DISCLAIMER: FIRST! I don't own Rurouni Kenshin nor Saitou Hajime (although I wish)... RK is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki.

OTHER: Okay... To those reading this story.. I took off most of the authors notes so please just read the notes from prior chapters... Also since fanfiction has this thing against answering reviewers in the story... If you would like to see my answers to your review, please check my profile and there I will post my answers/thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story. Critiques please, please let me know... What you hate.. What you like.. What I need to work on...

italics are thoughts

asterisks/bold are others/sounds/etc

CHAPTER XXIX– A Promise and a Purpose

Hajime cursed over and over again as he rode back to Edo. His mind would not stop cursing anything his eyes fell upon. He cursed the road for being too long. He cursed the horse for being too slow. He cursed the heavens for crying so hard, he was soaked to the bone. The person of course that he cursed most of all was himself. After all he wouldn't be in this situation if he did what he was supposed to and followed suit to Kyoto.

KUSO!!!!

Hajime arrived almost dawn the next day. He flew by their house, not even taking a glance at his real home. He had his sights set on the bend around the corner, where Midori was waiting. As he pulled up, he noticed the lights were all turned off. He got off and started knocking on the gate.

Where is everyone? I know it's a little early but Kuso!

His knocking turned into a loud banging. Still no one answered. He finally decided to climbed the walls. He went directly to the door and started knocking. Everything remained silent. After another five minutes of lurking around and looking through windows he decided no one was there.

He walked to the middle of the garden speechless. He already reprimanded himself for coming back to Edo. He did not want to berate himself again for coming up empty handed. He looked towards the ground and saw a small loose rock. He nudged it. Did it again, slightly stronger this time. Finally frustrated he kicked the darned thing sending it towards the stone bench with a flat thud. He lit a cigarette and scanned the area. It has been a while since he'd been in her garden. He blinked a couple of times while staring at the clearing where he, Yuuta and Midori spent most of the mornings together. Flicking the ashes off his cigarette, his stare drifted to the stone bench and then further at the corner to the path that leads to the music room. He started to walk towards the familiar path but frowned at himself and took another long drag at his cigarette. He did an abrupt about face and walked out. He left quickly. Nothing was going to happen if he stayed there and waited. He stopped for a moment wondering why he was breathing so hard and his chest thumping annoyingly.

Saitou you Ahou…

----------------------------------------

He led Hikaru towards the main road. The horse was exhausted and barely acknowledged his lead. Saitou smirked. He wondered briefly, that if the horse could talk, it would be shouting curses at him right about now. Tatsuo would be too. It was at that moment that he realized that there was still one place where he didn't check.

Saitou burst into his house shouting for Tatsuo... His brother came quickly a bit annoyed.

"What the? At such an ungodly hour you decide to pop up.." Tatsuo squinted as he tried to clear the debris from his eyes...

Saitou did not seem to hear his brother. "Onii-san! Do you know where they went?"

"Huh? Who?"

"Midori!"

Tatsuo looked at his younger brother. He took the image of Hajime in slowly, taking note of the slender but toned muscles outlined through the soaked garment he was wearing… His brother seemed to have gotten taller and slightly more muscular. Even his voice was different; it was missing the apathetic tone. He couldn't quite put it but he was sure he heard a tone of concern and passion in them.

"Oh... I don't know. Why would I care about you and your tomboy girlfriend? All you ever give me is a headache."

Tatsuo waited for Hajime to start a fight. Hajime was infamous for that. He'd pick a fight with him for the slightest insult.

Hajime breathe in heavily for a moment his brow furrowed and was about to curse Tatsuo when Hijikata's words came back to him and he bit his tongue. Instead with sheer determination, he calmly looked at his brother and asked "You are sure you don't know?"

Tatsuo thought for a bit.

The baka is dripping all over the tatami…

"Sasue get some towels and prepare some miso soup for Hajime."

Hajime glared at him. He was getting so annoyed and impatient. He didn't want a mother right now, he wanted information. He gave meaningful glances to Tatsuo but the latter just ignored him and started smoking in the living room.

