Author's Note: Here's where the story goes from angst and romance to suspense and romance as Kenshin and Kaoru prepare for their upcoming marriage and then become involved with a group reflecting their new faith. The persecution that takes place is based on the research I did of the practice of Christianity in Japan at the time, even with the repealed edicts, they were persecuted by renegade bands until the turn of the nineteenth century. So once again I say to those dismayed, offended or bothered by this, please read no further. Also, the Japanese terms and words used are derived from the Berlitz Japanese Reference Dictionary. And to repeat the disclaimer, I do not own the characters, they are the property of Fuji Television Inc., Jump Comics and the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Glossary of Japanese words:
Akai Ryu—Red Dragon
Itikaku Mizu—Living Water
Sakura—Cherry Blossoms—bloom at about late April and last until the end of May
Gaki—Brat
Baka—Idiot
Jou-chan—Sanosuke's nickname for Kaoru—"little missy"
Kenjitsu—Swordsmanship
Ohayo—"Good morning"—casual
Oniisan--Big brother
Onesan—Big sister
Tadaima—"I'm home"
Subarashii—"Wonderful!"
Kirei—Pretty
Omedato—Congratulations
Anata—Darling—as a woman refers to her husband or boyfriend
Koibito—Sweetheart
Hanare Kiristian—Hidden Christian—the groups of Christian believers at the time were this way because of persecution.
Yui-no—A traditional celebration of the families of an engaged couple where drinks are exchanged as a way of joining both families.
Nakodo—Gobetween—a person chosen to act as an agent usually for the man's family but in this case, since Kaoru has more people in her family circle than Kenshin, her friend Tae is asked to be nakodo.
Kon'yaku--Engagement
Jigen-ryu—An aggressive sword technique that consists of one-handed draws/cuts and the use of turning
Kitsune—Fox
AS THE FUTURE AWAITS—BOOK II
HOMECOMING
It was a balmy spring day when the train from Kyoto entered into the Tokyo station and with a shudder halted, white steam hissing as the passengers disembarked walking through the steam like apparitions. A short red haired samurai stepped off the locomotive and put his belongings down then turned and offered his hand to a petite raven-haired beauty who joined him.
In her fiancé's arms Kamiya Kaoru blushed as she saw Himura Kenshin's soft violet eyes gazing at her affectionately.
"Thank you, Kenshin," she said demurely as his hands lingered on her tiny waist.
"It's my pleasure, koishii," Kenshin murmured with a smile.
Kaoru glanced around, "I see we're here."
"Well, indeed we're back in Tokyo, that we are, " he said cheerfully as he released her and bent down to retrieve their belongings. They headed away toward the river and the section of town where the dojo was located.
On the way home as they walked along the riverbank where the sakura trees rained down a flurry of petals with each breeze and the rushes waved gently. Kaoru stopped and surveyed the storm of white petals as the river glistened in the afternoon sun.
"Huh?" Kenshin stopped his trek as he noticed his intended's distracted yet dreamy expression. Concerned, he approached her and inquired, "Kaoru, are you all right?"
She smiled at her husband-to-be. "Hai, Kenshin. I was just remembering that one time we were here, when you said good-bye to me and last year when we got back from Kyoto and I welcomed you home."
Kenshin smiled Home—what a wonderful word that signifies what I've found here with you. Without a word he took her in his arms and kissed her as the sakura petals danced around them.
At the Kamiya Dojo Sanosuke was in the kitchen, attempting to prepare a meal with the foodstuffs that had not gone bad in the residents' absence, mostly rice and spices He had a pot of water on the stove and was waiting for it to boil, grumbling.
"Man, when is Kenshin coming back? I don't know how much longer I can keep up, I can't cook like him. And Jou-chan needs to get back as well, the other students she has have been coming here looking for her."
"Sheesh, baka. Is that all you can do, mooch and complain? You're so useless!" Yahiko's raspy voice echoed in the hall as his slight form filled the doorway.
"Ha! Gaki, so you're back, eh? What happened, did Tae toss you out?" Sano asked with a sardonic smirk.
