A/N: How is it I get a writer's block on the second to last chapters on two stories? I just don't get it… ANYWAY! This chapter is DEDICATED doc anderson. Sorry but there was no romance between Yahiko and Senko but that's probably a good thing because I'm not good at romances. But I wrote this chapter with you in mind!
Ms. Zeal - Sano reminds me of my dad. Him hiding the extra money was inspired by my dad sneaking into my room late one night when he thought I was asleep and taking 20 dollars out of my wallet. I asked if he saw my 20 the next day and he denied seeing until I said "I SAW you take it, give it back." He had taken my money to pay off a gambling dept and that's were I got the idea of Sano doing the same thing. Plus I just like seeing Kenshin mad and I'll give him ANY reason to be mad… of course with Kenshin it's REALLY hard to get him mad! Oh… I think you'll like what Kenshin has in store! In this chapter AND the next! (snickers) REVENGE IS SWEET LIKE MILK AND HONEY!
NOTE: I don't think my old symbols for when Maki and Senko are talking to each other are working. So I changed it to this: /insert text here/
Chapter 10 - Yahiko's Battle
Maki and Senko decided to travel a ways with Kenshin and his group. On their walk to the next town they would break for lunch and Kaoru and Yahiko would spar. Everyone would gather around and watch.
"Maki could you do me a favor?" Kaoru asked one afternoon after the group had eaten.
"Sure."
"I was wondering if you would spare Yahiko today. It would be good for him to fight someone with a different fighting style." Kaoru explained.
"I would, however," Maki began to shift her weight from foot to foot. "all I have is this." She said motioning to the katana at her side. "That and…" She pulled her blade slightly from her scabbard and it glistened in the afternoon sun. "…I don't think you want Yahiko fighting someone like me." She let her sword fall with a clang. "I have a better idea."
"Really?" Kaoru asked.
"Why not have him fight Senko? She could use practice against fighting someone besides me too."
"That's not a bad idea!" Kaoru said clapping her hands in excitement.
"She'd have to use your bokken. Is that alright?"
"Of course!" So Maki went off to tell her sister and Kaoru went and told Yahiko the change of plans and in a matter of minutes the two youngest members of the travelers were ready to fight.
/Are ye ready?/ Maki asked Senko.
/Are ye sure this be a good idea?/ Senko asked a bit nervous.
Maki laughed. /Don't be nervous. Remember stay lose and calm./ She patted Senko on the head. /Good luck and don't worry so much!/ She removed her hand. "She's ready!"
"Remember Yahiko." Kaoru instructed. "Just try your best and don't let your guard down." Yahiko nodded. "You ready?" Another nod. "Good luck!" Kaoru said as she back out of the way.
Yahiko and Senko stood face to face. Yahiko was just a little taller then her but they could stare into each others eyes with either needing to tip their heads. They bowed politely to each other then fell into their own fighting stances. Yahiko placed his right foot behind him while Senko crouched to the ground slightly and put her left foot behind her. Kaoru raised her hand then let it fall signaling the start of the fight.
Senko remained where she was as Yahiko charged at her with a yell. Jumping back Senko avoided his attack. Yahiko charged again bringing his shinai over his head. Again Senko jumped back away from the attack as Yahiko brought it down with all his might. Yahiko stumbled slightly from the missed blow and Senko took the opportunity to strike. She brought Kaoru's bokken around and struck Yahiko's left arm.
Yahiko gritted his teeth and didn't cry out as the attack hit him. Instead he brought his shinai around and graced Senko's shoulder as she jumped back. Senko and Yahiko separated from each other and stared a moment. Then Senko rushed in quickly. Yahiko tried to counter Senko's attack but as he did Senko suddenly jumped to the left slightly.
Yahiko remembered Maki doing the same thing to Kenshin and was able to avoid the initial attack but as he dodged Senko brought her feet out from underneath her kicking Yahiko on his side. The both fell to the ground with a thunk. Senko jumped right back up as Yahiko took an extra moment to get up.
Using the time she had gained by jumping right up Senko rushed in and tried to strike Yahiko's right shoulder but he rolled away from her attack. Yahiko was up by the time Senko recovered from the missed attack.
Senko spun around to face Yahiko and for awhile they both watched each other as each tried to catch their breath. "Wow." Maki exclaimed as the momentary truce came on. "He's good."
"Did you expect him not to be!" Kaoru said proudly. "He has me for an instructor after all!" Maki giggled. "You're sister is very good to." Kaoru added.
"Did you expected her not to be!" Maki said imitating Kaoru. "She has me for an instructor after all!" A yell from Senko turned the two's attention back to the fight.
