Author's Note: Here's the next chapter that really sets the stage for the sub plot. There's two things going on simultaneously, the preparations for Kenshin and Kaoru's wedding and a planned overthrow of the government. Both seem as far from each other as east from west but believe me both will join as the story goes on. A huge thank you to everyone reading this (4638 hits—thank you) and for those especially who are and have been reviewing.

Glossary of Japanese words

Hentaisha—pervert (I know a lot of people have hentai as pervert but in my Japanese Reference Dictionary, it's hentaisha)

Yui-no—announcement party—traditionally when a couple becomes engaged in Japan, there is an announcement party that both families have a ceremony joining them together with the exchange of symbolic gifts.

Koibito—sweetheart

Yokoso—welcome (interjection)

Megumi Odoroku Beki—"Amazing Grace" literally grace that is amazing

Megumi--Grace

MIGHTY RUSHING WINDS OF CHANGE

The next morning, Kenshin was up and preparing breakfast in kitchen when a playful Kaoru joined him, who crept up beside him with a mischievous smile, wanting to surprise her future husband. His back facing her, she had just gotten ready to cover his eyes when she felt herself in a strong grip and captive by gold tinted violet eyes.

"So," Kenshin growled softly. "You think you can sneak up on me that easily, ne? A year with Battousai and you still haven't learned, Kaoru?" He leaned in and crushed her mouth with his, ravaging her with a warm insistent kiss, taking her breath away.

They broke apart and Kaoru said softly, "I keep forgetting that you can pick up my ki and your senses as a former hitokiri are quite sharp."

Kenshin threw his head back and chuckled as he said, "Guilty as charged but even if I didn't, I'd know you're near me any time. Your sweet scent gives you away, koishii." He stepped back and took in Kaoru's appearance in a delicate sky blue watered silk kimono appreciatively. "You look especially lovely this morning. Why are you all dressed up, aren't you planning to do any katas with Yahiko?"

Kaoru blushed in pleasure and shook her head. "We are having guests. Tae and Dr. Gensai are coming over to discuss the yui-no. They told me yesterday when I went to the Akabeko to settle accounts."

Kenshin turned back to chopping vegetables as he commented, "And the plans for the yui-no, how far along are they?"

Kaoru replied, "Dr. Gensai and Tae are discussing the number of people that will be there. So you need to be there too, Kenshin, since it concerns both of us."

Kenshin was stirring the miso soup and began ladling it into bowls for breakfast. He put the steaming bowls of rice and pickled vegetables on the serving platter as well as he said, "I'll be sure to be there, that I will. Breakfast will be ready soon."

"It's about time!" grumbled a sleepy Yahiko who showed up at the doorway, yawning.

Kaoru snapped, "Stop complaining. Go and get ready for breakfast and then afterward you can leave and give us some privacy."

Yahiko's coffee eyes widened as he gave a wolf whistle. "Privacy, eh? The lovebirds want to be alone, whoo hoo. Owww!"

Kaoru's fist made contact with her smart-aleck student's head as she scolded, "Hentaisha! I meant that Kenshin and I have to meet with Dr. Gensai and Tae to plan for the yui-no and wedding."

"Busu, whattya do that for?" the pint-sized samurai screeched, massaging his abused head as the bride-to-be rubbed her knuckles with a haughty expression on her delicate features.

"You deserved it."

"Come along now everybody, let's go have breakfast," Kenshin announced cheerfully as he carried the food laden tray to the dining area, diffusing a potentially explosive situation with the two volatile personalities. The argument forgotten as their stomachs rumbled in hunger, Kaoru and Yahiko eagerly followed.

After breakfast, Kenshin and Kaoru sat in the parlor with Tae and Dr. Gensai as they sat discussing the yui-no. Tae volunteered the upper room of the Akabeko, so that both "families" could have privacy as they performed the formalities that tied them together with the marriage of a Himura to a Kamiya.

Tae, always the astute planner, had a list before her, obviously taking her role as nakodo very seriously. "Alright Kenshin, Kaoru. We can have the ceremonial exchange of drinks and serve Mochi cakes as the symbols are exchanged. Ken-san, who can we invite that could be considered your family?"