Yahiko bristled as he retorted, "At least they like me over there. I don't freeload or leave an unpaid tab."
Now Sano got defensive. "Look, how many times have I told you, since I stopped being a fighter-for-hire I have no means of support except when I have a string of luck at the gaming house and I'm in a slump now." He grabbed the young samurai by his gi. "So knock it off," he growled as he drew his fist back.
"Tadaima! Is anybody home?" Kaoru's voice called as she and Kenshin entered from the breezeway
"Kenshin! Kaoru! You're home!" Yahiko crowed in delight as he wriggled free of the former street fighter's grasp. He ran to the couple that were like parents to him and launched himself at both of them in a fierce hug. "I missed you both so much!"
Kaoru sniffled as tears came but she impatiently brushed them away. "We missed you too, Yahiko. How've you been? Have you helped Tae?"
"Of course! I wouldn't freeload off her, unlike others who shall remain nameless."
As if on cue, Sanosuke entered from the kitchen area and leaned against the doorframe with a glint and a knowing smirk. He ignored Yahiko's slur as he addressed Kenshin and Kaoru, "Hey you guys. Well, don't keep us in the dark, is it official?"
Kaoru and Kenshin glanced at each other and smiled then Kaoru held out her left hand where the sapphire and amethysts sparkled on her engagement ring. Kenshin grinned as he took Kaoru's hand and brought it forward.
"It is official, that it is. Kaoru is to become my wife." The former hitokiri gazed at his betrothed with all his love in his violet eyes.
Yahiko whooped, "Whoo hoo, it's about time!" He hugged both again as Sano grinned like a fool.
Smiling, Kaoru stepped back and then frowned and sniffed the air with dismay. "Is something burning?" she asked.
Sano's eyes flew open in alarm. "I forgot! The rice!" And he whirled about and bolted for the kitchen.
Yahiko scoffed, "I guess there's more than one bad cook at the Kamiya Dojo."
Kaoru glared at him while Kenshin stifled a chuckle and said, "I'd better go and help him, that I will." He kissed Kaoru on the cheek and retired to the kitchen.
After the disaster was averted and rice for lunch prepared, the foursome sat and ate as Sano and Yahiko peppered the couple with questions about their trip. Kenshin and Kaoru answered all questions but when the conversation came to Shimabara, Sano was notably reticent.
Kaoru said slowly, "I knew you wouldn't mind that be visited Sayo's grave, Sanosuke."
Sano closed his moistening umber eyes and was silent as he brooded Sayo, forgive me for not going to see you myself. Maybe one day, when it doesn't tear at my heart so, I will but I'm glad that Kenshin and Jou-chan did. I'll never forget you.
Alarmed, Kaoru glanced at Kenshin and then at Sanosuke in concern. "Sano?"
Kenshin leaned forward. "Are you okay?"
Sano snapped out of his melancholia and flashed everyone his customary smirk. "Hey everybody what's with the gloom? I'm just fine so don't fret."
"If you say so," Kenshin said uncertainly.
Sano just shrugged but his eyes lit softly on Kaoru with gratitude Arigatou Jou-chan. Only you both would do a kindness such as that, you're both true and loyal friends.
It was approaching lunchtime and the next day was a routine one with Kaoru drilling Yahiko on his katas in kenjitsu out in the spring sunshine and Kenshin doing laundry, crouched and up to his elbows in soapsuds. A stray bubble flew up, caught by the warm breeze and danced to the far end of the courtyard before it popped, startling the jovial goateed countenance of Dr. Gensai who had entered with his family. Ayame and Susume who had been hanging onto their ojisan's hands, scampered forward, squealing in delight.
"Kenii! Kenii!" Both children tackled the diminutive samurai, causing him to lose his precarious balance and topple over on his back as both girls hugged him fiercely. The kindly physician followed his grandchildren over to the washtub.
"We missed you, Kenii!" Ayame chattered as her baby sister aped her.
"Yeah, missed you!"
