Disclaimer: I do not own PMK or RRK.

Chapter 18: Festival

The New Year festival was bustling as usual. Umeko had closed her restaurant for the day. She now strolled proudly with Ryouma. The three young people strolled behind. Kenshin will follow Katsura when he leaves Kyoto in a few days' time. They'll be sad to see him go. Saya remembered the last festival she went to with Tetsu and became very subdued. Suzu took in the sights and sounds. He never went to such festivals when he was with Yoshida.

Ryouma and Umeko disappeared off into the trees behind the shrine. Suzu stopped to pray for Yoshida's spirit at the shrine. Saya felt thirsty and asked Kenshin to buy some drinks. Kenshin gladly obliged. It was rare that he could enjoy such festivals. It's a shame Tomoe isn't here with him. He had seen a fan that would have really suit her...

"Ume-san," Ryouma asked as they both sat on a stone bench. "I kind of miss having Oki trying to arrest me...Shinpa-san and the others aren't that much a challenge..." Umeko smiled. "You can always try Saitou."

"Na, the guy's got some fixation on Kenni. The other night, he actually ran past me to get at Kenni...Think I should drop in and visit poor Oki?" Umeko sweatdropped.

"Er, Ryou-kun, a visit from you is going to be very demerital to that boy's health you know."

"Tetsu! Wait up!" Tatsu tried to keep up with Tetsu as the boy ran towards the masks stall. The Ichimura brothers were at the festival with Hotaru and Susumu. Their companions had gone to pray for Okita's health. Suddenly Tetsu stopped. The last time he bought a mask, he had frightened Saya with it...

"I'm sorry!" Kenshin accidentally bumped into Tetsu and nearly spilt hot tea on him. Tatsu caught up to them. "Hey, aren't you the medicine seller Himura-san?" Kenshin grinned and nodded his head. Tatsu stole at glance at the man's waist. A sword. Wasn't the guy a medicine seller? He felt suddenly uneasy.

"Saya-chan, I'm back!" Saya looked up and saw that Kenshin was not alone. With him was the boy she had been dreaming of...She ran.

"Saya!" Tetsu yelled as he ran after her. "Tetsu!" Tatsu chased after his brother. Kenshin was left standing with two cups of tea in his hands. The tea was turning lukewarm. Saya darted around a corner and ran straight into Suzu. He caught her before she fell over.

"Saya, where're you off to..." Suzu's voice trailed as he saw Tetsu. They glared at each other. "Hands off Saya," Tetsu growled as he reached for his sword. Saya darted behind Suzu. "In your dreams, Miburou scum," Suzu replied as he reached for his. Tatsu cringed. What is he to do?

"Enough!" Kenshin's tone was firm as he grabbed both their hands before they could draw their katana. Both cups of tea cluttered onto the cobbles. "Not here, there are too many innocent people about." At least someone knows what he's doing. Tatsu sighed with relief.

"Meet in two days at the abandoned house to settle our differences, where it all started..." Suzu ventured. Tetsu nodded solemnly. Both Kenshin and Tatsu shook their heads. This is so childish...

Saitou was strolling with his wife when he was attracted by the commotion. That redhead youth with the plaster on his cheek looks familiar...It's...

"Battousai!" Without thinking, Saitou drew his katana. Men shouted. Women and children screamed. Chaos reigned as everyone tried to flee. The dangerous serial killer's here! Crap! Kenshin took one look at the mess of frightened women and children. He reached a decision. "Run!"

Suzu needed no further encouragement. He took Saya's arm and fled. "Saya!" Tetsu watched as both Suzu and Saya were swept away in the crowd. "Tetsu!" Tatsu grabbed hold of him. They were nearly knocked off their feet. Kenshin had vanished into the wave of humanity. Saitou was left holding his blade and roaring for the coward Battousai to show himself.

"Did you hear something, Ryou-kun?" Ryouma and Umeko disentangled themselves. "Sounds like a angry bear, Ume-san. No, it's more a howl..." Ryouma pulled on his haori as Umeko tidied her hair. He gave her worried glance. "Don't suppose it's your brother?"

"No, Ryou-kun," Umeko kissed him on the cheek and ruffled his dreadlocks. "Thanks for telling me about Iron Boy. I really wish there's some way for Saya..."

"That's always Bell-boy..." He didn't get any further before Umeko kissed him on the lips. Barely a few yards away, Saitou was detained by his fellow Shinsengumi for disturbing the peace. He will be suspended from his duties until further notice. The Third Captain swore to personally rip Battousai to shreds.

Heisuke! Shinpachi could not believe his eyes when he spotted his friend across the street on his way back from the festival. He asked both his wife and mother to go ahead home without him. "Heisuke-kun, what the heck are you doing? It's..." Shinpachi fumbled over his words as he faced his friend. Heisuke was unarmed and dressed as a beggar.

"Desertion? Treason?" Heisuke finished for him. Dammit! Doesn't he realize how serious this is? "It's too late now, Shinpachi-san. Can't you guys see? The Shinsengumi can't stay as it is."

"Still unrepentant?" Toudou has always been stubborn. Shinpachi balled his fists.

"I've got nothing to repent." Should he draw his sword on Heisuke? Shinpachi found he could not. "Toudou-san! The next time our paths cross, I may have to kill you." Shinpachi closed his eyes and turned away. Can I really do it?

"Good, I do not expect less of you. Or of anyone in the Shinsengumi..." Shinpachi opened his eyes to find himself alone. Toudou had disappeared into the shadowy alley. The stars looked down on Shinpachi as he made his way back to his family.

Author's notes:

Way to go, Saitou, you've really done it this time. The pride of the Shinsengumi is in the dust now. Amazed he doesn't have to commit seppuku. (Now we know why he HATES Kenshin so much).

Wonder if Katsura knows Umeko & Ryouma are an item...

Tension between Nagakura & Toudou mounting.