I'm so sorry for not updating so soon! Although I only have a few loyal readers, I feel that I owe it to you to be at least prompt in updating. But life has caught up with me again and the week has been crazy-busy…even worse than the last one. When I finally get a few minutes to finish a chapter for this story, my mind turns into a total blank. The stress and the madness are getting to me…please bear with me.

And I want you to know, that this chapter didn't turn out exactly the way I wanted it to…but since I don't have the patience (or the precious time!) to wait for my muse to inspire me…I and, ultimately, you have to make do with this.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. In a perfect world I would, but I live in the real world…and sadly I ain't got no money…so, it's utterly useless to sue me…but for good measure: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, but Nobuhiro Watsuki and a bunch of other people do…

And on to stranger things…

Promises from the Past Temples and Training Halls

With a last shudder, the train stopped at the station.

They were finally in Kyoto.

Kaoru decide that they wait until most of the people had gotten off the train before they got off as well.

Seeing that the normal hustle and bustle had subsided, Kenshin and Yahiko got off the train. Kaoru went in search of their luggage.

After all, that was one of the reasons Kenshin had asked Yahiko and her to stay on the train.

I hope they are fine Kaoru thought as she approached an attendant for their luggage. Although Kaoru was confident that Kenshin and Sano were perfectly capable of defending themselves when it came to fights, Kaoru still worried.

Especially about Kenshin.

After all, anything could happen. Life was strange like that sometimes. And Kaoru didn't want anything to happen to Kenshin before he actually said anything about his feelings for her.

Then again, maybe Kaoru had to live up to a hundred until Kenshin finally got the nerve to say the three words she longed to hear. And with the crazy life that they were living, a hundred years seemed a long, long time.

Kaoru had to pay an attendant to take care of their luggage. Luckily, Sayuri had left her purse on her seat. Although Kaoru felt guilty for using some of the money that was in it, she felt that it was necessary for her to do so. After all, they had to find transportation to the Okiya. They couldn't carry Sayuri's big trunk all on their own. It was too heavy and the Okiya was too far.

With their luggage at their feet, Kaoru was about to go look for transportation when she heard someone call her name.

Kaoru looked around and asked Yahiko, "Is someone calling my name?"

Yahiko, who had heard the same thing, rubbed his nose, "Yeah…and you know what? It sounded like Misao calling you."

Kaoru had spotted the person who had called her name. It really was Misao.

The girl was running towards them, dressed, surprisingly, in a light spring kimono with her hair pinned up in an intricate bun.

Misao had reached them and immediately said exuberantly, "I couldn't believe my eyes at first! I thought I saw you step off the train, but when I looked again you were gone! I thought it was just my imagination! Then I saw you by the luggage car and I knew that I wasn't imagining things! I can't believe you're here in Kyoto! Why didn't you write me that you were coming? And where are the others?"

Smiling at Misao, Kaoru noted that although Misao was wearing a dress and had her hair styled quite sophisticatedly, she was still the same adorable ninja girl.

"Misao-chan! It's good to see you too," Kaoru said.

Misao looked at Yahiko and then at Kaoru, then she looked around as if searching for someone.

Looking at Kaoru again, she asked, "Where's Kenshin? Don't tell me you traveled here all on your own."

"She didn't travel all on her own…I'm with her…" Yahiko grumbled.

Misao smiled at him, "I know that. But I thought Kenshin would be with you…"

Kaoru's expression became serious, "Actually Sano and Kenshin and a new friend of ours came with us on the trip."

Wide eyed, Misao asked, "So where are they?"

Kaoru sighed, "It's a long story."

The expression on Kaoru's face told Misao that the story was a serious one, so she said, "Why don't you tell me about it on our way to the Aoyia?"

***

They managed to find transportation and on their way to the Aoyia, Kaoru told Misao the whole story.

"And she was snatched off the train just like that?" Misao asked as Kaoru finished the story with Sayuri's kidnapping.

"Yes…Kenshin and Sano are out there somewhere searching for her. I really hope they find her," Kaoru said, concern and worry in her voice.

Misao put a hand on Kaoru's arm, "If anybody can find her, it's Kenshin and Sano."

Kaoru sighed, "Kenshin told me that if there is no word from them in two days, I should ask the Oniwabanshuu to help out."

Misao looked at Kaoru, reassurance in her eyes, "Don't worry, Kaoru. If it comes to that, we will help you. You can count on us!"

Then they lapsed into silence until Yahiko interrupted it with a question.

"Tell me itachi, why are you wearing a dress?"

Misao glared at the boy, "And what is the big deal with me wearing a dress?"

Yahiko shrugged insolently, "I don't know…it just isn't you…"

"And what is me?" Misao wanted to know, eyebrows arched.

Yahiko made a funny grimace, "Well, ninja gear is more like you…or that tomboyish braid…just not that, that, that…" he pointed at Misao's clothing and hairstyle.

