Author's Note: Well here's the yui-no(engagement party) and it will be memorable in more ways than one. The research I did to present this was interesting as the seating and responses of the people were written as I perceived it because the sources were not as extensive to describe seating order or what each member of the family's role is. And the role of the nakodo (gobetween or matchmaker) was not described either so again I kind of had to wing it so if I'm inaccurate, please forgive me. Many, many thanks to the readers (5962—I'm amazed) and to the reviewers. I won't ever beg for reviews and am grateful for the ones I have but as every artist does, I would appreciate feedback.

Glossary of Japanese words and terms

Toshiyori nakama—Old buddy

Watashi no tomodachi—My friend

Tanabata Day—The star festival (Tanabata) takes place on July 7. On this day two stars (Altair and Vega) that are usually separated from each other by the Milky Way, come together.

In the night of July 7, people put little bamboo trees in their garden. They also hang papers with wishes written on it on that tree in the hope they become true. It's also a very romantic holiday.

Konichi wa—Good Afternoon

Surume—Cuttlefish

Hai, honto ni—Yes, indeed

Nani—What

Kuso--Damn

Shiseiji--Bastard

Katsuo-bushi-- dried bonito used to make soup stock. This has high value.

NOT PEACE BUT A SWORD

For the following three weeks, the Itikaku Mizu group had switched their location to the Kamiya Dojo for the Wednesday prayer meetings and Sunday evening services. The dojo practice hall was perfect because it was located to the rear of the living quarters and the entire dojo complex was surrounded by the high fence so the group members could be assured of privacy coming and going.

Strangely, it appeared that the harassment of the hanare Kirishitan group was for the most part had halted. Maybe it was the change of location, or the fact that the legendary former Hitokiri Battousai was a member of the group, whatever the reason the attacks seemed to have dwindled into nothing. But Kenshin kept a close watch on the situation, alert for any threat, nonetheless.

Kaoru and Kenshin made the dojo hall as close to a meeting room as they could. Kenshin had gotten hold of some wood planks and fashioned together benches of sorts that we easily assembled for use then taken apart and stored. So the next day, there would be no evidence of anything other than kendo lessons taking place in there.

The one fly in the proverbial ointment however, was keeping the meetings a secret from their family circle, namely Yahiko and Sanosuke. Both had sensed something out of the ordinary taking place within the compound and yet neither Kenshin nor Kaoru were volunteering any information, which made both curious to say the least. Both had seen the evidence of something special taking place yet when they asked, the couple was vague in their responses which made both young men even more suspicious.

Yahiko in his usual volatile way cornered Kaoru before the recent meeting and demanded to know what was going on. She was arranging the butsudan to be the place for Danjuro to lead the meeting and he confronted her there.

"Okay busu, what the hell is going on? As your apprentice and a resident here, don't I have a right to know?"

Kaoru serenely finished what she was doing and then she rose and planted a fist on his head. "Yahiko, I've told you that I won't accept you using that language when speaking to me. And as far as what is going on, I told you already, Kenshin and I have some new friends coming over and that's all."

He rubbed his aching head and growled, "There's something more that neither of you are saying. I thought we were a family."

Kaoru suddenly felt guilty as she heard the hurt buried under the tough attitude that Yahiko sported and she sighed as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Yahiko. You're right. Kenshin and I are helping the Itikaku Mizu group. Their meeting place burned down a few weeks ago."

Yahiko's chocolate eyes widened as he said, "But they're the hanare Kirishitan group here in Tokyo. The leader and his wife were that couple that were attacked at the Akabeko that night we all were there. Isn't it dangerous for them to meet here, Kaoru?"

Kaoru nodded as she replied, "They need a safe place to meet so I offered the use of the dojo."

"Without telling me?"

Kaoru scowled and leaned into Yahiko's outraged face. "This dojo is mine in case you've forgotten. You are here because I want you to stay here and make it your home, but you have no right other than to live and train here. What I decide to do concerning it is my affair."

Yahiko was taken aback as he said sullenly, "I'm just worried, Kaoru. Those Akai Ryu guys are bad news."

Her expression softened as she laid a comforting hand on the disconcerted youth. "I know you're concerned about me but you needn't be. God is watching over us here and we have nothing to fear."