Kaoru whispered to him, "Perhaps Hiko-sama would consent to represent your family. He did raise you when you were small."

Kenshin pondered the idea with a thoughtful frown. "I suppose we could ask him, that we could. But there's no guarantee that he'll agree to it, you know how he is."

Dr. Gensai asked, "Excuse me but who is Hiko-sama?"

"He's my shishou, he taught me the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu. He also rescued me when I was abandoned as a slave," Kenshin said laconically.

Tae's sable eyes were sympathetic. "Oh Ken-san I had no idea. Of course we'll invite him, the honor is due him."

Kenshin laughed ironically as he remarked, "I don't know if he would think of this as an honor but I will write to him and ask, that I will." His own amethyst orbs were hooded and his hands balled into fists as he remembered Hiko's abrupt ways with him as he grew up.

Kaoru noticed the pain in her beloved's eyes so she took his right hand and gently rubbed the fist between her own hands as he gazed at her, his eyes softening and then his hand relaxed and enclosed around hers.

Dr. Gensai cleared his throat softly as he asked, "Are there any others that you look upon as family, Kenshin?"

"You mean outside of us at the dojo?"

"UH-huh." Tae looked up from her notations and gazed expectantly at the engaged couple.

Again Kaoru and Kenshin were in conference as Kaoru inquired, "What about the Oniwabanshuu? They did support you all through the battle with Shishio." "And besides," she added, "Misao would never forgive us for leaving her out."

Kenshin chuckled as he nodded in agreement, "Indeed that is true, koishii. If we do we'll be facing her kunai, I have no doubt. I'll send off a letter to the Aoiya in the afternoon mail, that I will."

The planning of the yui-no went on as guests were mentioned that were considered close enough to be considered family to the couple whose own families were gone. Then suddenly Kaoru tugged on Kenshin's sleeve. He gazed at her questioningly as he leaned down so she could whisper to him. He listened and nodded in agreement then spoke up.

"Tae-dono, Gensai-sama, Kaoru and I have a request. We'd like to invite Kamioka Danjuro and Tamiko to our yui-no." Kaoru nodded.

Tae said curiously, "Who are they?" Then she brightened up as she realized who the people were. "Aren't they the couple that were at the Akabeko the other day when those rowdies tried to harass them?"

"Hai. We were guests at their home last night and have become friends," Kaoru told her.

"We both would like them invited."

Dr. Gensai and Tae glanced at each other as they hesitated. Then Dr. Gensai spoke up, "Those are the two that were attacked because they were Christians. They seem to attract negative attention. Kenshin and Kaoru-chan, are you sure you want them invited?"

Kaoru and Kenshin gazed at each other and their hands reached and joined. Kenshin said in a soft yet firm voice. "We're sure."

Over at the Ruffian's Row, Sanosuke was just rising, having had another night of drowning his sorrows in cheap sake after losing at the dice table. He sat up and rubbed his eyes as the lightning bolt of pain struck his temples from his hangover. The banging on his shoji did not help his headache as he got up wincing and slammed open the offending portal.

"Yeah whattya want?" he growled as Katsu grinned at him

"Hey Sano, had another bender last night?" Katsu strode into the sparse yet shabby living space. He glanced around and suppressed a shudder. "Not too extravagant are we?"

Sano grunted as he knelt to fold up the futon and put it away. He lit a lantern and took a seat on the tatami. "Sorry, I don't have financial means a famous artist like you has but it keeps the rain off me. So what's up, turd?"

Katsu sat down and pulled a small sheaf of documents out of his gi. "I promised you some information about the Akai Ryu so here it is. My contacts just brought this over to me."

Ignoring the blinding pain behind his temples, Sanosuke took the papers from his friend and skimmed through them. His bloodshot umber eyes widened as he asked, "Is this true?"

Katsu nodded, "My contacts are very reliable."

Sano let loose a long low whistle. "It seems Kenshin is about to get in the middle of another government struggle. And the guy's about to get married."

Katsu was curious. "Why did he want the information on the Akai Ryu. If what my contacts say are true, they're not a group that you can mess with."