Misao sat up straight and haughtily said, "For your information, Yahiko-chan," the boy glared at her, "I happen to be female…and once in a while, females like to dress in feminine things. And I think that I happen to look pretty in this dress…"

"You do, Misao-chan! I think you look even more beautiful in that dress and with that hairstyle," Kaoru said sincerely, glaring briefly at Yahiko.

Misao sighed and muttered, "Well, I certainly do hope that I look better than my usual self…"

The way Misao sounded told Kaoru that something was wrong.

Gently she asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"

At first Misao looked like she would keep mum about it, but then she said, "For almost two years I try to get Aoshi-sama to notice me…I try talking to him, try plying him with great dishes, with my ninja abilities…but does the man notice? Not on your fanny!"

Kaoru could feel Misao's frustration. After all, she experienced it herself.

The girl continued, "I resigned myself to patience…Kami-sama knows I have been more patient than a monk with him…I said to myself 'Misao, Aoshi just needs some time to put his act together…he'll talk when he wants to.' So I leave him in peace, waiting for the day when he finally notices me and joins the rest of the world."

Misao sighed, and in a forlorn voice she said, "Then one day, a beautiful swan arrived at the Aoyia…and the miracle happened…Aoshi-sama started to come out of his shell…"

Misao looked at Kaoru and the older woman could see the hurt in the younger woman's eyes, "You should have seen her, Kaoru. She had beautiful dark hair and beautiful hazel eyes. She talked like an aristocrat and moved with the grace of a swan. And the way she dressed…you would think that a princess was standing in front of you…she always looked fashionable and pristine…"

Kaoru asked, "And Aoshi liked her?"

Misao let out a depressed sigh, "Yeah…he liked her."

Concerned about here friend, Kaoru asked, "But what makes you think that?"

Misao looked at Kaoru and said heartbrokenly, "He talked to her!"

Surprised at the information, Kaoru was only able to ask stupidly, "He did?"

"Yeah. I mean, he actually addressed her and said whole sentences to her!"

"But it's not like he never talks to you," Kaoru pointed out reasonably.

Misao shook her head in exasperation, "But only if I talk to him first! And if he ever talks to me first, he only uses about three to five words in a sentence!"

"You count his words?" Yahiko asked, snickering.

Misao and Kaoru glared at him, "Stay out of this brat!" they said in unison.

Yahiko stuck his tongue out at them and turned away. Okay, let them be idiots! he thought sullenly.

Kaoru turned back to Misao, "So who is this woman?"

Misao looked out the window of the coach and said, "Kobayakawa Hiroko."

The way she said the name made it sound like she would have gladly strangled the owner of it.

"And who is she exactly?" Kaoru prompted Misao.

"A childhood friend of Aoshi-sama. Apparently, she and Aoshi used to play together," Misao said.

She was interrupted by Yahiko, "Somehow, I can't imagine Aoshi as a child… playing…" but a glare from Kaoru shut him up.

Misao continued, "Anyway, Hiroko-chan moved away from Kyoto when she was eight…"

"So what was she doing here in Kyoto?" Kaoru asked.

Misao sighed, "Well, according to her, she wanted to retrace her childhood. Since Kyoto was the place she spent most of her childhood in…"

"So the woman is dying or something?" Yahiko wanted to know.

"No!" Misao said in a forceful voice.

Yahiko and Kaoru looked at Misao somewhat confused.

Misao seeing their confusion, said to them, "She's getting married!"

"To Aoshi?" Kaoru and Yahiko exclaimed.

"No…" Misao denied, somewhat confused by their reaction.

If Aoshi isn't getting married to this Hikaro...Hakoro…Hororo…whatever…woman, why is she acting so strange? Yahiko thought. The workings of the female mind were somewhat lost to him.

Perhaps Sano's philosophy did have some credence. According to Sano "Women are meant to be appreciated, adored, worshipped…but not understood. To attempt to understand the inner workings of a woman's mind is a sure way for a man to loose his mind…"

But Kaoru, being a woman and all, understood the reasons behind Misao's 'strange' behavior. Jealousy was never easy.

Especially if it was coupled with insecurity and the knowledge of not knowing. Not knowing whether the object of your affection, and in Misao's case almost the object of obsession, actually reciprocated the feelings. Add a beautiful woman to the mixture and…a woman could not be held responsible for the crazy things she thought…or sometimes did.

When Yahiko and Kaoru remained quite, Misao decide to explain, "If she were already married, I wouldn't be that worried. But she isn't married yet…and she did come to Kyoto to see Aoshi in particular…she expressly said so…tell me, what am I supposed to think?"

Yahiko scratched his head, "But what does all this have to do with you wearing a dress?"

Misao rolled her eyes and said, "Because I cannot look like me next to her!"

"Why? What's wrong with you?" Yahiko wanted to know.

Misao looked at him incredulously, "If you were to describe an animal graceful, beautiful and serene…would you describe a weasel like that or a swan?"

Yahiko frowned in confusion, "What's with the animals?"

"Oh, forget it! You wouldn't understand!" Misao said in exasperation.