Kenshin looped his arms around both tykes as he answered, "Well, Kaoru-dono and I missed you too, that we did." They giggled as they both wrapped themselves around him.
The commotion drew Kaoru and Yahiko over, who joined the gleeful group and Kaoru smiled at the elderly doctor who was her unofficial guardian after her father's demise.
"Ohayo, Dr. Gensai. How nice of you to drop by," she said warmly.
Dr Gensai smiled fondly at the young woman who was like a daughter to him. Then his smile faded as he said in mild reproach, "Kaoru-chan, is it true?"
Her own smile faltered as she asked, "Is what true?"
"The news of your betrothal to Kenshin. Are you both to get married?" the elder inquired sternly.
Kaoru took a deep breath and nodded.
Dr. Gensai's face broke into a delighted grin. "Subarashii! I am thrilled for you, Kaoru-chan!" He took her in a warm embrace as Kenshin rose from the ground, two children hanging on to him.
"I'm glad you approve, Gensai-sama," Kenshin said amiably. "With both of her parents dead, you and your family are the closest to Kaoru and your approval of me as a suitable husband for her is vital."
Dr. Gensai smiled warmly at the flame haired young man who had changed so many lives for the better the day he wandered into Tokyo. He was delighted that this gentle, kind man who had once been a ruthless killer of legend was marrying his Kaoru-chan. He knew his dear friends, her parents, once they got to know Kenshin would have been thrilled to know their daughter's future mate if they were alive.
"This is the ring Kenshin gave me." Kaoru smiled and held out her left hand where the sapphire sparkled in the mid morning sun, glowing with blue fire to match her eyes. Ayame and Susume both reached their tiny hands to touch the gem on the older girl's finger.
"Kirei! I want to get married," Ayame stated.
"I want to get marry too!" echoed Susume.
Dr. Gensai laughed, "Of course, chibi but not till you grow up like Kaoru-chan." He turned to the trio and announced, "Well, I came here to take everyone to the Akabeko for lunch as a welcome home but we can also plan for the yui-no and wedding. Kaoru-chan, you can ask Tae to act as nakodo."
"Sure," she said cheerily. "Tae has been wanting me and Kenshin to get married. She'll be happy to be nakodo. So let's go to the Akabeko!"
After quickly cleaning up and changing clothes, Kaoru, Yahiko, and Kenshin accompanied by Dr. Gensai and his granddaughters, all headed to the popular eating spot. They all headed toward the bridge and as the others walked ahead, Kenshin and Kaoru strolled hand in hand, their closeness apparent to all as they made their way to the Akabeko. As usual, they got the customary stares and whispers that were commonplace since the citizenry knew that Hitokiri Battousai was living at the Kamiya Dojo. Getting irritated by the scrutiny, Kaoru was tempted to display her engagement ring in bold defiance for all the world to see just so the gossips would shut up.
Kenshin sensed Kaoru's pique and placed a comforting hand on her hand, enfolding it in both of his as he squeezed it reassuringly.
"Don't fret, koibito. And don't let them upset you."
She smiled at his kindness. "I'm not upset, Kenshin. I just wish that I could just shout it from the rooftop that I'm going to be Mrs. Kenshin Himura."
Kenshin chuckled, "We could have a formal announcement in the newspaper, that we could."
Kaoru smiled as she warmed to the idea. "Why not? I bet Sano's friend Tsunan would announce it in his newspaper."
Kenshin nodded, "We'll ask Sano to ask Tsunan to do it, that we will."
Kaoru smiled as they continued on their way.
As they came to the front of the establishment, they were met by none other than Sanosuke, who as usual, was seeking his next meal ticket.
The former street fighter grinned and greeted his friends. "Hey, Kenshin, Jou-chan. Heading in for a bite, eh? How about if I tag along?"
Yahiko said scornfully, "Here comes the big mooch. Baka, Dr. Gensai is taking us to lunch to welcome Kenshin and Kaoru home, you can't just invite yourself. That's so rude!"