Sano sighed as he replied, "Kenshin has his reasons. They were hassling a couple at the Akabeko and he just felt the need to check into things. He's got a thing about innocent people getting harassed. And when he finds out that a plan to topple the government is involved, he won't hesitate to jump in."

Katsu snorted in derision, "Once an Imperialist, always an Imperialist."

Sano's eyes narrowed as he retorted, "If Kenshin's planning to get into it, it's probably involving the fate of Japan. By the way what's with the wisecrack I thought you accepted Kenshin as a friend."

Katsu grinned sheepishly as he retracted, "Sorry. Force of habit."

Sano grunted and perused the documents again. A chill ran through him as he asked his friend silently Kenshin, what the hell are you getting into now?

Later, the evening meal was completed and Kenshin was cleaning up in the kitchen when Kaoru joined him, clad in a royal blue kimono with irises embroidered in the edge and a violet obi also with irises on it. The fragrance of jasmine wafted up to him and he turned and regarded his future wife appreciatively.

"You look exceptionally lovely this evening, koibito, that you most certainly do."

Kaoru blushed and smiled as she responded, "Arigatou, anata. Are you finished, we really must be going."

"Hai." He undid the tie holding his sleeves back and walked to the doorway. "Just wait for me to get some things from my room and we'll be off." He pecked her on the cheek and headed down the hall.

Yahiko came up to Kaoru and demanded, "What are you doing all dressed up, busu? Are we going somewhere?"

Kaoru regarded her student evenly then replied, "Kenshin and I are going out. You can stay here and watch the dojo."

"Again? Where are you guys going tonight?" Yahiko wanted to know.

The sound of a shoji siding and the soft footfalls of the former hitokiri came closer as Kenshin cam into sight, sakabatou at his side. Taking Kaoru's arm he smiled at Yahiko and replied, "We have some place to go and are depending on you to watch the dojo, that we are."

At Kenshin's request, Yahiko acquiesced to the man who had garnered the young samurai's utmost respect. "You can depend on me, Kenshin."

Kenshin patted him on the shoulder and said, "Arigatou, Yahiko." He guided Kaoru to the door and they exited and headed to the gate. Kenshin lit a lantern and then took Kaoru's elbow to step through the portal of the gate. They turned to head away when they were halted by a baritone yell.

"Kenshin! Wait a minute!" Sano's voice boomed out as the former fighter caught up to them. He panted to catch his breath as he drew up to the perplexed couple.

"Sanosuke, what is it?" Kaoru asked curiously.

"Sorry Jou-chan, but I have to talk to Kenshin alone for a minute." He tugged at Kenshin's gi and gestured with his head to an alley near the far gate of the dojo.

Kenshin nodded as he spoke to Kaoru, "Would you excuse me for a minute, koishii? I have to speak to Sano about something. Please wait here for me." He handed the lantern to her and kissed her then followed his best friend to the alley.

Sano wasted no time. He pulled the papers from his haori and said, "I saw Katsu today and he told me to give you this."

Kenshin unfolded the document and read the contents. His eyes narrowed and his mouth frowned as he remarked resignedly, "I had a feeling that there was more to this than meets the eye. The Akai Ryu were renegades during the Bakumatsu and I knew they wouldn't stay hidden during this peaceful time."

Sano said, "You're planning to jump into this one, aren't you?"

Kenshin sighed and nodded as he replied, "Looks like I don't have a choice, do I?"

"But you're getting married, Kenshin. To get into this new struggle now I don't think is wise."

Kenshin stared off with a scowl as he pondered about the information he just read. According to Katsu's contacts, the Akai Ryu was growing in membership and were sort of a secret society that still clung to the ideals of the old shogunate so much to the point that they were preparing to challenge the Meiji government. They were operating in several dojos in Tokyo to train warriors and stockpiling weapons among other things. But there was one thought troubling him and that was why with the grander plan of taking over the government were they attacking Danjuro Kamioka and Itikaku Mizu? The mistrust of Christians was very much in line with Akai Ryu's support of shogun separatism yet he had a feeling that some loose ends from the Bakumatsu were about to be tied. He decided to talk to Danjuro about it at the conclusion of the meeting tonight.

At that thought Kenshin turned to head back to where Kaoru was waiting. Over his shoulder he called, "Yahiko's in the dojo by himself, Sano. Please keep an eye on him for us."