Yahiko's eyes gazed at the peace in his sensei's sapphire orbs and were even more dismayed. There was a change in Kaoru since she and Kenshin had returned from their long trip together and the change was more evident in Kaoru as she was less touchy and calmer, even when he teased her. This situation with the Itikaku Mizu group made him even more wary and he opened his mouth to say something then thinking better of it, closed it and turned away with a sniff.

"Well, I'm needed at the Akabeko this afternoon and I'll be there till late so I'll see ya later." He stalked off in a huff.

Kaoru watched him go with a pang in her heart as she felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over her. She sighed heavily and turned back to her task when she felt two hands grasp her shoulders. She smiled, as she knew it was her future husband's gentle touch.

"So you heard?"

Kenshin turned her around to face him. "Hai, I did. He's right, we should tell him what is going on, that we should."

Kaoru sighed and nodded. "I'm just afraid how he'll handle it, Kenshin. He's not the most accepting of people and can be very narrow minded."

Kenshin smiled his trademark warm smile. "I think you underestimate him, koishii. Our Yahiko has a tendency to show wisdom beyond his years at times, that he most certainly does. Give him a chance, I think he'll surprise us."

Kaoru nodded again as she said, "I suppose you're right."

Later that evening, the members of Itikaku Mizu came to the dojo for the Wednesday evening prayer meeting and as Kenshin was ushering them into the practice hall, Sanosuke came up to the door.

He watched as people were gathered in the hall and approached his friend. "Hey Kenshin what gives? What's with all the people in the dojo, is Jou-chan recruiting students?"

Kenshin shook his head as he replied, "We're letting the Itikaku Mizu use the dojo for their meetings, that we are. They have need of a place to meet so Kaoru and I have agreed to let them come and meet here."

Sano pulled Kenshin aside and said roughly, "Are you both daft? They're the group that those thugs at the Akabeko attacked and when they discover you're letting them meet here; they'll come after you. You're nuts."

Kenshin sighed as he addressed the former street fighter like one would address a child. "Sano, you needn't be concerned. I will be sure to protect these innocents against those that seek to oppress them."

Sano shook his head. "Is there ever anyone you won't risk your life for? You just seem to jump into any conflict that comes along. There isn't anyone who loves a good fight like me but even I have my limits."

Kenshin remained silent as Sanosuke continued, "But at the same time, I wouldn't have had half the fun if you didn't get involved in these causes so if ya want a hand toshiyori nakama, just say the word."

Kenshin smiled at the former fighter-for-hire and said, "Arigatou, watashi no tomodachi."

Over in the dojo, Tamiko was talking to Kaoru as they were standing near the back where Maita was shepherding the children. She perked up her ears to listen as she minded the little ones.

"Oh Kaoru-chan, Danjuro and I were so honored to receive the invitation to your and Ken-san's yui-no. After all, we've only known you a brief time and that's a celebration for families."

Kaoru smiled as she shrugged. "It was our desire for you both to be there. Neither of us have immediate families, our families are the people we've come to cherish."

Tamiko blushed as she continued, "And the day, Tanabata Day. Subarashii, such a romantic day for a yui-no."

Kaoru nodded as she added, "My dear friend Tae is the nakodo and she insisted we use the upper quarters of her restaurant, at sunset so when it's over Kenshin and I can go watch the stars together."

Tamiko smiled as she said, "Danjuro and I will definitely be there." Both women walked away as Maita's cold onyx eyes gleamed Tanabata Day, eh? Very interesting, Etsuyo will be pleased to hear this. . . .

The preparations for the yui-no were complete and the day of the event arrived. It was a bright sunny July 7th, Tanabata Day that was filled with warmth, not only of the atmosphere but the manner of the Kenshingumi. Everybody was inundated with the sense of the upcoming union of the two whom had after a year of admiring each other from afar, finally declared themselves and the joy in the couple was almost tangible.

Kaoru was in her room, finishing her morning toilette as a soft rap came on her shoji. "Kaoru? Onigai, can I come in?"

Kaoru smiled as the eager voice of one Makimachi Misao prompted her to allow the pint-sized shinobi maiden in her room. "Come on in Misao. Did you sleep well?"