Dr. Gensai smiled cheerfully, "Please feel free to join us, Sanosuke-san. You're a part of the family and this is a family celebration."
"You're family," Ayume said with shining eyes.
"Yeah, fambly," Susume echoed as everyone laughed.
Sano knelt down to the two girls. "Arigatou, Ayami-chan and Susume-chan." he said solemnly, bowing his head. He stood up and turned to the doctor. "So where's the kitsune?" Sano wanted to know, using his nickname for the lady doctor.
"You mean Megumi? She's had patients to visit but she'll be meeting us here." The doctor stepped up to Tae who greeted them all with a welcoming smile.
"Hello everybody," Tae greeted the group and spying her friend snatched Kaoru's left hand. "Kaoru-chan, let me see it. Ohhhh kirei, omedeto, Kaoru, Ken-san I'm so happy!" And she embraced Kaoru as the latter giggled and Kenshin watched affectionately.
Tae broke the embrace and then said, "Come on, I have a special table for you all." She led them to a table that was set for ten. The group all sat down as Kenshin said politely.
"Arigatou Tae-dono."
" Hai, Arigatou, Tae-chan," Kaoru said breathlessly. "I have a favor to ask."
Tae gazed at Kaoru and said effusively, "Anything, Kaoru."
Kaoru asked softly, "Would you be willing to act as nakodo for us? Due to the fact that my parents are dead, Dr. Gensai is acting as my family." She looked at her fiancé in dismay. "Kenshin, who could we have act as your family?"
Kenshin thought for a moment then replied, "I suppose we could ask Shishou. He did raise me from when I was eight."
"Do you think he would leave his mountain to attend the yui-no?" Kaoru asked dubiously.
Kenshin shrugged as he answered, "I can ask him, that I can but I don't know what his answer will be. But we could also ask Misao, Aoshi and the rest of the Oniwabanshuu, they did help me before you, Yahiko, and Sano came to assist in Shishio's defeat."
"That's true, they welcomed you in when you went wandering again," Kaoru agreed. She added with a titter, "Besides, Misao would never forgive me for leaving her out."
Kenshin chuckled, "That's true, we'd find ourselves on the receiving end of her kunai, that we would."
The bubbly group settled down and ordered their meal, chatting excitedly about the engagement and upcoming wedding as the food arrived. As the lunch was served, Kenshin and Kaoru bowed their heads with hands clasped to pray, much to the surprise of the others at the table.
Ayame was curious and she demanded, "Why are you and Kaoru onesan praying, Kenii oniisan? We aren't at a temple or shrine."
"We are praying a prayer of thanks over the meal, that we are," Kenshin replied as he and Kaoru both said words of thanks as the rest, Dr. Gensai, Yahiko, Sano, and the little ones watched with curiosity. Even Yahiko and Sano, both ready to pounce on the steaming bowls were halted by the solemn atmosphere.
Kenshin and Kaoru both ended their prayer with "Amen" and then the meal began while their friends all gazed at them questioningly. It was a typical lunch with Yahiko and Sano acting as if neither had ever had a decent meal, and the others just watching with a mixture of disgust and amusement. Talk at the table was full of discussions about the yui-no and kon'yaku as the Kenshingumi ate until a commotion a few stalls down interrupted the happy chatter.
"Your kind is not welcome here," a burly man spat, surrounded by four other toughs who were posturing menacingly, as a couple was seated and trying to dine.
The man was sitting and sipping tea benignly as his wife glanced up worriedly and then averted her face as one of the thugs leered at her.
"Ya hear that, pretty? Better tell your man that the two of you and your kind aren't welcome here in Tokyo and ya better beat it if ya know what's good for you." The head thug reached a grimy hand to touch the woman's pearly cheek as she recoiled.
The man stood to his full height, about 6 feet as he said in a steely voice. "You'll take your hand off of my wife, if you'll please."
The burly ringleader gave a nasty laugh as he sneered, "What are you gonna do about it, eh? Call your western God to smite me? What a joke!"
The man said again, "Take your hand from my wife!"