"Hai." Sano headed into the dojo.

Kaoru gazed at Kenshin quizzically as he joined her. "Kenshin, what was it? Why did Sanosuke need to see you?" she wanted to know.

"Huh?" Kenshin, still deep in thought looked at her. He then smiled and took her elbow. "Nothing of great importance, Kaoru. Come we must hurry to Danjuro-san's or we'll be late, that we will." They headed off down the street.

Once at the Kamioka house, Tamiko met them at the door and then guided them in and took them through the main residence and out the back to the storeroom they had seen the other night. The room was nearly full with men women and some children frolicking about. There, Danjuro greeted them.

"Yokoso, Kenshin-san, Kaoru-san. We're glad to see you tonight."

Kenshin smiled as he answered, "We're glad to be here." He turned to Kaoru and said softly, "Would you go and find us a seat, koishii? I'll join you presently."

Kaoru sighed and demanded, "Kenshin, you've been quiet all the way here after having a private talk with Sanosuke and now you're acting like you are hiding something from me. I want to know, what is going on?"

Danjuro and Tamiko exchanged looks and Kenshin pulled Kaoru aside. "Please go get seated. I promise I will fill you in on everything later so trust me, Kaoru."

They both turned back to the other couple as Danjuro gave a discreet gesture to his wife, who nodded and took Kaoru's arm. "Come with me, Kaoru-san and I'll find a good seat for you." She hustled the perplexed girl over to the benches as the men watched.

Danjuro turned to Kenshin and stated, "You found out something to tell me."

"Aa. I have. Do you have some time to talk?" Kenshin requested.

Danjuro nodded as he gestured to a small cloakroom. He and Kenshin stepped inside where Kenshin showed him the documents that Sanosuke brought to him. His face became a grim study as he perused the contents.

"So Akai Ryu is planning to try to topple the Meiji. That makes a lot of things clear," he said thoughtfully as Kenshin studied him quizzically. At the diminutive samurai's expression Danjuro added, "I'll fill you in after the meeting. I may be asking for your assistance, Battousai."

Kenshin nodded and both men headed out to the meeting room.

He made his way to where Kaoru was sitting and took a seat beside his fiancée. She turned and commented, "I suppose you had to talk to Danjuro-san about what Sanosuke spoke to you."

Kenshin nodded reached and squeezed her hand. "I promised I would tell you later and I will keep my word so please have faith in me, tenshi."

She nodded as Danjuro and Tamiko went to the lectern to call everyone to order and the meeting began. . .

The meeting was actually the Hanare Kirishitan worship service where the group began the service singing and sending up praises to their God. They all sang a song called Megumi Odoroku Beki that spoke of being lost than found, everybody singing with all their hearts, joy apparent on each face. Kenshin and Kaoru were completely caught up in the feeling themselves as the singing and praising continued. Then Danjuro addressed the group, reading from the scriptures as he spoke of megumi and the unconditional love of God.

Kenshin was filled with a sense of reverence and his heart felt a lightness that was foreign to him, someone who had known heaviness and sadness since the time he was born. He glanced about the room as families and individuals alike were all in a state of peace and joy, the serenity plain on each face. He then recalled the way the Akai Ryu harassed the Kamioka couple for just exercising their faith and what the documents in his gi said and made a solemn vow…he would do what ever necessary to protect the rights of these people to worship their God, now his God.

After the service, Kenshin excused himself to go and speak again with Danjuro while Tamiko took Kaoru to introduce her to some of the women in the group, all of whom were friendly and gracious, save one woman who appeared somewhat reserved and formal.

"Maita-san this is Kamiya Kaoru. She and her betrothed are new believers and came tonight to our service for the first time." Tamiko's bubbly personality conducted the introductions as Kaoru smiled.

"Oh? How nice." The woman bowed and when she rose, the cold assessing look she gave Kaoru caused the warm smile on her pretty face to fade. "Please excuse me, I must attend to the nursery." And she strode away as Kaoru felt snubbed at the woman's rudeness.

Tamiko sighed and apologized, "Forgive Maita-san, Kaoru-san. She is a widow and new to the faith and group. She's had a hard life since her husband was killed."