Misao's teal eyes sparkled with a teenage girl's natural exuberance. "Uh-huh. Even with Ochika's snoring and Omasu's talking in her sleep, I was so tired that I was out the minute I hit the futon. I hope Aoshi-sama slept well." Her eyes took on the dreamy quality they always had when Misao mentioned her beloved Aoshi.

Kaoru smiled as she tittered and said, "I'm sure he and Okina did. You all looked so exhausted when you arrived from Kyoto last evening. But we were happy to see you." She and Misao hugged each other like best schoolchums.

"Hai, and we're all so thrilled for you and Himura. When he wrote to us and asked if we could represent his family at your yui-no I was so excited." She winked conspiratorially as she continued, "You know, when me and Himura were going to Kyoto when we first met, I had a feeling he had someone special on his mind. He was so morose and brooded a lot, I could tell he was pining for someone. Then when he left for Hiko's he said he was leaving not to endanger us at the Aoiya and I told him that his past didn't matter to me, he said that someone he left behind in Tokyo said the same thing. Then when I met you, Kaoru I knew he was speaking of you."

Kaoru blushed in spite of herself as she said, "When Kenshin left me last year, I was devastated. I couldn't eat or even move, just laid in my futon and cried. I was paralyzed and only Megumi-san who came and shook me out of it kept me from wasting away. Then me and Yahiko came to Kyoto to bring our Kenshin home." Her eyes were sapphire pools as she remembered and then lowered her head as a tear trickled down her cheek. "When we returned, Kenshin' former brother-in-law, Enishi kidnapped me and left a mannequin that resembled me to make Kenshin believe I was dead. Yahiko and Sanosuke told me when he saw it and thought I had been killed, he went of to Rakuninmura to languish, he didn't care about anything."

Misao was concerned and reached to offer comfort. "Kaoru, I can believe that. Those nights by the campfires I could see you in Himura's eyes. I saw the sadness there and he seemed so lost at those times. But then he'd shake it off and determination would light up in him to defeat Makoto Shishio. He was focused on that but then there were the other times. One day we were walking on the beach and I asked if he had friends and his face perked up and he said he had close friends in Tokyo but I saw something else deeper there. Then when we got to Kyoto there was the day I ran into you and I saw it in your eyes."

Kaoru nodded as she brushed her tears away. She took the hairbrush and began stroking her midnight tresses. "Mou, we shouldn't be getting maudlin. Tonight you guys will represent Kenshin's family and Dr. Gensai, his granddaughters, Yahiko, and Megumi will represent mine as we all join together before Kenshin's and my wedding. So let's go to the marketplace, I have to pick up the surume and katsuo-bushi and also have to stop by the Akimoto the tailors to pick up the hakama to give to Kenshin. Dr. Gensai has the other things and he brought them over to Tae." She picked up her indigo ribbon and threaded her hair into a ponytail.

"Is she the nakodo?"

Kaoru nodded as she finished tying her ribbon. "And she's thrilled to be, I can tell you. She's wanted to marry me off since I came of age."

Misao grinned, "She watches over you a lot. I remember when we went sightseeing in Asakusa and we all had gone to that sweet shop, she was on you about getting fat."

"Uh-huh. And last year on Tanabata Day, she tried to get Kenshin to do something special for me. We had seen engagement rings in a jewelry store window and she planned to find a way for Kenshin to give me one. Of course, she had no idea that he had caught a catfish that had swallowed a ring that some young man had tossed into the river. She told him to give it to me while he had no idea what an engagement ring was or what it meant at the time. It was quite a mess, I tell you, especially when the young man wanted his ring back."

Misao was transfixed. "So what else happened?"

Kaoru went on, "Sanosuke and Yahiko got me drunk to try to get the ring back from me but it didn't work so Kenshin finally confessed that he gave the ring to me by mistake. I was so mad at him but then he gave me some beautiful lilies in a bouquet and made it up to me." She lifted her left hand and gazed at the ring that was there and added, "But he remembered what the giving of a ring meant when he gave me this and proposed and so I know this time, he wants to marry me."