Senko charged Yahiko and he blocked her attack. Using his strength he knocked Senko back a bit. He charged her but she was able to break his stance. Stunned Yahiko wasn't able to stop her blow to his stomach. Air rushed from him but he kept his mind clamed and was able to bring the tip of his shinai into Senko's stomach. They both stepped back from each other and began to cough.
They regained their breath at the same time and both charged at each other. Their adrenalin rushing through them their weapons clashed together. Yahiko and Senko tried to push each other back each trying to gain on their opponent neither backing down. They glared at each other trying to intimidate the other. Senko jumped back and then charged forward again. Yahiko met her with his own attack. The sound of wood on wood echoed through the area as the bokken flew threw the air.
Senko looked down at her empty hands failure written across her face. She slowly clenched her fists and looked up at Yahiko. Slowly her expression changed and she smiled. "Good-job Yahiko that was really tough!"
Yahiko gave a laugh and itched his nose with his pointer finger. "You weren't bad yourself. That wasn't easy." They both bowed politely to each other as Kenshin, Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Maki walked up.
"You were great Yahiko!" Kaoru said placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'd did better then I thought!"
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN!"
"I'm sorry Maki. I lost." Senko said lowing her head.
Maki placed her hand on her sister's chin and raised it. "Don't be like that! You can't win them all! Neither can I. You did great! That fight showed me I need to work on you're defense." Maki told her.
Senko smiled then nodded with gusto. "I'll do better my next fight."
A few days later the group of travelers made it to the next town. Sanosuke had snuck off somewhere. Kaoru had taken Senko shopping because shopping was one thing that bored Maki. She was more then thrilled when Kaoru had offered to take her younger sister shopping. Yahiko had wondered off to see the sights leaving Maki and Kenshin by themselves at the Inn they were staying at.
"It was nice of you to give me and my sister a room Kenshin but you didn't have to do that." Maki said as they sat together playing Go. Neither were quite sure how to play the game and they guessed that they were making up rules that didn't exist. Maki placed a black stone on the board.
"That's alright. After all you did help us quite a bit." Kenshin said referring back to when Maki had helped them escape the police. "Besides if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have known about all this extra money." He place a white stone on the board.
"So how are you getting home?" Maki asked making small talk. "By boat? That would be the fastest and cheapest why I think." She placed another black piece on the board.
"We're taking the train. This one already bought the tickets." Kenshin said as he placed a white piece on the bored with a click.
"The train? Why the train? The boat would be so much faster." Click. "The train makes more stops. It will take an extra three days to get to Tokyo that way."
Kenshin smiled as he laid down a stone capturing some of Maki's men. "This one knows that."
Maki crossed her hands in front of her. "What is it your not telling me?" She said curious.
"Nothing, your turn." Kenshin said still smiling.
"You're a bad liar." Kenshin just smile. Maki sighed knowing that he may be a bad liar but he was good at keeping secrets. "Whatever, I'm bored. Let's just say you win."
Kenshin laughed. "Alright. So what about you and Senko. Are you going to come with us?" He asked as they picked up the game.
"No. We have some things we need to do and they aren't in Tokyo."
"What's that?"
"We're visiting our families graves and honoring those who rest there." Just then Sanosuke stumbled in the room.
"There you are Kenshin!" He wrapped a long arm around Kenshin's neck and pulled him close. Kenshin could smell the liquor on his breath. "Lend me a little money. I have a lucky streak going."
Kenshin couldn't help but laugh. "If you have such a lucky streak going you won't need any money, that you won't."
Sanosuke stared blankly for a moment trying to think of something. "It was just one bad toss. Come on. You have plenty!"
"Yes but it's so we can get home! Remember what you did with the last time you carried our traveling money?" Maki placed her hands over her mouth trying to stop her laughter. It came out muffled but still quite loud.
Sanosuke looked up at her. "Hey Maki! We're friends now." All laughter left Maki. "Come on, lend me some money!" Sanosuke let go of Kenshin to go after Maki. "Please!"
"AH! Leave me alone!" Now it was Kenshin's turn to laugh.
In two days time the new group were at the train station pushing Sano onto the train. "NO WAY! This thing sucks out your soul! You guys can ride but I'm taking the boat!"
Everyone was pushing Sanosuke onto the train. "You got your superstitions mixed up! It's getting your picture taken that sucks your soul! Not a train! Besides! SUPERSTITIONS AREN'T TRUE!" Maki informed him. She looked over to Kenshin who was pushing Sano onto the train right beside her. "I think I know why you got train tickets now." Kenshin gave her a big grin.