Tae as proprietress hurried over to quell the potential skirmish. "Maa, maa. Please gentlemen, let these folks alone, they're not bothering anyone."
The leader said scornfully, "If you allow their kind in here, your restaurant is no better than a pig trough."
Tae's coffee eyes snapped as she said firmly, "If you feel that way, leave."
One of the toughs shoved her and said scathingly, "Go away, serving wench or we'll have to deal with you too." She stumbled with a gasp yet kept her balance.
"Tae!" Kaoru cried as she rose to help her friend. She hurried over to Tae and looped a comforting arm about the restaurant owner's shoulders, glaring at her assailants.
At the rough treatment of Tae Kenshin's eyes narrowed and Sanosuke cracked his knuckles loudly as he said sotto voce, "Looks like some troublemakers want a taste of my futae no kiwami. Well, I should just go over and oblige." He rose to his feet and Kenshin followed suit sakabatou at the ready.
Yahiko leapt to his feet as well. "I'm going over too—"
"Stay here," Kenshin ordered. "Sano and I will take care of them." He walked purposefully over to the group. "The owner of this peaceful establishment asked you to leave and I believe that is what you should do, that I do." He regarded them evenly with narrowed gold tinted violet eyes.
The leader looked at the one foolhardy soul that would dare challenge him and saw before him a diminutive samurai with long titian hair, cold eyes, and a cross-shaped scar yet he played the role of the true fool by laughing in the face of the man once known as Battousai.
"Shrimp, you dare to take me on?" he sneered.
"I do."
"Well, then allow me to be the one to send you into the afterlife," the bully said as he drew a katana.
"Hey, have you no manners?" Sanosuke barked, getting into the fray. "Let's take this outside."
"Hey, punk who asked ya?" a scrawny minion challenged Sano and recoiled at Sano's cold umber stare and smirk.
"Nobody but since this is a place I come to often, I feel obligated to keep it from getting busted up."
"Oh yeah? Well we don't take orders from punks," said one other thug and made to throw a punch but found himself airborne as he headed full steam reverse and slammed into the rear wall courtesy of Sano's right hook.
"Anybody else want to join their buddy, feel free to come at me." He flexed a fist as the group of would be opponents cowered at the show of power.
"This is boring, let's take it outside," Sano said to Kenshin with a yawn.
The man who was being harassed spoke quietly, "Hai, that would be best. I have done nothing to start this but if you wish to battle, then let's go outside."
His wife jumped to her feet. "Danjuro, no! Please don't fight, it's wrong! The Word says we must turn the other cheek."
The man Danjuro smiled at his wife. "Don't worry, Tamiko. I know what the Word of God says." To the hoodlum's leader he said curtly, "Let's go."
The thug laughed and was about to retort when the sound of a sword being drawn and the feel of the hilt pressed against the small of his back halted him.
"You were the one who desired a confrontation so why don't you just honor the man's request. I'll be happy to accompany you as well," Kenshin's low deadpan tenor spoke with cold steel.
"You really shouldn't involve yourself in situations that aren't your concern," the leader of the ruffians said, his bravado lessened as something inside him made him suddenly wary of the samurai who had confronted him.
"When innocent people are threatened it is my concern," Kenshin countered. "So let's go."
The group of combatants moved to exit the restaurant as the woman Tamiko went to follow but a gentle hand on her shoulder detained her. Kamiya Kaoru, soon to be Himura Kaoru smiled as she spoke reassurance to the frightened woman.
"Don't fret. Kenshin will be sure that you and your husband remain unmolested. You can be sure…."
Outside in the street, the man and his comrades squared off against Kenshin, Danjuro, and Sanosuke as a fight seemed imminent and sensing that, a crowd of spectators gathered. The leader spoke again boldly as he glowered at the trio.
"You all dare to take on the Akai Ryu? Then prepare yourselves!" And he drew his katana and charged, followed by his entourage.
Kenshin, crouched in the batoujitsou stance shot forward with a cry. "Hiten Mitsurugi Style, Kuzo Ryu Sen!" And in his godlike speed he swung at all angles, felling each thug. He came to a stop and resheathed his sword.