Misao took the hand in question and studied the gorgeous sapphire and amethysts sparkling in the bright morning sun, streaming in from the window and sighed. "I wish someday Aoshi-sama will give me a ring and ask me to marry him."

Kaoru smiled as she nodded. "I hope so too. I'd love to see you as happy as I am." She hugged her friend as both girls giggled in delight. . . .

Meanwhile, out in the courtyard, the men were gathered around the prospective groom as he was being bombarded with pre-wedding snippets of advice from Okina and Sanosuke with Kuro, Shiro, and Aoshi standing by, wisely remaining silent.

"Hai, honto ni Himura, marriage is a very fine institution," Okina said sagely.

Kenshin smiled as he responded, "Hai, Okina-san." Then a shadow passed over his features as he thought of his first short marriage. "I am aware of the joy of being married, that I am."

"You were married before?" Sano asked, incredulous. Kenshin had been his best friend for some time now and he had never known because Kenshin, as always when it came to his past, was quiet about it.

Kenshin nodded, his smile gone. "Hai. I married when I was 15 to a young lady named Yukishiro Tomoe." His eyes became distant and sorrow was in their violet depths. "She is dead," he said flatly as he turned his back abruptly to the group.

There was a heaviness to the group as no man wanted to have Kenshin elaborate on the story and he appeared to prefer that. Aoshi spoke softly, "Forgive us Battousai, nothing else needs to be said."

Sano cleared his throat and then brightened up as he changed the subject. "So the yui-no's tonight at the Akabeko, eh? You know today is Tanabata Day, a perfect day for it."

Okina nodded as he rejoined, "Hai, a wonderful choice. Was Kaoru-san the one that chose today?"

Kenshin turned around, his rurouni smile in place as he replied, "Hai, she and Tae chose today, that they did. That reminds me, Okina-san. I have a favor to ask of you."

Okina's sandalwood eyes widened as he raised a curious brow. "Nani?"

Kenshin handed him a purse and continued, "Would you present the dowry at the yui-no tonight? As the elder of the Oniwabanshuu, I'd like you to act as the patriarch of my family."

Okina cradled the purse in his hands. "Hai, Himura, I'm honored. By the way, we've gathered the rest of the items for the yui-no and are ready to act as your family."

Sanosuke asked curiously, "What about Hiko Seijuro, Kenshin? Didn't he answer your request to attend the yui-no?"

Kenshin sighed as he replied, "Sano, my shishou is a peculiar man, that he is. He seldom adheres to the rules in anything and the social amenities are a joke to him. When Kaoru and I visited him, I told him of my plans to propose to her so he knew I was engaged so I wrote him to tell him of my marriage and to invite him to the yui-no but I heard nothing from him so I assume he will not be here. If he does show up though it'll be quite unexpected."

Aoshi then spoke up from his place on the porch step. "The Oniwabanshuu will stand as your kin, Battousai and with pride." Shiro, Kuro, and Okina all nodded.

Kenshin smiled and bowed, deeply and profoundly honored. "Arigatou, Aoshi." Then his eyes narrowed as he picked up a sudden malevolent ki and he glanced at the courtyard fence but the tree branches peeking over the top were empty. However his hitokiri guard was up and he promised himself to keep a wary eye out for anything that might threaten his and Kaoru's celebration.

All the men were alert to his subdued demeanor and Sanosuke asked, "Something wrong, Kenshin?"

He turned back to the men and smiled to reassure them. "No, it's nothing," but his eyes remained narrowed and watchful.

Over at the marketplace, Kaoru and Misao were exiting the men's tailorshop, the bride-to-be smiling in pleasure as she clutched the paper wrapped parcel and thanked the tailor.

"Arigatou, Akimoto-san," she said gaily. "They look wonderful and I'm sure Kenshin will love them."

Akimoto bowed and answered, "It was my pleasure, Kamiya-san. Omedeto on your engagement."

She nodded and bowed. "Arigatou and konichi wa," then turned with Misao and left. They headed toward the fishmonger to get the surume and ran into Megumi.

The lady doctor smiled at the two young women in greeting. "Konichi wa, Kaoru-chan, Misao-chan. Are you both ready for this evening's festivities?"