Kaoru watched the stiff, departing figure and wondered. In the meantime, Kenshin and Danjuro went into a small room and closed the shoji.

"Alright Danjuro-san. You said earlier that you felt the information I shared with you fit in with the harassment you've received. If you want my help, you'll have to fill me in." Kenshin stated.

Danjuro nodded and began, "You know the Meiji government lifted the edicts restricting worship of God instead of Buddha back in '73."

Kenshin nodded as Danjuro continued, "Well, since arriving here from Nagasaki I've felt led to start this group. We've still had to meet in secret due to the groups like Akai Ryu who still adhere to the old shogunate law due to the Meiji not really enforcing the lifting of the ban. But I've been working on getting us a voice in the government and have succeeded in getting us an advocate in none other than Aritomo Yamagata."

Outside, the shadow of a woman's figure leaned up to the rice paper of the shoji to listen. . .

Inside, Kenshin responded, "You know as well as I that Yamagata as an advocate is quite fortunate. Even the crooked politicians listen to him, he has the Emperor's ear in most things and is always fair."

Danjuro nodded again as he said, "True, but that doesn't stop groups like Akai Ryu from carrying out their vicious campaign against us. That's why I need your help, Battousai."

The woman slipped outside, crept away and down the street to an alley where another shadowy figure awaited, a tall man. She addressed the man.

"The reports are true. The Battousai has been asked to assist Itikaku Mizu in their quest. He and his woman were in the meeting tonight."

The man grunted as he responded, "Then we too shall seek assistance from the one who is the Battousai's equal in strength."

The woman nodded in agreement as both disappeared. . . .

It was quite late when Kenshin and Kaoru arrived back at the dojo. They both went around and blew out candles left burning for them by Yahiko and Sano, both of which had retired as evidenced by the snoring emitting from their respective rooms. The couple checked on their friends walked quietly away.

Kenshin chuckled as he and Kaoru tiptoed back to the practice hall. "Well, they're both out, that they surely are."

"Hmm," Kaoru responded neutrally.

Kenshin's smile faded as he saw her cool demeanor. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gazed into her eyes as he asked, "Kaoru, what's wrong? You haven't said a word to me since we left the meeting."

Kaoru lowered her head to avoid his penetrating orbs but Kenshin took her chin in his hand to raise her eyes to his. "Tell me what's the matter."

She looked at him in reproach. "We're about to be married and you're keeping things from me. I thought you trusted me." A tear fell from one sapphire eye.

Kenshin gently wiped the moisture away, caressing the silky cheek beneath it. "I do trust you, koishii."

She pushed his hands away as she whirled from him. "Then why won't you tell me what is happening. You've been keeping something from me." She turned her back to him, thoroughly miffed.

Kenshin sighed as he stepped up to her and grasped her shoulders. "Forgive me, tenshi. There is something going on that is very serious but I haven't all the facts yet. The group, Akai Ryu is planning to overthrow the government, according to Tsukioka Tsunan."

Kaoru turned to face him in astonishment. "The group that tried to hurt Danjuro-san and Tamiko-san?"

"Hai. Tsunan found out that they are planning to take over the Meiji government and Danjuro asked me to assist by protecting the group."

Kaoru was confused, "But why are they so interested in harassing Danjuro and Tamiko? What have they to do with the government?"

"It appears that Danjuro has been trying to get recognition for the group in the government to protect them from harassment by Akai Ryu and others like them. He has a strong ally in Yanmagata. The three of us fought together in the Ishin Shishi during the Bakumatsu."

Kaoru's eyes widened in understanding. "So he's asked you to help."

"I have to. Innocent people who just want the freedom to worship are depending on being safe."

Kaoru bit her lip in consternation as she remarked, "Again, you're in the midst of yet another battle."

Kenshin nodded as he again took her in his arms. "I know you will but I'm going to ask you not to worry, Kaoru. I saw those people worshiping tonight with such joy and I made a vow to protect them, that I did."

Kaoru sighed as she nodded. "I will worry but I know that you will do your best to protect their joy. I wouldn't expect anything else from you, anata."