Sano came forward with a look of disappointment and growled good-naturedly, "Aw, Kenshin you didn't leave any for me, you're no fun."
Danjuro viewed with horror the bodies strewn about the street as the distant whistle of the police sounded. Police chief Muraki stepped forward and surveyed the damage.
"All right, who is responsible for all this," he demanded, his bespeckled visage glaring until he spotted the former hitokiri. "Ah Himura-san, perhaps you can tell me what went on here."
Kenshin bowed in remorse. "My apologies, chief. These men were in the Akabeko threatening this man and his wife. He gestured to Danjuro who had been speechless as he was still trying to absorb all that had happened as Kenshin and Sano relayed the story to the police chief.
Then the door of the Akabeko opened and Yahiko, Kaoru, and Tamiko all came out to see what had transpired, tailed by Tae. They all joined the circle as Muraki's men assisted the members of the Akai Ryu to their feet, cuffing them and Megumi came up the street.
She approached the group and asked Sanosuke, "Goodness, what happened?'
He replied, "Those guys came in the Akabeko to start trouble and Kenshin made quick work of them."
Megumi's eyes widened as he told her about the incident and meanwhile near the door of the restaurant, the couple Danjuro and Tamiko were talking.
"Anata, are you all right?" Tamiko asked, worry etched on her delicate features.
"Hai, I'm fine, thanks to the man with the red hair," her husband replied as the latter was concluding his conference with the police chief. The raven-haired girl with the indigo ribbon was beside him and his hand was resting on the small of her back. "I owe him a debt of gratitude."
"He was a Godsend," she agreed. "And the young lady was so kind to me, she was a real comfort. But there is something else on your mind, I can tell."
Danjuro nodded as he said, "He wielded his sword so rapidly and efficiently and yet not one man was killed. With his red hair and cross on his cheek, I can scarcely believe it is him."
"You mean—"
He nodded, "The Battousai."
"But I thought he had disappeared after the Bakumatsu," Tamiko remarked.
"He did but when we arrived here from Nagasaki rumor had it that he had taken residence at a local dojo. I guess the rumors are true."
Tamiko studied the man known once as Battousai and she said, "He fought beside you in the Ishin Shishi, didn't he?"
Danjuro nodded.
"We should go over and properly introduce ourselves so we can thank him." And they both headed over to the Kenshingumi. . . .
Kaoru fussed over her fiancé. "Kenshin, are you all right?"
He smiled fondly at her as he reached to brush her bangs from her sapphire eyes. "I'm fine, koibito." He leaned in to give her a small kiss on her nose to reassure her.
"Excuse me," Danjuro said as he and Tamiko stepped forward. "I want to thank you for coming to my defense before. And I want introduce myself, I'm Kamioka Danjuro, and this is my wife, Tamiko." Both bowed deeply.
Kenshin and Kaoru returned the bow. Kenshin spoke, "I'm Himura Kenshin and this is my bride-to-be, Kamiya Kaoru."
Danjuro began, "I want to say arigatou for your help. I am most grateful." And he bowed again.
Tamiko also bowed as she added, "Yes, arigatou for your kindness."
Kaoru bowed and said warmly, "Think nothing of it. Kenshin despises when innocent people are harangued and he acts quickly."
"Well, we thank God above for your help. Through you, he provided our help in a time of trouble," Danjuro stated.
Kenshin said, "Then we are even more honored to have been pleasing to him." Kaoru nodded demurely in agreement.
Tamiko gazed at the couple and said bluntly, "You are believers in the risen Savior."
Kenshin and Kaoru glanced at each other and back at the two. They saw a familiarity, a warm feeling of belonging shining through the couple's eyes and a sense of peace. Kenshin nodded.
"Hai. We've both become believers in Christ recently." Kenshin informed them. "I take it you and your wife are as well."