Kaoru smiled and nodded, "Uh-huh. We were just off to get the surume and just came from Akimoto the tailor to pick up my gift to Kenshin for tonight. I had a special hakama made for him to wear for the wedding ceremony. I picked out a very fine linen for it."

A slight shadow crossed Megumi's porcelain features but she covered it with a polite smile. "Then it must be a splendid garment indeed. I'm sure Ken-san will adore it."

Kaoru blushed as she lowered her head and said shyly, "I hope he will."

Megumi watched as Kaoru clutched the package with the gift to her breast and the afternoon sun struck the sapphire on her engagement ring, sending sparks of indigo and white fire to Megumi's sherry colored eyes. The physician stared at the visible symbol of Kenshin's declaration of love for the tanuki girl. She sighed resignedly inside while she put up a cheerful face.

"Well, I must be going," she said brightly. "Dr. Gensai and I have gathered everything for the ceremony so we'll be at the Akabeko at sunset. See you then." And she turned and walked off into the milling crowd.

Misao leaned in and whispered to Kaoru. "I never know quite how to take Megumi-san, Kaoru-chan. It was almost like she was slightly…envious."

Kaoru nodded as she found herself in the unfamiliar territory of feeling sorry for Megumi. She remembered the conversation they had under the bridge in Kyoto last year and how hard it must have been for Megumi to say that she, Kaoru, was the only one able to bring Kenshin back from the battlefield. She was no fool, she knew Megumi loved Kenshin as much as she did but the doctor was stepping aside, recognizing the fact that the titian haired swordsman had made his choice, Kaoru.

She answered the shinobi, "Megumi cares deeply for Kenshin but she has given me her support and I am grateful." With no further word, she turned and headed for the fish merchant and Misao followed. . . .

At sunset, the people that represented Kenshin and Kaoru's surrogate families gathered in the Akabeko, the restaurant closed to the general public to ensure privacy to the celebration that would join them. Inside, the main dining area was festooned with white and red flowers, paper cranes, and a bamboo tree in a pot with wishes for the betrothed couple written on red and white paper hanging from each branch. The Oniwabanshu and Sanosuke were there for Kenshin and Dr. Gensai, Ayame, Susume, Megumi and Yahiko sat to stand in for Kaoru as Tae sat at the head of the table, Kenshin on her left and Kaoru on her right. The Kamioka couple, Danjuro and Tamiko sat at the end of the table, together as they were guests whose presence was requested by both the betrothed.

Tae cleared her throat as she drew everyone's attention. "I welcome you all to this most joyful occasion." She smiled at the two to be joined. "I'm sure everyone here shares that feeling for although we are not related by blood to Ken-san and Kaoru-chan we love them very much."

Everyone nodded, their faces all reflecting the warmth of their feelings for the two.

"As the honored role of nakado at this yui-no, it is my honor to distribute the gifts of joining of everyone here as family." She took two packages and continued, "First, is the gift given from the groom to his bride." She handed one package to Kenshin who rose and stepped to Kaoru and gave her the package. He smiled lovingly as he presented the gift to his future wife.

"This is for you Kaoru-koishii, along with my undying love." He kissed her gently on the cheek as tears welled up in Kaoru's eyes and she took the gift.

"Arigatou, Kenshin." She unwrapped the gift and gasped as she saw the most beautifully crafted obi she had ever seen, snow white silk embroidered lavishly with roses in hues of red from crimson to pale pink. The obi was to symbolize the bride's virtue.

Kenshin smiled and returned to his seat. Tae then picked up the next package and handed it to Kaoru. "Now the bride has a gift for her groom." Kaoru took the gift, rose gracefully and made her way to Kenshin.

She brushed her tears away as she spoke, "Kenshin anata, this is a gift for you, along with my heart." She leaned down to give him the parcel and kissed him as his violet eyes sparkled. He took the gift from her trembling hands.

"Arigatou, Kaoru." He smiled tenderly as he opened the package. His eyes widened in appreciation as he saw the hakama there. He held it up as everyone oohed at the finely wrought garment. This stood for fidelity and faithfulness for the groom.

