// indicates thought

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. I only own Anohorea and Jimbatsu!

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Yutaro was beginning to feel like something was going on, yet he was not aware of it.

Sure, he had lessons everyday now with Kaoru, but she always seemed preoccupied. Kenshin just wandered around, and disappeared for long amounts of time. Same with Kaoru. Plus, Megumi and Sanouske had dropped by almost everyday. But he could never find them either. And when they left, they always looked sad.

Tsubame also came as much as she could. She would just stroll in the gate and disappear like everyone else.

To top it off, he hadn't even seen Yahiko the whole 5 days he had been there. It was very confusing, and Yutaro was sick of not knowing what was going on.

On his 6th day of living at the dojo, he walked up to Kenshin who was doing laundry.

"Kenshin," he said softly, knowing someone would hiss at him to be quiet,"I have a question to ask you."

"And what would that be Yutaro-San?"

"I would like to know where Yahiko is, and why everone is always over here."

Kenshin stared into his laundry tub. He did not want to tell Yutaro about Yahiko, It would hurt Yahiko's pride. Plus, he did not need to know. Choosing his words carefully he said,"Yahiko is not doing very well, and everyone wants to make sure that he is all right."

"Can I go see him?"

"I'm sorry Yutaro-Chan, only those who have seen Yahiko's "illness" from the beginning are allowed to vist. Do you understand?"

"Of course, Kenshin-San," Yutaro said with a forced smile.

Yutaro turned and walked away. //If they won't tell me, I'll find out myself.// With that he started to get a plan together to find out.

Later that day, a messenger boy ran up the lane to the dojo. Kaoru was inside with Yahiko, and Kenshin was leaning against a tree in deep thought.

"Excuse me," said the boy," are you Himaura Kenshin?"

"That I am."

"I have a message for you, and Kamiya Kaoru. With that, the boy thrust a letterinto Kenshin's hands and took off.

Walking into the dojo, Kenshin padded down the hall to Yahiko's room. Kaoru sat beside Yahiko, stroking his spiky black hair.

"Kaoru-Dono, we have a message," Kenshin unfolded the message and they both read:

Kaoru and Kenshin,

Sano's been hurt very badly. I fear he might be dying. Come to Dr. Genzai's house straight away.

Megumi

"Oh no!" Kaoru cried,"First Yahiko and now Sano!"

"Come on," said Kenshin,"Yahiko will be alright for a few minutes." With that they dashed out the door.

Both Megumi and Sano had gotten notes too. Megumi's went along the lines of Kaoru's and Kenshin's but was signed Kenshin.

Sano's said that Megumi was dying and he needed to get to Dr. Genzai's house quickly. With that, he began the long walk to Dr. Genzai's house.

Yutaro grinned as Kenshin and Kaoru fled the house worried about Sano. But Sano was in no danger. Yutaro had sent the notes to get everyone away. And Tsubame was working, so she wouldn't show up. //Now I finally get to see Yahiko.// He crept up the dojo steps and headed toward Yahiko's room.

Nearing the door, Yutaro could hear ragged breathing. //Do I really want to do this? Yes! I want answers!//

Yutaro slid open the door and slipped in.

Lying in a futon was a sleeping Yahiko, who looked fine, except for a few cuts and bruises on his face. Walking over, Yutaro pulled off the blanket. He gasped at what he saw!

Yahiko's entire body was covered in bandages. Pulling up the legs of Yahiko's pants, he could see that Yahiko had been treated there as well for there were many stitches and bandages covering cuts and bruises.

Yutaro touched Yahiko to see if he was awake. He didn't even budge. So Yutaro rolled him over and a horrific sight met his eyes.

Meanwhile, everyone was at Dr. Genzai's house except Sano.

Kaoru went rushing to Megumi. "How is Sano?" she asked.

"Why are you asking me? You sent me the letter," said Megumi, completely puzzled.

"But you sent one to Kenshin and I."

Just then, they could see Sano running up the path!

"Fox," he shouted, concern evident in his face,"You're alright!"

"Huh?"

"The letter said that you were dying."

Suddenly all four got a look of understanding in their eyes.

"Someone," said Kenshin,"wanted us all together. Why?"

They stood in silience for a few seconds until Kaoru leapt up! "Oh no!" she cried. "Yahiko!"

"I bet," said Sano as they ran to the dojo,"It was that damn Yakuza. They probably went to finish the kid off." Worry weighed their hearts down as they ran, seconds seeming like minutes.

Yutaro could only stare at the scart at a loss for words. Now he understood. Yahiko was dying. Or at least seriously injured. He then heard approaching footsteps. Quickly, he rolled Yahiko over and threw the blanket back on. He then ran out of the room, and escaped safely to the woods, just being missed by the others.

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A/N~ Okay, okay! So maybe it wasn't ASAP. I've been really sick.

My family thought it might be strep (which I get every winter) or walking ammonia (sp?). I went to the doctor on Thursday and I found out I was sick with... a sinus infection! *FaceFaults*

I've been outta school 4 3 dayz, and w/ block scheduling.. Scary. *shudders*

Oh yeah, the typing is really weird 4 this chappie. Don't know why, my computer wont change it.

I'm celebrating my family b-day party 2day! (

My b-friend (Chris) is taking me out 4 dinner 2morrow! Yeah!!!!!!

I'll be fifteen Tuesday! *Starts to sing Happy Birthday to me!*

Remember to review! Thanx!