Finally Hajime gave up. The dagger looks intended for Tatsuo was not helping, if anything they were making the situation worse as Tatsuo kept grinning at him. Hajime knew how Tatsuo worked, he will have to play his game if he was to get anything out of him. He sat himself down and dried himself. Sasue came in and brought him a light meal. He stared at it, all at once realizing how starved he was. He ate slowly trying to calm his nerves. The sun had started to rise and he was agonizingly aware of the time being lost.

"Tell me Hajime… What did you do for more than two months that you never sent word to us?"

"Nothing." Hajime placed the bowl down and lighted a cigarette.

Tatsuo smirked, the ahou had not changed after all, still secretive and stubborn.

"Sou ka." Tatsuo "How's Hikaru?"

"He's out in the back."

"I know."

"So why ask?"

Come on… Lose your temper already, so I can give you a good beating.

"Nothing. I'm quite surprised my horse is still alive for an ahou like yourself, I didn't think he'd last long."

Hajime zipped his lips, knowing that the more they argue the more time it will take for him to get what he wanted out of Tatsuo.

Tatsuo smirked at the young man. So you're not taking the bait eh?

"If I told you where Midori might be, will you quit your foolishness?"

Hajime narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean?"

Tatsuo shrugged "Ah nothing much. I got wind that the group from Tama was going to Kyoto. No doubt you want to join them but your girl is missing."

"That is correct." Hajime responded carefully.

"Why don't you just settle down, wed Midori and come live here in Edo. I will even give you the money I saved so that you two can get a good start."

Hajime breathe deeply. It was a very interesting and tempting proposition, certainly not a bad one at all. He briefly wondered if Midori would accept such an arrangement. He moved himself towards the window and lit up another stick. Tempting indeed it was.

He turned to the direction of his brother and his eyes settled on the katana that he placed on the tatami. He was able to get a sheath for it, a cheap straight wooden one that did not even fully cover the blade to the hilt. He softly chuckled. That's how poor and helpless he was, he couldn't even get a proper sheath.

"I need some air."

"Help yourself."

-------------------------------

Hajime left the room and walked out towards the back. He was followed suit by Tatsuo, but the latter ignored him and went over to Hikaru. He could see Tatsuo shaking his head, the horse was a bit on the slim side.

He wandered further away.

He stood there for at least fifteen minutes. The past two months flashing before him. Two months but he felt like all his life was re-defined in them. He thought for a moment of what Midori said that night in Tama.

if I had met you as a thug on the street, I probably would not be disappointed with what you said.

Well, I was. He smirked, he did not tell her. There was no need to for he let go of that the moment Yuuta started calling him "Sensei".

You crazy little ahou… He smirked again, his first student turning out to be hopelessly yaoi.

We could settle down. I could get a job teaching Kendo – Mugai style. I've improved.

He frowned. Hijikata had already put so much effort into improving his Hirazuki AND his temper. The Vice-Chief made true to his promise that he will learn a lot in the Shieikan. Hajime grunted, he hated to admit it but two months of training brought out the best skills he had ever hoped for, he could almost beat Okita and aside from the Kondou and Hijikata, there were no others who could've possibly matched him in techinique and speed. He did not want to desert the group, the most productive part of his life was there. Plus Souzi would be really pissed; after all he made a promise. He placed another cigarette on his lips.

the people there seems to have a definite and concise purpose. I wish you did too

A promise…A purpose?

I love this country. I grew up here and the people that I love live here. I would do anything to protect the life I have come to know and love.

Saitou shook his head. Why were her words keep coming back to intrude at this time, when he needed to think clearly? When did they become so important to him? He joined the Shieikan to become strong. Strong enough to defend himself, defend the household he belonged to and probably even get the life Tatsuo proposed. He mentally mocked himself, he had come to the same conclusion as she, even through all the denials and circles, he came right back.

Chichi... I finally understand mamoru... Her purpose is mine...

He crossed his arms in front of him and leaned heavily on the wooden column.

Hajime picked himself up. He had wasted enough time already. If he left now, he could still catch the group along the Tokaido, otherwise he'll just have to go to Kyoto and introduce himself to the Daimyo of Aizu. He hurried to the stable and took Hikaru from his brother. The latter frowned upon realizing that his offer just got rejected.

"So I guess the calling of that damned sword is much more important." Tatsuo slammed gate leading out of the stable.

Hajime stopped the horse and waited from his brother to come out. His face was hard as steel.