"This one forgot Sano's fear of trains." Maki rolled her eyes at him. Once Sano was onboard and wasn't going anywhere. Everyone said their good-byes. It seemed to soon when the call came for any non-passengers to get off the train.
"Here Kaoru." Senko said handing her a sliver necklace. "It's called a Claddah. It's an Irish symbol. The hands that hold the heart stands for friendship. The heart that wears the crown stands for love. And the crown stands for loyalty and fidelity." She explained. "We want you to have it so you'll remember us."
"Thank-you." Kaoru said fighting back tears as she put it on. She then handed Senko a package she had been hanging onto for awhile. "I want you to have this." Senko opened it and it was a beautiful blue ribbon. "I bought it while we were shopping yesterday. It will go well with your eyes."
Now Senko was fighting back tears. "Thank-you." She went to Kenshin next and handed him a necklace with a star on it. The star was made with one continuous line. She wiped her eyes then explained the star. "This is called a Pentacle. It is identified with wicca and various pagan faiths. The four points represent earth, air, fire and water, the fifth point at the top signals the spirit."
She turned to Yahiko next. His had the head of a dragon and snake facing each other. The snake has the wings of a bird and horns. "The dragon" she explained as she handed it to him "is the gatekeeper to other worlds. The snake represents regeneration, wisdom and growth."
Then she turned to Sano. She handed him a necklace with a medallion the looped in and around itself forever. "What dose this represent?" He asked as he took it and looked at it.
"This is a Knotwork. We believe in reincarnation and the never ending loops represent the eternal journal we all must travel. The way is twisted with many turns and misadventures but it also straight and fulfilling." They all thank Senko for their gifts and everyone exchanged one more good-bye before Maki and Senko had to get off the train.
Senko and Maki stood at the platform and waved good-bye to their new friends as the train moved off into the distance. /They were nice. I'll miss them./ Senko said when the train was out of sight.
/Aye./ Maki said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
Senko smirked. She knew that look. /Thinking of your fight?/
/Aye./ They stood a few more minutes. /Let's continue our journey./
A/N: I hoped you liked this chapter and no it's not the end yet! There are still 2 more chapters! I hope you didn't mind me throwing in a bit of Irish culture in there. My great grandma came from Ireland and she use to tell me what her jewelry stood for and that's about all I remember of her. (sniff) I added that little bit in at last minute. At first I was only going to give Kaoru a necklace but it reminded me of my great grandmother so I gave one to everyone. I hope you enjoyed it!
Ms. Zeal - Sano reminds me of my dad. Him hiding the extra money was inspired by my dad sneaking into my room late one night when he thought I was asleep and taking 20 dollars out of my wallet. I asked if he saw my 20 the next day and he denied seeing until I said "I SAW you take it, give it back." He had taken my money to pay off a gambling dept and that's were I got the idea of Sano doing the same thing. Plus I just like seeing Kenshin mad and I'll give him ANY reason to be mad… of course with Kenshin it's REALLY hard to get him mad! Oh… I think you'll like what Kenshin has in store! In this chapter AND the next! (snickers) REVENGE IS SWEET LIKE MILK AND HONEY!
NOTE: I don't think my old symbols for when Maki and Senko are talking to each other are working. So I changed it to this: /insert text here/
Chapter 10 - Yahiko's Battle
Maki and Senko decided to travel a ways with Kenshin and his group. On their walk to the next town they would break for lunch and Kaoru and Yahiko would spar. Everyone would gather around and watch.
"Maki could you do me a favor?" Kaoru asked one afternoon after the group had eaten.
"Sure."
"I was wondering if you would spare Yahiko today. It would be good for him to fight someone with a different fighting style." Kaoru explained.
"I would, however," Maki began to shift her weight from foot to foot. "all I have is this." She said motioning to the katana at her side. "That and…" She pulled her blade slightly from her scabbard and it glistened in the afternoon sun. "…I don't think you want Yahiko fighting someone like me." She let her sword fall with a clang. "I have a better idea."
"Really?" Kaoru asked.
"Why not have him fight Senko? She could use practice against fighting someone besides me too."
"That's not a bad idea!" Kaoru said clapping her hands in excitement.
"She'd have to use your bokken. Is that alright?"
"Of course!" So Maki went off to tell her sister and Kaoru went and told Yahiko the change of plans and in a matter of minutes the two youngest members of the travelers were ready to fight.
/Are ye ready?/ Maki asked Senko.
/Are ye sure this be a good idea?/ Senko asked a bit nervous.
Maki laughed. /Don't be nervous. Remember stay lose and calm./ She patted Senko on the head. /Good luck and don't worry so much!/ She removed her hand. "She's ready!"