Tae smiled and then she addressed the room again. "And now, both elders shall exchange the symbol of sincere good wishes, naga-noshi." Okina and Dr. Gensai both rose and exchanged the costly abalone and bowed deeply to each other. Also at this time, Okina presented the purse of money Kenshin had entrusted him to present to Dr. Gensai as Kaoru's guardian.

Next Tae presented the mokuroku to both families, the lists of the gifts to be given, each with its own special meaning for the engaged couple and the gift exchanges continued. The next gift exchanged was katsuo-bushi and surame to represent wishes for quality to the union and for it to last. Then there was the swapping of konbu tangles, to symbolize a fruitful union and children for the couple. Kaoru blushed as Kenshin caught her eye with a meaningful gleam at this exchange.

Sano smirked as he remarked, "I'm sure Kenshin will do all he can to make that come true." He guffawed as Megumi sent him a withering look and shook her head.

Tae cleared her throat as she regained order to the function. "To continue, we next have the exchange of shiraga, hemp gathers to wish for the marriage to be strong and long." The hemp gathers were exchanged and again all bowed deeply to each other, including the bride and groom.

The next gift to be exchanged was suehiros or fans to symbolize a long and happy married life. But what gave distinction to these particular fans they were fine craftings of Sanosuke's friend, the renowned artist Tsukioka Tsunan. They were made of white rice paper and decorated with delicately painted scarlet cardinals. He had made one for each family member to receive and Ayame and Susume were delighted by the presentation of the fans to them, squealing in little girl giggles.

The final exchange was the yanagi-daru, the cask to hold sake as a symbol of gentleness and obedience. The married couple in their new home would use the yanagi-daru after the wedding. However, sake was prepared along with sweet ginger tea for Aoshi and the little ones for the ceremonial sharing of drinks to join the two families together.

While all the festivities were taking place within, several dark garbed figures had grouped themselves at the window of the darkened kitchen area. They removed the slats that covered the window and then leapt into the deserted kitchen. Since the Akabeko was closed to the public, Tae had sent the wait staff and cooks home so the intruders had an unobstructed entrance to the restaurant. One man, the leader gestured to his minions and they crept to the hallway leading to the main dining room, their movements stealthy and measured as they bided their time.

In the dining room, the sake and tea poured, Tae spoke again. "And now, we all will drink together as the final act of uniting as one family." And as everyone raised their saucers to drink to the engaged couple, Kenshin's sense picked up a malevolent ki just as the invaders streamed into the room, drawing katanas and tantos.

"All of you freeze! And prepare yourselves for death!"

Kaoru gasped and the other women and children screamed as Misao shot to her feet, her kunai at the ready. "Just what do you think you're doing, this is a private affair!" she railed.

"Shut up," snarled one of the attackers as he moved menacingly toward her. Aoshi's icy eyes narrowed as he rose and pushed his haori aside, his double kodachi visible. The man backed up cautiously.

Kaoru urged, "Dr. Gensai, Megumi. Take the little ones and head over to the back of the room. The two gathered the terrified sobbing children and retreated. She looked around and found a bamboo laundry pole to use as a bokken. She got into a crouch, her sapphire eyes snapping.

"You too, koishii," Danjuro said to his wife pushing her to safety as he too, rose and went to Kenshin's side, his hand on the hilt of a kanto that he had begun carrying.

Kenshin shot to his feet, his eyes narrowed to amber slits as Sanosuke and Yahiko, his shinai at the ready joined him. His hand was at the hilt of his sword as the rest of the Oniwabanshu all rose and got into battle stances, reaching in their party finery for their shuriken ninja weapons. He spoke in a rough monotone.

"Misao-dono is correct, this is a private party. Leave now or it will be you who will be preparing for death."

The leader threw his covered head back and laughed. "Battousai. Do you honestly think that all of you are any match for Akai Ryu? You may have been a hitokiri of legends during the Bakumasu but it is well known that you have weakened to a pitiful shell, a rurouni that doesn't kill."

Yahiko snapped, "You shut up. Kenshin is stronger than any of you could ever hope to be."

"Be quiet, geki," another minion ordered as he moved closer.

The leader scanned the gathering as he acknowledged the presence of his opponents "Ah, I see the esteemed Oniwabanshuu is here. This shall be an interesting encounter."

