Author's note: Gomen about the long delay. Times have been distracting lately. But here ya go finally, hope you like it!
Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past
"While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity."
Publilius Syrus Maxim
Kenshin was once again sitting in the blood-covered scene holding Tomoe. Blood stained the fresh snow, corrupted it, just as it forever stained his hands. He would never be rid of the smell of it either. Kenshin shivered as the cold wind whipped over skin and through his hair.
Soon it began to turn into the familiar image he was coming to know as well. The building raged on fire around him, the blistering heat… and Kaoru. The inferno closed in, but the swordsman didn't care. Sweat glistened on the red head's brow as the heat became suffocating. She was gone and that was it. Never again would he see that bright smile that had pulled him through so much… that had saved him. Kenshin willed the fire to take him, he wanted it to end.
A tiny, yet commanding voice echoed in Kenshin's ear, just loud enough to be heard over the roar.
"Idiot, the will to live is essential."
"Master…" Kenshin whispered.
Suddenly, Kenshin began to feel cooler as if the flames had lost their power. The bright light, the heat, the entire scene began to fade away to black.
From somewhere nearby in the darkness a barely perceptible, gentle voice called his name.
"Mister Himura? Mister Himura can you hear me?"
Kenshin Himura felt a soothing coolness as something was gently placed on his forehead. The throbbing in his head died down a little and the swordsman slowly opened his eyes. The light from morning sun shone into the house causing the swordsman to squint in pain until his eyes adjusted to the brightness. Once his eyes where focused, Kenshin turned soft eyes up to the person kneeled beside him and was a bit surprised to find Saori. With a brief glance around he noticed that his companions were nowhere to be found and he met the woman's eyes once more. Her eyes weren't so steely as last night and she must have read the confusion in his own and gave him a small smile.
"Your friends have simply gone out to look around the village Mister Himura. It was decided to let you rest," she answered his unspoken question.
Kenshin finally brought his hand to his head and noticed the cool, wet cloth there. It must have been the cool touch he felt. Again the woman answered before he had time to ask.
"You seemed troubled in your sleep. I thought it might bring you some comfort."
"Thank you for your help Mrs. Kano," Kenshin said as he pulled the cloth off and slowly pushed himself into a sitting position.
When Kenshin sat up he saw a fleeting glance of a small head disappear behind the wall that separated the kitchen. The red head smiled and raised his voice.
"How is you son this fine morning Mrs. Kano?"
At the mention of him, Ninsei slowly peered around the wall again and met eyes with Kenshin. As soon as he did though he cast his eyes to the ground.
"Good morning Ninsei," Kenshin said smiling.
"It is alright Ninsei. Mister Himura has greeted you. Come here and return to favor," Saori instructed.
The little boy walked over and partially hid behind his mother's kneeling form.
"Good morning," the boy said with a shy smile back.
True to the curiosity of children the little boy pointed at the cross shaped scar on Kenshin's cheek.
"Where did you get that?" he asked.
Kenshin unconsciously brought his hand up to his cheek suddenly uncomfortable with the question. Before he could think of an answer to give the curious boy, Saori changed the subject for him.
"How is your head this morning Mister Himura?" Saori asked.
"It is well, thank you," Kenshin answered.
It was mostly true anyway. His head still throbbed painfully, but he had been through worse.
"If you feel well enough, we can go find your companions and I'm sure you have questions you would like to ask along the way."
Kenshin smiled and nodded his head. Saori excused herself to go prepare Ninsei to leave the house and the swordsman was left alone. He wasn't surprised his friends were already exploring the village, especially if there was any sort of market here. Nor was it surprising Saori had been watching over him. She would feel obligated since he was in her home. What did surprise him was that the others had woken up before him. Usually Kenshin was the first to wake in the morning, as none of the others were considered good with rising early. His troubled sleep must be taking its toll. He knew it was. He still felt exhausted after sleeping all night and he felt weak. Sano had asked what it was about the fight with Shishio that bothered him. Truth was it wasn't really that fight, but what had happened to everyone around him that bothered him. He could have lost them all. And that's what truly bothered him. He had no idea why he kept having nightmares about Tomoe and Kaoru though. What did it all mean?