But Yahiko suddenly had an attack of cosmic insight, "You mean to say that you are wearing a dress so that you'll look more like that Hikaro…Haruko…Hororo…"

"Hiroko," Misao said.

"Whatever…you mean to tell me that your dressing up like that because you think that Aoshi would notice you if you did?" Yahiko finished, incredulity on his face.

"Well…yeah…" Misao replied.

"So you think that because you're wearing a kimono and that…that…" he pointed to her hair.

"Hey, it's the height of fashion!" Misao said affronted.

"Height being the operative term…but that's not what I'm getting at…my point is: you're being crazy," Yahiko finished.

Misao glared at him, "Why?"

"Because changing your clothing and your hairstyle doesn't change who you really are," Yahiko said.

Kaoru looked at the boy and felt that sudden burst of pride again. Her little brat was growing up. And times like these showed how much he was maturing. Most of the times he just showed invitation to be conked with a bokken.

Misao absorbed Yahiko's last statement, finally seeing it as truth, she asked forlornly, "Then how is Aoshi-sama going to take notice of me?"

Yahiko shrugged his shoulders, "That's a mystery you have to figure out for yourself."

Misao looked at Kaoru, but the older woman said, "I wish I had an answer for that but I don't. But Yahiko is right. Although you do look very nice in that dress and with that hairstyle, it's not what Aoshi-sama should fall in love with. If he falls in love, he has to fall in love with you."

"But why should he choose a weasel over a swan?" Misao asked, doubt in her voice.

Kaoru smiled, "Because a swan recently told me that some people fall in love with swans…and some with other animals…"

***

Kaoru knocked on the door of Sayuri's room. Breakfast was ready and she had volunteered to inform the woman.

Hearing Sayuri's "Come in," Kaoru opened the door and stepped inside the room.

She saw Sayuri brushing her long brown hair. Kaoru watched the long, luxurious strokes.

Sayuri turned towards Kaoru and smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry for being so late. I couldn't get to sleep last night. It was almost dawn when I finally dozed off…When I woke, it already was late…"

"That's okay, Sayuri. Kenshin just finished breakfast…" Kaoru replied.

Sayuri was finished with brushing her hair and now was gathering it into a low ponytail. Then she twisted the strands to form it into a low bun by her nape. She secured her hair with some pins.

All the while she was doing that, she said to Kaoru, "It'll take me just a minute. I only have to get my hair in order…I wish I could just put it in a ponytail like yours…but if I do, my hair would end up looking like a disaster by the end of the day…"

Sayuri opened a small box that lay at her feet and rummaged through its contents. Kaoru stepped closer to see what was in the box. It was full of hair adornments in various colors. All very beautiful. Kaoru couldn't help but feel envy.

Sayuri picked up a hair comb that had tiny beads dangling at the end of it and put it in her hair near the bun.

She looked up and saw Kaoru looking at the box full of hair jewelry, "I know that trinkets like these may seem frivolous but I guess the little girl in me just loves to put them in my hair…My grandfather thinks that they are a waste of money since they do not serve a real purpose…fat lot he knows!"

Kaoru looked at Sayuri and took in her appearance. The woman was dressed in a blue kimono with embroidery of small pink and silver flowers scattered all over it. Her Obi was a deeper pink, almost magenta and had white and silver strands shot through it. It looked striking on Sayuri, with her innate gracefulness and gentleness. Another thing Kaoru found enviable.

Sayuri turned to reach into the large trunk by her side. When she moved, the hair comb fell out. Kaoru stepped closer and picked it up.

Handing it to Sayuri, she said, "Here, this fell out."

Looking at it, Sayuri sighed, "You know, it's the strangest thing. That always happens when I use it. But only once…when I put it back in it stays there."

Sayuri took the comb and tucked it back in, saying, "This is my most favorite one of them all. You want to know why?…It's not because somebody gave it to me or anything like that…It's my favorite because I bought it myself…with my own money."

Something in the tone of Sayuri's voice told Kaoru that the woman liked the piece of adornment the most not because of sentimentality but because of the sentiment of independence. Kaoru knew on a first hand basis how gratifying independence was. But a woman like Sayuri would know more of the freedom of independence, being wealthy and beautiful.

"It's very beautiful," she said to Sayuri.

But in the way Kaoru said that, Sayuri picked up an undertone of envy. This surprised her, for she couldn't see anything in herself that Kaoru should envy. Instead, she saw a lot in Kaoru that she should envy. That she did envy.

Deciding to let the other woman know, she simply said, "You know, I envy you."

At the strange twist of conversation, Kaoru looked at Sayuri, astonishment on her face.

"You what?" she managed to ask.

Sayuri chuckled, "You don't believe me do you?"

Kaoru only shook her head, so Sayuri said, "You should, you know. There are a lot of things I envy about you."

Kaoru could not believe it! Sayuri envied her? Why would someone like Sayuri envy her? It didn't make sense when there was a lot about Sayuri that Kaoru should envy.