Kenshin's eyes glowed as he cupped her face in his hands. "Aishiteru, koishii." He captured her mouth with his in a tender kiss.

The next day, over at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Headquarters, a man dressed flamboyantly in a dark red haori with a black and red dragon embroidered on the front and black hakama came to the reception desk and inquired, "May I see Assistant Inspector Fujita? I have some pressing business to discuss with him." His obsidian eyes pierced the young patrolman, momentarily mesmerizing him.

The officer on duty bowed and replied, "I'll see if he's available. May I ask who it is who wants to see him?"

"Hashimoto, Hashimoto Etsuya."

He walked down the hall and knocked on a closed door.

"Come in," a deep voice ordered and the officer entered the office of one Fujita Goro AKA Saito Haijime who sat at his desk and looked up with narrow, wolfish amber eyes. "What is it?"

"Forgive the intrusion, sir. A gentleman out front wishes to speak with you."

"Indeed? Did he say what it was about?" Fujita inquired in a bored tone.

"No sir. But he said his name is Hashimoto."

The man once known as the Wolf of Mibu's amber eyes widened then narrowed as his lips curved in an unpleasant smirk. "Show him in."

The man known as Hashimoto Etsuya stepped in as the officer escorting him closed the door. Saito who had stood up sat back down and regarded the man coolly, assessing him.

"So Hashimoto-san," Saito drawled as he lit a cigarette. "What can I do for you?"

Hashimoto smirked as he replied, "Time hasn't changed you, Saito-san. You're still as direct as always. Not much changed from when you were the leader of the third Shinsengumi."

Saito shrugged indolently as he drew on his cigarette. "Same person. Just a different situation. So enough with the small talk, what brings you here? Last time we spoke you and your group left the Shinsengumi, just before the Meiji Restoration."

"A memory like a steel trap, eh?" Hashimoto mocked.

"It's interesting that you mention a steel trap." Saito leaned forward. "Just remember as an enemy of the government, that there is a steel trap here that can be sprung on you at any minute. So just get to the point. What do you want?"

Hashimoto replied, "I have a proposition for you. How would you like the opportunity to finally settle the score with the Battousai?"

Saito leaned back and drew on his cigarette, exhaling the smoke and studying the blue haze as it spread into the air. "Go on."

"We are planning to try to take over the government. With Okubo's assassination last spring, the puppet government can be swayed back to the way it was before, something we as former Shinsengumi members fought for." Hashimoto's eyes gleamed with malice. "If you'd like to be our contact in the government, I can assure you that you can not only give us a voice but we'll supply an opportunity for you to have your longed for battle with the Battousai. And we'll also be sure to stack the odds in your favor to defeat him and end his life."

"Really? And how, prey tell do you intend to accomplish that? As far as I know, the Battousai is not involved in government affairs, he's busy getting ready to be married."

Hashimoto smirked as he replied, "The Battousai and his woman have become involved in a group of Hanare Kirishitans known as Itikaku Mizu. Their leader, Kamioka Danjuro, used to fight in the Ishin Shishi and he has become quite vocal in the government circle. And we have it on reliable source that he's asked the Battousai's help."

Saito took another drag as he regarded Hashimoto impassively giving the man the impression that he was considering the idea. In reality he was filling with contempt for the renegade ex-samurai before him. You baka, you really think I'll fall for the carrot you're trying to dangle before my nose? The government is not so easy to overthrow with the Battousai on their side, just ask Makoto Shishio. But you can't can you, he's in hell. Perhaps you'd like to join him, I'd be happy to arrange it.

"I'm sorry but I'm not interested. I have given up hiring out to fulfill the harebrained ambitions of those who still wish to cling to the past."

Hashimoto's smirk faded and he shot to his feet in anger. "You may want to reconsider, Saito. When we are victorious, you will be executed for treason, I'll see to it."

Saito smirked unpleasantly, refusing to rise to the bait. "Your tendency to presumption is quite amusing, as always. However, I do once again decline. Good day."

Hashimoto muttered an oath under his breath. "You'll regret your choice, I can promise you." He whirled and exited, slamming the office door.

Saito leaned back and shook his head, making a mental note to keep an eye on Itikaku Mizu and the Battousai both.

NEXT—INTO THE FIRE