The market in the village of Suganuma was a small one, but Kaoru was surprised they had one at all. Apparently, they did get a minor flow of travelers on their way to Ibaraki and beyond. Which begged the question, why didn't they have some sort of inn? Kaoru dismissed the thought though and went about looking.
Sanosuke kept looking around him uneasily at all the stares coming from the women. A lot of women.
"Hey missy," he whispered urgently, "do you notice anything strange about this village?"
Kaoru, who was holding up a floral kimono stopped and turned a questioning gaze to the fighter.
"Okay, obviously not," he mumbled.
"Now what's wrong Sanosuke? You know, all you've done on this trip is complain. This is supposed to be relaxing, so relax already!"
Sano gave what could only be considered a growl.
"Gah! How can I with everyone staring at me?!" he cried.
"What?" Kaoru asked confused.
"Haven't you noticed it Kaoru? Except for some of the travelers here in the market, all the vendors and most of the people we passed in the village are women and old men!"
"Don't be ridiculous…" Kaoru's words faded away as she took a look around her.
How was it that she didn't notice before? But Sanosuke was right. There was a definite
lack of men in this village. Kaoru became self-conscious now as well.
"Maybe we should just head back to Saori's house?" Kaoru suggested.
Sanosuke nodded in agreement. Kaoru smiled and put the kimono she was looking at down. The dark-haired woman and Sanosuke looked around and noticed they were missing someone.
"Now where did Yahiko go?" Kaoru thought out loud.
Yahiko , just around the corner, was walking absentmindedly eating his tofu on a stick. This is pretty good! He thought. Much better than Kaoru's. But then he was sure anyone's would be better than hers.
Yahiko thought he heard Kaoru call his name from somewhere behind him and turned his head to look. Not watching in front of him the boy ran straight into someone. The two bounced off each other and Yahiko dropped his stick of tofu.
"Now look what you did!" he yelled.
The boy was going to say more until he finally looked up and realized he had run into a woman. She was tall with hair long past her waist and she was dressed much better than the other villagers he had seen. It was also a more traditional style than what Kaoru wore. She was also an older woman, well at least older than Kenshin and to a ten-year old, even Kaoru was sort of old. The woman also reminded Yahiko of someone. Who he couldn't place right now, but she seemed familiar.
"I see you are having a good time," she said.
Even her voice was familiar right down to the hard eyes and slightly cold manner when she spoke.
"I have a son your age, but his manners are much better. It is customary to apologize for walking into someone whilst your head is turned the other way."
"Yahiko! Apologize right this second!"
Suddenly Kaoru was beside him glaring down at him and he spotted Sano standing behind her.
"But…"
"No buts! I saw you run into her from across the street."
"I, um, sorry," Yahiko half mumbled to the woman.
The woman gave a slight smile and bowed her head. Although, Yahiko noticed, the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"I'm sorry ma'am," Kaoru began politely, "he can be awfully rude sometimes, but he doesn't mean it."
"Then perhaps the two of you should keep your son closer to you. Children must learn from example," the woman suggested.
Kaoru's jaw dropped at the comment and from behind her Sano almost choked on a piece of tofu he was eating. Yahiko would have normally been insulted at someone calling Kaoru and Sano, of all people, his parents, but the looks on their faces was enough to make up for it. He had never seen them so flustered. It was simply great, so the boy remained quiet with a huge smirk on his face.
"Oh, um, he's not our son, as a matter of fact, we aren't even a couple! Like I would ever marry a lug like Sanosuke," Kaoru finished with a chuckle.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Sano shouted.
Yahiko had to bring his hand to his mouth not to laugh out loud. He was enjoying this. But much to his dismay, someone broke in the conversation before it got really good.
"Mother!" they heard someone call.
Everyone turned their heads to see Saori walking towards them, Ninsei in tow, with Kenshin beside her.
"Mother?" Yahiko asked.
That's why she seemed so familiar to him! It came to him now, she reminded him of Saori.
"I see you have met my guests," Saori said after greeting her mother.
"Not formally no. The boy and I just had a little run in."
"Everyone," Saori began, "this is my mother Hiroshi Yasuda. She is the village head. Mother, these people saved Ninsei and myself from more of Hanari's hassling last night. Mister Himura was injured and I brought them back to my house for the night."