"Remember Yahiko." Kaoru instructed. "Just try your best and don't let your guard down." Yahiko nodded. "You ready?" Another nod. "Good luck!" Kaoru said as she back out of the way.
Yahiko and Senko stood face to face. Yahiko was just a little taller then her but they could stare into each others eyes with either needing to tip their heads. They bowed politely to each other then fell into their own fighting stances. Yahiko placed his right foot behind him while Senko crouched to the ground slightly and put her left foot behind her. Kaoru raised her hand then let it fall signaling the start of the fight.
Senko remained where she was as Yahiko charged at her with a yell. Jumping back Senko avoided his attack. Yahiko charged again bringing his shinai over his head. Again Senko jumped back away from the attack as Yahiko brought it down with all his might. Yahiko stumbled slightly from the missed blow and Senko took the opportunity to strike. She brought Kaoru's bokken around and struck Yahiko's left arm.
Yahiko gritted his teeth and didn't cry out as the attack hit him. Instead he brought his shinai around and graced Senko's shoulder as she jumped back. Senko and Yahiko separated from each other and stared a moment. Then Senko rushed in quickly. Yahiko tried to counter Senko's attack but as he did Senko suddenly jumped to the left slightly.
Yahiko remembered Maki doing the same thing to Kenshin and was able to avoid the initial attack but as he dodged Senko brought her feet out from underneath her kicking Yahiko on his side. The both fell to the ground with a thunk. Senko jumped right back up as Yahiko took an extra moment to get up.
Using the time she had gained by jumping right up Senko rushed in and tried to strike Yahiko's right shoulder but he rolled away from her attack. Yahiko was up by the time Senko recovered from the missed attack.
Senko spun around to face Yahiko and for awhile they both watched each other as each tried to catch their breath. "Wow." Maki exclaimed as the momentary truce came on. "He's good."
"Did you expect him not to be!" Kaoru said proudly. "He has me for an instructor after all!" Maki giggled. "You're sister is very good to." Kaoru added.
"Did you expected her not to be!" Maki said imitating Kaoru. "She has me for an instructor after all!" A yell from Senko turned the two's attention back to the fight.
Senko charged Yahiko and he blocked her attack. Using his strength he knocked Senko back a bit. He charged her but she was able to break his stance. Stunned Yahiko wasn't able to stop her blow to his stomach. Air rushed from him but he kept his mind clamed and was able to bring the tip of his shinai into Senko's stomach. They both stepped back from each other and began to cough.
They regained their breath at the same time and both charged at each other. Their adrenalin rushing through them their weapons clashed together. Yahiko and Senko tried to push each other back each trying to gain on their opponent neither backing down. They glared at each other trying to intimidate the other. Senko jumped back and then charged forward again. Yahiko met her with his own attack. The sound of wood on wood echoed through the area as the bokken flew threw the air.
Senko looked down at her empty hands failure written across her face. She slowly clenched her fists and looked up at Yahiko. Slowly her expression changed and she smiled. "Good-job Yahiko that was really tough!"
Yahiko gave a laugh and itched his nose with his pointer finger. "You weren't bad yourself. That wasn't easy." They both bowed politely to each other as Kenshin, Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Maki walked up.
"You were great Yahiko!" Kaoru said placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'd did better then I thought!"
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN!"
"I'm sorry Maki. I lost." Senko said lowing her head.
Maki placed her hand on her sister's chin and raised it. "Don't be like that! You can't win them all! Neither can I. You did great! That fight showed me I need to work on you're defense." Maki told her.
Senko smiled then nodded with gusto. "I'll do better my next fight."
A few days later the group of travelers made it to the next town. Sanosuke had snuck off somewhere. Kaoru had taken Senko shopping because shopping was one thing that bored Maki. She was more then thrilled when Kaoru had offered to take her younger sister shopping. Yahiko had wondered off to see the sights leaving Maki and Kenshin by themselves at the Inn they were staying at.
"It was nice of you to give me and my sister a room Kenshin but you didn't have to do that." Maki said as they sat together playing Go. Neither were quite sure how to play the game and they guessed that they were making up rules that didn't exist. Maki placed a black stone on the board.
"That's alright. After all you did help us quite a bit." Kenshin said referring back to when Maki had helped them escape the police. "Besides if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have known about all this extra money." He place a white stone on the board.
"So how are you getting home?" Maki asked making small talk. "By boat? That would be the fastest and cheapest why I think." She placed another black piece on the board.
"We're taking the train. This one already bought the tickets." Kenshin said as he placed a white piece on the bored with a click.