"Onii-san. This sword is but an instrument to protect."

Tatsuo snorted. "Yeah and you would much rather go galavanting to Kyoto and play the heroic samurai than live a quiet life."

"Even if I were to stay, there would be no peace even here in Edo, even she would say the same thing."

"SURE and that is why she left you." Tatsuo sneered.

"No onii-san. I asked her to leave. A headstrong girl like her would've never listened if she didn't realize the situation we are in."

"You will not look for her?"

Tatsuo saw the steel palid face soften for a moment then the shield on Hajime's face came up again. "I will always keep my eyes open. I must go."

It pained him to help Hajime. Kyoto was the last place he wanted Hajime to go but at least his younger brother's burden will lessen if he had one less thing to worry about...

"Hajime. She is in Kyoto, no doubt with Akio. Be careful Akio is somehow related to Sasaki. Don't do anything foolish."

"Hontoni arigatou onii-san. I have no intentions that are foolhardy, my purpose there is to join Kondou-san and the group." he paused contemplating " It was her choice to go back to Akio, but it is mine to make sure she is safe."

He bowed to his brother, but the later held him straight and gave him a hug between men of equals.

Baka yarou.... Hajime you better be good enough not to get killed.

----------------------------------------------------

A few days later....

She gazed around the room. There were many men, mostly half-way drunk. She frowned as her gaze settled upon her husband to be. Akio was heavily slurring and kept jugging down the bottle of what they called "Gin". She grimaced, she was certain "Gin" was supposed to be served in those small little cups, not by the bottle. She started to get up the table to give Akio a piece of her mind, but decided it was not worth the trouble.

She fiddled with her tea. She was so sure it wasn't just her imagination, she was the only one in the whole room having a non-alcoholic beverage. She sighed, if only her stomach and her nose were a little bit more tolerant.

Come to think of it, Hajime was a good drinker.

She thought about the first night he did not come back to the dojo. Oh she wanted so much to throw a fit at his thoughtlessness, but he came home so tidy and there was no hint of alcohol at all. She would've never known, had not Souzi ran straight to the sink and started vomiting. The poor boy was so purple in the face that she forgot that she was going to give Hajime a good lashing.

Midori smiled, from that day on, he had always informed her when not to wait for him or at least had someone else to. Hajime never gave her another reason to be angry at his drinking again, it was as if he knew she was upset that day.

The smile immediately faded from her face. A sudden blank expression came over her and she slightly shook her head, as if it would help clear her head of her memories. She forced to pay attention at what was going on around her. Akio had told her that this was a formal function for the men of the Mimawarigumi and the other groups to get to know each other. She wondered if they were being succesful to their purpose, as far as she can tell the men seemed to be more divided than ever. Each keeping to their own groups as was easily told by the uniforms they wore. She ventured to guess four groups in all... The men in the head table all wore black with silver or gold embroidery no doubt they were reponsible for the event, the men in the middle of the room were the Mimawarigumi, who were wearing a combination of black hakama and blue and grey uniforms. To the far left were men wearing red uniforms but some of them were in plain yukatas, while the men on the far right were wearing teal haoris with white triangles at the hem. No doubt the last two groups were what they called Roshitais... What were they again? Akio was explaining to her the other night that they were recruiting members from nobility to farmers.

At least the Shogunate is doing something to keep the peace...

Had it been any other time she would've been so thrilled to be here. She briefly thought that she might even enjoy being a hostess to the guests, but she was feeling a bit tired and melancholy from the recent events in her life that thinking about others were not her priority.

How much longer must I stay here?

She slumped her face on the table as she realized she will have to agonize for another two hours. She stood up and headed for the table of women to the far right. She had been restraining herself to go to them earlier as earlier that week she had been the subject of their gossip. But it was better than being alone and bored to death. Who knows? Maybe she'll even get entertained for the next two hours? She crossed to the right headed straight for the table filled with gossipers...

"Anou!!!"

"Huh?" She spun around to be greeted by a young man dressed in the teal colored uniform running over to her.

"Onee-san!!!"

He stopped himself short of hugging her and scratched the back of his head as if he was embarrassed...

"Souzi! How come you're here?" Midori beamed, partly relieved that she wouldn't have to put up with the ladies at the corner..

"We just got commissioned earlier today. Everyone is here, Kondou-san and Hijikata-san." The young man smiled again.