"As you should have," Hiroshi began and turned to Kenshin and his friends, "thank you for aiding my daughter and grandson. You are welcomed to stay in Suganuma as long as you like. Saori would be honored to have you as guests."
Saori bowed in response.
"Thank you Mrs. Yasuda" Kenshin said, "but we are leaving today. We have to be in Ibaraki by tomorrow."
"Then I wish you a safe journey and let us part as acquaintances. You have yet to introduce them Saori."
Saori nodded her head.
"This is Mr. Himura, Mr. Sagara, Miss Kamiya, and Yahiko," she said indicating each one.
"It looks like you've got a gathering Hiroshi."
Another woman of Hiroshi's age and dress walked up to the small group gathered in the street.
"What seems to be the occasion?" the newcomer asked smiling.
"May I introduce Kumi Kamata a close friend of mine for many years. These people saved Saori and Ninsei from Hanari's men last night."
"Then we are all most grateful," Kumi said with a small bow.
"That is the second time you have mentioned this Hanari," Kenshin pointed out.
"Yeah, who is that guy anyway and what did he want with Saori?" Sano asked.
"Masato Hanari is the governor of this area," Saori answered, "and he doesn't want anything from me. He just wishes to make our lives more difficult and as governor he has the power to do it. Take a look around this village. The reason it is a poor, struggling one is because of him. He oppresses us every chance he can."
"That is enough Saori. Out guest do not want to be bored with our troubles," Hiroshi cut her off.
Kenshin was surprised. Saori had put more emotion into that brief answer than he had seen from her in two days.
"Why is it that the governor has such a grudge against this village?" Sano asked, his curiosity peaked.
"Since you seem to be interested anyway," Hiroshi began, "he does not have a grudge against this village specifically. It is against the people of the village. I am sure you have noticed by now the high amount of women to men in this village? This village was formed as a retreat for widows and their families after the end of the Bakumatsu No Douran. Our husbands are all gone, dead mostly, and it is them that the governor hates. But since they are gone he uses us for the targets his hatred."
"He especially hates my mother and that is why Ninsei and I are harassed so much," Saori added.
Kaoru didn't know this man, but he already made her extremely angry.
"That's just wrong!" she said.
"Someone in that position shouldn't hold grudges against anyone. Especially not against the families of men that died in a war! It has to stop somewhere."
"You are right of course," Kumi said, "and if anyone has the right to hate anyone it would be Hiroshi. Her husband was the Diamyo of the area and then the first governor once the Meji took over."
Kenshin had been listening to the conversation quietly until now. He had to hide a gasp at Kumi's comment though. That bit of news triggered a memory… he knew who Hiroshi's husband was now. Yasuyuki Yasuda, the iron fisted shogun ate of this area. He had fought with Yasuda's men in Kyoto many times. Yasuda was one of Tokugawa Keiki's biggest supporters. At the end of the revolution the old Diamyos were put into the positions of governors by the new government to help ease the transition. But a few years later they were eventually replaced by samurai of the Meji government and those Daimyo's that refused were assassinated.
Considering who Hiroshi was, this village was most likely a haven for widows of the Tokugawa supporters! Kenshin might even be responsible for making some of these women widows. In short, they were not going to like him at all if they found out whom he really was. But Kenshin wasn't so bothered by that fact. He deserved it; they had a right to hate him. No matter where he went, his past always seemed to catch up with him. And the people around him would suffer. The swordsman's heart felt even heavy and he felt his shoulders crush down under the weight. Although not directly responsible for all this suffering around him, Kenshin had helped bring the Meji Era about, so he was still partially responsible. The whole thing, so close after returning from Kyoto, was too much.
Kaoru noticed as Kenshin's head and shoulders dropped a little and his eyes closed. The red head also visibly paled. Kaoru grabbed one of Kenshin's arms just in case he was about to pass out.
"Kenshin, are you okay?" she asked concern lacing her voice.
Saori, on the other side of Kenshin placed a comforting hand on his back.
"Perhaps you should rest a while and think of continuing on tomorrow," she suggested.
Kenshin took a deep breath to try and get his emotions under control. This wasn't helping anyone and it was worrying his friends. The swordsman forced his body to calm down and opened his eyes… to see Hiroshi looking directly at him. He plainly saw her eyes scan over his red hair and come to rest on the cross shaped scar. Her eyes then shot up to meet his own. Those eyes were ice cold and he could read the barely restrained anger behind them.