So she asked, "But why?"

"Because you have so much, some of which I do not have," Sayuri answered simply.

Kaoru stared at Sayuri, not believing her words. What did she have that Sayuri didn't? Sayuri was the kind of person that struck you as having everything.

Seeing that Kaoru still didn't believe her words, Sayuri decide to enumerate, "For one thing, you're very beautiful…"

Kaoru gasped and looked at Sayuri with more disbelief, "You think me beautiful?"

"Of course!" Sayuri replied with sincerity, "Who wouldn't think that?"

But Kaoru couldn't accept the thought, "But why would you think I am beautiful…look at you…you're the one who's beautiful!"

Oddly enough, Sayuri blushed with embarrassment, "No, I'm not!" she denied immediately.

The way Sayuri denied it, made Kaoru realize that the woman was being sincere in her belief. The woman didn't think herself beautiful? It was ridiculous!

"Of course you are! I'm the one who's not," Kaoru argued.

"Now you're being ridiculous! Of course you're the one who is," Sayuri argued back.

Then the two women looked at each other and started laughing.

Still laughing, Kaoru said, "We're behaving like idiots."

"At least on that I agree with you," Sayuri said, chuckling.

Then the two women took a deep breath, exhaled and looked at each other, smiling.

Then Kaoru said, "You know, when I first met you I compared you to a swan."

Sayuri made funny face, "A swan? Why?"

"Because you looked so elegant and refined and there was such a gracefulness in the way you presented yourself," Kaoru replied, thinking back to the morning she first spied Sayuri outside the dojo's gates.

Sayuri smiled, a bit embarrassed, "A swan huh? You know the closest animal to a swan that I have ever been compared to was a goose…and that hadn't been intended as a flattering comparison, if you know what I mean."

Kaoru knew exactly what Sayuri meant, "Believe me, I hear your sentiment. After all, I've been called tanuki-chan quite a lot."

"Actually, you know what? I like raccoons a lot," Sayuri said, indirectly saying that she liked Kaoru a lot.

But Kaoru understood and was really touched by that, so she responded in kind, "You know what? I happen to like swans a lot too."

Sayuri was touched, but mischievously asked, "Even if they turn out to be silly geese?"

Kaoru smiled back mischievously, "Especially if they turn out to be geese."

And so, the bonds of a new friendship were formed.

Sayuri studied Kaoru and said, "It's no wonder why he loves you so much."

Kaoru blushed, knowing well enough whom Sayuri referred to, but in feigned innocence asked, "What do you mean?"

Sayuri looked at Kaoru, knowing well that the woman knew what she was talking about, "Kenshin. It's no wonder why he loves you so much. You're very beautiful…that combination of raven black hair and sapphire eyes could turn any man's head," Kaoru blushed even more, "but you're beauty transcends that of the physical. You're intelligent, witty and smart. You're very hardworking and determined. You're also very brave and loyal…but most of all, you're generous, compassionate, selfless, caring and loving…and that's the beauty Kenshin has fallen in love with and is madly in love with."

But Kaoru tried to deny it, for she feared if she didn't, her foolish heart would hope that what Sayuri said was the sweet truth.

"Kenshin isn't in love with me…" she managed to say.

But Sayuri snorted in the most unladylike manner and said, "Pish! You know that's a lie…just like saying that you're not in love with Kenshin is a lie."

Kaoru looked directly at Sayuri and for a moment was speechless, but finally she managed to ask, "Is it that obvious?"

Sayuri smiled gently, "It wouldn't be more obvious if your love was the full moon. You love him and he loves you…and you know, I kind of envy you for that…"

Kaoru frowned at Sayuri, so the woman hastily said, "I don't mean I'm jealous of you…well, I kind of am jealous…" but Kaoru frowned harder.

Sayuri sighed, "This isn't coming out right…I don't have designs of Kenshin, if that's what you're thinking…actually, I think of him more as a brother type than…you know…" Kaoru understood and felt less threatened, "What I envy about you is that you're in love with somebody who loves you back…it's a simple as that."

This time Kaoru sighed, "Believe me Sayuri, it isn't as simple as that. It's a lot more complicated."

At Sayuri's prompting look, Kaoru continued, "What I mean is that…it's actually hard to explain…"

But Sayuri understood, and gently she said "It's complicated because you think he'll never tell you."

There was a sad expression on Kaoru's face, "And he probably never will…We've known each other for a long time now…although his actions make me hopeful, he never actually said it…so maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part…"

"Believe me, it's not wishful thinking on your part…give him time…although, that's exactly what you've been giving him all along…"

Kaoru chuckled wistfully, "Tell me about time…but I think it's not only that. Kenshin has this really ridiculous notion of being unworthy…when he isn't. He thinks because he was the Hitokiri Battousai, he has no right to happiness…but if you see the person that he is now, he deserves all the happiness in the world…I wish that I could make himself feel worthy…"

Sayuri looked at Kaoru, understanding in her face, "My mother used to be the same…she also had a past…and you know what I've learned from her? The only person to make you feel worthy is yourself. So all you really can do is stand by Kenshin and help him feel worthy…"

Kaoru smiled sadly again, "I know…but it's not only that…Kenshin used to be married…" she looked at Sayuri to see whether she knew about that.

