As they were riding through the forest, sharp knives came flying as Kenshin has sensed it and pushed himself and Kaoru off of the horses. "Lady Kaoru, are you all right?" asked Kaoru. She nodded him a 'yes' as a feminine voice said, "Rurouni, you do not belong here. Go back to where you once came from." Then Kenshin asked, "who goes there?" A female started walking towards him while holding her knives. "My name is Misao, I am the protector of the Akabeako Village, and no rurouni w/ a sword is allowed to pass through." Answered Misao. "I am Kenshin, I am the prince of the Eastern Lands of Japan and I am a rurouni that doesn't kill." As soon as she heard this she got shocked and fell to her knees and begged for forgivness. He then put his hand on her shoulder and told her to get up. As Misao looked to his side, she noticed he had company. "Who is...?" asked Misao. "Oh, I'm Kaoru. I'm the princess of the Northern Lands of Japan, very nice to meet you." Answered Kaoru. "Please accept my apology for attacking you like that." Pleaded Misao. "Oh, its fine, no one got hurt so its okay... no need for apologies." Said Kaoru. "Please follow me. I will lead you to the Akabeako Village." Said Misao.
As they arrived there were people selling items, children playing, and laughter all around. They had arrived at a stable where there were men taking care of horses and all kind of animals. A little came out of the stable as he ran to his sister for a warm hug. "Misao!!!" "Yahiko!!! I'm so glad to see you again!!!" said Misao with enthusiasm. "I'm so glad to see you too sis. I thought something bad happened to you." Said Yahiko with a worried voice. Misao patted her brother's head and said, "Yahiko I want you to meet Kenshin. He's the prince of the Eastern Lands of Japan. And Lady Kaoru is the princess of the Northern Lands of Japan." As Yahiko gasped he kneeled on his knees and said, "It's an honor to meet you your highnesses. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to be in your service." As Kenshin got off his horse he patted the boy's back and told him to stand up. "I see that you're a responsible boy. I need you to do me a favor." Said Kenshin. "Anything sir. Just tell me what to do." Said Yahiko with excitement. "I need you to take these 2 horses into the stable. Then I want you to feed them and give lots of water. And if it isn't too much trouble I would much appreciate it if you can brush them." Asked Kenshin. "Of course, I would get on it right away sir!" Kenshin smiled as Yahiko took the two horses into the stable. "Lord Kenshin, will you and Lady Kaoru stay for the night?" asked Misao. "Yes, we will." Answered Kenshin. As Misao led the way there was an empty hut with one room. It was a pretty decent hut and they didn't mind. "I'm sorry, but this is the only hut left that's available at the moment. You don't mind if you sleep together, right?" asked Misao. "No, one hut is fine." Answered Kenshin. Kaoru looked at him in surprise.
That night as Kaoru laid down the futons, she watched as Kenshin went to the corner. "Kenshin will you be sleeping in the corner?" asked Kaoru. Kenshin had nodded a 'yes.' Kaoru felt guilty letting him sleep in the corner. "Kenshin, would you like to sleep next to me?" asked Kagome. Kenshin got startled when he heard this. "It seems like you would be uncomfortable sleeping with someone you barely know." Said Kenshin. "It's okay, I don't mind sleeping next to you, besides, I'll feel protected just incase someone tries to attack me." Said Kaoru. Kenshin then laid down next to her. When Kagome burned out the fire she laid down next to Kenshin. Then she felt a strong arm locking her waist and pulling body onto his chest. Then Kenshin whispered into her ears saying, "have pleasant dreams Lady Kaoru." Before she fell asleep he whispered, "I'll always be here to protect you." After hearing him say this Kaoru smiled and thought to herself 'Thank you Kenshin. Thank you Kenshin, for protecting me from danger.' She then fell right asleep in the hands of the man that was gonna protect her from any danger that may come her way.