"Kenshin Himura is it?" Hiroshi asked in a far too calm voice.
Kenshin couldn't keep the sorrow and guilt he felt out of his eyes. That was all the confirmation Hiroshi needed. She knew.
"Saori, take your hand off that man," Hiroshi said in a tone that left no room for argument.
Everyone but Kenshin looked at Hiroshi in confusion.
"Why? I don't understand mother?"
"Just do as I say child!" Hiroshi snapped.
Saori was still confused, but she did as her mother said and removed her arm.
Kenshin knew what was to come, and in that moment he made up his mind.
"I understand your feelings Mrs. Yasuda and I hold no ill will against you for them. And I know it cannot make up for the loss of your husband, but I will talk to this Hanari for your village."
"I think you have done quite enough for the government Himura the Battousai," Hiroshi said the last word with disdain.
Kenshin heard a small gasp from Saori beside him and he felt Kaoru unconsciously tighten her hold on his arm.
"Even if you wanted to help, which is doubtful, we do not want anything from you of all people! Leave this village, all of you!" Kumi said angrily.
At this Yahiko clenched his fists at his side. Why did people always have to do this to Kenshin? It just wasn't fair!
Hiroshi held up a hand to Kumi to cut off any further comments from anyone. When she spoke next her voice was very restrained, but calm. The practiced impartiality of a Lord's wife used to speaking to people she disliked.
"We appreciate the assistance you gave my daughter last night. Whatever the motives might have been. Do not concern yourself with speaking to the governor, he is set in his ways and will not be swayed. I believe you mentioned you and your party was leaving today. I suggest you do so as soon as possible. Saori will see to it you leave. Good day."
With that the woman turned without hesitation and calmly walked away from the group with Kumi following. Now even Sanosuke was getting angry. Kenshin did a good deed for one of them and now they order him to leave?
"Kenshin, I…" Kaoru started.
"It is alright Miss Kaoru. Really it is," Kenshin said quietly.
"No it's not! It's the same kind of resentment that governor has for them, which they suffer from and now they turn it on you!"
"Come Miss Kaoru, we should head back and collect our things at Mrs. Kanno's house," Kenshin said and then started to walk away.
Kaoru wanted to say more, to comfort Kenshin, but she couldn't come up with anything. So she sighed and followed Saori and Kenshin who were already quietly moving down the street.
"Why Sanosuke? Why do people have to immediately treat Kenshin like that? He never does anything wrong!" Yahiko said clenching his fist.
Sano thought back to the first time he found out who Kenshin was. He had a grudge against him and wanted to fight him as well, so he understood all to well why Hiroshi had acted the way she did. But now he was a friend to Kenshin and he knew better. Sano sighed in frustration and started to follow the others.
"You'll understand some day. Just remember that you're right about it being wrong," Sano said without turning around.
Yahiko opened his mouth to say more, but closed it when he realized there wasn't anything else to say. The boy ran to catch up with the solemn group and quietly fell in line behind Kenshin.
Heh, don't worry, Kenshin isn't that easy to get rid of. Kind of a slow chapter yeah, but it was necessary to start setting up the story and introduce some main characters.
angelhitomi – Thanks for the complement and thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed!
Merlyn1382 – Thanks! It's always hard to tell when you start writing for a new genre, but it helps to know that people think it's right. Thanks for sticking with it and reviewing.
Sailor-Earth13 – Thanks a bunch. And the update wasn't as soon as I would have liked, but here it is finally.
Brittanie Love – Why thank you! Welcome to the story and hope you enjoyed!
Red Tigress – Lookie, it's finally updated! Haha, at least you won't have to forgo breakfast for this chapter. I guess it doesn't, you have dubbed me the Mad Maiden of Angst after all! Oh, and I added that to my occupation along with Beck's Yami, hehe. It 'tis a weird word, yes.
NeptuneHelena – Yeah, so this one wasn't as quick… um… yeah. Yay! At least I have seen the OVA now, hehe. And do I ever let anyone off easy? What would be the fun in that?! Hehe. Well, we're finally getting rid of some people in the next chapter, so they're coming babe!