Sayuri nodded, and softly said, "Mother told me."

"Did she tell you what a wonderful person Tomoe was? What a paragon of womanhood she was? How much Kenshin had loved her? That he changed his ways because of her?" Kaoru asked, sadness and bitterness in her tone.

Sayuri studied the woman, then gently inquired, "So you think Kenshin's feelings of unworthiness is not the only thing standing in the path of true love…you doubt that he loves you because he used to love another woman…who by now has been dead more than a decade?"

Kaoru sighed brokenheartedly and looked away, in a small voice she said, "Would you blame me for being insecure? She was a swan…I'm a raccoon…why fall in love with a raccoon when you had a swan?"

"Animal metaphors again?" Sayuri asked, but she understood the root of Kaoru's insecurity. She understood it only too well. But at least in this case, she was absolutely certain that Kaoru had nothing to be insecure about.

Kaoru's insecurity and Kenshin's feeling of being unworthy were the two main obstacles for their happily ever after. And unfortunately, the most difficult to overcome. Sayuri made an attempt to tackle the first obstacle.

In a gentle voice she said to Kaoru, "You know as a woman, I understand how you feel…but as a hopeless romantic, I'm convinced that you and Kenshin will have a future…"

Kaoru looked at her doubtfully and asked, "Even if I'm a raccoon?"

Sayuri sighed and put her thoughts in these words, "Using your fondness for animal metaphors I want to say that some fall in love with swans…some with foxes…and some with raccoons…anything is possible with love…and as objectively as I can get I must say that your rurouni has fallen in love with a beautiful raccoon…"

Kaoru studied Sayuri and saw that the woman was truly being sincere. How Kaoru wanted to believe her words! But perhaps she did, because something close to optimism blossomed in her heart…she was still doubtful and insecure…but Sayuri's words gave her hope…and sometimes hope was all that one needed.

She smiled at Sayuri gratefully, "Thank you."

Sayuri nodded, understanding, "You're welcome."

Before they could say anything else, someone knocked at the door. Both women turned towards it.

"Come in," Sayuri called out.

The door slid open and both women saw that Kenshin was standing there, with his rurouni smile on his face. Sayuri noted that his eyes went to Kaoru before he said in his gentle voice, "Sessha was worried that something was wrong. Kaoru-dono volunteered to call you about half an hour ago for breakfast…"

Kaoru blushed and said in an embarrassed and apologetic voice to Sayuri, "Mou, I forgot what I came here for in the first place. I only meant to call you for breakfast… not to have a lengthy discussion with you…"

Sayuri smiled, "That's okay, Kaoru…the conversation was worth it, wasn't it?"

Kaoru smiled back, "Hai, it was," glancing briefly at Kenshin she said again, "It was…"

Kenshin looked at the two and inquired curiously but politely, "What were you talking about, if I may know?"

The women grinned at each other and in unison said, "Girl stuff…"

Kenshin studied the two and realized that the two had bonded over whatever they had been talking about. He hoped it was the start of a beautiful friendship.

Aloud he said to the two women, "If you're finished, why don't you come and eat breakfast. Sano's here already…" he let the sentence trail.

But the two women knew exactly what he meant to say. Sayuri and Kaoru stood up and made a move towards the door. When they were almost there, Sayuri stopped and went back to the small box with her hair adornments, took something out and walked back to Kaoru.

Extending her hand, she said, "Here, I want you to have this."

Kaoru looked at the object in Sayuri's hand and saw that it was a hair comb that looked exactly like the one that Sayuri was using and that Kaoru had admired earlier.

Looking up at Sayuri's face, Kaoru stammered, "But I can't…this is too…I just can't…"

But Sayuri took one of Kaoru's hands, placed the comb in it and closed her fingers around it, "Of course you can."

When Kaoru just looked at her, she said mischievously, "Even raccoons have to wear hair jewelry sometimes…"

Then Kaoru smiled and said sincerely, "Thank you." She wasn't just thanking Sayuri for the gift.

Sayuri nodded and said, "Why don't we go and have breakfast before it is consumed by a certain rooster-head."

***

The three had arrived at the Aoyia. Even if the issue about Aoshi's 'other woman' hadn't been resolved yet, Misao became her usual self again as she alighted from the coach and ran into the house to inform the others of the arrival of their visitors.

Kaoru chuckled and Yahiko shook his head at Misao's behavior.

The driver of the coach helped getting their luggage off the back and Kaoru was about to pay him, when the occupants of the Aoyia came out the door.

Enthusiastic greetings ensued as old friends said hello to each other. Okina went as far as enthusiastically hugging Kaoru. When he let go of the woman, he turned towards Yahiko but the boy took a step backwards. The old ninja took the hint and instead bowed. Yahiko bowed back. Then the old geyser winked at the boy.