"Hai, that it will be," The door opened with a slam and a deep baritone voice sounded from a large silouhette. Ochika's onyx eyes lit up with surprised pleasure at the tall caped figure that stepped into the room.

Kenshin's eyes widened as well. "Shishou."

The thirteenth master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu strode into the gathering and tossed his cape back to reveal his two katanas. Hiko Seijiro addressed his apprentice.

"So baka deshi, again you've given me directions that have me arriving late. Forgive me for being rude, minna." He bowed slightly in apology then glanced around the room at the dark garbed would be attackers and immediately got into the batoujitsu stance. He smirked as he said, "But at least I'm here in time for the fun, eh?"

The bravado of the Akai Ryu leader seemed to dissipate as he saw before him and his comrades a formidable force indeed. The Battousai, crouched and at the ready, Zanza the feared former fighter with fists raised, the coldly precise Shinomori Aoshi hands at the hilts of his double kodachi, and the rest of the cream of the shinobi known as the Oniwabanshuu, and lastly but certainly not leastly, the feared master of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu the man Hiko, who taught the legendary hitokiri, all ready to do battle. He had a vermin's sense of self-preservation and whistled to his troups signaling for them to retreat. He addressed Kenshin with a parting shot.

"This is far from over, Battousai. Be assured that we shall defeat you, Akai Ryu shall be the ones who claim the life of the legendary hitokiri." And with those words, he fled.

Kenshin relaxed as he and the others shook off the adrenaline and reassembled. They all regrouped by the table as he headed over to his fiancée and asked, "Are you okay, itoshii?"

"Hai, anata." She tossed the bamboo pole aside as they embraced and Hiko came over to them. He examined Kenshin dubiously.

"You certainly have an interesting way to celebrate your engagement, Kenshin. Kamiya-san are you sure you want to marry this baka deshi of mine? "

Kaoru gazed adoringly at her intended. "Definitely."

Danjuro went to retrieve his wife and after making sure she was all right he and Tamiko approached them slowly. "Forgive us. If not for us and Itikaku Mizu your joyous occasion would not have been spoiled," he said with regret.

Kenshin shook his head as he said, "There's no need for apologies. The Akai Ryu are the ones out of line but I won't let them threaten you, the Itikaku Mizu, or my family. So please sit back down, the celebration will continue." He took Kaoru's arm and led her back to resume their yui-no but the atmosphere between the partygoers was wary, the carefree feeling of before gone. . . .

Later, Kenshin and Kaoru were in the courtyard of the dojo seated on a bench by the koi pond watching the stars together. They had made sure every one of their guests was comfortably settled for the night and then headed out to spend some time alone. His arm was around her waist and his hand rested on her side as he sat silently, his handsome features in a scowl.

Kaoru could not help but notice the grim expression on her fianc's face so she inquired, "Kenshin, are you all right?"

His eyes were narrowed and distant as he was lost in his reverie and did not respond. Kaoru sighed, irritated as she ascertained Kenshin's reason for getting spaced out so she remarked, "You're doing all you can to protect us, you know. But you're only human, Kenshin."

"That may be true," he answered in his harsh Battousai manner. "But I am failing in my promises to God, Itikaku Mizu, and to you. Kuso, these shiseiji are getting too many chances to get to all of us."

Kaoru retorted, "So what do you intend to do? Spend every minute standing with sword at the ready?" She softened her tone as she said, "Anata, you're not God, you can't be everywhere at once."

Kenshin sighed as he said, "Then I need to be more cautious and use the gifts God has given me to do a better job." He closed his eyes and lowered his head.

Kaoru's heart constricted at the bleakness in his demeanor and she wrapped her arms around him. "Kenshin, itoshii, God would not have given you this chance if he did not think that you could do the work. Remember what you shared with me this morning from the Bible? "

Kenshin's mind reflected on the verse to which she was referring: 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

He looked up and into the earnest ivory visage he had come to love with all his heart and a small smile came to him. With his other hand, he cupped her face and drew her cheek to rest against his. "Arigatou, tenshi. I can always count on your support and love, that I most certainly can." He turned his head to capture her lips.

"Itsumo," was her reply as his mouth claimed hers.

NEXT---THE ENEMY'S STRONGHOLD