"The train? Why the train? The boat would be so much faster." Click. "The train makes more stops. It will take an extra three days to get to Tokyo that way."
Kenshin smiled as he laid down a stone capturing some of Maki's men. "This one knows that."
Maki crossed her hands in front of her. "What is it your not telling me?" She said curious.
"Nothing, your turn." Kenshin said still smiling.
"You're a bad liar." Kenshin just smile. Maki sighed knowing that he may be a bad liar but he was good at keeping secrets. "Whatever, I'm bored. Let's just say you win."
Kenshin laughed. "Alright. So what about you and Senko. Are you going to come with us?" He asked as they picked up the game.
"No. We have some things we need to do and they aren't in Tokyo."
"What's that?"
"We're visiting our families graves and honoring those who rest there." Just then Sanosuke stumbled in the room.
"There you are Kenshin!" He wrapped a long arm around Kenshin's neck and pulled him close. Kenshin could smell the liquor on his breath. "Lend me a little money. I have a lucky streak going."
Kenshin couldn't help but laugh. "If you have such a lucky streak going you won't need any money, that you won't."
Sanosuke stared blankly for a moment trying to think of something. "It was just one bad toss. Come on. You have plenty!"
"Yes but it's so we can get home! Remember what you did with the last time you carried our traveling money?" Maki placed her hands over her mouth trying to stop her laughter. It came out muffled but still quite loud.
Sanosuke looked up at her. "Hey Maki! We're friends now." All laughter left Maki. "Come on, lend me some money!" Sanosuke let go of Kenshin to go after Maki. "Please!"
"AH! Leave me alone!" Now it was Kenshin's turn to laugh.
In two days time the new group were at the train station pushing Sano onto the train. "NO WAY! This thing sucks out your soul! You guys can ride but I'm taking the boat!"
Everyone was pushing Sanosuke onto the train. "You got your superstitions mixed up! It's getting your picture taken that sucks your soul! Not a train! Besides! SUPERSTITIONS AREN'T TRUE!" Maki informed him. She looked over to Kenshin who was pushing Sano onto the train right beside her. "I think I know why you got train tickets now." Kenshin gave her a big grin.
"This one forgot Sano's fear of trains." Maki rolled her eyes at him. Once Sano was onboard and wasn't going anywhere. Everyone said their good-byes. It seemed to soon when the call came for any non-passengers to get off the train.
"Here Kaoru." Senko said handing her a sliver necklace. "It's called a Claddah. It's an Irish symbol. The hands that hold the heart stands for friendship. The heart that wears the crown stands for love. And the crown stands for loyalty and fidelity." She explained. "We want you to have it so you'll remember us."
"Thank-you." Kaoru said fighting back tears as she put it on. She then handed Senko a package she had been hanging onto for awhile. "I want you to have this." Senko opened it and it was a beautiful blue ribbon. "I bought it while we were shopping yesterday. It will go well with your eyes."
Now Senko was fighting back tears. "Thank-you." She went to Kenshin next and handed him a necklace with a star on it. The star was made with one continuous line. She wiped her eyes then explained the star. "This is called a Pentacle. It is identified with wicca and various pagan faiths. The four points represent earth, air, fire and water, the fifth point at the top signals the spirit."
She turned to Yahiko next. His had the head of a dragon and snake facing each other. The snake has the wings of a bird and horns. "The dragon" she explained as she handed it to him "is the gatekeeper to other worlds. The snake represents regeneration, wisdom and growth."
Then she turned to Sano. She handed him a necklace with a medallion the looped in and around itself forever. "What dose this represent?" He asked as he took it and looked at it.
"This is a Knotwork. We believe in reincarnation and the never ending loops represent the eternal journal we all must travel. The way is twisted with many turns and misadventures but it also straight and fulfilling." They all thank Senko for their gifts and everyone exchanged one more good-bye before Maki and Senko had to get off the train.
Senko and Maki stood at the platform and waved good-bye to their new friends as the train moved off into the distance. /They were nice. I'll miss them./ Senko said when the train was out of sight.
/Aye./ Maki said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
Senko smirked. She knew that look. /Thinking of your fight?/
/Aye./ They stood a few more minutes. /Let's continue our journey./
A/N: I hoped you liked this chapter and no it's not the end yet! There are still 2 more chapters! I hope you didn't mind me throwing in a bit of Irish culture in there. My great grandma came from Ireland and she use to tell me what her jewelry stood for and that's about all I remember of her. (sniff) I added that little bit in at last minute. At first I was only going to give Kaoru a necklace but it reminded me of my great grandmother so I gave one to everyone. I hope you enjoyed it!