"

"Yes where fine. What was that?" Kaoru asked shushing Keiko till she fell asleep in her arms.

"Not human, this threat has is most interesting. I can't explain as of yet but I

wonder why he wants the little ones so much. What threat do they possess?" Not

understanding this strange even he lifted Kaoru up and left back to camp. Finding the

boy not harmed and still sleeping.

"Kaoru we leave on the morrow at day break to a safer place." Sitting her down

she laid Keiko down covering her up. Where do we go for safety though? We could

return back to the dojo with the others its safe there. Yes!!! That's it! "Kenshin how

about we head back to the....umm..." Looking around that voice could listening in so she

leans against Kenshin and whispers in his ear. "dojo?"

"I don't...well...maybe...but you're my captive!" How can he let his captive

almost have him agree that's just not right!

Kaoru sighed..."I'll still be your captive if that's what you want. But these

children need shelter and safety and that's the best for them. PLEASE!" Kaoru got to her

knees pleading grasping his clothing.

"Oh fine!" Kenshin couldn't come up with a excuse not to but if she'd stay his

captive it would be ok. I can't believe myself! I've become a softy!!!

Kaoru cheered with glee..."Thank you Kenshin" Embracing his she felt hot

suddenly and her lips moistened. Pulling back she shook her head and walked away.

"good-night..."

Kenshin could not understand her one little bit. She was a odd ball out of all the

women he's come across but she was a tempting one at that. Smiling he sat by Kaoru her

back to him as she acted to be asleep. Laying quietly he gently wrapped his arm around

her waist getting comfortable against you warm back slowly falling asleep himself.

Kaoru smiled and fell asleep quickly then usual.

I know I take a little to long to get something out but I really mean it I'm busy...so I'm trying my best to keep up...*sighs* ...so please be patient with me!!! Keep the reviews coming and all return with more as soon as my school work lets me. Thank you! Love SweetChihiro!