With the greetings over, Kaoru turned back to the driver only to find him already sitting on his seat, preparing to leave.

"Matte," she said to him, "I haven't paid you yet…"

But the driver said, "That's no longer necessary, Miss. That gentleman over there already took care of that."

Kaoru turned and for the first time noticed Aoshi standing there.

Kaoru smiled at him gratefully, "Arrigatou gozaimasu, Aoshi-san, for paying the driver, but it wasn't necessary."

In his aloof voice, he replied, "It was nothing."

Aoshi seemed like his old stoic self. Kaoru glanced at Misao, but the woman was looking at Aoshi worshipfully.

"So where's Himura?" Aoshi inquired.

Kaoru looked back at him, "Actually, that's a long story…"

"Why don't we get inside so we can hear it?" Okina suggested.

***

After Kaoru was finished telling the 'long story', the members of the Oniwabanshuu sat in thoughtful silence.

Then Aoshi said, "Of course we will help Himura."

Misao looked at him and said, "Aoshi-sama, why don't we start helping him now? We can send out somebody to gather information…maybe he'll find something useful…"

Aoshi considered that for a moment before he said, "That's a good idea. But we'll respect Himura's request of two days…"

Kaoru smiled at him gratefully. She was glad that they had friends like Misao, Aoshi and the rest of the gang.

She studied Aoshi and noted for the first time that he in fact had changed. Not that much and not in such an obvious way.

Aoshi felt like he was there, which was a ridiculous feeling, Kaoru knew, but knowing Aoshi a little, that's exactly how he had changed.

He felt like he was more present. He didn't feel like such a hollow shell anymore. After the whole Shishio incident, he had retreated into himself, and Kaoru remembered that being in his presence was like being with someone who wasn't really there. And even after that, when they had seen each other again, it still had felt like that…but now, he felt more present.

Kaoru glanced at Misao. Maybe the woman's worries did have some credence…maybe she and Misao needed another talk…but just between the two of them…

***

Somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto, four people sat by a fire, roasting some wild fowl.

Sayuri sighed, then asked for the hundredth time, "When do you think we'll be in Kyoto?"

Saitou smirked, "If we continue to let a certain tori-atama drive…by the next century…"

A certain tori-atama grumbled, "Shut up, ahou!"

A certain rurouni sighed, and checked the roasting fowl.

***

The next day, Kaoru decided to visit a temple, to make a petition to the gods. If by the end of the day, there was no message or sign from Kenshin, Sano or Sayuri, the Oniwabanshuu would actively step in.

Kaoru had asked Misao to join her, but the other woman already had an appointment with somebody that she couldn't cancel. Kaoru then had asked Yahiko to come with her. The boy had been reluctant at first, but he picked up the worried vibes coming off Kaoru so he had agreed. He too was worried but he didn't want his master to know. After all, he had been left in-charge by Kenshin, and he knew that his primary task was to look after Kaoru.

Kaoru and Yahiko walked through the busy streets of Kyoto. Yahiko had the eerie sense of déjà vu. Then he remembered that almost two years ago, he and Kaoru had walked the same streets to look for Kenshin. So many things have happened since then.

He glanced at the woman walking beside him and pondered on the strangeness of life. Many times had he already wondered how his life would have turned out if he had never met Kenshin and Kaoru. He probably would be in jail by now…or worse…

But he had met the two…and he was living this life now…and in retrospect, it wasn't a boring life at all. Not with all the crazy things happening to various members of their makeshift family. But even with all the craziness, it was a good life. And he would always be thankful that he had met Kenshin and Kaoru.

In Kenshin, he found a role model in the art of swordsmanship and staying cool, although sometimes he did think that the rurouni acted like an idiot, but if Yahiko were made to choose a person as his ideal older brother, he would choose Kenshin.

And Kaoru he found…he didn't know how exactly how he should describe his feelings for the woman walking beside him…

He glanced at her again. Although he called her a busu and a tanuki a lot, he actually thought her real pretty…in a way…not that he'd ever tell Kaoru…he only called her those names to get a rise out of her…he loved to watch her get mad…only sometimes Kaoru's physical expression of ire was something he would gladly do without…

The truth was, he loved this woman like a sister…and like Kenshin, he would do anything to protect her…

***

Kaoru was kneeling in front of a shrine, eyes closed, hands folded in prayer.

Kami-sama, this is a wish that comes from the deepest part of my heart. Let Kenshin, Sanosuke and Sayuri be safe…

Somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto, three people sneezed.

A policeman smirked, "I hope you're not coming down with something. I don't want to get what you have…"

Wherever they are, watch over them and keep them away from harm. And please send a sign to tell us that they're okay. In your infinite greatness, I know you can grant me my wish…

Finished with her prayer, she opened her eyes and was about to get up, when she remembered something. Quickly she closed her eyes again.

After a few seconds, she smiled, opened her eyes and stood up. She looked for Yahiko and saw him kneeling in front of another small shrine. When she saw him standing up, she walked towards him.

