Disclaimer: I own Rurouni Kenshin characters...NOT, now quit bothering me about it!
ThE tHrEaT
Chapter 5.
Two hours later, they arrived on his steps at his front door. Suzume looked at the gloomy dojo. In no way whatsoever did it look inviting! "Maybe this was a bad idea," she murmured.
Hiko came to the door and looked down. Suzume had to look way up, or at least it seemed that way. He was a pretty big man. He stared down at Kenshin and grimaced.
"What do you want this time?" He raised his eyebrow.
Kenshin glanced at Suzume. "Uhn, well, Master, you've met Suzume, right?"
He stared straight at the redhead. "No,"
Kenshin put on his best smile for the man. "She's Dr. Genzai's granddaughter. Well, she needs somewhere safe to stay because she's in a bit of trouble. I'd stay with her, but I have something to do..."
"You mean you have to take care of whoever is causing her trouble, don't you? Just spit it out."
Kenshin nodded his head seriously. "Kaoru, Yahiko, and Tsubame have not been home since last night, so I think there is a big problem."
Hiko leaned against the doorframe and looked Suzume over. She seemed to be in good shape—Kenshin was probably teaching her how to fight. The girl didn't look a day over twelve, but she probably was. How could his stupid apprentice ask him to baby-sit someone without any warning whatsoever? It was just like him.
Suzume was really having second thoughts about the whole thing. A whole day, maybe even longer, with someone she did not know and who didn't even act like he wanted to help out did not sound appealing.
She tugged at Kenshin's arm again and whispered, "We should have let him know before we came. Why don't you just leave me at home and that way, we won't be a bother to him."
"Yes, do that and put yourself into more danger, why don't you? How long are you going to be gone, Kenshin?" He motioned for them to come inside. Kenshin had to practically pull Suzume with him.
"I'm not sure,"
Hiko groaned. "You're never sure about these things, are you?" He grinned. "Well, hurry up and engrain it in their minds not to pick on little girls anymore. I bet there's more to it than what you're telling me, but maybe the little girl can tell me. Go on, now: they won't wait forever!"
Kenshin nodded at the two and set off to find everyone.
Suzume rubbed her arms. Being with this man was already starting to give her the creeps. He looked straight into her eyes, and it made her want to look away, but she couldn't.
"So why are you in trouble?" He went to fix them both something to eat.
"I overheard something I wasn't supposed to and now they want to make sure I won't talk. They said they're watching me at all times too." Would this man be able to protect her from Saitou and the rest? She sure hoped so! Not only that he'd be able to, but also that he'd want to.
"What did you overhear? You don't have to be scared of me. Hmph, Kenshin sure isn't."
It was as if he had read her mind or something! Well, anyone would be able to tell she was scared from the way she acted. That had to be it. She told him what she had been telling everyone and then described the day someone had shot at them.
"That doesn't sound like something they would do at all. Kenshin is on a wild goose chase if he thinks those three goofballs are behind this."
"If they didn't do it, then who did?" Suzume hoped he might have a good idea of who it was since no one else could come up with it. She really believed that if Saitou wasn't after her, he would actually have been able to help Kenshin.
"You really expect me to have the answer to that? You could very well be right, but I feel bad for them if you are."
The more they talked, the more she felt comfortable around him. How long would Kenshin take though? And would he be able to find them: dead or alive? Suzume closed her eyes. She didn't want to worry about what was going on anymore. She was ready to go back and train again—before this whole mess started, before that day she heard Saitou and Aoshi plotting.
"Are you tired already?" Hiko asked. He hadn't even thought he'd have to set up a place for her to rest.
"No, I'm just trying to do what Kenshin was trying to teach me. He said that I needed to learn to listen, not only see in battle."
"You won't be able to do that very well unless you have something to listen for." He stated.
Suzume blushed. "That's true," she said quietly. She gave up and rested her cheek in her hands.
Hiko sighed again. "If you want me to help you out, all you have to do is ask. Who do you think taught that boy all he knows?"
Suzume perked up. "You mean it? You're really going to help me?" Hiko looked past her at the wall. He hoped she didn't turn out like his other apprentice, or else he was going to give up with her before the day was over. What had he gotten himself into this time??
For two straight hours, Hiko helped Suzume. She was faster at learning this than Kenshin ever was! The man didn't talk much and she didn't feel like saying anymore than what needed to be said. Kenshin came back later in the day with no results except he had news that someone had escaped from jail.
"Goodbye, Mr. Hiko, and thank you for helping me." Suzume said politely. Hiko just nodded and closed the door after they were outside.
When they arrived at the Kamiya dojo, they found a note plastered to the door telling Kenshin to meet them at the Akabeko on Saturday and to bring Suzume with him if they ever wanted to see Kaoru and the others alive again. Suzume pointed out that it was the same time as when all the others were supposed to go to the Akabeko!
"Are you really going to do what it says?" Suzume asked fearfully.
"I don't think I have a choice," Kenshin replied, looking warily at the young girl. Why would his friends go behind his back after all these years? It still did not make any sense.
----------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------------- ----------There you have it. My apologies because it took me so darn long to write it. Reviews are always welcome!