Danjuro nodded, "I am the leader of a Hanare Kiristian group known as Itikaku Mizu. My wife and I came here from Nagasaki six months ago. We had prayed about moving here to Tokyo when the government lifted the edict and came here to start a place for worship and fellowship for believers."
Kenshin said amiably, "I'm glad to hear that."
Danjuro smiled as he said, "That is truly good to hear….Battousai."
Kenshin's eyes met his. "I do not use that name any longer."
"No wonder you didn't acknowledge me before," Danjuro quipped. "Well it has been twelve years."
Kenshin was still baffled. "Forgive me?"
Danjuro laughed, "I'm surprised you didn't recognize me. It really has been a long time, ne?"
Kenshin frowned in concentration as he tried to place the name and face. Suddenly his violet eyes lit with recognition. "You used to fight in Yamagata-sama's regiment in the Ishin Shishi, as a swordsman who had mastered jigen-ryu."
Danjuro smiled wryly as he said, "Like you, my reputation follows me as both a blessing and a curse." Both men regarded each other in the understanding of experienced soldiers.
Tamiko then broke in. "And you mentioned that you are to be married?"
Kaoru replied, "Hai, we just became betrothed." She held out her hand where the ring sparkled gaily.
"Omedeto, I wish you both great happiness," Tamiko said with alacrity. She continued, "In gratitude for your kindness, you must come to our home to dine with us tomorrow, we insist."
Danjuro nodded, "Hai, my wife is right, it's the least we can do to thank you. Battousai?"
Kenshin bowed and accepted, "Hai, it would be an honor, that it would."
"Well then it's settled. We'll expect you then, we live about a half mile away from the marketplace about sunset." And Danjuro took his wife's elbow as they walked away with Kenshin and Kaoru watching as they went.
Curious, Tae, Sanosuke, Megumi and Yahiko came up to the couple and began asking questions.
"What happened?"
"Who were they?"
"Maa maa. They are a couple who were very thankful for my help and have invited me and Kaoru-dono to their home for dinner, that they did," Kenshin informed them.
Tae piped up. "Speaking of dinner, yours is still inside, you haven't finished and I can have the chef reheat it for you."
"Thanks Tae," Kaoru said gratefully. "Come on Kenshin, Dr Gensai and the girls are still inside waiting and it would be rude not to return."
Sano and Yahiko both agreed readily, "Yeah, we barely got started," Yahiko said as Sano addressed Megumi, "Come on, kitsune. Dr Gensai said you were going to join us." He reached to take her arm, which she wrenched away.
"I can walk in by myself, tori-sama," the lady doctor retorted as the three followed Tae back in. Kaoru made to follow but noticed Kenshin standing and staring off into the distance with a pensive frown on his handsome face. She approached him with a concerned expression.
"Kenshin? Is something wrong?"
"Huh?" He turned and smiled at his fiancée. "Everything's fine, Kaoru. I was just thinking about something."
Kaoru said sagely, "You're concerned about Danjuro-san and Tamiko-san aren't you?"
"Hai. And the group that tried to attack them, the Akai Ryu. I seem to recall a group named that as a faction of the Shinsengumi during the end of the Bakumatsu of especially bloodthirsty hitokiri. At that time there were rumors of dissention among them and infighting that was common knowledge. I wonder if these men were the same."
Kaoru asked, "Did you recognize any of them?"
"Iie. But maybe they survived the Meiji and are just taking out their brand of 'justice' against those whose beliefs are different, just like during the Bakumatsu."
Kenshin sighed as he contemplated the possibilities of yet another fringe element causing trouble as a carryover from the violent days of twelve years ago. The narrow and strict edicts of the Tokugawa era may have been abolished by the government but their ideals were still held by those who would demand a return to the old isolationist days.
Kaoru grasped his arm and asked in a low voice. "You sense trouble coming, don't you?"
Kenshin nodded and as he noticed Kaoru's look of worry, reached and ran his hand on her cheek. "Don't worry, koishii. We'll handle anything that comes our way, that we most certainly will." He took her elbow and led her back into the Akabeko.
NEXT—A SIP OF LIVING WATER