"Do you think the gods heard us?" the boy asked her.

"I hope so…" she replied. They made their way back to the Aoyia.

***

Aoshi was sitting in the training hall, apparently meditating.

But the truth was, he was too troubled to meditate properly. Ever since Hiroko-chan came to Kyoto something was troubling him.

And that something was Misao.

She was acting strange…damned strange. Not to mention dressing strange. In all the time Aoshi knew the girl… um, woman… he never ever saw her dressed in a kimono…okay, maybe once or twice…but not seven days in a row! And her hair…she wore her hair differently…not that her hair or her dresses made her look strange…it just wasn't her…not the ninja girl that he knew and adored… and that made him feel out of sorts…and he disliked feeling out of sorts.

And so, instead of sitting there in the training hall, meditating on the mysteries of the cosmos and life and other profound matters, he pondered upon a greater mystery.

The mystery of women. A particular woman. A woman named Misao.

***

Misao had returned from her appointment and now she and Kaoru were sitting on the porch.

Although Kaoru had already seen Misao in a kimono the previous day, she still was surprised that the woman was wearing another one today. Her hair was styled a little bit differently, but still a far cry from the braid she usually sported.

So this Hiroko woman really shook Misao up Kaoru thought as she observed the other woman.

Misao, in her usual exuberant mood, was chattering about a hundred things. But Kaoru felt that Misao's spirit wasn't really in it. Her spirit wasn't really in it either. It was close to sunset, and there was still no word from any one of the missing people.

"I sense you really aren't with this conversation," Misao said abruptly.

Kaoru looked up guiltily, "I guess not. I'm just worried, you know."

"Me too," was Misao's reply.

Then both lapsed into silence. A door slid open, and someone stepped out on the porch. Both women looked up and were surprised to see Aoshi walking towards them.

Nodding at Kaoru, then at Misao, he sat down a little apart from them, to the right of Misao. He sat there looking out at the yard.

Both women looked at each other and the same thought went through their heads What's he doing here?

Then they got a greater surprise when Aoshi asked, "There's still no sign from them?"

Getting over her shock, Kaoru replied in a soft voice, "Hai."

Aoshi looked at her and said in his usual expressionless voice, "Himura will find her."

Kaoru just nodded, too shocked by the fact that Aoshi had initiated conversation with her, albeit a very stilted one. Once again she looked at Misao. The look on the other woman's face clearly said "I told you so". And Kaoru couldn't help but agree. This Aoshi, compared to the one she knew in the past, could almost be called talkative. Just another fact to prove that strange things happen in life.

***

The three people had been sitting on the porch in silence, waiting for the day to end. The sun was already low in the sky, and soon it would be dark. The second day was soon ending. There was still no sign from Kenshin, Sano or Sayuri.

Suddenly, feeling restless and edgy, Kaoru stood up and walked in brisk strides towards the front of the Aoyia. Looking left and right down the street, she saw no one familiar.

Sighing, she turned back to go inside. Misao, who had followed her, smiled at her, trying to keep her spirits up. Kaoru wearily smiled back. Then they both made a move to go inside.

But something inside Kaoru made her turn and take another look. She looked to the left but saw that the street was almost empty. No familiar figures there.

Then she turned to the right, and at exactly that moment, the sun turned into a dark reddish ball about to disappear at the edge of the horizon. Watching the magnificent sunset, she missed three figures walking towards the Aoyia. Then her gaze shifted and she saw the moving figures.

Since the sun was behind the three walking people, only their dark silhouettes were visible. They looked like three moving shadows.

The figure on the left was tall, and seemed to move in a cocky swagger. The figure in the middle was much shorter, and seemed to float in graceful lines. The figure on the left, was as tall as the one in the middle and moved in a familiar gait.

It took Kaoru only a moment of hesitation and she was running towards the three figures.

When she was about three steps away from them, she stopped. The three figures had stopped as well.

Kaoru took in the appearance of Sano, Sayuri and Kenshin. The three looked grubby and a bit disheveled but had big smiles on their faces. They were okay…and they were back… safe. The gods had answered her prayers.

Overcome with joy, Kaoru stepped forward and hugged Kenshin fiercely.

It took Kenshin a startled "Oro!" and a second of hesitation until he put his arms around Kaoru to reciprocate the hug.

Sayuri and Sano grinned at each other.

"I guess, absence does make the heart fonder," Sano said slyly.

Abruptly, Kenshin and Kaoru let go of each other and blushed crimson.

"Oh well, it was nice while it lasted," the irrepressible Sano said.

Kaoru briefly glared at him, but then smiled, "I'm glad that you're back too…"

Sano arched his eyebrow, "Well, I'm glad that you are…"

But Sayuri gave him a shove, "Be nice…"

Kaoru turned to Sayuri and acting on impulse gave her a hug as well, "I'm so glad that your safe."

Sayuri hugged her back, "So am I, believe me, so am I."