"Sou ka..." Midori did not want to say more.

"Anou... Sorry about that... Not everyone... Saitou-san, he didn't seem to have made it for the induction ceremonies." The lad scratched his head again, aware of the uncomfortable air that just passed.

Midori looked at Souzi, there was no reason for them to be uncomfortable. "Well I hope he makes it here to Kyoto so that he can be with your group."

"Hai! Or else Hijikata-san will kill me...."

"Nah... You're too much of a tenshi for that old man. He'd never want to lose you." She patted him on the head...

Souzi cringed a little. "Onee-san... Stop doing that..".

"Ma... Sumanai... It's an old habit..." She winked at him. "Hey Souzi it's hot in here, do you think you can go out?"

The young lad grinned and Midori felt herself wince a little, that grin was a little bit to Hajime-san like. The boy must be spending too much time with Hajime. They took a seat at the concrete stairs at the right side of the hall. It was so obvious that both wanted a little privacy. After a few moments of silent, both turned towards each other and said...

"Anou... How's Saitou-san/Hajime?" Okita said Saitou-san of course and it was Hajime for Midori

Both looked at each other weird.

"What are you talking about Souzi?"

"Well I asked first!" the young man tried to sound indignant.

Midori pulled her legs upward closer to her chest, not minding that she was ruining her obi and crumpling her kimono. "I might be the one who left Souzi, but you and I know he asked me to."

"Gome... I didn't mean it to sound..." Souzi gathered his thoughts. "You know I thought it was kind of weird earlier that you didn't mention meeting with him. I thought you only did so because there were so many people in there.

She looked up the purple sky... "Don't worry about it. He's a much better man now, he can take care of himself. After all I made a promise to myself to support him and if this is the best way... So be it..."

"Well... sono..." Souzi breathe deeply. "He came back to Edo... I don't think he came back to get you though, it was just to say goodbye."

Midori smiled sadly to herself. "That is much better. I'm relieved."

"Hey don't say that!" Souzi turned to look at her.

"I don't mean anything bad by it. People need closure in everything. Whether it be in a story, in a lyric or in a relationship." She sighed. "Our's just came to an end Souzi."

Souzi was about to protest when he remembered the conversation he had with Hijikata a few weeks ago. Just as he had no right to judge Saitou that day, he had no right to judge her at this moment.

Okita decided to drop the subject, "So why are you here?"

"My fiancee is at this party."

Souzi's blue eyes widened and Midori saw them eventhough it was pretty dark.

"I feel..." Souzi sighed. "I feel so lost, with everything that's happened... The group coming here to Kyoto... You leaving... Now you're telling me you're getting married, I thought you and Saitou-san..."

Midori let go of her legs and gave Souzi a hug. "It's a long story Souzi. He finally came to his own, that's what I've always wanted. Funny though, I didn't think it would backfire so badly..." the words trailed from her but she picked herself up and smiled to the boy, "Hey... I might be getting married but that doesn't mean you'll never see me again. As far as the group coming to Kyoto, well isn't it an honor to finally be of service. What were you practicing for?"

"I guess you're right."

"No regrets okay? Life's too short for regrets." She contemplated for a minute about what she said. It was only a short while ago that she learned it's meaning.

Souzi nodded his head as she let him go.

Midori stood up, "By the way Souzi... I have something that I forgot to give to Hajime. I've been thinking of just not giving it to him, but it's been sitting with my things and since I'm going to be starting a new life... It needs to go."

Souzi bit the insides of his cheek. He hated "letting go". Why was it that everything was so damned fleeting? His time with his family, his sister, the time spent in Tama and the time spent with his new found friend...

"Are you sure you don't want to give it yourself?"

"No. It's much bett...."

Their conversation was interrupted when Akio all of a sudden draped his arms around Midori. The man reeking of rice wine trailing his nose around Midori's neck and savoring it. Souzi immediatley stood up and was in the defensive. He slowly put his hand towards his sides just in case he needed a quick draw with his sword.

"Oh? Who are you?" Akio sneered immediately going for his own sword, drawing it partially. Midori placed one of her hands on Akio's neck and kissed him deeply while her other hand slowly pushed the sword back in with it's owner.

The young man with the blue eyes stared at her.