Stepping back, Kaoru said to her, "I was really worried about you…"

Sayuri flippantly answered, "You know what, for a moment back there, so was I…"

Surprised that the woman could joke about her kidnapping, Kaoru looked from her to Sano and then at Kenshin.

The rurouni smiled, "Maybe we should continue this at the Aoyia, Kaoru-dono."

Just realizing that they were standing in the middle of the street, Kaoru saw that people were looking at them. She turned towards the direction of the Aoyia and the small group started walking.

Misao and Aoshi were standing outside, waiting for them.

When they were standing in front of them, Misao enthusiastically greeted her friends, "Kenshin, Sano! You're finally here! We were so worried about you!"

Then she turned towards Sayuri, not quite sure how to proceed. When the group had been close enough for her to see them clearly, she took special notice of Sayuri. The woman turned out to be very beautiful and very elegant, despite her slight dishevelment. Misao recently had a very unpleasant experience with a very beautiful and very elegant lady.

Misao looked at Kaoru in silent question, but Kaoru looked back at her smiling. Apparently Kaoru didn't feel threatened by the woman. But Misao wasn't quite assured. She hadn't felt threatened by the 'other woman' when she first met her. But first impressions were deceiving. So she decided to stay wary of Sayuri.

But when she looked back Sayuri, she saw the woman smiling at her with genuine warmth, so she couldn't help but smile back in kind.

"You must be Misao," Sayuri said to her.

"You must be Sayuri," she replied, albeit a bit wary.

Sayuri's smile became bigger, "I must look like a fright to you…" and in a somewhat embarrassed gesture, she tried to straighten her hair.

It was Misao's turn to get embarrassed, "Not at all." But she couldn't help but be charmed by the woman. She really radiated genuine warmth and friendly openness.

Before anyone else could say anything, Aoshi said, "Welcome to Kyoto."

Sano and Kenshin turned towards the man in surprise. Then they looked at Misao and Kaoru but the two women's expressions didn't say anything. They looked at each other and both knew what the other was thinking.

But Sayuri, who didn't know Aoshi, smiled at him graciously and said, "Thank you. I'm glad that we're finally here. By the way, I am Mikage Sayuri."

"Shinomori Aoshi," came the brief reply.

Then she looked at the man and for the first time noticed a similarity to somebody else. She gasped, then gave her head a tiny shake.

Then to Kenshin and Sano's greater surprise, Aoshi said, "Why don't you come into the house? It looks like you all could use a nice meal and some rest."

He graciously waited for the women to precede him. Waiting for the men to make a move, he stoically turned to them.

Sano was the one who voiced the question, "Tell me Shinomori, what has Misao being putting in your tea?"

To be continued…

___

The end of another chapter…You might be asking yourselves right now why you waste your time with this…and I have the perfect answer: Coz you're nice! And that's why you're gonna get lots and lots of goodies from Santa this year…

It'll probably take me another week to update but update I will.

Anyway, this is a little segment I like to call Lillienne's Q&A:

Question: Is this story going anywhere?

Answer: Yes. In the next couple of chapters, this story is going to Hiko's cabin in the mountains…

Question: What's with the animal metaphors?

Answer: Animal Crackers (and I know that there aren't any swans or raccoons in them!)

Question: What's with the swans in particular?

Answer: My little cousins watched the movie Swan Princess a couple of weeks ago…(I watched too coz I had to look after them!)

Question: Why is Aoshi acting so strange? (Stranger than usual)

Answer: Small bugs from outer space took residence in his brain and are making him talk more than usual…kidding…the real answer is that he's in my fiction…so he better do what I want him to do…besides, I have plans for him, wicked plans, dangerous plans * grins evilly *…no, not that kind of plans…smut-brain!

Question: Is there a point to this segment or to this story?

Answer: Absolutely none!!!

And to those who want to know this: Why Rurouni Tensai?

It's pretty simple, actually. My brother loves Rurouni Kenshin and Slam Dunk a lot. And although I think of him as a wandering idiot sometimes * RT isn't in the room so I can bash him all I want…hope he doesn't read this…door opens …"Nooooooooooo!" Lillienne desperately tries to cover the screen…a small voice in her head screams "Hit the delete button, the delete button!" *

* RT is in a benevolent mood today so lets the slip go * Anyway as I was saying, my brother has his moments of genius sometimes so I guess the name will do.

(It's funny but the lead characters in both animes have red hair! And they both act like total idiots around women!)

Oh, there's another issue I have to address:

This is essentially a K& K fic, but not in the conventional way. I know that I don't give K & K a lot of airtime (or screen time? Whatever) but there is actually a method to my madness…but don't worry…I'm a loyally devoted K & K fan so you'll be guaranteed that somehow, someway they'll end up together…

My thanks to : Fireruby, Kaoru-chan21, Houndingwolf and Riho.

Anyway, please don't forget to review…and I don't care if you want to flame me! Coz even if you do, at least I got you to read my story…just don't forget to review…

Have a great Turkey Feast!